Now, if she could just pull it off.
After she’d finished tromping around in the mud, helping Cyrus engineer the project, Charlee had left Justice at his office and headed to College Station to find a dress. And shoes. Get her hair done. Her nails done. Buy makeup...girl stuff.
While she was there, she also visited a health food store. After hearing what Justice had said about why he’d lost the time at the diner, Charlee remembered the research she’d gathered on cluster headaches. Knowing how he suffered, she always kept her eyes open, reading any information she could get her hands on. A few years back, she’d run across an article written by a Yale professor named Sewell who purported the root of the Kudzu vine as a great relief for ‘suicide’ headaches, the same headaches that Justice suffered from. The pain from cluster headaches is known to be the worst pain a human can suffer. To think the lowly Kudzu, the imported Asian vine that supposedly ‘ate’ the Southern US, growing in many places ten feet a day and covering everything in its path, could be a source for good and healing boggled her mind. Thinking she would tell Justice and give him a box of the tea, Charlee bought it and slipped it into her purse.
Five hours later the knock on the motel door made Charlee jump about a foot and drove every coherent thought from her mind. He was here. She’d made a discovery. No matter how much curling to her hair and paint she’d applied to her face, she still looked like Charlee. Sighing, she gave herself one last cursory glance, then headed for the door.
Justice waited with his hat in one hand, a bouquet of flowers in the other and a bottle of chilled champagne at his feet. He hoped Ms. Horne’s ice buckets were big enough to accommodate his Riesling. Justice was a bit nervous. Why, he didn’t know. Looking down at his boots, he made sure they weren’t dusty. He’d dressed up for Charlee, which meant he’d added a black jacket to his black jeans and black shirt.
When the door flew open, he dropped his hat. “Mercy,” he whispered. She was a vision. His Charlee looked like an angel. “You look beautiful. Here.” He thrust the flowers out at her. Taking them from his hands, she backed into the room.
“Thank you, I never expected this.” She buried her face in the fragrant red roses. “And wine?” A tentative smile made her face even more kissable.
He couldn’t stop looking at her. She was dressed in a bronze sheathe which hugged her curves and it seemed to glint when the light hit it. He was mesmerized. Her hair hung in long ringlets. There was no way he could resist touching. “I am one lucky SOB. How am I going to eat knowing I get to come home with you?”
His heartfelt appreciation broke the ice. “I’d say we could skip dinner, but I’m starving.” She placed the vase of roses on the table, then iced the wine for later. “We’ll have to drink out of plastic cups.”
Not if he had his way. “We’ll manage,” he promised. As she flitted around the room, he catalogued every move. His cock was as interested as he was. “Patience. Patience.”
“What?” she asked, putting her new lipstick and the room key in her purse. She’d splurged on a new bag to match the four inch heels. These were her first real pair of fuck-me shoes, and she was anxious to see how they worked. But if the bulge in Justice’s jeans was any indication, they worked just fine.
“You can hear still like a bat.” He smirked. “I was giving a pep-talk to my cock. He’s a little over anxious. Doesn’t want to wait.”
“I know, I’m giving my girl parts the same lecture.”
She winked at him, and he busted out laughing. “Come on, they’re saving us their best table.”
Honestly, he made her feel like a princess. Charlee had to admit that going from best friend to love interest definitely made a difference in the gallantry department. He opened her door, fastened her seatbelt, kissed her with enough to make her weak in the knees, and held her hand while he drove. “What do you do for fun in Austin?” he asked.
Charlee thought for a minute. “I’m pretty much of a homebody. I watch Netflix and I take walks down by the river. Reading is still one of my escapes, but I try to branch out. A few weeks ago I did that indoor sky-diving thing.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes,” she admitted, “but I’m not interested in jumping out of a plane.”
