Forever Red (29 page)

I only raised an eyebrow.

She turned, closing my door before sitting on my bed. Whatever she needed to say, she didn’t want Mike to hear. “This whole thing is really fucked. You must realize that.” When I didn’t respond she continued, “He’s Nate fucking Kelly, CeCe. Nate Kelly! Did you know he dated Miranda Kerr before she married Orlando Bloom?”

I actually didn’t know who in the hell she was talking about, but definitely needed to Google her. I seriously loved me some Will Turner, and Legolas was arguably the hottest thing that came out of Middle Earth, so his wife must be equally hot.

Courtney kept talking. “He’s been linked to Katy Perry and that skinny chick from
Vamp Diaries
.”

Now I was getting irritated. I knew all about Nate’s sexcapades and really didn’t need them thrown back in my face right now. Why in the hell was she telling me, anyway? That was before. It’s not like he was dating them while fucking me on the side. Then it hit me. “You’re saying I can’t compete because I don’t look like them.”

Courtney’s face softened and I knew instantly that was exactly what she’d been hinting at but that she didn’t want to say it. “No. I’m saying you can’t compete because you aren’t like any of them. You and me, we’re normal. Those women aren’t normal. Nate Kelly isn’t normal. He’s so far from normal it isn’t funny.”

She sighed. “It was sweet that you and an old flame hooked up. It’s been awesome to hear laughing half the night and see you smiling every morning. But”—she reached out, snagging my hand—“now you’re acting like some teenager with a crush instead of someone sensible. You’re in over your pretty little head because all you can see is the kid you used to love and would give anything to have back. But, honey, this is only a goddamn booty call. You are thirty, not seventeen. Thirty-year-old women do not giggle and run when a man tells them to. So tell me why instead of telling him to fuck off, you’re packing?”

“You’re right.” I squeezed her hand, trying to offer comfort. “This whole thing is fucked. But, Cort, when Nate Kelly asks you to spend the weekend with him, no matter who he dated last, you spend the fucking weekend with him. It is a booty call. I’m packing my best undies and matching bras because I know exactly why he invited me. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to have amazing sex. And I really, really need to have some great sex.”

“That’s all this weekend is to you? Great sex?”

I nodded, hating that I was lying to her. This weekend was so much more than great sex. I didn’t know what, but I was already in over my head.

“Fine.” She stood up, grabbing a shirt off the pile. “If you’re sure, let’s get you packed. You need to go get fucked hard so I can live vicariously through you.”

*****

There was no fucking that night, though. Birmingham, Alabama was a four and a half hour flight. The drive to the Kelly Family Farm, once we were loaded into a Jeep, was another two and a half. By the time Mike drove me up a long dirt road to an adorable old cape that had every light on, it was after three. I was exhausted.

Neil pushed open a screen door, stepping out onto a farmer’s porch and smiled in welcome. It may have been the way the light behind him gave him a dangerous shadow or the fact that I was in desperate need of some shuteye, but the man was downright sinful looking. I could only stare in return.

The loud bark, followed by a beast of a dog pushing its owner out of the way and barreling down the stairs, drew my attention away from him. I braced for impact, but the brute came to a stop right in front of me, sitting back on its haunches, tongue hanging out the side of its mouth. I offered my hand, hoping that I’d get it back in one piece.

A cold nose sniffed me and then I was given a sloppy kiss, and a head nudge. “Linc?” I asked, awed. She’d gotten bigger and had gray around her mouth and over her eyes, but she still had the heart of a puppy. She whined in answer, nudging me again. I laughed, reaching over to pat the soft yellow head. “Well, hello, pretty little girl. Do you remember me?”

“Of course she does,” her owner answered for her, coming down the steps slowly. “She has the memory of an elephant.”

I turned my full attention to the dog, giving her a full belly rub before Mike called her over to him. “Huh. Isn’t that typical. A hot guy calls and I suddenly don’t exist.”

Neil smirked, scooping the handle of my bag out of my hands, and drew me into a hug. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here.”

With my face pressed into his chest, he was all I could smell. I sighed happily. “I didn’t think we would, either.”

He tucked me into his side, resting an arm over my shoulder as he led the way into the house. “Bed or tour?” he asked and it took every ounce of energy I had to lift my head and stare into his eyes. He nodded with a chuckle. “Bed it is.”

