This was all way more than she could handle. Her head pounded. Her body ached. Her soul was battered. A sluggish sense of shame settled over her. Bailey knew she needed to get out of here, without it seeming like she was running away . . . even when she totally was.
“Well, you should get a medal for being forced to deal with your former mother-in-law on a regular basis.” Bailey stood.
Streeter gave her a once-over. “Where you goin’? You’ve been here like an hour.”
“I need my beauty sleep. And I get no sleep around you, Mr. Sex Machine.” Resting her palms on the back of the couch, she tilted forward to kiss him. “Tomorrow is camp. Maybe this is blowing the surprise, but Renner agreed for a trail ride for the recruits. And you, Mr. Hale, will be one of the trail masters.”
“You’re takin’ a dozen kids out on horseback?”
“Nope. We’re taking a dozen kids out on horseback.” She smooched the frown line that formed between his eyebrows. “Don’t stay up too late.”
“You implying I need my beauty sleep too?” he teased.
“No. I love that that beautiful soul of yours is finally awake. Don’t ever let it sleep so long again.”
He studied her with eyes that were both soft and filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
Not even close. “I’m tired if I’m babbling like this. See you in the morning.”
Bailey made it back to her trailer before the shakes started.
Stress was a major red flag and she’d had her fill of it today.
She took her pills, found her soothing waves soundtrack and plugged in her earbuds. If she could just make it through tomorrow, she could hole up until this went away.
Chapter Sixteen
Why did you approve the campers to have a trail ride?” Streeter asked Renner the next morning.
Renner shrugged and kept lining saddles up on the fence. “Some of the horses haven’t been exercised as much as they need.”
“Bullshit. Ted and Zack took them all out last weekend.”
“Maybe I wanted to see how the kids act around Sergeant B.”
“Why? Don’t you feel like Isabelle and Rhett are getting anything out of boot camp?”
“They are behavin’ better. I wanna learn her ways so after camp is over and she’s gone I can still crack the whip on ’em when needed.”
Streeter piled saddle blankets next to the saddles.
“No comment, Street? Really?”
He looked at Renner. “About what?”
“About Bailey’s postcamp plans.”
“How would I know?”
“Buddy, not only is my wife a financial whiz, but she is a hopeless romantic. She couldn’t wait to tell me that she’d seen you and Bailey flirtin’ at the pool.”
Streeter groaned.
Which caused Renner to laugh. “Nothin’ stays a secret around here for long.”
“It’s not a secret, it’s just complicated.”
“Because of Olivia?”
“Partly.” He realized his boss was leaning against the fence as if settling in for a chat. “Also because she’s leavin’. I’m tryin’ to go with the flow.”
“How’s that workin’ out for you?”
“Not worth a damn.”
Renner laughed. “I’ve been there. Tobin has too. The reason you got this job was because he was movin’ on. The right woman came into his life and he’s still here. Happier than ever.” He paused. “It can happen to you too. And I don’t know anyone who deserves a shot at that more than you.”
“I appreciate the pep talk. But it’s different for Bailey and me. Uncle Sam decides when and where she moves.”
“I get it. But don’t tell Tierney. It’ll crush her heart if she doesn’t think there’s a chance the two of you will ride off into the sunset together.”
“If we keep goin’ this damn slow getting ready for the trail ride, we won’t be done until sunset.”
Renner tossed him a lead rope. “Speak for yourself. I’m ready.”
Then the kids came down the hill, racing, yelling, acting like Vikings ready to pillage the area.
A shrill whistle caught the kids’ attention.
Sergeant B clapped twice and said, “Charlie formation against the fence, recruits.”
Then the kids were lined up by height—from tallest to shortest.
When she marched toward him wearing camo pants, a tight tan T-shirt and spit-shined combat boots, the only thing missing from this live fantasy image was a riding crop. He could almost hear the slap, slap, slap of it against her palm as she walked closer to him.
You are a perverted motherfucker.
“Good morning, Mr. Hale.”
“Good morning, Sergeant B.”
“Are we ready to ride, sir?”
“Not quite. Ted and Pete will be here shortly to help saddle the horses.”
“I don’t need help saddlin’ a horse,” Tate scoffed.
“Me neither,” Jake chimed in.
Then all of the kids, with the exception of Jessamyn, Gage, Rhett and Olivia, also declared they didn’t need help. The fact that Tate, Jake, Tyler, Dylan, Jason, Brianna and Isabelle had their own saddles pretty much backed up that statement.
Bailey hung back and let the guys get the kids situated. Then she mounted up, riding tandem with Gage. Pete rode with Cody, Ted rode with Jessamyn, Renner rode with Rhett and Streeter rode with Olivia.
Streeter, raised a ranch kid, had never considered wearing a helmet when he climbed on a horse. But that was the first thing that jumped into his head when Olivia settled in front of him.
None of the other kids wore helmets.
That’d be her argument one day, but until that day, he was in charge. Next time she got on a horse, she’d be wearing a helmet.
Pete took the lead of their merry little band.
