Her Billionaire in Hiding (Texas Ranch Romance Book 3) Read online

  He looked around at each of the guests as Mary introduced him. He wasn’t that good with names, but they seemed to want to keep to themselves, and that was more than fine with him. What really had his attention was all the food on the table. As he looked around, trying to choose between the inviting choices, he figured it would take the whole week just to try everything once. For today he took some whole-wheat apple pancakes with real maple syrup. He added ham and eggs and fresh melon. The orange juice was fresh-squeezed satsumas.

  Henry stopped by the breakfast table and thanked him for the calf’s rescue and asked if he would be willing to go on a pig hunt that evening.

  “Is that a common thing to do here in Texas?” Coop didn’t really like hunting per se, but if it was for a good purpose, he wasn’t opposed.

  “Yes, wild hogs are a big problem. Not only do they ruin crops, but they kill livestock as well. They have increased in number so fast we haven’t been able to keep up with them. Hunting is vital. Not only that, they taste good.”

  “So you hunt at night?”

  Henry nodded.

  “Okay, I’m in. I’ll just go get the mother to that calf. Then I’ll come back up here for a nap if we are going to hunt all night.”

  Coop had taken off his muddy boots in the back porch mudroom before coming in for breakfast. There was a bucket of water and a towel there for rinsing off mud from their dogs’ feet before coming in the house. He called Chase, and they headed for the mudroom before hiking back to the cattle pasture.

  Once there, Coop pointed out the cow, and Chase was on it. Coop was so proud of his dog. It was impressive watching him cut that mother cow out of the herd and bring her back up to the barn. When you have a good dog, ranch life is so much easier. He really didn’t have to do anything but point her out to him, and Chase did the rest.

  Back in his room, he turned on the radio, and that same sweet, clear voice was singing. It took him back to his quarters in the bottom of a ship leaving the country he loved, alone and missing Clara. That music had soothed his soul.

  It was rare that he listened to music at all, but this song, this voice, was mesmerizing. It filled his heart and lifted his soul. He paid attention to the very end, hoping to hear who the artist was, but the announcer went into the news directly after the song, and Coop turned off the radio in frustration. Could there be another woman in his life? Clara had been his everything; Though not necessarily a love match, they were close friends, and he had dedicated his life to her and their marriage.

  He thought back to the woman at the bus station. Even Chase had been drawn to her. When he had looked into her eyes, he felt something pass between them. When he touched her hand, he never wanted to let go. He didn’t think he was the only one affected. Her blushing face and inquiring look filled his mind. He smirked. She must have thought he was an idiot, dragging Chase away through the terminal. But when he’d looked back, she was smiling.

  Chapter 6

  Jessie had been planning for this meeting with the director since the tour began. Her agent had said they wanted to see how the tour went for a few weeks before they planned her future in the music business.

  The day before she had to travel to LA to meet with her label, the pastor stopped by.

  “Jessie, our annual bazaar is coming up, and I wondered if you would be willing to do a benefit concert for the church.”

  “Reverend, I would love to do that, but I don’t know how it would work with my contract. I am going to meet with my label, and I’ll ask them about it then.”

  The reverend stayed for breakfast with her parents, and she headed to the woods with Patch. She loved these woods. As she walked out the back door, she could smell the pungent odor of the swamp. She didn’t mind it really. She headed down the path, and the trees were so thick it was almost dark. Some said the woods were eerie, but today all of it was a relief from her hectic summer.

  She closed her eyes and let herself soak in the solitude. The shadows were a salve after the bright lights of the stage. She got into the canoe her father left next to the path. Patch jumped in, excited. He was always looking for raccoons, his nemeses.

  “Okay, Patch, we’ll head to the cypress grove, but let’s not chase raccoons today. I don’t want to have to pull you into the boat, soaking wet and muddy.”

  The cypress trees were a little eerie looking, but that grove was where some enterprising children had built a little tree fort years ago. Patch made a few lunges toward the water when he caught a scent but was obedient and remained in the boat.

