Forsythe patted the leather seat behind him. “Hop on.” I stepped closer and swung my own leg around before sitting behind him. He gripped my legs and scooted me closer, wrapping my arms around his waist. I was nearly shaking from how excited and nervous I was to be so close to him. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”
Fuck…what am I doing?
“Hold on, little viper.”
Forsythe
The smell of Lucille’s hair was imprinted across my brain, and I caught myself desperately wishing to inhale it. I had no idea what scent it even was, but every time she came near me, or walked past, I was left craving it. It was fucking intoxicating.
Wimberly yipped and rolled around at my feet while I leaned against the fencing outside the bunkhouse. “Still can’t believe she agreed to go on a drive with me.” I recalled the fresh memory of her body pressed against mine, her arms wrapped around me as her fiery hair blew widely around her face. But what I enjoyed most was the sound of her carefree laugh. I smiled, wishing she was still with me.
The dog wagged her tail and nestled up close.
“Yeah, I know.” I flicked the cigarette into the dirt and put it out. “I’m all hung up on that damn woman.”
I leaned down and petted the old pup, scratching behind her floppy ear. “You know what? I think I left my jacket down at the barn. Why don’t you stay here while I go get it, alright girl?”
Wimberly barked. “Good girl.” I fixed my hat and stuffed my hands in my pockets, glancing up at the starry night. “Lucille was right. It’s beautiful.” I whistled and then took a step, following the dirt path down to the barn.
I bet she’s still up, just gazing at the stars with those honey and sage-colored eyes. Pfft. I still can’t believe she thought I had a thing for that blue-eyed woman.
I stopped.
Little does she know I’ve had my eyes set on one woman for over ten years.
My shoulder ached. “Ah,” I groaned while rotating it. “This damn shoulder. You’d think after all these years I’d have gotten used to it, but it’s as if it has a mind of its own.”
I wonder if that’s how her thigh feels.
I kept walking.
I wonder if she remembers how it all happened…how the burning beam fell…no. She doesn’t remember anything. And I’m glad. ‘Cause if she did, she’d never forgive me.
After walking for some time, I finally reached the barn and stepped inside. “Now where did I leave my jacket…” I looked around the barn, trying to remember where I set it down. The bulls inside stirred a bit, acting a little off. “Now what’s gotten into y’all?” I looked around in their pens, noticing they had no hay or anything. “Damn it, Torchy.” I removed my hat, setting it down as I reached for a pair of gloves. “I’m gonna kick his ass tomorrow for making me work so late.” I stomped around to the other side of the barn and climbed the ladder that led up to the hayloft, grumbling to myself.
I swear that kid?—
With both hands, I gripped onto a single hay bale and drug it along the loft. Normally, doing such a chore wouldn't bother me, but ever since the incident with Reaper, my shoulder’s been acting up. Of course, flipping Lucille around the other night wasn’t exactly helpful either.
I stopped and smiled. “But she was worth it.”
I dragged the hay bale over towards the ladder and kicked it down onto the barn floor below. I knew I shouldn't have, but I was too damn worn out to move it any other way.
“Alright.” I climbed down the ladder, and with one swift motion, I hauled the hay bale up and tossed it over my good shoulder, carrying it back to the other side of the barn. “Alright, boys!” I shouted, approaching the bulls in their pens. “Who’s hungry?” I threw the hay bale down with a loud huff, surprised by what I saw.
Standing in one of the pens was none other than Lucille. She was humming softly and brushing one of the young bulls, wearing my cowboy hat and leather jacket over what looked to be a silky black nightdress.
“Don’t you know better than to take things that don’t belong to you?” I teased, walking over to the pen. “You should be careful. That yearling is a bit unpredictable.”
She smirked. “You should be more careful about leaving your things around. Anyone could just pick them up.” Her head tilted over her shoulder. “Finder’s keepers.” She returned her focus to the bull. “I’m not worried about this little guy. I know the risks. Why do you think I’m brushing him?” She stepped around the yearling and brushed it a little more. “It calms him, see?” Her eyes met mine. “He’s harmless.”
I crossed my arms, still bewitched by the sight of her wearing my things. “What’re you doing here so late? Did our little drive not wear you out? Or did you just miss me?” My body tightened at the sight of her.
Lucille ran the brush along the yearling’s back a couple more times. “I hate to disappoint, but I came for them.” She pointed to the bull. “Cooper asked me to make sure they got fed before I went to bed. I was on my way here when I ran into you earlier today and completely forgot to come down here.”
Well that stings.
“I see. Well—” I placed my hands along my hips, looking back at the hay. “You can head on back. I’ll make sure they get fed. But don’t worry, I’ll let you take all the credit.” I winked. Lucille sat the brush down and stepped from the pen. My jacket looked huge on her, nearly swallowing her body whole, but damn she looked good in it. There was something about the energy in the barn. It was buzzing and heavy, leaving my entire body hot.
