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  Construction will start on the new cabins in a few weeks, and I’ve asked Lana to come back out to oversee everything. She arrives at the beginning of the month and will be here for an undetermined amount of time. Her boss is allowing her to work remotely in the meantime, and I want everything to be perfect. I need this time with her. I need to show her that things can work between us. I still haven’t figured out how, but it has to.

  I need her.

  Mom is home from the hospital, and all of us, including Holden, have been waiting on her hand and foot. I need her to get better, and the medicine the doctors have put her on is making her weak. She hardly gets out of bed, and when she does, it’s because she needs to move around and Dad or I help her. She sleeps a lot, and I’m worried about her.

  There’s a court date set up for the asshole that hit her, unless he pleads and takes a deal. Thank God he had insurance on his car, at least, and they are covering her medical expenses. It’s some guy from out of town, Aaron O’Keefe. He was here on a work trip and had one too many. It was still pretty early in the evening, so he drank a lot in a short while.

  I dial Lana’s number, needing to hear her voice, and it goes to voicemail after only one ring. She ignored my call. Her beautiful voice floats through the phone, asking me to leave a message and she will call me back.

  “Lana. I need to hear your voice, babe. Mom is doing okay, but I’m worried about her. Please, call me back.” I go to hang up and put the phone back to my ear. “Also, I miss that sexy ass of yours, and I can’t wait until you get here so I can fill you up. I miss you so damn much, Lana. Call me.”

  I wonder how long I’ll have to wait for her to call me back this time?

  Lana arrives today, and I am crawling out of my skin with excitement. The contracts have been drawn up with the construction company, and ground-breaking is tomorrow. I was even able to secure a small article in the local paper about the expansion, so people know what’s going on. Her flight should be here in another hour, and I don’t want to be late.

  I pull on a nice pair of jeans and a button-down top. I match it with my cowboy hat and smile at my reflection. She’s always loved the cowboy hat. I plan on swinging by the florist to pick up some flowers for her, and then we can go to my apartment and get reunited. Everything is working out to plan.

  Except, when she arrives, she’s not alone. And she didn’t tell me she wasn’t coming alone. There’s a man walking with her, and the two of them are laughing as they enter the baggage area. She sees me, and her eyes light up. I sheepishly look down at the flowers in my hand and back at her.

  “Tristan.” She walks up to me and takes the flowers. “Are these for me?”

  I nod and speak quietly. “I didn’t know you weren’t coming alone. I wouldn’t have brought flowers if I had known.”

  She scrunches her face. “What are you talking about?” She looks at the man she was walking with and motions toward him. “Charlie? I met him on the plane. We didn’t come here together.”

  Boy, do I feel like an idiot. I look at the ground and shake my head. “Sorry.” Ever since I found out she went to England for her job, and Russ was behind it, I’ve been paranoid. I feel like he’s trying to drive a wedge between us all over again. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m scared of losing her.

  “It’s fine. Let me get my bag, and we can get on our way.”

  The ride to my apartment is silent, and the air between us is thick with tension. I can’t stand it anymore. “What’s wrong? Things have been different between us since your trip to England.”

  She shrugs. “Nothing’s wrong with me. You’re the one who’s been different.”

  Have I? I think back to the conversations we’ve had over the past month. I’ve given her updates about Mom and the ranch. We’ve talked about Holden. We’ve had phone sex a few times. Nothing out of the ordinary. Except, almost every conversation we’ve had has been about me. I’ll ask her questions here and there about work, but whenever she tries to tell me about the Carringtons’ remodel, I shut her down.

  “Shit.” She nods her head when I don’t add anything else. She knows I’ve figured it out. “Why not tell me sooner?”

  She shrugs again but keeps looking straight ahead. “I tried. You shut me down, and then it was easier to not talk about it. This project and that one are consuming all my time. Simone’s remodel will be complete in another few weeks. I’m going to have to leave here to go there for the final bit and make sure she’s happy. I told her I would.”

