Driving back from Montana after the Rodeo, Caleb was a bit confused. Even though he and Amy were on the outs, he hadn't totally given up on her. He wished Amy would understand that there was nothing going on between him and Ashley. Ashley was the confusing part. Caleb found himself missing her and not Amy. He tried to write off the feeling as, he just missed her because she was always underfoot, but deep down he knew it was more than that. Now he just had to admit it to himself.
But if Ashley liked him as a boyfriend; why didn't she come along to the rodeo? What difference did it make if he asked her first or second? Amy was to be his roping partner; Ashley was invited as a friend. Caleb wondered if he should ask her.
Caleb drove the next fifty miles not thinking, just listening to KZIN the country station from Shelby Montana. His mind switched back to why he was missing Ashley. Then it came to him. When Ashley told him her mother was sick and she had no one else in the world. Caleb drew her into a tight embrace and told her that she would always have him. Finally he admitted it to himself; that was when the relationship changed. It wasn't that he felt sorry for her, it was something else. Caleb felt as he had to protect her, and with a smile he admitted to himself that she did feel good in his embrace.
Six hours later Caleb arrived at his trailer. Ashley's car wasn't there. He glanced at the green tinged display that displayed truck's clock; it was after 11PM. He wondered where Ashley was. In fact Caleb was mildly put out and a bit jealous that she wasn't there. He had no claim on her, but what if she decided to date. That idea did more than mildly disturb him. Well there is one bright spot, he thought. At least he'd get the bed tonight. The bed was given to Ashley. With a sigh Caleb always prided himself a man of his word; so he kicked off his boots stripped down and crawled into his sleeping bag on the air mattress.
Caleb awoke and glanced over at Ashley's bed; it was vacant, looking at his cell-phone the time was close to six thirty. Shaking off sleep he arose and started the coffee. As Caleb waited for his water to boil, he debated cooking his own breakfast instead of going to Maggie's. Caleb was starting to drowse off when the twin noises of Ashley arriving and the kettle boiling awoke him. Quickly he jolted upright and took a quick look at Ashley and blurted out. "Where in the hell have you been?"
Always quick on her feet Ashley quickly replied. "What's it to you where I go?" I may have stayed over at my date's house last night."
Caleb felt a flush of anger and jealousy overcoming him, but it actually was none of his business, so he took a deep breath and replied. "Okay, I didn't mean to pry. I was just surprised you weren't here." He was jealous, but wasn't going to let on that he was.
Ashley stared at her roommate for a minute and felt her heart sinking; maybe he wasn't interested in her. When would the big oaf figure out how she felt? Ashley then came clean and told Caleb what she was really doing. "I had dinner with my mom yesterday, and stayed the night."
The feelings of relief that flooded over him took Caleb by surprise. Time to change the subject he thought. "Hey want some coffee? I just brewed it."
"I'd love some cowboy, but do you think you could put some pants on first?" Ashley then raised her hand to her mouth to suppress the giggles that were waiting to burst out.
Immediately Caleb blushed as he realized he was standing in front of Ashley only wearing a pair of boxers and nothing else. Quickly he grabbed his pants and shirt from last night and hurriedly put them on. Sheepishly he turned to Ashley. "Is that better?"
Laughing Ashely replied. "Who taught you how to button a shirt? You're at least two buttons off and by the way your fly is open.
Sheepishly Caleb adjusted his clothing, Feeling a bit put out he quietly added. "Aren't you late for school?"
Ashley coyly replied. "I won't be if you drive me."
"Ashley." Caleb responded. "What is wrong with your car?"
Ashley put on her best damsel in distress face and innocently replied. "My car works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I'd hate to be broken down half way to school."
Caleb nodded. "Okay Ashley I'll take you and if you want I'll check out your car."
Ashley had a half smile when she climbed into Caleb's truck. He was clueless as to what she was doing. There was nothing wrong with her car.
On the way to school Ashley let Caleb do all the talking. He was bragging about what he had accomplished, till Ashley interrupted him. "Hey Caleb, were you the only cowboy at the rodeo? Weren't there other guys who did well and won some events?"
Caleb looked at her and smiled. "Why would you want to know about those guys?"
The hook was out and now she was going to reel him in. "I don't know, but when the rodeo comes to Hudson, I figured I'd look them up and make sure I don't miss an event they are in."
Caleb gripped the steering wheel hard till his knuckles turned white. An act Ashley did not miss. In a low voice Caleb replied. "Watch what events you want to. See if I care."
Putting her hand over her mouth to hide her grin; Ashley knew she had scored. Turning to Caleb she replied. "" I don't care if you do care."
"Whatever." Caleb replied and all conversation ceased for the rest of the ride.
Several days later Caleb let Ashley drive his truck to Maggie's. Money was tight and he didn't need to spend all day in Hudson. So he decided to stay home. Plus he needed to do a few things around his trailer.
Ashley had finished her shift at Maggie's. She was excited to get home to Caleb's trailer. Ashley had missed the big oaf all day, and she had some gossip to share with him, even though he wasn't a fan of the comings and goings, of the citizens of Hudson. Ashley was in a good mood and looking forward to spending an evening with Caleb. The fact that she spent several evenings with the cowboy did not lower her level of excitement. Ever since he had gone to that damn rodeo in Montana; she wanted to be near him. Their conversations covered many subjects and Ashley soon started to admire Caleb's grasp on current events and history. Several times they had conversed late into the evening with no set agenda, just life in general. Time escaped them; they were parrying point and counter point. Many times the beers they took from the fridge sat half empty on the floor. So intense was their conversation. What was remarkable, they never got angry with each other.
With a smile Ashley went to unlock the door of Caleb's truck. Then horror; the door was caved in. Quickly Ashley covered her mouth with her hand. What would she tell him? He loved that truck almost as much as his horse.
Even though she hadn't done anything wrong, Ashley drove home with trepidation. Arriving at the trailer Ashley meekly knocked on the door instead of entering. Caleb answered. "Hey Ash, why are you knocking, you have a key and besides I never lock up till you get home."
Swiftly Ashley reached out and grabbed Caleb's arm and led him to the truck. Caleb tuned and looked her. "Ashley why did you drag me out of the trailer? I don't even have shoes on."
Silently Ashley pointed to the truck's door. Caleb's eyes were now adjusted to the darkness. "Ashley, what in the hell did you do to my truck?"
Ashley shrunk with Caleb's loud exclamation. She didn't know what to say. All her emotions were running together and without really know what she said or why she said it. Ashley quietly said. "Kiss me."
Caleb continued on about how his truck would never be the same. She could see his anger by his face turning red. The only thing she could say in reply was. "Kiss me."
Caleb then ranted on how he had increased his deductible and could not see a way he could fix the truck and how careful he was with the truck.
More forcefully Ashley replied. "Kiss me."
Then Caleb continued on how he was a damn fool for lending her the truck. He was now wildly waving his arms around.
Never in her life did Ashley wanted to be kissed as much as she did now. Ashley grabbed both his arms and looked into his eyes. "Damn it Caleb kiss me."
Caleb suddenly became still and quiet. Ashley thought he looked stunned and that she had just crossed a line she should not have crossed.
Suddenly and gently his lips were upon her. Slowly but with firmness Caleb's arms embraced her. Drawing her tightly to him, His tongue pierced her lips and her tongue met his.
With exploding emotions and a feeling of sensuality, and the warm feeling of safety; Ashley knew life was now right..
….To be continued…
