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Bailey
“Can I speak with you?”
My mom blinked then slung an arm around my shoulder. Yep, she knew I knew. She smiled at Mr. Weathers from the local hardware store. “Would you excuse me?”
After he agreed, she steered me outside. I went blindly, not caring where she took me, so long as I didn’t have to see Hunter again anytime soon.
Beyond the stables, well out of earshot of guests or anyone else, she stopped and gazed up at the stars. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“You didn’t have to take his money, Mom. We could’ve done it on our own.” A sob slipped out and I cringed. “The sale of Malik would have bailed us out.”
“And what if the Smiths decided not to buy Malik? Omari’s stud fees only go so far.”
“A couple of other colts are coming along and should meet my asking price.”
Her head swung slowly side to side. “Too many variables.”
“We’d figure out a way. Or we’d hold off paying some of the bills and handle them when Iesha wins at Nationals. I’ve seen some of the other cutters. They don’t stand a chance against her.”
“Even if Iesha has a strong chance, what if she gets injured or has a bad day? What if she doesn’t place at all?” She patted my hand. “You haven’t been able to put the time into training her that you need to. Haven’t you been warned against putting all your eggs in one basket?”
Tugging out of her grasp, I angled away from her. “When did you become so negative?”
“When did you stop seeing our situation for what it was?” Her voice took on a firm, motherly tone.
“I don’t want us owing Hunter anything.” I couldn’t ask her to make him leave the ranch though. She’d ask more questions.
“Sweetheart.” She sighed and glanced at the dark sky. “I’ve always loved Hunter as my own. Seems fittin’ he should have a stake in the ranch. Besides, he’s bringin’ a lot to the table.”
I didn’t want to know what else Hunter was doing. That he was here to stay was plenty.
“Love hurts and I can’t help you heal faster. But he’s saving the ranch, honey. We’re not riding on a wish and a prayer anymore. We won’t have to stress that everything your father worked so hard to build will slowly die.”
Yes, he was saving our ranch and my family. I believed he was sincerely trying to do the right thing. A tear snaked down my cheek and I gave her my hand, squeezed hers. “You did what you needed to do. I’ll figure it out.”
She turned and faced me again. “He’s different now.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” No one changed that much, and any improvements didn’t apply to his attitude about love or his habits with women. Hunter wasn’t wired correctly and as he matured and learned, the wiring inside would stay the same.
“When you’re ready to talk about whatever happened in Las Vegas, my ears are always willin’.” She leaned in to brush a kiss on my forehead, then patted my arm and strode into the house.
I’d have to be a dumbass to be surprised my mom knew I was in love with Hunter and that something had happened in Vegas. But I didn’t want to talk about how he’d stolen my heart long ago, massaged it, spoken pretty words to it, then tossed it into the garbage. I couldn’t share the humiliating details of the attempted annulment with her or how we were still married but he didn’t want me.
Taking pains to avoid Hunter, I stole inside the house, and searched for Trevor. He was talking to the blonde, Adele, who’d been monopolizing Hunter earlier. Unless I was reading Trevor and Adele wrong, they were totally into each other. I said my good nights to both, then quietly slunk away to my room.
~~~
I WOKE EXTRA EARLY the next morning, hoping to get most of my Sunday work finished then escape to my room and avoid Hunter. But when I tiptoed into the kitchen and peered outside, the Silverado was already gone.
After putting the horses out to pasture and feeding them, I made a round on the property to make sure everything looked good. I didn’t want any distractions the next few hours. My mother had been right about one thing; I needed to put more time in with Iesha if I wanted to ensure we placed top at world finals.
For years I’d scrimped and saved to buy Iesha, planning to use most of any prize money on the B & B and give back to my family. Now that Hunter was a part of the business, I would need my independence and a separate income. Placing at Nationals would raise Iesha’s value and increase the fee for her future foals.
The money would put me one step closer to getting my own apartment. The idea of staying and seeing Hunter everyday made me want to trash all thoughts of moving away. But the idea of seeing Hunter every day reinforced what I knew—that I had to escape as quickly as I could. Deep down, I knew Hunter was capable of being a loving husband. But he didn’t know that. Even if he had some kind of epiphany, that love would never be lavished on me and most certainly not long term.
