Drake [The Texas Senator's Sons 3] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Hennessee Andrews

  A knock at the door brought him back to the present. “Drake, we’re going to be late, man,” Damon hollered outside his door.

  “I’m ready.” Drake picked up the Tombstone-style jacket and slipped it on. Never in a million years did he ever expect to be a part of the ranch, a brother. He exhaled a deep breath and poked the single red rose into the lapel of his jacket that Regan left for him.

  Today was a big day, marking a new beginning. He turned and headed for the door. When he opened it, Damon stood just outside.

  “’Bout time, lover boy,” Damon smarted off and turned toward the stairs.

  “Very funny.” Drake followed and shook his head. Damon tagged him with the nickname, lover boy, after he heard him confessing his love to Alex not long after they started rebuilding the ranch. That day had been the best day of his life. He and Alex had worked all day vaccinating the herd. During the day, she captivated him with her knowledge and strength. His heart leapt up into his throat thinking back and visualizing how hot she looked with sweat making her hair a mess, all business as she drew up syringes and kept careful notes. No woman, no matter how exceptionally put together, could stand a chance against his farm girl, the new veterinarian for Radcliff Ranch.

  They completed their work that day and sat under the awning of the barn. The cold water was welcomed as they cooled off in the midst of the hot afternoon sun. Alex drank half her bottle of water and used the remainder to pour down her neck to cool herself. Her tank top became saturated with the water running down between the valley of her breasts. She didn’t realize how extremely gorgeous she looked, or how much that act turned him on. The girl had no idea her hold on him, and still didn’t to this day.

  He had wetted his lips while watching her, wanting nothing more than to dip his tongue between her cleavage and lap off the inviting streams of water. “My eyes are up here, city boy.” She had teased him and flung her water bottle at him, spraying him with the remaining droplets.

  “I can’t help it. I was captivated by your beauty.”

  Alex raised a brow and grinned. “Really? Do I look magically delicious?”

  Drake leaned forward and tilted her chin up with his finger, looking into her bright, smiling eyes. “Hell, yes.” He softly kissed her lips. His hand cupped her cheek, pulling her closer while their mouths made gentle love to each other. When he broke away, he opened his eyes and looked at her content face, eyes closed, with a smile perched on her lips. She was so gorgeous and captivating at that moment. His heart spoke for him, the words coming out before he could catch them. “I love you, Alex.”

  Her eyes fluttered open, and her smile grew into a large grin. “And I love you, Drake.”

  Damon happened upon them as the words were exchanged. The moment was heated, and all Drake could think about was carrying Alex off to the hayloft and showing her just how much he loved her. He missed Damon standing there, completely oblivious at that moment to the outside world. Damon tried to inch away to keep from ruining their moment, but Alex spied him from the corner of her eye and giggled. “Too late, Damon. I already noticed you.”

  “Wow, I’m really sorry. I was just coming down to tell y’all dinner was ready.”

  And since that moment, Damon had teased him with the lover boy nickname.

  “Are you nervous?” Damon asked as they walked through the kitchen.

  “Nah,” Drake lied. The wedding was being held at the ranch with a modest guest list. Friends and family had gathered to witness the occasion. As they exited the back door, Drake was awed by the number of cars and trucks parked up and down the lane from the entrance. “Do you have the rings?” He worried, hoping all went as planned.

  “Are you kidding? Of course I have the—” Damon searched his pocket and looked panicked.

  “What? You forgot them?” Drake felt his stomach churn.

  “Just kidding.” Damon laughed and pulled a set of rings from his pocket.

  Drake felt a wash of relief. “Oh man, don’t scare me like that.”

  They took their places at the head of the altar with Drew. Drake looked out to the mass of guests seated, waiting patiently. Their father sat with his wife, Evelyn, seemingly content for a nice change. Soft country music was being played by the band. Most in the audience tapped their feet to the upbeat tune. Floral arrangements from Regan’s shop adorned the entire outdoor space. Pinks, reds, and oranges were a feast of color for the eyes that abounded everywhere.

