Explosive Memories

by Sherri Thomas

  “I couldn’t see that before. And the baby, there was nothing I could have done. I ate fruits and vegetables, even ones I hated. I took my vitamins. I went to my doctor appointments.”

  Trent wanted to point out he tried to tell her all this, but kept his mouth shut. She’d accomplished a peacefulness with her past, and that’s what he wanted.

  “The one thing bugging me most—was you.”

  “Me?” She lost him on that statement.

  “Yes, you. I didn’t know where you lived or even who you really were. I needed closure with the fact I slept with a stranger, the closest person to a true friend. I shared more with you regarding my life than any other human being, yet I was unable to find you.” She downed another sip of whiskey.

  “You found me now,” he whispered in her ear, then scraped the lobe lightly with his teeth.

  “Yes, I did.” Jordan snuggled into his chest, rubbing the wetness from her hair into his shirt.

  But it wasn’t the damp cotton distracting him. “You really need to stop pushing your backside against me if we plan on holding much more of a conversation.”

  She wiggled again, precariously close to his straining erection.

  Hands itching to touch her, he finished off the alcohol and leaned over to set the cup on the table. “You’re askin’ for trouble, darlin’.”

  She giggled and flipped her head back on his shoulder.

  Not able to resist, he stroked the opening seam exposing her breasts. “What exactly do you have on under this thing?” Running the back of his knuckles up and down, he grazed the sides.

  “Mm. I love when you touch me.” She raised an arm behind her, curling a hand around his neck.

  His pulse leaped as his groin tightened. He planned on talking with her more, but with her whispered admission, the thought process was lost, and any rational conversation done.

  Wanting a taste of her, he nipped and suckled the side of her throat, tasting the salty skin, smelling the soapy fragrance, feeling the erratic beat of her pulse at the base of her neck. He let his hand wander down her body to where her thighs parted and separated the cotton robe. Without breaking contact with his lips, he let his eager hands explore her from collar bone to thigh, breast to breast, lightly caressing, then squeezing, exploring the depths and mounds.

  Jordan’s whimper encouraged him, egging him on. Trent circled his tongue around her ear and trailed his fingers to the soft juncture between her legs, skimming lightly over the opening. “You’re so soft and silky, like satin.”

  When his thumb grazed her clit, she raised her hips, thrusting into his palm. “Please.”

  Not able to deny her plea, he slipped into her warm center, and stroked her. “Is this what you want?” Her sleek wetness met his fingers, and with his other hand, he nudged her limbs farther apart, opening her to his assault. He ran his fingertips up and down her inner thigh as his other continued its massage of her internal muscles. He loved seeing her aroused, the drooping of lids, lips parting as she escalated.

  “Yes.” Her breath quickened, and she rotated in a restless gesture, bucking in his palm.

  Sensing the rising urgency, he slipped another digit inside while using his thumb to play with the swelling nub. The massive erection in his jeans strained to be freed.

  She lifted her bottom half-up, rocking in rhythm with him, riding the whirlwind. “Yes…please…Trent.” Her nails scraped his denim-covered thighs.

  The beauty of watching her searching, reaching for the finish was almost his undoing. And when her organism spiraled, he fought hard to contain his own.

  A second later, he slipped out of her, tenderly brushing the swollen skin.

  She rose, letting her cover fall to the floor. “Your turn, cowboy.” Shaking fingers unfastened his belt buckle and hurried on to the zipper.

  Oh, hell, yeah. He was about to explode.

  Operating under due haste, he helped shed the clothing and freed his eager penis. She sank to her knees beside the couch and grasped him in her palm. Her tongue flicked the tip, and he grew stiffer. The black-haired beauty was like a sexual fantasy, taking him into her mouth, licking up one side and down the other with her tongue. Sucking and retreating until he was sure he’d spill over.

  He held back, and rigid with restraint, he groaned, tangling his fingers in her hair, holding her still. “For a woman of little experience you…certainly know what…the hell you’re doin’.” He panted as her tongue lashed out, licking the beaded tip.

