by Gary, Codi
Distracted by his hands on her own belt, she hardly had time to catch her breath before he was unbuckling the leather, and reaching for the snap of her jeans. He wasted no time pulling down her zipper and pushing her jeans down to her thighs as his mouth found the pulse on her neck.
Head flopping back, she shifted from one foot to the other, kicking her boots off and to the side. Her hands grabbed his own belt and struggled with it, until he pushed her hands away and did the job himself, his mouth moving down to the place where her shoulder and neck met. She heard the snap of his jeans and zipper coming undone right before the clank of a belt hit the floor, and sanity almost returned to her.
Almost.
When his hand grabbed the hem of her t-shirt and yanked it up and over, she caught her breath as the cool air rose goosebumps all over her body. She kicked her pants and underwear off her legs as his mouth took possession of hers again, his hands all over her, molding her body like she was clay on a potter’s wheel.
He unclipped her bra and helped her slide it down her arms. Fully naked, she had no idea how to proceed. Did they go to the bedroom?
When he finished kicking his own pants off, he made the decision for her, turning her around to face the kitchen table. The crinkly sound of a condom wrapper and his heavy breathing told her that he was almost ready and she had no idea what to do.
The heat of his body pressed against her back as his hands cupped her breasts, tweaking her nipples between his thumb and forefinger before crushing them gently in his palms. She cried out and he released one of her breasts, his hand searching down her body until his fingers pushed between the folds of her mound and he slipped a finger inside her.
“Oh.” The soft moan escaped her before she could catch it, her body pulsating with heat as his mouth nibbled at her neck and shoulders while his finger teased her. His teeth caught her earlobe, his hot breath exhaling against her ear as he whispered, “Put your hands flat on the table.”
She didn’t ask why, something she would have done under any other circumstance, but she trusted Jake about this and wanted him.
When he stopped teasing and touching her, she whimpered in protest, but her disappointment was short lived as she felt him adjust behind her until the head of his cock was just inside her. When his big hands grabbed her hips and he thrust deep, her hands curled against the wood of the table, her insides humming as his length slid in and out, massaging her until her insides started squeezing as she felt her body aching for release.
When the first wave hit, her body went cold for a split second before agonizingly glorious heat suffused her and she screamed as she came hard, her arms trembling as she fought to not collapse into a puddle of satisfied woman.
Jake’s hands tightened on her and she sighed as he groaned, thrusting slower, deeper, longer until he was finally still behind her. His large, warm frame curled over hers and soft kisses rained over her back, shoulders, and neck.
She pushed off the table to stand straight, and he slipped out of her as she turned to face him.
“I’m-
She put a finger over his lips to stop whatever he was going to say. It had been intense, and now she understood what girls had always meant when they talked about getting “carried away.”
“I’ll warm up our food.”
“Rand-
Her mouth covered his, her arms twining around his neck as she pushed her breasts against his chest. With a groan he circled her waist and murmured against her lips. “I didn’t mean to be so rough.”
“Did I complain,” she asked.
She felt his lips lift into a smile. “No.”
“Alright then.”
Rand finished her morning chores and went inside to take a shower. She didn’t want to spend the day with Jamie and Tabby, looking at scantily clad mannequins, but it was too late to cancel now.
She was just pulling on her boots when she heard knocking at the front door. Taking a deep breath, she went out to open it, greeting Tabby and Jamie with only a tablespoon of apprehension.
“Hey, y’all.”
A white travel cup was thrust into her hand and her other arm grabbed as they yanked her out the door.
“We have a lot to do today to plan for Friday.”
Rand’s gaze flicked between the two women flanking her on either side. “Friday?”
“Yes, Friday! We are going to have a wonderful girl’s night in with margaritas, tacos, and penis cake.” Tabby said the last with a squeal attached to it.
“What the hell is penis cake?” Rand asked as she was pushed into the car.
“It’s like regular cake, but shaped like a penis.” Jamie answered as she crawled into the back.
