Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite)

by Larie Brannick

  He’d suffered through lunch while she went on about all the A-list people she knew back in Chicago and how much she wished Jake would move back so she could introduce him to the influential players there. Again he’d excused himself and called Meg only to get her voice mail once more.

  The afternoon hadn’t been any better, and by the time he’d left the third message for Meg he was nearly out of his mind with worry. He’d said they’d be back by six o’clock, but Kristen was lingering over a jewelry stand run by a family from the nearby Ute Reservation and he couldn’t seem to move her along. Finally, at nearly seven, he loaded everyone back into the car and had a hard time obeying the speed limit back to Big Rock.

  …

  Meg stepped outside to enjoy the sunshine and get a grip on her emotions. She sat at the picnic table in front of the cabin and let her mind wander back to when she was a girl, remembering good times spent here with her grandparents. The memory of one of the last trips she’d made here with them made her smile. They’d been discussing where to build their retirement house. Meg had laughed as she listened to them playfully bicker about silly details, following Grandpa with a tape measure as he pounded stakes into the ground marking corners and walls.

  She walked over to the clearing where the house would have been built. Sure enough, most of the stakes were still there. Meg grew excited at the thought of building the house her grandparents had dreamed of. She could live here where they had always planned and have the other classrooms built further away toward the canyon. Excitement fluttered in her stomach, and she couldn’t wait to get back to Jake’s so she could bounce a few ideas off him.

  Stopping short, she thought about that. How was it possible that his opinions could matter so much to her in such a short time? That he was the first person she wanted to tell her exciting news to?

  Crap. She hadn’t called him yet today. When she checked her phone, there were three missed calls, all from Jake—each sounding more worried than the last. In the third, he asked her to let him know she was all right, telling her they’d be leaving The Pointe soon and would be home by six, and he’d like to have dinner with her.

  Looking at her watch, she realized it was already after six. Where had the day gone? She rushed through a quick shower, braided her hair, and drove faster than was wise back to town. By the time she pulled into his drive, it was six forty-five, but his parents’ rental wasn’t there. She’d called him back when she got to the main highway, but the call went straight to his voice mail, so she left him an apologetic message, telling him she’d be there in half an hour and not to worry. She didn’t know if they’d left for dinner without her or if they were also running late, but either way, she wanted to let him know she was okay.

  While she waited to hear from Jake, Meg walked to the clinic to check on Rex. She knew how to get into the clinic through the back kennels, so she stopped to feed the outside dogs and pet them before going inside.

  After a vigorous ear-scratching welcome, Meg let Rex out for a few minutes while she filled his food and water. He appeared to be feeling much better and wanted to play with Polly. Meg had to coax him with a treat to get him back inside his kennel. Satisfied that the dogs were taken care of, she started for the stables, but the sound of a car outside had her running to the front door.

  …

  Jake let out a sigh of relief when he saw Meg’s car parked in front of the house. Quickly, he exited his parents’ rental leaving them and Kristen to manage on their own. All the air left his lungs when he caught sight of her returning from the clinic. She wore a simple, white cotton sun dress and leather sandals, her hair in a loose braid with a few errant, blonde strands framing her face. Seeing her there, he couldn’t decide if he should kiss her senseless or wring her beautiful neck for worrying him. His need to taste her won out, and he stepped forward to meet her as she neared. He took her hands in his and lifted them to his lips, kissing her knuckles lightly.

  “Sorry I’m late—”

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t call—”

  They both spoke at the same time and laughed.

  “Me first,” Meg said. “Cell service is kind of hit and miss at the cabin, and by the time I got your messages, I was already late. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

  “It’s okay as long as I know you’re all right. We didn’t leave as early as I wanted to, either. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

  Meg shook her head. “Just long enough to visit the dogs.”

  “Oh, Ja-aake,” Kristen sing-songed from the car. “Are you going to help me with my bags, darling?”

