Wrangling Wes

She took note of his parents when they arrived with daughter Laney. The Browards were a stunning family. Steven stood tall like his sons; he was bald with a graying beard. His wife, Gwendolyn, was a tall woman with a medium brown complexion and intelligent eyes that missed nothing. Wesley’s sister had an athletic build, although she moved about gracefully. She wore her long brown hair straight.

The patriarch, Charles Broward, entered the room within minutes of the rest of the family, smiling and even flirting with a few of the women. He was still a handsome man with distinctive blue eyes despite his advanced age.

Lydia noticed a couple of females staring in her direction and whispering. Most likely, they were discussing her. After all, she was the interloper. She supposed this was due to Granger being a small town with a population of about two thousand.

She lifted her chin, meeting their curious gazes straight on. Lydia gave them a tiny smile before walking toward the bar. Lydia caught sight of Wesley coming toward her and quickly changed directions. She was not ready for him to take notice of her.

“Your dress is stunning,” a young woman complimented. She was standing directly in Lydia’s path.

“Thank you. I love the color of your gown,” Lydia responded with a smile. “That shade of blue is a favorite of mine.” After a brief pause, she added, “Hi, I’m Lydia.”

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Maggie. Welcome to Granger.”

“I suppose in a town this size, everyone knows everybody.”

Maggie nodded. “You’re absolutely right, honey. We can spot an outsider as soon as they step across the city limits. If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you to Granger?”

“A few months ago, I came across an article on the town and decided it would be the perfect place to visit,” Lydia stated. “I’ve always wanted to see Montana.”

“Since Laney Broward won a gold medal at the Olympics, we have had a flood of folks from all over. Some come to visit and end up staying. I think it’s wonderful. This town can use some new blood, if you ask me.” Maggie took her by the arm. “C’mon over here, honey. Let me introduce you around. Maybe that way the folks will stop staring you down. We’re a curious bunch here in Granger.”

Lydia chuckled.

They moved about the room, pausing here and there so that Maggie could introduce her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met people who were so warm and welcoming,” Lydia said.

Maggie led the way to where a group of important-looking attendees were standing. Lydia glanced over her shoulder, searching for Wesley. She found him standing near the buffet table with two other men.

Their gazes met and locked.

After what seemed like an eternity, Lydia turned her attention back to Maggie.

“Where are you from?”

“Los Angeles,” Lydia replied. She stole a glance to where she last saw Wesley. Lydia’s eyes traveled the room, searching when he was no longer there. She found him sitting down at a table with his sister. The two appeared deep in conversation.

At the sound of her name, Lydia pasted on a smile as Maggie continued to make introductions.

As they neared the table where the Broward family was sitting, Lydia released a soft sigh. It seemed the men had decided to leave the table for whatever reason.

“Hey, y’all,” Maggie uttered in greeting. “I want to introduce you to Lydia. She’s visiting our lil’ town.”

Gwendolyn smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you, dear.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well,” Lydia responded. She turned her attention to Laney and said, “Congratulations on winning the gold.”

“Thank you,” Laney murmured. “I hope you’ll enjoy Granger.”

“I’m sure I will. It’s so beautiful here.”

Lydia was glad when they moved on to the next table. Maggie was intent on her meeting everyone at the fundraiser, it seemed.

“Oh, the auction is about to start,” Maggie said. “We should take our seats.”

“Thanks for the introductions,” Lydia told her. “I appreciate it.”

“Happy to do it,” Maggie responded with a smile. “I’ll catch up with you after the auction.”

Lydia walked quickly, her heels tapping a steady rhythm across the dance floor.

The moment she had been waiting for all night long had finally arrived.

Lydia was ready.

Chapter 2

“Get ready, ladies, to bid money to win a date with some of our most eligible males in Granger. Winners get a romantic date featuring a delicious candlelight dinner, wine and dancing,” the auctioneer announced.

Lydia felt a shiver of anticipation course down her spine. Single women all around the room rose to their feet and gathered near the stage. She was careful to remain near the back of the gathering group, farthest from the front.

