Dusty: Wild Cowboy

by Cathy McDavid

  “What will we tell our parents?”

  She felt like a sixth grader, sneaking into the house after a forbidden adventure, and she almost giggled. At least they were both finding humor in the situation.

  “We got overheated dancing and stepped outside to cool off.

  “What!” Her dad was no dummy. Neither were Dusty’s parents. “I don’t think so.”

  He was grinning again, she didn’t have to see him to know it.

  “Relax. My parents won’t say anything, not in front of you. And I’m sure your dad won’t, either.”

  “Not now. Later’s a different story.”

  Outside the supply room door, Maryanne paused, her emotions in a whirl. She liked Dusty. A lot. And kissing him…well, it had been earth-shattering. But it was also leading nowhere and potentially setting them both up for disappointment later down the road. “Is something the matter?” he asked.

  The hallway itself was empty but just beyond it, the honky-tonk bustled with activity.

  “I’m leaving in two weeks.”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  His expression was so endearing, she found herself wanting to slip back in his arms. She’d miss him, and the sadness washing over her at the prospect of their inevitable parting took her aback. Could she have changed that much in two weeks? Could a mere kiss—well, several—be responsible?

  “Maybe we should…” she hesitated, then spoke quickly “…take things a little slower.”

  “Do you want to see me again?”

  “After tonight?”

  “After you leave at the end of the month.”

  She sought his eyes, their color almost black in the poorly lit hallway. After the way they’d kissed, her fervent response to him, she was surprised he’d asked the question. “Of course I do.”

  “Then I’ll fly out to L.A.”

  “Just like that?”

  “It won’t be my first trip.”

  “Your film work?”

  “And looking for an agent.”

  More than one person stared curiously at them as they passed on their way to the bar. Any second either Maryanne’s father or one of Dusty’s family members would come searching for them.

  “If the producer from Sundown Pictures buys my screenplay, I may have lots of reasons to come to L.A. I could even spend part of the year there.”

  “True.” She smiled. Selling his screenplay was a huge long shot, but she didn’t want to burst his bubble just yet.

  “Besides, I don’t need an excuse.” He leaned down and gave her a swift, sweet kiss. “Seeing you is reason enough to hop a plane.”

  He would come to L.A., she had no doubt. “I’d like that.”

  No sooner had she uttered the words than she wished she could take them back. If she allowed herself to fall for Dusty, he might unintentionally hurt her if those trips to L.A. didn’t materialize. Or, she dreaded considering the possibility, those trips didn’t include the promised visit to her.

  Maryanne recalled her previous relationships that had gone awry. It hadn’t taken long for her boyfriends to lose interest once they weren’t seeing each other regularly.

  Dusty captured her hand and raised it to his mouth, pressing his lips to her open palm. “I’d also like to see you tomorrow.”

  A small thrill coursed through her. “You will. We’re riding back to Markton together in the truck.”

  “I can hardly wait.” His dimple appeared, cutting deeper into his cheek as his grin expanded.

  She laughed, her worries about their uncertain future dissolving—for the moment, anyway.

  “But I was talking about after we get back,” he clarified.

  “I have to fly home midweek for a couple days.”

  “I’ll be gone, too. I’m taking a horse and burro to Yellowstone for a documentary.”

  Fate, it seemed, was sending them a message. One they should probably heed.

  “There’s always next week.” Perhaps by then they’d cool off and start thinking clearer.

  “How about Tuesday before you fly home?”

  That caught her off guard.

  “Come by the ranch at noon,” he said, not giving her the opportunity to object.

  “What are we doing?”

  “Do you like picnics?”

  “I love them.” Visions of them sitting on a blanket, her leaning against a sprawling tree with Dusty’s head in her lap filled her mind. So much for cooling off.

  “Be sure and wear your new boots.”

  In the main room, the band had returned from their break and was launching into a new song with a pounding beat.

  “Why?” Comfy shoes was more of what she’d been thinking.

  “We’re going riding.”

