Page 20 of Something More

“I saw what you did the day I came back. How long have you been rescuing her?”

“I did it for you. I wanted your first night back to be drama free.” I sighed.

“Gia will always bring drama into my life. She has since she was born. Part of me wonders why she hates me so much.”

“I don’t think she hates you; I think she wants to be the center of attention, and between you coming home and Louise’s deadbeat husband, she feels she needs to do something to be front and center.” I rocked forward and sat up. “Let’s not talk about this anymore.”

“What do you want to talk about then?” She sat up beside me.

“How about our next date?” I grinned.

“Ok, but Jack wants to come with us sometime, so I’d like to do something where he could be included.”

“I’ve got the perfect thing. I’ll plan it all.” Wheels were already turning in my head. Jack has been coming with me each day to work on his swimming skills, and he’s actually getting to be pretty good.

“So, do you want to share this idea?” She laughed.

“No, it’s going to be a surprise. Jack is going to help plan it.” I hopped off the tailgate. “We’d better start heading back beforethey come looking for us.” I winked. That was always my line when we snuck out here.

“Sure thing.” She giggled, as that was always her response.

We made our way back to the cab, and climbed in. As we bounced along the dirt road, you could hear the beer bottles clanging around in the bed of the truck. It was like no time had passed. Part of me felt like I was 20 all over again and we were sneaking back to the farm, hoping to get a few more touches and kisses in before we had to go to bed. I stole glances of her in the moonlight as we drove up to the guesthouse. I parked and climbed out, coming around to her door. As we walked up to the front porch, she swung our joined hands between us. “I had a good night.” She looked up at me, the moonlight making the gloss on her lips shine.

“Same.” I tipped my hat as I stared down at her.

“Do the guys still play cards on Wednesdays?” There was twinkle in her eyes.

“Most weeks, yeah.” I chuckled. “You plannin’ to come school us?” She’d taken Jeff for a hundred bucks the last time she came to poker night.

“Just wonderin’?” She bounced up on her toes and lightly kissed my cheek. “Goodnight, Hank.”

“’Nite.” I nodded and then turned to go back to the truck. I could’ve walked to the bunkhouse but I didn’t want the other hands seeing my truck in front of her house and getting the wrong idea.

It was a short drive over, and I sat there in the dark in front of the bunkhouse, just playing the night over in my head. I felt happy for the first time in years, and the idea that I might finally get what I’ve been wanting for the longest time made me feel whole.

Chapter 11

Hank

When I walked into the bunkhouse, everyone turned to stare at me. Bo was sitting at the table with Jeff, and Johney and the rest of the gang were stretched out on their bunks. “How was your date?” Johney rocked up into a seated position. His brows bounced as a sly grin slipped into place.

“I’m not like that,” I grumbled. “I don’t talk about what happens between myself and a woman.” I shook my head as I made my way over to my bunk. I hung my hat on the bedpost and kicked my boots off.

“She shot you down, huh?” He snickered. “Hank couldn’t close the deal?”

I spun around and grabbed a fistful of his shirt. “Don’t talk about her like that!” I growled. I was inches away from losing it on him but part of me knew he was just a stupid kid.

“Easy, Hank.” Jeff jumped up and rushed over to us.

I released him and shoved him back at the same time. “You’d be lucky to find someone like her.”

“Ginny’s pretty nice to look at.” He cackled.

“I’m warnin’ you.” I stepped in his direction. He lifted his hands up defensively and backed away. “That’s what I thought,” I grumbled. Jeff went back to the table as I climbed up on my bunk and stared at the ceiling. I didn’t like the way Johney talked about women, but I guess I was just as bad at his age. He’s young and dumb, but he’ll eventually mature, I hope.

“She wants to come to poker night,” I stated. My eyes were still closed, but I heard a chair scrape across the floor as if it was being shoved back.

“You do remember what happened last time, right?” Bo’s voice sounded from across the room.

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