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A Rough Riders Story Featuring Cord And AJ James
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BackInThe Saddle
ARoughRidersNovella
Copyright©2023LJLA,LLC,AllRightsReserved
RidgeviewPublishing April2023KindleEdition
ISBN:978-1-941869-16-1
InaccordancewiththeUS
CopyrightActof1976,scanning,uploading,transmittinginanyform,andelectronicsharingofanypartofthisbookwithoutpriorpermission fromthepublisherispiracyandconsideredtheftoftheauthor’sintellectualproperty
Thisbookisaworkoffiction
Allnames,placesandsituationsinthisbookaretheproductsoftheauthor’simagination Anyresemblancetoactualevents,localesor personsiscoincidental
Visitwwwloreleijamescom
CoverDesignby:MeredithBlair
CoverPhotoby:photoua/Bigstockcom/112867757
Editedby:LindseyFaber
InteriorDesignedandFormattedby:BBeBooksCo,Ltd –wwwbbebooksthailandcom
Youwantedit,yougotit!Thankstoall thereaderswhoparticipatedintheonlinepoll andoverwhelminglypickedCordand AJforthisnewshortstory!
TableofContents
TitlePage
CopyrightPage
Dedication
AboutBackintheSaddle
BackInTheSaddle
ExcerptfromCowgirlUpandRide
ConnectwiththeAuthor
OtherbooksbyLoreleiJames
Timelinefor Back in the Saddle,aCordandAJshortstory;thistakesplacerightbefore Redneck Romeo,aroundthesametime DaltonMcKayreturnstoWyoming.
I
T WAS OFFICIAL:hermarriagehadofficiallygonetothedogs.
Everydaythisweek heck,everydaythepastfewmonths Cordhadn’tkissedhergoodbye AJhadbeenhopefulforasmoochthismorninguponhearinghimre-enterthehouse.She’dproppedherselfprovocatively inthedoorwaybetweentheentrywayandthekitchen,watchingashestroderightpasthertosnatchthekeyringhe’dleftonthe bench Cordhadn’tsparedherasecondglance,buthehadreacheddowntoscratchthedog’sheadbeforehustlingoutthedoor Whathappenedafterthat…notherproudestmoment,butshe had beenhoppingmad. Sheeyedtheirblueheeler,Chichi,whoworeasuspiciouslysmuglook “Ifyourmasterkeepsthatup,he’llbebunkingin thebarnwithyou.”
Chichicockedherhead
“Pieceofadvice,pooch.Waggingyourbehindathimisabustasfarasgettinghisattention.Trustme.I’vealreadytriedit.” Shesighed.“Hasitreallycometothis?I’mconfidingmymaritalwoestothedog.”
Her annoyanceprobablydidn’tqualifyas areal marital issuetoanyoneelse Butitbuggedthecrapoutofher sincethis weirddisconnectwithCordhadbeendraggingonforever.Atfirstshe’dchalkeduphisdistractiontothedemandsofcalving season Butthatseasonhadcomeandgone,yetasthis no kissy, no huggy situationlingered,AJworriedit’dbecometheirnew normal.Orworseyet,Cordwasutterlycluelessthathisdailyshowofaffectiontowardherhaddwindledtozero.
Thefirsttimeshe’dbroughtitup,Cord’sdefensivenesshadkickedinandhe’dlitintoheraboutallofhisresponsibilities Thesecondtimeshe’dmentionedit,Cordoptedforsarcasm.AJsuspectedifshebroughtitupagain,he’dsigh,mutter sorry darlin’ andofferaperfunctorypeckonthecheekeachmorninginahalf-assedattemptatplacatingher.
Nothankyou
“Mama?”
Sheblinkedandglanceddownatheryoungestson,Vaughn “Yes,sweetie?”
“Why’reyousad?”
AJruffledhisblondcurls hewastheonlyoneoftheirchildrenwhohadinheritedherhaircolor.“It’snothingforyouto worryabout.”
“Areyoumissin’sissy?”
Avery,heronlygirlchild,andtheclosestoneinagetoVaughn,hadrecentlystartedall-daykindergarten,muchtoVaughn’s dismay.“I’mmissingsomething,”shemurmured.Thenshesmoothedthehairshe’dtousled.“Areyoureadytoheadintotown?” “Yep Gotmybackpack”
Shesmiledatthemassivecamobackpack,stuffedtothegillswithgodonlyknewwhatafour-yearoldneededforsixhours awayfromhome.“You’vejammedalotofstuffinthere,pard.Yousureyoudon’tneedmetocarryit?”
Vaughnscoffed,hisexpressionsolikeCord’sthatherheartsqueezed.“I’mnota baby,mama.” “Mymistake.GogetyourbootsonandI’llberightthere.”
WithonlyonekiddoinhereightpassengerSuburban,thetoo-quietdrivefromtheranchintoSundancegaveAJtoomuch timetothink.
Evenwhensheunderstooditwasn’tfairtocomparetheirpasttotheirpresent,shecouldn’tstopherthoughtsfromfocusing onthehungrywayCordusedtolookather.Thosework-roughenedhandsalloverherallthetime.Thesexualtensionbetween themthatneededanimmediaterelease.
Thiswasn’taboutsex,exceptrecentlythatwastheonlytimeCordshowedaffection Inthemomenttheirbodiesconnected, hisblueeyesfilledwithaheart-stoppingmixoflove,desireandsatisfaction.Alookthathadn’tfalteredovertheyears,alook thatbelongedtoheralone
God.Maybesheoughtaquitfrettingoverwhatshemissedandbethankfulforwhatshehad.
Yet whatifshewasatfault?Shecouldn’tstandthethoughtofthisdisconnectcontinuingmuchlonger
AfterdroppingVaughnoffatthecommunitycenterforpreschool,sheheadeddownthestreetandparkedinherspotbehind theSandstoneBuilding.Jugglingher messenger bag,DietPepsi andkeys,sheunlockedthebackdoor,steppingintothecool darkness Theever-presentscentsofessentialoilsfilledhernoseandshebreathedinadeep,calmingbreath Thisspacewas hersanctuary.
While she loved beinghome onthe ranchwithCord and their kids, she’d continued to runHealingTouch, the massage studioshe’dopenedthefirstyearoftheirmarriage.
After the birth of Beau, baby boy number two, AJ leased out part of her space to another massage therapist Dante Blackstone,aCaspertransplant,specializedinrehabilitationmassagetherapy.Heworkedtwodaysaweekonlocationandthe other days inthe studio. While theyusuallyalternated days, sometimes their schedules meshed, and they’d be inthe office
together.AJexpelledasighofreliefDantewasn’taround.She’dbetemptedtoblurtoutallherfrustrationsandfearsbecause confidinginthedoghadgottenhernowhere.
Strivingtoputherworriesoutofhermind,shepoppedinherearbudsandcrankedthemusicasshecleanedandrestocked herspace.Thenherteno’clockcancelled,leavingheratlooseendsforanhour.Evenonlineretailtherapyhadn’tbrightened hermood
Promptlyatten-fifty-seven, AinsleyHamiltonsailed infor her eleveno’clockappointment. As usual, the bankpresident wassmartlydressed:acream-coloredsilkblouseandaroyalblueA-lineskirtthatmirroredthestripesintheblueplaidsuit jacket.Grayopen-toedpumpsandmatchinghandbagcompletedtheensemble.
AJwhistled.“Lookin’goodtoday,LadyA.”
Ainsleyblushed “Thanks BigmeetingthismorningandBenistakingmetolunch”
“He’s cominginto townjust for lunchwithyou?” Ainsley’s husband BenMcKayand his older brother, Quinn, ranthe northernmostsectionofthemassiveMcKayRanchandwereCord’scousins “Yousoundsurprised.”
“Iam Idon’tknowthatCordhaseverspecificallymetme forlunch” “Ever?”Ainsleyaskedwithgenuineshock.
