“I think I’ll sit right here and watch how it’s done.” She took a seat next to him.
“What are you afraid of, Alaska?” He removed his socks and stuffed them into his boots.
“I’m not afraid, I’m just not fond of creek water.”
“Come on. How often do you get to take your boots off and live freely with nature?”
“Fine. Since you insist.”
“I don’t think you will. I think you’ll wait until I’m in and then change your mind.”
She laughed. “I mean what I say. How about we make a wager. If I go in and stay for five minutes, you have to make dinner tonight,” she challenged.
“So, you liked the pizza I made?” he teased.
“Outside of the burnt crust, yes.” She bent and removed her boots and socks, rolled her pants legs up her shapely calves, then stood and removed her flannel.
Arc couldn’t have stood up at that moment if his life depended upon it. Seeing Alaska in the tiny cami, how the lace top cupped her firm breasts that were neither too small nor too big, made his body surge like a flow of electricity. The outline of her nipples told him she wasn’t wearing a bra. If this would have been any other woman, anyone else, he would have wasted no time in taking her into his arms and showing her how much he liked her, but she wasn’t just anyone.
He watched her step into the water first, her breath coming in heavy pants. “It’s cold.” She hugged herself.
“It can’t be that cold.” He stepped in and his breath caught too.
“See, I told you.” She kicked up water and splashed him.
“Whose preposterous idea was this anyway?”
“Now how many streams have you waded in?” she mocked.
“I can’t remember the water being this cold when we jumped right in as kids. I’ve either grown weaker with age or the water has gotten colder.” She took a step, slipping on a rock and he caught her in his arms. She lifted her chin, looking up at him. He wanted to kiss her since he saw her today. Maybe have a repeat of what they’d shared in her kitchen.
“How about we get out before I break my neck?”
Taking her hand, they walked out of the water together. “Let’s sit here for a minute to dry off.” He motioned for her to sit on a grassy area along the bed of rocks. He joined her and stretched his legs. “I have to give Buzz credit for something, he loved this land.”
“I can see why. The beauty is indescribable.” Catching him staring, she said, “What? Do I have something on my face?” She swiped her cheeks.
“I think this was always supposed to be your home.”
“What makes you say that?” She tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Because I haven’t seen you smile this much the entire time I’ve known you. I’m curious, why does it seem like you have a difficult time trusting people?”
“If I talk about that subject the smile will surely disappear.” She wiped some grass off her hands.
“Don’t worry. It’ll come back. Open up to me, just a bit.”
She stared into the distance. “I don’t talk about my childhood very often. I don’t like to share my nightmares.” She smiled, but it was weak and frosted by the cool aloofness in her eyes.
He picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water. “That bad?”
“That bad.”
“When I was a kid, I would think life was rough because we didn’t have a dad and our mom died. Now that I’m an adult I see how lucky my brothers and I were. We had grandparents who loved us, took care of us, and made sure we had everything we needed.”
“I’m not sure if we can call that luck. All children deserve nurturing and love, and luck as nothing to do with it.”
“Well, it seems you’re doing pretty well in that category with River.”
“I didn’t intend to ever get pregnant. I mean, I know a lot of young people say that, but, for me, I didn’t see myself ever having kids.” She played with a thread on her shirt, rolling it between her fingers nervously. “River’s dad wasn’t father material. If I’d stayed with him River and I would have never been free of his issues. I couldn’t let River grow up in the same misery I had.” She must have realized how much she’d divulged in that sentence because she stood and swiped off the back of her jeans. “I’m going to put my shirt and boots back on. I’m cold.”
He didn’t stop her. For her to reveal just a sliver made him grateful. The little bit she shared explained a lot. Why she allowed her walls to come up. Why she went from hot to cold in seconds. This only made him understand, and like, her more.
While they pulled on their boots, he asked, “How long do you think you’ll live in Tarnation?”
“I’m still mulling it over.”
“How long do you think that’s going to take?”
“I don’t know. River and I haven’t stayed in one spot for more than six months his entire life. But those were the stipulations of Buzz’s offer. If I want the house I have to live here and turn a profit on the B&B within six months.”
Arc narrowed his gaze. “You have to live here for six months?”
She crossed her arms, nodding. “Yes. That’s what Mr. Robins told me.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Buzz really was a mastermind,” he mumbled.
“What do you mean?”
“My brothers and I own a ranch a few hours away. Stillwater Ranch. After Buzz passed, Roe Robins called and asked for the three of us, as well as Baxter and Brennan, to come to Tarnation. We learned that Buzz still owned our homesteads and if we wanted to gain ownership we had to jump through some hoops. We must live here, running Grinning Spurs, for six months. If we leave, any one of us leave, we’ll forfeit our homes, the money, all the properties that Buzz owned.”
Alaska looked confused. “So, you and your brothers are living here and running Buzz’s ranch not because you want to but because it’s the only way you can own your homes?” She blew out a long breath. “That explains some.”
“What do you mean?”
“Buzz would sometimes go in and out of lucidity. He would say things about his ranch, about how he wanted you all under one roof. How he’d do right by his sons.”
