“But doesn’t it make you nervous with what happened with Tim?” Her frown deepened.
Jake stopped searching for more food to look up at her. “Jeb?”
“He told me what happened because I asked.” She didn’t want to get poor Jeb in trouble. “Isn’t there another way for you to get the money for bills?”
Jake tossed the piece of chicken down he had just picked up. “Actually, no there isn’t. Ranching isn’t like it used to be. We budget, but when something like this happens, budgeting goes to hell. This rodeo helps with the medical bills and…” Jake stopped with a frown of his own.
“And?” Trisha prodded, wondering why he stopped.
He scooted closer to her. “And, I have no idea why I’m talking about bills and ranching when I have a beautiful woman sitting in front of me.”
His scent overwhelmed her—all-male with a hint of leather, outdoors and horse. Clearing her throat, she forced herself not to look away. She wanted this to happen. She wanted him to kiss her even after everything that had happened in her past. She wanted this.
“So, what do you want to talk about?” Her voice trembled.
“Most cowboys say talking is overrated.” Jake leaned closer, his eyes so intense it was as if he was seeing into her soul.
“I think Jeb would disagree.” Trisha wondered why her mouth had a habit of running away from her. She was relieved when he laughed low and deep.
Jake reached out, cupping her chin, and ran his thumb across her cheek. “So soft.”
She didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing. His touch was gentle, but the feel of his rough hands against her skin had her stomach clenching in a good way. Not fear. Actually, it was the opposite. She felt safe with Jake McCabe.
“Do you know how to swim?” he said, close to her mouth.
“Yes, but I’ve never swam in a pond before.” Trisha was surprised how disappointed she was that he asked that question instead of kissing her. “Are fish in there?”
“Only little ones,” he replied and she knew he was lying. “I’ll make sure you’re safe.” He gave her a slow, sexy wink.
Trisha laughed. “Yeah, and who is going to save me from you?”
His light mood seemed to vanish in front of her eyes. “Do you feel that you need to be saved from me?”
Making a decision on the spot, using nothing but her heart, Trisha shook her head. “No.”
With a nod, his eyes growing dark, he stood, pulling her up slowly. Wrapping his arms around her, he bent close. This time, his lips didn’t stop, but landed on hers with an urgency that had her body coiled tightly. She had no idea how long the kiss lasted, but it wasn’t long enough. She wanted more. As he pulled away, a low moan deep in her throat escaped.
“I’ll meet you in the water.” His words had her wanting to strip and run into the crystal blue water like a sex-starved wild woman.
“Are you going to look?” Her insecurity popped out of her mouth.
His eyes slowly skimmed from her face down her body. “Definitely.”
Fear and memories slammed into her. She wasn’t perfect by far. Maybe if she waited long enough, it would be too dark for him to see anything. She wasn’t ugly, but she wasn’t confident enough in her body to prance around naked in front of Jake. What in the hell was she doing? This wasn’t like her. She didn’t just get naked and swim with someone she barely knew. Yet, deep down, she really wanted to do exactly that. She wanted to break out of the shell she had climbed deeper into since Doug. She didn’t want to care what her body looked like or care what anyone thought, but she didn’t know if she was strong enough to do that.
Jake was watching her closely. “We don’t have to do this, Trisha.”
“I want to swim,” she assured him. She looked back at the water, then to him. “It’s just…”
“You can keep on every piece of clothing you have, though that will break my damn heart, but nothing is going to happen that you don’t want to happen. I know we just met, but swimming in a pond in the Texas heat is part of the adventure here on the McCabe Ranch.”
“Do you provide this adventure to all of your guests?” She cocked her eyebrow at him. “Because I don’t think Linda would like you carrying Phil naked into the pond.” She laughed at the thought of him doing just that, until something else occurred to her, causing her to pull away from him.
“Phil would probably like it,” Jake teased with a chuckle, talking about their two oldest guests, but then frowned when Trisha pulled away from him. “What?”
