“You think it’ll be enough to save Whisper Falls?” Piper asked.
Gabe and Ian both snorted a laugh as Tomi shook her head and pointed to the blaring caption. “Not when the media has dubbed him as the Horse Hater,” she said, feeling bad for the entire Whisper Falls production company. Rob Edwards would be okay, but some of the other folks might be out of a job until the next gig came along.
Tomi’s cell phone buzzed against the kitchen table. Ian picked it up for her, briefly glancing at the screen before holding it out to her. “I think it’s your agent.”
She reached for the phone, letting her fingers linger against Ian’s as their eyes met. A few days working on the set hadn’t given him the necessary acting skills to hide his distress over the news her agent might have. Susan had been over the moon excited about all the free positive publicity and felt certain Tomi would have a new part by the end of the day. “I better talk to her,” she said, almost wishing he’d demand she not answer it. When he nodded his head, she took the phone from him and accepted the call.
“Are you ready for this?” Susan squealed. “I just finished talking to the producer of Pacific Command. He wants you in Hawaii by the end of the week. You got the part!”
The end of the week? That was in four days. She’d have to head back to California today if she had any hope of leasing her condo.
“Tomi? Did you hear me?” Susan asked with a hint of annoyance.
“Yes…um, wow.” She licked her lips and turned away from Ian. This was all too much for her to take in, and she couldn’t bear to look at him yet. Not when she’d refused to talk about their future any time he’d brought it up over the past twenty-four hours. Almost like she believed that by not talking about it meant it wasn’t an issue, sort of like a kid covering his eyes and thinking no one can see him.
As much as she wanted to believe they could succeed at long-distance dating where others usually failed, she had her doubts. Did they really have a chance of working things out or would they both end up hurting each other?
Susan was talking again, going on about Tomi’s costars, especially the man who was cast to play her love interest. Not only was the popular actor good-looking, but he was also a big name in Hollywood, known for his philanthropy work for children in the United States as well as abroad. He was excited to make the transition from the big screen to a streaming platform aimed to please all the binge-watching fans out there who liked the option of watching a series at their own pace rather than waiting each week for a new episode to air.
“Once the first season wraps up,” Susan said, hardly taking a breath. “You’ll be free to accept other roles.” She gave Tomi a throaty laugh. “And trust me when I say there will be plenty to choose from. You’re hot right now, girl.”
“Wow,” Tomi said again. Susan made a disgruntled sound at her less than enthusiastic response. She needed to give her agent something more than wow. “This is amazing, Susan. I just need a moment to take it all in.”
“Hmm,” Susan said. “Does this have something to do with the sexy cowboy?”
Everything. “That’s definitely part of it.”
“Don’t blow this, Tomi. We have to jump on this before the buzz dies down and the public moves onto someone new.”
“You’re right,” she said with a soft sigh.
“Look, I know things are moving fast, but you need to get back here as soon as possible. I’d like to have my assistant get you on the next flight out of Billings, okay?”
Pressure built in her throat, but Tomi croaked out an answer. “Yes, okay.”
“That’s my girl,” Susan said, sounding relieved. “I’ll text you the itinerary as soon as Janae makes the reservation.”
Susan ended the call, but Tomi held the phone to her ear for a few more seconds. She was stalling, knowing that all the time in the world wouldn’t change the situation. Drawing in a fortifying breath, she slipped the phone into her pocket and turned around to find all three adults staring at her.
Tomi’s focus zeroed in on her sister. “I need to talk to Ian,” she said, swallowing back the lump forming at the base of her throat. “Alone, please.”
“Of course,” Piper said brightly. “Gabe and I will keep the kids busy.” She started for the living room, brushing her hand over Tomi’s arm as she passed by. The sisterly gesture conveyed her love and support, giving Tomi the courage she needed.
Shifting her gaze, she finally allowed herself to look at Ian. With his arms crossed over his chest, he regarded her with an unreadable expression. “You got the part in Hawaii, didn’t you?” he asked in a low voice.
