Tamed by Her Cowboy

by Shanna Handel

  “I did.”

  “Good.” I take a sip of my juice, swallowing down the tension.

  We finish eating. I stand to leave the room, but he grabs my arm as I do. His brow shoots sky high. “Young lady. We have some dishes to do before we head out.”

  I wave my hand, dismissing his demands. “Dad’s staff does all that.”

  “Not for you, princess. I’ve told them you’ll be doing your fair share of the work while you’re here.” He releases me. Grabs the plates and takes them to the sink.

  “Of course, you did.” I hold in an eye roll, grabbing the glasses and carrying them over to the sink. “Nothing I can’t handle. I’m happy to help out.”

  He turns on the hot water tap, sudsing up a dishcloth. “I’ll wash. You dry.”

  I grab a clean towel from the drawer. “We have a dishwasher, you know. Or have you put that on leave as well?”

  “Don’t be sassy.” He hands me a clean wet plate. I take it, wiping it dry and putting it in the cabinet. He says, “I like to do things the old-fashioned way.”

  “I hadn’t noticed,” I joke. It earns me the tiniest crack of a smile in his stony features.

  “I like simple ways. Wake up, eat a good meal, put in an honest day’s work. Dinner with family or friends. Watch the sun set from my porch with a cold glass in my hand. Then do it all again the next day.” He hands me another plate.

  “Same thing, day in day out.” I dry the plate.

  “Fancy city girl. Bored with our simple ways. What do your days look like?”

  “I don’t know. Wake up at ten. Get all dolled up in the latest fashions. Brunch at the hottest restaurant—it changes week to week. Shopping with friends. Go home and change, put on more make up. Late dinner, then hit the clubs with the other trust fund babies. Sleep in the next day and watch television till I’m not hungover anymore. It’s a fabulous life.”

  He stares out the window as he washes. He gets a far off look in his eyes. When he speaks, the condescending tone is gone. “Sounds empty to me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He shrugs. “Other than your friendships, sounds like you didn’t have any goals you were meeting. No people you were serving. Nothing you were producing. No time spent with people you love.”

  “Don’t judge me.”

  “I don’t mean it as a judgement. Just an observation. When you lived here you looked out for people. Cared for the animals. Rode horses. Swam in the creek.” He hands me a glass.

  I find a dry corner of the towel, wiping. “Maybe. But clubbing all night is fun as hell,” he gives me a sharp raise of his dark brow, “sorry, heck.”

  “Did you ever miss Cedar Creek while you were gone?” He’s not meeting my eye. He’s scrubbing the sink. Rinsing out the cloth, wringing it out.

  “You mean, did I miss you?” I put my hand on my hip. Staring at him, waiting for an answer.

  He takes the towel from me, drying his hands slowly. He lays it over the counter. He looks down at me and our eyes interlock. His words are soft but they cut me to the core. “No, Ava. I gave up on that before you even left.”

  And with that, he walks away. Leaving me standing alone in the room. Much like he left me in the barn, years ago when I told him I was leaving.

  A strange feeling creeps up in my chest. A tiny, nagging voice in the back of my mind whispers; what if?

  What if I had stayed? Would he and I have remained a couple, an item? Would we have a home together?

  Would I be satisfied, happy even, spending time with family and friends here? Working side by side with my man?

  And all that lost time with my father. If I had stayed, would I be carrying this heavy knot of guilt that rests in my stomach? A weight that tells me I’ve been gone too long. And that I may be facing regret for the rest of my life.

  I give my head a shake. It’s no use thinking these thoughts. It is what it is. I am who I am. The past is past. And now, circumstances beyond my control have brought me home again.

  “Little bit? Let’s go!” He’s calling me from the foyer. Ready to get our workday started.

  “Hold your horses! I’m coming!” I shout with exasperation.

  I head towards the hall but he’s made his way towards me, angry as a bear. He meets me in the middle. Reaches out. His huge hand cups my chin. His eyes baring hard into mine. “Watch your tone, princess.”

