This is dedicated to EXTREMEmusiclover because she made the awesome, sexy, gorgeous, chace crawford cover for this story.
*Jessica's POV*
With the sun out, a clear blue sky heated up my exposed skin. I was driving in the rented Audi car, and hell was it good. Just to be out in the open, driving without a care in the world was perfect itself.
Australia is beautiful too, but LA was shocking. I could picture the LAX airport again, with cramming people and would you believe it, photographers who were waiting for celebrities to arrive.
I decided to drive out to the Hollywood sign, except it was in the middle of a huge hill so if I drove to it I’d probably fall to my death. Instead I just took a photo of it, zooming in with my camera.
Satisfied with the picture, I got back into the rental car. I was back on the high way, with one of the plastic bags on my laps full of snacks. Munching on a blueberry muffin, I zoomed past some people walking along the outskirts, past some dry looking plants. I snapped pictures of me doing random things.
I still don’t know where I was going, so I kept looking at signs and billboards to help me decide.
Call me crazy, I was just looking for a sign.
One sign was for the beaches of Miami, with some oily looking bikini girls, random bill board ads to go to steak houses and iHops, whatever that is. Nothing really exciting for me until one ad finally caught my eye.
One of the billboards was for horse riding; there were black and white horses running wildly with one young blonde cowboy (the cowboy hat covered his face) on top of a brown horse in the middle of the running crowd, with the slogan ‘Ride that Montana Heat at Buckley’s Ranch’. Underneath the ad was a small print of the address, Missoula, Montana.
To be honest, that horse riding add excited me to no end. I’ve always wanted to ride a horse since I was a little kid.
I’ve always wanted to pet a horse, to feel the wind against my face and ruffling my hair, to feel my body rise and rise as I rode a beautiful fast animal.
What the hell, I’m going to Buckley’s Ranch.
I programmed the car’s GPS to take me to Montana, Missoula. The GPS voice stated it would take approximately eighteen hours. Damn, I didn’t think it would take that long.
Oh well, I’m still going.
I entered Riverside city, and it looked pretty good. I passed dozens of shops and expensive looking cars and people.
After Riverside I entered Las Vegas, Nevada and god hold me back. Since it was still morning-ish the bright lights weren’t up, there were way too many casinos, with future ones under construction.
Was it a sin to gamble in the morning? Because if so then I was going straight to hell if I stopped the car and acted on my desires.
*Hours later*
Let’s just say, I went to two more states, Utah and Idaho until I finally decided to stay in a hotel again for the night.
I went into a okay looking hotel and paid for the night, taking my bags with me as I walked to my room. Unlocking the door I saw a cosy room, with a single bed with grey sheets and a small bathroom.
I took a nice hot shower, lathering my body up in body wash. As I worked the substance onto my body, I couldn’t help but think of what was happening with my family.
But then I shrugged away the thoughts, I was better off alone.
And in America for goodness sakes!
This amazing country will never fail to surprise me.
I worked on my hair and soon shut the water off, closing a towel around my body.
I got dressed in my Purple and highlighted Bonds panties and matching bra and went to bed like that, too tired to bother any further. Looking past the windows, it was really dark with constant beeping noises outside.
Oh well, I though as I rolled over in the soft bed.
*Later*
I woke up to light streaming on my face; it burned my eyelids until I finally blinked them open. I groaned as I dragged my stiff body out of bed and went to the bathroom after my bladder screamed at me to go, then I washed my hands twice with the soap since you can’t be too careful in hotels and quickly started working on my hair and make-up.
After I finally finished curling my red hair and make-up, dressing in light blue jeans with rips and a long sleeve white t shirt, I took my dirty clothes into the laundry room and waited out the agonizing process of washing and drying.
I checked out of the hotel after I finished packing, walked back to the car quickly as I heard cat whistles from the guys that were playing basketball in the nearby court.
Three hours later I was now inside the city of Missoula, Montana.
It was beautiful, with acres of healthy trees and plants. There weren’t a lot of shops, but there were plenty of nice people who gave me directions to Buckley’s Ranch.
Apparently it was the town’s hot spot, so it would be a regular visit if I decided to stay here. And I was sorely tempted to.
Driving on the hard sandy dirt, I stepped out of the car after parking it into an empty park spot; there were quite a few cars here actually.
The ranch itself was like a cowboy’s Disney land. I could see the stables, with horses poking their heads out. I walked right up to one, patting its soft head. It was a brown horse, with light brown eyes and it neighed a lot. On further inspection, I realized with delight that it was the same horse from the billboard.
