Of Yesterday

by Alta Hensley

  "Then what, Jason? Why would having sex with me be a mistake?" Taylor was not sure why she was pushing the issue. She did not want a one night stand. It was not her style, but she wanted to know why he did not. All men did, didn't they?

  "When I'm around you, sex is damn near the only thing I can think about. I want you, I hunger for you like I've never done with any woman before."

  Taylor turned and Jason’s smoldering eyes locked with hers.

  "But there are things about me, my expectations, my demands, that you don't know. And if you truly did, I think you wouldn't want to be with me."

  She smiled and calmed a bit. Knowing he desired her like she did him, made her heart do flips. "Tell me...these demands you speak of." She moved forward so she was inches from his face. "Show me."

  Taylor gasped as Jason's mouth crushed down over hers. She clung to his shoulders, pulling him closer. Opening her mouth to the smooth feel of his tongue, she ached to feel him deep inside her.

  A shudder rippled through her as his hand gently caressed her breast. He continued to ravish her mouth as his hands explored every part of her wet and exposed chest. Taylor moaned as a hot surge of hunger rushed through her. She ran her hands across the hard plane of his muscled torso, all while his fingers continued to stroke her nipples.

  Pulling her closer than she thought possible, the hot water splashing between them, he groaned, "God, I want you. I need you." Placing hot, wet kisses along her collarbone, he whispered, "I’ve wanted you since the day I saw you. There was something unique. Something about you that was unexplainable."

  Taylor clung to him, gasping for air. The heat of the water, the fervor between them, was almost too much. Her mind spun and her body pulsated.

  "I’m taking you right here, right now. I can’t fight this any longer. I need to make you mine."

  Taylor looked into his blazing eyes and nodded. "Yes…yes. I don’t want you to stop."

  In an instant, Taylor found herself lying beneath Jason on the soft grass surrounding the spring. Jason kissed his way down her body inch by inch, until his lips made contact with her yearning pussy. She arched her back as he eased her legs further apart. Little by little he began to place soft kisses along the inside of her thigh, gradually making his way to his ultimate target. Taylor tensed as his tongue flicked the sensitive bud, causing her to moan in pleasure.

  A wavering burst of intensity slid into her stomach. Jason continued to suck and lick pleasure to her very core as he used his rough fingers to part the folds of her sex, heightening her bliss, bringing her closer to complete ecstasy.

  Taylor tensed. Unsure of letting go completely, she tried to fight the wave of passion that threatened to succumb her entire being. Having Jason in such an intimate position battled against her insecurities.

  Jason continued to circle his tongue along the outer edges of her pussy. With a thrust of his finger deep within her heat, he whispered, "It’s okay. Let go. You’re safe with me. Trust me."

  His soothing words, mixed with his sensual ministrations brought Taylor over the edge. Light flashed, heat conquered, and hunger satisfied, Taylor released a heavy gasp.

  With greedy need, she reached out and wrapped her hand around his swollen shaft. Thick and heavy with his arousal, Taylor guided him to her parted legs. Jason grabbed her hips and held her immobile before he thrust his hard cock deep within her. A rush of pleasure ripped through her with a force that took her breath away. Jason groaned as he pulled out almost all the way, just to thrust his hardness back in to her.

  Taylor gasped at the suddenness of his submersion, even as her body hungered for more. Her head fell back as she closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation of lust pulsing through her core. She moaned loudly as her body drove upward to meet his pace, driving his cock even deeper within.

  His body felt strong and good so close to hers. Taylor arched her back when Jason slipped a finger to her clit and began to circle, increasing the pressure in her pussy.

  "God, Taylor. You are the most beautiful, sexual, and passionate woman I have ever seen," he growled as he lowered his mouth to the crevice of her neck and softly nibbled.

  His body felt hot against hers, contrasting with the cool breeze against her bare flesh. A moan escaped Taylor's lips as Jason thrust into her, again and again, bringing her closer and closer to ecstasy. The building pressure threatening to overflow at any second.

