Back to my Roots (Montana Roots Book 1)

by Tessa Elaine

  “Why hasn't someone put him in jail?” I ask.

  “Well, when you have that kind of money you can buy a lot of friends high up. And nobody has had proof, it's just his word against angry landowners.”.

  I'm in shock when he's done, I have no idea what to do. I really need to sell so I can get back to my life and move on. But can I really give that awful man something my mama and daddy worked so hard for? They poured blood, sweat, and tears into that ranch. Can I sell it just to watch it be tore down? I really need to think things through. I'm glad he moved our meeting, it gives me a few more days to make the right decision. Lucas walks out and Mr. Wayne stands to go back inside. I stand up at the same time and he gives me a quick hug.

  “Think about what I said, Elena. Don't let anyone talk you into something you can't live with.”

  “Yes sir” I say, he hugs me again.

  “You look just like her.” He says before he walks back into the house. I know he's talking about my mama, it makes me smile instead of cry this time. My mother was a beautiful woman. Lucas comes over and wraps his arms around me, I lean into his chest. He is so warm and safe.

  “What were you two talking about?” He asks.

  “He was just telling me about Mr. Breck, what kind of man he really is. Your dad just wanted me to have all the facts before I made my decision.” He looks down at me and I look back up at him resting my chin on his chest and just stare at him. Lost in his beautiful green eyes.

  “You are so gorgeous, Elena. I love having you in my arms.” He says.

  “Well that makes two of us.” I tell him, I know I shouldn't but I can't keep anything from him. It's going to hurt when I have to go home.

  Chapter 13

  Lucas

  I can't lie, I was a little scared of how dinner would go. Not that I thought that my family would make Elena feel unwelcome, but I wasn't sure how Elena would handle it. I noticed she has anxiety, and that is completely understandable with everything she has been through. I also didn't want it to be awkward for her. But sitting here at the kitchen table with my brother and father, watching my mom and sister joke and laugh with Elena. It made my chest tight with a feeling I never thought I would have. After she left I wasn't sure if I could ever have that love again.

  I couldn't keep my eyes off of her the whole night. She has this personality that just draws you in, it's like I have no control of myself. My mother and father kept looking at me funny, and I couldn't figure out why. Then my brother nudged me and told me to wipe my mouth I was drooling. I guess they noticed I couldn't stop staring at Elena. I'm still having a hard time believing she’s here.

  After dinner I volunteer my brother and I to clean up, he's not too happy about it but he’ll get over it. Elena and my dad walk out to the porch for another beer, and I'm sure to talk. Logan's washing and I'm rinsing and stacking them in the dishwasher. I won't tell Logan this but when Elena was looking him over, I got a little jealous. Okay maybe a lot jealous.

  I'm lost in my own head when Logan starts in on me.

  “Elena, looks good,” he says, and I want to punch him. I just keep my mouth shut and nod, “Do you know if she's single?” Now I do punch him.

  “Ouch, what was that for?” He asks while rubbing his arm.

  “I told you hands off, and I meant it.” I tell him. I know Logan was young when things went to shit for Elena and I, so he doesn't know our history. But that won't stop me from kicking his ass just to remind him I can. He might be bigger than me, but no matter his size he won't ever be able to take me.

  “So, you calling dibs big bro?”

  “There is no calling dibs dumb ass. Elena’s not the last piece of meat on a plate, she's a person.” Like Elena would ever go for a kid that still lives at home with mom and dad. She's too smart. He just shrugs and goes back to washing the dishes. When we finish I go in search of Elena and run into Sarah.

  “Dinner was a great idea, it was nice catching up with Elena. How is she doing?” She completely throws me with her easiness over me hanging with Elena.

  “She's doing okay, she had a hard day yesterday. It was the first time she had been back to the ranch.” I don't get into detail about how I found her, but I'm sure Sarah can guess. “I figured you would be telling me not to get to close, and I shouldn't be spending so much time with her.”

