by Ali Parker
“Don’t get me started. We might be trying out this friends-only stuff, but it doesn’t mean I want to hear about how sweet he was to you.” My phone sounded, and I pulled it out of my pocket.
“Who’s that?” She glanced over to peek at the screen. I wondered if she thought it was another woman and what she’d do if I said it was. How far was she willing to test this friends-only thing? But I decided it was far too early in the game to tease.
“It’s Mason giving me the verdict on Tilly’s final resting place.” I shoved the phone back into my pocket and shook my head.
“Tilly the tractor? That thing still runs?” Her face wrinkled but then she laughed. “Remember that time we—never mind.”
I’d bet money she was referring to the time we drove old Tilly out into the back forty and got her stuck. Of course, we didn’t know she was stuck until after we’d gotten dressed and climbed back on, but at least we’d had a good excuse for coming home late. “No, old Tilly finally bit the dust this morning.” I pulled my lips into a tight line.
“Wow, I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. So, where’s she going?” The tractor had not only been a big part of our family, but part of our childhood as well. It made me feel good that she understood the significance, even though I wasn’t as emotional as the rest of my family.
“From what Mason said, Mama wants to put her out in the yard on the other side of the house and plant flowers all around her. She likes her patina.” I made a face and shrugged, but once Mama had her mind made up, there was no changing it. I heard the tractor start up in the distance and imagined Mason and Luke were going to drag Tilly to her final resting place.
“That’s so sweet. What did you boys do with Dozer?” She’d known our family dog most of her life too. She knew everything about me. All of the important stuff.
Dozer was a sore spot with me. He’d been more my dog than anyone else’s, and I wanted to bury him in the ground beneath my bedroom window, where he slept every night. But that got nixed because Mama didn’t want me digging that close to the house. “We put him out by the barn near the garden.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t gotten another dog. Every ranch needs a dog.” She shook her head and cracked her knuckles.
I cringed when she did that. She would fall apart one day. “Nah, I think we all needed a bit of time. I’m not opposed to getting one, but I’m also not in any hurry.” We had gotten Dozer when he was a puppy. I was only ten, and he was a lot of fun and responsibility. The last thing I needed was one more thing to worry about.
“That’s understandable.” She barely paused her fast-paced typing, and I wondered if she was really creating words or if she liked the sound.
I glanced at the screen and then out the window. “Well, I guess you’ve got this under control. I should go finish my work. Do you need anything?”
She stopped and turned to face me. “I am getting rid of all the unnecessary parts today, and I’ll create the files we need to transfer your paperwork into. Once we get the numbers in, we’ll only have to worry about upkeep, but it will keep track of a lot for you.”
Sounded good to me. A great weight lifted already. “Thanks, Lolly.” I hesitated a moment, not sure if she’d appreciate me calling her by the pet name since we’d decided to keep it friendly.
My answer came when a wide smile spread her lips. “Thank you.”
I hurried out, and as I finished my work for the day, I considered all the ways I wanted her. “Just friends” was going to be tough.
Chapter 22
Lauralee
I had learned the program like the back of my hand, and by the time Ted finished his work, with hours to spare, I’d cleaned up the unnecessary files and sorted and labeled the ones we needed to operate. There were a few tasks that they did here at the Dawsons’ that we didn’t handle, but between Ted and me, we’d work it out.
I had been so nervous coming back and was surprised things had gone over well. I had even managed to keep my cool when Ted kissed me when all I wanted to do was melt in his arms and give in. It would have been so easy giving in to him, but I didn’t think it was going to help us at all. Falling back into those old habits hadn’t worked out well for us this last time, and I didn’t ever want to feel as miserable as I did the night before. If I had known he’d driven Bailey home, I’d have gone down to see him. I wondered if Bailey had been lying about how Ted had stared up at my window. He had always liked to tease me, but I wasn’t sure he’d fib about something like that considering the latest news on us.
