Chapter 6
Chapter Six
D raven guided his truck up the driveway of his home and parked it in front of the garage. He killed the engine and blew out a deep breath. He glanced over at the clock and saw that it was a little after six in the morning. He ran a hand along his face. He was late for work. He was supposed to report in at five-fifteen. It may be Saturday, but there was always work that needed to be done on a ranch.
Draven leaned his head back against the headrest, not even bothered that he was just arriving home.
How about just tonight? Cashea’s voice echoed in his head. It was like she had known what he was about to say before it even left his lips. The memory of her soft skin over his had his cock hardening all over again. He hadn’t wanted to leave her bed, but he had to. There was nothing he could offer her.
Their night together had been mind-blowing. Her pussy had fit around him like a glove. She had tasted like the sweetest peach he’d ever had the pleasure to eat. He could still taste her delicious cunt on his tongue now. Her cries of pleasure still rang out in his ears. He closed his eyes and could still see her smooth brown skin as he had run a hand over her thick thighs.
He opened his eyes and tried to push the memory of Cashea’s cries from his memory. That’s all it was going to be now. He’d slipped from her bed while she’d slept and snuck out of her house. It hadn’t sat right with him for some reason. It wasn’t the first time he’d had one night with a woman, but for some reason, sneaking out this time left a bad taste in his mouth.
“Get moving, Harvey,” he muttered.
He opened the door to his truck and stepped out of it. He went into the house and made his way to his bedroom. He stripped off his clothing and hopped in the shower. The stinging hot water poured over him. He turned his back toward the jets and bit back a curse. A slight pain appeared on his right shoulder. He reached out a hand and ran his fingers over the area. The memory of Cashea’s nails scraping and digging into his shoulder surfaced. She might be all smiles and sexiness, but the woman sure was a hellcat in bed.
He wasn’t sure how, but he was going to have to put her out of his mind. There wasn’t going to be a future for them, so he needed to move on.
Maybe even start going to one of the other bars in town. Cashea sang with her band at the Hen House every week. Hell, they had the best beer on tap, and Danny’s service was superb.
He was fucking screwed.
Draven snatched his soap up and washed up. He didn’t take long in the shower. He was sure his father was going to be wondering where he was. They had plenty of work to do today. They were supposed to be moving one of the herds to the southern pasture, but he was going to have to be a little later than usual. He had some business to take care of. His father would understand. In the year he’d been back on the ranch, he’d never been late nor had he missed a day.
Twenty minutes later, he strolled out of his house and jogged down the stairs. He hadn’t had any caffeine yet. He’d grab some over at the main house. He was sure Miss Bee had her signature brew waiting. He jumped back in his truck and headed over to where his father lived.
Miss Bee was a pretty woman in her late fifties who had been hired to work for his father after his wife had passed. Miss Bee was in charge of cleaning and cooking. She even cooked for the ranch hands. Her meals were legendary. Her desserts were one of a kind. Even when Draven was in the service he would receive packages from Miss Bee. She’d always toss in a letter and put ‘from Andy and Bee.’ Her peanut butter cookies were one of his favorites. When he was stateside, he looked forward to receiving a box from her.
That woman was sure sweet on his father. Draven hadn’t asked him if there was something going on between the two of them. He wasn’t sure even at his age if he wanted to know certain things about his father.
The Silver Creek Ranch was a large enough stead that his father had gifted Draven and his brother land and had even built homes for them on it. The ranch was to be their legacy, and when Draven had first come home, he hadn’t felt like staying in his home alone. They had built the house a few years back when he had first mentioned retiring. His father wanted to ensure that each of his sons had a place of their own. His brother, Ridge’s home, wasn’t that far from Draven’s. They had their own little corners of the ranch where they could have privacy.
If Andy had his way, both Ridge and Draven would settle down, get married, and start their own families right here on the ranch. Draven snorted. Maybe Ridge was willing to settle down. His brother was good-looking and outgoing. Some lucky woman was out there waiting on him. He was crazy intelligent, too. He’d gone to college and became a veterinarian. Their father utilized him as the local vet for all of the animals on the ranch, which was handy since Ridge lived on the Silver Creek property.
