CHAPTER EIGHT
Noble stood on the driveway along with his brothers, camp employees, and a throng of smiling children, anxiously watching Norman pull his beefy Suburban to a stop next to the barn. Excitement hummed in the air.
Nate was finally home.
While his return didn’t change the extra work Noble and his other brothers had been putting in over the past two weeks to keep the camp running smoothly, it was damn good to have Nate home. Damn good that Noble wouldn’t have to make the two-hour, round trip, trek to Abilene anymore. Thank god! The long drive gave him entirely too much time alone to fixate on Ivy—which he did religiously, whether he wanted to or not. Reliving the astonishing night he’d spent with her, over and over again, was driving him crazy. The fact that he couldn’t go a day—hell, couldn’t go a fucking hour—without her image popping into his head annoyed the piss out of him. He couldn’t forget the feel of her nails digging into his flesh as each orgasm rolled her under, the sensation of her plump lips on his mouth, his cock, his balls, or anything else about the delicious minx.
For the love of… Stop thinking about her, numb-nuts!
Noble shook the memories from his brain and watched his dad unload a wheelchair from the rear hatch. His mom and Gina stepped from the car in unison, blatantly ignoring one another but smiling brightly to the group assembled around the driveway. The tension between the two palpably pulsed in the air, like it had each day at the hospital. Thankfully, their animosity hadn’t escalated into a scratching, clawing catfight. But Noble knew an unstable powder keg when he saw one. It was probably only a matter of time until one tiny spark incited an explosion of biblical proportions.
The back passenger door opened, and Nate stuck his head out, flashing a sheepish grin. A cacophony of cheers, whistles, and applause burst through the air.
Having Nate back on Grayson land filled Noble with a sense of peace he’d lost the second he’d read Sawyer’s text in Vegas. The memory of feeling so gut-twistingly helpless had no more fluttered through his mind when…bam…images of Ivy writhing beneath him, whimpering and screaming in ecstasy, plowed him under, like a fucking wrecking ball.
With an inward curse, he pushed the memories down deep and rushed to his twin. Gripping the armrest of the door, he dropped to his haunches alongside Nate. Noble didn’t have to see the pain straining across his brother’s face; he could feel the spikes of agony screaming along his own extremities.
“Let’s make your hello short and sweet so we can get you inside and pump you full of pain meds.”
A mixture of relief and gratitude flitted over Nate’s face. “Thanks, man.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t started moving you. Dad’s got the wheelchair. Do you want to go up to the house that way, or would you rather I just carry—”
“No. I’m not an invalid. Hoist me out of the car and set me in the damn chair, but first…I need to feel the ranch beneath my feet.”
“You got it.”
Norman eased the wheelchair in closer.
“Careful…don’t move him too fast,” Nola cautioned, sliding in behind Noble.
“I’ve got him, Ma,” he replied. “We’re doing fine.”
Nola nervously nodded and brushed a hand through Nate’s hair. “We’ll get you into the house and tucked into your own—”
“Actually, Ma,” Nate interrupted. “I’m only staying long enough to grab some clothes. I’m going to recuperate at Gina’s place.”
Nola reared back as if she’d been slapped.
“In a bar?” She narrowed her eyes, pinning Gina with a hateful glare. “I suppose you talked him into this, didn’t you?”
“No,” Nate barked before Gina could reply. “This was my choice…my decision.”
“Why?” Nola asked, her voice quivering.
Nate’s expression softened. “Because you have enough to deal with around here…the camp…the family. I won’t add to that. I love you, but I don’t want you hovering over me night and—”
“I don’t hover.” She bristled and quickly softened. “I just want to take care of you. Gina can’t do that and serve booze.”
Gina cocked her head as if ready to square off with their mom. Nate sent her a subtle shake of his head, warning her off. Crossing her arms over her chest, Gina’s lips thinned in an angry, tight line. Nate shot her a wink before turning his attention back to Nola.
“I don’t need her waiting on me hand and foot. I’m quite capable of doing a few things for myself. The things I can’t, Gina will help with before she opens the bar. If it doesn’t work out…” Nate shrugged. “I’ll come back home.”
Nola almost managed to bank her fury. “Well, you two have certainly worked it all out, haven’t you?”
