“Pull out your phone and look us up. We’re legit.” Blue eyes sparkled with amusement as Kaitlyn rattled off the name of the ranch.
Because the other woman clearly waited for her to do it, Claire quickly checked out the website on her phone.
It was real, and the cabins looked wonderfully charming.
“An entire cabin?” Claire shook her head and sighed. “I doubt I can afford—”
“I’ll give you a deal. Two-hundred for all four nights.”
Claire caught her breath. That was considerably less than she would’ve paid at The Graff. And, oh, Lord, she was tempted. Only there was still a problem.
“How far out of town?” Biting her lip, she added, “My car broke down.”
“Oh gosh. When it rains it pours, huh?”
“Pretty much. I just don’t know though… I’ll need to find a way to the steak dinner Saturday night. I’m the singer for Bourbon and Boots.”
Kaitlyn’s eyes lit up. “That’s great, I can’t wait to hear you guys. And, look, I’ll be going into town for the dinner—everyone does—so I can drive you. And I can drive you back to the ranch tonight. You also won’t need to worry about food, you can eat with me and the boys.”
“Boys?”
“My brother and the ranch hands.”
Claire ate her first fry. Silent. Thinking.
“Why are you doing this?” she finally asked.
“Because I was across the street when you left The Graff.” Kaitlyn’s gaze slid away as she took another sip of beer. “I saw you crying and went inside the hotel to see if I could find out why.”
Mortification sent heat up into Claire’s cheeks. She rarely cried but, damn it, today had been her undoing.
“I want you to know I’ve been there. We all have at some point or another,” Kaitlyn said softly and glanced at Claire again. There was a flash of vulnerability, maybe a dark memory in her eyes, before it was gone. “I want to help.”
It’d been so long since she’d accepted help from anyone. Swallowing against the lump in her throat, Claire nodded.
“Thank you, Kaitlyn. If you’re sure, then I’d very much like to take you up on your offer.” She nodded at the other woman’s drink. “And I’m buying your beer.”
“Call me Katie, and I won’t argue. Though I think I probably owe you for the fries.”
“Nope, I’ve got everything. When are you heading back to the ranch?”
“Soon as we finish our beers.”
Claire nodded and, because she’d been on the road all morning, said, “I’m going to run to the restroom really quick then. Will you watch my stuff?”
“Sure. Not that anyone would be stupid enough to steal it.” Katie grinned. “Can’t get away with anything around Marietta. Someone would be spotted wearing your clothing in under five minutes.”
Claire slipped out of the booth, amused at the image of her stolen dress on a local. Yes, there was probably a reason for that smaller crime rate in small towns.
She was so caught up in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the man in front of her until she’d smacked right into him.
Strong hands reached out to steady her. Panic raced through her veins at being touched and she took a quick step back.
“Excuse me,” she mumbled out the quick apology and cast a quick look up at him.
Her heart damn near stopped and her throat went tight. She jerked her gaze away, and before he could reply she hurried around him and into the restroom.
*
Wyatt’s gaze followed the blonde as she bolted like a spooked steer.
He’d only seen her for a moment before she’d rammed into him. Very pretty, and definitely not local. Probably in town for the rodeo, or maybe the girlfriend of one of the competitors.
Shaking his head, he turned away and made his way to the table where his sister sat drinking a beer.
“Heard you were slacking on the books and getting drunk,” he teased.
“Darn right.” Katie grinned and leaned back in the booth, finishing off her Bud Light. “So I rented out one of the cabins for the weekend.”
His brows drew together. “You did what now?”
“Someone from the band tomorrow night made the mistake of not booking a hotel. She was desperate.”
Wyatt glanced down and realized for the first time that there was an extra beer at the table. And luggage and a guitar.
“We don’t rent the cabins after summer, Katie.”
“Not usually, no.” She held his gaze, her determined expression unwavering. “She had no place to go, Wyatt. You know just as well as I do she’d never find anywhere else to stay.”
He gave a brisk shrug. “She should’ve thought about that before showing up without a room.”
“You’re too hard-hearted.”
Maybe. “Better than being too tender-hearted.”
“I think that’s debatable.” She squeezed his hand. “Anyway, I own a third of the ranch and I’m letting her stay.”
He couldn’t argue with her there. “How much are you charging her?”
“Normal rate.” But the way his sister quickly glanced down, he knew she was lying.
Definitely too damn tender-hearted. Before he could press the subject, she asked, “What are you doing here anyway?”
“Meeting Cal for a drink to talk about some stuff.”
Cal, their brother, owned the other third of the ranch but had chosen not to work on it. He’d taken a job as foreman at another cattle ranch across the county.
“Should I count on you to be home tonight for dinner?”
“Meatloaf night? Hell, yeah, I’ll be home.”
Katie side-eyed him. “You watch your language, Wy.”
His sister had always frowned on his and Cal’s swearing habits. She was so much like their mother, both in looks and personality, that sometimes it left Wyatt a little uneasy.
“You and Shelby ready to compete this weekend?”
“Compete. Win. Yeah, we’re ready.”
