“Adeline, I need you to pick up your brother for me today.” My father’s voice startles me and I slap my laptop shut, but not before he sees what I was doing.
“How many times have I told you not to create that smut while working here?” My father isn’t a fan of the type of novels Tessa writes, nor is he happy that I help her. He thinks her “yankee” ways are changing my behavior, despite him knowing that Tessa isn’t even a yankee.
She’s from Dallas.
But since that’s “up north” to him and more progressive than Bear Creek, he’s convinced that she’s a bad influence on me, even though both my mother and I tell him he’s being archaic.
“I’m sorry, Daddy, I won’t do it again,” I lie, batting my eyelashes at him because we both know I will do it again. There’s just no point in arguing with him over it. I’ve been working at my father’s car dealership now for six years, ever since I graduated from high school. I started off first as a part-time receptionist while I went to community college. I’ve moved my way up to his assistant when his former one resigned two years ago. It’s a steady job with good pay and I’m grateful to my father for the opportunity, but it isn’t what I want to do with the rest of my life.
Being my own boss and getting out of Bear Creek is exactly what I want to do with my life.
People who are born in Bear Creek are usually lifers and with my family being town royalty, my dreams would be considered blasphemy. I’m the daughter of one of the most famous football players ever to come out of Bear Creek. Clint Murphy has been a celebrity since he was in high school, becoming the first quarterback from Bear Creek High to play in the NFL for fourteen seasons, managing to play all of those seasons with one team. He was forced into retirement early due to numerous concussions. Once retired, my father used his fame to obtain partners and invest in numerous businesses, with majority of them being car dealerships around southeast Texas. He also invested a lot into the Bear Creek community, making him a household name around town. While his generosity for the community comes from a genuine place in his heart, he and my mother enjoy the perks of being local celebrities. What they failed to think about was how it would affect their children in both a negative and positive way.
My brothers, Colt and Carson, are following exactly in my father’s footsteps. Colt is the starting quarterback at the University of Texas and Carson is in his junior year at Bear Creek High, while being one of their best wide receivers. Both of them are big men on their respective campuses, relishing in being popular, adored and loved. My parents’ life revolves around football schedules, making sure nothing stands in their way from being at every single one of their home and away games.
“Why do I have to pick Carson up when he has his own car?” I ask, not understanding my father’s request to go get him from practice. My father gifted all of us with brand new cars when we got our licenses. I don’t think I’ve seen my mother as happy as she is now that she’s no longer anyone’s chauffeur.
“Your brother got his car taken away from him for making some poor choices at school.”
“What did he do?” I question, since it must have been pretty bad for our dad to take away his truck. Colt and Carson could get away with murder and my father would turn a blind eye as long as it didn’t affect them playing in any games.
“He was caught taking a shower in the girl’s locker room… with the star volleyball player.” I can’t help the giggle that escapes me at his look of disgust. Some dads would have been proud of their son for getting action, but not ours. He knows both of my brothers might have the chance at a long career in the NFL, so he tries to keep them on the straight and narrow path. Seems like he’s losing that battle when it comes to Carson, who’s known to have his own little harem at school.
“The Coach and I managed to persuade the principal not to suspend him since we’re one game away from making the playoffs. He needs to be focusing all of his energy on football, not silly little girls.”
“I’m sure her parents don’t think she’s a ‘silly little girl,’ Daddy.” I shake my head at him and how disrespectful he is toward the girl who I’m sure Carson persuaded to take a shower with him. “Why can’t Mom pick him up?”
“Your mother has a late hair appointment and refused to reschedule it.”
“One of his many minions can’t drop him off?” I keep asking, not really wanting to go get my brother. Tessa and I have our own apartment together and we planned to order in Chinese food and work on the last pieces we need for her release day. No matter if this release is a big hit or not, we’re going to celebrate in Austin this weekend by treating ourselves to a nice dinner and one night in a hotel.
“Why don’t you want to go get him? Do you have a date tonight?” he asks, his eyes getting wide with hope.
“No, why?” I scrunch up my nose at the yucky thought and look at him suspiciously.
“Then you have nothing better to do than to go spend some time with your baby brother. It’s bad enough you won’t come to his or Colt’s away games. We barely see you anymore and your mother and I don’t like it.” He takes his wallet out of his pocket, grabs a one hundred dollar bill, and dangles it in front of me. “Go get your brother, grab some BBQ and bring it home so we can have a family dinner together.” His eyes are demanding, testing to see if I defy his orders, but he knows I won’t. With a heavy sigh, I take the money and stuff it into my purse.
“What time do I have to go get him?” I reluctantly ask, not really looking forward to another family dinner where the topic of conversation is all about football and why I’m not married yet.
