The Long Run

Hi my Name is Sophia Hudson. I'm 23 and I'm in college full time. I moved away from home as soon as I graduated high school and moved to Florida. I got a scholarship, a full ride actually. I study nonstop and never go out. I am currently in my room right now studying and my head is starting to hurt. I've been studying for hours upon hours without a break. "Soph" Casey says walking into my room "No I'm busy" I tell her "Come on take a break please?" She asks pouting "No I can't" I tell her looking back down at my book "Please. Your leaving in two months and I want some time with you outside this room or my room" She says whining now "Fine but i'm not wearing those boots" I tell her After she picked my outfit I got dressed. She had picked a short cute dress and of course I had on the cowgirl boots. "Are you sure this is ok?" I ask her "Of course. We are going country dancing" She says "But it's a club?" I ask "Yes it is. But we are leaving early to go to the fair grounds for a few rides and some fair food." She tells me I nod and grab my phone and some money and we walk to my truck and climb in. I know I don't like cars i'm a truck girl. My ex helped me pay for this baby. It was in my name so when I left him he couldn't take it even though he helped me pay for it. I was smart when it came to that type of thing. I don't know how long I was in my own world til I pulled into the parking lot to the fair grounds. I jumped out and locked my doors and shoved the keys in my bra and we walked over to the gate buying wrist bands. "There is bull riding going on today. Let's go look then ride?" Casey asks "Sure come on" I tell her She was a sucker for cowboys so I couldn't tell her no. We made our way over and we sat watching for the longest time. We moved closer when I noticed a gorgeous guy getting ready to ride. The bell rung and the gate opened and he flew out on a bull riding him like crazy. Soon the bell rung again and he flew off and so did his hat. It landed right in front of me and he jumped up and went to walk away. I bent down and grabbed it and ran over to the gate. "Hey your hat" I call He spun around and grinned showing off his dimples. "Keep it" He says winking at me I smirk and wink back at him and his jaw drops and I smirk even bigger. I place the hat on my head and Casey high fives me. "I see you still have it" She says "Baby please I have better game then any man does." I tell her "Come on let's go ride some rides" She says I nod and we run off to ride some rides. We run around riding every ride twice and we get some food. I run up to a stand wanting a funnel cake when someone bumps into me. "What the hell?" I shout "Oops sorry" Someone says I look up to see the guy from earlier and a girl clinging to him. "Well hello gorgeous" I say smiling "Can I have his hat back?" The girl snaps "No I don't think so. I mean he did tell me to keep it" I say still looking at him "Krystal get off me. Your not my girlfriend so don't act like it. I told her to keep it besides it looks better on her" He says smirking "Are you busy right now?" I ask him "Not at all" He says "Wanna split a funnel cake with me and go dancing with me?" I ask "I would love to" He says I smile and we get the funnel cake and we walk around eating it. "Well well well look who found a hotty" Casey says smiling "Luke this is Casey my best friend" I say "Nice to meet you" Luke says to her "Likewise. Ready for dancing?" Casey asks me "Absolutely. Luke can you dance?" I ask "Of course" He says smirking "Well your in for a run for your money" Casey says I smirk at her and we take off to the parking lot to drive to the club. I pull my keys out and unlock my truck and Luke's jaw drops. "What?" I ask "You drive a truck?" He asks "Yeah" I tell him I open my door and raise my leg to step up on the step bar and my dress rides up to my hip and I step up and I feel luke's hands on my hips helping me in. "Wanna ride with us?" I ask "Sure." He say opening the back door "No Luke you ride up front. I'll ride in the back" Casey says climbing in the back Luke nods and runs around climbing in. I back out and pull out to the main rode. I step on the gas and I race down the highway. I rolled down the window and turned on some music. I started singing and Casey sung with me. When i pulled into the club it was packed and I grinned. I rolled up the windows and Luke hopped out and came around and opened my door. I grabbed me keys and phone and I stood up on the step bar and Luke grabbbed my hips lowering me down to the ground. I slid down his body and tensed. I shut the door and lock the truck up. I shoved the keys in my bra and we walked in. I smiled when I walked in and seen what all was going on. Casey grabbed my hand and I grabbed Luke as she drug us to the bar. We stood there as we waited for the bartender and we he walked over Casey started ordering her drink. "What are you drinking?" Luke asks "I don't drink" I tell him looking away from him "Are you sure? Just one?" He asks "Only one. I have to drive" I tell him "Ok. So what's it gonna be?" He asks "Give me a shot of whiskey" I tell him He looks at me wide eyed and the bartender pours it in a shot glass. He slides it over to me and I pick it up and look at Casey and she looks at me with wide worried eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?" She asks "Yeah it's only one" I tell her She nods and I throw it back swallowing it with ease. Luke looks at me with wide eyes and I roll my eyes at him. I grab Casey and drag her to the dance floor. We start dancing and I loosened up some and then I looked up to see Luke watching me and I smiled and waved him over. He walked over to me and I started dancing with him. I was smiling and laughing and when I looked at him I felt this instant happiness. When he spun me around I caught a glimpse of someone I thought i'd never see again. I tensed and stopped dancing and I started towards the excit. Once I made it outside I took in a deep breathe and sighed. "Hey you ok?" Luke asks "I'm great just tired. We have been dancing for hours" I tell him "Want to go back to my place for a movie? You can