  “What?” I panic, knowing she’s going to leave sooner than I thought. I rub my chest and slow my racing heart, then I take a few deep breaths and gather my thoughts. “I was expecting you to stay a while. I didn’t know you had to leave early.”

  “You would have if you ever let me talk about it,” she mumbles.

  I know she’s right, but it doesn’t sting any less. I toss my hat in the back seat of my truck and rub my hand over my hair. I’m fucking this whole thing up. I have too much going on. I’m trying to balance everything, but I’m not doing well.

  I pull into the parking lot at my complex and throw the truck in park. I turn to face her.

  “Lana, I’m sorry. Russ is a sensitive subject with me, and with everything going on with my mom and the ranch, it’s been hard. It’s difficult for me to be away from you. Every time we take two steps forward, I feel we take three back. I take a lot of that responsibility, and I’m sorry. I miss you like crazy. I want to wrap you in my arms every night and wake up to your smiling face every day.

  “Being apart is a lot harder for me than I thought it would be. I got two days with you before I was forced back here, away from you. Then, you went to England to see Russ—”

  “I didn’t go to see him,” she says through clenched teeth. “I had a job to do. That’s what happens when someone has a job. I did what my boss asked me to do. It’s not like I had a choice.”

  She’s not getting it. My frustration is through the roof. I run my hands through my hair, tugging the ends, the sting a welcome feeling. My blood boils, and my heartbeat drums in my ears so loud I can barely hear myself. She has no idea how much I want to rip that man’s head off. Even the mention of his name makes me go crazy. “Oh, so, if your boss asked you to jump off a bridge, would you?” I yell back.

  “Fuck you, Tristan.” She scoffs and pushes open the door.

  “Where are you going?” I ask, climbing out just as fast.

  “Calling an Uber to take me to a hotel. I’m not staying here. I’ve been in town for an hour, and we are already screaming at one another! How are we going to survive my trip here?”

  “No. Shit.” I clench my hands and lock my jaw as I rack my brain on how to fix this. “Please don’t. I’m sorry.”

  “You say that a lot. Are you sure you understand the meaning of the word?”

  I reach out for her and take her hand in mine. When she doesn’t pull out of my grasp, I know I have a chance to fix things. “There’s a lot going on, and I’m stressed out. Can we please go inside to talk? I promise to listen to everything you tell me.”

  She takes a step closer to me, wraps her hand around the back of my neck, and pulls me down to her, our lips connecting in a fierce kiss. There is so much want and need behind the kiss. When we finally break, she sways a little. I drop my forehead to hers, and the two of us breathe one another in.

  “Hey, cowboy,” she coos.

  “Hey, beautiful. Does this mean you’ll stay?” She nods her head and bites her lip, smiling. “Thank God.” I grab her hand and drag her toward my apartment.

  “Wait, what about my bag?” She reaches behind her like she’s trying to mentally drag it with her.

  “Later. I want to be inside you. Then, once you’re thoroughly fucked, I’ll come back to get it.”

  I push open the front door and drag her down the hall to my bedroom. My apartment doesn’t have much in the way of homey touches, but it’s enough. I have a few pictures on my walls of my fam
ily and friends and the ranch. No flowers, no colored things. It’s very bland—white walls, white kitchen cabinets, and brown carpet.

  The only room I’ve done anything with is my bedroom. I blew up some pictures Kasey took of the horses and mounted those on my wall. I have some hand-me-down furniture I found at one of the thrift stores that just needed new stain, and a king-sized bed with a navy comforter. I wanted a big comfortable bed. I work long hours at the ranch, and I come home and crash most nights.

  I pull her body flush with mine, my hands exploring every warm curve of her body, while my lips draw delectable moans and whimpers from her mouth. God, it’s been too long since I’ve had her under me, since I’ve been in control of her pleasure. Last time, it was too short, and I’m going to make up for it now.

  I pull her blouse over her head and help her push her skinny jeans down off her hips and down her legs. She kicks off her flats and finishes pulling them off around her ankles. She stands before me in a sexy little black lace bra and matching thong.

