Jace pushed his food away as an unsettling feeling lodged in the pit of his stomach. “Your dad?” His voice cracked and he coughed to clear his throat. “You have amnesia or something?”
Annie giggled. “He knows you’re in town. I mentioned you taking the job. He knows damn well you’re the best ranch hand and worker in this county. He said he’d consider it.”
Jace wrapped his leftover food up, unsure of what to say. “What do I need to do?”
“Go talk to him. Show him you’re not the monster others think you are.”
“Not exactly my idea of a good situation. It’s like walking into a firing range where the shooter never misses. Your dad never liked me, even before we ever got together. He and my dad have a history… a bad history might I add.”
“It’s a shot. The answer will always be no unless you go try. I bet that wallet in your back pocket is getting pretty empty.” She chewed on her straw and Jace watched her plump lips wrap around it. Even in the midst of their serious conversation, he found his mind wandering to how they tasted, how soft they were, and how he’d love them on his skin again. “Speaking of your dad, have you gone to see him since you’ve been back?”
Her question pulled him from his fantasy, practically extinguishing his arousal. “No. I haven’t heard from him since I was in court for it all. Not even sure if he’s even still here in Wolf Creek.”
“He is. Same house. Still has the shop, but only works part time.”
Jace stretched his legs out. “That’s something to deal with later.” His eyes trailed down to her breasts and he admired her form fitting shirt. “I got one thing I want to do before we go talk to your dad.”
“What’s that?” She cocked her eyebrow.
“Let’s go for a ride.”
He led her back out to her truck. “Where are we going, Jace? What’s the rush?”
“Just get in and go down the highway. I’ll tell you where to turn off.”
She didn’t argue and they pulled out onto the road. Jace sat forward in the seat, his eyes looking down to where the turnoff used to be. It was right after a sharp curve. The woods were much more overgrown than he remembered, but he saw the sign for Creaky Bridge Road and pointed to it.
“Turn left right here.”
Annie glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “I’m on to you! I haven’t been down here in forever!”
“Pull up to the group of trees where we used to always sit.”
Stopping the truck, she put it in park and turned toward him. He looked out at the river that was flowing high. Memories flashed in his mind. “We had some good times late at night out here, didn’t we?”
“We sure did.” Annie grabbed his hand and kissed the back of it. “Too bad it’s not dark yet. I’d suggest some skinny dipping.”
Jace felt excited. That was something they would have to put on their to do list. Adjusting his weight, he had to shift to get comfortable. He pulled her in for a kiss. She moved into the middle seat, following his lead. Short pecks moved down his jaw bone to his collar bone. Her hand moved to his belt, undoing it in one quick motion. He moved the seat back to allow her better access, glad that she was so good at reading his mind.
Annie pulled his jeans and boxers down, exposing him fully. He was ready to go, and her hand moved up and down, pausing as she cupped him below. Groaning, he closed his eyes.
Ducking her head, her lips moved around him, taking him fully in her mouth. This is exactly what he was imagining when they were eating. Her mouth was warm and it felt amazing.
Reaching down, he pulled her hair back out of her face. This was the woman he had always had feelings for. It wasn’t just some girl satisfying him – he felt so many different emotions as he watched her. Her teeth lightly brushed against his taut skin – it hurt, but in a good way, and he shifted his hips. He fought hard not to lunge upward. She was taking him as deep as she could and he throbbed for more. Her pace quickened as her tongue moved up and down, paying more attention to the tip and back down. He was on the verge of finishing, and he gently pulled her head upward.
“Annie, I’m about to come…” his words came out in short pants.
She flashed him a seductive smile and continued, ignoring his warning. Could she be even sexier than she was right now? His heart raced fast. Everything about her was amazing. This wasn’t just lust like he had debated earlier. He reached his free hand inside her shirt, his fingers dancing over her nipples. He wanted to send her pleasure as well.
