Pure Lust Read online

  “I didn’t hear her.”

  “No wonder. She was tiptoeing like a mouse trying to steal a big ol’ piece of cheese without anyone noticing.” Isadora laughs. It’s amazing how such a deep laugh can come out of such a tiny body. “She looked like she hadn’t slept a wink last night. I doubt your couch is comfy enough for a good sleep. In any case, like all of you kids nowadays, she was more worried about her iPhone than anything else.”

  “Did she find her phone?” I attempt to find out if there’s more to this story.

  “Nah. She said she might have gotten confused. I’m sure it’s the jetlag. I sent her off so she can freshen up before breakfast.”

  Good on Allison for being so quick on her feet. Had Isadora found out she had spent the night in my bed, there would be no way of downplaying this level of drama. I really have to straighten things out between Allison and I before I drive to Denver later today. We’ll be living in such close proximity for the next few months, there’s no room for any awkwardness.

  “What are you cooking that’s making me so hungry?” I say, wrapping my arms around the petite woman, hoping to change the subject.

  “Oh, nothing much. A little something to welcome Riley’s new assistant,” Isadora says coyly.

  “In other words, you’ve prepared a meal Allison will remember forever.” I kiss her forehead.

  “I’m simply showing her a little Southern hospitality.”

  Eager to find out what Isadora has cooked up, I walk towards the gas stove and lift the lids on top of the pans. “With all this food, we’ll be way too full to get any work done around here.” I catch her smiling eyes.

  “You boys work like dogs. You need a little something in your stomachs.”

  As I prepare to peek inside the oven to check out what’s hidden in there, the front door pulls open and my best friend walks in.

  “Good morning, everybody.”

  The tall cowboy barely sets foot inside my house before Isadora runs to greet him. “Good morning, Mr. Hunter.”

  “I can’t believe I get to kiss the prettiest woman in Colorado.”

  “Stop your flirting.” Isadora pounds her fist against Hunter’s massive chest and we all laugh. “You’re being fresh with me because I’m an old woman and I gave up on love and sex a long time ago.”

  “Isadora, I adore you, but that’s too much info,” I say, feigning being scandalized.

  “Yeah, buddy, she keeps saying that, but I bet you she’s got them lined up.”

  “Stop your silliness and sit down. Miss Allison will be here any minute now and I know you boys have to get started with your day by six-thirty.”

  The mention of Allison’s name stirs up something inside. I feel Hunter’s eyes on me, but I avoid his stare. I’m the one who demanded he keep his distance from the blonde and I’m the one who ended up balls deep inside her pussy last night.

  “Jake, did you sleep okay? You look exhausted. Did you wrestle with a bull all night?” Hunter chuckles and Isadora joins him.

  “I’m good. I had a great sleep.”

  “I was just telling Mr. Jake that—”

  Isadora is about to let the cat out of the bag, but luckily, Allison pulls open the front door. One second more and I’d be standing here explaining to my best friend why I went against my own advice.

  My housekeeper is so delighted to see the newcomer, she loses her train of thought and opens her arms to greet the New Yorker.

  “Come on in, child. I was afraid I was going to have to rope these two on those stools to prevent them from eating all the food.”

  “Good morning, Isadora.”

  Allison is more beautiful this morning that she was last night. There’s a glow about her. I guess three mind-blowing orgasms in a row will do that to a woman. I place my hand over my mouth to hide my own amusement.

  “Morning. You’re up bright and early. I thought you were going to stay in bed a little longer.” My best friend smiles brightly when he sees Allison arrive.

  He’ll kill me for asking him to back off when I fucked Allison without restraint last night.

  “Good morning, Hunter. I wanted to get a headstart on my first day here. I guess I’m excited to dive right into things.”

  “One thing is certain, you look more awake now.”

  Allison’s eyes shift nervously to mine as Isadora’s comment floats in the air.

  “More awake now? What do you mean?” Hunter looks at Isadora, perplexed, and I intervene quickly to prevent things from unraveling.

