Never Let go

by Darling, Lucy

  I could get used to all this attention. I love how attentive Jameson is to me and it’s nice to be able to sit back and relax. I could see myself getting comfortable here.

  “You ready?”

  I simply nod my head yes. The thought of spending the entire day with Jameson sounds like a dream. One I never want to wake up from.

  11

  Jameson

  “Oh my gosh. It’s like a real farm.” Bunny’s whole face lights up as we make our way over toward one of the many barns I have on the property. The one next to the main house is more personal. The back barn doors swing open and out comes a flock of chickens.

  “Chickens!” she half screams. I’ve never seen someone so happy to see chickens before. She runs over toward them. Boone comes strolling out a few seconds later. As does the rooster, Rocky.

  “Bunny, watch the cock. He can be a mean bastard.” The other chickens run around, but Rocky starts strutting toward her. He looks as though he’s on a mission, and from experience, it’s probably not a friendly one. “Hey,” I bark at him in warning. He doesn't even look my way. He is the one animal that doesn't listen to me around here. I make a beeline for Bunny to swoop her off her feet before Rocky can scare the shit out of her.

  “He’s fine.” She waves me off, bending down with her hand stretched out in a friendly gesture. She’s acting as though she’s dealing with a kitten or something. Then the little bastard does the last thing I would ever expect him to do. He lets her pet him. He stands tall as she strokes his feathers, and I swear the little jerk actually rubs his face against her hand. Enjoying every second of the attention she’s giving him.

  “Ain't that something?” Boone drawls, watching them.

  “You better be talking about the rooster.” I give him a look. He holds up his hands. Boone is wet behind the ears. To be honest, I don’t even know where the kid came from. I found him in one of my old bunk houses we don’t use anymore. He stayed and now is on payroll. Good kid, though. At least I’d thought so until Bunny got here. He is probably around her age. Now I find myself looking at him a little differently.

  “You’re sweet. I won’t listen to those mean things they say about you.” Bunny gives me a glare. Yep, still fucking hard. She gives Rocky a long pet before she stands. The little asshole rubs on her legs as though he’s marking her as his. She holds her hand out for Boone. “Hi, I’m Bunny.”

  “Bunny?” Boone cracks a smile. “We don’t have any bunnies.” He takes her hand. He’s smart enough to drop it fast. Or it could be the death glare I’m currently aiming at him.

  “Watch it,” I order. Bunny turns her head. She has to tilt it back to look up at me. The brim of her cowboy hat blocks some of her line of sight. I dropped it on her head before we walked out the back door. You can never have enough protection against the sun here.

  “Why are you so grumpy?” She puts her hand on her hip.

  “Yeah.” Boone is now full-on smiling.

  “I’m not grumpy.” I shrug. “Maybe possessive,” I admit, not caring. She bites her plump bottom lip, letting me know she likes what I’m saying. That’s good because I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

  “I got them saddled for you.” Boone pulls his ball cap out of his back pocket, putting it on his head. “I’m sure I’ll see you around, Bunny.” He gives her a nod before heading off.

  “Who’s that?” she asks, dropping her hand from her hip.

  “He works here so you’ll see him around. He’s a good kid. I gave him a heads-up that I had someone over.”

  “Cause you don’t usually have people over.”

  “Yep.” I snag her hand, pulling her into the barn. Princess and King are waiting.

  “Oh my. She’s so pretty.” Bunny takes a tentative step forward. King looks her over. He must approve because he doesn't step in front of Princess. Usually he protects her at all costs by blocking her from anyone who he doesn’t deem worthy. I suddenly understand where he’s coming from. He does that shit often too. Picking and choosing who he wants to let near her. It’s why I keep them alone in this barn. Less trouble. I feel a special bond with him now that I can relate.

  “Go on.” I let her hand go, giving her ass a small pat. She takes a few steps closer, her hand reaching out to pet Princess’ nose. I strap the basket Mom packed on to King and grab him a treat. I give another to Bunny, who feeds it to Princess.

