When Dreams Collide

by Brenda Sinclair

  “What will we toast to?” asked Susan.

  “To the acceptance of my offer,” said Dusty, clinking glasses with her. “Man, I hope we hear something soon. I’m not certain what has my stomach in knots more. Waiting. Worrying. Anticipation. Fear. Terror. Did I mention worrying?”

  “Whatever happens happens. If he rejects your offer and returns a counteroffer, we’ll deal with it.” Susan raised her glass. “To an evening of spoiling ourselves in this luxury room.”

  “Wonder how late you can order from room service?” Dusty smiled.

  “How can you be hungry?” Susan shook her head. “I’m still stuffed from dinner.”

  “Bet you’re hungry for something,” whispered Dusty, setting his glass aside and moving closer to her.

  Susan set her glass down alongside a fake palm plant. “What did you have in mind?” she purred.

  Dusty slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. “I love those sexy, lacey, black panties you’re wearing. And that matching bra you’re almost wearing.”

  Susan laughed. “It is rather low cut.”

  “You wore that on purpose.”

  “Maybe.”

  Dusty kissed her breasts though the lacy covering. “Let’s get rid of this,” he said, removing the bra with one quick flick of the hooks.

  Susan sighed when her breasts slipped out of the restriction and landed in the palms of his slightly rough working-man hands. He massaged gently, rubbing his thumbs across her nipples until she moaned with pleasure. “Use your mouth,” she whispered, encouraging him.

  Dusty complied while slipping one hand down her stomach, searching for the top of her panties. His mouth left her breast and he looked into her eyes. “I love those black panties even more than the pink ones.”

  “Victoria has many, many secrets.” Susan grinned, mischievously.

  “And I just bet...you’ve got a few secrets...of your own.” Dusty lavished attention to her other nipple between words.

  “Keep doing that and I’ll tell you almost anything.” Susan leaned her head back, sighing.

  “Almost?” Dusty peeked up at her, one eyebrow raised.

  “No professional secrets. No matter how much I drink, I would never divulge information about my clients.”

  “That’s reassuring. Since I’m one of those clients.” Dusty slipped his hand inside her panties, and his fingers searched for her core.

  Susan wrapped her arms around his neck. “Kiss me,” she whispered.

  The kiss lasted for an eon.

  When they finally pulled apart, breathing heavily, Susan glanced into the mirrored wall behind the hot tub and noticed their flushed faces. “We should climb out and sit on the lip of the tub for awhile to lower our body temperature,” she suggested.

  “That won’t lower my temperature,” mumbled Dusty, meeting her eyes. “You realize where this is going to lead, right? If you’re having second thoughts, speak up now. I’ll pay for another room, and we...”

  Susan smiled as an image of that black lacy negligee she’d packed flashed across her mind. “I don’t think so, cowboy. You haven’t discovered all of Victoria’s secrets yet, or mine.”

  Chapter 8

  Next morning, just as Dusty and Susan prepared to head down to the hotel’s dining room for the Sunday brunch, his cell phone rang.

  “I won’t eavesdrop on your conversation. I’ll wait for you in the restaurant.” Susan kissed him quickly and headed out the door. Just as the door clicked shut, she heard him answer the call.

  Susan rode the elevator downstairs, grabbed a complimentary copy of the local paper, and walked into the hotel’s posh dining room. A tropical atmosphere that could lift anyone’s spirits in the morning greeted her, complete with silk palm trees and assorted flowering plants. Morning sunshine filtered into the room through partially lowered shades. The tables were covered in white linens with green cloth napkins and accents. White china bread and butter plates, sparkling glassware, and cutlery were already on the table at each place.

  “Good morning.” A tall, slim woman with exotic facial features and wearing a beautiful rose-colored dress approached her.

  “Table for two, please.”

  The hostess grabbed two bound menus embossed with the hotel’s logo and led Susan to one of the tables beside the row of tall windows. “Your waitress will be with you shortly.”

  “Thank you.” Susan seated herself and glanced out the window. Songbirds serenaded her from the treetops just outside the window, and a woman jogged down the grassy strip alongside the paved parking lot with a shepherd puppy on a leash. Susan gazed adoringly at the gangly pup, all feet and ears. She’d love to have a dog of her own some day.

