Chapter Three – Bradly
brADLY
When I stepped back into the house, my mother was waiting for me.
“So, what was that all about?”
I took off my coat and hung it up. “What do you mean? What was what all about?”
“You couldn’t keep your eyes off Mackenzie. Then you walked her out to the truck and kissed her hand.”
Laughing, I pushed a hand through my hair. “First off, Mom, I didn’t kiss her hand. It was shaking, so I warmed it up. Then I asked her if she had plans for today, and I’m taking her out to eat when she’s free.”
Her brow rose. “You asked her out on a date? Bradly, why would you do that?”
I folded my arms over my chest. “Do you have an issue with me asking Mackenzie out?”
“Well, no. But I…I…it’s just…”
“Mom, what’s going on?”
She sighed and sat down on the sofa. When she motioned for me to sit, I did. After a few moments of silence, she began to talk.
“The moment I met Mackenzie, I immediately liked her. But there’s a sadness in her eyes that tells me she’s in Montana for one reason only.”
“To escape her family and past. She already admitted to that.”
“Call it a mother’s intuition if you will, but I think it’s more than that. I have a feeling something bad happened to her.”
“As in someone hurt her?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. But what I do know is, I’ve never seen her light up like she did when she walked into the kitchen and saw you. And I just…I don’t want her to be hurt.”
I jerked back as if she’d slapped me. “And you think I’d hurt her?”
“Not intentionally! Of course not. But do you think it’s fair to ask her out when you haven’t decided on your future? I mean, if you continue professional bull riding, it would make starting a new relationship difficult.”
I laughed. “Mom, you act as if I proclaimed my love for her. It’s a date. All we’re going to do is get something to eat. Afterward, I thought I’d bring her over to Uncle Ty’s barn. I want to show her what I do, since she doesn’t really know. She’s never even been to a rodeo.”
She nodded and smiled, but I could tell it was forced.
I sighed. “Just say what’s on your mind, Mom.”
Lifting her chin, she cleared her throat. “Okay. I will. I know you’re feeling unsettled right now. But it feels like more than that. Like you’re a little homesick and lonely. Maybe even longing for something. And I just don’t want you to see Mackenzie as a way to blow off steam. I adore her, and I don’t want to lose her.”
I stared at her for a few moments. “Wow. Do you really think I would use her as a plaything, Mom?”
She wrung her hands in her lap. “No, but you just seem so…lost.”
Drawing in a deep breath, I slowly exhaled. “Mom, I’m exhausted. I’m bruised and battered, and it was a rough season. I only have a few weeks off, and I’m not longing for anything but a bit of relaxation. Some time with my family. And if that also means getting to know Mackenzie, then I don’t see the harm in that. We’re both adults. We’re just going out to eat and spending some time together.”
She nodded. “I guess I’m simply putting my nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“Mom, I would never tell you to stay out of my business because I’m glad you care. And as far as Mackenzie goes…I don’t know how to explain it. She’s…different from any other woman I’ve ever met, and I want to get to know her. Honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since I saw her in the barn last night.”
Mom’s eyes lit up. “Really? Oh, well, this is an interesting turn of events.”
“Mom, don’t get ahead of yourself, okay?”
She stood, looked down at me, and sighed. “The only thing I’ve ever wanted for you and Avery was for you to be happy. Truly happy. Are you? Because both of my children seem to think that just because you’re not here all the time, I don’t notice things. Well, just so you know, I notice everything. I know Avery is terribly homesick and doesn’t want to go back to Paris. I noticed the last time you left to go back on the road, you weren’t as excited and pumped up as you used to be. I see your concentration before each event is off.
“I also noticed you watching Hunter with Kipton last night…and despite your denial, I saw it on your face—you long for something more. Someone to love. And there is nothing wrong with that, Bradly. You’ve always wanted to follow in your father’s footsteps and he…we…are both so proud of you. But your father would be just as happy if you were here on the ranch working alongside him. I want you to know that.”
My heart felt like it grew bigger in my chest. “I love you so much, Mom. I’m not riding simply because Dad did.”
“Oh, I know that, sweetheart.”
I sighed. “It’s like I told you and Dad the other night. I’m feeling a bit undecided right now, and part of it is about wanting to leave professional bull riding. I know you and Dad told me to take this time to really think on that decision, and that’s what I’m doing. Right now, I’m truly leaning toward walking away.”
She drew in a deep breath. “I won’t lie and say a part of me isn’t thankful you’re leaning toward leaving. I worry so much about you and your sister.”
I could see the worry in my mom’s eyes, and I’d always hated being one of the reasons for putting it there. “I just want to enjoy the rest of my time off. It’s been such a relief not to have cameras shoved in my face, or all the smack-talk from my competitors, or random women stalking me at hotels. I needed the peace, and I’m enjoying every second of it.”
She took my hands in hers. “Then peace is what you’ll get. And your father and I are here to talk anytime you want.”
Standing, I kissed her on the forehead. “I know. I love you.”
“I love you more, darling. Now, I’m going to go wash those vegetables and try very hard not to think about the way you looked at Mackenzie—and she looked at you.”
I laughed as she headed into the kitchen.
