Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys

by D'Ann Lindun

  Alannah fiddled with her camera strap again. “I don’t think a long-distance relationship would work. I’m all over the country, never in the same place two days in a row.”

  “That’s up to you two,” Mila said. “But if you don’t already know, Gentry’s mother left his father when Gentry was a boy. She went on frequent shopping trips. It turned out she was having an affair. Finally, she went away and never came back.”

  “He told me left, but not why.” A lot about Gentry just became clear, and her heart twisted for the little boy he’d been.

  “It’s not something he talks about, and I probably shouldn’t have,” Mila said. “But I don’t want to see him hurt.”

  “I understand,” Alannah murmured. Disappointment flooded her. There was no way she could take this relationship any further. Long distance wouldn’t work for Gentry, because of his mother’s infidelity. He’d never agree to give seeing her from the road a try. She had to shut down her growing feelings for him and leave before they grew any stronger. She had plenty of pictures; she would hit the trail in the morning.

  The men returned carrying four red Solo cups. Gentry handed one to her. “The line wrapped around the building.”

  “Thanks.” She sipped the ice-cold beer. “Ah, that’s good.”

  “The band is about to start,” Mila said. “You really know Skye Blue?”

  “I do,” Alannah confirmed. Before she could elaborate, the crowd roared.

  They turned their attention to the stage where the lead singer, a curvy blonde, grabbed the microphone. “Hello! How is everyone tonight?”

  The crowd erupted in applause.

  Alannah put her worries aside as the excitement thrumming through the crowd swept her along. The band played several upbeat songs she recognized as past hits. She tapped her toe with the beat as she enjoyed nearly forgotten favorites.

  When the band slowed down, and the notes of their biggest hit swelled over the evening air, Gentry took her hand. Surprised, she glanced at him. When he sang along, looking into her eyes the entire time, her heart expanded like a balloon. He had a beautiful voice, certainly good enough to be on stage with the professional performers.

  The look in his eyes made her squirm. Hot, passionate, full of promises.

  Her breath caught, and her heart twisted into a painful knot. She had fallen hard for this man.

  The truth of it hit her like a blow.

  She was in trouble.

  The song ended, and she leaned his direction to press a kiss against his lips. “That was beautiful.”

  “So are you,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. Leaving him was going to be the hardest thing she’d ever done.

  CHAPTER NINE

  After the conclusion of the concert, they bid Gentry’s friends goodbye with the promise to get together soon, although Alannah knew she wouldn’t see these people again. Damn. She liked Mila a lot. Maybe they could’ve become friends.

  She handed one of her business cards to Mila. “Email me if you like. Or friend me on Facebook. I check it all the time.”

  Mila hugged her. “I will. Take care.” She pulled back and gave her a searching look. “You okay?”

  Alannah fought the unexpected lump in her throat. “I’m fine.”

  After they left, she turned toward Gentry. “Would you like to meet Skye? I think I can get us backstage if you’d like.”

  He looked skeptical. “How?”

  She tugged his hand. “Come on, and I’ll show you.”

  At the edge of the stairs, she stopped a stagehand and gave him one of her cards. “Could you give this to Skye and ask her if I can see her?” Would her old friend agree to a visit, or had too much time passed since they’d been together? When she’d shot pictures of the band for the magazine a few years ago, she and the lead singer hit it off, although they’d lost touch in the last couple of years.

  Alannah realized she’d let too many friendships slide as she pursued success. When she needed someone, who would be there for her?

  The roadie hesitated then shrugged. “Wait here.”

  A few minutes went by before the stagehand returned. “Follow me.” He led the way to the huge bus at the back of the stage. “Go on in.”

  Before she could knock, the door was thrown open, and she was enveloped in a bear hug. “Hi, honey.”

  Laughing, Alannah hugged the other woman back. “Skye! Great to see you.”

  The curvy blonde released her and took a step back. “Girl! It’s been way too long. Come in. Come in.”

