Somewhere Outside of Sunset

Orange light in the shape of a gas pump flashed on the dash of the 1969 Camaro SS convertible. “Shit,” Lanie Green cursed on the deserted road. The wind blew wisps of brown hair in her face as it flowed through the cabin of the convertible like a convection oven. 

On the drive down back roads outside of Bowie, Texas, Lanie had gotten turned around while searching for the best area to capture the perfect sunrise photos. Split-rail fence lined both sides of the road and lulled Lanie into memories of the previous Christmas. 

After a doctor’s appointment, Lanie had arrived home from work earlier than usual and heard whimpers coming from the bedroom. She and Ron had talked about getting a puppy, so Lanie put her purse on the couch and bounced down the hall to the bedroom door. She pictured a black lab with a red bow attached to her collar. 

The last thing she’d expected to find was her boyfriend in bed—their bed—screwing the secretary from his office. Ron hadn’t even noticed Lanie in the doorway until she barked his name. Needless to say, that was not the ideal way to end an engagement. 

Lanie shook her head to escape the recollection and reached for her cell phone in the passenger seat. She wondered, for a split second, why the artistic picture of barbed wire didn’t appear when she tapped the power button. 

Lanie gasped. “Double shit.” Her pulse increased and her face grew hot. She hadn’t seen a human for miles; plenty of cows and lots of horses, but no humans. As she focused on the road ahead and maneuvered around a curve, a rancher came into view. “Thank you, God,” Lanie whispered and exhaled a breath. 

A man dressed in cowboy boots, jeans, a white T-shirt, and a cowboy hat sat on the tailgate of an old F-150. Tanned, muscled arms, flexed as he reached into the bed of the truck, picked up a guitar, and sat it across his lap. Under the truck, a Blue Healer rested in the shade. 

“I have just been thrown into a country song,” Lanie said to herself. “This cannot be happening.” Warmth spread up her neck to her cheeks and accompanied a smirk. Lanie had always wanted to meet a real cowboy, not an impostor who put on a cowboy hat, boots, and a fake southern drawl. 

When she’d met Ron at a country bar, he lured her into his world with a fake southern accent. He sure did look good when he dressed for a night out, but, as her mom always told her, looks could be deceiving. She was so right; the accent had disappeared the morning after their second date. 

Lanie pulled the car onto the shoulder of the road, shifted into neutral, and put on the emergency brake. She sent a silent prayer to the heavens asking for strength. Only God would be able to help her resist a true Texas cowboy. 

The sound of the muscle car slowing caused Max Walker to raise his eyes; not one car had passed all day, let alone one that sounded like it had come straight off the dragway. He assumed some man from out of state had gotten lost and needed directions. 

A red Camaro SS with white racing stripes pulled over and, to his surprise, a lady with brunette hair pulled into a bun sat in the driver’s seat. 

“Lordy, would you look at that,” Max said to himself and took a drink from his thermos. 

The lady, dressed for the Texas summer in short jean shorts, a white spaghetti strap tank-top, and oversized dark sunglasses, walked around the front of the car. Max found it difficult to catch his breath. 

Each step she took accentuated her thin but curvy frame and long legs that seemed to reach all the way to heaven. The way the sun radiated behind her head, Max thought she must be an angel. 

“Um, hi there, sir. Mister. Uh, I’m sorry to interrupt you,” Lanie stammered. 

A smile spread across Max’s lips, his dimple almost covered by a closely groomed beard, as he did his best not to laugh; she was cute as a button, as his granny would say. “Darlin’, I’m just taking a break with Sam here. What can I do for ya?” The dog lifted his head at the sound of his name. 

“Hi, Sam,” Lanie addressed the Blue Healer from the road and smiled when he wagged his tail. “I hate to admit it, but I seem to be lost.” Sunglasses covered her eyes and her hands rested on her hips. “My fuel light came on and I have no idea where the nearest gas station is. My phone is dead, so I can’t google it. I haven’t seen another two-legged in miles. Last time the—” 

“Another what?” Max interrupted. 

“Two-legged. Human. Non-animal.” Lanie shook her head and frowned. “Last time the low fuel light came on, I only had ten miles before the car stalled. These classics are a little more temperamental than newer cars. Pardon my French, Mr...” Lanie paused. 

