“I’m fine. Thank you.”
Within seconds, Arc was back, uncapping the bottle. “How many?”
“Two.” She chewed them.
Beyond Arc’s shoulder, she watched Lowe turn and leave the room. She hoped she didn’t scare him into leaving for good.
“Tell me what happened.”
Seeing Arc’s sincere expression really touched her. “I have low blood pressure. I take medicine, but sometimes I get dehydrated and it makes it worse.”
“Is this life threatening?”
“No.” Relief spread over his handsome face. “It just makes me tired.”
“Then you should rest. I’ll handle kitchen duty.”
“But Arc…” She tried sitting up, but he gently pressed back to the couch.
“But nothing. You stay and I’ll cook. How hard can it be?”
CHAPTER 15
PULLING ONTO GRINNING Spurs after leaving Alaska’s, he parked by the stables and strolled in to check on Link. He patted his nose. “Poor fellow.”
“He’s doing better. CC said he can be let back out into the pasture tomorrow.”
Arc spun, finding Adam sitting on a bale of hay, his legs stretched, and his boots hooked on the bottom rail of an empty stall. He held a whiskey bottle in one hand and an empty glass in another. “Want to share?”
“Pour me a drink.”
“Let’s see what we have. Whiskey. Whiskey. And whiskey. How about a whiskey, Bro? Looks like you could use it about now. You look about as bad as I feel.”
“And you’d be right.”
“Guess what? I found a stash of whiskey in a box in the basement of the farmhouse. Ole Buzz can’t put a stipulation on us drinking it.” Adam laughed, poured two fingers worth of the amber liquid into the tumbler and handed it to Arc. “Cheers, Bro. I bet this shit is worth at least a hundred a bottle.”
Taking a long sip, Arc squinted as it burned its way into his stomach. “Yeah, that ain’t the cheap stuff.”
“Gotta give the old man credit. He had good tastes in liquor and horses.”
Arc sat down on a bale across from his brother. “Long day?”
“Always is. More?”
Holding out his glass, Adam topped it off. Arc took this one slower. “I feel bad for Link. Poor guy went from being worth millions to only hundreds overnight.”
Adam laughed, slapping his palm against his thigh. “I bet Buzz is rolling in his grave.”
“Yeah, I bet,” Arc growled.
“Man, who pissed in your Wheaties?”
With a disgruntled sigh, Arc looked down into his glass wishing he could find a solution for the world problems, or at least his own. “I think I just fucked up and fell hard.”
“With whom?” Adam scratched his temple.
“Doesn’t matter.” Not like his drunk brother would remember anyway. He downed his glass and stood. “I have an early morning. I better hit the sack.” He handed over the glass.
“See you at sunrise.”
“See you.” He made his way back to his truck and drove up to the house. It was quiet inside, and he made his way upstairs. He pulled his shirt over his head, dropped his jeans and toed off his boots and socks. Falling to the bed, he closed his eyes, feeling exhausted, but then he remembered…
Opening his eyes, he saw the diary sitting on his nightstand that he’d left there earlier
He growled and rolled over. He didn’t give a damn about some diary or love story. Great, Buzz loved someone. Good for him. He deserved an award that he did have a heart.
Arc turned, several times, even punched his pillow for good measure.
Sleep wasn’t happening.
Pushing himself up from the quilt, he grabbed the diary and got comfortable as he opened the cover. A few pages of the boring material would put him out like a light.
CHAPTER 16
ALASKA LOOKED OVER the horse to Arc who’d surprised her and River with riding to the B&B. He was happily feeding the horse a chunk of apple.
“It feels weird.” He laughed.
“Want to try?” Arc asked her. She hesitated. “Come on, he probably won’t bite.”
“Probably? Why do I feel like I shouldn’t take the risk?”
“Hey, I took a huge risk by trying the anchovy.” Arc’s eyes seemed to absorb all the sunlight.
Remembering what else they’d done yesterday made her tremble with awareness. “Fine.” She held out her hand and he placed a slice of fruit in her palm.
“Hold your hand flat and relax. He’ll do all the work.”
“It does tickle,” she said.
“There you go,” Arc encouraged. “You look like you’ve been doing this all your life.”
“What’s his name?” River asked.
“Link. He’s a Tennessee Walker. He’s a special horse and luckily he can still be ridden.”
“Was he sick?”
“Not sick, but you know how you have asthma? You can still run and play, but you must be careful. We have to keep a close eye on him, but exercise is healthy for him and he likes to run.”
“I’m sorry, buddy,” River said with a frown. “I don’t like being different. I know how it is.”
The beep of a horn brought their attention on the Escalade in the driveway.
“There’s Cariss. You behave yourself tonight, you hear?” Alaska told River.
He gave her a big hug, and she kissed him on the forehead, which he abruptly wiped off. He was off like a light, stopping only to grab his overnight bag on the way to the SUV. Cariss stuck her head out of the open window. “Call and check up on him anytime.”
“He has his inhaler in his bag if he needs it.” Alaska waved, feeling a sense of foreboding as the Escalade pulled away.
“Wow. You’re letting him spend the night with a friend,” Arc pointed out with a knowing smile.
