by Piper Stone
“Hot and spicy, just like you.” He cocked his head, studying my eyes. “Where did you go to school?”
“Up north.”
“College?”
“Um, yes.” I also couldn’t tell him that my great stepfather had sent me to boarding school. I should say, he’d found a way to keep me out of his fantastic life with my mother. Someone like Jack would never understand how my mother could allow such a thing. “Yale.”
“Yale?” He seemed taken aback, lifting his head until he could stare into my eyes. “I have a beautiful and vastly intelligent woman on my hands.”
“And one very bad girl or so I’ve been told. What about you? Where are you from?”
“You mean the Texas accent doesn’t give me away?” His grin was boyish.
“Well, I do know certain men who fake accents.”
He feigned a hurt look. “Do you think I’d lie to you, sunshine?”
“Actually, no. You’re an honorable man.” I heard the tone in my voice, far too serious.
“I like to think that I am, Summer. That’s what is important in my life. I suppose that’s why I demand respect.”
“I understand and you deserve that respect. I’ve just never been good with authority.”
“Why does that not surprise me?” Jack pressed his lips against mine. “Why are you here?”
“With you?”
“With me and on the rig?”
The question was fair but not one I anticipated answering. “Trying to find myself is the reason I’m on this rig. With you? That’s more complicated.”
“You have a lot of layers. I wonder what I’d find if I peeled them away?”
I didn’t want to insult him in any manner, but I also didn’t want to be grilled. “I know you’re in charge, Daddy, but can we just enjoy spending time together? I’m really not that problematic. I’m just a girl looking to make her mark in the world. I enjoyed school, but I want to try everything. And you. Why, you are just irresistible.” Purring, I danced my fingers down his chest.
“Uh-huh. Just avoiding the question, but that’s okay. For tonight.” Jack took my hand into his, rubbing his lips across my fingers.
“What about being a soldier. Why did you join the Marines?”
“To honor my country, I suppose.”
“Not to find yourself?” I couldn’t help but tease him.
He rolled over on his back, taking a deep breath. “It was the only thing I thought I’d be good at, except for ropin’ and ridin’.” The accent was exaggerated, making me shiver to the core.
“A big, tough cowboy.” I could see him on top of a black steed, outriding any competition.
Shrugging, he glared at the ceiling. “That’s what I was brought up to do, take over my father’s ranch. He valued my hard work and little else.”
“Sounds like a tough man, just like his son.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I adore my father. He raised me entirely by himself after my mother died, but my father isn’t into anything but tough love. I think I broke his heart when I joined the service, although I know he was proud.”
“Are you going back to Texas?” A pang in my heart pulled, drawing me deeper into this man. He was hurting, much like I was, longing for family but uncertain how to achieve it. The fact both our mothers were dead provided yet another connection. He understood how difficult it could be living without a beloved parent.
“That’s been the plan, even taking over my father’s ranch. Dad’s been wanting to retire, at least that’s what he tells me.”
“But you don’t believe him?” I had a feeling I already knew the answer.
“Nah. My dad keeps everything close to his chest, but I know he’s being pushed. That’s why we keep having the conversation about him selling.”
“Why would he if you want to take it over?” Pushed. What did that mean?
“Well, let’s just say that the ranch hasn’t been doing well. He’s been under a lot of pressure to sell to some big conglomerate, hence the pushing. More like jabbing him with a sharp stick in the eye, if you ask me. They want to put some big housing development on it, destroying everything my father built. They’re crooked as far as I’m concerned, and I wouldn’t put some pretty shitty activities by this group to get what they want.”
I sensed his anger and shivered, trying to keep my reaction at bay. Sounded far too familiar. “What would your father do if he sold the ranch?”
“He actually mentioned retiring to Florida.” He laughed, shaking his head. “Although I can’t see it. He’d never even been to the sunshine state.”
I shivered visibly at the thought. “Florida is a great place to retire to. The beaches and the vibe of the people are incredible. There’s this bar on Anna Maria Island called Chubby’s. I remember going there as a little girl. My mother loved it. Your father should move there.” The bitter memories of my mother falling in love and being lured into allowing Jonathan into her life were far too wretched. Still, the time I’d spent with her had been amazing, at least from what I remembered.
“I’m certain it is but I’ve been trying to convince him to move to Colorado where my aunt lives, but my dad is hardheaded. He does his own thing. Sun. Surf. He even mentioned taking up surfing at his age.” Jack smirked, turning his head to look into my eyes. “Anyway, I tried to tell him that Texas is home, his ranch and horses, but Dad said that home is where the heart is.”
“He’s right about that.” I felt a stab in my own heart. “I’ve just never found a home.” I was terrified he’d ask me additional questions, but thankfully, he pulled me into his arms, cradling me against the heat of his body. For some crazy reason, I was still so cold.
“You have one with me and you will as long as you want it.”
I could never begin to tell him how much the words meant to me. I heard the slight glitch in his tone, as if he was struggling to figure out what to say. This gorgeous, sexy, dominating man had touched me more in two days than the only man I’d ever known as my father had in my lifetime. How very sad and amazing at the same time. “Tell me about your dad’s ranch. Is it beautiful?”
