Making Her Mine: Racing D Ranch Book 2: From Lust to Love Read online

  Making Her Mine: Racing D Ranch Book 2

  From Lust to Love

  Kash Lamar

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2018 by Kash Lamar

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Claiming My Cowgirl Excerpt

  Follow the Author

  Prologue

  Race, you have every right to be mad.

  I couldn't take the chance of telling you...

  had to hold you at all cost.

  Woman keep a close watch.

  You'll see dirt flying—a rider coming in hard and fast.

  Don't shoot!!!

  It's me coming to get you.

  Chapter 1

  Jake Lancer

  The last thing I want to do is walk out of this meeting and leave Race sitting here, confused and disappointed. Her strong self-control keeps the crowd from seeing her anger, she's far too professional to let it show. But I see the hurt just below the surface of her skin. I watch her struggle to blink away tears then her eyes turn to me and become cold as a winter storm.

  It doesn't look promising.

  Twice I betrayed her in 24 hours, last night and again this morning. There were many chances to tell her. Why didn't I fessing up to the truth! What kind of man keeps a secret in order to get what he wants? That's what I did.

  No, I'm not proud of it. To lie is not something I do often having learned at a young age it'll put you in a mess every time—exactly like the fuckin' one I'm in now.

  All there is to say in my defense is this: I'm a simple human and chose to act to gain what I wanted.

  That's almost what happened but not quite. It was clear beyond any doubt I'd never get near Race if she knew who I was. Her personal values and dedication to the Cattleman's Association would have stopped her.

  No way was I about to let that happen. I wanted her laying under me, yes I did, but I wanted so much more from her. It wasn't just about a piece of ass. There was only one shot I could take, and that was to lie.

  I accept the full responsibility for my decision. It'll be for nothing if I can't get her to understand why I did it.

  Please let her be a forgiving woman. She can make her heart like steel if she wants to. I just saw her do it.

  What should have happened this morning didn't. She needed to be in my arms so I could explain why things went down the way it did—why there seemed to be no other choice for me to make. She'd know with only a few minutes alone with her—she felt all the same desires I did when I was buried deep inside her. It would make total sense to her.

  I can't talk to her without making another scene and there's already been enough drama for one day.

  They sent word the plane is waiting to take off for Idaho and I have to be on it. Any other time the messed up pilot would be late.

  Why can't I catch a damn break here?

  When I walked past her at the board members table, I wanted my expression to show her how much our time together meant to me—how lousy I felt for deceiving her.

  In my mind there absolutely wasn't any other option. If I admitted up front to knowing who she was, it would have been over before it started—our connection wouldn't have happened.

  Not a single fiber of my being would allow her to get away before I even got to hold her. Every inch of her silky skin is what I wanted last night,I still do today. It was a night of the best loving, the most intimate closeness. Something I've looked for a long time but only with the right woman.

  It was worth all the hell that'll rain down on me.

  Finding the perfect woman sounds easy. There's beauties of all kind out there. Well, take my words and remember them—it's a fucked up mess when you're looking for the cowgirl who fits into your life. I've met more gals than I care to admit. None came close to what's in my mind's eye. But she does.

  The hand signal she gave me when I walked past was unmistakable. I saw it and no doubt most of the crowd did. Working cowboys know what it means but they won't mention it to her out of respect. The bull's out of the pasture now. Everybody knows we're a hair closer than co workers.

  Yeah, I got her meaning all right. And I'm sure she knows what my cocky ass smirk said back to her.

  No sir! I'm not about to follow her cue—not today, nor tomorrow. If I get my way, not ever. Trust me, I will get my way.

  My mind is made up about Race. She's perfect for me. I knew it when I saw her parking the truck yesterday.

  Yes, it was pure lust that knocked me to the ground the first moment she stepped into my vision. Then, after a night of the hottest, sweetest, loving I've ever had, it's plain to me she needs to be mine for a lot longer than this one time.

  Things changed instantly and I was thinking long haul.

  Everything about her screams my name and I like the sound of it. It fills me up. My hands on the curves of her soft body are etched in my memory. The replay doesn't stop for a single minute, not that I want it to. I never want to forget what we did, how it felt. The satisfaction of being wrapped up in her goes far beyond the physical act—it digs deep into me to places I didn't know about. A foreign experience except in my imagination.

  Now my problem is trying to make her understand. No doubt she's mad to the seething point. That's a fact and I see why. I'd be furious if I was in her place. Time is what's needed to let her cool off no matter how much pleasure hearing her voice would give me.

  Damn it! I want this to come out right for both of us. There's been enough of my screw ups already but I'm not about to give up.

