Author Note: This was another fun chapter moving the story along – have fun with the innuendos!

Chapter 09 – I Wanna Be a Cowboy

Monday morning rolled around quickly. Last night was so surreal Eric thought he imagined it. Only when he picked up his shirt, he could still smell Jackie's perfume on it – it did happen and he didn't dream it. He just couldn't share it with anyone because it wasn't supposed to be Jackie Burkhart he was kissing. But damn! He never experienced passion like that from just a kiss!

The hotel was buzzing with energy and as Eric looked over the night ledgers it looked like the upcoming Memorial Weekend was going to fill the house! Bonus time! Eric made the rounds to the different departments. The usual complaints between the Housekeeping staff and the cooks needed to be addressed and the city waste management department wanted to change pick up dates. All in a days work.

*

Jackie was sitting on Brooke's porch drinking ice tea. It was a hot day for April and the cold drink felt good. Brooke settled Betsy on the lawn with a dribble of water from the hose. Brooke looked at her friend. "Okay, you drove all the way to Chicago to talk to me? I don't get it."

Jackie bit her lip. "Well, I'm setting up a new event and I need your help and want you to work on it with me."

Brooke was intrigued. "You've never asked me to work for you before."

"Well, you'd be a consultant and it would be totally worth the money." Jackie prayed she would say yes.

"Tell me about it." Brooke was very curious.

"It's a two day event. This oil baron from Houston has family here in Kenosha and wants to have a reunion. There will be about 300 people from the family and I have to have a cowboy theme. They want to line dance and I have no clue what that is, they want to barbeque a cow they are bringing and want me to provide greasy pigs. What kind of event is this?"

Brooke smiled broadly, "Oh god Jackie, I'd work on this for free! Have you seen the movie Urban Cowboy? It's that terribly romantic John Travolta / Debra Winger film where John plays Bud and works the oil field and tries to romance Debra who is Sissy. There is this really steamy hot scene with Sissy on a mechanical bull…oh my god Jackie; you totally have to do that!"

Jackie looked confused. She never saw the movie and had no clue was a mechanical bull was. Brooke said, "Watch Bets, I'm going to run down and rent the movie. I'll be right back!"

*

A few hours later Brooke and Jackie were just astonished. Brooke had seen the movie the first time but seeing again with Jackie was an eye opener! Watching Sissy ride the mechanical bull for Bud was just this side of rated X – Jackie looked at her friend. "You were right - I've got to do that."

Brooke was thinking of how sexy John Travolta looked and bit her lip. What would Michael look like in a cowboy hat? Jackie turned to her friend, "I have to get that soundtrack. The Boz Scaggs song; Look What You've Done to Me? Oh my God, that is so romantic. Brooke, you have to teach me the two-step and how to line dance."

Brooke smiled, "Well, my dad knows a farmer that will let you borrow some pigs as long as your party doesn't eat them."

"Can he make them greasy?"

Brooke laughed. "No honey, they oil the pigs and then the cowboys try and chase the pigs and catch them, but can't because they're slippery. I've tried it before, it's fun. The barbeque sounds delicious!"

"Okay, I'm going to book the hotel, I think Eric's would work because he's got that huge outdoor garden and an auditorium near the exit – so dancing on the inside with twinkle lights at night and some bales of hay…." Jackie mentally calculated some figures in her head, "this is going to be good."

"When do you need me?"

Jackie grinned, "How about we go shopping on Thursday for our boots and hats. I'm getting me a pair of chaps – they looked so sexy! I'm scheduling this for the first Friday and Saturday in May.

Brooke clapped her hands. "Let's get Betsy some boots, she'll look adorable! Oh, and then you'll be here this weekend for Michael's barbecue?"

"I wouldn't miss it. Don't let him try hamburger okay? I'll pay for steak or ribs, but he burns the burgers every time!"

"We'll come to Kenosha on Thursday, get our outfits and I'll see if my old dance teacher will let us use her studio. This will be so fun!"

