A/N: Almost as promised, sorry I'm a day late math can really be a bitch. As always reviews are welcome! Read and enjoy!
~TheScarlettBandit
Chapter 8
A Silent Promise
By mid-summer the guys had the fields updated with new irrigation systems, Ruby, Belle and I took most of the horse business over and started selling them but keeping enough to start up the new business. Levi is showing a lot of potential as his training progresses, and we've started clearing some trees in a meadow not too far from our house but not too close either, just enough so the predators shouldn't come close for the cabins.
It's finally a Friday night and I'm at the rodeo a county over for some bull riding since Levi isn't old enough to ride. Since it was date night for my parent's, David left the keys to the truck and Red brought Gunnar to compete with tonight. Belle, Red, Graham and I took the truck and Will said he was bringing Killian and my seven uncles are all coming too.
When we reach the grounds I help Red unload Gunnar and go to sign up for the bull riding. Just as I finish signing the papers I hear a voice behind me.
"A pretty lass like you shouldn't be riding bulls."
"And when have I ever done the most lady-like things, Jones?" I quip turning around to face him.
"Aye love you have me there." He says rubbing his head feigning contemplating.
"Hey!" I slap his arm.
"You said it not me!" He throws his hands up defensively. "Gosh crazy women, I'll never understand you." He says under his breath.
"What did you say?" I ask him in an accusing tone.
"Nothing!" He knows full well what I can do when someone tells me I can't do it.
"That's better, so are you gonna buy me a funnel cake or are we just gonna stand here all day?" I ask innocently.
"I see how it is, beat me into submission and take all my money." Killian cowers away from me.
"Yup." I say taking off without him.
"Damn manipulative women." He's caught up in a couple steps and we playfully banter. We're not friend's per-say but I tolerate him and he buys me funnel cakes at the rodeos we go to.
"So…" I start after he gets a funnel cake for me. "Obviously you didn't come just to buy me a funnel cake, so what are you doing here?"
"Quite perceptual love." He quips. "Actually I'm here to do what you're doing tonight. Graham and Will egged me into it tonight."
"Those two do make quite the pair don't they." I chuckle lightly.
"Aye that they do, much like you, Belle, and Ruby." He gives me a mischievous look.
"What are you implying?"
"Simply that-" He starts but before he can get any further Graham and Will walk up to us.
"Oi! There ya are lass, Graham here was just startin' to worry that you didn't come tonight!" He exclaims rather impartial to Graham's reddening face.
"You did sign up for bull riding tonight didn't you Killian?" Graham cleverly redirects the conversation.
"Aye that I did mate, and I can assure you that you two aren't the only men here." Killian says cockily.
"We may've come from the same country, but I've been working on a ranch longer than you, city boy." Graham spat.
"Ugh there's too much testosterone here." Having been fed up with their male dominance thing I leave them all staring at me.
"Emma wait-" I hear Killian start.
"Oi! Now you've done it mates!" I hear Will shout at the other two.
Recently Graham and Killian have been having little squabbles like that more frequently. It's getting irritating, I'm gonna have to ask Red or Belle what's going on. The tension between those two grows every time they get near each other.
"Oh Belle! Am I glad to see you or what, your boyfriend is raising hell again, you might want to keep a leash on him tonight."
"Oh I'm sorry Emma! I'll talk to him later about that." She gives me an apologetic smile.
I turn to go find Red before the trio of idiots find me but turn back to Belle. "By the way, do you know what's between Graham and Jones?"
"Oh no I don't, I'm sorry but I'll ask Will, he might know better than I would." She gives me a smile before running off to find the guys.
Later that night getting ready for my first ride of the season I attempt to do a simple French braid to keep all my hair under my hat. Unfortunately Reds truck doesn't have that big of mirrors on the side so it's taking forever to attempt this.
"Need some help love?" Killian walks up behind me and untangles my hair from my fifth attempt at braiding it.
"How many times have I told you I'm not your 'love'." I huff at him swatting away his hands from my hair.
"Just let me help, at this rate you're going to be late for your first ride." He gently pushes my hands down and I reluctantly obey, letting him twist my thick, unruly hair into a simple braid.
"So where did you learn how to braid hair?" I ask intrigued.
"Mmmm…your aunt actually, with the horses."
