The Line, page 7
“Well, I’m sorry, but I don’t owe you anything, Cole Briggs. Because you stole something from me that night, too. You don’t know it, but you did. So we’re Goddamn even. You hear that? We’re even!” She finished on a huff and I think a cowboy boot to my door. Her footsteps thundered across my porch and down my steps.
I let out a relieved sigh and slumped over, laying my head in my hands. I shook my head back and forth in my palms, surprised at Everly’s actions, but also in awe. The kid still had spunk. It’d been a fucked-up night, but now, it could finally end.
I crawled my ass to my bed and fell asleep before my head even hit the pillow. For once, I didn’t dream of Grey’s tiny face. Instead, I dreamt of tiny fairy-like girls who wore cowboy boots and cussed like sailors.
I woke up feeling like hell, but I’d never missed a day of work in my life and damn well wasn’t starting today because I had a hangover. I opened my door and immediately noticed the roll of quarters sitting right in front of my door. I put them in my jeans pocket and remembered Everly yelling last night. Then I wondered what in the ever-loving hell I’d stolen from her four years ago that made us even.
It was four thirty in the morning, and I hadn’t been up this early in years. But I had plans today. I’d meant what I’d told Cole last night. We were even. Only, on my way home, I’d thought about how ravaged my cowboy had been—his dismal face when he’d told me to leave. His lonely, sad, empty house. Him drinking all by himself. He needed a friend. Someone to fill all the empty nooks and crannies in his life.
I’d once needed a friend. And, for one day, I’d had one. It had made all the difference. That day of friendship had kept me going for years. The memories had been there for me to play whenever I’d needed them. I could give Cole a whole summer. I’d be his friend when he needed me, whether he liked it or not. Even if it meant getting my behind up before the ass crack of dawn.
I dragged my feet to the coffee maker in the kitchen, relieved to find that the coffee was already going. I popped some toast into the toaster and grabbed a cup out of the cabinet, prepared to make quick work of my breakfast before Cole got here. He was taking me out today. He didn’t have to like it, but it was happening. I would make him. And I’d make him like me too. I was in that kinda mood today—determined as hell. And a determined Everly was a dangerous thing.
I had a piece of toast hanging out of my mouth and a fresh coffee in my hand when I felt someone press up behind me, crowding me into the counter.
“Morning, Gorgeous,” Cody said into my ear, the grin evident in his voice.
I turned towards him, grinning. Then I set my coffee cup down and used my hands to boost myself up onto the counter to sit. I nudged him away with my cowboy boot, but not before he snatched the toast from my mouth.
“You got something against personal space, Cody?” I arched an eyebrow and tried to grab my toast back, but he shoved the entire piece in his mouth. “And you did not just eat my breakfast!” I whisper-yelled because it was early as hell in the morning and I didn’t want to wake the entire town.
Clearly, Cody didn’t realize how seriously I took my food.
“Personal space is, well…boring,” Cody said through a grin full of chewed-up toast.
I rolled my eyes and pursed my lips. “Keep your mouth closed when you’re eating. It’s disgusting.” I tried not to smile and nudged him with my swinging boot, but he backed up and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
“Whoa there, baby girl. You’re feisty this morning,” he said, sitting beside me on the counter.
I huffed out a breath. “You invaded my personal space and took my food. All before daybreak, Cody,” I mumbled before taking a sip of my coffee.
Nudging my shoulder with his, he said, “We already discussed this, Everly.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Your personal space has never been safer from invasion.” He laughed.
I giggled and laid my head against his shoulder, thinking it was too damn early in the morning for Cody’s antics but loving them anyway.
“What are you doing up so early, anyhow? I figured you’d still be sleeping in that big-ass bed or maybe lounging in your orgasmic bathtub,” he said, winking.
I sat up and looked him in the face seriously. “Are you crazy? I’m here to work, Cody. Not to be lazy and take bubble baths.” I smacked my teeth. “Besides, Cole is supposed to be here shortly and I wanted to make sure I was up in time for him to show me around the farm.”
“Is ‘show me around the farm’ code for something sex related?” Cody deadpanned, his face serious. “Please, God, tell me it is, because I need all the details.”
