A Cowboy's Heart

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “Yes, and so were you, but other than that, our circumstances are totally different. I left him but she left you.”

  He winced. “Thanks for pointing that out. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go pump some iron so I can restore my manly image.”

  “I’m sorry.” She laid a hand on his arm. “Maybe I put it too plainly, but it makes a difference.”

  “Well, yeah, sure it does. But until Ray wanted to bump off Jimi, you loved the guy, right?”

  She shrugged. “I told myself I did. But I lived four hours away from him for months and didn’t miss him enough to make that road trip. We hadn’t set a date because of Jimi and that suited me fine.”

  “Doesn’t sound like a very passionate relationship.”

  “To be honest, it wasn’t.”

  “Then why did you agree to marry him?”

  “Good question. My parents loved him and thought he’d be perfect for me. My older sister is married and producing grandkids. All three of my best friends are married, now, too, and one is expecting. I felt like odd person out. Not a good reason to marry someone.”

  “Nope.” Okay, so she hadn’t been madly in love with her fiancé. That changed things.

  She took a deep breath. “But talking this through has convinced me you’re right, after all. We both need time to evaluate the situation before…well, before anything.”

  Well done, idiot. She was ready to fall into your arms and you’ve talked her out of it.

  She opened the door. “I’ll go home and make sure Jimi’s okay.” She paused. “I’d like you to meet him someday.”

  “I don’t think so. My eyesight is important to me.” Cool air wafted through the open door.

  “If you make friends with Jimi, you’ll be able to see the 1964 Fender Stratocaster I inherited from Aunt Henrietta.”

  His jaw dropped and he stared at her. “You’re making that up.”

  “Scout’s honor. And I was a Girl Scout so you can trust me.”

  “You inherited a guitar that’s potentially worth a million bucks?”

  “No, I inherited one that’s potentially worth more than that. It’s a lefty. It may or may not have been played by Hendrix himself, or maybe McCartney. Aunt Henrietta was coy about that. Anyway, I’ve never taken it out of the house for obvious reasons, so if you want to see it, you have to get past Jimi.”

  “Who knows about this guitar?”

  “Me and now you.”

  “You didn’t tell Ray?”

  “Good Lord, I would never have done that! He would have demanded I sell it pronto. It’s a special piece of musical history and I’m not selling it, no matter what. That’s why Aunt Henrietta left it to me.”

  “You mean in her will?”

  “No, then word might have gotten out. She left me the entire contents of the house without specifying the guitar. But she gave me ownership of it in a sealed letter she hid in a secret compartment of her desk, a letter I was only supposed to read if she died.”

  “I’m honored that you trusted me with this.”

  “You’re the right person.”

  “Thank you for that.” He took a deep breath. “It’s a high compliment.” A 1964 Fender Stratocaster. Wow. “Do you have an alarm system?”

  “No, just Jimi.”

  He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I guess that’ll have to do for now.”

  “Jimi’s vigilant. In any case, I just have one more thing to say.”

  “What’s that?”

  “This.” Stepping toward him, she stood on tiptoe, cupped the back of his head and pulled him down for a kiss, knocking off his hat in the process.

  He was so startled that she caught him with his mouth open and she took advantage of that. Her lips were warm and sweet to start with, but then she began to explore with her tongue. Oh, yeah. Cradling her head in both hands, he shifted the angle and began to participate.

  Her soft whimper fired his blood and he delved deeper. So good. So very, very—

  Gasping, she wiggled out of his grasp. “Just…wanted to…leave you with…that thought.” She backed away, her chest heaving.

  He struggled for air as he watched her walk to her truck. Cool night air caressed his damp mouth. She started the engine, backed out and drove away. He continued to stand there, dazed by the impact of that kiss. He couldn’t have moved if a bear had been coming right for him. Okay, maybe if a grizzly had shown up.

  No grizzlies were around, though. Eventually he retrieved his hat, dusted it off and closed the door. She stirred him six ways to Sunday. Evidently he did the same for her. They shared a love of music and dancing. And peach cobbler. For a short time, that might be more than enough.

