by Ronica Black
Immediately, Krista felt resentment. Dwight wouldn’t even look at her. And Clinton sat rubbing his hands together. She decided to go on the offensive. “Well, I think we do need to talk about the ranch. As promised, I went over the numbers again.” She took a breath and looked to her aunt. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t see how to make it work. We need to sell the ranch.”
There was rustling of sorts as everybody repositioned themselves and began clearing nervous throats.
“That’s unacceptable,” Judith let out. “And that’s exactly why Rae’s here.”
Confused, Krista asked, “I’m sorry, am I missing something?”
Rae bent the bill of her ball cap in her hands. “Judith called me for some advice. She’s hoping that I can help you figure out a better way, other than selling.”
“I don’t see how that’s possible. Unless you’re prepared to buy the ranch?” The resentment trailed out on her voice. How was this woman in any way qualified to handle this situation? And if Rae’s help was so important, Krista wondered why had they asked her to drop her life and come out here in the first place.
“Actually, I am prepared to invest in Wyler Ranch. If that’s what it’s going to take.”
“Excuse me?” Krista couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I don’t want the ranch sold, Krissy,” Judith said.
Krista turned to her aunt quickly. “I got that. Loud and clear.”
“You’re upset.”
“I’m not upset, Aunt Judith. Just confused. I guess I’m wondering why I was called here to begin with. It sounds like you and your friends,” she glared at Rae, “have got it all figured out.”
“Your aunt just thought you could use some help, since you aren’t experienced, as far running a ranch goes,” Rae explained.
“Is that so?” Krista rose, unable to sit still any longer. The vet’s eyes were penetrating. Too penetrating.
“I still want you in charge,” Judith added. “You’re family. And a smart businesswoman. I know you’ll take good care of things.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Don’t sass me, young lady,” Judith snapped.
“Do you think I like doing this?” Krista demanded. “You think I want to sell the ranch? You think I want to sell the one thing that means the world to you?”
The cowboys lowered their eyes.
“Well, I don’t.”
“Krissy, calm down,” Judith said.
“I’m sure together we can come up with a solution.” Rae looked sincere and determined.
Krista placed her hands on her hips and did her best to breathe as she looked to her aunt. “You know I love you.”
“Yes I do. And I know you’ll do as I wish.”
Krista didn’t respond. She merely nodded.
“Good, then I want you to work with Rae,” Judith concluded. “Find a way to keep the ranch running. For me. For your uncle. It’s my final wish.”
With those words echoing in her mind, Krista quietly walked out the door.
Chapter Five
The cigarette tip burned between Krista’s fingers. Its scent, along with numerous others, was too overwhelming for her to pay it any mind. She glanced around the smoky lesbian bar, unable to concentrate on anyone for longer than a second or two. Her mind was on the ranch and the words her aunt had spoken earlier that day. And Rae. Who the hell did she think she was? Krista would be damned if she was going to work this out with a perfect stranger. And she wouldn’t even allow her mind to linger on the attraction she’d felt for her.
“Fuck,” she said softly and stubbed out the cigarette. She hadn’t ever smoked before. But she needed something to comfort her.
“With pleasure,” a woman’s voice whispered in her ear.
Krista turned and found a short-haired dyke staring her down, inches from her face.
“Really?” Krista resisted the urge to roll her eyes. The woman wasn’t bad looking, just a little too cocky. A huge turn-off.
“Yeah.” The stranger’s hand rested on Krista’s forearm.
“Not tonight, chief.” Krista shook out another cigarette, needing an excuse to move her arm.
“Why not?”
“Because.” But she didn’t have a good reason, not one that made any sense. The self-assured woman saw her chance and took it quickly, grabbing the lighter and assisting Krista with firing up her smoke.
Krista inhaled sharply and fought the urge to cough. Suddenly feeling playfully curious, she studied her new companion. Her hair was dark with red streaks, cut short and spiked, her T-shirt tight fitting, and her watch oversized. She was shorter and smaller in stature than Krista’s five foot six but she made up for it with attitude. She was cute and very much interested.
