Jackson’s Jewel ad-5

by N. J. Walters

  There was so much caring in that tender caress that it brought tears to her eyes. She blinked them back, but it wasn’t easy. She’d found herself on the verge of tears several times since the explosion. A nurse at the hospital had told her to expect to be more emotional, that it was a normal thing after going through such a traumatic event. Emerald thought it had more to do with her depth of feelings for the man seated next to her than the explosion.

  She could have sat there and kissed Jackson all night long. He used his lips and his tongue, plying them lightly against her mouth before slipping inside. Warmth filled her, adding to the sleepy, dreamlike quality of the night. She whimpered as he pulled back.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “I guess.” She knew she should be hungry, as she’d barely picked at her breakfast and lunch.

  “Come on then.” Jackson held out his hand as he stood. She slid out of bed, stopping long enough to shove her feet into her sneakers before she took his hand.

  But he didn’t lead her downstairs as she’d expected, but down the hallway to his bedroom. A small table had been set up in front of the window. A grouping of tea lights sat in ceramic holders in the center, illuminating the bounty set out on it. There was fresh bread and biscuits, sliced deli meats, several kinds of cheese and cold iced tea. And sitting there in the center was the perfect cherry cheesecake.

  “Ohmigod,” she moaned, her stomach suddenly grumbling.

  Jackson shook his head but chuckled as he propped the rifle against the windowsill and sank down into the large leather chair that was pulled up next to the table. He gave her hand a tug and she went willingly into his lap. “I guess you’re hungry after all.”

  “I guess I am,” she agreed as she wiggled around trying to get comfortable. “When did everyone leave?”

  “About a half-hour ago.” Leaning forward, Jackson quickly began to assemble a sandwich.

  “I want some of that chicken.” Under her guidance, Jackson made her a chicken sandwich with Swiss cheese and mayonnaise. She held the plate in her lap and moaned in pleasure as she took the first bite. She chewed and swallowed. “This sure beats hospital food.”

  They didn’t talk much while they ate, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Jackson passed the occasional comment about the work being done, filling her in on a few details, but other than that, both of them were at ease in the quiet. There was an intimacy in the moment that filled her with contentment.

  When she finished her sandwich, Jackson took her plate and laid it back on the table. Then he dished up a huge slab of the cheesecake. Emerald licked her lips in anticipation as he broke off a piece with his fork and lifted it toward her. “Open up.”

  She parted her lips and he slid the cheesecake into her mouth. Flavor exploded onto her taste buds and she moaned as she chewed. “This is incredible.”

  “Frannie Parker made it.”

  “The woman is a culinary genius,” she managed to get out as Jackson sent another piece sliding into her mouth. It was even better than the first taste had been.

  Being a smart man, Jackson fed her two bites for every one he took. It wasn’t long before she felt full enough to burst, but she managed to eat the last piece as she looked longingly at the rest of the cheesecake.

  Jackson pushed the plate aside and sat back, studying her. “Don’t worry. You can have more later.”

  Slightly embarrassed to be caught lusting over the rich treat, she sat back and sighed, totally replete. Jackson reached down and pulled her sneakers off her feet, letting them fall to the floor with a thud. Her socks followed. The evening was warm, but there was a hint of coolness on the air.

  “Do you think we’ll finally get rain?” That had been a topic of concern among the women working upstairs. Emerald had lain in bed half listening to their conversation as she’d drifted off to sleep. Many of the families raised animals or crops of some kind and it had become a concern for them all. The heat wave had held them in its grip these last few days of August.

  “Probably by tomorrow at the latest.” The flickering candlelight accentuated the harsh planes of Jackson’s face. His jaw was darkened with stubble and his blue eyes were hooded as he stared at her. It was obvious to her that the weather was the last thing on his mind.

  She shivered as his gaze raked over her body from her face, down the curve of her neck to her breasts. Unconfined by a bra, her nipples were pressed tight against the fabric of the T-shirt she wore. Jackson’s eyes went lower, over her belly before coming to rest on the mound of her sex.