even sleep in the spare room if you don't want to drive all the way back to campus" He asks "Sure. Casey is going home with Justin anyways. She always does" I say laughing He nods and we walk over to my truck. I pull my keys out of my bra and unclock the truck. I open my door and climb in and Luke climbs in. I crank up the truck and it rumbles to life. "Where am I going?" I ask "Go out and take a left then go down to second light and take a right. Take that road to the very end and take another right and then it's going to be the only driveway on that road" He says I nod and turn on some music and drive down the road. About thirty minutes later we pulled up to a dirt road and I pulled down it. "Wow it's beautiful" I tell him "Thanks. It's a lot of work but I love it here. After my grandfather died he put it in his will for me to get the family ranch when I reached eighteen or if I went to college I got it after college. I took it at eighteen and my parents or mom didn't like it. My dad loved that I took it and did what my grandfather wanted. My mom on the other hand wanted me to go to college and become some big ceo so she could be in spotlight all the time" He tells me "Well it sounds like you did what you wanted to do and you obviously love this place. Hell I just got here and I love it. My dad is like your dad. As long as I'm happy he is happy. My mom is like your mom but she's my step mother. I hate that b***h" I say "Well come on. Let's go inside" he says I laugh and nod and push my door open. I hop down and lock the doors and I run around and jump on his back. He chuckles and carries me inside. I slide down off his back and I look around. "Come on." He says chuckling I smile and follow him into a theater like room. I plop down on the huge couch and sigh. "What movie?" I ask "The Longest Ride" I tell him "Alright then" He says I smile and he sits down and presses play on the movie. I lean my head back and stare at the screen. He reaches down pulling my shoes off and dropping them to the floor. "Can I barrow a t shirt?" I ask "Sure come on" He says standing up I nod and we walk to his room and it's huge. He walks over to a dresser and pulls out a white t shirt and tosses it at me. I sit it down and pull my dress over my head and I hear him suck in a breathe and I smirk. I slip the t shirt over my head and when it slides over my face he is standing super close to me. He grabs my hips and pulls me to him and kisses me. I instantly pull back and lower my head. "I think I should go" I tell him "Why? Are you ok? I didn't mean to upset you" He says "It's not you. I leave in three months for New York." I tell him "Just stay the night it's late. I promise not to try anything. Just sleep" He says I nod and he gives me a small smile and lifts me up and lays me down on the bed. He pulls the covers over me and kisses my forehead. He goes to walk away and I reach out and grab his hand. "Sleep with me?" I ask "Um" He says "Just sleep. PLease?" I ask He nods and walks around the bed and strips down to his boxers and slides in the bed. I roll over and place my head on his chest and sigh. It felt good to fall alseep in a man's arms again. I don't know how long I layed there but I finally dosed off. When I woke up the next morning Luke was still sound asleep so I slid out of bed and slipped my dress on. I ran down to the theater room and grabbed my shoes, keys and phone and walked out the front door. I climbed in my truck and drove away from his house without looking back. When I made it back to the dorms I was exhausted. I walked straight in my room to see Casey waiting on me. She looked at me and sighed and opened her arms to me. I couldn't hold it back anymore I let the tears flow down my face. "What happened?" She asks "He was perfect. I like him." I sobbed into her shirt "Then what's the problem?" Casey asks "I leave for New york in three months. He loves his ranch he would never follow me to new york" I tell her "Then you sacrifice and stay here and work at the company here. You already did three internships and they already want to offer you a CEO postion. You wouldn't have to work from the bottom. You would run that s**t like a pro." She tells me "I can't" I tell her "Ok then promise me something" She says "What?" I ask her "Keep seeing Luke. Date him, maybe fall in love. Don't make your final decision til a week before your suppose to leave." She tells me "Fine. But he probably isn't going to wanna see me again. I done the walk of shame this morning on him" I tell her "You snuck out?" She asks "I did. I was afraid if he woke up to see me leave he would ask me to stay for breakfast." I tell her "Would that have been so bad?" She asks "I guess not. Case you know I haven't dated since Weston. Weston done me dirty. He abused me, starved me, and wouldn't let me have a life. I finally got away from him and he's back. I saw in him the club last night" I tell her "What? Oh hell no. You aren't going anywhere alone. We have spring break coming up and me and you are going to see your dad." She tells me "You want to piss my mom off" I say smiling "You bet your ass I do. And your inviting Luke to come with us" She tells me "Um ok" I say nervously "Good. Now let's feed my favorite girl, shower her, and dress her and then we are driving back to Luke's so you can sit down and explain this to him. If you like him like you say you do then you need to tell him your story" Casey says "I can't" I say standing up pacing "Yes you can. I will be there with you the entire time. I won't leave you." She says hugging me "Fine" I say sighing She nods and goes to get me food while I shower and get dressed. I slip on some skinny jeans with rips in them and a low cut shirt and my boots. I curl my hair and do my make up and slip Luke's hat on and smile. Casey walks in and stops dead in her tracks and grins. "You look beautiful" She says "Thanks. I'm nervous Case. No one knows my story but you" I whipers "It's gonna be ok. Now let's go i'm driving" She tells me I nod and we head to Luke's. When we pull in he walks out of the barn shirtless and covered in sweat. "Damn girl. You got a