Branding A Legacy (A Silver Star Ranch Novel) (17 page)

M
y eyelids are
heavy while my head rests on the soft pillow below me. My soul is happy and body is warm with love and glowing with exuberance. I’ve never been a morning person, but on the brink of waking up, I’m thrilled.

I roll over and face Marvel as my eyes open up to the first morning sun. I can’t help but smile when I look up into the stares of my cowboy. His arms tug me in closer, cementing our bodies together just the way I like it and never want it any different.

“Let’s wake up like this every morning,” I say into his chest.

“Deal, baby.”

We take several moments to get reacquainted, and before I know it we are both lost in each other once again. Tangled so intensely I don’t know where I begin and he starts. Soon Marvel disappears under the sheets, leaving me moaning once again, and I don’t miss his grin pressing into me or the giggles that escape him as he pleasures me with his mouth.

I’m sore and still tired but would never tell him to stop. Never.

“Marvel, up here with me.” I tug on his hair gentle at first and then with more determination when he doesn’t cooperate. One last tug finally gets his attention and he’s covering me again. We line up perfectly, face to face.

“Again,” I whisper.

“Clover, it’s too soon.”

I knew he’d disapprove and try to be the responsible thinking one in this situation, so I literally take matters into my own hands, reaching down between us and placing him where I want him.

He’s right as he pushes into me it’s way too soon, but it only takes a few seconds before the pain disappears and the pleasure overrides all of it. He studies my face just like he did last night. We never break eye contact as we both let go at the same time. My toes curl and I arch my back up as much as possible as the sweetest tingles race up and down my spine then I collapse back into the mattress.

Before I can get a word out or place a kiss on Marvel’s forearm planted next to my head, his door swings open and all I see is Maverik with Merek standing behind him. My knee jerk reaction shouldn’t surprise anyone as I scream and leap up, knocking Marvel’s forehead with mine. He’s a brick wall and doesn’t budge, so I throw the nearest pillow over my face. The cool breeze from the open door causes both of my nipples to perk up.

Marvel’s body is down on mine and I know he’s trying to cover me up.

“Family meeting now,” Maverik growls. That deep voice scares the shit out of me, and now I feel like an eight-year-old caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

“Jesus, let the boy finish off.” Merek’s voice is much lighter and is even laced with a bit of laughter.

Merek tries to joke, and I can only picture his face and all the amusement dancing on it. He’ll never let either one of us live this moment down. And even though my face is buried, it burns an even deeper scarlet with embarrassment.

“Out,” Marvel yells.

I hear the door slam shut as Maverik grunts, and then I feel Marvel drop his head on top of the pillow. And in the most awkward of moments, a case of the uncontrollable giggles strike and I’m shaking in laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

I shake my head under the pillow, unable to form a word as I laugh my ass off.

“You just gave my brothers a titty show and now you’re laughing.”

He rips the pillow from my face and grins down at me.

“You’ve become a naughty little thing.”

“It’s your fault.”

Marvel places a light kiss on my forehead then springs from the bed. “I’ll start you a shower and better go see what in the hell is going on with my family.”

He’s gone before I can protest, but I don’t miss the chance to appreciate the view as he walks buck-naked into his bathroom. I listen to the sounds of the shower beginning to spray down and him slapping on some clothes. Something changed between us last night. Everything has been laid out and we both had the choice to stay or go. There’s been many times that either of us could’ve walked out but didn’t.

We’ve fought, flirted, and last night made love, cementing us together. Marvel waltzes out the door with one final wink. I don’t take him not stopping personal this time, because now I know it’s because he doesn’t know when to stop. One kiss is never enough since we’ve tasted each other and one touch is absolutely never enough to tide our appetites over. It’s an all in type of love and devour.

I take my time getting up and enjoy the hot shower. Marvel’s water pressure and temperature is much more appealing than mine. When I step from the shower, I’m assaulted with everything Marvel from day old clothes laying on the floor to his scent attacking me. It definitely feels like home.

