by Jill Sanders
“Fine, but see if I ever step foot in this establishment again.” Savannah's eyes darted around to find Alex smiling back at her.
When Jamella walked into the back, a huge smile on her face, she mumbled, “See if I let dat skinny girl back in here. Suits me just right if'n dat girl never come back.”
The rest of her shift, Alex felt lighthearted and free. By the end of the night, she felt like she'd won the war with Savannah. She knew that people would talk about what had happened. After all, the small town didn't usually have a lot to gossip about. Since her breakup with Travis had made the list of top stories of the year, anything to do with it was sure to spread fast.
It was past seven when she walked out to dump the trash in the bin. She paused momentarily when she saw Travis smoking as he leaned against his truck in the parking lot. Leaving the back diner door opened, she straightened her spine and walked past Travis to toss the trash into the dumpster. When she tried to walk past him again, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop.
“What do you mean causing all this trouble?” His voice was low and his words a little slurred. He flicked his cigarette butt. He was probably drunk. Sniffing, she smelled the booze on him past the cigarette smells.
“Let go of my arm, Travis.” She tried to pull herself free, only to be spun around and shoved against his truck.
“I'll let you go when I want to. Now answer my question.” He shook her arm and leaned closer to her, his breath hitting her face. Cigarettes and cheap beer. How had she ever allowed this man to kiss her, smelling like that? Her stomach rolled.
“I don't know what you're talking about.” She said louder, hoping Willard would hear. When he didn't budge, she pushed at his chest and said, “Travis Nolan, let go of me right now.”
“Why do you have the sheriff coming over to the house? I didn't do nothing. Besides, whatever's happening to Grant Do-gooder, he deserves it.”
His fingers were digging into her arm and she felt his door handle biting into her hip. “You leave Grant alone. You're the one who cheated.” She pushed him again, only to have him come up closer and pin her body against his truck with his. Her hands were pinned between them and she started to panic. Then she remembered what her pa had taught her and she used all her strength to step on his foot and yank her knee up to hit him in his crotch.
When he doubled over, she rushed towards the back door, calling out behind her. “You leave Grant out of this.” She stopped just inside the door and looked back. She was satisfied when she saw that he was still hunched over, grabbing his crotch. “Just let it go, Travis.” Then she shut the door and leaned her head against the cool metal.
“You handled dat well.” Alex jumped at Jamella's voice behind her. When she looked, she saw Jamella standing there with a huge frying pan in her hands. “Dat boy come around here again, he get the heavy end of dis.” She patted the pan and smiled as Alex laughed.
Chapter Eight
It had taken Grant three days to get the wood fence up for the corral. The heavy boards were strong enough to keep even a charging bull in. He stood back and smiled as he felt the cool air coming across the fields. They were in for some more rain, and he was glad he'd gotten the work done before it came. It looked like everything was finally falling into place; he'd even gotten his truck back earlier that morning.
He turned and watched as his parents’ car pulled in front of his house. His father stepped out and waved as Grant walked towards him and shook his hand.
“Looking good, son.” His father nodded towards the corral. “You did a fine job.” He slapped him on the back.
“Thanks. What brings you out this way?” His parents frequently visited his place. His mother always brought him food or pies, and his father came out to lend a helping hand when he could. But something told Grant that his father was out here for reasons other than a social visit. His father's smile fell away.
“Well…” They both looked to the sky when it started to rain lightly. “Let’s head up to the porch so we don't get soaked.”
They walked up the stone steps together. “Do you want a beer?” When his father shook his head and sat down in one of his porch chairs, Grant knew it was serious.
“I hate to tell you this, but it seems like someone has filed a complaint against you to the Texas Bar. They claim you haven't filed your MCLE hours and want the state to revoke your license.” His father held up his hand. “Now, before you get all gung ho, I've already filed an appeal.”
He stood up, ready to fight. “Damn it Dad, we filed those last month. They aren't due for another few weeks.” He thought about how this would delay their business plans and felt the anger grow.
