Ride-along (Bounty County Series Book 1)

by Maren Lee

  They were seated at a booth in the far corner, making it easy for Justin to keep an eye on the doors. It was a habit he knew he wouldn’t quit any time soon, so he might as well set himself up so he could be comfortable while having this decidedly uncomfortable conversation.

  Chloe ordered a short stack of chocolate chip pancakes. Justin chose a full order of buttermilk pancakes and a side of bacon. Yeah, apparently science says that bacon causes cancer, but it was delicious and he was fuckin’ hungry. Just as he was about to start a rant about how the interior of the restaurant was dangerous from a tactical point of view, Chloe latched onto his leg with both of hers and gave him a wink and a smile, establishing the physical contact he needed to help motivate him to start talking.

  Sincerity was evident in her gaze. “Any time you’re ready, Jus’. I’m here to listen.”

  Just man the fuck up and talk to her, Hunt. He couldn’t stop the voices in his head from yelling at himself.

  “It’s nothing really. It’s just made me gun shy. Our relationship started like most relationships do. We met at a bar. We connected, we spent months being inseparable from one another. I thought she was the one, so I asked her to marry me because I thought I was at the age where I was supposed to ask my girlfriend to marry me. She hesitated at first, but eventually said yes. I should have known by her hesitation that it wasn’t meant to be.” He looked down at the table then locked eyes again with Chloe. “I was ready to set a date. Shit, I was ready to head to Vegas. But she always came up with an excuse to put it off another year.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Well, one year turned into five. When she finally agreed to a date, I honestly thought we were both ready for it. But…” he paused, closed his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I was wrong. She left me standing at the altar. Literally.” It still wasn’t easy to talk about.

  He opened his eyes and looked across the table. Chloe was a fucking angel. She looked at him with sadness in her eyes and as if he hung the stars in her sky. He knew the sadness was for him, but the thought of seeing her even remotely upset tore him to pieces. “Chlo’, don’t look so sad. It’s alright. I lived to tell the story and I’m a better man for it.” She nodded her head, but didn’t say a word, her lips pursed tightly together. “By the time I made it back to my place that night, she had already packed her shit and moved out.” Chloe looked shocked. “To make matters worse, shortly after the wedding that never happened, I found out she’d been fucking around on me for four years. I thought it was a little too convenient that she had somewhere to live right after she split, but I guess that happens when you have multiple boyfriends at a time, huh?”

  He let out small laugh. When he looked up at Chloe he couldn’t help but smile and he had a strange thought: if that horrible heartache had brought him to Chloe, then he was completely over Kristin and the shit she pulled.

  Chloe, on the other hand, looked pissed. “That fucking bitch!” she growled. “I can’t believe anyone would do that to you! I mean, just look at you!” Yeah, Justin was totally over Kristin.

  “Settle down, wildcat. I’m here and I’m happy and I’m better off without her.”

  Chloe hopped up from her side of the booth and slid in next to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’m sorry, babe. That would be terrible. I hope you know I’m not that kind of girl. And if I saw her on the street, if I knew what she looked like, I’d be on her like a spider monkey.”

  “I might show you a picture of her just so I can witness that someday.”

  Chloe laughed. “I’m tough. I could totally take her,” she boasted.

  “I am not doubting you, babe. And I know you’re not like her. In fact, you’re the first woman I’ve even come close to lo-… opening up to since Kristin.”

  Fuck, he almost said he loved her. Did he? Shit. He didn’t think he was quite ready for that.

  If Chloe noticed it, she didn’t give it away. “Justin, I can understand how that must have really hurt you. I don’t know how I would have gotten over something like that. So let’s just take it day by day, okay?”

  He sighed internally. “I can do that.”

  She gave him a quick peck on the lips and snagged a piece of bacon from him. Changing the subject, Chloe exclaimed, “We should go out tonight!”

  He didn’t go out very often, but he knew it would mean a lot to Chloe to do something out of the norm right now. He wouldn’t mind keeping her mind off of her predicament and their relationship at the same time. “The Sioux River Rodeo is going on. How about we head on down to the rodeo and then go out? Why don’t you see if Brenden and Sierra want to get a babysitter and go, too?”

  “That sounds awesome! I mean...as long as you don’t break up with me in the rodeo parking lot again,” she replied sarcastically and slugged him playfully in the bicep, reminding him that the rodeo was the site of the heartbreak one year ago.

  “I promise you, I will not be breaking up with you in the rodeo parking lot again. Well, I mean, as long as you aren't planning on breaking up with me in the rodeo parking lot.”

  “I presently have no plans to break up with you in the rodeo parking lot tonight.”

  “I’m not sure I’m comforted by your use of the word ‘presently,’ but I’m going to pretend you meant nothing by it and say, let’s go to the rodeo, sweetheart!” He smiled and kissed her temple.

  “Sweet! I’ll text Lane too!”

  Oh no. He had a gut feeling that this adventure might turn out to be a shit show. Jake was not invited.

