Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off (18 page)

"Sore?” His forehead pressed between her shoulder blades. “Damn, we shouldn't have done it."

"Jack.” She giggled. “You're washing my private areas. I mean, I'm entitled to a moment of embarrassment here."

"You weren't embarrassed in Vegas.” He lifted his head and stepped closer to her.

"I was asleep.” She leaned against his broad chest as he reached for the shower head to rinse her off. What she was not expecting was the water pressure. “Jack?"

"Yes, sweetheart.” He had no idea what was happening, she could tell. He simply moved the showerhead a little closer.

"Oh Jack!” The damn thing crept up on her. Out of nowhere and without warning, the water hit just right on her over sensitized clit and bam!

"Jesus.” He wrapped an arm around her for support as she reached back and gripped his thighs. “How the hell did that happen?"

"I can't come anymore. I swear I'm going to faint.” She sagged against him. Her legs shook; she felt dizzy.

"Hell, that makes two of us. How did you do that?” Jack kissed her temple then sprayed off her back, letting the water run between them.

"You did it.” She accused and turned toward him.

"Well then, I guess I'm better than I thought I was.” He winked and hastily washed himself, paying special attention to his penis.

"You are so bad, Jack Johnson.” She leaned against the tile wall.

"And here I thought you wanted me to unleash my sexual prowess and make you pass out every time.” He rinsed in the same haphazard fashion. He placed the shower head back in its holder and opened the doors. He dried in the same way.

"You're not even dry.” She used her towel to dry his shoulder.

"Am too,” he protested and hung his towel back up. She followed as he walked back into the bedroom and removed the top blanket. He stepped out in the hall. She smiled.

Those were things she liked the most about Jack. He was all man. He made sure she was squeaky clean head to toe and then soaped up and rinsed himself off like he was just a dish in the sink. Stark naked he roamed around as though he were fully clothed. He did not have a modest bone in his body, but with a body like Jack's, modesty probably was not an issue.

He returned with a new quilt and spread it over the bed.

"Come get in the bed, and please don't put on those pajamas.” Jack got in on his side.

"You don't like them?” She hated sleeping with wet hair, but it was late, and she was exhausted.

"Not as much as I like the feel of just you.” He lifted his arm in expectation.

"What?"

"You crawl under my arm every night, put your head on my chest, your arm across me, and your leg on my thigh.” He looked at her as if she already knew, but she didn't. Generally, she slept like the dead. Only the alarm or sheer coincidence woke her up. She snuggled into him, and he was right. She felt very secure and familiar in this spot. He kissed the top of her wet hair, and she cringed, no telling what she was going to look like come morning. “Goodnight, sweetheart."

He stretched and turned off the light.

"Goodnight, Jack."

"Bethany. Wake up, sweetheart.” Jack kissed her forehead and shook her gently. He was not sneaking out of bed this morning. He wanted her to know where he was going and when he would be back.

"Mmmm.” She stretched like a cat. His hand guided her leg to make sure she didn't knee him in the nuts. “What time is it?"

"Five o'clock.” He rolled her to her back like he did every morning, but this morning she was awake, and he didn't feel like a bastard for wanting to kiss her all over. He never took advantage of her in her sleep, but a week of silky pajamas against his dick every morning tested him daily. “I've got a lot to do before the sun comes up."

"It's five in the morning?” He could imagine her brow all furrowed and cranky by the sound of her voice.

"Yes, sweetheart. I need to let the horses in, mow the lawn around the house, and repair a roof before this afternoon.” He kissed her neck. So warm and welcoming, he kissed it again.

"You've been getting up and going to work all this time?” She trailed her fingers through his hair. Luring him in a direction he wanted to go but didn't have time for this morning.

"Yes. What else would I be doing?” Against his will, his hand slid to her breast and fondled the budded nipple. She pulled him toward her. Unable to resist, he suckled the eager bud.

"Jack.” She gasped.

"Look, you have to stop seducing me, woman. I've got work to do.” He let go of the nipple and pushed up in the bed. If he remained on top of her, he would be inside of her and soon. Her faint laugh told him she had no clue how hard it was to leave her warm, welcoming body every day.

