Southern Comfort: Compass Brothers, Book 2

by Mari Carr

  She ran her hands along the silk skirt. “I wore it for you.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “For me? Not Paul.”

  She shook her head. “Paul’s still at the ranch.”

  “What about the will? The marriage of convenience? Your promise?” He stressed the last question, knowing it was that damned promise that was fucking with his future happiness.

  She blew out an annoyed breath. “Paul’s married. The will’s been satisfied.”

  He was confused. She’d married Paul?

  “Why are you in Wyoming if you married him?” He wanted to wince at the bitter tone in his voice. The stress of the last few days had worn on him until he thought he’d shatter under the pressure.

  She scowled. “I didn’t marry him. Chase did.”

  “Chase?” he asked.

  She shrugged and, for the first time, he saw a touch of fear in her eyes hidden behind the anger. Her demeanor didn’t make any sense. She was clearly furious, and unless he was misreading her body language, a bit anxious. He’d asked her to choose him and made it clear he would respect her decision. Why was she so mad? So nervous?

  “Apparently there was a loophole in the will. It only said Paul had to be married. It didn’t specify that the spouse had to be a woman.”

  Seth heard Silas chuckle softly behind him, but he didn’t acknowledge it. He couldn’t focus on anything except her.

  Jody took a step closer. “Regardless of that, Paul said he wouldn’t have held me to the promise. Said he’d started looking for another option the day we showed up at the ranch.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of you.” She shook her head. “No, because of me. Because of us. The way—” Her words faltered and again he was struck by the idea that she wasn’t sure of his feelings.

  Then Seth considered the brief time he’d spent with Paul at the ranch. Now that Seth was away from the situation, he could see that Paul had been pushing him and Jody together.

  Letting Seth take Jody to the barn to see the puppies while he stayed behind with Chase.

  Asking Seth to drag her out of the bachelorette party.

  Encouraging Jody to sleep with Seth.

  Paul knew her, understood her. Paul knew she’d never willingly break a promise, so he broke it for her. “Good friend.”

  “He thinks so.”

  Seth gestured at to the white silk. “That still doesn’t explain the dress.”

  “Apparently you and I have a very different opinion of what forever looks like. I thought I’d let you see my version. You left without saying goodbye,” she said, her voice equal parts accusation and pain. She glanced around at his family. He got the feeling their presence was holding her back from really tearing into him. What the hell had he done to piss her off?

  “I wrote a note. I explained why I had to come home, Jody.”

  She frowned, angrily. “No. You didn’t. There was no note.”

  Seth was confused, then a light went on and her attitude suddenly made sense. Shit. If she didn’t see the note, then she must’ve thought he’d left her.

  Christ. No wonder she hadn’t called. Yet here she stood, swallowing her pride and setting herself up for possible rejection. She was one of the bravest women he’d ever met.

  “Oh God, Jody. I’m so sorry. I swear to you I left a note on the kitchen counter. At the cabin. I told you my family needed me and that I had to leave. I said the two days were up and the decision was yours to make. I begged you to choose me.”

  She was silent for several moments. Her face betrayed so many emotions, all tumbling one after another—he couldn’t keep up. Anger, confusion, relief, hope.

  Then, she smiled. “You begged me?”

  Sam laughed and Seth threw his younger brother a dirty look. “Let’s just say I asked emphatically.”

  Jody’s grin grew. “I think I like the sound of begging better.”

  JD snorted. “Dear God, son, you need to marry this one.”

  Seth chuckled, his father’s words reminding him that his family was probably wondering what the hell was going on. He hadn’t mentioned Jody to anyone, not even Silas. There’d been too much to consider with JD for him to unload his secret fears about losing the love of his life to anyone. “You’re right, JD. I do.”

  Jody walked closer and some of the tension drained away from her face. When she was right in front of him, she stopped. There was still something holding her back. “I was afraid when you left without a word that I’d—”

  She glanced around at their audience.

  Seth didn’t take his eyes off her. “Afraid you’d what?”

  She lowered her voice. “Gone too far. When I tied you to the bed.”

  “Oh fuck, yeah,” Silas said. “You definitely need to marry her.”

  Seth laughed and ignored his brother. He raised his hand and touched her face. He’d been fighting the impulse to drag her into his arms since spotting her in the doorway. “Christ, Jody. I love you. I love your sassy, smartass comments. I love the way you lose your inhibitions when you drink, though I can promise you’ll never do tequila shots with anybody but me. I love how independent and smart and loyal you are. You’re the only woman in the world for me and if you wanna tie me up every night for the rest of our lives, so be it.”

  As he finished speaking, he bent down on one knee as Jody—and his mother —gasped. He took her hand in his as he looked into his beloved’s beautiful face. He quickly spotted a tear in her eye. “I love you, Jody Kirkland, and I wanna marry you. Wanna tie myself to you in the most binding, forever way possible.”

  She sucked in a breath that sounded suspiciously like a small sob, and then she nodded. “I want to tie myself to you too.”

  He kissed her hand, rising quickly to seal the deal with a stronger sentiment. He claimed her lips, only vaguely aware of the squeals of delight from his mother and Lucy, the loud, joyful laughter of his father and brothers.

