by Sade Rena
The garage on the left is wide open, with game tables protruding halfway out. He leads us inside, stopping to introduce me to his friends.
“Renee, this is Zack. It’s his birthday,” Parker says.
I smile with my eyes, accepting Zack’s handshake. “Happy birthday,” I beam.
“Thank you for coming. Welcome to Coldbank.” Zack grins, his beautiful white teeth accentuating his medium brown skin.
“You’re welcome and thanks,” I respond.
I meet others, but after a while, the names blend together and I don’t know who’s who. They’re sweet, which makes it a little less awkward that I may be the oldest person at this party.
“I got next,” he says, side hugging a guy and leading me over to two barstools off to the side.
We take a seat, and he leans into me. “Do you shoot?” He nods towards the table.
“I used to play a long time ago.” I smile.
His eyes grow bright as he stares at me as my statement surprises him. “So, ya in for a game?” He turns to me. “Let’s make a bet. I win, and I get to take you out tomorrow night.” He grins.
“And what if I win?”
He hesitates for a second. “You get to let me take you out tomorrow.” He points, and I can’t help but chuckle at his expressions.
“Deal.” I nod.
We wait our turn, drinking and getting lost in conversation. We’re so in tune, neither of us notices one of his friends trying to get our attention. Parker apologizes and focuses on the guy before pulling me up to claim our round with the pool table. We cue up and start several rounds of combative bonding time.
I lose more than I win, but I still play my ass off. Parker takes my stick and hands both to the next set of players. He grabs our bottles from the stools, and leads us over to a small bench facing away from the crowd.
The sun has gone down, leaving the sky to be lit by nothing but stars, the moon, and a bonfire that seem to have just started. I flinch at the rush of heat blown our way as the flames roar to life.
“So, how do you know everyone here?” I ask, taking a pull from my drink.
He shifts and takes a swig of his own. “I don’t know everyone, but we’re a relatively small population even with the surrounding counties. So most of us either grew up next door—“
“You mean a mile down the road,” I tease before taking another mouthful of beer.
He smiles, recognizing my reference and plays as if he’ll tickle me. I flinch only for him not to do it and continue.
“Ha. We either live a mile down the road, went to school, or worked together at some point.” He chuckles.
I glance around.
“So how long have you and Leah been friends?”
“Oh God, twenty-something years.” I quip.
“So longer than half my life.” He smiles with a lift of his shoulders and swig from his beer.
I laugh, appreciating his playful attempt. “Yes. We met in middle school. Grew real close in high school and remained best friends through time and distance.“
“That’s actually really cool. It’s the same with me and my boys. Some moved away for work and school, others the military, or whatever, but we’re still close. Ion’t know if half these idiots need to make it to twenty-plus years in my life, though,” he teases. “But that would mean I should’a met you at the wedding. How come you weren't there?”
“I was there, and you’re a plumb fool if you think I would miss my bestie’s wedding day.”
“No, you weren’t. I didn’t see you.” He shakes his head.
I whip out my phone and scroll to a picture of Leah and me on that day. “How are you going to tell me?” I laugh.
“Damn.” He leans closer. “That’s me in the corner.”
I zoom in on the picture and chuckle. “It sure is,” I say through a grin.
“How’d we miss each other?” He swipes a strand of my hair, toying with it at the side of my face while gazing in my eyes. “I promise I would have remembered you,” he finishes, his breaths low and shallow.
“We weren’t looking for each other?” I finish my drink and shake the empty vessel, nozzle down.
“What do you mean?” He sits back, quizzing me.
“We didn’t see each other because neither of us wanted to. You had a girlfriend around that time, right?”
He nods.
“You only had eyes for her. And I well—” My voice lingers off. “Had something.” I raise my brows and forge a smile.
“Aye. I’m glad we have each other now.” He pulls me in, his mouth hovering close to mine.
I melt, waiting for him to seal the gap.
The screams behind us soon overpower our vibe, disrupting the moment between us. And the music that was once white noise now blares loud. I glance over my shoulder at the now larger crowd of people. The drinks must have been on constant rotation because many of them stumble over or have increased enthusiasm and energy.
“Well, that escalated quickly,” I joke through a chuckle, somewhat disappointed. To keep from showing it, I change the subject. “So, there’s something I’ve needed to ask you.”
“Go for it.”
“Aside from being here.” I look around. “You don’t seem like the type to hang out at bars and heavy partying and stuff.”
“I’m not. Between working on the ranch and my side projects, there ain’t much time. I’ll hang out with the guys here and there, but unless we’re heading to Nikki’s or staying inside somewhere, I don’t.”
“Well, what in the world were you doing in Bradford that night? You didn’t seem all that into being there.”
“Oh God, not that question,” he jokes with his eyes squeezed tight. “Do I have to tell you?” He squints one eye at me.
I laugh. “Uh, yeah. With that reaction, you definitely have to spill the beans.”
He hesitates and takes another swallow from his beer.
“Oh, come on, Parker. It can’t be that bad,” I encourage, tilting my head.