  Glossy lips smiled, lifting off him. “Reading is my favorite pastime.”

  “What the hell kind of books do you read? Much more of that and it’s all gonna be over in a matter of seconds.”

  She rose over him, lifting his shirt up overhead, rubbing her nipples along his torso.

  Unable to take any more, he reversed positions. She was hot and exotic laying on the cushions, openly waiting.

  “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll be right back.”

  Hurrying to the other room, he grabbed a condom from the bedside table, slid it on and returned, quickly finding his place. With one push, he buried himself deep within her, leaving them both breathless.

  “Damn. I wanted this to last.” Unable to hold back, he withdrew and plunged back in, creating the hot, fast friction he sought.

  Long, toned legs wrapped around his waist, and she met him thrust for thrust as he drove into her.

  Need and pure hunger propelled him faster toward the edge. His mouth found her nipples, licking, suckling, biting each taut pebble until she exploded a second time. He quickly followed, shouting her name.

  Chapter Twelve

  Early the next morning, Trent rolled on his shoulder, sending a searing burn straight to the bone.

  “I told you not to carry me to bed.” Jordan bunched the covers under her arms and rose halfway. “Let me help you.”

  “What kind of man would I be if I can’t carry you?” He moved forward while she positioned herself behind his back.

  “A healing one.”

  Magical fingers worked into the tissues bit by bit, and he closed his eyes, blocking out the discomfort until the muscles relaxed. Having not much more than tenderness the past few days, he’d assumed the surgical site was finally mending. Damn. One step forward, two steps back.

  “Better?” Her sweet voice surrounded him.

  “Yes.”

  Warm lips caressed the skin on his back.

  “When are you going to tell me what happen?”

  “Rotator cuff surgery. Not a big deal.” He scooted to the edge of the bed in search of his clothes. Where were they?

  “That explains one scar. What about the other?”

  “What time is it? And where the hell are my clothes?” he snapped, suddenly pissed at her for bringing up that part of his life.

  Her eyes widened at his tone as she slid down on the mattress. “It’s eight o’clock, and they’re probably in the living room.”

  “I’m gonna have to get a damn alarm clock if I spend much more time here.” He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek and hurried out of the room.

  Why did she have to go and ruin the mood after spending another blissful night together?

  Because she doesn’t know what happen, you jackass.

  He didn’t want to relive those days with April, didn’t want to subject Jordan to his ugly past. The future was what mattered now. Not the pain and hurt, the deception and manipulation, the humiliation.

  Taking a chance on seeing pity in her blue gaze was not an option, so he charged out of the cabin and up to the barns. Regret for leaving in a rush and biting her head off for asking a legitimate question settled in. Why couldn’t she leave his scars in the past where they belonged?

  “Hey there, can you help me?”

  Trent spun on his heels to find a brunette dressed in a small, black tank top and equally tight shorts, standing behind him.

  “You’re Trent, right?” She smiled, revealing straight, white teeth.

  �
��What can I do for ya?” Upon closer examination, he noted her height to be an inch or two shorter than his. Not hard on the eyes with shoulder length, shiny hair, and a slender body with curves in the right places.

  “Would it be okay for me take a horse out for a ride?” She crossed and uncrossed her long legs.

  He pushed his Stetson back on his head. “Sorry, but we don’t allow the guests to ride unsupervised.”

  “Well, you could go with me, then I wouldn’t be unsupervised.” She bowed her head, glanced up sideways, and smiled. “I’m Pam by the way.”

  Trent knew a come on when he heard one, but only one woman sparked his interest these days, and he’d be lucky if she was still speaking to him. “I have a full day, but I’m sure one of my brothers are free.”

  Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout, but he paid no mind and glanced around to find Chris not far away. “Hey, this young lady would like to go sightseeing. You game?” he hollered.

