“I’ll handle it.”
“Thanks.” She gave him a shy smile. “If I’m going to take a whole day off, I really have to get caught up on my work.” She backed up a step. “I guess I’ll talk to you later.”
“Definitely. See you around, Eden.”
She pinched herself as she hurried down the grassy slope toward the corral. She had a date—sort of—with Blake Benedict to see Kent McCord. A grin spread. She’d be the envy of women all over the world. With a little skip, she pushed open the barn door and stepped inside. So much for adding a little zip to her life. She couldn’t wait to tell Hannah. Her friend would be thrilled for her.
Eden hesitated in the dim light slanting across the hay-strewn floor then moved ahead with a firm stride. So, maybe she didn’t know where this risky new path would lead. More than likely nowhere but back to where she’d started, but she was determined to have a little fun along the way. For once in her steady, predictable life, she’d embrace excitement.
* * * *
Zane crossed his arms over his chest and gave Eden a look that would have frozen her where she stood if it wasn’t pushing eighty degrees outside. “Please tell me the rumor I heard is just that, a rumor. I can only assume Roman is completely full of shit.”
Eden tied the mare she was working with to the fence and resettled the hat on her head before walking over to meet Zane. A sigh slipped out. This was not a conversation she wanted to have…not that it was any of his business.
“What rumor?”
His brown eyes narrowed. “On the way home from the concert this morning, Roman mentioned you were going to see Kent McCord after all. In Boise.” His lips tightened. “With Blake Benedict.”
No point in denying the truth to avoid an argument. She shrugged. “Nope, not a rumor. The concert is Tuesday night.”
“Damn it, Eden. I can’t believe this.” Zane huffed out a breath and stared up at the cloudless sky. “What the hell are you thinking?”
“Not that I have to explain myself to you, but it’s supposed to rain on Tuesday. They cancelled filming for the day, so I have no conflicts.” She attempted to lighten the tense atmosphere with a smile. “Front row seats and backstage passes are pretty hard to turn down.”
“Even if you have to sleep with Benedict to get them?”
Her smile faded, and she clenched her fists at her sides. “Maybe that’s what you expected, but it doesn’t mean Blake has similar intentions.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Are you telling me you intended to get separate hotel rooms if I’d agreed to go with you?” She tapped her chest. “Do I look stupid?”
“Of course not, but we’re involved. We may have hit a rough patch, but some time alone together could have smoothed over the rough edges.”
She gritted her teeth. “We’re not involved. We used to be, and I ended it. A year ago.”
He waved a hand. “I’m a patient man. I can wait for you to come out of this funk and accept the fact that we’re perfect for each other.” A frown formed. “But I’m not tolerant enough to watch you take up with some lowlife actor.”
“First of all, I’m not sleeping with Blake Benedict.” Her temples throbbed. “But if I made that choice, it wouldn’t be any of your business. You and I are not getting back together. It’s time for you to accept my decision and move on.”
“You’re wrong. We aren’t finished. You’ll change your mind once you aren’t distracted by all this damn movie commotion.”
His eyes held steely determination. Nothing Eden could say would convince him, so she didn’t bother to try.
“Is there a problem?” Eden glanced over as her father approached from the direction of the house. “Your voices carried clear to the front porch.”
“No problem, Boyd. Just a difference of opinion.” Zane stepped back. “I have work to do. I’ll see you later, Eden.”
She nodded but didn’t speak until their ranch manager was out of earshot. “Damn, I meant to ask about Roman’s schedule before he started in on me. I need help with my leatherworks, and Roman expressed an interest.”
Her dad gave her a quick smile. “I know you’re stretched pretty thin. Between this new batch of horses and all the orders coming in from your website, you don’t have any time for yourself. I’ll talk to Zane about Roman if you want.”
“Would you?” She let out a sigh. “I feel like a child instead of a grown woman, expecting my daddy to solve my problems, but I don’t want to get into it with him again.”
