Susan had been right about multiple offers coming in. While her agent hadn’t been as excited about Tomi’s change of plans, she could at least acknowledge the cable network offering her the new role was notable and agreed this was a solid opportunity with a huge potential for success. Tomi hoped once Ian heard her out, he would feel the same way.
Five minutes couldn’t have passed when Ian stumbled back into the room wearing ripped jeans and tugging a clean T-shirt over his head. The flash of his rock-hard abs stirred something low in her belly, making her feel dizzy enough to stay seated. Yes, her man really was the sexiest cowboy alive, even barefoot and hatless.
Relief flickered behind his eyes when he found her still waiting for him. “I can’t believe you’re really here.” He swallowed hard, running a hand through his dampened hair. “Why are you here?”
“I thought you were going to kiss me first and ask questions later?”
That sexy smile reappeared as he walked across the carpeted floor. “You’re right,” he said, holding out his hand. His touch was like a lightning bolt, setting every one of her nerves on fire as he helped her stand up and pulled her to him.
The breath rushed from her lungs as he wrapped his arms around her, lowered his head and kissed her thoroughly, holding nothing back. She wound her arms around his neck, catching the delicious masculine scent of his deodorant as she twined her fingers through his damp hair.
The scrape of his beard heightened her awareness as his lips trailed hot kisses from her mouth to her neck. “You’re really here,” he whispered huskily against her ear, his warm breath pebbling her arms with goosebumps. He took possession of her mouth again, stopping her from reassuring him this wasn’t a figment of his imagination.
At last, Tomi leaned back to catch her breath and looked in his stormy eyes. “We should probably talk now.”
“That’s a good idea.” Desire blazed in his blue eyes as he regulated his breathing. “But maybe we should go out back to talk.” His gaze dipped to her mouth. “Far, far away from my bedroom.”
Tomi didn’t argue, sliding her hands down his chest until their hands linked. “Are you awake enough now?”
He lifted the corner of his mouth into a sexy half-grin. “Yes, ma’am.” The rough timbre of his voice was delicious, tempting Tomi to test the limits of their self-control. But Ian proved he was truly her hero as he took her hand and led her to his back patio.
They took a seat at the small table, so they were across from each other. Ian picked up her hand, tracing her palm with the tip of his finger and met her gaze. “So, is this just a quick visit before you leave for Hawaii tomorrow?”
“I’m not going to Hawaii anymore.”
His hand froze. “What about your job?”
“I got another job offer that I couldn’t turn down.”
She saw a slight tick of his jaw before he asked, “Is the new job in California or will you have to move to another location.”
“I’ll have to move for sure.” A sudden bout of insecurity made her hesitate to put it all out on the table, so to speak. But she couldn’t leave him hanging like this, no matter how nervous she was. “My potential costar is kind of a hot commodity right now, so the project will start right away as long as he wants to do it.”
His eyes narrowed. “How hot is he?”
“Very hot. The media has dubbed him as the Sexiest Cowboy Alive or the Hot Cowboy Hero.” She licked her lips. “Personally, I consider him both.”
“Are you talking about me?” he asked, his eyes widening with disbelief.
She couldn’t drag this out any longer. Ian was either in, or he was out, whether he chose to take or reject the proposal from Rob Edwards. “Have you ever watched any of the reality shows on Animal Planet?”
He nodded his head, and Tomi relaxed a little when she saw a flicker of interest light his eyes. Without taking a breath, she gave him the details about the project Mr. Edwards had pitched this morning for a reality show featuring a cowboy veterinarian from Montana and his non-veterinarian girlfriend who went out on calls with him.
Ian’s smile grew as she reiterated how hot he was due to the viral videos that had tripled in views over the past few days. “I know you don’t like the attention, and I understand how uncomfortable it might be with a film crew following you around all the time, but the money will be crazy good. You could bring on another vet, update more of the clinic and earn money while doing things you love to do like fishing, hunting, skiing…they won’t invade your privacy too much, but the audience will want other aspects of your life.” Tomi paused long enough to take a breath before asking him the final question. “So, what do you say? Are you willing to give it a try?”
