Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1) (14 page)

“Hi, Roman. I’m sorry, but I’ve come to see your wife. Is she here?”

Pippa heard the soft, quivering voice and she walked to the door where a beautiful young woman stood, her hands twisted together and her knuckles white. “You’re Betty and Ted’s daughter, aren’t you?” She’d recognize her anywhere. She had her mom’s long, red hair and amazing eyes.

“Yes, how did you know?” the girl asked.

“You look like your mother.”

Darla looked from Pippa to Roman, then back to Pippa shyly. “I know it’s not right that I just show up here, but I heard you write books. If you want me to go…” she started to turn.

“No, wait. It’s okay.” Pippa looked at Roman and he nodded, stepping back into the house, closing the door and leaving the ladies alone on the porch. “You’re welcome here anytime. What can I do for you?”

Darla nibbled nervously on her bottom lip. Her eyes misted with unshed tears, reminding Pippa of the first time she met Betty. “Mom and Dad don’t know I’m here and I’d like to keep it that way. I hate asking you to keep secrets, but it’s important.”

“Of course.” Pippa understood the need for confidentiality. “Would you like to take a seat?” She guided the young girl to the rocker and they each sat.

“I guess you probably know about the baby, right?” Darla clasped her hands tightly.

“Congratulations.”

A shrug of her thin shoulder told Pippa the girl was uncertain. She looked young and naïve, and Pippa’s heart went out to her. “I don’t want you to think I’m a slut because I’m not,” Darla blurted.

Pippa squeezed her hand. “Honey, I would never think that about you. There are many women who get pregnant, even out of wedlock, and it doesn’t reflect unkindly upon them.”

“
Pfft
! Maybe in the big city, but not in Colton, Texas.”

Pippa didn’t try to disagree. “You’ve decided to keep the baby, right?”

She nodded her head so fast that she sent tendrils of hair flying around her freckled cheeks. “Yes. That’s not up for debate.” She laid her trembling hand against her still flat stomach.

“Your mother told me you’re getting married.”

Darla’s chin came up, some of the light left her eyes. “What did she say?”

Pippa shrugged “Just that you’re getting married.”

“I know it’s what she wants—what they all want. They think it’s not right for a girl to have a baby outside of marriage. Can’t they see that I’m smart and this doesn’t take away my intelligence.”

“Do you not want to get married?”

There was a long hesitation. “I don’t want to disappoint my parents. They’ve been good to me, but they don’t understand…” she looked down at her hands. “They never have.”

“Darla, what don’t they understand?” She realized there was a lot going inside of the girls’ head.

“I can be a single mom.”

“Yes, you can be. Do you feel pressured to get married?’

She jumped up from the rocker, sending it back against the house, then she started crying. Her shoulders were shaking and Pippa went to her. “I care for Johnny, I do, but I’m not sure I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I had dreams before the baby.”

Pippa laid her hand on the girl’s quivering shoulder, wishing there was an easy way to help her. “I think we all worry whether or not we can spend forever with one person. That’s a huge commitment and never to be taken lightly.”

Darla lifted her head, her eyes red and her face streaked with tear stains. “How did you know you wanted to be with Roman forever?”

Pippa looked back at the closed door, swallowing against the sudden constriction in her throat. She wanted to give the girl a romantic story of true love, but Pippa could only be honest. “I didn’t know that when I married him. I didn’t even love him.”

The girl’s mouth twisted. “What? You two don’t love each other?”

Pippa leaned against the rail. “I married Roman totally on instinct and the overwhelming sense of connection. I’ve never known that with anyone before, and didn’t want it to end. We knew each other six hours, and in that time he took me through a euphoria of emotions. And even now, I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

“Six hours?”

“I know it seems strange, but I guess what I’m saying is that two people can know each other their entire life and never be sure. And then there are some that know in an instant that their souls belong together. We all want to meet that someone, that person, who leaves no doubt about the commitment.”

“You mean like fireworks?”

