Mustang Daddy - A Single Daddy, Small Town Second Chance Romance

by Sienna Parks

  “Tell me again.” I know what he’s asking.

  “I’m not going anywhere. Here is where I want to be – always.” As the harsh Texas sun warms our flesh, Maddox and I find a heat – a spark – that only we share. My body is alive with sensation, our passion taking over. I fight to undo his buckle, pushing my hand down into his jeans until I feel his cock. Rock-hard and so fucking big. In the middle of the field, with no one around for miles, he follows my lead, pushing my dress up around my waist, before pulling my panties to the side, exposing my pussy to the warm breeze. His fingers glide over my slick entrance.

  “You’re so fucking wet for me.”

  “Fuck me, Mad. I need you.” Without another word, he positions himself, his bare cock teasing my clit before sliding me down the length of his shaft. I’ve never felt so full… so consumed.

  “A.B., you feel so fucking good. So tight. Ride me, darlin’.” I fist my hands in his hair, before circling my hips in a slow, sensual fuck. I begin to grind, his arms holding me steady as I buck wildly against him. It’s primal – animalistic. Artemis moves beneath us, but I can’t bring myself to stop.

  “Oh my God. I’m so close.”

  “I’ve got you. Let go, darlin’.” I feel the leather of the reins in his hands, foreign against my skin, and unbelievably erotic. I scream his name, a litany of worship as I leap off the ledge and into the abyss of ecstasy, taking Maddox with me. He bites down on my shoulder as he finds his release, our souls connected as we come together with desperate desire.

  We ride wave after wave of pleasure until we can barely breathe. I slump against his chest, covered in a sheen of sweat. Stroking my hair with one hand, he guides Artemis back to the stable, my horse following behind. My energy drains as my spirit soars. Back in Mad’s arms, I finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.

  I’m finally home.

  Chapter Nineteen

  MADDOX

  My life is finally falling into place. A.B. and I found our way back to each other, when I felt like all hope was lost. I still can’t believe she risked everything for us. I spent so much time being angry at her, refusing to answer her calls and texts. I could have saved us both the heartache, if I’d had a modicum of faith in our relationship.

  I couldn’t bring myself to face her when she first got back. I knew that the moment I heard what she had to say, I’d cave. I didn’t want to appear weak. It wasn’t until she walked away, that I realized how stupid I was being. Every fiber of my being longs for her. Denying that would have been the biggest mistake of my life. Like the wild mustangs on this ranch -sometimes you have to be broken in order to reach your full potential.

  I spent so many years just existing, coasting along with no direction. I’d become the victim of my own life. It’s not about my mother, Sam, or A.B. The way I live my life, and let my experiences shape the man I want to be – that’s on me. I have control over how I react to situations that come my way. I had to make a conscious choice to believe in A.B. and welcome her back into our lives. That’s not weakness. It’s the opposite. Willingness to forgive another person’s mistakes, and restore your faith in them, is no small feat. It takes strength to stand by your convictions. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will never love someone else the way I love Annabeth. Coming to the conclusion that she’s worth the effort, the heartache, and the risk, was a liberating feeling.

  We’ve been talking about the future. Making plans, and dreaming of all the possibilities. Honesty is a prerequisite. There can’t be any more secrets between us. I know she had her reasons when she left to help Samantha, but I won’t put myself or Rae in a position like that again. Sally Rae has been slow to warm back up to A.B., and I know that they’re both hurting right now. For a small child, Rae is wise beyond her years. She is the center of my world, and I’m hers. She takes after me in so many ways, one of which is her ferocity to protect what’s hers.

  A.B. is trying her best to be patient, and work to win back Rae’s trust, but I can see it’s taking its toll on her. She loves my baby girl in such a maternal way, and it hurts her heart to have that distance between them. Today, we’re all going to the rodeo. This is the first time I’ve been since I quit, and I want to share that time in my life with my two favorite women. Jax and the infamous girl he’s been chasing are coming with us. Should be an interesting day all round. I’m hoping the new sights and sounds will help Rae and A.B. find their way back to the fun and loving relationship they had before.

