Country Thunder

by Cheyenne McCray

  It might matter to him, and she should have told him. She’d tried any number of times, but she should have told him before they went to bed together.

  Really, it was just a piece of paper.

  But she should have made sure it was okay with him.

  She bit her lower lip. Damn.

  A shadow darkened the other side of the closed tent opening. The sound of the zipper sliding up accompanied a male voice, “Rise and shine, sweetheart.”

  He ducked in his head and grinned. “Now there’s a sight to make the morning perfect.”

  Miranda’s face warmed as she realized she was sitting up with the sleeping bag at her waist, her entire torso bared for him to see.

  “Good morning.” Her smile came easily at his warm and welcome greeting. She heard a sizzling sound and caught the smell of bacon, and was that biscuits? Oh, and best of all, coffee. “Something smells amazing.”

  “Breakfast is just about ready.” He gave a nod in the direction of the campfire. “Come on out.” He let his gaze drift over her, and hunger flared in his gaze. “You might want to get dressed.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, might be a good idea.”

  He grinned, then ducked out of the tent and zipped the flap closed.

  Miranda dug out clean jeans, T-shirt, panties, bra, and socks. A mixture of emotions tugged at her as she pulled on her clothes. There was no changing what she’d done. She just had to figure out how to tell him or pray that the document would be in her mailbox when she got home.

  She unzipped the flap and crawled out into the early morning sunshine. She zipped up the opening before getting to her feet and sliding her hands into the back pockets of her jeans.

  Justin picked up a spatula as she sauntered in his direction. Eight pieces of bacon sizzled on a griddle in front of him and pan biscuits browned nicely in a well-used cast iron frying pan above the low flames. An old camp coffeepot sat over the flames, too.

  He glanced at her and smiled. “How many slices of bacon do you want?”

  “Three.”

  “One biscuit or two?”

  Her tummy rumbled. “One for now.”

  “How do you like your coffee?”

  She shrugged. “Black is fine.”

  He slid the spatula under three strips of bacon, then slipped them onto a plate. He added the other five strips to a second plate.

  Miranda perched on a large rock situated around the fire. She wrapped her arms around her knees as she watched his easy movements, his strength clear in the flex of his muscles. She liked watching him but warmed when he caught her at it.

  “See something you like?” Amusement was clear in his tone.

  “Absolutely.” A delicious thrill tickled her belly as she thought of last night. Maybe she should change the subject. “When are we going home?”

  He popped a biscuit out of the cast iron pan and caught it with a plate. “I figure we can break camp after breakfast, and after we’re packed up, we can head back to King Creek.”

  Despite the fact this was originally a one-day trip, disappointment filled her at the thought of leaving. She’d loved this time with Justin, and she hated for it to end. In her fantasies she saw them on many more trips like this one. She shouldn’t get her hopes up or wish for too much, but there she was, doing just that.

  He handed her a plate with a mug of coffee before grabbing his own breakfast. He settled on a big rock close to the one she had parked on.

  His Adam’s apple bobbed as he drank from his mug. “Nothing like campfire coffee.”

  She sipped hers. “Not bad.”

  He bit into a biscuit and she took a bite of her own. A little tough at the bottom, but the rest was tender and flaky. “This biscuit is great, Justin.”

  “Thanks.” He gestured toward her plate. “The bacon is from my cousin’s hog farm.”

  She picked up a piece of bacon and bit into it and savored the wood-smoked flavor. “Yummy.”

  For a moment, she concentrated on the sounds around them—birds chirping in the trees, the wind blowing through the forest. She breathed in scents of rich earth and pine. “The outdoors makes the breakfast taste even better.”

  “Fresh air will do that.” He nodded. “Ready for dinner at Carter and Kit’s place Tuesday?”

  She paused in mid-motion as she opened her mouth for another bite of her biscuit. She’d forgotten about the dinner. “Uh, yeah.”

