by Lelly Hughes
“Thank you,” I tell her as I move closer. The aroma of the coffee has my taste buds begging for a sip.
“You’re welcome. I’m June, and I’ll be in the house if you need anything else. Just give me a holler.” She’s gone in a flash, not willing to hang out and see if I do, in fact, need anything else. I suppose, since I only asked for coffee and toast, it isn’t that hard to mess up, and she probably figures I’ll be fine for now.
As soon as I sit down, I regret it. While the chair is hard, it’s not uncomfortable, but my view of Levi is now limited due to the slats on his deck. I can only see glimpses of him, and while I shouldn’t be focused on him while he works, I am. For whatever reason, I can’t seem to get him off my mind.
After I finish eating, I cover my legs with the afghan and wish that I had a book to read, something to take my mind off Van, our divorce, and Levi being shirtless. I lean back and let the mid-morning sun warm my face. Even the sun feels differently than it does in California. Brighter and dare I say more cheerful. There isn’t an abundance of noise, buildings, or smog blocking out the rays. No wonder Levi prefers it here rather than Hollywood. I haven’t been here a day yet, and I can already see why. It’s not long until sleep finds me before it takes me away from my viewing pleasure and turns my sights into dreams.
My name is being called, and I can’t tell if it’s part of my dream or if someone is trying to wake me up. I stretch and yawn, only to hear a small bit of laughter. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust. Standing before me, shielding part of the sun is a still shirtless Levi.
“How long have I been asleep?” I ask as I sit up.
“At least a couple of hours. June came out to get me for lunch, and this is how I found you.”
Instinctively I cover my face with my hands and groan. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep outside, but between the sun and being exhausted I couldn’t help it. “I’m sorry,” I tell Levi.
“For what?” He sits down in the chair next to me, but instead of sitting back, he positions himself, so he’s facing me. “You’re on vacation. Sleep all you want. No one will judge you here.”
“Speaking of… how many people do you have working here?”
Levi takes his hat off and runs his fingers through his damp hair before replacing his cap. “June manages the house, but it’s mostly when I’m gone. Since I’m the only one who lives here, I’m really not that messy, so she only comes in once a week or so. With you here, she’ll be on hand to make sure you’re comfortable, and I have one guy who manages the land. He often brings others in to help, but it’s at his discretion.”
“But you were working today?”
“I like to. It keeps me in shape.”
I want to tell him that it’s noticeable, but I don’t. He doesn’t need to know that I was checking him out. Leading him on is the last thing I want to do.
Lunch is served, and for the most part, I feel like an invalid sitting on this chair with my legs wrapped in the afghan, but it’s chilly, and the idea of being in the house right now makes me feel a bit claustrophobic. Every day that I’m not working, I’m holed up in my house, confined to the walls that keep me safe.
I shiver, and I swear it’s from the wind and not the look that Levi is giving me. When he smiles, it’s the perfect type with his head bent slightly, and his eyes focused on me. My breathing hitches and my heart skips a beat or two causing me to shyly look away. He hands me my plate, and when his fingers brush against my flesh, they cause the same reaction as his smile.
I shouldn’t feel anything for him, and frankly, I don’t understand why my body is having this type of reaction. But it has been since the day I met him at the video shoot. There is something about Levi that I can’t put my finger on, nor do I want t even try. I am in no way ready to pursue anything with anyone. The emotional heartache that Van has put me through is enough to last me a lifetime. What I want, though, is a chance to enjoy the serenity he’s offering me with his home until I’m left with no choice but to return to my life.
“If you don’t like what June made I can have her make you something else.” Levi points at the plate of food I have yet to touch. I’ve been far too lost in my own head to realize that he’s eaten lunch while I’ve sat here contemplating my reactions to him.
“No, this is perfect,” I tell him as I quickly take a bite. He watches me for a second before he sits back in the chair and closes his eyes. The growling in my stomach keeps me from staring at him for too long, though.
But once I’ve set my plate back onto the table, the sliding glass door opens and June appears, causing Levi to walk up. She is either watching us or has an amazing ability to predict when she’s needed.
“Thank you, June.”
“Yes, thank you,” I add. She smiles softly as she gathers the dishes and returns inside. “Does she know who I am?” I ask Levi once the door is closed.
“Unfortunately, she does, but she’s been a stellar employee for years and has signed a non-disclosure agreement. June met with Barbara this morning to go over it again.
“Barbara… I like her.” I spent most of the flight talking to her about Nashville and the music industry here. She’s vastly different from Laura, whereas she only cares about publicity and Barbara cares about the quality of life. It was her son who met us at the airport with Levi’s truck. She told me to call her anytime I wanted to escape the monotony of the ranch. As I look around, I can see what she meant. I’m surrounded by the same view in every direction that I look. I imagine that after a while, it’ll become rather boring.
“Barb’s amazin'. She’s family. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
“She went with you to California?”
Levi nods. “She goes everywhere with me, except on tour. Although she’s been known to show up a few times.”
“My publicist is nothing like her. In fact, mine slept with my ex.”
Levi looks at me sharply, causing me to look away. “Stupid man,” he mutters. I don’t know if he intended for me to hear him or not, but I did, and honestly, I like that he said it because yes, Van is a stupid man.
