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  Dream Kisses

  Romance on the Ranch Series

  Verna Clay

  This book is dedicated to everyone who loves the journey to a happy ending.

  Dream Kisses

  Romance on the Ranch Series

  Copyright © 2012 by Verna Clay

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

  For information contact:

  [email protected]

  Website: www.VernaClay.com

  Published by:

  Verna Clay

  Cover Designer: Elaina Lee (For the Muse)

  Boots Picture: Ccaetano (Dreamstime)

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Preface

  Chapter 1: Male Model

  Chapter 2: Java Break

  Chapter 3: Expect the Unexpected

  Chapter 4: Stuck in Dodge

  Chapter 5: Busted

  Chapter 6: Food Server

  Chapter 7: Orientation

  Chapter 8: Lasso Lessons

  Chapter 9: Family Photos

  Chapter 10: Cowboy Up

  Chapter 11: Morning Regrets

  Chapter 12: Role Playing

  Chapter 13: "WESTWARD HO!"

  Chapter 14: Lost and Alone

  Chapter 15: Moonlight and Stars

  Chapter 16: Calm before the Storm

  Chapter 17: Sharing

  Chapter 18: High Fashion Greenhorns

  Chapter 19: Storm

  Chapter 20: Gossip Girls

  Chapter 21: Clean up Girl

  Chapter 22: Fling

  Chapter 23: Declaration Six Months Later

  Epilogue

  Author's Note

  Novels and Novellas by Verna Clay

  Honey Kisses

  Baby Kisses

  Stranded in Oasis

  Preface

  I'm always amazed at how one or two words can spark an entire world of characters. I liked the feelings evoked by the words "Dream Kisses" and decided to expand on them. After I started writing the story Dream Kisses, I had an overwhelming desire to give some of the secondary characters their own happily-ever-after, and thus, the Romance on the Ranch Series was born, with Honey Kisses, Baby Kisses, Candy Kisses, Christmas Kisses, Rock Star Kisses, and Forever Kisses joining the lineup.

  In Dream Kisses, Sarah Carter a.k.a. Mims Murphy, meets Sage Tanner at Imaginings Publishing while he's posing for the cover of her soon-to-be-released western romance novel. After being bulldozed into a coffee break with him by her publisher, an embarrassing incident causes Sarah to walk out. Of course, fate has a wonderful way of intervening in matters of the heart. Sarah decides her book needs realism and signs up for "dude" lessons at Lazy M Dude Ranch. Imagine her chagrin when she discovers the owner of the ranch is none other than Mr. Tanner himself! Yep.

  Chapter 1: Male Model

  Mims Murphy followed Sissy Johansen, chief editor and co-owner of Imaginings Publishing, through an ornate door and into a large photo studio on the fiftieth floor of a high-rise in New York. Sissy had insisted that Mims meet the cover models for her upcoming book, Dream Kisses. After writing five novels with Imaginings with moderate returns, she had finally scored big on her sixth, a chick-lit romance. Because of that success, Sissy had contracted with her for three books in a "Kisses Series": Dream Kisses, Honey Kisses, and Baby Kisses. Based on readers' exuberance, the books were expected to be hits.

  The shoot had already begun when they slipped into the studio. Sissy motioned her to a spot near a side wall. Mims leaned against the wall, her eyes riveted on the models. Lights flashed and the photographer, a short skinny man with a balding pate, called instructions. "Move in, Sage. Yeah, give her that sexy, hot hot HOT look. Make her sizzle. Chastity, let him know who's in charge."

  Sissy smothered a giggle and whispered, "Can you believe her name is Chastity?"

  Mims bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud.

  The photographer called another instruction. "Okay, models, let's try a kiss. The title of the book is Dream Kisses, so how about some dream kisses. Make my toes curl."

  With a rather bored expression, the male model glanced in Mims direction. Her heart tripped when their eyes met, something that only happened to characters in her books.

  Sissy whispered, "He's absolutely the most gorgeous man I've ever seen, and I've seen my share. If I were twenty years younger, I'd throw myself at him unabashedly." She sighed.

  "Sissy, you're kidding, right? You're married," Mims shot back.

