by Jan Springer
“Now there’s a story. A car accident during a snowstorm. I was burned all over my body, actually. My face too. I was with my two men friends, the ones with the sailboat. We skidded off the road. I was the only one wearing a seat belt. They were thrown from the car and injured badly but I was caught in the car and couldn’t get the seatbelt off. I was unconscious when the car caught fire. The emergency personnel couldn’t get me out in time, so I was burning alive.” Kaley shivered and JJ wished she hadn’t asked the question in the first place.
“I was able to get plastic surgery for my face but the rest of me…well, let’s say, over the years, it’s been a work in progress. I have only a couple more surgeries and I should be as good as new.”
“Wow, I had no idea,” JJ replied.
“I don’t advertise my history. But rest assured pretty much most of the ladies who fly for North Country Air have had challenges. So, we understand what you were up against.”
“Were up against? I don’t think I am out of the woods yet.”
“Consider yourself a work in progress then. You will know when you have healed enough to really live again. Speaking of living…those three sexy bosses of yours. When are you going to tell them about your flying lessons? And why keep it a secret in the first place?” Kaley asked. Curiosity shone in her eyes as she perched at the edge of her seat, totally excited.
“I mean, keeping such a secret from your bosses. Won’t that give them trust issues or something? I mean with the four of you living here…okay, sorry. I should just mind my own business.”
JJ shook her head.
“No it’s fine. You shared personal stuff with me, so I should do the same. I didn’t tell them because I didn’t want them talking me out of it.”
Kaley frowned. “You don’t think they would support you in your decision?”
“They would worry too much. Flying planes is dangerous, they’d say.”
“Well, it’s true. It can be at times. But, it’s no different than any other vehicle. Just keep the time logs accurate so you know when the plane needs to have its regular checkup. Do your preflight inspections and look out for and listen for anything unusual. Keep an eye on the weather and don’t take any risks upon landing in areas you don’t know…unless of course it’s an emergency landing.”
Kaley stopped and laughed.
“I don’t know why I am telling you all this. You know it all by heart. You’re one of the best students I have ever had.”
Wow. What a compliment!
“You said they were coming back tomorrow night?” Kaley asked.
“Actually, I’m expecting Brady back tonight. Rafe and Dan will be in sometime tomorrow. I will have to find out when they’re going away again before we schedule for flights. I will e-mail you and we can set up more lessons.”
“Great. Then, we’ll leave it at that.”
Kaley checked her watch and frowned.
“Oh, I hadn’t realized how late it’s gotten. I am going to have to head back. I have another student later this afternoon. She wants to practice some night flying. How about that doggie bag of the brownies and then I will get out of your hair.”
They both rose and JJ grabbed the plate of baked goods. Fifteen minutes later, she stood on the dock and waved to Kaley, who, with her bag full of sweets in hand, happily stepped into her float plane where it had been moored.
That familiar giddiness of disbelief rushed through JJ, as minutes later, she watched the white plane soar into the bright blue sky. Soon the plane disappeared over the nearby treetops. The roar of the engine turned into a purr and then the sounds of the forest took over.
A soft wind whispered through the pine boughs of the trees behind her. A woodpecker knocked on a tree and waves slapped against the rocky shoreline and dock.
JJ hugged herself and headed back up the trail toward the ranch house. There was still some housework to be done, dinner to get started and maybe a bit more studying before Brady returned.
She blew out an aroused breath as she thought about the scorching sex she would be getting when her men came home. Each of them were exceptionally eager to pleasure her after being away from her. She, too, was eager to find pleasure in their arms. She could hardly wait for them to come home.
That thought totally disintegrated as she opened the mudroom door and discovered Brady propped against the doorway to the hallway. He glowered at her. His cheeks were red. He looked pissed.
Oh shit. Had he been here all this time? Had he heard the conversation she’d had with Kaley about the plane?
“Brady. I didn’t know you were back.”
