Give Into Me

Chapter Three

Ashton had been at the ranch for a month now. He loved it there, and he loved the people. He helped Harley set the table for dinner, carefully pushing all the cats off the table. Harley brought the cups out to the table and squealed when Michael came up behind her, poking her sides. "Michael, you dick, cut it out." She giggled, elbowing his ribs. Ashton sighed to himself, his crush hadn't dissipated yet.

"I just like hearing you giggle." Michael laughed, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.

"Go away, I'm trying to set the table." Harley pushed him away, setting the stack of cups on the table.

"Why don't you two just get a room." Tyler laughed, taking a seat at the head of the table.

"He wishes." Harley stuck her tongue out at Michael and set the dish of lasagna on the table. Everyone came and sat down, Michael next to Harley. Everyone served themselves and started eating in a comfortable silence. Michael reached his fork over to Harley's plate and stole a bite of her lasagna. "Mike, fuck off." Harley laughed, hiding her plate from him.

"Language, Harley Quinn." Tyler glared at her. She mumbled an apology and took a bite of her food.

"Harley wants a room with Hunter Bryan." Luke smirked at her, causing a blush to form on her cheeks.

"I do not. I don't like him like that." Harley defended, crossing her arms.

"He likes you, though." Michael laughed. "Every time I go in to buy more dog food, he always has to ask if you're seeing anyone yet."

"Uh, I thought you two were dating?" Ashton asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.

"Excuse me?" Harley choked slightly. "Me and Michael?"

"Me and Harley?" Michael and Harley shared a look before bursting into a fit of laughter.

"We aren't dating. I would never date Michael, I know him too well to ever date him." Harley laughed, wiping her eyes.

"They always act like a couple, because that's just how they are." Calum explained. "Ever since we were kids, they acted like a married couple."

"Have you all known each other long?"

"We've been friends since kindergarten. Michael and Harley became friends first and then they found Luke and I." Calum nodded.

"I'm only friends with Harley because her name is Harley Quinn." Michael joked, smirking at her.

"I'm only friends with Michael because he gave me his Oreo's on the first day of school." Harley countered.

"Calum and I were friends from birth. Our parents had been friends, so naturally we became friends. Once Calum became friends with Michael, I did too. And, Harley was there too." Luke smiled. "I lived down the road, so Harley and I would always get off the bus together."

"We all just stayed friends. We were made to be friends." Harley smiled. "I couldn't imagine being friends with anyone else."

"You're a big sap." Calum laughed, finishing his food. He set his plate on the floor for one of the dogs to lick clean. "Anyways, Ashton, you should come to the bar on Thursday. Harley performs there every other Thursday night."

"No!" Harley yelled. "I mean, you don't have to. I'm not very good."

"Are you kidding me? Harley, you're incredible." Luke furrowed his eyebrows.

"What kind of songs do you sing?" Ashton asked, wondering if maybe this would be something he'd like.

"Usually country songs. You know, look where we are. We're in redneck country here." She smiled softly. "But, you don't have to come. You shouldn't come."

"Whatever, I won't go." Ashton shrugged. "Country isn't exactly my thing."

"None of us really like it, but we don't hate it, either." Calum shrugged. "She does good, though." Harley glared at Calum and Ashton wondered why she didn't want him to come. "Though, someone does have to stay with Luke. He's not old enough to get into the bar."

"Yet they still let me in every other Thursday." Luke laughed, bringing his plate to the kitchen.

***

On Thursday, Ashton rode into town with Luke. He had told Harley he wouldn't go, but the boys convinced him to come. He drove to the bar and parked outside. Ashton followed Luke inside, flashing the bouncer his ID. He followed Luke to the bar where Calum stood. "You made it." Calum grinned, handing Luke a beer.

"I did." Ashton smiled and watched as Luke sipped the beer. "How can you serve him when he's underage?"

"It's actually apple juice. He thinks it's a different brew." Calum whispered, holding back a laugh. Ashton laughed, covering his mouth with his hand. Harley walked out onto the small stage with her guitar.

"Hey everybody." Harley smiled. "I'm gonna start things off with a bit of the Dixie Chicks." She smiled before playing the opening chords of Cowboy Take Me Away. She began to sing, and Ashton's heart fluttered. He had heard the boys say she was a good singer, but he didn't think she'd be this good. Her voice made Ashton's knees weak.

"I'm pretty sure Ashton just fell in love." Luke laughed, watching Ashton's reaction. "Cal, give me another beer. They never seem to give me a buzz." Calum laughed softly and handed Luke another bottle full of apple juice. Calum tried to get Ashton's attention, but Ashton was too caught up in listening to Harley sing.

"You're right, Lu. He's in love." Calum grinned, crossing his arms. The song ended, and Ashton blinked slowly.

"I'm gonna write her a song." Ashton said, Calum and Luke staring at him.

"You're gonna write her a song?" Luke asked, raising an eyebrow.

"With a voice like hers, she needs something better than the Dixie Chicks." Ashton shrugged. "I'm gonna write her a song."