Chapter 23
Brett
I’m furious, to say the least. How dare they not only trespass onto Bailey’s property, but take a photo without consent, then circle her stomach with news of a fake baby story? I swear some of these people are evil.
The phone rings twice as I switch it to speakerphone and answer. “Brett?” My lawyer, Andre Fields, says. “I’ve been trying to call you forever.”
He missed my call just now, but quickly returned it. It makes me feel a little bad I haven’t returned his calls recently.
“I know, and I’m sorry about that. I needed breathing room.”
“I heard you fired Richard, that was probably a smart move. He was a bloodsucking leech.”
I should mention Andre says it like it is. I’ve known him for a long time, and while we aren’t close friends per se, he’s a good guy to have in my corner. He also represented me in court and has a genuine concern for my well-being. For him, it isn’t just about the paycheck.
“Tell me about it. It was long overdue. I guess when someone accuses you of a crime you didn’t commit, you certainly find out who your friends are.”
“No truer words spoken. I’m assuming you weren't calling before to chat about the weather in Wyoming.”
I palm the back of my head. “Ah, you’ve seen the headlines.”
“Apparently you’ve been gone for a week and you already knocked up some local chick, yeah, Mr. Big Time, I saw it.”
“That’s part of the reason why I called.”
“If you want me to bitch slap Benny, I won’t even charge you.”
I laugh, despite myself. “Slap him with a lawsuit unless he prints a retraction, yeah, that would be a good start.”
“It’s already drafted up, that poor girl. Who is she?”
“Someone I feel like I’ve known my whole life,” I say, meaning every word. “I met her here a week ago, and let’s just say things are goin’ really good. In fact, I don’t know if I’m gonna come back.”
“Jesus Christ, Brett,” he mutters. “I know you and matters of the heart, you’re all in. How do you know this woman isn’t just after your money like all the rest?”
“She isn’t some woman, her name is Bailey Owens and I’m in love with her.”
“Jesus fucking Christ.”
“It’s sudden, but she didn’t know who I was until some little shit from Alpine Falls rang TMZ.”
“Find out those kids’ names, that’s a violation of—”
“I’m not suing little kids,” I say. This man is a bulldog, and sometimes I have to remind him to rein it in. “And for the record, Bailey isn’t after my money, she isn’t like that.”
“There you go again. I’ll type up an agreement for her while I’m at it.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” I growl. “Andre, I love you, but sometimes you gotta let me figure some shit out on my own.”
“I don’t mind that, as long as there’s some kind of written agreement.”
I get he cares about me—or cares about getting paid, either one. Deep down in my soul, I knew my past relationships were always gonna fizzle out. I knew when a woman was only into me because of Rock Altman. Not because of the real me. It was all about the money and fame.
Bailey doesn’t have one bone in her body that could make her do something like that. She just isn’t wired that way, and if he thinks that proves I’m stupid, then so be it. I’m not gonna make her do anything…
“I’ll sign anything you want,” Bailey says from behind me.
I spin around, running a hand through my hair when my eyes land on her. “Andre, I gotta go. Send that email today to Benny, remind him why you have the nickname Andre Bulldog Fields while you’re at it.”
I can imagine Andre grinning as he reclines on his leather office chair I bought him as a Christmas gift. “I knew today was gonna be a good day. I’ll text you when it’s done. Also, I think a press conference would be a better angle—”
“I already know what I have to do.”
“Don’t go arranging anything televised before you call me.”
“Of course. Goodbye, Andre.” I hang up on him. “Bails—”
She’s in front of me before I can blink. “Don’t even say it. I know it’s not your fault.”
“That isn’t what I was goin’ to say, but it is my fault. I dragged you into this.”
“You didn’t drag me! What were you going to say?”
“That I understand if this is too much. What that jerk Benny did is inexcusable.”
“It is, and it sounds like you have an excellent lawyer on your side to handle that. One thing I also need to learn is not to be a hothead. It would be easy to go out there and find Benny, hang him up by his coattails in the town square, and throw rotten tomatoes at his head—”
“Vigilante justice? I think Benny could learn a thing or two from you Wyoming girls.”
