9781631054723LucasDavis

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  “What was that for, honey?” she cooed.

  “Just thinking of being out of the hell hole and how great it feels. Let’s get going. I want to talk to Emily as soon as possible.”

  Stella stuck her bottom lip out. “Do you have to see her? Can’t you just call her?”

  Adam curbed his anger. “I told you, she has an unlisted number now and I need to talk to her about the ranch.” He put his hand on her nape. “You know the ranch you and I are going to live on once she signs over her share.”

  Adam had told Stella he owned half of Whispering Pines, when in reality he owned none of it. He’d told her Emily agreed to sign over her half and he would live there with Stella. Stupid bitch! He just needed a ride to Dry River and he’d get rid of Stella once he got there. She was a loose end. One of many. The anger he felt over hearing Emily was married again was tangible. He couldn’t wait to get there and kill her and her husband. Adam became a bitter man in prison and he’d never go back for any reason. He had plans to head north after killing them and Stella. All he had to do was get there, check out the setup of the ranch, and carry out his plan. He grinned. The time couldn’t come soon enough.

  * * * *

  Lucas saw Emily jump when he came through the back door. He raised an eyebrow at her.

  “Relax,” he said softly.

  She nodded. “I’m trying. He was released today.”

  Lucas chuckled. “I know. You’ve told me several times today.”

  “I’m sorry.” She turned away from him and rubbed her arms.

  Lucas moved to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He turned her to face him. “We’ll be fine. The men will keep an eye out and I’m not stepping off the ranch without you.”

  Emily wrapped her arms around his waist and nodded. “I know. I’m just scared. I know he’s going to come here.” She gazed up at Lucas.

  “I’ll be ready for him.” He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. His hands slid down her back to her hips. He pulled her tight against him and deepened the kiss. Lucas wanted her with a passion he didn’t even know he possessed.

  Emily pulled back from him and smiled shyly up at him. “I hope we’re all ready for him.”

  Lucas gazed down into her face. “We all know to be on the lookout for him. If he shows up.”

  “He will show up, Lucas. I have no doubt in my mind.” Emily moved around him and took a seat at the table.

  Lucas sat down next to her and took her hands in his. “We’re ready for him, Emily.”

  Emily shook her head. “He’s so devious. He could hire people to come here.”

  “We know everyone in this town so if a stranger shows up we’re prepared to take them on.” Lucas sighed. “I know you’re scared but we’re all going to be watching for him or any strangers in town. The men here know to keep an eye out and I’ve informed my friends to watch, too. Adam is known here. I’m sure if he shows up himself, people will be talking.”

  Emily nodded. “Yes, I’m sure you’re right.”

  “I need to get back out to the barn.” He abruptly stood and left.

  * * * *

  Emily stared at the spot he’d been sitting. She hoped he was right. Lucas had no idea how evil Adam could be. Although he’d never physically hurt her, he was sadistic in his treatment of her. He swore he’d never let her go. Ever. Once she divorced him in prison, he probably began plotting what he’d do to her once he was released. She was terrified of him coming after her. When she filed for divorce, he tried to fight it but her attorney had no problem showing grounds for divorce, with him being in prison the main reason for her divorcing him.

  Emily sighed and headed back to the office to work on the books. Owning one of the best Quarter horse ranches kept her busy. Since it was Thursday, she needed to get payroll ready for tomorrow. She glanced out the window and groaned when she saw the snow coming down heavily. Great. She was so ready for winter to be over but being in northern Wyoming, it could linger quite a while.

  An hour later, Emily stood and stretched. The payroll was finished. All the men received their checks by direct deposit but they still received copies of their checks. Emily put her coat on and headed out the door to give the men their paystubs.

