Brush Fires and Prairie Winds Pt. 1
Summary: You had killed Caleb in your heart, and in your mind. It was the only way you could survive his departure off to college the summer you turned seventeen. That was it. He was gone. Off to the city to get himself a career with his shiny new degree.
So when he came back after four years to start working for your father again you didn't know what to do. The silence and the distance had done its damage over time. You did your best to avoid him, put your head down and worked to get through the winter while Caleb quietly orbited you, waiting for an opening to pull you into his gravity again.
Content: Reader is a no nonsense cowgirl, tuffest in the world. Childhood friends to eventual lovers. But first a little โจangstโจ Misunderstandings, miscommunication. You make poor Caleb cry, but you make it better <3
Hurt/comfort. Happy Ending.
Word count: 8,700
From Hammy: Listen. I know you're going, 'where's the smut, slut?'
I TRIED SO HARD FOR YOU! I just couldn't get it finished to a point I was happy with it so I figured I'll give you the plot for now, and I'll post the second part to this sometime this month. A whole chapter dedicated to filthy cowboy smut for your viewing pleasure ๐ For now, enjoy the movie! Let me know what you think. As always, my comment section and asks is open to you ๐ฅฐ
Most days Buckshot was a hell of a horse.
He could corner the meanest, most hot blooded bull and keep it exactly where you needed it. He was your wing-man during calving season, keeping the angry mama cows from pulverizing you as you tagged and vaccinated their new babies. But like all living things, he had his daysโฆ
You liked to think Bucky liked you, looked forward to your early morning work shifts. The truth you didnโt want to admit wasโhe really only tolerated you. But as long as you didnโt ask too much and had something sweet for him in your pocket, you both got along.
It was a win considering everyone else knew him as a demon dressed in horse clothes. He was moody, sometimes downright explosive, and had no qualms about pummeling you into the dirt if you tried to push him around. Most of the time you loved that about himโฆ
Not today though.
Not as you laid sprawled out on the frigid ground, your lungs working overtime to pull some air into you after having it all knocked out. A cold open sky hung quietly above you as laid there, endless and paleโthe clouds washed in brilliant hues of orange and pink.
It was getting close to six, you figured. Sunrise wasnโt far behind.
To Buckโs credit, he didnโt light off like bullet after launching you clean out of the saddle. He instead grazed about twelve feet away, looking up every now and then to check if you were still alive. You swore he looked pleased with himself, amused even, as you laid there cursing and spitting dirt out of your mouth.
You managed to roll onto your stomach with a groan. The world immediately swayed sideways. You stayed there a moment, blinking at the grass until the spinning eased, then pushed yourself upright.
The earth still rocked faintly beneath your boots as you bent to retrieve your old hat, stuffing it firmly back in place.
Pain pulled sharply across your brow.
โGuess we get to call in todayโฆโ
Buck snorted. You heard the slow, familiar thud of his hooves through the grass as he approached.
โYou happy now, shithead?โ You caught hold of his reins and gave him a quick once-over. Legs, feet, bit, cinch. Everything looked fine. Not a scratch on him.
Then your eyes drifted back toward the gate heโd refused to cross. Before you could even reach it a dry rattle crackled from the brush beside the fence line.
โThat explains it.โ You mumbled.
Glancing over your shoulder you saw Buck as stiff as a statue. His ears stood alert, his whole body locked and ready to bolt.
You almost chuckled.
This giant animal who could tackle bulls and chase off coyotes was reduced to a trembling mess over a little snake.
Another hissing rattle cracked out of the bush.
Beyond the gate, the pasture rolled away into open prairie with the blue rocky mountain range framing the horizon. You considered chasing the snake off. Considered leading Buck through the gate anyway. Considered shaking off the fall and finishing the dayโs chores.
But your head pounded and the ground still swayed a bit beneath your boots.
Something warm crept down your cheek. You touched it and hissed at the sight of blood smeared across your fingertips.
You blew out a little breath.
Pretty as it was, the work would have to wait.
You stuck your foot in the stirrup and hauled yourself upโtaking a moment to steady yourself and find your other stirrupโthen pointed Buck towards home.
The whole ride back, you rehearsed excuses.
Youโd clean yourself up and tell Alice, your housekeeper, that Buck spooked, but that he was fine and you were fine and nobody needed to fuss. Hopefully she wouldnโt call your daddy.
The plan was looking pretty goodโuntil you spotted three riders cresting the hill, going in the opposite direction you were heading.
Your stomach dropped, knowing who they were without even having to look.
Your father had hired the same three ranch hands every summer for as long as you could remember. That is, until one of them sloughed off to the city for college.
Caleb, the bane of your existence since childhood, rode at the front of the pack, looking better than he had any right to in his fringed leather coat.
His family had moved into the little white farmhouse down the road the summer you turned ten. You were first introduced at the barbecue your daddy had put on to welcome them and one smile from Caleb had been enough to send you head over heels in love with him.
Daddy apparently loved him too, because heโs been a thorn in your side ever since. Always over for dinner, always down to watch football, always available when daddy needed something done. He even had his own room in the showbarnโs loft for when he wanted to stay over if things got rough at home.
It took you years to adjust to the emptiness he left behind. And right when you thought youโd kicked him like a bad habit, he returned home and begged Daddy to work for him again.
Youโve spent all your time avoiding him as much as possible since then.
Riding beside him were Gideon and Dallas, his two best friends and partners in crime.