"What can I do to help?” She pushed up and faced him. It was dark in the room. He could barely make out her silhouette.

"The attorney will be here around two. If you could have lunch ready, it would be a big help.” He turned on the light and started getting dressed.

"Do you want me to finish the files upstairs?” Her question shocked him. She was honestly interested in the business aspect of the ranch. No woman in their family had been interested. His grandmother was all about hospitality, but she did not get into the books.

"Yeah, if you think you can make some headway. The family will be here at noon. Everyone. If you need help, come get me. I have to take the truck because it's easier than carrying all the gear down to the cabins, but I'll have my cell phone. Just call me. All right?” He looked at her with her hair a mess, the curls wound every which way but down. Her cheek was pink from being stuck to his chest all night, and her serious face of concentration let him know she was trying to take it all in. “If you have questions about the bills, the finances, the accounts, anything, just call."

"Okay.” She still looked too serious.

"You don't have to get up now, sweetheart. I just wanted you to know what was going on today.” He finished getting dressed and sat on the edge of the bed, close to her.

"I have a lot to do.” She nodded; her sleepy eyes blinked. He would love to crawl right back in bed and lay there with her in his arms all day. Next Sunday he would surprise her with a day in bed.

"When Paul, the attorney, leaves, we'll tell the family about your business plans.” He leaned in and kissed her lips. “Man, I wish I could stay in bed right now."

"No, no. We need to get up. I have tons to do.” Bethany got out of bed on her side, and he all but fell over trying to grab at her. He wanted to kiss her a minute longer. She disappeared into the big closet.

"Sweetheart, you have plenty of time.” He opened the closet door and looked around. It seemed empty. Not at all like a closet belonging to Bethany, a woman who had fine taste to his way of thinking. “You need to go shopping, don't you?"

"What?” She stopped half in and half out of the skirt she was pulling on.

"There's nothing in here really. You're going to need some winter clothes for sure. Do we need to go pick up your car and stuff in Kentucky?” He hadn't thought about the rest of her stuff. Surely, she wanted her car and her clothes and whatever else she left behind.

"No. I don't need the car or the clothes, and I don't need to go shopping. Shopping will not make me feel better!” She dressed quickly and put her hands on her hips. “Don't you ever tell me to go shopping, Jack, ever!"

He scratched his head because in all his life he had never heard of a woman who thought it was an insult to run free with a credit card. “Okay, I have plenty of winter clothes you'll look cute in."

Her face tightened, and her shoulders sagged. Not good.

"I'm sorry. That wasn't fair. My parents used to just send me shopping or take me shopping. They would give me money or clothes or stuff, any stuff, to avoid spending time with me.” She looked at the floor when she said it, and he knew it hurt her. What stupid people they were.

"I'll go with you.” His head already hurt at the idea, but this was Bethany, and she needed to know he was not trying to buy her off or placate her. “As cute as you are in my clothes, it does get cold, and winter is not far out. You'll need more than sandals to make it."

"Really?” As she looked at him, his heart broke. Tears had welled in her eyes, and he wondered to what extent the neglect went.

"Yes, sweetheart.” His voice lowered, and he felt bad. Though he didn't do anything wrong, he didn't like seeing her cry.

She lunged for him and jumped right into his arms. As he lifted her, she wrapped her legs around him. Now, this was worth a trip to the mall.

"Can I get a cowboy hat, too?” She beamed.

"Definitely.” He smiled.

"I love you, Jack.” She kissed him before he could say anything. It took all the strength he had to remain on his feet. It was like she kicked him right in the chest, knocking the wind right out of him. His heart pounded, and his throat tightened. Here she was scaring him spitless again.

When she stopped kissing him, she simply put her hand over his mouth. “Don't say anything. Don't read too far into it. Just let me have a moment of pure happiness."

"Okay.” He mumbled against the palm of her hand. Maybe she did not mean it. Maybe she was just excited he would go shopping. Yes, it all started to make more sense.

"Okay.” She smiled, let out a breath. “So, let's get to work."

He sat her back on her feet. She practically beamed. Something so simple had brought her such joy. Of course, the thought of being in a mall brought him misery, but her reaction was priceless. Now, if he only knew if she meant it.

