Why not Wyoming? (Wyoming Wilds Series Book 1)

by Anneliese Brand

  What he knew was, he loved Annie. He loved her and wanted to make things work. Whether or not that was possible was a whole different matter. He’d been over this several times and nothing changed. The split with Teresa had ultimately come down to him refusing to compromise. Was he going to let the same thing happen with Annie? He looked around the barn. Could he give up everything? He didn’t even have the oil fields to fall back on in Michigan. Annie making more than him really wasn’t the issue. His ego could handle that as long as he was contributing and they worked as a team. It was her family that worried him. Job or not, would they see him as a con artist like Angie had said? Annie had already lost so much, he didn’t want to drive a wedge between her and the family she had left.

  He rubbed his forehead against Topper’s. Other than a brief touch on his finances when Teresa had turned things upside down at the restaurant, and Annie mentioning something about some interest when she was telling him about the blood money bullshit, they hadn’t discussed the subject. The snide comments had all been from her family or business associates. After the verbal jabs, Annie’s condo had been his first red flag from her. It had been a game changer. A glance at the building’s website had revealed her two bedrooms in the sky came with a price tag more than three times his mortgage. CJ shook his head. He couldn’t give her that kind of life here in Wyoming.

  Giving Topper’s forelock one last stroke, he headed for the house. Other than dropping his bag inside the front door, he’d avoided it thus far. It felt empty without her. Kicking off his boots in the mud room, he padded through the silent cabin. Out of habit, he checked the house phone. To his knowledge, she didn’t have that number, but he’d checked his cell a dozen times. She hadn’t responded to a couple of messages he’d left her. Was she upset or just busy? He could hope the second, but wasn’t banking on it.

  A rummage through the refrigerator didn’t reveal anything appetizing. He glanced at his cell again. There was plenty of food in the freezer. He had some stuff to look over before meeting with Bill’s clients in the morning. Pulling his keys out, he bounced them in the palm of his hand. It could wait. He should check in with his parents and let them know he was back. A phone call would do the job, but it was dinner time. His mom always made enough for an army, and he didn’t feel like cooking. He smiled to himself and tossed the keys again. So he was a mama’s boy.

  “There are plenty of reasons not to answer a phone,” his mother said. The tender exasperation in her tone made CJ smile. “With cell phones, texts, emails and what-not, you kids act like it’s the end of the world if you aren’t connected every minute of every day. Haven’t you ever heard the expression, Absence makes the heart grow fonder?”

  “You kids?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at his mother’s back. “I’m thirty.”

  “You’re still my kid, and you get the point.”

  “If she’s already in a snit over you having to leave for a job then I’d ask yourself if you want to go through that again,” his dad added, his tone soft and serious.

  “She’s not like Teresa,” CJ protested. He frowned. “I don’t actually know that she’s upset. It was one of those things where she stood there and agreed with me that it was the right thing to do, but I don’t know if she means it.”

  “Sometimes a woman means exactly what she says,” his mother said without turning from filling the dishwasher.

  “And sometimes they don’t,” his dad muttered under his breath.

  CJ pointed at his dad in silent agreement.

  “Until you talk to her, you’re just borrowing trouble.”

  “I do have to agree with your mother on that one. If you’re going to make things work long distance, you’d better be prepared to do a lot of talking.”

  “Which is probably why your father married me so quickly,” his mom quipped.

  Swirling the dregs of his coffee, CJ chuckled. He’d heard plenty of stories about how shy and quiet his dad had been before his mom had brought him out of his shell. When the subject came up, his dad usually nodded and said, ‘Nothing like the love of a good woman to change a man’s life.’ That was what CJ wanted. The problem was, he wanted to be with her now. Even his mom and dad’s month between meeting and marriage sounded like an eternity when he thought about being half the country away from Annie.

