The pretty young woman with long black hair and green eyes who owned the boutique greeted Brynn with a hug when she’d walked in. “Welcome to Cimarron Rose, Brynn.”
“Thank you.” Brynn returned the hug then took off her jacket. Her eyes grew wide as she spotted racks of garments that were similar in style to what hung in her own closet. She turned and smiled at Evy Roberts. “I’m about to melt the numbers on all of my credit cards because I want to buy everything in your charming shop.”
Evy blushed. “I hope you’ll be able find something you like. And don’t worry, because I’m giving you the family discount.”
Brynn’s jaw dropped. “That’s not necessary, Evy.” Just because she’d come in with Susanna did not make her family.
“If you’re dating my future brother-in-law, then you’re family.”
She opened and closed her mouth before telling Evy that she wasn’t dating Garrett. Now, even the mention of the word grated on her. She was a thirty-year-old woman who shouldn’t have to explain her association with a man in his early forties. They were single, consenting adults and didn’t need permission or approval from anyone to be out together.
Just get over it, Brynn. Folks are going to think whatever they want no matter if you deny it.
“You’re about a six,” Evy said, looking her over. “Now, what are looking for?”
“Blouses, a few long skirts and dresses. And one or two belts.”
Evy nodded. “Do you mind if I select a few things for you to try on?”
“Not at all.”
“You can use the last dressing room on the left, and I’ll bring you what I think you’d like.”
Forty minutes after entering Cimarron Rose, Brynn walked out with Susanna and two large shopping bags filled with clothes and accessories she needed and some she couldn’t resist. She’d also purchased a few pieces for her sisters for Christmas. Silk scarves, cashmere cowls and shawls would go over well with Remi, Corinne and Audrey, and would add to the handmade items she’d planned to gift them.
“I hope Evy didn’t embarrass you when she’d mentioned giving you the family discount,” Susanna said as she drove in the direction of Bronco Heights.
“I suppose I’m going to have to get used to it because denying that anything is going on between me and Garrett will only fall on deaf ears.”
Susanna gave Brynn a quick glance before she concentrated on her driving. “I must admit that you two looked pretty cozy at Doug’s.”
Yeah right. Garrett had put his arm across her shoulders but that didn’t necessarily translate into coziness. “I like Garrett, but we’ve both agreed to be friends. I know he’s divorced, and I don’t have the best luck when it comes to relationships, so friendship works for us.”
“I never met his ex-wife. The only thing I know is that after they moved to New York, she decided to stay, and whenever his brothers attempt to pair him up with a woman, he’s quick to remind them that he doesn’t date. He’s friendly and outgoing enough, but I’m here to tell you that I’ve never seen him with a woman. The exception is you, Brynn.”
Brynn hadn’t asked Susanna about Garrett’s ex-wife. If and when he felt comfortable enough with her, she expected him to open up about the woman he’d loved enough to marry. Right now she didn’t want to pry into Garrett’s personal life, so she changed the subject, asking Susanna how she and Dean met. Judging from the love she’d seen in her eyes when Susanna had looked at her fiancé, she knew it was a subject Susanna would be eager to discuss.
“Even though I’d trained to become an actress, I had a job working part-time for Abernathy Meats and I liked it there. I was eventually promoted to full-time office manager, and while I’d been dating a few guys, nothing ever came of it.”
“Because you’d fallen in love with Dean Abernathy.”
She smiled. “I’d been in love with Dean for years, but he’d always treated me like his kid sister.”
“When did everything change?” Brynn asked.
“Last year, when I appeared as the lead actress in a Christmas play and my costar had to kiss me. We’d spent a lot of time together rehearsing and Dean went from being the big brother type to becoming a little too overprotective. After a while, he couldn’t hide that he was jealous. And that’s when I knew we’d become more than coworkers and friends.” Susanna maneuvered into the visitor parking lot at the complex. “What’s going to happen if you and Garrett go from friends to lovers?”
“Nothing. Because that’s not going to happen.”
“Is it because it’s something you don’t want?”
“It’s because that’s something I don’t need. Not at this time in my life,” Brynn countered. She hadn’t lied to Susanna, and she recalled what her grandmother had warned her about after her last breakup. Learn to love with your head as well as your heart.
Susanna shut off the engine. “There was a time when I submitted an application to rent an apartment here and even though it got approved, I decided not to take it.”
“Why not?”
“It had been just me and my mother for so many years, I’d felt guilty leaving her alone. I had no idea she was dating someone, and when I met Ted, I knew he was perfect for my mother.”
“Good for her.”