“Majestic. Gorgeous. Rugged,” he said, laughing.
“Just like the men who own it?” I giggled.
“We’re lucky in that we have over a thousand acres. There are trees, a beautiful forest of them with patches of wildflowers in vibrant colors as far as the eye can see. We even have a river running smack in the middle of the land, the crystal-clear water full of fish. The water is clean enough to drink and there’s even a spot that’s perfect for swimming. I used to swim there all the time as a kid. Kinda miss those days. I’d lay back on the knoll, staring up at the sky and dreaming. The sky is so blue and the sun as bright as you can imagine, fueling a kid’s imagination.”
“Sounds amazing.”
“It is. My father built the house almost entirely by himself, using timber from the land. Well, that’s what he’s told me over the years anyway. I think he purchased more lumber from in town, but he does like to tell a tall tale. He bought only a few horses at a time, finally building it up until he now has over four hundred. We have some cattle too, but that business has been down as well. Times are tough for ranchers, especially with assholes trying to take over.” There was so much admiration for his father in his tone of voice, something I was certain had never been in mine.
“What does he do with the horses?” Flinching, I thought about Jonathan and his thoughts regarding failing businesses. Buy them up at a cheap price. I knew enough about how my stepfather worked to create an ugly picture. The man only cared about money and making a profit. Fuck the people he screwed over. Sighing, I could almost see the beautiful ranch, horses roaming everywhere. To think his father was being pushed out was horrible.
“He sells a few, boards others. When he was younger, he used to be a rodeo star. I kinda followed in his footsteps, although I wasn’t very good.” Jack laughed. “Placed in a few then when I was nearly trampled to death by a bull, I
figured my time was up.”
I couldn’t help lifting my head, visions of him on horseback, shirtless with a lasso in his hand undeniably delicious. “I bet you were spectacular.”
Kissing the top of my forehead, he shook his head. “Not even remotely, but I love horses. If I could have a ranch by the ocean, that would be the perfect setting. Horses are majestic, and riding one allows a real feeling of freedom.”
“I think that sounds absolutely perfect.”
“Yeah, it really was. I missed everything about the place when I was gone. Maybe that’s why I’m pushing Pops now. I don’t know. The scents, the beauty, even the subtle sounds the horses made are something that can’t be recreated anywhere else. You could also find solace, true peaceful quiet that allowed a man to think in a state as big as Texas.” The tips of Jack’s fingers brushed ever so lightly across my skin.
The chill was starting to float away, the feel of his arms wrapped around me the most comforting feeling I’d had in such a long time. I found myself closing my eyes, my mind drifting, able to see the incredible cloudless sky and horses running free on the range. I was shocked just how relaxed I was, unable to keep my eyes open.
“Is my kitten getting sleepy?”
“Uh-huh.”
“That’s what alcohol will do, bad baby girl,” he whispered and tapped my bottom.
Grinning, I nuzzled closer. “You mean fabulous sex.”
The last thing I remember were the crisp sheets being pulled up around my chin, lips brushing against my forehead then absolute darkness.
This had to be a dream. A beautiful, fabulous, and very sexy dream.
Chapter Five
Jack
Baby girl.
I had one who was beautiful and vivacious, as well as a troublemaker.
And no one was ever going to touch her again.
My primal desires took over, boiling up from some depths that had obviously been hidden away, maybe by lock and key. The protective side was in my face, kicking at my gut in a way I couldn’t quite understand. Summer was sweet and innocent, tempting and very dangerous.
She was also keeping one huge secret.
Florida. At least I knew where she was from, even though I could tell there was significant angst surrounding her life. I’d relay the information to Riley. It wasn’t the limited words she’d said regarding her past that stuck in my craw, it was the way she said them. Bitter. Remorseful. Guilty.
I stood over her, listening to her gentle breathing sounds for at least a full three minutes before finding the energy to move away from the bed. There was a part of me that to wrap my body around hers, relishing the warmth of her naked body positioned underneath mine as I protected her from every evil demon lurking in the shadows. The other part was kicking my own ass, trying to figure out how I was going to contain whatever I’d started. I was far too attracted to the girl, much more so than a portion of my brain wanted to admit.
Eyes that sparkled in the sunlight.
Hair like a whirlwind of fire framing chiseled cheekbones and pink pouty lips.
Defiance laced with raw innocence.
A need for rules and discipline.
Fuck me...
I shook my head and was ready to turn off the light when I noticed she was covered in goosebumps. Shocking, given the veritable heatwave that had been ongoing for a couple of months. At least she was resting peacefully, snuggled under the covers like a sated little girl.
My little girl to be exact.
There had to be a blanket in one of the drawers. I checked the closet, finding nothing but I fingered the few clothes she’d bothered to hang, a single dress highlighting every wicked thought that continued to pummel my mind. I walked toward her dresser, eyeing the bottle of booze. There was no doubt I was having a stiff drink or two tonight. Snorting, I opened the top drawer, eyeing her underwear and bras. My cock immediately stiffened, my balls tightening all over again. Damn, I had it bad for the girl. Unable to resist, I held a hot pink thong in my hand, twirling the silky material around my finger. Suddenly, visions of seeing her in pigtails and a short nightgown flashed into my mind. Thunder rolled through every portion of my body, leaving my mouth dry and my breath coming in short rasps. No girl had ever done this to me. “Fuck me.”
