Endangered Hearts

by Jolie Cain

"I called Beau the other day to let him know that I had arrived, and he asked me to tell you hello."

  He smiled at the mention of his friend and glanced towards her. “Tell him I said hello back the next time you talk to him.” He took a swallow of his drink. “Did you have any trouble finding a phone?"

  Abby tried not to stare. Two smiles in one afternoon. “No, not at all. I used the one in the little café next to the grocery store."

  He nodded. “That would be Lila's."

  "Yes. That was it. I was a little disappointed that my cell phone wouldn't work here."

  "It's the mountains. There's not much signal strength."

  "Don't you find it annoying not to have a phone around when you need one?"

  "No,” he shook his head. “It hasn't been a problem. Of course, I do have a short-wave radio in case of emergency,” he explained, taking another swallow of the lemonade. “So, how is Beau doing these days?"

  "He's doing great.” Abby's face lit with fondness. “The same old Beau, you know. I told him that you didn't appreciate his little joke."

  He slanted a sideways glance toward her. “And what did he say?"

  She grinned. “Well, I got a couple of stupid one-liners and an admission of guilt, but no apology."

  A grunt was her only response.

  "So, how's the writing going?” he asked, changing the subject.

  Abby followed the abrupt of topic change without protest. “Actually, it's going pretty well. I've been getting about ten pages a day of Sacrifices since I've been here."

  "Sacrifices? Sounds eerie."

  * * * *

  As Abby proceeded to tell Jack about her book, a glow lit her face. While he listened, he found himself more and more captivated. He also found it harder and harder to keep his hands off her. And even though she tried to hide it, it was obvious that she wanted him too. Her flushed skin and dilated eyes told him that. Maybe a couple of sessions burning up the sheets, and he could get her out of his system. He tried to focus on what she was saying, but his body was making that very difficult. He just couldn't forget the sounds she made when she had come apart in his arms.

  Jack shifted on the step to place his empty lemonade glass on the floor, and his thigh brushed up against her. He felt the slight quiver of awareness that moved through her body and wondered what she would do if he were to kiss her again. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, and he moved closer, drawn by something powerful that he did not quite understand. He'd never felt this intense desire for the taste of a particular woman before. He was surprised by the compelling need that filled him whenever he was near her. He had told himself to stay away from her, but he now realized that was impossible. There was something about her that called to him.

  His hand came up under her chin and tilted her face. Her eyes widened as she stared into the deep blue of his, but she didn't stop him. He couldn't read the expressions that were chasing themselves across her face, but she wasn't resisting. Abby's eyelids fluttered closed when his lips touched hers, but Jack kept his eyes open, wanting to see her face. Her mouth was sweet, so sweet.

  Jack kept the pressure light, resisting the temptation to ravish her mouth and force her to respond. He wanted to dominate her, take her, but he didn't want to frighten Abby with demands he had no business making. But he couldn't prevent himself from lingering over the kiss, relishing the flavor and texture of her tender mouth. He parted her lips with his tongue and began a delicate investigation, which was almost as arousing to him as the fierce plundering that he wanted to give her. When hand moved up to cup her breast and he could feel the nipple peaking against her bra, he almost lost it. He knew he had to stop, or he would soon be completely out of control.

  Raising his head, he backed away from her, and her hands dropped to her sides and her eyes filled with questions. Her vulnerable mouth was slightly damp and still parted from the pressure of his lips, and he wanted nothing more than to pull her back into his arms. But he kept telling himself to go slow. He had really screwed up the last time, rushing her to orgasm. That wouldn't happen again.

  "I guess I shouldn't have done that.” Jack spoke quietly.

  "Don't be silly, Jack. It was just a friendly kiss. No big deal."

  Jack didn't quite know how to respond to that tidy little statement, so he decided to just follow her lead. She was right, after all. It was just a kiss; perhaps he would have described it as a bit more than friendly. But after the way he had reacted the last time, he was surprised she had let him touch her at all. So he'd let it go-at least for now.

  She stood and picked up their glasses. “Would you like some more lemonade?"

  Jack shook his head. “No thanks."

  "I'll just put this stuff in the kitchen."

