Forever Cocky_A Cocky Bitch Book Read online

  That was not funny…

  I fell into a horse trough. A freaking horse trough. With horse spit… and snot… and oh my God…

  I fell into water that horses drink out of. There is no telling what is in my hair and all of the crevices of my body right now.

  Gross!

  Ok, I have to shower. Like right now.

  Turning, I head to the tub. It’s a white claw foot tub with an old fashioned shower spigot mounted on a bar attached to the tub. I turn the water to warm and face Natalee again. She’s perched on the edge of the sink, looking at the tub, and smiling. “God, I love claw foot tubs. They remind me of the one my grandma had in her house. They’re so elegant.” She glances at me and smirks. “I was wondering if you were going to shower… I mean… you did go bottoms up into a huge basin of water that horses spit in all day. And… this is you.” She giggles and once again covers her mouth, but her eyes are still crinkling.

  I shudder as I remember. I snap. “So happy that I can amuse you…

  “If Mister Donovan had been a decent host and caught me before I fell in, I wouldn’t have the need to shower horse stink off my body.” I grumble again, “What an asshole.”

  Natalee grunts. “Exactly which Mr. Donovan are you referring to? The dreamy, Rowdy… or his sexy brother?”

  I roll my eyes as I reach in to test the water. It’s perfect so I step into the tub, pull the curtain closed, and sigh as the warm goodness cascades over me. After thoroughly scrubbing at my skin, I pull the curtain back and mutter, “Either one… But, probably the elder brother more so than Rowdy. Rowdy was by the stairs… Mr. Donovan, the uncivilized one, could have stopped me from my unplanned afternoon swim… If he’d been more inclined to help and not use it for his humor.” I point at my toiletry bag, sitting on the floor by the sink. “Hand me my face wash and poof as well as my body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.”

  Natalee bends down to grab the items I need before walking over and handing them to me. Her head cocks to the side as she says, “There was no way for Rowdy to get to you and Falcon only came around the corner as your feet left the ground. He did run to try to catch you, but he was too far away for it to matter.” She sighs. “Lord… what a man. Even his name screams M…A…N…”

  What a man? No, what a jerk!

  Although, he is quite easy to look at if you ignore the fact that he’s an ass. Those deep brown eyes… that chiseled jaw…those strong, broad shoulders… those trim hips… the way he fills out those jeans…

  Nope… I do not care.

  So what if he’s sexy…

  Los Angeles is full to the brim with sexy ass men. Refined, sexy men.

  Some rough and ragged cowboy is not appealing to me.

  I mutter out loud, “His name screams a bird of prey that eats fucking kittens and bunnies. See, asshole!”

  The soap suds coat my scalp and run down my back as I work the shampoo into a thick lather.

  I rinse and then condition the thick tresses while scrubbing my body until it’s glistening and squeaky clean. After a final rinse with cool water, I turn off the taps and reach out for the towel Natalee is handing me.

  She grins at me and my brow arches as I ask, “What? Why are you grinning at me?”

  She shakes her head and perches on the chair situated in the corner of the bathroom. “No reason. Only… wondering how you’re going to convince yourself that Falcon Donovan isn’t some rough and ragged cowboy that appeals to you.”

  Shit! I must have been talking out loud while I showered.

  There is no need to convince myself of anything.

  Wrapping the towel around me, I walk to the mirror to apply my moisturizer and eye cream while my skin is still damp, getting the best benefit from the moisture still on my skin. I look at Natalee through the reflection. “I don’t need to convince myself of anything. Eliza McCormick doesn’t go for Texas cowboys.” I shake my head for emphasis. “I’ll get the story and be on my way back to civilization. Then, I’ll forget all about what’s certain to be a hellish two weeks.”

  She grins at me. “Ok, whatever you say. I’ll be sure to remind you of this conversation.”

  Turning, I face her and arch my brow. “Why on earth would I ever need to be reminded of this conversation?!”

  She laughs and points to the stack of clothes she’s placed on the chair she just vacated. “No reason… There you go. The only appropriate clothing you packed in those four suitcases you brought with you!