“How old are you?” Krista asked, feeling a slow smile spread across her face.
“How old do you want me to be?”
“Legal would be nice.” Maybe this was what she needed. A mindless fuck to help get her head straight. Yes. God, suddenly nothing sounded better.
“Well, you’re in luck. I’m twenty-one.” She reached out and stroked Krista’s arm with her fingertips.
“Goody, goody,” Krista replied, allowing a false sense of bravado to overtake her. She stood, stubbed out her cigarette, and dug in her pocket for her car keys. “You coming?” she asked, raising an amorous eyebrow as she headed for the door.
Forty-five minutes later, Krista was sitting on the back of the Z, the roof down, with her legs slung over the headrests, staring into the brilliant purple-blue sky as the younger woman licked up her thighs. They’d driven hurriedly from the club and left the main road far behind for a secluded spot in the nearby desert. Their clothes had soon come off after a heated session of aggressive kisses. And now the young woman had her knees in the seats, groaning as she knelt and leaned in closer.
Eyes closed, Krista clutched the spiked hair and tried to just feel rather than think. But a face flashed in her mind. Classic, tan and angled, with a friendly, heart-melting smile. Krista opened her eyes, frustrated. She focused on the head moving up between her legs, felt the agile tongue find her clit. Yes, this was what she needed. She just had to put everything else out of her mind.
A strong, warm hand shook hers. The smile was genuine, the gorgeous face partially hidden by a ball cap. Her aunt’s words echoed in her mind.
“Damn it!” Krista tugged back on the spiked hair.
The woman looked up her with heavy-lidded eyes. Her mouth was open, her lips swollen and hungry with desire.
“What’s wrong?” She grinned.
Krista stared hard, determined to take this pleasure. “What’s your name?”
“Erica.”
“Erica?” God, she was young. But that wasn’t the problem.
“But I can be whoever you want me to be.”
Can you be a thirtysomething vet with a face I won’t soon forget? Krista winced.
“I’ll do whatever you want,” Erica continued. “You’re so hot, you could charge people to do you.” Her grin widened as she inched her way closer and extended her tongue.
Krista watched as it lined her flesh, swirling around and around, causing her to twitch with need as it moved closer and closer to her swollen red clit.
“Yes,” she hissed as the tongue found her, pressing and flicking. With her head craned back and her eyes fixed on the evening sky, she focused only on Erica’s words. “You could charge people…”
“Yes, yes.” She was finally feeling it. The tongue flickered and then pressed and then lapped. “Yes,” she whispered, getting closer now. Rae’s face resurfaced in her mind and she let it mingle with Erica’s words. “Yes…yes!” she cried out as the idea took shape in the darkening sunset.
She laughed and threw her head back again. The answer was right there. Right there in the night sky, a star just waiting for her to reach out and pluck it. I could charge people to work the ranch.
She’d seen it on TV. Krista felt
lighter suddenly, like she could just float right up off the car. Erica laughed along with her, her mouth barely lifting from Krista’s aching flesh. As the pressure increased again and a desperately needed orgasm built, Krista closed her eyes and allowed the handsome face in her mind to remain. She wished with all her might that it was the one between her legs.
Chapter Six
“Your aunt’s in a mood today,” Sonja warned over morning coffee.
Krista chuckled softly and took a sip of the piping hot liquid. “I can handle it.”
She was relaxed and at ease within herself. Finally, she’d figured out a way to solve their big problem. Finally, she’d gotten some much-needed sleep even though she’d got in late.
“I’m glad you think so.” Sonja smiled. “Because she’s waiting for you.”
Krista poured coffee into another mug, then picked up her own to head down the hallway, wondering what it was her aunt had to say. She fought off a nervous yawn, remembering the night before. She’d come three times, calling out into the desert night while silently calling to Rae, a woman she didn’t even know. It had been the only way she could find the release she’d needed, even if the climaxes were short-lived.
