Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
LANDEN
For the past two nights, I’ve FaceTimed Ellie during my shower so she can watch me jerk off as she touches herself. Listening to her moaning my name as she gets herself off is the most erotic thing I’ve done outside of actual sex.
The intimacy of it, guiding her through her own pleasure, and letting her watch me come undone is something I’ve never experienced.
It’s made our connection even deeper.
“No Ellie today?” Wilder asks when I walk into The Lodge for lunch.
“She had a pre-scheduled press interview with some local newspaper and then a doctor’s appointment with a new neurologist. Don’t worry, she’ll be back to give you shit tomorrow.”
Over the past couple weeks of Ellie coming here almost every day, she’s really gotten close with the rest of the family.
She teases and jokes with them, spends hours with my mom and grandma, and has even gotten close to a couple of the other girls who train here.
Before, she was so closed off and kept to herself.
She rarely talked to anyone besides Noah.
Although I’ve always liked Ellie for who she is, I can’t deny liking this side of her, too.
Whatever part of her memory that got blocked must’ve been traumatic enough to make her as guarded as she was.
I wish I could figure it out, at least for my own curiosity, but also because I want to know and understand all of her.
“Speaking of…here comes Magnolia and Noah,” Wilder says.
I grab a plate and head to the buffet since I don’t have a ton of time to eat today. With how many new mares we have coming in, I have to make sure they get enough time with the stallions.
“I hear the big date is this weekend,” Magnolia singsongs when she stands next to me.
“It is.”
“What’re y’all doing?” She starts loading up her plate, and I eye it suspiciously at how much she’s taking.
“Are you eatin’ for two?”
She elbows me, scowling. “You never ask a woman that, dumbass.”
Chuckling, I walk down to the dessert table and grab a piece of peach pie.
“Did you just say that to get outta answerin’ my question?” She appears next to me again like a shadow.
“Yes, now go away.”
“What? You were all up in my business when I was datin’ Tripp. It’s my turn now. I earned it as bestie status.”
“You forced me into your business,” I remind her. “I wasn’t even allowed to text his real name because you made me use his code name.”
“Yeah, and you still managed to fuck it up and tell him.”
Laughing, I take a seat next to Wilder and dig into my fried chicken.
“You mean, I’m the reason y’all finally got together. You’re welcome.”
She sits across from me and Noah catches up, sitting next to her.
“Whatever you do, don’t take her for dinner and a movie,” Noah says. “That’s lame and boring.”
“What’s wrong with a nice dinner and going to the theater?” Wilder asks. “I thought chicks liked that.”
Magnolia snorts. “You’re so clueless, I dunno how you ever get laid.”
“Got laid last weekend, thank you very much. Didn’t have to take her to dinner or a movie…” He gloats like it’s something to be proud of.
Noah grimaces. “When are you gonna grow up and settle down?”
Wilder shrugs. “I dunno.”
“The only way Wilder’s gettin’ married is if someone handcuffs him to the bride and forces him down the aisle,” Magnolia says.
“Nah, he’ll just lie on the ground and play dead.” I chuckle. “The only way he’s gettin’ hitched is if he’s drunk off his ass and wakes up with a ring on his finger.”
“I’ll have you know I’m a very aware drunk and have never done anything that stupid.
” He points his fork at Noah. “Never been drunk enough to hook up with my ex’s dad…
” Then he points at Magnolia. “Or drunk enough to hook up with my ex and then get knocked up. So…” He lingers smugly. “Who’s the grown-up ’round here?”
Laughing at the girls’ scowling, I nod along with Wilder. “He’s gotta point.”
Wilder looks at me next. “Oh, don’t even get me started on you, Mister I’m dating the girl who’s hated me since the moment we met. I don’t even know what to call what you’re doing.”
Shrugging, I take another bite of my food. “Hey, she doesn’t hate me right now, so a win is a win.”
“Just tell us where you’re takin’ her!” Magnolia whines.
“How about mind your business and you’ll find out after it’s over,” I tell them.
“It’s probably something cheesy like a hot air balloon ride,” Noah taunts.
Wilder smacks his arm down on the table, causing his fork to go down with it. “Now why not? That sounds romantic as fuck.”
