“Glad you find my humiliation hilarious,” Trisha grumbled. “Just once, I would love to see you do something stupid in front of a man, especially a man like that. It would make my day.”
“Oh, I’ve had my moments.” Cindy was still chuckling.
“Yeah, well, I haven’t seen it so I don’t believe you.” Trisha narrowed her eyes at her. “All I ever see is them bowing down like slaves ready to do your bidding.”
“Ah, bullshit.” Cindy snorted then looked thoughtful. “But what an awesome mental image.”
Trisha pushed her plate away, her appetite vanishing with her embarrassment.
“He did smile at you,” Cindy added as she stood.
“Yeah, he probably felt sorry for the mute girl.” Grabbing her plate, Trisha followed her, dumping her uneaten portion in the trash, before placing her plate in a large plastic container with the rest of the dirty dishes.
“Come on. Let’s go walk around a bit.” Cindy put her arm around Trisha. “And you know if the mute thing works with a man like that, I’d use it.”
“You would.” Trisha replied with a smirk. Both women laughed, easing Trisha’s discomfort.
Chapter Three
After exploring some of the ranch, they found an old wooden fence overlooking a small pond. Trisha climbed up with ease and sat down.
“I hope I don’t get a splinter in my butt.” Cindy moaned and groaned her way into a perched position beside Trisha.
“You really are a city girl,” Trisha teased with a nudge before looking up at the sky. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yeah, it is.” Cindy also looked up, but then frowned over at her. “What do you mean ‘city girl?’ Like you’re Annie Oakley or some shit.”
An eerie howl in the distance filled the silence. They both looked at each other.
“Let’s pretend we didn’t hear that.” Cindy cautiously looked over her shoulder.
Trisha also peered around. “It was probably just a neighbor’s dog.”
They sat in silence enjoying the cool breeze blowing gently. The stars looked so close, as if she could actually reach out and touch one. She loved it. No noise, no commotion and no Doug. At the thought of Doug, Trisha glanced at Cindy who had her head tilted back gazing at the sky.
“Thank you, Cindy.” Trisha tried to keep any emotion out of her voice and continued before Cindy could say anything. “You warned me about him, but I didn’t listen.”
Cindy sighed, taking her eyes off the sky to look out over the lake. “He wasn’t good enough for you. Once a man tries to change you, telling you what to wear, where to go and who to hang with, it’s time to move along. You deserve someone who is going to treat you like a princess, make your toes curl with kisses that set you on fire.” Cindy finally looked her way. “Trisha, don’t live your life based on your relationship with the asshole. We’ve all been there. All women have been there. Find the one we think is the one only to find out he’s the wrong one. In your case, it got a little extreme, but that’s because he’s a lunatic. The important thing to remember is you walked. You left, when most women would have been too afraid to do that.”
“I may pay for it in the long run, but no man…” Trisha stopped because she never told Cindy the breaking point for her.
“No man what?” Cindy’s eyes narrowed. “Did that son of a bitch hit you?”
Embarrassed, Trisha looked away. “Only once.” Her voice sounded bitter even to her own ears. “He threatened by raising his hand, but he only actually hit me once.”
“I swear he’ll pay for that,” Cindy all but growled, her temper matching her red hair. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I knew you’d go after him.” Trisha grinned sadly then frowned. “He’s a powerful man, Cindy. I have enough to worry about wondering what he’s going to do to me once I get back because I know the restraining order has been served by now.”
“He’s just a piece-of-shit bully who owns a few businesses.” Cindy snorted. “I know people who would make him piss himself.”
Trisha didn’t doubt that, but she didn’t want to pull anyone else into her mess. It was her mess and she was going to take care of it as soon as she got home, at least, that was her plan. “Anyway, thank you for everything.”
“You’re my girl,” Cindy replied, her tone more serious than ever. “Don’t thank me. It’s what friends do.”
Before Trisha could respond, another howl filled the air, this time sounding closer.
“Hey, you two.” A voice came from behind them mixing with the howl.
Both Cindy and Trisha jumped off the fence screaming frantically. Trisha turned to see Jeb screaming right along with them.
