The Dangerous Gift (8 page)

“I’m the Jennie you always knew.”

Jared’s work-roughened hands and inquisitive fingers explored her with an almost clinical thoroughness, but the gentleness of his touch on her face and hair conveyed tenderness and made her cry out. Jared worshiped her as if she were a mythical goddess, but it wasn’t enough. She didn’t want adoration. She wanted his wholehearted love in the most physical sense possible. Her body trembled with a mixture of fear and arousal.

Jared stared at her, the message in his gaze saying what she always wanted to hear, something he would never express in words. She must be dreaming, and she prayed she would stay in this dreamlike trance until she proved to him how good they could be together.

“I always thought you were stunning.”

Jared’s reluctant admission soothed her damaged pride and battered heart. He skimmed his deft hands over the peaks of her sensitive breasts and the indentation of her waist and rested them on her buttocks. Everywhere he touched tingled and ached.

As he pressed his erection into her navel, liquid heat pooled between her shaky thighs. When Jared’s eyes drifted shut, she grasped the opportunity and touched her lips to his.

***

Jared

The feel of Jen’s full lips on his blew Jared’s mind, but he denied the response she desired, control his only weapon against her sensual onslaught. The rational part of his brain berated his weakness. His clear-cut life was now tinged with grey indecision.

Jen repeated her tender onslaught, darting her tongue out between her pink lips and tasting him before slipping it into his mouth. Her kiss made Jared lose what little control he still had. His body rigid with desire, he captured her mouth in a punishing kiss. Bright, vibrant violet and orange streaks of light exploded behind his closed eyelids, and he abandoned all control to achieve the desired outcome—his shaft buried deep inside her.

Lips fused, they shed their clothes in a frenzy of torn material and flying buttons. Naked, Jared pulled her tight against his chest, keeping his gaze fixed on her. He didn’t want to miss any change in her expression. Her soft and curvy body fit like a perfect jigsaw into the hard angles of his. His subconscious taunted him, made him admit he’d always known it would be this good.

“Jared…”

He smiled at Jen to allay the fears he saw in her uncertain gaze. She stopped her caresses and crossed her delicate hands over her breasts in a protective gesture.

He chided himself for acting without thinking how his actions would seem to Jen. His lack of communication unnerved her. She didn’t know he couldn’t deny what they both craved this time. Denial ceased to be an option the moment she kissed him.

He pulled her back against his body with one hand whilst he eased her hands away from her breasts with the other. As he bent her over one arm, he found a rosy nipple with his mouth and suckled until it hardened. Satisfied, he treated its twin with the same care and attention.

Jen’s knees buckled with the force of her arousal, but his muscular arm held her steady. He kissed her until she hung on to him for support and pressed against his body. He stopped and tipped her chin upwards. Her gaze, full of desire, focused on him.

***

Jennie

Jared urged her towards the large oak-framed bed, which dominated his room. Jennie drew air into her oxygen-starved lungs. Sure of Jared’s motives now, she didn’t resist when his kisses drugged her into submission. She allowed him the most intimate caresses as she lay naked on his bed, eager for his next demand. He rose from the bed and closed the window against the evening chill.

The brief breathing space allowed Jennie’s doubts to resurface. She couldn’t tell if his emotions matched his physical needs. Jared would follow this act of love through to its inevitable conclusion, but would it be enough for her? She wanted more—his heart and his body. She couldn’t go through with this, not if Jared only saw her arms as a temporary escape from Harry’s brutal death. If she let him make love with her, it would be the end for them. Not just as lovers, but as friends. Jared would hate her when the pain of grief subsided. “I can’t do this, Jared.”

“What’s changed?” Jared looked puzzled, and flickers of anger colored his gaze.

“Your heart isn’t in this.” Jennie searched his face for a sign that she was mistaken.

Jared shrugged, nonchalant, but his gaze betrayed his shock and anger. “Fine. Here.” He gathered up her discarded clothing. “Go while I’m still prepared to let you.”

Jennie grabbed her clothes and hastily scrambled into them. She avoided his gaze, afraid to see his derision. “It’s better this way for now.” She stared at his obvious arousal, and when her gaze met his, the heat in it made her tremble with need and a little fear.