Streeter had been assigned the rear, as had Bailey.
When Rhett realized he and his dad were the second in line, he turned around and said, “Hah! I’m ahead of you, Isabelle!”
“Rhett Jackson, you just earned half a demerit for taunting,” Sergeant B informed him. “From here on out, any horseplay will result in double demerits. Understood?”
A chorus of “Sir, yes, sir!” rang out.
“Proceed, Trail Master Pete.”
Horseplay. Over the kids’ heads but he thought it was funny. He caught her gaze and grinned.
She allowed a tiny smile.
They’d started out early enough that the day hadn’t turned hot—a perfect morning for a trail ride. Brilliant blue sky overhead. No mud beneath the horses’ plodding hooves. Beautiful bluffs and crimson-colored cliffs surrounding them. Every once in a while, he’d hear the jangle of spurs and the creak of a saddle. The cry of a bird and the snort of a horse. All things he took for granted every day, but the look of wonder on Bailey’s face—the woman who couldn’t wait to leave here—let him see this rugged country through fresh eyes.
Maybe instead of banging her into oblivion on the weekends, you could show her your world. Take her to check cattle. Show her your land. Share your life with her, not just your bed.
Why hadn’t he thought of that before?
Olivia didn’t provide a steady stream of chatter—odd for her. Or maybe boot camp had instilled in her the desire to listen, as well as the rest of the kids, because they weren’t saying much either.
After an hour of riding, they reached the small stream that raged in the spring and was only a trickle in the summer. The horses drank and they reversed course, returning the way they came.
They’d almost reached the Split Rock when he noticed Jason Lawson and Tate Turner conspiring. Then they kicked their horses into motion, directing them to the outside of the main group of riders and racing ahead.
Not to be left in the dust, Isab
elle Jackson raced off, with Jake Turner close on her horse’s hooves.
But Dylan Lawson surprised them all by spurring his horse to gallop and reaching the corral before anyone else.
Streeter looked over at Sergeant B and he knew those kids were in a fuckton of trouble. Especially after he heard her say, “Goddamned ranch kids.”
Odd.
But she didn’t say a word as the kids brushed the horses down and returned the tack to the fence. Only when they finished did she say, “Bravo formation, recruits.”
The kids scrambled to get into place. This lineup grouped the kids together by ages. Brianna on one end, Rhett on the opposite end.
Sergeant B walked the line of kids slowly, briefly stopping in front of each of the perpetrators of the horse race, before moving on. But she didn’t say a word, she just kept walking the line as if she had all the time in the world.
If it made him nervous, he couldn’t imagine what the kids were feeling. But they’d brought it on themselves by disobeying their leader. He considered himself lucky that Olivia had been riding with him, or she would’ve been in the thick of it.
Renner stood on his left side, Ted on his right. Pete had taken off to help up at the lodge. His boss leaned over and muttered, “This oughta be interestin’.”
Bailey stopped in front of the middle of the line, every inch a soldier at rest. “No horseplay means no horseplay. Which is why I set that rule from the start. Most of you are familiar with riding horses, but you weren’t familiar with these horses. When you broke rank, you put every one of us in danger. Those of you who ignored a direct order, step forward.”
Isabelle, Jason, Tate, Jake and Dylan stepped up.
“Four demerits each.”
They looked at one another as if that weren’t so bad.
Then Sergeant B said, “Drop and give me ten push-ups.”
“Right here in the dirt?” Isabel said with horror.
“Yep. And for questioning my order, Recruit Jackson, you’ve just added three more push-ups for everyone. The next complaint will result in these push-ups being moved to the pasture.”
Not a word of complaint emerged.
“Drop and give me thirteen. And I’d better hear you counting.”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
The kids turned the punishment into a competition—good thing they weren’t expected to maintain good form.
As soon as they finished, Sergeant B said, “Now give me thirteen sit-ups.”
Not a single kid complained about that either. When his gaze moved to Olivia and the line of kids not in trouble, he was pleased that their attention was rapt on their fellow recruits—not on causing more trouble since Sergeant B trusted them to behave.
“Good. On your feet.”
Sergeant B turned and said, “Mr. Jackson, could you please come forward?”
Renner sauntered up next to her.
“Sir, how many shovels do you have?”
He said, “Five,” without missing a beat.
“Lucky for us. I’m certain with a pack of trail horses there’s horse dung that needs to be picked up.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She gestured to the five perpetrators. “Demerits are worth ten minutes of DA—disciplinary action. So you’ve got these recruits to shovel horse dung for the next forty minutes. And fortunately for you, they will follow your orders in complete silence. If any of them talk, feel free to add more time to their DA.”
“Understood, Sergeant B.” Renner looked at Ted. “Grab the shovels and pitchforks out of the toolshed.”
Ted grinned and said, “Yes, sir.”
Bailey said, “Mr. Jackson, could you also round up some extra towels from housekeeping?”
“Sure. May I ask what for?”
“The recruits who didn’t break rank will be learning warfare tactics with squirt guns and water pistols. I’m thinking they’ll probably get a little wet.”
