Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
Brody finished tying the two horses to Hannah’s new portico, letting them drink from the bucket she found for them. He had to re-tie Chaos twice because his hands shook so much. The last time he’d been so scared was when his mom had been in the hospital that last week of her life and he’d realized she wasn’t going to get better.
All he could see was the mountain lion ripping into Hannah’s long neck as if it knew exactly where to kill her. He had been fully ready to pounce on that animal and strangle it with his bare hands if necessary. Anything to protect her.
Patting Chaos on the back, he looked toward Rocky Road. When had his feelings for her grown so strong? He didn’t like it. When she sold her land to them, she’d be free to live a comfortable life anywhere. What if she decided to live somewhere where he was assigned? Even at the thought, he knew it was a long shot. He couldn’t be thinking about a future with her. She’d think him crazy.
First, he had to get her to sell, and then…and then what? He walked to the door of the little casita. He didn’t want to think of the future. Right now there was one overriding need above all else—make love to Hannah.
He opened the door to find her barefoot and pulling two water bottles from the fridge. She closed the door and held one bottle up. “Are you thirsty?”
The heck with the water. What he wanted was her. Still, he found himself moving forward and accepting her offer. Unscrewing the top, he was pleased his hands had stopped shaking. After taking a couple of gulps, he capped the bottle again and set it down on the counter behind Hannah.
She turned and put her bottle there as well, and as she faced him, he set his hand down on the counter on the other side of her, trapping her between him and the counter. Before he could say anything, she touched his cheek.
“Thank you for saving my life.”
“You’re welcome.” He cupped her hand and turned his head to lick her palm. At her intake of breath, he looked at her. “I want you.”
She didn’t even blink. “I want you, too.”
Her words sent desire slamming through him like water through a wash during a monsoon. Dropping her hand, he pressed himself against her, already growing hard. “Now.”
Her eyes widened and the pulse in her neck increased. Unable to resist, he lowered his head to kiss that very spot.
Hannah bent her head to the side, giving him complete access as well as permission, and he took advantage of it, laying kisses along her neck and up to her ear. Her shoulder suddenly raised, impeding his progress. He pulled his head back to look at her. “What?”
“That tickles.” She smiled apologetically.
“I don’t want to tickle you. I want to make you hot. I want to feel your body on fire around me.”
Her lips parted at his words, and he took the opportunity to kiss her. Not a delicate kiss, but one that let her know how much he wanted her. As her tongue tangled with his, she looped her arms around his neck, running one hand through his short hair.
He couldn’t seem to get close enough to her. There were too many clothes separating them. Letting go of the counter, he allowed a small space to come between them to unbutton her shirt, pulling it down, forcing her arms to lower, and capturing them at her sides.
That’s when he broke the kiss to taste the side of her neck, her collarbone, the swell of her breast. Reaching behind her, he unhooked her bra, even as he used his chin to push it down, so he could taste the rosy peak it revealed.
As his mouth clasped onto her nipple, Hannah arched toward him, offering herself for his pleasure, but it was her pleasure he was most concerned with. Circling the taut peak, he teased her before taking small nips, eliciting soft moans from her lips.
Even as he took her nipple into his mouth and sucked, he latched onto to the other with his fingers and lightly squeezed. Her hips bucked into him, hitting his erection, reminding him of his own need. Releasing her nipple to pay homage to her other breast with his mouth, he moved his hands down to her jeans, and with a practiced hand, had them open in a matter of seconds.
He stood straight once again, taking over her mouth with his own. Her hips ground into him, so he used one hand to hold her against the counter even as his other burrowed into her jeans to the juncture of her thighs. Her skin was so smooth and soft, he almost forgot his target.
She turned her head away from his kiss and licked at his jaw before nipping at it, her hands finally slipping from her shirt to grab onto his biceps.
His own need spiked at her actions, and he slipped his fingers lower until he found the moist folds of her sex. Moving to the apex, he stroked the sensitive nub.
“Yessss.” Hannah’s breathy hiss, had his own control slipping.
He wanted to take her in the worst way. He wanted her to be his. But first he needed to give her the pleasure she deserved. He continued to stroke her, his erection growing harder as tiny squeals of excitement filled the little room. As the sounds came faster, he knew she was close, her hands gripping his arms as if she were falling.
