by Thorn, Ava
"No." She shook her head. "But we come from different lifestyles, and I don't fit in yours."
"Do you love me?" he asked softly.
"Yes, but I have been in love before, Austin, and I have been hurt before. I don't want to repeat that with you."
"I love you, Farrah Rue. You have opened my heart and mind during these past few days. You are perfect for me, and I'm perfect for you." He kissed her lips. "In due time, you will see."
Farrah shook her head. "I can't allow you to do this to Rebecca, Austin. I can't come between you—"
"I'm a grown man who knows exactly what he wants."
He rested his forehead against hers.
"I can't be responsible for you guys," she said before Austin's lips touched hers.
Austin kissed Farrah; she moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. Their dinner was long forgotten as they stripped off each other's clothes.
Farrah ran her hands over Austin's broad shoulders, flat abs, and narrow hips. He kissed her as her hands drifted to his large dick. She rubbed his thick pink head. She smiled when he held his breath.
"Enough," Austin said as he pinned Farrah's hands above her head.
She moaned when she felt him rub the head against her clit. He slowly plunged, inch by inch, into her. She screamed when he pushed in and out quickly. Austin couldn't get enough of Farrah. Her moans and screaming were making him lose it.
He groaned as he moved in and out of her. He loved the way their bodies looked as his pale dick slid in and out of her brown pussy. Farrah was his, in every way.
Farrah lifted her hips to meet his thrusts. Austin's big, strong hands gripped her hips as he thrust harder and deeper inside her. His lips devoured hers. Farrah moaned against his lips as she reached an earth-shattering climax. Austin pushed in and out harder before he exploded into her pussy. He groaned as Farrah milked him for all he was worth.
Farrah lay in Austin's arms. He kissed her gently. "I love you, Farrah."
"I love you too, Austin." She turned in his arms and looked at him. "But we can't continue doing this. I never slept with another woman's man until you. I feel horrible about it."
"I'm sorry. I never wanted you to feel that way." He stroked her hair. "I'm going to end it with Rebecca. I knew it wasn't going to work. Before my momma died, she told me not to marry Rebecca."
"Why?"
"Maybe a mother's intuition." Austin caressed Farrah's breasts.
"Your mom didn't want you to marry Rebecca?" she asked. "No," he answered truthfully.
Farrah nodded. "Let's go finish cooking, McBride." Farrah grabbed Austin's red button-up shirt and walked out of the room.
***
The two sat at the table in the kitchen, eating steak, garden salad, and roasted potatoes. They both were enjoying each other's company until Austin asked a question that made Farrah freeze up.
"Tell me about your family?" he asked.
Farrah sipped some Pinot Noir. "My father killed my mother when I was seventeen, while I slept in my bed. I woke up hearing my mom scream for help."
"Farrah, honey, I'm sorry." He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. "You don't have to talk about it."
"It's okay." She looked into his eyes. "My parents fought a lot; I was always the referee with them. This time, I was too late. I held my momma as she took her last breath."
Austin didn't interrupt her. He listened to her talk as he rubbed her back.
"He left me holding her in my arms. Even though I hate him, he was still my father and a part of me. I loved him, but another part of me will always hate him for taking my mom away from me. You know what they say, Austin? Domestic abuse is a cycle, and it follows the women in my family. My grandmother was beaten up by a man she fell in love with after my granddaddy died. My mother was killed by my father…"
"I would never put my hands on you." He kissed her hands.
"I experienced domestic abuse prior to moving here." Farrah saw Austin clench his hands. "I fell in love with Frederick Wright. I thought he was the man for me. I had just finished culinary school in New York and moved back home with big dreams. Anyway, during our first argument, he punched me in my face. He said he was sorry, but I made him so mad. I blamed myself for making him mad. The next time it happened, we were in the car on our way home on I-10. Do you know he got mad at me because a man told me 'hi' at a freaking gas station? I was driving on the interstate when he punched me repeatedly until we strayed from the road. When I was unconscious, my mother came to me and begged me not to end up like her."
