Sassy Cowgirl Kisses: A Sweet Romance (A West Brothers Romance Book 5)

by Kathy Fawcett

  Sassy poured two iced lemonades and sat down at the table to listen to this new information. Freda followed suit.

  “Sometimes he seems outright surprised to see me, as if he hadn’t given me much thought, and it hurts my feelings. Lately I feel as if I’m throwing myself at him, which isn’t at all how it was before this summer. For two years we’ve been scheming, and talking about how it will be after law school. Well, here it is—and nothing.”

  Freda stopped and took a sip, then set her glass down and looked at Sassy.

  “My gut tells me he’s a coward. Too scared to propose, and too scared to break up.”

  Freda’s lip quivered, but then she sat up straight and looked her friend in the eye. “On the flipside, that tall beautiful Norse god who got out of Ash’s Jeep made me feel pretty… and seen. And—don’t take this the wrong way—but he was looking at me and barely noticed you, Sassy. So I’m going to enjoy tonight’s date at Red’s BBQ. And if he has a little sauce on those beautiful full lips of his, I may offer to kiss it off.”

  Smiling at her friend, Sassy nodded.

  “Okay, little firecracker, let’s get you all purtee, and go have some fun.”

  Chapter 43

  Ash gave Erik the one-minute tour of the bungalow, and pointed him to the spare room.

  “Now,” Ash said with a happy grin, “let’s go see the good stuff.”

  “The scenery can’t possibly get any better than your neighbors,” Erik said with a grin of his own, “but let’s go.”

  The two filled their water bottles with ice and grabbed sunscreen and their mirrored shades for riding in the open-top Jeep. The day was sunny and warm, and Erik was glad to see Wyoming for the first time. He’d flown to Salt Lake City from Detroit the day before, then took a puddle jumper early that morning to the outskirts of West Gorge.

  “Man oh man, look at those mountains. I’ve been stuck in Michigan way too long,” Erik gushed as the two drove. Ash felt a swell of pride at his friend’s words.

  “Michigan is amazing—Lake Michigan is amazing,” Ash said. “The two states are just… very different.”

  They took a quick detour through town to grab a sack of burgers and passed the main street, where Amber was setting a SALE sign in front of her Amber Waves storefront. Ash gave a small beep of his horn, and she smiled and waved to the boys, revealing the deep dimples on her face.

  Erik whistled under his breath.

  “You didn’t mention how pretty the girls are in Wyoming, man,” he said, giving Ash a good-natured slug to his arm. “No wonder you wanted to come back home.”

  Ash smiled as he drove with a burger in his hand, and gestured to the massive log and iron arches they were about to pass under, with the West Ranch insignia overhead.

  “This is why I came home,” he said through his mouthful of lunch.

  Erik whistled again.

  Minutes later, the two pulled up in front of Colton’s log and stone house, where a very pregnant Liu was outside in her kitchen garden, near the tea house.

  “You two look hungry,” she said as they got out.

  “Thanks, Liu,” Ash said, “but I just came to introduce my friend from Michigan.”

  “Colton is at the big house, overseeing the tents for the big cookout tomorrow,” Liu said. And then to Erik, “you came on a good weekend. The West Ranch cookout is the hottest ticket in town.”

  “I can’t wait,” Erik said. “But… you mean this isn’t the big house?” He was gazing in awe at the large log structure, with several decks, levels, and outbuildings—including a full guest house the size of the Olsen family home.

  Liu and Ash laughed at that.

  “Oh no,” Liu said, “you’ll know the big house when you see it. Nice to meet you, Erik.”

  Continuing on the ranch road, Ash pointed out the cook house, the guest house, and some of the barns and ranch offices. They passed the family cemetery, and the pavilion where the Wests held their outdoor gatherings. There, a fleet of catering trucks were unloading and assembling tents and setting up portable structures for the party.

  Ash pulled up alongside Colton, Gray and Rowdy, and introduced them to Erik.

  “Gunner got off easy this year,” Colton said with a laugh. “Wish I’d thought of taking an impromptu trip to Yellowstone. Didn’t know we could do that during the cookout weekend.”