  Back in the distance, Drake caught a glimpse of Alex. His heart fluttered watching her attend to the small flower girl. And her dress, wow, his fingers trembled with anticipation, his mind unable to stop thinking of peeling her out of it. Her sweet curves were enhanced by the snug waist and how it hugged her hips. The halter top gave her perfect mounds a lift, creating a nice cleavage for him to feast his eyes on. On her feet was a pair of boots. Yes, that was his woman.

  Damon nudged him. “Drake, man, you’re drooling.”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Drake hummed, never allowing his eyes to part from Alex. Her long blonde hair was swept up with curled tendrils framing her face.

  Alex smiled when she caught him staring and motioned with two fingers for him to look up to her eyes. He shook his head and chuckled. He’d never tire of taking her all in.

  The music changed and pulled Alex from his devious thoughts. Drew cleared his throat, and Drake looked over at him. Not once had he noticed the man ever seeming nervous. Today, he was.

  Drew fidgeted with his hands. “Y’all got the rings, right?”

  Damon chuckled. “Yes, Drew. We have the rings.”

  A new song began, and the flower girl took her position at the end of the aisle, beginning her walk while throwing out handfuls of flowers. The audience giggled. There was nothing dainty about her. She was cute with her hair pulled up and boots on her feet. Since no one had any nieces, the neighbors down the way volunteered their granddaughter. She was a welcome addition.

  Drew beamed, but shifted uncomfortably. He stuck his hand in his pocket, only to pull it back out and wring his hands together, then repeat the motion. Drake chuckled inside. Big, bad Drew was really soft deep down.

  Damon leaned over and whispered, “Do you care to wager on Drew passing out during the ceremony?”

  Drake once again glanced toward Drew. The man had begun to sweat. “I think he might make it.”

  “I don’t. Twelve pack of beer?”

  “Yeah, man. I’ll take that bet and enjoy drinking them.” Drake chuckled and turned his attention back to the aisle where Alex had made it to the hay bale altar. She winked at him and walked to the opposite side. Regan followed close behind and stood next to Alex.

  Drew rolled his head back and forth as if trying to loosen his neck muscles. The man may not make it after all. The wedding march began to play, and the audience stood up and turned their attention to the end of the aisle. Liv stepped up, a vision in white. The dress was simple in design, no major frills, just elegant.

  Drake wondered where her dad was today. Why was she walking alone? He knew little about her past. Then, without being asked, their father popped in beside her and offered his arm. She grinned at him and looped her arm around his. Drew seemed pleased, and his smile widened.

  * * * *

  The men looked so handsome in their suits, standing together as they should. Liv looked beautiful and breathtaking coming down the aisle with her bouquet Regan designed. Alex knew little about the types of flowers, except roses, but enjoyed the bright splashes of color abounding everywhere. Liv’s smile widened when she reached the altar. No one else seemed to matter, not them, not the audience, and not even the preacher who cleared his throat. Her eyes fell upon Drew, and they were somewhere far away together.

  Regan reached down and grabbed Alex’s hand and squeezed. Emotion filled her eyes as tears threatened to fall. Alex herself had to wipe a tear. Overly emotional events, whether happy or sad, squeezed her heart.

  By the time the ceremony was over, Regan had gone
through three tissues, she two.

  The preacher announced. “You may kiss the bride.” Whoops, hollers, and whistles erupted as Drew kissed Liv, his wife, for the very first time.

  The reception was in the backyard under the oaks that had begun to heal with new foliage. Tables adorned with sage-green tablecloths and flowers cheered up the once devastated landscape. Alex allowed her eyes to take in the beauty and the serene and happy occasion. Drake entwined his fingers with hers and tugged her toward the long table where Damon and Regan were already seated.

  Drake pulled out a chair for her and took the seat next to her.

  “So, I was wondering—”

  Alex lifted her eyes to gaze at him. “Yeah?”

  A devilish twinkle played in his smiling blue eyes. “Are you attached to that dress?”

  “What? Why?” She looked down to survey for damage.

