Sweet Little Lies

Ch. 13 Leaving

Harper Morgan   
    After calling Kira and apologizing for leaving church before I could talk to her we finalize my plan to move in. Apparently, Granny Hershaw is excited to have me staying with them, insisting that we youngsters keep her young. Placing my suitcase on the bed I start emptying the dresser drawers. I notice Ajax leaning on the doorframe just inside the room watching my every move. I know what he wants to say, but I know he won't. At this point we both realize we need to start over. Not erase the past per say but definitely not let it dictate the future. On that score I think we are on the same page. I would like to be with Ajax in time, and he feels the same way. We both witnessed what it was like rushing into a relationship assuming neither of us had changed, and that did not end well.
"In or out Ajax, doorway's creepy." I joke, trying to lighten the tension I feel radiating off of him. He comes into the room lazily as I walk to the closet. I grab a few garments, keeping them on the hangers. "I'm stealing some hangers. I'll replace them though." I say, looking up to see Ajax stretched out on the bed his hands behind his head propping it up slightly. "Comfy?" I tease.
"You don't need to replace the hangers. You'll be back." He replies. His statement so matter of fact, I feel my eyes get big. There is no condescending smirk to tell me he's teasing me. Just his eyes on mine, telling me he's perfectly serious. All I can think of is how much I don't like looking as if am a forgone conclusion. Just because he assumes we'll be together doesn't make it so. However, I feel the goosebumps rise on my flesh. I kinda like knowing that he feels this strongly. Its almost comforting to see that he wants me as much as I want him.
"You better be worth all this aggravation." I respond, just as serious. Laying the clothes and hangers neatly on the end of the bed.
"Would you like a preview?" He suggests, his voice sounding husky. I can't meet his eyes, if I do. I know I'm done for.
"No, thank you." I answer instead and walk back to the closet.
"Are you sure?" He questions, and I bite my tongue. Grabbing more clothes on hangers. Straightening my spine I walk out of the closet, attempting to look like a self assured woman. Not like the teenage girl I feel he's making me. I stack the clothes on top of the previous ones and ignore him. On the third trip back he sits up slowly just as I get to the bed. "Are you going to answer me?" He asks, and I do the dumbest thing I could possibly do, I look at him. Our eyes meet and in an instant he notices what I didn't want him to see. I want him. He grabs my wrist and I tug slightly, refusing to give in.
"I'm sure. Even if I want to. We can't." I state, firmly.
"Oh, I think we can." He argues, standing up completely. Looking down I watch his shoes like they are the most fascinating things in the world. When I feel his hand under my chin forcing me to acknowledge him. I try to fight it.
"This is not a good idea." I reiterate.
"I think you've mentioned that. Its best not to think." He advises, as his face draws close to mine.
Just one kiss. One kiss then we stop. The pressure of his lips on mine is exciting, I feel my heart racing as he demands we deepen the kiss. My arms come between us and rest on his hard chest, I part my lips kissing him back. His kiss is gentle at first, then becomes more frenzied. The small groan that escapes from deep in my throat brings me back and I pull away, just now realizing I'm completely wrapped around Ajax with my fingers dug into his hair, while his hands cup my bottom. I unhook my legs straightening them as Ajax reluctantly releases his hold on me.
"Well, I guess that answers that." I say, walking somewhat unsteady to get the remainder of my things from the closet.
"Answers what?" Ajax asks, clearly at a loss over my statement.
I turn slightly to answer him. "Totally, worth that aggravation." I clarify, smirking as his eyes narrow in annoyance.

Ajax Preston

    Watching Harp leave makes me feel completely gutted. Why does this have to be so difficult? She knows how I feel about her and she has the same feelings. Why cant we just fast forward this to happily ever after? I pick up my phone glaring at it. Its been ten minutes since she left and she promised to call when she got there safely. Grabbing my phone I walk to the barn, going straight to the first stall on my left. "Hey, boy. They treating you right?" I ask, Boris my old quarter horse I've had for the past 5 years. Stroking his head I feel nothing but affection for him.  I've definitely been neglecting him lately. As well as my other responsibilities, all my focus has been on Harp. I open his stall door and pick up the brush from the rail. I start brushing him down, knowing he doesn't need it, but wanting the distraction. When my phone rings it surprises me.
I answer right away. "Okay, I'm here and getting settled in." Harp says, before I have a chance to even say, "Hello."
"Are you sure y-"
"Ugh, not this again. I'm sure! I'll see you tomorrow, 8 a.m. On the button." She interrupts, sounding cheerful. I can't help but wonder if shes happy about seeing me tomorrow. Maybe I can get another kiss. I'll have to make sure I'm back for lunch.
"I'll be in the fields by 8, but I'll be back for lunch." I inform her.
"What! You're not going to sit inside watching me work on spread sheets and files?" Her sarcastic tone tells me I may have been a little ridiculous this last week.
"No, but I would like to see you spread out on some sheets." Her gasp has me smiling from ear to ear, after a few seconds I ask, "Cat got your tongue?"
"I cannot believe you just said that." She whispers through the phone.
"I'm sorry. Didn't know I was supposed to keep it a secret." I respond easily. Happy that I got an reaction from her. The more I can get her thinking about me and her together the better it will be. At this point it can't hurt.
"Well, sweet dreams big boy." She purrs, instantly sending my blood pumping.
"I see a lot of cold showers in my future." I grumble knowingly, as I adjust myself. She doesn't say goodbye but I hear her laugh before the phone call ends. No matter how long it takes to make her mine, its going to be worth the wait. That I know for sure.

    When I wake up the following morning I indeed need a cold shower. My thoughts wouldn't steer clear of Harp even for a second. As soon as my eyes opened I have been plagued with the memory of yesterdays kiss. Her response was passionate and mine was just as fierce. I've never wanted anything as bad as I do Harp. Its infuriating how she could go back to packing when I was left completely undone.
Leaving my room I walk to the kitchen where, per Ma's instructions there is a hot meal and coffee ready for me. Courtesy, of Rosa our cook/housekeeper. I eat quickly and take a thermos of coffee with me to the barn. The farm hands are gathered by the door of the barn waiting to discuss what needs to be done today. Like everyday the "to-do" list on a ranch is never-ending, and just gets longer and longer. There's always fence to fix, weeds to spray, equipment to fix, hay to cut, bale, stack and move, feed to grind, cattle to count, bills to pay, manure to haul, taxes to file, the list goes on and on. Somethings on the ranch are more interesting than others, thats where Harp comes in. Harp gets the boring stuff and I get to spend my days in the bliss of the outdoors.
Standing with the men I've known for years or more, I feel settled. Harp will be here in another couple hours and I'll get to spend lunch with her. I wonder what I can think up to keep her here late tonight?
"Morning Bossman, welcome back." Clint greets, with a smile.
"Morning." I say, acknowledging everyone at once. Discussions about urgent issues with equipment is first on the list of things to do today. Noon cannot come soon enough.