by Kate Pearce
“Family’s important to you, isn’t it?”
“I suppose it is. I tried to get away from the ranch and my family when I went into the Marines, but all that did was make me realize how much I’d lost.” He smiled at her. “The old clichés are always the best, aren’t they? Despite everything that happened with my parents and all my resentment over Chase when I got back here none of it mattered. This place has a way of reminding you how small and insignificant you are in the big scheme of life.”
“Maybe somewhere at your core you knew that the ranch and your family would always be here when you really needed them.”
There was a wistful note in Jenna’s voice that she couldn’t quite disguise.
“I knew Ruth would never give up on me. My brothers? Not so much.” He glanced down at her intent face. “Don’t go around thinking I was the injured party in all this. I caused the rift with Chase, and I made sure the twins stayed right in line behind me. I tend to be inflexible.”
“Really? I would never have guessed that.”
He considered her for a long moment. “Are you going to put that mug down?”
“Why?”
He took it out of her hand and put it on the coffee table. “Because—” He rolled her over until she was on her back and he was straddling her waist. “I don’t want to get coffee on that nice green dress of yours.”
He bent his head and kissed her and murmured in satisfaction as she kissed him back.
“Beast.” She nipped his lower lip.
“Grrr.” He eased one hand over her shoulder to cup her breast. “Did you say something earlier about dessert?”
“I might have.”
“Then can I take it upstairs?”
“You don’t want to hang out in the den?”
“Not if Dave is going to walk in at any moment and start critiquing my style.”
“Like Dave would know anything.” She wrinkled her nose. “Not that I even want to think about that because . . . eew, gross.”
“I’m fairly sure he’d feel the same way, but I’m not taking the chance that my naked ass will end up on the Internet courtesy of Dave’s camera.”
“That’s just the kind of thing he would do. Like a ‘whose ass is this?’ contest or something. Mind you, with your tattoo of the eagle, globe, and anchor I don’t think anyone would have any problem guessing who you were.”
Blue rolled off the couch and drew Jenna to her feet. “Does your bedroom door have a lock on it?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s go.”
He followed her up the stairs as quietly as he could, ignoring the loud soundtrack of the movie Dave was watching that was making his door shake. He didn’t think Jenna would scream too loud, but you never knew. She turned to him at the door.
“It’s not really my room. It’s Faith’s, but I’m borrowing it until she decides whether she’s coming back after completing college.”
There it was again, that hint of uncertainty, as if Jenna always felt like she was on the outside looking in.
He framed her face with his hands and kissed her slow and deep. “I don’t care about the room. I care about who’s in it.”
“That’s a terribly sweet thing to say.”
“That’s me all over. Sweet. So lick me up.”
She returned the kiss and he held her close, stealthily unzipping the back of her dress and sliding the straps off her shoulders to reveal the silky layer of her bra and panties. He wished she wore more dresses. It would make getting her naked so much faster and easier.
He kissed his way down her throat and nuzzled her breast. “Nice bra. Did you wear it for me?”
“Yes, I’m not really a silk and lace kind of person. Yvonne made me buy this set when we went shopping in the city.”
He curved a hand over her hip and down over the softness of her silk-clad ass. “Remind me to thank Yvonne one day. You feel awesome.”
He backed her up toward the bed and lowered her down onto the covers.
“Do you want me, Jenna?”
“Yes, please.”
“So polite.”
She pointed at his shirt. “I won’t be polite if you don’t start getting naked pretty soon.”
“You threatening me?” He started on the buttons of his shirt, pulling it free of his jeans and tossing it over the nearest chair. She wiggled a little on the bed and he fumbled with his belt as he took in the sight of her waiting for him, one hand under her head, her auburn hair spread out over the pillow.
He wanted to keep that picture in his head forever . . .
“Blue?”
Now she sounded worried. Knowing her ability to leap to conclusions, he took off his belt and carefully undid his jeans, protecting his overenthusiastic cock from the perils of a hastily pulled zipper.
“You are so beautiful,” she breathed.
“Me?” Blue looked down at himself. “I’m fit because I’ve worked hard at it, but—”
“Beautiful,” she said firmly. “Now get down here and ravish me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
That wouldn’t be a hardship at all. There was something about her combination of strength and vulnerability that ticked all the right boxes for him. He couldn’t explain it to himself, and at that moment with a warm, willing woman ordering him to make love to her, his rational side was disappearing rapidly and he just wanted to be inside her.
He climbed onto the bed and gathered her in his arms. First he was going to see if he could make her scream louder than the soundtrack of Dave’s horror flick.
Then he was going to make love to her for hours. He smiled against her mouth as he kissed her. She’d have no cause for complaints, he’d make sure of that. And if he lost himself in there with her? For the first time in his life, that was a chance he was more than willing to take.
Chapter Fourteen
“This was a stupid idea.” January consulted her clipboard and ticked something else off the apparently endless list. They were down by the creek setting up the tables and chairs for the engagement party, and things were getting complicated.
