Chapter 6
Monroe
Rita left almost as soon as another woman showed up, who I learned is a hairdresser in Billings and is used to working on delicate hair like mine. Mindy—it took a few minutes of her chattering to learn her name—was ecstatic to work on my blonde locks.
For as long as I have been dying it, I wasn’t shocked when she told me we wouldn’t be able to strip the bleach out. We'd have to dye over it. It’s not what I initially wanted, but as long as I’m no longer blonde, I don’t particularly care.
Shaw has been in his office doing paperwork, making phone calls, and I have no idea what else, so it’s just been Mindy and me for hours. She talks as much as any of the stylists in the pageant, too. Hairstyling is her calling.
“I remember when you won the Miss California title, you were so beautiful.” And on top of it all, she absolutely knows who I am. Shaw made her sign a non-disclosure agreement as soon as she squealed her delight. “Those other girls never stood a chance.”
“Thanks,” I mumble. I’m glad to have her do my hair. She’s nice enough, but I’d rather pluck out my eyebrows than talk about my life.
“What brings you to Montana?” My gaze flicks up to meet hers as she works on the front of my head.
I answer without thought. “Shaw.” I want it to be true. I think I’d travel anywhere to see him. Be near him. When I first arrived, the land lifted a weight off my shoulders, but from his first touch, Shaw breathed life into me.
“He is a fine specimen.” I blush at her comment. “If Hollywood only knew what they were missing with your little escapade.”
I have to bite my tongue before I beg her to keep her silence. I know she signed the contract, but if she thinks there is a secret to be told and money could be involved, people will do anything. Experience has taught me that.
Needing to change the subject, I ask her about Billings and what her favorite things to do in the state are. Her smile falters for a second, but she rolls with it and soon tells me all about the national parks, the wildlife. Mindy swears there is no prettier sunset than a Montana mountain one.
“Have you ever been horseback riding?” she asks. I pause.
“No. The animals are huge. It’s almost terrifying.” The mere thought of it makes me want to run.
“Well, if you plan to keep a ranchman, you’ll need to learn. I bet you’d look gorgeous up on a sweet mare.” Her smile as she wraps plastic around my head to keep the hair off my shoulders is magnificent.
“Do you spend a lot of time with horses?” I must admit to being intrigued. I’ve never been as close to nature or livestock as I am right now. What would the harm be in trying?
“Not anymore. My granddaddy used to own a ranch near Kalispell, but he sold it when he got too old. Oops, don’t let him know I said that.” She laughs, and I wonder how I would when I don’t know the man. Then I realize I’m being too literal and feel foolish.
“I’ll take you.” Shaw’s deep drawl has us both spinning around.
A slow smile spreads across his face, and it’s then I realize I must look silly.
“Dark, huh?” He saunters over, and I’m tempted to get off my chair and step back.
“I think I’ll like it.” He groans as his hands touch my thighs, fingers playing with the frayed edges of the rips in my denim jeans.
Biting my lip, I’m unsure of how to respond. Our eyes are locked in a hold that I’m not sure I want to break, and the tension between us is as sharp as a wire's edge. I don’t want the moment to end.
“Phew. Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” I hear Mindy's comment, but I can’t look away from Shaw. “It’s definitely hot in here,” she whispers. “I’ll be back. Need to get some stuff from the car.”
Shaw growls. Deep in his chest. “Break that contract, and I’ll end you,” he warns her as she begins to walk away, phone in her hand.
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Every girl needs a man who loves them like you do her.” My eyes widen at her parting words.
Shaw doesn’t love me.
He couldn’t.
My heart thuds so hard in protest that my chest aches. I want him to.
And that thought is scarier than anything I’ve ever known.
* * *
Shaw
Monroe is blindingly beautiful. It should almost be illegal. And yet, with her covered in dark dye, an ugly towel wrapped around her shoulders, and plastic covering her head, I’ve never seen her look more stunning.
I overheard her and Mindy talking while in my office, and when I heard Monroe say horses were terrifying, I immediately knew what we were going to be doing tonight. She’s going to get that mountain sunset and her first experience riding.
Mindy is right, Monroe will be gorgeous up top a calm mare, and I have just the one in mind for her.
I have an older quarter horse I brought with me from Texas named Miles.
