Wishing On A Cowboy

How could he grown into a strong sexy man in three short years? Probably the same way she’d turned into a skittish punching bag. It seemed like yesterday they were sitting on the dock together. Hunter’s ranch had a nice pond not too far from the house. It did seem so long ago. Had she really been that naive, dreamer? She knew better now.

“You look tired. Why don’t you stay here a few days and you can get things sorted out.”

Hunter appeared a bit wary and she didn’t blame him.

“Hunter I don’t deserve your kindness.” She waited for his denial but it didn’t happen.

“Well, we used to be neighbors. You rest up and we can talk more later. I have a ton of work to do. I’ll send Cindy in to get you something to eat.”

“It’s not necessary, Hunter.”

“It is Maggie. I wouldn’t feel right sending you off in your condition.”

Nodding she watched him walk out the door. He was everything a man should be. Why hadn’t she recognized it before? No use feeling sorry for herself now. She needed to come up with a plan for her future. Finding a job and some place to live was doable.

The front door opened, Cindy stomped into the room, still holding Jake. “I guess I missed the election.” She scowled.

“What election?”

“The one that made you the boss around here. Daddy always said he was the boss, but somehow I have to take care of you and do what you ask.”

“Cindy I’m sorry.”

“Save it lady. Don’t get too comfy here. Daddy says it will only be a day or two.” Cindy gave her a mocking smile. “You might have fooled daddy with your down and out story, but I’m on to you. He doesn’t have time to rescue every fool that comes here. He has me and that’s all he needs.”

“Cindy, I think you have the wrong idea.”

Cindy shook her head and smiled. “No. It is you that has the wrong idea. Daddy and I have been doing just fine without any floozies trying to interfere. In fact, you remind me of my mother. The state took me away from her no good ass.”

Maggie didn’t know what to say. Cindy had a big chip on her shoulder, but she didn’t plan to be here very long. It was no use setting the girl straight. “Well, thanks for your honesty. I’m going to take a nap now.”

Cindy’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. Obviously, she wasn’t used to someone that didn’t fight back. Disappointment filled her eyes before she turned and walked out of the great room.

Realizing that she was still being used as a punching bag by Cindy, she swore. Her weakness must be so obvious that a little girl could pick up on it and use it. Resting her head on the arm of the couch, she could feel every ache in her body. She was black and blue under her clothes. She hadn’t thought about what people would think when they saw her bruised face, and hacked off hair.

Slowly she closed her eyes.