“Charlee!” Cyrus called her over, and she walked with him down to mouth of the canyon.
Justice turned to Trace and slapped him on the back of the head. “What was that all about?”
“I’m sorry, I just meant she was hot.”
His apology was almost worse than his insult. “Charlee is very important to me.” He raised his finger at all three of the other men. “I want her to feel welcome in our home. Got it?”
“Of course,” all three of them murmured.
“She is welcome,” Jase reiterated. “She always was. We didn’t run her off.” The moment he said the words, he knew he’d hit a sore spot with his big brother. He saw Justice’s face harden. “I didn’t mean—”
“Forget it.” Justice waved off his apology. Charlee was walking back up.
“Day after tomorrow, bright and early, we’ll fill the hole.” She smiled, contented that everything was going as planned. “I’ll notify the sheriff’s department and let them know exactly what and when we’re doing things. I’ll also make sure we’ve filed all the necessary permits.”
“I’m glad I have you.” He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t ever doubt it. Okay?”
“Okay, I believe you.” She smiled, but the smile didn’t seem to reach her eyes. As they walked back to his truck, Justice realized this wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought it was. He and Charlee had some unresolved issues. He had hurt her, maybe more than he realized. Serendipity or fate or just dumb luck was giving them a second chance. If there had been no sinkhole, Charlee wouldn’t have come back to him—and that would have been a tragedy.
The day passed quickly. They returned to his office to meet a representative from the highway department. When they weren’t doing business, they talked—about everything. Movies they’d seen. Things that had happened in the world. Their feelings on issues. Charlee and Justice were catching up. And they touched. Always touching—hand holding, walking close, his arm around her shoulder. Gradually they were getting back to where they were, except now it was all new and different with the added dimension of sexual attraction.
After lunch, when they passed through the doors of the El Camino main house, Charlee paused to absorb the moment. The memories came flooding back. “Want to freshen up?” Justice asked.
“Yes, please.” She followed him up to his suite.
“You could use a guest suite, or you could shower with me.” He gave her a come-hither look.
“Some of your family is back. I don’t feel comfortable.” Ignoring his come-hither look—which was hard—she occupied herself by inspecting his room. To say it had changed since the last time she’d been here was an understatement. Gone were the trappings of boyhood. Instead of posters on the walls, there was Western art, original if she wasn’t mistaken. Instead of game consoles there was state of the art media equipment. And that wasn’t all. “You got a new bed.”
He looked at the huge California King. “Well, I’m bigger now.”
Her eyes were drawn to the area below his belt buckle.
“Ah-ha!” He chortled, catching onto her focus. “You have turned into such a perv.”
Charlee giggled as he lunged for her, managing to slip from his grasp. “It’s all your fault. If you weren’t so good-looking, I wouldn’t have lusted after you all these years.”
“CHARLEE!!”
A feminine voice from the hall caused Charlee to wheel around. “Abby! Cade!” Overjoyed, she went to greet them, followed closely by Justice. “Congratulations! How was the honeymoon?”
“Unforgettable.” Abby Grace glanced adoringly at her new husband before hugging her brother.
“How did you two get here? I thought your flight didn’t arrive for a few hours. Someone was coming after you, we didn’t intend to leave you stranded.”
Cade shook Justice’s hand. “Our flight was early, so we hired a car.”
“I’m just glad you two are back safely.” Justice beamed at them both. “Charlee’s home. We’ve reconnected. She’s going to be having dinner with us, I’m about to go throw something on the grill.” That was the only explanation he gave, but Abby Grace’s eyes got wide as silver dollars.
“Hey, why don’t you take me out and show me this sinkhole? I saw the twins downstairs, and they were trying to explain to me what’s going on.” Cade motioned to the door.
“Charlee saved the day, actually.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Come on with me, brother-in-law, I’ll explain everything.”
