With his one hand, he touched her breast, and the other rubbed across her clit. “Relax, darling, trust me, you’ll like this.” Her gorgeous hair hid her face, but she wiggled against his tight belly
He couldn’t wait. Desire throbbed through his every cell. He moved his cock in place, and in one smooth glide, he entered her from behind. Her hot, tight pussy clamped around him, sending an electric jolt sizzling along his nerves.
His fingers rubbed across her clit, and she moved that sweet ass hard against him. He started the rhythm, in and out. Heat pulsed around him and in him. Her moan almost made him lose it, but he waited until he felt her contractions start and then buried himself deep and hard as they both came together.
Heart pounding, he rolled to the side. When he could breathe normally, he brushed her hair back. She’d cuddled close to him. “All right?”
“If I was any better, I’d explode into tiny stars and float up into the sky.”
A tiny worry tried to enter his mind. He pushed it away. He’d deal with problems as they came. She was finally his, and he’d never lose her. Whatever it took.
* * * *
Samantha lay beside Jackson, listening to his breathing. Her body still tingled from their lovemaking. Now that she had admitted she loved him, their coming together was even sweeter. She reached out and ran her hand over his hard body. He gently took hold of her wrist.
“This time it’s my turn.” He brushed her hair away from her face and neck then nipped at the lobe of her ear with his teeth. “You are a delectable buffet, my dear.” He wiggled his eyebrows, making her laugh. When he came to the sweet spot between shoulder and neck, he found her ticklish spot. She giggled and tried to move away, but he had her at his mercy. He teased with her, and gradually the playfulness began to warm her body in a different way.
His mouth kissed her mound then he separated her lower lips and tasted her. His tongue slid seductively across her clit. Her lower body rose to seek more of his attention.
This time their lovemaking was slower, like a sultry dance. Instead of fire, warm honey ran through her veins, and when he slowly entered, moving inch by inch along her hot pussy, desire swirled so intensely she’d swear she tasted the sweetness. Her climax came softly, enveloping her body in a cloud of warmth and love.
Later they cuddled on a soft rug in front of the fireplace. The only light inside the house came from the flames. Outside, the stars twinkled and the moon sent silver shining across the polished wood floor. Samantha had never been happier or more content. Most of her life she’d been frightened of being too happy. She pushed away the brief flash of fear that coursed through her, reminding her of the danger of being vulnerable.
As though he’d felt her internal shiver, Jackson pulled her closer, kissed the top of her head, and whispered in her ear, “I’m here, love, always.” But was it a promise he could keep?
Chapter Ten
The next few days were like a wonderful dream. They swam in the warm waters of the ocean and walked along the sand finding beautiful sea shells. Samantha gathered the prettiest to keep and take home as a souvenir of their honeymoon.
On Wednesday, when she awoke, Jackson had already left their bed. She found him in the kitchen making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
“Is that our breakfast?” she asked.
“Our lunch. I’ve set juice and fruit on a tray in the refrigerator. Pour our coffee and take the tray out to the table on the veranda.” He nodded his head toward the glass doors. “I’ll bring the coffee in a minute. I’m almost finished here.”
Samantha took their breakfast tray outside. She sipped her orange juice and admired the lush scenery in front of her. Bees buzzed around the flowers. The sky was an intense blue with a few wispy clouds floating lazily along on the sea breeze.
“Here’s your coffee.” Jackson handed her a cup. He sat down beside her. “Between you and this view, I could sit here all day and just soak in the beauty.”
“Flattery will get you somewhere,” she teased.
“Do you feel up to exploring the north end of the island today? We’ll have to walk several miles, some of it uphill.”
“Sounds good to me. We’ve been eating such rich meals, steak, lobster, shrimp, not to mention the wonderful desserts. I can use the exercise.”
“I thought I’d been giving you plenty of that.”
Samantha gave him a wry smile. “Right, but that doesn’t burn off enough calories.”
“I can try harder.”
She laughed. “You’re insatiable.”