“He talked me into it.” She rubbed the horse’s head. “I’m working hard toward being as normal as possible.”
“Normal? What’s that?” Arc teased.
“I don’t think I’ll ever find out but seeing River’s happiness makes me feel like I’m pretty close. I knew he and I needed a change, but I didn’t realize that a few days in the country could make such a difference. He hasn’t even had any complications with his asthma since we’ve been here. His allergies are better. And he’s sleeping all night.”
“Will he grow out of it as he gets older?”
“Maybe. It’s always a possibility, but in the meantime, we want to keep him healthy and out of the hospital.”
“Will he be starting at the local school when summer is over?”
“I believe so. I wonder about you, Arc. What about your family? You never say much.”
She could see the discomfort in his expression. “Well, you know Buzz left when I was a kid, and when Mom died, her parents came to help raise us three boys.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sure that was very difficult.” She turned to look out into the distance, admiring how beautiful the countryside was.
“Buzz had left you enough money that you can do just about anything, even start over.”
Turning back to Arc, she shook her head. “I don’t want to start over. I want a fresh beginning somewhere River and I can call home. The longer I’m here, I don’t know what words best describe the feeling, but its amazing. I feel a sense of peace. A special feeling of belonging.”
“There seems like there are a lot of things around here that are special.” Feeling his gaze on her, she didn’t dare look at him. “Are you feeling better?”
“Much.”
“I have an admission. I read Fancy Grace’s diary.”
“You did? You were hooked, weren’t you?”
“I can’t say that I’m sold on reading mushy love stories, but I’m glad you recommended it. You were right. I found myself feeling a bit more understanding.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, looking a little vulnerable. “You’re still wearing those city shoes?”
“They
haven’t done too bad.”
“If you’re living in the country you need a proper pair of boots.”
“Cariss told me the same thing.”
“I tell you what, I propose we change that right now. There’s a shop in Tarnation I bet can hook you up with everything you need to turn you from city to country girl.”
“Thank you for the thought, but if you haven’t noticed, we don’t have a vehicle available. I’m afraid I wouldn’t get very far walking.”
“Ma’am, have you completely forgotten that we have proper transportation right here.” He pointed at the horse.
“I thought you said he has a condition. How will he carry both of us?”
“Don’t hurt my poor horse’s feelings with talk like that. It’s okay, Link, she doesn’t know what she says. She doesn’t realize you’re still as strong as ever.” He scratched him behind the ear. “I think she’s just scared. What do you think, Link?”
What he didn’t know was she didn’t fear much when she was with him. “I’m up for the challenge,” she said saucily. “Question is, how do we both fit on him?”
“I’m a pro. Let me show you.”
He wrapped his hands around her waist, his fingertips almost touching, and he lifted her into the saddle. Then he climbed in too.
“I think you planned this.”
“Why do you think that?”
He led the horse through the field.
“Hmm, well, this saddle is a little big for just one person. I’m guessing this isn’t your normal saddle.”
His chuckle sounded nice. “You’re pretty observant. I ran into Gary earlier and he told me River was spending the night with Cory. Yet I had no idea you’d say yes.”
“Why didn’t you just bring the truck?”
“Now how many knights in shining armor do you see driving a truck?”
Did he want to be her knight in shining armor? There was something pleasing knowing that he took time out of his day to worry about her. Although this was the last place she expected to be today, in a saddle with Arc, but she couldn’t deny there was something calming about the situation, almost like finding something she’d lost a long time ago.
“Where’s your houseguest today?”
“He was gone before breakfast,” she answered.
“Gone as in checked out?”
“No. Gone as in I don’t know where he is, but he’ll be back eventually.” She smiled but the expression fizzled when he scooted closer, wrapping her tighter in his strong arms. His iron-hard body pressed against her back, his powerful thighs framing her bottom, and all logical thought ceased to exist. Then she did something brave and leaned back against him. His chin nuzzled her hair and there was something very intimate about the ride. Their bodies moved in unison as the horse trotted along the grassy field. No words were needed as they rode in silence, enjoying the peace they found in the afternoon stroll on the back of the horse.
She almost regretted when they crossed into town, wishing she didn’t have to allow anyone into their private world. Although they received lots of stares, after all, they were riding a horse in town, but it wasn’t for the obvious reasons she guessed. She noticed curiosity in the stares. Did they think she and Arc were an item? Neither of them had thought this small tidbit out carefully.
Alaska had spent years dispelling rumors about herself. Growing up in foster homes, she never had the name brand clothing or the expensive shoes. Sometimes she was lucky to have something other than her fingers to brush her hair. Although she’d matured and left a lot of those feelings behind, a part of her still thought of the group of kids who’d tripped her on the sidewalk and called her names like “trash”, “greasy Alaska”, and “Alaska Disgusta”. That was probably the cleverest they’d had ever been in their entire lives.
She straightened her back, putting some distance between her and Arc.
“You okay?” he whispered next to her ear.
“I’m fine.” But she really wasn’t. Townsfolk waved and greeted them with friendly smiles and all she could do was wish she could climb into a hole somewhere.
