A Distant Heart: A Contemporary Western

by Steedly, Arabella

  Something about that cowgirl was intriguing Clay; even though it was obvious, she had taken an instant dislike toward him. But from his experience, some of the hottest sex he had ever had was with angry women who were yearning to be tamed. He noted the curve of her hip and how the top of her cleavage peeked out above the button of her blouse. Then three men, in their late twenties and early thirties he guessed, appeared at the top of the stairs.

  “Mr. Ramsey!” One man said while he descended the steps two at a time. “I’m Brian Baker, the eldest son. I spoke to you over the phone a few times.”

  Clay extended his hand. “Good to meet you, Brian.”

  Gesturing toward the others, Brian said, “These are my brothers, Joe and Danny, and I see you’ve already met our sister, Tess.”

  Clay tipped his hat again, and nodded. “Oh, so you’re Tess, what a lovely name.”

  Unmoved by his compliment, Tess asked Brian. “Where’s Daddy? Why hasn’t he come down?”

  Brian shot a nervous look at Joe and Danny before speaking to Clay. “Oh, we’re very sorry that our father can’t join us. He’s not feeling well this evening.”

  Chapter Three

  Tess

  After Tess had finished setting the table, she pulled the homemade yeast rolls and pot roast out of the oven. The aroma was mouthwatering, and she was hungry. Tess waited until after saying grace before slipping upstairs to check on her father. As soon as she entered his bedroom, she asked, “Hi, Daddy how are you feeling?”

  He tried to shoo her out, when he said, “Go on now, sweetie, I don’t want you to get sick too.” But Tess wondered if her Daddy was upset about something more than sick with a stomach bug. His face was gray as he sat looking out the window at the barn and the mountains rising behind it. She figured Mr. Ramsey’s visit had something to do with the way he was feeling but knew better than to ask him. Daddy would just tell her it was nothing for her to worry her pretty head about then change the subject and talk about the weather.

  When she sat back down around the dinner table, she noticed how unusually quiet her brothers were acting. Ordinarily, they would be poking fun at each other and teasing Tess about her cooking. But that night, they sat in silence. Tess twisted and turned, then sighed real loud hoping someone would ask her what was the matter. But none of them said a word unless it was a request for another serving of potatoes or carrots.

  After several moments had passed in an uncomfortable silence, Tess let her spoon down onto her plate with a ‘clink.’ Looking across the table at the stranger, she asked, “So, Mr. Ramsey, what business are you in? My brothers tell me you’re an associate of theirs, but I don’t see how that’s possible. From your accent, I would venture to say you’re a Yankee.”

  Tess noticed how he seemed too clean to be a local or even someone from Denver. His dark hair was styled, and he had a strong scent of expensive cologne. His clothes were too new and his boots too stiff for someone from Colorado. She wondered if he had been watching too many western movies or TV shows and was just trying to play the part. But Tess had to admit she had been quick to notice his chiseled features and angled jaw and he was not wearing a wedding ring.

  Clay had taken a gulp of water before he gazed at her, and said, “Yep, you guessed right. I’m from New York City.” After he spoke Tess’ hand fluttered over her breasts, and she noted how his voice made her quiver.

  “New York! What are you doing here?” she asked both out of curiosity and wanting to hear his sexy voice. Then she noticed how a casual grin appeared on his face causing deep dimples on both of his cheeks. Tess licked her lips as she tried to ignore the trembling sensation he was causing her to experience.

  Moments later Tess’ wits returned to her when she threw down her napkin and directed her question to all of them. "Why the secrecy? Will someone please tell me why this man is visiting us?”

  “Tess!” Joe scolded her.

  Clay turned to her. His voice was soft and respectful when he said, “I’m sure your brothers will tell you everything in their own good time.”

  Tess felt her nostrils flare as she scooted her chair away from the table. Then she spoke to them all when she said, “Stop treating me like I'm a child! I’m a grown woman you know.”

  Clay palmed his hair and stood up saying, “Look, I can see my presence here is making everyone uncomfortable, and my intentions are being misunderstood. Maybe I should just go on back to New York and leave you all alone.”

  Tess gazed at him, breasts heaving, trying to ignore his wide shoulders and his muscular arms. She noticed a dark evening shadow was beginning to cover his jaws and wondered how his stubble would feel under her fingertips.

  Brian took a sip of water and cleared his throat before he said, “Mr. Ramsey is a business owner."

  “What kind of business?” Tess asked, her heart pounding but she was not sure if it was from their situation or because she was attracted to Clay—or both.

  “I own an investment firm,” Clay explained.

  “So, what does that have to do with us?”

  “He’s here to look at the ranch,” Brian replied.

  Tess jerked her head and peered into Brian's eyes. "Look at the ranch? Why is that?”

  “We’re selling Tess, and Mr. Ramsey here, is interested,” Brian whispered as he reached out to pat her hand. Tess’ mind began to whirl causing her to feel like she was free-falling in outer space. “We need the money, Tess.” Brian wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said, “We can talk about it later.”