Draven parked his truck out front of the main house. It still looked the same as it had when he was a young kid. The house had seemed massive when he was younger. There were lots of good memories in this home. Ridge and he had been lucky. Their childhood was filled with love and laughter. Draven caught sight of himself in the rearview mirror and stared.
What had happened to him?
War, that’s what happened .
He killed the engine and got out of his truck. He walked up to the front door and tapped on the screen door a couple of times before opening it. One thing about his father’s house, the front door was never locked.
“Pops?” he called out.
Andy didn’t answer. He figured his father would be out on the ranch somewhere. Draven pulled his phone out of his jean pocket and sent a text to his father’s lead ranch hand, Buck, to let him know he was not coming in to work this morning. At first he was just going to be late, but he’d decided he would take the entire day off. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and headed to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee assaulted him.
“Draven, is that you?” a singsong voice called out.
He arrived to the kitchen and found Miss Bee standing by the stove. The kitchen had recently been renovated a few years back. She had complained to his father that she needed a kitchen that was up to date in this century. Miss Bee, or Belinda Butler, was a robust woman with a huge personality. Her warm brown skin practically glowed .
She smiled, and two dimples were revealed. “How are you this morning?”
“I’m good, Miss Bee,” he replied. Draven paused and thought about how he really felt, and it was true. The couple of hours he’d slept at Cashea’s was the best sleep he’d gotten in years. He walked over to the counter where the freshly brewed coffee sat.
Bee moved around to the cabinet and snagged him a traveling mug with the ranch’s logo on it.
“Really? That’s good to hear.” She handed him the filled mug then moved back over to stove.
Draven took a sip of the coffee and exhaled. It was as he’d expected. Miss Bee had a secret ingredient she claimed to put in the coffee that made it addictive.
“Do you have a minute or are you headed back out on the ranch?” she asked.
“I actually have to go into town for something,” he replied. He leaned back against the counter and took another sip.
She turned around, and it was then he saw she was in the midst of plating freshly baked muffins. His mouth immediately watered.
“How about I just fix one of these to go for you?” She arched an eyebrow at him and waited for his response.
“Yes, ma’am.” He moved over toward her so he could see what kind of muffins they were.
She chuckled and placed the plate on the island. He inhaled and was greeted with the sweet smell of bananas. Draven had a weakness for banana muffins. She even had walnuts on top of them. His stomach rumbled from the aromas in the kitchen.
“I’ll take two, please.”
“But of course, dear.”
Draven may have business to handle in town, but he would wait for these muffins. He’d eat them in the truck.
She rushed around the kitchen and wrapped his muffins up and placed them in a small paper bag. “If you are looking for Andy, he’s out back.”
“Thank you,” Draven took the bag from her and tipped his head to her. He spun on his heel and headed toward the door that led to the back porch. He stopped at the door and thought of something. He hadn’t really spoke with Bee lately. She was a staple on the ranch, and he should make time for her. He paused and turned back to her. “Um, are your girls doing well? ”
Bee’s face lit up at the question. Draven almost felt ashamed that he didn’t sit down with her more and have conversations. His brother had breakfast with her and their father often, but Draven never really joined them. Ridge always got on him about his anti-social personality, but since coming home, he’d just wanted to be left alone. He wouldn’t make good company and was told he could be very blunt and insensitive at times.
“They are doing fabulous, honey. I thank you for asking.” Her smile was wide as she watched him. Bee’s daughters were grown and in their early thirties. He’d met them once when they had come to visit and he’d been home on leave. “If you get hungry tonight, stop by and pick you up a plate, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he drawled. Maybe he would call his brother and see what he was doing and tell him to come over to the house, too. It would be good to spend quality time with the old man and his brother. Bee was a sweet woman, and he didn’t mind being around her. He headed out the door. He stepped out on the porch and took in his father walking back to the house. He went down the stairs to meet him halfway.
“Morning,” Andy called out. The older man took his time walking across the yard toward the house. His stark gray hair looked slightly wet, and the ends were curling up. “I see someone didn’t get home until early this morning.”
