The Country Duet(71)

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.





Chapter 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 use 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 end 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 is 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 I 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.

“You’s awake!” She claps her hands together then cups my cheeks.

I slowly turn my head to the side to see Teale is still dead to the world. I bring my finger to mouth, telling Baker to be quiet. Then I gently ease her out of the bed, setting her on her feet. I grab her hand and then guide her out of the room, shutting the door behind us.

“How about we let your momma sleep?” I wink down at her.

Baker nods her head with gusto. “Yes, because she’s a wild bear in the morning when I don’t let her sleep in.”

I bite down on my bottom lip controlling my laughter, knowing all too well Teale is not a morning person.

“What do you want for breakfast?” I ask, picking her up and packing her to the kitchen.

“Waffles,” she sings out in her best Donkey voice.

I can manage that. I set her on the counter while pulling out all the ingredients. Baker is non-stop chatter telling me the steps in depth. By the time we have the first scoop of batter in the waffle maker, Baker is covered in waffle batter. She’s a complete mess.