My father glances at his watch and grimaces. “Right about now. I’ll see you at home in an hour.” He pats me awkwardly on the shoulder and walks away. I send a quick text message to Tessa telling her the change in plans, stuff my laptop in my bag, grab my car keys and head out the door.
Fortunately the drive to Bear Creek High takes only ten minutes and my brother is already showered and dressed, waiting outside with a group of guys. His whole demeanor changes once he sees that it’s me picking him up. His smile turns into a frown, his shoulders sink, and I can see him groaning as everyone escorts him up to my car to say hello. I can’t help that all these boys think with their brains below their belts and hit on me every chance they get. If it was up to me, I would never come to any of my brother’s football games, but there would be a good possibility that I’d be disowned.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Miss Adeline,” his assistant coach drawls out as he opens the door for Carson to get in. He stares at my face before his eyes wander lecherously up and down my body, making me feel like I need to take another shower from his grossness. I receive the evil eye from Carson as he gets into the car, warning me to be nice to his coach. Andrew Knox has been an assistant coach at Bear Creek for four years now and while most women would think he’s cute and a catch since he’s one of the younger coaches on staff, he’s always given off a creepy vibe to me. Plus, he’s my brother’s coach. I wouldn’t date anyone who has any association with my brothers.
“Good evening, Coach Knox,” I politely comment with a nod of my head. “Hope practice was successful tonight.”
“Oh it was. Your brother worked hard getting ready to play Beaumont this weekend. You coming to the game?” I take a peek at my brother’s face out of my peripheral vision and can tell he’s uncomfortable, knowing full well what his coach is up to. Andrew Knox doesn’t do small talk, especially with a female.
“No, I can’t this Friday. I already have plans.” My brother looks my way, relief shining bright in his eyes. Carson doesn’t care if I don’t come to his away games, but it looks like he’s especially grateful that I’m not coming to this one.
“That’s a shame. I was hoping you would finally take me up on my offer of dinner after what I know will be a victory.” He smiles at me and I can’t help but to throw up a little in my mouth.
“Since hell hasn’t frozen over yet, it looks lik
e you’ll be waiting for a long time. I suggest you take someone who’s receptive to the idea of sharing a meal with you. I do thank you for the offer though.” My voice oozes out sweetness, but my eyes are as serious as a car accident. The smile on his face falters, the collective gasps of his players behind him fill the night air. My brother groans and covers his face with his hands in mortification.
Andrew’s eyes turn cold and he slams my car door shut before leaning inside the open window frame for one last word. “No wonder you’re still single, Miss Murphy. No man would ever want to put up with a mouth like that.”
“Their loss if they don’t like a little spice in their life,” I say with a bright smile and give him a wink. “Toodles boys!” I put the car into drive and press hard on the gas, my tires skidding out as we accelerate ahead. I look in the rearview mirror to see all of them still staring at us.
“Why? Why did you have to do that to me, Adeline?” Carson whines from behind his hands. “Everyone is going to be talking about this tomorrow at school.”
“Did you really want me to go to dinner with him? He’s a skeezball, Carson! I have more respect for myself than that!”
“Couldn’t you just accepted to go on one date with him and then turn him down nicely afterwards?”
“No!” I look at him incredulously, not believing what I’m hearing. “First off, he’s your coach! Do you know how many more rumors would start if I did go out on one date with him? Secondly, he’s a douchebag! I don’t date men like that.”
“No one would hit on you if you had a boyfriend they all knew about. Why aren’t you dating anyone right now? Is it because you prefer women over men?” At first I think he’s joking, but then my mouth drops open in shock when I see the seriousness in his eyes.
“Seriously, Carson? What do you think?” My voice goes up an octave, my frustration with my brother’s ignorance at an all-time high.
“I don’t think you do, but Dad is questioning it. When he isn’t talking about football, he’s talking about how he can’t understand why his only daughter isn’t married already.” I don’t answer as I pull into the drive-through of the BBQ restaurant. I collect my thoughts and tell myself to calm down while we wait in line. I’m livid that my father thinks I have to be married at the age of twenty-five. Why can’t he just be content that I’m happy with myself and am figuring out what I want to do with my life?
“Any guy who has shown interest in me has done so because of who Dad is. For once, it would be nice for someone to want me for me. Until that happens, I’ll stay single. Do you have a problem with that?” I narrow my eyes at him, challenging him to say that he does. My fist will have no problems connecting with his nose if he does.
“Don’t you think Colt and I wonder if people are interested in us for our talent and not because we’re his sons? Of course I understand what you’re going through and I have no problems with you staying single. Hell, you could become a nun for all I care.” I smile at his nun comment, despite being taken aback by his admission. I didn’t think my brothers were bothered by being in our daddy’s limelight. I thought they loved it, so I’m surprised to hear that they too question people’s motives and interests when it comes to them.
