Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders #11)(8)

“I agree with you, but no matter what name you use, you are a celebrity. You will be recognized even in the small burg of Sundance, Wyoming.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Without makeup, designer clothes and my snazzy sports car, I doubt anyone would recognize me.” She turned, checking out her reflection in the picture window. “My stylist reverted my hair to its original brown today. If his assistant didn’t recognize me, and I’ve dealt with him for years, I’m pretty confident no one else will recognize me either. Besides, I’m not being snobby when I say I don’t want to mingle with the Sundance locals. Luckily, Kane’s old trailer is out in the middle of nowhere. Have you rented it yet?”

“No. Finding adult alone time in a house with three kids and my dad is impossible sometimes. And Kane and I need a place to connect.”

“Could you put your libido on hold for like a week and lend me your love lair?”

“Let me talk to Kane—”

“No! I mean, I don’t even want Kane to know I’m there.”

“Why not?” Ginger demanded.
“Because your gentleman hubby would fuss over me, stopping by every day to see if I needed anything. I’d rather not put him in that position of feeling obligated.”

“What am I supposed to tell him, Ava? I won’t lie to him.”

She’d forgotten cajoling didn’t work on Ginger. “Don’t tell him I’m coming, but once I’m there, I’ll swing by your place and let him know I’m hanging out in Wyoming for a bit.”

“But—”

“I didn’t want to play this card, but you’re leaving me no choice. You and Kane spent your honeymoon at my house for one entire week. You owe me a week in Wyoming.”

“You shoulda gone to law school. Fine. I’ll put away the spanking bench and the ceiling restraints before you get here. Which is…when exactly?”

Ava wasn’t sure if Ginger was kidding about the marital aids. “I’m planning to fly into Denver and rent a car to drive the Wyoming leg. I’ll call you when I arrive.”

“All right. I’ll make sure the trailer is unlocked that morning. And if you really don’t want anyone to know you’re there, park in the barn.”

Ava sagged against the weathered siding. “This is exactly what I need. Thank you.”

“Glad I can help. I know you’ll figure it out, Ava. See you soon.”

Next she called her dad.
“And to what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call from my beautiful daughter?”

“Hey, Dad. Just calling to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m sure you don’t wanna hear about the modifications we’ve made to the latest test engine. So, as pleased as I am that charm school paid off, can the crap, Ava, and tell me what you want.” He paused and puffed out air, which indicated he was outside on the patio smoking a cigar, which also meant her mother wasn’t around.
Did she really only contact him when she needed something from him? Yes. But she’d deal with that guilt later. “I need to get out of LA for a while.”

“Any idea where? The resort in Mexico? Or the chateau in France? I hear the new Barcelona property is inspiring.”

“None of the above. I’m thinking about Colorado.”

“The skiing won’t be good this time of year in Aspen.”

“Funny, Dad. I know that.”

“I know you don’t need money, so why you calling me?”

“I need to borrow the Citation.”