Lazy Days (62 page)

Sage
wrapped his arms around Sarah's middle and pulled her back against his body,
spoon style. He'd called Newt and Beaner the night before and given them responsibility
for the dudes so he and Sarah could spend time together. Julie had stayed the
night at Tooty's and wouldn't be home until late afternoon. Weak sunlight
filtered through cracks in the curtains and he lifted his head to watch Sarah
sleep. She looked sweet, peaceful, and…inviting. He smiled remembering the
previous night. After a delicious dinner and heartfelt conversation, he'd
wanted nothing more than to end the perfect night with her in his arms. She was
an itch he didn't want to go away. She made a sighing sound. He wanted to trace
the dusting of freckles across her nose with his lips, but he didn't want to
wake her…not yet. He'd let her sleep a little longer.

Lying
back down he decided her feisty attitude appealed to him more than any woman he'd
ever met. He admired her victory in overcoming life's hurdles. When he thought
about her low-life ex-husband, he wanted to pulverize the man. Of course, if
her ex-husband hadn't been such a bottom feeder, she wouldn't be in his bed
right now. He remembered her sadness in talking about the child she'd lost. Oh,
how he could relate to that. After losing Marylou and Michael he hadn't wanted
to live. The only thing that had kept him going was raising Julie. Realizing
that Sarah hadn't had anyone to keep her going, his heart ached for her. Sarah
was a keeper. Before he could contemplate the ramifications of that, she turned
over and looked at him.

He
smiled, "Good morning, Sunshine. Did you sleep well?"

She
quirked a smile. "I had the most wonderful dream."

"Was
I in it?" He lifted a hand to trace the freckles that kept teasing him.

"You
were the star attraction."

"Yeah?
What was I doing?"

"Touching
me."

Sage
moaned and moved his lips to hers. That was the most erotic thing he had ever
heard. The words, "She's a keeper," popped into his mind again.

After
a day of relaxation which included cooking breakfast together and then
exploring his land on horseback, they were now relaxing in the living room.
While Sarah typed on her laptop, Sage read the local newspaper. He loved small
town life. The phone rang and he reached for it on the table next to his
recliner.

"Hello,
Sage here."

"When
are you going to join the real world and get a cell phone?" asked Pinky,
his agent.

"Wouldn't
do me any good out here, no service. How ya doin', Pinky?"

Sarah
looked up from her laptop and he mouthed, "Speak of the devil." She
smiled and returned to tapping on her keyboard.

"I'm
doin' super fantastic cause I just landed you an awesome gig."

"Yeah?"
Sage couldn't drum up much enthusiasm.

"Don't
sound so enthused," Pinky said dryly. "If I looked like you and got
to cuddle up with all those gorgeous babes, I'd be swingin' from the
chandeliers with excitement. Hell, I'd even work for free." He paused.
"Well, maybe not for free…but cheap."

Sage
laughed. "So, tell me about this gig. You know this is the season my dudes
show up, so I can't take off for long."

"That's
the beauty of it. They're coming to you and paying a butt load of money, to
boot."

Sage
didn't like the sound of that. "What do you mean they're coming to
me?"

"I
got a call from Harvey Livingston. You know, of Livingston Fashions. Seems he's
got a new line that has 'cowboy elements', that's how he described it, and he
wants
you
to showpiece the clothing. He remembered you from the Vogue
shoot last year—likes your style and rugged look."

Sage
wanted to stick his finger down his throat. Harvey Livingston was a pompous
ass. The only good thing Sage could think to say about him was that he did
design great clothes. Without agreeing, he said, "Tell me more,
Pinky."

Pinky
chuckled and named a dollar figure that shot past the moon.

"You're
kidding."

"Nope.
All you have to do is let them take the photos at your place because they think
it'll be cool to capture the real deal—you in your element, so to speak. The
shoot will last four days and then you're in the money, buddy. Of course, I am
too. God, I love me!"

