by Sable Hunter
“No, no, no.” Cato shook her head. “It’s not like that. Heath and I are friends. That’s all.”
Olivia put one well-manicured hand on her slim hip and surveyed the McCoy sisters. “Do you two believe that?”
“No.” Pepper smiled a small smile.
“Ah, now’s not the time for jokes or joshing.” Olivia kissed both girls on the forehead. “Don’t you two fret, Jaxson is alive and he’s strong. He’ll be okay.” Looking at Cato, she added. “Nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ll see one another again soon.”
When she’d left, Ryder patted the chair she’d vacated. “Come sit between us, Cato.”
She moved and immediately Ryder laid her head on Cato’s shoulder. She soothed the younger woman’s hair. “I’m so sorry this happened.”
“We just couldn’t believe it.” Pepper wiped her eyes. “One minute he was laughing and talking about a date he had lined up with Tamara Grayson and the next we heard everyone screaming that he was hurt.”
“Learning to live with a disability is always hard, but not impossible.”
The other two girls nodded and smiled slightly, knowing Cato spoke from experience.
“I should have been out there helping.” Ryder twisted a napkin in her hands. “When I was younger, I used to dog every step Jaxson made. I knew we were short-handed. Most of the men were out baling and hauling hay. Ten was out with Bowie Travis checking out a lead they’d found down near Sandy Creek.” When she saw Cato’s look of curiosity, she explained. “Ten found tire tracks and a place where one of the fences had been cut. And Philip was with Zane going over his defense and I…I was talking…”
Pepper leaned forward. “Stop being so hard on yourself, Ryder. There is no one definition or formula for love.”
Cato was confused but she wouldn’t ask.
Ryder placed her head in her hands. Cato thought she was crying. She wasn’t, she was blushing. “God, who would have ever thought?” In a few seconds she looked up and turned to Cato. “Do you remember Samson Duke?”
“Yes, he would be hard to forget.”
“Ha!” Ryder wiped her eyes. “Isn’t that the truth? Now, imagine this. There’s two of them. He has a brother named Gideon and they both want me.”
“You have two brothers fighting over you? Gosh, some women have all the luck.” She was trying to tease her into a smile.
“Oh, they’re not fighting.” Ryder laughed wryly. “They’re cooperating.” She leaned toward Cato. “They want to share me.”
“Shhhh.” Pepper got their attention. “Here comes Heath and he has ears like a bat.”
“I heard that,” Heath said dryly, meeting Cato’s eyes and winking. “What do you not want me to know?”
Ryder turned several shades of red. “Nothing, it’s just girl-talk.”
“I bet.” He hugged both of his sisters. “I’m going to take Cato home and then head out to the ranch and get things ready for Jaxson to come home. I went in to see him and you two can go next.”
“How is he?” Pepper asked, her face hopeful yet sad.
“Right now, he’s on a lot of medication. But he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. He said now his socks would last twice as long and his risk of getting rattlesnake bit had been cut in half.”
Pepper moaned. “Aww, poor Jax. I love him so.”
“We all do,” Heath agreed. “Ready?” he asked Cato.
“Yes.” She stood and hugged both girls. “Please call me if I can do anything to help.”
After saying their goodbyes, Heath led her out. “You never know what a day will bring. Do you?”
“No, you don’t.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m so sorry all of this happened.”
“I know.” He pushed her hair over her shoulder. “Being with you made it all easier. So, let’s continue on with our plans for next weekend, whatever they are. I have this feeling I’m going to need you like crazy after a few days.”
* * *
Cato huffed her consternation. What a day! First, she’d had a flat tire over near Johnson City, then she’d been stood up for an interview with one of the musicians from Coldplay. It wasn’t his fault, they were playing Austin City Limits and a rehearsal had been called. Still, she’d gone to a lot of trouble, getting reservations at the exclusive Roaring Fork restaurant. Hence, she was disappointed. “Arg!” She flung down her briefcase.
Wait. Something was wrong.
She looked closely at her desk.
