by Aria Ford
“Hey,” Reese said to the barman. I felt more reassured when I saw a TV behind the bar with a sports-match showing on it. That anchored the place in the right century again.
“Hey, Reese.” The man nodded politely. “Drink, or something to eat?”
“Both,” Reese said affably. “We need a table for two.”
“Oh,” he said, noticing me for the first time. “Oh.”
Oh, yourself I wanted to say.
Reese seemed to be enjoying that, which made me cross with him.
He led me out the back to a table in the shade of a trellis, over which grapevines grew. From here, we could see out over the valley. It was a beautifully-situated place. I smiled.
“Thanks for bringing me here,” I said shyly.
He smiled. “No problem.” He looked like he was enjoying my pleasure in the surroundings and that made me feel surprisingly happy.
“So,” I said as the waiter appeared with menus. “What do you do here on the weekend?”
He shrugged. “Not much, usually. Work on the farm, come in here for a drink and lunch and the sport, go home and work again.”
“Oh.” I blinked. That sounded like, well, a lot of hard work. “Where’s your ranch?”
“Next door to Orangehill,” he said with a smug smile. I gave him an exasperated look.
“You could have said that earlier.”
“I could have,” he agreed with that same annoying smugness. “Only I wanted to explain how to get there, and that’s tricky. This way, maybe my pickup will be finished by the time we’re through and I can lead you there.”
I had to agree that made more sense than him giving me long and convoluted instructions, so I nodded. “Okay.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you see things the way I do. Makes a change.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked suspiciously.
He chuckled. “It’s supposed to mean not many people do.”
“Oh.”
He shook his head at me, laughing. “Are you always so aggressive?”
“No,” I said. “Mostly I’m worse.”
He raised a brow, recognizing his own words from earlier, and laughed. “Nice.”
“Glad to hear it.”
I felt his eyes on me and when my gaze met his I felt a flush of heat pass through my body. I looked abruptly away, feeling my palms sweat. Hell, but he was sexy! He was looking at me like he was trying to look through me, undressing me with his eyes. I shivered.
“I think I’ll have the trout,” I said. I don’t eat land-animals. And besides, the trout sounded amazing. He nodded.
“Good choice. I’ll have that too. It’s famous here.”
“Oh.” I smiled. “Well, I’m glad I have you to teach me about local custom.”
“Exactly,” he nodded. He looked smug again.
I ignored him and he seemed not to mind. He just sat there with that self-assured grin on his face. I looked away across the valley, feeling the peace of the place sink into my soul. It was rare for me to feel so calm. I stared out over the blue mountains in the distance and understood Grandpa and why he chose to stay out here. It would seem more sensible to move to an old-age home in Miami like my mom wanted him to do, but now I understood why he never had. He loved this place too much.
The waiter took our orders.
“Two trouts and a Budweiser for me. Same for you?”
I frowned, considering. “No,” I said. “Just a water.” I was hot and thirsty and the last thing I wanted was to lose my head…it was already hard to think sensibly.
“You don’t drink?” he asked.
I raised a brow. “Sometimes. But it’s hot and I’m thirsty.”
“Well, beer is water,” he said with a shrug.
“Yeah,” I said. “The kinda water that traffic cops charge you for drinking.”
He laughed. “Point taken.”
“Good.”
The waiter returned with our drink orders. I looked thirstily at the condensation on the glass. My lips were parched and I licked them.
“You were born here?” I asked as we sipped our drinks. It was cool and refreshing and exactly what I had needed.
“In Cody.”
“Oh?” I hadn’t heard of the place, which was proof of my ignorance, I guess.
“It’s not that big, but it’s a nice city,” he said with a grin. “You should visit it sometime.”
“I might,” I said carefully. I wasn’t even sure if I would visit the place again. I had no idea, yet, what Grandpa even needed from me.
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Nice nightlife there. I think you’d like it.”
“Oh?” He was looking at me in a sort of evaluating way, and I felt at once uncomfortable and excited by it.
“Yeah. You look like you like a party.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Really?” I do like parties, but how he saw that when I was wearing old jeans and a cream shirt with my hair a mess, all my makeup everywhere from the perspiring, I’d no idea.
“Yeah. You’re a fireball.”
I almost choked on my water. It wasn’t because of the statement, but because I had never had anyone say that to me before. People called me pushy, loud and sassy. No one had ever called me a fireball before. “Thanks,” I said.
“Don’t mention it,” he grinned lazily. “Now, do they feed us in this place, or what?”
I laughed. “Well, you’re the one who knows it.”
“They do, usually.” He frowned, as if expecting our waiter to appear so he could tell him off. I watched him. He was so handsome, with those stunning eyes and clean jawline, but he also had a brooding, restless quality, as if he was constantly wanting to get to the next place.
“Well, they’ll bring it,” I said. “Relax.”
He let out a sigh. “I guess I don’t do that often enough.”
