Ranch Hand

by Kar, Alla

  When I step out of the shower, I pull on a shirt and head toward my bed. The pillows are heaven under my head and I notice my phone flashing red. I open it and my heart skips a beat.

  Get some sleep, Kitten.

  All the excitement from me thinking it was Christopher vanishes and something else inside me stirs. It’s because it’s Levi.

  Chapter Six

  I roll over and the first thing I notice is that it’s not the rooster that is waking me up. I stretch and can’t help but giggle. I must have slept through the rooster. I’ve actually gotten a normal amount of sleep. I can hear the sound of talking down the hall and a tractor in the field. I sit up and stretch my limbs, letting the sleepiness fade away. I pull on a pair of sweats and walk toward the kitchen.

  Momma is sitting on a stool by the bar in the kitchen. She has a cup of coffee in her hands and a lazy smile. “Hmm, someone came in really late last night.”

  I feel the inevitable blush warm my skin and tuck my frizzy hair behind my ear. “Yeah, just catching up,” I lie and pour myself a cup of coffee.

  “Have fun?” she asks, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

  I move around until I’m looking out the window. “Yes, lots of fun…catching up and everything.”

  Momma laughs from behind me. “He is out there.”

  “Who?”

  “Okay, hoot owl.” She smiles when I turn around. “Levi. He is out there on the tractor and so is Papaw.”

  “Really?” I sip on my drink. “Is that good for him?”

  She nods and sits her mug in the sink. “The doctor said to keep him around what he knows. Let him ride or do whatever it is he knows at the time.”

  I nod and look down into my cup. “You think he would want to ride with me today?”

  “I bet he would. You should go see and wear somethin’ cute while you’re at it. Levi is lookin’ rather naughty today.”

  “Mom!” I screech. My mother never talks like this. “I’m getting’ married.”

  “Of course, sweetie. I’m only pickin’ with ya.” She walks out of the room without another glance back at me. After finishing my coffee, I shower, then slip into a pair of blue jean shorts and a tank top.

  Papaw is sitting on a stool in the barn, brushing one of his favorite horses. “Hey, Papaw.”

  Papaw turns and smiles. “Well hey there, Bridge. It’s nice of ya to come out here.”

  I smile and walk closer. “I was wanting to know if you wanted to go ride today sometime.”

  Papaw slaps his knees and his blue eyes crinkle on the side when he smiles. “I would love that. You think you can handle it.”

  I smile and rub the horse’s velvet mouth. “I thought I could ride with you, I’m a little rusty.”

  Papaw nods and takes his hat off a hook hanging by the door. “I think that would be a great idea. Levi,” he says and I glance over my shoulder. He is walking toward me, his eyes on mine. My body stirs and I notice how tight his arms look in his red shirt. “Could ya help me suit up ol’ Blue here?”

  Levi nods. “Yes, sir. I’d love to.”

  I watch silently off to the side as Levi works with Papaw. He is great with him. He always adored him. When the horse is saddled up, Levi helps Papaw on. He glances back at me and smiles, slowly, dangerously.

  “Let me help ya, Ms. Wilks.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I let Levi help me up. His fingers graze my ass, and I try to hold back my smile.

  “Ya ready, Bridge?” Papaw asks.

  I wrap my arms around his waist and nod. “Sure thing, Papaw.” Papaw taps his legs against the side of the horse and walks us out of the barn. Levi is staring at us as we leave and he winks before he walks back out toward the field.

  Papaw and I ride in silence for a few minutes and it feels good. He was always the best at knowing what to say and when to say it.

  “So, you enjoyin’ your visit?”

  I nod into his back. He smells of sawdust and leather. “Yeah, it’s been great. I miss it a lot.”

  Papaw chuckles. “Well, we’re only an airplane flight away. You can always come visit.”

  Always. Papaw won’t be here always. I cringe and fight back the tears that are threatening to fall. “Yeah,” I choke out. “I plan on it.”

  “You okay back there, darlin’?”

  I nod and squeeze my legs tight around the horse. “Yes, sir. Just miss you guys, that’s all.”

  He pats my knee. “I know it, sweetie. That fiancé of yours needs to send ya down here sometimes. When does he get down here? He is still comin’ right?”

  “In a week or so. I haven’t really talked to him much. He is busy.”

