Playboy Ever After

by Chance Carter

  That’s how Alice’s needed to be dealt with.

  Lindsay opened the bathroom door, bringing William back to the present. He shook off his thoughts and smiled at her as she sashayed over to the bed. She landed in front of him and he reached up and placed his hands on her hips, resting his head onto the soft flesh of her belly.

  It was an intimate and uncharacteristic gesture, and she quickly pulled herself back. He wasn’t sure why he even did it.

  He chalked it up to feeling lonely. Thinking about his dysfunctional family earlier made him feel especially vulnerable.

  Embarrassed, he stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a playful smack on her ass, immediately redeeming himself.

  “Can I make you a coffee or a tea? Maybe a drink?” he asked casually.

  Lindsay smiled kindly at him but said nothing. Instead she located her shoes and picked them up. She gestured for the door with a nod, encouraging him to follow her. She led him out of the bedroom and casually made her way to the front door. This was her way of saying no, he supposed.

  “I have an early morning,” she said flatly, but not unkindly.

  William nodded, tucking his hands into his pockets.

  “Rain check on the coffee?” she asked, convincing no one that it would ever happen.

  “Sure,” he said with a smile, letting her off the hook.

  He didn’t want her to linger anyway, if he were being honest.

  “See you soon?”

  She leaned against the wall and carefully slipped into her heels.

  “Text me,” he answered without committing himself.

  She leaned in and kissed him quickly on the mouth, then turned and opened the door.

  “Take care.”

  She didn’t look back.

  William shut the door behind her.

  * * *

  “If we are going to have any chance at all of securing Alice’s ranch, we’ll have to find a crack in the foundation and exploit it. We have to get close to her and the ranch,” William explained calmly.

  James sat back in his chair and looked at William over his desk, his fingers tented under his chin.

  William continued.

  “I understand why you approached things the way you did, James, but obviously there is more to Alice White than either of us understand. I didn’t anticipate that she would fight back so hard, and neither did you. There is way more to this story, and to her, than meets the eye,” he said.

  James nodded in agreement, still resting his sharp chin on his fingertips, processing Williams words. James never rushed conversations and hated when people didn’t give him time to formulate his thoughts. This was probably why he was better with money than with people, William thought.

  “What do you propose, Will?” James asked, cocking his head to the side.

  William smiled wryly.

  “I propose that we find a way to infiltrate her farm for a few months, learn the ins and outs and get to know Alice better, build trust. We need to find out if there is anything she is unhappy about, anything causing her stress or grief. There has to be something we can exploit. Keep your friends close, James, but keep your enemies closer. Isn’t that how the saying goes?” he said, grinning puckishly at his business partner.

  James pursed his lips, inhaling slowly through his nose. William waited patiently.

  “I can see one small flaw in your plan, William,” James offered coolly. “She has seen everyone on our team. She walked in on our staff meeting, remember? Anyone who shows up at her door is going to set off alarm bells. She has proven herself to be pretty sharp.”

  William nodded in agreement.

  “Yes, I thought about that too. There is only one person that we can trust enough to get the job done, someone she has not met before,” he offered casually.

  James looked perplexed.

  “Who would that be?” James asked.

  William sat back in his chair and grinned widely.

  “Me.”

  “You? We can’t do without you for that long, William. And what do you know about ranches? Or horses?” James said, his voice raising several octaves.

  William raised a hand to calm him.

  “I know jack squat about ranching and even less about horses, but I have a good work ethic, tons of aptitude, and a strong back. That is ninety percent of what I’ll need, the rest I can Google,” he chuckled.

  William was never short on confidence, and his cockiness had always served him well.

  “As for the time away, I’m not concerned. We have everything running smoothly at the moment, and if anything pressing needs my attention, I can do it remotely. This is the twenty-first century, James. People don’t communicate using smoke signals and snail mail anymore. I can do my job just as effectively from this swanky office as I can from a dusty old barn, as long as I have WiFi,” he said, offering a reassuring smile.

