Chapter 19
“G od, your tits are incredible.” I pout. Not jealous at all of my best friend’s blessings in that department.
Layla swats me in the face with one lazy hand, while her other holds the straw cowboy hat covering her eyes. I prop myself on my elbows, lying on my stomach in the middle of our lineup of towels set out on the grass beside the river.
“Look, if I have to share those marvels of nature with Colt for the rest of our days, then give me this.” Tugging my sunglasses down my nose a little, I peer at Layla’s sun-kissed skin in all her topless glory. Her shoulders shake with a little silent laughter as I mutter my abject disappointment.
“Do I need to worry about you going into heat while stuck out here on your own?” She lifts the hat slightly to side-eye me from beneath the brim.
“Maybe? I have been reading a lot of shifter smut lately… howling at the moon is pretty cathartic.”
Briar and Sky snort from where they lie, sunning themselves on the other side of me. These girls haven’t yet met all the different sides of Sage Maloney. Layla knows my antics well enough to be assured that I’m not actually joking.
“How long until you have to start wearing clothes again, rather than strolling around half-naked at every opportunity?”
I flop onto my back and take in the wispy streaks of clouds barely touching the brilliant cobalt sky overhead. “I’m not sure. Although, wouldn’t that be a sight for all your cowboys? Imagine them turning up here today, only to discover the four best sets of titties to bless Crimson Ridge enjoying some time out in the sun.”
That’s what the past couple of hours have consisted of. The perfect lazy summer day spent at the river. We’ve floated, swum, picnicked, and alternated all of that with lounging like a pack of lizards on our towels.
One perk of a ranch with not another soul for miles… we can have our very own undisturbed, topless fun in the sun.
“When did Storm say they’ll be getting back, Briar?” Sweet, pink-haired Sky sounds half-asleep as she lifts her tattooed arms to shield her eyes.
My foolish ears prick up, even though I keep trying to talk myself out of being overly interested in the answer. That is one little detail I truthfully do not know. Beau has gone zero-contact since that night when things took a turn into a territory I can only assume crossed one too many lines for his liking. There’s been an echoing silence in that place where, for the briefest moment, we might have shared something tangibly enticing.
So, all I could do for the past week, which has almost blurred into two, is keep my head down and sink into my work. I’ve been in regular correspondence with Tessa, of course, but her brother—my boss—has avoided me. He’s even gone to the extent of passing occasional messages through her and Kayce when he turns up each morning to check on the cattle and take care of Teddy’s needs.
Talk about driving the nail home with efficiency. Beau might have let the liquor convince him to watch my little show, but he’s decided to shut himself away once more. This time, it really feels like I’ll spend the rest of my summer on this ranch without any further interactions with the guy.
“When we talked last night, he said maybe a few more days. There’s a rescue horse Storm said he’d visit to take a look at for me, to see whether she might be a good fit for the therapy program. But it’s kinda a detour out of their way.” Briar twists around onto her front and digs her phone out of the bag beside her towel. “Look at her sweet face… I’m really hoping it’ll work out. She’s called Willow.”
The pony on screen is a miniature, with a white nose and spunky mane. When I pinch the image to zoom, I can see a chestnut patch covering her shoulder.
Sky croons and coos, peering over my shoulder, before I hand the phone along to Layla. “If there’s anyone who’ll sweet talk her, it’ll be St?rmand Lane.” Sky adds.
“With those two out on the road together this long? We’ll be lucky if we don’t end up with ten dozen horses trotting back to Crimson Ridge after them. Beau’s just as much of a horse-whisperer as Storm is.”
Why yes, I’d swish my tail and gladly prance for that man and his mustache, too. So I’m no better than a filly seeking a good home, apparently.
As I pass Briar’s phone back over, she gives me those dark eyes, always so filled with curiosity. “Have you watched any of Beau’s old competition videos yet, Sage? He was really good, you know. Right up there with Storm.”
Layla giggles from beneath her hat. “Oh, we know all about your love of watching rodeo footage, city girl.”
Briar goes beet red, and it has nothing to do with lazing in the sunshine for hours.
My lips curve. “ Mmhmmm . So we’ve all heard. Any more family emergencies to be taken care of lately?”
Briar groans, burying her face in the towel. She’s absolutely never going to live down the fact that we eventually discovered exactly what she and Storm got up to in the bathroom at The Loaded Hog the last time I was in town. While we were out for dinner and all. Who would have thought quiet little Briar Lane would have a devious side to match the likes of Storm?
“I’m going to make sure to be very careful if I ever need to use the restroom at that bar.” I readjust my sunglasses. It’s too much fun watching her squirm as I keep teasing. “Maybe I’ll suggest with their rebrand we could have some special signage made up to indicate the best ‘quickie friendly’ stall to use? Or consider investing in more robust countertops? Add in extra mirrors to really compliment the experience of getting railed cowboy-style?” I reach forward with both hands, grabbing an imaginary ass and thrust up with my hips.
