Chapter Four
Kennedy–Nashville TN.
I CANNOT BELIEVE THE NERVE of that guy trying to get me to sign a contract out of the blue. Not going to happen. I’m going back to Mason and to my horses. I don’t sing any more, my horses are what make me happy.
“Sis, that was so cool, and you sounded amazing. I can’t wait to hear it after it’s finished. You’re going to have an actual recording! How much fun was that anyways? Plus, the sound guy, Jeremy, O.M.G. he was so hot, and he had that melt your panties off smile. I could feel the sparks between the two of you as soon as he took your hand. If I wasn’t committed to no life for the next few years I would have jumped on him.” she said as we walked down the street.
“Stacy Christine, I can’t believe you said that. For your information, there is no chemistry or spark between us.” Even though the shock from his touch made my lady parts stand up and take notice.
“What? I’m not dead, just an overworked college student. I have eyes and some very underused female parts that are in need of some attention, and soon.” I instantly laughed, completely caught off guard.
“You definitely don’t hold back anymore do you?” I said as I slide my arm through hers.
“Life’s too short, I just go with the flow.” We laughed as we walked down the street. I’ll probably never see the gorgeous guy from the sound booth again anyways so why bother thinking about him.
We finished shopping, went back to Stacy’s house, and ordered pizza. I was leaving for Austin tomorrow morning and then driving home to Mason, Texas where the ranch my family owned and worked on raising horses.
“Do you really have to leave?” Stacy asked as we watched Pitch Perfect for the 100th time.
“Yes, your roommate will be here tomorrow, and I need to get home. Jeff will be coming over to bring one of his Broodmares to see if we can get him to mate with Tulip or Whisper. He is leaving him in our pasture for a week. Arianna is coming with him and I can’t wait to play with Luke and Grace, those kids are such cutie pies.”
“Why do you like to work with the horses so much, Kennedy?”
“It was the last thing that Pawpaw taught me, and I made him a promise that I would keep working with the horses like he did, he wanted the ranch kept in the family.”
“Well I am glad it’s you and not me. Don’t get me wrong I love the horses, but I need something else in my life, like a guy and the city. I am just over living in a small town.”
I sighed, she’s been saying that since she went on a trip to Dallas back in High School.
“I know . . . I’ve heard it before.”
The next morning, I said goodbye to my baby sister and headed to the airport. I can’t wait to get back to Mason. The city is nice to visit but I love the country air and being able to see the stars. I boarded the plane for the two-hour flight. I pulled out my book and sat back to read the latest romance novel. Once we landed and I picked up my luggage and made my way to the pickup area. I saw my friend Tracy and threw my luggage into the back of the truck and jumped in.
“Hey sweetie, thanks for picking me up.” I leaned over and gave her a hug before she pulled out into traffic.
“Not a problem, I was in town dropping off Rob for his flight to New York, so it made perfect sense to just pick you up too. Did you get Stacy all moved in? I am sure she is loving being right in the middle of the action.”
“Oh, she is loving it all right. In fact, do you know what she talked me into doing? Recording a CD in a real recording studio.” I said still feeling frustrated with her about it. I still can’t believe that I did that, and I’ll never forget the hot sound guy that just sat and watched me as I sang.
“Really, where is it? I want to hear it.” She said as she started to unhook her iPod, but I stopped her.
“I didn’t pick it up. I really didn’t want it.” She shot a glance my way.
“Why not? You’re an amazing singer.” she asked.
“You know why, I don’t sing anymore. Besides I just think the guy was humoring me.”
“Well I think you should have at least taken the CD as a reminder of your sister going away to college. I mean how many times do you take your baby sister to the city and leave her there?”
“Too late now.” I decided it was time to change the subject.
“So, how’s the baby making coming along? Any buns in the oven yet?”
Laughing she said. “Oh, we are having a lot of fun trying but nothing yet.”
“I bet you are!” we both laughed as we left Austin and headed for home.
“Thanks for the ride, do you want to come over for dinner tomorrow night? I can show you the plans for the new barn that Jeff helped me to design.”
