by Amelia Shea
He had cursed his over-eagerness to drive her home, catching the suspicious glares from everyone in the room except for Sarah, who just smiled and winked at him.
The drive back to Cal’s place had been eerily quiet. Britt said nothing, peering out her window. He drove with the radio turned down low. She wasn’t at all what he expected. He expected a city snob, a brainless bitch. Instead, he got the opposite. Less than six hours around her and she had invaded his thoughts like a smitten teenager. She’d be gone in a few days, back to her life in the city and him back to his on the ranch.
She’d be loaded and his family would finally regain ownership of all their land. Everyone would be happy. He ignored the nagging ache in his chest. It was ridiculous. He didn’t know this woman. Aside from sexual chemistry and attraction, they had nothing in common, though the sight of her appreciation for his childhood home made him smile. There might be more to Britt than just being beautiful. He wouldn’t get the chance to find out, though. She’d be gone in a few days once the deal was set and the papers signed.
He pulled into the drive. He’d always loved this driveway, even more than his own. He stopped in front of the house and parked. He turned off the engine and attempted to get out, but a soft hand on his wrist stopped him.
“You don’t have to walk me to my door. I appreciate the chivalry but don’t waste it on me.” She winked and hopped out of the truck. It took Grey a second to process what she just said. Waste chivalry on her? What the hell?
Grey swung open his door and got out, taking large steps to meet her at the porch. His hand wrapped around her fingers. She halted and quizzically looked at him. “What are you doing?”
“Walking you to your door is not a waste. I always walk a woman to her door, not because it’s chivalrous or gentlemanly. It’s the right thing to do. Damn, woman, what kind of men are you surrounding yourself with?”
Her face flushed immediately. “Obviously, the wrong kind.” She pulled her hand away and walked up to the door. “Goodnight. Thanks for the ride.”
He stared at the blonde thick locks draped down her back. Turn around, get in the truck, and go home. Grey Fords was not impulsive. He didn’t bend the rules, and he always did the right thing. Acting on his lust for Britt was not the right thing to do.
It was a half-cocked, split second decision. Against any better judgment or control, Grey took two steps and crowded Britt at her door. His hands reached against the door, caging her in. Slowly she turned around, leaning back into the door. His eyes locked on her, and he stepped in closer.
He reached down from the door, sweeping her hair over her shoulder. She inched closer to him, angling her head upward. He read the look in her eyes. She wanted him to kiss her. Bowing his head down, his lips swept across her full, soft lips.
His hand wrapped around her neck, gently pulling her into him, deepening the kiss. Her lips parted and he swiped the inside of her mouth with his tongue. She gasped, reaching her hands to his chest. The feel of her touch, as soft as it was, sent tingles through his body shooting straight down to his cock. He growled in her mouth as his growing erection strained against the zipper of his jeans.
His mouth covered hers, tasting her, feeling the soft caress of her tongue twisting against his. Her soft moan had him dragging his mouth away from her lips, pressing small kisses to her cheek and trailing down her neck.
Breathlessly, she panted, “Do you want to come inside?” Her fingers squeezed his chest. She was inching closer. He knew what she wanted, the exact same thing that was on his mind. At this rate, her could have her upstairs and naked in minutes.
“You’re making it hard to do the honorable thing here, Britt,” he growled.
“You don’t have to be a gentleman, Grey.” She kissed his lips, stroking the seam of his lips and begging for entrance. His hands sunk deep into her soft skin.
He wanted more than anything to accept her invitation, but he knew he couldn’t, no matter how badly he wanted to. His hand tightened on her neck, his face draped into her hair, and he was completely lost in the feel of her hand gliding over his chest.
“Yes, I do, darlin’.” Reluctantly, he pulled away from her, smiling down at her heated, aroused eyes. “You deserve a gentleman. As much as I would like to join you inside, I won’t.” His hand raised to her face, gliding his thumb over her bottom lip.
