Her Prada Cowboy: McCulloch County Series #1

by Simmons, Sabel

“No. I’ll be there on Friday. We can discuss it then.”

  Jarrod leaned back in his chair behind his study desk. He ran his hand over his eyes. A thought crossed his mind and he stiffened. What if whoever it was knew about Shannon? Saw them together when they had dinner and followed them. She might also be in danger.

  He frowned thinking back over the past two days. She was suddenly very reserved. Not her usual cheeky self.

  Damn women. Why can’t they just tell us when something is wron’?

  He phoned Reed again and asked him to put security detail on Shannon.

  “Hey, backup there, cuz! Who is Shannon Davis and what is she to you?”

  “Just do what I ask, Reed and stop bein’ so nosy!”

  “Send me a picture and all her details.”

  “Thanks cuz.”

  Shannon was already in the office before seven on Friday. She has not been sleeping well and has spent a lot of time at work. The nausea seemed to have lessened somewhat since the day before.

  I need to make an appointment with an Obstetrician.

  I second that!

  Yes okay. I keep forgetting!

  Or hoping you’re wrong and your period will start.

  Oh, butt out!

  She opened the shared project file and started reviewing the progress, making notes as she went. She frowned. She was not happy with some aspects of the advertising campaign and went over the original instructions she had noted on her iPad. Numerous entries have been changed on the project plan. She frowned and worked through the teasers section and then the competition. There have been substantial changes made on all of them.

  Someone was sabotaging the campaign. If she had not pick this up now, they would have wasted over two months to get back on track and wasted thousands of dollars in the process. It would have meant postponing the launch by another two to three months. She glanced at her watch and growled. Damien would only arrive in another hour. She became angrier by the minute. She made detailed notes of who did what and when on the project. Maybe the IT department would be able to pinpoint inconsistencies on the entries.

  Her hair tingled at the back of her neck and she knew Jarrod stood in the door, before she even lifted her head. Their eyes met and Shannon drew a deep breath into her lungs. They’ve spoken on the phone every day, but it is the first time she’s seen him since Sunday.

  Lord this man looks yummy in a suit!

  “What are you doin’ here so early?”

  “Good morning to you to, Mr. Parker.”

  He smiled briefly and sauntered closer, clicking the door closed behind him. Shannon’s eyes narrowed, her stomach quivered and her heart started a rat-tat-tat race in her chest.

  “Mornin’, doll face.”

  He kept walking until he stood next to her chair. He swiveled her chair and pulled her into his arms in one motion. Before she could protest, his lips covered hers. He started slow, savoring the softness of her lips, the sweetness of her tongue and then he went deep. Drawing at her lips, drinking from her with drugging sensuality.

  He lifted his head and traced the shape of her lips with a rough fingertip, watching her eyes flare.

  “You taste like my dream, doll face.”

  She chuckled. “You dreamt of me?”

  “I dream of you every night, honey.”

  “Before or after you fall asleep?”

  This time he chuckled and rapped her on the nose.

  “Oh, then she says I am vain! You look pale. Are you workin’ too hard?”

  “I’m fine, just been battling to sleep. I am also worried. I found some unauthorized changes made to nearly every aspect of the campaign.”

  “What type of changes?”

  “Time and money wasters. Time would be spent on unnecessary and incorrect designs, statistics and advertising placements.”

  “Resultin’ in?”

  “Wasting thousands of dollars and a major postponement of the launch of the software. I made some notes that I want IT to look at. Maybe they can find who is behind this.”

  “I’d rather do it myself.”

  “You … oh no! Don’t tell me on top of everything you’re a computer fundi too!”

  “Who do you think designed all the software, doll face?”

  She just stared at him and frowned.

  “With all these accolades, why do you spent so much time at the ranch and not here?”

  “This was my passion when I was younger. Now I prefer the ranch. I do most of my work from there and only come to the office once a week. I can relax and breathe there. I want to brin’ my children up there. Not in the middle of a concrete jungle.”

