The Price (39 page)

“Thanks.” Kate scooped the chip into the salsa then popped it into her mouth. “Oh, my God, this tastes so good.”

To eat real food again after only having soup broth, was like pure heaven. She took another chip and savored it in her mouth.

“Don’t overdo it, baby,” said Jack, popping a hand full of chips in his own mouth. “You haven’t eaten like this in a long time. Let’s take it slow and see how your stomach feels.”

“I know.” She dipped her fingers into the salsa and dug out a huge chunk of tomato and actually ate it. She leaned back and brought her finger to Jack’s mouth enticing him to lick it clean. He did, sucking on her finger licking away the taste of salsa.

“So when’s your appointment in Carson?” asked Clara, moving on to the bag of cherry licorice now.

“Tomorrow,” frowned Kate, hating to think about resuming her chemotherapy treatment.

“Do you want me to go with you?”

Kate looked at Jack and nodded that she wanted Clara with her at the appointment.

“Whatever you want, baby,” he replied. “The appointment is at ten. We’ll pick you up around nine thirty.”

“That will work,” said Clara. “Anyone want some licorice?”

“I do.” Kate reached hungrily for the bag. She took out a long strand and savored it in her mouth. “God, I love cherry licorice!”

“So I see,” said Jack, taking the bag from her. “Part of your secret stash, huh?”

Kate hid behind her grin and winked at Clara. She went to reach for the bag again but Jack held it out of her reach.

“You’re done for a while,” said Jack, setting the bag on the nightstand.

Kate produced a pretty, little pout. Jack laughed and just shook his head.

“Not going to work.” He continued to laugh as he took the chips and salsa away from her too. “Just sit back and let your belly absorb what you’ve eaten so far.”

He shimmied her back against him and wrapped his arms around her belly. Kate watched jealously while Clara continued to eat.

“You’re torturing me,” Kate frowned and licked her lips, wishing that the piece of licorice was in her mouth rather than her friends.

“Let me help you take your mind off food,” said Jack as a slow grin formed on his face.

He trailed his hands over her belly moving upward until he found the two mounds on her chest. He cupped them in his hands and kneaded both breasts like two dough balls.

“Jack,” Kate blushed.
Oh, he thought he was so sly
.

“Hey, I’m rubbing your back,” he whispered in her ear and laughed.

“You’re a sick man, Jack McBride. Did anyone ever tell you that?” Kate shook her head then tried to move his hands away but Jack held on firmly.

“Hey,” yelled Clara as she looked up from the bag of chips she was devouring, and saw his hands groping Kate. “I’m right here you know. I can see what you’re doing!”

“What am I doing?” asked Jack.

Clara hopped off the bed and grabbed her bag of chips.

“You two are going to give me nightmares and kill my buzz,” she stated, before heading for the door. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“You aren’t driving, are you?” asked Jack, making sure she was safe.

“No, I’ll call Adam and have him pick me up,” said Clara.

“Don’t forget your phone.” Kate pointed to the nightstand.

“Oh, yeah right.” Clara walked over and grabbed her phone. “Take care Kate, and don’t overdo it, today.”

She looked at Jack waiting for his response.

“I’ll make sure she takes it easy,” he nodded.

“You better,” she said directly to Jack, before placing a kiss on the top of Kate’s smooth head. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jack waited for Clara to leave, not moving a muscle until the door closed behind her.

“I thought she would never leave,” said Jack, leaping into action. He positioned Kate on her back then climbed on top, pressing her beneath him. “Now where were we?”

“We were right here,” said Kate, placing her hands on his face and drawing him to her lips.

“You have a good memory, Mrs. McBride,” he said, gently pressing his mouth to hers and tasting sweet cherry on her breath.

He kissed her slow then kissed her hard, tasting every part of her delicious mouth. He moved to her neck, laying light, tingly kisses until tiny goose bumps appeared on her skin. He lowered his mouth to her breasts, sucking on her nipple till it peaked hard while he squeezed the other with his hand.

“You do realize there’s not much
oomph
in that one,” she whispered.

“Hey, they both deserve equal amounts of my time,” he smiled up at her. “I wouldn’t want to be accused of playing favorites.”

“You’re crazy,” Kate laughed.

