Allie Bock's Blog, page 6

March 30, 2023

My Cowboy Crush: Chapter 4 part A

Hi dear Reader,

Welcome back for Chapter 4. You can read Chapter 1 Here!

Chapter 4Katie

By the time I’d changed into a pair of slacks and an unwrinkled blouse, I was running late. My car swung into the parking lot of the chapel. Several other cars were already there. Silhouettes of people flitted by the windows as I made my way inside. I slowly opened the door, silently praying not to be noticed.

“Finally, Katie is here.” Annie marched toward me and dragged me into the room.

All the eyes turned on me as heat flushed my face. I gave a small wave to the crowd. Luckily, everyone was busy getting ready for the ceremony run through.

“We are going to do a brief run-through. I want you to take some candid shots, but nothing too overboard and then we are going to Cowboy’s for dinner. You don’t have to come to that.” She said without taking a breath.

“Cowboy’s, the bar?” Really, a rehearsal dinner at the only bar in town? My eyebrow raised at her.

“It’s the only place in Sunnydale that serves food and my mom didn’t want to host people at our house.”

I nodded in understanding. “They do have some good food.”

“Alright, folks.” My daddy called from the front of the chapel, clapping his hands together. “Let’s get this show on the road. I’m sure you’re all hungry.”

Everyone cheered. Annie herded and directed people where she wanted them to go. Someone hit play on a stereo and an organ chord floated on the air. Annie stood in front like an orchestra director, waving at people. She cupped her hands over her mouth and shouted.

“Levi, bring Mom and Granny down the aisle."

All eyes turned to the back of the church where he stood with a woman on each arm. My throat tightened when his eyes searched for mine. He looked dashing in dark washed Wranglers, polished cowboy boots, and his hair was combed down. He led them down the aisle in a slow march. Granny was pushing ninety and shuffled very slowly. Her thick gray hair was tied into a bun at the base of her head and an ivory shawl covered her shoulders. Their mother was on his other arm. She stood a head shorter than Levi. She was wearing a silver dress that highlighted the silver highlights in her black waist-length hair she was beaming at Annie and Levi in turn. Annie and Levi had been raised by a single mom. Even though things were hard at times, they loved each other and it showed. My heart filled with love watching the exchange of the small family.

Once everyone was seated, the bridal party marched to the front of the chapel. After that, the rehearsal of the service went by quickly with Daddy saying a few words and Annie and Bobby responding in turn. Everyone clapped at the end just like at the real wedding. Bobby and Annie stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment but did not kiss. I snapped a few photos here and there but overall, I lost myself in the enjoyment of the occasion.

“Thank you so much.” Annie wrapped me into a hug. “It means so much to me to have everything documented. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you.” She stepped back from me and gave me a once over. “You look beat. Why don’t you go home and spend some time with your family?”

I caught Levi watching me from over in the corner. His eyes burned with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. Suddenly, I was tired and needed some space.

“You’re right. I’m exhausted.” I faked a yawn and slipped out of the room before he made his way over to me.

Levi

I helped Mom and Granny into my truck to go to Cowboy's Bar. The cab was cozy with three people in the front seat, but it was nice. The women chatted about everything that still needed to be done and all of the plans for tomorrow. I was able to zone out and think about the woman with curly blond hair and curves in all the right places. The one that didn’t realize how special and talented she was.

“What are you smiling at?” Mom broke into my thoughts.

Granny tisked. “He’s daydreaming of the little Kisment girl. Any fool can see that.”

I rubbed my hand up the back of my neck as my ears burned. Leave it to Granny to see things as they were.

“She’s a cutie. And Annie is always raving about how good her photography is.” Mom checked her make-up in the mirror.

“We’re here.” I turned my truck into the gravel lot and pulled up to the door of the bar. A sigh left me as Mom and Granny climbed out.

“She’s a special one. Don’t break her heart.” Granny whispered before being led inside the bar.

Man, I couldn’t catch a break. I swung my truck around and found an empty spot in the back.

The bar was expecting us. Lindsay, the waitress, ushered us to a large room at the back of the bar away from the patron. We sat down at a long table and water glasses were placed in front of us. Lindsay came back a few minutes later to take our orders. She started at the head of the table where Annie and Bobby sat and went around. Mom, Granny, and I were last to place our orders. Today, she wore a black leather mini skirt, red tank top, and high-heeled boots that went up to her knees. Her blond hair twisted into a French braid that went down her back.

“Hi handsome, what would you like to eat today?” She placed her hand onto my shoulder and gently rubbed circles on my back.

I knew Lindsay for a long time. She just wasn't my type. She liked to flirt and wanted attention from any man. Every time I frequented at Cowboy's Bar, she tried and tried and tried to get me to interact with her. But the only blonde girl that I was interested in, was the one that was off-limits. The one that starred in my dreams at night and during the day. It didn’t matter what I was doing, I could be checking fence at the ranch and my thoughts would stray to Katie. I shrugged off her hand nonchalantly.

“A bacon burger and fries would be just fine, thank you.”

“Will do.” she winked at me before heading to the kitchen with her orders. I groaned inwardly, I wish she would take a hint.

#####

Dinner went by fast with lots of laughing, lots of talking, and excitement about the wedding coming up. I hadn't spent a lot of time with Bobby's family. We both worked at the ranch together but his family flew in from California. They told stories about Bobby riding his horse in the mountains, crashing his first car, and skinny dipping at the school’s pool. They were great people and would be a welcome addition to our little family. It was just Annie, Mom, and me. Our dad disappeared several years ago when we were both little, leaving Mom to raise twins by herself. So little that we don't remember him, and Mom never mentioned why he left. She spent all of her time being a single mom working full-time and trying to make us happy. She sat with a big smile plastered on her face as she listened to Bobby's parents joke and laugh. But I knew, she was hurting inside that she didn’t have that. My heart broke for her.

