"I'm sorry, no entry through here, you have to be a VIP or staff member to go beyond this gate."
Brock nodded and smiled. "I'm here to see Alex Fernando. I'm a friend of his."
The guy's lips twitched and then the corner curved up. "Brock Baisdin?"
Brock nodded.
"Come on through."
The man lifted the lock and opened the iron gate for us to walk through. Anticipation pooled in my stomach as we neared the stables. Brock leaned down to my ear as we walked hand-in-hand past staff members, jockeys, and several attendees dressed as fancy as we were.
"I got a private tour, just for you, gorgeous. A friend of mine still works here. We'll walk around a bit and see the horses and jockeys, then I want to find him and thank him."
I tried to contain the excitement threatening to break out in a dance. I wrapped my arm around him and stopped, so I could give him a long, appreciative kiss.
"This is awesome. Thank you."
He kissed my forehead, and we continued meandering through the stables, watching horses being prepped for the race. We rounded a corner, and Brock's pace picked up. He waved his hand at a man in a red and gold staff shirt with lustrous black, wavy hair and olive skin.
"Alex."
Alex turned from his conversation with one of the horse owner's employees. His smile widened.
"Brock. It's good to see you." They gave each other a brief pat-on-the-shoulder-type hug. "It's been a long time."
"Yeah, it's good to be back in my old stomping ground."
Alex glanced at me. Brock put his arm behind my back and motioned toward me. "Alex, this is my girlfriend, Amy."
Alex outstretched his hand. It was large and rough like Brock's—another hardworking man.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Brock and I talked over the phone. He said you're the proud owner of the Flanders Ranch."
"I am."
"A friend of mine knows the owner of a horse you treated. I've heard nothing but good things about what you do for them horses."
My cheeks grew warm. "Thank you. I love what I do."
"These horses need special people like you." Alex looked past us. "Well, I got to run. Won't be long before the first race starts." He met Brock's gaze. "I hope you two enjoy yourselves. I upgraded your seats for ya. Couldn't get you your own box, but I think you'll be pretty happy with the location."
A grateful smile lifted the corners of Brock's mouth. "Thanks man. I really appreciate that."
"No problem. It was good to see you again."
Brock pulled our tickets from his pocket and read the seating number. He smiled wide.
"He upgraded us to very good seats. He put us in the VIP area. I'll have to do something to thank him later."
"That was really nice of him. How long have you been friends?"
"Nine years. We started working here in the same month when we were both twenty-one." Brock took my hand. "Want to place any bets before we head out there?"
I grinned. "Yes."
"I knew you would. C'mon, baby, let's win some money."
After reading through the booklet and getting tips from Brock, I placed three bets, then we headed to the concession stand for something quick to take with us to the stands. We settled into our seats with a great view of the finish line. I sipped on my sweet tea while Brock looked over my betting tickets.
"You went with three, huh?"
"Yeah, what did you choose?"
"Eighteen, and did a trifecta box with three, six, and eighteen. Either way, we're winning some money."
I wiggled in my seat. "They're starting."
The atmosphere of the race was perfect. The sun was high, the clouds scattered and puffy, the breeze light. The stands were full and the energy was humming. Brock and I attentively watched the starting gate. The bell chimed, and the gates released nearly a dozen horses eager to get to the finish line. Jockey colors and numbers were a jumble between lean bodies and long legs. My eyes followed the horses we'd bet on, and I squeezed Brock's hand as they gained in position.
"Look, Brock, number three is heading to the front."
Brock kissed my cheek. "Looks like you picked the right one."
As the horses crossed the finish, I sprung out of my seat. I turned to Brock, standing next to me, pride in his eyes. I leaned toward him and lowered my voice, containing my enthusiasm the best I could.
"We just won a thousand dollars!"
He placed his hand on my chin and raised my lips to his, giving me a quick kiss. "Good job, baby. You gonna pick the next one for us too?"
I laughed at his cheeky smile. "I'm not that good or lucky. I'm taking our winnings and stopping there."
"Mm hmm, we'll see."
By the end of the races, we won two-hundred and forty-nine more dollars and were now ready to check into our hotel and head out for dinner.
Brock carried my bag up the steps of the Tifton Resort just outside of the racetrack. He waved the key card in front of the scanner and the light changed from red to green. He opened the door for me to enter, and I had to remind myself to keep breathing. Sitting atop a king-size, four-poster bed with long, flowing white fabric tied to each post were dozens of rose petals. Next to the bed sat a stand with a bucket of ice holding a bottle of wine and beside it, two wine glasses.
Beyond the breathtaking rose petal-covered bed were floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a fountain in the middle of a small garden. Connected to the bedroom was a small kitchenette and a bathroom with a giant mirror that hinted to a luxury, whirlpool tub.
"Oh, my goodness, Brock, this is amazing. You didn't have to do all this. It must have been so expensive."
He closed the door behind us and set our bags by the door. He pulled me into his arms and looked down at me with his stunning hazel-green eyes.
"You think I care about the money? No baby! This is our weekend. I want you to enjoy every moment of it because I want you to know I'll always take care of you. I'll do anything to make you happy, because you're the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."