“No, it’s all good.” Jenna hastened to reassure her friend. She’d gotten off work early and come to help with the setup. It was just after three, and the party was scheduled for six o’clock. “Once we’ve gotten all these major details ironed out, it will all proceed perfectly.”
“I should’ve listened to Chase and let him bring proper caterers in.”
“And spoil Ruth’s fun cooking for you?” Jenna grinned at January. “She’s in her element.”
“True.” They both looked over at Ruth, who was busy telling Chase and Blue what to do. Both men looked resigned to being nagged and more than willing to do their grandma’s bidding. The amount of food Ruth had produced for the party was quite staggering.
“Do you want me to start putting the table coverings on?” Jenna asked. “Avery’s coming from the hotel, Yvonne’s closing up early, and will bring more desserts and fresh bread with her.”
“Sure, go ahead. The cloths are in the back of Chase’s truck, along with the place mats and the table decorations.”
Jenna patted January’s shoulder and made her way across to where all the trucks were parked. The sun was shining and the forecast hadn’t mentioned rain, so she was fairly confident the party would go well.
Maria sat on the back of Blue’s truck with Billy watching the proceedings, and Jenna called out to them.
“You two want to help set the tables?”
Billy lifted Maria down from the tailgate and they came over hand in hand.
“What can we do for you, Jenna?”
She handed Billy a stack of folded linen tablecloths that Ruth had borrowed from the Hayes family at the hotel. “Spread these out on the tables while Maria puts the place mats on, and I’ll add the flowers.”
“The flowers are so pretty.” Maria gently touched the petals of a yellow rose. “Did Daisy at the flower shop do them?”
“She d
id.”
“I’d like to do that when I grow up.”
“That’s a great idea. You could help out with all the weddings and stuff on the ranch.”
Maria’s smile wobbled. “If I’m still here.”
Jenna sat on the bench so that her face was level with the little girl. “I think everyone here wants you to stay. That must make you feel good, right?”
“Sometimes.” Maria sighed. “And then I get worried because what if things change again?”
Jenna held her gaze. “Yeah, I used to worry about that a lot, too, even after I was adopted by the McDonalds, but things did work out in the end. There are still good people in this world who don’t change their minds about the important stuff. I think the Morgan family are the good guys.”
Maria nodded and looked away at the boxes Jenna had set on the tables. “Look! There are candles in there, too, so we can light them when it gets dark.” She picked up a pile of place mats and danced after Billy, indicating the conversation was over. Jenna hoped she’d done some good as she attempted to pick up the shallow but large box containing a dozen flower arrangements.
“You okay with that?”
She looked up to find Blue behind her. He wore a gray Marine-related T-shirt and old jeans, and there was a smear of dirt on his cheek that made him look even hotter than usual. She found herself smiling at him like a besotted fool.
“I’m good.”
He nodded and stepped back. “Need any help with anything else? Chase and I have just about finished setting up all the tables, chairs, and the awnings.”
“I’m good. I’ve got Maria and Billy helping me out.” She hesitated. “Is Maria okay?”
“In what way?” His gaze intensified. “Did she say anything to you?”
“She’s just worried about her future. I tried to reassure her but—”
He cut across her. “I’ll talk to her.”
Jenna sighed. “Blue, this isn’t something you can fix overnight. She’s going to need time to learn to trust anyone again.”
“I get that.”
“Then don’t go rushing in trying to make everything right, okay? The best thing you can do is provide her with a consistent and loving environment.”
He nodded decisively. “I hear you.”
He was about to turn away when she caught his hand. “I’m not trying to interfere or anything. It’s just that—”
He squeezed her fingers hard. “Jenna, trust me. Anything you tell me at this point in time is golden. You understand what she’s going through better than any of us.”
“Okay then.” She released her grip on him.
“Cool.” He tipped his hat to her. “Then I’ll start moving that mountain of beverages closer to the food tables. I’m not sure how many people were invited tonight, but I’m expecting the whole of Nor Cal.”
She smiled and then realized if she didn’t get moving fast, she was about to drop the entire box on his boots. Not wanting to look like a wuss, she gathered her strength and tottered after Billy, placing the box carefully on the first of the long trestle tables.
“Two flower things for each table, I think, Maria.”
As she worked, she couldn’t help the odd glance back at Blue, who was shifting packs of water and beer as if they weighed nothing. He really did understand her. It was a pleasure to watch him in motion—especially now, as she was well acquainted with all that strength up close and personal.
She stared at his back. She would have to be careful. He would be so easy to love . . . Sure, he was exasperating and bossy, but his heart was in the right place. It must be nice to be so sure of everything. She’d had to fight for every speck of confidence she had. She’d also had enough therapy to realize that no one could give her that sense of self-worth but herself, so she wasn’t expecting some man to rescue her. Most days she was proud of what she’d achieved and knew that if it came down to it, she was a survivor.
The thing was . . . Blue Morgan made her want more than that. He made her want to be someone’s number one priority. She had a sense that if he decided to love you, then you were set for life. But deserving that love, and living up to it? She got the feeling he wasn’t very good at forgiving failure in himself or in anyone else. Would she want to risk all she had achieved in her life just for a shot at something even better? That was the million-dollar question, and it was one she wasn’t ready to answer yet.
