Chapter Thirteen

Two mornings later, Jovy scrambled through the café, smoothing her shirt over her hips on her way to unlock the door to let Blanche and Cece in. Yesterday, the ladies had offered to drop by two hours before opening to help make the special of the day. One of Cece’s recipes. And since both ladies had worked in the food service field, Jovy had taken them up on their offer.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, stepping back to allow them inside. “I slept through my alarm.”

True, but then Stone woke her up with his very talented slow hands. She really needed to learn to resist the Ranger’s morning recons. Too bad it’d be easier to resist breathing. She was such a pushover when it came to that man and his lips. And hands. And…

“Oh, honey, don’t you worry about.” Blanche waved a hand, envy gleaming in her eyes. “I wouldn’t even show up to work if I had a hot former Ranger in my bed. Especially on a Saturday morning.”

Jovy nearly swallowed her tongue. Had they seen his truck out back? “It wasn’t—”

Cece laughed. “No sense in denying. That satisfied glow gives you away.”

Shoot.

“No.” She shook her head. She didn’t need gossip to spread. “I really did hit snooze on the alarm, except it never went off.” But she did. Twice. Thanks to Stone, who was upstairs grabbing a shower before he headed to work. Hopefully, by the back door.

“I hate when that happens,” Cece said. “I can’t tell you how many times I was late getting the kids up for school…back when they were still in school.”

Before Jovy could comment, the side door opened and Stone walked in, stride determined, gaze sinful, body hot as hell, effectively stealing her breath. “Morning, ladies,” he said.

So much for keeping him a secret.

He stalked her, his heated gaze never leaving Jovy’s face as he backed her up against the wall and kissed her stupid.

An equal opportunity kind of guy, he attacked brain cells and strength with a ferocity that made her tingle. When finished, he drew back and smiled. “Now that’s what I call a good morning.”

Releasing her with a wink, he turned and strode from the café, leaving her dazed and heated. As Jovy inhaled several deep breaths, she slapped her palms against the wall for balance and blinked the room back into focus.

“Dayam, girl.” Cece fanned herself. “That man is hot.”

“Yeah.” Blanche sighed. “I want one.”

Cece snickered. “I think that one is taken, Blanche.”

Laughing, Jovy shook off her stupor and headed into the kitchen to join Leslie and get started on the day’s special with the women following close behind. “Morning, Leslie.”

The petite, pregnant mother of two smiled as she opened a package of almond flour. “Morning, ladies.”

“Hey, Leslie.” The blonde turned her attention back to Cece and shook her head. “And I didn’t mean that exact man. I want a hot guy of my own who could put that after-sex glow on my face Jovy seems to be wearing all week.”

Jovy frowned, resisting the urge to hold a stainless steel pot up to check her reflection. She had a glow?

“Don’t mind her.” Cece smiled. “It’s nice to see you happy. And Stone. He’s a great guy. It’s been a long time—too long—since we’ve seen him smile.”

Jovy wanted to comment, but that was getting too personal. And she wasn’t in the market for personal. She was happy to just enjoy the physical with Stone. Although it had already gone way past that this week. The man engaged her heart as well as her body every time they met.

Besides, she already knew what had stolen Stone’s smile. Leo’s attempted suicide.

“Happy?” Blanche squeaked. “Jovy looks more than happy. As a matter of fact, I want to know where the hell you got your alarm clock, because if that’s what happens when you hit snooze, honey, I’ve been missing out. Big-time!”

She laughed and opened a cupboard to get a jar of coconut oil.

“It’s not for lack of opportunity,” Cece pointed out, grabbing carrots, celery, and onions from the refrigerator for a homemade ragout. “Guys are always coming on to you, Blanche. Just last week at your son’s college baseball game several of the hot studs were tripping over themselves to get your attention.” The woman smiled, setting the vegetables on the counter with a thud. “You should’ve seen it. The coach had to yell at them to ignore the heads in their crotch and focus on the ones on their shoulders.”

Leslie chuckled. “Bet that went over well.”

“Sounds like you made quite a stir, Blanche,” Jovy said.

Cece nodded, peeling a batch of carrots. “She usually does.”

