Chapter 41
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
GABE
It was impossible to focus on anything Woody said when all I could think about was that damn sundress and Jasmine’s tanned, toned legs poking out beneath it.
Or that little opening below her neckline that barely revealed the curve of her breasts.
She was stunning. She was ethereal. And she was all mine.
I would have to think of a way to get her alone so I could slip my hands under that dress and feel her soft skin. I wanted that material bunched in my fists while I lifted it up to reveal those gorgeous thighs and that pretty pink pussy. Was she even wearing underwear?
I suppressed a groan and pinched my eyes closed at the thought. Surely she wouldn’t come to family dinner sans panties. But then again, it was Jasmine. Anything was possible.
“How do you like your steak cooked? Are you still a medium guy?” Woody’s voice cut into my thoughts, and I had to remind myself I was having these thoughts about his daughter.
I swallowed down the guilt clogging my throat before replying. “Yeah, medium’s good.”
Rowan joined us with a bucket of beers on ice.
He cracked one open and handed it to me.
We talked shop while Woody grilled steaks and shrimp.
Jacek arrived soon after with Asher in tow.
The little boy went straight to Rowan, who wrapped him in a tight hug that elicited squeals and giggles before placing him on his shoulders.
“Now you’re the tallest person in the family,” Rowan said, standing to his full height and turning slowly to give him a three hundred and sixty degree view of the ranch.
“I tawwest,” Asher parroted and clapped his hands.
“Let’s eat,” Woody announced once the platters were filled.
He brought them inside and placed them along the counter with the rest of the food to be served buffet style.
He said grace, then everyone filled their plates.
I took care of Rory first before going back to make myself a plate.
When I returned to the table, the only open seat was between Rory and Jasmine.
Rose sat on Jasmine’s other side with her cat that ate the canary expression.
Jasmine shot me a smile when I sank down onto the seat beside her.
I dug into my food as conversation flowed around me.
Rose, Hazel, and Fern had lots of questions about Jasmine’s races and recent winning streak.
Her father spoke with pride about how well she’d been doing.
Many of the races were live streamed or recorded and uploaded later, so he was able to watch them even though he couldn’t be there in person.
When Jasmine got up to refill her drink, I had to force myself not to track her every movement with my eyes.
Her entire family was there watching. We weren’t ready to tell them about us yet, and we certainly didn’t want to raise any suspicions at a celebration for her grandmother. But damn, I couldn’t help myself.
I drowned the rest of my sweet tea and stood from my chair, taking the empty cup with me. “I need a refill too,” I muttered absently.
The farmhouse had an open space floor plan with a big eat-in kitchen so we couldn’t escape any prying eyes since most of her family was seated at the large table across the room.
Her brothers were in the living room watching the baseball game while they ate, something RaeAnne only allowed on special occasions.
Rae and Woody were preoccupied with Asher and the Granny Gang, as Jasmine affectionately referred to them, were all chatting amongst themselves while Rory stuffed her face with some real Southern, down home cooking.
She wasn’t used to that kind of fare and was taking full advantage of it.
I stepped up next to Jasmine as she filled her glass with ice and diet pop from a two liter. Her warm blackberry and vanilla scented skin called to me. I wanted my hands and mouth all over it, and it was killing me to hold back.
“I would give just about anything to be able to slip that strap down your arm and kiss your shoulder right now,” I said, low enough not to be heard by anyone else.
“Just my shoulder?” she asked, her voice husky.
“Oh no, I would definitely kiss more of you. Your shoulder is only the starting point. It’s what’s most enticing at the moment.
” I reached down and palmed the front of her thigh, lifting her skirt as I did while simultaneously grabbing the pitcher of sweet tea.
She sucked in a sharp breath and started to turn to look over her shoulder.
“They can’t see what I’m doing.” The kitchen island blocked their view of us from the table.
“Gabe,” she gasped when my fingers grazed the top of her thigh, just below her hip. I hooked my finger inside her panties and brushed my knuckle down her slit.
“You have no idea all the things I’ve imagined doing to you in this dress,” I rasped out as I slowly poured my drink. I had to focus hard on not spilling it as I encountered her slick heat. She was already wet for me.
“It can’t be any more than what I’ve thought of you doing to me,” she replied, panting.
I didn’t care what I had to do or what lies I’d have to tell. I would have her tonight. In that dress.
I finished pouring my tea and removed my fingers from her panties.
Taking a step back, I turned to lean against the counter.
To any onlooker, it looked like we were engaged in casual conversation.
In reality, I was trying to calm myself down before returning to the table, certain someone would notice the bulge in my jeans.
Jasmine went back first, and I added a few ice cubes to my glass as I waited for her to settle into her seat before making my way back to mine.
As I finished my food, I slipped my hand under the table and rested it on Jasmine’s knee.
She went completely still for a moment, and her eyes darted around the table.
When she realized no one was paying a bit of attention to us, she relaxed.
I squeezed before slowly sliding my hand up her thigh, brushing the inside with my fingers.
My goal wasn’t to get as high as I could without being noticed or to do anything scandalous.
I’d already done that. It was simply to tease her, to touch her just enough to keep her on edge with anticipation.
By the time dinner was over and dessert had been served, it was time for me to take Rory back to her mom.
I thanked Woody and RaeAnne for inviting us and for the incredible food.
They sent us on our way with plates full of leftovers and extra desserts for Rory.
I swung by my house to gather Rory’s things and collect Andy before heading out of town.
I had approximately four and a half hours to devise a plan to get Jasmine alone tonight.