Top Dog_A Mafia Romance

by Rye Hart

  “That’s actually what I was headin’ to do. Work’s got me all tangled up in my brain, and I need a chance to clear my head.”

  “Awesome. I went to see if Hunter wanted to come, but he’s nursing a pretty bad hangover himself. He was still throwing up when I knocked on his door.”

  “Yep. That’s a bad one all right. So, what you’re sayin’ is that I was your third choice to go ridin’ with.”

  “You weren’t even on my list until I saw you,” she said with a grin.

  “Oh, I’m hurt. My poor heart.”

  “Come on, Mr. Sensitive. Let’s get us some horses.”

  “Sensitive? I ain’t sensitive. I’m a cowboy.”

  “That you are,” she said with a giggle. “Now come on. We’re burning daylight.”

  Katie took my hand and tugged me out the back door. Her skin was soft and smooth against mine. Inviting, just like her hug had been. I held her hand tightly as we walked toward the stables and I released her to pick out her horse. She came trotting back with the all-black stallion and a big smile on her face. I watched as everything came rushing back to her. How to put a saddle on a horse. Cleaning his hooves before we went out. I watched her fluid movements as she mounted the horse, throwing her leg over Midnight’s back as she sat tall with pride.

  I thought back on her prom night, when I was her date. There was so much sexual tension and attraction between us, but I didn’t have the nerve to kiss her like I wanted so damn much. That bothered me for years. It was a regret I carried for a long time.

  It was really good to see her smiling again.

  “You coming?” Katie asked. “Or are you gonna rearrange that saddle one last time?”

  “Just makin’ sure the horse is comfortable, too. This one here’s Sunshine. She’s a spitfire with an attitude. Gotta make sure she’s comfy, otherwise, she’ll buck you off,” I said.

  “Yikes. Well, be careful. I’m not equipped to administer CPR.”

  The thought of her lips anywhere near mine caused me to stumble as I threw my leg over the back of my horse.

  “Ready?” I asked.

  “Yep. Let’s go.”

  The two of us rode together in silence as the stamping of hooves underneath our bodies filled my ears. I was glad to finally have some alone time with her. It was something I’d been craving for years. But when she announced her engagement, I threw all ideas of that out the window.

  Until a couple of nights ago when she called the wedding off.

  We rode down a trail that went through a bit of the forest out back of the resort. It was one of the more intermediate trails, and Katie was handling it like a champ.

  The smile on her face was so big it almost closed her eyes, and the way she stayed mounted on the horse gave me the perfect view of her ass.

  It was hard paying attention with her body rolling up and down like it was.

  So I ran up alongside her and slowed both our horses down.

  “Something wrong?” Katie asked.

  “Just lettin’ our horses breathe. Midnight’s pumpin’ air pretty hard,” I said.

  “It’s beautiful out here. Do all your resorts have trails like this?”

  “They do. It’s our signature offerin’. Each has somethin’ different, but all of them have horses and trails to ride ‘em on.”

  “You guys have done so well. I’m really proud of what y’all have accomplished.”

  “I see that accent’s creepin’ back in,” I said with a grin.

  “Can’t help it when I’m surrounded by accents like y’all’s.”

  “They’re pretty thick. Even people in downtown Dallas look at us weird sometimes.”

  “It doesn’t matter anyway. I like them,” she said.

  “Then that’s all that matters to me.”

  “So, what have you been up to for the past few years?” she asked. “I never really got to chat long enough with you guys whenever I’d come into town.”

  “You were busy with your momma and things like that. It’s understandable.”

  “Any interesting developments? Women in your life? Dating or side jobs of any sort?”

  “No to all those questions,” I said with a grin.

  “You mean to tell me you’re not dating anyone? Why not? You’re a great catch.”

  “Eh, I found my woman awhile back. Things didn’t work, and no other woman measures up.”

  “So, you’re a one-night-stander like your brothers,” she said.

  “Unfortunately. No passion to settle down with anyone. I don’t want to settle, and I found my princess, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

  “Why not?”