The rest of my Sunday would be spent working with Iesha. Her placing at the horse show was essential to my freedom.
As I glided the brush over her white coat along her flank to remove any particles that might irritate her under the saddle, a gentle roar tickled my ear. I set aside the brush to see who had arrived. A huge, red F450 idled in the driveway. Iesha would keep for a moment.
I’d put that particular truck on my list of dream cars I might buy one day, not only because it was gorgeous and spectacularly badass but because it would tow multiple horses. This one had a tow package, bed liner, custom wheels, tinted windows, and everything else I could wish for. Whoever owned this truck meant business. Maybe he’d come to shop for a horse.
The engine died and a thin man with a white beard and baseball cap hopped out. He glanced around, clipboard in hand.
“Can I help you?” I asked.
He tipped the bill of his cap. “Yes, ma’am. Lookin’ for Hunter Evermond.”
My stomach pinched thinking of him, which only reminded me that I may have been successful in driving him away. Just because his disappearance was for the best didn’t mean I had to like it. “He didn’t say when he’d be back. Anything I can do?”
“Depends if you’re Bailey Thayer and authorized to sign for this truck.”
Lucky me. I had the privilege of helping Mr. Botched-Annulment’s life easier. On the upside, he had his own vehicle now, so he could leave the ranch more often. I signed the sheet on the clipboard, then the man passed me the keys and sprinted down the driveway to his waiting ride.
I hoped Hunter could find a home as quickly as he bought a truck. On the other hand, he deserved to be stuck with the freezer folk for a while.
Envy kicked in when I pivoted and came face to face with the red beauty. The ruby paint shimmered and the leather seats looked so buttery they almost glowed. I craved a long whiff of the inside.
I had a key now, didn’t I?
Taking great care not to scratch or scuff any part of the truck, I climbed in and slipped behind the wheel. I let my head rest against the seat and my lids drooped. I gave up and let my eyes shut completely, inhaling the scent of new car. I shifted to get even more comfortable, then muscle by muscle, tension evaporated. Temptation to take a quick nap consumed me.
Why was I wasting time on a truck and torturing myself when I wouldn’t have one for a long time? And I still had a ton to accomplish today. Scolding myself for getting caught up in the sexy red dream, I scrambled out of the truck—and crashed into Hunter. Both my left feet tangled and I nearly toppled but Hunter’s arms circled my waist and I fell against his chest.
His musky scent assaulted me as his thighs brushed mine. I reeled when his thumbs pressed into my side to steady me. Butterflies did flips in my tummy and my breath caught. I persuaded myself to avert my gaze since eye contact would likely lead to me melting against him. Permanently.
“Thanks.” I pulled away and sidestepped out of his reach.
“You can take it for a spin, if you want.” He flashed me a one-sided grin.
“I have to train, but thank you. Nationals is a couple weeks away.” My freedom and sanity were at stake. There would be time for pretty trucks later.
Hunter backed away, putting more distance between us. “I’ll find my bag and see Iesha in a few minutes.”
Right, he was going to give all the horses annuals today. “You have everything you need, supplies and whatever?”
“Other than vaccines, yes. Medical records are still in the filing cabinet in the lab?”
“Yes.” Why wasn’t he giving me attitude? Worse, he was being thoroughly agreeable. Already the desire to snuggle with him crept in on me. After I tried to rehome him last night, he had stormed off and now he was back to being his old cute self. None of the current sweetness erased the Vegas fiasco though and I’d never forgive him. But when he was charming, the sting of his years of rejection faded.
I needed him to be a douche bag.
I swiveled around to bolt, but when I lifted my foot he cleared his throat and uttered my name. I glanced at him over my shoulder, wishing he’d be quick. “Yes?”
Hunter stuffed his hands in his pockets and rearranged his leg to redistribute his weight. “I know you think I’m a tool. But no matter your opinion of me, you can’t believe I’d intentionally hurt you or your family.”
I knew he wanted to be in my good graces again, but some things couldn’t be fixed. “I trust you with my mother and Blake, to do right by them.” I inhaled sharply, struggling to get the rest of my thoughts onto my tongue and out of my mouth. “Things will never be good again between you and me. Let’s do the best we can and try to work together the next few weeks.”