“Oh, my God!” Cindy grabbed her chest. “You gave me a heart attack.”
Jeb was also holding his chest which worried Trisha. “Jeb, are you okay?”
“Lord Almighty.” He leaned against the fence, but nodded.
Trisha couldn’t help it. Why it struck her so funny, she didn’t know, but she couldn’t hold the laughter back. Clutching her stomach, she bent over, laughing uncontrollably. Maybe she was finally losing it.
“What happened?” a male shout echoed in the night as Jake ran down the slope toward them with Tim limping quickly behind him.
“We heard screaming.” Tim stopped by Jeb, who was still holding his chest, leaning against the fence. “Jeb? Are you okay?”
“Hell no, I ain’t okay,” Jeb wheezed out. “They scared the spit out of me.”
When Trisha saw Jake and Tim, she managed to get her laughter under control, but Jeb’s statement sent her back over the edge with laughter.
“Why did you scream?” Jeb looked first at Cindy then Trisha.
“I’m sorry, Jeb.” Trisha tried to wipe the grin from her face. “We kept hearing something howl and then heard it again as soon as you spoke behind us.”
“Yeah, and you scared more than spit out of me,” Cindy griped then screamed when the howling started again.
“Is that what you heard?” Tim grinned, glancing at Jake.
“Yeah.” Cindy was practically climbing up Trisha. “What the hell is that?”
“Sounds like a coyote,” Jake replied, cocking his head as if to listen closer. “But could be a wolf looking for his pack.”
“Coyotes? Wolves?” Cindy headed toward the fence and began climbing. “I can almost smell that ocean breeze, Trish. I sure wouldn’t be heartbroken if you changed your mind. Please change your mind.”
Trisha shook her head as she watched all three men rush to help Cindy over the fence. Within five seconds, Trisha was up and over before they even had Cindy on the ground, which she was sure Cindy was prolonging on purpose.
“You should have waited. I would have helped you.” Jake frowned down at her.
Without his hat on, Trisha noticed he was even more handsome. His hair was black as midnight with enough waves to make a woman want to run her hands through it. Ah, okay, where in the hell did that thought come from? “I’m fine, but thanks,” she replied, not knowing what to say especially after her thoughts of wanting to run her hands through his hair.
“You could have hurt yourself.” He was looking at her oddly.
“I’m fine. Really.” Uncomfortable by his intense gaze, it was as if he could see things she didn’t want him to see.
He nodded as he finally released her from his stare. “Come on, Jeb.” Jake clapped him on the back. “You look like you could use a beer.”
“You buyin?” Jeb walked beside Jake who towered over the old man.
“Yep.” Jake’s deep laugh rumbled through the darkness.
“Then I could use two,” Jeb grumbled as they made their way up the hill.
“Ouch!” Trisha rubbed the back of her head where Cindy smacked her. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Mosquito,” Cindy said to Tim, who was eyeing them oddly.
One eyebrow rose, but he nodded. “You two coming up to the recreation center?”
“Sure,” Cindy replied.
“Was it a big one?” Trisha felt the back of her head.
“What?” Cindy took her eyes off Tim, looking back at Trisha.
“The mosquito.” Trisha hated bugs with a passion. “Was it big?”
Cindy rolled her eyes. “There wasn’t a mosquito.”
“Then why the hell did you hit me?”
Cindy looked to make sure Jake, Jeb and Tim were out of hearing range. “What were we just talking about? Huh?” Cindy sighed when Trisha just continued to glare at her. “Wanting someone to curl your toes with kisses that set you on fire.”
“Yeah, okay.” Trisha sounded as confused as she looked. “And that’s why you hit me?”
“Ah, hello.” Cindy knocked on Trisha’s forehead with her knuckle.
“I swear if you hit me in the head one more time, I’m going to kick your ass.” Trisha backed away. “What in the hell is wrong with you?”
“Why didn’t you let him help you over the fence?” Cindy pointed at the fence before putting her hand on her hip.
“Ah, because they were all helping you,” Trisha shot back. “Anyway, I can climb a damn fence without a man’s help, Cindy.”
