Chapter Ten

Kinley pulled her car out of the driveway and was relieved to see that the roads were clear. Mr. Barton never seemed to let his age slow him down when it came to plowing their roads after a snowstorm.

As she drove home, she couldn’t help but smile as she thought about Levi.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about last night, and Cody and Addison not having any alcohol because of Levi. They were an amazing couple and she loved them both.

Despite everything Levi had been through, Kinley believed in him and knew he would never intentionally hurt anyone. She had faith that he would never hurt her, but she needed to convince him.

As she pulled into her driveway and parked her car, Kinley hurried inside to escape the cold. Tootsie, her cat, greeted her with a glare from the sofa.

“I know, I know,” Kinley sighed as she removed her hat and coat. “But I wanted to stay with Levi.”

Tootsie hopped off the sofa and marched into the kitchen with her tail held high. Smirking at her cat’s attitude, Kinley made sure Tootsie had food and water before heading out of the kitchen.

“I’m going to take a hot bath to get warmed up. You can come with me or stay here, it’s up to you. ”

As she climbed the stairs to her bedroom and grabbed her sweatshirt and sweatpants. Tootsie followed her into the bathroom and perched on the edge of the tub as Kinley turned on the water and Tootsie swiped at it with her paw.

“I guess you’ve forgiven me.” Kinley chuckled. Just as she was about to step into the warm water, her phone buzzed on the counter. She saw that it was Addison calling.

“Hi there,” she answered cheerfully.

“Are you home or still at Levi’s?” Addison asked.

“I’m back home now. Levi told me that Mr. Barton cleared the roads again.”

“That old man is such a sweetheart,” Addison remarked. “He even plowed our driveway again too.”

“He loves doing it,” Kinley agreed. “I think it keeps him young at heart.”

“I agree. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Last night was fun.”

“It was. I had a great time. Thank you for not serving alcohol,” Kinley said with a catch in her voice.

“I didn’t want to make Levi uncomfortable. Kinley, I feel so bad for him. He’s had a rough life. I could kill his father myself.”

“You and me, both. When he told me, I cried.”

“I did too when Cody told me. How can anyone do that to a child? I don’t mean just beating him but hitting his mother in front of him.”

“He loved his mother so much. She was the only good thing in his life until he met Mr. Brown. I’d love to meet that man and thank him.”

“He sounds like what Levi needed in his life. You should try to contact him.”

“I might do that.”

“Levi loves you. I could see it anytime he looked at you.”

“I love him too. So much, it scares me.”

“You’ll be fine. Oh, I hear Cody calling for me. I’ll see you Monday. Love you.”

“Yep, back to work. I’ll see you then. Love you too.”

After placing her phone back on the counter, Kinley stepped into the hot water, and sunk down into it, moaning at how good it felt. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, then sat up and listened.

“Is that ice I hear hitting the windows? Damn it, I hate driving in ice. I hope it’s gone by Monday.” She looked at Tootsie to see her staring at her. “Don’t give me that look. You don’t have to go out in it. Lucky you.”

Kinley laughed when the cat jumped down from the tub and walked out the door.

“You have no idea how good you’ve got it,” she yelled, and she was sure if a cat could give the finger, Tootsie was doing it.

****

Finally, after months of bitter cold and barren landscapes, spring had arrived in full force. Levi couldn’t have been happier to see it. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and it was a perfect day to be outside. He stretched his arms above his head and let out a contented sigh.

“Levi?”

He turned to see Jude strolling toward him, a smile on his face.

“What’s up, Jude?”

“We’re loading four of the bulls up for the competition this weekend. The other four are out in the east pasture.”

“Got it. Are you going to the competition too?”

“Definitely. I’ve been itching to go since last fall. Axel and Carl are going too.”

Levi chuckled. “You always get excited for these things.”

“I can’t help it. It’s my favorite event to see.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it.”

“Well, I better start getting ready. We’re heading to Kalispell. You should go.”

“I’ll think about it. I haven’t been to one in a while.”

“You could drive there tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend.”

“I might do that. And maybe I’ll ask Kinley if she wants to come along.”

“Cody said he’s going too. Not sure about Addison though.”

“I’ll find out from Kinley. If Addison’s going, I know Kinley will want to go.”

“Alright then. Maybe I’ll see you there.” Jude jogged over to the truck and hopped onto the passenger seat.