Austin wiped her tears. "He will never hurt you again." He hugged her so tight he could feel her body trembling against his.
"Thank you for listening." She kissed him.
"I will always listen to you." He kissed her tears. She sat in his lap as they took turns feeding each other.
Austin couldn't ask for a better day or a better woman. All he had ever wanted was for someone to love him for who he was and not because he was famous or had money. He could sit here forever with Farrah and just talk.
After dinner, they washed the dishes like a normal couple and sat on the sofa drinking wine and eating popcorn. He watched TV shows that he would never have watched on his own, but he realized with Farrah that it was all about the small things. She didn't want the glitz and fame, and that was why he cared about her.
Chapter Seven
Farrah inhaled the scent of the earth and the animals around her. She walked along the stable and came to the stall of a beautiful white horse. Farrah held her hand out for the horse to come near her. She laughed when the horse came near her and licked her hand.
"Hey, girl," she whispered to the horse. "I have been searching for someone true, and I think I found him," she said as she thought about Austin.
"You must be Farrah," someone said from behind her.
Farrah turned around abruptly; she came face-to-face with a tall, built man who had the most alluring deep blue eyes. "You're Hank." She smiled, extending her hand towards him.
Hank laughed. "How did you know my name?" he said, shaking her hand.
"Austin," she said simply and went back to petting the horse. "She's a beauty."
"Yes, she is," Hank said, looking at Farrah.
"What's her name?" she asked.
"Snowflake," Hank said and stepped closer to Farrah. "Do you ride?"
"No." She backed up from the stall.
"Why don't I saddle Snowflake up for you?" he said, walking to get a saddle for the horse.
"No, I shouldn't. I have to get back to checking on my staff in the kitchen," she said.
"Ten minutes," he promised.
"Okay." Farrah looked down at her attire; she wore a white sleeveless dress that fell above her knees and the brown cowgirl boots Austin purchased for her that she immediately fell in love with, especially with the detail stitching of the hot pink rose on the boots.
"Now don't go looking at her ass," a voice said from behind them.
Farrah would know that voice anywhere. Farrah smiled at Ranger Shane, looking as dashing as the first day she met him. "Shane." She smiled and gave him a hug.
"Farrah, it's a pleasure seeing you again," he said, kissing her cheek.
"I'm about to take the lovely woman out on Snowflake." Hank gave her instructions on how to mount the horse.
Farrah followed his instructions to a T, put her foot in the stirrups, and pulled herself up. "I did it," she laughed.
"Good job," both men said at the same time.
"Hank, I'm going to saddle Scout and take him out with Farrah," Shane said as he walked away.
Hank taught Farrah a few commands on how to get Snowflake to go and to stop.
"You're a quick learner," Shane said as he took off his black cowboy hat and placed it on her head.
"Come on, let's ride around the ranch!" She giggled as they took off.
***
Austin was walking around the ranch with Rebe
cca and her mother in tow. He didn't know how long he could take listening to the two women complain about everything from the house decorations to the menu for tonight's dinner. He was in a sour mood, but it had a lot to do with the fact that he wanted to see Farrah.
"Who is that riding on your mother's horse?" Rebecca asked. "Farrah," Austin replied, not taking his eyes off Farrah.
"I thought Snowflake didn't allow anyone to ride her since Charlene died?"
Austin ignored Rebecca as he watched Farrah ride alongside Shane. Excitement rushed through him as he watched the woman he loved ride the horse that his mother had loved and cared for.
"She doesn't," Austin finally said as he walked over to where Farrah was, leaving Rebecca gawking at them.
"He likes her," Gwen said as they watched Austin walk over to Farrah.
"She is not his type," Rebecca said and started to walk after Austin.
"Rebecca, wake up." Gwen grabbed Rebecca's arm. "Look at his face, the way he watches her and smiles. He never smiles or looks up at you like that. You're delusional if you think that Farrah Rue's color is going to keep Austin away from her. It didn't stop your father."
"I'm not going to lose Austin to her," Rebecca snapped.
"You better not, because your father won the battle with the pre-nuptial agreement. I get nothing."