Arc tore his hand through his hair. His anger for Buzz was sometimes too much to keep hidden. “I try not to get angry but—”
“It’s hard. I understand that.”
He wanted to tell her about the marriage stipulation, but he couldn’t. Once he did, she wouldn’t look at him the same. “It is.”
“So that means after six months you’ll be leaving Tarnation.” She looked back at the stream.
Did he sense some disappointment? “I have another life somewhere else.”
She then looked at him, her gaze guarded. “A wife? Girlfriend?”
“Pfft. No. Just my ranch and a legacy.”
“Buzz talked about the same thing. Legacy. Sorry…I need to stop mentioning him.”
“It’s okay. I find that a lot of people here like to discuss him. Anyway, are you sure you really want me fixing dinner?”
“Is there anything you love to make?”
“Well, there is one thing I think I can do.”
CHAPTER 18
“HAM SANDWICHES SOUND delicious.” Alaska watched Arc lay out slices of bread while she finished slicing the cucumber for the salad.
“Not just any ham sandwich. The Colt special.” He winked.
“So, what makes up this sandwich you’ve been bragging about?”
“Trust me, once you have it this way you’ll never go back. Ham.” He laid slices of the fresh deli meat on the slices of bread. “Thin slices of red onion. Tomato. Arugula. A layer of mayonnaise. Then a slice of provolone. And here’s the secret ingredient.” He held up a plastic container.
“Pimento cheese?” She lifted a brow. “I’m not so sure…”
“Broaden your bubble, right anchovy girl?”
He got her there. “Sure. Can’t knock it until I try it.”
She watched
him add the pimento cheese, then top it off with another slice of bread. He moved skillfully and confidently around the kitchen as he opened cabinets, finding a skillet and placing it on the stove. Turning on the heat, he dropped a dollop of butter in the pan then gently lowered the first sandwich in. It sizzled and smelled delicious as it browned.
“Okay. Let’s cut this baby in half and you must try.”
Taking the triangle from him, she bit into the crunchy bread and the depth of different flavors melded together perfectly. “I have to admit I never would have thought of this combination but it’s actually pretty good.”
“Pretty good? Or magnificent?”
She laughed. “Okay, magnificent.”
Once he finished the other sandwich, they took their plates to the counter and sat down to eat. The food was good, but what she really liked was the companionship. The natural conversation between them. Neither felt like they had to monopolize the silence with chit chat when they were comfortable just being together.
“Here, you have a little bit of mayo on your chin.” He swiped it off, catching her by surprise, then he popped the last bite of the sandwich into his mouth then stood. “I guess I have kitchen duty since I lost the bet fair and square.”
“We’ll clean together. That’s fair and square.”
Together, they went about putting away the bread, mayo, and vegetables until her phone rang. She glanced at the screen.
“Is that River?” Arc asked.
“No, it’s my friend Rebecca. I haven’t talked to her for a while and she’s probably wondering if I’m still alive. I’ll call her back later.”
“Go ahead and call her. There are only a few things left to do here and I can manage. We wouldn’t want your friend worrying.”
Alaska could only stare for three heartbeats. Arc was so different than any other man she’d ever met. Frankie would have whined and complained if she’d wanted to speak to a friend on the phone. This showed her exactly how a mature man should act. A real man who didn’t mind helping in the kitchen.
Taking her phone down the hall and into her bedroom, she tapped in the number and Rebecca answered after the first ring.
“Oh my. You’re alive!”
“Yes, I’m alive and I’m glad you got my number that I texted you.”
“I was beginning to wonder if I needed to buy myself a ticket and fly all the way over there.”
Alaska laughed at her friend’s dramatization. “I’m in Texas, silly. Not Mars. How’s everything in the big city?” Dropping to the bed, she leaned against the headboard. Although she and Rebecca had a lot of catching up to do, she couldn’t leave Arc alone too long.
“You’ll never believe this, or maybe you will, but I’ve met someone.”
“Rebecca, you meet someone new every day.” Alaska tugged on a loose thread on the blanket.
“Well, this someone is completely different than my usual type. He’s a pilot and he’s asked me to come and visit him in Italy.”
“What? Italy? What did you say?”
“Yes, of course. I’d never turn down a chance to visit Italy.” Her laughter vibrated the line.
“Wow. That’s quick, but if you’re happy…”
“So much so that my cheeks always hurt because he keeps me smiling. It’s amazing, and so unexpected. I just wish you could find someone. A man who’s deserving.”
Alaska went quiet, her gaze naturally landing on the closed door. She could hear the running water in the kitchen.
“I’m hearing something.”
“I didn’t say a word.”
“The silence spoke volumes. Now, tell me what’s going on,” Rebecca demanded.
She blurted the words, “I have a cowboy in my kitchen washing dishes after he prepared my dinner.”
Rebecca’s squeal made Alaska squint. “A man? In your house? Holy shit, honey! But why is he in the kitchen and you’re on the phone with me when you should be jumping his bones?”
“Relax,” she whispered as if Arc would overhear her. “You haven’t even asked if he’s handsome.”
“Handsome? Do looks even matter if he cooks and cleans?” She sighed. “Well, I guess since you mentioned it. Is he handsome?”