As they drove off, Levi waved at them and watched as two trucks pulling trailers passed by him, each carrying two bulls for the competition.

Levi walked across the yard and knocked on her door. Cody answered with a grin.

“Hey, Levi. What brings you here?”

“I just wanted to know if Addison is going with you this weekend. ”

“Yeah, why do you ask?”

“I might go too and take Kinley. I know she’d go for sure if Addison was.”

“That would be great. We’re planning on leaving when Addison gets home after work tomorrow, since the competition doesn’t start until six.”

“Sounds good. I’ll check with her and let you know.”

“Alright. Hope you both can make it.”

“We’ll see. Have a good time either way.”

“We always do.” Cody grinned.

Levi walked back toward the barn, pulling out his phone to text Kinley who was at work.

Hey baby, do you want to go to Kalispell this weekend for the bull riding competition? Cody’s bulls are in it, and he said Addison was going too.

I would love to go. Addison told me they were leaving after she got home from work.

The competition starts at six so if we leave early enough, we should have plenty of time to get there.

Perfect. See you tonight.

Alright. Love you.

Love you too.

Grinning to himself, Levi pocketed his phone and headed to his office. It was Friday, which meant he had to print out the payroll checks for all the ranch hands. Though they were set up with direct deposit, Levi always made sure to give them physical copies for their records.

He looked forward to dinner tonight with Kinley, where he planned on discussing when she would move in with him. He knew it was still early in their relationship, but he couldn’t deny how much he wanted her by his side every day. Still, he wouldn’t pressure her into anything she wasn’t ready for. Whenever she was ready was fine with him.

****

Kinley eagerly pocketed her phone, the anticipation of the upcoming weekend evident in her smile.

“I can’t wait to go,” she said to Addison.

“It’s always a blast. We don’t go every weekend, but when it’s not too far away, we make sure to attend,” Addison replied with a grin.

“Do you usually stay for the whole weekend?”

“Yeah, we usually get a hotel room. I’ll have Cody take care of it since he has some connections at the hotel we’re staying at,” Addison said casually.

“Good idea. I doubt Levi even thought about that. I certainly didn’t.” Kinley chuckled.

“Well, you could always drive back home, but it would be a late night. The competition goes on for a couple hours and I wouldn’t want to make that drive back so late. It would be after eight and then another two hours to get home.”

“No thank you, that does sound like a long day. Who wants to drive for two hours after sitting through a competition?” Kinley agreed.

“Exactly. I’ll give Cody a call about the hotel room,” Addison said as she pulled out her phone.

As Kinley continued working on the prescriptions, she couldn’t help but think about making dinner for Levi tonight and hoping he would stay overnight. But she also reminded herself that she had to wake up early in the morning.

Just as Kinley was lost in thought, the door chime sounded, and she turned to see Betty Lou Harper walking in. She loved the woman but also knew that she was quite the gossip around town.

“Hello Betty Lou. How are you?” Kinley greeted her with a smile.

“I’m doing just fine, honey. I need to pick up my blood pressure medicine,” Betty Lou replied cheerfully.

“Of course, let me grab that for you.” Kinley made her way over to the bins and searched for Betty Lou’s prescription. She found it and brought the bag to the cash register. “Here you go, Betty Lou. No charge.”

“Thank you, honey. I have good insurance,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye.

“That you do.” Kinley smiled.

“So, anyone new in your life?” Betty Lou asked with a knowing look.

Kinley couldn’t help but bite her lip at that question, but she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face either.

“As a matter of fact, I am seeing someone,” she replied.

“I heard it was Levi Thomas.” Betty Lou raised her eyebrows mischievously.

Kinley blushed but couldn’t hide her excitement. “Yes, that’s correct.”

“He’s quite the handsome devil. You’re a lucky girl.” Betty Lou winked before heading out the door.

Kinley couldn’t help but laugh at the woman as she left. She knew Betty Lou drove Sam crazy at times being his assistant at the front desk, but she also knew he adored her. After all, she was his godmother, and she never missed an opportunity to tell everyone.

****

On Saturday afternoon, Levi trailed behind Cody as they drove toward Kalispell for the competition. Kinley sat next to him, her face beaming with excitement. They took separate vehicles in case either of them decided to leave earlier.