The three of them were currently loping across the pasture, toward the main herd probably, carrying out whatever tasks your daddy had handed out to them that morning.
Problem was, if Caleb got a good look at you now, heโd ask questions and see the blood and blow the whole thing up into something it didnโt need to be.
The thought alone was enough to make you want to ride straight off a cliff.
You turned Bucky sharply to the right, squeezing him into a lope.
Maybe if you looked busy, Caleb would assume you were just checking fences. Maybe if you got to the barn fast enough, you could disappear before heโ
โHey!โ
You winced.
In the corner of your eye, you caught sight of him lifting a hand in greeting.
For some strange inexplicable reasonโpanic seized you.
Suddenly you were smooching Buck into a full gallop.
You realized running away probably looked suspicious. And you couldnโt deny the guilt when you imagined the confused look Caleb was probably wearing.
He should be used to it by now.
When did you ever come when he called you?
Relief filled you as the main barn finally came into view.
You were so close! You would just stick Buck in his stall and head straight to the sink in the wash rack to clean yourself up. Almost thereโฆ
The relief only lasted a few moments, collapsing in on itself the moment you heard another set of hooves thundering towards you.
Did he follow you? Thereโs no fucking wayโฆ
You dared a glance over your shoulder, and sure enough, there was Caleb hot on your heelsโpushing his horse to its limits to catch up.
โSlow down, will ya?โ He called out over the roar of the wind. โWhatโs the matter?โ Guilt pricked you again at the worried tone of his voice.
โNothingโs the matter, you dummy!โ You called out over your shoulder, scrambling wildly for an excuse, any last ditch effort to get out of this conversation.
โThen slow down so I can talk to ya!โ All your guilt twisted into frustration at his stubborn persistence.
It was no surprise to him when you veered sharply to the left and galloped full force towards a weak corner of fencing. The corner you were always getting in trouble for jumping over when you didnโt feel like opening the gate at the end of the pasture.
Buckshot soared over it with surprising elegance for his size.
A sharp pain jolted through your skull as you landed the jump with him.
It made your stomach turn, but at least when you looked behind you Caleb was no longer on your tail. He pulled his horse to a stop on the other side of the fence, shaking his head as you galloped off.
You blew a sigh of relief through your dry lips and slowed a bit, letting Buck cool off.
You tried your best to act casual as you dismounted and strolled into the barn, taking Buck straight to the wash rack. You didnโt even clip him in, just dropped his reins and beelined toward the sink.
โAw shitโฆโ You sighed when you caught a look at your reflection in the mirror. There was blood streaked all down the side of your face, seeping into the collar of your flannel coat.
Itโs fine, you thought. Youโll wash up, head inside, and sleep this off. Dad wouldnโt be home until tomorrow evening and by then youโd be perfectly fine.
The only one you needed to worry about waโ
โGotchaโโ Calebโs playful giggle died in his throat the second you whirled around.
You were just taking your coat off, just about to splash cold water on your face.
His eyes sharpened instantly. That airy, carefree smile he always wore disappeared as he took in the blood-soaked collar of your shirt.
Your lip wobbled. You were already frustrated and tired and now you were going to have to deal with Caleb and Caleb was definitely going to tell your dadโฆ and all you could do was resist shriveling up under his gaze while your whole plan fell apart.
Only, Caleb didnโt jump straight into scolding you, didnโt say a single word in fact. He just spun on his heel and grabbed Buckโs reinsโlead him quietly back to his stall without a single word. You heard him murmuring into his phone a minute later, probably talking to Gideon. Heard leather squeaking as his quick hands unsaddled your horse.
You stayed hidden in the wash rackโgently splashing cold water on your face until it came away clear. It was only a little cut right at your hairline, but it was deep and beginning to swell. You were just patting the gash dry, wincing when you heard the stall door rattle shut. He rounded the corner right after.
โCome on, pips.โ He seemed eerily relaxed as he offered you his hand.
It wasnโt computing in your sluggish brain.
You couldnโt quite match this version of him up to the Caleb who took every chance to scold you, to hover over you, to boss you around. Caleb, who loved to tease youโsaid it was his right as your honorary big brotherโonly stood there, stretching his hand out to you in a gentle invitation. You squinted up at him, planting yourself in place.
โWhat do you mean come on?โ You scoffed. โItโs just a little cut. Iโm going to take shower and dress it and then Iโm gonna go to bed.โ His face pinched into a little scowl, trying hard to mask his amusement.
Thereโs the little pest you knewโฆ although he certainly wasnโt little anymore. He stepped closer, using his height to his full advantage in an attempt to tower over you. You couldnโt tell if it was his sudden proximity or the potential head injury that made the floor sway under you.
โI know you like to think youโre in charge around here.โ His voice went deep the way it did when he was done playing around.
โHell, most of the time, Iโm happy to let you.โ He continued with a long suffering sigh.
He stopped right in front of you, close enough that you could feel his breath fan across your face. You refused to back away, tried your best to muster any dignity you had to spareโstaring up at him with that stubborn tilt of your chin.
โBut right now, Iโm telling you exactly whatโs going to happen.โ He unzipped his coat as he spoke, shrugging his stupidly broad shoulders out of it.
โWeโre going to the emergency room to make sure you still have some sense left in that big, stubborn head of yours. Then you can come home and take that nap.โ He huffed a little laugh as he wrapped his coat around you, found it cute how you drowned in it.