She struggled to control the sudden tremble in her voice as she stepped into the mudroom. She would have pushed past him, but it appeared he was in no mood to budge.
“That is apparent,” he growled.
Yes, he was most definitely angry. She fought back her panic as her tummy revolted in an unusual nervousness. Guilt slammed into her hard and fast.
“It’s almost suppertime. I’ve got leftovers for us tonight. Steak on kaisers along with beet salad and some homemade leek soup. Sounds good, doesn’t it?”
She needed to act casual. Maybe he hadn’t overheard? Maybe he’d just gotten in when she’d been saying goodbye to Kaley down by the dock?
Brady’s frowned deepened. Thankfully, he straightened from the doorframe and moved aside to allow her to pass. She brushed past quickly, avoiding eye contact. She could feel tension zip through the air and rope around her like a lasso.
“How about you run out to the garden and a grab us a head of lettuce, a couple of tomatoes and a cucumber, and I will make us a delicious salad too.”
“How about you tell me what the hell is going on?” Brady growled as he followed her into the kitchen. She could feel him right behind her as she opened the fridge to grab the container with meat. Despite the cold air blowing out against her, she felt ultra warm knowing his body was inches away.
“W-what do you mean?” JJ asked as she placed the Tupperware container onto the counter. She figured it would be best to play stupid and find out exactly when he had stepped into listening in on their conversation.
“What is going on with North Country Air being here?”
Relief rushed through her.
“Is that what got you upset? Kaley dropped in for a visit. She heard about my beer brownies and I…”
In a sudden movement that took JJ by complete surprise, Brady grabbed her by her elbow and spun her around to face him.
His eyes were narrow and concern etched his face.
“Why are you lying to me, JJ?”
Irritation snapped through her.
“Maybe it’s none of your business, Brady.”
“I’m making it my business, Jennifer Jane.”
Wow. He had not called her by her real name since, well, she couldn’t remember. He truly was serious.
“Brady. I am old enough to have friends visit. I hope you are not upset with that.”
“I don’t care if you have friends over. What I am upset with is the flying planes is dangerous comment, and all the rest I heard.”
Darn it. He had been listening. JJ’s shoulders sagged in defeat and to her horror, her cheeks went red-hot.
“How much exactly did you hear?”
“Pretty much everything. I came back earlier. I figured you were out for your afternoon walk so I took my gear into my room, lay down on the bed and fell asleep. Woke up to hearing voices. Came into the hall—”
JJ held out her hand to silence him.
“I didn’t tell you guys because I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Shit, woman. Worry is an understatement. Flying is dangerous. Ever hear of Amelia Earhart? She was a professional and look what happened to her.”
“I’ve been studying my ass off, Brady. I want this.” She was surprised at how firm and confident her voice sounded.
His eyes softened and for a moment she thought he understood. But then, he shook his head.
Surprise roared through her.
“Excuse me? You won’t allow it?” Disbelief spun through her as she watched him walk to the coffee machine.
“No flying planes, JJ. End of discussion.” His voice sounded dark and final as he prepared the coffee.
Was this guy for real?
“You don’t have a say, Brady.”
“As long as you are living here, I have a say. As long as you are my woman, I have a say. As long as you allow me to make love to you, I have a say.”
My woman? Make love to you? Not have sex, but make love? Excitement made JJ’s chest tighten.
He turned back around. He appeared frustrated as he rubbed his hand over his five o’clock shadow.
“Brady…” She wanted to argue with him. To pound into his head that he could not control what she wanted to do with her life.
“I know I don’t have the right to boss you around, JJ. I know I don’t. Hell, I don’t want to argue. I kept thinking about you when I was gone. You look so beautiful. I missed you like crazy.” The deep chorus of his voice stroked like silk over her senses. The fuck-me-now look in his eyes had her thighs clenching and her vagina throbbing with need.
