Chapter Nine
Two days later.
Jinx looked down in irritation at his injured leg, which was bandaged from his ankle to his thigh. He missed being out on the ranch, working hard, and hated being stuck inside the Rose Farmhouse being taken care of like a child.
“I know the bedrest is nipping at your heels, Jinx, but have some patience. A wound like this needs to heal before it’s messed with.” Doc Lafferty pulled off his stethoscope and dropped it into his medical bag.
“I’d like to get approved to travel so I can go home. The Roses have been great the last few days, but I’d like to recuperate at the farm.” Jinx was grateful, but he didn’t want his crew or Justice to see him as worthless as a bedbug.
Doc Lafferty seemed to consider the request. “You’re almost there. I just don’t want you to overdo the movement.”
“At least tell me I can get rid of that thing.” Jinx jutted his chin toward the bedpan. He was grateful that his room had a bathroom so he could wobble there. Doc told him he was restricted to bedrest but pissing in a pan was where Jinx drew the line. He’d rather grow a third eye than have Justice empty his bedpan. It was difficult enough that she changed his bandage. Good thing her touch was the best damn reward for being stuck laid up in bed.
Some of the crew had come up and played some cards out of pity.
On a positive note, he and Justice had grown closer. She’d forgiven him for making an ass of himself while he was under the influence of pain meds.
The injury hadn’t affected his dick. He couldn’t count the number of times he’d had a hard-on during her visits. Whether she was brushing her fingers through her hair, smiling, or just simply shifting and exposing a bit more of her toned legs, he’d been like a schoolboy bursting the seams in his crotch. He’d never experienced anything close to this with anyone else.
Doc Lafferty laughed. “I can do you one better, son. You can walk yourself to the bathroom, as you already have been considering the bedpan is as clean as a whistle, and maybe even go outside to grab some Vitamin D, that is, if you don’t feel any pain. If you can handle the easy task of walking a short distance, then I’ll approve you to travel. Just remember not to overdo it. That can be easy to do. Justice told me you’ve been refusing pain meds.” Concern made deeper wrinkles appear around the seasoned man’s eyes.
“It’s tolerable.”
“You’re a hero. You’ve proven that by surviving what is considered a miracle, but even strong cowboys need some relief.”
Jinx shrugged. “I’d rather manage the pain with a shot of whiskey.”
With that, Doc Lafferty nodded and put the matter to rest. “I’ll be back in a few days.”
“Think I can be back in the saddle by the end of next week?” Jinx was hopeful.
“Let’s not push things.”
“Up for some company?” came the soft voice from the open doorway.
Jinx felt a bit disappointed when he saw that it wasn’t Justice who came for a visit. “Sure,” he told Lanah.
“Good afternoon, Lanah,” Doc Lafferty said as he packed up his medical bag. “Still feeling under the weather?”
“I just need to slow down a bit, Doc.” She flashed a flirty grin as she flounced into the room, giving a subtle twirl of her skirt. She certainly did have a lot of energy , Jinx thought.
“It wouldn’t hurt for you to come and see me, young lady,” Doc gently said.
“I’ll make an appointment soon,” she said as Doc left the room and closed the door behind him. She swiveled on her flats and looked at Jinx in accusation. “You’re a mess, Jinx.”
“And this is an improvement from what I was,” he said matter-of-factly.
“I would have come to see you sooner, but I can’t stand the sight of blood,” she said as she dropped down on the end of the bed near his feet.
“It’s okay. I’ve had quite a bit of company.”
She narrowed her gaze at him. “Did you do this to get out of our second date?”
“We had a date?” he blurted, realizing after the words hit the air that they could be taken as rude.
“I figured we would see each other again After all, we did have a good time that night.” She wagged her thin brows and her lips pursed. “Anyway, seems you have quite the setup here.”
“Glad you think so.” He adjusted his position and squinted as the intense pain traveled down his leg.
“Are the Rose sisters playing nurses too?” Lanah teased, but there was also a hint of sarcasm.
