Holding Sky

By Linda Oaks

Eight seconds is nothing compared to her...

He was a lost boy in need of rescuing.
She was the girl with the perfect life.

At the age of eighteen, Sky Blue Jessup and County Montgomery were inseparable. Life was perfect, but the future Sky envisioned for her and County fell to the wayside after graduation, their lives each taking a different path.

If there’s one thing Professional Bull Rider, County Montgomery knows, it’s how to hold on with all his might. Returning home to recover from an injury, he encounters the girl he left behind. Sky’s days are spent at her parent’s diner. She never made it out of their small hometown in Laurel County. She has responsibilities now, and her and County are no longer kids. She plans to leave the local celebrity in the past where he belongs, but it’s hard to deny what your heart yearns for still to this day.

When unconventional circumstances force these two together, sparks fly. While County may know how to ride a bull, he doesn’t have a clue how to deal with Sky. Can they rekindle their relationship despite their rocky past? Is history really worth repeating? Did County Montgomery ever find anything else that came close to Holding Sky?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Painted Hearts Publishing
• Release date: Apr 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781946379917

Linda Oaks

Linda Oaks has always had a passion for books. At the age of five, she was a book ofthe month club member. Her love for books eventually led her to a love of writing. Sheresides in Eastern Kentucky with her husband, two children, three dogs and a petrabbit named Dozer. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She canalso be reached by email at [e-mail]. She loves connecting withher readers.

Book preview

Prologue

The first time I laid eyes on County Montgomery, he was a boy, no more than twelve years old, digging in the trash behind my parents’ diner. Wild blue eyes collided with mine in fear or shame, I didn’t know which, but before I could find out, he ran. I called after him, but he didn’t look back.

At that time, I had no idea the impact he’d have on my life. That boy, the same age as me with his dirty streaked face, wild eyes and tattered clothes. Having lived my entire life in the small town of Lawrence, I had thought I knew everyone, but I didn’t know him.

A week passed before he was brave enough to return. Every day since then, I’d taken out the trash in the hopes of seeing him again. The boy reminded me of the feral kittens who’d taken up residence beneath the front porch of our tiny house, dodging the broken lattice as if searching for a place to belong, a place to call home. And the boy, like those kittens, didn’t seem to trust anyone. He looked cautious and afraid of everything and everyone.

The next time I saw him, I approached him with care, trying to earn his trust, and discovered his name. It was a peculiar name, one I’d never heard before. He said his name was County.

During summer breaks, I worked alongside my parents at their diner. I had no older siblings to watch over me. My parents didn’t believe in a babysitter. They worked hard to earn a living. My mother always said the Jessups were a team. Every evening, weekend, holiday, and summer break I could be found at the diner. There were always customers, people hungry and wanting a meal. And County was no exception to this rule.

County had been in and out of foster homes his entire life. He’d led the existence of a gypsy, constantly shuffled around, and never staying still in one spot for too long, never setting down roots. That foster child somehow had been miraculously transplanted by the state to Lawrence, a tiny speck on the map with no claim to fame or fortune.

County had never known the security I took for granted, or the unconditional love I’d been given in abundance. After prying answers out of him, I soon discovered he had no memory of his parents and wasn’t sure where he’d come from originally. He didn’t like to talk about himself either. County had been placed in the care of Norene Jones, a single mother with six kids of her own. There was no Mister Jones in the picture. Everyone in our small backwoods town knew how Norene provided for herself and those kids. I had been young, but I hadn’t been naive. County was just another check at the end of the month for Norene, a way to make ends meet. Seldom was there enough money to go around. Sometimes, they went hungry. He came to my parents’ diner in search of food, not only for himself but also for them.

County was poor, but I didn’t mind. My daddy always said a man shouldn’t be judged by his possessions, but by his actions and his heart. Even though money was the universal language spoken by all, County had something else, something far better than money could ever buy; he had a good heart.

In his eyes lay a fortress of shadows and secrets. Secrets he refused to share, which only made my curiosity about him grow. For the remainder of summer break, I found myself anxiously awaiting another one of his visits and spending my time trying to unlock yet another intriguing piece of the puzzle known as County Montgomery.

