Howdy, Ma'am Read online

  Until now.

  “What kind of pictures do you take?” He shifted his weight onto one long leg.

  “What kind of pic...pictures do you...you need?” Damn, why am I acting like a school girl?

  “A lot of them.” He removed his hat and shoved his fingers through his thick, sable-colored hair. Soft locks fell over his collar in the back. His spark-blue eyes brightened without the shade of the hat’s brim. The man’s long, dark eyelashes, fanning out over his eyes, oozed a sexy charm onto his entire face. What woman wouldn’t dream of natural lashes like his?

  Velia’s gaze flooded over him. She couldn’t stop peering at his attractive looks—his deep, provocative eyes, chiseled cheekbones, full lips. Yes, his full, rosy, inviting lips. He must have been at least six feet two. It caused her to stand straighter so her five-feet-six-inch body didn’t look so short next to him. Guessing at his height rang in her ear and reminded her of a poem, six foot two, eyes of blue—

  “How long have you been in the business?” He leaned his elbows on the counter, his handsome face even closer now.

  She walked to the window and stared outside. “Awhile.” An ivory-colored Escalade sat in the front of her shop. “Your SUV?”

  He sauntered over and stood close beside her. “If you’re talking about the Cadillac out there then, yep, it’s mine.”

  Staring out the window, she detected his musky scent, intense and sultry in its own way. A smell that spoke man, him, and it filtered through her senses like fragrant heat. The jingle of his phone jarred her out of her thoughts.

  “Excuse me while I take this.” He headed for the door but turned before exiting. “Be right back.” He winked before exiting.

  She took a deep breath, realizing something about him almost knocked her off her feet. He stood, looking across the top of his SUV as he talked. She studied his length again, noticing how good his jeans fit. When he turned in her direction and leaned against the vehicle, her stare moved to the buttons on his plaid shirt, over to the cuffs turned up a couple rolls. His forearms were ripped with muscle. He wore a large silver belt buckle, the hot Tucson sun reflecting off it, as it pressed against his flat abdomen. She raised her eyes to find him peering at her through the window, a sexy smirk on his lips.

  He came inside after his call and strolled over to the desk. Her heart thumped a little harder than usual while her gaze remained on his tight rump. Ooohh! Once she knew drool wouldn’t run down her chin, she joined him at the counter. “Seriously, what kind of photos are you looking for? For yourself? A wedding? Your children?”

  “No wedding for me and…” He glanced toward the floor…”no children.” He lifted his eyes. “I’m looking for someone to travel with me and photograph my season in bull riding. You don’t write, do ya?”

  “I’ve written before.”

  “No, I mean this is serious. Apparently, you don’t know who I am. Have you ever watched bull riding?”

  “No, I can’t say I have. It’s not a big thing in Chicago.” She surveyed him, trying to place his handsome face but to no avail.

  He pulled a folded paper from his pocket, straightened it out and tossed it to the desk. “That’s me they’re talking about. I need publicity. Think you can do it?”

  “Follow me.” Velia led him to a set of computers on another desk toward the back of the shop. “Sit.”

  She clicked a couple icons on her desktop. “My online portfolio for your inspection.” She showed him pictures and articles from her travel photography days, the newest photos since she opened her shop, and some candid shots she took of anything she liked. Creative photography was her specialty where she used her own creativity to set up a shot, or even better with nature’s beauty. Then she brought up videos and photos of wild horses running free in the desert, her more recent work.

  “Chicago, huh?” His stare was direct.

  “Chicago bred.”

  “That’s it. You’re hired if you want the job.” He continued looking at the portfolio. “Don’t look like you came from Chicago or anywhere in the U.S.”

  “My linage is Italian, but I was raised here.”

  “I can tell.”

  “What do you mean you can tell? By the way I take pictures?”

  “Your skin tone.” He shifted in the seat and faced her. “There’s something about your exotic, mysterious eyes.” He grinned seductively.