He pulled the pillow from behind his back, fluffed it, and then adjusted himself to settle back into its firm support. “Nah.” He hadn’t seen much of the Rose clan outside of Justice since he’d been staying as a guest. And that was okay for him.
“You know, I have an extra bedroom at my place. I could nurse you back to health.” She leaned closer and walked her fingers down his chest, pausing near the waistband of his sweats.
Jinx didn’t feel anything. Not even one flicker of hope down below his waist, not like he did with Justice. That made him feel like a dick because he didn’t have this problem back when he and Lanah had wound up in her bed weeks ago. What had he been thinking? The fact was, he hadn’t been thinking. He’d been lonely, and she’d seemed welcoming. The next day, he knew he’d made a mistake, which only made the situation worse. “You don’t like the sight of blood. I’m afraid you wouldn’t want to see this wound.” It was a logical excuse, but even more so, he knew he needed to cut things off.
“I could help out in other ways.”
“Lanah…about that…”
“What, cowboy? You suddenly shy?” She winked.
No doubt, Lanah had something about her that made her seductive. Unfortunately, his body rejected any thought. “We had a good time, but—”
“There’s a but ?” One thin brow flicked above her sparkling eyes. “You’re not going to tell me that you’re not interested in having a second go ‘round, are you?”
“I think I should be honest. You’re a great woman—”
She jumped up from the bed, and the springs squeaked . “Stop right there, Jinx Weathersby. The last thing I want to hear is the ‘it’s-not-you-it’s-me speech’.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.” He should never have slept with her the first time. Although he’d never considered himself a saint, he never wanted to hurt a woman’s feelings. After a long night of drinking and dancing at Mav’s, she’d invited him back to her place, and as an idiot would do, he’d agreed. He couldn’t use alcohol as a crutch. He’d been sober enough to make the mistake and to regret it come sunrise.
“No?” Her pensive eyes skewered him.
He tore a hand through his hair. He was long overdue for a haircut and a shave. That was the least of his worries now though. “We had a good time. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”
She blinked as the corners of her mouth dipped further. “For whom?”
Jinx started to open his mouth, probably with more wrong words when the door swung open like a saving grace. He thanked his lucky stars until he saw who it was. A warm tingle targeted his groin.
Justice stuck her head inside. “I saw Doc had left.” She saw that he wasn’t alone and her smile faded some. “Oh, sorry. I can come back.”
“Thanks. We were just talking,” Lanah said.
At the same time, Jinx asked, “Did you need something?”
Lanah’s annoyed gasp echoed through the room.
“I just wanted to stop and see how you’re doing.” Justice tucked a tendril of her soft wavy hair behind her ear. “I’ll come back.”
Jinx’s mind scrambled for something to say, anything to keep her from leaving, but he went blank. The door closed.
“Wow! Everything just became glaringly obvious to me,” Lanah said through pinched lips.
“It is?” If it made perfect sense to her then the conversation should have been over.
“Another cowboy bites the dust.” She gave her head a little shake. “Unbelievable.” She threw up her hands.
“I’m confused.” Had he missed something?
“I think we understand what’s happening here.” Lanah sat back down on the bed. “Another Rose has entangled herself with a ranch hand.”
“It’s not that way,” he groaned.
“But you are down for the count.” Lanah sighed. “It’s okay. If they had a brother, I’d be smitten too.”
“No hard feelings?”
She plucked a piece of lint off her blouse. “No. I forgive you. I’ve been seeing someone else too. We’re not relationship material, at least not right now, but who knows?”
He felt a sense of relief. “I’m glad. Hopefully, he’s worthy.”
She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. “Is any man ever really worthy?” She stood and ran her palms down her torso. “You don’t know what you’re giving up, handsome” She glided to the door and looked back at him. “Word to the wise. If you like Justice, tell her.”
Jinx gazed thoughtfully at the closed door, Lanah’s words resonating in his mind. “If you like her, tell her.” Reflecting on his feelings, he recognized that his crush likely ignited the moment he first saw her. An intense spark transformed into a deeper admiration. He found himself enchanted by her sweet mannerisms, her radiant smile, and the lively bounce of her hair. Each detail about her made his heart race with excitement. He realized how truly special she was, inspiring him to take the brave step forward.
