Starstruck Cowboy (Working Man Series Book 1) Read online

  Luke walked over to Isobelle’s trough and dunked his head in the water. Running his hands through his wet hair, water dribbled down his arms and soaked his clean shirt.

  “Yeah, well, the girl’s got a strange idea of foreplay. How is it going with Daisy?”

  Brent’s smile turned into a frown. “I don’t know. I tried to bring up the issue of payment and she keeps changing the subject. I think I’ll just let you handle that part. Tell Star we’re not happy with the land or something like that. Tell her we’ll only pay her half of what we promised.”

  Luke stopped fussing with his hair long enough to look Brent in the eye. “I’m not going to seduce her, Brent. It doesn’t feel right. If you don’t want to pay the full price, then you work it out with Daisy.”

  Luke tried to step past him but Brent grabbed his arm. “You’re already in over your head, Tyler. I know you’ll lose your ranch unless you come up with the dough soon.”

  Luke reached out and pried Brent’s fingers from his arm. “Somehow, I feel that you’re in the midst of a threat.”

  “No threat, Luke. Just do what I ask and you’ll get your money.”

  “All I need is the money from this damned film and I’ll get my ranch back. You can’t replace me now, Brent, and you know it. We’re too close to deadline to get someone to fill in and learn my lines.”

  “I’m not planning on replacing you, Tyler.”

  “Good. Then I guess this conversation is over.”

  “But without the money I’ll save by paying the Brightons only half the fee, I won’t be able to pay the rest of the cast and crew.”

  “Not my problem.” Luke walked around Isobelle and grabbed a blanket from the side of the stall. He threw it atop her and followed it with a saddle.

  “It is your problem, I’m afraid. Because if I don’t have the cash to pay them, I’m going to have to cut your salary so they get their share.”

  Luke tugged on the straps, securing the saddle. “We’ve got a signed contract, Brent.”

  “Which expired last month. Remember, the contract was time dated and not worded for the duration of the film.”

  “Damn you, Valens. You always were a snake. You know I’m new to the business. You took advantage of me on purpose, didn’t you?”

  “Never, Luke. I just figured we didn’t need to mess with a new contract. After all, the film is nearly finished. Don’t be alarmed. Surprises are standard in this business. You’ll get used to it.”

  Luke secured the last strap and took a step toward Brent.

  “Well, then I’ve got a surprise for you as well. Jimmy the Outlaw will be my last movie.”

  Luke untied Isobelle’s reins and pushed open the gate. Brent stepped out of the way as Luke made his way through with his horse.

  “Last movie? Fine, be that way. No one will hire you after I blacklist you for the way you’re acting.”

  “Won’t need to.” Luke reached into his back pocket and pulled out a toothpick. He unwrapped it and stuck it between his teeth before he continued. “I’m going back to ranching after this. I’m not cut out for stardom, nor do I want to work for anyone anymore besides myself.”

  “Well, I guess that means you’ll finish the job – all of it – first.”

  “Does it?” Luke put a toe in the stirrup and hopped atop Isobelle. She threw back her head and whickered, swishing her tail in anticipation. “After all, the contract has lapsed as you so graciously pointed out. Therefore, I guess I don’t have to hold up my end of the deal either.”

  “C’mon, Luke. Don’t be that way,” Brent answered in a firm voice. “Now, let’s forget about all this and get going. We’ve got a lot of scenes to shoot.”

  Luke didn’t say a word. He just kicked his heels into Isobelle’s sides and rode out of the barn.

  Chapter 9

  Star hung around the kitchen, bringing the last plate to the sink for Louise to wash. Luke hadn’t shown up for breakfast. She told herself she didn’t want to see him anyway, but it was a lie.

  Brent and Velvet were already out by the trailers preparing to shoot the riding scene. The hired hands had almost tripped over each other, trying to be first to open the door for the Hollywood beauty.

  Star grabbed a sponge from the counter and walked back to the table. Louise looked over her shoulder from the kitchen sink, and Star just knew what she was going to say.

