The Whisperers: A Three Book Box Set Page 25

  “Agreed.” She said and looked at Jed. “Jed?”

  “I’m with you.”

  “Good. Then I’ll call Eldric and Colton. He said Eldric could stay with him since he’s kind of family.”

  “Okay, so now that we have that settled, has anyone given any thoughts to dinner?” Jesse asked. “I’m so hungry I could eat the south end of a north bound mule.”

  “Help yourself to whatever’s in the refrigerator. It’s Ellen’s night off so it’s leftover night.”

  Mik headed out of the room with her phone already raised to her ear. Jesse looked at Jed who shrugged, opened the refrigerator door, and started taking out containers. “So, I heard you gave Carly Marsh that saddle you made and you’ve got a date with her on Saturday.”

  “From who?”

  “Mik.”

  “How did she know?”

  “Memory.”

  “And Memory knew because?”

  “I don’t know I guess Carly told her.”

  “Well is there anyone who doesn’t know we have a date?” Jesse asked as he went to the sink to wash his hands.

  “Uh, I don’t think Clint and Cam know yet, course I could be wrong.”

  Jesse flipped Jed off as Jed chuckled. Clearly, trying to start anything with Carly Marsh was going to be a challenge. But he’d made up his mind that he did want to try to get close to her, and for more than just sex. So what if he had a little more to overcome? It wouldn’t be the first challenge in his life. He just hoped he wasn’t going to be shot down at the opening gate.

  *****

  Carly grimaced at her reflection in the mirror. “Well?” She asked the beautiful woman who was lounged back on the bed.

  Memory, her sister-in-law, pursed her lips, studied Carly for a moment, and then shrugged. “Well, what kind of message do you want to send?”

  “Message?”

  “Well, yeah. Do you want your outfit to say, ‘don’t even think about it’, or ‘here I am, baby’?”

  “Neither. I—hell I don’t know.”

  Memory smiled at her. “Okay, let’s take it another way. How do you usually dress for a date?”

  Carly put her hand on her stomach. The word “date” made her a little nauseous. Dating was not something she could list in her skill set. Back home in Arizona, she could go to a local bar, hook up with a guy for the night after a few beers. But that wasn’t exactly dating – just answering the call of nature because it’d been so long since she’d ridden anything but a horse that she was going a little nuts.

  “I don’t know. I don’t date.”

  “Ever?” Memory’s eyebrows rose.

  “Nope.”

  “Never?”

  “No. Never.”

  “You mean – well damn, Carly, how long has it been since you’ve had sex?”

  “Just a time or two since Mom died.”

  “But—hold on. You just said—“

  “I said I don’t date, not that I don’t have sex. Back home I just go to a local bar, hook up and call it a day.”

  Memory rose from the bed. “I just had a really nasty flashback.”

  “Say what?”

  “That used to be me. Only it was with models. Meaningless sex. Trust me; it’s no way to live. You have to break that habit. And lucky for you, you have a date so this is the perfect time to start.”

  “I think I may throw up.”

  “Oh no, you are not going to throw up. Now, the jeans and t-shirt are fine if that’s what you’re comfortable wearing. And remember, despite what people say, it is not the clothes that make the girl, it’s the attitude you wear them with.”

  “Says the woman who could look sexy in a burlap sack.”

  “Attitude,” Memory said and tossed her head.

  Carly chuckled. “Yeah, well, I’m not exactly brimming over in confidence here.”

  “Well why not? You're beautiful and have a nice body. And you said back home you’d go to a bar and hook up so obviously you attract men. Why is this different?

  Carly had asked herself that a hundred times. As loathe as she was and as scared, she was tired of being alone, of doing nothing but working and focusing on the ranch.

  She had spent some time with her brothers since the three of them had married, and she was a little envious. They were all so happy. She wanted some of that in her life. But what if she just wasn’t cut out for it? Her first attempt at a committed relationship had been a decade ago and it had ended in the most miserable way. What if the same thing happened? She wasn’t sure she could take a repeat performance of that.

