CHAPTER NINETEEN
Katarina
I couldn’t fault him .
He’d done exactly what I asked so why was I so pissed at him? It was because he kept doing things that were annoying, like showing up for me, looking after my sister, putting us first, and doing things with planks of wood in almost no clothing, painted in sweat.
I should be focusing on how to save the ranch but instead, my hormones were acting like I was fifteen again and going boy crazy.
“Yoohoo!” Daisy sang, waving her hand in front of my face. I blinked, warm soap suds running down my arm where I’d drifted off while doing the dishes. “Where did you go?”
“Oh, sorry,” I said, handing her a plate.
“Somewhere nice I bet, based on the flush of your skin,” she teased.
I snorted. “No, my hands are in hot water, that’s why I’m flushed.”
“If you say so.”
She dried off the plate and ducked down, pulling a cabinet door open and it practically fell off its hinges. “This place is falling apart. If it’s not this, it’s the bathroom door, or the wonky table or the drawer that sticks on the sideboard,” Daisy grumbled.
“Nothing stopping you from fixing any of it,” Leo said as he walked into the kitchen.
“Do you just live here now?” Daisy asked, arching a brow at him as he dropped a plate in the sink and crammed the last of his toast into his mouth.
“Yesff,” he replied around his mouthful. He chewed and swallowed before adding, “You know, there is someone who could come and fix all of this.”
My stomach tightened at his insinuation. Not Jack, not Jack, not Jack.
“Do you mean Jack?” Daisy practically snarled.
“Yep.”
Daisy grunted but didn’t disagree like I expected her to.
“We’re done here, you kids go and play,” I teased, flicking water at them both, wanting them out of my kitchen so they wouldn’t notice how weird I acted when anyone mentioned Jack.
“Come on Daze, let’s go watch—”
“If you say The Devil Wears Prada…”
“The Devil Wears Prada!” Leo shouted, slinging an arm around her neck.
“So weird that that’s your favorite movie. ”
“You’re weird,” Leo shot back and eventually they left the kitchen. I finished the dishes, thinking about how Jack was with Tilly last night. He’d treated her with care and concern and spent time listening to her and cheering her up. He kept doing nice things and it was making it harder to stay mad at him.
I made my way to Daddy’s study, determined to go through the rest of the paperwork and get a solid grasp on the finances. I’d procrastinated long enough.
So far, things weren’t looking great. We were in trouble, big time, with a couple of different creditors. And another ranch owner who had done a few deals to help us out.
I went through the papers until my eyes were stinging and I’d uncovered all the financial hardship. There were final notice letters and overdue payment letters, and the bank account wasn’t exactly flush with cash to pay any of them. I needed to come up with money and fast. But how? I was drawing a blank and didn’t understand why my brain couldn’t deal with this.
I leaned back in the chair and pushed my palms into my eyes, rubbing away the tiredness. I stood up, stretching my legs and then decided to call it a night, flicking off the lamp on the desk. As I turned, I looked out the window and immediately fixated on the cabin.
Jack was in there, post-shower judging by the towel hanging around his waist.
“Stop watching him,” I scolded myself. It was wrong and shameful but I couldn’t help it. I leaned against the wall and watched as he puttered around. He ate an apple while leaning against the small worktop of the kitchenette, taking huge bites out of it. I remembered the feel of his lips and teeth clamping down on my neck, my knees shook and I almost moaned.
Like he knew what I was thinking, his eyes snapped up and I froze when they collided with mine in the dark. I knew he couldn’t see me but I stood stock-still as he tilted his head from side-to-side. Then he disappeared. I released the breath I was holding but he reappeared, this time at the window, staring straight at me.
He ran his hand down his chest, slowly.
No way could he know I was here. This was crazy.
My breathing grew labored, like I’d just come back from a run. He trailed his hand lower until he gripped himself through the towel.
I gasped as he stroked himself, my cheeks heating and the pulse between my legs throbbed sharply. Oh my God, was he really doing that with me watching? He had to know.
He continued stroking over the impressive length that I wanted in my hands, my mouth, my pussy. My mouth watered as his head tipped back and I swear I heard his moan from here. I spun away from the window. I couldn’t do this, couldn’t violate his privacy any more like I had been. Even if I thought he was doing this for me.
A moment later, my phone pinged in my pocket. I pulled it out, turning down the brightness in case he could see me. I scrolled down the top bar and saw I had a message from him.
Jack : Enjoying the show?
My heart stuttered. He did know I was watching. But how? How did he know? It was pitch black in here. I sank back in the shadows, my heart pounding, pulse throbbing. And my phone pinged again.
Jack : Unless I’m crazy…
Jack : Yeah I’m crazy. No way are you watching me, I guess I can keep going...
“Oh my God,” I groaned, clutching my phone to my chest. Did I dare peek? I slowly glanced around the window frame and saw him standing in the same spot, phone out, a massive grin on his face. I was simultaneously disappointed and pleased he wasn’t jerking off.
My phone pinged again, lighting up my face and I cursed and ducked back.