  “Prime rib.” Justin grinned. “You’re in for a treat when it comes to Kit’s cooking. She’s sure to make one fancy thing or another. She used to be a gourmet chef somewhere in California—L.A., I think.”

  “I can make spaghetti, meatloaf, and homemade mac and cheese.” Miranda shook her head but smiled. “Also, homemade bread, sweet potato chips and cookies. That’s about the extent of my culinary skills.”

  “Between the two of us, we could be in trouble.” Justin laughed. “I’m not much of a cook myself. Kaycee is far better than I am.”

  “I’m great at ordering pizza.” Miranda picked up her coffee. “I can heat up a can of beans with the best of them.”

  He grinned. “We were made for each other.”

  Miranda laughed before taking another bite of her biscuit.

  * * *

  After breakfast, Justin cleaned up the cookware enough to pack it up to take home for a good cleaning, then made sure the fire was out and no live embers remained in the fire pit.

  He studied Miranda as she helped him. He liked how he kept catching her watching him. Hell, he could barely keep his eyes off her, much less his hands.

  She’d been so sweet in his arms last night. He couldn’t wait to enjoy that incredibly hot body again, then hold her close.

  Now, she caught him looking at her. She smiled before looking away. “I’m going to pack up my things in the tent.”

  He wanted to join her and keep her there. But in a campground with neighbors, in the middle of the morning, and in a tent, probably wasn’t the best idea. The sounds they did make last night probably had caused some of the looks he’d had this morning from folks nearby.

  Justin loaded everything in the truck that was ready, then made his way into the tent.

  Miranda sat on her haunches, her closed duffle bag beside her thigh. She rested her hand on it. “I was just about to roll up the sleeping bags.”

  “I’ll get ‘em.” He unzipped the pair before zipping them each individually and rolling them up and binding them with bungee cords.

  When he finished with the sleeping bags, he jammed the few things he’d removed back into his own duffel, then looked at Miranda. “Ready?”

  She nodded.

  He cupped her cheek with one hand, and she leaned into his palm. “This has been an amazing trip, Miranda.”

  She smiled. “It has.”

  He kissed her softly, then drew back. “Just wait til we take a trip up north for whitewater rafting.”

  “I’m game,” she said.

  He couldn’t help but grin. “One of the many things I love about you.”

  Did he just say love? Hell, it was just a figure of speech.

  Her cheeks reddened as if she was reacting to what he’d just said, reading more meaning into it than he’d intended. Nah, she wouldn’t jump to conclusions like that. But, she did look awfully cute when she blushed.

  He brushed his lips over hers. “Come on. Let’s go.”

  “Ready and willing.” She moved to the tent flap on her hands and knees, her gorgeous ass just inches from him.

  He couldn’t help himself. He caressed her bottom, and she caught her breath and hesitated. Only a moment and then she crawled out of the tent.

  After they packed up and loaded the tent, Justin opened the passenger side door for Miranda, then shut it behind her. He made his way around the truck and climbed behind the wheel. He drove through the forest along the rim and on until they hit the freeway and headed back to King Creek.

  Miranda was talkative along the way home, but at one point lapsed
into silence and stared out the window. He looked back to the road. What was she thinking about that made her frown like that?

  Before he could ask, a muted beeping sound reached his ears and he glanced at her again. Miranda pulled her cell phone out of her purse and checked the screen. Her frown deepened and she shoved her phone back into her purse.

  He fixed his gaze on the road. “Everything okay?”

  A pause. “It was nothing.”

  He remained quiet, waiting to see if she would elaborate.

  She gave a soft sigh. “It was my ex. He’s left multiple messages since yesterday. I didn’t get them until now because of the lack of cell service in the mountains.”

  Justin frowned and looked at her. “Are you all right?”

  She shrugged. “I’m just tired of Craig’s messages and phone calls. I’m going to block him when I get home.” She shook her head. “I don’t know why I didn’t do that already. I guess I was optimistic in hoping that he’d give up, but I should have known better.”

