Cowboys & Bosses

by Piper Sullivan

  He flashed that sexy, flirty grin that instantly dampened my panties and leaned forward to whisper in my ear. “I just stopped by to say hello, and to thank you for the chili. And the cookies.”

  “You’re welcome,” I told him in a voice that came out much breathier than I planned. “I hope you left some for me?”

  He nodded slowly and kicked my office door shut, velvety blue gaze searing into mine. “Gotta keep your energy up for tonight.” Finally, his lips met mine in a smoldering kiss that just might have torched my wet panties right along with the rest of my clothes. Big, strong hands held my ass and pulled me closer to the hard ridge behind his zipper, and I let out a low groan. “And that lock is loose on the back door behind the bar.”

  I blinked. What? “I know. I’ll get to it.”

  “No need,” he told me, still grinning and his hands still on my ass. “I brought my tools.”

  Just when I thought the man couldn’t get any hotter. “Do you have a toolbelt? Because I have a few fantasies that involve a toolbelt.” At least I could come up with a few if only to avoid thinking about why my heart did a little pitter patter at the idea that he’d come by to fix my lock.

  “No but I’m sure I could get one. Soon.” His deep voice was a promise of erotic thrills to come. He kissed me again with so much raw intensity, so much hunger, that nothing else existed other than him and this kiss. I lost all sense of time and place under his spell, falling deeper as his mouth made love to mine. As his arms held me close. Only when my mouth was completely ravished did he step back wearing that cocky smile that I loved. “The door,” he said as a reminder, to himself or me, I wasn’t sure.

  “The door,” I repeated with a grin. “And I have drinks to sling.” Jack gave my ass one final squeeze before he released me. I watched his broad shoulders as he walked down the narrow hall that somehow seemed smaller with him in it. “Damn that man is fine.” And for now, he was all mine.

  “He’s okay but I prefer my men not related to me.”

  I let out a scream and spun at the sound of my best friend’s voice, and glared at her. “You scared the hell out of me!”

  “Really? It’s not like I can be stealthy in my current state. Maybe if you weren’t so busy eye fucking my brother you would’ve heard me.”

  Damn my redhead’s complexion, because her words made my skin burn down to my toes. “Can I help it that’s he’s a fine slice of man?”

  “Are you sure you know what you’re doing Sierra?” She looked at me, familiar blue eyes filled with concern.

  “Hell no I’m not sure Sage, but what can I do? I want him. More than even I realized, and honestly the sex is too damn explosive to give up even if I could. Which I can’t.”

  “What are you going to do when this thing is over? You live together, you own a ranch together.”

  I sighed because even Sage knew I didn’t have what it took to keep a guy like Jack. Shit, even that wasn’t fair. She knew more about her brother than I did. “Are you so sure it will?”

  “Sorry sweetie, but I am. Jack isn’t ready, and I’m not sure if he will ever be ready for something serious.”

  I dropped down on the sofa beside Sage. “I’m fooling myself aren’t I?”

  “You’re hopeful,” she said very diplomatically. “There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s the weirdo here.”

  It didn’t matter what you called it, the result was the same. “Thank you for saying so but we both know I’m being purposely delusional. And I’m going to keep it up until this thing ends and then I’ll figure out how to deal with it.”

  “Okay. I’m here if you need me.” She laid her head on my shoulder and I rubbed her belly.

  “Holy crap, did you feel that? I think your baby just kicked me.” Sage laughed, but it didn’t seem like a laughing matter to me.

  “She does that sometimes.”

  “She? You’re having a girl?” She nodded and I squealed. “We’re having another girl!” I might have to live vicariously through her if I want my dreams of a husband and children to be fulfilled. That was a sad thought, but even sadder was that it just might be true. “That’s so great. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thank you. We’re happy too.”

  “Everything okay in here?” Jack’s deep voice startled us both and we both looked up at him, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

  “Everything’s great,” Sage assured him.

