When we break apart from the hug, she regards me. “I have to, but you’ll do just fine. I’ll be leaving early in the morning, so if you’re asleep, I’m going to be gone when you finally wake up. Call me if you need anything, okay? And I mean anything.”
Nodding, I reach up and swipe a tear from my face. “I will. I promise.”
The knock at my door has my heart catapulting into my throat. It’s him. “I’ll be right there,” I call out, while pulling on the white jumper that covers the soft sheer tank top below. As soon as I open the door, I’m met with the incredible sight of Clayton, dressed in a white shirt and dark blue jeans. The buckle of his belt shimmers in the light and I can just make out the W on it. “Hi,” I smile, my voice is breathy as I take in how incredible his tanned skin is against the white of the material.
“Heya, Honey Bee. Are you ready to go?” Nodding, I slip my phone into my pocket and head out, locking the door behind me.
“I think I was ready an hour early,” I confess with a grin which earns me one in response. One that seems to melt my panties. The dimples that form on his cheeks, the way his eyes crinkle at the sides, and the way his eyes shine with amusement, have my nipples hardening and my core pulsing.
I haven’t been with a guy, or out on a date, in so long, I’ve turned into a hussy. As he leads me to his truck, the soft touch of his hand on my lower back sends a heated tingle through me. Like the gentleman he is, he opens the door and ushers me inside.
I watch as he rounds the front and slips into the driver’s seat. “I’m not used to having a pretty girl in my truck,” he says over the roar of the engine.
“I’m not used to getting asked out on horse riding dates,” I counter with a smile. He chuckles, the sound low and rumbles through his chest.
“Well, while you’re here, you should get used to it, because I think I’ll be needing to take you out again. If you don’t kill me for making you get on a horse that is,” he says, glancing at me. The heat that burns in his eyes have me squirming on the seat. Jesus, this man is going to be a problem for my panties, I can see that now.
“We’ll see.” The rest of the ride is silent, but it’s not uncomfortable. We’ve settled in with the radio blasting country music and Clayton thrumming his fingers on the steering wheel. Moments later, as we pull up to the stables, he parks the truck and kills the engine.
“This is it. I promise, you’ll love it.” The excitement in his expression has me feeling enthusiastic. I’ve always been too scared to do anything outside my comfort zone, but one look in his direction and I’m ready to get on that horse.
We exit the vehicle and make our way to the entrance of the riding school. There are stables to the right of where we walk through the entrance with a small counter where kids are lined up waiting for their ponies. Clay greets a few people who are milling around reminding me that there’s one thing about small towns, everyone knows who you are. We reach the stable where there’s a beautiful white pony alongside a larger chocolate colored horse. Both are incredible creatures and I can’t help reaching for them, stroking their noses.
“She’s gorgeous,” I murmur, the white one nudging my hand in response to my touch.
“That’s Snowflake, this over here is Milly.” He points to the brown horse which has a white patch between her eyes.
“I’ll take Snowflake,” I respond quickly.
He chuckles, and he sets about getting the saddles and bridles ready. I watch in awe as he works. He’s so meticulous with the equipment, his hands are firm as he grips the leather of the reigns. Once he’s done, his blue eyes meet mine. “Come on, you’re going to saddle up Snowflake.”
“I have no idea how to,” I gasp in surprise, but he only offers a wink, reaching for me.
“I’ll show you, come on,” he gestures by tipping his head toward the horse. We work together saddling up the pony, and each time our hands brush against each other, I can’t help the excitement coursing through my veins. Finally, Clayton helps me into the seat, and I can’t help but revel in the touch of his hands on my legs.
We make our way out of the grounds, through the thick brush of green. The colors are lush, beautiful reminding me of why I love summer time. As the horses make their way down a path which takes us toward a thick forest, I find myself comfortable on the animal even though I was so scared earlier. I don’t know if it’s Clayton’s calm influence, or I’m just getting over my fear, but for the first time in a long while, I feel like I belong. “It’s gorgeous out here.”
