by Beverly Rae
She dipped her chin then glanced up at him, shyness softening her expression. “All of you have made me feel more comfortable, more accepted than anyone ever has. You’d better be careful. Keep it up, and I might not want to leave.”
He searched her, seeking the sincerity behind the teasing lilt of her tone, and found it. Still, he couldn’t find the words he wanted to say. Instead, he chuckled and added, only half-joking, “I just might not let you leave.”
She studied him in return, surprise taking away some of the lightness she’d shown a moment earlier. He gave a mental sigh of relief when she relaxed again. “Actually, you know what I’d really like?”
“Name it. If I can get it, then it’s yours.”
“I’d really like to take a bath.”
Was he imagining the sly gleam in her eyes? “Give me a minute.” He backed away from her, almost afraid that if he took his eyes off her, she’d disappear.
Once in the bathroom, he twisted the hot and cold taps on the large tub then dumped half the bubble bath Sara liked to leave in each bathroom into the tub. Fluffy towels hung on the towel rod over the tub, and a bowl of perfumed soap sat on the edge of the tub. Digging into a cabinet, he found several white candles, matches, and a CD player.
A few minutes later, he punched on the music then surveyed his work with a satisfied smile. Even if she wanted to bathe alone, he’d at least given her something special. Already, he could imagine her in the tub, bubbles hiding her body from him while her skin glowed in the flickering candlelight. He nodded then reentered the bedroom. Mandy was where he’d left her except for one difference.
His breath caught in his throat as he took her in. She sat on the edge of the bed, the white sheet wrapped around her body. Her clothes lay strewn about the floor.
“You’re incredible.” He wasn’t sure she’d heard his whisper until her mouth quirked into a satisfied smile. Even if she hadn’t heard him, she knew the effect she had on him.
“Are you sure about this, Mandy?”
“Are you trying to talk me out of taking a bath?” She tilted her head to the side, her obsidian hair cascading over her shoulders.
“Hell no.”
“Good, because I really want one.”
Want one? Or had he heard the words “want you”? “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but—”
“Jimmy?”
He froze, suddenly worried that she’d tell him to leave. “Yeah?”
“I’d really like to get in the bath now.”
He hurried to the bed. Skimming his hands underneath her, he took her in his arms.
She yelped then giggled and locked her fingers behind his neck. “I could’ve walked, you know. Not that it would’ve been half as fun as you carrying me.”
“I’m not letting you get on your feet for the rest of the day.” The sheet was nothing between them. She clung to his neck, letting the thin material around her breasts dip a little lower. He forced his gaze away, knowing he’d get lost in her beauty and never want to return.
Shoving the bathroom door open with his shoulder, he paused, letting her take in his handiwork.
“Oh, Jimmy.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she glanced around. Candlelight flickered on the walls and granite, transforming it from a bathroom into a spa. Steam swirled upward from the huge tub, and music played softly in the background.
“I take it you like it?”
She bit her lip then swallowed. “It’s amazing.”
* * * *
She took in the candles, the bubble bath, and listened to the sweet words of a popular love ballad filling the room. Had he known what she’d been thinking as she waited for him to get her bath ready? She’d wrestled with the idea of sex with Jimmy, fighting against her desire, her ever-growing need to finish what they’d started during the picnic. Wasn’t that the real reason she’d wrapped the sheet around her instead of keeping her clothes on? She wanted to taste his lips and feel his arms around her again.
The bathroom was a romantic getaway, and he’d done this for her. Had any man ever taken such wonderful care of her?
Mandy tilted her head, unable to look him in the face. If she did, the tears she held back would fall, and she didn’t want anything to mar the perfect moment. She shivered, partly from excitement and partly from the chilly air sneaking under the thin cover.
“Let’s get you warmed up.” Carefully, he lowered her into the tub.
