Page 5 of Haunted Cowboy

By the time I get back, the sun is getting low and the lights have been turned on as well as jack-o-lanterns flickering in the Wild West town. I take a moment just to breathe it all in, as the breeze plays with my skirt and my pony tail. I’m feeling really proud of what we have all achieved here. It makes me so happy to see the community come together to enjoy this place. And I really hope Liam feels it too.

At that moment, as though my thoughts have conjured him up, the crowd parts and there he is. Looking devastatingly handsome and looking straight at me as though I am one of the Halloween candy bags being given out. And I can’t keep the silly grin off my face. I can’t help it. It’s Halloween. There is that buzz of excitement in the air. Like anything can happen.

My heart quickens as he walks towards me. Looking me up and down. I do a little spin and my skirt flares out. “Nice boots.” He says in that sexy, cowboy drawl.

Then he takes off his hat and places it on my head, making sure to tilt it back. “Now you look like a real cowgirl.”

For a moment we stand there, grinning at each other like love-struck teenagers. But with so many people around, watching us, the spell is broken and Liam turns away.

“It’s amazing what you’ve done here, Hazel. It all looks really good.”

We walk down the Wild West street together. What I wouldn’t give for him to take my hand in his. But he holds himself away. Ever aware of all the townspeople who nod towards him and then turn to their partner to whisper as we pass by.

“You doing okay?” I ask.

When he looks down at me I swear his eyes soften for a moment. His gaze drops to my mouth and I’m wishing he would kiss me. But he takes a step back, like we are too close for his comfort, runs his hand through his hair in that way I have come to love.

I feel like he wants to say something to me. But right then is when the crowd descends on us. First the Mayor, full of compliments, shaking Liam’s hand like he might never let it go. Then Mrs. Bats. Some of the volunteers. Everybody wants to tell Liam how much they appreciate this. How fascinating the Old West town is.

“Always wanted to see it, you know.”

“Amazing man, that grandfather of yours.”

“Of course, we love to see you in town more after this.”

“It’s all so exciting.”

I watch as Liam nods and smiles. Unsure what to say to these people. Unsure what to do. I have a feeling that the Liam of the past would have had some curse words to send them all running. But over this week I have seen him talking one on one to a few people. Opening up. Maybe some of those old wounds are healing.

But the crowd is gathering and the poor guy is looking a little overwhelmed. Stepping forward next to Liam, I interrupt a couple of women gushing over how much they have always admired his family.

“Excuse me folks, I just need Liam’s help with a few things. If you will excuse us?”

Liam looks down at me with a grateful look. Taking my hand in his, warmth spreads through my body. And then turning, he leads me away towards the edge of the Wild West town.

Chapter 7

Hazel

I almost have to skip along to keep pace with Liam’s longer strides. He pulls me along until we get to the train station. It’s the largest of the buildings in the old replica town and so has been used as storage. Filled now with boxes and crates. It’s cool and dark, just the orange glow of the lights outside coming in through the high window. We shouldn’t be disturbed here.

Liam finally lets go of my hand. It was nice, my hand in his bigger hand. The warmth. The connection. Now he looks around and it’s hard to know what he is thinking.

And then, as we hear people walking by the door, we both jump to hide ourselves up against the wall. His body so close to mine that I can feel the heat radiating off him. I can feel his breath warm on the back of my neck. We both stay quiet. Hiding.

People should be moving on to the carnival soon. In the distance we can hear the music. The laughter. The screams for the rides and noises from the haunted house set up in the paddock. So far away.

We are alone.

It’s gone quiet.

Just our breathing.

And my heart racing. My skin feels alive. He is so close he is almost touching me. But not quite. Not close enough. Leaving me wanting. Yearning. I can smell his aftershave. A masculine, spicy scent that makes me want to move close to him. It makes me want to stick my nose against his throat and inhale deeply. I want to feel his hands on my body. I want to have him kiss me.

“I think they’re gone.” My voice is just a whisper as I blink up at him. It feels intimate in here. Just the two of us in the dark. While outside the town laughs and plays. I’m hyper aware of his chest. Lifting and falling with each breath he takes. There is just enough light to know those green eyes are focused on me. Filling with wanting. Yearning. I lick my lips and it draws his gaze. I tilt my head up. My body leaning into his.

“Hazel.” Just one word. Almost a groan.