****
Justice stood outside of Jinx’s room and breathed in a measure of bravery, exhaling all her concern.
She knocked and heard him call out, “Come in.”
Opening the door, she stuck her head inside. “Oh, Lanah’s gone?”
“She’s been gone,” he said.
“I brought you some dinner.” She carried the tray in. “Where would you like it?”
“Here’s fine.” He patted his lap. “Thank you.”
She set the tray on his lap and then stepped back. "That was very nice of Lanah visiting you," she remarked, potentially probing for more details. She doubted that he had any connection with Lanah... or was she mistaken?
Jinx made her feel uneasy, but not in a negative sense. Since she’d been helping him, she found that she looked forward to seeing him. She wondered if his hair was as thick and silky as it looked. Did his muscles feel like thick cords or defined roads that she could follow with her fingers like a map? She wanted to trace the inked lines and curves of his tattoos.
Sweat beaded on her temples.
He looked remarkably attractive in a rugged sort of way. His hair touched his collar and curled at the ends. He had a full beard, and his white T-shirt fit snugly against his broad chest. He lifted his gaze and she pretended to be staring at his food.
She thought he might have said something in response to her question about Lanah, but Justice didn’t remember or care. Lanah always seemed to have her foot in some cowboy’s door.
“Dinner’s not much but Dolly’s not here.”
“It looks good to me.” He picked up the ham sandwich that she’d cut into triangles and chomped down.
“Care if I sit?”
“Sure.”
She sat down and laid her clasped hands in her lap. Why was she so nervous?
“Did you want something besides coffee?” She searched for small talk to ease the tension.
He stopped with the sandwich mid-air as if he started to realize there was more to the conversation. “Coffee’s fine.”
“I ran into Doc Lafferty. He said you can start putting some weight on the leg.”
He stuffed his mouth with the remaining few bites and then swallowed a large gulp of coffee. “It’s feeling much better. I’ve tested it. Seems to be working just fine. I’m more than ready to get out of this damn bed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for all that you and your family have done, allowing me to stay here and Dolly making me the best meals I’ve ever had but I’m fit to be tied. I like working, not staring at four walls.”
She nodded. “I can relate.” Although she couldn’t. She’d never been injured and been on bed rest. “I mean, I can guess that it’s very boring. But don’t rush it. You don’t want to land yourself back into a longer recovery.”
He popped a chip into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “You know, it’s okay. You don’t have to babysit me. That probably must be very boring for you.”
“Oh.” She swallowed. “I’m not babysitting you. I’ve enjoyed our time together. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.” She was working up to offer to have Ilene come and live at the Rose house. After their conversations since he’d been injured, Justice felt like this would be an answer to all the problems.
One thick brow arched over those remarkably hazel eyes. He lifted the tray and placed it on the bedside table. “I’ve enjoyed our time together too. And there’s something I need to speak to you about also.”
She stood. “There is?”
He appeared somewhat disoriented. “I’m not the best at communication. You might have already figured that out.”
“I think you communicate fine.”
‘I’ve enjoyed our time together.’
She felt her nipples press the lace material of her bra. ‘I have too.’
“I realize I’m just a hand.”
“Why don’t you just say what’s on your mind?”
“I think you're beautiful, and I've wanted to kiss you since the moment I laid eyes on you.”
She stood there processing his words. Truth was, she’d wanted the same. It didn’t matter that he was a hand. They had chemistry and it couldn’t be denied.
“Are you going to say something? Did I overstep?” His lips thinned.
“N-no.” It wasn’t what she’d expected but she wasn’t mad. “We’ve spent a lot of time together over the last few days.”
“You’ve kept me from going stir-crazy staring at the walls.”
He looked much healthier now that his injury was healing fast. If she examined her own feelings, she’d developed them for Jinx. He was more than just a handsome face. He was kind, gentle, and could have deep conversations.