He didn’t turn his head away and she didn’t ask him to. Instead, she kept the sheet around her, letting it slide away from her only when the bubbles covered her. The warm water ebbed at her skin, bubbles sparkling and popping as she moved her fingers through them.
Jimmy sat back on his heels, his wet arms crossed over his jeans and smiled. “You remind me of a fairy-tale mermaid floating in a mystical ocean.”
His golden hair formed a halo around the boyish face, the strong chin, the soft hazel eyes with specks of amber. “And you look like a sailor watching from the bow of a ship.”
“Will the mermaid call to the sailor?” He grinned, a sexy devil of a smile.
“If she does, will the sailor jump into the sea to be with her?” She skimmed her fingers through the bubbles bopping around the swell of her breasts, exposing a little more of her skin.
His gaze dropped lower just as she’d hoped. “You bet he would.”
She listened to her heart and found the truth behind the desire. He was what she wanted, and she wouldn’t be denied.
“Then the mermaid is calling. Come on in, sailor boy. If you dare.”
She laughed, enjoying the way he tore off his clothes. He stood, the dim light flickering over his finely toned body. Powerful legs stretched upward to a lean waist that showed off his flat, ribbed stomach. The strong arms that had lowered her into the bath water had beads of water still clinging to the golden hair.
But she couldn’t keep her gaze away from the already erect cock that was at eye level.
Oh, my God.
He put one foot into the water, then another, before sitting in front of her. Perspiration trickled down the back of her neck, but the heat above was nothing compared to the heat between her legs.
“You look tense.”
Tense? Hardly. Excited? Hell, yes. “Do I?” She wished she looked sexy.
“Yeah, you do. And sexy as hell. Come here.” He motioned for her to turn around. When she did, he pulled her close, placing her back to him and running his long legs along the outside of hers. She inhaled slowly as he placed his hands on her shoulders and started massaging her neck. Sighing, she leaned against his chest and tucked her chin.
His shaft, firm and long against her back, made her pulse double-time. Jimmy reached for the sponge resting next to a silver bowl filled with soaps. “Now that I’ve got you relaxed, let me give you that bath you wanted.” He soaked the sponge in the water then rubbed one of the fancy soaps on it.
She breathed in the lavender aroma then moved her wet hair off her shoulders. Ribbons of water tracked passages down her chest and into the water below.
“Lean forward.”
She did as he asked, loving the soft texture of the sponge against her back. He made circles, starting with small ones then moving outward to larger ones. “You, Jimmy Lingo, know how to treat a woman right. You must’ve had plenty of practice.” A twinge of jealousy made her neck tight again.
“There’s only one woman I want to treat right.”
Her heart skipped a beat. He must’ve sensed her reaction, pausing for moment before moving his hand again. Was he just saying the right thing to seduce her? Or did he mean what he said? She couldn’t ignore the thrill his words gave her.
She smiled and leaned forward at his urging then widened her eyes as he ran the sponge along her spine down to the crack in her butt. The touch of his tongue against the nape of her neck sent a rush of desire pummeling through her, driving all pretense away. Reaching behind her, she laid her back against his chest and s
lid her hand around his neck. “Jimmy.”
He answered by moving both hands around her and tugging her closer. Using the sponge, he washed her breasts, his warm breath tingling her skin. Her pussy tightened as he circled her nipple with the sponge and used his thumb to circle the other.
She shivered then ran her hand behind her to graze his cock. His shaft twitched at her touch, and she smiled, satisfied with the power she held over him.
“Easy, baby. You wouldn’t want me to end this too soon, would you?”
“With just a touch?”
“It could happen. With your touch.”
She might be able to make him come with her touch, but he could make her come with his words alone. He took her hips and rocked against her. He blew into her ear then raked his teeth down her neck to bite the curve of her shoulder.
Again, she reached behind her to take his cock and slide her hand along the sleek length. She could feel the veins that lined him, the swell of his mushroom cap. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the warmth of his desire flowing into her palm.