  He leaned back as his mother refilled his cup. What would happen if he told Annie that? Would it freak her out, make her back off, or was there any hope she felt the same way? She hadn’t said the words, but his heart said she loved him. When it was just the two of them, it was perfect. He’d never talked or laughed so much with anyone. There was no one he’d rather be with. He smiled, suddenly remembering a game they’d played as kids. If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island what three things would you take with you? His first two answers had rarely changed, a good knife, and a supply of matches in a waterproof container. The third thing had always varied with the moment or his mood, rope, fish hooks, a bow, or if he was feeling smart-ass, an inflatable boat or a satellite phone. For the first time, his third item was set. He’d take Annie. He’d never be bored or lonely with her at his side. Together they could survive anything.

  He flinched as something tickled his nape.

  “Get your head right. You can’t be zoning out like this out there,” his mom said, the short nails of one hand carding through his hair while the other slid a piece of pie in front of him.

  “Don’t worry. I’m all business when I’m out there.”

  “I’m a mother. It’s my job to worry, sweetheart.”

  “Well, I can’t control everything, but I’m as careful as I can be, Mom.”

  “I know, and you’re good at what you do.”

  “Thank you. At least on this job, the city boys will be shooting with cameras instead of rifles. They’re scouting locations for filming,” CJ explained, washing down a bite with a swallow of coffee.

  “Is Annie going to come back after this job?”

  “Not right away.”

  “Soon?”

  “We haven’t made plans.”

  “You seemed pretty sure about this girl before you went to Michigan. Do you want to tell me what happened to change that?”

  “Nothing changed. I love Annie. The trip just exposed some differences in the way we live.” He shrugged. “Things, besides location, that we’re going to have to talk about and see if we can work out.”

  “Did you have a fight?”

  “Ellie,” his dad chided.

  CJ shook his head slightly. His mom meant well.

  “No. Bill called with the job. I told her I shouldn’t pass up work this time of the year, and that it presented a good opportunity for the future. Annie agreed. She is going to be wrapped up in promoting her book for at least the next couple of weeks. We’ll see what happens when our schedules clear up.”

  “What do you see happening?”

  “I don’t know, Mom. I’m still trying to figure that one out.”

  He didn’t miss the look his parents exchanged. His mom had always been able to read him.

  “This isn’t like with Teresa is it?”

  “No. They’re nothing alike and, already, our relationship is different. Where I wasn’t willing to compromise with Teresa, I am for Annie. We just need to get on the same page with some stuff.”

  “You compromised plenty for that girl, but she wanted everything,” his mom said, lips pressing into a thin line of annoyance.

  His dad put a comforting hand on his wife’s hip. Her slim hand covered his.

  “You’d give up the guide work for Annie?”

  “I think I would, Dad,” CJ said rubbing the back of his neck. “I just need to be sure that I won’t end up resenting it down the road and figure out what I’d do in Michigan.”

  The look they gave one another this time was surprised and worried.

  “Moving is a huge step.”

  “But a step that one of us is going to have to make. How could I ask her to
do something that I’m not willing to do?”

  “I respect that, son,” his dad said, nodding. “But remember that marriage is a two-way street. You’d be giving up your dream, leaving behind home and family, and starting over. Make sure that there’s some give in her too.”

  “I’ve been giving it a lot of thought.”

  “We’re not telling you what to do, baby. And I know we’re hardly the ones to preach taking things slow, but be careful,” his mom said, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “We just want you to be happy.”

  “I know, and I appreciate the support. I mean, you’re asking questions, but I don’t feel like you’re judging us or her. Maybe they’re a little more protective because she’s a she, but her family seems suspicious of me.”

  “Crystal’s parents?”

  He nodded. “Her aunt and uncle, another cousin, even her publicist in a way. Everyone’s talking about money except for Annie. I don’t know if that means it’s not important to her, or if she has so much she doesn’t have to worry about it.”

  “Have you tried talking to her about it?”

  CJ sighed. “Not really. I know we need to, but money is such a hot topic.”

  “It is. It’s also the number one thing couples fight about. If you can’t be honest about it now, it won’t get any easier.”