  “Big bro, you are a grown man. I'm sure you can make the decision on what is best for you. I'm just glad she's here even if it's only for a short time. Maybe this time she will stay in touch.” I'm shocked by her response. Normally Sarah is the first person to tell me what she thinks I should do with my life. I wonder what's up with her? Before I get a chance to ask she grabs her bag and heads for the door.

  “Tell Elena bye for me and that I will call her tomorrow so we can hangout. Got to run.” That was weird. I shrug it off and hurry to find Elena. I find her and dad on the back deck, when I walk out they both stand. Dad gives her a hug and whispers something in her ear. I hear her say, “Yes sir” he pulls back and says “You look just like her.” Dad walks past me and pats my shoulder on his way in the house. I walk over and wrap my arms around her pulling her close. She hugs my waist and relaxes into my embrace.

  “What were you two talking about?”

  “He was telling me about Mr. Breck, what kind of man he really is. Your dad just wanted me to have all the facts before I made a decision.” I look down at her wondering what decision she will make. She just looks up at me, she is so small she barely reaches my chest. I'm so lost in her my thoughts are all jumbled.

  “You are gorgeous, Elena. I love having you in my arms.” It comes out of my mouth before I can stop it. You know, like one of those moments you're thinking something but your brain and your mouth are not in sync and it just comes out.

  “Well that makes two of us.” After she says that I lean down and press my lips to hers. This kiss is nothing like last nights, that was desperation and longing that was bottled up for seven years. This kiss is slow, soft, and comforting in a way I never knew a kiss could be. My hand rests on her neck while my thumb caresses her cheek. Her hands run up my back sending shivers down my spine.

  When the back door opens we both jump apart, like a couple of teenagers getting caught making out. I look over to see Logan leaning against the door jam with a shit eating grin on his face.

  “Ma wanted me to see if you two were staying for dessert. Should I tell her you're already having dessert?” He chuckles as he heads back inside. Elena turns beet red and buries her face in my chest. I smile and kiss the top of her head.

  “What would you like to do, darlin’?”

  Her words are muffled into my chest. “I should probably get back to the Inn, tomorrow is going to be a long day.” I'm glad she can't see my face right now, I don't want her to feel guilty about my disappointment. I'm just not ready to let her go for the night.

  “Okay, let's go say bye and I'll take you back.” I'm sure she can hear the disappointment in my voice, but she doesn't point it out. I follow her in and we say goodbye to my parents and my brother before we load up into my truck and head back. She’s quiet on the way, leaning against the door just staring out the window. I reach over and grab her hand bringing it to my lips.

  “You okay?” I feel like I have asked her that a dozen times today, but she seems a little out of it.

  “Yea, just trying to figure out what I'm going to do.” I want to start begging her to stay, stay with me, stay in Eureka. But I hold back.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” I offer instead.

  “No, but thank you though. I just need to think this situation with Mr. Breck through, and start packing up the ranch. I'm really not sure what to do with all that stuff. I thought my uncle and aunt had taken care of it.” she looks so lost, I want to take her back to my place and keep her in a protective bubble. I wish I could just fix it all so she had nothing to worry about, but I know that's not what she wants.

  “Why don't I take the day off
tomorrow and we can get what you need to pack up the ranch. I can help with all the heavy lifting and keep you company.”

  “I can't ask you to do that.” She smiles and shakes her head.

  “You're not asking, I'm volunteering. Besides all that packing stuff won't fit in the back of your little car.” I tell her.

  “Yeah, I guess you're right. You sure it's okay for you to take off work?” She is so cute.

  “I'm the boss Elena, I can take off whenever I like.” I laugh.

  “Okay, okay, smartass. What time should I be ready?” I want to ask her just to come back to my place, tell her it would make things easier and I can cook her breakfast.

  “How does nine sound?” I should have picked an earlier time, so I didn't have to be away from her so long. Wow, I sound pathetic, but I could care less. I just got her back and I don't want to waste any time.

  “Good, as long as you bring coffee.”