  “She’s sweet.” She gives her a kiss on the nose.

  “She is if she likes you. If not she’s a brat.”

  Bunny laughs. “Well, she is a princess.”

  “That she is. Let me help you up.” I guide her to the side. “Put your foot here and throw your leg up over the top.” I’d prefer she ride with me, but that can wait until another time. I want her to know how to ride a horse. Being all the way out here, it’s something everyone should know. In one quick move she’s on top of the horse.

  Her whole face lights up. “I did it.”

  “You’re a natural.” I hand her the reins. She even sits with perfect form. “You’ve never ridden before?”

  “Nope.” I watch as she reaches down to pet Princess’ mane.

  “Do I look the part?” She lowers her hat a little.

  “Yeah, cowgirl.” My cock hardens as I think about her riding something else, but that too will have to wait. I turn around, adjusting myself before I go over to King and mount up. “You’ll have to ride a little ahead of me or next to me. King won’t let her fall behind. He won’t be able to concentrate if she’s not in his line of sight.”

  “He always has to have eyes on her. That’s so sweet.” More and more I am understanding why my horse does some of the shit he does. I understood it before but now I am really getting it.

  “What do you want to see first?” I ask.

  “Everything.” Excitement laces her words. That was my plan to begin with. Not only to show it to her, but to give her everything she could ever want and more.

  12

  Bunny

  “I didn't know ponds could be this clear.”

  Jameson holds out his hand to help me down from the horse. I take it, allowing my body to fall into his. I slide down him, feeling every inch of his hard muscular body until my feet hit the ground. My body heats and not from the afternoon sun. He clears his throat before he tosses his hat on the ground. He grabs mine off my head and does the same. My hair comes tumbling down.

  “I make sure it stays this way. It’s my slice of paradise. Some people enjoy the beach. I enjoy this.” I have to admit that I’m still a bit shocked at how rough around the edges Jameson actually is. My first impression of him was way off. Seeing him here, in his environment, only confirms that for me.

  Thoughts of what it would be like to be able to come here whenever I wanted flood my mind. It feels peaceful and calming. It’s somewhere I could see myself living for the rest of my life. It feels right. I push those thoughts to the back of my mind, reminding myself that it’s way too soon to get my hopes up. This place is a world away from mine and everything I know.

  “Let’s get you out of this sun.” Jameson walks over to King, unfastening the basket and the blanket from the side of the saddle. He tucks the blanket under his arm and holds the basket in his hand. He walks back to me, holding his hand out.

  I take it immediately, loving the feel of his rough hand in mine. Praying that I’ll feel those hands all over my body sooner rather than later. Thinking about the way the calluses will feel against it has me blushing. My only saving grace is that it’s hot today so my face is already heated from the sun. Jameson leads me over to a large tree whose branches hang far out enough to give us plenty of shade.

  “This looks good for a little break.”

  “It’s beautiful. If you keep showing me all of these pretty things I’m never going to want to leave this place.” I can swear I hear him mutter something that sounds like that’s the plan but I’m distracted when he unravels his hand from mine to open up the blanket. “This
feels a little like a date.”

  “It can be whatever you want it to be.” He sits down, motioning for me to do the same.

  “I don't really date,” I admit.

  “Me either.”

  “How is that possible?” I make sure to sit close to him. He pulls me closer before he opens the basket for us. “You’re a billionaire oilman that is too handsome for his own good.”

  “Did I hit a billion already? I don’t pay much attention.” I burst into laughter. “After a few million who really counts anymore.” I laugh harder, making him smile. “I’m more enjoying the fact that you think I’m handsome. I don’t know about it doing anyone else any good, but it’s doing me some good right now, so I’ll take it.”

  “That’s what PJ said. Something about you being richer than God.”

  “I don’t count other people's money.”

  “You don’t count your own either apparently.” I keep falling more for him by the second. “So what do you count?”

