“I still can’t believe you agreed to be in the movie.” He snorted. “Those people are nothing but a bunch of prima donnas, and they don’t give a crap about the land.”
“Probably not. Kara Fox is definitely the needy sort, and the director has an ego that won’t quit, but most of the crew seem pretty nice.”
“I saw you talking to Blake Benedict. Are you going to do his stunts for him, too?” Zane’s tone dripped sarcasm.
She grinned. “He told me he can ride.”
“Doubtful. The dude looks like a sissy to me.”
Eden couldn’t help wondering what Zane had been looking at—Blake’s rock-hard shoulders and impressive biceps or his truly fine ass. Maybe he’d earned his abs in a gym instead of working out the old-fashioned way, but he was still eye candy with a capital C.
“I bet him he can’t stay up on Apollo for ten seconds, so we’ll find out if he has any skill.”
“Good God, I’m certain he won’t last five.” Zane cleared his throat, his gaze holding steady on hers. “Uh, a buddy of mine scored tickets to see Kent McCord up in Billings this weekend, and now he can’t go. He said I can have his seats if I want them. I don’t suppose you’d like to go with me?”
“Kent McCord?” Eden pressed a hand to her chest. “Seriously?”
“Yep. Are you interested?”
She’d kill to see Kent McCord, her all-time favorite country performer, but Billings was a good two-hour drive…
Zane stepped closer. “It’d be a long trip home after the concert. I was thinking we could stay over and come back Sunday morning.”
Her love of country music in general and Kent McCord in particular battled with the awkwardness of an overnight date with Zane. If they could go as friends, she’d say yes in a heartbeat, but common sense told her he’d expect more. Dating their foreman had been a colossal mistake, but he’d been so damn persistent…
She let out a sigh. Now, he refused to believe they didn’t have a future together. The whole situation was beyond uncomfortable, and she couldn’t afford to jeopardize what little balance she’d managed to establish with him—no matter how badly she wanted to go to the concert.
“As much as I’d love to, I can’t. The movie crew is filming over the weekend, and I told the director I’d be available. I appreciate the invite, though.”
“You’re kidding?” He planted his hands on his hips. “That sucks.”
She pushed open the barn door and took a step inside. “I signed a contract.”
“Damn.” He blew out a breath. “I guess I’d better get busy on that paperwork.”
Eden nodded. “See you later, Zane.”
She left him to head through the row of stalls. A smile formed as she pictured Blake shoveling manure. When she reached her work area in the back, she changed into the jeans and T-shirt she’d left in the bathroom off the small living quarters Sawyer had occupied before moving to Colorado with his fiancée. Glancing around the spartan room at the single bed and dresser, she spent about five seconds contemplating moving out of her room in the house before rejecting the idea.
It’s not like I need the privacy. She tried to remember the last time she’d shared any intimacy with a man…and failed. Well over a year ago, for sure. She let out a sigh as she shut the door. She was in an all-work-and-no-play rut. Not that she didn’t love her work, but still…
When a vision of Blake Benedict’s sky blue eyes as he bent over her flitted through her mind, she gave herself a mental shake. She’d join a nunnery before becoming some kind of pathetic groupie. No way. No how. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to admire his gorgeousness from a safe distance, but that was as far as she intended to take it.
Strolling over to her work table, she sorted through the pieces of leather stacked in a pile and chose one the right size to make a handbag. As fast as orders were coming in lately, between working with her horses and the damn movie taking up valuable time, she’d need help to keep everything on track. Or a few extra hours in each day. When her cell rang, she pulled it from her pocket and glanced at the display before a smile spread. She’d always make time for her best friend.
“Hannah, I haven’t heard from you in a week. How’s everything?”
“Really great. I finished my final out-of-town physical therapy case last week, and my next client arrives in Tahoe in a couple of days.” Her voice bubbled with excitement. “I really think this new plan of Tripp’s to make injured sports stars come to me instead of vice-versa is going to work.”
