Champagne and Candlelight

IV

Jarrod leaned back in his chair, frustrated. Not at Anna, his secretary, she deserved all the happiness she could find in her upcoming marriage, and even without his undisclosed engagement to Amber, he would never begrudge her that. No, his frustration was at finding Anna’s replacement. The only qualified applicant he had for the position was a sour-faced woman with a personality to match. He likely wouldn’t lose her to a suitor, but her terse demeanor and the equally frosty atmosphere that surrounded her prompted Jarrod to go without office help altogether rather than hire someone he didn’t feel comfortable with.

A soft tap on the door made him sit up. “Yes?’ he called, happy for the interruption. Anna poked her head in.

“Mr. Barkley, there’s someone here to see you. Your cousin, I believe?”

Jarrod smiled. A visit from Amber was just the ray of sunshine his day needed. He took a deep breath to control his body’s inevitable reaction at the thought of his beloved. Over the past few days, his desire and attraction for Amber had only grown. It was hard to keep from touching her and they used any opportunity they could get, brushing against each other in the hall, a quick hand across her breast or a slight squeeze for the front of his pants. He smiled as he recalled taking her in the sweet-smelling hay of the barn loft the previous night and his member twitched thinking of how she cornered him in the bathroom that very morning.

“Send her in, Anna. And why don’t you take an early lunch? I’m sure you’ve got a lot that needs doing with the wedding only a week away.”

Anna smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Mr. Barkley.” She turned. “You can go right in,” and closed the door behind Amber.

Jarrod made sure the door was locked, then pulled Amber into his strong embrace and bestowed a passionate kiss on her lips. “And to what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked when he let her go.

“You told me you had some papers for me to sign to transfer over the rest of my father’s estate,” she reminded him. “So here I am. And then I thought you could take your favorite cousin to lunch.”

Jarrod gave her another lip-searing kiss. “Lunch. Is that what we’re calling it now?”

Amber playfully pushed him away. “Let’s get those papers signed, then we’ll talk.”

“I can think of much better uses for our mouths than talking.” Jarrod sat behind the desk and shifted through its contents to find the papers that needed Amber’s signature. “Ah, here they are.” He started in surprise as Amber deposited herself in his lap.

“You’re incorrigible, Jarrod,” she said, dropping her hand between his legs and pressing on him, making his manhood swell even more.

“Well, you encourage me, darling,” he told her and smiled as she rolled her eyes. He made no move to push her off, just handed her a pen. “Sign here, here, and here.”

Amber signed at the indicated places, the pen jerking a small line across the paper as Jarrod squeezed her breast. “Jarrod!” she scolded, “look what you just made me do!”

Jarrod chuckled as he brushed his lips across her neck. “I think you started it.”

“I beg to differ, my dear Jarrod. I was only responding to your remark.”

Continuing to kiss her neck before moving up to take her lips with his, Jarrod asked, “But was I wrong?”

Amber leaned into his embrace. “No,” she murmured, “you weren’t wrong. But I am hungry. For lunch,” she clarified when Jarrod slid his hand down to her thigh.

Jarrod sighed, his disappointment only partly feigned. “Well, you’ll have to give me a minute before I’m fit to be seen in public.”

Amber removed herself from his lap. “So did I hear your secretary is getting married?” she asked while giving Jarrod a chance to recover.

The thought of his last applicant was enough to dampen Jarrod’s ardor. “Yes,” he sighed, “and replacing her is proving a difficult task. No one seems to have the proper qualifications.”

“What does she need to do?” Amber wanted to know, perching on the edge of his desk.

Jarrod got up and retrieved his hat and coat. “Make appointments, take dictation, that sort of thing. I need someone who knows shorthand and really need someone I can work with.”

“What about me?”

Amber’s offer brought Jarrod up short. “You?” he asked.

Amber nodded. “I know shorthand, one of my mother’s clients taught me and I covered in his office when he was short-staffed last summer. We certainly get along,” she added with a brazen look, “what do you have to lose?”

“My sanity,” Jarrod muttered, pulling on his coat. “Working beside you all day? You’ll drive me crazy.”

“I promise I’ll be completely professional during office hours,” Amber swore, her eyes laughing. “But I can’t guarantee anything if you ask me to work overtime.” She said the last as she walked up to him and slipped her hands under his coat, running them over his chest.