His vision grew cloudy and he released her hair, growing completely oblivious to the fact that they were in the front seat of her truck. A loud moan escaped him, followed by several repeats of her name. His hand hit the dashboard and he found himself unable to control his body movements.
“That was to get you relaxed for your big job interview.”
Opening his eyes, he pulled his jeans back up and buckled his belt. “Damn, Annie, you’ve gotten even better at that.” He ran his hand down the side of her face, moving some of her dirty blonde hair behind her ear. “I owe you.” He dug his face into her neck, taking her scent in. She smelled like fresh air and something floral. He found himself longing for her soft skin and hair against him. Their time together just wasn’t enough. Was it too soon to be feeling like that?
“You’ve done a lot for me. It was my turn. And like I said, you need to relax. You act like my dad is gonna take you out back and shoot you in the head.”
Jace smirked and kissed her on the cheek. “If he finds out what we’ve been doing to each other, you can bet he’ll do just that. You’ll never find my body.”
“What daddy doesn’t know won’t kill him.” She turned the key in the ignition and put the truck in reverse. “Let’s go get you a job.”
It was going to be a challenge facing Mr. Martin after what his daughter had just done to him. He’d have to keep his imagination in check, and for the time being, pretend it never happened. It was going to be a hard task, but his future in Fox Creek depended on it.
Chapter Five
Annie pulled the truck down the narrow dirt road that led up to the backside of the ranch. Jace tried to keep his nerves in check. He hadn’t seen Mr. Martin in years, but was still intimidated by the man. They had a rocky past that he wished he could go back and change. He had to tell himself no regrets. Who was he kidding? He would’ve never hurt Annie and her family if he had it to do over again.
He felt Annie’s hand squeeze his and she flashed him a smile as she put the truck in park. Several chickens crossed in front of them and a beautiful German Shepherd was on alert on the porch. Jace couldn’t bring himself to open the door and get out. Just inside that door would be a man he would have a hard time looking in the eye. From his wrongdoings all the way up to what he had just experienced in the truck with Annie – it would be awkward. Hopefully Mr. Martin wouldn’t catch on to their newfound love affair.
“All daddy needs to know is we are back in contact to get you a job. I gave you a ride and it goes no farther than that,” Annie said, smoothing her hair back. It was still disheveled from before.
Jace nodded and gripped the door handle, still unable to move. “What do I say?”
“Just tell him you’re here for the job. It’ll progress. Like I said, he’s not going to bury you in a shallow grave.”
“Stranger things have happened,” he muttered as they both finally exited the truck. The dog barked a few times, but when he saw Annie, he laid back down, keeping his eyes trained on Jace.
“That’s Rex. He’s all bark.” Annie bent over and scratched him behind the ears. “He’s probably out at the shop. I’ll take you out there.”
The walk to the shop seemed to take forever. Jace felt bile build up in the back of his throat and he adjusted his hat several times as they approached. Annie was right. He was busy working on a saddle, bent over and tightening the leather over it.
“Daddy, are we interrupting anything?”
Mr. Martin looked up, wipi
ng some sweat from his brow. “No.” His answer was quick as he sized up Jace. “I see you didn’t waste any time bringing him by.”
“No, I didn’t. I’ll let you two talk. I’ll be in the house with Mom.”
Jace wanted to yell back at her to stay, but for one, his voice wouldn’t work and two, it would look completely suspicious in front of her father. Turning to him, he ran his hand down the back of his neck, trying to put on one of the best fronts he had ever imagined.
“You’ve grown up,” Mr. Martin said, picking up some pieces of leather and tossing them aside. “Annie tells me you’re back in town and needing work.”
Jace shook his head. “Yes sir, that’s right. Just got back a few days ago.” He tried to keep the talking going. Avoiding an awkward silence would be good, but he didn’t want to sound like a babbling idiot either.
“Where you been staying?”
Was the small talk a good sign? Jace wasn’t sure, but at least the guy wasn’t reaming him… yet. “The Black Spur. About the only place I can afford right now with the little cash I have.”