“Let’s start the bid at one thousand dollars for this handsome cowboy here,” said the auctioneer. “Jameson Broward loves to travel and is looking to take one lucky girl on a romantic date exploring international cuisine. I don’t know about you, but I love to eat, so this sounds like heaven.”

Laughter and chuckles rang out across the room.

Lydia noted that Jameson wore a handsome smile, but that smile did not reach his eyes. He did not appear at all happy to be on the auction block.

She took a sip of her white wine. This was about to get interesting.

“One thousand dollars,” a woman called out.

“Eleven hundred,” a second woman countered.

“Fifteen hundred,” another bid.

A young woman standing near Lydia won Jameson for five thousand dollars.

The Broward patriarch, Charles, also ignited a bidding war—between a twenty-something-year-old and a more mature woman, which Lydia found amusing.

The young woman’s tenacity and wallet won out at three thousand dollars.

“Looks like Miss Patti Wier has won herself a cowboy and a gentleman,” the auctioneer said.

Laughter and cheers rang around the room.

Now it was time for Wesley to step up on the auction block. Lydia knew instinctively that he would bring in the most money, and she was prepared.

“This handsome cowboy has a surprise in store for some lucky woman. Girls, I tried to pry the details out of him, but Wesley Broward’s not telling. Don’t you just love a man who can keep a secret?”

“One thousand dollars,” Lydia heard someone yell out.

“Two thousand,” another said.

She glanced around the room as others quickly tossed out bids.

The bidding was fast-paced and frenzied.

When the amount rose to six thousand dollars, only two women were still in a bidding war.

“Six thousand five hundred.”

“Seven thousand dollars.”

The room grew quiet.

It’s time, Lydia decided.

“Ten thousand dollars,” she said loudly.

The room was suddenly filled with tense silence as all eyes turned toward the young woman who had placed the highest bid in the charity event’s history.

* * *

Amused, Wesley joined the others in the search. He usually brought in the most money, but this was a completely unexpected turn of events. Historically, the bids were never higher than six thousand dollars.

He continued to gaze around the room, searching for the woman who had just outbid the others. As the sea of people parted, he glimpsed a beauty wearing a stunning teal and purple gown. He had noticed her earlier. It had been a few fleeting glances at best, but they were enough to ignite his interest. She was not familiar to him, as he knew most of the women in Granger. However, the stranger seemed to know Maggie Dillon.

Maggie was married to the owner of the Double D Ranch. The redhead with big blue eyes was nice enough, but she loved to talk.

The stunning woman made her way gracefully toward the stage as the room erupted into loud clapping. Slowly and seductively, Wesley’s gaze slid downward, giving her body a raking once-over.

“Do you know her?” Jameson asked his brother in a low voice.

“No, but I saw her for a split second with Maggie earlier.” He didn’t add that she had captured his interest and learning more about her was already on his agenda.

Wesley’s breath caught in his throat as she neared the stage. She was gorgeous, and definitely not from around these parts. He was thrilled to be won by an outsider—and a beautiful one at that.

“Come on up, honey,” the auctioneer said. “We want to get some pictures of our bachelors and their dates.”

From his vantage point onstage, Wesley estimated her age to be in her middle to late twenties. He decided she was about five feet seven inches tall. She had a slender but curvy build. As she neared the stage, Wesley glimpsed her big brown eyes with long lashes, warm cocoa complexion and dark, curly tresses. He found himself looking forward to his date with this stranger.

* * *

Lydia blew out a breath as her stomach began to twist and ripple with nerves that had been shivering through her all evening. Those feelings intensified just as she was about to join Wesley on the stage.

Something vaguely sensuous passed between them.

“Hello, darlin’,” he greeted in a low voice. “It appears you and I are going on a dream date.”

Looking up into Wesley’s handsome face, she smiled. “Yes, it does appear that way.”

“Come closer,” he whispered. “I won’t bite.”

The underlying sensuality of his words captivated Lydia. She could clearly tell that he was a man who enjoyed the attention of women.

Wesley wrapped an arm around her and held her snugly as they posed for pictures before leaving the stage.

