by Skye Turner
I chuckle and shake my head. “You can stop with that shit. That is not going to happen. I’m as Texas as Texas gets and I don’t think she can point to the state on a map unless it has a Neiman Marcus.”
She laughs again. “If you say so… maybe I can just see clearer than you can.”
Not this time, Momma. You couldn’t be more wrong.
She turns back to the hall and calls over her shoulder. “That shower is a good idea. Better hop to it. You know I don’t like dirt at my dinner table and I’m not holding dinner for you.” Her voice echoes down the hall as she says, “If you wait too long, all the really good stuff will be gone…”
I call after her as I start to unbutton my shirt and head to my bathroom, “Oh, I’m not missing the good stuff.”
Her delighted laugh follows me into the bathroom and I groan as I realize that she wasn’t only talking about dinner.
Well played, Momma. Well played.
Not happening, but good try.
The warm water beats down on my head and over my shoulders, washing the day away, and my mind goes back to the instant I saw Eliza looking like every teenage boys wet dream in a pair of real jeans…
Thankfully the water washes my words away as I utter them out loud. “That woman can certainly fill out a pair of jeans… Good lord…”
I lied. Eliza McCormick in a pair of Wranglers certainly peaked my interest…
I am NOT acting on it though. That would be straight ate up with the dumbass.
Just gotta get through these two weeks and send her delectable ass back to Los Angeles…
Chapter Six
Eliza
Dinner last night was surprisingly delicious and the conversation was very interesting. Apparently breakfast and dinner are always done at the main house for everyone on the ranch, with the exception of the hunting parties, who have their own area, far away from the workers and livestock raised for consumption. They are two separate businesses and are kept totally apart.
The ranch hands were charming and entertaining as they joked with each other, all while trying to catch the eyes and attention of myself and the other women on my crew. Apparently, women really are in short supply out here.
Rowdy and Bessie sat with us at one of the tables and answered my many questions when the ranch hands couldn’t. I also noticed that by the time Falcon made his way downstairs, his hair was wet, the coating of dirt that seems to stick to him was gone, and he was in fresh clothes. In fact, all of the workers were. I joked that they all cleaned up really well and it was nice to see the men beneath the grime. Bessie laughed and told me that she doesn’t allow them into the house unless they are clean and ready for dinner. It’s one of her rules.
I’m impressed that one woman is seemingly so respected by so many men ranging in age from late teens to middle aged.
I watched everyone in the room as we ate. Their respect and genuine admiration for Bessie, as well as Rowdy, and even Falcon was something to see. It gave me a little insight into how important the sense of family must be out here and how everyone needs to get along and actually care for each other to make the ranch a success.
My eyes strayed to Falcon a time or two, but never once did he look my way. It’s like he was intentionally ignoring me.
I told myself that I didn’t care, but shockingly that wasn’t quite true. That was not a welcome revelation.
I also noticed that Natalee and Rowdy seemed a little more than casually interested in one other. Their smiles were flirtatious and I even noticed their hands brushing once or twice on the table top. Natalee blushed each time as well. I’ll need to remind her that this is a temporary thing and not to get too involved as we are going home in thirteen days.
This morning, I’m going to sit down with Rowdy to conduct an informal interview and find about the business side of the ranch. It’s important, but the cows and the actual running of the ranch are the meat of the story, so, I’ll be spending a lot of time out in the heat and actually observing and yes, even participating where I’m able, in the day to day operations to really get the feel for the story.
Jokes on me… Looks like I’m going all in anyways…
That means, I’ll be with the ranch hands and maybe even Falcon. Though, I bet he passes me off to whomever is around so he doesn’t have to breathe any air near me.
As if I poisoned it or some such thing.
He’s ridiculous. Like a child!
Yeah, ok. Children do not have bodies like that and their asses don’t look like they were custom made to fill the seat of his stupid jeans.