  James shrugged and shook his head, always the pessimist.

  “I don’t know,” he said, squirming in his seat. “Seems like a lot of effort.”

  “With great effort comes great prosperity,” William offered with a smirk, making a mental note that he had maxed his quota on cheesy quotes for the day.

  James didn’t seem to mind and in fact, he seemed to perk up hearing the word prosperity. Typical money man.

  “So, let me get this straight,” James surmised. “You are planning to show up at her ranch, looking for a job, and hope that she hires you. You are going to work your ass off as a ranch hand, something you know absolutely nothing about, all the while trying to cozy up to the boss in hopes that she will divulge all of her secrets and woes to you? And then you are going to take all the information you learn and somehow use it against her so that you can manipulate her into unloading her beloved ranch to Hunter-Johnson. And you plan to do this all within a few months?”

  William nodded, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. James sat back.

  “Well, if anyone can do it, Will, you can. When do you plan to make this happen?”

  “As soon as possible. I’ll do a little research and visit her by the end of the week. It is early-June now. I figure by mid-August I can cause just enough havoc to put an end to this once and for all. Alice will sell us the ranch, I promise you. I always get what I want.”

  William flashed James a cocky smile.

  “Well, first she has to hire you,” James said with much less confidence.

  “Come on, how could she resist this?” William quipped, gesturing his hands up and down his torso.

  James smirked.

  “Pffft. She’s probably not into pretty boys. You are going to have to toughen up a little. Lose your razor for a few days. Trade in the Armani suit for some dungarees.”

  William laughed heartily.

  “No one says dungarees, James. Jesus. How old are you?” he said, tossing a pen at his partner in mock disgust.

  James picked up the pen and put it in the pocket of his suit.

  “Old enough to know that this cockamamy plan has very little chance of succeeding,” James clucked.

  “Nothing ventured nothing gained,” Will said.

  Chapter 3

  Alice

  Alice woke up early every day, but it wasn’t often she got a chance to ride first thing. She was too busy.

  She took a leisurely stroll over to the stables, taking the time to appreciate the golden light of the sunrise dancing over the fields and the dew sparkling on the grass. It was moments like this when she could feel her parents around her. She missed them, yet her heart was filled with gratitude. She took in the moment, inhaling deeply the earthy scent of the ranch perfuming the air around her. She deeply enjoyed the solitude of mornings.

  Alice stepped into the stable and walked over to Sadie’s stall. She loved this creature. She had been her best friend and confidant for over ten years. Her father had given Sadie to her on her eighteenth birthday, and she loved her as though she were her child. Sadie had seen her through all the tears, the la
ughter, all her heartache and joys. She trusted this animal with her life and if Sadie could talk she would agree wholeheartedly.

  “Hi, Sadie. Hey, pretty lady. What’s happening? You want to go for a ride?”

  Sadie’s head reached over the gate and she nudged her muzzle into Alice’s hand. Alice gave her a gentle scratch behind her ears and then pushed her forelock to the side, giving her a kiss. Sadie was a mustang, a red dun mare, and the most beautiful horse Alice had ever seen in her life. Her hide was buckskin with a red dorsal stripe adorning her back. Sadie’s mane and tail were a gleaming auburn, which was fitting given the mare’s feisty temperament. She was a regal animal, but she was also playful and had a silly sense of humor.

  Alice offered Sadie an apple to chew on while she tacked her up. Once everything was secure, Alice led her out of the stable and mounted her.

  “Come on, Lady. Let’s go see the ocean,” she clicked.

  Sadie walked her carefully out of the yard and then broke into a trot when the trail opened. She knew exactly where Alice wanted to go. The morning air was cool but the sunshine on Alice’s back kept her toasty warm. She giggled, enjoying the wind in her hair. It was liberating. It didn’t take long to reach the coast. Sadie slowed down as they reached the embankment. She didn’t like walking down the slope, as the shale was often slippery. Alice slid off Sadie’s back and flipped the reins over her head to lead her down the path.