Rand could already feel a head ache coming on. “Look, guys-
“Oh and we got Marissa to come do the Naughty Girl Party for us. Full demonstration.”
Tabby started the car and Rand reached for the door handle.
“What kind of demonstration?”
“You’ll see! You are going to love it! They are so fun.” Jamie gave her a reassuring smile, but Rand wasn’t convinced.
Rand’s feet were going to fall off and it was barely two. As they sat down for lunch, she arranged the two bags of “wedding lingerie” they had insisted she needed and prayed the waitress would hurry up and take their order. She was dying for a burger, so hungry she could probably eat the whole cow.
“Okay, so we got you lingerie, decorations for the party, and prizes. What else?” Tabby sat down as she asked.
“Just food and drinks, I think,” Jamie answered.
Thank God. Shopping was not her thing. At all.
“Rand, you never told us how Jake asked you.”
Her mouth opened as she stared at Jamie, and remembering where they’d been when he’d asked, her cheeks turned scarlet.
“Isn’t that…ehem…private?”
Both women were silent until Tabby’s pealing laughter burst out loudly. “Normally, no, but I guess we’ll make an exception in your case.”
“Are Jake and you getting rings for each other?” Jamie asked.
Rand touched her naked ring finger. “I’m not sure. We haven’t talked about it.”
“We should go look. Maybe something will pop out at you.” Tabby suggested.
Rand slunk down in her seat. More shopping?
Jamie snickered. “I think she’s done.”
“She just needs a second wind. A little food and she’ll be right as rain.” Tabby started waving at their waitress and Jamie gave Rand a sympathetic look.
Tabby and Jamie dropped Rand off at six, and despite her bone deep aching exhaustion, she dropped her bags off inside and went to do her chores. Tabby had been right about getting food; she had definitely been less irritable after she’s eaten. They’d gone to the jewelry store, where Rand had wandered along the glass cases, avoiding eye contact with the sales man. She hadn’t wanted to waste his time.
Then she’d seen it. A dark metal circle, simple and masculine, and for the first time that day, she’d been excited. It was perfect for Jake and she couldn’t wait to show him.
She felt a little guilty when she saw that the cows had been brought in to the small pasture with the barn. She’d completely forgotten they were going to do that today.
She caught Andy leaving the barn and waved him to a stop. “Hey, I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help with the cows.”
Andy let out a raspy chuckle. “Hell, Rand, you think your granddaddy did everything around here? Hell, no. Lazy son of a bitch barely scratched his ass.”
Rand bit back a smile at the lie. Granddaddy had run the Double C with an iron fist of control which is why she’d worked so hard to prove she was worthy.
“I just meant that I know I’ve been distracted, but things will calm down after all this business with granddaddy’s will is over with.”
Andy patted her shoulder firmly. “You’re a good egg, Rand. R.E. would be proud.”
Rand’s eyes burned and she co
vered her emotions by clearing her throat. “Thanks, Andy. I’ll see ya later.”
Jake locked up the store a little after seven and walked to his truck, fiddling with the ring box in his pocket. He’d meant to give it to Rand last night, but been distracted by what had happened in the kitchen. He hadn’t meant to go all caveman on her, but even when he had been sick, he had wanted Rand. He’d stewed with his frustration for three days and when it had finally erupted, he’d been impatient. After they’d finally gotten around to dinner, he’d made love to her slower, and gentler until she’d been the one to surprise him.
“I’m not made of fine china, Jake. I don’t break easily.”
God, he loved that she was saucy. She wasn’t afraid to tell him what she thought to his face and he had always appreciated it.
“Well, look at you. You got tall, Jakers”
Jake froze at the door of his truck and turned to face his brother. “I’m the same as I was the last time you saw me.”
Dustin Hansen stood a few feet away and Jake hardly recognized his big brother. An inch or so taller than Jake, he was brawnier, and intimidating as hell. It wasn’t just the size of him though, it was also the lines on his face that hadn’t been there before, and the look in the dim lighting of the street light. His brother’s eyes looked haunted.
