Page 6 of The Cowboy's Cabaret

Hi Wes! It’s Dahlia.

From the Fata Show.

You punched that guy for me?

Sorry, you probably saved my number. Ignore these messages and pretend I only said hello like a normal person.

I wanted to reach out, but didn’t want her to think I was creepy, so opted to leave it up to her—no hard feelings. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find her attractive. She’s cute as fuck and built like sin, with big doe eyes and a body deserving of worship from my knees.

My dick twitches in the morning glow at the erotic visual I’ve conjured up. Palming my erection, I vow not to jerk off thinking of my new friend and text her back.

Wesley

Dahlia!! What’s up?

Dahlia

Hi Sorry, I didn’t reach out sooner. I’ve been busy as shit with work and school, so I haven’t been very social.

Wesley

No worries, I’m glad to hear from you.

I didn’t realize you’re in school, what do you study?

Dahlia

Yeah! I’m getting my masters in social work. My last semester starts in August, so I’m in the home stretch.

Wesley

Damn, smarty pants. Very cool. I’m about to head out for work, text me anytime though.

Dahlia

Hope you have a good day, I’ll hit you up later.

My balls ache with the need for release, but I know if I stay in bed and fantasize about her any longer, Jasper will kick my ass for being late to chores.

“Sleeping beauty has arrived.Thanks for joining us.” It seems Jasper is starting his shit early. The other farm hands chuckle before returning to their chores to avoid Jasper’s wrath. The smell of horses and dew fill the air, the mix of new and old surrounding me as I wander along the worn dirt path to the old barn.

“Fuck off, Jas. I’m only ten minutes late. I was talking to Dahlia. She finally texted.”

“The one you haven’t shut the fuck up about? I’ll start looking at wedding venues.” He tosses me a shovel and I ignore his bitterness in favor of starting to muck the stalls.

Jasper is one of the most caring people I’ve ever met, but he is a grumpy ass through and through. Before I moved here, I wasn’t all too close with him.

At thirteen, Child Protective Services dropped my ass on his dad’s doorstep. He didn’t hesitate to step in as my brother and protector. Only three years older than me, he was wise beyond his years and he helped keep the hurt from consuming me. When all I wanted to do was light the world on fire, he sat and listened as I raged on about the unfairness of life and how much I fuckin’ hated my dad.

He taught me to throw a punch and how to ride a horse, taught me how to sneak out the least creaky window in the house after he caught me the first time. I’ll love him forever, but the man can be a dick.

“Want me to see if Dahlia will send me Daphne’s number? Maybe we can start a group chat.” I’m needling him on purpose, but I don’t care.

Clearly my words hit their mark, because his shovel clangs like he lost its grip. “Daphne? The loud-ass friend? I’m good.”

“So, I must’ve imagined you staring her down while she was talking to Jade?” He thinks he’s slick avoiding all interaction with anyone outside this farm, but I don’t doubt he’s lonely.

“I was just trying to understand how one person could be so…her,” he bites out. Sure, he was glaring at her, but for Jasper, any interest is a big deal. In all the time I’ve lived here, he hasn’t once talked about a romantic venture or brought a partner home.