Love Begins with Fate

by Owens, Lindsey

  Everyone tried to talk but there was an awkward aura around the room and nothing ever seemed to be an okay subject to approach. When dinner finally was finished Kelsey stood and set her plate in the suds of the sink. Submerging her hands she began to scrub at the pieces inside.

  “You don’t have to do that.” Someone said behind her “but I appreciate the help.”

  “You’re welcome; the meal was wonderful, thanks Jeremy.” Kelsey smiled.

  Everyone had cleared out of the kitchen. Most had been scared off by the threat of cleaning, even Ryder had disappeared hoping to convince Hannah not to drive his sister anywhere.

  “Well your welcome. You mind if I help?” Jeremy asked. Maggie had been putting away the leftovers and gathering the plates from those who had ate around the house.

  “Sure.” Kelsey shrugged.

  “So… you know I am going to want to talk about Ryder and Parker…” Jeremy began.

  “Yeah, I figured someone would be the designated calm Kelsey down guy…” Kelsey said looking back at the big guy.

  Jeremy was quite a big guy. He was one of the biggest guys on the football team. Maggie had done a good job when she caught him. Jeremy was a hundred percent pure muscle. He was massive compared to Kelsey’s small size and she knew why they had picked him. “And you’re the guy because well… it’s obvious I can’t kill the messenger.”

  “Well that and I know how to talk to girls. I’ve been dating Maggie for four years now…” Jeremy admitted. “She will be in here in a few to talk with you too…”

  “Of course,” Kelsey groaned. “So go on. Tell me what they told you I ‘need’ to talk about.”

  “Well we both know, a girl will only pick what she wants to pick, you’re not going to do what I say just because I’m all brawn.” Jeremy smiled.

  Kelsey rolled her eyes and handed Jeremy another plate.

  “Parker’s a great guy. Yes he’s a player, he’s had his go around of the girls but I don’t even think he’s had one girl in the last month…”

  “So…” Kelsey groaned. “I’m not interested. I’ve only been here for three weeks and …” She butted in. The time had flown by. Kelsey looked back at it and shook her head. She had easily evaded Parker for three weeks, her brother had been suspicious but that was it.

  She remembered all the crap she had gone through and sighed. She hated it here, it wasn’t home.

  “I am only stating the facts.” Jeremy interrupted. “Ryder and Parker have been friends for years. I’m not saying you need to go for PJ and I am not saying you need to side with your brother, but you need to at least let Parker get some input. He likes you and your brother’s just being a jerk.”

  “Who’s being a jerk?” Maggie asked as she came into the kitchen.

  “Hey baby. I was just telling our friend here that her brother’s being a jerk and that she should at least give PJ a chance.” Jeremy said shortening the whole conversation.

  “Yeah” Maggie sighed. “You need to talk to both of them. I know your brother’s going all protective on your butt but he just doesn’t want any of the guys to hurt you, especially the ones that are his close friends. How do you think Ryder would feel if one of the guys broke up with you or treated you like a one night stand…?” Maggie shrugged she came up behind Jeremy and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Even if Jer was single… the great guy he is and all, your brother would kill him if he asked you out.”

  Kelsey huffed. “I know. I just don’t know if I am ready to date. I am not really interested right now.”

  “And why is that?!” Maggie screeched. “PJ’s some hot …” She gulped and cut her own words off with her hand.

  “What was that baby?” Jeremy teased raising an eyebrow at his girlfriend.

  “Uh…” Maggie muttered “Ah screw it you know that you’re my only one… but PJ’s hot. He’s a very sexy man.” Maggie rushed out.

  “I have to say so!” Hannah giggled walking in the kitchen.

  “Not you too,” Kelsey groaned.

  “Sorry chica, your brother convinced me… I can’t take you home tonight. You need to stay the night. Tomorrow you can cool off maybe riding bikes then hide in your room when you get home.” Hannah told her.

  “I knew you were sleeping with the enemy.” Kelsey hissed.

  “Well I am bias, yes, but your brother just doesn’t want you to be home alone.” Hannah yawned. “Any who, I’m going to head up and read for a bit before bed.”

  “Sure you are!” Kelsey called after her friend. She knew dang well that Hannah wasn’t going to bed, nor reading.

