He suckled her tongue and a most delightful awareness raced through her. Julia almost cried out at the tingles of heat sinking in through her skin when his thick hands slid down her back and then up her sides. She noted he remained respectful enough not to touch her breasts.
Abruptly he took her shoulders and moved her back. They stared at each other in the moonlight, both breathing hard. “I’m not sure if I should apologize,” Grant told her with a lopsided grin, which showed a deep dimple in his left cheek. “Should I?”
Julia could barely contain the giddy pleasure inside, she wanted to throw herself against him and keep kissing until the sun rose. She fumbled with the blanket beneath her hands. “No. You most definitely should not.” She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek then slid away and he took her hand to stop her.
“Good night, Julia.”
Her feet barely touched the ground as she made her way back to her bedroom. In a daze she realized no man had ever made her feel the way she did at the moment.
Grant Gentry could prove to be her undoing.
Julia took a deep breath, or a wonderful respite from an otherwise mundane life.
Chapter Three
“Afternoon Ladies. I’m here to see about my son?” A tall wide-shouldered man loomed in the doorway. Julia, along with her aunts, jumped to her feet. They’d left the door open to allow for fresh air to flow not expecting any visitors.
At the sound of the deep masculine voice, Julia couldn’t help but eye the hallway to the back of the house, mentally measuring the distance in case she needed to flee. It was careless to allow herself the luxury of relaxation. She should always remain alert.
“Kyle Gentry. It’s about time you come check on your son.” Miss Mary tsked while closing the distance between them and the man who frowned down at the petite woman. “He could’ve died, you know. You as his father should have been here with him.”
Grant’s father. Julia looked to Miss Lucille, who went to stand beside her sister, forming a united disapproving front.
Kyle Gentry had the decency to look chagrined, but only for a moment. He resembled his son. Same tall stature, intense brown eyes, and thick wavy, silver streaked at the temples, brown hair.
He seemed to be taken aback at the women’s stance and lifted his broad shoulders in a shrug. “You’re right, but I had much on my mind ladies. Had to look for my youngest, Linc. Haven’t found ’im.”
“Oh goodness,” Miss Mary said, losing some of her bravado. “Where could the poor boy be?”
“I’m hoping Grant can help shed some light on it. His older brother is here, just outside, wants to take him home.”
“He can’t leave yet.” Julia instantly regretted the words when the man who, up until now hadn’t noticed her, narrowed his eyes in her direction.
He didn’t reply, instead looked back to the sisters and removed his hat. “I’m obliged at your caring for my son and will repay you of course. Can I see him?”
“It was the Christian thing to do, we don’t require repayment,” Miss Mary told him, her hands on her hips.
“He’s in the back bedroom.” Miss Lucille nodded and pointed to the hallway. “We moved him from in here once he got better. He’s up to sitting and walking a bit now. But not well enough to be alone, especially since his home is remote. So we talked him out of going home for a few more days.”
Miss Lucille maintained eye contact with Kyle Gentry until the man looked toward the hallway. “Yes Ma’am.”
“Julia will show you to the bedroom,” Miss Mary said, motioning for him to follow her.
Without speaking Julia led the way. Although nervous at the close proximity to the silent man, she was glad for the errand upon hearing another male voice in the front room. It had to be the older brother. The lawman.
Julia knocked lightly and pushed open the door to the bedroom where Grant was ensconced. He sat in a chair by the window, his countenance darkening upon spotting his father. Grant’s gaze flickered to her, but did not lighten.
“Would you like coffee, Mr. Gentry?” she asked the man who shook his head.
After an awkward beat she exited, leaving the door cracked. Instead of making her way to the front room, she sat on a chair in the hallway. If Grant needed her, she’d be within earshot.
It was obvious the two were not on good terms and she wondered what happened between them to cause the rift.
“I’m glad to see you’re better son. How did all this happen? Where is your brother?” Kyle’s voice, although low, held an edge to it.
“I don’t know. We were assaulted about two days’ ride from here while we slept.”
“No lookout?”
“Larry was, they must have gotten to him first. When I came to at daybreak, I found him. Shot in the head. Everyone, Larry, Will and Jack were dead. Linc was gone.” Grant spoke without inflection, as if reliving the terrible night did not affect him. She knew different, his nightmares were always about that night.
“Did you recognize any of the men who attacked you?”
“It was too dark. One had a distinct voice…” Julia strained to hear the information, but Grant spoke in low tones, his voice too soft to hear from where she sat.
“Is there anything you can remember that could help?” The room was quiet for a few minutes and Julia wanted desperately to move closer, but she remained still. Grant must have shaken his head because Kyle spoke again. “People are saying you and Linc staged the whole thing to give him a chance to escape.”
“Do they honestly believe we’d go so far as to kill?” Grant’s voice rose. “I almost died. My brother would not gut me in order to run. Not to mention that he’s innocent of what he’s accused of. No doubt you imagine the same, don’t you, Pa?” This time anger tinged his words.
“No, I don’t believe he would have had you gutted or killed those boys in order to escape.”
“But you still think Linc’s guilty of killing that Taylor over some saloon girl. Just like the damn fools who prefer to believe a stranger over one of their own when it comes to Linc.”
