"Johnny - for god's sake - what's going on? Where are you going? And why the gun?"
"Mind your own damn business," he spat. Then a moment later his expression changed. "I'm getting us that money I said I would. If the job goes well we'll be outta here tomorrow and on our way to Texas. You'd best get your stuff packed."
"Tomorrow?! But... well never mind that, I'm more concerned about the gun right now. Leave it here. You don't need it."
"It's protection." He patted the holster. "You wouldn't want your Johnny boy getting' hurt now, would you honey?"
She shook her head. "I have a bad feeling about it Johnny. Please don't do anything stupid."
"Quit whining, woman," he said in exasperation. "I'm doing this for us - you and me - and all I get from you is whine whine fucking whine. Now get packed." He left the apartment and slammed the door hard behind him.
When he returned two hours later, he wore an expression of elation. Cocksure, he strutted in, a half empty bottle of bourbon in his hand. "I did it, baby. Take a look inside." He unzipped a leather bag. Inside were wads of twenty, ten and fifty dollar bills.
"Where did you get this?"
"Nice guy at the gas station gave it to me," he chuckled.
"You robbed it? Oh god - Johnny! How could you?!"
"How could I? Dead easily - no thanks to you, stupid bitch. How the hell did you think I was going to get some money? Huh? Walk into a bank and hold my hand out?" He dipped his hand inside and scooped up a pile of bills. "I got six thousand dollars here." His eyes gleamed.
"Six thousand?! Oh my Lord."
"We're going to Texas in style. Come on, let's get going. We'll pick up a flight in NYC, enjoy the trip with a few drinks, and three and a half hours later we'll be in Austin."
"Do we really have to go right now? It's the middle of the night."
A shifty look came over Johnny's face. "Yeah. We need to go right now. Let's get outta here." There was a sense of urgency in his voice that sent a chill down Marie's spine. She would have really freaked had he told her he'd killed his two buddies, taken their share of the proceeds, and dumped the gun near the waterfront.
"You didn't... didn't hurt anyone, did you?"
"Course I didn't. I told you, the gun was just for protection. Now come on. We need to move. I'll buy you some new gear when we get there."
Marie was reeling. Six thousand dollars. That was one hell of a lot of money. He'd robbed it, and now she was with him helping him to spend it on air fare and clothes... she was an accessory. She could end up in jail. She was so preoccupied she failed to notice the patch of dried blood on Johnny's shirt.
By the time they arrived at the airport, it was to find they had a three hour wait for the next flight out to Austin. Johnny cursed and paced around agitatedly like a caged tiger. Marie sat down and closed her eyes. She was so desperately tired and wanted to sleep, but the airport was noisy and had bright lights. Her head began to ache and she felt the familiar longing for a drink.
The longing for alcohol was alleviated shortly after boarding and Marie thankfully drained a brandy.
"You sure put that away quick, baby. Let's get another one." He hailed the stewardess and gave her the order, then reclined in his seat with a self satisfied smirk on his face.
It was almost 10am when they arrived in Austin. Neither had slept during the flight, so Johnny decided to book them into a cheap motel for a few hours sleep.
"We'll rest up and sleep no later than three, then we'll hit the stores and spruce ourselves up with new outfits. Make a good impression, huh?"
Marie nodded. She was too tired to argue. Her eyelids were drooping.
"We'll get ourselves cleaned up a bit and dressed to impress, then climb in a hire car and drive out to the Armstrong ranch. We'll likely arrive just in time for supper. Won't that be nice?" sniggered Johnny.
"Do you know how to get there?"
"Yeah. I made enquiries. I know exactly where they live. And I know exactly what they look like seein' as we saw them on the TV." And I also know exactly how much Scott Armstrong is worth and I want a slice outta that big billionaire cowboy's pot of money. And I sure as hell am gonna get it.
---oOo---
Sunday morning and the sky was blue and clear with barely a cloud. Scott went down to the kitchen early where he found Hannah and Mary Lou and Kayla sitting down together for their first cup of coffee before starting breakfast.
"Mornin' Scott," smiled Hannah. "You're an early bird."
