Tantrum (Kenshaw Ranch Book 3)

by Piper Frost

  Am I hungry? The girl of my dreams, that smashed those dreams a few weeks ago and didn't fucking fight for me is a new goddamned person apparently and just kissed me in the middle of the mall. Right before I go lingerie shopping with her.

  Sure. Yeah. No fuckin' issues here.

  “Mhmm,” I mumble, unable to stop looking into those green beauties. “Whatever you want,” I manage.

  “I was snacking on pretzel bites but they're hard.” She grins at me. “Want the Panda?” She points before looking around.

  “Sounds good.” I think I'd say yes to whatever this girl wants today.

  God, I fucking missed being with her.

  With an excited hop, she moves in front of me, walking backward and grabbing my hand. “I'm getting a new horse!”

  “You are?” I blurt. “Why? For what? Who's buying it?” I don't know why I'm suddenly Mr. Twenty Questions, but the excitement on her face is beautiful and I want to keep it there.

  “Uncle Garrison, but I'm making payments on her with Ty's help. Surge is too unpredictable. And Addict is getting too ornery. There's Empress but I need one I can train from a pony and none of the horses on the ranch can mate. So he's headed out of state today to go pick her up. She's perfect.” She grins and I have to let go of her hand to keep her from bumping into someone as we get in line. “Sorry,” she giggles to the man that smiles at her.

  “Do you get to name her?” I rest my hand on her lower back when we get in line.

  “No. Tyler does because he's helping me pay for her. He's naming her Tantrum because he says I threw a fit until Uncle Garrison offered to pay.” With a smile my way, she assures, “I didn't. I'm not good at naming horses anyway. I named my pony Tea Cup when I was a little girl. She was as big as our car.” She laughs happily.

  “Probably for the best then.” I let out a laugh and we make our way through the line. When we get to the end, I pull out my card and shove it at the cashier before Kaydence has a chance to pay for her food.

  “Thank you.” She quickly hugs me before grabbing our tray. “Did you know the Latin word for tattoo is stigma?”

  She's bouncy. And talkative. And acting like nothing ever happened between us. It's throwing me off. As much as I want things to go back to what we used to be, I don't know if they can and that harsh truth guts me.

  “I did not know that.” I grin over at her.

  “Kinda cool. Here good?” she asks, setting the tray down.

  “Perfect.” I slide into a chair and stare at my food for a moment. “I'm happy you got me out of the house today.” I blurt the words and she smiles across the table at me. “Seriously. Thank you. This is...fun.”

  She barks out a laugh. “You don't have to pretend being at the mall with me on a Sunday is fun, but I'm happy you came. Tyler originally came with me, he's shopping for some girl but wouldn't give me much detail.” She cocks her eyebrow. “But I told him he could leave when you said you'd come. Thank God you showed up. I'd be stranded here.”

  “I wouldn't have left you hangin', doll.” She pauses mid-bite and her eyes hit mine briefly. I lift my fork and shove a bite of food in my mouth, smiling wide at her. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Nothing. No reason” She grins. “I like your shirt. Is it new?”

  I glance down at it. “Oh, yeah.” I nod. “Bought it for the meeting with the realtors in town the other day. I didn't have anything nice to wear. Working in a bar will do that to ya.” I chuckle, taking another bite of food.

  “Your clothes are nice,” she mutters, watching her food while she eats. “So how'd that go with the realtors? You're buying property...somewhere?” She glances at me, the usual smile she'd have set is nowhere to be found.

  “I was meeting with them to sell, Kay,” I whisper. “I can't afford property here and in Florida.” I give my head a small shake, because just talking about this with her hurts. I feel so fucking guilty, but I shouldn't. She didn't want me. And I couldn't live in the same small as fuck town with her.

  “You're really going?” The plastic fork she's eating with snaps and I dart my eyes to her food when she gasps. “Oh my god, they're flimsy.” She pulls it out of her noodles and looks at me again. “What's in Florida?”

  “Beaches.” Not you. Which a week ago that was the most desirable thing about leaving.

  She smiles and lifts her eyebrows. “If I build you a beach here, would you be more apt to stay?”

  My chest aches. This girl can make me physically fucking ache.

