Always on My Mind (The Dawson Brothers, #1)

by Jessica Mills

  “He’s not committed to anyone either, but he did reconnect with an old girlfriend while we were trying to find you. Who knows where that will lead?” I wondered if he’d even called the busty librarian. She was sure something.

  “So, what’s the story with Lauralee? She seems to care about your family enough to cook for you, or do you think that was just for Ted?”

  “She grew up with us, her and her brothers. She’s got a sister, too, but she’s younger than all of us. Her mother’s dead, and Lauralee takes care of the house. She and Ted have always had a thing and honestly none of us understand his hesitation. I think he thinks she’s too good for him, but Heaven help the man that tries to date her. I think if another came around, he’d lose his mind.”

  “Yet, he slept with his brother’s fiancée.” She shook her head. “I think he hates me.”

  “He doesn’t hate you. I can tell. And about Ella, he thinks he did me a favor. Said she wasn’t good enough for me and she made the first move. Ted is known for his promiscuous behavior.” I didn’t want to go too far into the makings of Ted, especially if she already had ideas about him.

  “But you think he loves Lauralee? How sad. He should go after her. What if I invite her over for dinner?”

  “Oh no, you’re not getting in the middle of those two.” I slowed the truck and turned down our road.

  “Fine, I won’t. But I know she likes him. You should have seen the shade she was throwing me until I explained I was there with you.”

  “I can imagine. Lauralee is one tough little lady. But if Ted wants her, he’s going to have to make that move all on his own.”

  “Can I at least invite her to Kinsey’s to watch you sing? I don’t know any other women around here.” I smiled knowing she wanted to make friends and fit in. Even if we did go back to Nashville to pursue our dreams, I wanted my home to feel like her home too.

  “Yes, you can invite her, but she might not come.” I pulled into my drive and parked beside Luke’s truck, which was the only one home. Mason and Ted must have gone into town after all.

  Behind us headlights turned into the drive and as I helped Sarah out on my side, the busty blond from the library pulled up beside us. “It looks like Luke has company.”

  Chapter 20

  Sarah

  Luke passed us in the front room as we walked inside. He had a big grin plastered to his face and flashed me a wink. “I won’t be out too late.”

  David shooed him out the door. “Take all the time you want.”

  Luke laughed and hurried out.

  David shook his head and threw an arm around my waist. “That’s Cindy. Long story.” The girl hadn’t gotten out of her car, but waved at us when we got out of David’s truck and went inside. Mason and Ted were both gone too, leaving us all alone in the house. “Go on up and make yourself at home. I’ll go grab your bag from the car.”

  “Thanks. I’ll get cleaned up.” I hoped I had everything I needed. I’d grabbed my things so quickly and stuffed them in the bag that I wasn’t sure what I had to put on.

  I still couldn’t believe that I’d dropped everything and ran to him. Thankfully, standing up to Rowena had worked and I bought myself more time. My emotions were a mess, but I felt better after our talk and was looking forward to being with him and spending a little time away from home. I had called Jenn and explained everything on my way. She told me to be careful, but wished me luck. I made a mental note to call her and tell her I’d made it back to Oklahoma in one piece. She hated that I’d taken off without any sleep and I felt bad that I let a whole day go by without checking in. I’d scold her if she did me that way, and I was sure to get a taste of her temper when I called.

  Heading straight for the shower, I stripped off my shirt, shoes, and jeans leaving them where they fell. I’d pick them up later, but I hoped he’d appreciate the welcome when he returned. I turned on the shower hoping that there’d be plenty of hot water to get my hair washed. I was a mess from the night before and the sand from my trip to the creek. Not to mention I smelled like boiled chicken.

  I unhooked my bra and slipped my arms free, letting it fall to my feet in the tiny bathroom. Testing the water, I adjusted the knobs and then slipped out of my panties. The small scrap of pink silk contrasted noticeably against the pale blue rug at my feet. I’d left him a trail much better than breadcrumbs.

