Playboy Ever After

by Chance Carter

  “Ok, I’m ready. Go slow.”

  Donald didn’t move. Billy sighed and wondered where the gas pedal was on the beast.

  “Giddy up,” he said, remembering some of the old westerns he watched as a kid.

  The horse raised his head and flickered his ears but didn’t move.

  “Come on boy, let’s go!” he said, giving the reigns a little jolt.

  As if on cue, the horse started walking forward, causing Billy to slip in the saddle. He cursed quietly and adjusted himself. As promised, Donald was very patient and carried his rider tenderly across the field.

  After a while Billy was relaxed enough to take in the view around him. The horse walked at a comfortable pace, as he and his rider got to know one another.

  Billy was amazed at how intuitive the gentle animal was. He seemed to know exactly where Billy wanted to go, in spite of the awkward commands. He urged the horse west, toward the ocean. He wanted to see the shore for himself, and the piece of land that was so highly prized.

  The horse walked to the edge cautiously, as if expecting Billy to pull back on the reigns and signal him to stop. When the ocean came into view, Billy pulled in his breath and held it in.

  It was spectacular. The mid-afternoon sun glistened on the pristine water like millions of diamonds, boasting the value of the land. If Billy had any doubts about the property, they were gone now.

  People would pay through the nose to live here. It was a magical place.

  Billy dismounted and walked to the edge, the horse’s reigns in his hands. The tide was in so the beach was mostly hidden under the surf, but it was still approachable. He wanted to walk down the slope but he wasn’t sure what to do with Donald. He looked back at his horse. The animal pulled his head back as if to say I ain’t going down there.

  “Okay, okay. No worries, Buddy. We will just stay here and look,” he offered reassuringly.

  He gave the horse a hearty pat on his neck and could feel Donald relax under his touch. He turned around and took in the view for a few more minutes.

  Billy was a huge believer in the law of attraction. In fact, he attributed his success to it. You had to see what you wanted in the minds eye, and truly believe that the universe would move mountains, or in this case a stubborn woman, to make it happen.

  He could visualize the whole area, condos stacked in such a way to capitalize on the view for the home owners. He could see a common area with a pool and a stone stairway curving all the way down to the beach. The homes were going to be in high demand, he was certain of it.

  Billy’s stomach growled. He hadn’t eaten anything since early that morning and it was probably close to dinner. He wondered if there was any food at the lodge.

  “Come on Donald. Let’s go rustle up some grub,” he said playfully, imitating his new boss Joe.

  This time he was able to mount the horse easily, his confidence growing. The horse seemed to sense it too, and turned toward home as his rider directed the reigns.

  Alice was leaning against the fence, one boot up on the bottom rail, looking sexy as hell. Her hair was pulled back in a haphazard pony tail, as if she didn’t have time to fuss with it. She smiled at him as he pulled up alongside her. Billy felt himself unwillingly drawn to her, and smiled back warmly.

  “How was your ride?” she asked him, reaching up to steady the horse so he could dismount.

  He slipped his right leg easily behind him and let it fall to the ground, but his left foot got stuck in the stirrup and he stumbled ungracefully. Alice reached a hand out to support him.

  “You alright?” she asked as he steadied himself, freeing his foot from the hold.

  He hated looking like a novice in front of her, but when he met her eyes, he saw a playful gleam in them. He grinned back at her.

  “I’m good. No worries,” he said, assuring her. “Been a while since I have been on a horse.”

  Alice chuckled. He knew he wasn’t fooling her. She had been around horses all her life and could easily spot a green rider.

  “I thought you were going to chew gravel for a minute there,” she teased.

  He threw her a wink.

  “Well I am pretty hungry,” he offered playfully. “I was just going to see if I could find something to eat.”

  “I’m not sure the lodge has much to eat. Get cleaned up and come on up to the house. I’ll make us grilled cheese. I’ll go into town tomorrow and shop,” she offered kindly.

  Billy nodded.