Taking two steps back, he nodded. “Night, Britt. See you in the morning.”
She faltered with disappointment and cast her eyes down before turning to the door.
“Uh-huh.” She opened the door, glancing back at him as she slid inside and closed the door.
He stood on the porch. The old wood door was a barrier between what he wanted. He’d never been a man so driven by lust he threw common sense to the wind. He was being irrational with his desire. Christ, I just met her. She was leaving in a few days when the papers were signed. This would be nothing more than a romp in the sack, strictly fucking.
He grunted in frustration, glaring at the door in front of him. Turn around, go home, and take a long, cold shower. He stepped away from the door and started down the stairs. A quiet creak from behind had him glancing over his shoulder.
She stood in the doorway with it cracked open a few inches. God, she was beautiful.
“I thought you might be having second thoughts.” Her lips curled and her nose perked up.
Grey smirked. He turned on the step to face her. “I’m cursing my gentlemanly gesture, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“There’s still time to change your mind.”
Grey laughed. “Darlin’, you’re making it very difficult to do the right thing here.”
She stepped out onto the porch, leaving the door open a crack. She had taken off her shoes. She was a tiny little thing without those heels. She crossed her arms and cocked out her hip. It was meant to be a confident stance, though he could sense the nervousness in the way her eyes shifted from his to the floor.
She gazed up. “Last chance.”
Without a second thought he stalked up quickly, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her up against his body. His mouth crashed down on her surprised lips. She gasped. The kiss was hard and frenzied. He would leave no doubt in her mind he wanted her.
Her hands gripped his neck and her nails poked into his flesh. Her grasp didn’t let up on him even when he gave a last lick on her lips, ending the kiss. Their faces were inches apart when he withdrew. Her breath fanned over his face.
It might only be for one night, but he had to have this woman.
“Have dinner with me tomorrow night?” His voice was huskier than usual. This girl had an odd, animalistic effect on him.
She kissed his lips softly and whispered, “Or you could just stay and we could have breakfast in the morning.”
He snorted. “You’re being a very naughty temptress, darlin’.”
“You say naughty temptress like it’s a bad thing.” Her tongue poked out, sliding across his bottom lip.
His control cracked and he was kissing her again. He backed her into the wall of the house. She was grinding against his erection, and he swore he’d never been this hard in his life. She broke away from his lips, dragging her mouth over his bearded chin down to his neck.
His cock strained against the zipper of his jeans. He groaned. He either had to end this now or get her upstairs and naked before he made a fool of himself. There was nothing more damaging to a grown man’s pride than coming before the show started.
Her tongue circled his sensitive spot below his earlobe. He grunted in frustration and loosened his hold on her waist. He felt her sweet lips leave his neck as she slid down his body. He kept her close and stared down at her dazed eyes.
Her lower lip pouted while her teasing eyes gleamed. “Now, who’s tempting who, cowboy?” Her lips spread into a smile. “You and your gentlemanly ways win. What time do you want to meet for dinner?”
Grey cocked his head and scoffed. “Meet? We aren’t m
eeting anywhere. I’ll pick you up at six.” He shook his head mockingly. “What the hell kind of man meets a woman for a date? My mom would beat me seven ways till Tuesday if I didn’t pick you up properly.”
She grinned. “Are you going to come to my door, too? Bring me flowers?”
She was teasing him now. He could tell by her sugary, sassy tone.
“Guess you’ll just have to wait and see. Give me those lips one more time to hold me over until tomorrow night.”
Without hesitation, she reached up on her toes and gave him a lingering kiss.
Chapter Five
“You’ve got to be friggin’ kidding me right now.”
Britt stared at the ceiling in her dark room the next morning. She was plotting the death of the soon-to-be dead rooster, who had decided four forty-five was a reasonable time to wake up. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “How do people live like this?”
