Authors: Lorelei James
Ainsley snickered. “But I need to ask… Did you bring girlfriends here when you were in high school?”
“Nope. It’s always been my private place. Well, as private as a public place can be.”
“Did you ever come to any life-altering decisions while soaking in the scenery?”
“Given that my workin’ life had been predetermined by bein’ born into a ranching family, I’ll say no.”
“Are you ever resentful that path was expected for you? And then Chase got to go off and do his own thing?”
The depth of the questions surprised him. Like she’d just been waiting for the chance to ask. “There are days, but I’ll admit those days are rare. I’ll also admit I’d probably feel differently about that life if I hadn’t found my place in the club. Besides I’ve always known my station in life regarding our section of the ranch.”
She frowned. “I was under the impression the McKay Ranch was one entity.”
“It is. But it’s complicated with the additions to the original ranch land. My Uncle Carson and his sons have been buying up land for the last fifteen years. So has my Uncle Cal.”
“And your family hasn’t added on?”
Not yet. “Not much. First there’s gotta be land around us for sale to buy.”
“Working with the ag industry will be a whole new experience for me. I’ll be taking a course after the first of the year that deals with land lease rights, mineral rights, and how it can affect the added value of the land.”
“We’ve owned land lease rights for over a hundred years, in some places.”
“So how does it work? Dividing the work and the money when there are so many family members involved?”
“We divvy up responsibilities. Technically all the cattle belong to all of us. We divide them up according to land size. Out here it takes about thirty-five acres to sustain one cow. So those in the family who’ve bought more land run more cattle, so they make more money.”
“Land equals money?”
“Yep. As far as the rest? We’ve got common ranch equipment to use. Feed is divided up between us because we work together to get the haying done. We’re all paid out of the expenses account. Gotta watch those pennies bein’s we’re only paid individually once a year after the cattle have gone to market.”
“I don’t know if I could handle only getting a check once a year.”
He shrugged. “It’s just the way it goes. So I’m glad I get some extra cash from my furniture makin’ sideline.” Which reminded him he needed to check on what the holdup was for payment on his last completed furniture order. He’d need that money sooner rather than later.
“Does Chase have any stake in the ranch? Seems like he’s not around to pitch in.”
“He opted out last year and took a cash settlement. I did talk to Chase today. He’s excited about the event Saturday.”
“Really? Lucky for us it fit into his schedule so last minute.”
“He’s done with the PBR tour for the year.”
“What’s it like? Having your sibling a celebrity?”
“Chase is Chase. He’s the same way now as he was when he was a kid.” He smiled. “A spoiled brat. But he’s a good guy.” That’s when Ben realized Ainsley was doing it again, directing the conversation. “Here you’re asking all about my family. You must think I’m a total dick because I’ve never asked about yours.”
Ainsley started to swing her legs on the tailgate. “Not a lot to tell. My parents are missionaries. They’re out of the country for a couple years at a time so I don’t see them much. Everything changed between us after I escaped to college.”
“Whoa.
Escaped?
”
“I spent my childhood in third world countries. All I ever wanted was a normal life. Living in the suburbs, going to school with kids my age, hanging out at the mall with friends, having sleepovers talking about boys, clothes and other girls. Even when we were in the States I didn’t have that.”
“Why not?”
“My dad requested assignments in rural areas, so we lived on various Indian reservations. I was the outsider white girl everywhere, even in my own country.”
“That must’ve been rough.”
“I’d had visions of reinventing myself when I started college, but I played it safe. I didn’t want to become a clichéd wild child, rebelling against my father being a minister.”
Ben’s thumb traced circles on her palm. “Is that why you’re goin’ wild now?”
“I’m not wild. I’m exploring whether I have a wild side, remember? I’m not sure this Dom/sub thing is more than an experiment. I think I’m too old to be learning new tricks.”
Had she brought up her doubts because of last night? Or was it a warning that no matter how much he opened up to her, there wasn’t a chance this could last longer than the thirty days? Ben asked, “How old are you?”
“Teetering on the edge of thirty-eight. Why?”
“This ain’t me sucking up, but I thought you were younger than me.”
“How old are you?”
“Thirty-two.”
Ainsley groaned. “Great. Now I
am
a cliché. Not a wild child daughter of a preacher man, but a cougar.”
“Age don’t matter. I’d still be the boss of you even if we were the same age.”
“I remember saying that to my older brother.
You’re not the boss of me
.” She shot him a sideways glance. “That totally takes on a different meaning now.”
He laughed. He seemed to laugh a lot with her.
The first edge of the moon peeped up over the top of Devil’s Tower. “Look.”
“It’s breathtaking. Now I understand the phrase moon glow.”
“Just wait. In another hour you’ll barely see the stars because the sky will be lit up.”
Once again silence fell between them, allowing Ben to study her covertly. He was captivated by the play of moonbeams highlighting her face. “God, you’re beautiful.”
Ainsley looked at him and then away.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Not at all. It’s just…disconcerting. You’ve given me more compliments in a week than…I deserve.”
“That wasn’t what you were gonna say.” He tugged her closer by the collar on her coat and got right in her face. “Tell me.”
“There’s Bennett. I wondered if he’d make an appearance.”
“He gets pissy when you rip on yourself. So tell me.”
Her exhalations puffed against his lips. “You see me in a different way than I see myself. You can make me feel sexy and pretty.”
“You
are
sexy and pretty.” He pressed smooches to her lips.
“And when you give me such awesome compliments? They’re sincere. Not toss off comments because you want to get laid.” She rubbed her mouth over his. “You know I’m a sure thing. So I appreciate them even more.”
