Chapter Three
Clay
I don’t know why I said what I did, but I couldn’t stop the words. Her big eyes pierce me and I turn my attention to the sky instead. She’s looking at me with an inquisitive expression and if I wasn’t so rusty at small talk, I’d say something. Her stare pins me to the spot, something like affection warms me. She’s something else entirely, not like the girls I’ve known all my life. Even though she’s a city girl, she’s got a small-town aura about her.
When I brave a glance at her, I find those deep blue pools looking directly at me. As if she can see the hurt and pain, but she’s looking right past it. She’s looking at the man who I used to be. “Did you want to dance? I’m not really all that good, but it would be fun for a city girl,” I muse playfully over the music that seems to be getting louder the later it gets.
“I’d like that.” Her smile is infectious. Innocent and sweet. We both rise from the bench and head back into the barn and I hope to get her in my arms and show her how we do it in the country. As soon as we step inside, we’re tugged into a line dance. “I can’t do this kind of dancing,” Essie hisses in my ear.
“I’ll lead, you follow,” I assure her. My assurance has her nodding and we quickly fall into step with the rest of the crowd. The music echoes through the speakers, and as we twirl around the wooden floor, I can’t help stealing glances at the blonde beauty that’s beside me. Her smile lights her face, and everyone she encounters can’t stop their grin.
As soon as I start enjoying myself, the song ends and it quickly changes from a fast-paced tune to something slower. Blake Shelton sings Every Time I Hear That Song, and I instantly pull her into my arms. Having her so close calms the storm that rages in my mind and chest. Her delicate hands settle on my shoulders and heat sears through my shirt.
“You’re a pretty good dancer,” I remark as we move across the floor. All that surrounds us is the music. As if we’ve been transported to our own world. Somewhere other than the one place I’d rather not be. Where memories don’t hurt me.
“I used to do ballet when I was younger, it’s a little different to this though.” Her full lips lift into a bright smile. Her yellow top looks brighter under the lights that hang above us. The frames of her glasses glint when she moves and the colors remind me of summer and sunshine.
“Well they taught you well.” I lean in, our mouths only an inch apart. Her sweet breath fans over my lips, and I can’t stop myself. It would take one move to feel her pink, glossy lips against mine. I’m about to kiss a woman after a long time, too long.
“Clay!” My best friend’s hand slaps me on the shoulder, and I can’t stifle the groan. “We’re heading up to the ice cream place in town, you and Essie here up for it?” Rhett glances at the girl who’s found herself in my arms tonight in question. Her response has me smirking as she smiles and nods.
“I love ice cream,” Essie says, her voice raspy, and I can only pin it down to the fact that I was inches away from kissing her. I’ve not wanted or been interested in a woman in so long. My focus is solely on the ranch, but somehow, Essie’s brought me out of that shell tonight.
“That’s a yes,” I say. I turn to Rhett and Chloe who are grinning like fools. “Let me find Cody and we’ll head out.”
“We’ll be at the truck,” he says. I nod at my best friend who saunters, hand in hand, with the little redhead. Without a second thought, I slip my hand into Essie’s and we make our way through the crowd when I find my brother kissing a blonde girl I recognize as one of my students.
“Cody,” I call. The two teenagers jump apart in shock and turn to us. “We’re heading up to the road to Sticky & Sweet.”
My brother glances at the girl and she offers a shy smile. “Can Jemma come along?”
“Sure, let’s go. Hi, Jemma,” I greet, tipping my hat at her. I grin at the flushed cheeks of both my brother and the girl.
“Hi, Clayton, thanks for letting me tag along,” her sweet voice mumbles, and it’s adorable, heavily accented with the country twang. I can see why my brother likes her, she’s a pretty girl and she’s from a good family.
As we head out to the truck, we find Rhett waiting in the driver’s seat. Piling into the truck, I opt for sitting in the bed with my brother and his girl, offering the front seat to Essie and Chloe. The ride is quick and we’re there in no time. It’s not busy thankfully, since everyone’s down at the dance, and we find a booth large enough to comfortably seat all six of us.