  “That nice Mr. Tyler, I mean Luke, didn’t even show up for breakfast.”

  “Oh?” Star busied herself washing off the table. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  “He sure is a handsome man, isn’t he?” Louise glowed when she said it.

  “I never really gave it much thought.”

  The screen door slammed and Star’s head shot up, expecting Luke to be standing there. Instead, her mother strolled in, heading over to the stove where she poured herself a cup of coffee.

  “Star? Why are you in here helping Louise when you’ve got so many chores to do?” asked her mother.

  Star smashed the sponge in her hand and let her gaze drop to the table. “I figured I’d help Louise out since she’s been cooking and cleaning for an extra three people lately.”

  “Three?” Daisy put the speckled coffee pot down on the grate with a little more force than needed. “I only count two, unless you’re talking about Mr. Tyler. But then again, he never can seem to get to the table in time for a meal.”

  “We have plenty of hotcakes left over,” Louise stated from the sink.

  “Don’t even think about it, Louise,” Daisy warned her. “I told the man if he can’t be here when we’re eating, he can go hungry, and I mean it. I won’t have you serving meals whenever someone has a whim to show up at any hour of the day.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about Luke,” Star interrupted. “He seems like a man who can fend for himself.” She finished washing the table and started to push in the chairs.

  Daisy eyed Star suspiciously and wandered over to the table cradling her mug of coffee in her hands. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you have a crush on that man.”

  Star bit her lip, thinking of how to respond. Sure, she liked Luke in an odd sort of way, but she’d never admit it to her mother.

  “We all like him,” interrupted Louise. “After all, he is handsome, kind, funny . . .”

  “Louise,” Daisy stopped her. “Please see to the guest rooms now if you will.”

  “But I haven’t finished the kitchen yet.”

  “Star can do it, since she’s already offered to help you.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Louise wiped her hands on her apron and headed for the hallway. “Whatever you say.”

  Star tried not to meet her mother’s eyes. Instead, she walked over to the sink and stuck her hands in the hot water.

  “Come here, Star.” Daisy sat down and nodded for her daughter to join her.

  Star reluctantly wiped her hands on a dishtowel, bringing it with her to the chair. “I figured you wanted to talk in private when you sent Louise away.”

  “You’re right. I do.” Daisy waited until Star was seated.

  “What did you want to talk about, Mother?” asked Star.

  “Mr. Tyler,” she answered.

  Star cringed inwardly since she knew her mother didn’t like Luke. After all, she still wanted Star to get back together with Teddy. She’d always taken a liking to Teddy who had shown up one day answering an ad they placed, wanting to buy one of their horses. The next thing Star knew, she was taking her mother’s advice to date the man. In three months’ time, she was engaged to someone she never loved. Then he left her unwanted and demoralized, standing alone at the altar.

  “What about Luke?” Star asked.

  “Luke, is it now?” Her mother stared at her over the brim of her mug as she sipped her coffee. “You’re on a first name basis already?”

  “He did ask us all to call him by his first name,” Star said in her defense.

  “The man’s a star and probably rich.” Her mother continued
to stare.

  “So?” Star tossed the towel on to the table, wondering what her mother was up to. This talk sounded awfully familiar. After all, her mother would never admit it but that was why she liked Teddy so much. The man had money and a huge ranch. Daisy was a shrewd woman and didn’t want her little girl to live in poverty for the rest of her life.

  Daisy had loved Star’s father, Caleb Brighton, before he died. But the man drank away most of their earnings. Star’s mother had changed drastically since then. Now, she believed a girl should marry for money. Even though Teddy had left Star at the altar, Daisy had been trying to get them back together. Teddy made up some lie about why he missed the wedding and said he wanted a second chance. Now, Daisy was trying to patch things up between them.

  “Mr. Tyler is not only rich but also the one responsible for wrecking our truck and you losing the money we got for our chickens,” Daisy finished.

  “Mother, I’ve got chores to do.” Star got up from the table, planning on leaving.

  “Sit! And hear me out,” her mother commanded.