"Mother, I know what is at stake." Rebecca pulled away from Gwen.
"Good. Because, as I see it, you need to get married and have babies."
Rebecca stopped and turned back. "What did you just say?"
"Marry him and have a baby," Gwen repeated.
"Mother, you just gave me an idea." Rebecca kissed her mother before going in Austin's direction.
***
"You look good up there, Farrah," Austin said.
Farrah turned to see Austin standing against the wooden fence.
"Thanks, McBride." Looking at her watch, she said, "I need to go check on the food."
Austin climbed across the fence before Shane could dismount and help Farrah down. He took the second of being close to her to inhale her sweet scent.
"Ms. Rue, it's a pleasure to see you again," Rebecca said as she approached them.
Farrah moved away from Austin and stood near Shane. "Hi, Rebecca."
"It's Mrs. McBride." Rebecca wrapped her arm around Austin's waist.
Austin was taken aback by Rebecca's rudeness toward Farrah.
"Rebecca, you're not a McBride yet," Shane laughed.
"I'm practicing." She smiled.
"Thanks for the ride, Shane." Farrah took off Shane's hat and handed it to him.
"You can hold it for me, sugar."
"Shouldn't you get back to the kitchen?" Rebecca asked. "I don't want my guests to be served late."
Austin opened his mouth to tell Rebecca to lay off Farrah.
"I can assure you that I run a very efficient business. Your guests will not be served late." Farrah started towards the kitchen.
"I'll walk you back to the kitchen," Shane said as he walked in step with Farrah.
Austin's blood started to boil as he watched Shane put his hand on Farrah's back. He looked at Rebecca, who sported a devious smile.
"Why are you being mean to her?" Austin asked.
"We're paying her to cook and cater these parties, not to flirt or ride a dumb horse," Rebecca snapped as she pointed her finger in Farrah's direction.
"That's enough!" Austin shouted, causing some nearby workers to stare at them. "I've had enough of your mouth and criticism."
Rebecca stood in silence as Austin left her. She huffed and puffed as Austin's cousin Hank stared at her with a smile on his face. She wasn't a blind woman. Actually, she saw the way that Austin watched Farrah. The way he smiled at Farrah made her realize that not once had Austin ever smiled at her that way. Rebecca watched as Austin disappeared into the house. She didn't need to be a psychic to know that he was going after her.
***
"My cousin is in love with you," Shane said.
"Your cousin is getting married," Farrah replied.
"He needs a little push in the right direction. My uncle raised him to be a gentleman," Shane said as he nudged her arm.
Farrah stood and looked at Shane. "I love your cousin, but each and every day I realize that I'm not the woman for him. He has his life with Rebecca and I have mine."
"Is it easy for you to walk away from the man you love?" he asked.
Farrah took a deep breath. "I can't destroy someone's happiness for mine. Rebecca deserves to love Austin and to have the wedding she's been dreaming about. She doesn't need me coming into Austin's life and ruining everything that they worked so hard for."
"Do you know Snowflake was my Aunt Charlene's horse? Since she died, that stubborn horse wouldn't let anyone come close to her or ride her, but Snowflake let you. I believe if my aunt was here she would want you to be with Austin," Shane said, ignoring Farrah's last statement.
"That's your opinion," Farrah said as she disappeared into the sanctuary of the bathroom. She washed her hands and her face.
Stepping out of the bathroom, she was pushed back in there by Austin. "What do you want?" she whispered.
Austin pushed Farrah until her back was against the cold wall and then devoured her lips until she moaned and rubbed her body against his.
Reality hit Farrah like a ton of bricks; this was the wrong place and time. "We can't."
"Why?" he asked as he kissed her neck.
Farrah closed her eyes as Austin's tongue nibbled on her ear. Damn! She couldn't concentrate as his hands pushed her dress up.
"Austin, this is dangerous," she moaned as he sucked on her neck. She knew she would get a hickey.
"Live a little," he whispered roughly against her ear as he slid a finger into her wet core.
