Billionaire Cowboy’s Bride

Beau Savage at the age of 41 was in the habit of waking up before sunrise. It was probably passed down through the generations of farmers and ranchers in his family tree. He laid in his oversized king bed beneath a layer of cotton sheets. His Pendleton wool blanket was on the floor as he had kicked it off during the night. He didn’t move as his daily events calendar unrolled like a scroll in his mind. At 7pm, he had a black-tie charity event but he forgot whom he was taking. He knew it was a blonde-haired woman because they usually were and that she looked amazing in evening attire, which they always did. They also looked stunning when the dress came off, which was a given. Was it Tammy, no? Was it Theresa, no? It was Tiffany! Ah ha; Beau just saved himself an awkward moment. His train of thought was interrupted by a pull at his elbow.

“Good morning Beau. Why are you on the far side of the bed? Come close and keep me warm,” Rosemary cooed, as she had been his companion the previous night.

“Sorry Ro. I have to shower and get ready for a meeting at 8:30 so I have no time to snuggle.”

Rosemary was the daughter of a business associate of Beau’s. Bringing her home seemed like a good idea after several bourbons. He had to remind himself that prudent choices were not made after a few drinks.

“You don’t expect me to get up at the crack of dawn, do you Beau? I suppose that joining you in the shower might wake me up.” Rosemary had legs that went on forever and a great body that she had paid a great deal of money to maintain.

“My morning shower is a solitary pursuit. We had plenty of fun last night, from what I can remember and who knows maybe this will happen again. Sleep as long as you want and the kitchen is yours to raid. Tell your father I’ll call him this week and thanks for last night Rosemary.”

Beau kissed Rosemary good-bye before he walked naked into his private bathroom. She was bewildered and disappointed as women usually were after spending the night in Beau Savage’s bed. There were countless other bathrooms in his home but the one off his bedroom was his sanctuary. The walls were Italian marble with ornate etchings. The shower stall was made of the same material and it was larger than most apartments in New York City. Whoever said that things were bigger in Texas had never been to Beau’s ranch in Wyoming, which his grandfather Jacob had named the Wandering Bison Ranch. He stood as the eight pulsating jets massaged his 6’2” frame. Beau was all muscle and although he was 41, he had never been in better shape with a wasp waist and squared off shoulders. He washed his black hair, which was flecked with gray and closed his blue-gray eyes. He hoped that by the time he was done with his morning rituals, that Rosemary had taken the hint and moved along. Beau enjoyed a woman’s company at night but when the sun shined, it was time for business.

Beau put on his hat and favorite pair of boots before hopping in his truck. If it were up to him, he would have on jeans and head to the stables. Unfortunately, he was more than a cowboy; he was the president and CEO of a business empire. Someday, he hoped he could seamlessly delegate the business aspect of his life to a son but that required a mate and that didn’t seem to be in the cards. He knew that most single women were aware of how much he was worth and wanted a slice of the pie. He had been called paranoid but at least he was having fun. He decided to swing by his Grandfather’s home on the ranch to say hello before going into Cheyenne.

“Hey Pops. I thought I would come and check on things before going into Cheyenne.” Beau pulled up to the white four-bedroom ranch house his grandfather called home.

“I don’t need watching over Beau. You hired that Pearl lady to look out for me. What were you thinking getting that tart to be my caretaker? Is she one of your castoffs?”

Jason Savage, 90, was the only person from which Beau took orders. He had outlived two wives, a daughter and a son. He had been just like Beau when he was young, which is why Savage Enterprises, Inc. thrived. He was an old curmudgeon but he was wise and tough. With his deep wrinkles and gnarled hands, Beau pictured himself in 50 years. It made him determined to get as much living as possible into that time.

“Pearl isn’t a tart Pops and I never bagged her. She’s a nice trustworthy woman. I looked into her background to make sure she’s not a gold digger. I wouldn’t bring in anyone in who has designs on our fortune.”

“Speaking of tarts. How’s your love life Beau? Am I gonna live to meet the future Mrs. Beau Savage?” Pops asked with a grin.

“Doubtful Pops. I expect you to stick around for a while but women are disposable assets to me. I have yet to meet a woman who can hold my interest for more than a night or two.”

“You have a stable full of women but you’ll know her when you meet her. Then you can send some of them fillies my way.”

“I’ll keep it in mind Pops. Gotta run and catch a meeting but I’ll stop by tomorrow and we can sip a glass of bourbon.”

“Don’t spend too much time in that suit. It’ll start to itch after a while,” Pops said as he tilted his hat down over his eyes. He spent the majority of his days resting on his front porch and dreaming of life on the range.

Jackie Keller, 29, was going to meet with whomever she could find who would talk to her about the evening’s charity event benefitting the children’s hospital. Savage Enterprises was a major donor and as the catering manager at the Clear Creek Resort, she needed information. A big table was reserved for the corporation. Jackie needed to know what they might be drinking and eating. It would be embarrassing if they ran out of the CEO’s favorite.