I feel his gaze on me then, as if he’s trying to look through me. “Oh, it definitely is gorgeous,” he agrees, but I have a feeling he’s not talking about the view. At least, not the one I’m looking at. Once again, we settle into our comfortable silence.
When you’re with someone there are two emotions that quickly come to the forefront, you’re either happy to just be with them, or you have to make sure you fill the air with words. For me, when I’m with Clayton, I just want to be with him. It’s as easy as being on my own, only, I know he’s there if I need him.
That thought startles me. I’ve not felt like that about anyone besides Chloe. But men have been the bane of my life. I don’t trust them, I never wanted a relationship.
My comfort levels when I’m on a date have been non-existent, mainly because the men I’ve been out with are always talking about themselves. Not bothering if I wanted to do or say something. Not wanting to learn about the other person, but forcing their interests in my face when all I want is to enjoy my time with them.
Granted, we do have to get to know each other, but the unnecessary words that are fake, just like my parents, are what I try to avoid at all costs. As the pathway opens, we find ourselves in an open field of green grass and a small pond sitting in the center.
“Wow.”
Clayton stops, turns to me and offers me that panty melting grin, dimples and all. The full effect of this man is astounding. And I want more. “Told you I’d keep you safe,” he chuckles as he climbs off the horse and comes over to help me down.
Gripping the reigns, we head over to the water allowing the horses to get a drink of water. “This is definitely incredible. I can see why you love being out in the country.” He turns at my declaration, taking in the surrounding area. The sun is high in the blue sky, the mountains that surround us are a mix of red, brown, and white rocks, and the greens in the grass vary from a dark mossy color to a bright sunlit emerald.
“Yeah, we’re lucky out here. It’s even better at night when you can see stars for miles.” His voice is wistful, as if he’s remembering something. But as soon as the wistfulness appears, it’s gone a second later.
“I can’t imagine how beautiful it must be. I guess being from the city I’m used to looking at buildings—high-rises and apartment blocks.”
“I don’t know how anyone can prefer the noise of a big city to this.” He gestures around us and as I take in the tranquil surroundings, I can’t say I disagree with him. “Come on, I want to show you something.”
We meander through the grass, along with both horses in tow. Clayton leads me to a beautiful rock formation which has intricate patterns on the side. Soft lines of dark and lite granite create a mosaic of earthy tones. Sitting at the edge of the field I find the area private, almost as if it’s been enclosed just for us.
“We can sit here for a while, just enjoy the quiet. I hope you don’t mind.” His eyes sparkle with mischief and I can’t help leaning up on my tip toes to plant a kiss on his cheek. Strong hands grasp my hips, holding me steady as he moves his lips against my ear. “You’re beautiful, Essie,” he breathes, allowing the words to fan over my skin. Goosebumps dot my flesh causing a gentle shudder to course through me.
It’s then that we both move our mouths toward each other. Like magnets, we’re locked to the tension that swirls around us. I want him to kiss me. His eyes tell me he wants to kiss me back the way they shine with emotion. His smile crinkles the corners, the blue seems
almost see through like glass glittering in the sunlight.
“Do it.” Two words are mumbled as they fall from my mouth and he does. The heat of our lips locking causes me to whimper into the kiss. His tongue darts into my warmth, tasting, licking, as if he’s trying to commit me to memory as I am doing with him.
I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again, but this one kiss will be seared into my head and heart forever.
Chapter Five
Clay
It’s been a week since Essie and I met, we’ve been together almost every day, but I’ve never brought her home. Mainly because I didn’t want her to see how much I’m struggling holding my shit together on the ranch.
“Are you going to tell me about her?” My mom’s voice comes from behind me. When I turn to regard her, I notice the knowing look on her face. Shrugging, I head to the fridge, pulling the door open and grabbing the orange juice.
“Nothing to tell,” I respond, hoping she’ll drop it. However, this is my mother and when she sees me happy, she’s not one to let it go.
