Second Sunrise Cowboy (Second Chance Book 8) (17 page)

“What’s that?”

“A week ago I got a visitor. Rebecca’s sister, Kennedy.”

“Her sister? Hell, I didn’t even know she had one.” Tucker’s gaze narrowed.

Cash shrugged. “I knew, but they weren’t close.” He’d leave out the gory details. Rebecca wasn’t here to defend herself and everyone had a side to tell. “She wants to be a part of Becca’s life.”

Tucker leaned forward. “That’s a good thing.” Cash scowled. Tucker shrugged. “Or maybe not.”

“I have no clue what’s right or wrong. Dakota thinks Becca could benefit from having Kennedy in her life.”

“We’re not talking about a woman off the street. She’s Becca’s aunt—she’s blood. She is a part of Becca,” Tucker said.

Cash nodded. “I’m making more out of this than need be, aren’t I?” He trusted his brother’s opinion to a certain point.

Tucker chuckled. “Oh about as much as a pig facing slaughter.”

“That bad, huh?” Cash blew out a long breath.

“I don’t say much to you, bro, but I think you need to hear what I have to say.”

“If it’s about my relationship—”

Tucker shook his head. “No. It’s about this monument you’ve built in tribute to Rebecca. Every time I walk in, I’m reminded what you had here once upon a time. I can only imagine what Dakota must feel.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Every two inches there’s a picture of Rebecca.”

“That’s bad how?”

“It is when you’re hiding behind your loss, afraid you’re going to get hurt again. Rebecca wouldn’t like this at all. She’d have wanted you to take down the past and start the future. You know I’ve said this before…I almost lost Hope for good until I came to my senses. Unfortunately, there isn’t an opportunity for you to get Rebecca back. And you’ve moved on, at least started on a new path. You have Dakota, but this isn’t fair to her living in this shrine.”

Cash stared at Rebecca’s picture hanging on the wall behind Tucker. He was right, he’d built a memorial. “It’s not easy letting go.”

“Of course, but what is easy?”

“When you lose someone and you have no control over it, it’s easy to believe it can happen again.” Cash laid his palms on the desk. “Are you ever afraid you’re going to lose Hope again?”

“Shit, man, I’ve learned to never hold back on my feelings. I love Hope. More than I could ever put into words. We lost a child and the pain tore us apart, but the love brought us back together. It’s stronger than ever and we have a family—a baby and a son. Life is good.”

“I’m happy for you, Tuck. You deserve happiness.” Cash smiled.

“And so do you, bro. You have a good thing here.  Don’t let it slip through your fingers.”

“I’m trying to, Tuck.”

“I’ve been thinking. Old man Rutherford’s widow is selling the farm. We could buy it and expand our head of cattle. Build a few more barns on the property, and there’s already a few good buildings over there. The house is included in the deal and it’s a nice place. A great start for a new family.”

Cash narrowed his eyes. “What would we do with this house?”

Tucker hesitated. “This place needs a good remodeling. It’s falling down around your ears.”

“But it’s my home,” Cash said through tight lips.

“Once it’s up to par, we can rent it out.” Tucker leaned forward. “Are you listening to me?”

“No, not really.”

“It’s only a suggestion. Think about it because I have my doubts that you’ll ever be able to start fresh here. You can’t even bring yourself to fix the damn rail on the porch before someone falls through and breaks their noggin.”

“Noggin? Who uses that word besides a two year old?”

“Screw you.” Tucker laughed. “I like the kid programs. I’ve found that it soothes Marah when she’s throwing a fit,” he huffed.

“I’m not judging you, bro. Relax. But it’s nice to see you’ve changed into a fine daddy,” Cash said.

“By the way, we need to move fast on the Rutherford property. It won’t last long. She’s planning to move to Florida and she’s not asking much.”

“I’ll think about it, but no promises.”

****

“I’m a little nervous.” Dakota slid her palms down her legs as Cash pulled the truck to the intersection of Main and Hickory Streets.