“Only a few weeks?” He squinted, brows lowering. “Going somewhere?”
Not at the moment since he was holding me captive. “The B & B won’t die without me, not with your resources. Whatever Iesha wins, I’ll put toward an apartment closer to Austin. I have a friend who’ll board Iesha in exchange for helping her in the stables. I hear Serenity needs a good trainer. Thought I’d try for a job there.”
He flinched. “Fair enough. You’ll be happy to know my dad’s filing the papers tomorrow. Then we wait the required sixty days.”
“Great.” Finally, the annulment—or divorce—would happen. Real steps toward severing my legal ties to Hunter. Soon, he’d be my ex-husband. Nausea rose from my gut, threatening to make me hurl. “Blake can help you with the horses, match each one with their medical history and update you on anything new with them.”
“Great.” He stared at the ground.
“Great,” I echoed. I pivoted, straining to put one leg in front of the other, getting farther and farther from him. I returned to Iesha and walked her to her stall. As calmly as my wobbly legs could manage, I strolled inside the house and straight to my room. After locking the door, I plucked the ear buds off the dresser on my way to the bed. Curling into the fetal position, I opened the playlist on my phone and let the first song explode in my ears. Sturgill Simpson sang about living a little, but I didn’t think I could. Not for a long time.
Chapter Twelve
Hunter
Before Bailey stirred in her room across the hall, before the sun came up Monday morning, I prepared one of the pens with food and water, and hitched the 4-horse trailer to my F450.
I swung onto the main highway toward Austin and Serenity Ranch. Work had been hectic since almost the moment I’d arrived at the airport, so the down time was kind of nice. I would make a quick stop at Two Cups and grab a coffee to make sure my trip was at maximum enjoyment. And I vowed to keep my mind off her to guarantee a relaxing trip.
Whether Bailey liked it or not, she was stuck with me. At the rate I was making everything worse with her, I’d need the next few weeks to reverse it. I had to hope that in the end she wouldn’t move out.
Either way, I would feel the burn. I had a financial stake in the ranch now, which required busting my ass and skipping visits with my parents—and Muffin. Not that the traitor who greeted me with a wagging tail would even notice. After a round of licks, she eagerly crawled into my mother’s lap. As if I no longer existed.
Once Blake could work again, I would be more likely to squeak out a little more time to win back Muffin’s loyalty. And I so badly wanted a breakthrough with my mom and dad. I’d keep trying when I could. For now, every spare minute would be dedicated to helping the family I was indebted to. As a side benefit, the return on my investment might make my father stop treating me like a thug.
Get the ranch viable and thriving, then what? By the time the B & B ranch showed a healthy profit, Bailey would be gone. Bailey... I couldn’t look at her without my chest aching and my tongue tying up and rolling over itself. I’d apologized to her every way I knew how, tried to be extra nice and I was still in the dog house—probably a life sentence.
She was almost all I’d thought about in days. Each morning, I woke more sleep-deprived than the night before and each time I saw her, fear of losing her closed in on me. Could we ever find that easy camaraderie again? What if I’d lost her forever?
I’d grudgingly come to Bride, expecting Blake’s speedy recovery and a quick escape for myself. Now I couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else. Excitement coursed through me at the idea of applying my vet skills to the B & B horses, being a part of the legacy Mr. T had created and building on it, helping them expand and become more successful than ever. Mostly, I loved the thought of being an essential part of a life I’d always envied.
Spending time at the B & B would also give me the opportunity for months or years to come—however long it took—to get through to Bailey. She wouldn’t cut off her mother and brother, and since they’d all be at the ranch most of the time, she couldn’t avoid me forever.
I navigated into the parking lot of Two Cups and dashed inside. Noelle waved me over as soon as I bellied up to the counter. I collected my coffee and complied, claiming a chair across from her. I could spare a couple minutes. “Hey.”
“Good morning.” She beamed and shoved her laptop aside. “Things good at the ranch?”
“Not bad.” She didn’t need all the details. “Picking up some new acquisitions. I’ll probably stop for coffee again on the way back.”
