Callie woke to Chase kissing her, he had even brought her breakfast on bed. She really should be in a good mood, but that just wasn’t gonna happen. She was tired and annoyed. Who decided they needed to ride up and down the road all night, or that a street light that would shine in her window all night was a good idea. Callie didn’t want to eat or get out of bed, instead she rolled over and threw the covers over her head.
“Callie, you need to wake up.” Chase said gently.
“You get up. I am not leaving this bed.” Callie said rudely.
“Do you need to call in today? Are you feeling bad?” Chase asked rubbing her back through the blankets.
“No.” Callie said pushing the covers back and getting up.
Callie knew it would be better for her to walk away with the mood she was in, so she went to the bathroom, and started getting ready. Her hair wouldn’t even go in a ponytail smoothly, so she wet it and then pulled it back. Make-up wasn’t even a thought today, she would probably give herself fangs to keep people away. Walking to her closet she put on her hose and a skirt before picking a sweater set to go over it, doing her best to ignore Chase as she dressed. He hadn’t left the room, but had gotten dressed and was sitting on the bed waiting for her.
“Let’s go. I want to get this day over with.” Callie huffed walking to her closet and grabbing flats before going to the front door.
“Do you need anything before we go?” Chase asked her. She should be glad he was looking out for, but right now, she was not in the mood.
“No.” She snarled at him.
“Okay.” Chase said carrying a thermos and his bag out as they went.
When Chase got to the school, she got out and shut the door without looking at him and stormed toward the door. She needed to calm down before her classes started or she might upset the kids. Callie went to the office to check her mail and relax a minute before she went to her classroom. Thinking she was finally calming down she looked up to see Miss Jenkins walking in. Not today.
“What’s the matter Callie? Tired from your busy weekend sitting around alone.” She said in a sugary sweet voice. Callie was just about to answer her when her eyes widened on something behind her.
“Hey baby. You forgot your hot chocolate and lunch in my truck. Have a good day, and I’ll pick you up when you get off. Love you.” Chase said kissing her before turning to leave.
Callie stood frozen in the office as she stared after Chase. She didn’t forget it, she hadn’t known about it. He must have made it for her when she went to get ready. Miss Jenkins squeezed by her and walked away without a word. Callie was in a daze as she walked to her class. At least a daze was better then her bad mood. She was about to tell Miss Jenkins off until Chase came in. It was going to be a long day so she took a deep breath, opened the door, and got her room ready for the first class.
Turns out her day only got worse. The kids were meaner than rattle snakes today. One little boy pulled a little girls hair making her cry, in another class somehow one had gotten a hold of chewing gum and stuck it in another kids hair. Another little boy kicked her, and another ripped her skirt when she kept pulling on it to tattle. So far it was just before the last class and Callie had already had to pull off her hose because of all the runs from being in the floor, be careful how she sat because of the rip in her skirt, and she had a bruise on her shin from the kick. She texted Chase to be there at three thirty. If she stayed a second later she might hurt someone.
Callie cleaned up quick after her last class left and grabbed her things. As she walked down the hall one of the other teachers stopped her to make sure she was okay. Callie appreciated the concern, but she gave her a curt yes and kept going. When she walked out she saw Chase leaning against the passenger side of his truck waiting for her. He held the door open while she got in then went to his side.
“What can I do to make it better?” Chase asked her and she could tell he was trying to keep her calm.
“If you will take me to the ranch, I can have Chasity come get me in the morning. I just need the peace and quiet of the ranch please.” Callie said and leaned against the window.
Chase reached across the seat and held her hand as he drove. Callie felt like she would combust if she didn’t get away now. She had almost quit her job at one point today. That wasn’t like her. She loved music class with the kids. Maybe Chase would let her go for a ride. Today she was determined to make Blane do what she wanted, she needed speed and control. Chase pulled in and helped her out. Callie went straight to his room and got her clothes thankful he had kept some here.
