Wilde Horses

by Jannine Gallant

  “Nearly five. I had a meeting with a producer after we finished filming for the day, but I left as soon as I could.”

  “Oh, wow. Last time I checked my watch, it was three-thirty. I never sleep during the day.”

  “You must have been tired.” He slid an arm around her, and she leaned against him.

  “Why? I haven’t done anything tiring all week.”

  His stomach dipped at the frustration in her tone. “Not true. You’ve been working out in my gym and running in the hills with Duke every day, not to mention our evening beach walks.”

  “I guess I should say I haven’t exercised my mind since I got here. You’d be amazed at how much mental acuity it takes to break a horse.”

  “No I wouldn’t. I don’t doubt your intelligence in the least. Are you bored, Eden?”

  “Not when we’re together, but I kind of am the rest of the time.” She turned to face him. “I’m not used to being inactive. Watching you film was fun for a couple of days, and yesterday I went to the Getty Villa, which was super cool, but playing tourist gets old after a while. I love hanging out at the beach and swimming in the ocean, but I’m not used to so much leisure time.”

  “For most of the women I know, a credit card and a limo ride to Rodeo Drive would be all the amusement they’d need.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not most women.”

  “You definitely aren’t.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “We only have a few more days of filming left. Barring any disasters, we’ll wrap up early next week. After that, I can entertain you full time. Until then, I know a few women who are between jobs—”

  “I don’t want a babysitter, for heaven’s sake. I’m not averse to my own company.”

  “Then what can I do?”

  “Nothing. This is about me, not you.” She blinked and gave him a tremulous smile. “I so wanted this to work. I had high hopes despite my original doubts, but I just don’t see how we can come to any sort of satisfactory compromise.”

  His grip on her hand tightened. He didn’t want to hear any more. Didn’t want her to say she was giving up on them for good. “We can figure this out. Let’s go walk on the beach. There’s a stiff breeze gusting off the ocean. Maybe it’ll blow out the cobwebs and clear our heads.”

  “Blake—”

  He stood and pulled her up off the lounge chair. “Come on. Let’s walk.”

  She nodded, picked up her sunglasses and moved around his still slumbering dog. “Too bad you can’t take Duke on the beach here.”

  “It’s the one thing I don’t like about this place.”

  “Only one?” She followed him through the yard to the door in the wall.

  He opened it and gave her a steady look as she walked past him. “Two. You aren’t crazy about it.”

  She let out a sigh. “Your home is beautiful, and I love the ocean. I hate the traffic and the crowds of people you can’t escape.” She swept out a hand to indicate the diehard sun-worshipers still sprawled on towels along the strip of sand.

  “This certainly isn’t Wyoming.” He stopped above the waterline to take off his shoes, roll up the legs of his slacks and unbutton his dress shirt. He should have taken the time to change, but talking to Eden was more important. After she kicked off her sandals, he took her hand, and they strolled through the edge of the outgoing tide. At least on this private stretch of beach, he didn’t get mobbed by fans. “You need something to keep you busy. A hobby.”

  “You make me sound like a bored teenager. I need to work, not take up adult coloring books. What would you do to stay busy in Wyoming if you weren’t filming?”

  He shrugged. “Go riding. Maybe help on the ranch. I don’t mind hard labor in the fresh air. I grew up doing that sort of work.”

  “But you left Blue Valley for a reason.”

  “Sure, to go to college. I never had an overriding need to escape my roots, but the acting gig escalated soon after I graduated through sheer luck. Believe me, I was thrilled and grateful to get those breaks because I enjoy my work tremendously.” He gave her a sideways grin. “The money doesn’t hurt, either.”

  “I bet.”

  “I’m stinking rich. It’s a fact, but that doesn’t change who I am or where I came from. I’m not saying I want to quit acting, but I could herd cattle for a few months of the year and enjoy the change of pace. Actually, I’d welcome the break from the constant pressure of portraying my public image every time I leave the house.”