  Stepping into the shower, my nipples hardened at the temperature change. Letting the water waken my pores, I reached for the soap and brought it to my nose remembering with the scent the very first time I’d seen him at Kinsey’s. He was so gorgeous and smelled so good. As I wet my hair and slid the cold gel across my breasts, he stepped into the small room.

  Through the thin curtain I could see his outline. Tall and strong, cut with well-earned muscles that only hard work could give, he pulled his shirt up over his head and dropped it to the floor. “You have room in there for me?” His voice sent a lick of heat straight to my core and I peeked around the curtain and curled my finger to motion him in.

  My heart raced with wanting. “I think we can manage.” Leaning my head back I rinsed the suds from my breasts and watched as he unbuttoned his jeans. I turned away but peeked over my shoulder as he dropped his pants, revealing his stiff length that protruded proudly. My gaze lingered over my shoulder and he held onto my shoulder until he situated behind me.

  After a moment, his hands found my hair, and he worked up a lather, working the suds through gently with his fingers. I hadn’t been aware that he’d found the shampoo I’d packed. As if he heard my thoughts he offered an explanation. “I got this from the bag you left.” He whispered the words in my ear as the head of his erection grazed across my lower back. “Smelling it reminded me of you.”

  It was nice thinking that he had missed me, and when I thought of how much I missed him, my heart warmed and filled with so much emotion that I sank back against him. “I forgot I left it here.”

  He guided my head carefully under the stream as he rinsed my hair. Then he slipped his hand down my front, cupping and rubbing, his fingers playing against my mound, working firm circles against me as he kissed my neck.

  Desire built deep in my core, my labia tingled with his taunting gropes as he applied pressure against me. His fingers parted my folds as they slipped by, not yet penetrating me.

  I spun around and glanced down at his hard length, his thick head grazing against my stomach as he pulled me into his kiss. I stood on my toes, and then he hiked me up against the wall, holding my hips firm.

  His eyes met mine, holding them in his gaze until he dipped his head to kiss my breasts. His hand slid up and across my ribs to cup one and then he taunted my sensitive nipple with his tongue, taking it gently between his teeth before suckling there, nuzzling his head against me.

  A moan escaped from my throat as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I gripped his hair as I thrusted my hips forward greedily. I wanted him. I needed him. I slinked my arm down between us and took him into my hand, gripping and stroking as his mouth broke free of my breast and crushed against my lips.

  His hands reached out searching for the knobs beside us and finally the water shut off. He kissed me as we stood there dripping, my bud throbbing so badly that I was sure to break apart if he touched it again.

  He pulled back the curtain, the cooler air kissing against my back, and slowly placed me on my feet, allowing me enough time to catch my balance before taking my hand to help me step out.

  He reached for a towel and wrapped it around me as he stood dripping, steam still rising from our hot flesh. “Is this going too fast again?”

  I shook my head and stepped against him, soothing my chill with his warmth. “No. It feels like it’s been way too long.”

  “I agree,” he whispered before his lips met mine again. Still soaking wet, he picked me up and carried me to the soft cotton comfort of his bed.

  He stood at the foot and took his erection in hand to give it a pump as his eyes lingered on
mine. He licked his lips and then knelt on the bed. He palmed my feet, his gaze sliding across my body, every now and then meeting my eyes, as he parted my legs. I let them fall open, remembering the time we’d spent on his hood and wanting more.

  He slid his hands up from my feet to my ankles, slowly gliding and caressing until he reached my knees where he cupped his hands behind them and lowered himself between them. My hips rolled upward, wanting him to take me, needing to feel the heat of his length piercing through my wet folds and quenching my desire.

  He licked his lips and then they brushed softly, planting a kiss against my mound, his tongue darting to my clit, where the contact sent me over the edge. I gripped his torso with my thighs and fisted his hair, not letting him stop as I rode the wave of ecstasy that rolled through me. He lapped greedily, feasting on me as I moaned, the sound echoing through the empty house.

  I opened my eyes and found him smiling proudly, peeking up from where I held his head. “Thanks be that we’re alone.” He planted another soft kiss against me as I released him.