  Inside, Alannah turned to Gentry. “Skye Blue Barron, I’d like you to meet Sterling Gentry.”

  The exuberant blonde kissed his cheek. “Delighted.”

  “Good to know you,” he said.

  Skye indicated the couch along one wall of the bus. “Sit, please. Want a beer?” Without waiting for an answer, she retrieved three Coronas from the fridge and handed one to each of them. Settling into the cushions on the opposite sofa, she said, “It’s been way too long. What have you been up to?”

  Alannah shrugged. “Same old thing. Traveling. Taking pictures. You know the drill.”

  “Indeed, I do.” Skye looked at Gentry over the lip of her bottle. “Until I find a man like this one to tempt me into settling down.”

  Heat climbed up Alannah’s face. “It’s not like that.”

  Skye burst out laughing. “Well, honey, I haven’t seen you in what, a year or two? And even I can see how bad you want this boy. It’s written all over you. Don’t let him get away. Cause if you do, someone might jump right in and steal him.”

  Alannah wanted to crawl under the bench seat. She’d forgotten how blunt her friend could be. “Skye, please.”

  The irrepressible singer guffawed. “Just calling it like I see it.”

  Refusing to meet Gentry’s eyes, Alannah attempted to change the subject. “I heardthe band broke up. That’s what the papers said, anyway. I’m sorry I didn’t call—”

  Skye waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it, honey. I understand busy. I’ve been hopping like a one-legged man at a jump-rope contest.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Alannah said sincerely. “If you’re ever looking for another singer, you should hire Gentry. He can really belt one out.”

  Skye looked his way. “That right? You lookin’ for a job?”

  “I have one, thanks.” Pride filled his voice. “I raise cattle and horses.”

  “Ah, a real cowboy.” She winked at him. “I’ve known one or two of you guys in my time. I might even have one of my own now.”

  He grinned. “Lucky him.”

  She turned uncharacteristically serious. “I wouldn’t leave your life either. There’s nothing like knowing where you belong.”

  Her friend’s words hit home. Could Alannah give up her career? Stay in one place and be content? She feared not. If she gave up everything she’d worked for, she couldn’t get it back. The risk was too great. Great that it worked out for Skye, but she’d probably just gotten lucky.

  Heaviness settled around her heart. This was her last night with Gentry.

  ~*~

  Alannah knew by now when Gentry was upset. “What’s wrong?”

  He glanced at her with his brows furrowed. “You know a lot of famous people?”

  Alannah glanced at his profile. “A few.”

  His jaw worked, but he didn’t speak. He looked her way again. “Is my life too boring for you? Is that why you won’t stay?”

  “Of course not,” she denied. “Why would you think so?”

  “Why the hell would I think anything different?” He snorted. “Because I’m a rancher and you’re not? Good enough to fuck, but not good enough to stick around for?” His hands clenched on the wheel and his shoulders were rigid.

  “That’s not true,” she protested.

  “Isn’t it?”

  “Of course not.” She fought to breathe. This was not how she envisioned her last night with Gentry. “I took you backstage
to meet Skye, didn’t I?”

  “Yeah.” He snorted. “To display me like I was a stallion at a stud service auction.”

  Her own anger began to build. “You’re being ridiculous.”

  “Am I? I don’t think so.”

  “What do you want from me?” She wrapped her fingers in her skirt until they turned white. “Spell it out, because I’m not sure I know.”

  “I want you.” The words came out ragged, as though ripped from his throat.

  The simple words shocked her anger away. “What are you saying?”

  He pulled to the side of the road and turned off the engine. “You heard me.”

  She wet her lips. “Repeat it, please.”

  “I’d rather show you.” He placed his Stetson on the dash and slid across the seat. The look in his eyes left no doubt in her mind what he intended.

  She met him halfway.

  Their lips crashed together, tongues tasting. Seeking, pleasing.

  Her fingers fumbled at the buttons of her dress.