"Oh really?" He isn't quite convincing me. He's only telling me a half truth. "Well I suppose your braiding secret is safe with me. Though you may not want to mention that to Graham." I laugh a little.
"Ahh…yes that would be a good idea." He says stiffly.
"So what is it between you two? I'm seriously getting tired of your guy's shit." I huff at him.
"Nothing love, it's nothing to worry about." He says gently tying my hair in place.
"Well it is something to worry about if every time my friends are around each other the tension instantly grows so thick you can cut it with a knife." I snap.
"No need to get worked up over nothing." He says pushing my braid over my right shoulder. "Stay safe tonight." He murmurs, his breath hot against my neck and for a moment I just want to melt against him.
Instead I thank him and calmly walk away towards the bull pen. Pushing all thoughts of Killian and Graham out of my head I focus on what bull I get drawn for tonight. I recognize Lost a Sock right away, he used to be one of David's bulls before he sold them all. Money was getting a little tight while I was away at college and something had to give. Thankfully I've ridden him enough times to know he's very predictable and it should be a smooth ride.
After a guy named Scott who got Yankee Man, I was up on Lost a Sock. Swinging over the gate I adjusted myself for the ride, strapping my hand down in an easy quick release knot I nod at the guys who open the gate and the bull jumps out throwing his head down and his back end going up. I feel his weight shifting and adjust myself accordingly until I hear the buzzard and release my hand, I got lucky this time and ended up landing on my feet. Running toward the side of the corral I jump up and pull myself over.
Red's on me in an instant and Belle rushes over to see that I'm still in once piece. "I'm so glad you're alright, it's been awhile since you've ridden." Belle says giving me a quick hug.
"There's my girl, I knew she still had it in her!" Graham reaches us and twirls me around.
"Put me down!" I say laughing at his ridiculousness. I put some space between us and we all settle down for the next rider which happens to be Killian riding On the Spot.
The bull ended up catching Killian off guard and threw him before the buzzard went off. His time ended up being 7.002 seconds.
"May the best man win." Killian says walking up to Will and Graham. "But of course the lovely lady will no doubt be the best rider." He says with a wink.
"How is it that you always manage turning compliments into something sexual." I say annoyed.
"Only compliments for you milady." He says giving an exaggerated bow.
"How about you stop harassing Emma and go get ready for your next ride mate." Graham pushes Killian away from me and steps between us.
"Aye right you are why don't we head over there now?" Will asks Killian offering him his flask.
"Aye why don't we. Maybe then Emma's guard dog will stand down." Killian says walking away with Will.
"Jones!" I shout at him, and he turns around. I motion him to come back and after a moment he hesitantly obeys.
"I want you two to tell me right now what the hell is going on here!" I shout at both of them.
"It's nothing Emma." Graham snaps.
"It's obviously something if you two always fight every time you guys are near each other!" I snap each word out.
"We're not fighting about something." Killian reluctantly says.
"Let's get something straight here, I'm not something to be fought over. I belong to nobody and I sure as hell wouldn't pick either of you two if you were the last men on earth!" With that I stomped away leaving them all dumbfounded staring after me.
After Emma stormed off after blowing up at Graham and myself I wanted to go apologize but Will held me back. "I wouldn't do that if I were you mate. The best thing you can do for her is lever her be, aye."
"Aye…" I reluctantly said and forced myself to go the opposite way from her.
It was well past midnight by the time they announced the winners of tonight's bull riding. Emma ended up beating all of us and I couldn't help but stare as she stood under the bright arena lights and help up the buckle she'd won. I didn't hear anything else the announcer said, I was too vexed by Emma. I could see her breaths from the cold night air and the shadow from her hat made her seem even more elusive then what she normally is.
Jarring me from my thoughts was Will who was congratulating me for coming in third. "Ahh thanks mate."
"Well Graham'll be in a pissy mood for not beating you, so how about we get out of here before he shows up eh?" Will slings an arm around my neck and pulls me away from the corral.
"Aye that sounds like a fantastic idea." I wanted to go congratulate Emma but I knew she would just brush me off for one of her other friends.
Later at a barn not too far away Belle, Will, August, and I were doing shots and playing pool. It's one of the few barns that are used just for bars after rodeos.