Feeling better than she had in days and hoping her aunt was as well, she said, “Knock, knock,” as she reached the master bedroom. “Good morning, Aunt Judith.”
She entered quietly, aware of her sleeping uncle in the opposite bed, and kissed her aunt on the forehead.
“Every morning I’m still here is a good morning,” Judith teased, accepting the coffee with feeble-looking hands. “Well, maybe not for those around me.”
Krista pulled up the chair that was resting against the wall. She sat and sipped her coffee as her eyes adjusted to the low light the one open set of blinds let in. The bedroom hadn’t changed much over the years, with the exception of the hospital bed and beeping vitals machines. Her aunt’s own artwork still hung on the walls. Bright watercolors of the surrounding mountains and valleys at sunset, cattle grazing next to large saguaros, a red-shouldered hawk sitting on a fence, all of it captivating and beautiful. Krista remembered watching her paint the one of the hawk. The bird represented the ranch, Judith had said.
Krista felt Judith watching her. The blue eyes were lively and penetrating. Judith took a long, loud sip before she spoke. “I’m disappointed in you, Krissy.”
Krista rested her mug in her upturned palm. “Oh?”
“Taking off yesterday like you did. It was rude.”
“I’m sorry, I—”
But Judith cut her off.
“I was really hoping you would talk with Rae. I’m counting on you. I thought at the very least you’d grant my last wish.”
Krista let her finish and felt herself flush with emotion. She set down her mug on the bedside table and took her aunt’s frail but warm hand. She had run out, too caught up in her own anger to notice anything else. It must’ve looked bad. “Aunt Judith, I’m sorry for leaving like that.”
“And after all the bragging I did about you to Rae.” Judith tsked.
Krista lowered her head, wondering what the vet must think of her. And then she wondered why she even cared.
“I’ll apologize to her when I see her again.” Which she hoped wouldn’t be anytime soon. She didn’t have time to have sudden feelings for anyone right now.
“Good, she should be here any minute now.”
Krista tensed.
“I asked her to come over early this morning. So you two could talk.”
Krista felt herself redden. “Damn it, Judith, I don’t need any help.”
“You watch your tongue, missy,” Judith scolded.
Krista started to explain, but they were interrupted by a soft knock. The handsome vet poked her head in and smiled a warm smile.
“Rae. Come in, come in,” Judith welcomed.
Rae walked in, hands pressed to her side, wearing faded Wranglers, worn boots, and a fresh, tight-fitting white T-shirt. Dark, thick nipples showed off the braless chest. Her short dark hair was thick and wet, the strong scent of an arousing, spicy cologne resonating from her. She bent and kissed Judith on the cheek, her forearms flexing as she carefully embraced her.
Krista swallowed against the rising lump in her throat, fighting both resentment and attraction and then hating herself for each unwelcome emotion.
“Krista was just telling me how sorry she was for running out on us yesterday.” Judith raised her eyebrows at her niece.
Krista met Rae’s deep hazel eyes. Instantly, she thought of the previous night and how she had come courtesy of the same mysterious eyes. Her flush grew hotter.
“Yes, please forgive me for leaving like I did,” she said, her pride hurt. Embarrassed at her physical reaction to Rae, she looked away.
Carefully, Rae sat on the foot of the bed and Krista could feel the woman looking at her.
“I’m not here to step on your toes,” Rae offered, her voice low and sincere. “I want you to know that.”
Krista met her eyes and sucked in a quick breath at the intensity she saw there. Never before had eyes melted her, had a face haunted her. She looked away quickly and patted her aunt’s hand, anxious to escape from the room. This woman stirred her in more ways than she could handle. She’d felt attraction before, the intense want and desire for another woman. But this was different. This was more. She not only felt for Rae physically, she wanted to know her. What made her laugh, what made her smile? What exactly was it that swam in the depths of those eyes?
“I’ve got good news.” Krista spoke in her most businesslike manner, desperate to hide her escalating feelings. “I’ve got a solution to our problem.”
