7. Stetson
STETSON
“Layla dropped you off this morning.” My father mentions after we herd cattle into a new field.
“Your lovely daughter and her boyfriend pawned me off to the closest place.” I need to thank Karli after she finishes up the market with Layla. “I was hammered.” I didn’t plan on getting shitfaced.
“I’m sure Layla took good care of ya.” There’s a lingering in his voice but I’m not taking the bait.
“My own blood abandoned me.” Not that I had a problem with it. This morning took a turn. My lips still tingle from Layla.
“Karli wants to spend today and tomorrow with Parker because she’s leaving in a few days.”
“She just got home.” Maybe this means more alone time for Layla and I.
“Yeah, guess us parents just drive our kids away.” He laughs before riding his horse toward the construction of my house.
Damn, my house is coming along great. Soon, drywall will be up and feeling more like a home.
“Let’s go, Luna.” My horse ventures behind them. “We love you both, but our passions became jobs.”
“No buts about it.” He climbs off his horse. “We’re glad you two weren’t stuck in jobs you hate.” My smile mirrors his. “It’s good to have you back, son.”
My eyes travel around the large front windows, walkway, and double car garage.
Putting roots down sets my soul at ease.
This house will be everything I’ve ever wanted.
A beautiful view of the ranch, my girl greeting me after a long day with a heart-stopping kiss, and kids running through the yard with happy smiles.
Layla would need a quiet space of her own too to get painting done.
A separate art studio as a perfect sanctuary.
Layla’s never left my thoughts. I want to build a life with her, brick by brick. Step one is proving I am the man she deserves. She’s working hard at the market and stopping by to see her might be overbearing, but that kiss was a toothpick sample of the entire snack board I want to devour.
“Stetson!” Snapping out of it, my father raises his eyebrows. “You didn’t hear a damn thing I said, did you?”
“The heat’s getting to me.”
“Not a five-foot brunette with a heart of gold?” My face must give me away because he chuckles.
“She’s five two,” I correct. “And no.”
“Come on, you’ve always acted differently around her than any other woman.” Whatever he’s getting at, I don’t want to hear it. At least until Layla and I have whatever this is figured out.
“You haven’t really seen me around women––”
“There’s my boys,” my mother says out her car window while parking. A large picnic basket sits in the front seat. “Let’s head inside. We can have a picnic and visualize what the place looks like finished.”
Settling in the kitchen, two sawhorses act as a table with a sheet of plywood. My parents’ house at the end of the driveway made more sense to eat at, but when mother requests something, I can’t tell her no. So here we are, picnicking around what will eventually be a nice countertop.
The room falls quiet...until my first bite.
“Layla did well at the market today.” My mother’s blue eyes light up. “Didn’t have much inventory by the time I left.” She’s fishing. “The universe rewarded her for driving you home this morning.”
“She’s talented and the community loves to support her.” Reaching for my lemonade, I take an extra-long sip.
“How was last night?” my mother hints more than asks.
“I was irresponsible. Drank too much and Karli dumped me on Layla’s couch so you and dad wouldn’t be woken.” Then, I came home to shower, got myself off after that kiss, and dove into ranch chores. Fuck, I wanna kiss her again. Hold her tight as she comes apart beneath me.
“Always a daydreamer.” My mother laughs. “Are you thinking about little feet running around the kitchen too?”
Fuck, mom.
“What are you getting at?” It’s obvious, but seriously?
“I was your age when you were born, son.” My father shrugs.
“The kitchen has great lighting for Layla to sit at the table and paint with the kids,” my mother adds.
Layla?
When have I ever led on about her?
“If I was settled down in a relationship, children could be a possibility.” Right now, I need to secure my dream girl before having a child. “Please chill. Layla’s a friend.” My tone is firmer than I usually use with them.
“Oh Stetson, who are you trying to fool?” My mother laughs wholeheartedly. “That girl has always had eyes for you. Your father and I watched you love every second of it.” She raises her lemonade to me. “And we see the look on your face when Layla’s name is mentioned.”
I…I have no words. Hiding anything from my parents has been a challenge—not that I kept much from them with our close relationship. This should come as no surprise, yet I’m stunned.
“How protective you are with her, too,” my father adds.
Of course he heard about the fair. Both smile proudly as I blink like an idiot trying to keep my cool. Attempting and failing to not give them the satisfaction. Finishing up my plate in silence, I step away from the makeshift table.
“While lunch has been delightful, I’m in need of a shower and time off our property.”
“You’re welcome, daydreamer.” She pulls out my childhood nickname, and I bite back a remark because it will only confirm how right they are. “Tell Layla we said hi.”
Don’t respond...Don’t look back.
“If I cross her path, I will.” I couldn’t help myself. “See you tonight.” Now it’s time to get my girl.