“Teddy Maxwell?” Luke’s stomach lurched as he suddenly realized what was happening. He hadn’t known what T.J. stood for, and neither had he cared. But right about now he could bet his bottom dollar the T stood for Teddy. “Star, T.J. Maxwell is my stepbrother. Circle T was my father’s ranch until he died almost two years ago and left it to us both.”
“This is the ranch you were talking about?” Her mouth fell open in surprise.
“T.J. is the scum who left you at the altar?” he asked in return.
Star’s face turned a shade of bright red and she looked at the ground. She didn’t need to answer because now Luke knew it was true. If he hadn’t hated T.J. before, he surely did now. Just the thought of his sleazy stepbrother laying his hands on Star and using her like he did made him want to kill the man on sight.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he snapped. “Trying to marry the man after all or just trying to make me feel like crap? Because if it is your intent to humiliate me, it’s working.”
“No, Luke.” Star reached out and touched his arm. “I had no idea Teddy was your stepbrother.”
“Why did you leave Bright Star Ranch?” he asked her. “Was I too fast with my moves? Or did my lovemaking disgust you so much that it drove you right back into T.J.’s arms?”
“You know I hate the man, Luke. How can you even say that?”
“Sure you do.” He clenched his jaw and nodded slightly. “That’s why you’re staying here alone with him and his cousins. Star, what were you thinking?”
“I’m here as his housekeeper, and nothing more.”
“Housekeeper?” Luke blew a puff of air from his mouth. “You’ve got to be kidding. The only kind of housekeeper T.J. wants is one who’ll keep his fire going all night long, if you catch my drift.”
“I need the money in order to save our ranch,” she cried.
“You’re getting paid for the stunt work. I told you that you would.”
“No, I’m getting paid for going to bed with you, just admit it. So, what’s the difference where I work?”
She took a step away from him but Luke pulled her closer. He looked into her green eyes and felt himself drowning in her despair. He didn’t want her here, and had a feeling she didn’t really want to be here either.
“Star, you’re not a whore, and no one thinks you are. I’m not paying you to sleep with me, and I don’t want you going to bed with T.J..”
“No, I’m sure you don’t.” Her words were cool and clipped and it sounded as if she were still angry with him but he didn’t understand why. “You would rather take me to bed yourself, wouldn’t you?”
“Where is this coming from?” he asked in confusion. “I thought we both wanted to make love last night in the limo. If I was wrong about it, then I apologize.”
“No, you’re not wrong,” she said softly, releasing a sigh. “I wanted it, too. But now, I am wondering if it was a mistake.”
Luke reached out and tilted her chin upward with one finger. “We enjoy being with each other, Star. What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing’s wrong with that, I suppose,” she told him. “As long as I’m not just another notch in your belt.”
She sounded so cute that it made him chuckle. “I think you mean another notch in my headboard, or gun handle – not my belt.”
“Whatever.”
He lowered his face to hers and brushed his lips gently against hers. “This is my old bedroom, Twinkles. And if you’ll look closely, you’ll see there’s not a single notch on the headboard.” He kissed her with passion and she kissed him with lips eager to please, longing for more.
“Well, what about your gun handle?” she asked playfully.
“Why don’t you check for yourself?”
She looked down to his waist and when she did, he felt his loins tighten.
“You’re not wearing a gun.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
She must have understood him, because her nimble fingers had his belt loosened and his zipper half-undone before he knew what was happening.
“Slow down, Twinkles. We need to protect ourselves this time.” He reached for the foil packet in his wallet but, by the time he had it out, she was laying on the bed with her shirt unbuttoned. “I thought you just told me our lovemaking was a mistake.”
“I did, but I changed my mind.” She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “Luke, I think I am falling in love with you. I have never felt this way about a man in my life.”
“You are?” he asked, a little confused. “But I thought you were mad at me and that you hated me for some reason.” This girl changed her mind as fast as Velvet changed her clothes.