  Star slowly sat back down and waited. Daisy took another sip of coffee, and then looked around to make sure no one was listening. She leaned forward and spoke in a soft voice. “You’re going to get Luke to not only replace our truck and pay back the money we’ve lost, but also to convince Brent Valens to pay us twice his original offered price for letting them use the ranch for their movie.”

  “Mother!” cried out Star in shock. She had never expected this to come out of the woman’s mouth. “How can you even suggest such a thing?” Star felt outraged that her mother would stoop so low and expect her to go along with it.

  A twinge of guilt fluttered in Star’s stomach. The accident was partly her fault, too, but she hadn’t told that to her mother. Star was the one who ran her truck into the limo and more or less challenged Luke to race with her. She could have backed down just as well as he could have, but she didn’t. Stubborn pride on her part and ego on his, caused the accident and they were both to blame.

  “We’re missing a vehicle and a wad of cash because of that man,” complained Daisy. “He can afford to give us what we want, and so can Mr. Valens.”

  “Then why don’t you just come out and ask them?” Star challenged her mother.

  “I can’t. I don’t want them getting mad and pulling their crew out of here to film somewhere else.”

  “Mother, this isn’t like you. Ever since Daddy died, you’ve been going off the deep end and sounding desperate.”

  “I am desperate, Star!” She banged her cup down on the table. “Don’t you understand? We’re going to lose our ranch. The foreclosure notice is already in the papers. If we don’t get some money really fast, we’re not going to have a place to live much longer.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me about the foreclosure notice sooner?”

  “What difference would it have made? I convinced Valens Motion Pictures to come here, and now all we’ve got to do is squeeze some more money out of them. If so, we’ll be all right.”

  “Mother! You had this planned all along?”

  “I’m trying to save our ranch, Star. I’m only doing what needs to be done.”

  Star stood and crossed her arms. “Well, I won’t be a part of your little plan. It was just as much my fault about losing the truck and cash as it was Luke’s. I’m not going to ask him to pay for any of it, nor am I going to try to break an honest deal that’s already been made.”

  “Fine!” Daisy stood up and crossed her arms as well. “If you won’t do as I ask, I guess we’ll just have to sell your horse to pay for another truck.”

  “Licorice? No! I’d never sell her.”

  “Well, it doesn’t look like we’ll have any other choice. Plus, you’ll need to go over to the Maxwell place and get a job cleaning their house or cooking their meals. They’ve got an ad in the paper, you know.”

  “What?” Star shook her head in disbelief. “Mother, you can’t be serious. Teddy Maxwell left me at the altar, or did you forget? He doesn’t want me, and neither do I want anything to do with him. Especially not what you’re suggesting.”

  “Star, Teddy said he was sorry. Give him a second chance. After all, it’s only him and his two cousins living on that huge ranch for the past year, so I’m told. I’m sure he’d welcome a female around the place.”

  “You don’t play fair.” Star felt tears forming in her eyes. “You know I’d never go back to him.”

  Daisy unfolded her arms and, once again, picked up her mug of coffee. Staring into the mug, she continued her conversation. “Star, baby, I don’t like being like this, honest I don’t. But I’m afraid we have no choice. We’re desperate. We need that money or we’ll be without a home soon. It’s bad enough the hired hands are working for barely enough to get by, just trying to help out. If I knew of any other way, I’d do it. But if you’re refusing to help me get the money from Mr. Tyler and Mr. Valens, then all I can say is to go back to Teddy. He can take care of you, honey. You’ll have a place to lay your head and food on the table at the end of the day and that is all that matters.

  “Is it?” Star glared at her mother. “And what about you, Mother? Where will you go? What will you do?”

  Daisy took another sip of coffee and shook her head. It was obvious to Star that her mother was only doing all this to try to give her only child a better life. Never would she have stooped so low while Caleb was alive. She was desperate and admitted it. Star wanted to put her mother’s mind at ease, but she couldn’t leave her behind. Neither could she go back to Teddy.

