Always On My Mind: A Bad Boy Rancher Love Story (The Dawson Brothers Book 1)

by Ali Parker

  “Just talking?” She raised a brow as if she didn’t believe me.

  “Yes, but I can’t promise I won’t kiss you.”

  “Kissing isn’t optional. I like kissing you.” She rose up on her toes and I leaned down to meet her lips with mine.

  We walked down to the bank as the last part of the sun slid down the horizon and the sky was lit red and orange above us. I sat in the sand and pulled her down beside me. I wanted to kiss her again, but in the spirit of getting to know her, I opted for a different approach. “So, tell me all about yourself. Something I don’t know.”

  She shrugged and then stared off to the sky that was starting to show the first sparkle of starlight. “Well, I grew up with a single mother and because my dad left when I was a baby, I never knew him. She went from one relationship to the other and because of that I spent most weekends with my grandmother, who taught me how to cook. I watched my mother go through tough times and we struggled because of her failed relationships. I guess that’s why I try to be self-sufficient. My career is important to me and I refuse to go without in life. That’s why as bad as I want you, I don’t want to lose hold of my dreams. I guess I’m selfish that I want both.” She searched my eyes as I stroked her back.

  “You’re not selfish, and I’d never ask you to jeopardize anything for me. And by the way, I did mean it.”

  “I hope you did. I feel the same way. It’s why I hesitated coming back.” She released a long breath and leaned back on her elbows to stare at the sky.

  “That was you hesitating?” I belted a laugh and she joined in. I loved her laughter. She had such a strong voice that her soft-toned laughter was a nice contrast. It was genuine, and made me want to make her laugh for the rest of her life.

  “So, have you reconsidered living your dreams? I mean, I am a talent agent and you’re a true talent, David. I think we’d make a great team.”

  “It’s not whether I want to, it’s when I should. It doesn’t feel right, not now. I want to see where we can take this, career and everything, but I just can’t abandon my family. Maybe when Mama is out of the hospital and things settle down, we can see where we’re at.”

  “So you’re not quitting? You shouldn’t you know. Even if you don’t play at Kinsey’s you shouldn’t lock your guitar away in the attic.”

  I tried hard to hold back my smile, but I couldn’t help it. “That reminds me, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

  She leaned in close and clutched my arm. “You should know that I hate surprises.” She met my eyes and the pouty set of her lips made me laugh.

  “You keep poking out that lip and I’m going to bite it.” I gnashed my teeth and grinned.

  “Tell me. Please.” She was so hot when she begged. Her lashes batted and she tugged my arm.

  “I don’t know; your begging is turning me on.” She pushed at me playfully and we shared a laugh.

  She shrugged and turned her attention back to the sky.

  I gave her a nudge. “Quitter. You’re giving up so soon?”

  She turned that pretty little nose of hers up to the stars. “Well, if all you’re gonna do is tease me—”

  “Fine, I’ll tell you. Are you ready?” My heart grew light as she clutched my arm again and leaned in. “I got my spot back at Kinsey’s. I decided not to quit, after all.”

  Her jaw slackened and then she lunged at me, throwing her arms around my neck. “That’s wonderful news. I was so upset you’d quit.”

  “Well, doing that demo made me realize how much I love music and it made me think of you, which is weird, but in a good way.”

  “Weird?” She narrowed her eyes.

  I nodded. “Yeah, because it always made me think of my grandfather before, but now I can’t even see my guitar without seeing you.”

  She closed the space between us and whispered, “Kiss me.”

  I didn’t make her ask twice. I claimed her lips and cupped her face in my hands. She was so dainty and soft in my grip and I hardened as she relaxed against me. I cursed myself for the reaction, it wasn’t the time, but I couldn’t help how she made me feel. I wanted to explore every inch of her again and though I knew she wanted to take things a tad slower this time around, I was content with just her lips for now.

  We kissed until our mouths were raw and she relaxed against me as we stared up at the moon. The bright, waxing orb was nearly full and it illuminated the night with enough light that we had no trouble walking back to my truck.