Chapter 20
Ian thought he was prepared for this moment, but when Tomi nodded her head, it was as if a hand reached inside his chest and squeezed his heart. He felt like he could barely draw in a breath. Shifting on his boots, he saw Tomi’s eyes fill with moisture as she bit down on her quivering lower lip. Her anguish made Ian feel selfish and guilty. This role was something she’d worked hard for, and she deserved to celebrate her accomplishment. If he truly loved her, then he needed to cowboy up and give her his support. He wasn’t going to waste what little time they had left wallowing in despair.
Offering her a reassuring smile, he held open his arms. She didn’t hesitate and threw herself into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his chest. “Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he said, pulling her close. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
She made a noise that sounded like a cross between a sob and a laugh before pulling back just enough to look up at him. “You really are my hero.”
“Don’t you mean I’m your hot cowboy hero?”
That earned him a laugh followed by a quick kiss on the mouth. She started to pull away, but Ian wasn’t done. Holding her close, he kissed her deeply, savoring the taste of her mouth, and breathing in her scent as he poured every ounce of love he felt for her into the kiss. He needed this connection to help him get through the difficult days of separation looming in front of him.
“I don’t want to leave,” Tomi said when their lips parted a few minutes later. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“Me too,” Ian said, brushing another kiss across her mouth. “When do you leave?” he asked, even though he dreaded the answer.
“Tonight. Susan will text me the flight information once the reservation is confirmed.” She searched his eyes as a vulnerable expression crossed her features. “We’re good…right?”
Ian wanted to shake his head and ask her to stay, but the uncertainty reflected in her voice tugged at his heart. “Yes.” He lifted a hand to cradle her cheek. “I’m yours until you tell me to get lost.”
“And what if I tell you to never get lost?” Tomi said.
“Nothing would make me happier.” He brushed another kiss across her mouth, lingering against her soft lips and wishing they had more time.
An argument between Lindsey and Shane erupted in the other room, making Ian drawback sooner than he’d wanted. “Sounds like the natives are getting restless,” he said when they could hear Gabe trying to quiet the kids. “Come on,” Ian said, taking her hand. “Let’s go tell them the good news.”
Although Piper was excited about Tomi’s new lead role, she was more thrilled that she and Ian were willing to work things out. Gabe looked skeptical, but kept his opinion to himself and congratulated Tomi with a brotherly hug. Lindsey cried when her aunt told her she was leaving tonight. Shane didn’t cry, but it was clear he didn’t want Tomi leaving until he learned she was moving to Hawaii. Then he started begging his parents to take them for a visit over the upcoming Fall Break.
Ian remained upbeat right until he took her to the airport and kissed her goodbye. It about killed him to let her go. She made it through security, turning to look at him one last time. Ian was so tempted to break down and beg her not to go. It took every ounce of willpower he had to give her a smile and wave goodbye.
“I love you,” she mouthed before turning and running towar
d her gate, so she didn’t miss her flight. Although they’d arrived at the airport on time, neither of them had counted on so many people recognizing them from the viral videos. Tomi signed several autographs, but Ian couldn’t bring himself to go there. He did acquiesce to taking a few selfies as long as Tomi was in the picture.
Loneliness assaulted him the second Tomi was out of sight. He stood there for several long minutes, hoping she would burst through the security zone to tell him she’d changed her mind. His hopes were dashed when his phone pinged a text message from her, telling him she loved him and that she’d made it on her plane. Ian typed in a quick reply and pocketed his phone.
He stood there staring for another minute, his stomach knotted so tight it hurt. Even knowing she’d boarded the plane, he couldn’t bring himself to leave the airport. He found a seat in a secluded alcove and downloaded a flight-tracker app. Then he tortured himself further by watching a play by play of her airplane until it was in the air.
