by Peyton Banks
Joy melted against him when the kiss deepened.
Wade tore his lips from hers, both of them breathing hard. He stared into her eyes. His rigid erection teased her, and she was sure her panties were drenched.
Wade had a way of doing that to her.
He pressed his lips to hers again, then walked away. His muttering echoed through the air. Joy’s heart was racing. She couldn’t believe how quick her body had gone up in flames the second he’d touched her.
She fanned herself as she watched Wade pull two rifles from twin leather holster cases from his horse.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he returned to her. He held out the rifles for her to pick from.
He winked at her. “Ladies first.”
She eyed the two rifles he offered. She folded her arms and raised an eyebrow at him.
“Really?” she asked.
“What?” he asked, confused.
“You brought a .308 and a .22. Who really is supposed to shoot at this distance with a .22?”
He blinked at her. A sheepish expression came over his face.
“I didn’t know—”
“Didn’t know what?” She laid it on thick. He apparently didn’t think she would be able to handle the bigger caliber weapon. Everyone knew that a .22 was for beginners, or even children. What was he thinking?
Men.
Oh, was she going to teach him.
“I figured you may need something small…” His words trailed off. He blew out a deep breath and handed her the .308.
“Look at this beauty,” she gasped, snatching it from him. She immediately ensured the chambers were empty. “A Ruger Precision. It’s beautiful. I’ve been wanting to get my hands on one of these babies.”
Wade’s eyebrows jumped up. “Why am I even surprised?”
“What country girl doesn’t know how to handle a rifle, Wade Brooks?” She shook her head and walked toward the table so she could assess the weapon. It was heavier than she thought it would be. She’d actually looked at it online a few months ago, but hadn’t had a chance to go check it out at the store. From what she’d heard, it was excellent for long-distance shooting.
After she’d done her checks on it, she held it up and peered through the scope, aiming the weapon at one of the targets.
She tried as best as she could to ignore how close Wade was standing next to her.
“Everything good?” he asked.
“Appears to be. How many rounds did you bring?”
“Enough,” he replied. He placed a couple of magazines down on the table, along with a few boxes of ammo. “Are you ready, pretty lady?”
“Oh, don’t you worry yourself, Wade Brooks. I’ll be real gentle with you,” she teased. She snatched up the magazine and inserted it into the rifle.
The sound of hooves gained their attention. Joy turned to find three of the ranch hands headed their way. The men pulled up on their horses.
“What’s up fellas?” Wade walked over to them.
They all echoed a greeting and nodded to her. She’d known Stan and Rashad, who were employed at Blazing Eagle, for a long time. The other hand, Mike, had worked for her family a few seasons ago. He had only stayed with them for a year before he up and quit.
“We were just checking on the herd and figured we’d give Mike a full tour while we were out,” Stan replied.
“So, what’re y’all about to do out here?” Rashad asked.
He dismounted and adjusted his cap. He was a nice-looking man, and Joy had heard he and Yani Polk were now an item.
Yani was a popular hair stylist in town who Joy was friends with and used her services. Seeing Rashad reminded her that she needed to make an appointment with Yani for a haircut.
“Well, Joy thinks she can outshoot me. So, we are here to settle the score,” Wade announced.
Stan and Mike also hopped down from their horses and walked over to Wade.
Stan, Rashad, and Mike laughed while glancing at her. She rolled her eyes.
“Really? You’re not going to let her show you up, are you?” Stan chortled.
“Hey, I’m right here,” she said, laughing.
“Sorry, Joy. He pays me,” Stan replied with a sheepish look.
Joy observed how the men were around Wade. They were respectful with him, even if teasing him about him setting up the shootout.
“Well, I don’t know about you fellas, but I’m staying to watch,” Rashad stated.
Wade glanced at her and winked.
“We now have an audience to watch us, darling. We wouldn’t want you telling a fib on how bad I beat ya.”
Joy narrowed her eyes on him.
It was on.
“It’s your pride on the line. They are witnesses to a girl who can shoot better than you.”
“Well, then, Whitaker. Let the games begin,” Wade said.
She stuck out her tongue and walked over to the shooting post. She snatched the earplugs from the table and inserted them to protect her hearing.
She would need to whip them back out later to make sure she was able to hear Wade’s groveling after she whipped his butt.
He stood a few feet from her to give her some room. Everyone grew silent as she aimed the weapon and focused through the scope. The rifle was smooth and sleek, fitting in her hands perfectly. She aimed it true, focusing in on the first glass jar.
Safety off.
Using all the tricks her father had taught her, she relaxed. The targets were two hundred yards away, and she was confident in hitting the mark.
The large mason jar was in her sights.
Her finger rested on the trigger.
The wind blew slightly. She factored that into her calculations, ignoring Wade and the others.
She pulled back on the trigger.
Bang.
The shot rang out with a solid recoil.
The bullet whizzed through the air and shattered the glass. Shifting her focus, she moved to the next target, hitting that one. Within seconds, she’d cleared all of them.
Didn’t miss one.
She lowered the weapon and glanced over at Wade.