Dustin stuck his hand out and Jake took it, surprised when Dustin yanked him in for a tight, back slapping hug. “It’s good to see you, Jakers.”
Jake chuckled. “No one calls me Jakers, Dusty.”
Suddenly, Jake found himself in a headlock, on the receiving end of some painful noogies. “No one calls me Dusty, either.”
Jake cursed and squirmed away, laughing. “So let’s make a deal. No Dusty or Jakers.”
“Deal. So you want to come by mom’s and meet your nephew? He’s a cute little shit.” Dustin’s whole face glowed with pride.
Jake hesitated. “Sure, but I’ll have to call Rand. She’s expecting me.”
“Mom said to bring her along. She wants to talk to her about the bridal shower, something about a co-ed one? I think mom is trying to get with the times,” Dustin said, laughing.
Rand was going to love that.
Rand had agreed to go with Jake to his mom’s house for dinner, although she’d been pretty put out that Jake hadn’t told her Dustin was coming home.
“I just forgot. We’ve had a lot of other things going on.”
Rand didn’t believe him for a minute, but she wasn’t going to keep arguing about it on his mother’s stoop. When the door flew open, Dustin stood in the doorway, his eyes popping out of his head. “Rand, is that you?”
Rand gave Dustin a wide grin. Jake’s older brother had always been a favorite of hers, and not just because he’s treated her like one of the family. “Sure is.”
Dustin waved them in and caught Rand up in a big hug, squeezing the breath from her. He had Jake’s sandy hair, shaved close to his head, but instead of bright green eyes, Dustin’s eyes were a golden hazel.
Dustin gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek. “Whewee, Rand, you’re a pretty sight. Why in the hell do you want to marry my ugly little brother?”
Rand caught Jake’s scowl and played along with the teasing. “Eh, ran out of options.”
“You’re both hilarious.” Jake’s tone said he thought they were anything but. However irritable he might be though, he still reached out and took her from under his brother’s arm, pulling her close to his side. Being hugged close by Jake was definitely better than being held by anyone else.
“Come on in, y’all, I’ve got dinner on the table.” Jake’s mom yelled from the other end of the modular.
Rand let Jake lead her farther in, memories tickling her brain as she remembered how many times the Hansen’s had let her eat dinner with them, and best of all, how nice it had been to spend time with a normal family, until Jake’s dad had left and she’d moved in with her granddaddy. After that, Jake’s mom had worked so much, Dustin and Jake had picked up the slack; cooking their own meals and cleaning the house. Rand thought it had taught them responsibility, but she knew it had been hard on Jake, especially those first few years and then again when Dustin had left.
Jake’s mom came out of the bedroom holding onto a little tow headed boy with rosy cheeks and bright green eyes. Rand couldn’t take her eyes of the toddler, and unbidden longing rose up inside her. The boy’s eyes were so much like Jake’s, who had gotten his eyes from his mom.
If we had a baby, would he look like this?
Rand silently scolded herself for thinking about something so ridiculous. She needed to see if they could make it through a year together, not start day dreaming about children she may never have.
She had always assumed she wouldn’t have any, since she had no plans to marry.
Until the will…and Jake.
“Here’s my guy.” Dustin said, reaching out for his son, who let out a childish squeal as he jumped into his arms. Dustin held him close, and Rand saw him close his eyes, his expression one of pure happiness.
“Luke, this is your Uncle Jake and your Aunt Miranda.” Rand started at Mrs. Hansen’s introduction, and as if reading her thoughts, reached out to pat her hand. “A little less than a week, and it will be official.”
The little boy watched them, his small thumb shoved in his mouth. For some reason, he held his arms out to Rand first. “’M’anda.”
Rand had spent very little time around children, but those sweet eyes melted her like a stick of butter on a hot day. Holding out her arms, she took Luke from Dustin and cradled him against her, his warm body squishy against hers. He smelled fresh and clean, as if he’d just had a bath.
She pulled away from his tight embrace and looked into his face, smiling. “Hey Luke. It’s nice to meet you.”
