At least this time, my tears are tears of joy. “Thank you.” I can’t think of anything else to say right now as Jake takes me into his arms and holds me close to his chest.
After a few minutes of blubbering all over Jake, he murmurs, “So, she needs a name.” He kisses me on the top of my head and passes me a tissue.
Wiping my eyes, I turn back to her and try to come up with a name that doesn’t sound stupid. I’ve always been hopeless at naming horses, which Jake should remember from our previous time together.
“You can do it this time, Elise.” I hear the smile behind his words.
Oh, he remembers.
“Autumn Spirit,” I blurt out.
“Autumn Spirit? Hmm. I like that.”
“You don’t have to sound so surprised.” I step out of his hold and try not to laugh. Actually, I’m surprised myself that the name came so easily, especially after how difficult it was in the past.
Chuckling, Jake replies, “Sorry babe, but you don’t have such a good track record at naming my four legged friends.”
Jake grabs me around the waist again as I pretend to elbow him in the stomach. He slams his lips down onto mine and kisses the life out of me.
Coming up for air, he grins. “I love that name. You did good.”
“Why, thank you. Can we celebrate now?”
“Anytime, babe.”
I smirk and with a gentle push, he’s up against the wall, and my hand is stroking his hard dick through his jeans as I slowly drop to my knees.
“What are you doing?” he asks in a choked voice.
I’m ignoring him because all is about to become clear.
Tossing my gloves to the floor, I unzip his jeans, keeping the button fastened so they don’t drop. I want him beyond excited and it’s about time that I teased him.
Reaching inside the gap, my fingers stroke his naked dick. I love the fact that he goes without shorts more often than not.
Wrapping my hand around his length, I bring him out to play. Jake moans and starts to breathe heavily. His gloves join mine on the floor before he tangles his fingers in my hair.
Eye level with his ever growing erection, I admire the smooth length of him with my hands and eyes. The more I touch him, the more he twitches.
Moving closer, I swirl my tongue around the head, pulling his essence into my mouth. Jake’s legs quiver with his hands tightening slightly against my scalp.
He clearly wants into the wet heat of my mouth, but he’s going to have to wait. I want him to be on the brink of orgasm so that he comes the minute I suck him into my mouth. With that in mind, I lick him from tip to root—what I can reach with him still being fastened into his jeans. His whole body shudders.
With what I’m doing to him, my sex is contracting with need and my nipples are so hard, they’re rubbing against the fabric of my shirt and jacket causing a delicious friction that’ll have me coming with him.
Being distracted, Jake has unfastened his button and shoved his jeans down his thighs.
Without any warning, I take his sac into my mouth and massage while my hand wraps around his cock to start a slow back and forth motion.
“Fuck, babe.”
Releasing him, I smile. “I’m going to love you with my mouth, Jake Matthews, and nothing else right now.”
Chapter 29
Cade
After two days of waiting, we’re finally here at the Sheriff’s office for Rona to give a full statement of what happened with Nick. It was surprising they didn’t ask her down sooner but Daniel assured me it was because of the DEA and the ongoing investigation concerning Nick and Tom’s connections. According to Daniel, everything was still unclear.
My stomach is full of knots with the thought of Rona being questioned in a room of strangers, and the likelihood that I won’t be allowed in with her regardless of the fact I’m a lawyer.
“Hey, what are you thinking about?”
Lost in my thoughts, Rona’s question startles me.
“You had this look on your face that made me think you were having dark thoughts.” She runs her fingers along my forehead.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I don’t like that you have to do this. I wish it was something I could handle for you.” I know that isn’t possible, and I’m being stupid, but who wouldn’t want to do this for the woman they love?
“Cade, honey. You know I’m going to be okay. I haven’t done anything wrong and both Daniel and Josh know that.” She reaches up and kisses me. “This will be over with soon, and then we can relax and look forward to the vacation you have planned for us.”
Hearing someone cough, we look in front of us and find Daniel hiding a smile behind his hand.
“Morning, Rona, Cade.”
“Morning.” I shake Daniel’s hand while my arm wraps around Rona’s shoulders to keep her close.
She smiles in greeting to Daniel.
“Cade,” Daniel sighs, “I know you’re worried about Rona doing this, but I promise it’s just a formality. Josh will be in the room with her and I have a feeling he’ll be looking out for her best interests even though it’s a couple of his colleagues that will be questioning her.”
How does Daniel think that makes me feel better? Knowing Josh is in the room with her doesn’t sit well with me. I know I’m getting used to her wanting me when she could be with someone around her own age, but my jealousy can’t be held back when Josh is in the equation.
“I know I’ll be fine. It shouldn’t take long, right? I mean I’m not sure I know anything that can help anyway. So hopefully in and out,” Rona tells Daniel.
He nods. “I’m not sure you’ll be that quick, but there really is nothing to worry about.”
Rona smiles up at me as her arm tightens around me. “You hear Daniel?”
“I did.” I return her smile although it feels forced, but Rona seems to accept it.
“Josh will come and get you in a few minutes.” Daniel walks back to his office at the end of the hall while I pull Rona back down to the chair in reception.
