Should've Been a Cowboy (15 page)

“No.” Crystal had pestered him to go on a cruise, but he’d resisted because the ones she’d suggested looked like one big party to him.

“I have, about ten years ago, for the hell of it. The staff was a fun bunch, and I’m sure Tyler’s personality fits right in. She’s found her niche.”

“I’m sure you’re right. I have no intention of trying to change her mind about that, either. I—”

“Okay, I’m staying here,” Tyler announced as she came back into the kitchen. “You’re right that she’s adamant about that, and I don’t want to argue with a hormonal pregnant lady. I’m afraid if I go out there she’ll be so upset with me that she might go into real labor.”

“Wise decision.” Sarah patted her arm. “I promise to keep you informed, but I’m guessing it will be a quiet day out at Gabe’s. Maybe I’ll trick Morgan into telling me what she’s having.” She glanced over at Alex. “But promise that you or one of the boys will call and give me updates on how the sales are going.”

“You bet. Let’s hope your cell phone rings off the hook.”

“That would be wonderful. By the way, I rounded up some umbrellas and left them by the front door. Tyler, you should use one for sure when you go outside. I’d hate to see you ruin your outfit and your hair walking through the rain.”

“Thanks. I’ll grab one on the way out.”

“Okay, I’m off.” As Sarah left the kitchen, she narrowly missed bumping into Watkins, who came barreling in toting his guitar in a case.

His face was ruddy with excitement, but he took one look at Tyler and his smile sagged. He set down his guitar case with a thud. “Dang, Alex. I don’t have the clothes for this.”

Tyler looked crestfallen. “It’s too much, isn’t it? I was afraid of that, but I—”

“No, no,” Watkins said. “You’re beautiful in that outfit. Folks will love it. You look like a star. Whereas I’m just going to look like an old cowboy.”

“Which is exactly how you’re supposed to look, Watkins,” Mary Lou said. “Have you ever heard that expression ‘fade into the background’?”

Watkins smoothed his mustache with nervous fingers. “’Course I have.”

“That’s your job. Play a little guitar and fade into the background. You don’t want rhinestones flickering all over your buns, calling attention to yourself. Tyler’s the one they’re supposed to look at.”

Watkins nodded. “I suppose that’s right.” He gazed at Mary Lou. “I remember a time when you used to wear rhinestones, Lou-Lou.”

“Watkins, for heaven’s sake! Don’t start with that Lou-Lou nonsense.” And Mary Lou blushed.

Alex stared at her in shocked surprise. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her blush. Could it be that once upon a time, Mary Lou and Watkins…nah, probably not. He had sex on the brain.

And an event to get into gear. “All right, then. I was thinking the two of you could use the living room as a practice space, if that sounds okay.”

Tyler glanced at Watkins. “I’m fine with that, if Watkins is. By the way, is Watkins your first name or your last name?”

“That’s his last name,” Mary Lou said. “He doesn’t like people using his first name. I happen to know it, because we…well, never mind. I just happen to know it.”

“And I’d appreciate you keeping that information to yourself, Lou-Lou.”

“You keep calling me Lou-Lou, and I’ll make a general announcement of your first name. I’m sure there are a lot of people working here who have no idea what it is.”

“I’m happy to call you Watkins, then.” Tyler exchanged a glance with Alex that said plainly she was thinking the same thing he was. Mary Lou and Watkins had a past.

Alex consulted his watch. “I’ll start setting up the sound system in the tractor barn. I’ll call you when I have it ready for you to test.”

“In case it slipped your mind,” Watkins said, “I don’t carry one of those cell-phone contraptions.”

“I know. I’ll just call the house.”

“Better yet,” Tyler said, “call my cell. That’s simpler.”

He looked over at her. “Okay. What’s your number?” As she gave it to him, he added it to his list of contacts. It was a dangerous thing to do because now he’d have something he’d never allowed himself before—a way to connect with her once she’d left.

“You should give me yours.” She held her phone poised, ready to record the numbers.

As he recited the information, he wondered if she realized the significance of putting these numbers into their respective phones. She could always erase it after she left, of course. So could he. But he knew he wouldn’t erase it and he’d bet money she wouldn’t, either.