“Young miss! Welcome to Buckley’s Ranch!” a voice cheerfully scared the crap out of me; I gasped in shock as I dropped my hands and turned around.
Standing there was a red headed shirtless guy, with a six pack and a golden tan from being out in the sun too much. On his face was tons of freckles, he had stumble around his jaw as he smiled a delicious grin at me, his green eyes sparkled.
“You scared the bejebus out of me!” I gasped, throwing a hand over my heart.
He chuckled and walked up to me; I almost stepped back but held my ground. This guy was fine . . . if you know what I mean.
“I’m Marcus Buckley. And you are?” he grabbed my hand and placed a wet kiss on it, I blushed at the action and just stared at him.
“Jessi-…Jessie Moore.” I stuttered, a new life a new name. It sounded okay, I guess.
“I like that one’ accent of yours. Where ya from?” he asked, what? I don’t have an accent.
“Um, Australia.” I said, oh now I see.
“Hey Perry! Get yo’ ass out heh boy!” he looked behind himself and called, almost instantly a guy walked out.
Black hair up to the shoulders and grey eyes, same build as Marcus with similar looks walked out, wiping his hands against his dusted leather chaps. He was taller than Marcus by a head, I guessed.
“What you want? You gap toothed extrovert!” the hot black haired guy spat, walking in angry steps toward Marcus. He paused when he saw me, then a handsome grin lit up his face.
“Meet our new Australian friend. Jessie Moore. Ain’t she as sweet looking as momma’s apple pie?” Marcus boosted, I blushed even redder as I shook the guy’s hand.
“I’m Perry, ma’am. It’s very nice to meet you. Round here we don’t shake the hands of pretty strangers.”Perry smiled, pulling me in for a bear hug.
I felt my oxygen cut off as he squeezed, the thick bands of muscles tightening as he hugged the crap out of me.
“Nice to meet you both…um, I’m actually here for the horse riding.” I smiled at them as soon as Perry let go, inching my thumb back towards the horses in the stables.
“Ah, yea’. We get a lotta people round to ride em’ stallions.” Marcus grinned, a small dimple popped out on the right side of his smile. He looked so hot and adorable at the same time.
“If ya wanna ride Ol’ buck you can. I’m sure Cam won’t mind.” Perry said, noticing my longing look at the beautiful brown horse.
“Cam?” I asked them curiously, the way they spoke of him made him sound like a big boss.
“Cam’s our older brother and he runs the Ranch. Mighty good job at it too, earning us some fine gold in the pot.” A voice piped in.
I looked behind Marcus and Perry to see another guy walking towards us, he had light brown hair stopping at the start end of his ears, the same grey eyes as Perry with the same jaw line as Marcus. Did all brothers have the same looks and bodies?
“And you are?” I said, holding my hand out for him to shake.
“Tyler Buckley.” He grinned as he ignored my hand and pulled me into a bear hug, similar to the force of Perry’s. He was shorter than the other two brothers.
“Told ya.” Perry smiled, reminding me of the way they greet.
“What’s a fine woman like yo self be doing out here in the rough heat? Get inside, it’s much cooler.” Tyler smiled as he led me inside the ranch, his brothers walked in front to open the doors.
There were four long crème white couches, a red and white rug with pictures on the walls of olden day cowboys, relatives I guessed by the familiar looks.
It was a pretty inviting room; my feet paddled against the crème floorboards.
“How long you stayin’ in Missoula?” Marcus asked me, taking off his brown cow boy hat to tussle a hand through his red hair.
“Er, don’t know yet. Why?” I looked around, smiling back at a friendly woman at the cashier. She was blonde and middle ages and very pretty, with wrinkles around her mouth and eyes with the same grey eyes as Tyler and Perry, who walked over and each planted a kiss on her cheek.
“Hey, ma. Welcome Jessie, she’s from Australia.” Marcus said, motioning towards me. Their mother walked out of the cashier to give me a nice warm hug, one that didn’t choke the shit out of me.
“Welcome Jessie, glad to see my boys have taken a shining towards you. I’m Mary Buckley, those idiots mother.” She greeted, rolling her eyes at Tyler and Marcus who were yelling at each other over who ate the last Twinkie.
What the hell is a Twinkie?
I giggled, enjoying the little fight between the brothers. Perry sighed deeply and shook his heads towards the brothers, throwing me an amused look.
