The limousine ride back to his house took place in silence. Arm slung across her shoulders, he played absentmindedly with the lace on her short-sleeved black dress, while she gazed out the window. Exhaustion slipped into her bones and she wondered if admitting her feelings had frightened him.
As they pulled into the driveway, Levi and the girls awaited them. The driver didn’t even have the opportunity to open the door before Levi grasped the handle and gave it a pull. Like a gentleman he helped her out.
“Hey, Wiseman.” He grinned. “Just heard that prize Gelbvieh bull of yours jumped the fence again.” Clancy groaned, but Levi’s smile grew larger. “Seems he’s been doing the dirty with a couple of our cows.”
If it hadn’t been that she had kept Levi busy from sun up until now, Tess might think her little brother had a hand in the bull’s release. Still, she couldn’t help the excitement that touched her. It was their future plans to crossbreed. This just gave them a huge leap in that direction with a quality animal they could never afford.
“Damn animal.” Clancy glanced from Levi to her. “You don’t look all broken up about my cattle on your property this time.”
“I guess we could take you to court for damages,” she teased.
“Damages, my ass. You know what one of his calves are worth?”
Levi burst into laughter as the girls giggled behind him.
Rachel wrapped an arm around Tess’s waist. “Everything is ready.”
While Levi and Clancy chatted, Tess and the girls went into the house. The first person she met was Milo, his beautiful dark-haired daughter beside him.
Concern heavy in his eyes, he extended a hand and shook Tess’s. “How is he?”
“As well as one can be on a day like this, but I think he’ll be okay. How are the two of you doing?” They had been in their new place for a week now.
Love beamed in the man’s eyes as he looked down upon his daughter. “We’re good. Julie, why don’t you join Rose and Rachel in the kitchen.” When the girl scampered off, Milo’s voice lowered. “Her momma has agreed to me having full custody for now. Seems she’s hooked up with another man.” The brilliance that once brightened his gaze disappeared.
She gave him a big hug. “These things have a way of working out. You’ll see.” Men like Milo and Clancy wouldn’t stay single for long.
The thought hardly tweaked her mind when Clancy stepped into the house. For the first time he appeared relaxed. From the small tidbits she heard of his, Levi and Wade’s conversation, all the work on the new property was done. A monument had been erected where his mother had been found. Tomorrow they would be releasing both Wiseman and Gilmore cattle on the land. Levi had insisted on paying grazing rights and Tess couldn’t have been prouder of him.
As more and more people poured into the house, the noise level soared. A group of men now surrounded Clancy, each of them holding a beer in their hands. In another room she heard laughter and the smash of billiards crashing together.
This was exactly what Clancy needed. She took one more look at the handsome man, and then drifted toward the kitchen to make sure everything was running smoothly when she saw Levi and Tori slip out the front door.
The girl must have had a homing device on her, because all three of her brother’s heads rose at the same time, their troubled gazes drawn to the door that clicked shut. Wade said something to Clint and Ty and the two brothers headed for the door.
Tess started to follow, slowing her steps. Maybe it was time for her brother to stand on his own two feet. She pivoted and then paused. They wouldn’t hurt Levi, would they? “Nah,” she said before continuing on her way.
After everyone left, Clancy collapsed upon the couch and toed off his boots. What had started as an emotionally charged day had evolved into a gathering of friends and family he never realized he had. Even his workhands pitched in to make the day easier on him and for that he was thankful. Still, he owed most of his gratitude to one woman.
Tess.
Her strength and compassion helped him through this very trying day and those that had followed his mother’s discovery. He gazed up at the portrait above the fireplace of a smiling woman with haunting eyes, eyes so like his own.
What would she look like today if his father hadn’t snatched her life away?
A memory of her sitting on the edge of his bed and reading The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings came softly. Like the rabbit, he hadn’t been happy—prayed to be somebody else. Was that another thing they had in common? Had she quietly recited the same prayer night after night?
Why had it taken him so long to see the truth about himself? So many years had been wasted, but no more. He had a long way to go to break old habits and fears, but from this point onward he would live his life the way it should be lived. Hopefully his life would include Tess, her brother and sisters. He was ready for the whole enchilada.
Closing his eyes, he leaned back and rested his head on the back of the leather couch. For a brief moment his mind went blank and peace filled the silence. When his eyelids rose, Tess stood over him like she had that first night they met.
“Are you an angel?”
She shook her head. “Far from it.”
But she had been his saving grace—his angel.
He held out his hand. “Will you be my angel tonight?” When she intertwined her fingers with his, he pulled her down beside him. Her dress hiked up to midthigh, revealing black nylon-covered legs so inviting he couldn’t help reaching out and feeling the silk beneath his touch. When his hand slipped between her knees, she locked them together.
Raising a brow, she forced a smile that didn’t quite make it to her eyes, eyes that appeared weary. “You really need to get some new pickup lines.”
Cupping the back of her head, he urged her mouth to his, but he didn’t kiss her. “You are an angel, Tess. Thank you for today and the last week.”
And for saving me from self-destruction and loving me.