“Well, notsince we were firstmarried. Ifwe have to take the kids to anappointmentor somethingduringthe week, we mightstopforabitebeforeweheadbacktotheranch”
“Don’ttake this the wrongway, butthatsucks. Especiallysince Idoubtyoutwo ever getto enjoya quietmeal alone at home”
With all those kids…wentunsaid.
ThenAinsleybacktracked.“ButI’msureit’sfineifitworksforyou.”
“I’mbeginningtowonderifitisn’tbroken,”AJmuttered.ButsheknewAinsleyhadheardherwhenhereyesnarrowed.AJ offeredaquicksmile.“Nevermind.HitthedressingroomandI’llmeetyoubackthere.”
Ainsleysaunteredtothedoorofftotheleft Thedressingroomhadarearpassthroughthatallowedtheclienttoenterthe treatmentroomwithouthavingtobacktrackthroughthereceptionarea.
AJwashedherhandsandselectedtheeucalyptusoilAinsleypreferred Forbackgroundnoiseshechoseinstrumentalmusic withsoftchimeslayeredovergentleguitarchords.
Ainsleyemergedanddroppedherrobebeforeshehoppeduponthetable.Shestretchedoutonherbelly,herarmsabove herhead.HercasualapproachtonudityhadactuallyshockedAJ;she’dexpectedthebankpresidenttobemodest.Ainsleyhad noticedhershockandhadlaughed.“InmylifeBB BeforeBen beingnakedinanysituationmademeburnwithshame.My husband has reformed that attitude and now I’m practically a nudist” That admission had forged an honest friendship betweenthemandAJlookedforwardtotheirsessions.
“AmIworkingonyourshoulderstoday?”sheasked
“Yes,please.Andifthere’stime,canyoucheckoutmyrightcalf?I’vehadweirdcrampstherethepastweek.”
“Noproblem.Whatleveldoyouneedtoday?”
“Mediumhard?Gentleronmyarms”
“All right. Now inhale. Letgo ofall the tensionyou’re holding. Exhale slowly. Good. Twice more.” She didn’tputher handsonAinsleyuntilherlastdrawn-outexhale
Someclientswerechattyduringtheirtreatment.Someonlyspoketoaskforpressureadjustment.Ainsleyfellsomewherein between Duringthemostintenseportionofthetissuework,sheconcentratedonbreathingandkeepinghershouldersrelaxed ButwhenAJdriftedtoherlowerback,shetunedinandmadesmalltalk.AinsleysurprisedAJwhenshesaid,“Iseverything allrightwithyouandCord?”
“Eh It’sthesameoldsameoldwithCord”
“And is thatpartofthe problem?” WhenAJ didn’timmediatelyrespond, Ainsleyadded, “Look, Iknow you’re close to yoursisters-in-law,andmaybeyou’vementionedwhateverisgoingonwithyouandCordtothem,butitseemsyouneedtotalk tosomeonenow.I’mhereandit’snotlikeI’llblabfarandwideaboutit.”
AJsnorted “Here’swhereyou’llremindmethatyou’reabankerusedtokeepingeveryoneintown’ssecrets”
“Here’swhereIremindyouthatwearefamily,butmostlyI’llremindyouthatIwasmarriedbeforeBen.Iknowwhatit’s liketoquestionwhatyou’rewillingtolivewithorlivewithoutinarelationship.”
WhenAJ’shandsquitmoving,Ainsleyliftedherheadandlookedoverhershoulder “OramIwrong?”
“That’sthething;Idon’tknow what’s wrong.Inthepastfewmonths,CordhasstoppedbeingtheaffectionatemanIfellin lovewith Imean,westillhavesex Igetoff,hegetsoff Butoutsideofthebedroom?Noass-grabbing,noplayfulswats,no handholding, no reaching over to squeeze my leg as we’re driving. No crowding me and kissing my neck when I cook or slidingmeontohislapwhenwewatchTV.Ican’trememberthelasttimehepurposelysoughtmeoutandkissedmegoodbye beforewestartedourdays.Andunlesswegotobedattheexactsametime,hedoesn’tbothertellingmegoodnight.Maybeit soundstrivial,butI’vegottenusedtoconstantaffectionfromhim.Andpoof,it’ssuddenlygone.”
“Thatisodd.Hismemoryisn’tfailing?”
“Nomoreselectivemalememorythanusual.”
“Haveyoutriedtrackinghimdowntokisshimbeforeyouleave?”
“Once.”AJdugherthumbsintoAinsley’sthickcalfmuscle.“IfollowedhimouttohistruckbutbeforeIcouldputaliplock onhim,hesaidhedidnothavetimetoaddanothertasktohistodolist SowhenIfantasizedaboutputtinghimina headlock,I retreatedlikeadogwithitstailbetweenitslegs.”Shegroaned.“Iknowhe’sdealingwithamillionthings,butIdidn’tdeserve tobedismissed”
“Whatdidhesay?”Ainsleyasked.
AJimitatedCord.“Christ,AJ,don’tyouthinkIgotenoughshittoworryaboutwithoutyouaddin’toit?I’msorryIhaven’t beenplayin’grab-asswithyouinthebarnandsuckingfacewithyouinthekitchen,butitain’tlikeI’mignorin’you I’mright herewithyou,everydamnday,doin’thebestIcan.Whatelsedoyouwantfromme?”
Ainsleylaughed “YoudoaprettygoodCordimitation Butwouldhereallysaythat?” “Well,itwasmorelikehebarkeditatme,whichisironic,sincethedamndoggetsmorepettingandstrokingthanIdo.” Sheblewoutabreath “YouprobablythinkI’mridiculous”
“Ithinkyou’refrustrated.”
“MostlyI’mscaredifIdocowgirlupanddemandhehearmeout,thatI’llfreezeandforgetwhatIwantedtosayorturn intoamadwomanwhoyellsandthrowsthings”
AbeatpassedandAinsleysaid,“Maybeifyoupracticetalkingtohimlikeyouweregivingaspeech,you’llfindtheright phrasing Oratleastavoidthewordsthat’llcausehimtoclamuporgetdefensive Istillhavetodothatbeforedealingwith touchysubjectswithBen.”
AJgentledherkneadingthumbsassheconsideredAinsley’ssuggestion.“Prepareaspeech?Thatseemsweird.Thenagain, I’moutofideas.”
“Justtryit.WhatwouldyoudoifCordwalkedinrightnowandheardusdiscussingthis?”
Amultitudeofanswersscrolledthroughherhead Blush?Laughitoff?Apologize? No.She’dbacktalk.Gethimriledup.Becausethenshe’dbehistotalfocusandhe’d have tolistentoher. “AJ?”
For a momentshe imagined it was Cord’s voice, thatlittle snap inhis tone whenhe impatientlysaid her name. “Hold it right there, McKay. Wipe that angrybull lookoff your face. I’mnot trash-talkingyou; I’mtalkingto a friend about what’s bugging me.BegladKeelyisn’tmyconfidante.HeradvicebeginsandendswithslippingyouViagrabecauseyou’vealways beenagrumpyoldfucker.”
AinsleysnickeredbutAJkeptdeliveringasmackdowntothephantomCord “Thisisn’taboutsex It’saboutintimacy And affection.I’mworriedyouhaven’trealizedthere is agulfgrowingbetweenus.WhenI’vebroughtitup,youclaimyou’redoing thebestyoucan Butthat’snottrue I’vehadyourbestforyearsandhoney,thisain’tit”
Afterabriefpause,Ainsleysaid,“Thatsoundedperfectlyonpointtome.Nowyoujustneedtotellthepersonwhoneeds tohearit.”
“Yeah I’llfitthatconversationinwhenwegetamomentalone Oh,right That’salmostnever”
Amufflednoisecaughtherattention.Wherehadthatcomefrom?Shedidn’thaveanotherclientscheduledforanhour.“Go aheadandgetdressed I’llmeetyououtfront”
AJglancedaroundthereceptionarea.Nosignofadelivery.Didn’tlooklikeDantehadpoppedby.
Thenshenoticedthatthedressingroomdoorwaswideopen
Ainsleyprobablyhadn’tgottenthedoorcompletelyclosedearlier.Whentheheaterkickedon,thedoorblewopen.That’s probablyallshe’dheard.
