Chapter 8
Eight
“What?”
The forkful of scrambled eggs on its way to Holly’s mouth dropped back onto her plate.
Jack smiled at her from across the kitchen table. “I said I want you to spend the weekend with me.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. I want to see more of you, and I want you to meet Sam.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to—”
“No excuses, Holly. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel something special last night. We made love four times. Four, sugar. I’m twenty-nine, not seventeen. I haven’t been able to make love four times in a row for nearly a decade.”
“Maybe you just haven’t had any in a while?” Holly’s voice hedged.
“You’re right about that. Not since that night with you.”
Her fork crashed onto her plate next to the discarded serving of eggs. He hadn’t had sex since her? Well, she hadn’t either, but he was a guy—an incredibly sexy and desirable guy. Surely women fell all over him, especially with all that nude modeling.
How was she supposed to end this? To love him enough to let him go, like Charlene said, seemed impossible.
“Look, Jack—”
“Sorry.” He stood and placed his empty plate in her sink. “Not taking no for an answer this time. We have something special here, Holly. I want to get to know you, and I want you to get to know me and my son.” He hesitated for a moment and a troubled line creased his forehead. “You do like kids, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course I like kids, but—”
He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. “Good. I’ll pick you up at your office tomorrow at five. Have your bag packed.”
“Jack, really—”
“Got to run, sugar.” He thumbed her cheek and kissed her again. “I’m pickin’ up Sam this morning at my mom’s, and then I have some stuff to do around the ranch today. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
In a flash, he was gone, leaving Holly with her mouth hanging open.
* * *
Her bag was packed. She’d told herself she wasn’t going, that she couldn’t put Jack through this, but in the end, she had gathered her sundries and clothing and packed them in her burgundy overnight bag. It now sat by the door to her office.
He was late. It was nearing five thirty, and all her office mates and Cindy had left early for the long Labor Day weekend. Jack hadn’t said anything about the long weekend, but Holly had packed for three nights just in case.
She frowned. If he stood her up…
A soft sigh left her throat. If he stood her up, it would be for the best. Though her heart cried at the thought, at least it would spare her having to end it after the weekend.
After she’d fallen that much deeper in love with him.
Five thirty went by, and then five forty-five. Holly stood from her desk, ready to take her packed bag home, when Jack rushed in.
“Thank God you’re still here,” he said, panting.
“What happened?”
“Just ran up here from where I parked a block away. I was afraid you’d have left already.”
“I was just about to.”
He grinned. “I’m glad I got here in time. Sorry to be runnin’ so late.
“Is everything okay?”
“Fine. Just had to run a quick errand, and Friday night traffic was bad.”
“Oh.”
“Sam’s anxious to meet you.”
“He is?”
“Sure is. Believe it or not, I don’t bring lots of ladies home, and he loves company. He says he wants to show you his horse. Sound good?”
Holly absently rubbed her bottom. “I’ve never been on a horse in my life.”
Jack let out a laugh. “We’ll remedy that this weekend.” He walked behind her desk and embraced her. “Damn, I’ve missed you.”
She let out a nervous giggle. “You just saw me yesterday.”
His lopsided grin stole her breath. “I still missed you, sugar. How about a kiss?”
Before she could reply, his lips crushed to hers. This wasn’t the gentle kiss of two nights ago. This was a desperate kiss, a possessive kiss, as though he’d been hungry for the taste of her for days, weeks. He thrust his tongue into her mouth with fierce determination and devoured her.
She loved every second of it.
She kissed him back with equal fervor. God, she’d missed him, too. She hadn’t realized how much.
Moisture trickled between her legs. One kiss, and she was ready to be thoroughly fucked.
He broke from her mouth, panting. “I need you, sugar. Are we alone?”
“Yeah.” Her voice was low and raspy. “Everyone else left for the day.”
“Good.” He lifted her skirt, moved her panties aside, and thrust his fingers into her. “Already so wet for me. Do you have any idea what you do to me, sugar?”
“Maybe a little.” Her breath came in a puff.
“God, you’ve got to know.” He turned her and bent her over her desk. Her stapler bit into her midsection, but she didn’t care. She heard the zing of his zipper and the rip of a condom packet.
