Always On My Mind: A Bad Boy Rancher Love Story (The Dawson Brothers Book 1)

by Ali Parker

  David squeezed my hand. “You okay? You haven’t said two words since we left.”

  “I was just thinking that maybe I should go or perhaps stay someplace else. Your daddy didn’t seem too pleased with me being around.” I sank in the seat, drawing my knees up a bit.

  “Oh, that’s just how he is. He tries to be a hard ass, but he’ll come around.” He gave me a quizzical glance. “If you’re having second thoughts about all of this, just say the word, Sarah. I’ll understand. You have your own life, your job, and probably much better things to do than milk cows and gather eggs.”

  I thought about my impulsive return and hoped I hadn’t placed more of a burden on him than he’d bargained for. I didn’t want to be a distraction, and maybe he was hoping I’d bow out so he didn’t have to admit it. “If you think I’m in the way or it’s too much having me around, I understand.” I tossed my hair across my shoulder and shifted in my seat angling toward his direction. “I just don’t want to put another burden on you.”

  “You don’t. And I want you here. I think you’re doing a great job and I’m glad you’re helping. Don’t let Dad upset you. You heard Mama. She’s happy you’re here and that you’re helping out. That peace of mind alone is going to help her heal so much faster.”

  I relaxed a bit, but still worried if two weeks would be enough time to get him to Rowena’s. His mother was out another three weeks, at least. I felt horrible that deep inside I was worried over the deadline. I didn’t want to let David know because he would surely think I was only helping his family to try and get him to sign with us, and though part of me was concerned for that, my heart truly was in the right place. I needed David to feel good about his life when he did pursue his dreams. I wanted it to be in the right time for him, even if there was a huge chance his timing was going to shoot me in the foot. I kept hoping that being there I could control it, but I didn’t want him worried over that. He had enough burdens and I hoped like hell I wouldn’t become one of them.

  “I want to be here. I do. I just hope I’m helping and not in your way.” I lay my head on his shoulder and looked out to the road ahead.

  ***

  We arrived at his house and found his brothers working horses in the round pen. David went out to join them while I went in the house to put the casserole I’d made into the oven. I had enough time to freshen up while it baked.

  After drying my hair and pinning it back, I hurried downstairs fearing I’d missed my timer.

  Mason’s voice boomed out from the family room, “I didn’t think I’d be gone that long. It was one time and I won’t let it happen again. Don’t go getting your panties in a twist.”

  I found him and David face to face with one another, as if they were arguing and about to trade punches. David postured over his younger brother. “It’s just a fucked up time for one of your stunts.” Mason’s eyes met mine across the room and David glanced over his shoulder to see me ducking out.

  I went to the kitchen as they continued their argument in a much calmer tone and beat my timer with a minute to spare. Before it sounded, Mason walked into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of tea.

  “Sorry you had to see us that way.” He turned the glass up, taking a long pull.

  I shrugged and pulled the casserole out of the oven. “It’s none of my business.” I placed the hot dish on the stovetop.

  Mason approached leaning in to smell it. “Wow, that smells amazing. You know those dumplings were really good too. Who taught you to cook?”

  “Thanks, I’m glad you liked it. My grandmother taught me a little here and there.”

  “Do you have a big family too?” He took the stack of plates from the cabinet as I heard the others walking through the next room to go get cleaned up for dinner.

  David entered the kitchen and approached the stove to see what I’d made. I smiled, but turned my attention back to Mason. “No, it was just me and my mom, but she’d leave me with Grams for the weekend, and we both loved to cook Sunday dinners for friends and neighbors.”

  “Well, I’m sure glad she taught you.” He carried the tea to the table along with the stacks of plates.

  David grabbed the oven mitts and carried the dish to the table. “It shouldn’t take me long to get ready, I’d like to head up to Kinsey’s a tad early. I want to help the boys in the band get their equipment set up. I feel bad about bailing on them before.”