*

Jackie's next stop was the Happy Day's Hotel. Her only other choice was Lady of the Lakes Manor which didn't have the lawn. She parked in the visitor spot and gathered her day planner and handbag. It was time to do business and this was BIG business.

*

"Mr. Forman" the new hotel clerk said into the phone, "I have someone that wants to talk about booking a barbeque for a cow."

The nameless clerk hung up the phone and turned to Jackie. She was about to come unglued. "I did not say I wanted to book a barbeque you idiot! How did you ever get a job here?"

Eric came around the corner just in time to hear the poor employee catch Jackie in a rant. He grinned and decided to rescue the poor fellow. "Robert, why don't you have Ashley come out and cover the front desk while I talk to Miss Burkhart in my office?"

The drone clerk nodded his head and disappeared into the back office to be replaced by a fresh faced smiling young lady. Now this was someone Jackie could have talked too! Eric took Jackie by the arm and led her back to his office.

"Would you stop scolding my employees?" Eric teased. "This is his first week." Eric opened the door and Jackie slid in and onto the cushioned chair in front of his desk. "This should be his last week!" she exclaimed.

She looked as cute as button. She was wearing another of her sundresses with a light sweater over her shoulders and had her hair tied in a messy bun. Eric smiled. "You are here on business?"

She put her day planner on the edge of his desk. "Yes Mr. Forman I do and before I begin, you need to know you are in competition with the Lady of the Lakes Manor."

Eric leaned back and steepled his fingers. "So…let the bargaining begin."

Jackie grinned. "Spencer Steele, a Texas Oil Baron, has tons of family here in Wisconsin and is arranging a family reunion for 300 members. It'll be a Friday night and all day Saturday event. Although some of his family may stay until Sunday. Can I get two floors on the first Friday and Saturday in May?"

Eric looked at his schedule. There was a group he could move to a different suite. "It's possible." He replied.

She smiled – she knew he was just making this a little difficult for her. "Also, it's a cowboy theme so I'll need the back lawn and the room next to the exit."

"You want my Diamond Hall for a bunch of yee-haws?"

"Big money Eric – think of the BIG picture. Besides, you won't have a bunch cowboys wandering around the hallways. I can keep them contained to the back of the hotel."

"Keep talking."

"They want to barbeque a cow on the back lawn. It's their traditional Angus beef – they bring their own equipment."

Eric paused, he never heard of that request before. "What else?"

"I need to keep eight piglets on the back lawn. It's for entertainment purposes." She felt embarrassed just saying it.

Eric laughed. "Pigs? Maybe six but I have to check with the city to see if I need a permit for livestock." Jackie started writing some more notes. She knew someone in City Hall that could possibly hasten the process.

"Live band and dancing."

"Both days?"

She bit her lip. "Well, the live band is only for the square dancers and some on Saturday but there will be a mechanical bull and line dancing on Friday night. So... yes both days."

Eric blinked. "A what?"

Jackie shrugged. "A mechanical bull - it's for the cowboys. The line dancing is for the ladies. I'll pay extra if the bull does any damages."

Eric frowned. What the hell was a mechanical bull? "Yeah, I'm going to want a big deposit for the bull thing."

"Oh, before I forget, Brooke and I need a room. She's helping me with this event."

Eric's eyebrow lifted. "Really, so this is something Miss Burkhart can't do herself?"

"No, Mr. Forman, I don't know how to line dance. Brooke is leading the ladies. If you weren't one of those I-can't-dance kind of guys, I'd invite you to be part of the event staff."

Ouch! That stung. Eric hadn't been burned in a while. He did like to dance; he was just particular who he danced with! She was getting that pissed off look again and he didn't want to lose 300 paying customers to the Lady of the Lakes Manor.

"Sorry Jackie, I didn't mean to imply anything. I just assumed that you could do anything you set your mind to."

"Well, I'm still researching this job and I go to the experts for help. Brooke is my dancing expert." She put her day planner on her lap. "So can you accommodate my party or not?"