She saved the number and glanced up. “All set. Watkins, let’s go into the living room and make some music.”

Watkins picked up his guitar case. “I’m right behind you.”

After they were gone, Alex couldn’t resist turning to Mary Lou. “What was that all about?”

“Nothing.” She looked at least ten years younger than she had a few minutes ago.

“Oh, yes, it was. It was something.”

“Oh, we had a little flirtation years back.”

“Uh-huh.” Alex was fascinated. The longer he lived at the Last Chance, the more layers he uncovered. “And?”

“And he wanted to marry me. I have no intention of marrying anyone. Fun and games are fine, but I don’t intend to sign some legal document. So he got all bent out of shape, and that was the end of that.”

Alex took note of the new sparkle in Mary Lou’s eyes. “I’m not so sure it is the end.”

“It is. He had to just forget about me.” She met his gaze. “The same way you’ll have to forget about Tyler.”

“Hmm.” Guitar chords drifted through the house, followed by Tyler singing the opening lines of “Annie’s Song.”

“I love that tune,” Mary Lou said.

“Yeah, me, too.”

“Watkins used to sing it to me.” Mary Lou cleared her throat. “Well, I have stuff to do.”

“So do I. I think maybe I’ll go out the back way so I don’t disturb them.”

“I think I’ll close the kitchen door so they don’t disturb
me.
”

Alex nodded. “Good idea.” As he left the house, he heard the pocket door between the kitchen and the main dining room close with a decisive thump. Mary Lou wasn’t about to let that song get to her. And neither was he.

14

TYLER HAD THOUGHT maybe Alex would stick around to hear a number or two. If for no other reason, he should want to know whether she and Watkins sounded okay together. So maybe she’d also wanted him to watch her perform when she had musical backup and wasn’t walking down a muddy road in wet, wrinkled clothes. Maybe she’d wanted to show off a little.

But Alex had left the building. She wasn’t even sure if he liked her outfit. He hadn’t made a comment until after Mary Lou had sort of shamed him into it. Then she had an unpleasant thought. Maybe Crystal used to dress in flashy clothes. Tyler wouldn’t doubt it.

So maybe Alex wouldn’t want to know that she was rethinking her entire future. He might not care that Mary Lou’s suggestion of building a permanent stage on the property had given Tyler the germ of an idea that might change everything.

She pushed the idea to the back of her mind while she concentrated on rehearsing with Watkins, who turned out to be a very talented guitar player and a decent backup singer. They discovered several country tunes they both knew, and then Watkins taught her “Song of Wyoming.”

“That should satisfy Jack,” she said after making it through without flubbing any of the lyrics. “He wanted me to sing a Wyoming song.”

“That’s a good one.” Watkins strummed his guitar. “You do a nice job with it, too. Ever recorded anything?”

“Oh, some of us who perform on board made a CD we sell to the passengers, but otherwise, no.”

“I wouldn’t mind trying it sometime, but then, I don’t know who would buy it.”

“If Alex keeps holding these events and you keep playing, you might build a fan base.”

Watkins shrugged. “I was thinking more of you and me recording something, but then, I guess you’ll be leaving.”

“Yeah.” Tyler thought about the brainstorm she’d had earlier. If it became a reality, it could lead to her doing many future gigs with Watkins. “Let me ask you something.”

“Shoot.”

“Other than the Fourth of July celebration, does Shoshone host any other community events?”

“Not especially. Everybody decorates for Christmas, but that’s about it. Why?”

“Because I think there’s a missed opportunity here. It’s a great little town, with the Spirits and Spurs, and the Shoshone Diner, and the Bunk and Grub, and the Last Chance, of course. I could see a country music festival doing well.”

Watkins’s eyebrows lifted. “You think?”

“I do. And maybe another time, an antique-car show. And entertainment would be a part of that, too, of course.”

“I like looking at those old cars all polished up.” Watkins idly picked out a few notes on his guitar. “Hey, what about one of those historical-reenactment groups? And the townspeople could get into it, and dress up like in days of the Old West.”