Her father’s gaze sobered. “What’s the problem between you two?”
Her shoulders slumped. “I knew dating him would be a mistake, but he was so persistent.”
“Honestly, I was surprised when you ended things. You and Zane have known each other since you were a teenager, and you’ve always gotten along well. Heaven knows, you have plenty in common, and the man adores you. Not to mention you’ll own this ranch one day since your brothers aren’t interested, and Zane would be the perfect man to help you run it.” Her dad touched her arm. “We didn’t want to pry, but your mom and I were sort of expecting a proposal.”
Eden leaned against the fence. “Everything you said is true, but one important ingredient was missing. My feelings just weren’t engaged. Zane pushed to move things faster than I wanted, and I was terrified he’d get down on one knee…” She let out a breath as her gaze strayed toward the temporary encampment where Blake was deep in conversation with the director. She forced her attention back to her father. “I couldn’t let that happen, so I broke off our relationship.”
“So what’s the problem now?”
“Zane won’t believe I was serious. He thinks if he just hangs in there and nudges me often enough, I’ll cave in to pressure and reconsider my decision. He’s pissed I’m going to the concert with Blake. That’s what we were arguing about.”
Her father’s eye’s clouded. “If you’re truly uncomfortable around him—”
“I don’t want to create a problem for you. I know how valuable Zane is to the ranch, and this has been his home for a decade. I should have thought through the consequences before I agreed to date him in the first place. As it stands, I’ll simply deal.”
“Maybe Zane would stop pushing you if…” He shrugged. “No, I’m not going to stick my nose into your business.”
“What are you thinking, Dad? Spit it out.”
He drummed his fingers on the fence rail, and his eyes narrowed. “You said he was jealous of Blake Benedict. Maybe if he believes you really are interested in the man—”
“But I’m not.”
“So, brush up on your performance skills. Shouldn’t be all that hard to pretend. Put on a show. Blake would probably get a kick out of it since acting is his business. He seems like an easygoing guy. I bet he’d be happy to help you out, and maybe it would settle the matter with Zane once and for all.”
Eden stared at her dad. “I can’t believe you want me to…do what? Make out with Blake Benedict in public?”
He grinned. “Within reason, of course.”
She smiled back. “I don’t know…” A little quiver ran through her just imagining Blake kissing her. “I’ll give your idea some thought.”
“You do that.” Her dad patted her shoulder. “I’ll see you later. Jack called me about a steer that tangled with some brambles out in the ravine. I need to go out to see how badly he’s injured before I call the vet.”
She nodded. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“You bet.”
Eden walked back to the Pinto mare she’d been attempting to gentle. “Easy, girl.” She reached slowly for the halter as the horse snorted and rolled her eyes.
“Son of a bitch! Wait up, Benedict.”
She jerked her hand back then glanced over her shoulder as a tall, blond man hurried toward the barn. Blake met her gaze briefly before he stopped and turned.
Was he on his way t
o see me? She hadn’t noticed him heading in her direction from the encampment. Her pulse sped up for no reason at all, and she deliberately looked away.
“Is there a problem, Max?”
“Hell, yes, there’s a problem. Stafford just told me you intend to take the fall from horseback yourself in the scene they’re filming this evening.”
“I’m going to give it a try. That way they can shoot close-ups of my face after the arrow hits me just before I topple off the horse. If you do it, they’ll have to film from the back.”
The pissed-off man had to be Max Purcell, Blake’s stunt double. Eden snuck another peek over her shoulder. A vein throbbed at his temple, and he looked like he wanted to punch something. She grinned. Probably Blake.
“No one is going to actually shoot you. They’ll have to edit that footage together.”
“John and I discussed the pros and cons. He agrees the scene will play better this way, and I can manage just fine. Hell, after I got bucked off that wild Appaloosa the other day, taking a dive from one of the stock horses will be a piece of cake.”
