Billionaire Cowboy: Siblings (Book 2 in the Richland Series)

Chapter 16: Rianne

Rianne’s pov

After two long days on the road, I finally arrived in Houston unprepared for the larger-than-life experience. Growing up hearing stories about Texas did not prepare me for the reality that I would face. From jacked up trucks with large horns roped to the hood that need their own parking spot, to over-processed hairstyles that could withstand a hurricane, to super-sized comfort food portions that clog your arteries from simply looking at the menu, to the amount of sparkles and bling on every piece of clothing imaginable that felt like you walked into a gay burlesque show.

As Small Town USA by Justin Moore played in my truck, I embraced my opportunity to visit towns and smirked, knowing how this song hit home. Back in Montana, you can recognize folks from the outskirts of town based on their drawl, but in Houston, it’s a whole new language. From nicknames that have no connection to what you see, to slang that would make an English bloke proud, to downright gibberish requiring an intoxicated mind for translation. My accent stuck out like a sore thumb. And without a doubt, Texas hospitality welcomed me with open arms.

I felt safe and at home.

It didn’t hurt that billboards entering Houston showcased the Kennedy brothers and myself like we were local celebrities. Whether at a gas station or waiting for a cattle drive to cross the roadway, my Rodeo Ways trailer attracted all kinds of people. My favorite was a young boy on his horse who proudly sat up higher and tilted his hat when I waved.

Following the GPS on my phone to the rodeo grounds, a chime let me know another text had arrived. My phone was blowing up as I returned to civilization and cell sites. After a quick look, I chose to ignore Michael. It hurt having to admit Kemper was right, I was just another notch on the bedpost. If Michael wanted distance so he could strut himself on stage, then so be it. I can’t let him play his games because right now I have work to do and wasting time on him is not my priority.

Meeting Charleigh, Stetson’s girlfriend, was refreshing. We instantly hit it off. Her bright smile and outgoing personality reminded me of Tennessee. Jumping into my truck, her guidance calmed my heart as I found myself struggling to navigate through the large rodeo grounds. Between people calling my name and walking up for a high-five, I was turned around more than once.

As soon as I parked in the second to last spot of our square compound, six trailers created a protective oasis. They had cornhole, a fire pit, a Traeger, a sun tent half covering a portable pool and various camping chairs. Staring at the unusual rodeo atmosphere, Charleigh laughed, “Win a buckle or two and you can do what you want.” If this was any indication of how these guys traveled, bring on a summer of fun.

Pulling an industrial-sized generator behind my trailer, I was self-sufficient and prepared for dry camping scenarios. However, without prior knowledge of their camp-style standards, my spot looked pathetic.

Locking up my trailer while Charleigh attended a meeting, I noticed a scantly dressed blonde entering the brother’s trailer. I’m usually not one to judge, but after years of dealing with bunnies back home and on the road, I knew I had to avoid interacting with this one. For all I know, the blonde is well known and well used by the brothers, making me question if I made a mistake presenting the boys as "All American Good Guys".

Walking around and taking in the enormous rodeo grounds, I bumped into Josh, who was willing to show me the ropes. Staying in the background as he greeted the "higher up" volunteers, felt like home, as everyone suggested their position was the most important for the rodeo running smoothly. Josh shook his head with a smile, making everyone feel special. He has a way with people.

Having grown up a couple of hours away, Josh's commentary was comical with a personal touch. “Over there,” he pointed to a tall three-story stand, “That’s where the youngins oversee the traffic and people flow. I’d get bored on patrol, but them boys take it seriously and often send out the dogs to control issues before things go south.” As we approached the patrol stand, he fixed his hat, giving a last minute heads up, “Them boys will be excited to meet you. And you, my friend, are my ticket to bonfires.”

Laughing at his conniving tactics, we met the crew on duty and, as expected, pictures were taken, but to my surprise, we also earned back stage concert passes. Wrapping up the visit, we left for more stops as Josh wrapped his arm around my shoulder, “I admit I rolled the dice, but you are definitely a golden ticket. We’re going to have fun together.”

The rest of my day was packed with people who remained mostly behind the scenes, or as Josh labeled, the ones who really run the show. Whether I was taking pictures with fans or soaking in the circus atmosphere, I learned a lot about Josh's impressive skills of remembering the names of all the "smaller" folks and not just the cute girls.

Eventually, we met up with Charleigh who was in manager mode, updating schedules and maps for navigating the numerous buildings. Following her, we arrived at an organized meet-and-greet with a hundred or so fans. Josh and Stetson thrived in the spotlight but there was something about Stetson that caught my attention. I’m not sure why, but I had a weird feeling about him.

