Page 2 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

She focused in the rearview on the figure standing in the middle of the road watching her go. Easton Coleville, the most handsome, charming, and devoted cowboy in Montana. She touched her lips, wondering if he’d ever hold and kiss her again.

Her stomach twisted, and she feared she was making a very poor choice. What kind of woman drove away from a future with Easton Coleville?

Cassie gripped the steering wheel with determination. She had a lot to prove. To herself and to the town of Coleville. She wasn’t a quitter like her father, a whiner like her mother, or relying on Easton and the impressive Coleville family like she’d heard from the gossip going around.

Cassandra Ruby Johnston would be successful, and she would do it on her own.

She tried to think positively and not give in to the despair of leaving Easton behind. They were only eighteen. This wasn’t the end of their love story. In the future, they could reconcile their vastly different dreams and somehow come together, marry, and have a family.

Yet as he disappeared from view, a chillswept over her, and she feared she was making the most short-sighted decision of her life.

Four Years Later

Cassie Johnston raced around the gorgeous mansion that had been converted into a wedding venue. She was moments away from pulling off a high-dollar wedding, only her third major event coming out of college. Her boss Baxter Churchill trusted her and was here tonight as a guest. He’d already pulled her aside and told her she was getting a huge bonus and more prestigious events were in the future.

The only thing marring this perfect night was her boyfriend Easton Coleville.

She scowled. Former boyfriend.

Right before she’d gone to retrieve the bride to walk down the aisle, she’d checked her phone to make certain she hadn’t missed anything on her list. A text had come through from a college friend with an attachment. A photo posted in a Western magazine of the well-loved bull rider Easton Coleville receiving a kiss from one of his many admirers.

Cassie still couldn’t wrap her mind around it. Easton had women chasing him constantly, but even though they’d been in a long-distance relationship for over four years, he always promised he was faithful to her.

I could never love anyone like my sweet but sassy Cass, he repeatedly told her. They texted most days, and yesterday he’d sent the old song from Don Williams, “You’re the Only Girl for Me”.

Yeah right.

The kiss had looked more than consensual. In fact, he’d been dipping the girl back and obviously enjoying himself.

“Are you all right, Cassie?” a voice asked at her side.

She whirled to see her boss, Baxter.

He was a handsome man, debonair even, wearing a Brioni suit with his blond hair combed back. He was barely thirty, a widower, and ultra-successful with the events business he had inherited from his deceased grandmother.

“Yes.” She forced a smile. “Everything is going perfectly. Ten more minutes of dancing and we’ll cut the cake, have the send off, and I can go outside, say a prayer of gratitude, and savor this win.”

“I’ve noticed you do that.” He grinned. “How about a dance to celebrate first?”

“I’d love to.” Normally she’d keep her distance if a man showed any indication of flirting, but Baxter was a professional and her boss. He was only being friendly.

He whirled her around the ballroom. Even though she’d orchestrated all of this, she felt like she was on a movie set. The flowers were gorgeous and fragrant, the decorations ethereal and made her feel as if she were floating. The beautiful bride and groom waltzed past. The bride smiled and nodded to her. Dancing as part of the happy wedding crowd was the cherry on top.

Baxter held her more firmly as they danced. It wasn’t unpleasant. The song was almost over when he stopped, pulled her even tighter, and said, “You are an impressive and beautiful lady, Cassie. I’m honored to have you on my team and would love to get to know you on a more personal level.”

She stared up at him, stunned. It was on her lips to tell him she had a boyfriend, but did she? Easton had alot to answer for.

“Don’t answer yet,” he said softly, his head bowing closer to hers. “Think about it and know it won’t affect your job either way. You’re an incredible employee and I’d never want to risk losing you.” His gaze became intense. “But I also wouldn’t want to miss out on something beautiful happening between us.”

He crossed the last few inches and his lips softly brushed hers.

Cassie was frozen. She had no idea how to respond. Though she was mad at Easton, kissing or talking about dating anyone else felt wrong and like a betrayal to all that she and Easton had together. Or used to have. He’d actually cheated on her. She could hardly wrap her mind around it.

Baxter was suddenly ripped backwards and spun around. Cassie caught a glimpse of Easton towering over her boss in his black cowboy hat, button down shirt, black Wranglers, and dress boots.

Easton slammed a fist into Baxter’s face. Screams and cries lifted around the room as Baxter was knocked to the wood floor with the single punch.

“Easton!” Cassie cried out.

---