Frying Pan or Fire: Terri Adventures

By Teresa Greathouse

Everything was going smoothly like I was "cooking with gas."

Then have you heard that old saying "Out of the frying pan, into fire"?

Yikes, here I go again! Am I going to get burned? Will it be the frying pan or the fire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639851171

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Day 1

Terri

The Texas Giant for a roller coaster, which is my life, is still going. Still drama, don’t you worry. My family’s ranch that my parents sold, without me knowing, I might add, is now called the King’s Ranch. At least it’s easier to say over the phone than the Four Horsemen and Cattle Company. The Kings put me on as manager and my boyfriend, Chance Sullivan, who is head honcho. He is still bossy as ever, but don’t you worry; I am bossy when I need to be. Gotta keep this ranch going. My parents wanted Chance and me to be strong together, and that is what we are trying to do.

Business is booming. The guys work hard to keep the ranch in great shape. I have loved being here with all the guys. On the ranch as of right now are the ten guys I hired before the Kings got here, then we have five of ten Kings here that are part of Chance’s crew—Clive Peters, Josh Knight, Gus Hart, Billy Palmer, and of course, Chance. Now Jay Sullivan (Chance’s little brother), Bash Hansen, Bruiser Jenkins, Hunter Morrison, and Shaw Stephens have found some land closer into the city of San Antonio. It’s about four hundred acres. These Kings wanted to be closer to the city, so we all talked about it, and no one wanted anyone to be miserable here on this ranch, so we compromised that at least one to two Kings would have to be on the property at all times to take care of the animals, employees, and customers. Between the five of them, we trust they will run the horse ranch to the Kings’ standards, which are taking care of the clients, cleanliness, being patient, being fair to workers, and getting great trainers to build the business. Jay is excited to show his big brother what he can do. You go, Jay! The clients that choose to go to the other ranches the Kings own have been moved. There are ten clients that moved their horses to the new ranch. Once they left, the spots filled in quickly. We are busy bees around especially opening a new ranch. The grand opening for the Kings 2.0 was last month, and they are so busy that they have had to hire more employees to help with the horses. I was going to go but was too busy here, so Chance went on our behalf.

Chance is away a lot on business trips. I just stay here and take care of anything. Billy steps in for Chance when he is gone for the paperwork side of things. I have my phone number for clients on my cell phone, so then when I am working outside, I can answer unless I am training. The horses need my full attention. Plus, now that I don’t own the place, I’m just an employee on paper, I do what I love, and that is work the ranch that my family has owned for many generations. I hope more will come after me.

We all work great together. Don’t worry; we all have bad days, but we keep going strong. I am busy as ever because I cook for the guys since Shaw and Hunter left. I also help with clients, teach classes, train, help with the cattle, and help clean stalls since we added another ten stalls close to the front adjacent to the training pins. I definitely have a schedule in place. Very tiring but so much fun. Oh, and I try to keep the guys in line or vice versa. We try to have as much fun as we can. Know that hard work can be rewarding.

My world has been great for the eight months they have been here. Now this week is busy as ever. The stables have been completely full since the Kings got here. We are exhausted, so for dinner, I make a few pot roasts for the guys. I also have roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. For dessert, I bring a pecan and apple pie. It’s the big one from Sam’s. The men can polish one of these things off in one day, if not two. I want the guys to feel appreciated through a great meal. The Kings have gotten cleaned up. Now they are getting what they want to drink, then help me finish setting the table. I get the meat out on a platter, then get Gus to set it on the table. Then the veggies and potatoes get in their bowls, then Josh takes them to the table. I also grab some Sister Schubert dinner rolls I warmed up and then buttered, and now I have got them in a basket. Chance grabs me a water, then we all sit down for dinner. The people with us tonight are Chance at the head of the table, I to his left, Josh, Billy, Gus, and the two newbies, Austin and Trent. Clive is at Tilly’s tonight.

