Spurs & Stilettos

by Johnson, Ashley

  I’m done for, the butterflies have taken over my entire body and I’m completely swooning over this cowboy behind me. I can’t, I’m never going to see him again I know this, even if he does live just a few minutes from me. This is his life and I don’t fit in here. I never will. “Oh, are you sure I can?”

  “Yes, just relax.” In one slow movement, he guides my hand towards Bandit and in the blink of an eye I’m stroking Bandit’s mane and he doesn’t even flinch.

  “Wow,” I whisper. “Hi Bandit.” I stand there continuing to stroke his mane when I realize that Wesley moved his hand away and I was doing it all on my own.

  I remove my hand slowly so I didn’t spook Bandit and turn around, “Hey, why’d you let go?”

  “I didn’t know you wanted me to keep it there or I would have.”

  “Oh, ok.” I’m disappointed I can’t lie, it was too comfortable having his hand right there. A familiarity that I missed way too much.

  “You seem to be pretty relaxed for this being a place you said you aren’t a fan of.” He pries a little.

  I take in a deep breath wondering how much is acceptable to say to Wesley. I’m afraid the smallest word will turn him away but what do I have to lose? “My uh, sister died a few years ago when we were coming home from a rodeo and I thought it would be too much for me. I wasn’t sure I could handle being here.”

  His face drops as he takes in my every word. “I’m so sorry Hope.” It hurts to say it still. I hate the feelings that come with it. It hurts bringing this up but sometimes talking about it helps.

  I smile at his sincerity. Something about it is completely selfless and I let out my breath. “Thank you. It’s just been a hard time but I’m learning to pick up the pieces again. All of them.”

  “I can’t imagine going through that. For what it’s worth, I really am glad you are here.”

  “Me too,” I answer quietly.

  “I really admire you for being here tonight and overcoming this. You’re very strong.”

  I’m about to respond when my phone vibrates again. I try to pull it out slowly but Brad’s name sticks out brightly into the night sky. I groan wondering why he just won’t stop. “Are you sure you don’t need to get that Hope?”

  “I’m sure,” I reply before whispering, “Why won’t he quit?”

  “Who? Is everything ok?”

  I sigh wondering why it seems the universe is against me at this moment. “Everything is fine, it’s just my ex. We had a bad breakup a few days ago and he can’t take the hint. I uh, caught him in bed with another woman and I have no idea why I just told you that, so I’m going to shut up now.”

  I want to face palm myself right now for practically blurting all that out but I don’t want to look any crazier than I already feel. “Damn, well sucks to be him. He’s missing out.” He winks at me pulling my hand into his. I don’t fight it, I let our fingers intertwine. My fingers feel tingly as he grips them making me feel safe for once.

  “Yeah, try telling him that.” I roll my eyes before shoving the phone back into my pocket. I don’t want to talk about Brad. Talking about him is nothing but a buzzkill.

  “You have no idea how refreshing that is. I have no idea how any of this is supposed to work especially right now but can I have your number and see you again?”

  My heart sinks as the realization slams full force into me that I really may never see him again. Do I tell him no or should I say yes? Amber would punch me in the arm right now if I told him no, so I smile and reply, “Honestly Wesley, I had no idea who you even are. Amber will kill me if I say no so I’m going to say yes.” He hands me his phone and I punch my number in even calling my phone to show him I wasn’t making a number up.

  I pet Bandit a few more times, he’s warming up to me and I decide he’s my favorite horse ever. He is the only horse I’ve ever come close to in my life but he doesn’t need to know that. His dark chocolate eyes look at me with nothing but kindness and I’ve already forgotten how he was earlier. Time flies by as we talk. Wesley asks about Karlee and I tell him stories that he doesn’t mind hearing. He laughs along with me as I tell him about the time we got caught trying to toilet paper our principal’s house. We ended up with detention for what seemed like an eternity after that. He threatened to not let Karlee walk for graduation but after several apologies, he budged and changed his mind. We laugh together and I pet Bandit more. Most of the time, I pet Bandit on my own but I secretly wait for the moments that Wesley places his hand strategically over mine. Something about these past few hours feels like I’ve known him longer. Soon it’s time to head back to the hotel. I don’t want to go back. I want to push back time and relive this night over and over again.

  He starts his truck and turns the radio on low and I hear the low hum of a country song in the background. I have to smile and then try not to start cheesing it up when Wesley’s hand finds mine and I don’t stop him. This time, I notice the calluses his hands hold. They rub against my soft skin almost like they were made to do so.

  “I’m sorry he hurt you.” He whispers.

  I turn to face him blown away by what he just said. Brad hasn’t been mentioned since my phone lit up earlier. “Don’t be, it’s not your problem. It’s life, I’ll live. I deserve better and I’ll find it.”

  “You’re right Hope, you will.”

  The ride back is quick and we’re soon parked in the hotel parking lot. I haven’t heard from Amber, I have no idea if she’s awake or not but part of me knows she is waiting to hear all about my one on one time with Wesley.