“Come on, Clay, there must be something going on. You look like you’ve… You look happy.” Her words slam into my chest. Sadness laces them heavily. I place the carton of juice on the counter and turn to regard her. Those big blue eyes that match mine stare at me with hope filling them.
“Yes, I… She’s a darlin,’ sweet, funny, and beautiful. But I’m not getting my hopes up. She’s a city girl. Only here for work and then she heads back home.” Essie told me she was here for work, but when the thought of her leaving crossed my mind, I felt it. An ache I haven’t felt in so long. One week with a pretty girl and I’m a goner.
There’s something special about her. I’m not sure what it is, or why she’s bounded into my life knocking me on my ass, but I let her. This past weekend has been one of the best one’s I’ve had in a long while where I was able to be myself. To let her into my head, and somehow I know she’s found her way into my heart. Her easy-going nature and sweet, yet nurturing manner gave me the opening to give her honesty. To tell her who I really am. I told her about Dad. Even told her how I still miss him. I’ve never been so blatantly honest with anyone. Not even Mom.
“Honey, I’m not saying you’re marrying the girl, but you never know how life works. It’s easy for you to close yourself off, you’ve been doing it for years, since Dad died,” she sighs. “But, if this girl is as special as you say, perhaps you’ll be able to visit her, and she can always come back here. Of course, I’d love to meet her.”
Chuckling, I nod. “I told her I’d pick her up tonight for dinner. Maybe we’ll come back here for dessert and you can meet her.”
“Good. I’ll make something special then.”
Tires on the gravel drag my attention from my mother. It must be my first student. Gulping the orange juice, I lean in, planting a kiss on my mom’s forehead and make my way to the door. A soft knock on the wood has me frowning. None of the students come up to the house. As soon as the door swings open, I’m met with the big blue eyes of Essie.
“Hi,” I rasp. Just seeing her here makes my heart beat just a tad faster.
“Clay?” My name on her lips makes me smile, but confusion has my brows furrowing. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing, Honey Bee.” I step outside, pulling the door shut behind me. “How did you know where I live?”
“You…” Her gaze darts to the door, then to me. “This is yours?” She gestures to the ranch behind her. “I mean, your ranch?”
“Technically it’s my Dad’s, but when he… I run it now.”
“Oh.”
“Why, baby?” I reach for her hand, but she doesn’t take it. “What’s wrong, Ess?”
“Remember I told you I’m here to assess property to purchase for my boss?” Her question has me halting mid-step. My blood turns to ice in my veins and my heart thuds painfully against my ribs. No. No. Fucking no.
“What? You’re here to buy my Dad’s ranch?!” Anger surges. My hands shake with fear, anxiety, and frustration.
“No, I mean, yes… But I didn’t—”
“Get off my land. Get in your car and leave. This is my family’s home. You can’t come in here and take it from us. It’s not for sale.” My rage fuels me. Those big Azure eyes glisten with tears and I realize I must have scared her. But I don’t care. She wants to take what my father built from nothing and turn it into a tourist attraction. Well, it’s not happening.
“Clayton—”
“What did your boss tell you? To come here, soften me up with soft smiles and sweet kisses and then steal my ranch from under me?”
“NO!” Her small frame vibrates with anger. We’re both filled with confusion and rage. Turning on my heel, I stalk up the dirt road toward the stables, ignoring the little golden-haired pixie behind me. She’s tiny and my long strides are difficult for her to catch up to. “Clayton, please. I didn’t know it was yours. How would I?”
“I told you enough about me. You’re a smart girl, Essie.” I bite out my retort. As soon as I reach the stables, I pull a bale of hay, slamming it to the ground. Patches, my black and white stallion, nays loudly in fright. “Sorry, boy,” I reach out, soothing him by stroking his mane. Once he’s calm, I pull the dried grass over to the feeding crop.
