Montana Ranch Series: Love on Willow Creek, Lightning over Bennett Ranch, One Touch at Cob's Bar and Grill, Last Chance for Love, Love Under an Open Sky

by Dawes, Casey

  “Short dresses and a lot of sass?” Bridget asked. Callie nodded. “That’s Clara and her sister, Mariam, the two witches. Don’t tell me she started some nonsense over Joel.”

  “She said I shouldn’t try to steal someone else’s man,” Callie said, close to tears. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come here. Michael was right, I should go home.”

  “You just said you like it here,” Bridget reminded her. “And I know you like Joel.”

  “Him!” Callie turned her head away so Bridget wouldn’t see her tears. “He only wanted to know me when he thought I was rich and famous. When I told him I wasn’t, he abandoned me outside the bar.”

  “He did what?” Bridget gasped. “I can’t believe that. He told Tom he felt he should apologize to you. I know he likes you.”

  “Until he found out that I wasn’t famous and wasn’t rich!” Callie gasped.

  “Who told him that?”

  “I did,” Callie admitted.

  “I don’t understand.” Bridget sighed, and took a sip of her coffee.

  “He kissed me,” Callie blurted out as though it was the most important thing in the world.

  “Did you like him kissing you?” Bridget smiled.

  “Yes, I liked it and I wanted him to kiss me more. He would have kissed me if he thought I was wealthy, but I told him I wasn’t famous and he knew I wouldn’t have any money.”

  “Joel Masters has his own money.” Bridget sat up straight. “What else did you say to him?”

  Callie dropped her head, ashamed of trying to tease him since it had all gone so wrong.

  “I asked him if he was rich but I was only teasing.” Callie sighed. She didn’t really care if he had money or not. She had enough of her own. “And then I asked him if he was married. He got angry, accused me of playing a game and told me he didn’t play those games anymore. I don’t know what I did wrong. He went cold and angry on me.”

  “I think I know what’s going on.” Bridget shook her head. “Clara, the hussy in the tight blue dress, used to date Joel. They even got engaged, but it didn’t matter how much money he spent on her, it wasn’t enough. Every cent he has, he’s worked hard for and unfortunately, Clara wanted to spend it all. Joel was crazy about her and couldn’t see it until he found her transferring money out of his account and into another man’s.”

  “She was using him for his money?” Callie gasped. Poor Joel.

  “He’s worked that ranch since his parents died, raising his sister too. He worked on his own until he could afford men to help him and that greedy witch wanted it all. I hear she got dumped by the other man too, once he found out Joel wasn’t paying out anymore.”

  “She warned me off him,” Callie declared.

  “She thinks she can win him back, but she threatened everything he’s worked for. He dotes on Helen and won’t forgive anything that threatens her future. Clara hasn’t got a chance.”

  Callie heard the sound of a truck pulling up

  “I forgot Joel was due here today. Helen wanted to see Aleria. I can send them away if you want,” Bridget said from the window.

  “No, it’s fine.” Callie moved to the door. “I think I owe him an apology.”

  Chapter Seven

  “Helen, meet my cousin Callie over from England for a visit.” Bridget approached the young woman with the plaster cast on her arm.

  “You’re Callie? I’ve heard a lot about you.” Helen had deep brown eyes to match the hair showing beneath her beige cowboy hat.

  “From who?” Callie tried to keep her voice light but dreaded the reply.

  “From my brother.” Helen grinned and nodded at Joel who had moved around the truck to stand at her side.

  “I might have mentioned you in passing.” Joel lifted the brim of his hat with one finger, his action nonchalant, but Helen laughed loudly.

  “He hasn’t shut up about you, the famous singer from England. He googled you last night.” Helen giggled as Joel playfully tapped her shoulder. “I hope you don’t think I’m rude, but I’m dying to see Aleria.”

  “Don’t let me keep you,” Callie said, and hoped Joel would accompany his excited sister to the barn. But he didn’t move as his eyes caressed her face.

  “I think I need to apologize to you,” Callie drew on all her courage as she spoke the words.

  “For lying to me?” Joel stepped closer, but slowly as though not to frighten her.

  “I didn’t lie to you.” Callie looked up into his deeply masculine face, the lines of his lips fascinating. She remembered how they felt on her mouth and she knew she wanted more.

  “You said you weren’t famous.” He took another step closer, his lean, powerful frame shadowing the sun.

  “I’m not famous here.” She gasped as he moved closer still.

  “You’re famous in England. I looked you up,” he said, his voice becoming deeper as he stood only inches from her.

  “Oh, that. It wasn’t a lie, not really.” She could feel her cheeks redden as he placed a finger under her chin and moved it so she looked at him.

  “You lied to me,” he repeated.

  “Yes, okay. I lied to you and I’m sorry about that, and whatever I said to upset you. I didn’t mean it, really I didn’t.”

  “Yes, I’m rich and no, I’m not married— at least, not yet.” He pulled her into his arms “But I think you’re richer.” He whisked off his hat as he lowered his mouth to hers. His lips were more demanding now, as though he was sure of his reception.

  “I’ve been thinking about that all night,” he admitted once he’d raised his head, with a satisfied grin. “I like kissing the famous Callie Robinson.”

