by Jenna Jacob
“But until you prove that you trust me…trust me with every inch of your hot little body, I refuse to touch you again. As far as this goes”—Sky looked down at the erection strained beneath his jean—“I’ll just have to take matters into my own hands.”
Staring at his hard-on, Kaitlin shivered. They’d masturbated in front of each other for years before finally having sex. The sight of Sky’s fist pounding up and down his thick, swollen shaft danced through her memory banks. She could almost feel, smell, and taste his slick, hot seed erupting over her breasts and mouth.
“Oh, yes. I remember those days, too, baby. Remember everything vividly,” Sky murmured in a deep, guttural growl. How the hell had he read her mind? Moving in closer, he wrapped his hand around his jeans, gripping his cock, and slowly stroked himself. His warm, choppy breath wafted over her neck. “Remember being so careful not to pop your cherry when I stuck my fingers inside your wet pussy, watching as you rubbed your hard little clit. It made my dick just as hard then as it is right now. No one’s ever come close to matching the way we made love, have they, Katie?”
“No.” Her soft voice quivered as precious and naughty memories continued to roll through her brain.
“I want to feel that with you again, Katie,” he said in the deep, buttery, and seductive voice she loved. “But not until your wounds have healed. Not until the rawness scabs over and you know in your heart that you’re always safe with me.”
The reminder of his stipulation felt as if she’d been doused by a bucket of ice water. Jerking out of her salacious haze, Kaitlin narrowed her eyes. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You think you can waltz right in Gran’s house, uninvited?”
“Well,” he began with a negligent shrug. “She doesn’t mind.”
“But I do,” Kaitlin growled as she pointed toward the door. “Get out. Now.”
“Damn, baby. You don’t have to get all riled up,” Sky cooed, releasing his cock.
He flashed her a sexy grin. His white teeth glistened, and the skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled. The son of a bitch was so sinfully handsome Kaitlin wanted to drag him up to her room and take him every way but Sunday. Her uncontrollable libido infuriated her all the more.
“Go home, Sky. I have work to do,” she huffed impatiently.
“Work can wait. Come with me. Let’s go get some lunch, baby.”
“Lunch?” she screeched as he placed his hands on her hips. “You’re out of your damn mind if you think I’d go to lunch with you. I wouldn’t go around the block with you, Sky Whitefeather. And stop calling me baby. Go away and leave me the hell alone.”
“All right. Be a stick in the mud if that’s what you want…but I’m glad about one thing.”
“And what’s that?” she snapped, keeping her bitch wings in place.
His playful expression grew solemn. “I’m glad that son of a bitch didn’t have the chance to beat all the spirit out of you.” Through the acrid edge of his tone, Kaitlin caught a hint of pride.
She raised her chin defiantly. “No, he didn’t. No one will ever have that much control over me again.”
“Tell me what happened New Year’s Eve. What did he do to you?”
Kaitlin shook her head and turned away, too ashamed to reveal the gory details. Sky already knew too much about the secret she’d wanted to hide. But he’d promised her secrets were safe with him. Were they? Would he respect and protect the darkness inside her the way he had as a boy?
“I don’t want to discuss anything about that,” she replied in a haughty tone.
“Fair enough.” He nodded. “We don’t have to talk about that, but let me take you to lunch. The fresh air will do you good.”
She was starving but wasn’t ready to make an appearance in town. “I—I can’t,” she stammered, trying to hide the fact that she was afraid of being bombarded with questions about her return.
“Yes, you can,” he prodded. “I’ve been in the fields all morning. I’m starving… I even took a shower and got cleaned up before I came over.” His lips ticked, holding back a grin. He was breaking down her defenses and damn well knew it.
“Well, as you can plainly see, I haven’t.” she said, scrubbing a hand through her tangled hair.
“No problem. I’ll wait while you get ready.”
Undaunted, and obviously unwilling to take no for an answer, Sky sat down on a kitchen chair, stretched out his long, muscular legs, and hooked one boot-clad ankle over the other. His intentions were clear—he planned to wait her out.
Suddenly, the screen door slammed, and Gran hurried into the kitchen, fury written all over her face. Even her cheeks were red.
