Take It Easy

by Scarlett Brooks

  I leaned back into my chair, listening as the sellers and their real estate agent scrambled. I usually didn’t conduct business with such a harsh tone, but I’d been working with this very nice couple for almost an entire month on trying to secure their dream home. A home that, in my opinion, was lacking and dilapidated at best. But, they were willing to put in the work to make it their dream escape in the south.

  I wasn’t going to let them get taken advantage of, however.

  “Yes, I’m still here. No, 1.2 million, like I said. Not 1.3, and not 1.4. One million, two hundred thousand, or they walk. Yes? You’ll do it? Wonderful! Sit with me on the phone and get the paperwork to my email. We’ll do the transaction right now. Yes, I have temporary power of attorney. This can be completed in a matter of minutes.”

  I smiled all the way through the transaction. And fifteen minutes later, my clients were the newest owners of a very dilapidated home that sat on twenty acres just outside the city limits. I sent them the paperwork in the email, proving to them that they were owners. I gave them a courtesy call and left a congratulatory voicemail, then it was time for my own fucking drink.

  Four damn weeks of this shit.

  “What’s going on, Donkey Kong!? Oh, we’re busting out the whiskey. That means something good went down,” Flynn said.

  “I finally closed on that bullshit property for the Magnolia Hill project,” I said.

  “Termite Cove? You did it!?”

  “Just now.”

  “Oh, hell yes. Pour me a drink in one of your nice crystal glasses. This calls for a toast.”

  I still couldn't believe I had done it. It was the one house the owners knew they couldn't flip in time. So, to take the stress off their shoulders, I told them I could sell it. As is, no money out of their pocket. I could take that burden off their shoulders and prove myself to future investors. It took me almost a damn month, but I did it. I offloaded the hardest house in that stupid project to a couple who was all too willing to buy it, and it only solidified my real estate motto.

  I raised my glass. “For every house is a perfect buyer.”

  Flynn raised his glass with mine. “And for every buyer, the perfect house.”

  We clinked glasses before tossing back our drinks. The burn was nice. The burn reminded me of my success.

  “I still can’t believe you sold that house, especially when the project itself isn’t even finished,” Flynn said.

  “Just took some time. A lot of time,” I said flatly.

  “You still worried about all this sabotage bullshit?”

  I shook my head. “Nah. I don’t have any concerns about that. No one can take down hard work. Someone can burn down a house, but not a legacy. Not a dream. Not a passion.”

  “You sound like you’ve been drinking from the well again.”

  “Well, maybe I have,” I said, grinning.

  “You hungry? I got a pizza coming, if you want some.”

  “Chicken, olives, and pineapples?”

  “Is there any other kind of pizza?”

  “Well, if you’re going to twist my arm about it,” I said, smiling.

  The two of us headed down the hallway to the lounge, where the smells of the best pizza in Austin rushed up my nose. Flynn had already set out paper plates and had a gallon of sweet tea for us to guzzle. A sight that made my mouth water. We each sat down on the couch in the lounge and filled our plates, then I poured each of us a glass of tea.

  “So, either something is very good, or very bad. You never treat anyone to food unless it’s either of those two things. And judging by the fact that you ordered this before I secured the deal, that means something’s very bad,” I said.

  “Well, it’s not the best news,” Flynn said.

  “Hit me with it. I’ve got my pizza and my tea. Nothing can bring me down.”

  “We have a charity event to hit up tomorrow night.”

  “What kind?” I didn’t mind offering up a few dollars to the local area, especially those in need, honestly most of my Saturday nights were spent schmoozing and hopefully taking home a future client or two.

  “A charity auction. Apparently, we’re going to be auctioned off for our bodies or something like that in order to benefit the local Austin rescue. You know, that place that does all the things with neglected animals and horses and shit.”

  My ears perked up. Was something wrong with the rescue? I made a yearly donation to the place.

  “Figured you’d be excited, since you own a couple of dogs that you rescued from harsh situations,” Flynn said.

  “And I like horses. I’m a fan of that project they started at the rescue last year. I donate to it whenever I can,” I said.

  Flynn chuckled. “So, I take it I’ve piqued your interest with all this?”

  “I’m very interested, yes. That, and what real man doesn't like to be auctioned off for his body?” I asked, grinning.

  “You really shouldn't say shit like that in the south.”

  “Do you always have such a stick up your ass?”

  “Do you always nonchalantly not care about shit?”

  I shrugged. “Only way to be stress-free, honestly.”

  Flynn’s face fell. “You meant that to rhyme, didn’t you?”

  “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.”

  “You’re an idiot.”

  “But an animal-loving idiot. I’m in.”

  Flynn sighed. “Well, damn.”

  “What?”

  “I told them that if you did it, I would. But if you didn’t do it, I wouldn’t.”

  “And you were banking on me saying ‘no’.”

  “Kind of?”

  I took a bite of my pizza and grinned. “Tough shit. Better get to the gym. Ladies love a six-pack.”

