Grand Parade (Show Time Fever Book 1)

by Lilliana Rose

  The heat burst from between her thighs, expanding out to take over her entire body.

  Jackson walked calmly up to Bruce, took hold of his rope, and scratched him behind his eyes. “Come closer. He won’t bite.”

  Just like that the heat was cooled and replaced with fear as she looked at Jackson. There was no way she wanted to get that close to Bruce ever again. Jackson or no Jackson standing next to him.

  Megan shook her head.

  “He’s fine. It will help you.” He held out a handful of hay.

  “I don’t see how.”

  “You know getting back on the horse and all that.”

  He smiled at her. A warm smile that fanned the ember inside of her making it glow a hotter red. And helping her trust him. His smile was like a beacon to a moth attracted to a light, but she wasn’t keen to think of herself a moth. His smile was certainly attractive. Eased any doubt in her that whether or not he was worth taking a risk.

  Megan walked towards Jackson. Slowly. Hesitantly. Moving closer to his smile, and feeling his heat envelope around her the closer she came to him.

  Bruce suddenly flicked his tail.

  Megan froze.

  “Steady.”

  She wasn’t sure if Jackson was speaking to her or Bruce. The bull moved uneasily on his feet. Megan stepped away from him, but not too far because on her left stood a cow.

  “I don’t think he likes me.” An ache in Megan’s head began and she was happy to blame Bruce. She touched her head where his hoof had made an impression she’d rather forget.

  “He likes you all right,” said Jackson.

  Megan looked at him. Is he flirting with me? She noticed Jackson’s cheeks went a soft red. His blue eyes locked with hers, and she could feel herself falling into them. She wasn’t so sure that Jackson had been referring to Bruce or not. She didn’t care. Feeling calm once more, and connected with her usual sense of determination, she stepped forward until she stood close to Bruce’s head.

  “See, he’s not scared of you.”

  A ripple of nerves fluttered down her body. Megan wasn’t so sure that the tension was all about being so close to Bruce.

  “He likes to be stroked behind the ear, then down the neck. Like this.” Jackson moved his hand and showed her. Megan could see Bruce lean into the ear-rub, gently. I can’t believe I’m standing next to a ton of beef on legs. Her mind swirled a little, but she kept her balance.

  Being this close to Jackson had an intense effect on her, not just Bruce, and she battled to keep the excitement, nerves, in equilibrium. She didn’t want to be too excited. God knows she wouldn’t keep her hands off of Jackson then, and if she was too nervous, she’d be running from this shed quick smart.

  Jackson reached for her hand. Heat spread across her skin, up her hand, through her body, easing the nerves about being close to Bruce. He placed her hand behind Bruce’s ear. She began to move her fingers, rubbing him, not too dissimilar to how she would rub a dog, but different. The bull’s weight leaned into her and she nearly pulled away.

  “See, I told you. He’s just a big softy really.” Jackson’s voice soothed and reminded her that he was barely a step away, with kissable lips, and with a hot body.

  The more she patted Bruce, the more Megan found her fear of the bull fading. It kept her from doing anything with Jackson she might end up regretting later. She continued looking at Bruce, not trusting herself to glance at Jackson.

  Megan knew he stared at her, with his deep blue eyes, genuine stare, easy-going smile. And she knew if she met his gaze, she wouldn’t be able to stop him if he kissed her. If he wasn’t going to, then she would plant her own lips on his, and play her tongue over his.

  Her arm tired and she moved her hand down Bruce’s neck. He was full of muscle and harsh short hair. It felt weird to touch. The sensation on her fingers heightened from the closeness of Jackson. Lustful thoughts filled her mind.

  “This is the first bull I’ve patted.” The words were out before she realised how lame she probably sounded to Jackson. She looked up, horrified her mouth had once again portrayed her by saying the first thing it thought of. She was going to say something to try and fix what she’d said.