“I was angry with you, but I realize now I only felt that way because I’m afraid to lose you.”
“You’re not going to lose me, Star. I’m here for keeps.” He threw the packet on the bed and removed his own clothes before he climbing atop her. “You won’t regret this tomorrow, will you?” he asked her.
“No, I won’t,” she said, staring into his eyes. “Will you?”
“Never,” he answered. Neither of them said another word because Luke’s mouth claimed hers and stopped her from talking. He was stark naked and she had too many layers of clothes in between them right now.
He couldn’t stop the wanting that seemed to consume him. However, this time, it felt different because it wasn’t just about lust. He cared for her and wanted to protect her and cherish her always. Luke was finished with one-night stands and being called a womanizer. After today, he would make certain that Star understood that she was the only girl for him.
He reached up to undo the last few buttons on her shirt but his hand was shaking and he fumbled. Embarrassed by his actions and no longer able to wait, with one swipe of his hand he ripped her checkered shirt right off her body.
She gasped in surprise, but his mouth against hers was stopping her from saying anything.
“Sorry about that, Twinkles. It’s just that I’m not a patient man.” He reached around her body and unclasped her plain white bra. It came away with one move, freeing her breasts.
She took a hold of his head in her hands and pulled his mouth down to her chest. Luke chuckled inwardly at her boldness and loved every minute of a headstrong woman in bed. As long as Star didn’t slug him again, he was sure he’d enjoy being the passive one for a change.
He suckled her nipple until it turned into a tight bud. He felt like he was the bee and she was the flower. Using his tongue in circles, he pulled, nipped and played. Star arched up off the bed, moaning with pleasure.
When he fumbled with the belt of her jeans, she pushed his hands away. He backed off of her, still straddling her and praying like hell she hadn’t changed her mind again. He’d stop if she wanted him to, but it wouldn’t be easy.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“You’re too slow. Let me do it.” She undid her jeans and slipped out of them as well as her panties. She then pushed him down on the bed and took the place of aggressor.
“I think I like this side of you,” he told her, enjoying the view between her legs.
“Not used to the lady on top?” she asked.
“It’s a new one on me, but give it your best shot.”
Star slid her hands down his chest, lower, lower, fondling him along the way. Luke closed his eyes as pleasure shot through him and he thought he was going to explode. She then slid up his body and dangled her breasts right in front of his face.
“See anything that interests you, Cowboy?”
“More than you’ll know,” was his reply.
Star couldn’t believe how bold she was being. Seducing a man was something she’d never done in her life. She liked it. She enjoyed being on top, calling the shots. This way, there was no heavy body to crush her, and she could control the pace. Only this time, she wanted the pace to speed up. She felt herself moisten as she rubbed against Luke. Her breathing was labored as he tugged with his lips at her brea
sts. She wondered if he’d leave another little trademark on her and hoped he would.
Luke reached for the packet of protection next to him but she grabbed his hand.
“I’m in charge here,” she said, “I’ll do it.” She fumbled with the packet but then just threw it down in aggravation.
Before Luke could say a word she mounted him and screamed with pleasure and he bucked his body beneath her. She felt so free, so wild. Just like a cowgirl at a rodeo, with a bucking stud between her legs. Star threw back her head and rode him hard until she climbed higher than she ever had before. This time was even better than in the back of the limo. This time, she controlled the situation and she loved the way she allowed herself to scream out loudly, releasing the pent-up lust she’d been feeling for Luke since that night they shared more than just Dom Perignon.
The door to the room burst open and slammed against the wall.
“What the hell?” came a low growl, interrupting their intimate time together.
Luke pulled Star down close to him and wrapped a protective arm around her. Then he grabbed the edge of the bedspread and threw it over the top of her to hide her nakedness.
“T.J.,” Luke grumbled. “So nice to see you. You can put the gun down now, as you can see I’m unarmed.”