He’s always been a mild-mannered stud, and I’ve never had an issue with him.
With his nearly black mane and tail, I think Monroe will enjoy the beast.
As soon as the hairstylist mentioned love, I knew Monroe was going to internally freak out, so I don’t hesitate to lean forward and kiss her. Sucking her lip into my mouth, I nibble on her gently until her hands reach out for me.
It’s when Monroe touches me that I know she’s into it.
She isn’t just lost to the sensations but is an active participant.
Her innocent little tongue comes out to play with mine, and my cock twitches in my pants, protesting the confines in which I’m forced to keep it.
Much as I want to take this sultry girl to bed, I know she isn’t ready for it yet.
Soon.
When she's unafraid of any consequences.
But not yet.
Slowly drawing back from her, I can’t help my grin when she follows me, not wanting to lose the contact. It’s progress. Slow, but I’ll take it.
“I want to take you riding tonight. Have a picnic in the hills. Watch the sunset.”
“I think I’d like that.” For the first time since she arrived, I get a full-blown smile out of Monroe that reaches her eyes and lights up her entire face.
“Fuck are you gorgeous when you smile and mean it.” I catch her lip with my thumb, her tongue peeking out to lick the tip, and it’s my turn to groan.
“I’ll be back when you’re done here.” She nods as Mindy walks back into the room with a small bag in hand.
“Have fun, ladies.” Turning, I discreetly try to adjust my aching dick from view, and I’m pretty sure I fail when I hear Monroe sigh.
Concentrating on work has been a bust all afternoon, and I’m not sure how I’m going to get a damn thing done until I’ve lost myself in Monroe’s body. She’s all I think about anymore.
Staring at my computer screen, I’m not sure how much time passes as I listen to Mindy talk on and on.
I think she’s trying to fill the voided silence from Monroe, and honestly, I get it.
She’s probably used to chatty clients, but that’s not how my girl works.
Monroe actually enjoys the quiet in a way that I don’t think anyone else can.
Her life has always been a series of frantic events.
One after the other. And if I had to guess, peace and quiet was a rarity in her life.
With nothing but silence surrounding her here now, I guess I'll often wonder if Monroe enjoys it as much as she did when she first arrived. Living in such isolation isn’t for everyone, and with the nearest town thirty or so minutes away and no neighbors for miles, it might drive her to boredom and restlessness.
“Knock, knock.” My head pops up rapidly at the subdued sound of Monroe’s voice, and the transformation is magnificent.
Her once light and lengthy locks are now darker with just hints of the blonde, and a few inches shorter. She looks like a completely different woman.
One who I find I’m even more attracted to.
“Wow,” I mumble as I stand, slowly striding towards her. I can see Mindy watching from the kitchen as I reach Monroe and pull her closer. The other woman’s knowing smirk as I close the door with my foot is unmistakable.
“Do you like it?” Monroe’s uncertain voice catches my attention.
Backing her into the door, I pin her body with mine as my eyes feast upon her features. Her energy appears lighter already from the simple yet impactful change.
Brushing the hair away from her neck, I don’t wait for permission as I bury my face in the column of her throat. “You look stunning.” I whisper the words in her ear before kissing along her jaw. Reaching down, I grip her thighs and slide her up the door.
Pressing my hardened length between her thighs, I hold her stare as I slowly simulate the act of sex. Needing to see her eyes, to get a proper read on whether she’s interested in it.
My body is on fire with desire, and when I finally catch the matching inferno in her gaze, I groan so deeply in my chest that she feels the vibrations.
“One day,” I hiss when I catch sight of her pounding pulse, “we’re doing this. I’m going to be rocking back and forth inside your sweet body until we’re both lost in oblivion.”
“Shaw.” The husky note to her tone says far more than any words ever could.
She wants everything I just promised, but she’s afraid to voice it.
Afraid to take something for herself and not think of what anyone will say or do.
I don’t blame her, but I’m going to work my hardest to change her mindset.
“Ready for that ride now?” Changing the subject is what she needs, so she doesn’t feel pressured, and I’m only too happy to oblige.
“I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it.”
Slowly letting her feet touch the ground, I tease her with, “Guess you’ll have to ride with me,” before pulling the door open and guiding her behind me out to the barn.