Wild About the Wrangler (10 page)

Vince laughed, but then he stopped laughing and gazed at Mac. “There's a rumor Anastasia has a crush on you. I think Ida's behind it, and I've been on the receiving end of her manipulations, but . . . Georgie's noticed a lot of pictures of you showing up in Anastasia's sketchbook.”

“That's all under control.” At least he hoped to hell it was.

Vince hesitated. “I'm not going to tell you what to do or not do, but she . . . she believes in the fantasy—a hero on a white horse and happily ever after, all that stuff.”

“I figured as much. As we both know, I'm not that hero.”

“Your opinion, not mine. Your marriage didn't work out, but why is that all your fault?”

“Because
she
left
me.
I didn't even realize she was unhappy until she walked out the door. We'd been having regular sex, and I thought that meant things were fine.”

Vince smiled. “Usually it does mean that. Has it ever crossed your mind that Sophie was the one with the problem?”

“No, because when she left, she told me I didn't understand her at all. Which I guess I didn't since she was heading out the door and I had no idea why.”

“But what if she—”

“Vince, I appreciate you sticking up for me, but you're my friend. Of course you'll think it was her fault and not mine. I also got a call after the fact from her mother, who said the same thing. I didn't understand her daughter and it was my fault the marriage was ending.”

“You were young. She was even younger. Nobody knows what they're doing at that age.”

“Yeah, but the thing is, I still don't.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Anyway, you need to go make lunch for Georgie. Don't worry about Anastasia. I know I'm not the right guy for her.”

“I wasn't
worried
exactly.”

Mac laughed. “Yeah, you were, and I understand. You're about to be married to the woman's protective big sister and you want peace in the family. Don't blame you.”

“Which reminds me, we sort of got off the subject of when Anastasia could handle that trail.”

“When do you want her to be able to handle it?”

“A week from Saturday.”

Mac stared at him in shock. “You plan to squeeze your wedding in before the film crew gets here?”

“We've had the license for months. Georgie has the dress. So we're only missing dresses for Anastasia and Charmaine.”

“Dresses?” He wondered how Anastasia would do riding in a dress.

“Yeah, they'll have split skirts. You've probably seen pictures of weddings on horseback. We're going for an old-fashioned look.”

“Okay.”

“Renting everything for the guys will be easy. If we get married in the box canyon there won't be decorating involved. The reception will be at Sadie's and Henry Blaylock is a genius of a chef. He'll be able to whip up a reception menu in no time. I don't mind having the reception there. I just want the ceremony in the canyon.”

“Wow. You're far more organized than I thought. What's the rush?”

“Other than the fact that I'm madly in love with my fiancée, only one thing has added a note of urgency. Georgie found out last week that she's pregnant.”

“For the love of God, Vince. Didn't anybody ever explain to you about condoms?”

“Sure.” Vince smiled. “But it's a lot more fun without them.”

“I'm sure it is, although I've never had the pleasure. And I guess I can understand. You were expecting to get married any minute.”

“I thought it would be long before this, but Georgie wouldn't talk to her sister about the horse thing. Surprised me, but I couldn't budge her.”

Mac would bet not, knowing the whole story. “Is anybody else aware of this situation besides you, me, and Georgie?”

“The doctor in Amarillo.”

“Naturally, but besides that. Anastasia, for instance?”

“Georgie would rather not tell her and put more pressure on her about the riding thing. I honestly don't get it. Riding at a walk or maybe an easy trot out to Wild Horse Canyon should be no big deal.”

Mac kind of liked that he knew something about Anastasia that Vince didn't. “I won't say a word, either. And I think she'll be ready to go out there a week from Saturday, especially with the two extra days. But that's totally up to her, and she needs to know this new plan ASAP.”

“She will. Once I tell Georgie you think it's doable, she'll call Anastasia and see what she thinks. We won't finalize anything until Anastasia agrees to it.”

“If you made it the following weekend, you'd give Anastasia more time and your wedding would be on national TV.”

“Exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I'm happy to be the spokesperson for Wild Horse Canyon Adventures. But this is a private celebration.”

