by Emily Bowie
I take another step forward, and she is off running. She isn’t able to get more than a few steps before I’m close enough to grasp her by the hips. Liking this game of cat and mouse, I let her stay a step ahead as she runs out the front door, laughing at my expense.
“Oh, you just wait, Sloan.” The happiness in my voice is evident.
I allow her to get to the side of the house on the driveway before I pick her up. Instead of tossing her over my shoulder, she moves just as I grab hold of her and her legs wrap around my hips.
Her lips press hard onto mine, kissing me with all the passion she holds in her heart. I move forward blindly, walking, needing to get her to the bedroom, when her lips mumble against mine.
“I want to show you something,”
“Yeah, baby, give me two seconds to get inside.”
She laughs lightly, tapping me on the shoulder to wake me from this lust-filled haze she’s created around me. “Not that type of something.” Her lips trail along the scruff on the side of my face.
“You want to show me that something out here?” I shift, showing her how she affects me.
“Not that type of something!” she repeats on a laugh, making me shrug.
“Then why you still eating my face?” I hope this will rile her up a bit, and I look forward to her retaliation.
When she only smirks, it takes all my control not to take her right here and now. “Fuck, I love you, Sloan.”
She begins to wiggle out of my grasp, still holding my hand and leading me up the driveway more.
“Stand here.” She looks so excited as she literally bounces in her spot, piquing my curiosity. “Close your eyes.”
I close one eye at a time, doing as I’m told. I hear the sound of the garage door open, and then her voice is next to me.
“Open.”
My eyes flash open to a completely empty, huge room.
“Where did everything go?” It’s the first thing that comes to mind. That garage was packed ceiling to floor with so much treasured junk.
“Brax helped me clean it out. I wanted this to be your special place.” She shrugs, acting like this is no big deal. It is such a thoughtful act. This place is a man’s dream. My head is floating with ideas of how I should use it. And parking one of our cars in it doesn’t even make the list.
“Thank you.” I look down at her, knowing how lucky I got in this life. Everything I’ve ever done has worked out for me, landing me the perfect woman.
“I love you.” She softens her voice, going on her tippy toes to brush those delicious lips against mine once more.
I can’t help but ask, “When the hell did Brax have time to come over and do this?”
She shrugs. “When I had to kick his ass and tell him to go get his girl.”
I look down at her, unsure if that’s the right move. Brax has had some pretty crazy ex-girlfriends. Maybe Raya was one in a long lineup that he got mixed up with. The thought sits sour in my mouth. From what I have heard from Shay, Brax and Raya were perfect for each other. Raya is one of my sister’s best friends; she would know if the crazy train followed.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Sloan pops her hip in defense mode. Man, she’s sexy. “He loves her and needs to make up or get closure. Either way, they need to talk face-to-face.”
“Whatever you say, pretty lady.” I pull her in snug against me, my hands feathering up her sides to her ribs as I wait for that sexy shiver that is exposed by my touch.
“Still want to talk about my brother?” I whisper into her ear as I nip at it.
The shake of her head is all I need before I pick her up and walk into the house.
EPILOGUE
I wake up to the smell of fresh coffee. Slowly, I allow my eyes to open. Tilting my head toward my alarm clock, I see it’s 6:00 a.m. Normally, I would grumble at the time of day, but today, I smile, stretching out, trying to wake up further.
Today is the day Kellen and I finally open up our animal therapy clinic. As if reading my mind, Jack, our new golden retriever, places his cold nose next to my face before licking me.
“Give me one more minute.” My hand goes to the top of his head to pet him.
Jack is the first dog we’re training to go out into the field to visit people who cannot come to us. We’re also using the horses on the ranch to help. We have five teens signed up to start helping out too. It’s a big day for all of us.
Pincher jumps onto me, staring at Jack. He still hasn’t come around to the idea that he’s no longer the only one who I give attention to.
“I’m up,” I tell the two of them, getting up before they both decide to sit on me.
After quickly brushing my teeth, I follow the smell to see Kellen pouring me a fresh cup as I walk in.
“How did you know I was up?” I ask, smiling while leaning onto the counter.
He gives me his sexy smirk while his eyebrow rises. “I could hear you grumbling to Jack and Pincher.”
I take the coffee he holds out for me and look at him from over the cup before taking my first drink. Inhaling, I sip the heavenly liquid, enjoying the taste.
“I wasn’t grumbling. I have a smile on my face.”
At this, he laughs. “I still love you, even if you’re not a morning person.”
I try to pout, but he gives me a kiss, making me forget everything but his lips.
“I need to run, but I’ll see you down there in an hour?”
Taking another sip, I frown. “I thought we were going in together?”
“I know, but I’ve been up since four thinking of all the last-minute things I forgot.”
I nod, putting on my fake smile. I really wanted us to head in together today. If I had known he was up so early, I would have been happy to get up.
“I’ll be there in a half hour.” I’m already considering what I can do to get there sooner as I blurt out the words.
He’s already halfway out of the door before he yells out, “Take your time. I got this.”
