Branded in Oasis

by Clay, Verna

  Her thoughts had momentarily distracted her from the day's purpose and she jumped when her toast popped up.

  At precisely nine a.m. she walked through the open bay door of Kade's Garage. His office was in the back and enclosed by glass windows. There were two bays in the garage and an old Ford Taurus was in the one she'd entered through, with a Harley motorcycle in the other. Outside, she'd seen two other cars, a nice Honda CR-V and a rusty Ford Fiesta, parked along the side of the garage. Now, walking toward the office, she was impressed at how neat the business was, with tools hanging from pegboards or lying in one of several tool chests, the largest one on rollers. At the rear of both bays, there was diagnostic equipment.

  Kade sat at his desk, shuffling papers, and he glanced up as she approached. Skye's heart pounded, but she made herself appear cool and collected. She even smiled at him. He motioned her inside his office. He almost appeared friendly when she stood in front of his desk. He said, "Skye, I hope you had a nice drive back."

  She tried not to look too shocked when he called her Skye and not Skylar. "Yes. I enjoyed it very much. It's a lovely time of year."

  There was an awkward silence and then Kade laid down the pencil he'd been tapping on a stack of papers. "Uh, well, since I've never done this before, maybe you could clue me in as to what I need to do. You said this should take about two weeks. As you know, the shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and work days I usually close around five."

  He picked up the pencil again and Skye thought, he's nervous. It was endearing and she momentarily liked him. He's actually human.

  Before she could respond, he said, "Please sit down. Can I offer you some coffee?" He motioned toward a table against a side wall.

  "No, thanks. I just had some. Pilar is extending me the use of her other trailer while I'm here and it has all the conveniences of home. I think I'll be very comfortable there." She sat in the chair in front of Kade's desk and placed her backpack on the floor, considering how to explain high fashion modeling to him. "Okay, here's what I think we should do. It would probably be best to capture several candid photos of you first. That way, you can get used to the camera. When you feel comfortable with that, we'll try some poses." She gnawed her bottom lip. "Is there a car or motorcycle you can work on today? Preferably a motorcycle."

  Kade's eyes moved from Skye's mouth to her eyes, and she got a rollercoaster feeling in her stomach.

  He glanced past her shoulder and through the window of his office. "Yeah, there's a bike I can work on."

  "Great. You just do your usual thing while I take pictures. I may call some instructions for you to look happy, angry, intense, some emotion. Also, would you mind pulling the band from your hair so it hangs free, and let me tie a bandana around your forehead."

  Kade frowned and then shrugged. "You're the boss."

  Skye reached into a pocket of her backpack and pulled out a plastic bag of goodies. She unzipped it and decided on the blue bandana as opposed to the red, green, or brown one. When she leaned forward and handed it to Kade across his desk, he got a bemused expression. Skye blushed and said, "I like to come prepared." She hesitated before saying, "Would you mind if I tied the bandana?"

  Kade almost grinned. "Go for it."

  Reaching back into her plastic bag, she removed a brush, and then made a waving motion, as if asking for permission to step behind the desk. Kade's bemused expression returned and he made his own waving motion that it was okay.

  Skye's heart hammered as she stepped behind Kade and lifted the hairbrush to his thick, dark hair, just a shade away from being black. Gently, she brushed the locks that touched his shoulders and when she hit a tangle, she apologized profusely. He merely chuckled. When there were no more tangles, she tied the bandana around his forehead and then stepped back around the desk. She studied him and her breath caught. Just as she had known, the color of the bandana made his pale blue eyes even more outstanding. Wearing faded Levis and a black T-shirt with tats on his biceps peeking from beneath the sleeves, he was a biker personified. A slow smile lit her face and when her gaze met his, it was the first time she didn't see wariness in his eyes. His baby blues caressed her face and he joked, "Will I get my hair combed every day?"

  She laughed, "Most definitely. That's one of the perks of being a model."