“Maybe.” He flattened his palm against hers. “But I’d like to clarify one thing.”
Tomi’s heart nearly stopped. He hadn’t said no. “Sure, go ahead.”
“Did you say you were my girlfriend?”
Laughing, Tomi shot up out of her chair and came around the table to sit on his Ian’s lap. “That’s all the questions you have? You’ll really do it?”
“As long as it’s with you, I’m all in.”
“I love you,” she said, feeling like her heart was going to burst.
“I love you too.”
Tomi pressed her mouth to his and kissed him until she was breathless. Then she snuggled into his chest and let him hold her for a few minutes. Neither of them spoke, however, Ian yawned several times in a row. As much as she wanted to talk about everything, he needed to get some sleep. Tomorrow was going to be crazy once she texted her agent that Ian was on board.
“You need to go to bed,” she said, sliding off his lap to stand. “And I need to go home before Gabe starts looking for me.”
“I’m too tired to argue.” He stood up and walked her out front to her car. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
“Yes, you will.” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “Piper is making a huge breakfast, and you’re invited.”
“I’ll be there.” He kissed her one last time before opening the door for her.
The next few days were as crazy as Tomi had predicted. As were the subsequent weeks. Filming Loving the Rugged Vet had started immediately and had become an instant success. It was hard to believe that they’d wrapped up the first season a few days earlier.
“Hold still,” Dana said as she curled a section of Tomi’s dark hair with the flat iron. The stylist for the reality show had quickly become one of Tomi’s best friends. “I’m almost done.”
“Sorry.” Tomi stopped bouncing her foot, but her insides were still jumping with anticipation for tonight’s surprise birthday party she was throwing for Ian. “You make that look so easy,” she said as Dana twisted the iron through another section of hair and pulled down, leaving a perfect loose curl to drape across Tomi’s shoulder. “It looks like a five-year-old got a hold of my hair whenever I try to do it myself.”
Laughing, Dana picked up another section and quickly produced another flawless curl. “We all have our talents.” She sectioned off another length of Tomi’s hair. “I could never do what you do.”
“You mean like follow around a gorgeous cowboy every day?” Tomi said with a smirk.
“I’d have no problem with that.” Dana let out a long, drawn-out infatuated sigh. “I just couldn’t do it in front of a camera while still looking as natural and beautiful as you do.”
“Thank you,” Tomi said, appreciating the kind words. “I’m a very lucky girl.”
“Yes, you are,” Dana said with another sigh. “You really, really are.”
Tomi couldn’t blame Dana, or the thousands of other women across the country, for crushing on her boyfriend. Dr. Ian Davies—AKA—the real star of Loving the Rugged Vet, was entirely irresistible. His popularity had skyrocketed from the first episode as the viewers of their weekly reality show got to know him for more than just his incredible good looks. The unscripted authenticity of the show was one of the thi
ngs viewers loved the most. Sometimes it was like watching a full episode of bloopers. After all, Ian wasn’t an actor, and Tomi wasn’t a veterinarian. The combination proved to be very good entertainment.
On top of that, Ian was funny, kind, sincere and trustworthy. No wonder everyone had fallen in love with him, including herself. Still, while Tomi shared him with the rest of the world, in her reality…he was all hers. That’s why she’d refused to allow any cameras to follow them around for Ian’s surprise birthday party.
“Thank you for helping me with my hair and makeup after hours,” Tomi said, glancing at Dana in the mirror. “You sure you don’t want to come to the party?”
“I’m sure,” Dana said, curling the last length of hair. “Before going home for Christmas, my boyfriend is flying in early tomorrow morning and taking me to some ritzy ski lodge in the mountains.” Dana finger-combed the curls and then pulled a few strands back, securing them with bobby pins. “We plan on skiing, hot tubbing, and eating plenty of good food for the entire weekend.”
“Hmm,” Tomi said with a smirk. “You did see last week’s episode when Ian took me skiing, right?”
