Chapter 9
They ate in bed. Her eyes popped wide open when she saw him coming back carrying a large picnic basket.
“What did he think? That we’re going to be here for weeks?”
“Perhaps.” His boyish smile had her heart doing a slow dive.
“There are all sorts of goodies. Sandwiches, chicken, roast beef…” Placing the basket next to her, he dug in. “Pies.” He looked over at her. “You’re in for a treat. Mother makes the best pies I have ever tasted, and I have been to too many places to count.”
“I’ll be the judge,” she announced loftily.
But after tasting the peach cobbler and the apple pie, she was sold. The beef pie was so moist and tender, it fairly melted in her mouth and the bread was freshly baked.
“My God!” She murmured, licking the strawberry jam off her fingers and sending heat straight to his sex. “How do you not put on lots of weight?”
He grinned at her dazed expression. “Lots of manual labor. Sometimes, I don’t get the chance to eat a full meal. I would sit down to eat, when something would come up that requires immediate attention.” He poured ruby red wine into two glasses and handed her one.
Reluctantly putting her plate away, she shook her head when he offered her a buttered slice of the baked bread. “I am full to bursting.’ She took the wine and brough the glass to her lips. He had shed his jeans and was naked, washboard stomach rippling with muscles as he move to set the basket aside.
Leaning back on the pillows, he automatically slung a hand around her shoulders and pulled her against him. Somehow, being here with him felt as natural as breathing. And she could almost pretend that they were a couple – that they lived together and there were no complications.
Shoving the disturbing thoughts away, she brought up a topic she had been mulling on.
“That cowboy, I was dancing with.”
“Which one?” He asked dryly. “There were so many.”
She had to admit to herself that it made her feel powerful to notice the jealousy in his tone.
“The one you dragged me away from.”
“Oh, that one. I wanted to rearrange his damned face. He had his hands all over you. Why are you asking about him.” Shifting slightly, he jerked her chin up, eyes narrowing. “If the next words that come out of your mouth is that you are interested, I am going to find him and beat him to a pulp.”
Lifting the glass to her lips, she eyed him over the rim. “I never thought I would find macho men sexy, but you are proving me wrong,” she laughed when he practically snarled.
“In case it has slipped your attention,, I am here with you, am I not?” She shook her head. “He said he is just passing through. What does that mean?”
Jonathan settled down slowly, marveling that he could get so carried away when it comes to her. “It means he is an itinerant and just at the ranch for a couple of weeks. We hire men who pass through town to look for work.”
“Is that safe?” She asked with a frown. “Do you do background checks on them before they are hired?”
He had to grin at her sober expression. “This is not your typical big city.” He reminded her. “And yes, we insist on letters of recommendations.”
“Which can be easily forged.”
Taking the empty glass from her, he emptied his and put them away, before gathering her against him.
“I assure you that I am know what I am doing. I have been doing it for years.” He trailed his fingers up and down her arm. “Why? Did he appear threatening?”
She shook her head. “He was a bit heavy on the compliments and flirtations and yes, he was a little handsy.”
“A little?”
“Okay, a lot. Before you marched over and decided to take matters into your own hands, I was going to end the dance prematurely. There is something about him that gave me the creeps.”
He shifted again so he could see her face. “Tell me the truth, did he suggest anything that’s making you uncomfortable?”
“No!” She shook her head. “It’s just that he was a little too familiar. And he’s jealous of you.”
“Jealous? What did he say?”
“Kept saying how good you have it and wondered if you knew how lucky you were.”
“Anything else?”
“Just that.” She lifted her shoulders slightly. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”
A frown touched his brow. “His name is Brant Sullivan, and he just popped up two weeks ago looking for work. He is sullen and does not react well to authority but does good work. The branding will be finished with in another week or so and he will be on his way.”
“Are there many of them?” She asked curiously.
“About a dozen or so.” He loved the feel of her slender curves against him and yearned to have it as a permanent situation. He wanted to come home to her every single night and wake up to her every morning.
