by Amelia Shea
Grey kept his eyes on the gravel drive as he headed out to the main road. No matter what she looked like, this was business. He needed to stay focused on the end goal.
Britt’s newly acquired property was set between the Fords’ adjacent land. The land had once been the Fords’ family land. However, when his uncle died, it was left to his aunt. She sold it to an outsider, even though Grey’s dad was willing to pay double. She sold to Cal strictly out of spite.
His Aunt Grace hated the ranch and farm life in general. She also disliked his family. It was a long history of petty jealousy, ultimately ripping his dad and his Uncle Ansell apart, along with the land which had been in the family for several generations.
But now they would get their land back.
They were eager to acquire it, and Britt was eager to get rid of it, from what her lawyer said. Their conversation was minimal. He chanced a few looks her way during the ride over. He couldn’t help himself. Her dress slid up her thigh and the sight was enough to get Grey hard. Damn, this woman. Maybe after she sold him the land, he could invite her over for a celebratory romp in his bed.
She turned to him and he gave her a smirk. Yeah, he wanted a piece of this city ass.
“Have you always lived in Cloves County?”
“Yes, ma’am, all thirty years.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re thirty?” He watched her scan his body in the cab of the truck, liking the feel of her eyes on him.
He nodded. “Yes. You seem surprised.”
She turned to look out the front window, but he caught her eyebrow lift. “Just thought you were closer to my age.”
“And what age would that be?”
“Twenty-three.”
It was Grey’s turn to widen his eyes. “Just a baby.”
She made a face, scrunching her nose and twitching her lips. “I guess so when compared to your dirty thirty.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Dirty thirty? Never heard of that. Do I look dirty to you, darlin’?”
Grey lost his smile as her eyes traced over his body. Her heated stare had him feeling his cock grow. His hand gripped the steering wheel with thoughts of spreading her wide across his bed and feasting between her legs.
She shrugged one shoulder, her eyes innocently looking up through her lashes. “Dirty isn’t such a bad thing, Grey.” Her teeth grazed over her bottom lip, forcing him to look away and focus on the road. The little temptress sitting next to him was taking his aching cock to a rock-solid rod straining against his jeans.
He kept his eyes on the road, not engaging her any further in conversation. The tension in the cab of his truck was thick and heated. He couldn’t recall the last time a woman had tempted him so much, and the thought bothered him. Now was not the time to be tied down to a woman, and certainly not a city girl in town for a few days. When Grey settled down it would be with someone who valued family, marriage, and the land. He didn’t know this girl well enough to know her views on love and family, but he did know she wasn’t from here. She couldn’t possibly appreciate the beauty of the ranch the way he did.
They pulled up the long driveway, which was similar to Cal’s, and parked in front of the large farmhouse. His childhood home was breathtaking, even he had to admit. His dad had built it for his mama. A lot of memories were held between those walls. Grey put the truck in park, turned off the ignition, and grabbed the handle, but stopped. To his right, he watched as the beauty beside him looked over his house with a glimmer in her eye. Her lips slowly quirked up and her face beamed.
His voice was lower than he had intended. “What’s the smile for?”
“It looks like a farmhouse. It’s beautiful.” She smiled, looking over at him, her long locks falling over her shoulder. Her lips spread wide and her eyes crinkled at the corners. Genuine. His heart skipped a beat at the beaming expression.
“You grew up here?” Her eyes scanned the house and yard, leaning forward in the truck to look past him to the first barn.
He nodded in silence, taking in her sweet reaction to something he loved. The thing he always loathed about city folk was their inability to see the beauty in something ordinary. They would look at this farmhouse and see old. They’d miss the detail in the woodwork, the simplicity of the design, the pride of those who had built it. Watching Britt, he was surprised, almost shocked. It was as though she saw the true beauty, the same way he did.
Her head cranked to one side, her blonde hair flowing over her shoulder. Her brown eyes peered into his and he was trapped. Who the hell is this girl?
They sat in silence, staring at each other. Her eyes changed, as did the air in the truck. He could see her pounding heart through the thin material of her dress as she inhaled a shaky breath. He watched the cleavage of her round breasts rise and fall. Her skin was creamy white, and he immediately wondered if it was as soft as it looked. One touch would give him his answer, and he was tempted. Locking eyes with her again, he could see the excitement peering back at him. She was feeling the same as Grey.
His hand tightened on the door handle, and for a second he contemplated leaning over and kissing her full lips, driving his hand into her hair, dragging her body over the console and draping it against his throbbing cock. She never looked away, almost testing him. If he grabbed her, would she go with it? The thought had him leaning forward. She peered down at his lips with anticipation. She would.
The moment was fleeting. He shook the thought from his head, grabbed his keys, and hopped out of the truck. He took a deep breath as he rounded the truck. Snap the fuck out of it.
Her door opened and she attempted to step down. In those heels, she’d probably wind up at the ER with a broken leg. He swiftly widened the door and circled her waist, putting her down on the ground. She looked up through her long lashes and did the last thing she should have done. She licked her pink lips, her tongue sliding over them, giving him a vision of what it would look like gliding over his cock. His grip on her waist tightened, and he found himself pulling her to him. Her hands clasped his biceps. Her pretty, eager face had Grey seconds away from hauling her over his shoulder and taking her to his bed. These were crazy thoughts. He had to end this now.