  “And I like being kissed.” Callie returned the grin. “I’m sorry I upset you. I didn’t know about Clara.”

  “There was no reason you should have known about her, but I suppose it’s not a secret around here,” he growled. “Bad news travels fast.”

  “Are you two friends again?” Bridget called from the barn. “Helen wants you to come and look at Aleria.”

  “We’d better go look then.” Joel laughed and grabbed hold of Callie’s hand. “My sister must be obeyed at all times.”

  ****

  “I can’t believe how wonderful she looks now.” Helen set her empty coffee mug on the table. “Bridget, you’ve worked wonders with her.”

  “Don’t start getting any ideas about riding her until the doctors have given you the all clear,” Joel declared from the other side of the table. He still held Callie’s hand.

  “You’re such a bully, Joel Masters,” Helen grumbled, sticking her tongue out. “Be warned, Callie, he’s a bully.”

  “I’m only a bully to silly girls who throw themselves off horses,” Joel growled back.

  “But you still love me,” Helen teased, a huge smile blossoming on her mouth.

  “You know it.” Joel returned her smile and Callie could see the deep love they held for each other. She didn’t have a sibling, but she would have loved to have a big brother like Joel. “Come, Callie, I want to show you something.”

  “Be wary of men who want to show you something.” Helen giggled naughtily as Joel led Callie to the kitchen door, her giggles turning to raucous laughter at his annoyed glare.

  Chapter Eight

  “That’s it, as far as you can see.” Joel waved his arm at the vista in front of them after they’d driven out to his ranch.

  “That’s all yours? I mean, all of it?” Callie gasped. All she could see before her was a prairie beneath the blue sky. Despite the lack of clouds, the day was still a little chilly, but it was the vastness of Joel’s land which stole her breath away. In the distance, she could see a large herd of cattle slowly making their way down to the river in a low valley to their right. Men on horses skillfully guided th
e mass of steers, barely raising a cloud of dust in their wake.

  “All of it.” Joel nodded proudly. “My parents started off with a patch of land and I’ve built it up since then.”

  “It’s amazing,” Callie told him. How could any one person own so much? She had a little window box back home, but to imagine belonging to such a legacy was beyond her dreams.

  “You like it?” Joel asked with a slight tremor in his voice which Callie might have missed if she hadn’t been standing so close.

  “I love it,” Callie declared, leaning back against his broad chest as his arms enclosed her waist.

  “There’s the ranch house.” He pointed. “It’s not big, but it can be made bigger.”

  The house, twice the size of Bridget’s, sat at the end of a long dusty road connected to the highway three miles away. The main house, like the other buildings around it, was timber- built and seemed to Callie’s eyes to be part of the landscape as they looked down on it from the top of the hill.

  “No, it’s perfect,” Callie sighed. “Why would you want to change it?”

  “I thought you might want to change it.” Joel rested his head on the top of hers. “I was hoping you might want to be part of this.”

  “What are you asking?” Callie gasped. Did he really mean what she thought he did?

  “I know we haven’t known each other long, but this feels right,” he whispered.

  “Yes, it feels right,” she agreed.

  “It’s too soon but…” He turned her to face him before he continued. “I can’t stop thinking about you. I know every time I say something to you it comes out all wrong, but there’s something about you that fits me. I want you to be part of this although we can take it as slow as you like.”

  “I’m not sure…”

  “That’s okay, I understand—” Joel began until Callie interrupted him.

  “I’m not sure what you’re asking.” Callie crossed her fingers and hoped she was right.

  “I’m asking you to let me get to know you, and to be part of my life.” Joel waited.

  “I would love that.” Callie raised her lips to his, as a shiver ran through her body and a wave of hope built in her heart.

  Chapter Nine

  “Callie, you’ve got a visitor.” Jessica poked her head through the door. “Bridget’s out riding, but I can stay if you like.”

  Callie lifted her head from the notes she’d been making. A love song had been running through her head and she’s been trying to get the lyrics down on paper.

  “No, it’s fine,” Callie said, closing the book and placing it on the end of her bed. It could only be Joel and she supposed Jessica didn’t feel right leaving her alone with him. Joel had been the perfect gentlemen, opening doors and ensuring her safety. Callie had no qualms about being alone with him.

  “Michael?” Callie gasped at the sight of the tall man standing in the kitchen doorway, casting irritated glances at Jessica who stood opposite.

  “You remembered my name then?” he snarled.

  “It’s okay, Jess. Michael and I are old friends.” Callie nodded her head and waited until Jessica headed toward the barn.

  “This is how you treat old friends?” Michael snapped. “I told you to be on that plane. I waited for you at the airport.”

  “I’m sorry.” Callie sighed. “I said I couldn’t catch that flight.”

  “Couldn’t or wouldn’t?” Michael stalked closer, using his large frame to intimidate her. He frowned when she didn’t burst into apologetic tears.

  “I told you my cousin, Bridget, invited me to her engagement party and I really wanted to go but—”

  “Callie, you can’t put pleasure before business—not yet. You’re on the verge of a wonderful career, and now you’re in the States, you can begin your campaign here. Well, not here, this is the back of beyond, but New York, California and Vegas.”. He reached into his briefcase. “You need to sign these.” He placed a wad of papers in front of her.

