Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker (12 page)

He tipped his head down. “No, why don’t you keep them. Just
in case.” He looked at Rori. “I’ll have our contract employee copy off then
remove the files from Dusty’s computers, and I’ll hang on to this secret for a
while.”

Rori smiled and nodded. “Good plan, boss.”

“I agree, Jackson.” Benner placed the envelope back into the
safe, closed the door, and spun the lock.

“Why the different bank accounts?” Jackson looked at Rori.

She frowned. “And why open and close them? Why not leave
them open?”

Benner snorted. “That’s how this Logan character wanted it
done. I think he believed he could escape legal and tax ramifications by
withdrawing the funds from banks in different counties.”

“What about legal action?” Jackson wanted revenge. “Can we
do anything to put this Logan guy out of business?”

The attorney shook his head. “The agreement was that Logan
would not reveal any of this to Theresa or publicly, provided there was never
any legal action brought against him.” Benner looked between Rori and him. “If
we were to contact the authorities, or in any way try to discredit Logan, he
could go public with it, release the photos, write a book, make a movie based
on—”

“Okay, I get it.” Jackson glanced at Rori. His family’s
privacy, or what was left of it, was the main concern.

Benner’s professional smile had returned. “Now, is there
anything else I can help you with?”

Jackson stood and shook the man’s hand. “No. I think this is
just about all I can manage for today.”

Benner nodded for a few seconds. “Understandable. But don’t
hesitate to call or come in if there’s anything in the future.”

Jackson narrowed his eyes. “Hopefully, there’s nothing else
in that safe of yours that I need to be concerned with?”

Benner laughed, loud and long, then held up his hand, his
three middle fingers pointing upward. “Scout’s honor, there’s nothing else in
there that could bite either of us in the ass.” He nodded to Rori. “Excuse the
language, ma’am.”

She stood and grinned. “I’ve heard worse.” She shook
Benner’s hand. “Thanks again.”

Jackson took her arm and guided her toward the door.

“I’ll be in touch, Ms. Hughes.” Benner called from behind
them. “I can think of three or four cases you can help us with just off the
cuff.”

“Looking forward to it, sir.” She preceded Jackson out the
door and into the heat of a late Kansas afternoon. Turning to face Jackson, she
lifted her brows. “Did you have any idea?”

“Nope.” He looked into her eyes, shaking his head. “I
wouldn’t have guessed. But I can see Dusty pulling that one off. Can’t you?”

“I can. He had a lot to lose.”

Jackson walked next to Rori along the sidewalk toward her
building. He couldn’t imagine a man so intent on keeping secrets that he’d go
through all that work and expense to hide them. Was that a good sign? Maybe
Jackson wasn’t destined to be just like Dusty. But he wasn’t ready to risk
finding out. “You got customers this afternoon?”

“Nope.” She looked up at him with a sexy smile. “You got
work to do this afternoon?”

He gave her a naughty grin. “Nope. Let’s flip the
Closed
sign.”

“Already done.” She looked around the deserted street,
grabbed his wrist, and tugged him between two buildings and down the alley to
the back entry to her apartment. “I’m officially off the clock, and on the
hunt.”

He laughed. “Take me to your lair, darlin’. I’m officially
your afternoon snack.”

Sunday morning, just after midnight, Rori lay in Jackson’s
bed staring at the ceiling. He’d be leaving in a few hours. All she could think
of was how difficult it would be to say goodbye to him.

Friday afternoon, and most of the night, they’d stayed in
her apartment, making love, cooking, playing video games, then making love some
more. It had been magical, and she’d kept praying for time to slow down.

After sleeping in Saturday morning, she’d driven to
Jackson’s house, at his invitation, for lunch and an afternoon of using every
water toy he and his brothers owned. By the time they came back to the house,
they were both starving and exhausted. They ate at the kitchen counter while
Lou and Marliss entertained them with stories of Dusty’s attempts at the jet
skis, then headed upstairs for their last hours together.