  She couldn’t say that to Memory. Despite Memory being her sister-in-law, Carly hadn’t known her long enough to confide certain things.

  “Maybe it has to do with the fact that the Jesse Nash is probably the worst choice imaginable.”

  “Jesse Nash is a dozen kinds of fine.”

  “Exactly. He could snap his fingers and have half a dozen women drooling over him. And from what I know of him and his life, he’s never been married or even in a committed relationship.”

  “Well no one said your first date had to be the one that led to the altar, honey. Just think of it as practice. Go with the flow.”

  Carly brightened at those words. Memory was right. She didn’t have to expect anything from the evening. Just dinner, talk about horses and maybe a ride. Man, she really was out of practice. She’d been driving herself insane over something that was probably going to end up being nothing more than her and Jesse talking shop and ending up friends.

  “You’re right. I’m making way too much of this. Thanks, Memory. And hey, do me a favor and don’t share this with my brother, okay?”

  “Mum’s the word, babe, and speaking of your brother, I need to scoot. He’ll be done for the day soon and this is my night to cook.”

  “What’re you fixing?”

  “Take out.” Memory grinned.

  Carly laughed. One thing Memory was not was a cook. Not that Colton cared. She could burn water and he wouldn’t care.

  “Okay, I’m outta here. Call me in the morning and let me know how it went?”

  “I will. And thanks, Mem.”

  “Anytime, hon.” Memory gave her a kiss on the cheek and sailed out of the room.

  Carly gave her reflection another look, tossed her head the way Memory had done then shook her head and turned her back on the mirror. No sense in trying to be something she wasn’t. Either Jesse liked her for who she was or he didn’t.

  *****

  Jesse climbed out of his truck and headed for the front door of Carly’s house. In his right hand was a six-pack and in his left was a small box containing a homemade apple pie, courtesy of Teddy and a pint of vanilla ice cream.

  Carly stepped out onto the front porch before he made it to the steps. Jesse slowed just a bit, appreciating the sight of her. Carly Marsh wasn’t one of those prissy women. Jeans and t-shirt were the order of the day and she wore them well. Damn well.

  “Right on time,” she said as he mounted the steps. “What’cha got there?”

  “Beer and dessert.”

  She peeked into the box. “Homemade?”

  “Thanks to Teddy.”

  “Looks great. Come on it.”

  Together they went inside. Carly put the ice cream in the freezer while Jesse opened two beers. The rest went into the refrigerator.

  “Everything’s ready if you’re hungry,” s

  he said as she accepted the beer he handed her.

  Until that moment, Jesse had been resolved to take it slow with Carly, to keep the flirting to a minimum and not to rush things. But damn if something hadn’t sparked inside that was turning his thoughts to feeding a hunger that had nothing at all to do with his stomach.

  Were it not for the look on her face, he’d have made a move on her right then. But he could feel the anxiety rolling off her. What was she so anxious about? That thought cooled his ardor. “I could eat,” he finally replied.

  “Then take a
seat.”

  He did and she served the plates, put them on the table, and took a seat across from him.

  “So, you said you had a new mare come in this week.” He figured it was safer to keep the conversation on ranching for the moment.

  “Yes, she’s a beauty. A bit high strung, but I think if I breed her with the stallion I got a week ago they’ll produce some fine animals.”

  “Maybe we can take a look at them after dinner.”

  “I’d like that. So, how’re things at the Rocky River?”

  “Not bad. Jed and Jake are headed to a big cattle auction in South Carolina next week. You and Colton going?”

  “He mentioned it. I think he may go. He’s more experienced with cattle than I.”

  “You had a pretty big herd in Arizona.”

  “Yeah, but I had a foreman who handled that. Besides, it’s more Colton’s thing. I’d prefer to spend more time with the horses. When we went to Vegas to watch you and Mik in the Nationals I made some contacts and I’m thinking pretty strong on focusing on breeding and training for roping. Comes in handy for ranching and there are always people looking for good rodeo stock.”

