Shapeshifter Romance: Duty of a Lion (Paranormal Army Hero Navy Seal Shifter Protector Alpha Lion Romance) (Fantasy Military Action Adventure Urban Wolf Romance Short Stories) (6 page)

“I’m resigning.  I don’t want to have a termination on my employment history this early in the game, so I’m taking the high road and leaving on the best terms I can considering.”

Preston looked confused.  He read through her resignation letter, stopping several times to reread certain sections.  Brenae had been very professional, but her dislike of the station and her treatment there was evident in the letter.  Finished reading, Preston looked at Brenae and fed the document into his paper shredder.

“You’re not getting fired.  Are you kidding?  That was amazing.  We’ve been flooded with emails, every one of them applauding you for putting that school and its entitled students in their place and remaining so poised after their behavior.  You’re a hit, Brenae.”

He flipped the computer’s monitor towards her, a still shot of her fall frozen in time on the video thumbnail.  Beneath the video, the counter proclaimed that she’d had two million views.  She groaned aloud.  It was worse than she’d thought.  Preston tapped the screen to draw her attention to the comments below.  They ranged from, “Serves those spoiled brats right” to “Go get ‘em Brenae!” 
They spelled my name right!
  There were thousands of comments on her video, all congratulating her on a job well-done. 

Preston looked at her, waiting for her to read the first few comments. 

“I’d be a fool to let you go.  I have another assignment for you.”

No way.  No more crap that no one else will take.

“I want you to cover the Mesquite Rodeo.  It’s a human interest story, but better than those puff pieces you’ve been doing.  Rodeo is big around here, and a local boy, Roy Myrick, is expected to win everything in the bull riding nationals this year.  He’ll be at that rodeo, and I’d like you to interview him.  Do you know anything about bull riding?”

Was he serious?  She was from Philly; the only cow she’d ever met was a delicious burger on a plate.  She shook her head no, still trying to absorb what was happening to her.  Not only was her job safe, but she was getting bumped up to the more desirable human interest stories?  It wasn’t the anchor desk, but it was something; and much more than she’d expected.

“No, I don’t know anything about bull riding.”

“No worries.  I’ll give you a list of questions and common terms.  Also, you’ll need to head to wardrobe.  You need to dress the part, but you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume.  They’ll get you set up with a more rodeo-friendly ensemble and I’ll get you the information and schedule.  You can take the rest of the week off, paid of course, to prepare and relax after last night.  I’ll introduce you to your new cameraman–”

“I want to work with Terrence.”

Preston opened his mouth, thought better of whatever he was going to say and then nodded.  “Terrence it is.”

“Thank you.”

Preston smiled and turned to his computer, opening his email.  Without another word, he’d obviously dismissed her. 
Still a prick, I see.  Good old Preston.
  Brenae got up from the chair and left the office, headed for home.  A few people in the halls offered her a high-five on her way by. 
Aw, why the hell not?
  She high-fived everyone she passed, thanking them for their encouraging words as she went to get her car. 

Her beat up, 15 year-old Chevy Cavalier was out of place among the Mercedes and Jaguars that littered the parking garage.  Soon enough, she’d replace that clunker with something classier.  But for now, it did the job.  She climbed into the car and said a quick prayer that it would start.  Two tries later, the engine finally caught and she put it into gear before the car changed its mind.  

She headed down the back roads towards her modest apartment.  Her car may be good enough for now, but there was no way she was trusted it on the highway.  She pulled into her parking space and killed the engine.  Her cellphone rang and she answered. It was Jenna.

“Jenna, you’re never going to believe what happened.”

She jogged up the steps into the building, filling in her best friend as she headed inside to enjoy her paid mini-vacation.

*****

Brenae’s phone rang as she was walking down the stairs to meet Terrence in the news van to head to the rodeo. 

“Brenae, there’s a problem.  The van won’t start and I only have a two-seater.  I can’t fit you and the video equipment in my car and Preston won’t return my calls.  Can you meet me there?”