Warmth immediately enveloped you along with his scent and you had to resist every urge to hum in delight. The last thing you needed was him acting smug on top of being completely insufferable.
โWell Iโm telling you that Iโm actually going inside the house to take that nap right now because I donโt need to go to no hospital.โ You went to step around him.
Unsurprisingly, he moved to block your path.
โWhy donโt we get daddy on the phone and see what he has to say, hmm?โ
You stomped your foot, growling your frustration as he bent to your eye levelโgrinning like a menace because he knew he had you.
โI just know heโd leave the auction early to come get his perfect little princess.โ He smirked. โThen youโd have to deal with him for the hour and forty-five minute drive to the hospital.โ Your breath caught as he reached out and slowly dragged the zipper of his coat up to your chin.
โBut if you can be a good girl, and go get checked out, Iโll cover for you when he asks questions. Iโll even be your personal servant for the rest of the day, Iโll do whatever you ask me to.โ His eyes gentled as he leaned in to get a close look at the damage He didnโt bother to hide his concern anymoreโused that cute puppy dog eyed stare to work you over.
You hated how good he was at playing you.
After over a decade of thorough practice, Caleb was the only person on the planet besides your own father who could tell you anything. He was the only one who wasnโt afraid of you.
Thatโs how you ended up in the worn out passenger seat of his dingy, old truckโsipping a coffee he bought you when you reached town. He was constantly tuning the thermostat, making sure you were comfortable while simultaneously pestering you to keep your eyes open every time you started to doze.
Itโs how he got you to sit in the emergency roomโs waiting area, despite your constant whining. He laid back in his seat, lazily stretched out with his hat pulled over his eyes while you bickered back and forth until your name was called.
But he was also the one who held your hands when they got clammy as the doctor put a few stitches through the gash. He waited at the pharmacy while they filled your prescriptions and bought you a sandwich for the ride back home.
The heater blew warm air around you, the bumpy drive back home turning hypnotic as your pain meds kicked in.
Caleb was chatting from the driverโs seat but you couldnโt hear what he was saying anymore. Your mind was fuzzy and heavy and your were so warmโstill bundled up in his giant coat as you slumped against the door.
Just gonna shut your eyes for a bit, you thought. It would save you the trouble of listening to his rambling for the next hourโฆ
You got home around one in the afternoon.
Caleb had to nearly drag you through the front door while consoling your poor house keeper, Alice, that you were alright. The pain meds had relieved your pain, sure. But they took all your sense along with it. You could only laugh as your feet flopped uselessly beneath you.
Eventually he gave up and swooped you into his arms and you giggled like you were a kid again. Back when you loved himโback when he could do no wrong in your eyes and you looked at him as if he hung the moon.
The illusion was quickly shattered, though, as he tossed you like a sack of potatoes onto the couch.
You landed with an undignified little โoof!โ
He paid no attention to your pouting, walking over to the ottoman that held all your favorite fuzzy blankets and reaching in to grab the entire stack. Your eyes widened he approached, looking full of mischief as he dumped them on you in a pile. He stood back and admired his work for a moment, a tender smile tugging at his mouth at the ridiculous sight.
โCalebโฆโ You muttered, voice muffled.
He chuckled, digging through the pile until your face appeared.
โWhat?โ He couldnโt help the way his eyes crinkled at your peeved expression, at the way static was making your hair crazy.
You decided a little payback was in orderโฆ
โI canโt feel my fingers.โ You mentioned innocently, โI need your helpโฆโ You wiggled your feet, still clad in your boots, to emphasize your point.
He knelt with a long suffering sigh and pulled your boots off while you shoved the blankets away.
โThere, happy now Princess?โ You shook your head with a wicked gleam in your eye.
โAnd my chaps, please.โ
Calebโs breath suddenly lodged in his throatโhis adamโs apple bobbing as he stared up at you from where he knelt on the floor.
โYouโve gotta be kidding meโฆโ You shook your head again with an evil little smile.
You could blame the pain killers for making you loose.
It was easier than admitting the truthโฆ
โYou said youโd do whatever I asked. Time to cash that check, big boy.โ Your tone turned mocking and a hot blush bloomed across his cheeks, touched the tips of his ears. It suited his dumb, handsome face remarkably well.
His hands didnโt shake like you hoped they would.
They hovered for a moment, his long, lovely fingers hesitating as they reached your belt buckle.
You met his gaze and lifted your hips insistently.
โCome on, cowpoke, I ainโt got all day.โ He scowled at your teasing tone, clearly frustrated, but deciding to keep quiet about it for now.
You half expected him to be rough and frustrated with you.
He wasnโt.
His touch was exceptionally gentle as he loosened your belt, his fingers barely grazing you as they worked. You found yourself blushing from just that little bit of contact, from the way his eyes seemed to darken as they focused. He took his time sliding your chaps over the curve of your backside, kept his eyes down and focused on his work.
But his face was burning red, and the hard set of his mouth gave him away.
You were no better offโentranced while watching his hands bunch the fringed suede and pull gently until they fell off your legs, relishing the moment.
โThank youโฆโ That came out much softer than youโd intended, far too tender instead of teasing.
He chucked a blanket at your face in response, disappearing with your boots and chaps before you got your face uncovered.
You grumbled, sinking into the couchโmore than a little mortified by your actions.
The sink came on in the little bathroom by the stairs.
