Page 24 of Braving the Storm

Christ, I need to stop thinking about her tits.

It’s become an occupational hazard by this point. I nearly drove a nail through my thumb earlier today because I was too distracted by the sight of her helping out in the barn.

Once she started talking about decorating and buying shit for the cabin… it stirred something up inside me, and I’m too much of an asshole to stop and look properly at what that might be.

Getting my ass the hell out of there was the only option.

My phone buzzes where I’ve sat it in my cup holder next to the pair of pliers I always have floating around in here. Tapping the screen, I can see it’s a text from Beau.

I pull over, turning down the music so I can reply now while I’m still in reception. At least that’s one benefit of being in Crimson Ridge at this hour: my phone can pick up regular texts. Even if it’s just a rodeo buddy wanting to shoot the shit, it’ll take my mind off Briar temporarily.

Beau:

Wild one, where are we at with getting you out to the ranch to help me out with some renovations?

You know me. That sexy fucking mustache of yours gets my engine going every time.

Name a date and I’ll be there.

How does next week sound?

Got some final paperwork crap and lawyer bullshit to deal with first. Then, the ink will be dry on the deal.

Oh, poor Beau Heartford.

Too much money and porn-stache for your own good.

We can’t all be Sasquatches hiding in the mountains when we retire.

Some of us have got real-life responsibilities.

Oh yeah, sucks to be you. I bet you cry into those wads of Benjamin’s.

How’s Mandy handling the idea of settling into ranch life retirement?

Dots bounce on the screen, then pause.

Don’t fucking breathe a word, or I’ll castrate you in your sleep

… but, it’s over.

Media doesn’t know shit. Her team wants it all hushed up ‘til after the opening.

Fuck. Sorry man. Or congratulations?

You know I’m here. Whatever you need.

You good?

Yeah. Been a long time coming.

Can’t wait to be away from this goddamn circus. Just gotta push through a few more months, and then we’ll do the usual PR spin bullshit.

You know how it goes.

Yeah,I do. Beau has it even worse, considering he’s been married to country music’s golden girl and in the spotlight for as long as I’ve known him. The world has been hanging out for every possible crumb of a sign pointing to when and where they might finally get to the point of popping out a few kids.

Hell, even I initially thought the fact Beau purchased his ranch out here was going to be the moment they finally took the plunge and did the big ol’ happily married with a white picket fence bullshit.