Mr. So Wrong

by R. C. Stephens

  I laugh internally, not wanting Sam to know I heard. She clearly wants me to think I’m too old for her, and it’s better off anyway.

  I take my shower. My folded clothes rest on a chair in Sam’s room, and they look clean. I put my old clothes back on sans boxers; I’d been wearing them when she took my clothes to get laundered.

  Sam drives me to the doctor. I try not to stare at her too much on the drive because I don’t want to freak her out. One thought replays in my mind: if I ever were to fall for a woman it would be a kind, caring, beautiful woman like Sam. I wish I knew how to make those sad blue eyes of hers look happy.

  Chapter Six

  Al

  Past

  “Hey, man. We’re having a party in the forest tonight. You coming?” my roommate, Hans, asked. I’d been in this school a whole of two weeks and never attended the almost nightly parties. Although one didn’t need to venture far; some students were doing coke in their rooms. I was doing my schoolwork.

  “Yeah, I’ll head out soon,” I answered. Hans nodded and headed out. I quickly opened up my English binder and finished an assignment that was due on Monday. My relationship with my father had become strained over the years. I didn’t understand why, but I thought it had to do with me telling him to his face what I thought of all his floozies. He was never going to get a father of the year award, but after I confronted him last year, the tension between us got so bad that Mom began to ask questions, and my mom had always been very self-absorbed so that was saying something.

  As much as a part of me wanted to grow up and work at Walsh Industries, my gut told me I was getting a world-class education out here. I should use it to make something of myself just in case.

  Tonight, I figured it’d be okay to indulge a little. It wasn’t like I didn’t party back home. I shut my English binder and got dressed. The dorms were empty except for a few students who I noticed were either doing work or not interested in the opposite sex. I snuck away from school grounds, knowing if I got caught the first time I’d probably just get a slap on the wrist. Hans filled me in on all the dos and don’ts, and this was his third year here. He knew the place inside out. His father was a German diplomat, and he confided in me that the reality was our parents were paying a shitload of money for us to attend this school, so it was in the administrations best interest to look the other way. That was why I felt relaxed as I left school property and headed toward the forest where the smell of bonfire led me to the party.

  I approached the crowd, and a few guys from some of my classes spotted me.

  “Al, man, come get something to drink,” Stephan called to me.

  I walked over to the group. Stephan passed me a beer from a cooler. There were many coolers lined up and filled with all kinds of alcohol. “Pick your poison,” he said.

  “I’m good with beer.” I took a long swig.

  I hung around the guys awhile, chatting and laughing. A little while later, a bunch of girls showed up and the partying began with some drinking games. The drugs came later. Besides taking a few drags of a joint, I stayed away. I played lacrosse and drugs just weren’t for me.

  The party grew and groups formed and separated. Day turned to dusk and the air grew cold. I went to sit by the fire. As I stared through the flame, I thought of my home. The Walshes portrayed themselves as the perfect American family, but behind closed doors my parents were self-interested people who didn’t know what family meant. The one I missed the most was my little sister, Isabella. She probably wouldn’t even remember me when I got home.

  “Hey.” A girl pulled me from my reverie with a smile as bright as sunshine. “Mind if I take a seat?” she tilted her chin to the tree trunk I was sitting on.

  “Go right ahead.” I smiled. I was well acquainted with the opposite sex. Girls were attracted to me. I was tall, athletic, and apparently had good genes.

  Her mouth curved at the corners. Her blond hair swished past her shoulders as she took a seat beside me. She smelled of strawberries and looked like a breath of fresh air.

  “You look like you have a lot on your mind,” she said, staring at me and waiting.

  “Ah! Not really.”

  “You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she insisted.

  My lips twisted in a wry smile. “I look that bad. Huh.”

  She grinned. “Oh, I didn’t say you looked bad. I just …” She paused and her cheeks flushed.

  “I’m Al by the way.” I extended my hand to her.

  “I’m Brie.” She smiled and for the first time ever I felt a warmth in my chest and a pang in my heart.