  “Not a bad idea. Jake and Mik have been training some barrel racers and they say there’s decent money in it.”

  “I’d love to watch them work sometime.”

  “I’m sure that can be arranged.”

  The remainder of the meal passed talking about other ranching matters, personnel and other operations in the area. When they finished, Jesse stood and picked up his plate to take it to the sink. “You have a disposal or animals who get the scraps?”

  “Neither for the moment, just leave it on the counter.”

  “I don’t mind helping.”

  “Thanks, but I’ll get this later. Why don’t we grab a couple more beers and take a walk to the paddock? The hands will be putting the horses in for the night in just a bit.”

  “Sounds good.”

  She got the beer, opened both, and handed him one. They walked outside and made their way to the paddock. “That one,” Carly pointed. “That’s the new mare.

  “Good lines,” Jesse commented.

  “I thought so. But look at her, she’s nervous. Can’t figure it out.”

  “Mind if I introduce myself to her?”

  “Be my guest.” She took his beer from him and watched as he entered the paddock.

  Jesse didn’t approach the mare, he just slowly walked the perimeter of the paddock. Several of the horses approached him. He stoked each one, talked softly to it and then moved on. The mare watched him but made no more toward him. Carly climbed up on the fence rail to sit and watch.

  Jesse had made it nearly three quarters around the paddock when the mare took a few steps toward him. She stopped, watched, and then moved again. He led her around the paddock, not acknowledging her. When he stopped, the mare stopped.

  Carly was starting to think it was a stalemate then suddenly the mare started forward. She came up behind Jesse and bumped him in the back with her nose. He turned slowly to face the mare. For a long time neither one of them moved. Finally, Jesse raised one hand and stoked the mare’s face.

  He talked softly to the horse, so softly Carly could not make out what he was saying. It didn’t matter. She could see the tension leave the mare’s body. When Jesse finished petting her and headed for Carly, the mare followed.

  Carly was no longer watching the mare. Jesse had her full attention. That loose-limbed walk, slim hips and strong legs encased in denim and his lean torso and full chest in that tight black t-shirt presented the perfect picture to fit the phrase “sin in jeans.”

  She couldn’t help the surge of lust that flared hot inside her. His gaze met hers and held. He stopped at the fence and for a few moments they simply stared at one another.

  “So what do you think?”

  “About the horse?”

  “Yeah.”

  “She’s just a little high strung, but basically good natured. I think maybe she’s just had too many new people around her. Maybe limit her to one groom for a while or take care of her yourself and she’ll settle down.”

  “Good idea.” She held out his beer. “Want your beer?”

  “Not really.”

  “No? Something else?”

  “Yep.”

  “What?”

  One moment she was sitting on the fence and the next she was sliding down the length of his body, into his arms. The thought went through her mind that she shouldn’t give in to the temptation but it was fleeting at best because the moment their lips met, reason left the property.

  His arms went around her, crushing her to him. Carly wound her arms around his neck, giving herself to the kiss. She completely forgot she was standing out in the open where anyone could see them. His taste and his touch were intoxicating and she was quite sure she’d never kissed anyone with as much talent for turning her into a molten lump of need in under five seconds.

  “Carl—Oh damn, sorry.” Her foreman, John’s voice had her tearing away from Jesse.

  “No, no, it’s fine. What’s up?” She hoped her face wasn’t beet red. It sure felt hot enough to be lit up like a stop light.

  “Was gonna take the horses in for the night then call it a day.”

  “Sounds good. Thanks John. Have a good night.”

  “Yes, ma’am. You too.” He put his finger to the rim of his hat in salute then nodded to Jesse. “Jesse.”

  “Good to see you John.”

  “You too.”

  Carly grabbed the beer bottles off the rail of the fence and headed out of the paddock. Jesse fell in step beside her and they made their way back to the front porch.