“Hey, Pops.” Draven ignored his father’s observation. He wasn’t going to get into where he had been. If he told him he had been with a woman, the old man might start making assumptions that Draven was involved with someone. Cashea’s face came to mind. The way her features softened when she’d smiled at him while they’d lain together in the bed. Her smile had been the last thing he’d seen before he’d drifted off to sleep. He loosened his grip on his bag, not wanting to tear it apart and risk losing his muffins to the ground. He lifted his mug to his lips again.
“I hear you aren’t coming to work today.” Andy reached him and came over by him and gave him a firm pat on the back. He had always been a caring father who Draven and Ridge could turn to. He ensured his boys never wanted for anything, financially, mentally, or physically. “Everything all right?”
“I have some things I need to handle in town.” Draven shrugged. There was something he had to take care of that wouldn’t be able to wait long. The aroma of Bee’s banana muffins was summoning him. He couldn’t wait to dive into them. He was sure they were still warm, moist, and buttery. That woman had a gift, and the ranch was lucky to have her.
“Well, your message sent Buck in a tizzy. You know he hates technology and the text messaging.” His father chuckled. He nodded toward Draven’s hand. “I see you’ve visited with Bee.”
“Yeah, I needed some coffee.” Draven took another sip. He started to feel guilty about dipping out on them. Maybe he should hurry back and saddle up to help out. “When I get back, if y’all still are out there, I’ll come and join you.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’ll be fine. There are good men working this ranch. This is the small herd. It shouldn’t take too long out there. I was just coming to the house. I left my darn phone. I need to call your brother and have him come check on one of the calves.” Andy ran a hand along his face and eyed Draven. “You sure everything is okay?”
“Pops, I promise I’m good. I’m just going to town to go to the hardware shop.”
“For what? What’s wrong up at your house? Need me to come take a look?”
Draven allowed a small smile to come forward. He shook his head and backed away from his father. Andy had always been a man who was good with his hands. Draven’s mother used to call him Mister Fix-it. Draven’s heart softened at the thought of his mother. She had been beautiful, soft-spoken, and kind. She was taken from them way too damn soon. He missed her something fierce. He never understood how someone so kind and loving could be burdened with something as vicious as cancer.
“Nope. Just have a certain hardware store owner I need to go have a chat with.” Draven gave a little wave and made his way around the house to the front where he’d parked his truck. He just hoped the owner of the hardware store was in today. They needed to have a conversation. Apparently, he hadn’t got the message last night at the Hen House.
Brett Falco was going to pay for Cashea’s tires.
Draven tipped back the travel mug and finished off the rest of his coffee. He set the empty container down in the cupholder and waited. The muffins Bee had given him had not survived the ride into town. The woman had a talent that was not wasted. They had been everything Draven had known they would be. He glanced over at the crumpled bag resting on the passenger seat and wished he’d asked for three of them.
He had arrived in town and had parked outside Iron Hardware. It was owned by Brett’s family and had been for years. It was one of two major hardware stores in Ironhaven. Draven tapped his fingers on the steering wheel while his gaze was locked on the front door of the store.
Iron Hardware was located in a small plaza with a few other stores. It was early in the morning, and most of the shops were just now opening. A few pedestrians were ambling down the street. Draven was sure traffic would pick up soon as the day went by. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to wait long for Brett to show.
Draven glanced in his driver’s-side rearview mirror and took in a large silver pickup truck parking in a handicap spot. Music blared loudly from the vehicle before it suddenly cut off. Draven’s interest was piqued. He was sure whoever was driving the vehicle didn’t need that spot. Draven stiffened when he saw who was getting out of the driver’s door.
Brett.
Looked as if Draven was going to get his wish and not have to be here all morning waiting for the dipshit to show. He slid his keys into his pocket and stepped from his truck. He grabbed his brimmed hat and slammed it down on his head. He shut his door and headed toward the silver truck. Brett had yet to see him. He’d walked to the rear of his truck and was getting something out of the back.
“It’s a fine morning, isn’t it.” Draven slowly strolled alongside the silver vehicle. It was an oversized cab and top-of-the-line. It must have cost Brett a pretty penny. New tires for Cashea’s car shouldn’t be a problem for him.
“What the fuck do you want?” Brett glanced over at him. His eyes narrowed in on Draven. He pulled a duffle bag from the back of the truck and hefted the straps to rest on his shoulder.
