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Zach was the closest he’d ever been to losing his shit. Ever. It hadn’t been enough that Libby had practically tortured him on the dancefloor last night, now she was prancing around his family yard in nothing but a skimpy yellow sundress.
Of course she got on well with his mom. And of course all of his brothers were checking her out. Thank God only one of them was single or he’d be screwed.
He’d spent the entire week replaying that night in her kitchen. Over and over again. He deserved a goddamn medal for his self-control. Especially after last night, when it was blatantly obvious she was hoping he’d change his mind and go with option number two. Oh, how he’d like nothing more than to give in. Take what he wanted. But, no. Walking away wasn’t an option now, so walking away after finally getting her into bed would be a hard hell no. He was playing the long game. She was worth the wait.
Lifting his gaze from the grill, he caught sight of Luke sporting the widest grin he’d ever seen on his friend. And it was directed at Libby. That only pissed him off further. Luke wasn’t exactly known for his bubbly personality, so to see him smiling like a kid in a candy shop meant only one thing.
Son of a bitch. He better not be hitting on her or I’ll kick his ass.
“That’s one fine looking woman,” a familiar voice drawled.
Zach’s head whipped around to see Cody, who’d wandered up beside him. The latest addition to the party. Cody had been here less than ten minutes. After some very brief hellos, he’d been kept busy by Zach’s dad talking his ear off.
“She sure is,” he agreed, as his attention went back to flipping the burgers. “No need to ogle her though, man, unless you wanna get acquainted with my fist.” He was only half joking.
A throaty laugh erupted from his friend’s mouth. “Jesus, man. You got it bad. First with the moony eyes and now you’re threatening violence? Damn, brother.”
There was no use denying how bad he had it. He was well aware. Huffing, he side-eyed his friend. “Your point?”
“My point is, you need to keep it together. I can actually smell your desperation from here, dude. And that shit ain’t sexy.”
He was right. Even Zach had gotten a whiff of his own desperation today. He’d been a walking, talking example of what not to do when trying to get a girl to date you. Maybe he was still reeling from last night. Whatever it was, he needed to snap out of it and start upping his game. Otherwise, he’d have no chance of convincing Libby to date him.
“I know, man. I don’t know what it is about her; she’s like my fucking kryptonite.” Zach used his free hand to run his fingers through his hair in frustration. “She’s managed to burrow right under my goddamn skin. This is gonna sound messed up, but when I’m not with her ... she’s all I think about. I mean, that can’t be healthy, right?”
He could tell Cody wasn’t expecting a quite so honest response. But if he couldn’t talk to his best friend about this, he couldn’t talk to anybody.
“Shit.” Cody just shook his head. “I don’t know what to tell you, man. Other than, she must be one hell of a woman if she’s got you this fucked up.”
“She is. She really is. I’m telling you right now ... I’ve never felt like this before. We just click, y’know? She’s special. And look,” Zach gestured over to Libby who was now gossiping with his mom, “it’s not just me, everyone she meets sees it too. Luke was actually fucking giddy a minute ago. I mean, come on ... Luke, giddy? That fucker is one bad mood away from becoming a super villain.”
That got a snigger out of his friend. “Look, like I said before, just see where it goes with the whole friend thing. That’s all you can do.”
“Yeah.” Zach nodded.
“Don’t be offended, but I’ve got to ask ... you sure she likes you like that? The last thing I want is for you to get stuck in the friendzone.”
“Oh, she likes me like that alright.” A small smile finally made an appearance on his face. “I didn’t tell you, but we sort of—” He stopped mid-sentence as he heard voices approaching.
Peering up, his stomach twisted as he watched Libby and Luke make their way over to them. That was close. The last thing he needed was for her to overhear him bragging about getting to second base with her.
“No Dylan today?” Luke hollered.