Brynn thought about her parents breaking up after more than thirty years of marriage. It was as if the Hawkins women were not guaranteed a happily-ever-after. Hattie had lost her husband early during their marriage, and now Josie and Steve were separated, while she hadn’t had a relationship of long duration. Obviously, it wasn’t in the cards for her to fall in love, marry and start a family. Then she thought about Audrey and Jack Burris. They’d had their difficulties before realizing they were good if not perfect for each other.
Was there hope after all?
She swiveled to her new friend, turning on her positive attitude. “I hope you like Mexican food because I plan to make fajitas for lunch.”
Susanna moaned softly. “I love fajitas.”
The bond that had formed between her and Susanna at Doug’s bar was cemented over steak, chicken and shrimp fajitas, guacamole, and sparkling pink lemonade. Her new friend told her that she’d graduated college with a business management degree and had also added several college productions to her theatrical résumé, but after eight years working for Abernathy Meats she had finally come into her own as manager for the Bronco Theater.
“If you hadn’t told me that you had to go to the high school and coach drama students, I would’ve made margaritas instead of the lemonade.”
Susanna’s brown eyes twinkled as she laughed. “Margaritas would’ve gone quite nicely with what you’d prepared. I must give it to you. You’re an incredible cook, and I never would’ve guessed that you were into needlecrafts and fashioning. You should think about opening a shop in Bronco.”
While Brynn had been putting the final additions on their lunch, Susanna had lingered in the bedroom she’d set up as her workshop. When she’d emerged, her face had flushed with excitement.
“I’ve been thinking about opening one, but I’m not sure about doing business in Bronco.”
Susanna went still. “Why not?” she asked defensively. “Do you think people here wouldn’t want to buy hand-quilted crib blankets that would become an heirloom to be passed down through generations? It would the perfect gift for a baby shower, or a queen-sized one as an engagement gift.”
Brynn grimaced. Somehow her friend had misunderstood her. She wasn’t dissing Bronco. “There’s nothing wrong with Bronco, Susanna.”
“Then why are you in quandary about opening a handicraft boutique here? And you would have the option of opening it here in Bronco Heights or in Bronco Valley. Personally, I happen to like Bronco Valley because a lot of the shops have a funky vibe. Whenever possible, tell Garrett to take you to Sadie’s Holiday House. It’s gift shop that celebrates Christmas all year long. The instant you walk in, you can smell pine trees and cinnamon, and there’s always cheerful holiday music playing twelve months a year.”
“That sounds like my kind of shop,” Brynn said cheerily.
“It’s on the same block as Cimarron Rose, so you can’t miss it.”
Suddenly, creative ideas flooded Brynn’s mind. She was certain she would be able to find the items she needed to add to the ones in her inventory for the festive autumnal wreaths she’d planned to make for the Abernathys.
“You’ve given me a lot of food for thought.”
Susanna patted her belly. “And I’ve eaten a lot of your food. Thank you for a delicious lunch.”
“Any time you want to share lunch, just call and let me know.”
Brynn exchanged a hug with Susanna before she walked her to the door. Shopping and sharing lunch with Susanna had been a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. It had been a while since she’d shopped for clothes and most of what she’d selected were for warmer weather, but just knowing they were hanging in the closet if and when she needed something was satisfaction enough. She cleaned up the remains of lunch, and went back to the task of finishing the crib blanket before she began her next project.
Garrett hadn’t realized he had been counting down the days when he would see Brynn again until she opened the door to her apartment and he saw her. Everything about her screamed an undeniably youthful beauty that validated what Crosby had accused him of. He was staring at Brynn like a deer in the headlights.
“Are you going to stay there or come in?” Brynn asked.
The sound of her dulcet voice shattered the spell. “I’m coming in.”
Brynn stepped aside and Garrett entered the apartment. He handed her a mixed bouquet of fall flowers.
Brynn smiled. “Why, thank you. They’re beautiful.” She set the bouquet on the edge of the entryway table. Going on tiptoes, she kissed his cheek at the same time Garret turned his head and his mouth landed close to hers. He pulled back awkwardly and started to apologize when Brynn stopped him. “It’s okay, Garrett. You can kiss me,” she whispered.
Garrett had wanted to kiss Brynn the first time he’d seen her at the convention center, wondering how it would feel to taste her lush lips. It was what he’d wanted to do when they’d sat close together on the blanket during their picnic lunch, and even now it was if she’d read his mind as she challenged him to kiss her.
Looping both arms around her waist, he pulled her close and brushed his mouth over hers, smothering a groan when her lips parted. He tightened his hold on her body, lifting her effortlessly off her feet as he deepened the kiss, their tongues meeting and dueling for dominance.
