The Unwanted Runaway

Playing Pool

Anna’s POV

As I meticulously arranged each billiard ball on the pool table, I carefully surveyed each side and corner pocket, analyzing my strategy for the upcoming break. Sensing Denton's watchful gaze, I could feel the weight of his expectations. Brooke, unaware of my intentions, kindly reassured me not to be afraid and to just go for it. However, Jason interjected, reminding us that time was limited and we couldn't spend all night on this. I couldn't help but chuckle, knowing that the guys would be in for a surprise when they saw what I was capable of.

Meanwhile, Sarah was cozied up in Denton's lap, suggesting that maybe we shouldn't make it a battle of women versus men. She definitely didn't want to be on the losing team. Carter then proposed making the game more interesting, to which Brooke inquired how we would do that. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Carter suggested a bet. I couldn't help but remind him that I didn't have any money to wager. However, Carter slyly replied, "Anna, you don't need money for what I have in mind." Jason and Denton both chimed in, asking in unison what he was thinking. Jason then suggested a week of the women cooking, cleaning, and doing the men's laundry as the stakes. But Carter quickly shut that down, offering a different bet.

Denton, curiously asked what the bet was. Carter confidently declared that the losers would have to get a small tattoo of the winner's choosing, anywhere on their body. I quickly interjected, saying I was up for the challenge. Sarah and Brooke, on the other hand, were hesitant. Unlike Carter, who had both his arms covered in sleeve tattoos, neither of them had any ink on their bodies. Carter, wanting to dispel any notions that being the sheriff doesn’t mean he couldn't have fun, assured us that he was all for it. With a grin, I agreed, ready to show the guys what us women were made of.

"My billiard balls are perfectly racked, ready to be broken with precision. As I expertly sink four solid balls into the corner pockets, I am met with the satisfying sight of three more finding their way into the center pockets. The look on Jason's face is one of pure disbelief and perhaps a hint of admiration. He concedes defeat, accusing me of deception and claiming he no longer wants to play. I calmly remind him that I have no money to wager. Brooke, however, confidently assures Jason that she will choose his tattoo when we emerge victorious. Carter, not on my team but still a gracious opponent, gives me a congratulatory high five, joined by Brooke and Sarah, who wear slight smiles of triumph. Denton, on the other hand, maintains a stoic expression, impossible to decipher. But in this moment, I am content and proud as we finish three rounds of pool, with the women emerging victorious in two games while the men only win one. Sarah, , compliments me on a good game and expresses relief that we didn't bet on tattoos well she puts her and Dentons pool sticks back up on the wall. I join her by placing mine next to hers as well. Denton chimes in, adamant that he will not be getting a tattoo. I can't help but think that perhaps Carter's outrageous bet was a ploy to bring me out of my shell. Which I am thankful for.

"Carter turns to me with a serious expression, his tone conveying the depth of his understanding and knowledge. "Hey Anna," he begins, "I need to return to the kitchen to assist Carly and James for at least an hour. If you do choose to head home, here are my keys. He hands the keys." I meet his gaze and inquire, "But how will you get home?" Concerned, I add, "And I don't have a driver's license." Carter considers this for a moment before responding, "Well, here's my house key. Unless you'd prefer to wait a little longer until I'm finished." Brooke interjects, "Jason and I can take her home, Carter." Carter nods in appreciation, "Thank you, Brooke." Jason turns to me, his tone carrying a sense of in-depth detail and understanding. "You know, Anna, living out in the countryside, you'll need a license, especially if you plan on going anywhere." I nod in agreement, "I understand, but where I grew up, I never really needed one. There were many forms of transportation available to me, without having to be behind the wheel."Hey Carter, thanks for dragging me along. I'll catch you back at the house later. Sarah, it was a pleasure meeting you. And if you ever want some small important pool pointers, just ask and I’ll help. But let's be real, I think “Us Girls made a pretty unbeatable team I say to Sarah ,

right Brooke?" I asked Brooke.

Jason, then replies no you girls just got lucky the guys went easy on you. Sarah gives me almost like a weird look and then laughs. Jason, you’re wrong she replies to him.

As I turned I was going to say my goodbyes to Denton, But I noticed he was deep in conversation with Carter. So I shrugged it off and headed out of Dukes with Jason and Brooke. We trekked through the dirt parking lot crowded with vehicles, and hopped into Brooke's trusty blue jeep.

"Shotgun!" declared Jason, taking the passenger seat. I settled into the back as Brooke revved up the engine. But then Jason hit me with a surprise question.

"Anna, what on earth did you do to piss off Denton? He was giving you the death stare the whole night."

Shocked, I asked him to elaborate. But Brooke quickly intervened, brushing off the tension. "Don't mind him, let's just get going."

But I couldn't shake off the thought. "Maybe it's because I'm a new at this whole ranch thing. I mean, you guys could use all the help you can get. But to have someone who’s absolutely inexperience I get it, training me might be a hassle."

Jason smirked. "Nah, it's not about that you got me I’m the best there is besides, I was trying by my dad. I asked him your dad is leaving with the other guy to do a rodeo thing or some thing. Jason says Yep he’s joining Kevin on the radio circuit to help him out. He used to be a professional then he married uncle Luke’s little sister. My ma” settled down and started working on the ranch, but since mo” passed away. You kind of felt like he lost purpose and this gives him some like that. I say oh I’m sorry Jason says it’s all right.

Brooke says while driving Denton He was giving you the stink eye when Sarah wasn't looking. Looked like he was trying to pass a kidney stone or something." Brooke and I burst into laughter as she started the car and we hit the dirt road.

Curious, I prodded Jason for more info. "Seriously, what's the deal with Carter? You'd never guess he's a sheriff from the way he acts." Jason as well he’s always been that way but at least since I can remember, given he is older than I am. Brooke replied. Yeah, Carter , Evan and Sarah actually all went to high school together. graduating a year before Evan well, Carter was a freshman.

I say oh understanding a little better now.” So how long have Denton and Sarah been together. Brooke says roughly 2 years she’s got a 11-year-old little hellion for her son. Jason chimes in, and said yeah I can’t stand that kid Seth. Brooke continues with telling me that Sarah was married to a rich fancy lawyer .They got divorced right before she moved back to town about five years ago . Her dad’s the local veterinarian. that does a lot of work for the ranch. We finally pull up to Carter’s house I get out of the jeep and think both Brooke and Jason tell him we’ll see him around and head inside and straight to my bedroom because I am absolutely exhausted from everything that happened at Dukes tonight.