Love Me Like I Love You

by Willow Winters

  I paused mid-chew, making sure I heard him right. Swallowing the food, I shook my head. “Okay. Fine. I’ll move into the other spare house. You guys have three, right?”

  “Yep. But the other one is in the process of being remodeled for our new ranch hand to move into. Tucker hasn’t had a chance to finish it, between his regular work and the wedding. Which means, the two of us will be shacking up for the rest of your stay here. Unless, of course, you changed your mind about staying at Lottie and Tucker’s place, Miss Spew Magoo.”

  Leaning against the counter, Wes reached for one of my fries, popping it into his mouth with an annoying smirk on his face as he watched me try to choose the lesser of two evils. I really wished I hadn’t told him about what happened in that house.

  “I hate you.”

  “You’ll grow to love me. Especially after all this quality time we’ll be spending together.” He winked, reaching for another fry.

  I slapped his hand before he could snatch it. “Don’t get any ideas.”

  “Too late,” he smiled, straightening to his full height. “See you at home, roomie… Oh”—he took a few backward steps toward the rear exit—“and don’t worry, I left your luggage for you to move on your own. I know how you hate any kind of gentlemanly gesture.”

  Scooping a handful of what was left of my fries, I launched them at him as he took off jogging and laughing down the hall. I seriously hated that man. And now, realizing I’d have to pick up all those damn fries from the floor, I hated myself for letting him get to me. I was making some seriously questionable decisions as of late.

  Wheeling my luggage through the gravelly dirt, I wondered why anyone would choose to live in the country—the land of no sidewalks or pavement of any kind. Tucker aside, I was beginning to understand why Lottie high-tailed it out of here as soon as she could.

  Wes sat on the front porch of his house, feet up, beer in hand, casual and content as he watched me struggle.

  “You know, city, I’m happy to help. All you gotta do is ask.”

  “Were you dropped on your head as a child?” I asked through my heavy breathing, sweat dripping down my back and forehead, my blouse sticking to my body. I reminded myself of the need for a nice long shower after the day I’d had, which was the only reason I was putting myself through this hell. Freaking water heaters.

  Lowering his feet to the porch floor, he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees as he thought that one through. “Very possibly. Definitely smacked on the head quite a few times by Grams. You wouldn’t know it by looking at her, but that woman has an arm.”

  “That explains a lot.” I stopped at the bottom step, taking a break before attempting to lug my bag up the flight of stairs in front of me. I was gonna need more than a few minutes. I wasn’t used to the Texas heat. It made every step I took feel twenty times harder.

  Wes chuckled, rising to his feet and meeting me at the bottom step. Taking the handle from me, he lifted the bag, carrying it up the steps and into the house without another word. Dragging my own tired butt up the steps, I followed him inside.

  He disappeared down the hall with my luggage as I took in my surroundings in the quaint living room, noting it was exactly how I expected: bare-bones furniture, a few family photos, dirty boots haphazardly discarded by the door, a stench of manhood in the air, your typical bachelor pad, minus the gaming table.

  My eyes swept around the room and to the kitchen area. I stood corrected. What I’d assumed upon first glance was a kitchen table was actually a poker table. I was pretty sure the fridge would be stocked with beer, a few random condiments, and if I was lucky, some nearly expired lunch meat.

  The open floor plan was a spitting image of the one I’d been staying in the last few days, with the exception of some upgrades, like the huge plasma TV mounted to the wall and the very expensive looking surround-sound system installed. I knew from the other house there were two bedrooms and one bath that we’d be sharing. I just hoped he wasn’t one of those men who left his facial shavings around the sink’s edge.

  If we were going to be roommates, we were going to have to set some ground rules. Especially when it came to sharing a bathroom. Wes reappeared, his tall, built figure angling against the hall wall in a casual pose, arms crossed as he studied me.

  “You look nervous.”

  “Not one bit. Just not sure this is a good idea.”

