It Was Always You Read online

  “No you don’t.” He forked some eggs into his mouth.

  “Cade and I—” He closed his mouth when Nate pointed. Cracking his neck, Zane padded to the door where he hit the outside switch and went to his truck. I’ll be damned.

  He opened it, the light illuminating the keys dangling from the ignition and the sheet of paper on the steering column. Zane snagged it and read the words printed there.

  Welcome Home

  “Thanks, Zoë.” He swiped the keys and backed out before shutting the door. For a moment there he wasn’t sure she’d even cared he’d returned as distant as she’d been.

  “What time did she drop it off?” He posed his question as he poured himself some coffee.

  “No clue. It was there when I woke. Help yourself to some food.”

  Zane did. He must have been exhausted if he hadn’t woken when she arrived to leave it there. “Where’s Cade?”

  “Gassing up the gators.” He drank some coffee. “Don’t worry, he’s doing one for you as well. We were going to wake you.”

  “With a bucket of cold water, no doubt.”

  Nate grinned. “No doubt. Glad you’re home, bro.”

  “Thanks.”

  ***

  After working the ranch until the afternoon, Zane showered and got in his truck. Not much later he pulled into Duncan’s Garage. Parking, he made his way inside where rap played loudly.

  “Well fuck me sideways and beat me with a wooden spoon, look what the cat dragged in.” The male voice rang with welcome and happiness. “Heard you were back.”

  Zane looked across the room. “Thomas. Good to see you man.”

  “Matt and Eric will be back soon. I know they want to see you.” They hugged and stepped back. “You look like shit.”

  “Thanks.” He forced a smile aware Thomas spoke the truth.

  “Something wrong with the job she did on your truck?” He gestured with the rag in his hand.

  “Not at all. I came to pay.”

  Thomas stroked his goatee before smoothing a hand over his cornrows. “She didn’t charge you?”

  “Nawh man. I dropped it off for a tune-up. It was out front of the house this morning.”

  “That’s odd. She will usually leave the bill if she drops off. There was nothing there?”

  “Just a sheet saying ‘welcome home’ but nothing else.”

  “No charge, man. She’s right, welcome home.” He held up a hand. “You want to argue, she’s in the office. I’ll be out here with the music up loud so I can’t hear her read you your rights.”

  “Zoë? No way. She was always so quiet.” She was sweet.

  He snorted. “Times change and so do people. You know all that military training?” Zane nodded. “Keep that in mind. Good luck.” Thomas strode away. “Because she’s in some kind of fucking mood today.”

  The music blared as he pushed through the door and made his way behind the counter in the waiting room and on to the hall leading to the office. The garage music faded slightly as he continued on his way. He knocked briskly on the door.

  “Anyone here?” He stuck his head in.

  Zoë sat at the desk, fingers poised at the keyboard. Big brown eyes stared at him.

  “Zane,” she said. “What are you doing here?” Her gaze darted left then right before staring back at him.

  “Have a minute?”

  “Sure. Just shut the door so I don’t hear that—never mind, leave it open. What can I do for you?”

  He left the door cracked an inch then sat opposite her. She had on a ball cap with Duncan’s Garage on it along with another shapeless pair of coveralls. Still, her thick lashes framed her eyes in sultry manner.

  He shifted on the seat, screeching that thought to a swift halt. She watched him, a bit of nervousness in her expression. Why is she nervous around me?

  “First, thank you for fixing my truck.”

  She shrugged. “It’s a garage, it’s what we do.”

  “Now, about payment. And why are you shaking your head?”

  “Because it was on the house.”

  “No.”

  Her gaze hardened. “This isn’t up for negotiation. Duncan’s Garage is not charging you.” There existed no room in her tone for discussion on the matter.

  “Dinner as a thank you?” He tried to grin but it felt rusty.

  Her expression closed down and her eyes turned arctic. “I don’t need to do favors just to get a meal.”

  He furrowed his brow. “Now, hang on, Zoë. That wasn’t my intent at all.”