As dinner came to a close, the sound of a steel guitar and drums floated through the open door. Annie and Bobby moved around the table thanking people and saying their goodnights. My boots tapped along with the tune the band played.

“Granny and I are heading out. Why don't you stay and have some fun with your sister and your new brother-in-law to be? Bobby’s parents are going to take us home.” Mom patted my hand and then got up to help Granny out of her chair. I placed a kiss on both of their cheeks.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.”

Mom squeezed my hand, a small smile spread across her lips. “I love you too.”

The band played country songs with a couple of guitars, a drum, and a fiddle. The crowd was on their feet stomping, swaying, and turning to the old country tunes. A line dance formed with hoots and hollers on the small sawdust-covered floor. I slid onto an empty barstool at the bar. Lindsay came up and set a full glass of beer in front of me.

“I get off in five. Will you still be here?” She batted her eyelashes at me.

“Planning on it.” I took a swig from my beer. The coldness shocked my mouth but felt good sliding down my throat, taking the distaste out of my mouth.

Lindsay moved on to the next customer to take their order. On the dance floor, Annie and Bobby were two-stepping around. He held her close and she beamed as they made their way around the line dance. They looked good together. Will I ever find someone that I’d feel that way about? Could Katie be the one for me? I took another pull of my beer. Bar stools on either side of me screeched as they were pulled out. My friends, Pete and Damien, sat on each side of me. Pete was an engineer at the factory in town. He’d just moved back to work his grandfather's ranch. Damien worked security for a big firm in San Antonio. He’d spent years in the military and he looked like it.

“Are you tired of working for the Kisments, yet?” Pete nodded to the bartender for a beer.

A laugh started deep in my belly and spilled out of my mouth. It was an ongoing joke between us.

“I could offer you a real good deal.” Pete sipped his beer.

“Really? What kind of deal can you offer me today?”

Pete scratched his head, looking like he was thinking hard. “I could pay you about a penny an hour. That's probably twice what you're making over at the ranch.”

A snort erupted from my throat. “Oh yeah, that's like three times what I'm making at the ranch.”

We both laughed. Every time I met Pete, he offered me a job but he had no money to pay me. It would still be several years before he got his ranch off of the ground. And, maybe just maybe, then he could afford to pay me to be his ranch manager. Damien shook his head at our exchange before drinking his beer.

A few minutes later, Lindsay approached. She nodded to Pete and Damien before turning to me. Pete and Lindsay have an on-again/off-again relationship. Obviously, they must be on the off tonight. She leaned in toward me.

“Cowboy, I'm done with my shift. About time you swung me around on that dance floor.”

I didn't feel like dancing, but when a pretty girl asks you to dance my mama taught me to tell them yes. I nodded to Damien and Pete before leading Lindsay out into the boot stopping crowd. The band switched to a fast country song. I swung her around and grasped her waist with one hand and led her into a quick two-step as we circled the dance floor. Lindsay was a pretty girl with her long hair and tight clothes but I found my mind wandering. What it would feel like to have Katie in my arms instead of her? We spun around and around for a couple more songs. As the crowd clapped when the band finished for their break, I stepped back from Lindsay's embrace.

“I’d better be going.” I faked a yawn and looked at my watch. “The sun comes up early on the ranch.” I tipped my hat to her. “Thank you for the dance.” I turned on my heel and headed toward the door. She grabbed my hand as I reached for the doorknob.

“I'll be more than happy to go with you,” she purred, “to keep your bed warm for you tonight.” She fluttered her big green eyes at me. “Come on, cowboy. I want to know if the rumors are true.”

“What rumors?” I narrowed my gaze at her.

“Oh, you know,” she winked.

Bile rose in my throat as my stomach clenched. A coldness crept into my voice as I flung her hand off of mine. “Those aren't true.”

I stalked to my truck, leaving her in the doorway of the bar. The cool night air slapped my cheeks and drove all thought of tonight from my mind. I climbed into my truck, heading back to the ranch, all the while thinking about the one blond girl that I didn't dance with tonight.

If you want to read it as an ebook you can get it here!

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

Hugs,

Allie

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Published on March 30, 2023 10:00

March 23, 2023

My Cowboy Crush: Chapter 3

Hi dear Reader,

Welcome back for Chapter 3! You can read Chapter 1 Here!Chapter 3Levi

“Well, I think that's it for the park shots.” She consulted the binder and the notebook that she was carrying. “Onto the wedding chapel, do you know where that is?”

“Yep, I sure do.”

I made my way to Katie. I grasped her small hand in mine and led her across the green grass of the meadow to the little white chapel hidden behind some evergreen trees. Her hand was warm and soft in mine. They were stained a little bit at the tips of the fingers. I was about to rub my thumb over hers when a gasp escaped her lips.

“Oh, it's so romantic.” Her eyes lit up and she dropped my hand like a hot potato.

My hand ran through my hair before I followed her. The little chapel had large stained-glass windows with designs of flowers and animals that let the light streak across the floor. White folding chairs had been placed in rows leading up to the archway filled with balloons. I leaned against the wall as she took the area in.

“I don't get it. Where is Annie going to get ready before the wedding?”

“At the pavilion. She and her girls are going to get dressed, and, I guess, take pre-wedding photos. Then, a carriage will take them up to the chapel.”

“How romantic.” She pulled up her very large camera from around her and took some pictures. “Lightning in here is odd.” She scrunched up her nose. “I’m not exactly sure, but I think I'll have to get you to set up some lights in the corners for the shots of the ceremony.”

I grunted in response. I was mesmerized by the concentration on her face.

“I want you to go to the front and stand there like you are getting married yourself.”