The smell of steak and eggs brought his thinking around to something more pleasant, breakfast. His woman was awake, and though she did not really mean it, she told him she loved him. The lawyer would be there to set things in motion, and overall it was looking like a really good day ahead.

"Let's go eat. I'm starving.” Bethany tugged at him as he realized he was lost in thought.

Nodding, he followed her to the kitchen.

"Shit!” Heath shouted and ran butt naked to the laundry room.

Bethany noted the ‘I heart Chance’ tattoo on his left butt cheek. Oh, the tattoo explained why he was such a grouch. If she had someone's name on her ass and they left, she would be pissed at the owner of that name as well. “Nice heart, Heath!"

"This is going to be the best day of my life.” Jack smiled at her and headed to the counter to retrieve his plate.

Rafe tried to stop laughing. “I like you more and more every day B. I haven't seen Heath run like that in, hell, I don't know how long."

"Shut up, dickhead!” Heath shouted from the laundry.

"You want me to fix you a bowl of cereal?” Rafe offered, and Jack noticed.

"Why do you think she wants cereal?” Jack's tone changed.

"Because cereal is what she eats.” Rafe looked at his brother and crossed his arms. “You got something you want to say to me?"

"How the hell do you know what she eats?” Jack mocked Rafe's stance.

"Because he's here when your ass is out avoiding her.” Heath stepped back in the room wearing fresh jeans. He stepped between them. Then, he looked at Jack. She couldn't hear what he said to him, but his face was serious, and he meant business. Whatever it was he said, it worked. Jack backed down.

She could feel the tension ease. She wanted steak and eggs for a change, but the last thing she wanted was to say anything to draw attention to herself.

"What do you want to eat?” Heath asked and looked directly at her. She could not speak. “I know it's a nice ass, but really, you're married to my brother."

His smart comment snapped her back to reality. “I am not impressed with your ass!"

"So then, what do you want to eat before Jack tries to fight me, too?” Heath looked Jack up and down as if daring him. Then, he smiled and shook his head at his little brother. “Now, you know."

"Know what?” she asked, but he ignored her.

"Exactly. What do you want to eat?” Heath grabbed his plate and headed for the table.

They were all communicating in man. The language of brothers, and she was left out. “Jack."

"Well, you'll need to take him back to the bedroom, honey, because we don't serve Jack in the kitchen.” Heath took his seat.

He was enough to make a woman want to choke him. How Chance had married his humorless, bull headed, self-centered, ego maniac brother was beyond her.

"What do you want, sweetheart, steak and eggs or cereal?” Jack's voice seemed quieter.

"Steak and eggs.” She closed the distance between them. Rafe passed her with his plate, a good indication he was not making her breakfast this morning.

Standing in front of Jack, she looked up into those whiskey brown eyes and fell into them. Heart first. He must have sensed it because he bent down to kiss her in front of everyone.

"I'm going to throw up.” Heath snickered.

"Leave them alone,” Rafe warned.

"Now, you're on his side?” The banter continued between the brothers at the table while Jack continued to kiss her. She fought hard to hold back the moan this time. She didn't want this brothers to hear, but it was useless. She just made it as quiet as possible.

Jack pulled back and smiled. “I'll make you breakfast."

"No, you need to get to work. I can cook for myself.” She hugged him and relished the feel of his big, warm body. Letting him go, she reached for his breakfast and handed it to him. “Now go eat."

He took his plate to the table and sat with his brothers. She listened in as she cracked two eggs in the skillet.

"She needs to get her driver's license changed over. She may not have to take a road test, but I gave her a manual just in case. If you won't let her drive your truck, she can take mine.” Rafe informed Jack. “If you want to keep her here, you better pay attention to what she needs. You know how dad screwed up with mom and how the Hulk over here screwed it up with Chance."

Rafe was talking low, but she could still hear. She pretended not to though she was not sure if he cared or not.

"You got some nerve telling him how to run shit,” Heath vehemently whispered. “Layla's been giving you a honey-do list the past six months, and you haven't even been laid. That woman is using you, and you're letting her."