“But men like to help women, Trisha. It makes them feel, I don’t know, like men. A real man wants to take care of a lady.”
“So what you’re saying is the next time, even though I can climb the damn fence, don’t.” Trisha sighed.
“Exactly.” Cindy snapped her fingers. “Be helpless.”
Trisha shook her head. “I don’t think I can do that.”
“Sure you can.” Cindy nodded her head as Trisha shook hers. “I’ll help you.”
Trisha just stared then spun, walking away. “God, help me.”
“I heard that,” Cindy called out after her.
“I’m not here for a man,” Trisha mumbled, her mood turning sour.
“Heard that too and you’re wrong.” Cindy huffed behind her. “I bet my new Gucci purse you’ll be riding a cowboy and saving a horse before this trip is over.”
Trisha slapped her hands over her ears as Cindy laughed at her own humor.
Chapter Four
Heading toward the recreational building and about to enter, Trisha suddenly developed cold feet. “I think I’ll go on back to the cabin.” She stopped right at the door. “Six comes really early.”
“Don’t think so.” Cindy grabbed her arm, shoving her inside. “Hey, they have a pool table.”
“How could I miss it?” Trisha pushed the hair out of her eyes. “You practically threw me on top of it.”
“Oh, I did not. You need to relax and loosen up, Trishy.” Cindy smirked at the dirty look Trisha threw her way. “Want a beer?”
“I’ll take a water.”
“Beer.”
“Cindy,” Trisha warned.
“Okay. Okay.” Cindy sighed. “Water it is.”
Feeling like an idiot just standing there, Trisha spotted Jeb so headed his way. “Hey, Jeb.” She sat down at the table next to him. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine now.” Jeb held up his beer with a big grin.
Laughing, Trisha looked around. Jake was sitting with his brother talking. A few men were playing cards, while others just stood around drinking beer. “How long have you been here, Jeb?”
Jeb thought for a minute. “I’ve been here going on thirty years or so. Me and the boys’ father, John McCabe, were good friends. He was one hell of a man.”
“I’m sure he was,” she replied, looking around. “This place is wonderful.”
“It hasn’t always been this way.” Jeb shook his head rubbing his chin. “John wouldn’t be happy with the way things are going. He never would have let people like you and your friend, who we call greenhorns, work the place. No offense.”
“None taken.” Trisha grinned, liking the old man even more. “Then why do they let greenhorns like me in?”
“Why does anyone do anything these days?” Jeb spat in disgust. “Money.”
Trisha nodded as if she knew what he meant, but she really didn’t and hoped he continued. She didn’t want to pry.
“Ranching isn’t like it used to be. It’s a hard life and not in as much demand as it once was. As you know, people will pay a good price to live the life of a cowboy, but they usually run home after their time is up here, thankful they ain’t one of us.”
Trisha looked over at Jake and Tim. “What happened to his leg?” She hoped she wasn’t overstepping the small friendship she seemed to be forming with the old cowboy.
It took a minute for him to answer as he sat deep in thought. “Tim was practicing for a rodeo we have here once a year to raise money.” Jeb shook his head. “The bull he was riding decided that throwing him off wasn’t enough. Meanest damn bull I ever saw. He stomped on Tim’s leg like he was tap dancing. Broke his leg in five different places. Doctors swore he’d never walk again, but they don’t know Tim McCabe. He’s stubborn as they come and so is his brother.”
“Maybe there’s a safer way to raise money instead of jumping on bulls, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Trisha’s eyes met Jake’s creating a tingling heat. Confused by the sudden feeling, she looked away.
“Those two have been in the rodeo scene since they were in diapers.” He looked at her with wide eyes. “But I guess you don’t follow the rodeo circuit.”
Trisha smiled at the tinge of disgust in Jeb’s tone. “No, can’t say I do.”
“Well, between John and those two boys, they’ve held every title there is on the rodeo circuit.” Jeb nodded proudly. “Actually, you and your friend will be helping get everything ready for the rodeo next week.”
Before Trisha could comment, Cindy set her water down in front of her. “Here you go, party girl.” Cindy sat down, taking a long swig of beer. “You think that guy over there is cute?”