“Yes, we have.” Nate nodded firmly. “I love you, Ma, but I’m a grown man, capable of making my own decisions.”
“Yes, I know. You reminded me every day you were in the hospital.” Her words were clipped in irritation and edged with insult.
“Let’s finish this conversation inside, shall we?” Norman’s tone was firm but calm as he jerked his head toward the welcoming party.
Embarrassment crawled across Nola’s face as she realized everyone was watching the heated exchange. Forcing a tight smile, she nodded. “Forgive me, son. I’m sure she’ll take good care of you.”
“I know she will.” Nate and Gina exchanged loving smiles.
“But how on earth is she going to get you up the stairs to her apartment?” Nola continued in a soft but terse whisper.
Nate glanced up at Noble. No words were necessary.
“I’m going to follow them back to town and get him settled in up there,” Noble announced, watching his mother’s nostrils flare. No doubt he’d just moved to the top spot on her shit list, but Noble didn’t care. His mom was in the wrong and doing wrong by treating Gina so poorly. Locking eyes with Nate, Noble arched his brows. “You ready?”
“Yeah. Let’s do this.”
Cinching his arm around his brother’s waist, Noble waited while Nate pivoted in his seat. He dragged in a deep breath and gripped Noble’s arm. Carefully, he eased Nate out of the vehicle. When Nate’s feet hit the pavement, he closed his eyes and exhaled the air he’d been holding with a mighty gust. His muscles trembled, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple as Noble supported his body.
Even while the thumping pain—holding him hostage via their twin bond—pulsed through his body, a surge of peace careened from Nate straight to Noble’s heart.
Seconds later, the serenity was wiped from them both as a bitter stab assailed Nate.
“Easy, bro. Just breathe. I’ve got you,” Noble assured.
He gave a jerky nod and sucked in a ragged breath. Norman slid the wheelchair in closer before Noble slowly inched Nate onto the seat. Jaw clenched and sweating profusely, he tucked his heavy casted arm against his chest as another round of applause and cheers went up all around them. Nate smiled tightly and waved again while Norman carefully lifted his injured leg and rested it on top of the elevated calf pad.
“There is no way on god’s green earth that Gina can help him in and out of bed. She’s not strong enough,” Nola hissed.
Fire shot from Gina’s eyes. Her patience had obviously come to a screeching halt. Noble was damn glad her Louisville Slugger, Martha, was tucked safely beneath the bar back in town.
“She’s a lot stronger than you think,” Nate assured with a scowl.
“She’s not strong—”
“Nola. Enough!” Norman chided in a sharp whisper. “They’ll get along just fine.”
Nate reached out and took Gina’s hand. Instantly, her irritation seemed to melt away. She flashed him a megawatt smile and linked fingers with him.
Nola’s eyes filled with tears as she watched her son choose the woman he loved over the one who’d brought him into the world. Seeing the devastation crushing her within nearly ripped Noble’s heart out. So did watching her turn and run into the house.
He couldn’t fault Nate for his decision. After all, their mom was the one who’d started this war. In essence, she’d been the driving force behind Nate having to even choose sides to begin with. Still, Noble didn’t understand the crux of his mom’s animosity toward the girl.
It was past time to find out.
“I’ll run inside and get your suitcase down from the closet,” Noble offered before jogging along the same path his mother had just taken.
The minute he stepped inside the house, he could hear her crushing sobs. He hurried into his parents’ room to find her on the edge of the bed. She had her hands pressed to her face and was crying her heart out. His mom was always the strong, resilient one who didn’t break down easily, and never like this. The sight of her crumbling now eviscerated him.
After striding into the room, Noble sat down beside her and hugged her tight. At first she jolted and tried to wiggle away, but he simply pulled her close against his chest, where she melted against him, crying ever harder.
“What’s going on, Mom? You haven’t been yourself for weeks. Do you honestly hate Gina so much you’re willing to drive a wedge between you and your own son?”
Nola reared back, eyes rimmed red but flashing wide. “Hate her? I don’t hate her. Yes, I’m scared she’s going to break my baby’s heart, but hate? Of course I don’t hate… Why would you think such a thing?”
Noble wrinkled his brows in confusion. “Maybe because you treat her like she’s a horse apple stuck on the bottom of your boot.”
