by Sable Hunter
“I know.” She took a couple of deep breaths, trying to put everything into perspective. “How are we going to do this?”
He glanced over at her, seeing how tightly she was gripping the steering wheel. “Hey, don’t look so worried. I will never make you regret the decision to be with me.”
She looked at him briefly, then back to the road. “Benjen, don’t ever think I don’t want to be with you. You have brightened my life and made me so happy. Any doubts I have are not about you.”
He knew that wasn’t exactly true. She did doubt herself, but she also doubted his ability to stay true to his commitment. Although this hurt him, he understood how she was only going by what she’d experienced. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to prove to you that I am yours. Completely.”
His adamant declaration warmed her heart. She felt the burden of uncertainty begin to lift. “Okay.” She glanced at him again, putting on her blinker to turn on to the road toward their homes. “I believe you and I want this to work more than anything. So…where are we going right now? My house or yours? I’m sure you need to pack.”
“Hmmm, yea. Let’s go to the Rock House and I’ll pack a bag. I want to split our time between the houses. I want you to feel as much at home on the ranch as I do. Eventually, we’ll move there full time – when you’re comfortable with it.”
“I like the sound of that and I agree.” Apple placed her hand on her chest to calm the beating of her heart. “I’m excited.”
He cupped the back of her head, stroking her hair. “Me too. This is the beginning of our grand adventure. I plan on making sure you’re the happiest woman in the world. I promise.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“You haven’t packed any shorts or socks,” Apple murmured as she arranged his jeans and shirts in the duffle bag. “And toiletries.”
“Oh, yea.” He pulled open a drawer and started chunking cotton briefs toward her. “I don’t travel much and I don’t remember the last time I stayed somewhere for a sleepover.” He gave her a wink. “This is exciting.”
She giggled happily as she caught the flying undies. “Yea, we’re going to have fun.”
“Here’s the socks.” He brought over a stack of white tube socks. “Now for my toothbrush and stuff.” With light steps, he hurried to the bathroom and came back with an armload of shampoo, deodorant, and other miscellaneous items. “Man, next time I buy stuff, I think I’ll get two of everything.”
“Yea, it would probably be easier.” She considered what she’d bring if she were to come stay with him for a few days. “What did your brothers say about this development.”
Her question sounded casual, but he could tell by the stiffness in her shoulders that she was concerned. “I’ll tell you what they said.” Benjen fell back on the bed and pulled her with him. “They’re thrilled for me. However we choose to do this, they’re fully supportive. You’re completely welcome here. This is my home and yours too.”
“I just knew there was some disagreement about your future plans.”
Benjen lined their bodies up so he could steal kisses from her lips. “Well, Easy’s decision to go to Louisiana put a quietus on the discussion. I’m confident everything will work out. After all, where a person lives isn’t as important as who they live with.”
“Yes, but I know how much this place means to you. You told me, remember?”
“True.” He traced her lips with the tip of his finger. “At the time, I felt that way. Now, after falling in love with you, I realize what’s important.” He rubbed his lips softly over hers. “You’re so precious to me, my Apple. So precious.”
Just as Apple was melting against him, hoping this little encounter was about to become something more – Hope hopped in the middle of the bed.
“Hey, girl! My goodness! You do know how to spoil the moment, don’t you?” Benjen sat up with the dog in his lap.
“Hope, you’d better go pack your stuff. You’re going with us.” Apple looked questioningly at Benjen. “Isn’t she?”
“If it’s okay with you,” he said with an expectant look on his handsome face.
“Of course. She’s your dog. You’re a package deal.”
“God, that’s why I love you so.” He pulled Apple to her feet and they finished packing. “I’ll bring my truck and follow you home.”
“Okay. Good!” She almost skipped out of the Rock House, happy that her lonely days were behind her. “I’ll race you!”
“Oh, no. You’re going to drive safely under the speed limit,” he told her solemnly. His recent experience teamed with the memory of his father’s accident made Benjen cautious.
