Chapter Six
After a long, exhausting day, Grady finally arrived home in the darkness. He took off his hat and hung it on a peg, then sat down to take off his boots and place them under the bench. He leaned back in his seat, put his head against the wall, closed his eyes, and tried not to fall asleep.
His stomach growled, but he was too worn out to eat. Plus, he still needed to call Savannah. He meant to do it earlier, but the day had gotten away from him. Once he finished eating, he would give her a call. But first, he desperately needed a shower.
Grady stripped off his clothes and tossed them into the clothes hamper in the laundry room before heading toward his bedroom. As soon as he entered the bathroom, he turned on the water and steam filled the room. Stepping into the shower stall, he let out a groan as the hot water hit his tired muscles. He grabbed the shampoo and lathered up his hair, then rinsed it off before grabbing some soap and scrubbing his body clean. Resting his hands against the wall under the spray, he knew he should hurry up and finish but all he wanted to do was stay there forever.
Eventually, Grady forced himself out of the shower, dried himself off, and stepped onto the bathmat. He walked over to the sink and wiped away the steam from the mirror before beginning to shave.
“Damn, you look like hell,” he muttered at his reflection once he finished shaving. He wiped off any excess shaving cream and headed back into his bedroom. Pulling out a pair of sweatpants from a drawer and a T-shirt, he quickly got dressed before heading back to the kitchen for some much-needed food.
He stared into the freezer like something would magically appear that appealed to him, but nothing did, so he settled on a sandwich. He gathered everything up, set it on the counter, then made the sandwich and carried it to the living room.
Taking a seat in the recliner, he picked up the remote and turned on the TV. He stopped on the local news. He wasn’t interested in watching anything, he just needed some background noise so he wouldn’t fall asleep while eating his sandwich. When he finished it, he picked up his phone and called Savannah.
“Hi,” she said, and he was suddenly wide awake.
“Hi, baby. How was your day?”
“I hired someone.” He could hear the excitement in her voice.
“Good for you.”
“She’s great. Her name is Maggie Lancaster. She’s thirty-eight and starting Monday. I really like her.”
“That’s good.”
“What about your day? Did you just get home?”
He sighed. “I did. We had new fence to put up.”
“You sound tired, Grady.”
“I’m exhausted. I’ll be heading to bed soon. Too bad you can’t join me.”
“I agree, but you need to get some sleep.”
“I will, baby. Can we get together this weekend?”
“Sure. Any time after I close on Saturday. Did you want to go out somewhere?”
“Have you been to the Hartland Restaurant?”
“No, I haven’t. Where is it?”
“Hartland,” he said with a chuckle.
“Well, that makes sense. Is it a fancy place?”
“You can wear whatever you want. Jeans or dress. Up to you.”
“Oh, okay. Is the food good?”
“Fantastic. I’ll have to make a reservation, so how about I pick you up at six-thirty? I’ll make the reservation for seven.”
“Will you be able to get a reservation this late?”
“I’ll call the owner if I can’t get in.”
“Okay. Get some sleep, Grady.”
“Alright. You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“Goodnight, Grady.”
“Goodnight, Savannah. Oh, you could wear a dress.” He hung up, then he got up and headed to the bedroom.
Saturday evening, he pulled into Savannah’s driveway, grabbed the two yellow roses from the passenger seat, opened his door, and stepped out.
He pressed the doorbell and grinned when he heard Bentley barking. When the door opened, he groaned.
“Damn, woman. Are you trying to drive me insane?”
“Is it working?”
“Yes. You look gorgeous,” he said as he handed her the roses.
“Thank you. Two roses this time?”
“One for each date,” he said, grinning.
“Come inside.”
Grady removed his hat, wiped his feet on the welcome mat, then entered the house. Bentley ran toward him, sat and stared up at him. Grady rubbed his head.
“I think he gets bigger each time I see him.”
“I know. Tess said he’s still growing. Let me put these in water.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He watched her walk away and his damn dick sure enjoyed the view. She wore a blue, skintight dress that ended just above her knees, but it was those damn shoes she wore that were killing him. White stilettos and they emphasized her shapely calves. Fuck! He was going to be hard all damn night.
