Page 18 of Forever C*cky

Chapter Six

Eliza

Dinner last nightwas surprisingly delicious and the conversation was very interesting. Apparently breakfast and dinner are always done at the main house for everyone on the ranch, with the exception of the hunting parties, who have their own area, far away from the workers and livestock raised for consumption. They are two separate businesses and are kept totally apart.

The ranch hands were charming and entertaining as they joked with each other, all while trying to catch the eyes and attention of myself and the other women on my crew. Apparently, women really are in short supply out here.

Rowdy and Bessie sat with us at one of the tables and answered my many questions when the ranch hands couldn’t. I also noticed that by the time Falcon made his way downstairs, his hair was wet, the coating of dirt that seems to stick to him was gone, and he was in fresh clothes. In fact, all of the workers were. I joked that they all cleaned up really well and it was nice to see the men beneath the grime. Bessie laughed and told me that she doesn’t allow them into the house unless they are clean and ready for dinner. It’s one of her rules.

I’m impressed that one woman is seemingly so respected by so many men ranging in age from late teens to middle aged.

I watched everyone in the room as we ate. Their respect and genuine admiration for Bessie, as well as Rowdy, and even Falcon was something to see. It gave me a little insight into how important the sense of family must be out here and how everyone needs to get along and actually care for each other to make the ranch a success.

My eyes strayed to Falcon a time or two, but never once did he look my way. It’s like he was intentionally ignoring me.

I told myself that I didn’t care, but shockingly that wasn’t quite true. That was not a welcome revelation.

I also noticed that Natalee and Rowdy seemed a little more than casually interested in one other. Their smiles were flirtatious and I even noticed their hands brushing once or twice on the table top. Natalee blushed each time as well. I’ll need to remind her that this is a temporary thing and not to get too involved as we are going home in thirteen days.

This morning, I’m going to sit down with Rowdy to conduct an informal interview and find about the business side of the ranch. It’s important, but the cows and the actual running of the ranch are the meat of the story, so, I’ll be spending a lot of time out in the heat and actually observing and yes, even participating where I’m able, in the day to day operations to really get the feel for the story.

Jokes on me… Looks like I’m going all in anyways…

That means, I’ll be with the ranch hands and maybe even Falcon. Though, I bet he passes me off to whomever is around so he doesn’t have to breathe any air near me.

As if I poisoned it or some such thing.

He’s ridiculous. Like a child!

Yeah, ok. Children do not have bodies like that and their asses don’t look like they were custom made to fill the seat of his stupid jeans.

Stop thinking about Cowboy Cocky’s ass, Eliza.

I totally don’t care about his ass… or anything else associated with him.

I freeze as an unexpected warm and husky voice startles me and interrupts my musings.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me today…” I jump and turn my head quickly.

What the hell? I was expecting Rowdy. Why the hell is he here?

My eyes lock on Falcon Donovan’s deep brown eyes and my own widen.

“No, I’m meeting Rowdy.”

Falcon grimaces but it ends in a smirk as he shakes his head. “Change of plans, darlin’. Rowdy is tied up on some calls trying to sort out some stuff.” He shrugs. “You get me. He asked me to take you with me today and let you get a feel for the ranch workings.”

Change of plans?

He what? I get him?

I don’t want him.

No, I can’t go with Falcon.

I don’t want to.

They can’t just pass me off like that.

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