He immediately texted back. Let me know what you find out.
She replied, Will do.
She knew Tanner would have come with her, but he didn’t want to subject Cody to the hospital setting. It might bring back too many bad memories. Hailey practically ran back to her car, which thankfully wasn’t blocked in. A few cars were arriving as she headed out. Her heart had lodged deep in her belly, and it took all her control not to floor her little car, but she would have broken an axle if she rushed over the dirt road too fast. Once on the pavement, she ignored all laws and raced. She didn’t think they’d let her see him for a while, but just being in the hospital would help calm her nerves. The image of that bull’s hoof smashing into the side of Jackson’s head kept replaying over and over again. Terrible. She made a decision on the way there. She wasn’t leaving Sanctuary until Jackson was completely healed. Besides, there was nothing back in Pleasure for her that needed her immediate attention. Both Jackson and Tanner had turned her world upside down, and she wouldn’t abandon them.
The turnoff to the hospital was about five minutes past the road to downtown. Given there was no ambulance at the emergency room entrance, she concluded Jackson was already inside. She found a parking place and rushed in.
She spoke with the woman at the registration desk who said she’d let her know when Hailey was permitted to see him. She found a seat in the lounge, ready for the long wait. Once more she texted Tanner and told him she might not know anything for a few hours, and then added that he needed to show Cody a good time. The poor kid could use a break.
The waiting room was rather dingy and only had a few dog-eared magazines on the table. No wonder the Baldwins and McLeans wanted to raise money to spruce up this place. Even though this was a small town, the waiting room began to fill up, mostly with families. Then a striking-looking older couple came in. From the way the woman seemed to be working hard to keep from crying, her anxiety was at an all-time high. They sat diagonally across from her but didn’t glance her way.
The woman grabbed the man’s hand in a loving way. “Can’t you try to see him?”
“Belinda. Relax. He’ll be okay.”
She chewed on her lip and looked away. “I think the McLeans tampered with that bull.”
Hailey’s attention shifted. She studied the man’s facial features and could see an older-looking Jackson. She debated introducing herself, but it seemed as if they had enough to worry about. Jackson said his dad was scheduled to undergo prostate cancer surgery soon. When she’d asked for more details, Jackson said he couldn’t talk about it. This poor family had been through so much.
The man patted his wife’s hand. “You don’t know that. Jackson stayed on a good six seconds. It was an accident that the bull kicked him.”
Mrs. Baldwin wiped her eyes. “It better have been.”
Hailey understood the mom’s outburst. She needed to blame someone.
It must have been an hour before an attendant came out. “Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin?”
Both jumped up. “Your son is going to be fine. There was no spinal injury.”
The woman looked as if she was going to collapse. “May we see him?”
“Yes, but only for a few minutes. He needs his rest.”
Hailey debated joining them but decided to wait until they were finished with their visit. Then she’d tell Jackson that she would stay for as long as he needed her. She leaned back her head for a brief rest.
After ten minutes, the Baldwins still hadn’t returned. If they stayed much longer, by the time Hailey went in, Jackson would be exhausted. Maybe it would be better to stop in just to say hi then let his parents visit. After asking the desk clerk for Jackson’s room number, she went to his room. Her stomach fluttered. Seeing the virile man in a bed would be hard to take, and knowing him, he’d insist he was in perfect health and needed to leave. The door sat ajar and Jackson’s voice boomed loud and clear. He wasn’t a happy man.
She knocked and entered. All three looked up. Jackson smiled.
“Hey, Pleasure.”
The parents glanced back at him. This was awkward.
She held out her hand. “I’m Dr. Hailey Hunter. I’m the temporary vet working for Jackson.”
His mom’s face softened. “So, you’re Hailey.”
Heat raced up her face. She looked at Jackson, and he lifted a hand. “I happened to mention you in passing.”
He tried to sit up but then dropped back down, the pain visible in his movement. “Shit.” He glanced at his mom. “Sorry.”