Things had been moved around! She’d swear it. Slowly, Cato sat down at her chair and tried to remember where she’d had everything sitting. Yes, she always kept the stapler to the right and it was now on the left. The yellow sticky note dispenser was now at the front and she liked it in the back. Her coffee cup was on the far corner, very near to the edge, not where she’d left it. “Dang it!” She tried her drawers and thankfully they were still locked. Who had gone through her desk? And what were they looking for?
Cato was unnerved. She didn’t have anything worth stealing.
Knowing she’d feel better if she talked to someone, Cato walked toward Floyd Redford’s office. On the way she met the eyes of her coworkers, none of which she knew well, but they were all so easy going and friendly. Elaine liked cats, she wouldn’t hurt a flea. George loved to talk about golf, he was the one everyone went to for hints on media coverage. Bernice was quiet, but she always had her mind on men. None of those folks would be out to steal small change or paperclips, would they?
Yet, one of them was guilty.
Approaching Floyd’s glassed-in office, she hesitated because he was on the phone. Keeping her eye on him to see when he was free, Cato let her mind wander to Heath. She wondered how things were going with Jaxson. It had been a few days since she’d seen them and the weekend couldn’t come fast enough to suit her.
Cato imagined it was the same with those who could hear—sometimes you aren’t really listening until a word you overhear catches your attention and then you start to listen. It was the same way with her lip-reading from a distance. She wasn’t really trying to read Floyd’s lips until she saw the word ‘McCoy’ and then she was on red alert. Cato narrowed her eyes. What the hell? “I couldn’t find it. I’ll keep looking. How much proof do you need? What’s my cut?”
None of what he said was damning but warning bells were ringing inside of Cato’s head. Slowly, she backed away and left before he could see her. Could her boss have been the one who was going through her desk? And if so, what exactly was he looking for? All of a sudden she wanted to talk to Heath.
Wheeling around, Cato picked up her stuff and left. Something was going on and until she had it figured out, she’d be working from home.
* * *
“Fuck!” Jaxson threw a glass across the room and felt little satisfaction when it shattered all over the floor.
He hurt. His foot cramped—the foot that wasn’t there.
His phone rang. He picked it up. Tammy. She’d called six times and been by twice and he hadn’t talked to her yet. “Hell!” Might as well get it over with.
“McCoy.”
“Jaxson, this is Tammy. I’ve been so worried. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m fine.” He wasn’t fine. Fine was just something you said when you didn’t want to talk. He’d never be fine again.
“I’d like to see you.”
“No, thanks.”
Silence. “Jaxson, please, I just…”
“Look, I’ve been thinking and this isn’t going to work.”
“I don’t understand.”
“What’s to understand?” Jaxson asked harshly. “I don’t want to see you. You’re not my type.” He bit the words out. No, she wasn’t his type—not anymore.
“Oh.” Tammy’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Sorry to bother you. I hope you’ll be…”
Jaxson hung up, he couldn’t handle it anymore.
“Fuck!”
Knock. Knock.
“Go away!”
Heath opened th
e door. “Are you all right? I heard something break.”
“I’m fine and dandy. How are you?” Jaxson pasted on a fake smile.
“Worried about you.”
“Not necessary.”
“Why don’t you come out in the living room and stay with the family. Dad is beating Ten at chess.”
“I’m tired, I think I’ll go to bed.” Jaxson rolled his wheelchair to the other side of the room, effectively putting distance between him and his older brother.
“Are you sure?” Heath asked, taking a step forward.
“Absolutely.” Jaxson’s tone brooked no argument.
“All right, I’ll be up for a while if you need me.”
The peal of the doorbell rang through the house. “You’d better go, I think you have company.”
“What if it’s for you?”
“Tell them I don’t live here anymore.” Jaxson turned his back on his brother and stared out the window.
Heath wanted to stay but the commotion from the front of the house concerned him. What the fuck could be wrong now?
When he walked back into the living room, he knew.
Caesar Arness.
“What do you want, Arness?” Heath barked.
Philip looked around to see Arness standing there flanked by two men in very expensive suits. “Good morning, everyone. I’d like to introduce my attorney, Clyde Lecter, and I believe you know the state Attorney General, Hector Gonzales.”