Jackie’s priority was to meet Beau Savage. All she knew about him was that he was a playboy, highly intelligent and not to be underestimated. From a friend she had also heard that the man was hot and advised her not to be burned. Having just moved from New York City where she worked at the resort’s corporate office, Jackie thought she could handle anything. A man wearing a cowboy hat and living on a farm would be nothing compared to the sharks that she encountered back east.

“You appear lost.”

Beau walked through the oversized glass and steel doors of the BSE building. He noticed a woman who was beautiful and bewildered so of course he approached her. Jackie was gob smacked by the Adonis towering above her petite 5’2” frame.

“I’m new to Wyoming and this is my first time in the BSE building. I need some information from someone on the executive level for the charity event tonight. I want to make sure the Clear Creek Resort has everything they need. I’m the catering manager and I’ll be overseeing the event.”

“Do you come with a name? I might be able to help.” Beau smiled as he enjoyed toying with the stunning stranger.

“I’m Jackie Keller. What I’m trying to find out, if you’re able to help is what the people at the table drink and if there are any foods that the CEO in particular dislikes. I hear he’s finicky and a bit of a pain.”

Beau laughed. “I guess that’s accurate. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Beau Savage. CEO and majority shareholder of Savage enterprises.”

There wasn’t a name for the shade of red that Jackie turned.

“Oh, I don’t know how I can begin to apologize. I heard you were. Ugh, bad start. Can I have a do-over?”

“Come to my office Jackie and I’ll let you try to impress me. I’ll also give you all the particulars about what I demand at my table. This is a $2000 per plate event and if you screw it up then your stay in Wyoming will be a short one.

Jackie followed Beau to the elevators and they ascended to the 30th floor which contained his office and a penthouse suite for his use only. A redhead in her 20’s occupied a massive desk constructed of roughhewn timbers. The décor was western but elegant featuring a portrait of Beau and what looked like his grandfather about whom she had read. Beau showed Jackie in and removed his tan cowboy hat. She no longer thought of him as just a cowboy who lived on a farm but as an in-control executive.

“I have a list of things I need to know.” Jackie sat in a brown leather hair and pushed her long pin-straight hair behind her ears. “I’m going to fire questions at you.”

“No, no, no. I don’t take well to being fired at. The children’s hospital has a wing in my family’s name thus I believe I have the right to run the show.”

Beau cleared his throat as Jackie nodded and got out her pen to take notes.

“I want only female servers for our table. Don’t even think of pouring water from a pitcher as I only drink bottled water; preferably French. I’m to be addressed as Mr. Savage and I will speak for everyone at the table. No chitchat from the servers. Too many times I’ve encountered waitresses that think they stand a chance with me. Any beef served is to be from one of the suppliers that buys from Savage Enterprises. I’ll be able to tell if it’s not from my cattle.” Beau put his feet up on his desk, revealing boots that were probably worth $1000 and had never been worn before. “I have wine already in the cellar at Clear Creek so don’t try and serve anything else. As far as bourbon goes, I drink Angel’s Envy or Bookers on the rocks but don’t let the ice melt. I require a new glass every 20 minutes, whether I have touched it or not.” Beau paused.

Beau watched Jackie as she took notes. She was not like women he was used to seeing. She owned the space she occupied with a sense of confidence and grace. Her long black hair and olive complexion made her look like an Indian princess although her eyes were light green. She was slender but strong and all natural which was rarely seen in the circles in which he mingled.

“Accommodating your needs will be no problem. I ask in return that you treat my wait staff with respect. They’ll be there to do a job and since it’s clear none of them stand a chance with you; there is no need for chit-chat. I have the names of everyone at your table Mr. Savage, except for your guest. Can you provide me with a name?” Jackie waited for an answer.

Beau was caught off guard by the question. “Her name is Tammy. No, it’s Theresa. Oh, now I remember, Tiffany will be accompanying me to the dinner.”

“Does Tiffany have a last name,” Jackie shot back.

“You’ll have to ask her,” The corners of Beau’s mouth turned up slightly.

“I have what I need Mr. Savage. I can show myself out and I’ll be there tonight if you have any last minute needs.”

He thought of a need Jackie could help him with but he could tell Ms. Keller would not be so easy. “My life story is all over the media. What’s yours Jackie?”

“How far back do you want me to go? I was born in Utica NY.”

Beau interrupted as he took his feet of his desk and got comfortable on a chair next to Jackie.

“Skip ahead to how you arrived in Southeast Wyoming working at Clear Creek Resort.”

“I started for working for Dominion, which is the parent company of many resorts around the world right after graduating from Fordham University. I worked my way up in catering as I worked in Bermuda, South Carolina and the Cayman Islands. I went back to NYC to get some further training and now I’m here.”

“Married? Children? Lesbian?” Beau asked.

“This isn’t Match.com so I don’t feel obligated to answer but I will. No, No and No. I have to leave Mr. Savage.”