  Instead, Jackson moved forward, pressing his lips on hers. A pleasant fiery heat burned on her lips, as he kissed her. Her thoughts muddled. She could only think of him, standing in front of her, his lips on hers, moving slowly, fusing with hers evoking a delicious heat.

  The sound of someone clearing their throat caused them both to pull away from the kiss prematurely. Megan glanced over her shoulder towards the sound. A girl about her own age, was standing there, dressed in typical country clothes, hair tied back in a ponytail, hands across her chest, and a stormy look on her face.

  Megan’s heart dropped from her chest. I should’ve known he was taken. Why didn’t I ask? But, then she wasn’t sure he would tell the truth. Guys often didn’t. It didn’t matter if they were with one or two women, or more. She knew, the first guy she’d been with had been like that.

  “Jackson, I’ve been looking for you,” the girl said sharply.

  “Julie, this is Megan. My friend.”

  Julie’s eyes widened. Megan’s face flushed an uncomfortable heat. She felt Jackson’s arm move protectively around her waist. It felt good. But, she wasn’t sure that she wanted this. Not now seeing her there. Julie.

  “I mean, Julie is my friend, and Megan is …”

  Megan wasn’t sure what to think. Julie’s stare darkened, then she spun and stormed away.

  “Julie …” Jackson gritted his teeth. “Megan, she’s not my girlfriend. I know this sounds stupid or clichéd, or whatever. I just don’t know what to say or do to convince you. This looks really bad.”

  Megan turned around and looked at him, measuring the sincerity in his eyes. “I believe you.”

  “Thank you.”

  But, right now, it was too much. “Look, I’ve got to get some photos. I’ll see you later.”

  She rushed the words, slipped out of his grip. His hand glided over her hips and the sensation flared heat in her once more, awakening the ache and the hunger she wanted to ease with him. No, he’s got Julie. She might only be a friend, but she was a country girl. And I’m a city girl, through and though. Megan stepped away. Hell, I barely could stand next to Bruce.

  “Megan, please come and see me again. I want you.”

  Megan hurried away. I bet he wants me. But, she wasn’t about to step on another woman’s territory. Her eyes watered and she blinked them back, focusing on getting the hell out of there. She knew that look on Julie’s face even if the other girl hadn’t said anything. I’d hardly make a good farmer’s wife, Megan thought. I’m just a fling while he’s in the city and we all know it.

  Chapter 7

  Jackson let her go. He turned and kicked the wooden stall. A dull pain shot up his leg, but he didn’t allow himself to limp when he walked. I should’ve known. There had been that unspoken relationship between him and Julie, then this year the girls claimed they wanted to share a locker to keep the costs down.

  How could’ve I been so blind? They’d grown up together. There was potential between him and Julie to make a good couple, especially since she knew all about farm life. Maybe, he would’ve allowed something to happen with Julie this show. Maybe. But, three days ago he met Megan, who had rocked his world, made him remember his little sister and scared the living daylights out of him when his bull hurt her. And ever since she was the only woman he could think of. Getting drunk last night, allowing his defenses down with Julie, meant he had one hell of a situation to sort out.

  Jackson strode along the aisles, looking for Julie. He had to let Megan go. She had said that she believed him, but before he went after her, he needed to sort out things with Julie. He saw her, sitting in the corner of the shed, semi-hidden by bales of hay.

  “I wasn’t myself last night.” He surprised himself by getting the words out even though his mind wasn’t
really working

  “You were fine.”

  “I was very drunk and not thinking straight.” Guilt stabbed at his heart. “I didn’t mean to suggest it was anything more than friendship.” He swallowed, his mouth dry. It felt like tiny razors tumbled down his throat.

  Julie went bright red. “You were very clear the other night.”

  “I wasn’t. I was drunk. You knew that.” He stood his ground, in a quiet strength. “Don’t make this worse than it needs to be.”

  “Bastard.” She stood and stormed away.

  He exhaled. He knew damn well that he’d gotten out of that lightly. He’d just wished he’d told her sooner. Actually he wished he’d never sent the text to the wrong woman.