“Damn, that’s good.” He bumped against her harder then moved his hands to her stomach. Reaching lower, he parted her folds and slipped his finger between them to the sensitive nub. She moaned, letting go of him to clutch her breasts.
“That’s it, babe. Pinch your nipples.”
She pinched them and wiggled her bottom against his shaft. He sped up, increasing the pressure on her clit until she quivered, moaning with the need to release the delicious torment racking her body. He nipped her, continuing the movement of his hand. The bites, the slip of his tongue over her skin stoked the fire blazing inside her, and she wondered if the steam rising above the water came from the heat of the bath or the heat escaping from within her.
Kissing her shoulder, he held on to her as she rode his hand, squeezing his fingers and trapping him with her legs. Heat flowed over her clit then spread into her abdomen. She cried out and gripped his legs, digging her fingers into him to keep her grounded. At last, she let go, releasing one orgasm only to follow it with a bigger one. She shuddered, making small waves that flowed outward.
“Turn around.”
She moved to face him. Jimmy kissed her forcefully, his tongue diving into her mouth, licking up every taste. She moaned and felt the heat start again.
When she thought she couldn’t hold on any longer, he broke the kiss. She gasped, dragging in much-needed air. He chuckled then trailed his kisses along her shoulder to dip lower and take her nipple. He tugged her tit, first sucking and then using his teeth. She arched, silently urging him to take more.
Cupping the other breast, he took turns, moving between them, sucking, nipping, biting. She braced her hands on his shoulders and dug her fingernails into his skin. Grabbing her ass with his hands, he lifted her, spreading her legs to straddle him.
Taking her face between his hands, he met her gaze. “I’ve wanted you from the first second I saw you.”
She swallowed, her mouth going dry. The truth hit her, hard and fast. “I felt the same way.”
He palmed her cheek. “Nothing’s going to stop me now.”
“Not even a big pig?” She made a funny face just to hear his laugh.
“Not a chance in hell.”
Letting out a growl, he plunged into her, driving hard and deep as he thrust his hips upward. She gasped, pressed her breasts against his chest, and rocked against him. Water and bubbles sloshed around them to splash over the edge of the tub. She held on with her hands, her pussy tightening around him.
“Harder, Jimmy, harder.”
He roared his answer and slid down into the water until only the tops of his shoulders showed above the splashing waves. Impossibly, she took him deeper inside her. He shoved his shaft into her again and again, his hands holding her hips to keep her on top of him, his mouth on her taut nipples.
Her body tightened, readying for yet another release.
Clutching her, he threw back his head and yelled his release. She shouted, matching him as another climax, stronger than the rest, raced through her body, shuddering through her.
Jimmy held her close, the heat of the water mixing with the heat and perspiration from their bodies. He stroked her hair, combing it away from her face.
“Do you hear that?”
She smiled, her lips pressed against his skin. “The only thing I hear is our hearts pounding in rhythm together.”
He lifted her away from him and tilted his head. “No. Something’s going on outside.”
She heard it then, the voice unmistakable. “Oh, my God.”
Jimmy rose, handed her a towel, and took one for himself. He dried as he moved, striding to the room to snatch up his clothes.
Chapter Six
Mandy tried to keep up with Jimmy, but couldn’t take the stairs two at a time like he did. By the time she made it to the opened front door, she was doubled over with a painful stitch in her side. Who could run so fast? She’d never seen anyone move as fast as Jimmy.
“Mandy, what do you think you’re doing?”
Oh, God. Decker.
Still panting, she lifted her head and forced herself to a standing position. “Decker, why are you here?”
Jimmy, Sara, and the others turned toward her, questions written on their faces. “Do you know this guy?”
The concern in Jimmy’s voice was unmistakable. She nodded then dragged in a slow breath. “This is Decker Royce…my friend. He’s helped my mom, and he helped me find my father.”
“Your friend? Are you kidding me?” Decker shot her an incredulous look.
