by Peyton Banks
A strand of his hair fell forward into his eyes. He brushed it back, and her heart did that little dance it did when she was around him. She found herself nodding.
“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.” His grin spread across his face.
What the hell did she just agree to?
Joy stormed into her room in a panic. What did one wear when going out to dinner with their neighbor?
Throwing open her closet door, she concentrated on her clothing. What would be appropriate?
Jeans?
Hell, no. Joy always wore jeans.
A skirt?
Maybe. She riffled around until her hand landed on a dress she’d purchased on a whim and had yet to wear. She wasn’t sure where they were going for dinner, but it would be perfect.
It was an off-the-shoulder dress that flowed around her knees. It was white with large flowers on it, and had made her feel feminine.
Grinning, she pulled it out and laid it on her bed. She rushed over to her dresser and found the perfect lingerie. It was black, lace, and one of her favorite sets.
Not that she was planning on him seeing what was underneath her dress.
She always wanted to be prepared.
Just in case.
There was no way she was wearing cotton anything while out with a man like Wade Brooks.
Now, it was time for a shower. She had just come in from working the ranch, and she was pretty sure the scent of sheep shit was embedded in her pores.
Stripping off her clothes, she tossed them into the hamper in her closet before grabbing a towel to wrap around herself.
Exiting the room, she was met by her mother, who was coming out of her bedroom. Georgy was a beautiful woman with short, dark hair and silky brown skin. She didn’t look a day over fifty.
“Hey, Ma.” She smiled. Joy noticed her mother was dressed in a soft pink blouse, jeans, and sandals. Just where was she off to? “Are you feeling better?”
“I am. I can’t remember the last time I laid around in bed for so long. Maybe that was all I needed.”
“You do work too hard, Mom.” Joy tightened her towel. “I’ve been telling you for years that you and Dad need to go on a long vacation. Junior and I can handle this place.”
“Maybe. Why don’t you help me find something, and then I’ll try to talk your father into it.” Georgy smiled and leaned against the wall. “And what are you up to?”
“About to jump in the shower. I need to feel like a human again.”
“Got any plans tonight?” her mother asked.
Joy hesitated. Admitting she was going out to dinner with a Brooks wouldn’t go over well.
“Just out with a friend I went to high school with.” That was a safe answer. It wasn’t lying, since she and Wade were the same age and graduated from high school together.
“Sounds fun.” Georgy pushed off and rubbed Joy’s shoulder. “Your father and I are going to run out for a bit. We shouldn’t be gone long.”
Joy made her way down the hall and entered the bathroom. She shut the door and blew out a deep breath. Georgy Whitaker was as nosy as they came.
Joy put her hair in a bun so she could cover it before she got into the shower. She walked over to the stall and turned the water on so it could warm up.
She didn’t have much time before Wade was due to show up. Dropping the towel onto the floor, she put on her shower cap and stepped under the spray.
“It’s just dinner,” she muttered, turning around to let the water pound against her back.
Wade’s gray eyes, his killer smile, and intoxicating scent came to mind.
Who was she kidding?
If Wade made a move toward her, she would not be coming home tonight.
5
Wade didn’t know what made him invite Joy out for dinner, but he’d found himself doing it. His breath had been snatched away when he got closer to her. She had been shooting daggers at him with her eyes as soon as he had stepped foot onto her property.
The cattle breaking out and going onto her land was a problem.
In the back of his mind, he knew he needed to smooth things over with her, and dinner was the first thing that popped into his mind.
It was obvious she was contemplating his offer. The moment she’d bitten her lower hip, his cock had taken notice.
The sun’s rays had shined on her beautiful bronze skin perfectly. Her beauty called to him, and that spitfire attitude of hers kept him on his toes.
He would have to admit that Joy Whitaker had captured his attention. He wasn’t sure why she was still single, but it worked to Wade’s advantage. She used to date one of the guys who had worked on another ranch, but he didn’t remember hearing what had happened between them.
Wade took one last look at himself in the mirror and cringed. He was overdue for a haircut, and vowed to make an appointment soon. It was getting too long, and kept falling in his eyes.
“Nothing I can do about it now,” he muttered. He flipped the light out in his bathroom and walked through his master bedroom. He snatched his keys, wallet, and phone off the nightstand by his bed. Slipping his wallet into his pocket, he left his room.
Wade had built this house about five years ago from the ground up, as living with his father was no longer an option. He’d worked with the builder to construct the beautiful house.
It was larger than one man needed on his own. One day, Wade hoped to fill it with a family.
He couldn’t wait.
Parker was the first of them to take the plunge, and would be getting married soon. He and Maddy already had Tyler, and would soon be adding to their small family.
Wade was slightly jealous of his older brother, but was happy for him. Maddy and Tyler were ideal for Parker.
Arriving at his front door, Wade pulled it open and found Carson coming up the stairs of the porch.
“Where you going dressed all fancy?” Carson teased.
Wade rolled his eyes and stepped out onto the porch, shutting the door closed behind him.