Chance speaks up. So I have some news. We are all putting food on our plates. I have some clients coming in that are new to the horse business. They will be here tomorrow. We need to keep this place clean. Babe, I need you to clean the house tomorrow as well as the back house. I look at him and was about to argue, but I nod, then start eating. I pile a big blob of everything. I smile, then Chance takes my plate and trades out with his, which has barely anything on it. He has been doing this the past few months, along with some other things that really piss me off, but I won’t go into that right now. Let’s just eat our tiny plate and try not to be pissed off. I look around the table, and they are all looking at each other.

Then I ask, So what is so special about these clients that some of the guys have to give up their days off for?

They will give us double each horse if they fall in love with the place and the people. A lot of the guys smile. I am thinking that I didn’t see these new clients on the schedule, so Chance must have met them when he was away.

Josh says, Sounds good to me. Hannah and I are broken up, so I have time to work for some extra money.

Chance nods, then we go back to eating. I feel a little funny. I have slowed down my eating, and Chance sees. He nods at my food. I take a few more bites, then I am done. I wash off my plate, then put it in the dishwasher. When I am done, I look at the instructions for the pie to warm it up while everyone was eating. I then turn around and see Chance is in his own world. Of course, on his phone now. I want to know what is really going on. He usually tells us when we have new clients coming at least a week in advance. When all the guys are done with their plates, they clean them off then laid them in the sink. I bring silverware and the pie out to them, warmed up, with some ice cream. Chance is still on his phone. I take his plate and go wash it off. The guys dig in, then I sit down and have a sliver of each side.

Chance look at what I am eating and says, Babe, you don’t need to eat that.

I am stunned again. He takes the plate from me in front of the guys and eats what I had on the plate. I look at Josh, and he is pissed. I am embarrassed. I just smile then say, You’re probably right. Now if y’all excuse me, I am going to get ready for bed. Just wash off everything, and when I get out of the shower, I will come put everything up. I am standing behind Chance, and the guys are looking at me. I mouth to them that I am okay, and I turn to go upstairs to grab some clothes, then go to the bathroom and lock the door. When I strip, I think I see beautiful me but not so much today. I then jump in the shower and get cleaned up. When I am done, I dry off and again look at myself, mainly my torso. The bruises are fading. I wonder if he is going to hit me again? I put some Capri tights on and a T-shirt, then head downstairs with my phone and clean the kitchen. All the guys have left, and Chance is at the island, drinking a beer.

Chance.

Yeah, babe?

What in the hell was that about earlier? I know that I am a big chick, but that was uncalled for doing that in front of guys.

He stands up and pushes me against the fridge aggressively. You are going to lose weight, babe. It’s time. We are getting busier, and people don’t want to see fat hanging everywhere. I try to move away, but he keeps me pinned. You can’t help the scars, but you can help the fat. Now I need you to get some good sleep because you have a lot of cleaning to do tomorrow. He grabs my neck and squeezes a little, then kisses me. I don’t like this. He has never squeezed my neck before. You will listen to me, or there will be consequences. You hear me? I want to cry, but I need to stay strong, so I just nod.

My confident self is falling away a little. He has been hitting me every blue moon out of nowhere. If I tell anyone, then there will be a rude awakening, and he has also threatened my family and my men. I just suck it up and take it day by day. So far, he hasn’t hit me hard enough to go to the doctor. I am getting sick of being his wannabe Barbie doll. I know I need to leave, but again I am gone from him a lot of the time sadly and good. I don’t want to leave my parents’ ranch. Ugh!

I am wondering if Chance is just taking his stress out on me. The bigwigs are supposed to come tomorrow. After he kisses me, he smirks, then steps away and goes to his office. I go up to my room and get in bed. I set my alarm, and I am freaking out a little. Chance turned into an abuser. When will he strike again? I might need to end this before it goes any farther. So many questions. I lay my head down, and I close my eyes. I smooth out my breathing. I see it’s one in the morning. I hear Chance coming because there are a lot of creaks on the stairs. I close my eyes, then somewhat cover my face so he thinks I am asleep. I feel a presence over me, and he says, No, man. That will be good. The sooner the better. He leaves my side, then he hangs up and gets cleaned up. Twenty minutes later, he is out and gets in bed with me. He grabs me around my waist, and I turn toward him and fake a smile.