Both Philip and Heath stepped forward. “What’s all this, Arness?”
Arness met Ryder and Pepper’s worried eyes and nodded to them. “I hate to do this in front of your women folk, but I’ve come to shut down your oil and gas wells, McCoy. And to tell you I’ll be bringing heavy equipment onto your land to start some exploratory work.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Heath asked with fury. “If you think you’re stealing my land, you’re crazy.”
“Oh, I’m not after your land, McCoy.” Arness held his hand out to his lawyer, who handed him some papers. “But I am the sole owner of all the mineral rights associated with your ranch.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Cato was lying in bed when she felt her phone vibrate. Picking it up, she read the words. “I need you.”
Heath.
I’m here. She typed.
Can I come over?
Of course.
Thank God. Let me in.
Where are you?
On your front porch.
Oh my God! Cato jumped up and ran to the door, threw it open and Heath swept her up in his arms. “What’s wrong?”
She knew he couldn’t answer until they got back to her bedroom where the light was on, as always. As soon as they did, he started talking. It was as if he couldn’t shut up. “Cato, I’ve missed you. I need you.” He repeated the sentiment.
Her heart pounded. “You’ve got me.” She stared at him with big doe eyes and pulled him close for a kiss.
“That’s right, keep the kisses coming.”
Cato smiled and offered her lips once more. Heath deliberately tasted her mouth, mapping every inch. Their kisses grew more intense, longer, hotter, wetter. Heath lost track of number or time, all he knew was Cato and how she was turning him inside out. Pulling away he gasped for breath, gazing at her as if he couldn’t quite believe how he was feeling. “I want to get all tangled up with you. You make me feel alive.”
“You kiss better than anyone in the world, cowboy.”
Heath chuckled. “I hope that’s not my only talent.”
“It’s not, you have many.” She took his hand in hers and placed it between her breasts.
“I can’t change who I am, Cato, right or wrong.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
Heath realized that. She wasn’t asking him for anything and the funny thing was, he was disappointed. “Ask me for something.” He challenged.
“You.” She leaned over and kissed his chest. “Every time I think about you, I ache.”
Perfect answer. Picking up her gown by the hem, he skimmed it up and over her head. “Fuck, baby.”
“Lie down.” She pushed on his shoulders. “I never did get to be on top last time.”
“No, you didn’t.” He unbuckled his belt and unzipped his fly. “Allow me to rectify that oversight.”
Cato stared at the strip of white underwear he’d exposed and the large bulge beneath it. “You are so hung.” She reached out and raked her nails down the hard ridge and was gratified when she felt it pulse beneath her fingertips.
“You inspire me,” Heath hissed.
“Talk about inspire.” She tugged on his pants, attempting to free his cock. “One look from you and my panties are damp.”
“You don’t have on any panties.”
“You’re right. I’m naked and you’re way overdressed.” Together they tugged on his clothes, laughing. “God, I’m glad you’re here. I wasn’t expecting to see you until this weekend, and I really wasn’t sure about that, not with everything that’s going on.”
For a moment, his brain fogged and all of his problems came roaring back. No! Later—he needed this now, he needed her. “I couldn’t stay away.” Taking her by the hand, he urged, “Sit on me.”
Heath steadied her as she climbed on top of him. “Don’t let me hurt you.” She was careful to get her knees on either side of his hips. “I don’t want to damage the goods.”
“You make me laugh.” Heath snorted.
“Just don’t laugh at me, laugh with me.” She waved her hands up and down her body. “I’m feeling a little vulnerable here.”
“Don’t.” Heath’s pulse raced as if he’d sucked in pure oxygen. The sight of her before him stole his breath. “You have a perfect face and body, magnificent tits, a tiny waist and an ass that won’t quit—and this…” He touched her between the legs. “Let me see.”
Heath had her hypnotized. She leaned back, supporting herself on her hands and tilted her pussy toward him, spreading as wide as she could.