  The crisp cold air took her breath away. The blowing snow made it almost impossible to see. She pulled her knit cap down over her ears and the collar of her jacket up around her chin. The Wyoming winters were the only thing she didn’t care for but it was something she’d learned to live with. As a child, she’d loved the snow, but as she got older, she realized what a burden it was. The horses stayed near the barns when it was snowing this badly. It was too easy to lose them in the pastures during a blizzard. Emily trudged through the snow to the barn. When she stepped inside, she waited until her eyes adjusted before she moved any further. She glanced around and didn’t see any of the men. Frowning, she moved toward the back office and heard their voices. She opened the door and they all turned to stare at her.

  “Why are you all in here? Isn’t there work to be done?”

  They seemed embarrassed to be caught sitting around. Lucas stood and moved toward her. “We were just getting warmed up before we headed back out. Is that all right…boss?”

  Emily gazed up at him. “Sure…boss. It’s fine.” She smiled up at him.

  His eyes met hers and held until Tinker cleared his throat. Emily felt her cheeks warming up. She nodded at Lucas.

  “I’ll, uh…just go back to the house.” She handed him the envelopes. “Please hand these out.” She practically ran out the door.

  When she stepped inside the house, she took her cap and coat off, then took a seat at the table. Putting her hands over her face, she groaned. It was getting harder and harder to be around Lucas and not want him. She jerked when the back door opened and he strolled in and walked toward her then stopped in front of her. He took his cowboy hat off and tossed it onto the table. She stared up at him.

  “Stand up,” Lucas ordered.

  Emily didn’t question him, she stood and faced him. His eyes raked over her face and stopped at her lips. Lucas groaned and pulled her toward him.

  “I need this,” he whispered right before his lips took hers in a deep kiss. Emily’s arms circled around his neck. Her fingers plowed through his thick hair. She was surprised when he quickly ended the kiss, picked up his hat and strode out the door.

  * * * *

  Lucas strode outside to cool off. This was damn ridiculous. He headed toward the barn and to Blue’s stall. Leading the horse from his stall, Lucas led him through the barn to the inside corral. He noticed Tinker standing at the rail of the fence. Damn it. What the hell does he want now?

  Tinker grinned up at him. “You going to go let some steam off, boss?”

  Lucas raised his eyebrows at him. “What makes you say that? I just want to ride.”

  Tinker laughed. “Yeah, Okay boss. If you say so.” He turned away.

  “Tinker, you want to explain that?” Lucas glared at him.

  Tinker shook his head and laughed. “I don’t think it needs explaining.” Lucas stared at him. Tinker shrugged. “You’re out here cuz that woman’s in there.” Lucas snorted. “Oh it’s true, Lucas. I see how you look at her.” He shrugged. “Can’t say as I blame you, but be careful. With her husband coming here and looking for trouble, he might think you’re in the way.”

  “Ex,” he said. Tinker frowned with obvious confusion. “He’s her ex-husband.”

  Tinker nodded at him. “I know, but I don’t want to see anyone get hurt over this, including you.”

  Lucas sighed as he let Blue run into the corral then motioned for Tinker to follow him to his office. He nodded for Tinker to take a seat. Once they sat down, Lucas reached into the little refrigerator behind the desk and got two beers out. He handed Tinker one and opened one for himself. They both took long pulls on the drink.

  “I know how to take care of myself and Emily.”

  Tinker took a swi
g from his beer then leaned forward and rested his arms on the desk. “I ain’t just talkin’ about you gettin’ physically hurt and you know it.”

  Lucas grinned at Tinker. “You think I’m going to get my heart broken, buddy?” Lucas laughed.

  Tinker leaned back in his chair. “You think you’re immune to it?” Tinker stared at him but Lucas didn’t say anything; he sat there smiling. “Let me tell you this Lucas. Everyone gets their heart broken sometime in their lifetime. I did a long time ago. And to this day, I wish I hadn’t been such an idiot and just married the woman. But you,” he pointed at Lucas, “you’re already married to the woman. A woman you married without love between you but now that’s changed since you’re in love with her.”

  The smile left Lucas’s face. He slammed the bottle down on the desk and glared at Tinker. “I am not in love with her,” he shouted.

