Page 8 of Against My Fire

“I think I am lost.” He starts towards me and I stop to wait for him to continue. “I’m looking for Everton Corporate.”

“Dude, you are in the wrong place. Piper Falls doesn't have corporate companies.” I take a step closer and he smirks at me.

“It’s a ranch. Not that I expected a lowly cowboy like you to know that.” He waves his hand as he looks out over the land. I huff as I grab him by the back of his neck and pull him toward the SUV.

“I studied at Stanford. I am the owner of this ranch and it is not a corporation or an Everton. Get off my property.” I push him toward his car and glare at him. He turns around but doesn’t say anything as he looks me up and down.

“I will be back.” He opens his door and gets in. I let out an annoyed breath as I watched him drive off. I have to get ready for the Jubilee, but this asshole just ruined my day. I am not some brainless cowboy. I studied business management.

After a quick shower and getting dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a blue button-down shirt, I grab my hat and make my way out of the house. Tonight will be a good night. I make my way to my truck and get in.

I smile as I drive off. I am excited to spend the night with some of the townspeople. People who have been there for our family since the beginning.

The drive was much shorter to get here than it was to get to the house. I pull up to the picnic spot and see a few people have arrived. I park next to my parents and get out. I scan the area to take in who is there already.

My eyes land on a beautiful blonde girl talking to my mom and Taylor. He laughs at something she said before he takes her hand pulling her towards one of the tables. Her floral dress fits her perfectly.

I walk over to them, but Mom stops me before I get to them. “He likes her. She’s a firefighter.” She watches them. I know he will be safe here, but I don’t want him to get attached to someone I don’t know. I don't want him to get hurt. “He is a chatty little one with people he feels comfortable with. He hasn’t paid much attention to anyone, but he was drawn to her instantly.” I swear listening to my mom makes me believe that Taylor and her are trying to set me up with someone, and yet all I want is to see Bently again. “She’s so nice.” Mom smiles and I roll my eyes.

“Mom, I told you there is someone I like. I have been a bit busy and not had time to go see her.” She looks at me a little confused. I shake my head as she pulls me into a hug.

“Daddy…” I turn around as he calls me and my breath hitches when I see who he is sitting with. She has him on her lap as he eats a cupcake. His chocolate-covered hands waving at me. I walk over to them not paying attention to what Mom says as I keep my eyes on the most beautiful girl and my son.

“Hey, little man. Is that cupcake good?” I kneel next to them. Her eyes meet mine and she smiles down at me with a raised eyebrow. The heat from her gaze makes me me feel like it’s just us here. Me, her and Taylor.

“Yes… Ley, my friend.” He looks up at her and my heart swells with the adoration he is looking at her with. She ruffles his hair as he takes another bite.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask her without taking my eyes off her. I want to get to know her, but I have a feeling that she is not ready. She’s guarded and has walls up that I intend to break down and show her not everyone is like the person that broke her.

Taylor shakes his head up and down at the mention of something to drink. “Yes, please. Orange juice will be fine.”

“Juice. Please, Daddy.” Taylor asks after swallowing his bite. I get up and ruffle his hair before I walk over to the makeshift bar. We do have the permanent bar inside the barn, but we aren’t using the barn today. It’s all outdoors.

“Can I have a beer, a small orange juice, and a regular orange juice, please?” I ask the barman. He turns to get everything as Logan joins me with his own beer.

“Your son is getting more attention than any of us.” He tips his beer in the direction of Taylor and Bentley.

“That’s Bentley. Apparently, my son likes her just as much as I do.” The barman puts my drinks down and I take them.

“She’s beautiful. Are you ready to move on?” Logan takes a sip of his beer as I stare at the two of them. She wipes his face after he has finished his cupcake.

“I have been ready for a while. Just never found someone to move on with. I won’t rush into anything, but she's worth it to try.” I walk over to them with Logan trailing behind me. The area was filling up with guests and soon I will have to do my speech. I still have no idea what to say, I do know what I want to do, but I don’t know what to say. “A juice for the lady and one for my little man.” I put the juice in front of them before I take a sip of my beer.

“Thank you.” She smiles as she takes a drink from hers. Mom comes over to take Taylor and I hold my breath hoping that Bentley wouldn’t leave. With Taylor here I had a reason to be close to her. We both watch as Mom walks over to some of her friends to show off her grandson. “She’s a proud granny,” Bentley says as she watches them for a little bit.

“That she is. He has been amazing.” I take a seat next to her. I will have to go meet up with Dad soon, but I want to spend a few minutes just with her.

She nudges me with her shoulder. “See I told you, you would be great. He is a beautiful little boy and he loves you.” I glance at her to see the sincerity in her eyes.

“Uh um…” Logan clears his throat and I had almost forgotten that he was standing there. “Hi, I’m Logan. This guy’s best friend.” He holds his hand out for her to shake as he nods in my direction. She laughs as she takes his hand shaking it.

“It’s nice to meet you. I'm Bentley.”

“It’s an honor. This is your first time here, right?” I roll my eyes as he just keeps on going.

“Yes, I only moved to Piper Falls a few weeks ago.”

“Really, where are you from?” She stiffens at his question and I can see that he has gone too far. She doesn’t know him and he is prying into her life. I know he means well, but she doesn’t. Before I could stop him my dad waves me over. I hate to leave her like this, but we need to get the speeches done.

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