by Brynn Paulin
“What the fuck?” Cord muttered, looking at Sully while part of Moon ripped apart. Her chest was crushing in on her; she couldn’t breathe. God, she’d almost told them she was staying. She’d almost quit her job. Pete didn’t want her here. Even if Sully and Cord did, they were bound for Kentucky soon.
“You know how he is,” Sully replied. “When he’s faced with people leaving him, he shuts down and pushes them away, even if it’s the last thing he wants. He’s just pissed off with us because we’re leaving tomorrow.”
“Right. Abandonment issues,” Cord sighed.
“Tomorrow?” Moon echoed. It seemed so soon, but who was she to talk? She was likely leaving today. Was that what was going on with Pete? He was pushing her away before she left, trying to keep himself from being hurt or something? Irritating man.
She pressed her hand to her temple as the back and forth vacillating she’d done since getting back to Daly thudded to a decision, the locking in place so sudden and forceful it dizzied her. But the rock in her middle dissolved, and while she felt uneasily unfettered by the ties of responsibility, a lightness, a rightness fell around her.
“I think he’s more angry with me than with you,” she told the men, “because I haven’t made a choice.”
She had. Just now. But she needed to tell Pete, not Sully and Cord. They all knew if she stayed—when she stayed—she’d be with Pete. When Cord and Sully came back, if they came back, all four of them would be a unit, but they’d also be two pairs. That felt comfortable and right to her. Because of that, Pete was her first consideration.
“I need to go talk to him—and deal with Ree.”
She left them and headed into the house. Ree and Pete stood in the front hallway, talking while Sun leaned in her office door watching them and looking somewhat bemused. She didn’t seem as unaffected by the rock star in the foyer as she’d put on over the phone. While his attention was on Pete, Sun appeared a bit awestruck, but Moon knew the moment his attention shifted, her sister would once again be all business.
Moon wasn’t unaffected by the sight before her, either. Both men were tall and built, though Pete’s muscle came from hard work while Ree’s was developed at the gym. Pete looked rugged in his work wear, while Ree looked rough in all black, from his form-fitting tee to his biker boots. The sleeves of tattoos on his arms added to the look. Both men had equally dark hair, though Ree’s was slightly longer and arranged in artful disarray. Still, they were strikingly similar. Why hadn’t she ever noticed that?
“Moon, sweetheart, it’s about time you got here,” Ree said, noticing her first, but her attention was on Pete. He stiffened at Ree’s greeting. Moon was sure he didn’t like the other man’s offhand endearment. He spared a disgruntled glance her direction then looked at her sister.
“Is Robert free yet?” Pete asked.
“Oh sure,” she replied. “He got off the phone a few minutes ago. You can go on in.”
Pete nodded then looked back at Ree.
“It’s good to see you again,” her boss said. “Never thought I’d find you out here in BFE.”
Moon’s eyes went wide. See you again?
“You know each other?” she asked.
“Yeah,” Ree said as Pete silently regarded her. “Our dads were friends then when Pete’s dad was indicted for fraud, Pete took off—we all knew he had nothing to do with it though—but none of us knew where he went.”
“I told you we all have secrets in our past,” Pete said quietly.
He headed into Robert’s office before she could ask anything.
“So…Moon,” Ree said, drawing her attention from the departing cowboy. “You and Pete, huh? I always thought he’d end up with one of those socialites his dad was always shoving at him. I have to say, you’re a far better choice.”
“Um…thanks?”
“Wow, this is just getting better and better,” Sun said from where she still stood at her office.
“Sun…”
“Okay, okay…I’m going.”
“You’re sister’s name is Sun? Are your other sisters named Star and Cloud?” Ree joked.
“Almost as bad,” Sun answered before Moon could. “River and Paisley.”
“Huh,” he said, obviously entertained by the odd selection. Shaking it off, he refocused on Moon. “So Pete was telling me about this rodeo thing you were planning before you came to work for me.”