  Because she was starting to feel like the plain-Jane teenager with a crush on the hot guy, she shifted into work mode. "Okay, let's get started. You go ahead and do your mechanics thing and forget I'm here. I'm just going to unpack my cameras, get them ready, and try to stay out of your way.

  "Okay." Kade stood, ran his fingers through the back of his hair, and left the office.

  Skye plopped onto her chair and started unloading cameras from her backpack while making herself breathe slowly in and out. This guy was hotter than hot and if he could pose, he was going to be rich and famous. She felt giddy just thinking about being the one to discover the next Sage Tanner, model extraordinaire.

  Chapter 9: Eyeing The Photographer

  While Kade worked on his latest motorcycle customization, he kept sliding his gaze toward Skye. Photography was definitely her forte because her smile never wavered as she darted around him. Occasionally, she'd brush a wayward brunette curl away from her pixie face, and he could practically feel its softness.

  Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he considered his grandmother's insistence that her surgery be postponed until fall because summer was her favorite time of year. He'd grudgingly allowed the surgery to be scheduled three and a half months out in Phoenix. After Shiloh returned home from the rehab center, he planned to hire a caregiver to assist her. He'd already calculated the cost, which was substantial, but for his grandmother he'd do anything—even allow his privacy to be invaded by a persistent photographer. That made him smile and Skye exclaimed. "Oh, perfect. Whatever made you smile, think about it again."

  The wide grin on her face made him chuckle and he said, "It doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?"

  "Only a camera and a great subject to photograph."

  He shook his head. "I can't believe anyone would want to take my picture."

  She talked while she snapped photos. "Do you ever browse fashion magazines?"

  "Never."

  "That's what I thought. Whether you want to believe it or not, you were made for those magazines. If you can cut it, you'll become famous."

  "I don't want to become famous."

  She paused and lifted the viewfinder away from her eye. "So then, why are you doing this?"

  Kade tossed the wrench he was holding on the ground. "I have my reasons."

  "But fame isn't one of them?"

  "That's right."

  "Well, if it isn't fame, then it must be fortune."

  He frowned at her observation but remained silent.

  "Okay, no more questions. Whatever the reason, I'm just happy you changed your mind and called me."

  Kade reached into his toolbox and lifted a larger wrench. For the next hour he tried to concentrate on customizing the bike and not the tiny woman dancing around him."

  Finally, she said, "Okay, I think that's enough for today. I want to go back to my trailer and check out the photos, see which angles work best." Her eyes twinkled. "So I can find out your best side."

  Kade shook his head. "So, you think this should take about two weeks?"

  "I do."

  He hated to ask the next question, but he needed to know. "Do you think it's possible I might see some money in three months?"

  Skye responded while putting her cameras in her backpack. "Perhaps. I've got a contact putting his feelers out for agents."

  Kade nodded and pretended interest in the bike. He decided that if he pressed the issue of money, he'd look like an idiot. He had some savings that would pay for a month or two of rehabilitation care. He changed the subject, "So, what's up for tomorrow? Do we meet here?"

  Skye picked up her backpack. "Yeah. But rather than candid photos, do you feel ready
to work on posing."

  "Sure, why not?"

  "And let's stick with casual clothing: Levis, T-shirt, maybe a beanie. Also, I saw you in motorcycle leathers once. Those would be great too."

  Kade remembered he'd been dressed in leathers when she'd plowed into the bike he'd taken out for a final spin before the owner arrived the next day. He'd been pissed as hell and let her know it.

  She held his gaze in a defiant stance, as if waiting for him to say something about that day. The girl had gumption. He just said, "Levis—check; T-shirt—check; beanie—check; leathers—check."

  She grinned and the corners of her eyes crinkled.

  He said, "See you tomorrow, Skye."