Then her whole body stiffened and her pelvis pushed against his fingers as a loud scream filled the air. He held her to him as she bucked, his own heart racing at the ecstasy on her face. It was pure, honest, and absolutely beautiful.
As her breathing slowed, he continued to hold her, though her hands had dropped to her sides and she was limp. He barely kept from moving his fingers still pressed against her, but he wanted her to relax so she could enjoy the sensations all over again.
Her head lifted and she looked at him with awe. “Wow.”
His ego grew bigger than it should. He shrugged and grinned.
Her tongue came out to lick her lips and his body tensed, including his fingers.
“Oh.”
Carefully, he removed his hand from inside her jeans. “These need to come off.”
She cocked her head. “So do yours.”
Instead of answering, he unzipped his jeans. The release of pressure on his cock helped with the blood flow to his brain. Stepping back, he toed off his boots and pulled out of his jeans, throwing them on a chair she had set against the kitchen wall.
Hannah didn’t hesitate either, and as he turned back, he found her clothes on the floor. He let his gaze follow her long legs to her shaved mons, over her stomach to her breasts, where he stopped. Her breasts were a perfect handful, but it was her areolas which were particularly large, as was her nipples that had his tongue aching to taste her once again.
“Don’t forget your shirt.”
At her voice, he smirked. “I forget everything looking at you.”
A flush rose in her cheeks, which just made her look even more sexy.
Quickly, he unbuttoned his shirt a and threw it on top of his jeans. Then with nothing between them, he pressed her once more against the counter, enjoying the feel of her soft skin touching his. He set his hands on the counter on either side of her. “I’m going to take you now.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m going to take you…all the way inside me.” She punctuated her statement by wrapping her hand around his cock.
He forgot to breathe for a moment, letting the spike of excitement run through his balls and down his legs. Then he released her hand from him and lifted her onto the counter top. Spreading her legs, he stepped between them, his face at her chest. “Now this is so much easier.” Without hesitation, he held both her breasts in his hands. He sucked hard on one nipple while his thumb stroked the other.
She didn’t shy away at all. In fact, her hand held him to her breast as he sucked and released. When he moved to the other, he made sure to lightly pinch the one he’d left.
“Brody, I need you inside me.”
He pulled his mouth away, trying to ignore his aching erection. “I know.”
Her hand on his shoulder turned into a claw. “Really?”
“Yeah.” He stepped back and placed his hands on her thighs, holding them in place as he did what he wanted to do since she’d come. Bending forward, he licked at her folds, pushing them apart with his tongue to taste the very essence that was her.
A shiver ran through her which had him intensifying his efforts until without thought he was back to her clit and licking her harder. The tiny squeals she emitted filled his heart before her loud scream filled the room again.
He couldn’t wait any longer. Standing straight, he fit his cock to her entrance and pulled her ass toward him, sheathing himself in the warm pulsing of her body.
“Yes. Yes.” She wrapped her legs and arms around him even as she tilted her hips, her pelvis continuing to push against him.
He didn’t move, though he wanted to more now than ever. He waited for her breathing to slow a bit. “Hold on.” It was the most he could get past his throat.
Turning around with her, he then walked to her bedroom, thankful that the casita was so small. He sat down on her bed and lay back, taking her with him, only to roll her over and finally sink deeper into her hot softness.
“Oh, I like that.” Hannah practically purred as her hands ran down his back to cup his ass. She squeezed his cheeks, urging him deeper.
He was more than happy to comply. Shit. She felt so good. She also smelled, tasted, sounded good. Everything about her was too good. He leveraged himself up on his hands and slowly pulled out, but not completely. He couldn’t seem to make his hips go any farther.
Her hands came up to stroke down his chest and across his abdominals. “You’re as hard as a rock, cowboy, and I love it.” She licked her lips as her gaze followed her hands all the way to where they connected. Then her finger stroked down him to her entrance.
The shiver that ran through him had nothing to do with weakening arms and everything to do with the weakening of his control. Without a word, he sank back into her and her eyes closed as her hands came to rest on his arms.