“Max, call me Max.” 

“Where the hell am I, Max?” Lanie stood on the opposite side of the ditch where Max had been replacing fence posts before taking his break. 

“Darlin’, you’re somewhere outside of Sunset.” 

“Perfect.” Lanie pursed her lips and nodded. “I was searching for a sunrise.” 

“Pardon me?” Max tilted his head and squinted his eyes. 

“I’m a wannabe photographer and my very favorite thing to capture is a unique and beautiful sunrise. I’ve been on these roads for hours trying to find the best area to get some great shots. Until I got turned around, that is.” 

“Well, sounds like you need a break too.” Max nodded to the tailgate beside him as he sat the guitar in the bed of the pickup. “Take a load off. What’s your name? You must be hot ridin’ around with the top down in that sweet ass car.” 

Lanie paused and looked left and right making note that there were no cars or other people in sight. What if this guy is a serial killer? No one knows where I am, she thought. Ah, what the hell, you only live once, right? She crossed the ditch with careful steps. 

“It’s ok, Darlin’. I don’t bite.” Max’s crooked smile made Lanie’s heart rate increase. 

“My name is Lanie,” she said. The steel of the tailgate practically sizzled when the back of her legs touched it. “Ouch! Wow, that’s hot!” she cried out, jumping away. 

“Sorry about that, Lanie. Here, sit on this.” Max got a towel from the bed of the truck, shook the hay off it, and laid it beside him. 

The sound of this cowboy saying her name made her smile; she couldn’t have kept a straight face if she tried. 

Sam peeked his head out from under the truck and nudged Lanie’s calf with his nose. She reached down to caress the soft fur on his head. “Sorry I scared you, boy.” 

After getting settled a few inches from Max, Lanie caught a hint of Stetson, her favorite cologne, and sighed. 

“Ya like your tea sweet or unsweet?” 

“Sweet, but...” 

Max held out the thermos in his hand and Lanie shook her head. “Suit yourself.” He shrugged and took a swig. A smirk formed as he pulled a plastic cup from the cooler behind Lanie, poured sweet tea from his thermos and held it in front of her. 

Lanie accepted the cup with a nod and took a drink to distract herself from the pull she felt on her heart, not sure yet if it was attraction or panic. “Thank you, Max. I just love this weather and a cold cup of sweet tea is icing on the cake. We don’t get this kind of heat in Michigan. Not very often, anyway.” 

She rested the cup on her thigh and tilted her head back to absorb the warmth of the sun. Max stared at the smooth skin of Lanie’s neck and chest, cursed under his breath, and shook the sexy thoughts from his mind. 

“I thought you might be from out of town. Just you wait; it’s not even summer yet. I bet by the first week of August you’ll be seeking out any building that has air conditioning.” Max chuckled. “What brings to you Texas, Miss Lanie?” 

“Work. A fresh start. You know, the usual.” A smile disguised a lengthy explanation. 

Enamored with Lanie’s perfectly straight teeth surrounded by full lips, Max pulled more information from his new friend. “Where’s Mr. Lanie today? Did you leave him at home?” he asked with raised eyebrows; he hoped there wasn’t a mister in her life. 

“Eh,” Lanie said dismissively and brought her gaze to Max. “I left his sorry ass back in Detroit. Long story. Fresh start, right?” She shook her head. “Where’s Mrs. Max?” 

“Eh.” Max followed suit and shrugged. “She moved to Dallas. Long story.” He winked making Lanie’s heart race. “How long have you been in Texas? What made you choose this area?” Max removed his cowboy hat and ran a hand through a full head of dark hair. 

Jesus, he’s sexy, Lanie thought. Afraid she would stumble over her words like a teenage girl sitting next to a cute boy, she focused on keeping her voice steady. 

“I accepted a job in Wichita Falls and moved to Bowie in February, so just about four months ago. My parents thought I was crazy for venturing out by myself, but I look at the move as an adventure. Nothing is keeping me up north, so I thought what the hell, I’m moving to Texas. I traded cars with my dad and started driving. What about you? Have you been here your whole life? Working on fences?” Lanie teased. 

