Wild, Crazy Hearts – the Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls)

by Melissa Foster

  “Go Team Trindle,” Natalie said in a singsong voice as she came to Brindle’s side. “Can I get a picture of you guys?”

  Trace and his brothers chuckled. Brindle had come home from her meeting with her mother and sisters reeling about the social media frenzy. He’d admitted to hearing the rumors, but he’d never actually gone online to see what they were all about. He’d also admitted the reasons why he hadn’t followed up on the rumors—he’d been in no frame of mind to deal with that kind of shit when she was gone. Brindle had called her sisters and given them hell about not clueing her in. He and Brindle had talked about the best way to handle it, and she’d tried to let it go and forget about the rumors. Maybe someone who didn’t know her so well would have bought it. But Trace saw her struggle, and by evening, she’d decided to deal with the rumors the way she always had. She’d pushed her annoyance aside and buried the urge to address them down deep. It was a start, and they were making progress.

  Brindle gave Natalie a don’t-go-there look and said, “We’re going to have a talk about that. I can’t believe this whole hashtag thing was going on and you didn’t tell me.”

  Natalie pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and said, “I’m sorry, but if it’s any consolation, I was totally pulling for you guys. And what Trace did yesterday shut everyone down, so I just wanted to show that it was official with a picture of the two of you together. You know, to validate his post.”

  Aw hell…

  “His post?”

  Trace gritted his teeth at the fire in Brindle’s eyes.

  “You’ve been outed, bro,” Jeb said.

  “Trace doesn’t even have any social media accounts.” Brindle stalked over to the bleachers and dug her phone out of her purse.

  “He does now,” Shane said with a smirk, earning visual daggers from Brindle. “And his post has more than a thousand likes.”

  “It was epic,” Natalie added. “I have to leave to meet some friends at the library, but I’ll see you tomorrow in class, Miss M.”

  “Bye, Nat,” Brindle said as she typed and swiped on her phone.

  “I told you I was playing by my rules this time, darlin’,” Trace said, watching her read his post. It’s official! Trace Jericho and Brindle Montgomery are exclusive! #TeamTrindleForever. Soon to be #TeamTrindleTrio. The anger in her eyes softened, and he assumed she was looking at the picture. They’d taken the selfie the other night. Brindle was sitting on his lap in front of the fireplace in his house. She was wearing one of his T-shirts. Her hair was tousled and her cheeks were flushed from their lovemaking. Flames danced behind them, casting shadows over the blanket across her lap. Her head rested on his shoulder, her gaze soft and loving. One arm was draped around his neck as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She looked beautiful and happy, and she was right where she’d always belonged, safely nestled in his arms. She’d been staying at his place, and they both loved falling asleep in each other’s arms and waking up together so much, he wished they’d done it years ago.

  He’d loved the picture so much, he’d made it the background on his phone.

  As she lifted her eyes, love pushed the lingering frustration in them away. “You called your account TraceLovesBrin­dleForever.”

  He set down his toolbox, gathered her in his arms, and said, “You know I don’t lie.”

  “But you hate social media.”

  “But I love you, darlin’. I know you’re too proud to address rumors, but it was time to shut them down once and for all.”

  She peeked around him at Jeb. “And you used his post for your Instagram story. Does that mean you forgive me for lying?”

  Trace’s heart took a hit. He knew she was worried about that, but to hear her say it made him want to turn around and make sure his brother said the right thing. But he knew how Jeb felt. The question was, would he let her know the truth?

  “We all make mistakes,” Jeb said. “You guys might have gotten off to a rocky start, but I’ll be lucky to find someone who loves me as much as you love this big lug. I might have to blow him away in the Turkey Trot race just to wipe that smug look off his face.”

  Trace felt Brindle relax a little in his arms.

  “And I’ll beat your ass over the finish line so you don’t get an even bigger head,” Shane said to Jeb. He looked at Brindle and hiked a thumb at Trace as he said, “This asshole told us he made a shitty comment when he found out you were pregnant. For what it’s worth, I would have lied, too. And now that I know we’re not needed here, I’m heading back to the ranch.”

  “Thanks for coming,” Trace said as Jeb and Shane headed for the door.

  Shane turned around, pointing at Trace, and said, “Don’t think I’m picking up your chores so you can make out in the equipment closet. Get your ass back there in the next half hour or I’m going to come back and pull the fire alarm.”

  When they left, Brindle gazed up at him and said, “You took time off to help me build sets? I thought you couldn’t take time off in the afternoon.”

  “Yeah, well, life changes. My priorities have shifted. I would have worked late to make up for the lost time.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I told you we were living by my rules now. That means I get to do all the things I would have done over the years if circumstances were different.” He kissed her again, deep and slow, and she melted against him. “Besides, knowing you’ll be waiting for me at home changes everything.” He kissed her jaw. “It’s no longer a choice of helping with sets or spending my evening with you naked in my arms.” He kissed her neck and then gave it one hard suck.

  She made a needy sound and said, “It’s not like I live there…”

  “That’s next on your list of priorities.” He grabbed her ass, holding her against him so she could feel what she did to him. “So, about that equipment room…”

  “Trace,” she warned. “No.”