  Mason stood in the doorway as I turned to respond. “Sounds good. I won’t be much longer. I need to fix my hair and change, but I’ll hurry.”

  He pulled me into his arms and closed his hands behind my back, resting them on my ass. “No rush.”

  Mason took his place at the table and we did the same. “Hey, are you and the others coming to see your brother sing?” I smiled at David, but found him frowning. “What’s the matter?” I glanced between the two of them as Ted and Luke came into the room and found their chairs.

  David waved his hand dismissively before grabbing a spoon and serving himself some dinner. “They never come.”

  “Never?” I gave Mason a wide stare.

  Mason sighed. “I’ll come out tonight if you want.”

  David adjusted in his chair. “If you want. I’d love to have you all come.” He seemed uncomfortable and I hoped it wasn’t that he didn’t want his family to see him sing. I hadn’t realized they didn’t ever go see him. I hoped he wasn’t feeling obligated to include them all in the invite.

  Luke covered his plate with his dinner. “I’ll go, what about you, Ted?”

  “Sure. Why not? I can’t remember the last time we were all at Kinsey’s at once. The damned place might just implode.”

  As we shared a laugh my heart was full. David’s worried expression, turned to one of joy.

  We drove out to Kinsey’s ahead of his brothers and I pulled up a stool at the bar and watched David across the room with his drummer setting up their sound equipment.

  I smiled as Lucy tossed her rag across her shoulder and approached. “I guess we owe you some special thanks.” She extended her hand and I took it giving it a shake. “I hear you’re responsible for getting our David to come back to us. It wasn’t the same around here the past few days.”

  “Well, I’m glad that he’s back too. He’s way too good to quit.” I stared across at him as he checked his mic and then smiled in my direction.

  Lucy leaned in close. “Can I get you something?”

  “A beer would be great, thanks.” Before she could turn around to grab my beer, the smell of Norm’s strong, pungent aftershave wafted in the air around me. I tensed and sure enough he sat down next to me.

  “It’s good to see you again, Sarah. I hope you didn’t mind me giving David your last name, but I didn’t think you’d mind.”

  “Thanks, Norm, and no, I didn’t mind.” I kept my eye on David who had his back turned to tune his guitar, still testing the equipment. I didn’t want there to be any sort of confrontation with Norm, with it being David’s first night back, especially since his brothers would be showing up soon to finally watch him sing.

  “I just wanted to apologize to you. Beer’s on me. Sorry for the trouble.” He hurried away and Lucy placed my beer in front of me.

  “I’ll put this on his tab.” She winked.

  It was five minutes till show time when his brothers filed in each dressed in crisp starched jeans, button-downs and boots. I waved them over and after they ordered, Ted suggested we get a table.

  As we settled, the old man approached the mic. “How’s everybody doing tonight?” The patrons shouted out and he waited for them to die out before he continued. “I’m so happy to welcome back this young man and his band, Davey and the Boys.”

  Everyone clapped and David shook his head and approached the mic as the old man limped away. “David.” He shook his head and strummed his guitar. “I’m glad to be back, sorry I missed you guys. I just want to say I’m happy to have my brothers here tonight as well as a very special lady, Sarah. This
first song is for my Mama, as some of you know she’s in the hospital. This is to wish her a very speedy recovery.”

  We clapped with the others and Mason and Ted let out a whistle. Luke stood clapping, though he still held his beer in one hand. He sat down beside me as David broke into song. His voice was even smoother and it gave me chills how perfect his tones were. I wished Rowena was there to hear him and even his mother and father. They’d be so proud.

  Luke leaned in toward Mason. “Damn, he’s better than grandpa.”

  Mason nodded. “He’s got the gift for sure.”

  Ted leaned in toward my ear but I kept my eyes on David whose presence on stage commanded attention. “You have to get him to Nashville. He’s too good not to go.”

  I was surprised it was Ted that was telling me this considering if David left, most of the burden would be placed on him. “I’m trying. It’s just bad timing and I don’t want to pressure him.”