“Pfft.” The blonde waved them off before she picked up a knife and started to attack the onions. “First of all…eww…they’re boys. Young enough to be my sons.” Distaste puckered the woman’s pretty face as her body shook. “I want a man. One who has lived life, experienced ups and downs, and doesn’t need me to stand on his own two feet. You know, a guy who appreciates me for more than sex…although, don’t get me wrong, sex is a good place to start.”

Having just crossed that exact road this week, Jovy was inclined to agree. It was nice to spend time with a man who wasn’t concerned about his status, or worse…hers.

Stone was refreshing. Even last night, after talking about family and life growing up in different environments, he couldn’t care less about the Larson empire or Jovy’s bank account. The only thing that concerned the diligent man was pleasuring her to see how many times she’d scream his name.

Three.

That morning he’d made her scream three times. Heat flooded low in Jovy’s belly at the memory. But she also remembered how his face had lit up whenever he talked about the progress on the second bunkhouse. It was almost under roof, and he hoped to have enough money next week to finish stage two. His excitement was infectious. Jovy was drawn in and unable to distance herself from the man when he opened his heart and talked so freely about something he was so passionate about. He made her want to be a part of it. Made her want to please him. To give him a reason to be passionate. She wanted to help him help others.

Running with that train of thought, she set the bowl down and turned to the women. “Listen, Cece, Blanche. I have a proposition for you two.”

“Ooo…” The blonde smiled and leaned closer. “I’m all ears.”

Cece nodded. “Me, too.”

“How would you feel about working here, assisting Leslie with the cooking and running the café?” The more Jovy thought about it, the more she really liked this idea; she just hoped the women would, too. “I’d like to help out at At-Ease while I’m in town.” Lord knew the men needed rescuing in that office. She still twitched at the thought of straightening only half of the mess last Sunday. “I’m dying to get my hands on Stone’s business.”

Blanche snickered. “Is that what they’re calling it these days?”

Cece jabbed the grinning woman in the ribs. “Behave.”

“Ouch!”

Heat rushed into Jovy’s face as she realized what she’d said. “I can’t pay you a lot, but it would give you a chance to try the place out to see if you want to keep it going after I lea—”

“Yes.” Blanche cut her off and grinned. “I’ll do it, but I don’t want any money.”

Cece nodded. “Me, too.”

Jovy frowned and started to shake her head. “That’s not right. I can’t do that. I have to pay you something.”

Cece reeled back. “Are you kidding me? I’d pay you for the chance to finally get some healthy food into the bellies of the people in this town. And this way you don’t have to worry about filling in if Leslie needed an unscheduled day off.”

The young mother rubbed her protruding belly and nodded. “Yeah, sometimes my doctor’s appointments get rescheduled.”

“And I’d pay you for keeping me from dying of boredom.” Blanche snorted. “This is great. Thanks, Jovy.” The blonde pulled her in for a quick hug. “There’s only so many reruns of Criminal Minds I could watch during the day.” She released her and stepped back. “Unless Shemar is shirtless, then I could sit and drool…I mean watch until the cows come home.”

Cece snickered. “You don’t have any cows, Blanche.”

“I know.” The woman winked, and the four of them laughed in unison.

The rest of the day flew by. Jovy gave her two new employees a key and spent the time showing Cece and Blanche the ropes, supervising while the eager women took over in the afternoon. Even though only a handful of customers stopped in, Jovy got a good sense of how they would manage unsupervised. Efficient and personable, the women passed with flying colors. After coming up with an agreeable schedule and discussing a few recipes, Cece and Blanche left with Leslie, excited about starting work in the morning, which was the young mother’s day off.

Perfect.

Jovy smiled as she flipped the sign on her door to Closed and locked up, bringing an end to her first week. A mildly successful end. It would’ve been nice to have sold more, but considering the numbers increased every day, she was hopeful that by the end of her run she’d meet her goal.

Thanks to Stone.

The handsome cowboy Ranger was like her private rescuer. Ever since they met—no, even before they met—the man had saved her ass. Agreeing to lease his property to her on a weekly basis was not normal. Not many would.

He’s a good egg, her grandfather had stated.

It was true. He made her body and her heart feel good.

Tonight, after she closed out the register and recorded everything in a ledger and on her laptop, she was going to return the favor. On both accounts. She owed the handsome cowboy both physically and professionally, and several propositions for his business and his body sprang to mind. With luck, he wouldn’t refuse either.