“None of your business.” He slid his phone in his front shirt pocket and eyed his brother.
“Oh, secrets. You smelling all good, it’s got to be with a woman.” Carson laughed. He put up his fist and pretended to jab at Wade.
“What do you want?” Wade chortled, blocking his brother’s blows.
“Well, I came to see if you wanted to go out for a beer or something.” Carson moved back and twisted his baseball cap around.
“Not tonight. Got plans.” Wade jogged down the stairs with Carson following behind him. “Maybe some other night.”
“Yeah. I’ll call Kyson and see what’s he’s up to.” Carson slapped him on his shoulder, then headed toward his truck. “Well, if it is a woman, then here’s hoping you get lucky tonight.”
“Ass,” Wade muttered.
His younger brother was always a jokester. Wade shook his head and got into his pickup. If he would have shared where he was going and with whom, Carson would never have left. Carson blew his horn before driving off.
Wade wasn’t sure why he was nervous. He started the engine and eased out. He drove down the gravel road that led to the main street.
The sound of her slight country twang on the phone was downright sexy. He loved getting a rise out of her. He loved when she was pissed at him. Hell, she was always pissed at him for something whenever they spoke or were in the same place.
He grinned, thinking of what she’d looked like when he’d shown up. If it were possible, smoke would have been streaming from her ears.
Thoughts of what she would look like under him, over him, in front of him, had plagued his mind for days.
He ran a hand along his face.
Joy Whitaker, naked and spread out on his bed, was one image he couldn’t shake. What he wouldn’t do to be able to make that fantasy a reality.
“Shit,” he groaned. He had to push those fantasies from his mind. If he showed up with a raging hard-on, she’d probably go off on him abo
ut that.
Not that he would blame her.
Tonight was supposed to be two neighbors going out for dinner. Their fathers may not get along, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t.
Wade rolled the window down to let some air in, needing to cool down. Within minutes, he was turning onto the road that led to the Whitaker’s home. Their property wasn’t as large as the Brookses spread. Sheep farmers didn’t need as much land as cattle ranchers. Sheep didn’t consume as much, and were content on smaller fields.
The Whitaker home came into view. It was a beautiful country house with a wraparound porch. The woodwork was impeccable. The home had wooden pillars that were bold and natural, while the rest of the house was painted white. It gave off a feel of old-world country with new modern fixtures.
Wade parked the truck on the edge of the driveway, next to the walkway up to the house. He killed the engine, and had to bat down the butterflies that appeared in his stomach. He stepped out of the vehicle, unsure of what to expect. If Davis Senior came to the door, he’d probably have his shotgun in hand.
Walking up the pathway, he arrived at the base of the stairs when the door opened. He froze, speechless.
Joy was in a dress that stopped just above her knees, and her shoulders bare. Sandals displayed her dainty toenails painted hot pink. She had a small purse hanging from her shoulder.
She scowled. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. Never seen you in a dress before.”
“So, you think I run around in jeans and sheep dung all day?” she huffed
The fire in her eyes had him grinning. He’d bet she was a hellcat in the sack. He swallowed hard. There he went again. He had to push all images of sex and Joy Whitaker to the back of his mind.
He was a gentleman, and his mother, God rest her soul, would probably haunt him if he said what he was truly thinking.
“Maybe jeans, but not shit,” he replied.
Her hands went to her hips. He walked up the stairs and stopped right in front of her. She tipped her head back, allowing her dark hair to flow over her bare shoulders. Her big brown eyes were done in makeup, highlighting how pretty they were. He itched to touch her, but she might kick him in the balls if he laid a hand on her.
“You smell too good right now. If that’s what sheep dung smells like, then I’m in the wrong business.”
She relaxed slightly, giving a hesitant smile. He was winning her over. It wouldn’t be fun if they were arguing all night.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“I figured we go to Pin Pushers.” Pin Pushers was a popular bar and bowling alley in town. The food was out of this world, the alcohol was good, and the atmosphere was always upbeat and fun.
A glint appeared in Joy’s eyes, and Wade groaned. He knew that look. She was up to something.
“I’ll be right back.” She turned and ran back into the house, slamming the door shut behind her.
He leaned against the pillar and waited patiently. The sounds of Joy’s dogs yapping in the house could be heard in the quiet.
What the hell was she doing?
A few seconds later, she came out of the house with a bowling bag. “Now I’m ready.”
“What is that for?” he scoffed, following her down the stairs.
“If I’m going to whip your ass at bowling, then I need to make sure I do it properly,” she snickered.
Only Joy couldn’t put aside her competitive streak for a night.
“I think it would take more than a special ball to beat me,” he teased.
She turned to him with her lips curled up in the corners. He was drawn to this playful side of Joy. He liked seeing her smile. Her features brightened, and he found himself moving closer to her as they walked to the truck.
“Shit talking now, are we?” Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose. She used her elbow to nudge him. “I’ll have you know, this is more than a special ball, Wade Brooks.”