Mr. Martin finally gave his full attention to Jace, his stern gaze sharp. It was almost as if he could read Jace’s mind and knew he had been on the most intimate levels with his daughter, just in the short time he had been back. No, that had to be his imagination. He was just being paranoid.
“Can I ask you something, Jace?”
“Yes sir.”
“Give me a good reason why I should trust you and let you here on my ranch after everything you’ve done. Yes, I’m referring to the robbery, but also to what you did to my little girl.” His index finger pointed toward Jace, adding on the tough presence he already possessed.
Jace licked his lips and let out a deep breath. This is where the truth mattered most. “I’m not sure there’s really a good answer to what you’re asking, Mr. Martin. Truth is, I was stupid for making the bad decisions I made back then. Your daughter was the best thing that ever happened to me. I took advantage of that and didn’t realize it until she was gone.” He lifted his hat and raked his hand through his hair. “As for the robbery – another stupid thing on my part. I had no business even considering an act like that. I had a good dad that brought me up right. I just chose a wrong path and ended up where I deserved. I can stand here and swear I’ll never do it again and you can believe it or not. Just know that if I could, the one thing I’d go back and change is hurting your daughter and your family. Looking back, I have realized that my actions affect more than just me. It’s long overdue, but I apologize.”
“Annie tells me you never even got out of the car the night of the robbery. Is that true?”
“Does it matter? I was there and I am guilty for it.”
Mr. Martin nodded. “It does matter. It matters that you aren’t standing here pointing the finger and trying to push the blame off of yourself.”
“I guess so, sir.”
“As for the job, Jace, it’s a ranch hand position. Lots of handy work, physical blue collar stuff. Out in the heat and the cold, taking care of farm animals, farming, you know the drill. I don’t even have to ask if you can do that. I’ve seen you work your daddy’s land.”
“Yes sir, I did.”
“I guess I have a decision to make.” Mr. Martin extended his hand for Jace to shake, and he returned the favor. The man’s grip was strong against his. “I’ll let you know something soon on what I decide. Times are hard, the economy is rough. I might not hire anyone and pick up the slack. I just gotta sit down and think some things over. Any good looking guy can come in here and talk me up and tell me what I want to hear, just like you possibly could’ve done today, yeah?”
Jace’s stomach sank. He was crazy to think that Mr. Martin believed anything he said, and it definitely was the truth. Why did he waste his time?
“I suppose, sir. Just know that I didn’t do that.”
“Since I’m sure you don’t have a phone or a means for transportation, I’ll have Annie contact you. Have a good rest of your day, Jace.”
***
“So, how’d it go? You aren’t saying much.” Annie stared at him from the driver’s side of the truck. They were parked in the motel parking lot and she didn’t want to leave him just yet. He was being too quiet and she had a bad feeling.
“He said he had to make a decision. Said he’s not even sure if he’s gonna hire anyone.” Jace tapped his finger against the glass, tracing it through some condensation.
The rain poured outside, gushing over the windshield. The gloomy weather set the tone between them and Annie didn’t like it. Had her dad been a complete asshole to him? She gripped the steering wheel tight, watching the rain drops trail down the side of the building and into a puddle.
“He’s gonna hire someone, Jace. The guy who quit did a lot of stuff that dad couldn’t keep up with.”
“Then it was a bullshit line he handed me, Annie, because that’s what he said. It was a brush off. I’m never gonna find anything in this God damn town!” He hit his hands against the dashboard and let out a groan.
“You’ve been here a few days. It’s different than it was before prison. Jobs aren’t a dime a dozen anymore. You’ve gotta give it more time.”
He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and threw it at her. “More time? How is that going to put more money in that? Huh? I don’t even have enough to pay for my room again tonight.”
The worry was painted on his face, and his brow was creased. He ran his hand down his face and closed his eyes. She hated seeing him like this, but it was a quick reminder of how short of a fuse he had. His temper hadn’t changed.
