Keeping What's His: Tate (Porter Brothers Trilogy Book 1) (15 page)

“You went to see him because you knew the first phone call he would make after you left his office was to me. You were sending me a message, whether you realize it or not.”

Sutton turned around to face him. “I wasn’t.”

“You were.” He stared down at her with an amused expression.

Sutton gritted her teeth. “I was not.”

“Okay.” He lowered his head, placing a gentle kiss on her lips before she could jerk away. “Tell yourself that all you want. Do you want to know what I told Drake?”

Sutton had to admit to herself she did, so she nodded at him.

“I told him no, that I wouldn’t buy it, and I would see to it that no one else bought it, either. I would make sure anyone thinking about buying it would have me as their crazy neighbor.”

“Why would you keep anyone else from buying?” Sutton asked, hurt that he would sabotage her selling the land.

His hand went to the back of her neck, not letting her escape his piercing green eyes. “I knew he would tell you what I said.  So, I sent back a message of my own: you weren’t going to be leaving.”

Chapter 17

“Tate …”

The indecision on her face almost had him backing away to give her more time. Instead, he caught her mouth with his, kissing her the way he had wanted to when they were in high school, but had been afraid of frightening her.

He slowly explored her mouth with the tip of his tongue before slipping inside. God help him, she still tasted the same, like the honey she had poured on her corn bread. He made sure not to crowd her against the sink as he reached around and turned off the running water, giving her his weight slowly as he pressed her backward so she could feel how she was affecting his body. The only way to realize they would be good together was to show he could give what she needed.

Truthfully, Tate had to admit to himself he had never been one to step back and hope what he wanted would fall into his lap. Hell no. If anything, what he wanted had never come easily. He had fought and worked hard to keep his family together. Sutton was going to become a part of his family. By hook or by crook, he
was
going to get this girl. If he had to use his body to do it, then he was okay with that.

He planted his hands on her hips, bringing her flush against his body, pressing his dick against the V of her thighs. Expecting her to stiffen, he was surprised when she melted against him, her arms circling his shoulders.

Delving into her mouth, he sucked her tongue into his, letting her take the lead, encouraging her with a moan. Boldly, she stood on her tiptoes to raise to his lips, he helped by lifting her onto the edge of the sink.

Her thighs circled his waist and her hands slid to sink her fingers into the thick mass of hair, holding him in. Her tongue teased his, sliding against his intimately, stroking the fire in his dick into a burning pain that was going to be hell to bank down.

Groaning, he lifted his head despite her trying to use his hair to tug him back to her mouth.

“Unless you’re ready for me to carry you to your bed and fuck you, we need to slow down.”

Her passion-filled eyes blinked up at him. “I thought you said we could go at my speed?”

“We can. That’s why I’m giving you the option of stopping now.” He teased the side of her neck. Sliding down, he brushed the top of her breast that was exposed by her T-shirt.

“I’m not ready.”

“I’m cool with that.” He lifted her down, placing her back on her feet before stepping back. “Want some help with the dishes?”

“Yes.”

Tate went back to the table for the rest of the dishes. Then, taking a dish towel, he dried after she rinsed, placing them back onto the counter.

“Do you miss San Diego?”

“I miss the friends I made there. I went back to work at the pharmaceutical company, and I’m enjoying being back at work.”

“That’s good.” Tate went quiet.

If she stayed in Treepoint, she wouldn’t be able to keep her job. He didn’t want to take away something else that was important to her. That had been done too often.

“Rachel works for The Last Riders.”

“She told me when I had dinner with her and Cash.”

“She’s growing plants that can filter water.”

Sutton quit washing dishes to stare at him. “That’s interesting.”

Tate nodded. “Maybe they could hire you to sell them. Or Dustin’s an accountant. He’s just starting out, but he was talking about hiring someone to watch the office and keep track of billing.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“So you know you have options.” Tate continued drying the dishes without looking at her. “Treepoint is getting bigger, too. They’re going to build a sporting goods store, and Dustin told me last week that Drake told him a nail salon is looking at the building next to the diner.”