This time, I nudged him so hard that he fell off the counter and onto his feet. “It’s not like that. He’s just showing me around because Joe asked him to.” I jumped to the floor holding my coffee. “In fact, I’m gonna head outside so I don’t miss him,” I finished, heading towards the front door.
“Have fun.” Cody poured himself a cup of coffee, smirking at me. “I hope, after he shows you around the farm, he invades the hell outta your personal space.”
He laughed at my eye roll as I exited the house. I plopped myself in one of the old rockers on the front porch, beaming behind my coffee cup. One good thing had already come out of this summer and I’d only been there a few days: Cody.
I finished my coffee and drummed my fingers on my jean-clad thighs. Maybe Cole wasn’t going to show this morning. I was ready to head back inside when I saw a flash of white in the distance. It was still dark out, but I could vaguely make out a large man sporting a white Stetson and heading my way.
I sat in my secluded spot on the porch, not moving, watching as Cole got closer. I tried to tamp it down. I really did, but I couldn’t seem to stop the galloping horses in my chest. Excitement. If Cole was in my presence, it seemed that those horses were too. It didn’t help that he looked good enough to eat. I couldn’t yet make out his face, but a black, tight T-shirt covered his broad chest and an unbuttoned, grey flannel shirt hung over it. Worn blue jeans hung low on his waist, only held up by a thick, brown belt with a big, shiny buckle in the middle.
He thundered up the porch steps in black boots, purpose in his stride, exhaustion and irritation evident on his face.
“You’re late,” I said quietly from my spot on the porch, startling Cole.
He jumped and whispered, “Shit.” Taking a deep breath, he turned my way. “Everly.” His shoulders slumped.
My name was full of resignation. He appeared so tired. I wanted to hug him. But I didn’t want to push my luck.
“You scared the shit out of me,” he accused, adjusting his hat. His voice was apprehensive. He didn’t want me tagging along today, but I’d win him over.
I laughed. “I thought cowboys were supposed to be constantly aware of their surroundings. Ya know, stealthy, sneaky—ready for absolutely anything.” I arched an eyebrow, smiling.
Cole grinned. And my heart did that damn fluttering thing it had done when I’d been just a young girl. So I placed my hand over it, silently willing it to stop.
“You know a lot about cowboys, huh?” Cole asked, raising his own eyebrow, his eyes twinkling.
Stupid twinkling eyes. Friends. I want to be friends.
“Not a damn thing,” I laughed, getting up off my rocker and walking over to him. “But I’m hoping to learn a few things today.”
“So, you got big plans today, huh?” he asked, still with those twinkling eyes.
“Big?” I shook my head. “Cowboy, you don’t get up at four in the morning unless you have epic plans,” I deadpanned.
He chuckled quietly. The sun was finally starting to rise, so I walked to the edge of the porch, startled by the beauty of the sun—the color of a ripe, cut peach coming up behind the orchard. It was breathtaking.
“All right, Ms. Everly. I’ll bite. What do your epic plans today involve, exactly?” He’d taken a spot beside me, also enjoying the view, and I hadn’t even realized it.
“You,” I said, glancing his way before looking back to the sunrise, feeling like I was in a dream—standing next to the only man who’d ever held my heart, witnessing one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.
He was quiet, so I glimpsed over at him. And it was no easy feat, pulling my gaze away from the beauty in front of me. His brow was pinched and he was frowning when he asked, “Me, huh?”
He was going to tell me no. I could feel it.
“Yep,” I replied. “You owe me a tour of this amazing place, so I hope you’re ready for all. Of. This.” I gestured towards myself, grinning. I was full of all kinds of false bravado.
He looked me over, from the tips of my boots, up my jeans, to my pink tank, his eyebrows raised in question.
“Ya know,” I sang, widening my eyes for effect. “All of this cowgirl badassery right here.”
Cole’s head flew back, and a big boom of laughter hit my ears. It was gorgeous, and my insides immediately warmed at it, which made me feel all melty, languid, and hot.
I blushed and turned my gaze back to the sun, pretending to take in its beauty but really trying to tamp down the heat low in my belly.
