Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

Once again Sunny was struck silent. She looked at him for a long time as he tensed. “You’re welcome. I will send you the paint sample in case you decide to paint the entire room or something.” She hurried to pick up the dog bed and carrier, struggling to hold them and not drop Moe.

  “I’ll help…”

  “No need!” Sunny hadn’t meant to raise her voice, but she didn’t have time to ponder on what he’d meant by bringing her to his bedroom. All she knew was the sooner she got away from him, the easier it would be for her heart. Every cell of her being screamed for him and she gritted her teeth.

  Once outside and in the car, she let out a breath. Now to go back to Stephan and tell him she could never accept the job at Forrester Ranchwear. Nowhere on God’s green earth was it a good idea to be near that man.

  Bryce watched as Sunny drove away. She was driving a different car, possibly because hers remained in the shop he’d had it towed to. He’d planned to tell her he wanted to keep the dog, but she was apparently quite attached to it.

  Not exactly what he’d expected from her visit. She’d not lashed out about him firing her. Instead, when she’d walked into the house she had smiled. Actually smiled, pleased with the end result. Her eyes had lit up as she’d taken in the final result of her efforts. He had to admit the result was stunning. Everything fit each space perfectly, the furniture looking to have been accumulated over years and not all at once. Long, sheer draperies framed the large, front, picture window, not distracting from the view of land and horses.

  He let out a breath feeling guilty at not apologizing to Sunny about firing her. She’d done an amazing job.

  Not putting off what he planned, he picked up his cell phone and placed two phone calls.

  “What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” her stepfather asked, his eyes not leaving the football game on the flat screen. “A night out with friends?”

  Sunny laughed. “I was planning pizza and champagne with Moe.”

  Douglas Stilton laughed. “You need to get out. Meet some nice young man.”

  He’d been after her to date since she’d broken up with her ex a year earlier. They’d remained amicable, realizing they made better friends than lovers. He was dating someone else now and she’d yet to meet the right man. “It will be my New Year’s resolution. How about that?” Sunny reached for a handful of popcorn.

  It felt good to see him doing better. His spirits up after regaining mobility with his right arm.

  Her stepfather peered at her. “I have some news.”

  “Really?” She looked to Beth, who read in a recliner, too lost in her book to listen. “Is it good news?”

  His crooked grin made her heart melt. How she loved this man. If only she could meet someone as caring and giving. “I got approved for disability. Getting a good payout we’ll put into a savings account and the monthly check will cover all our expenses. No more giving us money, young lady.”

  Sunny sniffed and wiped a tear that slid down her cheek. They’d been waiting for the request to be approved. It had taken almost two years. “Seriously?” she whispered and hugged her stepfather tightly. “Oh, my goodness. That is the best news ever.”

  “Maybe you can buy a reliable car now,” he told her, his own shiny eyes meeting hers. “I want you to do something extravagant for yourself. You can afford to go out and have an expensive dinner.”

  Her cell phone beeped and she looked to see a text from the garage. Her car was ready to be picked up. She frowned and called them.

  “Your car is ready Miss Stilton. We replaced the alternator, the wipers and aligned it since we installed new tires.”

  “Wait. What?” She walked to another room. “Who authorized all this? How much will it cost?”

  The sound of papers crinkling sounded. “It’s been paid in full. I don’t know who called and paid for it, but there’s a note here. Some sort of apology.” He sounded annoyed. “We close at seven if you could come get it today since we’ll be closed until after New Year’s.”

  An apology. Who would be apologizing to her? It couldn’t be Bryce; he was much too entitled to do such a thing. Stephan? Of course, it was her boss.

  Probably, it was his way of making up for her missing Christmas with her family. Although it was strange since Stephan was not given to extravagant gifts. With a smile, she went back into the living room. “Beth, can you drop me off at the garage? I have to get my car, it’s ready.”