Tossing off her covers, she slipped on her sweatshirt hanging over the chair and made her way down the creaky steps. This place was a teenager’s nightmare. There was no way a kid could ever sneak out. She flipped on the light in the kitchen and started her search for coffee.
It had taken her forever to fall asleep last night. Even when she did, she tossed and turned. Grey’s words replayed over and over in her head, along with the kiss.
She had never met anyone like Grey before. Aside from being handsome, he was assertive, mature, and had an air of control. It could be his age, but he seemed to know exactly who he was and what he wanted. Her polar opposite. Maybe that was why her own behavior was surprising to her. Lust at first sight was new for her. So was being sexually aggressive. She wanted him, and she knew from his actions the feeling was mutual.
So what the hell happened?
After the kiss they shared, he should have charged in the house and taken her straight to her room and fucked her till she passed out from exhaustion from multiple orgasms. That’s what the kiss promised. He did not deliver.
Brit had had plenty of boyfriends and a few sexual relationships. She had mastered the fine art of faking an orgasm. She learned quickly, sometimes it was better to fake it and send them on their way so she could finish the job. Sex hadn’t been very important in the past, but this thing with Grey, who she had only met twelve hours ago, was insane. Lust was a new feeling for her, and so was the sexual frustration he created. But hopefully it would end tonight.
“Mornin’.”
She jumped back from the cabinet she was looking in and banged her head.
“Shit!” She rubbed her forehead. The sting to her temple was throbbing. That was going to leave a mark, for sure.
“Damn, Britt, you okay?” Lucas rushed over, spinning her around. He moved her hand and inspected the damage.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Next time, make some friggin’ noise, will ya?”
Lucas stepped back away from her and laughed. “Will do.”
She found the coffee and started to brew it while Lucas told her about the farm and how he came to work there. He had worked as a ranch hand for local farms all his life, but he had never been in charge until coming to work for Cal. He said Cal took a chance on him and he would be forever grateful. He talked about how much Cal loved this place, and how he seemed truly at peace with the land every time he came to stay.
“It’s kinda fitting he’d die here,” Lucas uttered, making his coffee.
Britt watched him from a side glance. His face was tense, his eyes drawn down. He looked a bit distraught from Cal’s passing, which she understood. So was she. Shaking off her sadness, she cleared her throat.
“So, what should I expect today?” she asked, sipping her coffee.
“Well, everyone will meet here at nine am and you’ll get the tour of the land. Then I guess you’ll sign papers.” His tone was somber.
“What happens after I sell, will you stay on with the ranch?”
Lucas’ face contorted into a disgusted look and he snorted. “Yeah, right. The Fords run their own land, never let outsiders in. They got a bunch of ranch hands but only Mr. Fords and his sons run their ranch.”
“So, you’ll lose your job?” Britt tried to keep a business outlook on it but couldn’t help but feel bad for Lucas. He’d been really great since she arrived yesterday. Even going out of his way and coming in today.
“Well, there’s no way they’d keep me, and even if they did, by some crazy moon, I wouldn’t want to work for them.” His eyes met Britt’s. “Can’t work for someone I don’t respect.”
Britt titled her head, confused. “Why don’t you respect them?”
“It’s a long story.”
Britt nodded and they finished their coffee in silence. He wasn’t going to give her any more. She knew from his response. Staring back at him, she gave a tight smile, feeling uncomfortable. Lucas was going to be out of work while Britt was going to make money on his hardship.
Everyone arrived at nine sharp. Lucas met up with her on the porch as she walked out from the house. They started down the stairs, and Britt immediately came to a halt when she saw Grey. Her breath hitched. Damn, that man is gorgeous. Her heart sped up as she took him in. His checkered flannel shirt was tight against his chest, giving an amazing view of the outline of his defined pecs. His head was turned, talking to his brother, but she could see his profile.
His head shifted, and his eyes were suddenly staring into hers. She gave a small smile, which he returned. His lips quirking up and his eyes gleaming, he seemed to be thinking the same as thing as her. Their kiss and the possibility of more tonight. She licked her lips and watched his heated stare trail to her mouth.
