After they had fallen apart in each other’s arms this last time, she sought hydration in the form of two glasses of water. When she returned from the kitchen feeling perfectly tender in all the right places, wearing nothing but a long bed shirt, she stopped in the doorway, smiling at Chase. Eyes closed, he lay in the bed, one arm folded beneath his head, the other resting at his side. The white sheet rested low on his body, showing off that sexy V at his hips and his mouthwatering six-pack.
“I like when you watch me.” He peeked open one eye, the side of his mouth curving. “Especially when you look at me like that.”
“I can’t help it.” She closed the distance between them. “You look damn good in my bed.”
“While I like that, I’m also the only guy you’ve ever had in your bed.”
She joined him on the mattress, sitting cross-legged, and laughed. “No kidding. If Brody ever found a guy in here, I’d be an accessory to murder.”
Chase barked a laugh, taking the glass of water she offered, then sat up a little to down half of the glass. Once he placed the glass on the bedside table, he rested his head on his hand, flexing his bicep. “Tell me more about that.” He winked. “Minus the murder.”
“About Brody being protective, you mean?” she asked, placing her glass of water on the table.
“Yeah.”
“He’s worse than the most religious parent out there. If he could have put a chastity belt on me, he would have.”
Chase’s mouth twitched. “I do not doubt that in the least.”
“So, then, I guess you can imagine how fun that made my dating life. It’s why going away to culinary school in Denver was so exciting. I could date freely and not have Brody breathing down every guy’s neck.”
“Did you have a serious boyfriend there?”
She nodded. “His name was Matt. He’s a chef too. I think he moved to New York City the last I heard.”
“What went wrong with him?”
“Besides that I already knew things were on a downward slope since we were fighting a lot, Brody went wrong and simply sped up my decision to break things off.” Feeling parched, she reached for her glass and took another sip of water before addressing Chase again. “He came to surprise me for my birthday, intimated the hell of Matt, obviously to get me to see what kind of man he was, and that was that.”
Chase smiled. “Brody can be intimidating when he wants to be.”
“Not to you.”
“No, not to me.” Chase paused and studied her with inquisitive eyes. “Is that why you didn’t date much when you lived here in River Rock?”
“Pretty much. His protectiveness made dating hard. Who wants to date the girl they know will eventually lead to them getting punched out if they do anything wrong?”
“Did any of the guys deserve a punch, though?”
“Maybe some of them could be giant douchebags, at times,” she admitted. “But back then, I didn’t see it that way.”
“What about now?”
She smiled. “Now I know Brody was just looking out for me because he wants me to be happy, in a warped way, of course.” She placed her glass back onto the table, resting her hands in her lap. “Though, to be honest, I can’t imagine Brody being happy with anyone I’m dating. I don’t think he’ll ever approve.”
“That’s not true.”
She gave him a look. “Oh, yeah, name one.”
“Me.” He chuckled at whatever crossed her expression. “Come on, Harper, you know me. Do you honestly think I would allow anything to happen between us if I hadn’t talked it over with Brody first?”
She blinked. “You asked his permission to sleep with me this week?”
Chase snorted. “That’s very unlikely. We talked about a month after it became very obvious that something was building between you and me.”
She paused and frowned. “If you had talked about us with Brody, why didn’t you say anything to me?”
“Because your dreams are not here in River Rock.” He tucked her hair behind her ear then stroked his knuckles across her cheek. Something she was beginning to learn was his signature move. “I would be nothing but an obstacle to you leaving for Vegas. That’s not something I would ever do to you.”
She absorbed what he said. “Okay, wait. I’m having a really hard time believing that Brody said he’d be okay with you dating me.”
He lowered his hand to the sheets. “Sure, at first, my interest in you was a hard pill for Brody to swallow.”
“Did he knock your teeth out?” she asked seriously.
His mouth twitched. “I’m sure he wanted to, but in the end, Brody saw my interest was reciprocated. He wants you to be happy. Have you ever considered that maybe he was being protective because he thought you deserved better than the dipshits you were dating?”
