Hope (Open for one Guy)

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope was a shy 19 year old, she had long jet black hair dark green eyes and a body any one would die for she was tall 5'7 long dancers legs, and yet she was always so sad and alone. She didn't realize that soon her entire life would change.. she would meet a man who would turn her life upside down she would despise this man, but yet she wouldn't know him. Hope lived alone, her grandfather left her his ranch when he passed on her parents both lived in Flordia and she lived in Texas. Little did she know there was a twist in her grandfathers will, she was to be married by her 20th birthday to a man of his choice, but how could that be when he was gone, he had met this young man at a rodeo once and knew he'd be perfect for Hope, yet he was arrogent, he was also well mannered and respectful..

I am looking for someone to play the man that turns Hopes world upside down, I am looking for a little hate for the both of them Hope looks at him like he's nothing but a whore mungler and he thinks of her as a goody two shoes.

Hope was waiting in her lawyers office 2 months before her 20th birthday she wasn't sure what any of this could be about...

 

[flithymind]

Name: Brent Hackbridge
Picture: of Brent

Brent had had a heavy night the night before with the boys. Heck, he guessed it was his stag-party, since he was gettin' married.

He'd met Hope's Grandaddy all those months ago, not that he needed to, everyone 'round here knew him. He owned just about anything that wasn't tied down - and a lot of things that were.

When he'd seen his hot little grand-daughter his interest had perked up even more - though it soon cooled. She was just a spoiled little rich girl - hadn't even bothered to look up when he'd greeted her - no manners. She had it made already - wouldn't have to lift a finger once in her life.

Brent's family weren't poor - but he had to work for what he got, he didn't take an easy ride - and his parents taught him proper respect, especially for his elders an' betters like Hope's Pops.

He hadn't thought any more about him for months, when he'd turned up the door with that crazy proposition.

His timing could not have been better.

Turns out his own Dad was a gambler and a drunk - he'd put the family in hock to the stage where they'd couldn't get out - not even with the old Hackbridge fightin' spirit.

Turns out Pops was on his way out, and wanted a "good man" to take care of his spoiled little Princess - an' he figured that was me. It seemed crazy - but not half as crazy and turning down the rights to half of his property an' assets.

What'd he know if he divorced the stuck-up bitch before he was even cold? He'd fed him the lines he'd wanted to hear - and now, here he was, walkin' up to his lawyer's office to sign-up to his families rescue-cheque.

He strode into the office, all confidence - this was a done deal. Princess Prissy was already sat there.

"Afternoon." he said, tipping the brim of his hat to the 'lady' and the lawyer, taking his seat next to her, dropping his hat into his lap, running his hands through his dusty blonde hair.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope had no idea what this meeting was about, she was at teh farm working as always, sure the townfolk thought she didn't do anything at all, but she loved that farm like it was her life, hell it was her life all that she had.. and now she was at a lawyers office debating on losing it all, Hope couldn't have that, she was pretty everyone knew that, she was wearing tight blue jeans a tucked in tank-top and cowgirl boots and a black cowgirl hat her long hair was down beneath that hat, and she was still a little messy from working with the horses...

She noticed a man come in a little older than her perhaps he was a farmhand she presumed but why there, he was goodlooking but she knew nothing about him.. or why he was at this meeting. She siged as she sat in her seat, she didn't speak when he tipped his hat to her she was to nervous and she stopped herself from biting her lip as she always did when nervous.

 

[flithymind]

Brent grunted at her lack of response; "Polite as always Miss Hope." he said, sarcasticly.

"Brent, Brent Hackbridge, since you didn't ask."

He couldn't help but notice her working clothes and it made him wonder... he shook it off. Probably just ridin' her "favourite horsey" after some poor sucker spent the day washin' him down.

Turning to the lawyer he said, "So, we gonna get things started?"

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope didn't know what to say hell she knew what people thought of her nor did she care, if her granddaddy didn't thnik she'd take good care of his land he wouldn't have left it all to her.

''Hope Indigo'' She said after a moment when her mind comprehended this Brent guy knew exactly why he was there..

