Not a Homewrecker

Chapter Three: Pile of Horse Dung

Cheryl, Johnny and I land at Missoula International Airport where Brad picks us up with his truck and drives the ninety minute commute up to the ranch by Rock Creek.

It's the end of May and only six weeks before Cheryl and Jason's wedding. Cheryl wanted to visit the ranch before everything is finalized to ensure we have all the correct details for the vendors. She wanted Johnny and I to be familiar with the property. I happily accepted since it gave me an excuse to see Brad again.

I spend the entire drive giving Brad shy glances as he struggles to keep his eyes on the road. After over an hour of fidgeting in my seat, we arrive at the entrance of the Jameson family ranch.

We pull into the beautiful vast property and park by the main house. As we exit the truck, a large fawn-colored dog comes running toward us barking happily.

Johnny screeches and hides behind Brad. "What's that thing doing here?" he shouts. His legs shaking as he cowers from the dog.

"Oh, this is Shep, he's an Anatolian Shepherd dog," Brad explains as he kneels before Shep and rubs his head. "There's a good boy," he coos.

"No one told me there'd be a dog here," Johnny accuses.

"You're lucky I only have one," Brad adds. "After all, this is a pretty big ranch."

"Why would you want to have more than one spawn of Satan lying around?" Johnny asks with bewilderment.

"Oh God, Johnny," I groan. "Stop it with the hysterics already."

"Hey!" He turns to me with affront. His eyes narrow at me as he shoves a finger in my face. "You know I was attacked by one of these evil things when I was a kid. Look, I have the battle scar to prove it," he exclaims, pointing at a faded mark on his forearm.

Cheryl chuckles and grabs Johnny's hand. "Come with me. I'll take care of you," she soothes. "Let's go find our rooms." She walks him into the house as she calms him from his over-the-top panic.

Brad turns to me, his eyes glistening with hunger. "We're finally alone," he grunts, backing me toward the door of the truck. He grabs my neck and lowers his mouth to my lips. "I've been dying to do this," he whispers. And he dives in for a kiss that leaves me breathless.

I whimper into his mouth. "Brad, please."

"I know, sweet girl, I know. We just have to wait a few more hours, and I'll give you everything you need."

He releases me and wraps his arm over my shoulders guiding me into the house.

****

I'm sitting at the dining table inside the main house bouncing my leg. We'd spent the entire day touring the ranch, meeting all the employees, contacting vendors, and arranging accommodations for the wedding guests. It was a hectic day but I loved every minute of it. I absolutely love what I do and never complain about all the hard work it involves. I am, however, about to burst from all the wedding talk going on. I'm ready to call it a night but Cheryl and Johnny don't seem to be on the same page.

"The ceremony arch will be covered in greenery really emphasizing the beauty of the nature surrounding us," Johnny describes, for the hundredth time.

"Oh, I can't wait! It's all gonna be so beautiful," sighs Cheryl. Her chin resting on her hands as she stares into space.

"Yes, very beautiful," I agree. "Now, I'd love to continue this discussion some more but, unfortunately, I'm very tired from the flight and all the work we've accomplished."

"Oh, yes of course," Cheryl nods. "You should go get some rest Olivia."

"Thank you, I will. Good night, everyone."