  "I think I'm kidding; not really sure."

  Mims shook her head and looked back at the models now sharing a passionate embrace and kiss. The female had hit the genetics jackpot: curvaceous body, flowing blonde hair, sexy sky blue eyes, and full pouty mouth. Of course, maybe it wasn't genetics; maybe it was implants, hair salon, contacts, and Botox. Whatever, she's still gorgeous.

  A fan billowed the female's lavender silk drape gently around her luscious body and lifted her golden hair off her shoulders. The male model bent her slightly backwards, all evidence of his boredom gone when he laid a whopper on her. His hair, the color of rich mahogany laced with sunlight, also moved in the breeze of the fan. His linen shirt, falling off his shoulder and open to the waist, revealed tanned skin and washboard abs.

  Sissy said, "My God, I think I can scrub clothes on his abs."

  Mims choked and shook her head at Sissy's forthrightness.

  For the next hour they watched the photographer command the models, and the models perform magic. The experience transported Mims into the pages of her book. It was as if the characters had found life—a special world of romance, adventure, and a happily ever after that she wanted to step into.

  "Okay, boys and girls, I think we can call it a wrap," said the height-challenged photographer.

  The male model stretched and the female model ran her hands through her hair. For obvious reasons, Mims had expected the models to gravitate toward each other, but with the shoot finished, they appeared oblivious to one another. Then, to Mims astonishment, the female rushed to the photographer and bent to kiss him on the lips. He responded and whispered in her ear. She blushed and giggled, pushing at his chest. "Hon, gotta run and pick up the kids. I'm making lasagna for dinner."

  Mims mouth fell open. Sissy saw the look and chuckled. "Oh, yeah, you've never met Chastity and Chuckie Chambers. They're the best in their fields and been married since their teens. Got two kids, but always act like they're on their honeymoon. It's a shock when people find out they're married. We never give it a second thought around here 'cause we see them so much. Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone. Now, the male model, Sage Tanner, he's new, so I don't know much about him; only that he's in demand." Sissy elbowed Mims, "Wonder why?" She grabbed Mims' arm and pulled her forward.

  "Hey Chastity and Chuckie, I'd like you to meet the author of the book for the cover you were just shooting."

  The Chambers greeted her with warm handshakes. Chastity gushed, "OMG, I just love your books. When Chuckie told me I was going to be the model for your next one, I got so excited I couldn't stop telling everyone about it. It's such a pleasure meeting you!"

  "Chastity, I should be thanking you for creating such a beautiful cover," Mims said warmly.

  Sissy turned to Sage who'd slipped off his linen shirt to reveal the body of a god. He reached for an old T-shirt and when his head popped through the neck, she said, "Sage, Imaginings is extremely pleased you're doing this book cover. When our artistic de
signer saw your portfolio, she refused to look further. The shoot was awesome."

  "Thank you, ma'am," he politely replied with a slight drawl. He glanced toward Mims and her heart thumped again. You write about this stuff, girl, you don't live it.

  Sissy introduced them. "Sage Tanner, I'd like you to meet Mims Murphy, our best selling author."

  "I'm pleased to meet you, Ms. Murphy."

  "Likewise, Mr. Tanner. But please, call me Mims."

  "Okay, only if you call me Sage."

  Mims felt utterly tongue-tied. A woman could drown in the man's Caribbean blue eyes and never want to be saved.

  She found her voice. "Thank you for the lovely photo shoot. The cover of a book is so important." Lovely photo shoot? What a lame thing to say. How about unbelievably incredible, undeniably sensuous, mesmerizing, and sexy photo shoot?

  "I'm glad you liked it."

  For a second, there was an uncomfortable silence. Sissy said, "Why don't we all walk across the street for a java fix. I understand there's another shoot tomorrow for publicity photos that are going on our website. We can all throw out ideas."

  Chuckie said, "I could use a break, sounds great, Sissy."

  Chastity declined, "Sorry, I've got to pick my kids up from school."

  Sage agreed, "Sure, that sounds nice," but he didn't sound very enthused.

  Sissy grabbed Mims arm. "I'll let the powers-that-be, namely, my husband, know where we're going. Mims and I will meet you in the lobby in five minutes. She pulled Mims from the room.