“You know, you would probably be the hottest nun alive. You in a nun’s garb would spark a whole new wave of men’s fantasies in Bear Creek. Maybe you should seriously consider that as your next Halloween costume.” I playfully punch him in his rock hard abs, shaking my head at where his mind goes. His eyes are gleaming with mischief, making me see how truly handsome he is. I feel bad for all the ladies that are already falling for him.
“I’m sorry I embarrassed you tonight, Carson. I just wanted him to get the hint that he’ll never have a chance with me. I probably delivered it a little too harshly,” I say before driving us up to the intercom. I place our order and continue to drive forward to wait our turn.
“That’s an understatement. You were brutal.” He rakes his hands through his hair and sighs. “It’s okay, I still love you. In all seriousness, I do want you to be happy, Adeline. Promise me you’ll never settle for anyone who doesn’t make you happy? Especially if Mom and Dad pressure you into it?”
“Wait, is there something I should know about? They aren’t trying to do an arranged marriage with another former football player’s son are they?” I wouldn’t put it past my father to do something like that so I’m dead serious when I ask Carson this question.
“No, he isn’t planning an arranged marriage, although now that you mention it, Dad would do something crazy like that if you aren’t married by thirty.” I groan at his words because he’s probably right and I better get the heck out of dodge soon.
“Please don’t even put that idea in his head by asking if he would ever do that.” We laugh together at the mental image as I pull up to the drive thru window to collect our food. Even though I initially didn’t want to pick up my brother tonight, I’m glad my dad forced me into it. It has been awhile since I had one-on-one time with Carson and hearing that we have a lot of the same concerns about trusting people makes me feel better. Hopefully after tonight, Carson will talk some sense into our parents, especially our father. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll leave me alone for the time being.
I’ll never settle for someone just to be in a relationship. I’m learning that I don’t need to have a man to take care of me. I quite like that I can take care of myself emotionally, financially, and physically. Besides, I have a feeling that the love of my life isn’t from Bear Creek. Tessa and I have plans to get out of Bear Creek and move to Austin once her books make her more money than her current job at the rodeo. When we’re settled and living in Austin, I’ll warm up to the idea of dating. I already have a list of pre-requisites that my future dates must check off before I even say yes to going out with them:
They better be cute… at least in my opinion.
They better not be from Bear Creek.
They better be taller than me.
They better have a job.
They better not like football.
And they especially better not know who my father is.
Bear Creek Rodeo Series
The Bear Creek Rodeo Series are insta-love short stories written by Jennifer D. Bokal, Amy L. Gale, Sara Jolene, Jessica Marin and Kirsten Osbourne. All stories in the series are stand-alone novellas and can be read in no particular order.
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Amy L. Gale
Jessica Marin
Sara Jolene
Jennifer D. Bokal
Kirsten Osbourne
Also by Jessica Marin
Let Me In Series
Heartbreak Warfare
(Second Chance At Love Romance)
Perfectly Lonely
(Enemies to Lovers Romance)
Edge of Desire
(Friends to Lovers Romance)
Bear Creek Rodeo Series
The Irish Cowboy
The Celtic Cowboy
Stand Alone Novels
Until Valerie
(Part of Aurora Rose Reynolds’ Happily Ever Alpha World)
Acknowledgments
It was a huge honor to be asked by Sara Jolene to be part of this incredible series. I hadn’t read many contemporary western romances featuring cowboys and rodeos before, so I was excited for the challenge and was able to discover new authors in my research. I hope you enjoyed Rhett and Tessa’s story!
Thank you to all of the readers and bloggers who take the time out of your day to read my work and support me. Your positive feedback and love mean the world to me.
Thank you to my family, especially my husband and children. Without their support, I wouldn’t be able to continue living my dream.
It truly takes a village to make a book come alive and I couldn’t have done it without the following people: Andrea Cloyd, Brittany Holland, Emma Mack, Shelly Utley and Tracey Vuolo.
&nbs
p; Thank you to my Misfits for your continued love, support and promotion of all things Jessica Marin.
Please make sure you follow me on all of my social media pages and sign up for my newsletter at authorjessicamarin.com to be up to date with upcoming releases and book signings.
I look forward to our next adventure together!
Peace and love,
Jessica
About the Author
Jessica Marin began her love affair with books at a young age from the encouragement of her Grandma Shirley. She has always dreamed of being an author and finally made her dreams of writing happily ever after stories a reality. She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband, children and fur babies. When she’s not hanging out with her family, she loves watching a good movie, going dancing with the ladies, sniffing essential oils, daydreaming of warm beaches, and world peace.
Jessica would love for you to join her on all of her available social media outlets.
The Irish Cowboy: Bear Creek Rodeo Page 9