"Sure am. I'm on the scrounge. I'm out on a trek with Carla soon and I want a picnic breakfast to pack in my saddle bags."
"Picnic breakfast - sounds romantic," said Mary Lou.
"Want some coffee first?" Kayla picked up the coffee pot.
"Sure. Thanks, Kayla." He sipped the hot liquid. "Mmn, this is good. Now - what have you got that would make for a suitable breakfast?"
"Let's see now - she likes smoked salmon, doesn't she?" Hannah opened the fridge and looked inside. "We got plenty of smoked salmon. And there's fresh bread rolls baking - they'll be ready in ten minutes."
"And how about a tortilla to go with the salmon?" suggested Kayla.
"And I was about to make up a batch of apple oatmeal bran muffins. You could take some of those too," said Mary Lou.
"Ladies. I take my hat off to you all." Scott grinned at the three of them. "Sounds like a breakfast for a king. And if you could throw in some fresh orange juice that would be perfect."
"No problem," said Hannah. "And a flask of coffee for the king and his queen?"
"Sure - providing it's not too big - I gotta leave room for the champagne."
"Oh my Lordy - champagne for breakfast? What you up to, boy?" enquired Hannah, her face wreathed in smiles.
"Nothin' - just treating my lady to a picnic breakfast and the pleasure of my charming company," said Scott cheerily.
By the time they were through, Scott had enough food for an army. It took him some time to secure it all in the saddle bags without squashing the muffins. In the end he slipped in a couple of spoons so they could eat up the crumbs. What the hell - they'd still taste good. Hannah had also slipped in some flapjacks with peanut butter and maple syrup, and a tub of blueberries. Ah - she knows me too well, mused Scott. Knows I have an appetite like a horse!
When Carla arrived at the stables, Scott was all ready and waiting, a big cheesy grin on his face.
"Mornin' cowboy." She reached up to kiss him. "You're looking mighty pleased with yourself. Any particular reason?"
"Mornin' darlin'. Just pleased to see you is all."
"Oh, well I'm not complaining." She grinned back at him. "And you've saddled up Splash for me too. Thanks." She went over and stroked the horse's soft muzzle. "Howdy old friend. Are you pleased to see me as well?" Splash whinnied a greeting and tossed his head.
"Of course he is. He's eager to stretch his legs. Up you get, my lady." He gave her a lift up into the saddle.
"Such gallantry this morning, Mr Armstrong."
"Make the most of it, Miss Odell." He tipped his Stetson in salute.
"You old charmer."
"Old? Less of your cheek or I'll paddle that cute hiney of yours in the paddock for all to see. I'll wager there's a number of ranch hands who would appreciate such entertainment."
"Ya gotta catch me first!" With a flick of the reigns, she urged Splash out of the stable yard and through the gate.
With a loud whoop of delight, Scott raced after her. They enjoyed an exhilarating ride, riding abreast on the trail for a couple of miles. It had been given an improved surfacing of base material and a topping of screening materials to create a smooth trail for all types of use. When they passed the shaded areas of pecan and oak trees the trail split into three and they took the right fork where the ground slowly began to rise. Slackening the pace, Carla paused to take in the creek and the abundance of wild flowers.
"It's so beautiful here, Scott."
He nodded his agreement. "And you too are beau
tiful, Carla Odell. My honey-haired, golden-eyed goddess."
Carla blushed. He had never before told her she was beautiful, nor a goddess! She decided she quite liked it. "What a nice compliment. I think you are in an especially good mood today!"
"Maybe I am." He flashed her the bone melting Armstrong smile that by now she was so familiar with.
"Yeah? Then I shall tease you mercilessly and see how much I can get away with." She reached over and tweaked the end of his nose.
"Hey! Come here - just wait and see which bits of yours I'm going to tweak!"
With a laugh, Carla was off again, Splash's hooves pounding rhythmically. He ran effortlessly, loving every minute. Carla delighted in him and in being able to ride. It was truly exhilarating and made her feel free as a bird.
Scott deliberately kept a few paces behind. He was enjoying the view - not so much the scenic vista as Carla's rounded bottom rising and falling in the saddle. Watching her swaying form in those tight breeches was a delight. He felt his cock twitch in anticipation and smiled lazily to himself, savouring the moment.