“Exactly!” Tyler’s excitement grew as she saw Watkins warm to the idea. “And maybe a winter festival with an ice-sculpting contest.”

“And a snowshoe race, and sleigh rides. I think there’s an old sleigh around here someplace. A few other folks might have a sleigh tucked away in a barn.”

“I love the idea of sleigh rides. So romantic.” She shouldn’t be picturing riding in a sleigh with Alex, but she couldn’t help it.

“But I don’t know who would organize all that.” Watkins frowned. “It’s hard enough to get the Fourth of July stuff together. Most folks don’t have the time.”

“But it would be so worth it. It would bring more visitors to the town, which would be good for business, including the Last Chance.”

Watkins nodded. “I can see that. But like I said, nobody has the time to organize it.”

“Well, the merchants would have to get together and hire someone.”

His gaze sharpened. “You wouldn’t have someone in mind, would you?”

“Uh, I’m not sure. I’m just thinking out loud.”

“That’s a lot of thinking for someone who’s planning to vamoose the middle of next week.”

She gazed at him and hoped he was the strong, silent type with an emphasis on the silent part. “I’m thinking of making a change, but I don’t want people to know that yet.”

“By people, do you mean Alex?”

“Well, him, but everybody, really. I just got this idea, and I don’t… I’m just not sure if it’s the right move. I especially wouldn’t want my sister to get wind of it and start hoping I’ll move here.”

“I can keep quiet. But let me say this. If you end up sticking around, then you and me, we need to record something. I know a guy in Jackson who has a little studio. I haven’t felt quite ready to go there, but I like the way we sound together. I’d be ready if you went with me.”

His expression was so hopeful that she almost promised him that she’d stick around, but she controlled the urge. She had to think about this some more. The idea of putting down roots, of creating an actual home, was sounding better the more she considered it. But Alex was a huge part of the equation, and there was no point in pretending that he wasn’t. He was a key element, and she wasn’t sure how he’d react to all this.

Her phone chimed and his number came up. If she kept his number in her phone, she’d assign it a ringtone. Ha. There was no
if
about it. No matter what happened in the next few days, she would keep his number saved on her phone.

She did her best to project breeziness when she answered. “Hey, there. How’s everything shaping up?”

“I’m ready for you.”

She gulped. Surely he hadn’t said that. Spoken in his seductive radio voice, the words were guaranteed to fire up her libido.

He cleared his throat. “Let me rephrase that.”

“Please do.”

“The equipment is set up. You can come anytime.”

“You might want to rephrase that, too.”

A gusty sigh came over the line. “Damn it, Tyler.”

“Easy there, big boy. Don’t lose your sense of humor. We’ll be there in a few.” She disconnected the phone and smiled brightly at Watkins. “Let’s go.”

“All righty.” He opened his guitar case and settled his instrument inside. “I have to admit that I was a little worried about how this would turn out, but now I’m really looking forward to it.”

“So am I.” Like a fool, she still hoped Alex would catch her act and discover that he…what? Tyler took a deep breath. She might as well admit that she was falling for the guy. Shoot, she’d started falling for him last August, and this trip only confirmed that he had a hold on her. She’d like him to be in the same condition.

“You might want to take one of those umbrellas,” Watkins said as they walked toward the front door.

In her preoccupation with Alex, she’d been ready to walk out the door without one, but she quickly remedied that. “How about you?”

“I’ll be fine. It’s not raining much anymore.”

They stepped out on the porch and she could see that was true. Still, she’d spent time on her hair, so she’d use the umbrella.

On the way to the tractor barn Watkins talked about country artists he admired. She listened with half an ear while she continued to think about Alex. She couldn’t blame him for being on edge. He was incredibly attracted to a woman he thought would leave him.

Up until recently, she’d thought she would, too. But the idea of settling down in Shoshone was growing on her. She was beginning to feel as if she belonged here, and these people, unlike the crew and passengers of the ship, wouldn’t be leaving after a few months.

