All But the Fall

by Kim Turner

  “Maybe you need those feelings to come to the surface to deal with them.” He offered, still perplexed at what she had divulged, but sure he didn’t understand it fully.

  “I thought I had been.” She shook her head, the strawberries surrounding him again.

  “I’m glad it wasn’t my kiss that brought you tears.” He touched her cheek and leaned down to make her look at him.

  A bit of a smile edged her lips. “The kiss was fine…”

  He snapped his fingers and shook his head with a slight grin of his own. “I was kind of hoping for spectacular.”

  She laughed then. “How about extraordinary? Sorry, I ruined the moment.”

  “Naaahhh.” He gave her a wink, wishing he could take away the sadness that still lingered in her eyes, anger welling in him at the idea of what she might have been put through. He pulled the blanket around her, hoping he had an inkling of a chance, a bit frightened himself at the aspect. Maybe he shouldn’t have kissed her so soon, but he’d been too caught up in the moment. A woman like her should never know what it was to be broken, and so he’d wait and let her take the lead, but he wasn’t about to let her slip from his grasp.

  ****

  The ride back to base camp was quiet, leaving Aaron confused. Jenna had hidden her fears behind a few smiles and had made small talk but it had seemed forced. He guided Maxus, leading her on Scout to the backside of the little western town where filming was in progress. They needed to stay out of view so they took the longer turn on the outside of the parking area back to the barn.

  “Guess there’s a shoot-out at the O.K. Corral today.” He glanced back toward the saloon where a film crew sat on the outside holding lights and cameras. Blanks shots snapped and echoed around town, and the minimized voices of the actors could be heard as they rolled through their lines.

  “Did you know the real fight at the O.K. Corral was in a very small area, like six to ten feet? The whole fight lasted less than thirty seconds.” She lifted her gaze, with the first real smile.

  He was well aware of the details but she was talking and that was a good thing. “Really?”

  “And Wyatt Earp was the only one who didn’t take a bullet,” she added.

  “You read up for your writing of the time period, then?” he asked, and she nodded as he dismounted outside the barn. She did the same this time on her own. He tied both horses and turned to look at her, wanting to hold her so bad he could taste it. “Are you all right?”

  She took a deep breath and met his gaze. “I will be, Aaron. I kind of feel it was foolish now.”

  He walked a little closer. “No need for that. You are worth it, Jenna.”

  “Thank you.” It was the slightest whisper as she dropped her gaze.

  “Aaron?”

  He and Jenna both turned to Drake Masters walking their way. Dressed as an eighteen-eighties cowboy in dark pants, boots and vest, sporting replica revolvers in the holster low around his narrow hips, he smiled and offered a hand. “Hey, I wanted to talk with you before the ride this afternoon.”

  Aaron leaned in and took his grip, wanting to curse the bad timing. He still wasn’t certain where he stood with Jenna, and he didn’t want to leave things off balance.

  Drake glanced at Jenna taking her hand next. “You’re the set nurse. I remember you from the opening day events.”

  “Jenna Wilder. I’ll just be going so you two can work.” She glanced at Aaron and then turned, leaving him with the actor.

  “Aaron, I was wondering if we could discuss the stunt for this afternoon. I’ve ridden horses for years but falling from one on purpose. I’m afraid I might need a lesson or two.” Drake smiled, starch white teeth gleaming.

  “This is the fall with Thor dragging you, but I’ve got that part. Your job is to fall away on the pillow matting.” He had already rigged up the saddle that he needed, and Thor would handle it fine with him taking the real fall while Drake hit the pillows.

  “Yea, but I’ve gotta fall off that horse like I know what I’m doing.” The actor added with concern, but chuckled. “I’m thankful you’re the one getting drug through town though.”

  “I was about to saddle up Thor.” Aaron glanced behind Drake but Jenna was long gone, leaving a crevice through his center. He’d hoped to end the moment with at least the touch of his hand, something personal.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Drake glancing behind him and back.

  He shook his head. “It’s fine.”