The sex had started out fast and wild, but changed to slow
and easy as both of them silently said goodbye.

Rori had brought up Dusty’s letter earlier when they’d been
sitting on the dock, but Jackson hadn’t responded. She’d like to talk about it
again, with more enthusiasm, and she hated to leave without another try, but he
was sound asleep, and she had a bunch of tears in her eyes. Those tears would
turn into a waterfall if she had to kiss him goodbye and walk out of his life
forever.

Sliding out of bed, she pulled her clothes on and blew him a
kiss from the doorway. She would never forget him.

The waterfall started halfway down the steps and she could
barely find her bag through the blur of tears, let alone get her key out, and
slip out the door. In her van, she let it go, bawling like a baby for long
minutes before grabbing her composure and driving home.

Home? Was this home? Her parents, her family, lived in KC.
Maybe she’d just close up shop and move everything there? Start from scratch in
her parents’ basement, or maybe even take out a business loan and rent a
storefront.

She pulled into her parking spot in back of the Cyber Wise
and trudged up the steps to her apartment. After they’d made love, she hadn’t
showered, wanted to keep the soapy, masculine scent of Jackson with her as long
as possible. Tossing and turning, she watched the clock. Now he’d be leaving
the house. Now he’d be driving through town toward KC.

For a half-hour, she listened, hoping she’d hear the engine
of his company truck stop out back, hear a knock at her door. Nothing.

Now he’d be at the airport, and now…his plane had lifted
off.

It felt like someone had taken a knife and sliced a jagged
hole in her heart. Why had she just let him go? “Because you don’t do rodeo
cowboys.” Why hadn’t she at least told him how she felt about him? “Because
he’s not looking for anything longer than this past week.”

She closed her eyes and let herself drift into a dream of
being in his arms. She woke with the sun blazing through the window. Checking
the clock, she sighed. He’d be home by now with his mother, making plans for
the rest of his life.

A noise outside caught her attention. Was that a car door?
She didn’t have customers scheduled today. Banging sounded at the back door of
her apartment. Still dressed in her shorts and tank top, she trudged down the
steps. Only one person would be here this damn early. Lexie from the coffee
shop. And she’d better have brought scones, too.

Rori yanked open the back door.

“Hi.” Jackson stared at her, sober as Sunday morning.

“Hi.” Her heart skipped a few beats. “You missed your
flight?”

“On purpose.” He gestured up the steps. “Mind if I come in?”

Her heart restarted, thumping loud enough to be heard in
Missouri. “Don’t mind at all.” She turned and padded up the steps with him
clomping right behind her. She couldn’t let herself hope. Couldn’t dream that
this meant anything more than him stopping by to say goodbye.

In her kitchen, she turned to face him. “What’s up?” Trying
to make her voice sound cool nearly choked her.

He smiled and shook his head. “Really? That’s all I get?”

Grabbing the edge of the countertop, she swallowed. “Did you
come to say goodbye?”

“No. I came to talk to you.” He leaned his hip on the
counter.

“Okay.” How much could she read into that statement?

“You don’t look excited to see me, Rori.”

She’d be honest. “Until I hear what you have on your mind,
I’m going to hold tight to my emotions.”

He raised a brow. “Fair enough.”

Jackson slid the envelope with his name on it from his back
pocket. “You said I shouldn’t forget about this letter from my dad.”

She nodded.

“I opened it after you snuck out this morning.” He dropped
his eyes, frowning a little.

“You heard me leave?” And he’d let her go? Damn it. Not
good.

“I figured if you’d wanted to say goodbye, you would have
woke me. I didn’t want to mess with your escape.”

Huffing out a breath, she shrugged. She had no response to
that one.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” He smirked. “Dusty’s letter
said a few things that made sense to me. He explained a lot, and I can see
things differently right now. A lot differently.” His eyes narrowed as he
looked at her.

“Such as?”

“First…” He smiled.