Maybe he was a little smug, but it was warranted. When he chose to compete, whether tie-down roping or team roping, he usually won. And with Shelby O’Connor as his partner on team roping, he knew their chances were damn good.
She nodded. “You guys will do great.”
“Wish you would’ve signed up for the barrel racing.”
“Me too, but you know I need these few months off to let my ankle heel.”
“You’re smart to do that.”
He’d been stubborn too many times and competed despite injuries, but the extra money was always nice. Not to mention the stroke on his ego.
“Are you going to the parade in the morning?”
“Think I’ll skip it this year. Got too much to do, plus I want to get in a little more practice.”
The sound of someone approaching had him glancing over his shoulder. The blonde who’d slammed into him a few minutes ago was heading his way.
Her gaze was cast downward as she walked past him, but she surprised him when she slid into the booth seat across from his sister.
“Wyatt, this is Claire. She’s the one I’ve rented to the cabin to.”
She was the renter? Well, wasn’t that interesting?
“Claire, this is my brother, Wyatt.”
Claire, who’d been digging into her purse for something, seemed to stiffen.
“Hello. Thanks for helping me out.” She glanced up lightening quick, gave him a smile, and then ducked her head. The blonde curls shielded her face and she continued searching for something.
“You’re welcome.”
She still didn’t look up.
So brusque, she bordered on rude. His brows rose and he pursed his lips. He ran his gaze over her again. Blonde hair that looked like she spent too long curling. A pink t-shirt with a palm tree on it hugged a full chest. And those cowboy boots, now those were the worst. Not even real leather and far more fashionable than practical. Probably bought at a fancy department store.
Just another oblivious city girl showing up rodeo weekend without considering the fact that the rooms booked out months in advance.
Spotting Cal entering the bar, he dragged his attention away from Claire and nodded at his brother. Cal nodded back and grabbed a booth near the door.
“I’ll catch you both later at dinner, I reckon.” He stole a fry and winked at Katie.
He turned to leave, glancing one last time at Claire. She lifted her head at that moment and their gazes connected.
Dark eyes widened, before long lashes fluttered down to hide them again. But even in that small instant, he’d been hit with a strong sense of familiarity.
“We’re going to head out now anyway.” Katie slid out of the booth and planted a kiss on her brother’s cheek. “See you tonight, Wy.”
He nodded, making his way over to Cal as he tried to figure out where the hell he might’ve seen this Claire chick before. Katie had said she was with the band performing this weekend. Maybe she’d performed before in Marietta, or he’d seen her at another rodeo dance.
Wyatt took a seat across from his younger brother and tried to forget about it for now.
“How’s it been going, Cal?”
Cal sighed. “Busy, but good.”
“You should come back to the ranch. We miss having you.”
“I miss you guys too.” Cal gave a slow nod. “But Hank needs me. The guys got a list of health issues a mile long.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’ve been hearing.”
Katie and Claire walked by right then, and Katie knocked Cal’s cowboy hat off his head as she passed. He caught it before it hit the floor.
“Don’t even come say hello to your sister. I see how it is.” But her words were light and teasing. “Catch you at the rodeo Saturday?”
“You bet.”
Once the ladies had left, Wyatt turned to his brother.
“She look familiar to you, Cal? The blonde?”
“Don’t believe so. She’s pretty as hell, but not familiar.”
Wyatt scowled, not surprised, but fighting an unwarranted resentment, that his brother had also found Claire attractive.
“I swear you chase more tail than a puppy,” Wyatt grumbled.
“What?” Cal grinned. “No harm in looking. Anyway, thanks for meeting me at Grey’s. There’s a couple things I’ve been meaning to talk to you about…”
Chapter Two
It was him.
Claire sat, silent, in the moving car, clenching her trembling hands together and staring out the window.
At first she hadn’t been sure. When she’d slammed into him, the first waves of recognition had raced through her. Blue eyes, a hint of a beard, and a cowboy hat. These things on guys were a dime a dozen in Montana.
But the build of this man, the hands that had gripped her arms to steady her, and the way his eyes had narrowed were all familiar.
Still, she’d shaken it off. Told herself it wasn’t him, and that it was just another cowboy.
But when he’d come up to the table and Katie had said his name, Claire knew she’d been deluding herself. That sexy cowboy she’d nearly gone to bed with in Las Vegas was here in Marietta, and owned the ranch she was about to stay at.
Her stomach churned and she bit her lip. What the hell were the chances?
She stared out the window, not truly seeing the beauty of the landscape outside the car, but remembering that night.
How could she have doubted it was him? Wyatt Marshall was just the type of guy one didn’t forget.
Dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Tall and lanky, with a chiseled face that was the epitome of masculine. She’d never seen him ride a horse, but she could easily imagine him on the back of one.
“Are you feeling okay, Claire?”
Katie’s concerned words had her blinking back to the present.
“I’m fine.” She forced the words out, trying to keep her tone light. “Just a little tired, that’s all.”
“I understand. We’ll get you set up in the cabin and with a hot meal before you know it.”
No way was she showing up to that meal. Not if Wyatt would be there. What if he recognized her?