CORD HUSTLED BACKtohistruck,hisheartthuddingasfastashisbootedfeet
Insidethevehicle,hecurledhishandsaroundthesteeringwheelandclosedhiseyes. Whattheever-lovin’fuck?
AfterAJhadactedcompletelyoutofcharacterthismorning,hedecidedtocheckonher,sohe’dcometotown.
Rather thanslippinginthe backdoor as he usuallydid, he’d entered the studio throughthe front, intendingto catchher betweenclients Heplannedtoscrollthroughfarmandranchreportsonhisphonewhilehewaited,whenhe’dheard “Eh It’s thesameold,sameoldwithCord” notutteredinthatlovingtonehiswifenormallyused.
Curiosityhad gottenthe better of him; anopendressingroomdoor was anopeninvitation And man, had he gottenan earful,standingcloseenoughtoheareveryblastedwordabouthisfailingsandmissteps.
He’dalmostpanickedwhenhe’dheard“Holditrightthere,McKay”thinkingAJhadbustedhim,butshe’dkeptupherrant
andhe’dlisteneduntilAinsleyhadgivenAJpropsforherpracticedspeech.
Then he’dbeatfeetouttathere.
WhileCorddidn’tdismissherconcerns,feelings,whatever,itwasaloadofhorseshitthathe’dbeenthatinattentivetoher foraslongassheclaimed.
You sure about that, McKay?
HesnortedatAJ’sassertationthathenevertookhertolunch.Maybehehadn’tdoneitinawhile,buthehadgrabbedfood andshareditwithheratherstudio
Not the same thing, buddy. Dropping off a burger because you were in town getting tractor parts is not the same as setting up a time specifically for a meal with only her
Okay,thatwas avalidpoint It’dbeenlonger thanhecaredtoadmitsincehe’dputeffortintocarvingoutalonetimefor them. Granted, it’d become harder witheachnew kid theyadded to their family, butAJ hadn’texpressed disappointmentto Ainsleythattheyhadn’tgoneondatenightsortakenacouples’weekend;hercomplaintcenteredonhisinattentiontohereven whentheywereinthe same room.
Christ Therewasn’tanydoubthe’dbeenmoodyandexhaustedsincethey’dstartedhaying Andmaybesharperintonethan usualinhisresponses.
Buthisrecallofthedayshe’dchasedhimtohistruckplayedoutabitdifferentlyinhismind.Nodenyinghe’dbarkedat her,butthewomanhadn’ttakenintoaccountthathe’dhauledhisassouttabedatfouram soKycouldhelpwiththemorning cattlecheckbeforeheracedtotownforhisfirstfootballpracticeoftheday.He’dcomehometorefillhisthermosafterhe’d gottenatextfromColtthathewouldn’tbeonhand,whichleftCordworkingbyhimself Again
Soyeah,he’dbeenpissedoffandoverwhelmedbeforesheaddedtoitbycomplaininghehadn’tbeenhisusualhornyself. Orthat’showhe’dtakenit.
Appearedhe’dtakenitwrong.
Thinkingbacktothedayaweekor solater,whenAJhadsaunteredintothebarnandremarkedhishorsegotmoredaily affectionthanshedid apparentlyhiscrackaboutridingheruntilshegotallsweatyandfinishingheroffwitharubdownanda sugarcubehadn’tbeenasfunnytoherasithadbeentohim.
How had they gotten so out of synch? Fromthe moment they’d gotten together, AJ had been an open book She hadn’t playedgames.Shetackledproblemswithamixoffortitude,loveandgoodcheerandwasn’tshyaboutsharingheropinions. That’swhyhelovedher;shecalledhimonhisshitratherthanputtingupwithit.Whatdidn’tmakesensewasthatshe’dturned this“hesaid/shesaid”miscommunicationintoaseriousthreattotheirrelationship.Itwasjustalittlehiccup. Theyneededtogetbackontrack.Andsoonerratherthanlater.
Cordscrubbedhishandsoverhisrazor-stubbledface Alonetime Right Firstthingsfirstditchingthekidsforanight HecalledKeely.
“Heybigbro What’sup?”
“Ineedafavor.CanyoupickVaughnupfrompreschoolwhenyougetthetwins?”
“Sure.Isthatallyouneed?”
Cordblewoutabreath “Idon’tknow I’mtryin’tosurprisemywifewithadatenight akid-freeovernightdatenight andI’mnotsurehow tomakethathappen.WeMcKayseachhavetoomanykidstodumpthelotofthemoffwithonefamily. AndIdon’twannaspringthisonMomandDadlastminute”
“Well, Icanpickup bothVaughnand Averyand keep themuntil noontomorrow. Maybe Colbyand Channingcould take FosterandBeau?They’dprobablyprefertobewiththeirboycousingang” “Goodidea.I’llcallhim.”
“Isthisnookie-festhappeningafterKyler’sfootballgametonight?”
Crap He’dknownKylerhadplans,butinhisreliefthathe’dhadonelesskidtoworryaboutshufflingoff,he’dforgotten why Kywouldn’tbehome.“Um,we’reskippingtonight’sgame.”
Keelygasped “You?SkippingoutonKyler’sgame?Younever dothat”
Wrong.He’dmissedgameswhenranchbusinesstookpriority,soMiss-Know-it-alldidn’tknoweverything.“DoIneedto packsomestuffforthekidsanddropitoff?”
“Nope.Igotyoucovered.”
“Oneotherthing,don’ttalktoAJ.Iamtryin’tokeepitasurprise.”
“Iwon’t I’lltextyouwhenI’mhomewiththekiddos”
“Thanks,K.Imeanit.”
NexthecalledhisbrotherColby’scell,buthedidn’tanswersoCordtriedreachinghissister-in-lawChanning “Didyoumeantocallme,Cord,orwasthisanothersaddledial?”Channingintonedsweetly.
“Buttdialsomeoneonceandtheyneverforgetit,”hegroused.“ItriedreachingColbyfirst,buthedidn’tpickup.”
“He’srightheresoIcanputyouonspeaker.”
Shufflingsoundsandmurmurscrackledinhisear.“HeyCord.Youcheckin’uponmetoseeifI’mfuckingaroundonmy
lunchbreak?”
Cord snorted. “EvenifIwas, you’d take your time gettingbackto workjustto annoyme. I’mcallingbecause Ineed a favor”
“Yeah?ShouldIbeworriedaboutthisfavoryouneedsinceyounever askfornothin’?”
“Maybe I don’t ask’cause youpop offa bunchofsmart-ass questions whenIdo” And it’s easier justto handle things myselfratherthandealwithyourexcuses,Cordaddedsilently.
Colbysighed “Yeah,Iamkindofadick Sowhat’sup?”
“AnychanceyoucanpickupFosterandBeaufromthebusstopandkeepthemovernight,untilnoontomorrow?I’mtryin’ tosurpriseAJwithadatenight.”
“Ooh Romantic,”Channingsaid,“AJwilllovethat There’snoproblemaddingtwomoreMcKayboystothemixofour own.Justcalltheschoolandsendamessagetotheirclassroomstohavethemgetoffatourbusstop.”
“Willdo Andthanks”
“One last thing before you hang up,” Colby said. “You want me to finish mowing that section of ditch you started yesterday?”
Hefrownedathisphone.“No.IcanfinishitonMonday.Why?”
“So you ’ re doneworkin’fortheday?”hesaidskeptically.
“ThoughtImadethatclear?”
“WhatColbyisgettingat,”Channinginterjected,“isifyouexpecthimtoreturnto…umm…ranchstuffthisafternoon,orif hecancontinuetohoverovermeuntilit’stimetopickupthekids”
Ranchstuff.Lord.Was AJtheonlywomaninthis familywhounderstoodwhatthedailygrindofranchingentailed?And maybe,Cordthoughtbitterly,he’dlikethechancetohoveroverhisownwife,becauseapparently,hehadn’tbeendoingenough ofthat.“Don’tknowwhythehellyou’reaskin’me.Colbydoeswhathewants,whenhewants…ornotatall.“Shootmeatext whenyou’vegottheboys.”