  “Everyone is staring at you, man. This is so weird.” As we weave in and out of the crowds, Jax is stunned by the recognition I get from every passerby. I may have been gone from the circuit for a few years, but diehard rodeo fans still remember my reign.

  OMG! You’re Maddox ‘Hail Mary’ Hale.

  Would you mind signing my bra?

  Can I take a selfie with you?

  Why did you quit?

  Is it true you had a drug problem?

  The questions are relentless, and when a local reporter spies me at the carnival, mayhem ensues. Our quiet party of five, becomes a whirlwind of cameras, snapping at will. A crowd forming around us. I scoop Rae up into my arms and grab A.B. by the hand. Jax makes a pathway through the sea of bodies, flanking me to keep Rae from being photographed.

  We make our way into the stadium, finding a security guard to help us lose the reporters. The moment we’re behind closed doors, Rae bursts into tears. “Daddy, I don’t wike it here.” She buries her head in my chest.

  “I’m sorry, Sunshine. I didn’t think this would be a problem.” The security guard disappears, but returns five minutes later.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Hale. Word has obviously spread that you’re here. The commentators are asking if you wouldn’t mind giving them few minutes of your time?” I look to A.B., and she’s smiling from ear to ear.

  “Go. We can wait here for you. The show doesn’t start for a while.” She holds her arms out for Rae.

  “Do you want to stay with me, Rae? Daddy will be back shortly.” Rae burrows further into the crook of my arm.

  “No.” My heart sinks, but I’m not going to force it.

  “Okay. I’ll stay here. No big deal.”

  “Rae, come to Uncle Jax.” She instantly lunges out of my grasp and into his arms.

  “Wove you Uncle Jax. I stay with you.” A.B. is fighting back tears as she watches Rae snuggling in with Jax. I wrap my arm around her shoulder.

  “Why don’t you come with me? Jax will be fine here.” Before she can answer, Rae starts shouting at me.

  “Daddy, no. Docor not go with you. She’s mean. I want to come with you.”

  “Sally Rae Hale. Why would you say something like that? A.B. has never been anything other than sweet and kind to you.”

  “She was mean to you. She went away and it made you sad. I don’t wike when Daddy is blue.” I turn to the security guard, asking him to give us a few minutes alone. Jax follows him out with his date close at his side. She seems nice enough. Quiet. She hasn’t said two words to me all day – doesn’t really seem like Jax’s type. I’ve noticed her looking at me, staring a little too long to be comfortable.

  A.B. heads for the door, but I stop her before she leaves. “You should stay for this.”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “You’re not. This involves you.” Rae pouts at me, folding her arms over her chest.

  “Rae. I know I wasn’t fun to be around when A.B. was gone, but she had her reasons. Sometimes adults have to do stuff, even when they don’t want to, and that’s what happened with A.B. Remember when she fixed your arm?” She nods slowly. “Well, she had to do that for someone else, because she’s a doctor. She saved that person’s life. So, we can’t be super upset at that, can we?”

  “But, Daddy. It made you and me sad.”

  “I know, baby. But if we hadn’t let her go for a little while, another family would have lost someone they love, forever. She’s back now, and isn’t going anywhere.”
Her eyes switch between me and A.B.

  “Is you sure? I not want her to weave again. It made my tummy feel bad.” I look to A.B., her eyes glassy with unshed tears.

  “I promise, Sunshine.”

  “Okay.” She hugs me tight, before running into A.B.’s arms.

  “I missed you, Docor A.B. You not weave again.” Annabeth wraps her arms around Rae, stroking her hair with a gentle touch. I watch with reverence as they soak in this moment together.

  “You’re stuck with me. You’re my Rae of sunshine.”

  “You can go now, Daddy. I have A.B.” I can’t help but laugh at how easily her innocence allows her to trust without question. Being able to ask a question, and accept the answer as gospel truth. What a gift.

