My Cowboy with Benefits

Chapter 4

Maggie's P.O.V.

Well, today's the day. I'm moving in with Chelsea. The only bad part about it is the fact that it's tearing my mom in half. Rachelle and I have never not talked to each other. Now, my mom doesn't know what to do. She knows that what she did was wrong not she can't just write off one of her children. I completely understand. I just can't live under the same roof as Rachelle. She hurt me worse than I've ever been hurt.

There's a knock at the door. I get up to answer it. I see that Luke, Chelsea, Taylor, Landon, and Jordan are all here. Taylor is Chelsea's boyfriend and Landon is Jordan's. I motion for them to come in.

"How on earth did you get my big brother to come help? He never does anything I ask."

"I have my ways."

"Should I ask?"

"It's probably best you don't."

"Thought so."

After a few minutes of conversing, we get started. The guys get my dresser and my vanity loaded into Landon's truck. My bed is put in Luke's and the rest of my furniture is put on Taylor's. That includes a chair and a desk.

Jordan, Chelsea, and I get my clothes packed and stuffed into their cars. Once everything's packed, I get in Luke's truck while everyone else gets in their own cars. Luke promised to bring me back for my car later.

After Luke gets in, I reach for his hand. I pull him in for a kiss. We're both breathless when we pull away.

"Well, what was that for?"

"Yesterday." He cranks the truck and starts to drive.

"What about yesterday?"

"Don't act like you don't know. Jordan told me what you did yesterday. I really appreciate it. And for helping me today. I couldn't do this without you."

"You're welcome for yesterday. If given the chance, I'd do it again. As for today, Landon and Taylor are helping you too. Are you going to kiss them like you just kissed me?"

"Hell no. I will not do to Chelsea and Jordan what my sister did to me." A look of relief mixed with something else washes over his face. It looks like regret.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way."

"I know. You were just teasing. It's fine."

"You're not mad?"

"Nope."

"Good. I don't know what I'd do if you were mad at me."

He smiles that charming smile. I can't help but to smile back. And blush.

"You know with me you'd never have to worry about me hurting you the way Wyatt did. I have more respect for women than that asshole does."

I swear, if I didn't know any better, I'd think I lost a piece of my heart to him just then. But before I can say anything, we're pulling up to the house. I guess that conversation is better left unfinished. For now.

As soon as we're all out of the vehicles, the guys start taking my furniture up to my new room. Us other three get to work unpacking my clothes out of the cars. There's still a few little things at my moms but I can always load them into my own car.

Once everything's set up the way I want, we set my clothes in my room. I can put them away later. I'm just really tired right now.

By the time we're finished, it's time for lunch. Since no one would let me pay them, I'm buying lunch. I don't care if they like it or not. I believe in rewarding those who help me out.

"Lunch is on me. No arguments. What sounds good?"

"Chinese?"

"Works for me. Any objections?"

Everyone seems to be fine with Chinese. After taking everyone's orders, Luke and I go pick it up.

"Are you sure you wanna pay for lunch? I was raised to never let the lady pay the full bill."

"It's fine. I can handle it. You guys helped me when you didn't have to. This is my way of thinking you."

"Okay. It just doesn't feel right letting you pay for everything."

"If you really want to pay for something, you can buy a six pack of beer. Chelsea's out and I desperately need a beer right now."

"Fine by me."

We stop for the beer first. Then we head for lunch. On our way back to the house, his words from earlier keep ringing in my ears. I can't ignore it any longer.

"Look, about what you said earlier. About you never hurting me like Wyatt-"

"I know. I know. You're not looking for anything long term. You just want to have a little fun. I understand. I was just stating a fact. If only I had stayed after graduation, maybe things would be different for us. We'll never know."

"Thanks for understanding."

He smiles at me but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. I swear that there's a hint of sadness in them. I feel another piece of my heart lost to him. Too bad we didn't happen before Wyatt. I would have actually been able to love him. Now it just isn't possible. I was ruined by that asshole and my sister.

When we get back to the house, Luke hardly says anything at all. He only looks at me. It's a little strange.

Jordan leans a little closer to me.

"What's up with my brother? He hasn't said anything since y'all have been back. He's only been staring at you. Is something wrong?"

"I honestly don't know. We had a conversation in the truck and I don't think it settled well with him."

"A conversation? About what?"

"What are you ladies talking about? Me, I hope."

We turn to see Luke standing in front of us. He's smiling his famous charming smile.

"Why would we ever be talking about you? There are far greater things to talk about then my obnoxious older brother."

I can't help but chuckle.

"Yeah. Like what?"

"Like how gorgeous Chris Pratt is. Or Johnny Depp. Even George Clooney. Need I go on?"

"No. You'll hurt my pride even more. I just came to see if I could steal Mags for a little bit. There's something I want to show her."

"Maybe you should ask her."

He groans. It's easy to see that they still live to irritate each other.

"Maggie, can I steal you away for a few hours? I have something to show you."

"Sure." I turn to Jordan and Chelsea. "I'll see you guys later. Chels, don't wait up for me. I don't know when I'll be back."

"Okay. See you later."

"Bye guys."

"Bye."

When we get in his truck, I turn to glare at him.

"What?"

"You didn't say a word the entire time through lunch. Or afterwards. Now you want to show me something. What's up with you?"

"I'm sorry. It's just I realized I was being fair to you. I shouldn't have said anything. I wasn't thinking. Forgive me?"

"Yeah."

I swear I need to put a better guard around my heart. It's like every time he says something to me, my heart goes out to him. I need to find a way to stop it before it's too late.

"So where are we going?"

"You'll just have to wait and see. It's a surprise, Mags."

I grunt in response. "Fine. Don't tell me."

"I didn't plan on it."