by Sable Hunter
“Really?” Jenna knew she had no aspirations to leave Gray Wolf. Her trick-riding fulfilled a need to insert herself in Logan’s world. She loved to be with Stormy and the challenge of performing the complicated maneuvers was fun – but doing anything with them other than entertaining the hometown crowd was beyond her comfort zone. Jenna was a homebody and Logan was her home. “Do you think so?”
“Yea, there are groups out there, performing troupes who entertain at rodeos and parades. Women with talents such as you have are in high demand.” Dixie held up a branch as they walked underneath it.
“I don’t know…” Jenna muttered, not really wanting to spill her secrets and confess her love to her friend when she hadn't even told Logan yet.
“I know, I understand,” Dixie giggled. “I’m not clueless.”
“About what?” Jenna tried to sound sincere, but when Dixie snorted, she caved. “I’m not very subtle, I guess.”
“No, I can see the signs. I’ve had man trouble before.”
Dixie’s sad voice made Jenna glance her way. “Want to talk about it?”
“Someday,” she said as they stepped up on the front porch of the main house. “Now, how about raiding the refrigerator?”
Jenna led the way into Louisa's country kitchen and soon they were munching on pickles, chips and BBQ sandwiches at the kitchen table. There was no noise from upstairs, so Jenna assumed Earl and Louisa was sound asleep. Dixie made herself at home, checking out everything from the gingham curtains over the window by the sink to the family pictures spread out on the hearth.
“They made me a part of the family.” Jenna said as her friend looked at picture after picture, many which included her. There were even a few of her real mom and dad on display. The Grays always encouraged her to remember her parents and Jenna loved them for being so thoughtful. Logan had worked tirelessly until he cleared her father’s name. The fire was ruled to have been an accident, faulty wiring was the cause.
“You’re lucky. You’ve had two wonderful families.” Dixie didn’t say so, but her implication was that she hadn’t had even one. “So, tell me about this hunk you’re in love with. Logan Gray, Fire Chief, Cowboy and Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick.”
Jenna was taking a sip of milk to wash down a bite of Oreo. “What?” she coughed, a bit choked. “I didn't say anything about it being Logan.”
“Don’t lie to me, girl.” Dixie leaned on the table, her eyes twinkling at Jenna. “I wasn't born yesterday.”
“Ah, okay.” Jenna glanced up the stairs to make sure no one was coming. “Logan rescued me when our house was burning down. A full-fledged heroic deed with him on the ladder and me jumping into his arms. He saved my life and promised me that everything would be okay.”
“Wow, I can see why you’d develop a crush on someone like that.”
“Oh, it wasn’t a crush,” Jenna explained, bringing her feet up in the chair and wrapping both arms around her knees. “At first, he was like this big, powerful sanctuary. A place where I could hide and be safe. He brought me here, to this house. They made me feel a part of the family.” She rose and walked around, letting her fingers graze the granite counter top. “This is Logan’s house, not his parents. They moved here to help out with the ranch after Mr. Earl retired from the military. When I came, Logan moved from here to a smaller house on the property so I’d have all the space I needed. They include me in every part of their life - holidays, vacations. I wanted for nothing. It was almost a year before I received any insurance from my father’s policy and even then, they had me put the money away in a savings account.”
“I can tell you love them all.” Dixie picked up her plate and put it in the sink.
“I do, but I’m in love with Logan.” Jenna breathed out the truth like a whispered prayer. “I have been for a long time.” Seeing the questions in her friend’s eyes, Jenna opened the fridge and grabbed a couple of waters. “Let’s go upstairs.”
The two girls padded up the steps to the second floor. “This way,” Jenna pointed down the hall. “I have my own bathroom and we’re at the opposite end of the house from Lou and Earl.”
Dixie took it all in. “This is a nice place. Cozy.” She ran a hand down the wooden wainscoting. When a floorboard creaked, she winced.
“It’s okay, they’re heavy sleepers.” Opening her door, she held it for Dixie. “Go on in. I’ll get you something to sleep in.”
As she did, Dixie was nosy and checked out everything from her closet to her collection of music. “Tell me what you have in common with Logan?”
