Unbridled

by Fox Brison

  Wow. I could actually feel her words strumming through my body as if I were the one on the top of the horse. “So what does it involve, this barrel racing?” I asked.

  Dani rolled me onto my back, and leaning on her side, she propped herself up with her elbow, her head resting on her hand. Her finger traced from my belly button to my left breast, then across to my right one. “Well now, it’s three barrels set out in a triangle,” she explained.

  “Oh,” I whispered and arched into her touch. “Okay. I can see that.”

  “At each barrel you have to do a turn,” with this instruction she circled first my right nipple, “then you go as fast as you can to the next barrel,” or in this case her finger lazily trailed over to my other nipple, “and repeat.”

  “I think I get it,” I gasped with pleasure. “But maybe you should go over it again one more time. Just to make sure.”

  For her next demonstration, Dani used her tongue and I was rendered senseless with pleasure.

  Hold the phone people, barrel racing has become my favourite game and Dani here has replaced Zara Phillips as my new sporting hero.

  Chapter 6

  Haley

  The sun tiptoed over the horizon, its lazy rise mirroring my own indolent waking. The night had been perfect, or as perfect as anything I’d ever experienced before. I always imagined one night stands to be tawdry affairs which left one feeling cheap, but I didn’t feel cheap, far from it.

  I felt like a million dollars.

  I stared down at the somnolent beauty that had been my golden ticket to a night of bliss. Her face was relaxed and warm in repose. Clearly I got lucky. Dani was a pure thoroughbred and one of the gentlest souls I’d ever met, which is why I eased out from beneath her arm without waking her. I wanted to remember her exactly the way she was, a soft smile on her lips and the warmth of the early morning highlighting her golden skin.

  I didn’t want our time to be sullied by a gauche goodbye.

  I dressed with the utmost care, doing everything in my power not to disturb sleeping beauty, and grabbing my purse I snuck from the room like a thief in the night. Once outside in the corridor, I checked my phone.

  “Oh shit!” I stared at the screen. Jen was going to skin me alive. Seven missed calls and twelve texts. And as for her voicemails… Jen’s language had certainly become more colourful since moving Stateside. I do think the last one, where she told me in a hissed tone that she hoped my private parts shrivelled into a prune was slightly uncalled for, after all it was her idea I should go out and let my hair down!

  However, not even several irate messages from my sister could ruin my glow. Dani had been a wonderful surprise, and what I’d first perceived as a fun little diversion somehow became a bench mark for the future. We connected in a way I never expected. Several long and satisfying orgasms had flowed through me, some felt like electric lightning storms, others like soft waves lapping the shore.

  The San Andreas fault had nothing on the shift I felt.

  And in between the short naps and sweaty sex we talked about silly things, inconsequential what ifs that made both of us laugh, and I felt more relaxed than I had in a very long time.

  Dani reminded me of one of those stallions from the old cowboy movies my Dad used to make Jen and I watch, you know the one that leads the herd of wild horses to freedom.

  And after last night I felt like one of those herd horses – free at last.

  Chapter 7

  Dani

  It had been an eternity since I’d felt the urge to spend more than two orgasms with a woman, my usual method of timekeeping after picking someone up in a bar or club. It was refreshing to discover I wasn’t totally jaded. Still the sensation was so rare, so unexpected, that the minute Jennifer closed the door I nearly jumped out of bed and chased after her. However, considering I was naked and abhorred those clumsy morning after goodbyes, I decided to hold my reins, even though I had a suspicion it might not have been like that with her.

  I’m not even sure if it would have been a goodbye, goodbye.

  I flopped back onto the bed, my fingers linked beneath my head as I watched a highlights reel from last night playing on the lids of my eyes. Jesus, it was good. Really Dani? Is that the best you can come up with? Understatement of the decade. Okay, okay it was out of this world. I chuckled. My Mom’s nickname for me was mule and now I was even arguing with my inner monologue.

  And it wasn’t just the sex. I sat straighter and pursed my lips. That admission caught me by surprise.

