She looked across the field and could make out Brent with a megaphone in his hand. The dust rose up some distance beyond him, leading her to believe the cattle were running. “Wow. Look at that, Maxi. Better stay out of the way if you know what’s good for you.”
Zeke walked up with a pail of milk in his hand. “G’mornin’, Ms. Star. Come out to see Mr. Tyler shoot his first stunt scene?”
She shouldn’t have been surprised, but the idea caught her off guard. “Luke’s not going to ride into the middle of the stampede, is he?”
“He sure is,” Zeke answered proudly. “He’s going to save Velvet’s stunt double, Amber, in the process.”
“He is?” She shifted the plate of hotcakes to the other hand. “Where is Amber?” She made a quick scan of her surroundings. Luke sat waiting in the distance on Isobelle. Just the thought of him riding into danger had her heart thumping faster.
“I see Amber over yonder by the ol’ chicken coop.” Zeke pointed in the direction.
“Chicken coop?” All of a sudden, Star realized she hadn’t seen Baby all morning. The last time she saw her, Luke was tucking her in for the night atop his own shirt.
“Zeke, what day is it?” Star knew darned well it was Friday but asked anyway.
“Why, it’s Friday, Ms. Star. Why do you ask?”
Her heart beat just a little faster. The sweat on her brow wasn’t there a second ago. “Did you see Buck this morning with Baby by any chance?”
“Sure. I saw him carryin’ Baby just a short time ago, why?”
Star’s body froze as she answered. “I guess you forgot that Buck always takes her to the old chicken coop on Fridays and lets her peck around for the day. With that injured wing of hers, she can’t fly over there herself.”
“Oh, that’s right. Forgot about her bum wing.” Zeke snapped his fingers and put down the pail, scratching his head.
The ground thundered as the herd headed in their direction. Star’s eyes focused on Amber picking flowers, with her horse not far away. “Maybe Buck took her somewhere else today.” Star tried to believe it, but knew it wasn’t so.
“I don’t think so.” Zeke pointed toward the old coop. “Look.”
There was Baby, wandering out toward Amber, probably mistaking her for Star.
“No!” cried Star. No one seemed to notice Baby because they were all watching Amber running for her horse.
Star dropped the plate of hotcakes, glass shattering as it hit the ground. In one swift move, she hopped the corral fence and jumped onto Licorice’s back. Maxi barked and wagged her tail.
“You stay here with Zeke,” she shouted to the dog. “I’ve got to save Baby.” Star grabbed the reins and kicked her heels into the horse. She didn’t bother to open the gate. One smooth jump and Licorice was over and racing toward the old chicken coop.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the cattle getting closer. Baby was right in the path and would be trampled for sure. Amber was mounting her horse, but Luke was nowhere in sight.
The crowd parted for Star as if she were Moses crossing the Red Sea. She kicked Licorice again and urged her to go faster.
Amber saw her coming and lost her concentration. She dropped the reins and her horse went wild, sensing the stampede heading their way.
“Baby!” shouted Star as she came within a few feet of the chicken that was now running frantically in circles, trying to fly.
“Get the girl out of there!” came Brent’s voice over the megaphone.
Star was close enough to grab Baby, but the cattle were almost on top of her at this point. She knew more than anyone that there was no stopping cattle once they were in a frenzy.
Star took a fistful of Licorice’s mane in one hand, tucking the reins inside. Then in one move, she flipped her legs to the ground. As her feet touched the dirt, she scooped Baby atop the toe of her boot. Flipping the bird in the air, she grabbed it with her other hand and bounced back atop her horse.
Coming nose to nose with Amber’s horse, Licorice reared back as did the other mare.
“Whoa, Licorice, whoa.” Star had her horse under control immediately, but couldn’t say the same for Amber. The stuntwoman’s horse took off toward the rocky patch, twisting its ankle on the rocks. Amber fell to the ground and the horse limped away.
Luke emerged out of the dust, with the cattle right behind him. “Get the hell out of here!” he shouted to Star. He reached down, scooping a limping Amber up onto his horse. Star turned Licorice and got out of the way just as the cattle ran past.