  A.B. encourages me to go and do the interview. Although we weren’t in contact with each other when this was a part of my daily life, she knows me. She understands how much all of this meant to me, and just this small show of support… is overwhelming. I was never able to share all the accolades and trophies with anyone close to me. In all honesty, it was a lonely time in my life. I think that’s why Sam and I ended up together in the first place.

  “I won’t be long. You girls behave.”

  “We will.” They say in unison. These two are going to gang up on me… I can see it already.

  Welcome to the Houston Rodeo! Tonight, we have an unexpected guest with us, and I know y’all are going to be super excited to see him back. Please, give a warm welcome to Maddox ‘Hail Mary’ Hale – Bronc Riding Champion four years running, and the best homegrown Texas rider we’ve ever seen.

  The roar of the crowd is like an electric shock coursing through every cell in my body. I’ve missed the atmosphere, the anticipation. It was always such a high for me, like a rush of adrenaline to the heart. Thousands of strangers, chanting my name.

  “So, tell us. Everyone is dying to know. Why did you retire when you were at your peak?”

  “First of all, thanks for having me here tonight. I did hear the rumors, but the truth is – I became a dad, and I didn’t want to be on the road all the time.”

  “Wow. Was that the girl you were pictured with earlier today?”

  “Yes. She’s about to turn four. Best thing I ever did.”

  “And is there a Mrs. Hale?” I wasn’t prepared for this. I thought I was going to have a quiet day, not answer the most personal questions imaginable for a host of thousands.

  “Not at the moment. I was married for a brief period of time, but we went our separate ways, and I’ve been raising my baby girl back in my hometown for the past few years.”

  “Everyone is going to ask when they see the papers tomorrow. Who is the woman you were seen with today?”

  “That would be my girlfriend – and before you ask – no, I’m not giving you her name. Let’s just say, I love her.”

  “There are hearts breaking in this arena tonight, for sure! So, are you planning on returning to riding?”

  “No. I’m happy where I’m at now. I run my family’s ranch, I was lucky enough not to sustain any major injuries in my career. I wouldn’t want to jinx it now.”

  “It’s been great talking to you. I’m a big fan. Hope to see you back here in the future.”

  “Thanks.” The commentator shakes my hand.

  “Maddox ‘Hail Mary’ Hale, everyone! What a great way to kick off the evening.”

  I stay and chat for a few minutes, before following the security guard out into the crowd. There are cowboy catchers everywhere I turn. Phone numbers being thrust into my hands and pockets, as I slowly make my way back to Rae and A.B. I’d forgotten how crazy the attention could be. I’ve missed it over the years, building it up to be a better experience than the reality of it. I’ve grown used to small town living. Everyone knowing your face on the street in a small town, and you knowing theirs, is completely different than being known as a ‘celebrity,’ accosted by strangers who want something from you.

  I never thought I’d see the day when I was looking forward to getting home to Kingsbury Falls, but as I fend off the unwanted attention of at least ten women who are exactly like Samantha was when I met her, I can’t help but be thankful for the life I have now. As soon as I catch a glimpse of A.B. and Rae, my pace quickens, anxious to get to them. I sign as many autographs as I can along the way, but in the end, I fight my way to them, and try to get lost in the anonymity of the crowd.

  “You were amazing. I loved hearing everyone cheering for you.” I lean over, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, only to be interrupted by Rae, grabbing my face, her eyes wide as saucers.

  “Daddy! They shouted your name!” Her grin is as wide as I ever saw, her eyes dancing with excitement.

  “Was that fun?”

  “Yes!” She jumps into my arms, giggling and pointing to the jumbotron. “Your name was up there. I couldn’t read it, but Uncle Jax says it was.” I study her face, and look around me at the life I once had.

  “I love you so much, Sunshine. I wouldn’t trade you for any of this.”

  “Silly Daddy. You can’t trade family.”

  “You’re a wise little girl, Sally Rae.”

  “What does wise mean?” A chuckle escapes me as the lights dim, and we settle in to watch the show. I’ve never felt more content than I do in this moment, knowing that the best is yet to come.