  Lifting her legs, he wrapped them around his waist. He plunged in and out, deeper with each pounding motion. Setting up a rhythm, he rocked Taylor to an orgasm like nothing she had ever experienced. She cried out his name as heavenly bliss poured through her. He stared into her eyes as the climax rocked her body, never letting up until he was sure she was fully satisfied. With one more hungry kiss, Jason’s muscles tightened and his breathing became ragged. He moaned deep as, he too, followed her to release.

  Chapter Nine

  It seemed like hours had passed as they lay entangled in each other's arms, luxuriating in the late afternoon sun. Jason ran his fingers through Taylor’s hair, occasionally giving soft and alluring kisses everywhere his hand grazed. She rested her head on his shoulder, rubbing her fingertips along his bare chest. Without another moment's pause she kissed him, hungry for him once again.

  Jason rolled her unto her back, with his weight pressed up against her. "If I knew being with you was going to be like this, I would've made you mine a long time ago," he murmured against the kiss.

  "I need you. I want you." She kissed him again, hard and demanding.

  She wanted him in every way. Having sex with Jason only sealed the deal. Taylor did not ever want this moment to end.

  I love you, Jason. The words stayed trapped in her throat, locked tightly in her mind. So close to declaring her feelings, but afraid of the true power those words could release.

  Jason paused, studied her for a few long moments, and shifted his weight to his side. "Where did you just go? Something changed just now."

  She shrugged. "Nothing, really." No way would she confess that she was about to proclaim her love. "I'm just taking this all in, I guess."

  He tucked her close, caressing her stomach. "There's a lot to take in lately. The move, the project, building our lives...you and me."

  Taylor snuggled closer, playing lightly with his chest hair. "You and me?"

  "I'm not an easy man, Taylor."

  "I'm not an easy woman."

  He chuckled. "Yes, I've figured that much out." He kissed the top of her head. "I want things a certain way in a relationship. I expect to be in charge. A lot of women wouldn't be willing to accept that."

  "I'm not most women."

  He laughed again. "Yes, I know this, too. I can tell you one thing, though. I may be demanding, bossy, stubborn and overprotective, but I counter it by making sure my woman is forever cared for."

  His woman? She could not muster up the courage to ask what he meant by that. "And I make sure my man is cared for as well."

  With a mischievous smile, Taylor managed to roll Jason onto his back so she could trace a hungry trail down his body. She kissed, she licked, she tasted her way down to his hardened shaft. She moved her way lower and lower until the tip of her tongue touched the tip of his cock.

  With his hips rising to meet her seduction, he moaned, "Put your mouth around me."

  She followed his command and took his hardness deep within. Swirling her tongue in small circles as she relaxed the back of her throat to allow his size to be engulfed completely. His gasp, his shudder, and the way his hands grabbed at her hair, only drove her need to please even higher. She worked her lips up the base, and drove them back down in a rhythmic motion. She drove herself to meet his demands. Tightening her lips, and licking lightly, Taylor worked his cock, intensifying his pleasure. Slowly up, then plunging back down, she worked until his control snapped. His breath hitched and his moan reverberated through his entire body as he climaxed in her mouth.

  The moment ebbed, satisfaction blanke
ting them both. Jason pulled her in close as Taylor wrapped her arms around him and clung. She was his. She would always be his.

  ****

  They both stood on the porch staring into each other's eyes. Jason did not want the day to end or reality to slip back in. The last few hours had been a dream that he did not want to wake from.

  Taylor leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for today. It was beyond anything I could have imagined." The kiss seared his skin.

  He stared for several long moments before running his finger along the edge of her jaw. "I need to tell you that for the first time I—"

  The front door suddenly opened and Mandy was standing there beaming from ear to ear. "Hi guys! Guess what? The O'Keefe brothers are here to talk to you, Jason. I made them some coffee." She spun around and skipped her way back to the kitchen.

