Cowboy Six Pack

by Kari Lynn Dell

  “The Realtor plans to show us five places. One’s a new loft in downtown, two are smaller, older homes on the northeast side, and the last two are near some college campus. He’s trying to cover all the different options. This will give us some choices. At least, if we find a place outside the city we like, we’ll be together most of the time.” She watched her husband’s profile as he drove. His gaze never left the busy road.

  “I know the loft wouldn’t have a yard, but at least, it’s new. I’ve never been in a brand-new home. What about the others?” Julie gripped the armrest and door handle, fearful of an accident. The Michigan drivers careened from lane to lane, never signaling. Fearless.

  “All the homes have yards. None are large enough for a farm, but they could be perfect for a family.” Rick glanced at her.

  She caught the emphasis on the last word. “Turn your eyes back to the road, mister. I’m not ready to die here. These drivers are crazy. Watch out!” she screamed and pointed at the red car entering their lane. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to drive in Michigan. At least, not without a tank.” With her focus on the other drivers, Julie hadn’t seen much of the surrounding areas.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  One month later

  Julie watched the sun sink over the horizon. She loved the way the colors changed from orange to dark purple. She picked up her phone and dialed Rick’s cell. Today was his day off, and she’d tossed and turned all night. She wasn’t going to be able to sleep until she heard his voice. “Hi, honey. How’s your week been?”

  “Busy. We’ve had quite a few house fires. The chief said it gets worse in the days leading up to the night before Halloween or ‘Devil’s Night’ as they call it. I heard from the real estate agent. She doesn’t have any homes which fit our criteria at the moment.”

  Their trip had been a bust. None of the homes met their requirements. They’d even taken a look at some of the surrounding towns so that they could spend the off shifts together without the hassle of frequent flights, but the real estate market lacked listings since families didn’t want to pull their children from school and some townships were too far away. Rick could stay with some of the guys at a place in town, but, for now, Julie stayed behind in Whisper.

  She slid down into the couch and propped up her feet. Hearing her husband’s voice was a balm to her soul. She hadn’t been sleeping well with him gone. All the ranch work sat squarely on her shoulders now. “Be careful. Just because you aren’t close by doesn’t mean I can’t still whip your butt if you take chances.” She tried to keep her voice light. She didn’t want Rick to know how much she worried, especially since he had taken the job in Detroit. The salary had been too good to pass up. Luckily, some of the guys at the station shared an apartment in downtown to satisfy the city-limit requirement, which allowed Julie to stay in Colorado while they continued to look for the perfect home.

  “They’ve given me a nickname—Cowboy. Means I’m a part of the team now. How was your week? Has Silver been behaving? I remember you mentioning he’s been kicking the stall more often. Did you get the farrier out to check his shoes?” Her husband’s voice had gotten louder. The background noise of many voices sounded like a party.

  “Cowboy. Real original. The farrier didn’t see any problems but if it keeps up, I’ll contact Preston to stop over. Silver’s been our best stud… Can you hear me okay? It’s loud. What’s going on?” Julie hollered into the phone.

  “Hold on… Guys, I’m talking to Julie. Keep it down.” A slam of a door, and the sounds died down. “Is this better?”

  “Yes.” Julie sighed.

  “Are you okay, sweetie? You sound tired.”

  She grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest. Tears filled her eyes. “I’m not sleeping well without you. And I know I shouldn’t fret, but it sounds like you’re having more fun there than you ever did with me.”

  “I’m sorry. The guys have been drinking, celebrating making it through a tough week. Sometimes, it’s like a frat house here. I’m always putting dishes in the dishwasher and cleaning up garbage. Don’t worry. I miss you more than you know. Where are you now?”

  “I’m on the couch. Why?”

  “What are you wearing? Tell me…” His voice held a note of urgency.

  “I’m wearing one of your T-shirts and a pair of jogging shorts.”

  “What do you have on underneath?”

  “Ohhh, Rick. Turnabout’s fair play. What are you wearing?”