  "Sissy, I really need to go."

  "And do what? Hack away on your computer? Give it a break, girl. I just got the most gorgeous man on the planet to join us for coffee. If you say you're not interested, I'm calling the paramedics. Better yet, I'll call the white-coats to have you committed."

  "Sissy, what are you talking about? I'm not even in that guy's league. Besides, I'm older than him."

  "Not more than five or six years. Cougars are out there dating men decades—yes, that's plural—younger than themselves."

  "Sissy, guys like that do not go for gals like me. It only happens in books."

  "Mims, I saw the guy give you that look."

  "No way, Sissy."

  "If you try to get out of this coffee break, I'll…I'll…refuse to publish your next book."

  Chapter 2: Java Break

  Sage followed the group across the busy intersection to an upscale coffee house. He had the beginnings of a headache. He'd wanted to decline the "java fix" and return to his hotel room, but he needed the modeling job. He couldn't afford to offend his bread-and-butter provider. God, I wish I could quit modeling.

  They entered Jet Setters Java Junction and he watched Sissy Johansen take charge. No surprise there. She was a bulldozer, which was probably the reason she and her husband had such a successful company. Although Sage didn't read romance novels, he knew the genre outsold all others.

  Someone behind the counter approached Sissy and gave her preferential treatment, motioning them to another room. They followed Sissy and their Jet Setter hostess to a room glassed off from the main one. A few high class business types sat in comfortable booths. Sage knew he looked out of place in his old T-shirt, but he didn't give a rat's ass. A beautiful woman wearing a classy business suit looked him up and down as he approached. She gave him that slow, I-like-what-I-see smile. He'd encountered that same smile thousands of times since the age of fourteen. His headache felt worse. He ignored her.

  At their booth, he stepped aside so Sissy and Mims could slide in. The little photographer slid next to Sissy, so he sat next to Mims. She was a little on the well-endowed side of the fork. She seemed self-conscious, something else he'd encountered thousands of times with women.

  The hostess handed them menus. Menus to order a damn cup of coffee. He laid his on the table and didn't even glance at it. Mims looked her menu over, front and back, and so did the others. The hostess returned and he listened to Chuck, because he couldn't bring himself to call him Chuckie, order a Muddy Mocha Miracle. Sissy ordered a double shot Hammerhead Bottom Feeder and he was curious about what the author would order. Very politely, she said, "I'd like a Latin Lover Latte, with lite whipped cream, please." He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.

  The hostess turned to him. "And for you, sir?" She batted her false eyelashes.

  "Black coffee."

  "Whatever you want," she said suggestively, and slid the tip of her tongue across her Botox lips.

  Sage wanted to ask for aspirin.

  * * *

  Mims watched the interaction between Sage and the waitress who was trying her damnedest to get his attention. Maybe she could use the little scene in her next book. The poor girl wasn't getting anywhere with him. He looked utterly bored. Actually, he looked gorgeous and bored.

  Mims rubbed behind her neck, wishing she'd left right after the photo shoot. Sissy was speaking to her. "I'm sorry, Sissy, what did you say?"

  "I said, 'Earth to Mims'," she laughed. "Actually, I was just telling Chuckie and Sage what a great writer you've become. How you've improved with each book. Now you're one of our top authors. Although…" she sent a sly look around the table and leaned in, "…you'd probably be number one if you'd use your talent to write some erotic scenes instead of dancing around them."

  Mims felt color flood her face and rubbed the back of her neck again, a habit she'd carried from childhood whenever she felt flustered or nervous. She didn't know how to reply. "I…I…"

  Chuckie added his two cents. "Don't worry about it Mims, practice makes perfect." He winked at her.

  Mims wanted to crawl under the table.

  The flirty waitress saved the day when she brought their orders. Serving Sage his coffee last, she said seductively, "Can I get you anything else?"

  Sissy had obviously had enough because she said, "Honey, he's taken by the lady next to him. Show your wares elsewhere."

  The young woman glanced from Sage to Mims and her eyes widened, as if to say, No way!

