My Cowboy Prince

Chapter 18

Less than 10 chapters left... maybe. Warning, long sex scene.

*****

The ride back from the cemetery is filled with a contemplative silence. After such an emotional moment, Luke and I are both lost in our thoughts. We make a brief stop at the mechanic’s shop in town.

“Good news,” Joe announces, wiping his hands on a greasy rag. “The car’s all fixed up and runnin' smooth.”

Relief washes over me at his words, but it’s tinged with a bittersweet note. My time here is almost up. Luke exchanges a glance with me, then turns to the mechanic.

"Would it be alright if we keep it here for a few more days?" Luke asks, his voice steady but with an unspoken plea. "Amelia's planning to leave in about four days, and it’d be easier if we could pick it up then."

Joe scratches his chin thoughtfully, then nods. "No problem anythin' for the lady. I can keep it safe here until then."

Luke thanks him, and we head back to the truck. The drive to the ranch is quiet but the weight of our earlier conversation lingers in the air. Luke seems calm and relaxed, even after everything that’s happened. There’s an easy confidence in the way he handles the truck, and it’s comforting, though it contrasts sharply with the turmoil swirling inside me. I still haven't found the courage to say those three words back to him, and it's gnawing at me.

As we pull into the ranch, the familiar sight of the rolling fields and the comforting presence of the barn brings me some sense of peace. But that tranquility is shattered the moment I see a figure leaning against a sleek black car parked near the house. It's Kimberly in all her glory, unbeknownst to her her presence is as unwelcome as a storm cloud on a sunny day.

Luke parks the truck, and we gather our bags, preparing to head inside. Kimberly is dressed casually today, but her posture and the sharpness in her eyes give away her purpose. She's here for Luke.

The woman pushes herself off the car as we approach. Her eyes are already locked on Luke. "Hey, Luke," she greets, her Texan accent as thick as honey. There's a hint of something in her voice--- possessiveness, maybe? It makes my stomach churn.

Luke, surprisingly, seems unfazed. He sighs, clearly exasperated but not surprised in the least. "Kimberly, what are you doin' here?"

She crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly as she studies him. "I’m stayin’ at the ranch for the weekend," she announces, her tone is casual but with an edge that suggests she's challenging him.

I try to step away, intending to give them space to talk, but Luke’s hand shoots out and gently clasp my hand. He pulls me close.

"Stay," he murmurs, almost in a plea. I can’t help but notice the resolve in his eyes. It’s clear he doesn’t want me to leave, and the weight of his silent request presses down on me.

Kimberly's brown eyes narrow slightly as it flickers between us. Her lips are pursed, a clear sign of her frustration. "Luke," she starts, her voice softer now, almost coaxing. "I’m here for you. The least you can do is be nice about it. Why can't ya be happy that I’m here?"

Luke's jaw tightens, but he doesn't seem angry, just tired. He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. "Kimberly, why don't you stay at your daddy's bed and breakfast in town? Ya know, The Loo. There's no need for you to be here at the ranch."

Her dad owns the Loo? The same one that's slowly putting this ranch out of business? It's not making much sense to me...

Her eyes flash with anger and something else--- hurt, maybe? She steps closer and her voice rises slightly. "Because I wanted to be here with you, Luke. To support you. You've been so distant lately, and I thought maybe, just maybe, I could remind you of what we had."