by Joanna Blake
I stared down at the stupid dog in disgust as Jackson rode towards us on an enormous horse.
“Traitor.”
I resisted the urge to fix my hair. Why I would want to pretty myself up for him was beyond me. But the impulse was there all the same.
He pulled his horse to a stop just a few feet away. I refused to budge even as I thought for a split second he was trying to run me down. I saw a spark of grudging admiration in his eyes for my courage.
I watched in fascination as he stroked the horse’s neck affectionately, murmuring words on encouragement. His hand might be on the horse, but his eyes were on me. I stood there self-consciously, realizing I was once again in dusty, dirty work gear. I cursed inwardly. Just once I’d like to show him how I had looked back when I was working in the city, instead of blue jeans, work boots and an old flannel shirt.
Just to see the look on his face. He’d stare and hem and haw, at a loss for words. He’d see I was a sophisticated woman and not to be trifled with. But it was neither here nor there. I was dressed this way for a reason.
Today, I was getting dirty.
“What do you want Jackson?”
He grinned at me in that insufferably cocky way of his.
“I wanted to say hello.”
“Fine. Hello.”
“And see if you’d simmered down at all.”
I narrowed my eyes at him.
“No, I haven’t.”
“And to collect my tools.”
I put my hands on my hips and glared at him.
“On your horse?”
Now he looked embarrassed. I wasn’t sure but- yes! A faint blush was staining his handsome cheeks.
“Well, I wanted to talk. And set a time to come and pick them up.”
“You could have sent someone else. Someone less likely to take their pants off.”
Now his cheeks were red with anger.
“Now see here woman!”
I turned my back on him abruptly and started walking away. I heard the horse come up along side me. The man was following me!
“Do you mind? Your horse is kicking up dust.”
I smirked when he cursed and dismounted. Then he trotted after me on foot, the horse following behind.
“Now see here Angie-“
“Don’t call me that.”
“Dammit woman I am trying to explain myself to you!”
He grabbed my arms and turned me to face him in the road. On either side of us, the horse and the dog watched the scenario unfold. It would have been funny if I hadn’t been so angry!
“Fine. Explain.”
He ran his hands through his hair.
“I came to- apologize- and-“
“I accept. Have a nice day.”
I started walking again. Unfortunately D was in the way and I got tangled up in his leash. Jackson was laughing as I teetered, trying to extricate myself with some shred of dignity.
“Here, let me help you.”
He grabbed my arms. This time he meant to steady me not maul me, but I still took offense. I yanked away from him with a curse.
“Damnit Jackson! I don’t need your help!”
He stared at me, his eyes hard.
“I don’t care. You’re getting it!”
My mouth opened.
“Furthermore I will be coming over later to fix the rest of your leaks and take a look at the electrical!”
“Fine!”
“And if you need anything else, I will be the man to help you!”
“Fine!”
We stared at each other for a heartbeat. Then our mouths collided. I felt myself getting crushed against his big hard chest as he angled his mouth over mine. In a second his tongue was inside my mouth and mine in his.
We weren’t just kissing passionately. We were hate-kissing. Our tongues weren’t caressing. They were battling.
I moaned in pleasure and frustration.
He was winning.
I felt his hands reach down simultaneously to give my ass a squeeze. He made a raspy, low, masculine sound of contentment. I felt myself go all warm and gooey inside, at the same instant that I filled with rage.
I pulled back and slapped him. It was his shoulder this time, not his stupid handsome face. I doubted he felt more than a sting through those thick, brawny muscles. But I still enjoyed the look of surprise on his face.
“What the hell Ange!”
“I told you, I’m not falling into bed with you Jackson!”
He grinned at me.
“Who said anything about bed? I’m not picky about where.”
“You aren’t picky? Dear God, is that supposed to make me want to sleep with you?”
“You already do want to sleep with me!”
“No, I don’t!”
He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Listen here woman, I’ve had about enough of this. You are going to be mine.”
“I am- what?”
He nodded as if he was explaining to a simpleton. Which I was not. But I was starting to wonder if all those muscles drained the blood from his head.
“Here’s how its gonna go. We are going back to your place. I will make you scream with pleasure. You will be grateful. Then later we can do it again. As much as you want.”
He actually sounded magnanimous. As if he was doing me a favor.
“Afterwards I will take you shopping. Elle said you were going to the feed store. I have a nice, big… truck.”
I was still in shock from his original offer. To make me his. What the hell did that even mean? Was he asking me to date him?
I shook my head mentally.
No. Once again, he just meant sex.
“I can see you take my meaning. Let’s go.”
“Hell no!”
“Angie-“
“I told you-“
“Angelina, you are going to stop fighting me. You belong to me now. You are going to be very happy I promise you.”
“Like hell I am!”
I started back towards home.
“I will pick you up in one hour!”
“Fine!”
