by Cara North
His attempt at humor fell flat.
"I would never do anything to hurt you. You've given me so much. You've given me your name and everything that comes with it. Your family, your dogs, I get to live in the most beautiful house. I have to tell you, I might not be able to divorce you in three months. I mean my closet alone is..."
"Do you like me?” he asked abruptly.
"Of course, I do.” She wondered where this was coming from.
"And do you like the ranch?” He spun the diamond ring around her finger.
"I love the ranch. I wasn't sure what it would be like. Being cooped up in the house with nothing to do can be a little nerve racking, but I love the ranch.” She caught the words in her throat. She almost said she loved Jack, but it just was not possible. They didn't know enough about each other.
Ms. Patty returned and set two plates on the table. Country fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans served in huge portions filled the plates.
"Thanks, Ms. Patty, this looks great.” Jack smiled showing off his dimples.
"It smells delicious.” Bethany nodded.
"It's on the house kids. Don't you even, Jack. Just shut your mouth before you say something to make me mad, and then you'll be without dessert.” Ms. Patty nodded and walked away.
"She's serious.” Bethany inhaled the food again, nothing fancy or chic, just good old-fashioned food.
Jack nodded, picked up a fork, and started eating. “The only person around who can cook better than Jasper is Chance."
"Heath's wife?” She took a bite of the potatoes. “So good."
"Told you.” He continued, “I'll have to show you the prom pictures when we get home. Only have two of them, and I had to hide them, but they are hilarious."
"Of Heath and Chance?” Bethany was trying to keep up with the new turn in conversation.
"No, silly, of me and Chance. I told you about it on the way home from Vegas. Chance was one of my high school girlfriends. I dated her and Candice senior year. Chance was my date to the prom, but Heath showed up, and in every picture I'm looking at Chance, smiling, because she's looking at Heath.” Jack stopped talking and looked directly at her. He didn't say anything, didn't make any faces revealing his thoughts. He just stared at her.
Bethany began to wonder if she had something on her face. Finally, he looked back at his plate and started eating and talking again.
"Like you look at me sometimes,” he said then shoveled in the next bite.
"How do I look at you?” She knew how she looked at him. Like he was the most amazing man she'd ever seen or known. It wasn't something she wanted him strutting around acknowledging.
"Like you want me.” Jack winked.
"I do want you.” She relaxed. Want and love were not the same. Or were they? She didn't know anymore. They continued eating the rest of the meal without much conversation. Jack retold the story of Heath and Chance, and Bethany finally understood why Heath was so devastated.
As Ms. Patty approached with pecan pie, a familiar song came on.
"Jack?” Bethany looked for the speakers, trying to make sure she heard the right song. “Is it...?"
"Come on, sweetheart, let's dance.” Jack got up, pulled her by her hand, and led her past Ms. Patty. “We'll take those to go, ma'am."
Jack pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. Bethany melted against him, letting her white sweater leave more fuzz on his navy blue T-shirt. Her head naturally fell in line with his shoulder, and it took more than a little willpower not to break down and cry. Jack's body was like home. Every time she got close to it, she knew who she was and what she wanted. Him.
"I must be doing something right,” Jack whispered.
"Mmm. Yes, you are, Jack.” She didn't care they were the only two people on the dance floor, or the fact it may not actually be a dance floor. She cared about how Jack could pull the square peg through a round hole and make it fit. She looked like a cupcake, all pastel and pretty compared to the casual appearance of everyone else in the place, but she fit. She fit right there against him, and Jack wouldn't let anyone see it another way. “You definitely are."
Chapter 11
Jack sat in the truck feeling like ten million bucks, all thanks to the woman sitting next to him trying to play coy. She was not fooling him. He knew she was just as ready as he was to play. He hadn't pulled out of the parking space yet because he needed to kiss her.
"Well?” Bethany prompted.
"Well?” He hadn't buckled in, and neither had she.
"Well, are we leaving or what?” Her attempt to hide the mischievous deed about to take place was useless. The air practically crackled with sexual tension.