When he saw her coming toward him with a sly smile on her lips, he shook his head.
“You know exactly what you’re doing.”
“Me?” she asked as she batted her eyelashes.
“I’m sure as hell not talking to the dog.”
Savannah laughed as she picked up her purse.
“I’m ready when you are.”
“You have no idea how ready I am,” he said, then lightly kissed her lips.
He took her keys from her, locked the door as they stood on the porch, then handed them back to her. He grasped her elbow, and they walked toward the truck. He opened the passenger door for her and couldn’t keep his eyes off her legs. When he raised them to look into hers, she stared back at him, then cupped his cheek in her hand.
“Will you stay the night?”
“How about we stay at my place?”
“I can’t because of Bentley.”
“We’ll stop back here, get you a change of clothes, and bring him along.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Savannah, I wouldn’t have said it if I wasn’t.”
“Then, yes, I’d love that.”
Grady kissed her lips, backed out of the driveway, then drove to the restaurant. He found a spot, then they entered the restaurant.
Once they were seated and their drinks were brought to them, they looked over the menu.
“What’s good?” she asked.
“Everything. There isn’t anything here that isn’t.”
“What are you getting?”
“I think I’ll get the pork chops.”
“I want the blackened trout.”
After placing their order, they talked about their day.
“So, you think this woman will work out?”
“She’s great. I think I made a good decision.”
“That’s good. It’s great to have good employees. The ranch has some of the best ranch hands around. They work their asses off. We rarely have to get on them to get to work.”
“You like it there, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Do you have any siblings?”
“I have an older sister. Denise is forty-six and she’s been married for twenty-five years.”
“Wow. It’s rare nowadays to be married that long.” Savannah stared at him. “Why haven’t you married?”
Grady shrugged. “I enjoyed my freedom too much.”
“I see.”
“No, I don’t think you do. I said, I enjoyed my freedom too much.”
“You don’t enjoy it now?” She smiled.
“I’m seeing how it goes with you. I enjoy being with you.”
“I feel the same way.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
The server soon returned with their food, and Grady watched Savannah take a bite of her fish. She closed her eyes and moaned.
“This is fantastic.”
“Everything here is. You can’t get a bad meal if you wanted to. I did have to call Grant to get in, but he made it happen.”
“Grant is the owner?”
“Yeah. Sometimes I see him and Jessa here.” Grady glanced around.
“Grant and Jessa? As in Grant and Jessa Hunter ?”
“Yes. That’s right. Jessa was with you on your girls’ night out.”
“I was shocked to meet Kay O’Malley then to find out Jessa was married to Grant…” she shook her head. “Who knew they lived in Clifton?”
“Well, all of Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland.” He chuckled.
“You, Grady Henderson, can be a real smartass.”
“I can, can’t I?”
When they finished their dinners, they declined dessert, and after paying the bill, Grady helped her up and led her from the restaurant. They drove to her place in silence. He was having a hell of a time keeping his eyes off her legs. He wanted them wrapped around his waist with those shoes on. If he didn’t stop thinking that way, he was going to embarrass himself, but if he didn’t fuck her soon, he would go crazy.
“Do you like to swim?”
“What?”
He chuckled. “That came out of nowhere, didn’t it?”
“Yes,” she said, laughing.
“I have a pool, so if you like to swim you can bring a swimsuit.” He looked at her. “Or not.”
“I’d bet my last dollar that you swim in the nude, don’t you?”
“You’d win that bet.”
“Aren’t you afraid someone will see you?”
“I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Savannah laughed. “Now, that’s the truth.” She looked at him. “I’ll bring a suit, just in case.”
“Alright.”
“It still gets a little chilly in the evening though.”
“The pool is heated.”
“Well, we’ll see then.”
Grady nodded as he pulled into her driveway.
“Could you let Bentley out for a few minutes?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
His pulse quickened as he followed her into the house, his gaze lingering on the sway of her hips. She disappeared upstairs to pack a bag, leaving him alone in the living room with his thoughts. He let the dog out, then sat down on the sofa, trying to calm his racing heart, but it was no use. He couldn’t stop thinking about her.