  “Just wasn’t. We took different paths, and she was happy with hers. Can’t blame her for doin’ what she did, and I’d never ask her to compromise that to be with me.”

  “Maybe she wouldn’t see it as a compromise.”

  “Maybe not. But I’m okay with where I’m at. The company’s doin’ well, and I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. Don’t need no distractions like some lady wantin’ my time.”

  “I know. Damn ladies and their time-wasting antics,” Katie said with a smirk.

  “I’ve missed this, you know.”

  “Missed what?”

  “This time with you. We all have. I know none of my brothers will start throwing a big party on account’ a what you’re dealin’ with, but we’ve missed our Katie.”

  “Well, I’ve missed you guys too. I don’t want to think about the fact that Michael was intentionally isolating me, but looking back, I can see how others would get that impression.”

  “We’re just glad to have you back, even though I know you’re hurtin’ right now.”

  “You know, I’m not hurting as much as I thought I would. I mean, it sucks. I know he lost out on money he wishes he could get back. But we were talking about my future. I would’ve been stuck in that rut for the rest of my life, unable to change anything and feeling like I owed him something because of all he did when Mom died.”

  “Then how are you feelin’? ‘Cause it can’t be good,” I asked.

  “It’s not good, but it’s not bad either. I feel more like I’m in limbo than anything. I have to talk with my landlord and get all that straightened out, and if I can’t, I have to find a place to live here in Dallas. Or around the area, at least. I’m still in the process of trying to find a job here that I enjoy. The one I secured when Michael and I decided to make our home out here was only to help make ends meet so he wasn’t carrying the brunt of the financial responsibility like he had been. But I’m not happy with it. It’s just a lot to consider right now.”

  “Sounds like it,” I said. “What job you got secured now?”

  “The firm I’m with deals in everything. Identity theft, worker’s compensation, basic civil disagreements. It has no focus, and it makes the job ten times harder,” she said.

  “What do you wanna do?” I asked.

  “Well when I think about it, the only thing that really puts a fire under me is the thought of helping single moms.”

  “Doesn’t shock me one damn bit,” I said.

  “If I had it my way, I’d open my own firm and target helping single mothers with anything they needed. I watched my mother struggle all her life when she could’ve had a court work in her favor. I’m tired of seeing single mothers crapped on by society because they don’t have decent enough representation because they can’t afford it. That’s what I really want to do. But opening my own practice takes money, so I have to work a job I hate in order to get the money to save to do what I love.”

  “I’ve always admired you for your tenacity, Katie. Whatever happens, I know you’re gonna do it because it’s what you’ve always done. You do what you want no matter what’s standin’ in your way.”

  “Thanks, Wyatt. I appreciate it.”

  “Anytime. But we should be gettin’ back. I still gotta work, and you gotta figure out where your friends went.”

  “And check on Hunter. Yo
u know, make sure he hasn’t puked up his stomach yet,” she said.

  We turned our horses around and rode back to the stables, full gallop through the woods and I got another perfect view of her luscious body.

  I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

  She was full of fire and fight and had dreams she wanted to pursue. I knew she was going to be just fine once she got her feet back under her.

  Katie always was. She was strong as an ox and bull-headed to the core. If she wanted something, she was going to get it.

  We rode the horses up to the stables, and I quickly dismounted. Katie kept getting her boot caught up in the wrong side of the stirrup, and it was making getting her down difficult. I held out my arms to her so she could slide right off, but she moved at the last minute, and it threw me off balance. I stumbled back into the stables, landing right up against a wooden beam as her body pressed deeply into mine.

  “Wyatt. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t get my foot turned around. Are you okay?”

  “Yep. Just fine. You good?” I asked.

  I looked down at her and caught her wild stare. Her beautiful hair was all in her face, and I brushed it back without a second thought. Something changed in the air around us. It crackled with electricity as I tucked some of her hair behind her ear. I cupped her cheek, and she closed her eyes, nuzzling into my skin as her touch shot fire up my arm.