  “Well, hot damn,” JD said. “Looks like we got a wedding to look forward to.”

  His father’s words permeated the lust consuming him and he pulled away, suddenly concerned. Jody blinked in surprise at his quick retreat.

  “I wanna get married right away,” he said, realizing time wasn’t on his father’s side. There was no one he wanted at his wedding more than JD. “No long engagement.”

  Jody laughed and pointed to her dress. “Sweetheart, if there was a minister here, I’d marry you tonight.”

  “Oh no,” Vicky cried out, rushing over to where he and Jody stood. “I want a proper wedding. We can hold it right here at the ranch. Lots of flowers and friends and a big-ass party afterward.”

  Jody turned to Vicky, grinning. “That sounds terrific.”

  Vicky paused in her planning, realizing she was putting the cart before the horse. “Hell, darlin’, here I am organizing your wedding and I haven’t even introduced myself. I raised my son to have better manners, but it’s clear he’s a wee bit too distracted tonight to do the introductions himself. I’m Vicky Compton, Seth’s momma.”

  Jody reached out to shake his mother’s hand, but Vicky shook her head, reaching out instead to envelop Jody in a big hug. “Nope. None of that,” Vicky said, tightening her grip. “You’re gonna be my daughter soon. And given what I’ve just seen here tonight, I’d say you and I are gonna get along real good.”

  Seth watched Jody return the embrace and saw the first tear fall. When they parted, Jody quickly swiped at her damp cheek. “I’m Jody Kirkland.”

  “Kirkland?” JD asked, coming to stand beside his wife. “Thomas’s little girl?”

  Jody nodded.

  “Well, now, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to your daddy quite a few times over the years. Great man.”

  Jody smiled, proudly. “Yes, he is,” she agreed, accepting JD’s hug.

  Seth introduced the rest of his family as they each took turns hugging his bride-to-be, welcoming her to Compass Ranch.

  Finally, his parents and brothers ret
urned to the dining room, so that he and Jody could be alone.

  They grabbed her suitcase out of the car, and Seth carried it to his bedroom. She studied his childhood room as he shut and locked the door behind them.

  “Nice room,” she said.

  He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his fingers rubbing the soft silk.

  She laughed softly. “My father going to have a field day with the I told you so’s.”

  He pressed a light kiss on the top of her head. “What do you mean?”

  “He said you’d never leave me, that your sudden disappearance would be easily explained and that I’d misunderstood.”

  He turned her, bending down to kiss her. “I’m so sorry about that damn note. I don’t understand—”

  She placed her finger against his lips. “It’s okay. We’re here now. Together.”

  Her words, though wonderful, reminded him of why they were in Wyoming.

  She studied his face, a frown creasing her brow. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  He blinked, amazed at how astute she was. Having her here was the answer to a prayer. He’d felt alone and adrift for days, trying to come to terms with his father’s illness. Now that she was with him, the cracks in his composure widened. He swallowed, unable to speak.

  “Damn,” she whispered, turning quickly. “Take this silly dress off me. It’s too bulky. I need to be closer to you.”

  He unzipped the dress, watching as she pushed it off. Stepping out of the voluminous material, she took his hand in hers. She was wearing only a bra and panties, but even that glorious sight couldn’t wipe away his fears, his pain.

  “Tell me. Say it fast. It’ll be easier. Daddy said you came home because of a family emergency. I thought it was because of Silas, but he looked fine just now.”

  “My father is dying,” he said, the words shattering him.

  She didn’t say a word. Simply led him to a chair in the corner and pushed him into it. The second he sat down, she climbed onto his lap and gathered him into her embrace. She wrapped her arms about his neck and held him tightly.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  Her words were his undoing and he let the tears he’d held at bay fall. Men weren’t supposed to cry, he’d always heard that, always been able to abide by that unspoken law. This time he couldn’t. He was with Jody and she’d never judge him as weak, never think less of him for falling apart. He locked his arms around her waist and let her comfort him as the tears fell.

  They were silent for several minutes as Seth soaked up her warmth, let her strength renew his spirit. He wasn’t alone anymore. That realization made everything so much easier to bear.

  Finally she loosened her hold, leaning back to look at him. With gentle hands, she wiped away the wetness on his face. “I love you.” She followed her words with a soft kiss.

  She started to pull away, but he followed her lips, not wanting to let her go. He gripped her face, holding her close as he let himself fall into her kisses. He needed to escape. Needed something pure and good and wonderful to wash away the heavy feelings weighing him down.

  “Make me forget, Jody. For a little while, take me away from here. I need you.”

  She placed her hand against his cheek, nodding once. She leaned forward to place her lips on his—the light touch soothing, comforting.

  Then her fingers reached for the buttons on his shirt. He deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue into her mouth. He wanted her, more than he’d ever wanted anyone.

  She sensed what he needed as her fingers moved faster along the buttons. By the time she reached the last two, she gave up and pulled the shirt apart roughly, the material tearing.