Brenae couldn’t believe her luck.  Her car would make it, but there was no guarantee she’d get home.  But what else could she do?  It was too late to get Jenna to come get her, and she had to walk out the door right now or she’d miss her chance to interview the rodeo star.

“No, it’s fine.  I’ll see you there.”

She grabbed her keys and headed for her car, begging the universe to let her car make it all the way to Mesquite without breaking down.  It was only ten miles further away than the station, but ten miles seemed so much further when she might end up walking part way.  Her boot heels clicked on the sidewalk as she walked down the sidewalk, her snug jeans clinging to her curves and making her feel out of place in her own skin.  She’d never worn cowgirl boots in her life and she felt a little awkward.  Tess in wardrobe had made sure that Brenae had clothes that looked natural.

“Otherwise you’ll look like a city-slicker or a buckle-bunny.  You don’t want to look like either of those.”

Tess was right, both of those things sounded awful.  Still, Brenae hoped she looked like she belonged at the rodeo so she didn’t stick out like a sore thumb.  She got into the car and turned the key, sighing with relief when the engine caught on the first try.  Things were definitely looking up for Brenae, and her hard work was finally paying off.

Twenty minutes later, she parked in the dirt lot behind the arena.  The parking lot was full, and so was the over-flow parking area.  The only place left to park was in the back amid the horse trailers and beat-up trucks.  She parked between two huge trucks, easily sliding into a spot clearly meant for another pick-up.  Brenae locked her car and headed inside to find Terrence. 
Let’s get this show on the road.
  She was excited and ready for this. 

The smell of horses and sweat filled her nostrils.  The scent was overwhelming, though not entirely unpleasant.  She stood at the entrance, scanning the crowd for Terrence.  She saw him almost immediately, standing next to a tall man with a well-worn hat.  Roy Myrick smiled at her as she walked up, and introduced herself.  He shook her hand gently, holding eye contact for so long she felt herself blush. 
He sure is handsome
.  She pulled out her cue cards and they got to work.  There was plenty of time to talk while they watched the rest of the rodeo. She had a ticket after all.  But right now, it was time to work.

*****

Brenae slapped her hands on the dashboard of her car, resisting the urge to scream; it wouldn’t do any good anyway.  She’d been trying, unsuccessfully, to start it for over 20 minutes.  Most of the vehicles had trickled out of the parking lot some time ago, leaving her alone in the dark dirt lot.  Hot tears threatened as she tried to hold herself together, crying wouldn’t solve anything either.  She’d stayed to watch the entire rodeo, surprised by how much she’d enjoyed it.  Roy had taken the time to explain every event to her, only leaving her side to ride his bull and collect his winnings.  The interview had been a huge success and she was having the best night.  Everything was going so well, why couldn’t her car just pull it together long enough to get her home in one piece? 

She nearly jumped out of her skin when someone rapped on the driver’s side window.  Roy stood beside her car, crooked grin spread wide on his face. 
How long has he been watching me?
  Had he seen her throw a mini tantrum, pounding her fists into the steering wheel?  His smile said, ‘yes I did’. 
Great, just great.  First I get soaked on live television and now a cowboy has been watching me act like an unruly two year-old. 

“Are you going to let me help you or are you going to sit there all night?”

His voice held a touch of concern wrapped in lighthearted amusement.  Brenae had a feeling that Roy was exactly who he appeared to be; honest, unassuming, helpful, and kind.  She had no doubt that he would help her in any way he could.  She unlocked the door and took the hand he offered to get out of the car.  Handing over her keys, she stepped back, just in case this was the time that her lemon finally blew up.  Roy chuckled, her giant step back speaking volumes about the clunker she called a car.  

After retrieving his tools from the bed of his truck, he popped the hood and fiddled around with the fuse box.  He replaced the cover and squeezed himself into the driver seat to try again.  The engine turned over on the first try, roaring to life and dropping to a dull rumble.  It shuddered and coughed, but it kept running. 

Roy wiped his hands on a rag and looked her over, taking in her new boots, crisp jeans, and plaid shirt.  He smiled again.  “You’ve never worn clothes like that in your life, have you?”

