Back Country (The Country Duet #2)(27)

The sad reality is I can’t leave Dave for an entire semester. It’s not the fact he needs me, but more I need that grumpy old bastard in my life. He frustrates the hell out of me, sucks up all my time, and irritates me like no other, but he’s my very best friend who I need in my life on a daily basis. My fist clutches the brochure in my hand, then I toss away the opportunity in the fire without a second thought.

I’ve learned over the last year and a half to always trust my gut. Right now, there’s a horrible feeling settled in the pit of it. Dave is going downhill, and fast. I curse the foot of snow that’s kept him stuck inside. He loves working on his farm when the temperatures allow. Hell, the man had me driving his tractor all over the farm, loving his seat. I peer up at the sky, struggling with the fact he’s in so much pain, and I can’t do anything about it.

I send a silent prayer up to God to put His hands on Dave, and keep him safe and to heal him. The man’s already survived a stroke that left his bottom half sixty percent paralyzed.

Dave’s asleep by the time I get back into the house. I grab his favorite quilt that his mom made him in his younger years. It’s seen better days that’s for sure, and the majority of America wouldn’t even touch the old, ragged material. It’s his favorite. I make sure to cover him up from underneath his chin down to his toes.

Any other night I would’ve woke him up and carried him to bed. However, tonight he was in so much pain that I don’t dare wake him up. I make sure that all of his medications are near him, along with a protein shake and his favorite plate of fresh fruit for in the morning.

I watch him sleep until his clothes and bedding are dry and clean, and also back in place. My heart hurts knowing that my days with my best friend are numbered. There are no words to soothe the lingering ache in my heart. Not a single word.





15





Hunter





“Flesh and blood needs flesh and blood, and you’re the one I need.” -Johnny Cash

I’d typically go home on a night this late. I’m a selfish bastard right now and need Teale. I pull into her driveway before I even realize where I am. There’s one light on. It’s her bedroom light with her silhouette in front of the window.

I grip the steering wheel tight, knowing the time is nearing to give her that diamond ring, the perfect one I picked out for her. I grab her house key out of my pocket. She was insistent I had one, even though I never used it. I’m thankful in this moment because I need her more than ever.

The door creaks open, and I’m thankful my girl is smart about keeping her door locked at all times. I kick off my boots, toss my trucker hat on the inn table, and then creep up to her room. It would be fun to scare the shit out of her, but I also don’t want to startle Baker, so I stall in the hallway and send her a quick text.

Me: Babe, I’m in the hallway

The three little dots bounce at the bottom of the screen, then my phone vibrates in my hand.

Teale: Is this a creepy, scary movie set-up? Are you going to whip your pony in my face then pull out a knife?

Of course, this woman would make me smile right now.

Me: Stop. I’m out in the hallway and about to walk in your door. I didn’t want to scare you and wake Baker.

The three dots dance again, but I don’t wait for a response this time. I push open the door and watch the cascade of deep, auburn hair whip over Teale’s shoulder. I don’t focus long on her beautiful hair. Instead, I find myself studying her body. She’s in short booty shorts and a sports bra, with a pile of laundry in front of her.

She picks up on my mood before I have a chance to explain anything. Teale drops the tiny t-shirt in her hands and moves my way. Her arms wrap around my neck pulling me to her.

“Is Dave okay?”

Only Teale would know that he’d be my first worry. I nod to comfort her nerves because he is essentially fine, but not really. Fuck, how do I even begin to explain it?

“Hard day?” She asks.

“Yes, his spirits are low and pain level high.”

“I’m so sorry, cowboy.” She pulls me closer, carrying the weight of my worries on her shoulder. Then she guides me into the bathroom off her room. She takes care of me, as I remain numb and not wanting to face the future.

The hot water pours down on my skin as Teale runs her smooth palms over my chest and back lathering up the soap. Her hands then go to my hair massaging my scalp. I know she’s still worried about my motorcycle accident, but does her best to keep her nursing training at bay.

She dries me off then guides me to her bed, wiping away the stack of folded laundry not worried about undoing her hard work. I hold her tight to me inhaling her scent. I crave so much more from her, but right now just need her body against mine. It’s everything.

My eyelids grow heavy, and sleep comes easy with her scent making me drunk. Even in the light stages of sleep, Teale’s hand running through my hair makes me smile while falling asleep. I’d be lost without this courageous woman.

I have no idea how long I’ve slept, before I feel an eyelid being peeled open.

“Hunter.”

Then my other eyelid pulls open.

“Hunter, are you awake?”

It takes me a long time to naturally pry open my eyes, but I finally do. I come face to face with Baker’s crazy bed hair and dimples.