CHAPTER ELEVEN
A large oak shields us from the worst of the late July heat. I stare across the decorated backyard while we wait for the guests of honor to arrive. Too many names clog my brain, the introductions a blur. My wits are still scattered after Drake’s unfortunate revelation. The sour taste in my mouth further proves Sutherland Homes is toxic.
“Is this too much?” The question in his expression expands wider than the small crowd gathered to celebrate Ridge and Callie.
I shake my head. “It looks perfect. The party planner deserves a raise.”
“Thank you,” Harper chirps as she pauses next to us. “Minimal hiccups except the happy couple is nowhere to be found. There are murmurs about penis candy too.”
I lift my brows at the blonde, one of the only faces I recognize in the bunch. “Penis candy?”
She holds up her palms. “I’m acting oblivious. Just cross your fingers that Sydney doesn’t find them, if they do exist.”
A snort rips from me just imagining her little girl’s reaction. “That would be an awkward conversation.”
“One more for the list,” she muses.
I nod and take a long sip of my pineapple mimosa. A silence creeps in. That lull oozes and festers like a scab that hasn’t fully healed. The tension swirls until I can choke on the fumes.
Harper’s keen awareness shifts from me to the man hovering at my side. “Are you two okay?”
“Yep,” I say at the same time Drake provides his own answer.
“I fucked up,” he admits.
She purses her lips. “Why am I not surprised?”
A sheepish grin matches his downcast gaze that looks far too innocent. “I got into bed with her enemy. It was supposed to be heroic, but I didn’t consider the consequences. Botched banger.”
Harper’s eyebrows disappear into her hairline. “Ummm…”
All I can do is laugh. “That sounds much worse than it is.”
“Uh-huh,” she drones. “This one”—her thumb hitches at Drake—“has a tendency to exaggerate.”
He shrugs. “I prefer the term overindulge. Enthusiastic. Dedicated. Vigilant. Committed.”
“Don’t know when to quit,” she adds.
“Exactly.” His blue eyes sparkle in that hypnotic sense. “What did you expect after I got reunited with the woman I’m going to marry?”
A wheeze lodges in my throat and I almost cough up a lung. This doesn’t ease my rattled thoughts. Unintelligible nonsense sputters from me in response.
Meanwhile, Harper appears positively giddy as her grin stretches to hit a world record. She cups one side of her mouth and leans toward me. “He’s a really great guy.”
“I know,” I whisper just as loudly in return.
She smiles. “Are you gonna keep him around?”
Woodsy spiced cologne and undeniable temptation blow on the breeze. My scattered wits collect themselves, allowing me to picture us years down the road. “I’d bet on the odds.”
“Yes, cowgirl. Giddy up!” Harper stills. “Did you get him on a horse yet?”
“Nope, but his butt will be in the saddle soon.” More stress seeps from me at that visual.
“Whatever she wants. I’ll step up to the plate.” Drake pretends to swing a bat.
“Wrong sport,” I laugh.
“Similar mechanics.”
“Not even close.”
“My athletic abilities spread beyond the pitcher’s mound.” He winks.
“You’ll see once certain muscles are stiff and you can barely walk.” I mimic the sore, bow-legged motions.
“Damn, beauty. At least buy me a drink first.”
“I’ll make your refill a double.” The alcohol table was properly stocked by a bartender after all.
“Welp, you don’t need me to loiter on the romance. This has been a blast. Cheers, lovebirds.” Harper begins backing away while glancing at her phone. “And on that note, there’s a Ridge and Callie sighting. That’s my cue. Stay sharp!”
We linger in the shade as she trots off to handle her host duties. Silence finds us again. The pause isn’t awkward. More like a calm between chaos.
A sideways glance finds Drake’s gaze tracing my curves. I take the opportunity to return the favor. Sunshine kisses his hair, the dark strands streaked to glow. The white tee he’s wearing stretches over his muscles. Tattoos and ropey veins on full display thanks to the short sleeves. Faded denim hugs his ass and legs in a relaxed hold. My thighs flex, seconds from launching at him.
“Penis candy,” I mumble.
His brow puckers. “What?”
“I’m in the mood for something sweet.”
“You’re hungry?”
“Okay.”
“Is this too much for you?” he asks again.
I blink from the haze. “Not at all. Quit stressing, trouble.”
