Bound to You

by Vanessa Holland

  She wrapped her legs around his waist and leaned back to float as he slowly turned her in circles through the water.

  “You’re just like I remembered,” he said. “Just like you used to be.”

  “How was that?”

  “Fun and brave and… glowing with life.”

  She ran her hand up his arm, enjoying the strength of his forearm and the swell of muscle at his biceps. “You and your romantic words. I didn’t stand a chance.”

  He only laughed.

  “Why didn’t you bring me here that night?” she asked.

  “What night?”

  “You know. The night.”

  “Ah. Because during the day, this is a place for kids to play, but at night it’s all for adults. I wasn’t really planning anything that night. It just happened. We were taking our time.”

  She stroked the surface of the water with the palms of her hands. The sky was blue, quickly turning black. Soon the stars would come out and the moon would rise. Everything was beautiful. Everything in the world seemed beautiful. “You waited a whole month. I’d heard all about you. All about your conquests. You must have liked me.”

  “I loved you,” he said. “I still do.”

  She quickly righted herself and steadied herself holding onto his shoulders. “You do? I still love you.”

  He pulled her in tight against him. “Marry me. Let’s just stop all this nonsense and get married.”

  “All right.”

  “Yes?”

  She laughed. “Yes.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, knowing somewhere in the back of her mind she might regret such an impulsive decision later. But on a night like this, she couldn’t bring herself to care. She only wanted to run and jump.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Jenna’s hair was still damp when they returned to the house, and her suit would have to go directly to the cleaners in the morning if she hoped to save it. But happy as she was, even if she had to throw the suit in the trash, she didn’t care.

  Brianna was in the den watching one of her movies. Ethan was crashed out on the sofa beside her. She jumped up guiltily when they came through the door.

  “I was about to put him to bed,” she said. “I gave him a bath.”

  Jenna patted her sister’s arm and went to get her son. “Don’t worry about it. Thanks for watching him.”

  Bri gave her a curious and doubtful once-over. “Are you wet? Where have you been? Is it raining?” She trotted over to the window to look out.

  Jenna wasn’t going to share her evening with her sister, not the intimate details, ever, and not even the innocent parts, yet. Especially in front of Sam who stepped up beside her to look down at Ethan.

  She lifted Ethan and handed him to Sam, surprising him. “Let’s carry him up.”

  He shifted the sleeping toddler in his arms and nodded, but waited for her to lead the way. They’d started a conversation just as they’d arrived at the house and hadn’t quite finished it. She needed to speak to him alone.

  He wanted to stay at the house, while he was in town, to be around Ethan more, and her. He wanted to stay in her room, not on the couch. Jenna wanted him to stay, but wasn’t sure she should let him, with Brianna in the house. She didn’t think Bri would mind, but Jenna didn’t want to set a bad example for her sister. Brianna had dated some, but never seriously, and she was still innocent and impressionable. At least Jenna hoped she was still innocent.

  “Just so you know,” Bri said as they were about to head upstairs, “Ally Stewart’s telling everybody that you did something bad with Mr. O’Hara to get your promotion. Something nasty in his office.”

  Jenna glanced at Sam who instantly frowned. “No one would ever believe that,” she told them both.

  Bri held up the phone. “You know Brandon told her to say that. He’s trying to mess up your life. To get back at you.”

  Jenna did know that. But she didn’t want him to succeed in upsetting her family. “Don’t listen to that gossip. Forget about him. I already have.”

  But Bri took a step forward before they could leave. “She’s also telling people you asked Brandon to marry you and he turned you down and now you’re threatening to kill yourself if he won’t marry you.”

  Oh, good grief. “Just ignore it.”

  Jenna gave Sam a nudge to go ahead and take the baby upstairs, wishing Bri hadn’t said anything in front of him.

  But her sister wouldn’t let them go. “I found those on the porch earlier. For you.” She pointed to a basket of colorful flowers on the entry table. Jenna must have been too distracted to notice as they’d come in.

