“Thank you.” I rise, shaking his hand and heading out the door. I’ve done it. A sense of accomplishment settles in my mind. I’m proud of myself. Finally.
Walking into the offices of Nicholson Real Estate, I feel my nerves fray and my stomach flips with anxiety. I thought this would be easier, but the idea of giving in my weeks’ notice and facing Nicholson has me nervous.
He’s not the nicest man at the best of times, but when he finds out I’m leaving, I doubt he’ll even want me here for a week. I don’t mind. The sooner I can get to Clayton, the better. I should give him a call and let him know it’s all been taken care of. First though, I grab the envelope that’s been burning a hole in my bag for the past two days.
“Essie, there’s someone here to see you,” my colleague, Rachel calls to me. When I turn around my breath is knocked from my lungs.
“Clay!” I gasp. I smile, my heart leaping into my throat. I’ve missed him so much. We make our way to each other, not caring about the stares. The open plan office I work in leaves little to privacy. “You’re here.”
“I’m here, Honey Bee,” he mumbles into my hair. His scent is intoxicating. Spicy, masculine, so much Clayton. “Jesus, I missed you,” he growls, sending my desire spiraling.
A deep rumble of someone clearing their throat behind me has us jumping back from each other. “What the fuck are you doing in here?” Mr. Nicholson growls. At first I think he’s talking to me, but when I notice his glare pinned on the man behind me, I frown in confusion.
“I knew it was you trying to take my family’s home. Why?” Clayton’s response doesn’t make sense either, but the rage that’s swirling through the room is enough to stifle my questions. When Clay grips my hand, tugging me behind him, I notice his body vibrating with anger as his hands tremble and the muscles on his arms cord angrily rising from the smooth tanned skin. “Tell me!”
“You killed my daughter!” The older man roars through the office. His face is filled with red-hot rage. Tension is so thick, so violent, it’s stifling. Everyone in the office has now stopped working. All eyes are on the two men who are in the middle of an open plan office with ten agents staring at them.
“I didn’t do shit to your daughter! When I left, I went to watch my father die, she was the one I left behind in your care!” I’ve never seen Clay lose his temper like this. Yes, we’ve had our arguments, but he’s always been calm, even though I could tell he was angry or hurt.
“If you hadn’t have left she’d still be here!” Mr. Nicholson stalks forward, closing the distance in three long strides. The two men are the same height, but Clayton is broader, more muscled than the older man. They’re in a stare down, and the only way I know it will be okay is when the man I love grips my hand and glances at me.
“Get your stuff, we’re leaving.” Without looking at either man, I race by them and grab my bag, phone, and any personal belongings. “Essie is coming with me. She no longer works for you. Our ranch is off limits.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. The second mortgage—”
“Has been paid because I just got off the phone with my bank. We’re no longer in the red so your vendetta against me ends here.” The rough tone of Clay is filled with emotion. I must have missed the call because I know Mr. Porter would’ve let me know.
“I never want to see you again.” My boss pins me with a glare so fierce I’m shocked into silence.
“She’ll never be back here. Leave me and my family alone.” With that, I follow Clay out to the truck that’s sitting beside the curb waiting for us.
Chapter Nineteen
Clay
I’m too angry to talk to Essie, not at her, but after that asshole blamed me for Natalie’s death. With all that happened, I blamed myself as well. For far too long. No more. The first thing I’m going to do now that I’ve got my girl is head to the cemetery where I know her plaque has been set.
I need to say a proper goodbye.
“Was that really your ex’s father?” It’s Essie who breaks the silence around us. Sneaking a quick glance at her, I nod. “Wow.”
“When you told me the name of the company where you’re working, something didn’t sit right and I had a feeling it was the same man. I knew it was Nat’s father when I saw him walking into the building just before you did. That’s when I knew why he wanted to buy the ranch, to steal it from me. I knew he blamed me, but I didn’t think he’d take it that far.”
She’s silent, mulling over what I’ve just said. My mind is still reeling from how many people Natalie left in pain from what she did. The people who loved her, who still love her, hurt. How they possibly blame themselves or others and I can’t imagine leaving my family in that agony. I suppose in a small way, I’ll always remember her as the beautiful girl I first met on campus.
But now that I’ve found happiness, I must face the fact that what I thought was true love at the time, wasn’t. I was young and we got ourselves into a serious relationship too quickly. I wish she could have found the same happiness I did.
“Where are we going?” Essie questions when I turn toward the place I know to be the final resting place of Natalie Nicholson.
“To say goodbye to the past.”
It’s all I say to her, but she nods in understanding when I pull into the cemetery. Once the truck is parked, I exit and make my way to Essie’s side. Opening the door, I offer her my hand which she accepts. “You don’t have to come with me,” I turn to her a second later. Realizing that this is something I should possibly do alone, but my girl is something else when she offers me a warm, affectionate hug.
“I want to be beside you. I won’t interfere, I’ll wait for you to finish, but I’d like to show you my support.” She smiles, her face lights up and her eyes sparkle with sincerity.
