“That’d be great. I’m not sure how long I’ll be here for.”
“Well, we’re a real close-knit community. If you need anything. Bethel or Kiesha will point ya in the right direction. Bethel manages Wild Horse Acres and Kiesha makes it her business to know everyone. You’ll be looking for trailer number 24, white with blue shutters.”
“Great…”
He gives me a nod and the gate opens.
The trailer park is not what I was expecting. It’s nice. All the trailers have their own small yards. They are situated close together but far enough apart that they don’t look stacked on top of one another.
The most surprising thing though is that there is a lake and the park seems to be located around it.
I stop at the office to let Bethel know that I am here and find out if my father owes any lot rent. I need to know what I am inheriting if anything, even if it is his debts. Right now, anything would be better than crawling back to Justin for a place to live or worse my mother.
I knock on the door and I hear a hoarse voice call out, “Its open.”
I push the door with the office sign hanging on it open and find an older woman with curlers in her hair, watching a talk show, with a cigarette hanging from her bottom lip.
“Can I help you?”
“Bethel?”
“The one and only.” She snuffs her cigarette out in the nearby ashtray and lets out a groan from her pink tinted lips as she stands from her recliner. “Who the hell are you?”
I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my lips as she looks me up and down. Her living room is cluttered with knickknacks and photographs and she is in her pajamas. Hot pink with lace eyelet trim.
“I’m Hattie.”
She steps closer to where I stand in the doorway and reaches up and turns my face side to side.
“Huh, well I suppose you are. Ya got your daddy’s eyes. That same sneaky grin. Guess you’re here to take over his estate.”
I shrug, crossing my arms over my chest, hugging myself. “I’m not sure what my plans are yet.”
“Well, lot rent is paid up for two more years, only bills for now would be your utilities. If you decide you want to sell the trailer let me know. I’ve got a list of folks who are in the market.”
“Thanks. I will. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here. I’m not sure for how long.”
“The lake is open to our residents, so you make yourself at home. Sunday is family day, and everyone gets together and holds a cookout. We sit around the fire and eat hot dogs. You’re free to join us.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“If you want to follow me, I’ll show you his place. I suppose you’ll be needing his key anyhow.”
“That’d be great, Bethel.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s my job.” She slips her feet into a pair of pink bunny house slippers and grabs two sets of keys, tucking one into the pocket of her fuzzy green robe.
She hops in a golf cart and waves for me to follow her.
As I drive on through the trailer park, I see this gorgeous, tall, hunk of a man standing by his pickup truck. The hood is up, and his shirt is off. My God, those abs. I have only ever seen abs like those airbrushed on romance novel covers. He is well built with defined muscles and one hell of a sun-kissed tan. Piercing blue eyes meet mine. He catches me staring and smirks. His lips curve upward and something tells me that this man is used to the attention. His head is shaven, nothing like Justin’s faux hawk. I avert my eyes back to the road ahead. That man is gorgeous, and I can’t wait to explore him. Shit, what? I mean… This place is gorgeous, and I can’t wait to explore it.
The trailer is located on the opposite side of the lake from the hunk. That is a good thing. A man like that can only mean one thing…trouble. And I have had plenty of that lately. I had better stay far away from him, but then again, a little trouble might be exactly what I need.
As I continue to drive behind Bethel, I get this odd sensation like everyone is staring at me as I pass by their trailers.
Pulling up to my new place, I feel so excited. I feel as though anything is possible. I can start over here. No one knows me and best of all Justin can’t find me here.
The trailer is small but inviting. It actually isn’t decorated half bad and it is already furnished, which is a major plus for me, considering I don’t have much other than clothes and a few keepsakes.
Bethel gives me a quick tour of the place. It’s a two bedroom. One appears to be an office. There’s an ancient computer on the desk and a few trophies on a shelf. I wonder what those were awarded for? Bethel doesn’t give me a chance to investigate as she moves to the second bedroom.
It needs some TLC and a good cleaning out of the closet. I can work with it though. New bedding, pillows, and a fresh coat of paint will do wonders for the brown paneling.
“I don’t know what your plans are but if you want to toss the clothes, I know a family who could use them.”
“Sure. I’ll bag them up and drop them by the office once I get settled.”
“That’d be fine. Now things run a certain way around here. You’re responsible for the upkeep of the yard and such. Mrs. Lavizo has a son who everyone pays about twenty bucks a month to cut the grass and she does hair. If you need your hedges trimmed well she does run a wax special.” She winks and my face flames in embarrassment. “We do have a handyman should you need one. His fee is covered in your dues. Everyone pays it. How you pay is up to you. We do offer a discount if you pay annually, but you don’t need to worry about that until you decide what you are gonna do. Joe recently paid his three-month dues about a week before he passed.”
“How did he…”?
“Cancer. It was his liver. That man liked to drink. God love him, but he was one of the finest lovers I had ever had.”
My cheeks redden once more. I didn’t need to know all that.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Eh, we were friends. Our relationship was one of convenience. His girlfriend Mary Sue, that bitch will probably be coming around trying to hit you up. Tell her to get lost. If she gives you any trouble you just call Bob at the gate and he’ll handle her.”