Night, handsome.

Night, beautiful. We will all have a great time when we get that extra money. I nod then he gives me a kiss. I roll back on my other side, and we spoon. I finally fall asleep. I feel like I am having a dream, but then I am woken up by men with masks on their faces in camo and black clothes, gloves, and guns. I am in shock, and Chance says, What do y’all want?

There are four of them. The head guy, I think, who looks scrawny but has a little muscle, says, We want money. We know y’all are rich. Now where is it! I smile. What’s so funny?

You really think we keep cash here? We don’t because of what you are doing right now. A lot of the bad guys around these parts know they won’t get anything from us. Apparently y’all didn’t get the memo. Chance growls at me. What the hell did I do?

The man laughs. Y’all have cattle. Now we are going to take a few.

I laugh again. Chance says, What’s so funny now? You need to shut up.

I smile. Well, all of our animals on the ranch have a low jack, and you don’t know where we put them on the animal. If the animal gets hurt, it tells us, so you aren’t getting anything.

The four men huff, then the scrawny man smiles. Get the hell up.

I look at Chance, and he nods for me to get up. The man slugs me in the gut, then I start to fight back. I get a good punch in myself, and then Chance says, Leave her alone. I will give you nine thousand, then you never come back.

A different guy smiles, then one other guy says, Why not ten thousand?

The head guy says, IRS comes looking, idiot.

They nod, then Chance gets up, and they have a gun fixed on me. Take us to your office, and you, beautiful, will come with us.

I hold my stomach, then we get up, and Chance walks in front of me, then we go down the stairs to his office. He gets his checkbook out, and one of the guys sits me down in one of the chairs. I look at Chance, and he shakes his head no. He knows I want to fight back again, but I listen to him. While I am sitting down, one of the men comes over to me and grabs my head and bends it back.

Chance says, Let her go or I won’t write the check.

The guys laughs. Keep going or I will do worse.

My breathing picks up then I stare at the man’s eyes. Devil is all I can think of. The guy rolls his gun around my neck. You are so beautiful. You have a lot to go around.

I hear Chance rip the check. The head guy says, Let her go. Come on.

The guy bends down and whispers in my ear, I might have to see you soon. He lets me go, and they leave. My breathing hurts, but I will be okay.

I then hear Chance say, Damn, that could have been worse. Why did you have to open your mouth?

I look at him, and I am stunned. You didn’t say much, so I had to. Why are you wanting to start a fight right now? We were just at gunpoint. Apparently, you don’t care about me.

He comes around the table and takes my hand, then leads me to our room. He pushes me up against the wall and slugs me in the gut. I cough and fall to the floor.

Don’t you ever speak to me like that again! Don’t ever say I don’t care about you! I have kept you here and loved you for eight long months and want you forever. Now let’s forget tonight and know I am leaving, and I will be back tomorrow afternoon. Everything better be clean or—

Or what, you’re going to hit me again?

I stand up tall, and then he slugs me in the stomach. I swear. I suck at protecting myself. He is quick. I am about to go down, and he grabs my right wrist and squeezes, then pushes me up against the wall.

You will respect me, and this is the last time I tell you. Do not smart-mouth me. You are mine. Now get some sleep. He slugs me again in my gut, and I fall to the floor.

When he leaves, I cry. After a few minutes, I get up and go to the bathroom and take some Tylenol, then my phone rings. Don’t even think about telling anyone what happened. Night, beautiful. I wipe my face and lift my shirt. My left side is going to be all bruised tomorrow. I get in bed and lay there thinking that I might have to leave the ranch.

Day 2

My alarm goes off at five, and I roll over in pain. I look around, and he isn’t here. Thankfully. I lift my shirt up to look at myself in the mirror, and then I hear a Oh hell no! behind me. I turn, and it’s Slade. He is my head foreman. What are you doing here? I put my shirt down.