  He drew back, meeting her lust-filled eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you tell me no before.”

  “I can’t do that here,” she whispered.

  “How about behind the bleachers?” he teased, kissing her neck again.

  “No,” she said with a giggle.

  He liked this proper side of her more than he probably should. It presented another type of challenge, even though he was only teasing right now. He didn’t want to get her in trouble at work, but it was too much fun watching her blush to stop just yet.

  “Parking lot? My truck?”

  “You are relentless.” She went up on her toes and kissed him. “It’s just one of the many things I love about you. But Shane’s waiting for you, and I have papers to grade before my hot cowboy gets home tonight.” She dragged her finger down the open buttons on his Henley and said, “I promise to make it up to you.”

  “Just promise me you, darlin’. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  BRINDLE SHIVERED AGAINST the icy wind as she tied a blindfold around Trace’s head Monday night.

  “What’s going on, Brin?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  Brindle was excited to do something special for Trace. Their lives were becoming even more intertwined, and every day things felt a little more settled. Though she had her life and he had his, sleeping together every night really had changed everything. It had taken the pressure off. Neither of them felt as though they had to compete for the other’s attention. Not that either one had ever had to, but that was the only way Brindle could make sense of the way things had changed. They’d gone from living in an immature world of insecurities to a mature, reality-based existence, which brought them even closer together. And surprisingly, they didn’t long for more freedom or feel trapped. If anything, they wanted even more time together. They met Morgyn and Graham for dinner Friday night, since they were leaving to spend Thanksgiving with Graham’s family. She’d gone out with Lindsay and Trixie to see Sable’s band play Sunday afternoon while Trace met with Sin to discuss the coaching position for next year. He w
as helping Sin again next weekend, and she was excited to watch.

  Their relationship had deepened in ways she’d never expected. Talking more had made them closer, and being closer made her want even more with him.

  Once upon a time, her definition of more had been related to sexual things. But she learned that her new definition was much more in line with what Trace’s had always been. She now understood that Trace’s more had always included loving her until the end of time. It wouldn’t matter if she was fat, skinny, pregnant, or sick. His love was the real deal, just like hers had always been, though she’d been too fearful to give in to it. Working together to better their relationship, and doing things as a couple, had driven that point home every day. They still had bristling moments of stubbornness, but they were becoming adept at counting to five—or ten—and then talking things out in a calmer fashion.

  Trace reached behind his head and covered her hand with his as she finished tying the knot in the blindfold. “I like where this is headed, darlin’. But I’m not sure why we’re standing in my parents’ driveway.”

  “Oh, um, it was easier to meet you here since you worked late.”

  “What is with you and all the surprises lately?” She’d surprised him Saturday afternoon with his favorite lunch from the Stardust Café and they’d eaten while sitting on the fence watching the horses in the pasture.

  “You always knew you wanted to do things for me, but I guess I never realized how much I wanted to do things for you.” That was true. She found herself wanting to do more for him, and for them. But there was more going on in her head. Even though Trace had forgiven her for lying, she vowed to spend the rest of her life doing everything within her power to be the woman he deserved. And she was okay with that, because she should have been doing it all along. She’d mentioned that when she’d had breakfast at her parents’ house yesterday and Sable had said, Isn’t that the very definition of living and learning? Stop beating yourself up. You love him, and he loves you. As long as you’re learning from your mistakes, why fret over them?

  Maybe one day Brindle would feel that way, but it didn’t hurt to go the extra mile.

  She opened the passenger door to his truck and said, “Climb in, cowboy. I’m taking you for a ride.”

  As he climbed in, he said, “Now I’m really liking where this is headed.”

  “It won’t be long now.” She kissed his smiling lips, and his hand snaked around her.

  “You’re wrong, darlin’. It’s getting longer by the second.”

  “I’m counting on it,” she said seductively, earning a rough, enticing kiss.

  She came away breathlessly, glad the truck was parked far enough from his parents’ house that they couldn’t be seen. As she pulled his seat belt across his broad chest, leaning in to buckle it in place, his hands were everywhere at once, groping and caressing. His hips rocked up against her chest, and she had visions of opening his jeans and taking his hard length in her mouth. Her body heated, and she reminded herself she wasn’t out to seduce him.

  She pushed upright and said, “You make it hard for me to concentrate.”

  “That’s the plan,” he said cockily.

  “Let’s just try to keep it in your pants for a little longer.” She closed his door and went around to the driver’s seat, grinning as he blindly felt his way across the seat to her shoulder.

  His hand slid down her front and he fondled her breast.

  “Trace.” She pushed his hand away and he laughed. As she started the truck, she said, “We have to go for a little drive. Don’t peek.”

  “I’m good with not seeing, but what’s up with your new no-touching rule?”

  “It’s not a rule. I just can’t drive if you’re doing that.”

  She drove around the block to throw him off, and then she drove back to his parents’ house and down the long driveway toward the barns. She followed the narrow driveway through the pasture to the west side of their property and backed the truck through the open barn doorways.

  “Smells like horses,” he said.

  She’d forgotten he’d pick up on the scents. “Everything in Oak Falls smells like horses. I have to do something. Promise you won’t peek?”