“With you, I am. But, you’re right. We need the exercise. It’ll be fun. Drake and I walked around the area the last time I visited. He showed me a really nice spot that’s perfect for a picnic.”
After finishing her coffee, Samantha stretched. “I’ll wear jeans and a shirt with my bathing suit underneath just in case we find a place to swim.”
“Or you could wear nothing underneath.”
“You are incorrigible.” She waved and headed inside.
Shortly afterwards, they started their walk. First, a gentle slope that leveled off for some distance, and then they began to climb. Samantha felt the strain on leg muscles she didn’t usually use.
“Tired?” Jackson asked. “We can stop here to rest.”
“Let’s. I want to drink some water. It’s hotter today.”
She took a bottle out of her knapsack and found a shady spot to sit. Here the trees grew closer together. Sunlight barely found a place to peek through the thick branches. She took off her hat and wet the scarf, holding her hair back, with the water from her thermos, and then wiped her face before taking a deep swallow from the bottle.
Jackson swung down beside her. He’d also gotten water out of his knapsack. “Look over there.” He pointed to a cluster of trees to their right. “See the orchids growing wild?” The small cluster of white blooms, with purple trim, moved gently in the breeze.
Samantha leaned her head against the massive tree trunk behind her. “I don’t see how Drake can manage to leave this place.”
“It’s his getaway. He escapes here when the work gets too intense. But, he loves the excitement of his job too much to stay for long.”
She turned her head to look at Jackson. “Aren’t you going to miss the fast pace of traveling, making big deals, going to parties? Are you sure the ranch won’t bore you after a time?”
He tipped her chin up and gave her a quick kiss. “It wasn’t a quick decision. I took my time and thought about all the pros and cons over many months.”
“What decided you in the end?”
“I missed the slower pace of the ranch and the way I felt when I was there. Plus, the people are so genuine.” He hesitated then added, “I’d pretty much explored what I needed to do to make the change and had begun to implement my plan.” He pulled her close against his side. “When you proposed, that really sealed the deal.”
Jackson stood and pulled her up. “Let’s go. Not too much farther. If you like this spot, you’ll love where we picnic.”
He put his knapsack on his back and helped her with hers.
About a half hour later, they arrived at the top. Thick trees made a ring around a small lake. Sunlight sparked off the water, and at the other end, a waterfall cascaded down the mountain.
“The water’s cold, but refreshing,” Jackson said. “Before we get wet, walk with me between these trees.”
Outside the trees, the view of a glorious span of white sand and crystal-clear blue water spread out for miles before them. Jackson stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
“At the top of the world, just me and my girl.” He kissed the side of her face. “Just think, we have all our lives to enjoy each other and all the children we hope to have.”
“Don’t say things like that out loud,” Samantha cautioned.
“Why not?” Jackson turned her to face him. “Don’t tell me you’re superstitious?”
Samantha hugged him tight.
“I’m afraid to be too happy.”
Jackson kissed the top of her head. “Just living has risks. I promise I’ll be there for both the ups and downs.”
She shivered. “What if you die?”
He leaned back and cupped her face. “There are no guarantees, sweetheart. You could have been shot on our wedding day. All I can promise is today.” He stared directly into her eyes. “Losing your parents at an early age was very hard, and you didn’t expect your grandmother’s death. You loved them. Loving is risky.” He put his arm around her. “Come on. Let’s enjoy our picnic. Enough serious talk for now.”
Stepping around him, she went back through the trees to the lake. She watched as Jackson cut an orchid and brought it to her. He tucked it behind her ear.
“My island princess.”
After spreading a blanket, they set out the peanut butter sandwiches, bananas, and leftover barbecue chicken from the night before. They ate quietly, listened to the music of the water falling, the rustle of leaves, and enjoyed the relaxing view while sipping from the bottle of champagne Jackson had brought. He’d stuck the bottle in the cold water to chill it. After they finished, Samantha repacked the leftover food into their knapsack. She walked to the edge of the small lake and tested the temperature with her foot.