“Exactly how many times have you done this?” Trisha suddenly felt stupid. He had probably done this with countless women over the years.
“Swam in the pond? Thousands, but always alone,” Jake reassured her. “This is my spot. Not even Tim knows of it as far as I know. Actually, I’m damn sure he doesn’t know because he would have used it for a watering hole by now. You are the only one I’ve ever brought here.”
Trisha didn’t say anything, but she believed him. A warm sensation swarmed her body at his admission.
“I’m not a liar.” Jake frowned down at her, taking her silence as not believing him. “I don’t need to lie and play tricks with women.”
She knew he stood still, waiting for her response. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Jake’s eyes searched hers.
“For bringing me here and showing me something special to you.” She smiled as she turned away from him to walk to the edge of the water. Kicking off her shoes, she took a deep breath before pulling her shirt over her head. Her jeans took a little work, but soon landed by her shirt. She felt Jake behind her. Taking a deep breath, she put one foot in the water. “Holy crap! It’s cold.”
“Well, you know the only way to get used to it is quickly.” His mischievous laugh echoed through the trees as he picked her up and pretended he was going to drop her in the water.
“Don’t!” Trisha squealed, grasping him tighter. “I’m not a fast kind of girl. I like it slow.”
Heat flared in his eyes. “Really?”
Heat travelled all through her body. Lord, she was in trouble. Then she noticed as he started to carry her out into the water that he still had his jeans on and felt a tinge of disappointment. “How can you swim with jeans on?”
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Jake replied honestly.
“My hang up is with my own body, not yours,” Trisha replied, laughing at how that sounded. “You can’t swim in jeans, Jake.”
Setting her down, he made quick work of taking his jeans off, and she was a little disappointed that he didn’t go commando.
He picked her back up tight against his chest as he moved deeper into the water. “You are absolutely beautiful.” Jake looked down at her. “Never doubt that.”
Before she could respond, water hit her back, making her hiss and arch her body up automatically away from the water, placing her bra-covered breasts practically in his face. “Sorry.” She forced her body back down. “It takes me a minute to get used to it and then I’m fine.”
“I know a trick. Let’s see if it works.” He smashed his mouth down on hers, kissing her breathless.
Trisha drank him in. It took her a few minutes to realize she was neck deep in the water. All she knew was if she didn’t get more of this man, she was going to die. She moaned when he pulled away and then squealed again when water hit her on the side of the cheek.
Jake laughed, brushing her hair out of her face. “Nice trick, huh.”
“Yeah, it was a very nice trick.” Trisha smiled, pushing away from him, swimming further away.
They swam, talked, splashed and enjoyed each other’s company for what seemed like hours. The sun descended and dusk surrounded them. Floating on their backs, they stared up at the stars holding hands.
“Why do the stars look so much closer here than in Ohio?” Trisha wondered aloud.
“I don’t know, but the stars here in Texas—” He was cut off by Trisha’s scream.
&n
bsp; As Trisha floated listening to the deep timbre of Jake’s voice, something huge hit her leg. Screaming, she splashed her way on top of Jake, almost drowning him in the process.
Sputtering, Jake pulled her close to him, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. “What?”
“Something hit my leg.” Trisha squeezed him tighter with her legs.
Jake laughed, picking up a piece of wood. “It was just some driftwood.”
Trisha peeked around, looking at the wood then laughed. “Scared me to death. I thought it was an alligator or something.”
“Alligators usually don’t play with their food,” Jake teased. “They just go in for the kill.”
“That wasn’t even remotely funny. Are there even any alligators in Texas?” Trisha frowned, feeling like an idiot.
“Actually, yes, but I’ve never seen any around here.” He reassured her with a grin. “It’s time to get out anyway. You’re turning a beautiful shade of blue.”
Sadness clouded her eyes. She wasn’t ready for this night to end. “Okay.” Even her voice sounded disappointed.