  This time Tinker grinned, stood and put both his hands on the desk and glared back at Lucas. “You can tell yourself that all you want, but you and I both know it’s a lie.”

  Lucas stood. The two men stared at each other for a few seconds when Tinker just laughed and picked up his beer. He finished it off and threw the bottle in the trashcan. He winked at Lucas and walked out the door. Damn it! Lucas thought.

  “You’re fired Tinker,” he shouted and heard Tinker laugh as he left the barn.

  Lucas sat down and shook his head. Tinker was wrong. There was no way he was in love with Emily. They hadn’t even been together long, so how could he be in love with her? Tinker was just pulling his chain. They’d gotten to where they teased each other quite a bit and that’s all it was. Shaking his head, he left the office, headed back to the house, and entered to find Emily sitting at the table looking through a magazine. She glanced up at him.

  “How long is this going to go on?” Lucas asked.

  She closed the magazine. “How long is what going to go on?”

  Lucas waved his hand between them. “This. Us. Not going to bed. It’s been a month.”

  Her cheeks reddened. “We are getting to know each other, Lucas.”

  “I know all I need to know. I want you. You’re driving me insane,” he growled.

  “I’m not ready for it yet,” Emily whispered.

  “Oh, I can get you ready, darlin’,” he smirked.

  Emily jumped up. “Don’t be crude. We agreed to get to know each other first.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, we have.” He took a step toward her.

  She backed up. “And as far as I’m concerned, we haven’t.” She glared up at him. “Are you going to force me, Lucas?”

  Lucas halted his forward motion. “I have never forced a woman in my life and I don’t intend to start now.”

  She sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. It was a stupid thing to say.”

  “We’re going to go horseback riding tomorrow and talk. Maybe we can get to know each other. We haven’t spent much time together.”

  Emily nodded. “All right.”

  “Then when we get back, we’re going to bed.” At her gasp, he grinned. “Kidding, but hoping.” He left the house.

  * * * *

  Emily blew out a breath when the door closed behind him. It would be very easy to hop into bed with him, but she had to know him better. All she knew is he grew up on the wrong side of the tracks with five of his best friends. He’d left Wyoming only to return five years later. She also knew he was gorgeous and could kiss like a dream but it wasn’t enough for her. She needed to feel something. Horny wasn’t it. She smiled as she headed toward the office when she remembered his words, “I can get you ready.” There was no doubt in her mind he could.

  The horseback ride didn’t happen. There was too much work going on around the ranch. They had several mares coming in season due to artificial light and the stallions were ready to mate. The breeding season started in spring and continued into early fall. A mare could be tricked into season with artificial light. She strolled down the aisle of the barn and listened to the stallions whinnying. They could smell the mares in season. Emily glanced up the aisle and saw Lucas sauntering toward her. He stopped in front of her.

  “Are you going to watch the breeding?”

  For some reason, she could feel the heat warming her cheeks. She’d seen breeding thousands of times but the thought of watching it with Lucas had her wanting to hide.

  “Not this time, I have paperwork to do. Silas Smith wants to buy Sunshine, so I need to get it done for him. He wants to pick her up this weekend.” God knows she was rambling but she couldn’t help herself. She gazed up at Lucas, he was grinning.

  “All right. I understand,” he said, all the while grinning. She had a feeling he did understand. Emily spun on her heel to leave. She could hear him coming up behind her. He grabbed her arm and spun her around. Cupping her face in his hands, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. When she opened up to him, he groaned and deepened the kiss. Her arms moved around his neck as he pulled her tighter against him. Suddenly, he let go of her and stepped back. Emily practically ran from the barn.

  * * * *

  Adam and Stella pulled out from the hotel parking lot. He’d had more than enough of her. Tonight was the night. He was going to get rid of her tonight. As soon as possible. She was driving him up a wall.

  “So, we’re going to the ranch now?” Stella asked.