  After he locked up, he went upstairs and fetched his Martin. The list of reasons for getting back in shape was growing. Besides wanting to create a song for Nicole, he had the lure of a left-handed 1964 Fender Stratocaster she had tucked away somewhere in that yellow Victorian.

  He’d seen pictures but never the real thing. Playing such an iconic instrument would be any guitarist’s dream. But Nicole couldn’t play it and without good calluses, neither could he. No doubt she’d dangled that amazing instrument to coax him back to his music. If that’s what she wanted from him, he didn’t mind a bit. If she wanted more, he didn’t mind that, either.

  Chapter Nine

  Saturdays at Shear Delight were always tightly scheduled. That would be a challenge because Nicole had a certain cowboy on the brain. Cutting and coloring hair required concentration and disasters were born when a stylist gave in to wool gathering.

  Her customers deserved her best effort, and that went double for Jo Fielding, who was her eleven o’clock. Jo’s position at the bank kept her from making weekday appointments and the wedding was coming up.

  No matter how busy Nicole’s Saturday turned out to be, she always had a hug for Jo. The woman had been a lifesaver in the chaotic days when Nicole had been battling grief over losing her beloved great aunt and coming to grips with the reality of owning a house that came supplied with a cat. Jo’s steady hand had guided her through setting up a bank account and navigating the terms of Aunt Henrietta’s will. Then Jo had introduced her to Colleen, the owner of Shear Delight.

  Jo was all smiles as she sat in Nicole’s chair. “You were wonderful the other night. I’m so glad you’ve agreed to play for the ceremony.” She unhooked her hoop earrings and tucked them in the pocket of her jeans.

  “I’m honored that Zane and Mandy want me to.” She fastened a cape over the Shear Delight smock Jo had put on.

  “Ryker was convincing when he raved about your abilities, but once I heard you sing, I knew you would be perfect if you’d agree. Your version of Breathe was a knockout.”

  “I love that song.” She combed her fingers through Jo’s short gray hair. “Same cut?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Then let’s get you shampooed.” She stepped back and followed Jo into the adjacent room. “How are the wedding preparations coming along?”

  “Well. The Whine and Cheese Club has made the place cards and favors for the reception. The flowers and cake are ordered. Mandy’s all done with the bridesmaids’ dresses and is almost finished with her wedding dress.”

  “Incredible. How many brides sew all the dresses themselves?” Nicole rinsed the suds away and wrapped a towel around Jo’s wet hair before levering the chair upright.

  “Not many, I’m sure. But she’s picky and nothing in a bridal shop would have suited her.”

  “I’ll bet she made clothes for her Barbie when she was a kid.”

  “Believe it or not, she never had a Barbie.” Jo walked back to Nicole’s station and settled into the swivel chair. “She grew up with the McGavin boys and was a total tomboy back then. Still is most of the time. She didn’t get seriously interested in fashion until high school.”

  “It’s her calling, for sure.” She blotted Jo’s hair with a towel and ran a comb through it.

  “Yep. Since she move
d back I’m the best-dressed woman in town. It’s great fun.”

  “I’ll bet. In fact, I’d love her to make me an outfit for performing at the GG.” Nicole picked up her comb and scissors and went to work. “I have the ones from when I performed in Idaho Falls, but I know Mandy could come up with something more creative.”

  “And have fun doing it. She loves her work. Just like you.”

  “I absolutely do. I had several Barbies when I was a kid and they all had interesting hair once I got through with them. Then I started working on my own hair. I had an elaborate set of mirrors. It was crazy.”

  Jo laughed. “Did you get into unusual colors?”

  “Of course! Horrified my mom.”

  “I’ve never seen you with wild colors in your hair, though.”

  “No, I got tired of that. I like my natural color so I decided to stick with it. Makes life so much simpler.”

  “Trust me, it does. So what are your mom and sister doing about their hair now that you’ve moved here? Do you pop over there every few weeks?”