She turned to face Jake and was puzzled by the wide eyed terror she saw on his face. His skin looked a little green, and she was suddenly concerned his food poisoning was back.
“Jake, are you okay? You look sick.”
“I need some air.”
Before she could blink he was almost out of the modular, slamming the door behind him. His mother let out a weary sigh and Dustin’s mouth set into a grim line.
“I’ll go talk to him.”
Rand bounced back and forth with Luke in her arms, turning her attention to Mrs. Hansen. “I’ve never seen Jake act like that.”
Mrs. Hansen’s smile was tinged with sadness. “Just be patient with him, honey. Jake’s been fighting all kinds of demons since his daddy left. Seeing him with you, though, gives me hope.”
Whatever she was thinking, Jake’s mom needed to know the truth. “Mrs. Hansen, Jake and I are just friends. He’s only doing me a favor.”
The older woman reached out and patted her cheek. “Oh honey, I know my boys, better than they know themselves. Trust me, this is more.”
Luke squirmed out of Rand’s arms, ran awkwardly to the couch and grabbed something soft and white. He came back to her, holding the stuffed animal out to her with pride. “Cooddles.”
Rand let herself be distracted by the adorable little cherub, trying not to dwell on Mrs. Hansen’s ideas or Jake’s hang ups.
Jake stood outside under the clear, dark sky and took several deep breaths of crisp air. Something about Rand holding Luke had struck a chord, something deep, primal, and terrifying. For a split second, he had imagined the child Rand held was his, and he had been excited. Happy.
He couldn’t think like that though. He knew the risks and right now, Rand and he were happy, but there were no guarantees. And he was afraid when it came down to it, he would turn tail and run, just like his dad.
Dustin had ditched them the minute he turned eighteen, but look at him now, playing daddy to a kid barely old enough to talk.
“So what’s crawled up your burr hole?”
Speak of the devil. Jake was in no mood to bare his soul to his brother though.
“Nothing man, I’m fine. Y’all can start witho
ut me.”
There were no retreating steps, so Jake knew Dustin was still hovering around behind him.
“I just needed some air, Dustin.” Jake knew he was being a Grade A prick, but why couldn’t he take a hint?
Still, Dustin was quiet. Finally, when Jake was about to lose his temper, Dustin spoke. “Look, Jake, I know you have beef with me for taking off after graduation, but I’m not dad. I am never gonna be dad. I just needed to see something besides Loco before I died, and I did. I wasn’t deserting you though.”
Jake took a deep breath. He couldn’t really blame Dustin for wanting something more. His brother had a right to live his own life. Hell, there had been times he wanted to take off and go somewhere, anywhere. What happened when that itch got too strong not to scratch?
Maybe that was partly why he had resented his brother for the last ten years or so. Dustin had gotten his chance to escape, and now he was back; he was a single dad trying to do what was best for his son. If he was put in his brother’s shoes, would he do the same?
He wasn’t sure.
“I’m afraid I’m like him. Like dad.” Jake hadn’t meant to say it out loud and when Dustin started laughing, Jake stiffened again. Dustin tried to put his hand on Jake’s shoulder and he shook him off. “I wasn’t joking.”
“I know. I’m sorry, it’s just the fact that you’d think you were anything like that piece of shit is absurd.” Dustin put enough pressure to make Jake face him before he continued, “Jake, you stayed and helped out mom when you could have gone off on your own. You are the most loyal, standup guy out there. You shouldn’t worry.”
“I don’t know…how can you be that kid’s dad? Doesn’t it terrify you?”
Dustin’s smile flashed in the dark. “All the time. But I’m all he’s got and he makes me a better man. Love makes even the worst situations bearable, Jake.”
Jake had no idea what to say to that, so he just kept quiet and followed Dustin inside for dinner. His gaze caught sight of Rand on the floor with Luke, her dark head bent next to the light blond curls. When she looked up at him, concern in her brown eyes, a flash of understanding shot through him as he mulled over his brother’s words. He had never felt that overwhelming kind of love, but he did understand wanting to take care of and protect another person. He understood being needed.