He rubbed his thumb over the top of his hand. “I wouldn’t want you to. You were always too much of a daredevil for my peace of mind. If you weren’t swinging from a rope out of the top of the hayloft, you were trying to stand on the back of one of the horses. Do you remember the time you climbed to the top of the windmill to untangle my kite? I turned my back and you were dangling fifty feet in the air. I swear, I should be gray by now.”
“You were always a worrywart.” She raised his hand and kissed it. “Hampton is a lot like you.”
Justice cleared his throat. “He’s gay, you say?”
“Yes, don’t be jealous.” She could read him like a book. “He and Weber are coming down. They want to meet you, take us out to dinner in a couple of days. Would you go?”
Charlee didn’t know it, but she’d just set his mind to rest. He wanted to be the most important person in her life again. “Wouldn’t miss it. Just tell me when.”
Upon arriving at Legends, Justice escorted Charlee in on his arm and it was almost like a scene out of a movie. When they were escorted to their table, the whole room went quiet. Even the band stopped playing. It was a local group, the lead guitar player had gone to school with Charlee. Everyone was looking at them, and Charlee felt like a bug under a microscope. “Do you think people recognize me?”
“I think they’re staring because you’re a walking dream.”
Her next move dispelled any speculation that she and Justice were dating because she leaned across the table and kissed him square on the lips. A long kiss. A sensual kiss.
A kiss that made Justice thankful this was a nice restaurant with long white tablecloths he could hide his erection under. “Check please?” He teased out loud.
“No.” She pulled his hand down. “I’ll behave.”
“I don’t want you to ever behave.” He stared long and deep into her eyes while the waiter poured wine and at least a half dozen people took pictures of them with their cell phones. Speculation about their relationship would be all over town tomorrow. Justice was the most eligible bachelor in three counties and news he was seeing someone would not go unnoticed.
Their meal was delicious and soon Charlee forgot about anyone else who might be observing them. To say Justice was charming was an understatement. He was perfectly attentive and made her feel like a queen. When he asked her if she wanted dessert, she looked him straight in the eye and gave him her preference. “I’d rather have you.”
Justice swallowed hard, slapped two hundred dollar bills on the table and hurried her out. “You don’t want to wait for change?”
“Hell no, I think I tipped them a hundred dollars, but I didn’t want to wait for the bill.” All the way back to the motel, he kept her on the edge of her seat, running his hand from her knee to her thigh. “You’re so damn soft.” Grazing just an inch higher, he made another discovery. “You’re wet.” His truck swerved before he righted it.
“Always, when you’re near,” she confessed in a whisper.
“Damn.” Justice whipped into the motel parking lot, praying that Ms. Horne wouldn’t be where she could see them. When he came around to help her from the car, he didn’t wait for her to step out, Justice picked her up and strode to the door. “Put the key in.” He directed in a tight voice. When she did, he pushed in and placed Charlee on her feet.
“Thank you.” Smiling, she dropped her arms from around his neck and was about to step away. Only she didn’t get very far. Letting out a high squeal, Charlee’s head spun as Justice grabbed her, turned her around and pushed her up against the door.
“You have no idea how much I want you.” Biting his lower lip, he pushed his lower body against her. “Feel what you do to me.” Her eyes got big, and she shivered as he ki
ssed her neck and ran his fingertips down her arms. When he reached her hands, he enclosed them in his big ones and raised her arms, pressing her hands against the wall above her head.
“You felt how much I want you, I’m starving for you.” Licking her lips, she stared at his mouth, willing him to kiss her.
“This is going to be fast. I’ll take my time later, I promise.” Shifting her hands to one of his, he held her in place and slid a hand up her thigh, wrapped the little scrap of lace across her pussy around his fingers and jerked.
Charlee gasped as he began to rub her slit. “This is right out of my fantasies, you know,” she whispered against his lips.
“Mine too.”
She moved her feet wider apart to give him better access. A flash of white hot arousal rushed through her veins. Her nipples hardened, the folds of her pussy swelled. “God, I can’t breathe.”