He couldn’t, though. She’d changed her appearance too much, and he’d been nearly drunk that night. Even if she’d looked exactly the same, what were the chances he’d recognize her? He probably went to bed with a different girl in every rodeo town.
Either way, though, she didn’t want to risk it.
“So where are you from anyway? Does your band have to travel far?”
“No, we’re all in Bozeman.” She relaxed a little, more comfortable with this topic. “We’re used to traveling around the state, sometimes Idaho, Wyoming, or Eastern Washington.”
“That sounds like fun, all that travel. I can’t wait to hear you guys play.” Katie nodded her chin at the guitar in the back seat. “So you sing and play guitar?”
“Yeah. I’ve always played and sang with a band though.” She shrugged. “I’m not one for doing the solo thing. I feel more comfortable being in a group. Spreads out the spotlight.”
“I can understand that. I hate being the center of attention.” Katie laughed softly and shook her head, sending her brown ponytail waving. “I get a little stage fright, honestly. Can even be shy now and then, though you wouldn’t know it the way I chased you down tonight.”
Claire stared at her. “I appreciate that you did. More than you know.”
Everything about this woman screamed friendly, nice, and genuine.
Sadness slid through Claire. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d felt that carefree and optimistic. Maybe never.
“Here we are. Marshall Ranch.”
This was part of their property? Staring out the window, all that Claire saw were cows and land. Another minute or so passed, before Katie pulled the truck in front of what looked like a quaint log cabin on steroids. Three stories with a wraparound porch on the second level, and a wide, stone chimney running up the side.
“The cabins are just a few hundred yards behind the main house.” Katie climbed out of the truck. “I’ll show you to yours. Would you like me to grab your suitcase?”
Following after her, Claire gave a quick shake of her head. “Thanks, I can grab it.”
With one hand gripping her guitar and the other her suitcase, she trailed after the taller woman.
There were about six log cabins, all lined up not far beyond the main house. Lush fire trees dotted around the cabins, and the mountains behind them stretched high above the treeline.
Montana never failed to take her breath away, but it seemed even more beautiful out here.
“Now the cabins all have basic amenities, so you should be more than comfortable.” Katie led her up the two steps to the porch, where she unlocked the door. “I’ll have to grab you an extra key, but there’s no reason why you can’t settle in and grab it at dinner.”
Unused to kindness that wasn’t without expectation, Claire fought the sting of tears again.
“Thanks.” Knowing the word came out kind of stilted and uncomfortable, she sighed and glanced over at Katie. “For everything. Really.”
“It’s really no problem, Claire. I promise.” Katie gave a gentle smile and nodded. “Dinner’s at six-thirty over in the big house. Come in the front door and you’ll find the kitchen off to the left. If you don’t, just follow the smell of food.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.”
Or not.
After Katie left, Claire let out a long sigh. She shoved a mess of blonde curls out of her eyes and stared at the full-sized bed with Gunnison plaid bedding and small, moose throw pillow. If anything embodied Montana and the log cabin feel, it was this.
She kicked off her boots and climbed onto the bed, settling in the middle with her head cushioned by soft feather pillows. She half expected the bedding to have a dusty smell, but it didn’t. Instead it lingered with a clean, laundered scent.
Four nights. That was how long she
was going to be stuck at this ranch just outside of Marietta. Once her car was fixed on Monday, she planned to hightail it back to Bozeman and put a little breathing room between her and Wyatt Marshall.
All this time and she’d been less than an hour away from him. She shouldn’t be surprised. What was the quote she’d seen about Montana?
Montana was just a small town with very long streets.
What was more surprising was that she hadn’t run into him before now. She’d known he was into the rodeo stuff. That was how they’d met—he’d just done the big rodeo event in Vegas. She couldn’t have told anyone the first thing about rodeos then, and she still couldn’t now.
Maybe she had gigs at the occasional dance or barbeque during a rodeo weekend, but she never went to the actual event itself. She’d always been too afraid she’d see him and had avoided them.
“Which maybe you should’ve thought about when choosing to move to Montana,” she muttered, rolling over onto her stomach.
But that night in Vegas, in between tequila shots and an obscenely priced steak dinner, he’d talked about Montana and how amazing it was. It had stuck with her when it was time to leave Vegas.
When she’d looked up the population for Montana it was over a million, so she’d figured her chances of seeing Wyatt were slim.
Wrong.
Thankfully he hadn’t recognized her, and if she just laid low around the ranch she’d get out of town without him ever realizing it was her.
Claire folded her hand beneath her cheek and snuggled deeper into the bedspread, letting her eyes drift shut.
She’d just catch a quick nap. Maybe it’d help erase the crappiness of today.
*
Wyatt arrived back at the ranch just a few minutes shy of dinner starting. The smell of meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes lingered in the air and his stomach growled eagerly.
A beer with his brother didn’t qualify as dinner, and he’d skipped lunch to run to the feed and supply store instead.
“Was wondering if you were going to make it.” Katie walked by with an apron around her waist, carrying a bowl of green beans, and nudged him with her hip.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Smells incredible.”
“Good. I made enough so you and the boys can have meatloaf sandwiches for leftovers.”
Protect Me, Cowboy (78th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 2) Page 2