  Chapter 10: Scoping Out The Town

  Skye walked the short distance from Kade's Garage to her borrowed trailer. From what she'd seen through the viewer of her camera, the photos were going to be sensational. She was so excited she almost dropped her backpack as she rushed past the gate into the park.

  Pilar and Max were walking toward her with their heads close together and holding hands. She grinned and called to them because they were so caught up in each other she doubted they would have noticed her.

  Max looked up from nuzzling Pilar's neck and called, "Morning, sis. From your smile, I take it you and Kade weren't at each other's throats?"

  Skye raised her backpack of cameras for emphasis. "You got that right. I just took some of the most awesome pictures of my career. I can't wait to upload them to my computer. We've got another session planned for tomorrow."

  She reached her brother and sister-in-law and said, "Where are you two headed?"

  Max grinned in such a way that it reminded Skye of when they were kids and he was trying to hide something. She said, "Okay, what gives? I know that grin."

  Skye saw Max glance at Pilar and a look passed between them. Max said, "Okay. There's something I haven't told you. But if you want to know, you have to walk to town with us."

  Skye wanted to decline because she was so anxious to see her photos, but something about Pilar's and Max's demeanors told her that whatever was going on was important. She said, "Okay. But would you mind if I put my cameras in the trailer first?"

  "Not at all. We'll walk back with you," Max said.

  After her cameras were stowed and they had each retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge, they started back toward town. Skye asked, "Are we going anywhere particular in town?"

  "Nope. Just scouting it out."

  That seemed like a strange answer, but she didn't say so.

  Just as they walked past the gate leaving Desert Princess Trailer and RV Park, Max said, "Gramps disinherited me. Did you know that?"

  Skye stopped walking. "What the hell? Why would he do that? Was he angry because you passed on becoming CEO of Rutherford Acquisitions? You're great at what you do. Even if you don't want to live in the city, you can still advise him on his holdings. There is an internet, you know."

  Max placed his hands on his sister's shoulders and she glanced at Pilar. The woman was holding back a grin.

  Max said, "Sure, I can do all those things, but I've lost my desire–"

  Skye interrupted, "But Max—disinherited? As in no holdings or finances?"

  Max grinned. "Not exactly."

  "Okay, Max. I'm confused. What the hell is going on?"

  Max turned until he was facing Oasis and waved his hands to encompass it. "I own a town."

  Skye glanced blankly from Max, to the town, and back to Max. She said, "Huh?"

  Max repeated, "My inheritance is the town of Oasis. Gramps has owned it for years."

  Skye sputtered, "How can you own a town? What does that mean?"

  Max laughed. "I had the same initial reaction. Seems most of the town was owned by a descendant of the founder, Manfred Schneider, and she filed bankruptcy years ago, but before it was finalized, Gramps swooped in and saved the day. He owns about seventy percent of downtown and much of the outlying land."

  Skye scratched her head and glanced at Pilar, who was grinning at Max.

  Max continued, "The town also comes with a substantial trust fund that's barely been tapped. Gramps only stepped up to the plate with financial help when it was needed, such as with the school, library, water tower, park, and repairs to his holdings, of course."

  Skye finally thought of something intelligent to ask. "So, what does the town think about you owning it?"

  Max shrugged. "They don't know. Oh, they know the town has an owner, but they've never known who it is. Gramps wanted it that way. After he gave Oasis to me, he said I was free to do whatever I wanted, and I've decided to keep my ownership under wraps, too."

  Skye shook her head. "This is all too much. A year ago, you're a hotshot corporate exec living in penthouses, and now you're a happily married man living in a trailer park, who also happens to own the town he lives in."

  Max laughed. "And don't forget that Bertram is now in my good graces and has replaced Gramps in overseeing Rutherford Acquisitions. And frankly, Skye, I'm glad I never ended up with that headache." He looked at the town again and then reached to pull Pilar to his side. "This is a wonderful community and my beautiful wife and I are looking forward to the challenges of guiding our town."