Without turning off a single light, he steered me up a set of stairs and into a bedroom, only calling a quick “goodnight” to Mike over his shoulder. The room was exactly what you’d assume to find in a house like this; simple, clean, and uncluttered. A patchwork quilt covered the bed; there were a few dressers and a chair. The only thing that told me it was Neil’s room was the guitar propped in the corner.

As soon as the door was closed, my shirt was tugged over my head and hands were working on my belt. “Hey!” I snapped, pushing them away. “I’m happy to see you, too, but I need to get some rest.”

A familiar chuckle, more like a deep rumbling than anything, filled the room. “Red, I barely stayed awake waiting for you to get here. I need you naked so I can feel you against me while we sleep. Now get your clothes off and get in my bed, woman.”

He didn’t have to tell me twice. In seconds, I was bare, my clothes forgotten on his floor as I climbed into the middle of the bed. He crawled in right behind me, pulling me into him – one hand under my head, one hand over my stomach, and one leg nestled between both of mine. I smiled into my pillow as I relaxed into the familiar embrace.

Yeah. Whatever this was, it was so much more than just great sex to me. I just couldn’t bring myself to admit it. Because once I did, I’d have to admit how I felt. Cort was right. I needed to get my head out of my ass and start acting my age. Neil could have anyone he wanted; hell, he already had. This was a booty call to him, nothing more. I’d let us have this weekend. We’d enjoy each other every way we could. Then, first thing Tuesday morning, I’d face reality.

The early morning sun streaming in my window made her skin glow so much she almost looked like a mirage. The scent of lilacs tickled my nose when I inhaled, making me smile. Only my girl could make an old lady scent sexy as hell. I loved having Lia in my bed. I loved waking up to her. If I could have, I would have laid in bed watching her sleep.

But a farm didn’t run itself. When I was here, it didn’t matter what my last name was, how many albums I’d sold, or how many people came to see us in concert. The only thing that mattered was that I had a strong back and pulled my own weight. Farm life didn’t discriminate.

I silently groaned, not wanting to leave her. But I’d already lost twenty minutes and needed to get moving. I didn’t need an alarm clock; my body instantly knew that I had to get up with the sun and do chores. Mike was probably already out in the barn mucking stalls with Cash, the manager that kept everything running in my absence. They’d have plenty to say about my absence.

I pulled away from her and rolled out of bed, creeping soundlessly across the cool mahogany, pausing only to grab my jeans, shirt, and boots off the floor. I tapped my thigh, signing to Lincoln that it was time to come with me and she hopped off the bed. I clicked the door shut behind us, hoping we hadn’t woken Lia. Then I pulled on my clothes and hurried down the stairs and out into the day.

I was wrong. They weren’t in the barn but, instead, out in the south vegetable field. It had been an extremely mild winter and we’d been able to plant some crops a few weeks early. That meant that our onions, broccoli, and lettuce plants were well on the way, and our tomatoes, peppers – hot and sweet – and sweet potatoes were looking good. But that meant the real backbreaking work had just begun.

The sun was beating down on us and I’d already shed my shirt when a beauty in short jean shorts, a simple blue tank top, and flip-flops came strolling into the yard carrying three cups. I did a double take, surprised. When she turned to me and pushed the hat up onto her head enough for her eyes to meet mine, a giant smile lit her face.

“There you are!” She walked straight for me, holding out one of the cups. “Breakfast is ready if you guys want to take a break.”

She gave me a wink and then handed one of the mugs to Mike. Then, she handed the last one to Cash. “We haven’t met.” She offered him her hand. “I’m Lia,” she supplied with a shrug. “I hope you like cream and sugar.”

Cash assured her that he did, emphasizing it by taking a long sip and then thanking her.

I was still staring at the sexy vision in front of me when I realized she had said she made breakfast. “You cooked?” I asked and she glanced over her shoulder, smiled, and nodded. My eyebrows rose. “You burn boiling water. That’s why you ate takeout all the time.”

She laughed, turning back to me with hands on her hips. “No. I used to burn water. Then I became a poor teacher and it was either learn how to cook or starve. So, I learned to cook.”

Mike clapped me on the back. “Her meatballs are something you’d kill for.”

Lia nodded. “They are.” Turning back to the house, she hollered, “Food’s ready when you are.”

Cash drove his pitchfork into the ground and followed her. Mike turned and grabbed his shirt off the fence before glancing my way. He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“When in the fuck did you have Lia’s meatballs?” I spit out, moving toward him without thinking.