Pippa thought over her answer. “No, I mean happiness and safety. Someone who changes our world, tilts it off its axis. It’s not a feeling I can explain. It’s only one you can feel. If you feel that way for Johnny, then you’ll overcome life’s hurdles together.”

Darla’s tears dried and she sniffed loudly. “Just like mom said, you’re amazing. Thank you for talking to me. I gotta run.” She gave Pippa a quick hug then took off down the lane.

She wasn’t sure she’d helped the young girl, but she certainly seemed better.

*****
 

Roman climbed out of the shower for the second time that morning, wrapped the towel around his hips and strolled down the hall. He stepped into the bedroom and was met with a sight that would forever be branded in his mind. Pippa was naked and sprawled out on the comforter, all five feet two inches of luscious, soft curves. His cock jerked alive in record speed.

“Does this mean I’m forgiven?” He could barely get his voice to work.

“This means that I trust you and believe you. I’ve missed you and have thought of little else but you and me together.”

He stepped closer, inhaling deeply, smelling a delicious scent of vanilla and feminine desire that was the best damn smell he’d ever known. It was her natural aroma, one that haunted him. God, she was beautiful laying in
their
bed. Sweet, succulent and sexy. He reached down and tugged the towel away from his body, exposing his need to her hungry gaze.

“Wow, is that for me?” she purred.

“For no one else, darlin’, but you.”

She slipped from the bed. They came at each other in a frenzy, clutching and drawing one another in and kissing. He was fully erect, aching and panting. Her nipples were hard and a sweet pink color, reminding him of sweetheart roses. She pressed against him and he about lost all control—almost lost his will to breathe. He grabbed her bottom, lifted her against his erection and she ground her core against him, leaving her juices slick on him.

Her whimper fell from her parted lips and it drove through him like an invisible drumbeat. He’d never get this woman out of his bloodstream and he didn’t want to—wouldn’t even try. How could he have ever believed that he’d never love a woman this deeply? He knew now that anything he’d ever felt wasn’t even close to his feelings for Pippa. For the first time in his life, he was glad he’d been hurt by Uma because that pain was what brought him here, into Pippa’s arms. He wouldn’t change that for anything.

He dipped his tongue deep into her mouth, sweeping the tip around her intoxicating flavor. She moaned and he took in the sound, like a sponge absorbing water.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing while clamping her inner thighs tight around his hips. She had him right where he belonged, he couldn’t doubt that fact. Her breasts lifted and fell with each pant of breath she took, her nipples gliding across his chest, her womanly heat seeping into his skin.

“Fuck!” he moaned. He walked her to the bed and dropped her. She bounced, but his hands on her thighs stopped her. He needed to touch her, explore her, treasure her naked body like it was the first time. He molded his hands over her firm breasts, enjoying the mounds against his palm, loving how her nipples responded to him. She was perfectly shaped and he’d never get enough—never wanted to know life without her again.

Running his thumbs over her nipples, they distended as if in invitation. He bent his head and licked each bud delicately. Her back arched in summons to continue the pleasure.

He tore away from her, looking down into her eyes, realizing she’d stolen the stars from the sky and planted them in the green windows of her soul. He groaned and sank her back into the bed, his erection pressing against her warm, moist pussy. She wiggled against him, thrusting her sex against him.

He touched her core and she jerked. “My God, Pippa. You’re so wet.”

“I waited for you while you showered and I did a lot of fantasizing,” she admitted.

“I’ve done nothing but fantasize since you left for Chicago. I’m afraid, sweetheart, that I’m—” He kissed her hard.

“What’s that?” she murmured against his lips.

“I’m addicted to you.” He kissed her neck, her collarbone The tops of her breasts like a starving man. “Next time you leave, I’m going with you.” He only partially teased.

“That could easily work.” She threaded her fingers through his hair.

“But one problem,” He pulled back again. “I’m not Mr. Pippa Wilder.”

“Oh, you read that in the article.” She nibbled her bottom lip.

“Yeah, I did,” he growled.

She laid her palm against his cheek. “You’ve been very patient.”

“Me?” he rasped.