I thought back to the night Ted had thrown mud clots at my screen and managed to knock the entire thing off. It landed on the roof of the porch below, and my Daddy didn’t appreciate it one bit. Neither did Bailey when he had to go out on the old tin roof and fetch it. Teddy got an earful next time he came around and had never been that brave again. He and Daddy didn’t do much talking, but there was certainly an understanding between the two of them about who was in charge of me and how much Daddy would tolerate.
A moment later, I heard Ted coming around the corner talking to Mason, who was in the barn, and I sat up straight and smoothed my hair. I might only be his friend, but I was going to look my best.
He stopped in the doorway. “How’s it going in here?”
“Perfect. I’m almost done. You’ll be able to find everything when I’m not around, and we have a backup in case anything is misplaced. I will need the files so I can transfer everything. It might take me a few weeks to get it all entered.” I hated that my job could be done in a few weeks, but it would give me more than enough time to find another more permanent one.
“That’s amazing. I guess growing up around computers makes it easy for you.” He stared at the machine and shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll ever get the hang of it. I might need to keep you on full time so I never have to touch it. It would be well worth it.”
“Assuming things work out, I don’t see why I couldn’t.” It was a little early in the game to make such wishes, and I wasn’t going to get my hopes up. Though I wanted things to go smoothly, with our track record, we could be at each other’s throats tomorrow.
“I’m sure things will work out.” He crossed the room and watched over my shoulder. His breath tickled my neck, and the tiny prickle of gooseflesh sent chills down my back and awakened places that a friend couldn’t, or shouldn’t, tend to. I shifted in my chair to stop the torment. After a moment he took a seat next to me still enthralled with my typing. “You’re fast. Did you take classes?”
“A couple in school and one after graduation. I had to find a way to keep busy while you were out chasing tail.” I nudged him, keeping the smile on my face to let him know I was only kidding.
He straightened in his seat and lifted his chin. “Yeah, yeah. They were chasing me. The only girl I was ever chasing was you.” He flashed me a wink and turned away to dig in the file cabinet.
My chest got a warm and fuzzy feeling, and for a moment I grinned like an idiot. I needed to keep my emotions in check and keep things strictly business. “While you’re in the files, go ahead and grab me your next worksheet.” My phone made a sound and I swiped the screen to see who caused the interruption. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Ted peeking. “It’s Katie.”
He shrugged as if telling me it was none of his business and even though I knew it wasn’t, I had to put him at ease. I didn’t think those habits would ever fade, friends or not. I would always feel the need to make him comfortable. I would always seek his approval and want it.
“I thought she moved away.” He dropped the stack of folders beside me on the desk.
I responded to her text, letting my fingers go over the screen quickly. “No, she changed her mind again. I don’t think she’ll ever leave. Look, I’m going to go ahead and clock out for the day. Katie is borrowing some doors for a backdrop, and I have to help her load them up.”
“Need any help?” His offer surprised me, and even though I thought I could ha
ndle it, with his help I’d be done much faster.
“Sure. I mean, if you want.” I didn’t want to sound too eager.
“I don’t mind.” He almost stared through me, and then leaned in closer. His eyes lingered on my lips and all I had to do was lean a tiny bit farther to kiss him. To lean or not to lean? That was certainly the question.
I heard my phone sound again and glanced down at it. “Dammit, she’s already on her way. We better get going.”
His hand closed around mine, fitting as comfortably as ever. “Come on, we’ll take Major.” He led me into the barn and down to the stall where he kept his horse, Major. I gave him a pat on his neck and then brushed my hand down his nose. The horse snorted and shook his head as Ted mounted him. He took my hand and scooped me up behind him.
We made it to the house minutes before Katie showed up and then I flagged her back to the barn. “How are you?” Katie said as she jumped down out of the truck staring at Ted. She had an amused expression like she’d caught us kissing or making love, and then she cut me a glance with the same smirk. “I haven’t seen you in ages, Ted.”