Chapter Nine
Jake carried her out of the pond and placed her next to the fire. Jake glanced at his phone. “It’s getting pretty late,” Jake mumbled, putting his phone back down. “I guess we should be getting back.”
Disappointed at the sudden awkwardness, she wrapped her arms around herself as she turned toward her clothes, but stopped. She didn’t want to leave…yet. Her time here was almost over and she knew she would regret walking away from this moment, a moment she knew would never present itself again.
“I don’t want to leave,” she whispered, wondering if it was even loud enough for him to hear. Digging deep, she found the courage to turn back around and face him. By the look on his face, she knew he had heard her.
“If we stay…” He let the sentence hang on the night air as if warning her. The fire crackled, sending sparks into the night sky.
Taking a deep breath, Trisha reached behind her and unhooked her bra. Slowly, she slipped the straps off her shoulders, but held the bra tightly to her breasts watching and praying for any encouragement from Jake. The low growl that escaped his tight lips was enough for her to drop the bra at her feet.
“Son of a bitch,” Jake cursed, reaching out and holding her arms, his gaze on her full breasts. As his eyes devoured her, a tinge of discomfort made her hand move to cover herself. “Don’t.” He stopped her as his eyes rose to meet hers.
Her hands stopped immediately as did her heart. Holding her breath, she placed her hands on his hard chest and felt his heart beating a frantic rhythm. For what seemed like blissful hours, they explored each other with their hands, tongues and lips. Trisha didn’t know how much more she could take. When his fingers finally dipped between her skin and panties, touching her throbbing heat, she went over the edge with a scream.
“That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen,” Jake whispered as he picked her up, laying her down by the fire. With expertise, he removed her panties as well as his boxers. He used his arms beside her head to keep his weight off her, their bodies barely touching. “Are you sure?”
The caring expression in his eyes did her in. She was never so sure of anything in her life than at that moment. She wanted this, needed this, and even if it was the last time she was ever with Jake, it would be a moment she would cherish forever. He was one of the good ones, and it broke her heart that it wouldn’t last.
Without saying a word, she slowly spread her legs underneath him, which said more than words ever could.
“You are going to kill me,” he moaned, squeezing his eyes shut as if trying to remain in control. She waited as he impatiently grabbed a condom, from where she didn’t know and didn’t care, placing it on easily. His eyes barely leaving hers and with a slowness that made her want to scream, he slid inside her inch by agonizing inch. “You’re so tight.” He groaned.
Not able to stand it any longer, Trisha lifted her hips sheathing him completely. His head flew back, the veins popping out on his neck in his fight for control.
“Jesus!” He grabbed her hips holding her still. “If you don’t stop, this is over before it even began.”
Trisha pouted and tried to buck again. “But I…”
Jake shook his head, a wicked gleam shadowed in his eyes as he held her hips tighter, slowly moving inside her. “…will enjoy every second of this while I am in control of your pleasure.” He finished for her.
Letting go at his words, she gave him complete control, something she never thought she would do again, but this felt right, when in the past it never had. One thing for sure, Jake McCabe knew exactly what to do with the control she gave freely.
“Look at me,” Jake demanded as he continued to pump inside her. Lifting her hips with the power of his hands and arms, he pulled her to him as he picked up the tempo.
Trisha looked up at him under lowered lashes, her breathing hitching. She was so close and the way he was taking control of everything had her on the brink. Biting her lip, she tried to make it last just a little while longer.
“Let go, Trisha. Don’t hold back from me.” Jake set her hips back on the ground placing his hands on each side of her head. Bending low, he sucked one nipple before moving to the next.
Trisha moaned at the sensation, wrapping her legs around his waist. He raised his head to stare down at her. Slowly, she reached up, touching his cheek softly. “Thank you,” she whispered, not really knowing what she was thanking him for exactly.
Growling Jake began to pound into her. “You’re welcome.” He gritted as if he knew exactly why she was thanking him. Then his words proved he knew exactly. “That son of a bitch will be wiped from your memory before I’m done.”
