by Beck, J. L.
Jet stared at her for a second, then his laughter grew. “You are the—damndest woman!” He swiped at his tears of hilarity. He sighed like someone does after a good laugh, then swallowed and shook his head. “Those are all good ideas though.”
“They all really happened Jet,” she informed him.
“Yeah and that’s part of why I just gotta have you with me Maggie. I have never known a woman like you.” He gazed into her eyes while his expression grew serious. “But, no. I meant the idea of us,” he whispered low, “Us…being together every day, going out, riding the range or going swimming in the river. Or, to somewhere for dinner where they have REAL restrooms.” He smiled. “Maybe you taking me to some museums and other sophisticated places. Maybe not as sophisticated as the she devil Stud Ranch, but somewhere almost as nice.” He gave her a wink. “I could use some polish. Then…” He stood up. “Us, being together every night. Making love to you, making you mad, making you laugh…”
Maggie sat very still while she stared up at him as ripples of shock hit her in waves. His US speech stunning her speechless, no easy feat either. This tall, good-looking cowboy…a man who could have anyone he wanted and twice on Sunday. Is saying that she turns him on and that she’s the one for him? Her eyes betrayed her will and they took in all of him. His long, strong legs, his form fitting Levis and yes, that hard bulge in his jeans. OH! Her eyes shot up to his face.
Jet wore that dazzling smile again. “You are gonna be mine, Mags. You can have the lipstick, hankies and my boxers full of cash too. I will even give you my newly polished Champion belt.” He grinned. “Because you win. I’m already yours!”
Maggie gulped and felt like she was the one who must be crazy now. His Champion bull riding belt? He has to be putting on an act…but who would pull a con this far?
“I remembered something too. It was something my Dad told me when he was still with us. He said, ‘when you meet your match, it will be like riding a wild bull. It will buck you, try to throw you and resist like hell over high water, but if you want it and you know it yours…you hang on and ride it out till it is yours.’ I never knew that he wasn’t actually talking about bull riding itself, till just now.” He let out a soft laugh. “Well, Mags I’m a hangin’ on and no set of twins, sister, father, brother or bull is gonna toss me off.”
Maggie sucked in her breath. This man can’t serious! She could have sworn he would now back down once the twins made their announcement and his plans were so obviously exposed. But no, here he is—she stared up at his face—stating his plan. I win? He’s already mine?
Those cobalt eyes of his glimmered with heat as he stared back—looking like a cowboy god while claiming he would still be marrying her.
Mmm, maybe it’s because I keep resisting? Yeah, and that may go along with his riding the resisting bull thing. That has to be it. I mean what woman would ever turn this man down? Nobody half sane! That has to be it. He just wants me because I keep saying no. Because I damn well know, he didn’t have me the other night. He was lying his ass off about that. Okay…I’m gonna turn the tables.
Maggie stood up and faced him. Tugging her shirt up and off, she dropped it to the floor.
His eyes rounded at her.
She unsnapped her jeans and tugged them down.
“What the hell are you doing?” he asked.
Maggie smiled sweetly at him then stepped out of her jeans and turned away to head to the bedroom.
“Maggie?” he called out from behind her.
She went into the bedroom and wondered if she actually needed to go all the way with this ruse as she halted and stared nervously at the bed. Should I just shuck my panties and bra then lay spread eagled on the bed? Her body shook. I’ve never been that bold with any guy. Offering myself up like an afternoon snack. She shrugged her shoulders. Well, he claims we did it already, so he’s seen me like this once before right? She went ahead and did the undergarment shucking. Laying down on the bed, she giggled nervously as she spread her thighs and waited.
This will tip those crafty Jet scales and tell me just what he is really up to. I will give him what he wants and then as Mama Daisy would say, ‘All the color bleeds out in the wash in the end.’
Jet came in through the door and halted dead in his tracks. “Maggie!” His voice rose. “What…?” His words fell away as he stared at her bare body.
Maggie visibly shivered at the heat in his eyes. Her gaze swung to his jean covered package and she gulped. It has turned him on! “Come—” She had to swallow once to speak, “Come and get it.” Okay dumb line, what are ya going to do, ring the dinner bell now?
