Pressure Rising (Rhinestone Cowgirls Book 2)

by Carver, Rhonda Lee

  ****

  DJ leaned his chair back on two legs and propped his feet up on the rail. Pearls’ laughter billowed out from inside the house through the open windows as she and her sisters talked about the wedding. He smiled. He loved her laugh.

  The screen door opened and he looked up as Spark Ryder, Jewels’ fiancé, stepped out onto the porch.

  “It can be a little overwhelming at times. The three of them get together and the entire world is lost. But nothing like seeing my lady happy. Maybe this will help.” Spark handed DJ a beer.

  DJ shrugged and accepted the offering. “I know how it is. My brothers and I can get a little loud at times. Sure is a good evening for a beer, especially after the steaks you grilled.” He popped the lid and took a long drink. “The big day’s coming up it seems.”

  Spark took a seat and stretched his legs, hooking his ankles. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m ready to hang up single life and start my new life with Jewels.”

  DJ liked Spark. He seemed like a man with solid morals and bro-material. During dinner he’d talked about his years on the rodeo circuit and no doubt the man had balls. “You two seem real happy. Congratulations.”

  Spark rubbed his chin with his thumb. “I could be mistaken, but it would seem you and Pearl’s agreement might be working out.”

  “I guess it is.” DJ tightened his hold on the bottle. “I’m not so sure she’ll be as sweet once she leaves the R&R though.”

  Spark laughed. “I understand you two have a difficult relationship, but I didn’t see that tonight.”

  Nodding, DJ drank half his beer. Swallowing, he sighed. “It’s a rumor that the Stone girls have a way of making a cowboy sweat, but I’m seeing this up close and personal.”

  “Buddy, trust you me, it wasn’t all pleasure the first time I met Jewels. Whoo-wee did that girl ruffle my feathers. I’d rather take a shot to the ass than have wax strips used on any part of my body ever again.”

  DJ almost choked on his beer. “Wax strips?”

  Spark nodded. “Yeah, Jewels believed I played Em, which I didn’t, and thought she’d teach me a lesson by tying me up to a bedpost and slapping strips of wax all over my legs. Damn son-of-a-guns stung like hell ripping them off. I ain’t too manly to admit that I shed a tear or two that day.” His tan turned a shade paler.

  “How did you forgive her?”

  “I think I’d fallen the minute I saw her and after you get a taste of true love, my friend, it’s all done for. My girl is as sweet as they come, and as feisty as those wild bulls I used to ride, but I figure I can handle it.”

  DJ rubbed the back of his neck. “How did you know it was love and not lust?”

  “When you can’t get a woman out of your mind, no matter how much work you drown yourself in, it’s a pretty good possibility she’s already in your heart. Once she’s claimed a spot, she’s there forever.” Spark smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  The creaking of the screen door brought both of their heads up. Jewels and Pearl slipped out. They were very similar in looks, but Pearl had a tint of red to her hair and lighter eyes. Jewels bent beside Spark and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The affection between them couldn’t be missed. “Hey, cowboy. I need some company while I run into town and grab some odds and ends for the wedding.”

  Spark lifted his chin. “Is Em going with you?” Jewels shook her head. “Oh, you’re wanting me to go.”

  Jewels smiled. “Well, you don’t have to…” She stood up, tucked her bottom lip between her teeth and batted her lashes.

  “I’ll go.” Spark shot up from the chair, placed his half-full beer on the rail. “Ready?”

  “Yes, I am.” Jewels’ smile returned as she tucked her arm around Sparks’ elbow. “Bye, sis. Nice to see you again DJ.”

  “Nice to see you,” DJ responded.

  Once they were gone, Pearl slipped into the seat Spark had occupied and folded her legs under her bottom. “They all like you.”

  He grinned. “Of course, once they saw that I don’t have horns and sharp teeth.”

  She laughed. “I guess I’ve been pretty rotten over the years haven’t I?” She slipped her fingers through her hair.

  “Yes. But so have I.” He plucked at the label on the bottle. “Do you think it’s possible we can bury the hatchet for good?”