“Crazy about you,” he said, then kissed her scar.

He lowered kisses to her belly and right above her sweats. With his fingers, he lowered them along with her panties, drawing them slow across her thighs and knees.

“These have got to go,” he said, lowering them over her feet and tossing them on the floor.

He gazed at her nakedness, rubbing his hands up over her inner thighs, desiring the part of her his fingers and mouth had missed. He prayed his homecoming would be a welcome and satisfying re-union for her.

“I’m ready to take the plunge, Kate,” said Jack, stopping just shy of that sweet place between her thighs. “Tell me to stop now before it’s too late.”

“What if I can’t orgasm?” she whispered and she threw her hands over her eyes in shame.

“Oh baby, you just need to do whatever your body tells you,” said Jack, pulling her hands down. “I just want to make you feel good. If it doesn’t feel good or it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll stop.”

“Okay,” she nodded, placing all her trust in the man she loved..

Jack was slow, taking his time and gently rubbed his thumb over her arousal until it peaked against his skin. It was a good sign. He moved over her opening, coaxing her with light touches till he felt her body give way to the pleasure. He slid one finger inside her and rubbed the side of her walls. Like the morning dew covering the grass, his execution produced an outpouring of wetness onto his finger. He guided a second and went in search of his favorite spot. As his fingers caressed her, Kate released a little gasp. Her back involuntarily arched and a sweet purr escaped her lips. He felt her legs tremble on his shoulders and he kissed the tiny mound before moving to her opening, running his tongue by her swelled flesh. He suckled her and Kate released a moan. Her body was building and tears of joy flooded her eyes as the sweet rapture of ecstasy consumed her. She was climbing higher and higher, then as if she could go no further a rush filled her and her body released the lotus flower of orgasms.

“Oh God,” she cried out, and her hands flew up over her head, reaching for the rod iron bed frame.

“You want more?” he whispered. “Or are you done?”

“More,” she groaned as she ran her leg against his back. “I want more.”

“Then come for me, baby,” he growled in a hoarse voice. “Wet me again.”

He removed his fingers and cupped her buttocks with both hands while he devoured her with his mouth. He tasted a rush of sweet liquid and drank the nectar his goddess provided. Once more, she groaned with release.

“Oh yeah, that’s what I like to hear,” Jack heralded his elation. “Touchdown and you kicked the extra point—with three seconds left on the clock, I might add.” He quickly discarded his own clothes then slid on top of her.

“Why three seconds?” she giggled, feeling totally claimed as a woman while he parted her legs, ready to enter.

“Because that’s about how long I’m going to last,” he grinned. “It’s been awhile since we’ve done it and I’m out of practice. So start counting, baby!”

Jack slid inside her and groaned, feeling her sweet flesh fold around him. He was home and it felt so damn good. He moved within her, thrusting deep. Kate counted in her mind. She reached to five just as Jack grabbed her head and wrapped her up in his arms, growling out her name while he came inside her. It was over before he could fully enjoy it.

“Damn,” he groaned in her ear.

“I’m giving you a penalty,” she whispered back. “You went over by two seconds.”

“Are we really keeping score?” He lifted his head and looked down at her.

“Of course we are,” she smiled. “Kate two, Jack one!”

“If you give me thirty minutes I’ll even the score?”

“No, I think we’ll keep it the way it is for now.”

“You getting tired, baby?” asked Jack, seeing she looked a little peaked again.

“A little.”

Jack slid to the bed and rolled on his side. Kate sat up and placed her feet on the carpeted floor.

“I’ll be right back.” She stood up.

Her head felt funny and the room started to spin.

“Where you going?” he asked.

“To wash up,” she stated, steadying herself before she tried walking.

She didn’t want to tell Jack and ruin what they just shared. She knew he would feel guilty and that was the last thing she wanted him to feel. Kate made it to the bathroom and clung to the sink for support. She decided to wait it out and hope the dizzy feeling would pass. It was always the precursor to one of her episodes and she prayed for it not to hit her.

But her stomach began to rumble as the familiar wave of nausea gripped her. It returned with a vengeance, and before Kate could make it to the commode, the expulsion of everything she ate shot out of her like a mad rocket. She heaved violently into the sink and couldn’t stop.

