Abby thought her heart would jump out of her chest. Fletcher sat back and stared into her eyes. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she said in a trembling whisper.
* * * *
He leaned over the bed and pulled something out of his jeans pocket. Fletch quickly rolled the condom onto his cock. Then he pulled her hips upward and kissed her lower lips again. When he saw her eyes were glazed over, he quickly pushed his hard cock into her tight, warm pussy.
He’d never had such a ravenous hunger to be part of a woman. His thrusts were forceful, but he watched her face to be certain she enjoyed the intensity of their desired union. She opened her eyes and stared into his. His heart filled with love for her. He went deeper and held still. Her hot pussy walls tightened in response, again and again, and his passion flowed out of him. He held her hips upward and stroked in and out a few more times before collapsing on her soft body. He raised enough to not hurt her and to kiss her swollen lips.
* * * *
When Fletcher looked into her eyes, a sense of ecstasy flowed over her, and her pussy throbbed with desire around his hard cock. Their eyes locked and her heart soared. His last few strokes caused an explosion of a voracious desire spiraling through her body. She looked into his strong face and knew she’d fallen all the way in love with him. When he lay on her for a short time, his heart pounded against hers.
Fletcher rolled to her side and gradually his breathing slowed. Abby cuddled against him.
He turned to face her. His greenish-brown eyes glowed. His fingers traced the edges of her face.
“I love you. I don’t think you can deny you love me.”
She started to speak, and he put his finger over her mouth. “Don’t say anything. Let’s sleep. We can talk in the morning.” He reached out and pulled her close. Gradually, her body relaxed, and she cuddled closer, but he didn’t sleep until early morning.
* * * *
When Abby woke, Fletcher moved but didn’t wake up. She tiptoed into the bathroom for her shower, and then dressed quickly so as not to wake him.
Once the coffee started perking, Abby went back to her bedroom and shook his shoulder. “It’s getting late. We both have to work.”
Fletcher sat up on the side of the bed and pulled her close so she stood between his legs. “You still haven’t said whether you love me.” Fletch held her hand and rubbed his finger across the top.
“I might love you, but it doesn’t mean I’m ready to marry you.”
“What will it take for you to say yes?”
“I have to know you won’t be controlling as my father was with my mother and me. I want any children I have to grow up in a happy environment and not tiptoe around to keep from upsetting their father.” Abby looked down at the bed. She didn’t want to see his reaction.
Fletcher gently pushed her back and stood. He tipped her chin upward. “I’m sorry you feel that way about me. I’m not controlling, but if I saw you and our children or any child doing something I considered would be reckless or dangerous, I’d give my opinion. I want to feel I can express myself freely in my marriage.” He stared into her eyes and shook his head. “So, maybe you’re right. Perhaps we aren’t going to be good for each other.”
Silence fell between them. Fletcher headed for the shower. “I need to get back to the ranch.”
Tears ran down Abby’s face. Am I acting stupid? But I can’t just marry him because we’re good in bed, or perhaps I’m thinking too much about the way my father sometimes acted. I still loved my father, but it would be different from a husband. I’m not sure what it would take to make me feel more confident in our relationship.
She hurried to the kitchen and wiped her eyes. She’d cook breakfast for them, and then they had to hurry to work, or at least she did. She was turning the bacon when she heard the front door close. Abby ran to the door, but Fletcher’s truck was racing down the drive.
In the bedroom, there was no note, nothing. Abby’s heart sank. She’d pushed him away one time too many.
Why didn’t I keep my mouth shut and enjoy the moment? Deep inside, she knew the answer. Their coming together had been too intense. It had shocked and overwhelmed her, and to be honest scared her. I’ve never had such deep feelings for anyone.
After dumping the bacon in the trash, she finished getting ready for work and headed out. She arrived on time and was glad they were busy. It didn’t give her time to think, and that’s the way she wanted it.
Chapter Eight
Abby deliberately visited Jack later that evening, hoping to miss seeing Fletcher.
“Hi, Jack. How’s it going?” she said, trying to sound cheerful.
“I’m doing fine. My doctor says I can go home tomorrow. Fletch is going to have a nurse there when I arrive and one scheduled around the clock. Later, when I’m stronger, I’ll change the nurse to an aide. You just missed him. He didn’t look too happy. Did you two have another falling out?”
“Not exactly.”
Jack raised his eyebrows and stared at her.
She scooted her chair closer to him and spoke softly. “We care for each other, but I’m afraid he’s too much like my father.”
A puzzled expression came over Jack’s face. “In what way?”
“Fletcher is controlling. He wants to tell me what’s best.” She’d been looking down. Now, she raised her head.
“I see tears. You must really care about him.”
Abby cried harder. “I love him, and I promised myself I’d never marry a demanding man.”
Jack patted her hand where it lay on the bed. He smiled. “My darling niece, Fletcher is the most giving and helpful man I know. He’s soft-hearted and has been bringing home strays, be they people or animals in need, longer than I can remember. He will make suggestions. I’ve never heard him order anyone around. Even with his staff, he’ll listen to what they have to say.” Jack shook his head. “I think you are extra sensitive to anything he says for fear of marrying a man like my brother.”