  “I suppose I should thank you for the spill you took in the river the other day, making my job look easy.” The actor followed him into the barn. “Not sure how you took that cold splash.”

  “Goes with the territory.” Aaron shrugged. He’d been dumped in worse places over the years and cold water was a bit better than hard dirt when it came down to it.

  “That’s why I thought you might be better at teaching me to be a ‘fall guy’.” Masters’ laughed, running a hand through his dark wavy hair, hat in hand.

  “There’s a right way to fall.” he acknowledged and then next hour was spent showing the actor ideas of how to let go of Thor and fall free of the horse, rolling onto the blow-up mat. The important task was timing and falling on cue. The tabloids played Masters as a Hollywood player, a different woman on his arm at every event, but he seemed down to earth. That he’d asked for help was huge. Some actors wanted to do their own stunts, and others opted out. Footage of the real Drake falling was needed, but it would be Aaron who hit the ground being dragged along behind Thor eating dust.

  After he’d gotten Drake secured with the fall, he took Thor to the set to wait on their turn to ride. He needed to suit up and ride Thor on a gallop through the middle of town, pretend to get shot, fall from the horse, and be dragged by the animal to the end of town.

  Concentration was difficult as he’d not been able to push Jenna from his mind. He hadn’t meant for their time together to go as it had, but then maybe it was best given he wasn’t sure he was ready for something more himself.

  He tied Thor off and walked to the wardrobe trailer.

  “Aaron, got you all set buddy.” Brian nodded toward the pile of clothing on the bench near the door. “I’ll help you get suited up. I found a bicycle chest protector and back plate, so you won’t get skinned up. It’ll fit well enough under your clothes.”

  “That’ll work.” He shucked his jeans and T-shirt, donning protective knee and elbow padding along with the chest and back guard, with a dark long sleeve shirt underneath for added padding.

  “Let me tape you up so it won’t slide when you hit the ground.” Brian pulled out duct tape and began stripping it along the chest and back protector. “You got Maxus or Thor on this one?”

  “Maxus might like a chance to drag me around, but Thor will be nicer about it.” He chuckled at the truth of his favorite ornery horse. Maxus was his best for jumps but the horse had a mind of his own, smart as hell too when it came down to it.

  “Well, that spill gave you a hell of a bruise.” Brian tore the tape away securing the last edges of the back plate.

  “Yep, I feel it.” He pulled on his cowboy trousers and stepped into the boots. His back still ached and the upcoming fall wouldn’t help, but he could ice down later.

  Sheila came from the back, carrying a brush and a handful of black pony tail bands. “Hi Aaron, the script says you aren’t so dirty today, but you need your hair banded and up.”

  “She loves your hair, probably because I have none.” Brian rubbed his bald scalp.

  Aaron sat down as Sheila started on his hair, lingering as she pulled the brush through. “I saw you ride back in town with the nurse a while ago.”

  “Help.” He glanced at Brian for pity.

  “Not a thing I can do about her, Buddy, she’s a hopeless romantic.” He handed Aaron a holster and guns.

  “I am not, but she is very pretty and such a sweetheart.” She teased, pulling his hair in a band and tucking it under the hat she placed on h
is head.

  He stood and winked at her, making it sound simple. “The nurse and I are friends.”

  “You are on in five.” Shelia went back to her work. “You be careful this time.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a cowboy nod, dipping his hat, grateful to chat no more where Jenna was concerned.

  Ten minutes later he sat on Thor, waiting for Horace Leland’s cue. If Thor cooperated this would be one take, but then again working with the famous show runner/director assured nothing was done until he announced it a take.

  “Places.” Leland spat. “Someone get the can of cola off the railing at the saloon, we are in the eighteen-hundreds folks.”

  One of the crew scurried to grab the can and disappeared behind the fake town.

  Aaron waited, noticing Jenna on her cart at the side lines, but then it was her job to be present for the stunts. Focus. Now would be a good time to do so.

  “Places and action!” Leland’s voice quieted the set.

