I’ll be damned. I haven’t been home for more than two minutes, and she’s already making my cock swell.
She’s parked on a rickety lounge chair in the middle of a pasture. Chuck used the land for grazing. Maybe, at some point, I might too. I can’t remember the last time the back area was mowed. But Brooke doesn’t seem to mind that the grass is up to her elbows. She’s just lounging, wearing her big sunglasses and reading, looking happy as a clam.
It’s an odd sight. She looks so out of place, but also like she belongs there. Like a flower that shot up through the ground in the midst of all the weeds.
I wolf down a PB&J and head out back.
As soon as I close the screen door, Brooke looks up. And the flower smiles.
“Having fun out here?” I ask, pulling my gaze away from her creamy tits. I grab a fold-up chair leaning against the house and drag it over to her.
I’ve always been a breast man, but not like this. She’s fucking luscious, gleaming with suntan lotion. My dick bumps against my zipper. The smell of coconut and papaya fills my nostrils. I’ve got my own tropical-island fantasy right here under the Montana sky.
“What are you up to, darlin’?”
“I’m studying actually.” Brooke waves her book. I notice a smudge of green paint on her elbow and wonder if it’s edible, so I can lick it off. “I’m used to painting cityscapes, so I’m having a hard time finding inspiration with all this space.” She laughs. “You’re home early. Everything go okay with the worming and shots?”
“I’m only here for lunch, but yeah. Blade helped again today. We started with the vaccinations yesterday. The cows didn’t put up a fight, so we finished this morning. They usually hold a grudge.”
She lowers her sunglasses and raises her brows. “Cows hold grudges?”
“Sometimes they do.” I chuckle. “The cows that didn’t get theirs yesterday know what’s coming and usually aren’t too excited about getting into the pens. I also hired a few hands from Flying Hearts Ranch. Between Blade’s help and theirs, it was a piece of cake for once.”
“Flying Hearts Ranch is the drug dealer’s spread Gramps was so worried about, right?”
“Yeah. The Johnsons got their filthy hands on it. I’m trying to get the word out that even if I don’t have enough work to hire everyone full time now, in a few months I’ll have another hundred acres. Anyone who wants to work on a ranch will have another option.”
Brooke nods and leans back on the lounger. “You might be able to hire them to work my acreage too. I have no idea what I’ll do with my portion of the property. I probably won’t even be around.”
The thought of her not being here stops me cold.
I’m the one who’s always talking about how this deal will end, and why we need to keep things clean and uncomplicated. Although I should have, I’ve never really considered Brooke leaving. “You don’t think we’re putting the cart before the horse?”
She stays quiet. I can tell her wheels are spinning. “What do you mean?”
“I mean we have to stay living under the same roof for another few months and we’re already counting our chickens.”
“I think we’ll be okay.”
I can’t help but grin like a goddamn puppy. Shit. I’ve either got a raging boner or a smile whenever I’m near her. Most of the time, it’s both. “Oh, you do, do you?”
Brooke throws me a sweet smile. She’s killing me here. My dick, my lips, my hands, every part of me wants to climb on top of her on that lounger and fuck the daylights out of her. It wouldn’t take much to slide those bottoms down. My fat cock could be parting those little pussy lips and buried inside her in seconds.
“Did you know that Monet’s mentor felt it was imperative to paint outside?”
“I had no idea.” Did he like to eat pussy outdoors?
“Yeah.” She thumbs through her book, obviously excited about the revelation. “Monet’s teacher was one of the first to adopt ‘plein air’ painting. He thought it was important to observe the way the light changes and how it can transform nature.”
Just like my tongue can transform your clit, and my dick shoved in your tight little cunt opens up a whole new world. “So maybe we should bring your easel outside, or get something smaller, more portable?”
“That’s something a husband would say.”
I shrug. “Just trying to help in any way I can.” And get my mind off of ripping that fucking suit off.
The sound of her phone buzzing interrupts my thoughts, and I watch as she reaches down and feels around for it in the grass. Fuck, her plump tits are about to fall out of that top.