  4

  Logan

  I straightened my bow tie in the mirror and fluffed out the tail of my coat. Tonight was the charity event, and I was going in proper style. I slid silver cufflinks with diamonds on the end of them into my cuffs, then clipped my cummerbund around my body. Trigger was waiting for me outside, getting his fill of feed and water. I didn’t have my full barn set up just yet, so I couldn't bring him back to my property. I had started building it myself about a year ago. Piece by piece, board by board. The barn was done and the lofted portion was finally finished, and all I had to do was put up a fence. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted horses. I couldn’t get enough of them. I enjoyed feeding them, bathing them, taking care of them. Riding them. But, with how busy I’d become with my realty business,I hadn’t had the time to finish up my barn so I could have horses of my own.

  I wanted to get my schedule in line before I took on that responsibility.

  But, on a whim a few days ago, I purchased Trigger. He was a four-year old stallion with a black coat, a white streak down his face to the tip of his nose, and a black mane and tail. He was the most beautiful horse I’d ever come across. We bonded instantly, with him coming up to me and nuzzling me. Mr. Graves was known for his horses and his fair and natural breeding tactics, and I had planned on purchasing from him whenever my fence was finally completed.

  Guess I’d have to move that deadline up.

  I locked up my house and walked outside, finding Trigger still drinking from the water I put out. He looked up and saw me, then started prancing and bucking about. I jogged up to him and smiled, petting his neck and pressing a kiss to his face.

  “You ready to go to the party, boy?” I asked.

  I unraveled his reigns from the post, then hopped onto his back. The saddle looked beautiful on top of his back, but he wouldn’t be wearing it often. I preferred riding bareback. I preferred feeling the horse flex and breathe underneath me. It helped me keep a gauge on whether or not the horse was okay. But with my new tuxedo on, I knew I’d need a saddle for tonight.

  “Come on, Trigger. Let’s get to this party,” I said.

  I turned him around and we started down my driveway. Unlike most of the firm, I lived out in the co
untry. Way out in the country. I lived outside of the city limits of Austin because I enjoyed the peace and quiet. On horseback, the venue from my house would be about a thirty minute trek. So, I had been sure to pack snacks and water for Trigger in the saddlebags of the saddle I sat on.

  After a smooth walk and a nice canter, I burst into a gallop. I rode through town, feeling the wind in my hair and the night sky on my face. We careened around corners and galloped over the sidewalks, making our way for the dance hall venue this charity event was taking place at.

  And when I rode up to the front of the venue, there was a beautiful woman to greet me.

  “Interesting choice of vehicle,” she said, grinning.

  I whipped my leg over and got off Trigger’s back. “Figured I’d see how he rode. Him and I haven’t had much time to bond since I got him.”

  “So, he’s yours.”

  “As of eight days ago, yes.”

  I watched the woman in the beautiful blue dress step down off the sidewalk. The street clock had been blockaded for valet parking and things of that nature, which meant no car horns to spook Trigger. The beautiful woman in the stunning blue dress walked straight up to my horse and reached out to pet him, the fabric of her gown blowing in the wind.

  “Be careful, he might--.”

  She smiled and smoothed her hand down his face, and immediately he nudged her with his nose. She giggled the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard, and the way her smile lit up her face stunned me in my spot. I watched her lean forward and kiss his face. Trigger leaned his head against hers, almost snuggling her in a way. He really took to this woman. This goddess in the blue dress.

  I ran my eyes down her figure, taking in the way the silken fabric clung to her body. Her beautiful blonde hair was piled high on her head in curls and her dark gray eyes were hooked onto Trigger’s. I saw the reflection of her adoration for him in my horse’s eyes. I’d never seen a woman take so easily to horses before. And the way she took to Trigger was enthralling.

  “What’s his name?” she asked.

  “Um… Trigger,” I said.

  “Oh, that’s a good name. A strong name for a strong stallion.”

  “You know he’s a male horse.”

  She looked over at me. “Only takes a quick peek at the undercarriage to figure it out.”

  And when her gray eyes locked with mine, I knew I was in trouble.

  “Your dress is beautiful,” I said.

  “Oh, it’s borrowed from a friend of mine. I didn’t have time to go out and get anything for tonight,” she said.

  “Well, your friend should give it to you. Because I don’t think your friend would look any better in it than you already do.”

  It was the truth. The light blue silken fabric clung to her from her chest to her hips before flaring out lightly towards her feet. There was this sheer, shining layer around her shoulders that fitted itself around the bodice before hanging out behind her. Like a train. Like the most beautiful cape I’d ever seen. The sheer fabric fell off her shoulders, accenting the curve of her body. Her shoulders were broad, but delicate. Her neck was long, with a beautiful silver chain hanging around it. There was a horse charm that sank just above her cleavage. A sight I had to forcefully draw my eyes away from. The dip in her waist begged for my fingertips and the curve of her legs were accentuated by the lovely matching heels she wore.

  I couldn’t believe how stunning this woman was.

  “Well, you don’t look half bad yourself. Takes a special man to pull off a tail coat,” she said.

  “Did you just call me ‘special’?” I asked, grinning.

  “I said it takes a special man. I never said you were special.”