“What are you in the mood for?’ he asks as he stands up. “I don’t know if you’re tired or not or if you’d like to take the horses out for a bit.”
I am tired, but I like the idea of spending some time with Levi. “I’ve never ridden a horse before,” I remind him.
He extends his hand, and I easily slip mine into his. “I won’t let you fall, Zara.”
Somehow I know he means what he says and it makes those words mean more to me than anything I’ve heard in a long, long time.
Chapter 16
Levi
If I didn’t know any better, I would guess that her hand was made to fit in mine, but I do know better and know that Zara and I are two very different people from vastly different worlds. She’s here because she needs a friend and that is what I am going to be to her.
Knowing this, though, doesn’t make me release her hand once we’ve walked down the wide plank steps, through the yard and into the barn where the horses neigh for attention.
We have three, one for each of us. Back in the day, I used to think that Stormy would be a barrel racer or a show jumper. She loved her horse so much that she would beg to stay home instead of following me out on tour just so she could ride her. That was until she started dancing and her passion changed. I don’t blame her, but I do miss watching her ride, and I miss having her at home.
We stop in front of Willow’s horse. “This is Abby,” I tell Zara as I hold her hand out to pet the bridge of Abby’s nose. Abby moves her head up and down, asking for more.
Zara laughs and continues to pet her. “She’s beautiful.”
That she is with her light brown coat and dark mane. “Abby’s an American Quarter horse and very easy to ride. She’s easily the best horse I have ever owned.” My hands run through her mane, but she seems more interested in getting to know Zara. Not that I can blame her. Horses have a
keen sense when it comes to people. “This is who you will ride.”
“Okay,” she says, but I sense some hesitancy in her voice.
“She’s gentle, and I’ll be right beside you the whole time.” I want to offer to ride tandem, but know that doing so would be inappropriate.
“Okay, if you say so.” Her voice wavers, but I can hear a bit of determination in there.
Abby moves her head up and down rapidly, causing Zara to laugh. “I think Abby agrees with me.” I leave Zara there so she and Abby can get acquainted while I ready my Tennessee Walking Horse. His name is Night because of his jet-black coloring. There isn’t a speck of another color anywhere on his body and when people first meet him, they’re scared and automatically assume he’s mean.
As soon as he sees his saddle, he’s bouncing, ready to get out and stretch his legs. Being in Los Angeles has really put a damper on our rides together, which is another reason I want to get back here permanently.
“Whoa, boy,” I say as I run my hand over his back and down his leg. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been in his stall with him; I treat each time as if it were the first. Anything can spook the best-behaved horse, and I’m trying to prevent that.
Once he’s saddled I guide him out and head back to Zara. Her eyes are wide as Night, and I approach. “He’s huge,” she says as Night comes to rest near her. “And gorgeous.”
She reaches her hand out to pet him, and he lowers his head. I’m rather shocked by his gesture toward her since he’s normally standoffish. Maybe he senses that Zara’s someone he can trust. “This is Night,” I say as I pet him. “He looks scary, but deep down he’s a big softy. Extend your hand,” I tell her, placing a sugar cube in her palm. Before she can give it to Abby, Night takes it from her like a little thief.
“Oh, that feels funny.”
I can’t help but laugh at the face Zara makes. It’s a cross between nervous and excited because Night has a massive tongue with very large teeth, but he’s gentle with her. Maybe he knows that I like her and is the only one to admit any true feelings.
I take Zara into Abby’s stall and repeat the same process I did with Night, making sure it’s Zara who is touching Abby, so they get used to each other. When Abby is saddled, I give Zara more sugar cubes, and she doesn’t hesitate to feed them to Abby.
“Not all horses are like this, right?”
“No, their temperaments can vary. It really depends on how they were raised and trained. Because of the girls, I made sure our horses were fully trained before we bought them. Stormy’s horse is a sweet girl but used for racing, and I don’t think you’re ready to have the wind in your hair just yet.” I wink at her as I take Abby’s reins and pull her out of her stall. I take hold of Night’s as well and lead them out of the barn and into the sun. Both horses dance around, eager to go for their walk.
“Am I dressed okay?” Zara asks, giving me the opportunity to gawk at her without being caught.
“You’re dressed fine,” I tell her even though she could put on jeans, but seeing her bare legs turns me on, and I don’t want her to cover them up. Besides, we are riding out in the open, and the chance that she gets any scratches on her legs is minimal. Still, I pull my flannel off the nail by the door and hand it to her. “Just in case you get cold.”
Zara takes the offered shirt and slips it on immediately, causing a stirring that I have been trying to ignore since the day she came over to the house. I shake my head and tell myself that it’s only a shirt and nothing more, that we’ll never be anything more than friends.
“Okay, put your right foot in the stirrup and your hand on the horn. You’re going to pull yourself up and swing your left leg over. The first time won’t be easy, so I’m going to help you.” I try to clear my mind of any impending thoughts that are threatening to surface about how my hand is about to touch her. It’s for her benefit. Otherwise she’ll struggle and give up, and I can’t have that.