  Once she’d gotten her fill, Jessie turned around and headed back to the path and pulled up the canoe. She knew she had been pressing her luck taking Patch into the swamp, but luckily they had returned dry.

  Every morning, Jessie took Patch for a walk in the bayou. She had planned to sleep in late during her vacation, but each morning when the mockingbird outside her window began his repertoire, Patch nuzzled her until she got up and went outside. This was their routine, and she had settled back in as though she had never left.

  Too soon, the morning arrived for her departure. She got up extra early so she could take Patch on his walk. They first stopped at the singing tree. The birds seemed to gather around that tree in the early morning. She sang Patch’s song to him and told him she would be back in two days. Patch sat with dignity, facing her. At some points in the song, he would raise his ears or stand and wag his tail. Jessie wished she could make him understand why she had to be gone.

  When she climbed down from the branch, she got a big portion of love and slime all over her jeans. They then hiked over to the spot where she’d first found him. Every time she brought him there, Patch gave the whole place a good sniffing.

  She came back, showered, and got packed. Then she anxiously sat on the porch, waiting for the limo to arrive.

  “Mom, I’m nervous. I feel like I need to run around or something to get this anxiety out of my system.”

  “Here, have some of my herbal tea. I have some packets you could use on your trip too, if you want them.”

  Jessie drank the tea and put the packets in her purse. “Thanks, Mom. I think I will order a bunch of that for the tour. I sometimes have trouble sleeping.”

  The limo arrived, and Jessie hugged her parents. The limo’s air conditioning was blasting, and she shivered as she got in. They drove slowly through the town she loved.

  “So this is my town, Edgar. What do you think?”

  “It’s a mighty fine town, miss. Looks a lot like where I grew up in Mississippi.”

  “Did you enjoy with your family?” Jessie appreciated Edgar so much. He was normally quiet and only talked when she engaged him in conversation. These trips in the limo were tedious at times, and she would often use the time to go through her music.

  “Yes, ma’am, I did. Everyone is doing fine.”

  “That is good, thanks for cutting your vacation short for this trip to LA.”

  Jessie had made copies of her new song to give to the A&R director. On the flight, she reviewed it over and over and felt sure it was ready. While on the plane, a little girl approached her to ask for her autograph.

  “Sure, darlin’, do you like to sing?”

  The girl nodded. “I am going to be a singer like you one day. I am taking lessons.” Her eyes sparkled as she told Jessie her plans. She was darling with a sweet smile and earnest eyes. Her hair was pulled back into a side ponytail.

  Jessie was once again impressed with the responsibility she had to try to be a good role model. “Practice your scales. I know it’s boring sometimes, but it strengthens your singing muscles.”

  The flight attendant helped the girl back to her seat. Jessie often thought of the example she was setting for young people. Even though the industry could be rough, she was determined to never let her young fans down.

  The flight passed quickly; her new limo driver seemed to be an expert in LA driving as he weaved in and out of traffic. She had never seen so many cars on one high
way.

  When she arrived at the hotel, there was a package waiting for her at the front desk. She took it up to her room and was happy to see an itinerary. There was a stack of paperwork. As she looked over the papers, the phone rang. It was her agent. “Hey, how was your vacation? We have a big lineup for the rest of the summer. Listen, the director wants to take you out to dinner tonight to discuss the rest of the summer plans. A limo will pick you up at seven.”

  Jessie was okay with that. “I wrote another song last week. It’s one of my best. Should I bring that to the dinner meeting?” She was excited to see how it would be received. Her parent’s reaction had been strange, though. How could she be in love with someone she only met for five minutes?

  “Sure, if you want to. I have a dress being delivered to the hotel for you to wear to the dinner. Why don’t you spend the day taking advantage of the hotel spa?” Her agent wished her luck and hung up.

  That sounded like a fun idea. She laughed. She had only been to one spa in her entire life, and that was to get a manicure. She called the front desk and made an appointment for the full body treatment.

