One Last Sunset (The Long Ranch Series Book 1)

by Prince, Michel

  “Mel, you’ve always been too smart for your own good. Sit down,” he scolded as if he were her father.

  She sat immediately.

  “Talk.”

  She tried to explain what she knew.

  “We need to go buy out the store on distilled water. I told you we needed one here not just in the cabin.”

  “I’ll do that,” Walt assured her.

  “Right now. I can’t have our children…” Tina shivered.

  Melody felt for her. Mel was afraid for her family, but she couldn’t imagine if she had children to worry about.

  “I said I’ll do it, but Mel’s right. We can’t start a panic. Right now, we won’t tell anyone but the family. If I send a hand out to get it questions will be asked. I’ll bring some down to MeMaw.”

  “Make sure she only gives Lester the good water.”

  “You’re asking the woman who doesn’t believe animals should be inside to give the animal bottled water?” Walt asked with all seriousness.

  “She loves that damn dog and he’ll probably out live her, but if she’s giving him tainted water—he could die in a few days depending on the levels.”

  “When will we know more?” Tina asked.

  “Next week. Maybe.” Who knew how long the EPA would take to get back to them.

  “I think the kids and I should go to my parents.” Tina sniffed. “Don’t give me that look.”

  “Tina, at this point—”

  “If nothing else it will make them get the results quicker.” She stood determined and went into the kitchen.

  “She does know me.”

  “You have a lot of pull around here, Walt.”

  He ran his hand over his head, then brought it to his lips. Stress exuded from his every motion. “I’ve never wanted to be in charge. If your damn brother could of just come a few years earlier…”

  “You’d still be running this place. Miles will never settle down.”

  “How do we break this to my dad?”

  “You’re in charge.” She tried to smile. She knew Clevon put Walt in charge, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t openly questioning any issues.

  “Why don’t you head out to Sunny’s and get everything settled with him. This might just be the perfect time to get away.”

  * * * *

  There were a few things Sunny knew about roofing. The first, even with the smallest roof, make sure you start in the morning, especially when doing it all by yourself. Although he had all the materials, he’d still wait until morning to start. There was no way by himself he could tear off the old metal roof and replace its asphalt shingles in time for bed. And he wasn’t going to sleep under a plywood base roof. Instead, he started in on sanding down the outside of the cabin so it would be ready for paint in a few days.

  The stack of supplies took him almost an hour to unload. He hadn’t even started mapping out the inside. Clay wanted new everything. Guess it was nice to have that kind of money. The goal was to keep things rustic, but new cupboards were a must. The bathroom needed to be redone too. Luckily. Clay had been thinking about it for a while so he wasn’t leaving Sunny to become an interior decorator.

  He’d taken the truck back to Walt, swapping it out for the gator. The guys weren’t around so he’d just left the keys in the cup holder.

  Sun beat down on Sunshine. Sweat dripped down his back so he went to the water pump on the side of the cabin and took off his shirt. Dousing it in the cold water, he was ringing it out when he heard a vehicle in the front.

  When he came around the corner. he saw Melody hopping out of a different gator. Stress creased her brow, and he feared she might cry.

  “Oh, that’s not even fair.”

  “What’s not?” he asked, trying to cut the distance between them.

  “That body. Do you ever wear a shirt?”

  “I had it on.” He smirked, then snapped the shirt to get the last of the water before pulling it over his head.

  “That’s not much better,” she purred as her fingertips ran over abs clearly visible through the white fabric. Her hand suddenly jerked back as it slid over his damp shirt.

  Sunny looked around. Of course, they still had to be discreet. “You’re a few hours early, I haven’t even started cooking.”

  “I was sent out here,” she said, still scrutinizing his shirt. “We have nothing at the clinic for the next week or so and Clay said you needed someone to drive up to Minnesota with.”

  “I did suggest you.” Sunny’s lips quirked up a bit. “But I thought it would be on the weekend.”

  “Clay wants it done now and I need to get away.”