With Essie beside me, I feel normal again. Like my life isn’t a twenty-four-seven headache trying to make sure the ranch is safe. That I’m not out every day to prove to the memory of my father that I’m worthy of overseeing something that’s been in our family for generations.
“What can I get you folks?” I glance up to the waitress, Kelly, who’s got bright red hair. Her face is made up with bright green eye shadow that only makes me wonder why someone would cover up their natural beauty with a fake mask.
“Chocolate Sundae, for both of us,” Cody smirks, his arm circling around Jemma’s neck.
“I’ll have a soda float, and my little lady will have a S’mores Sundae, with extra chocolate sauce,” Rhett says, a grin tugging Chloe closer, and suddenly the pressure of this being a date leaves me breathless.
Pushing up from the booth, I glance behind me. “Restroom,” is all I bite out before stalking away, leaving five pairs of eyes burning into my back. The door to the gents is painted red and I push it open and once I’m inside, I let out the breath I’d been holding. Since my dad died, I’d suffered with panic attacks. Some are difficult to work through, and this one stole the breath from my lungs.
Leaning in, I place two hands on either side of the basin and take in my appearance. I must look like such an asshole just leaving like that. But I needed a moment to get my head around this. The reason I haven’t dated, was because of this… this shit that seems to put pressure on my chest.
“Hey man.” Rhett stalks in through the door and watches me from the entrance. “You okay?” Nodding, I look at him in the reflection of the mirror. He knows what I live with. There’s no cure, it’s something I’ll have to live with forever.
“I should go, being here isn’t good. I don’t want to be an asshole.” I turn, meeting my best friend’s worried gaze.
“You should stay and enjoy your evening. Look, I’m not saying you’ll marry that pretty little blonde, but at least enjoy tonight with her. I’m also not telling you to go home with her. I know that’s not you, she seems to like your sorry ass, bite the bullet, give her a kiss tonight and move on. It’s one night. Can you do that?”
As always, Rhett’s right. One night with her isn’t going to kill me. It’s going to make me face my anxiety and let me live for once. Maybe I can do this. At the dance I was fine, it’s the thought of letting her down. Tipping my hat, I offer a nod. “Yeah, let me do this.”
“That’s it, Clay. You got to get a kiss in tonight. And tomorrow, you’ll be better for it.” He slaps my back in a friendly gesture, offering me a support that’s been there since we first met. And as we make our way back to the table, I take a cleansing breath. I find Kelly and order myself a soda float and as soon as I settle beside Essie, her concerned doe eyes pierce me.
“You all right?”
“Yeah, sorry about that, it’s…” Glancing at my best friend, he offers a reassuring nod, and I meet her gaze again. “It’s nothing.” I’m saved from explaining further when our waitress comes along with our order. Placing the sweet treats on the table, she leaves us to dig in.
It’s been a while since I’ve been in a setting like this with a woman by my side, and to be honest, it feels good. Natural even. The conversation is lighthearted, and we chat about the city, horses, we even ask the three girls if they’re up for a rodeo some time. An eight second ride that will be fun for them to experience.
Once we’ve paid the bill, we all head outside and take in the warm night. “Can I walk y
ou back to your bed and breakfast?” I ask Essie, not wanting to come across as too forward, but not wanting the night to end just yet.
“Sure, it’s only about five blocks down.” Her smile is so sweet and innocent, so beautiful, and the street lamps bathe her in a soft yellow glow; she looks ethereal.
“Guys, I’m dropping Cody and Jemma at home, then I’m taking this little lady to have a drink. Join us?” Rhett questions, glancing between the two of us, but I shake my head. I’d like to spend time alone with this beauty. I want to learn more about her. To see what she’s about. And maybe, just maybe, get a goodnight kiss.
“We’re heading down the road, I’m thinking of stopping at Cedar’s,” I respond, the smile on my best friend’s face is everything. He’s happy for me. And for once, I am too.
“Have fun you two.” He winks at Essie. “Come on, darlin.’” With an arm around Chloe’s neck, he tugs her close to him and they head off toward the truck where my brother and Jemma are waiting.
