Keeping Him

by Kennedy Fox

  On the way back to the barn, just the thought of him approaching me pisses me off. The audacity of him, with his empty threats, has me wanting to turn around and tell him exactly what I think. But I don’t. Because I’m better than that, and I’m actually moving on—something I wish he’d do too.

  After I make it back to the barn, I unload the supplies, then do a walk around to make sure everything is still okay. With ice sticking on the ground, I won’t dare risk training, so today is basically a wash. Plus the weather isn’t looking too great for this afternoon either. I text Alexis and tell her she can head home for the day and make a mental note to check the weather for tomorrow too. In the winter, several of the locals pay me to board their horses so while I’m not training every day, there’s still a lot of upkeep when it’s cold.

  I lock everything up, hop in my truck, and can’t get to the Bishop ranch quick enough. As soon as I turn under the iron Circle B sign, a smile touches my lips. It’s always been home to me, but now since I’ve moved in with Jackson, it really is. After I park at the house, I go inside and grab an extra jacket because the temperatures are slowly dropping, then head to the barn where Jackson is.

  Once I make it over there, I lean against the vast opening of the barn and watch Jackson clean the stalls. He’s so wrapped up in his thoughts that he doesn’t notice me. Plus, it helps that his back is turned. Not often do I get to watch him like this, so I don’t dare interrupt him.

  I soak him in. His messy hair falls across his face, and though it’s cold outside, he’s got his sleeves rolled up. It gets hot quick when working, so I understand. I lick my lips, studying his broad shoulders, and watch the muscles in his forearms flex as the rake goes back and forth in fast, brisk movements. I imagine his strong hands on my body, and I instantly crave him.

  “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he says over his shoulder, and I can tell he’s smiling.

  I grin, walking toward him. “Maybe I will.”

  Jackson turns around, drops the rake, removes his gloves, and pulls me in for a kiss. Next thing I know, my legs are wrapped around his waist, and his hands are holding me by my ass. He takes two steps forward, pressing my back against the stall door. We’re greedy and hungry for one another; it’s an insatiable craving that will never be met. We have years to make up for.

  “Fuck me,” I whisper. The likelihood of someone walking in is high, but the thought of possibly getting caught turns me on that much more. Jackson sets me on the ground, undoing his pants as I undo mine. Two swift movements and he’s inside me, fucking me against the stall door. My hands are threaded through his messy hair, and I tug and pull as our mouths wage war. His hot breath brushes against the skin of my neck, and I hold on to him for dear life as he fucks me hard and quick.

  “I can never get enough of you,” he tells me, pumping deeper inside me, kissing along my collarbone.

  “Good.” I pant breathlessly, knowing I’m quickly unraveling with each calculated movement. He continuously fills me with his length, our bodies joining together. Jackson doesn’t slow down, keeping steady the entire time as he claims me as his. My mouth falls open, and moments later, the orgasm rocks through me, causing me to moan loudly.

  He doesn’t slow, keeping me steady in his hands until he finds his own paradise. As his warmth fills me, his lips greedily take mine. Once we catch our breath and come back to reality, Jackson sets me down, buttons and zips his pants, then grabs a few paper towels from the tack room.

  A smirk touches his lips. “Glad you stopped by. Can we make that a daily thing?”

  “I might be able to work you into my schedule. Gotta make up for lost time somehow.” I run my fingers through my just-been-fucked hair.

  “Are you goin’ now?” he asks, picking up his gloves and the rake that was lazily lying on the ground.

  I shake my head. “Nope. I took the rest of the day off and sent Alexis home. The ground is too icy, and I don’t want to risk an injury.”

  His arms snake around my waist. “So you should make yourself useful and help me clean these stalls.”

  My head falls back with laughter. “I don’t think so, Cowboy.”

  Taking a step back, he shrugs. “Welp, I tried.”

  “Jackson.” I grab his hand. “I saw Trent at the feed store today.”

  He searches my face. “And?”

  “He told me to tell you to watch your back, along with some other colorful words.”

