“Why would I explain us making love to her? She already thinks we’re intimate on a regular basis.”
“I thought she was the woman you were bringing here.”
“Nope.”
“Then who is the woman?”
Silence stretched until finally Jenna nudged him. “Bennett?”
A soft snore was the only reply.
“Damn it.”
It was the middle of summer and she lay out in the bright sunshine. The strangest thing was that, although she rested on her side, the sun’s rays heated her back. The thirst was agonizing. If only she could reach the water bottle in the cooler. Jenna let out a long sigh and woke with a start. Why was it so darn hot?
It became clear when a soft snore tickled her ear. Not only was Bennett fast asleep against her back, but also his arm was curved protectively around her waist.
It was not a bad way to start the day. However, they had much to discuss.
Two major things to talk about. Number one, how big of an idiot she was. And two, how he was a two-timing-cheater.
Both were idiots it turned out. She’d slept with Bennett Cole again despite him having a girlfriend.
“Bennett, wake up.” She attempted to slide away, only for him to tighten his hold.
“Don’t move.” He kissed the crook of her neck and she closed her eyes.
Damn it, this wasn't the time to let him get away without answering her questions. “Who is the woman you’re bringing here? Do you plan to admit you cheated?”
If he said no, she’d probably knee him in the balls. Jenna turned and positioned herself.
The sleepy crooked smile, mushed hair and half-closed eyes had to be the sexiest damned thing she’d ever seen.
“I have to tell you something. Promise not to get mad,” he drawled in what sounded almost like a southern accent. Of course, the deep sleepy voice made all kinds of mushy things happen.
“What is it?”
“I don’t have a girlfriend. I made her up to see what you’d do.”
Twenty-Eight
The slap woke him up fully.
“Forget my one month notice. I am quitting today,” Jenna scrambled from the bed. He caught her around the waist but, unfortunately, it put him in a vulnerable position. So when she stood, he flipped onto the floor.
As she rushed around and grabbed a robe, he yanked on his boxer briefs and pants. “Listen to me.” He couldn’t stop the chuckle.
“No. I am not going to listen to anything you say.” She blinked several times and he wondered if she was about to cry. If she cried, he wouldn’t forgive himself.
“You said you slept with me before because you were having a fan girl moment.” Yep, the words didn’t make sense and she only stared at him as if expecting him to elaborate, but he had nothing to add. “Please, let’s talk.”
That was not exactly the top of eloquence, but he gave himself points for not saying something even more stupid.
“Ugh!” Jenna stormed from the room and he followed.
“If you would just sit down for a minute.” He stopped and watched her pace in the kitchen. “I love you Jenna. It’s just that it’s hard to trust anyone in my profession.”
She neared and narrowed her eyes. “You don’t love me. If you did, you wouldn’t have let me continue to believe a person was coming after I told you how I felt.” Her fingernail dug into his chest when she punctuated her words by poking at him.
Regina walked in and twirled. “I’m so excited about my first clients.” She looked from one to the other. “This is not the time for a lover’s spat.”
“What the hell are you doing here so damned early?” Bennett considered grabbing her arm and physically throwing her out. He stopped only because being already on the outs with Jenna, she could use his treatment of Regina against him.
“I want to use the paddock between our lands for the engagement pictures,” Regina said with a wide smile, ignoring the silent Jenna and Bennett’s frown.
“Oh my God!” A wide-eyed, gaping mouth Lacey stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Daniel is going to flip his wig when he hears you’re getting married.” Not waiting for a reply, she whirled and ran back up the stairs.
“Shit.” Bennett put his hands on his hips and looked to where Lacey had disappeared, not doubt to call Daniel, who would either have a coronary or a stroke. Or both if that was possible.
“Shouldn’t you two be dressed?” Elle walked in with his brother, who didn’t try to hide a grin. “The contractor is walking over.”
Jenna looked at the clock on the wall and hurried past everyone to her bedroom. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“We’ll be right back.” Bennett followed her.
“Why are you in here?” Jenna jumped to hide behind the bathroom door. “I’m getting dressed.”
“I’ve seen you naked.” It was a fact, although, technically, he’d never seen her nude and upright.
He grabbed his discarded shirt and shook it. “Not much can be done for this guy. I’m just going to have to let my huge muscles flatten it out.”
“Regina is right. You’re an idiot,” Jenna said attempting not to laugh but failing.
“Ouch, you’re hurting my ego.” Bennett sat down to put his socks and shoes on purposely turning his back to allow Jenna some privacy. He wasn’t sure why a woman would be shy at getting dressed in front of him after they’d been intimate, but then who understood them anyway.
“Can I borrow your comb, brush or something?”
When they emerged, they were dressed and as respectable as a couple who’d slept together and now everyone, including the dogs, knew could be.
“Well, good morning,” Elle gave them a knowing smile and placed coffee cups in front of them.
The contractor looked from Bennett to Jenna and something flickered. Bennett looked to Jenna, who didn’t notice that the man was disappointed. It was obvious he’d taken their shared meal the day before as more than her being nice.
Too bad for him.
Lacey bounced down the stairs and, seeing they were about to discuss business, she mouthed, “Call Daniel”.
