8. Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Piper
I ’d rather die than see the look on Billy’s face again, when he found out that I spied on him in the washroom last night. I’m not sure if the look was embarrassment or shame, or what, but the guilt rose in me so fast, I had to fight the tears. The trip into town is exhausting, but I end up getting what I need, and the guy at Crawford’s gives me a discount, which in turn helps Billy, making me happy. Just as I pull up to the ranch house, I see Billy inside the barn, with who I assume is Dr. Collins, the vet. Sprout is up walking with Mazy, and both look just fine.
“Piper, this is Dr. Collins.” Billy says by way of introduction.
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Dr. Collins says gallantly, as he removes his Stetson.
“She’s here to replace Trixie.” Billy explains.
“Ah, yes. It’s high time you had someone come in and give you a hand, Billy.” Dr. Collins comments.
“Yes, she’s already done a fine job, sir.”
The vet pats Mazy on the snout gently. “Ah, well, this girl looks just fine, Billy. She did a great job. When does your stallion arrive?”
“I haven’t had word yet, sir, since I’ve got to build the stable first. This here barn isn’t going to cut it, but I need extra hands to get this show on the road.”
“Paxton’s kids are looking for work.” Collins says.
Billy waves. “Not interested in that family. Their daddy’s a drunk. I don’t need to mess with that. Last thing I need is for him to come looking for his boys here.”
“They’re good boys, Billy.” Collins argues kindly. “And Will’s cleaned up his act some, far as I know. Plus, you know as well as I do that Will’s afraid of horses.”
Billy frowns. “They wouldn’t be interested in coming to work for me. Nobody in town’s ever got anything nice to say about me, and since they’ve never come knocking on my door, I’ll assume they feel the same.”
“Trust me, Billy. I’ve been over to tend to their dog, Morris. They’re crying for work. Both of them just got laid off over at the factory. Since they’re new they haven’t got a chance in hell of being called back.”
“That wouldn’t be the textile factory, would it.” Billy states, guessing that these boys that Dr. Collins is referring to are former employees of his parents’ business.
“It is, Billy. But that doesn’t matter.”
Billy cracks a wicked smile. “It does matter. I’m guessing if they got laid off by my folks, got passed on, handed their papers, treated like yesterday’s news, I’m thinking we’ve got something in common.”
The vet smiles. “I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.”
I decide it’s time to intervene. “I’ll post the job today. Do these boys have a number where I can reach them?”
Billy’s face changes, like he’s defensive. “There’s no need for that, darlin’. I’ll reach out to them.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. You put that post out, but make sure it’s only for Dallas, not Copper Cove, see.”
“Got it.” I nod.
“Alright. I’ll see you later, Billy.” Dr. Collins says, and then he tips his hat to me again. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Piper.”
“Likewise, sir.”
Billy walks Dr. Collins to his car, while I pet Scout and Mazy, wondering if I pulled that off to Billy’s satisfaction. “How’d I do?” I ask as he comes into earshot.
“You did just fine, doll. How’d it go in town? Where’s your stuff?”
“Just in the car. I’ll go get it.”
“Naw, you stay put and give these kids a little attention. I’ve been neglecting them all morning.”
They really are his babies. He’s adorable. “Okay. I missed them, too.”
He gives me a little wink that gives me both a shiver and a warm feeling, as I pet the animals. Sprout reminds me of the movie Bambi, as he walks, unbalanced, on his frail little legs. His determination is evident, though, and Mazy seems to be a proud mama, constantly touching him with her snout. I see Billy bring my stuff out in one trip, making me almost want to chide him, as he carries no less than six bags in one go, but I don’t. I watch him take the bags inside, using some cool technique to open the door himself, and he reappears in a minute, looking pleased.
“How’d you do that?” I ask him, impressed.
“Do what?”
“You opened the door with your foot.”
He smiles and winks. “Trade secret.”
“Uh huh. Is the door busted.” I guess.
He snuffles a laugh as he pets Mazy. “Yeah. The hydraulics don’t work, so if you tap your foot just so, it’ll open on its own.”
“Gotcha. I’ll remember to use that trick when my friends arrive. Keep them guessing.”
He lifts a finger, but his eyes are dancing. “Now, don’t you go stealing my little tricks, see. It’s part of the reason why people are afraid of me. They think my mama was a witch or something.”
“Please. You’re as harmless as a newborn baby.” I wave.