“Last night, dumbass,” he answered immediately, chuckling. “You know, when you sent me to get her?”

He didn’t wait for my reply but pulled his shirt on and strode toward the house. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Something didn’t feel right. I wasn’t sure what, but something was off.

Lia hadn’t been kidding. By the time I washed my hands and joined them at the kitchen table, Cash and Mike were shoveling forkfuls into their mouths so fast that I knew if I didn’t hurry, there wouldn’t be any for me. I sat, took the plate she offered, and dug in. Mike hadn’t been lying; it was better than anything our normal cook could have made. She was full of surprises.

After we all gorged on her home-cooked deliciousness, I kissed her quickly and promised I would be back before long. I wanted to finish what we had to do and get back to her as soon as possible. She surprised me again when she grabbed my hand and asked what she could do to help. Molly was the only woman I’d ever brought here, and she never helped.

I almost told her to kick back and relax. I hadn’t asked her to come so she could work the whole weekend. But then I realized if she was out with us, I’d at least get to spend some time with her. “I’m sure we can find something for you to do,” I assured her with a smile as I grabbed a serving plate off the table. “Let’s get this cleaned up and then we’ll see what’s left to do outside.”

*****

Sitting in front of the fire, beer in my hand and a beautiful woman on my lap, I realized that life couldn’t get much fucking sweeter. We’d had a great day, gotten a shit ton accomplished, and managed to have fun. Days like today were what made every other day worth it.

Lia had fit in here immediately as if she’d spent her entire life here helping out. For someone that grew up in a trailer park, she sure knew her way around the farm. After we’d weeded and tended the animals, I pulled her on to one of the four-wheelers behind me and we’d gone up the mountain so I could show her the land.

“Um, isn’t this what horses are for?” she had asked, shaking her head once we got to the top of the trail. “Why’d you bring a wheeler?”

I turned away from the view of the valleys and fields, realizing instantly that looking at her gave me a sight just as beautiful. “You ride?”

She smirked, fighting a laugh. Leaning in close to my ear, she whispered, “I do. But I think you already knew that.” She shrieked playfully when I pulled her into me, planting a sloppy wet kiss on my cheek. “I’ve actually never been on a horse. But I can totally learn.”

I let her go and walked back to the ATV. “Tomorrow, I’m teaching you to ride then.”

I’d finished the tour after that and then we’d brought the cattle in from the back pasture together before she cooked a fabulous dinner.

Lia shifted in my lap, turning toward the pond. “I never asked if you could swim in that.”

Mike nodded. “Lee, you’re in ‘Bama now. If it’s water, you can swim in it.”

She wasn’t taking that answer. “I meant,” she clarified animatedly, “do you swim in it? Or are there snakes or crocodiles in it?”

Mike choked on his beer while Cash spit out a mouthful and I squeezed her knee. “Gators, babe. Crocs are salt water. We have gators.” Instead of assuring her, my answer made her yelp and sit up on my lap straight.

“Here? You have alligators here?” She stared behind us, into the dark, horrified as if a gator was going to waddle out and join our campfire.

Laughter filled the clearing. “No, honey. Not here. In Alabama, though.” My answer didn’t seem to soothe her. “I’m sure there’re plenty of snakes around here, but none of ‘em will bother you.”

“How can you be so sure?”

I rubbed her back, trying to offer comfort. “We do what we can to drive them away. We keep plants outta the pond and have raccoons.”

“Racoons?” she chirped, her voice small.

“Got somethin’ against cute, fluffy rodents, Lee?” Mike asked, handing her his beer. She shook her head before tipping it back, swallowing, and handing it back as if it was perfectly normal to swap spit with someone you hadn’t seen in years.

“Only scary thing in that water is the channel cats,” Cash supplied, pointing with the neck of his beer, causing Linc’s head to perk up at the word “cat.” “And that’s only if you smell like fish.”

Mike lost it at that, laughing so hard I was sure he was going to fall out of his chair. Lia managed to grab his bottle before he knocked it over. Seeing there was nothing interesting, Linc dropped her head and started snoring again.

Lia narrowed her eyes at me, pushing her index finger into my chest. “Not one word.”

I shook my head. Nope. I wasn’t touching that one.

“What the fuck are channel cats?” She still sounded worried, but not nearly as much.

“Catfish, babe. Just catfish.”

