Chapter 11
Hank
When I walked into the bunkhouse, everyone turned to stare at me. Bo was sitting at the table with Jeff, and Johney and the rest of the gang were stretched out on their bunks. “How was your date?” Johney rocked up into a seated position. His brows bounced as a sly grin slipped into place.
“I’m not like that,” I grumbled. “I don’t talk about what happens between myself and a woman.” I shook my head as I made my way over to my bunk. I hung my hat on the bedpost and kicked my boots off.
“She shot you down, huh?” He snickered. “Hank couldn’t close the deal?”
I spun around and grabbed a fistful of his shirt. “Don’t talk about her like that!” I growled. I was inches away from losing it on him but part of me knew he was just a stupid kid.
“Easy, Hank.” Jeff jumped up and rushed over to us.
I released him and shoved him back at the same time. “You’d be lucky to find someone like her.”
“Ginny’s pretty nice to look at.” He cackled.
“I’m warnin’ you.” I stepped in his direction. He lifted his hands up defensively and backed away. “That’s what I thought,” I grumbled. Jeff went back to the table as I climbed up on my bunk and stared at the ceiling. I didn’t like the way Johney talked about women, but I guess I was just as bad at his age. He’s young and dumb, but he’ll eventually mature, I hope.
“She wants to come to poker night,” I stated. My eyes were still closed, but I heard a chair scrape across the floor as if it was being shoved back.
“You do remember what happened last time, right?” Bo’s voice sounded from across the room.
“Yep.” I chuckled.
“I’m game,” Johney shouted, probably from his bed. “It’ll be like taking candy from a baby.” He hooted.
“It sure will,” I retorted. “I’ll let her know we’re playin’ tomorrow.” I wriggled out of my clothes and rolled over, pulling the blankets over me in the process. I was tired, and it took no time for me to pass out.
*****
“Rise and shine!” Jeff shouted as he began turning lights on inside. Today was the last day to stack bales. Hay would be finished for the year and aside from taking a load to the small farm down the road, we’d be finished for the season.
I stretched before jumping down and pushing my way through the group to get to the bathroom. Most of the time, the younger hands got out of the way and Bo and I got first dibs on whatever was going on.
“Gonna be a hot one today.” Jeff sighed as he placed his straw hat on his head.
“That it is, but tonight’s poker night. I bet we can get a big pitcher of lemonade from Codie when she comes down.” Bo clapped me on the shoulder. “You can ask her at water break, right?” He grinned. “I’m sure she’ll do it for you.”
“Why don’t you just ask her yourself?” I glared.
“Because I’m not the one she’s hot for.” He smirked.
“She ain’t hot for him, either. He slept here last night,” Johney shouted.
“Did you learn nothing last night? I’m not keeping him from kicking your ass today.” Jeff pointed at him.
“Fine. I’ll wait until tonight when I take all your money.” He turned and walked outside.
“Guess he doesn’t know we let him win last time,” Bo whispered under his breath. “He’s in for it later.”
“That he is, and I’m going to laugh the entire time.” I walked outside and climbed up on the back of Jeff’s truck. We all rode in the bed while he drove us down to the barn. It was just easier.
*****
“You know they make machines that do this.” Ben sighed as he tossed a bale up on the trailer.
“Yeah, they’re called farm hands.” I pointed to my chest. “Bob Westbrook would rather pay us than buy a machine because we can do other things. A machine would only do that one job.” I grabbed the twine with my hands and heaved it over my head.
“That makes sense, but shit it’s hot!” He wiped at his forehead, as I nodded. He wasn’t wrong. This was backbreaking, and I knew I only had a few more years in me before it would start taking its toll, but I loved working here.
“Here comes the water,” Jeff called. I looked up and saw the old truck bouncing along through the grassy field, heading our way. Codie was driving, her blonde ponytail blowing in the breeze. She stopped up ahead of where we were and got out. She was in muck boots with these tiny jean shorts on that barely covered her ass. The red tank top fit her like a glove and accentuated her tanned skin.
“Mornin’, boys.” She smiled. “Thought you could use a water break.”
“Yes ma’am,” Bo tipped his hat before going over to the back of the water truck and filling a paper cup. “Heard you was comin’ over for poker night,” Johney blurted out. “I can give ya few pointers if ya like.”
“I think I’ll manage.” Codie smiled. I knew what was behind that smile. She took me for a hundred bucks the last time we did this. Tonight was going to be fun.
“Well, alrighty then.” He smiled as he grabbed a cup of water and moved to stand in the shade of the truck.
“You not even gonna say hi?” She stared at me.
“I’m kinda sweaty. I didn’t think you’d wanna get close.” I brushed it off. I was still trying to process exactly what we were and how to act around her.
“That’s ok.” She tipped her head. “I like sweat.” She bit her bottom lip as she motioned with her finger for me to come closer.
I moved until I was right in front of her, and then paused. “Being close is hard when I’m not sure what I can do,” I murmured.
Her smile faltered for a moment, and then she rose up on her tiptoes and pecked my lips. “Let’s start there.” She turned and started to walk away, but I caught her by the wrist.
“So, I can kiss you in public?” I teased.
“Sure.” She shrugged.
