“Mom—”
“Please?” My mother pins me with that look, the one that mother’s get when they have kids. Pinning them with it to make sure they’re obeyed. The same look I grew up fearing, and as I got older, realized that she just wanted the best for me. Sighing, I rake my fingers through my hair and nod.
“Fine, I’ll do it, but I’m not being nice to her. She brought this on herself, if that was me, you’d leave me to fend for myself.”
“Clayton Walker, you better get your head out of your ass and you better do it soon. Something hurt this girl considerably.”
“Yeah? And I’m not hurt?” My retort is uncalled for. My mother is right, but I can’t stop the anger that seems to invade my every thought when it comes to this girl and what she’s going to do to my life, my home, and my family.
“You best head to bed now, because I think you need to really think about your actions. And I don’t mean just apologizing to her. I mean everything you’ve been harboring since your daddy died, you’ve been holding your anger inside your heart. Hiding yourself and making sure you shut everyone out. For some reason, Clayton, you’ve convinced yourself that everything that happens is done to hurt you. Well let me tell you something, son, that’s definitely not the case. You need to realize as shit as life is, you live it and you keep going like your daddy did.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like… This is just ridiculous. How can this girl walk in here and mess with my head like this? I don’t know her?” My frustration is evident. The deep blue eyes of my mother regard me with affection.
“Darlin,’” she reaches for my face, stroking my cheek in her way. That calming loving way. “As I said, you care for her. It’s normal. You’re a grown man and she’s a woman. The attraction will be there, but I want you to stop pushing people away, Clayton. If this girl came here, it’s for a reason. Maybe, just maybe, she’s here to teach you something and perhaps you her? Everything in life is a lesson. Remember that.”
When her hand drops, I can’t help miss my mom’s warmth. Her love. With my father gone, she’s the only person in the world that I’d die for. Besides my little brother. “I know, ma’am.” Dropping my head, I lean in and plant a kiss on her cheek. “I’m heading to the sofa. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She nods, leaving me outside my bedroom door where the girl who’s seemed to burrow herself inside me over the past week I’ve known her. Since I’ve been staying in this extension my dad built for me, it’s given me a sense of independence, my old room that I grew up in is now a sewing room for Mom.
I love our home, our ranch. It’s not huge, but it’s enough for us. The four bedroom, two bathroom home has a special place in my heart. Downstairs, our living room and kitchen, along with a smaller dining room is spacious with the old school gas stove which has a rack above it with all my mom’s copper pots. There’s a small wood fire in the corner between the large kitchen table and the window seat. It’s big enough for ten, but all my life I’ve never felt like we need more. My dad was always the heart of our home, with my mom and brother, we were the perfect family. There are two large windows above the sink which look out onto the land, and wooden paneling and flooring.
Turning, I head up the stairs to the guestroom and get ready for bed. The sofa bed I’ve put in here pulls out into a bed which was great when we were kids.
I remember my dad buying it, telling me if I ever wanted to camp in winter, I was welcome to build a fort, but I’d still be comfortable on this old thing. Once I’m in my boxers and T-shirt, I lie back and stare at the darkened ceiling.
I don’t know what I’m going to do with Essie, but one thing I know for sure is that I’m not letting her take my heritage that Dad left me. I’ll fight. Her and her boss.
Chapter Eight
Essie
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Groaning, I roll over.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
“Ouch, it hurts.” There’s an ache, a throbbing pain that’s shooting through every inch of my skull. My eyes don’t want to open as much as I try. Why does everything hurt? Groaning again, I reach out and feel for my phone which I normally leave beside me on the bed, but I can’t find it.
The scent on the sheets is familiar, yet not from what I remember the bed and breakfast to smell like. My mind is a blur of pain and foggy images. A lake. A man lifting me and putting me in a truck. And then Clayton. It’s always been him. Where was he? Why is everything so blurry?
