Rodeo Song

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “Don’t worry about makeup. They’ll do that on-site. And don’t worry about your clothes. Natalie had Caitlyn send over three more sets, so we don’t have to worry about them being laundered every night. Wear your tennis shoes, bring your heels, and we’ll be all set.”

  “At least let me brush my teeth.” She scurried to the bathroom and peered in the mirror. Oh, dear. Definite bed head with the long layers around her face standing at attention, her crown mashed flat and frizzled tendrils down her back. Pale skin with sheet lines on one cheek and dark circles under her eyes.

  She brushed her teeth, calmed her hair and dressed in a pumpkin-colored button-up blouse and jeans, then took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, before striding out to face him.

  Garrett sat on the couch, holding her sandals in one hand and her tennis shoes in the other. “Ready?” He handed her the tennis shoes.

  “No.”

  “Maybe you can nab a nap in the limo.”

  With him watching? Yeah, right. He’d already seen her at her worst. No way was he watching her drool.

  The intensity of his eyes sent a shiver through her. If she didn’t stop looking at him, she might drool even without the nap.

  Galleria store. Galleria store. Galleria store.

  That was why she was here. Wasn’t it?

  * * *

  The video was almost over already. Garrett couldn’t believe it. His time with Jenna had flown past and was nearing an unwanted end.

  Day one, they’d made the lobby run dozens of times.

  Day two, they’d made it to the stage.

  Day three, Jenna had sat on the stool wearing the gold dress while he’d sung to her.

  Day four, he’d sung to Jenna.

  Day five, he tried not to rasp to Jenna.

  The instrumental part of the song began and he knelt at her feet as she perched on the stool.

  “Cut!” Roger shouted. “Look at Garrett while he’s singing, Jenna.”

  A constant command for the past few days. She seemed to want to look anywhere but at him.

  “But I didn’t look at him during this part of the song at the concert and you said to do exactly what I did at the concert.”

  “Except for this. I need you to look at him. He’s pouring his heart out to you in song—give the poor guy your attention.”

  She blew out a sigh and nodded.

  The music started again. She looked down at Garrett. Their eyes locked and held.

  “Cut!”

  “What?” All of Garrett’s frustration came out in his tone. Why interrupt his moment with her?

  “I’ve got a better idea. I want y’all to dance. A two-step. A very close two-step. Circle the stage a couple of times, then when the instrumental part is over, take her back to the stool, kneel and sing the climax to her.”

  “I like it.” Garrett grinned at Jenna.

  “No.” Her tone was stone cold.

  “No?” Roger repeated.

  “I don’t dance well. And that didn’t happen at the concert.”

  “Well, no, but the video doesn’t have to be exactly like the concert.”

  “No.” Jenna shook her head. “I have two left feet and I use them both to step on my dance partner’s feet.”

  “That’s what editing is for.”

  “No. I agreed to re-create the concert. We didn’t dance then and I’m not dancing now.”

  Garrett longed to hold her in his arms. But he knew how stubborn she was and this could go on all night. Of course, that would prolong production. But she was tired. Exhausted. He didn’t need to prolong her misery. That wouldn’t get him anywhere with her.

  And by tomorrow, he’d probably be unable to speak. Much less sing.

  “Let’s stick with the original plan, Roger.”

  “We need some sort of climax.” Roger shot Jenna a scowl. “A dance. Riding off into the sunset together. A kiss.” He snapped his fingers. “That’s it. A kiss.”

  “No!” Jenna stood as if she might bolt.

  “Might be fun.” Garrett winked at her.

  Her face pinked. “No.”

  “It’s not like you never kissed me before,” he whispered.

  “That was a long time ago.” She went crimson. “And I—cared about you then.”

  But not now. He tried not to let the hurt show.

  “Eight years.” He shouldn’t tease her, but maybe a kiss could stir the old feelings for her. “You could refresh my memory.”

  “No.” She took a step back from him.

  “Y’all talk about it. Five-minute break.” Roger dismissed the crew. “Talk her into it, Garrett.”

  As the stage area cleared, Jenna folded her arms across her chest. “There’s no talking me into it.”

  “It’s a video, Jenna. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  She stiffened, her mouth tightening. “A kiss still means something to me.”

  Great. Now he’d hurt her by saying her kiss meant nothing. “That’s not what I meant. A kiss means something to me, too.” Especially her kiss. “I meant, as far as the public thinking we’re an item again if we do the kiss for the video. I can downplay it in the prevideo interview I’ve already got scheduled.”

  “I’m not kissing you, Garrett. Not for the video. Or any other reason.”

  “What if we do a fake kiss?”

  Her right eyebrow rose in a positively tantalizing way. “Fake kiss? How exactly do you do that?”

  “Camera angles. All it requires is a bit of closeness.” He swept her into his arms before she could evade him. With his face pressed close to hers, he cupped her cheek in his hand. “This would look like a kiss with the right camera angle.”

  Her eyes locked on his. And there was something there. Something she couldn’t deny. She still had feelings for him. Her gaze slipped from his and she pushed against his chest. “Let go.”