  “I can do that.” She looks back out the window with a smile on her face. She's still quiet but she doesn't look so adrift, like she's lost at sea with no way to get back. I can't take my eyes off of her. I start picturing her in my passenger seat every day, living together, her wearing my ring. Those thoughts make my chest hurt. I'm not sure if I can ever have that with Elena.

  We finally make it to the Inn and I park out front. She turns in her seat to face me.

  “Thank you for everything, and thank you for offering to help tomorrow.”

  “You don't have to thank me; my reasons are completely selfish.” I tell her. She laughs at me.

  “What are these selfish reasons?”

  “Well the main one is to spend as much time as I can with you.” Her face falls and her brow furrows.

  “I'm sorry, Lucas.” She looks just as upset about her leaving as I am.

  “Elena, there's nothing to be sorry about. Let’s just make the best of the time we have.” She looks like she might cry and I don't think I can handle that. I lean over and start kissing her until she is kissing me back. We make out like teenagers for a while, until I have to pull away. I rest my head on hers and catch my breath.

  “If we don't stop I'm going to start this truck back up and head back to my place.” She smiles gives me another quick kiss and climbs out of the truck.

  “See you in the morning Lucas.” I watch her walk back to the Inn then I start my truck and pull away.

  I tried like hell to sleep last night. I was too busy thinking of the night Elena and I were together, or how I could have done things different to get her back to my house last night. I'm out of bed at six when there is no hope of sleep. I take a cold shower and head down stairs. I make myself a bowl of cereal and sit on the porch eating, just looking out over all this land.

  I keep getting lost in these fantasies of Elena and I waking up together every morning and having breakfast on the porch, while we watch the sunrise.

  I can see us owning all this land, and her running the horse ranch like she has always wanted. It's so hard to imagine her giving all this up, everything she loves about the ranch. Just washing her hands of it all. Maybe my real concern is her washing her hands of me. Man, I am one selfish bastard. At least that's one thing I was honest about with her. I head back into the house and start cleaning up, doing laundry, just trying to kill time.

  I call my secretary and tell her I will be out for the day and to take messages unless there is an emergency then call my cell. Eight finally gets here and I can't contain myself anymore. I leave my house and head to the coffee shop. I grab a box of donuts and two coffees, unsure how she takes it I fill the bag with cream and sugar.

  I'm a little early but I'm sure she won't mind. I get to the Inn and head up to her room, with a little wave to Mrs. Johnson. I get to Elena's room and knock softly. She doesn't answer and I don't hear any movement.

  I open the door slowly just in case she's getting ready. When it opens all the way I look around the room until I find her curled in a ball in the middle of her bed. She looks so small on the four-poster bed. I pull the blanket back and have to swallow a moan. She's only in a t-shirt and black boy shorts, with the shirt riding up showing off her perfect ass.

  I kick off my shoes and climb in behind her, I really hope she doesn't kill me. I can't help myself, she's flawless and I have zero control. When I get settled I reach over, pull her to me, and wrap my body around hers. She wiggles that cute little ass into my groin and I'm instantly hard. I feel like I'm rocking a constant hard on around her.

  I close my eyes and bury my face in the back of her neck. I kiss behind her ear a couple times and she moans. That sound does things to me that words can't describe. I run my hand up and down her thigh to her hip, and continue to kiss her neck and shoulder. I'm trying to draw that beautiful sound from her again. She opens her legs for me when my hand slides to the inside of her thigh. I run my hand up to the top of her sexy little boy shorts, my fingers trace the top of her panties giving her time to protest but she just moans again. That's all the permission I need.

  My hand slips inside. My fingers feel along her outer lips and she pushes into my hand. I use two fingers to part her and run my third finger through her pussy. She is so wet and warm. I rub circles around her clit with my thumb while I use another finger to push slowly into her opening. She is so responsive to my touch, grinding on my hand chasing her release. The movement has her rubbing her ass on my aching cock.

