The waitress returned, sliding our plates in front of us, asking if we needed anything else. Breech shook his head no, so she slapped the check on the table and left without another word. I giggled but didn’t say anything as we ate our meal.
I told him about the phone call to Sandra and what she said about the trailer. “Are you tired of riding on the bike?” he asked.
Smiling, I answered, “No, not at all. I think Sandra was just trying to help me out in case I was having a problem, like flat-butt syndrome or an extreme case of thigh chafing.”
He tried to hide his smile, but he chuckled. “Okay, I got it, girl stuff.”
I continued, “This way it would look like I could use the horses as an excuse to ride in the truck. She’s a good wingman.”
“I’m glad you ladies are friends, and that she’s looking out for you.”
“Seriously, she’s the best person I can have at my back besides Tish.”
We chatted as we finished breakfast. Breech got up to pay the bill and I picked up my bag, ready to follow him, when I noticed my phone flashing. Pulling it out, I saw it was a text from Tish.
‘Just checking to see how your trip is going. If you need me, I’m just a text away. We should be back in town next week. I know your brother is going to want to see you.’
I texted her back, ‘Things are going gangbuster. Are you done playing hide the great googly moogly with my bro or do I have to shield my eyes every time I’m around you both?’
‘LOL,’ came zipping back. ‘Girl, your brother is hot, so I will always stare in awe of his hotness—so deal with it.’
Laughing, I texted back, ‘I told you never to mention his hotness or anything else in my presence. Since you broke the rules, make sure you bring me back something extra fantastic, or I will definitely talk about you behind your back to all our friends!’
‘LMAO, yeah you would. I’m on my way out to the shops to find you something fabulous that will make all our friends turn green with envy. Love your face, see you in a few days.’
‘Love you too Tish, tell my bro his little sis loves him to the moon and back.’
Twelve
Since Jiji seemed to be taking her time inside, I pulled out my cell and speed-dialed Sonny. “Yo, Breech, how’s it hanging, man?” I smiled hearing his voice.
“I’m doing ok, bro, just checking in to see what’s going on without me.”
“Not much, man, Dukes got your classes covered at Crunch Time and construction has been moving along on the second gun club. The soundproofing is almost complete, and we can start laying in ceilings and floors next week. How’s things between you and that she-devil?” he asked.
I laughed, “That’s a pretty accurate description, if you didn’t know her like I do. She’s feisty, but we are making it work.”
“Listen, man, if she makes you happy I’m all for it, just remember that Fighter is a part of that equation and you want to step lightly around him if things go south.”
“I got this, Sonny. Fighter and I have already had this discussion and it’s cool.”
“Okay, bro, just looking out for you.”
“I know, and thanks, Sonny. Tell Dukes I’ll be back next week, and I’ll be in touch.”
“Will do, man, later,” he said, and hung up.
Swiping the call off, I noticed a text message from Jiji. ‘Dude, saw you were on the phone, went back upstairs to change into my boots, be back in a flash.’
I started to text her back when the doors whooshed open and she appeared. “Sorry, Breech, the cashier in the restaurant said it’s been raining on and off for the last week and I didn’t want to walk through the barns in my Nikes, so I went to change into my work boots.”
“It’s fine, sweetheart, I was just checking in with the guys. Ready to go?”
She went up on tiptoe and kissed me. “Thanks, babe. Let’s get this show on the road. Give me the address and I’ll put it in the GPS,” she said, turning her phone around so I could see.
I programmed the address into the unit, fired up the bike, and we took off. The drive took about half an hour. We rolled through some beautiful white picket fenced country farmland with horses grazing in fields. I slowed the bike when the fence opened to a long lane.
The stark white made the green grass pop as we drove up to a huge farmhouse. It was surrounded by a wide deck that went around the entire first floor. There were clusters of Adirondack chairs with colorful cushions and small tables scattered around. The upper floors were all windowed, with balconies on some. I didn’t know much about this shit, but I could tell Jiji liked it; she was buzzing with excitement behind me.