“Tell Mom I’ll be home in about an hour,” I call. My brother tips his hat in response and jumps onto the truck bed, holding a hand out to his date.
“So, what’s Cedar’s?” Offering my hand, I wait for her to accept the gesture and I meet her questioning gaze.
“It’s where I learned to ride my first pony. They’ve got stables that you can wander into and see their horses.”
“I thought you lived on a ranch?” Big doe eyes peer up at me and I nod. I recall the time my Dad had brought me down here. He was helping with the kids and this was the only ranch at the time that had ponies who wouldn’t easily throw a kid from their backs. He stood by me every step of the way. Held my hand, taught me to hold the reins, and he also showed me how to talk to the animal. To calm it down if ever it got scared.
Yeah, I’ve fallen, but I also got back up.
“I do, but my father was working down here when I was learning. So, he brought to me to Cedar’s to learn on a pony before getting onto the bigger steeds.” I don’t want to go into more detail. I can’t. The ache in my chest stops me from telling Essie too much.
“That’s amazing. Does he still teach?” Her question stops me in my tracks. When I do halt my movements, the action causes her to jolt backward slightly because of my hand in hers.
“He…” I can’t bring myself to say it. The words I’ve had to tell family and friends for the last few years are stuck in my throat. Choking me with emotion I’d tried to bury tonight, but one question brings it all back and I’m standing there wordless with the sweet innocence of a girl gazing back at me.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… God, I always put my foot in it. I’m prying. I’m so—” Without thinking, I crash my mouth on hers. Not just to silence her from apologizing for something she didn’t know, but because I’ve been dying to taste her lips since she mumbled hello. Gently, I lick along the seam of her plump lips and she opens beautifully. Like a delicate flower needing the rain to survive. But it’s the other way around, because I soon as I lick into her sweet mouth, it feels as if I’m the one who needs her to survive. I steal her breath. I swallow her moans, and when her fingers tangle in my short chestnut-colored hair, she pulls me closer.
Her body is tiny, slim and boyish, yet all woman. With her chest pressed against mine, her warmth slowly seeps into the cracks of who I am and she gifts me something I’ve not felt in such a long time. Passion. Desire. Need. The need to have her.
I don’t want to break the heated kiss, but I know I have to because if I don’t I’ll probably take her right here on the sidewalk. And that’s not how I’ve been raised. A woman needs to be respected. And this sweet thing, is one I want to savor.
Our lips part on ragged breaths, her gaze glistens with emotion. She’s as turned on as I am. “Let’s walk,” I offer, my tone raspy with need and I know tonight when I’m alone in bed, it will be her sweetness that will have me jerking off. I’m hard, rock fucking hard for a girl I don’t know.
Her giggle has me turning to face her and she straightens my hat which I’d not even noticed had fallen skew. “Best you behave yourself, cowboy. Or we’ll both be in trouble in the morning,” she says in the sexiest mimic of my accent I’ve ever heard.
“Oh, I’ll behave, honey bee, but only if you go out with me tomorrow? I want to take you riding.” I stop and watch her deliberate my offer. I know she’s scared of horses, but like I told her, I’ll be there to catch her fall.
The only thing is, who’ll be there if I fall?
“Okay,” she gives in, her voice filled with confidence. “But I want a pony to start off with.” Her bottom lip juts out in a sexy little pout and I’m tempted to take it between my teeth and nibble on it.
“It’s a deal.”
Chapter Four
Essie
The warmth of the bed holds me hostage as the rays of golden light shimmer through the curtains. “Wake up, Sleepy head,” the cheerful voice of my best friend calls from behind me.
“Go away…” I groan sleepily. Pulling the comforter up and over my head, I hide, hoping to shut out the world, but of course Chloe has other ideas.
“No way, you didn’t tell me what happened with Mr. Hot Stud last night. Since you’re here alone, I’m guessing he was the perfect gentleman?” She quips playfully, bouncing on the bed beside me. Her big green eyes peer at me inquisitively. The memory of Clay’s lips on mine makes me smile. “Oh, my God! You kissed him! Tell me all!”