Jet bit at his lip, as he stayed rooted to the spot.
“Well? You keep saying how much I turn you on.” She spread her legs wider. “Come and show me,” she cooed at him in her best rendition of sexy talk. Oh man, the next thing you know, I will be saying come up and see me sometime, big boy. Nervous as all hell, she bit at her lip to keep from giggling like a teen.
Jet took a step closer as his breathing visibly accelerated. “Why are you doing this?”
Maggie licked at her lips. “Why not?” Good answer, Mags!
He took another step while his eyes blazed at her, then his gaze settled on her large breasts and he seemed to be mesmerized.
Maggie felt her nipples stiffen as if a breeze caressed them. Oh wow, his hot blue eyed looking is causing a reaction .Like he’s caressing me with his eyes.
“Hmmm,” he groaned as he took another few steps to get to the bed.
Okay, here comes the whatnot! Maggie waited for the telltale Stetson playboy come to life…act one. Then chicken hawk eats chick and shows his true feathers, act two.
Jet sat at the end of the bed and gently grabbed her bare foot.
Maggie gasped at the feeling of his hot hands.
“What are your favorites, Maggie?” he asked softly as he caressed her calf and ankle.
“My favorites?”
He nodded. “Yeah, like…” He stroked her skin along her knee. “Do you like it slow and easy?” he purred at her while moving his hands up, sensually kneading the skin of her thigh with his strong fingers.
Maggie was trembling now, and her juices just bubbled out of her opening. His hands were so warm and firm, she could just imagine all the ways he could use them. “Umm…” The answer would not pass from her lips.
“Or…” He crawled up and laid his clothed body over her naked form. Reaching up, he grasped her breasts with both hands while he seemed to roll his eyes with pleasure. “…Do you like it hard and fast?” he breathed the question to her mouth as he gave her double Ds a squeeze.
Her body felt like it was burning with his hard pressing heat, sexy talk and his hot breath blowing on her lips.
“Because if it were me, I would choose slow and I would…” He paused and reached his hands under her to give her ass cheeks the same treatment as her boobs. He lifted her up against that hard bulge in his jeans. “Pump you hard and fast, then…” He tilted his pelvis against her as he swiped her trembling lip with his hot tongue. “Slowly, lick you all over until you beg me to give you more…”
Maggie was full out panting now, and her eyes widened as she clenched her thighs together with need. Oh, the scent of him and that deep seducing voice…What the hell was I thinking? Her juices were flowing while her nipples felt like diamonds that could cut glass. Holy flying stars! She felt trapped by those blazing blue eyes. What was my point again—when I started this? Any second now, I’m gonna open my legs and beg him to do me!
Jet stared into her eyes. “It isn’t gonna work though…” He raised up and stepped off the bed. “Believe me I want to.” He stared hard at her and released a huge breath. “I more than want you. But, we are gonna do this right. I won’t be doing you until you believe me.” He bent down and gave her a soft kiss on her forehead. “Sweet dreams Mags. I know I’m gonna dream about…” He stepped back. “All of this, that’s for dammed sure.” He gave her a playful wink and
went out through the door.
Maggie bolted upright as her chest heaved with pants and her pulse hammered off the charts. “What the hell?” she exclaimed. “He called my bluff! Ohhh!” She grabbed a pillow and clamped it to her needy, ramped up body as she shook like a leaf. I intended to make him step up or back down. “Then instead, the chicken hawk circled and swooped over the naked little chick but chose not to go in for the kill?” She squeezed her pillow hard. “Dammit!”
The truth was she felt disappointed and glad all at the same time. He could’ve taken her, they would have had hot sex and then, she would have watched the game fold up as he walked away for good. On the other hand, he chose to resist and he stayed the course he claims to be on! Her heart felt glad but her poor yearning body was horrendously disappointed.
God dammit, If we ever…I would die of ecstasy and I would be a goner. If it did happen, I would be totally under his charmed cowboy spell. He could crush my heart like a bug under his cowboy boots!