“Gotcha. And congratulations, stud.” He clapped Vince on the shoulder.

Vince's grin was a mile wide. “Hard to believe, huh? I'm gonna be a daddy.”

“You'll be a great one.” And there was that prick of envy, again. His decision not to remarry meant he'd never feel the joy that Vince was experiencing right now. He'd just have to accept that, but right now he was jealous as hell.

L
ike a starstruck teenager, Anastasia had been waiting for Mac to walk in the door of Sadie's ever since Travis had arrived for lunch around one. When Mac didn't join him, she wondered if he'd stayed away on purpose. That would be a shame. She knew he liked coming in here for the food, the beer, and the camaraderie.

She'd been busy with portraits ever since coming in at twelve, but eventually she had a break. Travis was still sitting at the bar eating his lunch and talking to Ike. So she walked over to say hello.

He turned to her with his usual cheerful smile. “Hey, beautiful. Looks like business is booming in your corner of the world.”

“Fortunately, yes. How are you?”

“Most excellent, pretty lady. Vince and Georgie just gave Mac and me the next weekend off.”

“Is that right? What about the trail rides?” And would Mac stick around to give her extra lessons?

“Vince and Georgie want to take a turn at the helm. You know how Georgie loves going out to see those wild horses.”

“She does. It's her passion. Well, other than Vince.”

“That's a fact.” Travis polished off the last of his sandwich.

“What are you going to do with all that free time?”

“Drive to Clovis.”

“Ah. Good choice. I'm sure your family will be happy to see you.”

“I know. Who wouldn't be?” He winked at her. “Tried to get ol' Mac to go along on that trip, but apparently he'd rather sand floors. If he's any example of how homeownership turns a person into a drudge, count me out.”

“To each his own, I guess.” Then Mac wasn't going anywhere this weekend. But he was officially on vacation. That might mean he wouldn't want to give her lessons. “Where is he, by the way? I was surprised he didn't come in with you.”

“You and me, both. He said he'd eat at home. Now if Mac happened to be a gourmet cook, I could understand that. But he's not.” Travis gestured to his plate. “He'd never come up with a meal like that, not even on his best day. Henry's cooking is not to be missed. Am I right?”

“You're right. Nobody cooks like Henry.”

“Agreed.” He leaned closer. “On another food-related subject, my sources tell me that you had dinner with Georgie last night. Any word on the wedding date?”

“Nope.” She gazed at Travis. “You missed your calling. You should have been a bookie. Or a PI. Or a standup comic.”

“With all my many talents, why is it that you haven't tried to seduce me?”

She patted his arm. “Pretty as you are, it would be like having sex with my kid brother.”

“First of all, I'm older than you, and second of all, you don't have a kid brother. I keep track. I know these things.”

“No, I don't have a kid brother, but if I did, he would be exactly like you, only younger.” She glanced over at her table and noticed a man lingering there. “Excuse me, but I think I have a live one.”

“That's okay. I need to finish my beer and get back to the stable. I'm trying to talk Ed into putting in an automatic watering system for the barn. The money's there and I could install it for him, but he's resistant. He's still using a hose and a bucket.”

“Ed's old school.”

“Tell me about it. See you later for darts?”

“I'll be here.” She returned to her table.

A man who looked to be in his early fifties stood leafing through the portfolio she kept there for just that purpose. He glanced up and smiled.

He had very white teeth, made even more startling by his deep tan. She suspected he was proud of those teeth. And maybe a little vain about the gray at his temples, judging from the way he smoothed his hair back.

“Can I help you?”

“I'd like a charcoal portrait.” He held out his hand. “The name's Ryan Nesbitt.” He said it as if she should recognize it. He had a sure grip and the air of someone used to wielding power.

“I'd be glad to.” She gestured to the chair she used for her subjects. “Have a seat.”

As he sat down, he glanced around the room as if searching for something. “I wish I had a cowboy hat.”

“You'd like your portrait with one?”

