Champagne and Candlelight

“Think that’s the last of it.” Nick set the crate of books amongst the others. It only took a few days for Jarrod and Amber to find the elegant house on the edge of town, large enough for entertaining, but small enough to feel cozy with just the two of them. Choosing a day when Victoria was out, Nick and Heath offered their services in packing up Jarrod’s belongings and moving them to the new house.

“I’d love to be able to invite you to stay for dinner,” Amber apologized, “but I’m not sure I can find the kitchen in all this.” She surveyed the crates of books, trunks of clothes and other assorted items covering the floor. She shot an accusing look at her husband. “I had no idea one man could have so much stuff!”

Jarrod grabbed her around the waist. “Just wait until I take you shopping, sweetheart. Then I guarantee you’ll have more than I do.” And he planted a passionate kiss on her lips.

“Jarrod!” she scolded, pushing him away. “We have company.”

Jarrod just grinned and winked at his brothers. “Brothers aren’t company,” he informed her and tried to grab her again, but she eluded his grasp.

“I apologize for my husband’s bad manners,” Amber told Nick and Heath, but her eyes were twinkling.

“Reckon we’re used to it.” Heath shook his head, wishing their mother could get past her prejudice and see how happy Amber made Jarrod. He could count on his fingers the number of times since coming to live with his father’s family he’d seen his older brother’s playful side. Jarrod took his role as Pappy seriously and he rarely cut loose, even when it was only he and his brothers.

But since Amber came into his life, Jarrod laughed more and smiled more easily. The only thing that put a shadow his face was the mention of Victoria. Until the trip this morning to gather up his possessions, he hadn’t been back to the house since leaving with Amber. Both Heath and Nick tried to talk to their mother, but any mention of Jarrod and Amber’s marriage just brought an abrupt change of topic. She was willing to talk about her eldest son, however, ignoring Amber, and requested of her other sons to make sure Jarrod came to Sunday dinner tomorrow, making no mention of his wife being included in the invitation. They’d flipped for it before the last trip into the house and Heath lost the toss.

Heath took Jarrod onto the porch while Amber directed Nick which room to put some of the boxes in.

“Mother wants you at dinner tomorrow,” Heath told him, figuring the best way to broach the subject was a straightforward one.

Jarrod hooked his fingers into his pockets and leaned against the wall. “And Amber?’ he asked, already knowing what the answer would be.

“Don’t really reckon Mother wants her included,” Heath said regretfully.

Jarrod sighed. “Heath, she’s my wife. Does Mother really expect me to exclude her from family functions?”

“Reckon you’re caught between a rock and a hard place, Jarrod,” Heath admitted. “Don’t really see how a fair-minded woman like our mother can forgive our father and accept me into the family but not come to terms with you and Amber.” He shrugged. “Figure she’ll come around eventually.”

“And until then, what, Heath?” Jarrod wanted to know. “I’m just supposed to come to Sunday dinner and pretend my wife doesn’t exist? She’s too important to me, I can’t do that to her and I won’t.” He started slightly as the soft hand slipped around his waist.

“You will, Jarrod,” Amber insisted. Jarrod covered her hands with his as her other arm came around to encircle him. “You’ll go because she’s your mother and she’s important to you, too.” Heath averted his eyes slightly at their loving embrace as Amber laid her head against Jarrod’s shoulder. “Just because you love me doesn’t mean you love her any less.”

“But I don’t want to leave you here alone,” Jarrod insisted softly.

Amber just smiled as she released him. “Oh, I’ll have plenty to do getting this place in order,” she assured him before turning to Heath. “Tell Aunt Victoria Jarrod will be there.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Heath said with a grin. At Jarrod’s look, he added, “You should know enough never to argue with a Barkley female, counselor. You’ve lived with them longer than I have.”

Nick came out of the house, placing his hat on his head. “I’m done,” he proclaimed. “Think I’ll head over to the saloon for a cold beer. What do you say, Jarrod, Heath? Coming with me?”

“If you’re buying, Nick,” Heath said. “Jarrod?”

Jarrod put his arm around Amber. “No, think I’ll pass today, boys, and start unpacking. Thanks for all the help, though.” They watched the two cowboys climb into the wagon before re-entering the house.

