by Desiree Holt
He chuckled as relief swept over him. “It’ll have to be early. My boss gets pissed if I’m late for the job.”
She put her small hand over his where it lay on her breast. “And I don’t think it would do me any good to plead your case. So, okay. Early is good.”
He placed a soft kiss on her cheek and pulled her closer to his body. He had even more ideas for Molly Hayes in his bedroom. He just hoped she’d be all right with them.
His last thought as he drifted off was that he might have to go to Houston and beat the shit out of that asshole ex of hers.
Chapter Seven
The ranch was just beginning to come to life when Chance and Molly drove in shortly after six the following morning. The yard was filled with men cranking up the day’s routine.
The hay truck was being loaded for another run, cattle in the near pasture were bawling their welcome to the day and two of the hands were just heading off to ride fence. Today, rather than using their horses, they rode out in an all terrain vehicle. Maintaining the fences was a never-ending job. One break and thousands of dollars worth of cattle could be lost or injured.
The men in the yard stopped what they were doing to stare at them with curiosity.
“I’d say we’re definitely out of the bag now,” Molly pointed out. “Although I’m sure the two guys last night have already passed the word, anyway.”
“Good.” Chance came around to open her door for her. “Less competition for me. Let’s make sure they know the score.”
He lifted her down from the cab, pulled her against his body and gave her a hard, deep kiss. His tongue probed her mouth, dueling with hers, and his hands cupped the cheeks of her ass, pressing her against him. When he released her, she was breathless. A couple of the men watching were brave enough to let loose with a couple of wolf whistles.
“Be ready tonight at seven,” he told her, then stared into her eyes. “That okay?”
Molly nodded. “Seven it is.” Already her body was stirring at the thought of what new things he had in store for her.
“And don’t forget what to do with that little toy I gave you.” He touched her purse where he’d placed the butt plug.
Heat flooded her face. “I won’t.”
“Okay. Got to get to work. You’re father will be home before long, and I sure don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage.” He said it with a grin, but it rubbed Molly the wrong way.
“Let’s get something straight right now, okay?”
Chance frowned. “What?”
“Last night you said you didn’t have to kiss up to me for your job. That you earned it and worked damn hard at it, right?”
He nodded, still frowning.
“Then don’t make jokes about who I am. Please? Whatever happens with us, Chance, your place here is whatever you make it, not what happens because of me.”
His face sobered at once. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. What I feel for you has nothing to do with who you are. At all.”
She studied his face. “And what do you feel for me, Chance?”
He just grinned. “See you at seven.” And he walked away toward the barn.
Well, that got her nothing. Except a really hot kiss.
Molly smiled and waved to the men as she mounted the steps to the back porch. She was fully aware, though, that regardless of what both of them said, neither could predict Reuben Hayes’ reaction to this situation. She just hoped it would be a blessing rather than a curse. And she wondered if Chance would mention it to him or leave it up to her.
On her way through the kitchen, she grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee from the big pot their housekeeper, Josefina, kept filled all day. Checking the clock on the stove, she estimated her father would be home before too long. Even on business trips he was an early riser and their financial situation allowed him the luxury of his own place, his own landing strip and his own hangar.
“Just makes good sense to be efficient about travel,” he pointed out frequently.
She took her time showering, letting the hot water soothe all the sore places in her body. She hated washing away Chance’s scent on her skin, but she sure couldn’t go around smelling like sex all day. She spent extra time washing her hair and grooming her body, although she planned to take a hot soak in the tub before dressing for tonight.
There was a moment of confusion as she stared at the plug she’d pulled from her purse, trying to figure out just how she was going to do what Chance wanted. But she covered it generously with lube, as he had done, found herself a good position and slowly pushed it inside.
She had just pulled on fresh jeans and a T-shirt when she heard the back door slam and her father’s voice booming up the stairs.
“Molly? I’m home. Come on down and have a cup of coffee with me.”
He was sitting at the table in the breakfast room, his big legs stretched out in front of him and a mug cradled in his hands when she came downstairs.
“Have a good trip?” She kissed him on the cheek, then went to refill her own mug.
“If you saw that bull then you know I did.” He sipped his coffee, waiting for her to join him at the table.
His silence made her nervous. Normally she couldn’t get him to shut up.
“Great looking bull,” she agreed at last, desperate to find out if someone had dropped her bombshell on him. She didn’t have long to wait.
“So. Seems like you took my advice to get out right to heart.”
“And you say that because?” She blew on the hot liquid.
“Don’t play coy with me, missy. Understand you spent the night at Chance McDaniel’s.”
“Oh. I guess you’ve already been plugged into the ranch gossip line.” Of course.
“Not at all. Chance himself came up and told me about it. Said he didn’t want me to hear about from someone else. That there wasn’t anything to hide.” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “That right?”
Warmth surged through her at the realization that Chance had been so upfront with her father about their growing relationship. Molly set her mug down carefully, choosing her next words.
“Daddy, I’m thirty years old. I’ve been married and divorced. I didn’t think I needed your permission to have a sleepover.”