  When she returned, Jack was playing fetch with Bear “You've just made a friend for life. Bear loves to play fetch."

  "Bear, huh?"

  "Yeah, I named him after Bear Bryant, the greatest football coach ever."

  He quirked an eyebrow at her before looking away and tossing the stick again. “Funny, you don't look like a football fan."

  "Maybe not, but I love it. Especially college football. And of course, the Crimson Tide is my favorite team.

  They talked idly a few more minutes before Jack said, “Well, I really should be going.” He stood, amazed at how much he wanted to stay.

  Abby stood with him. “Thanks again, Jack, for all your help."

  "No problem. I appreciate the lemonade and the company. I've really enjoyed myself.” His voice held a tone of mild surprise.

  "Anytime,” she replied.

  * * * *

  The hotel room was dark. A shadowy form crossed the carpeted floor, not pausing or hesitating. A photograph in a silver frame stood on the table beside the bed, illuminated only by the sunlight that palely trickled through the semi-closed curtains. A trembling hand lifted the picture and a single finger stroked down the curve of a cheek, lingering over full, smiling lips. The tenderness of the gesture emphasized the longing in the dark gaze that studied the photo with such intensity. Suddenly the hand tightened and the picture was lifted high into the air and brought crashing down into the tabletop. Over and over, it was pounded down until the glass had cracked beyond repair and the image itself was creased and torn. The sudden fury of the motion was emphasized by the sounds that tumbled from drawn lips. “You're mine, mine, mine, mine, mine..."

  Chapter Four

  Leigh Ann had talked Abby into visiting Rowdy's Bar on Saturday night. Rowdy's was a hole-in-the wall dive just over the county line that Leigh Ann had insisted was the place to party on the weekend. That was all Abby had needed to hear. She'd quickly agreed to go and check it out with Leigh Ann.

  Not really knowing what to expect, Abby had dressed in a short flirty dress and cowboy boots. When Abby honked for Leigh Ann, she ran out the door of her house wearing jeans and a skin-tight red shirt. Her face was perfectly made up and emphasized her striking grey eyes.

  "Wow, girl, you look like you're loaded for bear,” commented Abby. “Is Wade going to be there?"

  Leigh Ann flushed. “Maybe.” As the two had gotten to know each other better, Leigh Ann had told Abby how crazy she was about a local horse breeder named Wade Barnes, but that he'd always treated her as the younger sister of his best friend. She wanted him to see her differently—as potential date material. “And then again, maybe I've given up on him. There's plenty of other fish in the sea."

  "Yeah, right.” Abby wasn't falling for it.

  "Just drive.” Leigh Ann directed with a sniff. Abby smiled. She knew just how Leigh Ann felt. She hadn't seen Jack since that day at her cabin, and she supposed that their temporary truce was over. Disappointed that he hadn't sought her out, she had finally admitted to herself that she wanted more from him than just a friendly kiss or two. But apparently, he wasn't interested, or he surely would have done something about it by now. This girl's night out was just the thing to get him off her mind. Some music, some
dancing, a drink or two, and Jack Cole would be completely forgotten. Or so she hoped.

  When they walked inside, Leigh Ann spotted Wade sitting with his brother at the bar. Casually, she strolled over to him. “Hi, Wade. Mac."

  Wade turned in surprise and slid to his feet when he recognized them. “Leigh Ann. Hi. What are you doing here?"

  "I just wanted to show my friend one of the local hot spots,” she replied, turning to Abby. “Abby, this is Wade Barnes. Wade, Abby Montgomery."

  Wade shook her hand and smiled. “Abby. It's good to meet you.” He nodded to the man seated on the next barstool next to him. “This is my brother, Mac."

  As he slid to his feet, the expression in Mac Barnes's eyes told Abby that he found her very attractive, and he smiled down at her with obvious interest. “Well, I believe this is my lucky day, Abby. It is very good to meet you.” He took her hand and raised it to his mouth, his eyes staring flirtatiously into hers. He was a heartbreaker, Abby thought to herself and tried to keep from laughing at his obvious seduction technique. With the wicked gleam in his eyes, he reminded her a bit of Beau, and she couldn't help but respond.

