Claimed by the Rancher--A scandalous story of passion and romance

by Jules Bennett

  “I’m your husband.”

  As if she could forget. The unfamiliar band on her finger was a constant reminder of the decision she’d made in order to attempt to secure her baby’s future.

  “In name only.” The reminder wasn’t just for Nolan. “I know a man like you...”

  Smoothing her hair away from her face, Nolan flashed her a naughty grin. “A man like me? Please, keep going.”

  “A healthy, virile man will find this difficult, but we can’t... I can’t...”

  He covered her mouth, softly, possessively, with his. Feathering his lips over hers, he rendered her speechless once again. Pepper turned her head, causing his lips to land on her cheek.

  No matter if his kisses were rough and demanding or soft and sweet, Nolan had the same impact on her as if he’d stripped her bare. The man was too potent and she was sinking deeper and deeper into a place she feared she’d never recover from.

  “Did you bring me down here to seduce me?” she whispered.

  His warm breath fanned her skin, causing even more chills to course through her. “Baby, when I seduce you, I won’t worry about the location.”

  Pepper filled her lungs and turned around, taking a minute to gather her thoughts. Her body betrayed her because she wanted nothing more than to whirl back around and have Nolan finish what he’d started.

  She rested a hand over her belly as her son shifted. The reminder was all she needed. He came first; nothing else mattered. Not the past, not her present internal battles...nothing.

  Pepper glanced over her shoulder. “Are we going back to the house or are we here to see the horses?”

  Nolan’s deep gaze was just as potent as his touch, but Pepper raised a brow, silently informing him she was in charge.

  Nolan reached out, grabbed her hand, and led her toward the farthest stall. But Pepper still didn’t let her guard down. As long as he insisted on touching her, she was going to have to keep giving herself pep talks. Nolan was a force to be reckoned with...and he knew it.

  “This is Doc.”

  Nolan pointed to the stallion with deep chocolate eyes and a glossy chestnut coat. He was absolutely beautiful. Pepper reached for him, running her fingertips along his velvety nose.

  “He’s magnificent,” she murmured. With his head tilted slightly, Doc seemed as if he was looking right at her. “He’s a gentle horse.”

  “He is,” Nolan agreed, patting the stallion’s neck. “We understand each other. I ride him every day that I’m off. Sometimes I need a longer ride to decompress, but on occasion I take him out and see what he can do.”

  Pepper smiled, glancing to Nolan. “You take turns being in charge.”

  Adjusting his hat, he let out a bark of laughter. “I suppose, though he thinks he’s always in charge.”

  “Much like his owner?” she quipped, turning to face him. “Sounds like you two are a perfect match.”

  The fans blowing through the stable sent Pepper’s hair stirring around her shoulders, just slightly, but enough to tickle her bare skin. She reached back and fisted it, pulling the thick strands over one shoulder. Nolan remained quiet as he seemed to be taking in every move she made.

  When the silence became too much, she stilled. “What?”

  “You look good here at Pebblebrook.”

  The soft tone, the way the muscles in his jaw clenched, Pepper knew he hadn’t meant to let that slip out. She tried not to allow the words to penetrate her heart, but how could she not? She’d gotten a sneak peek into his most private thoughts.

  “I haven’t brought another woman here.” He continued stroking Doc’s neck, then patted his head before he resumed stroking again. “Never seemed right.”

  Pepper wasn’t sure what he wanted her to say, so she kept quiet. She wasn’t going to deny that knowing he hadn’t brought other women here thrilled her. She had no right to those emotions, but she could always blame it on the pregnancy hormones...right?

  “What are you doing tomorrow after work?” he asked.

  Stunned by his sudden change of subject, Pepper shrugged. “I’m not sure. Why?”

  A mischievous grin spread across his face. “I have something for you.”

  Pepper patted the horse’s nose once more before fully turning to face Nolan. “I’m afraid to ask.”

  He reached out and brushed her hair off her shoulder. With a featherlight touch, he trailed his fingertips along her jawline.

  “You don’t have to be afraid, Pepper. Never of me.”

  His voice held such conviction, and she wanted to believe him. But she knew all too well that there was no way to avoid heartache...and Nolan’s name was written all over it.

  Eleven

  For the first time since Pepper opened her shop, she was anxious for the final customer to leave. But this particular older lady was becoming a regular. She had discovered the woman was a widow of five years and had a fondness for fresh flowers in nearly every room of her home. Pepper was all too willing to feed her addiction.

  She purchased three arrangements and one of the larger paintings and, thankfully, stayed only ten minutes past her regular closing time. With a sale like that, Pepper would gladly work overtime. She’d just turned the closed sign around and flicked the lock on the old glass door when the shop cell phone rang.

  Figuring it was someone asking the hours, which was the most common phone call, Pepper crossed the shop and reached over the counter for the phone.

  “Painted Pansies.”

  “Pepper, this is—”

  “Mrs. Wright,” Pepper stated. Her heart kicked up as she rubbed her abdomen and prayed for strength. “You’re supposed to go through my attorney if you need anything.”

  “I know that, but I wanted to talk to you as a mother.”