Jared broke the spell. “Let’s go out to eat. At least we can satisfy one hunger.”

“I’ll cook for us.” Jennie really didn’t want to go out when she felt so emotionally raw, and this way at least she could feed one of his needs.

Jared shook his head. “No. I want company. If we’re alone, I won’t be responsible for my behaviour.” He picked up his jeans and pulled them on with jerky movements over his half-aroused shaft. “I’ll book a table at the Mexican place in town. See you in thirty minutes.” Jared scooped up the remainder of his clothes and headed for his bathroom.

***

The pulsing water from the dual showerhead reinforced Jennie’s arousal. Her body was unwilling to accept her decision not to have sex, and images of Jared’s body entwined passionately with hers tormented her. Despite this, she knew her reasoning was sound. Sex without commitment would make a sham of her feelings for Jared.

Jennie turned off the shower. She must dress, or Jared would come looking for her, and if he found her naked in the shower, that would give out entirely the wrong impression. Jared and Jennie agreed on something at least—tonight company was essential.

Chapter 7

Jennie hated the tense atmosphere in the truck and wished she hadn’t agreed to Jared’s ungracious dinner invitation. Tired of the strained silence, she rested a hand against her churning stomach and stole a glance at him. His expressionless face revealed nothing. In profile, he resembled a statue of a Greek god, handsome and unapproachable. Her treacherous body forgave his appalling behaviour without a qualm and softened and heated in response to his nearness. Why did Jared insist on going out for dinner when what they really needed was to hammer out all their issues in private?

You didn’t have to agree
, her mind whined. Too late now, but Jared couldn’t ignore her all night, could he? Marooned in the car with him, she searched for a safe topic of conversation. “So is this the same Mexican place we frequented as a family?”

Jared glanced away from the road, his gaze edged with pain. Stupid question. She’d made him think about his parents, who were no longer around to enjoy it with them. “Same venue, different owners. It’s less homely, but the food is still great.”

“Sounds good.” Now what? Jennie searched for a subject that wouldn’t make him think about Annie and Ralf. “How long have Darleen and Ryder been running the Pegasus?”

Jared stared straight ahead at the road. “Maybe three years. You left before they arrived.”

Jennie shifted in her seat as the truck hit a pothole. “I suppose they’re related to the old owners.”

“They inherited it from their grandparents…although they retired, they’re not dead.” Jared smiled. Apparently, he enjoyed her frustration.

The restaurant parking lot resembled the multi-storey shopping mall on Christmas Eve, jam-packed with trucks and fancy convertibles. Jared parked the truck in a minute space and opened her door. Jennie crushed the memory of the last time he did so, her mind full of images of their bodies entwined. Her temperature rose, as if she’d spiked a fever. She risked a glance at Jared. He raised an imperious eyebrow at her flushed face but said nothing and refused prolonged eye contact. But his crotch was at eye level, and the bulge in his close-fitting jeans betrayed him.

Jennie forced her gaze away from his erection, and Jared pointed to the entrance. “I’ll be right behind you.”

“I didn’t think it would be this busy.” Jennie moved away from the car and looked around her, completely aware of Jared as he fell into step close behind her.

“It’s popular. The best around here now.” Jared sounded like a tour guide. She allowed him to open the door for her.

“Thanks, you okay now?”

Jared nodded and placed his large hand on the small of her back as he urged her into the busy restaurant. Jennie didn’t resist. She didn’t want to push her luck and have the conversation dry up again.

The place buzzed with tinny Mexican music, sizzling food, and happy chatter. Jennie smiled. The happiness around her was infectious despite her worries and poor appetite.

Jared’s smile reached his eyes this time as he confirmed their reservation. He clearly knew most of the restaurant staff and diners. People stopped him and offered condolences as they progressed to their table.

The excellent service meant their first course, spicy, cheesy nachos, arrived promptly, and they dug into them. Jared leaned back against the mock leather chair and wiped his mouth with the large paper napkin. He was far more relaxed than on the journey into town. Being in a crowded, happy atmosphere eased the sexual tension that lay between them.

“Glad we came?” Jared looked at her as though her answer mattered to him.

“Yes, it has a lovely, vibrant atmosphere, and if the first course is an indication, the food is delicious,” Jennie enthused, surprised she spoke the truth.