Rona
If Cade expects me to believe he’s okay with Josh being with me, then he has no idea. We may have been together for a short time, but I know Cade, and I know he isn’t going to settle until today is over and done with. He’s also going to be glad to see the back of Josh Mitchell.
I wish Cade didn’t feel insecure about Josh, but then again, I don’t suppose Josh helps with his open attraction toward me. It’s not as though I’ve encouraged him, but Josh seems to have a set mind and once it’s made up nothing can stop him. At least, that’s what I’ve discovered from the short time I’ve been in his presence.
Having my hand locked tight in Cade’s is giving me the strength to do this. I’m not worried about having to talk to some of Josh’s colleagues and to give an official statement about what happened with Nick, and Tom. The only thing worrying me is if I come face-to-face with Nick while I’m here. I don’t think that will happen but I can’t help feeling apprehensive about it.
With a glance up at Cade, I see the worry etched on his handsome face and I wish there was a way that I could erase it, but right now there isn’t.
Hearing a door close, I glance up to see Josh striding toward us. He’s looking more relaxed than he usually does and is wearing jeans and a tee shirt that seem to mold to his body. At least I’m not undressing him with my eyes the way the receptionist is.
I squeeze Cade’s hand just before I release it to stand and greet Josh, offering my hand to shake. I don’t know why but I had the feeling Josh was about to hug me, which I’m sure he knew I’d picked up on.
“Josh, you remember Cade?” I ask in a way of introduction.
“Cade.” Josh nods.
Cade stands and stays silent, but nods in greeting.
What is it with guys and their silent nods? I consider it rude.
Josh offers a wry grin, and holds his arm out. “I’ll try not to keep her too long.”
“Thanks,” Cade mumbl
es and ignores the outstretched hand.
Before I leave him, I turn and wrap my arms around Cade’s neck. “I love you. Please don’t worry,” I whisper so that only he can hear.
I briefly tighten my hold, as does Cade snugs his around my waist.
“I’ll be here waiting for you.” He kisses the side of my head before he reluctantly lets me go. “Look after her, Josh.”
“I will.”
Turning away from Cade, I let Josh lead me to the room I saw him exit only moments before.
With his hand on the doorknob, Josh asks, “Is he always so possessive with you?”
I smile. “Only when you’re around.”
“Is that so? Well, it might keep him on his toes.”
Now I scowl. “He doesn’t need this, Josh, and to be honest neither do I.”
“I hear you. Truth is I have my eye on someone else.” He grins.
“You do?” I return his smile. “Are you planning on telling me who?”
“Nope, it’s more fun that way.”
He opens the door, putting an end to our chat when I see the two suits sitting at the table.
Cade
Two hours ago, I watched Rona engrossed in conversation with Josh, and it’s still eating away at me. What the hell could they have been talking about that he had to smile at her the way he did or that made Rona return it?
The only saving grace against my jealousy is the fact that there are two other men in the room with them so at least I can rest assured Josh isn’t flirting with her.
“Cade, they’re just finishing up,” Daniel informs me, breaking into my thoughts.
“Thanks, Daniel. It’s difficult sitting out here while she’s in there.”
“I know.” Daniel sits beside me. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
He doesn’t need to finish that sentence because I know what he means. I’m in love with Rona and I don’t give a damn who knows it.
“Neither did I.” I rub my hand over my face. “I can’t lose her, Daniel.”
“You won’t.” He chuckles. “Josh is young, and appears to be good at his job, but you don’t have anything to worry about with him. He might be flirting with Rona now to get your goat, but I think he has his eyes on Grace.”
My head snaps to him.
Grace? Tom’s sister Grace?
Hearing the door at the end of the hall open, we watch as Josh and Rona appear.
I sigh in relief.
“You didn’t hear that from me,” Daniel says under his breath.
I’m on my feet waiting for them to reach us, and then Rona is back in my arms.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m tired, but I’m good.” She reaches up and kisses me. “I promise, Cade.”
“Sorry we took so long, but Rona’s finished now until his case goes to trial. That will give you both a few months to rest.”
“Thanks, Josh.” I hold my hand out to him. It’s about time I showed him my thanks instead of acting like a jealous idiot.
“You’re welcome.” He shakes my hand before turning to Rona.
She slips her hand into his. “Thank you for everything, Josh. And good luck with the lucky lady.”
Lucky lady?
Josh blushes and covers his mouth with his hand. “Thanks, Rona.”
She smiles and grasps my fingers. “Let’s go home.”
Chapter 30
Jake
Elise looks mighty fine sitting astride Whiskey, Autumn Pride’s father. I’ve had him for about nine years and he’s damn reliable and loves the ladies. My father often joked, as I became older, that we should have named him Rogue because a filly can’t go anywhere near him with catching his eye.
But watching Elise as she rides him around the outdoor arena, to give him some exercise, is starting to play havoc with my body. Watching her bounce up and down on the saddle is also giving me ideas that I shouldn’t be having right now. Not only is it cold and snowing again, but Anna is walking toward me with a couple I haven’t seen before.