  Justin wished he could do something to help her, but she had to deal with it on her own.

  “Did you play sports in high school?” she asked, clearly wanting to change the subject.

  “I rodeoed.” He grinned at the memories that came up. “I kept busy practicing when I wasn’t in school or doing chores and competed in rodeos across the state.”

  “Sounds like you enjoyed it.” She had a smile in her voice.

  “Yep.” He adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. “I started out mutton busting when I was four years old and went on to participate in events for older youth when I was eight. Things like goat tying and breakaway roping in that age group, and advanced in tougher events as I got older.”

  She laughed. “You rode sheep when you were a kid.”

  He chuckled at her amusement. “And I was good at it.”

  “When did you stop participating in rodeo?” she asked.

  Justin checked his rearview mirrors and changed lanes. “Once I graduated from college, I went to work on my parents’ ranch and didn’t have any time for the practice it requires to continue competing.” He glanced at Miranda. “How about you? Any sports?”

  “I was a total nerd.” She grinned. “Other than obsessing about horses, all I did was read and play the clarinet in band. I marched in band competitions, as well as competed in solo and ensemble events.”

  “Do you still play?” he asked.

  “I haven’t picked up a clarinet since I graduated from high school.” She tucked hair behind her ear. “I still read a lot, though, and you know I’m in love with horses.”

  She hadn’t struck him as a nerd. Bet she’d been cute in high school. “What do you like to read?”

  “Just about everything.” She smiled. “Sci-fi, fantasy, women’s fiction, and paranormal romance to name a few.”

  “Romance, huh?” he said with a grin.

  “You betcha.”

  “I don’t know if I can live up to a romance hero,” he said.

  She laughed. “You already have.”

  He flashed her a grin. “Did you have horses growing up?”

  “My family didn’t.” She shook her head. “But I adored them. I used to read books about horses, and fiction with horses in them, especially older ones like Black Beauty, Seabiscuit, and Airs Above the Ground. Once I was in middle school, I started going to the neighbors and helping them with their horses. That was my life. Reading, band, and horses. Not necessarily in that order.”

  “I can’t imagine not being around horses,” Justin said. “I hope Kaycee can get back up on one soon. I know she misses it.”

  “It won’t be long.” Miranda spoke in a positive tone. “She’s close, even after only a couple of sessions.”

  He smiled at the thought of Kaycee being back on a horse like she loved. “She’ll be happy when she does.”

  They continued to talk, Miranda seeming to feel much better than she had when her ex had texted her. He didn’t like seeing her upset, and he wished he could have a talk with him to get him to back off. He had a feeling that probably wouldn’t be as easy to do as it sounded. Men who were obsessed didn’t back off easily.

  They reached Miranda’s home after noon, and he walked her to the front door of the mobile home while carrying her bag.

  She unlocked the door and looked at him as it swung wide. “Thank you for an amazing trip. Fishing was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” She paused and gave him a teasing look. “Well, not the most fun.”

  He couldn’t help but grin at the cute way she said it. “I’d have to agree with you.”

  Miranda’s smile lingered as he lowered his mouth to hers. Her soft lips made him think of the softness of her body beneath his last night. His groin ached as memories flowed over him and he had to hold back from pressing himself against her, hard.

  She gave a soft sigh as he drew away. Her smile filled him with warmth, and he didn’t want to leave.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She took her bag from him. “What time are you picking me up?”

  His brain had gone blank for a moment, but he recovered. “Six.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She stood in her doorway as she watched him as he backed away.

  He turned and glanced over his shoulder, and she gave a small wave before turning and stepping into her trailer. He reached his truck, climbed in, and headed home.

  Justin couldn’t wrap his mind around the feelings she stirred inside him. She had him tied up in knots and he wasn’t sure how to think about it. He’d dated a lot of women. He’d enjoyed a woman’s company, keeping things light until he knew she was “the one.” Trouble had been, he’d never met that one woman who could make him think about settling down and having kids. Little brothers and sisters for Kaycee.