Our visits were a secret until that one day, when my father happened upon us quite by accident. It was the week before school was to start, with only a few days remaining of summer break. Hidden behind the diner, County and I had been leaning against the building talking. County was his usual self, stoic and quiet. As always, I was the one doing most of the talking while he ate the peanut butter sandwich I made him. Every evening around seven-thirty, like clockwork, he would arrive. It was just as the sky began to turn in color and the sun whispered farewell at the end of the day.

My dad, he didn’t seem the least bit surprised at finding us together. He was a good man, always helping others in need. Panic had flared in County’s eyes. Knowing what his expression meant, I grabbed for his hand. He was going to bolt. My dad had taken one look at County and asked him to come inside. Of course, County being County, he ran anyway.

County was always running. He left me standing in the alley behind my parents’ diner with my dad looking on as I yelled after him. He didn’t stop or glance back. He just kept running. It was the first day of school before I saw him again. In between times, I prayed each morning and night that he didn’t go hungry.

For the next six years, we became inseparable. Where you saw one, you saw the other. Summers were spent swimming and fishing at Willow Pond, riding bikes, washing dishes and taking out the diner’s trash. He took me to my eighth-grade dance and even to the prom, but, both times, I had to ask him.

County was always around. I was his shadow, and he was mine.

Part One:

Chapter One

Two years later

There’s a knock at the front door. He’s here, I gasp, quickly glancing around the living room. Everything is in place. My backpack, though, is sitting in the chair, open. I just finished my homework and was busy getting everything ready for our movie night. A big bowl of popcorn and two cold glass bottles of orange Crush soda already sit on coasters on the coffee table. I sling the DVD in my hand on the couch and run toward the door.

Mom and Dad’s car isn’t in the driveway. They left thirty minutes ago to celebrate their anniversary, and for a moment I’m afraid County might think I changed my mind and decided to go with them. My parents were driving into Wicker, the next town over, to eat out at some fancy restaurant. Every now and then, I guess, it was nice to have someone else fix your meals.

They were a little leery about leaving me behind, but I’m fourteen—plenty old enough to be left alone. Plus, I told them County was coming over to keep me company. That way they wouldn’t worry. My friend April loaned me a movie, an action flick. She said it was based on a true story about a professional bull rider. As long as it was action, we’re good. No romance. Neither County or I are crazy about that mushy stuff. Plus, he’d mentioned wanting to see this one a while back.

So, he should like the movie since Calvert recently promoted him from stall boy and was allowing him to work with the horses. When County wasn’t helping at the diner, he could be found out at Calvert Young’s ranch. Mr. Young broke horses for a living and had taken a liking to County one evening when he stopped in at the diner. To my knowledge, County has never been thrown from a horse. It seems he’s good at holding on.

I yank open the door to find him standing outside on my front porch. Hey, you, I say with a smile, and he grins. County’s so tall I have to look up at him. His brown hair is a little long, curling against his neck. He’s wearing the same clothes he wore today at school, a faded blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

As soon as my parents and I left the diner that evening, I came straight in and changed into my cutoff jogging pants and an old t-shirt. There’s a bleach spot on my chest, but it’s still one of my favorite shirts.

Come on in.

He slips past me, stepping inside and glancing around. I close the door behind him and turn. Where’s April? he asks curiously.

With her mom and dad.

I thought she’d be here too, he says, shoving his hands in his front pockets. County is acting strange. Did he have a crush on April? The thought leaves me feeling slightly winded. We’re all friends, but I hang out more with County.

Her dad came home today. April’s dad is in the Marines, and he’s on leave.

Oh, he murmurs, and walks past me, scooting my backpack over to sit down on the edge of the chair. He shoots me a slight smile as he begins to tug off his boots. They’re new and not even scuffed yet.

Mr. Young insisted on purchasing County a new pair of boots at the start of each school year since County started working for him. County is proud and uncomfortable accepting gifts, but Mr. Young made it clear—County couldn’t work on his ranch if he didn’t own a decent pair of work boots.

