Page 7 of Haunted Cowboy

This morning I woke up late, eager to get to the Wild West town. Riding out, I felt like I was riding towards my future. And it felt good. But as I got to the hill above the town I was shocked at what I saw.

People packing up rides. Taking down stalls. Putting everything back. To just had it been before.

Riding down the Wild West street, I stop and talk to a few people. Everybody saying what a good time they had. But one thing is clear. Hazel is not here. Her job is done. She’d promised it would be just one night and then everything would be back as it was before.

Dismounting from my horse, I walk over to where my brothers are leaning against the railing outside of the saloon.

“What do you think Liam? It was a pretty good event.” My youngest brother Levi is grinning. He is always grinning these days since he and Mabel got together. “Hazel did a really good job. I heard the Mayor say he wants to try and convince her to stay on.”

Spencer is watching me. I glance towards him before looking away. The thought of Hazel sticking around is like a flickering light in the dark, heavy feeling that has been with me since I realized her job is done.

Soon this place will be empty again. As empty as I feel inside. It’s amazing how it can be so filled with joy in one moment and just hours later, it will all be gone.

But I don’t want things to be as they were before. I’ve gotten a glimpse of a possible future. A future full of sexy smiles, laughter, kisses and Hazel’s nervous energy around all the time.

“What are you going to do about it?” Spencer asks. I swear sometimes he can read minds.

“Do about what?” Levi asks.

“I don’t know.” I answer. “But I’m going into town.”

I head off towards my horse. I’ll have to go get my truck. That will give me time to figure out a plan.

“Do about what?” Levi asks again behind me. But I haven’t got time to explain. Spencer can fill him in on the fact that the oldest Jones brother has fallen in love.

Chapter 10

Hazel

In my little hotel room, I set about packing my bags. What a week it has been. And now that it is over I feel exhausted. Especially since I tossed and turned all night thinking about Liam. Thinking about Liam’s husky whisper in my ear as his big hands roam over my body. Thinking about how that was the best sex I’ve ever experienced.

And then thinking about the fact that he disappeared. Like the ghost I thought he was on that very first day. I had looked everywhere for him. But I was left feeling that maybe the cowboy got what he wanted and then left.

But I feel like I’ve gotten to know Liam and it just doesn’t seem like his style. Not the man who took so much care and pride in the wooden benches and shelves he made as a kid. Not the man who touched me like that. The possessive look in his serious, green eyes.

I’m unsure what to do about Liam. Do I want to be with a man who ghosts me after sex?

No.

Do I want to be with a man who is so closed off from the community?

No.

But, do I want to be with a man who sets my heart racing with just one look?

Yes.

Am I even now wishing we could have sex again, to feel his body against mine, his big hands, his big……

Yes!

I’m so caught up in my own thoughts that it takes me a little minute to realize someone is calling my name from out in the street. Going to the open window I look down to see Liam. He is standing up in the tray bed of his truck, parked across the road from the hotel. And he is calling my name through a loud speaker!!

“Hazel. Hazel Hart. Calling Hazel Hart and anybody else who cares to know my business.”

There is a little crowd gathering around him. The people of Hog Wash love a spectacle. There are people eating out of their Halloween candy bags, I can even see two people with popcorn, like this is some sort of state sponsored show put on for their entertainment.

But I get the point. I know that Liam doesn’t like the town talking about him. But he is making a public display now. For me?