Since Cord was in town, he stopped at the elementary school and signed off in person for the change in afterschool transportationplans for Avery,Foster andBeau.Thenhe poppedintothe communitycenter andchangedthe pickupformfor Vaughn
He’dbarelyreachedtheoutskirtsoftownwhenhisphonerang.ThecallerIDonthetruck’sdisplayreadKyler.Frowning, hepokedtheanswerbutton.“Ky?Everythingallright?”
“Yeah.Iseverythingallrightwiththebratpack?Isawyourtruckattheschool.”
OnlyCordseemedbotheredbyKyler referringtohis siblings as thebratpack.“Everythingis fine.”Hepausedandsaid sharply,“How’dyouknowIwasthere?Ain’tyousupposedtobeinclass?”
“It’slunchtime,Dad.Abunchofusweresittingoutside.Sowhat’sgoin’on?You’reneverintownduringworkin’hours.”
Anotherfamilymemberascribingtheword never tohisbehavior Washereallythatpredictable?“Ineededtodealwitha fewthingsbeforeIspringasurprisedatenightonAJ.Yourbrothersandsisterarestayingwiththeircousins.Youstillcrashing withHayden?”
“Yep,me’nAntonbothare We’llprobablyhangoutafterthefootballgame,seeifanythingisgoin’onintown” “Sorrywe’llmissthegametonight.”
“Notabigdeal We’replayingBelleandtheysucksoIthinkcoachisgonnamostlyresthisstarters”
“Haveagoodgameanyway.Anddon’tyouboysgooutstirringupshitthat’llgetyouruncleCamhotonyourtail.”
Kyler laughed “Anton is a good deterrent He doesn’t wanna piss off his dad either, regardless if he’s in his deputy uniform.”
“Good.Seeyatomorrowafternoon,son.”
Cord leftthe radio offas he drove backto the ranch, tryingto come up witha more solid planthana kid-free night He didn’twantthingstoplayoutintheusualpattern dinnerout,hometofuck,thenfallasleep.Hewantedtospecificallyaddress her“themanheusedtobe”remarkwithoutanyofthisbeating-around-the-bushbullshit Beatingaroundthebush.
Huh Hecouldworkwiththat. Hecrackedahugegrin.Oh,thiswasgonnabesomefun.
AJ’S PHONE RANG twominutesbeforeherlastappointmentstarted Normallyshewouldn’thaveansweredit,butCordwas calling.Andhenevercalledherwhenshewasworking.
“Cord?What’swrong?”
Hechuckled.“Aremyphonecallsrareenoughthatyouassumesomethingbadhashappened?” “Maybe.Anyway,what’sup?”
“You’ve got the dayofffrombein’a taxi service I’ll handle the kids today Youjust come onhome whenyou’re done workin’.”
Herforeheadwrinkledwithconfusion “YoumeanallthekidsexceptVaughn?IstillneedtogethimsinceI’mintown?” “Nope.Gotchacovered.”
“Areyousure?Because ”
“Justbecauseyouusuallydoallthisstuffdoesn’tmeanIdon’tknowhowtodoitandcan’tstepinonceinawhile.” “But…Idon’tunderstand.”
“Iknowyoudon’t,butyouwill”Apause “Andfortherecord,babydoll?That’sone”
Thegrowly,sexytoneshehadn’theardinalongtimesentashiverdownherspine. “Cord?”
Silence.He’dhungup.
Damnman
ThenMargueritehobbledin,andAJhadnochoicebuttofocusonherclient.
Anhourlatershelockedupfortheweekend.Shewonderedifsheshouldswingbythegrocerystoreandgrabsomething quickfor supper Thenshe remembered Kyhad a football game, and the kids would expectto load up onconcession-stand junk,soshewasoffthehookfortonight’smeal.
AJ barelyregistered the drive home She parked onthe concrete pad infrontofthe garage, nextto Cord’s truck She’d clearedthefirsttwostepswhenshenoticedCordlounginginthechairnexttotheporchswing.
Sheswallowedher disappointmentthathehadn’tleaptuptowelcomeher homewithahugandakiss.Thenshenoticed he’dstretchedouthis longdenim-cladlegs andproppedhis bare feetonthe lograiling.Alowball glass restedonthe table nextto him. He wore a white T-shirtthathugged his broad chest, highlightingthe work-honed muscles inhis arms, and the slopeofhisbelly GoodLordthemanwasfine “Youlookcomfy”
“Iam.”Hetippedhisheadtothechairoppositehim.“HaveaseatandI’llpouryaahappyhourspecial.”
Shetriednottoshowshockathisplayfulresponse Whenwasthelasttimeshe’dseenhimthisrelaxed?Droppingintothe chair,shesighed.“It’sgonnabeabeautifulnight.”
“Yes,itis.”Cordhandedheraglassthreequartersfullofamberliquidwithalargeicecubebobbinginthecenter. “What’sthishappyhourspecial?” “Crownapple.”
Herfavorite Shesmiledandheldherglassupforatoast “TGIF” Hetouchedhisglasstohers.
Afterthefirstsipwarmedherthroat,shebaskedinthelastraysofsunshineandthequiet Wait.Itwas too quiet.“Wherearethekids?Watchingmoviesorsomething?” “Nope.AveryandVaughnarehavin’asleepoveratKeely’s.FosterandBeauarestayin’withColby.Kyiscrashingwith Haydenafterthegame Sowe’reallalone”
AJ’smouthdroppedopen.“That’s…” “Surprising?”hesupplied
Not the norm for you to make personal plans for us, especially on a Friday night. Cord actually looked forward to Fridaynightfootballgameswithherandthekids “Cord Whatisgoingon?” Histoo-bluegazelockedonhers.“Whydon’tyoutellme?” “What’sthatsupposedtomean?”sheshotback.
“That Rightthere That’swhatI’mtalkin’about You’vebeendownrightpissy AnytimeIaskwhat’swrong,yougetsnippy andsnapthateverythingis fine. ”
Shelookedaway “Ohyeah?Ican’trememberthelasttimeyouaskedmewhatwaswrong” Thatshuthimup.Briefly.“Idon’tthinkyourmemoryisasreliableasyouseemtobelieve.”
AJknockedbackanotherdrink “Sowhatisthis?Somekindofangermanagementintervention?” “Shoulditbe?’Causedarlin’,youliterallythrewmylunchatmethismorning.”
AJfeltawashofshameagain,rememberingtearingoutofthehouseafterhe’dsopointedlyignoredher,whippingthesoftsidedlunchbagathimandyelling,“Haveaniceday,asshole”Butshedoubleddownonherpettinessandretorted,“I’mnot sorry.”
“Iknowyou’renot Stillconfusedaboutwhyyoushouted woof woof beforestormingoff” Oh.She’dforgottenaboutthatlastdig.“Speakingof…whereisyourfaithfulsidekick?” “Chichi is tucked in for the night. Which is why it’s just you and me, workin’ through this mad of yours, without interruptions.”
Herheartratespikedwithhope.
“It’sbeentoogoddamnedlongsincewe’vebeencompletelyaloneformorethananhourortwo.AndI’mtrulysorryabout that.Goin’forward,I’llpaybettermindtoit.Thekidswillbebacktomorrowatnoon.Sothenightisours.Themorningtoo.”
AJstaredintoherglassassheswirledthelastofthewhiskeyaroundtheicecube “Whathappensnext?” “That,mybeautifulwife,isentirelyuptoyou.”
SheglancedoverasCorddroppedafoldedpieceoffabriconthetable,followedbyawhitesheetofpaper “What’sthat?” “Your choices on how we spend our time together.” He lifted the blank page. “Option one: you choose. Could be a traditionaldatenight Wegetdressedup,haveanicedinnerinDeadwood Maybedosomedancin’ Whateveryouwant You calltheshots.”
“Andthatoption?”