Reuben gave her a long, slow look. “That’s right. You don’t. But you’re coming off a bad situation and I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing. That it’s not some knee jerk reaction.” He paused. “Besides. Chance has had his own troubles, you know.”
I’d know more if I could get him to talk about it.
She clamped down on her irritation. “Who are you more worried about? Chance or me?”
“Both of you.” He leaned forward and placed one of his meaty hands over her small one. “You’re my only child, Molly, no matter how old you are. With your mama gone, I feel a dual responsibility. But Chance McDaniel is one damn fine young man, responsible and a hard worker. I can’t say it wouldn’t please me to see the two of you together, but I’d hate for something to happen to screw that up for either of you.”
She found a smile for him. “Don’t worry. We’re both adults and we both know what we’re doing.” I think. “And it’s going to be all right.” I hope.
“Okay, then.” He pushed back his chair and stood up. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told Chance. If there turns out to be a problem, work it out like the adults you tell me you are.” He rinsed his cup, set it in the sink and lifted his hat off the counter. “I’d better get out there and see to that bull.” He started to open the back door, then stopped. “You know, Molly, there’s a place for you here at the ranch if you want it.”
“Oh?” She grinned. “I guess you can always use an extra hand around the barn.”
His face darkened with momentary anger. “Don’t sell yourself short. You didn’t get that fancy education to shovel horse shit. John Trammel wants to retire and move to Arizona where the rest of his family is. Hayes Ranch could sue a smart brain as the ranc
h manager.”
She stared at him, stunned. For one thing, John had been running the ranch for her father—at least the business end—for as long as she could remember. For another, he’d never once said anything about her being a part of this operation.
She was so startled for a moment she couldn’t think. “You actually want me to be part of the ranch operation?”
He sighed. “Molly, you’re my only child. All that’s left of our family. You’ve worked as hard as the men and know about all there is to know. If I’d thought you were interested, I’d have talked to you about this when you got your fancy degree.”
“Why didn’t you?” she asked, curious.
“Timing,” was all he said. “But I’m not getting any younger, and I want to make sure the ranch is in good hands. Chance McDaniel has probably turned out to be the best foreman around, but someone’s got to pay attention to the paperwork and details. It doesn’t appear you’re in a hurry to get anywhere now so I thought…”
“I don’t know what to say.” And what would Chance think about this? If he was intending to make their relationship permanent, working together like that would be far too uncomfortable.
“Think it over,” he said, as if reading her mind, “and see where this thing goes with Chance. You feel like you’re interested, we’ll sit down and work it out.”
Then he was gone, leaving her sitting in her chair in a cloud of astonishment.
****
Molly had chosen not to hang around the ranch all day, worried that Chance would think she was dogging him, so she’d taken herself off to San Antonio, deciding to do some clothes shopping. Everything she owned reminded her of Boyd and Houston, and she wondered if she shouldn’t just burn it all. It was close to six by the time she got back and Chance’s truck was still parked near the barn. Was he working late? Had he changed his mind about tonight? Had her father talked him out of it?
She shut off her chatterbox brain and headed upstairs for the hot soak she’d promised herself. She reinserted the plug and pulled on a tiny lacy thong, part of her shopping expedition. No bra. She could be bold, too. Selecting a new pair of jeans and tank top from one of her shopping bags, she looked out of her bedroom window. Yup, Chance’s truck was still there. Giving her hair one last fluff, she turned over all the options available and made some contingency plans.
At seven when Chance knocked on the back door, she was waiting for him. He was covered with dust, his already scuffed boots were even more banged up and his face had smears where he’d wiped sweat. He grinned apologetically.
“I’m sorry, Molly. Time got away from us—”
She held up a hand. “Stop. I was raised on a ranch, remember? I know how that happens. We’re good as long as you aren’t here to cancel on me.”
He shook his head. “Never that. But I need to shower and I haven’t done a damn thing about dinner.”
She winked. “Then isn’t it a good thing I took care of that.” She lifted a covered foil pan from the counter. “Josefina’s enchiladas. I filched them from the freezer. All we have to do is heat them in the oven.”
His grin showed off his even, white teeth. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
Her heart stuttered.
It’s just an expression, Molly. Don’t get your panties in a twist.
“No, but I’ll give you plenty of opportunity. I’m ready.”
They’d barely pulled out of the ranch driveway before Chance said, “I let your father know about us this morning.”
“He told me. That’s good, Chance. I don’t want to feel we have to hide this—whatever this is.”
“I agree.” He rested his hand on her thigh. “And to be honest, Molly, I don’t know what this is yet, either, but I damn sure want to find out.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
His hand tightened slightly as he tensed, then relaxed again. “Sure. Go ahead.”
“Night before last, at Rusty’s. Were you just looking to take me home for a tumble in the hay?”
He was silent for so long she wondered if she’d made a mistake asking him that.
“It was never about that, Molly,” he said at last. “I hadn’t planned to say any of this until we got more…comfortable with each other, but I can’t ever remember a time I didn’t want you. Only, when I was nineteen and you were fifteen it wasn’t even near the realm of possibility.”