The moment I stepped into the barn, I was transported to the night before. The music, the animals, and Mackenzie singing like an angel. I hadn’t been expecting her to walk into my parents’ kitchen this morning, or the way my body reacted to seeing her. When I saw an opportunity to spend more time with her, I knew I had to jump all over it.
I’d been helping my father put hay out for the cows when Mackenzie texted me that she was finished working and asked if I was free for lunch. When I told my father that I was taking Mackenzie out, he simply grinned and told me to enjoy myself. If he had spoken to my mother already about me and Mackenzie, he didn’t say anything.
I made my way through the barn to the steps at the back that led up to Mackenzie’s apartment. It had been years since I’d been up in the apartment.
Mr. Whiskers, the white and black cat, sat on the small landing at the top of the steps, and when I came to a stop, he looked up at me and meowed.
“Hey there,” I said as I reached down and scratched him behind his ears. He instantly stood and started to rub on my legs as I knocked.
I could hear Mackenzie make her way to the door. She opened it and looked down to see me crouched next to the cat, who was attempting to crawl onto my lap.
“Wow, Mr. Whiskers doesn’t usually take to strangers.”
Smiling, I picked up the cat and stood. “We’re not strangers. We met last night.”
Mackenzie nodded. “That’s true. Must have been the Christmas magic.”
Nodding, I replied, “Must have been.”
Opening the door wider, she offered for me to come in. “I wasn’t sure how I should dress.”
My eyes took her in. She wore dark jeans, a long-sleeve blue thermal shirt, and cowboy boots. Her wavy hair was pulled back away from her face and gave me a clear view of her eyes. The beautiful green had specks of gold that sparkled, making her eyes look like stars as she gazed up at me.
“You have beautiful eyes.”
The words slipped free before I had a chance to stop them.
Her teeth instantly dug into her lower lip, and she dropped her head. I placed my finger under her chin and lifted her gaze back up to me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so blunt, it’s just…I’m enchanted by you, Kenzie.”
A small breath slipped from between her lips. “May I confess something to you?”
“Please,” I whispered, feeling something warm move over my entire body.
“When I turned and saw you last night, the first thing I thought was, ‘Please let him be single.’”
I smiled.
“Talk about wonderstruck,” she added with a giggle. Her smile faded as she slowly shook her head. “I don’t know if it’s your eyes or the dimples.”
“Ahh, the dimples,” I said with a nod of my head. “My mother used to tell me the girls would love my dimples.”
“She was right.”
I raised a brow. “So, you love my dimples, huh?”
A wicked smile crossed her face. “For now, until I find something else to love. But you have heavy competition with Pickles, ya know.” Then her hand came up to her mouth as her eyes went wide. “I can’t believe I said that. I’m not a flirty person. I mean, I don’t even know how to flirt. I’m a terrible flirt…at least, I think I am, but—”
Laughing, I pressed my finger to her mouth, and she instantly stopped talking. “Like I said, enchanted.”
Slowly letting my finger slide down her lips, I watched as she licked them, then looked away.
“I’m starving. Ready for lunch?”
“Yes,” she said. “But am I dressed okay?”
“You’re perfect, Kenzie.” I wasn’t sure if I was talking about the clothes or her.
Her cheeks blushed, and she turned to grab her coat and a small purse.
“You probably should grab your hat and gloves.”
“Right. I’ll get them.”
As she made her way to the bedroom, I glanced around the apartment. It had changed since the last time I was up here as a little boy. I couldn’t help but notice there was nothing personal, like family pictures anywhere. I walked farther into the room and saw that the apartment was spotless. My eyes caught on a Kindle sitting on the side table, along with a few books piled on top of one another.
“Got them. Ready?” Mackenzie said as she walked back out of what I knew was the bedroom.
Pointing to the books, I asked, “You like digital books or paperbacks, huh?”
“Both. I love the feel and smell of paperbacks, but being able to have a book instantly is also pretty darn amazing. I’ve loved reading since I was old enough to learn. Do you enjoy reading?”
“Yeah, I love reading.”
“Really? Fiction or nonfiction?”
“Both. They’re a good escape, especially when I’m out on the road and need to clear my head.”
“I would think you’d be busy all the time. With…things.”
My brow quirked up. “Things?”
She let out a nervous laugh and shrugged. “I don’t know. I overheard Michael once say something about bunny buckles and how women throw themselves at you. I mean, I don’t blame them. You’re young and good-looking.”
Smiling, I asked, “You think I’m good-looking?”
Mackenzie’s cheeks turned red. “You do have a mirror, right?”
It was my turn to blush. “They’re called buckle bunnies, and they were more common when I was riding on the smaller circuits.”
“Why do they call them that?”
“They chase after the cowboys who win and get the buckles.”
She narrowed her eyes and nodded. “Chasing money, then?”
I pointed to her. “Exactly. I don’t encounter a whole lot of that anymore, but every now and then it does happen. A woman waiting for me in a hotel lobby, or they somehow figure out which room I’m in.”
Mackenzie looked surprised. “Do you sleep with them?”
Her blunt question caught both of us off guard.
“I’m so sorry—that is none of my business.”
I chuckled. “Let’s just say I find myself in hotels with room service and a good book more than I find myself letting some strange woman into my space.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry I asked that.”
Blowing it off, I asked, “Ready to go?”
She appeared to relax as she grinned up at me. “Ready!”