by Diana Tobin
“So, that bed,” she pointed down the hall, “used to be in here.”
“Nope. Suzanne wanted a canopied queen bed.”
“Okay,” she dragged out the word, having trouble picturing Big Farmer JC in a frilly bed too small for him to share with his wife. “You have enough trouble with my little double bed. However did you manage?” Her face flushed as she realized what she’d said. “I mean, of course, you managed. You manage very well. I mean—I’m going to shut up now before I choke on my foot.”
JC laughed and lifted her up for a smacking kiss. “I never slept in here. I was only allowed in for conjugal visits. The fewer, and faster, the better.”
Lynn’s mind spun. The only time he was quick with her was to take the edge off his need…then, he more than made up for it immediately. “Your wife was an idiot.”
“Thank you, darlin’,” he said, letting her know she’d spoken her thoughts aloud. “Best thing she did for me was let me buy my freedom.”
“She took all this,” she waved her hand to encompass the empty room, “with her?”
“Oh, no. She wanted nothing to do with this dirty old farm, other than the money it could give her.” His lips turned down in disgust. “I sold every piece of the crap she had me fill this room with and bought myself a bed I could fit in.” He tugged her back across the hall to his small room. “Let’s see how well the two of us fit.”
Even with all the space the larger mattress allowed, JC kept her close to him through the night. For a man who had never been cuddled by his mother, nor his ex-wife, he certainly indulged with her. Lynn didn’t complain, knowing it was just one of the many things she’d miss when their affair ended.
JC and Lynn had made only one promise to each other; if either became attracted to someone else, or changed their mind about being together, they’d let the other know. Neither was willing to share while they were together.
Lynn knew keeping the promise would be no problem for her. She was coming to realize her feelings for JC ran deep, much deeper than she’d expected. But, she also knew he was hers only temporarily.
Shaking off her thoughts, she slipped into the sundress, thankful for the built-in bra. The fewer clothes, the better to help fight the hot humid day. She slipped her feet into a pair of tan sandals and grabbed up the bag holding her scrapbook supplies. After she got the farm stand open and ready for business, she would spend the day on her new hobby.
○◊○
JC stopped at the back of the house to hose off the dirt, sweat, and bits of hay sticking to him. Damn fool, Landers! He’d told the man to clean up his field, before JC arrived to cut down the weeds and bushes he’d let grow. Pete Landers had a bad habit of dumping broken down cars in his lower field. Often enough that others felt they could add to his junk pile.
Landers had wanted to borrow JC’s tractor to clean up his field. No way would JC allow someone else to use his equipment, especially a man like Landers who didn’t care for his own. The man couldn’t afford to pay him, so JC had struck a deal; he’d clear the field, once Landers had taken care of the junk. In exchange, JC would plant sunflowers next spring.
The deal had come to an abrupt end when JC barely missed running over a rusted muffler hiding in the tall grass. Cursing Landers for the lazy fool he was, and himself for believing the man would change, JC had headed home, driving to his barn on a little used road at the back of his property.
Cooler, and semi-clean, he tossed his filthy shirt on the doorstep and headed down to the farm stand where Lynn’s car was parked. He much preferred spending the afternoon with her.
“Hey, honey.” He leaned in the doorway. “You look pretty.” He liked the way her eyes lit up when she turned to him.
“JC.” Her smile told him how glad she was to see him. “You taking an early break?”
“You might say that. C’mere.” He crooked his finger to motion her over, but she was already headed for him. She reached up to give him a long hot kiss. A man could get mighty used to a greeting like that. “Mmm.” He licked his lips, savoring the taste of her.
Going back down off her toes, she asked, “Want a cold drink?”
“Yeah, but what I really want is to know what you’ve got on under that little dress.” He grinned at her.
She sashayed over to the cooler and lifted the lid. “As little as possible.”
Groaning, he stepped further in and closed and locked the door behind him. “You’re reading my mind, sweetheart. Let’s just—damn it!” The sound of tires on the gravel had him frowning. He peeked around the opening to see who had pulled up. “Damn it to hell!” He threw himself under the counter and held a finger to his lips.