Maggie squeezed her eyes shut and decided not to move for a while. What else can I do? Well, I know I can come up with something. After all, Smart Girl can’t let Hot Cowboy one up her like this!
CHAPTER TWELEVE
LACE & VELVET
BREA
Brea sat in Mable’s office and tried to hold herself together. She’d cried herself out. Time to figure out what to do now.
Mable sat down at her huge oak desk. “Brea, honey…” she started, then she sighed and clasped her hands together on her desktop. “If you were with Jet I would be helping you to pack your bags for sure. But you ain’t. This is Cole and he’s always been the sweetest most responsible boy. All of his life.”
Sniffling, Brea nodded. “I know.”
“Well, I hope so. You just need some time to yourself and time to maybe, realize things. He made a mistake and Jet helped in that part.”
“I know all that. It’s just…”
“Yes?”
“He didn’t tell me about it. I mean he was married before? And he just proposed too!” Flashes of chocolate cake, M&M’s and laughter floated through her tired mind. She clenched her hands together. NO MORE CRYING!
“I think he answered that question too. He’s in love with you. I haven’t ever seen him care for a woman like he does for you.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “Really. So, I think maybe you should move into the Cook’s Cottage with Maggie if you need some time.”
“You mean leave his room?”
Cole’s mother nodded. “If you’re that mad at him and well, if you find that you can’t forgive him, you will have to move even further away.”
Brea stood up. “You mean never see him again?” Her voice rose with panic.
Mable s leaned back in her seat, a smile edging at her lips. “It may come to that. Then, I suppose he would have to honor his agreement with Valeen.”
Brea sucked in her breath as her fists clenched. “Over my dead body!”
Mable looked serious now. “It’s all up to you, but…”
Brea looked afraid. “But what?”
“I love my son and while I don’t kin to him suffering. I do think he needs to earn your trust back. I mean...let’s tell the truth here. You ARE going to take him back.”
Brea’s lip trembled as she slowly sat back down. “Yes, I probably will. I mean just look at him!” Her gaze shot up to Mable’s face. “I never thought a man like him would want a—”
“Stop right there missy!” Mable leaned forward. “I once felt like that, until I met Cole’s dad. If you think those boys, get their looks from me? Then, you’re plumb crazy! Cole does want a girl like you…just like you.”
“So, what do I do then?”
“You move in with Maggie. Might be a good idea anyway seeing how my other son can’t seem to keep his hands off her. Then, I want you to not give in so soon. You need to hold your ground for a day or two at least. I don’t mean for you to tell him never, but you should find a way to…well, have him woo you. Court you like the old days. Lord knows, this family could use some of that, instead of this hop in and get to it attitude.”
Brea bit at her lip to keep from smiling. “Well, if you hadn’t brought such hunky men into this world, then maybe women could resist doing that.”
Mable’s eyes rounded, then she tilted her head back, releasing a huge laugh.
Brea tried to smile, but she couldn’t quite pull it off and she stood up. “Okay, I will try it. But what if he just gives up?”
Mable’s laughter halted. “Are you daft, girl? Didn’t you hear anything he said at dinner?”
Brea nodded. “Yes, I suppose so.”
“He has no choice in it. He will do everything he can to get you back. Okay, I will send your bags over. Then? I would expect a panicked, huffing and puffing cowboy at your door soon after that!” Mable started to laugh again. “I want you to stand tough, girl. It’s not every day when a man like Cole has to fight for a woman.”
Brea shook her head. She wasn’t so sure about this, but Mable did know her own son, right?
She headed out and walked up the path then stood at the cottage door. Hearing voices, she wondered if she should just wait…Then, there was silence. She eased the door open and stepped inside. She knew that voice it was Jet for sure. Dammit, what if they were…No, Maggie was hopping mad before. I would sincerely doubt it. She crept forward.
“I more than want you. But, we are gonna do this right. I won’t be doing you until you believe me.”
Brea sucked in a breath as she heard Jet’s declaration.
