Fire On The Farm (Second Chance Cowboy Romance)

by Betty Shreffler

  "She's twenty-five and she's going through a divorce."

  "That sounds like a complicated situation that you may be walking into. How involved are you?"

  He licked his bottom lip, hesitating. "We've slept together a couple times."

  I leaned my head against the stall. This was a more complicated situation than I thought. I wanted to take more time to talk with him, but I needed to get to the barbecue.

  "Just be careful she isn't on the rebound. I don't want to see you develop feelings for this woman, while to her, you're just filling a void."

  He nodded. Probably something he'd thought about already. I turned to head out of the barn. He gently grabbed my wrist to get my attention and then released his grip. "Those things you said. Hearing it come from you means a lot."

  "I meant it. You're a good catch. Any woman would be lucky to have you. Be careful with this woman, okay?"

  Jared nodded. "Thanks for the talk. Have fun tonight and Ames…"

  I turned my head.

  "You do look good in that outfit. Brock's a lucky man."

  I laughed and rolled my eyes. "See ya Monday."

  I started up the barbecue, popped the top of a fresh beer, and checked my cell phone. It was a few minutes past the time Amy was supposed to have arrived. Bethany sat atop the picnic table with Luke on the bench next to her, giving me a questioning look. I shrugged. Tye and his newest fling were side by side on the opposite end and Lexa rounded the backside of the house, following Roger, a cooler in tow.

  "Thank you for doing this. We needed a night away from the kids," Lexa said.

  Roger dropped the cooler by the table.

  "I brought beer and brats." He opened the cooler and fished out a package of meat. I took it from him and emptied it onto the grill.

  "Where's Amy?" Lexa asked.

  "Fashionably late," Bethany pointed to the corner of the house.

  We turned our heads the same direction as Bethany's. My stomach instantly danced at the sight of her. Damn, she looked good. She might be beautiful in a dress, but when she dressed natural in jeans and a tank, she took my damn breath away. I grabbed a beer out of my cooler and popped the top. Wrapping her in my arms, I kissed her sweet lips before handing the beer to her. My hand found its way down to give her ass a squeeze and she let out a squeal of surprise. My sister and cousins laughed.

  Bethany hopped off the picnic table. "Remember what I said? Get used to being man-handled." She pulled Amy in for a hug. I watched Amy's face light up and that small change in her body pleased me immensely.

  "All right, give her back, B. I haven't seen her since yesterday."

  I stepped behind Amy, wrapped my arms around her back and held her by the waist, leaning into her and sucking in her intoxicating citrus scent before nuzzling into her ear and nibbling on it. She giggled beneath me, and Bethany rolled her eyes.

  "You two are worse than us, and we're the newlyweds."

  "They're in the honeymoon stage," Tye told her.

  Amy's hand grazed my ass as I slipped away to check the food on the grill. She winked at me and bit her lip when I leered at her. Arousal tickled my groin, and I bit my inner cheek, shutting it down quickly.

  "Damn man, she's got you whipped," Tye joked.

  I took a swig of my beer and chuckled, watching Amy's sexy body walk to the picnic table with Bethany. "You don't know, Tye. You just don't know."

  Bethany and Amy broke out into girlish giggles. The women shooed the men away from the table and started setting it while us guys stood around the grill bullshitting.

  "So, when's the proposal happenin'?" Tye asked.

  I clicked my tongue against my cheek and flipped the burgers. "It's too soon. I can't rush it with Amy."

  Tye shook his head. "You gotta put a ring on it before someone else does. You have the best lookin' woman here."

  Luke elbowed him hard. "That's my wife you're talkin' about."

  "Yeah, and she's my cousin. She loved me first, and I know you aren't blind. Amy's a fox."

  I gave Tye a pointed look. "Let words like that come out of your mouth again and you're gonna have my fist buried in your face."

  Tye laughed and shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time." His eyes brightened. "We should get the girls to play football with us."

  I looked over at their jeans, dresses, sandals, and boots. "I don't think they'll be up for that."