  Unconsciously, she arched her hips toward him, drawn by the intensity of his gaze. She wanted him to touch her. Needed to share herself with him at least one more time. She was determined to leave him to protect him. Tomorrow, she promised herself. Tonight was for them.

  His fingers were dark against the light color of her shorts. Deftly, he pulled at the ties cinching the soft fabric around her waist. Inserting his hand into the opening, he pushed downward, his fingers slipping beneath her panties and moving unerringly toward her slick folds. She bit her lip to keep from crying out as his fingers stroked over her mound, sliding through the neat thatch of curls that covered it. She parted her legs and he teased her clit with his fingers before finally touching her aching flesh.

  Cursing, he jerked his hand away and began to tug her shorts and panties off. She lifted her bottom, helping him any way she could. When she was naked from the waist down, he turned her so that she was facing away from him. A second later his shirt was tossed to the floor and his hands gripped the hem of hers. She raised her arms over her head, marveling at how careful he was as he drew the fabric over her head.

  His lips, warm and firm, caressed her back as he moved from one cut to the next. “I’m so sorry you were hurt.” Emotion threatened to overwhelm her as he continued to kiss every hurt he could reach. She shivered and his arms came around her immediately. “Are you cold?”

  Was he kidding? If she were any hotter, she’d self-combust. Heat flooded her core and cream flowed from it. Her nipples puckered tighter as his hands slid up her torso, coming to rest just beneath the heavy mounds. He draped her legs over his and then slowly spread them. The move left her wide open to his touch. The cool air flooded over her hot flesh, the contrast making her moan.

  His large hands covered her breasts and kneaded them. Her nipples dug into his palms, demanding attention. His thumbs stroked the edges of her areolas, never quite touching them. Moaning, she undulated her body, pushing her chest forward, wanting him to touch her the way she needed.

  “I’ve never been as scared in my life as I was when I realized that you were in trouble.” His voice was low, his tone serious. Lips, warm and firm, grazed the back of her neck. His teeth scraped sensually across her nape, sending goose bumps down her back and arms.

  “I’m fine.” At this moment, she was better than fine. Jackson’s large body was surrounding hers, encompassing her in his protection and heat.

  She gasped when his thumbs finally flicked over her distended nipples. “You’re more than fine.” As he continued to play with her breasts, she could feel the heat and shape of his erection pressing into her lower back. He was still wearing his jeans, but there was no mistaking the large, thick feel of his cock. She wiggled, wringing a groan from him.

  “Minx.”

  “Tease,” she retorted.

  Jackson chuckled, one of his hands dropping from her breasts and smoothing down her stomach. His fingers sifted through her pubic hair and went straight to the damp folds hidden below. Now it was her turn to groan as two large fingers slipped past the entrance to her sheath and pressed deep.

  She moved her legs restlessly, trying to get his fingers farther inside her. One slow inch at a time, he pulled them out, curling them upward as he went. One of them scraped across a sensitive spot, making her cry out. Blood pumped thickly through her veins as every nerve ending in her body was sensitized. This wasn’t going to take long. She was primed and ready for release.r />
  With everything that had happened, she needed this. Needed the reconnection with life, with Jackson. He thrust his long, thick fingers inward, pushing past the resistance of her inner muscles. They contracted and relaxed, gradually pulling him inward. His thumb caressed the taut bud of nerves at the apex of her sex. Her hips moved of their own accord.

  “That’s it,” he crooned. “Come for me, Emerald. Let me feel your hot cream on my hands.” He bit the curve of her neck where it met her shoulders, making her entire body jerk. She could feel everything inside her tensing. Gathering. Waiting.

  The hand at her breast continued to ply one puckered nipple and then the other, drawing both to a tight point. Looking down, she watched his darker-hued hand caress the pale mounds before tugging on the stiff, red peaks. It was an incredible turn-on to see him touching her, arousing her.