It ran while you dozed, followed by the thud of his boots trudging towards the kitchen a few minutes later.
He returned eventually, snacks piled high in his arms and your purple water bottle hooked on his pinky finger.
โHungry?โ He asked without sparing you a glance, plopping down on the couch next to you and snatching the remote off the coffee table.
โNo.โ You grumbled, sinking deeper into your blanket pile.
That earned a dirty look from him.
โWell you should eat a little something anywaysโฆ Over there wasting away.โ
You had the audacity to side-eye him.
โSilence, servant boy.โ
You sighed, feeling warm and sleepy and wishing he would touch you again in some small way.
โYou can speak when spoken to.โ
Caleb scoffed.
Youโve hardly given him the time of day since he returned and now, suddenly, you were here sassing him like you were seventeen again. On the same couch you both grew up on. Heโd be lying if he said he didnโt love this, didnโt miss it terribly while he was away. At this point he would take anythingโany scrap you gave him was better than the cold shoulder heโd been enduring for seven long months.
โYouโre lucky youโre injured, lucky I donโt come over there and beat your little ass.โ He grumbled, cheeks still flushed from your little stunt earlier.
You scoffed, glaring a hole in the side of his head.๏ปฟ๏ปฟโWhatโs a soft little city boy like you gonna do, huh?โ Caleb winced at your tone.
โYou think I canโt do nothinโ about that bratty attitude of yours?โ He flicked a candy at you, bounced it right off the side of your head. โI could change your attitude real quick, pips.โ You flushed, refusing to meet his gaze, refusing to bite at the bait he dangled above your lips.
โYouโre all talk. Always have been.โ
โAnd youโre a brat. Always will be.โ
And just like that, all the walls you put up around him started to crumble. All the hard work spent scrubbing him out of your mind turned to ash.
You couldnโt help the tiny smile that tugged at the edge of your mouth. Couldnโt help but melt like butter when his warmth crept into your chest.
Maybe it was relief.
Having him close and circling you again in that old familiar orbit was thawing you out and suddenly you could breath.
You plopped your head down in his lap with a dramatic sigh, knowing he wouldnโt stop you because Caleb had always let you do whatever you wanted to him.
He only tensed under you for a moment, a surprised little sound getting stuck in his throat.
Then, muscle memory took over.
His hand found its rightful place on the crown of your head, then started smoothing your hair down. Then, slowly, his fingers spread and buried themselves in your hair, gently tugging out knots.
Calebโs heart was cracking open while you were none the wiser, dozing off in the warm cradle of his lap. He fought the urge to lean down and bury himself in you. He wanted to feel you all over his skin, wanted to breath you and drown in you.
Instead he sat still so as not to disturb your sleep, ran his ringers over your scalp, down through your hair, arranging the ends into little hearts to pass the time.
You passed the entire rest of the day like that; sleeping, snacking, watching movies.
For the first time in years you felt weightlessโthe constant gnawing ache in your chest dissolving under his gentle fingertips.
Hours slipped by without you noticing, until your phone buzzed.
The clock read 9:42pm when you clicked your screen awake. There were endless notifications from all your neighbors about preparing for tomorrow.
You sighed and clicked your phone shut, nuzzling back into Calebโs lap instead of replying.
Another hour or so passed in relative peace before you couldnโt take it anymore. All of your unanswered questions finally bubbled over.
โCaleb?โ
โHmm?โ He lifted his head off the back of the couch so he could look down at you.
โWhy didnโt you call me after you left?โ His breath caught.
It was the question he had been dreading since he came back home. Heโd spent seven months imagining this conversation. Somehow he still had no idea what to say.
Your eyes searched his as he came up with the right words.
โI wanted to call you, pips.โ His gaze shifted away from yours, looking more than a little guilty. โI guess Iโฆ I was afraid.โ You scoffed, rolling your eyes.
โAfraid of what?โ You asked incredulously.
โI was feeling guilty. Your mom had just passed when I left andโฆ wellโฆโ He sighed, running his fingers through his hair.
โI thought you hated me for leaving, so I gave you a little space. But I thought about you every day.โ You rolled your eyes again but didnโt say anything.
Caleb felt the panic rising, pulling something tight in his chest. His arm instinctively wrapped around your middle before he could stop to think about what he was doing.
โI was so excited to see you during holiday break. I still remember knocking on your door to surprise youโฆโ He chuckled, but it sounded a little strangled. โI remember you stuck your nose straight in the air and walked away.โ His shoulders sank a little at the memory, trying to smile it off.
But his eyes betrayed him.
Your face burned with shame at the memory. Back then you felt like the only way you would survive was if you killed him off in your heart. Buried him in the graveyard next to your mamaโฆ
โIโd have tossed my scholarship in the bin and come running back home if you asked me to.โ He said quietly after a moment passed in silence, blushing at how corny it sounded, but it was trueโฆ
You took a moment to gather yourself, all of the hurt and broken pieces that had you held onto so tightly were starting to slip from your grasp.
โI guess I did hate you back thenโฆโ You admitted with a tired sigh.
You expected to see him scowl, to flick your forehead. But he only smiled with that specific brand of tenderness he reserved only for you and tucked your hair behind you ear.
It gave you the courage to keep going.
โI felt like you abandoned me when I needed you the mostโฆโ
Your words came out quieter than you meant, small and vulnerable.