“It’s good to know that, if I decide to stay, I can go out and buy a new fishing rod. I do my own nails.” She lifted a soapy hand, showing him her unvarnished nails.

“Just thought I’d tell you,” he grumbled.

“I think it’s sweet the way you’re trying to get me to stay, but a sporting goods store or a nail salon isn’t going to be the reason. A job isn’t, either. My company has a route in Kentucky. I would have to travel through the state, but that wouldn’t bother me.”

“It wouldn’t?”

“No. If I wanted to stay, I could make it work.”

“Good, and don’t call me sweet. It might get out, and I’d have to kick someone’s ass.”

“I’ll keep it just between us,” she promised.

When they finished the dishes, he turned to go back into the living room, but her hand on his arm stopped him.

“Tate, I don’t need you to fix me. I’m not broken.”

He smacked her on the ass. “I can see that.”

“Did you just smack my ass?”

He reached his hand out to cup her ass. “Do you need me to do it again so you can decide for yourself?”

“I can’t believe you just did that. To a woman who’s been physically abused, it could be traumatizing.”

“You’re the one who told me you weren’t broken. You know I was playing. If you want me to walk on eggshells around you, tell me.”

“Would you?”

“No, but I would try.”

Sutton laughed. “At least you’re honest.”

“There you go.” He slung an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s watch some television.”

Tate sat down on the couch, pulling her down next to him. He was about to reach for the remote when she snatched it up before he could.

“I’m not watching another episode of
Justice
or
Mountain Justice
.”

“How about—?”

“I’m not watching
Moonshiners
, either,” she cut him off, turning the channel until she came to the show she was searching for.

“Hell no, that isn’t going to happen.” Tate made gagging noises at
Naked and Afraid
.

“It’s educational. If the world comes to an end, I’ll know how to survive in the wilderness.”

“If the world comes to an end, we won’t be alive, and if we are, I’ll hunt for us, but I’ll guarantee I won’t be buck-ass naked when I’m doing it.” He tried to take the control from her.

“All right, all right, I’ll change the channel.” She flicked through the channels, coming to a stop.

Tate sat back, relaxing, recognizing
Duck Dynasty
.

“This okay?”

“I can live with it.”

“Figures.”

“What does that mean?”

“Rednecks and hillbillies are kissing cousins.”

“That’s not true.” He propped his feet up on the coffee table.

“Yes, it is.”

“Nope, hillbillies are smarter.”

“I don’t think they would agree with you.”

“Yes, they would. That’s why they’re rednecks.”

Sutton rolled her eyes. She managed to watch one episode, but when another reality show came on, she rose.

“I’ve got to go for a walk. My brain’s going to turn to mush if I watch anymore.”

“Hang on, and I’ll go with you.”

It didn’t take him long to pull on his boots and grab his straw hat. Searching through the closet, he took out what he had been itching to do for the last week.

“I’m ready.” Tate came out of the bedroom, carrying the fishing poles.

“We can’t go fishing. Someone will see you.”

“Get your keys. I know a spot where no one will bother us.”

“All right.”

They went outside after she retrieved her car keys. Once in the car, she turned to him.

“Where are we headed?”

“To Cash’s house.”

Sutton drove down the gravel driveway, turning in the direction of Cash’s. It was just getting dark, but the drive didn’t take long. When she parked in front of Cash and Rachel’s home, Rachel ran out to greet Tate.

“You okay?” His sister stared up at him with worry.

“Everything’s fine. Sutton and I were getting stir-crazy and thought we’d go fishing.”

“You two have fun. Cash worked a double at the factory, or we’d join you.”

“Rider doing okay?”

“Yes, he’s lucky he was wearing his helmet. Usually, he doesn’t wear one, but they were coming back from racing with Stud.”

“Who’s Stud?” Sutton asked.

“He’s the president of The Destructors and The Bluehorsemen motorcycle clubs.”

“His biker name is Stud? I need to see this guy.”

Tate shook his head at her teasing. “You want to stay away from him.”

“Why? Is he dangerous?”