Others were floor-to-ceiling French doors with private decks attached. The whole vibe of the place was laidback and relaxed. A man was standing on the porch waiting for us.
Jiji’s mic sounded in my ear as she said, “That must be Lane, Mr. Hensley’s personal assistant.”
The double doors opened before we rolled to a stop and another man stepped out. When I shut off the bike, Jiji dismounted, handing me her helmet when she was standing firmly on the ground. Bending at the waist, she shook out her hair, combing through the thick strands with her fingers. A second man had walked out on the deck. He was watching Jiji with lust-filled eyes and a smirk on his face. Before I could blink, his face changed completely, sliding into a smooth, bland mask. I blinked, thinking maybe I mistook what I saw.
Turning to the man behind him, he said, “Lane, make sure everything is set for my teleconference?”
“Yes, sir,” the man said, then turned and went back into the house.
Brom stepped off the stairway, holding a hand out to me. I hesitated a beat, and he smiled. “I’m Brom Hensley. Welcome to Hensley Farms.”
Taking his hand, I shook it. “Breech, and this is my girl, Jiji Wilks.”
Turning to her, he took her hand in both of his, raising it to his lips before kissing the back. “Welcome, Miss Wilks, Sandra has spoken very highly of you.” Dropping her hand, he stepped back. He was suave, I had to give him that.
Jiji smiled at him. “Your farm is beautiful, Mr. Hensley.”
“Please, call me Brom; Mr. Hensley is my father.” He shuddered dramatically. “I have a long way to go before I take on that title.”
Jiji laughed. “That’s like when the kids come to the clinic and call me ma’am. It makes me feel ancient.”
He chuckled. “Indeed,” he said.
I walked up to Jiji, dropping an arm around her shoulder; she looked up at me, wound an arm around my waist, and squeezed. “Brom, could I see the foals that Sandra wants transported, please?”
“It would be a pleasure, Jiji; unfortunately I have a conference call scheduled shortly. Dr. Adams is in the foal barn; Lane will take you there. Come back when you’ve completed the nickel tour and we’ll have lunch,” he invited us before moving back into the house.
Lane appeared from behind him. “This way, please,” he said, turning left off the porch, heading to some distant barns. Jiji fell into step beside him, and I started to follow.
Glancing back, I saw Brom in the window; he had that lascivious look again as his eyes followed Jiji’s ass while she walked with Lane. He turned, letting the curtain drop into place, totally ignoring my presence. So, I hadn’t been wrong when I saw him watching her the first time.
Something about this guy was off. I didn’t think it was just the way he was looking at Jiji, which was going to get him throat-punched if he kept that shit up. Pulling out my phone, I speed-dialed Sonny.
He picked up on the second ring. “Yo, Breech, what’s wrong, brother? You wouldn’t be calling me twice in an hour if there wasn’t a problem.”
“Sonny—I need a favor. This guy—Brom Hensley—get me some background.” I heard his chair squeak as he moved.
&nbs
p; “What’s going on, Breech? Everything okay—do you need backup?”
I smiled; my guys would be here in a second if I said I needed help. They had my back and I knew I could count on them for anything.
“No, man, I just got a weird vibe off the guy. I need you to check him out for me because something’s not kosher with this dude. While you’re at it, he’s got a personal assistant named Lane. I don’t have a last name, but he seems to be in the know about everything Brom does. Check him out too.”
“I’m on it, Breech. Give me a couple hours and I’ll get back to you.”
“Thanks, brother, talk to you soon.” We hung up and I pocketed my phone. I caught up to Jiji and Lane walking to the foaling barn. They were talking about mares and foaling seasons, so I tuned them out while I replayed the encounter with Brom.
Aside from the way he was eye-fucking Jiji when he thought I wasn’t looking, I couldn’t put my finger on what was bothering me. Jiji laughed at something Lane said, and her head tipped back, exposing the line of her throat.
