by Ali Parker
He finished fucking me, and collapsed beside me in a beautiful heap. I lay limp in splendor not wanting to move an inch to destroy the bliss I felt. The smell of sex was heavy in the air around us, and my stomach growled reminding us both that we hadn’t had dinner.
He traced tiny circles against my stomach, and I realized the blazer and camisole were both bunched up behind me. “We’ve both worked up an appetite, it seems.”
I rolled over to face him, still hanging on to the mellow feeling that had yet to fade completely. “I need a shower.”
“I say we go right for the food and then we can take a nice long bath.” He rolled away and got up only to turn and grab my hand and give it a tug.
I wanted to protest, but I knew the afterglow would soon fade in his absence anyway. I forced my lazy muscles to respond as he pulled me to my feet and then he left me while he stepped into the bathroom. I found my panties and stripped off the wrinkled blazer. I’d have to take it to the cleaners, but it was so worth it. He’d given me my confidence back about wearing them. As long as he liked them, that was all that mattered.
Minutes later David joined me in the kitchen where I had already filled the countertops preparing dinner. He perused the ingredients and then leaned against the counter beside me.
“What can I do to help?”
“You can wash those peppers or chop onions, you decide.” He went for the peppers and once they were clean he chopped the onions too.
“What are we having?”
“Stuffed pepper.” I glanced his way unsure of his silence. “I guess I should have asked if you like them.”
“I’m sure I will, I eat everything. It’s part of growing up on a farm I guess.”
“Well, I’m afraid I don’t usually eat as good as you do back home. I’ll have to adjust and expand the grocery list.”
“I’ll pitch in. I’m sure I’ll eat more than you.” He embraced me from behind as I stood at the stove browning some ground meat. “Although, you do eat more than I expected for a tiny little lady.”
“Well, I’m glad my appetites surprise you.” I tilted my head as he kissed my neck. Once again heat blossomed in my core and I grinded against him.
“Mhm, that’s the appetite that impresses me.” He pressed his length against my ass and it was already hard and ready again.
“You better stop or we won’t get to eat.” He pulled me closer and kissed my neck, slipping his hand around front to pat the front of my panties. “You’re so bad.”
“I’m hungry.” He breathed the word against my neck. I wasn’t sure what type of hunger he was speaking of, but I had a pretty good idea. I wasn’t going to let him distract me from my mission of getting us both fed. Our other appetites could wait. I nudged him back and he moved to stand against the counter next to me.
“So what do you think about the cabin?” he asked, reaching to brush my hair back across my shoulder.
“I’m excited for you. You’ll have your own place and you can do whatever you want with it. Do you have any ideas of how you want to fix it up?”
“Well, I was hoping you’d help me. I mean, I’m sure you’ll be spending time there too and you probably know a whole lot more than me about style and furnishings. Look how amazing this apartment is.”
I smiled, surprised that he wanted me to be that big of a part of his life. “I’m sure I can help.”
“I know I want a huge bed and I want to knock out a wall to add a nice big tub that we can both fit in.”
“Sounds like you’ve got big plans. You know, you could have had a fortune to do all of that if you’d taken Rowena’s deal.”
His laughter surprised me and I gave him a quizzical look. “I’m serious, David. I probably can’t get you a deal like that again. It’s going to be tough.”
He shook his head. “You think I’m in this for the money? Hell, I have enough money to do whatever I need with the cabin and then some. It’s never been about that.” My eyes widened.
“I thought things were tough on the farm, I didn’t realize.” I stopped to choose my words, not wanting to offend him.
“Well, it is a working ranch and I’ve been working since I was eight years old. I’ve never had any bills and though my Dad doesn’t believe in technology, he does believe in investments.”
“Oh, I had no idea.” I wasn’t sure what to think, but I realized David was probably better off than me.
“That’s because it’s not something I was raised to talk about.” He shrugged. “I want to live this dream because I love to sing and I love the way my singing makes people happy.”
David never ceased to amaze me. He loved music for all the right reasons and I was determined more than ever to help him live his dream.
Chapter 31
David
It was early morning when Sarah took me out to breakfast and introduced me to her friend Jenn, who was the first person I’d ever met with blue hair.
“It’s blue this week,” she’d said when she saw me looking. “Who knows, tomorrow it could be green.”
“Don’t mind her,” said Sarah, as she stirred her coffee. “And your hair’s been blue for at least a month.”
“So I’m slacking. You, however, it looks like you’re working overtime.” Jenn slid her gaze across me and winked at Sarah.
“Don’t mind her,” Sarah repeated, more adamantly the second time. She gave her friend a hard glare. “I’m almost sorry I exposed him to you.”
“You say that like I’m a cold or something.” Jenn stuffed her mouth with bacon and I couldn’t help but be amazed seeing the two interact.
“If you were a disease you’d be a headache,” Sarah said then she bit her waffle and nearly choked laughing as Jenn widened her eyes.
I couldn’t help but join in. “A headache isn’t a disease, it’s more of a condition. Like a rash.”
Jenn dropped her fork. “Sarah, I think your boyfriend just called me a rash.” The two gave me such burning stares that I sank in my seat.