Eric looked at the ledger. No one was using the lawn and the Diamond Hall floor needed to be cleaned. "I think we can make this happen." He pushed a contract towards her which she signed.

Jackie smiled and winked. "If you're a good boy, I'll let you watch me ride the bull." She stood up and laughing at his confused face, "Thank you for the help!"

He watched her bounce out of his office and rubbed his face with his hands. Why did she make him so crazy? What was this bull-stuff? He needed to talk to Kelso!

*.

Kelso Barbeque Saturday rolled around fast. Jackie offered to drive everyone but Fez was getting a ride from Rhonda so Eric opted to ride with Jackie. Her Mustang was better looking that the old Vista Cruiser! Eric also noticed that the hotter the weather, the less clothing Jackie wore and that was starting to unnerve him.

"Jackie, are you sure you don't want to bring a sweater or something?" Eric didn't want to tell her that the sheer little blouse gave him a great view of cleavage and that her tight jeans were making his pants a bit tighter than usual!

"Oh Eric, relax – it's just a Kelso Barbeque. You're among friends. Just have a good time!"

The Mustang pulled in the driveway behind Fez's Fiat. Jackie waved at Brooke and little Betsy came running over to the car. Eric couldn't believe how big Kelso's daughter was. Jackie knelt down and the little toddler ran smack into a Jackie hug. Jackie rolled the little girl over the grass tickling her and giggles came from the both of them. Brooke stepped off the porch and gave Eric a big hug. "I think this is the first time you've been to our house!" she said buzzing his cheek with a kiss.

Kelso jumped over the banister. "Me, I get hugs too!" He grabbed Jackie and Betsy off the ground with the two girls squealing. He dropped them back on the grass and chest bumped Eric. "Dude, it's a great day! I'm cooking steak!"

Rhonda and Fez came out of the house with some cold drinks. Rhonda linked elbows with Eric and led him to the porch swing. "Jackie is Betsy's godmother. They act like a couple of kids sometimes." She smiled.

Eric watched Betsy tug and pull Jackie's hair and then Jackie flipped the small girl upside down and carried her by the ankles back to her mother. "Here mommy – I think its nap time!" Betsy was laughing and trying to grab Jackie's shoelaces. "Oh no you don't you little squirt!"

Jackie handed the little girl over to Brooke who smiled. "She just adores you and Fez is waiting inside to French braid her hair." Jackie looked at Betsy, "Oooh, who's gonna look pretty?"

Betsy smiled, "Me!" Jackie grinned and joined Eric on the swing. "How bad did she mess up my hair?"

Eric looked at her; she actually looked cuter with messy hair. He pulled some blades of grass out and set them in her palm. "Here's your damage." She threw the grass cuttings off the porch and reached over for a cold soda. "Is it hot out here or what?" She exclaimed.

Eric was extremely warm but for all the wrong reasons. "Hey, Kelso, can I help you with the grill or anything?" His friend stood up, "Yeah, man, watch these coals while I get the steaks."

Jackie took the opportunity to stretch out on the swing and listen to the pop music playing on the radio. She loved spending the day with Brooke and Michael – it was almost as relaxing as being at the Forman home. She closed her eyes and smiled as she heard Fez talking softly to Betsy while he brushed her hair and the young girl chortled with laughter. Brooke was talking to Rhonda while Kelso was making noise in the kitchen. All of this was like music to Jackie's ears.

Eric watched her reclining on the swing. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling – how could such a bundle of energy be continuously happy? He was a tad envious that he still felt hollow and wished he had such happiness in his life.

Like his dad told him, he couldn't blame all of it on Donna – it took both of them to divorce each other. Donna lost her sparkle, she took on extra responsibilities that kept her away from home and Eric spent a lot of dinners alone. On the other hand, Eric found many excuses to run errands on the weekend so he didn't strain to create a conversation or stave off a fight. In the end, the marriage was just too exhausting. The only possible salvation would have been if they could still be friends but it was still too early to know that.