  His hand’s hot on my skin, a prison around my face. I swallow, hard. “Yes, sir.” He gives me one last, warning look, then releases me, walking away.

  He calls over his shoulder, “And grab your coat. It’s getting cold.”

  I don’t see I have a lot of options, so I surrender, making my way towards the door, grabbing my black down jacket from the hall closet as I go.

  Like a good little girl.

  Chasing down the man who will shape the next few days, maybe a full week, of my life. The one I ran from because I was terrified of how strongly I felt for him. The one that now has total control over my day.

  We climb up into his dusty red truck. There’s a stack of papers between us. He turns the key and the engine roars to life. I sit, waiting, but he doesn’t drive the truck down the circular drive. “What are we waiting on?” I ask.

  “Put on your seatbelt.”

  “Are you serious? We’re just driving around town. It’s not like we’re going to be going more than ten miles per hour—”

  “Now.” He gives me a harsh look that makes a tremble travel down my spine.

  Holding in a huff, I acquiesce, clicking my belt into place. “Happy now?”

  “Ecstatic.” He turns the wheel, stepping on the gas.

  “What are the papers for?” I pick one up from the stack, reading the headline, Cedar Creek Emergency Preparedness Guidelines.

  “I’ve printed up an outline of our town plan, should the storm hit here. Which, judging by the sudden drop in temperature, it might.” He takes the paper from my hands. “Don’t read it now. You get car sick.”

  He’s right.

  As always.

  And it’s annoying. “Since I can’t read the paper, why don’t you fill me in.”

  “Same old plans, just with a few extra precautions in case people are snowed in their homes for a few days. Extra food, bottled water, reminders on how to use their woodstoves. An order to leave their faucet dripping so their pipes don’t freeze.”

  As the town founder’s granddaughter, I feel the responsibility to ask a few more questions, even though I’ve been completely out of the loop. “What else are we doing to prepare?”

  He looks surprised that I’m taking an interest. “I’ve got my men checking the insulation around the wells right now. We have people harvesting in the fields, saving every bit of fall crop they can before it freezes. Another team is winterizing all the buildings, early. And of course, the livestock are being brought into the barns.”

  “What are the chances it comes here?” Without my phone, I hadn’t looked at any weather updates since I’d been back.

  “I think it’s pretty likely. The main snowfall will be concentrated right where you and Jules were. It started to fall there, last night. We’ll probably get a few feet of snow. Might make it difficult for people to get around. With the dropping temperatures that are sure to come, you and I will be delivering wood for the next few days so people can heat their homes and jugs of water should our power grid fail and their wells not work. There’s nothing to worry about though, we’ve got everything we need and everyone locked up safe and sound and we’ll wait for this thing to eventually blow over.”

  “When is it supposed to hit?”

  “Predictions have changed but nothing’s certain with Mother Nature. They think it’ll hit here, soon. Good thing we got you out when we did. You could be stuck in that penthouse apartment, alone, with nothing but your shows to keep you company.”

  I snort. “Why do you assume I was alone? I could have had someone sleeping over.”

  “Jules told me yo
u’d just been through a breakup. Some DJ. Heir to an overpriced grocery chain?”

  My mind flashes back to Jules driving us here, how she said she’s been calling Buck. I suddenly feel slightly possessive over him, though I’ve no right to. “You have been talking to Jules a lot, huh?”

  He doesn’t answer. Just stares at the road ahead, his fingers tightening around the wheel.

  I feel my brow knit. Why isn’t he answering me? “Well, how much?”

  He shrugs. “She checks in.”

  “How much?” My heart is suddenly heavy as lead, jealousy arriving as bile in my throat.

  “Every so often.”

  “Is that so?”

  Finally, he turns to me, his eye landing on me just long enough for me to see the anguish there. “Is it any business of yours? Who I talk to?”

  My face burns and I turn to the window to hide it. He’s right. I gave him up. He’s free to do as he wishes.