  “I’ll let you guys talk,” I said, standing and skirting around Jack, but he stopped me and stepped in the doorway to shield us from Sage’s view.

  “You okay?” I nodded because what could I say? “You sure?”

  “I’m fine, you’ll find out soon enough.” I flashed a shaky smile and placed a hand to his chest and let it drift away as I walked towards the busy bar. Sage’s words echoing in my mind.

  He isn’t ready.

  * * *

  Bacon. The scent of it hit my nose at the exact moment my brain switched into consciousness. Then coffee. Fresh ground. I smiled as my body went taut from my wakeup stretch. I just lay there for a long moment, inhaling those glorious scents as my mind replayed the hours I’d spent in bed with Jack.

  God, Jack.

  The man was everything I imagined, and then a whole lot more. With nothing more than a smile he set my body on fire, heating my skin and my blood, making my heart pulse. Making other parts pulse too. Just thinking about it made my nipples bead to the point of pain as I squeezed my thighs tight. I knew if I didn’t stop thinking about him I’d stay in this bed all day and since today was my day off I wanted to enjoy it.

  After a quick shower, I barely dried off before grabbing my robe and following my nose down the stairs into the kitchen. What I found there stopped me cold.

  From the front Jack was devastating, but the view of him now, miles of shredded back muscles covered in tattoos and scars that tapered to a narrow waist where a pair of jeans hung low, hugging his long rock hard legs. The look was complete with bare feet, and every feminine part of me ate him up. Goodness but the man was the complete package.

  “Morning,” I called out, throat thick with desire and another emotion that I refused to give a thought to right now.

  He turned with a smile and heated affection in his blue gaze, pants open at the waist so I could see just a sprinkling of dark hair, and a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. “Good morning.” He walked over to me and put the coffee in my hand while he gave me a quick kiss on the mouth. “Mmm, you smell good.”

  I rolled my eyes, barely able to suppress a smile at his low spoken words. “I still smell like you.” And green apples, but his scent lingered on my skin.

  Jack stood close enough for the heat of his naked chest to warm my body, or maybe it was just the man. With a sexy smile he leaned forward, “Like me, only better. Like us.” He drank from my mouth slowly then, tantalizingly. Teasing my lips with every swipe of his tongue, taunting my tongue as his own danced with it in a fiery two step that had my body preparing for what she wanted. I was so dizzy with want that I didn’t hear the sizzle of the bacon in the skillet until he pulled back to flip it. “What do you say we spend some time exploring the land today?”

  I grinned at his suggestion. We’d been here for almost two full weeks and I hadn’t gone past the barn, which was crazy since this was my childhood home. Well mostly, since I’d spent more years with the Winchester family than I had on the Carmichael Ranch. But this land was my home. It was in my bones, and I wanted it to be part of my future. Though this hadn’t been quite the future I’d imagined. In some ways, it was better. “That sounds great,” I told him over breakfast.

  We ate quickly and I cleaned up while Jack showered. I made a few sandwiches and things to take with us before I dressed in jeans and a long sleeve Henley under a heavy flannel. This time of year the weather could go from mildly pleasant to unbearable in moments.

  “Ready?” he asked when he found me downstairs.

  “Yep.” We headed to the barn in cont
ented silence and saddled up the horses. The ride began slow and scenic, each of us lost in our thoughts and the beautiful landscape laid out before us. The town wasn’t called Lucky Flats for nothing, with most of the land visible for miles save for a few parts that existed on a slight curvature of the land. “This place is more beautiful than I remember.”

  “Come on, I want to show you something.” He flashed me a grin and took off before I could ask any questions.

  I kicked my horse, Sunshine, into gear and she shot off like a rocket after Jack and Mahogany. The cool breeze felt good on my skin. “Is that all you got, Winchester?”

  His deep laugh made its way back to me. “If I beat you too bad, you might withhold sexual favors,” he said as we caught up to them.

  “Or maybe I’ll find a really creative way to punish you.” Urging Sunshine forward until we passed Jack, I laughed at the strangled groan he released.