The question took Jenna by surprise. “Everything, I guess.”
“Be specific. Having common interests is important.”
Jenna crawled up on the bed, lying on her stomach. “Well, we both like the outdoors and animals.”
Dixie flounced next to her, making the bed bounce. “What else?”
“Well, it’s not movies, for sure,” Jenna snorted. “He likes war pictures and shows where things blow up and I like comedies.”
“Well, he is a man.” Dixie drawled dryly.
“There’s that, for damn sure,” Jenna murmured. “We don’t like the same type of music either. He’s into country and western and I’d rather listen to hip-hop.” She sighed and rolled on her back, staring at the ceiling. “Do men and women have to like all the same things to have a successful relationship?”
“No,” Dixie sighed, “I think it’s probably better if they don’t. Opposites attract, you know.”
“Well, I don’t think attraction is a problem,” Jenna sighed. “I kissed him today.”
“You what?” Dixie yelled, sitting up to get a better look at Jenna.
“Shhhh,” Jenna put her hand over the other girl’s mouth. “You’ll wake the dead in the cemetery down the street.”
“Okay…” Dixie nodded. “Tell me…everything.”
Jenna closed her eyes. “He held me close and I thought he was going to eat me up.” She shivered. “It was wonderful.”
“Well, that’s the most important thing to have in common.” Dixie winked at her. “Good sex. The rest will take care of itself.” The last couple of words were said in the midst of a yawn.
“I guess we need to get some sleep.” Jenna sat up. “You can go first in the shower if you want.”
“Okay, I’ll save you some hot water.”
Once Dixie was behind the bathroom door, Jenna grabbed a pad and pen from the bedside table. She'd thought about leaving a note downstairs so Earl and Louise would be forewarned Dixie had spent the night. It wasn't necessary, but she knew it was the polite thing to do. After she'd written a couple of sentences of explanation, Jenna took the paper downstairs and left it on the kitchen bar. When she returned to the bed, she propped against the headboard and performed an age-old ritual of young girls in love - she began to doodle on the pad. Jenna Gray, Mrs. Jenna Gray and Mrs. Logan Gray – over and over again, adorned with hearts and flowers. Only Dixie's emerging from the bathroom put a cease to her romantic artwork.
“Your turn,” Dixie announced, toweling her hair dry.
“Okay, I'll be right back.” She slipped the pad under her pillow, wondering if there was a way to brush her teeth without getting her lips wet – Jenna didn’t want to wash away the traces of Logan's kiss.
* * *
Jenna woke bright and early with a smile on her face. The world seemed full of wonderful possibilities. Beside her, Dixie snored. Taking a pillow, she playfully whacked her friend. “Wake up, sleepyhead. You sound like a rock tumbler.”
“What?” Dixie opened one eye and winced at the sunbeam crossing her face from the window behind the bed. “Why in tarnation would you have a bedroom with an east facing window?”
“Because I have a good reason to get up in the morning!” Jenna bounded out of bed. She wondered if Logan was back on the ranch. Quickly she did her business in the bathroom and dressed in a pair of jeans and a pink T-shirt with a tiara on the front, which proudly proclaimed her as Spoiled. A g
ift from Logan, of course.
“Come down to the kitchen when you’re ready.” She called to Dixie, who had pulled the covers back over her head.
A mumble from beneath the sheet made Jenna smile.
Tripping down the stairs, she bounded into the kitchen making Louisa jump. “Goodness, girl! You’re in a chipper mood.”
Jenna hugged Louisa. “I feel good this morning. Is Logan back?”
“Yes, but he had to leave again.” She poured Jenna a cup of coffee. “Here, just the way you like it, a little coffee with your creamer.”
Jenna frowned. “Thanks,” she said, accepting the hot drink. “When will he be back?” She hoped he wasn’t avoiding her because of the kiss. A momentary panic hit Jenna. What if she’d made a mistake?
“He’s gone to a three-day fire school in Bryan. You know they have one twice a year.”
“He teaches, yea, I know.” Jenna handed her a plate to dish up some eggs she’d scrambled.
