Rodeo Song
Page 13
Her cheeks pinked. “Women find you attractive, no matter what you do with your hair.”
“Do you find me attractive?” He closed the gap between them.
“I think you know the answer to that.” She took a step back. “I need to get home and organized for tomorrow. We have a lot of work to do.”
He grinned. At least she still found him physically appealing.
Now, if he could appeal to her heart. His stomach growled.
Oh, that’s attractive.
“Hungry?” Her mouth twitched.
“You know what I wish?”
“What’s that?”
Lots of things. But only one he could say out loud. “I wish we could go to Moms on Main and have a burger like we did in the good old days.”
“You’re a bit young to be talking about the good old days.” She checked her watch. “I have an idea. Grab your sunglasses and hop in my car.”
Jenna put it in high gear and scurried toward the front door.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see. You might change your shirt in case any hair got down your collar.” She flashed a conspiratorial smile as she shut the door behind her.
But he’d follow. Anywhere she wanted to lead.
* * *
If only Jenna could have had the foresight to invite Caitlyn and Nat to dinner before she’d said anything to Garrett. They were both busy and now she was stuck with him. Alone.
“I need to know where we’re going.” Garrett fidgeted in the seat beside her. “I can’t go wherever I want, you know.”
“Trust me.” Jenna squeezed his hand, then jerked away at the electricity flare-up. “You’re incognito. No one will notice you with your new look. You don’t have Garrett Steele hair. And no one’s ever seen Garrett Steele wear a cowboy hat. You’re just another cowboy.”
“True.” But he didn’t sound convinced.
“I wouldn’t recognize you if I didn’t know you. Not without really checking you out.”
“So fickle. Earlier, I’m a hunk. Now you don’t think I’m worthy of getting checked out.”
“You know what I mean.” Her face warmed.
What was she thinking? Taking Garrett anywhere? Much less to one of their old dating haunts.
She turned on Aubrey’s main street.
“Are you going where I think you’re going?”
“Moms on Main. Your wish is my command.”
“Do you actually think no one will recognize me?” Garrett shifted in his seat.
“If they take time to really look at you—probably. But Moms closed at nine and no customers are there.”
“Did you order a to-go meal?”
“No. I called while you were changing and asked a favor. They’re going to serve us after hours.”
“That’s awesome.” He caught her hand.
Against her better judgment, she turned to meet his gaze. And melted.
“Thank you.”
“Not a problem. Everybody ought to get to eat out once in a while.”
“I need to make it worth their while. I’ll pay whatever this is costing.”
“I’ve got it. I’m paying the cook and servers overtime rates. My bank account has consistently grown since you dragged me on that stage in Dallas. I figure I owe you a good burger.”
“You have no idea what this means to me.” His gaze tugged at her heart.
“Actually, I think I do. I’d go a bit stir-crazy holed up at your ranch every day. I can’t imagine living without the freedom to go where you want.”
“That, too. But I meant having dinner with you. At Moms.”
Say something. To break the spell. “I’m not eating with you. I’m waiting in the car.”
“Oh.” His gaze bounced away from hers.
Okay, maybe she could have found a kinder way to break the spell. “I’m messing with you.”
His face lit up again.
Set boundaries. She lifted one shoulder. “I figure business associates eat together sometimes and I’m starving.”
The light in his eyes dimmed.
But she refused to let him lasso her heart. Not again. She opened her car door. “Let’s go.”
Heart, don’t fail me now.
* * *
Business associates. Garrett’s heart lodged in the tips of his cowboy boots over that one. But at least he was having dinner with her. At Moms. Where they’d had countless dates way back when. Maybe reliving some of those times could stir her heart.
Antiques lined the high shelves on the walls as they had back then—antique guitar, a doll-size baby carriage and an old metal wash bucket. Almost as if time hadn’t marched on. If only he could get those lost years back.
Their young waitress was slightly giddy over him. But she brought their food without much chatter and didn’t ask for an autograph. He’d leave her one with a generous tip.
After a few meals with Jenna, he’d learned she never ate without praying over her food. A few times she’d even asked him to do it. Tonight, she did it herself and he was relieved.
He raised his head as she finished and took a bite of her burger.
No blowing it with her tonight. She made him feel like his old self. As if he’d never gotten tarnished by the trappings of fame. As if he could have a normal life. And have a home again. A quiet, normal life in Aubrey. With Jenna.
“Remember that time after the Peanut Festival when I bought your pie at the auction?”
A smile tugged at her mouth and she dabbed her lips with a napkin. “We had lunch here. And then you ate three slices and got sick. Thanks for reminding me.”
“It wasn’t your mouthwatering pie. It was the three slices after that huge lunch that did me in.”
She chuckled at the memory and softened before his eyes.
It was working.
“Remember our first date?”