  “Well there goes my incentive to win,” he called out in a deep, flirtatious tone. On and on we rode, Jack pulling ahead and then me. Back and forth until finally he slowed and I came to a stop beside him and looked around.

  A shocked gasp escaped when I saw the worn wooden sign my dad had made for my thirteenth birthday. And as it turned out, the last birthday I would ever spend with my family.

  “I can’t believe it’s still here.” My voice broke with emotion and I slid off Sunshine and led her to the pond where the sign proclaimed it to be “Sierra’s Pond”. The place had an otherworldly look with knee-high Texas bluegrass, and an odd patch of brown eyes Susans offered the one splash of color. “Wow.” Emotions swamped me as I thought back to learning to swim in this pond, catching frogs with Sage. “We used to camp out here sometimes, me and Sage.” We daydreamed about her marrying Mason, and me marrying Jack.

  “When I was out here earlier in the week I came across it. I wasn’t sure this was it until I saw the sign lying in the grass.” Big comforting hands landed on my shoulders and I relaxed against his broad chest.

  “You put the sign back up?” His chin rested on my shoulder as he nodded.

  “Of course. I know how much this place means to you, and now you have it back.”

  I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Thank you, Jack.” He opened his mouth and I took advantage and swept inside his warm mouth, letting the comfort and the lust run through my blood until my legs buckled and his strong hands grasped my waist.

  “I’ve got you.”

  What a loaded statement. It sent hope soaring in my heart, but I ruthlessly shut it down. It was a nice thought, that maybe Jack had done this because I meant something to him, but I knew the truth. He was a good man, and I was practically family. Of course he would do something this thoughtful. It was why I loved him. And why I couldn’t tell him.

  “Is it too early for a picnic?”

  He chuckled and clasped my hand. “Maybe, but I’ve got something better in my saddlebag.” We walked over to where Mahogany and Sunshine rested, eating grass and sipping water. My gaze rested on the sign while he pulled out his loot. “What do you think?” He held up a bottle of champagne and chocolate cake.

  I pressed my lips to his jaw, eyes closed to stem the emotion his thoughtfulness produced. “I think that you’re trying to get lucky by my pond, cowboy.”

  “I wouldn’t say no, but we’ll need this whole bottle to keep us warm.”

  We sat on a blanket on the cold, hard earth, drinking champagne and feeding each other chocolate cake. It was terribly romantic, and my mind and heart couldn’t help but wander to possibilities. Hope for a future very similar to this moment.

  “Damn this cake is good.”

  “Tammy made it,” he said proudly as he slid another piece between my lips. “You have a little, right…,” he leaned forward and licked the frosting from the corner of my mouth.

  My words were strangled. “Thanks, but I wanted that.”

  With a wry grin, he swiped a finger through the frosting and smeared it at the corner of his mouth. “Then have it.” He sucked in a breath when I leaned forward and slowly licked the frosting clean.

  This man intoxicated me and I was helpless to fight against it, no matter what my mind said. So, I needed to pump the brakes before this got out of control again. “Are you happy to be out of the Army?”

  He sighed, and for a long moment I thought maybe he wouldn’t answer. “Yes and no. I hate knowing that brothers of mine are still there, and I’m not there to have their backs. But I’ve been fighting too long, and I need some peace. Beauty. Some fucking color other than desert sand.”

  I leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Thank you for your service Jack. I’m glad you made it back safe.” I pulled back but one hand tangled in my hair, pushing the Stetson off my head and slanting his lips against mine. His mouth ravished mine for long, blissful moments and I felt carried away, like I was floating as he leaned forward until his torso rested on top of mine. This kiss went on forever until our mouths were swollen and my hands roamed up his back as his hands cupped my breasts. His delicious touch was hungry and insistent, so full of passion and intensity that I felt something inside my chest just let go and embrace it.

  Embrace that I loved Jack Winchester and that he would never love me back. Finally, the kiss broke. I don’t know if it was him or me, but the kiss was over and Jack stared down at me with a strange look on his face.