  Desire was filling my gut as my lips made their way toward hers. I was helpless to stop it. My body wanted her more than I could stand.

  Our lips connected as my hand wrapped around and supported her neck. At first, it was only my lips moving, and I wondered if I’d made a mistake. I stopped my movements and waited for her to return the kiss, searching for any sign that this was something she wanted too.

  Then her hands flew to my hair, gripping it tightly as her lips pressed into mine.

  I cloaked her back with my arms and pulled her deeper into my torso. I picked her up off her feet, our tongues dancing together as electricity shivered me in my boots. I walked her deeper into the stables and into a dark corner, shrouding our bodies so I could feel her properly.

  This time I wasn’t going to let the moment pass.

  End of Sneak Peek. Would you like to know how this continues?

  Click Here: Her Best Men

  BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

  A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE

  PROLOGUE

  Drake

  Four Years Ago

  “Dinner’s ready, babe!” Shannon called. Her sweet southern voice echoed up the staircase, as I stepped out the shower.

  “Just finishing up baby, be right out!”

  I stared into my reflection in the mirror, quietly thanking the cosmos for blessing me with more than I’d ever deserve. I had best fucking wife known to man, and I didn’t deserve her or that precious little girl that was waiting for me to come downstairs and join them for dinner.

  I smiled as I threw on a shirt and my jeans, a nervous energy running through me as I thought about the night ahead.

  I dashed down the stairs like a bat out of hell.

  “Daddy!” Ava called from her seat at the table next to my wife.

  She shot me a toothy grin, throwing her hands in the air as I passed by. I picked her up, and Ava squealed with delight, a high-pitched laughter bubbling up out of her. It was the best sound. I hugged her tight and spun her around. Shannon shook her head at our antics, trying not to laugh.

  “Oh, you two. Sit, eat,” she said. “We're gonna be late as it is.” The frown lines on her beautiful face told me she meant business. She always had the cutest expressions when she was serious.

  “Gotta do as mommy says. She’s the boss, you know?”

  I kissed Ava on the head before putting her back down into her high chair. Her smile quickly turned upside down. Her second-year birthday had just passed, and she was growing up too damn quickly.

  “Hey now, don't be sad, darlin',” I said. “You're gonna see daddy play guitar tonight. Won't that be fun?”

  “Daddy plays guitar?” she said, eyes wide. “Can I play?”

  “After the show, baby girl, promise,” I said, ruffling her blonde hair.

  She'd gotten her blonde curls from her mama, but her big, brown eyes were all me.

  “You’re gonna knock em dead, sweetheart,” Shannon said.

  “Thank you,” I said, kissing her on the cheek.

  “Be careful driving in the rain baby. I’d drive you myself, but I need to be there early for setup, and you’d be bored to death waiting for us. Just remember, there's a band on before me, so no need to rush.”

  “Thank you, babe. We won’t wait too long. I want to get the best seat in the house. Hey, have I told you lately how proud I am of you?” Her blue eyes sparkling as she took my hand and squeezed it tight.

  “You work all day in the fields, and then burn the midnight oil at night in practice. I don’t know how you do it. I'm in awe of you. Really babe.”

  “You're both worth it, trust me. Besides, Paul’s my helping hand, and he helps to pick up where I leave off every day. Don’t know what I’d do without him.”

  Shannon passed a delicious platter of meatloaf my way, and I loaded my plate up with steamed veggies on the side, along with a healthy dollop of mashed potatoes. She'd been trying to get me to eat greens for a while now, so I humored her and put a few pieces of broccoli on my plate – hidden behind the mountain-sized mound of mashed potatoes.

  Shannon chuckled but didn't say anything, and I winked at her. “Hey, at least I'm eating some greens. Baby steps, darlin'.”

  “Baby steps,” she said with a grin and chuckled at my comment. It always filled me up to see her laugh. Her smile went all the way to her eyes.

  God, she was beautiful.