His words set something off inside her. Grabbing his shoulders, she gripped hard, meeting him thrust for thrust. And he was right. The only man in her thoughts was the one holding her in his arms.
*
Time seemed to fly by after their night at the pond. During the day, they worked together when Jake didn’t have rodeo business to attend to, and at night, they spent every second together. That night was the rodeo, and the following day, she and Cindy were to head home. A deep sadness hit the pit of her stomach making her feel sick. She didn’t know if it would end or if he wanted to see her again. A long distance relationship wasn’t ideal, at least for Jake. She could probably do it because, yeah, she was in that deep. She didn’t plan on her feelings, but they were there, raw and real. She loved him to the point she questioned if she had ever even loved Doug. Shaking her head at that thought, she knew she hadn’t loved Doug at all.
“Looks like I picked the wrong one,” Sam chuckled, walking up behind her.
Trisha cringed at his voice. Cindy had told her exactly what happened the night of their date and she was proud of her friend. All Sam wanted to do was have sex with her. Once she realized and refused, he’d paid for dinner and abandoned her in town. Cindy had called the ranch looking for me to collect her, but instead, Tim picked her up. Ever since then, those two had been inseparable.
Ignoring Sam, Trisha hurried her steps heading to the cabin, but he reached out and grabbed her arm.
“I’m talking to you,” he spat then glared at her when she yanked her arm away.
“Go away, Sam.” Trisha turned to walk away, but his next words stopped her.
“You think you’re special to Jake McCabe?” He laughed as if it was the funniest thing he’d ever said. “He hooks up with every hot piece-of-ass who comes here. Hell, it’s what we all do. In the bunkhouse, we have bets on who will hook up with who. I almost had your friend, but Tim seems to have won that one. Hell, Jake will probably have another picked out before you’re even gone.”
Her head and heart battled out the truth of his words. She had been duped by Doug so many times. “Why are you telling me this?” She kept her voice bored, as if she couldn’t care less. There was no way in hell she would show this asshole how much his words hurt
her.
Sam looked around, a grin spreading across his face. “If you fuck me like you’ve been fucking my boss up until you leave, then I win the pot. I’ll even split it with you.”
His words were like a punch to the stomach. “You’re disgusting,” she hissed, heading quickly to the cabin. He was right on her heels. She didn’t believe a word he was saying until his next words.
“I saw you at the pond.” Sam’s voice stopped her cold. He laughed. “Told you that no one knew about the place, didn’t he? That you were the first he’d ever brought down there and you believed him.”
“You’re a liar.” Her voice was low, but inside, she screamed. Fooled again.
“That’s what they all say.” Sam chuckled. “No, honey, I’m broke and need the money, plus I wouldn’t mind getting what you’ve been giving my boss.”
Trisha slammed the door on his laughter. Not usually a hothead, Trisha thought things through, but she was so disgusted and pissed it was hard to think. Grabbing some clothes, she made sure the door was locked then headed toward the shower. If she even found out what Sam said was true, she would make sure Jake McCabe had no female fun for weeks after she was gone.
*
After her shower, which took forever because she cried, cursed and scrubbed her body raw, she sat on the edge of the bed trying to decide what to do. Sam really was a creep, but did she really know that Jake wasn’t just as big of a creep?
“Ahhh!” She stood then paced the floor. “Just give him the benefit of the doubt,” she told herself, then headed for the door. Her phone buzzed. Grabbing it, she glanced down to see a missed call from Doug, setting her over the edge of madness. She was done with men. With that thought, she slammed out the door.
“Maybe I’ll just be a lesbian,” she said aloud as she walked the path leading to the large outside arena where the rodeo was being held.
“Now that will break many male hearts.” Hank walked up beside her, making her jump.
“That’s not all I’d like to break,” she mumbled, glaring up at him and not slowing down.