Poor Briar moans behind her fingers, mortification covering her face, while the others are busy shrieking with laughter.
“Hey, hey… remember, the whole point of today was to leave your phone back at the cabin and get you to stop working.” Layla gasps through her mirth and nudges my ankle. “I didn’t pry your phone away from your talons and snarling fangs, risking life and limb, only for you to start chit-chatting about your clients.”
“I only threatened to eat your soul once. Don’t be so dramatic.” There’s no way I’m going to admit how bad my fingers have itched not having a phone with me today. Probably the biggest sign I needed this cold-turkey digital detox.
“Same rules apply to Sky, too. This is a chance for both of you to get your heads out of constantly working. The world is not going to end if you take a day off and don’t answer five hundred emails or notifications, all before noon.”
Sky groans. “I know. Luke confiscated my phone last night, so I wasn’t even allowed to peek at it before coming out today.”
“Mr. Rhodes really is the whole package, isn’t he?” I tilt my head and grin at her.
The color of Sky’s cheeks matches her hair. For someone who is confident in her own way, she becomes adorably bashful where talking about her cowboy is concerned.
“Alright, bitches. Since I’m banned from mentioning anything work-related, I’m gonna dunk my ass in that river before I officially cook like a rotisserie chicken out here.” I push myself to a sitting position and hook the tie of my bikini bottom to reveal the deepening shade of brown and a paler line along my hip beneath the material. Hello, summer sunshine, you beautiful thing.
“I’m coming.” Briar pops up.
Pretty soon, the four of us are back soaking in the crisp, crystalline waters, letting the afternoon float away on hour after hour of laughter. With nothing to do and nowhere to be as the sun tracks a path across the Montana skies.
Something that feels like we all needed, in our own separate ways.
* * *
“Are you sure you don’t want a ride back to the house?” Layla slams the tailgate of her truck closed. “It’s not exactly a short walk.”
My best friend comes over to where I’m still happily occupying my prime sun-baking position, lying on my towel. She stands blocking my rays while shaking her copper curls out, then ties her hair up in a bun. Today’s sunshine has brought all those cute freckles dusting her nose out to play, and she looks every inch at ease with life surrounded by these mountains.
I’m beyond happy she’s found herself and made her home here with Colt. After having worried about Layla for so long—especially during all her years working herself to the bone to take care of her aunt. Even though I miss not permanently living nearby, it settles something in my heart knowing just how well loved and looked after she is.
My girl deserves all that, and more.
“No way. I’m here until that sky blushes pink and the sun dips behind Crimson Ridge.” I cradle my chin with one fist, and smile sweetly up at her. “Besides, I’ve got a hot date right here with this Kindle and four book boyfriends who I don’t have to choose between. So, shoo, and leave me in peace to enjoy my cornucopia of perfect dick, while you head on back to go save a horse… or whatever it is you and Colt spend your evenings doing.”
Layla shakes her head and smirks back at me. “Ok. Don’t go loitering after dark, Sergeant.”
I pout. “You know those are my prime hours for having a bit of fun.” I make the sign of the cross. “But for you? I promise, no after-dark rituals or fraternizing, Freckles. I’ll text you once I’m tucked up safely in bed.”
“Bye, Sage. We love you.” The other two call from the truck as Layla climbs in, and my party for one commences. It’s still stinking hot, and if anything it feels like the air only grows heavier as the light turns more golden.
Tiny beads of sweat glisten over my shoulders, occasionally rolling down my cleavage, and the ground is utterly baking beneath my towel. This is the kind of ranch-life summer scene to swoon over. Cicadas chirping, the scent of earth and grass, and the sound of trickling water for company.
I’m a little jealous of all the people who will get to stay here and spend time in this very spot for seasons to come. Even if it is with something as boring as fishing in mind, it’s a picture worth appreciating for the way she poses like a mountain beauty queen under these endless skies.
My skin tingles with that touch of stinging sun really beginning to make itself known, and I’m about ready for another dip to cool off thanks to the baking heat and insanely hot scene I just finished reading.
Just as I get to my feet and gingerly pick my way across the rounded pebbles on the riverbank, I hear the sound of a truck engine cutting across my patch of solitude. Did one of the girls forget something?
Stepping in just enough to cover my ankles, the cool rises up from the soles of my feet in a blissful flood of relief.
Except, when I turn to wave, expecting to see the familiar sight of the Devil’s Peak Ranch logo and Layla’s smile, it’s a white truck approaching instead.
Oh, shit.
My heart leaps into my throat, and I whip back to face the willows clinging to the opposite bank. What the hell is Beau doing back now, when Briar thought they’d be gone for another few days at least?
I tilt my head up to the heavens and let out a rueful chuckle. Of course, this would be our first interaction—me wearing nothing but my skimpiest bikini bottoms. Oh, well. It’s thoroughly on-brand for Sage. This cowboy should probably have figured that out by now.
