Forbidden Cowboy (Rocky Ridge Creek #1)

Chapter Seven

HOPE

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“GOOD MORNING, FOX Lodge staff.” Jade taps the stylus on the side of her iPad. It’s a nervous gesture only family would recognize.

“Is she trying to smile?” Josie passes me a mug of steaming black coffee, just the way I like it. I cradle my morning pick-me-up with a satisfied sigh before I bring the hot liquid to my lips for a taste. I need it after my restless sleep. Thanks to a red hot sexy cowboy whose kisses send a gal into a night of lustful dreams she never wants to wake from.

“She thinks her smile softens the harsh tone of her voice,” my sister Natalie says. She and Josie share a wicked sense of humor. Closer in age, the two had been inseparable growing up and were magnets for trouble.

“Be nice.” I tsk my sister.

The floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace crackles behind us while it burns faux fire. Few guests are awake at the early to stroll into the large lobby where our meetings are held. And those who do can sit in the twig chairs scattered around the lobby.

“I love morning meetings when Hannah’s busy and Jade steps in to oversee the session.” Josie juggles her coffee and phone to zoom her camera on Jade’s crooked smile. She snaps a picture with a devious chuckle.

“How are ya’ll doing?” Jade lifts her arms in the air. Her smile strains as her gaze roams the employees. “Are we ready to have a fabulous Fox Friday!”

“Yes!” I shout alongside the staff. They shower my sister with positive vibes, regardless of how uncomfortable she appears.

Josie stifles a laugh that stretches out into an injured animal sound. “Why does she make this look so painful? She’s a natural fighter.”

“She lacks fun,” Natalie whispers as the voices settle.

“As summer kicks off, new members have joined our team.” Jade welcomes the new members by name. They’re mostly high school students taking on part-time summer positions.

“Do you think she’s going to try the handclap?” Josie digs out a handful of mini marshmallows from the fake tree stump on the fireplace. She has mini marshmallows stashed in secret hiding places throughout the lodge.

“She’s going to try the handclap.” Natalie wrinkles her nose at the mountain of marshmallows in our sister’s mug as if this isn’t an ordinary morning Josie routine. “That’s disgusting.”

“You’re disgusting.” She tosses a coffee-drenched marshmallow at Natalie. “And she sucks at the hand clap.”

My mama strums her acoustic guitar a minute later, and Jade leads us in the Fox Lodge handclap and song. It’s a bouncy tune I will never tire of and an effective custom to energize the staff on a positive note before the meeting gets down to business. Jade lists off the day’s special events, including the outdoor scavenger hunt my niece and nephew have been boasting about for days.

“This weekend Hope Fox has booked off to work on the fair kissing booth—” Jade glares at me over the rim of her glasses. I’m thankful I’m not within talking range after the barrage of lectures all week. “—and Mrs. Fox will be filling in for her.”

“Come and find me anytime for anything.” My mom tilts her favorite red Stetson in a friendly nod. She’s never seen without it.

She’s a cowgirl in all the senses—layered blonde hair with curtain bangs, a plaid shirt knotted above her waist showing off the silver fox head belt buckle.

“What’s the deets on the kissing booth?” Natalie blows the steam on her mug before taking a sip.

“I have great plans.” I slide my cell phone from my pocket and swipe it open. “I want to do this sort of double booth. One side for kissing and the other for hugs.”

“I’m not interested in the kissing booth construction. I’m referring to the man assisting with the construction.”

My insides turn to goop. I try to maintain posture as I casually ask, “What about him?”

“Your shoulders stiffened at the mention of him.” Natalie digs her fingertips into my shoulder.

“You should’ve seen her after the town meeting,” Josie slurps another marshmallow. “She had this look on her like she’d been laid—” Josie gasps. “Did you get laid? Who was it? It was Levi, wasn’t it? Oh my gosh, tell us!”

Jade’s stare snaps in our direction. “Something you’d like to share, Josie?”

I’m thankful when Josie shakes her head. “No, ma’am. Just excited for the day. Go Foxes. Go.” When Jade moves on, Josie nudges me. “I want all the details.”

“I see Natalie Fox is absent tomorrow, and Mrs. Fox will take over her hikes.” Jade’s questioning eyes dart from my sister to my mom. “How are you doing horseback tours and hikes?”

“Sweetheart.” My mama’s southern drawl is thick. “I’ve run this ranch much longer than you.”

“And Josie Fox is taking another weekend off.” Jade swings her iPad, and it hits the side of her leg. “Is Hannah going to be around for tonight’s scavenger hunt?”

“She’s losing it,” Josie whispers without moving her mouth.