And let’s be honest, I’m mostly recovered from the ordeal. Other than the reminder that Sutherland Homes doesn’t give a damn about who or what or where. They’ll devour whatever bait is in front of them like parasites. If I’m off their radar, maybe I can finally relax a little.
“Does that mean you’re agreeing to marrying me someday?”
“Oh, that.” I laugh as his comment to Harper replays. “A tad presumptuous, but barely fazed me. You should hear the wild stories my twins whip together without trying.”
He chuckles. “Mine isn’t pretend.”
I gape at him. “We’ve been on two dates. Maybe three if you’re being generous.”
“And?”
My mouth opens and shuts, speech absent. “A relationship is already a stretch for me to believe. There’s no way marriage is actually on your radar.”
“Swing and a miss,” he rasps. “I’ll improve my game. Add it to the groveling.”
“That’s not necessary,” I croak. “You have nothing to prove, remember?”
The potential of him trying harder unravels me. Heat floods me in a fiery wave and my knees wobble. I probably wouldn’t survive the possibilities.
Drake rubs a bent knuckle along my overheated cheek. “I disagree, if you still doubt me.”
“A man who isn’t afraid of commitment. My imagination is running at a full gallop.”
“Didn’t we already prove I’m real?” He dips to brush his lips over mine. “I want the happily ever after with you and the kids. That’s my dream. You’re the only one who can fulfill it.”
My inhale is sharp. He included my children in the equation. How I’m still standing and not in a puddle at his feet is some sort of superpower. There’s a clench in my lower belly as if my ovaries are about to release every egg in stock.
That’s the moment I decide to ditch the fear and restraint holding me back from this man. No more hiding. Loneliness isn’t my lifelong bestie. Screw Sutherland and their seedy shit.
Something long overdue loosens inside of me. A rusty gate creaks open to release my worries and fears and allow acceptance to flood in. He’s worthy of breaking my heart, but I’m certain that he’d be the last one to ever do so. Fizz tickles my nose as I suckle at my beverage, suddenly parched.
“I think you’re my dream too,” I breathe.
Drake’s broad shoulders sag and he stoops over me. “Thank Cupid and his arrows for that. Now I don’t have to suppress my urges with you. This means you’re finally mine.”
“Oh, my.” I flutter a palm to my chest. “Are you asking me out, Drake Granger?”
“Didn’t I already?”
“Not officially.”
“I’ve only been practicing the line since seventh grade.” He thumps his forehead and clears his throat. “Would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend, Cassidy Brooks?”
My heart soars as if I’m that teenage girl again, flirting with the boy she’s been crushing on. “Better late than never.”
“Is that a yes?”
My nod is fast. “I’m willing to fall.”
A pleased sound rumbles from him. “You won’t regret it, beauty. I’ll catch you and treat you better than a cowgirl queen.”
There’s a drum thumping a giddy beat in my veins. “And I believe it. You already make me very happy. Give me something to look forward to and smile about. Deliver a sense of comfort I’ve rarely had. The struggles and responsibilities don’t drag me down as far when you’re around.”
He kisses me again. “You have no idea what that means to me.”
Our eyes catch and lock. Static buzzes in my ears as his unwavering focus dives beneath the surface. Birds chirp overhead, providing a soundtrack for conversation. I can practically hear Drake’s mind churn over the weight of something heavy.
His throat bobs as he gulps. “Can I ask you something?”
My lips twitch. “I dunno. Can you?”
Drake chuckles but the amusement quiets almost instantly. “Why did you stop competing?”
I freeze, eyes wide. It’s suddenly hard to breathe. The pressure in my chest is too familiar. A numbness threatens to settle over me in a protective layer. But my typical reactive response doesn’t fit in this moment.
“Wow, that’s… not what I expected.” I struggle to swallow around the knob in my throat.
“You don’t have to tell me, especially at a party.” His eyes slide to those in the backyard with us, preparing to celebrate love and happiness.
The reflex to duck and cover sputters from me. “Too late. You already pried this lid open. We’re being very personal and intense today. Might as well follow the trend.”
Drake’s concern studies the hot sting blurring my vision. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s a tough subject,” I confess. “But it’s nothing compared to what other people have gone through.”
He pulls me into him. “Don’t minimize your pain. What you’re feeling is just as significant, regardless of the circumstances.”