''What is going on?'' She finally asked her lawyer, and her friend.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

''Well Hope I hate to say it like this, but your birthdays in two months and within that time your to be married, or you lose all assets to everything your grandfather owns, and this is the man you are going to marry'' He said pointing to Brent.

Hope looked confused but was defeated she looked over the paper that was sighed by her grandfather and knew it was true. ''You have to be married the day you turn 20 and your grandfather said to know other than Mr. Brent''

Hope looked shocked and sighed but didn't say anything she stood almost with tears in her eyes and walked out after sighning the agreement she had no choice.

 

[flithymind]

Brent listened as the lawyer explained it all to her - he sure made it sound more matter-of-fact than when the old man had explained it to him.

And ol' Prissy Pants hardly seemed delighted at the news - Christ, it's not like he was Quasimodo - and if he'd not stepped up to the plate, she'd not have got a bean, just like her old man's will said. Ungrateful bitch.

But she signed the contract anyway - and Brent couldn't help but clench his fist and whisper a quiet "yes!" before adding his own scrawl to the contract which'd bail his family out and see him right for the rest of his earthly days.

Hope stomped out like the spoiled brat he'd taken her for.

"Well, that went as well as could be expected." he joked with the lawyer. "Thank you kindly sir." he added, standing, shaking the lawyer's hand and heading for the door.

He jogged out after Hope, calling out: "Hey! Hey Hope... we uh... we need to talk." he said, catching up with her, "I mean, we got, what 20 days before we have to be married? We got plans to make... and you got a dress to buy!" he joked, trying to cheer her up.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope left the office annoyed as to be expected, well she thought that was to be expected, what woman liked hearing she had to marry a man she barely knew in order to keep the only thing in life that mattered to her.

She was standing at the window in the hallway when she heard him speak, she didn't want to seem like she hated him, cause well for now at least she hadn't this wasn't his fault.

She turned and looked at him but didn't smile, she was to angry at her grandfather to smile.. She wasn't sure what to say to his comment... ''Let's get a cup of coffee'' was all she said, what else at that moment could she say she was stunned.

 

[flithymind]

She looked up at him like her whole world had just crashed around her... oh he'd wiped his ass with her favourite teddy bear... Jeez, was he THAT bad?

She mumbled about coffee - and he agreed, skipping ahead of her to open the doors, not that she noticed, breezin' through like he was a fuckin' doorman.

They ducked into a café across the street and he pulled out a $10 bill: "I'll get these," he offered, "honey." he added as a joke, realising how crass it sounded right afterwards.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

She could tell that he didn't like her and she was fine with that, not many people did.. oh what these people thought of her she laughed she knew she worked hard damn hard on that farm, she bathed the horses cleaned the stables fed them and ran with them, she milked her own cows but not once had anyone noticed.. hell no they all thought she was still some spolied little rich kid.

She sighed and knew he felt the same way, what did she have to prove to him, its not like they had to be together forever.. then she forgot to ask how long did this marriage have to last she wondered.

She sighed and took a seat in the corner even the people at the shop looked Hope down as if she were some lame ass from out of town.. ''Am I that bad?'' She whispered to noone but herself.. ''Thanks'' she said softly after he paid for what they ordered, even though she herself knew he was being mean.

 

[flithymind]

Brent rolled his eyes as the richest girl in town just stropped off to a corner table and let him pay for the coffee. Yeesh - it's not like $10s kill her - she probably lost that down the back of the couch she sat on all day.

He shrugged and paid for the two coffees - heading over to sit opposite her, putting the coffee in front of her and sipping at his own, still too hot to drink.

"So uh...," he started "I take it this was all news to you, huh?" he asked.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope finally looked up to meet his gaze... ''Very new to me, noone told me I was going to wake up today and have to get married, and by the way you didn't have to pay for me.. I seen the look you gave its just not often someone wants to'' She said she was annoyed and pissed about the looks he and everyone else gave her.