“Yeah, it was canceled,” Moon replied, still bemused that her boss knew Pete.
“He suggested I might revive the event if I volunteer to headline on the first night. I have to say, I’m rather charmed by this place. I got in yesterday and did some exploring.”
“There’s not much to explore. It’s pretty small.”
“And off the map. I liked that. I could have danced naked down Main Street without worrying that the pics would end up on TMZ.”
“I wouldn’t recommend it,” Moon replied dryly, her professional persona kicking into gear. “Most everyone still has a cell phone. Likely, someone would take photos of the lunatic parading around in the buff. And what do you mean you got in town yesterday?”
“You weren’t answering your phone calls so I came looking for you.”
“You called one time…a couple days ago. Normal people don’t just hop a plane to Wyoming to check up on their employee.”
“I thought we were more than employer and employee,” he replied. Moon stepped back in surprise. Surely he didn’t think…
“Ree…”
“I thought we were friends, too.”
“Well, yeah, but—”
“So back to this rodeo thing—”
“The rodeo’s dead, Ree,” she snapped. Didn’t she wish there was some way possible to save it? But she didn’t work for the town any longer. She wasn’t the person to ask about these things.
“Because of lack of funding,” he persisted, further annoying her.
“Right.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “What if I decide I have a vested interest in it coming to fruition?”
She mirrored his stance. “Why?”
“I like this place. Enough to move here, actually. Of course, I’d want the best for it.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “You know that’s counterintuitive, right? The point of the rodeo was to get Daly on the country’s radar. If it succeeds, the small off-the-map place you admire ceases to exist.”
“Somewhat, but not entirely. It won’t turn into New York or LA, and it’ll still be small and out of the way. If the town’s promoters are smart, they’ll work to maintain the homey, small-town atmosphere.”
“I’m sure they have that in mind.” One hand propped on her hip, she pressed a palm over her eyes. “This is all really strange, Ree. No one just up and moves to the country on a whim.”
“I can name more than a dozen celebs who have.”
Staring at the floor, Moon shook her head. It was all too much to hope for and almost too much to understand. If Ree came to Daly, she’d be here with Pete—and Sully and Cord when they came back. It would be tricky, but she could work and have her family. Yet, if Ree moved here, would that bring an unwanted spotlight on the Daly community? Most importantly, would Pete feel like her second choice, a convenience now that she could have her job and him too?
As if conjured by her thoughts, he opened Robert’s door and stepped from the office. He looked at her sadly then headed for outside.
“Ree, I need to talk to Pete. Will you be all right here for a little longer?”
“Actually, I’m heading back to Gillette. A couple guys from the band are here with me. We’re leaving on a hiking trip into the mountains in the morning.”
“You were never here for me in the first place,” she accused, pinning him down.
“Well…” Was he seriously blushing at getting caught? She almost laughed.
“Just keeping me on the line?” She raised a brow at him. “I’m not one of your girlfriends.”
“
I wanted to see the ‘home’ you’re so wistful for all the time.”
“Home just walked out the door. I need to go talk to him. We,” she pointed between the two of them, “will talk about the moving and the rodeo when you get back. Don’t do anything stupid—and for the record, I’m holding you to that offer for the rodeo. I’ll talk to the former organizer tomorrow.”
He nodded, and she left him behind as she rushed out the front door. Pete was already down the steps and halfway to one of the barns.
“Pete!” she called, running after him.
He turned as she came even with him.
“So…it’s time to go, huh?” he said then made a face at stating the obvious. “Maybe you’ll be back if he does the concert.”
“I know you’re busy, but can you take a walk with me?” she asked. “Can we talk?”
He glanced at the small corral where the ranch’s vet was administering meds to a heifer with the help of two of the men. Farther away, a pickup headed out with bales of hay in the back. A pair of ATVs sped along beside it while several black and white herd dogs ran after the vehicles. Through the nearest barn door, she spied another cowboy grooming one of the horses while a couple more were mucking stalls. The ranch really was a hive of activity all day long, but she needed to borrow Pete for a while.