I held up my hands in defeat. “I give up.”
Jenn laughed. “I like this guy.” She met my eyes. “Did you really have this girl milking cows?”
“A cow, yes, her name is Bernice, and Sarah did an amazing job.” I patted Sarah on the leg and earned a smile.
“I had fun. Except for the snake.” Sarah squirmed and Jenn gasped.
“Oh, hell no!” She shook her head. “How could you let Sarah around some slimy snake?”
Sarah and I shared a laugh. “Snakes aren’t slimy and the one she came across wasn’t even poisonous.”
“Okay, but if she dies because of some deadly snake, I’m coming after you.” She narrowed her eyes and pointed her fork at me flashing me a wink. I wanted to think she was kidding but I had a feeling that she’d hurt me if I hurt Sarah and I think that was her subtle way of letting me know that.
After we finished and said goodbye to Jenn, we went by Elder Tree to clear out Sarah’s desk. I went up with her to make sure nothing was said, but thankfully Rowena wasn’t anywhere to be found. Once we got home, she busied herself on the computer making a few calls and reaching out to her contacts.
I decided to call home again and check on my family. Ted was supposed to have an update ready about Mama and I was anxious to hear how her latest tests came back.
“So I guess you’re living the high life,” said Ted. That was his greeting for me instead of hello, like a normal person who wasn’t pissed off at the world.
“Yeah, you know me, living it up. How’s Mama and what did those tests say?” I didn’t have the desire to argue and felt the urge to have him put Luke on the phone.
“She’s doing better than all those doctors expected. Her tests came back good, counts were good, wound is healing right inside and out. She’ll be coming home a tad earlier than expected. What about you? When are you coming home?”
“I’m still going to try to be home when Mama’s released.”
Ted gave a sound of indiffe
rence. “Luke and Mason ran out to town last night and came home with two computers and five active phones. So, that’s what Luke’s busy with this morning. Thank the good Lord Wednesdays are always slow days.” That was his way of rubbing in the fact that he’d taken on my workload and as much as that annoyed me, I was excited that we finally had computers to help us be more efficient.
“So do you have the numbers I can stick in my phone?” He mumbled an expletive and I heard papers shuffling.
“I don’t know where they are. You’ll have to call back and ask Luke.”
“Fine, or just have him text them to me. You’ve got my number.” I was just about to say my goodbye when Sarah ran out of the bedroom and jumped up and down in front of me. I finished my call and glared at her with a wide-eyed expression that I hoped showed my concern for her sanity.
“They want to meet with you!” She did a little dance and I stood to pull her close if only to stop her from pissing off the neighbors below us.
“Who, Broken Branch?”
“All of them, but especially Broken Branch, which is the better option of the three.” She took a deep breath and appeared to be calming as she relaxed in my arms. “Richard Miller wants to see you today if possible. I told him it was totally possible, so we need to get our asses in gear.” I didn’t know if I was more excited to meet Richard and see what he had to offer or if Sarah’s excitement was that contagious, but I picked her up and spun her around. She let out a squeak that I muffled as I kissed her deep.
“What are we waiting for?” The words set her in motion and she grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
***
I was so mellow about the whole thing until I found myself waiting outside the office with sweaty palms. My dream was so close to becoming a reality and better than ever, Sarah was by my side. I hoped this company wouldn’t try to push her out like the last and just remembering Rowena made my blood boil. I wasn’t having it, no matter how good the deal was, it was either the two of us or nothing.
I could take her back to Oklahoma, to the cabin and we could do our own thing for the rest of our lives. As much as I wanted it, I knew nothing in life would matter without her. I knew in my heart that I loved her and even though it had been such a whirlwind, I knew I never wanted to spend another day without her.
She sat next to me, her leg shaking from nerves, despite the fact that my hand rested there. Finally, we were called back and I let Sarah lead the way.
“Hello, Richard.” She shook the man’s hand and introduced me. “This is David Dawson.”
The man seemed genuine and respectful, a total professional. He offered us a seat and went behind his desk. “So you’re the talent on the demo, that’s quite a voice you have.”
“Thank you,” I said, not sure what else to say, but Sarah spoke up.
“David also writes many of his songs and performs others that were written by his grandfather. He owns those rights and I think there’s enough material for a very nice collection.” Her voice was different, deeper, and she held herself more confidently than I’d ever seen her do in Rowena’s presence. She continued talking about my work and talent and Richard seemed mighty impressed.
“I’m not one to waste time, so I’ll get right to the point. I think you’re a great talent and the type of hard working man we like to represent here at Broken Branch. Our company is founded on integrity and after hearing how you stood up to Rowena Burke, well, I know you’ve got it.”
Sarah patted my arm. “I took the liberty of telling him a bit about you and your situation with your mother, as well as how I lost my job.”
Richard leaned back in his chair. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother. I know that’s got to be tough. Running a ranch is hard work.”
“Yes, sir, it’s a very rewarding life, though.”