  Instead of being pissed, the reaction I fully expected, Jackson bursts into hearty laughter. “I need to watch my back?” He’s hunched over laughing so hard that I start giggling.

  “If he comes within twenty feet of me, I will beat his face to the point he’s completely unrecognizable. His threats are empty. He’s nothing more than a big ole pussy. And he’s an idiot. Did he touch you?”

  “No, he didn’t. I know you’d destroy him. But I wanted you to know; no secrets. I’m sure there were people who saw us chatting in the parking lot, and I didn’t want it to get back to you like I was sneaking around or something.” I remember all the times Trent accused me of doing something I wasn’t, and I don’t want Jackson to ever feel that way.

  “Babe, I’m not worried about you leaving me for anyone. I know how you feel. There are zero doubts in my bones about it.”

  I smirk, thinking about how much different it is being with Jackson. I don’t have to explain myself to him, and I’m not in a constant state of defense. There are zero trust issues or secrets, and I’m so grateful Jackson rescued me from that toxic relationship. “Damn, I love you. Have I told you that today?”

  He nods. “I’m pretty sure you did this morning when I was buried between your legs.”

  A laugh escapes me. “Do you really want me to help you with stalls?”

  “Nah, sweetheart. I was just kiddin’. But if you want, you can see if John needs anything. I think Nicole called in this morning, so he’s been dealing with it all alone.”

  I give him a quick kiss on the lips, and when I walk away, he pulls me closer and deepens the kiss, his tongue swiping against mine. “I love you too.”

  It’s becoming harder to walk away from him, but I pull myself away. Before I walk out of the barn, I look over my shoulder and give him a wink, knowing he’s watching me. I tuck my hands in my pockets as I walk up the path to the B&B. Happiness instantly fills me.

  John is standing on a ladder with a box placed on top, and he’s putting ornaments on a ten-foot Christmas tree in front of the large window panes in the common room. My face lights up.

  “Oh my God. I freakin’ love Christmas,” I say, and he turns and looks relieved to see me.

  “Please tell me you came to help. I forgot to put the tree up over the weekend, and Mama about ripped my head off when she found out.”

  I nod. “Actually, I am. You can thank Jackson.”

  “Sometimes I really love my brother.” John climbs off the ladder and brushes his fingers through his hair. Boxes of ornaments and decorations are almost stacked to the ceiling in the corner. My eyes widen when I realize how much of it there is.

  “I’ve got to get all of that put out today, or I was threatened with my life.” He grins.

  I walk over to the boxes and open them up. Garland, glass nativity scenes, holly, lights, fake poinsettias, and countless ornaments fill each of the boxes. I unzip my jacket and place it on an extra coat hook by the door and try to come up with a game plan.

  “Where should we start?” I ask, looking at everything and feeling a bit overwhelmed with it all, but I’m happy to help.

  John crosses his arms over his chest and studies it all. Jackson and he have the same look when they’re deep in thought. “What if we start with each room downstairs and complete them, then do the tree last. I think the tree might take the most time since we have three boxes of ornaments to put on it.”

  “Sounds like a solid plan.” I notice on the side of the boxes each room is marked. I open the common room box and begin placin
g the lighted garland around the fireplace. There’s an entire winter wonderland scene with fake snow that I set up on the mantel.

  John puts on some Christmas music and laughs. “Just for inspiration.”

  I grab another box and carry it to the dining room. There’s a small, two-foot tree tucked in the box with a stand, and I set it up, plug in the lights, and place the western ornaments on it. I hang holly around all the windowsills and grab a small stepladder to hang the mistletoe at the dining room entrance. Once it’s complete, I take a step back, feeling proud of what I accomplished.

  When I turn around, I see John has changed out the large pictures on the wall with winter landscapes. Rugs are replaced with more Christmas themed ones, and red and green throw blankets are tucked on the back of the couches in the common room.

  “It looks amazin’,” John says, passing me with another box in his hands. He sets it on the counter and begins setting glass Christmas cowboy boots around and shoving a handful of candy canes inside. I grab one, open it up, and crack a piece of it off and place it in my mouth.

  “So how’s Mila doin’? She feeling okay?” I ask him.

