Making Her Mine: Racing D Ranch Book 3: Mine Forever Read online

  I see her tears but I don't feel sorry for her. She should be thinking of her brothers’ condition. However, with Sandy, everything is all about her.

  An extra push against her moves her away from the door. I leave the bathroom finding a spot to stand near the bed, waiting. She comes out with her pitiful poor me face.

  He motions for her to come sit on the side of his bed.

  "Did you see what she did to me? She threatened to physical hurt me!"

  "What did you think would happen when you got in her face speaking to her like you did? She won’t tolerate disrespect. I don’t expect her to, Sandy. I won’t let you be unkind to Race."

  She doesn't answer Jake.

  "Did you hear me? You need to understand what I said. Our parents are going with me to the Racing D Ranch. You're welcome if you can behave, if you can't you need to stay away. It's that simple."

  "Why are you letting her come between the family. I won't have it!" Sandy's voice is at full volume in her tantrum. I haven’t moved, standing here ready to do what’s necessary should she get more out of hand.

  "It’s not her coming between us, it’s you. You've been envious of everyone in my life. It stops now. If you can't control yourself, I will cut you out of my life all together. Why can't you be happy for me? I almost got killed and here you are acting ridicules. You need to get your priorities straight, real fast."

  He wasn’t unkind to his sister, but he was firm. Apparently, this isn’t the first time she’s done this type of control tactic.

  She flies out of the room slamming the heavy door behind her. The air hangs thick. We glance at each other not sure what to say or do next.

  My reaction to Sandy could be a problem for him. I think he’s close with her as he should be. Seeing me rough her up might not have set well with him. Yes, I heard what he said but what choice did he have with me right here? He found himself in a hard place.

  "Come over here." I sit down next to his bed. "I'm sorry, I don't even know what to say. There's no excuse for her behavior. Like I said, she's always been this way."

  "Jake, I wish I could apology, but I can’t. Accepting that level of treatment from anyone is simply not an option for me."

  "I don’t want you to, Race. You shouldn’t have to."

  Relief washes over me as he doesn’t appear upset by my stance. Even if it did bother him, I wouldn’t be able to change how I feel about it.

  It’s been my experience if someone gets away with treating me badly, they’ll do it again. For me, it’s better to stop it the first time the way Milt taught me, and what I learned the hard way.

  "But here’s the deal. Your sister isn’t the priority right now. We can’t spend time on figuring out her issues. Down the road she’ll see I'm not a threat to her. We have to stay focused on you, it's all about you, not her or me. The focus is locked on you."

  "No, I’m always focused on you." He’s smiling at me without any hint of upset. Thank God for small favors. Maybe one day I’ll learn to control my reactions. I’m not there yet.

  "And I like it, you sweet man." There’s such a love in Jake’s voice it makes me want to do whatever it takes to return the love.

  His dazzling eyes stay with mine in the same gaze of admiration as the first night when he held me every way possible.

  "I believe I’ve seen this level of desire before in those mesmerizing peepers of yours."

  "You have. Be ready to see it again real soon."

  We say a million word in that look as I steal a quick peck from him.

  "I won’t try to guess what you said to Sandy. I’ll just say I’ve never seen such fear in her before."

  "Nothing much, just the ole cowboy stuff I learned as a kid." A chuckle gets out before I can stop it. He joins in with me.

  "She's welcome at the Racing D. But she'll find out really quick her attitude won’t fly there. The guys will stop her flat out." I want Jake to understand I harbor no harsh feelings.

  "I don’t doubt it one bit. I think that crew of men watch over you pretty good."

  "Sometimes too good. I could do with a coffee, you?" I ask him.

  "Fix me up."

  "Back in a minute honey."

  "One coffee the way you like it handsome. At home, we’ll have our first coffee at the house, Pat will have it ready about 4. There’s always a fresh pot at the barn. In the afternoon its tea in the sunroom. Sound interesting?"

  "I’ve wondered how your days go, how you spend your time. I know about the training but apart from that, not much."

  "In a few short days you’ll be in the middle of the mix. The sunroom has a wall of windows where you can see all the outside area. Also, your other rooms face the barn area. You’ll be able to see me from the house if you’re up here and I’m still working."

  "Will I have a full view of that gorgeous backside of yours?"

  "Yes sir, you will."

  He shows me his model smile, such a turn on this man is. He has exceptionally good looking in a lot more ways than surface appearance.

  It’s the way a few simple words roll from his lips oozing with implied lust. He keeps it classy until he has me in his arms. Then he lets all his desires come to the front, he gets down and dirty taking me with him. How could I ever forget that night.

  Chapter 2

  Jake

  I'm pleased with what the doctor said, trust me, it's a big relief. Race needs a man who can be intimate with her. She's a sweet loving woman, she's also hot blooded as hell.

  Believe me, I'm more than ready to have her up close again. I've missed her in a lot of ways, but I need to get inside her warm body. It’s been hard to have her right next to me and not be able to touch her for even a minute. The staff walks in without any warning. I’m fucking ready to be out of this hospital.