“I might still be here. Finishing an appraisal report on a big house I did yesterday.” Noelle flashed me a sweet smile, making me wish she could find her soul mate. She deserved someone amazing. “Blake healing and on schedule to relieve you?” she asked.
Something about the way her voice changed when speaking of Blake gave me the impression she was fishing. Did she want insight as to when I was leaving town? Even when dumping me, she’d always been generous and kind. And I’d never felt any hint of animosity from her at my failings. Her fishing couldn’t be about me.
I chugged some coffee, set the cup down and donned my poker face. “Are you in love with Blake?”
Noelle gasped and went pale. “W-why do you ask?”
I chuckled, proud of myself for nailing it. “All this time, I thought you dumped your husband because you couldn’t get over me. You’ve had a thing for my best friend this whole time.”
She went another shade whiter, her eyes shifting like a meth head. “You’re way off. And you’d better not mention your theory to him.”
I shook my head in mock disapproval. “How horrible to deprive him of the most beautiful girl in town.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You mean second most beautiful.”
An image of Bailey invaded my head, taunting me. I opened my mouth to disagree with Noelle but that would be lying. “Yeah, I think Bailey’s gorgeous. So what?”
“You’re the one with the secret love.” Her gaze riveted to mine, like each of us were waiting for the other to crack.
But I was pretty good at poker. “Seems a little incestuous to me.”
“Bull. Your best friend’s sister, not yours.” Noelle gave me a smug smile. “How do you think Blake will take it when he realizes you want to violate his sister?”
I groaned. “This is all in your imagination.”
“Maybe.” She bit her lip, studying me. “Don’t give Blake any ideas about me and I won’t tell him about Bailey.”
“Nothing to tell.” I scoffed. “I’m not in love with her.”
“You’re the one mentioning love, not me.” She tilted her head condescendingly. “You’re always staring at her. You look like hell so I’m thinking you’re not sleeping much. I’d wager you can’t stop thinking about her.” When I opened my mouth to object, to tell her that not being blind around a gorgeous woman didn’t necessarily mean much, she held out one vertical finger to stop me. “You and I split because—”
“You mean you dumped me because,” I interrupted.
“Quiet.” She gave me the stink-eye. “I accused you of having commitment issues, said I wanted to start a family soon after high school and I didn’t see you as the fatherly type.”
Irritation clawed at me. “Why are you rehashing this? I was there. I remember why you dumped me.”
“That was the reason I gave you, with enough facts to ring true to you. But I always suspected you had a deeper connection with Bailey than you ever would with me.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m in love with her.”
“Again, you mentioned being in love, not me.” She observed me a moment. “It’s why you made an excuse to punch any guy who went near her. It’s why you never date any girls when you’re here in town, why you keep coming back and why you dislike Trevor so much. She’s your forever, Hunter, the one who will always love you no matter what. And whether you admit it or not, you love her the same way.”
My smile faded and I rose. Without another word to Noelle, or even a glance her way, I strode through the exit, jumped into the F450, and peeled out of the parking lot.
Ridiculous. Noelle was so full of it. She would always be special to me, but she had overstepped. Of course I loved Bailey. But in love? No way. If I were in love with Bailey, I’d know it. Yes, I probably ogled her too much, but no sane man could blame me. Long-time family friend or not, I was still a guy.
And, anyway, most of my staring was spent trying to figure out a way to patch things between us—same reason she was constantly on my mind. And of course when we were teenagers, I’d punched those creeps who were taking advantage of her. I knew firsthand what teenage boys were like and my job was to do the brotherly thing and protect her. No more, no less. Noelle was out of her mind to believe anything else.
I had to think of something other than Noelle and her grossly inaccurate assessment of my feelings for Bailey. The ranch... I made a mental list of things to be done after the new horses settled in: upgrade the stables to eco-friendly naturally draining floors and purchase screens to easily sift through the shavings. We could cut the mucking time to a fraction of what we currently spent. The huge upside would be less torture for me when I got stuck mucking. Repair the hen house and possibly build one more pasture. And then get Bailey anything else she wanted.
I flinched at the last thought. I shouldn’t want to get Bailey her heart’s desire. I should want the ranch to be known worldwide for its top quality Egyptian Arabians. That’s it. And I refused to entertain any other reason for me to have Bailey’s interests foremost than me possessing simple decency. Naturally I’d be concerned and thoughtful of any human being. That was all there was to it.