I was halfway home before I realized what I’d agreed to. I’d have to find a way out of that. Spending time in close proximity to the man was not a good idea.
First of all, he aggravated me. Second of all, he distracted the hell out of me! Third of all, I was more than a little nervous he’d catch me at a weak moment and kiss me again.
Or worse.
I knew that no matter what I said, I did not have the willpower to continue denying him. As arrogant and stupid as he was, he had some sort of pull over me. So I would just have to avoid him.
Indefinitely.
One thing was certain. I was never going to belong to Jackson Delancey!
Chapter Twelve
Jackson
Angelina was locking the front door, her eyes on the list in her hand. She nearly backed into me. Her eyes widened as she turned, shock all over her face. She hadn’t expected me to show up twenty minutes early. I smirked at her, watching her cheeks turn pink.
It was obvious she’d been planning to sneak out on me.
“Glad to see you are ready for me.”
She spun at the sound of my voice, looking instantly contrite. I smiled charmingly. I had decided to be sweet with the woman. You caught more flies with honey. That’s what Mrs. G always said.
“You look nice.”
She stared at me, mistrust shining out of her eyes. But she did look nice, even if she was just wearing an old shirt and a pair of soft looking worn in jeans. She just happened to look good in anything she put on that hot little body of hers.
I’d like to peel those dusty work clothes off her. Slowly.
Fuck that, I’d toss those on the floor in two shakes.
I held the door open for her and she hesitated for a split second. Then she climbed in. I realized I’d been holding my breath as I closed the door behind her. I got in and started the engine.
“Nobo
dy does that around here you know.”
“What?”
“Locks their door.”
“Casey is in there alone.”
“She’ll be fine.”
She said nothing so I started the drive into town. I cleared my throat, hoping to explain my position to her clearly. Or rather, spell out my proposition.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot.”
She made a derisive sound, not far from a snort. I glanced at her and then back at the road. I started again.
"I like you."
She didn't say anything, but I could tell I had her attention.
“When I said we should get it out of our system, I didn’t mean all in one night.”
Silence.
“I meant that we could have an arrangement. A partnership of sorts.”
She made that unladylike snorting sound again.
“I’d look after you and your sister. Gladly. And we could spent time together.”
“You mean in bed.”
I nodded, wondering if I was imagining the sarcasm in her voice.
“Yes, exactly. I would take real good care of you. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And I'd escort you anyplace you needed to go. Even on holidays.”
“Gee, what a generous offer Jackson. What exactly am I getting out of this?”
I took my eyes off the road for a split second. I was shocked that she even had to ask.
“You’re getting me.”
I thought that would be the end of it. But no. The woman had the gall to laugh at me. Not just a little.
No, she guffawed.
I grimaced, doggedly making my case.
“I’m considered quite a catch around here you know.”
“I’m sure you are.”
“I’m a considerate lover. I don’t even mind taking off my shoes.”
She was laughing even harder now. Damn her.
“I’ve never made an offer like this to anyone else. Plenty of girls would give anything to be in your position.”
Angie let out another rude sound. It was a full on snort this time. Just like a cute little piggy. I pressed on; sure I was starting to get through to her. I had to dammit.
“I could protect you from all the unsavory types around here. And keep you from getting lonely. Not too many single men around here if you haven’t noticed. And most of them don’t really go for the city girl type.”
“Oh so you are saving me from loneliness, are you?”
“Yes, exactly. I would feel bad thinking about you all alone in that rickety old house of yours. I could stay over most nights, keeping you girls company.”
“Who says I would be lonely?”
I was silent as I pulled into the parking lot. I put the car in park and turned to her, hoping to explain it to her again. But she was already climbing out and slamming the door behind her.
I followed her as she stomped into the supply store. For such a tiny thing, she sure could make a racket with those little boots of hers. I decided I would buy her some sexy little cowgirl boots. And then I’d make her wear them with nothing else on.
Yes, that was a brilliant idea.
I was so lost in thought I wasn’t paying attention to anything but her sweet ass. I almost got smacked in the face as she let the swinging door go behind her.
“Watch it, woman!”
She ignored me, heading right for the counter. I watched as she leaned over it, smiling at Pete. She didn’t even spare me a glance as I came up behind her.
I put my hand around her waist and squeezed.
She stomped on my foot.
“Ow!”
Pete was frowning at us.
“You here together?”
She shook her head before I could say yes.
“Jackson’s just being neighborly. I don’t have a pickup truck yet. There are so many things I need to get. I’m sure I will be in here constantly.”
She was deliberately flirting with poor Pete, who looked like he’d just won first prize at the county fair. Unfortunately for him, he had no idea what was about to hit him.
Me.
“No need for that, I’d be happy to drop them off myself later. After work, if you can wait that long.”
She glanced at me triumphantly, a malicious smile on her luscious lips.
“That is so kind of you Pete. I am amazed at how kind everyone has been.”