Alex could tip the scales if she knew for certain that he wanted her to stay. But he obviously saw things in her that reminded him of Crystal, and he’d already said he didn’t want to make another mistake. Unfortunately, she was running out of time. If she truly intended to leave her job with the cruise line, she should tell her boss immediately and offer to train a replacement.

“What do you think of Martina McBride?” Watkins asked.

Tyler dragged herself back to the present and Watkins, her new BFF. “I like her style.”

“I think you sound a little bit like her.”

“That’s a nice compliment, Watkins. Thanks.” She hoped talking to Watkins about her new plan hadn’t been a terrible mistake. He wouldn’t blab it to anyone, but he might be crushed if she changed her mind.

But maybe she wouldn’t have to change her mind. Maybe everything would work out and there would be a fairy-tale ending. Telling herself that, she walked through the large double doors of the tractor barn.

She spotted Alex standing on a wooden stage at the far end of the building talking to Jack, Emmett and a cowboy she didn’t recognize. There was no doubt he was a cowboy, though. He had the long-legged, broad-shouldered build of the breed and the requisite jeans, boots, yoked shirt and hat.

But then, so did Alex. He’d obviously retrieved his gray Stetson from where he’d left it in the horse barn the night before. He fit right in with the other three cowboys standing up on the stage.

Watching Alex deep in conversation with the other men, Tyler felt a glow of pride. He’d been knocked around emotionally by a cheating wife, but he’d come out here and rebuilt his life. She admired him for that, but there was more going on in her heart than simple admiration. She’d fallen in love with the guy.

That would be great if she knew for sure that he loved her back, but she didn’t. He wanted her, but that wasn’t the same thing. She was excited about her idea for making a living here in Shoshone, but if Alex didn’t return her love, she’d be better off cruising the world until she got over him.

“I wonder who that guy is,” Watkins said. “He looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t quite place him.”

“Maybe he’s an early arrival for the open house.”

“Maybe.”

“Let’s go find out.” Tyler glanced around the barn. “And after we get introduced and do a sound check, I want to see if I can brighten up this place.”

“We don’t have much time left. Only about an hour.”

“A lot can happen in an hour.” A lot could happen in two minutes. Two minutes ago she hadn’t admitted to herself that she was head over heels in love with the tall cowboy in the gray Stetson. Now she had, and that changed everything.

ALEX KNEW THE MINUTE Tyler walked into the barn, although he continued to talk to the others as if he hadn’t noticed her. She belonged on a stage gleaming with footlights and draped in velvet curtains, not here in a tractor barn on a rough plywood platform. As much as he might selfishly want her to stay, she didn’t belong in Shoshone, Wyoming. Her outfit underscored that with agonizing finality.

As she approached the stage, he excused himself and walked over to make sure she could navigate the crude steps in her high-heeled boots without tripping. He held out a supporting hand and she took it with a smile that burrowed deep into his heart. God, how he was going to miss the warmth of her touch, the lilt of her voice and that incredible smile.

“Thank you.” She released his hand as she took the last step up to the rustic stage. “This looks great, doesn’t it, Watkins?” She turned back toward the ranch hand as he trudged up the steps carrying his guitar case.

“It’ll work.” Watkins paused to gaze at Alex. “Let me tell you, this woman can sing.”

“I know.”

“I mean, she can
sing.
”

“I believe you.” Apparently Tyler had made a conquest, which didn’t surprise Alex one bit. In a couple of hours she’d make several more when the guests started to arrive. Any guy with eyes and a brain could tell she was exceptional.

Watkins glanced past Alex to the far side of the stage. “Is that Clay Whitaker over there talking to Jack and Emmett?”

“Yep. I guess he used to work here.”

“He did, indeed. Somebody said he came to Jonathan’s funeral, but I must’ve missed him.”

Alex looked over at the group. “He just graduated with a degree in animal science and he thinks Jack should hire him to run a stud program.”

“Well, hallelujah.” Watkins brightened. “I always thought that might be a good idea, but Jack’s dad liked to breed paints the old-fashioned way.”

“So what’s the modern way?” Tyler asked.

She had to ask.
“Artificial insemination,” Alex said, hoping that would end the discussion.