“I can’t wait to see this. I’ve never been into bull riding before, but I bet it’s incredible in person,” she exclaimed.

“Yeah, it really is. I’ve attended a few since working for him and it’s always a great time.”

“It was so kind of him to get us a room.”

“He didn’t have to do that. I’ll pay him back.”

Kinley chuckled. “You know he won’t accept the money.”

Levi shook his head. “Probably not, but I’ll still offer.”

“Addison said he knows the owner of the hotel and always stays there during competitions in Kalispell. Can you believe I’ve never been to Kalispell? I hear it’s absolutely stunning.”

“Isn’t all of Montana beautiful?”

“Very true.”

They stopped at a fast-food restaurant, ordered their food to go, and continued on their journey.

Levi’s stereo notified him of a text message just before they reached the exit for Kalispell. He glanced at the screen and then at Kinley .

“Aren’t you going to check what it says?” she asked, her tone indicating she wasn’t thrilled about seeing a message from Tara.

He shrugged and pressed the button for the screen to read the message aloud.

I’m in Clifton. How about lunch?

He chuckled and cleared his throat when Kinley glared at him.

“What? It looks like I won’t be meeting her for lunch after all.”

“So, you were planning to meet up with her?”

“Shit. Kinley, I just want to know what she’s up to. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to her. You should know that.”

Kinley huffed. “I do. I’m just curious too.”

He replied to the text through his stereo, letting her know he was in Kalispell.

When will you be back? she responded.

“Needy little thing, isn’t she?” Kinley commented.

He messaged her back saying he wasn’t sure. When he didn’t get a response, he glanced at Kinley.

“You know, her number is right there if you want to ask her yourself.”

“You think I won’t?”

Levi laughed. “I never doubted it for a second. Go ahead.”

Kinley mumbled something under her breath and pulled out her phone to text Tara. Levi did his best not to grin.

Her phone buzzed almost immediately and Kinley burst out laughing as she read the message.

“She asked ‘who the fuck are you?’”

Levi chuckled. “Tell her.”

“Oh, I will.” She sent another text but didn’t get a response.

“What did you say?”

“I told her I’m the woman you’re in love with, so back the fuck off.”

He couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head.

“Well, hopefully now she’ll leave me alone.”

“Somehow I doubt it.” When the phone buzzed again, Kinley looked at Levi with a raised eyebrow.

“Told you,” she said.

“Read it.”

“First off, what color is her hair?”

Levi frowned but answered. “Blonde.”

He listened as Kinley typed away, then handed him back his phone with a smile. He shook his head.

“I’m afraid to ask.”

Kinley shrugged. “I just told her if she bothered you again, I’d pull her blonde hair out by her black roots, end of story.”

He didn’t say anything, but bit his lip to keep from grinning, as they followed Cody’s truck into the hotel parking lot.

“What a beautiful place,” Kinley remarked.

“Yeah, it is. This must have cost a fortune.”

“Cody can afford it. We all know that. His bulls bring in a lot of money.”

“I’m aware.” Levi parked the truck and turned off the engine before stepping out, stretching his arms, and arching his back.

Kinley followed suit. “It feels good to move around after sitting for so long.”

Levi grabbed his duffle bag and Kinley’s small overnight case from the backseat, and they walked over to where Cody and Addison were waiting.

“Man, I feel like we’ve been driving forever. Even though it’s only a two-hour trip,” Cody complained.

“We stayed up pretty late,” Addison added, her cheeks turning pink as everyone looked at her. “Shut up.”

Kinley laughed. “We were up late too.” She glanced at Levi, who winked at her.

“Let’s get our rooms. I might take a nap before the event,” Cody suggested, leading the way into the hotel.

After settling into their rooms, Kinley flopped onto the bed. “I could use a nap too.” She yawned.

Levi checked his watch. “It’s only three, so we have three hours until the event starts. A nap sounds nice. Someone kept me up last night.”

Kinley giggled. “I love keeping you up.”

He grinned and began to undress, motioning for her to join him on the bed. He slid under the covers and patted the spot next to him.

“Come on, baby. Let’s grab a quick nap before getting ready.” His phone buzzed.

“If that’s her again, I’m going to be pissed,” Kinley muttered.

“It’s Cody asking if we want to grab dinner downstairs around five,” Levi said.

“That sounds good,” she replied.

