Page 32 of Texas Made
“I—I guess I am.” She missed Marshall. She knew it was ridiculous. She’d been gone little more than twelve hours. Not enough time to miss someone. Except that she did. It troubled her, missing him so much so soon. Troubled her that she was so content in Whiskey River. So content being with Marshall. She and Marshall…they had to end, didn’t they? Oh, not immediately but soon.
“Yes, the last time I remember you being this happy was before ‘he who shall not be named,’” she said, referring to Jaclyn’s ex-boyfriend, “wanted you to move to Houston.”
“God that seems like forever ago.”
“Because it was.”
“You know, by the time we broke up all I felt was relief. I didn’t have to think about what he wanted. I didn’t have to hear any subtle and not-so-subtle digs about how I was biting off more than I could chew and I was doomed to failure.”
“You proved him wrong.”
“Weproved him wrong. I couldn’t have done it without you, Rachel.”
“I think you would have made a success of it regardless. But I’m glad I’ve been along for the ride.”
“So am I. But now we need to get back to work so we can relax tonight. What do you say to a chick flick and some wine?”
“I’d love to. But I kind of have a date.”
“Kind of?”
“I told him I’d call him if I got through with work in time for a late dinner.”
“Is he anyone I know?”
“No. He’s new to the area. He’s a Texas Ranger from Austin. He recently transferred from the Southern border.”
“Oh. Well, have fun.”
“Don’t worry. I intend to.”
Meanwhile she’d be sitting alone in her hotel room, going over financials and missing Marshall.
*
Marshall was amazedby how much he missed Jaclyn. She’d only been gone for three days and was due home that night, having stayed through the day Monday in order to be there when the manufacturing and office workers were there. She’d called both nights and talked to him about what was happening with her company. He didn’t have a lot to say since he did pretty much the same thing every day. But he liked hearing her voice.
It wasn’t like he hadn’t had plenty to do, taking care of the animals, talking with Ella, the ranch manager, checking on the progress of the new barn, and negotiating a stud fee for the new stud, Thunder. Snowdrop, thank God, was recovering well and they’d scoured the pasture for anything else that could hurt the horses. Not that they wouldn’t still get hurt occasionally no matter what he, Damaris, and Chase did. One of the horses could always get kicked or any number of other things could happen.
Chase and Ella moved into their new house over the weekend, so naturally he, Damaris, Gabe, and Chantel had been tapped to help them move. Chase was really getting going with his bucking horse business. So far Ella was managing both businesses, but before long she’d need more help as both businesses expanded, and hopefully, their client lists grew. Chase was already at work hiring more help with the horses.
Marshall was finishing up his nightly rounds in the barn when he heard a car drive up out back. With a last pat for Snowdrop, who was doing great, he left her box and walked out the back of the barn. As he neared the sports car the door opened and Jaclyn stepped out, one long jean-clad leg at a time. He had a brief impression of her blonde hair flowing over her shoulders and a smile on her face and then she was in his arms.
Their lips met, tongues dancing, desperate to taste each other. He tried to slow down but she wouldn’t allow it, drawing him in, heat exploding between them. He finally pulled back enough to speak. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too. Come with me.” She let loose of him then took his hand and led him to the cottage door.
“Don’t you want to unpack the car?”
“Later,” she said, closing the cottage door behind them. “I really missed you.”
He smiled. “Took the words right out of my mouth.” He yanked her into his arms, swung her around to put her back against the door. He kissed her, hard, and she gave it right back. They started stripping off each other’s clothes, flinging them aside. She kicked off her shoes. He unzipped her jeans and pushed them down her legs. When they pooled at her feet, he drew one leg up and placed it around his hip. Jaclyn had unzipped him and taken him in her hand and was stroking him.
He couldn’t think. His blood pounded. If he didn’t get inside her right now he was going to die. She pushed his jeans and underwear down enough to free him and then he drove inside her, pulled back and did it again. And again, gaining speed and depth with each stroke. He felt her convulse, heard her cry out his name, her muscles tightening around him and he couldn’t hold back any longer. He thrust inside her a last time and came with as intense a rush as he’d ever felt.
“I really missed you,” he said when he could speak.
“I could tell,” she said, sounding smug. “I really missed you too.”