  Adam bit back a sigh. “We’re going to dinner first. I told you already.”

  Stella giggled and it grated on his nerves. He grit his teeth until they ached. He drove the car along until they came to a dirt road. Adam pulled onto it.

  “There’s a restaurant down this road?”

  Jesus! She was so fucking stupid. “I want to do something first.”

  “What?”

  Adam threw the car into park and reached for her. “Come here.”

  She smiled. “You want to make out before dinner?”

  Adam sneered. “Not quite.” He put his hands around her neck and squeezed. Her eyes widened and she tried to claw at his face but he kept her far enough away so she couldn’t reach him. She clawed at his arms while trying to breathe. He watched the life go out of her eyes and then he tossed her across the seat. He drove the car a little further down the road. When he came to a place to pull over, he got out, lifted Stella out of the car, and tossed her down over the embankment. He got back into the car and drove back to the motel. No one would miss Stella. She had no family or friends. He’d get rid of her car and get another. Adam hoped some wild animals would get rid of her body. He chuckled as he pulled into the parking lot. After he entered the room, he decided to take a nap. Then he would make his plans for what to do about Emily. He smiled as he laid on the bed and closed his eyes. Soon. He’d have her soon.

  * * * *

  Two days later, Emily stood at the stove stirring a pot of stew when Lucas walked in the back door. She refused to look at him but she knew he halted at the doorway to the laundry room and glanced over to her. When he walked into the room, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was so hard to block out the reminder of his kiss. She wanted him but she was scared to death. A few minutes went by and he hadn’t come back into the kitchen yet. Emily slowly moved to the doorway. She was about to peer in when he came through the doorway. Her nose encountered a hard, naked chest. His arms quickly came up to grasp her arms to keep her from falling backwards. Her hands moved to his solid pecs. Emily slowly raised her eyes to gaze at him and found him staring at her. Her eyes moved to his right arm and she raised a finger to trace the tattoo of an eagle on his bicep. The wing spread out from his shoulder to above his right nipple. Lucas hissed in a breath when her fingers traced it slowly.

  “You’re playing with fire,” he murmured.

  Emily raised her eyes. “Am I?”

  “I don’t think you need me to answer.” Lucas slowly lowered his head until his lips were barely touching hers. “But you need to make sure you can handle the heat.”

  Emily smiled up at him. “
I want to find out.”

  He smiled against her lips. “I do too.” He pressed his lips to hers as he picked her up and carried her back into the kitchen.

  “I need to turn the stove off,” she whispered.

  Lucas nodded and strode to the stove. He turned the burner off and then carried her up the stairs. At the top of the landing, he glanced at her. “Which room?”

  “You have the bigger bed.”

  “My bed it is, since I plan on using every inch of it.” Lucas chuckled when she blushed. He carried her into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. Lying down beside her, he cupped her cheek in his palm and lowered his lips to hers. A growl came from deep in his chest when her tongue moved against his. He moved his tongue deep into her mouth, forcing her lips further apart. Lucas moved his hand down her neck to the bottom of her T-shirt. He snaked his hand under it, up to her breast. Emily arched into his hand and moaned into his mouth.

  * * * *

  Lucas was slowly losing his mind. He wanted to rip her clothes off and take her fast and hard, but he knew he couldn’t. Not this time. This time he had to take it slow with her. He wanted to taste every inch of her soft skin. He lifted the shirt over her head and gazed at the red bra. Gritting his teeth, he unhooked the front clasp and groaned when her full breasts fell free. He lowered his head and took a nipple between his teeth. Her fingers clenched fistfuls of his hair. Tugging on the nipple with his teeth until it stood erect, Lucas ran his tongue over it, lapping it before he sucked it into his mouth as he moved his hand down her stomach and unsnapped her jeans. His hand slowly moved inside her panties to between her legs. He slid his finger up and down her wet folds. He was so hard, he ached, but he knew he couldn’t rush this.