The Country Duet(13)
She opens her eyes and this time there’s no doubt they’re clouded with lust and wanting. She moves next, leaning in and mimicking my actions. Her full lips that have my taste lingering on them press into mine. I don’t kiss her back. I stand still, exhilarated by the feel of her.
Teale darts her tongue out, swiping the length of my lips. It’s then I open up for her and that inevitable dam bursts between us. My hand clutched in a fist at my side darts up to her hair, gripping it, pulling her closer to me. Our bodies are pressed together so tightly, we fall even harder into our kiss.
We break apart but keep our lips touching. “Merry Christmas, Teale.”
“You mean early Merry Christmas,” she whispers back.
I smile on her plump lips, craving more. “Yes, early Merry Christmas.”
The door leading to the shop swings open, and we jump apart. Our moment is shattered with the intrusion of Kelly, one of the mechanics. I walk backward slowly, never breaking eye contact until I climb in my truck. The roar of the engine filling the empty parking lot is the only sound besides my pounding heart.
“Hunter.” I look over to Teale waving something in the air with her hand cupped around her mouth.
When we make eye contact, she holds up the book I bought her and mouths thank you. My window rolls down, and I smile at the crazy girl.
“You were supposed to wait until Christmas morning.”
She races up to my truck, hops up on the running board, leans in, and kisses me quickly. “I love it.”
Teale backs away, keeping the book clutched to her chest. I knew I wanted to get her something for Christmas, but knowing practically nothing about her, it was harder than I thought. For some odd reason, an advertisement for a naughty drawing game came up titled, “Draw a Dick On It.” I don't even have a clue what the whole book is about, but it was perfect for our inside joke and my little walking dick dictionary Teale.
***
“You do what for Dave?” My mom’s jaw drops wide open.
“He needs the help, Mom.”
“Hunter.” She stands up, pissed off and growing red in the face. “We told you that we’d put money in your account and wanted you to focus on school, and now you’re working two jobs and doing shit no adult would even do.”
“Blair,” Dad warns from his seat at the head of the table.
“Hunter, you searched for months getting enough scholarships to cover your tuition at the University of Idaho during your senior of high school. You've always held a 4.0 and have worked your ass off on the ranch. And you seriously think it’s okay to be working two jobs?”
“Mom, it’s a couple of part-time jobs. You’re acting like I’m robbing banks and murdering puppies.”
My mom falls back into her chair. “But would it be a crime to just enjoy life, Hunter?”
“Blair.” Dad’s no-nonsense voice fills the dining room table. “Remember it’s me who’s supposed to be kicking his ass. After hearing about this Dave character, I’m damn proud of you, Hunter.”
“Bradley, no one asked your opinion.” Mom shoots Dad her signature sideways glare.
Blair Yates is my biggest advocate and protector. Mom will never understand my drive, and in quiet times I don’t even understand it myself. It’s a curse the wild country instilled in me. The drive inside me is too stubborn to quit.
Abby, also known as hell on wheels, in her annoying fashion, breaks up the tension. She’s the youngest and always tests Dad and Mom’s patience. She lifts her one leg and then lets the loudest fart rip. It’s a juicy and ripe one that would put any cowboy to shame.
It’s in Mom and Dad’s glares they share with each other that I know I’m the least of their problems. Abby is the youngest of us three and giving my parents a run for their money. She could get away with murder with a perfected smile and bat of her eyes.
“You need to whip her ass.” I shove in a bite of food. “I would’ve been whipped and tossed out in the barn to muck stalls if I ever did that.”
“Hunter.” Mom plops her elbows on the table. “We’re tired. One day you’ll understand the theory behind picking your battles.”
Quinn, the middle child, is fifteen and Abby is seven; there’s quite a huge age difference, so I understand Mom being tired.
It’s then Abby decides to go on a rampage about the newest drama in third grade. All I can do is sit back and relax. Even if the little shit is annoying as hell, it feels good to be home. I wait for the Abby show to subside before talking about the ranch with Dad. Our conversation leads to Dave.
“Go on.” My dad encourages me.
“Dave’s in terrible shape, barely able to get around and with no help. He has no children or family. I went into his room to change out the light bulb, and he had piss bottles everywhere.”
Mom’s jaw drops while Dad remains stoic during the story.
“I’ve been trying to keep my grades up, work, and help him out. He needs someone there for him.” I scrub my face with my palms. “He’s an ornery old bastard, but I worry about him. He needs someone taking care of him around the clock. I’ve brought up nursing homes, but that was a dead end.”
Dad’s the first one to speak up. “Son, now I know your uncle is the God fearing guy in this family, but it doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God and have faith. I can tell you one thing and that is Dave was put in your life for a reason. All you can do is be there for him, but don’t lose yourself in the process.”