  “That’s very kind of you. Let me take Donald here back to the stable and then if you don’t mind I’ll take a quick shower.”

  Alice pulled the reigns over the horse’s head and tightened her grip.

  “I got him. I’m going to towel him off and set him out to pasture. Go take your shower.”

  Billy watched Alice walking away, leading the horse to the barn, his eyes zeroing in on her curvy ass. He took a moment to visualize her in his bed, her strong thighs wrapped tightly around his waist as he thrust himself deeply into her. Although he hadn’t been on many horses, he had ridden his share of women.

  Forty-five minutes later, Billy was standing on the front porch, knocking on the old wooden screen door. His hair was still damp from his shower. He wondered if the after shave was too much, but he figured a little sex appeal couldn’t hurt.

  He waited for a few seconds and knocked again.

  “Come in, Billy!” Alice shouted from somewhere inside.

  Billy opened the creaky door. He stepped inside, expecting to see a rustic old farm house with ancient furnishings. Instead it was surprisingly modern. He walked down the hallway past the living room. A grand staircase went up through the center of the house. He could see pictures adorning the walls, sharing the stories of the family who had lived within.

  “I’m back here in the kitchen,” Alice beckoned.

  Billy made his way through the house, finding Alice standing by an old farm house sink.

  The kitchen had been tastefully renovated, but was still classic and comfortable, the way one would expect from old farm houses.

  Alice turned around and looked him up and down, assessing him. She smiled at him, warm and inviting. He ambled over to where she was standing.

  “Hi,” he said quietly.

  “Hi there. I’m just cleaning lettuce from the garden. Can you grab the salad bowl, over there?” she said, pointing at an open shelf.

  He did as she asked and returned it to her.

  “Thanks,” she said, taking the bowl from him. “How are you with a knife?”

  He smirked at her.

  “I do alright,” he admitted.

  “Perfect. Can you cut up the cucumber and tomatoes? Maybe finish putting this salad together. I’ll get started on the grilled cheese,” she instructed.

  He liked her assertiveness. It was refreshing knowing exactly what a woman wanted.

  He could smell the scent of the shampoo from her freshly washed hair as she slipped around him. Her hip brushed against him and he found himself genuinely aroused. He grinned and picked up the knife to finish chopping the vegetables.

  A few minutes later, Alice invited Billy to sit down. He brought the salad over with him and joined her at the table. The scent of her teased his senses once more as he sat in the chair next to her. She looked relaxed and happy without a care in the world. If she were his woman, he probably would have pulled her into a deep, sexy kiss, right then and there.

  She glanced up and caught him looking at her, his arousal evident. She blushed and broke his gaze, reaching instead for the salad bowl.

  For a split second, he worried that he might be coming on too strong. He didn’t want to spook her. He cleared his throat and poured himself a glass of water, and then one for her. He was relieved to see her nod and smile at him.

  “Help yourself,” she gestured to the platter of sandwiches.

  He was as hungry as he was horny, and since she was only offering the food, he gladly filled his belly.

  Chapter 5r />
  Alice

  Billy had rushed out right after supper so he could meet Joe on time. Alice enjoyed sharing a meal with him. His relaxed nature set her at ease and she found she could easily let down her guard and be herself. She knew he was being flirtatious and she didn’t mind. She just wasn’t sure how to reciprocate. She didn’t have much call for flirting these days.

  She was attracted to him, he was obviously a good-looking man. Their conversation had been light, but his intelligence was obvious. He asked her questions about the ranch and the day to day operations. She filled him in on the basics, not wanting to bore him, but he listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. This drew her in to him. She wished that they had more time to chat, and considered inviting him back later in the evening, but wasn’t sure it was appropriate. So, as usual, Alice played it safe.

  She finished the last of her chores, poured herself a glass of wine and took it out to the front porch. The sun was just setting. She sipped her wine slowly, watching the canvas of the skyline change from peach to amber with flecks of hot pink and purple lining the stratus clouds. It was still warm outside, but there was just enough of a breeze to keep her comfortable.