“I’m good.” He gave her a warm smile that was so sweet and boyish it almost made me jealous. “How about you? I see you’re still working with the FFA banquet.”
She gave me a hug and turned to face Ted. “You know me, I’m always looking for a party to plan.” She’d worked on our prom committee our senior year, and I hoped she wouldn’t mention the event to him. The last thing we needed was her picking that bleeding scab.
We walked into the barn and I showed her the doors. “They did still have the hinges, so connecting them will be no problem.”
“They look amazing! Like I remembered them, and they’re perfect for the backdrop. I’ll stop by the hardware store on the way home.” She tried to lift one of the heavy oak doors by herself, but Ted stepped up and took it from her. “Thanks.” She giggled and then turned to face me, and I noted that flirty tone in her voice that she’d used since high school that was often accompanied by a hair flip.
Ted walked out of the barn to the truck, lifted the door up and laid it in the truck bed. “These things are solid. I’m glad they’re down here. I wouldn’t want to have to lug them down that ladder.” I decided not to tell him that I was the one who had lugged them down the ladder alone.
“Here, you take one end, Katie. We’ll get this one.” I nudged her and grabbed my end. Ted took the door from us and slid it into the bed. I glanced at Katie who was already looking to me for my reaction.
“You’re too sweet, Ted. Thank you.” Katie flipped her hair, but I was certain Ted missed it reaching for the next door. I couldn’t believe she got so flirty with him knowing our past, but I didn’t worry. She was my best friend and wouldn’t ever hurt me.
Once she was good and gone with the doors in tow, and we’d headed back to the porch, I giggled thinking about Katie’s hair flip.
Ted patted Major who grazed in the front yard. “What’s so funny?”
“Oh, nothing. I just thought of Katie and how she flirted with you.” I rolled my eyes and looked away.
“Was she? That’s not like Katie.” He narrowed his eyes as if trying to remember something.
“Like you didn’t notice. She gave you the look and tossed her hair.” I crossed my arms and kicked at his boot.
He looked down to his foot and stepped back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Tossing her hair how?”
“You know.”
“Show me.” He nudged my arm and grinned.
“I hardly think a demonstration is necessary.” I stepped closer, and he rested his hands on my arms right beneath my shoulders. The mood grew tense, and I wanted him to kiss me. My heart pounded, and I wanted to pounce, but then Bailey walked out onto the porch.
“Granny said dinner will be a bit late.” He stopped in his tracks, and I stepped away as if he’d caught us in a lip lock.
“I best be going.” Ted glanced in my brother’s direction and then mounted his horse. I watched as he rode away, but he didn’t look back.
I rushed past Bailey and ran to my bedroom slamming the door. Gathering a change of clothes, I decided to bathe before dinner. I needed to clean up from milling around in the barn, and though usually, I’d shower, I preferred a long, hot soak with my thoughts.
Slipping down into the warm water my muscles soothed instantly. I stretched my legs and then slid down to cover my shoulders. Ted had been so close I could smell the sweat and sunshine fragrance of his flesh. It was a sure aphrodisiac and mixed with his proximity warmed me in all the right places. I closed my eyes and imagined him in the office. There had been such tension in the air between us, and I wanted to taste him so badly. I imagined myself nuzzling into his neck, and wished I had the chance before my stupid brother had interrupted. It was for the best. We were going to be friends. It would take more than one day at that level to make things better, even though I already regretted that decision. I wondered if he did too, but figured that if he had, he’d have surely made a move and went all the way with it, or at least said as much.
I slipped my hand down to the apex of my thighs and fingered my soft mound. After a moment of lingering, I parted my silky folds and rubbed, knowing I had enough time for a release. I’d been off and on all day, edging myself with thoughts of us together. Somehow knowing we were denying ourselves the pleasure of each other had made me want Ted even more, and I moaned as I dipped my finger inside of me. I wondered if Ted ever touched himself while thinking of me.