In the back of her mind, there was a neon sign blinking the word “Marriage”. She was running out of time. She’d been going back and forth, from telling Daddy she refused to marry to take the leap before it was too late. What if she could offer Jinx a deal? They marry, and in return, she helped with his sister. Would he accept? She could think of far worse situations than being Jinx’s wife—in name only of course.
There was most definitely a connection between them. Something magical and unexpected.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes.” But she wasn’t sure she was. Marrying for circumstances brought risks. What if she fell for Jinx? She was already fond of him and his family.
She lowered her gaze over his face, pausing at his lips.
A kiss could be the deciding factor.
“There’s something I need to investigate.” She crossed the distance and leaned over the bed, pressing her mouth to his. He tasted like coffee and goodness. At first, the kiss was soft and gentle, but soon things took a change. His fingers threaded into her hair, tugging at the roots, as his tongue passed her lips for a deepened kiss.
Wanting to be closer, she crawled up on the bed, careful not to hit his leg, until their bodies were pressed against each other. She could feel the heavy beating of his heart, matching her own rhythm. The heat started to build between them, and she journeyed her hand down his flat stomach to the waistband of his sweatpants. Her fingers glided over the bulge behind the thick material, and she wanted to touch him without a barrier.
She freed him, marveling at his thick length and the damp mushroom tip. She glided her hand down his girth and then back up until his moans sounded.
His large hand cupped her breast, flicking his thumb over her hardened, sensitive nipple through the thin material of the sundress. He moved his attention to her other breast and gently pinched the nipple, which sent a tingle shooting through her. Something told her he knew how to pleasure a woman.
He brought his hips upward, and she tightened her grip around him. His tongue thrusted deeper into her mouth as if making an unspoken itinerary of what would be happening soon with their bodies. Her inner thighs trembled, and her core pulsated in excitement. Imagining him sinking into her made her want to lift her skirt and slide her body over him…
But that would have to wait.
The unexpected knock on the door crashed into their thoughts, snapping them back to reality like a sudden plunge into icy water.
Dragging her hand away, she popped up off the bed and had just fixed her skirt back into place when the door came open. Rigs Fletcher swept off his worn Stetson and planted it against his wide chest. His beady gaze jetted from Jinx and back to Justice withseveral swipes of apology. “Sorry to intrude. Shall I come back?”
Justice’s mind screamed, “Hell yes,” but her words came out with a weak, “I was just grabbing the tray and making my way out. I have some work to catch up on.”
She could barely control the trembling in her hands as she picked up the tray that felt heavier. It was only then that she dared to peek over at Jinx who had covered his lap with the sheet.
“Thanks for the sandwich,” Jinx said in a calm tone. He didn’t seem the least bit troubled.
“If you need anything just let me know.” Although she hadn’t meant for her words to be anything but amatter of fact, she realized they came out with a sensual cadence. Jinx grinned. Rigs shuffled from one dusty boot to the other. He’d always been a bit awkward, but respectful. He most definitely had bad timing. “See you boys later.”
Rigs stepped out of her way so she could pass.
Once she was on the other side of the closed door, she finally managed to breathe normally. That was close. Too close.
They’d have to be more careful the next time.
The next time?
Of course there would be a next time.
Yet, she’d have to somehow find a way to break the news to him that they were getting married.
****
“I'm sorry I haven’t made it to see you yet,” Rigs said, then satin the chair.
“No problem. I know you all are busy.” Jinx felt a bit exposed. Although he’d managed to appear unaffected, he couldn’t hide his restless energy. The kiss he’d shared with Justice had left him reeling. Rigs usually didn’t meddle in others' business, yet he appeared somewhat uneasy. Did he have any suspicions?
Jinx raised his hand to rub the tension out of his jaw and caught Justice’s vanilla scent lingering on his skin. That made his dick jerk. He was glad Rigs seemed interested in scanning the room, giving Jinx time to control himself.
When he settled his gaze back on Jinx, he was wearing a smile. “How many men would have gladly taken a bull’s horn to be where you are now? Whoo-wee.”
Jinx knew precisely where this was headed. “Trust me, these four walls are getting old.”
Rigs leaned back and stretched his legs. “If you say so.” He dropped his hat into his lap. “That was some hit you took. When will you be back out on the ranch? The crew misses you.”