“Yeah, I would. It seems appropriate if I'm getting it done in Sadie's, the watering hole for Wild Horse Canyon Adventures. But this was a last-minute decision and I don't have a hat.”

“I may know someone who'd loan you his.”

“That cowboy you were talking to? He has a great hat. And it's seen enough wear to give it character. Think he'd let me borrow it for a little while?”

“I'll go ask.” She walked back over to the bar and noticed Travis still had some beer left. “My client wants to know if he can borrow your hat for his sitting. I can be done before you finish your beer.”

Travis grinned at her. “What's it worth to you?”

“Not much. If you won't do it, I'll go find Steve and see if he has one I can use. This place is lousy with cowboy hats. I'm offering to immortalize yours.” She lowered her voice. “And from the looks of this guy, his portrait will hang in a place of honor. With your hat on his head.”

With a dramatic sigh, he picked up his beer, drained it, and slid off the stool. “In that case, allow me to deliver this important hat in person.”

She laughed. “Okay. You can stick around and chat with him while I draw.”

“Might as well. I already know he has good taste in art and hats.” Travis snagged a vacant chair as they walked over to Anastasia's corner. “I'm Travis Langdon.” He held out his hand as he set the chair down. “I understand you could use a temporary hat.”

“That I could.” Ryan stood and shook hands with Travis while he introduced himself with the same flourish as he had with Anastasia. Either he was a mover and shaker or he was good at imitating the type.

Travis sat down before taking off his brown Stetson and handing it to Ryan. “There you go. I hope it fits.”

“Looks like it will.” He glanced at the label inside. “Nice.”

“I'm particular about my hats. Where're you from?”

“L.A.” He settled the hat on his head and instantly transformed himself into a cattle baron. He had that kind of charisma.

“That was my guess,” Travis said. “What brings you to Bickford?”

“Actually I was in Amarillo visiting a friend and stopped by an art gallery there. Saw some of Ms. Bickford's work. Bought the one of the cowboy sitting on the barstool.”

Anastasia stopped in midstroke. “You did?”

“That would be my friend Mac,” Travis said. “She has a bunch of drawings of Mac on a barstool.”

“Well, I really liked it. So naturally I asked about the artist and the gallery owner directed me to Bickford and Sadie's.”

She stared at him, still not quite believing what he'd said. “This is the first time anyone's ever bought something and then come down here to meet me.”

“I'm surprised. You're very talented. I'd think people would be beating a path to your door.”

“I tell her that all the time,” Travis said. “She's great.”

She shook herself out of her daze long enough to smile at Ryan. “Thank you. But that's the only gallery where I have my work for sale, so my exposure is limited.”

“The
only
gallery? Nothing in Dallas or Santa Fe?”

“Nope.”

He looked puzzled. “Why is that?”

“Just haven't gotten around to contacting anyone else.” She didn't want to admit to this worldly man that she was shy about asking a gallery owner to display her art. Georgie had talked her into doing it once, and they'd discussed contacting other galleries elsewhere, but she couldn't see the point when she had so much business right here.

“I see. Well, I predict your anonymity won't last.”

“That's what I think, too,” Travis said. “She did a sketch of me a while back. Awesome. And I was wearing that same hat.”

Ryan chuckled. “You could sit here and charge guys for the use of your hat as a prop.”

“That's not a bad idea. Except I won't charge you. It's on the house.”

“I appreciate that.”

“No problem. But you talking about the hat as a prop tells me you might be connected with Hollywood somehow. Am I right?”

“Very observant.”

“Actor?”

“No. No talent for acting. I'm just one of the guys who helps make films happen.”

“Cool.” Travis nodded.

Anastasia expected him to keep digging until he'd identified exactly what Ryan Nesbitt did in Hollywood. She was curious, and Travis must be, too.

To her surprise, he veered onto a different topic. “We're hoping the old movie theater down the street opens soon. It's one of those single-screen beauties that they don't build anymore.”

“I saw that as I was walking down here. I love those historic movie houses. There's one in my hometown I'm itching to restore.”

“Velvet upholstery and velvet curtain over the screen?”