Clapping echoed around her.
“Not bad, Whitaker,” Wade murmured. His lips were curled up into a slight grin. “That’s some damn good shooting. Where did you learn to shoot like that?”
Joy rested a hand on her hip with her head held proud.
“My father.” Davis Whitaker, Sr. believed all his children should learn to defend their land and animals. There were plenty of summers where he had her and her siblings out target practicing. It was important they could hit the target, since coyotes and other animals were always trying to sneak and steal a lamb or two.
“One of you mind helping out with the targets?” Wade called out over his shoulder.
“Got it,” Rashad responded.
Wade ambled over to her and held his hand out for the weapon. She held on to it tighter, keeping it pointed at the ground.
“What? You don’t want to use the .22?” she asked haughtily.
Grinning, he glanced over at the table where the other rifle sat. He turned his attention back to her and laughed.
“Not today.”
“Next time—”
“I know to bring two big guns,” he finished, smirking.
Joy grinned and handed him the weapon. His fingers brushed hers, and he grabbed her by the waist. He landed a kiss on her lips before moving her.
She backed away. Rashad had finished replacing the targets with other odd items. He ran to a safe distance with the other hands.
The competition was officially on.
Joy couldn’t take her eyes off Wade and how he handled the rifle. It was like second nature to him. The ease and comfort he displayed while holding it was downright sexy.
“All right, boss. Don’t let me down,” Stan called out. Chuckles went up all around. “I got lunch riding on this.”
Joy grinned and peeked over at them. Rashad lifted his hat to her.
He had her back.
She laughed.
He better had, or she’d have to have a little conversation with Yani about it.
“Don’t worry, Stan. You’ll be eating a good meal soon,” Wade announced.
Joy snorted.
The air grew silent until the shots thundered.
Joy glanced over at the targets and saw he’d hit every single one of them. The competition grew fierce.
If was clearly a female versus male game, but Joy didn’t mind. She could hang with the best of them.
The shootout ended in a damn tie.
Neither of them missed.
The competitive nature in her wasn’t satisfied.
She wanted to win.
“Well, guess no one will be buying lunches,” Mike guffawed.
The hands walked back over to their horses.
“Oh, there’s plenty for us to wager against.” Stan laughed, slapping Mike on the back.
Stan, Rashad, and Mike mounted their horses and left.
Joy observed Wade gather the weapons and leftover rounds.
She pouted, watching him stride over to their grazing horses, returning the weapons to their sheaths.
Turning around, she moved over to the edge of the landing and stared out onto the land. It was beautiful. And even though there was no declared winner, she had enjoyed herself.
She walked a few more feet, basking in the feel of the thick grass beneath her. Caught up in the splendor of the land, she didn’t hear Wade come up behind her until his warm arms wrapped around her, bringing her back against him. He pressed close to her and nibbled on her ear.
“Your competitive nature is so damn sexy,” Wade murmured.
“Really?” She held on to his arm and enjoyed the feeling being enveloped in his arms. Her head rolled to the side to allow him to nuzzle the crook of her neck.
He pressed kisses to her skin while his hand caressed her bare stomach.
“Yes,” he hissed. He nipped her with his teeth, and she jumped slightly. “And this outfit, I absolutely approve of.” His warm breath blew over her skin, sending chills down her spine.
Joy reached up and threaded her fingers through his thick hair.
Wade’s hand slipped underneath her shirt and shoved her bra out of the way, freeing her breasts.
A moan slipped from her as he cupped her mound.
“I thought of you when I put it on,” she teased.
He massaged her while his other hand slid south. He flicked open the button to her shorts and pushed his way inside.
His finger parted her folds and connected with her clit.
Jesus, the man never needs instructions.
“You are just so thoughtful.” He strummed her swollen nub.
Joy spread her legs, allowing him to have full access to her.
Her breath caught in her throat. She tightened her grip on his hair, needing to hold on to something.
“Wade,” she moaned.
“You know I love hearing you say my name,” he growled. He nipped her again with his teeth, soothing her skin with his tongue.
Joy could barely concentrate. She didn’t care they were out in the open. Both she and Wade loved the outdoors, so it didn’t matter to her that he was close to bringing her to orgasm on his finger where God and whoever just so happened to come by could see them.
His movements grew faster. Her hips rotated as she rode his hand.
“Wade,” she repeated breathlessly. It was the only word she could think of.
There was no doubt this man was consuming her every thought. The pleasure he wrung out of her kept him on her mind. He knew his way around her body and how to get a rise out of her.
“I love how your body fucking responds to me,” he whispered.
She whimpered, thrusting her chest out farther. His grip tightened on her breasts while he cupped and caressed her. He pinched her nipple, and she cried out. “Dammit, Joy, you’re so damn wet.”
Tremors swarmed through her.
She was writhing in his arms, unable to stand still any longer. Her knees grew weak. She was teetering on the edge of her release.
“Oh,” she gasped.
He applied the sweetest pressure to her clit, sending her skyrocketing to the stars. Her climax hit her hard. Her cry echoed through the air, and she coasted along the waves of her orgasm.