“Yes. You wanted out of the spotlight and here you are, smack dab right in it again.”

He blinked. “Darlin’, don’t you worry about me. I’m here, always will be. I’ve got your back.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

PIPPA COULDN’T IGNORE his sex nestled between her legs, the heat from his cock burned her in pleasure. His breath brushed against her neck and they found each other’s lips, connecting in a desperate kiss that spoke volumes about their emotions. His hands were on her breasts, tweaking her nipples until she couldn’t imagine needing him anymore. Yearning scorched through her, lacing her blood with a drug that didn’t have a name.

“I really didn’t know what would happen when I got here.” She panted. “I wanted to yell—rather scream—at you because of the picture. And yet, a part of me hoped, wished with all of my might, that you had an explanation.”

His gaze melted her to the marrow of her bone. “I swear to you now, for everything that I am, there’s nothing left between Uma and I. You,” he kissed the tip of her nose, “have infatuated me.”

She smiled. “Infatuated, huh?”

Easing his hand between their bodies, he twirled the tip of a finger inside of her belly button then continued downward until he reached her aching clit. He swirled the pad of his thumb through her pussy seam, finding the nub and teasing it. What an amazing feeling that he evoked within her. As he lightly tapped her clit, he brought his mouth down and kissed her. She couldn’t have imagined a better kiss that could make her toes curl and knock the toenail paint right off. How had she landed here, in his arms? Right where she belonged. This man—this gorgeous, charming man—had mesmerized her. Hypnotized her with his pale blue eyes and killer smile.

A quiver raced through her, tweaking every nerve ending along its way. He worked her core until she seeped with juices. Grinding her body against his fingers brazenly, she didn’t care that she suggested desperation. All she could manage to wrap her brain around was the fact that she wanted him—loved him. Loved him deeply and all consuming. Tingles came in wave after wave, spinning down her insides and targeting her clit that he played with so cunningly. Remembering how he’d used his tongue in the same mesmerizing pattern made her muscles clench, unclench, and clench again.

“I love how you get wetter when I touch you here.” Without a warning of what his next move would be, he sunk a finger knuckle-deep inside of her while continuing his harvesting of her clit with his thick thumb.

“I love how you get me wet,” she mumbled against his shoulder.

“I want to hear my name from those precious lips. I want to feel your sweet pussy tighten around my fingers and your juices flowing.”

“I-I’m so close.” She squirmed under him, flames licking her insides where his finger touched. Contractions started in her womb, building like the beat of a drum, faster and faster, heavier and heavier, until the chains broke free. He continued to stroke her, his warm body pressing against hers, his even breaths in her ear sending her into a compelling state of mind.

She collapsed into her own amazing orgasm, allowing spasm after spasm to fall over her like the sweet tunes of a lullaby.

He bent his lips close to her ear. “Never fear another woman, sweetheart. No one compares.” He slipped his fingers out of her and brought them to her nose, breathing in her scent before sliding his tongue along his moist digit.

She saw something in the open soul of his eyes, so intense that it alerted every cell of her body that she could trust him. Heat climbed her body like fingers and she sighed as she succumbed to the sensations. He smiled and her heart skipped a beat. Could he see straight through her and into her soul? Did he realize that she was willing to give up everything and anything to be here, with him?

He brushed his knuckles across her cheek and along her jaw, then her neck. He gripped his cock and guided himself to her opening. “Let me show you how much I want you—crave you. Hold on for the ride.”

*****

Pippa was still reeling from their lovemaking when Roman took her hand and led her around the outside of the two-story farmhouse that was similar to his, but it was Weston’s. She wasn’t sure what she was in for, but he’d told her it was time she met his brothers. Her stomach twisted and turned as she anticipated meeting his family, and wanting to impress them. The only thing she knew about them was that they were all ranchers and were similar in looks—the very thought of being surrounded by five virile, sexy, strapping cowboys made her weak in the knees. How many women would give their eye teeth to switch spots with her?

And as she came into the clearing of the backyard, she didn’t have a doubt that ladies would pay money to be here.