“No, but his wife and her friends are,” Tate told her, his hand going to Rachel to pull her to him. “How’s the baby doing?”

“Good.” His sister started to reach up and pat him on the chest, but Tate grabbed her hand.

“I’m fine. You take care of my niece or nephew.”

“It’s a girl,” Rachel told him with a grin.

“Is Cash happy he’s having a girl?”

“I haven’t told him.” Rachel laid her head on his chest, giving him a tight hug before taking a step back. “If you catch any extra fish, bring me one.”

“Sure thing.” Tate told his sister good-bye as he motioned Sutton forward into the woods.

The lightning bugs were just beginning to come out as they headed to the stream.

“I missed them.” Sutton’s voice was filled with wonder as she grabbed one of the small bugs, holding it gently in her closed hand before releasing it to fly again.

“I remember when I caught some in a jar for Rachel, and even though I put holes in the lid, you convinced her to let them go.”

“I couldn’t bear to see them trapped.”

Tate thought of the irony that she had been too gentle to harm a bug then had found a monster to capture and torture her.

“What are we going to use for bait?”

Tate went to a tree. Picking up a stick, he dug around for a few seconds until he found a couple of worms and lifted them up to show Sutton.

She took the fat one wiggling in the palm of his hand. “You can have the skinny one.” She pierced the squirming creature onto the hook.

“I dug it up. I should get the big one,” Tate grumbled.

“I’ll dig them up next time. I’ll find two big ones.”

“You always did try to one-up me.”

She expertly cast her line into the water. “That’s because you stop digging as soon as you find them. I keep looking until I find the one I want.”

Tate cast his own line. “I hope you do that with men, too.”

Chapter 18

Sutton stared out at the rainy day, feeling as if she were about to climb the walls. Knox had stopped by the night before to tell them forensics should be back on the bullets today. If they came back that they were from the same gun, then he would officially clear Tate. That meant he would be going home either tonight or in the morning.

She put her hands in the back pocket of her cut-offs, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, counting to herself. Her counselor had told her it would ease anxiety from a stressful situation. It wasn’t working. Her mind was debating why she should or shouldn’t sleep with Tate.

Beginning a new relationship frightened the hell out of her, especially one that hadn’t ended well the first time. He was being so gentle and attentive to her. She wanted to rub against him and beg him to fuck her. On the other hand, she had hated having sex with Scott. She had naively saved her virginity for the man she had planned to marry. Then, when she’d had sex with him, it had been the biggest let-down she had ever experienced. To be fair, she’d so looked forward to being with Tate that she didn’t know if any man could have lived up to the expectations she set.

Her wedding night had been spent with Scott getting drunk at their wedding. In the hotel room, she had found herself on the bed with her wedding dress pulled up to her hips. It had been over before she had realized it had begun. If she hadn’t felt the pain of his entry, she would have never known she’d had sex.

It had gotten steadily worse each and every time. She had tried everything to psych herself into making it a more enjoyable experience. It had taken the first beating Scott had given her to admit that she had made a mistake. She had blamed herself for the beatings, believing her lack of desire had driven him to act out in frustration.

The counselor had tried to convince her it was Scott, who had made no effort to arouse her, he had been the problem. Sutton had tried to convince herself over and over, but she knew the truth buried deep in her heart. She had never stopped loving Tate, so every time she’d had sex with Scott, she felt she was betraying that love.

Her finger drew a line down the foggy window.

“Want to watch some television?”

She didn’t turn around when she heard Tate come into the room.

“No,” she answered.

“Cards?”

“No.”

“What do you want to do then?”

“I want you to leave me alone. Can I have some peace and quiet?”

“All you had to do was ask.” His quiet voice had her jerking around.

“I’m asking. Okay?” She started to walk by him but he stepped in front of her, blocking her escape.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Tate. I just want to be alone.” Sutton ran her hand through her hair, dislodging the rubber band that held her hair back. Her hair tumbled down to her shoulders.

“Fine. If you don’t want to tell me, then don’t.” He moved to the side to let her pass.

“Quit pacifying me as if I’m a damn child.”

“Then quit acting like one,” he snapped.

