Welcome back to Take a peek Tuesday. This week I am sharing a bit from chapter three of my current WIP BaseBall Bats and Cowboy Hats. It is still the frist day and Annie is overwhelmed. I am hoping this shows a bit of their personalities and how they also compliment each other plus the reason Annie thinks she shouldn’t be looking.
Baseball Bats and Cowboy Hats copyright 2016
Chapter 3~Annie
My first instinct is to tell him to go inside and do as I say; then I remember these aren’t my sons. I have no right to order them around. Even though I came out here to be alone and catch my breath, I could use some help with the chores.
Checking the animals and talking to the chickens always calm me down. I don’t think I will speak to the chickens in front of this young man. I need to try to get my head clear and put names to faces, etc. Lunch was like a rock concert, a din of noise. Well, maybe not that loud, but I didn’t get to talk to them one on one yet. At dinner, we may get more formal, and I’ll ask them all to tell me more about themselves. Heck, I don’t even know if they all like chili, and I have one vegetarian. And meat in my chili. Darn, what do I do? I start to freak out again.
“I can hear you thinking way over here” A voice soft and decadent as his eyes, shocks me out of thought.
“I’m sorry this is all so new to me. I just needed a few minutes to myself.”
“Maybe it’s a good thing I followed you. Looks like a panic attack to me.” He takes my arm pulling me close to him.
My breath becomes harsher. I can’t tell him that he is the primary reason for my panic. Luckily he doesn’t hold me. We begin walking. His arms still protectively around me. It feels so right. I know it’s so wrong.
When we reach the fence, he hauls me up and sits me on top. Man, he smells good. Manly. Clean. Minty. A soft hint of deodorant but not much cologne or aftershave. I always hated strong cologne. They seem to overwhelm the pure scent of a man. I don’t wear a lot myself.
“Now sit here and breathe in and out. Wanna talk about it?” His voice is hypnotic, the small circles he is rubbing are mesmerizing. I could fall asleep right here. Gazing over my pasture, trees green, wildflowers blooming. Animals are braying and snuffing, the hottest man I’ve seen treating me so sweetly. I feel myself relaxing into his touch. Wrong. Wrong! Wrong! He is too young.
Chapter 3 TJ
Once she calmed down, she was very nice. It was cool that she listened to me and even seemed to like my ideas. I am going to like working here.
She leads me to the large barn. It’s a charming one. It’s clean, but I can see a few places it needs minor maintenance. One side has a row of stables and a smaller section that is a pen. Behind the entrance doors on each side. I saw a door that looks leads to another room.
The other side has sections with hay bales, feed bags a work table, tools and stuff hanging neatly beside and above it, next to a large pen. This woman is very organized.
“As you see it’s not much. I have three horses right now. This is Sally.” She rubs the mare’s nose lovingly.
“This one is Sam. He belongs to my youngest son though he never messes with him.” She gestures with her hand. This horse seems oblivious to us.
“This big stallion belongs to my friend Caleb. He pays me to keep him here. Well, he supplies the feed for all three horses, goats, and my cows in exchange for me taking care of him. I don’t think I could keep Lucy and Sam without his help. His name is Dream Lover. We call him Lover Boy. He may look big and bad, but he is a real sweetheart. Much sweeter than Sam.” Lover Boy comes over and nuzzled into Annie’s midsection. I wish I could do that.
She giggles.” Sorry, big boy. I forgot to bring you out a treat. Later. I promise.” He snorts and tosses his head again, bringing it back down into her hand. “Ok Ok! I will pet you!” She strokes his head gently. I can’t keep my eyes off her hands wishing she was running her fingers through my hair. Oh shit. My jeans begin getting tighter. Without thinking I jerk my hat off and hold it to my midsection. She turns to me, her lips part as if she was about to say something, her face turns crimson. She quickly turns back to petting Lover Boy. I guess she must have an idea why I have my hat pressed to my groin.
Remember this is still a rough draft I am self-editing at the moment. It has not seen professional eyes(it will).
What do you think about Annie and TJ so far?