He’d nearly swallowed his tongue when she had revealed her feelings earlier. He had wanted to take her in his arms, kiss her, and tell her that he loved her, but they had been interrupted. He wanted to be alone with her when he expressed his love. The only woman, besides Jessie, that he’d ever loved.
“You’re welcome. I finished cleaning up the kitchen and put all the food away. You’ll have enough to last you a month. Do you want me to fix you something before I leave?”
“I’m not hungry, not for food.”
Surprisingly, he didn’t want a drink either. No. He wanted something more primitive, more carnal. He wanted to feast on her mouth and body. Feel her naked skin sliding across his. See her beautiful face when she climaxed.
Her cheeks blushed.
“Stay with me, Tess.”
“Uhm…I really shouldn’t.” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “Levi and the girls expect me home.”
He brushed his mouth over hers. “Please stay.”
“Maybe I can until you fall asleep.”
“Perhaps I’m not making my position clear. I don’t need someone to kiss me goodnight and tuck me in.” He gazed into the depths of her eyes. “And I don’t want you to stay for just tonight, but every night. I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning.”
She eased back, angling her shoulders away from him. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I love you. I want you—a family.” The revelation came easily, shocking him as well as Tess. Her jaw dropped. Her eyes widened.
“Clancy, are you sure? I come with a lot of baggage.”
“We all do. Mine is a bit different from yours. At least your baggage will grow up, go to college, and marry. I can deal with that.” He smoothed his nose against hers. “And who knows, maybe we’ll create some baggage of our own.”
She licked her lips. “You want children?”
“I want to share everything life has to offer with you, and that includes children. We’ll have a houseful of them if that’s what y
ou want.” He slid the sleeve of her dress off a shoulder, pressed his mouth against her soft skin and nibbled. Then he looked up through shuttered eyelids. “You might even be able to convince me to begin trying for our first piece of baggage tonight.”
She leaned into him. “I might be able to?” Her voice lowered to a sexy purr.
Did this mean—
His heart rate quickened. “So, darlin’, will you marry me?”
She threw her arms around his neck, knocked him back against the couch, and peppered his face with kisses. “Yes.” Her voice pitched as her response came in rapid succession. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
His foolish grin died and he choked up a bit at the sudden emotion dampening her eyes. Gently he brushed away what he hoped were happy tears now rolling down her cheeks.
“Tess?” Leaning closer, he kissed the corners of her lips and the tip of her nose. “I’ll make you happy. I promise.”
Her warm palms cupped his face. “You already make me happy. But there is something that would make me even happier right now.”
“Anything. You name it and it’s yours.”
“Take me to bed. And, Clancy?”
“Yes.”
A sensual smile curved her lips. “Can we use those handcuffs from the other night?”
“Oh hell yeah.” He grabbed her hand, dragging her up and into his embrace when he stood. “Anything else you want?”
“Hmmm…” Her voice softened. “Only you.”
When their mouths touched in a poignant kiss that tightened his chest, Clancy knew he’d found the woman who could truly complete him.
About the Author
A taste of the erotic, a measure of daring and a hint of laughter describe Mackenzie McKade’s novels. She sizzles the pages with scorching sex, fantasy and deep emotion that will touch you and keep you immersed until the end. Whether her stories are contemporaries, futuristics or fantasies, this Arizona native thrives on giving you the ultimate erotic adventure.
When not traveling through her vivid imagination, she’s spending time with three beautiful daughters, three devilishly handsome grandsons, and the man of her dreams. She loves to write, enjoys reading, and can’t wait till summer. Boating and jet skiing are top on her list of activities. Add to that laughter and if mischief is in order—Mackenzie’s your gal!
To learn more about Mackenzie McKade, please visit www.mackenziemckade.com. Send an email to Mackenzie at [email protected] or catch her on her Facebook (www.facebook.com/MackenzieMcKade) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/MackenzieMcKade) sites. You might want to stop by the Wicked Writers’ Facebook site (www.facebook.com/TheWickedWriters) and join in the fun with other readers and authors as well as Mackenzie.
Look for these titles by Mackenzie McKade
Now Available:
Six Feet Under
Fallon’s Revenge
A Warrior’s Witch
Lisa’s Gift
Lost but not Forgotten
Second Chance Christmas
Black Widow
Merry Christmas, Paige
Blue Moon
Irresistible
Ties That Bind
Bound for the Holidays
Bound by the Past
Bound by Desire
Wild Oats
Take Me
Take Me Again
Whispering Cove
Wild
Bold
Coming Soon:
Sand Angel
She’s more spice than sugar…and he has a taste for heat.
Bold
© 2012 Mackenzie McKade
Whispering Cove, Book 5
Tabatha Taylor has mooned over her brother’s best friend since childhood. For years she’s been chipping away at his cool façade, using the generous, all-grown-up assets God gave her to her advantage.
Finally she has a chance to work close to him on a project for the Fall Festival. Going nose to nose with him will prove her ideas have merit, even if she doesn’t have a degree. But she learns the cost to her heart could be bigger than she anticipated.
