Page 14 of A Cowboy Christmas

Quickly, I find my clothes and use my panties to clean myself up. I pause when I see a tinge of blood on the cotton. That was the sharp pain I’d felt. Booker took my virginity. The blood is mixed with his cum, but I can’t think about the consequences of that right now. I wiggle into my jeans, and when I'm standing, I feel it begin to slide out of me.

That was the warmth that bloomed between us, and I can’t believe he would be so reckless. I may have been a virgin, but I’m aware of the importance of using condoms. Is this how he is with every woman? Does he always have unprotected sex? My stomach turns. One of those women could be at his front door right now.

What is wrong with me? How did I let things go that far? I snap the button of my jeans before grabbing my boots and the rest of my clothes. When I’m dressed, I spot my phone on the floor. It must have fallen out of my back pocket at some point. I see a missed call and a few texts, but there are only a few people who would call me.

I check the messages and see one is from Reba letting me know my grandpa had fallen down but that he’s okay. Reba was formerly employed by my grandparents and lived in the guest house. She and my grandpa were friends, so after everyone was laid off, he let her stay there and work elsewhere during the day.

When I’m not home, Reba will look in on him since she’s so close. He does fine on his own, but he can become confused at times and forgetful. I’m thankful for her help, but I know I only have her for a little bit longer since the house went up for auction and sold.

The house really is too big for the two of us anyway. Grandpa and I stick to a few rooms, and we sealed up the rest. It’s easier to maintain that way.

Our move-out date is looming over my head, and I’ve yet to find us somewhere new to live. The retail market isn’t booming in Mittenville. Not to mention most of the town loathes me because of my last name. They aren’t jumping to rent me anything. It’s why I’ve been debating staying in Mittenville because it might not actually be an option.

“Booker,” I hear the woman say, followed by laughter. “It’s fine.” The voice sounds like it’s drawing closer, and I freeze like a deer caught in the headlights. There’s nowhere for me to go.

“I didn’t invite you in. I’ve got company,” Booker responds. The female voice sounds familiar, and the second I place it, Mary Beth comes into view. Booker grabs her arm to stop her as Mary Beth and I lock eyes.

“Oh my.” Mary Beth’s hand goes to her mouth.

Booker releases her arm because it’s too late. There won’t be any stopping her now. Everyone in Mittenville will know about this.

Booker’s eyes roam up and down my body, and his annoyance is clear. Is it directed toward me or Mary Beth?

"Is this the person you've hired to decorate the barn?" Mary Beth asks. Her whole face scrunches, and I don’t miss that she can't even bother to say my name.

“It’s none of your business who I hired.” Booker’s voice is low and scary.

“Of course it’s important. I’m sure she doesn’t have the skill set for such a large task.” Ouch. I’m not sure that she is wrong, but it still stings.

“Actually, I need to go,” I cut in, not wanting to do this right now...or ever.

“Sabrina…” Booker starts to speak, but I hold up my phone.

“My grandpa needs me,” I say and give him a tight smile.

I don’t want to leave them alone, but I also can’t stand here and let her spew her venom at me. And I don’t need her to point out all the reasons I shouldn’t be doing this to Booker. Or why the two of us don’t work. I can do that all on my own.

“Well, you don’t worry about any of this.” Mary Beth smirks. “I’ll make sure this is handled.”

“Good night.” I force another smile as I slip by.

“Sabrina,” Booker tries again.

“I really have to get home,” I repeat before I take off, not letting myself look back. No matter how much I want to, I refuse to look back.

Chapter Ten

Booker

I managed to get Mary Beth out of the house a few minutes later. I also warn her that if she comes to my house unannounced again, not only will I pull out of her precious tour of homes but I’ll remove all my funding to the city’s beautification project. The one she’s in charge of.

She seemed chastised, but with someone like her, I never know what will happen the next time she needs something from me. She’s old enough to be my mother, but I’m not stupid. I see the way she looks at me, and it makes my skin crawl.

Not having Sabrina’s number didn’t help my restlessness, and after tossing and turning all night I got up at first light and got in my truck. I tried to talk myself out of it, but even I knew that was futile. I might not have her number, but I do have her address.

The house she lives in is one of the oldest and biggest in town. I’m told back in its prime it was a beautiful place that would host events where the entire town would come. The original owners also used part of the house as a hospital until they eventually paid for one to be built. After that, the extra rooms went to the people in the town that needed a place to stay, or for people passing through that needed a safe place for a night or two. I’d heard about all the charity the Anise family did for Mittenville, but only through Mrs. Maggie at the library.

Part of me wondered if the good things happened so long ago that the townspeople have forgotten about it. Or that they’ve let the bad deeds of one person cloud an otherwise kind and generous family. Maybe it’s easier to hate than it is to find compassion.

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