“I know, I know.” His father stood up and put a hand on his shoulder. “It's a scare tactic. Seems to me that someone in power around here wants you out of town. Or at least out of a job.” His father winked at him. “Don't worry, not even the mayor has the power to take away your license. But he does have enough power to make us jump through a few hoops.” His father frowned, and patted him on the back again. “Is she worth it?”
“She is.” He smiled when his father laughed and nodded.
“Good.” His father smiled back at him.
After his father drove away, Grant showered and dressed, then decided to swing by Saddleback Ranch and see what Alex was up to.
When he got there, she was just parking in front of the barn herself. He smiled and pulled ol' Betty back into her spot.
“Hi.” She smiled and walked over to the truck.
“Hi, I'm just bringing the ol' girl back.” He shut the door and pulled Alex into his arm and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Thanks,” he said when he pulled back.
Her eyebrows shot up. “For the kiss?” She smiled and wrapped her arms tighter around his neck.
He laughed. “For the loan. I got my truck back earlier today.”
She smiled. “Any time. Have you had dinner?”
“Yes, but I wouldn't mind a little more dessert.” He leaned in and was hovering just above her lips when they both heard a cough. Haley stood just outside the barn doors, with a large smile on her face. Grant pulled back but wrapped an arm around Alex, holding her close.
“Heard you gave Travis what he deserved today,” Haley said, walking by them. “It's about time.”
Grant watched Haley head towards the house. He turned to Alex and looked down at her. “What did she mean by that?”
Alex looked after her sister with a frown. “It means that Haley has a big mouth, and Jamella can't keep anything from my sisters.”
Grant turned her slightly. He noticed a dark bruise high on her left arm. “Did Travis do that to you?” He dropped his arms and looked into her eyes.
She shrugged and smiled a little. “I'm sure it's nothing compared to how his balls look now.” Grant felt his blood begin to boil. When he looked at her arm, he could see the ring around it where Travis' hand had been. He knew Alex was fragile, and he'd been raised to never raise a hand to a woman. Hell, he'd never even been in a real fight. But his mind was flashing images of beating the shit out of Travis at the moment.
“Listen…” She stepped closer to him, taking his mind off images of him standing over Travis' unconscious body. Then she took his shirt in her hands gently, trying to pull him closer. “I handled him. It's not the first time he’s been a little rough with me. This time I had no reason not to retaliate.” She smiled.
His heart was pounding hard in his chest, and he felt like bashing Travis' face in. But she looked up at him with those chocolate eyes, and he couldn't help but being proud of how she'd handled Travis all by herself. “If he comes around again, give me a call.” He leaned his forehead against hers.
“Sure.” She smiled at him, then she wrapped her arms around his neck again and whispered, “What do you say you come upstairs and help me wash my back?”
His mind flashed to images of Alex wet, slick, and naked. A smile flew to his lips so fast he couldn't stop it. Then he h
eard a screen door slam shut somewhere, and he blinked the image away.
“I'd love to, but your place is a little too crowded at the moment.” They heard the dogs barking, and Haley and Lauren laughing.
“I suppose you're right.” She sighed. “I could grab a bag and drive you home?” She leaned back in to him.
“I'd like that.” He placed a kiss on her lips, quickly.
When she turned and rushed into the house, she called over her shoulder, “I'll just be a few minutes.”
He stood there and watched her go, feeling excited. Then he heard another cough behind him. Turning, he saw Chase leaning against the fence a few feet away.
“It's damn hard to get any privacy around here.” Chase smiled.
Grant walked over to him and shook his hand.
Chase nodded towards ol' Betty. “Looks like you've got everything fixed again.”
“Yeah.” Grant put his foot up on the bottom rung of the fence and watched an older gray horse in the corral. “Sounds like Travis decided to approach Alex today instead of sneaking around my property.”