“Gosh,” I blubber. “You always know what to say.”
“One of my many talents when it comes to you.”
Which gives me a necessary push. “I always loved the thrill of rodeos and barrel races, but the competitions lost meaning for two reasons. First, about seven years ago, my horse Pago got sick and died unexpectedly.”
He frowns. “Oh. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah. His loss hit me hard. I’d never experienced such a devastating blow. We’d been a team since I was eleven. To a young girl, there couldn’t be a more loyal companion.”
The reminder is a punch to the gut. Emotions get the best of me and I’m crying openly again. Drake is quiet as I grieve, holding me flush against him to provide support. That contact is appreciated more than I can voice. It takes a minute for me to regain my composure enough to continue.
“He was my first true love. My partner. My everything. That never changed. Our bond was unbreakable. Still is, even though he’s gone. At least I like to think so.” I exhale slowly. “Pago is irreplaceable to me, and I wouldn’t dare try. I haven’t competed since our last run. We won the overall championship that weekend. Hit an arena record too. Guess we were meant to end on a high note.”
Drake rubs circles along my back, the gentle touch soothing me. “He was black, right?”
Confusion spikes, yanking me out of my reverie. “Did I tell you about him?”
“I saw you two at a show. You were really good together.”
“The best. He ran so hard for me.” I pause and lick my lips. “I didn’t know you watched me ride back then.”
Red blooms on his cheeks. “That was on purpose. I had a big crush on you, especially after our kiss.”
“You should’ve told me. Maybe I would’ve kissed you again.”
“And then we might not be standing here today. I’m okay with how we’ve found each other again. We’re making up for the past.” Drake’s thumbs brushes wet sorrow from my cheeks. “I know it’s not the same, but he’s still with you. Like you said, that type of bond doesn’t break. You’ve got yourself a guardian steed.”
“Yeah, I do.” Tears spill down my face and I don’t bother stemming the flow. “It’s nice to imagine that Kenzie and Charlie were miracle gifts sent to ease the ache. I stopped riding while I was pregnant, which was like a forced vacation. The break gave me a chance to heal and reset my priorities.”
My lips attempt to form a grin, but the expression barely lifts. “Once the twins were born, they were my whole world. There wasn’t time for much else but I was perfectly content. I almost left horses behind in my pre-mom life, but then Mimi passed.”
“You don’t have to keep going,” he murmurs into my hair.
“It’s okay. I’m almost done. You’ve already heard most of this stuff anyway. Greener Pastures became mine practically overnight. It’s not like I could refuse her last wishes. Nobody else would do the barn justice. If it were up to my parents or older brother, the property would’ve been signed over to Sutherland Homes.” I shudder and an icky lurch twists my stomach. “The responsibility of running the stable and managing my grief was difficult to balance. Not to mention two toddlers. It was a lot to juggle.”
“Too much,” he murmurs.
“I didn’t have time to even consider getting back into the circuit, even if I wanted to. And you pretty much know the rest.” I blow out a heavy breath, pushing the raw edges back into the shadows.
“Well, shit.” Drake drags a hand through his hair. “I’m a dick for asking and making you spill your guts on Ridge’s lawn.”
“It’s okay. I wouldn’t have told you if I didn’t want to.” My shrug is noticeably lacking enthusiasm. “And this is the awkward part where you try to console me with words, but I just need a hug.”
“Done.”
His devotion wraps me in a tight embrace, shutting out the noise and fun-tivities surrounding us. A slow, deep inhale grants me his scent and I relax against him. I’m not sure how long we stand that way. Until my emotions regulate and I can breathe without pins jabbing into my lungs.
His fingers massage my shoulders. I imagine he’s erasing tension and baggage stamped into the muscles there. Relief spreads from the area, turning me into warm putty.
“You’re not alone, Cassidy. This is a team effort. That’s why I paid off Sutherland. I want to take care of you.” His exhale pours through me. “And I’m sorry I didn’t run it by you. I should have included you in the discussion so we could figure it out together. That’s what being on a team is all about. I’m well aware you’re capable of taking care of yourself but I figured you wouldn’t mind reinforcements. Have someone else go to bat for you.”
“Good grief.” I fan my watery eyes. “You’re trouble for my composure. Where do you come up with this stuff?”
“It’s just for you, beauty.” His lips caress my forehead. “You bring out the best in me.”