“Oh, yeah, and gilt trim everywhere.”

“And wall sconces from the forties.”

“Exactly!”

Anastasia listened in astonishment as Travis kept up with the guy as they compared notes on the wonders of old theaters. She'd had no idea Travis knew that much about them. Their animated conversation left her free to fully concentrate on the sketch, which was a luxury she didn't often have. She drew Ryan with the image of a cattle baron in her mind, because she thought he'd like seeing himself that way.

As she worked, she considered the incredible fact that he'd driven down from Amarillo specifically to meet her. No one had ever done that before.

Georgie and others kept saying that she had what it took to make it big, but they were her friends and family. They were supposed to believe in her talent. This man was a stranger. No one had twisted his arm to get him down here. He'd come because he'd liked her pictures in the gallery. He'd even bought one.

Therefore she was a little more nervous than usual when she finished the sketch and turned it around for him to see. After all this buildup, a negative reaction would be difficult to take.

His eyes widened, and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Then he broke into a wide smile. “Amazing! You made me look like I belong in that hat!”

Giddy with relief, she almost leaned over and kissed him for giving her the perfect compliment. “That's what I was going for.”

“Well, you nailed it. That'll look great in my office. I'll have it framed in old barn wood.” He glanced over at Travis. “I don't suppose you'll sell me this hat.”

“Sorry. It's broken in.”

“That's why I want it. But I respect the fact that you won't sell it to me.” He handed it back with obvious reluctance. “If I owned that hat, I wouldn't sell it, either.” He stood. “Guess I'd better get going. My friend's expecting me back for dinner.”

Anastasia and Travis stood, too. She took the money he handed her and thanked him.

“No, no, thank
you.
You really should raise your prices.” He held up the folder with his portrait in it. “This will be worth significant money someday. So will the one I bought this morning.”

“Now you're making me blush.”

“Get used to blushing, young lady. You have a bright future.” He shook hands with Travis and gave Anastasia a quick hug. Then he was gone.

Travis stared after him. “Who
was
that guy?”

“I don't know, but I thought for sure you were going to dig until you found out. Then you stopped digging. How come?”

“I got a clear message that he didn't want to tell us exactly what he did. If we didn't recognize his name, and he knew right away we didn't have a clue, then he'd enjoy being anonymous for a little while. People probably hit him up for favors if he tells them his title. But I guarantee he doesn't mop floors over there.”

“I don't think so, either. Whew. It's been quite a day. I need coffee and lots of it.” She walked over to the bar and ordered a cup.

“You haven't had lunch, either.”

“Oh. I forgot about that.”

“Hey, Ike,” Travis called out. “Better bring our famous artist a sandwich to go with the coffee. She looks a little peaked.” He guided her onto a barstool. “Scoot on up there before you fall over.”

“Good idea.” Ike delivered her coffee and she thanked him before cradling the mug and taking a sip. Ah. Then Travis took the barstool next to her and she glanced over at him. “Aren't you supposed to be somewhere?”

“I'm going, right after I find out why you're so desperate for coffee today. Long night of sketching?”

“Long night, early morning.”

“Yeah, right.” He chuckled. “What'd you do, get up at ten forty-five instead of eleven?”

That's when she realized she hadn't meant to say anything about her early morning to Travis. He was fun to have around, but he couldn't always remember when to keep his mouth shut. He might be getting better, though.

Just now he'd pulled back from questioning her client about his job in Hollywood. And he'd been very sweet about loaning his hat. He'd be insulted if he found out long after the fact that she'd been taking riding lessons from Mac.

She took another sip of coffee before looking over at him. “You have to keep this under your hat.”

“You mean this hat?” He pointed to it. “The one that some rich Hollywood dude was ready to pay a small fortune for? Is that the hat to which we're referring?”

She sighed. “Yes. I can see that's a story that's never going to die.”

“Not if I can help it. So why are you so tired?”

“I was over at Ed's by six this morning.”

“I'm sorry. What?”

“You heard me. I was at the stable by six because Mac is teaching me to ride.”