  He unbuckles his seatbelt, not once letting go of my hand. I am trying like hell to keep it together; I mean not that long ago I found my fiancé in bed with another woman and now I’m on the verge of falling off a cliff that will either kill me or possibly save my life. Please don’t let it kill me. “Thank you for tonight Hope.”

  “I’m glad I came.” I reply trying not to conceal how breathy I am. His face is a few mere inches away and I can smell his minty breath. I could breathe him in all day long and never grow tired of it.

  The distance between us grows smaller and smaller, my breathing is more unstable than it was before. I’m trying not to look too far into this. I know nothing is going to happen from this, there’s no way it could even if we really wanted it to.

  “I’m going to kiss you now Hope,” he murmurs as he leans in lightly brushing his lips against mine. I never had a chance to even think about protesting. I’d have to be an idiot not to feel the spark that just ignited between us. It’s just like the electricity from our hands touching; you just can’t deny that sort of thing. I want to go along with this, his kiss is intoxicating but part of me is scared this is the kind of fire that I won’t be able to easily put out. He tastes like mint, chocolate chips, and heaven. He stops, leaving me breathless again before bringing his lips back forcefully against mine. I let him in, moaning as he thrusts his tongue against mine. I’m feeling a million and one things right now that I’m not sure I should even be feeling. Part of me feels severely guilty even though I shouldn’t be. Brad fucked up; he ended us like it was nothing.

  Wesley’s hands find my hair and eventually he rests his hand on the back of my neck giving me some form of stability while he works his lips against mine, placing me under his spell. One of my hands is in his hair lightly tugging while the other hand is fisted in his shirt holding onto this moment for as long as I can. When he pulls away, I’m disappointed. I could kiss this man all night long.

  “You have the softest lips I’ve ever kissed.” He whispered.

  “Are you implying you’ve kissed many lips?” I ask boldly.

  “None of them could even begin to compare to yours. I could kiss you all night but I promised you midnight and unfortunately it’s that time.”

  I want him to be lying, but the look in his green eyes tells me he’s being honest and I confirm that by the dashboard light in his truck. My heart just plummeted off that cliff in a free fall and I’m certain
I’m about to pull myself under the hotel comforter and try to hide from the world until morning. I really hope Amber is asleep, I suddenly don’t want to talk about any of this even if it was the best night I’ve had in a very long time.

  He senses my mood, it’s not hard to. My smile is gone and I look like a lost child. He lifts my chin to where our eyes meet and the passion behind his is something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. “I will call you Hope. I promise you we will see each other again soon. I can’t not see you again. Plus Bandit told me he likes you.”

  “Did he now?” I ask sheepishly, ashamed of myself for letting the good looks of a smooth talking cowboy get to me.

  “He said I have to keep you around or he won’t let me break any more records.” His flirty smile is back and I feel an ache between my legs that I’m trying hard as hell to ignore. I am not stooping to trying to seduce Wesley in his truck although I’m sure he may not fight me on it. I’m better than that though.

  “You should go get some rest Hope. Thank you for a great night.” He takes my hand in his and I fuss at myself as I feel the tears stinging at the back of my eyes. He has no idea how long I’ve waited to hear someone actually pretend to give a shit and I don’t even know him.

  “No, thank you Wesley. Tell Bandit bye for me.”

  “But it’s not bye, I’ll just tell him you’ll see him soon.” He’s so adamant I can’t help but blush at his persistence even though there’s a small voice at the back of my head telling me this is the last time.

  “Bye Wesley,” I whisper as I climb out the truck determined to keep my tears away and my dignity in tack.

  Before I make my exit, he reaches out grabbing my hand sending pure electricity shooting through my veins once again. “This isn’t goodbye Hope, I swear.” He pulls me closer brushing his lips lightly across mine and I try to stop the tear that slowly falls down my cheek. With his free hand he brushes it away and I feel so stupid for allowing myself to be so weak in front of a complete stranger. “You’re so beautiful, I should have told you that sooner tonight,” he whispers as I blush a deep crimson.

  I slowly pull away from him returning his mega watt smile as I shut the truck door. With every ounce of strength I possess, I walk with my head held high into the elevator. I smile thinking of the great night I just had but at the same time I’m scared of how I’m feeling, scared I really may never see him again. Before the elevator stops on our floor, my phone goes off and I grab it to find a message from Wesley. I smile as I read what it says and quickly type my response. Maybe I really will get to see him again. I pull the room key out of my purse and insert it. As soon as the light turns green, I push the door open and let out the breath I think I’ve been holding all night long.

  Chapter 6

  Just as I suspected Amber is lying on the bed gorging on junk food and watching country music videos. She is currently all googly-eyed over Jason Aldean. I roll my eyes as she makes kissy faces in my direction. I flop on the extra queen size bed and face her as she suddenly gets serious.

  “So Brad called asking where you were, and I told him the truth.”

