Chasing Arizona

In Pictures

As excited as I am to be working on Chasing Arizona, I'm even more pumped about writing October's book, which I've already written five chapters to. I can't wait to finish this to post that! Can y'all believe we're already half way through the Red Mire Hearts series!? 

Update: I'm so sorry for the long wait between writing. My laptop has been down for the count and I've been trying not to use it. I'll try to upload a little more often, but I make no promises. 

Arizona

Rhett  picked me up at seven o'clock the next morning in a beat up 90s model truck with a soft, encouraging smile on his handsome face. His body was encased in honest-to-goodness Wranglers and a worn long sleeve shirt despite the heat that was already creeping in. The bed of the truck was filled with wooden posts, a bale of barbed wire and a post hole digger and all of that along with a well worn pair of gloves sticking out of the front of his jeans clued me in on his plans for the day. Looked like someone was going to be busy while I hopefully got acquainted with Mr. Hailey. I didn't say much to him as he opened my truck door, I was still half-way asleep since the dinky little motel I was staying in didn't have a continental breakfast or even a coffee pot en-suite. I was in slightly better spirits this morning than most since I'd been able to soak up booze with my favorite meal aside from Aunt Rose's chicken pot pie but a cup of coffee would work wonders on my dampened mood.

"Don't you look like a ray of sunshine this morning?" Rhett teased once he slid in the cab of the truck, the scent of his soap overtaking the earthy smell and creating what I was certain would be the next big hit in men's cologne. My nether regions began a parade when he flashed me a smile and a quick wink before starting up the truck and heading in the direction of the Lily Ranch. I croaked out my 'no coffee, no food' defense weakly, really playing up my ailment. Just as I'd hoped, minutes later he whipped into a drive-in doughnut shop and ordered a large coffee to go, half a dozen large jalapeno and cheese kolaches and a dozen mixed doughnuts. Like the night before, I was able to nab my cash before he had access to his and hand it over to the cute googly eyed high school aged teenager at the window, who smiled widely showing off lime green braces when I told her to keep the change. I had a feeling that Rhett was a regular since she also slid another large cup our way mumbling something about "Mr. Parker's usual" and ran of with a warm blush on her face. 

After accepting our food and steaming cups of what smelled like pecan coffee Rhett redirected us toward the ranch while I scarfed down a few of the best kolaches I'd ever had and sipped on my sweet, sweet caffeinated nectar. I handed over a few of the golden goodies hesitantly, poking my tongue out at Rhett when he grumbled playfully at me. It wasn't until the truck began to slow and the gleaming gates with scrolling letters came into view that the food I'd consumed turned to lead in my gut. 

We were here and there was no turning back. 

Rhett

It wasn't until I saw the two staring disbelievingly at one another that I noticed the physical similarities they shared. It was like I'd held a mirror up in front of Caine and tweaked a few features. Neither one spoke as the two eyed one another, the only audible sound was the hum from his ancient FrigidAir, a looming beast for all the ruckus it made in the moment. I wanted to step out, give the two of them time to get acquainted but Arizona had a death grip on my hand and I'd sooner tattoo myself with a branding iron than pull my hand from hers. Her hand had been firmly planted in mine since the moment we'd left the truck and her grip had only grown tighter with every step toward the house. Caine, who'd been inside grabbing a glass of water when we'd knocked, looked stricken with pain as he gaped at her, an expression he'd adopted from the moment he'd made contact with the glorious woman standing in front of him. Neither had said a word since the shutter sounded from the screen door and I was wondering if they'd had any time to process what was going on. Arizona's mouth was set in an amazed pout, staring as she took in the man I'm sure she'd only dreamed about. I took a minute to study him for myself, taking note of the grey streaks at each of his temples and the sun worn skin of his face, wondering what she must be thinking. He was as tall as he'd always seemed to be, five-ten at the most with a slim yet muscular build. He was dirty, carrying smudges of something around his face and sweaty despite the fact that it was early yet. It was hard to attempt to picture him as a stranger, this man I'd known for as long as I could remember but I wanted to try for Arizona's sake. My heart went out to her. 

Their staring contest went on few a few minutes longer before a shuddering breath broke the overall silence of the kitchen and a chocking sound came from Caine's throat. His lean body swayed briefly before an arm shot out toward the small kitchen island to steady his body. His tanned face dropped to a stark white. 

"You look just like your mother."