  “I’m going to go freshen myself up. My room is three doors down from yours. Archie is at the end of the hall. We have this whole wing. This place is massive. I want to go check it out. So, as soon as you’re dressed, come on down. They have refreshments in the front room. The room to the left of the front door. And… I’m starving and parched!”

  I nod and she leaves. Turning back to the clothes, I groan as I slip on the jeans. The floral silk shirt does look a little out of place here. At least it has buttons.

  Oh, well. I’ll stand out.

  I always do.

  I hum as I finish getting dressed and quickly blow dry my hair before pulling just the right side back and clipping it, allowing the waves to cascade down my back. After applying the bare minimum for makeup, I check my reflection in the mirror.

  Nodding at myself, I say my mantra out loud at my reflection. “I’m Eliza McCormick and the world is my bitch.”

  Falcon

  I’m in the library/office of the house, in the deep leather executive chair, and Momma is sitting in the brown leather chair on the other side of the desk, giving me a talking to. “Falcon, Miss McCormick is a lovely woman and her welcoming was not exactly like we’d hoped.” She purses her lips at me, but I can see she’s trying not to smile. “You laughed at her misfortune and then goaded her when she was already embarrassed. Shame on you.”

  I chuckle as I remember the drenched beauty bobbing in the trough like an apple in a bucket. My eyes are crinkled as I look at Momma. “You know that was funny, Momma. I can see you trying to hold your laughter in. I know I shouldn’t have laughed at her… out loud… but, it was funny.” My hands slap my knees as I lean forward to look at the smile spreading on momma’s still beautiful face. “Had she been wearing boots and pants, like a normal person, instead of hooker heels and a silk dress, a silk dress, Momma… on a Texas ranch in the middle of June, her delectable derriere wouldn’t have been up in the air for God, and all of us, to see.

  “What was she thinking?!”

  Momma laughs heartily before pinning me with her deep blue eyes. “You don’t need to be discussing her womanly attributes with me like that, Falcon Donovan. She is a very beautiful woman. Which I’m happy that you noticed. And, while I agree that her shoes were unpractical, I can only hope that she’s packed sufficiently for the visit.” She points at me. “You need to offer Miss McCormick an apology.”

  Yeah, I suppose I do.

  Not that her taking a dip in the trough was my fault. And, I did try to help the woman out, but she wanted nothing to do with me.

  She acted like I shoved her in the trough and when I tried to help her out, she treated me like my hand was covered in horse shit.

  Well, I was laughing at her at the time.

  Aw, hell… I need to go find Miss Fancy Pants and apologize.

  And, yeah, I noticed she was a beauty. Doesn’t matter though.

  I nod at Momma. “I will apologize to her. I promise. Though, it’s not my fault she fell. I’ll be a gentleman and offer her an apology. I can’t make her accept it though.

  “She seems like a woman who holds a grudge…”

  Momma grins. “Oh, she’ll accept it. Work that Texas charm you were blessed with. That face of yours should help soften her up, too. Women seem to like it.”

  I grin and rub the stubble on my jaw. “Momma, you’re fond of my face, too. And the only woman whose opinion matters to me, is yours.”

  She chuckles. “Yes, there’s that Texas charm. I’m fond of both o
f my boy’s faces. I raised some handsome and personable men… now if only y’all would find some little women to settle down with and give your momma some grandbabies.”

  My hands come up and I stand. “Whoa now. You go on ahead and fill Rowdy’s ear with this mess. I am perfectly content with my life as it is. I don’t need or want any little woman cluttering it up.

  “I tried that once, remember?! It didn’t work out that well…”

  No way. One burn was more than enough to last me a lifetime.

  I’ll apologize to Miss McCormick. I’ll talk to her when I need to talk to her. But other than that, I’ll be working the ranch, growing the business, and carrying on with the way my life works…

  Without a woman muddying the waters.

  Momma sighs and I look at her. I can see the compassion and understanding in her eyes. But, I also see the sadness. “Falcon, not all women are out for themselves. There are good women just like there are good men.

  “You’re a good man. You just need to find yourself the right good woman.”