  “Why’s that, city? Afraid you’ll fall in love with me?”

  “Exactly the opposite. More afraid by the end of this, one of us will end up dead—most likely you—and the other in jail for murder.”

  He chuckled, straightening and taking the last few steps into the living room. “I have to admit, I wasn’t too sure about this myself. I’ve never lived with a woman before. And I don’t normally allow the ones I bring home to stay the night.”

  “Why am I not surprised?”

  With a smirk he picked up a couple remotes, his face turning serious. “This one controls the TV”—he held out the one in his right hand, giving me a good look at the remote before lifting the one in his left hand—“and this one is for the surround sound. Don’t touch this one. Ever. If you need to enhance your audio experience, ask, and I’ll help.”

  I rolled my eyes as he set down the remotes. “No worries there. But since we’re laying down some roomie rules, I have a few of my own.”

  “I would expect nothing less from you.”

  “One—” I held up my index finger.

  “Shit, I didn’t realize this was going to be a numbered list.” He took a seat on the couch, propping his feet up on the coffee table in front of him, hands linked behind his head. “Shoot, city. I’ll let you know if I agree to them or not.”

  “Toilet seat stays down. Two, you need to keep shared areas clean and sanitary. I’m not here to be your live-in maid. Three, stay out of my stuff. And four, no bringing home fuck buddies while I’m here.”

  “I can agree to all of those but the last one. A man has needs, city, and this is still my house, so unless you plan to satisfy those needs while you’re here, then I’m gonna have to veto number four.”

  “I’m sure you can manage to keep it in your pants for a couple weeks.”

  “There’s no taming this wild stallion.” He signaled to his cock.

  I was in no mood to argue with the man, nor talk about his penis. I’d had about all I could handle for one day. I sighed, dropping my shoulders. “Fine. But then I expect advance notice so I can figure out another place to stay. I don’t need to listen to you get your rocks off in the room next door.”

  “You got it, city.” He smirked.

  “Which room is mine? I need a shower.”

  “The room on the right, unless you change your mind about filling the fuck-buddy role.”

  “Dream on, country,” I hollered, making my way down the hall, his laughter following behind me.

  Wrapping my wet hair in a towel, I twisted and piled it on top of my head after slipping on my robe. The hot shower was just what I needed after my first day working at the store. I hadn’t expected to be so busy, nor to feel tense the rest of the day after my run-in with Billy.

  I opened the bathroom door, steam billowing out around me. Stepping into the hall, I heard a knock at the front door. I ignored it, continuing my trek to my room, figuring whomever the visitor was, they weren’t here for me.

  After a couple more knocks and no sign of Wes, I sighed, turning around to answer it. I knotted the belt at my waist tighter, making sure I wasn’t going to give the person on the other side of the door a peep show.

  Opening the door, I froze, my heart thumping erratically in my chest as I watched Billy’s eyes go from confusion, to surprise, to fury as he took in my lack of clothing and freshly showered complexion.

  “I assume you’re looking for Wes.”

  Lifting his ball cap, he carved a hand through his short hair before placing it back on his head. “What are you doing here, Hannah?” The low question r
olled from his lips like an accusation.

  “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” I responded, crossing my arms. I knew it was shitty of me to mess with his mind, to allow him to believe there was something going on between me and Wes. But at the moment, I didn’t give a damn. He had some nerve, passing judgement on me when he was nothing more than a player.

  That gaze of his narrowed, his jaw tightened, muscles flexing beneath his shirt as he clenched his fists at his sides. “Tell Monroe I’m looking for him.”

  “Is there a reason?”

  “Now...more than one. Just let him know I stopped by.”

  I nodded, our eyes challenging each other, the palpable tension nearly suffocating. I moved to close the door and his hand shot out, gripping the edge, halting it.