  Pepper gripped her phone so tight her hand started shaking. “I don’t think this is a good idea—”

  “You don’t have to say anything,” Mrs. Wright hurried on. “Just listen for a few minutes to what I have to say.”

  She closed her eyes and rested her elbow on the counter. Before she could reply, the older woman clearly took the silence as the green light to continue.

  “I just want you to put yourself in my place,” she started, her voice quivering. “I’ve lost my only child and there’s a part of him that will live on. I want to be part of my grandchild’s life. I know you don’t know me, but you have to agree that my lifestyle and finances are in far better shape. Don’t you want that for your child?”

  It took every ounce of tact for Pepper to keep from exploding. Yes, she wanted a great life for her child, but money and a staid home life weren’t it.

  “From one mother to another, let me tell you this.” Gathering her strength, Pepper pushed away from the counter and paced her shop. “You of all people should know what it’s like to have your only child taken from you. Is that really what you want to do? This child needs his mother. I never said I would cut you out completely—you assumed and took it upon yourself to come at me. If you have anything else you need to say, call my attorney. Don’t contact me again.”

  Pepper disconnected the call and held the cell phone to her side. Her whole body trembled and she had no clue how she was going to make it through this custody case. Her sanity could handle only so much and she truly needed to remain stress-free.

  After taking several deep breaths and counting backward from fifty, Pepper had reined in her anger and fear...somewhat.

  She went to the back and pulled a large painting from her overstock. She needed to straighten up the shop just a bit before leaving. With so many sales today, she had several holes in her displays. Restocking nightly was a wonderful problem to have and it kept her busy. For a few minutes at least, she could keep her mind on doing what she loved.

  Nolan had mentioned a
surprise for her and between the phone call and gearing up to face him, she needed to do something that was just for her. She was so thankful for this shop, for the talents she possessed that gave her the ability to make a living out of her passions.

  It wasn’t that long ago that the idea of settling down would have made her twitchy, but now she was thrilled. When she’d left before, she’d been nervous, scared. Then she’d gone and traveled so much and felt so free she hadn’t given settling down another thought.

  Now that she was back, though, she knew this was the perfect place to set down roots. She wanted her baby to experience the beautiful small town with a large-city feel. The farms, the parks, the amazing school. Everything Pepper had ever loved was right here in Stone River.

  Everything and everyone.

  She finished the displays and realized she couldn’t put off meeting Nolan any longer. She had no idea the surprise he had in store, but if it involved his talented lips or roaming hands, she wasn’t sure she had the willpower to keep telling her husband no.

  When the back door opened and clicked shut, Pepper pivoted toward the rear of the store. Who was coming in the back door, which she had locked? The contractor had already left for the day.

  Nolan stepped through the opening as if he owned the place—but a man like that dominated anywhere he went. Her heart was no different.

  “Did you just get out of work?” she asked.

  He continued to stalk toward her with that devilish gleam in his eyes. “I didn’t work today. I’m actually off for several days.”

  Pepper tipped her head to the side and crossed her arms. “Something you failed to mention.”

  With a careless shrug, he flashed that killer smile. “I was busy doing other things.”

  “Like trying to get my clothes off?”

  His eyes raked over her from head to toe and back up. “When I want your clothes off, darlin’, they’ll be off. But I didn’t want you to get stressed about me being home. I actually took the time off since Hayes is coming in soon. Plus, I thought I could help you.”

  Pepper narrowed her gaze. “With what?”

  “Nothing as naughty as what you’re thinking,” he assured her with a low, masculine laugh. “I’m taking you to pick out baby things.”

  “Baby things?”

  “Furniture, bedding, clothes. Whatever you want for the baby. Everything, actually, since I’m guessing you haven’t bought anything.”

  Stunned, Pepper blinked, trying to imagine the cost this would be. “No, you don’t have to do that.”

  “You’re right, I don’t. But I’m going to and you can either come with me and pick out what you want or take the chance with me getting things on my own. I admit I don’t know one stroller from the next.”

  She stared at him, realizing he was completely serious. Emotions overwhelmed her, as the burning in her throat was a telltale sign that she was about to lose it.

  “Oh, no.” He reached into his pocket and produced a handkerchief. “No tears.”

  What man carried around a handkerchief? Why did he have to be so incredible when she desperately needed him to be a troll? If he were a troll or a conceited jerk, it would be so much easier to leave him in the end.

  But as things stood now, she was sinking further and further into the perfect role of Nolan Elliott’s wife...and she loved playing that role. It was what she’d always wanted.

  Pepper took the cloth and hiccupped. “Since when do you carry these?”

  “Since you started crying.”

  She dabbed her eyes. “Damn you for making me want to be selfish and take you up on your offer.”

  “It’s not selfish,” he corrected, taking the handkerchief from her and gently swiping her cheeks. “You’re going to be a wonderful mother. I’m just helping to make the transition easier.”

  “I don’t want you doing this out of guilt.”

  Nolan dropped his hand and closed the space between them. “I’m doing this because I care for you, Pepper, and I want to give you something to be happy about. For a few hours we’re going to forget the case, the renovations and the fact you want me as much as I want you and are fighting it every step of the way.”