good" Casey says and hops out of the truck She comes around and opens my door and I hop down and we walk up to Luke. "We need to have a chat" Casey says "Sure. Let's go inside and talk" He says Casey nods and takes my hand and Luke leads us in. I take a seat on the couch and kick off my shoes and pull my knees to my chest and sigh. "Our girl here needs to tell you why she left and her story." Casey says "I met this guy in High school. His name is Weston. We got together freshman year and went through high school together. After we grauated we moved in together and it was perfect. One day he came home and everything changed. I wasn't aloud to leave the house alone or have friends. it started as harsh words and then a slap here and there. Then he would beat me and tell me I was fat and starve me. He locked me in a room and wouldn't let me leave ever. One day my dad had come over and Weston was home and he found me barely alive locked in a closet. When we got to the hospital my dad put out a warrant for him. But there was no proof that he was even living with me at all. I was to weak to protest it so he got away with it." I say whiping a angry tear off my face I started breathing harder and harder and started digging my nails into my palms. Luke kneeled in front of my and wrapped his arms around me as I cried. "Do you like me?" He asks "Yes" I say "Do you want to date as in a relationship?" He ask I nod and Casey reaches over and grabs my hand and squeezes it. "Well ok then" Luke says kissing my forehead There was a knock on the door and he walked over to open it. "Cody" Luke says nodding "Luke. I was in the area and I haven't seen you in a while so I thought I would come by." He says He notices us and walks over and comes to me first. "Don't speak. I'm not interested but Casey is single" I say walking over to Luke Cody's jaw dropped and Luke busted out laughing and kissed my temple. "Hey so you two can get to know each other what do you say to a sleep over? Maybe movies?" I ask "I'm in" Cody says "Are you cooking?" Casey asks with sparkly eyes "Yes I will cook for you baby" I tell her "Chili?" She asks "Yes love" I tell her "Then i'm in. I have been starving" She says "Are you ok with that sweetie?" I ask Luke "Your gonna cook?" He asks "Duh" I say ]He nods and I smile. "Ok let's go to the store. Cody get clothes. And you mister I want you showered by time I get back. You sweaty and sticky" I tell him "Yes ma'am" He says Casey laughs and we all walk to her truck. "Be careful it's suppose to start storming soon" Luke says "We will. Be back in a hour" I tell him He nod and I kiss him and he chuckles and lifts me into the truck. We drive down his driveway to get clothes. I reach over and grab Casey's hand giving it a squeeze. "Thank you" I whisper "Your my best friend, my other half, my baby. I'm always gonna be there for you" She says "I love you" I tell her "I love you more" She says smiling "Forever" I say "Always" She says After getting clothes she drives to the grocery store and we get the food and junk food. I even pick up beer for the guys and wine for us a couple of bottles of wine. As we pull down Luke's driveway it was storming badly and I dreaded getting out in this rain. As I push my door open Luke and Cody came out with umbrellas for us. They brought the bags in and I set up my dock and phone and turned on the music. Luke placed my bags in his room and came in the kitchen with me. I had already put the wine in the freezer to cool. I cracked open two beers and handed one to Luke and took the other to Cody who thanked me. I went back in the kichen and turned on my music and started chopping things and cooking. Once everything was in the chili I poured me and Casey a glass of wine and we walked into the living room. I handed her her glass and took a seat in Luke's lap. "So i'm heading home for spring break" I say looking at Luke "Ok?" He says "I want you to come with me" I tell him "Are you sure?" He asks "Of course. Cody would you like to come?" I ask "I don't wanna impose" He says "Your not. I invited you. We are staying in a penthouse though. I have on for when I go home. You don't wanna be under the same roof as my step mother." I say "Oh so your a daddies girl" Cody says "I am" I say Just then my phone rings and I look down and it's my dad. I swipe it and answr it. "Hi daddy" I say smiling "hi babygirl" He says 'How are you?" I ask "I'm doing great. I noticed you have spring break coming up and I wanted to know if you were coming home?" He asked "Sorry daddy I can't" I tell him "Well if you change your mind let me know. I'm hosting this years party." He says "If anything changes i'll let you know. How are my babies?" I ask "They are doing great" he says "That's good. Well daddy I have dinner going so I need t run but I'll call you in two days" I tell him "Alright sweetheart. Love you" He says "I love you too" I tell him I hang up and sigh. "We are surprising him?" Casey asked "Yes we are. Tomorrow we need to go get dresses and tuxes. We all need to pack and then maybe we can just go stay in a hotel near the airport. Our flight leaves at 6:30" I tell them "Ok. Can we eat?" Casey ask I nod and we go in the kitchen and all sit down to eat. After we were done Cody and Luke cleaned the kitchen and me and Casey went to shower. I walked into Luke's room and took my bathroom stuff to the bathroom and grabbed and towel and hopped in the shower. After washing up and washing my hair I turned the water off and stepped out drying off and wrapping a towel around me and I walked out of the bathroom to the bedroom to see Luke sitting there. I shrug and walk over picking up my boy shorts and slipping them on. I pick up his t shirt I pulled out and pulled it over my head and when it slid over my head he was staring at me. "yes I stole your shirt" I tell him "I don't care babe." He says grinning "What's with the grin?" I ask "Nothing. At all." he says I smile and walk over and lay down and snuggle into him. I know I wasn't suppose to fall asleep but I did fall asleep. the next day went by super fast and so did the following day. We had made our flight and were