by Lee Rose
“I don’t like fighting with you, Ben,” she said sadly.
“I don’t like it either, baby,” he agreed, kissing the top of her head. “So from now on just agree with whatever I say and there will be no more fights.”
Hannah snorted and bit his neck to let him know what she thought of that idea, but he only chuckled and whispered in her ear. “I’ve got my own wild Texas tornado in my arms and I like it, honey. Bite me again and I will find a dark corner and show you how much I like that.”
Hannah glanced around, ignoring his words until she spotted Grace and her brother. They were kissing in the middle of the dance floor and Hannah groaned in embarrassment when Jackson squeezed Grace’s butt and heard Grace giggling.
“Oh, brother,” she muttered, hiding her face in Ben’s shoulder. “My brother has no shame.”
Ben looked over to see what amused her and smiled devilishly when he saw his friend Jackson making out with Grace. He danced his way over to the kissing couple and bumped into them to get their attention.
“Public displays of affection are illegal in this town. I could arrest you two,” he said in a serious voice, trying hard to hide his laughter.
Jackson lifted his head away from Grace’s lips and gave Ben a smug smile. “Just put us in the same cell and you can throw away the key. I have plenty of ways to occupy our jail time.”
Grace blushed and swatted Jackson playfully. Jackson grabbed her hand, holding it close to his chest. “I’m taking my girlfriend home to remind her why I am the only man that is allowed to touch her body.”
Hannah plugged her ears and groaned. “I don’t want to hear about my brother’s sex life. Gross.”
Ben laughed, putting his arm around Hannah’s shoulder to make sure she stayed close to him. “I’ll take your sister home, Jack.”
Jackson looked at his sister and tapped her nose fondly with his finger. “Behave, brat, and listen to Ben. This is no place for you to be hanging out alone. Make sure Amy gets home, too.”
Hannah snorted at that comment but gave him her most innocent expression. “I always behave, Jack. Thanks for tonight, Grace. We should make girl’s night out a tradition.”
“Sure.” Grace laughed, ignoring Jackson’s explicit words at his sister’s idea.
“I came with Amy. I can’t just abandon her,” Hannah protested to Ben as she watched Jackson and Grace leaving the bar, holding hands and looking happy. “Besides, I might not be ready to be sent home like a good little girl. I was having fun.”
Ben stood in the middle of the dance floor, tempted to lean in and kiss her grumpy face but he had already learned that with Hannah he sometimes had to stand firm or she’d walk all over him. “Well, I can throw you over my shoulder right here in front of everyone. No one will stop me or we can walk out like adults. Which is it? Because I don’t mind doing either one.”
Hannah knew when Ben was being serious and this was one of those times. She could imagine the gossip spread all over town if he carried her out of the bar like a sack of potatoes. “Fine,” she muttered.
Ben led her by the hand back to her table. As the hour grew later the bar filled up with more people looking for a good time and it was getting crowded. Amy and Jack were sitting at the table when Hannah and Ben got back from the dance floor. Amy looked up at Hannah and smiled at the way Ben hovered over her as if she would run away at any moment.
“If you want to leave with Ben, you can. Jack will give me a ride home,” Amy told the standing couple.
Hannah looked at Jack and Amy then nodded. Jack was a good guy and Amy had been flirting with him for weeks now. “Thanks for the night out, Amy. Grace agreed that we should do this again.”
“That’s what friends are for.” Amy laughed when Ben muttered “hell no” under his breath.
Ben introduced himself to Amy’s friend. “I’m Sheriff Parker. Will you make sure Amy gets home safely?”
Jack nodded solemnly, shaking Ben’s hand. “Of course. We were heading out soon anyway. I have to work tomorrow. It was nice meeting you, Hannah.”
Outside the night air had a little breeze to it. Summer was over and fall would bring slightly cooler temperatures, not much, but a little relief would be nice. Hannah was grateful for that. The night sky was filled with glittering stars and living in a small town that wasn’t filled with skyscrapers gave you the opportunity to see them so clearly. Hannah took a moment to enjoy the view then followed Ben over to his Jeep.