“You ready for me?” His low voice was music to her ears.
“Yes. Please.”
He thrust into her in one smooth stroke. He’d barely plunged in the second time when her walls clenched, sending icy spasms from her womb to every cell in her body.
“Jack, yes!” Ripples pulsed through her.
“Yeah, sugar, come for me. Just like that.” He thrust into her again and then once more, burying his cock in her as he cried out his own release.
The weight of his body pushed her farther onto the stapler and the hardness of her wooden desk. He pressed wet kisses to her neck, making her shudder as her orgasm continued to roll through her. She panted against her day planner, and beads of sweat trickled across her cheeks and dropped onto the open book.
“Holly, I wish…” He rose, leaving her feeling an acute loss when his body heat and weight left her. With a tender touch, he replaced her skirt and panties.
She unbent her body, turned, and faced him. “You wish what?”
“Nothing.” He smiled, disposed of the condom, pulled his pants around his luscious narrow hips, zipped them, and buckled his belt. “Come on. It’s a forty-five minute drive to my place from here. Luisa’s keeping dinner for us.”
“Luisa?” Holly pictured a sultry Hispanic woman as she smoothed her underwear and skirt.
“She keeps house for me and watches Sam while I work,” Jack said. “Her husband is my hired hand around the ranch.”
Husband. Whew. Holly relaxed a little.
“Do they live on your ranch?”
“Yeah. There’s a small house adjacent to the main house. They live there.”
“That’s handy.”
“Works for all of us. At least it will till they decide to have their own family. Then I’ll need to find different help.”
“Oh.” Everywhere around her, it seemed children and family were the focus. Always a reminder of why this relationship with Jack wouldn’t work long term.
But why think of that now? She could enjoy the weekend with him and meet his son. She just wouldn’t get attached—to his son or to his home, that was. She was already attached to him, and heartbreak was just around the corner.
She forced a smile. “Ready?”
His grin lit his raw male beauty. “You bet.”
* * *
Holly laughed as they rode through the gate to Jack’s ranch. The sign above it said Rancho Notso Grande .
“Nice name.”
He chuckled. “Sam came up with it.”
“Did he really?”
“Yeah. Luisa teaches him a little Spanish now and then. Her husband, Carlos, doesn’t speak much English, and Jack wanted to talk to him. Last year he decided our little operation needed a name, and that’s what he came up with.”
“He sounds smart.”
“I’m sure I’m a bit biased”—Jack winked at her—“but I think he’s the most brilliant six-year-old on the planet.”
Holly couldn’t help but smile. Jack loved his son. He was a doting daddy, as he should be. If only…
He pulled his red pickup to a stop in front of a sprawling ranch house.
“Wow,” Holly said under her breath.
“It looks bigger from the outside,” Jack said. “It’s actually pretty cozy.”
Warmth crept to her cheeks. “I didn’t think you heard that. It looks gorgeous to me.”
“I hope you like it.” He exited the truck and in seconds opened the passenger door for her. All that and a gentleman, too.
Oh, this would be difficult.
He grabbed her overnight bag out of the back and led her up the driveway and into the house.
“Daddy!” A small boy ran into Jack’s arms.
“Hey, buddy.” Jack pulled the child into a bear hug and kissed the top of his head. “I want you to meet Miss Holly. She’s the friend I told you about.”
The boy turned to Holly and she melted. He was Jack in miniature, only his ebony eyelashes were even longer than his father’s, if that was possible. He had the same dark eyes and sable hair, and an adorable elfin face that promised handsomeness in the future.
“Welcome to Rancho Notso Grande, Miss Holly.” He held out his little hand.
Holly melted into a puddle. What a cutie. “I’m so pleased to meet you, Sam,” she said, taking his small hand in hers, “and you can call me Holly. I hear you named your dad’s ranch.”
“Yup. Sure did.”
“It’s a fine name.” She smiled and was overjoyed when he smiled back, showcasing a missing front tooth. Adorable.
“Did you already eat, Sam?” Jack asked.
“Yeah. I ate with Luisa and Carlos. Sorry, Daddy, I was hungry.”