โI thought you met a pretty girl in college and forgot all about me. Didnโt think you were ever coming backโ๏ปฟ๏ปฟโWhat on earth made you think that?โ
โI saw a picture on your page with a bunch of people at some partyโฆ there was a girl hanging on your shoulder.โ You grumbled with a blush.
Why the hell were you admitting this to him?๏ปฟ๏ปฟโIโฆโ He squinted up at the ceiling, trying to find the right way to word it so you wouldnโt take off running again.
Heโd waited so long for this opportunity, dreamed of the moment he could draw you inโฆ
โI had a lot of interest.โ He chuckled. โBut I turned each and everyone of them down.โ You turned your back to him so he couldnโt see your blushing cheeksโpretending to be suddenly interested in the reality show on tv while you squashed the little flair of hope lighting up your chest.
Unfortunately Caleb misread the moment.
Panic seized him.
This was it, he thought.
You were shutting him out again and heโd never have another chance to tell you everything that he has been dying to say for nearly five years.
His arms wrapped around you, gathered you up.
โPlease donโt be angry with me. Iโve missed you so much.โ He bent to nuzzle your hair and you squeaked at the unfamiliar sensation.
Caleb never touched you like thisโฆ
It certainly wasnโt because you didnโt want him to. Hell, youโve been bending over backwards since you were sixteen to get him to notice you in that way.
But no matter how skimpy your bikini was in the summertime, no matter how tight your blue jeans hugged you, how carefully you tailored your chaps to squeeze around your ass just rightโฆ Caleb refused to look at you with anything other than tenderness.
It drove you crazy.
And now, suddenly, his breath was tickling your ear and his arms were wrapped tightly around your waist and you were losing your ever loving mind.
โPips?โ He murmured into your hair, shooting heat through your entire body. You felt like you were gonna vibrate right out of your skin and float away.
Caleb was no better offโspiraling in the awkward silence. It was killing him. He needed you to say something, anything.
He hauled you up off is lap and into his chest, his arms locking around you like a cage.
โUgh, Calebโโ You wheezed, squirming a little in his grasp until you felt him shudder.
โCaleb?โ You froze in his hold.
His only response was squeezing you impossibly tighter until his breath warmed the top of your head.
โIโm sorry.โ He mumbled weakly, his voice straining against the lump in his throat.
โIโm sorry for leaving you behind.โ His chest shuddered again. โSorry for making you deal with it all alone.โ
Was he crying?
You were horrified by the realization, turning in his grasp to look at him. He ducked his face in your neck, squeezing you tightโthe last thing he wanted was for you to see him like this.
You tried wiggling out of his grasp again and were met with a grunt.
โStop trying to get away from me.โ He whined, ghosting his lips along the shell of your ear. It was a weak spot of yours and he knew itโa dirty trick. But he was willing to play dirty at this point. Willing to pay the price for it later if it meant you stayed in his arms like this for a little longer.
You gasped as the heat of his breath lit your body like a cigarette, his face dipped lowerโlips ghosting over your pulse point while he pulled you into his lungs like smoke. You needed to grab the reins fast before your own body ran off with you.
โWill you let go?โ You gasped, โIโm not trying to get away from you, you dummy!โ
He calmed down a little at that, just enough for you to work your arms free.
You coaxed his face out of your neck, tilting his head up.
The sight broke your heart a little.
His eyes were still watery, face contorted in agony as he looked up at you.
He burned with shame, his tears now on full display, but he was too desperate to care anymore.
You gathered yourself with a shaky breath, staring into his eyes with wary anticipation.
โWhat are you trying to tell me, cowpoke?โ You swept his hair out of his eyes, moved your hands to gently cradle his face. His glassy eyes widened a little as they stared into yours, lip trembling just slightly.
Youโd never seen this expression on Caleb before.
All the air drained out of your lungs as the moment youโve been waiting for your entire life hung in the open air between you.
โAinโt it obvious?โ He whispered, vulnerable and bashful.
The cold spike of fear was fading fast, slowly replaced by a fiery heat with the way you were looking at him right now.
โMaybeโฆ but I wanna hear you say itโฆโ God, that bratty little toneโฆ
Caleb didnโt think it was possibleโthe way it suddenly made you ten times hotter. His face practically glowed in the dark living room.
You almost smirked at the way his gaze darted to your lips, then right back up to meet your eyes.
He gulped, took a breath.
โI love yโoomf!โ Stars burst behind his eyes as your mouth came crashing into his.
Softer and warmer and sweeter than he could have ever imagined.
His arms released their crushing grip around your waistโhands winding around your face, cupping it so gently as he leaned into the kiss. His body was hyper-aware of yours as it pressed tightly against him, soft and warm and alive with a wild, hammering heartbeatโฆ
You whimpered, barely a breath against his lips but it was enough to melt him into a groaning puddle. A burning frenzy scorched low in his stomachโhad him pressing into you, stealing the air right out of you. Blood was draining from his brain quickly, taking all rational thought with it as it pooled somewhere lowerโฆ
You were no better off, struggling just to pull some air back into your burning lungs while your mind skidded and spun out. You pulled away to look at himโat his long legs sprawled out under you, at his heaving chest, at the deep blush painting his face in a cute pink tint.
His hooded eyes glowed with affection as they stared back at you.
You were just about to go in for another kiss, already leaning into him when your phone rang.
โShit!โ You hissed.