  Chapter 13

  Chloe was so glad she packed her boots. She knew that there was going to be quite the variety of buckle bunnies at the rodeo tonight, so she wanted to look good. She was not ashamed to admit that she looked damn fine in her Miss Me denim mini skirt, teal and white fitted tank, with her brown Corral boots with the turquoise inlay. She opted to wear her hair up since she would be in a hot arena. It didn’t hurt that it would give Justin easier access to her neck, either, just in case he felt the need to get at her sweet spot. The thought made her ache for him. Fuck, I’m addicted to him.

  Justin came into the bedroom to grab his shoes and he about tripped over the rug. Outfit on point. Check. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

  "Chlo', how am I supposed to keep my hands off of you when you look so fucking tasty? Come over here, baby. Let's get that pretty hair messy,” he said as he practically mauled her, his hands immediately going to underneath her skirt and onto her ass cheeks.

  "Justin!” she squealed and pushed his hands away. “As much as I want you to be on me and in me right now, we are meeting people at the rodeo in literally 20 minutes! It would take me a lot longer than that to get my fill of you, handsome man of mine."

  "I like how that sounds."

  "Me too. But no time. Let's roll baby,” she said as she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the garage. "Are we taking the patrol vehicle or your truck?

  "Let's take my truck, that way I don't have to spend the whole night worrying about what might happen to it in the parking lot." Also, the truck had a bench seat. All the better for fucking you, my dear.

  "Sounds good." Chloe went to open her door.

  "Uh uh.” Justin stopped her. “I don't think so. I open the door for my girl." He opened her door and boosted her up. She slid in the passenger seat. "And that’s also a negative, sweetheart. One more seat over. My girl sits in the middle, right next to her man." Bench. Seat. Boom.

  "So chivalrous, Mr. Hunt," she teased.

  "Only for you, sweets." He left the bench seat comment to himself. He kissed her on the cheek, shut the door, and then ran around the front of the truck to the driver’s side. When Justin hopped in, he pulled her even closer to him. His right arm around his woman, his left arm on the steering wheel. He couldn’t stop smiling. He felt like a sappy country song, but he also felt like the luckiest man in Montana. As they pulled out of the driveway and drove toward the rodeo grounds, Justin had a thought that he kept to himself: he couldn’t
wait to do this with her every year and he couldn’t wait to take the kids with them.

  Fuck, Hunt. You’re in too deep.

  ➰

  The girls opted to sit in the row in front of the guys to make it easier for them to chat. Justin sat directly behind Chloe and made sure he was touching her most of the time. Either his fingers were in her hair or he was rubbing her shoulders or pulling her back to recline on his legs. It was the little things that were starting to get her back in the “maybe this is it?” mindset.

  Chloe was relieved that Lane fit in perfectly with everyone. She wasn't a fifth wheel at all. And Choe was super relieved when she watched her cousin Sierra fall in love with Lane. As soon as Sierra found out that Lane could drink and talk as much shit as she could, Sierra was a goner. Sierra whispered loudly in Chloe’s ear, “Who wouldn’t love her?!”

  Chloe shrugged and mouthed one word, “Jake.”

  Sierra rolled her eyes. “He’s a mess anyways. I like him, don’t get me wrong. But he’s a fuckin’ mess. She needs to stay away from that one. Did you hear me, Lane?” She yelled loudly, “Stay away from Jake.”

  “Oh trust me. He and I are a dumpster fire waiting to happen. Not gonna take my chances. I’m on the prowl for a hot cowboy!”

  As if on cue, it seemed to be that every cowboy in Montana walked by their seats. It was a nice bit of eye candy, but also made for great people watching, especially when Lane started wolf-whistling at them. Justin and Brenden took that moment to roll their eyes and excuse themselves to get everyone more beer. They were laughing at Lane’s antics, but Justin gave Chloe the “don’t even think about it,” look. She shook her head at him and then blew him a kiss as he walked away.

  Lane had all the cowboys looking in their direction, and for good reason: the cowboys liked what they saw when they looked at her. And they didn’t care she pissed off all the cops - it may have even been a bonus for them. Lane was gorgeous. She wore hip hugging light blue skinny jeans with black riding boots that were a soft black leather with a red zipper that went from the heel to the back of the knee. Her black collared shirt was unbuttoned just enough so that an onlooking might catch a glimpse of the cup of her emerald green bra (which matched the shade of her eyes perfectly tonight) and ample cleavage. It hugged her in all the right places. Her hair was up, with a few soft red strands framing her face. If Chloe were batting for the other team, Lane would definitely be the type of girl she would get down with.

  Just before the bull riding event began, Justin and Brenden returned with beers for everyone. And to everyone's surprise, Jake was trailing right behind him. Please no drama, please no drama. Chloe chanted to herself. Jake was not supposed to be here tonight.

  Justin looked at Chloe, pleading for mercy with his eyes hoping Chloe wouldn't bring up any of the events from last night. Like I would. Chloe wasn’t worried about that so much as she was worried about Lane and Jake causing a scene. She’d promised Lane that Jake would not be here tonight. She hoped that Lane didn’t think this was a setup.

