Deacon's Touch (2 page)
"No, and I've never been to Texas, either."
"Well then, we'll have to make sure we take real good care of you and guarantee you'll have a good time.” Why did that sound purely sexual to him?
"I'm sure it'll be great,” she answered and turned her head to look out her window.
Ah. Not real comfortable with him looking at her when he was this close. “Where're you from?"
"Seattle."
"Beautiful city."
She smiled at him, the first genuine one she'd given, and a dimple appeared in her right cheek. “You've been there?"
"Few times."
When he didn't elaborate, an awkward silence descended and her foot tapped faster on the floorboard.
Be nice.
He withheld a sigh. “You a friend of the bride's?"
She seemed relieved that he'd spoken. “Sort of. I'm closer to the groom, though. I promised I'd come here to represent his side."
He glanced down at her hands in her lap. No ring on the left one. “What do you do back home?"
"I'm a stock broker."
Ah. That would probably explain why she was wound so tight. “Sounds stressful."
"It has its challenging moments. Have you always worked the ranch?"
Sudden tension grabbed his muscles. “No. Came home a few months ago to help out."
"Oh. From where?"
The question was polite, but he wasn't interested in discussing his past. “Overseas.” His brusque tone had the intended effect because she stilled for an instant, then turned her head to stare out her window. He imagined his younger brothers Dane and Dustin glaring at him in disapproval. The eldest, Dillon, would just thin his lips in that censuring way that made Deke's hackles rise.
Reigning in his irritation, he made several more attempts at small talk on the way out to the ranch, but mostly let her carry the conversation. Pulling up in front of the main lodge, he killed the engine and went around to help her out. Her sweet scent enveloped him as she leaned out of the truck and braced a slim hand on his shoulder.
"Careful, it's a long way down.” He gripped her free hand and set his other one on the curve of her waist, his fingers pressing against the firm flesh concealed beneath that snug shirt for an instant longer than necessary. He liked the way she felt. What was she wearing underneath? She seemed uptight enough to warrant a plain beige bra and white granny panties. But wouldn't it be hot if she had on some Victoria's Secret set under there?
"Thanks.” She flashed him a tense smile and stepped away.
"Welcome.” He shut the door, and when she bent to check in her purse for something, her top gaped enough for him to see the pale curve of one breast and a glimpse of light pink lace.
Damn, she
was
wearing sexy lingerie under there. He stole a discreet glance at her butt but couldn't see any panty lines. Was she wearing a matching thong? He wondered what other secrets she was hiding.
"Might as well check in first, before we unload your luggage.” He gestured for her to precede him up the concrete path that led to the guest lodge. She swung her purse over her shoulder and walked away, and he couldn't help but admire the view of her shapely ass as it swayed with each step. The woman might be uptight, but she had a truly excellent body.
His younger brother, Dustin, was in the office when they walked in. Friendly and easy-going, he got up and shook Jessica's hand. “I'm Dusty. Welcome to Dumen Ranch."
"Thanks, I'm glad to be here.” Her stunning eyes lifted to Deke's. “Do all your names start with D?"
"Yes. You'll meet Dillon and Dane later."
A tiny frown creased her forehead. “Okay, that's...confusing."
"Not really. We all look different, so you won't have any trouble telling us apart.” Not that she'd see him much. He mostly kept to himself and did his best to avoid the guests when he could. It irked his eldest brother to no end. Dillon's baritone echoed in his head.
Might as well pitch in while you're here. It's better than moping around feeling sorry for yourself all the time.
Like their dad, Dillon believed in the tough love routine. Deke was tightest with his big brother, because they'd both served in the military. But since he'd come back to the ranch to get his life back together, they butted heads constantly. Two alpha males pissing in the woods to see who could mark a tree the highest.
Once Jessica was checked in, Dusty handed her a key. “This is for your cabin."
Her dark, perfectly arched brows rose a notch. “Cabin?"
"Yep. You're sharing with the bride."
"Oh. Is there wireless in the cabin?"
Deke grinned, but Dusty beat him to the answer. “No, but we have it here in the main lodge. It's spotty and a bit on the slow side, but it's better than nothing."