“I do not!”
“You do. You treat April and Brea like queens, but not Gina. You treat her like she’s a leper.”
“April and Brea are my daughters-in-law.”
“And there’s a damn good possibility that Gina will be one, too. I’ve been around you for twenty-five years, and I’ve never heard you speak to anyone as hatefully as you do Gina.”
“Oh, god. Have I really been that horrible to her?” A new wave of tears spilled down her cheeks.
“Talk to me, Ma. What is really going on with you?”
“I-I c-can’t,” she sobbed.
Noble’s heart sputtered before hammering in his chest. A million paralyzing questions uncoiled in his head. He swallowed the lump of fear balling up in his throat and peered helplessly into her glistening eyes. “Are you sick? Do you have…c-cancer or something?”
Nola shook her head. “No…worse.”
Panic, feral and wild, clawed through him, leaving hemorrhaging gashes. Noble launched off the bed “I’m getting Dad.”
His mom reached out and snagged his wrist. “He already knows.”
“Knows what? Tell me, Ma. Tell me what’s wrong with you?”
She raised her head and looked up him. Anguish and fear lined her face. “I-I’m… Oh, honey. Your dad and I wanted to wait until Nate was back home… We wanted everyone here and were going to tell you all tonight at dinner, but—”
“Tell us what?” Noble bellowed, scrubbing a hand through his hair.
“I-I’m…pregnant.”
Pregnant?
The air in his lungs and every muscle in his body froze. While his brain was no longer envisioning her imminent death, he still couldn’t processes what she’d just told him. But he could see himself, seven years old again, peering into Norris’s baby bed and wondering why his parents had decided to bring the peeing, pooping, puking, squalling little nightmare home from the hospital.
“I…I don’t know how this happened,” Nola cried, tossing her hands into the air.
Noble smirked and quickly started reciting the same words she’d said to him when he’d asked her where babies came from years ago. “Well, when a mommy and a daddy really love each other…”
She glared at him. “Don’t be a smartass. I mean, I’m forty-nine years old. My baby factory should be closed…out of business. I-I haven’t had a… Oh, never mind. I’m not discussing my menstrual cycle with one of my sons.”
Noble sat back down on the bed and hugged her tightly. “Good thing Dad married you all those years ago.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’d hate to have to use that shotgun on dad for knocking you up.”
“This isn’t a joking matter, son,” she snapped, face lined in worry. “Because of my age, this pregnancy is classified as high-risk. The chance that this baby will be born without some…issues is slim to almost none.”
That information shook him hard…at first. Slowly, a knowing smile tugged his lips. “Our whole family dedicates our lives to kids with special needs. You’re forever telling us that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. He isn’t about to start now.”
“Oh, hush.” She sniffed as she wiped her eyes. “You don’t have to throw all my lectures back in my face.” Her shoulders sagged as she exhaled a heavy sigh. “This can’t be happening… It just can’t be. I’m too old to be a mother again. I don’t have the energy to chase after a toddler. For crying out loud, I’m supposed to be rocking and singing songs to my grandchildren.”
“Well, you won’t be getting any of those from me, thank god.”
“Oh, yes I will. One day I’ll be rocking your son or daughter.”
Like hell!
Steering their conversation away into calmer, less shark-infested waters, Noble chuckled. “So, what’s Dad think about being a new poppa again?”
“He’s already picked out names.” She rolled her eyes and frowned. “Nicholas if it’s a boy. Naomi if it’s a girl.”
“Strong ones. I like them.”
“I do, too. But…”
“No buts. That little life growing inside you is a Grayson. Whatever happens, he or she will be surrounded by love and that’s all that matters.”
She nodded and sent him a watery smile.
“You need to tell the rest of the family your news. But you need to talk to Gina first, in private, so you can apologize to her.”
“I’ve really been that…” A bewildered expression wrinkled her face.
“Nasty? Horrible? Rude?” he supplied. “Yes, and a whole lot more.”
“She’ll never forgive me. She’s going to hate me forever.” Nola buried her head in his chest as sobs ripped from the back of her throat again.
Noble held her close and kissed the top of her head. “I know you don’t know her yet, but Gina’s not like that. She’ll understand.”
