The Bull Rider's Collection (22 page)

Hunter watched her for a few minutes then answered, “Whatever you don’t want. I’m easy.”

Barb hoped that was true. If Martin Dairy came on board as Jesse’s sponsor and Jesse pulled it together enough to win the championship again this year, she could afford to put her mom in Countryside. Then maybe Barb wouldn’t worry so much about her.

And maybe pigs would fly. She glanced around the boarding aircraft for a pink pig, waiting to take her flight to Nevada, and giggled.

• • •

Hunter snuck a peek at the woman sitting next to him on the plane. He couldn’t believe how beautiful she was. Flame red hair, porcelain skin, and a killer body. When she smiled at him, man, his heart melted. Or would have if he had a heart, he reminded himself. Kati owned that piece of real estate — or at least she did until she went away to college. But that was years away.

In an odd way, Barb reminded him of his spit-fire niece. Kati and the older woman looked nothing alike, but both had that twinkle in their eyes. The one that showed up just as he realized he was being played.

No, he was glad the bull rider had missed this flight. Very glad.

He leaned back in his seat and waited for the plane to take off. Even though he flew regularly now that he had taken over the marketing division for Martin Dairy, he still hated take offs. And landings. The piece in the middle was just fine, especially when the flight attendant started serving drinks.

The way Barb gripped the seat arms, he figured she wouldn’t say no to a beer. Or two. “You might want to relax that grip, slugger, at least until the pilot starts to taxi to the runway.”

He watched her look at him in confusion and when he looked down at her hands, her gaze followed his. She released her hands, stretching out her fingers. “I didn’t even notice. You’d think I’d get use to this. But it never happens. I guess I’m just too type A to allow someone else to fly the plane.”

“Don’t tell me the Renaissance woman is a pilot as well.”

Barb chuckled. “No, just a control freak.”

“As soon as they get us up, I’ll order a few beers. We’ll have to drink fast though, Las Vegas isn’t that far.”

“Believe me, I can chug with the best of them. Occupational hazard when you manage bull riders.” Barb turned away from the window and faced Hunter.

“I’m curious. Whatever made you decide to get into this business? Seems more suited for … ” Hunter paused, searching for a word.

“Suited for a man? Or were you going to say a retired bull rider?” Barb set her shoulders, waiting for his answer. “Because if you go all nineteen-fifties on me, I’m going to have to deck you. Mom at home raising kids, dad going to work, you know that’s a dream life, right?”

“I was going to say someone more stodgy. You know, like those big belly businessmen that hang around the corrals, trying to land the next Lane Frost or Tuff Hedeman. All dressed up in what they think passes as rodeo gear, or maybe did twenty years ago.” Hunter smiled. “Believe me, if you had come to talk to me about my future when I was riding, college would have been out the window.”

Barb tilted her head. “I didn’t know you rode. Your file doesn’t mention it.”

Hunter laughed. “You mean the press release version of Hunter Martin, the youngest marketing director in Martin Dairy history? I would have thought a smart girl like you would see through the public relations crap.”

“Other than the file your company has been distributing, there isn’t much else out there on you. I know where you like to drink your tequila shots but that’s from hanging out in the same dives when I’m home. I know you were voted most likely to succeed and most likely to make a movie by thirty by your senior class.” Barb smiled seductively. “Was that because of your drama credits or your smile?”

“Mostly because of my reputation as a high school Casanova. There were just too many pretty girls and not enough days in the week. I had to learn to juggle.”

“Juggle women?” Now both of Barb’s eyebrows rose.

“Dates. And mix in football games and debate. Believe me, it’s a losing concoction. I had a party at my house one night when the folks were out of town and seven girls who thought we were dating showed. After that fiasco, I kept it down to one girl at a time.” Hunter grinned.

“Very sporting of you.” Barb shook her head. “Too bad Jesse’s not here. I’m sure he could match you story for story. At least in the dating department. That boy was trouble the day he landed on this earth.”

“You’ve known him a long time?” Hunter felt a stab of jealousy. Maybe there was more to Barb and Jesse than just manager and client.

“Jesse was a year younger at Shawnee. I guess I’ve known him forever. I don’t really remember him until Lizzie, she’s my best friend, started dating James freshman year. Everywhere James went his little brother followed. He was a funny kid, I mean funny, ha ha, not funny weird.”