“Set those on the table for Earl. He’ll be down in a second.” Jenna did as she directed. “Do you want some?”
“No, I’m not hungry. I ate late last night. Did you see the note? I hope it was okay that Dixie spent the night.”
Louisa leaned over and gave Jenna a quick kiss on the forehead. “Of course it is, this is your home. Oh!” Reaching in to her pocket, she pulled out a note. “Logan left this for you.”
Jenna grabbed onto the piece of paper like it was a million-dollar check. “Thanks. I’ll be outside with the animals. Would you tell Dixie when she comes down?”
“Of course. Be careful, Jenna. I know you love to get around those bulls entirely too much.” Louisa shook her finger at her. “You may be fooling Logan, but I know what you've been up to. Since I bake cookies for the hands, they tell me everything I need to know.”
“Tattletales.” Jenna smiled, clutching the note. “Yes, I love the bulls. I have since the day Logan let me help him with Tango. Do you remember him?”
“I do, the little black bull that you used to brush with the currycomb.”
“That’s right. He grew to be a big rascal. I used to ride him when no one was looking,” Jenna confessed on her way out the door.
“If Logan had known, he’d have had a fit.” Louisa called. “And he'd croak if he knew you were doing it now. So be careful!
“I know, that’s why I haven't told him. And I'll be careful, don't worry. The guys are going to help me with some pointers today.” Jenna laughed as she hurried away, opening the note as she went. As soon as she was past the porch, she darted under a tree to sit on a bench next to Louisa’s mountain laurels. With shaking fingers, she opened the note. This was new. Jenna couldn’t remember him writing to her before, other than cards. Holding her breath, she read…
Jenna, I know I told you we’d talk, and we will. But there’s one thing that won’t wait. I need to apologize for what happened. It was a mistake. I was totally out of line. When I see you, we’ll straighten all of this out. Be careful on the road if you take the new truck for a spin.
Logan
A mistake? Did he mean the kiss? For just a second, she wanted to wad up the paper and throw it as far as she could. Instead, she folded it delicately and slipped it in her back pocket. “We’ll see about that, Logan. We’ll just see about that.”
* * *
A little while later…
Dixie covered her eyes as she headed toward the stock pens. Why did the morning sun have to be so viciously bright? She wondered as she took in the sounds and smells of a spring morning on Gray Wolf Ranch. She’d heard a lot about this place from Jenna, but this was her first time to visit. She hadn't expected so much hustle and bustle, but she loved it. They’d met in high school, although Dixie was two years older than Jenna. Their love for horses had drawn them together. Both had been members of The Rodeo Club and Horsewomen, organizations that promoted the cowboy lifestyle and kept the spirit of the Old West alive.
“Jenna!” she called, then paused to listen.
“She’s over there!” A young ranch hand pointed, giving Dixie a wink.
“I think I might like it here,” she mumbled, turning around to watch the jean clad guy walk off in a pair of chaps that gave her all kinds of ideas.
“Easy.” A deep male voice said, “No, hold the rope like this, Jenna.”
Dixie followed the noise and was shocked to find Jenna on top of a big spotted bull in a chute. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“Oh, hey,” Jenna waved, lifting her hand, causing the big animal to shift his weight, making the fence creak. “I’m about to take this big boy for a ride!”
Moving closer to the fence, she stepped up on the bottom plank to get a better view. What she saw made her gasp. Three or four men were laying out bats of hay, actually carpeting the ground, making a veritable cushiony blanket – just in case…
The gate flew open and the bull erupted into the open space. With a spin and a whirl, the hulking beast went one way and Jenna flew off the other, landing with a soft thud in the hay. Instantly the four cowboys were by her side and all Dixie could hear was giggles.
“I want to do it again!”
“Oh, my lands,” Dixie whispered. “She’s lost her mind.”
Over the next two hours, Dixie watched as two of the cowboys coached Jenna through another ten rides on the bull. They taught her how to fall, how to hold her arm up for balance, and the older of the duo, Cecil, explained it to her in a way that Dixie wished she could record on tape.
