CHAPTER TWO

– PARKER –

Motherfucker. The sob ripping from her hits me square in the chest at full force. The hell with keeping my distance. I made up my mind yesterday anyway, that's why I picked up the horse that she canceled the agreement for and came here to give it to her this morning.

Stepping forward, I swoop her in my arms and crush her against my body. There's only a breath or two when she freezes and then melts against me. She fists my leather cut and I have no clue if she's gonna push me away or make sure I stay in place.

Seconds tick by as she lets all the emotion flow from her. This was part of my concern and why I told Eastlynne honoring Cosima's wish was a mistake. Sure, one needs time alone to lick their wounds and needs space to get their bearings, but continuing to push everything and everyone away is not the way to recovery.

I have no clue what to say. My lips stay sealed and my arms locked around her until the sobs fade and she slowly manages to calm down her breathing.

"You're an asshole," she mutters and wipes her tears and snot on my shirt.

"Classy." I chuckle. "And I know I'm an asshole, darlin'. It's why I don't give two shits what others say, and why I'm right here holding you. You've been alone long enough. Your sister might respect your wishes, but I'm the asshole who will gladly take your hand and drag you back to the land of the living. Your bruises have healed. Your mind needs fresh air along with the wind blowing in your face to chase away the cobwebs inside your head that torment you."

Cosima steps away from me and I regretfully drop my arms from around her delicious body. "If I want fresh air I'll open a damn window."

"Not the point, darlin'."

She stomps her bare foot on the hardwood floor. "I don't care. My life, my house, my own damn choice. And stop calling me darling with that southern twang. Go home or I'll call the cops."

"Go ahead," I taunt. "I'm sure Kathleen will pick my side when I explain things. Especially when I tell her about the person you said was in the house this morning."

"Or maybe she'll share Rourke and Eastlynne's opinion, that I'm imagining things. More rest is the best medicine and all." Anger makes her whip out the words.

I shrug, then realize she can't see me and I tell her, "Be stubborn. I'm gonna check on my horse and yours, then I'm going to put them into the pasture."

"Your horse? Why did you bring your horse? And why the fuck did you buy my horse? The one that's not supposed to be mine because I canceled." Her voice is still raised and she places her fists on her hips when she adds, "Never mind. Just go and leave me alone."

I lean in close and my eyes narrow when her head rears back. "Can you see me?"

She huffs and grumbles, "You're a dark blob."

Chuckling I tell her, "I don't think any woman has ever described me as such."

Her shoulders stiffen. "Probably because you're not into blind chicks."

Fuck. My anger flares up the way she just easily puts herself down. She takes a step forward, but I bring her to a stop by stepping in her way.

"You don't know what I'm into, and clearly, I wasn't either until I met you." She snorts, but I continue. "That sassy mouth of yours gained my attention, getting to know you through voice messages was when I became intrigued by your sass and voice."

"Cut it out, Parker. I'm not interested in–"

"Heated moments? An orgasm to make your body light up and take your brain for a spin to hit pause on the shit that's dragging you down. You're still very much alive, Cosima. You can get that tight ass of yours on a horse, feel the sun warm your skin, and breathe in the fresh breeze flowing through the pasture."

She starts to sputter and I'm getting tired of her excuses. I scoop her into my arms and jolt out the front door. She's screaming and wiggling, but I struggle with calves and ride bulls for a living, so this bundle of woman is a welcome change.

I place her on her feet right next to the trailer.

"Stay put," I tell her and open the trailer. "So, you can see some?"

I gently step into the trailer on the right side where my horse is. The Gypsy Cob is heavier than my Quarter horse, that's why I put her on the left.

"Nothing in my right eye. The left one I've been experiencing some blurry vision but when I yelled at you there was a moment where I saw you perfectly clear."

I guide Wendy, my horse, out of the trailer. "Can you tell what color Wendy is?"

Cosima steps closer and stretches her hand out to hold it in front of Wendy's nose. A smile slides across my face to see Wendy press her nose against Cosima's palm.

"She's black," Cosima croaks and steps even closer to stroke Wendy's back.

The longing on her face is a punch to the gut.

"We're gonna put them in the pasture and let them get some of the fire out of their bones. Then we can go for a ride together." She starts to shake her head and I shut down all her reasons not to go when I add, "I'll add a lead to help you guide her. We both know you have years of experience and can saddle up a horse blindfolded, and ride one all the same."

A stray tear spills from her cheek when she croaks, "Why are you doing this?"

I reach out and cup the side of her face. She fucking flinches and I release a string of curses inside my head while I hold my ground and caress her cheek.

"You intrigue me even if you keep pushing me away. Through texts, straight to my face, or having your sister tell me to keep my distance. You're captivating, Cosima. I actually enjoy our banter and the sass you throw at me. With what happened this morning? You should be able to endure my presence for your safety and my peace of mind."

Her palm lingers on the neck of my horse. "Fine."

"Good," I rumble. "Let me get Wendy into the pasture. Stay put with your bare feet."

Her mouth slides into a tight line, and I feel mine twitch from a hint of laughter. She's definitely a sassy one who doesn't like to be ordered around. The woman is used to taking charge and doing everything her own way.

Though, the day I met her she flirted with me while she was bleeding from being used as a fucking punching bag. Back then I promised her I'd blindfold her before I hogtie her and fuck her from behind. Cosima hummed in agreement even as her eyes were swollen shut, her body hurting from the assault she just went through. That woman is fucking strong even when life hits ground zero.

I'm getting the Gypsy Cob out of the trailer when I hear her soft words. "She's gorgeous."

"That she is," I state and bring the mare closer.