“We’ll fix supper while you’re gone,” Abby said with a smile as she hooked her arm through Charlee’s. “You can grill another day. We need to have some time for girl talk.”
When the men were gone, Abby led her downstairs to the big kitchen. A bit nervous, Charlee just plunged right in. “I guess you’re wondering what I’m doing here.”
Abby was nonplussed. “Actually, I’m just grateful you are.” Justice’s sister opened the freezer and took out a couple of containers. “Lasagna, I made it a few weeks ago. I think this is a good time to use it.”
“Can I help?”
“Sure, there are salad makings in the crisper.” Abby pointed to the refrigerator.
Charlee pulled out lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and an avocado. “Grateful? This whole thing is pretty crazy, but I’m glad to help.” She went on to explain her association with the state environmental board.
“Oh, I’m certainly thankful for whatever you’re doing about our little natural disaster. But that’s not what I’m talking about.” Abby turned to her. “I’ve missed you.”
Charlee started to cry. Once upon a time they’d all been so close. “I missed you too.” She didn’t go into the adoption or the misunderstandings between her and Justice. Maybe she would one day. Right now things with Justice were too new and too fragile.
But Abby had no such qualms. “I don’t know where you’ve been or why you stayed away so long, but having you back will make all the difference.”
“I don’t understand.” Charlee tore up the lettuce leafs into a bowl.
“After you left, Justice changed. He withdrew, became distant. Already I can see the difference.”
Charlee shook her head. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
“Oh yes, you don’t understand. When you left, the light went out of his eyes.”
Charlee’s heart lurched in her chest. “What do you mean?”
“For want of a better word, he mourned you, Charlee.” Abby tried to explain. “He dated women...”
“Zelda,” Charlee injected quickly, although she wished she’d bitten her tongue.
Abby waved her hand. “He did see her for a while. But they never had the connection you two did. Not that she didn’t try, believe me.”
“Justice said she didn’t want to live here.” Charlee started buttering bread to go with the lasagna, which was now warming in the oven. “She’s beautiful, you have to admit they’re perfect for one another.” Yea, she knew her insecurity was showing.
“Nonsense. They weren’t compatible, they didn’t have the connection you two had. You and Justice are soulmates, you always have been. I’ve known that from the time I knew about the birds and the bees.”
Charlee sighed. “I hope so, Abby. You know he’s always been my world, but we had a hard time for the last few years I was here. I couldn’t hide how I felt about him, and he didn’t feel the same way. Kids were cruel to both of us.”
“If he didn’t feel the same say about you, deep down, then how do you explain what’s happening now?”
Abby’s argument didn’t convince Charlee. “I can’t. Honestly, I keep expecting to wake and find it’s all in my head. From the moment we ran into each other, he’s been…amazing. Justice has been like he used to be when we were close, except its more. Now things are like I always dreamed they’d be, and I’m so afraid something is going to happen to mess it up.” Like him finding out about the baby.
“You and Justice belong together, Charle
e. All you need is faith.” Charlee hoped so. More and more she was struggling with the idea of telling him everything. She had to, or there was no use to even dream of anything more.
All she needed now was the right time.
CHAPTER TWELVE
To Charlee’s surprise, dinner went smoothly. The twins entertained everyone with the story of their latest romantic fiasco. “We should have seen it coming. I can’t believe we were so naïve.” Trevor threw his napkin on the table. Charlee was still in shock over the change in them, now they were big men with Channing Tatum faces and a body to match—which she only noticed in passing. Lusting after one King was all she could handle.
“Don’t tell me you two haven’t done something similar before?” Cade asked, grabbing another slice of garlic bread.
“No, we haven’t,” Trace said, sharing his brother’s opinion of the affront. “They played us. Twins, like us, pretending they were the same person just to see if they could stir up trouble between Trevor and me.”
“Sounds like they were a handful.” Abby tried to hide a grin. “Are you going to see them again?”