  Kelsey handed Jeremy the last plate then pulled the plug on the sink rinsing the bubbles down. “I really don’t know where to even sleep tonight. Ryder’s going to birth a cow if I go back to the room which Parker’s in…”

  “Ah… I think he’ll be alright. PJ needs some convincing before he’s alright though.” Jeremy admitted. “He seemed pretty upset, with your brother angry, and you ignoring him and all.”

  Kelsey groaned. She hadn’t ignored him… just didn’t sit with him, well not really. She knew no matter what, she at least had to talk to the two guys at some point. She said her goodbyes to the lovebirds, who began to make out as they put away the dishes, even though she figured they wouldn’t even notice her gone, and made her way to the main room.

  Ryder jumped up from the couch as soon as Kelsey walked in. “Kelsey you’re not going to sleep in the same room as him.”

  “I’m not?” Kelsey countered.

  “No. I forbid it.” Ryder said firmly.

  Kelsey smirked. “Well goodnight.” She stomped past her brother. As he reached out to grab her, she scowled at him and took off running toward the stairs. She raced up quicker than her brother could imagine. Slamming into the door, she thrust it open then slammed it shut behind her twisting the lock on it, and dropped to the floor letting out a breath.

  “Couldn’t wait to get me alone?” Parker joked from the other side of the room.

  “Oh don’t start.” Kelsey replied in her southern drawl.

  “God, that accent is just heavenly.” PJ groaned.

  “Look…” Kelsey began and stopped as soon as pounding begun on the door behind her.

  “Kelsey, I know you’re in there!” Ryder yelled as his fist slammed into the door repeatedly.

  “Go away Ryder, I am going to bed!” Kelsey yelled back.

  “You better stay away from him Kelsey!” he argued back.

  “Oh I am so all over him!” Kelsey cooed back. Parker gulped. He was interested but he didn’t see that one coming.

  Kelsey looked over at Parker as he stood and slowly made his way to her. “Not that I am complaining…” He began. “But you know he’ll break that door down…”

  “He’s right, Kels!” Ryder bellowed pounding on the door again.

  “Oh but Ry… you know I won’t talk to you again if you don’t GO AWAY!” Kelsey pronounced harshly. Ryder’s pounding stopped and she could hear footsteps backing away only slightly. “I’ll talk with you in the morning, MAYBE!” She called “Goodnight!”

  “Well that was interesting.” Parker smirked.

  “Yeah well, you know you aren’t getting me in that bed with you.” Kelsey stated.

  Parker sighed and nodded his head. At first that was really what he was hoping for, but knowing who his mystery girl was he wasn’t quite sure that was the first thing he was interested in now.

  “Can we talk?” Parker asked.

  “I guess.” Kelsey groaned. Parker held out a hand and Kelsey hesitantly took it. He pulled her up quickly.

  “There’s a lovely spot out on the porch.” He told her as he grabbed a folded blanket from a chair next to the glass doors.

  “Wow…” Kelsey beamed. A large hammock occupied the far side. “I didn’t notice that before.”

  “Well it’s the best spot in the house.” He smirked. “Come on.”

  Parker pulled Kelsey with him. When he came to the ham
mock he wrapped the blanket around them both and pulled Kelsey with himself up onto the contraption. Kelsey stiffened. Her body was pressed so close to this man right now that she couldn’t think.

  “Uh, I don’t…” Kelsey muttered.

  “Take it easy. I’ll keep you warm while we talk.” He grinned.

  Kelsey nodded.

  “Now are you going to tell me why you wouldn’t tell me that you were my mystery girl? I’m not that horrible…” Parker pouted.

  “Are you going to tell me what happened to your face…?” She countered, gently poking at the skin just below Parker’s black eye.

  Parker sighed. “When your brother found out… he charged me. He threw the first punch. I didn’t.”

  “Sorry.” Kelsey frowned.

  “So… answer my question?” He asked softly.

  Kelsey felt the way his hands were holding her body close to his and looked up into his blue orbs as she spoke “I can’t have a boyfriend right now…”

  “And why is that?” He began.

  “I just can’t…” She dragged.