She didn’t return it.

“First, I have to ask you, what do you have against rodeo
cowboys?”

Rori opened her mouth, then closed it again. “Huh?”

“What’s your problem with us?”

“Well, just my cousin.” That sounded stupid. “She’s married
to a bull rider. “Her kids are essentially growing up without a dad. He only
comes home when he’s busted. Physically or financially.”

Jackson nodded. “Okay. What else?”

“What else?” She tipped her head.

“What else has made you distrust rodeo men?”

“Well…nothing. That’s it. And that’s enough, isn’t it?” Now
that she said it aloud, it sounded even more stupid.

“And you know of no other men who exhibit that sort of
behavior?” He widened his eyes. “It’s only rodeo cowboys who behave that way?”

She coughed out a laugh. “I see your point.” And felt like a
fool. “So I might have been a little judgmental.”

“Just a little?” He held up a hand. “Second…” He pointed
downstairs. “You said there weren’t eligible bachelors in town, but I have it
on completely reliable gossip that one Monday morning, after discussing you at
a Saturday night poker game, three guys showed up here looking to ask you out.”

“Oh for fuc…for heaven’s sake. Who the hell told you that?”
She couldn’t believe that piece of nostalgia was still rolling around town.

“True? You could have had your pick of any of those men, and
you chose none of them. And none of them were rodeo cowboys, right?”

“I’m not following your logic.” She hoped he was leading to
what she wanted to hear, but she wasn’t taking any chances, and kept her heart
on lockdown.

“Darlin’.” He took a step toward her.

She took one step back.

“When you left this morning, I knew I had to see you again.”
He reached for her arm and she wasn’t quick enough—or emotionally tough
enough—to stay away from him.

“Jackson.” Her body reacted to his touch, quivering and
heating. She stepped toward him and laced her fingers in the back of his hair,
pulling him closer. “I want this.” Even if it was the last time. Even though
she knew better.

He bent and picked her up in his arms, carrying her through
the bedroom door and laying them both on the bed. “I
need
this.” Sliding
his hand under her tank top, his rough skin played sexily on her softness. He
pulled her bra up, tugged her shirt up too, and bent to kiss her nipple.

Shockwaves flowed from her breast to her core, loosening and
swelling her down low, heating and creaming between her legs.

In seconds, he’d unfastened her bra and pulled it and her
shirt off her, ripped off his shirt, and rubbed his chest along hers as he
moved up to kiss her.

“Darlin’.” He took her mouth with his, his tongue tracing
along her cheeks, sucking at her tongue until she pushed into his mouth and
tasted his spicy flavor mixed with coffee. He slowed the kiss, breathing
heavily against her lips. “I want you now, riding me, looking into my eyes as
we come together.”

Rori’s hips jerked up, her thighs tightening against the
sweet pressure between her legs. “Yes, Jackson, anything you want.” She’d give
this man one last ride, even if it broke her heart irreparably.

He eased downward, kissing from her neck to her belly,
nibbling and sucking. Removing her shorts, he kept his lips pressed to her
mound, his tongue flicking inward, finding her little button and shocking her
entire body with each pass. Jackson spread her legs and pressed his face into
her pussy, his tongue lapping, his lips sucking, his nose pressing on her clit.
Her brain began to flicker into blackness.

“No.” She grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled his face
from her core.

He looked at her, his eyes deep blue, his breath panting
through his parted lips.

“I want you…” She had to suck in a breath. “Want your hard
cock inside me when I come.”

One corner of his mouth crooked up as his eyes narrowed.

The sexiest look she’d ever seen on any man. A look she’d
never forget. Ever.

“My pleasure, darlin’.” He stood and ripped at the button on
his jeans, tugged down his zipper.

She sat up and helped him shove the fabric down his thighs,
watched as he hopped a one-legged circle taking off his boots, and throwing
them and his clothes into the corner. He paused to look at her. “You sure now,
Rori?”

