“That differs. Could be up to the day of birth.”
Shannon’s cheeks were bright red. Now she knew why she was in such constant need all the time. She was one of the ‘lucky ones’ whose libido increased exponentially!
“I don’t know what you guys intend on doing, but you have to realize what you’re letting yourself in for. Twins are hard work and for a woman alone …”
“Butt out, Buddy. Is there anythin’ else about the pregnancy we need to know?”
“Bennett needs your blood group.”
“Don’t worry, Shannon. His I know. We don’t have to worry. You are compatible.”
Jarrod’s eyes met Shannon’s and for the first time there was a flicker of excitement in his.
Bennett left without them noticing.
“Are you … how do you feel about the pregnancy, Jarrod?”
“I told you I wanted children, Shannon. I would have preferred to know about it from the beginnin’ and I am livid that you kept it from me.”
“You … you’re still not telling me how you feel about it. I know you are angry, but I need to know how you feel.”
He turned and stood in front of the window, looking out over the pool. A wide smile spread over his face and his eyes shone like liquid silver. His chest felt a mile wide and he wanted to yell his joy to the mountains. When he turned around to face Shannon, his face was once again shuttered. His anger at her still too shallow to let her off the hook that easy.
“I’m not upset about it.”
Shannon shuddered at the closed look on his face.
“Yet you not happy either.”
“Don’t put words in my mouth, Shannon.”
“I have no intention of forcing myself or the twins on you, Jarrod. If you don’t want us … then … tell me now.”
“Now you are really threadin’ on thin ice, woman! They are my kids and they will grow up knowin’ me … bein’ with me!”
His angry glare nearly incinerated her. She decided to back off for now. It was not in her best interest to anger him any further.
“You do realize that you movin’ here is no longer negotiable. I’ll arrange to have your stuff moved here.”
“Jarrod, I can’t travel back and forth to Houston every day.”
“Nor are you goin’ to. You can do a lot of the campaign work from here and the launch is within two weeks anyway. Thereafter you will stop workin’.”
“No, I work for Global Media, Jarrod!”
“No, Shannon. You need to take care of yourself and our babies. You can’t do that under the stressful conditions at Global.”
“Jarrod … I can’t just give everything up. What am I going to do for money?”
His jaw hardened and he glowered at her.
“I already told you that none of my children will be born illegitimate, Shannon. We are getting’ married.”
“N …”
“Just as soon as you get around to askin’ me.”
With that he walked out of the study, whistling as he sauntered down the passage.
“Come, doll face. Let’s share the news.”
It took another minute before she managed to get her legs to obey and she followed him to the kitchen.
Me ask him! That’ll be the day!
Well, you did keep the pregnancy from.
Does not mean I have to do the asking!
Penance, doll face, penance!
He waited for her just outside the kitchen and drew her under his shoulder when they walk inside. He cleared his voice loudly. Shannon realized the kitchen was now filled to the brink with people. Sheila, William, Dylan, Melody, Dan, Noah, Reed, Bennett, Chris and of course sweet Rosa.
“I want to thank all of you for what you did yesterday. It was the most special birthday ever. Even more so with the news Shannon gave me this morning.”
He hugged and kissed her on her cheek.
“We are pregnant. We’re expecting twins.”
For a moment there was dead silence, then Dylan shouted.
“Hot damn, my son! It is about time!”
Everyone surrounded them then. Sheila was ecstatic and so was everyone else. Rosa was the last to stand before them with tears running down her cheeks. She threw her arms around both of them.
“I am so happy. My boy is goin’ to be a Daddy! There be no child, that’ll have a better Daddy than these little ones. Oh, Nonnie … I am so glad ‘twas you!”
Melody hesitatingly stepped in front of them and Shannon stepped closer to Jarrod. His hand rose to cover her belly protectively and he tugged her tighter under his arm. She relaxed, feeling protected and safe.
“Congratulations. I am so happy for you. You will be a wonderful mother.”
“Thank you, Melody.” Jarrod’s voice was harsh.
“So, cuz … when is the weddin’?”
“As soon as Shannon pops the question, cuz.”
Everyone laughed, but his eyes were serious when they met hers.
He seriously expects me to ask him!
Yeah, dumbass … he is testing you.
Testing me? How?
Whether it is only about those babies or if he factors anywhere in the equation.
Of course he does!
So, what’s the problem then?
A man is supposed to do the asking!
Awh please! Its 2014!
Chapter Fifteen
The following two weeks were so busy with the final arrangements of the launch, that Jarrod and Shannon hardly had any time to talk about their problem again.
His anger being the biggest problem as far as Shannon was concerned. Now, a week later, her anger was also slowly building to eruption level. He has moved all her stuff to the ranch and was adamant that she redecorate some of the rooms to include her things.
“I’ll do it once I am forcibly resigned from work.”
“Suit yourself.”
Shannon glared at him. They were in bed he sat working on his laptop until she fell asleep. He has not touched her since she told him about the pregnancy. Yet he would not budge and made her stay with him in the main bedroom.