“That’s a good sign. That’s when you know you have emotions invested.” The light turned green and he made a left. “Keep in mind this place needs a lot of work, but it’s nothing we can’t turn around. It’s a great location and you’ll certainly get rush hour traffic.”

“This town has a rush hour?” She laughed.

“Lunch time and the weekend.” He smiled.

“I’m glad you’re here with me, Cash.” Dakota watched through the window as they passed storefronts. It was definitely the nicer part of town with thriving shops.

“I couldn’t let you do this alone.”

They pulled into the back of the building and went to the metal door.  Cash unlocked it for her and pushed it open. It squeaked and banged against the wall. She stepped inside, immediately overtaken by the strong smell of dirt and mildew. “Nice welcome home scent.”

“I’m no longer hungry.”

Stacks of chairs and upended tables lined the walls, like a maze across the cement floor.  Beer cans and liquor bottles littered the floor. It looked like it’d been used as a large trashcan. “Looks like stragglers found their way inside.”

“Teens probably,” he said.

The perfectly pockmarked and polished counter was solid. Shelves were still up covered with a layer of dust and cobwebs, but they were in good condition. The walls were a dull, faded green and the ceiling had several brown stains from leaks.

“Delores must have just given up on this place.” She ran her finger down the counter, collecting an inch of dirt.

“Rental property is a lot of work.”

Dakota turned. “I don’t understand why she didn’t sell this place.”

“I’m sure she had her reasons.”

She wiped her dirty finger on her jeans. “Everything is fixable though.”

“I guess you’ve got to be able to see the future you can have here.”

Leaving him by the door, she walked around to the staircase. “What’s upstairs?”

“Let’s look.” He moved in front of her. “I’ll go first. Never know what you’ll find.”

Dakota followed him up the narrow staircase to the second floor and darkness met her. Cash found the light.

Trash littered the floor, and the tattered curtains were hanging from the rod by a thread. A small couch sat against one wall, a long rip in the cushion. An old coffee table sat leaning on three solid legs. A TV sat on a stool.

“Has someone been living here?”

Cash shrugged. “This food looks fresh.” He pointed to wrappers and leftovers on the table.

“Would those who have broken in eat here?” It didn’t sound right to her.

“We’ll look into it further. Maybe put up some cameras later.”

Inside of the bathroom, she pulled an overhead switch and a poor excuse for a light came on. As dim as it was, the space was only the size of a closet so the light was sufficient for her to see the grimy walls along with a grimier toilet and shower. At least it had running water. Sweat beaded between her breasts from the heat. No windows were open and hadn’t been for a long time. “This place needs a good cleaning. Add boxes of gloves and a hazmet suit to our list.”

“It’s not much to look at, huh?” He lifted a brow. “Still up for it?”

She scanned the room. The surrounding businesses were in nice shape and flourishing. It was hard to envision at this point what a good sprucing could do, but coming from someone who was used to putting a good shine on things, she wasn’t too ritzy to not visualize what it could be. “It’s going to be costly, but I feel it’ll be worth the effort.”

“I know a few contractors who’ll give us a good deal. We’ll have this place in good condition in no time at all.”

Dakota traced her steps back downstairs. “I can see the possibilities.” She lied…some. “At least the electricity works. Reward in the small things.’

He nodded. “We should probably get out of here before whatever fungus is growing in the bathroom upstairs invades our lungs.”

When they reached Havens Ranch, Dakota went upstairs and showered, feeling dirty after being in the abandoned building. When she came back downstairs she found Cash in the kitchen. He had changed into another pair of jeans, but his shirt was gone. He had a beer. “Is Becca coming home tonight?”

“She’s staying all night with Hope and Tucker.”

“Got another one of those?”

Cash went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle, uncapped it and handed it over. “I’m glad you came back down.” His husky voice made the hairs on her neck lift.

“I took my chances I’d see you down here.” She brought the bottle to her lips, taking a long drink, watching him.