  “I understand that, I mean, I don’t want him to leave for good or anything, but it seems like there has to be a way to do both.”

  “Well, if I can get him to my boss in Nashville before the next week is over, his future would be secure. I’m sure she’ll sign him.”

  “Hell, why don’t you do it yourself?” With that statement, Ted leaned back in his chair and took another swig of his drink as I looked over my shoulder, letting his words sink in.

  Why didn’t I just do it myself? All of it? My heart and mind raced at the idea. But then I considered what it would mean for us. It would be much more of a struggle, much more hard work than even I was prepared for. I’d considered branching out on my own every so often, and though I knew the business, I also knew what a risk it would be. I couldn’t expect David to take such a risk. No matter how exhilarating the idea.

  The thoughts stayed with me through the rest of his set and then he came to join me and his brothers who welcomed him with cheers.

  He pulled me into his arms and kissed me. “Thanks for being here. All of you.”

  “You bet, man. Great job, brother.” Luke patted his back as Mason excused himself from the table to greet a thin redhead who was walking in the door.

  Ted kicked back in his seat and waved Lucy over. “Bring us a round, on me.”

  A slow song came on the jukebox and David took my hand. “Let’s dance.” He pulled me to the floor and spun me around before pulling me in close. “So what did you think?”

  “I thought it was amazing. How did it feel?” He held me tight against him, our knees crossing with each step.

  “It felt great, especially knowing that my brothers were here. Thanks for that. I’ve asked them before but they’ve never come out when I’m singing.”

  “That’s hard to believe, but it’s their loss. I’m glad they finally came around too.”

  “So, what’s Nashville life like? I mean, if I do sign, what could I expect.”

  I met his gaze thinking about what his brother had said. Even if I didn’t do everything myself, there was no good reason we couldn’t have everything we wanted out of life, especially if he wanted to be together. Given that, any amount of traveling and extra work would be worth it. “I think we could have whatever we want.” I pulled my lips in a straight line, embarrassed that I had insinuated a life together. “I mean you. You could have whatever you want.”

  “I kind of like the sound of we,” he whispered against my ear and goosebumps prickled along my arms.

  “I think you’d be big. I know it would be an adjustment, but with the money you’d be making, you could take care of your family in other ways. Once things get lined out, you can even choose your own schedules.” I knew that last part would rub Rowena the wrong way, but with me in charge of him, I’d see to it that he got everything he wanted.

  “It all sounds wonderful. When things get lined out, we’ll see. No promises right now. It wouldn’t be fair and I don’t want to make one and go back on it.”

  I gazed deep into his eyes and saw the future we could have illustrating in my mind. “No promises. But I’m not giving up on you.” As the song ended, he spun me around and dipped me so far my hair was only inches from the floor. I screamed with exhilaration, hoping he’d never let me go.

  Chapter 23

  David

  Sarah’s dainty feet rubbed against my leg as she turned over. She slept so sound I didn’t think she was awake like me. I’d woken up minutes before, hard and ready, and though it was tempting to wake her with my cock pressing hard into her tight little ass, I resisted the urge so far, allowing her rest, but I wasn’t sure what the next few minutes would bring.

  A knock at my door wasn’t quite what I expected, and when it cracked open and Luke poked his head in, allowing the aroma of coffee and bacon to drift inside my room, I sat up, seeing that Sarah’s bare breasts were modestly covered.

  “What the hell, Luke?” I whispered over Sarah’s sleeping body.

  “Dad’s home.” He glanced at Sarah who stirred.

  I didn’t waste any time, my erection was gone just like that, so I found my shorts I’d dropped on the floor and slid them on as he shut the door. I crossed the room and threw the door open to hurry out and found Luke in the hall.

  “What’s he doing here? How’s Mama?” I got a sinking feeling in my gut when Luke shook his head.

  “I didn’t make it down there yet. I saw his truck out my window and went straight to your room. What if something horrible happened to Mama?” The panic in Luke’s eyes soured in my stomach.