''Its nothing against you either I am just not ready to get married but to save that ranch i'd do anything just about'' she said anad sipped on her coffee adverting the gaze of hate he was sending her at this point she was beginning to hate him as much.. what right did he have to judge her.

 

[flithymind]

''Very new to me, noone told me I was going to wake up today and have to get married, and by the way you didn't have to pay for me.. I seen the look you gave its just not often someone wants to'' she said.

''Its nothing against you either I am just not ready to get married but to save that ranch i'd do anything just about'' she continued sipping her coffee.

Christ she was up herself. 'Nothing against you?' well thanks very much, don't do me any favours he thought.

"Look honey," he started "This ain't exactly how I imagined my wedding panning out either - and, like you say, "no offence" but you ain't exactly my picture-book bride neither." he added frostily.

"Way I see it," he went on, "neither of particularly want this, but we both need it - you got your reasons, I got mine. So we can either make this real hard on one another, or we can try and be cordial and make it as painless as possible." he explained, trying to keep his cool, ignoring the comment about people paying for her, as he wanted to say 'because you're a stuck-up, rich-bitch' - but he figured that'd not help much.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope wasn't sure why she was letting him get under her skin like this she sighed and was defeated and then gained her composure.

''I didn't mean it like that, but take it hoever you want sir, I was just saying that my being upset is nothing against you.. not that I was saying your not worthy of me or anything at all like that... you know what forget it I am sick of explaining myself around this damn town!'' She yelled now annoyed.

''And this should cover your bill if thats what your worried about'' She said handing him the money and storming out to her truck... it was her grandfathers and was beat up, shocknig to most she would drive it.

 

[flithymind]

''I didn't mean it like that, but take it however you want sir, I was just saying that my being upset is nothing against you..." she began and Brent bristled at her calling him 'sir', that didn't seem in character.

"not that I was saying you're not worthy of me or anything at all like that... you know what forget it I am sick of explaining myself around this damn town!'' she yelled making him recoil in mock surprise at her outburst.

''And this should cover your bill if thats what your worried about!'' she said handing him a few bills and storming out.

Brent almost burst out laughing at her little hissy fit, shrugging at the barista behind the counter, downing his coffee, enjoying the burn down his throat and chest - before he scooped up his hat and jogged after her for the second time that morning.

He followed her out to a beat-up truck - he blinked, confused, not having time to ask her why she was driving it (Mercedes must be in the shop, he thought) and grabbing her arm he spun her around.

"Look lady - I'm already gettin' sick of chasin' after you. I realise you're probably used to have people like me run around, seeing to your every whim and fancy - but that ain't how this is gonna work. You need me jus' as much as I need you - or that precious farm of yours will be given away to the local cats home or somethin'." he said, forcefully, but not shouting.

"Now I don't appreciate your little brat-attacks - this is my town and I won't have you show me up." he added, taking a deep, calming breath.

"Lets both calm down - and try to deal with this rationally, like adults. Whatever way you cut it, we're gettin' married, in 20 days. Might I suggest we head back to your place and talk over a few details. Once that's done, I swear I'll leave y'alone. You won't see me for 20 days if that's what you want - nor after if I have any say in the matter."

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope was furious, she hadn't never been so angry before in her life.. she kicked her truck once she got to it.. she loved the truck there was two things in her life the truck and the farm and damned anyone to get in the way of either...

She looked at him square in the eyes when he grabbed her arm... She listened as he went on about the farm and this being his town and such who the hell did he think he was and brat attack...

''For one if anything happens to that farm you can bet your ass you'll be done cause I would kill over that place, and for two I see the way you look at me.. like I am just some little rich bitch who takes people walking all over her... well let me tell you something Brent... I am not that way I work hard at what I do.. maybe if you watch you might see... and you are right about one thing this is probably your town cause everyone hates me for unknown reasons'' She said and went to get in her truck..

''Get in.. i'll drive you there'' She said calming after a moment.. she was fighting back tears and wasn't sure why

 

[flithymind]

''For one if anything happens to that farm you can bet your ass you'll be done cause I would kill over that place, and for two I see the way you look at me.. like I am just some little rich bitch who takes people walking all over her... well let me tell you something Brent... I am not that way I work hard at what I do.. maybe if you watch you might see... and you are right about one thing this is probably your town cause everyone hates me for unknown reasons'' she said and went to get in her truck.

