by Leah Brooke
Incredibly touched, she hugged her father, tears stinging her eyes at the worry she’d caused all of them. “Oh, Daddy. I’m fine. I promise. Just knowing you, Mom, and Daniel are there makes everything better. I just hate that you’ve been so worried.”
“If you don’t want to talk to your mother or me, at least talk to your brother.”
Once they reached the patio again, Lana lifted her head, looking up at him with a smile. “Kristen’s due soon, and she’s having a hard time of it. I think Daniel’s got enough on his plate.” Stepping back, she poked him in the stomach. “I’ve been busting my butt for years. I deserve a vacation. I’ve been sleeping until noon and catching up on my reading.”
“Uh-huh.” Clearly disbelieving her lie, her father lifted her left wrist, studying it, his jaw clenching as he ran his thumb over the ugly scar there. “Don’t let him win, honey. Don’t let him have such a hold over you.”
Lana rose to her toes to kiss his cheek. “I won’t. Don’t worry about me. I’m tough, remember?” She looked toward the patio where her mother and Lenore leaned close to each other and appeared to be in deep conversation, both looking in their direction. “You’d better go break that up. If those two are trying to get me married off to a confirmed bachelor, they’re doomed for disappointment.”
Her father laughed and hugged her. “Who told you that J.W.’s a confirmed bachelor?”
“Daniel. He’s told me many times that J.W.’s too set in his ways and too hard and cold to ever marry.” When her father released her, she smiled up at him. “Besides, I have no intention of ever getting married, especially to some hard-nosed cowboy who goes through women the way Daniel said J.W. does.”
Her father frowned. “Your brother exaggerates. J.W.’s a good man. A strong man who knows how to protect what’s his. I gotta tell you, sugar, that I’d feel a hell of a lot better if I knew that you had a man like J.W. looking out for you.”
Lana sighed and shook her head, stunned. “Daddy, I can’t believe you’re saying that. You’re the one who always told me that you were so proud of me for making it on my own, and now you think I need a man to take care of me.”
Her father eyed her solemnly. “I see things differently now. I’d better go see what your mother wants.”
Watching her father walk away, Lana wrapped her arms around herself, shaken that her father’s words forced her to reevaluate herself.
Unhappy at the realization that the idea of having a strong man around would provide her with the safety she now needed, she inwardly cursed and turned her back to the crowd. She took several steps into the soft grass, careful to stay within shouting distance of the others.
Laughter and conversation mingled with the soft music from the band, a sharp reminder of the way her life had changed, and it pissed her off.
Months earlier, she would have mingled with the crowd with an ease she couldn’t even imagine feeling again.
She just wanted to be alone. Each time she tried to be among other people, she found herself tense and apprehensive.
She felt like an outsider, even with her own family.
She couldn’t talk to them the way she used to because she knew it would only worry them more.
Pretending that everything was all right and hiding her fears widened the distance even more.
She just needed more time.
Every step she took away from the patio increased the sense of peace, the music and conversation becoming dimmer. Sipping her ginger ale, she paused, looking up at the moon, mesmerized by the drift of clouds passing in front of it.
Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply, calmer than she’d been in a long time.
Something niggled at her, and she opened her eyes, alarmed to see a cowboy standing several feet away, leaning back against the wooden fence, the shadows from the trees making it impossible to see him clearly.
She didn’t have any trouble, however, judging his size.
He was a big man, a really big man. Something about the way he held himself screamed power and strength, sending cold spikes of fear through her.
Although the cowboy hat he wore prevented her from seeing his face, the glitter in his eyes was plainly visible in the low light, like a wild cat regarding his prey.
Her heart pounded out of her chest when he straightened, her breath catching when he separated himself from the shadows.
The sheer size of him terrified her.
Instinct took over, and with a cry, she dropped her glass and spun, racing toward the patio, her heels digging into the soft earth and making her steps clumsy.
Before she’d taken more than three steps, a hard arm wrapped around her waist from behind and lifted her at least two feet off the ground, against what felt like a rock. “Whoa! What the hell? I won’t hurt you. Damn it. Stop kicking me.”
Kicking frantically, Lana screamed, alarmed at the realization that she’d underestimated his size and strength. Flashbacks of the attack back in New York made her hysterical, and all she could think of was fighting and screaming as loud as she could. “Let go of me! Please. Help! Please don’t hurt me.” She fought like a wild woman, kicking and screaming for all she was worth.
* * * *
Stunned that she was afraid of him, J.W. set her on her feet and hurriedly released her. His conversation with Daniel and the conversation he’d overheard didn’t come close to preparing him for her reaction.
Her fear proved more than he’d expected, her reaction to being touched like that of a wounded animal.
In her rush to get away from him, she tripped over the edge of the patio, crying out as she started to fall.
With a curse, he rushed forward, catching her around the waist again before she hit the ground.
Aware that the music had stopped, and that all eyes turned in their direction as her father rushed forward, J.W. pulled her against him, overcoming her struggles.
“Stop it! Calm down. You’re gonna hurt yourself. You almost fell.”