  “What are they?” Callie asked, although she could guess. Her contract with Michael and the managerial company he owned had come to an end and this was her chance to break free.

  “You always trusted me before.” Michael sat on the wooden chair closest to her.

  “It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Callie explained, suddenly feeling as though she was the one in charge. “I just don’t feel that I want to do this anymore.”

  “You’re a great singer and you have the chance of a great future. Why would you give it up?” Michael sat back, his disbelief showing on his face.

  “I’ve found something here, and I love the people and the life. I don’t want to go home just yet.” Callie kept her voice firm, adding the touch of authority she felt she needed to use with Michael.

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Michael hissed and gathered up the papers she’d set in front of her with an air of acceptance. “Have you met someone?”

  Callie nodded and smiled. She never thought it would be so easy. Michael had never seen her side of anything before.

  “Yes, his name is Joel and he’s wonderful.”

  “I’m very happy for you but if you change your mind, I’ve reserved tickets for you on the evening flight. It leaves at six, and I’ll be on it.” Michael stood, nodded and exited the kitchen, heading toward the rental car he’d parked behind a low bank of trees. He raised his cell phone to his ear as Callie drove past. “She’s headed off and I reckon she’s off to see Masters. You had better hurry if you’re going to keep to the plan. Don’t forget to wear the perfume.”

  Chapter Ten

  Joel chuckled low as two small hands covered his eyes from behind.

  “Who’s that?” he asked, his long legs stretched out on the bench before him. He inhaled the delicate scent of flowers, Callie’s favorite perfume.

  “Shush. Keep your eyes closed,” she whispered as Joel chuckled more. A gentle rustling brought two soft lips to his in a warm, loving kiss as she sat down on his lap. The two hands that covered his eyes before now held his head to hers as they kissed.

  He didn’t see Callie as she walked silently toward the shaded veranda where they’d agreed to meet.

  Callie froze and her mind worked overtime as she spotted the couple kissing. The woman, the tight blue jeans and ridiculously high heels identified her as Clara, Joel’s ex fiancée. Apparently, she wasn’t as much of an ex as Joel said. Unwanted tears flowed down Callie’s face, but she stood, frozen and unable to wipe them away.

  How could she have been such a fool? Michael was right, she should have gone home. But he had reserved a ticket for her. One, she should be using. Gathering what was left of her senses, and not wanting to be spotted by the kissing couple, she turned and ran silently back to her car.

  Callie didn’t look behind as Joel opened his eyes, and realized it was Clara’s lips locked to his. He raised his hands and roughly thrust her away. She landed on her rear on the wooden boards of the raised veranda with a loud shriek.

  “What the heck?” he growled, leaping to his feet, and wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “What are you playing at, Clara?”

  “Oh baby, you enjoyed it, don’t say you didn’t.” Clara drew herself off the floor, wiping dust off her new and expensive jeans. “We were so good together. We can be again.” Her pampered hand grabbed hold of his denim shirt, trying to pull him to her.

  “You and my bank account, maybe. You fell in love with my money,” Joel growled. He stared after the car and cursed under his breath as he realized who had been driving. “Callie.” He sighed.

  ****

  “I’m sorry but it’s for the best,” Callie cried as Bridget hugged her tightly. Her luggage waited in the rental car and only the goodbyes were left to be said.

  “I don’t understand what happene
d.” Bridget sighed. “I thought you and Joel were getting on so well.”

  “People aren’t always what you think they are,” Callie said as she climbed into the driver’s seat. “Thank you for everything.”

  “Keep in touch.” Tom leaned in, placing an arm around Bridget’s shoulder.

  “I will,” Callie said before she drove away. Going home was for the best. Michael had been pleased to hear from her and said he’d be waiting for her at the airport with a ticket home.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Is Callie here?” Joel burst through the kitchen door, surprising both Bridget and Tom, who’d been enjoying a coffee break. “I need to talk to her.”

  “She’s gone.” Tom stood and drew himself up to his full height.

  “Gone where?” Joel demanded to know, his body tight and his face full of a frown.

  “She’s at the airport by now.” Bridget stood too as she asked. “What happened between you?”

  “Explain in the truck, I’ll drive,” Tom scooped his keys up from the table and led the way out of the kitchen.

  ****

  “She did what?” Bridget gasped from the rear seat. “I always knew she was trouble but that’s so low.”

  “Callie must have seen it all, and thought we were back together, just as Clara wanted,” Joel growled. “Can’t you drive any faster?”

  “I’m keeping to the speed limit. It won’t help if the sheriff pulls us over for speeding,” Tom growled back, then pressed a little harder on the gas pedal. A little faster wouldn’t hurt, and didn’t the sheriff owe him a favor or two?

  “I think…” Joel began but changed his words. “No, I know I love Callie. I can’t let her disappear out of my life without her knowing the truth.”

  “We’ll get there in time,” Bridget sighed, her hand resting on Joel’s shoulder. “Her plane doesn’t leave for another hour yet.”