  Shannon’s heart jumped.

  “Children? You, the womanizer, the gigolo wants children?”

  He turned and scowled at her. His voice was rough and angry.

  “Maybe if you keep repeatin’ it all the time, you might one day believe that is what I am. Does it make it easier to stay away from me thinkin’ like that, Shannon?”

  “I … you don’t have to jump on your high horse!”

  “Yes, Shannon. I do want children. At least three or four. And before you ask, no, there are no illegitimate children of mine runnin’ around and there never will be. My children will all be born legitimate!”

  Oh dear Lord! You’re in trouble doll face.

  I am well aware of that!

  Tell him! Now is the ideal time!

  “Jarrod, I have something to te …”

  Damien walked in after a brief knock on the door.

  “Oh, my apologies. I should not have barged in like that.”

  “Its fine, Damien. Shannon and I were on our way to my office to look into somethin’. Brin’ everythin’ to my office, Shannon. I just need to pop in at Chris’s office.”

  Hours later, Shannon, Jarrod and Chris sat back in their chairs. They have been scouring every aspect of the campaign entries. Whoever was doing this, was clever. The changes were made randomly and always from a shared computer base. It was impossible to pinpoint one single person.

  “I just don’t understand why anyone would do this? What are they trying to achieve?”

  Jarrod sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily.

  “I have been receivin’ some threats. At first I ignored it, then they started sendin’ them to my private email. Also untraceable. We believe it might have somethin’ to do with the launch of the software. Someone is clearly tryin’ to delay the launch with the hope to jump in ahead of us.”

  “With what? Your software is unique and aimed at future development of the trade and industry. Everyone would benefit from it.”

  “Exactly! It would also catapult us higher on the rankin’ as the most equitable company to work for. Some companies built their whole reputation on that and do not like to be usurped. There are many possibilities.” Chris clarified with a frown still paging through Shannon’s notes.

  ‘Does that mean your life is in danger, Jarrod?” Shannon wanted to know, looking at Jarrod with concern.

  “Hopefully not, but just in case, we have sharpened the security around the firm and the ranch.”

  He refrained from telling her he had a security detail put on her. He did not want to spook her.

  “Hey guys, look at this. I distinctly remember Alicia workin’ on the shared computer addin’ the changes we discussed on the teasers on Wednesday. The change to the project plan and design was done directly after.”

  He got up and walked to the door, still mumbling and paging through the notes.

  “I’m going to examine this further. I’ll let you know if I find anythin’. Maybe get Reed to look into her background so lon’.”

  Suddenly she was alone with Jarrod again and became tongue tied. She cleared her throat and made for the door.

  “Where are you goin’?”

  “I have a meeting with the Operations team in ten minutes.”

  “That can wait. Come and sit down. I want to discuss movin’ the launch forward.”

&nb
sp; “Forward? How much forward? The time frame is already very tight.”

  “The quicker we launch, the quicker this threat goes away … if it is associated with that at all. We need to brainstorm the inputs and see what we can change or cutout. I want to launch in six weeks at the most.”

  “But that is shortening the Marketing campaign by six weeks! It is impossible, Jarrod.”

  “Nothin’ is impossible, Shannon. Make it happen. Now, you can go to your meetin’.”

  Shannon was irritated, having come across his arrogance in the office for the first time. She huffed out the office. Jarrod smiled, watching her swaying hips that made his dick jerk with need.

  Damn! He has gone without sex for months at a time, even close to a year. Now, after just one week he was so desperate to have her, he would beg her on his knees! He refused to acknowledge that there were numerous options to explore to take care of his sexual frustration. Even more so, that he had no desire or interest to approach any of the many beauties in Houston that would spread their legs for him willingly.

  Shannon did some research to find the best Obstetrician in the city and managed to make an appointment for late afternoon on Friday. She arrived a few minutes early and sat watching the front door of the private practice with trepidation. She sighed and alighted from the car. Procrastinating was not going to change anything!