“Nah, he’s fishing with my folks,” Cody replied, a charming smile curving his lips as he looked to Libby. “So, Libby, it’s nice to finally put a face to the name, seeing as Zach here hasn’t been able to shut up about you.”
“Hey!” Traitor.
“Oh,” she replied shyly. He could have sworn he saw a tinge of pink on those beautiful cheeks. “All good things, I hope?”
“You kidding me?” Cody chuckled. “The shit coming out of his mouth is practically poetic. You sure as hell made an impression.”
“And on that note” – one hard slap on his friend’s back later – “I think it’s time to eat! Luke, you wouldn’t mind serving up, would you? Cody, a word?” Zach resisted the urge to drag his so-called friend away by the scruff of his neck. Only just.
He didn’t wait for Luke to reply, instead, he led Cody back toward the main house and made sure they were out of ear shot. Once he was sure no one could hear, he shoved his friend hard enough to make him stumble.
“What the hell was that? Are you trying to send her running for the hills or what?”
Cody had the audacity to actually laugh. “Chill, man. I was testing her. I wanted to see her reaction.”
“Testing her,” my ass.
“Yeah? And what exactly is it you learned; other than how quickly you can throw me under the bus?”
“Well, other than the blush being pretty cute, not much. You dragged me out of there before I could do a thorough analysis.”
“Asshole.”
Zach’s gaze darted back over to the woman in question, who was still smiling as she helped Luke to serve up the food. Seeing her with his friends and family had stirred something inside of him. Something like yearning. It was making him feel off-balance. How was it possible that in such a short space of time, she’d not only managed to slot into his life so easily, but his friends’ and family’s lives too?
By the time they re-joined the others, everyone had taken a seat around the table. Thankfully, his family had been smart enough to leave him an open spot next to Libby.
The smell of roses permeated the air as he sat down next to her. But it wasn’t just her scent messing with his senses, the feel of her bare thigh pressed against his jeans was not helping the situation.
He tried to play it cool, even as she subtly shuffled closer and blood rushed to some interesting places. That was about the time he realized what exactly was going on.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!
She was doing this on purpose. It was a trap! Was that why she was wearing that dress too? To torture him. Because it was working.
As he twisted to get a glimpse of her, he got his answer. It was true. She was an evil temptress, using her feminine wiles against him. He was fucked.
Last night hadn’t settled anything. Not like he thought it had, anyway. She still wanted to change the terms they’d agreed on. Well, there was no way in hell that was happening. Not without a commitment.
Game on, princess.
Dropping one hand until it disappeared beneath the chunky oak table, he let his fingers slowly drag up her thigh. If her sharp inhale hadn’t given her away, the goosebumps breaking out under his touch would have. And, damn, if that didn’t make his smile a little smugger.
Two can play this game. If she was going to torture him, he was going to torture her right back. Maybe that was the way to get what he wanted. After all, this “friends” thing wasn’t exactly working very well. Mostly because they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
Chatter around the table became background noise as they played. But he didn’t make her suffer for long. There was only so much torment they could both take. Reluctantly moving his hand away, he reached for his burger. But before he’d even taken a bite, Libby’s hand was on his thigh. Dangerously close to the goods.
Fuck.
Mental pep talk on repeat, he tried his hardest to think of something else. Anything else. He desperately needed a distraction from the intense throbbing now pulsating in his pants.
Come on, think, damnit.
Why was he drawing a blank? All he could think about was the feel of Libby’s delicate fingers sliding up and down the length of his inner thigh. She was getting closer and closer to his junk with every upward stroke.
Stay strong. Remember, she wants you just as much as you want her.
In the name of pretending that her touch wasn’t setting his whole body on fire, he picked his burger back up and proceeded to eat. There might have been some wincing, but he was convinced he’d hidden it well. After swallowing down his food, he took a chug of his beer and then kicked it up a notch by joining a conversation opposite him. It was taking place between Luke and his brother Wade.
Just when he thought his self-control had won out, Libby’s hand reached its final destination. And let’s just say, she received a warm welcome.