  He rose, lifting her off his lap, but not leaving the sanctuary of her lips. He kicked off his shoes and, together, they hastily worked to free him of his pants. Backing her up slowly, he trapped her legs against his mattress as he stripped off her bra and panties. They were both panting by the time he pushed her onto the bed.

  Her legs opened to welcome him, and he didn’t waste a second as he accepted all that her body offered. He pushed into her wet heat in one thrust, both of them groaning with relief and arousal. For the first time since returning to Wyoming, he knew he was truly home. With Jody by his side, he could handle whatever life threw his way. She gave him strength and hope.

  He pounded into her body, each thrust a promise that he’d always care for her, always be there, always love her.

  They came together, a rush of power and joy flowing through him. It wasn’t until he pulled out that another realization crashed down on him.

  He looked at her face and saw she’d recognized the same thing. She smiled, showing him she wasn’t mad.

  “Maybe it’s a good thing we’re planning a quick wedding. Given the fact, I can’t seem to remember the damn condom,” he said.

  He rolled to her side and caressed her cheek as they lay facing each other on the bed.

  She put her arm around his waist, her hand drifting up to touch his tattoo. “I hope we did make a baby,” she admitted. “I want a family, just like yours. Lots of kids.”

  He chuckled. “Not exactly like mine. I want a little girl. One who looks just like you.”

  She kissed him softly. “You might regret that wish one day.”

  He shook his head. “Never. I want her to have your chestnut hair, your bright blue eyes…”

  “My impertinent ways and love of four-letter words?” she added, teasingly.

  He laughed, rolling over to tuck her beneath his body. His cock was hard and ready for her again. “Especially those two things.”

  “I love you, cowboy.”

  He kissed her as he pressed into her body once more. “I love you too, darlin’. Now how about we try again to make that sassy little girl?”

  About the Authors

  Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr met at a writing conference in June 2009 and instantly became arch-enemies. Two authors couldn't be more opposite. Mari, when free of her librarian-by-day alter ego, enjoys a drink or two or…more. Jayne, allergic to alcohol, lost huge sections her financial-analyst mind to an epic explosion resulting from Mari gloating about her hatred of math. To top it off, they both had works in progress with similar titles and their heroes shared a name. One of them would have to go.

  The battle between them for dominance was a bloody, but short one, when they realized they’d be better off combining their forces for good (or smut). With the ink dry on the peace treaty, they emerged as good friends, who have a remarkable amount in common despite their differences, and their writing partnership has flourished. Except for the time Mari attempted to poison Jayne with a bottle of Patron. Accident or retaliation? You decide.

  Jayne and Mari can be found troublemaking on their yahoo loop at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Heat_Wave_Readers/join

  You can follow their book-loving insanity on Twitter or Facebook or send them a personal note at contact@jaynerylon.com or carmichm1@yahoo.com.

  Look for these titles by Jayne Rylon

  Now Available:

  Ménage and More

  Nice and Naughty

  Three’s Company

  Dream Machine

  Men in Blue

  Night is Darkest

  Razor’s Edge

  Powertools

  Kate’s Crew

  Morgan’s Surprise

  Kayla’s Gift

  Compass Brothers (with Mari Carr)

  Northern Exposure

  Coming Soon:

  Eastern Ambition

  Western Ties

  Powertools

  Kayla’s Gift

  Devon’s Pair

  Look for these titles by Mari Carr

  Now Available:

  Because of You

  Black & White

  Erotic Research

  Tequila Truth

  Learning Curves

  Rough Cut

  Happy Hour

  Power Play

  Compass
Brothers (with Jayne Rylon)

  Northern Exposure

  Coming Soon:

  Black & White

  Slam Dunk

  Compass Brothers (with Jayne Rylon)

  Eastern Ambition

  Western Ties

  All roads lead home when that’s where you’ve left your heart.

  Northern Exposure

  © 2011 Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr

  Compass Brothers, Book 1

  Silas Compton always had his eye on Lucy, the veterinarian’s daughter. He was even content to wait for the girl of his dreams to grow up before getting anywhere near her with his family’s double-edged legacy.

  Waiting around led to fooling around with his best friend—and an impulsive eruption of desire that Lucy’s innocent eyes weren’t meant to see. Figuring Compton Pass wasn’t big enough for either the three of them or the pain he’d caused, Silas let loose his tightly reined wanderlust and headed for Alaska.

  Ten years later, when an oil rig accident sends him home, he braces himself for the reopening of old wounds. Instead he finds himself in the care—and welcoming arms—of Lucy and Colby, whose marriage has plenty of room for the man they both still love. And forgive with all their hearts.

  As things start to unravel at Compass Ranch, Silas must dig deep for the strength to assume his rightful place in the Compton family…and lay the foundation for a future with his lovers. If he can forgive himself.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Northern Exposure:

  “Colby! JD!”

  Lucy didn’t give a damn if she spooked every animal on the ranch. The screen door to the main house slammed behind her. She screamed for her husband again as she tore along the porch and crossed the yard, past the freshly painted barn.

  Ranch hands stared at the unusual display, several jogging after her to offer assistance. None of them would do.