“What on earth is wrong, Gran?” Kaitlin asked, her eyes growing wide. Nothing ever rattled the old woman.
“Are you okay?” Sky asked before bolting out of his chair and rushing to the sink for a glass of water.
Kaitlin ushered Gran to a chair as Sky returned with the water. “Oh, I’m fine. Thank you, honey.” She nodded to him with a forced smile. “I just spent the morning with Melvin and am so damn mad I can’t see straight.”
“What happened?” Kaitlin asked, sitting down and feathering her fingers through Gran’s soft, white hair, attempting to soothe her. “Is Melvin—”
“Beside himself? Yes. The poor man’s a mess,” Gran interrupted. “We sat and cried more tears than the Mississippi. But I’m not angry about that. I’m ticked off at the women who claim to be Ethel’s friends. They’re already beating down his damn door. Shoving casseroles at him and batting their damn eyes like they’re Miss America contestants. Makes me want to slap every damn one of them across the face and send them back home.”
Sky snorted. “So, the casserole patrol is out in full force trying to make a play for him, huh?”
“Casserole patrol?” Kaitlin laughed. “I’m sorry, Gran, but…”
“Ethel’s body is still warm down at the funeral home, and those horny old bats are flying around Melvin like he’s a juicy bug. Makes my stomach turn.” Gran sniffed and dabbed her eyes. “Those damn heifers don’t want to fill Melvin’s stomach; they want to fill his bed. I’m disgusted with the lot of them.”
“Did you say anything to them?” Kaitlin asked, knowing the answer but asking anyway.
“Damn right I did,” Gran exclaimed as she slapped a hand on the table. “I shooed them away and told them to go buy a damn vibrator.”
Kaitlin and Sky both burst out laughing. “Well, that should cause a firestorm of gossip right there.” Sky grinned. “By the end of the day, you’ll not only be a sex toy expert but maybe even a madam as well.”
“Oh, let ’em talk. Won’t be the first or last time I’ve caused a commotion,” Gran assured with a wave of her hand.
“And you all wondered why I couldn’t wait to leave this town,” Kaitlin added wryly.
“You mean it wasn’t because you didn’t want to face me and break things off the right way?” Sky shot back in a contentious tone.
It was the second time he’d launched the same barb. “How old are you?” Kaitlin chided. “You sound like you’re five years old again.”
“I’d rather sound like a child than act like one. But then, I’m not the one who ran away.”
“Well, let me buy you a medal so you can pin it on your coat of perfection,” Kaitlin drawled.
“Okay, you two. Knock it off,” Gran interceded. “Katie-girl, have you eaten anything?”
Kaitlin threw her hands into the air. “Why is my diet the only topic on your mind?”
“Because I love you and care about you. Now go upstairs and get some clothes on. I’m taking you two to Sharp’s for lunch. I’m half starving to death,” Gran instructed, waving her hand to shoo Kaitlin out of the kitchen.
“Why didn’t you eat some of the things that were dropped off at Melvin’s?” Sky asked.
“Because I was afraid those horny old goats might have laced everything with Viagra.”
Kaitlin giggled as Sky threw ba
ck his head and laughed. The deep, rich timbre sent a streak of heat all the way from her head to her toes and threatened to let loose too many memories.
“I really should stay here. I’ve got a ton of work to get done, Gran,” Kaitlin explained, trying to weasel her way out of lunch.
“Your work can wait. You need to eat and start taking care of yourself. Besides, I promised Hazel we’d stop by the bank, remember? The special at Sharp’s today is open roast beef sandwiches. I remember how you used to love those,” Gran cajoled, wiggling her brows.
Kaitlin couldn’t back out without hurting Gran’s feelings. So she painted on a happy smile and raced to her room, cursing a blue streak in her head.
CHAPTER FIVE
It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you’re not.
-Denis Waitley
Kaitlin ran a brush through her tousled hair and donned a pale coral skirt and sleeveless turtleneck that hid the bruises on her neck before hurrying back downstairs. Sky drew a slow stare up and down her body, blatantly undressing her with his eyes.
Even Gran noticed, snapping fingers in front of his face with a grin. “Food, Sky. Focus,” she chortled as she handed him the keys to her 1998 fire-engine-red Lincoln Town Car. The one she’d purchased when Kaitlin entered high school.