So she would enjoy what she had and maybe allow herself to hope things might get even better.
* * *
“What time is Ry showing up?” Chase asked.
“I’ve already told you about six times. I don’t know. He’s not exactly chatty.”
“But he did say he was coming?”
Blue shot his brother an exasperated look as he stacked another case of water on top of the tower. “I know you like everything to be organized, but I can’t help you. If he said he was coming, he’ll turn up. That’s it.”
Chase grimaced. “Sorry. I’m just anxious about seeing him again.”
“I get it.” Blue bent to pick up another load of water. “The fact that he decided to come is a major indicator that he wants to make things better. I’ve been at him for months to get down here.”
“Thanks.” Chase hoisted a box of beer onto the table, making all the glass clink together, and split the cardboard open with his knife. “Ruth’s been nagging them, too.”
“And that usually works. You and I came back, didn’t we?”
Chase smiled for the first time. “Yeah, we did. I’m glad about that and that we found a way to save the ranch.” He put the beer into one of the waiting ice chests and closed the lid. “Maybe one day the twins will want to make the ranch their home as well. Plenty of places to build a house on Morgan land.”
“Yeah, about that . . .” Blue straightened. “I’d like to have my own place one day.”
“Sure. After the party, we can sit down as a family and work out where you want to put it.”
“Really?”
Chase shrugged. “Hell, we’re going to be constructing all those guest cottages in the next few months, so why not take advantage of that and get your own place started?”
“That would be awesome.” Blue took off his gloves. “I kind of picked out a spot I liked a few weeks ago. I’ve never had my own house.”
“Then it’s about time that you did.” Chase nodded and then looked over Blue’s shoulder. “Who’s that?”
An unfamiliar brown truck had drawn up alongside Blue’s.
“No idea. Let’s go and find out.”
Blue led the way, watching carefully as a man got out of the driver’s side and stood looking up at the menacing backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. He whistled and then turned to Blue, who had to look up at him. He was about an inch shorter than Chase, who topped out at six-foot-two.
“Dude. I’d forgotten that view.”
“Ry?” Blue held out his hand.
“Yeah.” Ry offered his own. “You’re definitely BB, so this must be TC.”
“Chase.” Chase held out his hand. “It’s good to see you.”
Ry looked Chase over, his expression serious. “BB says you’re okay, so I suppose I have to give you a chance.”
“You don’t have to, but I’d be glad if you would.” Chase hesitated. “I should’ve reached out to you more often, but I got so busy with my own life that I let everything else go.”
“It’s okay.” Ry shrugged. “Me and HW had each other.”
“Will you stay for a few days?” Chase asked. “There’s a lot to talk about.”
“Sure.” Ry looked over at the tables. “Is that Ruth over there? Cool.” He strode away, leaving Blue staring at Chase.
“Is it really going to be that easy?” Chase grimaced. “I thought it would be like talking to you in those early days.”
“Ry’s nothing like me. He’s deep.”
“True, so I bet he’s got a few things to say. We’ll just have to wait him out.”
“How could I? Ry’s not been communicating with me.”
“Hell.” Blue set off toward Ry and Ruth, but Billy and Maria were already on an intercept path heading back to Chase’s truck. He heard Ruth call out to her son.
“Billy, come over and see who’s here.”
Blue picked up his pace as Billy slowly turned to look up at Ry.
“Good to see you, Dad.”
To Blue’s astonishment Ry enveloped Billy in a one-arm hug, which was warmly returned.
“You two are okay with each other?” Blue asked.
“Sure.” Ry’s golden gaze fastened on him. “We’re cool. Dad came out and saw me and HW at the rodeo whenever he could.”
“Did he?”
Billy’s smile dimmed as he detached himself from Ry and faced Blue.
“BB—”
Blue opened his mouth and was distracted by a pull on his sleeve.
“Don’t be mean to him.”
He looked down at Maria. “I’m not going to be mean. I just asked a question.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “But you made him sad.”
“I . . . didn’t mean to do that. I didn’t know Billy was seeing my brothers when I wouldn’t let him see me. So if anyone should be sad, it should be me for being a complete ass.”
“Okay.” She patted his arm. “Now, say sorry.”
Blue looked up at his father and Ry. “She’s right. I’m sorry.”
Another tug brought his head down and Maria planted a kiss on his chin. “Now don’t you feel so much better?”
He smiled at her. “Actually, I do. Where did you learn to be so smart?”
“My mom.”
“She must have been a very special lady.”
Maria nodded and then skipped after Ruth, who was busy with the exact placement of the food.
“Who’s the little girl?” Ry asked.
“Her name’s Maria.” Blue met his gaze. “That’s a story for another day. For now, just remember she’s family, okay?”
He nodded at his younger brother and went back to finish sorting the beverages. No doubt Billy would fill Ry in on the details of Maria’s parentage. His hand curled into a fist.