  “Well, that was awkward,” she said as she took a seat in the porch swing.

  Jesse shrugged. “I’d be willing to bet that John’s kissed a few gals.”

  Carly offered him the beer, but he shook his head so she placed both of them on the floor, out of the way of the swing. “Probably so. Still…”

  “It’s okay to be a boss and a woman, sweetheart.”

  His words had her turning her head to look at him. “Meaning?”

  “Ah hell, that came out wrong didn’t it? I’m sorry. Look, the truth is, we both know there’s chemistry between us. Has been since the day we met.”

  “I’m not denying that.”

  “And I know you said you’re not looking for anything permanent but …”

  “But what?”

  “But what the hell do we have to lose? I mean, so what if we don’t end up like your brothers or my brothers? Doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves as we find out where things will go.”

  Carly considered it. He was right. People got involved all the time and sometimes that involvement led to a solid relationship. Sometimes it didn’t. But it damn sure wasn’t going to go anywhere at all if you walked away from it before it got started.

  “You’re right.”

  “I am?”

  Carly laughed. “Yeah, you are.”

  “Then what are we gonna do about this thing?”

  It was probably a mistake, but she’d been known to make them. And the look on his face had her shoving concerns aside. She stood and offered her hand. “I think we’re gonna take this thing somewhere more private.”

  He grinned and took her hand. “Lead the way, honey.”

  She led him into the house. He released her hand as she turned to close the door. The second she turned back around, he backed her up against the door. Carly didn’t have any objection to a man taking the lead but didn’t expect all thought to flee her mind when he claimed her lips. But that’s exactly what happened. All that existed was the feel of his body pressed against hers, the taste of him and his hands roaming down her back to cup her butt and press her firmly against his erection.

  Carly wasn’t shy or unassertive when she wanted something and right now she wanted Jesse. She tugged his t-shirt free from his jeans, running her hands, sliding over his warm skin and f
eeling the play of muscles beneath.

  She pushed him back, ending the kiss and moved her hands lower, down over the ripple of his abs and to his belt. Jesse’s eyes locked with hers as she unfastened his belt and jeans and lowered them down over his slim hips.

  Carly sank to her knees, feeling his hands tangle in her hair as she took his erection in her hands. His grip tightened more as she ran her tongue down the length of it and back up. When her mouth closed on him, he groaned.

  It wasn’t long before he gently but forcefully pushed her way. “No, not yet.”

  “Oh?” She looked up at him.

  “Oh.” He pulled her to her feet, pressed her back against the door, and then took his time divesting her of all her clothes.

  By the time she was naked, she was aching to get him inside her. Her breasts were sensitive from his mouth and hands and her sex was so ready she felt like she was going to spontaneously combust.

  Jesse stepped back, toed off his boots, and removed the rest of his clothes. Carly allowed herself to take a slow visual trek down his body and back up. Talk about hot. Jesse was, hands down, the sexiest thing she’d ever laid eyes on.

  Jesse was pretty sure he could have felt her arousal even without his abilities. He liked that she found him sexy and wanted him. He captured her lips, tasting himself on her tongue. When he finally ended the kiss, he let his lips travel down her neck, nipping and tasting and then moving lower.

  When his tongue flicked over the taut nub of her nipple, she gasped. The gasp turned throatier as his hand moved over her mound and his fingers slid between the wet folds.

  He wrapped one arm behind her, bowing her back to tease her nipple as he stroked a finger inside her. A vibration ran through her body and her sex clenched around his finger. He turned her, walked her backwards to the rug in front of the sofa, and then eased her down on her back, spreading her legs to kneel between them.

  Carly watched with heavy-lidded eyes as he spread her sex and then bent to run his tongue between the swollen lips. She arched against his mouth with a moan and he raised his head long enough to see her hands moved to her breasts, thumbing the reddened nipples. Her neck was arched back and her chest rose and fell rapidly.