by Somer Hayes
I waded back to the front window and shouted, “Get as far away from the window as you can.”
She scrambled to the passenger side of the vehicle and hid her face in her hands. I pulled my jacket off and wrapped it around my elbow, then shoved it into the glass. Nothing. Shit. I did it again and got a small crack. The third time shattered the window and relief flooded through me.
“Come on now, I’ve got you.” I reached through the window, and she cried out grasping my arms. “Careful of the glass,” I said as she began crawling through the window.
I pulled her into my chest, and she wrapped trembling arms around my neck. “Hush now, baby doll. I’ve got you,” I murmured in her ear as I fought my way back to the truck crushing her against my chest. I wasn’t about to lose her to the storm again. We made it back to the truck, and I realized I hadn’t shut off the engine or even closed the door. I climbed into the cab and slammed the door. Turning the heat on high, I reached into the backseat and found a horse blanket. Wrapping it around her, I rubbed her back and arms trying to warm up her freezing flesh.
“Everything is okay now. I’ve got you.”
“I was so scared,” she said into my neck.
“I know you were, but you’re safe now. Everything will be all right.”
“I was trying to get to the bunkhouse. I didn’t want to miss dinner for the guys.”
I squeezed her tighter against me. “Nothing is worth your safety. I tried calling the bakery to tell you to wait the storm out there.”
“I thought I could make it, but then the path was washed out, and it’s so dark. The water was so strong.”
“Hush now,” I told her.
“But…”
“I said hush.” Then I cupped her face in my hands and covered her mouth with my own. She sat frozen for a moment, but then I felt her body meld into mine, and her hands reached up to my neck. It was the only signal I needed. I groaned into her mouth and claimed it with my tongue. She opened wide for me, and I crushed her body against mine instantly addicted to the taste of her. I kissed her until we were both panting.
“I have wanted to do that since the first time I laid eyes on you,” I whispered into her mouth.
“So have I,” she said and shivered against me.
I tucked her head under my chin rubbing her back and shushing her. I don’t know how long we stayed like that in the soft glow of the dash and the harsh flashes of lightning, but when the storm and my heart had calmed a bit, I took her chin and gently pushed it up so she would look at me.
“Ready to go home?”
She nodded, and I kissed her again.
“I can’t drive with you on my lap, but you can stay right here next to me.” She slid into the seat, wrapped her arms around my right bicep, and rested her head against my shoulder. I squeezed her leg, then put the truck in drive, and we slowly made our way back to the bunkhouse. I marveled at how different the landscape looked already as heavy trees had been downed, rocks and boulders shifted, and water ran everywhere.
The trek seemed to take an eternity, but eventually, we made it to the bunkhouse. Without thinking, I reached over and scooped her back into my arms and carried her to the door. She didn’t try to fight me, rather, she let her shivering body rest against mine and laid her cheek against my chest. I didn’t like how cold she still felt and flipped on the fireplace when we got to her quarters. Then, I did the only other thing I could think of and took her into the bathroom and started a bath for her.
“You don’t have to do that,” she began.
“Yes, I do.” It was as though some ancient instinct had awakened in me, and my only purpose in life was to ensure Hannah was safe and cared for. “Now strip.”
“What? No.”
“Don’t be stubborn. We need to get you out of those wet clothes.” I reached out to help her.
“I can do it myself,” she said and took the hem of her soaked fleece, but her fingers were stiff, and she didn’t possess the strength to pull it over her head.
Patience gone, I reached out and yanked it off her body. Then, before she could react, I unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them to her knees. She opened her mouth in shock, but I shushed her and plopped her on the counter to pull off her shoes and her jeans the rest of the way off. Leaving her in her underthings and tank top, I picked her up and deposited her in the tub.
She wrapped her arms around her knees and glared up at me. “Bully.”
“Flatterer.” I peeled my soaked shirt over my head.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she squeaked.
“We’re both frozen. Now scoot over.” I kicked my boots off and dropped my jeans. Her eyes shot to her feet, and I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the blush creeping up her neck.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Nonsense. It’s a great idea. I’ll even leave my boxers on.”
“Oh, what a gentleman,” came her dry reply.
I chuckled and stepped into the tub, sitting behind her with my legs on either side of her body. “Come here.” I pulled her against me and rubbed my palms up and down her arms willing warmth into them. She sat stiff, straight as a rod until I could feel her body begin to accept the heat of the water. Before long, she relaxed and let herself rest against my chest. “Not so bad, huh?”
“I feel so much better.”
“Good.” I looked down at her, pale hair swirling in the water, her cheeks flushed. She was beautiful. My eyes continued to move down her body. She was a little thing but curvy in all the right places. Her legs were toned and defined, her waist trim, her breasts full. My body began to react to hers, and I was forced to shift so she wouldn’t feel my hardness against her back.
She looked up at me, her eyes a gorgeous blue. “Are you warm now?”