  “We’ll talk about it. You’re probably right that it won’t be any easier down the road.”

  “Of course I’m right. I’m your mother,” she said with a saucy wink.

  Chuckling, CJ scraped his fork across the plate, getting the last bit of his blueberry pie. He stole a look at his dad.

  “Admit it. You fell for the pie first.”

  “It was really good pie,” his dad said, not cracking a smile.

  “Keep laughing, funny boys, and see how long it is before I make either of you another pie,” she threatened, smacking both their shoulders before picking up the plates and sashaying off to the dishwasher.

  CJ’s grin widened watching his dad follow in her wake, hands going to her hips as he whispered sweet, placating words in her ear. Their easy flirtation made him miss Annie all the more. He wanted that. He wanted to come home to love and laughter. It wouldn’t matter what he did to earn a living if he could come home to Annie.

  Jaw cracking under a face-swallowing yawn, Annie hefted the last box onto the cart. Signed, sealed, and tomorrow they’d be picked up and delivered. She rubbed her aching shoulders. Hours bent over the lap desk had left her feeling even more like the famed hunched bell tower dweller. Her eyes felt gritty under the press of her palms. All she wanted to do was curl up in CJ’s arms and go to sleep. If only that were possible.

  She glared at her purse. Not one beep from her phone since dropping him at the airport. Remembering how pathetic she’d been while waiting for an answer from him when she’d returned to Michigan, she’d purposely left it in her purse. Figuratively dangling the device in front of her nose like a carrot, she’d vowed to finish signing the books before starting her repetitive checking. It hadn’t kept her from listening.

  Rolling her neck, she dug for her phone. She frowned. Setting the bag back on the counter, she tilted it toward the light and searched the depths fruitlessly again. A surge of panic made her stomach roll. Hands shaking, she emptied the contents onto the island. No phone. Checking the zippered pockets and her coat produced the same results. Frantically scanning the living area, she mentally retraced her steps. It should be there.

  Glad her aunt had insisted on a landline, she picked up the phone and dialed the familiar number. Wandering through the apartment, Annie strained her ears, listening for the tell-tale ringtone. Nothing. She tapped her lips with the cordless’ short antenna. Returning to the living room, she turned in a slow circle, thinking. She’d taken it off the charger beside her bed this morning, and she thought she’d put it in her purse before leaving with CJ.

  Her heart sank thinking of her chaotic exit of the airport and fumbling for her keys. Had she dropped it, or set it aside while she was digging? Shit! She wasn’t one of those people that couldn’t live without her precious mobile device, but it was the one place she had CJ’s number. Biting her lip, she grabbed her keys out of the pile of purse clutter. Shoving her feet in battered stars and stripes Converse, she headed for the elevator. If she was lucky, maybe the phone had fallen out in the Jeep.

  Bouncing in impatience as the floors fell away, Annie literally crossed her fingers. Childish or not, it couldn’t hurt. She chewed on her thumbnail. Maybe CJ had already called or texted and was wondering why she wasn’t answering. Dropping her hand from her mouth, she sighed. Ok. So, he probably wasn’t over analyzing the whole thing and getting paranoid, but it would be nice to know she wasn’t the only one that waited on pins and needles for the next contact when they were apart.

  Missing someone, other than her deceased parents, was a new feeling. The thought, and resulting comparison, made her knees weak. Leaning against the railing circling the elevator car, she closed her eyes. Maybe it was no big deal to a lot of people, but letting someone in meant she was vulnerable again. It might sound crazy, most things about their relationship so far had, but she was in love with him. She blinked. The words sank in slowly. She didn’t just like him. She was in love with CJ Barrett. Her tummy flip-flopped. Admitting that, even to herself, was big. Now, could she tell him? Not if she didn’t find her phone.