“So who tattled?” she asked with curiosity while they walked. She didn’t feel like getting into a serious conversation about their argument with him right now. “Was it Fred Johnson or Louise Myers?”
“I’m not allowed to reveal my sources, honey,” Ben answered with a serious face, but she could tell he wanted to smile at her surliness.
Ben led Hannah to his Jeep by the hand and opened the door for her, making sure she got in and buckled herself before closing the door.
As he drove Hannah out to the ranch he said quietly, “I wish my shift was over so I could take you home with me. I miss you, Hannah. Will you go out on a date with me? We can have dinner in Austin and talk things out.”
“Okay, Ben. I’d like that.” Hannah knew whether they stayed together or not, she would have to tell him about the baby. “Call me with the date and time.”
He parked his Jeep in front of her house and turned off the ignition. He pulled Hannah over to his side of the vehicle. He caressed her cheeks softly, looking into her eyes with desire and affection. He leaned into her and opened her mouth for his kiss. Hannah moaned, feeling the heat blazing through her stomach as soon as Ben’s tongue invaded her mouth. Ben’s hand was anchored behind her head to keep her still and she gave into the kiss, closing her eyes and just enjoying the moment and forgetting about all their problems.
He leaned his head on her forehead when the kiss was over, breathing hard. “Only you affect me like that, Hannah. You were made for me.”
“Night, honey. Sweet dreams,” he whispered and watched her until she got into the house safely. One day it would be their home she was entering for the night, he vowed to himself.
* * * *
“Hannah? You have a delivery,” Amy yelled into the back room where Hannah was checking on the puppies that had been born a few days ago. Amy was up front doing paperwork.
“I’m not expecting any supplies,” Hannah said in confusion, going to the front room. She stopped in mid step when she saw a dozen deep pink roses in a glass vase sitting on the counter. “Who would send me flowers?”
Amy smiled excitedly, bending down to smell the roses. “I bet that handsome sheriff did. He looked mighty jealous last night.”
Hannah picked up the card with shaky fingers and opened it. She read it out loud. “Counting the hours until I see you again, Love Ben.”
Amy clapped enthusiastically when Hannah put the card next to her heart and smiled. “All right, girlfriend!”
Hannah felt tears coming to her eyes and tried to blink them back. Damn hormones had her crying for everything.
“Call him,” Amy suggested. “I’ll go help Richard in the back,” she said, going back into the back room where Richard was feeding the animals.
Hannah picked up the phone and dialed Ben’s cell number, feeling emotional and weepy.
“Hello?” he answered in his deep, sexy voice that had invaded her many dreams over the years.
“Ben? Thanks for the flowers, it was a sweet gesture,” she said softly, touching the soft petals of the flowers, and she couldn’t stop from smiling or feeling butterflies in her stomach. So much for staying strong, she mumbled to herself.
“You’re welcome, honey,” he answered, his voice softening. “I can’t wait to see you in person. You’re in my dreams every night but I need more.”
“I miss you, too, Ben,” she admitted honestly, her heart melting at his honest words. Ben had been part of her life for more years than she could remember and it hurt to be mad at him. Why was lov
e so complicated? she wondered.
“I made reservations for dinner tomorrow night in Austin. If I hadn’t already told Stan he could have tonight off, I’d see you tonight,” he explained with regret.
She didn’t want to tell Ben about the baby yet, not until they straightened things out between them. She wanted Ben to want her for herself and not out of obligation. “I understand, Ben. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m excited.”
“Pick you up tomorrow around five thirty then,” he said cheerfully, hanging up the phone with a big grin. Tomorrow Hannah would be his again and this time he was keeping her.
Chapter Six
Hannah was filling out the paperwork for another adoption. Grace was volunteering today and was giggling as the dog tried to run away from his bath.
“Get back here, you bad dog.” Grace laughed, grabbing the small, black-haired dog by his collar. “Now I need a bath, too. I stink like a wet dog.”