"Looks like you got a few admirers mate." Will comes up behind me slapping my back.
"Aye that I do." I turn and glance at the blondes who are sitting at a table giggling, probably about me. The long tan legs and plunging necklines catches my attention but I'm not interested. Turning my focus back on the rum and pool I line up my shot and sink three in the pocket.
"Oi well would you look at that someone already has a certain blonde on his mind eh?" Will slurs a little drunkenly.
"I think you've had enough to drink mate." I say casually leaning against the pool table.
"You're not talking about Emma, are you?" August interjects.
"Aye that I am mate! You should see the way he looks at 'er! You'd be blind if you couldn't see that!" Will shouts before lining up his shot.
"Well I hope she-"
"Hey boys, need anything more to drink?" Belle interrupts and before I know why she takes our glasses and walks away giving us a look.
"Well speak of the she-devil!" Will slurs leaning against the table. "We were just talking about you lass."
I turn around to see Emma, Ruby and Elsa standing there. Emma's eye are wide from the unexpected comment about her.
"Uh don't mind him Emma, he's had one too many drinks tonight." August says before changing the topic.
She doesn't even notice when I slip into the crowd, none of them do actually. I step outside for a bit of fresh air before hearing someone walk up behind me. "What is a handsome guy like you doin' out here all alone?" Her voice doesn't belong to the person I was hoping for.
"Just stepped outside to clear my head." I said truthfully.
"Well if you want some company… I could help you out." Turning to face her I see she's a red-head with hazel eyes.
Screw Emma if she doesn't have any interest in me at least the girl standing in front of me does.
"I'll be inside if you change your mind." Taking my moment of silence as a no she turns to leave.
Not even bothering to respond I grab her arm and spin her around and pull her into a fiery kiss. It only goes from there and we're back inside for a round of pool with her friends before ending back up at her place tangled up in sheets.
Listening to her even breaths I stare up at the ceiling trying to clear my head. All I can think is this is wrong, I shouldn't be here, this isn't her. Quietly I slip out of her bed and pull on my pants and boots, not even bothering to put my shirt on I slip out of her apartment and down the stairs. Thank God I drove my truck here, I roll down all the windows and let the crisp Wyoming air roll over me as I cruise down the highway.
Returning back to Ingrid's place I find Jessie, Ingrid's pregnant Doberman laying at the door to my room. "Com'on lass go back up to the house." I try to coax her to get out of my way. She doesn't even look up at me.
"Bloody hell, fine you can come in." I say trying to appease the beast. Her ears perk up at that and she sits up waiting to be let in. "I'm mistaken you're not a beast you're a siren." She just gives me I'm-a-pregnant-women-I-get-what-I-want look and I open the door for her. Stepping into the open room I put my keys on the rack that I know is by the door. The room is too dark to see very well but I can tell Jessie's laying by the left side of the bed.
Not bothering to go to bed yet I make my way to the shower, it's left of the door in the corner with two sides different colored stained glass squares with a sliding panel and tile on the inside of the other two walls. Peeling off my pants and underwear I turn the antique handle of the shower to as cold as it can go. The shower head is on the ceiling so I stand under the gentle downpour trying to wash away tonight's activities.
Drying off I throw on fresh underwear and jeans, the clock above the old stove Ingrid gave me reads 3:30 a.m. Taking an old piece of steak out of the tiny fridge I toss it to Jessie on the old, dusty floorboards. "Alright Jess, time to move girl." I nudge her with my foot and she growls.
"Jess, time to move girl." I try to pick her up but she snaps at me. Not in the mood for her games I flop down on the bed but hit something hard. "Bloody hell!" Sitting straight up in bed I realize someone's in my bed.
Moaning they roll over and with what little light comes through the window it catches on stray locks of golden hair coming from beneath the quilt. "Emma?" I say softly. "Lass what are you doin here?" The only response I get is her hand in my face before going limp on the pillow.
Seeing as there's no moving her I'm not going to sleep on the floor, this is my bed and my room after all. At least that's what I tell myself, it has no reason to do with Emma in my bed or all of the blood in my body rushing south. I really don't want another reason to be even closer to Emma but the window's open and I'm not getting up again, so slipping under the quilt I try to stay as far away from her as possible. For the first time in a while when my head hits the pillow I fall asleep.