The drive home gave him way too much time to think. Doubts crept in the closer he got to Snow Valley. By the time Ian arrived at his house, he had basically convinced himself it was only a matter of time before Tomi forgot about him and fell in love with her costar. The celebrity slated to play her boyfriend wasn’t a tool like Jake Kelley. No, the man was well-known for his charity work for those less fortunate, especially children. He was a good guy in real life. And he was single.
Ian tried to settle back into his routine over the next couple of days, but his job wasn’t nearly as fun without Tomi. She texted him often throughout the day, and they talked every night. Still, it wasn’t enough. His life felt as empty as the set location for Whisper Falls. The production crew had vacated the ranch the day after Tomi returned to California, leaving only trampled grass as proof anyone had been there. His heartfelt flattened as if a herd of stampeding cattle had run him over. He was miserable and tired, mostly due to being called out on a variety of emergencies that took him from one end of the valley to the other. But knowing Tomi was leaving for Hawaii in the morning was also a factor in his lack of sleep. Having her in California made it feel like they had options. He could easily fly to California, but Hawaii may as well have been on another planet.
Climbing into his truck, Ian waved goodbye to the ranch foreman he’d spent the past thirty hours working with to save a group of longhorns exposed to feed gone bad. A&E Cattle, one of the largest ranches outside of Snow Valley, had its own veterinarian, but the man had been called away for a family emergency. When the foreman found twenty to thirty cattle dehydrated and exhibiting symptoms of being poisoned, he’d called Ian. They’d lost six longhorns, but it could’ve been much worse.
The drive back to Snow Valley didn’t take nearly as long as he would’ve liked. Ian hated going home to a dark, empty house that felt as hollow as his chest. As he drove past a bar, he was tempted to go inside just to be around people. He didn’t drink, but Saturday nights usually had a live band playing.
Then he remembered how bad he must look still wearing the same clothes he’d had on since yesterday. He was dirty and sweaty and needed a shower. He was almost home when he got a call from Jace McAllister.
Ian debated about answering the phone. While he was lonely, he didn’t feel like talking to a happily married man right now. Still, he was the vet on call this weekend. He’d traded with Colby, hoping the extra work would help take his mind off missing Tomi. “Hey,” he said, answering the call before it rolled over to voicemail.
“Sorry to bother you tonight, but could you stop by the house to check on Marigold? I noticed one of the udders is swollen, and I want to get on top of it if it’s an infection.”
“Sure,” Ian said, grateful for the brief reprieve. “But I should warn you that I stink like cattle.” He glanced in his rearview mirror before making a U-turn and then gave Jace a brief synopsis on the Longhorns.
“Man, you weren’t kidding about how bad you look,” Jace said when Ian arrived a few minutes later. “Like you’ve been ridden hard and put away wet.”
“Hey,” Ian said, fully aware of how disheveled he looked. “I only told you I stink.”
“Sorry, dude, but you look like the stuff I just mucked out of Marigold’s stall.” Jace pushed back his hat and grinned. “When’s the last time you slept?”
Truthfully, Ian hadn’t slept well since Tomi had walked out of his life. Okay, so maybe she hadn’t exactly walked out, but that’s what it felt like. “It’s been a rough weekend.”
Jace’s teasing grin switched over to more of a sympathetic smile. “I heard about Tomi moving to Hawaii. That probably sucks.”
“Yeah, it does suck.” Ian was too tired to get into this right now. “Let me check out Marigold,” he said, opening his medical bag and putting on a pair of latex gloves.
Ian examined the mare as Jace watched in silence, but Ian sensed his friend had more to say. Maybe he should talk to him. Jace and Caytie’s romance hadn’t been easy so his friend may have pertinent advice.
Fatigue made his eyes bleary as he crouched down to assess the nursing mother’s belly. The mare snorted and jerked away when Ian touched the swollen udder. “I’m glad you called,” Ian said when he finished. “She’ll need to be on a course of antibiotics. Call me if she gets a fever or won’t allow her foal to nurse.” He stripped off the blue gloves. “I can drop by tomorrow after church to check on her.”