Somehow they’d left Second Chances Ranch and stepped through a portal to cowboy heaven. She had to resist the need to fan her face.

Three brothers were sitting around a fire pit. Long, denim-clad legs stretched out for miles. Dusty boots. Stetsons in place. Chambray shirts, several buttons open revealing broad chests and a tuft of dark hair. They all three turned her way as she followed Roman toward the masculine group.

One of the men sat up, pushing his hat up on his forehead, showing off a pair of blue eyes that matched the backdrop of the sky. It was like looking at an older Roman, except this cowboy had a goatee and silver hair at the temples. “You’re late.”

“Is that so? Where’s Hugh? Is he late too, Wes?” Roman asked.

The brawniest cowboy of the bunch, Weston, stood well over six-foot-three, swiped a large hand down his freshly-shaven jaw and met Pippa’s gaze. He was the type that no one wanted to meet in a dark alley. He dragged his hat off and his thick, wavy black hair was peppered with streaks of silver. There were crinkles around his eyes and mouth, but when he smiled, she got the sense this brawny cowboy was a teddy bear at heart. “Hi there, ma’am. I’m Weston. The oldest. The keeper of the circus clowns, so to speak.” He winked. He held out his hand and she slipped her much smaller one against his palm and he firmly, but gently, squeezed, then turned her hand over to brush his lips against her knuckles. Ol’ Weston was a charmer indeed.

“Okay there, suave, remember who found her first,” Roman said with a chuckle.

Weston placed his hat back on his head as the two other brothers stood, each taking their hat off and following in their oldest brother’s charisma of shaking her world on its axis. Meeting Roman’s brothers and seeing the love, even pestering at times, made her fall even harder for Roman. Growing up as an only child, she’d always wanted brothers and sisters, and felt like she’d missed out on one of the greatest gifts.

The men warmly welcomed her, making her feel right at home.

“I’m grilling up steaks. Please tell me you’re not one of those rabbit food eaters,” Weston said from his helm at the grill.

She was glad she wasn’t a vegetarian. “You just make sure you don’t overcook that steak. This lady likes a little pink with her meat.” She winked.

That caused an eruption of guffaws from the fellows.

“Hell, Urban likes his raw.” Weston flipped one of the thick steaks which caused a resounding sizzle on the hot coals.

“Mamma always called me part vampire.” Urban saddled up close to Pippa. “What can I get the lady to drink? Beer, wine, or something without the kick. I think there are a couple bottles of tea in the cooler.”

“I’ll take a beer.”

“A beer coming up for the lady.”

“Have a seat next to me, ma’am.” Penn, the shorter cowboy of the bunch by only two inches, dragged the green plastic chair up close to his and patted the seat with a smile that threatened to burn a hole through the ozone layer. He could easily have the brightest, kindest smile—next to Roman’s, of course.

She took the seat and sipped her beer, watching Roman and Weston talking at the grill.

“Yeah, I’m sure they’re talking about you.”

She turned to Penn. “You read my mind. Now can you read theirs and tell me what they’re saying?”

“Well, if Roman’s expression is any clue, I’d say it’s all good.” He stretched his long legs and hooked them at the ankles.

Roman laughed and the little tremors in her body, leftover from their lovemaking, were alive and evidence that he caused a stirring in her body that no one had ever come close to.

“So, what do you think of our hasty marriage?” She needed to ask—wanted to hear someone’s true opinion. If she loved Roman, and she was certain she did, then she needed to know his brothers’ view.

Penn lifted his shoulder and let it drop. “Doesn’t matter what I think. As long as you two are happy. Roman certainly seems as content as a pig eating slop.” He pulled off his hat and hooked it on his knees and pushed his fingers through his hair. “I think it’s obvious you didn’t marry him for his money. You have your own.”

“Did his ex-wife marry him for money?”

“Well, it ain’t a secret that we inherited a large amount of money and the business when Pops died. I’d never seen a woman so hot on a man’s trail that she would’ve been willing to claw anyone in her way.”