  “Good morning, Allison,” I say, ignoring my friend’s inquisitive stare. Even though my attention is focused on the beautiful woman who entered my house, I can see from the corner of my eye Hunter frowning.

  “Good morning, Jake.” Her voice is higher than I remember. She looks up at me shyly and I hold her gaze for a second, trying to read her state of mind.

  Her long hair is pulled back in a ponytail, revealing her bright hazel eyes, and for some reason her porcelain-white skin is more luminous this morning than it was yesterday. She’s wearing a black button-down shirt with her sleeves rolled up to the elbow. I peek at her curves and smile when I recognize the same hip-hugging jeans I peeled off her body last night before taking her. Hmmm, I wonder if she’s wearing another pair of those sexy lace undies.

  “Nice shirt, but by noon, you’ll be roasting.” Hunter takes in Allison from head to toe and I’m sure he’s dying to see her in something more revealing that would allow him a better glimpse of her body.

  “Oh, really?” She looks down at her shirt.

  “It’s not the same heat as Manhattan. Am I not right, Jake?”

  I follow Hunter’s gaze. He zeroes in shamelessly on Allison’s huge tits. Bastard.

  “It can get pretty hot during summer months,” I respond absent-mindedly. “Your black shirt will attract the sun and make it uncomfortable for you.”

  I can’t believe I have issues with him openly admiring her beauty when I’m the one who took things too far by seducing her.

  “You’ll see for yourself later. As Jake’s sister promised last night, our cowboys will be walking around shirtless before lunch—isn’t that right, Isa?”

  “I wouldn’t know. Remember, I’m an old woman. I don’t notice men anymore.”

  Isadora’s joke lightens the mood and suddenly Allison isn’t as preoccupied by her fashion choice.

  “You won’t believe the feast this one over here prepared to welcome you to our ranch,” I say, pointing my chin at my housekeeper.

  “Okay, I might have gone overboard,” Isadora says, pulling Allison towards a stool. “Since I don’t know what you Northerners like to eat in the morning, I prepared three different recipes.”

  “Isa, you do know we’re all Northerners in this household except for you.” Hunter is grinning ear to ear.

  “Hush, child. Now, as I was saying, Miss Allison, sit down so you can taste some authentic Southern cooking.”

  “I hope you brought your appetite, because I’m starving. I’m running on empty. It’s as if I ran a marathon all night long,” I say, rubbing my stomach and flashing Allison a mischievous smile.

  She blushes and lowers her eyes at my innuendo. “I’m hungry as well.”

  “What’s up with the two of you? You’re acting mighty strange this morning.”

  “Hunter, have you been drinking before breakfast again?” I tease, hoping to steer the conversation away.

  “You’re funny, buddy.” My best friend stares at me intently and I can read the questions in his eyes. “In any case, my stomach is growling like a black bear who’s waking up from hibernation. Come on, let’s eat.”

  “Men.” Isadora rolls her eyes. “Let me serve the food before this one over here dies of hunger.”

  A few minutes later Hunter and Allison are sitting in front of a hearty Southern breakfast, but I’m still standing to be better able to admire the blonde.

  “My God, I can’t believe you prepared all this for me.” Alli
son brings her hands to her cheeks. I love seeing her turn rosy like this.

  “Nonsense. Dig in.”

  “Isadora, what are we eating?”

  “Yeah, Isa, you have to tell us what’s on the menu.”

  “As if you boys care. As long as it fills you up, you’re usually happy,” she scorns. “Miss Allison, as I said earlier, I didn’t know what you like, so I prepared a few things. First on the menu is my famous praline-pecan French toast. Girl, you’ll have visions of God when you bite into this delectable sweet treat.”

  I’m pretty sure I took care of that a couple of times last night.

  “Riley has this recipe on her site.” Allison sits up a little straighter in her chair, taking in the sugary starter.

  “Yes, Miss Riley does, but mine is a little different. I top mine with a sweet praline mixture and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. She fancies things up by using croissants and I use plain white bread. It’s a family favorite.”

  “That sounds divine.”