“Because it’s unoriginal!” Magnolia says. “Women want creativity. Put some effort into finding out what the girl is interested in instead of Googling the top five date spots.”
“I don’t do that…” Wilder hesitates and we all laugh at him. “Whatever.”
My phone chimes with a text, and I quickly pull it out of my pocket. I’ve been anticipating the news all day regarding Angela’s parole hearing results.
But then I smile when I see Ellie’s name instead.
Ellie
I fucked up.
Landen
The interview? What happened?
Ellie
We were talking about barrel racing topics and before she ended the interview, she said “So I heard congratulations are in order!” and I was so taken off guard, I just said “Huh?” And then she went on to say how wonderful it is that I’m engaged to Landen Hollis, local cowboy rancher at Sugarland Creek ranch.
Landen
Oh shit. Then what?
Ellie
Well, I wasn’t prepared for her to bring it up and just wanted off the call, so I said “Thanks!”
I laugh because I can hear her panicked voice in my head.
Ellie
Then she went on a little tangent about how awesome it must be to be with someone who I share so much in common with and who must be a great supporter.
Landen
And?
Ellie
At that point, I just had to go along with it and said “Uh-huh.”
She sends a face-palm emoji with a crying one, and I can tell she’s upset with herself.
Landen
Well, it’s not like the rumors hadn’t already spread through town. It’s okay, baby. Not a big deal.
Ellie
It’s one thing for our small town to hear about it, but this is for a nationwide equine website.
They interview dozens of pro rodeo members.
Everyone in the barrel racing community is going to read it.
I’m going to look so stupid now for not correcting her and letting everyone think it’s true.
They’re going to mention it now at every press event until there’s a wedding.
Shit.
Landen
Soooo I guess we need to get you an engagement ring now?
I know she’s panicking because it wouldn’t look good if she got caught in a lie or any kind of scandal, but I love the idea of people knowing she’s mine.
Ellie
Oh don’t worry, Gramma Grace said she has me covered for whenever I want hers.
She sends an eye-roll emoji, and I snort.
Landen
Stop freaking out. We can pretend in public if we need to. It’s not like holding your hand and kissing you is a hardship.
Ellie
Until when? We have our fake wedding?
Landen
You wanna get married now? I can book an officiant for our first date.
Ellie
Landen!! That’s not funny.
Landen
You’re right, that’s more appropriate for a third date.
Ellie
This is why past Ellie hated you so much.
Landen
Past Ellie would’ve whacked me with a shovel by now.
Ellie
Good thing I know where the tack room in the barn is…
Landen
I gotta get back to work. See you at six-thirty for our nightly shower and reading session. Clothes optional.
I look forward to our evening routine all day long.
Ellie
Damn you and making me swoon all over again, I can’t even enjoy my imaginary shovel whacking.
Landen
You’d miss me too much.
Ellie
Debatable.
Landen
I know I’d miss you.
Ellie
You’d be dead so how could you?
Landen
From the afterlife, obviously.
Ellie
You’re not allowed to haunt me. I draw the line at ghost stalking.
Landen
I don’t remember you always being this mouthy.
Ellie
Pretty sure you said that’s exactly what made you like me.
Oh, she’s not wrong about that.
Ellie
But I have some good news. I’ve been cleared to drive as long as I don’t feel tired or dizzy beforehand. I won’t be doing any long-distance road trips but at least I can drive myself to the ranch now.
Landen
That’s awesome! So instead of my solo showers, you can stay to enjoy them with me…
Ellie
Before our first date? What kind of lady do you think I am…
Landen
One who won’t stop undressing me with her eyes.
Ellie
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a cowboy with a backward hat and six-pack abs.
“Earth to Landen?” Noah snaps her fingers in my face.
I look up at her and Magnolia staring at me.
“What now?”
“If we promise not to say anything, then will you tell us?”
Are they still talking about our first date?
Standing, I put my phone away and grab my empty plate. “Nope.”
They groan dramatically, and I smirk at their desperation to know my business.
“Bye!” I say after stacking my plate in the tub.
Every time I sit in my truck, I smile to myself at the memories Ellie and I’ve made in here. The way she moaned for me and came undone on my favorite cowboy hat.
Best moment ever.
When my phone rings and I see Warren’s name, I know it’s bad news.