  The hotel was gorgeous. There were palm trees and tropical plants in the lobby, and she followed a path to a pond and a waterfall that ran under a bridge to a glass-enclosed pool. She looked up to see guests looking down on the pool area from their individual balconies. She had no idea this much opulence existed in the world. She felt she was facing a pivotal moment in her career. Two steps forward and all this could become a normal part of her life.

  After an amazing day being pampered, Jessie put on the dress that was hanging in her closet. She looked fabulous, if a little suggestive. Some of her costumes on tour had also been more revealing than she felt comfortable with, but she could sew and easily made tucks and adjustments here and there while riding in the RV. This one was just going to have to be worn as is.

  The limo arrived; the driver took her notebook and guitar as he helped her into her seat. The drive was not long, which was a good thing. She was too excited to sit still and kept fidgeting in the back of the limo.

  They stopped in front of a big hotel. A man was waiting for her and took her hand as she got out. “Welcome, Jessie. It will be my pleasure to escort you up to dinner with Mr. Becker.”

  “Thank you so much. Do you work for the hotel?”

  “No, ma’am, I work for Mr. Becker.” He seemed reluctant to make eye contact with her, which was strange. Back where she was from, everyone looked you straight in the eye.

  Jessie was a little nervous, but she was excited too. She really hadn’t had much time to talk with Mr. Becker at her first interview. Now, after the success she was having, she hoped he would reveal his long-term plans for her career.

  They arrived at a restaurant on the top floor, overlooking the city. She was shown into a private room. The table was set with champagne and caviar. Mr. Becker was sitting on a long sofa at the side of the room and got up to greet her. “Our newest star! Welcome, Jessie! We are very happy with the success you’ve been having.” He greeted her with a kiss.

  She still needed to get used to that. Everyone seemed to say hello with a kiss in this business. She flushed as he pulled a chair out for her at the table.

  “Thank you, Mr. Becker.” Jessie sat and fidgeted, unsure what to do with her hands.

  “Call me Charles; we’ll be great friends I’m sure.” Charles took his seat across from her.

  As they were eating their salads, Jessie put down her fork. “I’ve written a new song which I think may be my best yet. I can play it for you if you’d like.”

  “That is good to hear, but don’t worry about that now. We’ll let the staff take care of that.” His eyes took on an appreciative gleam, and he downed his third glass of wine.

  She had seen that look before, but she dismissed a shard of concern that pestered in her gut. As they finished their dinner, Mr. Becker helped Jessie out of her chair and moved toward the sofa. “Let’s get to the business portion of our meeting over here where we can be more comfortable.”

  Jessie sat down, and Mr. Becker sat very close to her. “You are doing very well, Jessie. The radio stations are pushing your songs. We have put a lot of money into the advertising for your concerts. You’ve been getting top billing, and we generated a favorable article about you in People magazine last week. You’re going to be a star in the music industry.” As he spoke, he put his arm around her and pulled her close.

  Alarms clanged in her head. Perhaps he was just being friendly, fatherly. She kept herself stiff, but accepted the friendly overture. But then he ran a finger in circles on the bare skin of her shoulder.

  Jessie pushed away and stood up. “I think you have the wrong idea here, Mr. Becker.”

  “Relax, I’m just being friendly.”

  “I’m uncomfortable with the direction this is going.”

  His eyes hardened. “I suspect you are the one with the wrong idea.” He patted the couch beside him. “Now, sit back down while I explain some things.”

  She remained standing, growing more alarmed.

  He shrugged. “We’ve made an investment in you. We chose to make you famous. You do have some talent, and you are a very beautiful young lady, but all this comes with a price.” His eyes traveled the length of her. “Now come and sit down.”

  “I will not. I am not willing to pay that kind of price for anything.” She started backing out of the room.

