Parker gulped, the guys’ eyes were on her and she didn’t seem to care, it made him possessive. He growled as he raced after his little vixen. He caught Kelsey around her waist as she reached the water and flipped her over his shoulder before tramping through the river.
“What are you looking at?” Parker hissed, snapping the other guys’ eyes away.
“Parker …” Kelsey grumbled, but before she could continue he dropped her into the waist deep water. “Hey!” She screamed as she jumped up linking her arms around his neck and pulled him down into the water.
“Not so fast.” He chuckled stiffening his back and lifting her up and out of the water.
“Water fight!” The guys laughed as they watched the couple fight. Before long everyone was splashing and thrashing about.
After their fun the group slowly made their way out of the water, drying and warming themselves by the fire as they sucked down their bowls of chili. It was something Nick always made on their first night out and Kelsey was more than thrilled to have the delicious heat.
Slowly everyone parted ways. Mark and Nick offered to take shifts watching over the camp during the night, while Kelsey and Parker slipped into their tent.
Chapter 51
Mark grumbled as he watched the two love birds slip into their tent. He had missed his chance and now it was up to him to live with it. He could hear their laughter and giggles late into the night and it made him envious.
He had regretted volunteering to sit up with Nick on his shift but had at least enjoyed talking with his friend. Through the night, they watched as the horses and cattle moved about eating or standing in one place sleeping. When they had grown too tired they woke up James and one of the hands to continue the watch.
When the sun began to break the horizon, many of the party was already up and packing the gear into the wagon. As soon as everyone was finished packing fruit, granola bars, and what drinks they wanted into their saddle bags they were off; moving the herd further toward the summer range. Nick and James were once again left to finish packing up the remainder of the gear then headed off.
They reached the summer range by the time it was mid afternoon and so they ate an early dinner. Once Nick had prepared the last the dinner for the trip and everyone got gathered back up to eat, they got to talk amongst themselves before hitting the hay. There was a crack of thunder only moments before rain erupted from the sky. Everyone scurried around putting away various items.
Another crack of thunder followed by lightning snapping and Kelsey screamed. Parker returned to her side quickly. “Are you all right?” He practically screamed over the noise of the rain.
She looked up at him with petrified eyes. “Go get in the tent, I’ll be there in a moment. Let me make sure everything is taken care of.” He told her. Kelsey nodded and without a word she raced into the tent.
The winds began to pick up and the rain poured down hard. The tent whipped against the wind causing Kelsey to whimper and a tear slip down her cheeks. She curled herself into the blankets and hid her face beneath. Finally there was a zip and a huff as Parker stepped into the covered entryway of the tent. “Love, are you okay?” He asked. He was peering in at the trembling blanket covered person.
“Parker,” She questioned, slowly peeking her eyes out from the blanket.
He chuckled “come here.” He said as he stepped inside. “It’ll be alright.”
Kelsey threw the covers back and quickly jumped up into Parker’s arms, forgetting he was covered in sopping wet clothes. “You’re soaked!” She squealed as his damp hands gripped her behind.
He chuckled again before letting her down and stripping his clothes. Once he changed into something dryer they both wrapped up in the blankets. It was still somewhat early to sleep but there wasn’t much else to do. “What’s the matter love?” he soothed as he smoothed a hand across Kelsey’s cheek.
“I just…” she began but screamed as the thunder rumbled and lightning crackled over and over in a symphony. She let out a whimper and Parker pulled her in closer.
“You’re scared of the rain.” He stated. It wasn’t a question; it was obvious that she was.
Kelsey nodded. “That’s okay; I’ll take care of you.” He soothed pulling the girl tighter into his grasp. They talked quietly as they listened to the rain, somehow with Parker by her side, Kelsey wasn’t afraid any longer, slowly her eyes began to droop and she slipped into sleep with her head against his warm chest and his arms secured around her.