“See you tonight Ms. Keller.”

“Can’t wait to meet Tiffany.”

“Who? Oh yeah, my date.” Beau winked.

After a busy morning in the office, where he seldom spent his workdays Beau went into his penthouse. The panoramic view faced the Rocky Mountains and rolling foothills. The western view had spectacular sunsets, which had been enjoyed by many beautiful women. On that afternoon, there was only one woman on his mind. He couldn’t get Jackie Keller out of his thoughts. There was rarely a day in which his personal voicemail box was not flooded by invitations from supermodels, socialites and actresses. Beau reclined on his chaise pondering why a catering manager from Utica NY had gotten under his skin. What the hell he thought and picked up the phone.

“Felicity (the red haired receptionist) I want a flower arrangement sent to Jackie Keller, catering Manager at Clear Creek Resort. Make it a nice mix of wildflowers indigenous to Wyoming.”

“Yes sir. What should the card say?” Felicity asked. “Welcome to Wyoming — Mr. Savage (Beau). That’s all and hold my calls. I also have to make sure my tux is ready for tonight. Buzz me when Tammy gets here. I mean Tiffany.”

Jackie pulled up to the Resort on Cow Creek. On her way back from downtown Cheyenne, she was trying to decide if she liked or hated Beau Savage. He was a male-chauvinist pig who clearly thought that any woman would be lucky to land him. On the other hand, he didn’t hide who he was, which was refreshing. Many men she had known showed themselves one way but hid their true selves. It was his eyes and toned physique that threw her off her game. He also had an air of mischief about him that was sexy. She shook her head because she doubted he had even remembered her name.“Hey Colette. Can you get me a list of the servers on duty tonight and I’ll need to make sure we have enough Bookers bourbon on hand,” Jackie said to her admin.

“You have only been in town two weeks and you already have an admirer.”

“What are you talking about Colette?”

“Flowers are on your desk. I know the florist and I could pay my month’s rent for what that arrangement cost.”

Jackie was blasted by the pleasant aroma of the flowers as she read the card. Colette smiled while standing in the doorway as she waited for details. They had become friends since Jackie moved to Cheyenne and she knew of no special man in Jackie’s life.

“Who’s the guy Jackie?”

“Beau Savage. He’s just a client.”

“There is nothing just about Beau Savage. He’s the most sought after man in the Western U.S. I would be bouncing up and down with joy if I ever got flowers from him.”

“He’s a cowboy from Wyoming. I’m a glorified food server from New York City. I’m a bit of a feminist and he’s not. He’s charming, suave and drop-dead gorgeous but not my type,” Jackie lied.

“What are you wearing tonight so you can try hard not to impress Mr. Savage?” Colette grinned as she enjoyed teasing her boss.

Alone in her office having finally gotten rid of Colette, Jackie called Beau.

“Hi. Mr. Savage. I’m surprised to hear you answering your phone,” Jackie said.

“I scribbled my personal number on my card and I was expecting your call. I was sure a nice college educated girl would call to say thank you for the flowers. Call me Beau.”

“You asked that you be addressed as Mr. Savage.”

“I didn’t mean you. I’m straight forward as you know and therefore I’ll say what’s on my mind. You intrigue me Jackie. You’re smart and beautiful, which is a rare combination and I should know. As my grandfather would say, I have many women in my stable. I find you to stand out.”

“Did you really just compare me to a horse in a stable — ugh. Do women normally take that kind of talk from you?”

“Sadly, yes they do. You’ve got spunk, which I like. See you tonight.”

Beau hung up and Jackie grabbed her purse.

“Colette, I’m leaving for the day. I have to find something to wear tonight. It has to be professional with a touch of sex appeal.”

“I’ll write down a few places you should try. I’ve heard rumors and Beau is a breast man and he likes a nice ass.”

“That does not surprise me.” Jackie smiled as she walked out.

Jackie stood by the bar, which gave her a clear vantage point of the ballroom and of the Savage Enterprises table in particular. She spent hours at various boutiques choosing an appropriate outfit for the gala. Jackie wanted to be respected by her employees and noticed by Beau at the same time. The green-eyed beauty chose a long black skirt with slit that could prove revealing if she stood a certain way. Her top was a silk sea foam green wrap around blouse. She could show as much cleavage as she wanted seen. She gathered her silky black hair in a topknot and finished her look with chunky silver jewelry.

“Wow Jackie. You could pass for one of the guests. Is there a reason I was moved off of serving the Savage table?” Mark asked. He was a male server and Beau had asked for women only.

“Oh, it was just a random decision. Wage is the same for all the servers.” Jackie said flatly. “Thanks for the compliment Mark and have fun tonight. It’s for a good cause.