  “Come, Sadie, I got you,” she urged, reassuringly.

  Sadie followed her, carefully picking her way along. Once they reached the bottom, the beach appeared and they had room to explore. Alice saddled up and they proceeded in a gentle canter.

  The tide was low and would be for at least another hour or two. This part of the coastline was relatively flat and free of large rocks and boulders. The sand was a silky gray black color, unique. She knew why developers wanted her ranch so desperately. Most of the properties in the area that butted up to the ocean were quite rugged with steep cliffs and dangerous drop offs. Her land was the only property to have access to the beach and ocean. She was certain that was why her grandparents fell in love with the property. It was almost always isolated because no one had access to it.

  Vacation properties and seaside homes were in demand and half the coastline north of San Francisco was already being re-developed. People were paying big bucks for views like hers, and access to an undisturbed and pristine beach was irresistible. They offered her twice what the property was worth, but she couldn’t let it go. It was mornings like this, riding Sadie, the waves lapping against the shoreline with majestic eagles perching high up in the cliffs, that she knew she could never leave.

  Everything about this land fed her soul. She was certain if she left she would slowly starve to death.

  * * *

  Alice took off Sadie’s tack before letting her loose in the corral and made her way into the barn.

  When she arrived she was met by Joe, her lead hand. He wasn’t happy and Alice approached him cautiously.

  “What is it now?” she asked nervously, placing the saddle down.

  “It’s that young hand again. Matt. He was scheduled to do the early morning feeding and mucking, but I guess he tied one on again last night. I could’ve sworn he was still drunk when I hauled him out of bed this morning. Anyway, he wasn’t fit to do the work, so, I did it for him.”

  Joe shook his head, taking his gloves off and shoving them into his back pocket. Alice sighed, her frustration obvious.

  “I don’t know what to say, Joe. I’m sorry. I know that it’s always you who steps up when others fuck up. You know I appreciate it. You’re the best.”

  “This is the third fucking time in a month,” Joe offered flatly. “I think it’s time to let him go.”

  Alice nodded. He was probably right, but she had just lost two others who up and quit after talking to Hunter-Johnson. She was short-handed with no real prospects to take their place. On the other hand, she couldn’t have unreliable help on the ranch. These were living and breathing animals and they needed consistent care and attention.

  “Ok Joe. I’ll talk to him. Where is he now?” she asked.

  Joe gestured towards the back of the barn.

  “He’s in lodging. I’m pretty sure he passed out again,” Joe said, crushing out his cigarette.

  Joe was more than just an employee. He was a loyal friend and a hard worker. He had been a fixture on the ranch for eighteen years. Alice and Joe’s dads were best buddies, and her father hired Joe right after high school.

  Alice had been eleven when he first arrived, and of course she’d had a school girl crush on him. He was handsome when he was younger, but incredibly shy.

  Alice used to mistake his shyness for coldness. He rarely spoke to her, but she was just a kid, and of no interest to him. Over time Alice outgrew her crush and instead replaced those feelings with genuine admiration and respect. He had proven his worth time and time again. She couldn’t imagine life on the ranch without him.

  Alice made her way to the staff lodge, determined to set things right. It would be difficult letting him go, but it was the right thing to do. She needed people she could count on, even if it meant managing shorthanded for the time being.

  She walked in the front door, knocking sharply as she did. Walking down the hallway to his room, she called out but no one answered. His bedroom door was open a crack and she gently pushed it wider, poking her head in.

  Matt was sleeping face down, softly snoring into the pillow. She walked over to him and kicked the bed with her boot. He stirred, but didn’t wake up. She shook his shoulder and he looked up.

  “Morning, Sunshine,” she said scornfully. “Time to wake up.”

  He rolled over, taking a moment to adjust his eyes. Alice stood tall, her hands on her hips and waited.