  Drake leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. “Because I plan on ripping it off you.”

  Alex gasped and smacked his arm even as her arousal spiked. “You better not.”

  He eyed her with love and affection brewing in his eyes. He picked up her hand and kissed it. “I love you, baby.”

  “I love you, too.” Alex leaned toward him and kissed him. “We’ll just hide the evidence.”

  “Hot damn,” he whispered against her mouth, and she giggled.

  “What am I going to do with you, Drake Radcliff?”

  He smiled. “Just love me.”

  Damon interrupted their moment, and Alex felt her cheeks burn when she noticed all eyes were on them.

  “You’ll have to excuse Drake and Alex. They forgot today wasn’t their day. Soon, guys, soon.” He winked with a glass raised, and the guests erupted with laughter.

  Alex covered her face, seeking escape from the embarrassment she felt. Drake chuckled and hugged her.

  “To Drew and Liv. May your life be filled with extreme happiness and love.” Damon kept his speech short and to the point. “I’m honored to welcome you, Liz, into our family.”

  Guests clapped and cheered when Drew pulled Liz in for a kiss.

  “Eat, drink, and be merry,” Damon shouted above the noise.

  Late that night, the band continued to play for those still in attendance and dancing in the grass. Drew and Liz had made their escape an hour earlier. Darkness had settled in, and swarms of lightning bugs lit up the yard, blinking as if in celebration themselves. Drake motioned for Alex to follow him, with a wide smile on his lips.

  They snuck away and entered the barn. “Where are we going?” Alex laughed when Drake grabbed her hand and tugged her along.

  “Hayloft.” He motioned up with his finger.

  “Oooh, the hayloft?” she teased when Drake nudged her toward the ladder.

  “Oh, yeah.”

  She began to climb and was thankful she had her boots on and not high-heeled shoes. Drake followed her, the ladder crackling with their weight. “You’re looking up my dress, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Drake laughed beneath her.

  When she climbed off the stairs and into the loft, she was overcome with emotion. Strung outdoor lights draped from the rafters, lighting up the space with a soft glow. Flower petals covered the wood floor and circled around a makeshift bed with hay bales underneath. Soft country music played and filled the air.

  “Wow, Drake.”

  Drake wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. “Do you like it?”

  She turned to look at him. “Yes, it’s beautiful.”

  “Not as beautiful as you, Alex.” His eyes became serious as he turned her to face him. “Thank you for rescuing me and believing in me when I was lost.”

  A tear fell down Alex’s cheek as she caressed his face. “Thank you for being everything in a man I could ever want or need.”

  “I love you so much, Alex. You have brightened my life in ways I know you don’t realize. I never want to be without you. Not for one minute.”

  When he began to kneel at her feet, Alex began to cry and gasped as she covered her mouth. “Oh, Drake.”

  “Alex Mullins, I promise to praise you, adore you, and worship you until my dying day. Would you honor me and be my wife?” His eyes welled up as he opened a box with a ring glimmering from the light above.

  “Yes!” Alex squealed as Drake held her hand. Her stomach quivered with excitement as he took the ring from the box and slid it over her finger. Tears of extreme joy rolled down her cheeks, and sporadic breaths came quickly, emotion choking her up.

  “You have made me the happiest man to walk this earth.” He stood and gazed into her eyes. “I’ll never let you down, never hurt you. My life will be devoted to your happiness, now and forever.”

  “You’re making me cry, Drake.” Alex sniffled and held his face in her hands. “I promise to be the wife you deserve and will love you, always.”

  Drake leaned forward and kissed her. He pulled her close and lovingly took his time, gently brushing his lips over hers, his eyes watching her the entire time. Their bodies moved to the slow rhythm of the music, lips engaging in sweet harmony. His fingers gently tugged at the zipper on the back of her dress, easing it down slowly.

  “Mmm,” she hummed when his hands touched the bare skin of her back and pushed the dress down, allowing it to fall to her feet.