~~~
BEFORE GIVING SERENITY Ranch the final payment, I briefly examined each horse to make sure they were sound, then loaded them into the trailer. I didn’t want to stop by Two Cups on my way back. With my luck, I’d run into someone else who wanted to lecture me on my love life and tell me how I really felt. As if their opinions were more valid than my own firsthand knowledge. And right now, the only opinion I cared about was Bailey’s.
But I wanted some coffee. I could check the lot for Noelle’s car before going into Two Cups to make sure I didn’t run into her again. As I neared the cupcake bakery, I verified that her car wasn’t around. I parked and leaped out of the truck then sprinted inside, coming face to face with Nancy Redd, the town matchmaker. The very last person I wanted see right now. She was nice and everything but with my luck, she’d try to set me up with Bailey.
Too late. She’d spotted me. Before she crossed the room, I held up a finger. “I just remembered I have an appointment.” And I bolted out of the bakery like lightning.
“How’s that sweet Thayer girl?” she called out.
“Great,” I answered, then raced to my truck. The whole town was conspiring against me.
My old high school friend, Everett Jeffries, cruised into the parking lot just as I was pulling out. I wanted to catch up with him and ask him how his dad was doing, but I couldn’t risk Nancy cornering me. Instead, I waved and kept driving.
As the red beast roared over the B & B driveway, I spied Bailey standing by one of the stables. As if completely unaware of my arrival, she knelt, beaming at our ranch hand Finn’s three-year-old daughter. Bailey stood up, then entwined her fingers with the girl’s and walked with her toward the stable.
Bailey had always been sweet to the staff’s family, inviting them to roam the grounds and even ride the horses. Didn’t matter how busy she was; she always made time for others. I sat in my truck, trying to think of a time when I’d seen Bailey be anything other than kind to everyone. She was generous to a fault—unless she was dealing with me.
I climbed out of the truck. The horses in the trailer whinnied and, despite my irritation and frustration with Bailey, a thrill shot through me. What would she think of our new acquisitions?
“Finn, want to give me a hand?” I unlatched the door and pulled out the ramp.
Finn dashed into the trailer ahead of me and I shadowed him to witness his reaction. He stroked the pregnant chestnut mare. “Beautiful.” He moved to the black mare, cooing and stroking her muzzle, then mumbled similar compliments to the colt and filly.
“We’ll need to quarantine them until I have a chance to get blood samples and run tests.” They had checked out okay during my visual examination and likely all Serenity’s stock were clean. Still, they needed to be kept separate and gradually introduced to the other horses.
“The east paddock?” Finn asked.
“Yes.” We led them to the recently stocked enclosure, one horse at a time since I couldn’t risk leading multiple horses and losing control of one of them. As I walked the last horse to the paddock, I caught sight of Bailey who was showing the little girl one of the youngest foals.
While I was settling in the ebony mare, Blake hobbled over. He leaned a crutch against the fence and hung his elbows over the top rail. “She’s stunning.” His gaze switched to the chestnut mare Finn led in. “Wow.”
My eyes automatically sought Bailey again, locating her outside the tack room. Her glossy auburn hair hung loose and she’d shed the flannel, exposing all that creamy skin around her shoulders, neck and the swells of her breasts. Slinging the three-year-old on her hip, Bailey’s face lit up and my breath hitched. The familiar ache in my chest wormed its way to my gut.
I needed to concentrate on work, not her. I had to get a grip.
“Thanks, Finn.” I waved him off, knowing he had plenty of work to do.
“You got some beauties here, Hunter.” Blake adjusted his cowboy hat. “I’m impressed you pulled this off.”
“Just some minor negotiating and dipping into my trust fund. Not like I had to work for the money.”
“Still, I appreciate it.” Blake knuckle bumped with me.
“Not a big deal, man. I kinda owe your mom. All of you, actually. Not sure what I would’ve done if you guys hadn’t been there for me growing up. Probably would’ve been even more screwed.”
