Dreams of Ivory

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  “Yeah, because fine means you’re not fine, but you want me to stop bothering you about how you’re really feeling.”

  Honor snorted. “I see that old age has helped you understand women a bit.”

  “Watch the age remarks, dear. Considering what we did last night, I wouldn’t call me old, would you?”

  She fought back the blush and met his gaze head-on. “Oh really? I might have missed some of that. You might want to try again to make sure you did it right.”

  Jackson growled, and soon she found herself with her back on the table and Jackson between her legs, her sundress riding up along her hips.

  “Jacks, Jordan and Matt will be here any minute.”

  Jackson grinned. “Then I guess I better get to my first course quickly.”

  He slid his hands up her thighs and gripped the edge of her panties.

  “Don’t tear them. I need them so I have something on underneath my dress when your brother gets here.”

  Jackson lowered his head and nipped at her hip, licking along the edge of her panties. “I kind of like the idea of you bare underneath your dress and only we’d know it. That way, whenever we’re alone, I can bend you over and fuck you hard until you scream my name.”

  Heat washed over her as her pussy ached at his words. “I’m not going naked with your family around.” She panted as he slowly pulled her panties down her legs.

  “That sounds okay to me. Maybe I’ll just make you go bare when we’re all alone. That way I’ll know you’re always ready for me.”

  His voice rumbled against her skin as he spoke, and she closed her eyes so she could focus. The sight of his dark hair between her legs could make her come before he even touched her.

  “I think I like you all take-charge,” she said.

  “Good, because I’m not stopping anytime soon. Put your hands above your head, baby.”

  She grinned and did as he said. “Why?”

  “Because whenever I have my mouth on your pussy you always like to press my head closer. Don’t get me wrong. I think that’s hot as hell, but right now, I want to be in control. So keep those arms up, and I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

  “I know you will, Jacks.”

  She kept her eyes closed, loving the way it enhanced Jackson’s touch. She felt his fingers part her folds and jumped as he blew cool air on her pussy. His fingers traced her entrance then he licked her clit.

  “You’re so wet, baby.”

  She squirmed on the table and let out a gasp as he slapped her pussy. “Don’t move. You’re mine, and I’m going to lick and taste every inch of this sweetness until you’re screaming my name.”

  She nodded and bit her lip so she could concentrate as he sucked on her clit, slowly circling around the little nub with the tip of his tongue then taking long licks. Little shocks of pleasure shot through her as he hummed against her clit, her inner walls clenching around three of his fingers. He curled his fingers, pressing against her bundle of nerves, and she sucked in a breath, not wanting to come yet.

  His other arm went up beneath her dress, and he cupped her breast through her bra. Between that touch and the vibrations from his humming, she couldn’t hold back anymore. She came hard against his face, rocking her hips so she could ride out the bliss. Her nipples pebbled, aching for his mouth, and her inner walls clamped around his fingers. She moaned his name, her body heating.

  “That’s right, baby. Damn you look like a fucking goddess when you come.”

  She opened her eyes at his words and almost came again as he licked his fingers one by one, his gaze never tearing from hers.

  Honor swallowed hard and tried to speak, but nothing came out. She just looked down his body at his cock that strained against the zipper of his jeans.

  Jackson let out a chuckle, and she looked back up at his face. “Matt and Jordan will be her any minute, but as soon as they leave, I’m going to sink my cock into that hot pussy of yours and fuck you hard.”

  She smiled and sat up. “I’d rather swallow you first.”

  Jackson groaned and ran his hand through her hair. “That’s an image that’s going to get me through the rest of the day, baby. I love you at my feet, taking my cock in that pretty mouth of yours.”

  She reached out and traced the outline of his erection through the denim. “We have some time—”

  The doorbell rang, cutting her off.

  Jackson kissed her softly, and she blushed at the thought of where his mouth had just been. “Put your panties back on and get yourself calm. I’ll go let them in.”