  “You look good enough to eat,” I mumble against her lips, unable to keep my fingers and mouth off of her.

  “Feast away, cowboy,” she says, pushing my head down her body. Every time she calls me cowboy, it stirs something else in me. More than a primal need for her. I finish sinking to my knees and pull her panties to the side, diving into her, lapping up everything she offers me. She holds my head for balance as I toss her leg over my shoulder for a better angle.

  When I insert two fingers, I know she’s close. I feel it with how her body responds to mine and the moans of pleasure coming from her. I want her on top of me. I pull my face away, and when she tries to put me back where she needs me the most, I nip her thigh.

  “I want you to ride me. Be the cowgirl I know you want to be.” I smirk when her cheeks redden.

  I pull my clothes off in record time and lie on the bed. I hold my hand out to her, watching as she unclasps her bra and slides her panties down her legs, giving me a show to remember. She gives a little shake of her hips as she bends at her waist to pull them off. She then dangles them from her index finger, showing them to me.

  Fuck. She’s so hot.

  She climbs on the bed, lines herself up with me, and sinks down slowly. My hands automatically go to her hips as she controls the pace and depth in which she takes me. Her hands rest on my chest for extra support, and she’s lost in the moment. Being able to watch her pleasure herself using me is on an entirely different playing field.

  She’s so lost in the sensations that, when I reach my thumb out to brush it along her hard clit, she moans and comes almost instantly on me. I help control her movements, extending her orgasm, and when she’s come down enough, I thrust up into her, hard, chasing my own release. As I watch her boobs bounce, she tightens around me again.

  “Come on, baby. Come like a good girl,” I request.

  She bites her lip and reaches between us to play with herself. The moment she starts coming, I let go, filling her. We both moan and wriggle through our orgasms before she collapses on me. I rub her back, feeling our racing hearts beating together. I kiss the side of her head, and she turns to look at me, a smile on her face.

  “I love you, Lana. Not a doubt in my mind.”

  Chapter 17

  Lana

  Construction day. My favorite day of every project. I love the thrill of getting to see my designs finally come to fruition. I’ve been working with a few designers in Boston for the furniture, and I’ve been informed by the construction company it should take about six months to finish. Perfect timing for the winter guests to come out for snow and skiing.

  Today, the crews will be digging to lay the initial foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis had the area cleared years ago for the new cabins, but they had never started construction. It was easy to get the crew out here over the past month to level it all out so they can start construction today, instead of having to do all the leg work.

  Tristan woke early and has been pacing his apartment, nervous to start everything. I gave him an orgasm this morning to help calm his nerves, and he gave me two just for being so nice. I could definitely get used to this. I pull my jeans up, and they feel a little snug around the waist. Must be all the good food Tristan is forcing down my throat. I ate so much yesterday I could barely walk. If I continue to eat like this, I’m going to leave here fifty pounds heavier.

  I gather everything I need, load up Tristan’s truck, and climb in. It’s still early, and the crew won’t be arriving for another hour or so. That gives me plenty of time to look over the plans and iron out any issues that may arise.

  My stomach rumbles, and I rub it, willing it to be quiet as Tristan hops in. He notices me rubbing my belly, and he smiles.

  “Hungry, or not feeling well?”

  “A little of both. You’re feeding me too much. I’m getting used to having all this food now, and my body is revolting against me.” I laugh.

  “I’m sure we can find you something at the ranch. Mom makes some mean cinnamon rolls.”

  His smile fades at the mention of his mom. She wasn’t in the hospital that long, but she’s changed a lot since she’s been back. I know he’s worried about her, and I wish there was something I could do to help. I’m actually hoping he’ll let me see her at some point today so I can say hi and spend some time with her. She has always been so kind to me; I know this is a huge burden on his family.

  “She’s going to be okay, Tristan.” I take his hand in mine and give him a reassuring squeeze, then kiss the back of his knuckles.

  “I know. I just need my mom back. I want her to be around long enough to hopefully see me get married and meet her grandchildren.” He glances at me and smirks. Is he picturing marrying me?