In the door, Jackie watched Beau Savage and his date make their entrance. Beau looked handsome in his tuxedo, which was obviously made for him because it fit his body perfectly. Tiffany was beautiful, which was no surprise. She was poured into a pastel pink gown and wore a diamond pendant and earrings. Jackie worried that one of her servers would accidentally bump into her thus popping her tits. Jackie looked down at own chest and felt like a surfboard. Her own C cup breasts were nothing compared to Tiffany’s. Beau’s date had blonde hair that was styled in a chin length bob, which was held in place by a generous amount of hairspray. She saw Beau smile broadly but he wasn’t looking at Tiffany as he was looking at her and he was walking in Jackie’s direction. She placed down her clipboard and stood so her slit offered a view.

“Good Evening Jackie.” Beau lifted her hand gently and gave it a soft kiss. “The room looks fantastic and I’m sure you had a lot to do with it. “I tried to create a mood of classic elegance with a splash of whimsy. It’s for the children’s hospital so I wanted everyone to remember why they’re here.”

“Elegant and classy that describes you Jackie. If I had my way it would be you by my side this evening and not Tammy.”

“It’s Tiffany, remember? Did you get her last name so I can have a place card made up quickly for the table?”

“Yeah, thanks to my assistant Felicity who knows her socially. It’s Smythe. I’ll have to introduce you to the lovely lady.”

“She’s certainly lovely Beau. Are the two of you an item?” Jackie joked because she knew they weren’t.

“No but Tiffany would like to think we are. She’s trawling for a husband with money cuz her plastic surgery bills are piling up. Poor thing will have to look beyond me.”

“Did you buy her the jewels?” Jackie asked because they were stunners.

“I have a good relationship with the jeweler so most of what she’s wearing is on loan. She has $2m in ice around her neck alone. They even sent a security guard along with it, whom you won’t be able to detect because it’s his job to blend in.”

“I have to see to some details in the wine cellar. Cocktails will go another 45 minutes then we begin serving.”

“I’ll be seeing you soon Jackie. I hope that slit was intended for my pleasure.”

Jackie smirked and walked down to the wine cellar. She remembered that a friend told her Beau was hot and to be careful not to be burned. She was going to need a fire extinguisher.

With clipboard in hand, Jackie descended the stairs to the wine cellar. It was reportedly one of the best stocked in the West. A great many bottles were those of Beau Savage who used Clear Creek for bottles that couldn’t fit in his own wine cellar. The space was dark, mysterious and she was a little frightened. No one on her staff was allowed to enter without management supervision as the collection was easily worth millions. Jackie heard approaching footsteps and thought it must be one of the servers who was in need of something specific.

“Mark, is that you. I’m bringing up the bottle of Pouilly-Fusse you requested. I’m bringing up a couple of bottles if I can find the damn things. Mark? Mark?”

Jackie felt hands grab her from behind. Beau wrapped his hands around her waist and kissed her neck. She whipped around meeting his blue-grey eyes with hers and gasped.

Beau placed his fingers over Jackie’s lips.

“Shh. I had to touch you and I think you wanted me too. If I should leave just say the word.”

Jackie pulled him in for a kiss so powerful. Beau knew she was feeling the same. With his hand, he removed a single clip from her hair and her long black hair softly cascaded down past her shoulders.

“When you spread your legs upstairs giving me a glance of your red lace panties, I knew I had to explore every inch of you. It isn’t often that a woman surprises me but you knock me to my knees.”

“Did you close the door when you came down?”

“Yes,” he said.

“Good because I’m the only one with a key.”

Jackie pushed Beau against an oak wall, surprising him with her strength. With a single pull, her silk blouse dropped to her knees. She stepped out of her skirt leaving her in a bra and panties as Beau looked on. She removed his tie, shirt and cummerbund.

“You’re used to being in charge. Tonight I’m the boss Beau.”

Beau didn’t answer he just moaned in ecstasy as his pants hit the floor and she began sucking his cock. His fingers became tangled in her long black hair. After he came. He gently laid Jackie on the floor and caressed her silky skin from her ankles up her thighs. He removed her silk panties and then her bra getting lost in her natural breasts. He kissed her crotch and she began to move to a rhythm of which she had no control. He was about to cover her body with his but she turned him on his back.

“Remember who’s in charge here.” Jackie whispered.

Jackie and Beau enjoyed each other until they were abruptly interrupted. They heard the dinner announcement.

“That was the fastest 45 minutes ever. In my life, I’ve never been out of control. You do something to me Jackie. I don’t want this to end but I really should go upstairs and rejoin that trollop that I brought,” Beau said as he began getting dressed.

“Would you believe me if I said that was way out of character for me.”

“I would like to think that you don’t normally fuck men in the wine cellar. I hardly know you though. I want to change that Jackie Keller and I hope if I call you you’ll agree to go on a real date; one in which we wear clothes. I would love to see you in a pair of blue jeans and a cowboy hat. If you can ride a horse like you just rode me, I’ll be amazed.”

Jackie gathered her hair back up in a bun. “We’ll talk Beau. I’m not willing to be one of your many conquests. Expensive baubles don’t impress me and I’m not looking for a husband. What happened tonight was amazing but I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the future.”