She was so sexually frustrated she could scream. She clutched the sheets beneath her and clamped her thighs tightly together. Oh Lord, her clit was quivering and her inner channel pulsed with need. She was going to go crazy! She closed her eyes and bit her lip. If he did not give her relief tonight, she was going to combust!
She swallowed the moan back when she felt her nipples shrivel into painful aroused buds. Shannon decided to swallow her pride and just come out and ask him.
“Jarrod.”
“Hmm.”
“You … remember what Bennett said about … about …”
“About what, Shannon?”
“A female … er … needs when she is pregnant?”
She saw him stiffen, but he kept typing on his laptop.
“Hmm.”
“Well … I’m one of those … with … those … heightened needs.”
“Hmm.”
“Jarrod!”
He sighed heavily, but kept working.
“I need sex!”
He scowled at her, his silver eyes burning into hers.
“I have work to finish.”
“You have been working for a whole week every night! Please!”
“Not tonight.”
He turned back to his laptop and continued working. Shannon glared at him, grinding her teeth.
Very well, Cowboy. I’ll damn well do it myself then!
You go girl!
And don’t think I am going to hide under the sheet either!
Now you’re talking!
Shannon was angry and desperate enough to follow through with her threat. She threw the sheet off and saw Jarrod’s eyes flash towards the fluttering material until it settled back on the bed. She of course, was naked. His fingers clattered furiously over the keyboard.
Shannon lifted her hands and folded them around her breasts, plumping them and slowly rub
bed her palms over the nipples. They tightened even more and she bit her lip. Oh Lord, how she longed for his mouth there.
She tweaked her nipples, then rolled and pinched them. Jarrod slammed his hands down on the keyboard and glared at her.
“What the hell are you doin’?”
“You don’t want me, so it is either me doing it myself, or finding another man that would!”
“Like hell! Stop that, dammit! I told you I have work to do!”
“So, I am not stopping you. Uhmmm … do carry on, Babe. Aahh.”
Wow … you are nasty woman!
She had to give him marks for resilience. He went back to hammering on his keyboard. She arched her back and rolled her nipples harder between her fingers.
She bent her legs and she saw Jarrod clenching his jaw. Her one hand stroked over her belly to rest between her legs. She closed her eyes when her clit pulsed the moment her fingertips brushed against it.
Good Lord. I have to do this! I need it too much to stop now!
Make it loud, doll face. Make him suffer!
Shannon straightened her legs and spread her thighs, pulling her knees back, opening herself wide. Her fingers stroked eagerly over her clit. She lifted her hips slightly and could not hold back the moan of pleasure.
“Ooohh … hmmm!”
Her neck was arched into the pillow with eyes closed as she rubbed and circled her clit, which was why she missed Jarrod’s burning eyes running down her body. His eyes glued to her fingers rubbing her clit. His dick jerked to full arousal at the sensual sight.
Jeezu! The bloody woman is wicked!
He closed his laptop and put it on the bedside table, his eyes never leaving her fingers rubbing and circling her clit. He rose over her and kneeled between her thighs. He went down on his stomach and smiled wickedly.
Let’s explore your other virgin territory, doll face.
He did not give her any warning and settled close against her and immediately speared his tongue deep inside her channel. Her eyes sprung open and her head jerked up. Their eyes met. Her screech was music to his ears.
“Jarrod!”
She lifted her hips higher and he immediately pushed his shoulder under her legs, draping them over his shoulders, digging deeper inside her with his tongue.
“Oh Lord, Jarrod.”
Her hands fell away from pleasuring herself and she clutched at the sheets.
“Oh no, doll face, I want your hands back.”
“Jarrod ...”
“Or I stop.”
He waited until her fingers closed eagerly around her nipple and rolled and pinched it; her other hand finding her mound and her fingers immediately alternating the rhythm of circling and rubbing her clit. His eyes were on her the whole time. He speared his tongue back inside her channel and caressed the inside walls with slow strokes until he found the swollen bundle of nerves and lapped and stabbed against it mercilessly.
Shannon wiggled and thrashed against his mouth, but he kept going. His hand circled her hip to close his fingers around the other nipple and together they offered both nipples immense pleasure. His kiss on her deepened and he suckled while his tongue stroked and stabbed.
Shannon felt the pressure building inside her so quickly, she keened nonstop and then it turned into a full bodied scream as she climaxed. Her body arched and she pressed her slit harder into his mouth. He opened his mouth wider and pressed deeper, sipping her juices, feeding and extending her climax until she begged him to stop.
He did, but only long enough to cover her body and surge inside her. Her legs wrapped around his waist and she locked her ankles behind his back, urging him on. Jarrod did not need any spurring on. His need has been raging inside him every day and not touching her for nearly eight days was torture.
He plunged into her with such ferocity he lifted her hips clear off the bed. They pummeled into a sea of ecstasy so quickly, both were breathless at the intensity. He slumped on top of her, holding his weight on his elbows, but making contact with every part of her body. He raised his head and looked into her eyes.
Her inner muscles clamped and released around his dick still inside her and his eyes narrowed.
“You are askin’ for trouble, woman!”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean!”