Who the hell was calling you this late? You reached behind you, scrabbling in the dark until Caleb bent you both forward and grabbed it for you.
โThank youโ You breathed.
Your dadโs contact flashed across the screen and the color drained out of your face.
You took a deep breath, composed your buzzing body before answering.
โHey, daddy.โ Caleb held his chuckle in, watching you struggle to get your feet under you.
โHey, baby girl. Ainโt heard from you all day, you alright?โ You realized with a little pang of guilt that if he was calling you this late it meant you kept him up with worry.
โIโmโฆ okay.โ He waited patiently for you to continue.
โI umโฆ I had a little spill today is all. Been sleepinโ it off.โ You could practically see him bristling up on the other end of the line.
โA little fall, hm? Buckshot throw you again?โ Your panicked gaze flicked up to Caleb. He took the phone from you with the airy confidence you knew so well.
โHey pops!โ His voice was suddenly sweet and boyish and your dad hopped straight into conversation with him like you were never there.
โNo, she took SideGig out this morning, Bucky was acting a little fresh.โ He paused while your dad chatted. Caleb turned to you, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
โWhatโd you say happened pips?โ
โUm, there was a rattle snake by the gate that I couldnโt I see and Gigi spooked.โ You felt a little guilty for lying, but Bucky was already on thin ice with daddy and you didnโt want to give him another reason to hate him.
Caleb could sense your guilt, winked at you as he spoke.
โYeah, I took her stubborn butt to ER. Sheโs alright, just needs to restโฆ Yep. Iโm going up to check the pens first thing in the morning.โ Another pause.
โNo I can handle that, too. Itโll all be ready by the time you get home.โ
โItโs no problemโฆ thought Iโd better keep an eye on her tonight, anyways.โ You could hear your daddy gushing on his end of the phone. He always had endless praise for Caleb, you had to fight the urge to roll your eyes as he milked it.
โYes sir. Alright, hereโs your baby.โ He handed your phone back to you and kicked his legs up like this was the most natural thing in the world.
โHeyโฆ yes Iโm resting, about to go to sleep now actually.โ
โYou make sure to tell Caleb thank you.โ
โYes daddyโฆโ You blushed as Caleb smirked.
โAlright baby girl, get some good sleep. Text me in the morning when you wake up. Iโll see you tomorrow.โ
โCanโt wait. Love you.โ You have never been so relieved to hang up in your life.
For a moment, neither of you said anything as you stared at the phone. Then the tension finally cracked, the both of you dissolving into a fit of giggles.
โThanks, Cay.โ
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
โYou can call me baby, if you want.โ
โDonโt start pushinโ your luck.โ
Despite the warning, you leaned forward and pressed a kiss between his brows.
The sound that escaped him was embarrassing, a delighted little hum vibrating in his chest as his arms tightened around you,.
โYouโll stay with me tonight, wonโt you?โ You tipped your head back to look at him. โJust to keep an eye on me?โ
You fluttered your eyelashes and that sweet, bubbly laugh slipped out of him againโthe one that only seemed to exist when you two were together.
โI donโt think youโre gettin rid of me after that kiss.โ
โGood.โ
Early morning spilled through the front windows, painted the room in itโs cool blue light. Sometime during the night Caleb had wrapped himself around you, held you fast against him to keep you from rolling off the couch.
Alice found the two of you tangled together on the couch when she stepped inside to start on breakfast, a fond little smile spread across her face.
โItโs about time, you two.โ
The words were spoken softly, so as not to disturb the peaceful scene before her. She fought the urge to take a picture and send it to your daddy, knowing youโd cuss her from a boot to a slipper if she did.
By the time you finally woke, the smell of fresh coffee had drifted through the house.
You started the morning slowly.
Drinking coffee together turned into teasing and giggling. Giggling turned into kissing.
Then more kissing.
At some point Caleb stopped pretending he had any interest in finishing his breakfast and backed you into against the countertops to kiss you properly.
Only breaking away when he heard Aliceโs footsteps approaching.
By the time Alice reached the kitchen it was emptyโmugs in the sink and barely eaten breakfast still laid out on the tableโthe back door creaked shut before she could holler at you.
The cut on your head was tender, the cold morning air biting at the raw edges of it as you and Caleb made your way to the barn, gravel crunching under your boots as you walked side by side.
Spring had arrived in the valley weeks ago, but the mountains were still blanketed in snow along their highest peaks. The scent of damp earth and fresh grass lingered on the breeze as the sleepy ranch slowly came to life around you both.
Horses blew impatiently in their stalls, a tractor fired up somewhere in the distance.
The familiar sounds felt different this morning.
The weight of the day didnโt press on you, crush you under its weight like it had for so long. Not when Caleb was walking next you, smiling down at you like a fool.
You talked about everything and nothing while brushing your horses under the warm barn lights, Caleb saddled Buck for you while you wrapped Gigiโs legs and oiled her hooves.
When it came time to mount up, he offered his hand.
Normally you wouldโve argued, wouldโve informed him exactly where he could stick his helping hand.
Not today though. Today, you took it with a smile, blushing as you got yourself seated. The warmth of his touch lingered on your skin as you picked up your reins.
It was a chilly morning for May.
A wispy veil of mist still clung to the lower fields, slowly burning away beneath the rising sun as your rode out. Beyond the ranch, the Rockies stretched across the horizon in shades of blue and gold, their peaks glowing beneath the first real light of day.