“What are you doing?”
JC gave her a pleading look. “Don’t let them know I’m here,” he whispered.
Lynn closed the cooler and slipped over to stand at the counter. “Good morning, ladies. What can I help you with?”
“Isn’t this just the cutest!” A blonde woman, a few years younger than Lynn, pranced up to the stand as an older woman plodded behind. Both had long faces and large teeth, making Lynn think of horses.
“The place is absolutely gaudy,” stated the older woman.
“Well, I never would have thought of planting flowers in an old rusty…” she waved one perfectly manicured nail, “whatever that is.”
“Oh, they’re not planted in the milk can,” Lynn answered. “Those sunflowers are cut and for sale. Would you like some?”
“I should say not,” said the older woman. Lynn decided they must be mother and daughter. While the younger woman had a big phony smile plastered on her face, the mother had a sour expression, making Lynn wonder why they bothered to stop. “Sunflowers are so—common—and full of bugs.”
Lynn bit her lip to keep from saying anything, and JC patted the calf of one leg, as if in agreement.
“Is Benji here?”
Lynn blinked and JC’s hand tightened on her leg. “I’m afraid I don’t know who that is. This farm belongs to JC Benjamin. This is his stand.” She pointed upwards to indicate the sign on the roof as JC’s hand slid up her leg.
“I know that,” stated the young woman testily. “Just because I’m blonde doesn’t mean I’m stupid.”
“Pamela. There’s no need to explain yourself.”
Pamela flashed her mother an angry look. “That’s because you don’t have to hear all those dumb blonde jokes and pretend they don’t bother you.” Turning back to face Lynn, she said, “Where’s Benji? I know the sign says JC, but I’ve always called him Benji. My special name for him.” She said the last as if they’d shared much more.
Lynn’s eyes narrowed. “Well, I—” She caught her breath. JC had both hands under her skirt, sliding up the back of her thighs. “I couldn’t say where he is right now.” He gently squeezed her butt, showing he approved of her answer. “Did you want to leave a message for him?”
“Just tell him Pammy Simpson came by. What are these?” Pamela pointed to a large basket of blueberries on the counter.
Lynn sucked in a deep breath as JC edged her panties down her legs. “B-blueberries. I p-picked those earlier today.”
“We’ll take those.” Pamela dug into the large bag hanging on her shoulder.
Mrs. Simpson held up a hand to stop her. “What sort of pesticide does the farmer use?”
Lynn’s mouth fell open. JC had lifted one foot to slip her panties off. She clamped her legs together but he pulled her forward, pressing her belly into the counter and spreading her legs wider. “P-pesticide. I d-don’t believe JC—” His name sighed out as his clever fingers trailed from her ankles to the small of her back.
“Pay attention, girl!” Mrs. Simpson rapped her knuckles on the counter before turning to her daughter. “I don’t know why you think this farmer fellow is a good catch. Obviously, he doesn’t tend to business, and let’s some addlepated girl stand about.” She said the word girl with such contempt, Lynn was sure she’d have preferred using the word
tramp.
“I can assure you Mr. Benjamin always tends to business.”
JC now had his head under her skirt, kissing her knees and thighs. Lynn felt her knees weakening, wondering if she was about to collapse and expose what was happening under the counter.
“I suppose you’re trying to sell these dried up bits of flour, too.” Mrs. Simpson picked up one of the packaged cookies and tossed it on the counter. Her eyes widened when it didn’t crumble. She scowled as she poked it with one long thin finger, sinking into the freshness.
“That will be ten dollars for the cookie.” Lynn leaned forward to pull her display of cookies out of reach. The action pushed up her breasts so they were in danger of spilling out of the top of her dress.
The old nag skimmed her gaze across Lynn’s bodice. “I see you put your own wares on sale. Is that how you got Farmer Benjamin to hire you?”
