Shadow Maverick Ranch Box Set Read online

Reese slid to her feet. “Give me your phone.” She waited for him to unlock the screen and put it in her hand. She added herself to his contact list and handed the phone back to him. “You can call whenever you want, Paxton. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Because, God help her, she still loved him.

  * * *

  Reese spent all day Saturday cleaning her apartment. She’d scrubbed the floors, finished her laundry, vacuumed and dusted every available surface. Once those chores were done, she’d cleaned out the refrigerator and rearranged the kitchen cupboards. Anything to keep herself from agonizing over how she’d left things with Pax.

  She was more than a little annoyed he’d clumped her into the same category as his ex-wife. As though Reese would judge him, or intentionally hurt him in some way. Reese didn’t know what had happened between Pax and his ex, but she could put the pieces together. There was only one thing that would get the man she’d known to break the bonds of marriage.

  And Pax was the man she’d known. Bigger, harder, and maybe a bit disenchanted with the idea of love, but deep down, he was still a man bound by honor and love for his family.

  It sickened her to think that his ex had cheated. What had the woman been thinking? The stupid bitch had already belonged to the best man Reese knew.

  It was a strange feeling, wanting to deck his ex for hurting him and thank her at the same time.

  Reese flopped on the couch and threw her arm over her eyes. Exhaustion rolled through her. God, she needed a vacation.

  Her cell phone buzzed on the coffee table. The thought it could be Pax got her moving. He hadn’t called after he’d left last night, so she had no idea where his head was.

  She groaned, her overworked muscles protesting as she reached for the phone. She smiled at the name on the display.

  “Hello, Mrs. Sinclair.”

  “Hello, Reese dear. And please, call me Marjorie.”

  Reese laughed. They had the same exchange every time they spoke. “Hello, Marjorie. What can I do for you this fine Saturday?”

  Marjorie Sinclair accounted for over sixty percent of Reese’s business, and was also the wealthiest woman Reese knew. She’d married media magnate, Montrose Sinclair, when she was twenty-three. Just eight years later, Montrose suffered a fatal heart attack, making Marjorie a widow at thirty-one.

  In the fifteen years since her husband’s death, Marjorie had never remarried. “When you find the person who completes your soul, my dear, you’ll understand,” Marjorie had said.

  Now, Marjorie spent her time raising funds for various charities, and Reese had been fortunate enough to become her primary event planner.

  “This is a social call, dear. I’m having some friends out to the beach house next Saturday and would love for you to be there.”

  Reese pulled out her calendar. She had a fundraiser Friday night that wouldn’t run too late. She had a few meetings planned for Saturday, but nothing she wouldn’t be willing to move for her best client.

  She pulled out a pen. With this short of notice, she’d have to start making calls immediately. “What kind of food would you like to serve? How many people in attendance?”

  Marjorie’s laugh twinkled through the line. “The party is all arranged, Reese. Now, please don’t get upset with me. I had my secretary arrange a seafood boil. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? It will be very informal, but there will be people there I’d like you to meet. Close friends of mine who share my passion for a good party.”

  Reese snickered. Marjorie had a heart of gold. Her passion wasn’t for a good party. Her passion was for the results of a good party. “So, you don’t need me to do anything?”

  “Not this time. Come, have fun. Meet some new people. I dare say you’ll pick up some new clients. Please say you’ll be there.”

  “Of course I’ll come.” After everything Marjorie had done for her, she wouldn’t miss it.

  “That’s wonderful! Do you remember how to get to the house on Galveston Island?”

  Reese nodded, even though Marjorie couldn’t see her. “Yes.”

  “Perfect. Oh, and Reese dear, you’ll need to bring a date. I’ve invited couples.”

  Interesting. “What about you, Marjorie. Do you have a date?”

  “Oh goodness, no. I’m the hostess.” As though that explained everything. “See you next weekend.”

  Reese stared at the phone.

  A date?

  She collapsed against the back of the couch and noticed she’d missed several calls in the last few minutes.

  Todd.