  Not only was her car fixed, but it had also been detailed and looked almost new. She sat in the neat interior and looked around. In the passenger seat was a small box with a bow on it.

  Okay, this was over the top. What the hell was going on?

  She tore open the box and found a bracelet, from it a charm dangled. A little sun. No note.

  Grabbing the invoice, she looked at the scribbled words the owner told her about. “I apologize for your Christmas.” No signature.

  Stephan had really gone over the top. Strange.

  It was then she noticed an envelope on the seat. After looking around to make sure there were no hidden cameras and she was being punked, she turned to the garage. The metal doors were pulled down, two mechanics milled beside it, one smoking, the other talking with his hands deep into his pockets. Both ignored her.

  She opened the envelope. It was an invitation to Bryce and Braylen Forrester’s New Year’s Eve party.

  Numb, Sunny sat looking straight ahead. Had Bryce paid for all of this? Why would he after not seeming apologetic at all just a day earlier?

  Her mind spinning, she put the car in drive and headed to see him. First she’d return the bracelet, then she’d make arrangements to pay him back for the car repairs. No way was she letting him think that because they slept together, she expected him to pay for anything.

  The closer she got to the Forrester estate, the angrier she became.

  When he opened the door, his eyebrows shot up. He was shirtless, of course, and utterly breathtaking with damp hair and a five o’clock shadow. “Is something wrong?” He stepped back allowing her to walk in past him.

  “Yes, there is. I came to return this.” Sunny shoved the bracelet at him.

  He didn’t take it, not even when she shoved it into his chest.

  Sunny lowered her hand with the box. She’d place it on a surface before leaving. “Also, I need to know how much I owe you for car repairs. The owner at the garage refused to tell me.”

  He didn’t reply. So she huffed. “Mr. Forrester, will you answer me?”

  “Nope.” He smiled.

  She’d never seen him smile. Sunny lost her breath.

  Shit, damn it.

  She was in love.

  Chapter Ten

  Bryce fought not to laugh when Sunny stomped her foot in frustration. She actually wanted to pay him back and return his gift. It had never happened before and he wondered what she was up to. Surely she planned something, to use his guilt at having fired her to get more.

  “What would you prefer, Miss Stilton? I could offer to buy you a newer car, would that suit you better.”

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” She gawked at him, her mouth open. “Do you really think that will make me feel better about being fired without reason? Yes, I admit we should not have slept together, that was a big mistake. But I don’t expect anything from you.”

  Sunny went still, her brows furrowed and she studied him. Here it came, the price.

  “Tell me what you’re thinking.” He stepped closer, prepared to guide her out the door.

  “I want three things.” She hesitated to ensure he listened.

  He did.

  “An apology, the amount I owe you and for you to take this back.” Once again she shoved the small box at him. “Please.” Her eyes met his and she swallowed.

  He watched as they became shinier with tears. Unsure of how to proceed, he took the box from her proffered hand.

  Sunny let out a shaky breath. “I don’t know if you fired me because I slept with you. It happ
ened. I have never done that before and am not sure why I did. But if you will forget it happened, I will, too.” She blinked rapidly and pressed her lips together waiting for his reply.

  Not sure what to think, he tried to remember why he’d actually fired her. It wasn’t anything to do with the design. Her work was perfect, in fact. That they slept together, that was as much his doing, if not more, than hers. No, the reason was that he felt something for her. For the first time, he wanted someone in his life, to share mornings, meals and conversation. Because of his fears, he’d hurt her and now wondered if, perhaps, he should try to make things right. Not by offering to pay or buy things for her but by manning up to the situation.

  “I will give you the price of the repairs and I do owe you an apology for firing you. However, I ask something in return.”

  Her bright eyes met his and she nodded. “Okay. I’m listening.”

  “That you go out to dinner with me.”

  “Why?” Sunny took a step away and crossed her arms. “You don’t like me. I think you’re not a nice person.”