“Like this?” she asks as she pulls on the horn and her leg swings out.
“Yes,” I say, trying not to laugh. “Move closer to Abby; she won’t move.”
Zara does, and as she tries to pull herself up, I place my hands just under her ass and hoist her up. Of course, as hard as I tried not to imagine anything perverted I failed once I touched her bare skin.
I stay behind her so she can’t see my erection while I give her basic instructions. The last thing I want is to send her the wrong message. She’s here to recover, not get hit on.
Once I’ve mounted Night we start off toward the back portion of my land. I have a man-made pond that I usually let the horses drink from and make that our destination point.
We move along with a slow trot while I point out specifics about my property. If she continues to ride, I’ll take her up the ridge where she can see the city. I’ve always thought about taking someone special up there to look at the lights below. Iris hated horses and didn’t care much for hiking.
I keep pace with Zara and Abby, much to Night’s displeasure. I know he wants to get out and run, and I make a mental note to take him out again in the morning, along with Stormy’s horse. Abby couldn’t care less if she ever ran.
“Are you havin' fun?” I ask as we draw closer to the pond.
“I am, but it’s hot out.”
She’s right, and I hadn’t thought about making sure I was covered, but she is, and I guess that’s more important to me right now.
“Are you wearing sunblock?” she asks.
I nod but also grimace. “Most of my torso is.”
I can tell by the way she’s looking at me that she doesn’t like my answer. I like that she cares though.
“We’re comin' upon the pond. The horses will drink, and then we’ll head back.” I’m pissed that I didn’t plan ahead. If I hadn’t been so eager to get her out here, I could’ve made sure that I had water and snacks for us, plus a shirt for me.
Abby starts to trot faster when she sees the pond, causing me to react. I reach over and grab her reins to hold her steady. The last thing I want is for Zara to be scared and never ride again.
When we get closer, I hop off Night and let him meander to his drinking hole while I help Zara down. With her hands on my forearms, she slides down my body, pressing herself into me. As soon as I feel my body reacting, I step away expecting her to let go of my arms, but she doesn’t. I chalk it up to her needing to steady herself, but she looks pretty sure-footed. Nothing but friends I remind myself.
Abby moves toward the pond causing Zara to watch her. She goes to follow and reaches for my hand in the process. I could easily play this off and say it’s because of the terrain and the flimsy tennis shoes she’s wearing, but the land is fairly flat, and even the clumsiest person couldn’t fall.
“This is so beautiful, Levi.”
I open my mouth to tell her that it’s not nearly as beautiful as she is but quickly change my mind. “Thank you. It took us about two months to dig out and run the pipes. There’s a natural spring not far from here, so the water is fresh.”
“Do you swim in there?”
“Yeah, we do. The middle is about eight feet deep, and the sides have a gradual decline.”
“Is this why you don’t have a pool?”
“I have a pool,” I tell her as I try to control my laughter. “It’s on the other side of the house. You just haven’t seen it yet.”
Zara looks at me, her expression unreadable. This would be a perfect time to kiss her if our lives were on the same path or if we had one thing in common aside from our love of music.
“You’re right. Once I sat on the deck, I didn’t move. I guess you owe me another tour when we get back.”
“That can be arranged,” I say, winking at her again. I have never been much of a winker until I met her. I think it’s because I like watching her cheeks turn red when I do it.
“I think we should go swimming.”
“We can later.”
“No, now,” she says, stepping away
from me. The first article of clothing she removes is my shirt, followed by her own and when her hands start to shimmy her shorts off, I tell myself to turn away, but I don’t. I stand there, watching as she undresses in front of me, killing me slowly.
“Are you coming?”
Not yet, I want to bark out. “I… uh…”
“It’s fine, Levi, no one can see us, right?” She doesn’t wait for my answer as she steps into the pond nor does she test the water before she dives in. When she disappears under, I adjust myself again, knowing full well that I can’t take off my jeans without her seeing the issue I have growing.
Yet, when she surfaces, she beckons me with her finger, and I find myself quickly shucking off my boots, tossing my hat to the side and undoing my pants. I think about anything from planting a garden, working on my truck, to witnessing my parents going at it. That right there curbs my erection.
I dive in and swim toward her, popping up behind her. The cool water does exactly what I need it to do and keeps my hard on at bay. I’m going to have to learn to control myself around her mostly out of fear that she’ll think I have her here for only one reason.
“This is nice,” she says, turning around. Our legs touch often as we tread water and each time there’s a stirring of excitement.
“It is nice suggestion.”
Out of the blue, her hands grip my forearms. Her blue eyes bore into mine and her tongue darts out to lick her lips. There’s a slight tilt to her head, and for a brief moment I think she’s going to kiss me, but Night and Abby make sure that doesn’t happen when they start neighing.
Chapter 17
Zara
I don’t know what I’m thinking or what has come over me, but the urge to kiss Levi is growing day by day. I don’t know if it’s the thought of kissing someone new that has me trying to make it happen or because I know that Van would be hurt if he ever found out. Thinking about Van’s feelings is enough to know that I can’t make a move on Levi. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us, and I can’t be certain that I wouldn’t be doing it as some sort of rebound.