  “We still need to talk, Hannah. There’s something I need you to know about—"

  “I already know, Billy. And I get it. It was one wonderful night, followed by a morning of regrets. No reason to live in the past when you have your future ahead of you…she seems great, by the way. A real go-getter.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Hannah. This isn’t over,” he rasped, hitting me with another heart-crippling stare.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, doing my best to hide the shakiness in my voice. “It was well over before it even started.”

  “Hannah—” he grated.

  “I’ll make sure Wes gets the message.” I pushed on the door, praying he didn’t put up any more of a fight because the fight within me was rapidly dying.

  The ferocious fire I’d been holding onto was being extinguished with every look he gave me—the same look I’d convinced myself in the past meant more than it did. I was moments from breaking down in a full-blown sob, wishing things had played out differently between us. Wishing I hadn’t let this man bury himself so deep into my soul. It was one night. One fucking incredible night. And in a blink of an eye it turned into my worst nightmare.

  He hesitated before releasing the door, taking a step back with a bitter half-smile. “You do that.” Turning his back to me, he wasted no time leaving me behind.

  I closed the door. Pressing my back against it, my head banged with a thud as I closed my eyes.

  “Who was that?”

  I flicked my eyes open, staring at Wes, who’d just come through the back door off the kitchen.

  “Where the hell were you?”

  “I ran over to help Grams put some boxes in her attic… What’s your deal? Figured you’d like the chance to settle in and do your thing without me here.”

  “Well next time let me know if you’re going to be out.”

  “Sure thing, mom.” His voice dripped with sarcasm as he turned his back to me, walking to the fridge. “So, who was at the door?” he asked over his shoulder, swinging open the fridge to pull out a can of beer.

  “Billy.”

  “Oh, shit”—he stood upright—“I totally forgot I told him to stop by so I could give him his check for the week.”

  “His check?”

  “Yeah, his paycheck.”

  “He’s the new hired hand?”

  “You’re a quick one, city.” He popped the top open, taking a sip as he casually leaned his backside against the counter. “We hired him on a few months ago, since he’d been working for Lottie’s mom. It only made sense, with us being shorthanded for harvest and Lottie and Tucker moving into her place. He helps out with both farms.”

  “And you didn’t think you should tell me this bit of information?”

  He shrugged. “Why would I?”

  My mouth falling open, I stared at him. The man was mentally challenged. It was the only explanation. How were he and Tucker even related?

  His eyes slowly widened. “Oh, damn, city. Shit. My bad…how’d it go? Did you finally explain to him that it wasn’t him you loved, just his dick?”

  “I can’t even deal with you right now.” I threw up my hands, turning on my heels.

  His laugh followed me once again. “You didn’t hurl on him again, did ya?” he hollered behind me.

  “I will seriously kill you in your sleep, Monroe! Don’t test me!” I yelled, stomping to my room and slamming the door closed.

  Chapter 6

  HANNAH

  “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” I slid off the seat, planting my feet on the gravel parking lot before shutting the passenger door.

  Wes reached into the bed of the truck for his glove and black duffle bag, tossing them over his shoulder as he rounded the truck to stand next to me. He twisted his cap around backwards, revealing that devious smile of his.

  “Come on, city.” He nudged my shoulder. “What else were you gonna do tonight?”

  “I don’t know…” Maybe search for a job.

  It was already more than halfway through my first week here, and I hadn’t applied for a single one. I couldn’t say that out loud, though. I’d learned my lesson about telling the overgrown man-child walking next to me anything.

  “Baseball has never really been my thing,” I said. My steps faltered as we neared the ball field, already crowded with half the town of Billingsley. “I thought you said this game was just for fun. Not a big deal.”

  He chuckled. “It is, but like I told you, there’s not a whole lot to do around here. Plus, most people in this town would pay to see your boy play.”

  I eyed him warily as we slowed near the bleachers. “You’re not my boy.”

  Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, Wes leaned in, his lips hovering close to my ear. “I’m flattered you thought of me when I said that, city…but I wasn’t talking about me.”