  Tye looked over his date and Amy. "Maybe some strip poker," he suggested with a lecherous grin, before taking another sip of beer.

  I slugged his shoulder and a mouthful of beer sprayed out of his mouth. He coughed before taking a breath. The ladies looked over at us, curious about the interaction. Bethany waved her hand in the air and spoke loud enough for us to hear.

  "He probably deserved it."

  "He did," Luke replied.

  With his devilish grin, Tye shrugged, and took another swallow.

  I pulled the grilled meat and put it onto three plates. The brats, burgers, chips, and potato salad Bethany brought flew off the three plates from the center of the table. We laughed at Tye's jokes, listened to the details of Luke and Bethany's honeymoon, and everyone wanted to know about Amy's ranch.

  "Y'all are welcome to come over and ride anytime you want."

  I slipped my hand beneath her hair and pulled her toward me so I could kiss her cheek. Seeing her have a good time with my family and friends strengthened my affection toward her. She glanced her baby-blues my direction and I could see the love in them. Damn, it felt incredible. I'd waited a long time to feel something as good as this and now that I had it, I sure as hell wasn't going to take it for granted. Not for a second.

  "Really?" Bethany asked, excitement squeaked her voice.

  "Yeah, just give me call and we'll plan a day to go riding. I'm thinking of buying another horse, actually. One for guests to ride." She looked my direction. "Or maybe one for Brock."

  Could this woman get any better?

  I lifted her hand and brought it to my lips. "No, baby, I'll buy you another horse, it'll just happen to be one I like." I winked at her.

  She smiled and leaned into my open arms.

  "Seriously, you two are sickeningly sweet together," Lexa proclaimed.

  Amy rubbed my arm that held her waist. A grin smeared her pretty face.

  "So, did ya'll remember your suits? 'Cause if not, Tye is going to try to pressure you into football or poker," I said.

  "Oh, I remembered." Bethany hopped off the picnic table. "They're in the car. I'll be back."

  "Ours too," Lexa said.

  Amy sat up. "I'll go with you. Left mine in the car too."

  Emily grabbed Tye's keys and followed the girls.

  Bethany slipped her hand into my arm as we walked to our vehicles. "You probably just made my brother's week by offering to get him a horse."

  "I've been thinking about it for a few days. I can't always count on having a healthy horse boarding at the ranch. I figured he'd enjoy helping me pick it out since he'd probably be riding it the most."

  "He won't say it in front of the guys, but he's probably ecstatic about horse shopping with you."

  Lexa nodded. "No doubt he is. After you get the horse, you'll have to invite us over for a girls’ night. It'll be fun to go riding, get drunk, and share some deep, dark secrets about our past relationships."

  Bethany elbowed Lexa.

  "What?" she bit out. Bethany nodded her head toward me.

  Lexa scrunched her face. "Oh, my gosh, I'm sorry. I'm a little tipsy and—"

  "It's okay. You don't have to apologize."

  A knot formed in my stomach for the guilty expression on her face and for the reminder. The few hours without any kind of reminder had been fun while it lasted.

  "What happened?" Emily asked, a concerned look on her face.

  I stopped at Bethany and Luke's car while Bethany rummaged through the backseat for her tote and swallowed the lump in my throat. I needed to get used to having this conversation whet
her I wanted to or not.

  "I was married once. My husband died in a farm accident."

  Emily's hand went to her mouth as she sucked in a breath. "That's terrible. I'm so sorry."

  Tears stung my eyes. "I'm sorry. It's not something I'm use to talking about." I looked toward the sky, trying to stop the tears.

  Bethany rubbed along my arm, and Lexa embraced me, squeezing me tightly against her.

  "Don't apologize for getting emotional. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose Roger. It had to have been awful for you."

  I nodded and wiped at a stray tear. "I've never really opened up about it until Brock."

  "Is he the first guy you've dated since your husband?" Lexa asked, releasing me from her arms.

  "Yeah."

  "Oh, my God, that is so sweet. He probably feels really special."

  "He does," Bethany confirmed. "He's fallen head over boots for her."