  “So, to make a relationship succeed, you’d be okay with living and working on the ranch for a month or two now and then. In return, I’d visit you here when I’m not actively training a group of wild horses and do what, take up knitting?” Her voice held an edge.

  “Maybe you could set up your leatherworks in one of the spare rooms. I’m trying here, Eden.” His grip on her hand tightened. “Work with me.”

  “I shut down my website because I didn’t have enough spare time on the ranch to devote to filling orders. Granted, I’d have plenty of time while I’m here, but I can’t turn the site on and off whenever I change locations.”

  “I guess not, but maybe you could make belts and purses to sell in one of the local shops that carry those types of products.”

  “I suppose it’s a possibility I could look into.” Her eyes were troubled as she glanced up at him. “I don’t mean to be negative. I…care about you, but the reality of spending months apart when we’re both busy with work, and bouncing back and forth between states the rest of the time, doesn’t seem like a formula for a long-lasting relationship.”

  He stopped walking when they reached a stretch of sand devoid of people. The wind whipped Eden’s hair around her face as she turned to look up at him. The misery in her eyes was clear. And it broke his heart.

  “This is more than caring. I love you.”

  Tears welled up and ran down her cheeks. “I love you, too. I wouldn’t have flown out here if I didn’t. Don’t you see that just makes everything harder? If our feelings were casual, maybe a half-assed relationship would be enough. Because I love you, I don’t think it will be.”

  He took her other hand and pulled her close. “So, shouldn’t we at least try?”

  “Isn’t that what we’re doing right now?” Her breasts rose and fell on a sigh. “If this were a science experiment, I’m pretty certain the results wouldn’t be positive.”

  “Because you’re bored?”

  “Not just that. You’re changing your lifestyle to accommodate me. That’s far from ideal.”

  He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  “I heard you tell Roxi you weren’t interested in going to two different parties, and I gathered she wasn’t happy about your decision. Would you have gone if I wasn’t here?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Her steady gaze demanded the truth.

  “Okay, probably, but I knew you weren’t comfortable at the one we did attend.”

  “I didn’t know anyone, so I felt a little awkward even though a couple of people were nice and tried to make small talk with me. I guess I’m not used to chatting about the weather, which is always sunny so doesn’t leave much room for commentary, with Julia Roberts. I just stood there staring at her like an idiot.”

  He smiled. “She said you were funny, so you must have opened your mouth at some point.”

  “I don’t remember what I said. I was too awestruck. Maybe I would get used to talking to celebrities eventually.” Her tone held a wealth of doubt. “Stranger things have happened, I suppose.”

  “I’m not a regular on the party circuit, but I socialize once in a while when I want to meet with someone on more casual footing. A lot of work is accomplished at these events. Then there are the public appearances like the premiere I attended with Lisette. I can’t always avoid those since they’re all about publicity for my current film.”

  “I get that your public persona is part of your job. I’m sure atte
ndance at these things isn’t limited to when you’re working on a movie, either. How would you be able to attend a red carpet gala if you were at the ranch?”

  He shrugged. “I’d skip it. I’m not a struggling new talent. No producer is going to shun me because I’m not available twenty-four seven, not while my name still draws crowds at the box office. Besides, the production team from Raging Waters is interested in me for a future project, and the figure they mentioned was definitely enticing. That’s what my meeting this afternoon was about.”

  One brow rose. “You certainly don’t lack confidence.”

  “Just telling it like it is. I’m in a position to be flexible with my schedule.” He slipped his arms around her waist. “I want you in my life, Eden.”

  “You can’t make all the sacrifices or you’ll resent me.”

  “I don’t plan to sacrifice anything I’m not willing to give up. What I don’t want to lose is you.” He kissed her, and relief flowed through him when she wound her arms around his neck and held on. Coming up for air, he rested his cheek against her hair. “Promise you’ll give our situation some more thought.”