She was looking through the viewfinder in her camera and didn't see me smirk at her. My boot heels clicked along the wooden floor as I made my way up to the archway of ivory and white balloons. I thought about if I’d ever had the desire to get married. I closed my eyes for a moment. There stood Katie in my dreams with a white dress. Her long curly hair pulled up into some sort of fancy updo. She walked down the aisle on the arm of her daddy, carrying a large bouquet of whitish flowers. Wow, where did that come from? I hadn’t seen her in several years, and only spent the last couple of hours with her. I mentally shook myself and opened my eyes. Katie was busy snapping shots of the room from the middle of the aisle, over in the corner, and another where the couple would be standing. She was so engrossed with her photography that she seemed not even to know that I exist. It allowed me to check her out freely. Her golden hair was pulled back into a bouncy ponytail. A white blouse with blue flowers gapped when she crouched down. She grew into a beautiful woman. When did that happen?

Katie glanced around the inside of the building until her gaze settled on a platform raised in the air. There was a rickety old ladder that led up to the platform.

“I need to get up there. I think I can get some absolutely fabulous pictures from there.” She waved her hand at it before settling her camera against her chest.

“I'm not sure that is a safe idea.” I scratched my head.

I studied the platform. It probably hadn’t been used in years. Sunlight showed through the gaps in the boards where they had rotted away. Katie was already on her way up the ladder. She climbed up hand over hand, grasping each wooden rung of the ladder. I rushed to her side from across the room just as she put her foot on the next stop. A loud crack sounded throughout the room. She let out a cry as she fell back toward the floor. My arms reached out and caught her. She felt warm and soft in my arms as I held her close to my body. My heart thundered in my chest. Her yellow locks fell across my shoulder. Her big blue eyes widened as she searched my face. My heart pounded as my chest constricted. My mind blanked. Her lips parted with a little gasp. I leaned in close. My lips closed the distance to her lips, as the door swung open.

“What are two doing?” Annie stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

Annie’s skirt swung against her legs. She lifted an eyebrow as a smile fought for purchase on her face. She broke the spell over Katie and me. I froze for a minute before I set her feet back on the floor.

“We’re going over the chapel, just like you wanted.” My voice sounded odd to my ears as my throat was thick.

“Sure, you were,” Annie smirked. “Looked like more than that.”

Katie backed into the shadows where she straightened her blouse. She continued to stare at her feet as a bright flush colored her cheeks. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before pulling her shoulders back. Boy, did she look beautiful. Annie threw looks between the two of us.

“So, nothing at all is going on.”

“That's right,” Katie said. “I was just taking pictures to get ready for your wedding.” She fiddled with the strap of her camera. She seemed to shrink into herself.

“Well, it's almost time for the rehearsal dinner. I need to get ready.” Annie spun on her heel and strode out the door.

“I didn’t...” I ran my fingers through my hair.

Katie interrupted me. “Never mind, it's all right.” She hurried out the door after Annie.

Katie

That was a close one. My lips were inches away from his. The high schooler inside of me was about to scream with joy; while, the grown woman part of me was shaking in her shoes. Breath, Katie. Just like your counselor said. I murmured to myself as I made my way to my truck. My anxiety was skyrocketing. It felt like a basketball was thumping around in my chest. What was I thinking? Almost kissing Levi. He was known to be a ladies’ man. My brother, Kaleb, told me he had a new girl every weekend. That would be the last thing I needed would be to fall for him. I had to protect my heart better.

#####

I reached my truck and looked at the itinerary for the wedding as I sat in the front seat. The wedding walk through and rehearsal dinner didn't start for another two hours. That's just enough time to drive home to see my mom.

It had been a long five years since I drove up the long winding driveway to my family's ranch. The ranch horses were in the field to my left; they frolicked around after a long day of work. A white Appaloosa with large black spots led the herd around the field before rearing. I stopped my car to take a few shots of him. He was magnificent. As I continued up the drive, my car bumped through the last pothole before pulling up to the wraparound porch at our family's home. I grabbed my cameras, laptop, and duffle bag and climbed up the steps.

Mama was in the kitchen. Pots and pans clanked together in the sink. A pot of chili bubbled on the stove.

“That smells delicious.” I grabbed a spoon from the dish rack by the sink and swiped some chili. The spicy chili and garlic flavor burst over my tongue. I groaned. I missed Texas chili.

“Katie!” Mama set down her knife and turned it to me. “I didn't even hear you pull in.” She crossed the kitchen to wrap me in a large hug. “It’s been too long since you've been home.”

“I know, Mama.” The guilt inside my chest bubbled just like the chili in the pot on the stove.

She held me back at arm's length inspected me from head to toe. “You've changed a lot since from that Gothic teenager I sent to college.” She smiled and her eyes were shining with unshed tears. She pulled me back into her embrace. “Oh how, I’ve missed you.”

We stayed like that for a few minutes. Tears prickled in the corners of my eyes. I missed my Mama, too. Being home was comfortable. The smell of chili and cornbread filled the kitchen and my heart. I loved my parents and I could never tell them that I needed to go away for myself. I needed to prove to myself I could be successful on my own. I had to free myself from the anxiety that crippled me most of my life. The only way to do that was to throw myself into a life that was different from the ranch and Sunnydale.

Mama went back to cutting up cornbread. “Tell me, how is Denver treating you?”

“It's good." I shrugged. "I’ve several pieces in galleries around Colorado, but you know that. Did you get the email with the pictures I sent you?”

“I did. Your daddy and I are very proud of you.” She beamed at me from the counter. “And that is why I’m not surprised that Annie asked you to take pictures of her wedding.”

The smile on my face drooped at the mention of what I had to do this evening. She noticed and patted my hand.

“You'll do well. I'm sure of it. We've been bragging to all of our friends about our famous daughter, the photographer.”

A blush crept up my neck. Unshed tears escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.

“Thank you, Mama,” I hugged her again.

“You should probably go see your daddy before you go back to town. He's in the barn with Kaleb feeding the horses.”

I set my things down in my room, kissed her on the cheek as I went back through the kitchen, and snagged a hunk of cornbread on my way to the barn.