  The nails on chalkboard sensation ran through him again.

  “Sure thing. Be right there.” Rolling his eyes, he kissed Meg’s hands, leaned forward, and whispered in her ear. “You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had. I’m afraid I’ll be scarred for life.” He felt her shiver as she stood on her toes to slide her tongue around the outer edge of his ear before nipping his lobe with her teeth.

  “I’ll make it up to you later.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw and pulled away from him. “When we don’t have an audience.”

  Jake released her hands reluctantly and noticed a red streak on Meg’s arm. “What happened? You’re bleeding.” Before she could answer, he’d pulled her back to the clinic, moved the chair from behind the desk, and made her sit down. “Let me look at that.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing. I must have scraped it on the kennel door when I fed Rex. I can clean it…”

  Jake stopped her midsentence. “Just sit right there. I’ll get the first aid kit.”

  He quickly retrieved the small box and knelt on one knee in front of her. Holding her arm gently, he probed around the wound with his other hand. Just over Meg’s left bicep was a two-inch long cut. He opened the first aid kit, removed antiseptic wipes and bandages, and made quick work of cleaning the area to get a better look. Meg sucked in her breath when the antiseptic touched it.

  “Ooh, I’m sorry, honey. That smarts doesn’t it?” Jake blew softly on her arm to take away the sting.

  “I can remember my mother doing that whenever I got a cut or scrape when I was a little girl.”

  The faraway look in her eyes and the pain in her voice made him wish he could take it away. “Do you remember much about your parents?”

  “You know, it’s funny the things I remember. Little things.” She clasped her hands together, smiling as she spoke. “My mom’s laugh—she had a great laugh—and the way she always cut my sandwiches into little triangles. My dad always smelled so good and called me his little princess. I also remember how they looked at each other, and even though I was young, I could tell how much they loved each other.” Her eyes focused on Jake as she said the last.

  “Those are good memories to have.”

  “The best.” Meg smiled and glanced at her arm. “See, it’s barely a scratch. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

  The cut wasn’t deep, and Jake was satisfied that it didn’t require stitches. He cleaned it again with more antiseptic. “It’s no trouble.” He blew again, only this time, he bent a little closer and his mouth grazed her skin. He pressed his warm lips against her arm in a gentle kiss. Meg wiggled in her seat. After placing a small bandage over the cut, Jake lifted his head and grinned at her. “All better? Do you have any other injuries I should look at?”

  She smiled back at him and shoved playfully at his chest. “Nope, I’m ship-shape. You’re a brilliant doctor,” she teased, pushing on his shoulders to stand.

  Jake was still kneeling in front of her, so when she stood, he found himself staring at the vee where her thighs met. He had the almost unbearable urge to grab her lush behind and pull her to his mouth, to kiss her in the most intimate way. Instead, using all his willpower, he put his hand on the desk and pulled himself up to stand beside her.

  “I’d better go help my dad if we hope to have the car unloaded tonight.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “Come on.”

  …
>
  While the men retrieved the shopping bags, Jake’s mother stepped forward and embraced Meg in a tight hug.

  “Meg, Dear. I’m sorry we kept you waiting.” Linda gave her shoulders a squeeze and lowered her voice. “Is there any more wine inside? I think I’m on my last nerve.”

  Meg laughed and linked arms with her. “I think I saw a bottle in the fridge last night. Come on, I’ll pour.”

  They left the men with Kristen supervising the unloading of her bags and went inside.

  Linda dropped into a kitchen chair while Meg grabbed the wine and two glasses. She brought everything to the table and poured their drinks, handed one to Linda, then sat down. Silence reigned for a moment as they each sipped their wine until finally, Linda spoke.

  “I don’t know what I was thinking inviting Kristen to come with us.”

  Meg thought she was talking more to herself than anything, so she didn’t respond.