  Good lord. She couldn’t deal with Todd today. He was a nice man, but he wasn’t the one she wanted.

  There was only one thing she could do. Last night hadn’t changed anything, even if sex was the only reason Pax wanted her. He’d said he wanted more. If he wasn’t willing to open himself up to her, what more could they have? Still, she’d given her word.

  Goddamn it. She hated the feeling of being in limbo.

  Pax wasn’t ready to trust her. A tough pill to swallow, but she would. She loved him, so what choice did she have?

  Reese dialed from long-term memory with hopes the number hadn’t changed or been disconnected.

  On the third ring, a breathless, youthful voice answered. “Hello?”

  “Jade?” Reese took a guess.

  “Yes?”

  “Hi, it’s Reese Jameson. I—”

  “Reese! Why are you calling on this phone? Do you need Lauren? I could run—”

  “Jade.” Reese laughed at the teenager’s energy. “I don’t need Lauren. I’m actually calling to speak with Paxton. I realize he’s probably not there, but if you could ask him to call me, that would be great.”

  Silence.

  “Jade?”

  “Yeah, sorry. I’m here. You caught me off guard is all. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a call here at the house for Pax. Most people either want my parents or Gavin. Or Jared. Or me, of course.” She laughed. “Pax is out in the west pasture with the doc. If you can hold on a—”

  “No! There’s no need to bother him—”

  “—minute, I’ll get him on the two-way.”

  Reese heard the thud of Jade putting the phone down. Reese hadn’t wanted to interrupt his work. Not after explaining to him last night how she’d understood his dedication.

  “I could’ve left a message for him call me back,” Reese grumbled. She wasn’t a clingy person, yet that was exactly how interrupting him made her feel.

  “Hey, Reese?” Jade chirped happily. “Pax said to hang up. He’s going to call you right away.”

  Reese groaned and rolled forward. Pressing fingers against her temple, she massaged the pulse that hovered below the surface. “That wasn’t necessary.”

  “Necessary or not, we should hang up. He used the voice.” Reese almost heard Jade shudder. “Bye!”

  Within seconds of the line going dead, the phone buzzed in her hand.

  She took a deep breath and answered. “Hey, sorry about—”

  “What’s going on, Reese? Are you okay?”

  Okay, one: she’d really like to finish a sentence, and two: was that panic she heard in his voice?

  “I’m fine. Thank you for asking. I wish Jade hadn’t done that. I figured you’d be out. I meant to leave a message for you to call when you had a minute. Not have Jade walkie-talkie you as though it were an emergency.” As an afterthought she added, “I don’t have your cell number.”

  He released a breath. Relief?

  “Do you have a pen?”

  “Yes.”

  He rattled off his number. “I should’ve made sure you had it before I left last night. Hold on.” His muffled voice yelled, “I’ll catch up. You guys go on.” More shuffling. “Sorry about that. It’s been a crazy day. I don’t have long, Reese. Colt’s still here checking the calves. Was there something you needed?”

  Now that she had him on the phone, she felt ridiculous. “I … well …” A nervous laugh fluttered from her throat. �
�I need a date. Next Saturday.”

  Way to put him on the spot.

  “What’s the occasion?”

  “A client of mine is having a seafood boil at her beach house. She’s a sweet woman. She mentioned introducing me to her friends, so I suspect I might come away with a few new clients. I know you’re busy. We can talk about it later. If you can’t get away, or have other plans, I’ll—”

  “You’ll what? Find someone else to go with you?”

  Was he kidding? Reese’s temper flared. “Don’t. Don’t do that. I was about to say I’d go alone. In fact, you’ve suddenly made the idea very appealing.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” he grumbled, his frustration evident. “I’ll go with you.”

  “Don’t do me any favors.”

  “Damn it, Reese.” He fell silent.

  Reese took the time to rein in her anger.

  His soft chuckle drifted through the line. “Just like old times, huh?”

  The thought had occurred to her. Only this time, she didn’t want to borrow him. She wanted to belong to him.