“Oh?” Judith seemed surprised while Rae sat in silence, waiting.
“It just came to me.” Krista thought back to the exact moment when it had indeed come to her. She cleared her throat, embarrassed by her memory. “I’ve decided to turn the ranch into a dude ranch.” She smiled, victorious.
Judith moved her thin lips but said nothing. She looked to Rae, still saying nothing.
Rae finally spoke, her eyes searching pools. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m afraid I don’t, either,” Judith said.
“It’s simple, really,” Krista said. “We charge people to come here and round our cattle.” You could charge people… She shook the voice from her head. “We charge them to come help run the ranch.”
Judith simply stared. She cupped her hands around the coffee mug and looked to Rae.
Krista placed determined hands on her hips. “It can work. I know it will. The guests can stay in the bunkhouses, they can ride our horses and herd our cattle. I’ve spent the past hour researching online, and from what I’ve read I know we can do it.” She motioned to Rae. “You said yourself that you’re willing to invest…” Even though she was desperate to get away from Rae, Krista needed to sell her the idea.
Rae looked to Judith and nodded. “I would have to know more of the details, but it sounds like a good idea.”
Krista nearly collapsed with relief. She gave Rae her best smile and was surprised when the vet’s cheeks darkened a little.
“I don’t know,” Judith said.
To their left Clinton was sitting up in bed. He slung his long legs over the side and stood in his white boxer shorts to slip into his jeans. “It’s a good idea. The ranch would make money.”
He buttoned his pants and slid his arms into one of his numerous, freshly pressed denim shirts. With his white hair standing up in the back, he straightened his shirt and walked out of the room, no further words spoken. All three women watched him go, stunned by his well-voiced opinion.
“Well hell,” Judith proclaimed, “I guess if Clinton thinks it’s a good idea and he’s losing his mind, then it must be a good idea.”
Krista laughed, happy for the first time in weeks.
Rae chuckled and stood. “I guess I better get to work.” She kissed Judith again on the cheek.
“Not
so fast,” Judith said. “You and Krista need to talk about this some more.”
Rae sunk her hands in her back pockets. “Sure.”
Krista nodded, unwilling to argue any further. She too gave her aunt a kiss and followed Rae out into the hallway.
As they entered the living room, Rae turned to her and offered a smile. “I really do think it’s a good idea. If your aunt and uncle want the ranch to continue on.”
“It will work. I’ll see that it does,” Krista said, setting the boundaries.
Rae studied her a moment. “Okay,” she said softly, obviously catching the hint. She was about to say more but Clinton walked into the room, hair still a mess, carrying a mug of steaming coffee, his face one of surprise.
“Krissy, when did you get here?”
Krista sighed, having gone through this countless times already. “I’ve been here awhile, tío.”
His eyes remained widened in surprise but the neatly stacked fire logs against the wall caught his attention. Krista and Rae watched as he set down his coffee to rearrange the pile.
“Well, as you can see, I have a lot to take care of here, so I better get to it,” Krista said.
“I love this ranch,” Rae said seriously. “In many ways it’s been like a second home to me. And I respect your aunt Judith, more than anyone else I know. She wants me to help you with the ranch and I want to grant her wishes.”
Krista placed her hands on her hips. “I appreciate your loyalties, Dr. Jarrett.”
“Please, call me Rae.”
The request startled Krista, though she didn’t know why. “Rae,” she breathed. Who are you? And why do you affect me so? “Look, I promise I’ll call you if I need any help.”
Rae clenched her perfect jaw and nodded in obvious frustration. After a brief, silent moment, she brushed by Krista and walked out the front door, her lingering scent spinning Krista’s mind.
*
“Holy fuck, is that her?” Lindsay wanted to know.
Lindsay Cassidy was Rae’s assistant and her best friend for as long as she could remember. Rae pulled her dually truck into the front gravel drive of Wyler Ranch. She briefly studied the freshly painted house and cattle pens and then, spotting Krista, she answered, “Yes.”