“You are a wicked witch, do you know that? Shannon, bloody hell, stop that!”
She clutched him tight around his waist, her legs tangled with his.
“I’m not doing anything!”
“I am warnin’ you! Holy crap! I said stop it!”
“I’m sorry! I can’t!”
“What do you mean, you can’t!”
“I need more, Babe. Please … please Babe … please … please!”
She kissed his lips between her begging and he was thrusting hard and fast already with her last whispered please. That was not the end of it. He gave her all she needed and then some.
Shannon took her courage one step further. Jarrod at long last tugged her against his side and she hooked her leg over his, looking into his eyes.
“Jarrod.”
“Hmmm.”
“Will you marry me?”
He stiffened and glowered at her.
“That is not a bloody marriage proposal worth crap! I am insulted that you just slap it at me at the end of sex. So the answer is, hell no!”
She sat up and glared at him. He demanded she ask and she did! He never said it had to be special!
“You’re an asshole, do you know that!”
She huffed around and fell down on the bed with her back to him as far away from him as she could.
He chuckled and laughed when she shrieked when his arm wrapped around her waist to pull her back against his front.
“Let me go! I have no desire to … cuddle with you!”
“Tough. You know very well you sleep in my arms.”
“Not tonight I’m not!”
She continued to struggle and then gasped when he pulled her leg back and up to hook it over his and speared his semi hard dick deep inside her.
“Jarrod, stop that!”
“Then settle down and sleep.”
“Are you crazy? I won’t be able to sleep like this!”
“Try doll face, because this is how I want to sleep tonight.”
He ignored her continued protests and started to stroke her nipples.
“Jarrod, please … if you are not going to finish this, stop.”
“As soon as you stop complaining and struggling.”
She settled down immediately and he sighed heavily.
“You are such a spoilsport!”
“And you are still an asshole!”
“Night doll face.”
“Gmphf!”
Jarrod conceded to her vulnerability in being completely stretched open by pulling the sheet over them. She closed her eyes, but his semi hard dick inside her throbbed deliciously and she bit her lip. Jarrod’s breathing deepened and she realized he was asleep. She slowly lowered her leg, only to have his hand clamp around her knee.
“Hm hmm. Sleep, honey.”
She slept … eventually.
The following week they spent in Houston to finalize all the arrangements for the launch that was scheduled for the next Monday evening. He made love to her every night realizing he was suffering just as much as Shannon.
Shannon’s team was on top of everything and all she had to do was to ensure all the final ticks were made. Friday morning she took them all to brunch to thank them for the hard work they’ve put in over the past two months.
She had just walked into her office when Jarrod stepped through the door.
“Are you finished for the day?”
“There are only a few things I still wanted to check. Why?”
“One of the mares is having difficulty birthing. I’d like to get to the ranch. It is one of the first mares I bought and I want to be there.”
“Of course. I can do the work from there.”
&nbs
p; She packed up and they left immediately thereafter. Jarrod changed the moment they got home and after a brief hug and kiss, ran out the door.
“That boy sure loves old Silver. The first time he had some money, he bought her. She sure is his heart’s end.”
She sat chatting with Rosa for a while longer and she helped her with the plans for the next day. Jarrod spent the rest of the day assisting the Vet and only fell in bed after two in the morning.
“Is she okay, Babe? She asked sleepily. Jarrod pulled her against his side and she found her spot on his shoulder, wrapping her arm and leg around him.
“Yeah, but it is the last time I breed with her She is gettin’ too old.”
Jarrod fell in an exhausted sleep and was still sleeping deeply when Shannon tip toed out of the room.
James loaded everything in the truck and held the door for Shannon to climb in. He glanced at her worriedly.
“The Boss is not goin’ ta be angry about this, now is he, missy?”
“No, James. I’ve planned a romantic getaway for us, that’s all. As long as you direct him this way, all will be fine.”
Rosa sent her a text the moment Jarrod left the house over an hour later. She gathered the towels, picnic basket and fluffy blanket and quickly walked the few hundred yards to the secluded creek just behind the cottage. She spread out the blanket and placed the picnic basket on the edge, sat down and waited.
Jarrod smoldered all the way to the ‘horny toad hunting’ cottage. What the devil beseeched the woman to go out there alone in the first place, he would never know. It was relatively safe, par the dangers of nature, she still was a novice on. There has not really been time to start educating her on all the dangers out on the prairie.
Now is a damn good time to start though! With a whippin’!
He parked the truck in front of the cottage and walked inside, bellowing her name. It was too silent and he knew she was not there.
“I am not in the mood for games, woman! Where are you?”
Still no response and he walked back into the lounge area after going through the rest of the cottage. A white piece of paper on the kitchen counter caught his eye and he grabbed it.
Meet me at the creek, Babe.
He threw the note down and stomped around the house towards the creek. Her ass needed a proper whipping. Making him worry like this!
He found her sitting on a blanket gazing at the rippling creek. He stopped and just stood looking at her. He guess what they said about pregnant women were true. She absolutely glowed and was even more beautiful now than the day he met her.
Her Prada Cowboy: McCulloch County Series #1 Page 14