  “I think it’s very possible.” Her tongue darted out across her lips.

  His gut clenched. “There’s something I’d like to try out.” He stood up and stuck out his hand for her to take.

  Without hesitation, she took it and he helped her up to her feet. “Yeah?”

  He nodded. “I want to try that kiss again, the one behind the barn, and let you knock my boots off like you did when I was a kid.”

  “I knocked your boots off?” Her eyes sparkled.

  “Oh sweetheart, did you ever. I fantasized about that kiss for years to come.”

  Her smile lit her face. “I’d love to kiss you behind the barn, but there is a slight problem…”

  “What’s that?”

  “That particular barn was torn down years back. But we have plenty to choose from.”

  ****

  Pearl and DJ walked hand in hand, following the narrow trail to the new barn erected where they’d shared their first kiss. She was overcome with happiness being here with him, talking casually and enjoying each other’s company.

  Once they reached the barn, he led her to the backside, still keeping their hands connected.

  “Here we are, alone at last.” His raspy voice prickled her flesh.

  Standing on tiptoe, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him. “The last few days have been phenomenal. There is no other way to describe it.”

  “I hate to say this but getting shot in the ass was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” He laughed.

  “You’re being too kind. There’s no way you could mean that.” She kissed the corner of his lips and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

  He covered her mouth with his, soft at first, then deepened it by swirling his tongue along the walls of her mouth. She threaded her fingers through the hair at his collar and his hat slipped from his head, forgotten as he lifted her off her feet, holding her closer. He lifted his lips a mere half-inch. “Now that will definitely replace old memories as being the best damn kiss ever.”

  She chuckled. “Pretty darn good if I say so myself.”

  “I have an idea.” He placed her on her feet and reached into his pocket, pulling out a pocket knife.

  “If your plans have anything to do with becoming my blood brother, I’ll let you know I’m a blood wienie. One drop and I’ll be dizzy.”

  He snorted. “Sweetheart, the last thing I want is to be your brother.” He opened the blade and faced the barn wall, carving something into the wood.

  “What is that?” She tried looking over his broad shoulder.

  “Hang on a second, antsy-pantsy.”

  When he was finally done, he stepped back. She read, “DJ + Pearl. 4-ever.” Tears filled her eyes. “That is the sweetest thing ever.”

  “This way you can’t forget me.” He shuffled his boots then picked up his hat, knocked it against his thigh before putting it back on.

  “DJ, like I would.” She playfully pinched his arm.

  “Pearl, I want you to know—”

  A loud, piercing neigh from inside the barn interrupted him. “That sounded like Charmin.” Pearl rushed around the side of the building and through the open door. Her jaw dropped. Charmin’s stall door was open and inside with her was Pugly who had Charmin in a compromising position.

  “Oh shit!” DJ sputtered from behind her.

  Pearl turned on him, hands clenched and anger rushing through her. “Get that donkey off my horse!”

  His eyes widened. “Pearl, they’re right in the middle of mating.”

  “No they’re not! He’s just trying real hard.” Seething, she kicked up hay with the toe of
her shoe. “You! How could you let this happen again?”

  “Me?” He stabbed a thumb into the middle of his chest.

  “How coincidental that you happen to be here and Pugly gets into the pen. Figures!”

  “Are you suggesting that I let Pugly in?”

  Planting hands on hips, she narrowed her gaze. “You were outside for a long time.”

  “Real good, Pearl. I see you’re right back to your old ways.” He shook his head.

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Do you need a dictionary? You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He brushed past her and slapped his hands together. “Pugly! You danged, son-of-a-gun! You really want shot too, huh?”

  Pugly didn’t make a move off Charmin.

  “Why is it so freaking hard to keep a donkey in his pen? You don’t care one bit how this bothers me. I should have known I was being a fool, thinking you had changed. Wow, was I crazy. I can’t believe I let you smooth talk me into bed.”

  He turned, his eyes pensive and his lips thinned. His tan had lost some color. “Don’t worry. I won’t ‘smooth-talk’ you ever again.” Pugly finished his business and strode out of the stall, proud and head cocked. DJ laid a hand on the donkey’s neck. “And by the way, you were the one that left the electrical fence turned off. Remember? The night of the storm?”