Kelso came out, "How are those coals?" He set the platter of steaks on a table. "Dude, lift the lid so I can get these on here." Eric turned to the task at hand and was rewarded with the smell of beef sizzling on the grill. "Hey, tell Brooke we'll need the salad in about 20 minutes."

Eric grinned and got up to go into the house. Jackie was still sleeping on the swing as he walked into the toy strewn living room. This was a house that was filled with life. Eric saw Fez braiding little Betsy hair while Brooke was polishing her nails. He knelt down, "Betsy you sure look pretty today." He tweaked her nose and the little girl smiled. "Betsy purdy!"

"Brooke, Kelso said he needs salad in 20 minutes."

She rose up, "Got it. Hey can you take the paper plates out for me? Where's Jackie, she's supposed to be helping."

Eric leaned his head towards the front porch, "She's napping on your swing."

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Not for long!" Brooke jumped over a pink Barbie sports car and Eric heard a thud then and "What the hell Brooke! " Eric chuckled and went into the kitchen to get the plates.

*

The cold beer and the hot steaks on a beautiful sunny Saturday was more relaxing than Eric had thought possible. For once in his life, Kelso didn't burn himself or anyone else – a fact that he flaunted proudly. Fez laying with his head in Rhonda's lap and rubbing his tummy when he said "Brooke, if you made something chocolate for dessert I would love you forever."

Brooke smiled, "Well Fez, I did make a Devil's food cake – how does that sound?" Fez moaned or groaned and rolled to his feet. "Lead the way my dessert goddess". Brooke giggled and grabbed some empty plates to take to the kitchen.

Rhonda was fanning herself. "I'm going inside – it's hot out here. Oh, I saw that Kelso rented my favorite movie."

Kelso looked up, "I rented a movie?" This was news! Rhonda nodded, "It's on your VCR, hey let's watch it. You guys will love it!"

Jackie stood up, "I call sofa!"

Eric didn't want to get stuck on the floor. "I call shotgun!" Kelso started laughing, "You goon, you can't get shotgun on the couch. Wait… can you? Move it!"

Jackie squeezed in and claimed a spot on the cushioned end of the bright yellow flowered sofa. Kelso jumped in the middle and Eric got the other end. Brooke came out when she heard all the commotion. "What are you idiots doing in here? I thought this was a barbeque."

Rhonda was sitting on Fez's lap in the chair. "We're going to watch the movie Kelso rented."

Brooke looked puzzled. "What movie?" Kelso stood up, "That's what I said!" Brooke looked at him, "This better not be that girl on girl movie!"

Fez smiled widely. "Oh goody! Now I don't want dessert."

Jackie rolled her eyes. "Better get Betsy out of here." Kelso laughed, "She's taking a nap. Poor kid just ate her weight in food."

Brooke went over to the VCR and looked back at Jackie. "I don't think the guys would be interested in this at all." Jackie looked back, "Why not?"

In a falsetto voice, Brooke replied, "It's your research!" Jackie slapped a hand over her mouth, "Crap! You're right; the guys wouldn't be interested at all. It's just a girl movie."

Fez looked over, "Yeah, girl on girl. Let's watch it!" Kelso and Eric were now VERY interested in watching the movie Brooke and Jackie just labeled as taboo. Brooke stood in front of the television. "Seriously, this is a chick flick, so no groaning or complaining. Like I said, it's a research movie."

Brooke made Kelso move to sit with her on the love seat. Fez turned off the lamp next to his chair and the movie started.

*

Jackie groaned inwardly as Urban Cowboy played again. She enjoyed the love story but all the guys could look at were women in the film. They must have had some secret crush on Debra Winger and cheered every time she was on the screen. Kelso wanted to be like John Travolta in the cowboy hat and made Brooke promise to get him a hat exactly like that. "Sure baby." She replied knowingly.

Eric was devastated that Sissy/Donna and Bud/Eric married suddenly and then separated. He could totally identify with Bud's character. When Sissy started hanging out with Wes/Casey who was really a crook, Eric took a deeper interest in the story; a lot of it seemed to parallel his life with Donna down to almost living in a trailer! Donna trying to prove she was better than him was like Sissy trying to ride the bull…

Eric suddenly looked sideways at Jackie. Was she researching the destruction of his marriage to Donna? She looked at him – what?