  “Blue jeans and my WFD T-shirt.” A rustling noise and click followed. “Now, my shirt’s off, and I locked the door. Just imagine I’m there with you. Touching you.”

  Julie ran her hand over her breast and rolled the nipple between her fingers. “Tell me what you’d do to me.”

  “I’d place my lips over your breast and suck your nipple into my mouth. Then, I’d tease your other breast to a peak with my tongue.” His sexy voice enveloped her, sending shivers down her spine.

  “Oh, yes. What next?” Julie wished her husband was really touching her, but their phone sex had turned into a wonderful treat.

  “I’d slide my finger inside your wet pussy—so tight—while I brush my thumb against your clit. I love the way you squeeze me.” Rick’s voice deepened.

  “I’m so close. Tell me what you’re doing. Do you have your cock in hand?” She panted as a wave of pleasure crested over her. “Oh, Rick…I need you.” Rubbing her clit quickly, she rode her second orgasm. “Yes, baby. Come for me.”

  She listened as her husband grunted. Julie longed to be the one touching him. It’d only been a month, but they hadn’t spent more than one night apart in their five years together. The afterglow of phone sex always let her down. She missed the cuddling and soft talk.

  “Oh, Julie. Oh, baby. Yes,” her husband grunted. “I miss you, too. It’s been too long. You’ll have to come out and see the apartment and meet the guys. They’re talking about having a big Thanksgiving party. I guess it’s a major deal: parade, football, and all.”

  She tried to hide her sadness. “That’s about a month and a half away. It seems like forever.”

  “I know, honey. Are you still checking out Realtor.com for homes? Anything look worthwhile?”

  “No. Nothing caught my eye.” She’d become desperate to see her husband, but would being an hour away make a difference? He’d still be gone three nights a week, she argued with herself. “But I’ll look them over again.”

  A knock sounded on Rick’s door. “You want a beer?” A guy’s voice.

  “Later, dude. I’m talking with my wife.” She listened to the squeak of the bed and the sound of water running in the sink. “Just let me know if you see anything you want me to look at. I’m going to get cleaned up and then hit the sack. Tomorrow, the guys and I are going to a professional football game in town. The team stinks but it’ll be a good time.”

  “Have fun. Call me tomorrow night, okay?”

  “Will do. I love you.”

  “I love you, more. Good night.” Julie laid her cell phone on the coffee table, pulled an afghan over her body, and cried herself to sleep.

  ***

  Rick lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. Loud voices battered his room. Sounded like a real party tonight. He expected a DJ to start spinning songs or a band to warm up. Just how many firemen can fit in the apartment? Female voices joined the males. The high-pitched giggles set his teeth on edge. He rolled to his side and placed his pillow over his ears, but the noise continued to seep through. How he’d be able to sleep with all the joviality, he didn’t know.

  If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Rick slid out of bed and tugged on his track pants and a T-shirt. He padded over to the door and opened it. The living room looked like a scene out of Animal House. Beer bottles and red cups littered the tables. Men and women in various states of dress played cards at the dining table. Must be strip poker or the strangest game of Euchre. Pizza boxes competed with empty liquor bottles on the kitchen bar. At least, no one had a
cigar or cigarette lit up. Rick shook his head.

  “Hey, Cowboy. Want to sit in? Join the game?” Jon called out from the table.

  “No, thanks. Good luck, though. You don’t have much left to lose.” He chuckled as Jon flipped him off. The chief sat on the couch, screaming at the TV. He ambled over and plopped down on the other end.

  “Hey, Frank. Who’s playing?” Rick pointed to the TV.

  “Bears against Packers. Course the Bears are losing. Why did I put money on this game?” Frank lifted a bottle to his lips, took a swig, and then slammed it down on the table. “Ref! You going to call that interference?”

  Rick watched the game quietly. He enjoyed getting to know a different side of his boss. Usually quiet under pressure, Frank ruled the department as if it were a military exercise. All the firefighters and equipment were dispatched right to where they were needed for efficiency and maximum use. No messing around on duty, and no excuses. This side of Frank must be the way he blows off steam. Everyone needs a way to beat the job’s stress.

