Chapter 5

Alice

Billy had rushed out right after supper so he could meet Joe on time. Alice enjoyed sharing a meal with him. His relaxed nature set her at ease and she found she could easily let down her guard and be herself. She knew he was being flirtatious and she didn’t mind. She just wasn’t sure how to reciprocate. She didn’t have much call for flirting these days.

She was attracted to him, he was obviously a good-looking man. Their conversation had been light, but his intelligence was obvious. He asked her questions about the ranch and the day to day operations. She filled him in on the basics, not wanting to bore him, but he listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. This drew her in to him. She wished that they had more time to chat, and considered inviting him back later in the evening, but wasn’t sure it was appropriate. So, as usual, Alice played it safe.

She finished the last of her chores, poured herself a glass of wine and took it out to the front porch. The sun was just setting. She sipped her wine slowly, watching the canvas of the skyline change from peach to amber with flecks of hot pink and purple lining the stratus clouds. It was still warm outside, but there was just enough of a breeze to keep her comfortable.

Billy and Joe were just finishing up. She could see them talking by the barn, Billy nodding periodically as Joe shared his wisdom. She hoped that he would work out. Joe needed someone reliable to help lighten his load. He had taken on so much lately.

Alice watched Billy walk toward the lodge, his hands in his pockets. Part of her wanted to call out to him, invite him to join her for a glass of wine and continue their conversation. She was curious about him and wanted to know more. She tried to summon up her courage, her heart beating a little faster under her ribs.

Why was she so nervous?

Billy opened the door to the lodge, stepped inside, and disappeared from her view. Probably for the best, she thought. She picked up her glass and went into the house.

* * *

The next morning Alice got up early and headed out to the barn. She had a buyer coming in a few hours to look at the horses. She anticipated that he would take two or three of her mares.

Although it was always difficult to let her horses go, she could use the money. It was her job to train them and the hardest part of that was not getting too attached.

Billy was in the barn, mucking out the stalls. He smiled at her when she walked in. He was shirtless and covered in dust, dirt and sweat, but he looked good to her. She strolled over to him and gave him a little smirk.

“How is it going?” she asked playfully.

He gave her a wink and grinned broadly.

“Aside from the flies and the stench? Not bad at all. I could be faster,” he admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Alice offered him a reassuring touch to his forearm, in a weak attempt at flirting. He looked at her warmly.

“Not to worry, it gets easier,” she said cheerfully. “Do you need a hand?”

Billy sighed and nodded, a look of relief on his face.

“That would be great. I still have those three stalls over there to get to and Joe will be here soon. I don’t want to piss him off,” he said with mock seriousness.

“He will be fine. He knows there is a learning curve. Hand me the broom. You muck and I’ll sweep,” she offered, holding out her hand.

Billy handed her the broom and for a brief moment their fingers touched. He held the broom for a second longer, forcing her to meet his gaze. She looked up and was met with his soft smile. She felt her body respond, a tingling sensation coursing from her fingertips to her toes and lingering on all the vulnerable spots in between.

“Thanks, I appreciate that,” he said.

Alice cleared her throat and looked away before he could see her blush. They worked together side by side, and got the job done quickly. As they finished putting fresh hay in the last stall, Joe walked in. Alice looked up and gave him a wave.

Joe looked at Billy flatly.

“If you are done in here, you can go grab yourself some breakfast and then get to work on the fence, down by the road,” Joe said, his voice direct but kind.

Billy nodded at him and then turned to look at Alice. He hesitated, as though he wanted to say something to her. Alice gave him a curious look.

“I think I may need to pick up some groceries. The cupboard is a little bare,” he explained.

“Oh, I’m sorry about that. I plan to head into town later this afternoon and pick up some provisions for you. For now, head over to the house and help yourself. There is a pot of coffee made,” Alice offered.

“Did you eat?” he asked her, hoping she hadn’t.

Alice smiled. She didn’t usually eat breakfast, but the thought of spending more time with him was appealing. She looked at Joe. His lips were downturned, as though he disapproved, but he was too polite to say so.

“I’m good, Billy. I have to get some horses ready for a sale today. The buyer is coming by just after nine. I’ll catch up with you later,” she said, hiding her disappointment.

“No worries. I can manage. See you later,” he said, giving her a little wink.

He nodded at Joe and walked out of the barn.

“I think he will work out ok, don’t you?” Alice asked once Billy was out of ear shot.

Joe shrugged his shoulders and sniffed.

“Maybe,” he grumbled under his breath, causing Alice to chuckle.

“Don’t be so grumpy. He seems like a hard worker and he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Give him a chance,” she encouraged. “Besides, he was in the right place at the right time, and that has to mean something. I didn’t get a chance to share this with you yesterday, but Matt assaulted me. Billy stepped in and stopped him before he could really hurt me.”

