Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Lucille
“Here you go, kiddo.” Cooper handed me a cold water bottle from the cooler. “Stay hydrated or this ol’ Texas heat will kick your ass.” He wasn’t joking.
I wiped my forehead and threw the shovel aside. “Thanks.” I gripped the water and immediately began to chug it.
“Easy.”
The water dripped down my chin and onto my shirt. “Fuck,” I panted.
Cooper chuckled and sat down in the back of the truck bed. “You did good today. I was worried I wouldn’t get this fence done before sundown by myself.” He took his hat off and waved it around, fanning his old self. “I owe you one, kid.”
I blew a raspberry. “You don’t owe me anything, old man.” I grabbed the shovels and tools and sat them in the truck bed next to him. “I’m just glad I could help.”
Truthfully, I needed the distraction. It had been a bit rough at the hospital.
I could only stand to be there for so long, and Mom must’ve noticed since she told me to take a few days and rest. But I couldn't sit still. And no matter how much I tried, my brain just wouldn’t shut up.
So, I sought Cooper out to keep me busy, which he had.
The old man eyed me closely. “How are things going with your brother? I hear they got him in some kind of physical therapy.”
“Yeah. It’s not been an easy time for him. Or mom.” I paused. “We knew the reality of his situation with the spinal injury, but Boone’s struggling a bit now that there’s a possibility of coming home soon. “
Cooper nodded. “Is he still going to therapy?”
“Yeah. I told him he doesn't have a choice.” I giggled faintly.
“And how are you doing, kiddo? I know it’s a lot being back here, helping with your brother…hearing that Forsythe owns the ranch. I imagine it can’t be easy.”
You’re telling me.
I kicked at the dirt with my boots. “It’s not easy, but it’s gotten better.
You know I’ve spent a long time getting help and trying to live with what happened here.
” I glanced out along the ranch, seeing the beauty in it.
“Those first couple days were hard…I even saw my dad.” Cooper didn’t speak.
My eyes fell to the ground as I continued to speak.
“I still have nightmares of that night. And every time I see my leg, I’m reminded of what happened.
Why it happened.” I stopped, feeling the tears gather in my eyes.
“It’ll always hurt. But…I’m getting there.
” I looked over at the old man as he offered me a warm smile.
“As for Boone, well, I’m doing what I can. ”
“And Forsythe?”
I stopped and my eyes returned to the ground. “What about him?” I asked quietly.
Just hearing his name made my body react.
“I’m sure hearing your daddy left Bone Ridge to him was tough.”
I scoffed. “It was.”
Cooper scratched his forehead. “And now?”
The wind blew my hair across my face as I thought deeply about his question.
“Now, I’m still upset.” I looked up at him.
“He was my dad, and this place is my home. But…it’s his home too.
And as much as I hate to admit it, I get why he did it.
” My head raised as I stared into the evening sky, admiring the vibrant colors painted along it as the sun began to set.
“I think Dad would be proud of him taking charge, holding this place down. It’s all he really ever wanted. ”
The old man hopped down from the truck bed and slammed it shut. “He also wanted you to find peace.” He approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “And from what I’m seeing, you’re not far from doing just that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked playfully.
Cooper chuckled and wiggled his white mustache. “You’re here, aren’t you? That’s a big step. And you and Forsythe don’t seem to be fighting like you used to. What would you call that?”
Not peace.
He smacked my arm softly. “I’ll take the truck down to the bunkhouse and unload. Don’t forget to go check on the bulls we moved down into the barn? Torchy was in charge of feeding them today, but we all know that kid has the mind of a goldfish.” We both laughed at the fact.
“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow, Cooper.”
He tipped his hat to me and hopped into the truck. “Try to get some sleep tonight, kid!” I waved him off before making my way down the long path, past the front gate, and over to the barn.
The sun set as I made my way back, leaving the sky in a deep shade of blue.
The crickets and nightlife all sang their late-night melodies as a gentle breeze blew across the ranch.
I looked up to see the Bone Ridge Ranch letters across the top of the old entrance gate.
It was such a peaceful scene, one only an artist could capture within a painting.
“Still just as beautiful as ever. Some things never change.”
“Some. Not all.” I spun around to see Forsythe. He was leaning against an old, classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle, wearing a big grin.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked.
He pushed off the bike and approached me. “I could ask you the same thing.” He looked me up and down. “I see ol’ Cooper’s keeping you busy.” He paused. “You could’ve asked me to help, you know?” His fingers brushed the hair from my neck. “I could’ve kept you busy too.”
I pushed Forsythe back. “I don’t need you to do anything,” I hissed. He only laughed at my temper.
Truth is, I didn’t ask Cooper for work just to keep my mind busy.
I did it to avoid Forsythe as much as possible.
He had spent the last couple days finding ways to bug me, waiting in the shadows to pull me in for a kiss, slapping my ass as I walked by with no one around, and taunting me with whispers he breathed along my ear every time he was close enough for me to smell him.
It was exhausting trying to avoid him, and even more so trying to act like none of it made any difference to me.
“What’re you even doing out here? With that.” I pointed to the parked motorcycle.
He leaned against it carefully, keeping his eyes on me. “I was taking a smoke break before going for a little ride.”
I walked towards him, admiring the bike. “I didn’t realize you rode.”
“And why’s that?”
I stopped on the opposite side and looked up at him.
“I don’t know. I guess I always figured you were into those souped-up trucks with the lifted tires and light bars, like all the other guys here.
” My fingers glided along the leather seat as he watched me with a raw intensity. “Typical cowboy.” My brow flicked.
Forsythe leaned forward, pressing his palms along the seat. His face was so close that I could feel his breath brush along my cheek. “I hate to break it to you, Lucille, but I’m not like other cowboys.”
No…he’s not. And right now, if I don’t walk away, I’m going to end up doing exactly what he wants me to do.
“I should go.”
He gently grabbed my wrist before I could even budge. “Before you go running off again—” He leaned even closer, and I had to hold my breath. “Why not let me take you out for a spin?”
No way. There’s no way I’m going anywhere with him.
“What’s wrong?” He grinned. “Don’t you trust me?”
“No. You’re just trying to rile me up.”
Forsythe’s brow raised. “Oh am I?” His hand slowly moved up my arm. “Is it working?” I swatted his hand away and stepped back a little. He simply laughed at me. “Easy girl,” he purred. “I mean no harm.”
I crossed my arms. “See? I can’t trust you.”
“Alright, alright. I promise I won’t mess with you. Just let me take you on a ride.” I hesitated, unsure if I should listen to him. He raised his finger. “One ride.”
I bit my lower lip. “Promise?”
Forsythe waved his finger along his chest in the motion of an X. “Cross my heart.”
Still don’t trust you.
He swung his leg over the motorcycle and sat down, turning the engine. It hummed loudly and caused the ground to vibrate beneath my feet.
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.