  * * * *

  Drake backed up a step so he could take her all in. She stood with bright, glossy eyes, wearing nothing but a strapless pink bra, lacy panties to match, and her black boots. “Gorgeous.” He fell to his knees and kissed her stomach. His hands caressed her back, so soft and smooth under his fingertips. The scent of her flowery skin mixed with her arousal made his hands tremble. Everything combined made his heart skip a beat. Alex said yes. He smiled against her stomach and trailed kisses over her ribs as he stood up, moving further to lash his tongue over her flesh bunching out of her bra. His hands skimmed down over her ass, lace tickling his palms.

  Her chest expanded and contracted with a deep breath when he squeezed her rear and nipped her neck. “Drake, please.”

  He lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bed he built from hay. Over the thick quilts he spread a silk sheet. Gently, he laid her down and looked at her beautiful form stretched out over the black, shiny fabric. She looked up with lust-covered eyes and smiled.

  “Undress for me, Drake.” She licked her lips and squirmed under his gaze.

  “As you wish.” He began to unbutton his shirt. He couldn’t keep his nervous fingers from trembling. When he reached the last one, he pulled the shirt out of his jeans and tossed the collar back, allowing it to slide off his arms.

  “Mmm, mercy.” Alex’s tongue skimmed her bottom lip. “So damn gorgeous.”

  He smiled in response and began to tug at his buckle. Alex kicked off her boots and placed her feet on the bed. Her legs fell open, and her hand rubbed at the apex with a moan filling the air.

  “Oh, hell,” Drake responded as blood rushed and his erection swelled further. Alex excited him like no one else ever had. The woman looked irresistible lying below him, touching herself so seductively. Her fingers slid under the lacy panties, and she whimpered with delight. His stomach contracted while watching, and his heart squeezed with happiness. She’s mine. All mine.

  He kicked his boots off and stumbled. His heart pounded incessantly as he pushed his jeans down. He was trying not to hurry or rush. This moment was such he wanted them both to look back on and cherish. He wanted to make love to her body and soul. She was making his mission almost impossible.

  “Stroke it.” She bit her bottom lip and lifted her hips to strum to her pussy with her dainty fingers. “I love to watch.”

  Drake cupped his cock and pulled slowly to the tip and gathered up the pre-cum that seeped from the top. He hissed, so sensitive that his own touch had his sack pulling up tight.

  “Yeah, baby, just like that.” Alex moaned, keeping her eyes on him while pleasuring herself. “Stroke it for me. Show me
how much you want me.”

  “Oh, believe me, I want you more now than ever.”

  She giggled and caught her panties with her thumbs and eased them down her thighs. “Don’t stop.”

  Drake worked his shaft, moving from base to tip. This was new and exciting as hell. “I hope you know you’re making me so hard I can barely stroke myself.”

  “Good, that’s the plan.” She grinned and arched her back, unhooking her bra. She tossed it to the floor and circled her nipples with her fingers. “Mmm, they’re so sensitive. I can’t wait to have your mouth on them.”

  “Me either.” Drake’s voice grew husky. “Say the word.”

  “Not yet, lover boy.” She continued to tease and pinched her nipples, humming with delight. “I’m enjoying the show.”

  “Oh, yeah?” He grinned and thrust his hips into his grip. “You like to watch me jack myself off?”

  “You have no idea how much.” She purred and moved her hand back to her pussy that glistened with wetness. “Faster, Drake.” She gasped from her own stimulation, her eyes intently honed in on his task.

  “I’ll come. I want you so bad I won’t be able to hold off.” His cock strained, becoming enlarged and thick in his palm. He wanted to be inside of her, pleasing her.

  Her fingers began to vigorously stroke. “That’s the plan. I want to see you come for me.”

  “Oh, baby, your wish is my command.” He pumped himself faster and harder, willing to do anything to please her. In reality, this was so damn hot he was already on the verge of release. She moaned at her own hand, taking pleasure in the sight of him complying with her wishes. “Oh, yes, I’m close.” His hand worked energetically, pumping as fast as he could.

  “Yes. Do it for me, Drake.”

  “Fuck!”