  Tess pressed her palms to her cheeks and shook her head. ”No, this isn’t possible. This is our home!"

  Brian cleared his throat, and whispered, “We’re broke, Tess and we’ve kept it hidden from you so you wouldn’t worry. But the sad truth is we’ve been struggling for years, and now we are too far behind. If we don’t sell soon we will have to file for bankruptcy.”

  Chapter Four

  CLAY

  An hour later, after Brian had served them all a shot of brandy while they were seated in the parlor, Clay sat on a chair with the three brothers in front of him. Tess was restless pacing back and forth in front of the stone fireplace, so Clay began to worry. The fiery flush of her cheeks had faded to a deathly pale, and her blue eyes were darting around the room as if she was looking at their furnishings for the last time. Suddenly, she stopped and fixed her eyes on him.

  “So, you’re here to take our home away from us?”

  He could see the anguish in her eyes, so he chose his words with care, when he said, “Your ranch was advertised in the real estate section of the New York Times and I called and spoke to your brother about it. You must understand, I have no intention of taking away your home—all the details can be worked out in time.”

  Tess raised her chin and shook her head. “We’re not selling. Where would we go?”

  Clay picked up his hat and shook his head. “I can see I’ve made a mistake. As you know, Brian, all of you would need to agree before a deal can be made. I’m worried because your sister has been left in the dark and your father is absent this evening. ”

  Tess shook her head. “I won’t consent to the sale. Daddy has not spoken to me about this at all.”

  Clay faced the men, and said, “I can’t buy the ranch under these conditions.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed for the door.

  “Mr. Ramsey!” Brian yelled. “Mr. Ramsey, please, Tess is just fired up because she didn’t know anything about it. We didn’t want to worry her.”

  After walking down the steps, he turned and looked Brian square in his eyes. “You should have told your sister. She has a right to know. And what about your father?” As Clay pulled open the door of his truck, he heard Brian calling out behind him. Clay got in and waited until Brian was at the window before he said, "Please stop calling me Mr. Ramsey. My name is Clay. I’ll be staying at the Sunshine Motel down in Dolores for a few more days. You and your family need to talk. If you’re still interested, then gi
ve me a call.”

  Clay glanced in the rear view mirror and noticed Tess was standing on the porch like she was when he had arrived. But this time she seemed more beautiful bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. There was something about that woman that made his blood rush, and his groin was starting to ache. He tried to tell himself he was attracted to her only because she was so different from everyone he had ever known, but so far he was unconvinced. “Ah, Hell,” he whispered. “It doesn’t matter anyway.” It was evident she despised him without a doubt. He would be foolish to assume he would ever see her again, much less have her for his own.

  Clay drove back into Dolores and stopped at a bar for a few brews. He watched a couple playing pool, and the woman reminded him of Tess except she was more provocatively dressed. The woman had on boots, a low-cut top, and a denim mini-skirt. When she learned over the pool table to take a corner shot, he could easily see her pink lacy panties and the impression of her pussy lips.

  By the time he was on his second brew, her boyfriend up and left her. She had kissed him goodbye and waited until he disappeared out the door before she turned to Clay and winked. He nodded to her, so she sashayed over to the table and set down across from him. She leaned over her crossed arms to show off her impressive cleavage. The problem was, instead of seeing the girl’s face, all he saw was Tess.

  An idea came to mind as he slipped his hand under the table and ran it up her thigh. Sliding his hand between her legs he worked it higher and higher before whispering into her ear. “Why don’t you meet me in my room? But all I want to do is watch.” She nodded her head and smiled. Then Clay reached into his pocket and threw down a twenty-dollar tip and stood up to leave.

  The next thing he knew he had the key in his hand and was turning the lock when she slipped up behind him. The room was warm, so he walked over and switched the air conditioner fan to high. He was not surprised when he turned around to see she had stripped and was dropping those pink panties onto the floor. He instructed her to lay back on the bed and tweak her large brown nibbles while he stood and gazed down at her. When she got so horny, she spread her legs and reached down to rub her clit. He instructed her to close them and concentrate on her breasts. Clay knew if he got a good look at her wet pussy he would have to fuck her; even though he didn’t want to. Then reaching for his wallet, he pulled out a Ben Franklin as he promised her he would. Her eyes got wide, and a grin appeared on her face as he laid the bill on the nightstand.

  She nodded and licked her lips then put on the best show of any woman he had ever seen. Stroking her breasts and pinching her nipples, squealing and moaning at all the appropriate moments throughout her performance. When he was ready, he unzipped his jeans and watched her eyes when his manhood sprung free. After seeing the size of his cock she moaned, and said, “I need to cum—oh please.” But as he reached down and grabbed his throbbing cock in his fist, and said, “No, I’m not ready yet!”

  When he nodded toward the bill, she smiled again and brought her left nipple up to her mouth and circled it with her tongue. Clay widened his stance and ran his hand up and down over his shaft until he could stand it no more. He grinned at the girl, and whispered, “Okay, go ahead and finger yourself, honey, you deserve to cum.” He quickened his stroke just as she plunged two fingers inside and finger fucked herself into a frenzy.