landing as we speak. When we stepped off the plane Luke's jaw dropped. "Welcome to Texas baby" I tell him He smirks and leans down kissing me. We grab our bags and I find Tom my limo drive. "Tom" I squeal dropping my bags I run to him and throw my arms around his neck. "Hello Kitten. How are you? You look good. Eating good yeah?" He asks "I'm great. I'm eating very good. How's mar?" I ask "She's good. She's actually at your father's preparing everything for the party." He says "You didn't tell them right?" I ask "No kitten. I know how you love your surpirses." He says "Alright to the hotel so we can get ready" I tell him "Alright kitten" He says I nod and Luke carries our bags to the car and places them in and Tom drives us to the hotel. When we walk in I walk straight to the desk. "Donna Hi. Key please?" I ask "Yes ma'am. Another surpirse?" She asks "Of course" I tell her "Very good." She says handing me my key I nod and take the elevator to the top and we walk in and Casey gasps. "You had it redone" She says "i had to" I say shrugging "I understand" She says "Alright you two are sharing. Down the hall to the right. We are on this side. PLease hurry and get ready" I say Everyone nods and Luke follows me. We walk in the room and I open my suit case and pull out my curling wand and start curling my hair. Once that was done I went to do my make up and then I walk over and pulled my clothes off and slipped on my long purple silk dress. I stepped into my heels and addes some dark colored lip stick. I picked up my clutch and added my phone, lipstick, keys, and some money just incase. I walked out to the main room and Casey gasped. "Beautiful" She says "Why thank you" I say twirling "Well let's go" Luke says I nod and take his arm and walk down to Tom. He opens my door and I slide in and everyone follows. We drive ten minutes to my father's mansion and I take a deep breahte and let it out. When I walked in the front door everyone was out back while my dad was giving his speech. I snuck around so he didn't see me and I whispered in his ear. "Hi daddy" I say He whips around and grins. "Sophia" He Says "I couldn't pass up the look of surprise on your face" I tell him hugging him He lets go and I look around at everyone. "Hi everyone. Long time no see. College is great and i'm headed to New York in three months. Just thought i'd share that so I don't keep repeating myself later. Now as we know my father is hosting the party and I must say he done a damn good job again. Now let's not keep doing boring speeches let's dance" I say laughing Everyone joined me and I offered my hand to my dad and he took it and lead me to the dance floor. He twirled me and I grinned and danced with him all around the floor. When the song ended Casey walked up. "Hello sir" She says smiling "Casey how nice to see you sweetheart" He say "You two sir." She says "What have I told you about that?" He tells her "Sorry daddy. Now how about a dance while I girl dances with her boyfriend and I fill you in?" She says "Of course" He says taking her hand I walk over to Luke and take his hand and we dance all around the floor and I giggle. "Sophia" I hear I turn to see my stepmother and I sigh. "Dorthy" I say "You didn't let us know you were coming" She says with a fake smile "I know. I have to surprise dad. He loves my surprises afterall. Oh this is my boyfriend Luke" I tell her grinning "Nice to meet you" She tells Luke "Likewise" He says "Well we better go find daddy. You know how he gets when i'm home. I'm his center of attention" I say smirking She huffs and walks away and I grin knowing I pissed her off. I walked over to my dad when Marcy walked out. "Mar Mar" I call "Kitten" She smiles and walks over hugging me "How are you?" I ask "I'm doing just fine. How are you kitten?" SHe asks "I'm doing great. Still studying hard. I even got a boyfriend" I tell her smiling "Good for you kitten. Well I must get back but maybe we could do tea one afternoon?" She asks "I wouldn't miss it" I tell her She nods and walks away. "They love you" Dad says "I love them. They have been there since I was little. I don't know what I would do if I came home and they weren't here" I say "They are great at there jobs and I couldn't ever get rid of them. And I like this boy by the way" He tells me "Thank you daddy" I say leaning into him "What's he do?" He asks "He took over his family's ranch. It's beautiful. In the middle of no where." I tell him "So not like this?" Dad asks "No daddy. Not like this at all. It's a huge house but it's homey. I love you but this was never my home. You know I can't stand Dorthy and we both know she's been cheating on you but you won't let youself leave her" I tell him honestly "My honest little girl never sparing anyone's feelings anymore. I know she is cheating that's why i'm divorcing her. I already talked to my lawyer and she get's nothing. She sighed the prenup so she leaves with nothing. She will be getting the papers tomorrow." Dad tells me "Good for you daddy. But promise me you won't give up. Momma wouldn't want you to give up and I don't want to see you alone." I tell him "I won't. I promise. Besides I want you to be able to stay in my house with her biching about you and Casey being here. And I have surprise for you tomorrow. Bring your things you will be staying here tomorrow" He tells me "Alright daddy." I say snuggling into him "Hey you two." Casey says "Hey baby" I say hugging her "What are you two over here talking about?" She asks "Daddy is leaving the wicked b***h" I say smiling "Oh thank god. If I have to hear that woman whine one more time I will drown her in this wine." Casey says "You never cease to amaze me Case. Now go get some sleep cause I have surprise for my girls tomorrow" Dad says "You didn't have to" Casey says sadly "Casey I love you like my own. I even put you in my will. You will not be hurting later on in life." He tells her Casey did nothing but stand there in shock and tears started pouring down her face. "Oh Case baby don't cry. Your family." Daddy says "Thank you" Casey says hugging him I smile and turn around to see Dorthy pushing up on Luke. I walk