“Where do you want to start?” Amber asked as she surveyed the room, then protested, “Jarrod!” as Jarrod began undoing the buttons of her blouse, pushing it open and untying her chemise to expose her breasts.

“I though this might be a good place,” he told her as he bent his head to take a rosy nipple in his mouth.

“Can’t you two at least lock the door first?”

Jarrod moved to shield Amber from Nick’s view, but couldn’t miss the look of appreciation the quick glimpse brought to his brother’s face. “What do you need, Nick?” he said with a smile.

Nick strode across the room. “Forgot my gloves,” he said, picking up the black leather items. As he made to leave, he turned around, a devilish grin on his lips. “I’d turn down the beer, too,” and quickly ducked out the door, laughing as Amber threw a cleaning rag in his direction.

*

Jarrod hesitated, wondering if he should knock. Strange to feel like a guest in the home he’d lived in for so long, but that’s what he was; a visitor and one who was unsure of his welcome at that. He questioned whether he should have tried harder to bury his desires and feelings for Amber and attempted to be content with being simply cousins, but truly, even with everything that was going on, he knew he’d never been as happy as he was when they were together.

Taking a deep breath, Jarrod opened the door and walked into the foyer. Silas was placing a floral arrangement on the hall table and his smile beamed as he saw the dark-haired lawyer.

“It’s good to see you, Mr. Jarrod,” he greeted. “Let me take your hat.”

“I’m happy to see you, too, Silas,” Jarrod responded, handing over the requested item. “Dinner smells wonderful.”

Silas paused, as if unsure what to say. “And how is Miss Amber?” he asked finally.

Despite the discomfort of the situation, Jarrod had to smile at the thought of the beautiful blonde he’d left back in town. He’d still been hesitant, uncomfortable with having her excluded from the dinner invitation, but Amber steadfastly insisted he come, then loved him so thoroughly Jarrod was surprised he wasn’t late. He was still remembering the feel of her mouth on him when he replied, “She’s fine.”

Silas smiled regretfully. “I do wish you were able to bring her for dinner, Mr. Jarrod. I didn’t get the chance to congratulate the two of you on getting married.”

Jarrod clapped Silas on the back, thankful the long-time family friend wasn’t going to condemn his relationship with Amber. “Well, why don’t you come over to our place instead sometime? We’d love to have you.”

Silas’ smile grew wider at the unexpected offer. “Why, thank you, Mr. Jarrod. I’ll be sure to do that.”

“Hey, Jarrod!” Nick’s voice boomed from the top of the stairs. “You’ll have to come out to the barn after dinner and see Duchess’ new colt. He’s a real looker, that one. Can’t wait until he grows up.”

“Looking forward to it, brother Nick.” Nick’s greeting was so typical, Jarrod started to feel at home again. That was, until Victoria came in from the dining room.

“Jarrod.”

“Hello, Mother.” Jarrod couldn’t miss the coolness in her tone, but squared his shoulders and gave her his customary kiss on the cheek.

“Dinner’s almost ready, Missus Barkley,” Silas told her. “Should I put it on the table?”

Victoria looked over at Nick, who nodded.

“Heath’s just finishing cleaning up,” the tall rancher told them. “Should be down in a minute.”

“Then we’ll be right in, Silas,” Victoria told their retainer.

Silas nodded and headed toward the kitchen.

Heath came lightly down the stairs. “Hope you’re not all waiting on me,” he joked.

“Not at all, dear,” their silver haired mother said. She took Heath’s arm, sending a pang through Jarrod, as traditionally he was the one who escorted her in to dinner. But he gave Heath a small smile as his blond brother looked at him in apology and put a hand on Nick’s shoulder.

“Come on, Nick, I’m sure you’re starving.”

Jarrod was rewarded with a laugh. “And just how did you figure that, Pappy?” Nick countered, draping a companionable arm around his big brother’s shoulders as they followed Heath and Victoria into the dining room.

The talk around the table was kept to small, inconsequential matters, like how things were going around the ranch and how quickly Amy Sykes’ new baby was growing. Even though it pained him, Jarrod carefully avoided any mention of Amber when asked how things were at the office, a hard task since she was involved in almost everything he did.