“Yes,” I chirp up. “The scavenger hunt has already been set up, and the setup for the campfire to follow will begin during supper.”

The meeting doesn’t last longer than fifteen minutes.

“Another successful meeting.” Josie pushes off the wall. “I’m off. Can’t wait until we meet again.” She walks backward, blowing kisses at me.

“Why is she acting weird?”

Natalie shrugs. “I have no idea.” Her smirk suggests otherwise.

“Why are you acting weird?”

“Not acting weird.”

After a hardy breakfast of pancakes and bacon, I saddle up my morning horseback tour and guide them along the dusty paths and picturesque rocky backdrop.

I’ve been tempted to ride to the Fox/Wilde fence line for days. Instead, I took days to mull over Levi’s confession. And maybe he needed time to rethink it, too. Either way, my body is a bag of nerves today because I find myself on board with Levi. I’m all in—if he hasn’t changed his mind.

I skip lunch at the lodge and head into town for a quick eat at Cowboy Cafe.

Matching pair of red Adirondack chairs sit on either side of the main door painted the same jam red. Inside hasn’t been updated in years. The waitresses take orders in denim skirts and plaid shirts, bustling about curved wooden chairs and placing steaming lunch plates on pedestal tables. Framed rodeo photos clutter the panel and brick walls.

Sheriff Nash sits on one of the red vinyl stools along the counter.

“Sheriff.” I slip onto a stool two down and eye the pecan pie in the countertop pie display.

“Afternoon, Hope.” Sheriff Nash is a couple of years older than Jade. But his long hair and scruffy beard drastically age him. “Am I going to be called to the town hall for a Fox and Wilde altercation?” His growly straightforward tone makes most folks nervous. Not the locals. We all know something in him changed after his daughter died and wife left him. Grumpy. Irritated. Short-tempered. He reminds me of Levi these days.

“Absolutely not.” I wave at Alma. She pulls a pen out of the white bun fastened at the nape of her neck. “Can I get a couple of slices of pecan pie and a turkey sandwich to go?”

She cups her ear. “What’s that deary?” She’s hard of hearing and refuses to wear hearing aids.

I repeat my order.

“Two slices of pumpkin pies —” She jots down the order on the small pad.

“No, pecan pie. Two slices of pecan pie.”

She pushes her thin-rimmed glasses up her nose. She plays Mrs. Claus every Christmas Holiday because the resemblance is uncanny.

“That’s what I said. Two slices of pumpkin pie.”

“Pecan.”

She ignores me. “And a turkey sandwich.” Half an order correct is better than none.

After a promise not to stir up trouble and a surprise bag of food, I drive to the town hall.

I’d planned to drive back like a good little Fox girl and sneak in under the radar. My plans are foiled when I see the scene in front of the town hall unfold.

I slide my sunglasses into my hair to ensure I see correctly. The town hall’s front lawn is cluttered with wood supplies, a work table, a table saw, rolling tool boxes, and large duffel bags.

Shirtless and with the sun pelting off his glistening body, Levi hooks the tang on the measuring tape over a two-by-four edge. He stretches the blade across the wood and locks it. His free hand slides a pencil wedged over his ear. He marks the wood before running a hand through his shaggy hair.

The entire ordeal makes me hot all over.

The statement he’s making working with a Fox, out in the open, well, that opens a whole new set of feelings—feelings I’ve never dared to allow.

I collect the food and drinks and climb out of the jeep. The sweltering heat makes me appreciate I chose my denim cut-offs and midriff T-shirt with the Fox Lodge logo on it.

Levi spots me and abandons the wood he’s carrying. “Good afternoon, darlin’.” He strolls to me, all muscle and sweat and hotness. His cocky grin dares me to kiss it away.

I hold the bag between us like a shield. “I brought pie.”

“I like pie.”

I’d like to lick pie off the V muscle disappearing down the front of his pants.

“It’s surprise pie.”

He chuckles. “Alma was taking orders.”

I nod, clutching the bag against my chest. “What is this?”

“This—” He waves an arm at the chaos. “—this is you and I proclaiming our friendship.”

“Friendship? Yesterday you said you were going to marry me.”

“I am going to marry you, Miss Fox. But I also know there are many things we have to discuss. There’s a lot of ground to cover, and I don’t want to wait another twelve years. Today, we show the town a Fox and a Wilde can work together.”

This is a huge step. Most people take going out for dinner and a movie for granted, but it’s never been that simple for us. It’s not a pleasure we’ve been able to enjoy.

I want to jump up and down and scream for the world to see. I want to wrap my arms around Levi’s neck and kiss him silly. But I understand his method—one step at a time.

