by Kennedy Fox
* * *
Kiera: Well. Hmm. If I were John Bishop, where would I take my smoking hot nanny that I’ve wanted to sleep with since the day she arrived?
* * *
Mila: Now you’re making me want to vomit.
* * *
Kiera: My advice. Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. If I know them as well as I think I do, it’ll be an outside thing. So dress accordingly, show some cleavage, wear a dress if you want that ass seen.
I burst into laughter, but the reality is, I need to just choose something. Considering it’s warm outside, even with the sun going down, I decide on a sundress that goes mid-length and put on my cowboy boots for good measure. It’s sexy and sassy all in one. I hurry and brush my teeth, fix my hair, and add some makeup, but my heart is racing one hundred beats per minute. Trying to calm down, I take in a deep breath and try to relax as I hear the front door close.
Closing my eyes tight, I give myself a small pep talk.
“Ready?”
Just the sound of his voice has me jumping off the ground.
“Stop doing that!” I tell him, noticing the smile on his face. My gaze wanders down to his outfit that fits him like a glove. Damn, he’s gorgeous, and when he looks at me like that, like I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever laid his eyes on, it makes me nervous and happy all at the same time.
“You looked like you were making a wish or something. I was trying to check to see if you were clicking your boots together like Dorothy.”
I shake my head and place my hands on my hips. “So this is how the night’s gonna be?”
He laughs and gives me a wink before I grab my phone and walk past him. Glancing over my shoulder, I catch him staring at my ass but don’t say anything. I try to hold back a laugh because Kiera was right about the dress.
John follows me, and we walk toward the front door. Once we’re on the porch, I take the steps down that lead to the truck, and he laughs.
“No, ma’am.”
That’s when I really become confused. John nods his head toward the barn, and I narrow my eyes at him, wondering what he’s really up to. We walk in sync together; our arms lightly brush against one another. It has me on edge, and I try to get ahold of the way I already feel. Butterflies flutter inside, and I feel like if I open my mouth, a swarm of them will come flying out. The sound of my heartbeat blends with the crickets, and I can’t help but smile as I look at the pinks and purples splashed across the sky. We may have close to an hour before sunset, so it makes me even more curious.
We continue to walk in silence, the sound of our boots crunching across the ground until we walk into the large opening of the barn. Once inside, I see a black stallion saddled and ready to go.
I turn and look at John. “Now I’m even more confused.”
“We’re going riding,” he says, proudly moving his hand to display the horse like a game show host as if I hadn’t figured out that much.
“Um…there’s only one horse tied up.” I move my hand in the same motion.
John leans in, his hand brushing against mine, and gives me the sexiest smirk. “It’s because we’re riding double.” His voice is gruff but smooth all at the same time, and it causes me to swallow hard.
He walks closer and runs his hand against the smooth black coat of the horse. “This is Shadow. Courtney broke him one summer before she left for college. He’s got spunk; that’s why I like him so much. But we understand each other.”
I can’t help but notice there’s no saddle on the horse, only a saddle blanket covers his back.
My eyes go wide.
“Do you know how to ride?” he asks, paying no attention to me.
I turn and look at him. “I’ve been riding since I was a kid. That’s all I did during the summers when I’d visit Gigi. But there’s one issue. Where’s the saddle?”
A hearty laugh escapes him. “Well, I didn’t realize I was dealing with the rodeo queen. ‘Scuse me, milady. We don’t need a saddle. We’re going bareback.”
My mouth falls open, then closes. “Bareback?”
He leans in and whispers, and his mouth grazes the shell of my ear. “Can you handle it?”
Fuck. Me. He’s trying to drive me absolutely wild.
I nod, wondering how I’m actually going to get on, considering I’m wearing a dress. Realizing my confusion, John grabs a stepladder that I’m sure they use for the kids they give lessons to.