“Chase, can I go for a ride?” Callie asked after she had changed and went back down stairs.
“Sure, do you need me to ride with you or you want to go alone.” Chase asked her.
“I want to ride alone, but I want you close by in case I need you. I need speed, but if Blane won’t let me you may have to get on with me.” Callie told him walking to the door.
Chase followed her out and saddled up Blane. She could hear his voice as he talked to Blane, but couldn’t make out what he was saying. When he brought Blane over she put her foot up to get on, but when Chase reached out to help her, she shook her head no. Callie got up on her own, then leaned over to pet Blane and talk to him.
“It’s just us. I need to feel the wind, but I will be careful. Please let me have this.” She told him and patted him before sitting up and guiding him outside.
Chase was on the outside of the fence, but ready if she needed him. She started Blane at a trot and he followed her commands. She didn’t go far, but made wide loops so that Chase was always in view of her. She nudged Blane to go faster and he did. Her hair hadn’t stayed in the ponytail today, so some of it was blowing in the wind. Callie felt her self smile and she started to relax. She circled closer to Chase and smiled before taking a few more laps. When she finished she guided Blane back to the stable, and let Chase help her down.
“What do you usually do when you put him away?” Callie asked patting Blane’s neck.
“We usually brush them, and give them a treat.” Chase said wrapping his arms around her.
“Will you show me how?” She asked looking back at him and Chase nodded leading her and Blane back to his stable.
Chase got the brush and put it in her hand before guiding it to stroke across the horse. Blane made a noise that sounded like a sigh and Callie kept brushing. She found it oddly relaxing to brush him down, and began singing softly. Chase had stepped back to let her do as she asked and she was content to be with Blane like this. When she got near his face Blane pushed into her and whined. Callie laughed and kissed his nose. When she was done, she went to find Chase sitting on a hay bale beside the gate.
“What do I give him for a treat?” Callie asked him softly.
“I think you already gave him a treat, but he likes apples too.” Chase said pulling her between his legs and resting his head on her stomach, which decided to growl loudly.
“Come on let’s finish him, so we can feed you.” Chase said laughing.
“Sorry.” Callie said handing the apple to Blane and patting him on last time. “What do you want me to make?” Callie asked him as they walked to the house.
“Let’s go to Susie’s. Then we can stop by and get you some work clothes for tomorrow. Sound good to you?” Chase asked her kissing her softly.
“Yeah it does.” Callie said as they got the keys and went back out.
“Thank you Chase.” Callie said placing a hand on his thigh after he started the truck.
“For what?” He asked her confused.
“For today. I know I have been a pain, even to you. It wasn’t personal, I just couldn’t shake the mood.” She told him softly.
“Do you have any idea why you were so irritated when you got up?” Chase asked putting a hand over hers.
“It is stupid really, but I couldn’t sleep and I think that set me off.” Callie told him shrugging.
“Why couldn’t you sleep. I notic
ed you kept moving last night.” Chase said frowning.
“I have no idea. It seemed like I kept hearing cars going up and down the road and that darn street light was shining right in my window. I have lived there for a long time, but never noticed those things.” Callie told him pursing her lips.
“Why do you think you noticed last night? Was it because I was there?” Chase asked her.
“Not because you were there, but I think it was so quiet at the ranch that I forgot the sounds of the town. I know that sounds crazy.” Callie said shaking her head.
“Let’s go in and order then we can talk some more.” Chase said getting out at the diner.
Kara seated them and took their orders. They chatted while they waited on the food, but it was just nonsense stuff. They went quiet while they ate. It was a comfortable silence, neither felt the need to fill. They shared smiles and looks, but continued to eat. When they finished Chase paid and they went to her place where she grabbed clothes and they left again.
“How was the rest of your day?” Chase asked when they were at the ranch.
“I really need a hot bath. Want to come talk to me while I relax?” She asked him as she walked up the stairs. Chase was hot on her heels as she entered the bathroom.