Jarrod chuckled in resignation, thinking of how many late nights he was going to be spending with his new secretary in the near future. “All right, we’ll give it a try. Can you stay this afternoon? I’ll test your note-taking and Anna can familiarize you with the office.” He pressed his lips to hers and his tongue found entry, leaving Amber breathless when he let her go. “And I’m sure I can arrange some overtime.”

Jarrod was reaching to unlock the door when he heard a loud pounding.

“Hey, Jarrod, open up! You got a couple hungry brothers out here to take to lunch!”

“So much for our quiet lunch together,” Jarrod said to Amber as he opened the door, revealing Nick and Heath, looking tired and worn from the cattle drive.

“Sorry, Jarrod,” Nick said contritely when he saw Jarrod’s companion. “Didn’t realize you had company.” Removing his hat, he smiled charmingly at Amber. “Nick Barkley, ma’am. This is my brother, Heath.”

“Amber,” she replied, shaking their offered hands.

Jarrod stepped in. “I think proper introductions are in order this time,” he said with a knowing grin for Amber. “Brothers, this is your cousin, Amber Barkley, Uncle Jim’s daughter. She showed up in town when I got back from the drive and I was just about to take her to lunch.” He grinned at the expressions on their faces. “I take it you’re joining us? We’ll explain on the way to the Cattlemen’s.”

“Sounds good, Jarrod,” Heath replied. “If I’m starving, you can imagine what Nick is.”

Jarrod explained Amber’s arrival in Stockton, leaving out the more intimate details, as they walked down the street and found a table at the restaurant.

“So Amber, you gonna stay in Stockton?” Nick asked after the waitress took their orders.

“Oh, I think so,” Amber replied with a quick glance at Jarrod. Her hand found his thigh and began to travel upward and Jarrod was hard put not to let what she was doing show on his face. “Jarrod even offered me a job.”

“How so?” Heath wanted to know.

“You know Anna’s getting married next week,” Jarrod reminded his brothers, trying to ignore the hand caressing his balls. “Apparently, Amber has all the skills I need.”

Amber started stroking him through his pants, reminding him of her other skills. He reached down and brushed her hand away, but she only brought it back.

“So how was the rest of the drive?” Jarrod asked, trying to keep his breathing even. Amber continued to caress him and Jarrod had a hard time concentrating on what his brothers were saying. He was never so happy to see a plate of food as he was to see their lunches set on the table, since Amber had to remove her hand to pick up her fork.

“So I assume you’re staying at the house, Amber?” Nick asked after digging into his meal. “Do you ride?”

“Yes, she does, Nick,” Jarrod answered for her, “she rides very well, in fact.” Amber couldn’t miss the emphasis on very, especially since Jarrod had no need of his knife at the moment and his left hand was currently massaging her thigh under the table.

“Well, you’re here just in time for our trip to Indian Springs,” Nick told her. “It’s a long ride, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it if you want to come.”

“I’m sure I will,” Amber agreed, trying not to gasp as Jarrod’s hand worked its way higher. “Aunt Victoria invited me to go along and I’m looking forward to it.”

Heath turned to Jarrod. “How about you, big brother? Taking the time off to come with us this year?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jarrod assured him, taking pity on Amber and removing his hand. He couldn’t wait to be there when Amber got her first glimpse at one of the most beautiful spots in the valley and thought about ways for the two of them to slip away, smiling in anticipation.

When lunch was over, Nick and Heath bid their farewells and promised to tell Victoria that Amber was staying in town to start her job as Jarrod’s new secretary.

Before Anna returned from lunch, Jarrod locked the office door again and pulled Amber into a crushing embrace.

“You’re going to be the death of me, you know that, don’t you?” he scolded playfully.

“At least you’ll die happy,” she shot back and as he kissed her, Jarrod had to admit she spoke no less than the truth.

*

That evening, Nick regaled them with stories of the cattle drive, Heath breaking in to correct him when his tales became too tall.

“I’m so happy you’re all coming to Indian Springs,” Victoria told them. “It’s just too bad Audra and Eugene are both abroad.”

“Yes, well, I’m sure they’re having fun,” Jarrod observed. Since Eugene was just finishing his medical studies, Audra had convinced her family it was a perfect time for her to take a tour of the continent with her youngest brother as chaperone and companion.

Nick picked up the frame and racked up the balls on the pool table. “Hey, Jarrod, how about a game?” he asked. “Winner plays Heath.”

“Well, I don’t think that’s quite fair, brother Nick,” Jarrod replied, picking out his favorite cue. “That leaves out our lovely cousin.” He winked at Amber and Victoria as Nick snorted.

