She didn’t say anything for a while, and then as if she suddenly thought of something, she looked at him and asked, “Detective Adams. Did he pay you a visit today?”
Luke nodded. “Yes, he came by. It’s a good thing because of Alex that I have an idea how a detective, private or otherwise, operates or I would have been somewhat annoyed with his line of questioning. But I was glad to tell him anything he wanted to know, especially if it will move things along in the investigation. I completely understand that he has to check out every single detail. Like he said, Whitedyer Corporation is innocent until proven guilty.
With her being an attorney he knew she was the last person he had to remind, but felt he should to do so any way. “Has anyone from Whitedyer contacted you recently?”
She nodded. “Today, in fact. I gather Adams met with Farley. He wanted me to know that he didn’t appreciate me implicating them in any way with anything, especially with the cattle. Adams must have mentioned Jake’s involvement.”
Luke smiled. “He must have. I made sure I emphasized to Adams more than once that Jake intended to get to the bottom of what happened to those cattle; even if he had to bring in his own investigator.”
She lifted a brow. “Would Jake do that?”
“Yes, he would solicit Alex’s help in a heartbeat. And everyone knows how thorough Alex is. There won’t a single stone left unturned.”
Mackenzie thought about what Luke had said as she studied the designs on her bedspread. From the time she first met the Madaris family, she’d always heard about Alex Maxwell’s extraordinary skills as a private investigator. A former FBI agent who retained plenty of contacts, he was known to piece together even the most challenging of puzzles. He was also married to Luke’s cousin Christy, which meant that Alex was officially a member of the Madaris family.
“Mac.”
She switched her gaze to him. “Yes?”
Even before she had answered him she’d known what was on his mind. It was there, blatantly obvious in the dark depths of his eyes, and the knowledge, the deliberate awareness, made her breath catch. And then she watched as his lips, those same lips that had kissed her with passion, tasted her with hunger, and devoured her with reckless abandon, eased into a slow, sexy smile. It was a smile that sent a shiver through her body. It didn’t help matters that she was already naked. That state of undress only brought her senses to a whole other level.
“Do I need to tell you what I want?” he asked when he reached out and stroked his hand across her breasts, causing fire to thrum through her.
No, he didn’t need to tell her. She saw it in his eyes, felt it from his smile, and recognized it in his touch. The man could be both arrogant and humble most of the time, but when it came to making love to her, he was superiorly passionate all of the time. He had as much stamina as those bulls he rode.
Instead of answering him, she rose up and went straight for his mouth, covering his lips with her own and then kissing him with the same degree of passion that he always kissed her. She pressed her chest against his and knew he could feel the strong beat of her heart; a heart that he wasn’t even aware belonged to him.
As he took over control of the kiss, she felt his hand touching her practically everywhere it could reach and sending sensations all through her, especially in the apex of her thighs. And before she could wonder what his next move would be, he shifted their positions at the same moment that he gently gripped her backside with both hands and impelled her on to him, thrust into her, letting his huge erection fill every inch of her. And with it came a need and a hunger that she felt all the way down to her toes.
For a moment he didn’t move. It was if he wanted to savor the feel of her body anchored to his, her bare hips and thighs clenching his. She wanted to savor it as well. Relish the moment of having him embedded inside of her so deep.
And then she released his mouth on a silent “oh” when it became clear to her that he wasn’t wearing a condom. The head of his staff buried inside of her felt hot and engorged. She was aware of when he realized that fact as well and was about to retreat, and she tightened her thighs on him and whispered, “I’m on the pill, Luke.”
He blew breath through his lungs as if she’d thrown him a lifeline with what she’d said. But then he withdrew from inside of her, only to thrust back in a stroke that was long, deep, and heavy.
Over and over he repeated the process, pushing her over the edge, taking her senses with him, and causing her body to purr in sensuous pleasure. Everything about him, about this, was right—perfect and beautiful. When it came to pleasuring her he always took it a notch higher each time.
Tonight was no different. Already waves of desire were taking on a new meaning. She was elated by every movement of his body. Breathlessly she succumbed, and when she heard him call her name, felt the hard bucking of his body, felt that long, final thrust before he exploded, sending his hot release to all parts of her womanly core, she cried out his name, tightened her muscles that clamped him, determined to get all that she could and then some.
She loved him with her mind, body, and soul. For this little while, he was hers and she was his. All was well.
“Glad to see you, Uncle Jake,” Luke said, smiling when he was enveloped in a gentle but genuinely affectionate bear hug by the man who had always been there for him.
Jake Madaris released Luke and chuckled. “You knew I would be coming this way sooner or later, if nothing more than to keep Mama off your back.”
He then gazed at his nephew from his head to his feet. “Other than the fact you could use a shave, I’d say you look healthy enough.”
Luke smiled and decided not to mention to his uncle that Mackenzie liked his “need-a-shave” look. “Come on in. Mac’s got the guest room prepared for you.”
“I don’t want to put her out. I can stay at the hotel.”