“I’m not here to argue with you, Grant, or upset you. Miss Sullivan said you were in a bad way.” Kyle’s voice boomed. “I’ll take you home if you’re ready.”
“I can get home on my own.”
“Suit yourself.”
Footsteps brought Kyle Gentry out from the bedroom and Julia got to her feet. The rancher did not look to her, but instead turned and headed toward the front of the house.
Although she wondered if Grant wanted to be alone, Julia went to the bedroom doorway anyway. She found Grant head bent, looking at the floor. He lifted his head and for a few seconds she caught vulnerability in his expression before he schooled it to something more neutral.
“Would you like to go out front and see your brother?” Julia asked. “I believe he came with your father.”
“No, not now.” He raked his fingers through his almost shoulder length hair. Julia realized he’d been there a month and had not had a haircut. His hair was thick with burnished waves that fell forward to block his face when he looked down. “At supper I will let your aunts know I plan to leave in the morning. It’s time. I have to help find my brother. Please tell Emerson to come see me at my house when he gets a chance.”
Julia’s stomach lurched at the knowledge he’d leave so soon. She’d become accustomed to his strong presence, seeing his handsome face daily. “Would you like me to cut your hair later?”
He nodded. “Yes thank you.”
“Supper will be ready in a few minutes.” She turned and left.
It was only when she entered the front room she remembered Grant’s older brother, the marshal, was present. She gave one of the older women Grant’s message for Emerson and let out a breath of relief that the men were already outside. From the window Julia studied the Gentry’s while they spoke to the sisters.
Grant’s brother Emerson was taller, with the same expansive chest and broad shoulders, but th
is brother was darker and almost too beautiful to be male. His olive skin, raven black hair and bearded jaw enforced the intensity of the lawman. The almost black eyes lifted to the window and met hers for a beat and narrowed. Julia’s throat dried at the depth of his gaze and she stumbled back from the window. One thing for sure, she hoped never to cross paths with Emerson Gentry alone. The intelligence in his gaze made her wary.
Dinner was quiet that evening, with Julia and Miss Mary joined by Grant. Miss Lucille had rushed to town to see about a young woman who was about to give birth. The sisters were commonly sought to help out in these cases, as most families in the west were young and inexperienced in such matters.
Julia wrapped a cloth around his shoulders and began combing his hair back to trim it. In that moment, it felt so personal. The common task of cutting a man’s hair usually fell to a wife or family member. He looked over his shoulder at her. “I appreciate you doing this, I would have ended up doing it myself at home with disastrous results.”
“I’m sure Julia will do a fine job.” Miss Mary smiled at them then frowned. “ But young man, I am not convinced you are well enough to be alone.”
“I’m going home in the morning Miss Mary. It’s time.”
“I see your mind is made up.” Miss Mary finally relented.
Julia kept from commenting, too afraid her feelings would show. It made no sense, the attachment she’d developed to him. She and Grant were practically strangers. It would be inappropriate to allow him knowledge of her not wanting him to leave. The emotions were too profound for a man she’d no claim to. Surely he’d think her crazy or overly free with her feelings.
“All done,” she reluctantly admitted after trimming his hair and carefully combing it in place. She inspected him from the front to ensure the sides were even.
His gaze rested on her for a few beats. “Thank you both for everything. I am grateful. Once I’m recovered enough I will come and help out with mending the fence and any other things you may need.”
It was cute the way Miss Mary became flustered at his words and smiled at him. “Of course we don’t expect you to have a reason to visit. We’ve all become fond of you in this short time and hope you’ll come and join us for dinner on occasion. Haven’t we Julia?” She gave Julia a quick wink.
“Yes, we have,” Julia replied her face heating up.
“I will return and maybe more often than you’ll like.” He flashed a flirty smile at the older woman. “It goes without saying, you are welcome to visit my home as well. I hope you will.”
“Lucille and I will definitely come and visit. We love the well-traveled road between here and Rutgers Ridge.” Miss Mary actually blushed and batted her eyelashes.
He lifted an eyebrow at Julia. “And you, Miss Julia. Will you come visit me?”
“I—I…of course,” Julia’s face reddened even more and she cursed her fairness. Thankfully Miss Mary didn’t seem to notice. Grant, on the other hand, smiled and lifted an eyebrow.
Miss Mary and Grant had gone to bed and the house was quiet. After dishes were washed Julia ensured the front door was bolted and followed the light of a lantern in the hall to make her way toward her bedroom. The sisters shared a room at the end of the hall, allowing Grant to use Miss Lucille’s room. Grant’s door was open, a lantern still lit, but she didn’t stop until she heard her name.
“Julia?” His voice, although soft, resonated, and her heart began to pound. If she stepped through the doorway, she’d not leave. Not tonight.
The light from the small lantern on the bedside table splayed over Grant. He stood next to the door and watched her enter. His eyes widened slightly at her turning toward him. From the slight parting of his lips, she could tell he’d not expected her to actually come in, but to meet him at the door.