“Hold the blanket, then hop on.” He unhooks the lead rope from Shadow’s bridle, then grabs the reins and hands them to me. Carefully, I stand on my tiptoes and loop my leg over the top of Shadow, scooting the saddle pad back to the middle with my butt, trying not to reveal too much, considering my choice of clothes. I’m going to be so sore tomorrow from riding.
“Good job,” he says, looking up at me with a proud smile before he takes the step up and swings his leg over too. He’s sitting right behind me. Our bodies are closer at this moment than they’ve ever been; well, if you don’t count the accidental spooning.
John snakes his arms around me, and goose bumps cover my body as he takes the reins from my hand and steers from behind. He clicks his mouth and gives Shadow a little nudge with his heels, and soon, we’re riding out of the barn toward a trail.
Though I’ve lived on the ranch for a few months, I’ve not been given a grand tour. But with John sitting behind me, his body so damn close to mine, I can barely concentrate on anything at all. I try to focus on not sliding off Shadow because it’s much harder to stay on without stirrups. I’m holding on as tight as I can with my legs, and John notices.
“Relax, sweetheart. We’re gonna stay at this pace,” he tells me, his breath and mouth so close to my skin I feel as if I’m on fire.
The sun continues to set, casting a burst of dark purple across the horizon. I can’t help but look around at the rolling hills, and I try to take it all in. The sound of the crickets, the way the sun casts a warm glow in the afternoons, and the smell of fresh air. This place is so beautiful, it takes my breath away, and I already know I’m going to miss it so much. The thought of not being in Texas for much longer makes me queasy.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks as if he felt my mood change.
“Nothing really.” I try to lie, and though he’s not buying it, he doesn’t push it any further.
The trail changes, and we begin to climb in elevation. At the top of the hill, I can see for miles. We continue down the other side, and when we make it to the bottom, I see a large pond and smoke. There’s a fire built and a few wooden benches surrounding it. I can tell this is a regular hangout or a stopping point for the riders when they take the trails with Jackson.
I try to look at him over my shoulder, impressed with the freshly burning fire. “How’d you manage this?”
“Bishop Brother magic.” He laughs, but I have a feeling he put Jackson up to it.
Once we’re close to the small fire, John moves off the side of Shadow, like it’s no big deal, then takes the reins and ties him up to a bar by a nearby tree.
He opens his arms to catch me since there’s no ladder over here. At first, I’m slightly scared because Shadow is so tall, and it’s a long way to the ground.
“Trust me.” John scoots closer and opens his arms. He has no idea how much I do trust him. Somehow, I get my leg over Shadow without revealing too much in this dress and slip right into John’s arms. He holds me tight, and we stay like that for a moment before he sets me down, and I feel the shift between us.
He takes my hand and leads me over to the small campfire, and on the bench is a package of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Instantly, I think of Graham the man and my sister, and my family back in Georgia. For once, I wish the thoughts would just go away so I can actually enjoy being alone with John.
“Do you like s’mores?” he asks.
“Oh yeah. I love them, probably a little too much,” I admit, knowing I could eat a handful of them. “We’d do lots of campfires at m
y grandparents’ when all the kids would visit, and it became a tradition.”
John places some firewood on the flames and sits on the bench. He pats the space next to him, inviting me to sit. The sun has long dipped under the horizon, and the only light we have is the warm glow of the wood burning. It’s nice to sit in silence and not say anything at all because we don’t have to.
“Mila…” He finally speaks, breaking me from the flames, though when I look at him, he’s the one who sets my body on fire. “I know you’re leaving soon.”
My mouth falls open, and I close it. There’s nothing I can say because my time here was always temporary.
“I overheard you talking on the phone today.”
I’m shocked. He sees through me like glass.
“I was talking to Kat. How much did you hear?” I ask, turning my body to face him.
“Something about a goody basket.” He chuckles, though I hear the slight sadness in his tone.
“No, you didn’t,” I mumble, my face going hot.
“I also know about the interview too, Mila.” He glances at me, our eyes meet, then he looks back at the fire, but I can’t take my eyes off him. Not right now, not as I study how sexy the stubble on his chin is or how his tongue darts out and licks his full lips.