Her breath was trapped in her throat. She glanced down at her hands and processed what he said. Her mind spun in a hundred directions, and she desperately tried to glue the pieces back together that had suddenly been shattered by his admission.
Chase tucked a thumb under her chin, bringing her gaze to his steady eye contact. “What’s on that mind of yours?” he asked.
“Oh, I’m just realizing that I had this all wrong. I thought you wouldn’t cross that line with me because I was Brody’s little sister.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “But I guess I should have known better. Nothing stands in your way when you want something. Proof in point, you being in my bed right now.”
He took hold of her hand and kissed her palm. “That’s very much true.”
She hesitated, then asked the most important question of all. “If Brody wouldn’t stand in your way, then why are we not together?” She’d never doubted he shared her feelings. Not a single time.
His eyes went soft, voice equally gentle. “Because where would that get us? Maybe together. Maybe fighting to make it work when we both knew you would be moving to Vegas and I would always stay here in River Rock. It would be cruel to the both of us.” He stroked her chin, giving a sweet smile. “Brody’s only request was that I give you time to decide what life you wanted: Vegas or River Rock. And I agreed, not only because he’s my closet friend but because it was the right thing to do. Your dreams matter, Harper. I wouldn’t take them from you.”
Sudden tears welled in her eyes and her chin quivered.
“I’ve made you upset.” He frowned.
She shook her head, controlling the tears with a long, deep inhale, and managed to choke out, “Sometimes I think it’s easy to forget how much love I’ve got around me.”
Intensity filled his expression, and he began leaning forward. She mirrored his move, ready to feel his warmth, when her phone rang. She glanced over her shoulder, looking at the screen. “It’s Faith.”
“You better get it.”
She grabbed the phone, hit the call button, and raised the phone to her ear. “Hello.”
“Hey, it’s Faith.”
“Hi.” Harper restrained her squeak as Chase gathered her in his arms, laying her back then spreading her legs with his hands. She cleared her throat. “Do you have any news for me?”
“Brody proposed,” Faith said, an obvious smile in her voice. “Which I’m guessing you already knew was going to happen.”
“Maybe.” Harper sucked in a deep breath, watching Chase kiss his way up her thigh, the scruff of his beard ticking her inner thighs. “I take it you said yes.”
“Of course, I said yes.” Faith paused. Then, “So, that’s why I’m calling. Brody and I got to talking last night, and since you’re leaving on the weekend, we thought it might be best to do things quickly and have the wedding this week. I mean, why wait? Right? Besides, Brody really wants you there at the wedding.”
“Okay.” She could always fly back for the wedding, but that thought died when Chase’s tongue flicked over her clit.
Her fingers tightened in the bedsheets while Faith said, “We’re heading back soon, but do you want to come shopping with me?�
�
“Shopping?”
“Yeah, you know, for the dress.”
“Right, the dress.” She arched her back, melting into the pleasure.
“The GPS says we’ll be there in a half an hour. Does that work?”
“Yup.”
“You’re at home?”
Her chin lifted to the ceiling as Chase slid one finger inside her, then another. She dug her heels into the mattress. “Mm-hmm.”
“Okay, see you in . . .”
The rest of what Faith said drifted over Harper’s subconscious. When silence came, Harper said quickly, “Yeah, sounds good. Bye.” She made sure to end the call before dropping the phone onto the mattress. Releasing the moans that she’d been holding, she threaded her fingers into Chase’s hair, grinding her sex against his mouth. He pumped his fingers, sucked on her clit, and with a high-pitched scream, she came against his mouth with a hard shudder.
* * *
Twenty-five minutes later, Chase swore he could still taste Harper on his tongue. His cock had remained semi-hard until he’d finally arrived at Shep and Emma’s farm. The white farmhouse stood next to a large grass paddock with a donkey, a couple of goats, a sheep and a cow, all of whom had come to this farm after enduring abuse, except for Tadgh, Shep’s black warmblood, and a mare, Fiona, who had been with the Blackshaw family for years.