“I love you, Essie,” I murmur. A soft gasp falls from the O her lips have made and all I want to do is kiss her. So I lean in and brush my lips against hers.
“I love you, Clayton.”
It’s our promise. It’s the one thing I can tell her with all the feeling and emotion that seemed to always stifle me. It’s the most honest thing I’ve said in years. From here on out, we’re in this together and I wouldn’t have it any other away.
Watching the sun set on the horizon reminds me of all the times I’ve wanted to have a partner in life to share in the serenity that it offers me. Alongside Essie right at this very moment, on the terrace of our bedroom, I find that peace I’ve been searching for all my life.
Life has never afforded me something easily. It’s always been hard work, struggle, and pain, but as soon as she walked into my life, I knew. Something different about this girl niggled at me, she burrowed herself inside my chest and she found the heart that I allowed to stop beating.
Almost at the end of my tether with everything that crashed down on me, I almost pushed her away.
“You’re quiet,” she murmurs against my chest. My arm is wrapped around her shoulders as I hold her close to me. Her ear is right at my heart and I’m sure she can pick up the beat that’s always that much faster when she’s close.
“I’m just sitting here enjoying the moment with a beautiful woman.”
She moves then, lifting her head to regard me with those blue orbs that see through me. “And tell me about this beautiful woman?”
“She bound into my life like a ray of sunshine. Her hair is the color of spun gold and her eyes are the color of the sky.” My words stop there because I feel her gaze penetrating me more so than the light of the sun that’s streaming over us from the horizon.
“I didn’t know you could be so poetic, Clayton Walker. This girl sounds pretty special.” Her voice lilting slightly to mimic my accent. It’s sexy on her, makes me want to take her inside and devour her. Or we could just do it here, under the full moon and stars.
“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me missy, I’ll be teaching you everything you need to know.”
“Oh yeah? W
hen do classes start?” she taunts, playfully giggling beside me.
“They started the night you walked into the barn dance, Essie Rose.” Turning my glance on her, I meet the pretty eyes that have held me captive since the first time I saw them. There’s always been a sweetness in her smile and I noticed it when she first awarded me one almost nine months ago.
It’s been a long while that we’ve been together, there were moments where I didn’t think we’d make it. As much as I pushed her away, I wanted her more than I knew was possible.
If it weren’t for her stubborn nature, I wouldn’t be sitting here, holding her hand watching the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen. I don’t think it’s because of the view though, it’s because for the first time, I feel content.
My father once told me when I found love, I shouldn’t let it go. I asked him when I’d know, to which he responded, when my heart sang for the girl before me.
At first I thought it was his medication talking, but when I saw Essie, I knew. I felt it the moment our eyes met. It was love at first sight. And I’m not talking about the physical appearance, I looked into her eyes and saw her soul.
It finally made sense to me, what my father meant. Because it wasn’t my heart that sang, it wasn’t hers, it was our souls creating our melody.
Chapter Twenty
Essie
Walking out onto the deck, I watch Clay with the horses. This is my morning ritual. The ranch is safe. I’ve done it. My plan worked and I’ve finally proven to myself that I am strong, independent, even though I was scared, I did it. Clay waves over to me and I return the gesture. Being alone here with him has been fun, as if we’re playing house. It gives us the opportunity to see if we will work.
There’s no way we can leave the ranch, but from what Molly said, she’s ready to travel. All her life spent with her sons and husband, she’s ready to start enjoying the time she’s been given. I understand what she means. It’s something that people don’t realize. Time is precious. It can be stolen from you so easily. Leaving you wondering where it all went.
If an opportunity presents itself, then take it. Grasp it with both hands and never let go. That’s what I did with Clay. When I finally told him how I felt, it freed me from everything I’d been holding back. I told my parents how much they’ve hurt me. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself the strength to voice my opinions to them. All my life I sat silent taking the pain and heartache, storing it away with the rest of my fears. Now, I’m different. I’ve changed and if it weren’t for the challenge of making sure that the ranch was kept in the Walker name, if Clayton hadn’t come along and completely swept me off my feet, I don’t know if I’d ever have come out of my shell.
The man is a challenge in himself. He gave me the fire I needed. He afforded me the support I never had from my own family. My parents sputtered when I told them I was moving out here. It shows how much they know me. My dreams and aspirations were put on hold to please them. This time, I’m doing it for me.
This is my favorite time of the morning—sipping my coffee, looking over the home I now have. Thanks to my trust fund, we own the ranch out right. Clayton didn’t want to accept it at first, but when I explained the contract to him, he allowed me to invest in the ranch. I’ll be a silent partner along with him. Once we get the stables to a point where they’re bringing in the cash, it will go into a bank account for the ranch which will be his way of paying me back.
He’s stubborn, but he saw that there was no other way. I’ve found a job in town with the local real estate agent. Even though I’m not selling multi-million dollar estates, I love showing the beautiful cottages dotted around the county.
The ranch now has no outstanding bills to pay, and the income from the classes Clay teaches covers what we need, the basics.
Cody has found himself a part time job down at the hardware store, giving him a small income he can save up. He’s a sweet boy, with a good head on his shoulders. Once he finishes school, he’ll be off to college and it will be me and Clayton.