  “You did say I didn’t look half bad.”

  “Most of the men being auctioned off tonight don’t look half bad. Doesn’t mean they should be wearing tail coats.”

  “Oh, my heart. Insulted by the most beautiful woman here. At least tell me your name. To help heal my bleeding wound.”

  She giggled and shook her head. “I see you’re a dramatic one.”

  I grinned. “If it gets you to smile, I’ll be anything.”

  Her eyes flickered over to me and I could have sworn the slightest blush tinted her creamy skin.

  “So, are you auctioning off yourself tonight?” she asked.

  “Actually, no. I’m auctioning off my realty services.”

  “Your what?”

  “Realty services. I’m a real estate agent. Investor. Whatever the profit is that I make on the house that sells will get donated to the rescue instead.”

  “A-... all of it?” she asked.

  I smiled softly. “Yes. All of it.”

  I watched her jaw drop open before she turned her gaze back to Trigger. She smiled before pressing a long kiss into his face, then nuzzled him one last time. I watched her neck move as she swallowed. Like she was holding back something to be said. Had I said something to offend her?

  “Your generosity is much appreciated, on behalf of the horses,” she said breathlessly.

  “Do you work with the rescue?” I asked.

  “As much as I possibly can, yes.”

  “Are you offering anything for the auction? I know Lauren was trying to get some women in on it as well,” I said.

  “You know Lauren?” she asked.

  “I do. I’m friends with her fiancé.”

  “So, you know Lucas.”

  “Do you know Lucas?”

  “I know of Lucas. I’ve never met him.”

  “Well, I would like to know you instead know of you. What is your name?” I asked.

  But all she did was take Trigger’s reins.

  “We have a small barn around back. I’ll make sure he’s got enough food and water for the night. You can visit him anytime, and when you want to head home just come find me. Okay?” she asked.

  “I’m fine with that so long as you tell me your name,” I said.

  “You’ll want to go find Lauren! She’s trying to line up the participants for the auction early!”

  And as her hips swayed walking away from me, I found my eyes following her until she was out of sight.

  5

  Gwen

  The fundraiser went off without a hitch. The silent auction brought in a great deal of money. The live auction drew in even more. And the out-of-pocket donations easily pushed us into the two-million dollar mark. It was crazy! I never thought in a million years we’d ever make that type of money for the rescue with a simple fundraiser. After replenishing everything we spent on the party, we’d have one and a half million dollars at our disposal for the rescue mission. With monthly operations and even massive emergencies, that would easily get us until this time next year.

  But for once, my mind was elsewhere.

  The man in the suit seemed a little too familiar. His eyes were a little too recognizable and I could have sworn I knew his face from somewhere. But, I couldn’t place him. In some regard, I knew it was my mind playing tricks on me. Trying to place the charming man somewhere so that I could write him off. I always did that. I tried to find any reason not to get close to someone. But, I didn’t have an excuse this time. The man with the tail-coated suit and the beautiful horse was easy on the eyes, had a gleaming smile, had a great career, had a love for horses, and had a dazzling set of brown eyes.

  There was nothing wrong with him.

  As the auction began to wind down and dessert plates were collected, people started gravitating to the dance floor. We’d easily all be here until two in the morning, waiting for everyone to leave of their own volition so we could clean up. That was the thing about the south. No one kicked another person out. Someone could make signals as to the fact that someone needed to leave. But if the words ‘get out’ in any way, shape, or form ever left someone’s lips? It was seen as a wholly provocative thing.

  And not in a good way.

  I stepped out of the side door in the main room and traveled down the hallway. The wall muffl
ed the music as I headed for the back door, then I stepped out into the backyard of the dance hall. I needed a breath of fresh air. A moment to myself. I’d been talking with everyone all night and educating them on the mission, and my jaw hurt. I effortlessly made my way to the stables. Horses always made me feel safe. Always rejuvenated me. Always filled me up with energy and confidence. I kicked my heels off and carried them in my hand, then touched down onto the concrete that served as walkways between all the stalls.

  And I saw Trigger sticking his head over the door of his stall.

  “Well, hey there buddy,” I said, smiling.

  He turned his head to me and nodded, like he wanted me to come over.

  “Are you enjoying yourself out here? Let’s check your water and your food, hmm? Come on. Let’s see. Oh! You need more water. Yikes. And food. Hold on a second. I’ll get it for you, okay?”

  I went and found the hose, then slid the tip of it into his water bucket. I turned the water on and filled it up, and I heard Trigger drinking as I did so. I had no idea how long he had been without water, but hearing him drink like that made me infuriated. Where the hell was the stable hand I had hired for the night? Obviously not around at all. I booked him for the damn night. He was supposed to be in this vicinity until five in the damn morning.

  “Not paying that asshole a cent,” I murmured to myself.

  I put the hose up while Trigger drank and I got him some food. I scooped it up and poured it into his feeding canister and watched him go to town. The sight broke my heart. It was like the man I had hired hadn’t even been here tonight. Just locked up Trigger and fucking left. Good thing we only paid him half of the money upfront. Because he sure as hell wasn’t getting the other half.