  Pearl swallowed against the constriction in her throat.

  DJ led Pugly from the barn and Pearl stood there for the longest time, absorbed in the misery consuming her.

  Chapter Ten

  “Rise and shine, sleepy head.”

  DJ looked up as Nash strolled into the kitchen. DJ was sitting at the table, relaxed with a cup of coffee in hand. “What the hell are you smiling at?”

  Nash shrugged. “How long do you plan to be in a sour mood? Maybe you should grovel to Pearl and tell her you’re sorry.”

  “It’s none of your business.” DJ poured himself another cup of coffee from the thermos, taking it black. He’d slept like shit since he’d walked away from Pearl in the barn. He had to man up though. Stay mounted to the future. No matter how good it felt to have Pearl in his arms, she was gone and it was for the best.

  “So, bro, tell me what’s going on.” Nash scrubbed his jaw. He pulled the chair out from across DJ and took a seat. “I have no clue what happened.”

  “Shit happened. That’s all.”

  “As far back as I can remember, you and Pearl couldn’t stand each other, and then she ended up in your bed. You should have guessed things don’t turn that fast.”

  “She had to have somewhere to sleep.” He wasn’t sure how long he could skirt the real question in his brother’s expression.

  “Yeah, and you just had to sleep with her to keep her warm. I understand.” Nash took a long drink from his cup.

  “No, you have no idea.” DJ rubbed his neck. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to get into. Not today. Not ever.

  “Dad and Jobe are coming back today. Better get your act together or they’re going to see straight through you. You’re going to have it rough enough as it is. I bet Jobe has come up with ways to make you the butt end of every joke. Get it?” Nash slapped DJ on the arm.

  “I could care less.” DJ pushed back his chair, stomped across the kitchen and poured out the remaining coffee from his cup. “It was fun while it lasted with Pearl, but now I’m over it.”

  “Could have fooled me.”

  “Don’t mention this subject to me again.” DJ strolled from the room.

  Today he planned to go to the bank and get a loan for the remaining amount he needed to build his own place. He knew in his gut if Charmin was with foal, Pearl would have his ass. He’d pay and get it over with. But one thing he needed was to get out on his own. Work would ease his suffering.

  Spark’s words played on a reel inside DJ’s head. What if work didn’t ease his tension? Would he know that he loved Pearl?

  He gave his head a quick shake. He thought he loved her. Felt like he loved her. But whether he did or not, he couldn’t allow his emotions to grow for someone who thought so little of him to think he would betray her.

  The front door opened and entering single file was Jeb and Jobe Walters. Dread filled DJ’s chest. He loved his family but he wasn’t quite ready to deal with anyone right now.

  “Well, well, if it ain’t rosy, red cheeks,” Jobe laughed, slapping his hand against his thigh.

  “Haha, you must have bought yourself a sense of humor while on vacation.” DJ shook his head as anger ricocheted through his veins.

  “Are you angrier that you got shot in the arse or that you had to play house with Pearl Stone?” Jobe egged further.

  “Say another word and I’m going to wring your neck, ya hear?” DJ fisted his hand ready to punch his brother in the nose.

  “Take it outside, boys,” Jeb growled.

  “Hey, bro, take a walk with me.” Jobe pointed to the door. “We got some catching up to do.”

  DJ stomped toward the door and pushed through the screen, hearing the hinges creak and whine. Once outside, he inhaled, filling his parched lungs with fresh air.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this sour before.” Jobe pulled a cigarette from his front pocket, lit it and inhaled.

  “I have every right to be pissed. I don’t want to hear the jokes.” DJ kicked up dirt with the toe of his boot.

  Jobe stepped off the porch and pounded DJ on the back. “I’ve been there, bro. Cupid has gone and shot you in the ass.”

  DJ brought his chin up, seeing red. “Nice joke.”

  Jobe lifted his hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean it as a joke, but you have to admit, it sounded pretty good.” He laughed.