They shared a final passionate kiss before walking up the stairs. Jackie allowed Beau to go up first so it wouldn’t appear suspicious. Jackie grabbed her clipboard, wine and re-entered the ballroom.

“Thanks for the wine. I’ve got the table from the Blue Star Ranch and they’re drinking like fish. Quite a raucous bunch. Um, none of my business boss but your shirt is inside out. Are you okay?” Mark whispered in Jackie’s ear.

“Oh, I had a stain that I wanted to treat and it was easier if I took of my blouse. Must have put it on wrong. Thanks for saving me from being embarrassed. People may have thought I was screwing around with someone in the wine cellar.” Jackie was flustered as she crept away to the restroom.

In the bathroom, Jackie had a moment to process what had just happened with Beau Savage. She had known him for 24 hours and already he was complicating her life. Hooking up with a wealthy cowboy was not a part of her plan in Wyoming. She didn’t have a plan for the Clear Creek Resort other than to move on to a property in Nevis or Antigua. Her assistant Colette came into the restroom with Jackie.

“Thanks for throwing me the shift in the dining room tonight, as it’s a nice change from sitting behind a desk. I’m glad I found you because Beau Savage is asking to speak with you. What’s going on with him? His companion is getting tipsy and she’s all over him. Confusing because he sent you flowers — oh well fill me in on Monday,” Colette said.

Jackie sighed and went out to talk to Beau, which was bound to be interesting.

“Mr. Savage, you asked to speak with me. Is there a problem?”

Tiffany was hanging on to Beau’s neck, which was still marked with Jackie’s lipstick.

“On the contrary Ms. Keller, I wanted to compliment you and your staff for your excellent service. The attention to detail is unsurpassed. I’m going to leave something with the concierge to show my thanks.” Beau said while smiling the entire time.

The ballroom was loud and busy as guests started milling about after dinner. Beau laid his hand on Jackie’s thigh and squeezed it making her jump.

“I’ll make sure they know that you’re pleased. If you need anything else please call.”

“I will, I definitely will Ms. Keller.”

“Can I have someone bring your car around because it looks like Ms. Smythe is ready to go home,” Jackie said because Tiffany could hardly sit up straight.

“That would be great. I’ll drop her off at her condo downtown on my way back to the ranch.”

Tiffany managed to speak up. “No, no. I’m going home to the ranch with you Beauregard. I always go home with you. Don’t be a party pooper.” Spit was gathering around the sides of Tiffany’s mouth and Beau was beginning to become embarrassed.

Beau mouthed the word sorry and blew Jackie a kiss goodnight as he led his drunk date to his waiting car.

Beau woke up alone and happier than ever that there was not a woman next to him. He was determined to have Jackie Keller beside him soon. He couldn’t get the beauty out of his mind. It was Saturday and Beau had a rare day with nothing on his calendar. Before he called Jackie because it was only 5:30am, He decided to visit with his grandfather. Beau wanted to tell anyone who would listen that he had finally met someone special.

Beau put on Jeans, UC-Boulder sweatshirt (his alma mater), a beat up cowboy hat and a pair of broken in boots. He walked out to his garage where he kept his collection of about 20 vehicles. He had a couple of Harleys, trucks, sports cars, sedans and his favorite classic Mustang collection. He enjoyed looking at his cars but he left the garage without putting his keys in the ignition.

The stables were calling his name. Horses and the open land were two of the reasons he loved Wyoming and it had been too long since he had enjoyed them. The ranch hand on duty was shocked to see Beau. “Mr. Savage. What can I do for you? I was unaware you’d be riding this morning; had I known I would have gotten your favorite horse ready,” Linus said.

“I’ll relax and walk around the place while you saddle up my favorite stallion. It’s been so long since I’ve set foot in here so I hope Han is still about.”

“He sure is. We take him out and keep him exercised because we know he’s your favorite. Something seems different about you Mr. Savage. Have you just arrived home from vacation cuz you seem very relaxed.”

“Thanks for noticing Linus. I’m just happy. I didn’t even know I was unhappy before.” Beau smiled as he visited the stalls, which he had neglected for so long.

Beau rode Han to his Grandfather’s house. Surveying the property that he was anxious to show Jackie.

“Hey Pops!” Beau tipped his hat to his Grandfather who was surprised to see him on horseback.

“Never thought I’d see the day when you showed up here looking like a real cowboy. What brought this on?”

“You said yourself that I’d know the right one when I saw her. Well, I think I’ve seen her. All I can say that today the sun is shining a little brighter.”

“Do I know her?” Jacob Savage asked.

“No, she’s new to the area and I can’t say I know her too well myself. She works at the Clear Creek Resort so she’s different from the women I normally take home. Jackie has a level of class and beauty that’s unmatched. She’s a college graduate and not interested in snagging a billionaire.”

Beau’s Grandfather looked concerned. “It sounds like an infatuation to me Beau.”