  “Shit,” Matt cursed.

  He sat up, cradling his head in his hands. Alice let out a long, drawn out sigh.

  “I’m guessing I don’t have to explain why I’m here,” she stated flatly.

  Matt looked up at her shaking his head.

  “You think I fucked up,” he offered coarsely.

  Alice nodded.

  “Yeah, you did. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time. Joe told me that this is the third time he’s had to cover your ass in less than a month. It’s not right, Matt. He has his own work to do,” she scolded.

  Matt shrugged his shoulders as though he were being reprimanded by his mother for not cleaning his room.

  “I need to count on my hands to do the job I’m paying them to do without constant supervision.”

  Matt shrugged again, keeping his eyes on the ground. She stopped talking, her silence an invitation for an explanation. He didn’t offer one. She sighed again.

  “It’s time for you to go, Matt. Pack up your things and be gone this afternoon,” she ordered.

  She turned to leave when he finally he spoke up.

  “You can’t fire me, Alice. You fucking need me. We both know you’re completely fucked since Chuck and Donnie moved on. I’ll just take a quick shower and then I’ll get to work.”

  He stood.

  Alice turned back around, considering his arrogant tone. He wasn’t wrong but enough was enough.

  “I don’t need you, Matt. We’ll make do,” she said. “I’ll have Joe give you your last pay before you leave, minus today of course. You can go see him after you get your shit packed.”

  She turned and walked away.

  “Fucking bitch,” he mumbled as she walked out the door.

  She paused but refused to dignify the insult with a reply.

  When she got outside she leaned again the wall and let out a deep breath, shaking her head. Joe came around the cornered ambled over to her. She offered him a weak smile. He put his hands in his pockets and gave her a quizzical look.

  “It’s done,” she said flatly. “He will be around for his last pay check. Give him money for a taxi.”

  Joe spat and shook his
head.

  “Nah, you don’t have to do that. He won’t appreciate it,” he grumbled.

  “No, probably not, but it will make me feel better,” she smiled gently at him. “I know you think I’m a pushover, Joe, but he is just a kid. It is tough enough losing your job, maybe an act of kindness will soften the blow.”

  Joe nodded and reached out to pat her on the shoulder. It was a rare thing for Joe to show affection and it caught Alice off guard. She must have had an astonished look because he pulled his hand back quickly. She reached out and took his hand to reassure him, causing him to look down. If she didn’t know better she would have thought he was blushing.

  “You are a good woman, Alice,” he complimented her quietly under his breath.

  She tapped his hand and smiled at him, appreciating his words. He was like a brother to her and his approval was meaningful.

  “I’ll take care of it,” he promised.

  “Thanks, Joe. I appreciate that.”

  And she meant it.

  * * *

  Alice had just finished putting some horses out to pasture when she saw an old, black Ford pick-up pulling up the lane.

  It wasn’t unusual for people to come and go throughout the day, but she didn’t recognize the truck. It pulled around to the barn, and parked in front of the office. Whoever it was sat in the truck, waiting. She closed the pasture gate and headed over to greet him.

  When she was about halfway there, Matt cut in front of her, his rucksack in hand. He looked agitated. She looked around for Joe but he was nowhere in sight.

  “Matt,” she said calmly, “did Joe take care of you?”

  He nodded, his eyes filled with anger. She was intimidated but she refused to show it.

  “You’re making a mistake,” he said, not holding back his aggression.

  Alice kept her face expressionless.

  “You didn’t think this through.”

  He spat and then moved in uncomfortably close, but Alice held her ground.

  “I’m sorry, Matt. I’ve made up my mind,” she said, her voice unwavering.

  He dropped his bag and reached out for her, grabbing her collar with both hands. She was shocked by the assault, and suddenly very frightened. She tried to pull back but he yanked her forward, shaking her in the process. His eyes were bloodshot and filled with rage. He shook her back and forth, contemplating his next move. She struggled to get away, but he wouldn’t let go.