Brooke checks the screen and then looks up at me. “It’s Steve.” She grins. “He texted earlier. He’s trying to borrow a car so he can drive here.”
Fuck.
“Fine,” I say, knowing there is no way in hell I’ll let that scum anywhere near her. Brooke smiles and clicks the phone with her thumb. “I’ll let you take that,” I say, getting up and grabbing the back of my chair. I lug it with me and head back to the house, hearing her ask, “Did you find a car?”
Chapter Nine
Steve’s been calling every night, and after he finally apologized, we made up. We had a big fight a while ago when he cancelled a date one too many times. Back then I was livid—now, not so much. I’m not even mad anymore.
It’s been nice to talk to him, but something’s shifted. I’m not as excited to see Steve today as I should be.
And I know, I know, I know—a million times, I know—I shouldn’t be so hung up on Shane.
Shane’s flat-out told me he won’t fuck me again. Mr. No Commitment Ever insists we need to remain a make-believe couple with no complications.
That’s what he says anyway, but what he does tells me something different. That’s even if I put aside the way he fucked me—and I’ve gotten myself off reliving that morning more times than I can count.
The way Shane treats me—taking interest in my art, making sure the heat is just right in the house so I’m not too hot or too cold, and just his overall sexy-as-fuck demeanor—tells me he cares.
Yesterday I found him out in back checking for snakes and clearing the weeds around my lounge chair. The man works about fifty hours a day, and he still makes time for me. And sometimes when he looks at me, I literally hear something switch in my brain. A tick, tick, tock. It’s a strange kind of rumbling, a kind of he’s-the-one, happy red-flag warning.
I hate to admit it, but I never had any of those kinds of feelings for Steve. I haven’t really even missed him since the day I married Shane. I’ve been doing everything I can do to tempt Shane to make love to me again. I want him like I’ve never wanted anything in my life.
And in my heart, I know it’s right. Forget the ranch, or the money—that’s what this whole marriage is about. Shane and I are meant to be together. But he doesn’t see it the same way.
And here I am, staring out the front window, waiting for Steve to pull up in an old gray Chevy.
I hear an engine and the crunch of wheels over the gravel. My heart stands still as I wait for the car to round the shrub bush and come into view.
And then it does. My pulse skips as I open the door and hurry down the walkway. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Steve, and he’s come all the way from Chicago.
Steve gets out of the car. I freeze. Am I supposed to kiss him? Take up where we left off?
Should I run to him, when everything else is telling me to keep one foot close to my home with Shane? On the other hand, Shane encouraged me to see Steve. He didn’t seem bothered about it one bit.
Steve throws me a cheerful wave. His familiar smile makes me crack up. His sandy hair is much shorter since the last time I saw him. He’s thin, but ripped as usual, and it looks like there’s a new tat on his right arm.
Then his dangerous dark eyes latch on to mine. “Brooke.” His gruff, raspy voice rings across the driveway and crackles through my system. “What are you waiting for, sexy girl?�
� He beckons, arms wide open. I slowly approach him.
“Hey, there. Long time no see.” In seconds, his arms are wrapped around me and I’m snuggling against his chest. And I can’t help but melt a little when he hugs me and holds me tight.
I’m in the same arms that have given me strength for the last two years. Sure, our relationship has been off and on, mostly off because Steve just can’t catch a fair break. But even when he was in prison, Steve always called when he could and gave me advice when I needed it. He’s always had my best interests in mind.
Shit, this arranged-marriage thing is a mindfuck. Am I supposed to tell Steve I slept with Shane?
“So, all of this is yours now? Wow.” Steve lifts me off my feet and swings me in his arms.
“Not yet,” I say as he puts me down. Before I can say anything, or move, he gives me a quick kiss.
“It’s so good to see you,” he whispers against my cheek, but he seems distracted and pulls away. He makes a full circle, taking in the surroundings.
I guess all this land must be a little overwhelming for a city boy. Steve’s never been in Montana before, and West Palomino couldn’t be more different from Chicago.
“So, in a couple of months you’ll own all of it, and get all that cash too?” he asks, making another full turn, looking super happy for me.