“Right.” He smirked, still staring at Kaitlin as if he wanted to sink his teeth into her.
She answered his wolfish countenance with a roll of her eyes before strolling out the door. She put an extra little sway into her hips to stir his sexual embers. Kaitlin could feel his eyes on her. A satisfied smile curled on her lips as she climbed into the car. She was seated between Gran and Sky, and his body heat and enticing scent continued wreaking havoc on Kaitlin’s hormones.
As they pulled out of the driveway, Gran started in again, verbally maligning the widowed women who sought Melvin’s attention, but Kaitlin’s mind was focused on Sky’s ridiculous ultimatum.
Not going to touch me until I prove that I trust you? We’ll see about that.
She knew with a little creativity and a whole lot of seduction, she’d make Sky rescind that vow. The competitive spirit inside her couldn’t wait to bring the big man to his knees and make him choke on his words. She swallowed down the giggle rising inside her.
As Sky turned onto Main Street, people waved at the sight of Gran’s car. Kaitlin was unsure if she was prepared to greet the masses or answer their inquiring questions, but it was too late to chicken out now. She sucked in a calming breath as Sky swung the big, red hoopty-mobile into a vacant spot in front of the café only to have her anxiety soar as people started gathering on the sidewalk. She wanted to melt into the white faux leather upholstery and disappear.
Gran tucked away her disgruntled attitude, replacing it with a wide smile before exiting the vehicle. Kaitlin wasn’t nearly as eager to face the mob. As if sensing her reluctance, Sky gave her a playful nudge.
“Come on. I’ll protect you from the vultures,” he teased with a wide grin.
She flashed him a sarcastic smile. “I don’t want or need a thing from you.”
He laughed as he stepped out of the car and offered her his hand. “Yes, you do. You’re just too damn stubborn to admit it.”
With a scoff, she turned the other way, following Gran’s path out the passenger-side door. Forcing a smile, Kaitlin was quickly surrounded by well-wishers as she struggled to inch her way toward the café. Darting a glance up, she saw Sky leaning against the brick wall. A derisive smirk lay over his lips as he stared at her intently. Gran stood on the sidewalk singing Kaitlin’s praises, which only embarrassed her half to death. The old woman still didn’t know how much of a mess Kaitlin’s life had become. She shot a fleeting glance toward the car, wishing she could jump inside and haul ass back to Gran’s.
This was a bad idea. A slow-rising wave of panic crested from her toes and moved up her body. As if sensing her discomfort, Sky pushed off the wall and quickly ate up the distance between them. He slid his arm around her waist and smiled at the people gathered around.
He wasn’t going to touch me again. Right.
“Okay, folks, as you can plainly see, we need to take Katie inside and get some meat on her bones.”
“You are awful thin, darling,” Mrs. Cooper agreed as she patted Kaitlin’s arm. “Is there nothing good to eat in the big city?”
“I’m fine. Really,” she countered as Sky tucked her against his side and led her toward the café. Kaitlin gave him an indignant glare. “Stop talking about my weight. You’re embarrassing me,” she tersely whispered.
The crowd parted as Sky flashed a satisfied smile. “It worked, didn’t it?”
Kaitlin wrenched from his hold and stormed inside the diner. The bell over the door tinkled above her head, and all eyes turned her way. Kaitlin’s cheeks grew hot, but she was grateful when Gran and Sky both sidled up beside her and directed her into the first available booth—right in the middle of the crowded diner. As Kaitlin scooted across the wooden bench seat, Gran stood at the end of the table, staring at someone across the room. Sky sat down across from Kaitlin, watching her like a friggin’ eagle.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Sky apologized sheepishly.
“Yes, you did,” she countered dryly. “So you can shove your apology up your ass.”
A wide grin lit up his face as his shoulders shook in silent laughter. Kaitlin wanted to scream…and she did, in her head, before tossing her nose in the air to find Gran still standing and smiling like a schoolgirl.