“We should get inside. Everyone is awaiting your arrival.” He released her and stepped back abruptly. His polite smile was back in place and his mind was on the importance of not fucking around with the owner of the land he wanted.
He couldn’t help but notice the disappointment wash over her face. She was just as affected by him as he was with her. He silently cursed. Under different circumstances, he would be deeply content in her warmth, making her moan his name. His thoughts only encouraged the tightening in his pants. Fuck!
“You ready?” He didn’t wait for a response but turned, with her following him up the porch stairs and into the house.
He needed some distance from the hot little ranch owner. This insta-lust he had for her was something he had to bat down quickly. Britt Montgomery had no place in Grey Fords’ world.
Chapter Four
An hour into the night, Britt was still reeling from her little moment with Grey. She thought for sure he was going to kiss her when he helped her out of the truck. Would she have let him? Hell yeah! This guy was not only gorgeous but sexy, and made her panties moisten without even a touch. Her heart raced at the thought of what would happen if she actually had his hands on her. Her body involuntarily shivered.
Unfortunately, he was now keeping his gorgeous self away and cozying up with Joanne, the realtor. She had caught his eyes on her a few times, but he never came over to her again. Joanne seemed to be monopolizing him. It seemed the short brunette with resting bitch face was staking claim on him by following him everywhere he moved. Maybe they were together, maybe she completely misread their connection. Doubtful.
When they had arrived, Ed and Beth were quick to greet her, along with Jasper, the middle son, and Sarah, their cousin. Tripp, the youngest son, seemed uninterested in showing any manners. A quic
k head nod was all he gave her before turning his attention back to his date. After all the introductions were made, Britt walked over to Sarah, who was standing by the fireplace watching her.
“Hey, thanks so much for stocking the fridge.”
Sarah smiled and her face lit up. She was really pretty in a down home, country girl way. “You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I went with variety and well, things I like.” She laughed.
Britt chuckled, too. Sarah seemed like a cool chick. Although she had just met her, she seemed to suit Lucas. She was about to ask about Lucas but was interrupted by the youngest of the Fords’ sons, Tripp. He looked very similar to Grey. They had the same eyes and dark hair, although Tripp looked more boyish, not quite as handsome as Grey. And there was something else. Where Grey seemed confident, Tripp displayed major arrogance.
“How long ya here?” There wasn’t a trace of interest in his tone. He lifted back his beer bottle and took a swig. She hadn’t liked him the second they met. Just the way he carried himself, he seemed condescending and egotistical. Two traits of an asshole.
“Just until I sign the papers and get everything squared away.”
He snorted and looked over at Sarah and winked. “Bet Lucas is liking his new ranch companion.”
Britt’s eyes moved to Sarah, who had lost her smile. Her face paled and Britt had the distinct feeling, if she could, Sarah would knee this bastard in the balls. Hell, Britt wanted to. Who the hell said nasty shit to his own cousin? Was this douchebag trying to hurt her?
Britt opened her mouth but was again cut off when a bleach blonde in a tacky pink skintight dress bumped into her. Britt stepped forward, losing her balance. The wine in her glass swooshed and threatened to spill. Sarah reached out to steady Britt. She regained control and slowly turned her head.
The blonde had the nerve to smirk and without an ounce of sincerity said, “Oops, sorry.” She circled her arms around Tripp’s waist and whispered something in his ear. He laughed and tugged her arm as they continued down the hallway.
Britt glared at their backs. Her attention was drawn back to Sarah’s hand on her arm. “Don’t pay him much thought, Britt.” She looked around the area they were standing, then leaned in, whispering, “Tripp is a dickhead, been that way since we were kids. Ignore him.”
Britt snorted. “What about the others?”
Sarah tilted her head. “You mean Grey and Jasper?”
She nodded.
Sarah adamantly shook her head. “No way, Grey and Jas would never treat anybody the way Tripp does. He’s a spoiled boy with entitlement issues. It’s a long story, stemming back from when we were kids.”
Britt was curious but remembered her manners and didn’t ask anything further.
She stayed with Sarah until Mrs. Fords called everyone for dinner. They took seats at the large dining room table. She was seated between Jasper and Sarah and directly across from Grey. She watched Joanne take the seat next to him, biting back some jealousy she was feeling. She knew it was ridiculous to feel anything for this man she just met a few hours ago, but she did.
Placing her napkin on her lap, she lifted her eyes when she felt his stare. His heated dark eyes peered into hers. She quickly looked away, feeling strange butterflies in her stomach.
“Everyone join hands,” Edward announced from the head of the table.
Britt looked around as everyone joined hands and bowed their heads. She noticed two hands reached out to her on either side. She inhaled, took Sarah’s then Jasper’s hands, and bowed her head.
“Lord, we thank you for this fine meal and we thank you for the company you have graced us with. We ask you bless those around this table with safety, love, and faith in you, our Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”
Everyone repeated “Amen.” She glanced around the table as the food was being passed around. Prayer had always been awkward for Britt, never really being exposed to church or God too often. She was baptized Catholic as a baby but had no memory of actually being in a church. She couldn’t even remember her mother’s funeral.