With the sunlight streaming through the window and a soft breeze blowing in it almost feels like a dream. When a hand drags over my stomach and rests on my chest I think it has to be a dream. With Emma in my bed and Jessie on the foot of the bed I think I died last night and went to heaven.
"Mmmmmm…" Emma stirs slightly stretching out then stopping suddenly opens her eyes. "What are you doing here?" She's about as stiff as a board as she looks up at me wide eyed.
"I could ask you the same thing love."
"Get the hell out of my bed!"
"Look again love, this is my bed you ended up in."
"Oh…" She quickly slips out of bed and stands up clad in only her underwear and tank top. She fumbles for her pants giving me a clear view of her back and the birthmark on it. Sitting up in bed I ask her how she ended up in my bed.
"I don't remember." She mumbles. Turning to face me her eyes go wide. "We didn't um…"
Looking down I realize I didn't have my shirt on. "Maybe…" I smirk giving her a wink.
"Quit your shit Jones I'm not in the mood for it."
"Rest assured love if I was to take you, trust me you'd remember it." I stand up showing her I was wearing jeans.
I could see a faint blush creeping up her neck. "The one thing I do remember is that no one else was here, so where were you?"
"I came home late and Jessie wouldn't let me in bed so I stepped over her and tried to roll onto my bed but I landed on you. You seemed hell bent on staying where you were and I wasn't going to sleep on this floor." I say gesturing to the very hard floorboards. "Though if I knew you were going to be waiting for me in bed I would've come here much sooner." I wiggle my eyebrows at her.
"Okay well I'm going now." She suddenly turns cold as if remembering how much she hates me.
"Do you want to call a truce over bacon?" I say without thinking.
She halts immediately and I can tell she's weighing the options in her head. "Trying to figure out whether or not I'm worth the bacon or not love." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I was actually thinking whether or not I should worry my parents by staying here or not." She states bluntly. I can tell she's trying to cover up that what I said was actually what she was thinking.
"Well love, I can call Dave and tell him you're safe and sound with me love." I offer.
"No it's fine I can do it, but get on that bacon or I'll go find my own." She turns and steps outside the makeshift apartment softly closing the door.
"Well that went better than expected." I say to Jessie and she sits at the fridge waiting for me to get the bacon going. Grabbing the bacon and a cast iron skillet I get the bacon going and mix up eggs for scrambled eggs. Just as I finish washing up Emma walks back in.
"So…" She starts. "You really fixed up this place." She takes a seat on one of the two old wooden chairs at the 'table'. Really it's just and old wooden work bench refurbished to use as a table.
"Aye, it wasn't that hard." I turn around to face her and she quickly looks down at the table.
"It's been a long time since I've been up here." She picks at the table absent mindless.
"So about that truce..."
"How about you put a shirt on, then we talk." She says finally looking up to meet my gaze. Her eyes flick down for a second and I laugh.
"See something else you like besides the bacon love?" I give her a crooked grin.
"The eggs that I'd like more if they were cooking." She quips back.
Holding up my hands I admit defeat. "As you wish milady." I pour the eggs in another skillet before fetching a shirt to put on. "So now about that truce…"
"I'm sorry I yelled at you and Graham last night…" She says softly. "You guys just act like two Neanderthals when you're around each other. So how about you guys quite the crap and we can all go back to being friends."
"Friends who sleep together?" I flash her another smirk.
"Don't get greedy." She says seriously but I can see the tease in her eyes.
"Your wish is my command milady." I get up to check the bacon and give her a bow.
"In that case hurry up with the food I'm starving." She relaxes into her chair and tucks her legs under her resting her chin on her knees.
After eating and cleaning up the dishes Emma wanders around the room looking for her boots. "Looks like I left them somewhere on my great adventure last night." And she laughs, not her casual laugh but one that sounds like music to my ears. I can't help but watch as she rolls up the bottom of her jeans.
"What?" She asks catching me looking at her.
"Nothing love." I go over to the open window above the bed and pluck the stray dandelion growing there before tucking it behind Emma's ear. My silent promise to her that I'll make her truly laugh more.
"What's this for?"
"It looks better there then in the window. If you wish I can drive you home love."
"That would be great Jones." She smiles up at me warmly before calling Jessie with her.