“Who’s the jock this time?”
“An outfielder for the Oakland A’s with a pulled hamstring. He’s determined to get back in the lineup before mid-season.”
“If anyone can help him do it, you can.”
“Let’s hope.” Her friend’s voice softened. “I’m just happy to be able to spend more time at home with Tripp.”
“I’m glad everything is working out.” Eden dropped into her chair and propped one boot-clad foot on her knee. “My brother isn’t driving you crazy yet?”
“Only now and then. But I’m not going to kick him out of…uh…the house for it.”
Eden winced. Getting used to the idea of her best friend and youngest brother dating had taken an effort. Now Hannah and Tripp were living together, and she could only wonder when they’d make the arrangement permanent. Jealousy pricked. Everyone in her family was in love…except her.
“I’m happy for you. Really, really happy.” She tilted back in the chair. “I guess if you have a new P.T. client, you won’t be able to get away from home for a while.”
“Not until Griff and Sawyer tie the knot with their respective brides in June. Speaking of which…Tripp talked to Sawyer yesterday, and he said something about filming a movie on the ranch staring Blake Benedict.” Curiosity filled her voice. “Why am I hearing about this secondhand? Have you met him yet? Is he as gorgeous in person as he is on the screen?”
“They’re filming a Western here. I was against it, but apparently my vote didn’t count.”
“Why would you be against hanging out with movie stars? Sounds fun. Definitely exciting.”
The memory of Blake’s rock-hard thigh beneath her hand as she’d pushed off the ground surfaced. Ignoring the tingle sliding through her, she forced her attention back to the conversation.
“It’s crazy around here with people everywhere.” She let out a sigh. “I’m hiding out in the barn as we speak. Not that I don’t have work to do…”
“Typical Eden.”
“How’s this for atypical? I agreed to double for Kara Fox in scenes where she needs to ride a horse. We shot the first one this morning.”
“You’re kidding?” Her friend’s voice rose. “That’s amazing. You’re going to be a movie star.”
“Hardly.” Eden shifted and winced when her bruised hip connected with the chair.
“You didn’t answer my question about Blake Benedict.”
“We’ve met, and he’s incredibly good looking. They had a group of extras out here yesterday evening to pick up costumes, and he signed autographs. It was downright embarrassing the way women fawn all over him.”
“I’d probably fawn, too.” Hannah was quiet for a moment. “When we were last at the ranch, you said you wanted to meet someone you haven’t known since childhood. Hello. Sounds like you have a barnyard full of new and interesting men. If you don’t like Blake’s stardom, chat up the crew instead. Put yourself out there, Eden.”
Exactly what she’d been thinking before her phone rang… “Yeah, yeah, I know.”
“Well, then, do something about it.”
“I’ll give your advice due consideration.”
Hannah’s low laugh echoed through the connection. “Good grief, we’re not discussing a business deal. A date, Eden. Go out and have fun for a change.”
“I turned down a date not fifteen minutes ago.”
“With whom?” Indignation filled her friend’s voi
ce.
“Zane.” Eden pressed fingers to the back of her neck and rubbed. “Yes, I know he’s perfect for me and we have everything in common, but I can’t force feelings that aren’t there. He’s a nice guy. I like him just fine, but—”
“You don’t love him.”
“No, I don’t. We split up a year ago, and he still won’t accept that it’s over.”
“Maybe he would if you started seeing someone new. Just one more reason to make an effort. You can be charming when you aren’t ordering people around. Go smile and play nice.”
Eden grinned, not the least bit offended. “Fine. I’ll do my best.”
“You can report on your progress in a few days. Right now, I have to go. Tripp and I are going for a hike, and I need to pack lunch.”
“Have fun.”
“We will.” Hannah’s voice softened. “I just want you to be as happy as I am.”
“I’m not sure that’s possible, but I’ll try.”
“You do that. Bye, Eden.”
“Bye, Hannah.”