  Aaron headed Thor to a gallop. As he passed the barbershop, he pulled his revolver and popped three caps toward the saloon as the script called for. Sometimes playing cowboy was fun. Jolting in the saddle, as if shot, he tossed himself from Thor, still hanging onto the reins and another rope tied to the saddle horn. Hitting the ground, he never slowed as Thor pulled him along the sandy street, dust stirring in his wake. So far so good, except for his back and the breath he’d yet to catch. He held tightly until Thor reached the end of town and with a whistle, he stopped the horse.

  He rolled over sitting up and spitting dirt to the ground. His back hadn’t needed that, and he growled as he gained his feet again, waiting on word from Leland. It went flawless, but the man never seemed satisfied and the fact that he’d lost his cowboy hat might play a problem. He gave Thor a pat and waited, getting a thumbs up from the camera crew. Well, that would be a damn first. He brushed the dust from his clothing and stretched his back; the ache would be no fun later.

  Drake met him as he returned with Thor. “My turn, but I’ve got it easy.”

  “Loosen your foot, drop the reins and fall away.” He handed Drake the reins and turned to search for Jenna. She’d been waiting nearby, sitting on her medical cart, and he didn’t hesitate at all making his way right to her.

  Meeting her gaze, he sat in the passenger seat of her cart glancing back where Masters was mounting up.

  “I don’t know how you do it. That one hurt?” She brushed dirt from his shirt, her face less anxious than before.

  “Years of practice and good padding. Ice and heat.” He grinned and beat his chest where the protector was still taped in place. His back ached but that would pass, more important right now was making sure she was all right.

  Her smile faded. “Aaron, I won’t tell you I didn’t think about that kiss happening. I even wanted it to, but I suppose I wasn’t ready for the emotions that went with it.”

  “So, I’m not banished to the curb?” He grinned, enjoying the pink flush of her cheeks.

  “No.” She whispered so softly he wished he could scoop her into his arms again.

  “Good, I would hate to break it to Scout that the beautiful lady riding him has dropped us like a hot cake.” He waited as her smile erupted.

  She nudged him, teasing, as Leland called for action.

  “Here goes Masters.” He focused on the set.

  Thor took off, repeating what he’d done moments ago. Drake was hanging on and at the post office popped his gun three times.

  “Slow the horse…” Aaron shook his head, squinting for a better view. Drake let go at the snap of the last gun blast and flipped himself off Thor, his foot snagging the stirrup. The horse pulled him a ways before he dropped to the ground with a cloud of dust.

  “Damn it!” Aaron jumped up and whistled stopping Thor, but Drake Masters lay on the ground unmoving. “He hit the ground. Go!” He jumped back on the cart, and Jenna turned the key, pushing the gas and steering onto the set.

  “Let the nurse through.” Leland spat orders over the megaphone.

  Jenna jumped from the cart and knelt and assessed Drake who was rolling on the ground in pain, grabbing his side.

  “Take deep breaths. That’s it.” She held his head to look in his eyes as he sat up. “Did you hit your head?”

  “No. I…guess…I…missed the…mark.” He held his ribs, his breath short.

  Jenna tugged at his old west shirt, freeing it of his trousers and having to take the time with the buttons. “Let’s get your shirt off, you’ve got some bleeding. Where do you hurt?”

  “My side…” Drake worked out of his shirtsleeves, one of the crew assisting him.

  Jenna ran her hands along his side, eliciting a yelp. “You could have broken ribs or other injuries that are hard to see. What about your arm?” She reached into her bag for the medicated wipes and began cleaning the deep scrapes on his forearm and elbow.

  He cringed, sucking in air through clenched teeth.

  “Sorry.” Jenna continued. “You need an x-ray of your ribs and arm to make sure. Look at me; did you hit your head?”

  “Nope, I don’t think so. Was it a take?” Drake glanced up at Leland.

  “Excellent, incredibly realistic.” Leland rolled his eyes and folded his arms. “All we need now is you injured.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Drake stood with help from two crew members.

  Jenna stood as well. “Get your footing. Do you feel dizzy?”

  He held steady. “Nah, I think this thick skull of mine is good.”