  Mims rubbed her neck harder and shot an apologetic glance at Sage. He chuckled and picked up her free hand resting on the table. Bringing it to his lips and kissing her palm, he said, "Yep, I'm taken."

  The waitress's jaw dropped, she stammered something, and then hurried away.

  Mims jerked her hand back. Her previous embarrassment turned to anger; first at Sissy and then at Sage. She didn't like being the butt of their jokes.

  "You know, I really have to get back to my hotel and pack. I don't have time for this. Would you please let me out of the booth, Mr. Tanner?" She started scooting over, even though he hadn't moved. He gave her a quizzical look and then stood.

  "Mims, you can't leave!" Sissy cried. "I just wanted to put the little tart in her place."

  Mims slid from the booth and turned to say a cool goodbye. With her head held high and her back straight, she walked out of Jet Setters Java Junction.

  * * *

  Sage watched Mims stiffed-back retreat. Hell, he hadn't meant to offend; he'd just been playing along with the game her publisher had started. Any other woman would have played along, too. How could a romance novelist be such a prude? He placed his fingers on his temple. Now he had a migraine.

  Chapter 3: Expect the Unexpected

  Willing her creative juices to flow, Sarah Carter looked at the blank computer screen. Nothing. The final chapters of Dream Kisses refused to breathe life and her publisher wanted the "whole enchilada" in rough draft in two months!

  Visions from the horrible coffee break a week before danced across her mind. She still got angry when she remembered how she'd become the object of first Sissy's, and then Sage Tanner's, strange sense of humor.

  After lambasting Mr. Tanner for the thousandth time in her mind, she turned her thoughts to Sissy's voicemails. Her publisher had left several messages apologizing for whatever she'd done, but not really owning up to anything. As usual, Sissy had addressed her by her author's name, Mims. I don't
think she even knows my real name.

  Sarah minimized her word processing page and clicked on the internet. Maybe her book needed field work. It was a cowboy romance, and being born and raised in Los Angeles, she knew nothing about cowboys, cows, horses, or ranching. She could do some rewrites and finish the last chapters based on firsthand experience. She scrolled her bookmarks and clicked on Lazy M Dude Ranch. Viewing the website with pictures of men, women, and children laughing and riding horses, sitting around a cozy camp fire, and eating together at long tables in a ranch style dining room, she made a sudden decision. Heck, you've got the advance money from Dream Kisses, do some investigative research. Find out what it's like to be a cowgirl. Sarah clicked on the reservation page and signed up for six weeks.

  * * *

  "Here're the signups for the next go-round." Newt handed Sage a computer print out.

  "Thanks, Newt." Sage scanned the list of names.

  Newt said, "Ya got one signed up fer six weeks."

  "That's unusual. Most folks only come for a week or two. Says her name is Sarah Carter. Ring any bells with you?"

  "Nope. My guess—it's one of those gals that found out you're that hoity-toity model and she's hopin' fer a roll in the hay with ya."

  "God, Newt, please don't say that."

  "Yeah, well so much fer puttin' this place in yer middle name, Michael Tanner. It still don't stop 'em from findin' out who ya are. I 'bout went crazy when that last lass showed up hopin' ta become the Missus."

  Remembering her hasty retreat, Sage grinned. "It didn't take us long to get rid of her. A few long horse rides, lots of beans, and a policy of no makeup, sent her packing fast. If need be, we'll employ the same tactics with Sarah Carter."

  "Ya got that right, boss!"

  * * *

  Following the sign, Lazy M Ranch, Sarah turned her rented Escalade onto a gravel road. She pushed a sweaty lock from her cheek and pulled on the neckline of her silk shell to allow air down her drenched bosom. An hour after leaving Denver International the Escalade's air conditioning had sputtered and died. I didn't think Colorado got this hot. Thank goodness, I'm almost there. Surely, they have air conditioning.

  The vehicle hit a rut that slammed her shoulder into the door. "Ouch!" A few bends in the road later, with still no ranch in sight, Sarah started to worry. Braking to a stop, she scanned the countryside for signs of life. Oh yeah, there was life, but the cows scattered across rolling pastures wasn't what she had in mind. I'll just go a little farther. You'd think they'd post more signs.