Even as he pulled back again, the thought of having almost lost her had him pushing in faster than he intended, which sent a spike of primeval claiming running through him. As he slowly lost control of his body in the need to make her his, he had enough brain power to watch her as her lips parted, her breath increased, and the soft squeals he was already addicted to started.
At that sound, there was no more him and her, but them. They were one as they rocked together until her orgasm clenched at him and her scream sent him into the ecstasy he’d craved with her. Even as his body jerked to fill her, a contentment he hadn’t felt since he was young enveloped him.
As soon as he was spent, he held her close, his head on her shoulder, not wanting to be parted from her, feeling as if he couldn’t breathe without her. It was probably simply the aftermath of good sex, but he didn’t care. It was a remarkable feeling to be so connected.
Finally, when he could tell her breaths were slower, he lifted his head to look at her.
Her eyelids fluttered open and a soft smile played about her lips. “That was wonderful.”
He held back his ego. “You’re wonderful.”
She chuckled, sending new tingles of excitement through him. It must have been the same for her because her eyes widened. “You’re not so bad yourself.” She turned her head to kiss his forearm. It was such a simple gesture, yet it felt huge. He just wasn’t sure why.
“Come here.” Hannah lifted her hands to hold his face. “Kiss me.”
He held back. “Are you sure?” He had tasted her ecstasy and wasn’t sure if she’d like a kiss from him.
Her lids half-closed over her crystal brown gaze. “I’m absolutely sure.”
A whole new jolt of excitement shot through him, and his cock jerked inside her. “Hannah.” Her name came out on a breath before he granted her wish, kissing her like he’d never have enough of her.
Hannah stood in the shower enjoying the heat of the water, happier than she ever remembered being. She and Brody had spent the entire afternoon making love. She’d never done that before, and wouldn’t be surprised if she was a bit sore tomorrow. She didn’t care in the least. He was the best lover she’d ever had, not afraid to be strong but gentle at the right moments.
He brought her food and drink in bed, saying she would need her strength, which she found adorable. He encouraged her to ride him with what he said was her new horsewoman skills, and since he was a trick rider himself, showed her how she could ride him backward, a completely new experience.
In between, she told him about her grandfather teaching her math and supporting her in whatever she did. He, in turn, discussed his search for the right career, feeling a hundred percent confident in becoming a wildlife manager for the state of Arizona. From what she saw, he certainly knew enough about wildlife. She hadn’t known that the worst thing she could do was run from a mountain lion, and the best thing to do was to make oneself appear bigger and confident. He was already saving lives, and he hadn’t even started yet.
But it was the look of disappointment in his eyes before he left, since it was his turn to make dinner, that had wrapped around her heart and given her hope.
Finishing up, she toweled off and dressed to go over to Rocky Road. She was thrilled that Brody wanted her to join them for dinner. She’d finally get to see what kind of cook he was. She grinned as she pulled on a loose ankle-length skirt covered in Native American symbols, before donning a white blouse with short sleeves that fell past her waist. Then she added a belt that had one of the symbols the skirt contained. She by-passed her cowboy boots for a pair of flat sandals, and picked up her purse.
As she stood at her door looking back at the room to make sure she had everything, a sense of belonging filled her. This was the casita her grandparents honeymooned in. The place they came to be alone and enjoy each other. It was filled with their love, and now it was filled with hers for Brody. She’d even guess that he might be on his way to feeling the same about her. How could she sell it?
Maybe she could sell the land and keep the casita. She certainly wouldn’t mind looking out her window to see cattle grazing in her front yard. Even as she imagined it, a rightness about the idea filled her. It could be the solution for Rocky Road and for her future income issue because she wouldn’t have to find a full-time position. What was the sense in owning such a beautiful spot in the desert if she wasn’t here to enjoy it?
Happy with her idea, she opened the door and stepped outside into highest heat of the day, just before sunset. Closing the door, she locked it and strode to her Jeep. She’d have to see what Brody’s opinion was on her idea. If he liked it, it meant that he wanted her around longer. Then again, when they talked earlier, he said he wasn’t sure where in the state they’d have openings in the wildlife management arena. He wanted to apply for the first available position. He said being picky meant he could wait years.