over and rip her off of him. "Get the f**k away from my man before I seriously hurt you." I yell at her Everyone gets quiet and just looks at us. She rares back and slaps me. I smirk and rare back and punch him in the nose. Dad walks over and looks at my face and kisses my cheek. "Dorthy pack your bags and get the f**k out of my house. You will reiceve the divore papers tomorrow. Marcy please back one bag for Ms. Weathers to take with her and nothing else. Call her a cab and have the guards escort her out right away" Dad says "You can't do that" Dorthy screams "I can and I just did. You signed a prenup. You get nothing. And I know about you cheating and trying to steal my money. I had eyes on you the whole damn time. Now get out" Dad roars She whimpers and scurries away and everyone starts clapping. "Are you ok baby?" He asks "Yes i'm fine. Those boxing classes paid off big time" I say smiling "You still box?" He asks "Yes you know after everything I kept up with it. Not as much as I use to but when I have a free day instead of being lazy I go to the gym and work out with Hank. I've even kicked his ass" I say proudly "Wow. He is one of the best that's why I hired him. Now the party is over go get some sleep and I'll see you all bright and early tomorrow" He tells me I nod and kiss his cheek and Luke shakes his hand. "Come on baby let's get you in bed" Casey says I nod and link my arm with hers and we walk out to the limo. "Kitten are you ok?" Tom asks "I'm fine. I just need some sleep" I tell him He nods and drives us to the hotel. Once inside Luke scoops me up and carries me to the bedroom. He stands me up and removes my jewelry and then unzips my dress letting it fall to the floor. He pushes me to sit down and removes my shoes. he stands me back up and turns me around and walks away. When he comes back he unclips my bra and pulls a shirt over my head. He walks around the bed and pulls the covers back and then comes back lifting me up and places me in bed and covers me up. He walks back over and picks up my dress and hangs it up and then strips himself to his boxers and climbs in bed with me. After I snuggled into him I was out like a light. When I woke up the next morning Luke wasn't in bed so I got up and walked into the living room and towards the kitchen to find everyone in there talking. "Good morning beautiful" Cody says "Morning Sunshine" I say and kiss his cheek I walk over and wrap my arms around Casey and lean into her. "You ok?" She asks "Of course. Do i need a reason to snuggle you?" I ask with my eyes closed "Of course not." She says kissing my cheek "Could you put some clothes on?" Luke asks "Nope can't do it. I don't believe in pants when i'm home. Ask dad he will tell you. I run aound in a t shirt and boy shorts at home. I hate pants" I tell him "Come on and pack we have to get going. Case did you call Tom?" I ask "Yup you have ten minutes" She says I nod and walk off throwing on my bra and yoga pants and tennis shoes and I packed and we all headed down to meet Tom. "Ah no pants" He says "No pants" I tell him climbing in the car When we arrive at dad's I walk in and find him in the study. "Hi daddy" I say "No pants" He says "Ugh yes." I say "Go look on your bed and then meet me down in the front in thirty" He says I smile and grab Casey and run to my room. I gasp and grin. I jump in the shower and wash quickly and I get out and straighten my hair. I do my make up and slip on the clothes daddy bought me. I slipped on my boots and met Casey in the hall and we walked down stairs together. "Well damn" Cody says I smile and see dad standing there. "Come with me your four" He says I smile and we walk to the barn. When we enter I run up to grey and kiss his nose. "Hi boy. I missed you" I tell him He actually licks my hand and I smile. "Go look in the pin" Dad says I smile and run out the back of the barn and gasp. Everyone walks out and they just stare at me. "She isn't broke yet but I don't think you will have a problem" Dad says I nod and hope of the fence and I stand there watching her. I walk towards her and Luke speaks up. "Soph don't" He says "Shh" I snap at him He gulps and just watches as I walk towards my girl. When I get close I raise my hand and pet her nose and she nudges me. I kiss her nose and walk over getting my saddle. I walk over and sling it over her and saddle her up. Once it was on I climbed on her and settled in placed. I gave her a small nudge and she started walking. Another nudge and she trotted and then we were slow running in circles in the ring. Dad started clapping and I smiled. "Well Gypsy you and Grey will make pretty baby's" I tell her petting her neck "How the hell did you do that?" Cody asks "I'm amazing with horses. I break all of dad's horses. Grey was the first horse I ever broke. I fell in love with him and dad bought him from the owner and i've had him for six years now. That's my buddy" I tell them "She's right. When she's here she sleeps in the barn with him. She reads to him and talks to him about her life." Dad says smiling "Hey don't judge me. For the longest he was the only one I could talk to. He is a great listener" I snap "That's cause he can't talk back" Dad says "Shows how much you know. Grey talks to me all the time" I tell him "What?" Dad says "Come on i'll show you" I tell him I hop off gypsy and walk her in the barn removing the saddle and placing her in a stall. I walk over to Grey and lead him to the pin and he runs in. He was beautiful and I love his color. "Grey come" I say snapping my fingers He comes over to me and looks at me. "How's my boy doing" I ask petting him He huffs and shakes his head. "Not good huh? Want me to make it better?" I ask He huffs and nods. "Wanna ride?" I ask He nods and starts spinning in circles. I giggle and grab onto him and jump on him bareback. He starts running in circles and stops of a sudden and trots over to Luke. He sniffs him and the bumps him knocking him over and I bust out laughing. "He likes you" I say "he knocked me over" Luke says "I know. He done that to Caset as well but she was standing next to the water trough" I tell him "I was drenched