“Not for a few more weeks. I still have some healing to do, but I’ve been given the go-ahead to start using the leg more.” He couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. Getting out of bed couldn’t come fast enough. “How’s everything?”
“Definitely more boring than what’s going on here.”
“Yeah, pure excitement.”
Rigs leaned forward. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
“Secret?”
“You and Justice. My apologies, you know, for interrupting.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy, but it’s not like that between us. She’s helping me out.”
“I’m sure she is.” Rigs wagged his thick brows. “I wonder if I tossed myself onto a pitchfork if Freedom would be my doting nurse.” It's like he suddenly noticed what came out of his mouth and cleared his throat. “Any of the Rose sisters. I’m not particular.”
“If I wanted Justice’s, any of the sister’s attention, this isn’t how I would choose to go about it.” Although he’d enjoyed his time with Justice, Jinx found nothing about his situation thrilling—except for the kiss.
“Hell, no one would blame you, buddy. I don’t know a man alive who would turn down this opportunity.”
Jinx didn’t like where this conversation washeaded. He’d never be one who kissed and told, no matter who the woman happened to be. Although he and Rigs worked well together, they weren’t friends outside of work. “I’m a bit tired. I better get caught up on my beauty sleep.” Maybe if Rigs hit the road Justice would come back.
The rugged cowboy stood and planted his hat back on his head. “Good seeing you, Jinx. Don’t rush things.” Rigs took a step into the hallway and stopped, looking back with a grin. “Make sure you get plenty of rest.”
The thud of his boots faded on the planked floor.
What the hell was that all about?
Staring at the door, out of his peripheral he saw the cane Doc Lafferty had brought. It wouldn’t be the highlight of his life to be wobbling around with a cane, but Jinx would use a walker if that meant he could get mobile.
So, pushing away any remaining pride, he lifted himself out of bed and carefully placed weight on his injured leg. It felt pretty good. Mind over matter. He wanted to do this so badly that he didn’t care about any discomfort. Hopping over on his good leg to grab the cane, he acclimated himself to the feel of it, then made his way out of the room. He listened for any sounds. The house was quiet.
He’d never been inside the farmhouse other than seeing the kitchen during the dinner with his aunt and sister, or at least wandered around, so he took the hallway in exploration. He looked through one doorway. The grand room. Another doorway. The kitchen. Then, at the end of the hallway there were two doors, and he could see twinkling lights through the glass.
He stepped outside and breathed in fresh air, filling his lungs completely. Lights hung from the beams, casting a warm glow over the shadows, and then he saw Justice sitting tucked in the corner of the outside sofa, her feet up, and a glass of wine in her hand.
“Sorry, am I intruding?” he said.
“Not at all. Rigs leave?”
He took a moment to respond, captivated by her beauty. Her ocean-blue eyes shone in the golden light, and her lips, still pink from his kisses, formed a smile. "I might have fibbed a bit. I said I needed to get some sleep, but I wanted to try this cane." He lifted it. "I expected to hate it, but I like it."
“Have a seat unless you’re wanting to put some miles on that thing.”
“I’ll sit,” he said, wanting to spend time with her and needing to be gentle with his leg. He rested his cane on the table, sat on the cushion, and stretched his legs.
She set her glass on the table next to the bottle. “About earlier…”
Oh shit. Here was the axe dropping. “You don’t have to explain. We crossed a line. It happens.”
Her gentle laugh echoed into the darkness. “I liked crossing that line.”
He lifted his chin. “No regrets?”
“Not at all, outside of being interrupted.”
“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” Worried lines subtly appeared around her eyes. “What would you think if Ilene—”
“Justice, can I speak with you?”
Jinx gave a startle, but Justice almost jumped out of her clothes at the sound of her daddy’s booming voice from the open doorway. “For goodness sake’s, Daddy! You probably woke the dead ten miles away.”
Sam Rose stood at about six-foot-three, two hundred pounds of lean frame, and wore an expression that could have sent a giant running. Added to that, he didn’t seem the least bit happy.