“That’s okay. But Miss Holly and I are starved, so we’re going to go to the kitchen and eat our supper. Where’s Luisa?”
“She’s in the kitchen.”
“Okay. You run along and play for a little while. It’ll be bedtime soon.”
“Okay.”
“What a good natured little thing,” Holly said to Jack, as he led her to the kitchen.
“Yeah, he’s a good kid.”
As Holly had originally feared, Luisa was indeed a Latin beauty with black hair and eyes, red lips, a sumptuous figure. She stood at the sink rinsing dishes.
Husband, Holly reminded herself. She’s no threat .
Not that it mattered anyway.
Jack made the necessary introductions and a few minutes later Sam ran in.
Luisa caught him in a hug. “Come on, mijo. Let’s get you ready for your bath.” She excused herself and left the kitchen with Sam.
She’d left them a Mexican feast—cheese enchiladas, refritos , and carnitas , which Holly had never eaten before. It was stewed pork served with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo . It was delicious and very spicy.
Her nose was running after the first few bites.
Jack laughed and handed her a box of tissues from the counter. “Sorry, sugar. Luisa only knows how to cook hot, hotter, and hottest.”
“No problem,” Holly said and meant it. “I love spicy food, really. This is just a little spicier than I’m used to. But it’s wonderful, and it’s homemade. I don’t get to eat homemade food very often.”
“You don’t cook?”
“I love to cook. But what’s the point of cooking for one? Frozen entrees are cheap and easy.”
“When’s the last time you cooked?”
“Heavens, I don’t know.”
“Do you have any specialties?”
“Well, yeah, actually.” Her cheeks warmed. “I told you my mom’s French. I make a mean boeuf bourguignon .”
“Sounds delicious. What is it?”
“It’s beef stewed in red wine, and it’s divine. In fact”—an idea came to her—“why don’t you give Luisa the night off tomorrow, and I’ll make it for you and Sam? You’ll love it, I promise. I’ll have to start it in the morning. It cooks for several hours and the whole house will smell great.”
“What do you need? I’ll have Luisa go to the market.”
“A nice lean cut of beef, about two pounds. And a dry red wine. Some pearl onions and mushrooms. Thyme and bay leaves. Especially the thyme. That should do it. Oh, and flour, unless you already have that. It’s a staple in most kitchens.”
“Now, sugar, flour I have. I make a mean flapjack myself.”
“Okay then.” She shot him a grin. “I’ll expect your flapjacks for breakfast, and I’ll make you a great dinner.”
“Sounds like a deal.” Jack sipped his glass of Chardonnay.
Holly, who normally only drank red wine, had to admit the oaky white worked well with the spicy Mexican fare.
Luisa whisked into the kitchen. “Sam’s ready to say goodnight.”
“I’ll be right up,” Jack said, rising. “Excuse me for a few minutes, Holly.”
“No problem. Take all the time you need.” She turned to Luisa. “Thank you so much for the delicious dinner. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a meal more.”
“You’re most welcome, senorita .”
“Please, call me Holly. I’d love to get your recipes if you don’t mind.”
Luisa laughed and Holly was again stunned by her fresh beauty. “I never write them down, but I can show you. Tomorrow?”
“I told Jack I’d cook for Sam and him tomorrow. Maybe the next day?”
“ Si , Carlos likes a good Mexican feast on Sundays. I’ll be happy to show you then.” She sat down in the chair Jack had vacated. “Tell me, Holly, how long have you known Jack?”
“Not long. Why?”
“Because he hasn’t brought a lady home for a while. I don’t keep track, but it’s been more than a year, close to two at this point.”
“Oh?” Holly’s heart jumped as a sizzle of happiness raced along her nerve endings.
“He was very excited to have you come. He kept me busy all day making sure the house was clean and neat for you. I’ve never seen him like that.”
“You didn’t need to go to any trouble for me.”
“I’m glad to do it. Carlos and I, we want Jack to be happy. He’s a good man.”
“Luisa, Jack and I…” Holly hedged. “We haven’t been together very long. It’s too soon for any type of real commitment between us.”
Luisa smiled. “I understand. It’s just good to see him interested in someone.”