“Look how wet you are for me.” With the pads of his fingers, he rubbed luxurious ovals up and down her slit, lubricating Cato with her own cream. “A woman’s pussy is one of the most perfect creations.” Heath held her gaze. “And this one belongs to me.”
Cato shuddered. “Yes, it does.” She belonged to him—body, heart and soul—for as long as he wanted her.
“You’re the sexiest woman in the world to me.”
Cato didn’t know where all these sweet words were coming from, but she was enjoying them.
Her wide smile and the honest pleasure in her eyes made his cock throb in time with the pounding of his heart. Heath let his hands slide up her thighs slowly, enjoying the smoothness of her skin, moving around to meet at the crease of her butt. “Kiss me?”
His question surprised her. “Love to.” Leaning over, she brushed her mouth against his. Her nipples grazed his chest, tingling from the tickle of the dark hair dusted across his pecs. When she let just the tip of her tongue touch his, she felt him tremble. Rising up, she studied his face.
“Don’t tease me, Cat, I can’t take much more tonight.”
His new nickname sent a thrill down her spine. “I’m not teasing, Heath, I’m more than serious.” She moved in to kiss him again and he captured her lips, soft turning to hard in seconds. Heath took over, his tongue invading, his lips possessing. When Cato felt his fingers on her nipples, pulling and milking. She shook, her control slipping away. All she could do was seek to be closer, to get relief. Cato couldn’t have stopped her hips from moving if she’d tried. With tiny undulations, she scrubbed her pussy against his abdomen, the friction sending a zing through her body, any moment she’d go up in flames. Heat rushed straight to her clit as Heath continued to play with her breasts. God, she loved this! Cato ground herself against him. “I need you inside me,” she gasped, tearing her mouth from his.
Heath answered, “Take me. Do it.” He demanded.
But she hesitated
, not sure how to proceed, all she knew to do was show him how much she wanted him in the only way she knew how.
Cato was kissing and licking his body, nipping his throat, rubbing her cheek against the scruff on his face. Reaching between them, Heath urged her to raise up long enough for him to guide his aching cock to the opening of her pussy. She met his gaze then, huge eyes that mirrored what she was feeling. He watched her mouth form a perfect ‘O’ as he pushed up inside of her. “God, baby!” How could he ever begin to explain how good it felt to sink up into her snug velvety heat? Heath shunted his hips to bury himself all the way, closed his eyes and groaned. “You’re a witch, I swear.”
Cato placed both hands on his chest and tested what she could do. “This feels so good, Heath, you’re so deep.” Bending forward slightly, she lifted her hips up and sank back down, up and down.
“Stop moving a second.” Heath grasped her hips. “I’m hanging on by a whisper.” Cato smiled at him, a smile so bright it made Heath feel like he’d swallowed the sun. “You’re beautiful, my Cato.” Lifting his hands, he covered her breasts and palmed them, lifting and molding, kneading and shaping. “Oh, I like that,” he groaned as she tightened around him. “Do that, squeeze my cock. Don’t go up and down, just move back and forth and milk…” He groaned. “Shit…I still may not last.”
“You don’t have to.” Cato melted. “I can’t. I have to cum, it just feels so good.”
“Christ, you’re amazing.” Heath could get off just from watching her face. She loved being with him—there was no pretense, no put-on. This woman flamed at his touch and that was a major turn-on. “Hold on.”
When he began to move inside of her, Cato’s brain fogged. She arched her back, her hair flowing behind her and clenched and unclenched her pussy muscles as he thrust upward, faster and faster. Having to hold on to something, she placed her hands on his forearms as he continued to massage her tits. “Fuck, fuck…” she whispered.
The erotic word on her lips spurred him on. “Yes, ma’am.”
Cato dissolved into mindless rapture. She couldn’t keep up, so she just accepted him, welcomed him, became the source of his pleasure, the receptacle of his passion. Over and over again, he hammered into her—big, thick, hard, throbbing and she loved it—she craved it. God, she wanted to fuck him forever. “Heath!” His name on her lips seemed the appropriate epitaph to dying of mind-numbing bliss.