Hannah chuckled as she watched the scene with amusement. “Yeah. I don’t think that smell will incite another romantic evening with my brother.”
Grace looked at Hannah once the dog bath was over and Richard took the dog to get dried. “Probably not. So where is Ben taking you? I am so glad to see you smile again, Hannah.”
“I’m not sure, he wants to surprise me. Thanks again, Grace, for coming in and doing this. Amy is at school today and I did not want to get this dress all wet and smelly. I would hug you but…”
Grace laughed, grabbing a towel to dry her hands, admiring Hannah’s pretty pink summer dress and silver sandals. “That’s what sister-in-laws are for.”
It took a moment for Hannah to catch the phrase. Then she gasped and screamed. “Oh my God. He finally did it? My brother proposed?”
Grace laughed and showed off her ring by waving her hand dramatically in the air. “Last night Jackson took me to Chez Zee in Austin. It was so romantic, Hannah, with pretty white lights everywhere and soft music playing in the background. I’ll never forget it.”
Grace put her hands up when Hannah went to hug her and shook her head and blew an air kiss at her instead. “Don’t ruin your pretty dress. Tomorrow me and you can hang out and we can hug and scream and plan a wedding. You will be my maid of honor, right?”
“Yes, it’s a date.” Hannah smiled broadly. “I am so happy for you and Jackson. I already think of you as my sister, but this will make it official.”
“What date? I better be your only date, Hannah Hawthorne,” a deep voice said behind her, making her jump in fright.
Ben wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed her in a silent apology. “Sorry, honey. I thought you heard the front door open but I guess with all the screaming going on back here, you didn’t.”
Hannah looked over her shoulder and smiled at Ben. He looked mouthwateringly handsome in black jeans and a crisp white buttoned shirt. His brown hair was combed neatly away from his face and he looked happy. “I have a date with Grace tomorrow. Jackson finally proposed and we have a wedding to talk about.”
Ben looked at Grace’s ring and whistled, making her blush prettily. “Great news, sweetheart. I’ll call Jackson later and congratulate him. But for now we’d better get going. I made reservations.”
After saying their good-byes, Ben led Hannah out to his Jeep and drove to Austin. Hannah sat next to Ben, feeling nervous and anxious as if she was on a first date. She loved seeing the city look alive even at night with all its bright lights and cars driving to different places. Everything in Bear Creek closed early and the town was dark and quiet after nine p.m.
Ben took her to an Italian restaurant called Romeo’s where she had never been before. It was located on a busy street but he found a parking space with ease.
“I hope you like it here. I know you love Italian food.” Ben smiled, holding her hand as they walked into the quaint little brick building and he gave his name at the front counter. The hostess led them outside to an outdoor patio filled with tables with lit candles in the center. The small table was near the door so they could hear the live piano music being played inside. Hannah was so delighted with the romantic atmosphere and beamed at Ben. “This is so wonderful, Ben. I have never been here before and I just love it. It’s so romantic.”
Ben reached across the table and held her hand tightly. “I’m glad you like it, honey. Stan brings his wife, Janice, here on special occasions and recommended it to me. I’m glad I finally did something right.”
Hannah frowned sadly as she looked over at Ben’s handsome face. “Ben, I don’t mean to be difficult. If I didn’t care about you I wouldn’t feel so possessive and jealous. If you say you are not interested in Dorothy then I believe you. I know she doesn’t give up and I really can’t blame her. You are too sexy for your own good.”
“We’ve been friends forever, haven’t we, Hannah?” he asked seriously, and Hannah nodded.
“Maybe we should wipe the slate clean and get to know each other as lovers now,” he suggested, kissing her knuckles softly and giving her a sexy wink over the burning flames of the candle. “Tonight is about you and me as lovers, not as childhood friends.”
“I’d like that very much,” Hannah agreed with a soft dreamy smile. The music was relaxing and Hannah leaned back in her chair. “This place is a good start. I hope we come again.”
