by Haley Jacobs
Alf burst out laughing. “Then you’ve gotta be an owl!”
“How did you know?” asked Ryan.
“Owls are the only ones psychic enough to spot shifters,” said Alf. “Where I come from, there are tons of ‘em.”
“And where do you come from?”
Alf shook his head. “Uh uh. Not goin’ there. And by the way, why did you call me Pete?”
“A man calling himself Pete just checked in,” said Ryan. “He said he was a friend of the family. He was very rude to one of our desk clerks. I’m trying to find out who he is.”
Alf’s face darkened. “Pete Wallenberg. He’s Ron’s Manager. Well, former Manager. You keep an eye on that one. He’s bad news.”
“Really? Why?” asked Ryan.
“Let’s just say Pete’s been messing with Babs and Ronnie for years,” said Alf. “He’s trouble.”
“As much as I’d hate to break up their reunion,” said Ryan. “I think we need to go talk to Barbara and Ron.”
“I’m right behind you,” said Alf.
7
Alf and Ryan worked their way through the tables at the wedding reception. Alf tapped Ryan on the shoulder and pointed to Ron and Barbara. They were sitting quietly together at the head table with Jake, Julia, Molly and Gaston. For Ron, being quiet was unusual.
“Check out Barbara’s dress,” said Alf with a grin. “The tag’s sticking out the back. It’s on inside out.”
“It’s been a long time since they’ve been together,” said Ryan. “I guess they have some catching up to do.”
“Yeah,” said Alf. “It’s a good start.”
“You really care about Ron, don’t you?” said Ryan.
“He can be a big, fucking doofus,” said Alf. “But he’s the best friend I’ve got. And I’ve known Barbara almost as long.”
Alf handed the pink ukulele to Ryan, and put one hand on each of Ron and Barbara’s shoulders. Barbara looked up, shocked.
“Alf!” said Barbara. “You’re here, too?” She jumped up and hugged him.
“Yeah,” said Alf. “Somebody had to ride shotgun and keep this big ol’ fool in line. I’m glad you two are together again.”
Ron and Barbara looked at each other.
“It surprised the hell out of me,” said Jake.
Alf gave Jake a huge bear hug. “It’s been a long time, man. Congratulations!”
Jake introduced Alf to his new bride, Julia, and their friends Gaston and Molly.
“If you all don’t mind,” said Alf. “I’d like to borrow Babs and Ronnie here for a bit.”
“Babs?” said Julia.
“We’ve known each other for a long time,” said Barbara, grumbling.
Barbara and Ron followed Alf and Ryan to a spot away from the reception.
“What’s up?” said Ron.
“We got trouble,” said Alf. “Pete’s here.”
“Pete?” said Barbara. “What’s that asshole doing here?”
“He’s had me by the balls all these years,” said Ron. “It’s a tad complicated.”
“Jesus, Ron!” said Barbara. “Don’t tell me you’re going back on the road! I should have known.”
“Easy, Barbara,” said Alf. “It ain’t what it looks like.”
“Then I think you owe me an explanation, Ron!” said Barbara.
“We need a more private place to talk,” said Ryan. “This is not the place.”
“Fine,” said Barbara. “My office. Now.”
Barbara led Ron, Alf and Ryan back through the wedding reception, out the doors, and into the lobby.
As they sprinted through the lobby behind a very determined Barbara, Ron felt someone grab his arm. He spun around and came face to face with Pete.
“Hold it right there, motherfucker!” said Pete. He was a good foot and a half shorter than Ron. But after so many years of blackmail and threats, Ron shuddered every time he heard Pete’s oily voice.
Barbara, Alf and Ryan stopped and circled back. Alf was furious. He put one huge hand on Pete’s chest and slowly pushed him away from Ron.
“Back off, Pete,” said Alf. “Ronnie’s done and so am I. We’ve got the Polaroid and there’s not a goddamn thing you can do about it.”
Pete laughed. “You really think I don’t have a back up plan?
“What’s going on here?” asked Barbara. “Ron?”
Ron lurched toward Pete. Alf held him back. “Not here, man,” said Alf. “Not here.”