Garrett could feel the rapid beating of Brynn’s heart against his chest, her soft moans indicating she was as aroused as he was. He also he knew that if he didn’t stop now, they would only stop when he carried her into her bedroom to demonstrate wordlessly how much he wanted her.
Garrett did not know how Brynn had managed to slip under the barrier he’d erected around himself. He’d been keeping all women at a distance; he’d never wanted to find himself that vulnerable again. But somehow it was different with Brynn.
It took herculean strength for him to end the kiss, and they were both breathing heavily as he set Brynn on her feet.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” she breathed softly.
“No, it wasn’t, but I suppose there goes our friendship.”
Brynn lowered her eyes. “You’re right. Friends don’t kiss each other like we just did.”
Cupping her chin, Garrett eased her head up. Overhead lighting shimmered over her delicate features as he stared at her thoroughly kissed mouth. “I know you’ve probably heard that I don’t date.”
She nodded. “Yes, I have heard that from a few people.”
“Well, that’s about to change, but only if we take it slow.”
“What aren’t you saying, Garrett?”
“Miss Brynn Hawkins, would you be willing to go on a date with me?”
Brynn knew it was too easy to get caught up in the way Garrett was looking at her. She knew her feelings for him were intensifying each time they shared the same space, and while she’d wanted her heart to listen to her head, it had refused. Everything about Garrett Abernathy was so potent and compelling that for her to pretend to be unaffected was futile.
“Yes, Mr. Garrett Abernathy, I am willing to go on a date with you.” She smiled when she heard him sigh. “Did you think I was going to turn you down?”
“Like you, I don’t like to make assumptions. Other than take you around Bronco, I’d like for you to be my date for an annual charity fundraiser that will be held at The Association the Saturday before Thanksgiving.” The event was one of a few held in Bronco Heights, including the popular Denim and Diamonds gala planned by professional party planner Brittany Brandt Dubois and hosted by Taylor Beef owner Cornelius Taylor III and his much younger wife, Jessica, at a massive party tent on their property.
She blinked. “Isn’t The Association a private club for ranchers?”
“Yes, why?”
“So, is the event black tie?”
“It is,” Garrett said.
“Have you attended the event before?”
“No. This will be my first time.”
Brynn was confused. Garrett wanted her at his date at an event he’d never attended. “Why now, Garrett?”
“Because this will be the first year I will have a date. I hope that answers your questions.”
“It does for now.” She wanted to tell him he really hadn’t answered her question. “I suppose I’ll have to trade in my jeans for a fancy dress,” she teased.
“BH Couture will definitely have something you’d want to wear. I’ll call the owner to tell her to send the bill to me.”
Brynn recoiled as if she’d been slapped across the face. “If you lift one finger to dial that number, you’ll be going to the fundraiser without me. Do you think I can’t afford to buy my own clothes for an event?”
“I... It’s not that, Brynn.”
She stomped her foot. “Then what the hell is it, Garrett? The Hawkinses may not have as much money as the Abernathys, but we’re not paupers either. I’ve been on my own for years. And I don’t need a man to take care of me.”
Garrett held up both hands in a gesture of submission. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
Brynn narrowed her eyes. “You always say what you mean, Garrett.”
“I’ll admit to that, but somehow, with you, I tend to wind up with my boot in my mouth.”
“Why me?”
Garrett smiled, attractive lines fanning out around his eyes. “I don’t know what it is, but you tend to keep me off-balance. There are times when I have to rehearse what I want to say to you because I don’t want it to come out all wrong. Like it just did.”
Brynn couldn’t stay angry, not after a confession like that. Her temper cooled and she went on tiptoes again and kissed him. “I’m not really that scary. I’m going to put the flowers in water while you get ready for your second lesson.”
“Does this mean I’m forgiven for the faux pas?”
“Of course. There is one thing you should know about me, and that is I don’t hold grudges.”
“Good to know.”
As he chopped onions and green bell pepper, minced garlic, and diced celery and carrots, Brynn noticed that Garrett was much more relaxed in the kitchen than he had been.
“You look like a pro wielding that knife.”
“That’s because I’ve been practicing,” Garrett admitted sheepishly.
“After a few more lessons, you should be on your own. You already know how to grill steak and burgers. But if you want to change it up and do short ribs, then I’ll give you a recipe for a marinade to turn them into Korean barbecue short ribs.”
“I like Korean barbecue.”