  She nodded. “I will. At least through the weekend. I can’t stay here much longer than that, though, since I have bridesmaid duties to consider once my brothers and their respective future wives arrive at the ranch next week.”

  “That’s all I ask for now.” Turning with one arm tucked tight around her waist, they headed up the beach. “Hopefully I’ll be able to fly back with you if we finish filming on schedule.”

  “Why would production be delayed?”

  He rolled his eyes. “A million things could go wrong, but so far we’ve been pretty lucky with this movie.”

  “Despite your accidents at the ranch?”

  “Amazingly, yes. The good news is no one has tried to maim me since I got home, which makes me think your foreman was behind the other attempts.”

  Eden bent to pick up a perfect sand dollar as the tide receded. “I’ve been looking for one that isn’t broken.” She turned the shell over on her palm then glanced up at him. “I still can’t believe Zane was responsible for those attacks on you.”

  “I’m just glad he’s gone from the ranch and out of your life.”

  “Hopefully the new man will work out.” When they neared his estate, she scooped up the shoes they’d left on the beach then waited at the wall while he pushed open the door. “You didn’t lock it when we left?”

  “I guess I had other things on my mind. Not that I don’t forget half the time anyway…”

  “Where’s Duke? He usually greets us down here with big sloppy doggy kisses.”

  He frowned. “I don’t know. Asleep maybe?”

  “There he is.” She pointed toward a clump of palm trees near the side wall. “Yep, still sleeping.”

  They detoured toward the dog, and Blake bent down to pat him. “Duke.” When the dog didn’t move, his heart jumped. “Duke.”

  Eden dropped their shoes and crouched next to him. “Is he sick? There’s a pile of barf over by that rock.”

  “Shit.” He held his hand in front of his dog’s nose. “Still breathing. What the hell is going on?”

  “Maybe someone threw rotten meat over the wall, and he ate it.” She stroked his ears. “Hey, boy.”

  Duke snuffled and moaned then stretched. He slowly opened his eyes and thumped his tail.

  “He seems okay now.” Blake let out a breath and patted his shoulder. “I can’t believe someone would try to hurt him, but there are a lot of assholes in this world.”

  “Maybe he got into the trash, and whatever he ate didn’t agree with him.”

  “Doesn’t explain why he didn’t wake up when we approached.”

  Eden scooted backward then stood when Duke lumbered to his feet. “I’ve seen you step over the top of him, and he doesn’t even blink.”

  “True. If he didn’t feel well, he might have been sleeping it off.” Blake put a steadying hand out when the dog staggered a few steps before sniffing the pile of barf. “Hey, don’t eat that!” Gripping his collar, he dragged him away. “I’d better get a shovel to clean up the mess.”

  “After we check the house. What if someone drugged him so they could rob the place?”

  “Son of a bitch! I hadn’t thought of that.” He took off running.

  Eden pounded up the lawn after him and grabbed the tail of his shirt. “The person could still be here. Possibly armed.” Her voice was breathless. “Shouldn’t we call the police?”

  He stopped when they reached the patio and glanced back at Duke, who was ambling along at a much slower pace. “He doesn’t act like there’s a stranger on the property. He’d be galloping off to greet anyone who was in the house.”

  Her eyes darkened with fear, and she held on tighter. “Duke isn’t at his best right now.”

  “Believe me, he’d give some indication of an intruder. He may not be the greatest guard dog, but he isn’t completely worthless.” Blake approached the French doors, wide open with only the screen shut to keep out the bugs, just the way they’d been when he’d arrived home.

  Eden stayed close as they crossed the main room. Nothing had been disturbed, certainly not any of his expensive electronics. His laptop lay on the coffee table where he’d left it that morning.

  “No one is lurking behind the potted plant, and nothing looks like it’s been touched.”

  “Maybe upstairs?”

  He glanced over at her and nodded. They climbed to the second floor, and he stepped into his bedroom. Eden had made the bed after he’d left and picked up the dirty clothes he’d tossed on the floor. He had to try harder to be less of a slob…

  “My Rolex is still on the dresser. No way a thief would have left that.”