Remaining in the background while the brothers were treated like local heroes allowed me to see how well they connected with their fans. From young mutton bustin’ riders to grandparents raising generations who stand for the flag, smiles and hugs were exchanged with integrity. Both brothers seemed genuine to their fans and mimicked the thousands of positive comments posted on social media.

Escaping to observe more of the rodeo grounds, I found a side entrance into one of the large stadiums and reviewed notes on my phone about where I planned to place cameras to capture the events. Lost in my thoughts, I turned around to a pair of American flag boots with none other than the blonde from earlier and a guy she introduced as Bo. She said her name but I did not pay attention.

Nodding as I finished recording the chutes from my current angle, Bo and I discussed his help with overseeing the drones as well as his opinion on the best locations to film events. He impressed me with his detailed notes.

Bored with our conversation, the girl must have walked off as Bo and I lost track of time planning logistics for all the stadiums. His knowledge saved me hours of planning and allowed us to walk around as I tried to learn the behind-the-scenes routes.

Our discussion was productive on a professional level, but what surprised me the most was his candid personal chat. Finishing our planning, he added, “A word of advice, avoid Lizzy.” Ah, the blonde's name. He paused, looking over his shoulder, verifying the area was empty, “She does what she wants because her dad’s been on the rodeo board for years and finally climbed his way into the president’s position this year.”

He looked around again, “We dated until she found the latest guy in the spotlight. I don't trust her.” Noticing my confused expression, he added, “Traveling with the Kennedy brothers will attract many rodeo bunnies who want a night with a buckle and nothing more. They're in a bigger spotlight thanks to your Rodeo Ways, which means they're also on Lizzy's radar. I guarantee you'll run into more like her this summer."

Nodding as I confirmed my assumptions, he continued, "I hope I didn't cross a line. I want to be honest with you and prove my skills." Taking his hat off to rub his neck, he looked at the ground, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to cause drama.”

Appreciating his positive intentions, I changed the topic. “You obviously know your way around a rodeo stadium, but the question is how good you are at recording, editing and posting daily?” Smiling, he put his hat back on and pulled out his laptop, pulling up his YouTube channel. From tutorials, to interviews, to daily blogs, his channel was a smaller version of Rodeo Ways but focused on their family ranch.

Impressed with his talents and creative adventures, I asked, “What are your plans this summer?” Taking a big breath, he admitted, “After Houston, I’ll be in Austin, then maybe Reno and Calgary.” I had to laugh knowing part of my summer schedule had been posted. Offering an opportunity, I stated, “It’s not easy maintaining a channel. It takes long hours and requires more work than partying.”

Wide eyes and pearly white teeth captured my attention. Bo mumbled, “What are you saying?” Seeing a familiar flame within, I stated, “Prove yourself and we can talk about this summer. I could use help on the road.” Wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me off the ground, he spun around before placing me down, “Yes, you won’t be disappointed.” I leaned in, "Oh, and I appreciate your opinion on who to avoid. I prefer to avoid drama too."

Leaving the stadium, we exchanged information as I returned to my trailer to prep for tomorrow's events. It still shocked me that all throughout the rodeo grounds, large screens aired promotional clips of Rodeo Ways. Observing how people were going out of their way to say hello, you’d think I was a Hollywood director.

The hours rolled by as the rodeo kicked off with a bang. Thousands of people gathered for the events, making the atmosphere come to life. Needing breaks, I often found myself sneaking into my trailer with Bo to edit and post promotional clips about the brothers to tease my audience about the upcoming rodeo season.

Emails from rodeo public relations people (from my summer circuit) were arriving daily celebrating soldout events. It may not be because of my channel, but many praises were given our way. One thing for sure, the success of Rodeo Ways continues to exceed my expectations.

On the last night, a knock on my trailer door made me gasp. Unaware of how caught up in my thoughts I had become, I slammed the door open as Josh greeted me with a smile, “We got a fire going, come join us.” Preferring to avoid crowds, I shook my head as he insisted, “Just us four, and no cameras.” Few moments were private for the brothers and while they thrive on the attention, I hated the spotlight.

Laughing, knowing I had already wrapped up my postings, I agreed and followed him outside. As we shared a bottle of Jack, stories were shared that would never make it onto Rodeo Ways. Understanding their familiar personalities, I was entertained, my family was not much different than theirs.

Stetson, the responsible older brother, was a duplicate of Kemper. You know that one who followed the rules, earned good grades and volunteered without being asked. I appreciated Charleigh’s infatuated support of her boyfriend but a part of me wondered if she knew the real Stetson. Just like Kemper, I wonder if Stetson puts on a show in certain company. I had no proof not to like Stetson, but something in my gut was telling me to be cautious.