Lydia relaxed, sinking into his cushioning embrace. Her skin tingled where Wesley touched her, his nearness making her senses spin.

“What is your name, pretty lady?” he asked while walking her back to her table.

“Lydia LaSalle,” she responded with a smile. “And I already know that you are Wesley Broward. It’s nice to finally meet the man I’ve heard so much about.”

Lydia could tell from the look of surprise on his face that she had caught him momentarily off guard, but he seemed to recover quickly.

“I hope everything you’ve heard presents me in a positive light.”

“It does,” she confirmed.

“You have me at a disadvantage, I’m afraid,” Wesley stated. “What brings you to Granger?”

“I heard it was a lovely place to visit,” Lydia responded smoothly. “I thought I’d come see for myself, and it really is beautiful. It’s definitely one of Montana’s hidden gems.”

“How long are you staying in town?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered. “For a few weeks at least.”

Wesley seemed to be peering at her intently, and Lydia was strangely flattered by his interest.

“How does Saturday night work for you?” he inquired. “For our date.”

She nodded. “I don’t have any pressing plans, so it’s perfect.”

He sat down on the vacant chair beside her, and once again, when his gaze met hers, her heart turned over in response.

This is so crazy, Lydia thought to herself. The man is just being nice to me. I just paid ten thousand dollars for a date with him. I would be nice to anyone who paid that much money to go out with me.

All eyes seemed to be on the two of them, but Wesley didn’t seem to mind. He continued to gaze at Lydia, almost as if he were photographing her with his eyes.

“You’re staring at me,” she murmured.

“I can’t help myself,” Wesley said matter-of-factly. “You are beyond beautiful.”

She laughed. “This is the first time I’ve been told that. I heard that cowboys have a way with the ladies. I’m beginning to believe it.”

Lydia tried to throttle the dizzying current racing through her. She wanted to resist his charm, but she could not. She was powerless to resist.

“Would you like to dance?” Wesley asked, gesturing toward the dance floor.

“Sure,” Lydia replied with complacent buoyancy.

She rose to her feet in one fluid motion, prompting him to follow suit.

On the dance floor, Maggie brushed past her, gave a thumbs-up and winked.

Lydia swayed to the music.

“You’re a good dancer,” Wesley told her.

“So are you,” Lydia responded.

“Do you do any line dancing?” he asked.

Lydia shook her head. “I’m willing to learn,” she responded with a grin.

The next song that came on provided Wesley an opportunity to give her some instruction.

“You’re a quick learner,” Wesley said as they left the dance floor.

She laughed. “I don’t know about that. I was awful out there.”

This time he did not take a seat when they returned to her table. Instead, he picked up her right hand and kissed it. “It’s been a pleasure talking to you,” Wesley said. “My mother’s over there glaring at me, so I need to make my rounds. My work is never done, it seems.”

“I understand,” she responded. His family was a major sponsor, so this was a working event for Wesley. “It was nice to meet you.”

“I will see you Saturday.”

Lydia nodded. “It’s a date.”

* * *

Lydia hummed softly as she sat down on the edge of her bed and removed her silver high-heeled sandals. She rose to her feet and slipped off her gown, replacing it with a pair of knit shorts and a tank top.

She strolled into the bathroom to remove her makeup and brush her teeth before settling down in the middle of the bed with her cell phone.

“Hey, it’s me,” Lydia said. “I have some really good news to report. Everything went according to plan. Wesley and I have a date on Saturday.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Smiling, she responded, “I knew you’d be pleased.”

“So tell me, Lydia...is Wesley Broward really as handsome in person as he is in all the magazines?”

“He is,” Lydia confirmed. “One thing’s for sure—he definitely seems to have a high regard for himself.”

There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. “I’m sure he’s very charming.”

Lydia settled back against a stack of pillows. “He was nice enough, but I didn’t get to spend much time with him.”

“Why not? Lydia, that’s why I sent you to Montana. What were you doing all night?”