“Um okay. Say, where’s a good place to grab a quick bite to eat?” I noticed the fridge was bare when she showed me the kitchen.
“That’d be Rowdy’s. It’s the happening hot spot for all the young folk. Great burgers. Live music.”
*—*
Walking into the bar, I feel a bit overwhelmed but excited. I don’t know anyone here which is new to me. I’ve always had Justin or his friends with me when I go out. I look around and I notice the hot guy from earlier behind the counter. He is wiping the bar down with an excited grin on his face. There is a woman working with him. She totally just pinched his butt. I wonder if they are a couple. But then I get my answer when I see her go over to a man sitting at the other end of the bar and lock lips with him. I am pretty sure there is some heavy tongue action going on there. I feel a bit awkward watching.
“Hey, sweetheart, you gonna come in and stay awhile or you gonna stand at the door all night?” The woman behind the bar yells at me, catching me gawking at all of them.
I feel my cheeks flame and make my way to the bar to order a burger and a beer.
“What can I do ya for?” Sex on legs asks me. His blue eyes are like a damn dagger to my libido.
“Yeah, um… Bethel said you guys serve good burgers. So, I will take a burger with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. And a Bud Light to drink.”
“Sure thing.” He walks away to place my order. When he comes back, he opens my beer, setting it on the counter with a devilish grin. “So, who are you? I know you aren’t from around here. I know we would have met by now if you were.” He leans across the counter entirely too close, but he smells so damn good I don’t mind it. All manly and tempting.
“Leave her alone, Zane. She is clearly out of your league.” She winks at me and holds out her hand. “Name’s
Sienna. You must be the newbie in town. Bethel called and said you would be coming in tonight and to watch out for you. Ignore Zane. I do.”
I give her a quick shake. “Something tells me Zane is hard to miss.”
She laughs and goes back to serving the other customers.
“Don’t listen to her. She is just pissy that I won’t join her and her old man in their shenanigans. She likes ménages,” he whispers the last part.
“Dream on, lover boy,” she retorts.
“You two are funny. You married or something,” I joke.
“Hell no,” he says, looking offended by the word married.
“Sorry, I didn’t…I was kidding,” I feel so awkward, but this hunk is trying hard to make me feel welcomed.
“Relax, gorgeous.” He smiles. “Sienna, you got the bar?” he asks her while looking at his watch.
“Yeah, go on, show off.” She waves him away and I watch intrigued as he takes a guitar from behind the bar and goes over to the stage.
“Prepare to have your panties melted off,” Sienna states, sliding my burger across the counter to me.
I can’t take my eyes from him as he commands my attention with his voice. He looks so at home in front of the small crowd with his guitar.
God, he is gorgeous, and he sings. I am loving this place already. I try to quit staring at him and enjoy my burger. I don’t want him to think I am infatuated with him, but I can feel his eyes on me too. The attention is nice and welcomed after the crappy week I have been having.
The bar isn’t like any I have ever seen in my life. The place is huge with several different sections and three bars. Only the one is open tonight though.
I spot a sign for a mechanical bull and add it to my list of things to try while I’m in town.
But heck if all the men around here look like Zane just maybe I will stick around.
Chapter 3
Zane
Taking my guitar from behind the bar, I make my way to the stage. I haven’t played in a while but after Cooper’s Religion came through, the locals have been asking for live musicians more often, so I fill in when I can. I’m no Johnny Cash but I can carry a tune. I go through my normal set, covering everything from Toby Keith to Coldplay. I have an eclectic taste in music. As I strum the chords, I can’t keep my eyes off that stunning brunette who came in a bit ago. I hope she doesn’t leave before I can properly introduce myself.
She keeps stealing glances at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. It’s cute the way her cheeks blush when I meet her gaze.
By the time I make my way from the stage, I don’t see her anymore.
Damn, I was hoping to get her number. She is a welcomed fresh face around here. Either every woman around here is taken, I have already had her, or my brother has.
Making my way down the hall to the bathroom, she almost bumps into me as she comes out of the women’s restroom.
“Oh! Excuse me.” She smiles at me and her cheeks are tinted pink again—cutest thing ever, makes my dick twitch with anticipation. Oh yeah, she is definitely going to be writhing under me soon.
I step into her, leaning in close. “You never did give me your name.” I brush a strand of her hair behind her ear and I see goosebumps fanning across her arm.
She sucks in a deep breath, biting on her bottom lip like she is thinking of lying to me. “Hattie Mae, but Hattie for short.”
“Hattie, I like that. I am just about to head out. Can I give you a ride? Take you out for coffee?” I offer anything really to get her attention. There is simply something about her. Is she the woman Zelda was talking about? Z told me some interesting details about my love life today and she is never wrong.
She stopped me at the mailboxes, spouting off about how the woman of my dreams was going to appear to me soon but she’d be out of reach. Then she was at it again when I came in to start my shift. The woman is relentless when it comes to her visions.
“You’re going to meet the love of your life. She won’t be who you expect, and she will make you work hard to win her heart.”