“Ty, Mark that’s enough. You’re acting like a bunch of greedy kids in front of Jessie.” She snapped at them, though it was more motherly than angry.
“Oh, that’s okay Mrs Buckley, I find it funny.” I said to her, laughing a bit at the still arguing brothers.
‘Don’t we all,” she sighed, a smile tugging on her mouth.
“Call me Mary, sweet heart. I have a feeling we’ll get to know each other a lot better.” She ordered, patting my shoulder twice before she turned around back to scold her sons.
“Sorry ma, it’s just that you’re greedy son ate all my Twinkies again!” Tyler apologised, glaring at Marcus.
“No I didn’t! You ate my Twinkies!” Marcus glared back, throwing his hands up in a helpless gesture.
“Actually I ate the last Twinkie. And it was damn good.” A middle aged man smirked, sharing the familiar looks the three brothers inherited. He planted a kiss on Mary’s lips and wrapped a hand around her waist.
She tried not to smile but alas it broke through, a passionate look as she locked eyes with the older man.
“Who’s this pretty thing? Not another of Cam’s girls is she?” he asked, laughing as Mary elbowed his gut.
“Just kidding sweetheart, you look way too innocent for Cam. I’m Jack Buckley.” He laughed as he gave me a crushing hug; I started wheezing as no air reached my lungs.
He set me back down and gave a challenging look to his sons.
“Well? What you waiting for? The heat to cool? Get yo’ asses back to work.” He ordered his sons sternly, though he had a look of pride in them.
Marcus, Perry and Tyler rushed out of the room, going off in different directions. I could tell they’d never disrespect their father.
“Sorry, sweetheart. It always takes a reminder to keep those boys in line. Thank god for Cam. My eldest.” He smiled, that smile widened as he spoke of Cam.
“Oh, who’s the next eldest?” I asked the happy parents.
“Perry, Marcus, Tyler then our daughter Susanne. She’s at the boutique right now, buying a dress for the upcoming Buckley Ball.” Mary answered, noting down each child with her fingers.
“Um, no offense but why is it Cam running the ranch and not you? Sir.” I asked politely, Mr Buckley seemed well enough to run the ranch.
“Ah, diabetes takes a toll on me. Besides, I thought it would be a good idea for Cam to take charge, he always wanted to run the Ranch. Done a heck of a job, too.” He answered, patting his belly in sadness at the mention of his diabetes.
“Call me Jack, darlin’. Now where’s that pie you made?” Jack asked his wife, who only shook her head and poked his belly.
“Wasn’t that Twinkie sweet enough for you?” she pouted playfully.
“Not as sweet as one of your kisses, Mary.” He smiled before he planted a long kiss on her mouth; I looked away not wanting to intrude on their private moment.
“It’s a nice place here.” I said awkwardly, glancing around again.
“Well, it’s been our home for generations. So how long are you staying here, sweetheart?” Jack asked.
“Um, I don’t know really. I just came here for the horseback riding but now I kinda don’t want to leave.” I smiled at them; honestly I really don’t want to leave.
“Well, you’re just in luck darlin’. Our stable hand had to leave for college, and so far no one wanted the job. Would you consider stayin’ here at the ranch?” Jack said, I couldn’t imagine why no one wanted to work here as a stable hand.
Wait. . . what is a stable hand?
“Sure, what would I have to do?” I quickly agreed, holy shit I’ve never been this excited before. This’ll be a fun story I might get to tell my kids one day, if I’m lucky enough to have any.
“Well, we need someone who will groom the horses, feed the cows, collect the chicken eggs and clean the muck out of the stables. You’d get a room here with us, free of course. You’d be around the animals all day.” She noted, I could tell she knew I loved animals.
“I’ll take the job!” I said excitedly, my eyes stung with a new emotion I was feeling.
Happiness.
“Wonderful! Do you have everything with you, I take it you got your suitcase with you since you were road tripping and all. Here, I’ll get Tyler to help you. TY!!!!” she called loudly, I heard thumps against the ground as Tyler rushed back.
“Yeah, ma?” he panted from running so fast. His cheeks were lightly flushed, he looked adorable.
“Help Jessie with bringing in her suitcase, she’s moving in!” Mary ordered, beaming at me.
Tyler high fived me then grabbed my arm, tugging me gently back out. As soon as I stepped out, I was hit with the sweating heat.
I unlocked the rental car and Tyler grabbed the suitcase, seeming unfazed by the weight.