  Jason quickly followed Mandy into the kitchen, his boots loud as they rapped on the wooden floor. He saw the two brothers sitting with their mugs of coffee at the table.

  "Afternoon, gentlemen." He turned to Mandy and Taylor and said, "Why don't you ladies go check on the animals?" After the girls left the kitchen, he took an empty seat and stretched out his long legs casually. "What can I help you fellas with?"

  "Well, Jason, we're here to offer a dowry for Mandy and Taylor and their hands in marriage. We know you ain't their Pa or nothin' but they are your wards."

  Jason knew the O'Keefe brothers well. They were part of the original team, and had worked just as hard as he in building the community and turning this land into the success it was becoming. Their ranch was large and already turning a profit. In theory, they would make fine husbands and sound providers.

  Jason sat there a few minutes and studied the two men before him. "So you each want one of the ladies. Am I correct?"

  "Yes, sir. They’re both fine women and we’d be proud to add them to our family ranch."

  The second brother spoke up for the first time. "You know we're all doing what we can to build this community, and we feel having some internal marriages would be a great start."

  Jason rubbed his chin. "You boys are definitely following our bylaws. I appreciate you taking the time to come and do this the proper way, but I'm going to have to decline your offer."

  The brother's looked at each other in surprise. The first one spoke up. "Can I ask why? Has someone else already shown interest?"

  The idea of anyone showing any interest in Taylor sent fire to the depths of Jason’s belly. His jaw tightened, teeth clinched, as jealously ached through his bones.

  Jason stood up and began to pace, his boots beating against the wooden floor once again. "No, nothing like that. My sister is...complicated. She isn't the type to get married. The best place for her is here on my land."

  "And Taylor?" the second brother asked.

  Anxiety pulsed through Jason's body. "Well, Taylor is...well, she's..."

  The brothers looked at each other and smiled. The second one asked, "Yours? You've taken a liking to her, I see."

  Defensive, Jason shot back, "What goes on between Taylor and I is none of your concern."

  The first O'Keefe brother spoke up. "But it is, Jason. We're building this land around the morals of yesterday. Living in sin under one roof with a woman is not what we want our society to be. You, being a Founding Father, should know that. And Mandy's a fine woman. We know she's not like most, but she has a big heart. She's good with children, has a special touch with the animals. Adding Mandy to our homestead would be an honor."

  "You've got to figure out this thing with Taylor. This territory is no place for a single woman, and you know damn well that having her under your roof is bad for her reputation and could destroy yours. You can't lead an old fashioned society if you don't follow the same moral code as the rest of us," the second brother added.

  Jason made his way to the kitchen door, signaling that it was time for them to go. "Thank you, gentlemen. You've given me some things to think about and consider. You two have a nice evening."

  After the brothers left, Taylor made her way into the kitchen. She walked over to the table and grabbed the mugs and brought them over to the sink. "What were they here for? You haven't had any guests before. If I knew, I would have made a pie or something."

  "It was a surprise visit. They came to offer a dowry for your and Mandy's hand in marriage."

  Taylor spun around so fast that curls escaped the tie holding them in a loose ponytail. Her green eyes flared with fury. "You can't be serious! We aren't for sale! How dare you!"

  Jason walked calmly toward Taylor. "First of all, you need to calm down. Second—"

  "Don't tell me what I need to do! You don't own me! You don't control me!"

  "Taylor, stop," he sternly commanded, without raising his voice.

  "And just when I thought...well, just when I thought that maybe things between us..." She put up both of her hands to stop Jason from getting any closer. "Forget it! Just forget it!" She stormed past him and ran upstairs.

  Jason followed her close behind, only to have the door slammed in his face. Hearing the click of the lock, he boomed. "Taylor, you open this door right now! Get out here so we can talk."

  Silence.

  "Taylor, I'm not asking. I'm telling!"

  Silence.

  "Taylor, God damnit, get out here now!"

  Silence.

  "Fine. You stay in there. Just know that when you come out, your ass is going to be sorry. You won't be sitting for a week!"

