Chapter 4
Rusty’s heart pounded as he sat in the van and looked at the text message. She was coming. To look at apartments and meet with the gala committee. He’d asked his sister about the next committee meeting, so he’d had an inkling she’d be coming back soon, but here was confirmation.
Kristy’s last line made him smile. Rusty to the rescue again?
Happy to help you assess apartments. What day? he texted back.
No reply.
But as he pulled into the long driveway to his family’s former ranch house, his phone dinged. He glanced at the screen. Arriving Monday. Can meet you in the VA parking lot at 12:30? First apartment is 1 pm.
He let out a heartfelt yippee for no one but him to hear. After he pulled into the ranch’s gravel parking area, he typed back I’ll be there. Junie would just have to use the high school kid for deliveries.
***
“So the cowboy is coming along?” Ariel clucked in a most annoying way as they drove along Route 59 through the grasslands of the Thunder Basin. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and all seemed right with the world. “I knew he had it bad for you when he offered to park cars. But something else must have happened the other night.”
“We paid him for that time.” Although not near enough for all the hassle. She’d actually enjoyed parking cars with him once she’d worn his old sneakers. The thought made her grin.
“How’d you pay him?” Ariel’s playful tone did not amuse.
“With a check.” She used her most brusque voice in hopes it would shut down Ariel’s inquiry. Rusty had been a perfect gentleman, and taking her own car to Smokey’s had saved her from any awkward moments. Although truthfully, when he’d talked about his family that night, the thought of kissing him had entered her mind. But only for a moment.
“Somehow, if his family owned a ranch that they recently sold, I doubt the guy is hurting for money. And he’s a bit old for that job. Which makes my point that he did it for you and no other reason.”
Unbidden, a warm feeling settled in her chest. “I think he’s just that kind of guy. Helps where he’s needed. He said that in the air force his handle was Rusty to the rescue.” And it suited.
“Air force, huh? Hope you found a way to thank your boyfriend for his service.” Ariel had the irritating habit of jumping to conclusions.
“I’m not dating him. He’s a local guy, and I figured he’d know the area. Short-term rentals are scarce, and I’m particular about where we live. For both our sakes, I thought he could be helpful.”
“By enlisting his help, he’s going to think that you’re interested in him,” she said with a singsongy lilt.
“I explained that I wasn’t interested in dating anyone at this time, and the reason why, when we went for drinks.” She couldn’t have made it clearer. “And he said he isn’t interested in a serious relationship either.”
“Sounds like a perfect match. You did go for drinks. You gave him your number. You’ve followed up with him…”
“He followed up with me asking if he could help.”
“Because he’s interested in you.” Ariel enunciated each word as if Kristy were hard of hearing. “And he’s hot.”
He was definitely hot. Walking behind him when they’d parked cars, she couldn’t help but fantasize, given his nice butt, muscular legs, and hefty shoulders.
She swerved to spare a rabbit crossing the road.
“Stop daydreaming.” Ariel had a smirk on her face.
“Okay, he’s hot. But he could be on fire…” And he was. “And I just can’t right now.” Her bruised psyche wasn’t ready to dive into any sort of relationship when she had a business to get up and running. “I don’t want to give him the wrong impression, but he offered his help, and we could use it.” She had to hope his help didn’t come with strings attached.
“Too late for not giving him the wrong impression, so you might as well admit the obvious. You’re interested too.”
Truth was, she hadn’t stopped thinking about Rusty Russell since that night at Smokey’s. He was so different from her ex, Dean. Didn’t seem to have a huge ego, and from what she had read about pararescue Special Forces (yes, she’d searched on the internet), he could certainly have justified one. They were an elite air force branch, used by other military branches, to rescue downed pilots and such. They’d been involved in the evacuation of Afghanistan as well.
“It’s not that I’m not attracted to him. Or that he isn’t a nice guy. It’s exactly because of those two facts that I’ve got to keep my distance. You and I have a business to build. Neither of us can afford to be distracted.” She’d had enough drama with Dean the Weasel—Ariel’s nickname for him—to last her a lifetime. So when Marcia had brought up this opportunity in Gillette, Kristy had jumped at the chance to get out of Cheyenne, far from bad memories. And despite what Rusty said about keeping things light, she had a feeling she might be swayed into wanting more. She couldn’t afford to get entangled in another relationship that didn’t work out. Wyoming was only so big.
