“I don’t know,” Jake said, scratching the back of his neck as he studied the map. “We need Uncle Ben to go over this map with us. We’re stuck otherwise. Did you call Grady?”
“Yeah, my cell service is crap out here, by the way,” James said. “I had to go stand on the corner to get a decent signal. I was practically in the street. Grady is going to run an extensive search. I told him to call the main house if he gets something and can’t get me on the line. I explained about the cell service.”
“What did he say?”
“He laughed and made ‘mooing’ sounds.”
Jake snickered. “That sounds just like him,” he said. “How is everyone back home?”
“They’re fine. Grady likes being in charge of the office and Finn is fine letting him be in charge because he’s taken to watching Emma like she’s about to explode.”
As the youngest Hardy brother, Finn was used to his brothers bossing him around. Since his fiancée Emma got pregnant, though, he was more interested in her than anything else. Fatherhood was starting to press down on him, and he was convinced Emma was going to go into labor when he wasn’t around to help her.
“He’s just excited,” Jake said. “It’s a baby, man. Ally has been buying things for it for months. If it’s a boy, he’s going to have a lot of pretty dresses to wear.”
James laughed as he folded up the map. “Mandy has been buying geeky things. She got Star Wars, Star Trek, and Jaws onesies.”
“Of course she did.”
“My parents are going to spoil this kid rotten, too,” James said. “Everyone is going to be looking at a change when we throw a baby into the mix.”
“Do you ever wish you and Mandy decided to have kids?”
“No,” James replied. “Mandy and I want to travel. We can spoil all the nieces and nephews, but we want to be able to take off whenever the mood strikes. You can’t do that with kids.”
“No,” Jake agreed. “Speaking of the women in our life, do you think we should go and get them? They’ve probably worn your credit card out.”
“I doubt they found anything they even liked,” James said. “It’s the country and they’re city girls. I’ll be surprised if they bought more than a few things.”
“YOU were saying?” Jake arched an eyebrow ten minutes later, crossing his arms over his chest as he surveyed an excited Mandy and Ally as they left the store.
They both wore completely new outfits – boots included – and they looked like they belonged in a stereotypical western sitcom. Jake could do nothing but shake his head.
“They look ridiculous.”
James watched his wife and sister happily chat as they strolled in their direction. He found the outfits adorable. “What do their shirts say?” He narrowed his eyes and barked out a laugh when he could make out the words. Mandy’s read “Kiss my grits” and Ally’s said “Sometimes sweet, always dangerous” and boasted two pistols. “I guess I was wrong about them finding stuff they liked.”
“Do you know how expensive those boots probably were?”
James shrugged. “I don’t care. Their smiles are worth every penny. Plus, I don’t care what you say, my baby’s legs look amazing in that skirt … and those boots are giving me ideas.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “You guys really are sick.”
“Are you saying you don’t find Ally adorable in that outfit?”
Jake wanted to deny it, but the more he watched Ally in her floral skirt, big hat, and huge smile, the more he couldn’t hide his pleasure. “Fine. She looks adorable. Hey … where are you going?”
“If I didn’t already adore that woman with every fiber of my being I would fall in love with her all over again at this exact moment.” James was already moving across the parking lot. “I’m doing what my wife asked me to do.”
“What did she ask you to do?”
James’ grin was so wide it split his entire face. “I’m going to kiss her grits.”
Eight
“Where are the s’mores?” Mandy glanced around the bonfire later that night, wrinkling her nose when she didn’t catch sight of graham crackers and chocolate. “I want s’mores.”
“We picked up stuff to make them this afternoon,” James reminded her. “If we don’t make them tonight, I promise to make some with you tomorrow.”
“But … .”
James lightly shook his head, sending her a silent admonishment. He loved his wife, but he didn’t want Ben and Mary feeling obliged to cater to her every whim when that was his job. He moved closer to her. “I’ll feed you chocolate later if you let this go now.”
“Are you going to be naked?”
“Yes, and so are you … except for those boots.”
Mandy pursed her lips to keep from laughing. She shouldn’t have been surprised that Ally pegged her brother’s dirty thoughts before she did, but Ally’s knowledge of the way her brothers’ minds worked was truly impressive. “So … you’re not mad that we spent so much money?”
James sighed as he pressed his hand to the back of Mandy’s neck, rubbing his fingers against her soft skin. “No, baby. I love the boots. I’m quite fond of the skirt, too. The shirt makes me laugh.”
“Wait until you see the underwear.”
“I would be happier if you weren’t wearing underwear,” James admitted just as a soft breeze blew Mandy’s skirt up slightly. He glanced at the gathered farm hands – many of whom he’d just met for the first time after dinner – and found them staring at Mandy’s legs. “Of course, perhaps the no-underwear game is something we should only play at home.”
Mandy shifted so she could see what James was looking at. “Oh, I see what’s going on. Now that someone else finds me attractive, you want me all covered up. I see the way your mind works.”
“You’re mine, baby,” James whispered, brushing a soft kiss against Mandy’s ear. “People find you attractive every second of every day. No one gets to play the underwear game but me.”
“Okay, but I want to wear my hat, too. I’m going to be the cowboy and you’re going to be the horse tonight.”