  She lifted the card sticking out among the flowers.

  We’re not done.

  The card wasn’t signed, but she knew who they were from. Brandon Stewart had said those very words to her earlier.

  “From my mom?” Sam asked.

  “From the office,” she told him, stuffing the card back in among the flowers. “About my promotion.”

  “Nice,” he said.

  She nodded and forced a smile. She hated lying, but couldn’t see the point in upsetting everyone even more.

  Bri raised an eyebrow at her, having obviously read the card, and Jenna gave her sister a look warning her to keep quiet.

  They put Ethan to bed then Sam followed Jenna into her room where he shut the door. “What’s going on with this Stewart guy?”

  Jenna blew out a breath. She’d hoped he’d forget about that, but had known he probably wouldn’t. “He tried to get me fired. It’s not a big deal. He didn’t succeed.”

  “Yeah, well,” he said, a wild glint in his eyes, “he’s really starting to get my attention.”

  “My boss and his grandfather are old friends. I have a feeling Brandon got a talking to. Spreading gossip is the only weapon he has left.” And sending creepy notes in flowers. She draped her arms around his neck. “I don’t want to think about any of that tonight.”

  Sam pulled her close and began swaying with her in his arms. “Let’s get in bed.”

  She wanted to, wanted more of what they’d shared at the waterfall, twice, but it seemed so wrong, in her father’s house, with her sister and son nearby.

  Sam groaned in anticipation of her refusal. “We’re engaged. It’s no big deal.”

  She laughed suddenly, from the sheer surprise of hearing those words. She was engaged. To Sam Strickland. The only man she’d ever loved, and knew she ever would love.

  Hearing him say it aloud suddenly made it seem real. She would one day be married to this gorgeous, amazing man in her arms.

  He started swaying again, and smiled. “Your sister’s a big girl. She can deal.”

  “I should at least tell her.”

  “About what?” He lifted her hand and kissed her ring finger. “About this?” He grabbed her bottom and squeezed. “Or about that?”

  She pushed his hand off her, but only to make a point. “Get serious.”

  He let her go and stepped back, groaning again. “How about this. You tell her while I go get my bag from my brother’s house.” He pulled her close again. “When I get back - you and me, in that bed, all warm and cozy.”

  And then all hot and sweaty? “Okay,” she decided. She’d already had a baby out of wedlock. It seemed silly to start acting like a prude now.

  “Good. Half an hour.” He gave her a swat on the bottom as he aimed for the door.

  When he was gone, she quickly went into the closet to change clothes. She was tired of feeling damp and decided to wait till morning to shower. She had no doubt by then she’d need another one, anyway. She’d already had three showers jumping through the waterfall.

  Bri was still in the den when Jenna returned downstairs. The TV was on but her sister was listening to her iPod and texting.

  Jenna sat down and waited for her to finish, glad for a moment to sort out a way to tell her.

  She’d always been envious of her sister’s ability to make friends so easily. Jenna
’s friends had been few and mostly the result of social circumstances, the kids of her parents’ friends and associates. She’d only ever had one true friend, Ashley Clayton, and they rarely saw each other anymore between Ethan, Ashley’s new husband and baby, and conflicting work schedules. Ashley worked nights managing a restaurant and Jenna worked during the day.

  Bri finally finished and then held the phone to her stomach with both hands as if afraid Jenna would take it from her. “I said sorry about the baby. I was, seriously, just about to put him to bed when you came in. I fed him and bathed him and read to him and everything else.”

  Jenna stopped, about to announce her engagement, when she heard something her sister hadn’t actually said. She muted the TV, the background chatter starting to bother her, and pulled the earbuds from Bri’s ears. “Am I that bad? Do I fuss at you that much?”

  “Only all the time,” her sister answered, not seeming bothered by it. “But mostly about Ethan. Why?”

  Jenna sat back. “I just didn’t realize.”