  He stormed down the stairs, with rage wanting to explode from his chest. How dare that woman accuse him of trying to sell her off. She was so damn fiery that she would not even give him a second to explain. Too damn stubborn to open the door.

  He paused at the bottom step for a moment, contemplating going back to her door to explain through the wood. She needed to hear the truth. But on the other hand, how could she think he would do something like that in the first place?

  "Why are you and Taylor fighting?" Mandy startled him. She was standing in the doorway with her eyes wide and her lip quivering.

  Jason walked over and pulled her into a hug. "Just a misunderstanding. Nothing to worry about."

  "Are you going to sell us?"

  Jason wanted to laugh at the way it sounded, but bit his tongue. "No, not at all. That's where the misunderstanding part comes in. The O'Keefe brothers wanted to marry you both. But I said no, and Taylor didn't give me time to explain." He pulled away and gave Mandy a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, and I would never sell you off." He tousled her hair. "So stop worrying, all right?"

  "Why did you say no?"

  Jason paused, unsure of what to say. "Well...because you're my sister and you belong with me. This is your home."

  Mandy frowned and bit her lip. "What if I want to get married? What if I want to have babies?"

  "Well, then you can. I just want to make sure it's because you want to. And only when you want it. I love you, and I'm going to always make sure you're safe and protected. I only want the best for you."

  "And Taylor?" she asked.

  "What about Taylor?"

  "Do you love her? Do you only want the best for her?" Mandy smiled.

  "Of course I want the best for her."

  "But do you loooove her?"

  Jason smirked. "Mandy..."

  "Are you and Taylor boyfriend and girlfriend?"

  "No."

  "Then what are you guys?"

  Jason shrugged. "I don't know. Can we change the subject please?" Having this conversation with his sister was about the last thing he wanted to do. Torture would be a better option.

  Mandy giggled. "I would make a pretty bride. I could wear a huge princess gown, and..." her voice trailed off as she bounced her way up the stairs, leaving him to sulk alone.

  Jason walked into the kitchen and sat at the table alone. His head spinning, he tried to come to terms with his emotions. What were he and Taylor? The brothers were right when they said things had to chang
e. This relationship between Taylor and him was not proper. Having sex with no commitment went against everything he believed, and against everything he was trying to change with this new society. He was guilty of falling into ways of modern times.

  Disappointment racked through him. Taylor deserved better. Taylor deserved to be treated like a lady. Letting his sexual desire get in the way of his better judgment made him conduct himself like he would have in the past. Things were supposed to change with this move. He was supposed to change. And by damn...he was going to make sure he did.

  Chapter Ten

  There was a light knock on the door, followed by Mandy's voice, "Taylor, can I come in?"

  Taylor quickly opened the door to let her enter, sorry if Mandy had heard any of the shouting. She knew how something like that could really upset Mandy. "I apologize if you heard your brother and me fighting."

  Mandy shrugged and then smiled like only she could. "I know why. But he wasn't going to sell us. He said no." Her smile got even bigger. "So no need to be angry anymore."

  "He told you that?" Taylor realized that she was so furious that it was quite possible she jumped to the wrong conclusion. She never gave him a chance to talk.

  "Yup. He loves us, and wouldn't do that." Mandy leaned forward and whispered, "But I do want to get married someday. Don't you?"

  Taylor nodded. "Yes, I guess I do." She smiled at the innocence before her. "You said he loves us? What do you mean?"

  Mandy giggled. "I think he wants you to be his girlfriend. K-I-S-S-I-N-G." She laughed out loud and bounced on the corner of the bed.

  "I don't think so. He hasn't mentioned anything like that to me."

  Mandy stopped bouncing and stared at Taylor. "Have you told him that you love him?"

  "I...uh...love is a really strong word."

  Mandy nodded and her smile conquered her tiny face. "Yes, it is. And for some reason, people are scared to admit when they feel it. You shouldn't be scared to love my brother. You shouldn't feel it's something to fight against."