  I panted and relaxed against his pillow, my crown of damp hair, giving me chills. “Don’t stop.”

  “I’m only getting started.” He got to his knees, working his erection in his grip as he sheathed it with a condom, and then nudged his way forward, parting my thighs wider and placing his head against my opening. He teased his cock against my folds, inching slowly inside, retreating and then repeating.

  I gave a frustrated growl and he smiled, lowering himself over me as he thrusted hard, burying his cock deep, stretching me wide as I welcomed him inside with a greedy pump of my hips as I settled around him.

  I grinded against him with my hips, and worked my muscles to milk him as he thrusted steadily. Our eyes met again, holding each other in our gaze as my breath hitched. I nudged him over, keeping him deep inside me as his back hit the mattress. He gripped my hips, lifting my ass as I rode him, my wet hair spilling against my shoulders giving me gooseflesh.

  He rubbed my arms to warm me and pulled me down in a fevered embrace; his hands wandered my body, exploring as I bounced my ass to work him. His hand stopped to cup my face and he let out a soft moan as he kissed me.

  He pulled away and brushed my wet hair away from my face. “Spin around.” He slapped my ass and I sat up and then shifted my legs, spinning on his cock until I faced away from him. He gathered my hair into his hands and shifted around until he knelt behind me, thrusting as he gripped my hair tight. I moaned as he pounded into me and then snaked a hand around to work my clit. My release beckoned me. I bit my lip to silence my scream as the orgasm ripped through me, the wetness soaked his shaft and trickled down my thigh.

  “Fuck, baby.” He quickened his pace and released, as a primal growl sounded from deep in his throat.

  I started to pull away, but he held me there, pumping his hips slowly. Then he finally pulled away. I turned to face him and he shook his head. “You sent me over when you came.”

  “It was perfect.” I kissed him, parting my mouth to accept his tongue. He growled and hurried to the bathroom to dispose of the spent condom. And I took the time to wrap my hair in the towel and moved myself between the sheets.

  He walked back into the room, his length still demanding attention as he slid into the covers with me. “You’re cold, aren’t you?”

  “I wasn’t during, but it hit me when you got up.” I snuggled close to him and yawned.

  “None of that, I’m not even through with you.” He nuzzled at my neck.

  A moan escaped me like a purr of approval. “Not done with me, huh? Are you ever going to be done with me?”

  His eyes narrowed in contemplation as he shook his head. “Nope, I don’t think I ever will.”

  “Good.” I tweaked his nose playfully and he grabbed my hand to pin it down.

  “Mmm, you want to play, huh?” His hand caressed my mound and I parted my legs. He wasted no time nestling between my thighs and inserting his fingers into my tender channel where he stroked softly.

  “Yes, please.” My chin quivered as he shifted the covers and I caught a chill, but it was short-lived as, in one quick movement, he was above me.

  “Such manners,” he spoke against my neck. He reached for the nightstand drawer, retrieving a condom which he made quick work with. Then he braced both arms around me and whispered in my ear, “Show me where you want it, baby. Guide it in.”

  I slid my hand down and found his cock hard and ready. Centering it at my opening, I inched myself toward it, barely allowing it to touch inside.

  David met my eyes and with a sly smile he pushed forward, burying himself deep. Instead of thrusting, he slowly grinded and then reached under my knee and hitched my leg up on his shoulder. I tilted my hips upward allowing his head to brush against my g-spot with each passing movement.

  As I clenched myself around his girth, he moaned. “This feels amazing, baby. My cock is so sensitive.”

  He quickened his pace and delicious pressure built inside my stomach as my orgasm lingered on the threshold. I splayed my arms out and gripped the sheet, bunching the cotton in my fists as I screamed with my release.

  “Hell yeah, come for me, Sarah.” David worked me steadily until moments later his own release came. His cock twitched inside me as it spilled, and his own moan sounded loud into the room.

  He pulled away and collapsed to the bed beside me. “I’m so glad you came back.”

  Our eyes met and we shared a soft laugh.

  “Me too.” I yawned big, feeling like a bag of bones. I melted down into the mattress and for a moment, during the silence, I felt as if only my mind existed. I was that spent and it was amazing.