  Papaw is quiet and I know he wants to say something. “That’s a shame. You and Levi used to stay up on the damned phones when ya just got through seein’ each other. I never seen nothin’ like it. We all thought you were goin’ to get married.”

  I watch the ground as we ride slowly. My stomach feels sick. “Yeah, I always thought I was going to marry him, too.”

  “Well, you’re still young. You never know what the future holds for ya. You could end up in Africa married to someone down there.”

  I laugh into his back. “Yes, I guess that could happen.”

  “Well, sweetie. I look forward to meetin’ Lucas. I just hope I’m well when he comes down. I want to meet him—well.”

  I frown. Lucas. He means Christopher. “You will be, Papaw.”

  We ride around for a while before Papaw says he is tired. Levi is baling hay into the stalls when I get back. He helps us both down.

  “Are the horses all feed, Levi?” Papaw asks

  “Yes, sir. Got it all done.”

  “Okay, thank ya much. I guess I’m gonna go lay down. Ol’ man can’t take as much as he used to.”

  I watch Papaw walk back into the house, and I blush knowing Levi is staring at me. “Staring is creepy and rude.” I turn toward him.

  He is wearing a huge grin and he steps toward me. His eyes travel down to my legs and then up to my breasts. “Hmm, you look just as yummy in clothes.”

  I put my hand on his chest and he grabs it. “How ‘bout one of those lessons now, Kitten.”

  I smile. “We should go in and eat.”

  Levi shrugs. “Up to you, you’re the one that wants Halo to like you.” I look over and Halo is eating hay and not paying us any attention.

  “Okay, one quick ride. I mean it, cowboy.”

  “A gentleman always keeps his word.”

  Levi helps me onto Bridget, his favorite horse and he hops on the back. “This better go better than the last time,” I warn.

  Levi laughs. “Well, taking that you can tolerate me now, I figure it can only get better. Now, loosen your legs, it’s like you’re trying to keep somethin’ from gettin’ in there or somethin.”

  “Perve.”

  “Yours truly. Now loosen ‘em.” He swats my legs. I let my legs hang loose and I get a good grip on the reins. “Now, gently tap your legs on the side of her, gently now, you’re not tryin’ to hurt her.”

  I tap my legs and she takes off with a small trot. “Yay,” I squeal and admit that I sound like a sixteen year old.

  Levi laughs low in my ear. “Did you have a good ride with your papaw?”

  I nod and keep my eyes focused in front of us. “Yes, it was nice. I need to spend more time with him.”

  “More time with him rather than getting’ dirty in the river, huh?” My neck heats at the thought of last night.

  “I didn’t mean that…I just meant spend more time with him period. I don’t know how long he will be here or me.”

  Levi nods and wraps his arms around my waist and whisper into my ear. “Let’s go a little faster, Bridge. Tap your legs a little harder.” I squirm and close my eyes at the feel of his breath on my neck.

  I let out a breathless okay and tap my legs. We shoot forward. Bridge runs as fast as she can over the field. I let out a holler and Levi wraps his arms tightly around me, st
eadying us on her back. The wind blows in my face and I grip the reins, letting myself go in the moment. We ride for at least an hour. It feels great.

  When we finally stop, we’re back at the barn. I’m breathing hard, while adrenaline is pumping through me like lighting in my veins. I stumble to the ground and Levi catches me. I’m laughing. “That is such a rush. I remember why I loved it so damned much.”

  Levi tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re getting the hang of it. Now all we have to do is get Halo to like you again.”

  I poke out my lip. “Damn, Halo. I don’t know why she doesn’t remember me.”

  Levi walks over toward her stall and places his open palm out. “Oh, she remembers you, darlin’. She just knows you’ve changed. She is mad at you for leavin’ her. Even though I’m pretty good company, she misses you, that’s all.”

  “Ah, Halo. Do ya miss me, babe?”

  “More than ever,” Levi says, his eyes piercing into mine. He is wearing that same damn hat and his eyes look so dark and tempting. Levi tips his hat up and locks the gate to Halo’s stall. He stops by me, biting his lip. I wait for him to lean in and kiss me, but he doesn’t. He pushes back and I watch as he struts toward the barn doors and shuts them, locking them behind him. Rows of sunlight stray into the barn, lighting up the area around us.

