by Sable Hunter
“Hey, hey.” He held her face in his big hand. “I wouldn’t change one thing about you. Okay? You’re perfect for me. I’d take away any pain you’ve suffered, if I could – but that’s it. You are my ideal woman.”
“Who are you, Benjen Blackhawk?” As she stared into his sapphire blue eyes, it seemed she could see forever.
“I’m yours, that’s who.” He stood and adjusted his clothing. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Dream about me, dream girl.”
If she hadn’t already been lying down, Apple would have swooned.
CHAPTER TEN
Think about her when you’re gone…
Apple opened her eyes? Something had woken her up. She laid in her bed a few moments and tried to figure out what she was hearing. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up. Someone was singing an old country tune.
Kiss An Angel Good Morning.
Cocking her head, she listened. Whoever was singing had a beautiful deep, husky voice. It reminded her of Josh Turner’s a little bit. “Good grief. Did I leave the television on?” Grabbing her robe, she ran out of her room, then realized the noise was coming from outside. She couldn’t imagine. Was someone parked nearby playing a radio?
Kiss an angel good morning…
Going to the window, she moved the curtain just an inch or two so she could see out. “Oh, my stars and garters!” It was Benjen. Playing a guitar. “I don’t believe it,” she declared in a breathy, disbelieving whisper, “he’s serenading me!”
Hurrying to the door, she threw it open. “Is there anything you can’t do?”
“There’s my angel. I can’t seem to get my mind off you. Can I have my morning kiss?”
She ran out in the yard and he met her halfway. Letting his guitar sway from his back by a strap, he caught her as she launched herself into his arms. If the kiss they shared was filmed by an infrared camera, there would’ve been fireworks all around them.
“I’m so, so glad to see you.” She hugged him so hard. “To what do I owe this treat?”
He kissed her face a dozen times. “I won’t be able to come by tonight and I didn’t want a day to go by without seeing you.”
“Oh, nuts.” She pooched her lips out. “You’re busy?”
“Yea, we bought a tractor from a fella in Corpus and I have to go pick it up. I won’t get back until the wee hours.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here right now.” She framed his face and kissed him passionately.
Benjen felt like his heart was overflowing. “You make me so happy.”
This thrilled Apple. “You make me happy too. I can’t believe what a good voice you have. You should be singing professionally.”
“Nah, I sing for fun.”
“I want you to sing for me again soon. I could listen to you for hours.”
“Anytime, baby.” Benjen kissed her again. “I’d better get going.” He ran a finger around the neckline of her gown. “So pretty. So soft. You be careful today. Okay?”
“I will.” She didn’t go inside until he was gone, watching his truck until he drove out of sight. A smile played over her features. “Now, that was amazing.” Apple was elated at the sweet gesture of him waking her up in such a special way. As she turned to go back in, there was a song on her own lips.
I can’t help falling in love with you.
… Thursday evening found Apple nearing home after a hard day’s work. “Rose, I’m beat.” She’d been on her feet all day. Dr. Cleveland’s idea of offering half price spays and neuters had been a rousing success. She’d lost count of how many they’d performed. “What do you say to an early night?”
As if on cue, Rose yawned in agreement. This made Apple glance over at her and laugh.
Woof!
Glancing ahead to see what the dog was barking at, Apple noticed a vehicle in her driveway.
Benjen’s truck.
“We have company!” She squealed with delight.
Apple parked next to him. She expected to see him waiting for her on the porch, but he was nowhere in sight. Opening her car door, she let the dog run out ahead of her. “Go find him, girl.”
Rose didn’t have to be told twice. She took off around the house and happy yips led Apple to where Benjen was pouring cement in holes he’d dug for fence posts. She put her hands on her hips and gave him a playful look of disbelief. “What do you think you’re doing, Blackhawk?”
“What does it look like I’m doing, Apple Dumpling?” He held out his arms and she went to him. “I’m building a dog yard for one of my best girls.”
“How many best girls do you have?”
“Three.” He blew a raspberry on her neck. “But you can be number one if you’ll give me a kiss.”