My hand slid up her back, gripping her hair. Then I tugged it. Just hard enough to make sure I had her attention. She let out a soft squeal. Pete turned around from what he was doing to look at us. We both smiled at him beatifically.
“Almost everyone.” she muttered, elbowing my side. I grunted but didn't let go. "Behave yourself woman." I hissed.
My hand was around her neck now, stroking her soft skin with my fingertips. But each time she sassed me, I pinched her. I leaned down and whispered in her pretty little ear.
“I am warning you Angie…”
Pete came back to write up her order. When he was done he smiled at her and offered to take her out tonight. After he personally dropped off her supplies.
“No charge of course.”
“No charge for what? The date or the delivery?”
She gave a throaty chuckle. Damn her, she was definitely flirting. A hot surge of rage surged through me. Pete grinned at her stupidly.
“Either.”
“Well, in that case, I will see you tonight.”
Hold up. Had she just accepted a date with another man? Oh HELL NO.
Pete looked like he’d won the Goddamn lottery. He had. He just didn’t realize it yet.
It was the ‘about to get your ass beat by Jackson Delancey’ lottery.
Angie paid for her stuff and walked out of the store. She stood by the side of my truck, waiting patiently for me. I was walking slowly, still in shock that she’d dared to defy me like that.
Not just that either.
I was jealous.
Very, very jealous.
I’d never been jealous before. I didn’t like it. Not one bit.
We rode home in silence. Several times I almost told her how upset I was. I was tempted to tell her she was going to regret this. That two could play at that game. I could have any woman I wanted in this town, and I'd chosen her dammit!
I was silent until I pulled into her driveway. As soon as the truck stopped she was climbing out, not even giving me a chance to walk around and open the door for her.
“Angie-“
She turned to face me, her face hard as stone.
“Don’t go out with him tonight.”
She slammed the truck door behind her.
Angelina
I felt a strange sense of dread as I applied a thin layer of eyeliner to my top lid. I grimaced. I didn’t want to look too seductive.
In fact, I was tempted to throw on a burlap sack and eat garlic to keep him at arm’s length. This was not the way you were supposed to feel before a date. I shook my head, telling myself I was only going to please Casey.
I’d promised I would go out with someone, and I was. Afterwards I could go back to keeping my head down and taking care of what was important. I’d done as she asked, even if my heart wasn’t in it.
The truth was, I had no interest in dating Pete. He was nice enough, even good looking. But he wasn’t Jackson.
I was lying if I said anyone could really compare to the big, hulking, blue-eyed, persistent son of a bitch.
Maybe he’d give up now. I had a terrible feeling that he would. I felt my insides twist when I thought about the look in his eyes when he asked me not to go out with Pete tonight.
He’d meant it.
He’d actually looked… hurt.
The idea that I could hurt an enormous, thick-headed bastard like Jackson… well, it was disconcerting to say the least.
I felt guilty. It made no sense at all but there it was. I felt guilty for hurting Jackson Delancey’s feelings. In a strange way, it felt like I was being unfaithfu
l.
But you had to be in a relationship to be unfaithful. We weren’t together. He’d been very specific about what he wanted. Just sex. So what did I have to feel guilty about?
Nothing!
Still, it didn’t stop the strange, uneasy feeling in my gut. I forced myself to shake it off. I had no choice but to go through with the date now. I’d be polite but not encourage Pete one bit.
As for Jackson, well, I could always text him back and say I’d considered his offer.
And accept it.
It was crazy, but I was seriously considering having casual sex with the man. He was arrogant, pushy and thick-headed. But I wanted him all the same.
There, I said it.
I wanted him.
The man had started sending me suggestive texts a few days ago. I’d ignored them, not writing back to even one. Or at least I’d tried to ignore them.
Each note had gotten more specific about what he wanted to do to me. He’d described in detail how he was going to take my clothes off, where he would touch me, how long he would spend making me squirm before he screwed my brains out.
I was surprised to say, the man had a way with words.
The truth was, he was getting to me.
I stepped out of the bathroom and smiled half-heartedly at Casey. She was sketching in the living room. It was starting to really come together nicely. We’d painted the fireplace white. The first thing I’d done when we moved in was close the flue and seal up the front. We had our sectional couch from New York and a colorful cotton rug along with two easy chairs and ottomans. Nothing too fancy but we liked it.
Now, the room was cheerful, bright and soot-free for my sister’s sake.
I took one look at her and stopped short.
She was scowling. I teased her, trying to lighten her mood. Maybe I shouldn’t go out tonight after all…
“Case? Do I look that bad?”
She glared at me and shrugged. Then she went back to her sketching.
“What’s wrong? Do I have a third eye or something?”
“You look fine. Have fun on your date.”
Great. Even Casey was depressed about my date for some reason. I watched in surprise as she sullenly wheeled herself out of the living room.
“Elle will be here soon. I won’t be gone long sweetheart I promise.”