“I couldn’t exactly monopolize his time,” Lydia stated. “He and his family cosponsored the fundraiser, so he was busy much of the night. I did exactly what you wanted. I won Wesley at the auction and we are going to have dinner together this weekend.” She paused a moment before adding, “Besides, if I’d come on too strong, that would’ve made him suspicious.”

“I suppose you’re right. Just make sure you find out everything there is to know about Wesley Broward and his family. Speaking of which, did you get to meet his family?”

“Briefly,” Lydia responded.

“What were they like?”

“They seemed nice enough,” she said, wondering yet again why her boss seemed so interested in the Broward family. “What is this really about?”

“I pay you enough to not ask questions, Lydia. Just do your job.”

Her employer disconnected the call before she could utter a response.

She released a sigh of frustration. There were times when Lydia wondered why she ever agreed to work for someone so self-absorbed and demanding, but it was a prime opportunity. Lydia had dreams of getting into entertainment management, and her job could provide her a foot in the door.

Her employer could be so sweet when she wanted to be, but then she could also be hard as nails, which probably served her well in her profession.

The one question that remained in Lydia’s mind was regarding her employer’s connection to Wesley. It was pretty obvious that the two did not know each other.

What’s really going on?

Lydia knew she would remain in the dark until her boss decided to open up about her plans concerning Wesley.

Thinking about him prompted the beginnings of a smile. Lydia found herself to be quite taken by his cowboy “Code of the West” charm. Her body tingled at the thought of seeing him on Saturday for their date. The memory of why she had come to Granger invaded her thoughts. She liked Wesley, but not only that, she just wasn’t comfortable with her role in this scheme. It bothered her that her employer was acting so suspiciously. Lydia vowed that she would not do anything that would hurt Wesley.

She thought about the way he gazed at her upon her approach to the stage earlier. Lydia had not missed his obvious examination and approval. However, Lydia had not expected to be so drawn to Wesley. She had to find a way to maintain control over the situation.

Sighing softly, Lydia settled into her bed. It had been an exciting evening, but she was tired.

Tomorrow she’d be busy putting her employer’s plan into action.

Chapter 3

Wesley had to be up early the next morning, so he left shortly after eleven o’clock to return to the ranch. He’d agreed to drive his grandfather home on the way, since his parents and siblings were still at the hotel.

“That was a purdy lil’ woman that wrangled you tonight, Wes,” his grandfather said as he removed his tuxedo jacket. “Right purdy girl.”

He chuckled. “From the looks of it, you didn’t do too bad yourself, Grandpa.”

“I just have to remember to have her home before her curfew.”

Wesley threw back his head and laughed. “I noticed some of the women weren’t happy at being outbid by a twenty-year-old—especially Eugenia Maple. She’s had her eye on you since her husband died last year.”

“She may have her eye on me, but I’m not interested,” Charles uttered. “I know for a fact she drove Henry to his grave. From what he used to tell me, Eugenia is not an easy woman to live with. I’ll tell you this, Wes. That’s not how I intend to live out the rest of my days—with a nagging woman.”

“I want someone I can be friends with,” Wesley stated. An image of Lydia materialized in his mind.

“Friends with,” his grandfather repeated.

He nodded. “I want a woman I like being around and want to spend time with. I want a woman I can talk to about anything and she’s actually interested in hearing what I have to say. I want a woman who will be honest and trustworthy. Someone who won’t play games.”

“Your grandmother was... She was a good woman. Outspoken and told the truth, even when you didn’t want to hear it. Lawd knows...I miss that woman.”

“Grandpa, I miss her, too,” Wesley confessed. “Things aren’t the same without her.”

He headed to the front door. “Don’t forget to take your medicine, Grandpa.”

Charles waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Good night, Wes.”

Laughing, Wesley responded, “I’ll see you in the morning.” His grandfather resented being treated like an old man. He was independent and intent on doing things his own way.

Wesley drove from the main house to his own place, a three-bedroom cabin that had been renovated six years prior.

Inside, he walked straight to his bedroom and undressed.

As he prepared for bed, Wesley’s thoughts turned back to Lydia. His attraction to her was instant, igniting an interest in learning more about her. The fact that she had her own money was also attractive to him. He had long grown tired of gold diggers.