Buck and Gigi were fresh and eager to move.
Once you were through the first pasture gate you gave Bucky his head. He took off immediately, exploding into a rowdy canter under youโthrowing a little buck. You laughed as he tossed his big, beautiful head up in delight.
Gigi and Caleb approached on your left.
โWanna race?โ He hollered over the roaring wind and hoofbeats.
โYouโll lose!โ
Caleb took a moment to etch the sight of you like this into his memory. They way you floated effortlessly, the wind blowing your hair in wild tendrils as you galloped away from him. He let you get away, enjoyed the view of you in front of him too much to care about losing.
The rhythm of hoofbeats sank into your bones and something inside you sang out with them. Fence posts flew by in a blur. Cold air filled your head, stung your lungs in the most pleasant way.
You reached the far end of the quarantine pastures in no time and fell into work mode seamlessly. Conversation died out, which was fine.
Caleb knew you rarely talked while working.
Out here, words were usually reserved for callouts, instructions, or warnings. The rest of the time, you let the horses carry you where you needed to go and enjoyed the quiet.
For once, Caleb was behaving himself. He didnโt tease you when you dropped a nail, got off his horse to string and stretch wire with you without you having to ask.
And you only caught him looking at you with ridiculous, love struck eyes twice.
The first time you rolled your eyes at him, but the second time you called him out.
โWhat?โ You asked sharply with a hand on your hip.
His grin only widened.
โNothinโ.โ
Liar. The smile threatening your own mouth lasted the rest of the ride.
By noon the quarantine pasture was good to go and the sun had climbed high enough to chase away the morning frost. What little chill remained lingered only in the shadows beneath the pines and along the north side of the hills.
The pastures stretched green and gold beneath an endless blue sky. Somewhere in the distance a meadowlark called.
You tipped your face toward the warmth of the sun for a moment, savoring it.
Behind you, Caleb swung down from Gigi and opened up the final gate.
โAfter you, baby doll.โ He said in that sweet lilted voice.
You faked a scowl.
โBetter not get used to calling me that, cowpoke. Iโd hate for the neighbors to hear.โ
โI want emโ to hear..โ He hauled himself up into his saddle and sat with a wink, loving the way your cheeks pinked up, the way your eyes darted away from him as you took off.
The ranch was fully awake and buzzing with activity by the time you reached home.
Pickup trucks, stock trailers, dusty SUVs, and the occasional ancient farm truck stretched all the way down the driveway and spilled into the yard beside the house.
Dust billowed around you as you approached the barn. Bucky was already growing agitated with all the commotion.
Voices carried on the breeze, dogs barked, and horses nickered from the corrals, the smell of warm horses and leather lingered with the afternoon heat, someone laughed loud enough to be heard from halfway across the property.
You couldnโt help smiling.
Auction days always felt a little like a holiday.
Neighbors had been showing up to help for as long as you could remember.
The men were already hard at work. Some were hauling portable panels into position while others saddled horses or leaned against fence rails with coffee cups in their hands, discussing the dayโs plans.
The women, meanwhile, had completely taken over the house.
Through the open kitchen windows drifted the smell of fresh coffee, homemade bread, onions sizzling in butter, and something sweet baking in the oven. Every now and then a burst of laughter floated out across the yard.
By tonight thereโd be enough food to feed an army.
The chatter around the corrals seemed to die out the moment you and Caleb rode in.
You kept your eyes forward and your head held high as you trotted on.
Maybe if you acted natural your neighbors would mind their own business and let you be. Caleb ruined that plan almost immediately as soon as you reached the barn.
He caught you as you dismounted, setting you gently on your feet and spinning you into his waiting embrace.
You barely had time to register it before he was burying his face in your hair.
โDammit, Caleb!โ You swatted him away as chorus of laughter erupted. You heard them murmuring to each other as heat flooded your cheeks.
โAbout damn time.โ You heard your old neighborโs timbery voice pipe up. โYou owe me twenty bucks, Darren.โ
โYou better mind your business, Frank!โ you hollered without looking back.
That only made them laugh harder.
Caleb looked entirely too pleased with himself, looking pitifully love struck without an apology in sight.
You snatched Buckโs reins from his hand before he could try anything else and marched toward the barn with what dignity you had left.
Temporary pens had been set up for the visiting horses.
You stuck Buck in an empty one and hung a water bucket for him, took your time checking him over, running your hand over his smoky hide until your burning cheeks cooled and your pride recovered its footing.
Buck ignored your suffering completely, too busy eating the hay left behind by the previous tenant.
It was quiet for a moment.
But unfortunately there was no escaping the neighbors. Not for long anyway.
The first one found you before youโd even latched the gate behind you as you left Bucky to eat.
Then anotherโฆ and another.
Some wanted to ask about the incoming cattle, some were looking for an update from your dad. Every single one of them stopped mid-conversation the second they noticed the bruise across your forehead.
โOuch.โ
โWhat happened to you?โ
โLord above, that looks painful.โ
โYou finally lose an argument with Buckshot?โ
You were opening your mouth to defend yourself when a shout went up from somewhere near the driveway.
Relief flooded through you as the neighbors turned and started walking towards the driveway.
A line of livestock trailers was rolling through the front gate, kicking up massive clouds of dust that billowed across the open lawn, the low rumble of diesel engines carrying across the ranch.
Instantly, everything changed. Conversations were abandoned, coffee cups got set down, cowboys swung up into their saddles.