  “I agree. I’m not very nice.”

  Her lips twitched, but she managed to keep from smiling. “So why dinner?”

  Because he couldn’t stand the thought of not seeing her again. Because she was the one woman who’d managed to get past his walls and he needed to know if Sunny Stilton was the one he could trust.

  “I like you.”

  “Oh.” She studied him for a long moment, discomfiting him so he fought not to shuffle his feet. “All right. I accept. Now the apology.”

  “Will you please sit down?” He motioned to the living room and followed behind her. She sunk onto the edge of the sofa and he sat beside her. When she slid as much as she could to put space between them, he almost laughed. She was great. Wouldn’t allow him to intimidate her.

  Sunny turned to him. “What do you want to tell me?”

  “I was wrong to fire you. I did it because I looked forward to seeing you every morning and I didn’t like that.”

  Her laughter rang out, catching him off guard, so he scowled at her. “I don’t see how this is funny.”

  “You are so different. It’s okay to have friends, to like people. Do you not like anyone?”

  “My brother.”

  “That’s a good start. How about a friend, some guy you spend time with?”

  There was Luke, a guy he’d gone to college with. They had drinks on occasion. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d returned the man’s calls.

  She shook her head. “If it’s taking you that long to come up with a reply, I’ll take that as a no. I imagine when someone is wealthy it’s hard to trust that people are not after your money or a favor. So I don’t blame you. However, if you want me to be your friend, let’s get one thing straight. Never buy me things, unless it’s my birthday. Don’t feel you have to pay for anything. I don’t like that.”

  “I’m not sure I want to be your friend,” Bryce replied, his gaze falling to her lips.

  Sunny jumped to her feet. “Okay, well, I have to go. Would you please text me the amount. I’ll have to make payments, if that’s okay. Let me know where to meet you.” She rushed out the door and jogged to her car before he could say anything more.

  If nothing else, getting to know her would prove interesting.

  Bryce smiled watching her drive away. The horses moved to the edge of the corral hearing his voice and he went to get dressed so he could spend time with them.

  Bryce Forrester was up to something, Sunny was sure of it. Not that she had trust issues normally, but the man went from cold to hot then back to cold within minutes.

  When he’d sat next to her on the couch, it had taken Herculean strength to keep from touching him. He wore no shirt for goodness sakes. And he smelled good and, damn, he was built too. She let out a long breath. Thank God she’d gotten out of there or else she would have dragged him to the bedroom and taken those loose-fitting sweats off before he could resist.

  “I am in trouble,” Sunny muttered. Why had he invited her to dinner? He’d said he liked her and looked forward to seeing her in the mornings. The reason for firing her made no sense, but she wasn’t about to question him further. Obviously it made sense to him.

  And he didn’t want a relationship. No, what he wanted was to try to figure her out. The man probably expected her to ask him for restitution, but hopefully after ensuring he understood she planned to repay him, Bryce would know better.

  With all the confusion, she’d forgotten to ask about the New Year’s Eve party and the job for his brother. No matter, she’d speak to Stephan about that and decline the offer. No doubt, Bryce had talked his brother into hiring her to make up for the firing.

  She pulled over and texted Bryce.

  Please tell your brother I appreciate the offer, but he needs to find another designer for the job. Kevin would be a good fit. Also, don’t forget to give me the amount I owe you so I can write a check and give you first payment when we meet for dinner. Have a great day!

  Feeling better, she pulled back onto the road and headed to the designer offices. Her phone dinged and she glanced at it.

  You should accept the job. $500.

  “Jeez,” she mumbled. “I know it cost more than that.” Or maybe he had some sort of discount with the garage. Never mind, she’d pay him a couple hundred more to make sure the amount was covered.

