by Thorn, Ava
"I heard Ranger Shane. I will revise the schedule." Farrah looked at Shane. "Hi, I'm Farrah Rue."
Shane's eyes roamed over Farrah's face and body. "Shane McBride. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to call me," he said, placing his card in her hand.
Austin watched in horror as his cousin flirted with Farrah. "Don't you have a ticket to write, Ranger Shane?"
"I didn't know you owned Southern Rose. I try to eat here every chance I get. I think I will make it my business to eat here every day just for the view," Shane said, completely ignoring Austin.
Farrah blushed. "Are you going to eat here? Or do you want to take it home?"
"He's a busy man, Farrah. Better make his meal to go." Austin looked around the kitchen for the carryout trays.
"I have a few minutes to waste, plus I think I just found a date for my cousin's wedding."
"She is catering the wedding," Austin informed him. "She won't have time to be your date."
"Why don't you guys go out there and talk and I'll bring the food out." Farrah needed a break from Shane's flirtatious ways.
Austin sat across the table from Shane. He watched as Shane observed Farrah's every move around the kitchen. "She's not your type."
Shane roared with laughter. "Damn, cousin, you are funny, but that doesn't mean you should stop writing those country songs and go jump on a comedy tour."
"I'm serious, Shane. She is not your type. She doesn't go for womanizers."
"I believe you're hurting my feelings, Austin." Shane licked his lips as he watched Farrah bend over. "I do love a pretty, smart, sophisticated, intelligent woman."
Austin snorted. "Save it. Stay away from Farrah."
"Why, cousin? Is it because you're smitten by the beauty in the kitchen?" Shane winked.
"No," he stuttered. "I just don't want her to be heartbroken. Farrah is catering a couple of events for me, not to mention the wedding. It would be awkward having her cry over the food if you guys didn't work out."
Yeah, right, McBride, is that what you're telling yourself? You like Farrah; face it, he thought to himself.
"Okay, guys," Farrah said, interrupting their conversation. She placed the plates in front of them; fried liver and onions sautéed with bacon strips and mushrooms.
"Can we go on a date?" Shane asked after the first bite.
Austin was happy that Shane's phone rang at that moment. Shane excused himself from the table and walked to a private area. Farrah took the liberty of grabbing a take-away box and putting Shane's food in it.
"Darling, I have to go, but look out for my call. We will be going out on a date." Shane thanked Farrah for the meal. He shocked both Austin and Farrah by kissing her directly on the lips.
"McBride," Austin warned.
"McBride," Shane mimicked. "Tell Rebecca I said hello."
Austin knew that was a low blow; he ignored Shane and was happy his cousin left so he could enjoy the rest of the evening talking to Farrah.
"Do you like him?" Austin asked after a few minutes ticked by.
"What? He has potential, but no." Farrah smiled and touched her lips. "Shane will be in for a rude awakening when the right one comes along."
"How do you know he's not the right one?"
"He's not, and I'm not the one for him."
Austin saw hurt in Farrah's eyes just for a second. "Who hurt you?"
"Let's just say I had my share of heartache."
"Farrah, I know you're hiding something inside. I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to."
"Tell me, Austin, what made you become a country singer?" Farrah asked, desperately trying to change the topic.
"My granddaddy used to play Johnny Cash. I remember all those times as a young boy sitting on the fishing creek singing with him. I went to Nashville when I was eighteen years old and got my first break."
"You must be talented."
"You've never listened to any of my songs?" He put his hands to his heart. "I think I'm hurt and disappointed!"
Farrah laughed at Austin's antics. "Sing something for me, right now."
A few minutes passed before Austin started to sing. She loved his accent as he sang about losing love. She marveled at his soft, crooning vocal skills.
"Bravo!" She clapped when he finished the song. "I might have to go get your album."
"I could give you a copy," he said, looking at her.
"No, I want to buy your CD." Farrah stood up as she was becoming uncomfortable. She took the dishes off the table and walked to the kitchen.
"Well, ma'am, I think it's my turn to wash dishes."
Farrah turned around and watched as Austin rolled up his sleeves. "Shouldn't you be heading home?"
"My momma would be ashamed of me if she knew that the last time you cooked, I left without helping you with the dishes." He kindly moved her aside and opened the tap to wash the dishes.
"Well, McBride, I thought you would have forgotten how to do the dishes." Farrah laughed when he splashed her with water.
"Sugar, I promise you I know how to wash dishes." His grey eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at her. Farrah cleared her throat and began to wipe down the counter, trying to ignore Austin's heated stare.
They finished cleaning the kitchen and remained silent. When they were done, Farrah walked Austin to the front door.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you I hired a fisherman," she said.
Austin wanted to kiss her badly as she smiled up at him. "Actually, I was thinking I could teach you how to fish. We could make a day out of it. It's sad that a southern woman like you doesn't know how to fish."
"It's not sad, Austin. For fresh fish, I go to the fish market early in the morning."
"Well, don't make any Saturday plans, because we're going to take Charlene out on the water." Austin put his cowboy hat on.
"What's next?" she asked. "You going to take me hunting?"
Austin laughed. "It's too hot right now, but I could see you out in the woods hunting with me."