…

Stone took the stairs to Jovy’s apartment two at a time, his heartbeat increasing the closer he got to her door. All damn day he couldn’t wait to see her, to be with her, even though he was working on a project he’d dreamed about for nearly half a year. The joy, although prominent, didn’t compare to how he felt in the sweet woman’s presence. She easily topped his priority list, so while he’d hammered two-by-four walls together for the bunkhouse, his mind had devised a surprise he hoped she’d like.

The door swung open as he reached the top step, and he was met by a smiling beauty wearing another of those dresses that tied at the hip. His body immediately sprang to life. “Hi, you,” Jovy said, sliding her arms around his neck as she pulled his head down for a kiss.

God, yeah. This was it. This was what he’d thought about all day. What he couldn’t get out of his damn head. The connection to this beautiful woman who tasted hot and hungry, smelled of spring flowers, gave so willingly without putting one damn demand on him. She was a true treasure, and all he kept thinking was mine.

He backed her into her apartment and pressed her against the wall, his heart kicking the shit out of his ribs at the sound of her moan. Sweetest cadence ever. He’d never grow tired of hearing it. Running his hands up her sides, he paused at the swell of her breasts and traced a half circle with his thumbs. She moaned again, and heaven help him, thrust against his already-throbbing erection. He saw stars and lost his breath, and if he didn’t slow things down immediately, that wasn’t all he’d lose.

Stone broke the kiss and set his forehead to hers. “I like how you say hello.”

She choked out a laugh between panting. “I have no control when your mouth is on me.”

“Good to know.” He winked at her, then stepped out of her embrace. “Grab an overnight bag. I want to show you something before the sun completely sets.”

Her hazel eyes widened with excitement. “Okay. I’ll be quick.”

True to her word, the woman returned not four minutes later. Damn. She packed faster than some recruits he’d known.

“Ready.” She smiled up at him.

The urge to kiss those curving lips gripped tight, but he knew one more taste would be too much and they’d never leave. He took her bag and nodded toward the stairs. “After you.”

It wasn’t until they were on the road that led to the At-Ease Ranch that he chanced a glance at her. Something inside his chest cracked open. She was intoxicating. The windows were down to let in the night air and he inhaled deep, surrounded by her fragrance. Her hair was loose, blowing around her face and she laughed as she tried to contain the chocolate strands.

God, she was sweet.

“So, Mr. Mystery, where are you taking me? To your room?”

His groin tightened at the thought. “Later. But first, we’re going to enjoy dinner, Texas style.” Reaching across the seat, he caressed her bare leg where her dress rose just above her knee. She was so damn soft. He brushed his thumb back and forth, unable to stop, addicted to each hitch in her breath.

“I hope it’s close.” A warm hand squeezed his leg before trailing upward, where she deployed a little thumb-brushing of her own.

Jesus. He nearly jerked the truck to the side when her wicked forefinger traced his erection through his cargo pants.

Not close enough.

He pulled onto a dirt road that cut through their property and drove a half mile before he couldn’t take it anymore. The hell with it. This was close enough. He parked the truck in the middle of the field, away from the live oak trees and brush for an unobstructed view. The sun was slipping fast. He gauged they had about fifteen minutes before it disappeared completely. And if he didn’t move away from her touch, he was going to explode before the day turned to night.

“Wait here.” Without waiting for her reply, he got out, adjusted his zipper, then quickly sprang into action, spreading his sleeping bag in the bed of his truck before he rushed to open her door. “Ready?”

“For anything,” she replied, knocking the breath from his lungs.

Her eagerness to please slayed him. He swept her up in his arms, holding her curves close as he walked to the back of the truck where he set her on the tailgate. “I didn’t want you to go back to Philly without seeing this,” he told her before moving aside.

She sucked in a breath. “Stone, this is amazing.” Gaze still glued to the sunset, she scooted all the way back and patted the spot next to her. “Hurry up. You’re going to miss it.”

Not a chance. He joined her, and although he wanted to taste the enthusiasm she exuded, he didn’t want her to miss out on a Texas sunset. The best kind. Surrounded by nature.

