Lights, Cowboy, Action

by Lesley Ann McDaniel

  Crunching across the gravel driveway, she watched for Adam, suspecting he had taken advantage of the afternoon off to get some ranch chores done. Even with the extra hands around to pick up the slack, she knew he felt a responsibility to do as much as he could himself. Too bad, since she wanted to spend time with him, and her days in Montana were officially numbered.

  As she clambered up to the front porch, the door swung open and a couple of Macy’s crew guys emerged, arms full of lighting equipment. They left the door open behind them, so Courtney entered without knocking.

  Voices wafted from the parlor, and she quietly tiptoed to the doorway and peered in. Macy Kendall stood in the middle of the room with a man Courtney took to be her producer. With black reading glasses perched on her nose, Macy appeared slightly less dazzling than she had when Courtney had caught a glimpse of her before Angela’s interview. Both Macy and the producer glanced up when Courtney appeared, then immediately returned their attention to their notes.

  Unsure if she needed to explain her presence, Courtney cautioned a couple of steps into the room. “I’m just here to find Angela’s teacup.”

  Macy pushed a strand of bottle-blond hair behind her ear and dipped a nod of consent.

  Giving the room a hasty once-over, Courtney grimaced. Unfortunately, this was going to require a more thorough search.

  “So we’ll lead with Jeffrey’s statement about Angela.” Macy’s tone seemed considerably more severe than when talent was present. “I really want to play up the love-triangle idea.”

  Courtney snapped to attention. Love triangle?

  “It’s a shame the rancher won’t talk.” Macy tapped a pencil against the notes. “I’ll just have to put the meat on the bones of this story without any direct quotes from him.” Huffing out a laugh, she shook her head. “Two hunks fighting over Angela. Now there’s a ratings-grabber.”

  Courtney’s face went cold. She had to say something. “Excuse me, Ms. Kendall?”

  Macy regarded her from under an arched brow.

  Courtney gulped. “You said something about Adam...the rancher?”

  Macy’s ears seemed to perk up beneath her carefully coifed bouffant. “Yes?”

  “It’s just that you... He...” Courtney stammered, reminding herself to keep a cool head. “I think you might have been misinformed.”

  Studying her for a moment, Macy flicked a hand at the producer. As the man went about his business, she removed her glasses and signaled toward the settee. Courtney perched, suddenly feeling like a celebrity in the hot seat about to be grilled.

  Smoothing the skirt of her raspberry Anne Klein suit, Macy lowered herself onto the cushion. “What was your name, dear?”

  “It’s Courtney Jacobs.” She made a quick search of her immediate surroundings, in case a microphone might be concealed in a bud vase.

  “Believe me, Courtney.” Macy’s sympathetic manner seemed well rehearsed. “I would love to get the rancher’s side of the story. It pains me to run items that are one-sided, especially when the person refusing the interview winds up looking bad.”

  Courtney’s stomach did a flip that could have won it a spot on the Olympic gymnastics team. “I don’t understand. He killed the snake. How could he wind up looking bad?”

  Macy creased her brow. “I was puzzled initially as to why he would refuse my request for an interview. What hero doesn’t want his day in the sun?” She looked pensive, her perfectly lined lips pursing ever so slightly. “Then Jeffrey told me what really happened.”

  Courtney’s pulse skittered. “What do you mean?”

  Macy pierced her with an unwavering, Maybelline-lined gaze. “Jeffrey had been about to kill the snake himself when Adam grabbed the shovel out of his hands.”

  “What?” Disbelief fogged her thinking. “But, Jeffrey was too scared to move.”

  “Well, most people are afraid of snakes—”

  “No, this is different.” Determination to protect Adam hijacked her mind. “He was frozen in fear because he has a major phobia of animals. All animals.”

  “Oh, really.” Macy seemed to consider this.

  “Besides, if Jeffrey were getting ready to kill the snake, why would Adam interfere?”

  “Well, from what I gather—” a shrewd eyebrow extended upward “—Adam did it as part of his plan to break up Jeffrey and Angela.”