“All work and no play is not good for the soul and not something I’m signing up for.” Ariel crossed her arms over her chest. “Nor should you.”
“I’m not ready, Ariel. I’m just not.”
Ariel patted Kristy’s thigh. “Maybe he’s what you need to get over what Dean did to you.”
She shook her head. More drama was not what she needed. “I’ll manage things with Rusty.” She’d just keep her distance. Emotionally and physically. “But as a longtime member of the Gillette community, he’s a good acquaintance to cultivate, and he told me his sister is on the gala committee—and we’re meeting with the committee tomorrow.”
“Marcia is going to be there, right?”
“She’s flying in for it from Denver. This is a big deal, and the whole expansion into this part of Wyoming is predicated on this gala being a success.”
Ariel shifted in her seat. “Did you get any feedback from her on the slides we sent, because I didn’t hear a peep.”
“If Marcia was concerned, she’d let us know. The fact we haven’t heard anything, I’m taking as a vote of confidence.” Though it was unusual that Marcia hadn’t said something about their presentation. Usually she was prompt with that red pen of hers.
“I hope you’re right.”
Ariel was such an asset, and knowing she was depending upon this business venture as much as Kristy definitely weighed on Kristy’s mind. “I’m grateful you took a chance and decided to come work with me, Ariel. You’re such a creative talent. That VA hall looked spectacular. And it’s the main reason we have another prospect.” The couple that had approached Kristy about coordinating their wedding was holding their reception in Sheridan.
“It’s a good sign,” Ariel agreed. “We’re both taking a risk. We have six months to prove to Marcia there is business to be had out here, and the clock is ticking.”
“Which is why we agreed to give it our all and move here for the next six months.”
Kristy’s Cheyenne lease was up, and Ariel was tired of living with her parents. Rents were cheaper in Gillette. They now had two assignments in the area, which should lead to more. And the gala would take a lot of their time and effort.
Ariel waved a hand. “We make a good team because you , dear cousin, have a great business and marketing sense that I definitely don’t have. And you’re organized, which I am not. Now that we have gone all mutual-admiration society, let’s find us a place to live. That hotel room in Casper last night was the pits, and we definitely can’t keep commuting from Cheyenne.”
“That’s why we’re here. Gillette is between Casper and Sheridan, our two other areas. And if we can break into planning some more events at the convention center complex, Gillette could become our bread-and-butter location.”
“Hopefully, they have more men like Rusty in the area.”
“Well, my life plan blew up, so it’s business first for me.”
“I never had a life plan, so I’m open to anything and anyone.”
Kristy turned the car into the VA parking lot. There, standing outside of his black SUV, arms crossed over a muscular chest, stood a tall cowboy wearing the characteristic white hat and black boots. She took him in, all six-feet-plus inches of him. Through the car window, her gaze roved over his powerfully built body, his wide chest, the bulging biceps under his T-shirt, his trim waist and stalwart thighs. He looked up and stared right at her, and her pulse kicked up.
It was just the excitement of finding an apartment, was all. Sure it was.
“Man, he is a good-looking guy. If he was at all interested in me, I’d be on him like a june bug on a grille.”
Might he be interested in Ariel? That was an unsettling thought… and it shouldn’t have been.
***
Rusty shoved his hands in the pocket of his worn denim jeans as they stood outside a three-story apartment unit on the mild sunny day. The breeze played with the blond strands of Kristy’s hair as she scrolled through her phone, looking at the contract the apartment management had just emailed her.
She was standing before him dressed in jeans and a stretchy T-shirt that hugged her curves and revealed a body he’d love to hold in his arms. She frowned, drawing her elegant brows together and pursing her full lips. Lips he was ready to taste. His world was tilting like a rodeo trick rider attempting a full Stroud Layout. She’d been clear that she was calling on him as a friend, that she was too consumed with making the business work to get involved with some guy. Nothing personal, she’d said, but clearly that was all he was to her—some guy. Likely the only guy she knew in town.
He was set on changing that perception. They were more aligned in their desires than she realized. He just had to convince her it was a no-strings-attached relationship. Before some other guy did.