“Let me help.” He sealed his lips to hers, and she yielded, opening her mouth and allowing him to sink deep inside. Justice moaned, her sweetness intoxicated him. He could spend all day just worshiping her mouth. As he kissed her, he continued to swirl his fingers around her clit. Justice could feel the heat pouring from between her legs. The scent of her arousal made his mouth water. “Fuck, you’re killing me.”
Charlee’s breath was hitching, catchy little gasps, sexy pants that let Justice know exactly how much she wanted him. He pushed his fingers up inside of her, making her go on tiptoe. “God, you’re gonna feel good around my cock.”
“Please, please, I want you so much. Don’t make me wait.”
“Fuck,” he growled, bending his mouth to her breast. Charlee thought she’d faint when he nipped her swollen nipple through the fabric of her dress and sucked hard.
Releasing her hands, he placed his palms on her hips and lifted. “Put your legs around me.” When she did, he unzipped his fly and guided his cock inside of her. This time there was no finesse. He rammed home and redefined the term wallbanger. All Charlee could do was hang on and revel in how good it felt to be nailed to the wall over and over again. Every jolt was ecstasy, her clit was pulsing as she rode his cock. Trying to keep from screaming, she bit the side of his neck, and he bellowed. “Cum for me, baby.” Justice cupped her ass, tilting her to an angle so her hips were fully seated against his, then he moved her up and down his cock, her clit rubbing against him with every thrust. She keened, writhing against him, crying out his name.
“Justice!”
Her pussy clamped down on him and the pleasure was out of this world, blistering, past anything he’d ever dreamed. The ecstasy surged through his cock, boiling up from his balls. And when the orgasm hit, it nearly bowled him over. Shit, she was going to take him to his knees. Annihilate him. The climax was huge, expanding, swelling, big as a tidal wave.
“Charlee, my Charlee.” He gasped, pushing his cock in as deep as he could get it. He wanted to be one with her—signed, sealed, delivered. Blindly he found her mouth, his lips slamming into hers, drinking from her sweetness.
She held on, her heartbeat thundering in her chest. There was nothing in the world to her but this man and the love she felt for him. Nothing.
* * *
He spent the night with her, loving her twice more. Once the occupant of her next room banged on the wall, and Charlee pulled a pillow over her head. “We’re too loud. They’re going to complain to Ms. Horne and the next thing we know this will be all over the sewing circle.”
Justice uncovered her. “Come home with me.”
“To El Camino?”
Moving over her, Justice kissed her mouth repeatedly. “Yes. Stay with me. I can promise our walls are better insulated.”
“But your family?”
“They all love you. The twins came back yesterday for a couple of days, and Jase should be getting in this morning. One of us is supposed to pick up Cade and Abby from the airport after lunch. Believe me, they’ll be glad to see you. You’ve always been part of the family.”
She searched his face, wanting what he suggested so much she was afraid to reach out and take it when it was offered.
“Please, I want you with me.” He nudged her with his cock. “And just think of the perks.”
“Believe me, I love your perks. But I don’t think staying at the ranch would be a good idea. Not yet.” She conceded with a smile, determined to take it slow. There was a lot to consider, and she had her heart to protect. And then there was the baby…the more they were together, the more it felt like she was depriving him of something important. Did men care about things like that? A miscarriage? After all, she’d only been three months along.
He was disappointed. “All right, I guess I’m rushing things. Spend the day with me and let’s finish up with dinner at El Camino. I’ll cook.”
“You’ll cook?” She laughed, relieved he wasn’t angry. “How about we cook together?”
“Deal.”
After two or three false starts, they finally made it out of the bed and into the shower. Charlee had no idea that a man and a woman could play together. They laughed, teased, and God, how they loved. It was like their childhood friendship and comradery had matured and taken a sensual turn. All of a sudden she felt sorry for all of the lovers who weren’t best friends. This was how it should be.