You made popcorn, he says, pulling me from my thoughts. He’s grinning as he stares at the coffee table. His stomach rumbles and a faint flush instantly rises to his cheeks.

I roll my eyes, ignoring the sound. I don’t want to embarrass him, but I made enough popcorn to feed a small army. Planting a hand on my hip, I stare back at him. Now, County Montgomery, what’s a movie without popcorn?

A movie, he echoes, and I shake my head as he stands and places his boots on the mat next to the door.

Yeah, I thought we’d have movie night. I grab the DVD from the couch and hold it out in front of me. His blue eyes widen.

Is that what I think it is? he asks, flashing me his dimples. The sight of them causes a strange little fluttering in the pit of my stomach. For now, I choose to ignore it. Maybe I shouldn’t have had those two strawberry sundaes earlier at the diner. Well, nothing is going to stop me from movie night with my best friend, not even an upset stomach.

It sure is, I reply and walk over to the DVD player to insert the disc.

When I turn, County is sitting on the couch. A smile curves my lips as I cross the room and plop down on the middle cushion next to him. When his eyes meet mine, he quickly glances away, shifting in his seat, leaning against the arm of the couch.

Is something wrong? I ask and he shrugs. He doesn’t look at me, which is also kind of strange. In fact, for the past month he’s been acting different.

Here. I grab his soda from the coffee table, handing it to him. His fingers bump mine and a tingle dances up my arm. We both freeze, his blue eyes locked on mine. Are you sure you’re okay? I whisper, swallowing the sudden lump lodged in my throat. I’m not sure why I feel so funny.

He nods and quickly takes a drink of his soda before setting it back down on the table. Why didn’t you sit with me and April today at lunch? I saw you sitting with Bryant and Adam.

He shrugs instead of answering and grabs the bowl of popcorn, wedging it into the tiny space between us on the couch. Do you want me to move down? I ask. His eyes widen, he seems conflicted.

No, Sky. You’re fine, he says, his cheeks turning red. What I meant to say is, it’s okay. Uh, he stammers, you don’t need to move.

Oh, I murmur, and watch the advertisements before the movie begins to play.

Taking a deep breath, I peek over at County. He’s staring at me and there’s this weird look on his face. Is he sick, too? Sitting this close to him, the scent of something masculine teases my nostrils. It’s not unpleasant. It’s actually nice, but different. I lean closer to him, to get a better whiff. The popcorn bowl nudges my leg, bumping his and it draws his attention. He stiffens, his body tense.

Wrinkling my nose, I sniff. What’s that smell? I cock my head at an angle, studying him.

What smell? he asks, tugging at the front of his shirt. He lowers his head and sniffs. I don’t smell anything.

It smells like, I pause, and then it hits me. Are you wearing cologne? I ask, smiling at him.

He huffs, shaking his head. God, Sky. What if I were? He’s so defensive. Focusing on the television screen, I cross my arms over my chest. They’re still advertising movies. Again, my thoughts turn to April. Does County like her? Was that the reason he’s acting so strange?

When the movie finally begins to play, I grab a handful of popcorn and shove it into my mouth. I don’t know why his behavior bothers me, but I can’t quit thinking about County and if he likes April or not. My stomach rolls at the thought, and I wipe my buttery hand on the hem of my shirt, giving up on the popcorn. He can’t have a crush on April.

County, I murmur, and he glances from the screen to me.

What’s the matter, Sky? he asks and suddenly I’m the one who is uneasy. This is my best friend. We tell each other everything. I shouldn’t be nervous.

I have to ask you a question.

He grows still, except for the slight bobbing of the Adam’s apple in his throat. Okay, he says, his tone uncertain.

You’ve been acting strange, I begin, and his lips flatten into a thin line.

I have not, he insists, growing angry.

You have, I argue, and he shakes his head no still denying it.

You’re imaging things, he says, and settles back against the couch.

Am I, County? Do you like April?

He begins to cough, his eyes snapping to mine. They’re as wide as saucers and, when I move closer to him to pat him on the back, they grow even wider. He shakes his head. I’m okay, he whispers, sucking in a deep breath. He coughs again, and then finally seems to get the coughing under control.