  Without her I would’ve lost it… maybe done something I’d regret.

  It's shocking how sweet and caring she is toward me in this situation. She took control making things happen. What other girl would do it? Or even be able to figure out how to do it. None I know of.

  I must believe Race does have deep feelings for me. She's proven it already with being here at my bedside every minute.

  I’m fucking guilty as hell over her not sleeping other than in the chair next to me. I could feel her gently stroking my arms, holding my hands. She would lay her head on the bed and I could feel her lips on my hand kissing it over and over.

  The staff put a sleeping cot in my room for her, but she said it’s too far away from me. It changed everything for me when she got here. I felt like I had something to live for, to strive for. If she hadn't found me I hate to think where I’d be right now in this process.

  Damn, I fucking love her. I've already seen how empty life is when I'm not with her. Truthfully, I never thought I could feel this way about anyone. She’s completely different from other women. She's unusually full of love, she’s honest about her feelings. Those facts alone make it easy to deal with her as I never have to wonder where things stand. There’s no need to guess what's on her mind since she makes it absolutely clear. It makes life feel safe and right now safe is a good feeling.

  When I see how women act, I think what a mess they are then I see how Race has her head together. My sister is a perfect example. Don't get me wrong, I love Sandy, she's my blood but it doesn’t change the fact there's something going on in her head that doesn't click. I doubt it ever has. Why in hell would she storm in here making a big stance like that? What a mistake on her part. Race won't take that from anyone, not even me.

  Let's face it, everyone in my family has spoiled Sandy from day one. She's gotten what she wanted the second she wanted it. We created the mess we’re having to deal with now.

  I'm done with the foolishness. Like I told Sandy, she has to get this control idea out of her mind.

  Knowing I’ll be with Race every day is what makes me excited about life again. When the accident first happened I couldn't pull my thoughts together. Events were mixed up
and I couldn’t understand why.

  The pain in my head overwhelmed me. A few times in my confusion I thought I might die. All I could think of then was seeing her. Those were scary times for me. I haven't talked to her about it. I may not but I have a good idea she knows what I went through. If she didn’t, she wouldn't be taking care of me the way she is.

  Believe me, she is taking care of me. It’s clear to see she's exhausted yet she never complains. This lady is tough as nails. If there's anybody in the world who can get a job done, it's her.

  How glad I am to hear our rooms at the ranch connect. I don’t want to be far away from her. At the same time, I do want her to get rest and catch up on her ranch work which has to be far behind at this point. It’s doubtful any of her men can breeze the horses due to their size and weight.

  I already know she does the ground training and saddle work. If these horses haven't been worked, she'll have a mess on her hands. My question is how will she be able to handle the rank stallions.

  The way I see it my parents should be able to go back home in a week or so. I think they'll be ready once they see me improving. It should give more privacy for us, I hope.

  Race told me all the men have their own homes separate from where she lives which works out well. I need the time to show her how I care for her. We have a lot to catch up on.

  The thought of getting a special gift for her has been with me and I must find a way to do it from the ranch. I should be able to make it happen by phone and figure out how to do a pickup or delivery. It’ll be hard to keep it a secret. It's important for her to know how much her being here means to me. Not to mention all she’ll be doing when I’m at her place.

  I hope the men click with me enough to get along. It’ll be hard for me to sit back watching everyone else work. For now, I have to put my energy into building back up. I need to get back to the man I was before.

  If I can’t regain that, I won’t be able to stay with her. I refuse to be a permanent burden on Race. It’s essential for me to carry my weight and hers, too. That’s what men do for their woman.

  I guess I'll find out soon enough since Milt is coming. It’ll take me no more than a minute to see what he thinks of me being with her. I doubt they’d talk out right against me. She wouldn't allow it. I’ve heard her put a few of the crew in check on the phone, trust me, she was hard core business. She definitely runs the show. They seem to have high respect for her on every level.

  But what I know is those under the skin resentments can cause problems. I don't want it to happen between the crew and me. Bob and the men have influence on her, after all, they raised her. They’re her family.

  I don’t have all the information on it, but from what Dad told me she lost her blood parents as a young child.

  What I do know is she’s closer to Milt, Bob and Alvaro than words can say. I’ve gathered it when she talks to them on the phone often putting the calls on speaker.

  Milt is the one who stays in contact the most calling her at least three times every day then she calls him as well. Race sounds normal when she talks with him while he has a different tone that says he’s more concerned than he should be.

  If I had to make a bet it would be that he has stronger feelings for her than being her brother figure. It’s what my gut says and I’m seldom wrong.

  Chapter 3

  Race

  "Enough of this sexy talk, we need to get business done if we want to blow this joint. I have a male physical therapist coming. I thought we needed a guy due to your height. He’ll stay at the house in a guest room."

  "I’m glad you didn’t get any women. That would’ve been a no." He’s quick to tell me.

  "Next question. I have an idea you’ll be feeling better fast and I wonder if you'd like to have an office area set up for you, a phone, computer, all of that. I have a setup in my office, or you can have an office of your own."