  “Let me,” he growled against her mouth. “I’ve wanted to do this all day.”

  With a happy sigh, she dropped her hands to her sides as he began the task of undoing the massive row of buttons. It seemed to take forever, but he managed to bare her to the waist. He pressed his lips to her middle, right above her bellybutton stud. She squirmed.

  “Let’s get in the backseat.” His voice ripped across her jagged nerves. “More room.”

  She took his hands and slid across the seat to his side. But before she could climb out, he reached for his belt buckle. After placing her hands over his, they undid it together. He shimmied out of his jeans and shorts, kicking them, along with his boots, aside. The backseat was forgotten in their haste.

  She toed off her own boots, letting them fall in the dirt.

  Leaning forward, she tore open the pearl snaps on his shirt. He shrugged out of it, letting it fall on top of his jeans on the ground.

  He stood before her with his hands at his sides.

  His erect cock sent a flood of wet heat to her pussy.

  He bent and found one of the neon condoms in his jeans, then sheathed himself.

  She stood on the running board and braced her hands on his shoulders as he reached under her full skirt and hooked his thumbs in the waistband of her panties. With a jerk, he ripped them off her hips.

  Gentry grabbed her ass. “Hold up your skirt.”

  She gathered the material and held it at her waist. “Like this?”

  “Yeah.”

  Not exactly sure what he had in mind, she gasped when he picked her up and moved her so that her back rested against the side of the pickup. Alannah wrapped her legs around his waist and braced her palms on his shoulders as he settled her over his erection.

  With a sudden move, he impaled her on his cock.

  Her head lolled back and she dug her nails into his skin.

  He put his hands under her bare ass and tilted her slightly.

  The angle pulled him deeper.

  God!

  His lips clamped over her left nipple and sucked hard. His frantic, wet mouth went back and forth between each breast, tasting, tugging until she thought she’d come undone from the pleasure of his hot mouth on her.

  I might die!

  She tightened her legs around his waist. The action forced her engorged clit against him. A scream gurgled up her throat and tore from her mouth.

  “Gentry!”

  The sound of his name from her mouth drove him to push deeper, harder. All she could do was hold on as he pounded into her. Each thrust sent her a little further over the edge.

  She dug her heels into his ass as the muscles in her stomach tightened. Her body shook, threatened to break apart.

  When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he reached between them and flicked his thumb over her ultra-sensitive clit. A shudder rocketed through her.

  Her cries turned to sobs as her body constricted around him. “I love you.”

  What?

  Had she said it out loud?

  When he found his own release moments later, his guttural cry raked over her like a physical touch. She slumped into his chest and held on; the sound of his harsh breathing filled the night air.

  He kissed her gently then took her from him and placed her on the seat of the truck with her facing him. He lifted one strap of her dress, then the other. As carefully as if she were a porcelain doll, he fastened every one of the tiny buttons. She blinked back tears. No one had ever done that. Had he heard her declaration of love? If so, he was keeping it to himself.

  “I can’t do anything about your panties,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

  She shrugged. “I have more.”

  He quickly dressed and handed over her boots. She tugged them on and moved over so he could get in.

  He turned her direction and rested his hands on the steering wheel. “This isn’t exactly how I envisioned this, but I would like you to stay. Permanently.”

  Was he asking her what she thought he was? Her heart thudded like a runaway horse’s hooves. “I-I don’t know what to say.”

  “I’m crazy about you, Alannah. We could build a good life together. Give me a chance to show you.”

  Could she do it? Make a life with him, possibly have children? She opened her mouth to say yes when a vision of her parents flashed in front of her eyes.

  Trapped. Unfulfilled. Desperate.

  A shudder ripped down her spine. She put a hand on his arm and squeezed.

  “Please try to understand. I’m sorry. I can’t.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  From the sidelines of the arena, Alannah put her camera aside and rolled her shoulders “Got it.”