They rode for half an hour and then dismounted, letting the horses graze while they sat in the shade of a leafy oak. The sunlight filtered down through the overarching canopy of leaves creating a dancing dappled effect.
Scott unrolled a blanket and spread it out for them to sit on, then took the orange juice and two plastic cups out of one of the saddle bags.
"You think of everything, hon. Thanks, I'm ready for this." She gave him a bright smile and drank thirstily.
"Me too." He drained his cup and refilled it. "Ah, that's better. I've worked up quite an appetite."
"I'm starving! What have we got to eat?"
"A real feast." He began emptying the saddlebags. Plastic plates came out first, followed by a variety of lightweight plastic containers of varying size and shape. "There's a mountain of food here, but I'm sure we'll do it justice."
"You bet." Carla reached for the nearest container and opened it. "Oh - smoked salmon! I love smoked salmon." She stabbed at it with a plastic fork and dished out neat slices on each of their plates.
"And here we have... crusty bread rolls - still warm! And a pot of butter, soft but not melted. Here's the Tortilla Española. Smells good."
"Mmn - what huge wedges! All those delicious potatoes. Tortilla is even better served cold than warm."
"Hannah's also sent us some apple muffins and flapjacks. We'll be heading back to the ranch as fat as pigs. Your butt will be even bigger after you've polished off that little lot."
"More for you to spank then," quipped Carla with her mouth full of smoked salmon. "Oh this stuff is delicious."
The conversation lulled as the pair of them ate happily, enjoying the food. Scott was renowned for his hearty appetite, and when eating al fresco, his appetite doubled. He chewed contentedly. Carla smiled as she watched him enjoy his food - a prime specimen of a cowboy if ever there was one, broad shouldered and strong, his jeans moulded to his muscled thighs. But it wasn't just his looks, it was him - he was one in a million. There was no man on earth better than Scott Armstrong. She sighed with happiness and bit into a delicious apple muffin but could only manage a few small bites.
"I'm well and truly stuffed, Scott. I couldn't eat another thing."
"There's still the blueberries to go at."
"I'll pop if I eat anything else. And poor Splash - when I mount him his legs will buckle under the extra weight." She giggled at the thought.
"There they are, hon." He pointed to a round plastic container. "Open it for me, will you? I'm too darn lazy to do it myself."
"Tsk. Okay then." She reached for the container and unfastened the tight fitting lid. "Oh."
"What?"
"There are no blueberries in here. Just a little box."
"What sort of little box?"
"I dunno. She picked it up and stared at it. "This," she said in a small voice.
"Best open it then." He watched her expression as she pulled back the lid. She looked stunned beyond measure, her eyes held by the dazzling diamond that blazed in the sunlight. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no sound came out. Then she began to smile, and the smile was like the sun coming out from behind the clouds on a dull day. "What is it?"
"It's not blueberries." She looked up at him with love shining from her eyes.
Scott put down his empty plate and leaned close. "Carla Odell. I love you so much. Will you marry me?"
"You do? You love me? Really?" Her smile broadened. Her eyes filled with tears.
"Of course I do! Well - don't keep me waiting! I've waited for you quite long enough."
She threw her arms around his neck. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!.... mmm..." She was silenced by his kiss. It lasted an eternity. When at last they paused for breath, she whispered, "And I love you too Scott Armstrong. I've loved you from the very first day I met you - I just didn't realise it at the time."
"Better late than never." He kissed her again, his eyes twinkling with happiness. He had the woman he wanted. She was ready for him. She was going to be Mrs Scott Armstrong. He put the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit on his perfect lady. He jumped up and threw his Stetson in the air and hollered in jubilation.
Carla laughed and got to her feet too. Scott was retrieving something else from the voluminous saddle bags - a bottle of champagne and two plastic glasses. They toasted and kissed each other and sipped the bubbling liquid, then they did it all over again. After that, the champagne was forgotten as they lay on the blanket, limbs entwined, kissing, stroking, touching, drunk with love and a mounting desire.