  “Don’t need to. My mom’s had the same person for years and she loves how that stylist does her hair. No point in messing with what works, right?”

  “Guess not.”

  “My mom’s really particular when it comes to her hair, so it was kind of a relief that she wanted to stick with her same person. My sister goes to her, too.” And Ray, once he started getting chummy with her parents.

  “Well, they don’t know what they’re missing.”

  “Thank you. Aunt Henrietta liked me to do her hair. Most of the time she wanted purple streaks, except when she went through a gold and silver phase. She said the colors reminded her of her days as a flower child in San Francisco.”

  “I’ll bet she had some fascinating stories. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know her better.”

  “You would have had an uphill climb getting to know her. She said she didn’t accept invitations because Jimi made it impossible for her to return the favor. She had her Saturday nights at Ellie Mae’s house and that was it.” Nicole finished Jo’s haircut and used mousse and a blow dryer to give it some style. “There you go! Ready for your walk down the aisle with Mandy. I think it’s so cool that you’re giving her away.”

  “I’ll be a blubbering mess, but yes, it’s very cool.” Jo put a tip in the jar next to the plush turtle. “I noticed you had a bigger one of these on stage.”

  “Yeah, it’s my thing.”

  “And it’s cute.” She gazed at Nicole. “I realize you’re living in Eagles Nest because of Jimi, but I’m hoping we’ll make a good enough impression that you’ll stay after Jimi goes to his ultimate reward.”

  “I’ve definitely thought about it.”

  “Excellent! If I don’t see you before, then I’ll see you at the wedding. Thanks for making me presentable.” Jo gave her a hug and went up front to pay.

  Nicole swept the floor and straightened her station in preparation for her next client. No doubt Zane and Mandy’s wedding would be a big deal in Eagles Nest and she looked forward to being a part of it. But Bryce’s story last night had made it clear why he wasn’t playing guitar during the ceremony.

  Now that Bryce had a decent band lined up, he’d asked Zane and Mandy to stop by Saturday night and give a listen. After they’d heard several songs and danced to a couple of them, he left Mike in charge at the bar so he could sit and talk to them about it.

  Grabbing a seat, he shoved back his hat. “So?”

  Mandy gave him two thumbs up. “Perfect. I like that they rotate the solos and they all sing backup. I’m impressed that the one guy can switch off from banjo to fiddle. They’re all excellent musicians.”

  He turned to Zane. “Do you see any weak spots?”

  “I don’t. Great sound. Where’re they from?”

  “Billings. They’ve only been together about six months so they haven’t built up a huge following yet. I predict they will, but I’m going to see if I can lock them in for a while because they’re head and shoulders above some of the groups we’ve had.”

  Zane chuckled. “You know I think the world of Lou, but he does not have an ear for music. While you were in Texas, we suffered through the bands he hired because we love him and love coming to the GG.”

  “You’re not the first person to tell me that.”

  Zane leaned forward. “Now that you’ve located this band, I have an idea. How would you like to help me put together a fundraiser for Raptors Rise and hold it here?”

  “I’d love to. I can guarantee Lou would be on board. He supports what you’re doing.”

  “We just got another corporate sponsor today,” Mandy said.

  “Yeah? Who?”

  “Badger Air.”

  “Ryker’s airline?” Bryce rubbed his chin. “Not to disparage his generous impulse, but how the hell does he have the money to—”

  “You don’t ask that when someone offers your charitable cause money.”

  Bryce grinned at her. “I suppose not. That would be rude.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Zane said. “Ryker’s Air Force buddy comes from old Southern money and he seems to thoroughly enjoy being a silent partner in the business. I think this sponsorship is courtesy of Badger Calhoun’s sizable trust fund.”

  “If he’s really old Southern money, there’s no way his parents named him Badger.”

  Mandy laughed. “You think? According to Ryker his legal name is Thaddeus Livingston Calhoun, but woe to the person who calls him that to his face.”

  “Will I ever get the chance to make that mistake?”