  "In secret," Skye interjected.

  Max laughed again. "Yes, in secret. So, are you two ready to walk the town? See what needs to be done?"

  Pilar hugged Max's waist. "I'm ready."

  Skye smiled. "I'll just tag along for the fun of it."

  When they passed Kade's garage, he had his head under the hood of a car that was spewing black smoke. So much for Kade's day off, thought Skye. Briefly he glanced up and nodded when Pilar called a greeting. Skye wished she had her camera. He looked awesomely gorgeous as he wiped greasy hands on the coveralls he'd donned. He went back to helping the elderly man with the problem vehicle.

  Pilar leaned toward Skye. "I think Kade almost smiled at you."

  "Yeah? Will wonders never cease? A few weeks ago he was ready to tar and feather me."

  Within minutes they were in the middle of town and Max got their attention when he began surreptitiously pointing toward buildings to indicate which ones belonged to him and Pilar. They included Desert Princess Diner, which was a freestanding building, the hardware store, also freestanding, and two long stretches of businesses on either side of the road. On one side was Sally Sue's Second Chance Clothing, an antique shop, a tea room, a rock shop, and a run down museum. The other side had another antique shop, a donut shop, Porky's Pizza Parlor, a clothing store called Cowboy Haven, and Dottie's Dime Store. At the far end of the street and facing them was another freestanding building housing Biggie Bag-n-Save Big Mart. Pilar said, "That's a small grocery chain that actually got its start in Oasis, and their building is one of the few that Max doesn't own. They've been here for at least twenty years."

  Max walked to the entrance of the museum. Above the door was a sign that said, MUSEUM. In the window beside the door was a closed sign. He asked Pilar, "What can you tell me about the museum?"

  "Well, it was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Wilson. He died a long time ago and left it to his only son, Josiah. Josiah's probably in his sixties now and does his best to keep the museum open, but he has health issues. His wife, Nettie, is the town gossip and let's everyone know how much she'd like to close the museum down. She said it barely makes a dime, and if the rent was ever raised, she'd be damned if she'd let Josiah pay more money to house a bunch of crap. Those are her words, not mine. Josiah loves the place and talks about the early days of Oasis whenever he's at the diner and can get someone to listen."

  Max said, "Hmm," and leaned to peer through the window.

  "What are you thinking, Max?" asked Pilar.

  Skye watched her brother step back and grin.

  He responded, "I was thinking that every town needs a decent museum. Preserving the history of a community, both the good and bad, is a source of pride for its residents."

  Pilar
beamed at her husband. "My sentiments exactly. See how perfect we are for each other."

  Listening to the interaction between Max and Pilar gave Skye a twinge of jealousy. Her jealousy, however, wasn't because her brother had a soul mate and she didn't; it was because of her own desire for connection with a community. Her brother had a place where he belonged, and, as unlikely and unbelievable as snow in the tropics, that place was a tiny desert town in Arizona. Skye had traveled the world, but never found anywhere to call home. She thought about Max, Sr., their grandfather, and wondered if he, too, had found his connection in Oasis. Although she smiled and walked the rest of the town with Max and Pilar, and occasionally offered comments, a sense of melancholy stole over her that lasted the remainder of the day.

  Chapter 11: Hot Guy In Leathers Gets His Way

  Skye woke the next morning feeling a little better, but still somewhat out of sorts. She gathered her cameras and tripod and walked the short distance to Kade's Garage. When she arrived, however, her ill mood immediately dissipated. Kade was sitting on a bench outside his business waiting for her.

  And he was dressed in black motorcycle leathers.

  When he stood, Skylar's eyes widened. He was perfection personified. Her fingers got that itchy feeling that always happened whenever she was presented with a photographer's dream.

  She swallowed hard. He looked taller and broader than the day before. His hair was combed back and still damp. He hadn't shaved, like she'd asked, and his cheeks and jaws had a sexy shadow.