  She feels amazing in my arms, I never want to give her up. My other arm is under her neck so I reach down and find her nipples are hard for me. I take one in between my fingers rolling it around and pinching just a little, giving her more sensation. I feel her clench around my fingers that are rubbing her inner walls. I know she's close. I work her until she's panting and calling my name.

  “Lucas, oh God. Lucas.” I love hearing my name on her lips.

  I kiss behind her ear and tell her, “Cum for me, darlin’. I got you.” She whimpers and explodes on my hand, pussy pulsing around my fingers. I pull my fingers out and rub slowly letting her ride out her orgasm. When I feel her body start to relax I pull my hand from her panties and lick my fingers clean, needing to taste her.

  “Mmm, you taste so sweet darlin’.” She giggles and rolls over to face me. I pull her close wanting to taste her lips next. My mouth covers hers and she opens so easy for me, needing the same thing I need. Our kiss flows together, tongues caressing, hands roaming. I have to pull away or we will never leave this bed. I am really tired of being the bigger person, stopping things before they get out of hand. She looks up at me with a sleepy smile.

  “I was really hoping that wasn't a dream,” she says on a sigh. She curls up against me and we just lay there holding each other.

  “What time is it?” She finally asks.

  “It was fifteen till nine when I got here, but I'm not sure now.” She looks over at the nightstand and grabs her phone.

  “Well, I guess we better get this day started.” I kiss her and climb out of bed adjusting my dick.

  “Want me to take care of that?” She asks, when I look back she's propped on her elbow biting her lip. It just makes me harder if that's possible. I grab her coffee and walk back to her leaning down and kiss her slowly.

  “That was just for you, darlin.” She smiles and takes the cup of coffee I offer, “I wasn't sure how you take it so there's a bag of cream and sugar, and donuts.”

  “You thought of everything.”

  “Not everything, I haven't thought of a way to make you stay.” It's out of my mouth before I can stop it. I keep doing that when I'm with her, just saying things that should only be thoughts in my head.

  “Lucas.” I hold up my hand cutting her off, I'm not sure I want to hear what she's going to say.

  “I didn't mean to say that, just forget it came out of my mouth. Why don't you get ready and I'll wait in the truck for you?” I slip my boots back on, grab my drink, the breakfast, and head for the door. I look back before I open the door and see her on her kn
ees in the middle of the bed, with a look of fear or confusion. I can't tell. I close my eyes open the door and step out feeling like a complete dip shit. Why would she stay? For you? That didn't keep her here seven years ago.

  I wait in my truck for Elena, going over all the ways this could go wrong. Will she push me away now? Will she run? I wish I knew what was going on inside of her head. I feel like such a fool for putting her on the spot like that. If I push her to hard she might leave and shut me out like she did the first time.

  She comes out of the Inn twenty minutes later wearing tights and a sweater dress that hugs her curves perfectly. She's beautiful in whatever she wears, even sweats and a t-shirt. She climbs in the truck with a look of uncertainty on her face, and I feel bad because I put it there.

  “You really don't have to do this, Lucas. I can rent a moving truck.” Yep she's pushing me away. Nice going dumb ass, I think to myself.

  “Elena, if I didn't want to help I wouldn't have offered. Now put your seatbelt on and we will go get what you need to pack up the ranch.” She nods her head, fastens her seatbelt and we head to the Express Packing store and pick up supplies. We get trash bags, boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and tape guns. When we have everything loaded we head out to the ranch. We pull up in front of the house she grew up in and she visibly starts to shake. She's going to have another panic attack before we even get in the door.

  I see her hesitate for just a second but she opens the truck door and climbs out. She just stands there staring at the house. I get out and walk around the truck approaching her slowly placing both hands on her shoulders.

  “Elena, look at me.” When I finally get her attention I tell her, “we can do whatever you need. If you want to do this a different day that's fine, if you want to hire someone to come in and pack it all up that's fine too. You make the decision and I'm right here.” A single tear falls down her face and I reach up to wipe it away. My hand rest below her ear and my thumb caresses her jaw. She puts her hand over mine like she doesn't want me to move. I would stay like this forever if she let me.