''Get in.. i'll drive you there'' she said slumping into the driver's seat, tears clearly welling in her eyes.

Brent was taking stock - she'd kill over the farm? And she knew everyone hated her? Well, I guess the second was obvious, but the first? What would a rich city girl love about a farm? He started to think, letting her be in silence as she slammed her way expertly through the truck's gearbox, spinning off towards the farm in a cloud of dust.

'Knows her way around this truck too...' he thought, still unable to put the pieces together... must be she uses this so as not to her her Porsche dirty he concluded.

"Look," he said, finally breaking the silence, "I don' hate you - I jus' don't know you is all. Same as you don't know me. I'm sure we both have a lot to learn about one another." he said, in an attempt at reconciliation - he hated when women cried, he was a real sucker for it - fact was she probably knew that - just how to get what she wanted with a mix of tantrums and tears.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope was trying really she was how would he like it if it was him being forced to marry someone well he was but it was different somehow.

She was peeling wheels to her house her farm her life, she could still see in those eyes of his what he really thought about her, she shrugged and then heard him speak.

''Its no big deal, I guess I am just in shock is all.. I always well never mind'' She said as she pulled up to the farm and parked the truck like a pro. She was about to tell him she always thought she'd marry for love..

''want me to show ya around?'' She asked softly.. ''We can talk and walk.. and I'll show you the house that you'll be livin in'' She said after a moment as she led him to her favorite place the stables.

 

[flithymind]

Brent hung on as she flicked the truck expertly around the bends to Indigo Farm - she was either real lucky, or she knew these roads better than the back of her hand. Heck, she drove faster'n he did! He smiled at the thought.

She shrugged and a weight seemed to fall from her shoulders, as she relaxed, slightly.

''Its no big deal, I guess I am just in shock is all.. I always... well never mind.'' she said. Brent was curious, but left it - last thing he wanted was more tears, just as she was calmin' down.

They both skipped out of the truck, the dust settling around them from where she'd skidded to a halt, sideways.

''Want me to show ya around?'' she asked softly. ''We can talk and walk.. and I'll show you the house that you'll be livin in.'' she said heading for the stables.

Walking after her he said, "Sure, that'd be nice." and followed her to the stable. It was all he could do to not whistle... the SIZE of this place. And it sure was spectacular - the views over the rolling fields, amazing.

"Sure is a great place." he said, his mind trying to calculate just how much a spread like this must be worth... more than enough to solve all his problems, that's for sure.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope smiled as she jumped from the truck she put her hands on her hips and smiled when she was at this place noone or nothing seemed to matter.

She began walking as she went to the stables, She led him to one of the horses.. it was a black stallion fierce thats what grandaddy called it. ''This here's firestone, I call him that because hes the fiercest seems I am the only one that can tame him.. and he hates to be bathed so leave that up to me'' She said and gently touched the horses head as she lead him through showing him the many others.

''Its nicest here at night'' She said softly when she led him back to the house and showed him around.. it had mostly all antique things in it Hope never bothered to do anything she loved it the way it was.

"Sure is a great place'' She heard him say... ''Yeah nothings better than coming here'' She said softly and sighed as they walked into the kitchen.. ''Want a beer?'' She asked.. he was shcoked that she took two out one for him once for herself.

 

[flithymind]

Wandering through the stables, Hope looked oddly comfortable for a city chick.

''This here's firestone, I call him that because hes the fiercest seems I am the only one that can tame him.. and he hates to be bathed so leave that up to me.'' she said, all preachy. Brent covered his snort with a 'cough', watching her touch the horse's head before moving on to others. He didn't look so scary - controlling horses was all about confidence and Brent reached out a strong, confident hand to touch Firestone's nose - and almost lost his fingers as the beast lurched to bite him.