“We could go noodling. I could teach ya,” Mike supplied, humor oozing from his words.

She twisted, facing him. “You, Mikey, can go noodle yourself!” Sighing, she pushed herself off my lap, took one last sip of his beer, and then handed it back to him. “So, swimming?”

“We could do that in the pond or the creek,” Cash answered for me. “But we usually just use the pool.”

Lia’s head snapped up and she straightened her back as she glared at each of us in turn. “There’s a pool?” It was a rhetorical question so I didn’t even attempt to answer. “Wow.” She shook her head. “Just wow.” Mike and Cash had obviously had too much to drink because they were now cackling like old ladies. I stood, giving Carson my best Gibb’s slap on the back of his head on my way by him.

Then I grabbed her hand and pulled her up the dark path. Relief oozed through me when she started giggling halfway to the house. “They are such asses.” She pushed on my shoulder with her free hand. “Why didn’t you just tell me you had a pool? I’m still sweating my ass off.”

“I didn’t know if you’d brought a suit.”

She squeezed my hand. “Who in the hell needs a suit?”

She had a good fucking point. Why in the hell hadn’t I thought of that? My pace increased as I pulled her behind me, heading straight for the house. The quicker I could get my girl naked, the better.

*****

The next day started the same as the day before. I woke up before Lia and watched her sleep for as long as I could. Then I snuck out of bed and met Mike and Cash at the barn. Cash had worked for me for years and I hadn’t known him before I hired him, but he’d become part of my extended family. Even when I gave the man the day off, he started his day on the farm.

Granted, he lived on the property, in the guesthouse Gramps had built for my parents so when they brought us up, they could have a mini-vacation. The four of us would stay in the main house with him so he could spoil us and spend as much time with us as he could, and he’d send my parents across property to what he called the villa. It was secluded as much as it could be and gave him a place to call his own.

We had other farmhands, but they were gone for the long weekend. Even the ones that lived on property in the bunkhouse had found somewhere else to be. Not Cash, though. That man was up with the rooster and out working, whether he was scheduled or not.

The three of us worked quickly and were almost done by the time Lia called us in for breakfast. After clean up, the four of us hit the fields, finishing up what had to be done so we could spend the rest of the day relaxing. I had big plans, like taking the horses out and teaching her to ride.

So when April’s little red Ford Focus came around the bend an hour later, just as we were heading inside, irritation rolled over me. I’d kept my cell phone off specifically because I didn’t want any interruptions during my time with Lia. I especially didn’t want to deal with whatever issue my personal assistant felt was important enough to bother me with on a Sunday. That’s why I’d given her the weekend off and told her to enjoy it with her family.

So seeing her here, on the farm, was perplexing. When Grady opened the driver’s side door and folded out of the tiny car, I was even more surprised. April and I had somehow moved past all our teenage bullshit and not only become friends, but had a great working relationship. I depended on her to keep my life running smoothly, and just like Nikki, I trusted April with all my secrets. Her husband Grady was another story, though.

I knew, statistically speaking, that the majority of high school relationships in Alabama ended in marriage. You find a good one and you keep them. So it was no surprise when my mom told me that the two of them were getting married. I didn’t have any ties to April and I definitely didn’t want her back, but the news still stung.

Grady was supposed to have had my back. You did not fuck your best friend’s girl. You just didn’t do it. No, you were supposed to find the prick that fucked your best friend’s girl and help your friend beat him to a bloody fucking pulp. Bros before hos – or some shit. The guy you’ve known since kindergarten, the one you shared everything with, was supposed to be fucking loyal. He was supposed to help you protect what was yours. He was supposed to care.

None of it had mattered to the man that was now waving hello and opening the back door to get his daughter out of the car. Not the years of friendship, not the fact that my family took him everywhere with us, not the fact that I trusted him. All that had mattered was that when my life fell apart, he saw an opening with my girl and he took it. So yeah, fifteen years later and I was still a little fucking bitter.

I felt Lia move in behind me before she placed a hand on my back. “Were you expecting someone?” I couldn’t decipher her tone, but her fist closed around my shirt when April, carrying a cellophane covered bowl, slid from the car.

“No,” I growled out. If April brought food and her family, she was planning to stay. Fuck that. “I’ll be right back,” I assured her, taking the steps two at a time until I reached the family. April, as usual, threw one arm around me, giving me a half-hug. “What are y’all doin’ here, May?”