“I’m glad we both had the same idea then.”

“You seem different somehow, Cash. The scowl is missing and I sense you have something on your mind.”

He placed his bottle on the counter. “I’ve been a fool, sweetheart. I should never have agreed to not touching you. I’ve wanted to touch you the moment I laid eyes on you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “I was a fool for suggesting it.”

  “Didn’t go as planned, huh?”

His question unnerved her. “Sometimes the best things are unplanned.”

“And you and I are alone.”

Chapter Twelve

Cash stared at Dakota, he couldn’t help but admire her.

Her hands slid to her curvy hips. “I’m liking where this is headed.” She smiled and he watched her lips. The top was a bit smaller, but that bottom one…wow…perfectly shaped for a kiss. They were shiny as if she’d applied lip tint.

He wanted to rip her clothes off and sink himself in her body, but he needed to take things slow.

His body jerked and his zipper bulged. Yeah, he wasn’t against the idea…not at all.

He moved closer, liking the flecks of sparkle that lit her eyes. “You’re a beautiful woman.”

A pretty blush teased her cheeks and she lowered her gaze. He liked how she got all bashful when he paid her a compliment, although he didn’t often—not often enough. “Oh I just pulled this outfit from my drawer.” She swept her hands down her T-shirt.

“You’re fitting in here on the ranch nicely. You belong here.”

She lifted her gaze looking at him through her long lashes. “I like when you’re nice, Cash. You should do it more often.” She touched his arm and electricity shot up his bicep. “I see the love and tenderness in your eyes when it comes to Becca. You know, it’d be okay to allow others to see that side of you.”

“Yeah…I’ve heard that a time or two.” He winked.

“I want this.”

“You deserve pleasure. I do believe I’m the man to deliver.” Before he put too much thought into his action, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, dragging her against him. Her eyes widened and her bottom lip puckered. She looked at him and his resistance faded.

He lowered his mouth and kissed her hard, every ounce of desire building within him, urging him to continue. The power of the kiss enveloped them, binding them in chains.

Her lips parted, allowing his tongue to slip past and she moaned deep in her throat. Their bodies pressed together and a commanding lust seeped between them. Her tongue swept across the roof of his mouth, current bursting through him and straight to the tip of his cock.

His body responded readily with uninhibited longing. He tangled his fingers in her hair, keeping her close as he continued thrusting his tongue in and out of her mouth, tasting her, sampling her gift.

She met his tongue thrust for tongue thrust, matched him on every scale, her body hot and ready. He could smell her need.

She didn’t stop him when his hand skimmed her back, falling to her ass, molding his palm to the tight cheek. It felt good to touch—to be touched. He was in this deep and there was no pulling him out unless he was saved by a blonde who had him by the balls.

He moved his hand around to her stomach and slipped his hand into her shirt, warm silken skin under his calloused fingers—still, no rejection in sight. She moaned deep in her throat when he slipped his hand over her lace covered breasts, nipples erect and begging for attention. He squeezed and flicked his thumb over the hard nubs. Her head fell back onto one shoulder, thrusting the small mound deeper against his palm.

He lowered his mouth, kissing her jaw…her neck and the dip by her collarbone. She smelled so good. Her scent made him hungry. Bending to his knees, he pressed kisses on her stomach and followed the elastic of the shorts, leaving a wet trail. He quickly unbuttoned them and dragged them over her hips and they dropped to her ankles. He’d never wanted to taste pussy more than he did now.

Burying his head between her legs, he licked her seam, tasting her juices through the cotton. Grabbing the wisp of material, he jerked them low, threads breaking and lace ripping as he tore them from her soft hips until her sex was bare, inches from his mouth.

With his thumbs on either side of her moist lips, he spread her secret spot wide, baring her pink treasure for his taking. He pushed his tongue into her sweetness, licking the thick cream, rolling the tip of his tongue over her delicacy. He suckled the nub swelling under his lips, feeling her inner thighs quivering against his cheeks.