I’m not sure what’s happened or why it hurts so much. Trying to pry my eyes open, I find the pain only becomes worse when light streams through a crack in the curtain. It feels as if my eyes are glued shut, or I must have forgotten to take off my make up last night. “Chloe?” I call out, my voice is croaky. Then I recall she left. Where am I? It feels like there’s sandpaper in my throat and my mouth is as dry as the desert. I wait for her to respond, but I’m met with silence.
When I finally manage to open one eye fully, I find a dark blue sheet covering me which doesn’t look familiar. Oh god. Who did I go home with? Bolting upright, my head swirls and my vision blurs. My stomach somersaults, causing me to shut my eyes and take a deep breath. I’m sure I’m about to puke if I move any more.
“Chloe?”
Once again, I’m met with silence. When my other eye finally opens, I take in the bedroom decked in deep blues, and the scent of a spicy cologne hits my nostrils. This is, without a doubt, a man’s room. Shit. Pushing off the bed, I attempt to stand up only to fall back onto the mattress. My knees are so wobbly, my legs don’t even want to hold me up. Slowly, it comes back to me and I recall the bottle of bourbon I consumed.
A door to my left opens suddenly and I’m immediately alert to the scent of a man. A delicious smelling man. Pushing off the bed again, I find I’m met with the most beautiful toned torso I’ve ever seen dripping with water. His chest is smooth, tanned with a small dips and grooves over his flat stomach and dark brown nipples I’m tempted to taste. What the fuck?
My gaze drops to his hips finding chiseled V muscles that point to a dark blue towel. “Up here.”
The grumble has my eyes darting up to meet intense blue eyes that seem to bore a hole through me. “Clay?
“Yeah, that’s me,” he grunts, stepping further into the bedroom and heading to the closet in the corner. Before I can ask what I’m doing here, he drops the towel while rummaging in the closet. Sweet Jesus. His ass is like a chiseled piece of marble.
Thick and muscled thighs greet me, with calves that are toned, strong, and masculine. Everything about this man is drool worthy. My body aches, tenses, and tingles. The migraine that’s threatening to consume me eases for just a moment before it hits me full force and I need to sit down again.
As much as I try, I can’t drag my gaze away from him. It’s been so long since I’ve been alone with a naked man, wait, scrap that. Not just any naked man, someone that puts all sculptors to shame with his perfectly toned body.
Then he turns and glowers at me and all my desire plummets into my swirling stomach. “What? You never seen a man before?” He tugs on his jeans over the black briefs he pulled on first and they seem to mold themselves to his legs. It looks like they’re painted on.
“I… I… Why am I here?” My mumble comes across in a breathy whisper and the pounding in my head is only getting worse. I wince as the pain hit’s me full force and I can no longer deny the agony that’s slowly gripping my head.
“Drink that.” He points to the side table I didn’t notice, a glass of orange juice and two painkillers sit neatly, waiting for me to consume them.
I don’t argue. I can’t find the words, so I pick up the glass and two small white pills and swallow them down quickly. As soon as the juice hits my bloodstream I feel the refreshing coolness calm me somewhat. However, one glance at the man in the bedroom with me and my body is once again overheating.
“What am I doing here, Clay?”
“Rhett brought you here last night w
hen my mother asked him to. Apparently, you got acquainted with a bottle of bourbon down at the lake.”
Groaning, I drag my stare away from him as he tugs on a white T-shirt that seems to hug his broad shoulders and chest in a way that I’d like to attach myself to him. Does he not own anything that’s not an aphrodisiac for my traitorous body?
“Oh.” Is the only word that falls from my mouth as my cheeks heat with a deep blush I feel right down to my chest. “I…” Shaking my head, I wince at the action because it only intensifies the hangover from hell that’s wreaking havoc on my body, just like a certain man is. I glance up at those intense blue eyes. He’s staring at me as if he expects me to explain why I did that, but I can’t. Telling him anything about me will just make him hate me even more. He probably thinks of me as some spoiled little city girl.