“They get to have water fights when we’re stuck picking up horse crap?” Tate demanded. “That ain’t fair.”
She got right in his face. “That outburst just earned your team another demerit, Recruit Turner.” She looked at the group. “Anyone else?”
Silence.
Streeter had to turn away and pretend to adjust his chaps so he wouldn’t laugh.
“I’ll call the GM and have the towels ready,” Renner offered.
“Thank you. I’ll be back in an hour.” She whistled and clapped twice as she moved to stand at the front of the line. “Alpha formation, recruits.”
Of course she was the alpha.
Renner leaned in. “Buddy, your woman is something else. Tierney is gonna have a big ol’ girl crush on her after I tell her how she handled these kids today.”
“I’ve got a big ol’ crush on Sergeant B myself.”
* * *
Streeter was ten minutes late picking up Olivia at WWC that afternoon.
Bailey looked exhausted. Ten hours of constant interaction and disciplining these kids had taken a toll on her. For the first time he wondered if she was getting paid enough to do this.
“You’re pushing your luck, Mr. Hale, showing up late. I’ve given out a lot of demerits today.”
Olivia was loading her backpack, not paying attention to them, so he leaned closer and whispered, “I’ll take any demerits you can dish out as long as you use a riding crop.”
“That might be fun.”
She hadn’t said that with any enthusiasm.
“You okay, Sarge?”
She shook her head. “I’m not used to riding a horse. So I’m sore. It was a stressful day and I’m feeling that too.”
“There’s an easy fix for that.” He tucked a flyaway piece of hair behind her ear. “I’ll take care of you tonight. Hot bath, cold beer, deep massage, epically long orgasms; the works.”
“About that.” She glanced over his shoulder. “I’m spending the weekend at Harper and Bran’s.”
“All weekend?”
“Yeah.”
Well, that sucked. “You’re not workin’ at WWC?”
“Nope. I swapped shifts with Penelope.”
That seemed odd she hadn’t mentioned it before now. “When will you be back?”
“Sunday night. Maybe Monday morning. We’ll see how I feel.”
Feel? That was really odd. “Okay.” He curled his hand around the side of her face. Holy crap, her skin was hot. Had she gotten sunburned today? He scrutinized her. She looked paler than normal. Her eyes were dull too. “Baby, you’re burnin’ up.”
“I’m fine.” She took a step back. “It’s just hot in here.” Then she purposely—dismissively—pointed at her watch. “Deenie’s gonna be here soon, so you’d better get going.”
“Give me a kiss before I go.”
Bailey’s gaze moved to Olivia.
“Ain’t like she hasn’t seen us kissin’ before.”
She rested her hands on his chest and stood on her toes to peck him on the mouth. “Have a good weekend, Street. I’ll miss you like crazy.”
What in the devil was going on with her?
“Daddy?”
When he turned around after he’d helped his daughter, Bailey was gone.
Streeter had time to consider her behavior during his quiet weekend alone. They never did anything together besides fuck, watch TV and sleep. They hadn’t done any of the date-type things that normal couples probably did. He definitely hadn’t romanced her at all.
Maybe that was what she needed.
Then that was what he’d do.
Flowers, candlelit dinner, the whole shebang.
Chapter Seventeen
Date night.
Why Streeter insisted on a date on a Tuesday night, instead of Friday night, made zero sense until he loaded Olivia and her overnight ba
g in his SUV.
Then they were on the road to his brother and sister-in-law’s house.
The silence in the car drove her batty. Olivia had fallen asleep in her car seat almost before they left the Split Rock. And for some reason, Streeter didn’t have the radio on—who didn’t listen to music in their car?—which left her with first-date jitters bouncing around in her brain like a rogue pinball.
Bailey had met Streeter’s brother and he seemed like a nice enough guy. His wife, Jade, was probably very lovely as well. These people had been Streeter’s lifeline during the worst time of his life, so she wanted them to like her. She wanted them to understand she could make Streeter happy in whatever time they had together. But she didn’t want to answer questions about whether she planned to stick around for the long haul. Because if she admitted that no, she wasn’t staying in Wyoming, then they’d suspect that she’d leave Streeter brokenhearted, given his nearly virginal experience with relationships, and dislike her on principle.
Streeter’s hand squeezed her thigh. “Why so quiet?”
Rather than admit her fears, she sighed. “I haven’t been on a date for a while. I have concerns about your date-night expectations, Mr. Hale.”
Those sexy lips quirked with amusement. “Such as . . . what, Sergeant B?”
“Such as . . . I’m not much of a drinker.”
“There goes my plan to get you drunk and see if you’ll shed your britches along with your inhibitions.” He paused. “Oh, right, you ain’t got any inhibitions.”
She fought a smile. “I can be prim and proper.”
“God, I hope to never see that.”
“This is where we’re back to date-night expectations. I am not the type of woman who’ll put out on the first date.”
Streeter leaned over and kissed her bare shoulder. He whispered, “Then it’s a lucky thing we got the hot fucking out of the way before the date, huh?”
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