The barn door swung open with a creak. Some things never changed. I made my way down the barn aisle. A soft white nose nudged me as I walked past her stall.

“Buttercup!”

Her whiskers tickled the palm of my hand as I fed her the rest of the piece of cornbread. She lipped my hand looking for more and nickered a throaty sound. Her big brown eyes pierced my soul.

“Don’t be greedy. I’ll bring you some carrots tomorrow morning.” I whispered into her ear.

I proceeded down to his office and knocked on the door frame. Daddy was a big man with a full head of grey hair that was bleached white by the sun. His skin showed the evidence that he’d worked outside every day of his life. Seeing my family for the first time in years, drug up emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. Again, tears swam in my eyes when he looked up. A giant smile broke across his face and he hurried around his desk.

“Baby! My world traveler is home.” He wrapped me into a bear hug that lifted my feet off the hard-packed clay.

“Daddy, I’ve missed you so much.” I buried my face in his red flannel shirt. He smelled of fresh-cut hay and horses. After a minute, he set me down.

“Let me see you.” He stepped back and looked me up and down. “My little girl has all grown up.” His voice got rougher as he patted the top of my head. His eyes were bright with tears.

“Daddy, don’t do that I am going to cry.” I wiped at a lone tear rolling down my cheek.

"What’s with all the crying?” A deep male voice sounded behind me.

“Kaleb!” I launched myself at my oldest brother. He was as tall and broad as my daddy but his hair was blonde and curly like mine. It stuck out at odd angles underneath his cowboy hat. His dark blue eyes twinkled as he swung me around.

“The little brat has finally decided to come home.” He set me down and ruffled the top of my head.

“I’m not a brat.” I playfully punched him on the arm.

“Ouch.” He rubbed the bicep I hit with a fake frown on his face. “I’m telling Mom.” I rolled my eyes at him and he winked back at me.

“Your momma said that Annie talked you into being the wedding photographer.” Daddy said.

“Yah,” I looked at the toe of my sandal and scuffed it in the dirt. When I looked up, both men were looking at me. They had their arms crossed and were leaning against the wall, exact mirror images of each other. My cheeks flushed and my heart raced. “I don’t do people.” I threw my hands up in the air. “My photography is all landscapes and nature. What if I blow it?”

“Baby, you’re going to do great. You plan everything out. It’s just your anxiety kicking in.” Daddy smiled at me softly.

“Levi said something like that earlier today.” I pushed my hair out of my face.

“He’s right.” Daddy said. “I’d better go get ready for this shindig as I’m the one marrying those two love birds.” He squeezed my shoulder as he walked past. “I’m happy you’re home, Baby.”

An awkward silence filled the barn until the door swung shut, leaving me and Kaleb sharing the same space. He regarded me with a weird expression on his face. I glanced around the small office and turned to leave

“Wait a minute.” Kaleb broke in. “When did you see Levi?”

“Annie assigned him as my assistant.”

Kaleb leveled a glare that caused me to blush under his scrutiny. He leaned toward me. “Stay away from him, Katie.” He whispered in my ear.

“Why? He’s your best friend.” I whispered back. How dare he tell me who I am going to hang out with! Heat rose up my neck and ears. What was he talking about?

“And I know him better than most. He’s not the type to have a steady girlfriend. I don’t want to kill my best friend when he breaks your heart.” He growled before storming away.

If you want to read it as an ebook you can get it here!

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

Hugs,

Allie

View more on Allie Bock's website »

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Published on March 23, 2023 10:00

March 16, 2023

My Cowboy Crush: Chapter 2

Hi dear Reader,

Welcome back for Chapter 2! You can read Chapter 1 Here!
Chapter 2Katie

I clutched the binder and iternary to my chest. My heart pounded so hard I thought others could hear it. Levi was going to help me take pictures. He was going to help me take pictures of people, at a wedding.

I didn't know which one was more anxiety-producing. The handsome cowboy with his shaggy black hair and dark grey eyes, taking pictures of people, or hoping that everything turned out great because these were once in a lifetime wedding photos. I searched in my pocket for a Tums. No luck. Levi walked to the archway where his mother was attaching balloons to it. His jeans looked good on his long legs. What was I thinking? Get it together, Katie. He was not my type. He'd never noticed me before, even when I had a huge crush on him in high school. Those were the days. My tongue swelled in my mouth and my throat closed up whenever he glanced my way. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I headed outside to my truck. The noon sun beat down on the asphalt and heat rose from the surface. It was going to be a scorcher this weekend. It was always hot in south Texas on the Fourth of July.

"I should've worn shoes," I muttered to myself as my flip flops slapped the pavement.

The heat started to burn the bottom of my feet. Finally, I reached my beat-up old truck. The paint was peeling from the doors and an old dent stood out on the tailgate. I pulled out my camera and checked the lens. Everything was in my bag. Annie was lucky I traveled with my camera at all times. The perfect picture could happen at any time. I slung the nylon strap over my head and opened the binder on the hood of my truck. There were pictures of people posing by trees, in long grass, by a waterfall, being backlit, and close-ups.

"She doesn't do anything halfway, does she?"

"No, she doesn't." The low timbre of his voice jolted me from my thoughts.

"Don't sneak up on a girl." My hand flew to my chest to contain my galloping heart.

"It's impossible to sneak wearing spurs." He set one booted foot on the tire of my truck and leaned toward the binder. The spur in question glinted in the sunlight. "She has a lot of ideas." He turned the page. "Are you going to get all of these?"

I shrugged. "I've to check out the park first and see what would work."

"Ma'am, I am at your service." He bowed low, sweeping his hat from his head.

He winked as he straightened to his full height. He was a whole head taller than me. Most men were as I was barely five foot three. The grey in his eyes was the color of storm clouds on a winter day. He gently touched my shoulder, jerking me back to reality.

