“Of which you remind me whenever I leave.”
The determined look on his face mingled with tenderness. “Just reminding you, love. If we didn’t put our foot down you’d work until you went into labor.”
“I may just do that to annoy you two.” Bliss stood with her hands on her hips while the others stared at them. Then Bliss smiled, cupped Lann’s face in her hands, and kissed him.
She turned to Sunn. “Be careful about marrying stubborn men.” But she spoke with a grin on her face.
* * * *
Todd let Bliss off at her shop. Bern would pick her up later. Then he drove Sunn to her office.
“You can do what you want,” she said. “I’ll keep the door locked and call when I’m finished.”
Reluctantly Todd left her and went by his business to talk with Harrison. “I’ve got a new job for us, but I’m paying for it.” Todd explained about the hanger.
“We can get to it right away. It’s a little slow right now.”
Todd sat in the chair in front of Harrison’s desk and explained about moving to Saddlespurs. “I’m buying more ranch land and will handle most of my other businesses from here. I may have to go out of town once in a while. Is it all right with you if I utilize a larger portion of the office for my other work?”
“We have plenty of room. I wondered why you thought we needed such a large space. You must have been considering moving back.”
“Yes.”
“Good. I like having you around to bounce ideas off of.”
“I’ll be making some calls if you want to go to lunch.” Todd started toward his office.
“After lunch I’m going out to the Malloys’ place. They asked me to stop by.”
“See you later, then.”
Todd closed his office door after telling their secretary he didn’t want to be disturbed. He punched in his number for Chandler’s office.
“Hi, Todd. How are you doing?”
“Our lady is staying at my ranch.” He explained about the men wanting to buy Sunn’s parents’ property and the danger from them. “Sunn is drawing up the papers in her office for me to buy the ranch except for the ranch house and ten surrounding acres. She preferred to do the papers at her workplace rather than at the ranch. But she’s locked in.”
“How is she reacting to us moving to town?”
“She’s let me know she isn’t interested in us. But when she first thought I was speaking of someone else to be our wife, she looked upset and sad. She may be telling herself she’s over us, but her reaction to me getting close says something else.”
“I can’t wait to get there. We can both work on convincing her. Have you told her I’ll be staying at your place most of the time?”
“No. I’m keeping it as a surprise. She’ll react negatively, but when she sees we mean what we say, she’ll come around. See you soon.” Todd hung up.
Would she be pleased or angrier when he and Todd doubled their efforts to win her heart? He shook his head. Early on he’d learned he couldn’t understand a woman’s mind or reactions.
There’d been one particular foster mother who he’d really liked. He must have been eight or nine years old and was already good at making things with his hands. Before Christmas that year he’d built a small box for her to keep her rings in.
Even now, the thought of her reaction tightened his throat and make his stomach ache. He jumped out of his chair and threw his door open. It was stupid to reminisce about unhappy parts of his life. He strode to the front office and said goodbye to their secretary.
It was time to get Sunn, go home, and ride his horse. He called her and said he was on his way. When he drove up, she had closed her office and stood by the curb.
After she’d gotten in, he sped off. He glanced her way and frowned. “I expected you to wait behind the locked door.”
* * * *
“Don’t be silly. I saved you time by standing at the curb.”
“When I’m guarding you, you do as I say.”
“I didn’t appoint you as my guard. I’ll do what I please.”
“Do you want to put yourself in danger?”
“I’m not in danger standing on the sidewalk in town and in broad daylight. Drop this discussion.”
His lips tightened as if he held his raw emotion in check. The silence loomed over them. When he pressed his foot down on the pedal, she spoke up. “Bliss says I drive too fast. You drive faster than me.”
“Am I scaring you?” His sardonic tone had her wondering what brought on his change in attitude.
“You are frightening me. My dad and I wrecked on this road when I was little. We weren’t hurt bad, but I never speed along here.”
Todd immediately slowed the car. “Sorry, I’m in a bad mood. I shouldn’t take it out on you or in my driving.”
“Do you get these moods often?”
“Sometimes, when I let myself think too much.”
She didn’t ask any further questions. Sunn decided to let him alone. She stared out the window. When they started to drive by her parent’s ranch, she turned to him.
“Take me home. Dad will be there. I want to ride my horse.”
“I’m going riding when I get back. Why don’t we bring your horse to my ranch?”
“Because I want to ride at home and alone.”
“It won’t be…”
“Don’t say it. I may lose control and hit you.”
His lips curved up in a slight smile. “Yes, madam.” He pulled in the driveway and stopped at the house. His truck was parked in front, so her dad was here.
“Thank you,” Sunn said. She got out on her own and hurried inside the house.
Todd turned the truck around and drove down the drive. Sunn watched him go. Then she turned to face her father.
“Why didn’t you stay with Todd?” he asked.
“I might ask why you’re pushing me at him.”
“He and Chandler want to marry you. They’d make good husbands and provide well for you and any family. He regrets the way they acted before and has promised me they’re serious.”
“I can’t believe them. Glib words are easy to say.”