If I hadn’t already thrown caution to the tumbleweeds, this would’ve done it. Drake is the type of man I wouldn’t believe actually exists in real life. But here he is, telling me everything I’ve wanted to hear. My very own Mr. Full Package Hero as if a romance author created him just for me.
“Uh-oh,” Drake mumbles suddenly.
“What’s wrong?”
“We’ve got company headed our way.”
I peel my face off his chest to take a peek. A mountain of a man escorts a petite brunette across the yard toward us. His large build towers over her smaller frame, acting as a protective shield, like she’s a priceless treasure. Based on the process of elimination, I’m betting this is Ridge and Callie.
“Yikes. We missed their entrance.” The urge to cower behind Drake trembles my thighs.
He holds me in place. “I doubt they noticed.”
“Uh-huh, sure. Ridge’s stony expression suggests otherwise.”
That observation is met with a scoff. “Don’t put too much stock into that mean mug. He always looks angry.”
“You talking about me?” The grump’s scowl hardens into steel blades as they reach us.
“Hey, Crusher. You finally made it.” Drake claps his friend on the back before waving to the brunette. “Glad you could convince him to be social for five minutes, Callie. The rest of us thank you for using that power of persuasion for the greater good.”
“Don’t be a dick,” Ridge grunts.
“That’s exactly what I told him.” I toss my hands in the air.
“Ah!” Drake’s eyes sparkle a shade of blue that should probably be taken as a warning. “This is Cassidy. She’s the one who carries my balls in her purse.”
I almost spit out my final sip of mimosa even though the creative title should be expected. He told Garrett and Grace that I’m responsible for his permanent erection. My blush was probably visible from the moon.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Callie says.
“Likewise,” I croak once I find my voice. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
She sighs and gazes longingly at her fiancé. “Thank you.”
Ridge scrutinizes me under a microscope that zooms in and detects my intentions. “You must be the unfinished story.”
I bounce in my boots. “Oooooh, are we writing a book?”
The big guy shrugs. “Might as well. He can’t stop talking about you.”
“Unless there’s another Cassidy with a set of testicles in her bag.”
“She gets me.” Drake lifts my hand that’s clasped in his to kiss along my knuckles. “I can’t wait to get your name tattooed on my ass.”
“Yours is gonna look spectacular across my left boob.”
His eyes heat. “Don’t tease me, woman.”
“Wouldn’t dare.”
“No wonder you two weren’t part of the welcome wagon. Lost in your own world,” Ridge grumbles.
“That’s calling the pitcher offsides,” Drake jests.
Ridge blinks. “The fuck?”
“Love is grand, eh?” Drake winks at his friend.
I ignore the flutter in my belly. He’s not using the term for us, obviously. We’re celebrating Ridge and Callie and the upgrade to their relationship.
“Thanks for having us. This is a great party,” I gush.
Ridge narrows his eyes. “Thanks for barging into my house uninvited.”
“We never stepped foot in your home. Harper let us into the yard through the side gate.” Drake blindly gestures at the general area. “Besides, you’re not mad about your future wife’s smile. Thank the hostess of the roastest for that.”
Ridge snorts, but a glance at Callie defrosts his steely exterior. The dude might as well be gelatin as he melts toward her. “You’re happy, sweetness?”
She beams at him like he put the stars in the sky. “This was a great surprise.”
He grunts again. “Harper deserves a raise then.”
Drake hoots, pumping a fist in the air. “That’s the spirit, Crusher.”
The guys begin bickering like brothers. Their friendship is clearly ride or die, built on trust and loyalty. Warmth spreads through me watching them interact. Drake deserves to have solid rocks in his corner.
When I shift my gaze to Callie, I notice she’s already staring at me. “Is there something on my face?”
It’s meant to be a joke, but she nods. “Were you crying?”
That’s when I realize my makeup probably resembles a splotchy painting left out in the rain. I swipe under my eyes, that minimal effort smudging my fingers with black. Trash panda status is fully activated.
“Um, is there a bathroom I can use?”
“Of course,” Callie rushes to say.
“I’ll show you where it is, beauty.” Drake rests a palm at the small of my back, using the other to point at Ridge and Callie. “Don’t do anything I would do while we’re gone, kids.”
I laugh while allowing him to steer me across the lawn. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That’s for them to figure out.”