Farrah couldn't help but laugh. "Goodnight, Austin."
Austin kissed Farrah's cheek. "Text me your address so I can pick you up early on Saturday morning. Now lock up."
"Okay." Farrah closed the door and locked it.
Austin sat in his truck; he watched as the lights turned off in the restaurant.
***
Farrah walked out the door and jumped when she saw Austin standing next to her blue Mini Cooper. "I thought you left," she sighed.
"I wanted to make sure you got to your car safely."
"That's sweet, but I can handle myself." She held her key chain up for him to see the pepper spray.
"That doesn't mean anything." He chuckled and opened her car door. "I'll see you on Saturday. Buckle up."
"Saturday, but not too early." She started her car and waved to Austin as she pulled out of the parking lot.
Farrah's smile fell when she realized that she would be spending a whole day on a boat with Austin McBride. He made her nervous, especially the way he looked at her. Staying away from Austin was becoming harder and harder by the minute.
***
Austin talked to Shadow while he brushed the horse's mane.
"I will be leaving in a few days, Shadow, but I will be back in a few weeks."
Austin was trying to get Farrah off his mind. It took every ounce of control not to touch or kiss her.
"If you brush Shadow any longer, he'll be the cleanest horse in the stable." Hank approached Austin with a grin on his face.
"I'm trying to spend all my time with him before I leave."
"I'm told you've been spending all your time at Southern Rose."
Austin put the brush down. "Ms. Rue is the chef who will be cooking at the appreciation dinner next week."
"I heard she is a looker," Hank said with a grin.
"I guess, but I wasn't paying attention," Austin lied. "The food is to die for."
"That's where we have our Sunday dinners," Hank said.
"The ranch hands and myself." Hank shrugged.
"I didn't know," he replied.
"You wouldn't since Rebecca doesn't want you spending a lot of time with us country folks." Hank smirked.
Hank wasn't lying. Every time Austin brought Rebecca to the ranch, she would find an excuse not to ride the horse he'd bought her, or she would spend a few days on the ranch and leave.
"Leave Rebecca alone. She's still trying to adjust to ranch life." Austin shook his head as he continued to brush Shadow.
Hank chuckled. "You guys have been steady for three years and Rebecca still hasn't adjusted to ranch life. Face it, Austin, your woman doesn't like this lifestyle."
"How is Natalie?" Austin wasn't in the mood to defend Rebecca to his family. "I can take a hint; no more talking about Rebecca." Hank threw his hands up.
"I'm going to turn in early. I'm taking Farrah fishing at Lake Lewisville," Austin said as he tried to hide his smile.
"Gotcha!" Hank started to walk away and stopped in his tracks. "Shane said he met a girl tonight. I'm happy that everyone is settling down."
Austin didn't reply to Hank. He knew that Shane had the hots for Farrah, and he was going to make him cool down a couple notches.
Chapter Five
Farrah groaned as the knocking on the door grew louder. Rolling over, she glanced at the alarm clock; it was only four o'clock in the morning. Throwing the blankets off of her, Farrah stormed out of the bedroom and stomped towards the front door.
"Who the fuck wakes a normal person out of their bed at four a.m.!" she yelled as she opened the door and came face-to-face with Austin McBride.
Austin's eyes traveled up and down Farrah's delectable body. She wore striped boy shorts and a tank top. Her black hair, which he was used to seeing in a ponytail, flowed wildly over her shoulders.
"You forgot about our fishing trip."
"Crap." Farrah knew she didn't forget the fishing trip. She had prepared her employees for her absence in the restaurant and everything. "I didn't forget." She yawned. "I just overslept. Why so early?" She pouted.
"You know what they say, the early bird catches the worm."
Austin held a paper cup of coffee in his hand. Farrah reached for it and took a sip.
"Is that what they say?"
Austin nodded his head as he stepped further into Farrah's townhouse. Her house smelled like tropical fruit that took him to paradise. The house was decorated in a safari theme with dark colors. "Have you ever been to Africa?"
"You think I've been to Africa just because I'm black!"
Austin's face turned pale. "I didn't mean anything by it. Your house is decorated nicely."
Farrah laughed at Austin's rambling. "Austin, chill; it was a joke. Now give me ten minutes and I'll be ready for our fishing expedition."
"Only ten?" Austin was used to Rebecca taking forever getting dressed; sometimes they would be over an hour late for an event. He looked around Farrah's house. Even though her house was beautifully decorated, it was devoid of pictures of her family. There were a few pictures of her with Southern Rose employees, but that was it.
"I'm ready." Farrah ran out of her bedroom wearing jean shorts that showed off her shapely thighs and a white tank top that emphasized her breasts.
"Flip flops," he said, looking at her well-manicured toe nails.
"I'm taking tennis shoes too." She showed him the shoes in her hand. "Let's go, but we must grab food on the way; if not, I can be a B-I-T-C-H."
"Duly noted."
***
Farrah sat quietly next to Austin as he drove down I-35 East. The sun was just beginning to rise as they crossed the bridge. She peeked over her sunglasses at Austin; he was devilishly handsome with his white cowboy hat. Farrah wondered if Austin ever wore anything that didn't consist of blue jeans and cowboy boots.