Brent shook his head in wonder and trotted to catch her up as she rambled on:

''Its nicest here at night'' she said, her voice softening as she lead him around and back to the house. Sure looked old and stuffy in here - 'could use a pool table' Brent thought to himself.

''Nothing's better than coming here'' she continued heading into the farm style kitchen. ''Want a beer?'' she asked, shocking Brent with her new found politeness - but even moreso when she started sipping a Bud herself.

He nodded his thanks, took his beer and sat on the edge of the giant slab of wood that was the table. Swigging his beer he mumbled, "Thanks." then adding, "Hope... I dunno..." he paused, "Maybe I got you wrong. You sure seem to like it here. Not that I can blame you, it's a great place but... you seem at home know what I mean?"

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

She listened when he began to speak.. ''Whats not to like, I mean I am at peace here.. theres plenty of others that handle the farm as well.. but I've lived here my entire life and its home'' She said taking a drink of her beer.

She knew he probably still thought she was some spoiled little punk and that she thought he was a nobody.. but she didn't care, he was going to be her husband wether she liked it or not.

''You'll like it to once your here for a while'' She said gently and smiled a bit.. wondering what his agenda was, he didn't have to agree with her grandfathers wishes.

''Why did you agree to marry me?'' She asked finally as she leaned against the counter drinking her beer now.

 

[flithymind]

''Whats not to like, I mean I am at peace here.. theres plenty of others that handle the farm as well.. but I've lived here my entire life and its home'' she said taking a drink of her beer.

Brent wondered. Lived here her entire life? Word in town was she was a little rich girl, coming to the country now and again to ride Grandaddy's horses... but, well she did seem at home here. What she said did make sense. Why would she lie?

''You'll like it too, once you're here for a while.'' she said smiling thoughtfully and then added:

''Why did you agree to marry me?'' she asked, leaning back against the counter, supping her beer.

Brent smiled. "Honestly?" he asked, "Why'd you think? I mean, if someone offered you a free cut of half of the richest farm in the whole State, what would you say?" he said, brazenly. "I mean... I'm in no position to turn that kinda money down," and thinking of his family, embarassed of his father's gambling he added, "my family needs it."

He shuffled his feet embarassed at how mercenary he sounded, "I... well, also, it... well it just seemed too good to turn down." he concluded, flushing slightly.

 

[AngelofyourNighmares]

Hope

Hope sighed a little at his answer, why should she expect any different would she do the same no not really, she wanted to marry for love.. but oh well.

''You didn't think I lived here? Noone did, I stayed with my mom alot in the city before she died, but I was born and raised here'' She said she knew what most thought and at one time she hadn't cared but with Brent she felt the need to impress him.

''You can have what you want of money, theres plenty in the bank I only ask one thing don't ever sell out this farm'' She said matter of factly.. he wasn't sure if that was some kind of threat considering earlier she said she'd kill for this place.

She finished her beer and reached for another handing him one as well.. the hate for her seemed to still be there, she laughed it up he was probably some womanizer anyway.

 

[flithymind]

She sighed and replied, ''You didn't think I lived here? Noone did, I stayed with my mom alot in the city before she died, but I was born and raised here.'', Brent pursed his lips in surprise. So the city bit said in town WAS true, but not as true as had been made out. He started to wonder if the town gossips were more fueled by jealousy than truth - she was beautiful and rich too - not a good combination for lack of envy.

''You can have what you want of money, theres plenty in the bank I only ask one thing don't ever sell out this farm'' she said matter of factly. He was stunned... he could have what he wanted from the bank? Jeez-Louise, the take on this farm must run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and that was just each season! He found himself computing telephone number sized wedges of cash in his head.

He laughed at the mere thought of all that money. And she laughed too, handing him another beer, which he took gratefully, still a little dazed by the amounts of money involved.

He chuckled, supping his beer, "Honey - all I need is the money to see my folks right - then you can pretty much have what you want and do what you want with the farm. I might be mercenary, but I ain't a gigolo." he smiled, pleased with how well things were going, the beer going to his head slightly so early in the day - he'd skipped breakfast, and today was no normal day!