Page 9 of Labor of Love

I’m not a child needing to be saved. Not anymore.

“I saw that punch coming as he ran that damn mouth of his.” Karli laughs. “Glad to have you back, bro.”

“I guess everyone will know you’re back in town by tomorrow.” I’ve never sounded so monotone. It’s criminal how angry yet turned on I am. Those jeans hugging his ass, the crisp white tee, the confidence, and a new tattooed bicep? This is going to be a hard battle to resist.

“Layla.” Stetson shakes blood off his hand. “Can we talk?

“Yeah, you can tell me to have a good night as I walk away and buy your sister another funnel cake.” Linking my arm with Karli’s, we turn. “Go wash your hands and change your shirt, Stetson.”

“Layla, please.” This time, I stop, turning around to pleading blue eyes. Like before, the urge to run into his arms tugs at my heart, but I stay strong.

“This has been a crazy night, and I want my brain to settle.” Stetson steps forward. “No.” I halt him, ignoring Karli’s look. “Goodnight.” With Karli’s arm in mine, we walk.

“What the hell was that about?” Karli asks.

“I’m shaken up. I’ll thank him for punching Clint later.” My voice breaks, allowing vulnerability with her. “Come on, the line is piling up.” She sighs, but nods.

“You gave me the rundown about you leaving Clint,” Karli begins. “I know there’s more than what you’ve let on.” She’s right. We tell each other everything, but I didn’t want to drop this heavy load on her entirely. “I was ashamed of myself for getting into a bad situation. I didn’t want to admit things out loud.” I found strength to leave and made peace with it. “I left Clint because he was drinking and started getting physical. Becoming my mother was the last thing I wanted.” I keep my tone hushed as shame resurfaces. “I held on to self-worth before he robbed me of it all.”

“Fucking bastard.” Karli shakes her head. “The breakup did you good. I swear it made you even hotter...not that you weren’t already.”

“I love my new hair and learning how to paint my face.” I giggle. Makeup became a newfound joy after Karli asked me to do hers in a social media video.

“Girl, your talent for blending colors and contouring has me wanting you to do my face every day now.” I’m thankful she jumped subjects, sensing that now isn’t the time to dwell on the past when we are supposed to be having fun.

4

STETSON

Labor Day weekend is heavy on labor when you live on a ranch. My abs clench and burn by the end of afternoon chores with cattle and horses.

“Hayes!” Mack, our heavy-duty mechanic, calls me by my last name. “Glad to have you back, man.”

“Nothing like a hard day’s work to keep me sane!” I’ve had more than enough steam to blow off. The way last night went down with Layla wasn’t how I intended to reconnect with her.

The dark hollowed look she sent me when I pleaded ripped my gut to pieces. Pretty sure she hates me more now than when I left. Being the possible cause of that plummets my gut through the bottom of my boot.

“Figured your hand would be out of commission the way Clint was running his mouth at the coffee shop this morning.” He chuckles.

“Oh, yeah?” I’d gladly do it again if need be.

“Son of a bitch didn’t get the pity he intended.” He wipes his brow with the back of his gloved hand. “Even my girl chewed him out in front of everyone.”

“Fucker deserved it too.” My eyebrows raise, giving a knowing look. “I’m gonna wash up for the day.” With that, I hop on the four-wheeler and head toward my childhood home. My house on the property is already framed. I’m excited to move in soon.

A cold beer calls my name before I head to the bathroom for a cool shower. Before I do either, my phone dings.

Parker: Had to help my dad last night. I missed the Fair’s excitement!

My long-time best friend has been with me through it all. Even coming out on the road for some events over the years. But he’s the reason I end up in the news a lot of the time. We always made some type of scene––good, chaotic nights. Until he fell hard for my little sister and hasn’t had any desire to party or look at another woman. I’m happy for them but spare me the details.

Me: Had to make a headline without you for once.

Parker: Just remember you’re back for good, so ease up.

Me: I’ll punch any man who lays a hand on a woman without consent.

Parker: Drinks at Neon Saloon tonight?