“It’s cold.”
“Drake said the water comes from a natural spring, and this area is shaded, which helps to keep it cold. Want to swim?”
“Maybe another day. I’m too comfortable to plunge into cold water.” She mimicked a mock shiver.
“I’d warm you when you came out.”
She stepped to the edge of the blanket. “You can warm me, but I’ll skip the swim.” She slowly began to disrobe, dropping her blouse, and then very slowly, she unzipped her jeans and pushed them down and off. Her bikini top followed.
Jackson took her hand and pulled her down beside him. “I’ll take care of the rest.” He rolled to his side and touched the side of her face. Leaning toward her, he kissed the top of her nose. “I love these freckles you’ve gotten from the sun.” He ran his tongue over her lips. “I always think of raspberry jam when I kiss you.” Moving along, he let out a long breath against her skin before he kissed her neck. “Your scent reminds me of old roses in the summer, the most fragrant kind.”
Her heart beat faster as he slid down each part of her body, tasting and touching. His hand caressed her legs, and then he opened them, moving his kisses to her tender lower lips. His tongue licked and swirled over her.
He glanced up at her and smiled before putting his hard cock against her pussy and smoothly gliding in as far as possible.
She melted totally. His lovemaking wove a spell as he continued to take his time bringing her almost to the edge and pulling back.
She raised her hips, urging him, wanting him to move faster and harder. He held back, until the very end when he surged forward fast, hard, and deep. He captured her mouth as she yelled, “Yes!”
They lay side by side, letting their breathing return to normal. The shade cooled their hot bodies. When Jackson’s breathing had slowed, he swung one leg over her and held her face so she looked right at him.
“Loving you one day, two years, or forever, I’ll take whatever time I get.”
His eyes shone a deep blue sapphire color. Her fingers brushed across his well-formed mouth. His lips opened, and he took a nip at her fingertip.
“I hate to end this,” he said. “But, if we don’t start back, we’ll run out of daylight before we get to the house.”
They dressed and put their knapsacks on their shoulders.
Samantha took a last glance over her shoulder.
“We’ll come back,” Jackson reassured her. “We have a few more days left.”
At first her legs were weak from their previous exertion. When they reached the flatter area, the walk got easier. Gradually, the mansion in the sky, as she liked to think of it, came into sight, which encouraged them to move more rapidly.
“Why does it always seem to take less time when you’re going back from somewhere?” Samantha asked as they stepped onto the veranda.
“I don’t know, but it does appear that way. I’ll check my phone. Too bad we can’t take it on our outings. This is one of the few areas that has good coverage.”
Samantha headed straight for the bathroom, quickly shed her clothes, and jumped into the shower. She’d washed her hair and was almost finished with her bath when Jackson came into the room. She knew when she saw his face that something bad had happened.
Turning off the faucet, she grabbed her towel and stepped out. “What is it?”
“We need to get home. Your grandfather has taken ill and is in the hospital. I’ve called for the jet.”
“Gramps? What’s the matter with him?” Her heart sank, and all her old fears came back.
Jackson pulled her to him and hugged her. “I brought the phone. Here, call Maria. See if she’s at the house.”
Her fingers shook so bad Jackson took the phone and put in the numbers for her. She took it back and listened as it rang and rang.
“Who did you talk to?” she asked Jackson.
“No one. Maria left a very brief message. Let’s pack. I’ve called for the jet. It’ll be here soon.”
She threw her clothes into the suitcase and went around the house with Jackson, making sure all was locked and shut off before they left. They had just finished in the kitchen when Samantha spotted the plane in the distance. “They’re almost here.”
She ran to get her suitcase, and Jackson wasn’t far behind her.
Keoni and Manu had been notified and arrived in time to hurriedly drive them to the landing strip. Her heart pounded as the jet took off. Hurry, hurry, I can’t get there too late. I have to see Gramps.
Jackson took her hand in his. He raised it to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
“A car will be waiting in Houston. We’ll be able to get right to the hospital.”
