Zach smiled for the first time in a long time. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to pack.”
* * * *
Zach couldn’t believe the extent of his nervousness as he pulled up the drive to their mansion. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been out on a date. Yes, he could. It was with Maria.
Okay, this wasn’t a date, per se, as there would be hundreds of people at the party all vying for Christina’s attention.
He’d taken all day yesterday searching for the perfect gift. He finally settled on a sterling silver necklace with a diamond-studded horseshoe on the end. The suit he’d purchased didn’t fit well in the shoulders, and he swore the crotch was too high, but for Christina he’d suffer. Hell, the last time he’d even worn a suit had been at his parents’ funeral.
Before he left, he and his brothers had come up with a reason why a member of her “vacation” team had been invited to the party in the first place. He wasn’t about to say he worked on behalf of the Sensual Pleasures Fantasy Resort and that he and his two brothers had all tasted her luscious pussy and wanted more.
The best he could do was say he’d taught her how to ride at the finishing school, and she’d invited him to the party. He figured all women living in Arizona would want to be well versed in the art of horseback riding. Brett and Deke, two other trainers, who were busy with other clients today, had spent some time trying to teach her the difference between a mustang and a Clydesdale, but she wasn’t all that adept at distinguishing one horse from another. Perhaps she should come for more time.
“Your keys, sir?”
Zach hadn’t even seen the valet approach. He tossed the young man his set.
His goal was to meet her parents and be as upper-crust and country-clubbish as he could be. Given his parents had raised all them to be well versed in socializing, he believed he could pull it off, if only for a few hours.
He entered the grand hallway and immediately spotted two security guards along the walls. For a moment, he felt sorry for Christina for having to grow up under a microscope, always being watched, and reported on for any unbecoming behavior. No wonder she loved the ranch and the freedom to explore her sexuality. His cock hardened thinking about what he wanted to do with her if he ever got her in his arms again.
“Zach?”
He spun around and his chest caved. My God, she was a vision, all dressed in a tight, white dress and her hair piled on top of her head. “Christina.”
She stepped closer and her scent blasted his body with testosterone. “What are you doing here?” She pressed her lips together.
He glanced around to see if one of the guards would kick him out. Her voice had been close to a shout.
“Can we talk? I have a lot of explaining to do.”
“Where are Deke and Brett?” She pulled her shoulders back, but he could tell their absence hurt.
“They wanted to come, but I took the invitation. I need to see you. I’ve been an ass.”
From the widening of her eyes, she hadn’t expected that comment. “What gave you the first clue?”
Her sarcasm sliced his heart. “I never should have kicked you out. It was wrong.” He clasped her elbow. “Please, Christina. Give me a minute, and I’ll explain everything.”
His plea must have gotten to her, for after looking around the room, she led him outside. “Say your piece, then I’d like you to leave.”
Ouch. This wasn’t how he envisioned it going down, but he’d take any time she was willing to give him. There was a beautiful garden on the side of the house. “Can we walk and talk?”
She stiffened, and he prayed she wouldn’t shut him out. “You hurt me.”
“I know, and I’m so sorry.” He couldn’t blame her for the cold shoulder. “First off, happy birthday.” He handed her the gift, but she didn’t attempt to open it. “Secondly, I need to tell you why I was so mean.”
“You were that, and more.”
They strolled past two guests smoking cigarettes and wandered closer to the edge of the property. He wanted privacy. “When I saw how Deke and Brett lit up when they were around you, it really hit me how empty my life really was.” He spotted a bench. “Can we sit?” His palms were sweating and his too-tight dress shoes had become unbearably uncomfortable.
“Fine.”
A security guard came out of the house and stood a good distance away, but his presence was obvious.
Zach turned toward her. “You, Christina Hardgrave, are an amazing woman, one who excites all of us, not only sexually, but emotionally.”
Her eyes widened and she leaned away from him. “All of you?”
He took her hand. When she didn’t pull out of his grasp, a thrill tripped up his arm. “Let me just cut to the chase. I love you, and I want to be with you.” His throat nearly closed up.
She stilled then laughed. “Well, you sure as hell have a funny way of showing it.”
He was afraid she’d have this reaction. “I know. I was scared.”
She studied him for a moment. “Scared of what?”
“That you’d leave me?”
“You never gave me a chance to be with you in the first place. Why did you think I’d leave?”
“Because you’d planned on only staying a week?” He picked up her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips. “I know. I’m a first-class jerk. I don’t know what to say other than will you give me a second chance?”
“No.”
His heart stopped for a second. “Christina, I shut you out because I wanted you so bad. I couldn’t be around you for fear you’d reject me.”
She pulled out of his grasp and crossed her arms. “What made you change your mind?”
He scrubbed a hand down his chin. “Look, after Maria died and I lost my parents, I buried myself into my work. When you came to the ranch, and I saw how you put the light back into my brothers’ eyes, I knew I wanted to live again.”
“Your brothers?”