  I will bring her into my life. That's where she belongs and that's where she'll be.

  * * *

  The plane is landing in Idaho Falls with my heart back in Colorado. Each word of our debate I've reviewed a dozen times during the flight. It's impossible not to see how impressive, how capable she is. She's a tough as nails opponent and she definitely gave me a full ass-kicking before I knew what happened. It was humbling I tell you.

  I know it'll be hard for me to get focused and stay effective on my job until this is taken care of with her. When it's done, I'll be a happier man.

  It is a fact most ranchers believe the federal agent representatives are against them. In some cases, it might be true but not with me. What I want is to make it fair for the people who put their whole life into working their land. I'm one of those men.

  After the meeting I know there's a lot for me to learn about the terrain, the people, in this new district. With any luck at all, they'll see my sincerity and give me the time.

  My goal is for the folks to accept me sooner than later. If they get any hint, I gave Race a bad deal it'll be over. I know it and so does she.

  Chapter 2

  Race Dorrance

  The more times I read Jakes note the more mixed up feelings rise to the top. I should make a hard run on a fast horse away from him. This man can hurt me. The bastard already did. I'm n
ot talking about the small hurts from an insignificant guy soon forgotten. I mean the deep kind that stays with you. Not because he planned to and I doubt he even realizes it.

  My concern is how easily he was able to reach into a part of me I've not let anyone penetrate for a long time. It was my safe place, and I believed it was locked down tight.

  How did he get into my head so easily? He's a stranger! He shouldn't have been able to look inside me that well. We've never met, that I know for sure. He's a man no woman would walk past and not notice. Sure, he could've gotten a few basic tidbits about me from BLM but nothing much of a personal nature.

  Be sure to understand, the sweetness and pleasure of his touch is difficult to forget. Why on earth would I want to? The way his mouth took over each part of my body claiming me with great power and the right amount of tenderness at the right moments.

  Can I let him pass by? Not easily but is he trustworthy? Lots of room for doubt.

  He lied by omission. It's not the worst kind of lie but not the truth either. The closeness is a thin line. I give slack for many things but for that character defect? My way of thinking makes it more difficult to do.

  If someone lies, they've probably lied before and will again. That's a small bit of knowledge learned by my direct experience a few times. On the flip side of that, is there anyone alive who hasn't lied at some point in their life? Nope. I'm also sure there are a lot of good guys out there waiting to be found.

  Now here I am backed into a corner by my own rules.

  The label of a hard ass has been stuck on me since forever for standing strong to this principle and now it's comes back to slap me in the face. Why didn't he just tell the truth and be done with it! That makes life so much easier.

  Jake's note makes his intentions obvious. He knew the price he might pay for his decision. As I read it again, there's no sense of awareness that Jake was with me for a quick roll over. When he made love, it was with care and tenderness, wild with want and passion. It was nothing like the 'different woman' jerks. Few of us women get through life without having a couple of those nightmares.

  Make no mistake, he enjoyed every touch, each moment we entwined our bodies together it became more obvious. He made it impossible to misinterpret. I don't believe a man can fake such a high level of pleasure.

  Jake has more in mind.

  My expectation is to see him ride in to the ranch just the way he said.

  Until then I have to resolve my issues with how he went about it and that can be done by hearing what he has to say. A call to him would be easy. I think about it for a minute.

  Hell no! He made this mess, he needs to fix it.

  The phone rings bringing me out of my deep thoughts. My wish would be it's Jake.

  "Hello, Race speaking."

  "Hey, we're waiting on you to celebrate, get on down here."

  "Heading out the door right now Smith."

  I can put no blame on the guys for wanting to pop a few tops. It's a victory we needed in the worst way. A couple of good laughs with them is exactly what I need to take Jake off my mind.

  Chapter 3

  Jake

  When I arrive to the BLM office I'm ushered into the meeting with management personnel and introduced to the Idaho Cattleman's Association Chairman, Mr. Evans.

  "Mr. Chairman, I've had a number of discussions with the ranchers and they believe we have a lead on who's involved in the rustling. With that information, I spoke with Sheriff Ward and BLM Rangers a week ago and came up with a plan to set up cameras throughout the area and increased patrols which we did."

  He raises his hand to cut in.

  "The Federal Land in those mountains are difficult to reach. I'm not sure increased patrol will be enough."

  "Agreed, sir. That's why I hired local hunting guides who know these mountains to do stakeouts. The guides found several locations of cattle pens and captured clear photos with cam footage. One of them is still up on the mountain to watch their current location to see when they'll bring down the herd."

  "That's expensive. Those guys charge a bundle."