"In a minute.” He reached for her hand. “Come sit next to me for a moment."
"Oh no you don't. This isn't about me, Jack Johnson. There will be no removal of my clothes this time,” she said it as she took off the outer layer of the sweater set.
"I hate to point out the obvious, but you seem to be taking off your clothes.” He traced a finger down her now bare arm. The soft fuzzy sweaters she wore just drove him nuts. He could imagine the texture, soft and luxurious, along his shaft. Shaking his head, he snapped out of it. He was getting kinks, first her feet, now sweaters.
"Just the sweater.” She tossed it over the seat then grabbed his hand. “You did wash this in the bathroom correct?"
"Yes, ma'am. I always wash my hands.” Jack laughed. Then, he croaked as she pulled his index finger up to her lips. The lipstick was gone, so there was only soft pink skin sliding back and forth over his rough fingers. “My hands are too rough."
"No. They are strong and sensual, and I like how they feel.” Bethany held on as he tried to pull his hand back. “Now, stop it. I want to practice for a second."
"Practice?” Jack let her have full control of his hand. She put it right back up to her lips and began stroking it again. It was so warm, wet, and welcoming.
"Yes. I've never, you know. So, tell me if you like this.” Bethany licked her tongue out over the tips of his fingers before opening her mouth and closing it around them. Jack's eyes crossed.
"Bethany. I will love anything you do with your tongue, sweetheart. Now, come kiss me, so I can get us out of here.” He moved toward her, and she leaned in.
Their lips met in an explosion of sensation. He had missed this all week long. Bethany was the best kisser. She met him with the same intensity, the same desire, and equal pressure. It was a joint effort to get as much out of it as they each put into it, but Jack always got more. With his hand on her throat, he could feel the vibration as she sighed a sweet moan of release. Nipping her top lip then pulling back, he looked into those light green eyes of hers and smiled. This was his woman.
"Now, let's go home,” he said before kissing her just a minute longer.
"Mmm.” She nodded.
He buckled up and winked at her. As he pulled out of the parking lot, Bethany buckled in at the center of the truck. They were not far from home, but they were far enough she could definitely fulfill her promise.
* * * *
Bethany sighed. Jack had to be the most amazing kisser. He always kissed her senseless. She'd heard the phrase before but never believed it, at least until now. He was doing a lot of things right this evening. He came home early for starters, took her out to eat, let her drive his precious truck, and danced with her in the middle of the restaurant.
"Why do you wear Levi's?” She'd noticed most of the men at the restaurant and his brother, Rafe, wore Wrangler's.
"Button fly,” he said shamelessly.
"I see.” She gently placed her hand on his muscular thigh and began making gentle strokes and circles, not touching his button fly, or going anywhere near it.
"No, you don't, but if you will unbutton just one or two, I would be a relieved man."
"Well alright.” She sighed as though it were a chore, but she really looked forward to getting his pants open. The first button was tight then th
e second, but the rest popped out easily freeing him completely. The small task of undoing them was more than just unbutton then zip. It made a woman pay attention, and since he never wore underwear as far as she could tell, it was like undressing him slowly. “Now what?"
"Do whatever you want to, sweetheart. He's captivated by your imagination right now.” He let one hand off the wheel long enough to push a loose curl behind her ear.
The gesture made her desperate to kiss him again. She couldn't possibly as he drove. Instead, she had made a deal, and she planned to see it through. She hadn't really touched Jack when they made love. He took the lead and touched her a lot, but she had been rather hands off. Now was her chance to devour him.
She stroked the tip of his cock and felt the sticky drop of pre-come. Unable to stop herself, she lifted her fingers to taste it. Salty, sticky, not too bad. His penis moved on its own volition it seemed. As she touched it again, it jerked. “Are you doing that?"
"Hum?” Jack grunted.
"Are you making him move?” She stroked her fingers along the soft, smooth skin. Veins roped his shaft, and she wished it were still light out, so she could see the details better.