  Leaning down, I kiss her forehead and head for the door. “No, thanks. I’m good just as I am, Momma.”

  I am…

  I’m good.

  Chapter Four

  Eliza

  After leaving my room, I look down the hall and notice how long it is. I missed it on the way up because I was so focused on getting out of my now ruined, saturated clothes.

  Silk and water don’t really mix!

  Natalee said her room was three doors down, but it’s a good distance away and if Archie is at the end of the hall, that’s almost as far away as most people’s house.

  I wonder who’s in the other rooms up here.

  Is anyone?

  Leaving that exploration for later, I head back to the stairwell. It’s a straight shot to the foyer and the front door from here. The stairs are also made from worn, but well cared for, wood and the handrail is a hand-carved masterpiece. I’m impressed.

  It’s so smooth that it almost feels like glass instead of wood. My hand caresses it as I descend the stairs.

  I hear voices as I near the floor level and head toward them. Through an open door, yes, to the left, I find a large room with several comfortable looking chairs and sofas scattered throughout it. The room is open and inviting, a good place to rest and relax after a long day. Several bright throws are draped over the back of the sofas and chairs. The floor is also covered with bright woven carpets with a Mexican feel.

  Then again, this is Texas, I’m sure the cultures are combined all over. That might be a great idea for another show if this takes off, as I hope it will.

  Archie, Natalee and a few members of the production crew are sitting with Rowdy and his mother. Several other people are spread out throughout the space; a group of what I’m assuming are ranch hands are also talking quietly in the back corner of the room.

  On the coffee table in front of our crew and the Donovan’s is a small array of finger foods, that look delicious, and a pitcher of lemonade with lemon slices floating in it. I have to admit, it looks heavenly.

  My stomach lets out a grumble to remind me that I haven’t had anything other than a banana and black coffee before we boarded the plane at LAX this morning.

  Oh, shut up. I don’t need you announcing to everyone that I’m starving!

  Rowdy sees me and smiles as he stands. “Miss McCormick, are you feeling better? I’m so sorry that you took a tumble.”

  I just bet you are. You’re probably hoping that I’m not going to sue you.

  I’m not. But I just might send you a bill for my dress and shoes.

  Ok, no I won’t. But, I really should.

  I lightly smile at him and nod at Ms. Bessie as she says, “You look lovely, dear.” She glances at my feet and I start to get annoyed as I remember my now worthless shoes. She chuckles. “Ah, no more heels. Did you bring a pair of boots? Those heels that you’re so fond of are certainly gorgeous, but they really don’t work out here.”

  No shit…

  She points to the door, where a row of boots are lined up, “Boots are pretty much a necessity here… From the uneven terrain to the summer rains that bring flooding to the snakes and the cow patties… boots are what you need. Do you have a pair?”

  Well, shit! No, I don’t!

  I thought my tennis shoes would be ok… But snakes? Cow patties?

  Is that what I think it is? A cow patty back home meant a pile of cow shit.

  Oh, God… No, hell no.

  Natalee shoots me a glance. I can read her easily. “Really, Eliza. Now what?”

  Well, no, I don’t have any damn boots. Sorry, the country and western store on Rodeo Drive must have alluded me.

  She speaks up before I can say a word. “Unfortunately, we did not grab the bag that had her boots in it. That’s my fault. I was in charge of double checking everything and I got a late start this morning, so, I skipped it. Eliza doesn’t have boots and she only has a few pairs of jeans. Is there some place near here that we could make a run to grab them?”

  Hmmmm. Thanks, Natalee. You were responsible for no such thing.

  But, you just saved me from looking like an even bigger ass.

  You just got a bonus!

  Ms. Donovan looks at me. She glances over me from my toes, in my grey Asics, to my hair. She shakes her head. “No, unfortunately, the closest town is about sixty miles away and it’s pretty small. We don’t have malls or outlets. There’s a General Store, a Feed Store, and a few other things, but for what you’re wanting, you’d need to head back to San Antonio… where you flew in. It’s a two hour drive…”

  Great! Eliza, you really screwed the pooch here.