Bailey walked by the pen toward Finn’s wife. “It was so nice seeing you again.” The rest of her words were muffled by the distance. Two minutes later, the mother drove off with the child and Bailey hiked across the dirt road to the stables.
“Grateful or not, Hunter, some things are deal breakers.”
I snapped around, this-close to giving myself whiplash. Blake’s tone had changed so drastically, I braced myself.
He gripped the fence hard enough to whiten his knuckles. “On our friendship, Hunter, tell me you didn’t sleep with my sister.”
My stomach bottomed out. “What?”
“The way you keep staring at her—and don’t insult my intelligence by denying it—anyone would think you guys have something going on. If you slept with her—”
Both of my palms flew out as a white flag, and I shook my head briskly. “I didn’t sleep with her, I swear.”
“Well, something happened.” Blake scowled and tipped his head. “You know that saying about a woman scorned?”
“Uh.” I blinked. “I guess.”
“You think any woman would be that pissed if she never cared about the guy?”
“Don’t know.” I already didn’t like where this conversation was heading. Out of respect for my childhood friend—not to mention I did make out with and then marry his sister—I’d hear him out. But inside, I cringed.
“How do you act when you don’t care either way about a girl?” His brows lifted expectantly. “You shrug it off. Move on and never think of her again. Anyone else would too. But Bailey isn’t.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong. She hates me these days.” If I had to have another conversation about Bailey or me and who loved who, I might vomit.
“C’mon, Hunter. You’re not stupid. Women don’t act like that unless they’re hurt. And they only get hurt if they cared. The more they care, the more they hurt.”
How could I get out of this conversation? “I don’t know what to tell you, Blake. Maybe it’s less complicated than you think. Or she’s simply learned to hate me.”
“Don’t be a dumbass. She’s always been in love with you, Hunter, and nobody can flip the switch like that.” His fingers curled into my shoulder. “I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but dating my sister is off limits.”
I rubbed my temples, anxious to be finished with this conversation. “Obviously.”
“Get square with Bailey.” He let go of my shoulder. “Without sleeping with her.”
Frustration welled in me. “Don’t you see I’m trying? Have I not been busting my ass to help out here and make nice with her?”
The worry lines around Blake’s eyes vanished. “Be careful with Bailey.” He placed the crutch under his arm and hobbled along the fence. “Tell me more about the new horses.”
Blake studied each horse as I gave him background on each one’s lineage and accomplishments. He relaxed as if the earlier conversation was forgotten. And since we’d covered my love life, seemed fair we cover his as well.
We watched the filly do laps around the pen, occasionally nipping at the colt. I leaned my forearms on the fence, and Blake mimicked my move. “Question. Why didn’t you ever date Noelle?”
Blake shot me a cautious look. “Your ex?”
“Right.” When he put it that way, yes, Blake dating someone I’d slept with might feel weird at first. But I could easily get past it if he could. “What if she was the perfect woman for you?”
“You don’t date your best friend’s ex.” He stared ahead, watching the newcomers munch on hay. “Ever.”
“What if your best friend was totally cool with it?” I asked, trying to keep a casual tone.
“Are you?” Blake spared me a glance.
I faced him. “She’s a nice girl. I think she deserves a good guy for a change. She’s paid her dues. And why should you be deprived of a great girl just because I suck?”
He raised one brow. “Even if I wanted to date Noelle, this isn’t a trade-off. Bailey is still taboo for you.”
I sighed, hating that he thought so little of me to warrant having a cow if I went for Bailey. On the other hand, with my history, I couldn’t blame him. “Dude, it’ll never happen. Trust me.”
But a part of me wanted it to happen. And that scared me. Because as hot as Bailey was, and as much as I wouldn’t mind kissing her again, what I really wanted was for us to laugh together again. I missed the hell out of her. I loved the hell out of her. Always had. Add in my new attraction for her and it was a dangerous combination. I’d never had both a deep physical attraction for a girl and such a strong desire just to be around her.
And I couldn’t do a damn thing about either of those feelings. Not only had I been forbidden to go near Bailey but I’d made a promise to my best friend. Plus, no matter what Blake said about Bailey loving me, I found it difficult to believe.
If I couldn’t date her—not that I would put her through unnecessary contact with me—how the hell was I going to get her out of my system?