“Not all of it. Remember, half goes to Shane. That’s if we can hit the sixth-month mark. And that’s a big if.”
Steve swings back to me and reaches for my hand. “Oh, you’ll make it, all right.” He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses the top. “Don’t you worry, Brooksie. I’ll make damn sure they give us everything you’re owed.”
Leave it to Steve to be so supportive. “I’m sure there won’t be any problems, but thanks.”
“Dude’s not here now, is he?” Steve props his hands on his hips and leans, checking down the driveway.
“Shane?” I shake my head. “No. We have the place to ourselves, just like I promised.”
“Perfect.” His hazel eyes sparkle. “I have something special for you, Brooksie.”
Oh shit. A present? Now I feel like I’m cheating on both men, and I’m not really with either one.
“Did you miss me?” he asks, cupping my face. “I sure missed you.”
“I have,” I say softly, wondering if I should just spit it out now, “but I need to talk to you about something.”
“Well, it’s getting dark,” he says amiably, sliding an arm around my waist. “Aren’t you going to invite me in? Time’s a-wasting.”
“Sure. Come,” I say dramatically, my stomach doing flips. “Right this way.” How is he going to take the news?
We walk straight into the heart of the house. “This is the living room.” My eyes land on the couch, and I catch myself thinking about Shane. I quickly turn away.
“Hmm.” Steve shoves his hands in his pockets and inspects the room.
“I set up my easel over here.” The stand is in plain view, and so is my painting. Steve doesn’t seem to have noticed, so I point. Not to brag, but I’m proud of my latest piece. It isn’t close to being finished, but I’m happy with how it’s going. I would love his opinion.
“Uh-huh.” Steve nods, while he passes through the living room. He points to the hallway. “Bedrooms?”
I come up beside him. “Three.”
“And how much time do we have before the old man comes home?”
“Probably an hour.” Steve winces with disappointment. “But he won’t get in the way,” I add quickly. “Shane will give us our space. You don’t have to worry about him.”
“Trust me, babe. That old man doesn’t worry me.” Steve gives me a cocky wink. “I just wish I’d have more time alone with my girl, so I don’t have to rush when I give her my present.”
Oh no, back to the present again. I obviously can’t accept it, at least not until I tell him I’m not a virgin anymore. Even though we’ve been broken up, I know he’ll be pissed. “Why don’t you give it to me after we talk?”
“I don’t think we’ll be doing much talking today, Brooksie. I don’t have much time before I need to get back on the road.” He strolls toward the kitchen. I trail behind him. “Let’s have a drink.”
“You have to leave? You just got here.” I scoot in front of him and open the fridge.
“Yeah. I need to keep moving until I take care of a few things. What do you have in there?”
I don’t have the bandwidth to get into what kind of things Steve needs to take care of this time. I’m sure I’ll find out sooner or later. I scan the shelves. “Lemonade, orange juice?” I ask over my shoulder. “Water, beer?”
“How ’bout a whiskey? I had plenty of water in the car.”
“Sure.” I close the fridge and point to the cabinet above. “I think Gramps kept it in there.”
Steve effortlessly reaches into the upper cabinet and finds a bottle. “Humph.” He stares at the label. “Yippee Ki-Yay Whiskey. Never heard of it, but let’s give it a shot.”
“I’m in. I’ve finished painting for the day.” Maybe a shot of whiskey will help calm my nerves. Fuck, I’m dreading telling him.
Steve seems to have the pouring duties under control, so I relax against the counter and watch. He turns his slim back to me and finds two glasses. I hear the liquid hit the glass and see him reach in his pocket for something. Maybe the surprise? Who knows?
He turns around with a big grin plastered on his face and hands me my drink. “Here’s to a very happy reunion, and to doing things we’ve never done before.”
“That sure sounds intriguing,” I say, clinking my tumbler against his. We knock back our shots in unison. “Now what?”
Steve’s eyes glimmer with excitement, and I know he has something up his sleeve. “You’ve made me so happy, Brooksie.” He grabs me and pulls me close against his chest. “C’mon, show me your room. You’re going to feel very relaxed soon, and I want to give you your next present before cowboy man gets here.”