Abby sat straighter and frowned. “Then you are saying it’s my problem and not his?”
“Oh, my dear. When you get that expression, you remind me of your father.”
“I am not my father.” She spoke too loudly, and the nurse came to the door.
“What’s going on in here?” She frowned at Abby. “He mustn’t be upset.”
“I’m not,” Jack said. “And I upset her.”
“The nurse is right. I’d better leave. I’m tired.”
Jack grabbed her hand. “I love you. I said what I did so you’d look at both of you and not just Fletcher.”
“I know. I’m glad you’ll be going home. I’m leaving to go home and make a casserole I can bring over for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Home cooking, there’s nothing better. See you.”
Abby strode straight out of the hospital. She didn’t want to see the nurse who’d come to the door. Her behavior and raised voice embarrassed her. “Could Jack be right? Am I more like my father than I thought?”
* * * *
“What’s wrong with you, Fletcher? Every time you’ve come for dinner this week, you’d been in a bad mood and tried to start an argument with whichever brother is also here.”
“Nothing, I’m just fine!”
“Son, I think you’d best stay away for a while until you can remember you don’t talk to your mother like you just did.”
Fletcher stood abruptly. “Sorry, Mom.” He glanced at his twin brothers and his dad, nodded, and took long strides out of the house. Then he walked to the back of the house, across the driveway and into the stable. He’d started to saddle his horse, when his dad came inside the barn.
“Going for a ride to cool off is a good idea. But it won’t solve the problem. If you love the lady, tell her.”
“She doesn’t want to hear it. I did tell her, like the fool I am. I told one other woman I loved her, and she left me to go to the city with someone richer.”
“Don’t let past mistakes ke
ep you from being happy in the present.”
Fletch shook his head. “I’m not, Dad. But she thinks I’m controlling, and it scares her. Her father was that way. Do you think I am?”
His father laughed. “Not at all. You want what’s best for her. But I think she’s trying to find out for herself.”
“How did you get so smart about women?” Fletch asked and led his horse into a nearby empty corral.
“Your mother taught me all I know.” Fletcher and his dad laughed and Fletch hugged him. “Come on back and have dessert with the family. Otherwise, your mother will worry about you all night.”
When they went back in, the others smiled, and his mother hurried to get him some blueberry pie and ice cream. “You almost missed your favorite dessert.”
“Thanks, it looks delicious.” Fletch glanced around the room at his twin brothers and his parents. “I’m blessed. I have to remember not everyone had my childhood.”
“You do usually,” his brother Justyn said. “Your lady friend has you a bit off balance.”
“What can I do about it?”
Justyn shrugged. “Don’t ask me. I stay away from most of the ladies. They want all your attention.”
Everyone laughed, and the tension was gone from the room. Mom said, “You will be the last of my sons to get married, Justyn, you or Heath.”
“That sounds good to me.”
Fletch hugged his mother extra tight before he left. “It was a good dinner, Mom. I’m sorry I acted out like such a fool.”
His mother stared up at Fletcher. “I always thought you’d have the easiest time when you fell in love. You are so sweet and loving.” She smiled. “I remember the many times you brought me wildflowers clutched in your hand. You have much to give to the woman you love. Don’t marry anyone who doesn’t realize the wonderful man she’s getting. I like Abby, but she has many things she needs to work through before she knows what she wants and who she wants. If you love her, give her space and time.”
“Thanks for the advice, Mom. I know you’re right. Abby keeps telling me basically the same thing. I think I’ll go visit Heath for a week or two.”
“Good idea. You two are close, and Heath will enjoy the visit.”
“I’ll call him tonight.”
“He may be on a hot date,” his mom teased.
“I don’t think so. Heath’s been pretty restless lately. Maybe he’s getting tired of New York.”
“I’d love for him to move back home. Then I’d have all my family together.”
Fletch kissed his mom’s cheek and waved at his dad.
It didn’t take him long to get home. The light on his phone was blinking. His heart jumped, hoping it was Abby. He hit the recorder button.
Heath’s voice came on. “Hi, Fletch. I’m sitting here bored and thought how much I’d enjoy a visit. I haven’t heard much from you. Call me.”
Fletch shook his head. What a coincidence, or was it? I’d bet Mom talked with him earlier today. He dialed the number, and it rang four times before Heath got it.
“Sorry, I was out on the veranda and didn’t hear the phone at first.”
“You must have been deep in thought. I hope it wasn’t about me. I’m sure Mom called you to suggest I visit.”
“She did. I told her you’d figure it out, but she’s worried about you, and I can’t remember her ever having to worry regarding you. The rest of us, yes.”
Fletch laughed. “I never realized everyone saw me as the kid who never upset Mom.”
“You were so good to her, we couldn’t compete.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be, it’s a good trait, and we learned from you.”
“What’s bothering you, Heath?”
“Why do you ask? I’m fine.”
“All this small talk isn’t like you.
“I know. I’m trying to make a decision. How about coming here and help me.”
“Mom must be clairvoyant. She suggested I visit to get advice from you. I’d bet she knew you needed me.”