  “You’re flushed too, Jacks,” she said as he moved back and she hopped off the table.

  “True and I don’t think we’ll be hiding what we did, but I don’t really care.”

  “Go get your brother,” she said before kissing his chin.

  He smiled and walked out, a little limp in his step. Apparently he wasn’t as calm as he tried to act.

  Good because she was about to melt in a puddle at his feet, and this was so not the time for that.

  “Hey you,” Jordan said as she walked in, her belly a little more pronounced than it had been before. Or at least it looked that way to Honor. Only a week had passed, but Jordan looked happy.

  “You’re showing more now,” Honor said by way of greeting.

  Jordan threw her head back and laughed, and Honor blushed. “I think you’re the fifth person who’s greeted me that way today.”

  Honor winced. “Sorry. I guess I should have started with hello.”

  “And worked your way up to my size?”

  “Oh shush you. You’re beautiful, and you’re supposed to gain weight.”

  “Oh, I know this. As do the rest of the girls, though when I can’t button my jeans, I might have to whimper a little bit.”

  Honor just smiled and shook her head. “At the end of all of this, though, you get a new baby. All of you do. How awesome is that?”

  A pang of jealousy hit her, and her smile wavered. She knew she and Jackson were at a different point in their relationship than the other Cooper women, but it still hurt a bit that she wasn’t pregnant with the rest of them. It made no sense why she would feel left out, considering she wasn’t even married to the man and had just started dating him again, but being the only woman connected to a Cooper man who wasn’t pregnant left her at a bit of a loss.

  “Hey, you okay?” Jordan asked, and Honor nodded.

  “Oh, sorry, just lost in thought over what all needs to be done with work,” Honor lied.

  Jordan narrowed her eyes but didn’t say anything about Honor’s obvious subject change. “I’m excited to see what you have. I’m really just the honorary mayor until the new election in a couple months. I’m not running, but I still want to make sure I’m doing the job right while I’m here.”

  “You’ll have to tell me that story sometime.”

  Jordan grimaced. “Ugh, I hate that story, but sure. Right now I need to pee because apparently that’s something I get to do every twenty minutes from now on. I know people say this doesn’t happen until later in pregnancies, but I can’t help it. Then we can go out to the lake area you’re using. I cannot wait to see it in person now that I’ve seen the plans.”

  Honor blushed as she thought about how she and Jackson had used that area earlier, but she didn’t mention that to Jordan. As close as the Coopers were, the other woman didn’t need to know everything about her sex life.

  The fact that she actually had a sex life though made Honor want to jump up and down and do some fist pumps.

  Not that she’d ever do that.

  In front of people.

  “I have no idea what you’re thinking about, but I think I like it,” Jordan teased, and Honor blinked.

  “Oh, sorry. Uh, what were we doing?”

  “After I get back, we’re going to go out and see the site where you want to build this center.”

  “Sounds good to me, though should you be hiking in your condition?”

/>   Jordan rolled her eyes. “This is more of a walk since we’re taking the trail, but yes, I’ll be fine. No mountain or rock climbing for me.”

  Soon they were on their way to the lake, each couple walking side by side and enjoying the late afternoon air. There was finally a slight breeze, and Honor was in love with it. They spent another hour going over the logistics of building the camp and how the traffic would be changed with the new addition. There was already a road that led to the lake, but it was rarely used because there was another lake on the other side of town that was closer to the amenities like the inn and other places they’d build in the future. Honor could have planned on building near that one, but this lake had always held a special meaning for her.

  She blushed at just how special it was but didn’t look at Jackson.

  She wasn’t sure what she’d do if she met his gaze.

  “So I take it you’re going to have rock climbing?” Matt asked, pulling Honor out of her thoughts.

  “Yes, but it won’t be invasive. We’ll have the indoor wall for people wanting to learn. We won’t let them climb without certification. That’s the way it is now, so we’re not going to change that.”

