by Chloe Lang
Jessie could tell he wasn’t kidding. His face was clouded with rage. She looked at Michael. Per his norm, he wasn’t going to take orders from Dallas or anyone else.
“Michael, please.”
Her ex grabbed Dallas’s wrist and not so gently removed it from his shoulder. All the while, keeping one arm around her. “Cowboy, if it’s a pissing match you want, I’m game. Of course, I’d prefer a kissing match.”
Dallas swung his fists, but Michael ducked, avoiding his jab. Then Michael landed a punch in Dallas’s gut, and another at the side of his face. Dallas rubbed his jaw then landed two blows that put Michael on the floor.
“What the hell are you two doing!” Jessie looked around the diner. Customers were staring, but none moved to stop them. In fact, they looked more amused than surprised, as if this was an everyday occurrence in Wilde. “I can’t believe this.” She snapped, “Dallas, this is Michael. My ex-fiancé.” She turned to Michael on the floor. He was smiling. “Michael, you’ll never change.”
He stood up, and held out his hand to Dallas. “That last left hook was amazing. I’m sure I could have two black guys in the morning. Oh… I mean two black eyes.”
Michael’s joke seemed to unhinge Dallas’s anger. Then the cowboy laughed. “Pleased to meet you, Michael.”
“The pleasure is mine, cowboy. Boy, I’m going to have to get back to my boxing classes at the gym.”
Dallas shrugged. “You should thank your coach. You landed some tough punches.”
“Thanks, I’ll let him know. By the way, I’ve never seen Jessica looking more beautiful. I think you’re the one to blame for that.”
“I sure hope so.”
The two men shook hands like they were long lost buddies. Male bonding was so screwy to her.
“Michael, why are you here?”
He grabbed her hand, but this time Dallas didn’t seem annoyed. “After our talk last night, I had to come see for myself. This is some town. There are more yummy men per capita in this backwater town than any other place I’ve been to in the world. I might have to buy a vacation home here.”
Dallas snorted. “There’s some guys in town who swing your way that I’m sure would be glad to show you around, buddy.”
Jessie shook her head and sent him a mocking glare. “Stop teasing Michael. Besides, he could never live in a place without a gay bar.”
“He wouldn’t have to.” The cowboy patted Michael on the shoulder. “It’s called Phase Three.”
“Cool,” her ex said. “You know a good real estate agent, Dallas?”
Jessie laughed. She was thrilled that they were hitting it off.
* * * *
Dallas had left moments ago to get the gear ready for the trip to the old mine, leaving Jessie alone with Michael. She was glad.
Michael was staying in another room at the hotel. The Hotel Cactus was nice, but it wasn’t the five-star accommodations her ex normally stayed at. She wondered what he thought about the place. Still, he was a pretty good sport about such things. Besides, he’d come to Wilde to make sure she was okay. He’d proven time after time that he would endure a plethora of inconveniences if it meant rescuing her. She loved him for that.
She and Michael sat in the hotel lobby, sipping the iced tea that Maude had brought them.
“How long are you here for, Michael?”
“Tonight only, but I could cancel my plans if you need me to stay.”
“Don’t do that. You can see I’m okay.”
“So I talked to your dad yesterday.” Michael rubbed his jaw.
Jessie tensed. “What did he have to say?”
Michael shrugged. “You know your dad. He didn’t say much. Just wondered where you were and how we were doing.”
“I know where you’re going with this. But I’m just not ready to tell him.”
“Jessica, this is crazy. It’s clear that you have a chance at a life in this town.”
“You really think I have a chance with Dallas and his brothers?” she asked.
“Why not? I know it’s not traditional. But who gives a damn. Look at me. I screwed up not only my life but much of yours by trying to be what everyone else wanted me to be. I should’ve just been true to myself. There are at least four of the five brothers that you’re interested in. If the others look anything like Dallas, I’m not surprised.”
“You are so pushing it.” She threw an ice cube at him.