Ben wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “So, baby, what’s your sign?”
Hannah groaned. “Oh, boy. I hope you have better pick-up lines then that or you might not get lucky tonight.”
They spent a romantic evening flirting with each other and Hannah really enjoyed discovering a new side to Ben Parker. Not as the town sheriff or her brother’s best friend but as a lover. He was a charming date and she didn’t realize she could blush so much. When he looked at her with passion clearly showing in his eyes she felt beautiful and her heart picked up speed. When he leaned over during dessert and whispered naughty things in her ear, her panties got wet and she squirmed in her seat uncomfortably and promised him payback. Maybe they could make a relationship work. She knew she wanted to try or she would always regret it.
The drive home was quiet, both of them feeling relaxed and happy. Ben asked her to stay the night with him. “I need you in my arms again.”
“Okay. My truck is still parked in front of the shelter, though. Will it be safe there overnight?” she asked him, anxious to get to his house and make love again.
“It’ll be fine. I hired Billy Walters as a deputy so I won’t have to work twelve hour shifts anymore,” Ben answered. “He is patrolling tonight but you know the town is pretty quiet anyway.”
“That’s great news, Ben. You have worked so hard for so long. You deserve a break,” she said with a smile as he pulled in front of his house and turned off the Jeep.
“I wanted to spend more time courting my girl,” he explained, pulling her over in the seat until she was plastered against his body.
“Do I know this girl?” she teased, whispering the words softly in his ear and biting his earlobe playfully, making his body shiver.
He chuckled and whispered maybe. He leaned in and invaded her mouth with his tongue, showing no mercy as he pushed her dress straps down until her breasts were bared. He looked down at her full, plump breasts and groaned. “Let’s finish this inside while I can still walk.”
He went around and opened her door and gave her his hand as she got out. Once she was standing up he fingered her nipples with his thumb but didn’t bother to fix her dress. Hannah felt the cool night air hit her nipples and they hardened even more. He walked her up the porch in a hurry and into his house.
As he led her into the bedroom she felt the excitement building in her stomach. Ben stood by the bed with her and removed her dress, leaving her standing in her underwear.
Chapter Seven
Ben traced his fingers slowly around her lacy white bra. He rubbed her nipples back and forth until they grew hard and erect. “You are so sexy, Hannah.”
Hannah smiled softly
as he reached behind her and unclipped her bra, letting it fall to the floor. She was thankful she hadn’t gained any weight yet, as a matter of fact she had lost weight. “I’ve dreamt of our night together over and over until I wondered if I had dreamt it up.”
Ben smiled wickedly. “It was no dream, baby, and I’ll prove it to you.” They removed all their clothes silently but quickly while watching each other strip, keeping that connection of anticipation going. Ben looked over her body with a look filled with such desire and hunger that she almost melted in a puddle at his feet. She felt the heat and dampness gathering between her legs just from his lustful look. She loved his beautiful green eyes and hoped their baby inherited his father’s eyes.
“You are all I think about day and night,” Ben whispered, kissing her cheek softly and tenderly while caressing her hair. He loved her long blonde hair, especially when it was spread along his pillow.
She leaned into his warmth and inhaled his scent and let out a soft sigh. She rubbed her hands up and down his back, glad to be close to him again. It was more than sex that she craved. It was Ben, his touch, his smile, and the way her body reacted so strongly when she was near him. She could feel the ravenous hunger inside her increasing.
He laid her on the bed gently as if she was made of glass, hovering over her. “Are we going to try for slow and romantic this time?” he asked, looking at her, arching his eyebrow in a question.
Hannah giggled and sat up, pushing him down until he was stretched out on the bed. She looked down at his erection and licked her lips, leaning down to lick his mushroom head, all the way down to the base of his cock. Then she sucked him in to her mouth hard and he moved his hips frantically.
“Nothing has ever felt as amazing as you, Hannah,” he swore, putting his hands in her long blonde hair, and tightened his fists. “I want to be inside of you when I come, baby, so you’d better stop.”