“Swedish meatballs?” Connor asked.
“Yeah,” Dylan said wistfully. “Now I’m hungry. Want to stop somewhere on the way home?”
“Sure,” Connor replied, “I’ll call Angelina. She and Whitney might want to meet us.”
They were still talking while Bradford closed the door. He paused as he was walking by the swear jar. It could have been an offensive gift. It certainly was evidence that she wanted to change him. He glanced at the packages on the couch. She’s not the only one.
Fucking Clay.
This morning was cool.
Sending the meatheads to my undisclosed apartment was sloppy and just the kind of careless move that gets someone like me killed.
And, oddly enough, I’m not looking to die today.
He picked up the swear jar and ran his thumb over the writing. Swears said in ecstasy were free. A grin spread across his face. He loved that she’d made this for him and how it reflected her sense of humor as well as her open sexuality.
She was a woman who knew what she wanted and for some crazy reason she wanted him. Bradford replaced the jar and moved to the couch. He peered into one of the bags Dylan and Connor hadn’t emptied. One had a bottle of wine and a skateboard. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what that combination was about. The next bag was full of snacks and socks.
Odd.
Useful.
He glanced upward. “Tell me the meatheads were not the sign I asked for. And what the hell am I supposed to do with a skateboard?”
There wasn’t an answer from above and he hadn’t expected one. He caught the plaid shirt out of the corner of his eye and picked it up again. He’d never worn plaid in his life. The color wasn’t bad—deep blue. He dressed for a purpose rather than for vanity. His suit was a uniform that opened doors. Beyond that he really didn’t care what he wore. If Joanna liked plaid there was no reason he couldn’t wear it now and then.
He placed it on his bed beside his overnight bag, took a shower, dressed in that shirt and jeans then began to pack. Comb. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Deodorant. Floss. Change of clothes. Socks—new ones thanks to Connor and Dylan. Wine. A few snacks. He stuffed the carrots in an outside pocket and almost left the skateboard behind, but since it fit he stuffed it into the center portion of the bag.
He almost sought out his own stash of condoms, but decided to fill a side pouch of the bag with some of the variety pack. They were good quality and maybe it was time he got a little adventurous with his protection.
As he zipped up his bag, he groaned and thought: I can’t believe I’m taking advice from the meatheads.
He remembered the heart boxers and almost left them but then at the last minute stuffed them into another of the bag’s side pockets. Not for an argument—but maybe for a laugh.
He almost slipped on his dress shoes, but decided to try on the work boots Connor had brought.
Comfortable. Better than what he’d worn while in the service.
He walked over to the mirror in his bedroom and took a long look. I look like a fucking lumberjack. Is this really what Joanna wants?
He shook his head and swung the overnight bag over his shoulder. Swim trunks. He almost went back to his closet for them, then remembered she’d said they were optional and decided against it.
I like optional.
He bent, clipped his gun to a strap on his leg that concealed it beneath his jeans, then headed out the door. On his way to the garage he texted Joanna that he was on his way.
Her response was almost immediate: Fantastic, I’ll jump in the shower.
That was all it took for him to speed the whole way to her farm. He would have gotten there in record time, but he stopped at a pastry shop to pick up her favorite dessert.
Chapter Nine
Fresh from the shower, hair blown out, light makeup applied, Joanna paced her bedroom in just a towel. She was nervous/excited. Time had flown too fast for her to be ready on time. She’d stopped at a grocery store on the way back to pick up the ingredients for meatless tacos. Her plan was something light and fun, but now that she was rushing around, still trying to decide what to wear, she was worried she’d chosen something she couldn’t have prepared by the time he arrived.
Her phone rang. It was Angelina. Perfect! “Hey, mind reader. I need some advice. Lace thong on a second date—sexy or trashy?”
Angelina laughed. “And this is why I can never have my friends on speakerphone. Let me step out of the room so Whitney can’t hear us.”