Michael laughed. “I like what I am seeing in you. You are more alive than I’ve ever known you to be. You’re taking risks. You can’t stop smiling. Hell, you’re even glowing.”
“You’re quite the liar. I just don’t know. You’ve only met one of them.”
“Tell me. I want to know more.”
Jessie smiled. He knew more about her than anyone on the planet. She honestly loved him. “Well, Jackson is the youngest.”
“Right. He’s the one that took your virginity.” Michael grinned wickedly.
“Unlike you, Mr. Let’s-wait-until-we-get-married.”
Michael’s smile evaporated. He took her hand and said, “I’m really sorry about that. You deserved better from me.”
She kissed his cheek. “Honey, you did the best you could. The closet is a terrible place. Besides, I guess it was worth waiting for. Who knows? I might’ve hit the jackpot here in Wilde.”
“That’s my girl.” He nodded. “Seriously, are these guys being good to you?”
“Yes, they are. Very good to me.”
* * * *
Dallas waited in the lobby for Jessica to come down from her room. He looked at the clock above the reception desk and realized they would have to leave pretty quickly if they were going to make it to the Old Mine and back before dark.
He looked up and saw Jessie standing at the top of the stairs. She looked amazing. He couldn’t get enough of her. Her hips swayed from side to side ever so slightly, tempting him. God, he was happy that she’d forgiven him.
“Hi, Dallas. Sorry I kept you waiting.” Jessie smiled, making him instantly hard.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re worth the wait, period.”
She blushed, and that pleased him. Jessie was the most delicate and sweet woman he’d ever known.
“So, are we ready to go?” she asked.
Dallas walked over to her. He pulled her in tight and kissed her, enjoying the taste of her full lips.
Dallas was through playing the gentleman. If she didn’t want to marry his other brothers, as much as that would hurt his family, then so be it. But he was never letting her go ever.
“I’ve got the horses out back, sweetheart. Shall we?”
She giggled. “I guess you go play boss in the morning, too?”
“It’s my nature.” He put his arm around her and guided her out the door.
When they got to the horses, she surprised him. With clear know-how, she hoisted herself up in the saddle. “Jessie, you ride?”
“My dad had me enrolled in some jumping classes. Sure, the saddles differ, but the horses are about the same area, so let’s hit the gas.”
* * * *
They were halfway to the mine when the clouds began to darken. The storm was gathering. Dallas knew they must find shelter, and quick.
“Follow me, love. We have a chance to keep from getting soaked if we hurry.”
“We’re not gonna make it to the old mine today, are we?” She looked up at the sky.
“Depends. This could be a quick storm. Typical for around here. If it blows over, we might make it. But it will be tough riding in the mud.”
“Where are you taking us?”
“To my granddad’s cabin. But we better hurry.”
“Lead the way, cowboy.”
They arrived at his grandfather’s cabin totally drenched. Pappy Jack told them to go inside and dry off and he would take care of the horses. Dallas guided Jessie inside. She looked gorgeous in the light coming from the fireplace. He prayed the rains wouldn’t stop but would continue all night
. Spending the night with her here, or anywhere, is exactly what he wanted.
He put his arms around Jessie, hoping to warm her enough to stop her trembles. “I think we’re here for the night, love.”
“You’re right about that.” The old cowboy placed his hat on the hook by the door. “This is likely to go on until midnight. Son, introduce me to the lady.”
“This is Jessie Green. Jessie, this is my granddad, Pappy Jack.”
She stepped forward and offered her hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
His granddad took her hand and brought it up to his lips, placing a gentleman’s kiss on the back of her hand. He leaned up, releasing her hand. “The pleasure is mine, little lady. Now, about your clothes. We need to get them dried out. Jessie, I think you would fit in one of my wife’s outfits. Dallas, you’re too big for any of my clothes, so you’re going to have to wear a towel.”
“You just love embarrassing me, don’t you?”
The old man laughed. “That I do, son. That I do. Go get some towels for Jessie. Get one for yourself, too. You know where they are?”