  Matt nodded and glanced at the rocks ahead of them. “I haven’t been rock climbing in ages. I know Tyler still does it when he gets a chance. This might be great if I wanted to try it again.”

  Jordan wrapped her arm around his waist. “You’re going to have to be really, really careful. I know I’m the tough one, but propelling down a rock face scares the crap out of me.”

  Matt kissed the top of her head and pulled her close. “I’ll be careful, don’t worry.”

  Jackson came up behind Honor and put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him to inhale that sandalwood scent she loved but didn’t say anything.

  “You better be careful,” Jackson said. “Our family has had enough excitement recently.”

  Matt and Jordan nodded while Honor repressed a shiver. She might not have been here for all of their adventures, but their close calls, combined with her own, made her want to be extra careful. Add onto that the fact that someone wanted to hurt her through Jackson and she really needed to be cautious.

  “You okay?” Jackson asked softly.

  She looked up at him and smiled. “Yes, I was just thinking about what’s been happening recently.”

  “I’m going to go take a look at the rock face,” Matt said, breaking Honor out of her thoughts. “You took measurements, right?”

  Honor nodded. “Yes, and I’m having professionals come out and do everything. I’m just the planner.”

  Matt smiled. “Wanna show me what you’re thinking? I know I can’t help, but I’m excited.” He turned toward Jordan. “I’d rather you stay here, baby.”

  Jordan narrowed her eyes but smiled. “I know you’re thinking I’m the pregnant woman who needs to stay still, but I’ll let you get away with it this once. I’m not in the mood to trip and fall over those rocks anyway.”

  Matt grinned and kissed his wife while Jackson kissed Honor’s temple. “I’ll stay here with Jordan to talk about the other things she’s going to need to do to help you out.”

  Honor laughed. “You mean watch her so she and the baby are okay.”

  “That too. She’s having a Cooper baby after all.”

  Honor rolled her eyes while Jordan laughed.

  “You really do marry all the brothers when you marry into the family, Honor,” Jordan teased then froze while her eyes widened. “I mean…”

  Honor shook her head. “I know what you mean. No pressure, right?” She smiled through her words, even though her heart sped up at the thought of being with Jackson forever.

  That was something they’d have to talk about later.

  She led Matt to where she was planning on having the climbing area, leaving Jackson and Jordan behind.

  “So, how serious are you and my brother?”

  Honor snorted but didn’t look at him, making sure she kept her eyes on her path so she wouldn’t trip.

  “Subtle, Cooper.”

  “I’m not really good with the intrigue.”

  “Did your family nominate you to ask?” She climbed up on one of the rocks, and her legs shook. Damn, she needed to get in better shape apparently. Or it could have been the conversation she was having.

  Matt gripped her arm to steady her then stepped up beside her. “No, actually, we all decided whoever got you alone first would ask.”

  Honor rolled her eyes.

  “I don’t know what exactly will happen in the future other than I plan on doing what we’re doing now. I…care for Jackson.”

  “I heard that hesitation there.”

  “If and when I do say something along the lines of something more, I’d like Jackson to be the first to know. Okay?”

  “Sounds reasonable. I know it’s a little intimidating to be with a man who has family such as ours, but, Honor, I want you to know we like you.”

  That little spot in her heart where the fear of rejection had taken root started to warm again. “I’m glad you like me, but don’t put all your hopes on me. It’s a little daunting.”

  “He’s never been with anyone like you before. He’s never looked at anyone the way he looks at you. He’s different with you. I mean, we always knew he wasn’t the cold man he portrayed, but you’re breaking through that so everyone can see the man he is—not the man he wants to be seen as.”

  She nodded at his words but didn’t say anything. While it was nice that Matt and the rest of the Coopers knew that Jackson was more than a scowl, she didn’t like the added pressure of being responsible for showing who he was.

  It wasn’t Jackson’s fault he didn’t want to conform.

  “Do you think—” Honor cut off at the loud cracking sound that echoed through the air.