Nodding, his mom sniffed. “Would you please ask her to come back here then?”
“Sure. While you two talk, I’ll help Nate pack.”
“Will Gina really take care of him as well as I would?”
Noble’s heart squeezed at his mom’s uncharacteristic insecurity. “No. Because no one could ever take care of any of us the way you do. But Gina will do anything to help him heal… They’re head over heels in love.”
“I’m glad, really I am. All I’ve ever wanted is for you boys to find a special woman to love and grow old with.” Pausing, she peered up at him. “Even you, my bed-hopping bachelor.”
Not in this lifetime.
“Sorry, Ma. You’re going to have to settle for five out of six storybook endings.
She softly patted a hand against the side of his face the way she used to when he was a child. “When you least expect it, some woman is going to come along and steal your breath, your heart, and your soul, sweet boy.”
Like a match to gasoline, her premonition sent images of Ivy to burst in his brain. She had definitely stolen his breath. Thankfully, she hadn’t had time to abscond with his heart or soul. But something deep down inside him said she easily could have.
Nate’s accident had undoubtedly saved Noble’s life. A shiver of relief zipped through him. “I’ll go find Gina.”
“Thank you, baby.”
Noble kissed her on the cheek and strolled out into the hall.
Passing Nate’s room, he found Gina all right…straddling his brother’s wheelchair. It appeared as if they were trying to suck the other’s tonsils out as they fed off each other like rabid dogs on a dead squirrel.
“I’d say get a room, but…” Noble taunted.
Gina jerked her mouth from Nate’s and quickly leapt off him. A pink blush stained her cheeks.
“No need to be embarrassed. I’ve been sucking the lips off women for years.”
“Which set?” Gina quipped with a saucy grin.
“Both.” Noble chuckled, then quickly sobered. “Mom wants to talk to you. She’s in her room.”
“Me?” Gina blinked before casting Nate a wary look.
“About what?” His brother’s tone was edged in suspicion.
“About the way she’s been acting,” he explained. Nate still looked skeptical. “I wouldn’t send Gina into the lion’s den if I thought the beast was going to maul her to death and you know it.”
Nate scoffed. “You don’t know how ravenous she’s been lately.”
Noble clapped his twin on the shoulder. Trust me. He mentally shoved the command.
“I’ll be fine,” Gina assured.
“I’m sure you will, but I’m coming with you. We agreed…I would handle her…attitude.”
“I’ll be fine,” she insisted.
“I know you will, but all these weeks you’ve been biting your tongue. Which I appreciate, but you don’t have to put up with shit just to keep the peace. If she starts bitching at you about me staying at your place, or anything else, you push back. Understood?”
“If I need to, I will.” Gina gave Nate a quick kiss. She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders, then strolled out of the room.
“What does Mom want to talk to her about?” Nate demanded.
“She wants to apologize and tell her the reason she’s been acting so…nasty.”
“What is it, menopause or something?”
“She wishes,” Noble mumbled.
“I don’t get it. Mom never once treated April or Brea like they were crack whores, only Gina.”
“It’s not Gina, bro.”
“Then what the hell is it?”
Noble exhaled a heavy sigh. He hadn’t planned to steal his folks’ thunder and spill the big news, but the worry plaguing Nate was singeing him as well.
“Mom’s pregnant,” he whispered.
“Pregnant!” Nate bellowed in disbelief.
Of course, as Murphy’s Law would have it, Nash glided into the room at that exact second. A sardonic smile tugged his lips. “You knocked Gina up, huh? Way to go, stud.”
“Not Gina, you asswipe,” Nate spat. “Mom.”
Nash’s smug demeanor morphed into shock and horror. “Mom is pregnant?”
“Goddamn it! Shut the fuck up, both of you,” Noble hissed.
“Noble Franklin Grayson… for the love of…” Nola yelled, barreling into Nate’s room. The second she slapped her hands on her hips and unfurled her bitch wings, Noble knew he was toast. “I didn’t tell you in private for you to go off and broadcast it to the whole world!”
Gina stepped in behind Nola wearing a smirk.
Seconds later, Sawyer, Brea, Ned, April, and Norris charged into the room, each wearing looks of astonishment.
An awkward silence descended.
Nash’s angry tone split the muted air. “You’re shitting us, right?”
