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That night, Dash’s ranch hand Beckett greeted Sierra at the entrance gate of Dash’s ranch.
In her white stiletto sandals, Sierra struggled to keep up with Beckett who navigated the curvy walkway with ease despite his clunky, cowboy boots.
Beckett turned back, pointing to the mansion ahead. “I apologize, Miss Sierra. I could’ve driven you if the walk is too much.”
“No.” She twisted in behind him as a breeze of fresh grass and sweet hay cuddled her. “I’m enjoying the walk.”
They passed the large field equipped with state-of-the art stables.
“Seeing you is a lovely surprise,” Beckett said. “You brighten this place up.”
“I do?”
“I deal with horses all day and every day. It’s a treat to see a pretty blonde once in a while.”
“That’s sweet.” She held her dress as a breeze swept by.
The more they walked the less attention she paid to Beckett and more to the fabulous property.
“Damn.” He looked toward the purplish-black sky. “Weather’s coming in, huh?”
“I saw on my weather app it might rain.” She scratched her arm. “It’s been a while so we need it.”
He chuckled, straightening his cowboy hat. “Rain makes my job harder.”
They got closer to the twinkling lights of the ivory-colored, Mediterranean-style mansion, surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
“Now we gotta deal with mud and everything,” Beckett said. “And you know the horses go crazy when it rains.”
Sierra giggled. “I remember.”
“How long has it been since you were here?”
“About a year.” She trekked, her stilettos reminding her she should’ve changed shoes. “Haven’t been since Dash and I stopped hanging out. I’m sure it was a surprise when I stopped coming.”
“He hasn’t been the same since you and he stopped being friends.”
She exhaled, weighed by guilt. “Is that right?”
“He doesn’t have that spark anymore. Doesn’t seem to like anything but coming to this ranch. It was always an escape for him but now more than ever.”
“Finally.” Sierra grinned as they made it to the gigantic front area of the mansion covered in Spanish step stones. “I’m not in as good of shape as I thought.”
“Oh, you look like you’re in terrific shape.” He blushed, gripping the edge of his cowboy hat. “That walk seems to get longer when you haven’t been in a while.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” She put on a front, but he’d always been a man to stare at a woman longer than he should. “Where’s Dash again?”
“He’s in the den watching TV. He’s thinking of moving to the ranch.” Beckett nodded. “Yep, been talking about it for a while.”
She touched the back of her dress. “I didn’t know.”
“Anyway.” He clamped his callused hand over her wrist. “He’s gonna be happy you’re here.”
“Um...” She loosened her hand from his grip. “Check you later, Beckett.”
“Hey.” He grabbed her again when she tried to go up the entrance steps.
“What is it?” She shivered.
“I wanted to say I’m sorry.” His opaque eyes possessed a haunting glow. “For what you’re going through. It’s a shame. You’re a wonderful actress. I love all your movies.”
“I appreciate that.”
“You have any projects lined up?”
“I’ll be talking to my agent soon.” She rushed to the door. “Hopefully she’ll have some good news for me.”
“I hope so.” His eyes got glossy. “Nice seeing you again.”
She dashed into the house and let out a huge breath. “Creep.”
She exchanged greetings with the housekeeper, zipped through the halls of orange and red flooring and reached the den.
Under the cathedral ceiling and chandelier, Dash relaxed on the floral Santiago sofa.
Batman vs. Superman blasted from the 84-inch LG TV.
Sierra snickered at the irony of him watching a movie where he’d rejected the starring role. “Hey.”
He jerked, liquor spilling from his glass onto his pants. “Sierra.”
“I’m sorry.” She laughed, covering her mouth. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He wiped the drink off his thigh and stood. “I’ll get rid of this.”
“It’s okay.” She gestured for him to sit. “I can handle being in the same room with alcohol.”
“You sure?” He sat. “What are you doing here?”
She walked down the concrete, entrance steps. “You invited me earlier, remember?”
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “As I recall, you rejected the offer.”
“I changed my mind.” She stood on the red abstract rug. “You mind that I came?”
He had a coy smile. “You know I don’t.”
“Beckett still gives me the creeps. He’s always staring.”
“You’re a beautiful woman. How can a man not pay you attention? He’s a huge fan of yours. Seen all your movies.”
“I don’t know whether to be flattered or frightened.”
“Come on. Lay off Beckett.” His gaze trailed her body. “Why did you come here?”