Wilde Horses

by Jannine Gallant

  “We’re just friends. Eden and I…it doesn’t matter. I’ll talk to you soon. Enjoy your new job.”

  “I will. Bye, Blake.”

  He clicked off his phone then checked to see if by any chance he’d missed a call from Eden. Nothing. Disappointment filled him, and he let out a sigh. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about Pris anymore. That was something. He tucked his cell into his jacket then headed back into the theater.

  Hours later, Blake stood on the patio, hands shoved in his pockets as the moon rode high over the ocean in the night sky. The brilliance lost its luster without someone to share the beauty. He pulled out his phone, hesitated, then shoved it back in his pocket. He wouldn’t call her again. If Eden didn’t want to talk to him, if she’d decided against trying to make their relationship work, there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it except hope she’d change her mind. Until then, he’d simply wait.

  * * * *

  Eden stumbled up the stairs and moved by rote down the hall and into her room to flop on her bed with a huge sigh. Her back ached, and her eyes were grainy with lack of sleep. She’d forgotten how damned exhausting spending three days on a horse could be. The fact that she’d ridden Apollo had only added to her misery, but she’d been determined to break him to saddle once and for all. She still wasn’t sure who had broken whom.

  Summoning the last of her energy, she pushed up off the bed and headed into the bathroom to wash off a few layers of filth. By the time she got all the dirt out of her hair, the hot water had revived her to a functioning state. Stepping out of the shower, she grabbed a towel and blinked at her mirrored image. Circles darkened the skin beneath her eyes. Sleep had been elusive over the last week. All Blake’s fault since every time she tried to get some rest, visions of him filled her mind. She wondered if he was missing her half as much as she missed him. She grimaced at her reflection and applied the towel to her wet hair.

  After slipping on an oversized T-shirt, she picked her phone up off her desk and turned it on. Ten missed calls and a half a dozen messages. All from Blake. What the heck? She gripped the back of the chair as visions of him bloody and battered in a hospital bed after some new attempt on his life rushed through her mind. She pushed the connect button and held her breath.

  “Eden? I wondered if you were ever going to return my calls.”

  He didn’t sound like he was at death’s door, thank God.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Wrong? Nothing except you cut off communication three days ago. I’ve been worried.”

  Backing up a few steps, she sank down on the edge of the bed. “I told you we were moving cattle to the summer pastures. Scare me why don’t you! I saw all those messages and thought someone tried to kill you again.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?”

  “No cell service. Geez, I didn’t even take my phone with me.”

  “Oh.” A whoosh of breath eased through the phone. “It never occurred to me you wouldn’t have service.”

  She kicked back on the bed. “That’s because you’re a city boy now. Remember your youth in rural Oregon? I bet you had spotty connections there.”

  “Spotty is an understatement. So, how was the cattle drive?” He chuckled softly. “Do you know how weird that sounds? I’m dating a cowgirl.”

  “Great, except I rode Apollo. He was a pain in my ass…literally.”

  “Does that mean you won’t keep him?”

  She smiled. “The jury’s still out. By day three, he’d made some progress.” Plumping up a pillow behind her, she settled in. “What have you been doing?”

  “Movie premiere earlier this evening. Hollywood Highlights was there snapping pictures, so you might catch me on the show tomorrow if you’re interested. The film turned out great, by the way. Sawyer has a cameo appearance in the rafting scene on the Colorado.”

  “Cool. Maybe I’ll scare up a date and go watch it. I think it’s showing in Cody this weekend.”

  “A date, huh? Do you have anyone in particular in mind?”

  “My grandpa likes action movies. Who’d you take to the premiere?”

  “My costar.”

  “Lisette Baron? She’s beautiful.” Jealousy nipped at her heart.

  “Nice, too. You’d like her.”

  “Do you?”

  “Not as much as I like you. If you hear any hype about us, ignore it since the rumors are strictly in the interest of ratings.” He let out a sigh. “I miss you, Eden.”