Granted, we haven’t really spoken about the future in detail, but I find myself wondering if marriage is in the cards for us. I’ve never been one of those girls who wanted a big wedding, right now, all I want is Clayton. I want the simple life I never had growing up. I want easy going and relaxed.
Seeing what my parents did to themselves, to me, with all their wealth made me realize that’s not what I want. There’s something more than money in this world, it’s called love. Something I never had growing up. And if I do have kids one day, I’ll give them more love than they can stand.
The thought has me smiling. Perhaps one day I’ll have a little Clay running around the house. Nobody knows what the future holds, but for now, I can say I’m content. Happy. My heart is filled with emotion that seems to warm me from the inside out.
“Heya, darlin.’” Clayton’s voice drags me from the thoughts whirling around in my head. Pivoting, I find him leaning against the door frame looking ever the hot cowboy I first met all those months ago at a barn dance. “Come on down, I want to show you something.” He cocks his head to the side in gesture for me to follow him, which I do quickly.
The heavy thud of his boots echo on the wooden stairs with my soft click of sandals just behind him. “What have you been up to?”
“It’s a surprise. I had Rhett help me with it.” He never gives anything away when he’s planned something. The man can keep a secret like a damn bank vault. Nothing gets spilled. It’s locked away tight and there’s no way of prying it from him.
We head out of the house and into the scorching sunshine that momentarily blinds me. Even though it’s still early, the heat leaves me breathless. Walking beside him, I notice we’re heading up to the stables which I know are empty since all the horses are grazing in the field.
“I thought you might need something when we head out on our evening walks,” he informs me, stopping short of the entrance. When he turns to regard me, he notices the frown on my forehead.
“What do you mean?” As soon as I enter the large barn, I notice a mare in one of the stables. She’s incredibly beautiful. Shiny black coat with a small white diamond between her large brown eyes. A tad bigger than the pony I rode when he took me out on our second date, but small enough for me to feel comfortable on. “You bought me a horse?”
My tone is incredulous. Turning to face him, I find a smile that could like a million nights shining bright on his face. Those blue eyes sparkle, those damn dimples have my heart pattering a rhythm that only he knows.
“I-I… But…”
“She’s yours. You can name her, but she’s going to be at the ranch for a while. If in six months you want to keep her you can.”
“What do you mean?” I’m utterly confused now.
“Rhett’s dad didn’t want to keep her because she’s too small. He asked if we’d like a new mare and I immediately thought she can be yours. I haven’t given him any money for her, he just asked that we care for her and if in six months, once she’s fully grown you want her, then we can talk about payment.”
Racing up to the man I love, I leap into his arms and twine my arms around his neck. Strong arms cocoon me as he spins me around. “Thank you, handsome,” I coo like a satisfied kitten in my attempt at a southern accent. It earns me a chuckle which vibrates through his chest and into mine.
“I’d do anything for you, Honey Bee,” he murmurs huskily. Leaning in, his lips find mine in a warm, affectionate kiss. “I want to take you upstairs and show you just how much I want to do to you.” He growls, the rasp in his tone tells me exactly what I’m in store for and the hard erection pressing into my belly confirms it.
“Then take me, cowboy,” I giggle playfully as he lifts me up and walks us back to the house. Once inside, he kicks the door closed and hurries to the bedroom. I’m already tugging his shirt from the waistband of his jeans, he sets me down and starts pulling at my dress. Once I’m free of clothes, he takes me in like
a lion stalking its prey.
“Get on the bed, Honey Bee, you’re about to be devoured.” I quickly lie back, watching him strip for me is one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen. His shirt falls to the floor. His jeans join the heap of clothes, then he shoves his boxers down and I’m met with a chiseled, tanned God of a man.
He leans in, reaching for my panties and tugs them down my legs.
“Open your legs, I want to see that pretty pussy,” he murmurs against my thighs. When I’m spread before him, he growls. Dotting kisses from my knees, slowly up to my inner thighs that are now trembling with need. He takes his time teasing me. His hot breath fans over my core, causing me to mewl in pleasure. The small strip of hair that leads to my pussy is golden, and he presses a kiss to it before lowering his face and lapping at me.
“Oh God!” My whimpers turn to moans, then to screams of pleasure as he opens me with his thumbs, suckling on my bundle of nerves that seem to light up every inch of my body. He doesn’t relent, he consumes every part of me. His tongue darts into my pussy, fucking me like his cock would.
He slips one finger inside me, pumping it faster as his mouth latches onto my clit, sucking it hard and my toes curl into the sheet. My hands are in his hair, tangled and tugging him closer. My hips lift off the bed, but he holds me down as he bestows pleasure on my body that detonates me.
When he inserts a second finger, lightly biting on my hardened little nub, my body convulses and I cry out his name, again and again. His mouth never leaves me as I ride the waves of my release. Once I’ve finally come down from the high, he rises, his face shining with my arousal, and offers me a smirk.
“Now I’m going to fuck you.” And he does. Until I’m a spent, satisfied mess.
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