“Cut! Cut!” came Brent’s angry voice over the megaphone.
Star pulled the frightened bird against her chest and rode back to the corral, hoping no one had noticed.
Chapter 10
Star rode straight to the barn and didn’t stop until Licorice was safely in her stall. Jumping off quickly, she tied up the reins and sat on a nearby stool, hugging Baby to her chest. Her heart pounded wildly, but not for fear for her own life. She knew the cattle were coming, and also knew she could collect Baby and get out of there in time.
What she didn’t know was if Amber or even Luke for that matter would get stampeded to death because of her. She hadn’t thought Amber’s horse would have acted so skittish. She didn’t have any intention of breaking Amber’s concentration and putting her in jeopardy. Heck, she was only trying to bring Luke hotcakes and look what that got her. It was an omen, she decided. She was going along with her mother’s evil plan and because of it, God almost took her Baby’s life in return. She couldn’t go through with this. No, she couldn’t do what her mother asked, but neither could she lose Licorice either.
Shouts were heard outside the barn. At any moment, everyone would be in there jumping down her throat for screwing up the scene. Luke would hate her for sure now. He’d probably never even call her that silly name, Twinkles, again, and she deserved it.
The sound of a horse stopping outside the barn took her attention. Running footsteps came closer.
“Star!” Luke shouted, entering the barn. “Star, where are you?”
The gate to the stall burst open and Luke stood there looking down at her with wide eyes. His shirt was torn open, exposing a solid, bronzed chest that expanded every time he tried to catch his breath. It was not what she needed to see at that moment.
Star blinked but didn’t say a word. All the while, she petted Baby and pulled the animal closer in the safety of her arms.
“That damned chicken again!” Luke’s eyes grew a shade darker as he glared at the bird.
“Don’t you dare touch her,” warned Star, protecting the chicken like a mother hen would her chicks, holding out her arm.
“Do you know what just happened out there?” Luke was shouting now. She expected him to be angry, but not like this. The look in his eyes was fury mixed with something she couldn’t identify. Dangerous, yet provocative at the same time.
“I’m sorry.” Star’s voice was meek as she answered. She dragged her eyes away from Luke’s body and stared at the white feathers of the chicken in her arms.
“You’re sorry?” Luke’s words sounded sarcastic and she couldn’t really blame him. “You ruined the scene, not to mention endangered us all and all you can say is you’re sorry?”
Star felt her legs trembling. First her mother chastised her, and now Luke. She started the day out badly and it was only getting worse. Slowly standing up, she gently dropped Baby over the rail into the empty stall next to her. The bird squawked and flapped its wings, settling on the ground. Next, she wiped the dust off one cheek and then wiped her hands on her pants. Luke stood before her with his arms crossed over his chest, waiting for her to answer.
She indiscreetly bit the inside of her cheek, trying to regain her confidence as she rolled up her sleeves. She stared Luke down. His eyes bored into her but she could see now it wasn’t all from anger. No, by the way he was looking at her, she’d say he might just care about her as well as the scene she’d messed up.
“W
hy the hell were you even out there?” growled Luke. “The chicken would have flown out of the way by herself.”
“I was only trying to bring you breakfast.” Never in her life did her words sound so dumb than they did at that very moment. “Besides, Baby has an old injury on her wing and probably would have gotten trampled. She can’t fly.” She finished rolling up her sleeves and took a step closer. Luke rubbed the makeup off one of his shining eyes as he stared at her balled-up fist.
“Don’t even.”
“Don’t even what?” she asked, following his eyes to her fist. Star was surprised to discover what she was unknowingly about to do.
He grabbed her wrists in one hand before she could even consider a swing.
“My senses are a little sharper today, Twinkles. Don’t think you’re going to duke me again.”