  Abby smiled back before warning, “Don't even think about it. I know your type too well."

  Mac laughed at her comment, and before she knew quite how it had happened, the four of them were sharing a table near the bar's small dance floor. Leigh Ann took advantage of the opportunity to monopolize Wade's attention with questions about his quarterhorses, which left Mac and Abby to get better acquainted.

  "I think I'm in love with you, sweetheart. Will you marry me?” Mac gazed soulfully into Abby's eyes, his own twinkling over the outrageous proposal he had just made.

  Abby couldn't help rolling her eyes at his antics. “If you use that line very often, some day someone's going to take you up on it. Then where will you be?"

  He grinned back. “Halfway to California."

  She snickered, glad that she had agreed to come with Leigh Ann tonight. This was going to be fun.

  Leigh Ann and Wade left the table to go talk to some mutual friends, so Abby and Mac ordered a pitcher of beer and continued their bantering conversation. When the band came back from break, he dragged her onto the dance floor. They performed a spirited two-step that left Abby breathless and dizzy. As the tempo slowed down for a love song, the floor became crowded with couples, and Mac pulled her closer against him. The few beers she'd drunk had given her a pleasant buzz, and she didn't resist when he began pressing soft kisses against the side of her neck. Drifting in a dreamy haze, she molded her body to his and swayed to the hypnotic beat of the music.

  "Excuse me, I'm cutting in.” Jack's voice startled Abby, and she lifted her head to stare into his furious eyes.

  Mac released Abby, and Jack quickly stepped in to haul her tight against him and twirl her away through the dancers. Over Jack's shoulder, Abby saw Mac shrug questioningly at her. She just shook her head and then smiled up at Jack. So much for getting him off her mind. She sighed in contentment and snuggled close up against him, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes in pleasure at the spicy smell of his cologne. “Umm. Nice. I didn't know you were gonna be here tonight, Jack."

  "Just what in the hell do you think you're doing, plastering yourself all over Mac Barnes? A little encouragement is all he needs. Before you know it, he'll have you stripped and spread-eagle in the bed of his pick-up truck."

  His angry tone barely pierced through Abby's pleasantly inebriated brain. “Huh? What are you talkin’ about? We were just having a few friendly dances together.” She wasn't quite sure what the problem was. Leaning back, she peered up at him pondering his statement, but ruined the moment when she giggled. “Didja know you're pretty sexy when you're angry? Those blazin’ blue eyes and that l'il muscle that's twitchin’ right beside your mouth? Ummm umm.” The alcohol she'd consumed had given her a boldness she didn't normally possess around Jack, and she cuddled nearer, sending a probing tongue to explore the curves and creases of his ear.

  She felt his cock jump against her belly and shimmied against him in an effort to get even closer. Abby tilted her face up and saw Jack's eyes widen in realization. “Shit. You're drunk as Cooter Brown."

  Abby laughed again. “You know, I always wondered. Just who is this Cooter Brown? He musta been one drunk fella if everybody remembers it so well.” Her words slurred together slightly, and then she let out a ladylike burp. “Oh, my heavens. Please excuse me.” She giggled then burped again. “Anyway, I'm not that drunk. Just a little fuzzy around the edges is all. And what business is it of yours?” She pulled back and poked him in the chest. “I haven't seen or heard from you in ... well, I can't remember, but, ahh...” Abby stumbled to a halt, completely losing her train of thought.

  Jack rolled his eyes and laughed, his rigid body relaxing as the anger seemed to flow out of him. “You make a pretty cute drunk, honey, but I think you've had enough. Come on. I'm taking you home."

  "Nope.” She shook her head emphatically. “Cain't go. I brought Leigh Ann."

  "Leigh Ann Carter?” Abby nodded. “When the hell did you meet...” He paused. “Never mind. Let's find her.” Jack stopped dancing and pulled Abby with him through the swaying couples. After searching the crowd, he finally located Leigh Ann wrapped up with Wade in a dark corner. As Abby stood there balancing precariously, Jack explained that he was taking Abby home. Wade grinned and promised to see that Leigh Ann got back all right.