  “Yeah, she’s doing okay. Having some sickness, but nothing too major—at least not yet.”

  “I’m so excited for y’all. Maize is going to love having a little sister or brother. I bet you’re just over the moon about it.” I smile at him, knowing how hard things started out for him when baby Maize was left in his hands.

  “I really am. I’m glad I get to be here to experience the pregnancy this time and watch her belly grow. I’m not gonna miss any of it,” he says, proudly.

  “You’re a great dad, John.” I smile at him. “Just thought I’d tell you that.”

  “Thanks, Kiera. I can’t wait till the day Jackson becomes a dad. Hope you don’t mind, but I’ve kinda put a hex on him to have triplets after all the shit he’s stirred up in the past.”

  I burst out laughing. “Please take that back, okay? I want a lot of babies, but not all at once.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.” He winks with a grin.

  “I’m gonna start on the tree now,” I tell him.

  He nods and smiles. “Go for it.”

  I sing along to “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” as I string the lights around the massive tree. John comes back and grabs another box, and I continue, dancing around, making a fool of myself. A few guests notice how much fun I’m having and ask if they can help to decorate. Before long, there’s a group of us passing ornaments around, and we’re all laughing and having a good time. Most of them are over the age of sixty and are so thankful to help. I’m just happy I can be one reason their stay at the B&B is enjoyable.

  I climb up the ladder, and John walks up and hands me the ornaments for the upper half of the tree. Just as I turn around, I see Jackson walking through the back door, and when our eyes meet, I can’t stop smiling. John asks me a question, but realizes I’m not paying attention to anything he’s saying. He turns around and spots Jackson, and so do the guests.

  “Howdy, y’all,” he tells them.

  I climb down from the ladder and see John is holding the tree topper in his hand. I look at it then look at him. “You should do the honor,” I tell him.

  “You sure?” he asks.

  “Absolutely.” I smile as Jackson places his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. He bends over and kisses me, and even in the smallest instances like this one, I’m so happy we don’t have to hide the way we feel anymore. John climbs up the ladder, places the angel on top, clears everything from in front of the tree, then looks around.

  “Okay, I’m gonna plug in the lights,” he announces. Everyone crowds around the tree as John does a big countdown. The guests are loving all of this. As soon as it’s plugged in, the tree is like a shining beacon in the room with its twinkling lights. Some gasp and clap, and I’m actually impressed by how beautiful it looks. The glass ornaments sparkle and shine, and the music playing in the background catapults me into the Christmas spirit. I think helping John do this might be my new tradition.

  “We should put the tree up at home.” I snuggle into Jackson’s arm.

  “Only if we can do it naked,” he whispers in my ear.

  I smile, blush hitting my cheeks. “Deal.”

  I look up at Jackson, soaking him in as he says something to John. At this moment, I’m not paying attention to anything but him. There was a point in my life when I thought I was losing Jackson Bishop, but as he holds me close, I know he’s always been mine. It just took us some time to get here, and I plan on keeping him forever.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Jackson

  Christmas is in two weeks, and I’m proud of myself for getting most of my shopping done early. When you live in the middle of nowhere, the internet is a beautiful thing. I want to make sure it’s really special for Kiera, considering it will be our first one to spend together as a couple, and I’ve had everything sneakily shipped to my mama’s.

  This morning, Colton’s responsible for my duties, and I’m being forced to work at the B&B because John’s taking Mila to a doctor’s appointment in San Angelo. Though John has a daughter, this is his first time being involved with the pregnancy, so he’s excited about the entire process. I expect to be covering many more shifts shortly, but I couldn’t be happier for them.

  I kiss Kiera goodbye, and before I make my way over to the B&B, I send Colton a text reminding him he needs to feed the horses by six, but I don't get a text back. I shove my phone in my pocket, and when I pass the barn, I realize none of the lights are on, which is frustrating, so I send him another text. No response.