  “The house deal fell through,” I mutter, watching the sadness on her face start to wash away. “And the realtors here in town seemed kind of stupid. They didn't want to get me what I wanted for the shop building.” I grab my drink and try not to grin as a smile spreads on her face. I'm waiting on that signature phrase to come out of her, but it never does.

  “Well...that's a sign.” She stands and leans over, throwing her plate into the trash. “There was plastic in it.”

  I push my tray to the middle of the table. “Share? I can feed you. But I refuse to feed you like a baby bird.”

  “Only if you feed me like a baby bird!” She jumps up and pushes herself into my lap. “Come on.” She opens her mouth while her arms wrap around my neck. “Feed me.” She's laughing and nipping at my lips and chin, almost falling out of my lap. My hands grip her thighs and my dick is straining in these fucking jeans.

  “We've got an audience,” I whisper, my lips so close to hers and all I want to do is devour her. Fuck, I miss her. I miss this.

  “The other baby birds have to wait.” She grins, staring into my eyes and her fingers slide through my hair. “I'm not hungry. Finish eating and we'll shop.”

  The second she's off my lap, I clear my throat and adjust my jeans. I'm not hungry after that either. Not for food, at least.

  “I'm good.” I stand and throw my food away then hold my hand out to her. “Let the torture commence.”

  “It's not torture.” She grabs my hand and pushes against my side as we make our way through the food court. “I'll buy you something, but you have to do a fashion show, and it's my choice.”

  “I don't know about that.” I laugh, running my free hand through my hair. “I think I've got enough clothes. I'm perfectly fine with you modeling your...things today.”

  “But I saw the cutest reindeer thing.” She starts to giggle and pulls me toward a store. She guides me all the way to the back then holds up a man thong reindeer thing and the nose is...no.

  “No fucking way,” I blurt, laughing. “No. Not happening.” I hold it up to inspect it. “Kay, my dick wouldn't fit in that tiny thing!” I boast, barking out a laugh.

  She's in a fit of giggles, holding my sides. “Just try it on! Please! It's stretchy!” She starts pulling at the fabric and I stare in horror.

  “There's no dressing room here.” I shove it back on the rack and roll my eyes.

  “I'll buy it, it's only five dollars. And you can try it on for me later.” When she reaches for the monstrosity, I grab her hand, pulling her out of the store. “Fine, but I did see something really cute for you.” She yanks me into a store and the minute I pull my eyes from her ass in those jeans and look around, I cringe.

  “Kaydence, there's literally nothing in this store I'd ever spend money on.” The cowboy hats, all decked out with Christmas decorations and the gross, twangy country music they're playing is already starting to give me a headache.

  “You're not spending money on it. I am.” She grabs a black hat, nothing gaudy or tacky about it then puts it on my head. “I don't want that face getting sunburned, and the ranch doesn't have much shade. It's perfect. You look like my handsome cowboy.” She smiles and pulls it off my head, walking to the counter.

  “You don't have to do this.” I try to stop her. “It's not like I'm at the ranch. Ever. Or ever will be. This is like me buying you a kickass Disposable Ink shirt, showing off those tits and expecting you to wear it every time you hang out there. Because you
don't hang out at my work. And I don't hang out at your work.” I don't want to come out and say I'm never fucking going to that fucking place again, and if I do it won't end well. Kaydence may have changed...but I'm sure as shit that Brandt hasn't.

  “Do you want me to hang out at your work?” She cocks an eyebrow and keeps going toward the counter, smiling at the cashier. “Hi. Just this.” She pushes the hat forward and I don't stop her because there is no stopping this girl.

  We walk out of the store and she's wearing a huge smile on her face. A real fucking smile.

  “Can you please start modeling those panties for me now?” I take her hand in mine but she stops walking. “What?”

  “I asked if you want me to hang out at your work? I want a Disposable Ink shirt. I'll wear it everywhere.”

  I let out a chuckle. “Doll, I'll get you a shirt. And of course I want you there, but we can't. We both work. A lot.” I pull her to my side and keep walking. “So where's this sex outfit store?”