“You got a mighty heavy suitcase there, Jessie. C’mon, let’s get you back in. Glad to have you joining the family.” He grinned, carrying my red suitcase, leading me back into the Ranch house.
“What room she in, ma?” Tyler asked her, I trailed behind him and took another glance around the room.
“Room thirteen, sweetie. Dinner’s at five, Ty and Jessie.” She answered, sending me one last warm smile before she tugged her husband through these double doors, the kitchen probably.
We went up the stairs; they creaked under our weight as we made our way to my new room. Tyler talked with me along the way, wanting to know things about me as I did as well about him.
Room thirteen finally appeared; Tyler opened the door and hustled me inside.
There was a huge king size bed, with a purple and blue room scheme. There was a large bookshelf in the corner, with four shelves and a deep burgundy colour. A nice dresser was near the door, and I had two bedside drawers on opposite ends of the bed. Even a freaking mini fridge next to my bed! With a plasma HD TV mounted to the wall, facing the bed.
How awesome is this place?!!!!
Tyler gently set the suit case on the bed. “Kay, I’ll leave you to unpack. I’ll be back later at four thirty to get you, okay? So pack quick if you want to make it.” He said before he left with a smile, I checked my iPhone and sure enough it was already four pm.
I quickly grabbed my suit case and began to unpack, taking out the folded clothes as I put them in the dresser. Then I started unpack the groceries I had left on my bedside drawers.
I plugged my iPhone charger into one of the power points and plugged in my almost dead phone. Then I went to the bathroom with my shower necessities, taking one look I almost fainted.
There was a huge white bath tub, then a shower in the corner that would fit like fifteen people. I placed the body wash and hair products inside the showers little shelf, closing the glass door behind me.
By the time I finished packing, I heard a knock on the door.
“Four thirty.” Tyler smirked as soon as I opened the door. I smiled at him as he led me outside, closing the door behind me.
We were now outside, petting the horses.
“Hey, Jessie. Wait here while I check on one of the pregnant cows. I’ll only be a second.” Tyler said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Kay.” I nodded, as he walked away I moved down to the only brown horse, Ol Buck.
He neighed as I petted his head shyly, moving his head in jerking movements.
“What the hell?!”An angry voice spluttered, I felt my heart jump and kick start I gasped and spun around, meeting eyes with the hottest man I’ve ever seen.
He had golden hair, sparkling blue eyes and a radiant tan. He was nicely muscled, shirtless with a nice eight pack, wearing light blue jeans and grey leather chaps, which was quite dirty. He was quite tall, too.
He also had the most handsome face I’ve ever seen.
“Oh hell! What is it with strangers sneaking up on me?!” I gasped, bending over to place my hands on my knees.
“Strangers? This is MY Ranch, and what the hell are you doing on my property?” he snapped angrily, walking right up to me.
“I’m the new stable hand.” I said calmly, getting my breath back.
“Ah, you’re the girl my brothers have been talking about. What were you doing with my horse?” he snapped, geez was he always so angry.
“Um, petting him. What the hell did it look like I was doing?” I snapped back, I had an angry side too.
“Like you were trying to rub chloroform into its face before you kidnapped it.” He answered smart assedly, folding his arms over his thick chest.
“The fuck? I don’t even have chloroform with me. And you look like you molest horses, one to talk.” I snapped back, placing my hands on my hips sternly.
“Look here woman, it’s obvious you were waiting for me to come around like the rest of the girls round here. This is the only night I have that’s free so we might as well go tumble in the hay.” He sighed arrogantly, before I knew it my hand moved without my permission.
And slapped him hard across the face.
“Bastard! I’m the new stable hand, not whore. As if I’d ever go for some arrogant prick like you!” I lied about the going for him, not the whore thing.
I’m still a virgin.
“Jessie! I’m back-oh hey it’s Cam. Why do you both look as red as blood?” Tyler asked, walking towards us cautiously.
“No reason, ain’t it time for dinner?” I said smoothly, giving Cam the Asshole a glare before I turned back to Tyler.
He checked his watch and nodded.
“Yup, let’s all go. I’m starving for our momma’s cooking.” Tyler said, leading me into the Ranch house again.
“Howdy again, Jessie. I see you’ve met Cam. Why do you look so angry, Cammy?” Mary asked, setting down plates on the large kitchen table. I went to help her; she smiled at me in thanks as she passed me some plates and silverware.
“It’s nothing, ma.” Cam said, leaning down to plant a kiss to her cheek.
He looked at me, and I could see his eyes scheming something I didn’t want to be a part of.