Chapter 12
Haylee fidgeted with the fringe on one sleeve of her suede jacket as Tyson escorted her from the truck. They’d stopped at the B B long enough to change clothes and for Haylee to put on some makeup. She’d done both in the bathroom, not ready yet to dress in front of Tyson.
The restaurant had an old-West facade with a sign across the top that read “Becky’s BBQ.” Rails to hitch horses lined the front porch.
He held open the door for her, and they stepped into the large, airy room filled to the brim with cowboys and other guests deep into ribs and brisket sandwiches. The cheerful chatter was interspersed with laughter.
Tyson and Haylee stopped at the hostess stand and waited to be seated. Aromas of wood smoke and meat hung in the air in the dimly lit interior.
The rustic decor included old, rusted farm tools hanging from the walls and wagon wheel light fixtures dangling from the ceiling. Picnic-style tables covered with red and white checked cloths and bench seating filled the small restaurant.
A wooden bar with high-backed stools was at the center of the back wall. A large brick fireplace took up the far corner to the right.
The room was comfortably warm, and Tyson helped Haylee remove her jacket. He draped it over his arm as the hostess approached them.
The round-faced middle-aged woman with plump cheeks and a sweet smile reached the stand. “Welcome. My name is Becky, and this is my restaurant.” She eyed Tyson. “You’ve been here before. I never forget a face.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Tyson touched the brim of his hat. “It’s good to be back. It’s a nice place you have here.”
“I know it is.” She grinned, swiped a couple of laminated menus off the stand and two paper napkin-wrapped sets of silverware, and escorted them to a table near the fireplace.
They seated themselves on the bench seats, and she slapped the menus on the table and set the rolls of silverware in front of each of them. “Will you have an Arizona craft beer, or would you prefer sun tea?”
Haylee smiled at the pleasant woman. “I’ll take the beer.”
Tyson set his Stetson and Haylee’s jacket aside. “Make that two.”
The owner flashed them a smile. “Figure out what you want, and I’ll be back in two shakes with your drinks and to take your order.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Tyson nodded, and Haylee smiled as she transferred her jacket to the bench next to her and set her small purse on top of it.
“I like her.” Haylee took the menu Tyson offered her and scanned the dinner specials. “I haven’t had pork ribs in a while. That sounds delicious, along with coleslaw and corn on the cob.”
“I’ll take the brisket plate with cowboy beans and steak fries.” Tyson set his menu aside.
Haylee did the same. “That was easy.”
She met his warm gaze as the light from the fireplace’s dancing flames flickered in his eyes. He was so handsome, and she wondered again why she hadn’t paid more attention to him sooner. Maybe it was because he was her brothers’ best friend.
“Today was so much fun.” She unwrapped the silverware and set it aside. “I can’t believe what we found.”
“It’s best not to say what we did find out loud.” Tyson’s lips tipped into a grin. “Wouldn’t want to start a gold rush.”
“I’m excited about the love letter and tintypes. They’re precious.” Haylee leaned forward, her arms folded on the tabletop. “It’s amazing they’ve been there for so long. Over 120 years in that metal box.”
She leaned back as Becky reappeared with a couple of bottles of local craft beer and thumped them on the table in front of Tyson and Haylee. She stood back. “Let me know what you’d like. Don’t be shy.”
Haylee gave her order for ribs and the sides, and Tyson placed his for the brisket. Becky didn’t write it down. She just gave a nod. “It’ll be up in no time.”
Haylee enjoyed the cozy atmosphere as they talked and waited for their meals.
“What do you say to a drive tonight?” Tyson slid his hand around his beer bottle. “I know of a nice location to see the stars—no better place.”
“I’d love to.” Her heart flipped at the thought of what lay in their future after that.
Soon, Becky swooped in with the platter of ribs for Haylee and Tyson’s meal and a small metal bucket for the rib bones. The owner pulled a thick bundle of paper napkins out of her apron pocket and a couple of wet wipes and plopped them on the table by Haylee’s plate.