  As I boosted her into the cab, she covered a big yawn. “I hope I don’t fall asleep on the way home.”

  “I’ll carry you up to my bed and tuck you in if you do. You had a big day, despite that long nap.” Remembering her drive made me feel so guilty. I hated to think of her on that road all alone, though that was how she’d gotten here in the first place.

  She stayed by my side and leaned on me while I started the truck and headed back toward home. “Think your brothers will still be there or do they go out?”

  “I don’t know. They might be out having a beer at Kinsey’s. We might have the house to ourselves.”

  “Do they have girlfriends?” She let out another contagious yawn and I fought the urge as I answered.

  “Mason goes out now and then, but he hasn’t ever had just one special lady. He’s like Ted when it comes to that, but Ted has the bad reputation out of the four of us.” I thought of how he’d done me over Ella and gritted my teeth.

  “What about Luke? You know, in case this doesn’t work out, he wants to date me.” She giggled, but I feigned insult and cut her a glare. Luke wouldn’t do me that way. He wasn’t like Ted.

  “He’s not committed to anyone either, but he did reconnect with an old girlfriend while we were trying to find you. Who knows where that will lead?” I wondered if he’d even called the busty librarian. She was sure something.

  “So, what’s the story with Lauralee? She seems to care about your family enough to cook for you, or do you think that was just for Ted?”

  “She grew up with us, her and her brothers. She’s got a sister, too, but she’s younger than all of us. Her mother’s dead, and Lauralee takes care of the house. She and Ted have always had a thing and honestly none of us understand his hesitation. I think he thinks she’s too good for him, but Heaven help the man that tries to date her. I think if another came around, he’d lose his mind.”

  “Yet, he slept with his brother’s fiancée.” She shook her head. “I think he hates me.”

  “He doesn’t hate you. I can tell. And about Ella, he thinks he did me a favor. Said she wasn’t good enough for me and she made the first move. Ted is known for his promiscuous behavior.” I didn’t want to go too far into the makings of Ted, especially if she already had ideas about him.

  “But you think he loves Lauralee? How sad. He should go after her. What if I invite her over for dinner?”

  “Oh no, you’re not getting in the middle of those two.” I slowed the truck and turned down our road.

  “Fine, I won’t. But I know she likes him. You should have seen the shade she was throwing me until I explained I was there with you.”

  “I can imagine. Lauralee is one tough little lady. But if Ted wants her, he’s going to have to make that move all on his own.”

  “Can I at least invite her to Kinsey’s to watch you sing? I don’t know any other women around here.” I smiled knowing she wanted to make friends and fit in. Even if we did go back to Nashville to pursue our dreams, I wanted my home to feel like her home too.

  “Yes, you can invite her, but she might not come.” I pulled into my drive and parked beside Luke’s truck, which was the only one home. Mason and Ted must have gone into town after all.

  Behind us headlights turned into the drive and as I helped Sarah out on my side, the busty blond from the library pulled up beside us. “It looks like Luke has company.”

  Chapter 20

  Sarah

  Luke passed us in the front room as we walked inside. He had a big
grin plastered to his face and flashed me a wink. “I won’t be out too late.”

  David shooed him out the door. “Take all the time you want.”

  Luke laughed and hurried out.

  David shook his head and threw an arm around my waist. “That’s Cindy. Long story.” The girl hadn’t gotten out of her car, but waved at us when we got out of David’s truck and went inside. Mason and Ted were both gone too, leaving us all alone in the house. “Go on up and make yourself at home. I’ll go grab your bag from the car.”

  “Thanks. I’ll get cleaned up.” I hoped I had everything I needed. I’d grabbed my things so quickly and stuffed them in the bag that I wasn’t sure what I had to put on.

  I still couldn’t believe that I’d dropped everything and ran to him. Thankfully, standing up to Rowena had worked and I bought myself more time. My emotions were a mess, but I felt better after our talk and was looking forward to being with him and spending a little time away from home. I had called Jenn and explained everything on my way. She told me to be careful, but wished me luck. I made a mental note to call her and tell her I’d made it back to Oklahoma in one piece. She hated that I’d taken off without any sleep and I felt bad that I let a whole day go by without checking in. I’d scold her if she did me that way, and I was sure to get a taste of her temper when I called.