“The only sure thing about you, angel, is you keep me on my toes. I don’t take for granted that you’re a sure thing because you can stop this at any time. And after last night…I was really afraid you would.”
“Ben.” Ainsley placed a kiss on his chin. “I can’t promise you that this won’t end, but I want to see it through until the end date we agreed on. Okay?”
That was more than he’d hoped for, but not nearly enough, and it’d have to do for now. He said, “Okay.”
Chapter Seventeen
Ainsley had expected a decent turnout for the community event National West and Settler’s First had co-sponsored for Chase McKay and his foundation. But she hadn’t expected standing room only. She’d had to restock her bank information brochures and giveaway items within the first fifteen minutes. The fishbowl overflowed into a cardboard box with entries for the five hundred dollar drawing.
Forty-five minutes remained until the golden boy himself, Chase McKay, made an appearance.
She’d seen Ben, not that he’d sought her out. He couldn’t—being surrounded by a bevy of beauties limited his movement. Really, it was ridiculous. He was good looking. And he did have that sexy dimpled chin. And those expressive blue eyes. And a great body. And that deep, commanding voice. Those women were enticed by the pretty packaging. But those women didn’t know him, the real him, not like she did.
Jealous much?
Truthfully, she hadn’t expected to see him, with his brother being the guest of honor. Several tables had been reserved for the McKay family near the stage. Kids of varying ages, with the same black hair and blue eyes as Ben, pawed through the freebie bin until they all came up with matching whistles.
Leslie brought her a soda and an oatmeal raisin cookie during a lull. Turton had volunteered to make the presentation, but Ainsley feared his monotone would put the audience to sleep. She wasn’t a nervous speaker. She’d given many presentations in her career, so it bothered her she had the heart pounding, stomach-churning attack of nerves today. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this jittery.
Yes, you can. That second night with Bennett in the club. And the first night with Bennett in the club. And every night since.
Not exactly the best timing for those reminders to pop up.
Steve Talbot, the bank president from Settler’s First, wandered over, holding his fishbowl full of entry slips. “Shall we get this started?”
“You bet.” Ainsley grabbed her cardboard box and followed Steve up to the stage.
“Ladies first.”
“You the closer?”
He shrugged. “We’ve got seniority.”
Mayor Gilbert quieted everyone down. “Before we get to the main event with Chase McKay, we’ll hear from today’s sponsors. Ainsley Hamilton, president of National West Bank, will say a few words about Sundance’s newest bank.”
Polite clapping.
“Thanks, Mayor Gilbert. I’m Ainsley Hamilton, a recent transplant to Wyoming, and I’d like to thank everyone for the excitement and support in welcoming National West Bank and its employees to the Sundance community. We’re honored to sponsor Chase McKay’s appearance and to support his foundation. Since National West Bank is the new kid on the block, we wanted to show our pride in being part of this great community, alongside with Settler’s First, in providing Sundance residents with banking choices. If you’re interested in more information, visit our booth, or better yet, come on in to the bank and see what National West can offer you.” She exhaled, glad she’d kept her speech short and concise. “Now onto the money drawing portion, which I know is why you’re all hanging onto my every word.” That comment brought laughter. “I’ll need a volunteer to pick a name out of the box.”
Immediately five kids rushed to stage. Four boys and one girl. Tempting to pick the dark-haired girl since she’d elbowed three bigger boys to wind up in front. But Ainsley chose the smallest boy with the biggest hat, who trailed behind the others. She pointed at him. “Come on up here, young cowboy.”
The kid didn’t go around and take the stairs. He took a running jump and threw himself onto the stage.
This amused everyone at the tables off to the left.
Ainsley bent down. “What’s your name?”
“Miles McKay.” The kid practically shouted the last part, which incited more laughter.
Didn’t it just figure she’d pick a McKay? “So, Miles, what do you want to be when you grow up?”
“A bull rider like my daddy and like Chase.”
“I’ve always admired a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Have your dad and Chase given you any advice?”
He nodded. “Stay on eight seconds.”
More laughter.
What a charmer. “Okay, Miles, stick your hand in and pick out a winner.”
Miles stirred the pieces of paper before he found the one he liked. When he looked up from beneath the brim of his little black hat, with those vivid blue eyes and serious expression, Ainsley immediately thought of another dark-haired, blue-eyed cowboy charmer. She almost said, “Thanks, Ben,” but caught herself and said, “Thanks, Miles. The winner of the five hundred dollars is…Alison Toomey!”
After she exited the stage, Steve grabbed the microphone. “Thanks to National West Bank and Ainsley Hamilton.” He addressed the people at the front tables. “Watch out for that one, McKay family. Don’t be fooled by her charm, she’s only out for your banking business.”
Ainsley plastered a smile on her face.
“Let’s get down to it.” Steve did his spiel.
When he finished, Mayor Gilbert took over. “Now it’s time to bring out the man we’re proud to call our own, the man who represents the great state of Wyoming and our western way of life, the man who honors his family and his ranching heritage, the man who is bold enough to take a stand for what he believes in. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome home to Sundance, Chase McKay.”
Thunderous applause echoed in the room.
Ainsley watched Chase saunter onto the stage. He was shorter than she’d expected, but more powerfully built than Ben. He had a quick smile and quick wit. His smooth confidence in front of a crowd didn’t come off as rehearsed, but polished, as if a PR department had groomed him. As Chase spoke, she recognized similarities he shared with Ben. Hand gestures. Thoughtful pauses. Not to mention those rugged good looks.
She was so lost in thought about Ben and his family dynamic that she nearly missed being called to the stage. Leslie pushed her with a, “Go!”