Still laughing, Cole said, “All right, badass cowgirl, but if you want to hang with big boys, you gotta follow a few rules.”
I glanced over at him and nodded for him to go on, thankful that he wasn’t fighting me on this. Cole needed me, even if he didn’t realize it yet.
“Sunscreen. Lots of it. We don’t need you getting burnt. You need a hat to keep the sun off your face. I don’t need any badasses fainting on my watch. You gotta hat, cowgirl?” he asked, his expression playful.
Gah. He was being cute. So adorable. I shook my head. Friends. Just friends. If I let myself, I could imagine having more with this man, but I couldn’t jump on that bandwagon. I was just there for the summer and Cole had a boatload of issues I couldn’t even begin to touch on.
He got closer to me, and his voice dropped low near my ear. “Are you telling me that you, a cowgirl, don’t have a hat?” His pretend look of horror almost made me roll my eyes and giggle.
“Nope,” I answered, peering up at him, trying not to smile at his playfulness.
He raised his hand and pushed my hair behind my ear. “Well, we’ll just have to do something about that, huh?”
“All right,” he sighed, and then he stepped back before grabbing my shoulders and physically turning me towards the front door. “Go on. Get your sunscreen on and maybe a shirt for over your tank top to keep the sun off your shoulders and arms and get back down here in five minutes. We have a full day ahead of us.” He clapped his hands. “Chop chop.”
I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth, trying to hide my wide smirk. Because Cole didn’t stand a chance against me. I was already charming his damn pants off. We’d be the best of friends before he could say giddy up.
Winning.
Losing.
I was fucking losing my mind. I shouldn’t have been taking Everly out today and spending time with her. My life was a disaster right now. I didn’t need to drag anyone else into it. And she wanted in. I could see it. Her eyes shone too damn brightly. Her gorgeous smile held just a bit more than friendship. And I sure couldn’t give her more than that. Bigger than any of that, she was just a kid. Hell, I was almost ten years older than she was. I hadn’t a clue what her experience with men was, but I knew she was nowhere near as experienced as I was. Not that I got around. I was discerning about who I slept with, but I also had enjoyed my share of women.
I walked into the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast before I took Everly out to show her the farm. Missy was at the stove, cooking, and Joe was already at the table. Cody was next to him, already digging into biscuits and eggs.
I sat down across from Joe.
Missy placed a cup of coffee in front me. “Morning, Cole.”
“Mornin’,” I mumbled behind my coffee cup, helping myself to a biscuit.
Joe’s brow furrowed in thought. “You taking Everly out today?”
Before I could reply, Cody chimed in under his breath. “Oh, yeah, he’s taking her out, all right.” He winked and smirked.
I gave Cody a hard stare. Usually, I found Cody’s ridiculousness pretty damn funny, but not today. She was a kid. I was a man. A fucked-up man. Everly was off-limits.
Joe turned his wheelchair to face Cody. “That’s enough from you, Cody. Everly is here for the summer and we will treat her with the respect she deserves. You knuckleheads got me?” He turned his wheelchair towards me, raising his eyebrows.
I didn’t know what Joe thought was going to happen while showing her around the farm, or maybe Everly had told him what had happened last night, but his protectiveness surprised me. Joe knew me better than anyone. He should have known that Everly was safe with me, but I still reassured him.
“Of course, Joe. I’ll take good care of the kid,” I said, grabbing another biscuit.
The concern on Joe’s face eased. God, I hoped I was right. I could barely take care of myself right now.
Cody chuckled. “That fireball upstairs is not a kid, y’all. She’s all fiery, wonderful woman, and the sooner you guys accept it, the better.”
And, just as fast as Joe’s face had eased, it filled with thought again. His mouth flattened into a hard line. He was opening his mouth to respond when Everly breezed into the room, looking so farm-girl hot that she halted all conversation. Fuck. My. Life.
“I’m ready,” she sang in that way she did sometimes when she was happy or excited—like life was too good just to say words simply. Like she just had to sing them. It was too damn cute.
And it made me want to make her sing every word she said.