Oh holy Jesus.
“What d’ya think, Zach?” Wade asked again. Who the hell knew what he was saying at this point.
“Oh, uh, um ...” This cannot be happening. His brain had actually stopped working. Where were coherent sentences when you needed them? “Uh ... um ... I ...”
“I think what he’s trying to say is, that sounds like a great idea,” Libby gleefully chirped from beside him.
Huh?
“Yeah?” The grin on his brother’s face was bordering on suspicious.
“Oh yeah.” Libby once again answered for him. Which was lucky because she still hadn’t moved her goddamn hand away. And instead of caring about what they were talking about, all he could think about was begging her to keep it there. “You’ve got next weekend off right, Zach?” She looked to him and then to Wade. “Is there one on then?”
What?
“I think there just might be, darlin’.” Wade turned to Zach. “Let’s do Saturday. You guys should come by here first thing, and I’ll drive us on over.”
“Uh, sure,” Zach choked out, hoping like hell he’d not just agreed to something he’d regret.
Before he had a chance to find out where exactly he was going next weekend, it seemed he was needed elsewhere. His father stood beside him moments later, leaning down and speaking into his ear.
“Once you’ve finished up, I’d appreciate a word. In my study.” That was all his dad said before disappearing back into the house. He hadn’t even waited for an answer.
What the hell was going on today?
On the bright side, he could now form sentences. Libby had removed her hand as soon as his dad had approached. For which he was both grateful and miserable. And still tortured. He did feel slightly better though when he turned to see her looking just as tortured as him.
Lowering his voice so only she could hear, he spoke into her ear. “You’re gonna be the death of me, princess.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to go through door number two?” Her tone had turned playful.
“Hell, no. But when you change your mind, I’ll be right here waiting.”
With that, he excused himself from the table. It wasn’t often his dad wanted to talk. Especially in private, so it would be rude to keep him waiting.
As he entered his childhood home, he weaved between his mother’s beloved floral couches and through the old-fashioned, wood-panelled dining room until he reached the back of the house.
Knocking on the door, he tried to think back to when he’d last been inside his father’s study. But, nothing. Had it really been that long?
As he questioned his memory, his father called him inside.
He was greeted by the sight of the large, mahogany desk, which took up most of the room. He couldn’t help but notice the stacks of paper piled high across each surface. Which struck him as odd. His dad was known for being a neat freak. Yet at the moment, his study was anything but tidy.
Following his dad’s cue to sit, he settled into the crimson leather armchair that was positioned opposite the desk.
It took a while for his dad to actually say anything. There was lots of huffing. Some paper movement. And pen clicking. But it was a good few minutes before words echoed around the book lined walls.
“Listen, son,” was what he started with. Zach could tell from just his tone that this was serious. All of a sudden, a feeling of dread started to bubble. “As you know, as my first born, it has always been my intention to leave this ranch to you ... after, well, after I’m gone.”
He skipped straight over the ranch part and read between the lines. “Are you sick? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
The silence felt deafening. His eyes hadn’t left his father, though. Every frown line was noted as he tried desperately to use body language to decipher what was going on.
“Stop staring at me like that, son. Christ. I’m not on my deathbed if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ve had a few issues with the old ticker, but nothing for you to worry about. Your mothers on top of it as always. She’s got me eating rabbit food and everything.”
Zach started to relax a little and found himself smiling at the thought of his mother policing his dad’s food. “Okay ... so if you’re not going anywhere, why are we sitting here talking about your will?”
“Well, I’ve decided to retire.”
“Retire?” Talk about a shock. He never thought he’d see the day.
“Yes, Zach. Retire. Which is why I wanted to talk to you. This ranch is your birth right. Your legacy.”
He was just getting his head around the idea of his father retiring, he wasn’t prepared for words like “birth right” and “legacy” to be thrown in his direction. “My what?”