  “Stop making excuses, Chase. I used to hang out at the bar to wait for you. And I'm going to keep doing that. And if you don't wear your hat at the ranch, you can still wear it...around. I can't try on the bra until you promise you'll wear your hat.”

  She's fighting. And it's fucking beautiful. I smirk at her and take the bag out of her hand, pulling the hat out of its box and pushing it on my head.

  “How's this?”

  “So sexy.” She smiles.

  I tip it down in the front a bit and lean down, whispering, “Now give me the show I came here for, doll.”

  She grips my shirt and pulls me into the store. “These are cute because Christmas, but then I saw this and I really love it,” she purrs, pointing to a tiny black nightie thing and all I can do is picture her in it and I have to adjust my pants for the second time since I've met up with her.

  It's been a long time since I've touched her. If she ends up buying one of these things, I'm not going to be able to keep my hands off her.

  “Can I pick things out for you?” I glance around the store. I literally could blow thousands in this store if it meant I would get to see her in these things.

  “I only have so much money.” She chuckles.

  “I have enough,” I mutter, eyeing a deep green lace...thing with strappy...things. “What size are you?”

  “Large. Hips and boobs,” she mutters, cupping her boobs. “But you don't have to buy me anything.”

  “I don't have to do anything, doll.” I walk over and pull the green thing off the rack. “I want to see this.” I glance around, finding a black contraption. “And this, if you can figure out how it works.” I cock my head, holding it up. “Maybe we should get another girl in here to help you...”

  “Chase!” She smacks my arm and grabs the garments from my hand, marching right to the counter. “There are only two places I'll wear these. No free shows.” She hands them over to the girl behind the counter.

  “Hold up, I came here for the show!” I laugh. “You don't...you can't just buy those! Get back there and try them on. I'm your advice guru, remember!”

  “Trust me, you'd fuck me wearing either of them.” She grins at me then to the girl behind the counter who's trying to withhold her giggles.

  I nod, because she's fucking right.

  “How much is that thing?” I ask the sales girl next to one of the racks about a leather getup while Kaydence checks out.

  “Fifty three,” she says, smiling. “It's nice.”

  It is. And it'll look fucking hot as hell on Kay.

  “I'll take it. Ring me up!”

  “What are you buying?” Kaydence asks, glancing from me to the sales girl.

  “Wouldn't you like to know?” I smirk at her then nod to the girl. “Don't let her see it. Here's my card.”

  The girl giggles and does a good job wrapping it up and hiding it in the black shopping bag.

  As we walk out of the store, I nudge Kaydence. “You tricked me, you know.”

  “Yes, I do.” She grins up at me. “I just wanted to spend time with you and I knew hot underwear would get you here.”

  “I woulda came without the hot underwear,” I mumble. “Now I just get to go home and try not to think about you wearing those things. That's torture. That's the exact definition of torture, actually.” I glance at my phone when my sister texts, asking if I'm ready for the trip later this week and realize it sprung up on me fast. “Fuck,” I mumble, checking another text after hers. “Kay, Willie needs me tonight,” I huff, groaning. “I'm sorry. I gotta cut this short.”

  “That's okay. I got what I came for. Maybe later you can come for what I got.” She chuckles and skips ahead, going for an exit. “You can still give me a ride home, can't you?”

  “Of course.” My eyes fix to her ass. “Any time.”

  Begrudgingly I drop her off at her place without going in and head straight to the bar. Willie's never called me in like this so I hope everything's okay.

  “Hey, Will, everything good?” I glance around and the bar's completely dead which is weird. Usually we have a few stragglers on Sunday evening but tonight it's just Willie sitting at a stool by the bar.

  “I'm fine. But you're not.” He stands and sighs. “This ain't like me, kid. But you need to get your shit in order. You're miserable and everyone around you knows why.” He walks over to me and pats my shoulder. “So consider this an intervention, Chase.” He glances toward the door leading to the back of the bar and when my eyes hit Brandt my entire body tenses.

  “What the fuck is he doing here?” I growl, glaring at him. When Bo and Kinlee, Jo and Tyler walk through the doors I let out an annoyed laugh. “You guys are fucking insane. Let it fucking go.” I turn to leave the bar but Willie stops me.