“There are always things happening on a ranch, especially a ranch of that size. We have men working almost around the clock. The work is always there, but not the accommodation.”
“I noticed a few cottages at the edge of the property.”
“And there are more houses, deeper in the woods. We have men who have been with us for decades and have established their homes at the ranch – men who have built a family life. There are one or two of them who live by themselves, but that’s the exception, not the rule.”
“What about the ones who are just passing through?”
“They are grateful for a week’s wage, a place to bunk for the duration and plenty of food to eat. And of course, the experience working at a large ranch can do for them.”
“You love it, don’t you?”
Tilting his head down, he stared at her upturned face. He had kissed off her lipstick and at some point, she had removed her makeup, leaving her skin looking dewy and flushed from the lovemaking. He loved her.
So much that it was difficult not to just tell her. He wanted her to know that his intentions were honorable and that he wanted her as his wife and eventually, the mother of his children. He wanted her to know that being loved by him meant she was going to be cherished for the rest of her life.
“Yes.” He finally answered. “I was born into the business and never had the urge to do anything else.” Lifting a hand, he brushed his fingers over one silky soft cheek. “if I had wanted to do something else, my parents would have supported me and respect my decision.”
“Your dad, how did he die?”
His fingers became tensed and for a few seconds he did not respond.
“I am sorry…”
“No.” He smiled slightly. “It’s fine. The hurt and pain of losing him are not so sharp. He died of a heart attack one night in his sleep. Before that, he was in a wheelchair. He got thrown from his horse. I was just home from college and looking forward to working the range with him. We talked about it at length, and I could not wait.”
His expression turned sober. It hit mother very hard and for weeks she could not function. You see, they shared a very grand love story.” His smile was whimsical. “He met her when he went back to Ireland to visit his family and it was love at first sight for them.”
“Do you really believe in that?” She asked him curiously.
“Love at first sight? Don’t you?”
“I believe in lust at first sight, but love?” She shook her head. “I think that an emotion like that takes time. You have to get to know the person before you can truly say you’re in love with him or her. Having an instant attraction is something I can relate to, yes. But love at first sight? It’s kinda hard to accept.”
His steady gaze had her shifting hers to a point over his left shoulder.
“How long does it take you to fall in love?” His deep voice was quiet and had her staring at him.
“It’s not about me.”
“Do you want to know how long it takes me?”
“No. I…”
“The very first meeting.”
She shifted and tried to pull away, but he held on.
“You were standing by the river, gazing into it and I had only seen your profile.”
“Jon…!”
“When you turned around, I felt the rapid punch as if I was kicked by a horse. I told myself that it was ridiculous of course. You’re a stunningly beautiful woman and the reaction was natural.
But it was not just sex I wanted with you. I was drawn to you in a way that frightened the hell out of me. I tried to stay away, told myself that I have been down this road before, and I am not doing it again. But it was too late.”
Taking a deep breath, she looked away from him. “Please don’t say it,” she whispered.
Gripping her chin, he forced her to look at him. “Why not? Because you don’t feel the same way?”
“Yes. No!” She closed her eyes briefly. “You’re complicating things. You know that at the end of it, I will be going home. It’s not fair for you to…,” she tried to shove his hand away and failed. “How dare you do this to me! I am not…”
“I love you.” He interrupted her quietly. His steady gaze was unwavering, and she felt the rapid thudding of her heart and the panic rising inside her throat. “For the first time in my life, I am really in love.
I thought that was the case before, but it’s nothing compared to this.” His touch was gentle, and his expression made her want to weep. No one had ever looked at her like this and she wanted to burrow into him until they were merged together.
“You’re not being fair. I cannot stay. Damn you.”
“You love me too.” He felt when she jolted. “I will wait for you to say it back to me, but I am going to follow you to the ends of the earth and bring you back here, with me.”