Callie started the water and stripped knowing Chase was watching her. She had already started the water and leaned over to put her bubble bath in as it filled. Chase groaned and she looked over her shoulder at him winking. Callie had barely gotten in when her phone started ringing. She knew it was Chasity, she hadn’t talked to her all day.
“Hey, what’s up?” She asked as Chase handed it to her.
“Not much. I’m so tired I just want to go home and fall in my bed.” Chasity said sighing.
“I know that feeling, it’s been one of those days.” Callie confided.
“I heard Miss Jenkins is in having a hissy fit.” Chasity said waiting for her to tell her more. “Want to tell me what happened? Apparently, she isn’t telling anyone why.”
“I was in a bad mood this morning.” Callie told her simply.
“Not enough information, I need more.” Chasity said quickly.
“Mind if I put you on speaker?” Callie asked her.
“No, go a head. I assume your taking your bubble bath anyways.” Chasity said.
“I am.” Callie said turning on the speaker and putting the phone down. “She saw me in the office and asked if I was tired from my busy weekend sitting alone.”
“She did what?” Chase asked in a menacing tone.
“Chase?” Chasity said confused.
“Hey Chasity. I was just getting the daily run down too.” Chase said with fire in his eyes.
“Okay? I thought you went home last night.” Chasity said to Callie.
“I did, but I couldn’t sleep and have been in a bad mood all day.” Callie told her sister as Chase came closer.
“So you’re at the ranch then?” Chasity asked her.
“Yeah. Chase brought me after work. Anyways do yall want to know what happened or not.” Callie asked them.
“Yes.” They said in unison.
“Right after she said that was when Chase walked in to bring me my lunch and hot chocolate. I hadn’t even had a chance to respond. She stormed out when you left.” Callie finished looking at Chase.
“Her eyes were big as saucers when I turned to leave.” Chase said not really caring.
“Why would she care he brought you lunch?” Chasity asked confused.
“I doubt it was the lunch as much as the kiss and me saying I love you.” Chase clarified.
“Yep, that would do it.” Chasity said laughing.
“Did she say anything else to you?” Chase asked Callie tension clear on his face.
“Nope, she just stormed away. She wasn’t even the worst of my day.” Callie said as she raised her leg for Chase to see the bruise.
“What the hell happened.” Chase said reaching out to rub it.
“What, I can’t see you got to tell me.” Chasity whined into the phone.
“So today I ripped my hose, then one of the girls ripped my skirt tattling, another student put gum in someone’s hair, and then I was kicked.” Callie said in one breath.
“Someone actually kicked you?” Chasity asked softly.
“They left a bruise.” Chase informed her.
“Wow, that’s bad. Are you okay now?” Callie asked her.
“Yeah. Chase brought me home, I mean to the ranch and let me ride, then we went to dinner and I got some clothes for tomorrow. Hey can you come…” Callie started.
“I am taking you to work tomorrow Callie.” Chase cut her off before she could ask her sister.
“Hearing about your day only made me more tired, so I’m going to bed. Love you sis.” Chasity said.
“Love you.” Callie replied then hung up. Looking up she saw Chase stripping. “What are you doing?” She asked.
“I’m getting in with you.” Chase said walking toward the tub and getting in opposite her. “Yeah we definitely need a bigger tub.” He said quietly.
“Have you ever even used it before?” Callie asked smiling.
“No, but I have a feeling we will be in it alot.” Chase said shrugging and she laughed. “Callie, did you mean it?” Chase asked pulling her close to him.
“What?” She asked him confused.
“When you called this home.” Chase said looking in her eyes.
“Chase, I’m not pushing. It was just a slip.” Callie told him looking away.
“Don’t look away from me Callie.” Chase said pulling her closer as she pulled back. “Do you consider this home?” He asked when he had pulled her nose to nose.