“They aren’t those types of men. But you know. You’re just not ready to admit they’re good, kind, and responsible.”
Andy put his arm around her. “Sit down. We need to talk.”
“Mom called.”
“Yes. I talked to her and Jeb. Jeb has to have a biopsy done in the morning. I want to go and be with them. I’d like you to stay here and manage things. Have you got the papers for me to sign?”
“Yes, they’re here in my briefcase.”
“Then I’ll sign them first. You can get Todd’s signature and his money. Hopefully these men will give up after that.”
“I want to go to Houston with you.”
“We’ll keep in touch. If things don’t go well you can come, but for now we need you here to handle our business.”
“All right, but as soon as Todd signs the papers and I put the money in your bank account, I’m driving to Houston and the hospital, agreed?”
“Agreed.” Her dad kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to call Todd and invite him out to dinner with us. We’ll go to the fish restaurant between here and the next town. You like that place.”
“I’m not hungry, dad.”
“Neither am I, but we have to take care of ourselves, so we can help Mom with Jeb when they get home.”
“You call Todd. We’re not on the best of terms.”
Her dad regarded her quizzically. “Be on your good behavior. I want you staying at his house until we get home.”
“I can take care of myself. You taught me how to shoot a gun.”
“You can’t this time. Two or more men might come around here. I don’t want to have to worry about you, too. Promise me.”
“Dad…”
“You sound like you did when you were younger and didn’t agree with me. I’ll give you the same answer. Do as I
ask.”
Sunn put her arms around him. “I’m sorry I’m being a pest. I’ll do as you insist, but I don’t have to like it.” She smiled up at him.
“I love you and so do your mom and Jeb. Stay safe. I’m going to call Todd and pack.”
Sunn went to her room and packed more clothes since she had to stay longer at Todd’s. Darn, she wanted to go to her condo, but she mustn’t worry her parents. At least not at this time.
But she’d join them as soon as the sale was finalized. No one would stop her.
Chapter Five
Todd met them at the door. Apparently her father had called him.
“She has all the paperwork for the sale,” her father said to Todd. “Once it’s completed, Sunn plans to drive to Houston and join us.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll contact a friend of mine who often co-pilots my plane with me. He can fly here and pick us up, and we’ll join you.”
“I don’t need you to go with me,” Sunn protested. Her father frowned at her and Todd gave her a half-smile.
“You might think you don’t need me, but I want to be there for support, and I’m certain when I call Chandler he’ll come to the hospital.”
“This isn’t going to make me decide to marry you two. I know dad has been encouraging you, but I don’t need husbands.”
“How about two friends being with you at the hospital to support you and your family?”
“Do what you want to.” Sunn kissed her dad. “Why don’t you wait and fly with us?”
“That’s a great idea, Andy. We’ll get you there in a lot less time than if you drove, and you won’t be worn out.”
“Hmmm, I hadn’t thought of flying. If you don’t mind I’ll accept your offer.” Her father pulled out his phone. “I’ll call my wife and tell her of our change in plans. She was concerned about my driving that distance by myself.” He walked to the end of the porch to make his call.
“Why don’t we go into my study? I’ll call Pearce Gunnar, my pilot friend, and arrange for him to fly here as soon as possible.”
Sunn followed him in the study and stood at the door while he made his call. Todd studied her intently as he talked to Mr. Gunnar.
“Thanks, we’ll see you in about two hours. I’ll let Lann know you’ll be landing on his runway.” Todd gave him the coordinates, and then he clicked off his phone. “You have papers for me to sign?”
“Yes.” Sunn pulled out the paperwork for the sale and indicated where he was to sign. “Once you sign these, I’ll take them to town to be recorded and put a small notice in the local paper about how you are expanding your ranch by buying ours. I want to be sure these guys know the land is no longer available.”
“Wait until we get back. Give Lann and Bern’s men time to catch them. It’s best to put them out of business or they’ll try again with either me or someone else.”
“You think they’ll get them?”
“They’ll try to strike tonight when they hear we’ve all flown out of town.”
Sunn bit the corner of her lip. When she raised her head, she saw the gleam of desire shining in his eyes. “I guess you’re right.”
Todd took long strides across the room and pulled her body close against his. She was aware of his hard cock against her abdomen. He tilted her head.
“You might as well quit fighting me. I’m going to have you, and you’re going to like it.” He kissed her and his tongue slid into her mouth, tasting and caressing. Her heart beat like a tom-tom and her knees went weak.
He let her go. “Put on your riding clothes. We’ll go for a relaxing ride while we wait for our transportation. While you’re changing, I’ll call Lann.”
* * * *
He loved the tilt of her stubborn jaw, and he smiled after she left the room. He wanted her with all his being. He planned to seduce her into his arms today before they left. He knew just the place to take her where they’d be alone. She couldn’t hide her attraction for him, but it was going to take determination and strong measures to blast through those walls she’d built between them.
He’d call Lann and Chandler. Then he’d concentrate on seducing his future wife.