  “Brie. That’s a pretty name.” I looked her straight in her warm chocolate brown eyes.

  “Thanks.”

  “So, is this your first year here?” I asked.

  She nodded. “Just arrived a few weeks ago. My parents are getting divorced. They thought it was best for me to attend school here since they are in all-out war.”

  I scrunched my nose. “Sorry.”

  “Yeah, it is what it is.” She shrugged her shoulders.

  “Where you from?” I inquired. She looked American but I wasn’t sure.

  “L.A. My parents are famous actors.”

  I nodded. “You look like a Cali girl.”

  She laughed. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing, just your sun kissed skin and blond hair.” I shrugged. “You’re beautiful.”

  Brie from California blushed again, and my attraction to her grew tenfold.

  “I don’t really know too many people yet,” she admitted.

  “Yeah. Me neither. I wouldn’t worry about it. Seems like this crew is easy to get along with.”

  “Yeah, if you’re into sex and drugs.” She huffed and then she pinched her lips together like the words slipped from her mouth.

  My brows drew together as I waited for an explanation.

  She waved me off. “Sorry. Just my dad … he’s famous, and I don’t know, maybe it comes with the territory of being a movie star, but he cheated on my mom a lot and did drugs and now our lives are a mess.”

  “Shit! I’m sorry.” I sighed. I wanted to hug this girl like something fierce. “My family aren’t movie stars, just plain rich. The first time I caught my dad cheating on my mom I was fourteen.”

  Brie hissed. “That’s awful.”

  “Yeah, saw it with my own eyes.” I shook my head, trying to erase the memory.

  Brie took my hand in hers. Her hand was warm and soft. She smiled at me and her eyes dropped to my lips. It was like gravity pulling us together. I drifted toward her and we kissed. Little did I know that things would never be the same again.

  Chapter Seven

  Al

  Present

  “Well, you’re looking more human.” Sam opens her eyes and smiles at me. It is very strange to be staying in a house with complete strangers. I’d say it’s strange sharing a bed with a strange woman, but that isn’t anything new to me so the argument wouldn’t hold. What makes this experience different is the fact that for three nights Sam and I have shared the same bed and no sex was involved. Yes, we were both fully clothed for two out of the three nights, except when she tried to use the warmth of her skin to warm me while I was probably suffering from hypothermia. What’s even stranger is that despite our clothed state, I like spending time with her. Not that she gives me a lot of her time. It’s mostly her making me meals and nursing me back to health, but what I’ve come to know I like. I even like that she calls me darling with her long drawl, and I wasn’t the type of guy to get stuck on sappy name calling.

  “Antibiotics will have that effect.” Her sweet voice pulls me from having naughty thoughts about her.

  Turns out I had a strep throat and the hypothermia just wore my immune system down even more.

  “Stu is one of the good ones.” Sam yawns and stretches her arms above her head, pressing that ample chest of hers out. I’m glad I’m tucked under the covers. She seems to be co
mpletely oblivious to her beauty. She’s unlike any other woman I know because she also doesn’t do anything to pamper herself. She’s a natural. I watch her climb out of bed. It’s 5:00 am, but I don’t mind getting up with her now that I’m feeling better.

  “You want to tell me that you usually don’t sleep in a bra and panties?” I ask, teasing her. I’ve learned I like to get a rise out of her. She picks up her pillow and throws it in my face.

  “No, dumbass. I did that so you wouldn’t die.” She smirks and her lip quirks on one corner.

  “Right, you saved me. How can I repay you for saving my life?” I ask with true sincerity. She pauses and her lush pink lips press together to form a thin line. I forgot about her whole she doesn’t want my money spiel. From a brief look out the window, it appears the snow has finally stopped falling. Thank goodness too because the snowbanks were already five feet high two days ago when she drove me to Dr. Stu. I couldn’t imagine what it’s like out there now. Not that I’m complaining. I like being stuck on this ranch with her. Even though I could do without her dear old dad. I reach for a glass of water on the side table and swallow the antibiotics Dr. Stu prescribed. I sure as hell haven’t needed my sleeping pills these last few days.