  Jake slid into the seat next to Justin, so that Lane was sitting in the seat just in front of him, to the right. Chloe noticed Lane shift in her seat. Was it because being near Jake made her uncomfortable? Chloe leaned over to Lane, “You alright?”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Yes. But I can't blame you. He has a way of making a lasting impression.”

  Lane turned slightly and eyed him up and down, “That. He. Does.”

  Jake was still eying Chloe carefully. She turned around and ran her hand up his leg to his thigh and gave him a squeeze. Hopefully that was enough reassurance for him. She certainly wasn’t going to bring up last night in front of Lane! And she definitely wouldn’t after the conversation they had this morning. He grabbed her hand and squeezed and she knew everything was going to be all right.

  As the women continued their chit chat, a random blonde who looked like she worked at the local strip club bounded up the bleachers, with her big fake breasts bouncing in her tight white tank top. She stood right next to Jake, which caused Lane, Sierra and Chloe to turn around and stare at her as Jake pulled her onto his lap. She laughed in surprise, his action causing her to lose whatever ladylike composure she might have in her mini skirt (if she ever had any) and spread her legs on her way down to his lap. Good lord. Chloe could tell that the woman wasn’t wearing any underwear. And her coochie was completely bare. TMI! Lane whipped her head around quickly and muttered under her breath, “Skank.”

  Holy shit. Was Lane jealous? Nah, she couldn’t be, could she? Chloe really thought Lane wanted nothing to do with him. She would have never done what she had done last night if she knew that Lane actually wanted Jake. Chloe studied Lane’s face closely. She really did look irritated. Chloe refused to feel guilty, though. Fuck it. Lane’s a big girl. If she wanted some, she could get some.

  Bull riding ended, but Chloe’s buzz was just getting started. Sierra suggested they head on down to the Cadillac Ranch Club, one of the local watering holes. There was a unanimous yes. Well, it was almost unanimous. Brenden was not enthused (he was the Sheriff, after all). Justin could go either way. And, of course, Jake was all for it. His big breasted blonde companion had no objections. The men and Big Boobs began to walk away toward the parking lot.

  “I think I’m gonna head home, guys,” Lane said.

  “Noooooooooooo,” whined Sierra. “You have to come out with us!”

  “Seriously, Lane. Please come!” Chloe chimed in.

  “I’m not really feeling up to it,” Lane sounded depressed.

  “Lane. I know Jake wasn’t supposed to show up tonight, but we can find you a hot cowboy to two-step with and you can make Jake totally jealous!” Chloe exclaimed.

  “I’m swear to you, I am not interested in Jake. I don’t care if I make him jealous or not.”

  “Good, then it’s settled! You’re coming with us!” shouted Sierra. She wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Lane seemed to realize that and then reluctantly agreed. She was entitled to have fun and let loose every once in awhile. Dammit, Chloe was going to make sure she had a good time.

  So it was decided. They’d go for a drink.

  The girls caught up with everyone and then split up to drive to the bar. Justin held Chloe’s hand as they walked out to his truck. She knew that she shouldn't be nervous walking through the parking lot, but she couldn't help it. It was not exactly where her favorite memory took place. When they reached the truck, Justin followed her around to her side and opened the door for her, "Hey Chloe, I was thinking about this arrangement and I’m not sure I’m the right man for you." He said it with a twinkle in his eye.

  "Justin! That's not even funny!" she yelled as she slapped his arm.

  "Too soon?" he laughed.

  "You’re a dick," she faked her outrage.

  “I’ll show you my dick,” he responded. She stuck her tongue out at him as he walked back around and got in his side of the truck.

  "Chloe, slide on over here and spread those lips for me."

  The engine revved as he headed out of the parking lot.

  "How are you supposed to keep your eyes on the road while I’m kissing you, hot stuff?" she asked.

  He looked at her with the sexiest grin. She clenched her sex out of natural instinct.

  "No baby, not those lips." Her whole body flushed, she was instantly wet.

  She groaned. "You undo me when you talk like that, baby.”

  "Good. Now show me that pretty pink pearl. I want to feel you coming on my fingers. I need a taste of you before we get there." Oh those big, magic fingers.

  Chloe spread her legs and pulled her panties to the side.

  "All yours." She closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the ride.

  ➰

  The parking lot was full at the Cadillac Ranch Club. Nights like tonight always brought trouble, in Justin’s experience. He’d responded to his fair share of calls at this place. But he knew this was the right place t
o go if the Sheriff and two of his deputies were looking for a good place to take their women to let off a bit of steam. There would be enough people out that he probably wouldn't be recognized. Brenden, on the other hand, couldn't go anywhere without being recognized and getting his ear talked off. Justin had been around Sierra enough to know that it drove her crazy. She handled it as best she possibly could, but, unfortunately, when she reached her limit there was no graceful display of it. Hopefully Chloe wouldn't be influenced by any of Sierra’s bad manners.

  They picked a table on the left side of the bar so that they could see the entrance, exit, and walkway to the bathrooms. Sierra laughed when she realized what they were doing and said, loudly, “Hashtag cop habits!” Chloe laughed. Lane rolled her eyes. Brenden stepped outside to take a phone call while they all ordered a round of drinks.