The tiny bit of control Farrah had went out the window as Austin slipped two fingers into her pussy.
Fumbling with his belt buckle, she unzipped his pants, and his massive cock sprang out. Farrah sucked in her breath as Austin's warm mouth found her nipples. She moaned aloud when his tongue flicked back and forth, nearly sending her to heaven as he rubbed her clit. Austin tugged and teased her clit as Farrah spread her legs wider. She watched as Austin kneeled down and lifted her legs on his shoulders. He feasted on her as he expertly slurped and licked her pussy.
Farrah cried out in pleasure.
Austin stood and turned Farrah to the wall. "I heard you talking to Shane, and I want you to know that I know you. You're the love of my life and my soul mate," Austin's deep voice whispered in her ear.
Her pussy became wetter as his warm breath made her shudder.
Austin rubbed his dick against Farrah's pussy lips, side to side as he plunged deep into her pussy, sending shivers down her body with each stroke. Farrah gripped the cold wall as her legs trembled and threatened to betray her. Austin covered Farrah's mouth with his hand to keep her from screaming as he slid his shaft in and out slowly. Farrah moved her hips to his rhythm.
Austin wrapped his free arm around Farrah as he felt her body become weak. He increased the tempo of his thrusts.
Farrah tilted her head back as Austin pumped harder into her. She could feel his hot breath on her neck. The slapping of flesh to flesh filled the bathroom. He pressed her breasts against the cold wall as he went deeper, as if he were drilling for oil.
Austin grunted as his pumps became frenzied. His thick, strong hands squeezed her hips. He could feel Farrah's tears rolling down his hand. As her body went limp in his arms, he thrust one last time before he came inside her pussy.
Farrah moved away from Austin. She was trying to catch her breath. "I love you, Austin, but this can't happen anymore, and we can't be reckless."
"Farrah, I'm going to tell Rebecca that I don't love her. After I tell her, I want us to be together."
"Austin, you make it sound all good and gravy but it's not." Farrah fixed her clothes and splashed water on her flushed face.
"I'm
still not going to marry Rebecca." He pulled her to him. "Even if I'm not with you, Farrah, I cannot marry and will not marry Rebecca."
"Whatever."
Farrah looked at Austin one last time before walking out of the bathroom and making her way to the kitchen.
What Farrah and Austin didn't notice on their exit from the bathroom was Gwen standing down the hall looking at them.
***
Austin looked at the table at all the different kinds of food that Southern Rose had prepared for the evening. His stomach growled just getting a whiff of the root beer baked beans, bacon potato salad, and smoked corn. He watched as Farrah carried a platter of baby back ribs from the grill. He stood up and started to help her, but stopped in his tracks as Ranger Shane came along and plucked the platter from her.
"I'd like to say a few words," Austin said, clinking his fork against his glass. "I appreciate each and every one of you guys who spends time on the road, the ranch, and in the recording studio with me. If it wasn't for you guys, there would be no number one hit single or Grammys. To friends, brothers, and people we love," he said, looking at Farrah.
He was getting madder by the minute as Shane talked to Farrah. What pissed him off even more was that Shane knew it.
"Everyone, I want you to meet Farrah Rue; she is the owner of Southern Rose and the chef who prepared this delicious meal you are about to eat. Also, she is my plus one for tonight," Shane said as he stood up.
"I can't be," Farrah said, looking at Shane. "That would be inappropriate." Austin was about to sigh in relief when Rebecca opened her mouth.
"Farrah, I insist that you join us," she said, looking at Farrah.
Austin noticed that Farrah looked like a deer in the headlights. He could see that she was mulling over the decision to sit at the table.
"Okay," Farrah said reluctantly.
"Shane, I'm thrilled you and Farrah are hitting it off so well," Rebecca said as she eyed Farrah and Shane sitting on the opposite side of the table.
Austin lost his appetite as he watched Shane whisper into Farrah's ear and make her smile. He wanted to be the only one to make her smile. Austin tried to pay attention to Rebecca as she talked about shopping, but he'd had enough of Shane's flirting.