  Lana Ellis. It does have a nice ring to it. I spend the entire ride to the ranch daydreaming about my perfect wedding. I don’t even realize we’ve pulled up until he cuts the engine. We both get out, and I look around the land with a new perspective. I could see myself raising kids here with this man. The only problem is my job and family are back east.

  Mom would kill me if I moved here and never made it home to visit with grandkids. And what about my job? I’ve been lucky, but I won’t be able to work remotely forever. Eloise would never allow that.

  “Hey, where’d you go? You seem lost in thoughts.”

  “Nothing,” I lie. “Just trying to picture the land with the new cabins and what it will do to this place.” I smile up at him. “I’m so happy you are doing this and that I’m a part of it. Thanks for hiring my company.”

  “I’m so glad it was you, Lana.” He wraps his arms around me and buries his head in the crook of my neck, placing gentle kisses along my skin.

  “All right, you two. Get a room,” Holden chortles behind us.

  “You’re just jealous, man,” Tristan says, ignoring his friend as he continues to kiss me.

  I finally manage to push him away and give Holden a hug. “Good to see you so happy,” he murmurs against my shoulder before releasing me.

  “You too. Now, point me in the direction of food. I’m starving and need something to eat.”

  He looks at Tristan. “Didn’t you feed this girl when she got here?”

  “Sure did, we’ve been working up quite an appetite.” He smirks, and I smack him in the arm in embarrassment.

  “I’m sure Holden doesn’t want to know what we are doing,” I mumble as I rub my reddened cheeks.

  I leave the two of them talking and go in search of food. Tristan sends me inside the house to find something in the kitchen, and when I walk in, his mom is sitting at the table. “Hi, Mrs. Ellis.” I smile at her.

  Her face brightens, and she extends her right arm for me to give her a hug. She has a cast on her leg, and her left arm is in a sling. “Lana, welcome back, dear.” I wrap my arms around her gently and pull back. “We’re so happy to have you here. Tristan hasn’t talked about anything but you coming back for days.”

  We spend the next few min
utes talking as I gather some food, and it feels so normal. She’s so easy to talk to. When I finish my banana and peanut butter crackers, I put my plate in the dishwasher and tell her I’ll be back to visit later. She waves me out, and I watch her smile turn down before I leave the front door.

  “Tristan?” I call for him as I step on the front porch.

  I see Holden, and he motions toward where the new build will be. I walk down the path and stop a few feet away when I see him talking to the foreman, Steve. His hands rest easily on his hips, and his muscles ripple under his snug t-shirt. Damn, I want to tear that thing off him.

  “Lana, right?” a man asks from behind me. I turn to see Emmett standing there with a yellow hard hat on, light-colored jeans, and a loose t-shirt.

  I smile. “Hey. Emmett, right?” He nods. “It’s nice to see you again.”

  “So, this was your project?” He gestures to the empty area in front of us. “I remember you told me you were doing the designs last time.”

  “Yeah, Tristan hired my firm.”

  He nods and looks around. “Hey, listen, if you’re not still seeing Holden, I’d love to go out for drinks or dinner sometime if you’re interested?”

  I play with the bottom of my shirt. It’s not like I’m actually thinking of going on a date with the guy, but I’m trying to find a way to let him down gently without making it seem like there is a conflict of interest. Technically, sleeping with the client doesn’t break any rules, but it doesn’t look great either.

  “Actually, I’m not available. I’m only here for a little while, and then I am heading overseas to finish work with another client. I’m going to be swamped while I’m here.”

  His smile fades, but he has the good grace to try and not look too hurt. “All right, see ya around then,” he says and walks away to join some of the other workers.

  “Lana, come meet Don Martineau, the manager,” Tristan calls over for me.

  He places his hand on my lower back as I stand next to him, and I brush it off. While on site, we need to maintain a level of professionalism. Don is a nice man and seems to have a lot of experience under his belt. He tells me the plans for the day and how far he hopes to get. As long as the weather stays nice, there shouldn’t be a problem with staying on schedule.