“Yep. Born and raised three miles east, as the crow flies. My grandparents own most of the farming land that’s left in this area. My granddad passed away just after Christmas, broke Granny’s heart. I’m doing what I can to help her, but the fence I’m fixing, here is mine. I talked Granny into splitting off 100 acres or so when I showed an interest in farming. 

“A few families owned everything from DFW to Wichita Falls a hundred years ago, but most of it sold back to the state or broke into smaller plots. Mendin’ fences keeps me busy. Or outta trouble, as my dad says.” 

“Ah, that’s no fun.” Lanie nudged Max with her shoulder and swore she felt a spark. 

“Speakin’ of fun, that car is incredible; how many tickets have you gotten?” Max joked. “Just kidding. You said you traded cars with your dad. What did you trade for the Camaro?” 

“Oh, I’ve luckily only gotten a couple tickets.” Lanie giggled. “I had a four-wheel-drive Ford SUV. It was great in the snow, but I figured I wouldn’t need it down here. Besides, my dad never drove the SS, so I convinced him it was a win-win. He restored it himself after retiring from racing small circle tracks.” 

“Well, darlin’, it looks good on you,” Max winked and Lanie looked away after a shy grin. “Your dad sounds like one cool dude.” 

“He is. I miss him and my mom but remind myself that I can always go home. Having a close relationship with my parents is very important to me. So many people take what they have for granted; I never want a life without my family.” 

Max grinned. “I think we have a lot in common, Miss Lanie. My dad pushes me to take more responsibility with the farm, but I keep putting him off. I try to make him proud, but I know I could do more.” 

Max gazed into Lanie’s eyes and a sense of calm ran through his body; this lady understood his every thought. He lifted his hand to reach for her but stopped before he made a fool of himself. He almost forgot that they had met only an hour ago; it felt like a year. 

“I noticed your guitar. You play or just pretend?” Lanie found it easy to flirt with her new cowboy friend. The challenge was enough to provoke any man that seriously played and Lanie hoped that Max would play something for her. 

“Oh, I don’t pretend, Miss Lanie.” He reached into the bed of the truck and pulled the guitar back into his lap. “I was just practicin’ my new favorite song. Tell me if you like it.” 

After strumming a few chords, Max cleared his throat and started singing.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Lanie threw her head back and let out a loud, genuine laugh. “Oh, my God. I was not expecting that. You have a great voice, Max. I would love to hear more.”

Lanie caught herself getting too cozy and decided she had overstayed her welcome. 

“Look, it’s been really great talking with you, but I feel like I’m keeping you from your work. I should go. How do I get to the nearest gas station?” 

Disappointed that Lanie had to leave but delighted she had stopped to chat with him, Max gave her directions. “Turn right at the end of this road; that’s Denver. Follow it into Sunset, just two more miles, to the stoplight. Another right will take you to the interstate. There’s a gas station there.” Max lowered himself off the tailgate, tipped his hat, and said, “It’s been a pleasure, Lanie.” He held out his hand. 

After a slight hesitation, Lanie grasped his hand and jumped off the tailgate. “You’ve saved my life. How can I ever repay you?” She turned to face Max and her knees weakened from his stare. 

“Ah, darlin’. I’ve enjoyed my break and Sam seems to like you. Consider your debt paid.” 

===== 

Boxes of pre-made cake mix lined the shelves in the bakery aisle of Brookshire’s, the grocery store in Bowie. Max pursed his lips and shook his head as he walked past the lemon, cherry chip, and German chocolate before he reached for the flour on the bottom shelf. 

In his mind, a homemade cake always beat out box cake, especially when it was his granny’s favorite. Even if it took him all night, Max would create the perfect birthday cake, just as his granddad had every year. 

“Hey, stranger. Fancy meeting you here.” 

Max tilted his head at the familiar voice behind him; he couldn’t believe his luck. An honest smile reached his eyes as he turned to face Lanie. “Howdy, darlin’. Nice to see you, again,” Max drawled as he tipped his cowboy hat and reached to shake her hand. 

