by Marin Thomas
She rubbed her finger across his lips, halting his words. When her breasts flattened against his chest, the contact sizzled and he lost his train of thought. Oh, hell. He scooped her into his arms and deposited her in the middle of the bed before hitting the light switch. A crack in the curtains allowed a sliver of light from the streetlamp to illuminate the room. Tonight he wanted to see Beth’s face when he melted into her body.
First things first. “What about your dinner?”
“The only thing I’m hungry for is you.” She patted the mattress. “Come to bed, Mack.”
“Do you mind if I finish the job you started?” His hands paused at the waistband of his jeans.
She flashed a shy smile—this was the Beth he wanted to make love to. As much as he enjoyed her brazenness and flirting, the woman he yearned for was the real Beth, not the rhinestone-covered beauty. He shoved his jeans over his hips, the boxers going along for the ride, then he stretched out next to her.
He wanted this to be perfect—like he’d imagined in his dreams. He snuck his fingers beneath the waistband of her pants and tugged them down her legs, tossing them on top of his jeans on the floor. He began at her ankles, running his fingers up her calves, over her thighs and across her hips then against the little ridges along her spine.
She squirmed, enticing him closer. He wanted to go slow but the muscles in his body burned with a desperate need to take her fast and hard. He inhaled deeply, hoping to slow the surge of testosterone pumping through his bloodstream, but her sweet, feminine scent went to his head, and he pulled her beneath him. Bracing himself on his elbows he gazed into her eyes. “Tell me now if you want to slow things down.”
“Do you want to go slower?”
“Not on your life, but I will if—”
“Then don’t,” she whispered.
He tangled a hand in her hair and spread kisses across her face, along her neck, over her breasts and stomach. And she didn’t protest when his mouth roamed down the rest of her body.
Mack lost himself in Beth and their lovemaking, focusing all his energy on bringing her pleasure. He’d managed to maintain control until she reversed their positions and embarked on her own journey, exploring his body with abandon. When he reached his limit, he fumbled for his jeans. After he removed a condom from his wallet, Beth straddled his waist.
“This is as close to a real cowgirl as I’m ever going to be.... Let’s ride.”
And ride they did. When Beth collapsed on top of him, he held her close, awed and amazed by what they’d shared. His heart swelled when he felt her brush a kiss against his biceps then squeeze the muscle as if she never wanted to let go of him. When the sound of her even breathing reached his ear, Mack allowed himself to relax.
He’d gotten his wish tonight. Beth had fallen asleep in his arms.
* * *
BETH WOKE COCOONED in Mack’s warmth, their bodies entwined on the mattress. The clock on the nightstand read 3:30 a.m. She closed her eyes and listened to his breathing. His steady heartbeat beneath her ear almost made her believe last night was the beginning of forever with him.
Good Lord, what had she done?
Flashbacks of their lovemaking—his tenderness and her boldness—filled her head, and her heart beat faster until she worried she’d suffer an anxiety attack. What kind of game was she playing? Brad had landed a blow that had sent her to her knees when he’d admitted he’d only married her to further his career. How was the way she carried on with Mack much different?
A lump formed in her throat. Mack made her feel alive. He made her feel worthy. Desirable. His attraction to her had restored her self-confidence. In his arms she could almost believe he was her soul mate.
She lifted herself off him and studied his handsome face relaxed in sleep. When she stroked the prickly stubble along his jaw, her heart filled with tenderness. She couldn’t remember feeling this way about Brad.
Give Mack a chance.
Everything inside Beth yearned to allow Mack closer. To trust him. To believe he wouldn’t abandon her when he found out she couldn’t have children. Making love with him had only confirmed her worst fear—she’d never survive losing him if she gave him her heart. Then down the road he decided he wanted the family that she couldn’t give him.
“What are you staring at?” His whispered words startled her.
She brushed her fingertip over his closed eyelids. “You’re sleeping. How did you know I was watching you?”
“I can feel you.” His arm tightened against her. “Just say the word and I’m all yours again.”
Shoving her cares aside, she whispered, “Word.”
He flipped their positions and nibbled her neck until she giggled. The warm tenderness she’d felt only moments ago quickly heated to a boil and spread through her body. His mouth caught hers in a deep, wet kiss that made her crave his touch. “I want you...now.”
And to make sure he understood her urgency she poured her heart and soul into kissing him, leaving nothing of herself behind.
* * *
MACK CRACKED AN EYELID open and spotted Beth’s head resting on his heart. Last night had ended better than he’d hoped. Beth had finally let herself go in his arms. Unlike the first time they’d been together, she’d held nothing back in her lovemaking, and he believed they’d taken a huge step forward in their relationship.
They hadn’t just made love—they’d connected on a deeper level—a place he hadn’t gone with any other woman and he felt confident that they were building a relationship with depth, substance and longevity.
“Are you awake?” Her breath caressed his nipple and he shuddered.
“How’d you sleep?” he asked.