"Katie, are you ok?"

"Yep, never better." I snapped the binder shut, grabbed my backpack from the passenger seat, and placed the binder in it. "Let's get started, cowboy."

I marched off to the grove of trees beside the pavilion. Levi's spurs jingled with each step he took as he followed behind me. I sighed. It was going to be a long weekend.

A few hundred yards away from the pavilion was a small stand of oak trees. Their trunks twisted to the sun while pale green lichen grew on their bark. These weren't the stately oaks of the east, but their wiry, scrappy cousins. They fought against drought, extreme heat, and pests. The trees intertwined in a complicated dance with their branches reaching out over an open space. I marked off the area and framed it out in my mind. I took a couple of practice shots, but without people, it would be hard to tell.

"Levi," I turned to where he stood, leaning against a tree. "Can you stand between the trees? I need to be able to gauge the lighting."

His brow furrowed at my request.

"The wedding will be in just over 24 hours from now. The light will be similar. Please."

He slowly made his way to the center of the trees and shoved his hands in his pockets. I snapped a picture. I groaned when I looked at it on the screen. It was awful.

"No, stand like this." I placed my hands on his shoulders to turn his body.

Electricity ran up my arms. A half-smile pulled at his lips as he watched me. A blush spread up my neck as I turned him this way and that.

"Now, stay like that.”

“Yes, ma’am.” A grin cocked on his lips.

I shook my head as I marched back to my spot and took some more pictures. The butterflies in my stomach danced. Keep your focus, Katie. I moved from side to side and changed the height of my shot. He flexed his biceps, placed one foot on an imaginary rock, fanned himself with his hat. His antics helped me to relax as I worked on getting the best exposures. I jotted down which ones worked well all the while trying to hide the growing amusement as he clowned around. He leaned against a tree and used his cowboy hat to cover his face, pretending to fall asleep. Soft snore came from him. I crouched down to get a different angle. A flash of red caught my eye.

"Let's go over there." I pointed to a rose-covered archway.

I strode down the path and around a bend. The archway stood at the end of the path. The scent of roses filled the air. A small bench sat under the arch. A bubbling of water drew my attention to a quaint water fountain. It was the centerpiece of this quiet sanctuary in the park.

"This is perfect." I blew out a breath.

I brought my camera up to look at it through the lens. I needed to back up to get enough of the arch. I bumped into a solid mass. His spicy scent washed over me as his hand grasped my elbow to steady me. My breath caught in my throat.

He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Where do you want me?"

A shiver ran down my body as my stomach twisted into a knot. I twisted around to meet his eyes. He smiled down at me. The skin wrinkled at the corners of his eyes. His hat shielded his face.

"Under the arch." I stepped away from his touch and pointed to the bench. "Sit on the bench, please."

He settled on the bench, resting his boot heels on the seat. He winked at me before closing his eyes and leaning back on the seat. The angle was not right. It distorted the picture. I needed to get up higher. I stepped up on the edge of the fountain. The next few shots of the cowboy in the archway were almost perfection. My anxiety over the wedding gradually dissipated as I took another picture. As long as the handsome cowboy kept his distance, my heart might stay whole.

Levi

I closed my eyes to enjoy the sunshine as she capered about taking pictures of me under the arch. The smell of roses overwhelmed my senses. I brought my hat over my eyes as I pretended to be anywhere else but here. Somewhere I didn't have to drag my gaze from the beautiful woman engrossed in her pictures. Her nose wrinkled as she concentrated, her blouse gapped when she squatted down, and her skirt hugged her curves nicely. It was getting hard not to notice her, especially when we touched and it felt like my whole body was magnetized to hers. She mumbled to herself, breaking the silence. I cracked one eye open to watch her as she balanced on the edge of the fountain. If she fell in, it would make it hard to look away.

"Levi, wake up. I'm done here. Let's go over there." She hopped off the stones and walked to a large open grassy area

I groaned as I slowly got up and stretched. My watch read a little after 1:00 PM.

"Yes, ma’am," I called after her.

She waved her hand in the air and kept going. Man, she looked good, walking away. Curves in all the right places. I wondered if she has a boyfriend wherever she’s living. A jolt of jealousy shot through me. Why did it matter to me if she had someone? But it did matter. I jogged after her. My spurs jiggling with every step.

Author's Note:

I grew up in the past upper Midwest. Our trees were tall, straight, and very thick. When I moved to Texas, I was surprised how different the oak trees looked. They are elegant in a twisty sort of way. Have you moved somewhere that something surprised you? What do you think of this chapter?

You can buy the book HERE if you want to read ahead.

See you next week! Hugs,

Allie

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Published on March 16, 2023 10:00

March 9, 2023

My Cowboy Crush: Chapter 1

Hi dear Reader,
I wanted to try something new. Every Thursday, I am going to drop a chapter from my books. We will start with my first book, My Cowboy Crush.

Chapter 1Katie

I strode up the stone pathway to the white doors of the park pavilion. Nerves shook my body causing my palms to be clammy, my heart pounded, and my body to sweat more than normal. Breathe, Katie. You’ve got this. I closed my eyes for a second to steel my nerves. Then, I pushed open the doors with a loud screech. Swarms of women scurried around the large open room. No one noticed me as I took another step inside. A large breath escaped as I scanned the room for the one person I was looking for.

“Katie, you finally made it!” The bride-to-be rushed at me from the center of the room.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch us. My anxiety skyrocketed, making my chest hurt. I rubbed at my sternum as I took in another breath. They paused for a moment before resuming their decorating.

“Um, I just got here.”

The bride-to-be, Annie, wrapped me into a big hug and bounced up and down.

“I’m getting married!” She screeched.

I winced at the pitch, but I couldn’t help smiling at the other woman. Her shiny black hair bounced around her shoulders. It contrasted nicely with her ivory lace dress and faded cowboy boots.