Trisha looked to where Cindy motioned with her beer. “I don’t know. Why?” When Cindy didn’t answer, Trisha sighed. “I guess so.” Trisha looked at the guy again. He wasn’t bad, but not her type. His hair was light blond and a little shaggy. She seemed to edge more toward men with dark hair and eyes. Her own eyes flickered toward Jake.
“Good.” Cindy took another swig of beer. “You’re playing him in a game of pool.”
“What?” Trisha’s eyes flew to Cindy’s, narrowing. “I’m not playing anyone in pool. As a matter of fact, I’m ready to go back to the cabin and get some sleep.”
“Ah, go ahead.” Jeb took Cindy’s side. “Go let loose. Have a little fun.”
The man walked up, placing his hands on their table leaning toward Trisha. “Cindy said you wanted to shoot some pool. I’m Hank. You know how to shoot?”
With a tight smile, she nodded. “I know how to shoot.” She only wished it was with a gun, so she could shoot her ex best friend. She stood then glared at Cindy when Hank turned his back to head toward the pool table.
“Lose.” Cindy grabbed her arm and whispered when she pulled Trisha down.
“What?” Trisha pulled away with a large frown.
“Helpless,” Cindy reminded her with a wink, and then laughed at the look Trisha tossed her way.
“I’ll rack, you break,” Hank instructed as she walked up. “The pool sticks are over there.”
Trisha looked at where he nodded and moaned. Of course they were right behind where Jake and his brother were sitting. Taking a deep breath, she headed toward them while thinking of ways to torture Cindy.
“Excuse me.” Her voice shook. Lord, she was an idiot.
Jake pulled his chair closer to the table, but she still had to squeeze between his chair and the other chair occupied by a cowboy. Not even paying attention she just grabbed a pool stick and started to squeeze between the two chairs again, but this time, her foot caught on one of the chair legs sending her off balance. Reflex had her grabbing a shoulder and of course, that shoulder belonged to Jake.
“I’m sorry,” Trisha groaned, trying to dislo
dge her foot and keep her balance without falling on her face.
Jake slid out of his chair, grabbing her arm to steady her as he moved his chair out of the way. “I should have gotten up.” He smiled down at her. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” She gave him a shaky grin. Seeing him this close, she noticed how brown his eyes were, like warm chocolate with gold flecks. His nose looked to have been broken. Realizing she was just standing there staring at him, she made a quick movement to brush past him, and to her horror, the tip of the pool stick whacked him in the cheek. She was mortified when a blue streak from the chalk on the tip of the stick streaked across his cheek.
“Oh, my God.” She pulled the stick safely away. “I’m so sorry.”
He actually laughed. “Damn glad you missed my eye.”
Hating herself didn’t even describe how she felt. He tried to rub the blue from his cheek, but it just smeared. “You didn’t get it all.” She frowned. Her hand, as if her brain went to mush, reached up, wiping the rest of the blue chalk from his cheek. Snapping her hand back as if she’d been burned, she spun back to the pool table and decided then and there, Cindy was going to die a painful death.
“Go ahead and break.” Hank passed her, going for a pool stick of his own.
Nodding, she quickly glanced toward Cindy. She and Jeb were sitting where she had left them laughing so hard all she saw was teeth. With a curse, she grabbed the cue ball, placed it and hit it as hard as she wanted to hit Cindy.
“Nice break.” Hank eyed her as the balls scattered everywhere. Nothing went in, so Hank walked up to the table checking for his shot.
Trisha watched as he hit three balls in the pockets easily, but missed the forth. Glancing once more at Cindy, she rolled her eyes when Cindy mouthed, ‘lose’. And she proceeded to do just that.
After Hank hit the eight ball in the corner pocket, he gave her an arrogant smile. “Hey, you didn’t do so bad.” He winked.
“Thanks,” Trisha replied, wondering what to do with the pool stick. No way in hell was she going to put it back where she got it. She’d hold the damn thing all night if she had to, but instead, she just laid it on the pool table. The whole time she played pool, she could feel Jake’s eyes on her.