“Oh, number one?” She kissed him happily. “Now, that’s an offer I can’t refuse.” Apple kissed him again. “Want to come in?”
“I want to finish this tonight. So, I’m going to keep working.”
Apple glanced around. “You’ll be here until midnight!” This worried her. “I don’t want you doing all of this hard work by yourself. The effort might all be in vain, anyway. If I have to sell the house to send the money back, you’ll have done all of this for nothing!”
Benjen shook his head. “Let’s not think that way. I have confidence in Zane and Presley. We don’t have any word yet, but they’re working on it.” He kissed her neck, turned her around, and swatted her playfully on the bottom. “Go in and do girl stuff. Let a man work. I’ll come tell you goodnight when I’m finished.”
She walked away reluctantly, backward. “Don’t work yourself to death, cowboy. I have plans for that sexy body of yours.”
Benjen shook his finger at her. “Don’t get me all worked up, Honeycrisp.”
“Another Apple name?” She laughed as she stepped on a root, swayed, and barely caught herself before she fell.
“Turn around and walk right. I don’t want you to fall and bruise that epic ass of yours.”
Apple reached back and covered her bottom. “Epic is big, huh?”
Benjen picked up his hammer. “No epic is spectacular. Go! You’re distracting me, woman!”
Happily, Apple followed his instructions – but she spent a lot of the time peering at him through the window.
Twice, she took him out something cold to drink.
Once, she took him a sandwich.
And when he was finished – all hot and sweaty – he came to tap on her door and tell her goodnight. When Apple joined him, she found his bronzed skin glistening with perspiration. Shirtless, he was utterly mesmerizing. “Look at you.”
He grimaced. “Yea, I’m a mess.”
“You’re sex on a stick, Blackhawk.” She walked near enough to lick his chest, give his peck a nip, and kiss his nipple.
“Ye, gods,” Benjen groaned out the words. “You are such a temptress.” He caught her to him and kissed her voraciously, nipping at her mouth, and sucking on her bottom lip. “Feel what you do to me.”
Apple gloried in the hard evidence of his desire pressed against her. “You go to my head, cowboy.”
“You go to both of mine, obviously.” He ran his palms up her arms. “Tomorrow night is the birthday dinner. Remember?”
“I’m looking forward to meeting your family.” She placed her hand over his heart, marveling at the strong beat beneath her fingertips.
“We’re going to have a blast. I want you to save the entire weekend for me. Okay?”
“Okay.” She studied his face, loving those intriguing dimples. “Other than the dinner. Do you have something special planned?”
“Oh, yeah.” He caressed her cheek. “Just leave it to me.” He kissed her. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. Soon all will be revealed.”
Apple grinned, tilting her head sideways. “You’re mystifying me. My curiosity is aroused.”
He growled and chuckled. “Good, my plan is working. I want you so aroused that you’re crazy for me.”
“I think I’m already there,” she confessed softly.
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“Oh, it’s only going to get better I promise. I have an agenda.”
“An agenda?”
“Yea. Rules. Guidelines.”
“Like what?”
“To have devotion, first there must be emotion. Without sexual tension, there is no delicious release. And without seduction, there is no satisfaction.”
In his husky voice, the words weren’t clinical – they were erotic as hell. “You’ve convinced me.”
“Good.” He rubbed his mouth over hers softly. “Just hold on to your hat, missy. This is going to be a helluva ride.”
He let their palms touch as he walked slowly away, their fingers lingering until the last possible second. “Until tomorrow.”
“Until tomorrow,” Apple echoed. “Thank you for what you did.”
“My pleasure.” Benjen winked at her. “Tell Rose I said goodnight and that I hope she enjoys her new yard.”
“I will. She’ll probably inspect it before she goes to bed tonight.” She raised her hand in a wave. “Drive safely,” she called to him, whispering to herself as he disappeared into the night, “I can’t wait for the night when we don’t have to say goodbye.”