“Probably not.”
He laughed, and we sat their quietly for a while, just enjoying the quiet and the afternoon heat. I noticed him watching me and I felt the blood flush my face as his eye traveled down my body and back up again. It felt almost more intimate than if he had touched me.
I wonder what it would be like if he…
“The fish, and the fish,” the waiter said, putting a plate down in front of me and then in front of Reese.
“Ah, finally!” he chuckled. I nodded.
“You see?” I asked. I was blushing, trying not to think about the fact that I’d been busy imagining how it would feel if those hard lips were touching my own, that hard chest against me.
“Oh! This is great,” he said. He was chewing and swallowing the first mouthful of fish, and he reached for a drink, his tongue licking those hard lips. I felt my tummy flip over.
I took my knife and fork, breathing in the savory aroma of the fish. It looked and smelled absolutely wonderful.
“Oh!” I chewed and swallowed, smiling despite myself. “This is amazing. The best I ever tasted.”
He smiled. “Glad you like it.”
“Thanks,” I said.
We ate in silence for a while and then he set his knife and fork momentarily aside.
“How about if I come with you to the ranch?” he asked after a moment.
I frowned at him. The thought of taking him with me did make my blood run quick with excitement. But what was he planning to do out there? “Why would you come with me?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Guess I thought you might need help. Silly, I guess.”
“No,” I shook my head. “No. I would appreciate the help,” I added quickly. “It’s just Grandpa…I don’t know what’s wrong with him yet. I’d rather have time alone first, try to find out what he needs from me. Could be anything from needing to go in for a check-up to needing help fill in tax returns. You know, grandfathers.” I shrugged.
He frowned. “I don’t, really.”
“Oh?” I took another mouthful of the fish, then drank more water. “Why not?”
“Well,” he sighed. “My mom
’s dad died when I was a boy. Dad’s father was dead long before.”
“Oh,” I said. “I’m sorry.”
He grinned. “Don’t be. Not like I really knew them, anyway.”
“Even so,” I said. “It’s nice to have had a grandpa.”
“I can imagine it must be. I loved my grandma.”
“Grandmas are wonderful.”
“Yeah.”
We sat quietly for a while. I was in my childhood memories and from the look on his face, wistful and a bit downcast, so was he. The day was cooling a little, a breeze slowly ruffling the leaves of a willow near where we sat. I sighed, enjoying the coolness on my skin.
“What if we exchange numbers?” he offered. “Then when you know your grand-dad’s problems, you can call me if there’s any heavy lifting needing doing.”
“Okay,” I said easily. In truth, my heart was thumping. I had been disappointed with the idea of never seeing Reese again. He was nice and funny. And stunning. I wanted to stay in touch with him.
“Great,” he smiled. He gave me his number and I gave him mine.
“Well, then,” I said as I finished my lunch and set the plate aside. “We seem to be ready for whatever comes next.”
He nodded. Then he had a thought. “Say, did you hear anything from the car-repair people?”
I laughed. “Sorry. I forgot you didn’t have your phone with you. Shall I call them?”
He looked uncomfortable, as if he didn’t want to ask for my help. I sighed. “Here, you can call them if you want.”
“Thanks,” he said. I had already found the number, and he called. As he spoke on the phone I watched him. He was so handsome I couldn’t really look anywhere else. My eye strayed down toward his chest, where I could see the outline of his bulky muscle through the thin shirt he wore. I felt a pulse jump in my throat just thinking of how smoking hot he must be when he wasn’t wearing anything.
“Okay. Okay. Great. Thanks so much.”
I frowned as he hung up. “What’d they say?”
“They said it’s done.”
“Oh,” I smiled. “Well, that was quick.”
“Very,” he agreed as he finished his drink. “Well? Are we ready to go get it?”
I nodded. “Okay. Let me just pay for this…” I reached down for my wallet, searching it for spare change.
“No,” he said. “Let me.”
I was surprised. “Thanks a lot,” I said.
“Not at all,” he said mildly. “Now, let’s get going.”
“Yeah.”
As I followed him out of the restaurant and to the street, I found myself, lightheaded and happy, wondering what just happened.
CHAPTER FOUR
Reese
I followed Kelly out of the restaurant and into her car. I couldn’t help the fact that my eyes were drawn to her butt as she sauntered in front of me. I watched the twin hills of her butt cheeks oscillating in front of me and felt my poor cock throb.
Hell, I realized as I walked behind her. It has been months since I dated someone.
Sure, I’d had my fair share of skirt in my years in the military. But I hadn’t had a proper girlfriend since I got back. Which was almost a year now. I was really attracted to this woman. I wanted her. But she was a funny mix—at once really sassy and nice, and on the other hand, standoffish and hard to understand.
She sat down behind the wheel and I sat down in the passenger seat. “You know where the garage is, right?” I asked as we pulled off.