Lydia was different from the women he was used to dealing with. Unlike in the past, Wesley found himself looking forward to Saturday night.

Maybe it was because she wasn’t from Granger. Whatever the reason, his interest in her was piqued. He was looking forward to getting to know Lydia better.

Wesley had no doubt in his mind that he would be seeing more of her after Saturday night. It was just the beginning for them.

* * *

Saturday arrived along with her long-anticipated date with Wesley. Lydia fingered her curls as she eyed her reflection in the mirror.

I feel like an excited schoolgirl experiencing her first date. She giggled at the thought. It had been a long time since she’d felt this way. Lydia had to remind herself that this wasn’t a real date.

The thought put a damper on her excitement. It was a ruse to get close to Wesley.

The ringing of her cell phone provided a wonderful distraction for her. Lydia picked it up, looking at the caller ID. “I can’t talk to you right now,” she whispered.

She tossed the cell on the bed and then turned her attention back to her appearance. Even though it was not a real date, Lydia wanted to look her best for Wesley. She had a feeling that it would be a night she would never forget. Wesley had been very secretive about their date and had given her no details. I can’t read too much into this, Lydia reminded herself. The only reason he was taking her out was because she’d donated ten thousand dollars to charity. It wasn’t even her own money that she’d used. She was not even being her true self.

A thread of guilt snaked down her spine. Lydia liked Wesley, and deep down it really bothered her that she was not being completely honest with him.

She kept trying to convince herself that it didn’t matter. Lydia was in Granger to find out everything she could about Wesley, and then she would be returning to Los Angeles.

Yet, she could not deny the spark of excitement at the prospect of spending time with Wesley Broward, even if it was a job.

A job, she acknowledged, she would find enjoyable.

Lydia jumped at the sound of a knock on the door.

She did a final check of her makeup and hair before opening the door.

Wesley raised an eyebrow a fraction at the sight of her.

Their gaze met and held.

Lydia could almost feel the movement of his breathing. “Hello,” she whispered.

He wore a starched white shirt and a pair of black denim pants with highly polished cowboy boots. The sight of Wesley standing in her hotel room made Lydia’s heart beat rapidly and her pulse quicken. A delicious shiver of wanting ran through her.

She could barely tear her gaze away from him.

Neither one said a word.

After a few moments, Lydia burst into a short, nervous laugh to break the silence. “I guess we should get a move on.”

Wesley nodded. “Yes, ma’am, but there’s one thing you need to do before we go.”

Confused, she met his gaze. “What is it?”

“You need to take off that dress.”

* * *

The heavy lashes that shadowed her cheeks flew up. “Excuse me?” What’s wrong with my dress? she wondered.

Wesley eyed the silk dress Lydia was wearing and smiled. She looked exquisite—too exquisite for the evening he’d planned for them. His gaze traveled to her shoes. “You might want to wear something a little more comfortable,” he told her.

She glanced down at her clothes and asked, “Why? Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” he murmured.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Lydia responded.

“Okay,” he said. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

She was quiet on the drive to the surprise location. Wesley drove to the last place anyone would think he would bring a date.

When he pulled into the parking lot of their destination, he stole a peek at Lydia. Her expression was unreadable.

“What’s the name of this place?” she asked.

“Shank of the Evening Saloon.”

“That’s quite an interesting name,” Lydia responded as she eyed the wooden shack. To most outsiders, it probably looked like an old eyesore, but not to her. “How old is this place?”

“It’s been around for almost seventy-five years,” he told her. “And it’s a favorite of ranchers in the area.”

Wesley noticed that she looked mildly surprised that he would bring her to such a gritty establishment whose interior walls were covered with old license plates, news clippings and photos of the past.

But if Lydia was at all shocked by his choice of venue, she certainly hid it well.

Lydia had no idea that the only reason he’d brought her to this place was to gauge her reaction. Quite a few women were interested more in his money than in him. Wesley wanted to get a feel for Lydia. He was curious as to why she’d bid so much money for a date with him. It had to be to get his attention.