Her belly flipped, sexy flames roaring to her pussy,
tightening her nipples as she stared at his big shaft. “Yes, Jackson. I want
this.” When she licked her lips, he strode to her, grabbed her hair and eased her
face to his cock.

She took it all, deep-throating the long, salty staff,
cupping his balls with one hand, teasing just behind them with her fingers.

“Gonna make me come.” He pulled her hair back, easing her
mouth off him. “And I want to be inside you, like you ordered.”

She smiled. “I like giving the orders.”

“Just this once, darlin’.” He handed her the condom.

Sliding it on him, she pressed kisses to his belly, his
hips.

“Pile up the pillows on the headboard.” Jackson helped her,
then sat on the bed and reclined on them, his knees bent. “Come and sit on me
here, Rori.” He grasped his cock, his teeth clenching.

“I’m gonna ride you, cowboy. So you’ll never forget…” Her
voice broke as she knelt beside him and threw a leg over him, her bottom
sliding down his thighs until her pussy touched the hot head of his shaft.

Jackson stared at the spot where her lips touched his cock.
“Damn, that’s beautiful.” He ran his finger along her pussy and drew back his
hand. “Look how wet you are for me.” He stared into her eyes and sucked his
finger.

“Ahhh.” Rori’s legs went weak and she slid downward, slowly
taking him into her sensitive core. “So big…and…hot, Jackson.” Her head rolled
around on her neck, her eyes closing as sparks of pleasure rode up her spine.

“Look at me, darlin’.” His voice rolled low and fierce.

She forced open her eyes.

“Ride your cowboy.” He grasped her under her thighs, his
fingers cupping her ass cheeks, pushing her up and off him, then letting her
drop down onto his shaft.

Finding muscles in her legs that had gone nearly lifeless
with pleasure, she worked her body on his, taking him deep and holding, then
pushing off and pulsing on and off quickly a dozen times, then so deep, she
could feel him in her belly.

“You make me wild, cowgirl.” Jackson took over then, guiding
her hard and fast, lifting his hips to meet her downward drop, pulsing himself
inside her quicker with each thrust. “Play with your nipples. Show me how hot I
make you.”

She squealed, staring into his eyes as she plucked at her
nipples, twisting and tugging them.

He bared his teeth, his gaze locked with hers, groaning with
each plunge into her. Her core tightened around him, shooting flames to her
brain, and bringing tears to her eyes.

She loved this man. He could have been her everything. She
sobbed and dropped her head.

Jackson pumped harder as he moved his hand to her mound,
finding her clit and rubbing it with his thumb. “That’s it, Rori. Don’t hold
back. Let me see all of you.”

She cried out and let herself fly out of her body, out of the
room, soar through clouds wet with tears.

Through the fog, Jackson’s voice came from miles away,
shouting her name.

Gasping for breath, Rori let out her heartbreak, shuddering
and spinning as earth came back much too quickly.

Jackson moaned as his thrusts slowed, his hands on her
thighs shook and sweat sparkled on his chest. “Darlin’, that was epic.” He
puffed breaths, his eyes barely slits.

Another wave of tears surfaced and she swallowed back the
cries, covering her face with her hands as the drops leaked through her fingers
and fell onto her belly.

“Rori.” He lifted her, shifting himself out of her, and lay
her on top of his body, covering them with the sheet. “Rori, tell me those are
tears of happiness.” Low and full of worry, his voice shook her soul.

“I thought I could…do this.” She couldn’t catch her breath.
“I thought I could hang on through this last time, say goodbye to you with
dignity and…grace.” The last word rose like a shriek as tears came again. “I
don’t cry, damn it.” An octave higher than her normal voice, she pushed out all
her emotion with those words.

Sucking in a deep breath, she pushed up, her hands on his
chest, keeping her head down so her hair covered her mucky face.

A half-dozen tissues appeared between her hands.

“Thank you.” She wiped up as best as she could then tried to
roll off him.