…On the drive home, Benjen rolled his window down and let the wind hit him in the face. He needed to calm down. He was so turned on, he couldn’t see straight. Part of him wanted to pull over on the side of the road and jack-off to release the tension. “No. Practice what you preach.” Dry-scrubbing his face, he groaned. “You need to spend your energy making this weekend one to remember. You’ve got a lot of work to do.”
As he held the steering wheel, his eyes on the road ahead of him, he considered his predicament. In the past, when Kelli’s father had talked to them about abstinence, what he’d told them went in one of Benjen’s ears and out the other. He could still hear the preacher’s words…
Once you’ve had sex, everything changes. Sex is sacred. It should be cherished within the confines of matrimony.
At the time, he hadn’t cared to understand what Pastor Conway was trying to say. He’d abided by Kelli’s wishes. There had been times when he’d been so sexually frustrated he’d thought he might explode. Now, after finding Apple and maturing in mind as well as body, he finally got it. No, they hadn’t ‘had sex’ yet, not technically – but he’d tasted enough of the tantalizing forbidden fruit to know how habit-forming it could be. After indulging in heavy petting and oral sex, Benjen was absolutely addicted to the feeling. He’d always wanted sex, but now he craved it.
He craved it night and day.
With Apple. Only with Apple.
And now he could comprehend what the pastor had been trying to teach them. When a person is introduced to good sex, that individual lusted to indulge in the amazing feeling again and again. If the person wasn’t in love or devoted to another, then that desire is for the act alone and the identity of their partner is not as important as feeding the hunger. He’d seen this time and again, with his college roommate and with Easy. But…if you waited until you’re were in love, that erotic yearning will be directed toward the person who is not only the center of your world, but the source of your satisfaction.
And boy, was he ready to be satisfied.
A smiled played on his face when he thought about what the next few days would mean to him.
When a man loves a woman…he crooned to the night as his imagination went wild.
* * *
“You two go have a good time!” Benjen encouraged Rose and Hope to go play as he held Apple’s hand.
“There they go!” She smiled as the two dogs bounced off to explore around the yard together. “Sounds like they’re having a good time. I hope they like me,” she worried aloud when they drew close enough for voices to reach their ears.
“Don’t be nervous. Everyone will love you, I promise,” he whispered as they strolled around the corner of the Rock House to the patio area where the family was gathering.
“I hope so.” The butterflies in Apple’s stomach were plotting a revolution, beating up a storm with their tiny wings. “Do I look okay?” Since he’d mentioned they would be dining outside, she’d worn jeans and a cream-colored lace baby doll top. Pants were not her best look.
Benjen leaned over to kiss her. “If you looked any better I wouldn’t be able to walk. You look fandamtastic.”
Apple sighed. “I think you need new contacts. Does this look okay?” She raised the basket of goodies she’d made for his brother’s birthday.
Benjen chuckled. “Quit worrying. It looks perfect.” He’d admired the goodies, captivated that she’d went to the trouble to make homemade scones to go with the jam. Each jar was decorated with a raffia ribbon and a handwritten colorful tag. “He’s going to love it.”
“Hey, Benjen!”
Her hand tightened on Benjen’s as a very handsome man stepped forward with his arm around a beautiful woman – who was clearly pregnant. “Oh, she’s going to have a baby,” Apple whispered excitedly.
“Yea, I’m going to be an uncle,” he whispered back, putting his arm around Apple’s shoulder. “Apple, this is my brother, Daniel, and his wife, Sara. Guys, this is Apple Wright.”
“Apple. It’s a pleasure.” Daniel gave her a quick hug. “You did good, Brother.”
Apple felt herself blushing, but she didn’t have time to be too embarrassed before Sara came forward and hugged her tightly. “I am so glad to meet you. Benjen has told us so much about you.”
“He has?” She glanced at Benjen but returned Sara’s hug with enthusiasm. “You look radiant, Sara.”
Now, it was Sara’s turn to blush. “Thanks, I can’t wait to get to know you.”