Stop thinking about Cowboy Cocky’s ass, Eliza.
I totally don’t care about his ass… or anything else associated with him.
I freeze as an unexpected warm and husky voice startles me and interrupts my musings.
“Looks like you’re stuck with me today…” I jump and turn my head quickly.
What the hell? I was expecting Rowdy. Why the hell is he here?
My eyes lock on Falcon Donovan’s deep brown eyes and my own widen.
“No, I’m meeting Rowdy.”
Falcon grimaces but it ends in a smirk as he shakes his head. “Change of plans, darlin’. Rowdy is tied up on some calls trying to sort out some stuff.” He shrugs. “You get me. He asked me to take you with me today and let you get a feel for the ranch workings.”
Change of plans?
He what? I get him?
I don’t want him.
No, I can’t go with Falcon.
I don’t want to.
They can’t just pass me off like that.
This isn’t a damn game of hot potato!
I shake my head and say, “No, I’ll wait for him to free up. You go on ahead and do whatever you do.” My hand waves to dismiss him but he doesn’t move.
He just stares at me with that ridiculous, yet, sexy smirk of his and crosses his arms over his chest before leaning back on his heels. It causes his jeans to tighten even further and I think to myself, “THAT is how all jeans should fit…”
“Not going to happen. Archie and Rowdy have it all arranged. Like it or not, you’re with me today. Trust me, I’m no happier about the change than you are.” He runs his gaze over me and I fidget as his eyes reach my toes. “At least you’re dressed appropriately. But, you’ll need a hat.”
Huh? What does he mean Archie and Rowdy have it all arranged?!
What the hell? No one consulted me!
Since when do I take orders?
I snap, “I don’t have a damn hat and I’m so glad that everyone else has decided just what I’m doing today. I mean, how would I ever know what to do without the big strong menfolk telling me?!” He’s still smirking at me and I can tell that he’s amused. It pisses me off more. “Besides, you hate me. Why do you want to spend a day with me? You might kill me and leave me in a field for your cows to eat!”
His eyes crinkle as he looks me from head to toe again. My stomach flops and I blame it on the fact that I only had a bagel and a cup of coffee for breakfast. He says, “Oh, darlin’. I don’t hate you. I don’t even know you, but I don’t want to spend a day with you. The very idea is torture, but the fact that you hate it so much has it looking more appealing by the second.” He chuckles as I growl. “And… my cows don’t eat meat. They certainly wouldn’t want to eat you… I’m quite certain the taste would be very unpleasant.”
Standing tall, I slap my hands on my hips and point at him as I exclaim, “Oh, I taste sweet. As sweet as candy. I’m like the nectar of the gods! Anyone who eats me would basically die from the intense pleasure.”
Wait, what?
Oh, good lord…
Falcon’s brow rises and shock covers his face before he grins again. His eyes seemingly twinkle before trailing over my body in a slow and steady exploration. Fireworks explode in my midsection and my thighs tighten as heat floods my body. “Is that right, darlin’?” He shakes his head and rocks on his heels as he chuckles. Flicking his lip with his perfect
teeth, he looks far too sexy. I swoon. He chuckle and says bluntly, “Good thing I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. You’re perfectly safe.”
WHAT?!
Did he just insult me again? Sexually?
I freeze as all the heat leaves my body. It feels like I just participated in the ice bucket challenge. And then, determination fill me.
Oh, is that right, Cowboy Cocky?
As if you’d even have the chance to taste me.
You WOULD die.
You couldn’t handle all of this, but I’m damn sure going to make you want to.
You have no idea of the shitstorm you just unleashed.
Falcon Donovan, you just declared war.
Turning, he walks to the door, unaware of the game he just started, and shoves his feet into a pair of boots. He bends to fix the bottom of his jeans and his ass is directly in my line of sight.