“Sure,” he said. Taking her hand, he led her down the gravel path that wound away from the main compound and toward the Red House. It was only a couple miles away, and Moon could easily envision herself hiking the distance between there and here on a regular basis to visit her sister while Pete worked. She could just as easily see herself stealing him away occasionally.
The pair of them walked in silence for a few minutes. Pete didn’t press her, but she could feel his tension as he waited for her to speak. Her voice seemed strangled when she finally forced out words.
“You were wrong earlier,” she said. “I really did consider staying here.”
“Look, I’m sorry I flew off the handle.”
She shrugged. “It’s okay. I’d probably feel the same way if I were in your shoes.”
“And how do I feel, Moon?” he asked the edge evident in his words.
“As if the person you want isn’t even willing to give being together a shot. As if there’s no consideration of any options other than the original course—have vacation then go home and leave it all behind. But you’re wrong. That’s not where I was at in my thoughts.”
“Okay,” he conceded. “Tell me.”
“My gut tells me that coming home to Daly is the right thing. I’ve been fighting it. I was sure I couldn’t be accepted after my past. I was equally sure this is just lust and high emotion. I told myself it will fade and go away and I’ll be stuck.” She looked over at him. “I know that’s not true. The need I have for you three hasn’t gone away in the year I’ve been in LA. And I know you even better now.”
“We feel the same way—me most of all.”
“Yes, that’s the strongest, isn’t it?” She brushed her fingers over his ruddy cheek, feeling the slight bristle of stubble that had grown in since his shave at some ungodly hour this morning.
Turning his head, he kissed her fingertips. He caught one between his teeth and drew it between his lips. A familiar tightening tugged at her center, accompanied by a warm melting sensation that had her wanting to sink to the ground with him. Such a simple touch could light fire in her core.
“So…” Pete murmured as his mouth moved along her palm to her wrist. He sucked momentarily at the pulse. “Please tell me you’re staying. Tell me you’re choosing me.”
“Pete… Pete wait.”
He closed his eyes and drew a shaky breath. “You’re not,” he said woodenly. Straightening, he released her then shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Will you just listen?” she exclaimed. “I want to—but there’s been a change and I don’t want you to think I’ve changed my mind because of it. Ree… God, this is so stupid. He wants to move here. I don’t see it working, but if he does, I could keep my job with him, though I might have to travel sometimes. But here’s the thing… If he doesn’t, I’m staying here anyway. I want to be very clear on that. My decision isn’t based on what he does. It’s based on wanting to be with you. And honestly, working for him here might not be feasible anyway. The man knows no boundaries. He—”
Her words were cut off by Pete’s mouth over hers. She flattened herself to him, breathing in his musky scent while he kissed her. Her lips opened under his, inviting him in as they sealed her decision—at least, she was pretty sure that was it. Joy flooded her. She was his. She was part of something bigger than herself, and they were a family. She’d found a place where she really belonged and she was fully accepted.
“You’ll marry me?” he asked when they parted slightly to suck in air.
“Marry…” She blinked at him, stunned that they were already to this, but absolutely ready, except for one further issue. “Sully and Cord,” she started.
Pete grinned. “They’ll probably get married one day when it’s legal here or in Kentucky, if that’s where they’re at. They’d be thrilled for us. That is…if you will. Will you? Wait. Don’t answer yet.” He appeared adorably unsure, and she wanted to put him out of his misery immediately, but he pressed his fingers over her lips. “Come sit down with me. I shouldn’t have asked you to be with me until you know everything.”
Everything? What was everything?
Taking her hand once more, he drew her toward the split-rail fence that bordered the path they’d been walking. The pasture was empty beyond it. He lifted her to sit on the top plank. He leaned momentarily in the post beside her. After a moment, he straightened away from it then started to pace in apparent agitation.