Shit. He hadn’t meant to break the news to her that way. “About that. Deke and Brett are my younger brothers.”
She stood. “And I suppose they’re secretly married and were only toying with my affection?”
He jumped up. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, but he knew she’d struggle to get out. “No. They love you, too.”
A tear slid down her cheek. “Why did you lie?”
“Because I thought you might want us for our money.”
She choked out a laugh. “I’d want you for your money? That’s rich.”
“It’s true. We’re worth millions. There are too many women who see what we have and only register dollar signs.”
Her shoulders seemed to relax. “I can relate.” She told him about her grandmother’s trust and the reason why she had to go to the ranch in the first place.
“It doesn’t matter why you came. I could tell once you arrived, you seemed to like the ranch.”
“I did. I loved being there.”
He knew the rest of her thoughts. “But you have a life here. And a job you love.”
She sniffled, and he handed her a clean handkerchief. “I’ve worked my whole life to prove to my parents that I could make it on my own. You know that big box I brought with me with my work in it?”
He nodded.
“I had to give a presentation two days ago on which commodities my company should invest in. Out of all the brokers who presented, my two companies were chosen.”
He smiled. “That’s wonderful.”
She swallowed. “I thought so, too. The big decision makers smiled and said I did a great job, but in the end they just handed me another stack of companies to investigate.” She swiped her eyes. “What I’m trying to tell you is that the satisfaction I thought I’d get wasn’t there. I was more proud when I learned how to ride Molly.”
He stepped closer. “What are you trying to tell me?”
More tears flowed. “I don’t know. I want to be with you and your brothers, but I’m so conflicted.”
/> “Are you afraid your parents will be angry you took up with a bunch of cowboys?”
“Maybe.”
“You know if you did decide you wanted us in your life, there’d be lots for you to do.”
“Like what? Cook and clean?”
Make love to us. “Hardly. We’d hire a full-time cook and a maid if you came. No, running our ranch practically requires a full-time accountant. I know I could use the help, and I bet you’d love to see the horses give birth and learn all about the amount and kind of advertising we need to do. It’s a lot of work, but so worthwhile.”
“I might like that, but I’m not sure my parents would think highly of me being on a ranch.”
He ran a hand down her cheek. “You can’t let them live your life.”
“I know, but it’s hard.”
“I’d like to help you.” A glimmer came to her eye. “How about if I met your folks and see how they respond? You might be surprised. Most parents just want to see their children happy.”
Her gaze shot to the side. She looked up and a hint of a smile surfaced. “If I agree, I want no evidence of a moody man, or I’m walking out.”
His heart beat so fast he didn’t know how to respond. With the bodyguard peering down on them, he kissed her on the cheek. “It’s a deal.”
She grabbed his hand, and his heart skipped another beat.
They got halfway to the house when she stopped and faced him. “Just so you know, I really haven’t forgiven you. You have a lot of making up to do.”
“Babe, you have no idea how much I’m going to love making up for lost time.”
This time she laughed.
The meeting was a little stiff, but he managed to answer questions with some particularly good lies. He did say he owned a thousand-acre ranch, but that he also believed in hedging his investments in gold and other commodities. That brought a smile and a nod from her dad. Her mom was a tougher nut to crack, but after a few compliments about how she looked more like Christina’s sister than her mother, she seemed to soften.
“So, Mr. McKenna, are you married?”
He’d expected the question. “No, ma’am, but I hope to be soon.” He wasn’t sure if his glance and smile in Christina’s direction helped or hurt his cause.
“And children? You have any desire for them?”
This time he could be himself. “Absolutely. I’m thinking five is a nice number. My parents raised me and my two brothers to be well traveled and well educated. They felt that was necessary for success, no matter what career we wanted to pursue. I plan to do the same. I want to give my kids every advantage in life I had.”
He held his breath, hoping this was the answer she wanted to hear. It sure was the truth.
“Where are you from again, Mr. McKenna?”
From her grin and the fact she’d taken his hand in both of hers, he’d hit a home run. “My ranch is on the outskirts of Tucson.”
Her smile disappeared. “That’s so far away.”
“It is, but the drive is beautiful. I don’t mind coming up here when the mood strikes.”
Christina thankfully threaded an arm through his and tugged. “Mom, I want to introduce Zach to some of the other guests.”
“By all means. Go enjoy yourself.”
He strode off with Christina on his arm. She looked up at him. “I think that went well.”
“You think?” He’d tripped over his words a few times.
“Relax. My parents don’t bite.”
Could have fooled him.
“Christina!” A tall, thin woman ran up to her and threw her arms around her neck. “Happy birthday, sweetie.” She turned to him. “Now, who’s this hottie? If you don’t want him, will you toss him my way?”
He couldn’t believe Christina would have such an outgoing friend.
She leaned close to her girlfriend. “This is Zach. He’s one of the men I told you about. Remember, the barn and the rope? That’s him.”
The friend turned nine shades of red then held out her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Danielle, Christina’s BFF. You have really changed her life.”