She smiles softly. “And while I’d like to do just that, I also know that’s exactly the type of publicity that will harm you and bring more scrutiny on me, and we don’t want that.”
“I’m scared,” I tell her honestly. “Scared you’ll read one article too many about me, about yourself, and us, and it’ll be too much. They are ruthless.”
She cups my face, her words deliberate. “I. Don’t. Give. A. Shit. Do you hear that?”
I nod. “Yeah—”
“I love you, Brett Turner slash fucking Rock Altman, and nothing and nobody is gonna keep us away from each other.”
I press a kiss to her forehead. “I love it when you’re fired up.”
“I wasn’t kidding about that shotgun. Just one warning shot would do it.”
“I think we’ll leave the logistics of law enforcement to George for the time being.”
She sighs. “Not a risk taker, are we?”
“Says you who wants to tie Benny up and throw rotten tomatoes at his head.”
“Well, fresh tomatoes would be a waste.”
My lips meet hers and we kiss for a brief moment. I pull back gently and say, “You probably heard, but Andre wants me to do a press conference.”
“I think it’s a good idea. You can say what you need to say, once it’s done, what else will those vultures stick around for? Pictures of me in my Daisy Dukes? I don’t think so.”
I can’t help but smirk. “I’m pretty fond of those little shorts, not that I want anyone else noticin’.”
“Ooh, are you the jealous type?”
“I can be when the need arises.” I wrap my arms around her waist. “I think together we can navigate this whole thing, if you’re willin’?”
Her face softens. My girl scowls a lot, but when it comes to me, I’ve noticed she’s a lot less harsh than she is with everybody else. I like I bring out a different side to her. “Of course I’m willing, dumb-dumb, do you think I’m just doing all of this for kicks?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Good, because we’ve got horses to feed, then their exercise and grooming, and that’s just the start of it.”
“There you go again, bein’ all bossy,” I chuckle.
“Better get used to it, Cowboy, I’m no pushover.”
I grin, letting her go as I take her hand. “Lead the way, Princess. We don’t wanna keep the animals waiting.”
Bailey
Aside from the police presence around the property, today has been a good day. Brett is far enough away from the massive camera lenses to do what he needs to do without being photographed, but we both know this can’t go on forever.
We’re grooming Zeus and Spirit, who I rode over this morning, when a booming male voice sounds through the barn. There always seems to be someone bursting through the doors no matter what.
“Thought I’d find you here.”
Brett straightens, glancing across to the voice. “Well, I’ll be damned. Dale?”
His best friend.
“What? You think you can handle the press without your side-kick? I don’t think so, bud.”
He strides toward us and they pound hug. “What the hell?”
“Like I said, you need someone in your corner so you don’t screw this up.” He glances at me. “Well, hello, ma’am, you must be Bailey.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Uh, yeah, how’d you… oh.”
He grins. With dark hair and brown eyes, he’s tall, handsome, and has a friendly face. He stretches his arm toward me. “I’m Dale.”
We shake. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. So, you’re the woman stealin’ my best friend away from all he holds dear? Now I see why.”
Charming as well. “That’s kind of you to say, but I’m not sure I deserve those accolades. I haven’t even had a taste of what being his girlfriend even looks like.”
Dale smiles when I say ‘girlfriend’. Brett beams at me, then puts his arm around my shoulder.
“She’s a natural. Bossy. Funny. Gorgeous and smart. Not sure I can think of too many reasons I’d want to return home to be honest.”
“Well, that’s certainly a charming thing to say,” a woman huffs, folding her arms over her chest as she stands in the stable doorway.
“Oh, my god, Brianna, what are you doing here?” Brett exclaims.
Brett’s little sister. She looks like him, with similar features, the same eyes, but she’s only about five two. She side eyes me, and before I can blink, she’s spreading her arms wide and folds into my arms for an awkward hug.
“Brianna!” Brett scolds.
“Um, hey,” I say, patting her on the back.
“We never thought B-Dog would find his happiness,” she says, pulling back. “And I’m a hugger, so deal with it.”