Purcell fisted his hands on his hips. “Shit. I could have worked in the new James Bond flick, but I thought this film had a shot at an Oscar. Not that it’ll help my career any since you’re freaking doing all your own stunts.”
“Look, I’m not trying to cut you out. I just want to make the picture the best it can be. It’s all you in the stampede scene. John already told me he won’t risk me getting trampled.”
“Perfect.” Purcell let out a breath. “Shit, that ranch chick is getting more camera time than I am.”
“You mean Eden? Hey, she’s good, and Kara’s afraid of horses. We’re damn lucky she agreed to step in.”
“Whatever. I may as well head back into town since I won’t be needed here later.”
“I don’t know. You might want to stick around.” Blake’s voice took on a hint of humor. “If I manage to hurt myself, you’ll have to step in.”
“True that. I guess I can hope the damn horse kicks you.”
When the stuntman swiveled on his heel and stalked off, Eden returned her attention to the mare.
“Beautiful animal.”
She glanced back as Blake approached. “Yes, her markings are gorgeous, but after all the loud voices, she’s afraid of her own shadow.”
He stopped on the other side of the corral fence. “Did you hear that whole conversation?”
“I’m not deaf. Everyone seems to be angry today.” She gave him a hesitant smile. “Nice guy, wishing you’d get injured.”
“Max was just blowing off steam. We’ve worked together for a while now, and he’s a good dude.”
“If you say so.”
He leaned on the fence rail, his blue eyes as bright as the sky behind him. “Who was the guy yelling at you earlier? I’ve seen him around a few times.”
Eden tore her gaze away and laid a calming hand on the mare. The horse’s warmth soaked into her palm. “Our ranch foreman, Zane Hoffman. He was irritated because I’m going to the concert with you.”
His brows shot up. “Is he the one who had tickets for the show last night?”
“Yep.” She let out a sigh. “We dated for a while. Our relationship is…complicated.”
“I guess it could be awkward not being able to walk away after a breakup.”
She winced. “Extremely. My dad suggested I pretend to be interested in you since Zane already has it in his head we’ll be, uh…” Her cheeks heated, and she let out a breath. “…um, hooking up in Boise.” She stared down at her boots. “Anyway, Dad thinks maybe Zane will get over me and move on if I can convince him I’m involved with someone else.”
“Namely, me.”
She nodded then looked up to meet his gaze. “Probably a stupid idea—”
“I don’t know. It could work.” Blake grinned. “I’m happy to help. It won’t exactly stretch my acting skills to pretend like I think you’re gorgeous and smart and hot.” His eyes darkened to indigo. “Especially hot.”
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as he leaned closer then slid one big hand behind her neck. Before she could think—or even breathe—he kissed her, his lips firm and warm against hers. When her knees wobbled, she gripped the rail to steady herself before he released her.
“Why’d you do that?” Her voice came out in a gasp as she drew air into her lungs.
“Just practicing.” He nodded, his eyes sparkling. “Yep, I’m pretty sure we can pull this off.” Reaching out, he pushed her sagging jaw upward with one finger.
Her teeth snapped together as she gathered her scattered wits.
“See you, Eden.”
“Yeah, see you, Blake.” She slumped against the fence as he walked away. At her side, the mare snorted and jerked against the rope. “Sorry, girl.” She stepped away to give the horse some breathing room.
Eden could relate. Given her druthers, she’d run, too. Because if she wasn’t careful, pretending to have a thing for Blake might not require any acting at all.
Chapter 5
As the Learjet lost altitude, Blake glanced over at Eden, who sat in the club chair opposite him. “So, what do you plan to do all day?”
She turned away from the window and shrugged. “I’m not sure. Maybe go shopping or something then check into the hotel.”
“You don’t sound super excited about it.”