She wanted to hit out at him so badly she physically shook. She had to get out of the house, or she would do something she would regret. She turned on her heel, running out the front door as if the cabin was on fire.

“Sutton, it’s raining!”

“Leave me alone!” she screamed back, taking off running, tears falling from her eyes that she couldn’t hold back.

She didn’t know how long she had run until she came to the tree Tate had found her at the last time she had taken off. Her arm circled the tree as she leaned against it, crying. If she had stayed, she would have begged him to make love to her, and she knew Tate well enough that he wouldn’t let her go if she had. She wouldn’t survive if they didn’t make it this time around.

She stayed there until she was able to think straight, trying to figure out what would be the best decision for her. Not Tate or anyone else, just her.

Did she want Tate? Did she want him temporarily or just for the night? One question led to others just as difficult to answer. All the thinking she had been doing hadn’t resolved anything, and she was cold and wet. The rain had plastered her hair to her head and drenched her clothes until her T-shirt and shorts clung to her body.

As she straightened from the tree, her eyes saw the edge of where the bark had been removed. Walking around, she noticed where she had scratched their names into the tree. He had teased her when she had done it.

Her hand went out to trace the initials, smiling when she saw what Tate had whittled into the tree just below their initials. “
4-ever
.” The marks were new.

Sutton headed home then, nearly slipping and falling several times with her determination to get back to the man who had left his mark, not only on the tree, but her heart. Like the tree, the mark wasn’t going to disappear. It would be there until, like the tree, she was no longer standing.

She was halfway across the driveway when Tate came outside. He was wearing his boots and had put on a plaid shirt, leaving it unbuttoned, and his hat was on his head. Although he had tried to give her time alone, he looked like he had been about to come looking for her, exactly like he always would.

They were old friends and sweethearts. They couldn’t get back what they had shared when they were younger. However, it was time for them to see if the adults they had become could make something more.

“Today’s the seventh anniversary of Valentine’s death,” Sutton admitted as the rain poured down on her while she stared up at him. “I won’t ever let another man hurt me again.”

Tate stood at the end of the porch. Reaching up, he held the edge of the sloping roof, his shirt flapping in the soft summer breeze.

Her eyes dropped to his body, no longer feeling the cold rain as the temperature inside of her body rose.

“That’s fair.”

“You can stay here with me or go home. I’ll leave that up to you.”

“I’ll be staying.”

“So will I. I’m done running from you.”

“Come here.”

The demand in his voice had her putting one foot in front of the other until she found herself running up the steps toward him. She jumped up the last step, and he was waiting to catch her.

She plastered herself against him. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. I plan to keep you.”

“You do?”

“I was stupid enough to let you go once, but I’m not going to make the same mistake twice.” His hands cupped her ass, lifting her into his arms.

Sutton wrapped her legs around his waist, circling his broad shoulders. She loved his shoulders. He was strong, yet his strength didn’t scare her, she felt protected and secure. Over the last ten years, she had proven she could survive the worst life could dish out. It was going to be nice to have someone strong enough to protect her if she needed help.

Tate slung open the screen door, carrying her inside the house. When he started to enter his bedroom, she raised her head.

“My room. I don’t want to have sex on my pap’s bed.”

“Woman, it’s not like he’s here.”

Stubbornly, she shook her head. “My bedroom.”

“All right, but your bed’s small. I’m going to get Greer to go into town and buy us a new bed.”

“Don’t you dare! I’ll never hear the end of it. After Knox calls, we can go into town ourselves, and you can buy me dinner.”

“Let’s see how good you are first.”

Her worries kicked in again at his playful attempt to tease her. Tate set her down on the floor beside the bed.

“You’re soaking wet.” His hands went to her waist, tugging her T-shirt over her head.

Sutton began to shiver, not because the room was cold, but because she was worried Tate wouldn’t enjoy having sex with her. When he unsnapped her bra, she pressed herself against his chest so he couldn’t get a good look at her breasts. Scott had complained they were too small and had wanted her to get a boob job.