“I doubt it,” Trevor said between bites. “Twins dating twins is just asking for trouble and we don’t need much more of that.”
“I agree,” Jase added. “It’s going to be a cold day in August before I fall for another woman.”
Abby rubbed her arms, sending her brother an amused look. “I just felt a chill, Jase. I think you’ll have to eat those words someday.”
Charlee was enjoying herself, she felt like part of the family again. After a dish of ice cream for dessert, Justice rose.
“I’m glad all of you are back in the fold. I haven’t heard from Shiloh and that worries me a little. If he calls here, someone let me know.”
“Justice, we’re going to crash here in Abby’s old room for a few weeks if that’s all right with you?” Cade asked.
“We’re renovating my house.” Abby explained to Charlee.
“This is your home, Cade. Yours and Abby’s. You never have to ask.”
“Where are you off to, big brother?” Trevor asked with a sly look.
Justice put his hat on and held his hand out to Charlee. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Charlee and I want to be alone. We’re going for a little drive.” Back to the motel. But he kept that part to himself. “I’ll be back.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Trace snickered.
Justice put his arm around Charlee and shot the bird at his brothers on the way out. “Excuse me, Abby,” he called out to his sister.
“Thanks for everything. Good to see you all,” Charlee called over her shoulder as Justice rushed her out.
The drive back to the Bronco Inn started out quiet. He was holding her hand, their fingers entwined. Finally, Justice broke the silence. “I hope being with my family wasn’t uncomfortable for you. Sometimes they speak before their brain is fully engaged.”
“I love your family. Believe me, I know what hurt is. What your brothers do is either all in fun or out of concern for you. They aren’t being mean.”
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Do you remember when we used to help Dad hauling hay? You weren’t big enough to pick up bales, but he let you drive the truck.”
Charlee looked at him and smiled. Just like Abby said, Justice looked happy. “I was too short to see over the steering wheel, so he pushed the seat up and let me sit on a pillow.”
“You only ran over one tractor that year.” He teased, winking at her. “And do you remember the time Dad caught you out in the pasture digging holes with a shovel?”
“Yes, I went hunting baby calves, since you’d told me that was where they came from. No one would share the facts of life with me.”
“I think you’ve figured them out.” He reached over and tweaked her nipple, making Charlee jump.
Seeing which way the conversation was going, she lowered her voice. “I remember the time I caught you jacking off in the barn.” Charlee was staring at him and the only light was from the dashboard, but she could swear Justice blushed.
“You weren’t supposed to be there.”
“How...uh...often did you play with yourself? Make yourself cum?”
“I’m a guy, so often.”
“I never forgot how you looked, pumping your dick.” Just the thought was turning her pussy molten. Feeling bold, she slid her hand over to his lap and rubbed the swelling she found there. At the same time she reached between her own legs and rubbed.
Justice jerked. “Are you doing what I think you’re doing?”
“Uh-huh, I’ve sorta turned myself on,” she confessed breathlessly.
“You’ve turned us both on,” he groaned, but covered her hand with his. “Stop, it feels too good. I don’t want to wreck.” He slowed down. “Thank God we’re here, give me your key.”
They took the few steps to the door in a run. “Get naked.” They started pulling at their clothes, trying to kiss while they undressed. He finished first, then helped her, jerking her dress over her head. She panted under his kiss, and he slid his lips down her throat, nipping at the flesh, making her groan.
“Justice…” Charlee slid her hands from his shoulders to his neck, gripping his hair in her fist and yanking him near, feathering a kiss over his jaw, catching the lobe of his ear between her teeth.
His whole body shook. “You aren’t so innocent now, are you?”
“Aren’t you glad.” It wasn’t a question. “I’m more enthusiastic than experienced.” Placing both hands on his chest, she pushed. “Lie down.”