  Parker sighed and changed the subject. He began to ask her questions that anyone would want to know about the person they liked; what was her favorite food, color, day of the week even.

  Kelsey liked him. He was sweet and had a gentle touch. She allowed him to pull her close and when Parker had turned his head to face her once again she pecked his cheek. Quickly taking advantage of the moment Parker turned his cheek and captured her lips in his.

  Their lips moved together in sync and harmony. Kelsey’s hand slowly moved up and under his shirt across his bare chest. Parker gently cupped Kelsey’s breast moving his thumb across her pebbled bra and shirt clad nipple. Kelsey gasped which allowed him better access to her mouth.

  So in the moment Kelsey allowed Parker to pull her onto his lap as they kissed. They enjoyed what seemed like forever kissing and fondling each other.

  Pulling away breathlessly Kelsey curled herself into Parker’s side. When Kelsey’s eyes started to slip shut, it was late and Parker refused to let her stray too far from his side as he too drifted off on the hammock.

  Hours had passed and both had dozed off peacefully in each other’s arms when the buzz of Kelsey’s cell phone startled them awake.

  Kelsey’s brows furrowed and she yawned as she yanked the phone out of her pocket. “I got take this.” She half smiled.

  PJ nodded and leaned back on the hammock watching her. He wasn’t going to rush it and be a jerk but he was definitely going to listen.

  “Hey mom,” Kelsey spoke.

  “I know it’s late there sweetie, but…” Kelsey’s mother rattled quickly into the phone. Parker could hear the distant muttering of a woman’s voice but he couldn’t understand what she was saying.

  “Oh it’s not that late and I am not really busy…” Kelsey stated with another yawn as she looked over at Parker apologetically.

  “I have some bad news.” Her mother said in a shaky voice.

  “What?” Kelsey replied. Parker hearing Kelsey’s anxious voice sat up and looked over at her curiously. “What happened?”

  “Well, we had an incident with Julio and I had to fire him and you know how Sweetie is almost due with the foal.” Her mother replied.

  “You what!” Kelsey screamed into the phone. “How could you fire Julio? He’s been caring for my horses for two years!”

  “Honey, please calm down. I called because I know you are very particular about who cares for the horses, so I need you to come back for interviews.” Her mother breathed.

  “I sure am. I’ll be on the first flight out; I’ll see you as soon as I can.” Kelsey said quickly hanging up the phone.

  She turned toward Parker; he was staring at her with a face full of confusion and concern. “Is everything alright?”

  “No.” Kelsey frowned. “I’ve got to go.”

  “I’ll drive you.” Parker said.

  “Uh… no.” Kelsey jumped up and darted to the door. She paused turned to look back at Parker then ran back to him pecking Parker on the lips before rushing out.

  Ryder had disappeared into his room, Kelsey sighed. She knew she needed her brother or her friend at least to drive her. She lifted her hand to knock.

  Chapter 19

  Ryder had apologized as he drove Kelsey back home. They really never stayed mad at each other, even as kids. Hannah had chosen to stay behind and wait for Ryder to return. Though it was late, Hannah figured PJ could need someone to talk to. “PJ?” she said from the doorway.

  “Come in.” He replied sadly. He had his dream girl within his grasp for only moments and then she ran again. He was slightly heartbroken.

  “How are you?” Hannah asked as she closed the door behind her. PJ looked up at her then turned his head not really sure of what to say. “Look, if you want to get to Kelsey, you’re going to need my help, so you should start talking.” Hannah admitted.

  “You would help me?” PJ questioned.

  “Yes and no.” Hannah said with a slight grin.

  “Oh so you want something in return?” PJ asked stepping closer to Hannah.

  Hannah laughed and slapped at PJ’s chest. “No you big oaf. I’ll help you but only if you’re interested in the long term and only if Kelsey’s interested.”

  That made PJ think; is he interested in the long term with any girl? He had only once had a girlfriend and she broke his heart. That was really the ultimate reason why he had turned to the one night stand no strings attached relationships in the first place.

  “I guess you’re not sure about that?” Hannah frowned and reached for the door handle.

  “Wait.” PJ said “What if…” he paused.