"It's all you, sweetheart,” Jack said in a low voice.
Bethany continued to explore him with her hand. “It's amazing."
He chuckled. “I think so, but I'm glad you confirmed it."
"I'm serious. It's so soft and smooth on the outside, but underneath he's like, steel or something.” She gripped the shaft harder. He growled his approval.
Encouraged by his reaction, she undid the seatbelt and slid away from him, so she could lean over and put her face in his lap. Holding on to the base of his erection, she pressed her nose and lips to the shaft then inhaled the spicy scent of Jack.
"God, woman, you're going to kill me.” He shifted in the seat.
She opened her mouth and slowly flattened her tongue against him. Then, like an ice cream cone, she licked from root to tip. Once, twice...
"Bethany, please.” His voice was rough and ragged.
"Please what?” She licked again, slower.
"Please, open your mouth and put me in.” He stroked the back of her head for encouragement.
She did as he asked. He definitely was not a small man. She took him in as far as possible and then pulled back. Jack's noises were loud and unrestrained. She had no idea it would feel this good to make him feel good. Her own body was reacting to it. Her sex warmed and wanted what her mouth had.
"Yes, sweetheart, just like that. Now, suck on it.” He stroked her back with his right hand ending at her butt cheek. “Oh yes, good, really good."
She liked the praise and wanted more. She let her hand get in on the action and began pumping against the rise and fall of her mouth. He liked it. He squeezed her ass cheek and groaned. She really started getting into it, sucking harder, licking the rim of his glans as she neared the top.
"Stop!” Jack shouted and pulled her up fast.
"What? Are you alright?” She looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary. They were almost home now. He just had to turn down the street.
"I can't see straight.” He breathed in a heavy rhythm. “We're almost home. Let's finish in the bedroom."
"I blinded you with passion, huh?” She felt proud of herself.
He snorted.
Jack turned down the road leading to the ranch.
"We're on your property now right?” She eased her hand back around his throbbing erection.
"Yes.” He practically growled the word.
"Good.” She nodded and leaned back over. She pulled his penis back into her mouth. He slammed on the brakes and put the truck in park. She almost fell out of the seat as he pushed it back, but she didn't let go, and she didn't stop licking and sucking him. Jack's hand fisted in her hair. His entire body tightened, and he became the most vocal man she had ever known.
"Oh! Just like that, right there, Christ!” He moaned. “Bethany, sweetheart. Your mouth feels so good. I don't want to come yet."
Bethany took his reaction as incentive to make him come even sooner. If she could make him wild for her in the bedroom, maybe she could start wiggling her way deeper into his life. If she let him get all touchy feely, maybe he would miss her when she was gone. Maybe he would miss her enough to keep her around. She sucked him off for all she was worth. His shaft grew impossibly harder. Jack tried to say something, but she had no idea what. It was gibberish at best.
Then, he came.
Like a volcanic eruption she was not prepared for, warm fluid shot into her mouth and down her throat. She swallowed, wanting to see his orgasm through to the last pulse. Jack tasted salty with a hint of something sweet. His shaft throbbed and pulsed until nothing was left inside of it. Bethany licked lazily at the tip. His entire body went limp, but for the semi-hard cock in her hand.
His hand opened and gently stroked the hair he had fisted. It had pulled a little bit, but the discomfort faded behind the excitement of making him lose control. She slowly sat up to look at him. He had a thin sheen of sweat on his brow, his hat had fallen into the backseat, and his Adam's apple bobbed slowly as he tried to regain his breath.
"Did you like it?” She asked a question with an obvious answer. Jack's lips twitched into a smile. Both dimples popped out, and his head lifted to look at her. She'd never seen a more peaceful look on any man's face than in that moment.
"I almost passed out.” He lifted his hand and stroked her cheek with his knuckles. Bethany leaned into his hand, and he opened it, cupping her cheek and drawing her near. “Come here."