All her thoughts of arguing with him disintegrated as his firm hands circled her waist like a scorching brand. He lifted her off her feet, took several steps and then promptly placed her ass onto the kitchen countertop. She slapped her hands onto the counter to steady herself and whimpered at the need flaring in his eyes.
In a flash, Brady’s hands flew to the top button on her blouse. His breaths came fast and harsh as he unbuttoned.
“No arguments,” he whispered. “I just want you, baby.”
His male scent dominated her and she felt helpless as he pushed the material of her blouse aside, then he studied her bra-covered breasts. Intense heat whipped through her at his hungry expression. He dipped his fingers beneath the straps and slowly slid them down her shoulders and past her elbows, allowing her breasts to spill free of the lacy cups. He cupped her and she cried out as he dipped his head. His mouth latched onto her right nipple. Blistering heat and erotic pressure made her shudder.
Brady sucked and nibbled and licked. Her nipple throbbed as he moved on to her other one. JJ wished she could formulate thoughts, but nothing came to mind. Just pure pleasure and excitement.
His lips were red and so were her nipples when moments later he lifted his head. Her bare belly quivered when his fingers touched her flesh as he slipped his fingers beneath the waistband of her track pants. Within seconds, her pants and panties were removed.
Brady dropped to his knees before her and instinctively she widened her legs. His lust-drenched expression sent want zipping along her every nerve. Awareness had her watching his every move with wicked anticipation.
JJ moaned softly as his face moved closer. The tip of his tongue slipped past his parted lips and she trembled as his mouth fused over her clitoris. His tongue dashed over and around her clit, tracing sensual patterns, rocking pleasure deep into her belly and between her thighs.
His mouth moved faster. His lips sucked on her labia, his teeth gently nipped her flesh and his tongue laved her. Her legs melted and quivered beneath sensations. Soon she was keening and struggling to kick her feet up in an effort to wrap them around his head, but her legs were too pleasure heavy. Her lungs shuddered as she breathed. She tried to lift her hands off the counter, but she stopped, realizing if she did, she would end up falling backward.
Desperation clutched her.
“Brady, take me now,” she breathed harshly.
He kept eating her pussy as if not hearing.
“Brady, I need you… please,” she hissed.
Suddenly, he was standing. He was still fully clothed! She moaned in frustration.
JJ’s eyelids were so heavy she could barely see him as his hands flew to his belt buckle. A moment later, Brady unzipped his jeans. He growled as he struggled to push his pants and underwear past his hips. Then he moved in front of her, grabbed a condom package from his shirt pocket, and seconds later he had himself fully sheathed.
Despite how intense things got between them, Brady was always well prepared when it came to protection. All three men were. It allowed JJ to be carefree and to really enjoy sex without having to think about guarding herself.
She had expected some foreplay. Erotic kisses, a little more tender touches. But he gripped her by her hips, and pulled her close to the edge of the counter. She shuddered and gasped as he pressed his big cock into her sensitized vagina. Enormous pressure took her breath away. She could feel his entire length of his flesh throb hot and hard inside her. In an instant he withdrew, she gasped when he drove into her again.
Quickly, he began a steady rhythm that had her once again feeling helpless as pleasure crashed toward her.
Muscles constricted everywhere. She scrunched her hands into fists and clenched her jaw. Sparkling stars burst behind her closed eyes. Her thighs tightened. JJ’s pussy muscles shuddered. She moaned at his every thrust. Loved how hard and fast he pistoned.
Her senses were exploding and her body became his as he fully controlled her with his shaft.
“Who do you belong to, baby?” Brady growled. His deep voice encouraged her to submit.
“You,” she hissed.
Brady pumped faster.
“You are mine, JJ.” His voice was a caress.
He thrust harder, deeper. The friction of his pubic bone rubbing against her clit snapped waves of pleasure through her and his rapid strokes plunged her into climax.
Shudders rocked her. JJ gasped as she fought for air. She bucked against his fiery force. Her breasts swayed and bounced with his every thrust. Tremors shook her. The sensations were shockingly beautiful as she became lost in the seductive world.