“Well, ok then.” I pulled her back into my arms and planted a deep kiss to her lips. When I released her, she wobbled slightly. “If we’re going to kiss in public, it needs to be a good kiss. I’ll see you tonight.” I smacked her butt, and she skipped away, waving as she climbed back into the truck.
“So, is this a thing again?” Jeff clasped my shoulder as Codie drove away.
“I sure hope so.” I shook the moment off and prepared to go back to work.
*****
Dakota
It was hot today, much hotter than anticipated, and my AC unit seemed to be struggling to keep up. I longed for the days when I could open the windows and have a soft breeze blow through the house. I leaned against the counter in the kitchen, just taking in the space. The guesthouse finally looked like a home, my home. The fridge was already covered in artwork from Jack. I’d finally unpacked all the remaining boxes, and now I just had to remember where I stored everything. School was going to start next week, and then the town’s fall festival was coming up. I hadn’t been in years, but it was always fun as a kid, and I couldn’t wait to take Jack.
“Hey, Mom!” Jack came rushing inside. He was sweaty and covered in dirt.
“What have you been into?” I stood up straighter as I appraised him.
“Just helpin’ Grandpa in the barn. He said he needed my help with somethin’ else. Can I stay till dinner?” He rocked back on his heels and put his hands together as if he were praying.
“Sure. If Grandpa needs you, then help.” I laughed as he turned and took off outside in a sprint, the door slamming behind him. It’s been months since he’s been this carefree and watching him spread his wings here just reaffirmed my decision to move back.
I spent most of the afternoon relaxing and coming up with a plan to convince my father to let me really look at the farm’s finances. I mean, this was why I was here, and so far he’d just given me chores to do. I needed to see what kind of shape the business was in if I was going to manage it. Surely, he would let me at least look.
By the time Jack came back, it was already getting dark. The air was still heavy with heat, so I made sandwiches for dinner. I didn’t want to heat up the kitchen more with the stove, and Jack didn’t seem to mind. He chatted away about helping with the horses and learning how to muck stalls. After dinner, he took a bath, and then got right into bed. Farm work was tough, and he seemed exhausted when we were eating. I’d told him that I was going down to the bunkhouse for a little bit, and if he needed me, to call. As much as I hadn’t wanted to, Alex and I got him a phone last year. We knew that sometimes he might not be near a phone, and we wanted him to be able to reach us. He’d yawned, and then rolled over in bed. As tired as he was, I didn’t think I’d hear from him all night.
I waited until I saw the guys leaving the big house to head back to their quarters before I slipped my flip-flops on and quietly made my way outside. The crickets were chirping, and lightning bugs were filling the air. A light in the barn was still glowing, and I could hear muffled voices from the guys as they milled along through the dark, before they slipped inside the bunkhouse. I waited so it wouldn’t seem like I was following them.
Right when I reached the edge of the darkness by the door, a hand reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me into the tree line behind the building. “I missed you.” His voice was deep, gravely. My back was against the brick on the back of the bunkhouse. “I thought I might go crazy thinking about you today.” He stepped closer, pressing his body to mine. His chest vibrated as he spoke, and his breath was coming in quick pants. “I need to be around you.” He moved closer, brushing his lips over mine before he slanted his head, knocking his hat off in the process, and deepening the kiss. One hand cupped my jaw, while the other gripped my waist. I sighed as I leaned into him. He was all hard muscles and smelled of soap. He leaned back, breaking the kiss, his bright blue eyes almost glowing in the dark. “That should hold me over for a little while.” One side of his mouth curled up before a toothy grin appeared.
“What if it doesn’t for me?” I pressed my lips together to hold back the smile. “What if I need more?” My head tipped as I wrapped a strand of loose hair around my finger, a coy smile beginning to spread.
“Then we’ll just leave the game early.” He chuckled. “I am looking forward to you cleaning out Johney’s wallet though.”
“Maybe we can do both,” I flattened my palm on his chest and ran it all the way down to his belt. I tugged at the buckle and then moved toward the door, pulling him with me.
“This is gonna be a long night,” he grumbled under his breath.
“Parts of it might be.” I giggled as we stepped into the light from the porch lamp. I collected myself, and then opened the door. Music was blasting from a radio, and the whole crew was seated around a small table.
“It’s about time. You two done rubbin’ on each other?” Ben hooted.
Hank picked up an empty beer can and hurled it in his direction. Ben ducked, the can clattered to the floor, and both of them started laughing.
“How come he can say stuff, but I can’t?” Johney furrowed his brow as his eyes darted between them.
“’Cause I already got my ass beat the first go-round.” Ben laughed.
“Naw, man. It’s ‘cause I say so.” Hank glared and then burst into laughter himself. “Get us some chairs.” Bo jumped up and grabbed two chairs as Jeff began dealing cards.
“What are we playing, boys?” I winked as I sat down.
“Five card draw.” Johney grinned. “That’s when…” he started and glanced at Hank.
“I’ve played this before.” I smirked.
“Don’t you want a refresher before we start?” Johney seemed confused.
“I think I’ll manage.” I moved to flip the chair around backward and as I rested my arms on its back, I arranged my cards in my hand. This was gonna be a fun night, I thought as I stared down a full house.