I shoved them back inside and slammed the drawer shut, moving on in my search. I finally found a blanket smashed next to one fluffy white teddy bear. The girl certainly had two distinct sides. A sly smile crossed my face. “Who are you, sweet Summer?” I tweaked teddy’s nose before grabbing the blanket and was about to take both to her bedside when my curiosity regarding whatever email or instant she’d received nagged at my insides. Touching the screen, I was shocked to find the message still displayed. She hadn’t even opened the program in order to read the entire instant message. Why should she? What I read was enough to make my blood boil.
You have one more chance or trust me, you will be sorry.
“What the fuck?” There was no clear indication of who’d sent the message, including gender. She’d purposely given the sender a number as an identity. The clear line of sixes at least gave me a smile, even though rage continued to build. At least she had a sense of humor. Who was threatening her and why? Maybe this was the reason she’d run away, and I knew in my gut she’d bolted from something.
Or someone.
An ex? Could be. A business situation? Not likely. I had doubts given the limited conversation we’d had that she’d confide in me. The anger was still boiling as I walked back to the bed. I was struck just how much I wanted to protect her, care for her. I had no business getting in the middle of whatever crap she was in, but she obviously needed someone who cared enough about her to keep her on the straight and narrow.
And I was the elected guy.
My entire body remained on edge, still ignited from our passionate sex. A sliver of guilt ran through me as I stood over her, but there was no denying the extreme attraction or the way my blood boiled from simply being in the same room with her. She would still be a handful, but at least I knew there were distinct reasons for her bossy personality.
I squeezed teddy before sliding it under the sheets, carefully placing the blanket up to her shoulders and brushing my fingers across her cheek. Summer stirred, turning over, her arm immediately wrapping around the bear’s neck. “Goodnight, sweet kitten.”
“Goodnight, Daddy,” she murmured in her sleep, pushing the covers down and exposing her luscious curves, her hand floating across her chest in the most provocative manner. Even a slight smile remained on her face, ever so tempting in the seductive nature. Her perky nipples were swollen, pinker than they’d been before from my fingers pinching and mouth sucking.
Brazen thoughts about devouring every inch of her body swelled within me yet again, my chest expanding as I attempted to get enough air. She simply made my blood boil and my heart race. Everything about her was unexpected and her words alone were enough to turn me into some kind of carnal beast. I sucked in my breath, slowly tugging the covers over her breasts.
After turning off the light, I glanced over my shoulder in the darkness before closing the door. This was going to be an interesting ride.
It was almost nine-thirty by the time I made it to my quarters. My mind should be on the job, not the feisty redhead who sizzled every last brain cell, but I couldn’t get my thoughts away from ravaging her hot body. What were the odds she’d want to stay on the rig for more than a couple of months? Summer certainly had tenacity, but after a while, I suspected the lack of creature comforts would push her away if nothing else.
If the person making the threat didn’t find her first, possibly taking her away from me or worse.
Over my dead-ass body.
“Where the hell have you been?” Riley asked in an accusatory fashion. He lifted a single eyebrow as he leaned against the corridor wall. He took a deep whiff, his eyes lighting up. “Having a good time?”
“Keeping a tracking device on me now?” I shoved
my key into the lock, knowing he would follow me inside.
“Just curious. You were mighty hot under the collar when you stormed out of the mess hall.”
“I had my reasons. You know that.” Huffing, I tossed the key onto my small conference table, heading immediately to the makeshift bar I’d set up.
Riley chuckled as he closed the door. “Summer really has you worked up. What did you say to her?”
“I admonished her behavior then put her to bed.” I didn’t even attempt to look my buddy in the eye. He’d be able to see right through me.
“You put her to bed, eh? Does that mean you slipped inside with her?”
Plopping ice into two glasses, I concentrated on pouring instead of answering.
“Holy fuck, Jack, you did? Wow. You work fast. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
I gave him a let-it-go look as I handed him a glass. “It’s complicated.”
“All relationships are.”
“We’re not in a relationship!” I exhaled, my grip around the glass far too firm as I heard the emphasis on my words.
Riley eyed me, taking a sip of his drink and remaining quiet.
“Okay, fine. I like the girl. Okay? Sue me.”
“I’m not the one trying to pretend, dude. What’s the big deal? She’s beautiful, sexy as fuck, intelligent, and the kind of girl that can keep you on your toes. What’s not to like?”
I shrugged instead of answering.
“Besides, anything that will get your mind off Monica is perfectly acceptable in my book. The bitch.”
“Don’t mention her name.” I walked with purpose to an overstuffed armchair, plopping down as a slice of anger forced my throat to tighten. My ex-girlfriend was one of the reasons I’d looked for a job away from Texas. She’d promised to love and honor while I was gone. I just didn’t get the memo that she meant with nearly every cowboy this side of Dallas.