  The elevator hissed to a stop. Gripping her keys, she jogged to the Jeep. She sent up a silent prayer as she unlocked the vehicle. It had to be here. A visual scan of the console and dash came up empty. Running her hand between the center console and seats also yielded zip. Glancing over her shoulder to make sure she was still alone, she bent over to look under the driver’s seat. Nothing. The back seat where she’d stashed groceries, also came up empty. She bit her lip. Usually, her purse rode in the passenger seat. Slamming the door, she circled to the other side.

  Her phone clattered out onto the concrete the moment she opened the door. Sweeping it up, she hugged it to her chest with a sigh of relief. There would be no humiliating phone call to the airport lost and found or CJ’s mother. She checked for damage and more importantly message indicators. Her heart leapt. She had multiple. A car she didn’t recognize cruised by in the quiet garage. Grimacing, she shut the passenger door and engaged the lock on the key fob before hurrying for the relative safety of the elevator. The car stopped, its taillights seeming sinister in the gloom. Grisly scenarios jockeyed for dominance in her mind. She broke into a jog. Sometimes having a vivid imagination sucked.

  Squeezing between the opening doors, she peeked back at the car. It was backing up. She stabbed at the elevator buttons and didn’t breathe until the doors shut and she felt the floor lift beneath her. Imagination or not, a lot of horror stories existed because the world was terrifying. Sure, she was probably overreacting, but better safe than sorry was a great motto for people that wanted to live.

  She checked the hallway when she stepped out on her floor. A neighbor nodded politely, as if her Mighty Mouse pajamas and hoody were business casual. They were for an author. Unlocking her door, she stepped inside and slumped back against it. Saving the best for last, she checked texts first. She had three. Made it to the Mile High City…Long layover. Just landed in Sheridan…Home. Miss you. God, she missed him too! Dialing up the voicemail, she closed her eyes as his voice washed over her.

  “Hey, beautiful. I’m driving home thinking of you. I wish you were here. As soon as I get done with these Hollywood guys, we’ll make plans. I had a lot of time to think on the plane and realized there’s some stuff we need to talk about to make this work. Hope you’re just busy signing books and not too mad at me. I…I miss you. Talk soon.”

  She slid down the door and played it again. He’d hesitated at the end. She was almost sure he’d started to say ‘I love you.’ He’d said it in her bedroom before they’d cleaned up the results of her fashion meltdown. Did he regret that? What had changed? Was it because sh
e hadn’t said it back? Her hands shook as she pushed the buttons. They needed to talk. Weren’t those words usually a kiss of death in relationships? In her books they were. Once those words were uttered either the story ended or the couple self-destructed.

  Tapping the phone against her forehead, she listened to the message again looking for the positives. He’d called her beautiful. She smiled. Somehow, he made her feel that way. He was thinking of her. He wanted to make future plans and make things work. That didn’t sound like a brush off. Why did the words ‘We need to talk’ sound so ominous? They’d done a lot of talking. What had they missed? Why was this different? She sighed. There was only one way to find out.

  Annie looked at the clock. Ten-thirty. She frowned. Was it too late to call now? They were in different time zones. Her face scrunched up as she forced her brain into gear. The sun sets in the west, meaning it was earlier on the West coast. There was a two or three-hour difference. She could never remember which. So, it would be seven-thirty or eight-thirty at the worst. Totally okay to call. Damn. No excuse there.

  Slowly pushing her way back to her feet, she checked the door. If this was going to be a long conversation, she wanted to be somewhere more comfortable than her foyer floor. Toeing her shoes off into the closet, she flipped off the lights and headed for her bedroom. She paused in the doorway. The covers were still tangled from her morning with CJ. Changing the sheets would kill another fifteen or twenty minutes. She was such a coward.

  Plopping onto the bed, she tugged the top sheet, blanket, and comforter into some semblance of order and looked at her phone. She wanted to hear his voice so badly, and yet she was scared to death to hear what he had to say. Hugging her fleece cuddle blanket, she pushed the button and waited. Anxiety levels ratcheted up with every ring.

  “Hey. You’ve reached CJ Barrett. Leave me a message and I’ll be sure to get back to you.”