“Yes, please,” Joanna answered with a chuckle.
“Okay, we’re safe. When were you going to tell me you have a date with Bradford tonight?”
“Um. Now?” Joanna sighed. “I know we tell each other everything, but there’s been a lot of negative noise regarding Bradford and I wanted to get to know him on my terms.”
“Does that mean I shouldn’t tell you I think you’re rushing things if you’re already choosing underwear with him in mind? And what do you mean second date?”
Joanna bit her bottom lip, wrinkled her nose, then said, “We’ve already had one and it was magical.”
“What? Did I fall into a coma and wake up days later or did this happen since last night?”
“Clay Landon might have surprised Bradford and me with a romantic breakfast and a tent full of games.”
“Holy shit. You need to tell me everything. No, hold on, we should merge Aly into this convo.”
“You’re right.” I wouldn’t want to be left out of something like this.
A moment later Aly said, “So, I heard you’re already at the choosing which underwear to wear phase. And you’ve been on a date? Is your head spinning?”
“It is. This morning was amazing.”
“Spill,” Aly said with a smile in her voice. “I just had a client say she’s running a few minutes late and I told my receptionist to hold all calls.”
Joanna started with her disappointment when she’d discovered the restaurant was not only full but that Bradford hadn’t shown up after all. She described walking out, seeing him standing there, and how it had felt like a scene at the end of a romantic comedy. She’d wanted to run and throw herself into his arms. “But I didn’t because we weren’t in that place yet.”
“Yet?” Angelina echoed. “Just how good was Clay’s surprise?”
Joanna weighed her question before answering. “The date was good before we discovered the tent. There’s a whole other side to Bradford—he’s also sweet. We were smiling, holding hands, talking like we’d known each other forever, and then we came across this enormous white tent like people have at expensive weddings.”
She described how the first part had been the Glass Slipper and breakfast. As she tried to capture the essence of the Ball Room, she kept using the word magical—because that’s how it had felt.
“You were really locked in?” Aly asked. “And that didn’t make you nervous at all?”
Angelina chimed in. “Aly, are you completely missing the romance of this? Joanna has a fairy godfather—”
“Who manipulated the situation like they were puppets.”
Joanna sat on the corner of her bed. “It wasn’t like that, Aly. Clay wanted us to have time together, that’s all.”
“If you’re okay with it, I’m okay with it,” Aly said. “I’m not trying to be a downer, I just want you to keep at least one toe planted in reality. I like Clay, but he’s doing this because he finds it entertaining. What happens if he decides watching the two of you crash and burn is more fun?”
“Wow,” Angelina said, “and you used to accuse me of being the pessimistic one. Aly, let Joanna have this. She has you and me to watch her back.”
“You’re not exactly unbiased when it comes to Clay. I know he’s done a lot for Connor, but—”
“Does there have to be a but?” Joanna broke in. “I trust people until they give me a reason not to. I enjoyed this morning. I intend to enjoy tonight. Do we have to make things more complicated than that?”
Aly signed. “I guess not. Sorry, I just worry about you.”
“I know.” If they were in the same room, Joanna would have hugged her. “I love you for that, but I’m a big girl. I’ve got this.” She stood again and walked over to her bureau. “What I don’t have is a decision about what to wear. Although I’m sure he wouldn’t complain if I met him at the door in a towel, I was hoping to be a little less obvious.”
“What are your options? I only have a few minutes before I have to get ready too. Although my night won’t be as exciting as yours. Whitney, Connor, and I are going out to dinner with Dylan tonight.”
Joanna went to her bureau and took out a few pairs, laying them out so she could match up the bras with them. “I have this white satin set, but it looks a little bridal to me.”
Angelina suggested, “You have good instincts, so they’re a no. What else do you have?”