  “Since I met you I’ve been counting how many times I can get you to smile.”

  “I think that comes easy for you too.” I can’t stop smiling so he’s winning that one.

  “Good.” He reaches for me. In one easy move he has me sitting between his legs. “Now how is it that you don’t date?”

  “I’m either working or running from a stalker,” I try and tease, but it’s the truth. I feel him tense for a moment. “You still haven’t told me why you don’t date either.”

  “I’ve lived out here most of my life. There aren't many people around.” He brushes a piece of hair off my shoulder. “Then the whole hitting oil shit happened and I had to go into the city. I didn't much care for the attention I was getting or the reason why I was getting it.”

  “Yeah, I get that. I think sometimes people have an idea of who they think I am. Like this Michael guy. He thinks he’s in love with me.” I shake my head. “He doesn't even know me. He thinks he does because he saw a few of my shows. Isn't that crazy?”

  “Not sure I’d call it crazy. You have a strong effect on others. A certain pull that makes them want to be closer to you. At least that’s how it felt for me.”

  I lick my lips. That’s true. I am having all kinds of feelings for Jameson and I haven't known him for long. I guess there’s a fine line. “I guess you’re right. I feel a pull to you too. But shouldn't it be mutual? Two souls coming together and recognizing each other?”

  “That does sound nice. To be honest, I’m not sure. I’ve never felt this before.”

  I stare into his eyes. “Me either.” I lean towards him, my eyes falling closed as my mouth meets his. His hand tangles into my hair as he tilts my head to take my mouth the way he wants. He gives himself room to work so he can devour my mouth. His kisses are consuming, showing me a part of who he is. He’s a man that wants control and I find I get off on him having it. It lights up my body.

  “We gotta stop or I’m going to take you right here.”

  “Who says that’s such a bad idea?” I say between kisses.

  “Too much sun.” He pulls back. I stare at him for a moment.

  “Truth.” I nod.

  “Some creep is stalking you. I doubt he’s out here but I’m not chancing getting you naked out in the open like this.”

  “Oh.” I look around.

  “No one is here. If they were, I'd take care of it.”

  “How? What if they have a—" I trail off, not wanting to finish that thought.

  “This is Texas. Everyone has a gun, sweetheart.”

  “Oh. Like right now?”

  “Yeah.” I didn’t notice him carrying one. He reaches behind him and pulls out a gun. My eyes go big. PJ has a concealed weapon license and generally has one on her, but you never see it.

  “Can I?” I lift my hand.

  “If you want to learn I’ll teach you. Maybe tomorrow.” He tucks the gun back behind him.

  “Tomorrow.” I contemplate the word. “We really don’t know how long I’ll have to stay here, do we? Is that okay? I know you said it was but I really don’t want to be a bother.” Jameson lets out a deep laugh.

  “You’re far from a bother.”

  “Good, because I’m enjoying myself here. It feels like a real vacation. I get why you didn't like going into the city. Why would you when you could stay here in the peace and quiet?” I turn a little, leaning my back up against him. I don’t know if it’s him or this place but I feel so relaxed. I shouldn't be. There is a lot going on and with Michael still on the loose I should be nervous. But I’m not. It feels as though for once in my life I have someone else to look out for me besides PJ. It feels good that Jameson wants to keep me safe and what better place to do it then right here?

  “Then I should keep treating you like you’re at a five-star resort.” Jameson pulls the basket over closer to us. He grabs a lemonade, handing it to me. Then he starts pulling out all sorts of different goodies from inside.

  “Wow, your mom is not messing around.”

  “Not when it comes to food,” he agrees. I pick up one of the sandwiches, taking a bite. “I’m going to gain weight here. I haven’t eaten this well in a really long time.” I want to say that I never ate this well because a lot of my meals were eaten alone. My dad was always too busy to spend the time with me. While the food may have been quality, it wasn’t special. It wasn’t made by someone who cared for me. Since I’ve gotten older and I travel so much with the show, most of my meals are takeout now.