  No. It was the feeling of belonging, almost as if fate took a good look at the two of us and said, ‘yep, you’ll do.’ Somehow this cute English rose had broken through my reserve. Seriously. Proper etiquette? For a fuck? Damned cute. My answer to her question surprised me; occasionally I would make subtle overtures about having an early flight, or the good old standby of a breakfast meeting, but most of the time it wasn’t necessary because generally I was out of the door before she’d finished panting the last oh my God. I’d certainly never given a woman the choice to stay or go.

  Damn it, I wish I’d got her number before she left. The thought was so unexpected that it scared the beejeezus out of me. This was one cowgirl who didn’t do commitment; heck I rarely do second dates.

  My phone chimed which was unusual. It was so unusual I ignored it at first, but when it bleeped again I figured I’d better take a look.

  Hey Dani, how did the meeting go yesterday? It was a message from cousin my Jack. We’d just inherited the Lazy Creek ranch; it had been my grandparent’s homestead and from the age of eight, when Mom and I moved in, Jack and I spent our summer vacations running riot in the hills and along the creek which meandered through the property. It was the first place we’d fought, the first place we’d drank and when I knew I was gay, it was where I told him the truth.

  Not that it was a shock.

  I nailed it and they said they’ll be happy to throw as much business as we can handle our way. I was, however, surprised at him shooting me a text. Normally Jack would call; in fact, I was astonished he was capable of using the SMS feature on the brand new smartphone he was forced to buy after his eleven year old Samsung bit the dust. He was a bit of a technophobe, which explained why the messages were short and there was at least a ten minute interval between each one.

  So long as that’s the only thing you nailed. He finally replied.

  Sarcastic little shit. Jack, you wound me. I grinned. It should have been, Jack, you know me too well. Even though I resisted the temptation concerning the two co-owners of Rainbow Attractions, the travel agency I’d been courting to drum up business for the ranch, I couldn’t resist Jennifer; she was just too fine a filly to walk away from.

  Yeah, yeah. Are you still heading home tomorrow?

  I lay back on the bed and thought about room service, then decided against it. A shower and then out for breakfast. In the diner on the corner they did a mean farmer’s stack. Yeah, I’m booked on the evening flight. I want to be on hand in case the rainbow gals have any more questions.

  That’s great because I’m in town to see my folks.

  I scowled. What the… Jack knew I didn’t like it when we were both away from the ranch at the same time, especially at the moment. Who’s looking after the ranch?

  Colin. Don’t panic, I called and he’s managing fine.

  Don’t panic? Was he serious? He must have eaten some of those special brownies Alice Waverly baked for Doc Roger’s arthritis. We had too much going on and couldn’t afford for him to go walkabout. Couldn’t seeing Aunt Caroline and Uncle Charlie have waited till I got back?

  I was in Vegas. What was the point of flying all the way home and then back again?

  That pissed me off. The point was he had responsibilities. I threw my cell down on the bed and turned on the coffeemaker. Maybe caffeine would make me more amiable, because at this point in the conversation I wanted to tear a strip off his irresponsible hide. The coffee brewed and I heard another chime. Ignor
e it, ignore it, I chanted. Yeah, that was as effective as ice in a hot chocolate.

  Anyway, there’s something we need to talk about in person.

  Now that wasn’t ominous. I stared at the message for a full five minutes. This was why I preferred speaking over messaging, less chance of miscommunication; I’d be able to hear his voice, gauge his mood. Texting, no matter what kind of yellow face you used, wasn’t the same at conveying emotion and could be easily faked. Damn him. My good mood swiftly evaporated.

  When Jack announced he was going to Vegas for Duke Williams bachelor party I wasn’t best pleased, but I arranged everything so that Colin would only be on his own for one day. So the fact Jack extended his vacation to visit his folks pissed me off no end. Okay? I was tired, worried and angry so kept my reply simple. Lunchtime today, Elmo’s suit?

  Suits me fine, cuz. See you there.