  A smiling young woman wearing a pristine white shirt tucked into a black skirt approached carrying a coffee carafe in each hand. “Good morning, ma’am.”

  “I’d love the decaf, please,” said Susan, returning the smile. “I’m waiting for someone. We’ll order breakfast when he arrives.”

  “Just give me a wave when you’re ready.” The woman filled the china mug and walked away.

  Susan sipped her coffee and opened the paper, but her mind wandered before she’d finished reading the headlines. She silently prayed the caller had been Randy informing Dusty his offer was accepted. She smiled, imagining Dusty racing into the restaurant, pulling her out of the chair, and kissing her with abandon in front of all the staff and customers.

  “He’ll be so excited,” she whispered aloud.

  Before sleep overtook her after their amazing lovemaking last night—the best she’d ever had—Susan fantasized about making a home and creating a family with Dusty one day. But if Dusty bought the Bozeman ranch, that fantasy would be nothing more than a dream. A future together with him would be simply impossible.

  Although she’d only known him a week, she’d fallen in love with him. Not quite love at first sight, but darn close. She could admit she loved him now, after being in his arms, being loved so thoroughly by him in that huge bed. He’d forever occupy a permanent place in her heart. But as much as she loved Dusty, she loved her career in equal measure. And continuing to pursue her career meant living in Helena.

  Now she knew how Amanda felt when she fell in love with Jeremy Branigan. Choosing between her career dreams and the man she loved. Everything had worked out for her friend though, job sharing with Catherine.

  Susan glanced up from the newspaper, drawn out of her musings. A sorry-looking cowboy slumped into the chair opposite her.

  “Who called, Dusty? You look like you lost your last friend.”

  “Close.” Dusty scrubbed his face with his hand and set his cell phone down on the table.

  “What happened?”

  “The old son-of-a-bitch changed his mind.” Dusty’s face reddened. “Sorry about the cussing, but I’m so damned pissed off I can’t see straight.”

  “Who are you talking about? Arthur?”

  “No. The guy I bought the ranch from. Or supposedly bought it from.”

  “What?” Susan straightened in her chair and yanked off her reading glasses.

  “His lawyer called Randy early this morning and told him the offer wouldn’t be accepted. The ranch is off the market. When his son got wind of the offer, he patched things up with his father. They agreed to keep the ranch in the family. The son probably didn’t think his old man would ever get an offer on the place, so he let their argument fester. Then when I came along he was forced to show his true colors.”

  “Darn it, Dusty.” Susan touched his arm. “I’m so sorry. In your mind, you had the tack organized in the barn already, didn’t you?”

  Dusty grinned, sheepishly. “How’d you know?”

  Susan smiled. “I would have been doing the same thing.”

  “Well, this trip has been a total bust.” A pained expression followed his outburst. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that. Last night was amazing.”

  “I know what you meant.” Susan clasped his hand in hers.
“Don’t worry. There are dozens of ranches for sale out there.”

  “Yeah? I’d just resigned myself to the fact I’d be living hours away from my friends, and now I’m back to square one. Where will the next property be? Timbuktu?” Dusty crossed his arms and scowled.

  “This is not the end of the world.” Susan blew out her breath. She understood how he felt. He’d been so excited yesterday, and hopeful, and eager to get started with his new endeavor. And now every one of his dreams for that ranch dissipated like the morning dew on the hotel’s front lawn.

  “What the hell was I thinking? I should just crawl back to the Lazy B with my tail dragging, looking all humble and remorseful, and ask Arthur for my old job back,” grumbled Dusty.

  “You’re equal parts heartbroken and angry. Throw aside that disappointment, dig out your cell phone, call Graham and explain what happened. Now that you’ve received your inheritance, give Graham a new number to work with, and he’ll probably line up another viewing before we’re back to Helena.” Susan smiled. “You’re a good man: hard-working, loyal, generous, kind-hearted, and determined. Don’t let one setback get the better of you.”