“Is that so?” her eyes sparkled dangerously.
“You think you can dictate my life? I have a career to think about. I am a townie. I love the bright lights and the easy access to restaurants and the theater. I live in an apartment in a high rise building and love the freedom of just stepping outside and walking to the art gallery. I have never lived in a small town, and I never will.”
He simply smiled and made her want to scream.
“Are you listening to me?”
“I am.” Tilting her chin up, he brushed his lips against hers, tightening his hold when she started to jerk away. “I love you darling, it’s something you’re going to have to accept.”
“I can’t,” her breath was hitching. “Please don’t do this to me.”
“Don’t do what?” He kissed the sides of her mouth. “Adore you?” His tongue traced her bottom lip. “Too late. I am crazy in love with you.” He nibbled and had her clutching to him, fingers digging into his shoulders. “We belong together, and I am hoping you’ll realize it pretty soon.”
“You can’t…” Her body arched, and a cry escaped her as he pulled her bottom lip between his teeth and sucked it into his mouth.
“I love you.” He told her thickly. His hands were everywhere and wherever he touched, he lit a fire that was fanning inside her and making her flaming hot. “So damn much.” With a growl, he covered her body with his and drove into her.
*****
It was unusual for him to sleep in. Even before he took over the running of the ranch, he had always been up by the crack of dawn. This morning, there was no guilt. He was right where he wanted to be.
With the woman he loved, her body curled against his and her head on his chest. He had worn them out, he thought with a silent chuckle. Had made love to her throughout the night, until she was limp with exhaustion.
She had fallen asleep in his arms. He had followed right behind her. A glance at the clock showed that it was half past eight. And he had no intention of getting up right now.
She was still fast asleep, her body still curled against his. Tipping his head down, he allowed himself the privilege of simply staring at her. He could find no flaws on her skin. Her fingers were curled into a loose fist and resting on his chest.
He had told her he loved her. What he wanted to do next was to shop for a ring. He studied her small hand with the elegant fingers and decided that a square cut diamond would suit her. His mother had an entire vault of jewelry she had inherited over the years, but he wanted something brand new for her. Something to call her own.
He was going to have to work on her resistance. Yes, he would allow her to go home to sort things out, such as giving up her apartment and tying up anything that needs to be dealt with. But he was going to insist on accompanying her. He was not going to run the risk of her not coming back.
He would explain to her that he would never dream of standing in the way of her career. He would be supportive. A frown touched his brow as he contemplated. His mother had given up home and any means of having a career to be with his dad.
Without hesitation. She had come to the ranch to the states and found her niche. Now she was in charge of a very profitable business that she had started.
He sighed softly and wondered if the woman cuddled up against him would find it easy to make this place her home. She had mentioned the various entertainment. He occasionally took a weekend to go away on a visit to other places, but it was not very often.
The ranch was very demanding, and he takes his responsibility serious. Would she be willing to understand and be supportive? And if she wasn’t what the hell was he going to do?
Shaking his head, he decided that he was not going to think about that right now. He still had time and for now, he would show her what was in store for her.
*****
“I cannot believe that it’s this cold and it’s just the first week of September.”
“Wait until we get to November and December. Watch your step, baby.” They had left their horses tethered a few feet away when she insisted she wanted to take a walk.
The endearment sent a shiver through her and had her feeling a little lost. She woke up this morning to breakfast in bed. He had prepared roast beef sandwiches and a pot of coffee. And asked her what she wanted to do.
“I am all yours for most of the day,” he told her with a grin.
Now he was holding her hand as they made their way along the slope leading past the river and along the thickly wooded areas, where the trees grew in clumps and wildflowers were in abundance. It was almost ten in the morning, but not even the sun filtering through the leaves managed to dispel the chill in the air.
And she was holding hands with him. Something she never did before. There were a lot of firsts with him. Ignoring the bump of her heart, she concentrated on the walk. When he had suggested they go for a ride, she had started to refuse.