Wade gripped her tight when her knees buckled.
Joy closed her eyes, leaning back against his warm, solid frame. Drawing in strength she didn’t know she possessed, she stood upright and turned.
She didn’t care what she looked like with her shorts open and her shirt and bra skewed.
Wade drew her back to him and leaned down, crushing his lips to hers. Within seconds, their clothes were on the ground, and Joy found herself on top of them with Wade braced above her.
One thrust, and he was buried deep inside of her.
“Fuck. You’re so wet,” he gasped.
He held himself still. The muscles in his neck were strained. Joy brought his head down to hers and kissed him. It was deep and passionate. Wade pulled back and brushed a few wayward strands of hair from her face, staring into her eyes.
“This may be a little rough, baby.”
Joy smiled.
She locked her ankles behind him.
“Bring it on, Brooks.”
17
“It’s okay, Sara. Dr. Hutson will be here soon enough,” Wade muttered. He stood beside Stan and Mike, staring at the cow, moaning in distress. Her eyes were wide. She wasn’t doing too well.
They were waiting for the veterinarian to arrive. Wade and the hands had tried everything they could think of to help Sara. She was one of the beloved cows they’d had for years. She had just recently had a calf during the last breeding season.
“This can’t be right,” Mike said. He crossed his arms and eyed her.
“I’ve never seen her act this way,” Stan mumbled.
Sara pressed against the gate and let loose another cry.
Wade shook his head. “Me neither.”
It was a hot day, and he was sweating and frustrated. At least she hadn’t gotten down on the ground. She was strong, and a fighter. Whatever this was, he hoped it was something the good doctor could take care of.
His phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a text from Dr. Hutson.
I’ll be there in less than fifteen.
Wade sent off a reply with their location.
“Let’s move her away from the other cows.” Wade motioned over to the other side of the railing where she wouldn’t be near the others. Her calf stood by, trying to get to her.
Mike and Stan struggled to get her to move.
Wade found some rope where he could tie her to the metal fence where the doctor wouldn’t have to chase her.
Once they had her situated, the calf started crying and hitting the fence to get to his momma.
“Should we let him in?” Mike asked.
“Nah, he’ll be okay. At least he can still see her.” Wade took his hat off and pushed his fingers through his damp hair. They couldn’t afford to have anything happen to Sara. She was a prized breeder. “Doc should be here any minute. We can chill until he gets here.”
Mike sat on a tree stump that was located right near the gated corral attached to the smaller barn they had for housing some of the cattle.
Stan and Wade leaned back against the fence.
“So, you and Joy, huh?” Stan chuckled, glancing over at Wade. “She’s a real sweet girl. Y’all look good together.”
Wade grinned. “Yeah, she is.”
Stan had worked for the ranch for years, and was someone he trusted. He considered him a friend. The hand was newly single, and had been out with Wade and his brothers a few times. They had taken him out to celebrate his divorce a year ago.
“She’s good for me.”
Just thinking of Joy put a shit-eating grin on his face. He didn’t need anyone to tell him; he
could feel it. Things between them were moving fast, but Wade was okay with that. She was sexy, smart, headstrong, and kept him on his toes.
Everything about her took his breath away any time he was in her presence. He’d never responded to another woman like this before.
It had him thinking of a future with her.
He didn’t want to be away from her.
Even for a day.
“You just need to watch her,” Mike declared.
Wade’s smile disappeared. He tensed and glared at the hand. He didn’t know Mike too well. Parker had hired him, thinking he would be a good fit for Blazing Eagle.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Wade clenched his fists. Who the hell was this guy to speak ill of Joy?
Mike apparently saw the change in Wade. He held up his hands.
“I’m just saying. I used to work on her family’s ranch. I know what kind of people they are.” Mike gave a dry laugh.
Wade narrowed his eyes on Mike. He pushed his hat back so he could meet the gaze of the hand.
“Type of people?” he questioned.
What. The. Fuck.
He prayed Mike wasn’t going to go on a racist tangent. Wade didn’t tolerate people who disliked others for the color of their skin. There was enough hate in the world, and he’d be damned if that made its way onto his family’s land.
“I think you need to explain yourself.” He took a step toward Mike, but Stan jumped in between them and pushed Wade back.
“Whoa, now. I’m sure Mike didn’t mean anything by it. Did you?” Stan turned to Mike, all the while keeping his body between him and Wade.
Wade was fuming. He would defend Joy without a second thought. No one would speak ill of his woman in his presence. Joy was a good person with a big heart.
“Look, I like it around here. The job is good, hours are great, and the pay is amazing. I wouldn’t jeopardize this. I used to work for her father, and believe me when I say that Davis Whitaker hates anything to do with the Blazing Eagle Ranch.” Mike took a step back and shook his head. He wiped a hand over his face and turned his attention back to Stan and Wade. “I can’t tell you how many times he’d rant and rave about the Brooks family and how y’all are land thieves who break deals. I don’t know what he was talking about. What is this? The eighteen hundreds? It’s like he wanted to brainwash anyone who worked at the Fox Run.”