Sarah
looked up and Sage rolled his eyes. She smiled and his heart tripped. All he
could think about were her kisses. They were the stuff of dreams. He couldn't
wait to get Pinky off the phone. Then he remembered Julie would be home any
time. Forcing his thoughts back to Pinky, he asked, "Am I posing
alone?"

"No,
they're bringing in three females."

"And
where are all these people staying?"

"I
told them you have a dorm. Come on, Sage. The more accommodating we are, the
more likely we'll land another gig with them in the future. These people are
not small time. Of course, I told them there're nice motels in town, but the
idea of staying at a real ranch got em all excited. I thought Harvey was gonna
piss his pants."

Sage
groaned. "If I agree, they have to understand they can't reveal the
location of the ranch. If not, it's a no go."

"Sage,
I may be greedy, but I'm not stupid. You think I want to ruin our relationship.
You make us lots of money. I think I can keep you modeling until you're as old
as my grandpa."

"Please
don't say that. You'll give me hives. A few more years and I'm retired. You
haven't answered my question."

"I
got it in the contract. Mums the word. No one will know the photos were taken
at the Lazy M."

"Are
you coming for the shoot?"

"Naw.
You know that's not how it goes. You got the body, I got the brains. I'm
working on our next project."

Sage
puffed air and then covered a few more points with his agent. He got up to
check his calendar in the kitchen. Pinky threw out a few dates to see what
worked.

"Shit,
Pinky, why are they in such a hurry. The only date that works for both of us is
week after next."

"For
that kind of money, I'd let em come tomorrow if they wanted."

Sage
knew Pinky was right. The money would pay his huge tax bill and still leave a
bundle in the bank. He huffed, "Okay. But I want the contract overnighted
so I can read it first."

"You
got it."

After
they hung up, Sage realized he hadn't asked Pinky about the female models. He
wondered if he'd worked with any of them before. Except for Chrissie Cabot, it
didn't matter much, and Pinky wouldn't be stupid enough to send Chrissie to his
ranch.

Sage
heard Julie talking to Sarah when he returned to the living room. The girls
looked at him.

"We've
got more greenhorns showing up in two weeks." He laughed, "High
fashion greenhorns. Should be interesting."

Sarah
lay curled in Sage's bed listening to cows lowing in the distance and watching
a morning breeze billow the curtains. She had one week left at the ranch and
she hadn't allowed herself to think beyond that. Now it was time to return to
reality. Sage hadn't mentioned staying in touch with her beyond the week. Her
eyes pricked with unshed tears. It was a good thing he'd already left the bed;
she didn't want him seeing her like this. His pity was the last thing she
wanted. She'd willingly dived into a relationship with him. Of course, she'd
privately hoped there'd be a happily-ever-after, but now the real world was
beckoning.

With
a heavy heart, she slipped from the sheets and headed for the shower. It was
early and she wondered if Julie was up. From the beginning, Sage had tried to
convince her that Julie didn't have a problem with them being together. When
Sarah had protested he'd flat out asked his daughter in front of her if she had
a problem. As it turned out, Julie had been thrilled with her dad and Sarah's
relationship. In fact, Sarah and Julie spent a lot of time together.
Just
like a real family.
Sarah stifled a sob.

After
showering, she pulled on fashionably faded Levis that she and Julie had found
at a second hand store. They had discovered a common passion in combing junk
shops. While Julie searched for clothing, Sarah searched for old books. Sage
had even accompanied them once and bought an antique saddle.
We have so much
fun together.
She stifled another sob.

After
dressing in one of her pretty peasant tops, she brushed her hair into a pony
tail and applied a little makeup. Then she remembered the crew and models for
the photo shoot were arriving today and wondered if she should dress nicer.
But, quite frankly, she didn't have the energy to care.

She
entered the kitchen to find Julie and Sage already making breakfast. Sage said,
"Hey, we were going to surprise you." He leaned over and kissed her
cheek and said low, "I love your blouse."