  Heading straight for the shower, I stripped off my shirt, shoes, and jeans leaving them where they fell. I’d pick them up later, but I hoped he’d appreciate the welcome when he returned. I turned on the shower hoping that there’d be plenty of hot water to get my hair washed. I was a mess from the night before and the sand from my trip to the creek. Not to mention I smelled like boiled chicken.

  I unhooked my bra and slipped my arms free, letting it fall to my feet in the tiny bathroom. Testing the water, I adjusted the knobs and then slipped out of my panties. The small scrap of pink silk contrasted noticeably against the pale blue rug at my feet. I’d left him a trail much better than breadcrumbs.

  Stepping into the shower, my nipples hardened at the temperature change. Letting the water waken my pores, I reached for the soap and brought it to my nose remembering with the scent the very first time I’d seen him at Kinsey’s. He was so gorgeous and smelled so good. As I wet my hair and slid the cold gel across my breasts, he stepped into the small room.

  Through the thin curtain I could see his outline. Tall and strong, cut with well-earned muscles that only hard work could give, he pulled his shirt up over his head and dropped it to the floor. “You have room in there for me?” His voice sent a lick of heat straight to my core and I peeked around the curtain and curled my finger to motion him in.

  My heart raced with wanting. “I think we can manage.” Leaning my head back I rinsed the suds from my breasts and watched as he unbuttoned his jeans. I turned away but peeked over my shoulder as he dropped his pants, revealing his stiff length that protruded proudly. My gaze lingered over my shoulder and he held onto my shoulder until he situated behind me.

  After a moment, his hands found my hair, and he worked up a lather, working the suds through gently with his fingers. I hadn’t been aware that he’d found the shampoo I’d packed. As if he heard my thoughts he offered an explanation. “I got this from the bag you left.” He whispered the words in my ear as the head of his erection grazed across my lower back. “Smelling it reminded me of you.”

  It was nice thinking that he had missed me, and when I thought of how much I missed him, my heart warmed and filled with so much emotion that I sank back against him. “I forgot I left it here.”

  He guided my head carefully under the stream as he rinsed my hair. Then he slipped his hand down my front, cupping and rubbing, his fingers playing against my mound, working firm circles against me as he kissed my neck.

  Desire built deep in my core, my labia tingled with his taunting gropes as he applied pressure against me. His fingers parted my folds as they slipped by, not yet penetrating me.

  I spun around and glanced down at his hard length, his thick head grazing against my stomach as he pulled me into his kiss. I stood on my toes, and then he hiked me up against the wall, holding my hips firm.

  His eyes met mine, holding them in his gaze until he dipped his head to kiss my breasts. His hand slid up and across my ribs to cup one and then he taunted my sensitive nipple with his tongue, taking it gently between his teeth before suckling there, nuzzling his head against me.

  A moan escaped from my throat as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I gripped his hair as I thrusted my hips forward greedily. I wanted him. I needed him. I slinked my arm down between us and took him into my hand, gripping and stroking as his mouth broke free of my breast and crushed against my lips.

  His hands reached out searching for the knobs beside us and finally the water shut off. He kissed me as we stood there dripping, my bud throbbing so badly that I was sure to break apart if he touched it again.

  He pulled back the curtain, the cooler air kissing against my back, and slowly placed me on my feet, allowing me enough time to catch my balance before taking my hand to help me step out.

  He reached for a towel and wrapped it around me as he stood dripping, steam still rising from our hot flesh. “Is this going too fast again?”

  I shook my head and stepped against him, soothing my chill with his warmth. “No. It feels like it’s been way too long.”

  “I agree,” he whispered before his lips met mine again. Still soaking wet, he picked me up and carried me to the soft cotton comfort of his bed.