  Dammit.

  My eyes immediately scanned the baseball field and sure enough, I found Billy warming up with Aaron.

  “Hannah!” Leighton’s voice called from my right.

  I glanced her way, signaling with my index finger that I’d be there in a minute before glaring back at a smirking Wes. “You are officially the worst roommate ever.”

  Wes mockingly clutched at his heart as he fell into a backwards step. “That really hurt, city. Here I thought you were finally realizing your true feelings for me.”

  I rolled my eyes, giving him the finger. He laughed before turning his back to me and heading for the dugout opposite Billy and Aaron’s. A few of his teammates welcomed him with slaps on the back as he entered.

  I stepped up onto the first row of bleachers, climbing up a few levels to where Leighton was waiting for me.

  “Hey, girl,” she said, shifting down on the metal bench as I took the space beside her. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “Yeah. I didn’t either.”

  She smiled at my disgruntled expression. “Don’t worry. When he’s playing, he’s fully focused on the game and nothing else.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t play stupid with me, Hannah Montgomery. I know you two are avoiding each other. I just have no idea why.”

  Avoiding her intrusive stare, I snorted a laugh. “I figured it was for the best…you know, with him having a girlfriend and all. Thanks for the heads up, by the way. I thought we were supposed to be friends.”

  A few rows down and below ours I could feel the daggers being shot at me by Lauren. It was hard not to notice. I’d felt them penetrating my profile since I showed up. If it were possible, I’m pretty sure she’d light me on fire with that glare of hers.

  “Nuh-uh, honey. You don’t get to pull that friend bullshit on me. You’re the only one keeping secrets between us.”

  I turned to look at her, my head falling to the side with incredulity, annoyance blowing from my lips in a huff.

  “Don’t look at me like that.” She shook her head, looking out at the field in front of us, where Aaron and Billy were jogging to their positions. “Billy and Lauren are not a couple. Far from it. She just wishes they were more,” she grumbled the last part.

  Frowning, I glanced from Billy on the pitche
r’s mound to Lauren, who was sitting up straighter all of a sudden, clapping her hands and cheering on Billy as he threw a few warmup pitches to a crouching Aaron behind home plate.

  “But, you guys all had lunch the other day.”

  “Yeah, we did. But not because he wanted to. In fact, I had to force Aaron to trick him into even being there. I knew there was no way he’d show, especially knowing Lauren would be there.”

  “Why would you do that? It doesn’t seem like you like her very much.”

  “I don’t. But, the last week of school I was assigned after-school detention duty. I wanted out. Desperately. She agreed to take it for me if I got my brother to go on a lunch date.”

  I laughed. “You whored out your brother to get out of detention. Does he know?”

  “Hell, no! And don’t you dare judge me, Hannah. Those kids can be little shits. Especially when it’s the last week of school. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”

  Biting back a laugh, I shook my head. “Not judging. Sounds like you and me have a date with a bottle of merlot on your last day of school.”

  “When you say a bottle, I hope you mean twenty.”

  “Whatever you need. I got you covered.”

  “Batter up!” an older man behind home plate called out.

  The crowd fell nearly silent as everyone’s attention, including ours, turned to the game, with only a few low murmurs from the spectators as the first player from Wes’s team got ready to bat. Billy lined himself up, nodding at Aaron, a calmness to him as he prepared to throw his first pitch. It happened so fast, I barely saw the ball slice through the air and into Aaron’s glove with a loud smack.

  “Strike one!” the overweight ump yelled, his index finger flying out by his side.

  Half the crowd clapped and whistled, while others showed their support for the batter. Aaron shook out the hand in his glove, flexing it a couple times before throwing the ball back to Billy with a small, amused shake of his head.

  Billy didn’t seem to notice, only focused on his next pitch. Within seconds another flew through the air at lightning speed, followed by another loud yell from the ump, “Strike two!”