  We had been high school sweethearts. Friends told us, first love, never last, but there we were – happily married with a daughter, and many more babies in our future – if I had my way.

  I'd inherited my dad's grand ranch after he passed. It was a lot of upkeep, but it provided a good, steady living. We had a roof over our heads and food on our table, but I wanted more for my family. I wanted Ava to grow up knowing that she could follow her dreams, whatever those would be.

  My dreams were obvious. Outside of being a father and husband, I wanted to play music – and make a living doing it. Sure, ranch life was nice, but music was what brought me to life.

  As we ate, Shannon had to urge Ava to eat more veggies. The apple didn't fall too far from the tree.

  “I wrote a song for you,” I said, looking directly at Shannon.

  “You did?” she said, her cheeks flushing. “Another one?”

  “I saved it for tonight,” I said. “About you and baby girl. You two have make me the luckiest man alive.”

  Shannon leaned into me, resting her head against my shoulder. Her long, silken blonde hair was pressed against my face and smelled like orange blossoms. I kissed the top of her head, and we went back to eating.

  I looked at the time. “Shit,” I muttered, then I noticed Ava watching me. “You didn’t heart that from me. Sorry, darlin'. I'm running late.”

  I stood, plate in hand to take it into the kitchen, but Shannon stopped me. She grabbed my arm, and I stared down into those heavenly blue eyes of hers.

  “I'll get it, babe,” she said. “You go on. We'll meet you at the club.”

  Leaning down, I kissed her lips, holding her face in my hands. I pulled back and looked into her eyes. So deep. So blue.

  “God, I love you,” I said.

  She smacked my ass gently with a coy smile on her face. “You better be up for showing me how much you love me later this evening,” she said. “Don't wear yourself out too much up on stage. I have a surprise for you tonight.”

  I felt a growing tightness in my jeans as I pictured the night ahead. I imagined Shannon in her sexy little nightie, laying on our bed, waiting for me. She was the only woman I'd ever want in this world. Her sweet face stared back at m
e, and while she looked sweet and innocent, I knew she enjoyed being a naughty kitten behind closed doors. She was damn good at it too. She knew how to rile me up in the best way.

  Ava had mashed potatoes all over her face, but I leaned down to kiss her anyway. She smeared potatoes all over my shirt and made a huge mess of things. Shannon handed me a napkin, and I tried to wipe it up, but it was all over. All I could do was laugh.

  “I love you, baby girl,” I said.

  “Lah you, daddy,” she said, her brown eyes cheerful and happy. I ruffled her blonde little head one last time before I hurried out the door.

  Shannon shouted behind me, “Love you. Drive safe.”

  “You too, babe,” I said. “I'll see you soon.”

  “And don't forget your guitar!” she added.

  Shit. I closed the door and ran over to where I kept my guitar in the corner of our small living room.

  “Guitar!” Ava cooed. “I play guitar?”

  “Later, sweetie,” Shannon said, wiping the potatoes off our little girl's face. “After daddy's show, okay?”

  “Okay,” Ava said, pouting slightly.

  I waved as I hurried on out. I rushed to my pickup truck and threw my guitar in the back. Thankfully, tonight's show was at a family-friendly restaurant in town, not the usual smoky bars and clubs. It was one of the first shows Ava would get to attend, and I was looking forward to seeing my daughter in the crowd. She'd be up past her bedtime, but both Shannon and I agreed it’d be worth it. She'd finally get to see daddy perform, in front of a crowd. It might be a small crowd for now, but one day, we’d fill stadiums.

  I pulled up to the restaurant and parked, my drummer, Landon, was already waiting for me by the back door.

  “Took you long enough,” Landon joked.

  “Yeah, well, when you have a wife like mine, you'll get distracted sometimes too,” I said with a grin.

  “Nough with the monkey business. Big crowd tonight,” Landon said. “Hell, I'd say most of 'em are even here to see us.”

  “Or maybe it's the half-price appetizers they're serving at the bar,” I said. Landon was the optimist, while I was the realist.