  Now, he needed to fix things with Megan. A twist in his gut made him think that it wasn’t going to be so easy. He didn’t know her, but wanted to take a chance. Who knew where it would lead to with Megan? Maybe, nowhere. He walked out of the cattle shed, wondering where to start looking for her at the show.

  I could just text her. She wouldn’t answer. Like looking for a needle in a haystack. But, God, he’d find that needle, and sort out this mess. Even if it meant he ended up alone.

  Megan walked blindly through the crowd, dodging prams, and kids screaming with excitement. She couldn’t believe what just happened. She couldn’t process what had just happened. Julie. Megan pulled a face. A heavy stupid feeling filled her stomach. She’d felt like one of the cows Jackson led around the arena. While, he apologised quickly, and made it clear it was unrequited love with Julie, an uneasiness picked away inside of her like sharp little reminders. She knew jack-all about farming. About living in the country. Megan couldn’t help think that there was only one thing a guy as good-looking as Jackson wanted.

  Her lips tingled in a gentle reminder of the connection between them. It was real, despite their differences. Regardless, whether or not she was a city girl, and Julie had more of a chance with Jackson than her because she knew his world.

  Megan touched her lips as she weaved between people, realising that she wanted just more than just a kiss, or sex, though that would definitely be fun. She wanted to know him, to hope that maybe they had a future. She didn’t want to have to put up with any other women muscling in. Competitive, she wanted to succeed in her career. However, when it came to guys she relied on the attraction, the chemistry that pulled them together. Heat lingered on her lips. His salty taste on her tongue made her aware that chemistry with Jackson had intensified to a level she’d never experienced before.

  She sighed. Her thoughts tangled again. A dull throb began in her head. Carefully, she walked up the ramp to the sheep pavilion, and sat down on the metal stand. The show was beginning to get started. Sheep were being taken from their pens, walked down along the narrow aisle by men and women wearing white coats.

  An announcement told her that judging would start in five minutes. She pulled out her Royal Show program looking for a distraction. It was too soon to go back to Jackson. Now that she’d seen him, she knew she wanted to see him again. She wanted to kiss him once more and allow the kiss to lead her down a more intimate path. She didn’t want to think how Julie could ruin things, or complicate things. Even if Jackson said she was a friend. I’m a friend too. A kissing friend, and that wasn’t sitting well with her.

  Why is the start of a relationship so difficult?

  Megan flicked through the pages. She should check out the dogs and cats, and even the main arena for some of the horse events. It was going to be a busy day. Then she froze. Her mind caught up with the thought. Relationship? It’s too soon for that.

  A blush warmed her cheeks and Megan smiled. It was too soon. She barely knew him, but the potential wrapped around her mind. It separated her from the confusion and jealousy of encountering Julie. I’ll go see him later, Megan told herself. She didn’t want him to think she was too eager.

  Jackson survived his first committee meeting, and managed to avoid being assigned any special jobs to do the next year. He walked back towards the cattle shed. So far, he hadn’t managed to find Megan, or get the courage to text or ring her. Gutless. Her image filled his mind frequently during the meeting, and kept him from falling asleep.

  Word had gotten around about him and Julie having a falling-out. His mum looked at him sternly but hadn’t said anything. It hadn’t been his intention to have two women around at once. He was only interested in one. Megan.

  He walked to his sleeping locker. I should remove my gear. There was no way he’d sleep in a confined space tonight with Julie. There wasn’t a hope in hell that anything would happen. When he did manage to talk to Megan, which he kept playing out successfully in his mind, he didn’t want to upset her further by letting her discover he was sleeping in the same quarters as Julie.

  He took out his keys, and put his hand on the lock. It was a small security, but there wasn’t much inside worth stealing. He’d be pretty peeved if someone nicked his swag. They weren’t cheap, and he’d had this one for nearly five years now and it was worn in just right for him.

  “What the hell did you do to Julie?”

  Jackson turned to see Heath walking up to him.

  “Man, she’s angry at you.” Heath shook his head as if in commiseration.