“Okay, I’ll let him know we’ll meet them then.” Levi sent a quick text back and set an alarm for an hour. “I don’t know if it’s worth taking a nap now. We’d only have an hour before we need to get up and shower.”

“Well, I’m going to try anyway. An hour is better than nothing.” Kinley snuggled under the covers.

“Alright, I’ll try too.” Levi set his own alarm and set it on the nightstand before looking over at her. “Don’t hit me this time when the alarm goes off,” he joked, earning a snort of laughter from Kinley.

After dinner, they headed straight to the arena. The parking lot was packed, but since their hotel was conveniently located across the street, they decided to walk.

****

Kinley’s face lit up with a smile as Levi reached for her hand, and they followed Cody and Addison through the parking lot of the arena.

“Ah, the delicious smells of event food,” she remarked.

“But you just ate,” Levi reminded her.

“I don’t care. I plan on getting some popcorn.”

“I’m going for funnel cake,” Addison declared.

“Oh, that sounds good too.”

Levi and Cody chuckled as they entered through a side door. Cody flashed his ID at a security guard, who promptly let them inside.

“It must be nice to be so well-known,” Kinley commented.

Cody smirked. “Well, it got you in here, didn’t it?”

“Smartass,” she retorted playfully, earning a laugh from everyone.

“Let’s find some seats, and once the events start, we’ll get you girls some funnel cake,” Cody said, leaning down to kiss Addison’s forehead.

They found seats, and Addison and Kinley sat beside each other, with Levi beside Kinley and Cody beside Addison.

“How many bulls do you have competing tonight, Cody?” Kinley asked.

“Four.”

“And how many do you have?”

“Eight. I might even add a few more.”

“Wonderful,” Levi muttered dryly, causing Cody to chuckle .

“Their names are listed in the program,” Cody said.

She skimmed through the list and burst into laughter. “I love these names! The Reaper, A Big Ruckus, Nemesis, The Hitman...”

“The Hitman has the perfect name. That bull always tries to take down anyone who gets near him,” Levi commented with a shake of his head.

“No one has ever lasted the full eight seconds on him,” Cody added proudly.

As the lights dimmed and everyone stood for the National Anthem, Kinley couldn’t help but feel swept up in the excitement. But when Cody’s bull, Nemesis, was announced as owned by four-time bull riding champion Cody Haines, the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer.

“Wow, you’re quite the popular guy. They don’t know you like we do,” Kinley teased with a grin.

Cody leaned forward and looked at Levi. “Do something about your woman, will you?”

“I will. When we get back to the hotel room,” Levi replied with a smirk, earning another laugh from Cody.

The bull burst out of the chute with a cowboy clinging on for dear life. Kinley jumped up from her seat and let out a loud shrill whistle.

“Go Nemesis!” she shouted proudly, causing some people around them to boo. “Hey! That man right there owns that bull! Show some respect.”

The surrounding crowd laughed at Kinley’s boldness. Levi reached over and pulled her back down by her belt loop.

“I don’t feel like getting into a fight tonight.”

“ Pffft , I can take any one of them,” Kinley scoffed confidently .

Levi shot Cody a knowing look. “She won’t be allowed back here again.”

But Cody, Addison, and Kinley all just laughed at their playful banter.

As the cowboy was thrown off the bull prematurely, the crowd let out a collective groan. But Kinley couldn’t help but stand up and cheer again in support of Cody. The announcer then informed everyone that Cody was actually in the audience.

“Come on, Cody. Stand up and give us a wave,” the announcer urged.

“Damn it,” Cody grumbled, but he stood up and raised his hand to acknowledge the crowd. On the jumbotron Addison, Kinley, and Levi were also shown. Cody touched his hat before sitting back down.

Kinley was having a blast and would love to come back again. Though she couldn’t ignore the fact that it was also quite dangerous for the cowboys. She leaned her head on Levi’s shoulder as they watched the rest of the competition.

As they were leaving the arena, Kinley spotted an adorable little girl around two years old wearing a red cowboy hat and matching cowboy boots. She crouched down to talk to her and asked if she enjoyed the event. The little girl giggled and nodded enthusiastically before taking her daddy’s hand and walking away with a wave at Kinley.

Smiling, Kinley stood back up and walked back to Levi. He simply stared at her for a moment before taking her hand as they made their way across the parking lot toward their hotel.