She offered him a lazy smile. “I can’t remember sleeping.”
“Don’t blame me if you’re tired. You were insatiable.”
She gasped. “No—you couldn’t get enough of me.”
He flipped her onto her back. “You’re right. I can’t get enough of you.” He kissed her long and slow with a hint of tongue. When he pulled back, she wouldn’t make eye contact, and his blood chilled. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She glanced at the clock. “We’d better get going.”
He hugged her close, wanting to tell her about the dream he’d had—him and her raising a handful of kids, two dogs and a cat in a house with a huge fenced yard, a patio with a built-in grill and an extra-long picnic table so the whole family could eat together. Before he had a chance to speak, Beth retreated to the bathroom. He reached for the TV remote, wanting to check the weather while he waited for his turn in the shower. Thirty minutes later Beth vacated the bathroom, wearing jeans and a pink cotton blouse.
“It’s all yours,” she said. “I’m going to check out the free breakfast buffet.”
“Beth.”
She stopped at the door, but kept her back to him.
“Are you okay?”
“Sure.”
“No regrets?”
“None.” Her voice wobbled and Mack’s gut tightened.
“Then why won’t you look me in the eye?”
She peeked over her shoulder. “You’re naked.”
He grinned. “You liked my nakedness last night.”
“Yes, but your magnificent nakedness was in bed.” She left, forgetting to take a key card with her.
Mack hurried through his shower, and dressed. While he waited for Beth to return, he opened the curtains and stared at the street below. When a knock sounded at the door, he came face-to-face with a banana.
“I thought you might be hungry.” Beth inched past him then placed the fruit on the table. “Ready to check out?”
“Not yet.”
She took a deep breath as if bracing herself for an argument.
“Why do I get the feelin
g you’re fighting us being a couple?”
“We’re not...a couple.”
“Then what are we?”
She drew circles on the table with her finger. “Do we have to put a label on our time together?”
Okay, he could live with that. Her divorce was still raw. She might need to grow accustomed to being in a relationship again. “Will you tell me one thing?”
“What?”
“Why did you let your guard down with Steve and Blake?” But you don’t with me?
“Because Steve and Blake are just like me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t have to pretend I’m something I’m not with those guys. They’re nice, average men.”
“Are you saying that when you’re with me you’re acting?”
“C’mon, Mack. Look at me.” She tugged on the hem of her blouse.
“I am looking at you.”
“Really look at me. I’m nothing special. Girls like me are better off with the Steves and Blakes of the world. We don’t have to pretend to be better, prettier or more exciting.”
“So you believe a girl like you wouldn’t be interested in more than an affair with a guy like me because you assume I’ll eventually tire of you and move on?”
She opened her mouth to answer but nothing came out.
Anger simmered in his gut and he viewed his good looks and rock-star reputation as a curse—a first for him. “I wish you’d stop comparing me to your ex-husband.”
She crossed the room and stood in front of the window. “Brad used me to further his career. His agent convinced him that the TV station would look more favorably upon him if he was settled with a nice, down-to-earth wife. When he saw me, he thought I was perfect for the role. A few months after we married, he got promoted to sports anchor.”
“I don’t have an agent and my boss couldn’t care less who I date.” Well, maybe that wasn’t exactly the truth—Dave had warned him not to hurt Beth.
“Guys like you and Brad, the ones who were blessed with exceptional looks and popularity, can have any woman you want.”
There she went again bringing up his looks. He was pleased she found him attractive, but he wished she’d see that he was more than a handsome face. He’d never met such a stubborn woman in his life, yet he sensed if he pushed her too far he’d get nowhere. Beth responded better to action than to words. He’d have to show her he was more than a fun roll in the hay. The problem was keeping her with him long enough to accomplish the task.
Right then his cell phone went off. He glanced at the number. “I have to get this.” He accepted the call then said, “What’s up, Conway?” He tried to ignore Beth’s troubled expression and focus on his brother’s panicked voice.
“Isi’s having a C-section this afternoon.”
“I thought she was going into the hospital next week to have the girls?”
“She was. The doctor’s grandfather died and he’s leaving town tomorrow,” Conway said. “He offered to do the C-section today and Isi’s adamant that she wants him and no other doctor. We’re heading to the hospital now but Isi’s friend, who was going to watch the boys, can’t take them today because she’s sick, and you’re the first person in the family who answered their phone. I need you to be at the farm when the boys get home from school at three-thirty.” His brother spoke in a hurry—the father-to-be had been caught off guard by the change in plans and was a nervous wreck.
Mack checked his watch. “I’ll be there to meet the boys’ bus.”
“Thanks, Mack.”
Before he had a chance to wish Conway and Isi good luck in the delivery room, his brother hung up.
“What’s happened?” Beth asked.
“We need to hit the road. My sister-in-law is having a C-section today and delivering the twins.”
Beth grabbed her overnight bag.