My thought process short-circuited as my mind pictured her on her knees in front of me while I fed her my dick an inch at a time. Instantly I got hard. The girl went to my head like fine wine. The more I took her, the more I wanted her. She glanced over at me and winked. I knew she noticed my ‘condition’ and it made her smile. She licked her lips, turned, and shook her booty at me. I couldn’t help but laugh. She had me wrapped around her finger.
We entered the barn with Lane pointing out certain mares and their foals.
The barn was huge, but scrupulously clean. Stable hands were working there feeding, exercising, or grooming horses. Jiji was talking animatedly with Lane about the new foals, her face glowing, and as she talked her hands were moving, illustrating her points.
A horse popped her head over the stall door as I approached. She butted her head against my chest and I laughed as I stroked her forehead. A voice from the depths of the stall said, “She’s a diva—demands attention from any available male.”
Startled, I looked over the door. A petite woman with a pitchfork was working in the stall adjacent to the mare, spreading new straw bedding. “Her name is Asia Star. She’s due in a few days.” She continued to work as she talked; her slender form looked too fragile to be wielding the heavy tool. Without thinking, I walked into the stall, taking the pitchfork from her and forking out hay from the two bales stacked in the corner.
She started when I took the tool from her, moving to cover her face like I was going to hit her. She covered the movement by wiping the sweat from her upper lip and forehead by swiping her forearm over her face. I noticed a smattering of bruises near her temple along her hairline; she saw me looking and pulled her hat down lower. “Got too close to a pregnant mare and she showed me her displeasure.”
I nodded and turned when Jiji called out to me. “Be careful,” I said, handing her back the pitchfork.
“Yeah, you too,” she said. Flicking her light brown braid over her shoulder, she resumed spreading the hay around the stall.
Stumped about why I should be careful, I was about to ask her when Jiji pulled at my arm. “Breech, this little guy is going to make Sandra really happy—come take a look at him.”
She took my hand to lead me away. When I looked over my shoulder, the girl I’d been talking to was gone. Shrugging, I followed Jiji, looking at the foals we would be transporting.
I asked Lane to show me the rig that we would be using to take the horses home in. He took us to a building attached to the barn, where I inspected the trailer. It was black with gleaming chrome; it looked brand new. Lane’s phone rang; he answered it, spoke a few words then swiped it off. “Mr. Hensley is waiting for us in the foaling barn,” he said.
Leaving the garage, we returned to the barn, where Brom was talking to someone he soon introduced as the farm manager Drake. We shook hands all around.
“Breech, is that your bike in the driveway? She’s a sweet ride,” Drake said. “Mind if we take a closer look later?” he asked.
Brom immediately spoke up. “Please, go, show him your wonderful machine, Breech; I can keep Jiji company for a few minutes while you indulge Drake.”
I was about to refuse when Jiji said, “Go ahead, babe, I’ve got a lot of questions to ask Brom, and I know you’re not interested in bloodlines and breeding.”
I hesitated, not wanting to leave her with Brom, but she insisted and I would only be outside the barn. Dropping a quick kiss on her lips, I left the barn with Drake.
Thirteen
Once Breech was gone he extended his arm to me, placing my hand in the crook of his arm so he could lead me around the cavernous building. Lane followed behind with a clipboard, his phone attached to his ear as he conducted business for his employer.
Brom pointed out several mares that were heavily pregnant, giving me the breeding history. One mare nickered softly when I walked over, lowering her head over the half stall door so I could scratch behind her ear. Her velvety nose huffed as she searched my shirtfront, looking for a treat she thought might be hidden in my pocket.
I laughed, “Sorry, pretty girl, I have nothing for you.” Brom snapped his fingers and a stable boy ran up to him with some carrot sticks. Bowing, he presented me with the treats. The mare could smell the carrots and butted against me ‘til I held one out for her. She lifted it daintily from my palm, crunching contentedly.