  “Game’s over!” Frank tugged his cap off his head and threw it on the floor. “So much for my lucky hat.”

  Rick elbowed his boss. “All the ref’s fault. They’d have won if not for those bad calls.”

  “Yea. You’re right.” His boss turned and studied Rick. “Are you enjoying DFD? Sure is different from wrangling horses.” He snickered.

  He paused, conflicted about what to say. “Yea. The guys are great. No one else I’d rather have at my back.”

  “I sense a but.” He waved his arm. “Go on.”

  “I miss my wife. The separation makes things a challenge.”

  “Understood. It’s why many of the guys here aren’t married. This job is tough on marriages in the first place with the long hours, always working holidays and weekends. Add in the life or death moments…” He pointed to the strip poker game. “Some guys find ways of coping.”

  Rick nodded. “Julie and I have been together for years. She’s good about the job stress. I wish she’d move closer. Downtown doesn’t have much to offer in affordable quality housing at this time. Hopefully, it will change.”

  “Yes, the town’s faced some tough financial times. Some politicians stole from the city or awarded contracts for bribes and paybacks. It affected everything from the streetlights to the schools and even the police force. We’re not immune. The average age of the engines is fifteen years old. A few are much older. We’ve taken to bringing tanker trucks with us to many jobs because the water system isn’t equipped or working in some areas. Do you know what it’s like to arrive at a fire and not be able to put it out?” He sighed and cursed under his breath. “It’s why I’m ready to get out. Retire and enjoy my time with my grandkids.”

  “One reason I took the job was so we could start a family. Julie works hard on the ranch, caring for the horses and training them. She’d have to cut back with a baby, which means hiring someone else.”

  Frank tilted his head. “And your schedule doesn’t help.”

  “Nope. Sleeping during the day, sometimes, on account of a swing shift or being gone for three days at a time, I’d be no help with the baby. She’d be, in essence, a single mom. I’d hate that for her. She deserves more. Would you believe I used to be a cowboy?”

  “What changed?”

  “Money. Raising horses is like being a published author. A passion, but it doesn’t pay the bills. The downturn in the economy hit everyone hard. I went back to work full time so Julie didn’t have to. But I did find another passion with the fire department. Now, I’m making a difference, and I feel good about it.”

  Frank patted him on the shoulder. “Real stand-up guy. That’s why I think you’d do right by this department.” He stood up and grabbed his empty bottle. “I’m going to go grab another beer. You want one?”

  “No, thanks. Since the noise level’s winding down. I’m gonna head off to catch some z’s. I don’t want to be hungover for the game tomorrow.” Rick picked up his boss’s hat and held it out. “Don’t forget your lucky cap. Good night.”

  “Night.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Bright sunlight shone across the living room and right into Julie’s face. Not ready to let go of her dream, she tugged the afghan up tight and squeezed her eyes closed. She’d been dreaming of holding a little boy, her and Rick’s son, as they walked through the barn. As the baby reached for the horses, his little cooing noises had her heart melting. Having Rick at her side with his arm around her, she’d felt safe and loved.

  Julie sighed as the dream evaporated. She couldn’t hold the images in her mind anymore. They’d begun to fade away, and no matter how hard she tried to reach them—

  She sat up abruptly and glanced around the room. Not the barn but her living room. And no Rick in sight. As she turned her head, she saw her cell on the table and recalled their phone sex before she’d fallen asleep. She shivered as she remembered Rick’s sexy breathless voice and grunts as he came. Reaching out, she picked it up and hit redial, calling his number. While he wasn’t here to wake up to, she still longed to hear his voice in the morning. She shrugged. Who knows? Maybe another round of fun.

  The call rang and rang before it went to voicemail. She hung up. Rats. Dialing once again, she hoped he’d only been in the bathroom. But after another six rings, Rick’s voicemail came on again. Three’s not a charm for me today. I’ll leave a message.