  Mr. Becker raised his voice. “It’s your choice whether you abide by the contract or not. But you should know, if you’re in breach, everything we’re doing to promote your career will go away. You’ll find it hard to advance anywhere in this country without my backing.”

  “What do you mean, according to my contract? Does my agent know about this?” Jessie was getting angry now as the picture became clear.

  “Yes, he does. Your contract particularly states the favors you will give me. It’s done all the time, Jessie. Most of those people you see on the wall in my office had the very same opportunity you do, and they chose wisely.”

  “Well, I am very sorry to hear that, sir. I’m leaving, and I plan to tear up that contract.” She turned and left the room. She forced her breathing to remain calm, held her head high, and placed one glittery shoe in front of the other as she made her way down the hall.

  She didn’t start to cry until she got to the elevator.

  Back at her hotel, she took off the dress and hung it in the closet. She was dressing when her phone rang. It was her agent. “Jessie, Charles is a good guy. I’m sorry you misunderstood the contract. A couple drinks, some friendly interaction… This kind of thing is done all the time.”

  Jessie was fuming. “You are nothing but a glorified pimp. My life will be just fine without this record company. I’m checking out today and going home.”

  Her agent sighed. “I feel it in your best interest to remind you about the confidentiality clause. Listen, Jessie, if you go public with what happened, there could be some retaliation from his side.”

  She scoffed. “I don’t want anyone to know how stupid I am. You can tell him he’s safe.”

  She was about to throw the phone down when she heard him say. “I’ll work on things on this end.”

  She called her father then and cried as she told him what happened. The more she talked, the quieter he became. She felt devastated; all her dreams were gone.

  He cleared his throat. “I should have never let you go.”

  She choked on more tears. “But all my dreams.”

  “Listen, Jessie. This is nothing. You can sing anytime you want. You don’t have to make records. Everyone loves your music. Come home. They are not our kind of people.”

  She cried most of the way home on the airplane. There was no limo to greet her at the airport. The bus ride seemed even longer than normal.

  Her parents were at the bus stop with Patch when she arrived. Her face crumpled again. “Mom, I know you were so proud of me. I’m sorry.”

>   “Jessie, none of this is your fault. You’re right, I was proud of you. I still am, more in this moment than ever before.” Her mother pulled her into her arms, and Patch tried to nuzzle in between them.

  “Oh Patch, looks like I’ll be home for a while.” She leaned down to ruffle his ears. “We’ll have fun, just you wait and see.”

  The rest of the week went as well as could be expected. At first she just sat in her room, getting used to the idea that it was over. No more dream of becoming a recording artist. She looked around at the pictures of her favorite country western singers and wondered what price they had to pay for their fame and fortune.

  She took a deep breath one morning and decided her life would be just as grand without that kind of promotion. She would continue to sing at fairs and other venues, and this time if someone was interested, she would be a lot smarter.

  She called the pastor and told him she was free to do a benefit for the church. He was thrilled.

  Things started to look up, and she found it easier to let the huge concert tours fall away from her life.

  She found herself getting more and more excited about the charity function and singing for the church, but the next day the pastor called back. “Jessie, under the circumstances, I think it would be best if you don’t sing at the bazaar.”

  “What’s wrong, Pastor?” Jessie asked.

  “It’s all over the magazines in town. Our kids look at those. I was shocked that you could be involved in something like that.” He cleared his throat. “Would you care to come into my office and talk about it?”

  After she hung up with the pastor, she went into the kitchen. “Mom, I have to go into town. I’ll be right back.” Jessie ran out to the truck.

  She got several sour looks as she walked into the drugstore. “Mr. Watts, good morning.”

  “Not so good for you, Jessie.” He pointed to the magazine rack.

  Every stack on the stand held pictures of her blaring from the front covers. Her stomach sank, heavy and low. She and a man she had never seen before were shown in cozy and somewhat compromising poses. The captions read, “Jessie Forester breaks up the marriage of movie mogul Jim Woods and his wife of 10 years.” and “Young singing star shoots for big money.”