“I’m not expecting it’ll be easy to wrangle this woman but I know what I want and that means I’ll get it.” Beau smiled.

“I wish you luck Beau and think about bringing Jackie by to meet me while I’m still around. I’ll be able to tell if she’s as special as you make her sound.”

Beau’s Grandfather was suspicious. Beau had a strong attraction to Jackie Keller, perhaps because she wasn’t handed to him on a gold platter trussed up with an apple in her mouth. Jason Savage had been in his grandson’s position at 41 with no heirs. Panic sets in and a man starts looking more seriously for a wife.

“I appreciate it Pops but I don’t think I’ll need much luck as I’ve never needed it before with women.” Beau smiled as he went inside to refill his coffee.

Jackie woke up realizing that sex on the floor of a wine cellar had its drawbacks. She was moving slowly and had bruises in places that were going to be hard to explain. Washing the kitchen floor would be a good excuse, except for the fact that her condominium was carpeted. Jackie was glad that she chose to be on top for her sexcapade, otherwise the injuries would be worse. It was a Saturday but Jackie decided to head into the office anyways. She had let other projects go untouched for a while because all her energy was directed towards the charity event.

“Hey Colette. Any chance you can swing by the office today. I’m going in to play catch up and I would love the company. I’ll buy lunch. Take-out from anywhere.”

“I was thinking the same thing Jackie. I can’t wait to hear what happened between you and the hot cowboy. I saw the glances the two of you were exchanging.”

“It was that obvious huh? See ya in a bit,” Jackie smiled when she thought of hunky Beau.

Jackie hopped in her Camry and sped to the office. As she moved through the canyon in her vehicle purchased in New York, she considered trading it in and leasing a small SUV or truck. She wanted to look as she belonged in Wyoming during her tenure, which would be six months or less. On her dash, she kept a photo of the resort in the Caribbean which she planned to make her final destination. While she was driving, a call came in from Beau so she enabled her Bluetooth and smiled as she answered.

“Did you manage to get your date home safely?”

“Yes, I walked her in the door and reclaimed the diamonds before I left her passed out on the couch. If I didn’t do it the security guard would’ve shown up to do it for me.”

“Do many people borrow jewels for an event?” Jackie asked.

“I do because I go to many events and I want my dates to look a certain way. I’ve never known a woman with whom I wanted to invest in permanently. I have plenty of cash but I go to so many dinners, ceremonies and celebrations that the cost would be prohibitive. In the past week alone I’ve had three appearances in which I had $2–6M worth of shit on each woman.”

“Interesting. Where is your private jet taking you to this week?” Jackie asked.

“I’m not thinking about next week Jackie. Is there anywhere you want to go?”

Jackie was surprised by the question and she almost rammed into another car in the resort parking lot. “To my office is the only place I’m planning to go for a while. I work for a living Beau.”

“O.K. If I can’t lure you away for a romantic dinner in Paris then agree to come out to the ranch and spend the day with me tomorrow. A quiet afternoon on the ranch isn’t something I do often.”

“Sounds blissful. Are casual clothes appropriate?”

“Come as you are and I’ll provide you some western gear when you get here.”

“How are you planning to do that? You don’t know my size.”

“Jackie, I had my hands all over your body last night. I think I can figure out you measurements down to the inch. You can drive out or I’ll send a car; your choice.”

“I’ll be there before lunch. Gotta go. I’m at the office.”

Jackie disconnected. Walking towards her office, she had time to think about what getting involved with Beau Savage meant to her long-term plan. She was using places like Wyoming as a stepping-stone to reach the Caribbean. Colette who came up behind her interrupted her thoughts and the two continued to the office.

“You’ve only been here an hour and already you have a delivery from the cowboy,” Colette announced a delivery.

Colette showed the deliveryman into Jackie’s office. He carried a huge bouquet that took up half of her desk. It smelled amazing because Jasmine were the focal point of the arrangement. They were her favorite flower and they smelled of the perfume she had on the previous night. The delicate white flowers were interspersed with Indian paintbrushes, which were the Wyoming state flower. Jackie read the card.

Nothing can smell as magnificent as you did last night but these should come close. Counting the minutes until you arrive at The Wandering Bison ranch tomorrow.

 

Beau

“OMG Jackie. I’ve been in this town a lot longer than you. Beau Savage rarely holds an interest in a woman beyond 24-hours.”

“I don’t know what to say Colette. I didn’t plan this. In fact, I didn’t even know who Beau Savage was before I moved to Wyoming. I don’t even think I’m his type and I’m sure he’ll lose interest quickly.”

It wasn’t difficult for Jackie to navigate her way to Beau’s ranch because it occupied a huge portion of southeastern Wyoming. There were signs off the highway directing the way to the Wandering Bison. Jackie liked the name but she didn’t know she would see actual herds of wandering bison, which she did. The scenery was painfully beautiful and photos didn’t come close to doing it justice.