“Come on, you two. Sam just went inside to bring out the meat to grill. We’re having prime rib. Hope you’re hungry, Apple.” Daniel guided them to some comfortable seats next the firepit. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Benjen was amused at his older brother’s hospitality skills. “I do know my way around, Daniel.”
“I’m just trying to be a good host for our guest.” Daniel handed Benjen a beer. “How about you, Apple?”
“A cola, please.”
“Yea, Daniel,” Sam chimed in as he passed by carrying a tray loaded with food to put on the fire, “Benjen has his eyes on the place. He’s officially put Easy and I on notice.”
“Hush and come meet Apple, Sam.” Benjen wanted to nip any argument in the bud. This gathering wasn’t the proper time for such a family discussion.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Sam placed the tray down and returned, giving Apple a wink. “You were right, Benjen. She does look like Melinda Gordon, I Googled the name.”
“Who?” Apple asked, having no idea what they were talking about.
“Just a character on a television show, baby. I’ll tell you later,” Benjen gave her a quick smile, feeling tense. This wasn’t going like he imagined. “Where’s the birthday boy?”
“Hell, who knows?” Sam responded. “He didn’t come home last night. I haven’t seen him all day. I’ve been texting him, but he doesn’t answer.”
Suddenly a voice sounded behind them. “Are you talking about me, Sambo? I didn’t know I had a curfew.”
All eyes turned to see Easy, coming forward to join the group, his arms outspread, a too-wide grin on his face.
Apple was in semi-shock. There was no denying the Blackhawks were brothers. Their looks were very similar. This brother, however…had definitely had too much to drink.
“Aww, hell, Ezekiel,” Benjen muttered softly. Still holding Apple’s hand, he squeezed it hard. “I’m sorry about this, baby.”
She squeezed his hand back, as if to tell him everything was okay.
“So, is this Apple?” Easy sauntered up to the couple, giving Apple a sweeping, thorough, assessing once-over. “Wow, little brother, I think this little doll may be too much woman for you to handle. Honey, when you get tired of messing with the amateur here, call me. Give a real man a chance to satisfy you.”
&nb
sp; When he felt Apple stiffen beside him, Benjen saw red. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he demanded from his brother. Before he could control himself, he popped Easy in the jaw and laid him out flat on the ground. “No one talks to her like that, do you hear me?”
Instantly, Sam and Daniel were at their sides – Sam holding Benjen back and Daniel helping Easy off the ground. Ezekiel rubbed his face and glared at Benjen. “Damn, that sobered me up. You always were a hot-headed redskin.” He turned to look at Apple, then shook his head. “I’m sorry, I meant no offense.”
Trying to ease the awkwardness, Sam extended his hand to Apple. “I’m Sam, Apple. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” He jerked his thumb toward Easy, then twirled it in a circle next to his ear. “Ezekiel has too. Forgive him. He has these spells sometimes.”
“It’s all right. I’m glad to meet you both.” She held out her gift to Easy. “Happy birthday.”
Ezekiel had the good grace to turn red. “Thanks.” He looked down into the gift basket. “Gosh, this looks great.”
Daniel took Easy by the arm. “Come on, let’s help Sam with the grilling.”
Benjen looked apologetically at Apple. “I’m sorry, baby. Do you want to leave?”
“Oh, no…”
“No, don’t leave.” Sara leaned in to Benjen. “Go straighten things out with your brothers. Let me take Apple and we can get to know one another.”
Benjen was hesitant. “I don’t know…”
“Go ahead. Talk to Easy. I’ll be fine.” She caressed his face. “I know you love him.”
“Okay, baby.” He kissed Apple on the lips, then moved to give Sara a peck on the cheek. “Did you bring one of your fabulous pies, Sis?”
She held up four fingers. “Two for all of us and two especially for Easy.”
“He doesn’t deserve any pie,” Benjen grumbled. His chest felt tight and he rubbed the sore spot. “I hate conflict.”
“It’s okay, baby.” Apple tried to comfort him. “I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
Sara hooked her arm with Apple’s. “We’re going to take a walk. Don’t start eating without us.”