  Billy and Joe were just finishing up. She could see them talking by the barn, Billy nodding periodically as Joe shared his wisdom. She hoped that he would work out. Joe needed someone reliable to help lighten his load. He had taken on so much lately.

  Alice watched Billy walk toward the lodge, his hands in his pockets. Part of her wanted to call out to him, invite him to join her for a glass of wine and continue their conversation. She was curious about him and wanted to know more. She tried to summon up her courage, her heart beating a little faster under her ribs.

  Why was she so nervous?

  Billy opened the door to the lodge, stepped inside, and disappeared from her view. Probably for the best, she thought. She picked up her glass and went into the house.

  * * *

  The next morning Alice got up early and headed out to the barn. She had a buyer coming in a few hours to look at the horses. She anticipated that he would take two or three of her mares.

  Although it was always difficult to let her horses go, she could use the money. It was her job to train them and the hardest part of that was not getting too attached.

  Billy was in the barn, mucking out the stalls. He smiled at her when she walked in. He was shirtless and covered in dust, dirt and sweat, but he looked good to her. She strolled over to him and gave him a little smirk.

  “How is it going?” she asked playfully.

  He gave her a wink and grinned broadly.

  “Aside from the flies and the stench? Not bad at all. I could be faster,” he admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow.

  Alice offered him a reassuring touch to his forearm, in a weak attempt at flirting. He looked at her warmly.

  “Not to worry, it gets easier,” she said cheerfully. “Do you need a hand?”

  Billy sighed and nodded, a look of relief on his face.

  “That would be great. I still have those three stalls over there to get to and Joe will be here soon. I don’t want to piss him off,” he said with mock seriousness.

  “He will be fine. He knows there is a learning curve. Hand me the broom. You muck and I’ll sweep,” she offered, holding out her hand.

  Billy handed her the broom and for a brief moment their fingers touched. He held the broom for a second longer, forcing her to meet his gaze. She looked up and was met with his soft smile. She felt her body respond, a tingling sensation coursing from her fingertips to her toes and lingering on all the vulnerable spots in between.

  “Thanks, I appreciate that,” he said.

  Alice cleared her throat and looked away before he could see her blush. They worked together side by side, and got the job done quickly. As they finished putting fresh hay in the last stall, Joe walked in. Alice looked up and gave him a wave.

  Joe looked at Billy flatly.

  “If you are done in here, you can go grab yourself some breakfast and then get to work on the fence, down by the road,” Joe said, his voice direct but kind.

  Billy nodded at him and then turned to look at Alice. He hesitated, as though he wanted to say something to her. Alice gave him a curious look.

  “I think I may need to pick up some groceries. The cupboard is a little bare,” he explained.

  “Oh, I’m sorry about that. I plan to head into town later this afternoon and pick up some provisions for you. For now, head over to the house and help yourself. There is a pot of coffee made,” Alice offered.

  “Did you eat?” he asked her, hoping she hadn’t.

  Alice smiled. She didn’t usually eat breakfast, but the thought of spending more time with him was appealing. She looked at Joe. His lips were downturned, as though he disapproved, but he was too polite to say so.

  “I’m good, Billy. I have to get some horses ready for a sale today. The buyer is coming by just after nine. I’ll catch up with you later,” she said, hiding her disappointment.

  “No worries. I can manage. See you later,” he said, giving her a little wink.

  He nodded at Joe and walked out of the barn.

  “I think he will work out ok, don’t you?” Alice asked once Billy was out of ear shot.

  Joe shrugged his shoulders and sniffed.

  “Maybe,” he grumbled under his breath, causing Alice to chuckle.

  “Don’t be so grumpy. He seems like a hard worker and he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Give him a chance,” she encouraged. “Besides, he was in the right place at the right time, and that has to mean something. I didn’t get a chance to share this with you yesterday, but Matt assaulted me. Billy stepped in and stopped him before he could really hurt me.”

