by Roxy Wilson
“Actually, I’m here for good. I’m working with my sister at the ranch.”
He looked a little perturbed by that news. “Didn’t realize there was so much work on Westbury Ranch that it could keep a sophisticated girl like you busy.”
“We’re expanding,” she said. As Juston fidgeted by her side, she smiled. “We should go. It was nice to meet you again.” They left the theater and crossed the road to go to the parking lot. “What’s wrong?”
Juston was surprised she picked up on his trepidation. “I just don’t trust the men who work for Max. Oh yeah, sure, I also worked with him but I was there for only a few months before I realized…that he wasn’t someone I could respect. These guys know what he’s up to. Ray certainly does, and yet they do nothing to stop him.”
“Maybe they don’t want to lose their livelihood?”
“And that’s how evil survives,” he said as he opened the door for her. “When good people don’t lift a hand, it gives a chance for the bad guys to get ahead.”
She didn’t say anything as he drove the car out.
“Sorry.” Juston shook his head. “I guess I feel a little too strongly about it.”
“There’s nothing wrong with having a strong opinion about something. It shows you think about issues and pay attention to them.”
“Ray isn’t a bad guy, but he’s a guy who doesn’t want to see what’s right in front of him because he doesn’t want to rock the boat.”
“It can be a difficult choice for some.”
“Never mind.” He took a deep breath to calm his mind. “Would you like to grab some ice-cream?”
“God forbid. That would ruin the one hour workout I put in this morning.”
He took a right turn towards the farm. Overhead, he saw the huge white moon looming in the sky. It was beautiful night and he didn’t want it to end yet. “Why would you need a work out?”
“Hey, I work hard to maintain this body. It’s easy for you. You get enough exercise during the day but for us office folks, we have to make the effort.”
As the farm came nearer, he felt more and more reluctant to simply drop her off. He wanted to stretch out the time they had together. “I have to check in on the sick cow. Why don’t you wait in the car? It will only take me a minute and then we can go on to my house for a cup of coffee.”
Shayne didn’t look at him.
He didn’t know what she might be thinking, but Juston thought he may have overstepped his bounds. Perhaps she wasn’t ready. If so, he could wait.
Then she nodded. “Okay. I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee.”
He kept driving and passed the farmhouse. After parking it next to the barn, he stepped out of the car. Much to his surprise, she did the same.
“I might as well come along with you.”
“Your heels aren’t exactly appropriate.”
“I’ll watch my step.”
They walked into the barn. The sick cow was quarantined in a separate stall.
Juston checked her. “She appears much more alert than before. The medicine seems to be working. This vet is good. He knows the animals.”
“If he’s the same one who was my father’s friend then yes, he’s very good. My father wouldn’t call anyone but him. My mother used to tease dad and say he would call over the vet when one of us got sick because he trusted him so much.”
Juston laughed. He grabbed her hand and headed back. “And did he? Call the vet when one of you was sick?”
Shayne’s laughter was hearty. “My mom would’ve killed him.”
Juston stopped. “Do you mind if I just take a look at the hay? We had some new deliveries today and I didn’t check it.”
“Sure.” She followed him as they walked over to the room that was dedicated for hay.
He switched on the lights. Piles and piles of it stood everywhere.
Walking over, she picked up a handful and smelled it. “It brings back memories. My sisters and I used to love playing in it.”
“Me too. As kids it was one of our favorite activities.”
She turned to face him and simply stood there.
Juston’s gaze was fixed on her face as he walked over. She was the most beautiful of God’s creations. He’d witnessed a thousand sunsets and been to the most gorgeous places on earth, but this woman’s beauty clenched his heart. It wasn’t just her physical form that attracted him, but also something else he couldn’t quite explain. When he neared her, his hands sought her. Tugging her towards him, he lowered his head and gazed into her eyes. There was trust there and something more…perhaps passion or curiosity. His lips claimed hers before he could second guess himself. Her lips were soft and warm. Instantly, he wanted more. His tongue roamed over lips and she opened them for him. He was eager to taste her mouth. Yes, just as sweet as he remembered. Her breasts pushed against his chest, and he could feel the heat building in his body. It burned him from the inside, and he could feel the sizzle of it in his blood.