  That brought a smile back to my lips. "I feel the same about him."

  "You two really are adorable together," Emily said, smiling.

  The front door opened. The guys billowed out, led by Tye. He whistled at us from the porch.

  "Hey pretty ladies, you ready to get your toes wet?"

  The ladies glanced at me.

  "Yes," I called back.

  The girls and I walked together, gathering our bags from each vehicle and then met the guys in the house. Swim trunks were handed to the waiting men before everyone claimed an area to change. I dropped my bag on Brock's bed and pulled out my two-piece with a cream knitted design over top of the brown fabric. Brock stretched over my shoulder and glanced in my bag.

  "What are you looking for?"

  "A toothbrush."

  I chuckled and pulled it out to show him. "Of course I'm staying the night."

  He kissed my cheek. "Good."

  The corner of my mouth raised. "Were you actually worried?"

  His warm arms cocooned me against him. "No, gorgeous. I needed to know if I had to stop drinking so I could drive us to your place. Wasn't sure if you had to work early."

  I leaned my head back on his shoulder as his lips seared my neck between kisses. My breath left me when his warm hand slipped beneath my shirt and bra, grazing his palm over my hardening nipple.

  "I'm all yours tonight," I whispered.

  He sucked at my neck and then bit with just enough pressure to send a ripple of arousal through me.

  "That's what I like to hear."

  He lifted my shirt over my head and ran his strong, calloused hands down my bare sides. His hot breath on my ear sent anticipative chills down my spine.

  "I should leave you to change, or I might not let you out of this room." He pressed his front against my back.

  "Brock…"

  His calescent lips left a trail of damp moisture along my collarbone. "Yes, baby?"

  "You're right."

  The feel of his lips lingering over my skin taunted me as he unbuttoned my jeans with ease. His fingers reached in and caressed my desperate and aching warmth below. A moan escaped my lips as his bold and greedy touch slipped in and out, rocking me to the edge of my restraint.

  "Brock…oh, my Go…that feels…"

  "Yes?"

  "Don't stop."

  His arm wrapped around me, holding my trembling legs steady.

  "Amy…" His lips caressed along the tender skin of my neck. My body convulsed, the pleasure too much. "You feel like heaven in my hands."

  My orgasm ripped through me, a compilation of fire and ice, exploding in different parts of my body. My knees gave out. A sound of pleasure escaped his lips as he lifted me onto the bed. The moment his exquisite fingers left me, the cold shock of his departure snapped my eyes open. His hands grasped my thighs and turned me toward him. I looked up to see his hazel-green eyes looking down at me as though I were the prey and he was ready to eat.

  "Hurry up and change. I'm about to lose myself in you if you don't."

  He stole one last, fleeting touch between my thighs before grabbing his swimming trunks and disappearing into the adjoining bathroom. My head collapsed onto the mattress. I laid there, catching my breath before I rose and undressed.

  I stood outside with the rest of the group, waiting for that beautiful woman to join us. She walked out the back door a moment later and my aching blue balls damn near popped. Her tight, toned body and long, tan legs were torture. I could look but couldn't devour. Not now, anyway. It didn't take long for her to catch the attention of the other men either. My gut tightened at the way their eyes shined when they looked at her.

  I glared at Tye, probably a little too dangerously. His expression soured, and he looked away from her, Roger followed. Luke intentionally ignored her entirely. Smart man. She tucked herself in my arms, and I leaned down to her ear.

  "You look good enough to eat, too good."

  She leaned back and giggled. I scooped her into my arms, her legs dangled over the crook of my elbow and her arms hung around my neck.

  "Ready to get wet?" I winked at her.

  Her cheeks grew pink and the secret that passed between us stirred my already sinful thoughts.

  The cool water soothed the damp heat pooling on my skin and the aching in my groin. Her bottom hit the water when my waist did and she let out a squeal of surprise and then relaxed in my arms as the water covered her body. I released her legs and she wrapped them around my waist. I cupped her ass in my hands and held her against me. I loved the feel of her body against mine. The trust she felt with me. My Amy.