“I wasn’t planning on . . .” Star stopped short, not sure what she would have done if Luke hadn’t have stopped her. His firm but gentle grip suddenly felt warm and inviting. She didn’t try to break it, nor did she want to. He’d called her that absurd name Twinkles again, so he couldn’t be as angry as he let on. She relished the way his low voice sounded when he said that childish name. Star should have told him to stop it, but couldn’t.
Luke lowered his voice as he continued. “You could have gotten yourself killed out there today, Star.”
“But I didn’t.” She found herself leaning into him as he pulled her closer.
“This time. Next time you might not be so lucky.”
“There better not be a next time, as far as I’m concerned.” She looked up at him and was surprised to see him staring at her lips. She found herself unconsciously wetting her lips with her tongue and was embarrassed by her own action.
“I thought I’d lost you out there today,” he said softly. His face came closer and she could feel his breath on her wet lips. The smell of coffee on his breath led her to believe someone had given him breakfast, after all.
Luke’s lips came closer and she closed her eyes, willingly raising her chin to welcome the kiss. When their lips met, her body heated up, making her feel like she was about to melt in her boots. Star forgot everything for the moment except for Luke Tyler and his inviting body pressed close to her. Green pastures, blue cloudless skies, summer barbecues, and spring rainstorms flashed through her senses as Luke’s lips caressed hers.
She didn’t even realize he’d released her hands until she felt him pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her. The smell of leather, dust and a tinge of something wild filled her senses. She took a deep breath and savored the scent of Luke. Never had such an earthy smell had her feeling so lightheaded and wonderfully giddy. Star welcomed it, as she welcomed Luke’s touch.
His lips caressed hers once again. This time, his tongue slipping out to find hers. Intimate. Sexual. She loved the private invasion, the feeling of him inside her. Pressed up against him, she could feel him hardening beneath his zipper. It triggered off a moistening between her thighs as she thought of making love with the man.
A part of her came alive that had never before been stirred. Star felt comfortable with Luke, not frightened and tense like she was with Teddy. Something about Luke’s kiss felt right. It was almost like it was what she’d been waiting for her entire life.
Footsteps sounded just outside the barn door. Luke immediately broke their connection and stepped back, taking his enticing body heat with him.
“Tyler, did you find the girl?” called Brent.
“Yeah.” Luke dug in his back pocket and pulled out a toothpick. “She’s in here.” He pulled off the wrapper and stuck the thin wood between his teeth.
Brent appeared at the door to the stall. Daisy and several of the crewmembers were on his heels.
“All right, crew get back to your positions,” said Brent. “Take five until I get there.” As soon as the crew left, Brent turned to Star. “This is going to cost you, Ms. Brighton.” He looked at her over the top of the stall.
“Me? What do you mean?” she asked, not understanding.
“Yes, I would like to know as well what you are insinuating, Mr. Valens.” Daisy came to Star’s rescue.
“Your daughter has put us behind schedule and because of her foolishness, our stuntwoman is injured. I’ll have to hire another one and it’ll cost me plenty to get someone on such short notice,” grumbled Brent.
“So, what are you saying?” Daisy crossed her arms over her ample bosom and stared Brent in the eyes. Star had seen her mother’s intimidating stance many times before. And it usually worked every time. Brent would back down for sure now.
Brent looked at Daisy and then nervously over to Luke. “Tell her, Tyler.”
“Huh?” Luke looked up in surprise.
“Tell her how we’ll have to take it off the top of what we said we’d pay her,” said Brent, no longer looking at the women when he spoke.
Luke removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair, staring at the ground. “Well, I . . .”
“You can’t be serious!” Daisy’s eyes made their way toward Luke. “Mr. Tyler, are you trying to say Valens Motion Pictures is going to pay us less than originally offered?”
“Well, ma’am . . . I wasn’t aware I was trying to say anything, actually.” Brent cleared his throat and exchanged looks with Luke. “But since the subject was brought up . . .” Luke’s eyes met Star’s for a brief second before they fell to the ground once again. He toyed with the toothpick in his mouth before he answered. “We will have to get someone to replace Amber, like Mr. Valens said. And it will cost a lot.”
“I’ll do it!” Star offered. “I’ll be the stuntwoman you need.”