When I don’t say anything more, he watches me for a moment before he just shrugs and turns away, but before he leaves, he tells me in a biting tone, “You can shower, my mom’s put out some clothes for you.” He points to the dresser where I notice a pair of jean cut offs and what looks like a loose-fitting blouse with a yellow striped pattern.
“Thank you,” I mumble, embarrassment clouding over me like a blanket. I’ve done stupid things before, but this is at the top of the list. When I tell Chloe, I know I’m in for the scolding of a lifetime. She’s the only one who knows my history and this is the first time in years that I’ve gone off the rails.
“Don’t thank me, I didn’t save you,” he bites out, frustration clear on his handsome face and I wonder why he’d be feeling any sort of emotion close to it when he hates me so much. Without another word, he leaves me in his bedroom alone with my thoughts.
I remember last night in snippets as it comes back to me slowly. When I was younger, I did stupid things. All because I didn’t have parents who cared enough to show me love. I hungered for it. So I would seek that attention from others.
Chloe stood by me, she was the one who would make sure I was okay every day. Not my parents. Even now, I’m a grown woman and they still don’t care. Glancing around the room, I take in the space. It’s beautiful. A lot of blues and grays, but the room itself looks like it’s been newly built compared to the rest of the house. Or the parts I saw yesterday.
The large king size bed fits against one wall giving more than enough room on either side for end tables and a large window which I’m guessing looks out over the ranch, sits to my right. To the left is an en suite where Clayton emerged from earlier and beside that is a large built in closet.
Pushing off the bed, I groan in agony when the pounding in my head decides to make sure I know it’s there. “Good mornin,’ sweetheart,” the gentle voice of Mrs. Walker comes from the doorway. I turn to find her watching me, a cup of coffee in her hand. “I thought you’d need one of these. And there’s more where this came from.” She offers with a warm smile. Her eyes, the same color as Clayton’s, crinkle at the corners, but they sparkle with the sliver of light that’s coming through the curtain.
“I’m so sorry about last night. I… It was stupid of me to get in that state.”
“Hush, darlin.’” She smiles, it’s an affectionate, friendly one. Setting the cup down on the nightstand, she regards me with her blue eyes. The same as her son’s. “Listen, Clayton is having a tough time. He’s torn between wanting to look after what his father left him and dealing with the thought of it being taken away.”
Nodding, I settle back on the bed. “I know,” I sigh. Frustration and sadness seem to follow me around. Just like my mom said. I’m a disappointment to everyone I meet. “I tried talking to my boss, but he’s adamant I need to do the evaluation. What I can do is confirm in my report that there’s no profitability in this property. Perhaps he’ll listen to me then. But…”
“You can’t do more?” she asks.
I shake my head. There’s not much I can do when I’m being forced to finish this job. I can go home and refuse to do it, but he’ll only send someone out here who doesn’t care about the family and that could be worse.
I need to figure out how to fix this. I need to prove to my mother that I’m not as bad as she says. That I’m worthy of having someone care about me. “Essie,” I lift my eyes to meet Mrs. Walker’s, “I think you should stay here while you’re working.”
“No, I can’t. I’ve already—”
“You will and you can. I won’t be taking no for an answer. I’ll leave you now, come have breakfast with me after you’ve freshened up and we’ll chat some more. Okay?”
“Thank you.”
Once she leaves, I pick up the coffee and take a long sip. It’s strong, warm, and sweet. Just how I love my coffee. I shouldn’t stay here, but her offer was a no-nonsense one, and something tells me she definitely won’t take no for an answer.
I’ll have to collect my clothes from the little bed and breakfast and bring them here. Since Chloe left, I would prefer being around people. Especially after yesterday’s relapse. I can’t believe I allowed myself to do that. To fall off the wagon and become like my parents. For three long years I was strong, but one boy slams into my life and I’m back to square one.
“Damn you, Clayton Walker.”
Chapter Nine
Clay
After seeing Essie in that state, the memories of my ex-fiancée slam into me like a knife to the heart. The thoughts of Natalie invade my mind and what she must have went through when we broke up, when she lost her mother.