“Ree told you a bit about me back there.”
“Yeah.” She nodded, remembering that Pete’s dad had gotten into legal trouble. Surely, Pete didn’t think she’d hold that against him. “Is your dad still in jail?”
“As far as I know. There’s a reason no one back there knows where I went. I cut off all ties. I couldn’t be a part of that. I… well, I told you we all have secrets. I should have told you mine before when you told me yours. I was a coward—to me, mine is so much worse. I was ashamed of it and my part of it.”
Moon gripped the wood beneath her. She couldn’t imagine Pete had stolen anything, but she knew people who had hidden things from their spouses for years—and she and Pete didn’t have that history. “What was your part of it?”
He appeared pleading when he looked at her. “I never touched the money, but…Ree mentioned the socialites, right? I heard that just before I closed the office door. My dad owned an investment firm, and my mom used to complain he was married to it. She left him when I was eleven. Left him. Left me. She never looked back. My older sister left the year after that. She was sixteen. Ran away. I heard through a friend that she married her boyfriend the day she turned eighteen.”
Moon nodded, understanding why the prospect of her going back to LA had bothered him so much. She’d be another person leaving him.
“My father,” he continued, “just threw himself into work. There were days on end when I didn’t see or hear from him. So I was pretty much on my own. But sometimes…often, really…he…”
He took a deep breath, his countenance so harsh, she didn’t want him to continue with whatever it was he was determined to admit. When he looked at her, his eyes were full of so much pain, tears burned her eyes. She blinked, trying to hold herself together. He hadn’t even told her what upset him so much. Icy dread scraped through her veins because she knew it would be awful.
Pete shook his head, as if pushing away memories, and his jaw hardened even more than it had been. “He used to, uh…throw me at those women. Married, older, lonely…whatever. They were all fair game. He’d say ‘Make them feel special, Pete. Do whatever you need so they want to invest with us.’ And…I did. I should have been questioning why the hell my dad needed help gettin
g someone to give him their money to manage, but instead, I let him pimp me out, so to speak.”
Moon’s stomach tightened, the coffee she’d had earlier churning. “How…old were you?”
“Barely sixteen the first time. I was almost eighteen when he was arrested.”
“Oh my God,” she whispered. She closed her eyes, disgust and fury filling her. Pete had been little more than a child! No wonder he didn’t care about what she’d done at that age. He felt as if he was the same—or worse.
“That’s…unspeakable,” she rasped.
“I know. I’m sorry. I—”
“Not you! Him! Those women! You were a kid. They should be in jail for that.”
He stared at her, his mouth slightly open, surprise in his eyes. He’d obviously been ready for a large dose of self-flagellation so she’d know how bad he felt.
“Pete! You’re kidding me, right?” she gasped as she hopped off the rail and grabbed his thickly muscled arms. “You were a victim.”
“I was old enough to know better.”
“Right…and how many teen boys do you know who wouldn’t go for sex with Mrs. Robinson? Please. But those women knew better and deserve to be punished for taking advantage of you.”
“I never looked at it that way.”
“You should.”
He was silent for a minute then one side of his mouth lifted wryly. “I guess they were punished in a way. My dad stole their money, and there was no getting it back.”
“Hardly equal. So…is that it? No other skeletons?” She didn’t want to make light of it, but she didn’t want him to think it weighed into her decisions or her opinion of him. As he’d told her, more than once, everyone had a past. Some people’s worse than others. It was time that both of them left it behind them and thought of the full future they could have together.
“None.”
“Can I answer your question now?”
“I hope you will.”
“Yes.” She pressed her palm to his heart then lifted on her toes until her mouth was a hairsbreadth from his. “Yes even more now than before.”
Pete’s wide smile chased away any bit of doubt hiding in her dark corners. He whooped, lifting her and spinning her around, kissing her face wherever his lips reached.