“Jackie Keller here to see Beau Savage.” She pulled up to the gate.

“Mr. Savage has been expecting you. He asked that I give you this.” A man at the gate handed her a large hatbox with a note attached.

This should get you started. Put it on!

Inside was a brown leather cowgirl hat. Jade beads that matched her eyes dotted the perimeter. It was the most exquisite hat that she had ever seen and she could tell that it was hand sewn. She placed it on her head and continued towards the main house. The house was modern and it blended perfect with the landscape. It was constructed of wood and tinted glass with enormous porches like wings coming off each side. One was perfect for watching the sunrise and the other for watching the sunset. A man walked down from the front porch to greet her with a glass of champagne.

“Welcome to the Wandering Bison Ranch. Make yourself comfortable on the east deck and Mr. Savage will be down shortly. If you prefer, I can bring you sparkling cider.”

“No, it’s the weekend, why not?”

Jackie looked out at the rolling hills, which were dotted with cattle. It was difficult to imagine one family owning so much land. Her family home in Utica would fit nicely in Beau’s garage several times over.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. The hat looks awesome but then anything would look good on you.” Beau paused. “I can’t help but picturing you wearing nothing but that hat.”

“You have a one track mind Mr. Savage. I call you that because you are a savage; a sexual savage if I remember correctly.”

“You’ve got that right but if I recall, I wasn’t the only one making the moves in the wine cellar.”

Beau lifted Jackie out of the wicker chair into a close embrace and kissed her.

“Mm. Better than I remembered. Now let’s get you looking like a real cowgirl before we head out to the stable. I have some options in the bedroom you’ll find second from the left when you go in the house.”

“Is picking out women’s clothes a hobby of yours,” Jackie joked.

“I know women at a few boutiques in town who were more than happy to help. They helped choose everything except for the lingerie as I know what I like in that category.”

Jackie’s jaw dropped when she entered the room. It looked as if he had purchased an entire boutique. It was the first time that Jackie had let a man dress her and the feeling was odd. What the Hell, she thought and pulled on a pair of blue jeans that fit like a glove and a white linen blouse. The dressing table had a variety of sterling silver jewelry, which is the only type she normally wore and about 20 pair of sunglasses. Her hand hovered over an extra pair that she was going to stick in her purse for Colette as a souvenir but thought better of it.

“Well, I’m set. What do you have planned cowboy?”

Jackie burst out on the porch to find a stacked redhead in black jeans, red sleeveless top and a replica of her own hat standing with Beau. Her long fingers with red nails had a grip on Beau’s bicep. She looked at Jackie and didn’t seem surprised. Beau looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Hello Jackie. Beau was just explaining and what we have here is a case of double booking on Beau’s part. This must be your first time to the ranch because I see you got the full treatment with the outfit to make you look like a genuine cowgirl. I’m Sierra by the way and I’ve decided to step aside and allow you and Beau to enjoy a ride on the property and whatever he has in store next. There will always be other Sundays — right Beau.”

The buxom redhead stepped back as she loosened her grip on Beau’s arm.

“Jackie.” Beau lost all color in his face. “Sierra is an old friend and we had this planned long before I met you. Isn’t that correct Sierra?” “I think a week on a yacht in Cap Ferrat classifies me as more than a friend but call me what you want. We’ll catch up later Beau. I’ll be in LA for the next few weeks and you know where to find me.”

Sierra grabbed Beau’s square jaw and kissed him on the lips before turning to Jackie. “Have fun with Beau and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Actually, come to think of it, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do.” She turned and walked away.

Jackie put up her hand. “I didn’t learn anything here that I didn’t already know but it made me realize that I’m not your type. I think of Sierra, Tiffany and I’m just not that. I shouldn’t have thought this was more than just a one night fuck. I was actually beginning to think of how you might impact my future.”

“Can we just forget about Sierra? I want to impact your future and I want you to impact mine,” Beau said

“That’s out of the question cowboy now that I’ve cleared up my view of how you operate. That being said, let’s not waste a beautiful day. Let’s go for a ride.”

With things settled in Jackie’s mind, she wasn’t worried about impressing Beau and she relaxed. They had a great time on horseback with him on Han and her on Princess Leia.

“Are you that much of a Star Wars geek that you named these horses after the characters. These poor animals have to live up to their names.”

“I’m not a geek. I’m 41 therefore I grew up with the original movie as my reference point for pop culture. I mean of course I’ve changed with the times but the nostalgia pulls be back with impending release of the next one.”

“How often do you ride Beau?” Jackie asked.

“A couple of times per year.”

“What a waste. You should spend more time out here because it’s magical.”

“It is when I’m with you Jackie.”

“Get over it Savage.” Jackie pulled her horse up and they raced back to the stable.

Jackie arrived back first and jumped off Princess Leia. She noticed a room off the stable was ajar. She pushed open the door to find Beau had arranged for a romantic rendezvous. Twinkling lights hung from the beams and rose petals laid on a bed covered with white cotton sheets and pillows. Beau touched her shoulders.