“Luke?” T.J. Maxwell slowly replaced his gun in his holster. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Star hid her face against Luke’s chest, about ready to die from embarrassment. It was a stupid thought, but she figured if she kept her eyes closed and couldn’t see Teddy, or T.J. as Luke called him, then he wouldn’t be able to see her either.
“I think the answer to that question’s obvious,” said Luke, pulling Star closer.
“Is she hurt, T.J.?” Two men ran up behind him. “We heard the screaming. What’s going on?”
“Get back to work!” snapped T.J.. Star heard his boot heels enter the room and then the door slam behind him.
“Three’s a crowd, Stepbrother,” said Luke. “And I don’t take a fancy to you just watching, either.”
“Get up, Tyler, and face me like a man.” T.J. sounded really angry.
“If you insist,” Luke answered. He rolled out from under Star, making sure the edge of the bedspread kept her covered. Star opened her eyes and watched him.
Two white half-moons made their way to the edge of the bed and Luke stood buck naked across from T.J. who had a serious scowl on his face.
“You mind if I strap on a weapon before we duel this out?” drawled Luke.
Star could only see the back of Luke, but watched T.J.’s eyes drop to Luke’s waistline before he spoke. “I’d say you’ve already got a weapon and it looks like it’s still loaded.”
“Thanks to your interruption,” said Luke.
Star sank under the covers wishing she was dead. She heard Luke reach down and pull on his pants. Peeking out, she saw him slip into his boots.
“You have no right to be here, Luke, let alone be bedding my fiancé,” T.J. fumed.
“That’s where you’re wrong, T.J.. I own half this ranch and this is still my room. Plus, I don’t think the little lady here considers you her fiancé after you used her and left her at the altar.”
T.J. laughed heartily. “That’s no lady! That girl there is nothing more than a piece of –”
He never finished his sentence because Luke’s fist smashed into the man’s eye. Then Luke jumped atop T.J. and started beating on him. The men rolled around on the floor, throwing punches and exchanging insults loaded with curses that even Star had never heard before. T.J. reached for his fallen gun, and Star knew it was up to her to save Luke.
She threw off the covers and grabbed her daddy’s gun from the foot of the bed where Luke had thrown it. Then she quickly aimed the thing straight at T.J.’s head.
“Stop fighting, both of you,” she yelled. “Now, put down the gun, Teddy, or I’ll be forced to blow off your damned head.”
Chapter 18
“Star, don’t!” Luke’s words were a warning that she shouldn’t try to bluff her way out of this. T.J. stepped away from Luke but still held his gun pointed at Luke’s heart.
“I mean it, Teddy. Put down the gun,” Star threatened.
“Damned thing’s probably not even loaded,” mumbled T.J.
“Want to find out?” challenged Star.
When she saw the shadow fall over Luke’s face, she started wondering if she should have stayed out of the whole thing after all.
“Star, you’re naked,” Luke reminded her aloud, making Star realize he said it to distract T.J..
That was all his stepbrother needed to hear. The distraction worked. T.J. turned his head to look at her, obviously thinking with his zipper. Star never felt as naked in her life as she did right now. It was only a fraction of a second but she knew she had to hold the gun steady and not cover her body.
Luke took advantage of that split second to dive atop T.J., knocking his gun to the ground. He then scooped it up and removed the bullets before throwing it across the room.
“Enough of this,” he shouted. “Someone is going to get hurt or even worse, killed. Star, hurry up and put some clothes on so T.J. can pull his tongue back into his mouth.”
Star put down the gun and slid off the bed.
“I’ve already seen her naked, Luke,” smirked T.J.. “Or did you forget? It’s nothing to write home about, either.”
Luke was about to punch him when Star stepped in between them. Luke’s shirt was thrown over her body, but unbuttoned.
“Stop it!” she yelled. “Can’t we just talk about this like civilized adults?”
The men looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity before Luke finally answered.
“Okay, let’s talk.”
“What are you doing here?” asked T.J.