  Over the past few days, Jax has been annoyingly unbearable. Since we got back from the rodeo, his new love interest, Savannah, seems to be giving him the cold shoulder. He’s been moping around the ranch, checking his phone every two minutes. It’s so unlike him. I don’t get what’s so special about this girl. She’s pretty, and seems nice enough, but Jax has always been a player – even in high school. He jumped from one girl to the next, without a care for how they felt.

  He and I are at opposite ends of the spectrum. There are types of children – the ones who repeat their parents’ mistakes, and those who strive not to. His dad left when he was young, around the same time my mom left. Maybe that’s why we understand each other so well. My dad’s reaction pushed me to vow I would never let that be me. It’s probably why I didn’t even attempt to juggle riding and parenthood. I wanted to be a good family man, and a great father. It’s why I forced myself to give A.B. a second chance. Jax followed in his mom’s footsteps. She never trusted another man again. Men became a transient variable in her life, and by default – Jax’s.

  This is the first time I’ve seen my best friend knotted up over a woman. I can see why he’s kept them at arm’s length. He’s protecting himself. When he loves – he’s all in. Not just with women, but with friends also. He has been there for me my whole life, and since the moment Rae was born, he’s treated her like family… we are family.

  “How long are you going to let this girl jerk you around?”

  “That’s a joke, right?”

  “No. I hate seeing you so cut up.”

  “You realize that you are the last person on earth who can comment on this? You never got over your high school sweetheart. I’ve watched you moon and mope over her for months at a time.”

  “That’s different.” His brow furrows; his eyes wide.

  “Because it’s me? Don’t worry about Jackson – he has no real feelings!”

  “That’s not what I meant and you know it. A.B. is it for me. Are you telling me that this girl could be the one?”

  “I don’t know! Fuck. Maybe. She won’t give me the chance to find out.” He’s really hurting. I didn’t realize he was serious. I figured it was just the thrill of the chase.

  “I’m sorry, bro. I had no idea. I’m going to repeat your advice to me – if you want her, you can’t take no for an answer. Go and get her.”

  “I’ve already made an ass of myself with this girl.”

  “So? Sometimes you gotta suck it up and take the leap.” As the words leave my mouth, an epiphany strikes. Sometimes you have to take the leap. “Go – do what you gotta do. I can finish up with the horses.”


  “Thanks, bro. I owe you one.” He’s out the door before I get a chance to respond. As I fork the new hay into the stalls, a plan begins to formulate. I shoot a quick text to A.B., telling her to come over tonight. I can only hope she’s as excited about my idea as I am.

  “Maddox! You here?” A.B.’s voice echoes through the house and out into the night sky.

  “Back porch. Come on out.” I quickly pour two glasses of wine, my preparation for the night ahead, complete.

  “Wow. What is this for? It looks amazing out here.” Her face lights up at the sight of our intimate dinner for two. Wine, flowers, and lanterns lining the porch.

  “Does there need to be a reason?” My heart is pounding as I press a chaste kiss to her lips, relishing the sweet taste of her lip gloss.

  “Mmmm. You’re up to something, Hale. Where’s Rae?”

  “Asleep. I thought it would be nice to have some time, just the two of us.”

  “Sounds perfect.” She runs her hands seductively down my back, deepening the kiss.

  “I didn’t mean that.” Fuck. I feel nervous. “I mean… yes… that, too. But, that’s not why I wanted to get you alone.” My palms are sweating, my brain misfiring as the blood rushes to my cock. I can’t think straight when her body is in contact with mine, her breasts pressing against my chest, her hips grinding on my crotch.

  “What’s wrong? You seem… not yourself.” There’s a flash of worry in her eyes as she takes a step back, searching my eyes for answers. My cock strains against my jeans, bereft at the loss of connection.

  “Don’t you want to sit and have dinner first? I’m starving.”

  “Mad. You’re scaring me. What’s going on?” I take her hands in mine, leading her over to our table for two.

  “I was going to wait until after dinner, but I guess we’re doing this now.” Her pulse is racing as my fingers trace her wrist, struggling to find the right words.