"That's when I escaped and took a taxi home.The end."I peck his lips."Were you shocked by anything?"
"More impressed than anything.You are amazing!"
I reach around him and squeeze him so hard he grunts.This man is perfect!Fucking perfect!
"But would you have shot him?Them?"
I let go of the bear hug and look up at him.Should I confess the blank bullet?Naw.Good poker players know that sometimes you have to bluff to win a bet.With my poker face snapped down tight, I tell his chest firmly."Rules are rules, Aurei.Everyone agreed to play beforehand, and he wasn't playing."
"But what if you had shot him or her?"
"What if what?"I keep my poker face on and give him a sideways smirk.
"Now … I'm shocked."
His phone dings a voice mail alert.We went through a no phone zone.I take it from his pocket, and while I open it to play Ann's message, I ask him."Do you know what song you are going to sing?"
Before he can answer, we hear her swearing at the horse, then she yells into the phone."Hurry up before I shoot him!"
"A girl after my own heart!"I say to Aurei with a wink.
CHAPTERFOUR
When we arrive at the farm, we drive down a small one-lane dirt road between two giant pastures, past a small pond, and up a hill.There is an older farmhouse on the left, and the barn with a paddock is on the right.Giant pastures surround the whole place.Taking my ball cap off the dash, I pull my hair through."How big is this farm?"
"Big.Ann is in the paddock."He puts the windows down as he parks next to her truck, a white F250 dually."Stay in the truck until I come to get you."He gets out and walks up to the fence.
I hear her yelling to him."What took you so long?Hurry up before I shoot this damn horse!"
Aurei laughs."How did he get out?"
"How should I know?The damn horse is an escape artist, though.I know I put him in the stall yesterday."
"Well, he can wait for now.I have a surprise for you."
"Oh yeah, I forgot.What did you bring me, Big Bro?Am I gonna love it or hate it?"She asks as she jogs to the fence and climbs over.
"You're gonna love her."He walks over to the truck and winks at me.
"Her?Did you bring me another stray?God, I hope not.I don't have room for any more pets, and Bee will kill us both."She walks over to the truck, brushing herself off.She is dressed like a real cowgirl, Stetson hat in a plaid shirt, blue jeans, and Tony Lama boots.It's hard to see her face, but her body is lean and muscular.When she removes her hat, her hair is long and golden blonde with natural sun-streaked highlights.She could be his female twin.They look exactly like a brother and sister should.
"No, she's not a stray, and this one I'm gonna keep."I smile at him."Forever."He whispers to me.Then he steps away from the window."Take a look inside and tell me what you think."
She steps up and peers in."Hey, Ann."Her face is priceless!
Her jaw falls open, then she closes it and smiles the same beautiful, winning smile her brother has."Well, I'll be damned!I'll say she's a keeper."As she opens the truck door, she says to me."Come on out here and let me meet ya."
As I get out of the truck, Aurei introduces me."Ann, I'd like you to meet Siri Wright."
"Nice to meet you, Ann."I stick my hand out to shake hers.
She walks right through my extended hand and wraps her arms around me."Oh, hell no, I get a hug!I've waited a long time for this."She proceeds to give me the tenderest yet firm hug I can remember receiving in a long time.I squeeze her back, instantly liking her.
When she releases me, she swats at Aurei, but he dodges it."Surprise, hell?I'm astounded.Where did you meet this gorgeous woman?No, wait.Is this the girl from the apartment complex?"
He nods.
She reaches over and removes my ball cap as she walks around me, sizing me up."Damn straight, Aurei, you were right.She is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen too.But don't tell Bee I said that."