Her fingers dug into his hair, nails scraping his head as she rode his tongue, hips gyrating in rhythm. Her pants grew heavy—heavier until her juices flowed over his lips. He’d never tasted anything better. A sweet concoction from her perfect body.

****

“Cash. I need you. I want you inside of me.” Dakota tugged at his shoulders.

He stood and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, wanting to get closer, wanting this to go on and on, yet needing the yearning satisfied. He kissed her and she could smell her scent on his skin and every cell scorched in need. He gently squeezed her nipples and tremors raced through her, pooling into the apex of her thighs, another orgasm starting deep in her womb. Her heart beat heavily against her ribs and her knees threatened to give out. She clung to him, sinking her fingers into his strapping, bare shoulders, wishing she could burrow deep in him.

Dropping her hand to his buckle, she clawed at the metal until it loosened, giving her access to more. Her fingers shook as she tore the button from the loop and undid the zipper. Dragging the denim low, she found his hard length through the cotton, molding her palm over the huge erection. She pumped her hand up and down on the length, then pushed his boxers along with the jeans. She clutched his bare cock, pumping, sliding up and down, slipping her fingers over the satin pearl of cream at his tip.

Yes…she would find release.

Ring! Ring!

She stiffened.
What is that sound?

   
It came again. The shrill ringing of a phone.

She stepped back, the sound breaking through the smog inside of her brain and cooling her lust-filled core.

“Fuck!” he barked.

They were both panting and she backed against the counter, gripping it until her knuckles ached. Cash’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes were a dark, mysterious blue.

“I guess you should get that, huh?” Her voice shook, much like her insides.

“Sorry. It could be Becca.” He dragged up his jeans, swept a hand through his hair and went around the table to the phone on the wall.

Dakota placed her hand over her chest, willing her heart to slow. She watched him grab up the phone, heard his quick, snappy responses. His tight jaw and narrowed eyes told her he wasn’t happy. She let go of the counter before she had serious issues with her knuckles and took her beer, dragging long drinks. Her fingers shook as she placed the bottle back onto the counter. Her heartbeat returned to normal, but the fog in her brain remained.

She caught a glimpse of Cash again. He faced the wall, his hand fisted at his side. How could one man devastate her? One touch, one word, and she became putty in his hands, begging for him to shape her, mold her as he pleased. All logical reasoning flushed down the commode and all that remained was a desire that evoked havoc on her every cell.

Cash shifted, his gaze meeting hers. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Yeah?” he said to the person on the other end of the line. “Yeah. That’s a big problem.”

His lips thinned. His chest rose and fell like a man who’d run a marathon. She slipped her gaze lower to the large silver buckle dangling from the waist of his jeans and to his bulge in his boxers. Her cheeks warmed, she groaned and turned away.

She wanted to fan the flames until their bodies burned.

“Okay. Give me ten minutes,” he said then dropped the phone back into its cradle. Apology flooded his expression.

“You gotta go?” Disappointment rushed over her. Her vulnerability seemed tenfold. “It’s not Becca is it? She’s okay?”

“No, it’s not Becca. The new calf is sick. I need to get the vet in.”

She didn’t like the pang in her chest. She forced a smile to her lips and lifted her chin, putting on a front. Cash had responsibilities and having sex with her wasn’t one…of course, not that she expected priority treatment. She just couldn’t deny the wrench in her heart.

His jaw hardened and his eyes turned steely. “Damn, Dakota, I’m really sorry. This ain’t right, a man getting close to a woman and walking out.” The trace of displeasure in his tone eased the twinge in her chest—a bit. At least he reflected some of her disappointment.

“Look, I understand. You own this land. You gotta do what you gotta do.”

“I can’t call on Tucker. Right now, he’s busy with his family.”

She nodded. “Sure. Go on, do what you need to do,” she encouraged.

“I want to come back and see you. Is that okay?”

Excitement tingled her inner thighs. “I won’t be going anywhere.”

