“What are you looking at with that frown?”
Rachael dropped Travis’s phone with a resounding thud. She quickly glanced away, not wanting him to see the agitation on her face. She knew she’d never hidden her feelings well and could in no way have been described as having a poker face. She debated on lying to him. She hadn’t actually gone into his phone or anything along the lines of searching contacts, text history, or any other such thing. But, she had picked it up and glanced at the screen. Then, there was her own investigative work on her own phone.
Travis walked over to join her. She slid his phone over to him, too embarrassed to launch into an explanation of how it had found its way into her hands in the first place. And too upset to explain what she’d just seen come through on his screen. And too completely ticked off to admit she’d taken it from the charging station across the room. So rather than saying anything, she just sat there in stunned silence.
“What the,” Travis slammed his fist on the table. “Rachael, I swear I didn’t even give her my number. She might have gotten it from one of the guys.”
“Yep, I figured.” Rachael bit her lower lip, trying for calm and collected, but knowing she looked like she could explode any minute. She tapped her pointer finger on the table. “I didn’t mean to look at it. I went to plug my phone in and saw the text. Then, the pic came in. It’s nice.”
Rachael recognized the edgy tonality to her own voice and she didn’t like it, but she truly was shaken by this.
“Like I said, I didn’t give her my number and I certainly haven’t done anything to encourage this.” He pointed at the screen and slid the cell back towards Rachael.
He’d entered his password and the screen revealed a short series of texts and two pictures. The first in a thong, the second the nude photo Rachael had seen come in. Rachael read the texts and decided in that instant she could kill her. Perhaps kick her butt. She may have been sick and not at the top of her game tonight, but tomorrow would be a different story. She could round up Lucia and the girls and be over there at dawn. Her heart raced in her chest.
“What are you going to do about it?”
“What would you like me to do about it?” Travis leaned back against the chair, his face stiff.
“What else? Text her back, and say you’re engaged- and not interested!” Rachael yelled.
“When I asked what you would like me to do about it, Rach, I was honestly asking. You don’t need to scream at me.” Travis rose from the table and slammed his chair back underneath. He walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge, seizing the half gallon of milk. He chugged straight from the plastic container and screwed the lid back on it, tossing it into the fridge.
“I’m upset, Travis. Imagine how you’d feel if some guy sent me pics of his package on my cell.”
“I’d beat his ass.”
“So, maybe that’s what I should do. Beat her ass.”
“I’d like to see that. You’d be sexy beating some girl’s ass.” Travis stood there, boxer briefs riding low across his hips. Tanned and extremely fit. He had a small, pale pink scar across his ribs where the cow had hooked him over a year ago. The overall appearance of him, disheveled hair, chiseled jawline, steely green eyes, was strikingly handsome, rugged, and most importantly male. “Come here,” he pleaded.
“Nope, I’m not done fuming over here. I want to be angry.”
“Go on there and delete those pics. Block her number. Respond to her yourself.” He walked towards the table, like a predator hunting his prey.
Rachael picked up his phone. “What’s your password?”
“The combination to my heart. The date you agreed to marry me.”
Rachael had no idea what the date had been. She thought back. June. 23rd. Only a country boy who used combination locks on gates would set a phone password and reference it as the combination to his heart.
“Figure it out yet?” He pried.
“0623”
“Smart girl.” He stood behind her and bent to kiss the top of her head.
Rachael texted her immediately. Her response was short and not so sweet.
Stay away from Travis. You sent this to me instead- and you need to get a lift. Your tits look awful.
Travis read it over her shoulder and grabbed her hand. “Don’t send that. She’ll think that maybe I really did get the texts and sent her that. That would imply I studied those photos more than I should have. Try again, please. For my sake.”
Take two…
Stay away from Travis. Or tomorrow you may get hit by a Mustang traveling 60mph in a 15mph zone.
“And now I’m threatening to run her over.” Travis snickered.
Take three…
Wrong number. But if you’re into the Grizzly Adams type let me know.
“Okay, I’m going to leave you to this. This could take a while, but while you’re in there deleting pics and all- why not put one of your own on there? Something you’ve never sent me before…” Travis wiggled his eyebrows down at her.
“Goodnight,” Rachael just ignored his innuendo. He’d warned her about priming the pump and she knew now he hadn’t been kidding. Rachael watched him disappear back to bed.
“Don’t take too long, I’ve got a photoshoot of my own planned in here.”
Rachael loved his sense of humor. At first, he’d been ticked himself. At Caroline and the overall situation, but all in all he’d handled it well. He hadn’t even brought up the fact that she’d been stalking his cell phone. She hoped that if the tables were turned someday, she would handle it just as calmly.
Rachael deleted the pics and decided to save the conversation for in-person. She needed to address her face-to-face. No hiding behind some silly cell phone. In the meantime, she blocked Caroline’s number from Travis’s phone and added it to the list of contacts in her own phone. Then, she sent her this brief message from her own phone.
Saw your pics. We had a good laugh, but don’t do it again.