“You won’t be putting her out. She wants you to stay here. Besides, she knows you want to check on the rest of the cattle.”
Jake nodded. “Have the police discovered anything new?”
“No, not yet.”
Jake shook his head. “Well, I got a call from Henry Whitedyer a few days ago. The man wanted to assure me there’s been a mistake and his company has had nothing to do with those two incidents involving Mac, especially the poisoning of my cattle. He feels his company doesn’t have to resort to underhanded tactics and behaviors, and when the time comes his attorney will handle Mac in the courtroom.”
“Sounds like he’s pretty sure of that,” Luke said, not liking the man’s overstated confidence.
“Evidently. Has Mac heard from Ashton?”
“Yes, he called several times and of course he’s ready to come back to Oklahoma if there’s a need. But this is something Mac wants to handle on her own. However, I did convince her to talk to Clayton and Syneda. They may be able to shed some light on a few laws that she’s not sure about.”
Jake nodded. “That’s a good idea.” He glanced around. “And where is Mac?”
“Riding the land with the men. She does it every Saturday morning. She’ll be back soon.”
Jake studied Luke’s features. “You’re dying to get back on a horse, aren’t you?”
Luke laughed. “How can you tell?”
“By the deep longing in your voice when you mentioned that Mac was out riding. Has the doctor given you a date when you can return to the circuit?”
Luke shook his head. “I have a follow-up appointment in two weeks and will know something then. My physical therapy ends next week and both my knees and chest are feeling fine.”
“And I guess you can’t wait to return.”
“No, I can’t wait.” Luke quickly dismissed the fact that what he’d said was a lie. At least partly. Especially when returning to the circuit meant leaving Mac behind. His entire body tightened at the thought of how they shared a bed every night and woke up to each other every morning. At first he’d assumed he was so captivated by her because of his lon
g sexual drought, but now he wasn’t so sure what it was. All he knew was that he enjoyed being with her more than he’d ever enjoyed being with any woman. She could raise his temperature from a look, a touch, a plain old sigh.
“Come on, Uncle Jake, let’s get you settled in before Mac gets back. I gave her my word that I would take care of you.”
Mackenzie took a sip of her coffee while glancing across her desktop to study the man who was quietly going over the livestock breeding records. To say that even in his late forties, Jake Madaris was the epitome of a vividly handsome man would definitely be an accurate assessment. He had to be every bit of six feet seven inches tall and his curly hair was an enticing blend of gray and black. His features were striking, the kind that would immediately reach out and grab any woman’s attention. He had dark eyes and skin the color of smooth chestnut and a fierce jawline. It was evident that he kept his muscled body in great shape, and there was something both sexy and charismatic about him. But then she had to admit that although Jake had dark good looks and gentlemanly manners, it was Luke who had captured her heart. Luke who could start her pulse racing whenever he looked at her. And it was Luke who gave her the energy to make love with him all night long if that’s what he wanted.
Jake closed the books, glanced over at her and smiled. “Things are as they should be. You’ve been doing an excellent job.”
“Thanks,” she said, feeling immediate relief. To be able to do business with Jake was a dream come true for any person. “I just wish I had somehow prevented what happened to those cattle.”
Jake waved off her statement. “There was no way you could have foreseen what happened. The only thing we can do is recoup our losses, move on, and take every precaution to prevent a repeat.”
“That’s what I told her, Uncle Jake,” Luke said, coming into Mackenzie’s office. He had been in the kitchen while talking on the phone to his parents. They called each week to make sure he was doing okay and didn’t need anything. Luke Jr. and Sarah Madaris were the best parents anyone could have.
“Then I’m going to depend on you to help me convince her,” Jake said. “There is no doubt in my mind that the authorities will eventually get those responsible.”
Jake pushed aside the report he’d been reading. “Luke gave me a brief overview of what’s going on with you and Whitedyer and the case you have against them. In fact, Henry Whitedyer contacted me a few days ago about it.”
Mackenzie blinked, surprised. “He did?”
“Yes. He heard of my involvement with the cattle since we’re business partners and wanted to assure me that no matter what you assume, Mac, neither he nor his company is in any way responsible for what’s been going on. And they are willing to battle it out in court with you and are not using any type of scare tactics.”
“And what was your response, Uncle Jake?” Luke wanted to know.
“Mainly that I truly hoped not and that I believed the authorities would find the person or persons responsible. And I did let him know that if it’s determined Whitedyer is involved, I will make sure his company isn’t just rendered some sort of hand-lapping or fine. That I will make it my business to make sure they are punished to the full extent of the law.”
Both Luke and Mackenzie knew that Jake’s words weren’t meant as an idle threat. He had the means and the connections to make sure it happened.
“And I heard that Blade and Slade are sending a mini-crew out here next week to do some work for you,” Jake said.
Mackenzie knew that was his way of changing the subject. There was nothing left to be said. “Yes, there’s a miniature cabin behind the kitchen that I used pretty much to store junk. I realized what limited space I have when anyone comes visiting and thought it would be nice to turn it into a guest cottage, similar to the ones you have at Whispering Pines. Slade took a look at it when he was here and said he could send out a small work crew and they can have it completed in no time. That means it will be ready for Clayton and Syneda’s visit.” She smiled. “They’ve agreed to act as my consultants on the Whitedyer case.”