Hailey wanted to go over and comfort him but didn’t want to interfere with his time with his parents. “How are you feeling?”
The light in his eyes shone. “Like I got kicked in the head by a bull.”
His father huffed. “Those damned McLeans must have tampered with that animal. Probably put something under his saddle.”
She was tired of hearing about these bad McLeans. If she believed Sophie and Alice, at least Mason and Alex walked on water. They were generous, kind, and wonderfully protective.
Jackson’s mom rubbed a hand down her husband’s back. “It won’t do anyone any good to get upset.”
The father pursed his lips, let out a breath, and faced her. “Jackson said you were leaving to go back to Pleasure tomorrow.”
She inhaled. “I was, but I’ve decided to stay around a few more days until your son’s on his feet.”
Relief flashed across his face. “I appreciate it. Jackson never mentions anything about his personal life, so when he told me all about you, I knew you were special.”
“Dad.”
Hailey smiled at the warning. “It’s okay. I figured you liked me a little.”
Jackson leaned back and closed his eyes.
She smiled. “Just so you know, I care a lot about him, too.”
“Then don’t break his heart.”
The mother grabbed Mr. Baldwin’s hand. “Let’s leave these two alone.”
The father nodded, gave Jackson a hug, and left.
Hailey pulled up a seat. “So tell me how you really feel.”
* * * *
Less than fifteen minutes later, a nurse came in needing to transport him to get an MRI.
Hailey squeezed Jackson’s hand. “I’ll be back.”
“Thank you.” His sincerity was laced with fear, and she wanted to hug him, but merely gave him an air kiss instead.
Both Tanner and Cody would be worried about Jackson’s condition, so she drove back to the rodeo, hoping she could enjoy the rest of the day and not fall apart. She’d have to draw on her doctor’s persona big-time.
Once she arrived, she had to park farther from the main house than before. After trudging up the long road, and working her way through the crowd, she stepped into the arena and looked to where Tanner and Cody had been sitting. To her delight, they were still there. The bull riding contest had finished, and now men were roping calves. Cheers and applause sounded as she made her way to father and son.
He looked up at her and scooted over. “How is he?”
“Ornery.”
Tanner smiled.
“Jackson’s going to be okay?” The worry in Cody’s tone nearly tore her heart.
“Yes, sweetie. He’ll have a headache for a few days. That’s all.” She bet the doctor would forbid him from getting on a bull again since another concussion could cause some serious brain deterioration. Whether Jackson obeyed or not was a different matter.
She stayed through the next contest and then needed a bathroom break. “I want to get something to drink. I’ll be right back.” She didn’t feel comfortable giving her real reason.
As she headed toward the row of Porta Potties, she spotted Sophie crying, wrapped in the arms of two men. Alice stood off to the side, looking lost. The poor girl.
Hailey walked over to her, and then Alice looked up. Her small smile implied she was relieved to see someone she knew.
“What happened, sweetie?” Hailey nodded to Sophie.
“Who found you?”
Her mouth opened then snapped shut.
“You can tell me, Alice. I won’t say anything.”
Her gaze shot downward. “I told Cody my dad was dead.”
Hailey wrapped an arm around Alice’s shoulder. “I’m sure he’ll understand.” Not that she did, but Cody might. “What happened to the man who found you?” She figured that he was the father.
She sniffled and then straightened. “Mason and Alex roughed him up a bit and told my dad that if he ever came near us again, they’d kill him.”
She studied Alice to see if the threat upset her, but from the pride in her voice she was happy the men would protect her and her mom. “Then you’ll be safe.”
She nodded.
“If your mom says it’s okay, do you want to join me, Cody, and Tanner?”
Sunshine filled her face. “Let me ask.” She stepped over to her mom and tugged on her arm. “Hailey wants to know if I can sit with her and Cody and watch the rodeo. Can I?”