He prayed in a good way.
Her friend backed up. “I’ll put your present on the table. Enjoy Zach.” She winked and rushed away.
* * * *
Over the next few weeks, Deke, Brett, and Zach visited as often as they could. Zach had told her he wanted to spend more time with her but decided it would be best if he gave her time to figure out what she wanted out of life. He’d hinted that if she decided to live with the three of them, she was welcome. Actually, it was more than a hint. He, or rather they, wanted her to be a permanent part of their lives, but she was still confused.
She’d held off on looking for a condo, not certain of her future.
The butler knocked on her door. She opened up.
“Mr. Zach is here to see you.”
“Thank you.”
After much soul searching, she knew she wanted the McKenna men. The first hurdle was to get Zach in bed. She couldn’t wait any longer. He’d been such a gentleman. He’d wanted to learn the type of wine she liked, and what kind of music and theatre she enjoyed. She admired his restraint, but she was at the breaking point.
She’d put on a low-cut red dress and heels. Simple, yet alluring. She met him downstairs.
“Hi.”
He’d dressed in a pair of charcoal-gray slacks with a white shirt open at the throat. Her panties got wet looking at him. He leaned over and kissed her. She leaned back, not knowing if anyone was watching.
“So where are we going tonight?” Every time Zach came, he’d surprised her with a different venue.
“I thought we’d go to Scottsdale, have a quiet dinner at a cute Mexican restaurant I’ve scoped out, and then head on over to the Art Walk. How does that sound?”
Given the way he looked when he smiled, he could have said they were going mud wrestling and she could have said okay.
The restaurant he picked out was a hidden gem she’d never visited and the food turned out to be divine. She had to smile when the musicians came over and serenaded her. The evening could only be more perfect if she finally got to experience Zach in bed.
She couldn’t believe how much fun they had at the Scottsdale Art Walk. Her favorite section was the pottery, whereas Zach really liked the watercolors. Before the night was over, he’d purchased three pieces. After he placed his purchases in the trunk, he headed back to her house.
She placed a hand on his thigh, high enough to get his attention, but not too high to distract him from driving. “How about you show me your hotel room first?” She had to work to keep the smile off her face.
Had the light been better, she bet she’d have seen a bit of surprise.
He glanced her way. “You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
“Well, then, let me show you my home away from home.”
He’d rented a suite at an extended-stay hotel for when he and his brothers visited her.
He showed her in. The moment the door closed, his lips were on hers. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve dreamed of kissing you.”
She’d dreamed of a lot more. When he led her to the bedroom, her heart zinged.
“Sit back, and let me treat you to a McKenna special.”
She didn’t know what that entailed, but she bet she’d like it. He slipped off her shoes and she moaned. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to take off my shoes. My feet were a lot happier on the ranch when I was wearing comfortable boots.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear.”
He rubbed her feet and calves and she thought she’d gone to heaven. When his hands slowly inched their way up to her pussy, she knew she was in for a ride of a lifetime.
Chapter Eleven
Christina couldn’t believe Zach had brought velvet ropes, but here she was naked, spread-eagle on the bed with her legs tied wide open and her hands tied over her head. She’d never been happier.
Zach st
ood gloriously naked at the end of the bed looking down at her. “You are the most glorious woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Ditto.” God, she couldn’t believe she was going to finally make love to him.
He opened a small case and pulled out what looked like a makeup brush. “Wait until you see what I can do with this.”
“You going to do my makeup?” She had to laugh.
Zach kept his gaze on her as he crawled onto the bed. “You are going to be at my mercy.” He grinned as he waved the brush. “I’ll have you screaming my name in no time.”
“Oh yeah?” He was right. She couldn’t resist him.
He lowered his head and got close enough to lick her, but instead opened her pussy lips with one hand while he dusted her opening. She jerked at the intensity of the erotic sparks shooting through her.
“Easy, babe. We have all night.”
“You aren’t the recipient of this carnal touching.”
He grinned, leaned over, and flicked his tongue down her wet pussy. Wave upon wave of need crashed down on her. Why did his every touch nearly send her over the edge? Next, the torturous brush traced circles down her sensitive thighs while he explored her folds with his tongue for some special place to tease her. She wanted him to nibble on her clit, but did he? No. She swore he was trying to keep her from climaxing.
“You have the most amazing snatch I’ve ever seen. Could you last a few days without eating or sleeping?”
Maybe he planned to keep her captive and satisfied for days. “Yes.” She loved this side of him. He was a playful devil who was kind and sensitive. Never in her wildest dreams did she think a man so good could have come from the brooding man she’d first met.
“Good. I plan to be here a long time.” The brush found its way to her breasts as his hand did wondrous things to her pussy. First one finger dove in then two. Using a come hither movement, he pressed her side walls, touching an area so sensitive she bucked up.
Monroe, Melody S. - Fantasy Ranch [Fantasy Resort 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 10