I’m not saying Kemper is a bad guy, but the golden knight stigma is only his stage name. On the road, I learned, he cheated on most if not all of his girlfriends and schmoozes up to influential families through their daughters. I’m sure one day he’ll change for the right one, but I doubt he’s ready to settle down. As far as Heidi, I hope he doesn’t crush her heart. I begged her to keep her distance from him, but she jumped in with glazed eyes from his stage performance.

And then there’s Josh, the Texas version of Matt. You know the one who has no shame with who he sleeps with and never makes mistakes, like sleeping with the same girl twice.

I can't remember how the topic came up, but the look on Josh’s face when I described him to a T, was priceless.

“You think you know me sweetie?” Josh teased. Catching Charleigh’s wide eyes, I nodded, “Three shots says I do,” I propositioned. Placing three red solo cups, he poured generous pours of Jack, accepting the challenge as I sat still waiting for more direction. Josh leaned back, “Go on, start talking.”

Taking a deep breath, I started talking while watching his reaction, “You please ‘em and leave ‘em, but no one complains because that’s your calling card.” He smirked; Charleigh had a big smile and Stetson sat still in his seat. Josh sat forward looking at his brother, then took a shot and licked his lips. “Go on,” he said, pushing the two remaining shots towards me.

Feeling confident, I stated, “You never sleep with the same girl twice unless you’ve had a couple of transactions in between.” Charleigh’s smile dropped. Her attention remained on Josh.

Stetson slapped his knee laughing, “Drink up brother.” Josh stared at his brother, refuting the accusation, then he pushed a shot towards me and stated, “Wait, what do you mean by transaction?” Hoping I hadn’t stepped over the line, I informed, “Rather than get attached to a girl, you call the experience a transaction. No feelings attached.”

Stetson whistled as his head rolled back and Charleigh barked a laugh. With wide eyes, Josh stared at his brother with squinted eyes, then looked at me. What was that about? Slowly moving forward, I lifted a shot and held it out in his direction. Nodding, Josh took the shot, mumbling, “I like it, I’m going to use it.” Yeah, my brother was a genius at how to use females.

Stetson clapped his hands together acting like a mad scientist, “Okay, one shot left, one chance to stump my brother. You got one more in you for a clean sweep?” Taking a deep breath, I decided to rely on personal experience, “You’ll tell a girl she’s the one with intentions of extending your transaction but end up walking away without an explanation.”

Charleigh’s smile lay flat, and Stetson smirked while engaged in a staring contest with Josh.

Crackling sounds from the wood burning in the fire filled the air as silence covered everyone’s mouths. Avoiding eye contact, I sat still knowing I had crossed a line. Josh spoke first, “I’ve never misled a girl, but there’s a story you need to share.” Looking up, we met eyes, then he looked at Charleigh insisting, “I’ll take the shot while you talk.”

Taking a big gulp, I stared into the fire regretting the risk I had taken. Was I ready to talk about Michael?

Time had past before Charleigh spoke first, “Did he tell you he loved you?” Keeping my attention on the fire, I spoke from my heart, “He said I was the one.” I paused reliving the experience, “The one who made him want to be a better person.”

Words passed my lips before I could stop them, “He said I was his, I was his present and his future.” Lowering my voice, I admitted, “I believed him.”

Josh added to the conversation, “I might sleep my way through towns but I’ve never led anyone on. That’s horrible.” Stetson, whose arm was wrapped around Charleigh asked, “Was this recent?” Finally looking up to meet eye contact, I nodded, “I left earlier than planned, needing to get away.” Charleigh asked, “How do you know him?”

Gulping before responding, “He’s my brother’s best friend.” Josh grabbed the bottle of Jack and stated, “This calls for a round,” taking a shot, he passed the bottle to me. After submitting to the burn, I passed the bottle to Stetson, who passed it to Charleigh.

Weird silence caused chills to run up and down my arms before I blurted, “Sorry for the buzzkill.” Stetson stood, “No worries. I need to pee, then we’re playing cards.” Now we’re talking, my language. Stetson and Josh walked off into the darkness, leaving Charleigh and me alone.

Nodding towards the guys, I said, “You two seem happy.” She stared at the fire then nodded slowly. Definitely not convincing.

After the guys returned, we played a couple hands of poker until they realized I was a card shark. Stetson and Charleigh went to bed, leaving Josh and I alone. Grabbing a seat on the log next to me, he asked, “How can a guy walk away from you?”

Turning the table and ignoring his question, I asked, “How long has Charleigh had feelings for you?” As his body got stiff, I got confirmation of my assumption. Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, he looked around then whispered, “I guarantee that’s been over for a while.”

