Cooper chuckled and wiggled his white mustache. “You’re here, aren’t you? That’s a big step. And you and Forsythe don’t seem to be fighting like you used to. What would you call that?”
Not peace.
He smacked my arm softly. “I’ll take the truck down to the bunkhouse and unload. Don’t forget to go check on the bulls we moved down into the barn? Torchy was in charge of feeding them today, but we all know that kid has the mind of a goldfish.” We both laughed at the fact.
“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow, Cooper.”
He tipped his hat to me and hopped into the truck. “Try to get some sleep tonight, kid!” I waved him off before making my way down the long path, past the front gate, and over to the barn.
The sun set as I made my way back, leaving the sky in a deep shade of blue. The crickets and nightlife all sang their late-night melodies as a gentle breeze blew across the ranch. I looked up to see the Bone Ridge Ranch letters across the top of the old entrance gate. It was such a peaceful scene, one only an artist could capture within a painting. “Still just as beautiful as ever. Some things never change.”
“Some. Not all.” I spun around to see Forsythe. He was leaning against an old, classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle, wearing a big grin.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked.
He pushed off the bike and approached me. “I could ask you the same thing.” He looked me up and down. “I see ol’ Cooper’s keeping you busy.” He paused. “You could’ve asked me to help, you know?” His fingers brushed the hair from my neck. “I could’ve kept you busy too.”
I pushed Forsythe back. “I don’t need you to do anything,” I hissed. He only laughed at my temper.
Truth is, I didn’t ask Cooper for workjustto keep my mind busy. I did it to avoid Forsythe as much as possible. He had spent the last couple days finding ways to bug me, waiting in the shadows to pull me in for a kiss, slapping my ass as I walked by with no one around, and taunting me with whispers he breathed along my ear every time he was close enough for me to smell him. It was exhausting trying to avoid him, and even more so trying to act like none of it made any difference to me.
“What’re you even doing out here? Withthat.” I pointed to the parked motorcycle.
He leaned against it carefully, keeping his eyes on me. “I was taking a smoke break before going for a little ride.”
I walked towards him, admiring the bike. “I didn’t realize you rode.”
“And why’s that?”
I stopped on the opposite side and looked up at him. “I don’t know. I guess I always figured you were into those souped-up trucks with the lifted tires and light bars, like all the other guys here.” My fingers glided along the leather seat as he watched me with a raw intensity. “Typical cowboy.” My brow flicked.
Forsythe leaned forward, pressing his palms along the seat. His face was so close that I could feel his breath brush along mycheek. “I hate to break it to you, Lucille, but I’m not like other cowboys.”
No…he’s not. And right now, if I don’t walk away, I’m going to end up doing exactly what he wants me to do.
“I should go.”
He gently grabbed my wrist before I could even budge. “Before you go running off again—” He leaned even closer, and I had to hold my breath. “Why not let me take you out for a spin?”
No way. There’s no way I’m going anywhere with him.
“What’s wrong?” He grinned. “Don’t you trust me?”
“No. You’re just trying to rile me up.”
Forsythe’s brow raised. “Oh am I?” His hand slowly moved up my arm. “Is it working?” I swatted his hand away and stepped back a little. He simply laughed at me. “Easy girl,” he purred. “I mean no harm.”
I crossed my arms. “See? I can’t trust you.”
“Alright, alright. I promise I won’t mess with you. Just let me take you on a ride.” I hesitated, unsure if I should listen to him. He raised his finger. “One ride.”
I bit my lower lip. “Promise?”
Forsythe waved his finger along his chest in the motion of an X. “Cross my heart.”
Still don’t trust you.
He swung his leg over the motorcycle and sat down, turning the engine. It hummed loudly and caused the ground to vibrate beneath my feet.