I don’t know what happened to Essie, but it must have been something bad to make her do what she did. As much as I want to be angry, I also feel sorry for her. She seems so alone. When I looked into her eyes, I could tell she’s only looking for someone to care, but as much as I want to, I can’t bring myself to.
Knowing what she’s here to do overrides the affection and anger takes its place.
“Clayton.” Mom walks into the kitchen, regarding me with one of her looks. “I’ve asked Essie to stay here while she’s working on her report.” Her words don’t make sense. The anger that was slowly invading my mind takes the forefront now and I stare at her in shock.
“You what?” My mother must be joking. She couldn’t have asked Essie to live with us, in the same house. How am I supposed to stay away from her when she’s going to be under my feet all the damn time?
“I think it would be nice to get to know her, Clayton. Stop being so grouchy. Also, I’d like her to see all you do and what this ranch means to you. Perhaps it will help our case.”
Shaking my head, I stalk down the hallway, pushing the door to my bedroom open. Essie just left to get her suitcase with Cody and I’m taking the time to distance myself from my mother and her idea that this girl will change my life. The only way she will change it is by stealing my father’s ranch from me.
As soon as I step into the bedroom, I’m met with her. Her scent is all over my room. Every inch of the damn space is all Essie. It’s only lunch time and I’m already completely consumed by her. Whenever I turn, her big blue eyes are there, staring back at me like she’s judging me. Her pouty lips, her little button nose. Her smile. Fuck it.
Shutting the door with a loud bang, I head outside and straight to the stables. They need mucking out and I think that will clear my head. At least, I fucking hope it will because I don’t know how I’m going to stay in a house with her.
The day has already turned into a scorcher when I step outside. Heading up the dirt road that leads to the barn, I pull the wooden door and find the rake, large outdoor brush, and the spade. It’s going to be a long day and I need to clear my mind.
Before I can start, a soft voice comes from behind me. “Uhm, hi,” she mumbles. I turn to find Essie dressed in pink Wellington boots, a pair of faded jean cut offs and a flowy yellow top. Her outfit screams city girl trying to make it in the country.
“What do you want?” I bite out, her soft smile falls and I notice the iPad in her hand.
“I need to take a tour of the ranc
h. Making notes of what needs fixing and things like that. I’d need to ask you questions about the land as well.”
Groaning, I gesture for her to join me. If she wants a taste of the country, I’ll give her that. “Take this.” I hand her the spade which I know will be too heavy for her. When she grips it, the steel clunks to the floor.
“Are you trying to be an asshole, Clayton?” she hisses angrily. Instead of responding, I chuckle. I must admit, she’s adorable when she gets feisty. Her blue eyes spark with anger, which only makes me want to see more of that side of her.
The day was a long one and every moment of it was spent with the memory of Essie in my room. The sky above glows with a deep orange and fiery red as the sun sets on the horizon. Tugging on the reigns of my steed, I lead him into the stable and shut the door. I realize I’m ready for dinner when the scent of food wafts through the air.
Nothing beats Mom’s home cooking. And although I can’t tell what it is, I know I’m about to enjoy a big plate of it. Once I’ve checked on all the horses, I make my way down to the main house with only one thing in mind. Food.
Stepping into the house, I take in the three-people moving around the space. My brother and Essie are laughing like they’re old friends which sends jealousy racing through me. It’s no secret my brother closed himself off after our dad died, but for him to look so happy only makes me realize how much I’ve pulled away from him.
We hardly talk, there’s always a fight if we do. Laughing is a distant memory, but seeing him so carefree with the girl who seems to be needling her way into my life only angers me. “Clay.” Mom smiles, and I offer one back, hoping she doesn’t notice my frustration.
“Something smells good.” I grin, making my way into the kitchen. When Essie turns to regard me, I can’t help but feel the need to lean in and kiss her. This is ridiculous.
Dirt Road Promises Page 6