“Remember the barista who made the designs in our coffee? The tall one?”
“The man who looked like George Clooney’s younger brother? The one who made my ovaries quiver every time he called me senorita in that hunky accent?”
“Arc is even better looking.” Alaska wouldn’t deny it. She was bragging.
“Well, well.” Rebecca clicked her tongue. “With a name like Arc I’d expect him to be delicious. Does he have a brother?”
“Four, but remember the pilot?”
“Sure, but a girl can always ask. Does he have callused hands? Ooh I love a man with callused hands,” she purred.
“Callused hands. He’s kind. Good with River. And makes me smile,” she gushed like a schoolgirl. Something about Arc made her feel like she had lost fifty pounds of baggage.
“Oh, honey. That’s huge. If you feel this way, then you’d be the stupidest chick in the world if you don’t snag him and make him yours forever.”
“That’s rushing things. We’ve only known each other days, not years.”
“So have you kissed him? You have, haven’t you?”
“Oh my gosh, yes.” Alaska felt her cheeks warm.
“Halleluiah. You’ve found a man who can show you what you’ve been missing.”
“But we’ve only kissed. And…”
“Shit! You slept with him.”
“Uh, not quite.”
“Then change that, honey. Change it now. You’ve been on a dry spell so long you deserve a little action. You get my drift?”
Alaska stood and paced the floor. “I don’t have your brazenness.”
“You don’t need to be brazen. It sounds like you just need to go with the flow. You like him, right? Maybe even falling a bit?”
She stopped pacing. “I think so.”
“You either do or you don’t. There is no gray area.”
“Then yes I do.”
Rebecca whistled. “Then, girl, go get him.”
CHAPTER 19
ARC RINSED THE last plate and placed it in the drainer with the rest of the dishes when he heard Alaska’s soft footsteps behind him. “You know, if I keep doing dishes like this, I’m going have soft, smooth hands. Cowboys aren’t supposed to have smooth hands.” When she didn’t respond, he turned and almost swallowed his tongue. What the hell?
“Hi,” she said softly.
He traveled his gaze down the flannel shirt. The top three buttons were left undone and the cami she wore earlier was gone, exposing a deep cleft between her breasts. Continuing the heated trail of sex appeal, he scanned her long, shapely legs. Where were her pants? “Hi.” The one, simple word came out in a groan.
“This has been a long time for me. In fact, never. I don’t do things like this.” The soft quality of her voice made the hairs on his arms stand to attention.
“Alaska, I’m a gentleman but I’m also a red-blooded man. Every good intention is lost when you’re dressed like that,” he admitted. His zipper threatened to burst.
“Then my intentions aren’t misunderstood.” She looked at him through the thick fringe of her lashes then tucked a strand of her hair demurely behind her ear.
That look! That sweet, innocent look that warned him there was a wilder side begging to be set free. He wanted to explore each layer, peel them back, one by one, until he knew every part of her. Good and bad.
“You might never have done this before, but you had me at hi.” He swiped his palm down his whiskered jaw, feeling every cell in his body awaken.
For a woman who wasn’t like any other, she certainly could use those eyes, lips, and hips as she swayed toward him, eating up the short distance with her subtle seduction. Toe to toe, she tilted her head, looking up at him in a way that reached in and grasped his heart. “The last thing I
want tonight is to be alone.”
He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her against him, breathing her in. “Darlin’, not only do I think you’re the sexiest woman I’ve laid eyes on, but I want you more and more every time I see you.” The words came out on a jagged moan that exposed his internal confliction.
She touched his cheek with the tips of her fingers. Her sensual eyes bore into him and she said, “You bring me out of my shell.”
He smiled. Couldn’t help himself. “Can I get you out of this shirt too?”
She stood on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her soft curves against his hard planes. “I left some buttons open so it shouldn’t take too long for the rest.”
Arc lifted her into his arms, receiving a surprised squeal from her. “Enough talk. Where’s your bedroom?” he growled.
“Take the hallway and a left at the wall.”
Although she weighed less than a bale of hay, the fact that his body had grown and his jeans were fitting him unusually tight, made the walk a little harder, literally. By the time they reached the bedroom and he slammed the door with his foot he was aching all over.
Gently placing her on the middle of the bed, he stood there, enjoying staring at her beauty. From wide, promising eyes to her slightly puckered pout to her long, slender neck. As if he had some sort of magical control, another button popped open on her shirt and the firm mounds were visible to his hungry gaze.
“My God, you’re stunning.”
“So are you.” She lifted onto her knees and her fingers fell to the hem of his shirt, tugging the unwanted cotton over his torso then his head. “I’m fascinated with your body.” As if she were exploring a man for the first time, she traveled her fingers down his chest and to one nipple, licking it…flicking it with the tip of her tongue. “Are your nipples sensitive too?”
He growled. That was about all he could manage because her touch was at the waist of his jeans, unsnapping the button and unzipping the crotch—and unzipping every thread of control left in him.
“You’re in such good shape. You have some scars on your body. I’m a nurse. Let me help.” She kissed each one, sending wave after wave of pleasure through him.
Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3) Page 14