  “Let’s get down there. I’m sure it’s nothing. He might just be home to take a break.” We both knew that was highly doubtful. Our dad didn’t want to leave Mama’s side for a minute, but I was trying to be positive.

  We ran down the stairs and heard Dad cough from the kitchen. Sure enough that’s where we found him. He was sitting at the bar on the other side of the counter, with his arms folded in front of him. Hot coffee steamed from the mug in front of him and there was a plate of bacon too.

  I took a deep breath. “Dad, is everything okay?”

  “No, it ain’t okay. I tried to call last night but no one answered. They sent me away.” He balled his fist and covered his mouth. His cough sounded horrible. “They said I could make her sick since her immune system is compromised.”

  “But Mama’s okay?” Luke asked.

  “Yeah, she’s fine. I had a slight fever, but thanks for asking. I had your Aunt Patty come up to sit with her. She’ll be staying until I get better, but I’d hoped I’d reach one of you boys so I didn’t have to sit in the damned lobby all alone while she drove the hour in.”

  “Sorry, we were all at Kinsey’s. I had a gig.”

  Dad uncrossed one arm and grabbed his coffee. He didn’t have anything to say about that and I figured it was a good thing.

  Luke fixed himself a cup of coffee and stood at the counter with dad. “You think it’s a cold or the flu?”

  “I think those damned nurses keep it too cold in that place. I complained that I was freezing and they brought me a damned warm blanket. They do that so they can charge you more money. What the hell did I need with a blanket, I asked her. I wasn’t going to sleep. Not with all that damned noise and them coming in to wake her up at three a.m. to ask her how she’s sleeping. Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous?” He coughed again and then quickly sipped from his mug.

  With his temper, I had a feeling the nurses had used that cough as an excuse to get rid of him. “Well, I’m sure Mama will be okay.” I didn’t want to tell him that she’d probably be better off without him around making a menace of himself. He meant well, but he’d never been much of a people person. Hell, I wasn’t sure if he liked his kids most of the time.

  He pushed the plate of bacon forward. “I came in a few hours ago but I couldn’t sleep. I got up and made some breakfast.” He downed the last of his coffee and stood. “I’ll be out in the office.” As he walked outside Ted and Mason came downstairs.

  “Is that Dad w
e heard?” asked Ted.

  “Yeah, Mama’s okay, he got sent home with a cold. Mama’s immune system is down. He’s on his way out to the office.” I poured a cup of coffee and stood next to Luke.

  Ted’s eyes widened and I realized why seconds later as Dad screamed curses in the distance.

  Ted shook his head. “Shit. We better get out there.”

  As we headed out, Sarah came down the stairs and followed. She was gorgeous despite her messy hair, in her little tank top and shorts. She stopped next to me as Dad barreled out of the office and into the yard. “What in hell did you boys do to my office?”

  I stepped forward. “We did it. It was the only way we could figure out where everything was.”

  “I had a system. Now what am I supposed to do? I can’t find anything.” Dad kicked the dirt and balled his fist.

  Ted let out a sound of frustration. “It’s better this way. We’ll show you where everything is and while we’re at it, we’re going to need to find a better system; something more up to date than all that paper and ink.”

  I braced myself for Dad’s reaction. Ted knew this was going to be a touchy subject and I wasn’t ready to go there with the old man. Not yet, especially with him sick and still mad about being away from Mama.

  Dad bowed up to Ted, his knuckles white and his face red. “This is my damned farm, boy. And I’ll say how it’s run and how I do business. If I want that office piled with trash by God, I’ll pile it with trash. You come out here running things for a few days and think you own the damned place.” He spun around and gave me a hard stare then he glared at Sarah and suddenly his red-faced anger turned pale as embarrassment washed over him. My face reddened too. I couldn’t believe Sarah had to see it, but I knew that my dad was only upset over the hand he’d been dealt. Hell, we were all upset.