“Okay. Okay.” She kissed him as she passed to go to her vehicle. “Don’t worry. Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
“Not if I can help it.” He loaded his things and Hope in the truck, then eased in behind her as she pulled out of the drive. As they traveled down the narrow road and the bridge built over the Slab, Benjen was surprised when Apple put on her brakes and stopped, pulling over to the side of the road. He edged up behind her and stopped too.
“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked after he’d opened his door.
“There’s a dog and she won’t get out of the road!” she called.
He left the engine on to keep Hope cooled, then hurried up to see what was going on. Sure enough, there was a female pit bull standing in the middle of the road barking. “Is she hurt?”
“She’s so thin and she’s nursing.” Apple started to approach her and Benjen caught her arm.
“Let me.”
As he started toward the dog, she took off across the field.
“Hey, wait!” Apple called to her. “Don’t go.” She looked at Benjen with concern. “Someone threw her away, I just know they did.”
The big animal went a few dozen yards off and stopped. Facing the concerned couple, she began to bark again.
“What she doing?” Apple asked. “Come here, sweetie.”
The pit bull walked a few more feet away, then turned and barked again.
“I think she wants us to follow her,” Benjen murmured. “Stay here.”
“Uh-uh. Where you go, I go.” Apple ran to his side.
“You’ve said that before.” He took her hand, raising it to his lips to kiss it. “I like it.”
They took off after the animal, who seemed to have a destination in mind. “I bet it’s her pups, Benjen. She’s asking for help.”
“Well, today’s her lucky day.” Benjen knew Apple felt like he did. Seeing an animal in distress just tore him up inside.
“One day, I’m going to have that shelter and I’ll be able to help a lot of animals.”
Benjen didn’t say anything, but he smiled. Her wish was his command. “Look, she’s going down into a thick growth of cedars.” Still, clasping Apple’s hand, he went ahead of her, leading her down the slightly uneven path. “Be careful. Watch your step.”
“Oh, I hear them. I hear them.”
Benjen smiled at her voice. She immediately went into the aww mode. “Oh, I bet they’re going to be so cute!”
“I’m sure.” He watched the mother dog closely. As far as he was concerned pit bulls received a bad rap, but he did respect the breed. “Oh, my word.”
Apple edged in to look over Benjen’s shoulder. The mother dog was hassling, she almost looked like she was smiling. “See, she was asking for help. I bet someone hauled her off and she gave birth on her own.”
Lying in a bed of straw were six tiny, squirming puppies. “Well, what do you want to do?” Benjen asked her.
“You know what I want to do without asking, Blackhawk.” Apple looked around them, there was no house in sight. “We can’t leave them here.”
He grinned at his girl. “Yea. Okay, let’s see if she’ll let me pick them up.” Benjen eased over, moving slowly and picked up one pup. The mother pit bull whined and moved a few inches closer but made no move to stop him. “Here.” He went to hand one to Apple.
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��Hold on.” She picked up the full skirt of her sundress. “I’ll make a little basket for them.”
“I love you,” he whispered as he placed the tiny creature in her uplifted skirt. “Nice view. Gorgeous legs.”
Apple blushed. “Just give me those dogs. We’ll take them in my car, so we won’t upset Hope. When we get to my house, let’s house them in the garage for the night.”
As she spoke, he moved the other five pups. The mama dog came even closer. She seemed to be grateful and anxious at the same time.
“Don’t worry, girl. You and your family are going to be fine.” He took off his belt and slipped it under a ratty collar the pit bull wore. “There’s no tag. I think we can safely say no one is looking for her.”
“People can be so cruel,” Apple murmured as she started back, stepping carefully as she carried her precious bundle.
“Tomorrow, I’ll build a shelter in the yard for them. We’ll have to keep the dogs separate for a while. She’ll be protective of her family. We don’t want any confrontations.”