  “Harty har-har.” DJ gave Jobe a slight push.

  “I mean it, let’s walk and talk. And I have something for you.” They started across the grass and his brother pulled an envelope out of his pocket and slapped it against DJ’s chest.

  DJ caught it before it fell. He lifted it up, examining the thickness. “What the hell is this?”

  “Open it up and see, doofus.” Jobe walked a few steps ahead.

  Sliding his finger under the flap. DJ lifted it and peered in. There was a thick stack of money. “Did you win the lottery?”

  “I wish. I tapped into my savings. And it’s yours.”

  DJ sighed. “Can’t do this, bro.” He handed back the package. “You’ve saved for a long time.”

  “It’s only a couple thousand, not a kidney. And the way I see it, you have always been there for me—for all of us. You’re the oldest and it’s high time you flew the coop and started a family of your own. How are the rest of us supposed to find a chick if our oldest brother with the good looks can’t even settle down.”

  “How am I supposed to repay you?”

  “Oh I’m sure there’ll come a time.” Jobe started running, pulled back the envelope as if he were holding a football and threw it. DJ caught it into his stomach.

  ****

  Pearl heard the sound of boots and looked over Charmin’s back. Scrawny was headed her way. “Hey, there.” She continued brushing the horse.

  “I finished looking through all of the surveillance tapes like you asked.” He scrubbed his beard.

  “That was the best idea to put up the camera to record the activity around Charmin’s stall. Now there’s no way DJ Walters can deny if Pugly had impregnated Charmin.” She dropped the brush into the bucket. Although DJ was right that she’d left the electricity off to the fence, she hadn’t let Pugly out of his pen and as smart as Pugly was, he certainly didn’t unlatch the lock on Charmin’s gate.

  “I think you and I should have a talk about that.” Scrawny shifted in his boots.

  “Do I need to look at them myself?” The man seemed uncomfortable. “And Scrawny, after all of these years, why are you still so danged nervous around me?”

  He slid his dirty hat from his head and twisted it in his hands. “This could put me in a bad spot
, ma’am.”

  Pearl walked around Charmin and came face to face with Scrawny. “What do you need to tell me?”

  “That DJ wasn’t the one who opened the gate.”

  “Then who?” Scrawny tugged at his beard, the shaking in his fingers obvious. “Spit it out.”

  “It was your sister, Em.”

  Dizziness washed over Pearl. It took her a long minute to wrap her brain around Scrawny’s words. “Em? Why?”

  “No clue.” Scrawny crossed his arms. “You want to see the footage?”

  “No, I want to strangle her.”

  Scrawny shook his head and rubbed his temple. “Pearl, don’t lose your temper.”

  “Don’t lose my temper? Oh I haven’t lost my temper—not yet.” She stomped past Scrawny. “Take care of Charmin for me. I have something to take care of.”

  Inside the house, Pearl marched up the stairs, her heels pounding against the wood. Her brain ached as she continued to try and figure out why Em would do something like this. She had nothing to lose or gain. Pearl had every intention of finding out very soon…

  Without even knocking, Pearl threw open Em’s bedroom door, finding her coming out of her bathroom. Her eyes widened. “Sheez, Pearl. You scared me.”

  “You haven’t even seen the beginning of scared yet, trust me.” Pearl was surprised steam wasn’t flowing from her ears.

  Em laughed, but it quickly fizzled. “What’s wrong?”

  “Don’t act stupid. You were the one who let Pugly into the stall with Charmin.” Her chest narrowed.

  Em’s shoulders slumped. “I did, but I have a good reason.”

  Pearl took a step closer to her sister. “Good reason for letting that donkey mate with my thoroughbred?”

  “I thought this would bring you and DJ together. And look, it did.” Her smile was weak.

  “I shot him in the ass because of this. I was forced to stay with him, change his bandage. Do you realize what you’ve done?” Pearl was shaking in anger.

  “But you fell in love with him. You’ve been in love with him since you were a teen and he kissed you behind the barn.” Realizing what she’d revealed, her face paled. “Oops.”