When he heard her footsteps on the stairs, he stood up and walked over to meet her. She was still wearing that dress, and it hugged her curves in all the right places. He couldn’t resist leaning in and pressing his lips to hers, savoring the taste of her sweet lips.
“I’m glad you didn’t change,” he whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin. “I want to fuck you against the wall. I want those long legs wrapped around my waist.”
She gasped at his words, her eyes widening with surprise and desire. He reached down and slid his hand up her thigh, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. He could feel the heat radiating off her body, and it was making him crazy with lust.
He slid his hand further up under her dress, cupping her ass and pulling her closer. She moaned softly, her breath hitching in her throat. He trailed kisses up her neck, nibbling on her earlobe and whispering dirty things in her ear.
“Do you like that?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “Do you want me to touch you? To make you feel good?”
She nodded, her eyes fluttering closed. He slipped his hand between her legs, moved the crotch of her panties aside and slid his fingers along her slit. She was already wet for him, and it turned him on even more. She moaned as he continued to touch her.
“Fuck, you’re so wet,” he murmured in her ear. “I can’t wait to be inside you.”
He pulled her dress up to her waist, revealing her lacy panties. She moaned and ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.
He slid her panties down her legs, and she kicked them off, leaving her exposed to him. He ran his hands over her body. He could feel her trembling with anticipation, and it only made him more excited.
He picked her up and carried her to the wall, pressing her back against it. He removed his wallet, took the condom out, unsnapped his jeans, lowered the zipper, shoved them and his boxer briefs down, then rolled on the condom.
He teased her, inching closer but not sliding inside her yet. He chuckled when she squirmed against him.
“Please, Grady,” she begged, her voice breathless.
“I’m going to fuck you hard, Savannah,” he said against her lips before taking them in a passionate kiss.
“Yes, please.”
He didn’t need any more convincing. He thrust hard into her, filling her up completely. She groaned and cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders. He started to move, thrusting in and out of her with a steady rhythm.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer. He could feel her inner muscles clenching around him, and it was driving him wild. He picked up the pace, pounding into her harder and faster.
He could feel her getting closer to the edge, her breathing becoming shallower and her moans growing louder. He leaned in and kissed her, their tongues tangling together as they moved in sync.
She came apart in his arms, her body shaking with pleasure. Grady came hard and a deep groan tore from his throat. They stayed like that for a few moments, panting and catching their breath.
Slowly, he pulled out of her and let her feet down. They stood there for a moment, his forehead against hers, looking into each other’s eyes.
“That was amazing,” she whispered.
He kissed her, then stared into her eyes.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you,” he said, trying to catch his breath.
“I hope not.”
“I wasn’t planning to do that right now, but when I saw you. I had to have you.”
“I don’t have a problem with that at all.”
“I need to use your bathroom, then we can go.”
“Alright. I’ll use the one down here.” She picked up her panties and carried them with her to the bathroom.
Grady pulled up his boxer briefs and jeans, zipped them, then walked up the steps.
****
After using the bathroom, Savannah walked to the back door to let Bentley in. He ran inside and barked at her.
“I’m sorry you were out there for a few minutes, but I was having hot sex against the wall,” she whispered then laughed when Bentley sat down, and tilted his head.
She looked up when she heard Grady walking down the stairs. That man was going to be the death of her, but boy, what a way to go.
“Hi,” he said as he leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms.
“Hi,” she said, and could feel the heat in her cheeks.
Grady smirked. “Darlin’, you shouldn’t be blushing around me anymore.”
“Pffft, you will always make me blush.”
He pushed off the doorframe, sauntered to her and took a few strands of her hair between his fingers, then he touched her cheek.
“You skin is like silk.” He grinned. “You’re blushing again.”
“Stop.” She laughed.
“Alright. I will for now. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” She got the leash for Bentley, hooked it on his collar, and led the dog to the living room.
Grady picked up her small overnight case, nodded toward the door, and they walked out. He opened the back door and Bentley jumped inside. Savannah opened the passenger door and climbed in, then Grady slid behind the wheel. He looked at her and winked, then laughed when she shook her head.