  “But I don’t ride.”

  “You’ll learn. I’m a great teacher, just ask your dad.” Swell.

  The good news was she’d be too busy worrying about her fear of horses to give her feelings for Dusty much thought.

  DUSTY CHECKED HIS WATCH and noted the time. Almost noon. Maryanne should be arriving any moment. For a second, he imagined her standing him up, then dismissed the idea. Matt had ridden with them yesterday for most of the drive home from Albuquerque. Maryanne had seemed to really enjoy herself, playing travel games with Matt and chatting comfortably with Dusty when Matt took a nap.

  Just maybe he could get used to the idea of settling down.

  Who’d have guessed it? Dusty Cody a family man. Stranger things were possible.

  He adjusted the cinch, taking it in another notch. Snowball blew out her breath in protest.

  “Not my fault you’re getting so fat.”

  He patted the old mare’s rump. She’d been a steady working ranch horse for over two decades before being retired the previous year. There wasn’t a gentler or quieter or older horse on the place. That along with her small stature made her the perfect mount for Maryanne.

  Uno stood tied to the hitching rail beside Snowball, his head bobbing in eagerness to get started on their ride.

  “Easy, boy.” Dusty moved from Snowball to the big gelding and stroked his sleek neck. “We’ll be heading out soon enough.”

  At least he hoped they’d be heading out and resisted checking his watch again. Maryanne would be here, she’d promised.

  The horse reached his head sideways and gave Snowball a friendly sniff. She twitched her ears in response, then nibbled at him playfully.

  “Well, you two are pretty cozy. I’m jealous.”

  Dusty inspected the contents of the saddlebags one last time. Barbara had come through, preparing a picnic lunch to surpass all picnic lunches. Pâté and crackers, fresh sliced fruit, gourmet cheeses, sugared walnuts and homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Dusty had made only one contribution to the fare: a bottle of chilled wine.

  Now, if Maryanne would just show.

  He’d phoned her this morning to confirm their date and give her directions to the barn. She hadn’t sounded particularly enthused but he’d credited her trepidation to riding, not a disinterest in seeing him.

  Maybe she was lost. The Cody ranch was big and confusing to someone unfamiliar with it.

  He reached for his phone but stopped at the sound of an approaching vehicle. He turned, ready to offer Maryanne a smile. Only it wasn’t her. The pickup truck slowing to a stop belonged to his brother Jesse.

  “Going on a ride?” Jesse stepped out and slammed the truck door shut behind him.

  “As a matter of fact, I am.”

  “With that gal from over at Adele’s place? Maryanne, right?” Jesse lifted the flap on one of the saddlebags and peeked inside. “What’s all this?”

  “Lunch.”

  “Mighty fancy lunch.” He dropped the flap back down. “Careful your ice packs don’t melt and your food spoil.”

  “I’m not worried.”

  “Dex has Doc Chester coming out this afternoon to worm the stock.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Dex is getting the hors
es ready now.”

  “And you think I should be helping him.” There wasn’t much to get ready other than checking off lists and counting heads. Dex could do it in his sleep.

  “It is your job,” Jesse reiterated.

  “But it’s not your job to manage me.”

  “Maybe you need someone to do just that.” Jesse leaned against the hitching rail. Uno paid little attention. He was too busy mooning over Snowball, who’d lost interest in him and was dozing. “Especially since you’re leaving in the morning for Yellowstone. How long you going to be gone this time?”

  “Three days. Maybe two.”

  Until his brother had arrived, Dusty couldn’t wait for Maryanne to show. Now he was glad she was late and didn’t have to witness him and Jesse bickering. The two of them hadn’t been getting along well since the rodeo when Dusty had congratulated Mark Hansen.

  “What are you going to do when you get back from Yellowstone?” Jesse chewed on a toothpick while Dusty rebuckled the saddlebag flap his brother had left undone. “About what?”

  “Work.”

  “What I always do.”

  “You mean a half-ass job?”