  “I miss you, too. Dad has a couple of interviews scheduled for the foreman position. I’m crossing my fingers one of the candidates works out.”

  “Did Zane leave for good?”

  She closed her eyes. “Shortly after I drove you to the airport. Rumor has it he headed straight to San Diego. That’s where he’s from. I know he isn’t currently looking for ranch work since no one’s called for a reference yet.”

  “Would your dad give him a good one?”

  “I think so. Zane is skilled and experienced. His personal issues with me don’t change that.”

  “I’m glad he’s gone from the area and won’t be spreading ugly talk about you.”

  Grabbing the soft knit throw from the foot of the bed, she covered herself and turned on her side with the cell cradled to her cheek. “His style is more direct. Don’t worry about me. Except for wishing you were here and aching all over from three days in the saddle, I’m fine.”

  “You sound exhausted.”

  “I am. If I stop answering you, it’s because I fell asleep.”

  “I won’t keep you any longer, then. Good night, Eden.”

  “Good night, Blake.” She wanted to say more, to tell him how just hearing his voice sent a current of warmth through her to curl around her heart. But by the time she found the right words, he’d already disconnected. With a sigh, she dropped the phone and faded into oblivion…

  * * * *

  “Wow, she’s stunning. Blake looks very handsome, too.”

  Eden didn’t need her mother’s comment to point out the obvious. Lisette Baron was drop-dead gorgeous in a silver dress that displayed her bountiful assets. As photos of Blake and Lisette at the movie premiere flashed across the TV screen, the hosts of Hollywood Highlights speculated as to whether the costars of Raging Waters were dating again. Apparently, rumor had it they were.

  “Again? I guess he failed to mention that little tidbit of information when we were on the phone.”

  Her mom shifted on the couch and frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  Eden gritted her teeth. “Blake said Lisette is nice. He didn’t offer up the fact that they used to date.”

  “It was splashed across the cover of all the supermarket tabloids. Maybe he thought you knew.”

  “Probably. It’s stupid of me to be jealous, but look at that woman.” A sigh slipped out. “Mostly I miss having him around.”

  “Why don’t you go see him, then?”

  Eden glanced over her shoulder as her dad walked into the room. A smile lit his eyes.

  “I can’t go while we’re shorthanded around here.”

  “Ah, but we aren’t. I just offered the foreman position to the last applicant, and he accepted.”

  “I thought you were leaning toward the woman?” Her mom rose to her feet.

  “I liked her qualifications, but she has kids and wasn’t thrilled about the long commute from Cody, so she backed out. The man I offered the job, Pete Jessop, just moved north from Texas and is happy to live in the bunkhouse with Jack and Roman. He has plenty of experience along with an easygoing personality. Once I check his references, he’s willing to start immediately.”

  “That’s terrific, Dad.”

  “I’m relieved to have the matter settled.” He smiled. “And, you can take off for a week or so before the wedding.”

  “You should go, honey. It’s important for you to spend time with Blake in his home environment.” Her mom’s
direct gaze held hers. “You can’t really know the man until you do.”

  A shiver slid through her as Blake’s sexy smile disappeared from the TV screen when the story on the celebrity news show changed to one about a prominent musician’s death. What did she have in common with his world of high profile events? Her life revolved around wide open spaces, horses and cattle.

  “Eden?”

  She glanced between her parents as her dad’s questioning tone jogged her back to the present. “What if I hate everything about Southern California?”

  Her mom’s gaze was filled with sympathy. “Better to know now, don’t you think?”

  “I suppose so.” Dismissing her concerns had been a whole lot easier when she was wrapped up in Blake’s arms. Without his positive energy countering her every doubt, the negatives seemed nearly insurmountable. “I’d like to go. Need to go, really.”

  “Then book your flight. Maybe surprise him. That could be fun.” Her mom patted her shoulder. “I should go finish up dinner.”