  Ash thought it was odd too, but they all knew the trip must have been important to Gunnar and Kat, or else they wouldn’t have left town. Everyone in the family looked forward to the yearly event.

  As the boys pulled into the circle drive of the ranch house, Erik looked at the impressive lodge pole pine entrance and nodded respectfully.

  “I still don’t think it’s as big as…”

  “Wait for it!” Ash said, taking his friend through the double doors and into the foyer. From there, they could see the massive kitchen, great room, and sweeping stone fireplace rising up nearly three stories high. Out the windows, the West River flowed and rushed out of the deep cut of the gorge, as if it was a protective moat in front of the mountain range.

  An hour later, Erik was duly impressed with West Ranch. Standing in the kitchen, as Ash searched the refrigerator for the always present pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade, Ridge and Casey walked in.

  “I thought I heard rustlers,” Ridge said, clapping Ash on the back and shaking Erik’s hand.

  “Just rustling up something to drink,” Ash said.

  “Sir, ma’am,” Erik greeted Ash’s family. “Your ranch is just beautiful. And the view of those mountains and the gorge… why, I don’t have the right words.”

  “It’s great that you came for the cookout, Erik,” Casey said warmly. “There’ll be a lot of pretty girls to dance with.”

  “I can’t wait,” Erik said, “we’re taking two pretty girls out to dinner tonight—Sassy and Freda; Ash’s neighbors.”

  “Neighbors; yes. Also employees of the ranch,” Ridge said with caution in his voice. “Mind your manners, lads.”

  “Always, sir,” Erik replied sincerely.

  “Very good. Very good. Now,” Ridge said, “we spotted a newly born elk calf up in the foothills, by the north pasture, if you’re looking for something to see. Mama won’t let you get too close, but it’s worth the trek.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Ash hugged Ridge and Casey, who once again welcomed Erik to their home.

  As they got back in the Jeep, Ash turned to his friend.

  “So, what’s it going to be? Hiking by the gorge? Fly fishing in the river? Horseback riding? We’ve got all afternoon.”

  “Everything,” Erik said. “Let’s do the full Wyoming.”

  Chapter 44

  It took Kat an entire day until she was finally ready to talk.

  Since arriving at the park, they’d spent hours hiking along the geyser basin, to Yellowstone Falls and the mud pots.

  “Pee you!” Willow held her nose against the sulphur smell.

  They drove amongst the roaming buffalo, and spotted moose, deer and elk. They even saw a glimpse of a black bear way up on a hill. Kat was quiet as the threesome enjoyed the waterfalls, and swam in a natural swimming hole in Firehole Canyon. Like a zombie, she ate what Gunnar ordered for her, and obediently walked along the trails he chose. And she silently hugged and loved on a slightly shaken Willow at every opportunity.

  Finally at night, after the tuckered-out child was fast asleep from hiking the trails near Old Faithful, Gunnar and Kat sat outside their log cabin in two rustic chairs—a chilled bottle of Riesling between them.

  “His death was a shock, though he’s been dead to me for half my life or longer. To think he’s been alive and a father to someone else, is hard to fathom. What really hurts is that he stayed for her, and not for me,” she said simply. “My dad didn’t abandon Sassy or her mom… and I’m jealous of that. It makes me feel… lesser than.”

  “Lesser than what?” Gunnar asked, softly.

  “Lesser than her. Lik
e I wasn’t as good, or as pretty, or as valued by him.”

  Gunnar swallowed hard and reached over for her hand. It was cold and lifeless, but he held on tight for the both of them until at last, she grabbed hold and met his eyes. Both had unshed tears leaning in towards each other.

  “You scared us, Kat,” Gunnar choked out, “Willow and me. Please promise me you’ll never leave. That you’ll come and find me instead.”

  She nodded.

  “I’m so ashamed of myself for frightening you both. It was just a blind impulse that I couldn’t control. I know it’s because I let dark thoughts take hold, so it’s on me. I wonder if that’s how my dad felt when he left… maybe we’re more alike than I thought, him and me.”

  Gunnar frowned and shook his head at her words.

  “Your dad shouldn’t have left you. But he shouldn’t have left Sassy, either. Two wrongs definitely do not make a right.”