When her arms wrapped around his neck, any sane thought that was left in his mind fled. Now it was just her and the way she made him feel. His penis lengthened and hardened as it pushed against his jeans. He needed to step away, to give them time to cool down, and maybe find a more appropriate place, but nothing could make him move away from her. When her fingers fiddled with the buttons of his shirt, he trembled. It might be too soon, too fast, but now that they were at this juncture—it became impossible to stop.
Reluctantly, he stepped away. “Are you sure?”
Her lips trembled but her gaze was direct. “Yes, I am.”
He wanted to slow down and drive her to his cottage. This wasn't the place he had in mind when he made love to her for the first time, but it appeared that neither of them could wait. The moment was upon them, and it had to be now. He swept her off her feet. Walking over to the nearest pile of hay, he lay her down on it. When he joined her, she removed his shirt. Now he couldn’t stop. Juston tugged the shirt she wore off her head. The sight of her creamy, caramel skin made him dizzy with need. His skin hummed as he fought to control the passion that held him in a tremendous grip. There was no escaping the red-hot flames of desire.
All he wanted, all he desired, was to get his hands on her body. He ran a hand over her taut stomach. When she opened the button of her jeans and slipped it off, Juston mirrored her movement. Her body was clad in a delicate black bra and matching panties. He couldn’t take this torture anymore. Slipping his hand behind her, he unhooked the clasp. It slipped off her and he held her firm, heavy breasts. The touch of her, the scent of her, was enough to drive him mad. It wasn’t enough to just touch her, he craved more. “You’re beautiful,” he breathed the words out.
Almost breathless, she gave him a slight smile.
Juston took off her panties. The scent of her arousal permeated the air. He could feel it and his need matched hers. His erection hardened and he could barely stand the sharp desire escalating in his veins. It overcame all other senses until it was the only reason for his existence; he needed to find a release from the need that gripped him. He bent his head and captured her lips. While he devoured her with his mouth, his hands squeezed and kneaded her breasts. He pushed his knee in between her legs to keep them open. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders and he felt her nails digging into his flesh. The realization that she felt as desperate as he did fanned the fire that already burned in his veins. His tongue dove in to taste, loot, and plunder. While he devoured her mouth, his hands played with her nipples.
Shayne was nearly panting as her body trembled with need.
He flicked his fingers over her nipples and was rewarded when she moaned. Nibbling his way down the smooth column of her throat, he kissed the frantic pulse that beat there. He swept his tongue over her skin and then caressed his way down to her breasts. Her hard nubs stood at attention, waiting for him to savor them. He licked and sucked one nipple, then the other until she jerked under him. His hard length dug into her stomach.
He
simply couldn’t wait anymore.
When he took position over her, Juston gripped her hands and raised them over her head. He brushed the tip of his erectopm over her velvety center and then he pushed it deep inside her.
Her body lurched beneath him. Her legs wrapped around his hips as his pelvic bone crushed against hers.
The sensations that stormed through his senses were hot and heady. Nothing made sense except to join with Shayne, delve into her as deep as he could go. He wanted this more than anything he ever wanted—and Juston knew that she felt the same way.
How far they’d come, and yet there were miles to go.
For a long moment, he stilled enjoying the feeling of being joined together so intimately and then he pulled out. Pausing again, to allow her need to ramp up, Juston thrust back into her moist depths once more. Over and over, in and out, he increased the pace.
She matched his rhythm. Together, they moved in unison, each bent on the same goal. When she exploded under him, he felt the prickle of joy it gave him and then his body erupted. He spilled his seed inside her and then collapsed.
Neither of them could seem to move. Both of them lay there breathless.
If it was this hot the first time they made love, he couldn’t wait to find out what the future would bring. Now, nothing could separate him from this woman.
Nothing at all.
He wouldn’t allow it.