Instead, Barbara suddenly lunged toward Pete. Her fist connected with Pete’s jaw. He flew backward and into an overstuffed armchair. The lobby grew silent.
“You can’t do that to me!” said Pete. “I’ve got friends in high places. I know all about you freaks!”
“Get out of here!” screamed Barbara. Ron held Barbara back.
“Leave him, Barbara,” said Ryan. “Let’s go to your office and sort this all out.”
“Yeah, Ron,” said Pete. “You go ahead and sort it out. You’ve got a tour date in two days, and I expect you and Alf on the next plane to St. Louis. Don’t forget, I own you!”
Ron, Barbara, Ryan and Alf sat down in Barbara’s office. Barbara closed the door.
“Okay, Ron,” said Barbara. “Out with it.”
“Maybe I can explain,” said Alf. “Pete is human, but he knows about shifters. Somehow, he got a Polaroid photo of you shifting. Pete’s been threatening to release it to the tabloids ever since.”
“What the hell are you saying?” asked Barbara.
“Pete was blackmailing Ronnie,” said Alf. “He was using the photo of you to keep him on the road indefinitely. Ronnie stayed away because he was protecting you,”
“Why didn’t you tell me, Ron?” asked Barbara.
“You had just finished college,” said Ron. “I knew that working at High Mountain was your dream job. If Pete released that photo, it would have meant the end of your career.”
“I would have given it up to stay with you,” said Barbara.
“I know,” said Ron. “That’s why I couldn’t tell you. I couldn’t let you throw away your dreams because of me. I never thought it would take ten years to get that damn Polaroid.”
“You’ve got to understand,” said Alf. “Pete kept Ronnie under constant guard. He and his goons wouldn’t let him out of his sight.”
“Lately, they’ve been getting sloppy,” said Ron. “I was finally able to get the Polaroid and make a getaway.”
Ron reached into his pocket and pulled out the photo. Barbara took the Polaroid and stared at it.
“How did he get this?” she asked.
“I have no idea,” said Ron. “But that’s definitely you. If you’ll recall, we used to party a lot. We weren’t too careful about drinking and shifting when we were young.”
“Are there any copies?” asked Barbara.
“I doubt it,” said Ron. “Polaroids don’t have negatives.”
“What about your contract?” asked Barbara. “Won’t the record label sue you for breach?
“I’m sure they will,” said Ron. “But quite frankly, I don’t give a shit. All I know is I got you back. I’ll be damned if I ever let you go again, lawyers or no lawyers.”
“So you really are back to stay,” said Barbara.
She stood as Ron walked over to her, taking her in his arms. They kissed passionately.
Alf cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt this Hallmark moment, but what do we do with the Polaroid?”
“Can’t we just burn it here?” asked Ron.
“That thing’s made of plastic with chemicals sealed inside,” said Barbara. “Do you really want to start a toxic fire inside a National Park? Inside the Administrative Building, inside a National Park? Inside my office, inside the Administrative Building, inside a National Park? That’s a big no.”
“What about shredding it?” asked Ryan.
“It’s not secure enough,” said Alf. “And besides, all that toxic goo will gum up your shredder.”
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sp; “Scissors?” asked Ron.
“Same problem,” said Alf. “And I read that you need some pretty serious rubber gloves to cut one of them suckers up.”
“What do you suggest, Alf?” asked Barbara.
“Bury it?” said Alf.
“Someone would find it,” said Ron.
“Shoot it?” said Alf.
“Um, firearms and National Parks don’t go too well together,” said Ryan.
“We could blow it up,” said Ron. “That would be cool!”
With a frustrated growl, Barbara grabbed the Polaroid. She took out her keys and unlocked a large filing cabinet.
“There,” said Barbara. “That should do it.”
“How is that a safe place?” asked Ron.
“It’s in my personal cabinet under ‘Miscellaneous,’” said Barbara. “No one ever looks in Miscellaneous.”