  “That’s not true!” Courtney lost her fight to keep a controlled tone.

  “Oh, so you’re saying that Jeffrey and Angela weren’t together?”

  “No. I mean...” Courtney huffed out exasperation, resolving to set the record straight for Adam’s sake. “They dated for a few weeks, but they were at each other’s throats the entire time. Then when Angela saw Adam, she totally went after him.”

  “Oh, I doubt that.” Macy peered down her nose, making no attempt to conceal the disdain in her unnaturally azure eyes. “Have you seen the list of men she’s been linked to? All of them superstar actors or mega-athletes. I can’t see her going after a ranch hand.”

  “Ranch owner,” Courtney corrected. “And she’s been after him since we got here.”

  “Courtney—” Macy’s eyes became skeptical slits “—I really doubt you would know.”

  “Of course I know.” Courtney pounded her fists against her thighs. “I was right there in the middle of it. She had me set her up on a date with Adam. Two dates. For a diversion, she said. Then I realized it was all to make Jeffrey jealous.”

  “Oh?” That seemed to snag her attention.

  “Adam never had any interest in her.” Her blood boiled at the thought. “Do you know why? Because he has integrity. He wouldn’t take advantage of a woman just because she’s a beautiful movie star. He’s not like that.”

  “I see.” Macy drummed her fingers on her knee. “Well, whatever his motive, if he killed the snake, why not talk about it?”

  “Because he’s humble. He did what anybody would have done.” She lifted one shoulder. “Well, anybody but Jeffrey. He wouldn’t want to seem boastful.”

  Macy cocked her head. “I respect his desire to remain unassuming. That’s so refreshing these days.” She patted Courtney’s hand. “Thank you, Courtney. You’ve filled in the gaps for me.”

  “I have?”

  “Yes.” Standing, she touched the tip of her glasses to her temple. “But without the love triangle, this snake story loses its bite.”

  Courtney shifted. Where was she going with this?

  Macy paced in front of the settee. “The question is, how to find a fresh slant.”

  She abruptly stopped, with a snap of her fingers so loud it made Courtney jump.

  “I’ve got it. I’m dropping the romance angle completely. I think the real story here is how this quaint town has rallied together around making the movie.” Her gaze turned far off, as this new approach appeared to gather steam in her mind. “I can lead with the snake incident—just a quick mention of how a local hero rescued Angela Bijou.” Her attention returned to Courtney. “That way, Adam will be given credit but without too much fanfare.”

  Courtney considered. This might be good.

  Macy splayed her hands in front of her, palms forward. “Then I’ll segue into a feature on the town. If I tell the people about this unspoiled gem, they’ll flock here in droves to see where the movie was shot.” Looking pleased with herself, she smiled decisively. “Courtney, you and I will put Thornton Springs on the map.”

  “Really?” Standing, Courtney beamed. This could be just the financial boost the town needed.

  “Now, I have work to do.” Shouldering a large croc-skin business tote, Macy thrust out her hand. “It was a pleasure, Courtney. And thank you again for your help.”

  Shaking Macy’s hand, Courtney fairly vibrated with astonishment. She’d actually helped Macy Kendall
.

  Macy moved to the doorway, then turned. “Oh, and I think you’ll find your teacup over there.” Pointing a long, manicured finger to a table next to the window, she raised her other hand in a parting wave.

  As Courtney retrieved the cup, something vaguely troubled her. What was it? She shrugged it off. The only thing that mattered was that she had squelched a potentially devastating rumor about Adam going after Angela. Instead, the town was going to get some national recognition that could seriously boost their tourism.

  She stood a little taller. Things were definitely looking up.

  Chapter 20

  Trailing behind Angela, Courtney entered the community center. With fifteen minutes till Breaking Story’s airtime, the mini-gymnasium-sized area brimmed with movie people and townsfolk.

  Angela paused to take in the scene. “Do we have a table?”