You didn’t answer my question, I remind him, and he runs a hand through his hair, eyeing me.

I don’t like April, he admits. Not like that, he adds, his tone dropping lower.

Ignoring the movie, I pick up the popcorn bowl and place it on the table, turning to him. Are you mad at me?

He seems uncomfortable with my question. His blue eyes are shadowed as they study me, and then his expression softens. I’m not mad at you, Sky.

Relief has my lips curling upward. Are you sure?

He rolls his eyes, his dimples peeking out as his lips curve into a grin. I’m sure.

Good, I mutter, and scoot closer to him, grabbing hold of his hand. At first, he’s stiff beneath my touch and, when our eyes meet, I simply stare back at him. I’ve never seen eyes the color of his. His lashes are thick and even when he’s not smiling, his eyes are. He’s beginning to grow a mustache; there’s a faint shadow of fine hair above his lip.

Still friends? I ask, and he nods, his fingers sliding home in between mine.

Yeah, Sky, we’re still friends.

Smiling, I tuck my legs beneath me. Always, I whisper, squeezing his hand. His blue eyes are a shade darker, almost stormy, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.

Always, he murmurs, and I lean into his side. After a few seconds, I can finally feel him begin to relax so I focus on the movie. The hero has finally arrived. I snuggle against County. He’s better than a pillow. Next to me, I hear him sigh, and once more everything is right in my world.

Then one day, the day I knew would eventually arrive. County, he wasn’t there for me anymore.

Chapter Two

We’d closed the diner for the day. At the time, I’d been eighteen going on twenty-five. I thought I knew everything. My home was a short walk up the street from the diner. My parents had left us to clean up for the day. County swept while I wiped down the tables and counters. This was our usual routine.

County became as natural to me as breathing. Our relationship was surprisingly easy despite its rocky beginning. Every night after closing, when we were all alone, he sang to me. My County had a voice that belonged on a radio station. Hearing him sing always gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Sometimes he chose popular songs by artists I knew. Other times, he’d make up his own lyrics, singing of places I’d never see in my lifetime, or of a love someday I hoped to find.

It was hard to explain what it was about County that grabbed ahold of me so tight and refused to let go. It might have been his sadness; the lost boy I saw whenever I looked into his eyes. Maybe it was his strength or his determination to survive, to defeat the insurmountable odds stacked against him from birth. Maybe it was a combination of all those things. County Montgomery was etched permanently onto my heart and I, Sky Blue Jessup, was completely head over heels in love with him.

Tomorrow after graduation, we planned to attend Bryant White’s party out on Windup Road. The whole school was invited. Bryant was the star quarterback of our high school football team, and his parties were always legendary. He was the most popular guy at our school, and while he seemed all right for a jock, he was a little stuck on himself in my opinion.

At an old run-down barn in the middle of nowhere, the entire population of Laurel County High would meet up for one last final hurrah. It was then I planned to tell County of my feelings. The time had come. I had waited long enough. He needed to know while we still had the entire summer ahead of us before college started for me in the fall. I wanted to spend the rest of our time wrapped up in his arms. I didn’t want friendship from County, not anymore. If I was completely honest with myself, I hadn’t thought of County as a friend for quite a while.

After this summer, the uncertainty of our future hung over my head like a dark cloud. It felt as if our time together was running out. Unsuccessfully, I had tried to convince County to attend the university with me, but he insisted college wasn’t for him. Right now, my plans included seeing him every other weekend. I’d spend my summers here in Lawrence with him just like old times. Secretly, I hoped no one came along and stole his heart while I was away.

You didn’t hear a word I just said.

Looking up from the table, I grin. He’s right. I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry, I mumble, studying him.

His smile grows even wider. He’s caught me daydreaming again. Every time I look at County, it’s like for the very first time. You need to shave, I point out, hoping my words may manage to distract him. I’m good at hiding the effect he has on me.