But i love this guy" She says "Casey your surprise is in the barn as well across from Grey" Dad says She smiles and runs in and comes back with a pure black horse. "Lightening" We say together We laugh and everyone chuckles. "Can I please mate him with Gypsy?" She asks "Yes but after Grey" I tell her "I don't care. I want a baby from them" She says "Girls your hardly ever here. Think about this first" Dad says I sigh and nod. A frown forms on my face and I lead Grey over to the gate and flip the latch and he bolts out with me on his back. I lead him to my special place and climb down off him. I walk over and sit down on the side of the waterfall and just listen to the water run. "I knew this is where you would come" Casey says on lightening "I feel bad that i'm never here." I say "Well we will be here this whole week. And why don't we ask luke if we can move lightening, grey, and gypsy to his barn so we can see them more?" Casey asks "Cause I leave in three months" I tell her She pulls out her phone and calls a number. "Tell her your not going to take the job that you have changed your mind now"She snaps She knew me to well and new I didn't wanna move to new York. I smiled and talked to the lady and told her that I no longer wanted the job and then I hung up. I sighed and stood up and hopped back on Grey and took off towards the house. After putting Grey away I walked in the house to hear a lot of talking when I walked in the living room a bunch of dad guy's were there. "Well hello boys" I say smiling 'WEll hello Kitten how are you?" Robert asks "I am fantasic and I have great news. I decided I don't want the job in new york. I'm going to stay in Florida and take the Ceo position that was offered to me." I annonce "That is great Kitten. I'm proud of you" Robert says "Sophia?" I hear behind me I spin around and see Hellen. "Hellen. How are you?" I ask "I'm great. How are you baby?" She asks "I'm good. Ready to graduate. You are still coming right?" I ask "Of course we wouldn't miss it. Only three months to go" Hellen says "I know. I'm excited" I say smiling Luke chuckles and comes over wrapping a arm around me and kissing my temple. "Who is this Kitten?" Robert hisses "Robby this is Luke my boyfriend" I tell him "Well Luke come have a chat with us while Sophia goes to cook dinner" He says winking at me "I want him back in one piece boys" I say sternly "Don't worry we won't hurt him much" Walter says "Walt be nice. I know you. Oh and I will see you in the office tomorrow bright and early. I want in that office one day this week. I've missed it and i'm prepared to get rid of all the bimbos these younger boys have hired and put people in who will take the job seriously so better go ahead and put it out there that we are hiring to PA's" I say walking to the kitchen I stop short and listen to them. "Damn I missed her" Walt says I grin and Dad speaks up. "I know it will be nice having her back for at least a day" He says "We all missed her attitude" Robert says I giggle and skip off to the kitchen. When I get in Marcy had layed everything out for me. I plugged in my music and turned it up and started cooking. I don't know how long I was cooking but I just kept singing getting lost in my own world. When I turned around everyone was looking at me smiling. "You always do that Kitten" Robert says "WEll I can't help it. I have to have my music when I cook and I don't hear complaining when you all have full bellys and whining that your full but begging for my dessert. Guess i'll just have to eat my blueberry pie all alone" I say sighing "No we are sorry" Walt pipes in I laugh and shake my head at them. Dibs starts playing and I start singing again continuing my cooking. I start chopping super fast and then I slide everything into the pot. I continued to sing and dance around the kitchen and I turned to see my dad looking at me with the biggest grin on his face. "What?" I ask "Nothing. I just haven't seen you like this is a very long time" He says shurgging "Ok boys go set the table. Hellen could you get Marcy and Tom and tell them dinner is done. Case get the wine and glasses." i say finishing up everything They all nod and take off to do as I said. When I turned again I noticed my mom's picture was over the stove again and I sighed and just stared at it. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I jumped and wirled around. "Daddy you scared me" I said "Sorry sweetheart. I called your name three times. And I see why I did. I see you finally found it" He says sadly "I did. I see you put it back up last night." I say with a trembling lip "Oh baby it's ok. She's in a better place and she loved you more than life itself." He says "I wish she was here. I miss her so much" I say crying into his chest "I know me too baby" he whispers "Hey guys" Casey calls I look up and her eyes grow huge. "You ok?" She asks "Momma moment" I tell her "What do you say we go visit my mom while we are home?" She asks "After dinner?" I ask "Sure. It will be a surprise for her as well" Casey says "Daddy you ok with that?" I ask "of course. Me and Walter have some stuff to discuss anyways" He says I nod and we walk to the table our seats. Everyone digs in and moans and I giggle. "Sophy" Hellen calls sweetly "let me guess you have a dinner party this week and you want me to cook?" I ask "Yes and I will even throw in a shopping trip and I will get all the boys home" She says winking at me "If you can get all four of them home at one time then I'm in" I tell her "Surprise" I hear behind me I whirl around and squeal and jump up running over to Lance. "Hi kitten." They say "What? How? When? Who?" I ask "Mom called already when she found out you were home. We got here last night. We flew out as soon as she called." Lance says I jump down and run over and hug her and start kissing all over her face. She laughs and squeezes me tight. "Ok we are home and going out" Brett says "What do you mean?" I ask "Well we know your putting in a day at the office tomorrow but after that we have every day til you leave planned." Hunter says "But" I tell them "No buts. The only butt we wanna see is