  The hair on her arms rose and she looked up and screamed.

  “What the hell?” Matt asked then looked up. “Fuck! Move!”

  He pushed her out of the way, throwing his body over hers as large rocks crashed around them. She felt the sharp sting as small rocks hit her and tried to tuck herself into a ball under Matt.

  Matt grunted then screamed in pain, his voice blending with Jackson’s and Jordan’s screams from afar.

  “Matt!” she yelled as the rocks stopped falling for the moment.

  She moved him off her and swallowed. “Matt?”

  “I’m fine.” He groaned. “The big rocks missed me, but I think a medium rock broke my arm. You’re bleeding.”

  He was pale, bleeding, and wincing as he tried to move his arm. “Don’t worry about me. Let’s get you to the hospital, okay?”

  Matt grunted and sat up. “Fuck. I’m okay, really. I don’t think anything else is broken.”

  Tears stained her cheeks, but she nodded. “That’s good to hear, but let’s have a doctor take a look, okay?”

  “Honor!” Jackson yelled her name as he ran up to her, after he finished climbing. “Oh, baby, let’s get you out of here. Matt? You okay?”

  “Fine, just a broken arm. I think Honor’s stitches broke open though.” He looked past Jackson to Jordan, who stood where she’d been before, her cell phone clutched in her hand and tears sliding down her cheeks.

  “Jordan’s calling an ambulance to come and get you,” Jackson said as he helped Honor and Matt stand.

  “This is the second time I’ve been in an ambulance recently,” Honor said as she looked into Jackson’s eyes.

  He narrowed them as he kissed her temple. “These weren’t accidents.”

  “I know.”

  “We’re going to find this bastard, Honor,” Jackson vowed.

  “He’s messed with the wrong family,” Matt said as he limped toward Jordan.

  She nodded but didn’t say anything. Someone had tried to kill her three times since she’d moved to town. Why would someone do that?

  Honor bit her lip and tried not to cry at the stress. The fact that someone would want to kil
l her left her at a loss, but by doing so, they were also hurting those she loved.

  She might not have any magical powers to protect herself, but she’d be damned if she let those she loved get hurt again because someone wanted at her.

  She’d find this person somehow.

  Somehow.

  Chapter 11

  “Still no word?” Brayden asked as he held Cameron’s snow cone so the boy could tie his shoes.

  Jackson grunted then leaned in to inhale Lacy’s sweet little girl scent. It seemed to calm him—even if her hands were sticky and currently patting his head in sympathy.

  “No word,” Jackson finally said. “Tyler and his crew can’t find any evidence on the hilltop other than someone had been there and caused the rock fall. There were footprints and someone had used a crowbar or another thing for leverage to push the rocks down. They still haven’t found the van, and there aren’t any fingerprints on the windowsill where the flowerpot was that almost hit Honor.”

  Brayden handed his son back his snow cone and frowned. “We know that the man isn’t as normal as other criminals that Tyler chases. The man had magic or knows magic considering what he did with you.”

  Though they were on the sidewalk alone, Jackson still looked around to make sure they weren’t overheard. The people of Holiday might think they knew about magic and all it entailed, but what they knew was far from the truth.

  “I’m just sick of this,” Jackson said, keeping his voice light since they were in front of the kids.

  It had been four days since the rock slide that had almost killed Honor and Matt. His brother had broken his arm and had a few bruises while Honor was fine other than tearing her stitches from the car accident. It could have been so much worse.

  Worse enough that he held Honor tight to him every night, not able to sleep. He’d almost thought about sprinkling his own dust on his eyes, but he wanted to be able to wake up at any moment and keep an eye on Honor.

  “Don’t frown, Uncle Jacks,” Lacy said as she kissed his cheek.

  A part of him melted at this little girl. Before he’d probably have tried to ignore her and done his duty as uncle by holding her, but now didn’t care about keeping up with his grumpy persona.