He smiles at me, and our eyes lock for a moment. His gaze goes to my lips for a second, but then he catches himself, scratches his nose, sniffs, and bobs his head over to the builders to our right. “I should get back there. The stable is going up in a couple of days. Mazy and Scout will have a new place to rest their heads.”
“And when I’m in the doghouse, me, too.” I joke.
He gives me a lopsided smile and a wink, and rubs my back, giving me a delicious shiver. God, he’s so sexy. And now that I know what he looks like in his underwear, it’s harder not to blush when he looks at me like that. As he walks away, my eyes follow his fine rear end, and I have to train my eyes to look away. Billy Barnes is a gorgeous man. Why the ladies in town aren’t all over him is beyond me. I’ve never met a more distinguished, polite, beautiful man before in my life. And as I watch my friend’s car pull up, I wonder how in the hell I’m going to hold it inside the huge crush I have on my boss slash landlord.
Crystal and Jade pull up, smiling, looking happy to see me, as I am happy to see them. They’re my best friends. In the time that I’ve known them, I’ve learned so much, and they’ve both shown me so much love, I can’t even tell you. “Piper! Oh my God! You live here?!” Jade gushes, knowing that this is the place that she has agreed to clean part time.
“I do.” I chuckle, as I walk to them, and then give them each a hug.
“This is beautiful. And he’s building another house?” Crystal asks.
“I know. I told Billy that the older house has so much promise, but he has his heart set on building the bigger one. I think it’ll be more of a bed and breakfast or something, anyway.”
“Well, I’ll happily clean either one.” Jade snorts a laugh.
“And it’s really not that bad inside, either. I’ve already started cleaning it.” I tell her. “Come on inside.”
I see Billy look over, and then he starts walking towards us.
“Wait. You should probably meet him first.” I say with a soft chuckle, hoping that I can hide the fact that I have a total, all-round, high school crush on him, even though I’m not in high school anymore. It’s all I know.
“Hello, ladies.” Billy says, tipping his Stetson gallantly, smiling warmly.
“Hi, Mister Barnes. I’m Jade and this is my sister, Crystal.” Jade states, shaking his hand, and then Crystal shakes his proffered hand.
“Jade and Crystal, huh. Well, I suppose they couldn’t have come up with a nicer grouping for two beautiful ladies like yourselves.”
“Yes, our folks don’t get any points for originality.” Jade admits.
“Those are fine names.” He smiles. And then he addresses Jade. “I understand that you’ve agreed to clean this place up some?”
She nods politely. “Yes, sir. I can come twice a week if that suits you.”
“Whatever works for you, Jade, is fine by me. I need all the help I can get. As you can see, I’m too busy working on building to look after the place myself.”
“I’d be happy to help out, sir.”
“That sounds perfect. Well, if you ladies need anything, just holler out here. I’ve got a lot of work to do. It was nice meeting you.” He says, tipping his hat again.
“It was nice meeting you.” They say in unison. Jade and Crystal could pass for twins in their seemingly shared demeanor. However, physically, they look quite different. Jade with short, dark hair and blue eyes, and Crystal with long, blonde hair and green eyes. Jade is a full head taller than Crystal, too, but it’s like they’re twins on the inside.
“Come on into the house. I’ll show you the place.” I offer, gesturing towards the door. I use the foot trick, and both girls give me a look, but I don’t comment.
“God, Piper, Billy is so nice.” Crystal comments.
“He is. He’s the sweetest.” I agree, as we enter the house.
“Oh, it’s cozy.” Jade says, looking around at the living room, where the fireplace is. “Like a little cottage, only slightly bigger.”
“Exactly. I don’t know why Billy thinks it’s a shack.” I agree.
“Yeah, with a little paint, some new flooring and windows, this place would sparkle.” Crystal adds.
“I don’t know if he plans on putting any more money into this house, since he’s building a new one.” I inform.
“That’s such a shame. I love old farmhouses.” Jade interjects.
“Me, too.” Crystal smiles.
“Yeah, well, now you get to clean this place.” I say flippantly.
We take a seat at the kitchen table. Crystal asks. “So, are you still living in your car?” She didn’t tell her folks about me living out of my car. I was too embarrassed. I couldn’t stand the pitiful expressions. It’s bad enough that they felt sorry for me for losing my parents. And part of that is guilt on my part. I feel guilty that I don’t miss them a whole lot. I did run away from them for a reason. Although I am hesitant to tell the truth, Crystal picks up on the hesitation. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Jade leans in, putting on her maternal, sympathetic hat. “Yeah, how are you doing, anyway?”