Jimmy’s attention pivoted between Mandy and Decker, finally coming to land on the big man who stood, feet planted apart, his challenge evident.
“What’s going on, Mandy?” Jimmy didn’t take his eyes off Decker.
“She’s my girlfriend. I take care of her and her mom.”
She hurried toward Decker, hoping to defuse the situation and keep him from saying anything more. Decker took her into his arms then frowned when she pushed him away.
“Decker and I are involved, Jimmy. I told you.” She cut off her words, hating the whiny sound.
“Yeah, I know. But things are different now, right?” The anger flowing from Jimmy was almost tangible.
“Mandy, I came to help you with your father. I heard what happened the other day when you went to see him. Then when the people in town told me where you were…”
She looked away. How could she tell Decker what had happened since she’d left her father’s home? Yet after all he’d done for her and her mom, didn’t he have the right to know? Guilt swallowed her.
“Mandy?”
She wanted to cry at the hurt in Jimmy’s voice and bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling. “I’m sorry. But Decker’s…” What was Decker to her? Should she call him her lover when she’d always resisted going to bed with him? Or was he a family friend-turned-boyfriend? She couldn’t just brush him aside.
She met Jimmy’s gaze, saw the pain in his eyes, and wished she could make him understand. But what could she say? She hadn’t planned for anything to happen between them. Had they come together because they were compelled by an attraction too powerful to resist? Or was their closeness only a reaction to the danger they’d faced with the wild hog and wolf? A knot formed in her stomach as her heart waged against her conscience.
Jimmy opened his mouth to say something then closed it.
“Please try to understand.” But her plea came too little, too late.
“This is bullshit.” Jimmy growled out his words, his eyes burning with anger.
“Jimmy, please. Give me time.” She grabbed Decker’s arm, keeping him from adding fuel to the fire. Jimmy’s expression tore at her heart. If she could take it all back, if she could turn back time she would. He’d promised to keep her from harm, yet all she’d done was hurt him.
“Forget it.” Jimmy whirled around and stormed inside, leaving her dying to reach out to him, to beg him
to listen to her.
But what would she tell him? Should she tell him how she and Decker had started growing apart long before she’d come to Texas? Or should she explain how her feelings for Decker were nothing in comparison to her feelings for him? She took a step forward and found herself blocked by a wall of men.
Sara stepped to the side, her face grim. “Nick, run upstairs and grab her suitcase.”
Nick nodded then sprinted up the steps and into the house.
“Mandy, once you’ve gotten your things, you’d best get off our land.” Sara turned and walked into the house.
* * * *
Mandy put her head against the window of Decker’s Mercedes and stared at the land passing by. She blanked her mind, hoping to control the tears threatening to tumble out. Leaving the Matheson Ranch had torn a hole in her, a hole only Jimmy could repair. Yet judging by the way he’d looked at her, she had no chance of getting him to understand what had happened. Hell, even she couldn’t grasp the whole of it.
“Look, Mandy, I’ve given you some time, but I need answers. What were you doing staying with those people? I looked like a damn idiot showing up at your father’s place and having him slam the door in my face. Then when I found out where you were staying, I just about shit myself. Do you know everyone in this rinky-dink town thinks you’re shacking up with those guys? Not just one, but all of them.”
The town thought she was having sex with all six men? She touched the window, flattening her palm against it. Images of the men floated in front of her like ghostly visions from a future that would never be.
If given the chance, would she have sex with the men of Matheson Ranch? She closed her eyes and let her imagination take her along for the ride. She could easily see Michael, Max, Nick, and William pleasuring her along with Ranlon and, of course, Jimmy. She crossed her legs, her muscles clenching with need. Yeah, she’d take them all, welcome them into her arms, and be proud to do it. Then she’d wake up next to Jimmy every morning.
But that dream was gone. She pushed away from the window and concentrated on the road ahead. “Where are we going?”