  "Federal budget paid them. No burden on Idaho. We also have federal agents to help the Idaho officers with the operation."

  "Looks like you're on top of it. Your fast action is appreciated in this problem. As you know, it's cost our ranchers a large amount of money. When do you think arrest will take place?"

  "If things go as planned in a few days."

  "Keep me updated. You'll be out there in the middle of the mix I'm sure."

  "That's my job."

  We shook hands with a brief conversation following on the area in general. Evans is a likable man. He's knowledgeable and appears to keep things in order. I like his attitude.

  The discussion was short and to the point which worked well for me since my mind drifts back to Race too often. What's she doing, what's she thinking...

  The urge to call her is constant since leaving Denver but it would be a mistake. She needs time. And I need time to explain things. It's a lot easier to resolve a problem when you are face to face. On the phone expressions can't be seen, words get taken wrong. Thanks to my own stupidity, I have a big problem to fix with her and it's eating me alive. A cooling-off period can sometimes save a situation like this and that's my hope.

  I don't see Race as a woman who holds a grudge. She takes care of business straight away, gets to a resolution and moves on. That's the problem. I have no way to get to her and resolve what happened. We need to sit down together and talk about it. She's out of range while I'm on this extra assignment. Believe me, this won't fuckin' happen again.

  The fact remains she's on my mind in a strong way. It's impossible not to remember each small detail of her sensuous body and all we shared last night. Then straight into a two hour battle today.

  The size of the knot in my gut tells me if I can't make it right with this woman it'll be a screwed up major disaster for me.

  I have to make sure she doesn't get away.

  At the same time, I need to make damn sure she wants to stay.

  A quick stop by the Sheriff Ward's office to confirm where we stand on the cattle operation. It seems we're in agreement and there should be enough documentation for the take down in a few more days. As soon as we can confirm when they'll bring down the herd we can get the job done and go home. It looks to be a few days away and I'll be staying here in Idaho.

  My plan is to fly back to Denver for tonight and get things straightened out, hold her sweet full tits against my chest but I haven't been able to contact the guide who came down off the mountain. More info is needed from him on a possible time line before I can leave even for the night.

  The hotel on the main street is sufficient for a place to sleep so I do a fast check in then a search for a hot meal when my cell phone rings. I hope it's Race, a look at the screen says no.

  "Hey, Robert, what's up?"

  "That's what I'd like to ask you... don't leave me hanging, bud. How far did you get with the charming Race Dorrance?" Robert has a faint chuckle in his voice.

  "My guess is you know more than me, Robert. I hear your all telling laugh."

  "The whole county has hashed it to death about you and her—they're trying to figure out how you made it happen. Hell, she hasn't looked at a man in who knows when."

  "What's been said?" Robert needs to stop beating around the bush. "Spit it out."

  "It's a bit confusing. I'll repeat what I've heard. The talk is you and her have a little two-step going on but then, after the battle, she flagged you."

  "It's an accurate account of what happened. She ripped me to shreds and then kicked my ass. That's a fact. She's one hell of a woman all the way around."

  Robert hesitates for a few seconds to sort it out. He already knows personal information won't be forthcoming. Intimate details about my experience with a woman is a big no.

  "Do you plan to take her signal?"

  "Are you completely deranged? You think I'm willing to
accept that and let her get away? I don't care how hardcore she is. I don't give a flying fuck what she owns and that she's a millionaire. You can spread the word Robert, Race Dorrance is mine. Period!"

  "I believe I do see the full picture now. From my experience, if she was mad enough to flag you, then you probably have a chance with her."

  "Do you know any of the hands at her ranch? When I get back, I'm going out to her place. I'd like to know more about her schedule. Can you find out anything?"

  Robert will think I'm out of line to ask but he doesn't know all the details. It's important to get there on the right day at the right time.

  "There are a couple of the boys. One of them might be helpful. He won't give up too much. Her crew is long term and I've heard parts of a story about her and the crew being more like family. Don't know enough of the details to repeat it. It's well known they're beyond loyal to her and have worked at the RD for years."

  "As it should be. I'd like to know more about the story. Find out what you can without ruffling feathers."

  "Okay Jake, Call when you get back."

  "If you hear more news ring me. I'll be here for a couple more days. Thanks, buddy."

  Looks like my guess was right. I knew it'd be impossible for her motion to go unnoticed. Once the men saw her cue me, it was easy to figure out we know each other a little better than feed store pals.

  This might be to my advantage. My plan is for her to never spend another second with any other man. It's me—only me from here on. The next thing to do is win her heart and show her she can trust me. If I can spend enough time with her, she'll know both things.