  Bennett Lewis was probably around thirty five, but had a friendly, open face that comforted Shannon immediately.

  “So, Miss Davis. What can I do for you today?”

  “I believe I am pregnant. I did a home pregnancy test and it was positive.”

  “Last period?”

  “Around 10th February.”

  “Well, let’s take a look. I am going to do a quick body stat examination. We’ll do a scan that will give us a relatively accurate due date. Draw some blood and we’ll do a urine test. Okay with you?”

  Shannon nodded and followed him to the examination room. He indicated a flowery robe that she quickly changed into. He spoke to her the whole time he was examining her. Asking questions about her health and her habits. He frowned when he listened to the heartbeat of the baby, and did it again.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Nooo, but let us verify it with the sonar scan.”

  He rubbed a gel type solution on her tummy and ran the scanner over her belly. He pointed to the embryo and frowningly turned the scanner back and forth over her belly.

  “Yes … there! I thought so! Any twins in your family, Shannon?”

  “I am one. Are you saying … am I having twins?”

  “Yes … look, see there … and there? Those are the two embryos.”

  “I … it never even crossed my mind that … oh lord!”

  “We need to make sure you and the father are compatible.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your blood types. Just for verification and surety.”

  “I … er …”

  “He doesn’t know about the pregnancy?”

  “Not yet.”

  “But you do intend telling him?

  “Yes, I have to. He is not the type of man you keep something like this from. It’s just … I just can’t yet.”

  “Don’t wait too long, Shannon. With twins … trust me, you want someone around to help you, especially when they’re babies.”

  He finished with the examination and she got dressed again. Once seated in his office again, he smiled at her broadly.

  “Okay, Shannon. Everything seems fine. You are healthy so I do not foresee any problems with your pregnancy. Have you been nauseous?”

  “Only for a few days, but not since Friday.”

  “Hmm … I will give you tablets for that as well as some vitamins I want you to start taking. According to the sonar you are just over six weeks pregnant. The babies are therefore due round about … 6th November.”

  Shannon sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel, staring into nothingness.

  Oh my! I am going to be a mother!

  Took you long enough to realize it doll face!

  Stop calling me that!

  Doesn’t seem to bother you when he does.

  Oh, butt out!

  Chapter Ten

  Shannon drove to Austin early on Saturday morning. She thought about Jarrod’s annoyance with her, when she left early the day before and declined his invitation to spend the weekend on the ranch. Ideally, she should go there to tell him about the pregnancy. It was not something she could do over the phone or in the office. He was in the middle of the breeding program, therefore his time in Houston would be limited for the next few months.

  She just did not have the strength to do so as yet. She knew enough about him to know he would demand she marry him. His passionate declaration that any child of his would be born legitimate was proof of that. Her nausea seemed to have dissipated and she was overjoyed. She hated throwing up. She had a few months’ grace anyway before she started to show, which would give them more than enough time to get to know each other better.

  She arrived at Sheila’s just after ten and found them lazily having a late breakfast. Baby Beatrice smiled and waved excitedly when she saw Shannon. She took her from Sheila and sat down.

  “How is the job going, William?”

  “Terrific. The people are so helpful and supportive, it is amazing. I have been included in their latest project to design the new Head Office for the Bank of America. They specifically want something modern and green.”

  “Oh no! We forgot to buy juice for Beatrice!” Sheila tended to become agitated very quickly when it comes to her little girl and Shannon smiled, wondering if she would be the same with hers.

  “I’ll go and get some quickly. I want to get her a stuffed toy as well. I just haven’t had the time this week.”

  Sheila told her what to get and she quickly drove to the store a few blocks away. When she returned Jarrod’s luxurious SUV was parked in the driveway and she groaned. She could not even say he was stalking her because she did not tell him she was visiting them this weekend.

  He was sitting with Beatrice on his lap when she walked in. She had her hands wrapped in his long hair and giggled excitedly. He looked at ease and totally enamored with the little baby on his lap.

  “Oh, no! I’m so sorry!”