Jack : Gotcha.
Jack : Night, Kat. Sweet dreams x
I sank to the ground, a quivering mess of need. How did he get me so riled up like that? I wondered if he would have continued if I didn’t duck away. If he would have climaxed right there in front of me. I suddenly wanted to see that more than anything: his head thrown back in ecstasy, mouth open as he grunted his pleasure.
I shook my head, pulling myself off the floor and refusing to glance out the window again and headed up to bed.
The next morning, Jack was on the porch, sipping the coffee that Tilly had brought him, and he smiled at me when I appeared. It was a pleasant smile but a knowing one and my cheeks flushed.
“Sleep well?” he asked, as we headed towards the stables. The insinuation in his tone had shivers racing up and down my spine, goosebumps spread across my bare arms. I didn’t answer him, didn’t know what to say. I felt guilty but also ridiculously turned on and frustrated. I was still mad that he rejected me and it all felt like we were playing with fire.
I managed to avoid him all day, he was out fixing fences and I was with the horses. When I came out from the stables to get some lunch, there were two men on the porch. One was dressed in a sharp suit, the other in black jeans and a t-shirt, arms folded across his massive chest. I headed towards them, fear sending my adrenaline skyrocketing when Daisy came out from the house instead.
“Shit,” I hissed and jogged towards the porch, trying to get there quicker. “It’s okay Daisy, I got it, you can go,” I said, terrified she would learn the truth.
Her gaze flicked towards me and she frowned. “Do we owe these people money?”
I waved her off. “It’s just a misunderstanding. Daisy please, I’ll handle it, go inside,” I tried to smile but my panic twisted it into a grimace. She reluctantly disappeared and I turned towards the men. “Can I help you?”
The one in the suit turned towards me, a smug smile dripping from his lips. I wanted to slap it off his face. His muscle man breathed heavily behind him, trying to appear threatening.
“Are you Katarina?” Suit asked.
“Yes, and you are?”
“Martin Mirander from Mirander Associates.” He held out his hand but I ignored it as my stomach plummeted. This was one of the companies we owed money to.
“How can I help you?” I asked through gritted teeth.
“We’ve been trying to contact you regarding the debt you owe us,” Martin spoke smoothly.
“I don’t owe you anything,” I said, trying to play dumb.
“Well, not you specifically. The ranch, which has now passed to you, ergo, you.”
“And?” Playing dumb was only going to get me so far and my hands began to shake from fear.
“We’ve come to collect,” Martin said, and Muscles cracked his knuckles. My eyes must have widened because Martin hastened to add: “Assets, to clear the debt. We’ll take what we’re owed from the property, it’s all legal.”
My brain went into overdrive, so many thoughts racing that I couldn’t put together a plan of action. I was completely helpless in this situation.
“That’s not a wise decision.” Jack’s voice was firm, barely restrained anger simmering in his tone. I felt his heat as he came up behind me and everything in me screamed to lean back into his touch, let him carry this burden for me.
“We’ve written to the ranch a number of times to advise—”
“And you’ll know that the owner of the ranch has just recently passed away. Surely it would be good of you to allow the family time to grieve before riding in here for your pound of flesh?” Jack put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently, comforting me and I nearly sobbed with relief.
Martin pushed his glasses back up his nose. “Yes, I was terribly sorry to hear about Mr. Cartwright, he was a great customer. I don’t wish to be insensitive but—”
“Which is why you’ll leave today, empty-handed, and give us some time to get the money together. I think that’s reasonable, don’t you?” Jack offered, his voice leaving no room for argument. He was beside me now, putting on a front like we were a team. I couldn’t look at him, I was so ashamed of how I’d neglected things and now needed him to come rescue me.
“Well, we’ve been patient and given plenty of opportunity—” Martin spluttered.
“If you step one foot inside that house, I will destroy you.” Jack’s low voice held a warning note and even I was scared. “I’m asking you nicely , to come back in two weeks, then we’ll have this settled.”
Martin looked to Muscles who shrugged, and Martin sighed. “Two weeks, we’ll be back.”
I nodded, it was all I could do, and they left. Once they were gone, I pushed out the breath I was holding and started trembling.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Jack soothed, his big hand stroking up and down my back.
“Thank you,” I whispered. My hands were shaking as I brushed away the tears that threatened to fall.
“Goddammit Kat, you’re killing me here,” he growled and tugged me into his chest.
I buried my face in his shirt, feeling his taut muscles press against my skin, his wood and pine scent soothing me.
“Kat?” Daisy called gently. I pushed away from Jack, ignoring the hurt look on his face, and turned to see her in the doorway, arms hugged around her tightly, glancing between us. “What’s going on?”
I tried to put on a bright smile. “Nothing. Everything’s fine, Daze.”
She actually stomped her foot. “Don’t lie to me, what’s going on? Is the ranch in trouble?”
“Daisy, please,” I begged her.
“You don’t need to hide stuff from us, we can help!” Daisy said.