  He stood at the foot and took his erection in hand to give it a pump as his eyes lingered on mine. He licked his lips and then knelt on the bed. He palmed my feet, his gaze sliding across my body, every now and then meeting my eyes, as he parted my legs. I let them fall open, remembering the time we’d spent on his hood and wanting more.

  He slid his hands up from my feet to my ankles, slowly gliding and caressing until he reached my knees where he cupped his hands behind them and lowered himself between them. My hips rolled upward, wanting him to take me, needing to feel the heat of his length piercing through my wet folds and quenching my desire.

  He licked his lips and then they brushed softly, planting a kiss against my mound, his tongue darting to my clit, where the contact sent me over the edge. I gripped his torso with my thighs and fisted his hair, not letting him stop as I rode the wave of ecstasy that rolled through me. He lapped greedily, feasting on me as I moaned, the sound echoing through the empty house.

  I opened my eyes and found him smiling proudly, peeking up from where I held his head. “Thanks be that we’re alone.” He planted another soft kiss against me as I released him.

  I panted and relaxed against his pillow, my crown of damp hair, giving me chills. “Don’t stop.”

  “I’m only getting started.” He got to his knees, working his erection in his grip as he sheathed it with a condom, and then nudged his way forward, parting my thighs wider and placing his head against my opening. He teased his cock against my folds, inching slowly inside, retreating and then repeating.

  I gave a frustrated growl and he smiled, lowering himself over me as he thrusted hard, burying his cock deep, stretching me wide as I welcomed him inside with a greedy pump of my hips as I settled around him.

  I grinded against him with my hips, and worked my muscles to milk him as he thrusted steadily. Our eyes met again, holding each other in our gaze as my breath hitched. I nudged him over, keeping him deep inside me as his back hit the mattress. He gripped my hips, lifting my ass as I rode him, my wet hair spilling against my shoulders giving me gooseflesh.

  He rubbed my arms to warm me and pulled me down in a fevered embrace; his hands wandered my body, exploring as I bounced my ass to work him. His hand stopped to cup my face and he let out a soft moan as he kissed me.

  He pulled away and brushed my wet hair away from my face. “Spin around.” He slapped my ass and I sat up and then shifted my legs, spinning on his cock until I faced away
from him. He gathered my hair into his hands and shifted around until he knelt behind me, thrusting as he gripped my hair tight. I moaned as he pounded into me and then snaked a hand around to work my clit. My release beckoned me. I bit my lip to silence my scream as the orgasm ripped through me, the wetness soaked his shaft and trickled down my thigh.

  “Fuck, baby.” He quickened his pace and released, as a primal growl sounded from deep in his throat.

  I started to pull away, but he held me there, pumping his hips slowly. Then he finally pulled away. I turned to face him and he shook his head. “You sent me over when you came.”

  “It was perfect.” I kissed him, parting my mouth to accept his tongue. He growled and hurried to the bathroom to dispose of the spent condom. And I took the time to wrap my hair in the towel and moved myself between the sheets.

  He walked back into the room, his length still demanding attention as he slid into the covers with me. “You’re cold, aren’t you?”

  “I wasn’t during, but it hit me when you got up.” I snuggled close to him and yawned.

  “None of that, I’m not even through with you.” He nuzzled at my neck.

  A moan escaped me like a purr of approval. “Not done with me, huh? Are you ever going to be done with me?”

  His eyes narrowed in contemplation as he shook his head. “Nope, I don’t think I ever will.”

  “Good.” I tweaked his nose playfully and he grabbed my hand to pin it down.

  “Mmm, you want to play, huh?” His hand caressed my mound and I parted my legs. He wasted no time nestling between my thighs and inserting his fingers into my tender channel where he stroked softly.

  “Yes, please.” My chin quivered as he shifted the covers and I caught a chill, but it was short-lived as, in one quick movement, he was above me.

  “Such manners,” he spoke against my neck. He reached for the nightstand drawer, retrieving a condom which he made quick work with. Then he braced both arms around me and whispered in my ear, “Show me where you want it, baby. Guide it in.”