I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear savoring the feeling of her silky skin under my fingertips. It had been far too long since I’d touched a woman. I hadn’t realized until then how much I’d missed it. “Yes, I’m fine now.”
“Okay, then I’m going to get out and make us some dinner. Sound good?”
My stomach grumbled as if on cue. “Sounds really good.”
She stood. “Tripp?”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you for finding me.”
“Always, Hannah.” As I said the words, I knew in my soul it was a promise I would always keep.
Then she stepped out of the tub, wrapped a towel around herself, and disappeared through the door. I took a moment to myself in the bath feeling rocked by the events of the night. The sheer terror of finding her in that flooding car. The fear I had been too late. The dawning realization that I cared for her more than I should.
How in the hell had I let this happen? She had gone from a minor inconvenience to an aggravation, to an actual problem, to someone I cared for deeply.
Shit.
14
Hannah
I stood in my new walk-in closet and tried to breathe a sense of calm into my body. I’d never been so terrified in my life as when that water grabbed me and trapped me in the Jeep. Now, I felt scared for a whole other reason.
I was afraid Tripp was who I thought he was—a good man. A man I was falling for. Someone so far out of my league our paths should never have crossed in any logical way. But they had, and with each encounter, I fell harder.
He’d rescued me. Again. Maybe literally saved my life. I owed him everything I had at that moment, and I had no idea how to reconcile that with the emotions swirling around in my chest.
And then he’d gone and kissed me.
When I’d looked up at him in the bath, his stormy gray eyes had caressed my face while his big, protective body held mine so gently. I’d panicked. My brain had gone into default mode—food. It was my love language. I wanted to share it with him, nourish his body, show him my gratitude and affection.
It was paltry at best, but it was all I had to give.
I found some tights and a heavy sweater, then left
the room to head to the kitchen. I’d planned on a fajita bar for dinner that night, but no one had braved the storm to come in, and it didn’t sound very good anyway.
Breakfast for dinner. The most comforting meal known to mankind. I pulled out eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. Once they were on their way to being cooked, I started on pancakes and made fresh coffee.
Tripp came out just as I was plating everything, and I almost dropped my spatula. The man wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist—his perfect, trim, muscular waist.
“I’m just going to put these in the dryer,” he said and lifted up his pile of sopping wet clothes.
“Of course. Dinner is ready when you are.” I wasn’t sure where he’d want to sit to eat. The island had a few stools, or there were TV trays in the living area. In the end, I decided on the dining room table. I put Tripp’s plate at the head so he’d be close to the fire.
I heard the dryer door shut, and he joined me. “This looks great.”
“Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorites,” I told him.
“Mine, too. My mom often made it for us boys when we were growing up.” He picked up his fork and cut into his pancakes.
“But not now that you’re all grown up?”
“No, she recently passed.”
He looked stricken. Clearly, that wound was a fresh one. I reached for his hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. We’re all still dealing with the loss in our own ways.”
“You must have loved her very much.” My throat felt tight. It was hard enough not ever knowing a mother’s love. I can’t imagine having had it and then losing it.
“She was the most wonderful woman to walk the earth. A saint for raising five rambunctious boys on a ranch. My dad worshiped her.” He paused. “It’s a big reason I’ve gotten more involved on the business side of things. He’s… grieving.”
“He’s lucky to have you.”
“There are better men for the job, but it’s family. I owe him no less.” He cleared his throat then asked, “Are you close with your family?”
It was a sore subject, but he couldn’t know that. “My mother died when I was a baby. And my father and I don’t get along. At all.”
“No siblings?”
“Just me.”
“Must get lonely.”
I shrugged. “It’s what I’ve always known. I have a very dear friend, Beth, whose family pretty much adopted me. It was her mom who taught me how to cook.” I felt tears welling as I always did when I thought of the Miller family and their kindness to me. “I don’t know where I’d be without them.”
“We believe in the strength of family here. And the people who work here are an extension of us.”
I looked up at him. The light from the fire played off the planes of his face highlighting his cheekbones and prominent jawline. “I bet that’s one of the reasons your family has had so much success.”
He swallowed a mouthful of pancake and nodded. “Absolutely. The Mavericks are nothing without each other and the people who keep this place running.”
I looked down at my plate. What must it be like to feel so loved and secure? Like you know exactly where your place is in this world and know that the people who are in it are rooting for you.
Heaven, I thought. It must be what heaven feels like. I found myself envying Tripp and his staff.
“You’re a part of us now. You know that, right?” His gray eyes were on my face. His tone serious.
“No. You’re just showing me a kindness by allowing me to be here. I appreciate it, but I haven’t earned it.”
“Don’t be dense. I’d never have brought you in as a cook if I hadn’t tasted your product and believed in your skill. That first breakfast was your interview, and you nailed it.” He shrugged lightly. “You’ve been exceeding expectations ever since.”
It was maybe the biggest compliment of my life. “You mean that?”
This time when he looked at me, there was a glint in his eye. “We believe in family and loyalty. But we also believe in hard work and earning your keep. You, Miss Price, are valuable to the Maverick Ranch.”
