Closing the Deal Read online

  "Maybe I can teach you to ride if you stay long. That is one of my favorite hobbies, teaching pretty ladies to ride. It's not hard once you find your seat.” Justin had a lopsided smile, like he had his own private joke. His smile was impish, and his eyes sparkled wickedly. All she could picture in her mind was her seated on him. She would like to seat herself right there.

  "Okay.” Dian's voice cracked. He was talking about riding his horses, but damned if she couldn't get the image of riding him out of her mind.

  "Well, it looks like it will just be you and me, Jake. Are you up for dinner?"

  "Certainly.” Jake smiled, disarming Dian completely. “So how do you like barbeque?"

  "I love barbeque."

  "I know this place that serves great ribs. They smoke their meat for at least six hours and it just falls off the bone."

  "I'm starved. I had such a hard day, I haven't eaten since yesterday."

  "Shall we go now?” Jake said with one of his disarming smiles.

  "Great."

  * * * *

  "I feel a little overdressed."

  "Don't worry about it. You look great."

  "Really? Thanks. You look pretty hot yourself. I wonder how you would look like all spiffed up.” Dian loved looking at his smile. He had the cutest smile. Like a little boy always thinking of trouble.

  Jake ordered some potato skins and two plates of the house special, barbeque ribs. He started talking about his childhood and how he had grown up on the farm and that they had always been in the horse business. Their family had been into racing for years and many of the thoroughbred racers today had some traces of bloodlines that could be traced back to their Black Beauty. The plantation had grown some crops, too, but the weather was too wet to have produced cotton efficiently and tobacco stripped the soil of all the nutrients. So horses were how the family fortune was built.

  The waitress set down their meals. “Here you go, sugar. You let me know if you need anything else. Ya’ hear?"

  Sugar? Dian bit back a retort. She was sure the waitress didn't mean to be condescending or disrespectful. Still, she hadn't been called sugar by anyone else after the age of nine and didn't like how it felt now.

  A sweet aroma drifted up to her, making her mouth water before she took a bite of the meal.

  "Mmm. This is good. Are these greens?” Dian poked at the soggy greens on her plate with her fork, not quite knowing if she wanted to eat them or not.

  He laughed. “Greens are radish tops. You ain't never tried greens before?” He watched her take a bite.

  "No. But everything is so different here. Like the architecture. I am used to blocky brick buildings that go straight up. I loved the colonial and ranch style homes I saw on the drive over here. By the way, that is a beautiful house you have there. Your family has good taste."

  "It's been in the family since before the Civil War. Eight generations now."

  "Wow."

  "Actually they had two thousand acres we farmed back in the 1800's."

  "So that's why he owned so much real estate in downtown Nashville and the property in Green Hills. Your family owned it before this town was even on the map."

  "People have been trying to buy our land for years now."

  "Yeah, and I don't know why no one in your family sold before, but pretty soon they won't have a choice. How many offers have you had for the Nashville land in the last month?"

  "Three."

  "And you still don't plan on selling?"

  "No."

  "The government has plans in the works to beef up the infrastructure. They want to put in a new onramp and exit off of 15th Street. Bruce Withers plans on putting up a mall and a sixty-story skyscraper there next to the stadium downtown."

  "I don't want a mall there. That would make the traffic even worse."

  "Well, I guess any choice you make will have an impact on that. But he wouldn't have told you what he had planned before trying to purchase the land. Now you know."

  "I had no idea what they wanted the land for."

  "There's more. The Green Hills land is another place the government will force you to sell. The land backs up to the university there and they have plans to expand it."

  "Well, at least the university will help people in some way."

  "So did that change your mind on selling the land?"

  "No."

  "I am not going to ask you to sell, but when the government gets involved they will give you no choice. They will use eminent domain and just take it."

  "So why are you here?"

  "I thought you would never ask. What I am offering you is legal protection that will give you a choice. Bruce Withers is the biggest jerk on the planet and he is going to double his fortune by closing this deal. I am not going to ask you to sell, but to promise you won't sell to anyone but me."

  "I don't understand."

  "I am willing to pay you one hundred thousand dollars not to sell the property to anyone but me. It would be an option to buy at market price if or when you are inclined to do so, but means the deal will involve me whether anyone likes it or not."

  "Let me get this straight. You are going to give me one hundred thousand dollars to not sell the property?"

  "Yes. I just want in on it when something happens. I also would be willing to help you and your family. That means taking care of any of your legal needs, including putting the property through probate."

  "Sounds too good to be true."

  "Well, I have nothing to lose by filling you in on what is going on, and nothing to gain by lying. So do we have a deal, Jake?"

  "I'll have to get Justin to agree, but it sounds good to me. Do you want to dance, Dian? This is one of my favorite songs."

  Dian grinned, flicking her hair back away from her face. He was already standing by her side, one hand outstretched, smiling irresistibly. How could she say no? He was so damn sexy.

  She put her hand in his and let him lead her onto the dance floor, starting to dance to the Dixie Chicks song, “Cowboy Take Me Away."

  "I'm not sure that I am doing this right, but this sure is fun. I don't usually do country.” Dian chuckled, trying to match his steps.