Leaning against the back of the cab, he draped his arm around her and pulled her in close. A sharp thrill shot through him when she immediately settled into his side, one hand gripping his hip from the back, the other palming his abs while she rested her cheek against his chest.

“This is amazing,” she repeated in a whisper, the catch in her throat reverberating through him.

He replied by squeezing her tighter as he watched the sun lower slowly, almost lazily, as if it never wanted to leave. God, could he relate. He glanced at the woman in his arms. Stone didn’t want Jovy to leave. There…he admitted it to himself. Yet no way in hell would he ever ask her to stay. She had a legacy to run. A life in Philadelphia. His legacy was here in Texas.

Stone’s time with the incredible woman in his arms was slowly fading like the sun before him. The brilliant orange horizon, made brighter by the sun’s rays reflected in the clouds scattered across the dark blue sky, was a clear analogy for Jovy. She was light. Joy, warming many with its mere presence. He was the dark blue sky, rising up to meet the day’s end and usher in the night, the two only meeting briefly to mix and mingle in a spectacular fashion, to share a breathtaking moment before parting ways. It was as inevitable as it was amazing.

She released a breath and tipped her head to look up at him. “Thank you.” Tears glistened in her eyes, and an invisible band tightened around his chest when they spilled down her face.

He brushed each one away with his thumb. “You’re welcome. I wanted you to experience it before you go.”

Sadness momentarily dulled her bright gaze, but she blinked it away. “Thanks,” she repeated, then grabbed his hand and brushed his knuckles with her lips. “I’ll never forget it. Or you. Ever.”

Damn, how could her words hurt and feel good at the same time?

She cleared her throat and pulled out of his arms. “So, um, didn’t you say something about food?”

He could’ve kissed her for the change in subject, except he knew exactly where that would lead. No dinner. And he hadn’t brought her out to this secluded spot on his land to devour her. At least, not yet. Jovy willing.

“Sure did. It’s right here.” He grabbed a cooler on his right and set it between them. “Vince packed us each something quick before I left.”

She lifted the lid and smiled. “Chicken for you, and…my strawberry salad with walnuts and mint? How’d he get a dish of it?”

“Beats me.” Stone shrugged, snapping and shaking the chemical lights he removed from the side pocket of his cargo pants. He’d used chem-lights during so many ops he saw them in his sleep. They were the backdrop to many of his dreams, including his nightmares. But thanks to tonight, they would forever remind him of Jovy. The orange glow mirrored the last rays of the setting sun and bathed the sexy woman in a warm light.

Not even the shadows could take away her beauty. He watched, fascinated, as her face grew animated when the conversation steered to their childhoods, favorite music, sports, and movies. By the time he finished the last of his cold chicken and plate of the surprisingly delicious strawberry salad, he discovered the woman had a penchant for classic rock and a love of action flicks, and always rooted for the underdog.

Stone wasn’t falling for the woman. He had already fallen. Hard. “That was delicious.” She grabbed his empty plate, stacked it on hers, then set them both aside. “I can hardly wait for dessert. I hope it starts with an S and ends in tone.”

And just like that, Stone was as hard as his name. “I like the way you think.” He cupped her face and kissed her long and deep, taking his time to savor her essence, committing it all to memory for when that was all he had.

When they finally broke for air, he set his forehead to hers while they each worked to regain control of their breathing.

“I like the way you like the way I think,” she said between breaths, running her hand down his chest to slip under his shirt, her hand warm and daring as she stroked his skin while lifting his shirt. “Time for that dessert.”

The last rays of sun disappeared and darkness settled around them beyond the glow of the chem-lights cocooning them in the back of the truck. Heat rushed through Stone’s body fast and fierce. He needed to get her naked. Wanted to see Jovy’s lush curves bathed in the orange light.

Now.

“Let me help.” He grasped the hem of his shirt and ripped it over his head, his whole body tightening as her hungry gaze devoured his torso. He could barely think straight; need was coursing through his body so fast he had to fight to take things slow. “Now you.” His fingers closed around the string tied at her hip, and with a sharp tug, her dress parted to reveal a sexy red bra and matching lace thong.

Holy shit, he’d died and gone to heaven.