  “I still think X-Rays are in order,” she offered, with a glance at Horace Leland.

  “Take him into Great Falls in the limo.” Leland nodded to his assistant. “Ms. Wilder, could I request that you travel with him? He’ll need a private room and no leaks of information.”

  Jenna nodded and lifted her cell phone as Aaron stood in the distance behind all the commotion. She worked with skill and efficiency, and he caught himself just watching her.

  Drake glanced his way. “Should’ve listened closer about keeping my boot free.”

  “Timing’s everything.” He backed up with the arrival of the limo, taking Thor’s reins from one of the crew.

  In a matter of moments, Jenna was shoved into the limo and whisked off to the hospital with the real cowboy. It was her job, but he couldn’t help but feel a bit of jealousy when it came down to it. He pulled Thor by the reins, heading back to the barn, the ache in his back emerging once more. No matter, he needed to get home to spend time with Lily and if he were being honest with himself, take the cold shower he’d needed since kissing Jenna Wilder.

  Chapter Five

  Jenna sat in the limo across from Drake Masters, who was kicked back in the long seat, holding an ice pack to his side. She’d been ushered inside the limo so fast; it wasn’t until the quiet of the speedy ride that she remembered the last time she’d been in such a vehicle. It had been the evening she’d confronted Vince about large amounts of funds coming into his campaign. Her now ex-husband had blind-sided her with a fist to her cheek, leaving her dumfounded and gasping as he cursed her because it was ‘none of her business.’

  “Aaron taught me well enough, just happened so fast.” Drake pulled her from her thoughts, and the shiver she’d yet to allow.

  She glanced at her cell phone where Shay had responded to her text. “The ER’s all set with a private room, and security has been notified.”

  He looked at her with a nod. “Thanks. So…how did you end up as the nurse on location?”

  She thought for a minute before answering. He was really a handsome man with his deep blue eyes and shoulder length dark hair. “I was looking for something where I could be home more with my son.”

  “Well, that sounds like a real good reason.” He grimaced. “If this isn’t broken ribs.”

  She shook her head. “Broken or not, I think your stunts are over for a while.”

  “No problem there.” He closed his eyes again, his features still pa
le.

  She glanced out the window as the hospital came into view and thought of Aaron. She’d planned for the horseback ride earlier and maybe somewhere deep inside she had even planned for the kiss, but she hadn’t planned to react the way she did. But having been close to no one since Vince… She wanted to cringe as she did feel silly about it now. Aaron was such a nice man, and now he probably thought she was crazy.

  As the limo pulled into the emergency room circle drive, she leaned toward the door. “Let me get a wheel chair, and I’ll be right back.”

  “No need for that.” Drake moved slow trying to follow her.

  “No, wait here.” She trotted inside finding Shay at the desk.

  “I got five all set up myself. Bri’s on the way to take him. I won’t be able to function trying to get him to sign his papers for treatment.” Shay fanned herself.

  “He’s really nice. Who’s on?” she asked as she pulled a wheelchair closer.

  “Doc Gates and I’ve notified security. They were supposed to be on their way.” The unit clerk dialed the phone checking again.

  “I knew you would have it together.” Jenna pushed the wheelchair outside, next to the limo. Drake got out and sat, pulling his hat low. He was still dressed as an old west cowboy, though his shirt was open and if that didn’t make him stand out, she needed to hurry him past the waiting room. Shay buzzed them through to the back and wheeling Drake into room five, Jenna found Brianna waiting.

  “Hi Mr. Masters, I’m Brianna Carlton. Let’s get you to sit on the stretcher. X-ray is on the way so we can get you checked out.” She was heavy into nurse mode which actually meant she might just behave. “Good thing you had Jenna right there to help on the set.”

  He settled back on the stretcher letting her place electrodes on his chest and then sticking his arms through the sleeves of the gown. “Nice to meet you and yes, Jenna’s great.”

  “Dr. Gates is on the way to see you, but I can get you something for the pain right now with your permission for an I.V. catheter. Are you allergic to anything?” Brianna asked.