  “Sure thing.” The horny bugger strutted over with a grin from ear to ear. “It’d be my pleasure, ma’am.” He displayed his elbow in a gallant gesture, earning him a giggle from the brunette. “But first, we need to get you out of those shorts and into a pair of jeans. Can’t have those beautiful legs chafing.”

  Pam giggled again.

  Shaking his head, Trent continued with the day’s work, not stopping to question why he possessed no interest in any of the women on the ranch. Except one.

  The hours flew by as he engrossed himself with ranch chores and helped guests untack the horses from the camping trip with Nick and Darcy before his stomach grumbled over a skipped lunch. Forced to head to the house for supper, he wasn’t sure if Jordan would be there or not. At the least, he owed her an apology for his rudeness. When she asked of his injury, old defenses rose, and he hadn’t wanted April to tarnish the moment.

  “Hey, I was on my way to find you,” Sam told him as he entered the main lodge.

  “Why aren’t you headed for Tulsa?” Trent hung his hat on the peg next to the door.

  “On my way out now.” His brother’s gaze bore into him. “April’s on the run.”

  Instant cold ran up his spine. “What?”

  “What?” Nick and Darcy asked in unison, walking into the room.

  “The chief of police called, said they aren’t sure how, but April escaped from the psych ward sometime during the night. He assured me they’ll find her, and figure out how this could have happened, but wants us to be on alert.”

  Trent knew they waited for a reaction, but numbness surrounded him as he poured a mug of coffee. “Maybe she skipped town.” He hoped like hell that was the case. The alternative was too disturbing to think about.

  Sam stared at him, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Doubtful. When the nurse went in to her room this morning to give her breakfast and meds, she found pictures of you and letters addressed to you scattered on the bed.”

  Chris entered the room and stopped in his tracks. “What’s the long faces about?” He pointed toward Trent with a jerk of his thumb. “You reminding him chores start at six a.m.” His chuckle filled the room. “You spend much more time in Jordan’s bed, you’re gonna have to make an honest woman out of her.”

  Choking on the hot liquid, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I don’t think so.”

  “What’s that suppose to mean?” Darcy questioned with a frown.

  “Nothing. Never mind.” He charged toward the table and set his cup down.

  “You mean my friend’s good enough to sleep with, but not to consider marrying?” She crossed the room until the tips of her boots met his. “Don’t you use her, Trent Matthews. She’s suffered enough with the last asshole and doesn’t need her heart broken by you.”

  “Calm down, darlin’. I don’t think that’s what he meant.” Nick placed his hands on her shoulders and rubbed. “Is it Trent?” he asked, scowling.

  “He’s only saying he isn’t ready to propose,” Chris defended.

  “His last engagement left the kid gun shy,” Sam added.

  Trent placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Are ya’ll done discussin’ my life?”

  All eyes bore down on him. Feeling cornered, beads of sweat broke out along his forehead. But even with everyone gawking at him, he refused to say anything he hadn’t even contemplated in his own mind.

  “If I ever decide to get married, the engagement will be a long one, and that’s a big if. I don’t plan on making the same mistake twice. And while I enjoy spending time with Jordan, I don’t plan on walking down the aisle—”

  The door banged shut, drawing everyone’s attention.

  A dark blue gaze slammed into him harder than the bullets that had pierced his skin.

  Jordan stepped back, blinking rapidly. One arm went around her midsection as her sights drifted sideways toward the others.

  “Jordan, I—”

  Whirling on her heel, she flew back out the door. A second later, he heard a vehicle start up.

  “Aren’t you even going after her?” Darcy asked, her annoyance clear in the tight tone.

  He rubbed the base of his neck where the tension started. “Maybe one of ya’ll should, since ya apparently have my life all figured out.”

  “You need to talk to her. Don’t you think you owe her that much?” His future sister-in-law poked a finger in his chest.

  “Sweetheart, let it go.” Nick grabbed her hand.

  Trent closed his eyes to shut out the noise. “I’d give her the moon, if I could.”