Tate didn’t slow down. Unsnapping her shorts, he pulled down them and her panties until all her clothes lay in a puddle at her feet. He then pulled away from her to take the clothes to the bathroom.

She jerked her robe on that was lying at the foot of her bed.

Tate came to a stop when he came back into the bedroom. “The idea was to take everything off, not to put more on.” His eyes searched hers then lingered on her trembling fingers tying the belt in a knot at her waist.

“I was cold.”

“Let’s get you warm, then.” He gave her a leering smile.

Sutton laughed, but it was cut off when his mouth covered hers and his tongue thrust into her mouth, not giving her a chance to think about being nervous.

He picked her up, laying her down on the middle of the bed.

“I like the way you kiss,” she admitted.

Scott had never kissed her after they had married.

Tate threw his hat on her nightstand then jerked off his shirt. When he began to unzip his jeans, her nerves couldn’t take it anymore.

“Wait!”

Tate paused, looking at her questioningly, and Sutton sat up, her hands unconsciously trying to tie the belt at her waist tighter.

“I’m not on the pill. We need to go into town to buy condoms.”

Tate turned on his heels, leaving the bedroom again. He wasn’t gone long before he came back with several foil packets in his hand, which he placed on the bedside table.

At her questioning look, Tate gave her a grin. “Greer put some in the bag he brought with my clothes.”

“Isn’t that convenient.”

“I thought so.” His hands went to his zipper again.

“I’m kind of thirsty.”

He left again, coming back with a bottle of water then watching as she drank half of it before taking it and setting it on the bedside table.

Again, he went to remove his pants.

“Wait!”

Tate paused.

“Could we have some music?” She pointed at the old-fashioned radio on her dresser.

He went to the radio, fiddling with it several minutes before he found a station she liked.

“Anything else?”

“No … I think that’s it.” Sutton ran her trembling fingers through her wet hair, looking down at her lap as she listened to the sound of Tate removing his pants. She was going to disappoint him; she just knew it.

All the feelings of anticipation had disappeared, leaving behind a feeling of sick dread.

“Sutton …?”

She lifted her tear-filled eyes to his compassionate ones.

“I don’t think I can,” she admitted, keeping her gaze steady despite the gorgeous body that was wreaking havoc with her breathing.

Tate sat down on the bed next to her, reaching out to smooth her hair away from her face. “Are you afraid I’ll hurt you?”

“No. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you, and you won’t want me anymore,” Sutton replied.

“What happens when we make love is only going to be a part of what makes our relationship a whole. If the rest of it is good, this will be, as well.”

She nodded.

“You don’t believe me?”

“I guess I do.”

“Let me show you how good it can be. Trust me; I don’t let anyone I love down.”

He leaned over her, pressing her gently back into the soft mattress as he placed a kiss on her mouth that was achingly beautiful. The bedroom wasn’t dark, but the only light came from the cloudy sky outside the bedroom window. The summer storm had turned into a drenching rain with lightning and thunder shaking the house.

“Are you afraid of storms?” Tate broke the kiss to whisper into her ear.

“No.”

Tate got up from the bed to go to the window, shoving the curtains farther apart and raising the window until it was half-open before he came back to the bed to lie down next to her. He made no effort to touch her, just lying still next to her.

“What are you doing?”

“Waiting.”

“For what?”

“For you to make love to me.”

Sutton rose up, looking down at him wonderingly. Scott had always had her on her back or told her what to do. She didn’t know how to take the initiative.

“I like to kiss.”

“I do, too.” His laid-back attitude gave her the reassurance no words could have.

Her mouth pressed against his and when he opened to her, she let her tongue slip inside, kissing him the way she had fantasized about during the dark years she had been alone. She brought her hands to his hair, holding on to him as his arms circled her waist.

At first, he let her take the lead until he tugged her to lie on top of him, and then he began to play and torment her with the flicks of his tongue. It was like ‘catch me if you can’.

She rose up higher over him so she could get better access to him. Then she slid her hands down his chest, enjoying the feeling of the curly hairs there. Scott had waxed his sparse ones off. Tate’s made her feel as if she had a man under her hands.