Using one arm to cover the girls, I start wading out into the river. Probably best not to assault him with a full frontal of hard nipples at this time of the day.
Behind me, the truck grinds to a halt with a spray of gravel, followed by the sound of a door slamming.
“What the hell, Sage?” Beau hollers my way.
I keep wading forward into the water, which right now, judging by his tone seems like the best place to plunge into and leave him to stew out there in the sun. “Oh, hi, boss. Didn’t know you’d be back today.” I shrug and glance back over my shoulder.
A cowboy ready to wring my neck shouldn’t be so unbelievably hot… but, here we are. ‘Pissed off bull rider’ is a mighty sexy look on Beau Heartford. Unfortunately for him, the expression he’s wearing doesn’t produce the desired effect on me that he’s evidently after.
I’m no woman who will fall in line at his heels like an obedient little puppy. It only tempts my devilish hellcat side, the part of me that immediately wants to flick her claws and push his buttons.
“I’ve been looking for you, trying to call you, and you weren’t goddamn answering,” he barks.
When I turn around, he’s standing beside my towel with arms folded across his broad chest. There’s an immediate smile tugging on my lips because I’m doing the same, only for very, very different reasons.
He’s being extremely good and doesn’t miss a beat at my almost nakedness. Cowboy here isn’t looking anywhere below my eyes.
“You were?” I tilt my head to one side. “Oh, shoot… I left my phone with my fucks to give. They’re somewhere back at my cabin.”
“Sage.” His brows furrow heavily. “Now isn’t the time to play cute.”
“No, it isn’t. It’s my day off, and the only game I’m playing is one that involves a swim and a nap. Maybe if you’d checked in with your assistant , you’d know my schedule.”
His nostrils flare.
My pulse kicks.
Fuck you, Beau Heartford, for being the ultimate temptation. Have a taste of your own medicine.
“Get out of there.”
Oh, this man knows nothing about the inner workings of my hard drive. Tell me to do something? My stubborn streak just rocketed like a shooting star, boldly carrying me to do the opposite.
I back further into the water, enjoying every second of his eyes flaring at the sight of my taunting grin. “Nope. I think I’ll carry on, as you probably should, feel free to go on about your day.”
“Don’t you ever know when to not turn everything into a joke?” Beau’s jaw is so tight he looks set to grind his teeth to dust. “This place is a working ranch. You could have been out here somewhere… could have been injured.”
A wry laugh puffs past my lips. “Well, as you can see, I might be a little sunburnt, but other than these pesky tan lines, I’m fine.” Other than the fact I’m currently arguing with my boss while cupping my breasts and attempting to avoid a nip-slip… yeah, totally fine.
“This isn’t funny.”
“Sure looks like it from here.”
“Get out of the water.” He takes a step forward, spreading those wranglers into a wide stance.
“Why?” I sink further below the water, shivering under the intensity of his focus.
“Because…” He lifts his cap off, then sinks strong fingers into his hair. This man has only been gone a couple of weeks, but seems to have a different energy to him. A grittiness beyond pesky details like those dark curls being more unruly, and the fact he’s got some darker stubble going on along that tense jaw. Of course, it only makes the mustache situation even hotter. Screw him.
Ruffled, rugged Beau is a sight set to drive me wild with wanting something I can’t have.
Definitely a good idea for me to stay submerged. Even if my pussy is loudly complaining, insisting I paddle back on over to the bank to get a closer look.
“Because?” My tits are below the water now, but I keep my arm in place. “I must have missed the part of orientation where my boss has rules against swimming after sundown. What are you gonna do?”
“Just… just get your ass out of the river, woman.”
“ Mmm , I think I’m perfectly fine, and I think I’m a big girl who will be perfectly ok continuing with my plans to enjoy a pretty sunset and a swim.”
“ Sage .”
Nope. I’m not going to let any man tell me what to do. Especially not one who I have no commitment to, beyond our professional arrangement. Even though we’ve steamrolled past anything remotely professional with our late-night phone call. Whatever.
“Bye, Heartford. I’ll see you in the morning… don’t wait up.”
I spin around and plunge below the surface. The cool, rippling water swallows me up and soothes my overheated skin. As air bubbles trickle from my nose, I feel my pulse fluttering away on hummingbird wings inside my chest.
The last thing I need right now, is to spend any more time staring at Beau Heartford.
As I dive a little deeper, skimming below the waterline, I feel a pressure wave slam into my back.
A rough grip closes around my ankle and tugs. Hard.
The act drags my body back through the water, unrelenting, continuing to reel me in until my spine collides with a solid mass.
Beneath a punishing hold, I pop up, breaking the surface. A hiss and a splutter bursts out of me like a drowned wildcat. “What—What the fuck?”
A deep growl is right at my ear, filling my senses. Taking hold of me so that I’m unable to move when I’m pinned against Beau’s strong torso.
“You should come with a fucking warning.”