Sophie glanced up at her with thanks in her eyes. “Sure, baby, but don’t leave Hailey’s side. Okay?”
“I won’t.”
As Alice turned, Sophie mouthed thank-you. Being able to help always made Hailey feel good. Her plan was to enjoy the rest of the rodeo then spend the night watching Jackson get better.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as the rodeo finished, Hailey delivered a happy Alice back to Sophie. Cody remained by his new friend’s side, so Hailey slipped next to Tanner. “It might be better if you don’t bring Cody to the hospital. I think it might upset him.”
He firmed his lips. “I happen to agree.”
She rubbed Tanner’s arm, and the urge to kiss him came on strong, but she fought it. “I’ll stay with Jackson tonight and text you if his condition changes.”
Tanner looked behind him then turned back and kissed her. “You are the best, sugar. If Jackson is too much to handle, you can always stay at our place.”
She shook her head. “Remember? No overnights. Besides, the hospital is closer to town than your place.”
“Gotta give me kudos for trying.”
She had to smile at that. “True.”
“Let me know how the bull is doing.”
Jackson was stubborn as one that was for sure. “Will do.”
As she turned to go, she spotted Cody grab Alice’s hand and smile at her. Oh, my. She didn’t envy Tanner or Sophie having to deal with those two.
The line to exit the Baldwin ranch was long, but eventually she was on her way to see Jackson. With all these people in attendance, she hoped they made a lot of money for the hospital charity.
She parked near the hospital entrance and rushed in. When she made it to his room, the door was open, but Jackson was asleep. Instead of waking him, she tiptoed in and sat in the chair in the corner, watching his chest rise and fall. She stretched out her legs to wait and prayed.
About an hour later, a nurse came in. “I need to take his pulse and get some readings.”
The nurse woke him up. As soon as he saw Hailey sitting in the chair, he smiled. “Hey, Pleasure. You came back.”
“I said I would. How’s your head?”
“Like I’m being trampled by two dozen cattle.”
“That good, huh? When did the doc say you could get out of here?”
The nurse moved in front of Jackson. “Give him a second, hon. I’m taking his temperature.”
A minute later, the nurse scribbled something on a tablet and left.
“Tomorrow. They want to see if I experience any brain swelling tonight.”
Her medical training went into high gear. “Did you pass out when the bull kicked you?”
“’Fraid so.”
“Have you vomited?”
Jackson patted his lap. “Why don’t you come over her and take care of me instead of asking all those silly questions.”
She laughed. “That’s one command I’m not obeying.” There was no way she’d give him a blow job and chance a nurse coming in. But his request implied he was on the mend and that brought both cheer and dismay.
* * * *
Once Jackson fell asleep for the night, Hailey figured if she didn’t get some quality sleep she’d basically be useless to him tomorrow, so she tiptoed back out. In the parking lot she texted Tanner to let him know Jackson was sleeping peacefully.
Immediately her phone rang. It was Tanner. “Hey. I just texted you,” she said.
“I got it. You interested in coming over?”
They’d talked about this. “What about Cody?”
“He’s in bed. Besides, he sleeps in late on Sunday. I was thinking you could spend the night. It would mean getting up at the crack of dawn and heading home though.”
“I really want to, but—”
“I promise to make it worth your while.”
The suggestive nature in his tone broke her resolve. “Okay, but leave the front door open so my knocking doesn’t wake Cody.”
“See you in a few.”
He disconnected, and she smiled. She’d have to insist on a gag. With Cody in the same house, she couldn’t be allowed to scream. Just thinking about what Tanner could do to her body, her pussy vibrated.
So as not to give any hint to Cody that she’d arrived at the house, she cut the engine and turned off her lights a hundred feet from the drive. After she coasted another ten feet, the car stopped. She eased open the door, slid out, and then closed it with care. Taking a deep breath to calm her racing pulse, she picked her way to the front door. As promised, Tanner had left it open, and she tiptoed in. The kitchen sat dark, and the only light came from the hallway. She stilled for a minute listening for voices. Silence.