Well, I saw that Chance wasn’t here, so I came up to check in on you because you are usually up in the kitchen making coffee by now. I am going to kill him.

Slade, no, you are not. You will keep this to yourself. You hear me?

He huffs. Fine, but I will be watching him.

I nod. Will you start the coffee? I will be down in a few minutes.

He nods, then leaves. I freshen up, then get dressed, grab my phone, and head downstairs. All the guys are there. I start the toast and get all the jelly and butter out, as well as the eggs and bacon. I grab the pots and wince a little.

Josh says, Sis, are you okay?

I nod. Josh is like my brother. Protective. Yep, just slept wrong.

I look at Slade, and he then goes back to eating. I grab the pans to cook the eggs and bacon then the guys made me a coffee.

So, friends, apparently I am cleaning today, so y’all will just have to do without me on the ranch. They grunt, and I smile. What was that about?

Josh says, We want you with us. You are no maid.

I snigger. I know, but if these clients are coming on an off day, then they must be bringing in the money, so I need y’all to clean extra today, then we will be right on track.

They nod, then we finish breakfast about thirty minutes later, and I clean up. I am hurting. Slade comes up to me when the guys left.

If you need me, you call me today. I still think you should tell someone.

I will be okay. I tried to fight back, you know. He is too quick.

He won’t be touching you anymore. Now just be careful.

I nod and he leaves. I grab the broom from the mudroom on the side of the house and sweep it out. I then take the broom over to the front porch and back porch. I then mop the floors, dust the living room, and clean the windows. I go upstairs, make the bed, and do a light dusting. We are in the country, for goodness’ sake. There is going to be a little dirt. I go back downstairs, then get my hat and phone. I go down to the barn and get my keys from the office to get my four-wheeler and head to the back house on the property. I see the guys getting the cows together for inspection, and I wave at them. I wince a bit but keep going. After about ten minutes of fun driving, I get to the house, and I have the key and unlock it. It’s nice in here. I make the guys keep it clean when they use it. All I do is dust, clean the windows, and sweep off the porches. I ain’t making it pristine. We are in the country. Chance will just have to clean it if he wants it cleaned. After a few hours, I get back on the four-wheeler and ride to the east side, where Josh is getting up some horses. I meet him over by the gate and open it for him so he can get out.

When I get there, he says, Thanks, sis. You look different today. Your attitude seems a little off, and you seem a little pale.

I give a small smile. Everyone has off days, brother. I have to get back to the house but wanted to stop and say hi, and I will have sandwiches ready for y’all in about an hour.

He nods, then grabs his phone and sends a mass text to everyone. Do y’all want them in the barn or at the house?

At the house is fine.

I nod, then get on the four-wheeler and leave. I go and park the wheeler and take the keys back. When I get to the steps of the house, Chance is standing at the top with two men. I thought they are coming tomorrow. I take my gloves off and put them in my back pocket.

When I walk up the stairs, Chance says, Gentlemen, this is the infamous Terri Stone. I guess I am not his girlfriend.

I smile and look at the men. Fellas, I would shake your hand, but I have been working on the ranch. Let’s go inside, and I can get y’all some lemonade or sweet tea if you like?

The head man smiles. That would be lovely.

While we walk in, Chance says, Terri, this is Cooper and James Jenkins. They are interested in leaving some horses here to train.

Very nice. I walk up to the sink and wash my hands well. When I was done, I turn to them. What got you into the horse business? I walk to the cabinet and grab some glasses. Chance comes over and grabs the lemonade and tea out of the fridge. Then I get some ice from the ice dispenser.

The second guy James says, You, actually. The Kings have been in the newspaper, and I read up about y’all and the great work you do. To be honest, we are new to the horse business. We don’t know much. We wanted to come out and see the place and make sure it’s a right fit. On any of our projects, we like to oversee some of the progress. I nod and ask what they want to drink. They both want tea. I pour it into their glasses.