  Knowing I have an extra thirty minutes before I really need to be at the B&B, I climb in one of the side-by-sides and make my way over to the ranch hand quarters. I’m actually kinda pissed I have to drag him out of bed, but considering they had a party last night, it somewhat doesn’t surprise me. Halfway to my destination, I realize I should’ve driven my truck because it’s cold as balls outside.

  By the time I pull up to Colton’s, I notice all the lights in the house are on, except for his bedroom. Considering he lives with a group of guys, and Dad starts earlier than I do, it doesn’t surprise me that most of them are awake and already gone.

  I park and hop out of the seat, walk up the steps, and open the door. It seriously stinks like guys and feet, and I’m reminded why I moved the fuck out as quickly as I could. The place is trashed, and beer cans and empty liquor bottles line the countertops. The house is empty for the most part, so I go to Colton’s room and crack open the door. He’s sleeping peacefully, but that’s about to change really quick.

  Considering I’ve been woken up a dozen shitty times in the past by John, I take a page from his playbook and grab a pitcher from the cabinet, then fill it with ice cold water. As I carry it back to a snoozing Colton, I’m smiling the whole time. I flick on the light, which doesn’t bother him in the least, then in one swift movement, I dump the water on him.

  As if someone lit a fire under his ass, he bolts up out of bed wearing only his boxers and socks. “Fuccccckkkkkkkkk!” he screams.

  A roar of laughter escapes me as he tries to tackle me but fails miserably.

  “Time to wake up, ya bastard. You’re already behind schedule,” I say, stepping out of his way and watching him crash into the wall.

  Colton rubs his hands over his face, trying to wake up or sober up, then turns to me. “I hate you. It’s rude to wake a man up like that.”

  I shrug. “Learned it from John. Hurry your ass up. You got horses to feed and some lessons to teach today. I’ll wait five minutes for you.”

  He groans, and I can tell he’s hungover from last night, and I feel like I should be giving him a medal of honor or something for following in my footsteps. Many mornings, I woke up and fed the horses still drunk from the night before or even worse with a hangover. It’s almost like a rite of passage or something for my job.

  Colton changes out of
his wet boxers and slips on some jeans and a T-shirt. He struggles to put on his boots, then grabs a heavy jacket. After he takes a banana from the kitchen, he gives me a dirty look before walking out the door.

  “You act like you’re mad or something,” I taunt.

  “Imma get you back. Just you wait,” he threatens with a smug grin.

  “I wouldn’t if I were you. I play dirty,” I admit.

  He shrugs and begins peeling his banana. When I look over, I can’t stop laughing.

  “What?” he asks, chewing.

  “Dude, there’s no proper way to eat a banana in public. You basically just deepthroated that thing like a champ. I’m impressed.”

  He shakes his head. “Bullshit!”

  “Okay! Well, if ranching doesn’t work out for you…”

  He breaks a piece of banana off and pops it in his mouth. “You’re an asshole.”

  “That’s what they say apparently,” I tell him with a grin as I park the utility vehicle outside of the barn. “You got this?”

  He gives me an animalistic grunt and walks into the barn and flicks on the lights. I turn and make my way to the B&B since I’m in charge today. It’s a slight change of pace being inside when it’s so cold out, and I welcome it, though I’m dreading being around Nicole. Since our incident, things have been rocky, and I’ve been forced to walk on thin ice so as not to set her off. Though she wanted another night with me, I refused. I might have a man whore reputation, but I’m not going to whore myself out over threats. Everyone is worried but me, mainly because I know she needs this job more than anything because the market around here is slim to none.

  I walk in through the back door, and the B&B looks like Christmas threw up inside it, which it kinda did, but Mama loves for it to be over the top. It makes most people happy, and honestly, I don’t mind it. The tree and lit garland cast a warm glow throughout the common room. All is quiet so far, so I turn on the lights, open the blinds so the sun can shine through when it rises, then make some coffee. As it brews, I check with the kitchen staff about breakfast. When I walk in, homemade dough is being peeled off by the handfuls for biscuits. Sausage patties are in large cast iron skillets as white gravy is being whipped up in a pan. There are four people who cook for the B&B every day, for every meal, who Mama knows from church. They could seriously start their own restaurant.