Cordsmirkedatherandpickeduptheblackbandana,runningthefoldedsectionbetweenhisfingers “Thisisablindfold Youputyourblindfaithinmeand I callalltheshots.”
Forapanickedmoment,shestudiedhim HadhesomehowgottenwindofherconversationwithAinsley?
No,it’ddefinitelybeenthespeedball akathelunch she’dthrownhimthat’dconvincedhimtotakeaction. Hedroppedhis feettothedeckingandstood Thenheplantedhimselfinfrontofher,his hands onthearms ofthechair, loweringhisupperbodyuntiltheywerefacetoface.“I’mgonnalobbyonmyownbehalfforyoutochooseoptiontwo.”Cord rubbedthesmoothpartofhisuppercheekacrosshers.“Please.”
Thescentofhim sheclosedhereyes Limeshavingcream LaundrydetergentfromhiscleanT-shirt Sun-warmedskin A hintofwhiskey.Andthatheady,underlyingmuskthatwashisalone.
Thenhislipswereatherear “Iwannagetusbackwhereweneedtobe,babydoll Here,inourownhouse,wherewe’re the mostcomfortable bein’ourselves.” He lightlytugged her earlobe betweenhis teethuntil she groaned. “You’ve gotthree minutestodecide.”Hepushedawayfromherandstartedforthefrontdoor.
“But ”
Hepausedandsentherasternlookoverhisshoulder.“That’stwo.”
AJhadforgottenhowhislittlecountinggameaffectedher:maddeningandenticing Shehadn’tneededtheallottedtimetomakeherchoice.
Seemedlongerthanthreeminutesbeforesheheardhisfeetshufflingacrossthedecking Shewavedthebandanaoverherheadinsurrender.
HadCordjustexhaledahugesighofrelief?
Hishandslandedonhershouldersandshejumped.
“Easy,”hesoothedashispalmsglidedupherneck.“Justmakingsurethisistiedniceandtight.”Headjustedtheclothand fiddledwiththeknotuntilhewassatisfied
Sheheardasoftthudandfelthis shoulders brushtheinsides ofher knees.Warmpalms squeezedthebackofher calves. Corduntiedherworkbootsandslippedthemoffherfeet Thenheremovedhersocks Hishandstraveledupherbodytoher hips.“Stand.”
Afterhelpingherup,hesaid,“Liftyourarms.”
Assoonasshecomplied,Cordyankedhershirtoverherhead
Butbefore she could protest, he’d buried his face inher cleavage while he unhooked her bra. “Christ, Ilove your tits.” Thenheperformedaquickmaneuverthatbroughtherarmsdownbetweenthem,herbicepspushingherbreaststogetherashe usedherbratobindherforearms.
Whenshewobbled,heplacedherfingersjustinsidethewaistbandofhisjeans “Holdon”
That’swhensherealizedhe’dtakenoffhisshirttoo.
“Tiltyourheadback,”hecommandedashisteethgrazedhershoulder.
Cord didn’tspeak He didn’tgive her a play-by-playofhow he planned to turnher into a quiveringmess ofneed;he’d memorized and perfected thatplaybookyears ago. His mouthknew exactlywhere to suck, where to lick, how to exploitthe secretspotswheresoft,wetkissesandheatedbreathturnedherspinetojelly
Whenhe followed the contours of her body withthose callused fingertips, AJ whispered, “Unfair,” and reveled in the goosefleshripplingacrossherskin Withalighttouch,hisfingersrepeatedlyfollowedthesamecourse;uphersides,around hershoulders,pausingatthenapeofhernecktotraceherspinedowntothewaistbandofherjeans,thenslowlyupherback, overhertrapsanddownherarms.
AJ’sbreathingturnedchoppyassheanticipatedeachtouch It’dbeenagessincehe’dtakensuchcareindrawingouttheir foreplay.Shewentstill.Shehadn’tdonethesameforhimrecentlyeither.
Cordpausedinhisdelicioustorture “Whatmadeyoutenseupjustnow?”
“Guilt,”sheblurtedout.“Ihaven’ttouchedyoulikethis,justforthesheerpleasureofit,forawhile.AndI’msorry.”
“Hey,hey.Noguiltallowed.I’mremindingbothofus how muchIworshipthis sexybodyofyours.”Thenhekissedher untilshemeltedintohim,onceagainlostinthefamiliarheatthatbuiltbetweenthem.
ThenexttimeAJshivered,hestopped.Heuncurledherfingersfromhiswaistbandanduntiedherhands.“Let’sgoinside.
Itis gettingamightnipplyouthere.”
Althoughshecouldn’tseehim,sheimaginedthatwickedgrinasheogledherbreasts.“Hilarious,McKay.”
Heliftedherarmsandplacedthemonhisshoulders “Jumpupandwrapyourlegsaroundmywaist” “Youdon’thavetocarrymeinside.”
“Iwant tocarryyou”
AJalmostsaid,“Butwhataboutyourback?”thoughtbetterofit,andchangeditto,“Youjustwantmytitsinyourface.”
“Always,babydoll”
Sheheldonwhilehemeanderedintothehouse,hismouthgreedilysuckingandhishandskneadingherass.Herbackmet thewallandtherestrainthe’dhadoutsidevanished.
His lust-filled growl vibrated againsther skinand shotstraightbetweenher legs After nursingfour babies, her nipples hadn’tregainedfullsensation,butshelovedhowmuchCordwasstillobsessedwithhertits,andhishungerfueledherown.
Whenhepausedtodragthehardridgeofhiscockacrossherclit,shegroundagainsthim,panting,“HowlongdoIhaveto weartheblindfold?”
“UntilItakeitoff”
Don’t say it.
Cordappearedtobeawaitinghercomplaint.Whensheremainedmum,hesaid,“I’dexpectedthissassymouthtothrowout afewmorebuts,andI’mslightlydisappointedIonlyendedupwithtwo”
“Twowhat?”
“You’llsee”
“NotwiththisblindfoldonIwon’t.”
Themanlaughed.
Laughed.Damnhim.
Hesteppedbackandsetheronthefloor.“C’mon.”
AJexpectedhe’dtakeherupstairstotheirbedroom,butgiventhescentofwoodsmoke,theywereinthelivingroom “You litafire?”
“Figuredsinceyouweregonnabenekkidfortheforeseeablefutureyoumightlikesomeextrawarmth,butIwon’tstokeit againifyousaytheword.”
“Ilikeit notthatIcanseethecracklingflames Ijustthought ” Cord’s mouthcame downonhers. He lifted his lips longenoughto murmur, “No thinkin’tonight. Now strip outta them jeans.Ditchthatblackthongtoo.”
Herfingerspausedoverthezipper “How’dyouknowthecolorofmy ” “IfyouthinkIdon’tpayattentionwhenyou’rehalf-dressedinourbedroom,thenit’smyresponsibilitytoremindyouthatI do”
Defiantly,AJraisedherchin.“Idon’twanttobejustanotherdamnresponsibilityyouhavetoseetoo,Cord.”
Framingherfaceinhishands,hegentledhistone.“Sorry,darlin’,Imisspoke.ImeanttosayInoticeeverythingaboutyou, everyday,evenwhenyouthinkIdon’t” “Oh.Well,okaythen.”
Aquickkiss,thenhesaid,“Jeansoff Now” Tensecondslater,shesaid,“There.I’mbare-assedinmylivingroom.Youhappy?” “Yep,butthatsassisgonnagetyouintrouble” “Bringit.Icanhandleit.”
Hesighed.“AndtothinkI’dstartedfeelin’guiltyaboutthisfirstpartbecauseyouwerebein’prettysweet.” “Thisfirstpart?”sherepeated “Worried?”
“Nope,”shelied
“Good.”Hegrippedhershoulders.“Taketwostepsback.Nowsit.”
Herbehindmetcoldwood Curvedcoldwood Shewiggledandthethingsqueaked “Wait Isthismynewsaddlestand?” “Yep.”
“Youbroughtmysaddlestand inside thehouse?”