Then he’s gone. I never even got a chance to say goodbye or I love you. Come to think of it, he has been jittery for the last week. It’s nothing but nerves about the grand opening, I tell myself. But what if it’s more than that?
I feel like he and I are in a good place. Could I be reading him wrong?
Leaving my half-drank coffee, my stomach turning too much to finish it now, I rush back into our bedroom as I try to get ready as fast as I can.
I look at the clock hand; a half hour has passed, but I’m ready to go. Looking around, I grab Jack’s leash just as he begins to go crazy at the back door.
I can hear him growling, a sound I never hear from him, ever. Running to see if he and Pincher are in a standoff, I turn the corner to see a very frightened Kip pinned against the wall by Jack.
“Down, Jack,” I command. He takes three small steps back before sitting and showing his teeth but making no noise. If I didn’t know better, I would say he’s smiling.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, confused. I haven’t seen Kiptyn in months. He has wanted posters all over town.
“I heard Kellen wanted to get a hold of me through the grapevine.”
“What?” Is that why he was acting so strange? Is he missing his old type of life? I thought this was his dream now. My stomach feels like it’s fallen from under me.
“Why did he want to talk to you?”
“You going to call off your dog?”
Shaking my head, I open the door for Jack to go outside, giving us some room. I look at Kiptyn expectantly, waiting for my answer.
“I have no idea. That’s why I came here. I thought you might know.”
“Maybe it’s a trap?” I suggest, shrugging. My mind is going in every direction, not understanding at all.
“Here.” Kip hands me a small piece of paper. “This is the number to a burner phone. I will only have it for the next twenty-four hours. Tell him to give me a call on it.”
I nod. Kip stands there not moving, looking
from Jack, who is guarding the door, and back to me.
“Never knew you were scared of dogs.” I shake my head, trying to not think the worst.
“I’m not.”
I roll my eyes, opening the door, placing Jacks leash on. Only then does Kip come out as I lock the door.
Arriving at the Steeles’ ranch, I see his whole family is out and about. His mother waves to me frantically as I step out of my car.
“Morning,” I greet her.
“Sloan, thank goodness you’re here. I need your help.”
I really want to go talk to Kellen and try to pull away. “Sure, I just want to let Kellen know I’m here.”
“Oh, I’m headed down there. I will for you,” Shay interrupts, making me force that fake smile of mine. Why won’t anyone just let me do as I want today?
“I have more coffee inside, honey.” Helen sweetly takes my arm, confusing my mood for lack of caffeine.
“I’ve already had like ten cups today,” I exaggerate, trying to get out of here as soon as possible. “What do you need help with?”
“I can’t choose an outfit!” Her eyes widen like this is the worst thing to happen since before flavored coffee.
I pause. “You need help picking out clothes?” I try to hide my confused, annoyed tone. “Isn’t Shay good at that?” I honestly have no idea why I’m here. Nothing is making any sense to me today. “Is Kellen okay? Everyone is being weird today.” I can’t hold back my expression as I bring up my hands in confusion.
She taps me on the shoulder and smiles. “I have never seen him more excited.” Her eyes shine with pride, helping to untwist the knot in my gut. “This will take only one minute. I promise. You must be excited and want to get back there instead of helping out an old lady with clothes.” There is no maliciousness in her tone. But it still breaks my heart. I have come to love her like a mother.
“Don’t be silly. I’m happy to help.” What’s a few minutes anyway? I scold myself.
It only takes Helen and me five minutes to choose between her two outfits before I’m off, walking toward the other end of the property.
I should have been nicer. I honestly feel bad for taking it out on Kellen’s ma of all people. Jack is running up to meet me. He loves this ranch as much as all of us.
Slowly, music seeps into the air. I can’t help but smile that it’s Kellen’s and my song. It’s the first one we ever danced to.
Seeing the front of our new building, it looks beautiful. Flowers have been hung in pots since last night. Looks like a pot or two may have dropped, since petals are scatted on the path I walk along.
Kellen is standing in the center of the decked entrance, looking so handsome. I don’t think I will ever get tired of looking at this man.
“Sloan.” He smiles, seeing me walk up.
“Where is everyone? I thought everyone was here helping?”
“They’re around,” he replies, walking toward me. He takes my hand, and they feel sweaty.
“Today is going to be perfect.” I squeeze his hand, trying to be reassuring.
He looks down at me. “You are perfect.”
Then he drops down to one knee. When I look down to see what’s the matter, he’s holding out a beautiful diamond ring.
“Sloan Tate, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
I’m frozen in my spot. This was the furthest thing from my mind. Then this whole situation knocks me upside the head.
“Yes!” I yell, falling down on my knees to hug and kiss the life out of him.
The momentum knocks us over as I cry with happiness.
I’m shaking as Kellen takes my hand and places the ring onto my finger. The word stunning doesn’t even do it justice.
Then I hear the sound of corks popping, and his family is standing off to the side. Champagne is being poured into glasses.
“That’s why you were acting strangely.” I look over at his ma, who smiles sheepishly at me. She knew what she was doing the whole time.