“Yes, sir. I do.” Dallas went to the only bathroom in the place. It was pretty spacious and even had a tub. Pappy Jack had it put in right after he and his brothers married Dallas’s grandmother. He took out four big towels from the cabinet and went back to the main room of the cabin.
Dallas handed three of the towels to Jessie.
“Thank you.”
“We’ll give you some privacy to change clothes. My bedroom is right through that door, hon. My wife’s things are in the closet to the right of the bed. Put on anything you like. Probably a bit old-fashioned, but it should do until your clothes are dried.”
“Thank you, Pappy Jack.”
“You’re welcome, darlin’. It’s nice having a woman here again.”
Jessie walked over to him. “Do you mind if I give you a hug?”
“Mind? I’d be hurt if you didn’t.”
Dallas watched her grab on to his granddad, and he put his arms around her. When they let go of each other, Dallas would’ve sworn that he saw the tough codger wipe his eyes.
Jessie smiled and kissed his granddad’s cheek. Then she went to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.
“That one is a keeper, son.” Pappy Jack patted him on the back.
“Yes, she is.”
“How about some coffee to warm you up, son?”
“Whiskey would work faster.”
His granddad nodded. “That it would. Hard to believe, but I just happen to have some handy. Shuck those clothes and put them on your grandma’s rocker by the fireplace. They’re going to take awhile to dry.”
After downing a couple of shots of liquor, the cold inside Dallas faded. Pappy Jack poured two more shots, but before they could drink them, Jessie returned. She’d chosen one of Gran’s dresses that fell just below the knee. It was pale blue, and the V-neck dipped just enough for him to get a glimpse of her cleavage. His cock made a tent out of the towel he wore. He looked over at Pappy Jack. The old man was wiping his eyes, and tears were streaming from them. It startled Dallas. He’d only seen his granddad cry once. That was at Gran’s funeral.
Pappy Jack choked. “I’m sorry, young lady. I’ve become a woman in my old age. It’s just...seeing you in Carol’s dress... Well, it took me back. I apologize.”
“I’m sorry if this upset you.” Jessie’s concern was evident on her face. “Let me take these off. A towel will work just fine for me.”
“No, hon. I’m okay now. You keep them on.”
Dallas choked, “I miss Gran, too.”
“I know you do, son.”
Jessie took the chair at the table between Dallas and Pappy Jack. “Tell me about her. I’m sure she was an incredible woman.”
His granddad nodded. “Swept me and my brothers off our feet, she did.”
“Was she from Wilde?”
“Nope. Her kin were from Maine. They weren’t too happy with my brothers and me, but they eventually warmed up to us.”
“So did she have a tough time warming up to the idea of marrying more than one man?”
Dallas was glad that Jessie was asking this question. He hoped it meant that she was considering what he and his brothers wanted.
“I think I better get the good stuff out for this kind of conversation. You like whiskey, Jessie?”
“Don’t know. I’ve drunk vodka, tequila, and gin, before. Never tried any dark liquors.”
“Well, let me introduce you to Mr. Glenlivet 1959. He makes angels sing and devils weep. For us, he just might deliver a bit of good cheer.”
“I think I’ll like him.” She smiled.
Pappy Jack filled up three glasses with the good stuff.
“Mmm. That’s good.” Jessie licked her lips. “I might get used to Mr. Glenlivet.”
“I’m glad you like it.” His granddad took another drink from his glass. “You asked me about my wife, little lady. There’s a lot to tell.”
“I’d love to hear about her, Pappy Jack.”
He put his hand over hers. “Then you shall.” The old man closed his eyes, as if to transport back to the past. “I’d just finished my tour of duty in southeast Asia. My two brothers, Tom and Will, met me in San Fran.”
Dallas missed Pappy Tom and Pappy Will. They’d taken him and his brothers on weeklong fishing and hunting trips when he was a kid.
Pappy Jack continued, “Tom and I wanted to leave early the next day. Will convinced us to stay an extra day. He thought we deserved a boys’ night out. Well, a day turned into a month after we met Carol.”