“Right,” the dark-haired rancher scoffed.

“Nicholas, don’t be rude,” Victoria admonished. “At least ask if she wants to play.” Victoria smiled at Amber behind Nick’s back. She’d seen Amber play Jarrod over the past few days and knew the young woman was as good as any of her sons.

“Oh, all right,” Nick conceded. “Amber, would you like to play? You can team up with the lawyer since this was his idea.”

“Are you sure I’ll be able to keep up?” she asked innocently. Jarrod pretended to cough into his sleeve to disguise a snort of laughter.

“You’re sure welcome to join us, Amber,” Heath stepped in, always a proponent for everyone’s inclusion. “Ain’t that right, Nick?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Nick agreed reluctantly as everyone chose a cue. “And I suppose you want her to break, too.”

“Well, it’s only proper,” Jarrod granted, “after all, ladies first.” His blue eyes twinkled as he positioned the cue ball for Amber’s first shot.

Nick stood beside Jarrod as Amber made a show of lining up the shot. “What do you say we make this more interesting, Pappy? Want to make a little wager?”

Amber paused as Jarrod said, “Why not, Nick? Let’s say, a dollar a ball?”

“Make it five,” Nick negotiated, “ and you have yourself a bet.”

“Five it is,” Jarrod agreed with a smile and sat back on the edge of the desk to watch Amber. Sure enough, his lover was in top form and he watched Nick’s jaw drop further each time Amber sank a ball. He drank in the sight of her well-rounded posterior as she bent to take a shot and found himself almost wishing she’d worn the borrowed blue dress when he caught a glimpse of cleavage as she leaned over the other side of the table.

Heath clapped Nick on the shoulder. “I think you’ve been had, big brother,” he said with a grin.

Amber finally missed a tricky bank shot and it was Nick’s turn. By this time, the tall cowboy was a bit flustered and scratched the cue ball. Jarrod easily lined up his first shot and sank the last few balls to win the game. He walked over and put an arm around his partner, pulling her close and giving her a seemingly innocent kiss on the cheek as Heath laughed at the stunned look on Nick’s face.

“Oh, they got you good, Nick,” he teased. “I think we’ve got at least one shill in the family, if not two. Where’d you learn to play like that, Amber?”

“Oh, I was playing billiards ever since I was tall enough to reach the table,” she said with a wink for Nick. “And I found it was a good way to earn some traveling money on my way out here. It’s easy to get a saloon full of men to take a bet against a little thing like me.”

“Hmph.” Nick fixed his hazel eyes on her. “I demand a rematch.” He pointed an accusing finger at his blonde cousin. “You and me. Let’s go.”

Heath racked up the balls and Amber graciously allowed Nick to break. Jarrod watched the cutthroat game for a few shots before going to sit beside Victoria.

“So you think Amber’s the one you’ve been looking for?”

Jarrod looked at his mother, startled. He and Amber had tried to be discreet, agreeing not to announce their engagement until after the trip to Indian Springs where the family would get to know her a little better.

“After all,” Victoria continued, “you’ve been looking for Anna’s replacement for almost three weeks.”

Jarrod breathed a sigh of relief when he realized she was talking about Amber working with him. Not that it wouldn’t make it easier if they didn’t have to tell the family outright, but he wasn’t quite prepared to explain that he was marrying his cousin.

“I’m very lucky to have found her,” Jarrod answered sincerely. “Her handwriting is beautiful, her shorthand is excellent and she seems to know what I’m thinking before I do.” He glanced over to where Heath and Amber were giving Nick a hard time over a missed shot and smiled. “And she has a double dose of the Barkley charm. I think I’ll be using her to deliver my briefs. Might soften up a few of those tight-laced judges.”

Victoria patted his hand. “Well, it makes me very happy. I do love to see Amber fitting in so well with the family.”

Jarrod hoped his mother would be just as happy when she found out exactly how well he wanted Amber to fit in.

*

The house had been quiet for over an hour when Amber left her room. She walked down the hallway to Jarrod’s door and lightly tapped before she slipped inside. Jarrod was sitting by the fire, reading a book, his shirt unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up, the sight of his almost bare chest and muscular arms taking Amber’s breath away. He looked up at her entrance. Putting down the book, he walked over and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“You shouldn’t be here, Amber,” Jarrod scolded her, but there was a playful gleam in his eyes. “What if someone saw you? Or worse yet, hears us?”