“I had this planned before the Sierra debacle. I wanted to make sweet love to you Jackie and not have sex as we did the other night. This is the man I want to be. A friend and a lover. I suppose I’m too late to prove that I’m more than just a wealthy cowboy who treats women as a commodity. I came up with this idea the night after the charity event but I guess I jumped the gun.”

A bottle of champagne sat beside the bed and soft country melodies poured from the overhead speakers.

“It would be a shame to let this go to waste.” Jackie smiled and removed Beau’s cowboy hat. He did the same to hers.

The mood was hurried in the wine cellar, which was the opposite of the slow pace in the stable. Beau took his time unfastening Jackie’s buttons and was sure to kiss each inch of her bronze skin as it was revealed. His hands moved into the waist of her jeans and he squeezed her ass as he pulled her in for a deep and deliberate kiss. Her blouse and pants lay on the straw covered floor and Beau gently laid Jackie on the bed. He joined her still fully clothed. He gently ran his fingers up her leg taking special care when he reached her upper thighs and beyond. Jackie moaned with pleasure as he covered her nipples with his mouth while moving faster with his other hand.

Jackie reached up and in a single motion pulled open the snaps on his shirt. Soon he was naked in bed with her as a musky sage scent wafted in the open windows. Their bodies rose and fell in unison as if they were born to be together. Jackie and Beau made love three times that afternoon. “My stamina has not been like this since I was 21 years old,” Beau said proudly.

Jackie climbed on top of Beau’s muscular body because she preferred even numbers and there was no limit on how much time they could spend in their love nest.

“Do you realize that my life is much more complicated than the moment I bumped into you?” Jackie purred as she rested her head on his six-pack abs.

“Complicated isn’t necessarily a bad thing Jackie and I don’t think it should be any other way for a complex and intriguing woman like you. Can you stay for dinner? You’re welcome to stay here the entire night and beyond if you can be convinced.”

“It has nothing to do with being convinced Beau because I would stay if I were a billionaire as you but I have to be at work tomorrow. The chamber of commerce is holding a breakfast meeting and I don’t want to let down the chamber. They help send a lot of business my way. If I succeed here it’ll get me noticed so I can reach my final goal.”

“I’m sure Colette can handle whatever comes up; besides, I’m on the board-of-directors at the chamber.”

“I should have figured that. Regardless Beau I have to leave this magical place.”

Beau and Jackie got dressed although they both wished they could linger in the barn. He walked her to her car.

“I’m disheveled,” Jackie said as she tried to run her fingers through her tangled hair.

Beau pulled her in and kissed her forehead as her cradled her in his arms. “I wish you never had to leave Jackie. It’s the first time I have ever felt this way. Even when my parents left me at boarding school, I didn’t feel the pain that I’m feeling now.”

“I feel it too Beau but I have to go.” Jackie jumped in her car and drove towards Cheyenne.

Beau walked out to the west porch. As he waited for the sun to set he thought of a plan to keep Jackie. He wasn’t falling in love with Jackie Keller. He did love her.

Jackie walked into the office on Monday morning feeling on top of the world but exhausted. The phone was ringing and Colette was frantic when she entered.

“I’ve been trying to reach you since last night. Corporate negotiations have taken place and they’re selling Clear Creek along with the property in Nevis. I didn’t even know negotiations were in the works for this kind of deal,” Colette spoke rapidly.

“This probably means the end of my road working for Dominion. I’m sure the new owners will bring in their own people. This sucks.”

“It gets worse. There is some big shot with the new company waiting for you in the conference room.”

“Wow. They’re wasting no time in showing me the door. My resume is in my personal file and you have the password. Will you start updating it for me? I’m gonna need it.”

Jackie stopped in the restroom on her way to the conference room. She shed a couple of tears, splashed water on her face and then proceeded.

She opened the door to find Beau Savage sitting alone at the long glass conference table.

“Sorry Beau. I don’t have time for you. My complicated life just got a whole lot more complicated. This room is being used.”

“Yes, I know. The new owner of the Clear Creek Resort and the Blue Gem Resort in Nevis is using it. I was itching to spend some money and now I need help managing my new properties. I know nothing about the hospitality business but I hear you do.”

“You’re my new boss?” Jackie gasped.

“I’m the new owner but you’re the boss. I’ve been in charge long enough and I want you to be my partner. Marry me Jackie because I love you and I never want to be without you. We can travel on my private jet between the Caribbean and Wyoming.”

“You think you can just barge in here and make all my dreams come true Beau Savage?” Jackie tried not to smile.

“Yes. I do,” he said. Beau pulled a black velvet box from his pocket and opened to reveal a breathtaking diamond ring. “It’s not on loan this time.”

Jackie welled up with tears of joy. “I love you too Beau and yes I’ll marry you.”

Beau put the ring on Jackie’s finger as he gathered her in a tight embrace.