  “A little weight never hurt anyone.”

  I huff a laugh. “Is there one inch of fat on you?” The man is built like a tank. He is broad and thick. He’s no stranger to hard physical work by the way his body looks.

  “Working out here makes it hard for a person to keep fat on their bones. I’m sure you have the same problem with all that dancing.”

  “Sometimes. I fluctuate a lot actually.” My weight tends to go up and down. I never tried to control it. It is what it is. I take another bite of my sandwich. Right now I don’t care about anything else but being here with Jameson. I plan on enjoying every second of it.

  13

  Jameson

  I sit in my office trying not to think about Bunny naked in my bathroom right now. I’d drawn her a bath soon after we got back. It was her first ride and I didn't want her to be too sore from it. I’m hoping a good soak will help with that. My cell phone vibrates across my desk, alerting me to a new message.

  “What did you find for me?” I ask Davis. I have deep pockets and when it comes to keeping Bunny safe, I will use every resource I have to do it. Paying to have someone dig into this stalker was my first priority. With Davis, I knew no one would know I was poking around. Not yet, anyway.

  “He’s connected. I’m surprised he was doing time to begin with.”

  “I’m thinking he didn’t have to break out of that prison. It’s more likely that his family bought his way out.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” Davis agrees. “I’m going to send over what I have on him and his family. If he doesn’t hurt your girl, I believe he’ll just hurt someone else. He’s a predator that doesn't need prison time. He needs to be put down.”

  “I owe you one.” I’m sure he had to pull a few strings to get all the information he got. I still have no idea what Davis did those eight years he’d up and enlisted. He never talks about it. I knew he was a changed man, though. I could see it in his eyes. I’m pretty sure he’d been recruited. His father had been in the service too. He’s only been back home a little over a year now.

  “You don’t owe me. I’m still returning the favor,” he drawls.

  “It wasn’t a favor.”

  “I don’t take handouts.”

  “Then we’re square.”

  “Maybe,” he says before hanging up. I’d taken care of his farm while he was gone. He’d left men to tend to it but I checked up on it. I made sure everything was running as it should be. I don’t want to be paid back. He served our
country. It’s the least I could do to show my gratitude to him.

  I pull up my emails to see exactly what information he was able to obtain. The family name sounds familiar but who knows. I’m new money, not old, so I don’t know some of the older family names if they’re not significant now. I haven't spent my whole life rubbing shoulders with these people. It’s a whole new world to me. One I don't much care to be a part of. But I knew men like Michael Romano; they don’t understand the meaning of the word no. They are entitled assholes who think having money means they can take whatever they want. No one will take my Bunny from me, though.

  It doesn't matter how long I’ve had the money, only that I have it, and a shit ton of it. Money is money to me. No one person’s is greener than the others. I grab the name from the email and fire off a new email to my financial advisor. I want to know everything about this family. Starting with what investments they hold. I need to be prepared to hit them where it will hurt the most: their bank account. That’s one of the only things that will get these types of people's attention. By the looks of these reports, I can tell that their hands aren't clean.

  I’ll find their weak link and strike. There is nothing I won’t do in order to keep Bunny safe. I don’t only plan to go after their son at this point. I am going after all of them. They put their hands into this mess. I won’t allow them to walk away without getting dirty with the rest of us.

  “The bathtub is wonderful.” I flip off my computer screen, not wanting Bunny to see what I’m doing. It’s not that I’m hiding it from her; I just don’t want her to worry. She finally seems relaxed and I can tell she’s comfortable here. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.

  “I’ll have to take your word for it.” I push back from my desk. She has my big cotton robe wrapped around her. She’s so tiny that she almost gets lost in it. I don’t think I’ve ever worn it. Like the bathtub, a lot of things don’t get used around here. I motion for her to come closer. She does. I grab her hand, pulling her into my lap, and enjoy the feeling of having her so close.