Secret Pressure (Rhinestone Cowgirls Book 4) (18 page)

“I won’t be long, Serita.” Ruby gave Jack a kiss on the forehead.

“Take your time. We’ll just enjoy breakfast.” Serita smiled.

Ruby liked the other woman. She had a bubbly personality that matched her rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes. She talked about her grandkids often, but they were in school now and she didn’t like the empty nest syndrome. “Jack loves eggs. Don’t be surprised if he asks for more.”

“I’ll make more, as much as he’ll eat. A cowboy needs his strength,” Serita said. “Just like his daddy. He ate a half dozen eggs himself this morning.”

Ruby wouldn’t know. Jobe was out on the land every morning before she got up. She started to reason he was ignoring her on purpose.

Outside, Ruby stuck her iPod buds in her ears and took off from the porch in a jog. She’d already planned her route. She really wanted to run down to the barn just to catch a glimpse of Jobe at work, maybe without his shirt on, but she didn’t have a good enough excuse. She’d seen little of him lately. When he came home from work, he washed up and spent time with Jack. Feeling like a third wheel and wanting Jack to get to know him better, Ruby would work in the office—the lovely room Jobe had created for her. Or she’d visit her cousins. She liked being close to them, although she did miss her sisters.

Running toward the path leading to the cabins, she thought over yesterday’s events. Jobe had stopped in the office and asked if he could take Jack for a ride on the horse. Reluctantly, she’d agreed. She had conflicting emotions spiraling through her. Jobe was becoming a natural father, and Jack was growing to care for him. Soon, she would have no excuse to stay.

Fifteen minutes into her run, she had to stop. Dizziness washed over her. When it finally subsided, she decided to walk back to the house.

She found Serita cleaning the kitchen and Jack was playing in his high chair. Ruby gave him a kiss on the cheek on her way to grab a water from the fridge.

“You okay, Ruby?” Serita asked, concern making her wiry brows scrunch.

“I’m a little off.” Ruby thirstily drank from the bottle.

“Let me see.” Serita pressed the back of her hand against Ruby’s forehead. “Yes, just as I thought. You’re a little warm. Your cheeks are flushed.”

“Oh, I think I’m fine.”

Serita had already grabbed the thermometer from a cabinet and was sliding it across Ruby’s forehead. The older woman’s gaze narrowed. “One-hundred-one. That means rest is required. You go on upstairs and slip into bed. I’ll make a bowl of my homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s known to cure all ailments.”

“But-But what about Jack?”

“That’s why I’m here, lovely. Now go on.” The charming woman waved Ruby toward the back stairs. “You don’t want to pass this along to your little man.”

No, Ruby didn’t. What was worse than her being sick was seeing her son get ill.

Upstairs, she changed into a tank and shorts, and crawled into bed. Serita came up later carrying a tray of soup, crackers and lemon lime soda. Ruby didn’t think she would be able to eat, but she managed to finish the soup, half the crackers and most of the soda.

Full, and a little unsettled, she fell asleep.

Not sure how long she’d slept, she opened her eyes and found Jobe sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hello. Did you rest okay?”

She shrugged. “Depends. What time is it?”

“Around two.”

“At night?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, wow. I’ve slept too long.” She pushed herself to a sitting position. “I better get up and check on Jack.”

He placed his hand on her lap. “Jack is fine.  He is staying with Pearl and Nash tonight.”

She blinked. “Why?”

“Because Serita went home and I need to take care of you.”

Running her tongue over her bottom lip, she wanted to argue, but in all honesty, she wasn’t feeling the greatest. And Jack being away meant he had less chance of catching her bug. “He’ll be fine for tonight.”

“Are you hungry?”

“No, not really.”

“Thirsty?”

She smiled. “Yes.” He reached to the nightstand and grabbed the bottle of water, uncapping it. She accepted it and drank half. It hit the spot. “I really don’t know what happened. I was running and I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.”

“Serita said you were pale when you came in from your run and had a fever. I’m glad to see that your color is back.” He pressed his hand to her forehead. “And no remaining fever. However, we don’t want to take any chances. You need rest.”

“I need a bath.”

Jobe stood up. “Are you ready?” he asked.

She blinked. “Ready for what?”

“I’m giving you a bath. You just said you needed one. That’s something I can help with.”

Her nipples pebbled and her inner thighs quaked, seriously inappropriate for a time like this, but she couldn’t help herself. “You’re giving me a bath?” Her words came out on a squeak.

“That’s what I’m saying.”

She held up her hands, realizing her fingers were shaking. “I do need one, but I think I can manage alone.”

“I think you’re still a little weak.”

“Taking a bath doesn’t take much energy.”

“What’s wrong, darling, I’ve seen it all a few times.” He grinned. Pure torment to her insides.

Wow…her nerve endings bounced in excitement. He moved toward the edge of the bed and before she could moan a word of defense, he scooped her up, moving easily toward the bathroom. “Really, Jobe. I’m sure you have something else you’d rather be doing than caring for me.”

“You’re not serious, are you?” He placed her onto the closed seat of the toilet. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.” A twinkle lit his eye.

He bent over to turn on the water to the tub and she admired the firm shape of his bottom in the worn jeans. He didn’t work up any sweat carrying her in, but she sweltered just looking at him. He swiveled and she quickly lifted her gaze, pretending innocence.

“Do you need me to undress you?”

Oh holy mother of all that is good…

Her heart screamed…Yes! Yes! Yes!

She must keep things in perspective.
He’s not asking to undress you to touch your parts, silly. He is only helping.
“I can manage.” A second sped by, she tapped her foot on the floor. “Aren’t you leaving?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“I said I can manage.”