“Or both of us needed each other. Mom’s scary at times in how she picks up our moods so easily.”
“Well, I’ll be on my way to New York on the first plane I can get tomorrow. Before I change my mind and don’t leave.”
“Let me know your arrival time, and I’ll save you a taxi ride.”
“Will do. Good night.” Fletch put the phone down and paced the room. Should I call Abby before I leave? No, I don’t want to seem so needy. Time apart will be good for me and her. And this separation there’ll be no chance of running into each other. I’ll call Jack in the morning and make certain he’s fine. The hired staff is ready to care for him when they get the discharge notice. So, no worries. New York, here I come.
* * * *
Fletcher had forgotten how much New York made him thankful he lived in the quiet countryside. The loud noise and the crowds of people walking around made him long for home.
“Quit frowning. If you lived here, you’d get used to the sounds and the flurry of people rushing here and there,” Heath said. He’d picked Fletcher up at the airport and now wound his way past the congestion into the city where he lived.
“Aren’t we going to your office?” Fletch asked.
“I’ve taken the day off. The boss can do that, you know. Although you rarely take advantage of the opportunity.”
Fletch chuckled. “I might if I worked here.”
Heath parked in his spot, and they rode up his private elevator to the top floor. “I finally got the penthouse I wanted, about a year ago.”
“Being up this high, I’m not sure I’ll be brave enough to go out on your veranda.”
Heath opened the door and told his brother to have a seat. “I’m going to call downstairs. They’ll deliver lunch, and meanwhile, I’ll fix us a drink. Do you still drink bourbon?”
“Yes, none your fancy drinks for me.”
“You don’t even try them. How do you know you wouldn’t like an icy margarita in the middle of the day?”
Fletcher leaned his head back against the sofa cushion. “Go ahead and give me one. From the descriptions I’ve been getting at home, I must be very boring.”
“You mean how sweet and good you are?” Heath’s eyes twinkled.
“Yes, please don’t join the others.”
“It’s not a bad thing.”
Fletch ignored his comment and took the drink handed to him. “It’s pretty.” He grinned. “I’m sure you put the little umbrella in it especially for me. I ought to fight you, so you’d remember how tough I can be.”
Heath rubbed his jaw. “Yeah, I remember. I deserved it.”
“Stop all the casual bull. What’s wrong?” Fletch leaned forward and put his glass on the table.
“I think someone is trying to kill me.”
Fletch leaned back against his seat. “What the hell?”
“Yeah, that’s the way I thought the first time I got sick. I had to call an ambulance, and they took me to the hospital. They emptied my stomach.” Heath closed his eyes and shook his head. “You don’t ever want to have that done to you.”
“Did they say what made you sick?”
“They thought it was the shrimp I ate that night, but no one else got sick at the restaurant where I ate, and when the lab tests came back, whatever makes you sick if you eat bad shrimp wasn’t in my stomach. Whatever it was, was not a common poison. I have the name written down somewhere. But the doctor warned me someone had tried to kill me. They called the police, and I gave them the details.”
“When was this and why didn’t you call?”
“A week ago, and I didn’t want the family upset. I need your help to find out who wants me dead.”
Fletch faked a smile. “How many of those competitive dealers that lost bids you won, got tired of losing?”
“They’d send someone to shoot me. But anyway, we’re still friends.”
“Hmmm, who do you suspect?”
“There are several
suspects. I want you to meet the people around me, and see if you know who I think it might be.”
“How do I accomplish that feat? You have tons of friends and employees.”
“Yes, but only one wants me dead.”
“It could be two. Was anyone with you at the restaurant?”
“Yes, several of the people from work. One of them ordered the shrimp also, but didn’t get sick. It was a different restaurant from the ones where I usually eat. Someone had recommended it to me. I think it might have been the lady I’m dating, but I’m not sure. Anyway, we decided to go there.
Tonight, we’ll catch up on what’s happening at home and tomorrow you’ll go to work with me.” Heath got up and walked to the French doors. He slid them open, and a cool breeze blew inside. “You might put yourself in danger,” Heath said and didn’t look back at Fletch.
Fletch walked up beside him. “We’re in this together. Let’s find this person and put her in jail.”
“Why do think it’s a woman?”
“Because a man would have someone shoot you or run you down.”
“Maybe not. I’ve heard of men using poisoning.”
“We’ll see. I’ll watch out for everyone around you. Have you pissed anyone off lately?”
“Well, not enough that I thought they’d kill me.”
“Have you told anyone you were sick and what happened?”
“No, I thought I’d wait for you.”
“Good. Tell the ones closest to you, tomorrow. I want to see their faces.”
“Good idea.”
“There’s a knock on the door. I expect it’s the lunch I ordered earlier.” Heath strode across the tiled entranceway and opened the door for the waiter. The waiter rolled the cart in and took off the metal covers.
“Thank you, Herman.” Heath tipped Herman, and he left.
“Do you think it’s safe to eat this meal?” Fletch asked.” He smelled each plate and took a small bite. “It smells and tastes good.”
The Unclaimed Mail Order Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 11