He huffs. “Chance was sick of me moping around about Madison. The last time she was in town, she didn’t wanna see me, and there was a rumor she has a new boyfriend. So he and the rest of the guys dragged me out. They devised a plan to get me laid. Told me I needed to dip my hands in the cookie jar, get under or on top of a new woman so I can get over her.” When he finishes, he scrunches his nose together as if he’s waiting for an adverse reaction.
“Ah, so I was a conquest,” I say sarcastically.
“No... No, I-”
“I’m messing with you, Parker. Relax.” I smile, and his features soften. “But, there’re plenty of women here in Coldbank. Why all the way to Bradford?”
“Coldbank is small. I know every person in this town and did not wanna a single one of them knowing what Chance was up to. It would’a been the talk of the town—no fucking thanks.”
I can’t help but laugh because I understand what he means. DC isn’t anywhere near as tiny as this place, but it’s not that big either. I needed a change of scenery, and I would never have gone through with trying to pick up a guy in a bar if I was still there. Being in an unfamiliar place makes it easier to let go of your inhibitions.
“I get that. But, it was a bust with me. Did you meet any other pretty girls later?” I shouldn’t ask, it’s not my business, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious.
“No,” he shouts.
My eyes shoot open, and I speak through my hilarity. “Okay, why so serious?”
“I had enough embarrassment at that moment to last me a lifetime. When I left your room, I took my ass home.”
“Aww, poor puddin’.” I reach for his chin, caressing it between my fingers. “Don’t be embarrassed. It happens.”
“Sure, whatever, ya nice about it now, but ya were definitely pissed with me.”
“No, I wasn’t. I was shocked, but not upset about it. I’ve had one shitty ass year before coming here. And hooking up with you was like a spontaneous d
istraction from all that—one night of being carefree and not really thinking. I couldn’t let myself be with you. Not when I had no intention of seeing you again. So, when I asked you to leave, it wasn’t because I was disappointed, it was to keep you from doing something you might regret.”
“Doubt I’d ever regret being with you. Regardless if it was only for one night.” His words fall from his lips, catching my breath in the process.
God, why is he so freaking cute?
He’s always saying the sweetest things and probably doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. And why must every southern slur from his lips make me want more and more for him to kiss me? Like now, with the way his eyes trace my mouth, making me want to straddle his lap and taste him again.
A cup flies between us, and I lean backward. Some of its contents spill on my thigh, and he hurriedly wipes it off with the back of his hand. Parker’s expression is apologetic, so I smile to calm his nerves.
“Whoa.”
“Sorry. It can get crazy sometimes. We can always go. I’m fine doing anything you wanna do.
“It’s okay. I’ll take another beer though,” I request.
Parker licks his lips and draws in a breath as his shoulder relax. He nods a few times and smiles. “I’ll be right back.”
“And I’ll be here.”
He stands, and runs his fingers over my knee before leaving me alone. I peek behind me, watching young men and women enjoying themselves. After a moment he returns, and we spend the next hour getting to know each other.
Parker takes my hand and leads me back through the kitchen. I look around, shocked at how quickly things turned, from a house party to small club vibes. Girls are rowdy, and a couple of guys on our left have a heated argument.
Hip Hop blares and bodies go wild to a Da Baby track. As we continue, I’m bumped a couple of times on all sides by people squeezing past that I finally stop to allow all who needs to, to go ahead of me.
Parker is waiting ahead a few feet for me to catch up, but I’m pushed forward by a commotion behind me. He catches me as a fight breaks out between three guys and sweeps me outside.
“Well damn,” I say once we’re out in the open and away from the house.
“Are you all right?” He looks me over. “I’m sorry. It was probably a bad idea to bring you to a party.”
“Oh, no. It’s fine; I had a good time. Besides, it’s your friend’s birthday. We had to come.”
He smiles. “We came, we saw, we celebrated. How about we hang out a little away from the noise?”
“What are you thinking?” I quiz.
“Anything.” He shrugs.
“How far is the ranch from here?”
“About fifteen minutes.” He squints and tilts his head.
“Gimme a tour.”
“Really?”
“You love it, don’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s go.” I drag out my words playfully.
We hop into his truck and plow our way toward his family’s estate. The last time I’d been there was Leah and Denton’s wedding reception, and even then, we were designated to a specific area, so I look forward to a chance to see it through his eyes.
Chapter Ten
Parker
Renee gazes out the window, admiring the acres of land as we pull up to my family’s property. I steer to the right, passing the main house and turning onto the uneven pavement leading toward the stables. Peeking over, I exhale and smile at the appreciation on her face.
She told me before she was a country girl at heart, and with the way her eyes light up, I now see the proof of that. I stare back at the road and park in the designated area. My truck jerks with the shifting of the gears. She sits back, redirecting her attention inside the cab.
“I know it’s too dark to see anything, but everything’s so beautiful,” she says, her cheeks touching her ears.
With a grin plastered to my face, I nod. “Yeah. That’s what I love about it, what I love about Texas. It’s so big and spaced out, nothing but room to be free and breathe. You can just-” I pause and stare out the window. “Let it all in, get lost in the night.”
When I glance back over, she’s watching me before lowering her head, darting her gaze from me to her hands.
“Come on,” I add, tilting my neck towards the outside.