Ever since she met him, she had been unable to concentrate on her writing and her agent was going to be royally pissed.
But she wanted to be with him. Whenever he wasn’t around, she missed him so damn much. How in the hell was she going to leave? And no matter what he said, she was going home. She certainly did not belong here.
“A penny for them.”
His deep voice intruded on her inner turmoil and had her turning to look at him. They had taken a shower together, which had led to him taking her against the tiled wall and leaving her weak with longing. His hair tended to curl, and she had the maddening urge to brush back the fat strand that had fallen on his forehead.
“Just thinking that I am way behind in my writing.”
“Are you blaming me?” He raised brows, a little darker than his hair.
“Damn right, I’m blaming you.” They were approaching an area that had been cordoned off, with flowers growing in profusion. Tugging on his hand, she forced him to stop at what she realized was a cemetery.
“Your ancestors are buried here.”
“Including my dad.” He acknowledged as he stood there staring at the marked graves.
“Aside from the tombstones, you would almost think it’s a field of flowers.”
“My mother’s doing.” Letting go of her hand; he moved forward to open a white picket gate and stopped at the most recent grave.
‘James Elliot McCarthy. Beloved husband, father and the best rancher that ever lived. Sorely missed every single day.’
She joined him and it was only natural for her to slide her hand through his arm and leaned against him.
“He was the best father in the world.” He was secretly pleased that she had made the move to touch him. “Taught me everything I know.” Turning his head, he kissed her forehead, his heart settling as he inhaled her perfume.
She steadied him. It was uncanny that she had this effect on him, because she unraveled him as well. She excited him and made him feel at home. He never had that before, not with anyone.
“My dad was my hero.”
He turned to her and quickly hid the surprise at her words. She had never revealed anything of a personal nature to him before and he felt the hope sprang up inside him. Taking her hand, he led her to a padded bench that was somehow warm enough for them to sit.
It did not feel weird to be in the middle of a graveyard and she wondered if it was because of the beautiful setting. “He was a civil engineer and would be gone for several weeks sometimes.
But he would make up for it whenever he was home. He would call and ask me about school, wanting to know if there was anything I needed help with.” She slid him an impish smile. He was still holding her hand, but it felt natural and right. “Of course I didn’t, because I was a brilliant student.”
“I have no doubt of it.” Lifting his free hand, he stroked her cheek. “You loved him.”
“I adored him.” She corrected with a sigh. “He was the polar opposite of my mother, and I remembered asking him how they ended up together.”
“What did he say?”
“Opposites attract. He said it with this tender smile on his face. He also said that he was shocked that she even gave him a second glance. He loved her.”
“Are you saying the feeling was not returned?” He asked her quietly.
She shrugged. “I guess in her own way, she did love him. She hardly displays any emotion and since dad died, she has been with too many men to count. They get younger each time.”
“Perhaps that’s the way she handles her grief.”
His quiet summation of the situation had her going weak. The guy checked every box and was as close to being perfect as possible.
“Jon…”
“Baby?”
“Don’t. Please. I cannot handle…” She gasped as he jerked her towards him and rubbed his lips on hers.
“Oh God!” She whispered fervently.
“Give me your tongue.” When she did, he sucked it into his mouth and sent the volcanic fire bursting through her. He was about to gather her closer to him, when the silence was shattered by a sudden loud blast, followed by another and then another.
Tearing his mouth from hers, he surged to his feet, drawing her up with him.
“Was that gunshots?”
“It seems that way.” His expression was grim as he dug out his phone. “It might be poachers or wild animals.” He pressed the icon. “Billy, what the hell was that?” he listened for a second, his expression hardening. “I’m on my way.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Someone tried to rob the place.” He was dragging her along to get to the horses. “I will see you back to the cabin.”
“I can go by myself…”
“Not a chance.” He hoisted her up on the back of her horse, before practically jumping into the saddle. “Lock the door and don’t let anyone in.”