  “Well, if he doesn’t mind his house being put on hold, neither do I.” Sunny walked around back with Melody trailing him. “If I had signal I’d call my buddy, but since I don’t we’ll do it in the morning. What time we leaving?”

  “You tell me?”

  “Five.”

  “Okay.” Mel sighed. “Then I better head back to the house and pack. So much for a plate of Sunny surprise for dinner.”

  “I’ll still cook you dinner,” he said as he cradled her cheek in his hand. “And anything else you want.”

  “Another night.” She sighed, rubbing her cheek against his palm and closing her eyes. “My family needs me tonight. That was the other reason I came out here.”

  Sunny was disappointed, but it wasn’t like they couldn’t squeeze some fun into the trip. He would after all, have four days with Melody. One of which he planned on being in hotel room, even though he didn’t tell Clay that. They needed to stay at a farm on the way up with the horses…the way back was another story. “It’s not because you fear my skills.”

  “You’re talking about cooking, right?” She smiled.

  He couldn’t help claiming her lips again. Sweet flavor had his body reacting. No longer softly cradling a cheek, he’d cupped her head in both hands and the problem they’d been having came back. Damn, he hoped they didn’t end up pitching the truck into a ditch from pawing at each other. “Damn it.” He gasped when they finally broke for air. Her nails clawed against his chest. “I’ve got to finish this and you…”

  “Right.” She gulped, stepping back from him and letting her fingers catch at his belt buckle. “It’s a long drive.” Her thumb stroked his jeans. “Very…long.”

  He felt the heat against his hardened shaft.

  “Yo, Sunny,” Clay yelled.

  They both stepped apart.

  “Back here,” Sunny called out.

  “Mellie, you should have waited ten more minutes before taking off,” Clay said as he came around the corner to see her standing with her hands shoved into the pockets of her jeans.

  “Why’s that?”

  “Walt’s on a rampage. Made me run all the way out here to bring Sunny more water. I told him Sunny only drinks water with hops and barley, but he insisted.” Clay looked between Sunny and Mel.

  Sunny’s gut pulled in.

  “Damn man, how hard are you working out here?”

  “I’ll have it all sanded down before I go to bed.”

  “I meant your shirt. I’m surprised Mel’s so close. She hates sweat.”

  “It’s water.” Sunny cleared his throat. “I was hot.”

  “You’re supposed to take off your clothes before getting in the shower. This isn’t PE.”

  “You’re hilarious,” Sunny retorted, then looked at Melody who was trying act like nothing was between them. It just made everything more awkward when Mel started inspected the overhang from the roof, rather than look at him like normal. “We’re going to take off at five tomorrow.”

  “God bless you.” Clay chuckled. “Melody…Melody Renee…”

  “What?” She snapped.

  “Damn girl, I swear you always ignore me, but could you please give me the time of day?”

  Mel pulled out her phone. “Almost three.”

  “Where is your mind lately?” he asked.

  Lately? That was weird. Sunny had nev
er known Melody to be unfocused enough for someone to comment on. He leaned in to the discussion.

  “This what you talked to Walt about?” Clay asked.

  “Maybe. When you talk all I hear is the teacher from Peanuts.”

  “Sunshine, I think you and I need to take Smelly Mellie and dump her in the creek.”

  Sunny laughed. “I need her for driving.”

  “She’ll be dry by morning, a little pissed and her hair will be out of sorts.”

  “You and I both know damaging a black woman’s hair is a federal offense punishable by death with a hot comb.”

  “I fear no family member,” Clay stated proudly. “Male or female.”

  “I’ll let MeMaw know.” Mel crossed her arms.

  Clay took off around the cabin.

  “Run, chicken, run,” Mel called in her best Jenny impression from Forest Gump. “We survive this trip…”

  “Survive?” Sunny questioned. “As in if my best friend doesn’t kill me.”

  “JT is the softest of all my cousins,” Mel cooed. “But I’m glad you said kill.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Even if he takes off an arm you’ll still…”

  “I’ll go to your father. I promise.” Sunny crossed his heart, then smiled wide.