“Are you unwell?” Her gaze swept up from his face to his waist, pausing at the angry scars, which remained bumpy and raw. He held cloths in his hand. “I need help.” He lifted them. “Would you?”
Feeling foolish at the assumption he’d wanted to be intimate with her, Julia took the thin material and instructed him to hold his arms away from his sides. With efficiency she wrapped the strips around his stomach, ensuring not to touch his skin or too look up at him. It would not do to show how much she wanted him, Julia reminded herself as she held a loose grip on her reactions to the close proximity.
His hands felt heavy on her shoulders and he stayed her to ensure she did not leave once the task was completed. “Julia. I want to kiss you again.”
She lifted her face and looked up at him. “Why don’t you?”
“I don’t trust myself to be a gentleman.” His heated gaze sent a shiver into her.
“Can I ask you something?” Julia bit her lip and considered how to phrase the question when he nodded. “Do you live alone?”
“Yes…well, I suppose right now I do. My brother Linc lives with me.” He searched her face for a moment. “Why do you ask?”
Julia lifted one shoulder. “You still need help with things like this.” She motioned to his wrapped waistline. “How will you manage?”
“It was more of an excuse to talk to you once more. I’ll manage.” His lips curved at the corners in an attempt to reassure her.
“Suit yourself,” Julia snapped and jabbed her finger into his shoulder. “If you want to fall over with an infection and lay in a pile of skin and bones until someone finds you, then it’s on you.”
He barked out a laugh when she frowned. “You have a temper. Unexpected surprise. So you won’t worry, let me inform you I do have someone who comes by to help with cooking and such. She’ll ensure I don’t end up in a pile.”
Julia didn’t worry. Instead at his words she felt a possessive surge of anger and jealousy. She huffed and rounded him in her rush to get inside her room. “Suit yourself.”
She. He’d said she. Of course he had someone who cared for him and assisted with things at his house. Did this woman also warm his bed? It shouldn’t matter. She had no right to feel the way she did. All they’d shared was a kiss after all. Yet angry tears fought to be released.
Still flustered, she washed up with water from a basin in her room and pulled on her long nightgown. The room felt too warm, but she couldn’t bring herself to open the window. Although the cool breeze would help, the darkness beyond never ceased to petrify her.
“Julia? Can I come in?” The flame from the candle on her bed table barely gave enough light to see clearly. She spun at a sound at her doorway and found the entire opening filled with Grant’s body. He stood without speaking yet his stance, his arms to his sides, and eyes raking over her, asked many questions.
Julia moved to him, the call of needing too strong to ignore. She wanted, no needed him. When she reached him and lifted her arms to his neck, he let out a soft moan of relief and wrapped his strong arms around her. Flush against his hard chest, she felt protected like never before. The hard thuds of his heart were in sync with hers. Finally his mouth took hers with such savage hunger it melted her heart.
She was thankful for the mild light of the flickering candle, which softened what she knew was not a perfect body. He could look at her and touch her, but Julia didn’t want him to see the gunshot scars on her back.
Chapter Four
Grant did not allow thought…nor the time for his brain to engage, his body demanded and took what Julia offered and she gave all of herself.
The woman’s plush body fit perfectly against his, the curves under his palms soft and pliant. Julia pressed against him in an open invitation. From what he’d overheard in the women’s conversations, he knew she’d been with a man before, was not a virgin, and suspected by her heated looks she was a passionate woman. Now with her nails raking down his shoulders, he knew for sure.
Grant walked her back toward the bed and when they neared it, she released him and directed him to sit. “I’ll help you, no need for you to get hurt, the wound is still tender, I bet.” Her whispered breathy words wash
ed over him as he obediently sat. She pulled his shirt over his head and when he stood, she helped him remove his pants. He’d never stood so bare before a woman. Vulnerability began to form, only to leave when her fingers began to untie the straps at the neckline of her nightgown. Julia’s eyes remained trained on him as she slid the fabric off her shoulders, allowing it to drop and puddle at her feet.
Grant reached to touch the supple skin and with his fingers traced a lazy trail from her shoulder down to her left breast. The pink point puckered when he caressed it, at the same time her breathing pitched. Her eyes trained on him, Julia waited, allowing him to take his time to study her body.
His breathing came in pants but he was not going to hurry, not going to rush. It had been so long, over a year since he’d been privileged enough to lay with a woman and now here stood a beautiful creature who intentionally selected him to be her bed partner. He’d make love to her, would ensure she enjoyed each minute that would surely pass too fast.
“Grant,” Julia took a step toward him, “Take me.”
“Not yet,” he replied, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Let me look at you just a bit longer. You are beautiful.” He took his time sliding his gaze down her alluring form all the time plotting where he’d plant kisses. When he extended his arms, she rushed to him, her face tilted up offering him the fruit of her pursed lips.
He covered her mouth with his. Instantly his blood boiled and every inch of him screamed to possess her. A tremble shook Grant, but he ignored the urgent demands of his body, preferring to taste her lips, thrust his tongue into the depths of warm moisture while sliding his hands down her back to cup her bare buttocks. The orbs were firm and supple…perfect. She thrust forward, sliding against his erection. He hissed at the friction brought by her actions.
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