  Chapter 8

  Haley

  Waiting on the street for the doorman to flag down a taxi, I was in the middle of sending a conciliatory message to Jen when her face started flashing on the screen. It was five am and I thought she’d still be sleeping.

  Shit.

  I know I’m in for an ear bashing, but I daren’t ignore her call.

  “Haley do you know how worried I’ve been?” she snapped.

  The doorman smiled politely and held the taxi door open for me. I hopped in the back and gave the driver Jen’s address. Of course I knew how worried she’d been. I could read. And hear. “I’m sorry, I lost track of time. I’ll be back at your place in two shakes of a cat’s tail. When and where are we meeting for lunch?”

  “One thirty, at a place called Elmo’s in North Beach.”

  “Great, I’ll let you get back to sleep and I’ll see you there.”

  “I’m not asleep, I’m at work. I got called in because there’s been a huge balls up at the London office.”

  “That’s a bit of a pisser.”

  “Yes it is,” she sighed. “And I could have done without thinking you were dead in a dumpster somewhere.”

  “Oh for the love of… Jen, I’m fine.” I couldn’t help but grin. “More than fine actually. You know number five on my bucket list? Well it’s been well and truly crossed off.” I was giddy, which wasn’t like me. Then again maybe it was. Maybe this was the new me. I laughed at myself. If Dani had met me in the cold light of day she would have run a mile. I mean she was a ten, minimum, whereas I was a six, maybe a six and half at push.

  “I know. Kelly texted to say you’d pulled. That’s why I was beside myself. You should hear some of the stories she comes out with.”

  I ignored her chastisement. “And how I pulled!” I said my voice going a little dreamy. “I’ll give you the goss later. How’d things go with the in laws?”

  “Brill. I’ll tell you about them tonight. You’ll like them, so will Mum and Dad. They’re really down to earth. Jack’s Mum is a maths teacher and his Dad’s a crane operator.”

  “You’re going to tell me about Mr and Mrs?” I frowned. “I don’t even know your last name.” And yes I sang it, I was in that good of a mood.

  “Worthington,” Jen filled in the blank with a chuckle.

  “The Worthingtons in front of Jack?”

  “Of course not, he’s staying there again tonight. I told him we needed some time alone to talk… to sort things out. I was an arse, Haley. I really wanted to see you, but I should have told you about Jack. There was time. I shouldn’t have sprung it on you like that.” There was definite contrition in the apology and if there was any residual bad feeling, it dissipated in the face of it.

  “Perhaps, but I’m glad you didn’t. I was looking for an excuse, any excuse, to stay at home and lurch from one catastrophe to the next, especially after seeing Dawn in the sushi bar with her latest victim. If you’d told me about Jack I would have stayed put and missed out on one of the best nights of my life. You did the right thing, sis.”

  “My God can I have that in writing?” she teased.

  “On tablets of stone if you so desire.”

  Jen laughed; at last we were having the easy and relaxed conversation I’d been hoping for since I stepped off the plane and the tension between us melted away. I heard her mumbling to someone in the background. “I’ll have to go, Hales. I’ll see you at lunch, I can’t wait for Jack to meet you!”

  I almost burst with pride; she said she couldn’t wait for him to meet me not the other way around! “See you at lunch, kiddo.” A small smile played on my lips. Maybe it was simply that I felt so… so free at the moment that I was looking at everything from a brand new angle. It felt good to be a little self-indulgent for once. I opened my handbag and looked inside.

  It was time to move on.

  Chapter 9

  Dani

  Elmo’s was a casual sort of restaurant in the North Beach area of San Francisco which was why I suggested it. One of the major benefits of running a ranch was the dress code; I loathed wearing formal clothing, one because it was restricting and two, it was a pain in the butt to clean. Give me a pair of washed out jeans, a checked shirt and a pair of boots over an Armani suit any day of the week. I nursed a bottle of Budweiser and checked my watch for the seventh time. Jack was late and I really didn’t have time for this. It was my final day in San Francisco and the last person I wanted to spend it with was him. I saw enough of him at home. I planned on going back to the club where I met Jennifer that evening to see if she was there again. It was a long shot but it was the only shot I had.