Brom had moved behind me. I felt him press against my back, sliding an arm around my waist. He pulled me against him away from the stall door, allowing the stable boy to enter the stall. He released me immediately. “I’m sorry, Jiji, I did not want to see you fall, my dear.”
I don’t know why, but having his arms around me caused the hair on my neck to stand up. My gut was telling me to get away. Following my instincts, I moved down the row of stalls, keeping Brom in my sights but not allowing him to touch me again.
Breech returned from showing Drake his bike. I saw them walking down the center aisle of the barn towards us. He laughed at something Drake said, the sun shining through the barn doors and highlighting his masculine good looks.
The classically chiseled features of his face and the morning stubble covering his cheeks and jaw only added to his masculinity. His long legs were showcased in worn denim, the tight fit hinting at the package it encased. He wore a red flannel shirt with both sleeves rolled to the elbow, allowing his muscular forearms to swing casually by his side, his colorful tattoos visible for all to see, swirling all the way down to the backs of his hands.
I didn’t notice Brom watching me ogle my man. I was too engrossed in the feast to my eyes that was Breech. Had I been aware of his perusal, the look on his face would have scared me enough to not ever want to be near him again. As it was, when I turned to him, the affable look he gave me told me nothing of the monster lurking just beneath the surface.
When Drake reached us, he asked Brom if he could have a few minutes to discuss farm business. They excused themselves and walked further on down the aisle before stopping so Brom could see some papers Lane handed him. Breech pulled out his phone and moved me so the horse’s head was draped over my shoulder. “Smile, pretty girl,” he said, snapping away. I didn’t notice him switch the camera around, taking pictures of Brom and Lane instead.
Breech slid an arm around my waist and I eagerly stood on tiptoe to kiss him hello. He smelled of sunshine and man, his strong arms holding me effortlessly; his blue eyes had a wicked glint in them.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking about, Breech, but whatever it is, I’m in.”
He chuckled. “Doll, I was just thinking it’s time we get out of here, swing by the hotel to pick up a blanket, some food and drinks, and find us a sunny spot for a picnic.”
“I’m liking that idea, Breech. Maybe we can bring the pistol Fighter made Opry get for me and do some
practicing.”
“Sounds like a plan, doll. Let’s go tell our host goodbye.”
Putting his arm around me, he guided me through the barn ‘til we got to Brom and Lane chatting in front of an open stall. The mare inside moved around restlessly. I knew from my studies that horses preferred to foal in the dark and in solitude, usually at night. They could even delay labor ‘til they are alone as they waited for a time where they could be undisturbed.
“Brom, thank you so much for showing us around the farm. It’s beautiful.”
“You are so very welcome, my dear. Please come into the main house and lunch with me.”
“I appreciate the offer, Brom, that is so sweet of you, but Breech and I have plans for the afternoon and we were just coming over to say our goodbyes.”
He frowned, not liking my rejection of his invitation. “Very well; I’m sorry you declined, but I understand.” He turned away from us, swiftly walking away—completely ignoring Breech and freezing me out as well.
Lane stopped and said, “We will have the foals ready to travel when you need them. Please keep me informed of your plans and I will make sure everything is in order for transport.” With that, he left at a fast lope to catch up to Brom.
Shaking my head at the abruptness of Brom’s departure, I followed Breech to the bike, put on my helmet, and slid on behind him.
After leaving the foaling barn, I looked around to make sure no one was around to see me. I opened the door silently, sliding inside the stall area. In the front there was a tack bench containing everything the horses would need to travel. I removed enough to make a spot big enough for my body to fit in.
Taking the rest, I backed out of the trailer as quietly as I could. Returning to the barn, I made my way to the tack room and distributed the pieces I had taken around the room. Satisfied that no one had noticed me, I returned to my duties taking care of the mares. Soon I would have to make my move, but for now I had done all I could to allow myself to escape Brom.
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