In our contract, before you sign, you may go over it, but one of the details is that not all horses learn the same way meaning some are slower than others. Also depends on what you want them trained for.

Cooper then says, We have four horses that we want to test, two westerns that we just want broke for ourselves and one jumping and one dressage.

I nod. I would have to talk to Josh, our other trainer. I personally have not trained dressage horses before. I am mainly western, rodeo, breaking, and some jumping, but Chance and I would put your animals with what trainers seem to fit their personalities. We do have a part-time trainer that also comes in that helps in the other areas I am not familiar with.

They both chuckle, then James says, We trust that the people here know what they are doing.

I nod then look at the clock. Now, gentlemen, is there any way that we can talk more over lunch? I have about twenty-five people going to bombard the house here in a minute. I am the cook here too. If you like sandwiches, I can rustle some up for y’all as well. They look at each other while I look at Chance, and he is fake-smiling at me. I inwardly roll my eyes, then Cooper and James smile.

James says, We would love to join everyone for lunch.

I nod then get to work. The guys talk business for about ten minutes, then Josh comes in the door and washes his hands. I have paper towels and bread laid all over the island counter. Chance introduces Josh to Cooper, and James then comes over to help me.

I ask Cooper and James, Are y’all a mayo and mustard fan?

Yes, we are.

I nod. If you all want more than one sandwich, please let me know. Also, I will have dips and chips as well as carrots and celery for dipping.

Cooper says, One is good with us.

I smile, then squirt mayo on one side then mustard on the other with all the sandwiches. They appreciate what I make. I am not a professional chef by any means. Josh puts the ham on one half and turkey on the other. We go through so much bread. When I have time, I make wraps for them sometimes. I also sometimes make other foods, but sandwiches are our main dish most of the time. I thankfully had everything cut up from yesterday. Chance brings Cooper and James to the other side of the bar and let them watch our harmony. Once the sandwiches are made, we put the ham on one plate and the turkey on the other. I always make ten extra sandwiches because you never know who wants seconds. I got the dips out. I have guacamole and tortilla chips as well as ranch and ruffles. Then I also go into the pantry and grab a tray of cookies. I am telling you Sam’s loves us. I put the onion, tomatoes, and pickles on a plate and put them out, then all the men start piling in. They take their hats off but not their shoes unless they are muddy. We put out paper plates, silverware, and napkins and do it buffet style. The men go everywhere in the house to find places to sit. Some go on the back porch, living room, front porch, the gazebo, dining room, or here in the kitchen, or some men like to just stand. Once Josh and I have everything together with the other pitchers of water, tea, and lemonade, the guys pour what they want into red solo cups filled with ice, then we are ready to eat.

Hey, fellas, we have guests today, so we will let them go first. I made ten extra sandwiches today. If anyone needs extra after the others are gone, let me know. They all nod or say okay. Cooper and James grab a plate and dig in. They smile at me.

You do a lot of work around here, don’t ya?

I nod. I love it. I haven’t been the chef, but thankfully, these guys like my cooking. Well, it’s what they tell me anyway.

Cooper says, Well, this is amazing. Y’all are a great group of guys following a leader like Terri.

The guys cheer, and I look at Chance, and he is smiling but it’s a smile I have never seen on him before. I am not staying here tonight.

Y’all enjoy and have as much of as you like.

They nod, and everyone goes through the line. I get a couple of the pitchers that were empty and made lemonade. Yeah, we aren’t that fancy to squeeze fresh lemons. I also get a couple of pots of water on the stovetop so I can then simmer some tea bags. I snack on my food while I am working. Chance comes up behind me and grabs me around the waist and squeezes a little. I bite my lip so I won’t wince. I am stirring lemonade.

Oh, baby, you are doing so well.

How come I hear the sarcastic tone in your voice, Chance?

He squeezes my waist again, and I wince this time. I will do the talking from now on. This is my ranch, and you will no longer be a manager. Just a lowly employee. Don’t you dare say anything to anyone. He kisses my head, then goes and charms the guys.

