The Country Duet(43)
Chapter 18
Hunter
“Don’t be afraid to go after what you want to do, and what you want to be. But don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price.”
–Lane Frost
“Hunter, a word please?” Professor Right asks before he lets the animal science class out.
I wait until all the bodies vacate the room. I know I haven’t been studying as much as usual, but my grades are still solid. There’s just been one low-test score. The nights Dave have been in the hospital and nursing home, I study until he falls asleep. The other nights when Teale has fallen asleep in my arms, I get the rest of my studying in.
“Would like to offer you a position at the university feedlot, Hunter.”
My heart falls and trembles. It's like I’m a young student being called to the principal’s office scared shitless even though I know I’ve done nothing wrong. Then his words sink in.
“A job?” I ask.
“The university's feedlot is looking for a new worker. You’re my top student in the classroom and know that knowledge comes from experience.”
My gut reaction is to scream yes. Shit, if this were offered this past fall I’d be racing there to work. Instead, I met Teale and Dave.
“I already have two jobs,” I offer.
“The pay is ten dollars an hour, with possible management opportunities and a two-thousand dollar scholarship per semester.”
This gets my full attention. “I’ll take it.”
“Great. Hoped you’d say that. See you Monday at noon. The feedlot is on the outskirts of town.”
“Yeah, I know where it’s at.” I hold out my hand for a shake. “I appreciate the opportunity.”
I’m on a natural high on the way back to Frank’s. He’ll have to understand or offer me more money. He has a good head on his shoulders, and I know he won’t be happy about losing me, but he won’t be able to pay me more.
It’s insane that just in September I was lost, enjoying my classes, but felt empty like something was missing. Now in May, I’m a new man, still enjoying my classes but have a mission in life. People surrounding me are making my days full.
My vision darts over to the glove box where a perfect diamond ring has been sitting just waiting for the perfect time. It’s getting close. Real close.
I have plans to propose this summer on Sweetwater Ranch. I want my family there, Remi, and Tux surrounding us. Who knows, we may even reenact our love making session in the barn. I’ll slip it on her finger in the middle of it, taking her breath away.
Fuck, life is good.
The shop is buzzing with business when I enter. Teale smiles at me with the phone clutched between her ear and shoulder, then blows me a quick kiss. I take it one step further, striding over to her and laying a hard kiss on her lips. She pushes me away when she has to talk into the phone.
Teale taps the tip of my nose then sticks her tongue out before going back to the parts order she’s trying to place. I find Frank out in the shop, elbow deep in grease.
“You’re not on shift today.” Frank looks up at me. “And you ain’t stealing Teale away for the afternoon.”
“Know me well.” I pull up a stool and pass him a wrench. “Frank, got a job offer today at the university.”
I give him all the details, not leaving a thing out. Frank shakes his head.
“Knew I’d lose you. You’re too good of a worker, Hunter. No way I can pay you that kind of money.”
An uncomfortable silence floats between us. I’ve never cared for disappointing people, in fact, it makes me feel like shit.
“Take the job. You deserve it and no hard feelings.”
“No hard feelings?” I repeat.
“None.”
“And Teale?” I ask.
He stands straight upright. “What about her?”
“I want to marry her, sir.”
I didn't expect that to come out of my mouth, but like with most things that involve Teale, it just happens.
“She ain’t ready for that.”
“I understand.” I stand to my feet, matching his stance. “I’ll wait for her, but want your permission.”
“Hunter, she may never be ready at this point. I don’t like that she’s been keeping her past hidden from you, but she’s a stubborn shit. But if the day ever comes, it would be an honor to call you my son.” He holds his hand out, and we shake on it.
The caveman in me wants nothing more than to toss Teale over my shoulder and haul her sweet little ass back to the ranch and make her mine. Another red warning flag waves in front me and once again I ignore it.
“Get over here and finish kissing me.” Teale waves from behind the counter.
I couldn’t see what she was wearing when she was behind the desk, but now I have the perfect damn view. God bless warm weather and Daisy Duke shorts.
“I’m liking this tight-ass tank top,” I murmur into the crook of her neck while getting a nice handful of her ass.
“Thought you would, but I want my kiss now.” She punches the side of my arm with all her might.
I flex my biceps, showing off, only making her giggle like a little girl before I devour her lips. I crave so much more from this woman. It’s gone past an addiction, seeping into a forever type love. Thomas Rhett’s song, “Craving You” fills the background.