  Bri sat back with her and stared at the TV. “You’re all weird today. All day today you’ve been weird. Up, down and all around.”

  “It’s been a weird day. I have news.”

  Bri gasped, sat up and grabbed Jenna’s hand. When she saw her bare ring finger, she sat back as if disappointed.

  “There’s a ring,” Jenna said. “It was his grandmother’s. He’s having it reset.”

  Bri gasped again and sat up. “No. Way. And you actually said yes?”

  “Why ‘actually’?”

  Bri shook her head distractedly, still excited. “Because I didn’t know if he’d ask, but I really didn’t know if you’d accept.”

  “Well, I did. Do you mind if he stays here now?”

  “Are you kidding? I’ve been working my tail off. So, say thank you.”

  Jenna smiled and gave her sister a hug. “Thank you.”

  Bri sat back and started texting. “I’m gonna tell everybody.” She chuckled evilly. “Let’s see what Ally Assface and Brandon Buttface think about this.”

  Jenna didn’t even try to stop her. There was no stopping her sister, she was rapidly learning. “Jeez. You and your language lately.”

  “So, is Sam moving here or are we moving to Texas?” Bri asked as she rapidly typed.

  Jenna leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling. That was a very good question.

  ***

  Sam found Jack’s place dark and empty. He checked the back porch then came back inside, noticing something felt different in the house. The house felt more than empty. It felt vacant.

  He went upstairs to Jack’s room and the closet was empty. He’d left a note on the bed. Had to rush. Tell Boone to keep an eye on my work things. I don’t trust those bastards. Make yourself at home. Or, if you’re brave enough, make this house your home. I don’t need it anymore. JS

  Sam dropped the note, proud of his brother for getting his life straight, but annoyed he’d left for Ohio without telling him in person.

  He went into his room and started packing his things, using the time to think. About Jenna. And Ethan. About Jack’s note. About Brandon Stewart, who was really starting to get on his nerves. About his life in Texas.

  His family had been pestering him since he’d arrived, wanting him to leave the ranch and come home. And now, with a son and future wife, he had to seriously consider doing just that.

  Only one thing held him back. The promise he’d made to his granddad.

  He’d promised he wouldn’t sell the land. That he wouldn’t let it fall out of the family. His grandfather had worked and saved for twenty years to afford his ranch and then had worked the land for fifty years. ‘This is my little spot in the world,’ his granddad had told him the last time they’d rode together. Before the first stroke had left him barely able to walk, let alone ride. ‘It’s all I have that’s mine alone. My only legacy. Don’t let it go, kid. Never let it go.’

  Even with Buck there to run the ranch, Sam wasn’t sure he wanted to put that much distance between himself and the land. He trusted Buck, that wasn’t a problem. Buck had been born on the ranch. His father had been the foreman there before him, which was why most people called him Little Bucky, even though he was now in his late fifties and had three grown sons. But Sam wasn’t sure he wanted to give Buck free rein, so to speak. Buck had a tendency to think the ranch belonged to him as it was.

  Sam gathered up his bags and headed out. He’d have to talk to Jenna, lay it all out flat and see what she had to say. He knew in his gut she wouldn’t want to leave. She had her new job and her sister. Probably friends and relatives.

  They had a lot to talk about.

  In the meantime, he needed to do something about Brandon Stewart. He’d noticed her startled reaction to the flowers and had slowed to read the card on his way out. Regardless of what she’d said, the flowers weren’t from her office. They were from Stewart. And his words were a threat. Sam couldn’t sit back while the guy harassed Jenna. He wouldn’t.

  Rumors were one thing. Threats were another.

  He needed to get back to Jenna’s house. He didn’t like leaving them alone after such a threat.

  But tomorrow, he’d seek out this Stewart fella and they’d have a little chat. The guy needed to back off and Sam intended to make that point very clear. In the meantime, he made a quick phone call to his uncle, who Sam knew could be useful in this situation. Tad worked as a private investigator out of Nashville. Brandon Stewart had turned himself into an enemy, and it was always a good idea to know your enemy.