8
Before heading back to Jake and Julia’s wedding reception, Barbara slipped into the bathroom next to her office to freshen up. She caught a glimpse of herself and realized that her dress was on inside out. Fumbling with the zipper was no easy task, but eventually she was able to get it down to her waist. Barbara shimmied out of the dress, standing there stark naked. What was left of her bra and panties were still in a shredded heap in the Grand Ballroom’s dressing room.
She put the dress back on, and fixed her hair and makeup. The feel of the dress against her bare nipples and bottom felt odd to her. Sensual, but odd.
Barbara’s inner cat grinned. “We got our bear back!”
When Barbara reached the wedding reception, she saw something that made her double over with laughter. Ron and Alf were playing the Chicken Dance, with Ron strumming on Suzy while Alf played a pink plastic ukulele.
Ron looked up at Barbara and smiled at her. She felt a familiar warmth in the center of her chest that she hadn’t felt in over ten years. That smile. That damn, delicious smile that could make her do anything he wanted.
Ron handed Suzy off to Alf, and crossed the dance floor toward Barbara. Alf gave Barbara a knowing look, and began playing and singing Elton John’s Your Song. Ron held out his hand to Barbara. She took it.
Ron’s touch, as his huge hand so delicately engulfed Barbara’s fingers, sent bolts of electricity up her arm, and throughout her body. He pulled Barbara to the dance floor, and encircled her waist with his hands. She clasped his neck as Ron pulled her close. Barbara nestled into the warmth of Ron’s body. He felt so good, so right. His hands slipped below her waist.
“No panties?” asked Ron.
Barbara raised her eyebrows at him.
“Oh yeah,” said Ron. “I forgot.”
When the reception wound down, Barbara and Ron found Jake and Julia and said their goodbyes.
Barbara felt a huge, warm hand on her shoulder. It was Kristina Richardson, Ron and Jake’s mother. Barbara turned and gave her a big hug. She held Barbara tightly.
“Thank you, Mama Kristina,” said Barbara. “I needed that.”
“It’s so good to see you two back together,” whispered Kristina. “He needs you.”
“I hope so,” said Barbara.
“I know so!” said Kristina. “And you need him.”
Barbara and Ron walked together outside of the Lone Pine after the reception. The late-spring Alaska sun hung low on the horizon, and would stay there for most of the night.
“What are we going to do about Pete?” asked Barbara. “Can we really make this all work?”
“Frankly, I don’t give a shit about Pete,” said Ron. “I only care about being here with you.”
“And your career?” asked Barbara.
Ron chuckled. “I’ll never stop making music. I can’t.”
“Oh…” said Barbara.
“You don’t understand,” said Ron. “Being with you is way more important than music.”
“Do you really mean that?” asked Barbara.
“Of course!” said Ron. “Besides, I can make music just about anywhere. Don’t forget that I started in rundown honkytonks when we were first together. All I had was you and music. That’s when I was happiest.”
“Not a lot of nightlife around here,” said Barbara. “The National Park Service kind of frowns on honkytonks in its parks.”
“Doesn’t matter,” said Ron. “Even without Pete, I got enough saved up from all the touring and residuals for us to live off. At least for awhile.”
“If the situation at the Lone Pine doesn’t change, there may not be anywhere for shifters like us to live openly,” said Barbara. “We need $5 million in repairs to keep it from falling apart. It’s a lot of money.”
“I wish I could pay it,” said Ron. “But after I pay off Pete and the suits in Nashville, there’s only going to be enough for you and me. And maybe some cubs.”
Barbara smiled at Ron. They walked on in silence for a little while longer.
“My bear’s not been out for a long, long time,” said Ron. “What do you say we go for a run?”
“Yeah,” said Barbara. “That would do us both some good.”
They got into Barbara’s pickup truck. She drove them through the park and down a hidden dirt path to a clearing. She put the truck in park, switched off the motor, and got out.
Ron began taking off his shirt.
“You sure this is safe?” asked Ron.
“After ten years here, I know every corner of this park,” said Barbara. “Besides, this is shifter heaven, remember?”
Ron continued unbuttoning his shirt. Barbara moved to his side of the truck, admiring his defined, muscular chest and arms. He was tanned and lean. She saw the channels of his hips disappearing into his tight jeans.