  The last thing he wanted to do, but Garrett released her. “Listen, Jenna, we have to give Roger some sort of climax or he’ll hold this video up until we’re forced to continue filming next week.”

  Panic dwelled in her eyes. Panic at the thought of spending more time with him. Because she cared about him?

  “A dance or a fake kiss.” He worked at not smiling. “And we can wrap this thing today.”

  “Fake kiss.” She blew out a big breath and her shoulders slumped. “That’ll be quicker.”

  * * *

  Jenna’s heartbeat thrummed so hard the cameramen must have heard it. Garrett knelt at her feet as the music picked up. By sheer force, her gaze met his as he sang.

  Years of searching finally over,

  just when I’d given up on love.

  You’re my lucky four-leaf clover,

  only sent from up above.

  Can’t believe I finally found you,

  I looked for you all of my life.

  I don’t know what I did without you,

  but I know one day you’ll be my wife.

  The words played over and over in her heart. If only he meant them. The way he was looking at her, he could almost convince her. Almost.

  List of reasons they couldn’t be together. Quick. Even if Garrett had a trace of feelings left for her after all these years, it could never work. She couldn’t traipse around the world. Not even for him. He wasn’t living for the Lord. And she couldn’t measure up to the women in his past. Yes, three good reasons right there. They. Could. Not. Be. Together.

  As the final notes of the song faded away, Garrett stood and took her hand. Just as he’d done earlier, he pulled her into his arms.

  She stiffened, but then forced herself to relax. Get it over with. His lips neared hers—a breath away—and he cupped her cheek. His eyes locked with hers
and she couldn’t have looked away if she’d wanted to. His lips closed in on hers.

  Stay still. It’s for the camera. A few more seconds and it would all be over. They’d go their separate ways. Garrett would do the interview to downplay the video. She’d still get enough publicity to open her dream store. And Garrett would begin his next tour.

  His lips captured hers.

  Pull away, her brain screamed. But her heart said something else. Her insides puddled and she returned his kiss. Her knees went weak and she couldn’t have pulled away if she’d wanted to.

  “Cut!” Roger shouted. “Let the poor girl up for air, Garrett. What happened to fake?”

  His lips left hers and he put some space between them.

  Would her legs hold her up? Her hand flew to her betraying lips. She turned her back on him and stalked away, wobbly legged.

  “Wait.” Roger clapped his hands. “I didn’t say anything about that being a wrap.”

  “It’s a wrap,” Garrett called—close behind her. “You can fix the rest in editing.”

  Jenna vaulted for the stairs leading to the lobby.

  “Hey, wait up.” His hand closed over her wrist and he gently turned her to face him.

  “You weren’t supposed to kiss me.” She met his gaze with a laser glare.

  “I couldn’t help myself.” He grinned and held both palms up.

  She huffed out a sigh and started to turn away again.

  Both of his hands settled on her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I guess I got lost in the moment. And you didn’t seem to mind.” His oh-so-kissable mouth twitched with a grin.

  “I was too shocked to think straight.” Completely brain fried. “I’m going home. Now.”

  “It’s late. Spend the night at the hotel as planned and leave tomorrow.”

  “No.” She needed miles. Lots of them. Between her and Garrett’s lips.

  “All right. But call me when you get home so I’ll know you made it okay.”

  “I’ll be fine. And don’t call me.” Her voice quivered. “We’re done here.”

  “Aren’t we friends?”

  “You crossed the friends line. And you won’t get another chance.”

  “Jenna.”

  “I mean it.” She raised both hands up as a shield. “Please get someone to take me back to the hotel. Do your interview. And make it believable that there’s nothing going on here. Then get busy with your next tour and leave me in peace.”

  She started up the stairs, but three steps up, she turned. And caught him following. She jabbed a finger at him. “And. Don’t. Follow. Me.”

  * * *

  Three days since the kiss.

  This time, he’d blown it—big-time. Garrett paced the dressing room at the TV station. Shouldn’t have kissed her. What man in his right mind wouldn’t have? But Jenna would probably never speak to him again.

  He should focus on the interview, but his thoughts dwelled firmly on the kiss. The kiss he had to downplay.

  Even with his voice and career at stake, Jenna was all he could think about. If only he’d had more time with her. If only he hadn’t pushed her. If only he could’ve had Roger stretch out the filming, but he wasn’t sure how long his voice would hold out.

  So where to now? Nashville. Orlando. Maybe he’d stay in Aubrey with the family instead of waiting until closer to his new nephew’s appearance. And maybe he could figure out a way to spend some time with Jenna. Have her redecorate his parents’ house or something. His pacing stopped.

  A knock sounded at his door. “It’s me,” Natalie called.

  He ushered her in.

  “Ready? We’ve got about ten minutes.”

  “Know any real-estate agents in the area?” He leaned against the dressing table.

  “My dad.”

  “He’s commercial. I’m talking house.”

  “It just so happens my daughter’s stepmother is in real estate. Why?” Her tone held suspicion.

  “Could she be cool with me as a client? Could she keep it quiet?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “I’m thinking I might unload the Orlando property. And buy a ranch in Aubrey.”