She was surprised he wanted to kiss her. After all, she probably tasted like him, but he didn't seem to mind. He pulled her onto his lap and hugged her tightly. His lips opened and closed on hers; his tongue slid in, teased then retreated. He was starting a fire inside her, one she was not sure he would be able to handle since he seemed so relaxed and well sated.
His hand cupped her breast, and a moment later she felt his growing cock along her butt. His kisses turned more biting, more powerful. Her breathing sped up, and her heart began to race.
Then, a horn blew.
She jumped, reached back to feel if she had accidentally hit the steering wheel.
"Did I do that?"
The horn sounded again only this time it continued for a long moment. Jack laughed and looked in the rearview mirror. She shifted to look out the window and realized they were blocking Heath. Jack had stopped in the middle of the road. Heath could have driven around half on the road, half on the grass, but instead he decided to make a scene.
"All right, sweetheart, let's get to the house. We'll finish up there,” he promised as he readjusted the seat.
* * * *
No. They were not finishing up anything at this rate. Jack knew the moment he saw the Honda Passport in the driveway Layla was there, and that meant two kids were with her. It was one thing to kick his brothers out. They were men and had a home of their own they could go to for the night but not Layla and the kids.
"Who are all these people?” Bethany asked, and he could sense the mood shift from sexual tension to nervous tension. At least Layla would not try to lip wrestle him. He could have died when Mary kissed him. Under ordinary circumstances, it was nice to be kissed by all the girls. But as a married man, those days were over. He looked at her and realized he was actually okay with kissing one woman the rest of his life. No one he had kissed before kissed better than her anyways.
"You are about to meet the goddess, Layla, and her two children. Rafe is nuts about the woman, but she is not so nuts about Rafe. I think at this point she may just think he's nuts, period.” Jack pulled into the garage and started fastening his pants. His erection had deflated the moment he saw the Honda. Heath pulled in the spot next to him, knowing he hated it when he did. The dogs liked to hang out in the garage at night, and two trucks parked inside gave them little space to play.
"Your brother knows what we were doing.” Beth
any blushed as she looked at Heath who was now standing at the front of Jack's truck.
"Jealous bastard,” Jack said as he got out. Bethany started to open her door to get out. “Hey!"
"What?” She jumped and looked out the windshield.
"I'll open your door. Give me a minute.” He shook his head with disapproval.
Bethany held up her hands like she surrendered.
"Grab those pie's will ya?” he said as he rounded the front of the truck not so gently nudging his older brother out of the way.
"Pie?” Heath asked.
"Yes. And no, you can't have it. You're like a junk food junkie, man.” Jack opened Bethany's door and helped her out of the truck. He looked into her big, green eyes and asked, “Why do you want to make me look bad in front of my brother?"
"What? I don't, I didn't,” she answered.
"She's not making you look bad, for crying out loud. You can let a woman open her own door these days; it's not a crime. What makes you look bad is the way you stop in the middle of the road to fondle the poor thing. Have some decency, Jack, take it behind closed doors.” Heath shook his head in disapproval and gave Bethany what could only have been a sorrowful look. Jack was shocked his woman hating brother was feeling sorry for Bethany, not him.
"I'll have you know...” Bethany cut him off by slapping her hand over his mouth and holding it there. He looked down, and her pleading eyes said he would have to put his ego in check. He could not brag to his brother or tell him she was the assailant, and he was trying to get them home.
Heath opened the kitchen door not paying him any attention anyhow. As he disappeared inside, Jack removed Bethany's hand. “So, I get to take the blame?"
"If you ever want it to happen again, you do.” She batted her long lashes at him.
"Just checking.” He slipped his hand to the small of her back and led her to the door. Inside he could already hear Heath and Rafe laughing, two kids squealing, and two dogs making a lot of thumping noise. “Hope you're ready for a long night."
Bethany was ready for a long night, and now she was more primed for loving than not. She did not want to spend a long night with his family. She hadn't had Jack to herself all week. As they entered the big country kitchen, it was a moot point. Rafe was already grabbing backpacks and attempting to round up the kids.