At six feet and two inches, he towers over my petite frame. Cursed with shortness, I barely reach the tops of his broad shoulders. Not only is County tall, he’s whipcord lean with wiry muscles and dark brown hair naturally highlighted by the sun. His eyes are a piercing blue and have the ability to derail my train of thought every time he’s around. He must know how I feel about him, but in my defense, I pretend he’s none the wiser. Otherwise, I would never be able to function around him. I’m all thumbs as it is.

He shakes his head eyeing me then scratches his scruffy, square chin. The same chin I long to press my lips against. What are you thinking about? Graduation? Curious eyes pin mine. I duck my head, trying to catch my breath.

Nah, not graduation, just about life in general. Everything is going to change. The thought of leaving him behind has my smile slipping. I don’t want to leave him. I wish I could convince him to go away to college with me.

Hey, he says, noting my expression. Concerned, he walks over to the table where I stand. Moisture gathers in my eyes, and I blink the tears away biting my lower lip. Sometimes, I’m such a girl. Change is good. His voice is surprisingly soft as he shifts the broom in his hands, studying me.

I guess, I mutter, lowering my eyes. Even to my own ears, my words don’t sound very convincing. I hate change. It’s the worst. County’s hand covers mine. My breath catches in my throat. Whenever he touches me, the sensation is always the same. County Monroe Montgomery, he is my bliss.

You are going places, Sky Blue Jessup.

His voice holds such conviction that I snort out loud shaking my head and wanting to laugh. Yeah, small town me is going two hours away to attend college. The thought is sobering. But I’m leaving you behind, I whisper, staring at him.

He appears thoughtful. A tear slides down my cheek and, quickly, I turn away before he can see. It would only make him worry. Outside the diner’s windows, traffic is dead on Main Street, but at this time of night, it usually is. I probably shouldn’t have said anything, but my words are true and spoken from my heart. Is my dream of teaching worth leaving the man I love behind?

Do you plan on forgetting me?

My eyes snap to his as I turn, a frown pulling at my lips. Never, I reassure him fiercely. He grins, flashing his dimples. There’s an irresistible twinkle in his blue eyes that automatically has me leaning in closer to him.

I won’t forget you either, he reassures me, staring deeply into my eyes.

Silence hangs awkward and heavy between us. It’s so uncomfortably loud, the pounding of my heart echoing in my ears and the ticking of the clock behind the counter. The sudden urge to confess my feelings is so strong it’s almost more than I can bear. Why wait? I want to tell him now, but still, I find myself holding back. The words are lodged tight in my throat and refuse to come out.

Let’s get out of here, he finally says and grabs the dishcloth from my hand. He walks across the room, heading into the back. In a daze, I glance down at my hand, the same hand he touched. My skin still tingles from the brief caress.

You, ready? he asks, reappearing in a matter of seconds.

Shaken, I nod and dig the front door key from my pocket. Why are you in such a hurry? Now that I thought about it, he’d been kind of antsy all evening, and since I notice everything about him, he is definitely nervous.

He runs his fingers through his shaggy hair, his eyes flickering to mine. You’re not gonna like it.

Frowning at him, I place my hands on my hips. When he says I’m not going to like something it’s usually always a red flag. He’s up to something, I should have known. What? Spit it out, County.

I have a date.

My heart sinks. Countless words could have fallen from his beautiful lips, but I wasn’t expecting those. County has a date. Placing a hand over my churning stomach, my eyes dart to the door. With who? Even though I really don’t want to know, I need to find out.

After a moment’s hesitation, he finally speaks. Callie White.

Of course, it had to be her. She’s popular and pretty. Callie White is everything I’m not. She’d recently broken off her relationship with her long-time boyfriend, Adam Fields, who just happened to be the wide receiver on our high school football team.

Bryant White had something to do with this. He’s sneaky. Plus, Callie is his sister. After school, I saw him with County. At the time, I assumed they were talking about the party, but Bryant had been setting up a date for his baby sister with my County. I wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all, but it’s just as well. Callie White was every guy’s dream girl and I’m not.

Good, I mutter hatefully, pushing past him and opening the door. Schooling my features, I turn to him, my expression blank. You coming or not? You can’t keep Callie waiting.