Slade comes up to me and says, It took everything in me not to slug him.

I nod. I am not going to stay here tonight. I am going to go down to the tree house. Chance and I need some space.

He nods. Yeah, y’all do. How about I stay on property tonight? We have that momma horse going to have a baby soon.

Wasn’t she due yesterday?

Yep, and Gus said he can take care of it, but I can insist.

No, you go home to the family tonight.

He sighs, then nods and walks away. All the men, after about thirty minutes, are done eating and get back to work. Chance takes Cooper and James outside, and I finish cleaning then go outside myself. Chance is going to take the men on trip around the ranch on a four-seat golf cart. I am going to grab my phone and some tea and do some emails. He can be without me for a while.

Chance

So I hate this shit. Everyone is all about Terri. What about me, damn it? I used to be the shit, but now that I bought this place, all my customers are talking about Terri. I am busy all the time showing the ranch or getting customers to come. Now these two guys I am showing around are so rich that they have quietly bought the Kings franchise and all ranches. They do want their horses to train, just not here but in San Antonio since that is where they live a lot of the time. Cooper and James are oil tycoons, but they dip their hand in restaurants and hotels, as well as airplanes. They have a company that sells small jets for the rich and the famous. Like they say, dipping their hands in the horse scene, and I heard this one was the top-grossing for a very long time. It is that she has had the best trainers, but then I brought the best in and had a piece of the pie, but when these guys wanted to buy the Kings out over three hundred million dollars, I couldn’t say no. We have been getting everything together behind the scenes. Papers aren’t signed yet.

We are in the golf cart, and Cooper says, Terri is as good as you explained her, personality-wise. Let her guard drop a little, and you say we will like her more, right?

Yeah, she is great. Now I will be head honcho still. Also, when do you want me to tell them?

James then says, We will keep everything as is for a couple of weeks, then tell everyone. Also, we will go to 2.0 soon to see what it is about. When signed, more than likely, we will trim down a few of the ranches, but for now they are bringing in money, so we won’t mess with that. Our secretary will be here tomorrow to go over finances with you, and you might know her. She has been working for us for a while now and has shown great promise. Courtney Keagon.

I stop the golf cart in front of the mommas and babies. I look at Cooper, then James. You’re telling me Courtney has been working with y’all this whole time?

They smile. Yes, sir. Now she will be here the day after tomorrow, so I hope you show her a great time.

Yes, I will.

Shit, Courtney has been an on-and-off girlfriend for years, and we have seen each other at some parties. She is a beautiful woman, and I don’t know why I let her go. Oh, wait, I had to buy this ranch. I can’t wait to see her. I show them around the ranch. After about an hour, we come back, and Terri is training a horse in one of the circle pens. She has to keep the horse running and watch to see if he or she will accept defeat, but this one is a stallion, and it looks like Terri has been running for a bit. Her face is all flushed, and she takes her plaid shirt off. We all walk up to the fence and watch her. I look at Terri. She is a beautiful woman but not mine anymore. I need to get rid of her but don’t know how. I will have to come up with something under the radar. The guys from last night are stupid. I paid them to scare her, and more than anything, it just gave her a good laugh. I see Slade across the way being Terri’s second pair of eyes and is staring me down, giving me the go to hell look. Does he know what I did to Terri? Well, I don’t think she will tell him. She is a little off today, but she has just been blaming how busy she is. She better not tell.

Cooper says, Okay, Chance. On the down low, try to get Terri to 2.0. They back away. We must go, but know that we have liked what we have seen. Now we will bring a couple of horses here for show but take the bad ones to 2.0, so Terri will go. We will have all the right documentation and have a vet look at them as well as y’alls.

I nod then walk them to their limo. James stops at the door and looks at Terri. I look at her, and she waves at him, then he smiles and waves back. I am somewhat jealous, which I shouldn’t be, but I will let it fly. James looks at me with a smile on his face like he knows we are dating but can steal Terri from me easily. He can have her. I think. James gets in, then I shut the door and wave them off. Now I need to go call someone I haven’t talked to in a long time. Hope they are up for a challenge.