Peering around the corner of the booth curiously, Kaitlin spied Joe Brock seated with the same cluster of farmers he had when she was a child. Joe wore a million-dollar smile, and his eyes sparkled as he tipped his John Deere hat to Gran. Oh, my god. The old fart was flirting with her grandmother. Kaitlin couldn’t help but grin as she watched Gran self-consciously smooth a hand over her hair and preen just a little before finally settling into the booth.
“Joe Brock, huh?” Kaitlin whispered in Gran’s ear. “Do you two have a little somethin’ somethin’ going on you need to tell me?”
“Oh, cut it out,” Gran scolded under her breath as a bright red blush colored her cheeks.
“You know, he sure drives up and down our road an awful lot,” Sky teased. “Wonder why that is?”
“You just hush, Sky Whitefeather. You have no room to talk,” Gran cautioned with a chuckle. “Every single woman in the county cruises by to get a glimpse of you and to try to catch your eye. I see them rustling their tail feathers at you…see it all the time.”
A pang of jealousy punched Kaitlin in the chest before landing in her stomach like a boulder. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that women flocked to Sky. After all, he was kind and compassionate, and Kaitlin knew of no finer eye candy on the planet. Still, she couldn’t help feeling miffed. Sky had been her first love…and vice versa. The thought of him doing to other women what he used to do to her stung.
“Katie? My god, it really is you.”
Turning toward a familiar female voice, Kaitlin grinned. “Grace. Oh, for crying out loud…you’re still here in Connor?”
“Yep. The legacy lives on.” The waitress nodded.
Grace Sharp—great-granddaughter of Maude and Parker Sharp, who’d opened Sharp’s Café in 1954, and Kaitlin’s friend since sixth grade—stood before her wearing the familiar pink-and-grey uniform with a frilly white apron and a smile from ear to ear.
“I can’t believe you’re back,” Grace squealed. “Gracious, Katie. You look like a million bucks. Was that you driving the flashy silver sports car yesterday?”
Kaitlin issued an uncomfortable nod.
“I knew it. When I heard you were back in town, I just knew that was you,” Grace exclaimed. “How’ve you been?”
You don’t really want to know. Kaitlin shoved the truth down and forced her smile even brighter. “I’m good, doing good,” she lied. “How about you?”
“I’m stil
l here, doing what I do…managing the café. They can’t exist without me,” Grace replied with a dramatic wave of her hand.
A customer called out to Grace. She raised her finger toward the woman. “What can I get you to drink, Katie?”
“Iced tea, please.”
“The usual coffee and tea, for you two?” Grace asked, darting a glance between Gran and Sky as they both nodded. A shy smile tugged the corners of the waitress’s mouth as she stared at Sky a few seconds longer than expected and then quickly walked away.
Ignoring the twinge of irritation, Kaitlin arched a brow at Sky. “So, you and Grace are hooked up now, huh?”
A slow, knowing grin spread over his lips. Dammit, he knew she was jealous. “No, Grace and I are just friends. You can pull your claws back in, darlin’.”
“I hope your crops grow as big as your ego,” Kaitlin tossed back, hoping if she deflected and rejected him long enough, it might vanquish the desire burning inside her. “Do you honestly think I give a crap who you’re playing hide the tomahawk with? I simply didn’t want being seen with you to cramp your man-whore reputation.”
“Kaitlin Elizabeth,” Gran chided. “Watch your mouth.”
Sky laughed. “Trust me, Katie…you won’t do a thing to my reputation.”
“You’re damn right I won’t,” Kaitlin vehemently agreed.
Gran shifted slightly in her seat, bit back a smile, and turned her head.
“Why, Katie Grant … I heard you were back.”
Kaitlin looked up at the sound of the deep man’s voice. Her brows drew together as she studied the tall, broad-shouldered dude dressed in a bargain-brand suit. Racking her brain, Kaitlin searched her memory banks for a hint of recognition. His piercing blue eyes sparkled, but it wasn’t until a half smile pulled at one side of his mouth that Kaitlin recognized Mitchell Walker. The wretched bully she’d punched on the bus years ago. Though his pug nose had thinned out, so had the rest of his body. Mitchell stood staring at her as if he were a lost puppy looking for a home. She wanted to laugh. He’d always given off a greasy vibe. Sort of like a snake oil salesman. Kaitlin had loathed him as a boy and was even less impressed with the man before her.
