Then there’s Creed Montgomery being back, and I have only myself to blame. It doesn’t stop me from wanting him with a fierceness deep in my bones. My core clenched just seeing him standing there, looking like he has nothing but time on his hands. Hell, he could be doing something like sleeping and I’d be the idiot girl mooning over him. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, with skin that’s only gotten darker while he worked as a lineman. Creed’s thick, sinewy muscles gave me a feeling of safeness when I felt him surround me that one night. Add his thick, dark hair, shaved close on the sides, longer on the top… Of course, today it’s covered by the baseball hat he’s wearing.
“Are you going to grumble all day or work?” I’m so lost in my own thoughts I didn’t even hear Creed sneak inside the arena. I’m definitely going to need to keep my wits about me with him being back in Hitchcock.
“What does it matter what I do? We don’t need to pretend to be overly friendly. You do your thing, I’ll do mine. Of course, we’re thankful for your help. Please don’t think we’re not. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re just two people who know each other because of my brother from here on out.” How I was able to say that without letting any emotion flow through my words, I have no idea. But throwing those words back in his face finally makes me feel stronger than ever.
“Is that so? Friends, you think? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret.” He arches one dark eyebrow at me, his baby blue eyes highlighting them.
“What’s that?” I’m trying to hurry this conversation along, not only to get my chores done for the day but to get rid of Creed too.
“I know for a fact I’m the only one who’s tasted you, teased you, been inside of you with my bare cock, feeling you come apart on my fingers, tongue, and dick. There’s not a single man in all of Texas who knows you the way I do. And if you had answered a phone call or a text, you would have known way more than you do now.” I’m stumped, and how does he know I haven’t been with anyone since him? The way he licks his upper lip, I have nothing to say. Could Creed have really wanted more after he left me that morning, or is he just playing games with me? Not that I can ask him. While I was busy thinking on it, Creed left, something he’s clearly too good at.
“Come on, Lucky, it’s time we get your workout in. Then I have to work in the office today.” I gesture to her with a click of my tongue, and then it’s just her and me, no Creed, and definitely no Rhett to breathe down my back, thankfully.
Three
Creed
“I’m not sure what work is harder, the horses or flying new poles,” I tell Rhett at the end of the day. I haven’t stopped by the house yet to say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Spencer. That’s something I’m going to have to do and soon, not just to make sure they’re okay, but for a whole slew of reasons.
“I appreciate you helping. I know the weekends are your days off now that you’re back home. I’ll try and find some new hands that are looking for work, but I gotta tell you, they leave after they make a few paychecks.” We’re sitting on the stands that his family has surrounding the indoor arena.
“It’s not a big deal. I can tell the neighbor kid who watches over my horses that you’re looking for workers.” He’s not really a kid. Randall is a senior in high school and will do anything if it means making money. That boy is self-driven and more motivated than most high schoolers these days.
“That’ll work, but it’ll take time away from him working your horses,” Rhett says.
“Eh, I’m home now. I can take care of them. I was going to cut him loose, so he could make more money elsewhere, anyway.” What I wouldn’t give to have a beer in my hand, my boots off, and Laney sitting next to me instead of her brother. After our encounter this morning, I kept myself scarce. She’s clearly pissed. That’s something I’ll have to work on when it comes to Laney Marie Spencer. Especially if I want to make her mine, no matter what her brother does or says.
“I’d appreciate it. Shit hasn’t been easy, but we’re getting by. You ever need any help, we’ll be sure to repay the favor.” He grips my shoulder. I’m seeing now that not only is Laney bone tired, but there are tell-tale signs of aging on Rhett’s face that weren’t there months ago. Not for the first time am I kicking my ass, but a contract is a contract, and I had to ride it out until it was over. By the time it was fulfilled, she’d ignored me for so many months I figured she was happier. That didn’t mean I didn’t keep tabs on her by the name of Mitch, my younger brother, who didn’t let another guy come near her, and my sister, Joney, who hangs with Laney occasionally. I’m lucky the two of them made sure everyone knew she was mine while not letting Rhett catch on. What I didn’t account for was her dad falling ill.