“It would seem that we are not done with our little conversation we had last night.” Draven folded his arms over his chest. He didn’t like the man in front of him. He knew what type of guy Brett was. He was a user and an abuser. He was a decent-looking guy, and in small towns that meant he would think he was God’s gift to women. Draven had met plenty of men like him. They were all the same. It was no wonder he hadn’t taken Cashea’s rejections lightly. He was used to getting everything he wanted.
“Oh, we are done all right. Don’t think you can come bully me. I’ll call the fucking police.” Brett spun on his heels and walked to the other side of the truck.
Draven smirked and walked around the hood, meeting him on the sidewalk. Draven had no problems using his size to intimidate the other man. Brett sure had no problems putting his hands on women who didn’t ask for it. The memory of Cashea’s slashed tires came to mind.
“I don’t think we are. Someone slashed Cashea’s tires last night.” Draven took another step toward Brett who backed up.
“Sounds like she has bad fucking luck,” Brett snapped.
“Or maybe some son of a bitch, who doesn’t understand the word no, took a knife to them.” Draven closed the gap between them. If he had to beat the money out of Brett, he would. He would pay for the damage to Cashea’s car. It had been a dick move.
“And you think I did it?” Brett smirked.
“Oh, I’m sure you did it,” Draven growled .
“You don’t have any proof, old man,” Brett spat. “That bitch deserved it, too.”
Draven saw red. He snatched Brett up by his shirt and slammed him into the side of his truck. The vehicle rocked from the force of Brett’s body. His bag slid down to the ground, forgotten.
“Don’t call her a bitch,” Draven warned. His fist ached to wipe that smirk clean off Brett’s face.
Brett had the audacity to laugh. “Why not? You want her for yourself? She’s a fucking tease. Her pussy’s probably no good any-damn-way.”
Brett tried to push Draven off him but failed. Draven was close to losing his shit and pummeling Brett’s face. He had no right to speak of Cashea in that manner. She was a good woman with a big heart. Her smile had brought out feelings he had thought were long gone. Memories of sinking into her warm cocoon had Draven wanting to defend her against everything. Brett didn’t deserve a woman like Cashea, much less even be able to say her name.
“You’re going to pay for her tires, asshole,” Draven bit out through clenched teeth.
“Who the fuck is going to make me?”
Draven landed an short jab into Brett’s stomach. He folded over immediately, gasping for breath. Draven bit back a grin. It had felt good. He’d purposely hit him right in the gut. He was surprised the idiot hadn’t tossed whatever he’d had for breakfast.
“Is everything all right between you two?” an older gentleman asked, standing inside the doorway of the drugstore that was located next to the hardware store.
“Everything is fine,” Draven replied.
He released Brett who fell to the ground on his hands and knees. His loud wheezing filled the air. The man eyed Brett then flicked his gaze back to Draven.
“Just a little misunderstanding,” Draven said.
“We don’t want any trouble around here, so you boys take your misunderstanding elsewhere.”
“Yes, sir.” Draven gave a short nod to the elderly man. He grabbed Brett by the arm and forced him up to his feet.
Brett inhaled sharply and glared at Draven. He rested back on his truck, taking deep breaths. Draven took a step back away from him and held his hands up. The older guy stood there for a moment before he went back inside the store.
Draven waited a moment then turned back to Brett. “Replace her tires. ”
“You can go fuck yourself,” Brett snapped.
Draven moved toward him, but Brett scrambled out of his reach and ran to the other side of his truck. He held a hand to his stomach while he continued to struggle to breathe. There was a small gathering across the street, watching. Draven bit back a growl. He rested his hands on his waist and glanced around. Just that quick he had forgotten they were out in public.
Draven’s gaze landed on a sheriff’s patrol car sitting at the red light at the corner. The light switched to green, and the cruiser turned the corner and headed their way. Draven stood where he was and folded his arms. He watched the car approach, waiting to see if Brett would flag the deputy down. It slowed for a moment then continued on. Draven glared at Brett and pointed at him.
“Don’t make me find you again.” He walked around the front of Brett’s truck and entered the street.
Brett quickly moved back to the sidewalk. Draven smirked and headed to his truck. He just hoped the fucker heeded his warning. Next time, he wasn’t going to be so nice.