Amber just kissed him soundly, sliding her hands around his waist. “Then we’ll just have to be quiet,” she told him. “I need you, Jarrod. I’ve wanted you all day and now I really need you.”

Jarrod gave in and drew her to the bed, sitting her beside him. He ran his hands over her shoulders, pushing down her nightgown and kissing her neck as he gently caressed her arms, moving down and across to touch her breasts. Amber sighed with pleasure and leaned back into his chest, and Jarrod’s hands continued to play with the supple mounds, teasing her nipples until they were firm and taut with need. Amber turned her head and tipped it back, lips seeking Jarrod’s. Jarrod’s kiss was soft and sensual and the heat building between Amber’s legs started to spread to the rest of her body.

She twisted in his arms until they were face to face and pushed off his shirt. Jarrod moved his hands down to her hips and enjoyed the play of her fingertips across his chest. He pushed her back onto the bed, kissing and nibbling across her collarbone, her breasts and her stomach, only stopping when he reached her navel. Amber raised her hips so Jarrod could pull the nightgown off the rest of the way and let out a moan of pleasure when his lips brushed the inside of her thigh.

She started to protest when he stopped, but the sight of Jarrod’s firm body as he removed his pants took the words out of her mouth. Amber sat up and ran her hand along the length of Jarrod’s impressive manhood, finding the silky sac hanging between his legs, unable to resist touching him. She started to stroke him, but Jarrod pushed her hand away.

“Not this time,” he whispered as he ran his hand across her stomach. “This time I want to touch you.” Jarrod tangled his fingers in the silky triangle of her hair and then sought and found the delicate bud it hid. Amber gasped and Jarrod covered her mouth with his. She spread her legs wider, giving better access. Jarrod slipped first one, then two fingers inside her, continuing to rub her nub of pleasure with his palm. His other hand slid up to fondle a breast and his mouth left hers to suckle the other.

“Oh, Jarrod,” Amber breathed, running her fingers through his hair, holding his head to her breast. Jarrod worked his fingers further inside her moist canal, making her moan.

“I think I found something you like,” he said, looking up. The sight of her lips, swollen and slightly parted, aroused him even more.

“The only thing I’d like more is to feel you buried inside me,” Amber panted breathlessly.

Jarrod slipped his fingers out of her warmth and shifted his weight so he rested on top of her. “I want to take my time, sweetheart,” he told her, his member aching to comply with her request.

“Well, if we want, we have all night.” Amber reached down and guided him to her silken portal. “Take me, Jarrod. Take me now.”

Determined not to rush, Jarrod eased himself inside her.

“Faster, Jarrod, please,” Amber begged.

Jarrod began to thrust slowly, bending his head until his lips brushed her ear. “Who was it that just told me we have all night?” he asked, tongue caressing the lobe. Amber only gripped him tighter, hands squeezing his firm buttocks. Jarrod increased the force of his strokes, but kept the rhythm slow and easy. He wanted to make sure he brought her over the edge before taking his own pleasure. Amber wrapped her legs around him and arched her hips, matching him thrust for thrust. He felt her quiver around his throbbing flesh and started pumping harder and faster in anticipation of the sweet release he knew was coming.

Amber’s sounds of pleasure grew louder and Jarrod took her mouth with his, plunging his tongue inside to stop her moans, just in case anyone was awake to hear. He felt her inner muscles clench as she came around him and drove in deeper, filling Amber with his release in an explosion of ecstasy. He thrust into her sharply a few more times, expending every last drop before relaxing on top of her.

“Oh, Amber,” he whispered, kissing her gently. Amber ran her hands over his back in a slow caress and Jarrod slowly rolled off to lie beside her. He wrapped her in his arms as she rested her head on his chest, cuddling her body close. “You’ll have to get back before anyone finds you here,” he reminded her. “So no falling asleep.”

“Mmmm.” Amber snuggled closer. “Just a few more minutes.” Her fingers drew lazy circles across his chest and abdomen and Jarrod sighed with contentment.

“I can’t wait to go to bed with you every night and wake up holding you in my arms,” he told her, burying his face in her silky golden hair.

“You don’t have to wait long, my love,” she assured him. “We’ll be married as soon as we tell the family.” Amber gave him a loving kiss before sliding out of the bed and slipping her nightgown over her head. “Goodnight, Jarrod,” she whispered, blowing him a kiss as she quietly left the room. “Sweet dreams.”

Jarrod burrowed under the covers, knowing his dreams would be full of a certain blue-eyed blonde beauty and that they couldn’t be sweeter.