The next morning Kelsey and Parker woke and set out to see what damage was caused by the rain. The cattle had moved further into the summer feeding range while the horses were still attempting to dry off. Everything was wet. The fire had long since been doused and out. The coolers were covered in mud and so was everything that hadn’t been put in the wagon.
“Anyone up?” Parker called as he began to check out the horses.
“Yeah!” Nick called back. “I just decided to check out the herd.” He said. “I had to rally up some of the horses… and I have bad news…”
Kelsey gasped reaching over and gripping Parker’s arm. “What is it?” she muttered nervously.
“Zeus.” Nick pointed out toward the field. “He was struck by lightning and is gone.”
“Gone?” Kelsey cried, tears streamed down her cheeks as she forced her head into Parker’s chest.
“I’m sorry. Ironic it maybe… but yeah, Mark and a few guys went out to take care of him.” Kelsey nodded.
Once Zeus’s body was taken care of and Kelsey had stopped crying in Parker’s arms they had helped round up and saddle horses. Everyone helped to load the wagon and before it was even ten a.m. the party was departing the area.
They returned back to the river and fear was instantly present in everyone’s eyes. “What are we going to do now?” Parker called over the newly expanded roaring river’s noise.
“There’s got to be a crossing!” Nick called. “Mark, take to the right. Kelsey, why don’t you and Parker look down to the left?”
Kelsey and Parker turned their horses in the correct direction and raced off. “There’s got to be a crossing point…” Parker told her.
“I can’t believe this happened.” She whined.
Her mind was all over the place at the moment and she couldn’t think clearly. So when Parker yelled her name, she didn’t notice. Angered by her lack of self preservation at the moment, Parker kicked his horse into gear, raced forward grabbing Kelsey’s horse, and dragging it backward. He smacked her leg hard enough for her to notice but light enough not to hurt her and she turned her head and glared at him. “What was that for?” She snapped.
“If you don’t get your head in gear you’ll loss another horse, maybe even yourself.” He said harshly as he pointed with his free hand toward the roaring water before them. “I don’t mean to be harsh, but you need to pay more attention. There is no way around this way… we need to turn back.” He said still pulling her horse along with him.
“Sorry.” Kelsey mumbled not fighting Parker’s grip on her horse. She let him lead her all the way back to the group.
“There’s a small passing this way.” Mark told them. The group followed him toward the passing.
“We should unattached the horses from the back of the wagon. Take them by horse to the other side.” Parker spoke up. Everyone’s heads snapped toward Kelsey as if asking for permission. She didn’t speak nor acknowledge them though. “She checked out for a little bit. Nick, what do you think about my opinion?”
Nick looked to Parker and nodded “That is probably the best option” he said as he pulled the wagon to a stop and walked toward the horses hitched at the back.
Nick strode over toward Parker and he shook his head. “Someone else, I’m leading Kelsey across.” Parker told Nick.
Nick looked at her worriedly but followed Parker’s words, handing the horses off to the other guys. It was a feat getting across the raging river crossing and as they rode back it was silen
t other than the stomping of the horse’s hooves.
They had taken the short cut back, which Nick had explained wasn’t possible to herd the cattle through. They rode on through the night arriving back at nearly midnight. Parker stopped beside the hitching posts at the barn, dismounted his horse, and snapped Demon to the post.
He walked around to Kelsey’s horse and looked up at her. She yawned and her head drooped. Parker sighed, reached to snap the horse to the post as well then reached his arms up, and gripped Kelsey around the waist to pull her down to him. “Thanks.” She mumbled.
“Welcome back love.” He murmured as he pressed a kiss to her temple. “Nick can you make sure the horses are taken care of?”
“Sure thing Parker.” He nodded as he took off the saddle of his first horse.
“Thanks.” Parker said as he scooped Kelsey into his arms. He tipped his head down and asked, “Are you alright baby?”
Kelsey nodded “I’ll be fine. It’s just that…” she muttered.
Parker carried Kelsey up to the house and into the kitchen. He needed a drink before he went to bed. “You hungry or thirsty,” He asked.