He held the door open for her and they left the room. Good thing he’d prepaid the hotel bill last night. He nodded to the desk clerk on their way out the door. As soon as he’d loaded their luggage into the truck, he said, “Be right back. I need to settle my tab with Stella.”
He jogged across the street and entered the Bird Cage. Stella was off but the waitress on duty took Mack’s credit card. After he signed the receipt and returned to the truck, they drove out of town. Once they cleared the city limits, he put the pedal to the metal, easing up when the speedometer reached eighty. Five miles over the speed limit shouldn’t alert any highway deputies.
“Is this an emergency C-section?” Beth asked.
“Isi was scheduled to go into the hospital next week but her doctor had a family emergency, so she decided to deliver the girls today.” Mack could feel Beth’s eyes on him as he drove.
“What does your brother want you to do?”
“Take care of the twins after school.” He glanced across the seat. “I won’t be able to drop you off at the dude ranch before the bus arrives at the farm.”
“That’s okay.”
She didn’t sound like it was okay. “I can drive you out to the ranch after we get the boys.”
“Whatever works best,” she said.
Exactly what he didn’t want to hear. Mack shoved his worries about Beth aside. His family needed him.
And family trumped his love life.
Chapter Nine
“The bus should be here any minute.” Mack tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. They’d arrived at the pecan farm with minutes to spare before the bus dropped off the twins.
“Are you nervous about taking care of the boys?” Beth asked.
“No, why?”
She nodded to his fidgety fingers.
“Sorry.” He set his hands on his thighs. “They’re good kids.”
She hadn’t interacted with any children since she’d babysat as a teenager. At sixteen, she got a job at a clothing store in the mall and quit babysitting. Later in life when her friends began having families, she declined invites to barbecues and Christmas parties if their little ones were going to be present. Even though she’d made peace with her sterility, children were a sad reminder of what she’d never experience.
“Are the boys difficult to tell apart?” she asked.
“I had trouble figuring out who was who until I got to know them better. Miguel is the talkative one. He’s always on the move. Javier is quiet. He hangs back and watches people.”
“You said they were in kindergarten.”
“Different teachers. Conway and Isi thought it would be best to separate them so they had a chance to make their own friends.”
“Are they happy in separate classrooms?”
“Miguel doesn’t mind, but Conway said Javi misses his brother. In preschool, Javi got picked on because of his shyness, and Miguel always had his back. Now Javi has to stand up for himself.”
“I hate bullies.”
“Were you teased in school?”
“The entire year of sixth grade.”
“Why?”
“I was chubby. When all the other girls were developing breasts, I was growing a muffin top.” Beth’s hormones had gone haywire, and it wasn’t until the beginning of seventh grade that doctors figured out why and diagnosed her with polycystic ovary syndrome. They’d put her on medication but she’d still experienced painful periods that had landed her in the ER, so the doctors determined it was best to remove her ovaries.
Mack pointed out the windshield. “Here they come.”
She held her breath and fumbled for the door handle.
“Wait in the truck,” he said. “It’ll only take a second to get them.”
Glad for the reprieve, she watched the bus come to a stop. The door opened and Mack exchanged a few words with the driver, then the boys got off with the
ir backpacks. They wore matching shirts in different colors—one blue, one red. Both had jeans on and the same athletic shoes. They had dark brown hair—one neatly styled, the other messy as if he’d walked in front of a wind machine. The messy-haired kid’s shirt was untucked and his shoelaces untied. The other boy’s clothes were neat and tidy. If she had to guess—Javier was the well-groomed brother and Miguel the rumpled one.
Instead of ushering them to the pickup, Mack listened while both boys spoke at once. His gaze swung between the twins, and she wished she could hear the conversation. Then Miguel looked at her, his eyes assessing. When Javier noticed her, he leaned against his uncle’s leg. Mack waved as the bus pulled onto the road and drove off, then he led the boys to the truck and helped them into the backseat.
When Mack got behind the wheel, he made the introductions. “Guys, this is a friend of mine, Beth Richards. Beth, this is Javier and Miguel.”
“Nice to meet you, boys.” Beth reached over the seat and offered her hand first to Javier. He tentatively grasped her fingers before she switched to Miguel, who squeezed her hand hard and said, “How come you’re Uncle Mack’s friend?”
“Your uncle and I met at the dude ranch.”
“Do you like to go on trail rides?” Miguel asked.
“Not so much. I’d rather sit on my cabin porch and relax.”
“That sucks.”
“Miguel, your dad told you not to use that word anymore,” Mack said.
“Dad’s not here.”
Javier shoved his brother’s shoulder. “You’re gonna be in trouble.”
Beth covered her smile behind a cough.
“You say suck, too,” Miguel said.
“No, I don’t.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Okay, that’s enough. No fighting in front of Beth.”
“Uncle Mack.” Javier spoke as the truck pulled into the yard.
“What?”
“I’m hungry.”
“Then, let’s eat.” Mack shut off the engine and helped the boys from the backseat.