  Jordan’s smile flashed in his mind. The way she brushed her hair back from her face. The way she cared for Peter and held the precious life she helped deliver. The soft sigh as she slept, and those sweet little sounds she made when she snuggled into his chest.

  “Damn.” Grabbing his hat, he kicked the door open. The last thing he’d wanted to do was hurt her…again.

  ****

  Jordan possessed no idea where she headed, but needed to get away. A little time to suture up the gash Trent sliced into her heart. Not that she’d expected a proposal tomorrow, but his words hurt. Plain and simple. And in front of his whole family to boot. She’d be the first to admit they needed time to explore the relationship, but hearing him put a stop to any fantasizing at all was like slamming the door in her face.

  And what did he mean about making the same mistake twice?

  Once again, pieces of his past he neglected to share. The one man she desired, the one she cared for—loved—closed himself off.

  Tears clouded her vision, and she swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. The vehicle suddenly hit a pothole, hard, jarring her body and almost causing her to swerve off the road. Slowing, she noted the thump, thump of a blown tire.

  Forced to pull over, she wiped the remaining wetness off her face with shaking hands. A beep sounded from the passenger seat, and seeing a text from Darcy, she picked up the cell phone.

  U ok? Where r u? Please come back so we can talk?

  I’m fine. Went 4 a drive 2 clear my head & put things in2 perspective. B back b4 2 long,

  she typed, then pushed the Send button. Almost immediately, the device sounded again, indicating a voice mail. Not sure when she missed a call, she hit a few buttons and held the mechanism to her ear.

  “Hello, Jordan. This is Dr. Sheffield. I was calling to let you know there’s a part time position opening up within the next few weeks. If you want it, the job’s yours. Now, I know you were hoping for full time, but it’s a start, and as fast as things change around here, you’ll be working sixty hour weeks before you know it.” He chuckled. “Call me back.”

  Jordan hit the End button again and groaned. Now what? She had to take the job of course, but there was no way she could remain on the ranch or work there now. Which meant she’d need to find an apartment in town and another job until the alleged sixty hour weeks started. Maybe a waitress job. They made good tips.

  She ran a hand through her hair. Damn it.

/>   Frustrated, she threw the phone back on the cushion. She sure as hell couldn’t stay here all night. Praying the rental had a spare, she glanced out the window for oncoming traffic before edging the driver’s door open. A big truck slowed and pulled up behind her. A tall cowboy with a low riding black hat climbed out of the cab. If she hadn’t recognized Trent by the outline of his body, the slow swagger would’ve been a dead give away. Not ready to deal with him, she rested her forehead on the steering wheel.

  The door opened all the way. “Car trouble ma’am?”

  She lifted her head, but stared out the windshield. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Looks like ya blew a tire. These roads can be rough.”

  Inhaling, she made a move to exit the vehicle, but his big body blocked the path.

  Trent bent, removed his Stetson, and placed the hat on her lap. Warm hands bracketed her face before his mouth caressed hers.

  Hands fisted on his chest, she was ready to shove him away, but instead found herself clinging to his shirtfront. Those inviting lips soothed her battered soul, making thinking impossible. He kissed her with more tenderness than she’d ever known. He make her feel treasured and loved.

  “Please, stop. This isn’t going to help.” Mustering the strength, she dragged her mouth away and glanced down the road, wishing for someone to come along to keep her from giving into temptation. Much to her dismay, they seemed to be the only travelers.

  “We need to talk.”

  “We can’t very well carry on a conversation on the side of a highway.”

  “This is an old logging path. I only knew to go this way because Charlie was outside and saw you make the turn.”

  Great. Even when she wanted to get lost she couldn’t.

  Jordan glanced at him, then out the windshield, seeing nothing but dirt and trees. “I’m leaving the ranch in the morning,” she blurted.

  He blew out a noisy breath. A warm palm caressed the back of her head, then guided her cheek to his chest.

  She felt the rapid beat of his heart and shut her eyes, savoring the feel of him one last time.