  Pepper opened her mouth to argue, but he put his finger over her parted lips.

  “Let’s not waste time denying the truth.”

  She shoved his hand away. “I’m not denying anything, but I should tell you that Mrs. Wright called me earlier. We need to let your attorney know.”

  Nolan’s face hardened, the muscles in his jaw tensing. “What did she want?”

  “To talk to me, mother to mother.” Pepper shook her head and released a sigh. “I’ll tell you about it later. I want go look at baby things and forget everything else like you suggested. I need some retail therapy in the worst way.”

  “At the expense of my credit card?” he asked, raising his dark brows.

  “Hey, you offered. There’s no woman that would turn down a shopping spree on someone else’s dime.”

  With a bark of laughter, Nolan wrapped an arm around her shoulders and started heading toward the back exit.

  She stopped just before they reached the door. “Thank you, though. Seriously. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “I have faith in you, Pepper. You would’ve gotten through this just fine. But as long as I’m around, you won’t have to do it alone.”

  She knew all of that but worried for the day when he wouldn’t be around. Because their time together was slowly ticking to a close and eventually he would move on...just like last time. Despite the close bond they were forging now, the end was inevitable and she needed to remind herself of that in an attempt to avoid getting hurt...if such a thing was even possible.

  * * *

  Nolan stared at what used to be his spacious living room. Now the open space was adorned with bags and boxes, a high chair, some portable sleeper he forgot the name of, and piles and piles of clothes. There was also a plethora of rattles, teethers and bibs.

  He’d honestly had no idea what he’d been in for when he suggested going shopping. He figured a crib, some diapers, a stroller, and they’d be outta there. After all, how much stuff did one tiny being need?

  Pepper’s hands covered her belly as she surveyed all the paraphernalia. Then those gray eyes turned to him and the widest smile spread across her face. And that was when he realized he’d spend three times this amount to see that light back in her eyes. She’d been like a whirlwind going from aisle to aisle in every store he took her to. She’d had the sales clerks fawning all over her.

  “Did we go overboard?” she asked innocently.

  “Not if you’re having quintuplets.”

  Her nose scrunched as she glanced around the room again. “I did kind of go crazy, didn’t I?”

  Considering they still had custom-ordered furniture to be delivered in a few weeks, maybe. But he didn’t care. Once she’d started, she’d gotten on a roll and he wasn’t about to stop her.

  “Nothing wrong with being excited. You should see Annabelle and Colt with the twins. Colt is over the moon for those girls. He bought them matching cowgirl boots and hats. They can’t even walk yet.”

  Pepper’s eyes went big. “Cowboy boots. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “There’s still plenty of time,” he laughed.

  “What if he’s not with me when it’s time to buy his first pair?” she whispered in a stricken tone.

  Heaviness settled in his chest. He’d bargain with the devil himself to make sure she kept her child. He was already working on plan B, but he hoped the Wrights came to their senses before he had to resort to desperate measures.

  Nolan crossed to her and pulled her against his chest. “You will be with your son for all of his firsts. You can’t keep letting doubt st
eal your happiness.”

  Pepper clutched at his shirt and sniffed. He knew this wasn’t all pregnancy hormones. She was legitimately afraid of what the future held.

  “Do you trust me?”

  When she didn’t answer, Nolan eased back and tipped her chin up with his thumb. Misty eyes met his and another punch of guilt hit him in the gut. Of course she didn’t trust him. He was still trying to prove to her that he wasn’t the man he used to be.

  “I won’t let them take your son,” he vowed. “I know we haven’t exactly tackled the past, but you have to believe I will make this right.”

  Pepper blinked away the tears and attempted a smile. “I believe you’ll try, but even you can’t play God, Nolan. No matter how much money and resources you have. Ultimately, this will come down to the opinion of a judge. The picture the Wrights are painting of me isn’t a flattering one and on paper they are a better choice.”

  “Like hell they are.” He framed her face between his hands to make sure she kept her focus on him. “You can take some time to feel sorry for yourself, but then we’re moving on. We’re staying positive and we’re going to fight this battle together. I married you so you’d keep your son.”

  Damn it. He cared for her, didn’t she see that? After all these years, all this heartache and elapsed time, he cared too damn much and it was tearing him apart.

  “I have just as much at stake here, too,” he went on, unable to keep his mouth shut. He’d curse himself later for exposing his vulnerable side. “I’m opening myself to the past, seeing you pregnant again, part of me wishing that child was mine.”

  Pepper’s mouth dropped as she continued to stare up at him in disbelief. “You don’t mean that,” she murmured.

  “I don’t say anything I don’t mean. I want you, Pepper. I want you with a fierceness that didn’t exist before. I want you to trust me with everything...and that includes your body. I want more than you just taking my name. I want you in my bed.”

  He didn’t give her a chance to answer. Nolan slammed his mouth over hers, wrapping his arms around her waist to secure her perfectly against his body. He’d think about the consequences later. For now, however, he wanted her with a fiery passion that nearly consumed him. If only he could convince her to let that blasted guard down and allow him in.