  Dusty stared down his brother. “Much as I’m sure you’re enjoying yourself, you didn’t come here to rag on me. What’s really on your mind?”

  “Let’s start with Maryanne. How serious are you about her?”

  “I’m not sure yet. What difference does it make?”

  Jesse pushed off the hitching post. “You have enough things pulling you in different directions. You don’t need another one.”

  “Don’t you mean pulling me away from Cody Enterprises?”

  “Same thing.”

  “Did Dad recruit you to be his helper?”

  “I’ve always been on his side when it comes to the family and running this ranch.”

  “His side? More like his decree. The one where we all have to work here whether we like it or not? You know, it’s possible to still be a Cody and not work for the family.”

  “What else would you do?”

  No one had ever asked Dusty that question. He considered telling Jesse that he wanted to be a writer. In the next instant, sanity returned.

  “I like film work.”

  “That’s not a job,” Jesse scoffed.

  “I work pretty damn hard at it.”

  “Do you make decent money?”

  “Now you do sound like Dad.”

  “He has a point.”

  “There’s more to job satisfaction than the size of a paycheck.”

  “You have a duty to him.”

  “And what about a father’s duty to his kid?”

  Jesse frowned. “Dad’s always been there for us.”

  “Has he?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  The words came out before Dusty could stop them. “Did you know he and Mom separated before you were born?”

  Jesse exploded. “Bullshit!”

  “Mom told me.”

  “She admitted it?”

  “Not exactly. But she didn’t deny it.”

  “You asked her?” Jesse’s face flushed a vivid red. “I can’t believe you did that.”

  “Somebody needed to.” Dusty defended himself. “There’s been talk about him and Mark Hansen for years.”

  “Rumors. And lies. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hansen started them just to cause trouble.”

  Maryanne chose that moment to show up, the dilapidated pickup truck bumping to a stop beside Jesse’s.

  Dusty stormed past his brother, his relief that she’d arrived outweighing his anger. “Do me one favor. Ask Dad what he was doing last week talking to Abigail Hansen in front of the feed store.”

  “He wouldn’t talk to her,” Jesse spat.

  “He did. Matt saw it, too. And judging by how close they stood, I’d say it wasn’t their first conversation.”

  Dusty turned to greet Maryanne. He could tell by her expression she realized she’d walked into an argument. He tried to put her at ease with a smile and a “Hey, you made it.”

  Jesse didn’t stick around. He tipped his hat at Maryanne and muttered, “Nice to see you again,” before hopping in his truck and leaving.

  The sunglasses he donned didn’t hide the hurt and anger in his eyes. Dusty regretted being the cause, but it was past time his oldest brother stopped ignoring the obvious and faced the truth about their parents.

  Chapter Ten

  “Did I interrupt something?” Maryanne asked as Dusty’s brother Jesse climbed into his truck after making an abrupt exit. “I can come back.”

  “Don’t think you’re getting out of riding that easy.” Dusty put her at ease with his supersexy grin.

  She couldn’t help but wonder how often his charm came to the rescue and about the real man behind it. She’d had a glimpse of that man when she’d read his screenplay, and he was the Dusty she wanted to know better.

  “Come on,” he said, “let me introduce you to Snowball.”

  The horse appeared gentle enough. Nonetheless, Maryanne approached cautiously.

  Dusty came up behind her. “Here.” Taking her hand, he placed it on Snowball’s neck.

  She didn’t need any further encouragement and began stroking. The horse dropped her head and snorted.

  “I think she likes it.”

  “’Course she does.”

  Maryanne combed her fingers through the horse’s shaggy mane.

  “You’ll have no worries with her,” Dusty said. “She’s bombproof.”

  “Bombproof?”

  “It’s an expression. Means a bomb could explode, and the horse won’t do anything.”

  “Are you saying we might encounter bombs on our ride?”

  “Anything’s possible.”