Horny beyond belief, he went willingly, grunting a little when she fell on top of him, her lips leaving a trail of sizzling kisses from his abs to his nipples. Where she surprised the hell out of him. Damn, if she didn’t take one between her fingers and the other between her lips and she played with him, teasing until he couldn’t speak or think, his hips bucked helplessly.
When her hand found its way to his groin and her little hand encircled his dick, he found his voice.
“Am I doing something right?” she whispered, her inner minx emerging as she pumped his cock.
“Perfect,” he growled. “Do it some more.”
Charlee was in heaven. She made herself happy, playing with his cock. Stroking him up and down, holding him tight, pumping fast. When she passed the pad of her thumb over the tiny hole at the tip, he bowed his back and bellowed. “Fuck, baby!”
Nothing—nothing would ever be the same. Charlee had changed everything for him. Sex was no longer sex, it was making love, and he couldn’t imagine doing it without anyone other than her. His cock was huge, harder than ever before, his arousal complete and every touch of her hand only added to the frenzy.
Until she went to her knees between his legs.
“God bless Texas,” he prayed.
Charlee smirked. She didn’t have any idea what this had to do with Texas, but she didn’t care. Justice slid his fingers into her hair, wrapping the length around his fist. “This is what I want.” He pressed gently, guiding her to his cock. When she showed him mercy, taking the head in her mouth, he almost levitated off the bed. It felt so damn good.
Looking down, Justice kept his gaze on her. There was nothing more erotic in the world. Her lips were stretched over his girth and her eyes were looking into his. She cradled him between her lips, her tongue tickling the end like she was enjoying an ice cream cone. This was no show, no act, she wanted to do this for him. When she moaned and swirled the head between her lips, he felt faint. “Suck me. Suck me hard and deep.”
For long ecstatic moments, she sucked, digging her nails into his thighs, bobbing her head up and down. When she felt him tense, she backed up, driving him insane, fisting his length and licking at his balls. “How in God’s name do you—”
He hissed when she took him back into her mouth, the warm wet heat blistering him with pleasure. Opening wide, Charlee let him sink deep to the back of her throat, then drew him for
ward, sucking so hard, his whole body followed. He reached for her. “I want inside.”
“No, let me.” She rose over him, straddling his thighs. “Give me your hand.” He did and she guided it between her legs. “Look how much I want you.” He looked—her pussy was pink, glistening swollen. Being buried deep inside of her was his favorite thing in the whole world.
“Beautiful.” Desire overwhelmed him. He placed a hand on her waist and steadied her. Taking his cock, he prepared to impale her. “You’re still wearing my star.”
“Yes, I am. Justice, wait,” she whimpered. “We need a condom, we don’t need to forget again.”
“You aren’t on birth control?” Clearly, he didn’t want to stop.
“No, no one before you, since you…only you,” she breathlessly confessed. “And I need to tell you something…”
His ego just grew too big for the room. “Hold on.” Reaching around her, he scrambled for his pants, digging into the pocket. “We wouldn’t want any accidents.”
Accidents. Accidents. The word battered her brain, but she, like him, was too invested in the ecstasy. When he was covered, she lifted up and helped him guide her down onto his erection. As before, the moment of their joining was sublime. She’d read where some women had no feeling, that foreplay or oral sex was what got them off. But for Charlee it was this—she craved him deep inside. The moment of penetration was rapture. “Ahhhh,” she exhaled. “God, I love…” This. You.
Feeling the flames devour him, Justice pulled Charlee down for a kiss while he pushed the rest of his cock into her snug pussy. Eating at her mouth, he felt her melt into him as he worked his way inside. Charlee was small, tight, providing him with perfect friction. He bit the inside of his mouth, anything to keep from embarrassing himself and shooting off deep within her before he’d made her cum. The fact that she was whimpering, purring, weaving her hands in his hair and undulating on top of him didn’t make it any easier.
“Good, baby?”
“Yes-s-s-s,” she keened, grinding herself down on him hard.
Loving Justice (El Camino Real Book 2) Page 17