“That right?” he asked, his brows raised.

Alice nodded solemnly, recalling the moment.

“Ya, Matt was pissed. If Billy hadn’t been there, I don’t know what he would have done,” she offered quietly.

Joe inhaled thoughtfully and nodded his head.

“I’m sorry that happened, Alice,” he said sincerely. “I feel real bad now that I wasn’t the one to boot his ass out of here.”

“You couldn’t have known, Joe. Don’t trouble yourself.”

She reached out and took his hand, reassuring him. Joe, never comfortable with affection, looked away and murmured to himself. Alice smiled and shook her head, releasing her grip.

“We need the help, Joe,” she said with finality.

Joe nodded, knowing she was right. The ranch was not huge, but it needed more than just the two of them to make it run. Alice always had big ideas but never enough hands to help. Since her parents had died she had been surviving, not thriving, and she was ready for that to change.

* * *

“Thanks for your business, Rick. I’m sure these three girls will work out well for you,” Alice said as she walked her client to his truck. “We will have them ready to go on Friday. Bring your trailer and Joe will help load ‘em in.”

“They will do just fine, Alice. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”

He winked at her. He stepped a little closer to her and put his arm around her. Alice smiled politely, trying to stay as neutral as possible, but she felt her shoulders involuntarily stiffen. Her instincts were to pull away, but at the same time, she didn’t want to offend him. This sale had to go through. She knew how to ride these rails. She had been down this path many times.

“When are you going to finally say yes to a date with me, pretty Lady?” he asked her, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

Alice chuckled uncomfortably and gently removed herself from his embrace.

“Well, Rick, I suppose when your wife tells me personally that she wouldn’t mind.”

Her words were light as she gently scolded him. Rick groaned playfully.

“I got enough love to go around, Honey,” he said dropping his hand to his crotch, and offering her a toothy smile.

Alice shook her head slowly.

“Come on, you old horn-dog, get in your truck and take your love on home to Ginny,” she teased, opening the door of his truck. “Go on, now.”

Rick slapped her ass before he slid himself behind the wheel, giving her a dirty laugh. She stepped back and gestured for him to leave, her smile stiff on her face.

“See you in a few days,” he said, pulling away, his tires churning the gravel.

“Goody,” she said under her breath, her smile fading.

Alice walked back to the stables to find Joe, and told him which of the mares he needed to get ready and then strolled over toward the property boundary by the east gate, where Billy was working. She wanted to talk to him before she went into town. She wanted to find out if there was anything specific that he wanted from the grocery store.

He was working diligently on a post, trying to secure it into the ground. He had his shirt off, tied around his waist, his muscles straining from the task. There was nothing hotter than a man hard at work, especially when he was half dressed.

She imagined him wrapping those strong, tattooed arms around her and pulling her into a deep, delicious

kiss. She could have watched him longer, her imagination driving deeper into the fantasy, had he not looked back and caught her staring at him.

He straightened up and wiping his brow with the back of his hand, he threw her a sexy grin.

“Hey there!” he called out, waving his hand at her.

She looked away, embarrassed by her thoughts. She inhaled deeply, pulling herself together and walked down a slope to where he was standing. He had accomplished a lot in the short time he had been working. He was obviously better at construction than he was shoveling manure.

“Looks great. I have been meaning to get to this for years,” she admitted examining the fence.

He shrugged his shoulders and grinned.

“This is kind of in my wheel house. It might take me a month to finish the whole thing, but it will be sturdy when I’m done. Should hold up for a few more years,” he assured.

She nodded, grateful, and then looked up, catching his eye. He was looking at her thoughtfully, his eyes searching hers. She held his gaze, her curiosity leaping from wanting to know his story, to wondering how passionate a lover he would be, all in just a few short seconds. She wondered if her need was written on her face, and when she saw his brows raise, she was left with little doubt. She cleared her throat, and pulled her eyes away.

Billy chuckled softly.

“Well, I appreciate it,” she said, nervously biting her lower lip.

“I’m at your service, Alice,” he said gallantly.

Alice felt her heart skip a beat, the innuendo landing smack dab in the middle of her libido. She wondered if he intended to have that effect on her. She smiled shyly, and brushed her bangs away, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.

“I’m going to run into town and pick up a few groceries. Is there anything special you need?” she asked, a little more direct than she intended.

He pouted his bottom lip out, considering her question. She imagined kissing that lip tenderly, and then not so tenderly, her thoughts arousing her even further.

“I’m sure whatever you bring back will be fine. I’m not hard to please.”

Alice pictured herself pleasing him, hard. She nodded at him.

“Ok, I’ll see you later then.”

She turned away.

“Dinner later?” he called out.

She turned back to see his hopeful smile. She nodded once more and then walked away, wanting nothing more than to stay.