“I’m just so glad you are here,” she whispered in my ear, “Come on.”

She took my hand and led me to the far corner. She opened a small door and shoved me into a dark closet. The door shut softly behind her with a click. The dust tickled my nose as the moldy smell suffocated me.

“What are we doing in here?” A sneeze erupted from my nose.

I covered my mouth and nose with my hand. My eyes adjusted to the darkness. Cobwebs suspended in the corners. A couple of discarded folding chairs leaned against the back wall. A large yellow spider dropped from the ceiling and hung inches above her head as she leaned close to me.

“I need your help.” Her blue eyes grew wide as they searched my face.

“OK.” Where is she going with this? Is that spider going to drop on to her head?

“Katie, pay attention.”

“Sorry, there’s a big spider up there.”

“Don’t worry about the spider. I need your help.”

“You’ve said that.”

“My wedding photographer is in the hospital.”

“Oh no.” I gasped, inhaling a breath of dust. Coughing. “Is everything alright?"

"Her baby was born a preemie. They are both still in the hospital. I know that this is a lot to ask, but you’re the only one that can help me.” Tears glistened in the corner of her eyes. “Can you, please, take pictures of the wedding? For me?”

I backed up until my back hit the wall. A shower of dust fell onto my shoulders. The large yellow spider scuttled back up her silk to hide in the rafters.

“Um, doesn’t she have a backup?” I coughed and sputtered in the dust.

“It was supposed to be her partner but she got thrown from a horse and broke a leg. I need you to do it.”

I glanced around but there was no way out. My palms started to sweat, again.

“But I only do landscape and nature photography.” Panic rose in my chest.

“Please.” She clasped my hands in hers.

“But photographing people is hard. They don’t listen to me.” My hands shook. “The lighting has to be perfect. Everyone needs to be looking at the camera.” My thoughts jumped ahead and I got lost in them for a minute. “Plus, it’s a wedding. I’ve never done a wedding before!”

“But you do such beautiful work. How hard would it be to add people to your landscapes?”

How hard indeed? “People” My voice sounded weak to my ears. My mind trudged like it was stuck in fudge. “It’s not really in my wheelhouse. Or even within a hundred miles.”

“Please, say you’ll do it for me? It’s my wedding, I need this to be perfect.”

I nodded. That didn’t make me feel any better. But this was a big deal for Annie. And she had always been a big supporter of my work.

“I want this to go well. If you do it, you’ll be saving the day.” She pleaded.

My heart sunk at her words. Annie was always good at getting me to do things for her. She knew what buttons to push to get me to cave. And she did need help.

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

She squealed and gave me another hug before opening the closet door.

“Perfect! Here is a list of pictures I want to be done.” She thrust a large binder into my hands. “See what you can do. Here’s the itinerary for the wedding. And I’ll get you an assistant.” She bustled away.

An assistant? I sat down on a nearby bench as my head swam. My relaxing weekend away to see my old babysitter get married just turned into the stuff of my nightmares.

Levi

I slapped the dust from my cowboy hat before shoving it on my head. I loved my sister, but the whole wedding nonsense drove me crazy. I’d rather be branding two hundred calves than delivering Annie’s wayward balloons. But here I was. My fist grabbed a hunk of ribbon and tugged the fifty white and ivory balloons. They fought for freedom, blocking my view as I stumbled my way into the pavilion. I fumbled for the doorknob until the door opened and I stepped into the large room. A couple of balloons stuck to the door frame, stopping my forward progress. I turned to pull them into the room. With a loud squeak, they released from the door frame. I stumbled backward, my arms flailed, and balloons floated to the ceiling. With a thud and a soft cry, someone broke my momentum. We went down in a pile of arms and legs.

“Levi, are you OK?”

Annie bent over me as she extracted the woman underneath me. She was curvy with bouncy blonde hair. She straightened her skirt before looking at me. Her blue eyes widened when our gazes met. The breath caught in my throat as recognition dawned on me.

“You remember Katie Kisment?” Annie flung an arm over the girl’s shoulders.

“Of course.” I swept my cowboy hat from my head as my heart thundered in my chest. “It’s good to see you.”

A pretty blush colored her cheeks. Boy, has she grown up. I haven’t seen her for five years when she went off to college. Back then, she was a shy teenager who’d barely say hi to me. She dyed her pretty blonde hair black and wore baggy black clothes. She didn’t smile much and hid behind chunky black glasses. I preferred her current natural blonde and blue glasses. She looked lovely and my body responded to her. I could stare into her blue eyes forever.

“Earth to Levi.” Annie waved her hand in front of my face.

“Yup.” I drew my gaze from the stunning beauty next to her and collected the balloons I could reach.

“Katie needs an assistant for the wedding. And I need you to help her.”

I froze in mid-reach. I loved my sister but I was trying to stay out of the wedding. I just wanted to shine my boots and walk my mother down the aisle.

“What?” I stuttered.

“She’s going to be my photographer since my original one is in the hospital. She needs help and you’re going to help her.” She poked me in the chest, hard. She spun on her heel and stalked off to torment someone else.

I caught the last balloon before turning to Katie. Her eyes were wide and her mouth opened into a little O. I smiled at her as she wrung her hands together.

“I don’t know anything about being a photographer’s assistant.”

“That’s fine.” A smile tugged at her lips. “I’ve never done a wedding.” She stage whispered, causing me to laugh.

“That makes two of us. I’ll take these over to my mom.” I motioned to the grey-haired woman by the archway. “Then, I am at your beck and call.” I winked at her as I walked past.

My head spun as I crossed the room. I had to spend the next thirty-six hours being with the one girl I’ve crushed on. The one girl that was off-limits, because I worked for her family. There were three rules to working on the Kisment ranch. No fighting, no drugs, and no dating their only daughter. It was shaping up to be a long wedding. I had to live the next several hours without losing my heart or my job.