Sweet Baby Jesus… that is a fantastic ass! So what… soon he’ll be saying that about me and he’s going to beg me to let him have a taste…
“You comin’, darlin’?! Daylight is wasting and you already have me late to my day.” He looks over his shoulder and catches me ogling his ass. He arches his brow.
Son… Of… A… Bitch
Busted.
Oh, well, time to just play it off.
Running my hands over the open neckline of my borrowed button-up shirt, I cock my head to the side. His eyes follow my hands before wariness enters his eyes when they meet mine. I nod. “Waiting on you…” and walk past him to open the door, adding a little extra sway to my hips.
Falcon
The knock on my door at 4:30AM was not that unusual, but seeing Rowdy standing there holding several papers in his hands and looking frazzled was. He told me that one of the contracts we were waiting on came through with the terms wrong and he was going to have to get it fixed first thing or we were going to lose big. Then, he dropped the bomb that he was supposed to spend the day with Eliza McCormick and asked me to take her with me instead.
I immediately said no way, but then Rowdy caught a glimpse of momma way down the hall and called her over. Once he caught her up on what was happening, she said that I would be taking Miss Fancy Pants with me today and I was to act like the gentleman she raised me to be.
I didn’t miss the light of mischief in her eyes, I just chose to ignore it instead of responding.
So, here I am… watching Miss Fancy Pants walk past me out the front door, in jeans that hug every curve of her perfect body, so we can get into my truck and spend the entire damn day together, driving the left perimeter of the ranch checking the fence posts.
God help me… she’s going to bitch and moan all damn day long.
And, I swear I just caught her looking at my ass like kid looks at a vanilla ice cream cone on a sweltering Texas summer day.
Oh, so she tastes like candy and I’m almost certain I just caught her fixating on my ass…
Jesus…
Lord be with me today.
Either, I’m going to try to feed Eliza McCormick to the coyotes… or I’m going to forget my manners and take her over my knee… or pull her into my lap.
None of those things are a good idea, Falcon.
Just show her the ranch… that’s all.
The light scent of something floral hits my nose as she passes by me. Her borrowed boots tap on the floor and I wait for the anger I felt last night at the sight of her in Tanzy’s clothes to come… none does. Instead, my eyes follow her as she walks past me and out onto the porch.
She certainly wears them well.
So, I’m ok with her wearing Tanzy’s clothes and boots?!
It appears that I am… how unexpected.
Eliza looks over her shoulder and catches me looking her over. I expect a sharp retort from her viper tongue. Again, I’m left hanging.
She arches her brow and purses her lips as she says, “You just going to ogle me or are we actually heading out? Like you said, the day isn’t getting any longer. Stop dragging ass, stop drooling over my amazing ass, and come on.”
I grin at her and she rolls her eyes though I see a hint of a smile on her lips, “Your charm is wasted on me. I wouldn’t bother….”
A chuckle escapes my chest and I mutter, “Oh, darlin’. Today is sure going to be interesting. You sure you ready for this?”
She cocks her hip and flips her hair as she shields her eyes to look at me. It causes the shirt to tighten over her chest and her cleavage is showcased through the parted neckline. My throat tickles and I swallow to wet it. “Can you stop calling me darlin’? I’m ready for anything, Cowboy Cocky…” She squints and says, “But, I think you’re right. I need a hat. Where can I find one? Got a spare?”
Cowboy Cocky?
She thinks I’m the cocky one?!
She’s crazy.
But, she does need a hat.
Oh yes… today is going to be one that gets remembered.
Dear God, don’t let me be arrested for murder. I’d be much obliged.
I nod and hold up a finger. “Give me a second. I’ll grab one of Momma’s spares. Go on and get in the truck.” I smirk at her. “Might want to roll the window down. I don’t use the air conditioning.”
Her mouth drops open and she looks from me to sun to the window before yelling, “Are you serious?”
Nodding, I turn into the house without answering her.
You liar.
I do use the air conditioning, but I’m not going to today.
Well, for as long as we can stand it.