“Okay. And I’ll start looking for homes for them. We’ll put their photos up at the vet office, someone will want to adopt them.” She looked down at the little mites. “They’re so sweet.”
When they returned to Apple’s car. Benjen helped her load the puppies and their mother into the back seat. Once they were settled, he returned to his truck and they completed their journey.
Upon arriving at her house, she opened the garage and they transferred their new boarders to the enclosure. While Apple found them something soft to lie on, Benjen put Hope in the house, then brought out food and water for the female pit bull. “They’ll be comfortable here tonight and tomorrow we’ll transfer them to the yard. We can put the babes on the porch in a box and I’ll take our two dogs to the ranch. After work, I’ll get everything better organized.”
“You’re such a good man.” Apple went to him, snuggling into his arms.
“I don’t know. I’ve never understood how people can turn their backs on animals who depend on them.” He peeped at the puppies one more time, then they left the small family alone, shutting the garage door behind them. “Sleep tight guys, you’re safe now.”
After retrieving his duffle from the truck, they made their way into the house. Hope and Rose danced around, fully aware of the strange canine smells on their favorite people.
“You’ll get to meet our guests tomorrow,” Apple assured the dogs as she saw to their needs, giving them each a can of food. “Benjen, will sandwiches be okay for supper?”
“Absolutely. In fact, let me do the honors.” He left his belongings on the couch, then came to the kitchen to help her. “Remember the picnic? I’m a good cook.”
“Yes, you are,” she agreed. “I’ll make a salad.” Over the next few minutes, they worked companionably side by side. Even though she was excited about him coming to stay with her, Apple had been a little nervous about how they would make things work. The unexpected adventure with the pit bulls gave them something to focus on besides the newness of their situation.
In no time, they carried their plates to the couch to chow down on ham and cheese sandwiches accompanied by a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
“So, what do you do to unwind in the evenings?” Benjen asked as he took a swig of sweet tea.
“Hmmm, I’m not much for television but I have basic cable.” She handed him the remote. “Sometimes, I knit. Sometimes, I read – but there’s one thing I always do when it’s time to relax.”
“Oh, really?” Benjen smiled wickedly. “Is this something I’d like to watch?”
Apple gasped. “I’m not talking about…that!”
He laughed with joy. “Well, maybe I can convince you to do it for me sometime.”
“Maybe.” She flushed a deep rose pink. “No, I was talking about writing in my journal.” This was something she’d started doing when she first married Alan. “I started doing it to impress my husband.” At Benjen’s frown, she quickly continued. “After a while though, it gave me a place to channel my frustrations and work through things.”
“Okay, I see.” He nodded, spearing a grape tomato. “I go for horseback rides in the evening to do the same thing.”
Apple finished her salad and set the empty dish on the coffee table, then started on her sandwich. “You won’t be able to do that here,” she worried aloud. “I don’t have a place for you to keep your horse.”
“We’ll work it out. We’re close and we’ll spend some nights at the ranch.” He took another bite of his sandwich. Looking around the small living room, he saw some things he’d never noticed before. “Is that a photo of your parents?” Benjen pointed to a framed picture on a table next to the wall.
“Yea, it is,” she acknowledged. “I think I told you they live in Florida.”
“Do you see them often?” He finished his first sandwich and wiped his hands on a napkin, studying the emotions flitting across her features.
“No. I don’t. They were good parents, but I think they were relieved when I married Alan. After Mr. Cates lost his company, my folks moved to Houston. As soon as my dad could retire, they headed south to Florida. I talked to them when Alan was declared MIA. Except for a Christmas card, I haven’t heard from them since.”
“I’m sorry.” Her soft confession hurt his heart. Everyone she’d trusted had betrayed her in one way or another. “You can count on me, Apple. I’m not going anywhere.”
She gave him a small smile. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m strong.”
“Yes, you are.” He held out his arms. “But you don’t have to be, not all the time. You’ve got me to lean on now.”