  “That right?” he asked, his brows raised.

  Alice nodded solemnly, recalling the moment.

  “Ya, Matt was pissed. If Billy hadn’t been there, I don’t know what he would have done,” she offered quietly.

  Joe inhaled thoughtfully and nodded his head.

  “I’m sorry that happened, Alice,” he said sincerely. “I feel real bad now that I wasn’t the one to boot his ass out of here.”

  “You couldn’t have known, Joe. Don’t trouble yourself.”

  She reached out and took his hand, reassuring him. Joe, never comfortable with affection, looked away and murmured to himself. Alice smiled and shook her head, releasing her grip.

  “We need the help, Joe,” she said with finality.

  Joe nodded, knowing she was right. The ranch was not huge, but it needed more than just the two of them to make it run. Alice always had big ideas but never enough hands to help. Since her parents had died she had been surviving, not thriving, and she was ready for that to change.

  * * *

  “Thanks for your business, Rick. I’m sure these three girls will work out well for you,” Alice said as she walked her client to his truck. “We will have them ready to go on Friday. Bring your trailer and Joe will help load ‘em in.”

  “They will do just fine, Alice. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”

  He winked at her. He stepped a little closer to her and put his arm around her. Alice smiled politely, trying to stay as neutral as possible, but she felt her shoulders involuntarily stiffen. Her instincts were to pull away, but at the same time, she didn’t want to offend him. This sale had to go through. She knew how to ride these rails. She had been down this path many times.

  “When are you going to finally say yes to a date with me, pretty Lady?” he asked her, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

  Alice chuckled uncomfortably and gently removed herself from his embrace.

  “Well, Rick, I suppose when your wife tells me personally that she wouldn’t mind.”

  Her words were light as she gently scolded him. Rick groaned playfully.

  “I got enough love to go around, Honey,” he said dropping his hand to his crotch, and offering her a toothy smile.

&nbs
p; Alice shook her head slowly.

  “Come on, you old horn-dog, get in your truck and take your love on home to Ginny,” she teased, opening the door of his truck. “Go on, now.”

  Rick slapped her ass before he slid himself behind the wheel, giving her a dirty laugh. She stepped back and gestured for him to leave, her smile stiff on her face.

  “See you in a few days,” he said, pulling away, his tires churning the gravel.

  “Goody,” she said under her breath, her smile fading.

  Alice walked back to the stables to find Joe, and told him which of the mares he needed to get ready and then strolled over toward the property boundary by the east gate, where Billy was working. She wanted to talk to him before she went into town. She wanted to find out if there was anything specific that he wanted from the grocery store.

  He was working diligently on a post, trying to secure it into the ground. He had his shirt off, tied around his waist, his muscles straining from the task. There was nothing hotter than a man hard at work, especially when he was half dressed.

  She imagined him wrapping those strong, tattooed arms around her and pulling her into a deep, delicious

  kiss. She could have watched him longer, her imagination driving deeper into the fantasy, had he not looked back and caught her staring at him.

  He straightened up and wiping his brow with the back of his hand, he threw her a sexy grin.

  “Hey there!” he called out, waving his hand at her.

  She looked away, embarrassed by her thoughts. She inhaled deeply, pulling herself together and walked down a slope to where he was standing. He had accomplished a lot in the short time he had been working. He was obviously better at construction than he was shoveling manure.

  “Looks great. I have been meaning to get to this for years,” she admitted examining the fence.

  He shrugged his shoulders and grinned.

  “This is kind of in my wheel house. It might take me a month to finish the whole thing, but it will be sturdy when I’m done. Should hold up for a few more years,” he assured.

  She nodded, grateful, and then looked up, catching his eye. He was looking at her thoughtfully, his eyes searching hers. She held his gaze, her curiosity leaping from wanting to know his story, to wondering how passionate a lover he would be, all in just a few short seconds. She wondered if her need was written on her face, and when she saw his brows raise, she was left with little doubt. She cleared her throat, and pulled her eyes away.