I cleared my throat, trying to dislodge the lump so I could speak to this handsome stranger.
"She don't mean that she's just worked up over her ride." Jarred said, crossing his arms and looking at the man. "'Sides, it's none of your business."
The strangers eyes went cold as he looked at Jarred. His eyes held a challenge I knew Jarred would take but his size told me Jarred stood no chance.
"Guys, why don't you both just mind your own business and go tie your ropes?" I suggested, hoping they'd walk away with not another word. But of course, Jared's big mouth meant that was a lost hope.
"You just be quiet and let us men handle this." Jarred said, giving me a stern look.
I laughed once before taking a step closer, clenching my fist and nailing him right on the nose.
He stumbled back and a hand instantly went up to his nose, blood seeping through the spaces of his fingers.
"You just be quiet." I mocked, turning around and hoping he wouldn't notice me looking at my hand.
It was already starting to bruise and the knuckles were sore but I would be fine.
"Let me see that." the stranger said as he stepped around in front of me. I took that as Jarred had left but didn't give him my hand.
"I'll be fine. Not the first time I've hit somebody before." I said as I walked over to the neighboring trailer's cooler and opened it up, pulling out a handful of ice and walking back.
"I'm sure it ain't. I could tell by your stance, but it still banged that hand uh yours up pretty bad." He said, reaching in his pocket and handing me a blue paisley hanky.
I smiled as I wrapped the ice, placing it on my hand.
"What's that grin about? Never seen a hanky?" He asked sarcastically.
"Not since my papaw died. Didn't know guys actually carried these." I said, sitting down on the saddle rack.
"Only the real men." He said, putting his hand on his waist as he stood there, looking at me.
"What's your name? How old are you?" He asked, taking a seat on the edge of the trailer next to me.
I looked at him. A perfect stranger asking for my name. I debated giving him a fake one, or saying I was Lanie, but decided against it.
"Why should I give you my name? I don't even know you." I said, moving the ice to examine my hand.
His hand covered mine as he gently pressed the ice back against my hand.
"My name's Bullet." He said. "Now you know me."
I examined him. He wasn't a boy, he was an honest man. Strong and mature. And hopefully harmless.
"19." I returned, looking back at my hand, only giving him my age
"Nice to meet ya 19." He said, putting his hand in my line of sight. I shook it with my good hand and noticed the electric like feel that covered my skin at his warm touch."Don't look like we're strangers no more."