  Jackson clenched his jaw. “Just a misunderstanding.” It sounded pitiful, but it was the truth. More her misunderstanding. Why couldn’t she have waited until I was sober? Then he would’ve had the wits to keep her at arms-length and send her on her way. But, the real regret was he wished he hadn’t drunk so much.

  “Oh yeah, I say it was more than that. I think she plans to string you up by the balls.”

  “Sounds like her.” Jackson struggled to get the lock open.

  Heath leaned his hand on the green painted wooden door of the small shed that they had been calling home since the start of the show. “By the way, mate, she’s moved your stuff.”

  Jackson groaned quietly. “Where?”

  “Over there.” Heath pointed and Jackson turned to see his stuff piled up on the ground nearby. He pursed his lips together stopping himself from swearing.

  “Never mind, mate. You’ll get over her, or see the light and make up with her.” Heath patted him on the back.

  “I’m not making up with her,” said Jackson firmly. “Nothing ever happened, and it’s never going to.”

  “Sure.” Heath sounded like he didn’t believe him. “She got us a new lock too.”

  Jackson let go of the lock on the door. He should’ve guessed that. It was a shiny new padlock. “I’ll find somewhere else to set up then.”

  Heath laughed. “Good luck with that, mate.” He walked off.

  Jackson picked up his things, struggling to hold everything. He looked around for an empty locker to claim. The edge of his swag was damp, which he hoped was with water and not piss, animal or human. He wrinkled his nose. Right now, he was stuffed from lack of sleep, chatting with people, and now this crap with Julie. What he really wanted to be doing right now was to look for Megan.

  Hundreds of photos later, Megan had almost forgotten the incident with Jackson. At least her mind wasn’t swinging between whether he had a thing for Julie or not. Once she’d settled down and could think, she knew he’d made it clear that Julie was only a friend. Megan planned to talk to him about it. She’d decided that much. What she hadn’t been able to do was to ring him, or text him, or have the time to find him yet. Or the courage to. There was that little bit of doubt left that niggled in her mind, stopping her from acting. Instead she’d thrown herself in her photography, which was something that always helped ground her and improve her mood.

  She made her way back to the office, the loud music and screams of people enjoying the carnival at the show echoed in her ears. Megan felt alive, happy with life, finally making it with her photos after many years of trying to break into a tough industry.

  Always looking for images to photograph, she stopped a few times and took mor
e photos this time mainly of the rides that she was too scared to go on herself. Satisfied she had more than enough photos for the newspaper she went back to her office. Megan hadn’t realised how tired her legs were after nearly six hours of walking around the show grounds.

  In the newspaper office, she slumped back in the chair and hooked her SD card to the reader to transfer the pictures to the computer.

  Helen eyed her. She was a curvy middle-aged woman, dark hair cropped short, a practical style for someone who had a busy life. She always dressed smartly, even though she rarely got out of the office. “You feeling all right?”

  “Yeah.” Megan looked back to the desk where her editor worked. “Just tired from walking around.” It was more than that. She looked back at the screen mindlessly watching the images highlight after they had been copied onto the computer. Jackson entered her mind, wearing his Akubra hat, cheeky smile, and muscled arms that were more than strong enough to carry her.

  “I’m not sure that you are okay.”

  “What?” Megan sat up straighter in the chair, embarrassed she’d been caught daydreaming about Jackson. “I’m fine.’

  Helen giggled. “Did you get to see that guy again?”

  A gentle heat spread across her face. “What guy?” She knew damn well who Helen was referring to.

  Helen raised an eyebrow and put on a ‘don’t-play-innocent-with-me’ expression. “You know who.”

  The heat in Megan’s cheeks increased. So did the images of Jackson in her mind. She kept looking at the screen.

  “You should go and see him.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Megan squirmed in her seat. This wasn’t the sort of conversation she was used to having with her boss.

  “I think you should.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s either him who’s distracting you, or you need to go back to the hospital, because the downloading has stopped and you’ve been staring at the screen, not responding.”