“If you’re not afraid to work out here with me, then I’m not afraid.”

I smirk. “You’re a little afraid.”

“I’m fucking terrified.”

I laugh, loving his blunt honesty. “I’m terrified, too.”

“But I’m more terrified of being without you. I’ve hidden behind my work long enough and am ready to stop hiding. For you. For us.”

“Fine.” I sigh dramatically, and all the while, I feel the biggest, goofiest grin on my face. “You’ve twisted my arm. I’ll do it. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“You mean besides our families killing each other.”

“Yes, besides that. And the sheriff says he’s not to be called here, or we’ll end up in a cell for the night.”

“Jail together for the night doesn’t seem like a bad idea.” He steps close. “I want to kiss you.”

“I want you to kiss me.”

“Then we’re on the same page?”

I nod, knowing he won’t do it, and at the same time, wanting it so badly my body aches.

“What in tarnation is going on here?” Mayor Thomas barks. “What is this mess?”

“The reconstruction of a local fair attraction.”

Thomas yanks off his sunglasses and pushes up the front of his straw hat. His beady round eyes give us a death stare. “Tourists don’t want to see this mess.”

“Who cares what the hell tourists want—”

I cut Levi off. “Thomas, this is an opportunity to advertise. Consider erecting the famous kissing booth for the end-of-the-month fair. Go get some of your fancy banners and signs and hang them around to advertise the upcoming fair and give people insight into the work the town puts into it.”

His snarl turns upside down. “Oh, that’s a good idea.”

“It’s a great idea.” I exchange a look with Levi.

“I’ll go get some. But no more things on the property. You’re wrecking the grass.”

You-hoo!” Wilma and Faye’s all-terrain club car tires barrel over the sidewalk. It’s unlike any club car I’ve ever seen. Painted brown like a bull, it’s complete with a mouth on the hood, eyes on the side, and a pair of bull balls hanging off the back.

Wilma yanks the wheel to steer away from a pile of wood. Tire marks dig ruts into the ground. The tires skid to a stop in front of us.

“Ladies!” Thomas sounds like he’s going to have a heart attack right here on the spot. “No club cars on the grass! It is bad enough Rita hosted the yard sale here last month.”

“And they raised good money for the youth center,” I remind him.

Thomas points to the parking lot. “Off the grass!”

“We won’t be but a second.” Faye grips the frame of the cart as she scoots out.

Wilma meets her sister at the back of the club car. They open the plastic storage bin. “We need something from the lovely couple.”

Levi and I exchange smirks. What’s the point of arguing? Once they fix on a couple, there’s no talking them out of their decision.

“I’m going to get my signs,” Thomas grumbles away.

“Over here.” Faye loops her arm around mine and one around Levi’s. “Oh, very nice. It seems like you’ve been working out, Mr. Wilde.”

I chuckle, but Levi looks less than impressed about being doted over.

“Right here.” Before I can object, my flat hand is dipped in white paint.

“Hey, now.” Levi pulls away, red paint dripping from his fingertips.

Wilma catches his arm. “Just place your hand right here.”

Our hands are directed to individually framed squares of material. My hand is placed on a red square, while his hand is placed on a white square.

“What ya’ll doing with our handprints?” Levi asks, but I know he’s aware these squares are for the blanket. They’re clearly quilting for us.

“Future quilting.”

“Future or now?”

“That’s not for you to know.”

The duo’s love quilts are all the rage by those who believe. I’ve never been one to believe or not believe. However, I suspect the twins are responsible for throwing Levi and me together, and it makes me wonder just what kind of power they have.

“Perfect.” Wilma carefully stores the prints away. Faye hands us water bottles and paper towels to wash our hands.

The familiar sound of my sisters’ voices draws my attention to the parking lot beside the town hall. Natalie, Josie, Hannah, and the twins, Lex and Rex, tromp around the flower beds spilling with ground foliage and ornamental grass. Their arms are loaded with picnic baskets and coolers, restraining them from waving. Their excited vocal greetings make up for it.

I wave back. “I don’t know what they’re doing here.”

“Tramping on Thomas’ green grass.” Wilma locks the bin like someone will break in for our precious handprints.

Levi touches the small of my back ever so lightly. “I invited them.”

My heart swells. “You did?”

“And they’re not the only ones.”

From the opposite parking lot, a herd of Wilde brothers stop at the edge of the grass. Folding lawn chairs and tents are packed under their arms or over their shoulders.

I see my sisters halt. Tension and hesitation vibrate the distance between them.

I’m getting an old-school Western showdown vibe.

“This might not go the way you planned,” I whisper.

“It has to.”