Messing with Miss Fancy Pants is sure to be a lot of fun. Not to mention, that shirt will be soaked very quickly and will cling to all the right places.
I laugh again.
The mud room off the kitchen is where Momma keeps a lot of her extra stuff and I know I can find a hat in there to work for Eliza. She’ll need one while out on the ranch with me. The sun is no joke and without a hat, she’ll be blind from the brightness and the glare off the land. She’ll also burn from the unrelenting rays. Can’t have that.
Reaching up, I snag a light tan hat that Momma has never worn from the closet shelf. I don’t even remember when she got it, but she never liked it and prefers her dark leather customs from in town.
Fingering the soft and smooth leather on the crown, I nod. “This is perfect for Eliza.”
Turning, I see Momma leaning quietly against the door jam. She nods at my hands. “That will be perfect. I meant to tell you to grab one earlier. That one will look really nice on her.”
I grunt, “I don’t much care what it looks like. As long as it keeps the sun out of her face and, hopefully stops her complaining, that’s what I’m after.”
Momma chuckles. “Sure you are.” She turns and waves at me to follow her back into the kitchen. “I fixed y’all a basket and a cooler to take with you. You’ll have food and water enough for the both of you. So, you should be set until dinner.”
My eyes fall onto the basket. It’s not the customary ice chest we normally take. No, this is an actual insulated basket.
My brow arches. “Really? Something wrong with my ice chest? Can you be more obvious with your matchmaking?” I shake my head. “Wasted effort, Momma. We’re headin’ out to the land. Miss Fancy Pants is going to sweat. She’s going to be uncomfortable and probably chafe from the heat. She’s going to bitch and moan and make my day a living hell. Whatever you’re hoping to accomplish with this crap is just that… crap.” Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head.
Grabbing the basket, I tuck it under my arm and walked through the house, twirling the hat in my other hand.
Momma calls out after me, “It’s a damn hot day today… probably a good day to take a little break and cool off… And you’ll be in the right area…”
Ignoring her, I call back, “We’ll be back for dinner.”
Striding out of the front door, I round the hood of my truck and see Eliza sitting in the cab with the door open. She’s fanning her face with one hand and
is holding her hair up off her neck with the other hand. Opening my door, I toss her the hat. It lands near her thigh on the seat. Reaching out, she takes it and she wrinkles her nose at it, then uses the brim to fan herself.
Grinning and whistling, I roll my window down and take off for the left perimeter.
Chapter Seven
Eliza
We’ve been driving over bumpy terrain for about an hour and a half, following the fence. Falcon is driving slow and watching the fence, but he also has me looking at it. He told me to look for any posts that are tilted or that look as if they aren’t firmly in the ground. I’m also supposed to be looking for any breaches in the actual fence.
He has some country station on and we aren’t really talking. Every now and then, he’ll point out something to me and stop to truck to check on it. The bed of the truck is filled with new wooden posts, more barbed wire, extra wooden slats, a hole digger, a couple of shovels, a large barrel of water, some cement mix, and other things that he could possibly need.
My eyes are starting to burn from just staring at the same thing over and over and the glare from the sun is downright brutal. It’s also hot as hell out here and sweat is running down my back, between my chest, and beneath my breasts. I’m sure the tank under my borrowed shirt is soaked with gross ass stains. My hair is sticking to my neck and my lashes are sticking to my eyelids.
It’s like freaking Hades out here.
Falcon seems unaffected by the extreme heat and because of that, I refuse to show my discomfort.
If he can hack it, I damn sure can deal with it, too!
I’m pretty certain I currently look like a ten-dollar whore the morning after a slut-fest, so I don’t think I’ll appeal much to Cowboy Cocky over there. Hell, I doubt I’d appeal to any man if I look anything like I’m smelling. And he’s just humming and singing along with the radio like we’re at the beach instead of burning to death and cooking from the inside out.
Bastard.