His lips came down on mine, full of passion and apparent need. Need that drew eager breaths from my lips and caused x-rated thoughts to cross my mind. His hands pulled me against his hardening erection before he backed me toward the bed, pinning me between him and it.
With a groan, he pulled away in an evident attempt to regain his composure. My body begged to have his lips devouring me once again. Confused by the sudden interruption, I watched him fish his hand into his pocket and pull something out, clutching it in his fist. He placed his head against mine and rubbed his thumb along my cheek.
"I had a whole evening planned out with a dinner in the courtyard, but I can't wait a moment longer."
His eyes locked on mine, full of adoration and hope. He outstretched his palm and displayed what was in his fist—a tiny, black velvet box with a radiant cut yellow and white diamond engagement ring. He dropped to one knee before me, running his free hand along my legs, sending arousal coursing between my thighs like a whip of lightning.
"I've known you were the woman for me for some time now. It didn't take long for me to discover that my future had to have you in it. I love you more than anything in this world. Amy, there is nothing that would make me happier than if you were to be my wife."
The tears welled up in my eyes. Between the tempting arousal and unexpected shock, my body didn't know how to react. A moment of debilitating fear seized my body. The last man I loved and married, I lost. I wouldn't survive if I lost Brock, too. My hesitation must have been apparent. Disappointment filled Brock's eyes. He lowered the hand that held the ring.
"It's too soon—"
I raised my hand to stop him. "Yes." The word came out barely a whisper.
Brock's eyes widened and the hope and adoration returned.
"Yes?"
My body betrayed my mind. I couldn't believe I was saying it, but I wanted to be with this man, every ounce of me was screaming yes.
He st
ood and enfolded me in his arms. I buried my face in his neck, letting the warmth and comfort of his touch soothe my fears. "Yes. The answer is yes. I love you so much."
I could feel his muscles relaxing. He held me tightly against him and kissed my hair. "Damn baby, you scared me there for a second."
I pulled away, putting a small space between us so I could look at him. "I won't lie, I'm scared, but seeing the way you're looking at me now, only reminds me how much I love and need the man standing before me. I love you, Brock. I want you in my life and if that means taking this leap with you, then I'm in."
His piercing gaze penetrated me deeply. His hand stroked my cheek before his lips claimed mine. His intoxicating scent, heated body, and growing erection suffocated my senses. I leaned back onto the bed as he laid me beneath him. I inched back and his hungry eyes followed the form of my dress, down to my knees. He set the black velvet box aside and pulled the ring from it. He slid it onto my finger before bringing his warm hands to my thighs. He bit his bottom lip and slowly released it.
"I've never wanted you as much as I do now. You're gonna be my wife, Amy. I'm gonna be wearing a permanent hard-on and cheesy grin for quite some time."
My laughter was suppressed by his warm hands gliding up the inside of my thigh. The anticipation of his touch already had me warm and wet. His thumb swiped across me and the shock that smeared his face was priceless.
"When did you? All day you’ve been without them?"
I nodded.
A low growl escaped his lips. "Baby, that's incredibly hot. You should have told me sooner."
"You were so full of surprises this weekend. I wanted to have one for you."
His finger twirled around my clit before his hands reached for his belt buckle. "Fuck, Amy, I'm so damn aroused right now, I'm about to bust out of these jeans."
"Then, let's not waste any more time."
Her hands worked quickly releasing me from my agony. She folded the jeans over the sides of my hips and my aching erection sprung forward. She took it in her hand and glanced up at me with those sweet, seductive eyes. Yes, baby, please take me in your mouth, was all I could shamelessly think. My wish was fulfilled and her glorious mouth worked me from base to tip. I groaned in pleasure when I hit the back of her throat.
Her hand worked circles as she slid me in and out. The blood left my brain, and I struggled to keep myself upright. I held one hand on her shoulder while the other clenched her beautiful, long hair in my fist.
"Amy…fu…ck…your mouth is magic."
I thickened, nearing my climax. My arousal increased when she moaned and pulled more of me between her lips. One invigorating pulse and my orgasm drowned out the world, leaving me with numbing satisfaction.
I looked down at the woman who would be my wife, the woman who gave me incredible pleasure and lifted my spirit the moment we entered the same room together. I placed my hands around her face and raised her to me.
"You're perfect. Absolutely perfect. I love you, baby. So damn much."
Strong, calloused hands caressed warm water over my shoulders and breasts. Brock’s adoring kisses trailed over my collarbone and neck as I admired the sparkling ring on my outstretched hand.
“Do you like it?” he asked, pulling more bubbles and warm water toward my exposed chest.
“I love it. It’s beautiful.”
He took my hand in his and rubbed his thumb along it, admiring the ring with me. “As soon as I saw it, I thought of you.”
His head leaned against mine, and his kiss came soft on my hair. “I’ve never been so happy. You’re gonna be mine, Amy, all mine.”
I leaned up and turned to face his gleeful, shining eyes. “I’m already yours.”
“No, baby. You’re gonna take my name and I don’t know why, but that means a great deal to me.”
His words were emotional strings attached to my heart, tugging feverishly. I brought his hand to my lips and kissed it. “I’m proud to take your name. You are an incredible man. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so thankful to have you.”