“So you guys grew up in the same town?” This was sounding worse and worse. The two had history together.

“Shawnee, Idaho. Population five hundred and one as of today. But Lizzie’s expecting twins so that will bump up the census soon.” Barb smiled. “Shawnee’s famous in local circles for the earliest rodeo of the season. First weekend of May, sun, rain, or snow.”

“I think I went up for a rodeo with my frat brothers when I was in college. Pretty much a weekend party more than just a rodeo.”

Barb laughed. “That’s Shawnee. Hell, the whole town gets involved. The churches have yard sales, the school has a quilt show, and the FFA sells water and hot dogs for the parade.”

“All I remember are the bars. Man, those rodeo chicks can dance.”

“And now you’re on your way to Vegas. I’m sure you can find a gal or two who will two-step with you,” Barb teased.

“This trip isn’t about the party. I told Dad I’ll let you do your dog and pony show before I made up my mind about the sponsorship. And the rodeo is part of that show, although I think you’re missing your dog.”

Barb frowned. “Jesse will be there.”

When she didn’t elaborate, Hunter glanced down the aisle for the flight attendant. They’d talked all the way through the takeoff and the keeper of the beer was two aisles away. “So now that I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth, do you want a beer?”

Hunter could see Barb fighting a grin. “That would be lovely.”

“Maybe dinner when we land?” Hunter gave the order to the flight attendant.

“This is a working trip for me, you know.” Barb glanced out the window at the still bright sky.

“Your star bull rider isn’t even in town tonight. And isn’t convincing me to sponsor him your real job this trip?” Hunter knew he was playing the sponsor card, pushing for time with her, but, man, he wanted to keep that smile on her face directed at him.

“That’s the trouble with you sponsors. You all think it’s all about you.”

“I don’t think that.”

Barb took the beer the flight attendant offered. “You don’t?”

Hunter popped open the can, took a swig, then answered. “Of course not. It’s all about the money.”

Staring at the little black dress she had slipped on after her shower, Barb pulled her curly hair back into a low chignon knot and sighed. What had she been thinking when she’d packed her bag? This dress was probably the most conservative one she owned and the neckline plunged way too low for dinner. A completely platonic business dinner with Hunter.

And the slut in the black dress.

Barb slipped on her black pumps and grabbed her matching clutch. Might as well get this mess of a dinner over with and seal the deal on this contract. Although after the plane ride, Barb didn’t think it would be that easy. She glanced at the display on her phone. No missed calls. She’d called Cassie as soon as the plane had landed, but her mom had already gone to bed. It was hard on her, getting a new caretaker, but Cassie had come highly recommended.

All she had to do was get Hunter to sign the contract and she’d have enough of a boost in her income to put her mother into the home. Not the most charitable of thoughts, but Barb had realized long ago the day would come. Her mom’s attacks were coming on faster and faster, leaving the woman drained each time she returned to some sort of clarity.

No, Barb wasn’t doing her mom any favors by ignoring the problem. She just wished the world wasn’t sitting on top of her shoulders. At least just for one night.

With one last glance in the mirror, she left the hotel room, slipping her cell in her purse. She still hadn’t heard from Jesse, either. That man kept her on her toes. Last year, when James had stayed on as part time manager of his brother, she hadn’t had this problem. This year, James had turned all the management over to her so he could help Lizzie more. Half way through the season and she felt like she was dragging Jesse to every event. The boy seemed distracted even when he was present. Maybe he had girl problems. Not having James at his beck and call must have put a hole in his social circle. Barb smiled thinking about James and Lizzie, sitting at home cuddled on the couch. Star-crossed lovers that were finally meant to be together. Too bad the happy ever after ending didn’t work for everyone.

Coming out of the elevator, she glanced around the lobby. Men in tight jeans, button-down collared shirts, and Stetsons crowded the ornately decorated room. For a town that prided itself on flash and garnish, the hotel looked like it could have been downtown Chicago or New York based on the cold, modern lobby. The only nod to the rodeo that weekend in their convention center was the full-sized black stone statue of a rider on a bucking horse placed strategically in the middle of the lobby area.

“Barb?” a male voice called out.