Pippa had gotten an up close and personal testimonial to how far Uma would go to earn a dime. Throwing a glance Roman’s direction, he had his head bent back. She loved the sound of his laughter. Loved how his eyes lit up. She was so intertwined with this man that she wasn’t sure what her life was like before him. He’d shown her so many things in such a short amount of time. She’d been entangled in her work, helping others, but not really ever helping herself.

And love?

Before Roman, she would have thought love was meant for the couples who sat before her, spilling their emotions and feelings, attempting to recharge a failing marriage—never certain that she would find love herself.

“Damn leg is itching again. Sorry, ma’am.”

She turned just as he lifted the leg of his jeans, showing off the prosthetic limb. She blinked.

“Ro didn’t tell you, huh?”

“No…but…” What could she say.

“Lost it in a motorcycle accident, lost some other things too, but it’s been three years.”

“Is that why you retired from the circuit?”

He nodded. “I’ve gotten used to it, the new leg, except for the constant itching. Doc said a number of people who’ve lost a limb feel the same phenomenon, itching from the limb they’ve lost. Nothing worse than having an itch you can’t scratch.”

“I had a client who lost an arm in a car accident. He complained of odd sensations of his missing fingers swelling and aching.”

“How long ago was his injury?”

“Ten years ago.”

“Damn. I guess I know what I have to look forward to.” He dropped his pant leg and stretched his leg out again. “I gotta say, I’m glad you’re here. About time we had a woman around here.”

She smiled. “Thank you. That really means a lot to me.”

“Pippa!”

Pippa heard the voice a second before tiny arms wrapped around her shoulders. “Brie! I was wondering where you were.”

The little girl pulled back. “I was taking a nap.” She huffed and rolled her eyes like a saucy woman in training. “I’m so tired of being treated like a baby.”

“Hey, short fry.” Penn tousled her hair. “If you took a nap, why are you still angry?”

“I’m not angry.” Brie narrowed her eyes on him. “Pippa, will you do my hair?” Her eyes lit up.

“Sure I will.”

Brie clapped her hands in excitement. “I’ll go get my brush and rubber band.”

“She’s exactly why we need some womenfolk around here. She’s going to grow up thinking it’s okay to spit and curse like a sailor.”

“Hey, are you saying my spitting in public and cursing is not ladylike?” Seeing his widened expression, she couldn’t hold her laughter. “Just kidding, but don’t get me drunk.” She winked.

He chuckled, then his expression sobered. “Have you ever done any investigative work?”

“Does research count?”

“As far as I’m concerned it counts. I have a client who has hired SCS to catch her husband with his pants down. She says he visits the gentleman’s club three times a week and that’s where he’s fu—” he stopped, as if he realized who he was talking to. “having secret affairs with the dancers. I’ve been to that damn club twice now and I can’t snap the photos because he has a VIP pass.”

“What’s a VIP pass?”

“They get exclusive rights, if you know what I mean, in the private room.”

“It must be an upscale club.”

He nodded. “Only the wealthy.”

“So what are you needing?” She shifted in her chair and faced him, excitement cascading down her spine.

“Maybe you should speak to Ro first. He might not want you helping.”

“I’m sure Ro will be okay. Tell me the details.”

*****

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Roman looked across the seat at Pippa who was applying lipstick in the reflection of the console mirror.

“What kind of wife would I be if I didn’t accompany you to a strip club at least once?” She gave him a side-glance and a grin, then went back to puckering her lips and smacking them together to set her lipstick. He watched her adjust the slinky crop top that showed off the tops of her firm breasts.

She dropped back into the seat and he skimmed his gaze down the length of her legs in the Daisy Dukes. He was sweating already and they hadn’t even entered the club yet. “This is work. I haven’t been to a gentleman’s club since I was in my twenties. And I’m still pissed at Penn for asking you to do this.” He squeezed the steering wheel until his knuckles ached. The last thing Roman wanted was for his wife to be waitressing at a club where men salivated over every female that walked by.