Never.
Chapter Seven
Love wasn’t an option. Shayne never considered it, didn’t want it, and felt really frightened of the notion. The magic Juston weaved around her took her completely by surprise. She never expected to feel this way about anyone, and yet here she was—and Shayne just didn’t know what to do about this situation.
Walking over to his house, she felt a little apprehensive. He invited her over for dinner after they made love the night before. She accepted his invitation at that time because well…how the hell could she have said no? But now, she wasn’t so sure. This wasn’t a complication she was willing to deal with, and yet she was knee deep in something that made her more than just nervous.
This simply couldn’t be love.
No, she hadn’t fallen for him. Sure, she liked him, respected, and wanted him, but love? Shayne couldn’t even comprehend the idea of it. If she could stop seeing him, she could save her sanity—perhaps. But it would be rude to cancel, so she didn’t. Now here she was, about to see him again. Didn’t I wonder if we could just be friends? She rolled her eyes at her own stupidity. A little late for that. She rang the bell. When he opened the door, desire slammed into her with the strength of a hurricane.
In blue, faded jeans and a white t-shirt, he looked good enough to eat. “Good evening. Come in.”
She hadn’t seen him all day. Deliberately, she didn’t step out of the farmhouse today because she was scared of running into him. She wouldn’t have known what to do or say. “Hi. How are you?”
“Good, good. And you?”
Shayne nodded. “I’m good, too.” Was he already regretting their lovemaking? “Lovely weather, isn’t it?”
“It sure is.”
Mentally, she rolled her eyes again. The weather? Dumb. Now that she was here, she may as well make the most of it. Shayne gazed at the wild flowers he’d stuck in a vase on a table in the foyer. Wandering over to the prints that hung on the wall, she cocked an eyebrow. The man kept an organized house, and he appeared to have a penchant for art. Was there no end to the surprises? “Picasso?” she asked.
“I have a fondness for his work. Can’t afford the real thing. This is almost as good.”
“I’m partial to De Vinci,” she confessed. “Have you been to the Louvre museum in Paris?”
“Yes.” Juston closed the door. “I have to admit that the Mona Lisa was a bit of a disappointment.”
She found it difficult to breathe when his gaze pinned her. His bright eyes were bottomless pools in which she could drown. “Oh, why?”
“It was too small.”
“I guess it looks much bigger in prints and copies.” Art. He loves art. A cowboy with taste and depth.
“It does.” He rubbed his palms together. “Why don’t you take a seat? Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes. Would you like a drink?”
That reminded her that she carried a bottle in her hand. “I didn’t have time to make anything, so I hope this suffices as the host’s gift.”
Juston took it from her and then smiled. “You didn’t have to bring anything.”
“It’s the first time I’ve been invited to your house. My mother would have skinned me alive if I show a breach of etiquette.”
A sexy smile slowly spread over his lips.
She wanted to kiss those yummy lips. Abruptly, her stomach muscles knotted with the realization of how she yearned for everything they did just last night. Stunned by her own desire, she took a careful step back. “I wouldn’t mind a drink.” I need a drink, I should have said. Damn, the man just keeps getting hotter. I knew I should have stayed away.
“I have wine chilling in the fridge. I’ll bring some.”
“Why don’t I come with you in the kitchen? It’s been a long time since I came to this cottage,” she said bravely. She wouldn’t think about the fact she wanted to stay right with him. “I only saw it before anyone lived here. My father was very particular about some things, and I believe my mother insisted that the kitchen be up to her standards.” She walked behind him and was rewarded with the sight of his butt which looked amazing.
“And I’ll be forever grateful that she designed it so well,” he said.
As she took a stool at the counter, Shayne was impressed with the scent that wafted from the oven. “Something smells really, really good.”
“It’s baked chicken with ginger and tomatoes, and I have a fresh garden salad. And for dessert, pecan pie,” he announced.
Again, she was impressed. “Do you want me to set the table?”
“It’s all done.”
“Pretty efficient, aren’t you?”