James snapped Mandy’s lithe body against his. “We’re spending exactly twenty minutes at this bonfire before going back to the cabin, wife. You’ve just earned yourself a very extensive ride.”
“THEY’RE delightful together,” Mary said, moving to Jake’s side as he tossed a log on the fire. Her eyes were trained on Mandy and James as they cavorted next to the fire, James’ hands busy as they kept a hold of Mandy’s wriggling hips. Jake didn’t have to be a mind reader to know exactly what they were plotting.
“Yes, they’re going to be taking their delightful selves back to their cabin the second they can figure a way to get out of here gracefully. They’ll think they’re being stealthy, but anyone with eyes can see what they’re going to be doing tonight.”
“Why is that such a bad thing?” Mary asked, fixing her nephew with a quizzical smile. “They’re married and they’re in love. As long as they look at each other the way they do the fire will never go out.”
“I didn’t say it was a bad thing,” Jake said. “It’s just … where is Ally?”
Mary smirked. “She’s over talking to your uncle,” she said, pointing to the spot where Ally was enthusiastically recounting some story to a delighted Ben. He was clearly enamored with the little spitfire. “Your uncle loves her, by the way. I do, too. How come you’ve been keeping her from your mother?”
“I haven’t purposely been doing it,” Jake replied. “I didn’t even realize I was doing it until James suggested bringing her on the trip. I … we’re just in our own little world most of the time. It’s a great world.”
“You look happy.”
“I am happy.”
“Then how come you’re not engaged yet?” Mary pressed, causing Jake to scowl.
“We just moved in together, Aunt Mary,” Jake chided. “We haven’t even been dating each other for a year yet. Don’t you think it’s a little soon to be thinking
about things like that?”
“Do you see yourself with anyone else down the road?”
“No. She’s it for me.”
“Then it’s not too soon to be thinking about things like that,” Mary said, patting his arm. “Jake, I’ve never seen you look at a woman the way you look at Ally. She’s a ball of energy and light, and you smile every time she’s around. That’s love.”
“I do love her,” Jake agreed. “I didn’t know it was possible to love someone as much as I love her. That doesn’t mean we’re getting married right this second.”
“You don’t have to get married right this second. Is that what I said?”
“You asked why we weren’t engaged,” Jake argued.
“That’s because when you’re dealing with a woman like Ally, it’s probably best to make sure she knows how you feel before someone sweeps in and steals her when you’re not looking,” Mary said. She inclined her chin in the direction of the rowdy farmhands, who were having a good time letting their eyes bounce between Ally and Mandy. “Ally draws people to her. You’ve obviously noticed that. You were drawn to her, after all, and I’m pretty sure you weren’t interested in a relationship with anyone at the time. Are you sure she knows how you feel?”
“She’d better,” Jake said. “I tell her every chance I get.”
“Women can’t help themselves from feeling insecure sometimes,” Mary said. “Ally is all bluster and bravado, and she clearly doesn’t suffer from self-esteem issues, but she’s still a woman who wants nothing more than for the man she loves to tell her how he’s feeling.
“No one is pressuring you to move faster than you’re ready for,” she continued. “Just … keep Ally’s feelings at the forefront as you move forward. I know she’s your future, Jake. Just make sure she knows it, too.”
Jake sighed. “I’ll keep that in mind, Aunt Mary.”
“Good. Make sure she knows that she’s absolutely adorable in that outfit, too.”
“Oh, she knows that,” Jake said, turning when he heard James clear his throat.
“Um, Mandy isn’t feeling well so we’re going to go to bed early,” James said, faux concern on his face. “I think she just needs a good night’s sleep and then she’ll be back to her usual self.”
“I told you,” Jake muttered.
“Okay, well, have a good night’s rest,” Mary called out to them.
“We will. Thank you.” James linked his fingers with Mandy’s and started pulling her into the darkness, whispering something Jake was convinced was filthy enough to burn the ears off anyone eavesdropping.
“Have fun kissing her grits, too,” Ally called to their backs, causing everyone around the campfire to chuckle appreciatively.
“Thank you, Ally,” James shot back.
“You’re welcome!”
JAMES was on Mandy before the door to the cabin even closed, his hands bold and mouth needy as he slipped his fingers underneath his wife’s flimsy skirt. Her skin was soft to the touch, and she quivered with anticipation when he finally wrenched his mouth from hers.
He lifted her body, carrying her to the dresser before lowering her. He kissed her again, slipping his tongue into her mouth as he reached for the tank top. He pulled back long enough to whip the top over her head and reveal the peek-a-boo lace bra underneath.
“That’s pretty,” he gasped. “Does it unclasp in the front or the back?”
“The front.”
James didn’t waste time, his fingers deft as they unclasped the bra and pulled it from Mandy’s heaving chest. Once she was naked from the waist up, James removed his own shirt and pressed their bare skin together. There was nothing he loved more than feeling their skin collide – even if it was just so they could cuddle together to sleep.