  I leaned in and kissed her soft lips and then leaned back into the water, half-floating and letting her sit on my hips. Luke lifted Bethany and charged into the water. She crashed into it with him, letting out an excited squeal. Their heads popped up, and they both laughed before she shoved his head back down.

  Lexa pointed at Roger. "Don't even think about it."

  She dipped her toes in the water, and Roger looked past her to me. I nodded, encouraging his idea. He scooped Lexa into his arms and rushed into the lake, her legs flapped in the air before the water rushed her and left no body part dry.

  We all laughed when Lexa popped to the surface and splashed water in Roger's direction. Emily took off running from Tye, expecting a similar fate. It only incited him further. He chased after her and caught her in a few steps. He lifted her and ran into the water with her. She giggled and kicked and kissed him when he didn't dunk her.

  "Got any rope lying around?" Luke asked.

  "Yeah, in the garage. What do ya need?"

  "We should tie it to that tree over there." He pointed to a large oak tree on the edge of the lake. "It'd make for a good rope swing into the lake."

  I nodded. "Yeah, give me a hand with it."

  I kissed Amy before exiting the water and joining Luke in the garage. We found a good amount of rope and walked along the edge of the lake to the tree. Luke carried the ladder behind me.

  I floated with the other girls and watched Brock's muscular frame carry the rope to the large oak tree. He and Luke set the ladder up against the tree, and he used his muscles to raise himself the rest of the distance the ladder couldn't reach. Seeing his damp muscles flex in the sun reminded me of how he'd used those arms and hands not long ago. Arousal tightened my thighs at the memory.

  I shook my thoughts and returned my attention to Brock straddling the large branch, securely tying the rope. He climbed down and pulled on the rope, testing its durability. Seemingly satisfied, he worked two knots into the rope—chest and hips high.

  "Who wants to test it out first?"

  Luke shrugged. "I will."

  Brock handed him the rope and moved out of the way. Luke stepped back several feet, ran, and then swung into the air, holding tightly to the rope. His body tilted almost parallel to the lake before he let go and splashed into the water, drenching all of us around him. He rose out of the water, smiling.

  I glanced over at Brock who held the rope and was taking several steps back. He
gave it a good tug and then he sprinted forward and flew into the air before coming down in a big splash. I covered my face as the water landed.

  He didn't come up out of the water, and my stomach knotted. I searched for him, the panic setting in and then I felt his hands on my thighs. Relief coursed through me. His head rose out of the water.

  "Aww baby, you look worried."

  I wrapped my legs around his hips and rested against his arms on my back. "I got concerned when you didn't come back up."

  "Nothing to worry about." He caressed my cheek with his hand before kissing me. "I'm not going anywhere."

  I tilted my head, already feeling angst over the words before having said them. "Nothing is guaranteed. I know that too well."

  He thumbed my bottom lip. "You can't let that hold you back from living. C'mon." He took my hand, pulling me out of the water and led me to the rope dangling from the tree. He held it in one arm and me in the other. I stepped back with him, my arm around his back and then together we charged forward. My stomach lifted into my chest as his grip tightened and my feet left the ground, swept into the air. He hugged me tightly to him as gravity took hold of our bodies. The water swallowed us whole, taking with it the sights and sounds of the world. My eyes opened beneath the water and Brock filled my vision. His hands took hold of my face as his lips covered mine. He kicked and propelled us upward, raising me from the depths. Together, our bodies bobbed to the surface.

  Spellbound by this man, I took a breath and then pulled his lips back to mine. I needed him like my lungs needed air.

  The next week passed by too quickly. We both had been busy at work, him more than me. He was close to finishing the current house and had a lot of final touches that needed his attention. Fortunately, it had given me the opportunity to do something very special for him.

  With apparent interest in his eyes, Brock stood in my barn, caressing the neck and mane of the dark, bay thoroughbred in front of him. His eyes glistened with the same hypnotism I had when I first saw Merlin and Ransom. My lips drew back into a lengthy smile.

  "He's yours. His name's Thunder."