Chapter 21
To Good Food and Good Women
? Before You Called Me Baby - Caitlyn Smith
Callie
It’s been two weeks since I found out Jaxon is my cowboy, and I’ve replayed those memories every day. I can’t seem to forget the way he commanded my body—the way he used those expert hands to bring me so much pleasure. I want more, but I don’t know how to show him I’m ready.
After work, I stop by Lick the Spoon, Olivia's mobile bakery. She’s set up near the big barn where Griffin is giving a tour to some school-aged kids. He waves as I pass.
Olivia beams at me as I approach the window of the bubblegum pink camper. “Hey! What can I get you? It’s on the house.”
“You know I never turn down free treats.” I scan the display of delicately decorated sweets and pastries. It’s filled with a variety of cupcakes, cake pops, and other items I’ve never seen before. “I’ll try the red velvet cheesecake bars.”
“Good choice.” Liv grabs a small pink container and places two bars inside.
She slides the box across the counter, and I shove a five-dollar bill into her tip jar. “Where are the girls?”
“Jax and Wilder took them for a trail ride.”
My heart stutters at the mention of Jaxon. Whatever expression comes over me, Liv doesn't miss it.
She leans across the counter and rests her chin in her hand. “How's everything going with you two?”
I throw my head back and groan. “Ever since I told him I’m a virgin, he’s been treating me like I’m made of spun glass. It's like I’ve ruined his perception of me.”
“Maybe he's trying to ease you into things. Intimacy is complicated.”
“This coming from the girl who jumped into bed with a stranger for some rebound sex.”
Her cheeks flush an adorable shade of pink. “Do as I say, not as I do.”
“That’s all well and good, but if that man doesn’t do something soon, I’m gonna have to take matters into my own hands. He walks around the house shirtless, Olivia! Shirtless!”
She barks out a laugh. “So, do something about it.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Tease him. Make it impossible for him to resist.”
“I’m not exactly fluent in the art of seduction.” I push my glasses up the bridge of my nose and tug on my cardigan. “I mean... look at me.”
“I’m looking, and I see every guy’s fantasy—a hot librarian.”
I lean in conspiratorially. “Ok. Fine. Theoretically, how would I seduce a Hayes?”
She slaps her hand down on the counter, and a bright smile blooms across her face. “Now we’re talking. How do you feel about sexting?”
It takes every ounce of effort I can muster not to overreact. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about these things, but I’m not ready to tell anyone about our online history. “I’m... open... to it. What do you have in mind?”
“Family dinner is tonight. I think you should take some sexy photos and send him one while we’re all there.”
“What?”
She pretends to cast a fishing line and reel it in. “It’s the perfect bait. There’s nothing like an inconvenient boner to hook ‘em. Then all you have to do is reel him in.”
“A fishing metaphor? Really?”
Olivia shrugs. “Best I can do. Take it or leave it.”
“I’ll take it, but if this backfires, I’m never coming to you for advice ever again.”
She leans her elbows on the counter and narrows her eyes at me. “And when Jaxon has his head between your thighs, you’ll be thanking me.”
“It might be kind of off-putting if I scream your name when I come.”
“True. Maybe hold off until he’s done, at least.”
I take my treats and rock back on my heels. “I should get going. I have something important to take care of.”
“On your knees in the middle of the bed. Face the mirror. Shoulders back and pop that booty out. He won’t be able to resist.”
“Got it. See you later.”
Back at the house, I slip into my favorite black bodysuit and nothing else.
It’s not lingerie, but it’s close enough that I can get away with it.
The bottom half is a thong, and the top plunges low enough that the cups of my lacy bra peek out above the neckline, but my scars are still adequately hidden.
I stride across the hall and push open Jaxon’s bedroom door. Hopefully, I’m not overstepping by being here. Considering he had his hand in my pants not so long ago, I think this is less intrusive.
His familiar scent washes over me, setting off a flutter low in my stomach.
I scan the room, dimly lit by the sun streaming in through the windows.
I can picture him lying with his back against the dark-wood headboard, taking himself in hand while he speaks into a camera positioned at the foot of his bed.
My heart stutters. I never thought I’d be standing in this room someday.
I assume the recommended position in the center of the bed and snap several photos in the full-length mirror across the room—full body and a few close-up shots.
Even I can admit I look damn good. I zoom in on my hip dips and adjust my bodysuit to expose more skin.