you on the back of a four wheeler" Greg says "Ugh fine. Oh boys this is Cody, Casey's future boyfriend and this is Luke my boyfriend" I say smiling "what?" They all yell "Boys calm down." I say sternly "Yes ma'am" They whine "Now where are those girlfriends of yours?" I ask "gone. Didn't work" Hunter says "I want you to find good girlfriend. Stop treating all the girls like hoes. You are all coming to visit me in three months and I want to see every single one of you with a girlfriend that isn't a fling. Do you understand me?" I snap "Yes ma'am" They say "it's about time they listen" Hellen says "I don't see how you put up with four boys." I tell hre "Well we wanted one girl but we got Brett" Robert says "hey" Brett shouts "But you go me" I say smiling "We did get one adopted one" Hellen says "At least with me i can be a girly girl and still play with the boys" I say "That is true" Brett says "Alright I cooked i'm not cleaning tonight." I say yawning "Go to bed cause you have to be up early. Luke you can come with me and watch or you can stay here with everyone and go riding or something. I'm going to be busy all day tomorrow" I say "I'll go with you" He says shrugging "Alright. Well i'm going to bed. I will see you all tomorrow. Goodnight everyone." I say climbing the stairs I walk in my room and strip and and climb in bed without getting dressed. I was to tired to even get dressed. Soon I was fast asleep and before I knew it someone was knocking on my door. "Baby?" Luke whispers "Hmm?" I hum at him He chuckles and pushes my hair off my face. "Come on love. You have to get up and get dressed. And I could wake you up like this more often if your gonna sleep naked" He says running is hand between my boobs I giggled when it tickled and leaned over kissing his cheek. I threw the covers back and stood up shaking my hair and stretching. I heard Luke groan and I smirked and walked towards my shower. I turned around and smiled at him. "Coming?" I ask He growled in the back of his throat and followed me into my bathroom. I turned on the shower and stepped in while he stripped. Soon he joined me and I was standing under one shower head. The hot water felt great and I moaned. I grabbed my shampoo and squeezed some in my hand and started washing my hair while Luke washed my body. I turned so I could rinse the shampoo and then I picked up conditioner and worked it in my hair and then I rinsed it. Luke washed up and I stepped out wrapping a towel around my hair and then dried off. Luke went to his room to dress while I blow dried my hair and curled it. I did my make up and then went to my closet to pull out a tight fitting work dress and my heels. I slipped everything on and then grabbed my bag and phone and walked down stairs. Everyone but Casey was at breakfast and I laughed. "She has never been a morning person. Marc you know the deal" I tell her She nods and hands me my mug and I sip it and moan. "Can I take you back with me? I could just settle for this every morning" I tell her "YOu can make it kitten" She says "But yours is better" I whine "Of course it is" She says laughing "Ready?" Dad asks "Yup. I'm gonna drive since Luke is with me. And so we can go get lunch later" I tell him He nods and I grab my keys and Luke follows me to the garage. I click the button and the lights flash on my porshe. He chuckles and I climb in and he looks shocked. He slides in and I pull out and drive to the office. When we pull in I grab my things and look at Luke. "When we go in here people are going to talk. I'm a heartless b***h to them. I'm a hardass on them all. I don't bullshit so get ready for some crying today" I tell him He nods and we walk in. Everyone started whispering and I walked to the elevator and took it to the top. When the doors open I heard people gasp. I walk down the hall and opened my office and Grace followed me in. "I was informed on what you wanted. Here is you Tea. I already got the board room ready for your meeting and there are flowers on my desk for you" She says walking away and coming back She places them down and I take the card and read it. "Just something to brighten your day. Love your guys" it reads I laugh and place it down and take a seat. "Grace can you make reservations at my resturant?" I ask "Of course. I'm sorry. I'm Grace her PA. Would you like anything?" She asks Luke "Grace this is Luke" I tell her "No thank you. I'm fine for now" He says "Just call if you need anything. Ms. Hudson two minute warning" she says and leaves I stand up and gather my files and I leave. When I walk in the board room everyone gulps. I toss the files down and open the first one. "Tessa" I call "Yes ma'am?" She asks "Go back to work" I tell her She sighs but nods and leaves. "What are you doing?" Mr. Hayes asks "I'm firing the PA's that don't take their job seriously and that are just looking to f**k in the office" I say "You can't do that" He says I stand and walk around looking out the window. "How long have you worked here?" I ask "four months" He says "Do you want to keep your job?" I ask "Of course" He says "Ms. Hudson please continue" Robert says The guy that opened his mouth gulped and I looked at him smirking. "Guess you will keep your mouth shut from now on won't you" I snap at him "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry" He says I nod and start going through the files again. By time I was done I only fired three PA's. Dad walked in and kissed the top of my head and I smiled at him. "How's it going so far?" He asks "It's fine. What the hell as this office been doing since I left? All this s**t should have been done weeks ago." I say rubbing my temples "Come one love. Just cause you can get it done in two seconds don't mean they can." He says "Daddy this is our business. We don't need people f*****g it up" I tell him He chuckles and rubs my shoulders. I lean my head down and in walks someone. "Ms. Hudson there is someone waiting in your office" She says I nod and walk to my office and when I see the back of his head I stop dead in my tracks. I walk over to Grace's desk and call security. They come up and go in my office and drag him