  But I can’t help the sick feeling that’s settling in my stomach when I think of the look on Jules’s face when she mentioned calling Buck, talking to his brothers. Why are my emotions so jumbled, so confusing? I’m the one who left, after all. I can’t seem to stop myself from antagonizing him. “We could have stopped somewhere on the way and got snowed in there. Your security detail is severely lacking, admiral.”

  He chuckles, arrogantly. “No chance you stopped.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “I told Jules under no uncertain circumstances to stop that car. Straight from point A to point B no exceptions. Jules is a good girl and respects authority. I knew I could trust her.” He gives me a sidelong glance. “Unlike some other young ladies, I know.”

  I don’t want to hear him saying my best friend’s name anymore. I change the subject. “How long are we expecting to be snowed in?”

  “A couple days at the most. Then you’ll be free to go back to your other life. Sushi and bad television. I never did understand the appeal of uncooked fish.”

  “Have you ever had it? It’s delicious. What I wouldn’t do for a Dynamite Roll right about now. Mmm…might be worth busting out for. Grab a few rolls and some sashimi. A side of edamame. We could even stop and get you some fried chicken or squirrel or whatever roadkill meat you want. Bring it back before the storm hits. What do you say?”

  “No one leaves these gates. Not even you, princess. You so much as try to step foot outside of these walls and you’ll not sit down for a week. That’s a promise.”

  I feel heat rising in my cheeks as I squirm in my seat, my bottom not yet forgotten the spanking he delivered this morning. I decide to change subjects. “And what about my dad?”

  “What do you mean?”

  I stare out the window, watching the houses go by. “You’re not going to tell me what’s wrong with him? Are you?”

  “I’m respecting his wishes. Give him some time to enjoy your homecoming. He’ll fill you in.” Buck takes my silence for what it is—worry. He puts his hand on my knee. It feels warm resting there, protective. His tone softens. “Just know we’ve got the very best doctors caring for him. And having you home will raise his spirits.”

  “I hope so. I…” the confession is ready to roll off my tongue; I’m glad this snowstorm made me come home, forcing me to visit my father. After seeing him, I’ve begun to reevaluate my life, my disconnect from home. But I’m not yet ready to share this with him. Instead, I stare out the window.

  I can feel him looking at me from the side of his eyes. “He fainted. Twice.”

  My head flies around to face him. “My dad’s fainted twice? And no one told me?”

  “He didn’t want to worry you. No one did.”

  Panic grips my heart. “Well what are they going to do about it?”

  “Dr. Moore is running some tests. Giving him medications. Keeping a very close eye on him. But please, don’t mention this to your dad. It would only create stress for him to know you know. After what you went through with you mom, he just wanted you to be able to live your life.”

  What can I say? I wasn’t here to keep an eye on my dad. Buck was. I don’t have a right to justify my anger. I just feel sad. Guilty. Scared.

  And grateful. Buck was there when I wasn’t. I sneak a glance at him. “Thank you. For going over there and having dinners with him. For taking care of him. I…owe you.”

  He shakes he head. “No, you don’t. It was my pleasure.”

  The knowledge of my dad’s health resting heavily in my mind. Buck respects my silence, leaving me to my thoughts. When we pull onto Main Street, he says, “You ready to tell some long-lost friends, hello?”

  My stomach drops to my knees. It’s been so long since I’ve seen everyone. How will they react to me? Yesterday when people saw me, they gave me curious stares. “I have to talk to everyone? I thought we were just dropping off these flyers.”

  “We need to greet the people face to face. It makes everyone feel calmer. They just want the facts presented to them in a calm, clear way and a friendly face helps that along. Also, we want to be able to answer any questions people may have.”

  I’m an emotional wreck. I don’t know if I can face them. “But all we know is what’s on this flyer. Can’t they read?”

  His hands go to his brow, rubbing as if I’ve given him a headache. I’ve been known to do that. “Can we just do things my way? For once? Without you putting up a fight?”

  “Fine.” I cross my arms over my chest.

  “Good.”

  I murmur, “But I don’t have to like it.”

  His eyes lock on mine. “Just be good for a change. Alright?”

  Be good. Like Jules.