“It’s a dance, Jenna, you don’t ride the bull, you move with the bull. You need to let your instincts tell you which way the bull is going to go and let your body flow with it.”
After listening, trying it one more time, and managing to stay on for six seconds, Jenna picked her hat up from the ground, dusted it off and smiled. “So, Dixie, what do you think?”
“I think Logan’s going to die.”
Jenna looked at the ground. “I doubt Logan will notice, to be honest. He seems to be a little too busy to keep up with what’s going on with me.”
Dixie recognized discontent when she heard it. “What happened?”
She pulled the paper from her pocket and tossed it at Dixie. “See for yourself. He’s sorry that yesterday happened.”
After reading the short note, Dixie put her arm around Jenna. “Don’t worry. He’s just being careful. I’m sure you can convince him when you see him in person.” They headed toward the barn for a drink of cool water. “Now, what do you think you were doing back there?”
As the stepped into the dim, cool interior, Jenna lay down her hat and opened the door to an older model fridge, filled with drinks. “Here.” She tossed one to Dixie. “You’ve discovered one of my secret ambitions. I’ve been following Laramie Allen’s career and I want to be just like her.”
Dixie was shocked. “Really? Are you serious? Because if you are, have I got some news for you!”
Jenna was all ears. “Okay, I’m listening.” Her friend’s enthusiasm was contagious.
Grabbing her hand, Dixie grinned. “Come to Fort Worth with me. I’m riding in an exposition there and Laramie Allen is scheduled to ride too. She’s not the only woman competing with men bull riders these days, but she is the most successful. I bet you could learn a lot from her.”
Thinking hard, Jenna considered it. “I probably should stay here. Logan might…” No, he was gone for three days, the knowledge still hurt a bit. “I couldn’t stay past the weekend.”
Dixie spread her hands and smiled. “Sounds good, we can make a fun trip out of it. Do some shopping. And, you have that new truck to try out,” she said the last comment in a teasing tempting manner.
“All right, I’ll do it!” Jenna said with enthusiasm. “Come back to the house with me to tell Louisa and Earl. I’ll pack and we’ll hit the road.”
On the way past the bull pens, one big red one huffed, pawing the ground. Dixie punched Jenna. “I’d hate to have to try and ride that on
e.”
Jenna stopped and pulled Dixie to the fence. “Come meet him. This monster has won more rodeo trophies than you have, Miss Champ.”
“Really?” Dixie stared at the bull as if trying to place him. “What’s his name?”
“Bushwhacker.”
Dixie let out a long whistle. “I’ve heard of him. No cowboy has stayed on him for the full eight seconds yet.”
“Nope.” Jenna reached through the fence and attempted to scratch his nose, but the bull tossed his head, evading her touch. “He’s unridden.”
Dixie took a step back. “Has sort of a nasty disposition too. Doesn’t he?”
“Not really, he's just a typical alpha male. All of Logan’s stock is treated very well. Their comfort and well-being is a top priority for him.” Jenna laughed. “His only stipulation is that I don’t try to make pets out of them. He says I would love the ‘buck’ out of them.”
“Sounds like Mr. Gray knows you well.”
Jenna sighed. “He does, better than anybody,” She was so worried. In all of her dreams, she’d built her future around Logan Gray. The possibility that it might not work out was not a possibility she would even entertain. Maybe a few days away would make him miss her. “Ha!” She laughed, amused at the improbability of such a thing. Logan was such a man, a wonderful man – but definitely involved with his ranch and the fire department.
“What makes the bulls buck?” Dixie knelt down and looked up under the animal’s stomach.
“What are you doing?” Jenna giggled. “Checking out his manly business?”
“No,” Dixie snorted. “Well, sorta. I’ve heard they tie something around their testicles before they enter the chute to be ridden. Is that true?”
“No, it’s not.” Jenna smirked. “There’s a strap that’s wrapped under their flank that they don’t like, no animal wants their underbelly messed with, it makes them feel vulnerable.”
“Hmmm, okay.” She stood up. “I still can’t believe you want to ride bulls. Isn’t trick riding risky enough for you?”