Jack, hearing her from the bedroom, ran into the bathroom.

“Oh no, Kate,” he cried, and he held her head with one hand while holding her from collapsing with the other.

“I’m sorry,” she cried in between bouts.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, baby,” said Jack, lowering her to the commode.

He sat with her on the floor until the next wave hit her. Kate grabbed the toilet and Jack held her upright. She threw up again until there was nothing left but the dry heaves. Jack wiped her mouth with a washcloth and saw a splattering of blood.

“You’re bleeding, Kate,” he panicked, checking the toilet and seeing a bloodied mix.

“Are you sure it’s not salsa?” she asked, feeling the rawness in her throat.

“I’m not sure.” He looked down at her with worried eyes. “But just to be on the safe side, I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“No Jack,” cried Kate, clinging to him. “I don’t want to go. Please don’t take me…please…”

“Kate—I-”

“Jack,” she interrupted him. “There isn’t anything they can do tonight that they can’t do tomorrow. Please I just want to lie next to you in our own bed. Just this one night.”

How could he say
no
to her when she gave him that pitiful look? He sighed and leaned his head against the bathroom wall.

“All right,” Jack caved and Kate lay back in his arms. He stroked her arm up and down trying to calm her down. “We’ll stay here for the night.”

One wave later, Kate was totally spent. She could barely stand, let alone walk. Jack cleaned her up and carried her to their bed. He crawled in beside her and pulled her against him, spooning her back.

“Hold me tighter, Jack.” She wept quietly.

“I’m here, baby,” he whispered in her ear, and draped his legs over her, cocooning her in.

“I’m scared,” she said as her body trembled.

“There’s nothing to be scared of,” he whispered, lulling her with the soothing tone of his voice. “I’m right here and I will make everything okay.”

“How?”

“I don’t know yet but I’ll figure it out,” he stated. “Right now all I want you to do is close your eyes and sleep.”

“I’m afraid I won’t wake up,” she cried.

“I’m not going to let you go, Kate, ever,” said Jack. “Remember you belong to me so don’t get it in your head to leave ´cause it’s not going to happen. You got that?”

“I got it.”

“Good, now rest, baby,” he said gently. “I’m right here.”

Kate closed her eyes and felt his arms drape around her. She felt warm and safe as long as she was in his arms. Nothing could happen to her if she and Jack stayed this way. And that’s what he did. He didn’t dare move from her all night just in case her spirit tried to desert her body. He would catch it if he had to and put it back in place. He was grateful to listen to her mumblings, as she called out Black Thunder in her sleep. He didn’t care she was calling out the wrong stallion’s name for it meant she was still with him and not passing in her sleep.

THIRTY

TIME’S RUNNING OUT

Kate woke the next morning still in Jack’s arms. She said a prayer of thanks for being given another day. They showered together then dressed. Before going downstairs, they stopped to see Jesse. Kate was still too weak to hold him on her own so Jack sat on the floor and placed Kate in front of him as he held his son between them. He was crawling now, like an expert, scooting from his daddy’s arms and crawling all over the carpeted floor.

Kate hated to leave him but it was almost time to go for her appointment. Jack helped her downstairs and into her jacket.

“We don’t have to pick up Clara for another fifteen minutes,” said Kate. “Why are we leaving now?”

“You’ll see,” said Jack with a smile on his face.

“You’re up to something Jack McBride,” Kate lifted a suspicious brow. “I can tell.”

“I am?” He suppressed a grin.

He held the door open for her and she stepped on to the porch.

Kate came to an abrupt halt and her jaw dropped to her chin. There before her stood all their ranch hands without a lick of hair, including their manager Mark. Every last hand had shaved their heads bald. Seeing her, they cheered. Dustin stepped up on the porch and gave her a hug.

“What did you guys do?” exclaimed Kate.

“Hey, if Jack could do it so could we,” said Dustin, and he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “We wanted to show you our support.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Kate’s eyes filled with tears.

She looked at Mark and shook her head. Mark stepped forward and joined Kate on the porch.

“You!” she said, seeing his bald head in contrast to his handle-bar moustache. She grabbed the two long curls and pulled on them. “You look ridiculous!” she laughed.