The Bad Boy's Second Chance

Chapter eight

Abby

I closed my eyes loving the way Casey brushed his fingers up and, down my naked side. My face was nuzzled in his neck, my body curled up against his and, the sheets crumbled at our feet. “Would you be so, kind to explain to me, what just happened?” Casey asked making me smile. “What made you change your mind?” He continued asking. “It’s hard hiding my emotions and, after what you’ve said at the fence and, in the stables. I’ve realized that I too haven’t stopped loving you.” I told him lifting my head.

He smiled at me and, kissed my lips softly. I rested my head back on his shoulder and, skimmed my hand over his chest down to his leg. “Casey, what happened?” I asked referring to his pulled ligament. He placed his hand over mine, curled his fingers between mine and, picked our intertwined fingers and, placed a kiss on my hand before he started talking. “I haven’t received your letter, yet. I was out on the court, bouncing the basketball and, aiming for goal when my eyes landed on the empty seat.” He stopped talking and, looked at me. “Your seat.” He continued.

“I immediately knew something was wrong because, before the game, I struggled to get a hold of you. I was the air throwing the ball for goal and, when I came down on my foot, it twisted. I felt a pop and, I knew then it was over.” He sat up making me miss his touch. “I cried out from pain. It was so overwhelming. I was carried out on a stretcher. Everyone talked around me thinking I didn’t hear a word. But, I heard everyone. They believed that I wouldn’t be able to return.” He turned to look at me.

“I went rehab, it took me four months to get on my feet. And, then it took me four extra months to get back on the court. I couldn’t even shoot for a goal. And, that was when I decided I needed you in my life. My life was incomplete with you.” He laid back down next to me. “As a teenager, I thought that basketball would fill up this emptiness inside of me but, I was wrong. It was you.”

“But, what about your career? Will you be able to go back?” He only pulled up his shoulders. “It doesn’t bother me at this moment. I have a degree for, a day like this to come.”

“I can’t imagine you sitting at a desk all day long.” I scoffed.

“I can help you out on the farm.” He took me by surprise. “You want to live here, on the farm?” I asked. “I want to be with you, Abby.” He said curling a piece of my wet hair behind my ear. “And, I love it here on the farm.”

“It’s not always sunshine and, rainbows.” I protested. “And, don’t forget my father wants to sell the farm.”

“Then I will fight with you.”

“You make things always sound so easy,” I said sitting up. “If, you look at things from a positive angle.” I looked at him over my shoulder. “We should probably get dressed before my father gets any ideas.” I reached for my clothes. “First,” Casey said taking me by the arm. “What does this mean for us now?” He asked. “It means, I’m yours and, you are mine.” He gave a smile. The kind of smile that got me falling for him from the start. Not just now. The smile that caught my full attention.

He was satisfied with my answer and, stood up getting his clothes and, getting dressed in them. I went to my room to get dressed in clean clothes and, met him downstairs. Where Aunt Lucinda was standing talking to my father. “Oh, hey Abigale!” She greeted. “You’ve certainly grown up into a beautiful woman.” She exclaimed reaching out to hug me. “And, who is this fine fellow?” She asked looking over my shoulder. I turned to see that she was referring to Casey. “This is Casey, my boyfriend.” I introduced. I ignored my father’s choke and, Aunt Lucinda’s shocked expression. “Oh, I didn’t know you had a boyfriend, dear.” I shrugged. “He lives in the city.” Casey smiled at me coming over to place his arm around my waist and, pulling me to his side.

“Oh.”

“Well, then. You guys are probably going to join us at the fundraiser tonight.”

“Yeah, sure. This city boy needs to get some Tennessee influence.” Aunt Lucinda let out a giggle. She then said her goodbyes and, left us alone with my father, who probably is looking for answers. “I’m just going to check up on the horses,” Casey said leaving my side. “Boyfriend, eh?” My father asked. I shrugged. “When did this happen? This morning when you two were making out in the kitchen? Or, when you two disappeared upstairs?”

“Dad.” I protested.

“What? Your father wasn't born a fool.”

“Duh,” I muttered.

“I’m just glad you two sorted things out.” I nodded. “But, do the two of you know what is at stake?” He asked. “You mean when he wants to go back to the city?” My father nodded. “Time will only tell,” I told my father. You can’t put a price on love and, by the looks of it, time doesn’t have an expiration date. “He's a good man, Abby. Look after him. Not a lot of city boys would do what he does. They won’t turn up here and, help you out or, try to be a cowboy.” My father added lastly before entering the house.

I walked up to the stables where I found Casey cleaning. “Are we in trouble?” He joked when he noticed me. “You are grounded.” He pretended to be hurt. “If, I was. You are grounded too.” I replied noticing the naughty glow in his eyes. “I have a few ideas what we can do to pass the time.” I chuckled and, wrapped my arms around his neck. “If you are suggesting what I think you are suggesting then I am in.” I captured his lips with mine. He returned the kiss making it feel as if it was the first time he has kissed me today. I don’t think that I will find another who kisses me as he does.

“So, what’s this fundraiser thing about?” He asked dropping the shovel and, wrapping his arms around my waist. “We missed the market yesterday. But, they like throwing a party for the town. They grill up some hotdogs. Make Tennessee’s traditional desserts. And, we dance the night through to the locals producing music.” I told him looking forward to the party.

“Am I going to need some dancing lessons?” He asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Probably.”