  But Miranda—from the moment he’d met her, she’d had a hold on him. He started to frown but couldn’t help but smile instead. She made him feel like he’d come home. Images of her waiting for him at the corral when he came home from the range stirred feelings inside him that he hadn’t experienced before.

  Miranda was the one. He knew it. Damn it, he knew it.

  He grinned as he pulled into his driveway. Yeah, she was definitely his.

  After he parked and exited his truck, he walked through the back door, into his kitchen. To his surprise Kaycee was there, back to him, stirring something in a big bowl.

  “Hey, kiddo.” His brows furrowed. “When did you get home?”

  “Hi, Dad.” Kaycee looked over her shoulder. “The Taylors dropped me off on their way to church half an hour ago. I didn’t feel like going with them.”

  “I planned on picking you up this afternoon,” he said, still frowning. “I’ve told you more than once that I don’t like you being home alone.”

  “I knew it wouldn’t be for long.” She wiped her hands on a dish towel as she spoke. “You said you’d be home at one.” She glanced at the clock. “It’s twelve-thirty.”

  Justin blew out his breath slowly. “Kaycee, there’s a reason why I don’t want you home alone. I want to make sure you’re safe, and if anything was to happen, you’d be with an adult.”

  “I’m almost thirteen.” She tipped her chin. “I’ll be a teenager soon.”

  “You are growing up fast.” He reached her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I love you, Kaycee. I just want you to be safe.”

  “An hour by myself isn’t very long.” She had a stubborn expression that reminded him of himself. “You’re never late, so I thought it would be okay.”

  Justin released her shoulders. “I need to think about you being home alone.” He studied his daughter. “I’m new at this dad thing and I worry about you.”

  “I know.” She looked hopeful. “Will you please let me be home by myself sometimes? An hour or two at a time until I’m a teenager?”

  “Like I said, I need to think about it.” He gave her a gentle smile. “What are you making?”

  She brightened. “Ch
ocolate chip cookies.”

  “You know your chocolate chip cookies are my favorite. You were planning on buttering me up, weren’t you,” he stated.

  She gave him a big grin. “Is it working?”

  “I’ll tell you after the cookies are ready and I’ve had a few.” He shook his head. Yeah, this dad thing was tough.

  Early Tuesday morning Miranda’s cell phone rang, and she grabbed the device from where it sat on the kitchen countertop, hoping it wasn’t Craig since she hadn’t blocked him yet. However, Justin calling would make her morning.

  She glanced at the screen and saw that it was her mother. She smiled and answered, “Hi, Mom.”

  Betty Hawthorne didn’t waste any time. “Your dad and I have been talking.”

  “About what?” Miranda asked, half afraid of what her mom might say. Hopefully it wasn’t anything about why her parents felt she and Craig should get back together.

  “We’re going to Arizona to see you.” Betty spoke in an it’s-already-settled tone. “We’ll be there Thursday and stay a few days.”

  “Thursday?” That gave Miranda two days before her parents would arrive. She would have preferred a little more advanced notice, but she was glad they were coming. “That’s terrific.”

  “Your father thought you’d need more time, but I was sure you’d be fine with us coming so soon.”

  “Of course.” Miranda looked around the petite living room of her trailer. “My place is small, but I have a second bedroom.”

  “No, dear. We’ll stay in town,” Betty said. “Do you have a place you would recommend?”

  Miranda thought about it. “I stayed at the King Creek Inn before I bought my property. It’s a cute little bed and breakfast.”

  “I’ll give them a call.” A scratching sound carried over the line, no doubt Betty writing the information down. “I’m booking the flights when I get off the phone.”

  “Great.” Miranda smiled. Sometimes her mom drove her nuts, but it would be good to see her. “Send me your itinerary and I’ll pick you up at the airport.”

  “Your dad wants to rent a car while we’re there, so no need to worry about it.” Betty rushed her words as she wrapped up the call. “Got to go, Miranda. Love you.”