My pile of crumpled up clothes lay next to his nightstand where the lamp rests. The same little lamp that provided just enough light for us to imprint memories forever. I pluck my skinny jeans and my tight t-shirt from the floor and am not impressed with my choice of wear the night before. I wiggle into my jeans and then riffle through Marvel’s drawers to find a suitable shirt.

I settle for a long sleeve, button-up red plaid shirt. The cotton hugs my skin, making me feel like I’m wrapped in Marvel’s arms while the scent of the shirt continues to antagonize my sense of smell. I couldn’t care less at this point about my hair. If interviewed by Oprah it would say that piled up in a wet pony was its natural state. So, I don’t think twice about tying it up before I open the door.

My stomach growls loudly when I open the door and am hit with a waft of breakfast that nearly causes me to pass out. A swarm of voices mingle together with the fresh bacon aroma, and when I round the corner everyone shuts up. I feel like a stranger for the first time amidst the Slatters. My stomach flutters for a second and the all too familiar feelings of my mother and my harsh upbringing flood in.

“Baby.” Marvel whirls out of his seat and wraps me up right in front of all the staring eyes. I remain frozen, still with a lingering feeling that something is off.

“You okay?” he whispers into my ear.

I only nod, providing him with a yes.

A slap to my ass from behind causes me to jump in shock, and when I turn I see the smiling face of the ornery patient I took care of. Granddad stands behind me, clutched to his walker and smiling like a fool.

“Very clever,” I joke. “You can slap and grip your walker without eating shit.”

“Well, I was up very late last night,” he replied.

Game point won. I turn back to Marvel flushed and embarrassed.

“Come have a seat, Clover, breakfast is ready,” lil’ Mav shouts.

His excitement is clear. I rub my eyes, trying to clear my mind since I swear I’d just walked into a hornet’s nest, but now everything seems to be chipper than chip.

I take a seat near Marvel and watch him dish out a plate for me. Challis and lil’ Mav go on about the rodeo they’re going to tonight. They truly leave no window for anyone else to get a word in edgewise, so I just shovel in bite after bite. I was a lot hungrier than I’d thought.

I’m thankful the small house is so bustling, taking attention away from me sitting in Marvel’s shirt at the table and the fact we were caught by Maverik and Merek. Before I know what’s going on, Granddad is swept out the back door for therapy and I’m helping tidying up the dishes with Challis. The men have since gone outside to do chores and all the manly shit they do on Silver Star Ranch.

That familiar uneasy vibe creeps back in as I walk outside with Ella and Challis. I make eye contact before anyone has to explain a thing. Every single window of my house and car are shattered. Shards of glass strewn in every direction, causing my heart to sink and head to go dizzy.

Everything goes blurry as I try to piece each glass back into place. I replay last night as I walked out of my front door and crept across to Marvel’s window. I force myself from staring at the broken glass and find Marvel. He’s deep in conversation with some workers. The veins popping from his temples and clenched jaw clue me in to his temperament. More hushed whispers pass before he begins to stride in my direction.

“I’ll take care of it,” he spits out.

“What happened?” I continue to stare at the mess.

“Vandalism.”

“Marvel, you’re lying,” I accuse.

“I’m not lying. If I knew who did this I’d have them by the balls right now.” He runs his hands through his hair. “I’m having your stuff moved into my room. You’ll be with me or someone from the family all the time.”

“What about work?”

“Do you not see those windows? Do you not remember my body the night you found me? Do you want your face to look like that?”

“Enough, Marvel.” Merek grabs him from the back.

“I’ll make sure you get to and from work.” Sterling steps up. I hadn’t even noticed him until now.

“Yes, that’ll work,” Ella reassures me. “We brought him here to look after the family anyway.”

Marvel goes at it with Maverik and Merek, causing my stomach to go sick. Our happy moment clearly gone as fast as it came.

“Let’s go down to the barn.” Challis tucks her arm in mine. “We could both use the time.”

“I’m going home to shower and get ready for our appointment.”

We both wave to Ella as she waddles toward her house, cradling her belly. I can’t help but stare at the house and wreckage left behind and then remember the footsteps I heard.

“Just a sec, Challis.”

I sprint back over to Marvel, who is still at it with his brothers. I have two reasons for going back to him.