“Ican’tdothisinthebarn,babydoll;you’dfreezeyourtitsoff Andwithwhatwepaidforthisdamnthing,itoughtahave multipleuses.”
Unbelievable “Cord!Thisisforasaddle Itwon’tholdmyweight” “Itwill.”
“Howdoyouknow?”
“BecauseIcaughtallfourkidssittin’onitlastweekend.Reachoutandgrabthesides.Good.Nowwidenyourknees.Stay justlikethat.”
Herheartratespikedwhenshefeltropecircleherwrists,thentheslightbiteofpainashecincheditbyloopingtherope acrossherthighsandunderherknees.Shejumpedwhenhebrushedakissonthehollowbelowherear.
“I’vefantasizedabouttyin’youtothisthingfromthemomentwedraggedithome Yououghtaseeyourself,trussedupwith aredrope,thatpinkpussywetforme.”
Heatbloomedacrossherfaceandchest
“You’reprettyasapicture,darlin’.”Apausethen,“Smile.”
“Youbetternothavetakenmypicturelikethis,CordMcKay”
“Orwhat,”hewhisperedinherotherear.“Don’tpretendyoudon’twannapeekatitandseehowdamnhotyoulook.” Thatgruffvoicesenttinglesdownherneck.
“Don’tworry Noonewilleverseetheonlypicinmyspankbank”
“That’snotthepoint!HowwouldyoulikeitifItookapictureofyourdick?”
HeeasedtheblindfolddownjustenoughtoshowAJthetwinkleinhisblueeyes “I’dloveit I’devensnapapicmyself andmessageittoyou,butonlyifyouasknicelybecauseIdon’twannabeaccusedofsendingunsoliciteddickpics.” AJcouldn’thelpit Shelaughed Hiseyeswerelaughingtoobeforehecoveredhereyesagain “Nowquitdistractingmefrommetingoutyourpenalties.Onlytwobacktalkingbutsthistime.Ithinkyou’llbegratefulyou held your tongue.” Thenhis hands were onher thighs as he lowered himselfto his knees. “Butthatdon’tmeanIgotta hold mine”
ThisinstantCordputhismouthonher,shenearlyscreamed.
Longtorturouslicksfromthebottomofherpussytothetop
Sneakysoftnibblesonthefleshsurroundingherclitthatwerethereandgone. Hardsucksontheinsidesofherthighs.
Handsstrokinghercalves.
Fingersdancinguphershins.
Palmsenclosingherknees
Breathdriftingoverhersensitivetissueseverytimehechangedposition.
AJ surrendered to him Lovingand hatinghow expertlyhe played withher She’d forgottenhow maskingher sight had increasedthepotencyofherothersenses.
Cordfinallydidthatswirlytonguethingaroundherclit,andsheautomaticallyarchedback,forgettingforamomentwhere shewas.
Thesaddlestandrocked,andtheropestightened.
Herightedherbeforeshetippedover,murmuring,“Easy” “Cord.Ican’tstaystill.”
“Try,”hesaid,stoppingthatfantasticallyflickingtongueashepushedafingerinsideher “Makesmydickhardthatyou’re drippingwetforme.”Headdedanotherfinger.
HerresponsemorphedintoalowwailashesuctionedhislipsaroundherclitwhilehestrokedherG-spot.
Thattingling,pullingsensationstartedtogather steam Her legswereshakingandshewasseconds awayfromthrobbing orgasmicbliss,whenCordstopped.
“No,don’tstop!I’msoclose”
“Iknow.”Henuzzledhermound,thenplacedakissaboveherclitbeforehebackedaway. Wheredidhethinkhewasgoing? “Cord?”
Hisbreathtickledherearandshejumped.“Onedown.Onetogo.”
“Onewhat?”shepanted Shewasteeteringonthatknife’sedgeofmadness Her sexwasswollenandpulsing,andshe’d begforreleaseifshehadto.
“Onepenaltydown,onetogo”
Somehowthosewordspermeatedherlust-addledbrain.“Thisismypenalty?Youbuildmeupandupandthen…deny me theorgasm?”
“Holdin’youoffwillmaketheorgasmmoreintense.”Hismouthfollowedthestrainingarchofherneck.“Icouldspendall goddamnednightgorgingmyselfonyourdeliciouscunt,”hesaidinthedeepgrowlytonethatmadehershudderfromheadto toe
Exceptthistime,allitdidwasmakehermad.“You’renotseriousaboutkeepingmeontheedgelikethis.”
“Oh,Iassureyou,babydoll,I’mveryseriousaboutit”
“Youbastard!”
Themanhadtheaudacitytochuckle.“WannatakeabreakbeforeIstartroundtwo?”Sheheardhimrustlingaroundonthe sofa.“Ipickedupapizzaforsupper.Wantmetothrowitintheoven?”
“Idon’twantanyfuckingpizza!Iwanttocome!”
Corddidn’tsayanything.Thenhesigheddramatically.“Fine.Nobreakitis.” “Cord.Youcan’tdothatagain.It’snot ” Hetookhermouthinahardkiss Hetastedofher Ofthem Insteadofincreasingherfrustration,itsettledherdown Justasheknewitwould.
“Here’saquickhistorylesson,sinceyouseemedto’veforgotten”Anotherhungrykissonlyincreasedherunfulfilledache “Youagreed thatanybacktalkfromyouusin’the word but whenwe were discussingimportantthings, gave me the rightto administer whatever penaltyI deemed fit Since you’ve beenwithholdingyour feelings to the point you’re throwin’stuff at me…well,thispenaltycouldn’tbeanymoreperfect.”
“Doesthatmeanyou’rereadytotalkaboutthingswithoutgettingallpissywithme?”
Asweetkiss softened the hard setofher mouth “Oh, we’ll talk Guaranteed Butitain’tgonna happenwhenIhave my feistywifecompletelytrussedupandatmymercy.”
“Cord,I’m ”
“AJ.YouknowthatI’dneverdoanythingtohurtyou.”
“ButI’mhurtingnow,”shesaidinhermostrepentanttone
Hispalmsmadeanotherleisurelypassoverherchest.“Thenit’saluckythingIgottaredotheropes.”
“That’snotwhatImeant!”
“Thenmaybeyououghtasayexactlywhatyoumean”
The pressure across her thighs eased. He maneuvered her onto her backwhile her hands remained bound to the saddle stand,whichwasnowaboveherhead
Hepushedherlegsapart,stretchingoutbesideher,hisbarehipagainstherthigh.
“Comfortable?”shebitout.
“Gettingthere.”
Silence.
“Areyoujuststaringatme?”
“Yep.”
“Why?”
“Becauselatelyallwe’vemadetimeforisafastfuckinthedark.SowhenI’vegotthetimetoadmirethisbody,I’mgonna doso.”Hetracedherjawlinewiththebackofhishand.“You’reespeciallybeautifulinthefirelight.”
Whydidthemanhavetobesosweetbeforehetorturedher?
Heplantedafirmkissontheupperswellofherleftbreast. Then,“Ah,hereitis”
“What?”escapedasecondbeforesheheardthebuzz.
No Hewouldn’t
Buthedid.Ofcoursehedid.
Hecircledherleftnipplewiththetipofhervibrator.
Shenearlyshotoutofherskinbecausethey’dneverplayedaroundwithitthere before Andsuddenlythatspotwasn’tasnumbasshe’dbelieved. Damnhimandhisevillittlechuckle
He delivered suchsweettorment, suckingonone nipple while usingthe vibrator onthe other and thenswitching, so the wetnessincreasedthesensitivityofthevibrations
Whenshestartedtosquirm,Cordarcedthevibratingtipacrossherbelly. Hermusclestensedandherskinrippledwithgoosebumps.
Shenoticedhisbreathinghadgrownharsherwitheachdownwardarctowardhergleamingsex Itoccurredtoherthatnot onlywashedenyingherpleasure,hewasn’tgettinganyreliefeither.Whichwasachangefromtheothertimeshe’ddealtout penalties they’dmostlybenefitedhim “Youbored?”