“Picking up some of my belongings.” Luke glanced at Star when he said it.
“She’s not yours, Luke. She’s mine.”
“Was yours,” Luke pointed out. “You blew it, and now she’s mine.”
Star buttoned the shirt slowly, liking the way the words “she’s mine” sounded coming from Luke’s mouth. The shirt was long and fell down to her knees.
“Fine, take her and get the hell off my land,” said T.J..
“Our land,” Luke corrected him. “And in another couple of months, it’ll be solely mine.”
“No, it won’t.” T.J. shook his head. “I met with the lawyer this morning. He’s been trying to find you. If you want to buy out my half of the ranch, then you need to do it by Friday or you’re going to lose it all to me.”
“No, that’s not true.” Luke’s voice shook when he said it. Star knew how much this ranch meant to him and was sure this was upsetting him immensely. “I have until the end of the year. I don’t have the money yet, but I will by then.”
“Check for yourself if you don’t believe me,” said T.J.. “The lawyer’s number is by the phone.” He held out his hand, motioning toward the door.
“I think I will.” Luke grabbed Star by the elbow and hauled her along with him. “C’mon, Twinkles. Hell if I’m going to leave you here with the Big Bad Wolf. He’d have his hands in your picnic basket before I even got off the phone.”
Star pulled his shirt closer around her and left the room with Luke. T.J. followed right behind them. She could feel the man’s eyes burning a hole into her backside. Crossing her arms over her chest, she leaned against the wall as Luke picked up the receiver and pounded out the number that was on the pad. T.J. eyed her up and down, making her feel so uncomfortable that she barely heard the conversation Luke was having with the lawyer. Her mind was somewhere else and her heart was still racing from their lovemaking. Or was it racing from T.J. threatening to kill Luke? She decided it was a little of both.
Luke slammed down the phone and let out a string of curses.
“Like I said,” drawled T.J., “put up or shut up.”
“Damn!” Luke reached over and stuck his hand in
the pocket of the shirt Star was wearing. She could feel his fingers rub against her nipple. She grabbed his hand, glancing quickly at T.J. and then back to him.
“Luke,” she whispered, feeling a blush cover her face. “Not now.”
“I only want a cigarette, sweetheart. I’m too angry to think of anything else at the moment.” He grabbed the pack from her pocket and stuck one in his mouth before throwing the rest of the crushed pack on the telephone table. There was a lighter laying there and he used it to light the cigarette.
“I thought you gave up smoking,” said Star.
“Most men smoke after they screw a dame,” said T.J. with a snicker.
“This has nothing to do with my sex life, Stepbrother,” said Luke, blowing smoke in T.J.’s face. “Say something like that again and I’ll have to take you out back and teach you a little lesson in manners.”
“You think so?” T.J. took a step forward but Star was faster and blocked him with her body.
“So, what did the lawyer say?” she asked Luke.
The diversion worked. Luke stepped away, taking another puff of the cigarette, all the while his eyes drilling into T.J. as he answered. “Like T.J. so graciously informed me, there was an error in reading the will. They’ve moved the deadline up to Friday.”
“They can’t do that, can they?” asked Star.
“They can if they’re being paid off by someone.” Luke’s eyes moved back to T.J..
“You can’t pin this one on me, Luke.” T.J. walked over to the couch.
“Don’t think I’m going to believe that you had nothing to do with this,” said Luke.
“Luck is on my side, I guess.” T.J. looked around for his cousins, probably for support, but they had left the room. “Oh, Star, by the way I’m sorry to see the notice in the paper about Bright Star Ranch going up for auction.”
“What do you mean?” asked Luke. “What is he talking about, Star?”
“It’s true, Luke,” she told him sadly. “That’s the reason I’m here trying to make money. We’ve run out of time to pay the back taxes. The notice is already in the paper that the ranch is going up for sale.”
Starstruck Cowboy (Working Man Series Book 1) Page 15