“I appreciate that but it’s fine, I can handle it,” I replied and smiled again. Her eyes flitted to Jack and she stared at him for the longest time before she disappeared back into the house.
I wasn’t aware of it, but Jack had been stroking my back the entire time. Like he realized, he stopped and dropped his forehead to my shoulder. “Kat, please let someone help?”
I leaned my head back against him, reveling in his touch, forgetting that I shouldn’t like it this much, that it shouldn’t feel this right.
“I have to do this myself. I can fix it, I can. Thank you for being here and buying me an extra two weeks to figure out what to do.”
“ Us an extra two weeks,” he replied, lifting his head and spinning me to face him, his hands on my hips, squeezing tightly. “We’re in this together, I don’t care what you say. You forget, sweetheart, you gave me that cabin, which means I own property here. This impacts me as well. And I’m not letting anyone fuck with my home now that I’ve found it. Or your home either.”
He was right. If people kept showing up all the time then he was involved, whether I liked it or not. And honestly, it felt great to have support and someone stand up for me and the ranch.
I nodded. “Anyway, get back to work. Dinner’s at six, don’t be late.”
“Dinner?”
“Yes, it’s my way of saying thank you.”
“I don’t want to make Daisy uncomfortable,” he hedged, looking towards the house.
I shrugged. “She won’t be. I think she’s warming up to you.”
He grinned at me, and I swear my knees knocked together. I wanted to lick my tongue across that smile, tangle my fingers in his hair, drag my teeth down his neck, beg him to fuck me and have him give in.
As we continued to look at each other, his smile slipped and his eyes darkened with a heat that left my body tight with anticipation.
I cleared my throat, breaking the spell and headed off towards the stables again. I didn’t see him for the rest of the afternoon. I went home and showered before dinner, feeling gross from mucking out the stables and baling hay.
When I came down there was chatter in the kitchen and I paused for a moment on the stairs, enjoying the full house and pleasant, happy voices.
Everything was okay.
I entered the kitchen and glanced around, seeing a full dinner table and Jack sitting there, in his nicest lumberjack shirt, it was like something clicked into place. This was family, this was home .
He was talking to August but when I came in, he glanced over and smiled at me, raising an eyebrow as if asking, Are you okay? Is this okay? I nodded back to him, everything was fine. Daisy didn’t even complain, just glared at him a few times.
“Where’s Leo?” I asked, glancing around the table, noticing he was missing for the first time in days.
“He’s got a date,” Daisy answered. My eyes swerved to Maddy who poked at the food on her plate.
“Jack, after dinner would you be able to look at my closet doors? They’re sticking and I don’t know why. I heard you’re good with wood?” August asked innocently.
Daisy snorted at the innuendo, and I glared at her.
Jack smiled. “Of course, I’d be happy to.”
“Also, my bedroom door handle is kinda hanging off, could you help with that?” Tilly asked.
“Sure thing,” he nodded, and I could see him glowing from their requests, like he wanted to be needed. It made me ache a little for how much of his life he’d spent alone. I didn’t pipe up that the girls knew exactly how to fix all of those things. They just wanted him to feel included.
“Anything out of use that you’d like him to take a look at?” Maddy asked, pulling herself out of her reverie enough to raise a brow at me. I flicked a green bean at her and she snickered. I looked over at where Tilly was showing Jack something on TikTok and found him staring at me, and not at her screen. My cheeks flushed and I ducked my head.
The rest of dinner went off without a hitch and then Jack was upstairs fixing August’s closet and Tilly’s door. Then he was saying goodnight and thanking us for letting him stay, shooting me a lingering look that had my knees weakening. He left the house and took all the air with him when he went. I didn’t know what to do with myself. The girls went off to watch TV and I tried to lose myself in whatever crap they were watching but my thoughts distracted me.
I went into the office, ready to come up with some ideas on how to save the ranch. I bent down to flick the lamp on but before I did, I stopped. Jack was in the window, staring out. I watched him, interested to see what he would do.
He took out his phone and brought it to his ear and a moment later mine started buzzing. I pulled it out.
“Yes?” I answered, breathlessly.
“Kat,” he said, his voice echoing in my ear as I stared at him. His breathing was heavy and deep. I could even see his chest expanding with each inhalation. Tension pulled taut between us, the air electric, and I practically vibrated with need.
“I need you,” he said. The wanting in his voice was too much. I ended the call and ran from the room and out of the house. He was in the cabin doorway waiting for me. I threw myself into his arms and he caught me, pressing me against the door and slanting his mouth over mine, groaning as our tongues touched.
The electricity I’d felt earlier was nothing to the heat between us now. I was pulling at him, trying to get closer to him as our tongues frantically worked together.
He pulled away, trailing his lips down my neck, tasting my skin and sucking my neck again, tearing a moan from me. He dragged me into the cabin and shut the door, his palms cupping my breasts and squeezing them as he licked the dip at the base of my throat before trailing his lips along my collarbone.
My hands tangled in his hair, pulling at the strands. “Please, Jack. Don’t make me ask you again.”