  The wind picked up, causing a loud vibration in their connection. Pax’s volume increased. “I want to go with you. I’m sorry for how I reacted. Sorry for snapping at you last night too. I know it might not seem like it, but I’m trying. You deserve better than my bullshit, but I’ll be damned if I want to lose you again. Don’t give up on me, Reese. Please.”

  Emotion stung her eyes. In his own way, he’d claimed her.

  “Apology accepted. Go back to work, cowboy. We can talk details later.”

  “Call you tonight?”

  Her heart soared. “You better.”

  Chapter Ten

  Pax made good on his promise to call.

  He called every night for a week, so when her phone rang late on Friday night, Reese wasn’t surprised.

  “Hi, beautiful. You home yet?”

  She experienced a rush of pleasure at hearing his voice. Reese turned her key in the lock. The man had impeccable timing. “Walking in now.”

  “How’d it go?”

  She tossed her purse and keys on the narrow counter that served as a pass-through to her kitchen.

  “Without a hitch.” She’d been planning the fundraiser for a local children’s hospital for months. “They raised a lot of money, and I found the perfect caterer for Gavin and Lauren’s wedding.”

  Surprise colored his tone. “Yeah?”

  “I’ve been hesitant to mention them to Lauren. They were highly recommended, but I’ve never seen them in action until tonight. The food was delicious, and perfect for what Lauren envisioned. I won’t bore you with the details. What did you do today?”

  “You never bore me, darlin’. You wanna talk boring? I spent a good part of the day in the office with Gavin.”

  She snickered. “In the office?” As memory served, Pax hated anything to do with paperwork. Or being cooped up inside. He preferred fresh air and wide-open spaces.

  “Not my favorite thing to do, but sometimes, a necessary evil. There’s a neighboring property we’d like to buy. We had a conference call with our dad this morning. Sort of a status update, I guess you could say. Then I spent the next few hours going over land surveys and next year’s breeding schedule. Tedious stuff.”

  Right. Tedious. He loved every minute of it, just as she loved her work. “Are your parents enjoying their vacation?”

  Reese made her way to the bedroom. She kicked off her heels, shouldered the phone, and worked the sheer pantyhose down her legs. Wearing pantyhose on a hot Texas night should be a crime. She sat on the edge of the bed and flexed her toes, groaning as her muscles cooled and relaxed.

  “Pax?”

  “They are.” Pax’s voice turned sultry smooth. “What are you doing?”

  She fell back on the bed. “I’m reveling in being out of those shoes. And don’t get me started on the pantyhose.”

  “If I were there, you’d be out of more than just your hose and shoes.”

  Her body reacted to his threat, heat pooling between her thighs. “Promises, promises.”

  Reese ran a hand over her breast. God, she missed him. Their work schedules had made getting together impossible over the last week. They had their date for Mrs. Sinclair’s seafood boil tomorrow, and it couldn’t come soon enough. Reese was counting down the hours until Pax picked her up.

  The night of Patrick’s death had haunted her for so long. She felt lighter, happier than she had in years. Reese never dreamed they’d be in this place. She and Pax. Rediscovering the connection between them.

  Their nightly conversations had been tame. A ritualistic check-in at the end of each day that screamed relationship. They’d begun to get to know each other again, which seemed odd considering in the two times she’d seen him, he’d made her come more times than she could count.

  Leave it to them to do things backward.

  Pax continued to avoid the topic of his marriage and Reese didn’t push. She’d figured out most of it on her own, anyway. Reese hadn’t been entirely forthcoming, either. She’d never been married, but she’d been asked. Recently. Pax deserved to know, but how does one go about saying Hey, this guy I refused to marry keeps calling…

  Yeah, not so easy when the man she loved was looking for a reason not to trust her. Whether he realized he was doing it or not.

  One day, he’d trust her to protect his heart. The last thing she wanted to do was give him a reason not to.

  Reese filled her lungs, prepared to broach the subject.

  He’d be cool. Pax would see the situation for what it was. Reese wasn’t interested in Todd or anything he had to offer. Pax owned her heart. Okay, so she wouldn’t share that last part. Call it a defense mechanism. Whatever. Her heart wasn’t a card she was ready to play.