  “What?” Mel asked nervously. “Sunny, I don’t like that smile.” She began backing up and right as she got to the corner of the cabin, Clay scooped her up.

  “You’re going to neuter me, huh?” he teased.

  Sunny grabbed Mel’s flailing legs.

  “I swear to God, Sunshine Parker, I will make this the longest trip in your life if you two think…”

  It was too late. The guys had taken off running and Mel’s pleas were falling on deaf ears. When they got to the creek they were all laughing, even Melody. Sunny pulled off her boots, not wanting them to be damaged as they dropped her in the three feet of water. It was just enough to soak her jeans and half of her shirt. Sadly, not to her breasts, but, then again, with Clay right beside him, that might be a good thing. She splashed at the two guys, then a look of horror spread across her face. She jumped from the water as though it burned her skin and scrambled to the bank as fast as she could, spitting on the ground as she did. “I’ve got to head out thanks for cooling me off see you guys later,” she sputtered out in a single breath.

  “You okay, Melody?” Sunny asked.

  In response, tears started to roll down her face. Clay and Sunny flanked her.

  “We didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “It’s not you—well, not Sunny anyway.” She glared at Clay. “The water, it’s bad. But… You should take off your shirt. I’m not sure if it’s gotten into the well.”

  “If what’s gotten into the well?”

  “I’ve got to go home and change. Only drink the water Clay brought, promise me.”

  “Yeah, uh, sure.”

  “What are you talking about, Mel?” Clay asked.

  “It’s not that bad here. But just in case.”

  “Is there something wrong—?”

  “I haven’t seen any three eyed fish,” Sunshine cut in.

  Melody rocked back on her heels.

  “That’s what you were testing for isn’t it?” Sunny asked and tried to come up with reasons for her freak out. “Mel, between drinking and showering there’s no telling how much we’ve been exposed to. How bad is it?”

  Melody looked between Clay and Sunny, her face riddled with guilt, but still she didn’t respond.

  Chapter Nine

  Even fully packed, Melody woke up at four to make sure they could leave on time. She spent almost a half hour putting on a face, only to wipe the make up away because she didn’t want her family to question why she put in such effort for a road trip. But it was so much more. This was a test. Testing a relationship that hadn’t even technically started. Could she and Sunny have more than the physical? “Mornin’ Sunshine.” She smiled as he tossed his bag into the back seat of the extended cab truck.

  “Mornin’ Melody,” he purred.

  She felt her face heat up.

  “I see you’re all ready to go.” He looked at her bag and the cooler she’d packed with sandwiches, fruit, water, and snack items. Not the most romantic of things. Necessities never were.

  She wondered if Sunny packed the one necessity he was responsible for.

  “I’ve got Songbird,” Walt said as he walked up with the black and white mare.

  Mel was glad she removed her makeup. “I’ll grab Spot,” she said, abandoning Sunny to pack away her items. The gelding was a bit feisty for so early in the morning, but they were waking them up, and not to clean out their stall. “You ready to go see JT again?” She stroked his long nose. The light tan palomino had a starburst of white running down the center. “Yep, we’re gonna take you back to that stranger.”

  Both horses were in their teens and had been JT’s pride and joy. He’d tried to bring them on the rodeo circuit, but insurance or something had stopped him from being able to. Instead, he’d had his family spend time spoiling them. Mel did love taking them out when she had time. Both Spot and Songbird had gentle temperaments, like JT.

  Once they were loaded and on the road, Melody settled in and reached for her pillow. She knew she’d have to drive at some point, but the stress of yesterday’s discovery mixed with her family discussions had drained her emotionally.

  Sunny turned the radio on low, but put in a CD instead of a local station. The songs were slow and romantic. He placed his arm on the top of the seat and waved his hand a bit.