  “Hi, honey. Woke up and couldn’t get you off my mind. I wanted to share my dream from last night with you as I snuggle under the blanket. While it’s not our usual morning cuddles, I wanted to wake up with you. Give me a call back when you can. I know you have plans for the football game later today. Enjoy, and I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Disappointed, Julie shook off the blanket and stood. She glanced out the window. Sunshine, birds, big white fluffy clouds. Should be a good day. I’d better get dressed and head down to clean out the stalls and feed the horses. Picking up her cell, she hightailed it upstairs.

  An apple and a water bottle in hand, Julie headed out to the barn before the heat got too bad. When she slid the barn door open, the smell of horses and hay hit her nose. Many people hated the animal smells, but she had welcomed them all her life. She’d spent some of her summer breaks working at other ranches, mucking stalls and leading riding camps. Tugging the baseball hat off the wall, she slipped it on along with a pair of work glasses to keep the dust out of her eyes.

  Before cleaning, she checked in with each of the fifteen horses in her barn. While some ranches had many more, Julie prided herself on the quality of the quarter horses she bred. Pedigree meant something. She prominently displayed the horses’ awards and ribbons on the walls of the barn.

  “Good morning, Miz Charlotte,” she called out to the chocolate-brown filly in the first stall. As she wound her way down the aisle, she noted the temperaments of the animals today. Most were upbeat, swishing their tails and nodding as she spoke to them. But when she got to the last stall, Silver held his rear leg up, not putting any pressure on it. Julie reached into her pocket to call the vet, but her phone wasn’t there.

  Dashing back to the house, she found her cell in the master bathroom. She must have forgotten to grab it when she finished dressing. Sliding her finger across the screen, she noticed a voicemail and tapped on the icon.

  “Hi, darling. I’m sorry I missed your call. I must have been in the shower. We leave for the game a little earlier than I thought. Everyone’s going to a local brewpub for lunch before the game. I’ll text or call you later. Love you.”

  She chuckled at the sound of her husband’s voice. Just hearing from him lightened her mood, despite the problem with Silver.

  The vet answered on the first ring. “Hi, Preston. It’s Julie Tyler.”

  “Hi, Julie. How’s Silver?”

  “His back hoof is still giving him problems. We changed his shoes and checked his hoof yesterday, but now he’s refusing to use his leg altogether. Can you come by?”
<
br />   “Sure, Julie. I’ll swing by on my way back from The Heartsong Ranch. I want to check in on Cheyenne. She’s expecting again.”

  “They love her and treat her like family. I hope she doesn’t have any placenta issues this time.”

  “From your lips to God’s ears. See you this afternoon.”

  ***

  Julie had gotten all her barn work done and had just put a batch of banana bread in the oven, when she heard a truck in the drive.

  Her breath sped up for a moment. She’d imagined Rick coming home then realized her mistake. Setting the timer on her phone so she wouldn’t burn her bread, she jogged over to the barn.

  Preston exited his truck with his medical bag. “Hey. I got tied up or I’d have been here a little earlier.”

  She frowned at his words. “Oh? Was everything okay with Cheyenne?”

  He placed a hand on her arm and led her into the barn. “She’s fine. But Cinnamon had a scratch on her leg which needed tending. She’s been upset over the biting flies and found a place on the stall to rub herself. Sadly, a nail was poking through, and she dug a bit of skin out before she stopped.”

  Julie paused to allow her eyes to adjust to the lower light inside. “I’m glad it’s nothing serious. The horses are like our babies, so I’m sure Jake worried himself silly over an infection.”

  “You know him too well.” He chuckled.

  “Yes. We were in middle school together. I’m so glad he’s found happiness with Angela. They’re a perfect team. When I saw the article in the magazine about the ranch, I knew he’d finally made his dream come true.”

  “Got any good goofy stories about him?” Preston shifted his body from side to side like a child unable to wait for a treat.