  Sheila shrieked, but Jarrod just smiled. Shannon watched with amazement how he gently pried the little hands open with his big ones to release his hair.

  He noticed Shannon in the door and was clearly surprised to see her.

  “Hi doll face. This is a pleasant surprise.”

  “Morning Jarrod.”

  She handed the packet with the juice to Sheila. She went to sit down next to Jarrod and gave the stuffed rabbit to Beatrice. She shrieked when she shook it and it rattled loudly.

  “You must stop spoiling her. You never arrive without some toy or clothes.”

  “It’s my godchild. Of course I must spoil her.”

  Beatrice fell onto Shannon’s lap and she rose to fetch some juice for her in the kitchen. Voices coming closer from the outside made her hesitate as she looked towards the door. She paled so suddenly both Jarrod and Sheila reached for her. Sheila grabbed Beatrice who started to slide from her arms.

  Shannon took two steps back and searched behind her desperately. Jarrod’s hands closed around hers and he pulled her against his side, frowning when he felt her tremble.

  His Dad, Dylan and his wife, Melody came walking through the door. Her happy laughter echoed into the room. She looked towards Jarrod and stopped so abruptly that Dylan walked into her.

  Now, Darlin’! What are … Melody, what’s wron’?”

  His Dad’s wife turned as white as a sheet and took a few halting steps towards Shannon.

  Jarrod felt her pull back the closer she got and pulled her against his side and folded his arm protectively around her.

  “How … Shannon! How did you … what are you doing here?”

  She rushed for
ward and Shannon stepped back further trying to avoid her reaching arms, her face pale, her trembling increasing. Jarrod pushed her slightly behind him and looked at her worriedly. She seemed terrified.

  Melody Parker stopped and stared at the stunning young woman protected under the arm of her stepson. Her heart contracted. She held out her hand beseechingly.

  “Shannon … darling.”

  “Darling? You must be confusing me with Sheila. You have never, not once in my whole life, called me darling … Mother.”

  The silence in the den was deafening. Melody dropped her hand and her eyes were sad. She couldn’t remember what happened to chase her daughter away. She was so spaced out after Thorn’s death … and the drinking … the pills … oh lord, the look in Shannon’s eyes just now. She was terrified of her! She swallowed and there were tears in her eyes.

  “Shannon it has been so long … can’t we just forget …”

  Shannon’s eyes narrowed and her trembling increased.

  “You don’t remember, do you? That is why it is so easy for you to want to forget! Well, Mother … I am afraid it is not so easy for me.”

  Her voice thickened and she turned to Jarrod and Sheila, her eyes shuttered.

  “Please excuse me. I need to get out of here.”

  He took her hand, but she laid it on his chest and shook her head. Her eyes filled with tears and her voice shook when she whispered against his chest.

  “No, please. I need to be alone. Please make sure … I don’t want her near me. Please Jarrod.”

  He nodded and allowed her to turn away reluctantly. His eyes followed her until she disappeared through the door. He looked at his Dad and they both frowned.

  Jarrod turned to his stepmother and she wiped the tears from her cheek with a trembling hand. She shook her head and walked into Dylan’s arms.

  “Oh good Lord! She hates me!”

  “I don’t understand, Mel. You only told me about Sheila.”

  “Mom! How could you not have told Uncle Dylan about Shannon?”

  Sheila only realized now how wide the canyon was that separated her twin from their mother.

  Melody startled and turned around to sit down in one of the couches, wringing her hands.

  “Shannon and Sheila … are twins. Not identical, but they have always been so very close. Shannon took more after Thorn and Sheila after me. I don’t know why and I have always regretted my actions, especially when they were little. I took more to Sheila. She was born second and was sickly. The doctor’s said she had a lack of oxygen, especially during birth. Shannon took forever to be born … I guess I blamed her. Then Thorn died … she was his little princess, although he treated both of them equal, she was his tail. Wherever he went, she went. I guess she’s always felt my … rejection.”