  He sat up and then got to his feet. Then he went into the bathroom again. When he came back I forced myself to go and freshen up. But when I returned I dropped to the mattress like a sack of bricks and didn’t move until he pulled me against him, my back to his front.

  He nestled his face against my neck and the soft breeze of his breath soothed me. For once I wasn’t anxious for tomorrow and what would be with our futures and careers. I was simply content to stay in that moment with him forever. I lay listening as his breathing leveled off and waited for sleep to take me.

  Chapter 21

  David

  The first light of dawn hadn’t yet risen when I woke up to the soft breathing beside me. I couldn’t believe how peaceful and sound she slept, and I don’t think she’d moved from my arms the entire night. I had the urge to wake her, but she wasn’t accustomed to being up so early that it didn’t seem fair.

  Thinking back to the stories she’d told me about her mother and what a hard life she’d endured, I couldn’t help but feel the need to take care of her. If I had anything to do with it, she’d never have to struggle again, fancy music careers or not. I slipped my arms from around her and tucked the covers up over her shoulder and then crept to the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee.

  My brothers weren’t quite stirring, and I wondered how late they’d been out. With a quick glance out the front window, I counted everyone’s cars and even spotted Cindy’s. Luke had brought the girl home, and I knew it was only to prove he could. I wondered if Ted or Mason had done the same while I went to the kitchen and made quick work of starting the coffee brewing.

  I hated the fact that, despite the extra house guests, the house seemed too empty, and I knew it was because I was missing my parents. The smell of coffee would already be permeating the house because Mama would have been up long before us. She’d have a skillet full of bacon and eggs and a whole sheet of toast in the oven.

  I searched the fridge and pulled out everything I needed and hoped I had enough to feed everyone. I didn’t know how my mama did it. She worked hard and still managed to take care of us all. Taking on her chores and Dad’s was getting to be a bit rough, and made our days mighty long. I’d have to spend a little time with Sarah out in the coop and garden and that alone would help take a load off.

  Footsteps b
rought my gaze toward the door and I spotted Cindy doing her walk of shame as she headed for her car. Luke followed her out and after a few minutes he was standing behind me at the counter pouring a cup of coffee.

  “So what’s up with that?” I gestured toward the window where out in the drive the dust had yet to settle from Cindy’s departure.

  “Just a little fun. She didn’t want to drive home so late, so I said she could sleep over.”

  “Sleep, huh?” I shook my head and stirred the scrambled eggs one last time before cutting off the fire beneath them.

  Luke chuckled. “I got about as much as you got.”

  “Fair enough.” I took the last of the bacon from the grease and placed it to drain with the rest of it. I wasn’t sure I’d gotten Mama’s routine down pat, but we’d have full stomachs to start our day.

  Ted came down in time to belly up to the table. I waited for Mason, but when he didn’t follow I asked, “Where the hell is Mase?”

  Ted spooned jelly on his toast and shrugged. “My guess is he’s gnawing his arm off over at Lucy’s house.” I choked on my coffee and Luke dropped his fork.

  “Lucy?” The shock and horror that my baby brother might be snuggled up with Kinsey’s head waitress made my skin crawl.

  Ted belted a laugh. “Heck no, but her niece,” Ted whistled, “she’s gorgeous. Mason left Kinsey’s with her and left me his keys. I thought she’d bring him home, but I guess they ended up at Lucy’s.”

  Luke left the table to pour himself another cup. “Great, let’s hope that he’s not gone all day. We’ve got enough work.”

  Ted’s eyes met mine. “City Girl gonna sleep in?”

  “She’s not used to such early mornings. I’ll get her up in a bit and introduce her to the chickens and show her how to work the garden too.”

  Ted snorted. “Great, so we’re going to have to do your workload while you show the City Girl how to play farmer’s wife.”

  “No, I’m going to do both. It won’t take but a minute to show her around and I’ll be back at it in no time.” I didn’t know why they had to be that way, knowing I’d never left them hanging before.