  “I hope Portia fared well through the storm,” I murmur to myself, deflecting my last question. Sam is up and rummaging through her drawers. She walks over to the corner she usually dresses in and does her best to keep her body parts covered while changing. I want to say that I’m a gentleman and look away, but I don’t. I try to take in every ounce of her exposed skin. When Sam drops her pajama pants to the floor, my thoughts of Portia fly out the window.

  “I need to work this morning. I’ll probably be done early, though, so I can take you back to your car,” she answers, and I know her words should excite me, but they don’t because it means my time with her is up.

  “Right, thanks.” I’m not ready to leave. Even though she doesn’t want monetary compensation, I feel on edge knowing I owe her big time. I want to get out to a supermarket and restock her fridge with food. Her father isn’t the most subtle guy, but I can’t say I blame him. They are running low on money, and I’m a big guy to feed. I also feel like maybe I need to help out around the ranch now that I’m feeling better as a form of repayment since she won’t talk money. I’ve seen how hard she works. Her father doesn’t cut her any slack. She’s completely exhausted every night. What I do know is that her father inseminated a bunch of cows yesterday, hoping to get them pregnant. I thought cows did things the old fashion way, on all fours, but apparently not.

  “I’m coming out there to work with you,” I say, getting out of bed slowly. I pat Snow on the head. She’s been keeping me company while I lie here sick in bed. I begin to unbutton the top buttons of the same flannel pajamas I’ve been wearing the past three nights. I watch her throat bob, and she pulls her attention away from me like I’m doused with acid. “I need a quick shower and I’m good to go.”

  She turns her attention back to me and gives a look that says she thinks I’ve lost it before she finally bursts into hysterical laughter. Her palm presses against her belly as she falls forward, laughing.

  “What is so funny?” I feign being offended. My tone is deep and demanding, my brow cocked.

  “Well, there’s the fact you just offered to work on the ranch, and who the hell takes a shower before going to work in a barn? My papa had me shoveling shit yesterday,” she says and my smirk fades.

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah, real shit,” she answers.

  “I’m still coming out there. Sans shower and sans boxers. You haven’t scared me off.” I place both hands on my hips. I may not be up to full strength, but I’m in good shape. I can handle whatever her father has to dish.

  I notice her eyes flare with heat and her gaze drops to my man package—for the briefest of seconds. I’m beginning to think I affect Sam. I like the thought of that, and I hate the thought of that all at once. It really just confuses the shit out of me. I want to bed her. I can’t bed her. I’m leaving. She’s too good for me to mess with.

  “Well, good. We could use the extra help. Papa had to lay off the two farm boys we had in the summer. Now it’s just me and him doing the work of four people. I won’t say no to an extra set of hands.” She nods and does the final button up on the plaid flannel shirt that seems to be a favorite style of hers. Oh, Sam, my extra set of hands can help a lot … like set that body of yours on fire. The thought pops into my mind, sending a wave of heat through my body before reason kicks in and I shove the thought aside.

  “Good then.” I gulp, and she leaves the room just as I take off the flannel pajama shirt I’m wearing. I need to get to my car and suitcase fast because I’m in desperate need of clothes. I head over to my cell phone. It’s dead and the charger’s in my car. I don’t know if Izzy is worried that I haven’t shown up or if she figures I simply got sidetracked. I know Colton’s probably busy handing his power over to the new governor, so I don’t need to touch base with him.

  All dressed in the clothes I arrived in, I exit Sam’s room and head for the main area of the house where the kitchen is located. I’m in desperate need of coffee after drinking lemon water and tea these last few days.

  Sam’s father spots me first and at first glance he spits coffee out of his mouth and begins to laugh so hard I fear he may cause an avalanche nearby. “You ain’t coming to work in my barn dressed like that.” He looks at me like I’m insane.