He pulled me to his chest and kissed my forehead before placing his lips on mine. “Better put some more hot water in this tub. You’re not getting out anytime soon.”
His free hand slipped between my legs. My body responded eagerly, instantly warm with anticipation. I reached behind me and turned the knob to hot.
On the road home, I couldn’t stop looking over at my fiancée. Yeah, like a lovesick fool, I kept repeating my fiancée over and over in my head. I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed her soft fingers. Her eyes lit up when she smiled. Just looking at her, I wanted to pull the car over into the nearest dark, dirt road and pull her onto my lap.
“Eyes on the road.” She grinned.
“It’s not easy with you sitting next to me looking gorgeous.”
She giggled, and I slipped my hand onto her upper thigh. Her eyes glazed over with what I was sure was the memory of the sex we had before leaving the resort.
“What do you think about me moving in with you and selling my house?”
She looked at me, concerned. “You’d be okay with that? Selling your house?”
“Yeah, baby. It’s just four walls to me. My home is wherever you are.”
I hit a soft spot with that one. Amy’s eyes took on a new sheen. “I think you’re racking in the bonus points now.”
A chuckle escaped me. “Might as well get them while I can. I know there’ll be days I’ll need them.”
I brought her fingers to my lips again and kissed them before nibbling on them. She giggled in her seat and batted her long, beautiful lashes at me.
“We’re home.” I pulled the Nova into the driveway and parked it just outside the house. Our house. That was going to take some getting used to. Looking at it from the outside, I was already seeing the work I had ahead of me along with some necessary remodeling work inside. Turning it into our home was going to be my first priority.
The next morning, the first thing I did was call Heather and my parents to share the news of our engagement. Heather’s excited shriek nearly burst my eardrum.
“I’m so happy for you! When’s the date?”
“Last night we decided on March fifteenth. It’s between our birthdays and the weather will be nice.”
“Where’s it going to be at?”
“We’re not sure yet. We thought about the gazebo on the lake at his house, but if the house sells before the wedding, then that wouldn’t be a good choice, so we’re still thinking about it.”
“What about your dress? When do we go shop—”
Heather’s words trailed off as Jared burst through my front door. Shock swept over me instantly. He’d rarely ever come in my house and the grief-stricken expression on his face had my stomach instantly in a knot.
“What’s wrong?” I asked over the sound of my thudding heartbeat.
“It’s Ransom. You should come now.”
I raised the phone to my ear. “I gotta go. I’ll call you back.”
Shoving my phone in my pocket, I quickly followed Jared out to the barn. I approached Ransom’s stall and instantly froze in place. Ransom was lying on his side with blood around his nostrils. With shaky hands, I opened his gate and lowered myself next to him. Tears pooled in my eyes as I checked to see if he was breathing. When my hand pulled back from his breathless nostrils, the tears gushed from my eyes. While running my fingers through his soft mane, I laid over his neck, painfully holding back sobs.
“Should I call Andrea?”
All I could do was nod my head yes as my lip quivered and my heart broke in two. My sob broke lose when I heard Jared tell Andrea that Ransom had passed away. I wiped my tears with my shirt as he returned to the stall. He squatted down next to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Ames. I know how much Ransom meant to you.”
As much as I appreciated Jared’s support, he wasn’t the man I wanted holding me right now. “I need to call B
rock and we need to get the other horses out before they get stressed.”
“I’ll take care of the horses. Take all the time you need.”
I left the barn and immediately dialed Brock.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
His voice alone soothed some of the ache in my chest.
“Jared found Ransom in the barn this morning.” I swallowed back the sob threatening to escape. “He passed away.”
“The guys can finish things up here. I’m on my way home.”
Home. It felt so good to hear him say that.
The ache in her voice brought me right back to the night she told me about Darrell’s accident. Her emotional struggle all too obvious. I knew she was holding it together but inside, she was devastated. That horse was the first step she took toward healing after Darrell’s accident. He was what helped build her new life. The usual twenty-five minute drive home to my fiancée was going to be twenty-five minutes too long today.
I dropped my tools in my foreman’s truck and saddled my bike.
“Erik, I’m heading out. Finish things up here for me, will ya?”
“Yeah, boss. No problem. Everything all right?”
“Yeah, just need to take care of things at home.”
On my drive, I started thinking of ways to ease her loss—a vacation, another horse? The guys would have to finish up the house on their own. She’d need me on the farm for the next few days, just as company, if not for anything else.
I turned onto a side road, attempting a short cut. The scenery was perfect. Tall, crooked branches arched over both sides of the road, creating a dome above me. The cool breeze dried the sweat that had lingered on my skin and the sound of my tires crunching gravel eased the tension I was holding. The idea came to me then, to take Amy on a bike trip, to a private place where I could love on her ‘til the pain of Ransom’s loss lessened.
As I turned the bend, my fists reflexively tightened on the bars. The sound of screeching metal tore through my ears. Instant pain seized by body as the vehicle struck my side. The bright sun was the last thing I saw before everything became dark.
Fire On The Farm (Second Chance Cowboy Romance) Page 16