  “If you’re sure about me leaving, Dad, I’ll check the flight schedules then come help in the kitchen.”

  “I’m positive. We don’t have anything pressing on the agenda now that the cattle have been moved, and Pete intends to take up residence in the bunkhouse the day after tomorrow. You do what you need to do.”

  She nodded. “I think I’ll go, then. Thanks for understanding.”

  Her mother smiled at her husband. “I remember the qualms I had when I was thinking about how different life would be for me on a ranch after growing up in Seattle. I came out for a couple of weeks and never had another doubt I was making the right choice. Maybe you’ll find the same kind of clarity.”

  “Blake and I are only dating, Mom, not getting married.”

  “True, but you care about him, so it’s best to know how you feel now before your relationship progresses further.”

  Her dad cleared his throat. “Listen to your mother. She’s a smart woman.”

  “I’ve been getting advice from every corner. Grandpa also had plenty to say on the subject. I’ll duly consider your words of wisdom.”

  Her mom laughed. “You do that. I know you like to make quick decisions, but this one may require a little more thought.”

  Eden sat with her hands clenched in her lap after her parents left the room. Her mom wanted her to use her head. Her grandpa had told her to go with her heart. She let out a sigh. She’d visit Blake on his home turf and hope for some perspective before she made any rash judgment calls about her future.

  Standing, she ran up the stairs and headed to her room, dropped down at her desk, then flipped open her computer. It only took a couple of minutes to pull up the flights from Cody to LAX. Seats were available for a midday flight the following day that landed late in the afternoon. Surely Blake would be finished with work by then. She reached for her wallet and pulled out a credit card, took a deep breath and punched in the number. She’d leave the return flight open. Maybe he’d fly back with her before the big wedding weekend.

  Excitement hummed along her nerve paths. By this time tomorrow, she’d be with Blake. Now to decide if she should surprise him and figure out how to get to his house on her own, or call him with her plans so he could arrange a ride for her from the airport. When her cell vibrated in her pocket, she pulled it out, glanced at the display and grinned. Looked like she’d be forced to make a quick decision.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi, yourself.” His deep voice sent a quiver through her. “How was your day?”

  “Busy. How about yours?”

  “The same. Just hearing your voice eases out the ragged edges, though.”

  “I’m glad.” She smiled. “Where are you?”

  “On my patio with my feet up, eating chips and watching the waves crash on the beach. Evenings in Malibu are my favorite time of day.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” Mind made up, she fished for information. “Where, exactly is your home? Do you have neighbors nearby?”

  “Not too close since I have a double lot at the north end of the beach.”

  Eden couldn’t begin to imagine how much his house must have cost. But then, if the gossip rags were to be believed, his going rate to star in a movie was in the multi-millions. Then there were all those endorsements… Some of her anticipation fizzled. They might as well be from different planets. She had a whole lot more in common with Blake, the boy from Blue Valley, Oregon, than she did with the mega-millionaire movie star he’d become.

  “Eden, are you still there?”

  “I’m here. Just wishing I could enjoy the view with you.”

  “That would make my night perfect. God, I miss you.”

  Maybe he was rich and famous, not to mention the object of sexual fantasies for women across the globe, but he hadn’t lost his genuine goodness. “I miss you, too.”

  “How’s the hunt for a new ranch manager going?”

  “Dad interviewed a promising candidate today.”

  “That’s great. Does this mean you’ll be able to come see me soon?”

  “Maybe. My fingers are crossed, but right now I need to go help my mom make dinner.”

  “I’ll let you go.”

  She pushed back her chair and stood. “We can talk later.”

  “Actually, I have a party I’m expected to attend tonight. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  She stilled on the way out of her room. “Oh. Have fun.”

  “Usually these events are pretty boring, but I’ll try.” His voice deepened. “Good night, Eden.”

  She hesitated, wondering if surprising him was such a good idea, after all. He might have plans for tomorrow, too. “Blake?”