  Kat regarded his words as she took a sip of her cold wine.

  “I know,” she whispered.

  “I like Sassy,” Gunnar said carefully, “and I think you would too, if you gave her a chance. She’s not the one who hurt you, Kat. She’s not your dad.”

  “But…” Kat agonized over her answer. “…she looks like him.”

  Gunnar nodded.

  “Again, not her fault. For the record, I think she looks like you. Like a lesser-than version of Kat West, without the trademark Kat West command of the world around her.”

  “Give her time,” Kat replied under her breath.

  Kat was smiling, and nearly laughing at Gunnar’s observations.

  “Nah—she’ll always be the deputy,” he said, “never the Sheriff.”

  That did it. Kat let out a laugh that allowed the tears to fall, breaking whatever spell held Kat at such a low point.

  “What do you say, Sheriff,” he said, gently taking the glass from her shaking hand. “Should we call it a night?”

  “You might have to carry me, I’m so tired,” she said with a sniffle as she brushed her lips against his. Her chestnut hair fell in waves against his bare forearms like an unraveling bolt of silk, sending shockwaves through his body. As she kissed him, Kat slid a warm hand under the collar of his shirt, caressing his neck. Hungry for her touch, Gunnar lifted his shoulder to trap her hand, willing it to stay.

  “Oh,” he said as he stood up and lifted her in his arms, “I can do that, Mrs. West.”

  Chapter 45

  “So, you’re saying car engineers don’t work at all in the summer?”

  Freda was sitting next to Erik at Red’s BBQ, at an outdoor picnic table overlooking the river. Erik had his body slightly turned towards Freda, silently communicating his interest in the pretty girl, who wore a coral-colored dress and strappy sandals.

  Her tawny skin glowed, Ash thought, thanks to a little makeup. He’d known Freda for years and always assumed she was a confirmed tomboy.

  “Just like your livestock,” Erik said, “car design, manufacturing and sales have cycles. Things happen in summer, but not much. Everyone is focused on selling the newest models. Come fall, it’ll be back to the drawing board.”

  “Ash confessed it was hard to leave Lake Michigan after school,” Freda said.

  “I thought he was nuts to go,” Erik replied, “until I got here. Seeing Wyoming for myself, why, now I’m questioning everything. Why am I an engineer? Why can’t I be a cowboy—or should I say, caint?”

  Everyone laughed as Red himself delivered their dinner, one tasty dish after another.

  “Howdy all,” he bellowed to the welcoming group. “Jackie and I are looking forward to coming to West Ranch tomorrow, as guests. Now boys, don’t go hogging all the pretty girls at the dance. My nephew, Wayne, has got to have a fightin’ chance, too.”

  “Heard and understood, Red,” Ash said. “I’m one of the hosts, so I have to make sure everyone has a good time. I’ll look out for Wayne.”

  “We all will,” Freda chimed in. “Wayne’s a good egg. I’ll be sure to give him a dance. Just tell him to leave his muddy ranching boots at home. I know where they’ve been.”

  After dinner, with Sassy sitting by his side and Freda and Erik in the back seat of the open Jeep, Ash drove towards the walking path that wound along the gorge. The sun was setting, and he hoped that if Erik and Freda walked ahead a little, he might get in a kiss or two from Sassy. He reached over and took her hand.

  “You look pretty tonight,” he said, as low as he could get away with and still be heard. Not that it mattered much; the two in the back were laughing and talking against the rush of the wind around them, not giving a thought to anyone else.

  Sassy was wearing a simple black dress made of a gauzy fabric that hugged her in all the right places. Her boots were shining with fresh leather polish, and turquoise and sterling earrings set off her tanned skin and buttery golden hair. Sitting in the Jeep, the hemline of her dress rested on her thighs, revealing beautiful, sculpted limbs.

  The breeze liked to catch her flouncy hem, teasing him with tantalizing glimpses.

  Ash tried to forget lying next to Sassy on a picnic blanket as he kissed her at length. How his hand moved from her hipbone to her shoulder, and then her back. Her one simple touch—as her finger gently brushed the exposed skin by his snap buttons—sent him reeling.