  And if she was there I was going to make damn sure I got her digits this time.

  I glanced up when I heard my cousin’s familiar cackle and grinned. I was famished and if he hadn’t turned up when he did, stuff manners and propriety, I was gonna order without him. I scowled and looked down at the menu before my head snapped back up.

  Sweet Lord have mercy.

  Jack wasn’t alone, his hand was linked tightly with a woman’s smaller one. And not just any woman’s smaller one. My woman’s smaller one. At least my woman’s from the night before. I felt a possessive and jealous growl build in my chest. He was holding hands with Jennifer. I began to sweat. Have they turned up the heat in this place?

  “Hey, Dani,” he called then spoke briefly to the waiter before joining me. “I’ve ordered champagne,” he looked at Jennifer and kissed her hand, “because this is a celebration.”

  A celebration of what? Sharing the same taste in women?

  I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t move, I could hardly breathe. “Dani, I’d like you to meet Jen, Jen Jones. Well Jen Worthington now. My wife.”

  His wife?

  “Pleased to meet you,” Jennifer said in her soft English accent, much softer than her cries of ecstasy….

  His wife?

  “It’s great to meet you, Dani. Jack’s told me all about the ranch. I can’t wait to see it for myself,” she continued, oblivious to my stare of incredulity.

  His wife?

  Jack and his new wife failed to notice that I hadn’t spoken since they’d arrived and were both apparently unaware of my discomfort, too caught up in one another. “Champagne all round. We hoped…” the rest of Jack’s words faded into the ether. There was a dull roaring in my head and honestly, I thought I was going to throw up there and then.

  “Excuse me,” I stood and in my haste to reach the restroom I nearly knocked the adjacent table over, which would have been catastrophic seeing as the waiter was flambéing cherries at the time. I found an empty stall and sat down heavily.

  His wife.

  His… God his fucking wife.

  Breathe Dani, breathe. You met her last night, you had no idea she was married to Jack, this isn’t on you. It’s all on her. I rubbed my hands down my jeans and closed my eyes, trying to bring order to my panicked mind. Dear God was I going mad? Sitting in a toilet stall arguing over who was to blame for my one night stand? I cannot believe how casual she’s being. They’ve been married for all of five seconds and she’s alr
eady cheating on him.

  “Dani, hi?” Jennifer’s soft voice echoed in the empty restroom. “Are you alright? Jack’s worried but I told him you were probably shocked and needed time to digest everything.”

  “Shocked, shocked … you’re damn right I’m shocked, Jennifer.” I came haring out of the stall, the door banging against the wall separating the two cubicles. “Jesus, this can’t be happening.” I leant my hands on the wash basin and stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked like a tortured soul.

  Possibly because I was.

  “Well I’m sorry, Dani,” she said, her tone a little clipped and owning a hint of pique, “but it is happening and you’re simply going to have to find a way to deal with it.”

  What right did she have to be indignant? “What the hell are you playing at?” I grabbed hold of her arm, wanting to force the issue. I didn’t care if it came across as menacing.

  I was fucking furious.

  “I love Jack like a brother I will not stand by and let you hurt him.”

  “I..? What?” Jennifer took a nervous step backwards. She was scared but so was I. My life was imploding before my very eyes and I had a heck of a lot more to lose than she did. “I won’t hurt him. I’m not perfect, but I do love him.” She said it utterly sincerely which hurt - and made me even more disgusted with myself.

  “Not perfect? And so what? We leave this restroom and act like nothing happened between us? Are we seriously going to play this game?” She was backed against the wall and eyeing the door. Shit. I softened my voice because my belligerence was getting us nowhere. “It’ll be alright, Jen, Jack will understand. Tell him it was a moment of madness. Everyone’s on the scale, you just lean a little left of centre.”

  “Are you calling me fat?” she squawked. “I’m sorry we can’t all be blessed with your perfect figure.”