“You look great,” said Barbara.
“Thanks,” said Ron. “So do you. I just can’t believe I’m here with you. Finally!”
Ron leaned against the seat and took off his boots.
“Could you unzip me?” asked Barbara. She turned her back to him and held her hair up over her head. Ron’s calloused fingers brushed against Barbara’s neck, sending a chill down her spine as he unclasped her dress. He slowly pulled the zipper down as she felt the cool air against her bare back. She felt the softness of Ron’s lips traced kisses from the nape of her neck down to her waist. Heat pooled low in her belly.
Barbara took off her shoes and stepped out of her dress. Folding it, she placed it on the seat of the truck. It felt so good to be naked in the wilderness again.
Ron pulled off his jeans and boxers. Barbara looked down.
Barbara giggled. “Happy to see me?”
“Very happy,” said Ron. He smiled and walked slowly over to Barbara. “Before we shift…”
“Yes?” said Barbara.
Ron’s big, warm hands were on her hips as he brought her in for a kiss. She reached down and grasped his shaft as he pulled her closer. Ron grunted.
“My Bear,” said Barbara, resting her head on Ron’s massive shoulder and stroking him.
“It’s been way too long, Wildcat,” said Ron. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” said Barbara. “It’s been really hard being without you.”
“Some days it’s all I can do just to keep going,” said Ron. “One day at a time.”
Barbara felt a tear hit her neck. She released him, pulled away and looked into Ron’s eyes. He was crying. She brushed the tears from his eyes and pressed her lips to Ron’s. Their tongues met.
Ron’s hands lowered to caress the small of her back. Barbara sighed at the familiarity that only an old lover could give. She knew what was coming next.
Ron kissed the hollow of her neck, working his way to her shoulders. Ron always was a patient lover, and Barbara’s anticipation grew as he slowly trailed his lips along the curve of her right breast.. Barbara shivered in anticipation as Ron’s mouth tenderly teased her.
“Wait a minute,” said Barbara.
“What’s wrong?” asked Ron.
“Nothing,” said Barbara. She smil
ed at Ron, kissed him and walked over to the truck. She opened the door and pulled a thick blanket from behind the driver’s side. Ron grinned and opened the tailgate. Barbara laid the blanket on the flatbed of the truck.
“Tailgate style, huh?” said Ron.
“Just like old times,” Barbara said.
Barbara leaned over the tailgate to smooth out the blanket. Ron grasped her from behind, cupping her breasts and pressing against her with urgent need. Barbara gasped.
“I want you,” said Ron.
Barbara felt one of Ron’s hands slide slowly between her legs. Barbara pushed against his hand with a longing that surprised her. As Ron continued to caress her, Barbara’s passion built and she began to pant.
“Now!” said Barbara.
Ron threw an arm around Barbara’s waist. She shifted her hips and leaned forward. Ron held her body tightly as he pressed into her.
Barbara’s body enveloped Ron as though he were made just for her.
“Too much?” asked Ron.
“No,” said Barbara, breathlessly. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect”
Ron began to rock rhythmically. Each thrust brought Barbara closer and closer to her climax. Their breathing became faster and faster.
“Ronnie!” cried Barbara as the first wave of pleasure spread from her core, filling her body with heat. The waves continued to crash over her, one after another. When the world came back into focus, Ron had stopped moving.
“I want to see you,” said Ron.
They moved into the back of the truck and laid together on the blanket. Barbara wrapped her legs around Ron’s waist. They fit together so well. It felt like time had stopped and nothing existed except for the two of them.
“Barbara! I love you!” cried Ron as his body stiffened.
Barbara moaned as she felt Ron filling her. Her core squeezed him again, in spasm after spasm of pleasure.
Their bodies finally stilled, slick with sweat. They held each other for a long time, lying on the blanket in the open air and feeling the cool breeze brush their naked bodies. Barbara’s head was on Ron’s shoulder as they watched the clouds racing overhead.
“I love you so much, Ronnie,” said Barbara.