Rachael waited up, sipping the remainder of her soup and after an hour it became apparent that Caroline had no interest in responding to her. Rachael rinsed her bowl and placed it in the sink. She turned out the lights and went back to bed. In the dark, with the moonlight shining on Travis’s face, he appeared to be asleep. Rachael climbed into bed and lay on her back staring at the ceiling.
“I swear it, baby, I did nothing to lead her on or indicate in any way that I’d be interested in her.”
So, he’s not asleep after all…
“I know, Travis. I’m sorry I got so worked up.”
“Worked up?” He laughed, holding his belly. “That was nothing. I would’ve destroyed that phone, and then driven across town, hunted him down. You may have had to bail me out of jail. That would’ve been worked up.”
“Your mother warned me that you have a temper.”
“She was telling the truth. I have an awful temper- and I don’t want anyone messing with my girl.” Travis rolled up onto his side and faced her, cupping her chin. “You’re lucky you’re so sick. Cute little red nose, hair going absolutely wild around your shoulders. You look hot.”
“Whatever,” Rachael rolled onto her back and shook her head.
“I’m serious. Let’s just put it this way- be glad you’re sick.”
“Go to sleep, Travis.”
“You may get hit by a Mustang traveling 60 in a 15. That one was funny. Remind me to never get on your bad side.”
“That’s right. I’d never want to have to threaten to run you over with my car.”
“Or worse yet- my own truck. Crazy girl.”
“I hate that you’ve seen another girl or two naked.”
“It’s not like you haven’t been to the movies.”
“That’s different and you know it, Travis.”
“Yep, you’re right.”
“I guess I saw those guys here the other day naked. That counts. Kind of evens things out a little.”
“What?” Travis’s anger and immediate c
hange weren’t a put-on. He was livid.
“In your living room. They had on underwear.”
“They went to sleep in just their underwear? I specifically leant them a pair of shorts each and asked them to pull them on. I told them you might stop by. That pisses me off.”
“I think they must have put them on to go home. They were nice guys. They even waved.”
“In their underwear? They waved. Hmm,” Travis audibly harrumphed.
“You’re not seriously annoyed at this are you? I mean, apples to apples- neither of them snapped a nude pic and texted it to me.”
“Yep, but this is different. I expect all guys in my place to respect you. And that includes wearing freakin’ pants in my place. They’ll apologize.”
“What are their names?”
“Dumb and dumber.”
“Travis, their real names?”
“John and Salvatore.”
“Let me guess, John’s the blond.”
“How much did you see?” Travis sounded half-serious.
“Not that much.” She smacked his thigh. “One’s a blond and the other a brunette.”
“Um hum,” Travis still didn’t sound convinced.
“Calm down there, overprotective man of mine.”
“And that brings something else to mind. I don’t want you to go upstairs in my frat house.”
“Why not?”
“There’s lots of really raunchy posters, pictures, and even a few pics of girls around campus.”
“Sounds intriguing.”
“Not really.” Travis actually sounded like he thought it was distasteful.
Rachael decided to let it all lie for the night. He was the same proper cowboy she’d fallen in love with. His flirtatiousness and desire extended as far as Rachael, and not an inch beyond.
“I love you, Travis.”
“I love you, too.” He paused a moment and she could see him grin. “And baby, yours are much nicer and you don’t need a lift.”
“Go to bed!” Rachael warned.
Chapter Eight
In the morning, when Rachael awoke, Travis was nowhere in sight. She could smell coffee in the kitchen and eggs. She knew from her foraging for food in the middle of the night that he had very little fresh food on-hand. The clanking of pans and male voices alerted her to the fact that they had company. Rachael made sure to brush her teeth and at least glance in the mirror. Her nose was still red and her eyes a little puffy from the head cold, but she figured it was silliness to expect any differently.
She opened the bedroom door and found the Duke boys were there making her breakfast.
“Good morning, Rachael. We just wanted to come by and apologize for being here inappropriately attired a few weeks back.” John offered, handing Rachael a coffee mug.
“We didn’t mean any disrespect.” Salvatore set a plate covered with hash browns, a cheese omelet, and bacon on the table.
“That’s perfectly all right. Apology accepted.” Rachael felt badly for them. She glanced around and saw no sign of Travis. She looked both guys over and neither showed any sign of a fist fight and she immediately felt a sense of relief. “Breakfast looks amazing. Thank you.”
“We have to go. We have a house building project for the poor this morning. Travis went to pick up the cabinets that had been donated. Our president sent us over to make you breakfast. Is there anything else you need?”
“No, thank you. Have a great morning.”
Rachael locked the door behind them. Travis had left her a note on the counter.
I’ll be back around four o’clock. If you need me home sooner just call. –T
Rachael glanced at the clock on the wall in the kitchen. It was already after nine o’clock and she wondered what time Travis had left. He hadn’t been playing when he’d said that the guys would apologize. He’d truly been bothered that they’d been what in his mind had been indecent in front of his fiancé. Rachael hoped he’d mellow in time. She knew her own father had and according to Mrs. Baxter her very own husband, Travis’s father, had mellowed in time as well. These cowboys could be quite the feisty lot and her Travis was no different.