Her frown deepened. “Oh...okay. Thanks."
"I'm in charge of guest services here, so if there's anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable, just let me know."
"That's very sweet of you."
Dusty winked, and his
aw, shucks-all-the-women-love-me
smile made Deke want to roll his eyes. And for some reason he didn't like the way Dusty's appreciative gaze swept over Jessica's body. He narrowed his eyes at his brother, but then Jessica glanced up at him. “I guess I'm all set then. Just need to get my suitcase."
"I'll get it."
Dusty cocked a brow at him. “Really?"
Deke shot him a hard look. “Yeah, really. I'll take her to the cabin.” Least he could do, since he felt like an asshole for how gruff he'd been on the drive over. “This way,” he told her and slid a hand against the small of her back, wishing he could feel her bare skin.
Her head jerked up, her eyes full of surprise as they met his. So maybe the gesture was bold and bordering on territorial, but it was still respectful. And she felt good beneath his hand. Keeping his palm firmly in place, he guided her outside into the warm night air. Down the path, her cabin was pitch dark. “Everyone else is out for the night, but the lodge is always open if you need anything."
She nodded, her long curls blowing in the slight breeze. A few steps down the path, she suddenly stopped. He glanced down at her to find her head tipped back and her eyes closed, a little smile on her full lips. “Hmm,” she sighed.
Damn, she was sexy when she let herself relax. “What?” He could practically feel her unwinding inside, her muscles loosening. Something in her expression pulled at him.
"Crickets. Hear them?"
Of course he heard them. “You don't have any crickets up in Seattle?"
"Not in the city.” She opened her eyes and smiled up at him, the contentment on her face making him wonder if she looked the same way after spending a satisfying night in a man's bed.
His fingers flexed against her spine in response, enjoying the resilient feel of her flesh. He'd bet the rest of her was just as supple. Judging by her shape, she took good care of herself, and it wouldn't surprise him if she went to a gym three or four times a week. He pictured all the firm curves hidden under her clothes and pretty underwear. It made him hard just thinking about it.
"Let's get your bags.” He pressed on her lower back, and she followed him obediently to the truck. Deke opened the tailgate to pull out her large suitcase and braced himself for the inevitable pain when he lifted it. It grabbed him in the small of the back in the same place he'd touched Jessica and radiated down the rear of his right hip and leg like a nightmarish toothache. Holding his abs tight, he hefted the thing out of the truck bed and set it down, careful not to twist or bend over.
She reached for the handle, tilting her head and running that golden brown gaze over his face. “Are you all right?"
"Fine.” So much for hiding it. Slamming the tailgate shut, he nodded over his shoulder. “Cabin's over there.” Without touching her this time, he took the handle from her and rolled the suitcase behind him, trying to ignore the deep ache in his leg. Now that he'd irritated his injury, it would stay flared up most of the night and he'd be lucky to get any sleep at all.
The joys of suffering crushed vertebrae and ruptured discs.
He eyed Jessica's firm ass as she walked up the path. At least he'd have something pleasant to remember to distract himself from the pain tonight.
Jessie woke from a dead sleep when the cabin door flew open. Someone flipped on the light, and she threw up a hand to shield her eyes, blinking in the sudden glare of the bedside lamp.
"Jess!"
She barely had time for Bridgette's excited squeal to register before her friend landed on top of her.
"You're here!"
Jessie managed a sleepy smile and patted Bridgette's back. That excited greeting made all the day's trials and tribulations worthwhile. “Yeah.” Though she could have done without the exuberant welcome until the morning. Or maybe it was morning. She checked her watch over her friend's shoulder. Almost three.
Bridgette let her go and stood up, dragging a hand through her long blonde hair on her way to her bunk. “I just got back from the campfire with my cousin, Shannon, and her cousin, Sara. Charissa isn't here yet, but you'll meet her tomorrow when she gets in.” She threw her a grin. “Did everything go okay with Deacon?"
"Yeah, fine.” Though she wasn't sure he liked her much. He'd been civil enough, but beneath the manners she sensed a steely edge to him. He definitely wasn't hard on her eyes though. “I met Dustin, too."