  He pushed away the memories of holding her close in the dark of the ranch house, kissing her harder and more passionately than he’d ever done in his life, and wanting more.

  The growing attraction was dangerous, and he was playing with fire. A girl like Sassy would never stay where a man wanted her to; she would do the leading. All the way back to Illinois, most likely, and her only family. The odds of Sassy staying in Wyoming after her summer internship were slim to none. If he continued to open himself to her, he’d be dropped like a hot rock come September, leaving his heart shattered.

  Better to cut his losses now, while he was merely smitten. Rather than later, when he was full-blown head over heels in love.

  Right?

  His resolve weakened as the two walked along the moonlit path by the gorge, easily holding hands. Freda and Erik had dashed ahead, in a hurry to spot wildlife in the tall bushes.

  “You are quiet tonight,” Sassy whispered, her head momentarily resting on Ash’s shoulder. “What’s on your mind?”

  Ash smiled sadly in the dark.

  “You,” he said. “Us. What’s to become of us.”

  “Do you really need to have all the answers, Ash?”

  “Not all, but some of the answers. How about just one answer. Like, where? Where will you be at the end of summer? I’ve decided that my future is at West Ranch. But as Erik said at dinner, now I’m questioning everything.”

  Sassy stopped walking, and turned to face Ash.

  “Erik was making a joke, Ash, and you’re not. Nobody knows what’s ahead. I didn’t know my father was going to die so young, or that I’d end up here, in West Gorge. All the way from Illinois. I didn’t know I’d meet you.”

  “But, what if…”

  “Ash, you need to decide whether your future is a location or a person.”

  The comment confounded Ash for a moment, but then he answered.

  “I want my future to have both. I want to live right here with someone I love. I want to be faithful; I want to correct the past. Build a family that knows its place in the world from the get-go; a family I can be true to.” Ash paused to take a deep breath. “Is that so crazy?”

  Looking into his eyes, Sassy knew that it was a lucky woman who would capture the heart of Ash West someday. She could see how vulnerable he was under the sculpted face, which most likely mirrored her own insecurities. She wouldn’t toy with him.

  Dropping his hand, she answered.

  “It’s not crazy, Ash. It’s beautiful. But if living in Wyoming is on the top of your list, then maybe we should just be friends. That’s a big ask and I’m not ready to commit to anything, anyone, or any place—I know you’re not a
sking me to, right? We only just noticed each other. Just got our diplomas, and all. I’m not sure what I want for dinner tomorrow, let alone where I want to live.”

  Ash’s throat tightened up. He began to reach for her, but his arms froze midway to their destination, and dropped again. She looked sad, and he could see the last of the setting sun reflect upon Sassy’s shining hair and glowing skin. When she blinked, a lone tear escaped down her cheek, and he was helpless to wipe it away. He knew that if he touched her even once, he’d be a goner.

  “Sassy, I…” Ash began in a hoarse whisper.

  “Guys! You’ll never guess what we saw.”

  Erik and Freda came running back, laughing and talking over each other, and oblivious to Ash and Sassy’s painful exchange.

  “What an amazing first day in Wyoming,” Erik exclaimed as the foursome walked to the Jeep. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

  “Yee haw,” Ash mumbled darkly under his breath, sadly making his way to the Jeep.

  Chapter 46

  The morning of the West Ranch cookout started out with a sprinkle of rain, but winds from the West blew out the clouds, leaving blue skies and sunshine. In the early morning light, teams of vendors descended on West land. They knew it would take all-hands on deck to be ready for the afternoon event—the biggest social event of year.

  Under the tent, erected the day before, tables and chairs lined up in proximity to the half-dozen food trucks the Wests hired for the party. Guest could have their choice of BBQ, burgers, tacos, or wood-fired pizzas made to order—or all of the above.

  “And y’all save room,” someone would inevitably shout, for cupcakes and ice cream sundaes.

  Using the West’s soaring lodge pole pine pavilion as the hub of the wheel, a coordinator with a clipboard and headset directed the assembly of a dance floor adjacent to a portable band shell. Hay bales were dropped in a circle around an iron bonfire pit. And a shaded area under a large tree provided the older guests a spot to sit and gossip, away from the music.