“At Six Flags. And you were afraid to ride any of the roller coasters. Who takes a girl to Six Flags if they’re afraid of roller coasters?”
“A guy wanting to impress a girl who loves roller coasters. But realized he couldn’t quite follow through. I thought I could do it.”
“Have you still never ridden one?”
“No.” He twined his fingers with hers and she didn’t seem to notice. “I wish we could try again sometime.”
Her eyes lit up. “We should take advantage of your fans not knowing about this new look. We could go to Six Flags. Or anywhere you’ve wanted to go for a while.”
“I don’t think it would work.”
“Sure it would.”
“Somebody always recognizes me.” He shook his head. “I’ve tried wearing my hair in a ponytail, sunglasses and a baseball hat. Somebody always catches on and everything turns to pandemonium.”
“Ahh, but we have connections. Natalie was the publicist there and she left on good terms. Maybe she could check into renting the park on a day when they’re normally closed.”
“You think they’d go for that?”
“If you paid them enough.” She sipped her chocolate malt. “I’ll make you a deal. If I can get the park rented for a day, you’ll ride a roller coaster with me.”
His heart tensed. “Which one?”
“The Titan.” Her smile turned wicked.
“You’re evil.”
“Deal?”
“Deal.” He squeezed her hand.
Her gaze landed on their hands as if she’d just realized they were touching. She pulled away.
“I’m ready when you are. I still have to get all my catalogs together and ready for tomorrow.”
Should have eaten slower.
“You want to go to the rodeo tomorrow night?” He stoo
d and pulled her chair.
“Huh?” Her confused gaze met his.
“The rodeo. At Cowtown. You wanna go?”
“I guess you decided your new look would fool everyone.”
“Sort of. There’s something there I need you to see.”
“Like what?”
“It’s a surprise.” He wanted to catch her hand again, but as if she read his mind, she tucked her fingers in her jean pockets.
For a moment, he’d transported her back to their past. He had to get her to remember how they’d been together. How right and good. Then convince her they never should have parted, and they could be as good together now as they’d been in the past.
Then he’d somehow juggle a rekindled relationship with her while keeping what was left of his career intact.
But how?
* * *
Taupe tiles formed an intricate pattern as Jenna laid them in place at the foot of Garrett’s recliner, still the only furniture in the house other than his bed.
“Every man’s dream is to have a woman groveling at his feet.”
She shot him a glare. Willing her hands to stay steady and not betray her anxiety at his proximity. She pulled the final tile from its wrapping, then set it in the middle of the design she’d created. Shades of taupe and white with a Texas lone star in the middle.
“It’s perfect.” Garrett leaned forward with his elbows on his knees.
“Really?”
“Except, I think I like the terra-cotta better. Does the star tile come in terra-cotta?”
“Actually, it does.”
“Which one do you like best?”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s your floor.”
“I could use a female perspective. I might get married someday and I don’t want to have to redecorate.”
Her stomach tensed as if someone had kicked her. “The terra-cotta is warmer. The taupe is easier to add other colors with because it’s such a neutral tone. But in my opinion, taupe has been done to death.”
“Terra-cotta it is.”
“So, let me get this straight.” She shook her head. “We wasted a week getting the taupe.”
“Not really. Because now I’m sure I want the terra-cotta.”
“Can I get that in blood?”
“Ouch.”
“Most men are usually decisive or tell me what they like and let me pick. They don’t waffle back and forth.”
“I plan on enjoying this house for years to come. I want to be sure I’m happy with it.”
Her heart soared. Years to come? But she couldn’t get her hopes up. It would never last.
“Okay.” She started picking up the taupe tile, careful not to break any as they clattered together. “I’ll get the order in for the tile. I thought we’d make a rug pattern in the entryway with two or three of the lone-star tiles in the middle. And we might line the threshold of each room in the lone-star tile.”
“Sounds good.”
“Do you need to see the terra-cotta lone star before I order it?” She pulled the tile up on her laptop and turned the screen for him to see.
“Hmm. Maybe I should see it.”
And blow another day. Or two or three if he changed his mind again.
“Okay, on to paint swatches.” She dug the swatches out of her bag and splayed them in a fan shape.
“Whoa. Totally overwhelming.”
“Let’s try them with the tile.”
Garrett scooted down from his chair and settled beside her, way too close. His jean-clad knee touched hers as she held the swatches close to the tile.
“These are too yellow, in my opinion.” She removed several swatches.
“Agreed.”
“And these are too orange.” She pushed several more shades aside. “These blend with the tile.”
“That’s narrowing it down, but that still leaves two dozen choices.” His breath fanned her arm.
“You don’t want an exact match.” She pulled two or three more shades and set them aside. “You want some contrast or it’ll get boring. And you don’t want to go too dark. You can add darker tones in your accents—area rugs, throw pillows, artwork.” She pulled the darker shades and turned to face him.