  Her lungs were working harder. The air was almost too thick and heavy to breathe. “Jackson,” she gasped as she undulated her hips. His fingers were working faster, thrusting and retreating from her core.

  “Come for me.” His hips jerked, pressing more firmly against her back. His hand tightened around her breast. His heavy breathing was hot against her throat. “I want to feel you come apart in my hands. I’ve got you. Let go, Emerald.” The last was a hoarse plea and she responded.

  Her entire body tightened and then exploded. Heat flooded her. She cried out, tipping her head back against his shoulder. He swooped down and captured her mouth with his, swallowing her scream of ecstasy. She felt as if she were suspended in air. Jackson surrounded her, holding her. All she had to do was feel the release sweeping through her, embrace it. And she did.

  When the final aftershocks shimmered throughout her entire body, she sank back against him. His tongue sank deeper into her mouth, devouring her. When he dragged his fingers from her core, she cried out. Releasing her lips, he buried his face in the curve of her neck, dragging air into his lungs. She could feel the heavy rise and fall of his chest and the frantic pounding of his heart.

  Exhausted and drained, yet totally content, she relaxed. His arms tightened around her. “That was just the beginning.” She shivered at the sensual promise in his voice.

  Her toes curled as he stood with her still clasped tight in his arms. Carrying her to the bed, he laid her in the center. She almost cried out in protest when he pulled away, but he didn’t go anywhere. Instead, he stood there watching her.

  She was totally naked, but she wasn’t embarrassed or uncomfortable. She felt absolutely wonderful. His eyes narrowed as she stretched sensually, letting her arms and legs slide over the dark green comforter. “Mmm, I feel good.”

  “You’re going to feel even better,” he promised. His hands went to the front of his jeans and slid the button open. The rasp of the zipper was loud above the sound of their breathing.

  “Come here.” She held her hand out to him and he reached for it. Their fingers almost touching.

  An explosion rattled the glass in the window.

  “What the hell?” Jackson raced to the window and swore. His hands were fastening his pants as he snatched up the rifle and hurried back to the bed.

  She’d grasped the comforter, draping it around her. Fear wrapped around her heart. “What is it?”

  “The old barn.”

  He grabbed his phone and hit the speed dial. “Nathan. He’s hit the barn. Send the fire department. Hurry.” He hung up and placed the phone in her hands, wrapping her fingers around it. “If anything else happens, call Nathan. He’s got a man watching the road to the farm. They should both be here in a few minutes.” He strode to the door.

  “Wait.” She jumped off the bed and ran to him. “Don’t go out there.”

  He cupped the back of her head in his big hand. “I have to. He’s out there just waiting for a chance to get to you. Stay in here with the doors locked.”

  “It’s a ploy to get you out of the house.”

  “I know.” Leaning down, he dropped a hard kiss on her lips. “But I have to keep him from getting close to the house.” He turned and hurried down the stairs. She was hard on his heels.

  The smell of fresh paint filled her nostrils, reminding her just how dangerous this stalker was. She should have left this afternoon. But it was too late for that now. “Don’t go,” she pleaded.

  “I have to.” His face was grim as he unlocked the back door. “Lock this behind me and then go back upstairs and wait for Nathan.”

  Opening the door a crack, he slid out and disappeared into the shadows. Emerald locked the door and raced back upstairs. If there was a chance she could do anything to help him, the last thing she wanted to be was naked. Ignoring the twinge in her back, she ran into the bedroom, dropped the comforter, grabbed her shorts and began to dress.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jackson kept to the shadows as he moved stealthily toward the barn. He didn’t see much in the way of flames yet. Thankfully, he’d sent off the last load of alfalfa and hay a few days ago. There wasn’t much left in that barn, but the wood was old and dry and would go up like tinder. He didn’t even want to think about the orchards beyond. With the dry weather, the entire place could go up quickly.

  He didn’t care.

  If the place burned to the ground, he’d rebuild and replant. It was all replaceable. The only thing that mattered was keeping Emerald safe. The deputy would be at the house within seconds and he would keep her safe. As long as he was between her and the barn, her stalker would have to go through him to get her.