Pushing up, I sit back against the wooden headboard and regard my best friend. “Well, we talked, took a long walk and… he kissed me.” Her squeak is so loud I cringe. Hoping none of the other guests in the bed and breakfast just heard her, I place a finger to my lips. “Keep it down, Chloe,” I admonish, but giggle along with her.
“And you’re seeing him again today?” I nod. “This is amazing! You can have a romance while you’re here. Who knows, perhaps you’ll move out here and become a cowgirl.” She winks playfully.
“What about you? What happened with Rhett?”
Shrugging, she twirls her red curls around her finger in a coy shy gesture which I know is nothing like my best friend. Something happened and I can’t wait to hear. “He’s so amazing,” she gushes finally with a faraway look in her big jade eyes. “Perfect gentleman. He walked me up to the door, kissed me till my toes curled and then waited till I was inside before getting in his truck.”
“Are you seeing him today?”
She nods. “Yeah, he’s taking me to the lake not far from town. He said a picnic by the lake is the perfect introduction for a tourist.” Her cheeks are flushed with embarrassment.
“I’m happy for you, Chloe. You need something good in your life. Enjoy it.”
“I will. I’m only here for another two days, but I plan to make the most of it. Trust me,” she vows with conviction. Pushing up, she heads to her side of the room, pulling out a pair of jean shorts and a flowy blouse which is sheer, and underneath, a tight-fitting spaghetti strap blue tank top. “I’m getting ready. He’ll be here soon.”
She bounds into the bathroom and leaves me staring at the white, wooden paneled door. I find myself excited to see Clayton today. Last night the sadness in his gaze was palpable, but beneath that, there was a beautiful soul. I want to get to know him better, to learn more about the sexy cowboy who’s seemed to sweep me off my feet.
His kiss though, so much passion flowed from him, as if he’d not allowed himself to feel something in so long that he seemed to pour emotion into every touch. I suppose while I’m working I can have a little fling. It can’t hurt enjoying my time out here.
Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I pad over to the small closet and pull it open. Horse riding. It’s not something I thought I’d ever see myself doing, but I’m willing to give it a go. I grab my dark blue skinny fit jeans and a Bon Jovi T-shirt. I’m a rock chick at heart, but last night dancing to country music was so much fun. Or was it because I was with Clay?
As soon as the b
athroom door flies open, the room fills with the scent of peaches. “How much perfume did you douse yourself in?” I question my best friend.
“I have to smell good for him. He also mentioned last night peaches were his favorite.” She winks conspiratorially.
“Please don’t tell me anything more. I don’t need to be scarred with any images of you and Rhett,” I groan, shutting my eyes trying to steer the images of Chloe’s sex life from my mind.
“Stop being such a stick in the mud. I bet you wouldn’t mind seeing what Clay hides in those blue jeans,” she murmurs while slipping her feet into the sandals.
“Ugh, you can be so gross sometimes,” I giggle. “I can’t believe the boss man said I can have a week off before starting my evaluation. I mean, he’s an asshole at best, but this has redeemed him somewhat.”
“He’s still an asshole,” she retorts. Nodding, I can’t help agreeing with her. My boss is a man that never takes no for an answer. He’s well known in the real estate world as a shark, he goes in for the kill, and I feel sorry for the people who he attacks because no one comes out alive.
“I’m nervous,” I confess, meeting my best friend’s big green eyes. They shimmer with the knowledge of my past, the excitement of my future, and the emotion that she knows I need—love.
“It’s normal to be nervous before a date. I mean, he’s hot, sweet, and romantic. The perfect blend that any girl would want, but you’re an amazing woman and he should be so lucky to have you in his life.” She reaches for me, tugging me into a hug. She’s the only person who knows all about me, my past, and what I’ve been through.
“Thank you, Coco.”
“Anytime for you, EssieBess,” she giggles at the nickname she’s given me since we first met. Granted we were in middle school, so at the time, I thought it was cute. I’d rather she forgets she ever came up with it now, but it gives me the familiarity I need.
“I don’t want you to go back,” I say.
Dirt Road Promises Page 3