* * * *
The papers were signed, and they rode across the prairie with a bright-blue sky overhead and a slight breeze in the air. Todd had been right. As soon as she got on the horse, she’d relaxed. They’d ridden fast for a while and now had slowed down.
“There’s a particular place I want you to see,” Todd said. “It’s a favorite of mine.”
They were riding through a thicket of trees and came to an opening. The trees grew tall in almost a perfect circle. In the center a brook gurgled over large stones. Todd stopped, got off, and helped Sunn down. He tied their horses as Sunn walked to the stream.
“It is a beautiful spot.” She sat and pulled her boots and socks off. Then she put her feet in the cold water. Leaning back on her hands, she sighed in contentment.
Todd sat beside her and soon had his feet in the stream, too. They didn’t talk and Sunn was glad. She let the peace and quiet sink deep inside her. Then she lay back and stared at the sky.
“When I was a little girl, I thought my parents were invincible and the day when one of them got sick would be when I was much older.”
“The biopsy might show a benign tumor.” Todd leaned toward. “You have to believe and have positive thoughts.”
“Is that what your foster parents taught you?” She glanced his way.
“No, a dear teacher took me under her wing and taught me many good things.”
“Isn’t it wonderful when you get a teacher who’s enthusiastic and encourages you?” Sunn rolled toward him. “I had a civics teacher who saw my interest in the law. She definitely had a positive influence on me and encouraged me to follow my dream.”
Todd curved his body toward hers. They lay close, face to face. “I’ll take you to meet Miss Truda. She still lives two counties over where I spent the last four years of school.”
“I’d love to meet her. My teacher is still at the local high school. We talk often and have lunch every few months.”
Todd reached out and touched her hair. “I love the color and softness.” He glided some strands between his fingers. “Please don’t ever cut it.”
“In the summer I’m always tempted, but it’s so fine I don’t think it would look good short.” Sunn rambled on. His nearness sent her pulse rate sky high. She wanted to reach out and touch him, but she fought the desire.
“I frighten you. Why?”
“You don’t scare me.”
“Then it must be desire making your blue eyes darken and your breathing quicken.”
Before she could move he had her on her back and his lean, hard body covered hers. His lips brushed across her mouth. Her nipples peaked touching his wide chest, and his large, hard cock pulsated between them sending hot waves of desire rushing from her core outward.
“Your body responds to mine instantly. It doesn’t deny me. I want to make love to you.”
His aquamarine eyes held hers captive. Then he kissed her. When his hand wrapped around her breast, she gasped. His tongue slid inside her mouth and raked along the sides then tasted and tangled with her tongue in a dance of seduction.
For a second, she thought about rolling him to the side and getting up. But her need and desire for his touch and loving was stronger. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she raised her hips to be in closer contact with his cock.
He raised his head and stared down at her. “Do you want me to make love to you?”
“My body does, and I can’t say no.”
In answer he started to unbutton her blouse. He kissed his way down to her midriff. “You taste good, and your flowery scent drives me crazy.” He reached behind her and unfastened her bra. Then he removed both blouse and bra.
The cool air on her chest had her looking around. “Someone might come by.”
“Don’t worry. We’d hear them before they got to this
area, and it’s a slim chance. My men are working in the other direction.” When his warm hands closed around her breasts, she forgot where she was and all her attention focused on the man straddling her body.
He kissed her breast then sucked on it. A shot of sheer pleasure zoomed up her spine. She heard a soft mew and realized it came from her.
Todd pulled off his boots and clothes. He walked to the horses and got a blanket out of his saddlebag. “Stand and I’ll put this under you before I strip off those jeans.” He took her hand and pulled her up, put the blanket down, and laid her on it. Then her boots came off. He got a condom packet out of his jeans pocket.
“Put this on me.” Todd placed his legs on either side of her.
“You came prepared.”
“I had hopes, but no certainty.”
Her hand shook, but she got the condom on his cock. Then he pulled her panties and jeans down and off.
“You’re so beautiful. Where do I start?” His hands rubbed along the inside of her legs.
At this moment all her doubts were pushed away. She concentrated fully on the handsome, sexy, man leaning over her. Sunn shivered with delight. His eyes had darkened and a curl of his dark blond hair fell across his forehead. Her hand itched to push it back and caress his lean, tough face.
Todd moved his hands over her hips and then cupped her breasts. His thumbs rubbed across her nipples and they tightened into small beads of desire.
Her body arched, giving him greater access to her breasts. A craving for this man built inside her and waves of heat rushed into her veins.
His head dipped, and he sucked on her peaked nipple. She groaned, bringing a smile to his face. He kissed all around her breasts and then licked both nipples.
She moved restlessly under him, wanting his hard cock to fill her pussy. Her pussy walls clenched at the thought.
“We’re taking this slow and easy. I’ve been hungry for you, but I don’t want to rush.” His kisses moved to her midriff.
“You have skin like creamy satin, soft and luscious.”
Sunn rubbed his shoulders and ran her hands through his thick hair. He pretended to growl against her stomach, and then kissed it.
Seducing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 4