Waiting patiently as he stared at the fire, I had to ask, “Does Stetson know?” He admitted, “There’s not much to tell. We dated, she believed a lie and we broke up.” Leaning forward, matching his position, “After hearing the truth, she didn’t give you another chance?”

Smirking, he stated looking over his shoulder at me, “Why go back to me when she had the attention of the golden boy?” Gasping, I stated, “She left you for your brother?” Slowly nodding his head, he said, “The best part, he slept with two girls at a party and still took Charleigh home.

He lightly laughed, “She believed I had the threesome because I was known as the man-w***e in school. She could never accept the truth. I had changed for her.”

Thinking back to my social media research on the brothers, Stetson posted pictures with fans, mostly kids and grandparents, while Charleigh posted pictures of them together. I got the impression their relationship was fairly recent. I had to ask, “How long have they been together?” Josh shook his head, “Two years.”

The dots finally connected as a gasp left my lips. Leaning in, I whispered, “He slept with my friend last year in Reno.”

Shaking his head, Josh said, “He’s been cheating on her the whole time but she doesn’t want to see it. I think that’s why she’s going with us this summer. She needs to know the truth.”

Hearing the pain in Josh’s voice, I said, “Well, hopefully she doesn’t get pregnant.” He stood kicking logs apart to stifle the fire, “She had an abortion shortly after we broke up. I’ll never forgive her for killing my kid without talking to me about it.” Spilling his drink on the remaining flames, he walked off into the night.

What just happened? Rodeo Ways promotes a country lifestyle. It's not a tabloid. I need to stay focused and refrain from diving into their drama. It's none of my business.

Sitting alone in silence, I felt bad for Josh, I had him pegged all wrong.

Trying to avoid overthinking about their love triangle, my mind wandered to Michael. What if I made too many assumptions? What if he was willing to change for me? Pulling out my phone, I read his countless texts, his words hit me hard. He never made an excuse, he wanted to talk, he wanted to clear things up.

Then came his endless voice messages. Just hearing his voice made my heart skip a beat. The urgency in his voice sounded real and genuine. Why would he call if he planned to walk away? My intoxicated mind wanted to talk to him, but a part of me felt like I needed to sober up and get confirmation before making a decision.

The following morning, I texted Tennessee and Heidi after posting a sneak peak about the upcoming Austin Rodeo. To my surprise, both were not only willing to talk but insisted I took too long to contact them.

Hearing Tennessee’s voice put a smile on my face, “About time you called, girl.”

We have bonded over the past couple of weeks and if there was anyone I could trust, it would be her. She is honest and up front when she trusts you, but can come off harsh when the truth hurts.

It didn't take much before she was explaining how she was at the strip club the night in question and the bakery the following morning. She revealed the scam Ashley put on Michael and how he’d been an older brother to her for years. She also mentioned her assumption of someone else calling the shots. My stomach twisted, had I jumped to conclusions with few if any facts?

Providing more of her opinion, “I don’t know what that girl Ashley has gotten herself into, but I’m guessing Michael is going to eventually be done with her." She paused, "You know he was not a willing participant, right? Don't get me wrong, he went on stage but even Sally said he looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there.”

Hearing her perspective opened my eyes further.

Our conversation was cut short when Heidi called. Adjusting my thinking, I had to be selective with what I told her. I knew she’d give me her honest opinion and always wanted what was best for me because she told everything to Kemper, and he was a microphone.

As expected, Heidi confirmed my suspicions, “Girl, he ran out of the bakery when he heard you left town. You’d be crazy to think he’s not head over heels for you.”

The phone calls were long and packed with more details than I had expected. Clearing my head was needed to calm my soul but also kept me away from Charleigh, afraid I would say something about her boyfriend. How am I going to pretend I know nothing?

There was one phone call left. Texting my mom, who always gave the best advice, revealed she had known about Michael and me for some time. Why didn't she say anything?

Her voice calmed me as she rambled through her thoughts. “Don’t worry sweetie, Tyson noticed how you two were getting along and made it clear to Michael that he needed to walk away if he was not serious about you." What, when? "Now don't get mad, your cousin cares about you. He asked around town and found out that Michael had been acting differently, like none of the girls interest him. Sweetie, try not to overthink this. It's not just Tyson and I are the only ones who have seen a change in Michael. Heather has mentioned it more than once. And she credits you for the change.”

Wait, his mom knows about us too?

Hanging up the phone, I sat back recycling the conversations in my head. Michael has not been hiding his feelings for me. When we are together, he makes me feel like I'm the only one. Imagining a life with him is not hard, especially having a crush on him when we were younger. I just never thought it would come true.

Hearing the support from family and friends allowed me to finally put the pieces together, and identify who was in the wrong, who was selfish and who was selfless.