  His smile impressed her beyond words. The fleeting moment of excitement caught her off guard. When his gaze lingered on her eyes, she blinked, and her lashes fluttered involuntarily. She inhaled, reaching for a breath of air before speaking. “You said I have the job?”

  “Sure, you’re perfect.” He scanned her solid frame from her toes to her rounded hips, up to her full breasts, and back to her face. “In every way.”

  “Ah, when did I apply?” She glanced at his thigh pressed against her knee. “The horses did it?” Velia scooted her chair to the side before her skin burned.

  Again, he looked straightforward into her eyes. “The horses—and other things.”

  He smelled so good she wanted to run her nose along the curve of his neck and inhale all of him in. And she hadn’t wanted to do something even close to that in a long time.

  “You’re good. But can you leave?”

  “I opened about six months ago. I’m still new in town. Why would I have to leave my shop?”

  “It pays a lot of money. Can you handle a lot of money?”

  “I can handle a lot of money… But why would I have to leave?” Can’t he hear? She had to ask twice.

  “You need to travel with me. You’re apparently used to traveling.”

  “I have prior engagements to take care of. I’ve already been paid half of my fee for some upcoming shoots. I have to take care of things before I do anything.” She twirled some ringlets of hair around her finger. “What, are you crazy thinking I can pick up and ride off with you?”

  “Well, ma’am, it might be kind of nice if you rode off with me. You know what they say about riding off into the sunset?” He snickered. “You have to admit, the sunsets here are pretty nice.” He swept his hair back from his eyes and grinned.

  Velia rolled her eyes to the ceiling then cleared her throat. She stood.

  “Seriously, the season starts in February. I’d expect you there throughout the season which runs to November.”

  “Almost a year?”

  He stood beside her and plopped his hat atop his head. “Yep. Nine months, almost a year if you count now.”

  Velia appraised him. Lord, to imagine photographing this man for a year. Her mind already whirled, her imagination running wild with anticipation, with, with… She pictured his bulging pectorals sweaty and pumped. “Umm...can I think about it for a few days?”

  “You got time.”

  “How’d you find me? I mean, for the record.”

  “Hey, stopped to get a tire fixed on the way to the Catalina Foothills. Saw your sign. It’s a whim.” He smirked. “Or destiny.”

  “Okay.” She had a hard time removing her eyes from his face, and his overwhelming smile was addictive. Facial hair was either intended to be the scruffy look, or he hadn’t shaved in a day. She’d find out sooner or later if she accepted his offer.

  “Do you have a business card, a way to get in touch with you?” He stuck his hands in his front pockets and stood straight, moving back and forth from heels to his toes.

  She pointed to a stack on the desk in a carved wooden box.

  He picked up a couple and tipped his hat. “I’ll call ya in a few days.” He turned and walked toward the door. Before leaving, he touched the tip of his hat and nodded. “Be talking to you soon.” He looked at the name on the card. “Mrs. Armano.”

  “It’s Ms. Armano.”

  “Oh, Ms, huh. One of those women’s libbers?” He chuckled, glancing up at her.

  “I prefer independent woman who can make it on her own. Lucky for you I’d say if I decide to accept your offer.”

&n
bsp; “I see. Well, good day to ya, ma’am.”

  Velia situated herself so she could watch him walk to his car. “Sure is a handsome specimen of man, even if he is a cowboy.” She smiled as she thought about how long it had been since a man struck her as he did—a very long time. “I do declare! I have feelings again.”

  * * *

  At home while eating dinner, Velia listened to her favorite music on her Blu-ray Player. It didn’t take long to get used to eating alone and she didn’t mind. Alone she could enjoy her favorite music, favorite wine without fear of being poked fun at, or fear of one of her disks being broken if Justin didn’t like what she played.

  She got used to a lot of things alone.