  “I mean, she was always such a spoiled little girl, but I assumed she’d grown out of it.” She smiled at Meg. “Obviously, I was wrong.” Then with a sigh, “I don’t know how I’m going to make this right with Jake.”

  At least Linda realized her error in judgment. Meg took another sip of wine. “I wouldn’t worry about Jake. It’s obvious to anyone how much you all love each other, and I’m sure he knows your heart was in the right place.”

  “I just wish he’d told us he was seeing someone. I would have much rather spent our time here getting to know you better.”

  A rush of guilt for her role in lying to Jake’s parents warmed her cheeks. The front door opened, and Bob walked towards Kristen’s room with his arms full of her shopping bags. He glanced into the kitchen and nodded to them.

  “Get a cold beer for me would you, Lin? I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Meg stood and went to the fridge, pulling out two bottles. She had opened the first one when Bob came back into the room, and she gave it to him. He took a long drink and winked at her.

  “Thanks, hon. That hits the spot. You’d better have at least a couple of these ready for Jake when he comes in. I have a feeling he’s gonna need it.”

  Linda’s worried frown mirrored Meg’s own concern. When the front door opened, they all turned and watched him stalk through the living room, his arms loaded with bags. He didn’t stop until he reached Kristen’s room where he unceremoniously dropped her purchases on the bed then turned and strode back to the kitchen.

  He walked straight over to where Meg stood holding out a beer for him, took it, and set it on the counter, then grasped her elbow and ushered her out the back door. She didn’t fight him, but stumbled on the back step and nearly lost her footing. Jake’s free arm went around her protectively and pulled her tight against his chest. Passion flared between them.

  “Jake?”

  Before she could say anything else, he lowered his head and took her lips with his. The kiss was gentle at first, but at her willing response, he thrust his tongue deep inside her mouth and it was as if all the frustration that had been building up throughout the day was unleashed. Meg could only hold on for the ride as he deepened the kiss, sucking on her tongue, nipping at her lips with his teeth, eating at her as if he couldn’t get enough. He greedily took what he needed, and she openly gave it to him. When he finally stopped to catch his breath, they were both panting, clinging to each other, not wanting to break the contact. He loosened his hold on her, but only slightly, and reached up to cup her face in his palm.

  “Did I hurt your arm?” His gaze bored into hers.

  Meg smiled and shook her head slowly. “You didn’t hurt me. You took me by surprise, but no, you didn’t hurt me.”

  He lowered his forehead to hers. “God, you feel good to me. You taste so good to me. You’re all I could think about today, and I was going nuts when I couldn’t reach you.”

  Meg pulled away from him enough to look into his eyes. “I’m sorry about that, Jake. Like I said, I didn’t always have good reception out there, and I got a little side-tracked dealing with a few problems I ran into.”

  He jerked his head up, and he pinned her with his stare, visually inspecting her. “What kind of problems?” He held her away from him. “Are you okay?” he asked again, and this time she laughed.

  “Of course I’m okay. I just had a little run in with a couple of guys who’d been sent out to the property to do some survey work.”

  Jake stopped her. “What guys?” His entire body tensed under her hands.

  “It’s a long story. You remember me telling you there was an issue with the estate?”

  Before he could speak, the back door creaked open, and his father stuck his head out.

  “Sorry to interrupt you two, but we were just discussing dinner.”

  Jake had been so wrapped up in Meg he’d forgotten he had other guests. “Sorry, Dad. We can run into town for something if you want.”

  Bob held up his hand. “Not to worry, son. Your mother has convinced Kristen that she’s too tired to go anywhere, and I think I can stir something up here. Why don’t you and Meg go out, just the two of you? We’ve monopolized enough of your time today.”

  Jake still had hold of Meg’s shoulders, and he released her just long enough to slide one arm around her waist. He smiled up at Bob. “Thanks, Dad. Don’t wait up.” Then he pulled Meg along with him around the house to the driveway. “Let’s get out of here, and you can tell me what happened today.”