Holly returned Luisa’s smile. She couldn’t help but like the younger woman. Beneath her dark beauty shone kindness and what Holly sensed was true caring for Jack and his son.
“Do you have children, Luisa?”
“No. Carlos and I have tried for years, but it hasn’t happened for us yet. I have Sam. Carlos and I love him like he’s our own. And we have lots of nieces and nephews who we dote on. Most of Carlos’s family is still in Mexico, but I have seven brothers, and they all have kids.” Luisa’s black eyes filmed over—only a bit, but Holly noticed.
And she understood.
She reached across the table and patted Luisa’s hand. “It may happen yet, Luisa. You’re young.”
“Yes, I am only twenty-seven. I pray every night for a baby of my own. Until it happens, I take care of Sam for Jack.”
“How long have you been taking care of Sam?”
“Since he came.” Luisa’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Carlos and I have been on the ranch since we got married. I was only nineteen at the time. Carlos didn’t speak much English, so I came with him to speak to Jack about working here on the ranch. My mother works for his mother, and she sent us over here.”
“Does his mother live nearby?”
“ Si , on a neighboring ranch. His father passed away last year.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He was very ill with cancer. It was for the best.”
The C-word. Chills crept up Holly’s spine. Would she ever be able to say it out loud? There was so much she didn’t know about Jack, and so much she wanted to learn, but wouldn’t be able to.
“Sam’s all tucked in.” Jack’s voice boomed as he entered the kitchen.
“I’ll get home, then,” Luisa said, rising. “It was great talking to you, Holly.”
“You too,” Holly said and meant it. “I’m looking forward to our cooking lesson on Sunday.”
“I thought you said you could cook,” Jack said to Holly, his gorgeous full lips curved into that lazy half-smile she adored.
“I can. American, French, a little Japanese even, but not Mexican. I want to learn.”
“Luisa’s the best, then. I’ll stay out of your way on Sunday.”
They laughed as Luisa left.
“I took your bag upstairs for you,” Jack said, pulling Holly to her feet.
“I suppose you have a guest room?”
“I do. But I was hoping you’d stay with me.”
Her tummy fluttered. “You know I’d love to, but Sam…”
“I’m a grown man, sugar. Sam doesn’t have any say about who I sleep with.”
“Are you sure?”
“Well, I could put you up in the guestroom, but I’d be sneakin’ in there with you. And if Sam woke up in the middle of the night lookin’ for me and I wasn’t there, that’d sure be more traumatic for him then finding a hot woman in my bed.”
Holly couldn’t help but laugh. Why was he so damned wonderful?
“What do you want to do tonight? We can watch a movie. I have a great DVD collection.”
“How about a walk? I’d love to see more of your ranch.”
“I do like the sound of that, sugar, but I sent Luisa home. I can’t leave Sam.”
“Oh.” The warmth of embarrassment coated Holly’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to being around kids. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“It’s okay. I hope you’ll get used to Sam, though. I want you to get to know him. He’s a wonderful kid.”
“I know that already.” She cupped his cheek tenderly, let her fingers scrape over the rugged stubble of his night beard. “And he has a great dad.”
Was that a blush on his neck and cheeks? He was so handsome, and his humility made him more adorable.
“I promise you a great tour of the place tomorrow, with Sam and me as guides.” He covered her hand, still on his cheek, with his own.
Its warmth radiated through Holly’s skin all the way to her core.
“Tonight, though, I can give you a bird’s eye view of the Big Dipper from my deck, if you’d like. You can see stars out here that you just can’t see in the city, sugar. It’s amazing.”
“I’d love that.” She leaned upward and brushed her lips gently over his.
He deepened the kiss, but only for a moment. “We can make love under the stars, Holly.” His low voice hummed against her lips.
“How is it that you do this, Jack?”
“Do what?”
“Make me want you so much? It’s like I’m not myself anymore. I can’t see. I can’t hear. I can’t even breathe.”
His lips moved against hers in a smile and he nipped her chin. “I’m so glad this isn’t all one-sided. You’re so beautiful. I can’t get enough of looking at you. And right now, I want to look at you under the Big Dipper.”