Terri

I am exhausted. I am ready for a shower. I have had four stubborn horses making me run too much, but it’s a good workout. Slade was my watch crew when I was training. I hadn’t got to ride Shocker yet, but Josh did earlier. We all train on each other’s horses. Just in case something happens, the horses can trust other humans. I am bringing a horse into the barn, and Slade says. How you are doing, boss?

Well, I am sore all over. Other than that, I am great.

He sighs. Are those men bringing any horses?

I don’t know. I am guessing Chance will want to talk with everyone so before you go home…

His phone rings, and he grunts. Yes, sir. Be right there. He hangs up. It’s the devil himself. See you soon.

I give him a small smile, then nod. I take the horse I worked back to its stall. When I am done, I go to the office in the main stables and look at how long the horses were staying. Most of them are staying a month, but at least we have four that are meant to leave tomorrow. Josh then comes into the office.

What you up to, trouble?

I giggle. Actually, no trouble at all. Checking what’s on the schedule this coming week.

Very good. He looks at his watch and it’s five. Sis, you better go get dinner ready. We are extra hungry today from all the work we have done.

I smile. Okay. I was thinking that maybe we could grill hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers tonight. Josh’s stomach growled, then we both laugh. I will go up to the house right now.

I walk up to the house and go into the mudroom. I drop my boots and socks in there. I also hang up my hat and gloves, then wash my hands in the sink. I then go out to the kitchen, and Chance is at the island with his laptop out.

I walk to him and say, Hey, handsome. Are you okay?

He looks at me with hatred for a minute. Then he takes a deep breath, and a small smile appears. No, babe, I am sorry. People in some of the other ranches are just not cutting it. My managers say that there are things going missing. Not a good time for that to happen. I am getting one of the main Kings that has worked there forever to put up other cameras. That should cut it. How has your day been, babe? You look more tired today.

I go to the fridge and grab the meat out of the fridge. Yeah, just a little sore. I work on getting dinner ready, then walk around to go outside to start the grill, and Chance pulls me to him. What you are doing, handsome?

Well, I wanted to apologize for hitting you. There is a lot going on, and I took it out on you, and it wasn’t fair. He raises my shirt, and I have a dark bruise on my stomach. I look at him, and he takes the back of his right hand and lightly rub it. I try not to move, but it’s tender. He looks me in the eyes, then grabs my face and kisses me. After giving me a few kisses, he looks at me then lets me go. I turn and go out on the porch and start the grill, then come back in and make the hamburger patties.

About 6:30 p.m., the men start coming in. I have leftover chips and dip. I also have coleslaw, beans, and potato salad. I get the buns out, and again we go buffet style. I have enough for all the men on the ranch, but a lot of them go home to eat with their families. We have about ten who stay. Josh finishes grilling while I finish inside. I set everything up, and then about fifteen minutes later, Josh comes in with the food, and the guys line up. Chance gets in line and fills his plate, then takes it to his office. I sigh, then grab myself a plate with a dog and a burger and some sides, then head over and sit with Josh and Billy. I get to eating then Chance comes over to us and takes my plate away and throws it in the trash.

What the hell, Chance, I was eating that.

No more bad food for you, remember?

Screw that. I have been working my ass off today, and I can have me some food.

Chance says, Excuse us, gentlemen, we will be right back.

I go to his office and sit down at his desk and have a bite of his food.

You are going to regret that. I was about to take another bite when the door flies open. Slade is there.

Terri, you stay out at the tree house tonight. Go get your things. Chance, I swear to God, if you think about touching her again or telling her how to eat, you won’t like the outcome.

I stand up and go over to Slade. He goes upstairs with me to grab some clothes. When we get up there, I get a small suitcase. Boss, get all you need as well as Luna. I have Betty at my back but don’t want to shoot Chance. I then grab my bag and go downstairs.

Chance is waiting for me. He says, "Come to my office. I need to talk to you