“I heard footsteps last night when I walked over to your place.” I grip his forearm and squeeze, forcing him to look at me. “And I told you, I’m here. I know you’re scared and only protecting me, so quit pushing me away.”

Marvel only stares down at me, so I perch up on my tiptoes and kiss him lightly.

“You’ll never be able to scare me off, cowboy.”

And just as fast as I sprinted to him, I race back to Challis and we make our way down to the barn.

“He’s just protecting you…” She begins to explain to me.

I cut her off before she tries to reassure me. “I know. I’m okay.”

Challis is a smart girl and gets the hint. She doesn’t try to offer up any more advice as we catch our horses and begin grooming them. I always take care of hers by brushing it and saddling while she does miscellaneous chores around the barnyard. Working with these animals is more therapeutic than any medicine or counseling.

“May I?” I turn to see Marvel standing in the doorway.

“May you what?”

“Ride with you.”

“I’d love that, Marvel.”

I can tell simply by his relaxed stature that he’s let go of his anger for now. It’s automatic as I go to him, wrapping him up in a tight hug, and hold on for dear life.

“I love you, Clover. I just want you to be safe.”

“Well, if you’d let me in I might be able to help.”

“Want to go to a rodeo tonight to watch Challis and lil’ Mav?”

I jump back and look at him, studying his features, and wait for him to yell sike, but it never comes.

“Are you serious?”

He only nods to me.

“I’d love to, Marvel. I’ll go anywhere with you.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

We work together in silence gathering his horse, and I don’t miss the little glance of admiration he sends my way when I catch and halter his horse. He never tells me good job, but I take the slaps on my ass every once in a while as a job well done.

“I see I’ve been ditched,” Challis says entering the barn.

“No, he just showed up.”

“I’m kidding, Clover. Damn you’re so easy to get riled up.”

I relax a bit and won’t lie, my butthole puckered up thinking Challis was pissed.

“Are you sure?” I ask her again.

She nods, solemnly holding an empty grain bucket. “It’s time I talk to Merek.”

“Want me here or around?” I twirl my hand in the air, not sure what I’m even offering up.

“No, go ride and show your man your skills.”

“Challis, thank you for everything. You don’t understand the freedom and courage you’ve given me.” I take a step closer and wrap her up in a hug.

“You’re welcome,” she whispers. “Anything to help out a cowgirl.”

“What in the hell is going on here? A love fest in the damn barn?”

We both turn to Merek standing in the middle with his black felt hat crooked on top of his head. “Fucking too much estrogen in this joint.”

“That’s an understatement,” I whisper to Challis. She glares back at me and then finally cracks a smile.

I make quick work untying Marvel’s and my horse and lead them out into the sunlight. Marvel’s just finishing up watering a lot of cattle. He’s such a new person healing and out in his comfort zone. Each day he grows stronger and more determined.

“What are you staring at?” he asks as he saunters up to me. I swear there must be a finishing school for these cowboys by the way they walk. It’s a stride designed to melt panties and win hearts over, not to mention Marvel’s earth shattering smile. It’s electric.

“You. You’re so sexy.”

He drops his leather gloves to the ground and wraps his hand around my lower waist, pulling me into him. I don’t worry about the horses spooking that I’m holding on to in one hand and let Marvel kiss the hell out of me.

“It’s a shame we aren’t riding together.”

“Why?” I ask.

“Because we could have our bodies pressed up to each other.”

“Tonight.” I nip at his lower lip.

He only growls as I push him away and hand him his set of reins. He watches each of my moves, standing like a fool on the dirt lot while I’m already on top of my horse.

“Stop, you’re embarrassing me.”

He tilts his straw hat back and grins up at me. “I really didn’t think anything would be sexier than Nurse Clover in action, but this whole Cowgirl Clover act is sexy as all hell.”

And like a little schoolgirl who has her first crush, I blush with embarrassment. I nudge my horse into a walk and hear Marvel grunt and grumble. When I look back I see him leap on the back of his horse, and in true cowboy fashion, he kicks him into a full run. By damn if I’ll let this man think he can outrun a city girl turned country.