  “You might,” Zane said. “Ryker invited him for Christmas and he’s threatened to show up. His main reason would be to check out Badger Air, but now he’s interested in the raptor operation, too. Considering his generous sponsorship check, I’m prepared to roll out the red carpet and call him anything he wants.”

  Bryce smiled. “Wise man.”

  “Hey, guess who just came in?” Mandy waved to someone. “Nicole’s here!”

  Bryce’s pulse redlined. The last time they’d been together she’d kissed him. It hadn’t been a sweet, innocent kiss, either. If she’d shown up tonight, she might be thinking…anything. He couldn’t guess. But he could dream.

  He and Zane both stood as Nicole made her way to their table. She wore a short denim skirt, boots and a body-hugging blue plaid shirt. Sexy yet understated.

  “Hey, everybody!” Her gaze swept the three of them and didn’t linger a millisecond longer on Bryce than the other two.

  “Hey, Nicole!” Mandy pulled out the chair next to her. “Nice outfit.”

  “Thanks. That reminds me, when you get back from your honeymoon, I’m hoping you’ll have time to design another show costume for me or maybe two. My old stuff is boring.”

  “That leather one isn’t.” Bryce quickly wished he’d kept his mouth shut because Zane gave him a raised eyebrow. Damn. He didn’t want to be telegraphing his moves to any of his brothers. They all treated him like a bird with a broken wing. They’d be like his mother, warning him to be careful.

  “I didn’t see that one,” Mandy said, “but your Monday night costume was fun.”

  “Jeans with bling and a lacy top. Everybody does that.”

  “Then let’s come up with something you like better. Once this wedding craziness is over, I’ll research what the big stars are wearing these days.”

  “I saw something the other day I liked.”

  “Oh, yeah? Describe it to me.”

  As Nicole and Mandy settled into a discussion of styles and fabrics that would work well on stage, Bryce looked over at Zane and smiled. This was a topic about which they knew nothing. “How’s work coming on the new barn?”

  “It’ll be weatherproofed before the first snow.”

  “That’s a plus. When will you move horses in?”

  “As soon as possible. People are begging us to finish early. That’s gratifying. We’ve heard from one family that’s keeping
a horse in the backyard with the wading pool, the birdfeeder and the playground equipment. That’s not a good thing and I want to get that animal to a better environment if I can.”

  “You’re a rescuer at heart, big brother.”

  “Thanks. And speaking of that, I have a bald eagle I need to check on once more tonight.” He glanced at Mandy. “I should go, but if you want to stay, I can—”

  “The bald eagle. Right. I’ll go with you. I want to see how she’s doing, too.” She gave Nicole and Bryce a hug before leaving with Zane.

  Bryce glanced at Nicole. “And I need to get back to the bar. I just looked over there and Mike’s overwhelmed.”

  “Yes, please go.” She made a shooing motion with her hand. “I’ll be fine here on my own.”

  “If guys ask you to dance, you should do it.”

  “Then maybe I will.”

  But although he kept a close watch on her table, she never accepted the invitations that came her way. She ordered a glass of wine and made it last. The signs were all there. She was waiting for closing time. She was waiting for him.

  Once he’d figured that out, he had trouble concentrating on his bartending. Usually he was the one who made sure Mike served the right drink to the right customer and didn’t make a mess in the process. Tonight, Mike did the double-checking and several times Bryce mixed up an order. He also knocked over a Dirty Martini and a goblet of red wine.

  Mike didn’t say anything. Not one word. Instead he kept glancing at Bryce with a smile on his face.

  Finally, Bryce couldn’t take it anymore. “What the hell are you grinning about?”

  “I’ve never seen you rattled about a woman before. It’s highly entertaining.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Mike just looked at him.

  “Okay, I’m rattled. I’ve been out of the loop for more than a year. Before that I was engaged for three years so this dating thing…I’m convinced I’m going to screw it up.”

  “I doubt it. You really like her, right?”

  “Yes, I really like her.”

  “And you have condoms, I hope? Gotta have those little raincoats.”