“But you got married,” she protested. “What about that?”
“Yeah, what about that.” He was silent again, obviously chewing it over in his mind. “There’s a lot about my marriage I need to tell you, and I will. Maybe even later tonight. The best excuse I can give is she wasn’t you.”
“And the worst?”
“That’s for later.”
The minute they reached his house, Chance headed for the shower and Molly set the pan on the counter, turning on the oven to preheat. For a few minutes she wandered around the house, listening to the faint sound of the shower running. When the buzzer sounded to tell her the oven was ready, she slid the enchiladas into it and headed toward Chance’s bedroom. Through the partly open bathroom door she could see him standing naked, towel drying his hair. His cock was semi-erect, but even in that state it was more than impressive.
With her hands trembling only slightly, Molly took off her clothes, folding them neatly and placing them on a straight-back wooden chair. Then she softly padded over to the bathroom and pushed open the door.
“Need me to finish drying you off?” she teased.
Chance lowered the towel and looked at her with eyes burning with need. He dropped the towel, pulled her against him and took her mouth in a hungry, needy kiss. His tongue traced the inside of her lips, the line of her gums, the roof of her mouth, then thrust deep inside, sweeping against her own small tongue like a marauding predator.
Molly clutched at him, pressing her body against his, rubbing her sensitive breasts against the crisp hair on his chest. His cock swelled and flexed against her softness. She loved the feel of the hard muscles in his arms and back almost as much as she loved the feel of his cock inside her.
Breathless, she broke the kiss, pulled away and turned around.
“I wore it all day.” She spread the cheeks of her ass to show him the plug. “I only took it out this afternoon for my bath, but I put it back in right away.”
“Jesus, Molly.” He ran his hand over the curve of her buttocks, fingertips touching the flange of the plug. “Just looking at that thing in you gets me so hard I could hammer nails.” He turned her so she was facing him and brushed his mouth against hers.
His soft kisses were just as erotic as the hungry ones, calling to all of her senses. How was it that this one man touched her and she opened to him like a flowers?
“I have another present for you,” he whispered against her lips.
“For me?”
“Uh huh.” His breath whispered into her mouth. “I think I want to give it to you now. That okay?”
“I like presents,” she told him. “Is it like this one?” She reached a hand back to touch her ass.
“Sort of. Come on.” He led her by the hand into the bedroom, pulled back the covers on the bed and arranged her with great care. “Spread your legs for me, sugar. Open those beautiful thighs as wide as you can and bend your knees.”
She fastened her gaze on him, watching as he took a small box from the nightstand drawer.
“That’s some busy piece of furniture you’ve got there,” she teased, trying to hide both her nervousness and anticipation.
His eyes darkened as he looked down at her. “Lots of toys for you, Molly. Think you’ll like them? You like what we do?”
Okay, enough with dancing around the issue.
“Chance, before we go any further, there’s something we have to talk about.”
His entire body tightened as if she’d dropped a noose over his head. “Oh? And what might that be?”
“You keep asking me all these qu
estions. Do I like this? Is this okay? Am I okay with it? What’s going on here? If I didn’t like…” She waved her hand at the night stand and the box in his hand. “I’d have told you do. So what’s going on? I want to know before you give me my next little present.”
Chance let a breath out on a long, slow exhale, nudged her over and sat down beside her. “Okay, I guess you deserve answers. But fair’s fair. You have to tell me about Boyd.”
She nodded. “All right.”
“I met Sabrina my senior year in college. Truth be told, she reminded me of you in many ways.” He grimaced. “But you know what they say. There’s only one original. Anyway, we graduated, she went home to Austin and went to work and I came here to work on the ranch full time.”
“I remember when I heard you’d gotten married.”
“I took my time,” he told her. “Thought I was making sure everything was right. But I’d learned by then the things I enjoyed in the bedroom and I really didn’t want to have to pass on them. I introduced Sabrina to some of it while we were engaged and she seemed okay with them. But…”
“But?” she prompted.
“But apparently she was just reeling me in. Because once she had that ring on her finger and the honeymoon was over, she shut the door on me. Told me she hated all of this. It disgusted her. And if I loved her, I wouldn’t need any of this to—as she said—enhance our sex life.”
“So what happened?”
“You don’t need all the gory details. Just know that she never let up on me, never stopped digging at me, even when I said fine, we’d do things whatever way she wanted. But about that time I realized I really didn’t love her at all and she sure as hell didn’t love me. The last fight we had she said some things that really hurt. And then it was over.”
“So you’ve been wanting to make sure the same thing isn’t going to happen with me.”
“Doesn’t that make sense?” He brought his face close to hers. “I’d hate it if you felt the same way. I want you, Molly, and not just for one night. But I want us to want the same things in bed.”
She stroked her fingers across his cheek. “Would it shock you to know that I’ve fantasized about doing these very things with the right man? Read about them in erotic romances? Even talked to a couple of women about them? So no, Chance, none of this turns me off. Especially with you.”