Billionaire Cowboy (Book 1 of Richland Series)

Chapter 4

OPTIONS

Reaching the concert pavilion, the general admission tickets created a crowd squeezed against the stage, smaller groups standing around in the dirt and random groups sitting in the stands.  The area was packed and sold-out according to the radio DJ who hosted the event.  

Being a small town, Ashley ran into many friends who greeted her with smiles and hugs while she searched for her family. Texting or calling were no use unless people were looking directly at their phones because the music was extremely loud and many spectators were dancing. 

Climbing the stands to the right of the stage, Ashley looked over the crowd until she saw her family huddled by the beer stand, she laughed to herself. Of course, they were by the beer.   Walking across the pavilion she was unaware that a pair of blue eyes backstage was watching her.  

Ryan noticed guys did not hold the brunette or show any sign of claim on her.  He wanted to meet her.  Asking a rodeo hand for help he had a plan.

Enjoying the music, sipping on a beer and trying not to laugh at some of the horribly dressed spectators, Ashley felt relaxed and content being single.  She smiled about her upcoming social life as Mary Anne and Trish pointed out guys who were giving her double takes.  When did guys start looking in her direction?  

A tap on her shoulder made her turn to face Matt, a friend of her brother Luke.  She gave him a hug, “Hey, Matt how are you doing?” 

Darren stood stall with his arms across his chest and cleared his throat.  Matt hesitated before he tipped his hat at her.  Matt might be friends with Luke, but the oldest brother always scared him. 

Wanting to leave, Matt handed Ashley two tickets and said, “I’m doing good, it’s good to see you again.”  Holding the tickets in her hand she stood still reading the edge, “Backstage Access VIP Area.”  Matt started walking off as Gage asked where the tickets came from.  Matt said over his shoulder, wanting distance from the Richland clan, “Hey, I’m only the messenger.”  

Surprised, Ashley asked if anyone wanted the tickets. Mary Anne insisted, “They were given to you Ash, it’s obvious someone has noticed you and wants to get to know you.”  Trish leaned in and whispered, “There’s a lot of out of towners, take a chance and have fun.  Forget about that bastard.”  Ashley nodded realizing she was given the chance to have a new experience then decided, "Fine, then Mary Anne, you are coming with me.”  

Mary Anne screamed then suggested, “Let’s wait until after the headliner has started so we can finish scanning the crowd for potential hook ups?”  Ashley laughed knowing Mary Anne hooked up more often than any guy she knew. 

Watching from backstage, Ashley's blue eyed admirer was disappointed she was not hurrying to the backstage area, but he knew she was different and chose to keep tabs on her.

Finishing beers as the headliner performed, Ashley and Mary Anne walked towards the backstage area.  Running into a group of guys they knew from high school, Ashley felt an arm around her waist after a hug lasted longer than expected.  Twirling and catching the guy off guard, she tipped her hat and continued walking to the backstage area.  Mary Anne blurted, “Girl, do you realize how many guys wished you never dated Steve?  You can hand pick your boy toy tonight.”  Ashley laughed knowing Mary Anne was a bad influence.  

VIP AREA

Entering the backstage area, tables with food and drinks welcomed the guests willing to fork out a hefty amount for special treatment.  Growing up volunteering at the rodeo, Ashley heard of the VIP area but never had a chance to experience it until now.  Sampling the BBQ meats and grabbing a beer, the ladies were enjoying their experience.

Being a local also came with recognition of people, especially the glare from Ally, whose arms were wrapped around Steve.  Of course he brought Ally here.  Mary Anne noticed Ally with a drink and whispered, “I thought Ally was pregnant?”  Ashley shrugged her shoulders turning to face the opposite direction taking a sip of her beer.

Hearing local artists perform on stage, a post-concert rodeo tradition, Mary Anne smacked Ashley’s arm, “Hey, isn’t that what’s his face with the panty dropping voice?”  Ashley turned and locked eyes with a blue eyed hottie walking their direction.  His strut showcased his toned body, not overwhelmed with muscles but sculpted to perfection.  His blue eyes sparkled under his black hat and his t-shirt was tight on his chest causing her to lick her lips as she looked him up and down. 

He approached and asked, “Are y'all having fun tonight?”  Mary Anne gushed, “Oh yes, the concert was awesome!”  Without a response, Mary Anne noticed the hottie was staring at Ashley, who was keeping her eyes on him.  She tapped her cousin's shoulder and whispered, “Hey, I see a friend I haven’t talked to in a while, are you okay if I leave for a bit?”  Ashley kept her eyes on the blue eyed hottie in front of her and shook her head as she finished her beer. 

The hottie put his hand out, “Hello, I’m Ryan, Ryan Johnson.”  Ashley shook his hand then spoke, “Hi, I’m Ashley. You’re a good singer.”  He motioned to the side, and she followed him.  He responded, “Thank you, I prefer performing in front of smaller crowds, it’s more intimate and personal.”  She nodded lost in his deep voice.  Reaching the beer stand, he grabbed two beers.  She accepted one, dropping her empty cup into a garbage can.  Coming to her senses, she said, “Thank you.  So how long have you been performing on stage?” 

She noticed how he kept eye contact and stood close to her. Things Steve rarely did.  Her conversation with Ryan continued while the radio DJ was doing a drawing and giveaways on stage.  Ryan asked about her hat and she mentioned her family’s ranch, Richland Ranch.  Enjoying each other's company and clearly attracted to one another, they acted like they're the only two in the VIP area.  

Her gentle laugh caused him to smile while his subtle touch on her arm or hand brought tingles surging through her body. Lost in his eyes, they were pulled back to reality when a concert worker reminded him about meeting guests and signing autographs.  Ryan tried getting her number but as a crowd gathered around him, they were separated.  Mary Anne found her cousin with a smile on her face walking back to the pavilion floor looking for their family.