  Before she could respond, he’d lifted her into his truck. Then he trotted around to take the driver’s seat and switch over the ignition. They were on the main road, heading into town, before he spoke again.

  “What do you feel like eating?”

  Meg placed her hand on his thigh, and Jake stopped talking. Every nerve in his body came alive, his muscles tensed as she slowly rubbed his leg up and down with her palm.

  “Is there someplace we can get something to go?”

  The desire in her voice hardened his cock. It took all his restraint to keep the truck on the road. “You want to grab a burger or something? That’d probably be fastest.”

  When she said, “Works for me,” he swung into the first drive thru they came across and ordered. Within minutes, they were back on the road. He clasped her hand, and he looked at her expectantly.

  “Where to?”

  “The cabin.”

  Music to his ears. She’d get no argument from him. Jake had listened with interest to her stories of childhood memories of Big Rock. He wanted to know everything about this woman, and this peek into her past had him intrigued. They finally came to the private road that led to the gate, and Jake slowed the truck. “Sit tight, I’ll get the gate. What’s the combination?”

  Meg smiled. “It’s oh-one-two-six. My birthday.”

  Jake hopped out and lined up the wheels on the lock. When it sprang open, he swung the gate wide and returned to the pickup. A stray lock of hair had escaped her braid, and he brushed it off her face. “This was a great idea.”

  They brought the food inside, and Meg set the table while he checked out the small house. “This is nice. I’ve only been inside a few times. John and I usually met at the canyon.”

  “They updated everything before my grandmother died. They were planning to build their retirement home here and were going to live in this until it was finished. Gram died two years ago. They never even broke ground for the house.”

  Her voice cracked, and Jake came up behind her, slipping his hands around her waist and pulling her back against his chest. He kissed her neck and squeezed her tight. She turned in his arms, tears glistening in her eyes, and all Jake wanted to do was take away the hurt he saw in them. He kissed her gently, wanting only to ease her pain, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Sighing, she parted her lips, inviting him inside.

  Jake took it slow, sliding his tongue along her bottom lip, then slipping into the sweetness of her mouth. Meg met him, and they played together, lazily sucking and biting. Kissing
her was quickly becoming as vital as breathing. Their lips met and clung, over and over, while his hands stroked up and down her back. The feel of her fingers threaded through his hair deepened his arousal. He’d meant to comfort her, but a simple kiss had stoked the low flame of desire into a raging fire of lust. It took every ounce of self-control he possessed to pull away. Dragging air into his lungs, he raised his head and gazed into her eyes, finding her own desire evident in the violet depths.

  “You are incredible.” Arms still wrapped around her, he waited for her to catch her breath. When she closed her eyes and dropped her head to his chest, he pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. “Hungry?”

  Smiling, she pushed out of his arms. “Dinner will keep. Right now, I want to show you around while there’s daylight left.” She brushed a hand over her dress. “This isn’t the best outfit for hiking, so we won’t go too far.”

  Going for a hike was the last thing on his mind, but Jake agreed that her curve-hugging dress and insubstantial sandals weren’t made for a trek in the desert. “Yeah, but it’s sexy as hell. I like it.”

  A slight blush colored her cheeks. “Thank you.” Still smiling, she tugged on his arm and they headed for one of the hiking trails.

  They walked along hand-in-hand as Meg pointed out different landmarks and explained some of her favorite rock formations. Jake listened and watched her intently as she spoke, and it was clear by her excitement that she loved this place. Pointing to some rocks on a hill, she told him where her favorite hiding place was tucked away. She also told him about the cave and asked him if he’d like to go exploring with her some time.

  “I know the cave goes back into the mountain further, but my grandparents would never let me go past the first cavern. When I got older, I didn’t spend as much time here. I’d like to check it out if you wouldn’t mind going with me. I guess I’m still a little bit chicken when it comes to tight spaces.”