“I’ll take a cup of milk…” Kelsey yawned as Parker set her down on a chair.
“Sure thing,” Parker got himself something to drink after grabbing Kelsey’s milk and sat down beside her. “I’m ready for bed when you are…” He yawned. Once they finished their drinks the two made their way to bed.
Chapter 52
Over the next few days Kelsey and Parker had set to getting the ranch ready for all the visitors who were to come within the next few days. They had decided together that it was time to move into the master bedroom. Kelsey requested for more boxes to be brought in and together they boxed up everything that needed to go. “What about the furniture?” Parker asked.
“Well,” Kelsey shrugged. “Which do you like better, the set in my old room or the set in here?”
“I think the set in here is more mature and beautiful. I think your set in the other room would be good for a guest room…” He drawled as he rubbed his hand over his chin thinking.
“Okay then, I guess we’ll keep the furniture.” She shrugged.
As they carried the last of the boxes down for Annie to go through, she walked out of the kitchen, seeing them and asked “What could I get from the store?” Annie asked.
“Yeah,” Kelsey said reaching for a piece of paper. “Uh… mmm…” she muttered.
Parker smiled. “Let me.” He said softly accepting the piece of paper from Kelsey and scribbling on it. “We’re eating at the bonfire right?” He asked as he continued to scribble things down.
“Yep” Kelsey added.
“Okay. Here you go Annie.” He said holding out the paper. Ryder chuckled from nearby and stood quickly to snatched the paper from Parker’s hand.
“Hey, man you forgot a few things.” He groaned as he yanked the pen from Parker’s hand and continued to add some more.
Parker chuckled but shook his head at Kelsey as she tried to grab for the paper. “Nope… it’s all a secret.” He chuckled. “Ry, you want to help me with the rest of the boxes?” He asked.
“Sure bro.” He nodded and followed Parker upstairs.
Kelsey pouted. Annie too was laughing but refused to give the girl over the paper. “I’ll see you misses later.” She beamed at Kelsey and Hannah.
“See you later Annie.” Both girls replied.
Hannah and Kelsey giggled. “So what do you think is on the list?” Kelsey asked.
“I don’t think I want to know, with those boys…” Hannah giggled back.
Kelsey sighed. “I can’t believe I chose to invite everyone over.”
Hannah looked at her with a small grin on her face. Slapping her on the arm playfully, Hannah said “Kels… you know you’ll love showing off. Aren’t you planning on the annual games with the locals here too?” She asked.
Kelsey smiled. “Yeah,” She replied. “I almost forgot, but seriously… you know how many people rsvp’d?”
Hannah laughed again. “I think Parker has it covered. You too are such the cutest couple. He’s perfect for you.” She beamed as she pulled Kelsey’s hand into hers and peered down at the beautiful diamond ring for the millionth time. Sighing, Hannah just had to ask. “Do you think Ryder will ever propose?”
Kelsey couldn’t help but sigh sympathetically. She didn’t want to answer that question. She knew her brother most likely wouldn’t ever do that… deciding a shrug was all she could manage she muttered “I don’t know” and shrugged.
“You’re so lucky, if I didn’t have your brother… I would have snatched up Parker if I had a chance…” Hannah pouted.
“Hey” Kelsey began trying to get her friend’s mind off the topic when there was a knock on the door. The dogs outside were barking alerting her company had arrived. “I’ll get it!” Kelsey called as she raced to the door pulling Hannah with her.
It just so happened to be their first guest of the weekend were people Kelsey missed most. Frankie, Anna, Olivia, Ivan, Jeremy, and Maggie all stood crowding each other at the door. Kelsey beamed backing away and letting them in. It had only been Friday, Saturday night would be the bonfire and everyone was to leave by Sunday afternoon. “Hey guys!” Parker called as he strut down the stairs followed by Ryder.
“Isn’t it the man of the house” Ivan called. Everyone laughed and Parker smiled.