  The girl's eyes opened wide as she watched his cream flow over his cock head onto his hand. “Wow, you must have been horny, honey?”

  Clay jerked his cock a few more times, harder than before. Then he grunted and moaned as the second spurt of cum squirted all over the bedspread. “This one is for you…Tess.”

  Secluded Valley Alpha Cowboy

  by

  Arabella Steedly

  Blurb

  My Daddy lied! He was a billionaire!

  After finishing art school, Daddy said he was broke and arranged to send me to Montana to marry a rancher who was much older than I.

  I convinced myself I’d be alright and went along with Daddy’s plan. Until I saw the rough, tough cowboy come galloping up to the gates of Mystic Ranch to meet me.

  Craning my neck to look up at him, I stood frozen to the spot. I blushed to the deepest red when his glacier blue eyes looked me up and down.

  His hand was warm and big, as he clutched mine hoisting me up to straddle his mighty steed.

  I trembled when I was told to circle my arms around his waist. I could feel the rugged muscles under his denim shirt causing a shock to run down my spine. I bounced a little with every gallop as we rode away as one.

  I shook my head in silent disbelieve. He wasn’t old or disgusting…in fact he was quite the opposite. Why did a man like Clyde need a mail order bride? What had Daddy done to me?

  CHAPTER ONE

  I was meeting my friend Michelle for a quick coffee during her lunch hour, and I sat staring out of the bay windows of the cafe at the pedestrians passing by. Occasionally, I caught my own reflection in the glass and was reminded of how self-conscious I was feeling. My jeans clung to my chunky thighs and the floral blouse I was wearing stretched over my body tightly. I had always had an oval face with full cheeks that grew red at the slightest provocation. My eyes were large and brown, to match my chestnut curls which I always had down and flowing over my shoulders. Someone had once advised that it would make my face appear to be thinner.

  Michelle, the exact opposite of me in appearance, came hurrying in. She was a tall, skinny, blond and never left the house unless she was dressed to the tee. Today she was in a tight pencil skirt, a blue silk blouse and looking as professional as her law degree had trained her to look.

  “Jade!” she said, as she sat down with a thump in front of me. We had been best friends since kindergarten, and inseparable all our lives. Now that her career had skyrocketed, she was always busy, but we made sure that we saw each other at least once a week. Even if only for a few minutes, just to catch up on each other’s lives.

  “I’ve ordered you your usual,” I said to her, as she snapped open her compact mirror from her purse and held it up in front of her to touch up her makeup.

  “Thanks, what’s up with you? You sounded anxious on the phone,” Michelle said, snapping the mirror shut and slipping it into her purse again. I took in a deep breath and prepared myself for the speech I was about to give her.

  “I have something important to tell you,” I told my best friend and raised her eyebrows. She could sense that something important was in the works.

  “Did you get a job?” she asked, and I rolled my eyes.

  “Nobody wants to hire an artist with no practical work experience,” I said dismissively, and Michelle cocked her head to the side indulgently.

  “Jade, I’ve been telling you for years now. What you need to do is set up your own business, like work out of a studio and sell your art. That is the only way forward,” Michelle said, and I shook my head.

  “I’ve tried that. I’m not good enough to sell my art, not yet at least. I need to work on it some more,” I said and looked away from her. It was true. I had spent the past two years trying to make a decent living off my art. Other than a few bookmarks and watercolor postcards I sold at the neighborhood weekend fairs, and the one-off commission piece I managed to procure off the internet; there was no money in it.

  “Why don’t you just ask your daddy for the money? For rent at least?” Michelle suggested, and I shook my head. I didn’t know why she was even suggesting it, she knew Daddy; she knew how he was. Being my parents’ only child, Daddy had big expectations from me. He had dreamed that one day I would take over his business, carry on our family legacy. But I was never interested in that. Manufacturing tractors was not motivation enough. When I got into art school, I had broken Daddy’s heart. It was only because of Mom that he even continued to speak to me. And now that mom had passed away; other than the occasional phone call and the Christmas card, he wasn’t interested in my life anymore. An artists’ struggling life was beyond his unders
tanding. He wanted his daughter to make money, to work with him to make the family business prosper.

  “I’m not going to be able to pay this month’s rent, and Daddy refused to send me any more money,” I told Michelle and dropped my gaze to my lap.

  “What? That is ridiculous. Let me…how much do you need? I’ll write you a check,” she said, and I shook my head again.

  “No, Michelle. You can’t keep loaning me any more money. It’s been two years, I’ve tried this life for two years, and it’s about time that I accepted I cannot make it as an artist. I’m not good enough,” I said and recognized the cry in my own voice. Michelle was staring at me, sympathetically, when I met her eyes.

  “So, what is the big news? What are you going to do, Jade?” she said and I licked my lips nervously. I had a feeling that Michelle wouldn’t be very sympathetic after she heard what I had to say.