Cosima reaches out and this horse responds in the same way as mine when she presses her nose against Cosima's palm. She murmurs sweet words while stroking the horse's head and neck.

"Now do you see why I couldn't let you give her up?" I ask.

Her sad eyes hit me right in the chest. "I get your point, but seeing is not something I'm fully able to do…if I'll ever be able. It's selfish to buy a horse if I'm never able to ride."

"Bullshit," I growl. "You know damn well you're working with your sister so she'll be able to put Bluebell to work. And even if you don't ever gain back your full eyesight, it doesn't mean you'll never ride again. Being selfish is sometimes good especially when you gain joy and pleasure to balance the shitty things in life. So, the reasoning you have when it comes to Bluebell isn't valid because you're not alone and have lots of shit to make sure that horse gets everything she needs."

"Oh my stars, she's gorgeous. Is she yours, Cosima? I thought you wanted to postpone buying a Gypsy Cob?" I hear Eastlynne gush as she strolls toward us, Rourke is right behind her.

Cosima turns her face away from her sister, so I answer for her. "I picked the mare up this morning from the Clyden's Ranch. Hixon mentioned Bluebell doesn't like being in the trailer alone so I brought my own horse. Besides, with y'all's horses still at our ranch I thought it would be good to have a pasture buddy. How're the stable renovations coming along?"

"Great," Eastlynne quips.

"They're as good as finished so the two horses can be put in a stable tonight," Rourke states and lets his gaze land on me. "You'd need to pick up some shavings. They are putting in the stall mats later today."

"Some hay as well and other stuff. Most of the equipment was lost in the fire," Cosima remarks.

Eastlynne bobs her head and turns to my prez. I'm sure she's about to suggest they'll handle it, but it's time for Cosima to get her mind focused on new things. Hell, if yelling at me caused her to get partially clear vision in one of her eyes? I'd say she needs to refocus and get a change of scenery.

"Cosima and I will make a list," I state and bob my head in Rourke's direction for him to agree.

At this moment I'm taking advantage of the fact that Cosima can't see me.

"You two have shit to do at the ranch," I remind my prez of something that's complete bullshit. His raised eyebrow causes me to add, "Cosima and I agreed I should stay here and keep an eye out in case something like this morning happens again."

Eastlynne frowns and I shoot her a glare to keep her from blabbering out shit. I know they don't believe her 'cause there wasn't any evidence of someone being in the house. There's no way of telling if there was, but I'm not taking any chances.

Rourke wraps his arm around Eastlynne's waist and pulls her close when he states, "I assume you'll be staying here for a few days to get the horse settled and all. I'll take the trailer back to the ranch and have a prospect bring your bike on a flatback. Call if you need anything."

"Will do," I reply and ask to clarify, "So, the men working on the stable will be done later today?"

Rourke shrugs. "They should be. The contractor mentioned he, or one of his guys, could swing by tomorrow or the day after to check and finish working on the new fire sprinkler system."

"Good," I grunt. "At least the random folks showing up around the house will end in a few days."

"And then you'll be gone as well," Cosima says in a determined tone.

With a sly grin on my face I rumble, "We'll see."

Cosima flips me off, at least she tries. I'm standing on her right and with her mentioning the left eye being the one that has partial vision, she doesn't see me and flips off my horse instead.

"I'm gonna put Bluebell in the pasture. Talk later, Prez." I nod at his old lady. "Later, Eastlynne. I'll text you with an update later tonight and will reach out if something is up, okay?"

"Nothing will be up, especially not your cock," Cosima snarls. "I can manage by myself just fine. I've been doing it for years, and even blind for the past few weeks. This is utter bullshit."

Eastlynne shakes her head at her sister's outburst and stalks toward me.

Leaning in, she whispers, "I don't like you forcing your way into her life, but I can see your point. Please don't hurt her."

"I can't bear to see her hurt, it was gut-wrenching the first time I laid eyes on her. She can push me away all she likes but I'm not going anywhere. I'm determined to stay and help her see she's ready to grab life by the balls again, and it doesn't have anything to do with having a hundred percent visibility or not."

Eastlynne swallows hard and gives me a nod along with "thank you."

"Don't thank him," Cosima grumbles. "He's an asshole who won't stop butting in on other people's lives. Go put my horse in the pasture, Parker. We all have better things to do than just standing here."

I chuckle when I watch the sassy woman stomp off in the direction of the house. Eastlynne gasps and is about to rush after her sister when I grab her elbow.

"Leave her," I grunt. "She regained partial vision in her left eye when she yelled at me earlier. I'm sure she can find her way safely inside the house."

Eastlynne's eyes widen and bounce back to her sister. We watch how she flawlessly enters the house.

Her sister's gaze lands back on me. "Really? She can see again?"

I hate being the one to talk about Cosima, but on the other hand, this is her sister. "Cosima mentioned that her right eye is still blind. She's been experiencing some blurry vision with her left eye and like I said, when she yelled at me earlier in the kitchen right after you two left, she could see me clearly with that eye."

Eastlynne surprises the fuck out of me when she collides with my chest to wrap me in a hug.

"Okay, that's enough," Rourke grumbles and pulls her back against him.

I grin at my prez, knowing how damn special it is to receive a hug from his old lady. Eastlynne has a long medical history due to a combination of triggers involving sensitivities, autism, social anxieties, and fuck knows what else.

The point is, Eastlynne doesn't open up easily and doesn't let people into her personal space. It's why Cosima handled everything and why it's been hard on both sisters since her injuries required Eastlynne to step up and Cosima to step down.

Cosima stepping down won't hold forever, I'll make sure of it. That woman belongs on the top of the world. And I'll move heaven and earth to mentally get her back up there.