“Well we all have a lot of catching up to do. We’re lucky to have you and your daughters here and the opportunity to get to know them and you again,” Jimmy said. She found it kind of odd, the way he included himself in getting to know her and her daughters. That sensual, aroused sensation filled her belly. Her face felt flush and she had to turn away from Jimmy once again. Why did she feel like more was going on here then these two men were letting onto?
* * * *
Sydney took a walk out onto the back porch. It was wide and long, surrounding most of the back of the house and along both sides. The set up allowed full view of the open land, the stables with horses and a garden. It was quiet, except for the sounds of horses, and every so often a male voice calling out a command in the distance. She closed her eyes, inhaling as she gripped the railing. In her mind she thought about living out here and how different it was from New York. She imagined the lounges she sung at, the stages so small she could barely move a foot around her or she would have fallen off the corner stage. God, she sang at some real hole in the wall places but ones jammed packed and accepting to her voice. It was rough, raspy, and sexy as some described it, but she could hit the high notes, the low notes, and falsettos in between. She never had to force her voice on, as it came naturally.
As she thought about country music, the twangs and the depth of emotion in the delivery of the songs, she felt excited. In a way, country music was part of her heritage because her father had been born in the South. She thought about Matt and her heart began to race and her belly tightened. When she opened her eyes she saw two cowboys on horseback in the distance. The sun was setting behind them. Both sat upon two brown horses that were big, but the men appeared gigantic on the horses.
She walked toward the stairs as they headed toward the barn, and the moment the glare of the sun moved behind the barn she recognized one of them. Hart.
Damn, he was a good-looking guy, and the cowboy with him just as attractive. In fact, they could be brothers. The thought made her turn away and pretend she hadn’t been staring at them but at something else in the distance. Could they be brothers? How many were there? Wait, Matt mentioned something at lunch. Damn, what had he said? Hart and his brothers own the ranch next door or a house. Shoot.
She heard someone clear their throat and she quickly turned around. Syd was shocked to see a man, a cowboy standing there by the steps.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. Is Matt around?” he asked.
She was stunned at how gorgeous he was. Blond hair, blue eyes, and a dimple in his left cheek. She nodded her head and he chuckled.
“I’m Juno. You have to be Sydney. Damn,” he said and pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as he eyed her over. She was immediately taken aback by his reaction to her. She took two steps back and closer to the door. His eyes darkened and his friendly expression changed in a flash.
“He must be on the other side. Said for me to meet him here.”
“Hey, Juno. Have you met Sydney?” Matt asked as he came around the side of the house carrying an envelope.
“Just kind of did. Though she doesn’t speak much,” he teased, and she felt flustered. God, why did he have to be so good-looking? Why did he have to have such big muscles and stand taller than any man she’d ever met?
Matt looked at Sydney then back at Juno as Hart approached cautiously, taking his time almost testing the waters. What was his problem?
“Well, this is Sydney. Sydney meet Juno, he’s Hart’s brother. You met Hart at Francine’s earlier today.”
“Yes, I remember. Nice to meet you Juno,” she said and wondered about his name. It was unique that’s for sure.
“Nice to meet you, too. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of one another around the ranch,” Juno added and held her gaze but his eyes swept across her breasts and she got the sensation across her nipples that felt like he actually touched them. How peculiar.
“You sure will be. If myself or Jimmy aren’t around Sydney, Juno or Hart would be the next in command to help you out with anything.”
When Matt said anything, both Juno and Hart watched her with hunger in their eyes. It made her feel off kilter. She had feelings she never experienced before and it kind of freaked her out.
“I doubt I’ll be needing any assistance with anything. I’ll mostly be working,” she said and then turned and walked a few feet away and looked past them and toward the other cowboys riding along the open fields.
“Well, I’ve got the information and pay right here. You keep me posted on things. Oh did your brother Orsin return from Washington yet?” Matt asked Juno.
“Sure did, late last night. We’re heading to the Inn for dinner tonight.”
“That’s great. So are we. I made reservations, but if you want I can call ahead and you guys can join us?” Matt asked.
Juno looked right at Sydney, and she must have given her shock and concern away by her facial expression or maybe how she gripped the railing and practically shook.
“That’s okay. Your guests just arrived, and I’m sure you have a lot of things to catch up on. Another time. Definitely,” Juno added as he held her gaze and spoke as if he was making her a promise. Was she reading into this guy or what? She needed to stop daydreaming about meeting the perfect man to fall in love with and lose her virginity to. That probably was never going to happen.
“Well do. Once the ladies are all settled in, we’ll have you all over for dinner or something,” Matt added.
“Sounds good, and thanks for this. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Juno said then nodded his hat toward Sydney before he stepped down off the porch and walked away with Hart. She watched them go, her curiosity and interest hard to hide from anyone none the less her father who didn’t even know her until today.
“No need to be frightened of Juno or Hart. They’re good men. Retired soldiers, too, just like Jimmy and I.”