“I wanted to ask Kip for his blessing first but couldn’t find him,” he whispers into my ear before I give him yet another hug.
This moment is surreal. I never thought I would have a moment this perfect in my life. I never thought I would have a family who loves and adores everyone in it either.
“I love you.” I know I will never get tired of telling him that.
“I love you too.”
The End
SNEAK PEEK AT BITTERSWEET MOMENTS
Are you dying for more? I hope so! Bittersweet Moments is coming this fall. Read on for a sneak peek at Bittersweet moments. This is unedited and subject to change.
Copyright © 2019 Emily Bowie
Not all true love has that fairytale magic. Happily ever after can be bittersweet.
CHAPTER 1
My tiny car slows, the midnight sky black like ink, with red and blue light removing any of the beauty it could hold. My hands shake as I hold the steering wheel.
Breath in, Breath out, I remind myself.
My mocha eyes are red and puffy from crying the whole way down to Three Rivers. Lose honey colored tendrils fall into my face from the knotted hair that sits high on top of my head. I already know no filter would be able to erase the anguish carved into my features.
My mind fumbles with the sight in front of me, playing out like the premonition my family tried to paint for me. The thought makes me start to cry all over again. The backcountry road should be deserted this late at night, making a peaceful night. Instead, cop cars line the long ranch driveway, the odd siren ringing out, I can see yellow tape flapping on the edge containing the area. The wind makes the trees shuffle under its touch, scraping at each other, but those sounds are muffled by the shouts and commotion just off to the side of my car.
What was I thinking?
My trembling hand goes to my side to pick up the bundle of tissue laying there for me to wipe my face. I inch my car up more as I angle my whole torso to get a better look down the driveway where an ambulance sits at the end, right in front of the ranch house. Everyone seems to have a place to be as they scurry around the area. Setting my car into park, my hand lets go of the steering wheel to rub my tummy. I can’t take my eyes off the reality set in front of me.
Brax and I are too different from each other. He’s this strong country rancher and I am a prisoner amongst my family. Swallowing what feels like blades of pain I realize that I’ve created a situation that I may not be able to break free from.
Our relationship will never work.
I try to convince myself while rationalizing what my family thinks is best. My family surname alone would never allow me to truly be free here. It follows me around like a leper.
My parents didn’t raise a fool, I had to learn at a young age how to read a situation and react accordingly. I naturally like taking care of others, it gives me something to focus on other than myself. The thought that Brax or one of his family could be hurting eats at me, further. But I know soon as my eyes set sights on him, everything will dissolve and I will fall into his arms not caring what my family thinks.
Shocking my system, a flash of light hits into my eyes. A cop car races up the driveway, swerving erratically trying not to hit anything along its path. My body instinctively throws itself deep into my soft cloth seat, my eyes closing praying that the car can’t hit me if I can’t see it. I can feel my hear jar from hitting the headrest behind it. I only realize that I have been screaming when my own voice echoes back at me. When I don’t feel my car rocking from any type of impact, I quickly take a survey of myself. Relief hits me, that I am perfectly fine. I try to lasso my heart in from erratically beating. Only for more cars to fly from the dark, out past me like I don’t exist.
That is all it takes for me to make my decision. Wrenching my wheel around, I press on my gas making a sharp u-turn, following the other black tire marks on the road before heading back home. I will not put myself or anyone else at risk. There is no reason why the Steele ranch
should be covered by an army of cops for any reason. My parents already forced me to read everything about the Steeles that hit the local paper five years ago. This proves that history does repeat its self. Making my parents right, and I hate it. I wanted them to be wrong so badly.
My hands tremor like mini earthquakes as I press Brax phone number making the phone call I hoped I’d never would have to make. One I thought I’d never make.
My one hand rests at my tummy as silent tears roll down my face. If I don’t do this I will lose everything. It’s a risk I will not chance, not anymore. It’s not only me I have to think about.
I cry harder knowing that I am giving up on the love of my life. I remind myself it’s the only choice I have.
Taking another deep breath in, I school my emotions as I learned at a young age. Crying gets you nowhere. It only makes you look weak.
“Hello?” Brax deep voice makes a tingle run up my spine.
“Brax,” a ghost of a whisper comes out, as I force the sob that wants to escape back down.
“Where are you, are you okay?” the concern in his voice breaks my already broken heart.
All my thoughts mush together, colliding as they want to explode out of me, but I have no voice to express any of it. My head shakes as the car is silent. Gathering my courage I open my mouth, hoping my voice comes out stronger than I actually am.
“I turned around, because of all of the commotion happening at your place.” He begins to talk but I cut him off. If I don’t say this now, I may never do it. Then not only my life will be destroyed but everything that is Brax will be gone too.
“This isn’t working. I can’t do this anymore.”
Silence takes over my small car before he grunts.
Sorry. Please forgive me one day. I want to scream out but never do. The air sits heavy making me hold onto the steering wheel harder. The highway is blurry from all of the tears I have shed.
“Is there someone else?” My heart stops working, hearing his accusation. It’s only ever been him. I open my mouth, but no words can escape past the sorrow that sits deep in my throat.