Lynn sucked in a breath at the insult. JC made a move as if to get up and she placed a hand on his shoulder, silently telling him she had this under control. “I wouldn’t sell you my cookies if you were starving. If you want that basket of berries they’ll cost you thirty-five dollars.”
“Why, that’s highway robbery,” protested the older woman.
“Take it or leave,” Lynn stated between gritted teeth. “In fact, it’s best you leave. And, do so before I call the sheriff to report you for damaging goods.” She was rewarded with a kiss where JC’s fingers had been. Lynn turned her attention to Pamela. “If Benji wants to see you, I’m sure he knows how to get in touch. But, don’t count on it. Not as long as he’s mine.”
“Well, I never!” spouted Pamela.
“Believe me, it’s your loss. By the way, no one ever had to pay to have me…serviced.” Lynn pulled the basket of blueberries inside. Puffs of air blew across her nether regions as JC tried to quiet his laughter. “Leave. I’m closing for lunch.” She slammed the doors across the counter and locked them, then collapsed into JC’s lap.
○◊○
She pressed her forehead to JC’s bare chest trying to remember where they were. Lynn wore only her sandals and was sprawled across his very naked lap. Their skin was hot and sticky, and she thought they might be glued together for life. At the moment, she couldn’t understand why that wouldn’t be a good thing.
Memory slowly returned. JC locking the door, then hiding under the counter. The horse-faced Simpson women, whose sole purpose for stopping was to insult Lynn, while Pamela tried to get her hoofs—um—hooks, into JC. While Lynn chased away paying customers, JC had been busy under her skirt until she’d screamed out his name scaring away any wildlife in the area.
“Wow! I’m sorry. We might be permanently stuck together.”
His chest shook in mirth. He lifted her chin with one finger until their eyes met. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I fail to see the downside of being stuck together.” He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “Definitely, wow. You wow me every time.”
She smiled at his last statement, but it quickly faded. “I was very rude to your customers, but that old nag insulted us both. I may have ruined any chance you had with the filly.”
“Why are you talking about the Simpsons like they’re horses?” His dimples showed, so she didn’t think he was too upset.
“That’s what they made me think of with their long faces and big teeth. Well, Pammy had big teeth showing in her phony smile. She kind of pranced around like she didn’t know how to walk upright. Her mother complained about everything. I imagine she nags Pamela and her husband all the time.”
JC burst out in laughter, then hugged Lynn close and gave her a smacking kiss. “You pegged them perfectly. Thanks for warning them off.”
“I should’ve let you decide about Pam, but considering you chose to hide and left me to deal with them…” She shrugged one bare shoulder. “Thought if I staked my claim she might not return.”
“For that, I’m eternally grateful. She seemed to set her sights on me after the divorce.” He toyed with a strand of hair over her ear. “You’re not thinking about quitting work here at the stand, are you? I can understand if you don’t have the time, but don’t let those two fools chase you off. And, don’t take insults, either.”
Her lips quirked up. “You should’ve seen their faces when I told them to leave.”
He ran his hands down her back, over her butt seated firmly on his thighs, and down her legs. “I was very happy, and busy, with the view I had.”
“For a moment,” she stared into his eyes, “I thought I was going to keel over and they both would’ve seen just what was going on.”
He tilted his head to one side and grinned. “That would’ve let Pam know I wasn’t available for stud service. I’ve got my own little filly to please.”
“Um, about that . . .”
JC pressed his lips to hers. “Don’t ever be ashamed of anything we do together. I won’t ever force you to do something, especially if you aren’t enjoying it, too.” He shifted and winced. “One thing we have to do is put a quilt in here for these impromptu wow sessions. Pretty sure I’ve got a splinter in my ass. Worth it, but I’m gonna need your help getting it out.”
Lynn slowly lifted herself off and away. Standing, she smiled down at him. “I believe that will be my pleasure.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Hey, honey. Where are you?” JC sat in his truck. He’d arrived home to find the farm stand closed and no sign of Lynn.