As she dressed, Charlee imagined spending every day with him, safe in his care, the center of his life. The whole idea sounded outlandish, mostly because it was, but it was her fantasy, and she couldn’t let it go. There was no way she could deny how absolutely content and complete everything he’d done so far had made her feel. But since she was Charlee and he was Justice, she knew she’d better enjoy it now because it probably wouldn’t last.
Since she would be going to El Camino for dinner, Charlee packed a small bag. When Justice saw it, he got his hopes up. “Changed your mind about staying at the ranch?”
“No, we’re going to be in the field today. I didn’t want to have dinner with your family in greasy grimy clothes.”
He snapped his fingers as if missing out on something. “Shoot. Can’t blame a guy for hoping.”
She started to tell him he could spend the night at the motel again, but she still didn’t feel that sure of herself. Justice would have to continue to make the first moves until her confidence level rose.
After leaving the motel, they drove by the site, this time heading down 21 to the barricade and walking the rest of the way. Justice held the fence while Charlee crawled through and was pleased to see that progress had been made and there were some new faces, his brothers. “Look, there’s the twins and Jase.”
Charlee stared, they had changed so much! Justice had been grown when she left, but the others—especially Trace and Trevor—looked completely different. They were men.
“Justice!” All three of them came to greet their brother and to look…at her.
“Is this Charlee?” The marvel in Trace’s voice was reflected on all three faces. He spread his hands. “My God, you turned into a swan.”
Charlee blushed, getting the ugly duckling reference. She wished another sinkhole would open beneath her feet. “Thanks, it’s good to see you. You all look great.”
Justice could have cheerfully killed his brother. He pressed his lips together.
Trevor elbowed his twin. “Smooth.”
Jase had more finesse. He came over and hugged Charlee. “It’s wonderful to see you. We missed you around here.”
“Yea, ignore my brother, he caught foot-in-mouth disease from the cattle.” Trevor was still trying to cover for Trace.
“No, no, it’s all right.” Charlee held up her hand. “I understand.” She turned to Jase, anxious to change the topic. “I thought about you the other day.”
“You did?”
Justice perked his ears up, wondering why she was thinking about his brother.
“I remember you telling me the story about your ancestress, Jane Long, and how she saw the bear cross Galveston Bay when it was frozen.”
“Yea, she was interesting. They called her the ‘mother of Texas’ because her third child was one of the first Anglo-American babies born to an English speaking mother in Texas.”
Justice watched the exchange, realizing she was smoothing out an awkward moment.
“When I went down to Galveston a few weeks back to help with a study of barrier island erosion, I met this man who was doing some intensive study of Jane and her husband, James, especially their associations with the Pirate Jean Lafitte and Jim Bowie. I bought one of his books if you’d like to see it sometimes.”
“I’d love to. I’ve gone down to the ruins of the old fort on Bolivar where Jane lived many times. What bothers me the most is the reference to the ships on the marker that slaves were unloaded there and forced to walk some three hundred fifty miles through snake and mosquito infested swamps to New Orleans where they were sold.” Jase was getting into the conversation, but Justice and the twins’ eyes were glazing over.
“Okay, you two squints, you can talk later. We just wanted to check the progress and then I’m taking Charlee home with me.”
His brothers looked surprised but happy. “Excellent. How about a game of paintball?” Trace suggested, probably trying to make up for his outburst.
Jase shook his head, more astute than his brothers. “I think he’s inviting her for dinner, not game day.”
Trevor’s expression brightened, like a lightbulb had gone off in his head. “Oh, you mean like a girl/boy thing.”
By this time Charlee was embarrassed again, and Justice wanted to knock their heads together. “We’ll have a nice family meal to welcome Charlee back to Bronco.”
“You mean, we’ll have a meal if Abby gets home in time to cook.” Trace clarified. “We tend to burn things.”
“Nonsense, I’m a master on the grill. There’s a beef tenderloin in the refrigerator just waiting for me.” Justice defended his culinary skills.
Loving Justice (El Camino Real Book 2) Page 16