I hate that tone. It makes me feel pathetic anytime anyone ever addresses me with it. “I’m fine. Actually, I’m staying here with Billy.”
Both girls’ eyes bulge. “You’re....staying here? But isn’t that weird?” Jade asks. “He’s your boss.”
Eye roll. “Don’t you think I know that? He found out I was living in my car and he was having none of it. He brought up a good point, too, that word would get around town that a vagrant was taking care of his books. That’s all he needs, so he offered for me to live here temporarily, and pay him rent out of my paycheck.”
Both girls glance at each other and nod. “Well, that’s valid.” Crystal states, agreeing. “And as long as you’re paying him rent, it doesn’t make it weird.”
Jade draws in a deep breath and releases it. “It shouldn’t take long to get this place in top shape. When can I start?”
“Whenever your classes let you, Jade. I mean, Billy doesn’t want this to come between your schoolwork anymore than your folks want it to.”
“I don’t have class on Thursdays, and I’m free Monday evenings. Will that work?”
“Of course.” I nod. “Hey, do you guys want a tea or something?”
“No, thanks.” Crystal says. “We can only stay for a minute. I’ve got to get back for school, I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing.”
“Okay. I’ve got work and a class tonight, too. So, I'll see you later?”
“Sure.” Both girls say.
“I’ll be by on Thursday.” Jade confirms.
“Of course. I’ll see you then.”
I walk the girls out and work for another hour, before making lunch, and getting ready for school. Billy comes in and sees me at the table, punching in some things on the laptop. “Your friends didn’t stay long.” He observes.
“No, they just wanted to pop by, and Jade wanted to meet you first before starting work here. They both have classes, and I do, too, so I’m off shortly. I’ll be working tonight, too, so I’ll be back late. Do you have a spare key?”
He waves. “I’ll be up, darlin’. Not to worry.”
“If you’re hungry, I made some sandwiches. There isn’t much food left. Do you want me to swing by the grocery store in the morning?”
“No, that’s okay. I’ll get that later.” He scratches his head in thought. “What do you think about hiring someone to run errands, too? Like an assistant.”
“I suppose Jade can cover that as well, if you like. She wouldn’t mind. It would give her a chance to check the town out. They’re from Dallas, not here.”
“I don’t want to impose too much on her, Piper. She’s got her studies to worry about, too, right?”
I look around. “Billy, it really isn’t an imposition. This house will not take much to keep up.”
“Yeah, but I was thinking of someone that could come in and cook, run errands, do laundry, things like that. Once we start getting ranch hands in here, we’re going to need someone full time to do stuff like that.”
“Good point. But are you going to be able to afford someone like that? On top of everything else?”
He gives me a look. “Darlin’, y’all let me worry about paying people, okay? I told you money’s not the issue for me, it’s labor, manpower. And I need all that ASAP, so just get me what I need, and you’ll see for yourself. This place will run like a well-oiled machine in no time.”
I smile. “Okay. Will do.”
“And how long do you think Jade will be able to help? Will that be just until school is finished? Because I’m thinking once you hire me an assistant, once this place is cleaned up, there might not be much more need for her, unless she wants to do all that.”
“Unfortunately, it will only be temporary. Both Jade and Crystal, like me, are finishing school in a few months. And Jade’s program is a year shorter than Crystal’s, so they’re both finished at the same time.”
“Perfect. So, we have a plan.” He nods, satisfied.
“You go eat. I’ve got to leave soon.”
“Okay. Have a good one.”
“You, too.”
I get up and go grab a change of clothes for work, while he eats quickly, and I hear him leave the house before I do. As I walk out the door, he calls to me. “Piper!”
I stop, shielding my eyes from the sun. “Hey.”
He trots to me, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket. “Here. Take this. Grab yourself some dinner and make it two. I ate all that you made, and I’ll be out here for hours still. Just bring it home with you and I’ll eat it then.”
“That’s going to be like ten o’clock, Billy. Are you sure?”
He smiles. “No need to worry about me, darlin’. I haven’t eaten this decent in weeks.”
Before I can stop myself, I slide a finger down his cheek, as a gesture of empathy. “You and I really are such similar creatures, Billy.”
He takes my hand and quickly kisses the palm. “You go on. Don’t work too hard.”
“Same to you.”
His eyes slide down to my lips, but he winks at me and diverts his gaze. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah. I’ll see you.”
And he ends up seeing much more of me than he plans on...