“Have you thought about seeing your dad?” She knew it was a touchy subject, but it had to be asked.
Glancing at her, he shook his head no. “Eventually I will. Regardless, you know as well as I do where we stand. I’ve had enough awkward situations today.”
She turned to face him, moving her fingertips down his cheek and over his lips. “It was just a suggestion. Everything is going to be okay.”
“Do you realize if I don’t find a job here, I can’t stay? There would be no reason to. Fox Creek hates me. They sit around and go to church and talk about forgiveness, but when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is, they are a bunch of fucking hypocrites. If they are so big on being that way, why can’t they forgive me for a crime that I didn’t even do?”
The question lingered between them, and the thought of Jace leaving town again made her heart break. He couldn’t leave again after everything they had shared. She couldn’t go through that again. Shame on her for letting her guard down. She was an idiot.
“I’ll talk to dad.” It was the only thing she could think to say. She didn’t have answers to his questions. She often wondered the same thing about the people there.
Jace held his hand up. “No. Just let it be.”
The rain poured even harder, making the visibility zero. Both sat in silence, listening to the wind and thunder rumble around them. She was caught off guard when she felt his fingers intertwine with hers. His palms were callused against her smooth skin. She longed for his manly touch and her heart raced at the simple embrace.
Her cell phone rang, pulling the serenity of the moment away. It was her dad, and her already racing heart beat out of control. She showed Jace the screen before answering, flashing him a reassuring look.
“Hey Daddy.”
“You have a way of getting hold of Jace?” He asked, sounding apprehensive.
“Yeah, I do. What’s up?”
“Tell him I’ll hire him on. But damn it, Annie, I hope I don’t regret this.”
“You won’t, Dad! He’s a good man. I’ll let him know.”
“Tell him to come by the ranch this evening. We’ll set him up in one of my bunk houses. I know he’s staying at that shit hole motel. Just have him come by before it gets dark and we’ll get it going.”
“Thank you so much, Dad. Thanks for giving him a second chance.”<
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There was a short silence, followed by, “Just let him know I’m not one for third chances. That’s all that needs to be said.”
Annie hung the phone up and pressed her lips hard against his. He tasted so good that she didn’t want to pull away to tell him the news, though she was sure he knew. Jace broke the kiss first, his hands trailing down her hair.
“Well?”
“He said he’d hire you on. Said to come by tonight to get you a room. He’s still apprehensive, but I know you’ll prove to him that this was a good decision.”
All of the tension eased around his eyes, and he relaxed into the seat. “You’re damn right I’ll prove that to him.”
He kissed her hard and it grew passionate by the second. She straddled his lap, inviting him access to her body. Pulling her shirt up, he sucked on her nipples through the thin fabric of her bra. His teeth nipped at each one of them and she ran her fingers through his soft, thick, dark hair. He cupped her ass with his hands, running them up and down the pockets of her jeans and lower, between her legs, rubbing her hard through her pants. She spread her legs and he pushed harder against her as the deepest moans she had ever heard escaped from her throat. She closed her eyes and wished that he would just rip her clothes off. She wanted his bare skin against hers, his fingers deep within her, his tongue dancing his way down to her thighs. She grew more aroused at that thought.
They both stopped and stared at each other, their breathing labored. It was as if they both realized at the same time that they were in her truck, in a very public place, and it was best to move to a more private location, like his motel room that was just a few feet in front of them.
“I have to check out soon, but we have time.” Jace whispered into her ear, his warm breath tantalizing.
Opening the door, Annie felt the cold rain against her. Jace carried her up a few steps and dropped her down beside him, taking her mouth against his again. The rain didn’t dissipate, and they began to make out in the midst of the torrential downpour. His hands cupped either side of her face, his tongue danced inside her mouth, and her hands traced through his hair, down his neck, and to his strong back where his soaked shirt hugged every defined muscle of his body.
Hometown Glory: Fox Creek Series #1 - A Sensual Romance Novella Page 4