From Chase’s spot in a rocking chair on the porch, his gaze moved across the red barn that housed the animals at night to the sand ring on the right. Dirt lingered in the air as Bentley, a chestnut gelding, kept his head low, his front legs out straight, and bucked with one intent. To get Nash off his back.
Bentley, obviously realizing Nash wouldn’t fall easily, spun on his hindquarters then twisted his body the other way, tossing Nash forward. Bentley reared once then gave another brutal buck. Nash landed in the dirt with a thud, with Gus barking wildly at him.
Next to Chase, Shep laughed.
When Gus barked louder, Nash yelled, “Enough.” He whipped off his cowboy hat, tossing it at Gus, who caught the hat midair, shaking it side to side. “No. Fuck. Gus. No.” Nash charged toward Gus.
“This is almost painful to watch.” Chase chuckled before taking a swig of his cold beer. Nash had a way with horses. His dog was another story entirely.
Once he wrangled his hat back from Gus, Nash turned to Bentley. “You are a dirty fucking bastard.”
Amusing as this was, concern touched Chase. “Is this wise? Nash is only a month out of physiotherapy.” The youngest Blackshaw had always been reckless, but that behavior had worked for him for a long time. He had made a career out of madness, shooting his way up the rankings as a professional bull rider. But one nasty bull and a spinal cord injury ended that dream in less than eight seconds.
Sipping his beer, Shep studied Nash and sighed. “I told him that training Bentley was a bad idea, but you know Nash. He doesn’t listen to a damn word I say.”
Chase focused back on Nash, who’d slowly begun walking toward Bentley again. He wasn’t limping, and he wore a back brace. Chase knew his brother would not risk injury again. He also knew how to fall off a horse to avoid hurting himself. Though as he stared at the most stubborn Blackshaw, a sudden opportunity presented itself. “Twenty bucks says that Nash doesn’t give up tonight.” While Chase knew the horse had had a tough life and had been saved from an abusive situation a few months ago, he also knew his younger brother well.
Shep offered his hand. “Deal. That horse will not break.”
After shaking on it, Chase sipped his beer again, glancing out, watching as Nash slowly approached Bentley with his hands out. He managed to grab the bridle made of rope with the two reins not connected at the ends.
Right as Nash stroked the horse’s neck, Chase’s cell beeped. He grabbed his phone from his pocket, discovering a text from Brody.
We need to talk. Where are you?
Shep’s, Chase texted back.
On my way.
“Brody’s coming by,” Chase said, shoving his phone back into his pocket. To let his brother in on the happenings in his life, he thought it wise to add, “I might end up needing your help if he knows I slept at Harper’s house last night.”
Before Shep could reply, Brody’s black Jeep sped up the driveway. Shep glanced sideways and chortled. “You are a dead man.”
“Maybe.” Chase rose, leaving his beer bottle on the table in case he needed use of his hands.
The Jeep skidded to a stop near the porch steps. Brody was out a second later, moving around the front of the hood. Gus ran from the sand ring to greet him, and Brody patted his head before approaching. That had to be a good sign. In fact, as soon as Brody drew close, Chase knew everything was fine, regardless of whether Brody knew about last night. Chase would never keep this truth from Brody, but he wouldn’t offer it up either. For one, Chase would never ask another person permission for anything. Two, Brody truly did not want to know what Chase was doing with Harper, as long as Chase did not ruin her dreams that had vanished when her parents passed away. And that was the last thing Chase would do. Her happiness mattered.
“It’s Friday,” Brody said when he reached Chase.
Chase shoved his hands in his pockets, leaning against the white newel post. “What’s Friday?”
“My wedding.” Brody smiled.
Shep got out of his chair for that. He trotted down the porch steps, eyes wide with surprise. “You’re getting married?”
Brody nodded. “Yeah, proposed to Faith last night.”
“That’s excellent news.” Shep offered his hand. “Congratulations.”