He then said something about dreaming, and Brea moved back toward the kitchen. She ducked behind the corner wall until she heard the front door shut. Peeking out through the window, she watched the twin to her sweet cowboy moving up the walk to the Big House. Again, she crept forward, stopped at the bedroom door and peered inside. Gasping, she ducked her head back. Maggie was completely naked. Jet left her that way? Untouched? ‘Won’t be doing her till she believed him…’
“Dammit!” Maggie yelled from inside the bedroom.
Bern stepped inside. “Um, Mags?”
Maggie sat upright, a pillow tucked to her chest. “Oh, holy moly, did you hear all that?” Her face glowed with a rosy pink hue.
Brea shrugged as she moved in further. “Just the last part. What the hell are you doing, Mags?”
She looked frustrated. “I was calling his bluff!” she fumed. “I laid myself out like deli meat on a hoagie bun at Subway and he just—just…”
“Resisted?”
Maggie nodded. “I just don’t understand him! I mean a hot to trot cowboy sundae like him? He should have jumped on me like white on rice.”
“Cowboy sundae?” Brea asked with a slow smile. “Yeah…all chocolate covered, topped off with M&Ms…” Cole, dressed just like that drifted through her mind.
Maggie stared at her. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far. I mean—yeah...” Her animated voice slowed down as her eyes almost glazed over. “…Add some whipped cream and I will just bet the fudge would melt as soon as it hit his skin…Then, placing the cherry on top would be…” She cleared her throat and shook her head as if she just came back from a mind trip to Cowboy Sundae Land. “Talk about dishing it up!” Her eyes seemed to clear and then widen as her shocked gaze rose up to Brea. “You actually had a cowboy sundae like that?”
Brea blinked her eyes and focused her stare at her little sister. Her cheeks were heating up. “Well…” She sat on the bed. “He baked a chocolate cake for me and then he used M&Ms to spell out, ‘Will you marry me Brea?’”
Maggie put her hand over her mouth. “Oh, lord that is so dammed sweet! What a guy!”
Brea’s eyes filled with tears. “He had the ring on the question mark and I jumped right up on him.” She laughed through her tears. “We were covered in chocolate frosting and we…” She started to weep. “It—was—the happiest moment of my liiffe!” she sobbed out.
Maggie scooted
forward and patted her on the back. “It will be okay Brea. He really does love you. Anyone can see it!”
Brea sniffled as she tried to get herself under control again. She stood up and gazed down at her sister. “Well, I think the same can be said for his brother. I mean he has changed overnight. All because of you.”
Maggie looked nervous. “I’m too afraid…”
Brea sighed. “I was too, and I still am. But, even though what happened tonight tore me up? It would be worse if I never saw him again. You need to take a chance Mags.” She walked over to the door.
“Where you going?”
“I’m sleeping in the next room, okay?”
“So, you—you left Cole?”
Brea halted at the door. “In a way. But we will see what happens.” She then went out and down the hall to the small bedroom there. It would have to do. All her clothes were in—in Cole’s room.
Her lower lip quivered. I suppose I will just sleep in my undies, after all, Maggie wore nothing! She almost smiled. That girl is something else, stripping down and tempting Jet. Brave thing to do. I never would have…Well, I did brazen it out and come here to get my cowboy, so I guess courage runs in the family. Removing her shoes, shirt and jeans, she got in under the sheets. She was wore out from all that crying. And I ain’t gonna cry no more!
Closing her eyes, she drifted off as dancing M&Ms and the taste of chocolate haunted her.
A little while later, she heard a door slam. Her eyes popped open and there he stood at the end of her bed. She gasped and sat up. She didn’t know what to say as she slowly gazed up at his face.
Cole stood with his fists clenched at his sides. His usually soft looking blue eyes looked raging, the color going to a deep simmering blue.
Brea gulped. He looks angry. I have never seen him look like this—
Silent, he stepped to the side of the bed to scoop her up, sheet and all.
Brea’s eyes widened as he swung around and marched out the door with her in his arms, he opened the front door and carried her through, then slammed it behind him.