  “It is. If you prefer something savory, you can dig into my sausage-hash brown breakfast casserole.”

  “My favorite dish,” my best friend chimes in. “Isa combines sausage, eggs, cheddar cheese and hash browns in her casserole, making it one filling and delicious dish. I always have seconds.”

  “The last time Isadora made this you nearly polished off the plate on your own. I had to fight to get a bite.” I laugh.

  “Ignore those two.” Isadora waves us away with her hand before returning her attention to Allison. “Now let me tell you about my third dish. If none of these options are to your liking, you can sink your teeth in my mouth-watering buttermilk pancakes with buttered honey syrup.”

  “I don’t know if I can choose. It all sounds too tempting.”

  “Have a little bit of everything. Jake and Hunter eat like wolves. Whatever you don’t finish, those two will have inhaled before you’re done with your first cup of coffee. Right, boys?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Both Hunter and I jump in on cue.

  “I’ve also prepared a big ol’ plate of crispy bacon, which goes well with whichever option you choose. I mean, everyone loves bacon, right?”

  “Oh, I love bacon. Isadora, this is better than anything I’ve seen in my food porn magazines.”

  “Your what, child? It’s way too early to be talking dirty.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.” Allison flushes and nervously bats her eyelashes a few times. “Back in New York, food magazines are often referred to as food porn because you can salivate over each glossy page.”

  Since I’m leaning against the kitchen sink right behind Isadora, Allison finishes her explanation by locking eyes with me. The sultriness I read in her gaze makes me want to fling her over my shoulder and climb those stairs two by two all the way to my bedroom without caring what Hunter or my housekeeper may think. Damn. I’d forfeit food to have her again this morning.

  “I guess you learn something everyday. Up to now, I’ve only known of one type of porn.” Hunter’s comment has us all rolling our eyes.

  “Food porn? I like that expression, but then again I’m an old lady and anything gets me excited.”

  We all laugh.

  “Jake, you look like you’re standing guard, boy. Sit down and start eating. You and Hunter have to get to work soon. Miss Allison will have time to linger before Miss Riley is ready for her.”

  I stride to the granite kitchen island and I take a seat across from Allison. Since I’m sitting right next to Hunter, he won’t be able to catch me staring at Ali. He’s been glancing my way since Allison walked in, hoping to read my expression, but I’ve been very careful to remain as stoic as possible.

  “Oh, Jake, before I forget, yesterday your sister and I stocked up your refrigerator—the same goes for you, Miss Allison and Hunter, your fridges are also full. You won’t lack choices when lunchtime comes around, but since I’ll be in town with Miss Riley and the kids, I’ve prepared my grandma’s overnight coffee crumble cake. It’s cooling over there on Jake’s counter. You can heat it up later or eat as it is. Whichever option, it’s going to be crazy good.”

  “Oh, my God. I can’t believe you went through all this trouble on my account.”

  “Allison, get used to it. Both Isadora and my sister spend half their lives cooking.” I laugh.

  “Let’s dig in. Jake, buddy, it’s already five to six and we’re going to have to get our day started soon. The guys will be arriving in half an hour.”

  “You’re right.”

  “And I’d love to have a few minutes of your time after we wolf down this food. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  “You got it.”

  I know I’ll have to tell Hunter I broke my own vows. I guess this morning is as good a time as any to get it out in the open. It’s not fair for me to ask him to ward off his desire for Allison while I tongue-fuck her and then make her come with my dick lodged deep inside her.

  We have to talk man to man.

  CHAPTER THREE

  ALLISON

  I’m so grateful Isadora didn’t mention in front of Hunter that she caught me escaping Jake’s house like a thief in the night. That would have been embarrassing and it would have prevented me from enjoying an out-of-this-world breakfast.

  Everything is insanely delicious and we all devour the food. Isadora is so pleased with my reaction to her cooking, she packs the leftovers in a few plastic containers for me to take to my own kitchen. I don’t realize how starved I am until I take a bite of the buttermilk pancakes. I’ve never tasted anything so fluffy and so decadent. Those put to shame New York’s finest.