Surprised by the shock when they touched, Max couldn’t imagine anything that would cause static electricity in the middle of a grocery store aisle. “Uh, my directions were ok?” 

A wave of dizziness washed over Lanie and she steadied herself with her shopping cart. Was that a spark? she thought. The passion in Max’s piercing blue eyes was unexpected and she tried to keep her voice steady. “Perfect. Made it back home without any problem, thank you, again.” She pointed toward his cart. “You making a cake?” 

“Nope. I’m building a castle for the fire ants,” Max replied without missing a beat. His smile faded when Lanie’s brow furrowed and he shook his head. “Sorry. I try to be funny, but sometimes I only entertain myself. Granny’s birthday is tomorrow, so I’m making her favorite cake. Need more flour.” 

“Ah, that explains why your new favorite song is ‘Happy Birthday.’ Well, Granny and I have something in common. My birthday is tomorrow too. Isn’t that funny?” Lanie found herself starting to ramble. “Well, it was really great to see you again. I should let you get back to your day.” She turned to walk away. 

Max reached out and touched her forearm. “This might be a little forward, but...” He examined his dusty cowboy boots before meeting her gaze. “W-why don’t you join us for cake tomorrow. If you don’t have plans, I mean. For your birthday.” Max didn’t usually stammer, but this girl had him tripping over his own words. 

“I don’t even know your last name; you’re almost a stranger. I’ll have you know that I don’t just go to stranger’s houses on a whim.” Lanie’s grin was intoxicating. 

“Oh, pardon me, ma’am. The name’s Walker. Max Walker.” With a slight bend at his waist, Max captured Lanie’s gaze and winked. 

Heat rose up to her neck and brought a natural pink to Lanie’s cheeks. She murmured, “Green.” 

Confused, Max asked, “Green, what?” 

Clearing her throat, Lanie regained control. “Green is my last name. Lanie Green. It’s nice to meet you, again, Max Walker. Now that we’ve been formally introduced, I would love to join you for cake.” 

Proud of himself for remembering that cell phone reception is hit-and-miss near Granny’s house, Max gave Lanie the land-line number along with directions to the farm. 

On the drive back to the ranch, Max daydreamed about the way Lanie said his name. Not too harsh or shy, but strong and confident, like they’d known each other for a lifetime. 

Although most would agree that Lanie Green was beautiful and sweet, Max saw something more than that in her eyes. Prior heartbreak had built a wall and Max had already made it his goal to break it down. 

=====

Max’s electric blue eyes grew dark with passion before his mouth claimed Lanie’s. Hungry kisses consumed them and Lanie’s mind cleared of everything except Max. One of his hands reached into her hair, behind her neck, while the other wrapped around her waist. She found it difficult to catch her breath. 

Lanie’s wandering fingers caressed Max’s back; smooth skin covered hard muscles that tensed under Lanie’s touch. Her hands slid down his chest, moved to his torso, and landed on his waist. They took their time exploring each other’s bodies for the first time. 

When he pulled her even closer and let a groan escape, Lanie smiled under his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, so they touched from their shoulders to their knees.

Grasping Lanie’s hips, Max guided her two steps back before he lifted her off the floor, breaking the kiss to sink into lavender-scented sheets. 

After he settled beside her, Max stared into Lanie’s eyes and ran his fingers from her cheek down her neck before tracing a line between her breasts. While his hand continued down her stomach, his lips followed the same path. Lanie arched her back, letting out a soft moan when his hand reached— 

Lanie startled from a deep sleep with a gasp; she was shaking. Sweat soaked the sheets and her heart beat so fast that she had to force herself to breathe slower. 

Heat radiated from the places on her body that Max touched in her dream. She could swear his skin remained hot under her fingers even though she was alone in her bed. Lanie could still sense where his lips landed hot on her breast. 

If she looked in the mirror, she was sure that her flesh would be indented where his hands had gripped her hips and pulled her close. 

“Jesus, that was hot.” Lanie touched her lips, expecting to find them plump from passionate kisses. “Where did that come from? I don’t even know Max. And I certainly don’t need another man to disappoint me.” 

Max was right about the walls built around Lanie’s heart and she promised herself, for the hundredth time, that she would keep them intact.