  Star walked over to a drawer and took out an oven mitt and then pulled a plate out of the oven that contained the warm leftover hotcakes. Luke’s share. Uneaten. She opened the fridge and, with one hand, poured syrup over the stack. Shoving the bottle back on the shelf, she slammed the door and licked her fingers. Daisy looked up and her eyes narrowed.

  “What are you doing? I thought you already ate.”

  “I did. These are not for me, Mother. These are for Luke.”

  “No!” Her mother’s face screwed up with frustration. “I told that man if he couldn’t get here in time then –”

  “A way to a man’s heart, or should I say his wallet, is through his stomach. Isn’t that what you’ve always taught me?”

  Daisy smiled and nodded and then stood up and gave Star a hug. “It’ll all work out, honey. You’ll see.”

  Luke held Isobelle’s reins in one hand as he talked with Amber, the stuntwoman who’d be doing the riding scenes for Velvet. Amber was a redhead about the same height and weight as Velvet, and had the bust line to match. Her hair hung loose and a cowboy hat was all but glued to her head so she wouldn’t lose it. She wore a long skirt and a frilly, low-cut white blouse for the scene.

  Luke noticed the way her blouse showed off her cleavage, and often wondered if her female attributes got in the way of her stunts. Then he found himself suddenly remembering Velvet’s bra and a different redhead with a smaller bust line in the shower. He shook the thought from his head and directed Amber through the stunt.

  “I checked out the terrain earlier,” he told the stuntwoman. “It’s all fine except for a rocky patch just beyond the old chicken coop.” He pointed to a spot very close to where they would be shooting the scene. “Be extra careful around that area or your horse might throw a shoe or twist an ankle.”

  “Got it,” answered Amber with a huge smile. “I’ve really enjoyed working with you so far, Luke. I’ve never met a man quite like you.”

  Luke noticed that Amber was staring at him instead of the dangerous patch of ground he pointed out.

  “Look, Amber. We’re already behind schedule and need to shoot this scene as fast as possible or Brent will have my neck. Are you sure you understand the stunt?”

  “Sure,” answered the girl. “The crew will start a stampede with the Brightons’ cattle. I’ll be picking flowers right past the old chicken coop. When I see the cattle coming toward me, I run
for my horse that is grazing nearby. I get on, but he throws me. That’s when you appear just ahead of the cows to scoop me up on top of your own horse and we ride away.”

  “Exactly. But remember, the timing’s got to be perfect. One second off and you might get flattened by the herd.”

  “I’ve got faith in you, Luke. I’m sure you’d never let that happen.” She continued to smile at him and bat her eyes. Luke wasn’t sure, but suspected she was flirting with him.

  “Tyler!” Brent called out through the megaphone. Luke looked over to the truck with the camera attached. Brent was perched in the back and Velvet stood nearby drinking something with a straw. Brent gave a last minute direction to the cameraman and jumped out of the truck. This was a B film and Brent filled in as both the producer and director. “Are you ready?” he shouted.

  Luke looked back toward Amber. “I am. Are you?”

  “Yep,” she answered. “Let’s go.”

  Luke motioned for Brent to wait until Amber was in position and then to start the stampede.

  Star balanced the plate of hotcakes on one hand as she exited the house through the back porch door. Why she was going along with her mother’s wishes was beyond her, but she couldn’t come up with any other plan at the moment. She felt bad doing this to Luke, but figured, if it worked, she’d pay him back in the long run. After all, she wasn’t about to lose her horse. If Luke was as rich as her mother said he was, to him, money wouldn’t even matter.

  Licorice whinnied from the corral and Star walked over to pet her nose.

  “I’m doing this for you, girl,” she said to the horse. “There is no way I’m going to sell you. You, Maxi, and Baby are all I have left. Maxi ran up as if on cue and gave a hello yelp. “Hey, Maxi. I hear they’re doing some sort of stunt with the cattle today, so I guess you’ve got the day off from herding.”

  Brent’s voice in the distance took her attention. “On cue . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 – roll the cameras and start the stampede.”