  “Aubrey?” Natalie propped her hands on both hips. “What are you up to, Garrett?”

  “I’ve been thinking about taking my break near my family. And I’d rather rest at home.”

  “And near Jenna?”

  Should have known he couldn’t fool Nat. He sighed. “I lost something eight years ago. I didn’t know what I had then. But I do now. I’d like to reclaim the prize. She still has feelings for me, doesn’t she?” At least, she had before he’d kissed her.

  “Unspoken cousin code.” Natalie shook her head. “I can’t discuss Jenna’s feelings with you.”

  Music started playing—“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?”

  “Hang on.” Natalie dug her phone out of her purse. “Natalie Gray.” Silence followed.

  Was it Jenna?

  “Not off the top of my head, but I’ll do some research. Sure. Anytime.”

  She hung up and slid her phone back in her bag. “Know any country singers looking for a break?”

  “More than I can count.”

  “The Stockyards Championship Rodeo needs a new opening act next month.”

  “I’ll get in touch with a few friends and let you know.” Garrett pushed his hair away from his face, ponytailed it with one hand and let it loose behind his shoulders. “For the record, I’m still crazy about Jenna. You could tell her that if you wanted to.”

  “For the record, I always thought y’all were meant to be.” She wagged a finger at him. “If you’ll be good to her, be there for her, and not hurt her, I’ll root for you. But I don’t know how y’all could get past the touring issue. Jenna is dead set on living her days in Aubrey.”

  “You know, I thought I’d dread this forced rest. But I don’t. Lately, touring is the last thing I want. I’d be happy with a lot less touring.”

  “That would be good for the relationship. But not for your career.”

  “Relationship, huh?” Garrett nudged her arm with his elbow. “She does have feelings for me.”

  “I didn’t say that. But I didn’t say she didn’t, either.” She rolled her eyes. “That didn’t even make sense. We better get you on set.”

  “Made perfect sense.” Garrett grinned. Natalie was as transparent as she’d always been. And apparently he was, too. But she’d confirmed Jenna still loved him.

  Or at least, she had before he’d stolen that kiss.

  * * *

  Mama would freak out. But she’d freak out even more if she saw Garrett’s interview this morning.

  Jenna pulled up her address book and pushed the button.

  “Hey, sweetheart. You’re calling awfully early. Everything okay?”

  “Um, I have to tell you something. Is Daddy there?”

  “He’s out riding his horse.”

  Good. Jenna blew out a breath. Mama could break the news to Daddy.

  “You know how I was out of town last week?”

  “And you were so secretive about it. As were Natalie and Caitlyn. Tell me, is it a man?”

  “Not the way you think.” Just spit it out. “Natalie and Garrett talked me into being in one of his videos.”

  “Garrett?” Mama’s shock rang in her tone. “Video? What are you thinking?”

  “Natalie says it will guarantee me business. Enough to open the Galleria store.”

  “But, sweetheart, you just got rid of all those reporters.”

  “I know. But Garrett’s doing an interview this morning on Good Morning Texas to downplay my part in the video.”

  “Oh, honey, I always liked Garrett. You know that. But your li
ves have gone in two different directions. He’s not the Garrett we knew.”

  But deep down he is. The same Garrett she’d loved since high school. He’d only buried a part of himself.

  “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

  “I won’t. The video is finished. We’re back on our separate paths. I’m fine.” It sounded good, anyway.

  “Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow so I can see for myself.”

  “Sounds good. See you then.”

  Jenna hung up and checked the clock. She scooped up the remote and aimed it at the TV. Then set the remote on her marbleized coffee table, scooped it up and aimed it at the TV. Again.

  How could she get past Garrett, past his kiss, if she kept watching footage of him on TV? But she had to know what he said in the interview. She clicked the button and the Good Morning Texas theme filled her great room.

  The camera panned the studio, including the set and cameramen, then zoomed in on Sammie Sanderson and Garrett seated in tall wooden director-style chairs in front of the customary window and street view behind them. As the theme song ended, the camera focused on Sammie in all her blond glory.

  “Thanks for staying with us. My next guest is Aubrey’s own country-music heartthrob, Garrett Steele.”

  The camera widened to include Garrett.

  “So tell me, Garrett, you have a new project in the works?”

  “I recently finished filming the video for ‘One Day’ and it’ll debut on Great American Country March first.”

  “Ooh, I love that song,” Sammie gushed. “When you recorded the song, did you expect it to become a staple at weddings?”

  “I can’t say I did, but it’s a nice turn of events.”

  “So is the video set at a wedding?”

  “No, my publicist got creative with it.” He propped his right ankle on his left knee, looking casual and relaxed. “Since my friend Jenna Wentworth was such a sensation at my Dallas concert, my publicist thought it would be a good idea to include a Jenna look-alike in the video. But I suggested we use the real thing, and since my publicist is Jenna’s cousin, she had a bit of pull.”

  “Jenna Wentworth is in your video?” Sammie’s eyes went wide for the camera. “But I thought there was nothing between y’all. Merely friends and all that.”