“What?” Chase leaned up, looking like he was ready for a fight.
“She's okay.” Grant looked off towards the house. “Kicked him where it counts.” He laughed and looked back at Chase. “But, if I were you, I'd keep an eye out around here. Travis likes sneaking around.”
“That son of a…” Chase said, and then started pacing.
“Exactly.” Grant smiled and relaxed against the fence, knowing Chase would make sure everything was secure and protected around the ranch.
By the time Alex drove him up his driveway, his mind was on one thing only. Her.
When they walked into his place, he didn't give her a chance to talk. Instead, he pulled her close to him and walked her backwards towards his room as he rained kisses along her neck, nibbling his way down to her shoulders. By the time they made it to the bedroom, they were both naked, their clothes leaving a trial from the front door. He didn't stop in the bedroom. Instead, he walked her back until they hit the shower wall. He reached over and turned on the spray, not really registering the cold water until he felt her shiver in his arms.
“Oh, sorry.” He chuckled, then turned on the hot water. He grabbed a handful of shampoo and started rubbing it into her hair and down her body until she was moaning and holding onto the sides of his shower. Turning her until she faced away from him, he used his soapy hands to wash her hair and back. “I like your hair this length. Of course it was nice shorter too, but this seems to fit you better.” Her hair was so soft as it ran down to the middle of her back. She moaned and placed her palms against the shower wall, holding herself up. He continued to roam his hands lower, over her ribs and her narrow waist, until he reached her perfect bottom. He leaned closer, his chest hitting her back as he reached around and ran his fingers over her hips, pulling her against him.
“Please,” she moaned and leaned her head back against his shoulder.
He smiled. “I never thought I'd have Alexis West begging me in my shower,” he said softly into her ear. He felt her shiver as she reached around and tried to pull his hips closer. He pulled back for just a moment, long enough to slip on the condom he'd been lucky enough to think of grabbing before they'd entered the shower. Then he was pulling her back towards him.
“Here, put your foot up on the seat.” He helped her move her right foot up, then she leaned forward as he ran his eyes over her. She was perfect. She had a little freckle on her right cheek, and he ran his finger over it, smiling. Then she arched her back and he forgot everything except for the need to be inside her.
It was another first for Alex. She'd never made love in a shower before, or standing up, for that matter. She smiled to herself and arched her back. The anticipation was almost too much. She felt her legs quiver as she waited for him to touch her again.
Then his hands were lightly on her bottom and her hips as he held her still and slowly entered her. She moaned. He filled her completely as she tried to grip the slick walls of the shower. His hands pulled her back towards him as he thrust deeper into her. She closed her eyes, letting the water run over her, enjoying the motion as he slowly drove her crazy, building her up.
“My god,” he said, then turned her a little so she could hold onto the built-in shelf that held his bottles of shampoo. She gripped it tightly, holding on as he moved faster. His slick hands reached around, running over every inch of her, causing her nipples to pucker into his palms. Then he leaned over and whispered in her ear, telling her how good she felt, and she felt herself convulse around him, screaming out his name.
She felt like she was drowning. Her head was under the spray, and water poured down the back of her head and into her eyes and nose.
Grant pulled her up and away from the water, then turned her around as the water was shut off. He grabbed a towel and gently started drying her. She smiled. “I could get used to this kind of treatment.”
“Good.” He smiled down at her and continued to rub her skin, softly. Then when he was satisfied, he quickly dried his chest and legs. She watched every movement. He was tan and toned, and when she reached out to touch his chest, she realized every part of him was hard. Smiling, she walked closer to him and wrapped her arms around him as he tossed the towel on the countertop.
She laughed as he picked her up and carried her into his bedroom. “I could definitely get used to this.” She kissed his neck just under his ear and heard him growl a little.