She clicked off her phone and laid it on the table then closed her eyes. It probably wouldn’t kill her to be a little friendlier to the Hollywood contingency. A couple of the cameramen were pretty cute… Sure, they’d be leaving in a month, but a quick fling might be just what she needed to add a little excitement since her life had been stagnating lately. Straightening in her chair, she opened her eyes and picked up the supple piece of leather. But first, she had work to do.
Chapter 3
His cell phone vibrated on the counter as Blake stepped out of the shower. He ignored it and reached for a towel. After shaking his head to send water drops flying, he rubbed the soft terrycloth across his shoulders and chest then wrapped the oversized towel around his waist as a precaution before opening the bathroom door. Wouldn’t be the first time he’d walked out naked only to find some obsessed fan had somehow gained access to his bus. Although out here in Middle-of-Nowhere, Wyoming, he felt pretty safe.
After rummaging through his drawers for briefs and socks, he dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a black T-shirt. Sitting on the edge of the queen-size bed in the back of the bus, he tied on a pair of running shoes then rose to his feet. Ready to head over to the food truck where the caterers would be serving breakfast, he paused in the bathroom doorway to scoop up his phone. He swung the door of the bus shut and took the steps to the ground in a single leap. The scent of coffee and bacon in the crisp morning air made his stomach rumble.
“Good morning, Blake.” Kara hurried up to his side and gripped his arm. Her fingers were cool against his skin. “I wanted to thank you again for sharing your insights into my character last night. I know your suggestions will make my performance stronger.”
“Sure.” He glanced over at Hayden Yarbrough, Kara’s husband and manager, and offered a brief smile. “I’m happy to help anytime.”
She flashed a bright smile. “I might take you up on that again.”
Yarbrough’s neutral expression deteriorated into a frown as he jammed his hands into the pockets of his slacks. The man was a good twenty years older than Kara and didn’t usually have a lot to say, but this morning his silence had an edge to it.
Blake pulled his arm out of her grasp and took a step away. “Go on to breakfast without me. I need to check my messages before I eat.”
Her eyes darkened. “Don’t take too long, or all the bacon will be gone.”
“That’d be a shame.” He spoke lightly to ease the sudden tension then, with a nod, headed in the opposite direction. Despite his protesting stomach, keeping his distance from Kara’s tendency to cling was probably a smart move. With a sigh, he pulled out his cell. A glance told him he had three missed calls, all from Pris. “Ah, hell.” His gut clenched, and his appetite fled. He closed his eyes as tears burned behind his lids.
She wouldn’t have called three times unless the worst had happened. He drew in a ragged breath and resisted the urge to shout out his pain. Such a tragedy. A damn waste of a beautiful soul.
When the phone vibrated in his hand, he nearly dropped it. Juggling the cell, he tamped down sadness and regret then pressed the button to confirm what he already knew in his heart. “Pris?”
“She’s gone.”
Harsh sobs hit him like a blow, and he bent double at the impact.
“It’s finally over. Josie’s at peace, but oh, it hurts. When can you come?”
Blake dropped onto the lawn chair he’d left by the pasture fence and tilted his head back to stare up at the empty sky. “Tell me what happened.”
“Her heart just quit. I found her this morning when I woke up. After that last seizure, the doctors said it wouldn’t be much longer.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose and swallowed. “Do they have to do an autopsy?” His voice broke. “Or can you plan the service?”
“The coroner told me I can go ahead and make arrangements now. Everyone knows what killed my sister.” Anger filled Pris’s voice. “Who killed her.”
Ice water streamed through his veins, and he let out a shaky breath. “I’ll be there, of course. Just tell me when.”
“I was hoping you could come now and stay a while.”
Tears slid down his cheeks, and he didn’t bother to wipe them away. “I’m in the middle of filming. I’m afraid it’ll have to be a short trip.”
“Oh.” Pris’s voice was flat.
He didn’t know what to say. There was nothing he could say.