“I wish I was,” Nola whispered, sadly.
“But…but… aren’t you and Dad too old to still be…you know, doing it?” Norris stammered as his cheeks grew red.
“We are not that old,” Nola defied indignantly.
When Norman breached the portal and took in the traumatized expressions of his children, he hurried to Nola’s side. Love, sympathy, and understanding etched his face as he hugged his frazzled wife and gave her a tender kiss. “I’ll have you know, Norris, I may not the be youngest rooster in the hen house, but I can still get the job done, son.”
Gina, April, and Brea giggled, while Noble and his brothers groaned.
“Young or old, you’ll always be my stud, baby,” Nola cooed with a naughty smile before she sent him an apologetic grimace. “I’m sorry for letting the cat out of the bag, but since Gina and Nate won’t be here for dinner, and—”
“I’m not upset, princess,” Norman assured.
“Thank you.”
She darted a nervous glance over her family and licked her lips. “It’s been brought to my attention that I’ve been acting like a shrew. I blame the hormones, but it doesn’t excuse the fact that I’ve hurt someone very important to this family. Gina has graciously accepted my apology, but I need to tell the rest of you how sorry I am for being so—”
“Bitchy and judgmental?” Sawyer supplied with a crooked grin.
“Yes.” Nola nodded contritely. “I’ll try and be—”
“Happy,” Norman interjected. “That’s all we want, is for you to be happy, my love. Having a baby is the most joyous thing on the planet.”
While his dad was clearly thrilled, Noble saw the shadows of worry clouding his mom’s eyes. She’d likely fret the entire…however long it would be until his new brother or sister was born.
“When are you due?” Brea asked.
“I have no idea.” Nola’s frowned. “I haven’t had a… I thought I was in the throes of menopause. Obviously that wasn’t the case. I saw Doc Knight before Nate’s accident. He’s said he’ll take a stab in the dark based on the measurements at my weekly visits.”
“Weekly? Why do you have to see him that often?” April asked, clearly concerned.
“Because of my age. This is a high-risk pregnancy.”
“High risk for what?” Norris asked, unable to mask his worry.
“Complications. But we’ll cross that bridge when and if we have to.”
“That being said, I expect you boys to pitch in more around the house so Mom can rest.” Norman’s commanding tone brooked no argument. Then he turned and nodded down at Nate. “All but you. You pack your things and work on getting well. The rest of us will handle the ranch and Mom till you’re back on both feet.”
Nola bent next to Nate’s wheelchair. “I’m sorry for hurting you and Gina, baby. Now be a good patient and not a cantankerous pain in her backside, or I’ll come to the bar and tan your hide.”
Nate chuckled. “I will.”
“And Gina, if you need anything, you be sure to call.”
“Yes, Mrs. G.”
“Good. Now I’m going to the kitchen to start dinner. Who wants to help?”
“I will,” Brea offered.
“Me, too,” April chimed in before they followed Nola out of the room.
“Norris…Nash, you two go on out there and set the table,” Norman directed. “I’ll be in to help Mom after Noble and I get Nate loaded up for the ride back to town.
As the rest of the family cleared out, Noble and Gina packed up Nate’s things. After loading the patient and things into the truck, they said a lengthy goodbye on the driveway, and headed toward town.
When Noble turned onto Main Street, he noticed several work trucks parked outside the clothing store that had gone belly-up months ago. “Wonder what they’re putting in over there?”
“It’s a new bakery,” Gina replied. “Supposed to open up after Christmas… January or February, I’m not quite sure of the date.”
“A bakery, huh?” Nate was probably already salivating. Unlike his sweet-toothed twin, Noble could take or leave most desserts. “Ever had icing licked off your body, baby?”
“Nate!” Gina chided. “We’ll discuss that once we’re alone, you naughty boy.”
“No sex talks until after I’m gone,” Noble groaned.
“Sounds like someone needs to get laid.” Nate laughed.
“I’ll be getting some before you will, gimpy.”
“His body might be out of commission, but my mouth works just fine,” Gina quipped with a saucy grin.
“Drive faster, man. Much, much faster,” Nate urged.