Brody nodded his thanks and returned the handshake. “I know it’s happening fast, but I want Harper to be there, and who knows how busy she’ll get once she’s in Vegas.”
“Sonuvabitch!”
Chase glanced over his shoulder. Nash hit the dirt. Hard. But he rolled and bounced up a second later. “All right?” Chase called.
“I’m fucking fine.” Nash scooped up his hat that had fallen off. He headed for the fence, leaving the sweaty Bentley standing in the corner, the rope reins hanging down near his hooves.
Shep arched an eyebrow. “I see money in my future.”
“The bet is not lost until the end of the day,” Chase countered. Nash was a born fighter. He hated to lose. And he’d never accept defeat.
Nash scowled and slid through the fence, then walked toward them, still not a limp in sight. All good signs for Chase to take home the cash. Ignoring all of them, Nash headed straight for the porch, grabbed Chase’s beer off the table, and drank the whole thing back.
“Calling it a day?” Shep asked, grinning at Chase.
“Not even fucking close.” Nash wiped his mouth, moving toward them then taking a seat on the porch steps, his black suede chaps hanging off his jeans. “That horse plays dirtier than some of the best bulls in the PBR.”
“He’s got fight in him,” Shep agreed.
Nash removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his arm. “Emma seriously wants to ride him?”
Shep nodded. “If possible, yes.”
Nash cursed, shaking his head. “She’s batshit crazy if she wants to go anywhere near that fucking horse.”
Even if Chase agreed, he also knew Nash wouldn’t give up until he tamed Bentley. They all owed Emma for coming up with the idea for the guest ranch. That was the sole reason Blackshaw Cattle wasn’t going into bankruptcy and they hadn’t ended up having to sell their land to Irish Creek Ranch.
When Gus trotted up, dropping down by the porch, chewing on a stick, Chase brought Nash up to speed. “Brody’s getting married on Friday,” he said.
“This Friday?” Nash asked, eyes wider than Shep’s had been. “When did you get engaged?”
“Last night,” Brody explained. “With Harper leaving on Saturday, we want her there. It’s going to be small. I guess we’ll need to find a hall or something.”
“You could use my place,” Chase offered. “Ni
ce view for a wedding, and it’s free and available.”
Brody cocked his head, pondering. “Faith might actually go for that. I’ll ask her.” His cell phone beeped inside his pocket. After he looked at the screen, he added, “I’ve got a ton of shit to do. I gotta get going.” To Nash and Shep, he said, “Once I have all the details, I’ll let you know.”
“Great,” Shep said.
Nash nodded agreement.
Brody’s gaze fell to Chase, and he gestured at his Jeep. “Can I have a minute?”
Shep began whistling “Amazing Grace,” a song they had called the death song as children since they heard it played at every funeral they ever went to.
Chase flipped him the bird and followed Brody to his truck, well aware his brothers were chuckling behind him.
When Brody reached the driver’s side door, he turned to Chase. “For the wedding, you’re the best man, right?”
Brody had always been a man of few words, especially when it came to anything emotional. Chase cupped Brody’s shoulder. “Of course, I’d be honored.”
“Cool.” Brody opened the Jeep’s door, jumped in, then leaned his head out the window. “Oh, and Chase?”
“Yeah?”
Brody’s eyes narrowed, and he gave an unamused smile, showing teeth. “If you want your face looking good for the wedding, I suggest you stay out of my house.”
He stepped on the gas, spitting up rocks and dirt, speeding away. Bentley took off galloping around the sand ring. Chase chuckled, striding toward his brothers on the porch. Some people might think what Brody said was not much, but Chase knew better. That would be the only blessing Brody would ever give.
* * *
After hours of watching Faith try on too many wedding dresses to count, Harper had never been happier to be back in Faith’s car and on her way to Chase’s. She loved shopping. She loved weddings. But if she never saw lace again, she would consider that a good day.
Sweet-Loving Cowboy--A Kinky Spurs Novel Page 8