After Becky left, Haylee looked at Tyson, who eyed her with amusement. “Looks like she thinks you’re gonna be messier than a two-year-old.”
Haylee laughed. “You’d think she knows me or something.” She bit into the tender meat on one rib and moaned. She chewed and swallowed. “I love the mesquite wood-smoked flavor. These must be the best ribs I’ve ever had.” She lowered her voice. “Just don’t tell my brothers. They’re all competitive when it comes to barbequing.”
Tyson washed down his bite of brisket with his beer. “They’re not hearing anything from me.”
When they finished their meals, a young man bussed the table. Becky came up behind him and rattled off the dessert specials. Haylee was torn between bread pudding and a warm peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. They opted for sharing a piece of cobbler with two scoops on top.
“I want to lick the plate.” Haylee sighed and placed her hand on her abdomen when not a crumb was left of the cobbler. “This was the most delicious meal a girl could ask for.”
“You’ve done me proud.” Becky appeared, scooped up the empty dessert plate and forks, and slapped down the check. “No rush.”
She turned away and made her way through the restaurant. Haylee turned to Tyson. “That woman is a dynamo.”
Tyson laughed and placed a stack of bills on the table. “You ready to go?”
Haylee gathered her coat and purse as Becky returned, took the cash, and left Tyson with the receipt.
Moments later, they stepped out into the cool night air. The door to the restaurant fell shut behind them, cutting off the chatter and laughter. Haylee shivered, and Tyson helped her into her jacket, then aided her into the passenger’s side of his truck before making his way to the driver’s side and climbing in.
Once they reached the mountains, Tyson guided the vehicle into the canyon. As they drove up a winding road, it was too dark to see anything but the moon and stars.
Fifteen minutes later, Tyson guided the truck onto a dirt road that was a little more than a path. The truck jostled her as it bounced along the ruts, and she clung to the “oh, shit” handle above the door.
They reached a secluded clearing, and Tyson stopped the truck and killed the engine. He strode to Haylee’s side and helped her out of the truck. They walked toward the edge of a ridge, and Haylee caught her breath at the amazing view. The town’s lights lay like a glittering blanket across the valley.
“It’s so pretty.” She looked up at Tyson, whose eyes looked dark in the night yet glinted from the moonlight.
He grasped her hand. “Let’s get that picnic blanket.” He retrieved it from the backseat and placed it in a clearing. She knelt on the blanket beside him, and they both laid back and stared up in amazement.
The Milky Way cut a broad swathe across the inky blackness, and a shooting star flared before vanishing from sight.
“I’ve never seen a lovelier night sky.” Her words came out in a breathy sigh. “In King Creek, the stars are lovely, but with Phoenix not that far away, they’re never so bright as this.”
Tyson stroked strands of her hair, then tucked it behind her ear. “You are more lovely than the stars.”
Heat warmed her as she took in his handsome features illuminated beneath the moonlight. She couldn’t think of a thing to say.
He brushed her lips with his, and her mind swam as he kissed her. He drew her close, pushed his fingers into her hair, and cupped the back of her head. It was a slow kiss that left her wanting more.
Tyson rested his forehead against hers. He spoke in a low voice, rough with passion. “What do you want, Haylee?”
Warmth crept through her body, and her breasts felt heavy with need. “I think you know.”
He slid his hand from her hair and over her hip, then drew her body tight to his so she felt the hard ridge of flesh between them. “I want to hear it from you. Say it.”
Haylee’s face grew impossibly hotter even as her breasts grew heavy and her nipples tightened. She had never told a man she wanted him, but God, did she want Tyson.
She moved closer, darted her tongue along his lower lip, and let out a soft sigh. She tilted her head back so that she could meet his eyes. “I want you, Tyson. I need you.”
The corner of his mouth tipped into a devastatingly sexy smile. “Let’s get back to the B B.”
Her throat tightened, and she nodded. “Yes.”
Tyson eased up, got to his feet, and held out his hand. She took it, and he drew her up so that she stood, looking into his eyes. He kissed her hard, so intensely that she moaned with need.