“I aim to please.” He took a peek at the chicken and turned off the oven. He took out the glasses from the cabinet, he opened the wine bottle and poured her a glass. “It’s difficult to believe that you’re here.”
“Where else would I be?”
“I don’t know. It just seems like a figment of my imagination. In my entire life, I never imagined I would be dating someone like you.”
She sipped her wine and almost swallowed it wrong. “Someone like me?”
“You know, sophisticated, and of course, very, very gorgeous.”
It seemed so easy to read the truth in his eyes. He wasn’t just saying this to please her, he meant each word. Her breath hitched in her throat. No man had ever made her feel precious. The feeling was uplifting, scary. She wanted to savor it. “Sophisticated? I don’t know about that. You’re the one who’s traveled more than I. Me? I’m just—you know? Um…layers of chic are easy to pile on when you’re living in the city.”
“It's more than that, and you know it. This sophistication is a part of who you are.” He set his glass down and took out the bowl of salad. Expertly, he swished a bottle of homemade dressing and poured it over the greens. “And the beauty is of course, an added bonus.”
It seemed odd to see a man so at home in the kitchen. She could see he was used to cooking and took pleasure in it. Her mouth watered as she saw him toss the salad, and it wasn’t because of the food but because of the way he made her feel. Her skin tingled when she was around him. “Thanks.”
“Let’s go in the dining alcove.”
When she took a seat at the dining table that was wedged against a window, Shayne was astounded at how well planned this place was. A family with two children could live here with ease and not feel the pinch or lack of space. The view from the window was breathtaking. With no wall or fence, she could see right up to the hills that loomed way behind. “I hope Cullen is planning to make all the cottages this big. I would
n’t mind shifting into one later on.”
“You don’t like living at the farmhouse?”
“Oh, I love it. My mom cooks, nags me into cleaning the room, and doing laundry, but I think if I stay there for too long, I might become lazy. Also, I need my space.”
Juston nodded his head. “The location for the new cottages has already been marked out, and since there’s more than enough space on the farm, Cullen has kept enough distance between them to ensure a lot of privacy, but of course, this one would be my most favorite cottage of all. It’s near enough to the farm to walk to it within five minutes, but is well protected by the grove of trees, so no one could butt in without permission.”
While she sipped her wine, he went back to get the chicken. The aroma of it was mouth watering. He came back and put in on the table. He served her the salad. She took a bite and closed her eyes. “Wow! I had no idea I was in for such a treat. You could have easily chosen a different career in cooking.”
“There is fun in cooking for myself and for people I care about, but I don’t think I could’ve done it for money.” He smiled. “So what do you like to do in your spare time?”
“Spare time? What’s that?”
He laughed. “That bad?”
“Actually, I’m glad to be so busy. It’s nice to have something to do, and because my father and Cullen never did any marketing, we have to start from scratch. I’m enjoying it, but I already have a feeling that once the farm is on track and the expansion plans have been completed, I’ll have a lot more time on my hands.”
“So what will you do then?”
“Maybe, go back to New York,” she announced. Shayne read the feelings on his face. He wasn’t at all happy to hear that. Would he be disappointed if she went back? Even though she was flattered that he felt so strongly about her, she also felt a little unnerved. Their relationship was moving at a breakneck speed, and she didn’t know if she could catch up to it.
Juston carefully cut the chicken and gave her some. “Do you miss the city?”
She tasted the chicken. It was just as delicious as it smelled. She swallowed and then answered, “A little bit. And I miss the friends I made and the hustle and bustle of it,” she admitted. “But I guess I don’t have to make any decision now. For this year at least, I’m committed to the farm. My younger sister, Paige, is coming back soon when she’s done with her studies. Once she’s here, Cullen will have more support. She’s also more hands-on.” Shayne expected Juston to say something about her plans to go back, but he didn’t. She ate the food. Even though there was silence in the room, it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was warmth in it. She felt it, and it soothed her. “Do you like to read?” she asked as she spied a book that was turned upside down on the nearby shelf.