“Thanks for coming tonight.” Jace shook his hand. “Look, for what it’s worth, don’t give up on you and Tomi. It might seem impossible. At least that’s how I felt when I thought I’d lost Caytie, but then I decided I would do whatever it took to be with her, including moving to California or even Italy if she wanted me to.” Jace walked him out to his truck, giving him one last piece of advice. “Don’t close the door on options that don’t make any sense right now, bro. You won’t know what opportunities are out there if you don’t look.”
Ian wanted to remind Jace that he couldn’t up and leave his practice that easily. He’d invested all his savings into buying the practice, not to mention going into further debt by updating the office and medical equipment. But it was good advice. And he had nothing but time to explore his options.
“Thanks, maybe we can talk more tomorrow when I’m not dead on my feet.”
“Or smell better,” Jace said, wrinkling his nose. “No wonder my wife makes me strip down every time I come into the house.” He grinned mischievously. “And here I thought she just wanted my body.”
Ian laughed, envying the relationship Jace had with his wife. “See you tomorrow.”
When he pulled into his driveway ten minutes later, he wasn’t sure he had enough energy to take a shower. Even stripping out of his filthy clothes seemed like too much work. The house was dark, save for one dim light coming from the living room. Ian usually locked the front door, so he went around back to come in through the mudroom.
Pushing the door open, he entered the house without turning on a light. He had the beginnings of a headache and a bright light would only make it worse. The house was quiet, making him wish he had a dog to greet him. He decided it was time to seriously start looking for Molly’s origins. He’d start by calling his parents to see if they remembered anything about where the German shepherd had come from.
Toeing off his boots, Ian crossed the kitchen floor in his socks. Having already shed the button-down denim shirt on the way in, he pulled on the hem of the dirty white tee he had on underneath.
He wasn’t sure what made him stop, but a tingling awareness alerted him he wasn’t alone. Pulling his shirt back down, he turned and stared at the girl sitting on his couch.
Chapter 21
Tomi’s eyes took in the bedraggled man she’d been missing for the past few days, not sure if she should laugh or cry. He looked as miserable as she felt.
“You’re real, right?” he asked, squinting at her as if she might vanish if he blinked. “I’m not hallucinating?”
“I’m real.”
>
Continuing to stare at her, he swayed on his feet before regaining his balance. If Tomi didn’t know about the brutal schedule he’d kept the past few days, she’d think he’d been drinking. Snow Valley was a small community, and it hadn’t been hard for her sister to keep tabs on Ian.
Rising from the couch, she slowly walked toward him. “Ian, it’s really me.”
Heat flared in his blue eyes as a slow smile crept across his handsome face. “I want to kiss you first and ask questions later.” He glanced down at his stained shirt and then back up at her. “But I should probably take a shower and change into clean clothes,” he said, sounding as if he hoped there was a possibility she wouldn’t mind.
His disheveled look was kind of hot. Still, as much as she wanted to kiss him, the faint odor of manure and sweat stopped her. “Yeah,” she said, sweeping her eyes over him again, “you probably should.”
He looked mildly disappointed. “It’s that bad, huh?”
Biting her bottom lip, she nodded her head. “I came all the way back for the sexiest cowboy alive, not the stinkiest.”
Ian laughed and started to walk backward. “I only need a few minutes. Promise you won’t leave?”
He tugged on the hem of his tee and pulled it over his head, giving her a view of his well-toned abs and chest. Tomi’s mouth went dry as she struggled to take in a jagged breath. Perhaps she’d been too hasty on insisting he shower first.
Before she could promise she wasn’t leaving—now or ever, if she had anything to say about it—he took off down the hall. Although she was tempted to trail after him, she sank back on to the loveseat and rested her head against the cushion. Closing her eyes, she mentally went over the unexpected alternative to her career path.
Caught Kissing the Cowboy: A Return to Snow Valley Romance Page 18