He broke the kiss, and her chest rose and fell with her rough breathing. His sounded just as harsh. The hunger in his eyes made her knees weaken. Only his palm resting on the small of her back kept her grounded and standing.
She didn’t want to wait—she wanted to tear off his shirt and feel the hardness of his flesh beneath her palms.
Haylee forced herself to calm down. He squeezed her hand before releasing it and scooping up the picnic blanket. This time, he didn’t stop to fold it—just rolled it up and threw it on the backseat. He helped her into the truck, then jogged to his side and climbed in.
The drive seemed to take forever as she darted her gaze in his direction before looking out into the darkness. He grasped her hand, enveloping it in its warmth as they rested on the center console.
Even though it seemed to take so long, probably less than twenty minutes passed from the time they climbed into the truck and when they reached the B B.
He parked in one of the four spots in front and killed the engine. He took her hand again and kissed her knuckles before releasing her and climbing out.
He’d made his way around the truck and helped her out in no time. Her legs felt wobbly, and she held tightly to his hand as they walked up the path. She gripped her purse tightly in her opposite hand, nearly dropping it in her desire to be with him.
The night had cooled significantly, and warmth washed over her as he opened the front door.
The foyer was quiet, just a lone small chandelier above them. He gripped her hand as they walked to the staircase on the right and headed up. A narrow rug covered the stairs, muffling their footsteps.
When they reached the landing, Tyson led her to the left. On the right were two rooms, and theirs was one of three on the opposite side of the stairs.
Tyson stopped in front of the room and pulled an old-fashioned brass key from his pocket. He slid it into the keyhole, jiggled it, and the lock clicked.
The knob squeaked as he let them into the room and switched on the light. An old-fashioned lamp illuminated the room with a soft glow. He locked up behind them and tossed the key, which clattered on a small antique table beside the door.
Tingles spread throughout Haylee. He drew her into his arms, and she looped her hands behind his neck.
Tyson smiled gently. “Any second thoughts?”
She shook her head, feeling suddenly mute.
He hooked one finger under her chin. “Tell me.”
Her throat worked, and she had to force herself to speak. Even then, her words came out rough with need. “I’m positive—absolutely positive I want to be with you.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.” He lowered his mouth and nipped her bottom lip in a way that was so sensual it caused her to gasp.
Tyson took advantage when she sighed and slid his tongue into her mouth. He kissed her long and slow, and he tasted of beer and peach cobbler. He smelled intensely male and of leather and a starlit night.
Haylee responded to his kiss with such fierceness that he groaned and drew her tightly into his arms and pressed his cock to her belly. He returned her kiss with equal passion, sucking on her bottom lip before he released her.
She dropped her purse as he pushed her jacket over her shoulders, and she let the suede fall to the floor.
Tyson scooped her into his embrace, and she let out a squeak of surprise. He carried her to the bed covered in a patchwork quilt and gently set her down. He toed off his boots and set them to the side as he kept his eyes on hers.
Haylee’s pulse rate rocketed as he knelt and took one of her shoes in his hand. He pulled the laces on the leather shoe and tossed it aside before pulling off her ankle sock. He did the same with her other shoe and sock.
He pushed himself between her thighs. He reached for the top button of her blouse, his knuckles brushing her throat as he unbuttoned it.
“I want to rip your shirt open and let all the buttons pop off.” He gave her a dark, intense look. “It’s all I can do to take my time.”
“If this wasn’t my favorite shirt, I might let you.” Her voice trembled even as she smiled.
He paused to give her a soft kiss, then worked on her buttons. She was starting to wish she’d told him to let loose and rip them all off when he finally got to the bottom button and set it free.
“You’re amazing.” He stared at her breasts and brushed her fabric-covered nipple with his thumb. “In every way.”
He met her gaze, pushed the blouse over her shoulders, and helped her out of it. He didn’t pause, and before she even realized what he was about to do, he had unhooked her bra.
Her nipples tightened to hard peaks as it fell away from her breasts. Removing her bra and tossing it aside, he cupped her full breasts in his big hands.