Then he set her down on the bed and covered her again. “Where were we?” he asked as he settled between her legs. “Oh, I think I remember now.” He slid into her slowly again, and her hips rolled up to meet his thrusts. Then he was leaning in and kissing her, and her body felt like it was spinning out of control. His hands roamed over her sides, over her legs, pulling them up closer to her chest until she felt him completely inside with every thrust.
Her fingernails dug into his hips and his tight butt as she tried to match every stroke. Her breath was hitching and she felt like there were goose bumps rising all over her body. Still, she wrapped her legs around his hips and held on until she felt herself melt around him as he held himself still over her.
When he collapsed, he made sure to move to the side so he wouldn't crush her, another thing she enjoyed about him. He was so thoughtful and considerate. She smiled up at the ceiling and started to mentally list the reasons Grant was so much better for her than Travis had been. She'd made it up to twenty-four when his hand moved over her hip and she lost her train of thought.
He pulled her close and snuggled into her hair. “Now you smell like me.” He laughed.
“What?” She blinked a few times while trying to understand him.
“The shampoo.” He leaned up and looked down at her. “I like the smell of yours better. It's softer, sexier.” He leaned in and sniffed. “Yup, all I smell is me.” He frowned. “Maybe you can bring some of your stuff over here, so if we end up doing that again, I'll get to smell you instead.” He smiled at her.
She laughed. “You are so funny.” She sat up and looked back at him. “If you'll retrieve my bag from the front hallway, you might just get to smell me.”
He jumped up and grabbed her bags. She went into the bathroom, closing him out as she quickly rinsed off again, this time using her own shampoos and conditioners. She even went as far as spraying herself with her body spray. Then she donned her sexiest underwear, put a silk shirt and a jean skirt on, and walked out to see him eating a bowl of cereal in bed. He looked just like a kid stuck at home watching cartoons. She laughed at him.
“What?” He looked up at her and smiled. “You know, I had plans of taking you out somewhere soon.” He frowned. “Of course, maybe we'll plan that for when we can drive into Tyler, since Mama's is really the only place in town for food.”
“I'd like that.” She came and sat next to him. He was wearing his jeans, no socks and no shirt, and he looked damn sexy. She leaned over and looked into the bow
l. “Is that Fruity Pebbles?”
He smiled. “Yup, you'd be surprised at how healthy these things are.”
She laughed. “Really?”
“Do you want some?” He held out his bowl. “I think there's an old movie on tonight.” He patted the spot next to him. She sat next to him and took a bite of his cereal.
“Cold cereal and an old movie sounds good.” She took another bite. “You know, it's been a long time since I had cereal in bed while watching TV.” She smiled as the Wizard of Oz came on.
“I love this movie.” Grant took a bite of the cereal. His eyes were glued to the set and Alex felt her heart shift for a man who ate cereal in bed while watching one of her favorite movies ever.
Later that night, as she was getting ready to drive home, he pulled her close and kissed her until her toes curled.
“What do you say to going out with me to The Rusty Rail next Thursday?” he asked as they stood on his front deck. Thursday nights were karaoke nights at the Rusty Rail, the only bar and dance place in town. Alex always loved going to the Rusty Rail, but hadn't been there since her break up with Travis.
“Sounds good.” She knew it was time to show everyone in town that she'd moved on. Even the prospect of seeing Travis with Savannah didn't shake her like it would have if she wasn't going to be with Grant.
While she drove home, she thought of her time with Grant and, for once, her future actually looked good. She still may not know what it was she wanted to do or be in life, but she knew she was going to enjoy every moment of their time together.
When she walked in the front door, it was just past midnight. Every light was off in the house except for Haley's. She knocked lightly on her sister's door and went in when her sister answered.
“Hey.” Alex walked in and sat at the end of her sister's bed. Haley was sitting on top of her comforter, a book in hand, her long, dark hair tied back with a twist. Lauren and Haley had been blessed with their father's green eyes. It wasn't that Alex didn't like having their mother's brown eyes. She just wished she could remember more of her mother so she could see it when she looked in the mirror.