"Aren't they something?” Bridgette sighed. “If I wasn't getting married, I'd be all over the chance at hooking up with one of those boys for the weekend."
Jessica raised her eyebrows but kept quiet.
Bridgette crossed to her bunk and started going through her suitcase. After grabbing something, she disappeared into the tiny bathroom and on the way out, spotted Jessie's laptop. Heaving a sigh, she propped a hand on her hip and gave her an accusing glare. “Seriously? You're going to work this weekend?"
"Not for long,” she answered, feeling defensive. This trip had been a last minute thing, and she still had responsibilities to take care of.
Bridgette made a sour face. “You take your job
way
too seriously."
"I do not."
"Yeah, honey. You do. Lucky for us, you might have trouble getting phone and Internet access."
"Dustin already told me that."
"Did he? And did he tell you that he used to date Shannon?” Bridgette wagged her eyebrows. “I don't know about you, but this weekend is going to be very interesting and I plan on having one hell of a good time. Those Dumen brothers are
hot
."
No argument here.
“As hot as your fiance, you mean?"
"Nearly.” She climbed into bed. “Shannon spent a lot of time here back in the day, so maybe she can show us around tomorrow."
"Sure.”
As soon as I get my work done.
Bridgette yawned and grinned. “Thanks for coming, babe. Sweet dreams."
"You, too.” When Bridgette turned off the lamp, Jessica rolled over and pulled the covers up, thinking of Deacon. The memory of those knowing blue eyes and his commanding touch heated her all over. If he starred in her dreams tonight, they'd be sweet ones for sure.
The next morning Jessie slipped from the cabin while Bridgette was still sleeping and walked through the thin veil of mist to the lodge. Several horses poked their heads over the far corral fence and nickered at her as she passed. The heavy wooden door wasn't locked but a few lights were on, so she went in and made herself comfortable at one of the tables set up in the main room.
The inside was done all in natural wood, with thick beams holding the roof up. A Longhorn head was mounted over the stone fireplace and wagon wheel lamps hung from the ceiling. Cozy and comfortable, and for the moment, empty. The perfect spot for her to get some work done. She booted up her laptop, optimistic she'd be able to get a connection.
"Morning,” a feminine voice called out.
Jessie glanced up to see a tall, thin blonde woman walk through the office door. “Morning."
"I'm Ashley,” the woman said. “I'm the office manager, plus I help out the boys when they need me. Which is pretty often.” She grinned and tossed her honey-blonde locks over her shoulder.
"I'm Jessica."
"Nice to meet you. Coffee's on if you want some."
"Oh. That'd be great.” God knew she could use the caffeine. She rose and followed Ashley into the dining room and helped herself to a steaming mug.
"The boys like their coffee strong and first thing when they show up,” Ashley said, passing her some cream.
Jessica made a polite noise to indicate she was listening, then footsteps sounded from the back door.
Ashley gave a happy sigh and rested a hip against the table. “And there's one of my caffeine-deprived men now.” Over the obvious affection in her voice, Jessica detected a wistful note.
She turned her head as Deacon and another man strode into the room, and her stomach did a funny little flip when their eyes met. His dark hair was damp from a recent shower, and he filled out his jeans and T-shirt to perfection.
He crossed the room toward her, his lips curving slightly. Not really a smile, but close. “Mornin'."
"Morning."
"Sleep okay?"
"Fine,” she lied. After Bridgette's wake up call, she'd lain awake until almost dawn.
"This is my little brother, Dane,” he said, nodding over his shoulder to the handsome man with sandy blond hair that brushed his collar.
They exchanged hellos, then Jessie looked back at Deacon. “Thanks again for picking me up last night."
"No problem.” He stepped up beside her to snag a mug for himself, his muscular arm nearly brushing her shoulder. “Smells good, Ash."
The blonde beamed and moved away from the table to lean into him and rest her head on his shoulder. “I made it just for you, darlin'."
Jessica spun around to hide her hiked eyebrows and started to walk away, feeling like she was intruding. Either they were together, or the woman wasn't very subtle about her interest in her boss. Not that it was any of her business. She'd taken two steps back to the main room when Deke's voice stopped her.