The rig pulls to a stop and we all spring into action, pulling lines and hoses, doing the jobs that Chief set for us. We move like well oiled machines. Murray and I grab our fire rakes and start looking for clear spots to get the children out.
Once we find a spot without the fire, we mark it and keep going. Chief ran ahead to the center to get the kids ready to evacuate. It doesn’t take long before we have a path for them to follow to the bus safely.
We have three kids left when an ember sparks the dead bushes next to them, igniting them instantly. Their screams pierce the air as we watch them get cut off from us.
Not waiting for orders I breach the marked path and run to them followed by Murray. At least if I get benched after this he’ll be with me.
Tossing the kids over our shoulders we carry them to the safety of the buses where their teachers have tears in their eyes.
“Thank you so much!” The director exclaims taking each one and hugging them tight.
As soon as they’re all loaded into the bus and being taken away from the danger I feel like I can breathe a little better. You can see the relief etched on Murray and Chief’s faces as we all watch them leave down the road we just came from.
“Okay boys, let’s do this. We have to get this out and quick before it spreads more.” Chief moves us along to new roles.
Jogging off to join the rest of the crew, I follow their lead to extinguish this shit.
It’s way later than I anticipated it would be when we get the fire under control. We traced the source to a camp behind the rec center. They built a fire with an old stump, and it spread through the roots. Our dry winter hasn’t left much snow to help with keeping these things contained.
There is no way we will be able to make it to Bozeman tonight, and I feel like shit to have ruined the first big date that I promised Juliette. After stripping off my gear at the rig, I reach into my pocket to let her know that I’m on my way back, only to find my pocket empty.
Perfect. Just what I need, a lost phone.Hopefully it’s just in my truck and not somewhere in a field.
All that stands between me and Jules is dropping Murray back off at his truck since we had mine at the stables this afternoon.
Glancing at the clock, it’s not too late that I couldn’t still salvage the night with her, just in a different way. My mind races with ideas the whole drive back.
Murray is opening the door before I even park the truck.
“Good luck, man. I’m going to try to swing by Ms. Patti’s before she closes for Dakota.”
“See ya, good luck to you too.”
He slams the door shut and I watch him jog over to his own truck. He and Dakota have the oddest relationship I’ve ever seen, one day they’re best friends and the next they hate each other. But even when there’s hate, he’d still lay his life down for her and Jaycob.
I can’t worry about them right now. I have my own problems and the fire tonight only made it worse. My phone must be somewhere in the car because the music started playing in my car which means it’s close enough to be connected.Thank God.
If I were on the actual road, and not just ranch roads, I’d probably be arrested for my driving. But, after growing up with Sanders and Boone Myers, who owns the orchard next door, I know these bumpy dirt roads like the back of my hand.
Ironically, Sam Hunt is crooning his hit,Body Like A Back Road,over my speakers. I definitely know Jules’ body as well if not better than these roads. Fuck, I’ve been exploring them just about the same amount of time.
When I pull up to the house I don’t see Juliette’s truck.Fuck.I slam my own truck into park and run inside. The door isn’t locked, there’s no lights on but the small one above the kitchen sink. And it’s fucking dead silent in the house. Not a footstep to be heard, she’s not singing her heart out while she gets ready. Nothing. Just like the first night after she left.
Jess did not disappoint with her outfit choice from Lily and Lace. She sent over a pair of dark bootcut jeans that fit so damn perfectly it looks like they were painted on my ass. She paired it with a soft pink tank top that plunges deep between my breasts and is lined with a delicate lace. I’ll pair it with my favorite pair of cowboy boots that have the cream intricacies carved into the deep espresso leather.
Myeverything showerafter cleaning with chemicals all day was the most satisfying part of my day. I even gave up a nap for it. Now I’m standing in the bathroom in my towel actually taking the time to dry all my damn hair to curl it before I even think about starting on my make-up.
My hair is long, down to my ass cheeks, and it takes a lot of fucking time to dry. On any other day it goes up into a bunstill wet. So if I take the time to dryandcurl it, it better be appreciated.
I peek at my phone while my head is upside down and still no text from Cal. I’ve texted him twice with no answer since earlier. He’s pushing it time wise if he’s going to shower and we’re going to make it to Bozeman.
On to my make-up, and still no answer. I call him, only getting his voicemail. We need to leave in twenty minutes. I thought I was running late, but I guess I’ve got a few more minutes.
Time to get dressed, and another phone call to Cal with no answer to either the calls or my texts.
I squeeze my ass into these jeans and when I do my final perusal in the full length mirror, I look fucking hot if I say so myself.
Another call and voicemail again.