He narrowed his eyes and I was worried that he might be shifting directions. “I hear that was a pretty impressive deal you passed up. I can’t offer the exact deal, but I think you’ll find ours more to your liking. We take your lifestyle into consideration, and we’re able to conduct business via the Internet, so you can pretty much live wherever you like as long as you have access to the proper equipment and send us what we need. Of course, you have to be willing to travel when necessary.”
Sarah shifted in her chair to angle toward me. “I think you should build your own studio at the cabin. Then you could be closer to home and still work.”
Richard nodded and gestured in her direction. “She’s got a good point. Whether you take this deal or not, having your own studio would be a wonderful investment.” I liked this guy. He was respectful and down to earth and that impressed me more than anything I’d seen from Rowena and Elder Tree. I could also see why this man had left that company. He didn’t seem like he’d have fit in with them.
Richard pushed a single piece of paper across the table. “This is an initial agreement, if you’re interested. It gets the ball rolling for your contract, but what you see listed is what we’re prepared to do for you. If you like it, sign it, and I’ll get the other papers ready for you in a few days and then you can look over them, read them, make sure this and that matches, and when you’re ready, you can sign them. We’d love to have you as part of our family.”
Sarah took the paper and passed it to me, but it hadn’t escaped me that Richard hadn’t mentioned who would be representing me as my agent and if it wasn’t Sarah, I wasn’t interested.
“I’m not sure I can. Sarah’s been real good to me and I’m pretty set on her being my agent.”
“I’m sorry, I thought you understood that’s exactly what we had in mind.” He glanced back and forth between us. “As I said, we’ve heard about your situation and respect your integrity. If you want Sarah to be your agent, then I see no reason why we need to change that.”
Sarah smiled and reached across to take my hand. “I wanted that part to be a surprise.”
I shook my head and leaned forward to take the paper. It was pretty cut and dry and seemed fair enough. I took the pen from the table and with a steady hand signed the agreement. I felt at ease with the decision and my dad had always told me to never sign something without reading it, and never with a shaky hand. I trusted Sarah had my best interest at heart and I felt right about Richard as well. “Let’s get this ball rolling.”
Richard offered his hand and I took it. “Congratulations, I’ll get things in order and call you in to sign the final papers. Welcome to the Broken Branch family.”
“Thanks.” I couldn’t believe it had happened so fast. But Richard wasn’t through with me.
“I want to get you in the studio as soon as possible, and let the others hear what you’ve got. We’d like a few more demos, so if you two want to go out and celebrate with lunch, you can come back around three and we’ll get you started.”
“That sounds perfect.” My mind raced and I couldn’t believe they’d have me in the studio so quickly before the ink had even had time to dry.
We said our goodbyes and both left the office with smiles on our faces. Once in the elevator I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. She’d done it, she’d made my dreams come true, and best yet, she’d be there with me.
She pulled away and glanced up at me with a sly smirk. “Did you like your surprise?”
“Yes, and I like the idea of building my own studio at the cabin. I can’t believe I’m going in the studio today. I need to go to the apartment and get my guitar. I can’t believe I didn’t think to bring it.” We exited the elevator and the day seemed brighter as we walked outside.
“It’s fine, we’ll stop off and grab it after lunch and then we’ll come right back. I need to fill out some papers for you, but I’ll take care of that while we wait.”
We walked across the street and approached the car and I couldn’t help thinking about my family. I wished they could be there. “I want to call my parents and tell them the news, and my brothers. Luke is going to give me their new numbers. I can’t b
elieve this is all happening.”
“Yes, your dreams are happening. I bet it feels amazing.” She unlocked the car and we both slid into our seats.
“Yes, and surprisingly the weirdest thing about the day is that my family now owns cell phones.” I laughed as she started the car. “My grandfather used to say that good things happen all at once. I never knew what he meant until now.”
“He’d be so proud of you. I’m sure your parents will be too.” She pulled away and we headed down the road. “So what would you like to eat to celebrate?”
“We can go anywhere as long as they serve real meat.” I cringed remembering the so-called steak Rowena had ordered.
She took me to a nice little diner and though it wasn’t fancy, the food looked and tasted like food. I had a burger that melted in my mouth and was so juicy it dripped down my chin. I watched Sarah smash hers so she could fit it in her mouth. She had much better taste in restaurants and a much better grasp on what I’d like. I loved to watch her eat, but I wasn’t sure where she put it. The burger was as big as her head and loaded with bacon and grilled onions, which she apologized for in advance. I assured her it wouldn’t bother me and if it did I’d buy her some mints. She laughed her tinny little laugh, reminding me how much I liked that she’d play with me. Life was too short to be serious all the time.
During lunch my phone rang and though I didn’t recognize the number, I answered it. It ended up being Luke, who called from his new phone. He also sent me their numbers which Sarah helped me add to my contacts. She also showed me how to work my camera and we took a selfie for my screen.
She added a few numbers from Broken Branch into the lists as well. “It’s crazy that you guys haven’t ever had cell phones.”
“I know. Ella had one. She bought me one once, but it fell out of my pocket in front of Dad and the horse stepped on it, busting it to pieces. It was a long time ago and it wasn’t this nice, but Dad said it served me right. After that tantrum, no one dared get another.” I took another bite of my burger as she wiped her mouth.