Noble rolled his eyes as he worked to block the memory of Ivy’s sinful mouth wrapped around his dick and the most sublime suction he’d ever felt. Biting back a snarl, he stopped the truck in front of the bar and killed the engine.
Thirty minutes later, after much muscle and maneuvering, Noble eased his brother onto Gina’s bed and wiped the sweat from his brow. Two seconds later, the woman climbed onto the mattress beside Nate.
Wanting to be long gone before she started drowning his brother in oral pleasure, Noble said goodbye and hurried out of the bar. Once he was alone in his truck, images of Ivy crashed through him, rolling him under in a tsunami of cock-straining memories.
Gripping the steering wheel, he exhaled deeply and surrendered. He let every minute detail about Ivy come out to torture him.
Her sweet, enticing peach scent started inundating his senses.
His fingertips tingled as he remembered the feel of her soft, supple skin.
His cock sprang to life, throbbing and straining as the sweet earthy flavor of her slick nectar sang over his taste buds.
Then out of the clear blue, his mother’s words slammed through him, washing every ounce of lust from his system. When you least expect it, some woman is going to come along and steal your breath, your heart, and your soul, sweet boy.
An icy, foreboding chill slithered up his spine.
No matter how vehemently he wished he could deny it, Ivy had somehow managed to crawl deep under his skin…branded herself into his psyche, and Noble had no fucking clue how to exorcise her memory.
He unleashed a feral growl, teeming in frustration, and slammed his fist against the steering wheel.
The fact that he’d never see Ivy again should be filling him with relief. Instead, pangs of regret and mourning gnawed at him, like an all-you-can-eat buffet, both night and day. The little vixen had cast some kind of wicked spell on him. Because unlike with any of his usual bed-bunnies, Noble would give his left nut to spend one more night with Ivy, to drag her beneath him and sink balls-deep into her silky cunt. Just thinking about her tight walls sucking at his shaft made him itch like a bad case of poison ivy.
“Poison Ivy.” A humorless chuckle slid off his tongue. There wasn’t a more fitting name for the sexy, mind-melting siren.
Scrubbing a hand over his face, Noble started the engine and backed out of the parking space. Passing the grocery store, he noticed a flutter of purple. He eased off the accelerator and peered out the driver’s-side window.
Wearing a flowing, purple blouse, Trudy clung to a skinny, nerdy-looking geek in thick glasses, wearing a cheap knock-off pair of cowboy boots. She tossed her head back and let out a shrill laugh as they stood beside a sleek, red sports car. When the guy bent to open the door for her, Trudy grabbed him by the back of the neck and slammed a lip lock over his mouth.
“Well, well,” Noble mumbled under his breath. “That’s got to be the infamous, hair-triggered, little-dicked fiancé, Calvin. You poor, pitiful bastard…if you only knew.”
Not my zoo…and thank god, not my fucking hyena!
Across the street, the sound of hammers and the scream of a table saw snagged all his attention. Rolling to a stop, he peered past the freshly washed windows of the new bakery. Inside, several workers were hanging drywall and slapping putty on the seams, while a couple others stood on tall ladders, tacking fancy scrolled cornices against the edge of the ceiling. Off to one side of the room, high-dollar rounded-glass stainless steel display cases sat in a row. After mentally adding up the price tag for such lavish upgrades, Noble let out a long, low whistle. Someone was pouring a shit-ton of money into that old building.
His cell chimed, drawing his attention away from the construction. Slowing to the stop sign at the end of Main Street, he plucked the device from his pocket and glanced at the text from a longtime bed-bunny.
Bonnie: I heard Nate’s back home. Hope that means you have time on your hands to play with this…
Seconds later, a photo that gave a whole new meaning to the term selfie filled his screen. Instead of turning the corner toward Bonnie’s house and slamming a foot to the gas pedal, Noble cocked his head and studied the image.
“How the hell…?”
She had to have twisted herself into a knot in order to capture such a wide-open, leave-nothing-to-the-imagination shot. But what shocked him more was the fact that the sight of Bonnie’s plump, pink pussy didn’t even make his cock twitch.
He turned off his phone, dropped it on the seat, and looked down at his snoozing dick.
Tendrils of panic spilled through him.
“You poisoned me real good, didn’t you…Poison Ivy?”
With a screech from his tires, Noble gunned the engine and headed back home.