Samantha hardly heard his words. She saw the last of the sunset sink into the west, and the shadows of fear sank into her. This was one time going back took forever. She slept in snatches during the flight.
Fear gripped her throat tight again after they landed. The limousine sped around traffic to get them to the hospital. Jackson held her arm as they walked along the hospital corridor to the cardiac ICU waiting room.
All medical centers had a familiar smell—a combination of cleaning agents, perfumed air, and people. Samantha twitched her nose. Hospitals were not her favorite places, especially not waiting rooms. They were bare and cold, usually had no windows, or if the room had one, there was no view, except another building. The particular scent smelled of anxiety and a cross between fear and hope.
As soon as she saw Samantha, Maria ran into her arms. “I’m so sorry you had to cut your trip short. Mr. Riley said not to call, but I knew you’d want to know.”
“Absolutely, you did the right thing,” Samantha reassured her.
“Sit, then tell me what happened and why he had surgery.” She directed Maria to a chair and sat beside her.
“He’s been having trouble with his heart,” Maria said. She raised her hand before Samantha could ask a question. “He swore me to secrecy. Said he didn’t want to put a damper on your wedding plans. He wanted to be there to see you wed.”
“Is that why he made those unannounced visits to Saddle Creek and then to Houston?” Samantha asked.
“Yes. The doctors in both places told him he needed bypass surgery, but he put it off. He planned to have it later after you came back.” Tears ran down Maria’s face. “The stubborn man. His heart didn’t wait. He had a heart attack. The doctors said it was a mild one, thankfully. They took him right to surgery.” Maria wiped her eyes and gave a weak laugh. “I’m sure he was arguing with the doctors right up to when they put him to sleep.”
“That sounds like Gramps. How long will they be keeping him in ICU?” Samantha asked.
Maria smiled. “His doctor
said maybe tomorrow he’d go to the cardiac floor.”
“That’s good news,” Jackson said. “I’m going to find us all a cup of coffee and maybe some food.” He kissed Samantha. “I won’t be long.”
“You’re happy?” Maria asked after he left.
“Very, but I’m really concerned about Gramps. I was so frightened during the flight here.”
“The doctors are very encouraged, and now that you’ve arrived, I’m sure he’ll do even better.” Maria patted her back. “It’s all going to be good from now on.”
* * * *
Two days later, standing outside Gramps’ hospital door, Samantha remembered Maria’s prediction. Jackson had supposedly left early to go by his old business, so she’d decided to surprise Gramps at breakfast. But, she got the surprise. She’d started to push the door open when she heard Gramps’ voice and then Jackson’s. Apparently, they’d been talking for some time.
“This wasn’t our agreement,” Gramps said. “The will has been written so you get fifty-one percent of the Riley ranch when I die. You’re to name the first son Riley, and eventually it’ll all go to him. That’s a good deal. No more discussion. Don’t you have somewhere to go?”
Jackson laughed. “You’re a cantankerous old man. I’ll agree for now.”
Shocked, Samantha hurried away from the door. She went around the opposite corner from the elevators. Jackson strode out of Gramps’ room, and the elevator door opened just as he approached. She waited until the door closed then sank against the wall. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks.
No wonder he’d wanted to marry soon before Gramps changed his mind. Had that been his payoff to marry her? He got the majority share of her ranch, meaning whatever she suggested he could say no to. Angrily, she wiped the tears from her face. They’d both betrayed her. The two men she’d trusted the most. Her heart ached with the pain of betrayal. Glancing around, she saw the sign for the stairwell.
She took the stairs and came out in the back of the hospital. Since she’d taken a taxi, she didn’t have to worry about her car. Where to go? She wandered along the busy streets, not noticing what direction she’d taken. When she got thirsty, she stopped at an outdoor cafe and ordered tea and toast. She didn’t think anything else would stay down. All around her, people hurried on foot and in cars. They had places to go, people to see. There wasn’t anyone for her to talk with except Janice.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 11