  Hannah grinned. She could tell PJ was thinking, really thinking this through. “What if she breaks your heart?” Hannah asked.

  PJ’s response was a simple head nod. “Then I guess that’s a risk you’ll have to take. Since heartbreak goes both ways.”

  PJ sighed before responding “What if she doesn’t want the long term?”

  “Oh she does…” Hannah smiled.

  “She said she can’t have a boyfriend right now… if she’s interested in the long term why would she say that?”

  “Multiple reasons,” Hannah shrugged. “Mostly because she’s scared and she’s got a lot on her shoulders, a lot at home to take care of you know.”

  “Oh.” PJ nodded.

  The two had talked for quite some time, a few hours to be exact. When Hannah had heard Ryder pull up in Kelsey’s truck once again she said her goodbyes.

  Hannah pulled open the door and walked out of the room without a second glance. She could tell thoughts swirled around in PJ’s mind but she couldn’t figure what they were all about.

  “Are you going to tell me why I am bringing you to the airport?” Ryder asked. He had accepted Kelsey’s frantic ‘you need to bring me home right now’ plea but as soon as they got close enough to home she demanded he wait until she packed a bag because she needed to get on a plane.

  Kelsey looked up to meet Ryder’s eyes. Ryder agreed but he still was asking questions. “Does this have anything to do with PJ? Cause I so will kick his …”

  “No!” Kelsey nearly screamed. “Haven’t you fought enough with your friend? Getting on a plane doesn’t have anything to do with him.”

  Ryder sighed. He looked at the road avoiding Kelsey’s eyes as he spoke. He really was dreading the answer. “So you like him don’t you?” He said in almost a statement rather than a question.

  “Kind of,” Kelsey shrugged. “You can’t tell him though!” Kelsey begged. “I can’t do that to him… I can’t have a boyfriend…”

  “Oh Kels,” Ryder groaned. “How come you’re leaving?”

  “One of the horses is about to foal and she fired my stable manager, the one who has been helping my horses birth for the last two years. I need to be there incase Sweetie drops the baby.” Kelsey admitted. “And then while I am there I am going to interview
new stable hands.”

  “Oh.” Ryder replied.

  “So…”

  Ryder smiled. “So you’re not running away, exactly…”

  “I am using it to my advantage to gather my thoughts.” Kelsey replied.

  “I am sorry, I flipped out. Really, if PJ could become a one girl kind of man… he would be an amazing boyfriend for you, but I know him, he’s a lot like me…” Ryder admitted.

  “And you couldn’t be with one girl because you were hurt?” Kelsey added.

  “What? Nah…” Ryder scoffed.

  “Hmm, I specifically remember…” Kelsey said thinking back.

  “That was a long time ago, Kels… I’m over it.” Ryder assured.

  “Sure… so who hurt PJ?”

  “We’re here Kels.” Ryder told her.

  “Oh… Well I’ll see you Ryder. I don’t know when I’ll be back. Tell Hannah to call me.” Kelsey said as she stepped from her truck. “Don’t get to comfy in my truck; I will be back for that at least.” Kelsey loved her truck and there was no doubt about it.

  Kelsey carried her bag within the airport terminal to the ticket booth. “Hello welcome to Trans Air. How may I assist you?” The woman at the booth asked.

  “I need the quickest flight out.”

  “Well we have a fight to Hill, Tenner, or Plano.”

  “Tenner is closest. When does it arrive?” Kelsey asked shuffling her bag around between her feet.

  “It arrives at 1 pm tomorrow afternoon.” The woman replied.

  “I guess that’s good, book it.” Kelsey told her. She pulled out the credit card from her pocket and handed it to the woman.

  “The flight loads in ten minutes. It’s at gate 709. Here is your ticket.” The woman smiled.

  “Thanks.” Kelsey said picking up her things.

  The flight was tremendously boring. Kelsey had watched the boring video the entire flight and then slept the rest of the way. She kept reminding herself when she got to a mall she was going to have to get an a tablet, something which she could entertain herself with.

  Kelsey had never needed one of those devices. She had plenty of things to do down on her ranch and she had always kept pretty busy. But if she was to go on a plane much or back to the city with her dad and brother, which she knew they were going to make her do then she would need something.