They arrived at the truck. Wade couldn’t help it any longer. He rested his hand at the small of her back to guide her to the passenger door. Her body fit beside his quite nicely.
His cock reacted too. He bit back a groan and tried to will it down.
“Really? And what is it?” He gripped the handle and waited for her response.
She giggled. “It is the ball I’m going to beat you with.”
He joined her, laughing at her silliness. She looked down at his hand on the door and back up to him, as if shocked.
“What? You seem to think I don’t have any manners.” This time, it was him who raised his eyebrows at her. He took her bowling bag from her and opened the door.
Joy slid her hand into his waiting one so he could help her up into the cab.
He ignored the electrical current that rushed through his arm when their fingers touched.
“Well, you Brooks men have been known for a few things. Not sure if manners were ever mentioned.” She brushed against him as she stepped up onto the running board.
Her soft curves felt divine, and he had a suspicion she had done it on purpose.
Well, if that was the case, two could play that game.
“Guess I’ll have to show you what us Brooks men are really known for.” He shut the door.
Her shocked face met his through the window. He couldn’t help but toss a wink her way.
He walked around to his side and opened the door. He slid her bag onto the back seat then hopped in. Already, her scent filled the cab. It was light and floral, teasing his senses. He wanted to bury his face into the crook of her neck so he could breathe it in.
“So, what exactly are Brooks known for? I want to compare my notes.”
Wade grinned and hit the button to start the engine. He glanced over at Joy, who was studying him intently. Her lips were plump, and he wondered what they would taste like.
Drive, man.
Dinner. Bowling.
He had to remind himself what they were in the truck for. He put it in reverse and turned it around in their small circle of a drive and headed back to the main street. It took everything in him not to drive toward his place.
“Not sure if that’s something we should be discussing since we are just two friendly neighbors going out for dinner,” he joked.
She playfully pushed him. “Oh, no. You opened Pandora’s box, and I want to know. Come on, Brooks, fess up. What are you Brooks men known for?”
He feigned a cough, and kept his focus on the road ahead.
“Let’s just say this. Depending on how our night goes, you may figure it out on your own.”
6
“Are you sure you will be able to bowl in that dress?” Wade asked.
Joy looked up from tying her shoes and grinned.
“Is that worry I hear in your voice, Brooks?” she challenged.
If it were, he was a smart man. Joy had loved to bowl since her father first introduced it to her when she was five years old. There was something about taking one’s frustration out in throwing a heavy ball at some pins that seemed to satisfy her.
Joy and her family had spent plenty of weekends at the bowling alley. It gave them a break from the constant hustle of sheep farming. She and her friends indulged in games while the adults sat around drinking, talking, and having a good time.
“Never that,” he taunted.
He stood from his perch on the bench across from her, and she eyed the way he filled out his jeans and the long-sleeved shirt. He grinned at her while he folded up his sleeves to reveal his forearms.
Joy swallowed hard, and had to beat down the twinge of arousal the simple act elicited.
He knew what he was doing.
There was no way he didn’t know the effect he would have on a woman.
He refused to indulge her in the truck and share with her what Brooks men were really known for, but she could guess.
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know the Brooks brothers had a reputation. The buckle bunnies followed them aroun
d. Tales of Wade, Parker, and Carson’s party antics were shared around town.
They were legendary.
Drinking, partying, fighting, and women.
She’d heard all about the three of them. What was embellished versus real, she didn’t know.
When they were in high school, girls threw themselves at them on a daily basis, and Joy was sure that now they were adults it was no different.
The years had been good to Wade. No longer was he the skinny boy she’d grown up hating from afar. Now he was a man who was filled out with hardened muscles from working the land daily.
And she was secretly lusting after him.
She rolled her eyes and gazed at their surroundings. Pin Pushers had gone through a massive renovation recently. It had been around for decades, and was considered a staple in town. They’d updated the place to be trendy, and it had paid off.
It was packed tonight with plenty of people hanging out. There was bowling, bocce, pool, and a bar. Everything a small town needed to have fun on a weekend. It had a great patio that was popular in the summer as well.
There weren’t many places like this in town. For bigger establishments, one would need to go to one of the larger cities for entertainment.
Wade and Joy had their own private section. It was roomy enough for a tiny party, but since it was just the two of them, there was plenty of space for them to spread out.
“Hey, y’all, I’m Sandy. Can I take your order?” A middle-aged woman with dark hair asked, her pad and pen at the ready.
Wade walked over to her and took a seat next to Joy on the leather bench.
“Anything good?” he asked, holding up the menu for both of them to see.
Joy leaned over and leaned against his shoulder so she could read it.
Wade’s cologne was a distraction. It floated around her, wrapping her up in his scent. She had to focus on the words for them to compute.
“Right . The open-face grilled salmon is my favorite.” Sandy perked up and went into the description of the sandwich. She mentioned a few other items that were on special. Pin Pushers Bistro had been the talk of the town. The owners had invested in hiring chefs who redid their menu, and it was a success. This was the first time Joy had been inside the building since it reopened.