His face was only inches from hers.
Jenna’s breath caught. “Does that help any?”
“Maybe.” He nodded, but his gaze locked on her lips.
She pushed to her feet. Quick.
But Garrett jumped up and caught her wrist. “Where are you going?”
“I’ve narrowed it down for you, but you’ll have to choose. It’s your house.”
His thumb traced circles on the inside of her wrist and her pulse rocketed. “Don’t we have something else to work on?”
“Pick your color and call me. I’ll bring the terra-cotta lone stars tomorrow.” She pulled out of his grasp. “I’ll pick the paint up and send the painters over whenever you’re ready.”
“I was thinking I might paint it myself.”
“Why? It’s not like you don’t have the money to hire it done.”
“No, but I enjoy painting. And I haven’t done it in years.”
“All right. I’ll still pick the paint up for you. So, give me a call when you decide what you want.”
Lost in his eyes, she tore her gaze away.
“Wait, you promised to go to the rodeo tonight.”
In a moment of weakness. And she hadn’t actually committed. In fact, she’d hoped he’d forget.
“Besides, I bet your rodeo-queen cousin would love seeing you there.”
She really did need to support Caitlyn, especially after what she’d been through last year.
“It’s almost time.” He checked his watch. “Let me change clothes and we’ll go. I’ll drive.”
His Western shirt and jeans were perfectly fine. Why was he changing?
“I don’t think I’ll have time to change.”
“You’re fine. Very fine.” He shot her a wink and turned toward the hall.
Her heart did a jig. It could take a lot of things. But not Garrett Steele’s flirting.
* * *
Security guards met them behind Cowtown as Garrett parked and a cowboy ushered them in the rear entrance as if they were expected. After that, he’d pointed Jenna to the arena and told her he’d catch up with her later.
Jenna rounded the stands. Natalie and her friend Kendra sat in their usual seats.
“Saved a seat for you.” Nat patted the chair beside her. “Thought you might show up.”
Completely confused, Jenna claimed the seat.
Rock music blared from the speakers and Nat leaned close to Jenna’s ear. “He didn’t give you any clue what’s going on?”
“Nothing. I was trying to get him to choose paint and the next thing I know we’re going to the rodeo. He’s so indecisive and he changes his mind about decor more than any woman I’ve ever worked with.”
“He told me he really likes what you’ve done so far.”
“We haven’t done anything yet. But I wouldn’t put it past him to tear out all the tile once it’s done and start over.”
The big tractor in the center of the arena roared to life and the overhead lights dimmed as it exited the gate. A spotlight illuminated Caitlyn in a flash of red, white and blue spangles as “God Bless the U.S.A.” played. She took her initial rodeo run holding the American flag.
As the song climaxed, Caitlyn’s ride sped. At the closing notes, she reined her horse to the center of the arena. The spotlight illuminated her holding the flag as the announcer prayed.
At his amen, the national anthem began playing and the spotlight expanded to include a man striding across the dirt floor.
Garrett.
Jenna’s breath hitched. Outing his new look—cowboy hat and all. Her knees felt weak but she remained standing with her hand over her heart.
“You knew about this.” She shot Natalie the look.
“I couldn’t tell you.” Natalie offered a guilty shrug. “Professional confidentiality and all that.”
Garrett reached the center of the arena, holding a microphone.
A million questions zinged around in Jenna’s head as Garrett sang. Would he reveal his identity? Was this a test to see if anyone recognized him?
Cheering and applause echoed through the arena. If they didn’t recognize the new Garrett, they knew his voice, which exploded through the arena, as strong as when he’d sung the anthem at high school football games. Stronger.
As the song closed, the announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, I see you recognized our special guest, Aubrey’s own Garrett Steele.”
Murmuring moved through the crowd, then more applause and wolf whistles. Garrett took his hat off. With a wave and a bow, he exited the arena. The whistles turned to boos at his departure.
“Don’t worry, he’ll be back to sing a bit later. Garrett’s gonna be with us every Friday and Saturday night for two whole months.”
The arena erupted in applause.
“Two months?” Jenna turned to Natalie. “Why?”
“I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it. Want to go to his dressing room? I have access.”
“Let’s do that.”
She followed Nat toward the bull chutes and then down into the back lobby. A few doors down from the dressing rooms Caitlyn used as rodeo queen, two beefy men flanked a door.
“She’s with me.” Nat gestured toward her.
One of the men knocked, then inserted a key and ushered them inside.
Garrett sat on a tall stool in the center of the room. “Well?”
“Great job. As usual.” Natalie applauded. “Not just anyone can sing the national anthem and do it justice, you know?”
“Jenna?”
“More than anything, I’m shocked.”
“I’m gonna leave y’all alone.” Natalie shuffled toward the door. “Gotta go watch my pickup man save all the bronc riders.”
“Thanks, Nat.”