“I love you, baby,” James murmured, slamming his mouth into Mandy’s again. For some reason, the fresh air and Mandy’s skirt and boots kept James’ mind busy all day. After a few more minutes of heavy groping and making out, James reached to the back of his wife and unbuttoned her skirt. She leveraged herself off the dresser so he could pull the skirt and her panties down at the same time – leaving her completely naked, except for the boots.
“Yeah, this is definitely going to work,” James said, cupping Mandy’s breasts with his hands before lowering his mouth and sucking in a turgid nipple, rolling his tongue over it and causing her to writhe.
Mandy’s head rolled back as she moaned, her hands reaching for James’ jeans so she could unbutton them. James helped her, never moving his mouth from her nipple as he shed his jeans and boxer shorts, leaving them in a pile on the floor.
James pushed Mandy back so she was reclining against the wall, earning a curious look from her as he lifted her thighs and knelt in front of her. Instead of answering, James blew out a heated breath on her warm core.
“James!” Mandy gripped his shoulders, her short fingernails digging into his muscles.
James slipped his tongue between her folds, gripping her thighs tightly as she jerked at the tactile sensation. He licked her up and down, working her into a lather before attacking her pleasure center with gusto.
Mandy’s thighs tightened around his head as she whimpered. James skirted the edge of her desire for as long as he could before pushing her over the edge, holding her so she couldn’t buck him off until she was finished. When he was sure her orgasm was complete, he licked his way up her stomach and positioned himself at her ready entrance.
“I know you wanted to do the riding tonight, baby, but I’m going to take the first crack at it,” James said, surging inside of her and causing Mandy to straighten as she gasped. “You can ride during the second round.”
Mandy bit her lip and nodded, throwing her head back as James began to piston inside of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, digging in with the boot heels to spur him on.
James liked to fancy himself the king of control, but since the better part of the afternoon had served as foreplay, he was worried he wouldn’t last long. He lowered one hand to Mandy’s center and rubbed her, pressing hard to make sure she was stimulated.
Mandy clutched at his back, crying out as a second orgasm hit her quickly. That was enough for James to increase his pace and follow her over the edge into bliss.
“I love you, James,” Mandy murmured as he rested his forehead against hers, their bodies slick with sweat.
“I love you, wife. Don’t you ever doubt that … not even for one second.”
“DO YOU think Mandy and James are still going at it, or have they already expended all their energy and turned in?” Jake asked Ally, their fingers linked as they walked past James and Mandy’s cabin two hours later.
“I … .” Ally didn’t get a chance to answer.
“Giddy up!”
Ally giggled. She couldn’t help herself. “I think Mandy is still riding her horse,” she said. “I knew those boots would do it for James. I can guarantee she’s still wearing them.”
Jake smiled, enjoying the night air and a few moments of peace with the woman who stole his heart. “He fell in love with those boots – and that shirt – the minute he saw them.”
“What about you?”
“I fell in love with you the minute I saw you.”
“Oh, so sweet,” Ally cooed, rolling to the balls of her feet so she could kiss him. The heartfelt interlude was interrupted by the sound of a headboard thudding against a wall inside of the nearby cabin.
“I think we should leave them to their business,” Jake said, tugging on Ally’s hand and directing her toward their cabin. “I have a few things I want to do with you that involve your boots … and nothing else.”
Ally’s smile was mischievous. “Do you think we can give them a run for their money?”
“I think I don’t care what they’re doing,” Jake said. “I want you … and I want all of you … to be mine as many times as you can take it tonight, Angel.”
“I don’t know … I can take an awful lot. Are you sure you’
re up for that, pardner?”
“You’d better gird your loins, Ally, because I’m about to kiss your grits, too.”
Ally squealed as Jake chased her to their cabin. It was going to be a long and sweaty night, and there was absolutely nothing that could tear either one of them away from it.
Nine
“Okay, hens, keep your clucking confined to the house while we’re out setting up the security cameras along the fence line,” James ordered, watching Jake inventory the video equipment in question. “No wandering around.”
Mandy’s hands were planted on her hips when James risked a glance in her direction. “Excuse me?”
James pursed his keeps to keep from laughing. He loved her “stern” face. “I want to know where you’re at while we get this new security system in place, wife.”
“It’s four-thousand acres,” Mandy reminded him. “How are you possibly going to monitor all of that land?”
“We can’t,” James conceded. “However, we can monitor certain areas and we want cameras placed strategically close to the house and near the animal enclosures. We also want any areas easily accessed by crossroads to be covered. That means we’re going to be out and about for the better part of the afternoon.”
Mandy scowled. “And you think Ally and I are incapable of taking care of ourselves if you and Jake aren’t around to monitor us. That’s what you’re saying, right?”
“I’m saying that you’re my whole heart and I don’t want anything to happen to you,” James countered. “If you want to turn this into some women’s lib thing, you’re going to have to wait until I get back to fight. We want this all set up by dinner, and it’s a lot of work to pile into one afternoon.”
“We could help you,” Ally offered.
“Yeah, you and Mandy are extremely … talented … women in many ways,” James argued. “Electronics seem to baffle both of you, though.”
“Jake!” Ally swiveled quickly, fixing her boyfriend with a dark look. “Tell him that’s not true. I could totally help.”
Deadly Desperados Page 6