She headed to Rocky Road by road, even though the direct route through the desert would be faster. She didn’t treasure the idea of a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. As she entered the Rocky Road drive, she slowed. Last time she’d come down the rocky road a bit too fast and ended up biting her lip on a particularly rough bump. It was hard not rushing. She was just too excited to hang out with Brody, Tanner, Amanda, and finally meet his dad. This was big, at least to her.
Finally, she pulled in next to two pick-up trucks and got out. Immediately, she heard barking and stiffened. “It’s just Cami. She likes you. Remember that.” Stepping out of her vehicle, she was halfway to the door when it opened and Cami ran out to greet her.
She stopped as the dog circled around her, and did circles in front of her.
“Just give her a pet and she’ll calm down.” At Amanda’s voice, Hannah took her gaze off the dog.
“It’s just me.” She put her hand out and Cami bumped it with her nose. Understanding what the dog wanted, she relaxed and stroked the pretty white fur.
“There’s no ‘just’ about it. That dog loves you almost as much as Brody. She doesn’t do that when I come home.”
Her chest filled at that and she crouched down. “Is that true, Cami?”
The dog licked her face before she could turn her head and she shot up. “Ack.”
Amanda chuckled. “See, I told you. Come on inside and I’ll get you a wet paper towel to wipe off Cami’s kiss before you kiss Brody.”
Startled by Amanada’s assumption, she was about to question her, but the woman had already turned toward the house.
Hannah looked down at Cami, who sat staring at her. “Let’s go in, Cami.” As she took a step, the dog moved with her. The acceptance from the dog had her feeling as if she was wanted. She’d never had that with an animal and it felt special.
Once inside, Amanda handed her the promised wipe, and she quickly cleaned her face of Cami’s lick. She was surprised to find no one in the kitchen, but something smelled good.
As if Amanda sensed her puzzlement, she pointed to the archway. “We’ll be eating in there because Jeremiah can’t sit on the stools…yet. I’m determined to get him up there eventually.”
Since Amanda wasn’t in her usual scrubs, Hannah was curious. “Do you not need to do therapy every day?”
“Hmph. Yes, we do, but the better Jeremiah gets, the more stubborn he gets. He spent the whole day in his office. I’m going to have to bring Tanner in to put some pressure on his dad.”
“What about Brody? Can he help?”
Amanda waved off the question as she pulled glasses from the cabinet. “Brody has no sway with his father. I don’t know if it’s because he’s the youngest, or because he always does what he wants whether Jeremiah likes it or not, but he really can’t help with this.”
It saddened her to think that the Dunn patriarch didn’t care about what Brody thought. It doesn’t matter what I think. Brody’s words to her came back in a rush. Was his father’s attitude toward him why he thought his ideas didn’t matter? Even as her anger started to build, the sliding door in the family room opened.
“There she is. The person I’ve been cooking for.” Brody strode across the room, pulled her in tight, and kissed her right in front of Amanda.
As he pulled away, Amanda shook her head. “Good thing Cami got her kiss in first.”
Instead of being upset by Amanda’s words, Brody laughed. “My dog knows a good person when she sees one.” He gave her another peck on the lips, then continued into the kitchen to remove a large serving plate from a cabinet. “Chow’s almost ready. You do like steaks, I hope.”
She nodded, still a bit at a loss.
“Good.” He walked by her and headed outside again.
Amanda handed her a pile of napkins. “You can put these by the plates.” Amanda took her arm and turned her toward the archway. “This is a big deal, you know. Brody never invites a woman for dinner. I don’t know what you did, but that man is happier than I’ve ever seen him. Now go.”
She didn’t move. “But I had lunch here a few weeks ago.”
“Because I invited you. Trust me. Brody has never brought a woman home for his father to meet. Ask Tanner. Now go set those. Dinner is almost ready.” Amanda gave her a nudge.
She walked into the other room where a table had been set, her heart racing. She was the first woman Brody had invited to dinner? That had to mean something. Hope for a future with him filled her, almost taking her breath away. She forced herself to fold the napkins in triangles and put them next to each plate. She shouldn’t get ahead of herself. It wasn’t as if he’d asked her to marry him or anything.
And if he did, would she accept? Hell yes. When had that happened?
Tanner Dunn walked in. “Hi, Hannah. Yes, my dad will need a napkin, too.”