“Oh, that would be so much fun, I’ll bring the wine.” I gave her a hug and watched her drive away. I unlocked the door to my house and stepped inside. I walked around and opened the shades and the windows to let the air in. My house had been closed for almost a week and I could tell. I went into the master bedroom that was now mine and unpacked my bags, then I made my way into the bathroom and started the water in the clawfoot bathtub that my grandmother loved. I poured some pomegranate bubble bath into the water. My parents decided to build a house on the far side of the property where my dad could retire and not feel the need to help me with the horses and the garden that had been in our family for decades. I loved living in the old four-bedroom ranch style home. My grandfather built it for my grandmother before they got married, He said he built it piece by piece, so she would know it was built with love.
I walked back into the kitchen and filled up a large glass with iced sweet tea, grabbed my book and then went into the bathroom to take my bubble bath. I placed my glass and my book on the
handmade table that fit across the bathtub and lit a candle. I stripped my clothes and piled my hair on top of my head and stepped into the hot water. The long flight and sleeping on the sofa was not good for my body. As I slid farther down into the water I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Letting my mind wander to Jeremy, the sexy guy I met yesterday. He was definitely some kind of hot, but, he’s in Tennessee and I’m in Texas. There’s not even the possibility I will ever see him again. So, I just need to let the fantasy go and tuck the experience away for those days when I want to dream about a man like him. I sighed and picked up my book. Stop thinking about him and relax. Some day you will meet a cowboy who will want to raise horses and be with you. Not some guy in the city.
The next morning, I woke up and got ready for my day. I took my coffee out onto the wrap around porch and sat, watching the sun come up. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, I love the smell of the country first thing in the morning. The air’s so crisp and fresh. Most people hate the smell of hay and wildflowers, but I love it. I could hear the horses in the distance and the sound of tires on the gravel drive. I watched as my dad drove up and parked, opening the door of his truck I watched as my dog Rufus jumped out and bounded up the stairs.
“There’s my baby boy, did you miss me?” He barked and jumped in my lap trying to lick my face.
“Hi daddy. Thanks for watching him and the horses. He wasn’t any trouble, was he?” I asked as my dad sat down next to me, leaned over, and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“No, he wasn’t, how is Stacy getting along? All settled in? It’s a safe neighborhood, right?” Dad asked as he took a drink of my coffee. “What the hell is in this? That’s not coffee.”
I laughed. “Today it’s salted caramel, and tomorrow it might be pumpkin spice. I can’t drink plain coffee.” he shook his head. “When I left yesterday she was getting ready for her roommate Tiffani to move in. We walked to the school which was like five minutes away and we spent some time on Music Row. I made sure that the locks were changed and that the windows had locks too. I’m sure she will be fine Daddy. She has too much schooling to do to really get into trouble.”
“She’s in college, out of state and there are boys there. She can get into trouble.” I just smiled at him. He raised two daughters, and only one of them wanted to stay on the ranch. I think that’s been hard since it has been in his family for close to a hundred years.
“What’s mom up to today?” I moved over so Rufus could lay down next to me.
“I was thinking of taking your mom for a drive to Marble Falls today and maybe spending the night. Your Aunt Edna is going to be there, and I would prefer not to have that woman on my property. All she ever does is complain about the dirt and the smell.” My dad cannot stand my mother’s sister.
“You guys have fun, I am waiting for Jeff to bring over one of his Broodmares to see if the girls will breed this time.” I looked out onto the land that has oak trees and wildflowers on it. I could feel him staring at me. “What’s on your mind dad?”
“I just worry about you being here in this big house all alone, running the ranch and doing it all. You really need to find some help or maybe settle down.” He took my hand and kissed the back of it like he used to when he was worried about something.
“Daddy, I’m not alone. You and Mama are here. Jeff and Ari are next door. Plus, Garrett and Emma are just up the road with Gunner and Ellie. I don’t need a man and I’m not ready to settle down. When I do, that man must want to be part of this ranch. Every aspect of it. I want a partner not just a husband. I want what you and Mama have and what Pawpaw and Nana had.” I looked over at him and noticed he had a faraway look in his eyes.
“When you find that special person that is meant to be in your life, you will know it.” He got up and leaned down to kiss my cheek. “Love you baby girl.” And with that he got in his truck and drove away. I smiled as the dust settled.
“Alright Rufus. Time to go to work, let’s go check on the horses.”