She glanced toward the voice. Adam Wainscott, owner of Wainscott Honda, another of her sponsors, held up a longneck bottle. Barb walked over to Adam and his sidekicks. The man never showed up at events alone. Time for a little marketing schmooze.

“Adam.” She put her hand on his upper arm and embraced him in a slight hug. “I didn’t know you were coming into town this weekend. You should have called. I could have gotten you tickets.”

Adam put his arm around Barb. “Now, see boys, that’s what a sponsorship pays for, service like this.”

The salesmen chuckled at the slight innuendo.

Barb kept her smile but wanted to slug Adam in his too round gut. “Seriously, do you need tickets to the events? Jesse’s riding Sunday.”

“Nah, my secretary took care of all that. I just came up to show the guys what a real boys’ weekend is like. These two sold more Hondas last month than the rest of the staff combined. I’m real proud of them.” He nodded toward the dining room. “Why don’t you join us for some dinner?”

The two men standing with Adam nodded enthusiastically, reminding Barb of the little dog on the dashboard of her mom’s car growing up. The head and tail had bounced as they drove down the road, the plastic dog happy to be along for the ride.

“I’ll have to take a rain check, Adam. I already have plans.” Barb scanned the room again for Hunter. Seriously, why was she always searching for the men in her life? Earlier Jesse had kept her waiting, tonight it was Hunter’s lateness that was allowing Adam’s salesmen to stare at her breasts like they had x-ray vision. She wanted to tell the men they were just boobs. That half the population had them. More than half if you counted the man boobs on men like Adam. But she kept her mouth shut.

“Who’s the lucky man? I might have to arm wrestle him for you.” Adam pulled her just a little too tightly and way too close to him. She didn’t know if she’d ever get the smell of his cheap cologne out of her dress.

“I am.” Hunter’s voice came from behind them and Adam quickly dropped his arm, releasing Barb.

What a complete chicken shit.

Barb stepped back and put her arm around Hunter who softly enveloped her into his arm. She smiled, pleased he’d followed her lead. “Adam, I’d like you to meet Hunter Martin.”

Adam tipped his hat like he really was some sort of cowboy. “I didn’t know you were dating, Barb.”

Hunter didn’t flinch. “We’ve been incognito for a while. You know how the press can be with celebrity couples.”

The three men glanced at each other, a question forming on each face.

“Of course,” Adam said quickly. “Well, I’m sure our table’s ready by now. Tell Jesse we’ll be rooting for him come Sunday.” Adam ushered the two men away from Hunter and Barb. As they reached the dining room entrance, one of the men turned back and stared. Their voices carried over the marble lobby so Barb could hear the conversation.

“Who is he?” a salesman asked Adam.

“Idiot,” Adam responded. “I can’t believe you don’t know him.”

Barb watched as the men disappeared into the restaurant. She turned to Hunter, smiling. “Nice touch with the celebrity thing. Now Adam will have to have his secretary Google you when they get back.”

“Think he’ll be disappointed when he finds out I’m a marketing director for a dairy company?” Hunter smiled down at her.

Suddenly Barb was too aware of Hunter’s arm still wrapped around her waist. Standing there next to one another and holding on like a couple in love. Barb dropped her arm and stepped out of Hunter’s embrace.

“He’ll get over it.” Barb nodded to the hotel’s dining room. “Ready for dinner?”

Hunter put his hand on her arm and led her to the concierge’s stand instead. “Sorry, but I made other plans for us.” He nodded to the concierge stand. “Let’s check and see if our limo’s ready.”

Barb frowned. “We come to a rodeo and you hire a limo?”

“I told you Dad forced my hand on this trip. I’m just making sure the old man pays for the pleasure of your company tonight. We’re heading to the best steak house in town. I hope you have an appetite.” Hunter glanced at Barb, his gaze dropping down and covering her entire body. “Although how you’re going to eat in that dress is beyond me.”

“It’s Lycra,” Barb teased. “One size fits all.”

“Don’t play with me. I think my heart just stopped for a second.”

“So you like?” Barb slowly twirled.

“If he doesn’t, I do.” The concierge smiled, holding the door open for the couple.

Hunter shook his head. “I can’t leave you alone for a second without every Tom, Dick, and Harry coming on to you.”