That stupid lump in my throat was back. Maybe my bakery hadn’t been the overnight success I’d hoped it would, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t still make a living doing what I loved. I wasn’t ready to give up on my dream bakery just yet, but Tripp’s words gave me a hope that I’d be all right.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He waved me off. “It’s the truth.” Then he looked at me with a wry grin. “Would it be too greedy of me to ask for seconds?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I made plenty.” I took his plate and coffee mug and filled them again pleased to know he enjoyed my cooking.
On the way back to the table, a clap of thunder sounded, startling me enough to slosh coffee out of the mug.
Tripp was on his feet, a look of concern clouding his face. “Are you all right?”
I nodded. “I’ve never liked storms, and tonight didn’t help any.” My mind shot back to all those spring storms I’d spent hiding under my covers alone while my dad was out drinking or passed out on the couch. I’d never truly felt safe with him.
He took the plate and set it on the table, then wrapped his arms around me. “I’ve got you. You’re safe here.”
Had he read my mind? How did he know the one thing I needed to hear at that moment? I let myself be cradled in his arms, his chest hair tickling my nose. “I’m sorry I’m such a basket case.”
“We’ve all got our demons.”
Reluctantly, I pulled away. “I’m okay. Let’s finish dinner.”
He eyed me warily but sat back down.
“Are you warm enough? Do you want me to grab you a blanket?”
“No, I’m good with the fire.” Then, with a wink, “Do I make you uncomfortable in just a towel?”
“What? I, no. Of course not. I just,” I stammered hating the heat in my cheeks. The truth was, I loved seeing so much of him.
He laughed. “God, I love making you blush.”
I threw my napkin at him. “Butthead.” Yet, I couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m stuffed,” he declared after finishing his second plate. “This was great.”
“I’m glad,” I replied and stood to clear the dishes.
“I’ll check on my clothes.”
By the time I’d rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, Tripp emerged in his jeans. “Little damp, but they’ll get me home.”
I felt an odd sense of disappointment he was leaving. But, of course, he’d want to get to his own house, in dry clothes and a warm bed. I didn’t blame him, but I didn’t want him to go, either.
Another perfectly-timed clap of thunder made me jump. “God, I hate that.”
“It really scares you, doesn’t it?” His eyes were kind, his voice soft.
“Ever since I was little,” I admitted.
“You want me to stay for a while?”
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure you’re anxious to get home.”
He reached out and took my hand. “Come on.”
“What are we doing?”
“I’m going to tuck you into bed. We’ll start a movie, and once you’re asleep, I’ll head out.”
I knew I should object, but I didn’t want to. “You sure you don’t mind?”
“Mind the chance to lay in bed with a beautiful girl in a thunderstorm? No, I don’t mind. But I do get to pick the movie.”
“Deal,” I agreed immediately. He called me beautiful…
He led me to the bedroom and pulled the covers away from the bed. “Get in.” I obeyed. Then he dropped his jeans and climbed in next to me. “Remote,” he demanded. I got it from the nightstand and handed it over. “Tonight, we will be watching the greatest cinematic masterpiece of all time,” he informed me.
“Which is?”
“Tombstone.”
I rolled my eyes. I couldn
’t help it. “Of course, it is.”
“Have you seen it? It’s the greatest movie of our time.”
“As a matter of fact, I have. And I wouldn’t mind falling asleep to the sound of Kurt Russell’s voice tonight.”
He reached over and pinched my butt. I squealed.
“Now get over here and hush your sassy mouth,” he said, and I scooted into his side. His arm came around me and pulled me close. I looked up at him, and he planted a kiss on my mouth. Instinctively, I reached up to rest my hand on his cheek.
“I could do that all night,” he growled.
I could too. But was that something I wanted? My body said yes, let’s do this immediately. But my heart was more cautious. A man like Tripp could ruin me for everyone else. That heavy knowledge sobered me, and I turned toward the TV.
“So the best movie of all time, you say?”
“It’s a fact.” He began regaling me with tales of the Earp brothers, and I snuggled into his strong, warm body. Before the close of the first scene, my eyes were heavy. Wrapped in Tripp’s strong embrace, feeling safer than I ever had before, I fell into a deep sleep.
15
Tripp
I woke in the middle of the night, an ache in my groin the likes of which I’d never felt before. What the hell was wrong with my body?
In the dark, Hannah stirred against me. Oh, right. I was in bed with the sexiest woman I’d ever met and trying my damnedest not to touch her. Which she was making extremely difficult the way she was wrapped around me and wiggling her cute little butt.
Falling back to sleep was going to be impossible. I should get up and go home, but I was loathed to leave her, especially if it was still storming. I strained my ears and heard raindrops, but no more thunder or lightning. Dammit.
A gentleman would get up and leave. Turns out, I’m no gentleman.
She moved again, her leg brushing against my erection, and I groaned. I could tell the moment she woke up as her body stiffened. Slowly, she pulled her leg away from mine.