“I need a few days to pull everything together. I was thinking Tuesday, midday, just a simple graveside service. I can’t handle anything more than that.”
“That’ll be fine, Pris. Just send all the bills to me.” He couldn’t talk anymore. Couldn’t think about Josie in terms of burial arrangements. Bile rose in his throat, and for a moment he was afraid he’d puke. Sweat broke out above his lip, and he breathed heavily through his nose.
“I guess I’ll see you then.”
“Yeah.” He forced himself to speak again. “Take care of yourself.”
“I will. I’ve got no one else to care for, not now.” She dissolved into sobs as the connection broke.
Blake rested the cell on his thigh and closed his eyes. Josie had been gone for over a decade, ever since the accident that had taken her mind if not her body, kept alive by machines. In his heart, he knew her death was a blessing, a freeing of a spirit trapped by corporeal bonds. But the pain of losing her slashed him to the core all over again to leave him raw and aching.
“Blake?”
Blinking back tears, he opened his eyes. Eden stood several yards away. Discomfort shifted across her face, but she took a couple of steps closer.
“Are you sick? You don’t look so good.”
“I’m fine.” A complete lie, but what the hell was he supposed to say?
“I came to tell you I’ll be working with Apollo today if you’re still up for our bet, but maybe now isn’t a good time. You look like death warmed over.” She crossed her arms below her breasts. “From the noise level over here last night, I’d say there was quite a party going on.”
“I’m not hungover, if that’s what you’re implying. I don’t drink.” His temples throbbed. Just thinking was an effort. He didn’t have a scene scheduled until late this morning, and what the hell was he supposed to do with himself until then? Brood about how he should have been driving when the pickup hit them head on. Then he’d be the one to be buried on Tuesday instead of Josie. Might as well ride the damn horse and let it kick his ass. Focusing on physical pain would be a hell of a lot easier than the current dull ache in his chest. He let out a shuddering breath. “Sure, I’ll ride Apollo.”
Her gaze held steady for a long moment. “Fine. Meet me in the corral in an hour, if that works for you.”
He nodded. “I’ll be there.”
The blue eyes regarding him darkened. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’ve been bette
r, but I can still ride that horse.”
She opened her mouth then shut it and shrugged. “See you in an hour.” Turning on her booted heel, she walked away.
His eyes smarted again. Eden’s slim figure and confident stride reminded him of Josie. Eighteen and brimming with enthusiasm the summer after high school graduation, she had plans to go back east to college. He’d been home from UCLA, and they’d picked up their relationship right where they’d left off. The party up in the hills behind Blue Valley had been just like old times. Since he’d been drinking, Josie had insisted on driving home.
He closed his eyes to ward off the memory of those bright headlights aimed straight toward them. The oncoming pickup had swerved to avoid a deer. The doe had survived. Josie hadn’t, even though it had taken twelve long years for her heart to stop beating. The doctors said she was braindead, but her determined spirit wouldn’t let go…
He jackknifed up out of the chair, sending it clattering to the ground. He’d go force down some food then ride that wild stallion. Anything to keep from dwelling on the past. All he could do now was focus on the future.
With no desire for company, he took a plate of pancakes back to his bus then sat at the table by the window overlooking the mountains and ate slowly while he checked flight schedules. The nearest airport to the ranch was in Cody. He’d fly into Boise, a two-hour drive from his childhood home in Blue Valley.
He stared at his phone and frowned. “Two plane changes? Are you freaking kidding me? I could drive to Eastern Oregon faster.” He stabbed another chunk of pancake then chewed while he considered his options.
The studio’s jet was his best bet if he didn’t want to spend two full days traveling, not to mention John would have a fit if he was gone for longer than overnight and dared to upset the shooting schedule. Dropping his fork, Blake reached for his cell to send off a quick text to the producer. A minute later his phone rang. By the time he’d explained he had a family emergency and needed the jet to fly to Boise, it was nearly time to meet Eden.
Wilde Horses Page 3