  When Sam returned to Jenna’s he found the front door locked and had to knock. He didn’t want to wake the boy ringing the bell. But only a moment passed before Jenna answered, as if she’d been waiting on him. She’d changed into jeans and the blue t-shirt he liked with the white stain over her delicious breast. She was bustier now after having the baby and he instantly heated, remembering sliding his tongue over those full breasts. He planned to do it again, in mere minutes.

  Before he could do more than drop his bag, she held up a key. “So you can come and go,” she said.

  He took the key, gave her a kiss, and then gestured to the alarm system keypad by the door. “You need to put that to use,” he told her.

  She winced. “I canceled the alarm system. I didn’t think we really needed it. We have deadbolts on every door.”

  And she probably didn’t, now that he would be around. He was confident enough to believe Brandon wouldn’t dare make a move while Sam was around. His pickup parked out front was the only security they needed right now.

  He stepped forward to see if the sister was around.

  “She went to bed,” Jenna told him. “I told her about us.”

  He turned back, glad to see her beautiful eyes still sparkled. “And?”

  “She thinks she’s responsible for our engagement. Just don’t argue if she tells you that.”

  He remembered Brianna insisting they leave the house and then the devious grin on her face. Maybe she actually did deserve the credit. Some of it, anyway.

  He was about to herd Jenna upstairs when she pulled to the side. “Bri forgot to tell me the realtor called and wants to show the house tomorrow morning. I have to do a little cleaning. The kitchen’s a mess.”

  He groaned wanting her to leave it and go to bed with him, but she kept backing away. “It’s my only chance. I have work tomorrow.”

  “All right,” he said, giving up. “Anything I can do?”

  She grimaced and pointed toward the den. “Can you take those boxes out to the garage so I can mop and vacuum in there?”

  He went to give her a kiss. “Engaged two hours and already you’re putting me to work.”

  “I couldn’t ask Bri to do it after watching Ethan all day.”

  “Plus all those matchmaking duties. Must have worn her out.”

  She walked away chuckling.

  He did his chores, put his bag in Jenna’s room, and then found
her in the kitchen washing dishes. “Done,” he told her. “Anything else?”

  “No, but you can sit and talk to me so I don’t fall asleep.”

  He was getting tired himself. He’d been staying up late a lot recently, and not sleeping well when he was in bed. He’d grown used to getting up early after living with his granddad. His granddad used to wake him with a rhyme. Jump up cowboy and piss on a rock. It ain’t daylight but it’s four o’clock!

  He told it to Jenna and she laughed. “I was wondering, cowboy,” she said, giving him a teasing look over her shoulder, “if you’d want to keep Ethan tomorrow while I’m at work. I know your family wants to meet him.”

  “Yeah, I’ll do that,” he said, instantly more awake, and filled him with relief. That would calm down his mother considerably.

  “I’ll leave you all the details,” she said. “He’s allergic to grapes and plums. And you have to keep sunscreen and a cap on him. He burns easily, like me. You’ll need my work number. Bri has abducted my phone. Permanently, I think. And I need more numbers for you. Your parents’ number.” She went still for a moment then glanced at him. “And their names. I just realized I don’t know their names.”

  “My mom’s name is Sandra, but everybody calls her Sunny. And my dad’s name is Knox. Because he was born in Knoxville. Good thing he wasn’t born in Maryville.”

  A moment passed before Jenna caught on and smiled at him.

  “That’s an old family joke.” Since they were talking business, he dug in his pocket, found the folded check, and tossed it to the table. “I keep forgetting to give you that.”

  She came over drying her hands and picked up the check. “What’s this?”

  “For Ethan.”

  She opened the check, stared at it for a long moment, and then frowned. “I don’t really understand.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She held it out to him. “I think you made a mistake.”

  He took the check and looked it over. He couldn’t have misspelled her name. It was an easy name to spell. “No, it’s right. What’s the problem?”