Rachael sat down to eat and was surprised at how good a job John and Salvatore had done on her breakfast. The omelet wasn’t runny and the bacon was crispy, but not burnt. The coffee was excellent as well. Rachael ate every last bite, knowing that if she were going to shake this cold she’d need to eat at least one meal whether she felt like it or not. On the bar there was a small bouquet of flowers. Along with it, there was a hand-written card. Rachael walked over and pulled the card from the vase.
Sorry about the naked pics. I wish she hadn’t sent them. You’re the only woman I want to see that way ever again.- T
Suddenly, Rachael felt badly for Travis. He tried very hard to treat her like a lady and respect her. And here was something completely out of his control and it had made him feel like she questioned his integrity. Sure she’d been upset, and a little jealous, but she’d never thought he’d done anything on his side to bring about or cause the situation. He’d obviously been worried about that, or he wouldn’t have gone and gotten her flowers.
He was trying to put her mind at ease and he needn’t.
I know you were innocent.
Maybe he’d thought she’d get so angry she’d call off the wedding. She’d been the one who’d been unsure when he first proposed last summer, but that had all changed. She’d never been surer of anything in her life. Rachael hated Caroline for putting that doubt in his mind. What kind of woman goes around sending those sorts of pics to another girl’s boyfriend or fiancé? Caroline was worse than even Misty had been. Following a guy around, throwing yourself at him, and just plain going after him with everything you had in you was different than actually texting him pictures of yourself. That crossed a line that even the worst of girls didn’t do. That single act ranked right up there with Brittany sleeping with Colten.
In that moment, Rachael was glad she was stranded there without a car, because if she’d had one she might get herself into trouble. She went over and picked up her cell, dialing Maysie. She knew if she called Shannah, she’d be on her way down from Tallahassee with a plan that involved roofing tacks, bolt cutters, and spray paint. Maysie, while she’d be annoyed, would have a more soothing affect and perhaps a plan that wasn’t entirely illegal.
“Hello, future sister-in-law.”
“You sound chipper.” Rachael replied.
“I am chipper. Things are going great down here. My wedding plans are underway. I emailed you some bridesmaids’ dresses.”
“I haven’t checked yet, but I will.”
“The color is green. A dark green.”
“Sounds pretty.”
“It is. And you can wear it again. It’s not some insanely ugly dress that is a total waste of money. It’s strapless.”
“Sounds elegant. Short or long?”
“Short. Cocktail length. Shannah’s is scoop neck, but the same color and material. My cousin’s dress has a halter top. Everyone’s is unique, but similar.”
“That’s awesome.”
“And we’ve moved up the wedding. To Spring Break.”
Rachael was stunned. She didn’t know what to say, other than that it was great news. The obvious question popped into her mind, but she dismissed it. “That’s great. During the Easter Holiday?”
“Yes, that way everyone will be here. Travis knows. My parents weren’t thrilled, but I’m just tired of waiting and Tristan’s grandmother is elderly. He wants her to be a part of our special day and if we wait much longer he’s afraid she won’t be able to.”
“All of that makes perfect sense. So, there’s a reason I’m calling.”
“Is it about the naked photos of that girl? What a nasty, nasty girl.” Maysie admonished.
“How do you know?”
“Travis called Mama this morning. I was listening in. I couldn’t help it. She had him on speaker phone at first. I thought Mama w
as going to have a heart attack. I had to make her a cup of tea. She laid into Travis something fierce.”
“What? Why would she do that?”
“She’s old-school. She told him that he needn’t go to these frat parties, making himself available to sluts and ladies of the night.”
The last part cracked Rachael up. She’d forgotten how Mrs. Baxter could be. The distance and time at school had made her think differently, but back home time was at a crawl and that meant not much had changed.
“She shouldn’t have said that. He did nothing wrong.”
“Technically, you are right. But Mama has always seen things a bit differently. She told Travis that if he lays down with dogs, he’s bound to get fleas. Or in this case a tick. A big, nasty tick.”
“Why did Travis call your mom?”
“He was so worried that you’re mad at him. That it changes how you see him, somehow. He’s a guy. They worry about things they shouldn’t- and don’t worry about things they should. They’re a puzzle to us all.” Maysie sounded so grown up. Far different from the Maysie who knew little of the world before, this Maysie was teaching Rachael about men and the key to understanding them. “Remember that day we teased Travis about what we’d find in guys’ heads. Their thoughts. Well, it’s still the same stuff. Girls, trucks, horses.”
“Wasn’t it girls, trucks, and nookie?” Rachael teased.
“No, I would’ve remembered that. I specifically remember girls and trucks. Or girls in trucks.”
“No, it wasn’t girls in trucks. I’ll have to ask Travis, he’ll remember.” Rachael grinned. “Well, I wasn’t angry at him. But I could’ve killed her.”
“I wouldn’t blame you. And now that I’ve had it,” Maysie lowered her voice to a mere whisper, “I can tell you it’s a very powerful tool. There are those types of women that’ll use it to get what they want, when they want it. We’re not that way, but those women are out there. Trust me. Watch your man.”
Cowgirl Coed (Redneck Debutante Series Book 4) Page 9