  I intertwine my fingers and squeeze. Levi walks toward me, his eyes daring me, tempting me. He stops beside me and steps up the ladder toward the loft. His hand is offered out to me and there it is again…that temptation that I can imagine Eve faltered on. I know Eve was wrong…but I also know that history has a habit of repeating itself. I take his hand and let him lead me up.

  The soft hay is prickly beneath us. My mind flashes back to that night…to the first time Levi took me. To the first time he laid his calloused hands on my soft body. This time is different…this time it isn’t innocent…it is deceitful…not right…and the most deliciously perfect thing I could think of.

  Levi takes off his shirt, laying the red fabric on the hay. There is a trickle of sweat dripping down his chest and it excites me. I want to lick it off. I sit on the shirt, watching the way his eyes move over mine as I do. His hand tugs at his belt buckle and I envy the way his fingers work it, unzipping the zipper, pulling off the jeans. I wish he would work his fingers on me. I see his cock positioned tightly in his boxer briefs, it’s hard and fully alert. Levi takes his hat off and tosses it to the side. I always know when Levi is serious because his hat doesn’t matter. Right now, I’m the only thing that matters.

  Levi rests his hand on my back and lowers me down. I feel the soft fabric of his shirt below me, and I rest myself into it. He cups my face, his thumb sliding over my bottom lip.

  “This brings back memories.”

  I nod and cock an eyebrow. “Mr. James, it seems everything around this ol’ town brings back memories for you.”

  “Not until you graced us with your presence, ma’am.” He leans his head lower and he takes my lips in his. His body rests on mine, his elbow keeping him up. I feel his hand roam my side, squeezing as his tongue forces my lips apart. Levi kisses me softly, lightly and I groan in frustration.

  “What’s the matter?” he asks breathing on my lip. I shrug and shake my head. “Tell me, Bridget. All it takes is for you to speak the words.” He is smiling and I know he is doing all this on purpose.

  “I want you to kiss me.”

  He leans in and places a soft kiss on my bottom lip. “I am kissin’ you, darlin.’”

  I groan. “I mean really kiss me.”

  He lifts an eyebrow. “Bein’ the Southern gentleman I am…” I pull his head toward mine, taking full charge of the kiss. He groans and pulls himself all the way on top of me. His cock is pressed tightly against my stomach and I regret wearing any clothes. Levi slides the strap of my tank top off my shoulder and cups my breast. I move underneath him, thrusting my hips against his.

  In one swift movement, he sits up and takes my top off, exposing my bare breasts to him. His eyes slide over them, lust and greed deeply imbedded in the dark hue of his brown eyes. He bends down and gently brushes his tongue against the nipple. I shudder. “Please,” I beg, arching my back.

  “Please, what?”

  “Suck it,” I moan. “Please.” Levi obeys, bringing his mouth down to my breast and sucking the already tender nipple between his teeth. “Don’t stop,” I say, holding his head against my breast. “Don’t fuckin’ stop.”

  He groans and unzips my shorts, never taking his lips from my breast. I’m glad to be free. Wetness is building between my legs and I almost reach for it. But I remember last night. Levi wants to do it.

  “Stop,” I moan. Levi freezes, his eyes glaring up at me.

  He closes his eyes, desperation filling his face.

  “Go lower,” I demand. His eyes shoot open showing a dark understanding and he grins. He trails kisses all the way down to the top of my black lace panties. He picks up the stringed sides and pulls, his finger underneath it.

  “Umm, I wish you used to wear these. There’s barely anything to them.” His hands are hardly touching me and I buck upwards.

  “Go lower!” I yell this time.

  Levi smiles, slipping off my underwear. “What is it you want me to do?” he asks, his eyes wide and full of fake innocence. I reach below and press my finger against my clit. “No,” he says, taking my hand and placing it over my head. He is on top of me fully now and I’m completely naked. “What did I say about that?” he says in my ear.

  “Please,” I beg.

  “Tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it. I don’t need your help,” he snaps.

  “Taste me,” I breathe. “Put me in your mouth and taste me.”

  Levi groans and sits up, pulling me down with a giant pull. My legs are opened and Levi is taking me in. Head to toe. I shiver as he lowers his head. I feel his fingers opening my lips and he brings his head down between my legs to my mound. At first his licks my clit, softly, his clever tongue giving me gentle strokes, circling around in a slow steady motion.