Scott reached out and practically ripped the shirt off her back, so great was his need of her. He yanked down her bra straps, tugging the cups of her bra, exposing her wonderful breasts. Her nipples were hard nubs. He nuzzled them, licking and sucking and nibbling, his hands busy pulling at her riding breeches, tugging them down along with her panties. Carla mewled with pleasure beneath him, arching her back, raising her knees, splaying her legs, the fingers of one hand raking his back beneath his shirt, the other hand tugging impatiently at his shirt buttons, unfastening his belt... his zipper. Clothes were torn off and discarded. They lay skin to skin... mouth to mouth... breathing each others breath. She writhed beneath him, her hips bucking as his fingers slammed into her honeyed wetness, his thumb circling her clit. She squeezed his inner thighs, caressed the heavy sac of his balls, moved her fingers along the impressive length of his cock, circling the engorged and glistening tip.
"I want you," he breathed huskily. "I'm done waiting."
"Please. Please..." she begged, almost incoherent. "I need you inside me. Now. Now. Ohhh..."
He thrust into her, hard and strong and deep, filling her, making her his own, riding her like a wild stallion. She flailed beneath him, desperate for more as he reamed her, slamming hard and fast. Carla mewled frantically, gasping, her body moving beneath his, bucking her hips, approaching the peaks of a heady orgasm. She screamed out her pleasure as her whole body shook, and as she did so, his groan became a bellow of triumph as he spent himself inside her slick and welcoming depths.
Bodies damp with sweat they lay sated, chests heaving, gasping as reality returned. Time was meaningless. They lay in each others arms, totally spent, totally content, totally in love.
It was Carla who eventually broke the spell. "Was that worth waiting for cowboy?"
"Hell yeah!"
He reached for her again...
---oOo---
When Scott and Carla arrived back at the ranch, they practically collided with Isaac and Brenda.
"Well who is this, all happy and smiling?" asked Brenda as she took in sparkling eyes and flushed faces wreathed in happiness.
"I'll tell ya who this is," said Scott taking hold of Carla's left hand and raising it. "This is my fiancée and the next Mrs Armstrong."
"What?!" Brenda and Isaac both exclaimed together.
After that it was hugs and handshakes and slaps on
the back. The news spread around the ranch like wildfire. People kept appearing to offer their congratulations. Hannah rushed in from the kitchen and kissed them both, leaving them with flour on their faces. Mary Lou followed holding a half peeled potato and Kayla rushed in waving her rolling pin. Even Tink joined in the fun and barked and jumped around wagging his tail.
Hank slapped his brother on the back. "About time, bro. You got yourself a good one there." He leaned over to kiss Carla and wrap her in a bear hug.
He was followed by Rose, wearing her smock covered in oil paint. "I'm delighted! I really am. Can't say I'm surprised though!" She laughed and kissed them both. "When's the wedding?"
"The wedding? Uh - we never got round to discussing that," beamed Carla.
"Why wait? How about sometime soon?" suggested Scott.
Carla nodded and laughed. "Sometime soon," she repeated.
"We'll ALL celebrate," said Isaac. "How about a cook out this evening - a hog roast?"
"That'll be great," said Scott. "Nothing finer."
"Yes! Thanks, Isaac - sounds wonderful." Carla beamed happily at everyone. She was floating on air. Nothing could spoil her happiness. "I must call Violet and Herb! They'll be so surprised!"
"Go call them darlin' - and I bet they won't be in the least surprised," he added with a grin. "Can I come too? I'd like a quick chat."
"Of course you can!"
They made their way upstairs, their arms wrapped around each other. Brenda watched them go with tears of happiness in her eyes. Both her sons made her proud. And now they both had a good woman to care for and share their life with. Maybe there'd be grandchildren soon... She smiled happily at the thought and went into the kitchen to see if she could help with the food preparations for the evening's celebration. It was going to be a wonderful night.
Or so she thought...
---oOo---
Hannah and her team got started on the hog roast at once - there was no time to lose! Half a small hog was brined for the remainder of the morning in a solution of water, sugar and spices, then the inside of the hog was rubbed with brown sugar, then on to the fire pit it went for some long slow cooking. As the afternoon progressed, a wonderful aroma filled the air.
Love on a Ranch Box Set Page 30