“I’m at the Websters’ staying with Noah and little Emma. Didn’t you see my note?”
“Um, guess I missed it.” He wasn’t about to tell her he hadn’t even stepped inside the house yet. Although, the fact he’d called to learn her location should tell them both how far gone he was on her. “How long you gonna be there?”
“A few hours. Gusta and Web wanted a night out before all the hockey players arrive. I was about to fix supper for Noah and me. You want to join us?”
“You think that will be okay?” Hell, he hadn’t spent an evening babysitting since high school, and that had been to get his girl-of-the-week alone in a dark house.
“Let me check with the boss,” Lynn said laughing. He heard her call to Noah and ask if he minded having company. Laughter remained in her voice as she spoke to JC again. “Noah agreed, but I have to warn you, he’s a bit disappointed you’re not my sister.”
“Kid’s got a crush on Micki?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ll tell you about it later.”
“Be there as soon as I clean up.”
JC found Lynn’s note stuck to his bathroom mirror, which proved she knew his habits well. Too well? Okay, so he tended to head for the shower, once he greeted her. Who wouldn’t want to clean up after spending a day working out in the muggy heat? It didn’t mean anything that he expected to find her in his home at the end of the day. She seemed to enjoy being at the farm. She spent most afternoons running the farm stand and nights in his bed. Because his bed was bigger, that’s all. It was convenient. It had nothing to do with him being unable to sleep unless she was in his arms. And, even less that she fit into his life so well.
Maybe he should stay home. Not to prove he could get through one night without her, because of course he could, just to… Just to what? He should’ve said no when she invited him. Now the kid was expecting him. It was only a meal. No big deal. He’d eat, toss a ball or something with the little guy, get a kiss from Lynn, and come home for a good night’s rest. Alone.
Pulling on a pair of clean jeans and a cool cotton shirt he admitted to being a sap. He didn’t want to go a day without seeing her. He refused to think what that meant.
○◊○
Now that Noah Webster knew someone else was coming to play, he couldn’t contain his excitement. He ran from window to window, as if that would make JC arrive sooner. Lynn followed, the baby cradled in her arms, more to keep an eye on Noah than anxious to see JC. Okay, she was anxious to see JC, but she didn’t want Noah running out of the house before she could catch him.
>
Lynn liked sharing her day with JC, telling him what had sold at the stand that day. People were beginning to stop for her cookies as much as JC’s berries. Soon the berry season would come to an end and the pumpkins would be harvested. She’d found a rusted wheelbarrow, missing its tire, she planned to use for display. She also wanted some hay bales and had some ideas for a scarecrow or two.
Even more, Lynn liked hearing about JC’s day. Often he saw more people in one day than she did, except when working at Moose-ley Coffee. JC was a hard worker, doing many different jobs for many people. He’d mentioned once snow fell, and stayed, he’d put a blade on his tractor and plow roads and driveways, which meant being up and gone before most people were out of bed.
Who would take care of him on those bitter cold mornings? Send him off with hot coffee and have a hot meal ready when he returned home? The sad truth was…no one. No one had done it in the past, and the way he spoke, no one would do it in the future.
Lynn thought she’d like to take on the job, but not for a man who’d already decided nothing was forever. JC was more thoughtful and caring than either her father or Donald had ever thought of being. But, not once had he talked of a future that included the two of them. If anything, he took pains to remind her she need only say the word when their relationship no longer worked for her.
Was that his way of saying he’d let her be the one to end things? Or, a warning that they would come to an end?
“Dat him?”
Lynn blinked at Noah’s question. “What? Oh, yes. That’s JC.” He pulled in behind her car.
“Me go,” Noah stated.
“We’ll both go.” Lynn placed a hand on top of the toddler’s head to slow him down. She pushed the door open as JC reached the steps. “Watch out,” she warned. Lynn had seen Noah launch himself out the door to the waiting arms of his father and thought he might do the same to JC. Instead, Noah stopped at the threshold, then took a step back until he leaned against her legs.