This will be the ultimate test of all time - to stay away fromthat, from her, from those lips, from her body, from her teasing smile. But what if she’s meant for me, and I for her? I almost slap my own face to waken me from the bullshit of happily ever afters. She wants a quick fling which usually I’m not opposed to, but that kiss was laced with heartache and forever. I ain’t riding down that path with my eyes closed. I’ve been warned not to get attached. So I won’t.
“You know people who mutter to themselves are crazy.” Clay swings his arm over the stable door. “What has you so…” He waves his hand like I should know what he means.
“What else would have a man all torn up?” My horse, Trigger, chews loudly on fresh hay.
Heavy metal clanks when Clay slides the latch open. “I don’t know why the heck you’re holding back from her.” The door swings open. “I’ve never seen you look at a woman like that before, and if I'm honest, the way she was lookin’ back at you… Hell, even I got a hard-on.” He blows out air teasingly.
“She made it clear she just wants to fool around until she goes home.”
“And…” Clay stares at my dazed eyes and a scrunched-up expression.
“Maybe, I want something else. Maybe, I want a wife and kids, and a future.” My palms glide across Trigger’s hindquarters, and my boots plow through his bedding when I walk. “Maybe, I ain’t in the mood for foolin’ around right now.”
Clay’s laugh is a quick burst of disbelief. “Shit, Hay, you like her. She has your boxer briefs all tied up.” He backs up, wearing a satisfied smirk. He knew how quickly I’d broken up with Kelsey, how even the sound of her voice grated on my last nerve in the end. “You never saw a future with Kels, ever. Then again, you never hauled her over your shoulder or acted all possessive when she spoke with other guys.”
“I guess I just wasn’t that into her.” I shrug casually, hiding the feelings in my chest that are more powerful than the attraction I once had with Kelsey.
“I don’t even know Summer,” I bite the words out. “And I ain’t talking about a future with her either. She’s city. I’m country. The two don’t go together.” I shrug it off, pretending not to care about the burning truth in my gut.
“But you can’t deny the chemistry.” Clay arches an eyebrow. “The whole crowd in Jackson's bar could sense it. We could power all the houses this side of Texas with that charge. Shane knew the second he saw ya’ll dancing that you’d lost your head, buddy.”
“Look, quit hasslin’ me about her. Hank has it lined up as a disaster, and I ain’t about to prove him right. She’s just a new fascination because she talks real sexy.” I can’t meet his eyes because he already suspects how I really feel about her. We both stand in silence, with only munching and distant whinnies surrounding us.
Clay sighs. “Anyway...someone wanted to meet you.” Leaving the stable together, I look down the row of doors. No one’s there.
“Who?” From the corner of my eye, I see it. “Dammit, Clay!” On the concrete sits a small ball of fluff with a patch of black across one eye, pale muzzle, and dappled body. Big puppy eyes stare up at me. When I meet its pleading gaze, the puppy jumps up and scrambles to my boots. I can’t help but reach down and scoop her up into my arms. So soft, so responsive, so lovin’. “Hey there, sweetheart.” She sniffs my hands with a small wet nose.
“I need you to look after her, just for a while. Until I find her a home.” Tiny paws scratch at my chest, climbing closer to my face. “I know you’ll look after her, Hay. I don’t have the time to train her up, and she’s been through so much already.”
I let out a long sigh when I find bony ribs. It’s a toss-up of keeping the little one forever or handing it back after we’ve bonded - and right this moment, we already have. Neither would be easy. “I’ll keep her,” I snap when she licks my jaw affectionately. “You owe me, asshole.”
Clay grins with an annoying satisfaction. He set me up. He knew I would take her. “Perfect. You two are great together.” He turns away from us and makes his way out of the barn. After a few strides, he turns back. “Just like you and Summer. If I were you, I wouldn't rule anything out. Her mother sent her across the world for a reason, and maybe that reason is to find happiness with you.”
“I have a puppy now, Clay.” I smirk. “Thanks to you, I won’t have time to mess around with the cleaner.” I hear my own laugh, feigning nonchalance, yet inside, I’m wondering if Summer would like to name the pup.
As if reading my mind, he asks, “What will you call her?”
I shrug, looking down at the cute little thing. “Don’t know. You’ve just played me, Clay. I need time to think about it.”
He laughs out loud and turns away without saying a word. I follow him out, the puppy still nestled against my shirt. It's midday, and the sun is high.
“You wanna grab a beer?”
“Can’t,” he calls over his shoulder as he nears his truck. “I’m on call, better get back to it.”
“Right. Another time.” I walk up to the house, waving as he drives off. “Well then, little one, looks like it’s just you and me.” Hank and Verlyne were out for the day. Usually, I was happy to kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet, but today, after last night - I’m on edge. “How about some water?”
I carry the dog into the house and give her the rundown of our house rules. She pads over the tiles when I plonk her on the floor, all sniffs and snorts as she investigates. “So...” I begin. “There’s this woman.” I set a bowl down by the waiting pup and watch her lap up cool water. “You can’t get too attached to her when she gets here on Monday because she’s leaving soon. You’ve got me, buddy, and I’ve got you now. How about some leftover steak?”
13
Last night I had a dream.One of those fanciful dreams that leaves you restless and simmering with thigh clenching frustration.
A face appeared. That gorgeous face of Hayden Taylor with the most perfect set jaw, sprinkled with coarse dark hair and minty green eyes followed the dip of my collarbone, settling on my lips. I visualized his suspended mouth, lingering and teasing. It was just a dream, but the anticipation of his kiss got me all hot and bothered. Much to my dismay, I woke up the second our lips met. It must have been my quick intake of air that abruptly snapped me awake.
How was it possible to crave a man in this way? I need to get a hold on my runaway fantasies. Pure thoughts only. No more urges to dry hump things just to rid the buildup of arousal.
Hayden made himself clear. We aren’t getting together. Period.