“Chase, I…” Callie started but couldn’t finish. She wanted this to be home, but they hadn’t been together long and she didn’t want to pressure him.
“That’s what I want Callie.” Chase told her with sincerity burning through his voice. “I want you to be home, here with me always.” Chase said kissing her lips gently then pulling back.
“But Chase we haven’t been together but a few days really. That is crazy.” Callie said fighting back tears.
“Then be crazy with me. We can do a trial run. I can bring some of your things over and you can see how you like being here.” Chase tried to coax her.
“Chase, it’s too far away. I haven’t even called the shop about my car, so I don’t have one right now.” Callie told him biting her lip, what she really wanted was to say yes.
“Oh right, we haven’t gotten that far yet. I had your car looked at today. I hate to tell you, but the mechanic said it would cost more to fix then the car is worth.” Chase told her rubbing her back.
“Crap. I’ll have to check around about getting one. With the baby coming I have to have a car. All the doctor appointments, and work, what am I gonna do?” Callie said rhetorically as the tears began to fall.
“Please don’t cry. I can take you to all of those things.” Chase said and felt a shiver run through her.
“Chase, I don’t want to be completely dependant on you, or anyone for that matter.” Callie continued to cry.
“You can just take my truck tomorrow. Luke is off, so if I have to go anywhere, I can use his.” Chase said getting out of the tub.
Callie stayed seated as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She had some money saved, but she didn’t think it was enough to get a decent car. What she got had to be reliable so she wouldn’t get stranded with the baby. She was so lost in thought she barely noticed Chase pick her up and get her out of the tub before drying her off. She didn’t deserve someone as good as him. He sat her on the bed as he pulled out her panties and grabbed her one of his shirts. She let him dress her. The day had finally caught up to her and she was suddenly so tired she couldn’t move. After she was dressed he laid her down and pulled the cover over her, and pulled her against him. She was asleep as soon as her head hit his chest.
Chapter 18
Chase held her until he was su
re she was out for the night. He hadn’t expected her to get so emotional, but it did make sense. She was feeling like she was loosing her freedom, and he had simply let her cry. He didn’t know what else to do. Nothing he said would fix it, and after her day if he offered to buy her one it would probably make her mad. He really didn’t want to do that either. Chase slipped carefully out of bed and went down stairs. She had called this home, he thought as he looked around. With her here it did feel like home, and when Luke and Chasity had been here talking and arguing it had been a dream come true.
“What’s up?” Luke asked when he answered his phone.
“I need a favor or two tomorrow.” Chase said hoping Luke could help.
“Is Callie okay?” Luke sounded worried.
“She’s asleep. She had a rough day, but she’s fine.” Chase reassured him pleased that Luke actually cared about her.
“Good. I was worried. So what do you need me for?” He asked Chase.
“I had her car looked out, and it’s dead. She was upset and I told her to drive my truck tomorrow.” Chase started.
“Okay that sounds like a good idea, but why do you need me?” Luke said confused.
“I have a busy day tomorrow and need your truck, and maybe you for a while.” Chase told him.
“Sure, no problem. What time you need me there?” Luke asked.
“She has to be a work early, so could you be here around eight in the morning?” Chase asked.
“Sure, I’ll see you then.” Luke said hanging up.
With that settled Chase went into the kitchen and got a glass of ice water before heading back up stairs. Callie was still asleep, but the covers were tangled around her, so he assumed she had gotten restless when he left. Slowly he laid back down, and she immediately turned to him snuggling close like he was her personal pillow. Chase was okay with that. She may want independence, but she craved him. He drifted off to thoughts of her asking to come here and ride today. That was what made her happy.
An alarm went off and Callie jerked up right. The quick movement startled them both, but it also made her sick. Chase went with her and held her hair, rubbing her back as he was helpless to do anything else. When she had finished, he got her a wash cloth and water and left her alone to get ready. He went to the kitchen and made her eggs and bacon, and a mug of hot chocolate.
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