Author's Note:

What did you think of the first chapter? Will Levi and Katie fight their attraction?

If you want to read it as an ebook you can get it here!

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

Hugs,

Allie

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Published on March 09, 2023 10:00

March 7, 2023

Trying New Things!

Hi Dear Reader,

How are you doing this month?

We in the Bock household are getting antsy for spring to get here. Our part of Minnesota had over 12 inches of snow last week and this week it has been above freezing and raining, turning the snow-covered landscape into a slushy slop.

This past weekend, Hubby and I took Baby Bock out to see the horses. My horse, Amber, just loves having a little girl in her life. She walks right up to Baby Bock and nuzzles her. Amber follows Baby Bock around the barn being careful where she walks and watches over Baby Bock.

I mentioned to Hubby that I think I need to start looking for a new saddle for Amber. One with a bigger seat so that Baby Bock can ride in front of me this summer. Last summer, she rode in a carrier on my back. She is too big for that now.

He brought out his old roping saddle and said, “I’m not using this one. It might just fit your horse.” He tossed it on Amber’s back and tightened the cinch.

“That may actually work.” I walked around my horse. The saddle seemed to fit her perfectly.

Baby Bock came toddling by, dragging a piece of string in the dirt. Hubby grabbed her and set her in the saddle on Amber’s back. “Why don’t you take her for a spin in the arena and see how she likes the saddle?” He rested his hand on Baby Bock’s little leg.

Baby Bock sat up straight and grabbed the saddle horn with both hands. I led Amber around the arena several times. Baby Bock smiled and laughed; while Amber walked slowly and kept her ears flicked back to listen to the happy babbles.

Baby Bock had a great time riding for the first time without someone up on the horse’s back with her. Amber is transitioning gracefully from being my full-time riding horse to being a kid horse. And I found a saddle that will fit her to fulfill my goals with her this summer.

Life is very similar to my story. It is about trying new things or old things that you passed on the first time. If I hadn’t tried that saddle, I would shopping for a new one this spring. (Shopping isn’t bad. It’s just trying to find the right one.) If I hadn’t tried Hubby’s old saddle, Baby Bock wouldn’t have gone for her first solo ride. Life is about finding what works and going for it. I never know what surprises will be along the way.

This brings me to my newsletter. I want to try some new things in it for a few months and see what you think. If you like them, great we will keep it. If you don’t like them, I’ll cut it and move on to something else.

Writing Update

I am halfway through the edits on my latest book, My Cowboy of Convenience. After this round, I just have the proofreading to do. Yah!!!

I want to try something new and see what you think about it. Every Thursday, I am going to send you one chapter a week of My Cowboy of Convenience. The story won’t be polished as it will be the third round of edits.

Why would I do this? I need a little extra push to finish this one. If it goes well, I might do it for the next story. Also, I would like your feedback on my story. What you think of it, if you like the characters, that kind of thing.

I’ll do it for the month of March and see what you think. Do you like getting chapters emailed to you every week or not?

February 15, 2023

Happy Valentine's Day

Hi dear reader,

Happy Valentine’s Day!

My favorite thing about Valentine’s Day is the chocolate. I love chocolate covered cherries, truffles, and chocolate caramels. Pretty much any kind of chocolate. I usually hit up my local Walgreens for the day after sale to load up on the more expensive chocolate. They have great sale prices as they try to get it off of their shelves. What is you favorite kind of guilty pleasure?

I also love all the sales on romance books for this month as we celebrate Love. It is after all what makes the world go around.

I have one book on sale for $0.99 for the rest of the month. If you haven’t read it yet, hurry to get it!

Buy It!

Book Blurb:

One ranch. Two life changing choices. Fourteen days to decide.

Lindsay Wilson walked out of the lawyer's office, stunned and shell shocked. Her uncle's will left everything to her, except the one thing she wanted most…the ranch. Now, she has fourteen days to find a husband or the ranch will be sold to the highest bidder.

Disillusionment fills Kurt Kisment's life as a high-powered defense lawyer in Dallas as his work with criminals turns heads south of the border. He takes the next two weeks to travel home to small town Sunnydale, TX. Hoping to escape his current life, he finds himself back in the saddle at the Kisment Ranch.

Kurt runs into Lindsay in town. He can't believe that the ugly duckling from high school is now a swan. Only Lindsay doesn't want anything to do with him as she concentrates on finding a husband. Kurt decides to change her mind, but it might be too late for them. Things take a turn for the worse when Lindsay's and Kurt's pasts collide into a race for survival.

Will they make it out alive and with their hearts intact?

My Unexpected Hero is the third standalone book in the Cowboys of Sunnydale series. It is a sweet and clean contemporary western romance that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Yes, I want to read it!

I also have a couple of promotions of books on sale. See if any of them interest you. I have already filled my kindle to have plenty to read when the weather is nasty outside.

Take care and I’ll talk to you in March.

Hugs,

Allie

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Published on February 15, 2023 08:28

February 8, 2023

February Newsletter

Hi Dear Reader,
How are you doing?
It has been bitter cold here with negative wind-chill temperatures. It is perfect weather for curling up with a good book and a hot drink. I have a bunch of promos and giveaways at the end of the email.
I have been very busy with my veterinary business, so my writing has been squeezed in the late-night hours. The cold weather seems to affect the frail horses the most. They don't drink enough water or eat enough hay.
This past month I had several patients colic. Colic is general term for any stomach pain. It can be simply eating a weed and being gassy to life threatening. I usually treat with some pain relievers. If that doesn't resolve the symptoms, I will then place a stomach tube and give fluids and electrolytes. I currently don't do surgery as a solo ambulatory practitioner.
When I practiced in Texas, we had a full hospital, staff, and a surgeon that would do colic surgeries. It usually takes a team of 6-8 people working together to perform colic surgeries. The horse is an amazing creature, and its GI tract is complicated and fragile.
Luckily, all of the horses recovered with some medical care and TLC from their owners. Yah! It is scary for owners, and I end up worrying about them as much as the owner!
This brings me to my writing update. My next book is about a veterinarian who moves to Sunnydale. I can't wait to share her adventures with you as she tries not to fall in love. I have something exciting planned for the book as I work through final edits, so stay tuned for a special announcement in March!
Below are some promos and giveaways to check out. My last release, My Unexpected Hero, is also on sale for $0.99 all month!
Hugs and happy reading,
Allie
P.S. There are tons of books below! See if you can find some that interest you and fill your e-reader! I know that I will!