I pushed my finger deeper, bending my knuckle for better access. The water moved, making small waves beside me where I bucked my hips. It was amazing, and I worked myself as I imagined Ted laid out before me, his tight body erect and waiting.
I loved looking at Ted. His strong build was hard earned and easy on the eyes. When we got naked, I would find myself gawking, his body holding my attention so I couldn’t help it. I longed for the taste of him, the salt of his skin, the way his flesh felt under my kiss and in my mouth. I loved the control as well, how he’d let me work him until he filled my mouth. I longed for the day he would spill inside me and fill me with his seed. The thought was so certain, as if I knew he would. I wanted it, too. My body reacted to the thought, and I worked my palm against my clit as I dipped deeper. I’d been a fool to only want friendship, but perhaps it wasn’t too late to add benefits. The thought sent me over the edge and as I rode the wave, I wondered if we could enjoy the ecstasy and be nothing more? My heart sank once the last wave rolled over me. What if he found someone else because we were both too stubborn to see that what was right in front of us was meant to be?
I thought again about Katie and her bold flirting. He had noticed. I was sure of it. He didn’t miss much, especially where women were concerned. My heart burned with the thought of him with anyone else, spread out like a feast ready to be someone else’s main course. The thought gave me chills, and I realized that the water had gone cold and my heart was breaking. Damn him for making me an emotional wreck. Why did he have to be so amazing and handsome? Why did he have to make me long and want and ache? I sank back down in the tub. Why did it always have to be so complicated with him? I remembered what my mother had once told me, that passion was easy, but true love never was.
Chapter 23
Ted
Ever since I can remember, I’d woken up to the smell of bacon or some other breakfast delicacy wafting from the kitchen, but sleeping in had screwed with the system. It wasn’t often that I got to sleep in, but the smell of cologne filling my room and my nostrils was proof that it was a bad habit, especially on Sundays.
“What the hell are you doing in my room?” I rolled over and faced Luke, who stood at my dresser messing around with my cologne collection.
“Borrowing your cologne. Why do you have so many?” He picked up another and sprayed it into the air, giving the space a sniff.
“I like smelling good, and you’re not borrowing it, you’re ste
aling it. It’s not like you’re going to bring it back to me.” I stood and made my bed, tucking the covers back into place. Mama had always appreciated the habit.
Luke sniffed a bottle and then slapped some on. “Don’t be stingy.”
“Go easy with that.” I pointed to my favorite bottle. “Where are you going, anyway?”
“I’ll give you three guesses and two hints. It’s Sunday morning, and I’m wearing a tie.” He fussed with his hair, glaring in the mirror as if willing the stray strand to behave. He knew better, he’d had that same unruly lock since he was five and cut his own hair.
“But you don’t go to church.” I noticed not only was he wearing a tie, but he had on his shiniest dress boots.
“Ding, ding, ding. I do today.” He fussed with his tie, and I let out a breath wishing he’d go back to his own room.
“Why come in here hogging my mirror and what’s with the tie? Isn’t that a bit of overkill?” I never understood why a nice, pressed button-down wasn’t enough for some people.
“You know I don’t have a mirror, and because you broke it, I’m making you suffer.”
“I suffered enough when Daddy whipped my ass, and I still maintain it was Mason’s fault. If he’d learned to catch a damned ball, you’d be in your own room right now.” Somehow Daddy never saw my side of that story, and I’d gotten the whipping of my life. “We were little kids. You shouldn’t hold a grudge. Come to think of it, maybe you do need church.”
He flashed me a wicked smile, his eyes wide and fiery. “If you see the fire trucks pass by, you’ll know I burst into flames.”
“Who is she and why go all out with a tie?” He looked like he was about to go to a funeral and I wondered if this was the one he’d referred to as a freak in the sheets.
He turned from the mirror and leaned against my dresser. “A girl I met. Her name is Audrey, and her Dad is the worship leader at church.”