“Let me help.” She threw his words at him with a suggestive smile curving her lips while shrugging out of her dress, then proceeded to knock the wind out of him when she unhooked her bra and paused. Damn woman was killing him. Still holding his gaze, she dropped the bra, and his mouth watered as her breasts bounced free.

“Lie down,” he urged, his voice rough with the need eating him from the inside out. “I’ll get the rest.” He had to get his mouth on her. Now.

As she stretch out on her back, he leaned over her, kissing a path down her throat to each breast, licking each tip until they tightened to hard peaks and she squirmed beneath him.

“Stone…”

He smiled against her hot skin as he made his way down her quivering belly to the scrap of lace covering his treasure. “I know,” he murmured, pressing his lips to her upper thigh, kissing a path up to the lace, then covering her center with his mouth. “You’re so wet.” Heat spiked through his groin in an almost painful throb and continued to hammer his body as he slowly removed the last piece of clothing from her body.

Finally. He sat back on his heels and stared at her gorgeous, luscious curves bathed in the soft orange glow. “You’re so damn perfect, Jovy.” Starting at her ankles, he ran his hands over every inch of those glorious curves until her breathing was just as labored as his and need shook her body.

“Stone…I need…” Her voice trailed off as if she couldn’t decide what she wanted.

But he knew. Hell yeah. By now, he knew her body better than she did, and he made it his mission to answer every demand. “I’ll take care of you.” He grasped her ankles and bent her at the knee, sliding her feet until her heels met the curve of her ass. His heart stopped and mouth watered at the sight of the feast sprawled out before him. “So damn perfect,” he breathed before covering her center with his mouth like before, only this time no lace separated him from her sweetness.

She sucked in a breath and her hands grasped his head. The uninhibited show of need spurred him on. He shoved both hands beneath her and held her still while he licked right up her center, then back down, his body on fucking fire at the little mewls coming from her throat. She tasted so sweet and so hot he’d never get enough. Over and over, he lapped at her, eventually pulling a hand free to add a finger into her slick warmth, heightening her pleasure, holding off her orgasm as long as he could.

“Now…Stone…”

As her walls began to tighten around him, he sucked her into his mouth, brushing his tongue over the spot he knew drove her nuts. Jovy cried out, grasping a handful of his hair as she bucked. Ah, hell…she could make him bald for all he cared. It was so damn worth it. He added another finger and changed the angle, hitting different spots, drawing out her climax until her moans faded and hips stilled.

With one last lick, he released her and drew back, his heart catching at the sight of her spent body, slick with a light sheen of sweat, nipples standing at attention, gaze heavy-lidded with a satisfied glow burning brighter than all the sticks surrounding them combined. She was a sight he’d never forget, and the urge to sink inside her slick warmth had him yanking off his boots.

“Hurry, Stone.”

He swallowed a curse, fighting to hang on as his balls tightened with that very need. A few deep breaths restored enough control for him to finish stripping and roll on a condom. He bent down to kiss her lips, slipping his tongue inside, reveling in her moans and the way her hands slid around his neck. She made him want to hear more. He released her mouth to kneel back. “Put your legs over my shoulders.”

Her eyes widened. “I…um…okay. But you’re going to have to help. They sort of feel like rubber right now.” She lifted her legs and he helped guide her feet over his shoulder, bringing her center in perfect line with his erection.

Holding her legs, he slid his tip inside her sweet heat and had to grind his teeth to fight the urge to shove in all the way. He didn’t want to hurt her. At this angle, taking it slow was the key. But damn, she felt like warm silk. As soon as her body began to relax, he pushed in farther, nearly seeing stars at the exquisite feel of her body welcoming him home.

Jovy cried out and lifted up to take in more. “God, Stone…”

“I know,” he muttered, pulling most of the way out before driving back in. “You feel so damn good.”

She nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as her mouth opened to emit a sexy, low sound he felt straight to his tightening balls. He wasn’t going to last. Being inside her was too damn incredible.

“More…” she panted, her fingers clutching the sleeping bag as her head thrashed to the side.

Mesmerized by her bouncing breasts, Stone held on to her thighs and leaned forward, pounding into her, again and again, spurred on by her cries and the feel of her walls tightening around him.

As she flew apart, calling his name over and over, he shoved in hard and deep, holding her still as he came with her name on his lips and the incredible vision of her forever imprinted on his heart.