  As much as I try to focus on food, it’s nearly impossible to avoid glancing in Jake’s direction. He looks so gorgeous freshly shaved. I have to force myself not to linger on how his jeans hug his ass like a kid glove. He looked good in the chinos he wore last night, but they didn’t showcase his assets as well.

  The fact that I have eyes for Jake isn’t a surprise since the man made me come with such force for the first time in my life, but during breakfast I find myself mesmerized by Hunter. I catch him a few times looking at me so intently I have to lower my gaze because he’s stirring something incredibly raunchy in me. How can I be sitting across from two of the most handsome men I’ve ever met and want both of them with so much fervor? I’m sure it’s the dry spell talking. I know Gwyn was teasing, but there’s no way I can have sex with two best friends. I’m not bold enough.

  We’re all enjoying a second cup of piping-hot coffee when all of a sudden Jake and Hunter’s manager, Dirk Edwards, comes running into the house seeking help to deal with two unexpected early-morning crises. It seems Betsy, the pregnant cow, is having a very difficult birth and Romeo, a young horse Jake bought a couple weeks ago, is being unruly again and scaring the other horses. Without hesitation, Jake and Hunter grab their hats, jump into their boots and run out of the house to save the day.

  As tempted as I am to run out after the three men to catch all the excitement, I have an important meeting with Riley, so I sit idly in Jake’s kitchen and chat with Isadora until my new boss is ready for me.

  After a two-hour intense briefing session about my new duties and responsibilities, my boss hops into her BMW SUV with her kids and nanny in tow, heading to Denver to conduct a special cooking class for a bunch of executives. After adding photos for this week’s recipe on my boss’s blog, answering readers’ comments and taking care of social media updates, I run to Riley’s massive organic garden to fetch the vegetables she needs to start testing a few new recipes upon her return later in the day. Since she’s left me a set of spare keys, I place everything in her fridge and check off another item on my list.

  Once I’ve crossed off all the pressing tasks for the day, I grab my trusted Nikon camera to start taking a few practice shots. It’s nearly ten in the morning when I’m finally able to wander around the ranch hoping to catch both Jake and Hunter in action.
/>   I’m desperately trying to capture the birth of the baby calf on camera, but my timing is way off. Jenkins Williams, one of the workers, and Dirk have delivered the newborn a long time ago under Hunter’s watchful eye and they are already busy with their other chores.

  “I’m such a city girl,” I whisper to myself, walking away after Jenkins has burst my bubble. The young cowboy was still cleaning the stable when I peeked my head in with my camera ready to snap hundreds of shots of Betsy and her baby Poppy, but he explained the newborn had already taken her first steps.

  After venturing around the ranch for half an hour, I decide to head to the fenced-in pasture where Jenkins said I’d find Jake training Romeo, but I find myself stopping every five minutes to admire the spectacular scenery. Everything is so green and so wide open. There’s a sense of freedom you simply can’t find in a crammed city like New York. I’ve always lived in a large metropolitan city and nothing surrounding me seems familiar—no smog, no tall buildings, no incessant honking, no one begging for change and no impatient drivers shouting at pedestrians. It’s peace and quiet as far as the eye could see. What a change of pace.

  Even before I get close, I make out Jake’s muscular frame from afar. As I approach him, my heart skips a beat and I falter, nearly tripping over myself. The man who worshiped my body and who gave me incredible pleasure last night is riding a spectacular black horse like a rodeo king.

  He’s clad only in his tight-fitting jeans, his cowboy boots and his hat. He’s discarded his shirt and his sun-kissed chest is fully exposed. Oh. My. God. I blink a few times because the imagery is so darn lascivious before taking another shaky step forward.

  He’s doing laps inside the gated area, holding a rope and forcing a smaller white horse to obey his command. It must be Romeo. “Lord,” I say under my breath as I take Jake in. He’s the complete package—a successful businessman, a strong man who can wrangle a wild horse and a seducer who can sweep you off your feet.