  "Is it possible to do that?" he asked.

  "Of course."

  "There’s clients I need to touch base with. It would be helpful."

  "Tell me where you want to be honey."

  "I’ll buddy up in your office."

  "You’ll like it. There’s lots of room, it’s comfortable, and I get to see those muscles of yours anytime I want."

  "This body needs work to get muscles back. It’ll be a job I’m thinking."

  "When the doctor okay's it, we’ll get busy in the gym… it’s in the barn."

  "Looks like you have everything here at the ranch."

  "Almost, I hate going to town for any reason. I already told you that. What kind of computer do you want?" I ask to be sure I have what he’ll need.

  "Any kind is fine. Race, this seems like too much inconvenience for you. I don't even know how you think of these things."

  "I do run the racing business, a breeding program, a cattle operation, along with a few other things." I giggle at him shaking my head. "I think you have an image of me laying around all day on a lounge with someone fanning me while I sip wine and eat bonbons." We both crack up loud enough a nurse sticks her head in the door to see what’s going on.

  "And what state of undress are you in while this is happening? Who's fanning you — some buff stud from town?"

  "Being a smart ass, eh? I'll show you a buff stud. Look over in the mirror." I lean over him. "You are my buff stud, don't you freaking forget it. When I get you home, I plan to take you apart, lick by lick, kiss by kiss."

  "If you keep it up, you’ll get this package I’ve got for you right here."

  "We’d have an audience," I tell him. "Will you be okay for a minute while I run to pick up your medication from the first floor?"

  "I'm good."

  It's coming together in the best way and I see it happening smoothly. My only big hiccup is Sandy with her off-the-wall foolishness. Such a shame for her to be so engrossed in her own wants. I have to wonder if it’s some kind of act for attention. The whole thing with her feels strange.

  I'm getting more excited with a trace of scared. Mostly that Jake might find out he doesn't really care for me when he gets to know me better. After all, we only had one night together when I was quite feminine.

  When he sees me at the ranch, I'll be in work mode. I don't want to talk with him about it right now, he has enough on his plate, but I can't change how I handle my business. The way I learned is how I work, thus far the prosperity of the business is good. I guess I'll find out how it does on a personal level real soon. I sure hope it’s better than previous tries.

  It’s a sore spot with me since a few budding relationships went south in the past because I didn’t feel the need to have on a full face of makeup while working horses.

  If Jake can get his confidence back I doubt my style will bother him. He grew up on a ranch and rodeoed, he gets it. He understands about ranch women. We don’t need to impress 24/7. Some men can’t grasp that concept.

  As I return to the room, I see Sandy coming out. When she spots me, she turns and goes the other direction which is fine with me. He'll tell me what happened. It better be something a lot different from the last time she spoke with him.

  "Miss me?"

  He doesn't seem to be upset, he's calm, his color’s good, he's not breathing fast. I'll let him tell me what he wants me to know.

  "While you were gone Sandy came. She apologized, wants to make things right. I told her she needs to apologize to you, and to never make that mistake again. Are you okay with that?"

  "I am. We’ll give her room to work it out. These are stressful times for all of us."

  "She does not get to disrespect you, Race, stressful time or not. I won't tolerate it. Period."

  "Remember babe it's all about you, not about Sandy," I say leaning closer to whisper to him. "The real truth is this. It's about me getting my hands on that absolutely perfect hard cock of yours, that's what I need to do for my recovery."

  Jake breaks out in a delighted laugh.

  "I love a woman who has her prior
ities straight."

  Chapter 4

  Race

  My need to get this trip on the road is strong. Right now I'm only waiting for Milt to get here. The sooner we get out of this hospital away from Sandy’s craziness the better off we'll all be.

  The last thing I need to do is deck her right here. It’s hard to not follow my wants. If I can keep things level for now it'll save a lot of family issues down the road. I’m way past ready to be away from her.

  "Hey cowboy, has it hit you we're leaving here shortly?" I say in a playful way as I move around the room packing things.

  "I don't think it has and it might not till I'm going through the doors. It feels like I've been here for years." Jake seems nervous.

  I think it’s natural in this situation. The doctor and discharge nurse have given him countless rules to follow. He’s most likely overwhelmed with it all.

  "I can only wonder how you might be feeling."

  "Lots of rules and regs to follow," he answers.

  "I’ll be with you to help remember the important things."

  I want to reassure him but not hover over him. It’s a fine line to walk.

  The parade of nurses coming in to say goodbye hasn't let up all day.

  "Well, Mr. Lancer, the day is finally here," a young nurse says as she leans over to kiss his face.

  Quickly he leans out of her reach. His reaction surprises her, and me.

  "I appreciate your care."

  The nurse is hardly out of the room before a couple more come in with their good luck wishes. One of the girls puts a note in his hand, he takes it, reads the phone number out loud. "Race, can you put this in the trash with the other numbers, please."

  Before I can answer she quickly snatches the paper from his hand rushing out with her face red as fire. He chuckles.