“Did you tell Jarrod about the letter we got from Gene and Audra?” Nick asked around a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

Victoria’s eyes gleamed with delight. “It was postmarked in New York a little over a week ago. Your brother was accepted as a resident in San Francisco, so they headed back to the States earlier than planned. He and Audra should be home in a couple days.”

Heath grinned. “We should throw them a welcome home party,” he suggested. “You know how that little sister of ours is about things like that.”

“Great idea!” Nick agreed enthusiastically. “Hey, Jarrod, maybe we could have it at your place. Combine it with a housewarming party for you and Amber.”

The frost from the end of the table was almost palpable when Nick mentioned Amber’s name. Nick had the grace to look chagrined as his mother looked at him steadily. “Nicholas, I would thank you not to use that woman’s name in my house.”

Jarrod slowly put down his fork and took a deep breath. He had come to dinner because he loved his family, loved his mother, but right now, he was having trouble finding any respect for her. He was more than willing to be considerate and not flaunt he and Amber’s relationship in his mother’s face, but he’d be damned if he was going to pretend the relationship didn’t exist. Jarrod thought back to his conversation with Heath the previous day and his own words echoed back to him.

* “I’m just supposed to come to Sunday dinner and pretend my wife doesn’t exist? She’s too important to me, I can’t do that to her and I won’t.” *

“Mother, Amber’s my wife. I know you don’t approve and I know I can’t explain adequately what happened to cause my cousin to be the woman I love. But it happened and pretending it didn’t isn’t going to change that fact.”

Victoria’s expression grew more incensed with each word. “Jarrod, I said I don’t want that woman’s name spoken in my house and I meant it!”

Jarrod picked up his napkin and placed it carefully on the table. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mother. Before I go, I think you should know I wasn’t going to come today. It was Amber who convinced me family ties are important enough that I should try.” He got up and walked to the door, regret evident in every step. He turned before he left. “Nick, Heath, the house should be ready in a couple days so we can have you over.” He looked sadly at his mother. “And you’re always welcome, Mother, any time you’d care to visit.”

Jarrod walked out of the room, grabbed his hat and left through the front door. He went to the barn where Ciego had put up Jingo and made short work of saddling the sorrel. As he led Jingo outside, Silas approached carrying a cloth-wrapped bundle.

“Mr. Jarrod, here’s some dessert to take home for you and Miss Amber,” the black man said, handing the bundle to Jarrod. “It’s your favorite, apple spice cake.”

Jarrod took it with thanks and carefully stowed the cake in his saddlebag. He reached a hand to Silas, who shook it with mixed emotions. “You make sure you stop by the house when you’re in town, Silas.”

Jarrod mounted Jingo and he loped out the big iron gate, heart breaking as he wondered when he’d ever pass through it again to come to the big white house.

He found Amber in the kitchen, making a list of things they needed to purchase for their new home. Jarrod’s breathing grew faster as he contemplated the woman who set his soul on fire. Fate had conspired against them, making them kin as well as lovers, but right now, his heart full of pain and desire, that only seemed to strengthen the connection he felt with her.

Jarrod grabbed her around the waist, eliciting a squawk of surprise and took her lips in a searing kiss. “I need you, sweetheart,” he said, voice husky. Amber melted into his kiss, willingly surrendering herself to his every demand. Member already aching with need, Jarrod didn’t take time for a slow seduction like he normally would, he just wanted Amber there and now. The pain from his mother’s rejection left a raw wound and loving Amber was the only balm for the hurt he could think of.

His hands reached under her skirts and lifted them as Amber, sensing his urgency, deftly undid the buttons of his pants and pushed them down. Jarrod pulled her drawers around her knees and turned her around so her belly was pushed against the table. He found her slick tunnel and thrust into her with no warning, using enough force that she cried out. Jarrod, lost in his own frustration, anger and need, continued to drive into her, not with his usual finesse, but with a primal need fueled by the turmoil of his emotions.

Amber whimpered a bit at the onslaught, but didn’t resist, willing to give Jarrod what he needed. She didn’t object when he grabbed her wrists in a crushing grip, pinning them to the table as he plunged into her again and again until he finally exploded, shooting his hot seed within her. When he collapsed onto the floor in a shuddering heap, unable to hold himself up anymore in the aftermath of his release, Amber knelt beside him and cradled his head to her chest.