Julie
glanced at them and grinned before opening the fridge. "So, Dad, what time
are the photographers and crew showing up?"

Sage
groaned, "Did you have to remind me?"

"Come
on Dad, you're a famous model. Your public anxiously awaits your next full
cover glossy."

"Julie,
you're grounded."

Sarah
listened to the father/daughter banter and couldn't help but smile. The thought
of leaving and never hearing their teasing again was heartrending.

After
breakfast, Sage headed to the dorm to get the dudes lined out for the day
before turning his attention to running his ranch. Sarah admired him for his
dedication and work ethic.

Julie
called a quick goodbye and left with Newt, who was dropping her off at Tooty's.
Since summer school had ended the girls were having a blast enjoying their time
before school started again.

Sarah
sighed and pulled out her laptop. She was writing the last chapter of
Dream
Kisses.

Tarah
exited the library, her heavy heart weighing on her spirit like an anchor. The
smell of rose perfume, thick as a blanket, made her want to wretch. Daisy's
words echoed. "You're nothing but a distraction to Gage. Do you really
think he could fall for you? Look at you." The beauty had waved her hand
in a dismissive gesture. "You look like the proverbial old maid." Then
she had tittered before making a sweeping exit in her bosom revealing silk and
satin gown.

Inhaling
deeply with her resolve solidified, Tarah returned to the small bedroom she'd
made so homey and retrieved her old valise from under the four poster bed.
Tears leaked as she packed her meager belongings. She needed to leave before
Gage returned.

 Setting
her laptop aside, Sarah decided she needed a distraction. Writing about Tarah's
sadness only intensified her own. Julie had put a load of clothes in the dryer
earlier and Sarah decided to fold them for her. Retrieving the clothing, she
absentmindedly folded and considered the ending of her book. Of course, it was
going to be happy, but she wasn't exactly sure if she wanted Tarah to leave and
make Gage search for her, or have him stop her before she left.
Decisions.
Decisions.

Sarah
placed the folded clothing back in the basket and walked to Julie's room to set
it on her bed. She turned to leave but an open magazine on the nightstand
captured her attention. It was Sage and he was with a beautiful woman. Sarah
picked up the magazine. The heading read, "Beauty and the Hunk."
Sarah read the small caption:
Reclusive hunky model, Sage Tanner, and curvy,
bathing suit model, Chrissie Cabot, were caught sneaking into Chrissie's Malibu
beachfront house. Rumor has it they've been privately seeing each other.

Sarah
scanned for the date on the magazine. It was a year old. She looked closer at
the picture. Sage was smiling and had his arm wrapped around Chrissie's waist.
The woman was wearing a teeny bikini and looking up at him with sexy adoration.
Sarah wanted to throw up. She set the magazine back on the nightstand and
started to turn away. Her foot bumped something and she glanced down to see
another magazine on the floor and bent to retrieve it. When she did, she
noticed several more spilling out from beneath Julie's bed skirt. One by one,
as if mesmerized, she pulled them out. Each magazine had either a picture of
Sage on the cover or a bookmark to a page about him. In at least a half dozen
photos, he was with Chrissie Cabot and there was more speculation about them
having a romance. Other photos showed him in ads. There was one with his agent,
a short, skinny man, with long hippy hair, and another of him at a charity
function for the Big Bro and Big Sis Organization.

Sarah
pushed the magazines back under the bed and left Julie's room. Numbly, she sat
on the couch. God, what a fool she'd been to think maybe Sage would stay in
touch and something lasting could develop.

A
knock on the door distracted her. She walked to open it.

A
woman said, "Oh, I'm looking for Sage Tanner. Are you the
housekeeper?"

Sarah
looked at the woman dumbfounded. It was Chrissie Cabot.