  Now, I have to make two pairs of designer jeans and one pair of tennis shoes work for two weeks.

  And, avoid snakes and cow shit!

  Why do I think that’s pretty much an impossible feat?

  Why the hell didn’t I follow the recommendations on the checklist?

  Son of a bitch…

  Ms. Donovan stands and angles her head. “I think I can help you. I have some things stored that should work for you. They may not be a perfect fit, but, I bet we can make them work. Why don’t you come with me, Miss McCormick?!”

  Rowdy’s head shoots up at this and his eyes widen, but, I see Ms. Donovan shake hers at him. They seem to have a silent conversation before he sits back in his chair with a quick jerky nod.

  What the hell?

  Interesting. There’s a story here.

  He smiles at me in an effort to cover his reaction. I smile back though I’m really curious as to what that was about.

  I’m going to find out.

  Ms. Donovan holds her hand out to me and waves at me to follow her. We leave everyone in the large, open room, and she leads me back up the stairs I just descended.

  I look around as I follow. She talks as we climb. “Crazy thing about places like this is that we always have stuff on hand to handle almost any situation.” She sighs. “We pretty much have to. But, that’s ranch life.” She turns in the direction opposite of the rooms we’re in and after a bit, we take a left turn into a new hallway.

  Good, lord. Should I be leaving bread crumbs?

  I mutter, “This place is massive. How many rooms do you actually have here, Ms. Donovan?”

  She chuckles. “It’s a big place. We have twelve bedrooms in the main house, sixty-nine beds in the bunk houses, three smaller houses, and the hunting bunks have twenty-two beds. It takes a lot of people to keep this place running… and, would you please call me Bessie?”

  We’ve been walking for a while and her breath is still even though I’m feeling a bit winded. She keeps chatting before I can gather enough air to respond to her without sounding like I’m about to keel over and die. “Everyone here calls me Momma, Momma Bessie, Ms. Bessie, or just Bessie. I still think of Mrs. Donovan as my mother in law. God rest her soul.”

  Damn! That’s a lot of rooms. That’s a lot of people. So, th
ere are four separate houses, several bunk houses, and the designated beds for the people who pay big money to come hunt and kill animals.

  Do they eat them?!

  I nod. “Wow, that’s a lot of beds. Why do you need four houses?

  “I can call you, Bessie.” I smile at her, feeling comfortable. “I’d like it if you’d also call me Eliza.

  “So, Bessie, do the hunters bring in the money or does the beef?”

  She smiles at me again and nods. “I’d love to call you Eliza.” She chuckles. “You know, Eliza, I love your show. I never miss it. I can’t watch it in real time, but I set my DVR every day and I watch it after dinner every night before I head to bed.

  “It’s my way to relax before the sun rises to welcome the next day.” We reach a door and she turns the knob. It swings in and as she flips the light, I follow her into the room. “I’ll answer your other questions, but first, let’s see what we have to work with here.”

  She walks to a dresser and I look around the room. It’s obviously a woman’s room. It’s much like the rest of the house I’ve seen, but this room has feminine touches. A light yellow quilt with blue flowers, lacy curtains, and a few knick knacks on the night stand. My eyes widen as I notice the Chanel No. 5 bottle next to the ornate hairbrush on a lovely vanity.

  Chanel No. 5?!

  That’s certainly not the perfume a woman working a ranch wears.

  Who the hell is this room for and where is she?

  Bessie pulls out a pair of jeans from the dresser and walks to the closet to pull it open. I see the array of clothing inside. She gestures inside, “Feel free to take anything that works for you. There should be more than a few pieces that you can use in here.” She sighs. “At least they won’t go to utter waste.”

  Walking to meet her, I look into the closet. “This isn’t really anything I’d normally wear. You watch my show. You know my style.” I reach out to flick at a chambray shirt before my fingers close around it. It’s softer than I’d have imagined. Taking it out of the closet, I press it against my chest and turn to look in the mirror. The lightness of the fabric makes my hair appear darker and I have to admit that it’s not a bad look for me. “This isn’t that bad.”