  Once in awhile she would go to an opera or play, an art institute, or even a movie on her own—things she loved. It was easy to purchase a single ticket over trying to find two at times. She toned down her attire and traded a long dress for a stylish black jacket and straight pants when she went alone. Diamond earrings and necklace decked it all up as did her sparkly black heels. With no partner’s arm to cling to, she didn’t care, for she accepted the fact she looked spellbinding. She saw how other women envied her while their dates gawked.

  There were chances to date in the past six months. She met many men at the weddings she shot and single fathers who brought their children in for pictures. Some became persistent even, so she wore her wedding ring at times to fend them off. Soon she would be divorced and it would all be over. There would be plenty of time to date. She was only thirty-two years old. Her whole life lay ahead of her.

  She wanted to take another trip to Italy to see her young cousins. One day she would have them come home with her and visit, or maybe go to college when they got older. But the wound of losing their mother was still too new. She wanted to be available, to be a shoulder for them to cry on.

  It was difficult being so far away from everything she loved. But here, she had Edward and Alice and her work. And now it seems she might have a cowboy to follow around. “A cowboy? I’m a city girl…What will I do with a cowboy?”

  Then her thoughts drifted back to the cowboy who sauntered in like he owned Tucson. “I didn’t even get his name.” She slapped her palm against her forehead. “How come I didn’t ask his name?” It was scrawled across the flyer he tossed on the desk, but she didn’t pay any attention. She went to her laptop and typed in rodeo stars for the current year. Google had a slew of links. “How do I find him out of all these?” Clicking on images brought even more results. “Mm, che belli cowboys!” While browsing all the handsome guys, she also examined the action photos and knew she could do as well or better. Wait. He said bull riding not rodeo. Again, her thoughts went back to his request—to travel with him for almost a year. She fanned herself with the newspaper. “Can my heart take so much manliness? For a whole year?”

  She wanted to take another trip to Italy to see her young cousins. One day she would have them come home with her and visit, or maybe go to college when they got older. But the wound of losing their mother was still too new. She wanted to be available, to be a shoulder for them to cry on.

  It was difficult being so far away from everything she loved. But here, she had Edward and Alice and her work. And now it seems she might have a cowboy to follow around. “A cowboy? I’m a city girl…What will I do with a cowboy?”

  Then her thoughts drifted back to the cowboy who sauntered in like he owned Tucson. “I didn’t even get his name.” She slapped her palm against her forehead. “How come I didn’t ask his name?” It was scrawled across the flyer he tossed on the desk, but she didn’t pay any attention. She went to her laptop and typed in rodeo stars for the current year. Google had a slew of links. “How do I find him out of all these?” Clicking on images brought even more results. “Mm, che belli cowboys!” While browsing all the handsome guys, she also examined the action photos and knew she could do as well or better. Wait. He said bull riding not rodeo. Again, her thoughts went back to his request—to travel with him for almost a year. She fanned herself with the newspaper. “Can my heart take so much manliness? For a whole year?”

  Chapter Three

  Two days later, Velia’s office phone rang. Of course it always rang when she used the bathroom. By time she got to it, it stopped. She waited for a voice mail indicator. As soon as it flashed, she dialed. “Oh my!” She listened intently as the man on the phone said, “Howdy, ma’am,” and he was sorry he missed her. He would call back. “Caulder.” She put the phone down. “The name fits him.” She stomped her foot on the tiled floor. “Damn, damn!” She still hadn’t made her decision. Like he said, she had time. Time was running out though—only another couple months.

  * * *

  After shopping, Alice stopped in and brought Velia a tall coffee from Starbucks. “Have a seat, Alice, and I’ll join you in a moment.” Velia thought about her schedule. Unfortunately, she had scheduled gigs past a few more months, but work is always a good thing. Or she thought at the time. How’d she know a lanky cowboy would walk off the street and offer the job of a lifetime?

  “Thank you for the coffee.” She went to the file cabinet and looked through the applications. A young guy applied for an apprentice position not long ago. “Well, I don’t hire apprentices.”

  “What was that, dear?”