For a few moments, she rested in his embrace. “Let me clean up the kitchen and I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll help, then I’ll watch some baseball highlights while you write in your journal.” He picked up his dirty dishes and walked along behind her, admiring the swish of her skirt as it played along her shapely legs. “Man, I love to walk behind you.”
Apple giggled. “You’re so bad. I’m going to enjoy you.”
Benjen groaned. The idea of her enjoyment of him was intoxicating.
When they returned to the living room, she grabbed her journal. “This won’t take me but a minute and then we’ll cuddle on the couch and watch television…or whatever you want to do.”
“Okey-doke.” Benjen slipped off his boots, then stretched out on the couch. After turning on the television, he began flipping through channels. He tried, he really tried to concentrate – but the sight of Apple stretched out on the floor, lying on her tummy – that sweet little ass of hers beckoned him like a flower drew the attention of a honeybee.
Letting out a harsh breath, he pulled on the crotch of his jeans to give his cock more room, shifting uneasily in his seat. “Baseball, baseball, baseball, think baseball,” he whispered, focusing on the television screen.
“Hmmmm,” she murmured, wiggling a bit on the floor, kicking up one leg to wiggle her foot.
The television was forgotten. Benjen was hypnotized. Apple looked so hot, her chin propped up on one hand. He could see her full breasts hanging down like luscious fruit. “About through?”
“Uh-huh. Almost.” She held up one finger. “Just a sec.”
“Did you say sec or sex?” He threw the remote down and joined her on the floor.
Apple giggled, but she didn’t look around to see him moving toward her like a big, determined panther.
“What are you writing about?” He came over the top of her, blanketing her back with his strong body. “Are you saying something about me?” Unable to ignore the temptation, he moved Apple’s hair to one side so he could kiss her neck.
“Hey!” She folded her arms over the book, bowing her head to hide what she’d written. “I’m almost through.” A shiver passed through her body. Resisting Benjen was almost impossible. “Give me just another minute.”
“Go ahead.” He dipped his body a tad lower
and rubbed against her, continuing to brush butterfly kisses on her neck and shoulders. “Don’t mind me.”
“Benjen…” She tried to cajole him to stop the enticing seduction and let her finish the last sentence. “Patience is a virtue.”
“Oh, all right,” he gruffed, rising to return to the couch. “Rejection hurts, just so you know.”
“You’re not being rejected…you’re being postponed. For. Just. A.” She wrote hastily. “Few.” Another word or two, then a flourish and she closed the book. “Seconds!”
“Humph.” Benjen kept his eyes on the television, his lips pressed together to hide a smile. “Sorry, I’m no longer in the mood.”
“Oh, really?” Keeping her eye on him, she rose and slinked toward him – at least she hoped she was slinking. If he looked her way, she didn’t catch him at it. “So…you’re not in the mood?” Putting her knee on the cushion at the far end of the couch from where he was sitting, she cat-crawled over to him, climbing up on his body in much the same way he’d done to her. “Do you think I could change your mind?”
“Uh, I don’t know.” He looked around her shoulder at the television screen. “I’m pretty interested in this game.”
She took off his Stetson, then began to kiss his cheek. “The game I’m suggesting is pretty fun.”
“Oh, really?” He glanced at her just once, a brief glance. Too much eye contact and she’d see the merriment in his gaze. “What kind of game? Tiddlywinks?”
“No, not tiddlywinks – whatever that is.” Apple chose to ignore any misgivings she was feeling. Instead, she chose to stand firm on Benjen’s assurance of how much he wanted her in his life. “Earlier, you asked if you could watch. Remember?”
“Yea…” She had his attention now.
“Would watching me touch myself be one of your fantasies?” she asked provocatively, whispering in his ear. “Because, watching a guy do it is one of mine.”
Faster than light, he moved, gathering Apple in his arms, his hands moving over her back, stroking and caressing. “Oh, hell yea. I have a list of fantasies as long my arm.” With his head bent to hers, his lips brushed against her ear. “And I plan to fulfill them all with you.”