Currently Free!Book Blurb: Love comes from the most unexpected places. Sometimes it just comes with a jellyfish sting. Timothy is in need of a fresh start. Away from the family drama and his messy past. And what’s a more perfect place than Miami, the City of Magic, to leave everything behind and begin a new life. But running away from your problems never works out for anyone. There’s a lot more waiting for him in the city than just catching the perfect wave and hanging out on beaches. As they say, love comes in the most unexpected way, and it’s about to change his life completely… READ IT NOW

Currently Free!

Book Blurb: A girl’s obsession with all things horses carried her on some epic adventures and landed her in precarious situations. When her first horse came with the same name as the hero of her favorite book, Misty of Chincoteague, it seemed like a match made in heaven. However, it didn’t take long for Sarah to learn there is no such thing as a good fairy tale without a little trouble. It turns out horses cause a lot of trouble. From first rides and crashes to making road-trip errors and staring at the belly of a horse in full-on Black Stallion mode, follow Sarah on her wild adventures from the safety of your own home … or wherever you are reading. READ IT NOW

Book Blurb: One line written in bold print: Hands Off the Cute Nanny

Life in shambles, Mandi takes Colette up on an offer to stay in her attic apartment. But there's one little hitch, Colette's brother Cris and his daughter will be her roommates. When Cris gets offered a job in town, he's desperate for a nanny and Mandi fits the bill. Being a nanny and baking cupcakes will give her time to plan a future... hopefully, starting with her love life. Problem is...Colette had one rule for Mandi. Cris is totally off limits. But with Cris looking this delicious, can she resist just one taste?

A sweet single-dad Valentine's romance with cupcakes and 90's music galore, but a three-year-old matchmaker with a heart of gold, all set in a quirky small town. Come spend another season in Snowhaven. READ IT NOW!

Book Blurb:
Her secret could ruin them. But can she resist his charm?

Tessa: Working in a diner is hardly my idea of a dream job, but at least my old life will never find me here. I’ve got secrets from a past career and previous relationships – secrets that could spell the end of me.

The moment Spencer walked through the door, his mystery made my heart flutter. One night with him and I’m hooked. But with a past like mine, I can’t afford to let him get any closer…

Spencer: I’ve got one rule, never fall in love. So why can’t I get my mind off of her? I’ve got it all—money, success, looks, the works—I don’t need a runaway attraction ruining my perfect life.

But ever since I laid eyes on her, I can’t help feeling that there’s something more between us. I’ve been dying to know what her curves look like under that uniform... and I always get what I want.

She’s an honest, whole-hearted, and headstrong girl with a dark past. He’s a self-made billionaire searching for closure. When Spencer stumbled into a backwater diner on the hunt for an estranged family member, he never could have expected to find Tessa. He doesn’t know her dangerous secrets, and she has no idea she’s fallen into the arms of her perfect protector…

Brimming with lust, steam, and the heart-pounding possessiveness of an alpha billionaire, this action-packed romance series will keep you on your toes.

High stakes, drama, witty banter, and a ton of twists you won’t see coming; get ready to dive into Hope’s newest & badest series yet, Drawn To The Billionaire.

ON SALE FOR $0.99 READ IT NOW

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Published on February 08, 2023 02:00

February 3, 2023

Cowboy Romance Promo!!!

Hi everyone,
Are you looking for a book with a handsome cowboy and a HEA? (Happy Ever After)
Check out this promo!

My Unexpected Hero is on sale for $0.99 all month and is in this promo!

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Published on February 03, 2023 09:02

January 28, 2023

Surprise Sale

Hi dear Reader,
I just found out that Amazon is having a sale on the paperback of My Unexpected Hero. I don't know how long it will last!
Buy It Here!

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Published on January 28, 2023 05:44

January 9, 2023

Setting intention for the New Year

Hi Dear Reader,

I hope you had a wonderful New Year and a good holiday season. If you read my previous post, we had a rough couple of weeks. I didn't get a chance to set my New Years Resolutions, or goals. So this will be it.

The buzz in the author community is to pick a word for the year. It is supposed to help you approach the year with that in mind. It could even be a goal. For example: productivity could be that you want to stay busy, you can't be lazy, or you want to churn out a certain numbers of books. The reason this works is a concept called conceptual blending. Your brain wants to take that word and make connections to it. It is the way writing prompts work, puzzles, probably crosswords, and solving other problems. Pretty cool, isn't it?

I don't really want to pick a word. I want an action or a concept. I've decided to approach 2023 with the intention of unapologetic authenticity and focusing on what matters. I want to be conscious of where I'm spending my time. (I'm looking at you Etsy app.) How I am spending my time and with who.

The blog is coming up on its 5th year anniversary next month. I realized that I had stopped using it as a blog. Instead, I have been copying and posting portions of my newsletters here. (If you want to get them, sign up at the top of the page!) It is a waste of a good blog.

As part of my goal, I am going to cut the fat and buckle down on the things I enjoy the most. I'm focusing on rejuvenating this blog and developing my Substack. I have some pretty cool ideas in the works. I can't wait to share them with you. Also, I'm concentrating on my stories. I have two coming out in 2023 which will wrap up the Kisment Family. I have another spin-off series started and ideas for three more related series. I just need to write consistently. :)

I will also share more pictures of Tank!