“Oh, that.” I never imagined we’d be sitting here having this conversation right now. I wanted to wait until I knew for a fact I had the job, though I’m certain what the outcome will be. Even Kat knows I’m a shoo-in. That’s just how small-town politics and jobs work.
“I hope you give it a chance especially after hearing Kat’s words about how much this means to you.”
He glances over at me.
“I wasn’t eavesdropping. Or at least I hadn’t meant to. I got horseshit on me when I was helping Jackson, so I came home to get a clean shirt and to see Maize before heading back to the B&B. When I walked in, you were on the phone in the laundry room, and I didn’t want to interrupt you. So after changing my shirt, I went to the kitchen, and you were still on the phone while folding clothes. The conversation sounded important, so I waited for a moment to tell you I was home, but then realized there were things I shouldn’t be hearing,” he adds.
“Are you Houdini or something?” I let out a stifled laugh, surprised I didn’t hear him, though I do recall a noise in the kitchen. I should’ve known, but I was sucked into Kat’s and my conversation. “I’m sorry, John. That’s not the way I wanted you to find out. I just didn’t want to make a fuss over something that wasn’t a for sure thing yet. I hope you understand that. I did plan on telling you once I knew, though.”
He nods, but the conversation goes silent. “I’m the one who should be apologizing right now.”
“There’s no need for all that.” I suck in a deep breath, trying to find my words. I think back to all the times I should’ve told Cade the truth and how different my life would’ve gone had I just confessed my feelings to him. Now, I’m thankful I didn’t, but I can’t leave Texas without telling John the truth. Out of anyone, he deserves to know, considering if I do fly back to Georgia, he and Maize—who I’ve grown so damn attached to—will be missing me. My heart lurches forward. They need me, and I need them just as much. There’s so much conflict inside me that I don’t know what to do anymore.
“Since I was a little girl, my dream was to teach at the same elementary school I went to. It’s in my hometown, which is pretty small, but I always knew a position there wasn’t guaranteed, considering it’s a small school. However, that didn’t stop me from getting my degree. I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact on kids, inspire them, spoil them, teach them. Most people can remember their first-grade teacher’s name for that reason alone. It sets them up for their whole educational career, which is why it’s always appealed to me. So when I got a call to interview there, I knew I should’ve felt ecstatic. But the truth is, I don’t know what I want anymore. I know that I miss my family and home, though.”
John’s expression drops, and I can see a hint of sadness in his eyes too.
“But,” I add, “I feel like I have a family here too. One that needs me. I love Maize so much, and the thought of leaving her, not hearing her little laughs or cries, and having tummy time with her, dancing with her, or sharing all my secrets absolutely crushes me. She’s become an integral part of my life, and I’ve become more attached than I ever thought possible. Then there’s your family who’s welcomed me from the very first day. And my new friends—Emily, River, and Kiera—they’re like another set of sisters. Then, of course, Gigi and Papaw and my cousin Kat are all here too. There’s so much here, but there’s so much at home too.” I take a deep breath, realizing I’m pouring my heart out to him, and it feels right to do so. “I wasn’t prepared for any of this,” I tell him honestly. “I thought I’d help with a baby, make some money while I wait for job offers, and then go back home before the school year started. But it’s become much more than that. Texas is home too. It always has been, and I’ve always loved being here.” I pause for a moment as John watches me. “And then there’s you.”
A moment passes, his eyes staying glued on me, and then his strong hand wraps around my neck as his lips crash into mine. I don’t pull away. I taste him, all of him, as our tongues mingle together. My body and soul are on fire, and by the time we break our embrace, my mind is reeling, and it all feels like a dream. My lips are numb, and when my eyes flutter open, he smiles. “You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted to kiss you again.”
“I know,” I whisper. “I was starting to wonder if I’d ever get to again.”