She took off her shoes and headed toward the hallway. Stepping as lightly as possible, she pushed open Tanner’s door. Her breath caught. Lit candles sat on the dresser. That in and of itself was amazing, but there on the bed lay a naked Tanner Crenshaw.
Her heart stopped.
She closed the door behind her and set down her shoes. “I see I’m a little behind in getting naked.”
“That you are.”
She wasn’t sure what he wanted her to do. Should she strip like she had for Jackson or crawl on the bed and devour him? The latter held the most appeal. She slipped off her jacket and glided toward him. Keeping her gaze on his face, she straddled him. The whole time she thought he’d stop her, but he didn’t. His hands remained firmly under his head, his fingers laced.
She looked down at him. “I’ve missed you.” The love word was on the tip of her tongue, but she wasn’t ready for the rejection. They’d made love six days ago, but it seemed more like six months.
Remembering what Jackson and Tanner did with her the first time, she wanted to return the favor, but that would mean she’d stay clothed while she serviced him. “May I suck your cock, Master?” Tanner didn’t seem all that strict when it came to dominating her, but she wanted to ask.
“Yes, my little sub, but be careful.”
She totally understood there was a fine line between turning him on and having him explode. If that happened, she’d have to allow him to rest before continuing. She scooted back and leaned over.
“Wait,” he said.
She paused and looked up. “Yes?”
“I want to see your full breasts. I want you to rub them on my cock and see if you can make me come without your mouth.”
No one had made that request of her before, but she wanted to fulfill his fantasy. “Yes, Master.”
Keeping her gaze lowered, she slowly unbuttoned her cotton blouse. She eased the first button out of the hole in order to stimulate his desire. After she opened the first one, her pussy was throbbing something fierce, and she was the one who wanted to hurry. Once she undid her blouse, she slipped the material over her shoulders then dropped her top on the floor beside her.
“Nice, sugar. Pink suits you.”
When she left for the rodeo this morning, she’d put on her pink underwear just because it made her feel sexier, not because she dreamed she’d be making love to one of her men.
While she never was one for touching herself, Hailey cupped her breasts and lifted them, just like Tanner had requested. When she licked her lips, he groaned.
“You’re asking for it. You promised to service me.”
That she had. With a quick pinch, she released the back of her bra, but let the material remain over her breasts. This time, she slid her fingers under her bra and pinched her nipples. He wouldn’t be able to tell exactly what she was doing, but man did it feel good. She closed her eyes and imagined it was Tanner’s fingers on her nipples.
“That’s it, sugar. You’ve overstepped the bounds.” He rolled her onto her back. With one finger he dragged the bra straps down her arms. “Wait here, little girl.”
She giggled just like a young girl would. Oh, my. He stepped into his walk-in closet. “You don’t want my tits on your cock?”
“Close your eyes, sugar.”
She couldn’t wait to see what he had in mind. Should she tell him to bring a gag? Or would she have to control herself? Footsteps sounded. The bed dipped. He gathered her wrists in one hand and tied them together. “This is to stop you from playing with your tits. That’s my job.”
She smiled. He had been affected. Yes. “I thought you’d want me to drag them over your cock.”
“You were trying to distract me.”
“Guilty as charged.” She giggled again.
“Do you think you can keep quiet when I pound your pussy?”
“No, Master.”
“Should I gag you?”
“I think it’s for the best. I don’t want to wake Cody.”
“I agree.” Paper ripped, and a second later he placed a piece of plastic in her mouth. She ran her tongue along the back side. It was soft rubber with holes in it for breathing.
He stroked her cheek. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, knowing he’d never understand her if she tried to speak. He snapped the device in place, and she moaned. The gag muffled the sound nicely. Perfect.
Pleasure in Sanctuary [Sanctuary, Montana 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 14