  Courtney pointed to the far end of the room, near a large screen. She’d asked Jody to stick a Reserved sign on the front table, although Angela herself hadn’t made the request. In fact, she’d been so undemanding for the past several days; it was getting downright eerie.

  As they wended their way through the enthusiastic crowd, the spicy aroma of pepperoni made Courtney’s mouth water. Long tables stacked with pizza boxes lined a windowed wall, where a throng of happy people filled their plates and grabbed sodas. Courtney’s spirits lifted. This town knew how to throw a party.

  She caught sight of several familiar faces, while keeping an eye out for Adam. Things had been so hectic, she’d barely had time to talk to him lately.

  Reaching their table, Angela lowered herself onto a chair and folded her hands in her lap. Courtney hesitated. It was almost easier when Angela barked out orders. At least then Courtney knew where she stood.

  She pointed to the buffet. “Can I get you anything?”

  Angela contorted her mouth in thought. “I’d love a salad.” Her vague smile seemed almost apologetic. “And a diet soda.”

  Forcing a congenial face, Courtney set off for the food. It wasn’t that anything seemed wrong with Angela, but maybe that was the problem. There had been so much wrong before that now “normal” felt like cause for concern.

  As she stepped up to the food table and grabbed a couple of plates, she sensed someone moving into line behind her. She turned to see Jeffrey sizing up the spread. Her nerves seized. Ever since her conversation with Macy, a righteous outrage had brewed in her gut. Who was Jeffrey to lie about his intention to kill the snake just to make himself look heroic? Just as she drew up her courage to really let him have it, he glanced down at her and flashed an earnest grin.

  “Good evening, Courtney.”

  She swallowed her planned outburst. This wasn’t the same brash, larger-than-life figure she’d grown used to seeing on the set. Somehow his stature seemed to have shrunk to a surprisingly human scale. If she hadn’t known his famous face, she could easily have taken him for just a regular—if unusually charismatic—guy.

  “Surprised to see me here?” His conspiratorial tone made her feel like they were playing out that scene in Five Nights in Madrid where he and his glamorous costar thwarted the bombing of the king’s palace using only a breadstick and an earring back.

  “Should I be?” Truthfully, the sole surprise to her was that he thought enough of her to ask the question.

  “I felt like I needed to make an appearance.” His eyes lowered. “It was a little humiliating, what happened with the snake.”

  “It was?” Taken aback by his candor, she wanted to reassure him. “I don’t think anybody could have done anything differently.”

  “Just between you and me—” he darted a glance over his shoulder, then leaned in “—I’m hoping this show tonight will help sway Angela’s opinion of me.”

  Compassion filled the gap left by her draining outrage. He might have spent years taking a backward approach with women, but he seemed to genuinely care for Angela. Maybe Courtney shouldn’t blame him for whatever he’d said to Macy about Adam. He’d probably acted out of his own insecurity.

  She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ll be rooting for you.”

  “Thanks.” He inclined his head toward the plate she’d heaped with lettuce and a splash of dressing. “Is that for Angela?”

  “Yes. This and a diet soda.”

  “I’ll take it to her.” The glint in his eye was more shy schoolboy than well-known womanizer.

  “She’s down front.” Courtney handed him the salad. “If she tries to shoo you away, tell her the table’s reserved for both of you.”

  Gratitude blended with suave self-confidence as he braced two sodas in the crook of his arm and disappeared into the crowd.

  Smiling to herself, Courtney grabbed a slice of sausage-and-green-pepper pizza and shifted away from the buffet. Maybe Jeffrey and Angela had a chance after all.

  Her stomach grumbled. She perused the crowd and took a bite of pizza, still seeing no sign of her handsome cowboy.

  “Ms. Jacobs, I was hoping I’d run into you.”

  The sound of Travis Bloom’s robust voice from just behind her forced a hasty swallow. Her mind raced. Why would he hope to run into her? Unless it had something to do with her ruining his opportunity to buy the ranch. Why hadn’t she minded her own business?

  As she whirled around, her voice came out on a cough. “M-Mr. Bloom.”