Buckshot snorted in annoyance when you snatched him away from his hay.
There was no time for apologies. You swung into the saddle and loped toward the driveway just as your dad climbed down from his truck.
Within seconds a crowd had gathered around him.
Neighbors and friends pressing closer, listening to his wild stories and laughing. They all ran through the plan one final time. Someone cracked a joke that earned a round of laughter before the group finally broke apart and scattered to their assignments.
The organized chaos began.
Trailer doors rattled open, dogs barked, horses danced impatiently under their riders.
The first cattle bawled from inside the trailers, the sound echoing across the ranch, then they were suddenly stampeding into the chutes. The rumble of their hooves shook the ground. Daddy must have bought close to fifty in total.
You caught sight of Caleb near the front of the herd, heading them up the first hill.
He was talking to Dallas and Gideon, gesturing toward the first gate while the dogs circled nearby, keyed up and ready to work.
One heifer immediately tried to break leftโCaleb was already moving.
Gigi launched beneath him, cutting across her path so smoothly it looked effortless. One hand settled on the horn of his saddle while the other worked his lariat. They turned the cow back toward the herd before it could even fully break away.
Your stomach did a little flip.
There wasnโt a person alive who could deny Caleb was beautiful, but he was something else entirely when he was working. And it wasnโt just the way his arms flexed beneath the rolled up sleeves of his work shirt.
It was the focusโthe hard set of his jaw when he was concentrating. He was easy to get lost in. Thankfully, you had Bucky to drag you back into reality. He whipped his head into the herd, biting at a cow that strayed a little too far.
โYouโre an asshole, Bucky.โ You chided him knowing that he wasnโt listening to you.
There were far more hands than the job required, ensuring the cattle were settled into the quarantine pasture without a hitch.
The whole thing was over before you knew it.
By evening, you were back in the barn putting Buckshot to bed.
Youโd finished brushing him ten minutes ago, but the quiet was nice and you werenโt particularly eager to show yourself to the crowd.
Outside, the ranch hummed with celebration. Every now and then a burst of laughter drifted through the open barn doors. Someone shouted for more firewood. A truck door slammed. The smell of woodsmoke had already begun to creep across the yard.
They were probably getting the bonfire lit and breaking out the beer by now. The picnic tables were probably all lined with enough food to feed half the county.
The thought made you smile, the sound of laughter was sweet after a long and lonely winter, and youโd join them soonโฆ
Just not yet.
Buckshot seemed perfectly content with this arrangement. He stood quietly munching hay while you leaned against his broad rump, absently working through the last few tangles in his tail.
It didnโt take Caleb long to come looking for you.
It never did.
You could almost time it like clockwork. Sure enough, the sound of his boots echoed down the aisle and a shadow fell across the stall floor. Right on queue .
Your eyes immediately found him leaning against the stall door with his hat pushed backโstill looking love struck, swooning as he took you in.
โWhatโre you doinโ hidinโ in here, baby?โ
You sighed dramatically.
โI donโt think I can show my face again after your little stunt.โ
His eyebrows shot up.
โMy stunt?โ
โHalf the county watched you hug me in broad daylight. Iโll be out there discussing my due date with Suzanne and Alice before I can even plate my food.โ
His grin only widened.
โIโm serious, Caleb. I ainโt never gonna hear the end of it.โ
โWell youโre gonna have to face them eventually. Letโs go get it over with, hm?โ
Caleb walked you out, tucked you tightly into his side and answered all the wondering glances with a kiss to your forehead.
The mob descended almost instantly.
Questions came from every direction.
โWhenโs the wedding?โ
โOh, your babies are gonna be adorable.โ
Heat burned all the way to the tips of your ears as laughter erupted around the bonfire. Caleb, meanwhile seemed perfectly content to answer questions on your behalf. He was discussing venues and colors with Alice before dessert, looking like he was having the time of his life. The worst part was everyone encouraging him.
Daddy looked especially pleased. The firelight danced across his face as he watched the two of you with something like relief. Like heโd been holding his breath for years, waiting for this moment to unfold.
โโBout time, kiddo,โ he chuckled before wrapping Caleb in a crushing one-armed hug. โNow I can officially call you my son.โ
You groaned.
โCan you calm down? Let the man propose first.โ You always hated how well they got along growing up. They both teamed up on you, determined to be a thorn in your side. But you also couldnโt resist how cute it was, watching the way he carried on bragging about the both of you to anyone who would listen, dragging you and Caleb around like a shiny trophy.
The night stretched on around you.
Someone broke out another case of beer, the bonfire crackled and popped beneath a cerulean sky jeweled with stars, laughter drifted across the yard, children chased each other through the grass.
Your body felt lighter than it had in years as you stood out on the lawn and looked over it all.
Out on the blue ridge you could almost see her silhouette against the setting sun, sat quietly on her favorite horse, watching over you.
You blinked a little moisture out of your eyes and she was gone. The scenery was just an endless stretch of sloping foothills once more.
Caleb's arm tightened around you. He looked at you with a shimmering gaze like he knew exactly what you were thinking and bent down to kiss the top of your head. He stayed there for a bit, lingering in your warmth and your familiar scent for awhile while the party moved around you in a blur...
My pretty gorgeous girls: @skyekudasai @seraphyvonne @thelastpolarbear @bluepheonixfeather @cobaltghvst @typicalme23 @pjselee