  “God, Levi,” I moan, grabbing his short hair and pushing his face down. He reaches around with both hands and grabs my ass, and I cry out as he runs his tongue over every inch of my silken folds, from my entrance to my clit and back. I buck against him, begging him to keep going. “Don’t stop, I’m going to cum,” I scream. An explosion erupts within me and I arch my back.

  Levi releases me with his mouth and pushes two fingers in me. “Levi,” I moan. “Please,” I beg.

  I look up to see Levi’s eyes are dark, stormy and devilish. “Say it. What do you want, Bridget.” He keeps pushing his fingers in and out of me.

  “You in me. Fuck me, Levi.” Levi groans and pushes himself up and into me, making me yell. “Oh God,” I grip his back, feeling every long inch of him being thrust into me. I always remembered him being big, but he seems so much longer and fuller now. I can’t seem to get enough. I wrap my legs around his waist and pull him in further.

  “God, you feel so good,” he whispers into my ear, breathing slowly into my ear. “Oh God, Bridget.”

  “Please, don’t stop,” I beg, digging my fingernails into his back. Levi thrusts in and out, giving me every inch and then pulling away.

  “I won’t stop until you tell me to, Kitten.” He grunts, pulling at the roots of my hair.

  “Oh God, I’m almost there. Please.” I pull my hand down and he catches it, replacing my fingers with his, circling my clit until I buck underneath him.

  Levi smiles and it’s dark and greedy. He leans back over me thrusting and grinding against me. My body shudders. My thoughts flash back to all the times he has had me before. His being inside me is the best feeling I’ve had in years. It feels right.

  “Bridget,” he whispers, pounding harder into my core. “One more time. Cum for me, baby. This can’t be over yet,” he breathes, pressing my arms against the soft hay above my head, so that I take every move without distraction.
“Bridget, you feel so fucking good. I’ve dreamed about fucking you since the day you left.” He pounds harder; I arch my back and take every inch. “Shit,” he grits through his teeth. I lift my hip so he can get deeper. Levi locks his eyes with mine and pushes all of himself into me, every last inch. My body quakes below him, I shiver below his tight body. He thrusts two long, hard strokes before he releases. I relax underneath him. He leans down and takes my lips into his. I feel him scoot to the side and pull me against his chest.

  We lay there, both breathing heavily, naked and hot. Levi has one hand to the side, squeezing the hay beneath him. I get closer and lay my head on his chest. “You’ve gotten better at this,” I say into his chest.

  Levi grumbles. “I’m more experienced. I’ve grown up.”

  “I see,” I smile into his chest. “That was…exactly what I’ve been wanting.”

  Levi squeezes my shoulder. “All you had to do was ask.”

  ***

  No one is in the kitchen when we walk in and I’m thankful. I know that guilt is plastered over both of our faces. I know my face is red and my entire body feels like it’s on fire. “Leftovers?” I ask, reaching for the dumplings.

  Levi is behind me. His breath is warm on my neck. “Of course, I’m starved.” He leans in. “I know you are, too.”

  I laugh and shut the door with my foot. I put two huge plates of food into the stove and wait for it to heat up.

  Levi leans against the counter, crossing his ankles and his arms. The perfect picture of cockiness. “So,” he says, tipping his hat backwards.

  “So.” I pick up my glass and take a swig.

  He stands up and smiles when the front door opens. “Hey, y’all I’m back,” Momma says from behind me.

  ‘”Hey Momma,” I say but never take my eyes off Levi. Levi is smiling and then he isn’t. I look back over my shoulder and my jaw almost hits the floor. “Christopher,” I choke out. “I didn’t think you were coming this soon.”

  Christopher steps into the kitchen and every emotion known to man hits me in the face, drowning me in my own pleasures and torments. His black hair is slicked back, in perfect contrast with his electric blue eyes. He is wearing a white crisp shirt and dark designer jeans. “Bridget, your Mother called me. She thought it would be a nice surprise. She came and picked me up just this morning. ” His eyes travel down my body and I suddenly become aware of what I’m wearing…or what I’m barely wearing. I’ve never worn things like this in front of him. We are always to look our best. No matter when or where, people are always watching us.