Apparently satisfied with her answer, Jared raised his bottle of beer and toasted her. “
Salut
.”

A noisy group of men drinking in the corner drew Jennie’s attention. The majority of them wore work gear, but they didn’t look like cowboys. “They’re having fun.”

A shadow passed over Jared’s face. “They’re oil workers. Probably just landed a big bonus and are well on the way to drinking it.” His voice held a trace of bitterness.

“Drilling for oil round here, it seems unbelievable.” Jennie knew Jared and Ralf were staunch environmentalists. They believed the land was for raising crops and stock and whatever lay underneath was best left there.

“An oil company bought the McGregors’ ranch about two years ago for an inflated price. The geological studies showed massive oil deposits, which could be drilled economically.” Jared spoke with an eloquence that made his beliefs as attractive as his physical attributes. “People forget about the devastating effect on the landscape when they see dollar signs. It’s the beauty and naturalness of this area I love. If the oil companies win, it will turn into an industrial wasteland, and I’m determined that won’t happen on our ranch.”

Jennie was so pleased Jared had said “our ranch” rather than “my ranch.” Maybe he really did accept her right to be there. “Has the Unicorn been approached by any oil prospectors?” Jared’s answer was important to Jennie. She couldn’t figure out why the answer to this question mattered so much, but her intuition told her she needed to know.

Jared shot her a searching look. “Yes, and my father sent them packing. I worried about the Pegasus when Darleen and Ryder’s grandparents decided to retire, but Darleen assures me neither her nor Ryder would allow oil to be drilled on their ranch.”

Dinner arrived, and the conversation lapsed. Feeling more relaxed, they managed to do the fine cooking justice. Too full for dessert, they finished the meal with hot, strong coffee.

Sipping her coffee, Jennie tried to decide if the oil issue was significant. If Darleen and Ryder wanted to exploit the oil under their ranch, if there was any to drill economically, it would give them a motive to cause disruption at the Unicorn. Especially since Jared and his parents were against such a move. There were too many ifs for Jennie to share her concerns with Jared right now, but she would try to investigate further. Maybe she could ask Ryder when she saw him again. She would have to choose her moment carefully. If he was involved, she didn’t want to make him suspicious with her interest.

“Are you about ready to go, Jen? You seem a little preoccupied. Shall I settle the bill?” Jared’s mildly accusatory tone interrupted her musing.

“Sorry, I was thinking about the oil and the ranch. I’m glad you agree with Ralf’s objections.” Jennie shared just enough of the truth about her thoughts to sound convincing. “Yes, pay the bill. I’ll finish my coffee and join you.”

Jared signaled their server, followed her to the cashier’s desk, and paid, whilst Jennie sipped her coffee. A movement at the window registered in her peripheral vision. She turned to get a better look and met Ryder’s cold, soulless eyes staring at her through the glass as he leaned against the hood of the shiny silver truck. She half smiled, but his gaze didn’t acknowledge her or waver. Jennie shivered, even though the restaurant was hot with the number of people inside and the constant cooking. A faint look of triumph lit Ryder’s gaze before he jumped back into his truck.

“Are you ready, Jen?”

Jennie turned towards the sound of Jared’s familiar voice and smiled. “Yes, I am. I wonder what Ryder was doing outside staring at us. Did you see him, Jared?” she said, unable to suppress the shiver that ran through her tense body.

Jared followed her gaze as the silver truck backed out of the parking space and sped towards the exit of the lot, heedless of the children running around the parked cars. “No, but that looks like his truck. Darleen was driving it earlier. Strange, perhaps he’s stalking you.” Jennie shuddered, and Jared pulled her towards him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, but he does seem to be following you around, don’t ya think?”

Jennie nodded and scooted closer to Jared’s warm body. Ryder must be involved with the “accidents” at the Unicorn. She needed to find out how without involving Jared, who would go in all guns blazing and make matters worse. “Let’s go home. No need to think about him now and spoil what’s been a lovely meal.”

“Okay, let’s go,” Jared agreed, almost too readily.