  Dusty straightened in his chair, leaned forward. “You’re right. Besides, the damn place was too far away anyway. Graham might find something a little closer to Helena or the Lazy B.”

  “The way I see it, this is a sign. The universe is sending you a message.” She smiled as she sang, “Hey, Dusty, that ranch wasn’t meant to be. It wasn’t your destiny. There’s something better just waiting for you out there.”

  Dusty guffawed. “Universe, huh? You receiving messages from some mysterious source or mystical world? Talking to dead people?”

  “Very funny.” Susan swatted his arm.

  “So when is this something better putting in an appearance?” His eyebrows rose while skepticism oozed from every pore on his body.

  “If a suitable ranch exists, Graham will locate it.” Susan finished her coffee, set the newspaper aside and grabbed her purse. “I doubt you’re in the mood to eat anything. Go pay for my coffee, cowboy. We’re heading home.”

  “First, I’ll swing by Randy’s office and pick up my damn check.” Dusty stuck his Stetson on his head and dug his wallet out of his front pocket.

  “Don’t suppose I’m driving?” asked Susan, peeking over her eyelashes.

  “Nope.”

  “Didn’t think so.” Susan strode toward the till at the entrance to the dining room. “You are not taking your frustration out on my car. No speeding.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Dusty caught up to her, leaned in close and whispered, “We could go back upstairs and wear off some frustration.”

  “Forget it.” Susan grinned. “I’ll let you kick a tire before we head back to Helena.”

  “I could kick all four, and it wouldn’t help.” Dusty shook his head. “Graham Smith will have to find something spectacular to improve on that ranch in Bozeman. I just hope it’s somewhere in Montana.”

  ****

  Dusty and Susan returned to Helena. As they drove into the city, Dusty asked where they should eat dinner once they got themselves settled. Susan suggested a steakhouse that was her favorite dining experience.

  At six o’clock that night, they walked into the restaurant. Immediately, Dusty understood why Susan loved it so much. The darkened room was illuminated by strategically placed pot lighting enhanced by flickering candlelight from a pillar candle centerpiece on each table. Silk trees towered over private seating alcoves with upholstered bench seating along the perimeter of the room. A gas fireplace, which occupied a portion of the central seating area filled with tables and upholstered chairs, emitted flickering firelight. Pristine white tablecloths and linens exuded classiness, and professional waiters dressed totally in black moved soundlessly among the tables.

  The hostess led them to a semi-secluded table for four and set their menus down while Dusty pulled out a chair and seated Susan.

  “This is my favorite steakhouse.” Susan settled into her seat. “Thank you.”

  “Must be a well-kept secret by the locals. Otherwise, how did we manage to finagle a table on a Sunday night?” Dusty chose the chair across from her.

  “I called and Roberto fit us in.” Susan grinned. “Of course, my bank handles all his financial needs, and he’s been a customer for over twenty years, and he assured me anytime...”

  “Okay, I get the picture.” Dusty set his Stetson on the chair to his left.

  “Taking a cab here borders on brilliance on your behalf, Dusty.” Susan picked up the wine list. “I’m having wine with dinner, and then a cocktail afterward, maybe two. I’m so disappointed that your offer wasn’t accepted. We’ll toast to better things to come.”

  “I’m beyond drowning my sorrows. Thinking positive thoughts and...”

  “Oh my God!” Susan leapt out of her chair.

  Dusty swung around and a broad smile creased his face. Jeremy and Amanda Branigan strode across the room heading toward their table.

  Susan threw her arms around Amanda. “Are you okay? Please tell me nothing’s wrong with you or the baby!”

  “We’re fine. Nothing to worry about.” Amanda hugged her friend. “The woman who hit us is recovering nicely, and her little girl is no worse for wear. All of us were so fortunate the accident happened in town at an intersection where neither vehicle was moving too quickly.”

  “That was the most bizarre thing I’ve ever heard. Mid thirties and she had a heart attack?” Susan shook her head.

  “It can happen to anyone.” Amanda turned and met Dusty’s eyes. “Susan called us last night while you were in the shower. I’m so sorry your offer on that ranch wasn’t accepted. Seems so mean, withdrawing the property from the market like that. But knowing how much the Branigan clan loves their ranch, I can understand keeping the property in the family.”