“Clayton, I honestly didn’t realize. I mean, I didn’t know. I wasn’t told who you were. All I knew from the file was the ranch was undergoing changes. I had the address, but that was all. I… I…” Her words falter, causing me to turn and find her staring at Patches. The horse is generally picky with who he lets near him, but when Essie reaches for him, he nudges her hand playfully.
The way they interact has my heart constricting painfully. He’s mine. My horse. My ranch. And she’s here to take it away. To rip it from under my feet. I can’t fall for this girl. She needs to leave.
“I want you gone. I have work today and you being here is not helping me. Go back to the city, tell your boss it’s not for sale. He needs to find another ranch to upend and destroy.”
“I’m not here—”
“No, you’re not. This,” I gesture between us. “Was a mistake. So please, just leave.” With that, I turn and continue getting the hay ready for the horses. I can feel her behind me. I can sense her presence like she’s touching me, it’s her gaze. It penetrates me.
“I’m not leaving, Clayton. You may not want me here, but I’m here to learn about the ranch and to know what you do here. I have to do my job the same way you need to do yours. You don’t have to talk to me. You don’t even have to acknowledge me, but this is something I’ve been working for and I need to prove to myself and my parents that I’m an adult who can live her own life.”
“And I’m here to prove to my father who’s dead that I can do this. Not to lose the only thing he’d worked his whole life for,” I bite back, glaring at the pretty girl. Even in my anger, she’s beautiful. She’s incredibly, torturously gorgeous, which angers me further.
“I’m sorry, Clayton. We’ve all lost people, I understand—”
“You don’t understand shit, darlin!’”
“Is everything okay?” Mom’s worried tone comes from the entrance of the barn, interrupting our argument. Her gaze darts between Essie and I. “Hi, I’m Mrs. Walker, Clay’s mom, but you can call me Molly,” she offers Essie a smile.
“Essie here was just leaving.”
“No such thing, come inside. Did you want a cup of coffee?” My mother’s tone is syrupy sweet as she pins me with a glare.
“I…” The pretty girl with the doe eyes, peeks at me and back to Mom. “Thank you.”
The two women leave me staring at them with my mouth agape in shock. What the hell?
Just then a truck rumbles up the dirt driveway. Rhett. I watch him park and jump out of the cab, making his way toward me. “Hey, man. I needed—”
“Essie is here to steal the ranch from me,” I inform him before he has time to say anything more.
“She’s here to do an assessment of the ranch for her city slicker boss to buy from me.”
“Fuck,” he mutters in shock. “What are you going to do?” Shrugging, I lug the bale over to the trough filling it up with the dried grass and hay. “Clayton, do you like this girl?” His question stops me mid-movement. It’s something I’ve been thinking about since our dates over the past few days. I kissed her. I felt something when I did. Something I’d not felt in a long while.
“I can’t.”
“Why not? Because she’s doing her job? That has nothing to do with your feelings, Clay. You need to separate the two. I’ve seen how you look at her. This is something else right here. You’re doing what you always do. Pushing her away.”
“I have good reason to keep her at a distance. This ranch is the only thing I have left of him. He worked his ass off to make something of this. For her to waltz in here expecting me to lie back and allow her and her boss to just throw money at me and accept it is not going to happen. He trusted me, Rhett. He gave me the only thing he owned so we didn’t go without.”
If one person will understand that, it’s my best friend. He knew my father all his life. Knew what kind of man he was. This wasn’t some passing hobby for him, it was his life, and now it’s mine and I’ll be damned to allow someone who doesn’t know anything about it to take it from me.
Not without a fight.
“What are you going to do?”
“Fight. I’m going to show her that this is mine and I’m not letting it go.”
“I meant, what are you going to do about the two of you? Clearly there’s something there. A connection. She likes you. Without all the bullshit about the ranch, she’s a nice girl.”
“Yeah, she was until she became the one who could easily take away my livelihood and the only thing I have of my father.” The words ring true on so many levels. As much as I liked spending time with her, I know nothing can come of it because she’s dangerous.
Dirt Road Promises Page 4