Despite the fact that neither of her friends could see them, Joanna held up the tiny red thong with matching sheer lace bra. She described them, then said, “If I were ten pounds lighter I’d feel more confident in this, but—”
“Oh, please,” Aly said, “never let the scale determine your sexual confidence. You are healthy and muscular because you live an active lifestyle. That’s better than being half your size and weak. Which pair makes you feel the sexiest?”
Joanna dug back into her drawer and pulled out a black mesh teddy with strategically placed designs that by no means provided enough coverage to make it decent. She’d never worn it, but when she bought it she’d imagined wearing it under a power suit while negotiating her next book deal. No one would have seen it, but it was a striking piece. She stepped into it and let her towel fall.
At first all she saw in the mirror were her flaws, but she shook her head and stood straighter. This is me. Those are my mother’s generous hips and grandmother’s freckles. Not much I can do about either. And that’s okay.
“You’re right, Aly. I was thinking about what he’d like, but I have one that I’ve been dying to wear and it’s perfect.”
“That’s the one, then!”
“It sure is,” Joanna said as she looked at herself in the mirror. It was slimming while still revealing. Her confidence rose. “I think I’ll wear regular jeans and a shirt over this. It’s kind of fun to keep things tame until I choose to release the tiger.”
Aly laughed. “The tiger?”
“It’s been a while,” Joanna defended. “I have some pent-up needs I’m hoping will get satisfied tonight.”
“Oh, boy,” Angelina said. “Don’t break the man.”
“I won’t.” Bradford didn’t seem like the fragile type.
Aly added, “Be careful.”
“Where would the fun be in that?” Joanna checked the time and rushed to say, “I’ll call you both tomorrow. He’ll be here soon and I’m nowhere near ready.”
She rushed through getting dressed then paused while choosing what to put on her feet. She usually wore barn boots or sneakers. Neither felt right for dinner with Bradford.
Her dog barking outside told her she was out of time. Since his visit would likely start with a tour of her farm, she hopped into socks and tugged on her barn boots before stepping out her front door.
She was out of breath and a little frazzled by the time she was on the steps of her house, but her nerves faded away when he stepped out of his car. She’d never imagined him in plaid or work boots, but, man, he was hot in both. He stood behind the driver-side door of his car as if unsure if he was coming or going.
She nearly sprinted down the steps to greet him. “Welcome to Treasures Farm.”
He didn’t smile and his sunglasses blocked her ability to read his mood. He was far from the first reluctant visitor to her farm, but most of them had four legs. More surprising, her normally rowdy golden retriever, Buddy, was sitting on the grass watching Bradford—from a respectful distance.
She made her way to Bradford’s car. Was he afraid of dogs? It hadn’t occurred to her to pen Buddy, but not everyone liked animals. The thought saddened Joanna. She could overlook many things but not that difference. “Buddy, come.” Her dog sat where he was, wagging his tail and looking at Bradford. If Bradford had reprimanded him, it certainly hadn’t been harshly. Buddy was a wimp. “Sorry, I should have put him away.”
Bradford looked from her to Buddy and frowned. “He doesn’t look like trouble.”
She laughed. “Looks can be deceiving, but he’s so loveable no one can stay mad at him.”
“I brought a bag. Should I bring it in?” Bradford’s tone was harsh and her heart melted. He was nervous.
“Why don’t we put it inside the front door then I’ll give you a tour of the farm—if you’d like.”
“Sounds good.” He pulled a large black bag out of the back of his car.
“Looks like you’re moving in,” she joked then wished she hadn’t when he visibly tensed. “That’s a joke, Bradford. You can laugh.”
Bradford swung his bag over his shoulder, an act that highlighted a mouth-watering amount of muscle. God, he looked good in jeans.
She stepped closer. “Is everything okay, Bradford? Talk to me.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment, then he removed his sunglasses and looked into her eyes. She held her breath, waiting. There was so much emotion in his eyes, she wished he would just let it out. Was he worried it would overwhelm her? It wouldn’t. She had all kinds of feelings swirling around in her as well. “There’s something for you on the passenger seat.”