“Who said I was frightened of them? I just don’t know them and he kind of snuck up on me that’s all.”
He nodded his head, but his expression told her he didn’t believe her as he smirked slightly then looked away.
“Is your room okay?”
“Fine. It’s lovely,” she added, not wanting to be so abrupt and act like a snob or something. God, Juno and Hart put her on edge. She needed to calm her emotions down.
“Your home is gorgeous. It’s so big inside and you decorated it perfectly.”
“Thank you. I wouldn’t go that far as it being perfect. I’ve got a lot of guy things around and can forget to pick up after myself sometimes.”
“It’s great, really,” she told him.
“If there’s anything you want to change around in your room you can.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary Matt. I’m twenty-three. Once I get a little more money saved, I plan on getting my own place.”
“What? Why would you do that when I have all this room?”
“I guess to be independent. I have some goals I want to work on achieving, and I’m hoping to take some steps to make that happen.”
“What kind of goals? What is it you’re looking to do?” he asked as he placed one hand on the railing and one on his hip. He was such an attractive man. He was her father and she longed for conversations like this when she was little and didn’t have a daddy like other kids did. Like Ella did with Drake, even though it was a short time.
“I’m sorry, Matt, I don’t feel comfortable talking to you about these things. I don’t know you. There was a time I longed for such things, but I’m a grown woman now. I handle things alone. It’s what I’m used to doing.”
His eyes looked sad and his face seemed angry. She felt badly. Hell, guilty.
“I don’t want to hurt your feelings. Maybe that came out the wrong way.”
“No, no it’s okay. I understand. But know that I’m here now and I want to have a relationship with you. I want to get to know you, and maybe someday we could be…friends.”
She he
sitated to answer and again was caught by the raw emotion in his eyes, and perhaps her own inner longing to have a daddy, a father, like other girls had.
“It’s something to work toward, Matt.”
He gave a soft smile.
“I can live with that,” he said then winked.
“We’re going to head out in about an hour. Grab Ella and head to the kitchen when you ladies are set, okay?”
She nodded her head and then watched him disappear into the house. Sydney looked out toward the barn and caught sight of Juno again. He was a good-looking cowboy, but not for her. She had a career to chase. Two days and she would be working the temp job and then looking for auditions or any possible places to sing at. Something needed to give. Her small savings wasn’t going to last that long.
Chapter 3
Ella was a bit annoyed. She had wanted to take the car out of Pearl and check out some prospects in Croton. She heard that there were more clubs and bars around there and also a big hang out location for college kids. That was a plus. She had some money to make. This would prove to her mother and her sister that she was capable of taking care of herself. In a week she would be turning twenty-one. She planned on knowing more people by then so she had some party partners.
Smiling, she rearranged the items in the closet to hide the duffle bag. It had been a risk to smuggle it along with her from New York, but no harm done. Plus the best part was that Bruno wouldn’t be any the wiser about the missing drugs. He was so wasted that night she stole the bag from the closet. He had a party and anyone could have lifted the drugs during it. Not too smart on his part, that was for sure. Her cell phone rang and she glanced at it. Syd was texting her that she was ready to leave and waiting by the car outside. At first she thought it would be hard to do some recon with her sister around but Syd said she should be at least an hour at the temp place where she would finalize her paperwork and get a start date for her new job. Screw that. Working behind some desk, taking orders from people acting like their slave wasn’t for Ella. She wanted quick money and Croton was going to come through. She just needed to identify the key players.
As she grabbed her purse and rechecked her lip-gloss she checked out her outfit. Tight jeans, a camisole that showed off her deep cleavage, and her long brown hair pulled to one side in soft curls. She looked hot. She gave herself a wink and headed out of the bedroom and down the hallway.
“I’m heading out with Syd. I’ll be back later,” she told her mom as she passed by the kitchen. Jimmy and Matt gave a wave and her mom smiled.
As she headed out to the car, she took in the sights of the ranch, including the horses out in the pasture, the barn, the men on horses, and all the natural landscaping. It was peaceful out here. She felt a bit of guilt for bringing the drugs, planning on selling them to make enough quick cash to set her up for quite some time. It was like she was corrupting something good and pure. Hopefully, seeing Croton and checking out the local dealers would ease her conscious. After all, it was a one-time thing. Nothing more.
“Are you all set?” Syd asked, and Ella smiled. All set. You look great. What type of temp work are you getting again?”
“Office, I think. Though I’m not too sure. They said they needed to ask me more questions. I’m kind of nervous.”
“You? Why? You’re great at interviews and talking to people,” Ella said as Syd drove down the driveway and onto the dirt road that led to the main road to town.
“I don’t know. I guess half of me just wants to focus on getting some singing gigs. I’ve been working for so long and then taking care of Mom. It’s like I feel a little burned. But then we had the last several weeks off traveling here and getting things settled, so I feel antsy to keep busy.”
“That’s you not me. I would be fine remaining on a permanent vacation.”
Syd chuckled. “That isn’t reality. Unless you win the lotto or something.”