Tabby’s dark beauty definitely sets architect Reece McGrath’s pulse racing, but she’s an itch better left unscratched. The attraction that flares between them is hot and undeniable, but getting close means risking a friendship he values and a lifestyle he cherishes. Crossing that boundary isn’t worth the price he’d have to pay.
With one of the grandfathers of Whispering Cove pinpointing them in another matchmaking scheme, though, they find themselves inching closer to that line. And closer
Warning: This book gives new meaning to getting nailed. Nothing beats a man with a variety of tools at his disposal and a woman who is bold enough to take him on.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Bold:
When Reece maneuvered his truck around a curve in the road, the two-story, redbrick gymnasium came into view. Surprise registered when he saw Tabby’s black Jeep in front. As he pulled up beside the vehicle, relief filtered through him. At least now he knew where she was. He sat behind the wheel of his vehicle for a moment, wondering whether he should let her be or go in and help. The thought came and went when he reached for the door handle and got out. Gravel crunched beneath his feet as he trod purposely to the door, finding it unlocked. As he entered the auditorium, he heard Tabby’s sweet voice.
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” Standing center stage, she gazed longingly over the rows and rows of empty seats. Houselights beaming upon her, she made a quarter turn and the long, flowing, red velvet Renaissance gown she wore brushed the polished floor.
He smiled. Silently he closed the door to not disturb her.
“Deny thy father and refuse thy name.” She breathed deeply, her features belaying a tortured woman in love.
Acting appeared to come naturally to Tabby. Of course, she had always been good at theatrics—the brat. With those puppy-dog eyes she could wind her father, Devon and even him around her little finger at will.
“Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,” she spoke softly. “And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”
Padding down the aisle, he opened his arms. “Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?” he quoted, remembering the line from his high school years when they had been forced to read the play.
Tabby shrieked, her head swinging side to side in search of the one who had invaded her privacy. Regaining her composure, she leaned forward and squinted, peering into the darkness against the brilliance.
Licking her lips betrayed her nervousness. “Who’s there?” she growled.
“’Tis me, Romeo. Your fairest of princes.” He barely held back a stream of laughter.
He knew the moment she recognized him. She pinched her lips against a grin begging to be released.
“Fairest of princes? You’ve got to be kidding.”
He may not be Romeo, but she definitely was Juliet. With her long black hair and that gown a little too tight so it raised her breasts invitingly, she looked as if she had taken a step back in time.
“So what is this? A movie montage?” He slid into a front row aisle seat, kicking his feet up on the bar before it. “I want to see more.” And surprisingly he did. He had never seen this side of her. She was an amazing woman with many facets to her even he didn’t know about. For some damn reason he wanted to know all those things about her he missed out on while he was at college and on job sites.
A devilish glint sparked in her eyes. “You do, do you?”
“Yeah. Show me what you have.”
Gathering a wad of material in each hand, she raised the hem of her gown and disappeared behind the heavy velveteen curtains. In seconds she returned adorned in her own boots along with a golden full-circled skirt draped by a black overlay, but it was the bodice that made his jaw drop. The damn woman didn’t have a shirt or a tunic beneath it. The leather lacings spanned wide enough to send his gaze down her bare cleavage, setting his pulse racing.
When he didn’t say anything, her pal
ms went to her shapely hips. “Don’t tell me you don’t know what I am.”
Sexy. Gorgeous. A couple more words bounced around in his head, but that’s not exactly what stirred his blood and made his cock twitch with excitement. An image of her came to his mind… Tabby sprawled naked and prone across a blanket atop a sandy beach, her graceful spine arching as his mouth traced a path along its curve.
“Really, Reece? I’ll give you hint. ‘Argggg… Ye matey.’”
Jerking his attention to her scrunched-up face, he noticed for the first time her eye patch. “Hmm. A pirate.”
She released an exaggerated breath. “Yeah.” And then she disappeared behind the curtains once more.
He slipped his feet from the railing to rest on the thinly carpeted floor. Easing out of his seat, he moved toward the stairs leading to the stage. When his boots struck the waxy floor, Tabby came whirling across the platform dressed in a soft pink Nutcracker ballet tutu costume. The sugarplum fairy skirt glittered beneath the lights. Her hair was a curtain of silk whipping through the air as she spun again and again, laughing. The girlish sound wrapped around his heart and tugged.
Taking another step, he sneezed. The musty scent of time and dust teased his nose.
When she came to a halt, her breathing was labored. Her breasts rising and falling were hard to ignore. “I always wanted to be a ballerina.” She stood with her left foot in front of her turned at an angle while stretching her right foot behind her. Her arms held gracefully before her.
God. She was beautiful, like a delicate fairy too whimsical to believe. His palms itched to reach out and touch her, prove she was real, but he resisted the urge.
“Why didn’t you pursue it?”
Her shoulders rose and fell on a sigh. “I’d have to leave Whispering Cove.” As if that was a valid answer to his question, she performed a perfect pirouette and tiptoed elegantly out of his sight.
He heard the rustle of clothing, and then a thud followed by an unfeminine “crap”. “Is that why you dropped out of college?”
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