Daisy’s mouth dropped open at the suggestion. “Star! You can’t be serious.”
“I’ll do it so you won’t waste time looking for someone else. However, since it’s such a dangerous job, you will have to pay me well,” Star finished.
“Wait. What are you saying?” Brent asked, scratching his head.
“I think she’s trying to say you found yourself a replacement for Amber,” Luke told him.
“I heard that part, you fool,” snapped Brent.
“It’ll make up for the trouble I’ve caused,” added Star.
“And, of course, you’ll pay Star whatever it was you were paying that stuntwoman,” added Daisy, catching on to Star’s plan.
“That’s outrageous!” bellowed Brent. “There is no way we can accept that offer.”
“Why not?” asked Daisy. “It’ll solve your problems and will keep you on schedule.”
“Tell her why, Luke.” Brent was doing it again.
Luke shifted his stance, then took the toothpick from his mouth and examined it. “It’s too dangerous,” he mumbled.
“Dangerous? For who?” asked Star.
“For you, sweetheart,” Luke told her. “There’s no way I’m going to let you do it. We’ll call around and find another stuntwoman.”
“My daughter can handle it, can’t you, Star?” Daisy looked at Star and nodded. Maybe all their problems would be solved now. Star would actually be working for the money so it wouldn’t be so devious of a plan after all.
“I can ride a horse and rope a steer as good as any man in these parts,” said Star. “I’m sure I can do any stunt work that you throw my way, Mr. Valens.”
Star knew she could do the stunts with no problem. She’d been riding and performing dangerous tricks just for the fun of it since she was a mere child. What she didn’t know was if she could handle working with Luke Tyler. Doing stunts with him would involve close body contact. And close body contact could lead to a number of any other things with the way she was feeling right now.
“Too dangerous,” Luke grumbled again. “I won’t let you do it, Star. We’ll find someone else.”
“No. I want to do it.”
“That’s my girl,” Daisy answered with a smile.
“But . . . but . . .” Brent didn’t know how to answer. “Luke . . . tell them
why she can’t. Tell them why we can’t pay her to do the job either.”
Luke looked over to Star and she boldly raised her chin. No man was going to tell her she wasn’t going to do something once she’d decided she was.
“Is there something you’d like to say, Luke?” Star watched his eyes fall to her sides and she realized she was making fists again. He then fastened his gaze on her lips and she felt her whole body tingle as she remembered the kiss they’d shared just moments ago.
“Yeah.” Luke removed the toothpick from his mouth and threw it to the ground. Star’s heart just about beat from her chest as she waited for his answer.
“Luke’s in charge of the stunts,” Brent told her. “He’s the best stuntman in the business. He makes all the decisions about who I hire. I trust his decision completely. So, if he says it’s too dangerous for Star, that’s the answer.”
“Check with wardrobe,” Luke told Star, almost giving Brent a heart attack.
“I don’t understand.” Star glanced over to her mother.
“I’m sure they’ll find something to fit you,” Luke continued.
Star let out the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. “Thank you. I will.” As she laid a protective hand on Licorice’s shoulder, she caught a nod of approval from her mom. Brent fumed as he headed for the door.
“Tyler, I want a word with you,” he called out to Luke.
“Mr. Valens, I’d like to talk to you about my daughter’s earnings,” Daisy said, following Brent out of the barn. “Plus, I do believe Mr. Tyler still owes us a new truck.”
Luke turned toward Star and took a step closer. He reached out to brush away a strand of hair that had fallen from the tight bun atop her head.
Star swallowed deeply, wondering if he was going to kiss her again. Instead, he yanked at the hairpins, allowing her red locks to fall around her shoulders.
“Ow!” she cried out. “What did you do that for?”
“My co-star never wears her hair like this. It’s downright unappealing.”
“Pardon me?”
“A bird’s nest atop your head is not becoming. If you’re going to be working with me, from now on you’ll wear it the way I like it. Loose and free.”
Starstruck Cowboy (Working Man Series Book 1) Page 8