  Her hands stilled. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

  He laughed, and the strain she’d sensed when she first arrived evaporated. “Trust me. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  She did trust him with her well-being. Dusty might be reckless and, yes, irresponsible on occasion. When it came to horses and livestock, however, there wasn’t anyone more knowledgeable or experienced.

  She was less sure about trusting him with her heart.

  “So what next?” She smiled through gritted teeth.

  “We mount up.”

  “I was afraid of that.”

  Placing her foot in the stirrup wasn’t the hard part. It was swinging her leg over the saddle without falling. Her recently acquired boots might look hot, but their unfamiliar feel impeded her efforts. By her third attempt, she’d developed a newfound respect for cow folk and their abilities.

  Snowball deserved her reputation and then some. She was indeed bombproof. If not, she would have spooked multiple times during the process of Dusty helping Maryanne into the saddle. Both the horse’s and Dusty’s patience paid off. Eventually, Maryanne sat upright in the saddle, the reins gripped between her fingers and her legs hugging Snowball’s sides for dear life.

  “Relax.” Dusty placed his hand on her knee. “If you’re nervous, you’ll make her nervous.”

  How could she even think of relaxing with him constantly touching her?

  Snowball shifted her weight causing Maryanne to gasp. “You didn’t tell me I was going to be this high off the ground.”

  “You’ll get used to it.” He untied Snowball’s lead rope from the hitching post. “I’ll pony you for a while, until you’re more comfortable.”

  She didn’t know what “ponying her” entailed but it sounded better than being left on her own.

  With enviable agility, Dusty swung up into the saddle on his horse, easily managing both his reins and Snowball’s lead rope. How did he do that? Before Maryanne knew what was happening, they were walking up the road.

  Forgetting all about the reins, she held on to the thingie in front of the saddle—a horn?—with both hands. Before long, she adapted to the horse’s surprisingly easy rhythm. The ground that had first appea
red so far down took on a new and interesting perspective. After going over some basic horsemanship with Dusty, she got up her nerve, let go of the horn and reached down to pat Snowball’s neck. When she didn’t tumble head over heels, her confidence soared.

  “I just realized,” she said, looking around. “Where’s Track?”

  “With my sister, Elly. I asked her to babysit.”

  “He doesn’t like to go on a ride?”

  “He likes it too much. I’d be spending the entire time watching out for him. I’d much rather be watching you.”

  Maryanne tried not to notice how Dusty’s voice had dropped at the end.

  They stopped at the gate leaving the main complex. Beyond it, stretched endless miles of rolling green landscape.

  “You ready to fly solo?” Dusty asked.

  “What do you think, Snowball?” She craned her neck sideways to peer at the horse’s head. “We say yes.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  His girl?

  Dusty surely hadn’t meant anything by the remark. A player like him probably called all the women he knew by cute endearments. Still, Maryanne couldn’t stop the direction her thoughts took.

  What would it be like to really be his girlfriend?

  He closed the gate behind her and remounted, then, they were off and running. Walking in Maryanne’s case. Slowly. She couldn’t have handled anything faster.

  They didn’t talk a whole lot on the ride, which was nice. It allowed her to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Dusty was quick to point out anything of interest, which included a small herd of antelope startled into flight at their approach.

  “That was amazing,” Maryanne gushed as the last antelope sprinted over a hill and vanished. She mentally kicked herself for not bringing her camera. “I’ve never seen anything like that in the wild.”

  Neither had she seen bison, elk and hawks, all of which they spotted on their ride. She understood why Dusty loved the ranch. It was just as much a part of him as his family and rodeoing. If he left, it wouldn’t be for long, and he’d always return.

  “We’re here,” he suddenly announced, and reined Uno to a stop.

  Maryanne didn’t have to signal Snowball. The old horse copied whatever Uno did.

  “Where’s here?” Maryanne looked around. They were atop a gentle hill with stunning views of the distant mountains and a creek running through the valley below. Large trees surrounded by thick foliage grew on the banks of the creek. She suppressed a sudden urge to run barefoot through the high grass.