“Relaxed?” We’ve done shots before, and I usually don’t feel too woozy after only one.
“Yeah, I want to give you the other half of your surprise.”
“Other half?” Okay. He’s thrown me here. “I don’t think you’ve given me the first surprise yet.”
“Oh yeah, I did.” He winks. “I put a little something-something in your whiskey.”
I double-check my glass. Did he drop some jewelry in there? Then the realization hits me. “What did you put in my drink?” I feel like I’m going to throw up.
“Brooksie . . .” He drops his pitch condescendingly. “Do you think I would give you anything that would hurt you?”
“Well, no, but—”
“No buts. I would never hurt you.” He runs a hand through his hair, and I search his eyes, holding on to his every word. “I had something custom made for you. It’s like a vitamin.” He slides his hands around my waist and then bends, nuzzling into my neck. “It will make kissing so much more fun. You know, something special for our reunion.”
I’m so confused by this, and pull away. I’ve never taken drugs before, and Steve hasn’t either. Although I was arrested for possession once, when Steve had drugs in the car. They weren’t his. He said some guy with a grudge hid them there without him knowing. Luckily, my mom hired a good lawyer, and they dropped the charges on me.
“Don’t you think we deserve to celebrate?” he asks, playing up his pout. “I drive almost fifteen hundred miles just to see my Brooksie, and she doesn’t trust me?”
Crap. I keep waiting for the effects of whatever it is to hit me, but I’m not feeling anything. “Well, it’s a little late for me to say no now. I wish you had asked me first.”
“Really, Brooke? Chill. C’ mon, show me your room.”
“Fine.” I blow out a breath. A little privacy wouldn’t hurt, just in case Shane comes home early. I don’t really want Shane to walk in on us while I’m confessing I slept with him.
Steve slips his hand in
to mine, and I begrudgingly bring him to the room with the two twin beds.
Before I know it, I’m forcing my eyes to stay open. My legs feel like weights as Steve hauls me to the bed and climbs on top of me. “Hey, wait!” What the fuck is happening? My head is spinning and Steve is kissing me. But it’s like I’m half here and half somewhere else, so I barely feel it. I try to squirm out from under him, but I don’t think I’m actually moving.
I watch through a blurry haze as he climbs off me and slips off his pants. Oh shit. He’s hard. He’s not half the size of Shane, but I know what’s about to happen. I can’t move. It feels like I’m being carried off on a cloud.
“You might be married to him, Brooksie, but you’re going to have my baby,” Steve says, climbing back on top of me.
Baby, baby. Nothing about what he’s saying computes. “No,” I try to respond, but my mouth feels like it’s full of marbles.
“We’ll always be bonded, Brooke.” Steve stares down at my body, not looking me in the eye. If he did, he’d see that I don’t want this, wouldn’t he? Does he even know I’m here? “I’m going to make you nice and wet for me first, so don’t worry. It won’t hurt.”
“Wait,” I mumble, “wait.” But my head is fuzzy and the words aren’t coming out of my mouth.
Then the world turns black.
AS I PULL UP THE DRIVEWAY, my headlights shine on a car I haven’t seen before. It has Chicago plates. Fuck.
I roll in next to the rusty old Chevy and shove my truck in park. I scramble out and take a quick shot of the plate with my phone. Goddamn it all to hell. I hurry up the walkway. Brooke said the asswipe was coming for a visit, but that fucking prick is three days early.
Despite the fact that he has Brooke convinced he’s a good guy, I know he’s pulling the wool over her eyes. I know for a fact he’s full of shit, because I’ve got connections.
I might not have many, but the few I have are loyal. It didn’t take me long to track down someone who knew someone in Chicago.
I just found out Steve’s jumped bail, and everyone and their grandma is looking for the idiot. And now that he’s out of state, he has one more strike against him, and that’s not counting the one I’m about to give him.
Long Hard Ride: Arranged Marriage, Brothers, Cowboy Romance (The Wild Wests Book 3) Page 6