  Two days later, Sunny shivered as she went to her car. It was six in the evening and she’d taken extra care with her appearance as she’d agreed to meet Bryce at a small restaurant not too far from her house. After he’d proposed an extremely expensive eatery, she’d suggested Paulo’s Taverna, a Greek place she loved. The owner, a burly man, was an amazing chef. Just as she reached for the door handle, Bryce’s sleek Lexus pulled up blocking her car.

  It didn’t surprise her, the man did what he wanted. He’d offered to pick her up, but she’d declined. Not because she was difficult, but because she didn’t trust herself in close proximity to him.

  He got out of the car and rounded it, pulling the passenger door open. “Hello, Sunny.”

  She couldn’t help but laugh. “Hello, Bryce.” Sunny went to his car and slid in. The leather was warm from the seat warmers and she relaxed back into the soft material.

  The drive was less than ten minutes, so she hoped to keep talking to avoid thinking too much on how handsome he looked or how yummy he smelled. “How was your day?”

  He slid a glance to her and lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “Same as usual.”

  “I spoke to Stephan. He’s insisting I do the job for your brother. He also insists I attend your party. I won’t come to the party. It would be awkward, don’t you think?”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m the designer, what reason would I have to be there?”

  “Executives from the top companies in Dallas will be in attendance with their wives. People will be asking about the décor. It would be a good opportunity for you to branch out. Maybe start your own company.”

  She was struck speechless. He’d echoed the same words her stepfather had told her. Up until lately, she’d been too scared to even consider her own business. It was a dream she’d pushed back, not able to take a chance when responsible for medical bills and living expenses. A shiver of apprehension went through her.

  “It looks nice,” Bryce said as he parked. “I’m starved.” He got out to open her door, giving her a moment to compose herself.

  It was nice to have Bryce beside her, his hand on the small of her back when they entered Paulo’s. The usual clientele glanced, then looked twice, when they entered. Several women began whispering at seeing Bryce, which she totally understood.

  Bryce seemed oblivious to the attention, instead speaking to the young woman who came to seat them. He chose a booth and waited for Sunny to sit, then slid across from her.

  After ordering drinks, wine for her and beer for him, Sunny looked around the restaurant, suddenly feel
ing awkward. What was she doing here? This man was way out of her league and they had nothing in common. If anything, he was treating her out to dinner so she’d sleep with him again. Surely it was the only thing he could want. Although she imagined he didn’t have to try hard to get a woman into bed. But being wealthy, he did have to be careful and if he had no plans to become entangled in a relationship then she was a good target.

  As much as she wanted to sleep with him, it would do more damage than good. He would move on without a second thought while she’d agonize over it and be hurt. Bryce Forrester had the power to shatter her heart to pieces.

  “I recommend the gyro platter, it’s great. Huge portions, so I always have leftovers for lunch the next day.” Sunny studied her menu, not looking up until he touched her hand. Then she jerked up to look at him.

  “Why are you uncomfortable?”

  Because you’re hot and way too good-looking for your own good. Sunny smiled. “I’m fine really. I tend to babble when there’s silence. It’s annoying, I know.”

  “Do I make you feel uncomfortable?”

  Sunny avoided replying thanks to the waitress returning to take their order. The plain answer was yes, but the explanation was not as simple. She’d have to admit her attraction to him. Although he probably suspected it, by the knowing look in his eyes.

  “I went to Greece two years ago with my brother. It was a spur of the moment trip in an attempt to get away from work. It turned out to be a bad idea given the country is not the most stable.” He continue telling her about the trip to the country, making her laugh a couple times at how hard it turned out for them to get out of Greece.

  Sunny found herself relaxing as he talked about driving a rental car to Italy, not stopping to check if it was allowed, and then spending a week there. She enjoyed the sound of his deep voice and how nice he could be when relaxed. He asked her about any travels and she told him about beach trips with her stepfather to the gulf coast where they’d spend weeks swimming and sunbathing. Not able to afford to eat out every day, her stepfather grilled hotdogs and hamburgers almost daily, which they became creative in dressing.