She had on skintight jeans and the same pink tank as earlier. Only, now, she had a blue-and-white flannel shirt over it—unbuttoned, the ends tied together under her chest, which accentuated her breasts. I choked a little on my biscuit, so I took a big gulp of coffee, trying to gain some kind of composure. Cody sat across from me, smirking and giving me I-told-you-so eyes. Asshole. I grinded my teeth and stood up.
“Time to go, Everly,” I said, nodding her way but not giving her my eyes. I couldn’t. Not with her shirt like that. Not with Joe and Cody watching me so intently.
“Y’all have fun,” Joe said, smiling through gritted teeth. “And behave.” He looked at me hard.
Christ almighty, make this breakfast end. Please.
“Bye, y’all,” Everly called out behind me.
I made my way down the porch steps and to the back of the house to the little, blue shed outside. I opened the door, stepped inside, and proceeded to uncover the four-wheeler. It would be the easiest and fastest way to show Everly around. And I needed this to go fast.
Everly came in a few moments behind me and took in the four-wheeler. “What’s that?” she asked, chewing on her bottom lip.
“Our transportation,” I responded, trying to keep my eyes off her breasts, which were tied up tight in that shirt like she was trying to accentuate them.
“We’re riding that thing around? Both of us?” She was gawking at the seat of the four-wheeler, her eyes wide.
“Yep. I’ll drive and you can sit behind me and hold on,” I said, walking over to her.
“Oh.” A knot in her throat bobbed as she swallowed. I wondered if she was nervous about riding with me or just riding in general.
I nodded towards her. “Surely a badass country girl like yourself ain’t scared to ride a four-wheeler?” I raised my eyebrows in a dare.
She swallowed again, and I grinned. Fuck. This was actually fun. Teasing her. Forgetting all of my worries and problems for a bit. I hadn’t enjoyed myself like this in quite a while. Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad, but before we got on with our day, I had to take care of something.
“I’m not scared of any—” she started, but she stopped dead when I leaned forward and untied the knot in her flannel shirt.
My hands grazed the underside of her breast through her tank top, and I bit a groan back.
“What—” she said as I used my hands to grab the end of her shirt and pull it straight with a snap.
I started at the collar of her shirt, buttoning one button at a time. I needed every inch of this creamy, white skin covered, and not just because of the sun. I needed it for my own sanity.
“What is happening here?” Everly screeched, looking up at me, clearly baffled. She tried using her hands to swat mine away, but I couldn’t be stopped.
I was a man on a damn mission. And that mission consisted mostly of making sure I wasn’t staring at Everly’s tits all day.
I didn’t stop until I got to the last button, pulling her shirt straight again. “There. That’s better,” I said, letting out a pent-up breath.
“What the hell?” Everly said under her breath, already unbuttoning the top two buttons on her shirt. “He’s trying to kill me.”
I sat astride the four-wheeler and turned to the side, facing Everly. I patted the empty space behind me on the seat and said, “Hop on.”
She swallowed again but didn’t hesitate to get on.
I leaned back, grabbed both of her arms, and wrapped them around my waist. “Hold on tight,” I said, smiling before cranking her up and gunning it.
We were off. I stuck to the trails through the grass that I normally took, speeding through the property—the wind in our hair as we took it all in. At first, Everly’s back was rigid and straight, her arms awkwardly cradling my waist in her attempt to keep her body from being too close to mine. But, it wasn’t long before her entire front was pressed against my back, her arms tight around my waist, her head resting on my shoulder.
I wanted to groan at the physical contact. It had been months since a woman had touched me, and even though my head knew Everly was young, my body was totally on board.
“She’s not that young. She’s legal. At least nineteen, twenty,” my cock whispered. I ignored the horny bastard.
We rode through the orchards first. I took my time cruising through so that she could take in the peach trees first thing in the morning. I stopped periodically, turning off the four-wheeler so that I could tell her something important without yelling over the loud engine. The bed and breakfast, the watering hole, a long stream that ran along the property—I showed her it all, my arms motioning and pointing to every little thing I knew she’d want to see. I didn’t think I’d have so much fun showing her around, but it was pretty damn awesome showing off the place I loved most in this world. We drove all over the entire property for hours while I showed her all our livestock—chickens, goats, a few cows—before we ended our trip at my favorite place.