Alarmed that she weighed next to nothing in his arms, her body so thin and fragile against his that he was afraid he might break something, he released her into her father’s arms. “Hell, I hope I didn’t bruise her. She’s as thin as a rail.”
Henry Davies gathered his daughter close, running a hand up and down her back as she clung to him. “You were only trying to protect her. I saw her almost fall. She’ll be all right now.”
“Take her to my study so she can calm down.” Lifting his head, he glared at the members of the band, not turning away until they fumbled and started playing again.
Carolyn Davies rushed forward, waving her hands. “Everything’s fine. Go back to the party.” Touching her daughter’s shoulder, she looked up at her husband questioningly.
He nodded back. “She’s fine. She just got a little startled.”
Lifting her head, Lana pushed out of her father’s arms, wiping away a tear. “I’m fine. I’m sorry for causing such a fuss.” Her smile wobbled as she turned to look at J.W. “I’m sorry. You just startled me, and I overreacted. I guess I’m just tired.”
J.W. raised a brow at that, silently letting her know that he wasn’t buying her excuse. “There’s nothing to apologize for.” Stilling as he saw her face in the light for the first time, J.W. fought not to show his reaction.
He felt as if he’d been kicked in the stomach, his entire body tightening with a hunger unlike any he’d ever experienced.
Blue-green, almond-shaped eyes, filled with shock and awareness, widened as her gaze lingered on his chest before lifting to his face.
More brilliant than he’d seen in any photograph, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
The finest jewels in the world could never have competed with them.
Drowning in them, he forced himself to look away, his gaze drawn to her thick, shiny hair.
Long brown hair, shot with a million blonde and red highlights, fell like a waterfall of silk halfway down her back, making his hands itch to run his finger through it.
She lifted her chin, illuminating her high cheekbones in the hundreds of lights strung above the patio and accentuating her full red lips.
Her bottom lip quivered slightly, and even though he cursed himself for scaring her, he had to admit that it was the most erotic thing he’d ever seen.
Her lipstick irritated him, the irrational need to kiss it from her lips so strong that he fisted his hands at his sides to keep from reaching for her.
She was scared of him, the lingering apprehension in her eyes making him feel like a heel for wanting to throw her over his shoulder and carrying her to his bedroom.
He wanted to strip her out of the yards of material she’d wrapped herself in, lay her on his bed, spread her hair over his pillow, and plunder her mouth with his as he sank into her.
Swallowing heavily, he forced his muscles to relax, understanding now what Daniel had meant when he said that, the first time he’d met Kristen, he felt as if he’d been kicked in the stomach.
J.W. just hadn’t realized how hard that kick would feel, or that it would make it difficult to breathe.
“Did I hurt you?” He let his gaze rake over her, searching for any sign of injury and trying his best to convince himself to just walk away.
Her forced smile didn’t fool him at all. “I’m fine, thank you. You just startled me. I didn’t realize you were…there.” Her eyes widened, the dawning realization followed by horror in her eyes telling J.W. that she’d finally realized that he’d been there all along. Looking from him to the fence and back again, she thinned her full lips, her eyes narrowing in anger.
Inordinately pleased at her anger, a far cry from her fear of him, J.W. smiled, an arrogant smile that had her stunning eyes flashing, delighting him tremendously. “I’ve been sitting there for over an hour watching the new foal and trying to get rid of a headache.”
He wanted her. Badly.
He wanted to free his throbbing cock and sink into her.
He wanted to tease her nipples until she begged him for more.
To spread her thighs and use his mouth on her until she came, screaming his name.
To see the anger in her eyes turn to passion when he took her ass.
Blinking, he took a step back, hoping to break the spell, but it didn’t work.
Knowing that if he’d been alone with her she would have already been naked, he took several steadying breaths in an effort to calm down.
Getting involved with her would be a mistake.
She was his friend’s sister and the daughter of his mother’s best friend.
When something inevitably went wrong, he’d never hear the end of it.
His mother approached, frowning when she saw him. “J.W.! You haven’t even had a shower yet.”
Avoiding her attempt to grip his arm, he nodded toward the Davies, his gaze lingering on Lana’s face. “I’m on my way now. Excuse me.”
J.W. made his way through the crowd and inside, passing the kitchen bustling with waiters and caterers and down the long hall to his bedroom. Closing the door behind him, he thought of Lana and tried to convince himself that he didn’t want her.
Calling himself all kinds of a fool, he stripped out of his sweaty, dirty clothes, trying not to imagine stripping Lana out of the dress she wore that covered every inch of her.
In the shower, his cock ached, and even jerking off didn’t lessen his hunger for her.
Cursing himself, he dressed in a clean pair of jeans and T-shirt instead of the suit he should have worn and strolled to the French doors that led from his room to the opposite end of the patio and looked out, searching the crowd for any sign of Lana.
The band blocked his view, so he made his way to the opposite end of the house, grabbing a cup of coffee from the kitchen on his way to his study. Entering his study, he closed the door behind him, the lights from outside illuminating the room just enough for him to see without turning on the light.