  "You may not do country, but it sure looks good on you.” His voice was low and raspy, and Dian felt her face heat when his eyes raked her over with hunger.

  Dian threw back her head and laughed. She hadn't felt this good in years. She hadn't let herself have this much fun for a long time either.

  She couldn't keep her eyes off the man. Ever since he began moving to the music she felt an irresistible pull to him. She wanted to press her body to his. She tried to keep her eyes on his face and not his gyrating hips. It reminded her too much of what kind of sexual energy she would feel in his bed.

  So Dian focused on the dancing, doing it the only way she knew how. Sexy. She swayed her hips in time to the music and rocked her chest, letting her body feel at one with the rhythm. She felt each beat undulate in her body and tried to repress the feelings of that increased pressure she felt between her legs.

  On the second song, it was clear she wasn't the only one feeling the heat. He began grinding against her, making her breathless with restrained sexual tension. She could feel how hard he had become beneath his jeans. When she spoke it was a whisper. “I think I like this too much."

  "What's wrong with that?” He had his erection pressed up against her hip, but she didn't want to pull away. It felt too good to make him stop, and it had been so long.

  "Nothing ... Everything. Hey look, maybe we should get back to the house. I still have to check into a hotel.” Dian's voice dropped back to sound almost normal on the last sentence.

  "You can stay with me if you like."

  "I can't stay with you."

  "Sure you can. That old house has so many empty bedrooms that it would be a waste not to use them. And that way we will still have plenty of time to relax and watch a movie tonight."

  Dian was almost disappointed. So that wasn't an offer
to spend the night in his bed? He meant for her to sleep in an empty bedroom? Of course, she could get to know him better. She pictured her head lying on his shoulder, leaning into his hot body, munching on popcorn. She wanted more than a movie. It had been far too long since she last had sex and she was hungry for it. She had sex on the brain next to him.

  "You know what? That would be great. Let's go."

  He held her hand for the trip home, running his thumb in a light caress over her wrist. It drove her crazy for more of his touch. They were both silently enjoying the other's company. For once the silence didn't bother her and she didn't try to fill it with mindless chatter.

  She made up her mind what she was going to do when they were back on his doorstep. The big house was empty and the lights were off. Justin had already left for the vet and had not yet returned. Jake had his back to her and was unlocking the white double doors. She felt a little nervous and at the same time excited.

  She worried her bottom lip between her teeth. Why was she so nervous? It was not like she had never slept with anyone before. Her plan was solid. He obviously liked her. She had not imagined that hard on in the middle of the dance floor.

  Dian ran the plan through her mind one more time. They would be on the couch, neither one paying much attention to the movie. She would be leaning into him, letting her fingers drift in lazy circles caressing his chest before stealing a kiss. One kiss would lead to another and if her plan went well she would not be spending the night sleeping alone in her bed.

  It had been so long since she made love to a man, and damn but he was sexy. He made every nerve of her body hum with sexual energy. She needed this.

  No, she needed him.

  The house was dark and she bumped against his body, caught up in her daydream. He had turned back to face her but stopped there in the doorway for some reason. She almost missed his hungry look. The look where his eyes were half lidded. He gave her a lopsided smile before leaning into her and kissing her there in the doorway.

  Jake heard her groan before opening her mouth to him. It was all he could do to stop himself from taking her right there on the porch. Her hands moved around his waist, playing just this side of the jeans before snaking her fingers into his jeans and firmly cupping his ass. It made his cock jerk painfully and he pulled her against him once more.

  She moved her hands up to wrap around his neck. Her fingers raked through his hair, caressing his scalp. He had to do something to get her inside or he would be taking her up against the door.

  Jake broke the kiss to scoop her legs out from under her and kicked the door shut behind them. He didn't bother turning on the light, he just carried her up the stairs. She didn't resist but grabbed onto his neck tighter to keep her balance, squealing. She pressed her head against his shoulder

  "I don't usually do this kind of thing you know.” Dian spoke quietly near his ear.

  "What? Kiss strange men on their porches?” Jake replied casually.

  "Yes, there is that, but I have to confess, I don't think I have ever been this turned on by any other strangers."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah."

  "Good. Then let's skip the movie and go straight for dessert.” Jake didn't stop until he had her in his room. He enjoyed the way her body felt up against his. He didn't even have to strain to lift her. She was incredibly light and her soft body melted into his.

  He kicked the door shut behind him and locked it before crossing to the king-sized bed that dominated the room. He let her body fall on his bed. She bounced softly, pillowed by the comforter.

  Dian's hair spilled all around her in golden waves. He felt another surge of heat as he watched her smile and stretch. Her body arched in contentment and each breast pushed neatly against her silk blouse. He could see the outline of her lacy white bra and barely detect the smaller peak of her nipple. She kicked off her black pumps with a flick of her ankle. They fell to the oak floor with a thump.

  Jake's movements were focused on her, slowly and languorously stalking her. He climbed onto the bed until he was crouched over her body, every muscle tight and ready to pounce. His lips met hers with an eagerness and hunger that sent she answered with eagerness. He dropped kisses following the line of her neck, sucking lightly on the hollow at the base of her neck.