He whispered. "Were you researching me? Why would you do that to me Jackie?"

She glared at him and hissed. "Don't be an ass. I'm doing a cowboy party next month at your hotel! If you were watching, they are dancing and it has a mechanical bull!" She got up and moved to the other side of the sofa. Idiot!

Eric went back to watching the film and realized that it was indeed a cowboy movie and he was just feeling sorry for himself again.

When Eric looked back up, he saw Bud and his new girlfriend enter Gilley's bar just as Sissy approached the mechanical bull. In his minds eye, he saw Debra Winger, but once she was on top of the bull, all he could see was Jackie making the seductive motions with and against the saddle. It was extremely erotic and he wished that she was riding that bull for him.

Jackie looked out of the corner of her eye and saw all the guys were shifting uncomfortably in their seats. She smirked. Good let them watch. Brooke caught her eye and grinned.

*

Fez turned on the lights while Johnny Lee was singing about Lookin for Love in all the wrong places. "Hey Rhonda, would you like to watch the sunset with me? Please?" He grabbed his girlfriends hand and dragged her through the kitchen and to the backyard.

Brooke got up and turned off the VCR. "Jackie, I'm going to share with Michael if that's okay with you."

Jackie was still mad at Eric. "Sure… whatever." Eric watched as Brooke pulled a couple of shopping bags from the hall closet. "This was part of Jackie's research and since Michael won't be there, I want everyone's opinion okay?"

Brooke pulled out a large box and gave it to Michael. "This is for you honey, cuz I thought you'd look good in it." Kelso grinned, "Is it a box of puppies?"

"No silly, it's better." Brooke smiled. Kelso lifted the lid to find a very nice cowboy hat. He jammed it on his head, "I'm John Freaking Travolta - awesome!"

Jackie smiled; he did look good in the hat. Brooke pulled out her cowboy boots and Betsy's tiny matching ones. Kelso grinned, "I have a baby cowgirl – how cool is that!" Brooke put her own cowboy hat on her gleaming dark hair and Michael Kelso fell in love all over again.

She reached in and pulled out a pair of tan leather chaps. "These are Jackie's." Kelso was the first to notice. "They have no ass. Oh Brooke, you have to put these on!"

Jackie reached over and snatched her leathers, "Michael – Ew! …And NO!"

Brooke handed her the white cowboy hat and the kicky little leather boots. Jackie folded her chaps and set them on the cushion between her and Eric. She brushed the leather on the boots and laid them on the chaps. She then turned and looked pointedly at Eric.

"I don't suppose you have a problem with me researching cowboy wear do you?" Eric looked at the sexy leathers and his hands were itching to touch the soft brushed chap pants. He was ashamed enough to blush.

Brooke handed her an empty bag. In a low voice she said, "Now I have to go get some chaps…"

Jackie laughed. "He'll probably what you to wear the hat too!"

Fez and Rhonda came back inside adjusting their clothes and Fez stopped still. "No cowboy hat for Fez? What has this come to? I want to be a sexy cowboy too!"

Brooke laughed, "Fez, these are for women."

"So! I mean so…maybe Rhonda wants to wear some. Not that I would wear women's clothes. Aiiy, that didn't come out right."

Kelso thumped his friend on the shoulder. "That's okay dude. How about all of you hit the road… so I can see Brooke in those chaps?

Brooke shushed Kelso. "Michael, these are our guests. And those are Jackie's pants. You can't just kick them out."

Kelso whispered something in Brooke's ear. She looked shocked. "Oh. OH! With the hat? Okay – everybody has to go!" Brooke started herding everyone to the door. "We'll have a barbeque next month. Bye everyone we love you!"

Jackie and crew found themselves locked out of the house Fez had the presence of mind to say, "That was the fastest barbeque I've ever been to and how about that movie!"

Eric could only groan.

*