  “Thank heavens.” She let out a breath. “Maybe Duke ate a toadstool or something.”

  “That’s possible. For a big brute, he has a sensitive stomach. I made the mistake of switching dog foods a while back, and he puked for two days before his system adjusted.”

  “Let’s go check the kitchen, just to make sure he didn’t get into the trash.”

  “Good idea.” Turning, he gave her a long look then took her hand as they headed back down the stairs. “You still look worried.”

  “I can’t help thinking about the drain cleaner in your shampoo bottle.”

  His foot hovered over the bottom step before he continued toward the entry. “I haven’t had anything remotely suspicious happen to me since I left Wyoming. Filming is almost finished, and the action scenes are totally complete. Max hasn’t been around the studio in days. He might not even be in town. As for Hayden, he has zero reason to be jealous of his wife on my account since it would be clear to any idiot I’m only interested in you.”

  “You didn’t think either of them was responsible, anyway.”

  “My money was on your ranch manager from the start, and I’m pretty sure he isn’t hanging around Malibu, waiting to poison my dog.” Blake entered the kitchen and glanced around the perfectly clean room. “Duke didn’t get into anything in here, obviously.”

  She frowned. “So either some deranged freak tossed him a steak laced with something toxic just because they don’t like you in particular or dogs in general, or Duke had indigestion, ate too much grass and barfed it up.”

  “I guess those are the two options. At least no one broke into the house to rob me, so I’m not going to call the cops. Tomorrow’s headlines would cast me in the role of a paranoid celebrity if I did.”

  “Surely the police wouldn’t talk about an open case to reporters?”

  “They wouldn’t have to. This kind of news leaks out regularly.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know how you stand being in the public eye, but I guess I’ll stop freaking out over nothing and make dinner. What sounds good?”

  “We have fajita meat marinating. I took care of it this morning.”

  “Yum. I’
ll go light the briquettes.”

  He dropped a hand on her arm and squeezed. “Why don’t you pour yourself a drink and relax instead. You still look a little shaky.”

  “I’ll admit thinking Duke was dead for a few seconds got to me.” She let out a long breath. “I really do need to chill.”

  “I’ll light the coals then go bury the dog puke.” He released her and smiled. “Everything’s fine, Eden.”

  “I guess so.”

  “Be right back.”

  Blake crossed the kitchen and stepped out onto the porch. A glance toward the yard assured him Duke was indeed fine. He lay on the grass with his nose on his paws. His tail thumped a greeting. With a smile, Blake lifted the bag of briquettes and poured a pile into the grill. His nose twitched as fumes wafted on the breeze. Strange. They didn’t usually smell so strong. With a shrug, he squirted on lighter fluid then reached for the box of matches on the shelf above the grill. He struck one and tossed it on the coals.

  Chapter 20

  An explosion echoed from the side porch and rattled the kitchen widow. A fireball lit up the evening sky.

  Eden dropped the bell pepper on the counter and whirled around. “Blake!” Her heart pounded as fear gripped her. Rounding the center island, she tore open the screen door. Several yards away, Blake lay on the wooden decking, his shirt smoking. Eyes closed, his face was black with soot. Grabbing a beach towel draped over the porch railing, she covered him with it and patted him down.

  “Oh, my God, are you okay?” When he moaned and dragged in a breath, then coughed, she pulled the towel off him. “Blake?”

  He blinked up at her, and his lips twisted. “Son of a bitch!”

  “Are you burned?”

  “What? My ears are ringing.” He touched his side and winced.

  She pulled back his shirt to reveal angry looking red skin, then sucked in a breath. “You’re hurt.” She raised her voice. “I’m calling 9-1-1.”

  “There’s an urgent care clinic close by. I’m pretty sure they’re open late, and I don’t need an ambulance.”

  She blinked back tears as she pushed Duke out of the way when he inched nearer to Blake and whined. “Let me help you up.”