He rolls his eyes, his jaw tightening. A pulse ticks in his cheek. I’m taking her to the drive in. It’s only a movie, Sky.

It’s only…whatever! He’d never taken me to a movie before. I didn’t say anything, I protest, gritting my teeth. He would never know how much this bothers me.

He starts to walk past me then comes to a stop. He’s standing directly in front of me. My eyes slide up his chest and neck resting on his beautiful face. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, but he doesn’t want me. Tell me not to go.

What? I gasp in disbelief and step past him outside onto the sidewalk. What was he thinking? Even though I long to tell him not to go, I can’t. I would not forbid him from going out on a date with Callie White. This is his decision even though it’s a stupid one.

This maybe my chance, my only one and I’m blowing it because of my stubborn pride, but why would he agree to go out on a date with Callie in the first place? She’s such an air head. All she cares about is how pretty she looks. County Montgomery does not love me, not the way I love him, not the way a man should love a woman. He’d just saved me from making a fool of myself.

I hope you have fun. My voice drips sarcasm.

His gaze flickers from mine, his expression impossible to read. He blows out a deep breath, and then takes the key from my hand turning to lock the door. Let me at least walk you home, he says glancing at me from over his shoulder.

Even though I want to argue, I find myself numbly nodding in agreement. By the time he turns, I’m walking up the sidewalk. He jogs, easily catching up with me and falls into step next to me. I will not cry over this, but I really wish he’d leave me alone. I shouldn’t have agreed to allow him to walk me home.

Are you mad at me?

My lips twitch. Laughing, I cross my arms over my chest. Me, mad at you? Whatever for?

He slings a muscular arm around my shoulder, trying to pull me against his side. His scent goes straight to my head. No one smells as good as County. Refusing to budge an inch, he gives in and edges closer to me. Are you jealous?

My chest tightens at those words and my mouth falls open. My fingers fly to his waist, pinching his side hard as I slip out from underneath his arm. I am not jealous of Callie White, I mutter, crossing my fingers behind my back. It’s a lie. I’m insanely jealous of her, especially when it comes to him.

We stop outside of my house and stand openly staring at one another. He watches me warily as I search his expression hoping to detect a hint of his true feelings. I don’t want to be his kid sister or his best friend, not anymore. He’s so frustrating. He rubs at the spot high on his side, the one I just pinched. He deserves more than that for his behavior.

I do believe you’re jealous, he states, arching an eyebrow at me.

Throwing my hands in the air, my eyes narrow. Okay, you got me, County. I’m pea green envious with jealousy.

He throws back his head, roaring with laughter. He laughs so hard his chest is shaking. My ears are filled by the lovely sound. He is breathtakingly beautiful, but there’s so much more to him besides his good looks. A girl like Callie, she will never see beyond them or appreciate what he truly had to offer. County is magnetic. He has charisma, that magical something that unconsciously draws you to him, that makes you crave to be around him.

I knew it, he declares, smirking. What?

You know nothing, I snarl at him, denying the truth, then spin on my heel running up the front porch steps.

Sky, he calls. I should just ignore him. He loves torturing me. Unable to help myself, I stop and turn. He’s standing in the exact same spot where I left him. This time, instead of finding a smirk on his face, his expression is serious.

What do you want now? I huff, yelling at him.

Tell me not to go.

A tear slips down my cheek. Quickly, I spin back around and open the front door stomping inside. When I close the door, he’s still standing on the sidewalk staring at the house.

Chapter Three

Today is field day at school. Last night I’d lain awake most of the night unable to sleep. I tossed and turned, thinking about him with her. What did I even care? If he wanted Callie, he was welcome to her.

After we parted ways, I ran straight up the stairs to my room and flung myself across the bed and had a good cry. Boys were stupid. Never should a girl have to ask a guy not to go out on a date with another girl. He shouldn’t want to anyway.

Lifting my pony tail from my neck, I glance over at my best friend, April Lang, who is currently walking beside of me oblivious to the lengths of my inner turmoil. We’ve been friends since kindergarten.

Let’s go grab a drink, she suggests, fanning her face.

Nodding, I try my best to smile. All day,