  She put her hands flat on the desk. “Just because your brothers and mine scare off most men, I’m not a charity case and I don’t need the great war hero Zane Kendrick to do me any favors.” Her gaze gave him frostbite and her lush lips were pressed in a tight line.

  Wait. Why am I thinking of her mouth as lush?

  “I don’t need your sympathy any more than I need theirs. Get out.” She fairly ended on a scream.

  Zane rose partly when she shot up from her chair. She stomped by him muttering something along the lines of skewering all men.

  Thomas entered the room after she vacated it, laughing. “I see you weren’t spared her wrath.”

  “I don’t know what I did.”

  Thomas sat behind the desk. “You spoke to her. She’s been moody. We caught her at The Roadside with some guys we didn’t approve of.”

  “We?”

  Thomas grinned. “My brothers and I were out with yours.”

  Zane nodded, clarity sinking in. “Gotcha. And does she go there often?”

  “Don’t know. We were shocked to see her there. Not a place we frequent.” He slapped his hands on the desktop. “Anyway, ignore her. We need to go out and catch up.”

  Zane rose. “Definitely. I’ll see you around, Thomas.”

  “You got it, bro.”

  Zane knew where he was going tonight. Her fire intrigued him in a way he wasn’t sure he wanted to delve into yet.

  ***

  She hadn’t been at The Roadside as he figured but he recognized her Subaru Outback in another bar’s lot farther from Springwood.

  Trader’s was the name. The parking lot overflowed with a mixture of bikes, trucks, and cars. Good place as any for a drink.

  Booming hard rock met him as he strode to the door. He stepped in and scoured the crowd. He didn’t see her. But he heard her. Her laughter snaked through the air to him. The crowd parted and he had a direct line of sight to the side where the pool tables were.

  The reality of what—or rather who—was before him didn’t register right away. For the time he had been mesmerized by an extremely sexy and sensual woman in the midst of all those men.

  Her white, ribbed, off-the-shoulders, three-quarter-length sleeve shirt was in stark contrast to her dark skin. It was a lacy and ribbed material offering hints at the unknown lying beneath. A skin-tight candy-apple-red leather skirt barely hit her mid-thigh and the white fuck-me stilettos completed the ensemble.

  His cock went rock hard in seconds. Whoever is taking her home is a lucky son of a bitch. She tossed her head, causing her curly hair to allow him to see her face as she leaned over to line up her shot. Half the people there were trying to look up her skirt.

  In that moment, it hit him who he was panting after like the rest of the men in attendance. Zoë. On the heels of his lust rose raw possessiveness. He struck out toward her, yanking a man up by the shirt on his chest and growled, “Eyes off.”

  “Man, have you seen that ass?”

  “Look again and I will make it the last thing you ever see.” He launched him away with a single motion of his arm.

  “Zoë.”

  She gazed back at him, tongue swiping her lips adding instant shine to them. “Oh shit.” She gathered herself. “Hello, Zane.”

  That’s right, baby. It’s me.

  ***

  Zoë wasn’t sure if she wanted to sink below the floor or run. Zane’s expression would have scared an angry grizzly. Dammit
, I’m a Duncan and we neither run nor hide. Plus, it’s not his business where I am or what I’m doing. Why can’t these guys just leave me alone to get on with my life?

  She turned up her lips to a full smile. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” In any way. Facing the table, she bent to line up for her shot. “Excuse me,” she muttered, nudging him with her hip.

  Zane moved enough for her to slide by but not enough for her not to continue feeling the rough of his jeans along the backs of her thighs. She ignored the yearning burning in her gut and took her turn. Perhaps Cora was onto something here. Maybe this night of test running an outfit like this can be put to use.

  His large hand landed on her waist, the moment she stood. “We need to talk.”

  “Nothing to say. If you’re here to act like your brothers or mine, just turn around and leave.”

  “Now, Zoë.” His tone was hard.

  “Oh for— One moment guys.”

  “He bothering you, Zoë? We’ll kick him out.”

