by Piper Stone
Rex swiveled in her direction, his expression full of frustration. He kicked out and had her in his arms in mere seconds. “Don’t you dare ever do that to me again. Do you hear me? Do you?”
“I...”
“I’m serious. You scared me to death. I thought you’d been taken by the current. Drowned. I was terrified.” He held her arms, his grip firm and his entire body shaking.
“Whoa, I’m fine, Rex. I’m sorry. I was teasing you. I’m a great swimmer.”
“You infuriate me!” He yanked her into his arms, his grip tight.
“You care about me,” she whispered, nuzzling into his neck.
He eased back until their lips were touching. “This might sound crazy. Hell, maybe I am crazy but I’m falling in love with you. I think I was all those years ago.”
Taken aback, she flung her arms around his neck, wrapping her legs around his thighs. “Oh, Rex. I’m falling in love with you too.”
Crushing her mouth, he slid one arm under her buttocks, the other placed firmly around her waist. He thrust his tongue inside, the kiss wild, unrelenting. He swung her around, his fingers digging into her skin.
She was breathless with raging hunger as she clung to him, her heart racing, the electricity shooting between them. On fire and her yearning unbridled, she knew in her heart that this was the only man for her. There was no time or space, no method to fully comprehend how this could have happened so fast, but she refused to allow their respective horrors to interfere.
He forced their tongues to entwine and he opened his mouth wide, drinking in her essence, his hand tugging at her panties.
Running her hands down his chest, she dug her fingers into his skin and freed her legs, allowing him to yank off her panties. She was aware he tossed them somewhere, never breaking the moment of passion.
Gripping and lifting her hips, he impaled her pussy with his hard cock, driving deep inside. The French kiss became almost frantic as he pumped into her, plunging hard and fast.
He filled her with his girth and she clenched her cunt muscles, drawing him in even deeper. When he broke the kiss, she panted and tossed her head, fixing her eyes on the incredible blue sky. She arched her back, crushing her breasts against the tightness of his chest, laughing as stars floated in front of her eyes.
“Do you like this, little brat?’ he whispered as he moved his lips down her cheek to her neck, sucking and nipping as he turned in a full circle. He shifted his hips, thrusting in slow and even drives, the force pushing water all around them. Lowering his head, he swirled his tongue around her nipple, moving in lazy circles, the guttural sounds turning into growls.
“Yes. Yes!” Every time he thrust into her she gasped. No man had ever filled her this way, creating such intense ecstasy. This wasn’t about making love but hard fucking and she adored every minute.
Rex slid his lips back up to her chin, cupping both sides of her face. “I’m going to do really bad things to you.”
“Oh, dear God, I hope so.”
His actions because forceful, almost brutal; he plunged in and out, keeping his lips just touching hers, his breathing heavy.
She gripped his wrists, locking her feet together and the moment she knew he was ready to come, she squeezed, clamping down until his entire body began to shake. An orgasm raced up her toes, snaking up her legs and she tipped her head back, gazing at the sky, a smile on her face. “Oh!”
“Yes. My baby. Yes. Yes!” Panting, he pulled her head down, a loopy smile on his face. “You are... Whew, doggie. You’re one wild and hot woman.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, cowboy.”
A large clap of thunder interrupted their moment. Suddenly the skies opened up, rain coming down in sheets.
“I told you it was going to rain!” Squealing, she threw out her arms, laughing as the water pelted down across her face and neck. “This is amazing.”
“Not if we get struck by lightning, sugar.”
Another rumble of thunder was followed by a flash of electrifying light crisscrossing the sky.
They both laughed as they tried to walk their way back to the shore, racing onto the sandy beach. “I’m freezing!” Cooper rubbed water from her face then held her arm across her chest. “And where are my panties?
“You don’t need any around me, baby girl. Matter of fact, think I’ll make that a rule. A no-panty rule.” He winked and yanked her close, kissing her lips. “And you’re getting another spanking later for scaring me to death. Think I’ll use a nice, big paddle.”