  Jeremy stuck his hand out. “Dusty, don’t give up on your dream just because of this one setback.”

  “I won’t. I was pissed off when I first got the news, but I’ve got my perspective back.” Dusty shook his buddy’s hand. “It just wasn’t in the cards, and Susan keeps assuring me better things are around the corner.”

  “Damn straight. And I’m sorry about the way the old man treated you. You don’t owe Arthur Branigan a damn thing. You did an excellent job for him, and it’s time to strike out on your own. Everyone knows there’s a limited future for a foreman. Leaving the Lazy B is a wise choice. You just sprung it on Dad unexpected like, and he reacted badly knowing it would be difficult to find someone to replace you.”

  Dusty grinned. “Did you hear the latest? He gave Scooter the job.”

  Jeremy threw back his head and hooted. “Those ranch hands have no idea what they’re in for.”

  “Sit down and join us for dinner. We just arrived ourselves.” Dusty pulled a chair out for Amanda.

  “We know. We spotted you guys walking into the restaurant. We just drove into the city from the airport,” said Jeremy.

  “We swung in here to bring you up-to-date on our news and grab a bite before we head back to the Lazy B.” Amanda settled herself in the chair and hooked her purse strap over the arm.

  “Tell me everything about the honeymoon,” ordered Susan.

  “Everything?” asked Jeremy, one eyebrow raised, pulling out the vacant chair and seating himself.

  “Well, almost everything.” Susan snorted. “The rest I’ll leave to my imagination.”

  “The Rocky Mountains were magnificent, of course, and our hotel was amazing. And don’t get me started on the delicious food.”

  “Glad you guys had fun.” Dusty turned his attention to Jeremy. “So, the cops didn’t press charges?”

  “No, the whole incident was just an unfortunate accident. I’m just thankful it didn’t happen on the highway. That woman and child could have been killed.” Jeremy picked up the menu. “Our rental car will be repaired by the insurance, so we escaped a pretty serious situation totally unscathed
in every way.”

  Everyone ordered a beer except Amanda who drank orange juice. Soon they were grazing on crisp garden salads while they waited for their entrées. After a short delay, the waiter brought their sizzling steaks surrounded by baked potatoes and grilled vegetables. The foursome enjoyed their meal without a lull in the conversation the entire time.

  At nine o’clock, Jeremy called the ranch to let his family know they were staying in Helena overnight. After he ended the call he met his friend’s eyes. “What hotel did you register at Dusty? I’ll phone over there for a room, too.”

  “Actually...well...we...” stammered Dusty.

  “For crying out loud.” Susan huffed. “He’s staying at my condo with me. Okay?”

  “Do I detect romance in the air?” asked Amanda, grinning.

  “You’re a goner, buddy.” Jeremy grabbed Dusty around the neck and playfully shook him.

  Dusty unhooked Jeremy’s arm and reached for Susan’s hand. “We took the friendship to a new level in Bozeman, and we decided...”

  “It’s none of my damn business,” interrupted Jeremy, waving off further discussion on the matter. “Catherine and Amanda have been matchmaking for weeks now, and if their efforts are showing results then I’m totally in favor of...”

  “Matchmaking for weeks!” Dusty’s face paled. “What are you talking about?”

  “Those women lined up David and Catherine and paired you with Susan to stand with Amanda and me at the altar,” explained Jeremy.

  “That was supposed to remain a secret,” interjected Amanda.

  “Women can be sneaky, Dusty,” whispered Jeremy, rubbing his arm where his new wife swatted it.

  “I heard that. We are not sneaky. Creative. The opportunity presented itself and we acted on it.” Amanda smiled broadly. “And look. The two of them make a wonderful couple, don’t you think?”

  “Oh, absolutely,” agreed Jeremy, solemn-faced. And then he burst out laughing.

  “Men are hopeless,” sniffed Amanda. “Not a romantic bone in their bodies.”

  “Could I interest anyone in dessert?” inquired their young, blonde male waiter approaching their table.