Free When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson Page B

thanks to you.
    -Huh? What did the hell did she mean by that?
    -Never mind
    - Wth? If I did something to piss you off, just tell me
    -Why wasn’t I good enough for you?
    He bit his lip, the breath knocked out of him. What was going on? - That’s a conversation to have face to face
    -Never mind. Forget I said anything.
    -Are you okay?
    -I’m fine. What time will are you bringing Cody home?
    -Noon
    -I’m heading to bed. Bring him to the big house. I’ll be there until one.
    He placed his phone back on the nightstand then sprawled out, trying to find a comfortable position. No matter how he laid, nothing felt right. Tossing and turning, Lanie’s question haunted him. How did he explain there was nothing wrong with her? There was no justification for his behavior. He’d been blinded by fame, became arrogant and thoughtless, taking what he wanted for the moment without a thought to whom his actions affected. If he could turn back time, he’d go back and do things differently. He’d treat Lanie with the love and dignity she deserved, stay faithful and never give her reason to leave. Too bad he couldn’t travel back in time.
    A regretful sigh escaped. He rolled over and grabbed his phone again, sending a final message. – I know it’s several years late, but I’m sorry.
    No response came. He hadn’t expected one.
    Finally, he found a sweet spot. Closing his eyes he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the night he first met Lanie.
    “Hey cowboy, nice ride tonight.”
    “Thanks,” he acknowledged absently, bored with the typical bunnies who hung around.
    “Is it true you picked up Royston Oil as a sponsor?”
    “Yeah. The announcement was made last week.” He took another swig of the whiskey in front of him, relishing the burn as it slid down his throat.
    “Did you know they slaughtered over one hundred innocent horses last year?”
    That caught his attention. His head turned, seeing a gorgeous blonde. Not sultry sexy, but beautiful and wholesome, could-spend-the-rest-of-his-life-with gorgeous. “What do you mean? Something like that would have made the news.”
    “They bought out a failing horse rescue last year to use the property for a new plant. As part of the purchase agreement, they agreed to rehome the aged and injured horses, but an undercover investigation proved otherwise. They’ve spent a lot of money and energy covering up their misdeeds.”  The blond spoke passionately, wearing her hurting heart for the horses on her sleeve.
    “Then how do you know all this?” he asked. He’d heard rumors that Royston Oil had some questionable ethics, but gaining their sponsorship was huge. However, something that big of nature would be a game-changer.
    “Anything can be found if you dig deep enough.”
    “Why don’t you sit down and tell me what else you know,” he told her.
    She sat down and he ordered her a light beer of her choice. The night flew by and soon the bell rang for last call. He wasn’t ready to leave her yet, but didn’t want to take her to bed. That was a lie. He’d very much like to take her to bed, but this one was different. He wanted to get to know her first.
    “Can I have your number,” he asked.
    “Only if you promise to look up what I told you about Royston Oil,” she bargained.
    “I promise.  If what you said is true, I’ll find a way to separate myself from them. I need the sponsorship, but not at the risk of sacrificing my integrity.”
    She scribbled some numbers on a napkin before handing it to him. He clutched it for dear life as he watched her leave the bar. 
    He turned to the bartender, handing him a credit card to pay his tab. “I’m going to marry that woman.”
    The bartender chuckled, then his laughter turned to a scared cry.
    He awoke with a start, his hand clutching the sheet like he had been with the napkin from his dream. His mind still hazy, he wondered why the bartender began to cry. What meaning did it hold? The crying continued, calling out for mommy