“So do...” Brynn’s words trailed when her cell phone chimed a familiar ringtone. “Excuse me, but I have to answer that.” She picked the phone up off the countertop and walked to the far end of the kitchen. “Hello, Mom.”
“I’ve got some good news.”
“You and Dad are back together?” Brynn saw Garrett turn to look at her when she’d mentioned her mother and father.
“Not yet. But we are working on it. Remember when you were in that Derrick Blackstone video a couple of years ago?”
“Yes.” It had been the first and only time she’d appeared in a music video. Josie had gotten the singer’s record company to hire her as an extra. Three years ago, Derrick had exploded onto the music scene, turning it upside down with his silky baritone, handsome face and chiseled body. He had won a number of awards as a crossover artist when his songs made the country, pop, hip-hop and R&B music lists.
“I just got a call from his producer, and they want you to appear in his new video. He’s covering the Adele song ‘Don’t You Remember.’”
“I love that song.”
“Well, baby girl, this is your turn to shine outside the rodeo arena, because you’re going to be the only one in the video.”
Brynn felt as if her heart was beating outside her chest. “You’re kidding?”
“No, I’m not. The studio will send a car to take you to Billings for the shoot.”
“When is that?”
“Right after the Thanksgiving weekend. The shoot has to be done in one day because the single is scheduled to drop a few days later.”
“Why me, Mom? I don’t think Derrick Blackstone even knew I was on the set when that video was made. There were so many other people.” Brynn knew she wasn’t imagining Garrett’s glare at her mention of Derrick Blackstone’s name.
“He did remember you because his producer personally asked for you. So, try and catch up on your sleep so once you’re in front of that camera, the entire world will hold its breath when they see your face. As soon as I hang up with you, I’m going to call the producer and tell him it’s a go.”
“Wait—” Brynn realized her mother had hung up on her before she could say yes or no. But she knew Josie Hawkins well. Once she latched on to something lucrative, she refused to let it go until the money was in the bank. Her belief was she was put on the earth to take care of her girls and provide for their futures.
Brynn set the phone on a shelf and walked over to Garrett, who was still glaring at her. “I’m going to be in another Derrick Blackstone video that will be recorded at a studio in Billings.”
Garrett gave her a long, penetrating stare. “So, you’re telling me this isn’t your first time working with Blackstone?”
“I didn’t work with him, Garrett. I was part of a crowd in a bar scene in one of his videos.”
“There’s no doubt he remembered you in that crowd.”
Brynn flinched at the tone in his voice. If she’d known he would react so accusatorially, she wouldn’t have shared the news with him. She thought friends were supposed to be happy for each other.
Suddenly she remembered something Susanna had said about Dean the day she’d taken Brynn to Cimarron Rose. That Dean hadn’t realized he’d had deep feelings for her until he’d suspected she had something going on with her costar. A knowing smile flitted over her features. “You’re upset, aren’t you, Garrett?”
“What are you talking about?”
She decided to press her attack. “You’re upset because I’m going to be in a music video with one of People magazine’s most handsome men.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he countered, scowling.
“No, Garrett Abernathy, deep down you know I’m right. And you know that there’s going to be a lot of talk once people recognize the woman you’re dating is in a video with a music heartthrob.” She widened her stance and speared him with her dark eyes. “Admit it.”
Garrett knew he’d put his boot in his mouth for the second time when he’d questioned Brynn about being in the video. Unaware that he was so transparent, he felt like a complete idiot because she had seen straight through him. He was upset. In fact, he was jealous that Brynn would spend hours, if not days, with a man who’d personally requested her for the project.
When he didn’t answer, she let out a little laugh and patted his shoulder. “Not to worry, cowboy. Right now, you’re the only man in my life.” Then she turned to her chopping board.
Garrett stood stock-still, the knife still in his hand. Brynn may have just admitted he was the only man in her life, but all he remembered was right now. Was he Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now? He had to assume he was Mr. Right Now, because he’d made it known that he was too old for her. And as much as he’d tried not to make comparisons between Brynn and Faith, there were similarities that had him questioning whether he’d wanted to go down that road again. Namely, her fondness for city life and always being on the move. He’d showed Brynn how much he loved living and working on the Flying A, and he wondered if she would eventually tire of him and his predictable lifestyle and move on. He’d also broken his promise not to date; however, he’d found himself so emotionally connected to Brynn that he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible before she walked out of his life.
Putting down the knife, he picked up the seasoned oxtail and went to the stovetop.
“We’d better get moving,” he said. “The oil is smoking, so it’s time to brown the meat.”
Brynn gave a chuckle he couldn’t decipher, saying, “Yes, chef.”