“Let’s get started,” Elle began once she spread the plans out.
While he, Elle and Jenna went over the plans with the contractor, Sully, Lacey and Regina remained in the kitchen. Soon, the aroma of bacon and toast filled the space.
Once the contractor left, Lacey looked to Bennett. “Daniel wants you to call him about the engagement.”
“What?” With toast halfway to her mouth, Elle looked to each face. “When did this happen?”
Regina gave a low whistle. “This is crazy.”
“You’re fast, brother,” Sully said and slapped Bennett’s back. Unfortunately, it was as he was drinking juice and he choked.
While coughing, he looked to Jenna who glared at him. “Is this some kind of joke?” She let out a breath. “Bennett and I were arguing this morning, not getting engaged.” With the precision of a drummer, she looked at everyone and pointed at Lacey. “Bennett Cole and I are not engaged. We are...”
“In a committed relationship that will probably lead to marriage, but for now, we are not engaged.” Bennett finished for her and then promptly slid his hand to the back of her neck and brought her forward for a full on, tongue-included kiss.
There were chuckles, mumbles and one “ewww” before he finally pulled away.
Twenty-Nine
Jenna rolled over in bed and stretched. It was strange now to wake up alone in bed. For the last month, Bennett had shared her bed and, to be honest, she loved it. Although, on occasion, the hot beach dream returned. It was a small price to pay for hours of wonderful lovemaking.
The alarm sounded and she slipped from the bed. The two pet beds were empty, which meant that Mowgli and Sunny had followed Bennett out earlier. After showering and dressing in jeans and a light sweater top, Jenna trudged to find a cup of coffee.
The house was quiet and she w
ondered where Bennett had gone off to so early. He was not an early riser like her.
The dark liquid did its work and, within minutes, the haze of sleep left. There was much to do. The construction of the bunkhouse was progressing well and she was confident the new manager they’d hired would handle things for the time Jenna planned to go to Butte to stay with Bennett.
Coffee cup in hand, she went to the back to check on the dogs. Only the two smaller dogs remained. Sunny never went anywhere without her.
“Jenna?” She was startled when Troy appeared at the back door. The younger man rarely left the stable area.
“Yes, Troy, good morning.”
He bobbed his head. “I wondered if all your dogs were here. I thought I saw one limping over by the creek. A brown one.”
“Oh no.” Jenna rushed back inside and grabbed a windbreaker. “Tell Bennett I’m heading to the creek. If I find a hurt dog, I’ll need his truck.”
She scrambled onto the golf cart not waiting for his reply. When Sunny came running, she picked her up and placed her on the seat next to her.
“Hang on, Sunny. We’re going fast.”
Despite the situation, as she drove to the creek where she’d first met Bennett, Jenna promised herself to come out for drives in the morning more often.
Although fall approached, the sky was clear and the surroundings were beautiful. Every detail of the land felt like home and she took a deep breath as she scanned the surroundings in hopes of spotting a dog.
It could have been a small deer that Troy had seen or a wolf. Jenna turned and climbed from the golf cart. She’d walk closer to the creek for a bit before heading back.
Out of the corner of her eye a blue material caught her attention. Someone had folded his or her clothes on top of a rock. “Who the heck is out here?” Jenna mumbled and crept closer.
“Hello?”
The breaking of a branch was followed by a muttered curse. “Ouch.”
“Hello?” she repeated. “Who’s there?”
“Me.”
Jenna turned and barked out a laugh. Standing next to the water was a very naked and smiling Bennett Cole.
“What the hell are you doing? It’s too chilly to be in the water.”
He walked to her and she couldn’t help but enjoy the view. “Bennett...”
When her lover fell to one knee, Jenna prepared to help him up only to realize he held up a diamond ring.
“What are you doing?”
“Will you be quiet and let me propose? It’s cold as hell out here.”
“You’re not wearing any clothes.”
“Yeah, I’m making this moment memorable.”
Jenna laughed. “You sure are.”
About the Clinic in the Gambia
The clinic in The Gambia where Jenna worked exists. I am a strong supporter of Veterinary Clinic Gambia, run by Doctor Michael Meyer, who along with his team run a trap, neuter and return program for dogs.
As an dog lover, I urge you to support the program, which not only neuters and spays dogs, but also treats them for any illnesses, injuries and parasites.
For more information on the clinic visit www.vetclinicgambia.com.
The YouTube videos are heartbreaking and encouraging at once. Here is the link: Vet Clinic Gambia YouTube
If you can donate to this clinic, please give. Even if once, every cent counts.
Note from the Author
Hello Dear Reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.
I live in a small town in Georgia with my husband and two unruly Chihuahuas.
I had fun writing Sully and Bennett’s Stories If you enjoyed Montana Born & Bred, please recommend it to your friends and family. There are more short western contemporaries, so be sure to read Montana Cowboys, which has three novellas, next!
I would sincerely appreciate a review.
I love hearing from my readers and am always excited when you join my newsletter to keep abreast of new releases and other things happening in my world.
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@hildiemcqueen
HildieMcQueen
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Montana Born and Bred Page 16