The man looks vaguely familiar now that he’s getting closer. He’s tall, but looks to be on the lean side, as though he’s lost weight by the look of his clothes. The woman beside him has a head full of dark hair, which she’s tried to shove inside a hat without much luck. She looks to be a lot younger than the man, and doesn’t look bad in jeans. His daughter, perhaps?
As Elise trots past on Whiskey, her knowing smirk doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Jake.” Anna arrives beside me. “I’d like you to meet Roger Sullivan and his wife, Georgia.” She turns to the couple. “This is my brother Jake, and his fiancée is Elise, who’s on the beast in the arena.”
I clasp Roger’s outstretched hand in greeting. There’s certainly a lot more years between the couple in front of me than there is between Rona and my father. Georgia looks uncomfortable, and maybe nervous.
“Do you live around here?” I ask in the uncomfortable silence.
“We moved into the old Thacker residence about a month back.” Roger looks around and spends more time than I’d like watching Elise before his eyes drift back to me. “We’ve been waiting to have the house furnished before showing up. We arrived in a blizzard yesterday so I’m glad it’s not as bad today.”
Is he an idiot? Blizzards up here are the norm during the winter months.
“Yeah, well. I hope you like snow because we get a hell of a lot over winter.”
“I like snow enough and so does my wife.” He wraps an arm around Georgia who still seems uncomfortable. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
“I do love snow, although I haven’t skied for some time.” Her smile lights up her whole face.
“Hello. I’m Elise.”
I’d spent too much time trying to work out the dynamics of the strangers’ relationship to realize Elise has stopped riding.
After everyone has introduced themselves to Elise, I wrap my arm around her and pull her into my side wondering whether or not it would be rude for me to excuse us and let Anna deal with the couple. This guy is setting off my bullshit radar, and I sure as hell don’t want Elise anywhere near them, but then that would leave Anna alone with them.
Fuck!
“We better get going.” Roger takes hold of Georgia’s arm in a tight grasp. He notices my eyes on his hand and releases her slightly. “It’s been nice meeting you all. Perhaps you’ll come to our housewarming once Georgia gets one arranged.”
“That would nice.” Elise smiles.
Standing with Anna and Elise as we watch them head back to the house. I can’t help wondering what is going on with them. Georgia seemed more like a possession than a wife.
“That was weird,” Elise comments.
“I know, right?” Anna agrees. “I bumped into Georgia in town. I overheard her talking about moving close by so I introduced myself and told her about the house. She seemed okay until Roger showed up. Then she was skittish, I suppose. What do you think is going on?”
“I don’t know, but I’d rather see both of you avoid being alone with him.”
“You really got that bad a vibe about him?” Elise asks, while Anna waits for my answer.
“Yeah, I did.”
“Okay.” Anna smiles before walking away. “I’ll see you both later,” she shouts over her shoulder.
Elise
Shaking my head, I wrap my arms around Jake and snuggle into him. All the way around the arena, I knew what he was thinking because it was written all over his face especially with the direction of his gaze. Purely focused on my bottom as I rode Whiskey.
I wanted him to join me and put out the fire he’s created within me. The flames diminished slightly with the other couples arrival, but now they’re starting to rise again.
Lifting my head, I meet Jake’s gaze, bring my lips to his. The kiss is slow and lingering. “I love you,” I whisper against his mouth.
When Jake smiles his whole face lights up. “I didn’t realize how much I missed hearing those words until
you were no longer part of my life.” He caresses my cheek.
“I know what you mean. I can’t stop saying them now that we’re together again. I don’t ever want to go through that again, Jake.”
“I’ve grown up a lot since then, and have no plans to put either of us through that again.” He holds me tight. “We need to get inside before we can’t see the way back to the house.”
The visibility is getting worse with the snow falling heavier. It does look nice, and my favorite season is winter.
I hold Jake’s hand as we start walking toward the house. “What I’d like to do now is to make hot chocolate and cuddle in one of the chairs in the lounge.”
“How’s your riding legs?” Jakes asks completely out of the blue, and then it hits me what he’s really asking me.
“Are you asking me how my bottom is after all that bouncing around?” I smirk.
Jake offers me a grin with a twinkle in his eye.
I laugh with him. “I think we should have the hot chocolate in our room, just in case Rona and Cade suddenly appear. I’m sure we don’t want them disrupting what you have in mind.”
He wiggles his eyebrows and grabbing me around my waist, hauls me into his arms. “You’re mine, babe. All afternoon. There’s going to be no escape.”
My blood thrums with excitement. No words have ever excited me as much as the ones Jake’s just spoken.
“Fuck,” he growls. “Elise, stop looking at me like that.” His hands tighten around me.
“Are you going to tie me up?”
“Elise.”
“Because, I’ve never forgotten the time before when you used to tie me to the headboard of your bed. Do you remember?”
Jake remembers all right. His eyes darken with lust as his breathing becomes heavier.
I carry on teasing him. “As soon as we get inside, I want you to strip us both naked, spread me out on your bed, and . . .”
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