Okay, then.
Dale facepalms, and Brett just shakes his head with a grin on his face.
“Didn’t I tell you your sister was coming?” Dale says, almost innocently.
“No,” Brett replies. “You don’t have my parents stashed out there too, do you?”
“No,” Brianna answers for him. “But they’re worried about you, and after seeing the photo of you two, they have questions.”
“I know, I know,” Brett says. “I need to come clean, and deal with the press, and sort my shit out.”
“I can see how well that’s going for you,” Brianna sniffs.
“Where’s Molly?” Brett asks suddenly, then glances at me, “That’s Bri’s little Maltese.”
“Ah.” I nod.
“I left her with Mom and Dad,” she replies. “She’s always a bit iffy with flying.” She glances back to me. “Anyway, Bailey, how are you doin’? I’m glad to see you haven’t run away yet, Brett can be a lot.”
“Well, things were going swell until all the reporters showed up,” I say. “And then they took those photos and said those things.” Well, they’re bound to know because they would’ve seen it.
“Gutter rats,” Brianna sighs. “They’re so rude. The thing that sucks about B-Dog being a celebrity is that he never gets much privacy. Especially back home.”
“That’s okay. Out here in the sticks we can build really high fences, especially when your boss is a lumberjack,” I say.
“I’m gonna go talk to Chuck,” Dale says as he moves away. “Make sure everything is under control.”
“He’s my head of security,” Brett explains. “Thanks, buddy.”
“Anytime.”
“Not lookin’ for a manager's job, are you?” Brett hollers after him. “Apparently, I need a new one.”
“I’m on the case,” Dale yells back.
“So,” Brianna says as soon as Dale has left. “Mom and Dad don’t believe any of the rumors, and I can see you’re clearly not pregnant, but you know how things get misconstrued? I think they kinda deserve a phone call, Bretty.”
“I sent Mom and Dad a message this morning. I’ll call them the second I’m done here,” Brett says. “If you can keep out of trouble for five minutes.”
She links her arm with Bailey’s. “Fine. Me and Bailey have girl stuff to catch up on. I’ve got to fill her in on all your bad habits, annoying traits, and those embarrassing childhood stories I usually save for Christmas morning.”
“Fantastic,” Brett sighs. “I can see this is gonna be one helluva afternoon.”
“I don’t know,” I say. “I like the idea of hearing firsthand what I’m gonna be dealing with.”
Brianna snorts. “Oh, girl, you have no idea.”
I wince, jokingly, of course. “Should I be scared?”
“Terrified,” she laughs. “But seriously, Brett is an amazing brother. And as long as you don’t turn out to be like all the other pretentious, fake, gold digging little climbers—which I’m sure you’re not—we’ll get along just fine.”
Wow, blunt. It kinda reminds me of someone…
“I think I can safely say I’m none of those things,” I reply, giving Brett a side eye. “I care about your brother, and I want him to know that no matter what, I’m here for him. Even when the going gets tough.”
“I love her already,” Brianna exclaims excitedly. “Please tell me we can eat at that weird little grill called The Perky something before we go.”
“Perky Porch,” Brett corrects her. “And truth be told, I’m not sure I’m gonna be goin’ anytime soon, sis. I like it here. I like my home, too, but maybe if you were up for it, you might think about movin’ out to the ranch, I know you’ve outgrown your apartment.”
Her eyes widen. “Holy shit, really?”
“Well, I haven’t exactly discussed it with my girlfriend over here, but I wanna try to make a life between the two places, and I don’t want to sell my home.”
Brianna looks between us both. “Okay, that’s a great idea—the part where I move in. But you two have only just met, how about you slow those horses down just a little? Get to know each other first?”
“That’s a great idea,” I say. “Once those reporters get the hell out of town, maybe we can actually go on a date. The novelty will wear off with the locals soon, and people will go back to normal, I promise.”
Brett leans over and pecks me on the cheek. “Sounds like a deal, but first, I have to actually get rid of the reporters. That might mean physically removing them.”
Brianna grins a little mischievously. “Leave it to me. I’ve got just the thing.”