  The call had already disconnected. With a shrug, she shoved her cell in her pocket. Too late to change her mind now. She didn’t anticipate locating his home would be a problem. Surely everyone in Malibu knew where Blake Benedict lived. All she had to do was ask someone…and hope he was home.

  Chapter 18

  Twenty-four hours later she stood alone outside the locked gates of Blake’s estate with her suitcase beside her, having paid the taxi driver. She pushed the intercom button for a third time with the same result as the first two. No response. Scowling, she craned her neck to see up the winding drive. Based on the muted music in the distance, someone must be home. She tried Blake’s cell phone again and resisted the urge to throw hers when her call went straight to voicemail.

  “Damn it!” After wheeling her bag behind the row of shrubs lining the high brick wall, she set out along the perimeter of the property, rounded the north-east corner and hiked down rough sloping terrain to the beach. Unfortunately, the wall didn’t end there. Standing in front of a solid wood panel in the brick facade, she gave it a thump and nearly tumbled onto her nose when the door swung inward.

  “About time I caught a break.”

  When barking erupted in the distance, growing closer with each passing second, Eden jerked the door closed just before paws slammed against the other side. The wood vibrated. A long howl was followed by a few whining whimpers as nails scratched the oak surface.

  “Oh, my God!” Heart pounding, she walked several yards toward the beach and dropped down onto the sand, wondering why Blake hadn’t mentioned his killer guard dog. “Now what?”

  Kicking off her sandals, she buried her feet in the sand and squinted into the setting sun. Waves glistened as the swell surged toward the shore. Out in the water, a pair of surfers paddled hard at the point break. One slid off the backside of the wave while the other performed a series of tricky maneuvers on his board before diving into the water.

  A tanned hand slicked back blond hair, and a wetsuit clung to a broad back as the man heaved himself onto his board.

  Eden slowly rose to her feet. “Blake.”

  Further out, the second surfer rode a wave in with skill and agility before diving into the surf. This one, a woman, shouted something to her partner befor
e they both turned their boards and paddled toward shore.

  Definitely Blake. When they drew closer, his gaze met hers, and his eyes widened. A grin spread as he let out a whoop and paddled faster. Reaching the beach, he ripped off his ankle tether to leave the board on the sand and ran toward her. Before she could move, he enveloped her in a wet hug followed by a salty kiss.

  “I can’t believe you’re here!” Blue eyes sparkled as seawater ran down his face. “You should have told me you were coming.”

  She glanced over his shoulder as the woman stood ankle deep in water to squeeze out sun-streaked brown hair then peeled the top of her wetsuit down to hang around her waist. A bright red bikini top barely covered attributes that must have made some plastic surgeon proud.

  “Maybe I should have warned you in advance. Surprise.”

  His brows shot up. “Warned me?”

  Her gaze returned to the woman headed their way.

  “Oh, you mean Roxi. We had a meeting after I finished filming this afternoon and decided to wrap up the day with a surf session.”

  Eden couldn’t help wondering what sort of meeting, but she pasted on a smile as the woman stuck out her hand.

  “Eden, meet my agent, Roxi Worthington. Roxi, this is Eden Wilde.”

  Apparently she wasn’t going to get a label. Eden shook the woman’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Roxi’s emerald green gaze, surely as enhanced as her cleavage, returned to Blake. “I have a dinner appointment, so I need to get going. You’ll consider what I said?”

  He nodded. “I’ll keep all your points in mind. Uh, we can walk up to the house with you.”

  “No need. Your big baby isn’t going to bite me.” She tucked her board under her arm. “We’ll talk again in a couple of days once you’ve made a decision.”

  “Fine. Thanks, Roxi.”

  With a nod and a brief smile for Eden, the woman trudged up the beach toward the door in the wall. After she disappeared inside, and no ensuing carnage sounded from behind the bricks, Eden’s shoulders slumped. Obviously the dog was on familiar terms with his agent.