  He had her blouse unbuttoned, and then his mouth was on her breast suckling the nipple through her lacy bra. Dian let out a moan, raking her fingers through his hair. Her body reacted of its own accord, arching into him. She felt a delicious heat sweep through her. Waves of pleasure fed her desire. She kissed him on the shoulder letting her teeth graze against his neck. She wanted him naked now. Her hands moved to the fly on his pants setting his erection free.

  "I need you naked now.” She grinned up at him.

  He reacted immediately, backing off of her to remove his clothing. She discarded her own clothing just as efficiently, not taking her eyes off him. Watching him undress was giving her too much pleasure to stop. His abs were solid muscle. His arms and chest flexed as he lifted his shirt over his head. His skin was golden, bronzed by the sun. He had talked about how much physical work it required to raise horses, and she would bet that most of those muscles he earned naturally not by sitting in front of a weight machine.

  She licked her lips, seeing his cock was bigger than she expected, and she didn't try to hide her desire for him. In one smooth motion his pants were on the floor. He stepped out of them, and his shaft eagerly surged forward.

  Dian's eyes widened at the sight of him. He was so long and thick. She gasped, looking at the arrogant maleness before her. He wasn't ashamed of his naked state, and why should he be? He was gorgeous and for tonight he was hers.

  "Do you like what you see?” When he spoke it made her eyes jump up to his smiling face again.

  "Oh, yeah.” Dian spread her legs open in invitation letting her hand drift between her thighs, rubbing her clit slightly.

  Before coming back to bed, he went to the night stand and pulled out a condom.

  Good thing someone was being responsible, because Dian's mind was completely numb to everything but sex.

  "Thank you for remembering. I am not on the Pill right now. But I know I don't have any diseases or anything. I have only been with two other men before.” She blushed; she felt like they should have talked about this long before they had jumped into bed. Her desire had blinded her to everything normal and sane.

  "Well, sweetie, I have been with a few more women than that. But I don't take any chances on diseases. I always use a condom until I am in a long term relationship. But that's nothing to worry about now."

  Nothing to worry about? Dian thought. She had never had a one night stand before. Is that all this meant to him? She was a little disappointed but she would take what she could get tonight.

  The bed moved slightly under his weight and Dian rolled toward him. Knowing he was hard for her brought a familiar wet heat between her legs. She clenched her legs together tightly, applying a gentle pressure to her clit. It relieved the pressure building there somewhat.

  Her arms wrapped around him the moment he came near her. He kissed her ravenously like he was about to eat her and Dian loved it, trying to capture his tongue with hers. Her nails raked over his back, delighting in the feel of him.

  His cock was nestled between her legs, and she didn't want to let go of him when his kisses moved down her body. His tongue licked and bit at her, sending trails of fire over her breasts, across her abdomen, lower still between her legs.

  "Oh, God! What are you doing?” She panicked. No one had ever done that before.

  His hands were on her hips, holding her against the mattress. “Just relax sugar. Nothing will hurt you. Just trust me. I want you to enjoy this as much as I do."

  Suddenly his mouth was on her clit, and the fire spread through her, licking at her self control. Her breath came fast and hard, her hands running through his hair. His tongue was amazing, dipping into her, sucking on her clit, making h
er buck and arch into him, until she cried out. Her body exploded with sensuous pleasure. She felt lightheaded, dizzy from the high he gave her. Her body was still trembling from the crash of that cataclysmic orgasm.

  He sat up smiling at her. “Did you like it?"

  "Yes, I never did anything quite like that before,” she said, still a little breathless.

  He was tearing into the package of the condom before she could offer to return the favor. She licked her lips, wondering what he tasted like. Oh well, they had all night to explore each others bodies. She was sure she would get a chance sometime.

  She scooted herself up onto the pillows, opening her thighs to him. He leaned into her, pressing his erection into her to the hilt.

  "God, that feels good. You feel good."

  Dian giggled. “I am sure you say that to all the girls."

  "That's not true. You are so fucking hot. I wanted you since I first saw you.” He threw his head back, laughing.

  "Really? If I knew you were this good, I may have just skipped dinner and gone straight for the main course, Jake.” She said seductively, smiling up at him.

  His lips crashed down on hers, silencing her as he rode her into oblivion.

  * * * *

  The morning sun peeked in through the window, waking Dian from her slumber. She smiled, looking at his body stretched out next to hers. It felt good to wake up next to him. Dian felt relaxed and she was hungry. She did not have the heart to wake Jake. He was sleeping so peacefully next to her. They could figure out what this meant to them later. It had been so long since she had a relationship, but one night of sex didn't mean they were in anything yet. She didn't want to think it would be just one night. The sex had been too damned good to make it a one night stand.

  She borrowed a pair of boxer shorts and a white T-shirt to leave the room.

  After exploring the house she stumbled on the kitchen and started opening cupboards and drawers for a snack. It was full of typical male food. The cupboards were well stocked with chips and beer. Dian considered herself lucky to find a yogurt and a clean spoon. She sat down at the table and finished off the yogurt in no time, reflecting on last night. She heard a sound from the door, breaking her quiet reverie.