“You enjoy making me blush.”
“Sweetheart, there isn’t an inch of you that I haven’t touched or tasted, there’s no need to blush.”
“Shut up,” she muttered, and he laughed again.
He backed out of the driveway and drove to his place. She was anxious to see where he lived.
When he slowed the truck and pulled into a driveway, she sat up and inhaled sharply when she saw the log home. Security lights lit up the area.
“It’s so beautiful,” she said.
“Thanks. I’ve lived here for seventeen years. Since I was twenty-six.”
“How long have you worked for the Coleman’s?”
“Twenty-five years. I started as a ranch hand when I was eighteen.”
“You’re forty-three?”
“Yes. You?”
“Thirty-seven.”
“You look younger.”
“What a charmer. You already got me in bed, Grady.”
He chuckled. “You think I’m blowing smoke?”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t think that. I’m just not used to compliments.”
“What the hell kind of man did you marry?”
“The wrong kind, apparently.”
“After what you told me about him, I’d have to agree.”
“I blamed myself enough over our son’s death. I didn’t need him to add to it.”
“Baby, it was not your fault. You know that now.”
“I do. It took me a long time though.”
“I’m sure it did. But no one, especially your husband, should have blamed you. You were going through enough.”
“Thank you,” she whispered as she touched his hand.
He lifted her hand, kissed her palm, and looked at her. “You’re welcome. Let’s get inside. I’m ready to relax for the evening.”
Savannah nodded, opened the door and stepped out. She opened the back door, grabbed Bentley’s leash before he took off to explore, and Grady got her case. Then they walked toward the door. Savannah looked around and smiled.
The large front door was made of leaded glass, allowing natural light to filter into the entryway. She couldn’t wait to see the inside.
Savannah stood behind Grady as he opened the door and motioned for her to enter. When she stepped inside the foyer, she had no words to express the beauty of the house.
The floor in the foyer was red and gray slate, then dark walnut planks. The living room was straight in front of her and she smiled as she looked around. A large stone fireplace took up the entire interior wall to her right. A flatscreen TV sat above the mantel with a sofa facing it. Two large, overstuffed recliners sat at each end of the sofa. The back wall was all glass, from floor to ceiling, with patio doors between them. She could see the pool shimmering from the lights under the water along its walls, steam rising from it.
Savannah turned to look at Grady to see him watching her.
“It’s just beautiful, Grady.”
“Thanks. Maverick’s place is similar.”
“Does he have a pool too?”
“Yeah. We both asked Robert if we could put them in if we paid for them, but he told us he’d pay, but he wanted to know why we wanted them.” Grady chuckled. “Maverick told him, if you’ve been out in the hot sun, don’t you think a pool would feel good after a long day in that heat? Robert agreed, had the pools put in, then put one at his own house. Warren and Wes have one too. It feels damn good after the sun beating down on you all day.”
“I bet. Do you get in it in the winter?”
“Sure. The only bad part is stepping outside before you get in it.”
Savannah laughed. “I bet.”
Grady nodded for her to follow him and they walked down a hallway. A full bathroom sat on the left, with a bedroom across from it, and another bedroom beside it. At the end of the hallway was the master bedroom with dark walnut wood furniture and a king-size bed against a wall. Another stone fireplace adorned the opposite wall, with a large TV mounted above it. A door next to the fireplace led to a luxurious bathroom. Patio doors sat on the outside wall.
“You said Maverick’s is similar?”
“Yeah, just minor differences. I guess when they were built, they kept to one design. But mine has three bedrooms, and he has two, both have stone fireplaces, a wall of windows in the living room, and patio doors in the master bedroom. I added a deck out back. I like to sit out there at night and relax.”
“I bet you can see thousands of stars from there.”
“Yes, you can. The field looks as if it goes on forever, then with the mountains in the distance, it’s calming.”
“Do you have land with it?”
“Both cabins have five acres of their own. All fenced. I don’t need cattle in my yard,” he said with a grin.
Savannah walked toward the doors, slid one open, and stepped onto the deck. Two rocking chairs sat facing the open field. She turned to look at him.