  Dale Griffin, the current world-champion tie-down roper, reined his black horse in her direction. “Great. Can I buy you dinner to thank you?”

  She started to refuse. Moping around her hotel room wouldn’t make her feel any better. Or make her forget Gentry any faster. Dale was handsome and nice. Why not? “I’d love to.”

  “Let me put Raven in his stall, and then we can go.” Dale touched the brim of his Stetson.

  “Great.” She hoped he couldn’t see through her fake enthusiasm.

  In a few minutes, Dale appeared. He’d put a western cut jacket over a red shirt and pressed jeans. His ebony Stetson and polished boots turned several female heads as they left the arena.

  Apparently unaware of his admirers, Dale held Alannah’s elbow as they walked to his truck in the parking lot. Polished, handsome, sexy. The world champion had been nothing but charming since she’d met him, but he did nothing for her. Ordinarily, she’d be eating up his unabashed attention, but since she’d left Arizona, all she could think of was a quiet, working cowboy, although it hurt to breathe when he crossed her mind.

  Gentry had been so hurt, so angry, when she packed that he’d barely said goodbye. She’d suggested they meet in a month or so, but he’d flatly refused. For him, it was all or nothing.

  In all fairness, she hadn’t talked to him about trying a long-distance relationship. Instead, she’d packed and left, assuming he’d never go for a working wife who traveled. Why hadn’t she at least approached him about it?

  Maybe a compromise could have been reached.

  Too late now. His pride would never allow her a second chance.

  Dale took her to a nice steakhouse and ordered a nice pinot noir, one she usually liked very much, but she’d prefer a cold Corona with lime like she’d had at the fair. They chatted, getting acquainted. He was easy to talk to, charming, attentive. Any woman’s dream date. If she could get Gentry out of her head, she could easily fall for this man. Nice and handsome as he was, though, he just didn’t match up to the rancher back in Arizona.

  Gradually, Alannah relaxed as the wine and company soothed her nerves. She told Dale about her job but didn’t share her experience in Arizona.

  “Where do you go next?” Dale sipped his wine.

  “I’m ac
tually free for a couple weeks.” She picked at her salad, wishing for one of Lupita’s Mexican specialties.

  “There are a lot of things to do in Houston.” Regret filled his voice. “I’d love to show you around, but unfortunately, I’m heading toward Nevada for a string of rodeos.”

  “Maybe some other time. I might go to Corpus Christi and spend a few days of relaxation on the beach.” The idea held little appeal. All she could think of was a cool pond and a cowboy to go skinny dipping with her.

  “Nice area,” Dale said. “I’ve been there many times.”

  They ate, had an engaging conversation, but Alannah knew she would not accept another date with him if he asked.

  After dinner, Dale drove Alannah to her hotel. He walked her to her door but didn’t try to kiss her, for which she was grateful. He must have sensed her reluctance to go further. She felt confident they parted as friends.

  She changed into her jammies and turned on the TV, but stared at it without seeing the images on the screen. Her mind went to Dale again. Nice guy, but leaving him standing at her hotel door was quite different from the night she’d stripped in Gentry’s pool to seduce him—something she’d never done before. Because everything about him touched her like no other man ever had. Her heart, body and soul simply belonged to Sterling Gentry.

  She paced around the room, chewing her thumbnail, deep in thought.

  Would he give her another try if she forgot pride and went back to him? Begged for a second chance?

  Mind made up, she grabbed her suitcase.

  He was worth taking a risk.

  ~*~

  At the driveway to the Gentry ranch, Alannah took a deep breath. She hadn’t called, preferring instead to spring her presence on Gentry. Would he let her in? Or make her leave? Time to find out.

  She pulled into the driveway and parked. With her heart and pulse pounding, she walked to the front door and rang the bell.

  In a moment, Lupita answered. The old woman’s eyes lit up at the sight of her. “Senorita Alannah. Oh, I’m so glad to see you. Senor Gentry has been so sad since you left.”