He lowered his head and captured her nipple in his warm mouth and sucked.
Haylee cried at the feel of him sucking her nipple. She hadn’t expected it to feel so incredible. It made her feel wild and crazy like she wanted to ride him like a bronc and do it now.
Her breathing came in soft pants as he took his time, his attention lingering on one breast before moving to the other. He raised his head and brushed his lips over hers.
Haylee couldn’t take it any longer. She reached for him and started working on unfastening his western shirt. He allowed her to take control and moved back when she slid to her knees to reach the bottom button.
She pushed his shirt over his shoulders, revealing his hard shoulders and muscular chest. She slid her fingers over one of his flat male nipples, and he sucked in his breath.
In a smooth motion, he brought them both to stand. He let his shirt drop, unfastened her jeans, and lowered the zipper. He pushed the jeans over her hips, along with her panties. They dropped to her bare feet, and she kicked them aside.
He let his gaze drift over her nakedness from head to toe. “Beautiful.”
To cover her embarrassment, she reached for his large Western belt buckle and unfastened it. He pulled it out of its loops, and she watched the play of his chest muscles.
“I want to see you, Tyson.” She grasped the front of his jeans and had to work at undoing the top button of his Wranglers, but finally managed.
She pushed his jeans down and planned to drop to her knees to get a better look and a taste, but he caught her by her shoulders. He removed his jeans and boxer briefs and slid his palms to her waist.
He caused her to let out another squeak of surprise as he picked her up and laid her on the quilt. She looked at him as he climbed onto the bed and knelt between her thighs.
She waited for him to take her, but he moved down instead, sliding his big shoulders between her thighs. She held her breath as he lowered his mouth to her center and blew on her clit.
A cry escaped her, and she wriggled beneath him. He swooped down and ran his tongue from the entrance to her core up to her clit. She wanted to shriek from the sheer pleasure he’d given her, but at the last moment remembered where she was and fought to control herself.
He licked her slick flesh and sucked her clit, causing her to squirm beneath the onslaught of intense pleasure.
Her mind whirled, and she could hardly process a thought as she gave herself up to the heat and desire and rapture.
Haylee’s thighs began to vibrate, and she cried out as her orgasm slammed into her. Tyson rose and captured her mouth with his, shutting off the cry, but he drew out the exquisite moment with his fingers now that his mouth was occupied with hers.
She whimpered as she clung to the high. She was barely aware of the sound of a wrapper tearing as she started to come down.
Tyson pressed his hips between her thighs and thrust his cock deep inside her. She started to cry out again, but he clamped his palm over her mouth.
He whispered in her ear. “Do I need to gag you, or are you going to behave, hon?”
She moaned behind his hand, and he moved it away and thrust hard again. She managed to bite back a scream and dug her nails into his ass as he fucked her hard. He reached deep inside her, filling her.
Her mind started whirling, and she headed to the precipice once again.
“Come on, baby.” He slammed his hips hard against hers. “Let’s do it again.”
She couldn’t catch her breath, couldn’t think, and then she shot over the peak as her second orgasm exploded inside her.
Tyson clamped his hand over her mouth again as he thrust in and out. Then he pressed his hips hard against hers, a low, guttural sound coming out, and she knew he had to fight against his shout.
He moved in and out a few more times, then stopped, his groin pressed tightly to hers.
His gaze held hers, and he moved his hand away. Her breathing came hard and fast, and droplets of sweat rolled from his brow to land on her chest.
He let out a long groan. “Dear God, Haylee. What the hell did you just do to me?”
“Me?” The word came out in a squeak, and his amused gaze met hers. She managed to get the next words out in a more normal voice. “Tyson, that was—oh, my God, that was insanely amazing.”
He grinned and ditched the condom. He rolled onto his side and tucked her into his arms, her head beneath his chin.
“Whatever am I going to do with you?” he murmured, then laughed softly. “Make that I know exactly what I’m going to do with you.”
She felt sleepy and lethargic and barely managed to say, “What?”
“Keep you,” he said right before she drifted off to sleep.