“Hey doesn’t bother me any…” Parker chuckled. “I am happier than a clam here.” He beamed as he pulled Kelsey into his chest and kissed her neck which caused her to squirm in front of her guests.
“Parker …” She hissed quietly. “Why don’t you set up our guests in a room?” She asked. They had planned on their closest friends staying in the house with them… and these were their closest of friends. One of their first tasks was to clear out the two extra rooms, Kelsey’s old one and her mother’s old room.
“Fine love,” He laughed taking a bag from each of the girls. “Right this way guys.” He shook his head and escorted the guys upstairs.
“Silly boy,” Kelsey giggled as she wrapped her arms around her girlfriends. “Anyone interesting in helping make treats?” she asked with a grin.
When Parker and the guys returned back downstairs they found their girls laughing in the kitchen. He hadn’t seen Kelsey so happy for a few days. She had seemed slightly sad still over the death of the horse and he felt horrible that he couldn’t ease the pain. Walking up behind his girl, Parker gripped around her waist and tugged her back into his chest. “You’re so sexy…” he purred as he kissed her neck.
“Hey…” she complained. “My hands are dirty.”
“Precisely, a great reason to tease you…” He cooed kissing down the skin of her shoulder.
Kelsey pushed him back slightly then looked over at the people gathering in the kitchen watching them with smiles on their faces. “Parker…” she whined.
“Don’t be so worried.” He mumbled against her ear as he nibbled on her earlobe. Their affection was a normal thing but the group of people gathering in the kitchen thought it was extremely interesting to watch.
“Uhgh” Kelsey groaned as she pushed herself away from Parker. “Annie will finish the cookies later… anyone interested in a movie or games?” She asked as she began to wash her hands in the sink.
Parker didn’t let her frustration stop him though. Whether there were guests here or not he was going to show her the same passionate affection that he always did. He wrapped his arms around Kelsey’s waist while she washed her hands and walked with her as she dried them.
When she was finally finished Parker scooped her into his arms and kissed her. There was a cacophony of answers called out and noticing most were for a movie, assumedly because of the long ride here, Parker called out “Movie it is! Guys pick!” He called as he put Kelsey back on the floor and raced into the other room. He was followed by chuckling guys and squealing playfully angry girls.
Annie had the
help of hands on the ranch to make homemade pizza, which was loved by everyone who ate it. After dinner was made, anyone who was on the ranch in the same age group had gathered in the large living room for entertainment. More had started to arrive but most of the people wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow morning.
As it became late, Kelsey and Parker had slipped away to grab blankets since most everyone wanted to watch movies for a while. They wrapped up on one of the recliner chairs by themselves Parker’s back against the chair and Kelsey between his legs with the blanket covering most of her.
She had changed into something that was comfortable and Parker was enjoying making her squirm. He slipped his hand under the blanket and ran his fingers across her stomach then up underneath her shirt to cup her breast.
“Stop,” She grunted as she pushed his hand back above the blanket.
He smirked as he whispered into her ear. “We can go and enjoy ourselves in our room… with the big television…” He purred his voice slightly husky at the thought of being alone.
Kelsey squirmed as he ran his fingers back beneath the blanket once again. “Parker, we have company…” She muttered.
“They are just fine. Most are sleeping or preoccupied…” Parker chuckled softly, as he looked over to the couples who were making out and practically rubbing themselves all over each other.
Kelsey pushed his hand back onto the topside of the blanket and huffed. “I’m watching this…”
“You are not.” He teased as he sucked on the soft skin of Kelsey’s neck making her moan quietly. His hand traced down underneath the blanket and he fiddled with the hem of her pajama shorts. “You know I would love nothing more than to take you upstairs and…” he whispered as he rubbed between her legs.
Kelsey couldn’t help but moan again as his hand created a gentle friction between her thighs. She squirmed trying to free herself from him but he pulled her tighter into his chest. “You are so sexy when you squirm around like that.” He purred seductively.
Love Begins with Fate Page 22