  “Just hear them out, you stubborn fucking bull.” He walks to the door and flips the lock. “Sit down.”

  I growl and move toward a table, scraping the chair loudly on the floor and fall into the seat, crossing my arms in front of me. I haven't seen these guys since that night. Since the night everything was ruined. Because of them. Because they couldn't fucking stop. Brandt's watching me and Tyler's leaning back against the bar, mimicking my stance in the chair.

  Un. Fucking. Real.

  “Is this what happens when you dump your girlfriend?” Jo says and touches the scruff on my face I haven't shaved in days. I push her hand away, rolling my eyes.

  “This is what happens when your girlfriend's family shows you the truth about her feelings. Thanks for that, by the way.” I glare over at Tyler. I'd have been okay never being in the same room as this kid again.

  “Except they lied. Because they're dudes. And you guys are dense as hell.” Jo looks at Kinlee to back her.

  “Why are you doing this to yourself, Chase?” Kinlee walks over to the table and sits across from me. “Why make yourself miserable because those jerks over there couldn't keep their traps shut?”

  “I'm not a jerk for trying to protect my sister,” Tyler speaks up. “Maybe I didn't handle shit the right way, but I'm not apologizing for caring about my sister. I came to apologize for not getting to know you,” he says to me with a nod. “And I've already apologized to my sister for what I did to her. She's changed the past couple of weeks and it's hard on her, but I know she did it for you. And for herself. But it wasn't for us, so man up and take my sister back.”

  “Ty, just…sit down,” Jo huffs as he starts to get pissed and paces.

  I laugh harshly. “You guys are the worst at these things.” I shake my head, then stand and walk over to the bar, grabbing a shot glass. “Since Willie's locked me in here against my will, I'm not paying for this.” I eye Willie and he laughs from his spot in the corner. “Anyone else want something while I'm here?”

  “Beer. Please.” Brandt says.

  “Tyler?”

  “I'll do a shot with you.” He huffs and walks up to the bar.

  “I'm pregnant as shit, so I'm going to pass this time around,” Jo mumbles and we all ch
uckle because Jo doesn't drink anyway.

  “I'm good,” Bo says so I nod and grab Brandt's beer before pouring Tyler and myself a shot.

  After we down them, I groan and push against the bar. “You guys can't just walk in here and expect shit to go back to hunky fucking dory. Everyone involved in this shit.” I wave my arm around. “Just thinks it's easy as fuck to forget that. Well I can't.”

  “Actually, you can.” Bo stands and pushes in his chair. “People hurt you, you hurt them. You're not innocent from hurting people. You tried getting with Jo the first night you met her!” He gestures to Jo. “And, I know circumstances were different, we didn't know about Brandt, but I told you she was my girlfriend! And you and Kinlee. You damn hated me because I was with Kinlee and I forgave you. I moved on from it. You can accept apologies if we're worth keepin' around. Just like Kay, if she's worth it, you'll let her back in.” With a tip of his hat, he sits back down and Kinlee rubs his shoulder.

  “Chase…don't make the same mistake Bo and I made. Don't let your stubbornness get in the way of what you deserve.” Kinlee's eyes are pleading with me. If there's anyone in this room that could talk some sense into me it'd be her…but it's too damn hard. It hurts too much.

  I shake my head at them. “I gotta go start to pack, guys.” I look straight at Brandt. “Say your peace, they're all waiting for it. Can't let the golden Kenshaw walk out of here without it.”

  He chuckles and takes a seat at the bar stool. “Chase, you were always the guy the girls wanted. You were also always the guy they hated after one night and no returned calls. It happened too many times, so you'll have to forgive me for feelin' the way I did when the thing with my cousin first started. You were always a friend, but all I knew was the hot-headed womanizer that left this town years ago for bigger and better things.” He shrugs. “I'm with Tyler on this one, man. I'm not apologizing for trying to protect her. But I am sorry things ended up the way they did.” He glances at Jo. “I know what it's like to live without the love of your life, and I truly believe Kaydence is yours. So just...stop this shit. Stop being so stubborn. We're all sorry for the way things turned out and we're all,” he glances around, “at least five of us.” He looks at me and raises an eyebrow. “Are trying to fix it. So why aren't you?”