She gulped as the rain peppered down, blinking as she tried to focus. “You have one of those?”
“I’ll get one. Maybe a few other implements as well. All with your name on them.”
The whisper was soft, said in her ear and she couldn’t help but shiver. The man was everything she’d ever dreamed of.
* * *
The rainstorm had ended as quickly as it began, leaving humid air in its wake. Rex sat in the truck, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel as he glared out the windshield. The bank was unassuming, a single story nestled among various restaurants and shops. But to him, the place was a dungeon, locking away all his ability to even think about the future. The appointment had been made with hope in his heart, but he knew better than to assume he’d get any extra time. Even finding out his father had placed his name on the deed had been cathartic, as well as haunting. He was all the family his father had left.
There were no aunts or uncles, no grandparents waiting in the wings to help them. They were very much alone in the world. He rubbed his hand down the front of his jeans in a continuous motion, wiping the moisture away even though it returned almost as quickly. Additional bad news he didn’t need. “You can do this. Just ask for an extension. Have confidence.”
As if saying the words out loud was going to make a hell of a difference. Groaning, he garnered what courage he could muster and yanked the file from the passenger seat. He’d gathered together everything he could find on the house, including the insurance, just to know what he was dealing with.
“Now or never, Marine.” He rolled his eyes as he stepped out onto the pavement. He would curtail his anger no matter what happened.
There were very few people inside when he walked in, a relief in his mind.
“May I help you?” the pretty blonde ventured in his direction. “You’re Rex Sullivan. Oh, my God. How are you?”
Rex narrowed his eyes, trying to remember the girl. “I’m sorry. I don’t...”
“Judy. Judy Danford? Science class?”
“Oh, yeah. Nice to see you again.”
“I heard our local hero was back in town. What can I do for you?”
He cringed, hearing the salutation and was forced to wipe his hand again, the other clinging to the file like it was a lifeline. “I have an appointment with Mr. Tyler.”
“Oh, of course. He’s with a customer right now but take a seat over there. He shouldn’t be that long.”
“Thank you.” Christ. He was as nervous as he’d ever been.
“Maybe we can go out for a drink sometime,” Judy said brightly.
“Yeah. Maybe.” He slunk over to the set of chairs, trying to make himself comfortable. At this point, nothing was going to make him feel any better. As he sat and waited, his mind wandered. Selling was the best thing for both him and his dad, but he had a feeling that the ranch was the only thing his dad lived for. The thought was just another distressful passage in his life.
He eased the folder onto another chair and leaned forward, steepling his fingers together and rocking. Everything he’d discussed with Cooper had been true. He would love to fix up the ranch, make the place something special. He wondered if he had what it took to handle some of the repairs himself. Maybe Denton and Johnny could help. No, Johnny was leaving soon enough and didn’t have a construction bone in his body. And Denton? He sighed at the concept.
Hiring a crew meant money, funds he didn’t have. Even with his pension from the milita
ry, he could only afford to spend so much. The sad truth he had to face. He was fucked. He checked his watch, groaning in annoyance given almost twenty minutes had passed by. Jerking to a standing position, he walked toward the window, planting his hands on his hips. So what would happen if he did sell? He wasn’t even certain what the ranch would appraise for. If there was any money left over, it would be used to secure something for his dad.
For as long as he was alive.
He closed his eyes, the thought shifting in and out of his consciousness. This just wasn’t the homecoming he’d longed for. Asshole. You never cared. You just wanted to run away. The concept had been true enough. What was the saying? You could never come home again? He snorted and rubbed his jaw. Even his old wounds ached today, creating a wave of pain. He deserved pain in every format.
Another check of his watch and he was ready to walk out. He didn’t have patience, especially for folks who would stop at nothing to shut him down. He yanked the folder off the chair and headed for the entrance. Fuck this shit.