She blinked, not realizing she had one napkin left to place. She added it to the place setting that had no chair. Now that she knew how important her being at the table was, her palms started to sweat. What if the patriarch of the Dunn family didn’t approve of her?
“You can sit there, next to Brody.” Tanner pointed to a chair across from him.
She needed to do something until dinner. “I’ll go see if Amanda needs any help.” She took a step toward the archway.
“No need. She’s not the one cooking.”
“Did I hear my name mentioned?” Amanda came in with a pitcher of iced tea. “There you go. Help yourself. I’m going to get Jeremiah. If I don’t, he’s liable to miss dinner completely.” She leaned in. “He expects his brain to work as well as it used to and it’s just not there yet.”
As Amanda left, Brody walked in with a large platter of steaks. “Tanner, want to grab the sweet potatoes out of the oven for me?”
Brody set down the platter as Tanner left, and pulled her into his arms. “I thought he’d never leave.” In the next instant, she was on the receiving end of a breath-stealing kiss that had her feeling a little dizzy.
“Your vegetable casserole is still in there, or did you forget that?” Tanner bumped into Brody, forcing him to let her go.
Brody grinned, winking at her. “I didn’t forget. I was just letting it rest.”
Tanner snorted as Brody left to retrieve the dish.
“Okay, I’m here. We can eat now.” Mr. Dunn rolled himself in.
Amanda shook her head behind him. “You’re not the king, Jeremiah.”
“Hey. Every man’s home is his castle, so that makes me king.” He rolled himself into his spot then looked at her. “Hello. Please tell me you’re not another therapist Amanda ordered in.”
She swallowed hard and forced herself to smile. “I’m pleased to say that I’m not, because I would be terrible at it.”
Brody walked in just in time. “Dad, this is Hannah Kingsley. She’s the one I told you about, who inherited the Harpers’ property. I invited her to have dinner with us since I knew it was my turn to cook and I knew it would be good. Hannah, this is my father, Jeremiah Dunn.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Jeremiah looked at Brody, then at her, then back at Brody. Finally, he looked at her. “Are you pregnant?”
“Dad!” Tanner frowned.
“Jeremiah.” Amanda shook her finger at the older man.
“Seriously.” Brody set down a casserole dish and took the seat next to her. “Mandy, I thought he was working on his manners.”
Amanda frowned at Jeremiah. “He was supposed to be, but those nuances take longer than others skills. I’m sorry, Hannah. It’s left over from the stroke.”
It was time to ease everyone’s discomfort, though she wasn’t pleased with Jeremiah’s assumption. “I take no offense, Mr. Dunn. I am not pregnant. I’m Brody’s girlfriend, not his one-night stand.” She smiled to let him know there was no harm done.
“Girlfriend?” Jeremiah moved his gaze to Brody. “Is this true?”
“Dad, if Hannah says something then it’s true. She’s like Mom in that way.”
Immediately, the older Dunn’s face fell, making Hannah feel sorry for him. But then his eyes widened and he grabbed up his napkin, making a fist that he shook. “Who put these here?”
Afraid she’d done something wrong, she looked to Amanda, who patted Jeremiah’s arm. “I asked Hannah to set out the napkins. Is something wrong?”
When the man didn’t answer and Brody looked at Tanner, Hannah knew something was wrong, but she couldn’t imagine what. “I’m sorry. Did I set them wrong?”
Tanner lifted his napkin and a sad smile played on his lips.
Brody pulled his out from under his dish, and his Adam’s apple moved up and down twice before he spoke. “Mom folded our napkins this way.”
Her stomach, which was hungry a moment ago, rolled in on itself, and she wanted to cry. “I’m so sorry. My grandma taught me to fold them like that. I didn’t even think twice. I’m so sorry.”
Tanner, Amanda, and Brody looked at her, and as if on cue, soft smiles appeared on each face. Amanda shook her head. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. Right, Brody?”
Brody was practically beaming now. “Absolutely.” He looked at her. “Don’t ever change how you fold your napkins. This is perfect.”
Not sure what to make of the whole thing, she glanced at Jeremiah, who was still staring at his napkin. She elbowed Brody.
Brody stood and lifted a large serving fork. “Hey, Dad. Which one do you want?”
His father’s head jerked up. “I want the biggest.” Jeremiah pointed to Brody but looked at her. “He’ll eat two and so will Tanner. You just wait and see.”