Brady took her hard. Over and over. He was angry with her. Pissed that she had kept something so important like her flying a plane hidden from them.
He pistoned deeper. Groaned and gritted his teeth as the heavy length of his cock was embraced by her tight, warm welcoming muscles. Her lips were parted and sweet little gasps escaped her pretty mouth. Her eyes were closed. Her bare breasts jiggled and her nipples were red from his sucking.
The harder he took her, the louder her moans. JJ’s sensual sounds caressed his senses, making him thrust faster, bringing him closer to the pleasure he craved.
She had no right to put her life in danger.
Damn her!
Man, she was so beautiful. So loving. He couldn’t bear something happening to her. Whenever he was near her, he couldn’t stop looking at her. Even now, as he made love to her, he wanted to keep his eyes open and watch the pleasure splash over her flushed face.
Heat and pressure curled around his rigid shaft as her sweet, warm muscles clenched him.
She had stolen his heart the minute he had seen her. He moaned as his entire body tightened. Shudders swept through him like dynamite. His anger vanished and Brady gave into the exploding waves of pleasure.
Chapter Three
Rafe hunched deeper into his jacket as the cold wind bit into his face. Darkness was descending fast and the headlights on his machine didn’t give him the illumination he required at this speed. But he didn’t want to slow down. He was cold and hungry and shelter was just up ahead.
Angling his ATV around a huge pothole, he wrenched the wheel and swerved to avoid a head-sized rock that had rolled down an embankment onto the trail. Man, that had been close.
Any given day, while out on the trails, Rafe encountered one thing or another. Either a tree had fallen onto the trail or deep trenches had been carved into a makeshift road by heavy rainfall.
Yesterday, he had almost hit a giant moose who’d decided to take an afternoon nap right at the entrance of one of the meadows were he had been traveling to. Thankfully, he’d seen the big dark animal with huge antlers just in time to allow him to come to an abrupt halt.
; Hopefully, no more close calls. Tonight was his last night away from JJ. He only had a few dozen more cattle to move tomorrow and then he would head back home. It was a good thing they had laid out all the necessary fencing along each trail between the meadows, as it made the moving of the cattle so much easier and faster.
Rafe frowned as he remembered that he had found a couple of carcasses in one of the meadows. The two cows had been taken down by a pack of hungry wolves. Cattle kills happened. It was a hazard of raising Angus in an organic, unprotected setting.
If the pack became too much of a problem, some tracking would be needed to find the wolves and take them down with the rifle. But this particular kill had happened weeks ago and the wolves appeared to have left the area.
His stomach rumbled and Rafe sighed with relief when he spotted the silhouette of the old shack he had been heading for. The small shelter had been built many years ago by the lumber barons who had clear-cut through this area. Now the building was used for their ranch.
Rafe parked his vehicle, slung the knapsack on his back, grabbed his rifle and the cooler from the trailer, stomped up the steps, crossed the porch and headed into the unlocked structure. Damp, cold air greeted him and he shivered, wishing he was at home with a roaring fire in the living room fireplace, playing cards with Dan and Brady and catching glimpses of JJ as she washed the dishes or made them coffee.
Damn, he missed her like crazy. She was their backbone. She took care of them. She cooked up a storm, kept the ranch house clean and boy, she was good in bed. He just didn’t know what good shit he’d done in his life to deserve such a beautiful woman.
He tossed the rifle, cooler and knapsack onto the rustic table, grabbed some matches from the waterproof container they kept in each of the buildings on the property, opened the door to the woodstove and struck the match.
The small yellow flame allowed him to see the pieces of newspaper and birch bark sticking out from between the dry kindling and split logs that had been placed inside the stove by whomever of the three of them had last been here.
They always made sure before leaving one of the dozen sheds or cabins on the property that the wood stove was always filled with wood and ready for use. Rafe smiled as the pine kindling crackled and burst into flames.