“It’s just so pretty. I can see why you love it here.”
“It’s peaceful.”
She turned to face him, then peeked into the bathroom to see a large jacuzzi tub and a shower stall that almost took up the entire back wall.
“I bet that tub feels amazing after a rough day.”
He walked toward her. “Well, we haven’t had a rough day, but how about we get in it anyway?”
“I’d love that, but I need to take Bentley out first.”
“I’ll do it. You start the water. I won’t be long.” He kissed her lips, then walked from the room.
She smiled when she heard him talking to Bentley, then the door opened and closed. She turned the water on, then stripped. After getting a tie from her purse, she wrapped it around her hair and stepped into the water.
Grady entered the room. “He was more interested in checking out the area than doing his business.”
“Did he go though? Because if he didn’t, he’ll be getting one of us up later.”
“One of us? He’s your dog.”
“What’s your point?”
Grady laughed. “I don’t suppose I have one.”
Savannah grinned. “I guess we’ll see who he gets up.”
“He went just fine. After he sniffed every bush and tree out there.”
The door opened wider and Bentley entered the bathroom, then sat down and looked up at Grady.
“I think you have a friend.”
“He’s a good dog,” Grady said, as he stripped off his clothes, then stepped into the tub. He groaned when he sunk into the water, then leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “Push the button.”
She pushed it and squealed when the jets turned on, making him laugh.
“Feels good, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, I might not need you after all,” she said.
He raised his head and narrowed his eyes. “I’ll disable it.”
Savannah laughed. “I prefer you anyway.”
“Damn good thing.”
“I bet it would be easy to fall asleep in here.”
“It can make you tired. I used to have a hot tub but one evening, I stayed in it too long. I could barely get out. Once I got inside the house, I collapsed onto the bed. You’re not supposed to stay in them too long, probably for that reason.”
“Tell me about your dad.”
“What about him?”
“Well, I’ve met your mom, and she’s just wonderful, but what’s your dad like?”
“He’s great. Laid back. We like to go fishing together. Dad and I will head to the pond on the Coleman’s property. It’s his favorite thing to do and I enjoy our time together. I was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. Tell me about your parents.”
“They’re the best. They were both so supportive of me when my son died. I don’t know what I would have done without them. My dad wanted to knock Kirk on his ass when he found out that Kirk blamed me.”
“I think I like your dad. I’d want to do the same.” Grady shook his head. “It still gets me how he put it all on you. He should have stood by you.”
“He didn’t shed a tear at the funeral. He has no emotions whatsoever. For anything. I’m glad we’re divorced, but not for the reason for it.”
“I’d like to punch him. Just once.”
Savannah grinned. “That’s all it would take from you. He’s nowhere near as big as you.” She leaned forward. “In any capacity.”
Grady chuckled. “I don’t suppose you ever hear from him?”
“No, and I hope I never do.”
“I can understand that.”
Savannah reached for the soap, lathered it up in her hands, then looked at Grady.
“Is there any place you’d like me to wash for you?”
He chuckled. “I’m sure I could think of one.”
“I’m sure you could. So, when are you going to tell me what the woman at Dewey’s said?”
He shook his head. “I’m not.”
“Oh, come on.”
Grady sighed. “Well, she offered me a blowjob.”
“She said she’d give you a blowjob?”
“Yep.”
“Just like that? I could never do that and especially to a man I didn’t know.”
“Some women are bold as hell.”
“Do you like that?”
“Not really. I just think if she said it to me, how many others did she say it to?”
Savannah shook her head. “I could never be that bold.”
“You can say it to me,” he said, grinning.
She laughed. “I’m sure you’d like that.”
“From you? Definitely.”
As they sat there, Savannah washed and handed the soap to Grady. Once they finished up, he stood, reached for a towel and motioned for her to stand. She did and watched his eyes roam over her body. Her nipples hardened just from a look. Then he looked into her eyes.
He picked her up, set her on the bathmat, and handed her the towel, then reached for another one.
After they were dried off, they both dressed in T-shirts and sweatpants, then headed to the living room to watch TV before heading to bed.