We exit the vehicle, the metal screeching as the doors slam close. I walk around the front, meeting her on the other side while holding my palm out for her. She accepts with a smile, peering down at the ground to watch her steps over the split logs used as a border to the makeshift parking lot. I lead the way to the horses, gravel crunching under our feet.
We walk, and she continues to adore our surroundings, but I can’t keep from admiring her. Every time I see her, it’s like my throat lodges in the pit of my stomach. And when we’re apart, I yearn to be near her. Even if I can barely think or control my urges to touch her. I’d rather be a hot mess in front of her than for her to be nowhere in sight.
We approach the barn, and I flip the switch on the wall. The lights sputter to life, and we inch further inside. I let go of her hand, jogging a few feet ahead. Unlatching the gate, I step in the stall and grab the bridle to place on my horse.
“Have you ever ridden before?” I say loud enough for her to hear.
“Ride what?” she yells, her voice getting closer.
I grip the straps, guiding him out. “A horse.”
Renee’s smile brightens when I exit. “Once. It didn’t go well,” she adds, her eyes wide.
I chuckle and rub the side of her head. “You should tell me about it.”
“No.” Her lips pucker together.
The silly look in her eyes forces a deep laugh from me. “Aw, come on. It couldn’t have been that bad?” I stop a foot away.
“I’ll pet him, though.”
“You don’t pet—you stroke him.”
Her posture straightens. “Oh.”
My eyes shoot open. Gah that came out wrong. I shake my head. I always put my foot in my mouth around her. But she moves as if my double innuendo doesn’t faze her. She’s at my side now, reaching out to run her hand down his mane.
I follow her grasp, trailing the curvature of her arm up to her collarbone. She swallows, and without thinking, I do the same. My hand finds its way on top of hers, and I guide her touch along his back.
“What’s his name? Wait.” She kneels down, peeking under his belly. “It is a boy, right?”
“Ha. Yes.” I nod. “His name’s Harley.”
“He’s beautiful,” she cheers, her gaze stuck on the horse.
I lick my lips. “You’re beautiful.”
Her cheeks heat, and she tucks her hair behind her ear. “Is he yours?”
“Yup. Dad let us each pick our own after they were born.”
“Wow. So you just own him? Do you race or anything?”
“Nah. Racing isn’t my thing. He’s just my pet. I talk to him, I ride him, let the kids ride him during the fair, but that’s it.”
She steps closer. “That’s coming up, right? The fair?”
I lean in, fiending to be as close as possible. “Yeah, it is. I’ll be running the pony station.”
She cocks a brow. “A pony station?”
I grin. “My family donates laps to the kids every year. So, I’ll be in charge of that.”
“That sounds fun.”
I scoff. “If you say so. I love the kids, don’t get me wrong. But I can think of much better things to do.” I quip.
“Like?” She looks up to me, a playful smirk on her face.
I pause, breathing in deep. I snag a curl, twirling it around my finger. “Kissing you for starters.” I finish, gazing from her long lashes to her mouth, her plump lips taunting me—daring me. I don’t know where the sudden courage comes from, but I’m embracing it.
Her chest rattles under her top before she leans into me. Watching my mouth and lifting on her toes, she meets my kiss. I grip her w
aist, and she wraps her arms around me. Our tongues swirl together, sweet ale lingering on her taste buds. My gut tightens just as Harley snorts, interrupting our embrace.
We back away, both playing coy around the stallion.
“So, since our date was kinda ruined with the fight breaking out and all, how about we make up for it now?” I plead.
Her brows pinch together. “How do you propose we do that?”
“Well.” I grip the straps again, leading Harley back into his stall. “I’m sure we have cheese and crackers or something in the kitchen, and Leah always has wine. Why don’t I run to the house, grab some things, and start a bonfire? Have you ever had a bonfire?”
“No. We rarely have space outside in DC for that, not unless someone has a fire pit.”
“Perfect. Allow me to be your first.” I latch the door behind me, flinching at my statement. Another innuendo, Parker— get it together. I shake my head at my antics.
When I turn, Renee nods, giving me no other words, and I smile. Grateful for how she never points out my slip-ups, probably because she’s had her own during our dates.
“Okay.” I turn in search of my workbench. “Listen to some music or something. Get comfortable, and I’ll be back with everything.”
“Sounds good,” she answers and strolls over to the table, flipping through the channels on the radio, paying me no mind.
I watch her for a moment, still surprised by this whole thing. I turn on my heels, smiling ear to ear, satisfied in the way the last few weeks have turned out. To think about us being here now, after what should have just been a quick hookup, a ploy to get me to lose my virginity is all surreal. When Madison left, I knew that was it for me. I’d never expected to meet Renee. I damn sho’ ain’t know I would care for her as deeply as I do.
A few minutes later, I return with a blanket, sliced cheese, wine, and two glasses, all stuffed inside a basket. I make my way to the other end of the stables and set everything in front of the bonfire. After getting things all put together for her, I glance around to be sure I ain’t miss anything. Next, I stack a few fresh pieces of wood and spark a flame. The fire roars, and once I’m satisfied, I dust off my hands and head to the barn.