  My eyes literally pop out my head as I stare at her. “What the hell Amb? Are you serious?”

  “As a heart attack. He said he tried to text you and you didn’t answer so he had the nerve to call me. Hope, who gives a shit what he thinks? You haven’t done anything wrong at all. You are a single woman and I know you didn’t sleep with Wesley did you?”

  “No! We just kissed.” I can’t help but blush as I answer her. I try to hide the tingly feeling I’m getting right now just thinking about that kiss.

  She suddenly smiles. “Is he a good kisser? Where did he take you? I want all the details!”

  Silly Amber, I knew all this was coming. “Well, we went to a diner then he took me back to meet his horse Bandit and then back here.”

  “He introduced you to his horse? When’s the wedding?”

  I threw my pillow at her face. She laughs hysterically as I sit there trying to keep from laughing too. “Seriously though Amb, he is so sweet and you know the craziest part? He lives in Kirby. He’s so close. He told me this wasn’t goodbye, he wouldn’t even let me say bye.”

  “Wow, do you think you’ll actually see him again?”

  “Please tell me I’m not doing anything wrong because I really do hope I get to see him again Amber.” I let out a sigh feeling completely ridiculous. I’m still swooning. Stupid new feelings are taking over me.

  “Look at me Hope,” and I do. I meet my best friend’s brown eyes as she continues, “What could you possibly be doing wrong? Nothing. You’re single; you didn’t screw up your last relationship. Yeah, so you kissed a guy two days after your breakup and felt something, you deserve this. You need to feel and if Wesley Tyler is the one to bring that out in you, then no you aren’t doing anything wrong.”

  “Good,” I smile. Brad sends another text that I don’t answer as I turn the phone over before going to the bathroom to take a shower. I don’t want the water to wash off any of Wesley, I smile as I remember the kiss we shared and find myself eagerly waiting to experience another whenever that may be. Amber is passed out under the covers and I tiptoe to my bed carefully climbing under and getting comfortable. I decide to check my phone one more time and I’m more than excited I did because I find one more message from Wesley.

  Wesley: Why did I bring you back to your hotel at midnight? I can’t get you off my mind.

  Me: Me too :( nite.

  ********

  The drive home always seems to go by faster than the initial ride to wherever you go. That’s just some unspoken fact. It can take five hours to get somewhere but only two and a half to get home especially when Amber is on a mission. It seems she’s speeding a little to get home so I’m extra glad I took some Dramamine before we left Houston. I keep thinking last night was a dream but all I have to do is bring my hand up to my lips and I can feel Wesley. I can feel his lips moving against mine in that moment. He texted me this morning to wish us a safe drive home. Even though the sun is out, I keep my eyes open constantly watching the road as Amber drives. I’m doing what I should have done that evening two years ago. My stomach is full of more nerves than are welcome trying to think of when I may be able to see him again. As we enter San Antonio, I’m suddenly hit with the fact that I’m homeless. I left the apartment and Brad was there. I never want to step into that apartment ever again. Everything in there is tainted crap to me.

  “Where am I supposed to go?” I ask feeling lost.

  “What are you talking about Hope, you’re staying with me. You’ve been staying with me the past few nights.”

  “I can’t impose on you. I need to start looking for a place.”

  She takes her eyes off the road for a split second causing my heart to stop beating. I want to scream at her to keep her eyes on the road but I hold my breath praying she will just read my mind. “Look at me Hope. We’re going to be roommates. I always wanted that, but Brad stole you away and now I have my best friend back. You’re stuck with me plain and simple.”

  I laugh. This is an argument I’ll never win so I don’t even try. Traffic is light as we continue our drive home. As she pulls up outside her apartment, Brad’s truck is parked in front and he’s standing by the door like he’s waiting for me. And he is. Amber told him I met someone. Shit.

  “Leave Brad, you don’t need to be here.” Amber warns jumping out her car. He’s not even fazed that she’s ten seconds from completely losing her shit on him. Every ounce of breath I had just left and I can’t believe he’s here. I’m shocked to see him, and not in a good way.

  “I’m not leaving until I talk to my fiancée, Amber, so mind your damn business.”

  “This is my fucking apartment asshole so if I say leave, you need to leave. And she’s not your fiancée anymore.” Her finger is in his face and I see the steam rolling off the two of them.

  They’re talking like I’m not standing right here listening
to the whole thing. He says something else and then she butts right back in pissing him off even more. She pushes past him unlocking her door and walks in standing in the doorway. “Come on Hope, you don’t have to say anything to him.”

  This is one of those awkward situations where I feel like I’m stuck. Amber is right. I don’t have to say anything to him. I watch him standing there still looking pissed from the exchange of words. His eyes are glaring at me and I draw in a deep breath contemplating what to do.

  “No, I’ll talk to him. Come here.” I grab his arm and pull him inside her apartment trying to ignore the ‘what the hell’ look I’m getting from her right now. This needs to be handled although I have no idea what’s really going to be said. I drag him into the spare room that is now my room.