“Sounds romantic.”
“Wasn’t at first. Will fell for her instantly. Tom and I took a bit longer.”
Jessie took a sip of her whiskey. “You said she was from Maine. What was she doing in San Francisco?”
“Attending Stanford.”
“I didn’t know Gran went to college.”
“Actually got her degree in biology there, son.”
“You like your women smart, Pappy Jack?” Jessie teased.
“Only one. And she was incredibly so. Tom knew she was the one for us by the third day. Me, I’m pretty slow.”
“Wasn’t love at first sight?” she asked.
“Probably. I just fought it. I was worried she wouldn’t understand our ways. But she did come around, though it took some convincing.”
“No woman could resist you.” She grabbed his granddad’s hand. “I’m sure Carol was a very lucky woman to have three men to love her.”
“We were the lucky ones.” Pappy Jack downed his whiskey. “Tom died in ’90 and Will in ’97. Carol asked to move here after they died. I built this, you know.”
“I’ve learned all Wilde boys have to build their own house by the time they turn eighteen.”
“That’s true. Turns boys into men like it did to my grandson here.”
“I think it works really well.” Jessie gazed at Dallas.
His cock pushed the towel up another inch, though neither of them could see since his chair was scooted up under the table.
“Yes, he’s grown up into quite the man. I’m proud of you, son.”
“I’m proud of you, Pappy Jack.”
“You should be. I’m great, you know.” The old man grinned.
“You are.”
“I haven’t talked about this in years. Young lady, I’m glad you’re here. Carol always told me I kept things bottled up. She didn’t think that was good for me.”
“It’s not. I’m glad to be here with you.”
“You’re a bit like her, Jessie.”
“I hope so. She must’ve been someone very special to have landed your heart.”
“She was.” Pappy Jack’s voice cracked. “She taught me so much about living.”
Tears were streaming down Jessie’s face, and before Dallas could get to her, Pappy Jack put his arms around her. “Thank you, child. I needed this more than you know.”
She wiped her eye
s. “So did I.”
His granddad held his glass up. “To Carol.”
Dallas and Jessie clinked their glasses to his.
“Now, if you kids don’t mind. I’m going to head out to the barn with this bottle to be alone with my thoughts. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Jessie stood and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Pappy Jack.”
She’d gotten his granddad to open up in a way he’d never seen before. Tonight, Dallas fell even deeper in love with her. If his Pappys were able to convince his Gran to choose the Wilde way, then by God, Dallas and his brothers would find a way to convince Jessie.
Chapter Seven
Pappy Jack’s stories about his wife and brothers melted Jessie’s heart. The Wilde family way had worked for Dallas’s grandmother. Jessie imagined that a lifetime of love and devotion from three Wilde men must’ve been heavenly. Could it be the same for me with this generation’s Wilde men?
Jessie sighed, looking around at the mementos and photos that filled the cabin, revealing so much about Pappy Jack’s history. Settle down, girl, and don’t get carried away. She decided that it would be best to take things slow when it came to the Wilde brothers. There was no way she could wrap her head around such a marriage right now—if ever. Besides, she didn’t know Denver very well, and Austin not at all.
Dallas stood up, dropping his towel to the floor. His cock was fully erect, causing her jaw to drop and her body to heat up. “Love, you’re mine tonight.”
He wasn’t asking. He was taking, and that got her instantly wet.
“If we do this—”
“There’s no if about it,” he interrupted. “I’m going to be inside your sweet pussy tonight.”
She shivered with desire, but continued, “Sex with you doesn’t mean I’m saying I will be able to do what your Pappy’s wife did.”
“Sweetheart, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, I want you. There’s nothing you can do or say that changes that. God, Jessie, you will be the death of me.”
She grinned. “A big cowboy like you can’t be afraid of a little woman like me, can you?”
“I’m too smart not to be.” His voice changed from gentle to commanding. “Tonight, my rules. Understand?”