“Mr. Sullivan?”
The baritone voice called from just behind him. Stiffening, he debated walking out, just as he’d done with almost everything else in his life. Time to face the music and act like an adult for a change. He turned and attempted to smile. “Mr. Tyler?”
“Call me George. We don’t stand much on ceremony around here.” He held out his hand, the shake firm. “You’re a bona fide hero around these parts. Thank you for your service.”
“I just wish everyone would stop saying that to me. I did my time, my service to the country. Now, I’m ready to move on.”
George lifted a single eyebrow before guiding Rex into his office, shutting the door. “Let me pull up the account. Take a seat.”
Even the wait while the man accessed records on his computer pissed Rex off. He sat on the edge of the seat, fidgeting, his boot tapping on the tile floor. “I don’t mean to rush you, George.”
“I have it right here, son. I’m glad you made an appointment. If you hadn’t, I was going to be forced to start foreclosure proceedings.”
“But we’re only two months behind. That’s some shit if you foreclose on people after only two months.” He could tell by the look on George’s face that the single conversation he’d had with his father regarding the ranch had been full of lies. “How far behind are we?”
“Six months. Seven if you count the payment that’s due by the end of the week.”
“Shit.” He slunk back in the seat, hanging his head. “I had no idea.”
“I didn’t think you did. That’s why I pestered you.” George leaned forward, placing both closed fists on the desk. “Son, is there anything you can do, even a single payment?”
“I can get you this month’s rent by the end of the week, but the rest, I don’t know.” His foot continued to tap nervously on the floor, the simple sound drumming into his ears. “What about a refinance?”
George exhaled, took another glance at the computer screen and shook his head. “Even I can’t arrange that for you. Your father’s credit is shot. Maybe if the ranch was in better shape there might be some way of securing a third mortgage, but even then, that would take some creative financing and our lenders are cracking down on speculative loans.”
“Speculative loans. That’s all we’ve become lately? Hard-working folk who are down on their luck?”
“Rex, you have to know that I’ve tried to work with your father. With the limited income and his medical issues, then his lack of response, there is nothing more that I can do.”
Rex grimaced, chewing on his lower lip. “I should have been here working. I could have made something out of the ranch.”
“And what would you have done? You served your country and you have a life to live.”
“I don’t know. A camp for kids or a place for other folks to keep their horses.”
“This is Texas, Rex. Almost everyone has a barn of some kind. You’d have to turn it into some kind of dude ranch in order to make it survive. Not a bad idea, if you ask me, but a little too late.”
He clenched his hand around the file. “Then I should just put a ‘for sale’ sign up and say whatever?” He tried to keep his shit together. The baldheaded man didn’t need his wrath.
George tilted his head, giving him a waning smile. “I know it hurts, Rex, but honestly? I don’t see any other choice. We can waive the appraisal fees right now for you and just see what we’re up against. I know a really good real estate agent. She’d be able to guide you through this. Would you like her business card?”
Not for anything in his life. Fuming, he kept the hard grip on the file, ready to crumple and toss it, walking away. Spots formed in front of his eyes and for a split second, he could only hear the sound of gunfire popping, screams from his men. He shuddered, his other hand gripping the chair.
“Rex. Are you okay? You look pale.”
“I’m fucking fine,” he said under his breath then shook off the vision, tamping back his anger. “I’m sorry. This is just unsettling.”
“I know, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am. Truly.” George opened his desk drawer, rummaging through and pulling out a card. “Here is her card. I think you’ll like Ruth and she’s very sensitive to various circumstances.” He slid it across the desk.
Rex remained quiet, rocking forward and backward.
“And, um, I’ll go ahead and get the appraisal started. I’ll need you to sign some paperwork but that can wait. I’ll also put out a few feelers for a buyer. Nothing major at this point. I know you’re going to want to talk to Garland, explain what needs to be done. But I’ll at least get the ball rolling. Fair enough?”