  “What?” I glance down at my clothes. Blue Hugo Boss jeans, dark wash. Gucci button down shirt in this season’s eggplant color. My usual black leather belt and my Prada shoes, flat black with lace ties. I’m dressed well. I’ve been told I have impeccable taste in clothing from more than one lady. I walk over to Sam, who is standing by a coffee pot.

  “Ignore, Papa. He’s in his regular mood of being an ass.” She cuts him a steely glare, but he doesn’t care. He just continues to laugh. They have the oddest relationship. They call each other names and no one seems to get truly offended. It’s a weird banter I don’t understand.

  “Coffee,” I say like it’s my last breath.

  “Sure. How you take it?” she asks sweetly. My eyes drop to her full chest for a brief moment.

  “Milk and one sugar,” I answer, pulling my gaze up to her eyes. She brushes past me to get the milk. Her shoulder makes contact with my chest and my dick twitches. I swear in my head because without the boxers, it will be damn hard to hide a hard on.

  “Let me do it,” I take the milk from her. I don’t want her to feel like she has to serve me or take care of me now that I feel better. She gives me the milk and sugar, and I make my coffee.

  “See you two out there and hurry.” Her father stands from the table, puts on his large cowboy hat, and exits the house.

  A few minutes later, I’ve devoured a breakfast biscuit with a piece of cheese, and I’m out in the barn waiting for her father to tell me what he wants me to do.

  “Hi, sir,” I call from behind him. He turns to look at me, his eyes raking down my body to my shoes, and he bursts into another fit of laughter.

  “I’ve never seen a rancher wear pointed shoes like that. What are they, girl shoes?” He’s laughing so hard he can barely catch his breath. I begin to laugh with him, figuring it’s better to join the laughter than be laughed at. Out of the corner of my eye, though, I see that Sam isn’t too impressed. I hate that she lives here with her jerk of a father, doing everything she can to please him.

  “Hardy har har.” I nod my head. Okay, we get it. My shoes are funny. Now let’s move on. I should be the one crying that my seven-hundred-dollar Pradas are going to get ruined. “What work do you want me to do with my fancy shoes?” I ask, standing tall and looking him right in the eye.

  He stiffens and his features turn serious. “Alright. Here.” He walks a few feet and picks up a shovel then passes it to me.

  Sam cuts in. “Papa, no. I’ll do it. Al is our guest,” she says so so
ftly I can barely hear her.

  “No.” I lift my hand. “It’s fine.”

  “Yeah, sunshine. You heard him. It’s fine. He’s practically moved into our home, eating our food. I should be charging him room and board.” Her father continues, and he’s absolutely right. I should and I would. I keep that to myself though because any talk of repayment seems to piss Sam off.

  “What should I do with the shovel?” I ask.

  Her father points to the piles of shit on the floor. “Does it require an explanation?” He’s mocking me now. Sam looks like she wants to crawl out of her skin.

  “I’ve got this,” I whisper in her ear. I can’t help but take in the floral scent of her hair when my nose makes contact with it, or the brief goose bumps that pebble along her skin. All I know is that I’m in deep trouble with her.

  Chapter Eight

  Al

  I’m freaking exhausted, and I smell like shit—literally—as we take a break for lunch in the middle of the day. I’m scrubbing my hands in the kitchen sink as Sam makes us all ham and cheese sandwiches. I really need a change of clothes, which I don’t say out loud. I overheard Sam speaking with her father outside the bull barn, and they are worried that they might not have enough food for the cattle to get through the winter. A few of the cows aren’t gaining enough weight, which is apparently a problem. All this work and talk of not having enough makes me realize what a spoiled asshole I really am.

  I take a seat at the table next to Sam, and she pushes a plate with a sandwich my way.

  “Thanks.” I smile, realizing I still have my jacket on, but I’m still shivering from the cold outside.

  Her father walks in and washes his hands then grabs a beer from the fridge.

  “Tractor ain’t working again. Got to drive that thing down to Slim,” her father says to her. “Going to meet Tim for lunch. Just wanted you to know,” he says, tipping his beer into his mouth.