Ella chuckled. If she got rid of all the drugs and sold them, she would be sitting pretty for quite some time. But she supposed she should probably get a cover job to explain the money she would always have on hand.
“Do you think I can fill out an application for something, too? Or maybe check out that boutique in Pearl?”
“Really? You want to look for a job?”
“Hey, I’m turning twenty-one this week. I need spending money for a night or two out on the town. Unless you’ve changed your mind about heading to Vegas with me for the weekend.”
“Yeah right. So not happening, sister.”
“Then I guess on the way back maybe we could stop in Pearl.”
She watched Syd smile. “Definitely,” Syd said and they continued driving until they went through two towns past Pearl and finally into Croton.
The moment they came to the center of town where all the bars and dance halls were Ella smiled wide. Jackpot.
* * * *
“Are you sure about this? I mean, I was told my application was accepted for a temp job in Croton,” Syd told the nice older woman behind the desk at the office in town.
“I’m so sorry, dear. It seems there was some kind of mix-up.”
“Oh God, I don’t believe this. I just moved to Pearl a few days ago and I don’t have anything else lined up.”
“The Rusty Horn is hiring. It’s right around the bend in Fisher.”
“The Rusty Horn? That doesn’t really sound like my type of establishment.”
The woman leaned forward.
“It’s a very upscale place. Members only, and usually big-time businessmen. They have a large stage set up for well-known bands and performers and lots of contests, too. There’s always a wait to get in and it’s probably similar to places in New York where you’re from. You know when the bouncers pick the guests that can come inside by the way they dress or look. I never really understood that. But I’m old school. My granddaughter, who’s a few years older than you, gets in when she comes to Croton to visit.”
“I guess I’ll think about it.”
“In the meantime, I’ll hold onto your application and call you if something comes up.”
Feeling disappointed and used to bad luck like this happening to her Syd stood up.
“You don’t need to tell me that. I understand how this works.” She knew she sounded somber, but she hoped for a job, a chance to make some spending money if her dream of singing on stage never happened. The woman reached out and touched her arm as she stood up, too.
“No, honey, I mean it. I feel badly that this happened. You’re a nice, professional young woman. Plus on your application you listed that you enjoy singing and performing on stage. I thought it could mean more than a hobby.”
“It does mean more than a hobby. It’s my ultimate dream.”
The woman smiled wide and patted her hand then she took out a business card and wrote something on the back of it.
“Call this number, ask for Rusty and tell him Gabby Malone sent ya. Then when he gives you a shot, you sing your heart out and show him what ya got, ya hear?” she asked and winked.
Syd smiled as she took the card and wondered if the woman was for real. “Thank you so much, Gabby. I’ll call him.”
Gabby nodded and then Syd said goodbye and walked away.
She headed outside and knew she had some time to spare. Ella was looking around and checking out the town.
Syd started walking down the side street when she spotted Ella talking to three cowboys. Syd shook her head. Leave to Ella to be in a place for less than thirty minutes and she already found some guys to hang out with.
Ella happened to look up and she smiled wide and waved at Syd. The three cowboys turned to look, and Syd could hear Ella say “that’s my sister.” The cowboys were young and attractive and leaned up against the front of some super duty brand-new red and black pickup truck. It looked expensive.
“Syd, come here and meet my new friends.”
Syd made her way over, the men eating her up with their eyes and putting her in protectiv
e mode. She went next to her sister, and Ella introduced them. Syd was so disinterested she barely remembered their names as the conversation continued.
“You and your sister have to come out tonight. Meet us at the Bradford Saloon. It’s the best bar in town and most hopping place,” one blond guy told Ella, as he looked her over with his sultry blue eyes. Ella was as cool as a cucumber. Syd felt uncomfortable. She hated flirting, she disliked being looked at like a piece of meat, and these cowboys looked like they were up to something.
“I’m not sure. We’ll see if we wind up there.”
“We’ll show you New York ladies how real cowboys party in Texas. Just meet us there. We’ll be looking for ya, darling,” the blond who did all the talking said.
Ella gave them a wink.
“We’ll see,” she said then took Syd’s arm and led her away. “Have a nice day,” she called to them.
“Looking forward to seeing you tonight, Ella,” the blond called after her.
“Don’t forget to bring your sister,” the other one said, and then his friend gave his arm a light slap and he smiled at Syd, too.
“You messing with fire, Ella,” Syd told her sister as they walked down the sidewalk and checked out the local stores.
“I like messing with fire. Did you see their muscles, and those blue eyes of his? Yummy.”
“Ella, remember what I said about being careful and being new around here. This is a chance to make a new life. A good life and put the other crap behind you.”
Elle released her arm. It was obvious Ella was offended by the light reminder of her sister’s troublesome ways.
“Let’s head out of here and check out that clothing store in Pearl,” Ella said, and Syd agreed. “Okay, come on, this was a waste of time anyway.”
“What happened back in the office? Did you get details on the job and when you start?”
Sing Me a Song Page 4