Once they were in front of the small shop, Taylor’s Rustic Finds, she slid out of the saddle first and then he climbed out.
Taylor happened to be a thirty-something woman who looked like she’d stepped off the cover of a rodeo magazine. Within five minutes they knew that Taylor had won many awards for barrel racing because she had the trophies displayed proudly on a shelf on one wall. She was twice divorced. She also proudly discussed how she opened the shop when the second husband got caught with his pants down with the secretary, and Taylor took him to the cleaners. Apparently, a huge divorce settlement could go a long way in Tarnation. She didn’t hide the fact that she liked cowboys, especially tall, dark, handsome cowboys like Arc because after every sentence she touched his arm flirtatiously. Her nails were red and adorned with diamonds. Despite the outward appreciation for Arc, Alaska thought the woman would be fun to hang out with.
However, some of Alaska’s appreciation for Taylor lowered when she handed over an outfit to try on that was neither fun nor fitting.
“Okay, so now we have more of an idea what you’ll look great in,” Taylor assured her.
The next outfit restored Alaska’s faith when she tried on a lace, sleeveless top the color of caramel and perfect jeans. The next a red and black flannel, a black cami and another pair of skinny jeans. Alaska stared at herself in the mirror, mesmerized at what she saw. She’d never been one to look at herself in the mirror and see all the positives, but today she found more self-confidence than she’d had in…well, forever. Her long, dark hair looked healthy with streaks of honey from the sun. Her skin, usually rivaling with snow for paleness, now had a glow that came from the fresh air, sun, or smiling more…maybe all three. She’d gained a few pounds, and muscle because she’d been non-stop working on the B&B.
“Oh my goodness.” Taylor pressed her hands together, gushing over Alaska’s outfit. “You have turned into a country girl right before our very eyes. But, there’s one more thing that you must have.” She came back with a pair of brown leather cowboy boots. “A country girl ain’t country until she has the perfect pair of boots, honey.”
“I was thinking of something more sensible, like a pair of work boots.”
“Here in Texas there’s nothing more sensible than cowboy boots. Try them on.” She encouraged. “Then you tell me what you think.”
CHAPTER 17
ARC TURNED THE page of the magazine, reading the headline, “Having vaginal orgasms can change your walk.” He chuckled. He wouldn’t learn anything from the article so he turned the page. “Ten ways to make him think you’re unforgettable.” 1. Be friends with him. 2. Be you. 3.—
“Arc? What do you think?”
He looked up from the magazine and his tongue almost fell out of his mouth. Alaska had transformed into a country girl and she was stunning. Sexy. Intriguing. Unforgettable. The flannel fit snug to her breasts and the jeans…holy hell…those jeans. They were made for her curves.
He must have remained quite for too long, because Taylor cleared her throat and took the magazine from his hands. “This Cosmopolitan must be melting your brain cells, cowboy. She asked you a question.”
Arc jumped up from the chair, hoping his tongue would work. “You look amazing.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Thank you.”
“But there’s something missing.”
“No, I have on boots.” She tapped her heels together much like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
“You most certainly do, but every cowgirl needs a hat.”
“I think I have the perfect one.” Taylor came back with a white hat adorned with a black tassel. “Try this on and see if it fits.”
Arc couldn’t seem to swallow the lump in his throat. He didn’t realize he had a type until Alaska walked out of the dressing room. Country girl. Specifically, Alaska. “You walked in a city slicker and leaving a cowgirl,” he said to her once the
y left the shop.
A whistle made both Arc and Alaska look down the sidewalk at a group of men. They tipped their hats at her.
“It appears I’m not the only one who thinks this was a good idea,” Arc said.
She held her plastic bag of old clothes and shoes close against her chest as if she still wasn’t comfortable with attention.
Once they were in the saddle and headed back across the bridge that would take them out of town and back toward his neck of the woods, he said, “We’re going to go a different route this time. There’s something I want to show you.”
“The air is different out here.” Alaska breathed in deeply, which pressed her back against his chest. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit that he liked having her in his arms. Her scent alone drove him crazy. “Last night, I was lying in bed and I heard howling. I was a little scared.”
He smiled. “Coyotes. They hang out in packs, and although they can be dangerous to some animals out here, not so much for humans unless you walked into their den.”
“I’ll make sure I never do that.”
“What was it like growing up in the city? You did, right?”
“Yes. It has some advantages. In the city, you’re only a walking distance from everything. Believe it or not though, I have been camping before in the country. A long time ago, but it still counts.”
“The country suits you.” He felt her relax against him.
“There’s just something about this place. Like nature’s vitamin.”
A few miles later he heard the burbling of water and steered the horse that direction. They came into a clearing with a stream.
“Beautiful,” she said.
Water slowly flowed along the rocks and branches. “This was what I wanted to show you. How about we rest here for a bit.” He climbed down then helped her, but instead of releasing her right away, he held her close. He let go with a sigh.
Arc took a seat on a large boulder next to the stream and began to take his boots off.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting into the water. You should try it. I’m sure a city girl like you has never learned the joy of playing in a stream.”
Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3) Page 13