  Mel took the sign for what it was and slid across the bench seat, bringing her pillow with her. With it by her side and her head resting in the crook of Sunshine’s shoulder, she felt herself drifting slowly. His hand curled around her body, resting on her hip. The tight muscles in her back melted and she felt safe. No matter the outcome, curled in Sunny’s arms was right.

  She wasn’t a fan of road trips. They took her away from the one place she loved more than anything. This one was different. It was right. Instead of dread, she was warm and breathing in the scent of the man, she’d fallen in love with so many years ago. She thought of the men who’d been in her life, briefly. Even Dante, who she had almost brought home. Almost. They didn’t hold a candle to the way Sunny nestled into her heart. He’d always been the one she wanted. Anyone else would end up being a substitution standing outside her heart, never truly finding their way in.

  “Melody,” Sunny cooed before kissing her forehead. “I need you to wake up, sexy.”

  “Hmmm?” She groggily stretched and sat up. The sun cutting through the cab of the truck made her cover her eyes with her arm. “Bright light,” she cried. “The vampire in me is dying.” Flopping down on Sunny’s lap, she looked up.

  He was smiling. “I’m not stopping you…but this is a family rest stop so turning over would be discouraged…not by me though. Funny.” He traced her face with his finger. “It’s almost nine. We need to water the babies.”

  “At least it will be healthy for them. You need me to drive?”

  “Not yet, next stop I will.”

  “Where are we?” Melody yawned.

  “Almost to Odessa.”

  “Wow, you were hauling ass.”

  “Could be why the tanks are low. And I said…almost.” Sunny stretched and shifted slightly. Not enough to encourage to move.

  Mel brought her knees up, and he rested his large hand on her knee. As if she’d covered herself in oil, his hand slid down toward her center. Her eyes locked on his as pools of blue soon became clouded with desire and his eyelids became hooded.

  She gasped when he made contact with her juncture. His fingers pressed firmly, and she moaned, arching her hips into his hand. A whiny, snort, and kick brought them back to the task at hand. If they wanted to make Southern Missouri by nightfall, they needed to stop with the groping. At least while stationary.

  “I’ll go find a hose,” she said.

&nbs
p; Sunny got out to fuel the truck.

  Both horses were weathering the ride well so far. She was surprised since they’d never had to travel more than an hour or two.

  “They good?” he asked while nuzzling her neck and placing his hand on her stomach. “We better get going.”

  Once again, she was wrapped in his arms with only the horse trailer to brace herself on. “Ten more hours to go.”

  “At least.”

  “I’m awake now.” Her arm curled around his head before she sighed. “No more taking advantage of me in my sleepy state”

  “You’re right. Much more fun to take advantage with you fully cognizant.” He started tracing circles up her stomach.

  She bit her lip. “We better get going.”

  With a quick trip into the bathroom, they settled back into the truck. Sandwiches and drinks came out. Sunny put down the armrest between them. The physical barrier stole their intimate bench seating arrangement.

  “Did I do something wrong?” she asked, suddenly feeling self conscious.

  “You’re a bit too sexy to sit next to me.”

  She cracked a smile. “Am I really?”

  “Yep. This trip was to get to know you. At least who you are now.”

  “Because you know who I was.”

  “Yep. When did you get rid of the glasses?” he asked as he merged onto the interstate.

  For the next four hours, they talked. Really talked. She told him about classes, and he opened up more than she expected.

  “I know he beats her, but she’ll never press charges,” he said as his index finger rubbed against his bottom lip. “When I first went on the circuit I’d hoped to win big. Get enough money to buy her a house. Nothing too big, just enough for her. Then she could move out and start her life finally.”

  “Then you didn’t win.”

  “I’m a damn good rider, my dearest. I did win,” he confessed. “Not the big bull rider money, but I won. Enough to cover rent in a townhouse for at least a year.”

  “Then what happened?” Mel asked as she kicked off her shoes and curled her left lug under her right.

  “I told her I’d pay for year and I’d make sure she got more.” Sunny ran his fingers through his hair. “She told me not to waste the money. My dad wouldn’t want to move.”