out and toss him out on his ass. I walked in my office and started breathing hard. "Woah baby" Luke says rushing over to me "Dad" I tell him He nods and walks away and dad comes running in slamming the door and locking it and rushes over to me. "He was here" I pant "Ok it's fine. He didn't see you. Let's get you out of here and home" He say helping me stand He opens the door Luke rushes to me and lifts me into his arms. "Grace you can go home" I tell her "Are you sure you don't need anything else?" She asks "Acutally pack up and come with me" I tell her She nods and packs up quickly and she grabs my things and follows us down stairs. "I'll let Luke and Grace go with you in the limo and I'll drive your car home" Dad says I nod and Tom opens the door for us. When we slide in the tears started again. "Did I make a mistake?" Grace asks "Grace if that man ever comes back call security right away." Luke says "I'm sorry I didn't know" She tells me "It's fine. I'm ok" I say sitting up "Babe" He starts "Don't i'm fine. Come on let's get home. I promised the boys we could go riding today" I tell him "Riding?" Grace asks "Yes horseback riding" I tell her "Um" She says "Don't worry. I'll teach you. Oh are you seeing anyone?" I ask "um no" She says "Ok good." I say smiling When we pull up at the house Casey runs out and wraps her arms around me and squeezes me. "Come on i'm ok" I tell her She nods and we walk inside and i'm taggled into huge all around. "Go get changed." Hunter says "Grace come with me. I'll get you something to change into. And Hunter this is Grace" I tell him smirking "It's nice to meet you" He says smiling "Y-you to." Grace stutters out I smirk and drag her to my room. I toss her a pair of jeans and a tank top and some boots and she went into the bathroom to change while I changed in the closet. We both got ready and headed down stairs. I noticed no one was in the house so we walked out to the barn. "It's about time" Brett says "Hey watch it." I snap He throws his hands up in surrender and I walk over saddling up Blue. "Grace this is Blue. She is very gentle." I tell her She nods and I walk her outside and help grace in her saddle. I walk over and get Grey and climb up on him. When everyone was ready we took off to the lake. After twenty minutes of riding we finally made it. I hopped off and tied Grey to a tree and ran over kicking off my boots. I stripped down to my bra and panties and dove into the lake. When I came up the guys were stripping and so was Casey but Grace wasn't. "Grace come on" I say running over to her "I can't" She whispers "Why not?" I ask her "One I can't swim and two I just can't" She tells me "Ok first off I can teach you how to swim and second what's the other reason?" I ask "I promise" I tell her She pulls me over behind a huge tree and turns her back to me and lifts her shirt and I gasp. "What happened?" I ask "My ex boyfriend abused me for four years. I ran away and have been here ever since" She says with a sad voice "I know how you feel. My ex done the same to me. But I don't have any scars. He abused me mentally, physically and sexually" I tell her "I'm so sorry. it's awful how some men can do that to women" She says When she looks up she gasps. I whirl around and I see four angry men looking at me. "What?" I ask "What did you just tell her?" Hunter asks "Nothing" I say "Don't lie to us" Brett snaps "it's none of your business so stay the f**k out of it" I yell I walk over pulling on my clothes and I get on Grey and run full speed back to the barn. I put him away and run in and shower. Once I was done I got dressed in a slutty outfit and walked down to my car. I got in and drove away from everyone and everything. I drove to my favorite bar and walked in. "Well Little Sophia is back. Who pissed you off baby?" Jake the bartender asks "The boys" I tell him "Ah. Your usual?" He asks "yup and keep em coming" I tell him He nods and pours my drinks and slides it over to me. I gulp it down and he makes me another one. By time I was on my third drink everyone walked in looking for me. Lance stormed over to me and took my drink from me and sat it down and tossed money on the counter and threw me over his shoulder and out to the car. He drove home while I sat there in silence. When we pulled into the house he got out and come around and lifted me out of the car and threw me over his shoulder again. "Put me the f**k down" I scream "hey what's going on?" Dad asks "She was in a bar drinking looking like this" Lance says angrily I wiggle and he sits me down and I smack him across the face. "Stay the f**k out of my business. So what if I was in a bar drinking. I'm old enough to f*****g drink. I'm not longer the little teenager you grew up with. That girl left a long time ago. Unless you haven't noticed i'm 23, starting a CEO position in three months and graduating college. If this is how your going to act then take your ass home" I shout in his face I kick off my heels and storm to my room slamming the door shut. I walk in the bathroom and strip and I fill the tub. I pull my hair into a messy bun and I sink down in the hot water and sigh. I hear a knock on the door but I don't answer I just stay quiet. "Soph it's me" Luke says I sigh and he comes in and kneels by the tub. "You have to tell them" He says "No I don't. It's my business. I didn't want to tell you but Casey made me. Everyone keeps pushing to know my past or pushing me to tell people when all I want to do is just forget it ever happened but no one will f*****g let me do that." I snap he sighs and stands up and leaves me to my thoughts. I finish up and get dressed and when I walk down stairs dad was sitting in the living room with everyone. I walk over and sit in Casey's lap and snuggle into her. "We are sorry. We don't want you to hate us for being over protective but your like our little sister. We love you and we worry. But we are sorry for treating you like that. We know your grown and you have your own life. Will you please forgive us?" Greg says I sigh and walk over and hug him and move to hug the others. "I love you too." I mumble just before my eyes slide shut