Ariel went behind Kristy and stood on tiptoes, looking over Kristy’s shoulder at the phone screen. Ariel, dressed in baggy pants and a flowy blue top, hadn’t voiced any objection, apparently letting Kristy decide on the place the two women would live.
He looked around the neat and tidy complex with well-tended lawns, asphalt roadways, and concrete sidewalks. “North Fork is one of the nicer complexes around here. You couldn’t do better.”
Or pay more. But it appeared Kristy was used to the finer things in life, based on her checklist of must-haves. The list included a pool, gym, pets (though she said she didn’t have one), in-unit laundry, patio or balcony (he’d steered her to an upper floor with a balcony because it was safer), covered parking, and Wi-Fi. The complex had it all, but for at least a hundred dollars a month more than less amenity-filled developments.
“Do you know anything about leases?” She looked up from the phone screen, and the sunlight amplified the blue of her eyes.
“Can’t say I do. Isn’t your dad a lawyer?” He’d done some checking on state senator Sam Winslow.
He watched as she bit her lip, bringing out a red hue.
“Looks straightforward enough.”
No help from the father, he guessed.
“When are you planning to move in? I might be able to help.” It was the only thing he could think of to assure he saw her again. And yeah, he was desperate.
“Next week, if I can get everything turned on in time.” Her smile lit up the already sunny day. “And that’s so nice of you to offer.”
“Really nice.” Ariel nudged her elbow into Kristy’s side.
“If you give me a few days’ notice, I can see if I can get another pair or two of muscles to help out.” He’d helped a lot of his friends move. Time they returned the favor.
“Will your sister be able to spare you?”
Was she looking for a reason to say no? Because being a delivery guy for his sister’s floral shop was not exactly how he’d like Kristy to think of him. “I help her when I can while I wait for the training to begin.”
“You got accepted?” She seemed surprised.
Made him wonder if she thought he had a future beyond delivering flowers. “I’m close. Passed all my tests, including polygraph and psychological. Guess I fooled them.” He winked.
She blushed, her rosy cheeks reminding him of ripe peaches.
“I’m just waiting to hear it’s official.” Picking up work from Junie and helping out his other sister, Lexi, at the ranch when needed, he’d felt like he was doing the doggie paddle in the ocean. Keeping his head above water but not making progress. Knowing he’d be going to the police academy would mean progress.
And a date with Kristy would be progress. But the vibe she was giving off was clearly a friends-only one. Maybe she just wasn’t that into him.
He shifted his gaze to Ariel. She was cute, but he didn’t feel the spark he felt when he looked at Kristy.
“As soon as they accept this signed lease, I should be able to text you a move-in date.”
“You didn’t ask my price.” What did he have to lose?
“Oh. You have a price?” She looked stunned.
“Dinner after for the guys that help. There’s a nice Mexican restaurant near here.”
Her face relaxed. “We like Mexican.” She looked at Ariel, as if seeking confirmation.
Ariel nodded.
He’d have to at least buy Ariel a drink for agreeing. “Then it’s a deal.” And he’d have to figure something else out to keep on seeing her. It was too early to give up. And she agreed to dinner, so there was that.
***
Rusty fingered his shot glass of Jack Daniels and leaned across one of Smokey’s iconic wood tables, dotted with multiple cigarette burns and a few initials carved in its surface. “So, guys, I need your help.”
Three cowboy hats bobbed as heads looked up from their various drinks.
“What’s cooking?” said the guy in the black hat.
Rusty could always count on Colby Johnson to start the conversation. The other two just waited for Rusty to answer the question.
“I need some muscle to help two lovely young women move on Friday. Anyone want to help? A dinner at Tex Mex is part of the deal.” The boys did like to eat, as evidenced by the huge plate of nachos and fried onion rings Charlene had just set before them.
“How lovely?” Mel, a cowboy who worked for Cort, took a draw on his beer.
“Mighty fine, but the one named Kristy is off limits.”
Rusty’s longtime friend Stetson chuckled. “So you offered to help this Kristy move in because you want to get in her bed? And you want us to help.”
“I want to get to know her better…”
“In the biblical way, of course.” Stetson could certainly be annoying.
“In every way.” No denying he was attracted to Kristy, but it was more than just for a roll in the hay. There was something about her that had him looking forward to seeing her, even if it was just to spend time with her. “And yes, I’m hoping you guys will help. I’ve helped you out a time or two.”