Purposely denying himself the chance to see her again, he moved to his desk, dropping into his leather chair with a sigh. Staring at the French doors, he finished his coffee, not even tasting it, and set the cup aside.
The headache he’d been fighting for the last two hours had gotten steadily worse, and leaning his head back, he closed his eyes, unsurprised that the mental image of Lana rose in his mind almost immediately.
The fear in her eyes made him want to protect her and wrap her in the sense of security she obviously needed.
His desire for her was stupid and inappropriate under the circumstances, but uncomfortably undeniable.
She’d been attacked and was obviously scared.
He understood that, but it still irritated him that she’d been so scared of him.
A knock on his door had him biting back a curse. “Come in.” His breath caught in anticipation, wondering if Lana would seek him out.
Instead, his mother came in, frowning as she closed the door behind her. “Are you okay?”
Lifting a brow at that, J.W. rose and poured himself a whiskey. “Why wouldn’t I be?” He made his way back to his chair, dropping into it.
“Why is it dark in here?” She turned on the small lamp on his desk.
Blinking, J.W. rubbed his forehead. “I’m trying to get rid of a headache.”
His mother came closer, lowering herself into the chair in front of his desk. She’d pulled her blonde hair up the way she usually wore it, emphasizing her features, which appeared tight with concern. “Carolyn told me what happened. Lana’s embarrassed that she made such a fuss.”
J.W. shrugged. “There’s no need. She’s skittish.”
Dabbing her eyes, she rose to her feet again and started moving, as if too restless to sit still. “I can’t believe that happened to her. Thank God she’s all right and back home where it’s safe.”
Fighting not to show any emotion, J.W. nodded, saying nothing as he watched his mother walk back and forth behind the sofa, running her hand lightly over the back of it with each pass.
Pausing, she looked up at him. “I’ve seen pictures of Lana. She doesn’t look anything like the woman who was on the cover of magazines. Carolyn said she’s lost a lot of weight. She’s pale and has dark circles under her eyes that Carolyn thinks is from lack of sleep. Carolyn and Henry are both so worried about her, but every time they bring up the subject of the attack, she closes them out.”
Crossing back to J.W., Lenore Brant flattened her hands on the edge of his desk. “J.W., we have to do something. Maybe you can talk to her.”
Pushing his cup aside, J.W. leaned back. “Daniel’s already asked me to talk to her. I’ll try, but the rest of you need to back off.”
Nodding, his mother smiled. “We will. I promise. I’ll tell Carolyn. Thank you, J.W.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t done anything except scare her.” Steepling his fingers over his stomach, he regarded his mother steadily. “Why do all of you seem to think that I can help her?”
His mother smiled. “It’s because you get things done, J.W. You never take no for an answer. You’re even more stubborn than your father. If anyone can help her, you can.”
Amused, J.W. rose again, too restless to sit still. “I thought you said I was too abrasive.”
“You are.” His mother grinned. “But you’re also gentle, like your father was. A big growling bear with a marshmallow center. You’re the perfect man to help her.”
“There’s no marshmallow center.” J.W. shrugged. “Don’t expect too much. I don’t even know if she’ll talk to me.” Perched on the edge of his desk, he gave his mother a warning look. “Just don’t try your hand at matchmaking.” Amused, he shook his head. “I know that look in your eye. I have no intention of marrying someone like Lana. She’s pretty enough, but she won’t stick around long. She’s a city girl, and I don’t exactly live an exciting life. I’d bore her out of her mind.”
He’d been around the type often enough and had no desire to spend his nights going out looking for excitement. After a
hard day at the ranch, he was bone tired and just wanted to relax.
Still smiling, his mother moved to the door and turned. “Are you coming out to the party?”
“No. You go ahead.” When she paused, he sighed and shook his head. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to her, but not tonight. She’s already been shaken enough.”
Watching his mother nod and leave, J.W. fought the urge to go to the French doors and look out.
A woman like Lana wouldn’t be interested in a man like him.
He liked sex raw and uninhibited, something a woman like Lana would find crude and primitive.
He liked quiet and she would be looking for excitement.
She was definitely not his type.
No matter how much he wanted her.
Turning off the light, he sat in the darkness, sipping whiskey and thinking about Lana.
Chapter Four
Lana checked her image in the rearview mirror, pleased that her makeup covered the worst of the effects of another nearly sleepless night.
Another night interrupted by yet another nightmare.
She was beginning to believe they’d never stop.
Pushing the thought aside, she took a steadying breath and looked up at the large ranch house, which appeared even larger in the light of day.
Despite its size, the house appeared warm and welcoming, the rocking chairs on the large front porch inviting. It would be a perfect place to sit and look out at the world, a perfect place to sit and watch children play in the yard.
Depressed at the thought of another dream that would probably never come true, she focused her attention on the task ahead.
She dreaded facing J.W. again, still embarrassed at the way she’d reacted the night before, but anger at his eavesdropping compelled her to confront him. Making sure he respected her privacy and didn’t tell anyone else what he’d heard outweighed her trepidation.