Startledbyhisvoicesoclosetoherear,shejumped “No Why?” “Seemedlikeyouzonedout.”
Asnortescaped.“Likethat’dbepossible.”
Henuzzledthecurveofherbreast Thenmovedthevibratoruptodrawlazycirclesaroundeachbreast Butwhatifitwas possibletoactzonedout?Shecouldreversefakeanorgasm.She’dremainstillwhenshefelttheorgasm start,justsilentlyenjoyingeverythrobbingpulse,thenattheveryend,she’dthrasharoundandpretendlikeshewas about to gooff.Sheallowedherlipstocurveupjustalittle;she’dshowhim.
It was a great plan a brilliant one, and she’d been full of self-congratulations for outsmarting her husband, when he nestledthevibratorbetweenherpussylips,likeahotdoginabun.Theentirelengthvibratedonhighfromherclitallllllllthe waydowntothepuckerofherass.
AJ’shipsbuckedsoviolentlyshedislodgedthevibrator.
Cordsworeandtrappedherrestlesspelvisdownwithonehand.“You’dratherIdidthis?”
What had she been thinking? There was no way she could remain still, for christsake, when he did that drawing-tightcircles-around-her-clitthingwiththepointedvibratingtip.“Ohyes.Justlikethat.Don’t.Stop.”
“Stopthinkin’youcanholdback,becauseIknowhowfastthisthinggetsyouoff,AmyJo” “Thenquitmovingit!”
“Leaveithere?”Hesliditoverherclit,thenangleditdownandpusheditinsideher “Orhere?”
Shegroaned,“Youteasingbastard.”
“Yep.”AndCordcontinuedtopullitout,teaseherclitmercilesslyandthenpushitbackinsideher.Overandover. Shethrashedandcalledhimnames
Likebefore,shewasoneclittwitchawayfromscreamingherrelease,whenthevibrationsended.“Noooooo!”Pantingand furious,sheopenedhermouthandscreamedherfrustrationanyway
Whenshefinished,Cordsaid,“Ididn’tcatchthat,sweetheart.Didyousaysomething?” “IsaidIhateyou”
Hecaressedherthigh.“No,youdon’t.You’rejustalittlemad.”
“No,I’mbig madatyou,McKay.I’msohornyIthinkImightdie.”
“You’llprobablyscreamtwiceasloudasyoujustdidwhenIfinallyfuckyou” “Hah!Wrong-o,bucko.I’mnever havingsexwithyouagain.”
Thatbroughtouthisdeepbarkoflaughter “Holdstill”
He made quickworkofuntyingher arms andhelpedher situp.Thenhe cradledher face inhis hands,his thumbs gently strokinghercheekbones.
AJlethistouchsootheher.
Shethoughthe’dbeenstrokingherhair,buthe’dunknottedtheblindfold.
Sheblinkedathim Stupidlygood-lookingman Yeahthatnever having sex with you again hadbeenanemptythreat Hepressedherhandtohischeek.“Anythingyouneed besidesanorgasm?” “I’mthirsty”
Afteranotherlingeringcaress,hestood. Whoa.Cordwascompletelynaked.Andcompletelyhard. “Waterorwhiskey?”
“Both.”
“Whataboutpizza?”
Shescowledathim.“IalreadytoldyouIdon’twantanygoddamnedpizza.”
“Allright ButwhenIgetback,we’regonnatalkaboutwhyyoubelieveI’mnottheaffectionatemanyoumarried” Herjawnearlyhittherug.“You…howdidyouknow?”
“GotquitetheearfulwhenItriedtosurpriseyouforlunchtoday.”
“OmigodthatnoiseIheardoutfrontwas you?Listeningin?” “Icouldn’thelpwhatIoverheard.”
Shegroanedandburiedherfaceinherhands
“Hopeyouhadtimetopreparethatspeech,causeIpromiseyou’llhavemyfullattentionwhenyoudeliverit.”
CORD RETRIEVED THE happyhourtrayfromtheporch.He’dforgottenaboutbeingnekkid,untilhereturnedtothelivingroom andsawhisbobbingdickinthediningroommirror.
“IfIdidn’tlikethatdicksomuchImightbetemptedtopunchit,”AJdrawled.Shewatchedhimapproachwiththosewary silvereyes
Cordsetthetraydownonthefloor.Headdedthreepiecesofsplitwoodtothefireandsnaggedapillowoffthecouch. AJhadalreadydrainedtheglassofwaterandpouredthembothtwoshotsofwhiskey She’dalsowrappedthefleecefrom thecoucharoundherself.
Hereachedfortheotherblanketandsettleditacrosshislap.Theyfacedeachother,buthiswife’sgazeremainedriveted ontheicecubeinherglass
Afterabigswallowofwhiskey,hesaid,“AJ.Iwaskiddin’aboutyougivingmeaspeech.IheardeverythingIneededto earliertoday”
“Areyoumad?”
Whenhepausedtoolong,shefinallymethisgaze “No,babydoll,I’mnotmad You’vegotfriends,you’regonnatalkto
them.ButI am confused. Notaboutme bein’anass whenyoutried to talkto me, there’s no disputingthat. I’mtalkin’about whenyousaidIstoppedshowingyouanyaffectionandit’dbeengoin’onformonths.”
“Ithasbeen That’stheproblem Youhaven’t noticed” “Whendidallofthisstart?”
“Duringcalvingseason”
Cordraisedaneyebrow.“It’sbeengoin’onsinceFebruary?”
AJfrowned “Maybetheendofcalving” “SoApril?WhenwewenttoBillingsforEaster?”
“No.Thingswerefinethen.Must’vebeenaroundbrandingorwhenschoolgotout.”
“WebrandthefirstweekendinMay KidsgotoutofschoolattheendofMay Socanyounarrowitdown?” “Iknowthingsstartedtochangeafter…well,ithadsomethingtodowithcowsorranchstuff.”
Andhe’dbeensoconfidenthiswifewouldn’teverutter ranch stuff “LikewhenweturnedthebullsouttheendofJune?” “No.Irememberitbeinghotter.”
“Soduringhaying?Whichstartedmid-July?”
“That’sgottabeit.”Hereyesnarrowed.“Hey.What’supwiththetwentyquestions?Areyoudenyingyou’vebeendistant?” “I’ll admitto bein’distant recently, but you’ve gotta admit this disconnect hasn’t beengoingonforever, or months and months,likeyoutoldAinsley Babydoll,it’sonlybeensixweeks ” “What?No.It’sbeenwaylongerthanthat.”
“Maybeit’sseemedlonger,butIpromiseyou,it’sonlybeensixweeks”Hehelduphishandtoforestallherargument “I knowthat,becausethelastsixweekshavebeenagoddamnedblursincebothColbyandColtdecidedtotakefamilyvacations, leavingmetofigureouthowtogeteverythingdone.I’mupatfoura.m.whichmeansI’mreadyforbedaftersupper.Hardfor metowatchTVwithyouwhenI’masleep.Wehaven’theldhandsbecausewe’vealwaysgotthekidswithusandbetweenthe two of us, we only have enough hands to hold onto them. And no offense, but it’s too damn stuffy in the kitchen in the summertimetostealkissesoverahotstove”
Shetookanotherdrink.“That’swhatyoumeantwhenyousaidmymemorywasn’tasreliableasIbelieved.”
Henodded “Butyouwerealsocompletelyontargetwhenyousaidmydistractionhas beengoin’onsincecalving This yearitseemsthemoreIdo,theeasieritisforotherstoslackoffbecausetheyknowIdon’tleavestuffundone.Andbyothers,I don’tmeanKy.Don’tknow whatIwould’vedoneifhehadn’tbeenaroundtohelpmeoutthissummer.”Cordglanceddown intotheglassinhishand.“Beforeyouask,Ihaven’tsaidanythingtomybrothers.Doesn’tmeanIwon’t,I’mjust ” “Hopingthatthingswillsortthemselvesoutsoyoudon’thavetoconfrontthem?”AJinterjectedsoftly.