“It’s near the gas-station?” she asked as we pulled out of the parking and into the street.
“Opposite it.”
“Great.”
We headed back the way we’d come and then, all too soon, I was thanking her and getting into my own pickup again.
“I’ll lead the way,” I said, waving at her out of the window.
“Great!” she shouted.
We headed off. I felt strangely lonely as we drove back. I liked her company. It was weird but she was the first person with whom I hadn’t felt my usual rage after a few sentences of conversation.
And that body! I grinned, feeling a pleasurable ache in my loins just thinking about it.
My pickup was running great, too, I noticed, as we headed out into the surrounding landscape. It wasn’t exactly like a regular engine—it still roared and fumed—but it was going, which was good. I think they replaced the spark plugs too. It had been a pricey repair but it was worth it.
“Here we are,” I said to myself, as we neared my ranch. Her grandfather’s place—Orangehill—was the next ranch from mine. I drove up the long drive, aware all the time of her following me. I was tempted to show off, but thought better of it. The pickup probably wouldn’t manage many tricks.
We stopped and I got out, slamming the door behind me. She hopped out too. Again I felt that irresistible desire. She came over. Looked up at me.
“Thanks,” she said. I shrugged.
“It was nothing.”
“Well, then,” she said. “I guess here I am.”
“I guess.”
I didn’t know what to do now. I knew what I wanted to do. She was standing an inch or two away and I could smell the scent of her skin. I reached forward and took her shoulders in my hands. Pulled her to me. My mouth came down hard on hers.
She struggled a little, then went still. Her lips parted. I tasted the sweetness of that red mouth. My cock throbbed as my tongue penetrated between her lips. I put my arms around her and drew her against me.
I couldn’t believe how wonderful it felt.
Her breasts were firm like crab apples, and they pressed against my chest. I crushed her against me, devouring her mouth as I held her. She had softened against me, and I could feel no more resistance. I was growling as I kissed her, my body aching to possess that sweet softness that was her.
After a moment she tensed, and I sensed she wanted to stop. I stood back, releasing her mouth. She looked up at me, eyes half-blind with longing. My cock was throbbing in my pants, and I wanted her so much. With her lips bruised from my kiss, she was mine and made for playfulness.
“Oh, baby,” I growled.
She looked up at me, vision clearing. “What was that for?” She sounded slightly cross, slightly confused. I wasn’t much better.
She turned then and walked away toward the front door. I looked after her, completely lost.
“Hey!” I called back. “What’d I do?”
She was a few meters away and she must have heard, but she didn’t look back. I shrugged.
Some women.
I swore under my breath all the way to the pickup. Then I drove next door.
What in hell was this about anyway?
I shook my head as I stormed inside and sat down heavily on the couch. If I looked back on the morning’s events, none of it made sense. I looked at the clock. It was one thirty. The whole episode had taken maybe three hours. And I was more confused and hopelessly stimulated than ever before.
I reached for my phone as it made a noise. I was surprised by my level of disappointment when I discovered it wasn’t Kelly. It was Jackson, my ex-army pal. I rolled my eyes as I read the text.
Hey, Bradford! How’s things? Just got back to Cheyenne. Wanna meet sometime?
I had been more or less keeping to myself since I returned. After a month trying to reconnect with my old pals I had decided it was all hopeless and given up. Now here out of the blue was a chance to socialize. I hadn’t wanted to see anyone for months. I typed a reply, messaged it.
Maybe.
His reply was instant. Great. You in Sheridan still? I’m heading up next week Saturday.
The thought was actually a pleasant one. I hadn’t seen Jackson Tate in a year. We’d become good friends—He was with the seven eight two regiment, me with the fourth. He was a nice, regular guy. We’d become close friends. If anyone could navigate a path through my craziness it was him.
Great.
I went to the kitchen and mad
e coffee. All the while I kept on wondering about what was going on next door. I decided I couldn’t contain my interest. I was going to go and find out.
***
I stood on the step, waiting for Grandpa to answer. When I had rung the bell three times I was starting to get scared. What if something was wrong with him in there? I hammered on the door. No answer.
In desperation, my heart still thumping from the insolent, amazing kiss, I tiptoed round the back of the house.
Grandpa was on the porch. He was sleeping.
“Whew!” I felt my tension drain out in relief. He was okay and he wasn’t worried for me. Everything was fine and no one would be asking awkward questions about why I had turned up so late.
I tiptoed up and coughed. He was lying back, eyes closed, face at peace. He didn’t react when I coughed. His chest rose and fell regularly. I coughed louder.
His eyes flew open and he jumped.
“What in hell?” He was on his feet, hand on his chest. His face was almost purple and I felt a sudden horror. What if I had scared him so badly that he had a coronary? That would be great. I come all that way just to frighten him to death.
“Grandpa,” I said softly. “It’s me. Kelly. I said I’d come visit. Remember?”