Page 42 of Cowboy Superstar

“She’s the best. Truly. I don’t know what I’d do without Lyric.”

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her nose. “It sounds like she might have found a reason of her own to stay in Montana.”

CHAPTER 25

The Howling Wolf Saloon was quintessential Montana, from what Windsor could tell. A moose head and assorted other animals were mounted on log walls, a roaring stone fireplace took the chill off the spring evening air, and a bar full of blue-jean-and-cowboy-boot-wearing customers turned and stared as part of the cast and crew came through the door.

Marta had let them know they were coming, after consulting with Ephraim. And he was leading the pack, after driving Lyric with Sylvia and Butch in his big black ranch truck.

The bartender waved. “Hey, man. Your table is set up over there. We’ll be right with ya.”

“No rush, Bernie. Thanks,” Ephraim replied.

With his hand on the small of Lyric’s back, he guided her toward the table. “Birthday girl sits at the head.”

Windsor glanced at Bo, and he smiled back at her. They both saw it. Everyone saw it.

“He’s wasting no time.”

Bo’s arm slid around her. “When a man knows what he likes, knows what he wants, and his window of opportunity is limited … you gotta go for it,” he said. “Also, be aware that every eye in this place is on us.”

Windsor’s well-honed sixth sense had already picked up on that. She didn’t care. She leaned into Bo. “How much do you want to bet the tabloids go nuts about us soon?”

His smile was soft. “It’s only a matter of time. I’m glad you’re okay with that.”

“I’ve got nothing to hide.”

“Good.”

He led her to the table and pulled out a chair so she could sit next to Lyric before taking the seat next to Windsor’s.

Butch and Sylvia sat across the table with Jenni, along with Martin, the key grip, and Jose, Cam A operator. Sandra, Laura, and Jody—the prop master, set designer, and sound engineer, respectively—filled in the rest of the table.

“Well, look who we have here. Never thought I’d see Ephraim Holcum sitting at the Howler at a table full of California folks.” A brassy blonde glared as she stalked toward them in a sequined denim jacket and mini skirt.

“Heidi …”

Windsor could tell from the woman’s tone that they had history and she was pissed.

“What happened to don’t California my Montana?”

“Heidi, you need something? I’ll be right over to your table if you do,” a server with a black apron around her waist said.

Windsor, and the whole table, breathed a sigh of relief when they realized Heidi wasn’t their waitress.

The girl looked so mad that she might spit.

Thankfully, it won’t be in our food.

“I’m good. Just never thought I’d see the day.” Heidi spun on her bootheel and stomped off.

“Sorry about that, guys. I’m Maddie, and I’ll be serving you this evening. Welcome to the Howling Wolf Saloon, the pride of Thompson Falls.”

“Thanks, Maddie. This is the birthday girl, right here,” Eph said.

Disaster averted, Windsor leaned against Bo. “Well, that was interesting. Do you know who she is?”

“Ex-girlfriend. She dumped him for a guy who had bought a brand-new truck.”