  “Race you back?” He stood before his words even registered and I was on my feet in a flash, chasing him to the horses.

  “First one back gets to be in charge tonight!” I hopped on Sunshine but Jack was already in motion.

  “Ready, go!” He took off but I was on his heels and laughing loudly as I enjoyed the rush of the cool breeze and the wonderful afternoon we’d had.

  Together.

  Jack made it to the barn first and I couldn’t find it in myself to care. When he was in charge he always made sure I was well loved.

  Jack

  “I want to have another costume party. For Black Friday.” Sage sat in a recliner rubbing her belly, aiming a pleased smile my way.

  “Right because you know, historically Black Friday is a big day for costumes.” I didn’t want to make my pregnant baby sister cry, but this sounded crazy and she had to hear it too. “You do know that most of the country will be shopping that day, right?”

  She nodded, a peaceful expression on her face that didn’t bode well for me. “I do, but those who aren’t too tired will love to come dance and drink the rest of the night, and those who finished their online shopping can help me set up and eat all day long.” She grinned, but already I felt a sense of doom for what that meant for me. “Since I know you hate to shop, you can be my assistant.”

  “If I agree to this, no more parties until next year Sage.”

  “Okay,” she agreed easily. Too easily. “Agreed.”

  “Good.”

  “After New Year’s Eve, no more parties this year.”

  I just groaned and took a seat in the other recliner. “Dammit Sage you know I can’t say no to you.”

  “I’m counting on it.” She grinned devilishly. “Are you going to bring Sierra?”

  I shrugged, what the hell did that mean? “Like a date?”

  “Why not? You’re still screwing her, aren’t you?”

  I hated that she put it so crassly, but it was the truth, so I simply nodded. “Things are casual, Sage. Don’t make it more or less than that.”

  She held up her hands. “I’m not making it anything. Maybe if you don’t like how it sounds, you should do something about it.”

  I stood, and I knew my expression was dark. “I need to get back to the ranch.” I didn’t want to have this conversation at all, but certainly not with my kid sister.

  “Wait, Mason is in the barn and he wanted to talk to you.”

  I grunted at her and turned towards the back door for a quicker trip to the barn. Inside I could hear Mason listening to Mitch talk his ear off. At two
years old the little boy talked more than his sister and mother. Combined.

  “Hey guys.”

  “Uncle Jack!” His little legs carried him to me faster than I could lean down to grab him. He leapt at me. “I rode a horse!”

  “You did? Did you go fast?”

  His stuck his bottom lip out in an adorable pout. “Dad wouldn’t let me.” He pointed the accusation right at Mason.

  Biting back a smile, I commiserated with my nephew. “He wouldn’t? What a meanie.”

  He wiggled free and ran over to the newest additions to the stable, a couple of black foals. While he babbled to the horses I turned to Mason. “Sage said you wanted to talk?”

  He grinned and shook his head. “Nah, I knew she’d get to you with her talk of what’s going on with you and Sierra, so I told her to send you to me.”

  I let out a grateful sigh and clapped him on the back. “Thanks. What’s this about a Black Friday costume party?”

  Mason let out a sigh that spoke volumes. “Honestly I think she’s getting restless the bigger she gets. It’s hard for her, being confined to the ranch unless me or Ma can take her out.”

  “Then I won’t complain too much about being roped in to help with the party.” Hell, I would even dress up if it made things easier for Sage. “You know you guys can always call me.”

  “She wanted you to get the ranch up and running. I think she’s worried you’ll leave Lucky Flats if you don’t.”

  “Shit man.” I raked a hand through my hair and blew out a long, loaded breath.

  “She missed you while you were gone. Worried about you constantly. If you hadn’t come back I might have lost her too.”

  We stood in contemplative silence. The only sounds in the barn were the horses neighing and Mitch happily talking to each of them. “Well, we’re all here now, and apparently, we’re dressing up in costumes. The day after Thanksgiving.”