“Okay, but I’m not going far. You’re still dehydrated and you need someone close. That happens to be me.”

“B-but…”

“No room for argument, sweetheart.”

Stubborn man! “Fine. But at least turn.”

A wicked smile curved his gorgeous lips then he turned his back to her. She went about removing her shirt, although her body ached, then the shorts, giving them a toss to the side. While he wasn’t looking, she stood intending to step into the tub, but her legs gave out. Jobe was there, grabbing her up into strong, capable arms. She dropped her head on his shoulder and stared up at him, falling miserably into the pale depths of his beautiful eyes.

“Cowboy, this is the second time you’ve held me today. I’m starting to like it a lot.”

“Get used to it.” He winked and her toes curled. Oh, she could…very easily,

He carefully, and with the gentleness and grace that was unbelievable for a six foot something, two hundred pound calloused man, placed her into the warm water. She covered her breasts with her arms, which seemed for nothing. Like he said earlier, he’d seen it all. Her muscles started to relax until she heard a zipper. Jerking her head up, he was dragging his pants down his legs, giving them a kick to the side. “Jobe, what are you doing?”

“Getting in.”

“In?” she muttered.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, pretty lady. I’m only doing what is necessary.”

Even if she felt like arguing, it would be too late. He was undressed and climbing in with her. Thankfully, there was plenty of room for the both of them. He slid behind her, the water rose to her neck and her body went on high alert. She didn’t dare look at him.

He tugged her back against the rock wall of his chest and she closed her eyes, turning to mush as he rubbed his fingers through her hair. “Oh wow. That’s amazing.” She sank deeper between the V of his legs. His fingers were massaging her scalp, but he might as well have reached in her body and caressed every nerve ending, every muscle.

“I’ve never washed a woman’s hair before, but I guess there’s a first for everything.”

“For not having any practice, you certainly know how to work your fingers. My beautician doesn’t even work this magic.” Her body forgot it was sick and achy.

Then came the shampoo, and she melted into a sack of skin and bones as he lathered and stroked her head. He was so gentle, so giving. Her body cried for more, her breasts were jealous, her core trembled for a cuddle.

Things heated up.

It wasn’t his intention, she knew, but he rubbed the washcloth down her chest, across each breast, not lingering in a sexual way, pure nurturing, but her skin tingled, the smooth cotton causing her nipples to swell. A moan vibrated his chest.

“All done, sweetheart.” He pushed her forward and quickly left the tub.

She whimpered in disappointment.

No complaints in watching him dry off, wishing she was the towel.

He quickly dressed and came back to the side of the tub, holding up a towel for her. She pushed the drain with her foot, letting the water empty and, with his help, she stood and he wrapped the towel around her. “I can walk,” she said,

“I bet you can, but why would you when I’m here to carry you.” He already had her swept up and taking her back to bed.

“You’re spoiling me.”

“No, I’m taking care of you. You deserve it.” He laid her on the bed, the towel still wrapped around her naked body. “I’ll find you something to wear.”

“That’s fine.” Her cheeks turned hot. “Can you get me a bra and panties from the top drawer?”

If he had any stirring from rummaging through her intimate apparel, he sure didn’t show any signs. She certainly did enjoy watching him. The temperature rose by at least ten degrees. He came back, a thin lacey bra and panties dangling from his thick fingers. “I think these will do just fine.”

“Wow, you even matched them.”

“I remember you wearing these.” He wagged his brows. “Do you need more help?”

“I think I can manage from here.” Much more and she would implode.

He nodded, his jaw tight and his movements shaky. “I’m getting you a bowl of soup. Serita left a pot on the stove simmering.”

“I don’t think I can eat a bite of anything…even her delicious soup.” She sat up, leaning against the headboard.

He shrugged. “As long as you’re drinking, that’s what matters. Do you think you have the flu? A stomach bug? Another surprise pregnancy?” One thick brow lifted. She didn’t see even the slightest hint of humor.

“No, of course not. It’s a bug, that’s all.” She sighed. “You can relax. No baby shockers this time.”

“There could be worse things,” he grumbled.

She swallowed loudly. “You want more kids?”

He tore his hand through his damp hair. “Eventually, yes. This time I want to be there for everything—doctor visits, delivery, first word, you name it. Can you handle that?”

Opening her mouth to respond, she didn’t have a chance. He had already left the room. She blew a long breath out of the corner of her mouth. Was he referring to them having more kids together? She couldn’t allow herself to wish.

And when he came back into the room, the softness in his jaw had been replaced with a hard tilt. He had another bottle of water and placed it on the nightstand.

“I hope it’s okay I’m in here,” he said in a rough voice.

She plucked at the frayed hem of her shorts. “Yes. Why the sour expression?”

He shrugged and his white T-shirt stretched across his chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Take a look in the mirror.”

He turned and faced the dresser mirror. “Oh…that’s not good.” His frown deepened.

“Tell me about it. You’d scare a giant with that face.” She laughed.

“Is that right?” In three steps he was beside her, tickling her sides.

“Sorry.” She squirmed. He dropped down beside her and stretched out. Her body naturally slid closer to him. “What are you doing?”

He lifted his gaze to her. “I’m staying here, next to you, and don’t even think about any funny business.”

“By the expansion in certain body parts, I’d say it’s not me we have to be concerned about.” She lowered her gaze to the bulge in the crotch of his shorts.

He smiled and her heart thudded against her ribs. “I know it’s a temptation.”

“I’m not the least bit tired.”

He reached for the remote on the table and clicked on the TV. “But tonight darlin’, doc orders rest and a movie. I’ll even compromise and we’ll watch one of those sappy, chick flicks you like so well.”