On the journey home, Jared and Jennie talked easily about the dude ranch and Jared’s plans for it. The tension between them dissipated, their passionate debacle apparently forgotten after the relaxing meal. Optimistic about saving their friendship, Jennie shelved thinking about the significance of Ryder’s strange behaviour until later. She could see lots of the pieces of the jigsaw now, but she needed solitude to see if they would fit together.

***

Ryder

Ryder gunned the truck’s engine and pulled away from the parking lot, wheels spinning in a cloud of dust. He narrowly missed a small child running between the parked cars. The near miss didn’t make Ryder kill his speed, though. He was determined to get out of there before Jennie came outside and asked what the hell he was doing. He’d followed Jared’s truck to the restaurant, anxious to see if the couple were still fighting, sure Jennie wouldn’t forgive Jared after Darleen’s visit. His sister’s hold on Jared must be slipping, because as he watched them through the restaurant window, the couple’s body language didn’t indicate the tension and frustration he’d expected and hoped for. Letting Jennie see him was a mistake, but his anger at their togetherness had made him careless.

Ryder smashed his knuckles against the steering wheel. The temptation to end this beckoned.

Breathe…
Subtlety and stealth had governed his every action so far, and he must keep to the game plan. The hidden surprise in the yard at the ranch would leave its mark, and then maybe Jennie and Jared would heed the warnings they’d been given.

***

Jared

Jared walked down the stairs, his gaze drawn to Jen hard at work in the office as she sang enthusiastically, if not exactly tunefully, to the latest country tunes on the online radio station. She must have been up for hours. He’d slept surprisingly well, relieved Jen had called a halt to their lovemaking. He’d wanted her comfort for purely selfish reasons and would have hated himself if he’d lost control. Thankfully, she’d known that. Last night, exhaustion had claimed him as soon as his head touched the pillow. Jared wasn’t surprised by the erotic images that colored his dreams, and his mind ran riot with what-ifs. Emotionally stronger this morning, he contained his anger and grief even though the pain of Harry’s death gnawed at him like a virulent parasite.

Jared’s desire for Jen pushed at the boundaries that defined him, and his passion simmered close to the surface, like a volcano about to erupt with burning lava.

He entered the office, where the paper-covered desk suggested organized chaos, and tapped Jen’s shoulder. She jumped, and Jared smiled. “Sorry, Kitten. I don’t think you heard me above your beautiful singing.” He ducked as an empty file came his way.

“How long have you’ve been there?” Jen glared at him.

“Moments. I heard your…singing as I came downstairs.” Jared couldn’t hide his smugness.

“I need another thirty minutes and I’ll be finished,” Jen said. “I’m going for a ride afterwards.”

Jared shelved his original plans. “I’ll come too. We can ride towards the western perimeter fence. I want to check that it’s sound before we let the horses down there.”

“You could show me some of the trails you plan to use for the dude ranch visitors. I’ll need to know where to take them,” Jen said as she filed the neat stacks of receipts and invoices.

“So you haven’t changed your mind now you’ve thought about it?” Jared searched her face for any trace of doubt.

“No. I cancelled my flight late last night, when you went to bed. I’ve also contacted my tutor and deferred my master’s degree.” Jen’s defiant expression said,
“Decision made, don’t argue.”

Jared didn’t want Jen to sacrifice her education for him, no matter how much he wanted her to stay in Texas. “I didn’t think that was possible. I bet you tutor wasn’t happy about your decision.”

Jen’s voice didn’t waver. “She wasn’t ecstatic, no, but once I explained about Annie and Ralf and the legacy, she agreed to let me defer until the next academic year. So we have a little over six months to make this work.”

“So you want to work on the dude ranch project for six months and see if you like it?” Jared smiled. At least this gave Jen options. “If you’re not happy, or it’s not the right fit, at least you have a fall-back plan.” Jared couldn’t keep the relief from his voice.

“I do. Happy now?” Jen’s relieved expression betrayed her. Clearly, she thought he would insist on her finishing her second degree before moving back to the ranch. That would be the responsible thing to do, but Jared needed her, and not just to help with the dude ranch. Whatever their difficulties, they would be resolved easier if they were in the same country.

“Of course, but don’t think you’re not finishing your degree. Six months and then you go back until it’s finished.” Jared noted the wary look she gave him. That was good. He didn’t want to be predictable where she was concerned. “I’ll see you later.”