It wasn’t the declaration she’d expected, but when she spotted a cake box on the car seat, warmth spread through her. He was so gruff on the outside, but considerate and sweet beneath that. “Thank you.” She retrieved the box and smiled at him.
“It’s strawberry shortcake.”
Her eyes rounded as she returned to his side. “That’s my favorite. How did you know?” When he didn’t answer she decided that was a story for later. “Well, I love it. Thank you.”
He cleared his throat. “I also brought carrots for your horses.” He swung the bag forward. He opened an outside pouch of his bag then rezipped it quickly. Was it her imagination or did his cheeks flush? He unzipped another pouch and pulled out a bag of organic carrots.
Other men had brought her flowers. Some had bought her expensive jewelry, something that had always left her feeling a little uncomfortable, especially when it was early in their relationship. No one had ever brought her carrots and cake.
She accepted the carrots. With one of his gifts in each hand she went up onto her toes and kissed his lips, slowly and gently as her thank you.
His mouth moved over hers with the same hunger she was fighting. His free hand pulled her against him, his hardening cock making it intoxicatingly clear that the kiss was exciting him as much as it was her. When she broke off the kiss, she stayed close enough to him that she could feel the heat of his body. Every inch of her was humming for him.
Joanna had only been with a handful of men in her life. She tended to ease into a relationship slowly, become friends before becoming lovers—but her body had different ideas when it came to Bradford. It argued there would be time later to get to know everything about him. That burning need was what made Joanna bolder than she’d ever been with a man. “I’m glad you’re here.”
His smile was reflected in his eyes. “Me too.”
“Let’s go put your stuff inside.” She started to move toward the house and he fell into step beside her. Buddy joined them, choosing to walk at Bradford’s side. She gave him a curious look. “Do you have a dog, Bradford?”
“No.”
“Ever had one?”
“No, why? Because your dog likes me?”
When they reached the door and stopped, Buddy sat beside Bradford like the trainers had attempted and failed to teach him to do for them. “No, because he respects you. He was supposed to be a therapy dog, but he failed puppy discipline school—twice. I often have to pen
him because he is too enthusiastic when he first meets people. I’ve never seen him as well-behaved as he is right now.”
Bradford looked down at Buddy. The dog gazed up at him with his tongue hanging out, his tail wagging, but his butt planted firmly on the porch floor.
“Dogs get me,” Bradford said casually, dismissing a gift that another person might have bragged about.
She wanted to ask him what he thought Buddy got about him, but she didn’t think Bradford was ready for that conversation yet. Her take on animals was that they were a good read of character. They filtered out what people said and judged them by body language and behavior. Nothing about Bradford was threatening, but he quietly commanded respect.
Joanna was beginning to get Bradford. She guessed this was all new territory for him as well, but he was trying. She placed the bag of carrots near the door. “I’ll put the dessert in the kitchen and come right back. You can put your bag inside. There’s a bathroom down the hall on the left if you need one.”
He followed her and placed his bag against the wall just inside. “All set. I’ll meet you on the porch.”
After putting the strawberry shortcake in the fridge, Joanna headed back to meet Bradford, but stopped before pushing the screen door open. Bradford was sitting on the steps with a smitten Buddy at his side. I like him too, Buddy.
She thought of other men who’d met Buddy. Some had made a big show of loving him up. Some had thrown a ball for him and actively tried to build a relationship with him. Funny how effortless Bradford made their connection look.
Bradford stood and turned at the sound of her opening the door. He had a funny look in his eyes, like he was holding back something he wanted to say. “Joanna—”
“Yes?”
He paused, then said, “Don’t forget the carrots.”
She didn’t spare them a look, instead she walked over to him, ran her hands up his chest and said, “What carrots?”
“Don’t.” He caught her hands and growled. “I’m trying to do this right.”
Reluctantly Rescued (The Barrington Billionaires, Book 9) Page 13