She smiled, pleased that everyone seemed normal again. “Are you saying I should take a big one, too?”
“Damn straight, I am.” Jeremiah grinned before instructing Brody on how much he wanted of everything, which was a lot. Once his plate was set before him, he looked at her. “I knew your grandparents. They used to visit their land once a year. Nice people. Stubborn, but nice.”
Surprised to learn her grandparents had spoken to the Dunns, she had to know more. “When did they come?”
Jeremiah squinched his face, making his rather large nose look more predominant “If I recall, it was in the month of May. They only stayed about a week and I’d ride over to say howdy.”
“Oh, that was when they married. They said they had their honeymoon up here. I bet they came back for their anniversary.”
“But I hadn’t seen them there in May in thirty years.”
That was when her mom and dad died. “That makes sense. I was a baby when my parents died, and it was around then when they took me in to raise.”
Brody’s hand grasped hers in a silent sign of support, and she found it much easier to handle the new information about her grandparents. Four Peaks truly must have been their happy place.
As everyone ate, the conversation flowed freely. Tanner updated his father on the next phase of the dude ranch build-out, Brody reported on what was happening with the cattle, and Amanda explained Jeremiah’s latest milestone. Just like at lunch, the insults flew, with even Jeremiah getting a few in. She wasn’t sure why, but it seemed as if being insulted meant that person was loved, and she found herself wishing she could be insulted.
Jeremiah pointed at Tanner with his knife. “You need to look at the spreadsheets. Something’s not adding up. I thought you budgeted for everything.”
Amanda put her hand on Jeremiah’s arm to make him lower the knife.
“I did. I’ll take a look tomorrow morning. I’m better at numbers after a good night’s sleep.”
Brody hmphed. “A good night’s sleep isn’t going to help any.”
Seeing a chance to be part of the family, Hannah took the opportunity. “If you like, I’d be happy to review them for you.”
“You?” Jeremiah frowned at her.
She gave him a smile in return. “Yes, me. That’s my job. I’m a budget analyst.”
That got Tanner’s attention. “That’s a relief. If I can’t figure things out, I’ll definitely accept that offer.”
Pleased that she might be able to help, she took her last bite of baked potato.
Brody looked to his brother. “You know, when I told Hannah about the dude ranch, she thought it an excellent idea, just like Mandy. I wonder if we should try marketing it more to women. I know you were thinking families, but the women around this table are more enthusiastic about it than we are.”
“Oh, I like that idea.” Amanda gave a thumbs-up.
“What do women know about ranching? They’ll probably break a nail or something.”
“Jeremiah.” Amanda actually tapped the man’s arm. “You know very well that I can ride a horse better than most men.”
“Yeah, Dad. And Hannah here had fun mucking out the stalls in the barn.”
At Brody’s defense, she piped in. “Yes, I did. Brody said the stalls had never been cleaner.”
Tanner nodded. “I think this idea bears some research. Brody, you’re the expert on the internet. See what you can find.”
Jeremiah didn’t say anything, instead he stuffed the last piece of his steak in his mouth and chewed.
Thrilled that Brody’s idea was being considered, she beamed at him. It was good to see his family acknowledge his contribution.
Jeremiah’s grumpy attitude actually didn’t bother her. In fact, she felt more like part of the family. When eating dinner at people’s houses, everyone was always on their best behavior, but Jeremiah Dunn didn’t care that she was a guest. It may be because of his stroke, but it made her feel accepted. How lucky Brody was to have family dinners like this every night. She would so enjoy being a part of his family.
Brody set his silverware on his empty dish. “A meal like that needs a light dessert, don’t you think?”
She lifted her brows, not sure how he could think of eating another bit. She was stuffed with his excellent cooking, and he had twice as much as she had. “Dessert? Now?”
He opened his mouth to answer when Cami started barking so loudly, the two brothers both stood.
Brody started forward. “Someone must be here, and they must be strangers or she wouldn’t be going so ballistic.”
Jeremiah backed up his wheel chair. “Well, let’s see who it is.”
They all filed out of the room and into the entry. Brody grabbed Cami’s collar just as Tanner opened the door and strode out. “What the hell are you doing here?”