A few months ago, I never would’ve dreamed I would be taking sexy photos of myself half-naked, but Jaxon has lit a fire in me.
I won’t be the only one who burns.
The sound of the front door closing has me jolting off the bed. I throw on my oversized hoodie and slippers and make my way out to the living room like I wasn't taking sexy selfies. For added effect, I let out a dramatic yawn.
“Did I wake you?” Jaxon asks from his crouched position as he gives Atticus his much-needed attention.
“No, I was just reading.”
He eyes me curiously. “Ok. Dinner’s in thirty. I’m just gonna hop in the shower real quick.”
Feeling brazen, I invade his space and wrap my arms around his neck. “Want some company?”
He leans in for a soft kiss on the lips. His hands find my hips, and he squeezes. “Fuck, baby. You can’t say shit like that, or we won’t make it to dinner at all.”
I grip his shirt lapels and tug him closer until our lips are almost touching. “Would that be a bad thing?”
He closes his eyes and swallows thickly. “Goddamit, Callie. I want you so fucking bad it hurts, but we don’t have time.”
I release him and take one slow step back. “I guess I’ll have to take matters into my own hands again.”
He watches me with rapt attention as I pull the oversized shirt off over my head and toss it to the wayside.
“Fuuuuck.”
Without sparing him a second glance, I turn away, stride into my bedroom, and close the door. If he wants to make me wait, he’s going to be suffering, too.
Jaxon
After a freezing cold shower that does nothing to ease my raging hard on, I drive us down to the big house for dinner.
Callie gravitates toward Mama and Liv, while I join Griffin out back, where he’s manning the grill.
He hands me a beer from the cooler, and I seat myself in my usual spot at the large barn wood table on the deck.
“Any news about the permits?” he asks.
“Still waiting for the non-profit application to go through, but everything else is good to go. I have a meeting with the bank for more funding so we can build additional stables.”
“I appreciate you doing all the heavy lifting, brother. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
“You just focus on the important part, and I’ll work out the logistics. How’s Phoenix doing these days?”
Phoenix is the horse Griffin rescued last year. He was severely mistreated and malnourished and had to be kept away from the others because he spooks too easily.
“He’s come a long way. I think I might be able to bring him into the main stables soon.”
I give him a quiet nod and settle back in my chair.
“How’s Callie?” he asks with a smirk.
I scrub my hand over my jaw and groan. “A goddamn temptation at every turn.”
“So why are you holding back?”
“I don’t wanna come on too strong. She’s... inexperienced.”
He takes a long pull of his beer. “And how does she feel about it?”
“I don’t know, man. It’s like she’s trying to goad me sometimes.”
“You just need to get out of your head. You’re overthinking things. Callie’s old enough to decide what she wants. For some reason, that seems to be you.” He lifts the top of the grill and flips Emmy’s hot dogs. “Are you sure you’re holding back for her benefit?”
“What else could it be?”
“I don't know. Maybe you actually give a shit. You don’t want to fuck it up.”
Leave it to Griffin to know exactly what I’ve been feeling and call me on it. I’ve waited so long to have her, and I’m worried that if I move too fast, it’ll scare her away.
“What’s Jaxon fucking up this time?”
Callie steps out onto the porch with the potato salad and sets it in the center of the table. My eyes widen, sending a silent signal to Griffin to keep his big mouth shut.
“Just work shit,” he says.
I nod in solidarity.
He double-clicks the tongs and turns his attention back to the grill. “I’ll have your car ready for you tomorrow.”
“Really?” She’s a little too excited for my liking. I have half a mind to pay him to fuck shit up for me. I’d be content to play Callie’s chauffeur for the rest of her damn life if I could manage it.
“Thank you,” she says. “I really appreciate it.”
“Ah, don’t mention it,” he says. “We take care of our own around here.”
I’m about to take care of that grin he’s got plastered on his ugly mug.
Callie takes the seat across from me instead of her customary spot at my side.
“I don’t bite, Callie baby.”
She gives me a sideways smile and crosses her arms over her chest. “Maybe I do.”
Griffin snorts.
The rest of the family arrives, and soon the table is piled with barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, and several different sides.
Pops takes his spot at the head of the table with Mama to his left.
Wilder, Emmy, Gracie, and Liv sit opposite me with Callie at the end, and Griffin takes the spot at my side.
Pops does his customary “to good food and good women” toast, raising a beer to my mom and each of the women seated around the table, then he passes the dishes clockwise, and we fill our plates.