"Do you see something you like?" Austin looked over at Farrah.
"I was wondering if you wear anything besides cowboy boots and blue jeans," she said as she adjusted her sunglasses.
"I can wear a Speedo if you like." He winked at her.
"No thanks. I actually think you're sexy in a pair of jeans." She smiled and averted her eyes to the scenery outside the window.
"You think I'm sexy or that my clothes are sexy?" he asked.
"Let's steer this conversation to something more appropriate." Farrah exhaled the breath she was holding; this fishing trip was a bad idea.
"Tell me about Farrah," he said as he turned the music down in the truck.
"Such as?" Farrah touched the necklace around her neck that served as a coping mechanism.
"I know you grew up in New Orleans, then moved to Dallas where you opened Southern Rose. Ms. Rue, you already told me that you're waiting for your soul mate, and by the way, I've noticed you don't have any children."
"What's your question?" she said, looking at him. She was starting to wish that she had canceled this fishing trip.
"Where do you see yourself five years from now?" he asked.
"I want to have a fabulous, loving, respectful, honest husband and two kids and make Southern Rose successful." Farrah turned in her seat and looked at him. "How many kids do you and Rebecca want?"
Austin squirmed in his seat. "Truthfully, I want a house full of kids, but I'm not sure what Rebecca wants anymore." He laughed nervously. "We used to say we would have four kids, but now everything is changing."
"Love only comes around once in a while. Marriage is a big decision, Austin. Maybe you guys should talk to someone."
"I know," he said softly as he pulled into the parking lot of Cracker Barrel. "I don't want you to become cranky, so we should eat right now." He winked at Farrah before jumping out of the truck and walking to the passenger side.
"Thanks," Farrah said as Austin opened the door for her.
Austin held onto Farrah's waist as he helped her get out of his truck. For one moment, the world stood still as they stared into each other's eyes. Austin wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the words.
"Come, Austin, let's eat," Farrah said as she moved out of Austin's arms. It was getting hard to fight these feelings; it was hard to breathe when he was near her.
Austin continued looking at Farrah. "All right, chow time."
As soon as they stepped inside the crowded restaurant, Farrah noticed Austin's celebrity status when a group of young college girls recognized him and swarmed around him like bees towards a hive. She stepped away from him as he posed for pictures and signed autographs. A waitress guided her to a booth where she sat and watched
Austin. His laughter from across the room warmed her heart; she liked the way his eyes twinkled when he laughed. Austin McBride was definitely breaking all the barriers that she had put up since Fredrick. Farrah wished that she could turn off her emotions so she wouldn't feel what she was feeling.
When he signed the last autograph, she waved to him from across the restaurant. A waitress was delivering the food she had ordered for them. He gave her a smile that melted her heart when he approached the table.
"I'm sorry for the interruption," he said as he sat down across from her.
Farrah waved him off. "It's not a problem," she replied. "Let's eat."
***
This was new to Austin. Normally Rebecca would huff and puff when a fan asked for an autograph. He shook his head as he remembered Rebecca standing there, tapping her foot impatiently. But Farrah was different. She'd stepped aside for him and went to the table to order their food.
Throughout breakfast, they laughed and talked like old friends. "Let's play a game," he said.
"How old are we again?" Farrah smiled.
"Come on, Farrah, this game would be fun." He gave her his signature puppy dog eyes that he knew would make it hard for her to say no.
"Fine," she said.
"Describe yourself in a single word," he said.
"Fine, three words to describe yourself." He laughed.
"Vivacious, passionate, candid." She paused and smiled slowly. "Three words to describe yourself?" she turned the question back at him.
"Creative, visionary, daring," he said. He took another bite of his pancake before he tossed his second question at her. "Describe me," he said in between chews.
"Ugh. I just saw what you're eating." Farrah smiled. "Answer the question." He sipped his hot coffee.
"May I?" she asked when she took his cup of coffee and took a sip.
"I can order you one," he said. Austin didn't mind her drinking his coffee. He thought it was cute. Rebecca never drank after him from the same cup.
"No, I can't drink a lot of coffee," she said and put his cup down.
"Why?" he asked.
"Why what?" She looked at him confusedly.
Austin couldn't help but laugh. He knew she was toying with him. "Why can't you drink a lot of coffee?"
"I would be on the toilet all day," she whispered. "Oh, and I think you're charismatic, determined, and sexy."
"Really?" He blushed. "You think I'm sexy?" he said as he cleared his throat.
"Please don't get conceited," she said.
"Oh, honey, I won't," he said as he continued to smile and drank his coffee.
"Yeah right." She laughed. "Shouldn't we be leaving for our fishing trip?"
"Yes, ma'am," he said and waved over the waitress.
***
Austin tried to keep his eyes glued to the road, but he kept looking over at Farrah as she was changing to a radio station where a familiar R&B song she knew started to play. He laughed as she snapped her fingers and started to sing the song.
"Do you know this song?" she asked him.
"You think because I'm a country singer that I don't listen to R&B." He laughed. This was the most fun he'd had in years, and they hadn't even made it the boat yet.