“I’m not a huge fan of hanging out in malls. I’d rather go for a hike, but I’m not familiar with Boise, and I don’t want to rent a car to get out of the city.” She nodded toward the thick gray clouds outside the small circle of glass as the plane bumped and shook on its descent. “Anyway, it’s supposed to rain.”
Blake leaned back in his seat. “You can come with me if you want. The memorial won’t be much fun, but it’s a two-hour drive through some beautiful country each way. Blue Valley sits out on the prairie at the base of the mountains, and any direction you walk will have a view. The forecast is calling for sunshine there since the weather we’re having here has already moved through.”
He wasn’t sure why he was trying so hard to convince her to go with him. He and Eden didn’t know each other very well, and they’d only talked sporadically on the short flight to Boise. Having left at dawn, he’d been half-asleep for most of the trip. But facing a long drive with nothing to do but think about what waited for him at the end was the last thing he wanted. Eden would be a welcome distraction.
“Wouldn’t it be awkward for you to show up at the service with a stranger?”
His stomach tightened. “Honestly, I’d appreciate the company.”
Her blue gaze met his and held. “During the flight, you didn’t say a word about who…passed away. I figured you didn’t want to talk about it.”
The plane engines roared as they skimmed over the tarmac and touched down in a smooth landing. He stayed quiet as the jet slowed then turned off the runway to roll toward the terminal. They stopped with a slight jerk.
He released his seatbelt but didn’t stand. “Maybe it would help me to talk about Josie.”
He must have looked as desperate and needy as he felt because her expression softened.
“I’ll go with you, then.”
A long breath slipped out. “Thanks, Eden. Let’s rent a car and hit the road. If we arrive in Blue Valley early enough, I can give you a tour of my old hometown before the memorial.” He tried for a hint of humor to lighten the mood. “All two blocks of it.”
“I’m good with two-block-long towns.” With a nod and a smile, she released her belt and stood.
They collected their luggage, exited the jet and hurried into the terminal then followed the flow of pedestrian traffic toward ground transportation. He kept his head down and avoided making eye contact with the people who stopped and pointed on their way to the car rental desk. After Blake filled out the form and signed two autographs, they left through the doors by baggage claim and found their vehicl
e, a small black convertible sports car, in the back lot.
“Nice.”
He glanced at her over the retractable roof of the car and smiled. “Hey, why not have fun on the drive?”
“True.”
After he unlocked the doors and popped the trunk with the remote, she set her overnight bag inside. Blake tossed his in beside it and slammed the lid shut. As she got in on her side, he slid onto the driver’s seat and started the engine. The low growl brought a smile to his lips.
“We’ll put the top down once it warms up and stops sprinkling.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ve never ridden in a convertible before.”
“I live on the beach in Malibu where it’s sunny most of the time. Driving with the top down is one of the perks of Southern California I really enjoy.”
“I’ve heard about the horrendous traffic jams.” She scrunched up her nose. “You can get a tan while you sit on the freeway. I don’t know how you stand all those people crowding in on every side of you. The ranch suits me just fine.”
He turned out of the lot and headed toward the entrance to the highway. “It takes some getting used to, especially after where I grew up.”
“I went to college at Stanford. That was a serious cultural adjustment for me, but I didn’t have a car, and I mostly stayed on campus when I wasn’t traveling with the team.”
After merging into traffic, he glanced over. “Stanford? I’m impressed. You must be one smart cookie.”
“My old roommate, Hannah, crushed her SATs. She’s the smartest person I know. I’m reasonably intelligent and did fine in my classes, but my brains aren’t what got me accepted to such a prestigious school. Stanford signed me for their equestrian team. I took the state championship for the Western team both my junior and senior years and just missed the national title.”
He grinned. “That I can believe. Not that I don’t think you’re plenty sharp.”
“Bright enough to know I’m not cut out to be a city girl.” She waved a hand toward the few tall buildings in downtown Boise, northeast of the freeway. “This is plenty big for me.”
“Boise? Good God, it’s barely more than a medium-sized town.”
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