“Yeah Sodarlin’,whenIheardyoutalkin’today,Iunderstoodwhyyouhesitatedinbringingupyourfrustrationswithme I’ve done the same damn thing with Colby and Colt. I really hate that you’re the one who’s suffered fromme letting that situationslide”
“And Ireallyhate thatyouwere so exhausted thatyoucouldn’teventalkto me aboutall youwere doingtryingto hold everythingtogether.”
Thetearsinhereyeshithimashardasahooftothebelly “Darlin’,comehere” Shefitherbodyintohis,findingthespacesthatwereemptyuntilshefilledthem.
Cordrubbedhischeekacrossthetopofhersweat-dampenedhead,releasingtheberryscentofhershampooandbreathing herin.
“WillitbeenoughifItellyouI’msorry?”hemurmuredintoherhair
“Yes.”Sheabsentmindedlystrokedhis chesthair.“Butmaybeweoughtahaveacodewordtoindicatewhenweneedto talkaboutseriousissues.”
“Onlyifthewordisblowjob Causedarlin’,Ipromiseeverytimeyousayblowjob,Ipaycloseattention”
Sheelbowedhim.“I’mbeingserious.”
“SoamI”
“You’repushingyourluck,McKay.”
Cordrolledthemclosertothefireplace,keepingherbeneathhim Aftertenderlypushingherhairoffherface,hesaid,“Am Istillpushin’myluck?”
“Onlyifyoudenymeanorgasm.”Shestaredbackathim.“Cord,didthathaveapoint?” “Mmm-mmm”Henuzzledherthroat “YouthoughtI’dbeenwithholdingaffectionfromyou SoIwantedtoshowyouwhat withholdingsomethingreallyfeltlike.”
“Thenyou’dactgenerousandfinallyallowmetocome?”
“Ahahah. You’re theonewhoclaimedyourfrustrationwithmewasn’taboutsex.”Heteasedtheedgeofherjawwithhis teeth.“SoIhadmyhandsalloveryou,justbein’affectionate,touchingyouinthatintimatewaythathadnothin’todowithsex.” “Idon’tthinkyourdefinitionandmydefinitionofintimatearethesame.”
Heliftedhisheadandfocusedintentlyonhereyes.“Andthat,babydoll,wasthepoint.”
AJ’sfacesoftened.“Pointtaken,cowboy.”
“Good.”Herestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyoutoo”Shecoastedherfingersdownhisbackwithsuchalighttouchhisskinbrokeoutingooseflesh Thenshe slappedhisasscheeks.Hard.
“Feelbetter?”
“I’mwaitingforyoutomakemefeelbetter.”Shewidenedherlegsandarchedherpelvis.
He eased inside her, watchingher face As manytimes as he’d made love to this woman, he never tired ofthatdreamy expressioncloudingher eyes. He still listened for the quickhitchinher breathingand groanofsatisfactionas he filled her completely.Hewhispered,“Sloworfast?”
“Slow”
The firelightflickeredover their bodies inmotion.Andhe builtthe rhythmthatremindedthemboth,atleastinthis,they werealwaysinperfectsynch
CORD ANDAJweresnuggledupinfrontofthedwindlingfire.It’dcooledoffinthepasthourandhereallyoughtagetupand restokethefire…butthat’dbetoomuchtrouble.
SuddenlyAJ shivered and threw backthe blanket She hopped up and grabbed her glass ofwhiskey, knockingbackthe remainder.Thenshesteppedoverhim.
“Whereyougoin’?”
Shesenthimasaucylookoverhershoulder.“TothehottubbecauseI’mcold.”
“Wait Ineed ”
“Someextrarecoverytime?”sheaskedsweetly. “Likehell.”Cordthrewofftheblanketsoshecouldseehiscockrisingtothechallenge.
“Thencomeon Andbringthebottle”
Shesashayedaway,notbotheringtolookbacktoseeifhe’dfollow,becausesheknewhewould.
GROANING AT THE unnaturallybrightshaftoflight,Corduntangledtheirentwinedlimbsandrolledclosertothenightstand, squintingattheclock.
Jesus.Wasitreallytena.m.?
“No,don’tgetup,”AJcomplained,scootingherbodyclosertohis
“Sorry, baby doll. The kids’ll be here pretty soon, and we left a helluva mess downstairs.” Cord swung around and droppedhisfeettothefloor Heranahandthroughhishair “Guesswe’llhavetoskiptheromantichorsebackrideI’dplanned forthismorning.”
AJsnorted
Heturnedandlookedather.“What?”
“DidyoureallythinkI’dbeeagertohaveahorsebetweenmylegsafteryourodemefourtimeslastnight?”
“Hey,thatlasttimewas your idea,”heretortedwithagrin “NotthatI’mcomplaining” “Iam. Lord. Myass is sore.” She yawned. “And I’mhungry.” She held up her hand. “Don’tsuggestpizza;we ate itall, remember?”
His thoughts were a bit muddled about what time AJ had brought the pizza into their bed, he’d definitely remembered devouringitandthendevouringher “WecouldhittheTastyPlaceinHulettbeforethekidsgetback” “Excellentidea.ButIneedtoshowerfirst.PrettysureIreekofsex.”
Cord rolled backonto the bed and pinned her beneathhim. “I love it whenyoulookall mussed up and well-fucked. I especiallylovehowmybeardsmellsafterI’vehaditalloveryourpussyallnight”
“AndI’vegotthebeardburnsonmythighstobackupthatdirtycomment.”Shesiftedherfingersthroughhishair.“Thanks forlastnight Weneededit”
“Wesuredid.”Hekissedher.“Andrememberanytimeyouwantmyfullattention,justwhisperblowjob.”
She rolled her eyes. “Iguarantee ifyoudon’t talkto your brothers and your cousins this week about thempullingtheir weightonthisranch,Iwillyellblowjobatthetopofmylungsuntilyoutakecareofit.Youcannotkeepdoin’thisonyourown, Cord.It’saffectedyourhealthandourfamilylife.”
“Iknow Iwill Ipromise”Anotherkiss “Comeon Let’sgetdressedandgo”
WHEN THEYRETURNED fromHulett,Colby’struckwasparkedbythebarn
The side door openedanditseemeda dozenkids streamedout Colby’s five andfour oftheirs,soonlynine.Butclose enough
WhileFosterandBeauweretoocooltoracetotheirparents,AveryandVaughnimmediatelyboundedover. AJscoopedVaughnintoherarmsandkissedbothofhischeeks.“Heypard.Missme?” “Daddy!”
Cordlookeddownintohisdaughter’sfreckledface.“Hipunkin.”Hesmoothedbackherhair,avoidingthestrandscoated withglitter “Didjahavefun?”
“So muchfun.” Averyputher feetonthe tops ofCord’s boots and demanded to be danced around while detailingevery minuteoftheirtimeatAuntKeely’s Colbywavedasheloadeduphiscrewandtookoff.
Notthirtysecondslater,Kylerpulledin,rapmusicblaringfromtheopenwindowsofhispickup.
FosterandBeauheadedthatwayfirst,followedbyAveryandVaughn Kyhoppedoutandannounced,“ThrewtwoTDslastnight.” “Congrats Didanyonetapeit?”
Kyrolledhiseyes.“Youmeanrecordit?Dad,noonesaystapeanymore.”
Cordmuttered,“Mybad,”lowenoughonlyAJheardhim Shesnickered.“Prettysurenoonesaysthatanymoreeither.”
TheywatchedasKylerloadedVaughn andhisbigbackpack intoapiggybackrideandtherestofthebratpackfollowed himinsidelikeducklings
Cordleanedoverandkissedhercheek.Whensheturnedherhead,hekissedhersquareonthemouth.Twice. “Whatwasthatfor?”
Hedrapedhisarmoverhershoulderandpulledherclose.“BecauseIwouldn’twantyoutoforgetI’maprettyaffectionate man”
IfyouenjoyedCordandAJ’sshortstory,continuereadingforasnippetoftheiroriginalstoryinCowgirlUpandRide,which