Jake chuckled. “Then you have a winning team, although I don’t know how they will pull it off since they practically never agree on anything.”
Mackenzie wasn’t sure how they did it either, but she was grateful for their willingness to help.
“I would appreciate it if you just hear me out, Madaris,” Syneda said to her husband, attempting with an upraised hand to silence him if only for a second. He was notorious for trying to get her to see things his way even when she was adamant about not doing so.
“All law students practically cut their teeth on the Berman versus Parker case of 1954. I, for one, did not agree with the Supreme Court’s decision, just as I didn’t agree with their decision regarding Kelo of 2005,” she proceeded on to say. “The outcome of that one was definitely an unfair infringement on the rights of property owners. I can see the same thing happening with Whitedyer. They want that land for their personal use.”
Clayton leaned against the corner of her desk. “And it’s within their constitutional rights to do so if it can provide an economic boost to the community. Whitedyer is claiming that it can.”
“But that land has been in the Coroni family for years. It’s no different than if the government decides to take Whispering Pines away from the Madaris family because Disney wants to build another ‘World’ out there that will employ a lot of people. At some point the government has to protect its citizens.”
Clayton sighed, deciding to stop his wife before she got on a roll. “We can argue back and forth all day but none of it will help Mac. And the example of Whispering Pines isn’t a good one because it was given to the Madarises in a Mexican land grant. Thanks to Carlos Antonio Madaris, Whispering Pines will always remain in the Madaris family and is exempt from eminent domain.”
Syneda rolled her eyes. Of course she had heard the story many times of how back in the early eighteen hundreds, Carlos—half Mexican and half African American—and his wife of Mexican descent, Christina Marie, settled on the ten thousand acres of land that was known today as Whispering Pines, where Jake made his home. “In order to help Mac we need to find out everything,” she said. “If Whitedyer is responsible for what happened to her office and with the cattle then there has to be a reason they’re going to such extremes.”
She sighed deeply. “Another thing I’m curious about is whether or not what Mac heard is true, whether they intend to do what they claim with the land, or if once they take possession of the land they will pass it on to a third party who has other plans,” she said.
“But even if that’s the case, will it matter to the courts as long as it boosts the economy?” Clayton asked with a serious expression.
Syneda knew Clayton had asked a good question. The Oklahoma City court system could still try and use the Fifth Amendment to support their stance that it was okay to take private property for private development if it would create jobs.
“I think we should try and find out if what Mac heard is true,” Syneda said.
Clayton agreed. “But doing so would be equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack,” he said.
Syneda nodded. “Yes, but we both know someone who’s capable of doing that very thing.”
They smiled and said the name at the same time. “Alex.”
Chapter 18
Mackenzie decided to hang back and remain on the porch while Luke walked Jake to the car. Both men were tall and extremely good-looking, and over the past few days she’d gotten the opportunity to see just how alike they were. Both had a love of livestock, specifically horses. They were true horsemen in every sense of the word and had ranching in their blood.
Although Luke was a dedicated cowboy on the rodeo circuit, she’d discovered during his interactions with Jake just how much he knew about ranching. He was as knowledgeable about the cattle industry as Jake was, and it had been rather educational listening to them discuss the ins and outs of cattle and horse bree
ding.
Jake said something that made Luke throw his head back and laugh. The sound was rich and vibrant just like the man himself. Although she had told Luke that it wouldn’t bother her if Jake discovered they were lovers, he’d made the decision to keep things between them private and had slept on the sofa.
But that hadn’t stopped the want and desire from appearing in his eyes whenever he looked at her. She wouldn’t be surprised if Jake had seen it as well. But it truly wouldn’t matter if Luke had tried to hide it. Jake Madaris was a very observant man and there was no way he didn’t know there was something going on between them. They might pretend to be just friends but she figured Jake had picked up on the fact there was a lot more to it.
And it hadn’t stopped her heart from becoming more Luke’s with each passing moment. She’d always figured that when she fell in love, she would fall hard. That was one of the reasons she could now say that Lawrence had swept her off her feet for all the wrong reasons and for a little while she hadn’t been immune to his charm.
Things were totally different with Luke. He had a different type of charm than the one Lawrence possessed. Luke had a style that rejected phoniness of any kind. He was who he was and didn’t try to be anyone else. He never resorted to sugarcoating his words or making you believe the situation was any different than what was presented. Mackenzie knew that no matter how much he might enjoy her in bed, he wasn’t in love with her, and when the time came he would walk out the door and not look back.
On that day her heart would shatter into a million pieces, but she couldn’t help but love him anyway. The woman inside of her couldn’t resist doing so. It was something she couldn’t deny. Being on the rodeo circuit had a grip on him in a way that she never could or ever would. She knew his passion in life. Knew it and accepted it.
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