“Oh yeah.” Dana laughed and sprayed Tomi’s hair with some yummy smelling hairspray. “Luckily, I’ve skied before and know how to get off the lift without nearly killing myself.”
“I was fine…after the ski patrol rescued me,” Tomi said, remembering the embarrassing moment with perfect recollection. “But at least I didn’t let that stop me from trying again. I was skiing like a pro by the end of the shoot.”
“And that’s why everyone loves you so much. You’re not some whiny, entitled actor like someone else we know.” Dana removed the paper cover from around Tomi’s neck and spun the chair around so Tomi could stand up. “You look gorgeous, my friend. Ian is going to be awestruck when he sees you.”
Just hearing Ian’s name made Tomi’s nerves hum with anticipation. She hadn’t seen him all day, and she missed him like crazy. “Thank you so much,” she said as she stood in front of the mirror. She smoothed a hand across the lacy material of the chic red dress Caytie McAllister had special ordered from Italy. The hemline hit just above the knee and fit Tomi like a glove without any alterations. “I might be overdressed for a birthday party, but I love the dress too much to care.” Besides, getting dressed up was all part of the ruse so she could keep the party a secret. She’d told Ian that she was taking him to a fancy restaurant at a nearby resort for his birthday.
“Ian is going to love the dress too,” Dana said, glancing at her watch. “He’s also going to be here any minute.” She leaned in for a quick hug. “Have fun and enjoy being with your man without a camera crew following you around.”
“Ian is going to love the no-camera part more than the dress,” Tomi teased, although it was probably true. While Tomi loved being in front of a camera, Ian still wasn’t comfortable with a cameraman following him around all day. Celebrating his birthday without an audience would be nice. In fact, the next few weeks would be camera-free since filming for the second season wouldn’t resume until after the new year. The perfectly timed hiatus left the cast and crew free to celebrate Christmas with their families, which was in three weeks.
“Have a wonderful weekend with your boyfriend,” Tomi said. “I’ll see you next year.”
Dana laughed and blew her a kiss before leaving Tomi all alone. Nervously, she turned back to look in the mirror one last time. The scalloped neckline of the dress came slightly off the shoulders, revealing just enough of her collarbone that she had to wear a strapless bra. Dana advised her not to wear any jewelry, saying it would detract from the classy design of the dress.
Her cell pinged an incoming message. Swiping the phone from the countertop, she saw it was from Ian. He was on his way to pick her up.
A fresh bout of nerves twisted inside her stomach as she turned off the light and exited the bathroom. Tomi had met Ian’s mom and dad via video chat, but the surprise birthday party would be the first time meeting them in person. She wanted them to love her as much as her parents adored Ian. Mom and Dad had helped move her to Montana, and they had fallen in love with Ian.
Crossing the wood floor to the coat closet, Tomi grabbed the silver wrap Caytie had paired with the dress and put it around her shoulders. So far, the winter was mild for Montana, but it was still chilly once the sun disappeared.
Moving in front of the window to watch for Ian, Tomi could see the corner of her sister’s house. It was kind of ironic that she was renting the same little house Piper had lived in the year before. This time last year, she’d teased her sister about the remote town she’d moved to. Snow Valley was the last place Tomi had ever wanted to visit, let alone live in. Now she hoped to stay here the rest of her life…as long as it was with a certain cowboy.
Another message came through but this time it was from her sister. Piper, Gabe and the kids were already at the McAllister’s house for the party. Caytie loved entertaining and had insisted on hosting the party.
Ian’s parents just arrived, so everything is good to go. What is your ETA?
Tomi quickly typed a reply. Ian will be here any minute. Have Jace call him with an emergency in 5 minutes.
Piper’s reply was a row of hysterical-laughing emojis, followed by a snarky text. LOL. You haven’t seen him all day. You’ll be kissing for at least 10 minutes.
Her sister made a good point. Tomi asked for fifteen minutes and then added a sly-faced emoji. Ian pulled into the driveway just as she hit send.