  If he likes her so damn much, she ought to be the one riding with him in his truck. I can just picture Jules, her red hair tied up in a neat ponytail. Flyers secured in her lap. Smiling like a homecoming queen. Shaking hands, kissing babies. Ready to conquer this plague armed with good cheer and solid facts.

  I picture Buck with Jules. Calm. Happy. Free of headaches, of the lines of tension that currently reside on his face—ones I seem to put there.

  A thought comes to me, making my breath catch, hitting me like a punch in the gut—what if they dated?

  Buck and Jules would be a good fit for one another. He’s authoritarian. She’s a rule follower.

  He’s a millionaire. She’s a reverend’s daughter with a taste for Gucci.

  They are both devoted to Cedar Creek.

  She’d love nothing more than to live her entire live inside of these walls, little rug rats running around, nipping at her ankles.

  Me? I killed the only houseplant I had in my apartment. One, living thing that I only had to water once a week to keep it happy and I couldn’t even do that.

  The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Why shouldn’t my two best friends be together? Well, current best friend and after leaving for the city, ex-best friend turned something of a frenemy…

  I sneak a glance at his handsome face as he drives. Is there something going on between the two of them? She’s been back here once a month, religiously, since she’s left. It’s possible the two of them have struck up a friendship, possibly leading to more.

  A tiny, selfish voice whines in the back of my mind. What about me?

  Making me wonder, where do Buck and I stand?

  We were friends, then lovers, then enemies, then…nothing. The truth is that as soon as I saw him standing by those gates, it was like no time had passed at all. The love was still there. The attraction.

  And the maddening, pushing one another’s buttons, tug and pull between us.

  It all boils down to one fact; I left.

  I couldn’t risk giving my heart to someone. Or my freedom. He wanted to control me, keeping me within the walls of this small town. And I will never, ever be controlled. Not by anyone.

  Though the sight of his huge hand, patting his thigh, tapping along to the music blaring from his truck radio, makes a throbbing in my core. A pulsing betwee
n my legs that has me pressing my thighs together in defiance.

  One thing Buck has over me—he’s bigger. He’s stronger. And he won’t let me get away with anything. Not without a harsh consequence. One that makes my body betray me, lusting after him. And now, thanks to my father’s request, Buck’s going to have his eyes on me this entire trip.

  I need to get his mind off me, and onto someone else.

  Jules is the perfect target.

  I’ll do the selfless thing; hook up my best girlfriend with the man I’ve loved.

  I’ll be the matchmaker. Doing us all a favor. They’ll have each other. I’ll keep my freedom and my heart. Then when this is all over, I’ll borrow her convertible and go back to my life in the city. I’ll miss her, but those two will probably be engaged by Christmas.

  I’m going to make sure of it. I’m visualizing myself as a cute little cupid, wearing a pink tutu, carrying Katniss’ Hunger Games bow over my shoulder. Wings are practically sprouting from my shoulder blades as we arrive on Main Street.

  I begin to carry out my plan. “You know who’d be perfect at this job?”

  His brows raise giving me that don’t be naughty look he’s perfected. “The granddaughter of the founder of this town?”

  I shake my head. “Nope. I have a better idea. How about the daughter of the reverend?”

  “Jules?” he gives me a queer look.

  I nod emphatically. “Yes. She’s chipper. And eager. People here love her. Unlike me.”

  “Everyone loves you. You’re the small-town sweetheart.”

  “Was. Until I left. I doubt anyone’s forgiven me for not coming back to visit.”

  His hands tighten on the wheels. “Memories fade, fast. Do your part and everyone will fall back in love with you.”

  “What if that’s not what I want?” I shoot back.

  He shakes his head. “You’re exasperating. You know that?”

  “Why do you say that? I’m just trying to make your life easier.”

  “We need to have ourselves a little chat.” He pulls the truck to the curb. Cranks the transmission into park. Cuts the engine and turns towards me. His opened palm pats his thigh in annoyance, tapping out my faults. “You’re being selfish. And self-centered. The only person you are currently thinking about is yourself.”