I guess there’s no use denying it
.  “No, I’m not from here.”

“Well that’s as obvious as the day is long, darlin’.  Do you two-step?”

Brenae shook her head no.  But she wasn’t ready to go home, and could really use a little fun.  She killed the engine and locked the door.  He put his elbow out and she put her arm through it, walking beside him carefully as they navigated the uneven dirt lot.  He unlocked the passenger door of his truck and Brenae baulked.  She thought he’d meant to take her dancing in the barn. 
Didn’t they usually have a hoe-down after a rodeo?
She laughed aloud, embarrassed by how ridiculous it was to assume that.  She eyed Roy, willing herself to tell him no, to walk away and never look back.  But it was only dancing, right?  He watched her, waiting patiently for her to decide her next move.

Standing at the door of the behemoth truck, she wondered how she was going to scramble into the seat.  Then, strong hands found her waist and lifted her into the cab.  He climbed into the driver’s seat and they headed out.  Brenae was excited and nervous all at once.  She’d never been to a country and western anything, let alone with a bona fide cowboy.  She snuck a glance at Roy, her face turning hot when she realized that he was looking at her. 

“You’re awfully pretty, Brenae.  Are you sure your boyfriend won’t mind you going out dancing with me tonight?”

“I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Roy winked at her, “I can’t say that I’m sad to hear that.”  He threw back his head and laughed.  He pulled into a parking lot, country music drifting out the door of the bar and into the street.  “You’re going to love this place.”

Brenae took a deep breath and unbuckled her seatbelt.  She hoped he was right.  One thing for sure, she was about to make a fool of herself on the dance floor.  Roy grabbed her waist and swung her out of the car.  He all but ran into the bar with her hand in his, forcing Brenae to keep up or lose her arm.  His enthusiasm was contagious, and she was even excited, in spite of herself. 

He opened the door and the music welcomed them onto the dance floor.  Couples spun around the room, all doing the same dance, but adding their own flair.  Roy led her to a dim corner and showed her the steps, explaining how simple the basic two-step was and that they would add more when she got the hang of it.  Brenae laughed as she tried without success to master the “simple” basic steps.  It would be years before she added her own flair to it.  After the quick lesson, Roy pulled her onto the dance floor and they jumped in with both feet. 

The dancers floated around them as Roy guided Brenae through the music, holding her tightly every time she tripped on her own feet.  She lost herself in his eyes, a startling blue color that mesmerized her.  The crowd around them faded until they were just a blur of colors and shuffling boots.  Roy leaned in and laid a gentle kiss on her cheek.  Never had Brenae met such a gentleman.  He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling in the corners.  Lost in the moment, Brenae leaned forward to kiss him on the lips.  His hand went to her face, cupping her cheek as she kissed him deeply.  He was an even better kisser than she imagined.  She pulled back and looked at him, so overwhelmed by the attraction.  Did he feel it too? 

They danced until Brenae couldn’t feel her legs anymore.  She felt so comfortable in his arms, and she eventually got the hang of the two-step.  Roy led her to his truck and lifted her in.  They were so close to her apartment and she wanted nothing more than to go home and sleep.  But the sun was about to rise, and she had to be at work in an hour.  The station had a gym and a shower, and she kept a change of clothes in her desk in case of emergency. 

Roy swung by the station, but she declined his offer to walk her in.  She’d had an amazing time, but she wasn’t ready to walk into work with a bull-rider.  Office gossip was bad enough without her adding fuel to the fire. 

*****

Hours later, Brenae sat at her desk, hard at work.  She was exhausted, but she’d managed to sneak in a nap during her lunch break, so she was feeling like she could push through the final few hours at work.  Angie from the mail room came around the corner, holding a large flower arrangement in a delicate pink vase.  Not wanting to get noticed snooping, Brenae snuck a glance around the room, looking to see who was obviously expecting flowers.  She was still scanning the room when Angie walked up behind her and cleared her throat.