He yanked the card from George’s desk, unable to make eye contact with the man. “Sure.” Jerking to his feet, he was stiff as he tried to walk toward the door. “Mr. Tyler. I’m sorry and I do appreciate all you’ve done. I don’t mean to cause any trouble or be an asshole. I’m worried about my father and the ranch. I haven’t been a very good son and I’m trying to do everything I can right now to help him. I don’t expect he’s going to live very long and the last thing I want to do is take away the place that he and my mother built. I hope you can understand.” He tipped his head, giving the banker a solid smile and a nod of respect.
George blinked several times. “I understand, son, more than you know. I wish to God there was more that I could do. Your daddy is a lucky man to have a son who cares so much.”
Lucky. No, his father deserved so much better. As he walked out, his head held high, he fought the tears forming in his eyes. The feeling of worthlessness was sliding in and taking over. And all he wanted to do was make his father proud.
* * *
“You look terrible, buddy. What’s going on?”
Rex swiveled his beer bottle, trying his best to maintain his composure. He’d ridden around for the better part of the afternoon, in truth not wanting to go home. Calling Denton had been out of near desperation. “I just needed a friend. That’s all.”
“Uh-huh. Come on. I could always tell when you were a lying sack of shit. Fess up. Oh, wait,” Denton said as he snagged his beer off the table, taking a swig and giving Rex an evil eye. “You and that sassy broad hooked up. Didn’t you? I saw you at the picnic Saturday night. Hot and heavy. Vavoom, baby.”
He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Cooper is not a bad girl, just a little rambunctious is all.”
“Right. Which means you’re doing her, but are you keeping her in line?” He leaned forward, grinning. “Huh? Come on. You can tell a buddy. Giving her needed spankings?”
For some reason, he could feel the heat rising on his face and burst into laughter before lifting his beer. “You are so damn bad. Just like you always were.”
“Tell me the truth.”
“I... I have my way of dealing with her. That’s all I’m going to say.” He’d thought of her more than once during his ride around town. Unfortunately, his thoughts had been more depressing than an
ything. She didn’t deserve the crap he was going to go through.
“Hot damn! I knew it. You were always rockin’ with the ladies.”
Rex snickered and picked at the label on his beer.
“And that has nothing to do with why you asked me to have a beer with you at four o’clock in the afternoon. Spill it.”
He kept his head down, trying to figure out how to say the words. Just saying them meant they were true. Face the music, asshole. There is nothing left. “Gonna have to sell the ranch. Everything my dad worked for is for shit.” He took a long pull on his beer.
“You’re shittin’ me?”
“Wouldn’t talk shit about a thing like that. I should have been here instead of fucking Afghanistan.”
“Don’t you say that crap,” Denton admonished.
“And don’t you dare call me a hero. I’m nothing of the sort.”
He exhaled and shook his head. “Not the first time you’ve said that. What gives, dude?”
“Nothin’.”
“You’re sitting here, nursing a beer, looking like you lost your best friend and admonishing yourself for a terrible economy. And that’s just for starters. Confession time. Does the body good. Why aren’t you a hero? From what I heard, you have a Purple Heart to prove it.”
Rex could see the day, the bright sun, the convoy heading to the drop spot. His hand was shaking, tapping the beer bottle against the top of the table. He couldn’t hold this in any longer. “We were on a mission. We’d planned for almost a month, listening to various intelligence about where the enemy was going to be. They were a ragtag bunch, but they’d killed a dozen Marines in their sleep. We wanted them bad.” He shot a look at his friend, taking another gulp before he could go on.
Denton crowded closer, remaining silent.
“We’d gotten another tip and went in. I was driving and in charge. We had everything in our sights. We had company and the Marines were prepared. The soldiers knew what they were doing.” Tears formed, brushing against the vile anger and hatred he felt for himself. He rubbed his eyes, one then the other, pulling at his skin, his hand shaking. “I just...”