  He stood in the shadow of an old oak tree just beyond the yard and watched. Nothing moved. He inched forward, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. The rifle was solid in his hands. He’d never shot a man before, but he knew he’d do it without a moment’s hesitation to protect Emerald.

  Sweat rolled down his back as he eased up to the open door of the shed. He could hear the crackle of fire as it began to eat at the structure. He needed to close the door. That would help cut off the supply of oxygen and slow the flames. At least he hoped it would.

  Jackson slipped in the door, trying to see through the thick, black smoke and the dark of the night. He grabbed the edge of the door and began to pull. Something. A sound, a movement or just plain instinct told him he was no longer alone. He jerked at the last second, but he wasn’t fast enough. Something hard glanced off his head and hit his shoulder. He dropped to the dirt. The sound of a door closing seemed impossibly loud above the crackle and roar of the growing blaze.

  The stalker was heading toward the house. Toward Emerald.

  Cursing himself for falling prey to the stalker’s tricks, he shook off the pain in his head and pushed to his knees. The rifle was still in his hand and he slung it over his shoulder. It was incredibly hard to push himself to his feet, but he did it. Something slick ran into his eye and he brushed it away. His fingers came away sticky and he knew it was blood. Ignoring it, he staggered to the door and pulled. Jammed!

  Turning, he faced the growing inferno behind him. There was no getting out through the back way. Lurching forward, he plunged through the blaze and dove into the tool room. The smoke made seeing impossible. Going totally by feel, he ran his hands over the wall until he found what he was searching for.

  The handle was smooth and familiar and he gripped it tight with both hands. Three steps were all it took until he was facing an outside wall. Drawing it back over his shoulder, he threw every bit of his strength behind it as he struck forward. The axe bit into the dry wood, sending chips flying everywhere.

  Emerald hauled on the rest of her clothing and then pulled on her shoes. Grabbing the cell phone, she shoved it in her back pocket as she pounded down the stairs. She needed a weapon.

  Stumbling into the kitchen, she swore under her breath. With everything torn up, she didn’t know where to find anything. She didn’t dare turn on a light and give away her position to her stalker.

  Worry for Jackson was eating at her. She loved him. There was no denying it a
ny longer. And if they both lived through this, she was going to tell him. She was also angry with him for going out there alone to face her stalker. He should have stayed with her where she could keep an eye on him.

  God, she was losing her mind. Making her way over to the kitchen drawer, she yanked the top one open and reached in. Sure enough, her fingers folded over the handle of a small paring knife. It wasn’t much, but she had no idea where to find the knife block that usually sat on the counter.

  Closing the drawer, she went to the kitchen window and peered out. Where was Jackson? For that matter, where was the deputy? Biting her bottom lip, she debated going outside. The problem was that Jackson thought she was inside. There was always the possibility that he might shoot her by accident if she went out. She was well and truly stuck inside. Something else she was going to yell at him about when this was over.

  Calm. She took a deep breath. She needed to stay calm. The sound of glass tinkling caught her ear. Her room downstairs. There was no time to run. He’d surely hear her. She eased back into the corner of the dark room and stayed very still. Footsteps grew louder. The roaring inside her head intensified until it deafened her. Where was Jackson? Had he been hurt? Her fingers tightened around the handle of the knife, which was down by her right thigh.

  “Emerald! Where are you?”

  She bit her lip to keep from gasping and tasted blood. The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but with her heart pounding so loud in her ears she couldn’t quite place it. She didn’t move. Didn’t dare to breathe.

  “Your lover is dead,” the voice intoned calmly. Her stomach roiled, but she refused to believe him. She couldn’t believe him. Jackson had to be okay.

  “You can’t hide from me,” the voice continued, moving ever closer. Her fingers tightened on the blade. “This is all your fault. If you’d only listened to me, none of this would have happened. It’s all your fault.”