“Well, I guess I better get ready to head back to Austin. Thank you, Garrett and Emma, for allowing me to stay here last night with you. I truly appreciate it. ” Heather said.
Just then Lynda, came walking up calling out Josh’s name. I saw Heather’s body stiffen at the sight of Lynda going up to Josh as she placed her hand on his arm.
“Josh, do you think I could get a ride back to Austin with you? I thought Jeff and Ari would be heading back sooner, but Ari said they weren’t heading back until this afternoon. I really, really need to get back,” Lynda whined.
Josh looked so confused. Poor fucker. Heather just stood there, waiting to see what was going to happen.
“Um… yeah sure. I mean, I wasn’t really planning on leaving anytime soon, but if you need a ride I guess. ”
Lynda let out a small yelp and jumped into Josh’s arms. “Oh, thank you, Josh! You’re my hero. I’ll go get my things. ”
After Lynda let go of Josh, she thanked Emma and Garrett for letting her stay the night, and then she headed into the house. The smile she gave Heather was loud and clear. This girl was digging her nails into Josh and holding on for dear life.
Just then, my cell phone beeped with a text message. I was surprised it came through because I usually didn’t have a cell signal at the ranch. I pulled out my phone and saw the message was from Ellie.
Ells: Hey, big bro. I am dying here. How did it go last night? Can’t get a hold of Ari ? Gunner just told me that we’re going to Belize! Eeeeppp! Love you, Jeff. Give Ari a hug and kiss for me.
I smiled as I read her text. I still couldn’t believe it. My little sister and Gunner…married. Fucking bastard with his carriages! Damn that romantic bastard!
“That must have been from Ellie,” Emma said with a smile.
I swore that this woman could read minds.
“Yeah, she wanted to talk to Ari. I guess Gunner let her know that Belize was their destination. To be honest, I’m surprised that Ari didn’t give it away. ”
Just then we heard Ari and Matt riding up on Rose. I turned to look at them as they headed our way. God she’s beautiful. She was leaning down, saying something in Matt’s ear. He started to laugh, and she looked up at me and smiled. My knees about buckled.
Shit! Will she always have this effect on me?
Emma, Sue, and Mark walked past me.
Emma stopped and smiled at me. “Yes, Jeff, she will always make you feel weak in the knees. ” She gave me a wink and then made her way over to Rose, taking the lead from Ari.
Jesus H. Christ, she does read minds!
CHAPTER FIVE
Ari
I was feeling so much better from just being alone with Matt and not thinking about Rebecca or Jeff. The moment I saw Jeff standing there though, my heart started to beat faster.
“Ari! There’s Jeff!” Matt said as we got closer to the ranch house.
“Yep, buddy, there he is. I bet the next time you visit, Jeff will take you for a ride on his horse. Would you like that, bud?”
“Yes. He’s an assmole, so is Josh. They are assmoles. ” Matt said, laughing.
Oh, fuck a duck! I tried so hard not to laugh. I leaned down and told Matt not to say that word in front of Mommy and Daddy because that was a special word only for Jeff, Josh, and me. Matt nodded his head, then his smile grew bigger the second he saw Jeff.
Our mom walked up to greet us. “Did you have a good ride my little man? You like spending time with Jeff, Ari and the horses?”
“Yes! Jeff is an assmole, Mommy!”
Oh shit. My mother and father turned away from Matt and me. Bastards! I saw their shoulders moving up and down from laughing.
Then my dad turned to look at Jeff. “The jury is still out on that, buddy. ”
Jeff looked shocked, and I really started to laugh. Dad helped Matt down. He told him that they had to get ready to drive back home and that Matt’s iPad was all charged and ready to go.