  When they reached the parking lot, the fresh air helped sober Abby up some, and she began to struggle against Jack's steely grip, but he just scooped her up into his arms and carried her wiggling form to his Jeep. He deposited her in the passenger's seat and then went around and got inside. They sat there for several long minutes not speaking.

  * * * *

  Jack stared through the windshield, wrestling with the way he had felt when walked into the bar and saw Abby with another man. He was uncomfortably aware that his first reaction had been a possessive jealousy far beyond what the situation called for. “Fuck.” He paused, searching for the right words. He knew he was in over his head but he didn't know how to stop himself. “Look, Abby, I didn't like seeing you in Mac's arms."

  The silence stretched between them as he waited for her to say something—to tell him it was none of his damn business, to jump his bones, slap his face. Anything. When she didn't, he turned to look at her. She was sound asleep, her cheek resting against the window. Jack just shook his head and, smiling ruefully, cranked the Jeep. As he drove down the highway listening to Abby's soft, feminine snores, he contemplated their relationship and where it might be heading. His reaction tonight had been way over the top. If it were just lust, it would be simple and clear-cut, but there was more to it than that.

  Her sense of humor, her ability to laugh at herself, her passion for her work—all of it together caused such a welling of tenderness and need in Jack that he was afraid that he had crossed a line with Abby that he hadn't even known was there. She was his. That's how he felt. She might not know it yet, but he did. He was through fighting his craving for her.

  Half an hour later, he pulled his Jeep to a stop in front of Abby's cabin. He crossed around to her door and opened it. Bending over, he slid his arms underneath her to lift her out. With a soft murmur, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his shoulder. When he reached the steps, she stirred in his arms and lifted her head to look around.

  "Jack, put me down. I can walk."

  He obeyed, dropping her legs until they reached the ground. “Are you okay?"

  Abby swayed slightly and clutched at his arm. “I'm just a little dizzy. Let me sit down a moment.” He eased her down onto the step and stood looking at her pale face. After a few moments, Abby raised her head. “What's going on, Jack? Why did you bring me home?"

  "Why do you think, Abby?"

  She shook her head. “I have no idea. I'm just so mixed up with you. You keep changing on me, and I don't know wha
t I'm supposed to do or how I'm supposed to act."

  "I know, baby. I'm sorry about that. All I can tell you is that I want you so much I can't sleep; I can't concentrate on anything else.” He reached down and took her hand to draw her to her feet. He pulled just a bit too hard, and the momentum tumbled her straight into his arms, which folded tightly around her. His response to her was immediate.

  "Shit,” he muttered, whether to himself or her he couldn't say. “I swore this wasn't going to happen—at least not yet.” But instead of letting her go, he held her even closer. His lips nuzzled against her earlobe, and his tongue darted out to taste her salty skin. For a moment,—just a moment—Jack considered releasing her. He knew she still wasn't completely sober and he shouldn't take advantage of her. But it was too late. Just that little bit of contact, and it was all over for him. No warning. Just wildfire, hot and burning, streaking through his veins. His lips covered hers in a kiss that was wet and consuming. Their tongues tangled, and he tasted the bitterness of the beer she had drunk earlier mixed in with the sweet taste of woman.

  His lips moved across her neck and chest above the scooped neckline of her dress with sharp, stinging little kisses that left damp marks on her throat and breasts. Impatient with the fabric that kept him from reaching more of her skin, he gripped the hem and pushed it up and over her head before tossing it onto the ground. Driven by a burning desire, he released the front catch of her bra and focused on her swollen breasts. He enclosed them in his hands, squeezing and plumping them up before tracing small circles across the swollen tips. Her eyes fluttered closed as he pinched her nipples. “Open your eyes,” he commanded. “Look at me touching you. I want to see your face while you watch me."

  Obediently, she lifted her heavy eyelids, and he smiled in satisfaction. Bending down, he licked delicately over one pointed nipple, and she gasped.

  "I want to fuck you, Abby. I don't know where this is going, or if it's going anywhere at all. And Beau will probably kill me if he ever finds out. But I'm dying here, baby. I have been since the first time I saw you. Let me fuck you.” His mouth closed over her nipple, and Abby's hips arched upward