  He made an X over his heart.

  “Okay, sit tight.” Brindle’s heart was beating so fast as she climbed from the truck, she was afraid she’d forget something.

  She’d been planning this surprise for days, but the weather gods had been dead set on ruining it for them. They were calling for snow tonight, and she’d had to move the surprise indoors. Thanks to Shane, who had kept Trace away from the barn, Morgyn, who spent two hours over FaceTime teaching Brindle how to turn a broken umbrella into a starry sky, and Trixie, who had helped her set up, she knew it would be as close to perfect as it could get. She’d even gotten up the guts to tell Trace’s mother what she’d planned so they weren’t interrupted. That conversation had been more embarrassing than she’d anticipated. She had a feeling when she’d said the truck was an important part of the plan, his mother had known why. But heck, his mother had been young once. Surely she’d made out in the back of a truck at some point. Hadn’t all country girls?

  When she’d told Amber about her plans, her demure sister had informed her that no, all country girls hadn’t made out in the back of a truck. To which Brindle had replied, It’s time for me to play matchmaker for you.

  Brindle spread out the pillows and blankets she and Trixie had hidden in the barn, hoping they were enough to keep them warm, and then she laid out the rest of the surprise. She opened the rear barn doors, and a gust of wind assaulted her.

  Shivering, she rounded her shoulders and headed for the passenger door. She pulled it open and took Trace’s hand. “Ready?”

  “Always,” he said in a husky voice.

  She led him to the bed of the truck and realized she’d set everything in the middle and he might crawl right over it. How could she plan plays for thirty kids and mess up a simple surprise for the man she loved?

  “You need to climb into the truck without taking off your blindfold. And put your hand on the right side, so you stay close to it.”

  “Brin, I hear your teeth chattering. What’s going on?”

  “Don’t worry about me,” she said. Suddenly realizing her man was blindfolded, she decided to taunt him a little. She slid her hand down his stomach and cupped his package. “You should probably climb in before I take advantage of you.”

  He didn’t move, except for the smirk that formed on his lips. He covered her hand with his, keeping it right where he wanted it. Oh boy, right where she wanted it, too.

  “Up, cowboy,” she said, trying to regain control of her runaway hormones.

  “Oh, I’m up.”

  She laughed, and he moved her hand higher, squeezing it around his erection. Her temperature spiked as he lowered his mouth in search of hers. She went up on her toes, greedily meeting him. She came away light-headed, just as she’d been the first time they’d made love in the bed of his truck all those years ago.

  “I’m at your mercy, darlin’. Any other commands for me?”

  “I have a long, dirty list that starts with you on your knees and ends with me riding you like a bronco.” Her cheeks burned, and she quickly added, “But if we do that, you’ll never see your surprise.”

  “I don’t ever need to see again.”

  He reclaimed her mouth with savage intensity. Yes! Oh, how she wanted to forgo the surprise and satisfy their every fantasy—in the bed of the truck, against the wall of the barn, bent over the front seat. But even stronger was her desire to show him how much he meant to her—beyond sex and passion and all the naughty things she loved about him.

  She forced herself to break their connection, and after several deep breaths she said, “I need you”—naked—“in the bed of the truck.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  He climbed into the truck, and the sight of his ass in those snug jeans made her even needier.r />
  “I feel you staring at my ass, darlin’.”

  God, I’m such a perv. I’ll probably still be checking out his ass, and grabbing his package, when he’s sixty.

  TRACE HEARD BRINDLE climbing into the truck behind him. He spun around, quickly moving to the end of the bed, and held out his arms. “Let me help you, darlin’.”

  “I can climb into the truck,” she said with enough sass for Trace to conjure the image of a scowl behind his blindfold.

  “I know you can.” He jumped from the truck, following her voice as she griped at him for getting out of the truck. He lifted her by the ribs and set her in the truck.

  “Trace! I’m perfectly capable of climbing into a truck,” she said as he climbed in. “If this is your type of rule, then we are going to have a problem. You can’t treat me like I’m—”

  “Like what? My pregnant girlfriend?” he said firmly. She was quiet for so long he imagined his sweet, stubborn girl trying to figure out a retort that made sense.

  But there wasn’t one.

  He reached blindly for her and heard her scooting back. He laughed. “Really? You’re mad? Count-to-five mad, or just irritated because you have an independent streak a mile wide and you’re afraid I’ll crush it?”

  “That second thing,” she said stubbornly, but he heard her smile.

  He sat back on his heels and said, “This is the real me, darlin’. I’m going to be protective of you and of our baby. I won’t ever try to take away your independence. You want to go out with your girlfriends? Go. You want to climb into my truck after the baby is born? I’m all for it. Hell, Mustang, I’ve never held you down. Lord knows if I back you into a corner you’ll come out swinging. But I’m your man, darlin’, your protector, and I’ll be damned if I’ll ever let you put yourself or our child in danger.”

  She groaned, and then there was a beat of silence, and he prepared himself for an argument. But the most remarkable thing happened. She laughed, and he heard her scooting closer. She put her hands on his thighs, and damn…the electric shock she caused should be illegal.