“It’s okay, Jarrod,” she murmured, caressing his shoulders and the back of his neck as his breath came in great, gasping sobs. “You’re not alone. I’m here.” Consoling him, Amber regretted talking him into going to dinner. It obviously hadn’t gone well, and Jarrod’s hurt caused her heart to ache as well.

They stayed that way for a while, Amber just holding her lover close in her arms. “I’m sorry, Jarrod,” she whispered, “maybe it would have been better if I’d never come to Stockton.”

Jarrod raised his head, evidence of his tears still on his face. “Oh, no, Amber,” he said, his voice catching in his throat, “never think that. I love you so much.” He lifted her hand to kiss it and noticed the red marks his fingers had left on her wrists. “Did I… sweetheart, did I hurt you?” Jarrod asked in shock. He didn’t miss the hesitation before she shook her head. He pulled her close and buried his face in her hair. “Forgive me. I never wanted…” Jarrod choked on the words.

“I’m all right, Jarrod,” Amber assured him. “You were upset, I could tell.”

“That still doesn’t give me the right to hurt you,” he protested.

“No, it doesn’t,” Amber conceded, “but it gives me the right to give you whatever I think you need from me.” She kissed him tenderly, then locked her gaze with his, her blue eyes dark with passion. “How about I let you make it up to me?” She pulled him to his feet and, leaving her underwear and his pants in a pile of the floor, led him into the bedroom.

Amber slowly undressed, Jarrod’s gaze riveted to her hands as they caressed her breasts when she removed her chemise, watching as she pushed off her petticoat, her fingers lingering on the nest of hair between her legs. Jarrod felt himself rise in spite of the guilt he felt for taking her so roughly.

Now unclothed, Amber walked up to where Jarrod was sitting on the edge of the bed. She undid the buttons of his shirt, kissing the hollow of his throat as she ran her hands over the smooth skin of his chest. Kneeling on the bed, Amber straddled Jarrod’s legs and leaned in for a kiss. His growing hardness pressed against her belly as she rubbed against him, her taut nipples brushing his.

Jarrod let her take the lead she deserved after giving in to his animal lusts earlier and willingly took her breast with his lips when she guided his head to her chest. Reaching in between them, Amber grasped his shaft with gentle fingers and stroked lightly, using the wetness gathering on the tip to lubricate the crown before raising herself up and easing down on top of him. Rocking slowly with Jarrod buried inside her, Amber directed his hands to her waist and rested her own hands on his shoulders.

“I don’t deserve you,” Jarrod sighed, feeling unworthy of the pleasure he was experiencing being sheathed in her warm depths. Amber silenced him with an ardent kiss, tongue probing his.

“You’re my everything, Jarrod,” she breathed. “And in spite of what I said before, coming to Stockton was the best thing I’ve ever done. Oh!” she gasped as Jarrod found her engorged nub with his fingers. “Oh, Jarrod, I won’t be able to stop…”

“Let it go, sweetheart,” Jarrod murmured, continuing to rub her pleasure spot as he moved within her. “Come for me, Amber.”

Amber threw her head back and Jarrod felt her muscles quiver around his organ. He thrust upward a few times as she moaned in ecstasy and held her tight as her body spasmed then relaxed and she rested her head against his shoulder. “I wanted to wait for you.”

Jarrod stroked her hair off her face and kissed her forehead. “And I just wanted to please you,” he told her. He pulled her back on the bed, slipping from her warmth as he grabbed the quilt and draped it over them.

Snuggling close to him, Amber said, “You always please me, Jarrod. I’m sorry things didn’t go well with your family.”

Jarrod sighed as he drew comfort from the closeness of her body. “It’s not my family, only Mother,” he corrected. “By the way, Silas said congratulations and sent some dessert. I invited him and my brothers to stop in for dinner sometime this week.”

“And Aunt Victoria?”

“I told her she’d be welcome anytime. I hope you don’t mind.” He searched her face for any sign she disapproved of his invitation, but only found a tinge of sadness.

“Of course she’s welcome,” Amber assured him. “There’s nothing I want more than for the family to accept me as your wife. Except maybe to stay here with you forever.”

Jarrod chuckled. “You’re bound to get hungry sometime,” he pointed out.

“Then it’s a good thing I have something very tasty to nibble on right here,” she observed and they sank into another passionate kiss.