Page 21 of Something More

“Yep.” I chuckled.

“I’m game,” Johney shouted, probably from his bed. “It’ll be like taking candy from a baby.” He hooted.

“It sure will,” I retorted. “I’ll let her know we’re playin’ tomorrow.” I wriggled out of my clothes and rolled over, pulling the blankets over me in the process. I was tired, and it took no time for me to pass out.

*****

“Rise and shine!” Jeff shouted as he began turning lights on inside. Today was the last day to stack bales. Hay would be finished for the year and aside from taking a load to the small farm down the road, we’d be finished for the season.

I stretched before jumping down and pushing my way through the group to get to the bathroom. Most of the time, the younger hands got out of the way and Bo and I got first dibs on whatever was going on.

“Gonna be a hot one today.” Jeff sighed as he placed his straw hat on his head.

“That it is, but tonight’s poker night. I bet we can get a big pitcher of lemonade from Codie when she comes down.” Bo clapped me on the shoulder. “You can ask her at water break, right?” He grinned. “I’m sure she’ll do it for you.”

“Why don’t you just ask her yourself?” I glared.

“Because I’m not the one she’s hot for.” He smirked.

“She ain’t hot for him, either. He slept here last night,” Johney shouted.

“Did you learn nothing last night? I’m not keeping him from kicking your ass today.” Jeff pointed at him.

“Fine. I’ll wait until tonight when I take all your money.” He turned and walked outside.

“Guess he doesn’t know we let him win last time,” Bo whispered under his breath. “He’s in for it later.”

“That he is, and I’m going to laugh the entire time.” I walked outside and climbed up on the back of Jeff’s truck. We allrode in the bed while he drove us down to the barn. It was just easier.

*****

“You know they make machines that do this.” Ben sighed as he tossed a bale up on the trailer.

“Yeah, they’re called farm hands.” I pointed to my chest. “Bob Westbrook would rather pay us than buy a machine because we can do other things. A machine would only do that one job.” I grabbed the twine with my hands and heaved it over my head.

“That makes sense, but shit it’s hot!” He wiped at his forehead, as I nodded. He wasn’t wrong. This was backbreaking, and I knew I only had a few more years in me before it would start taking its toll, but I loved working here.

“Here comes the water,” Jeff called. I looked up and saw the old truck bouncing along through the grassy field, heading our way. Codie was driving, her blonde ponytail blowing in the breeze. She stopped up ahead of where we were and got out. She was in muck boots with these tiny jean shorts on that barely covered her ass. The red tank top fit her like a glove and accentuated her tanned skin.

“Mornin’, boys.” She smiled. “Thought you could use a water break.”

“Yes ma’am,” Bo tipped his hat before going over to the back of the water truck and filling a paper cup.

“Heard you was comin’ over for poker night,” Johney blurted out. “I can give ya few pointers if ya like.”

“I think I’ll manage.” Codie smiled. I knew what was behind that smile. She took me for a hundred bucks the last time we did this. Tonight was going to be fun.

“Well, alrighty then.” He smiled as he grabbed a cup of water and moved to stand in the shade of the truck.

“You not even gonna say hi?” She stared at me.

“I’m kinda sweaty. I didn’t think you’d wanna get close.” I brushed it off. I was still trying to process exactly what we were and how to act around her.

“That’s ok.” She tipped her head. “I like sweat.” She bit her bottom lip as she motioned with her finger for me to come closer.

I moved until I was right in front of her, and then paused. “Being close is hard when I’m not sure what I can do,” I murmured.

Her smile faltered for a moment, and then she rose up on her tiptoes and pecked my lips. “Let’s start there.” She turned and started to walk away, but I caught her by the wrist.

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