When she was about seven, her curiosity was piqued by the girls in her class making their First Communion. She asked her dad why they didn’t go to church, and he said, “When you pray hard for something and you don’t get it, it shakes your faith. If there is a God, he wasn’t listening.”
Even at a young age, she knew he was referring to her mother.
“So, Britt, what do you do? Student?” Mrs. Fords asked, passing a large bowl of potatoes to Jasper.
“Yes, part time, and I work at a café.”
“How exciting. What do you study?” Mrs. Fords asked, eagerly waiting on her reply.
Here it comes. For a brief second, she considered lying. They’d be none the wiser if she fudged the truth. She nibbled on her bottom lip, contemplating her response. Lie and go with a safe answer. There wasn’t major-shaming in business or communications. Just lie. As she scanned the eager faces awaiting her answer, she locked eyes with Grey. She slouched slightly under his stare and gulped a breath. There was something domineering about his whole demeanor. Now with him intently watching her, she felt something else. Tingling heat. All over. How’d he do that? With just a look, she was crossing her legs, fighting against the impending dampness in her panties and hoping no one would notice her flushed face.
A not-so-subtle cough had her regaining track of their conversation. Question, someone asked her something. Her lips straightened into a line as panic set in. What the hell was the question? With her focus set on Grey, his left brow cocked up and the corner of his mouth rose. He mouthed, “Your major.” God, he had beautiful lips. I bet he’s a good kisser. Dammit, focus.
With all thoughts of lying forgotten, she blurted, “Philosophy.”
The room went silent and all eyes stared at Britt. She fidgeted with her napkin. She had gotten this response before. Most people didn’t know what kind of job she thought she’d find with a philosophy degree, her dad being the most skeptical of all, when she had announced her intended major back in high school. She never saw herself as a “behind a desk, nine to fiver.” Philosophy seemed interesting, although she soon realized, impractical.
A snarky voice muttered, “Yeah, sounds useful,” followed by a burst of laughter coming from the opposite end of the table. Britt glared at Tripp and his date, wanting to smack the smirks right off their faces. Jerks! It was on the tip of her tongue to snap at him, but she never got the chance.
A loud crack wiped the smirks off both their faces when Mr. Fords’ hand slammed down on the table.
Britt jumped in her seat and focused on the large man whose face had turned red with what appeared to be anger. He pointed down the table directly at Tripp. “If you have forgotten your manners, boy, you can leave my table, you hear?”
Tripp cleared his voice, all signs of humor gone. “Yes, sir.”
The table was unusually quiet and the tension was obvious. Britt bit back her smile as the arrogant prick was put in his place. The idea of sticking her tongue out at him was tempting, but she refrained. They continued to eat in silence until Sarah asked, “So, Britt, is your full name Brittany?”
Britt shook her head, smiling. “No. Thank God. I get asked that a lot though.” She wiped her mouth. “But lucky for me, I was not strapped with the stigma of being a Brittany.” Britt chuckled again, rolling her eyes.
She realized quickly she was the only one laughing. However, she did notice Mr. & Mrs. Fords tighten their lips and look down. Looking around the table, she saw Sarah, Jasper, and even Grey with the same look, as though they were trying to hold back from laughing.
“What stigma?” Tripp sneered.
Britt snorted. “You know, blonde and brainless. It’s an unfair stereotype but let’s be honest,” she paused, raising her eyebrows, “most of the time, it rings true. I have yet to meet a Brittany I can stomach for more than five minutes.” Britt chuckled briefly but stopped when she realized no one else was laughing.
The silence was deafening. She looked up at Sarah, whose eyes were wide and bulging. Uh-oh. The scraping sound of wood broke the silence.
“Excuse me,” Tripp’s date snapped harshly and threw down her napkin, storming out of the dining room. Tripp followed her, throwing a hard glare over his shoulder, zoning directly at Britt. What was that for?
Grey cleared his throat, bringing her attention to him. “Well, I guess Tripp and Brittany don’t want dessert.” He smirked and then winked at Britt.
Her mouth dropped open and she could feel her face heat with embarrassment. She closed her eyes and cursed her big mouth. Damn, girl, your timing is shit.
Peering up through her bangs at the rest of the family, she watched the tight smiles relax and heard the faint sound of a deep chuckle next to her. At least Jasper thought she was funny.
She kept quiet the remainder of the night. The dinner, with the exception of her diarrhea of the mouth, was wonderful. The Fords were great and hospitable. By the end of the evening, she was ready to go. Sarah offered to drive her back home but Grey stepped in and announced he would drive her back. He didn’t make eye contact and Britt tried not to put too much thought in it.
»»•««
Grey drove down the country road, eyes straight ahead, his mind completely absorbed by the woman next to him. He’d done his best to keep away from her once they got into his parents’ house. He watched her, though. She was beautiful, the way she moved, and her laugh and smile had his eyes fastened on her. Unfortunately, Joanne, who was vying for his attention, made it more difficult.