Slipping her phone into the beaded clutch purse Caytie had loaned her, Tomi watched Ian get out of his SUV and walk toward the front door. Her breath caught, and her legs suddenly felt like wet noodles. The man always looked good, but he was devastatingly handsome in a dark suit, white dress shirt, and red tie. It was a good thing the cameras weren’t following him today. She didn’t feel like sharing him with the rest of the world right now. Part of her wanted to skip the party and just keep him all to herself.
Anxious to see him, she reached out with a shaking hand and opened the door before he had a chance to knock. He paused mid-stride and made a slow perusal of her. Something hot flared in his eyes when he met her gaze. “Wow, you look beautiful.”
“So do you,” she said in a breathless voice. At his skeptical look, she quickly amended her words. “I mean you look handsome.” Ian was a good sport about his new fame and popularity, but he still wasn’t comfortable with all the references to his appearance.
“That’s better.” A smile quirked his lips, and he held open his arms. “Enough talk. I’ve missed you.”
Tomi didn’t need to be asked twice as she rushed into his embrace. The scent of his spicy aftershave surrounded her as he circled his arms around her and crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her long and slow. His hands slipped into her hair, messing up the perfect curls Dana had created. Tomi didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was back in Ian’s arms.
He’d left early this morning to help at the A&E cattle ranch again. The veterinarian had called on Ian a couple of times over the past few months since the owner had been so impressed with Ian’s work ethic. Ian liked going there because no one seemed to know or care that he was on television. He liked the anonymity, and that nobody asked for his autograph or a selfie.
The delicious kiss ended far too soon when the ringtone for a video chat call came from her purse. Tomi would normally ignore her phone, but video calling was frequently used by her sister or mother when they needed to get a hold of her.
Untangling herself from Ian’s arms, she opened the reticule and pulled out her phone. The call wasn’t from her sister or mother. It was from Jace McAllister. Hoping there wasn’t truly an emergency, she accepted the call.
“Hey, I’m trying to get a hold of Ian, and he isn’t answering his phone,” Jace said. “Is he back from the A&E?”
“Yeah, I’m here,” Ian said, peering over Tomi’s shoulder to see the screen. “Sorry, I left my phone in the car. Is e
verything okay?”
“Are you wearing a suit?” Jace asked.
“Yes. It’s my birthday,” Ian said. “And my girlfriend is taking me out to dinner.”
“Oh, happy birthday, man,” Jace said as if he didn’t already know it. “I really hate to bother you all, but Marigold’s foal is running a fever. I’m really worried about him because he hasn’t nursed since this morning.” Tomi had to hand it to Jace for being such a great actor. Even she was convinced he knew nothing about this evening’s events.
“We can stop by on our way,” Tomi said, glancing over her shoulder at Ian. “Our reservations aren’t for another hour and a half.”
“Thank you,” Jace said. “You guys are the best.”
Tomi ended the call, thankful there had been a contingency plan in place if Ian didn’t answer his phone. It hadn’t occurred to her that he might leave it in his car.
As they headed toward the GH, she glanced over at him and saw the worry lines on his face. Tension radiated from him, and she felt bad about making him think the new foal was sick, but Jace had promised to come up with an excuse that would guarantee Ian would want to stop by before they went on their dinner date.
A dinner date they weren’t actually going on. A twinge of unease banded around her chest. Ian had specified he wanted to spend his birthday with just her. No cameras or crowds of people. Just the two of them. Her foot started to bounce again. She hoped he would forgive her once he saw their friends and family had gathered to celebrate his birthday.
Chapter 22
Ian’s hands felt clammy as they headed to the GH ranch. Having a sick animal was not part of his plans this evening. How was he supposed to propose to Tomi if he was taking care of Montana Gold the rest of the night? Even though he could call the new vet he’d hired last month to cover the call, Ian couldn’t do that to Jace and Kellen. They were his friends and had a lot of money invested in this horse.
Caught Kissing the Cowboy: A Return to Snow Valley Romance Page 19