He stepped across the short space between them and kissed her on the cheek. “It won’t take long, sweetheart.”

He’d called her sweetheart. What had come over her? Since when did she get all mushy over a simple endearment? Probably since it’d been a long time since anyone had looked her way, let alone kissed her until her toes curled. Neck-deep in this feeling swirling through her, she would have gotten excited if the breeze switched directions.

“I better grab a shirt and be on my way.” He went into the laundry room and she went upstairs.

In the bathroom, she turned on the water to the sink, splashing her face with cold water.

Undressing, she caught a glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror, shocked to see the beard rash on her cheeks, her chest and the tops of her breasts. Her body quivered in unreleased desire. Her nipples were still hard and deep pink, aching for Cash to continue the delightful pleasure. What they’d shared downstairs had unleashed a whole can of lust, and a need that was burning her alive. His kisses were mind-boggling, toe-curling shatters of sin through her veins. His scent remained on her flesh, in her nostrils, seeping into every pore. Her heart beat a new rhythm…and she couldn’t quite understand. Could she be falling for Cash?

Impossible.

Silly.

She barely knew him. He was a little more than a stranger.

And yet she was married to him.

She realized how easy it would be to love him.

Maybe it was lust. Every time they got close, something put an obstacle in the way.

She wanted him. Her body ached for him. She blew out a long breath. Yeah, she didn’t doubt the man could make love like a professional bull rider.

The apex of her thighs throbbed and she sighed.

Truthfully, she wanted things to progress between them. She didn’t know where the future would land them, but for the here and now, she wanted to fall into Cash’s arms, allow him to bring her a pleasure that pounded at the invisible doors within her.

Going into the bedroom, she crawled into bed. The sheets cooled her heated skin only slightly. Her thighs warmed and the ache grew between her legs. The muscles on her body eased, but the tension in her core remained. She stretched her legs as the sensations built.

She slid the tips of her fingers along the curve of one breast, across her stomach, sinking her hand deeper to the V that welcomed attention. Finding the throbbing seam, she spread her knees wide, finding the swollen nub begging for Cash’s touch. Her fingers didn’t take the place of what he could offer, but the tingles of her flesh grew into scorching, raging need. She circled the pad of her finger along the fleshy head until the tingles doubled—tripled—and the spasms started in her uterus and spread down to the entrance of her opening.

Dipping one finger into the wet cave, she thrust inside and out as the muscles squeezed around her digit. Visions of a naked Cash flashed behind her closed lids, filling her brain and making her body eager for release. She wanted him inside of her—hard and demanding.

The release came harsh, but quickly eased into tremors of warmth, waves of heaven washing over her…sweeping from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toes.

Once the spasm eased, she rolled over, reached for her gown on the chair and pulled it over her head. She couldn’t say that she could knock the boots off a cowboy, but she couldn’t wait to show him what he’d been missing.

Going downstairs, the cooler air made goosebumps scatter across her arms. But she couldn’t just lie in bed and wait. Restless energy spiraled through her.

Cash’s beer sat on the table, half full. She took it and started to dump the contents into the sink when a better thought came to her. She brought the bottle to her lips and took a long drink. Knowing that his lips had been there moments before made sparks of excitement ripple through her. Her lips still tingled from his kisses.

She moaned and set the bottle on the sink. She had it bad—very, very bad, and yet good in the same way.

Once he got inside of her, she would explode.

She went into the living room and switched on the lamp. The light feathered across the walls, and the pictures that lined each inch, a reminder that Cash still loved his wife, even if she was gone.

Dakota swallowed and scanned the space, acid burning her insides. How could she compete? Cash was available maybe physically, but not emotionally.

Turning off the lamp, she left the room and went back upstairs.

****

Cash parked the truck in front of the house, seeing through the windows that it was dark inside. He guessed Dakota had gone to bed and a twinge of disappointment washed through him. He’d taken longer than he’d expected, but at least now the calf was fine and his day was done—he hoped.