As usual, I thought she was full of shit but then this chick walked through the door and I don’t know…
Hattie is curvy and nothing like the women I am used to bedding. There is just something so innocent and pure about her. Most of the women I meet are climbing all over me, eager for a chance to try to be the one to tame me. My reputation for being a player has gotten around. I’ve made quite the name for myself. It isn’t something I am all too proud of, but I wear the asshole badge I’ve earned and own it.
This chick, Hattie, shocks the hell out of me. She leans in close to my mouth and whispers a soft, “No.” And then she kisses me. I wasn’t expecting her to turn me down and then kiss me. It’s confusing as fuck. Her lips are parted, and I can feel her warm breath against my mouth. I wrap my fingers in her long silky brown hair and return her kiss. Eager to taste her, I dart my tongue out and lick her top lip. She tastes sweet. Her lips have a honey taste to them.
She pulls away from me and says, “See ya around, Zane.” I stand, unable to move, trying to process what in the hell just happened between us. She is into me. Her kiss told me that much but now she is just walking away. I touch my lips as if I am making sure she really did just do that. Licking my bottom lip, I can still taste her lip gloss—that definitely just happened.
“What, that’s it?” I follow her back to the bar where she continues to ignore me, and Sienna gives me a smug look. “Look, I know I am some guy you just met, but I feel like I was supposed to meet you today.” I continue mumbling about what Zelda told me and Hattie looks at me as though I am crazy.
Fuck, I sound it by telling her this shit.
I would run too.
Lucas, my dickhead older brother interrupts our conversation and asks Hattie if she’d like to dance. There is no way she is going to choose him over me. No fucking way. Bastard is always butting in where he isn’t wanted.
She rolls her eyes at me and accepts Lucas’ invitation to dance. Guess she likes to play games after all. She must not know I am a master at playing the game.
I always win.
I always get what I want.
After the song ends, Hattie joins Lucas and his followers at their table. He has a group of dorks that follow him around as if he is some sort of God. He had a few good rides at the local rodeo. He is only a has been if you ask me.
Whatever, I see Cassie is off tonight and she just winked at me. I do what I do best. I take her to the bathroom for a quick fuck.
Chapter 4
Hattie Mae
“Don’t let my brother’s eagerness run you off,” Lucas whispers as he leads me to the dance floor. “I take it you’re new in town.”
“Your brother?”
“Yeah, Zane is a whore, but he means well.”
“What about you?”
“I’m the dangerous one.” He smirks before dipping me.
“And why is that?”
“Because, I’m honest about what I want. My brother will pretend he wants to date you where as I will tell you straight up he only wants to take you home and fuck you.”
“And you? What do you want?”
“I don’t know yet. That’s to be determined.”
“Wow…um okay. That is quite some honesty there, but I can respect your game.”
“No games. That’s Zane.”
“Right. Well thanks for the dance but I should probably call it a night. I have a lot to do. Like find a job.”
“You need a job?”
“Yeah why? You hiring?”
“Can you swim? Wild Horse Acres is looking for a lifeguard.”
“Okay this is too weird. I have worked as a lifeguard every summer since I was seventeen.”
“See job problem solved. Let me buy you a drink.”
“I’ll bite. One drink.” His eyes linger on mine but before I can form a reaction, I see Zane taking some chick to the bathroom. I can’t believe I kissed him.
Maybe that beer went straight to my head.
I follow Lucas to his table where one drink turns into three.
I learn that Lucas is a rodeo man. A real cowboy. But he also works at Rowdy’s as a bouncer and he operates the mechanical bull.
“Will you teach me to ride?”
“You wanna ride?”
“Well not a real bull obviously but yeah. I think it could be fun.”
“Follow me, sweetheart, I’m about to make all your dreams come true.”
I grab my beer and follow him to the dimly lit area that houses the bull ride.
“We won’t get into trouble, will we? You won’t like lose your job or something will you?”
“Nah, I know the owner.” He winks. I can see the resemblance between him and his brother. They have the same sexy blue eyes and matching sexy smirks. “Come on.”
I take one last swig of my beer and pray I don’t hurt myself or look dumb.
The bar is mainly empty now and Sienna along with her man who I have learned is a tattoo artist are watching as I climb up on the bull.
Lucas climbs up behind me. “First time, I’ll ride with you to show you what to do.” His dark voice grits in my ear so sexy it is shiver inducing.
With one hand around my waist he holds me tight against him. His cologne invades my senses. Do all Texas guys smell so damn good?
“Are you right or left handed?” he questions as he positions my dominant hand palm up on the handle. “Hold your left up to maintain your balance. Hit it Terry,” he calls out to Sienna’s old man.
The bull begins to move slowly, tilting forward and backward. If I wasn’t so focused on not falling off, this moment might be highly erotic. My ass is practically bouncing on Lucas’ groin.
“You’re a natural.”
“I don’t know about that but thank you.”
After I ride twice by myself I feel more confident, but my inner thighs are burning, and I know it is time to call it quits. The bar is shutting down and I am feeling the exhaustion of my drive setting in.
“Are you okay to drive?”
“I’ll be fine. I’m not staying that far from here. I’m staying at that trailer park you mentioned earlier.”
Making Her Mine (Rowdy Brothers Book 1) Page 2