  “Tell me about the dress you’re wearing. I assume you’re in a dress?”

  Pax’s words startled her back to the conversation. “Well … yes. For the moment I am. A cocktail dress. Simple. Nothing flashy.” She was often expected to attend the fundraisers she planned. She dressed the part, but preferred to stay on the sidelines to make sure everything went as scheduled.

  “Gonna need a little more for the visual I’m trying to create here, sweetheart.”

  And she’d just lost her opening to a conversation that would now have to wait. Not for long, though. Soon.

  “It’s just a dress. Spaghetti straps. Modest…” She glanced at her cleavage. “…modest-ish. Black and turquoise. That’s sort of a green—”

  “I know what turquoise looks like. Keep going. Is it a long dress?”

  “No, short.”

  He growled. “How short?”

  Reese hummed into the phone, warming to his game. “Short enough.”

  “Take it off.”

  Her stomach clenched at the demand. “What?”

  “Take. It. Off.”

  Reese squeezed her legs together. She could come from the dominance in his voice. “I’ll have to put the phone down.”

  “Put me on speaker.”

  Reese stood and placed the phone on the table next to her bed. “Okay, mister bossy-pants. You’re on speaker.”

  “I seem to remember you enjoyed my commands once. Is my memory failing?”

  Reese shuddered a breath. “No.”

  “No, my memory isn’t failing? Or no, you didn’t enjoy it? I can’t see you, sweets. Can’t read your expressions or body language, so you’ll have to verbalize. Be specific, please, so I don’t misunderstand.”

  Fuck.

  Her whole body shook, a pulse that started in her pussy and traveled out in all directions.

  “Yes, Paxton.” She spoke strong and true. “I enjoyed your commands. Enjoyed them very much, as you well know. Your memory is quite intact.” She reached for the zipper hidden along her side. “Specific enough for you?”

  “It’s a start. Get that dress off. Just the dress.”

  “I’ve already taken my shoes off. If you tell m
e to put the hose back on, I might have to kill you.”

  “We’ll save that fantasy for another time. For now, do as I asked and then lie down on the bed.”

  “And then what?” Reese took her time with the zipper. Being sexy wasn’t her forte. Whenever she’d tried for a look or a pose, she felt awkward and silly. Yet, Reese found the act of stripping for a man who wasn’t there to see strangely erotic.

  Not any man. Paxton.

  “So impatient. Maybe we should stop.”

  Her fingers froze their downward movement. The dark edge in his tone warned he’d do it. She glared at the phone. “No.”

  He tsked. “No what, Reese?”

  Right. “I don’t want to stop.” Specific. “Undress me, Paxton.”

  An animalistic growl vibrated through the line. “The dress. Off. Now.”

  She imagined his eyes, heavy-lidded and hungry. His wicked lips, promising pleasure. His powerful hands, touching, teasing, demanding.

  She lowered her shoulders, allowing the tiny straps to fall across her biceps. A quick shimmy and the dress pooled at her ankles.

  “It’s off.” She stepped out of the material. The urge to hang it up tempted her. Would he stop the game if she diverted to the closet? She’d rather not find out.

  Clad in her bra and panties, Reese crawled up the bed, putting on a show he couldn’t see. She didn’t care. On hands and knees, Reese arched her back, raised her ass in the air and stretched her arms. The position tightened her panties, adding a delicious pressure that wasn’t enough.

  She imagined him spread across his bed, hard and aching. For her. Arousal filled her blood.

  More. She needed more. Reese rolled to her back. “I’m on the bed.”

  His voice lowered to a husky whisper. “And I’m a lucky man. Close your eyes, darlin’.”

  She did. His blatant sensuality warmed her, drew a moan from her lips as she waited for his next command.

  “Cup your breasts. Describe to me what you feel.”

  Reese was grateful to have both hands free as she palmed her breasts. “I feel lace. Black lace.”

  He chuckled. “Your eyes are supposed to be closed.”

  “They are. You said specific. I know what color my bra and panties are. Now, so do you.”