Colby placed his elbows on the table and leaned in. “Where did you meet this Kristy?”
“I was doing some work for Junie. Kristy’s an event planner and was looking to connect with a florist in the area. What does it matter?”
“You said two women. What’s the friend like?” Mel asked.
“Tamara’s not interested anymore?”
Mel had been hooking up with Rusty’s old high school girlfriend, but Tamara had a way of ghosting someone, as Rusty knew all too well.
Mel shrugged.
“Her name is Ariel, and she’s a pretty little blonde who is an event designer. The two are in charge of expanding the business to Gillette, and I thought we should give them a good western welcome.”
“How many floors?” Stetson, being a firefighter, was his practical self and getting the facts first.
“They’re moving onto the second floor in the North Fork apartments.”
Colby let out a whistle. “Nice apartments. I once shacked up there with a very pretty buckle bunny looking for some action.”
Being a team roper, Colby pretty much got action at every rodeo, if he was to be believed. At close to Rusty’s height, a muscular build, a full head of blond hair and an outgoing personality, Rusty didn’t doubt Colby.
“She must have money, so why isn’t she paying someone to move her?”
“I don’t know if she’s got money or why she isn’t paying someone. And I don’t care. I just want to help her. So can I count on you or not?”
Colby shifted back in his seat. “I’ve got to be in Montana by Friday for a rodeo. You know summer is the busiest time for a rodeo rider.”
“Mel?” Rusty hoped one of them could help.
“I’d have to see if Cort can spare me. If you can fix it with him, I’m in.”
Cort and Lexi owed Rusty for helping them out as much as he did. “I’ll fix it. Stetson?”
“I can probably give you a hand. I’m off shift at three o’clock and can head on over. Did you apply yet for the firefighter position? It closes soon. Training starts September 1.”
“Not yet. I’m hoping the police position will come through since I passed the exams. I spent time getting a criminal justice degree, so I’d like to put it to use.” From the moment he’d left the air force, his plan had been to become a police officer. It was what a lot of veterans did, and it seemed to fit his skill set, at least on paper. He’d have to adjust to civilian regulations, of course.
“I know, but consider this. When you become an officer, you’re going to be handing out traffic tickets, arresting criminals, and doing a whole lot of paperwork. As a firefighter, you’ll be saving lives and property. At least most times. Wouldn’t you be able to use more of your air force training fighting fires? Plus, you don’t get shot at.”
“You think there is nothing greater than being a firefighter.” Rusty admired Stetson’s loyalty to his profession.
“Yup, and you’ll see I’m right eventually.”
“I propose a toast to Rusty passing all those exams.” Mel held up his beer glass.
The others followed, and Rusty held up his shot glass. The requisite clinking ensued.
“Thanks, guys. And thanks, Mel and Stetson, for helping out, but no thanks to you, Colby.” Rusty understood why Colby couldn’t help, but nothing said he had to let his friend know that.
Colby looked aggrieved. “I’ve got to make a living and help the stock business, and the only way is winning rodeos. The more rodeos, the more I make. And I’m determined this year to make it to the National Finals.”
“You say that every year,” Stetson reminded him.
“And one of these years, it’s going to come true so I can spend December in Las Vegas instead of the mountains.”
Colby had moved to Gillette with his mother and brothers when his parents divorced while he was in high school. But the boys had all been born in Colorado, and the brothers had inherited the family ranch in southern Colorado when Colby’s father, who apparently had a lot of issues, health and otherwise, passed away. Colby’s oldest brother ran the ranch and had turned it into a mildly successful rodeo stock company, and the rest of his brothers toured the rodeo circuit together and helped support the stock company in its developing stage. When they could, the boys stopped in Gillette to see their mom, but Colby now officially made his home in the Snowy Mountains of Wyoming, even buying a house there despite being part owner of the bucking-horse business in southern Colorado.
“Do you ever get to stay in that house in the Rockies, what with the rodeos and the ranch business?” Stetson asked.
“Occasionally. And in the meantime, I rent it out on a short-term rental site. I make enough money doing that to pay the mortgage, and if I ever stop rodeoing, it will be like an annuity. Not to mention it’s beautiful country up there.”
Rusty tipped his glass. “To beautiful country and beautiful women.”