A
truck drove up and Chrissie spun around. She turned back to Sarah and grinned.
"Speak of the devil." She shoved her overnight case at Sarah.
"Could you put this in the guest room?" Then she turned and ran
toward Sage, throwing her arms around his neck.

Sarah
stared at the case in her hand, and then obediently walked to the guest room
because she couldn't bear to watch their reunion. Returning to the living room,
she closed her laptop just as Sage and Chrissie entered the house.

"Oh,
I already met your housekeeper, Sage."

Sarah
turned fuchsia and couldn't bring herself to look at him.

"My
what!" he exclaimed.

Chrissie
looked from Sage to Sarah, clearly confused.

"Sarah
isn't my housekeeper!" he practically shouted.

Sarah
fumbled while placing her laptop in its briefcase and Sage walked over, stilled
her hands, and kissed her cheek.

Chrissie
stuttered, "Oh, I…I'm really sorry. I didn't realize you two…"

Sarah
glanced at her to see the incredulous expression in her eyes. Her look made
Sarah want to give in to a childish urge to push her. Instead, she turned
toward Sage and kissed him full on the mouth. "Later, hon." She
grabbed her briefcase and rushed out the door.

* * *

Sage
watched Sarah walk out the front door. God, the woman was hot! He sighed and
looked back at Chrissie. "Pinky didn't tell me you were on this
shoot."

"Sage,
is
she
really your latest flame?"

"What's
your point, Chrissie?"

"Nothing.
She's just…different."

"You
mean intelligent, sweet, interesting, funny, and sexy?"

"Whatever
you say. Too bad you got cold feet about us."

"There
never was an 'us' and you know it. It was all about the sex."

"Maybe
for you. I wanted things to work out."

"That's
a crock, Chrissie. You wouldn't know monogamous if it bit you in the
butt."

"You
haven't changed a bit." Chrissie grinned. "Still a cowboy from the
top of your gorgeous head to the tip of your…" She looked him up and down,
"…scruffy boots."

Sage
heard vehicles and walked to open the front door. A couple of vans, a Toyota
SUV, and a Lexus LS pulled in front of the ranch house. Two tall, skinny women,
obviously models, stepped out of the Lexus, as did Harvey Livingston. Four men,
two in each van, got out and stretched, and a man and woman exited the SUV.

Sage
groaned. It was going to be a long week.

After
he'd greeted Harvey and his crew, he grabbed his walkie-talkie and called Newt
and Beaner to meet the arrivals at the dorm. When Chrissie started walking back
to the house with him, he said, "Where are you going?"

"To
the guest room, of course."

"Chrissie,
you're staying at the dorm with everyone else."

"Come
on Sage, I promise to behave around your girlfriend."

"What
part of 'you're staying at the dorm' don't you understand?"

Chrissie
squinted. "You're really serious. Boy, you've got it bad."

Sage
placed his hands on his hips and stared her down.

"Okay,
okay. Just let me get my travel case."

After
Chrissie drove away, he picked up his phone and dialed Pinky.

"Hey
Sage," Pinky answered. "Did the crew arrive?"

"Yeah,
they arrived alright. Don't you think you neglected to tell me something?"

"Honestly,
Sage, I didn't know she was coming until the last minute."

"It
would have been nice if you'd clued me in, even at the last minute."

"I
know. I started to call and then chickened out. I knew you'd be pissed. But
man, she's a hot ticket right now. Why don't you give her another trial
run?"

"I
will not even dignify that remark with an explanation. If you think she's so
great,
you
give her a trial run. Personally, I prefer a woman with
substance." He envisioned Sarah.

"You
are one sick puppy. I'd take advantage of Chrissie as long as I could. She's in
demand. She'd boost your career."

"I'm
not interested in boosting my career. I was stupid to get involved with her,
even for a short time. You're gonna owe me for this, Pinky."

"Okay,
okay. I'll throw in an extra five hundred for mental anguish. I should be so
lucky."

After
Sage hung up he decided to go find Sarah.