Without warning, his face disappeared from sight, and she was now looking into the eyes of a woman who donned way too much glimmering blue eye shadow, red glossy lipstick, and had a severely pinched face. This chick annoyed the hell out of her.
“Morning,” Joanne said.
Britt forced a smile. She considered herself a pretty good judge of character and had a sixth sense for assholes. She could spot them a mile away. Joanne was an asshole.
“We are going to give you a tour, then head back to my office to sign the paperwork. Any questions?” she asked, walking away. What the fuck? That’s it?
Britt craned her neck, glancing over her shoulder at Lucas. His eyes were glaring at the back of Joanne’s head. “Come on, Britt, let’s get you saddled up. You ever ride a horse before?”
Britt’s eyes widened. “What?” She whipped her head toward the barn, noticing everyone had gathered at the doors. There were several horses, saddled and waiting. There were a few set off to the side.
“What? We’re riding horses?” Her head shifted from the barn back to Lucas in complete panic mode. She reached out, gripping his wrist hard. “Lucas, I can’t ride.”
“Hey, relax, Britt.” His voice was quiet and soothing. He unraveled her fingers from his wrist and clasped her hand, leading her to the barn. “I got Minnie ready for you. She’s older and very sweet. She’s a mama so she’ll be easy with you.”
Britt was mildly aware of all eyes on her. She couldn’t even bring her attention to Grey. Her fear of the horse had her stare locked on Minnie. Lucas pulled her aside near Minnie, encouraging her to pet her, which Britt did. Minutes later, he lifted her onto the horse.
She yelped and began to panic, but Lucas stayed by her side, and true to his word, Minnie was sweet and slow and didn’t try to buck off the crazy girl on her back. Thanks, Minnie.
Lucas mounted his own horse and stayed close to Britt. Her eyes scanned the group and stopped on Grey. His scowl was harsh and his eyes averted as though he was angry. He took the lead on the tour, separating them from each other. She tried to ignore the gnawing feeling she got. This Grey was not the same as the man from last night.
They did a two-hour land tour with Joanne leading the presentation. Several of her remarks about the ranch’s hardships and downfalls were mocked by Lucas. He snorted and grunted, constantly rolled his eyes, and whispe
red under his breath, “Give me an effing break.”
“As you can see, this land doesn’t carry much value.” Joanne sighed and Britt resisted the urge to laugh at Lucas, who had made a gun with his fingers and feigned shooting himself.
If this was her sales pitch, she must suck at real estate. She listed all the problems, and Britt got the distinct feeling something wasn’t right. If there were so many problems, why were the Fords so damn eager to buy it?
“So, what will you do with all the animals and the house?”
She addressed Joanne, but it was Mr. Fords who answered. “We’ll consolidate the animals we need, butcher the remaining. The house is old and needs a lot of work, probably just tear the old thing down, put it out of its misery.”
Britt stared at Mr. Fords before dropping her eyes to the straps of her saddle. They were going to tear down Cal’s house. She felt a sting in her chest. He worked so hard for all of this, he loved this place, and they were just going to tear it all down.
They were just about at the end of the tour and Britt was done. It had gotten hot quick and she was getting irritated. She currently wanted to pummel the realtor with all her snarky comments. Britt had no problem showing her inner city girl and knocking her on her ass. Her insistent trailing behind to whisper with Grey added to her annoyance. Jeez, bitch, show some self-respect. Have a little dignity. Britt knew her own jealousy had reared its ugly head. She had no claim to Grey. Sharing a hot kiss and a potential date didn’t make him exclusively hers. She still had visions of knocking Joanne off her horse. The picture of the loudmouth falling on her ass made Britt smirk.
“How you holding up?” Lucas asked from next to her. He looked concerned, as if she was going to fall off Minnie.