  “Oh, I’m thinking out loud again.” She filed the application in the file drawer. “Oooh, this is when I could use a secretary.” She no sooner said the words, and she found it tucked back in between some other applications. She said to Alice, “A while ago someone came in looking for a job.”

  Velia took the application to her desk, read through it, and then called him. He accepted the interview. “It might work.” She tapped her fingernails on the table. It was at this point she admitted to herself she would indeed like to travel around with that young attractive man. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. Of course there would have to be some ground rules put in place. Velia set out to make a list of questions for this fine-looking cowboy named Caulder, who, of all things, rode a smelly bull.

  Alice thumbed through a photo album of Velia’s photographs. “I don’t know what it is, but whatever is making you smile, you need more.”

  She sat with Alice and made her list as she talked, conveniently ignoring her comment. “Looks like things might be changing around here.”

  “Well, dear, if you need to hire help, it must be a good thing.” Alice finished her decaf coffee and tossed the cup in the trash. “I see you’re busy so I’ll be on my way. Edward will want lunch.”

  Velia’s mind wasn’t focused on what Alice said, but she mumbled farewell and continued with her task. After all, she missed traveling, and the thought of going on the road again consumed her at the moment. She cherished the peace and quiet of her life. And she still waited for her divorce to be final. Maybe she should not take off at this time until the marriage officially ended. She needed a real friend right now. Too much time had passed, and Jessica must be worried. She dialed her old best friend’s number.

  After her conversation with Jessica, it almost seemed like time hadn’t passed by. Some quiet moments hung over their conversation, even a sense of being uncomfortable. “Maybe it’s true and you really can’t go back.” She tapped her pen on the paper and wondered if she would call her again.

  While she composed interview questions, her lawyer called. “The court date is finally set. Justin is looking forward to this. According to his lawyer, he can’t wait to start his new life.”

  “I wouldn’t trust anything he said. Is there a way to do this without being there? I already left him everything he could want. I took hardly anything.”

  “You should be there. Don’t let him know your fear. You’re the one who won here because you are safe. Don’t let him bully you anymore.”

  “Sure, easy for you to say, Lonnie.”

  “I’ll be with you, Velia. It’s time you start over, too. Do what you love. Treat yourself. The l
ast miserable chapter in your life is nearly over.”

  The sign she waited for? She would take the job with cowboy Caulder something-or-other. Maybe she was crazy. She glanced around the office and gazed at the name on her business cards. Could she ever come back to this small place after traveling nearly a year with him? “Time would have the deciding vote.”

  Alice invited her for dinner when she arrived home. All the fresh vegetables sat on the table and they started making a salad together. Nonchalantly, she released the news as she tore lettuce to bits. “I have a new job offer.”

  “So that’s what kept your attention while I visited. Do tell, dear.” Alice put an onion in a small chopper. “If it looks like I’m crying, I’m not you know. Edward buys the cryinist onions I’ve ever chopped.”

  “I know, but this salad will be so good.”

  “About your job offer?”

  “I don’t know exactly what to do about it, or what to do with my lovely apartment if I take it.”

  “We’ll hold your place for you. After having you for a renter, how could we ever get anyone else?”

  “What the hell do you mean get somebody else? Where’s our Velia going?” Edward walked in on the end of the conversation.

  “Well, I’m about to find out if you ever stop asking questions.”

  Edward took a carrot and sat at the table with his newspaper. Velia glanced at him, smiling, knowing he pretended not to listen.

  “The other day a man came into the shop and offered me a job following him around and shooting him.”

  “Shooting him!” Edward looked up from his paper.

  “Pictures, Edward. The woman is a photographer.”

  “Yes, Edward, he came in all tall and lean, wearing a cowboy hat, and asked if I wanted to follow him around and photograph a season in his life.”

  “Well that sounds fishy. Who the hell is this guy, did he say?”

  Velia tore more lettuce while Alice turned the fried chicken. “I didn’t get his full name, but he’s a cowboy, a bull rider.”