  Zane drew her back so they were pressed tight to one another and glared at the man who’d uttered those words. His fingers dug possessively into her flesh. “You can try.”

  The words rumbling from his throat were drenched by danger. While the rest of the room proceeded as a typical night in a bar, Zoë was well aware that tensions had accelerated with the speed of a bullet train.

  Seven men stepped closer. Zane, in the space of a heartbeat, had put her behind him. “This isn’t a situation you will win.” Zane’s tone smacked with his confidence in personal victory. Not arrogantly. Matter-of-factly.

  “Guys, let it go. This is another one who thinks he’s my older brother. I’ll be right back.”

  “The fuck I think of myself as your older brother. Answer something for me. What the hell are you doing in a place like this?” he demanded when they were off to the side slightly. “And wearing”—he gestured at her attire—“this?”

  “I get enough from the other Kendrick boys. You’ve been gone from my life for eighteen years, Zane. You have no right to treat me like I’m in middle school. And there’s nothing wrong with my outfit. In fact, a lot of the women in here are wearing less. I don’t have to wear coveralls every second of my day. If I’m so hideous to look at then leave,” she tossed out, hoping the pain in her words was hidden.

  His eyes blazed with a myriad of emotions. “I know you’re not.” He stepped closer, forcing her back against the wall. “Trust me. Seeing you like this, I’m well aware of how grown you are. And you’re far from hideous. You’re fucking gorgeous and sexy as hell.”

  Zoë had been infatuated with him as a young girl and apparently still had such feelings. Faced with it and every consequence which may make her life from this point forward hell, she made her choice. She acted in response on a cellular level. No calculating costs or risks any further. No what if’s. The only way to describe her reaction was visceral. Molecular. Necessary.

  Emboldened or blinded by her lust for Zane she covered his cock with her hand and squeezed, not painfully yet more than enough so he knew it wasn’t an accidental touch.

  The heat increased as the storm brewing between them did. “Zoë.”

  A beg. A warning. She didn’t know nor did she care. “How aware, Zane?”

  “Enough that I’m ready to fuck you on the goddamn pool table.”

  Electricity rocketed to her clit and nipples. She flicked her tongue over her lips; his eyes tracked the motion.

  “I’m not up for the table but I’d take the back of your truck.”

  He gripped her tighter, flexing his hips into her. “You’re playing with fire.”

  No, she didn’t think so. She was capitalizing on what may very well be her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

  She slid an arm up around his neck, grateful her stilettos gave her the ability to do so with more ease. Sinking her hand in the hair at his neck, she skimmed her nails along his nape.

  “How much consent do you need, Zane? I’m definitely not underage. You know this.” Pulling his head, she met him for an open-mouthed, tongue-dueling, hungry kiss. If she’d been hot for him before that paled in comparison to the raging heat in her now.

  He tasted unlike anything she could recall. Masculine—yes, but there was something else. Something…more. He ate her moan as his hands settled upon her ass, grinding into her hand.

  Nothing mattered but the intensity of his kiss. The wall at her back jarred her senses. Heart racing, blood pounding, she leaned away. Everyone watched them. Zane had put them against the back wall.

  “We’re leaving,” he rumbled.

  “I’m in the middle—”

  “No. You’re not.” He held her gaze. “We’re leaving. Now.” His voice was low and ragged. Hard to decipher.

  Those she’d played pool with all backed away, giving them space. She stole a peek at him. His carriage, rigid and dangerous. Every inch of him screamed warrior. Coiled. Alert. Deadly.

  Between them, the air crackled with vibrating tension. Contrary to his voice, the hand on her waist, while possessive and unyielding, didn’t hurt her at all.

  He slammed the door open, jarring it on the hinges. She began to head for her car yet he refused to let her go.

  “My car is over there.”

  “Don’t care,” he said, directing her to his truck.

  He unlocked the driver’s door. She dug her feet in. Zane slashed his gaze to her. On the inside she quaked but on the outside, she refused to let her emotions show.

  “Get in.”

  “No.”

  Thick brows converged. “Why not?”