“Your legacy, son. And seeing as I’m retiring, there’s no better time than now to hand over the reins.”
Is he saying what I think he’s saying?
When Zach simply gaped at him, his father continued.
“No point waiting until I’m six feet under. I want to sign the land and the business over to you now. What do you think?”
What the fuck is going on?
Freaking the hell out, Zach jumped out of his seat and began to pace the small space. “What are you talking about, Dad? In case you’ve forgotten, I have a job. A good one. One that I love. Wade, Jonah, and Matt are the ones working the ranch. Not me. It should go to them. Give it to them.”
His father’s chair scraped back as he too rose, bringing Zach’s pacing to a halt.
As he took the sight of his dad in, it hit him. His dad looked older. Tired. Fragile. His skin no longer looked tanned, but weathered, and the grey streaks that once highlighted his dark blonde hair had now taken over altogether. When had that happened?
“You’re right. Your brothers are the ones working here. And they’re doing a damn fine job. But you’re the oldest, Zach. And it’s time for you to step up. The ranch needs you.”
He was sure he was missing something. There had to be more to this. This decision didn’t make any sense. “And why exactly does it need me?”
His father was quiet for a bit. When he did speak, all the color had drained from his face. “The ranch has been having some problems. Problems I’m not convinced the boys will be able to handle. Not without your help.”
“Financial problems?”
“Are there any other kind?”
Fuck.
So much for a nice and relaxing weekend. This was a shitshow of epic proportions. The ranch was in trouble. The ranch his whole family’s livelihoods depended on. And despite him not working there since he was a teenager, somehow he’d been tasked with being their saviour.
Fuck.
***
“Everything okay? You’ve been really quiet ever since we left your parents’ place.” Libby’s sweet voice reverberated around the car.
That was true. Zach had been quiet. He figured quiet was much better than a public breakdown. Today hadn’t exactly gone to plan. To think, this morning his biggest problem had been resisting Libby. But now, things were different. The fate of his family and their ranch was in his hands. Considering he hadn’t had anything to do with the ranch since he turned eighteen, it was safe to say, he had no idea what to do or where to start.
To say his father was disappointed when he’d become a firefighter was an understatement. Ranching was in his blood. Apparently. But despite his dad’s displeasure, he’d never once asked him to quit. Not until today, that is.
What the hell am I gonna do?
“Yeah. I just— You know what? It doesn’t matter. Remind me again, where exactly are we going next Saturday?”
A musical giggle drowned out the radio and Zach couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the plump pink lips it was coming from. Seeing her laugh settled something inside him. There was no way he could explain what or why, but the feeling was there. Like everything was going to be okay.
God, I hope that’s true.
“You were a little distracted when you agreed to that, huh?”
“You know full well I was.”
“Well,” she started, “your brother mentioned that he had a thing for bull riding. And he was telling me all about the rodeos y’all went to as kids ...”
Zach could see where this was going. “Let me guess, he wants to take us to a rodeo next weekend?”
“Would that be so bad?”
Zach took his eyes off the road just long enough to catch a glimpse of the excitement on Libby’s face. “You really wanna go?”
“Yeah, I’d love to!” she exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to go to a real-life rodeo. No one’s ever ... I mean, I’ve never had anyone to go with before. And it’s not the kind of thing I’d go to on my own. But if you really don’t want to go, I ...” she trailed off.
Zach placed his hand over hers, and gave it a quick squeeze before returning his palm to the steering wheel. “Princess, if you want to go to the rodeo, then I’ll take you to the rodeo. Whatever you want.”
“Yeah?”
He didn’t need to turn and look at her again to know she was giving him that sparkling smile. “Believe it or not, I like making you happy. So yeah, next weekend we’ll go to the rodeo.”
Her hand was on his thigh again. Only this time he could tell it wasn’t there to tease him. Or torture him. Yet, it was this seemingly innocent gesture that inflicted the most torment upon him.