  Looking concerned, he reached for a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Are you all right?”

  “Oh—uh—yes, sir.” Fearing she might totally humiliate herself with a misguided gulp, she calmed her cough with a cursory sip.

  Seeming assured that she wouldn’t need medical assistance, he continued. “You’re shooting in town tomorrow, is that right?”

  Still quavering, she nodded.

  “As you know,” he continued, looking not at all like a man who was fuming over a lost real estate deal. “I’ve been putting together ‘The Travis Bloom Project,’ and I wanted to...” He paused, giving the room a quick once-over, then leaned toward her. “I would like to talk to you about it. Can you break away for lunch?”

  Her heart skipped at least one beat, maybe two. This wasn’t about the ranch. He wanted to talk to her about working for him. “Yes. Absolutely.” She fought back a scream. “We take lunch at noon.”

  “Good. I’ll see you at the diner.”

  Stunned disbelief washed over her as he melded into the crowd. Attempting to do a mini-victory dance, she twirled around and smacked pizza-first into Adam’s firm torso.

  “Whoa!” Removing his hat, he stared down at the greasy triangular imprint on the front of his sky-blue cowboy shirt.

  Her hot cheeks snuffed out all hope of playing it cool. “Oh! I’m really sorry.”

  “Hey.” He lifted a wry smile. “I was hoping I’d run into you, but not quite so literally.”

  Setting her plate down on a nearby table, she grabbed a stack of napkins. “I can be such a klutz.” She started to dab at his shirt, then froze. What was she doing? It wasn’t like this was a problem she needed to solve in her capacity as personal assistant. This was the guy who had occupied her thoughts day and night for the past several weeks. Why was she touching him as if she had a right to?

  Looking as stunned as she felt, he placed his hand over hers, generating an invisible current that propelled her heart into her throat. She lifted her eyes to meet his and felt herself getting irretrievably lost.

  All of a sudden the lights dimmed, prompting a cheer from the crowd and a scramble for seats. Jerked into motion, Adam reached for the last chair at the table next to them and signaled for her to sit, then stepped back in consideration of the people taking their seats behind her.

  Sinking into the chair, her whole body tingled. What had just happened?

  As she faced the screen, Adam�
��s presence felt as if she were wrapped in an electric blanket cranked high. They had shared a definite moment. Did that mean he had the same hopes as her? Hopes for some sort of future together?

  It was all she could do to concentrate on the sound bites from Angela’s and Jeffrey’s interviews as they flashed on the screen under the show’s familiar theme music. The camera then zoomed in on Macy, flanked by the Vegas-style set. Behind her was a large split-screen image of the two N2M stars.

  With a toss of her impeccably styled blond head, Macy flashed a whiter-than-white smile. “On tonight’s edition of Breaking Story, we’re traveling out West to discover what Angela Bijou, Jeffrey Mark Caulfield and a snake all have in common.” Angling her face just so, she looked confidently into the camera. “It seems the three came face-to-face-to-face on the set of Keith Kingsley’s new Western, North to Montana.”

  She crossed to a second screen, this one featuring a shot of the main street of town, looking postcard perfect. A boisterous cheer erupted from the crowd, followed by an equally disruptive shush.

  Courtney watched in fascination. How Macy managed to maneuver around that flashy set in stiletto heels, say all her lines fluidly, and end up on her mark with a casual hand in her pocket was worth marveling at.

  “While shooting on location in the backwoods town of Thornton Springs, Montana...”

  Courtney winced. Backwoods? Her eyes darted from side to side. Maybe no one else had caught that implication.

  “...Angela Bijou and Jeffrey Mark Caulfield became kissing costars.”

  Courtney’s jaw slackened. What happened to “dropping the romance angle completely”?

  “After a few weeks at each other’s throats, they ended their tumultuous relationship.”

  Oh no. Courtney had told her that in confidence. Hadn’t she mentioned it was off the record? A cloud of panic threatened to turn torrential.

  Macy raised a practiced brow. “But it’s what happened next that will shock you.”