  “I’m not leaving my car here. I’ll follow you to the garage and go anywhere you want.”

  She expected him to argue but he escorted her to her SUV after he slammed his door. When she sat behind the wheel he left her after one more toe-curling kiss.

  Her hands shook as she started the engine. Her pussy wept with preparation. Shifting into gear, she drove out of the parking lot. His large truck filled her rearview. Her gut clenched. He maintained an exact distance behind her. If she sped up, so did he. Same if she slowed.

  She pulled into the garage lot and killed the engine. With a final deep breath, she reached for the handle only to find the door open. Zane loomed over her, still ever the gentleman, he held out a hand.

  Again, he led her to the driver’s door and she climbed in. His hand on her bare thigh halted her from leaving the middle section. She shivered at the rasp of calluses on her skin.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Somewhere we won’t be interrupted.”

  Every cell in her body, at his words, experienced a tremor with the decadent promise falling from his lips.

  “Oh.” Great job, Zoë, sound incompetent.

  She recognized the spot when he pulled off the road. A popular spot for the locals to visit. Wide fields dotted with tall trees. He shut off his truck and stepped out. Zane stuck his hand out and beckoned to her. She skimmed her tongue over her lips, took a deep breath, and placed her hand in his.

  Chapter Three

  Zane drew her toward him, sliding her along the leather bench seat of his truck. The drive had been good for it allowed his anger to diminish. Zoë had said her brothers—along with his—had been taking her from area bars. If she’d been dressing like this they should be shadowing her much more closely.

  Finding her there dressed as she was with all those hungry men staring at her had released a beast he’d not known lived within him. As a man who’d spent his years in the Army honing his skills to kill had found himself desperate to do just that to all there who dared put eyes on her.

  The light whiff of candied lemon reached him. Zoë stared up at him, her legs pressing against his. Whenever she’d gone and grew up he didn’t have a clue. All he did know was she’d unleashed a craving within him.

  He cupped her face, her features delicate compared to his large, scarred hands. I’m no good for her. If I were smart, I would drive lik
e Lucifer himself were chasing me back to her car and drive on without looking back, leaving her there. Alone.

  When his lips claimed hers, he realized and accepted he was a dumbass, for he had no intention of going anywhere except deep inside her body. She parted beneath him, her tongue there to meet his seeking one. A possessive growl slid from his throat.

  A tiny, minuscule voice of reason tried once more to be heard over his raging hormones. It gave him a moment of hesitation. The decision was taken from him when her hands—strengthened by working in the shop—dug into his shoulders pulling them back together.

  He curled his arms around her, pressing her curves against him. She wriggled closer still. Her teeth nipped at his lower lip as her fingers sought and found his bare torso, nails digging in lightly.

  He tore his mouth away and yanked her shirt up and off over her head. The moonlight shone down, allowing him to see the silvered gray of her strapless bra. Those suits hid this hot body?

  With one hand, he trailed it up one silken thigh to the edge of her skirt. His other he lifted to her chest and skimmed it along the swells of her firm breasts. Beneath his fingertips, her heartbeat quickened.

  Hooking his finger between her breasts, he freed them. He ducked head and flicked his tongue over one nipple. A ragged whimper left her. He cupped the right one as he sucked the left nipple into his mouth.

  She gripped the back of his head, holding him tight. Zane sucked and laved her breasts. Both, plying them with equal attention.

  He moved the hand between her legs up until he found her panties. The proof of her desire, right there. Zane drew them down and shoved them past her knees until they tumbled off those fuck-me stilettos. Widening her legs, he stepped between them, pushing up her skirt, and yanked her up to his hard cock that pressed tight against his jeans.

  “Zoë.” His voice fell from his mouth, graveled and deep.

  She readjusted her hands and put them to his waistband, working at undoing the button on his jeans. “Kiss me, Zane,” she whispered as the button slipped free of the hole.

  He complied, allowing her taste to sink back into his taste buds. His breath hitched when she slid her hands into his jeans. Her warm hand curved around his hard cock.