Page 20 of Take Me Please, Cowboy
Pleasure filled his chest, a warmth that undermined his discipline and intentions.He didn’t often feel warm.Pleasure was as alien as joy.He shouldn’t be feeling, but Ansley had cast a spell, his lovely magician, and he found himself wanting to hope.
But hope was a dangerous bedfellow.Hope, so seductive, could also disappear in the morning, never to return.
Glad you’re home, he answered.Sleep well.
You, too, she replied, adding an emoji of a smiling face with hearts.He wasn’t sure what the emoji was supposed to mean, but a smile and a heart was sweet.She was sweet.
And she was trouble.
Rye woke up in an upbeat mood.He stretched, and yawned, surprisingly well rested.It might have taken him a while to fall asleep, but once he did, he slept deeply.This morning, he didn’t remember his dreams—he never did—but they must have been good because he felt good.
But checking his phone he saw a text from his sister Josie and his sense of well-being vanished.Call Mom, the text read.She’s having a hard morning.
Gut knotting, he texted his sister first.What’s going on?Jasper?
No, she answered.Dad.
What’s Dad doing?Rye asked.
He’s in one of his bad moods.It was awful last night.I hate it when he feels sorry for himself.
I’m sorry, Rye responded.
It’s not your fault.You’re not the one complaining, making everyone miserable.
Thanks for the heads-up.I’ll call Mom.
Love you, Rye.
Love you, too, Josie.
Rye boiled some water making a simple pour over coffee.He wasn’t about to make a call home without some coffee in him.He drank half a cup quickly, while it was hot before phoning his mom.
He almost didn’t think she was going to answer, but finally she picked up.“Hi, honey.Good morning.How are you?”
The words were right, but her tone was off.She sounded flat and down.He hated for her to be down.
“I’m good,” he answered.“How are things there?”
She hesitated just a moment.“Fine.”
“Hmm.You don’t sound very convincing.”
“There’s nothing you need to worry about.You’ve got your events today and fingers crossed you’ll do well so you can compete again tomorrow.”
“Win or lose, I’ll be back home tomorrow night.”
“Exactly.So focus on what you have to do.We’re surviving without you.”
Rye carefully thought through his answer.“I want more for you than that, Mom.You deserve better than that.”
She sighed.“It was a hard night, but it’s a new day.Everything is better already.”
“Dad’s sleeping it off?”
“Rye.”
“Be honest.”