Grabbing my hand, he looks directly at me. The mood shifts to a more serious one, and I’m almost worried what he’ll say. “I’d never hold you back, Mila, and I won’t beg you to stay. Even though the selfish part of me really wants to, you have to do what’s right for you. Sometimes, it’s easier when someone else makes the decision for us, but this is one I can’t make. You have to listen to what your heart says. Teaching is such a wonderful gift that not everyone is blessed to have, and I know you’ll positively impact hundreds of children throughout your career. I could never take that away from you and ask you to stay here on the ranch with Maize and me. It wouldn’t be fair to you. I have a lot on my plate between being a dad and running the B&B, so it’s definitely a different lifestyle out here, and I know it’s not for everyone. A part of me wants to be greedy and keep you all to myself, but that’s just not who I am.” He lets out a stifled laugh. “For once, I wish I was more like Jackson.”
My emotions bubble. Watching John, listening to his words and how sincere they are doesn’t make leaving any easier.
“I know there’s a lot to think about and consider,” I finally say. “And I love your lifestyle. You’ve got Maize and your career, and all of this.”
He gives me a small smile and thankfully changes the subject as the wood cracks and pops. “I’m happy that I get to raise Maize on the ranch. Growing up here has shaped who I am today. Being a part of a large, loud family, I’ve had a good life. I learned that I won’t always get my way, but it’s important to mean what you say and say what you mean. But ranch life isn’t easy. I worked my fair share of younger years doing grunt work, getting kicked by animals, and falling head first into a pile of mud. It’s been a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, and even tears.”
“You’re lucky, though. I’m envious of your view, and how there’s always something to do. Growing up in suburban Georgia, well let’s just say there weren’t too many adventures. Unless you consider the time my one neighbor had an affair with the pool boy and was a real-life cliché of being a money-hungry housewife.”
He smirks. “Jackson created enough adventures for us both.”
I grab a metal poker from beside me and open the marshmallows. After I place one on the end of the stick, I hand the other one to John. I’m serious about my s’mores and melt my marshmallow from above while John places his right in the flame until it’s on fire.
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��Do you like being a twin?” I ask.
He pulls his marshmallow from the fire, and it’s burnt to a crisp. “There are times when I do. Times when I don’t. Sometimes, it’s hard to be an individual when I’m always standing in Jackson’s shadow. Though I don’t mind it. I love him, though sometimes I want to strangle him. He has a good heart, just stubborn.”
I set my stick on the bench and open the graham crackers, placing a piece of chocolate on them as John eats his marshmallow plain. “You two aren’t that different after all.”
Once my s’more is put together, I take a bite, and it’s the most perfect thing I’ve ever tasted. I think this is the first time I’ve ever had a s’more on a date, and the thought makes me grin.
“Was that a direct jab at my stubbornness?” He licks his fingers.
I nod because my mouth is full of sugary goodness.
“I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to have a twin and have someone who’s on your side at all times, who understands you on a deeper level. Sure, I’ve got tons of siblings, but it’s different when you have someone who looks exactly like you. I bet y’all got into a lot of trouble.”
He rubs his hands on his pants, then glances over at me. “When we were younger, we used to pretend to be each other. Though Mama will say she knows her boys, there were times when she couldn’t even tell us apart.”
I burst into laughter. “No way.”
“Yep. We even switched classes at school. All I had to do was be loud and act out, and everyone thought I was Jackson.”
“So did y’all ever girlfriend trade?”
He rolls his eyes. “He for sure wanted to, but do you think I want anyone Jackson’s been with? Also, I’m not the type of man to share, not even with my brother, but I think he’d be all about it.”
I laugh, but I can’t stop thinking about feeling his lips against mine again. As if he reads my mind, he places one hand on my bare leg and the other wraps around my neck, and he pulls me close. Instead of kissing me immediately, John pulls my bottom lip between his teeth and tugs. I let out a sigh right before his lips brush lightly against mine. Not rushing, he continues to tease me until I’m two seconds from mauling him. Our kisses deepen, becoming more passionate, and I end up straddling him, his hands holding my ass, and I can feel how hard he is, which only turns me on further.