anything but ‘traditional,’ judging by what they’re saying. It’s an
‘adults only’ sort of store but only sells things for ladies.”
She was willing to admit to a spark of interest, but only a spark. “I
wonder what kinds of things they sell?”
“All I can tell you is that their men seem to like it when they go
shopping there. Maybe you can tag along next time they go.”
She snuggled closer, wriggling in his lap a little, and felt his
hardening erection against her backside. “Seems to me like you’re
intrigued by the idea as well, honey.”
“Playing with fire, darlin’, and yes, I’m very intrigued.” He
nuzzled her throat as his hand slid over her knee and caressed her
thigh beneath the hem of her knee-length black skirt.
“I’ll make a point of doing that. Plus, it would be nice to spend
some time with Grace and Teresa. I haven’t done that near enough.”
She was changing that.
Spurs and Heels
175
Chapter Seventeen
Ash helped Juliana from her Camaro then lifted her garment bag
and overnight case from the trunk and loaded them into Adam’s SUV
for her. As he turned to Juliana, Charity pulled up and joined their
group. Adam, Juliana, Rosemary, Charity, and Eli were making the
three-hour trip to Tillman that afternoon.
Angel, Teresa, Joaquin, and Michael had left the night before and
made it to Tillman in time, before Teresa’s mother passed away due
to complications from a stroke. The five of them were going to
Tillman as a show of support for their friends but also to help out in a
much more concrete way. Teresa had been victimized three years
before by the son of a couple who had a lot of power in the town of
Tillman. There was strength in numbers.
Ash appreciated how this close-knit family closed ranks around
Teresa. In his way, he was doing what he could to help by holding
things down at the ranch so that all the other men could be in Tillman.
Juliana was going, as well, because she was close to Teresa and had
grown up knowing the Palacios family and mourned Mrs. Palacios
passing.
“Call me tonight?” Ash asked as he took her in his arms. She
looked tired, and he wondered if she’d gotten much sleep the night
before.
“I’ll call you after the visitation and let you know how it all
went.”
“I’ll look forward to your call.”
Ash was slipping into bed later that night when his phone rang.
“Hello, cowboy.” Juliana sounded thoroughly wrung out.
176
Heather Rainier
“Hey, city girl. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just…” Her voice trailed off, and he heard her sigh.
“I’m just grateful.”
“Grateful?”
“Yeah, grateful for the life I have. For you. For wonderful friends
like we have. You would not believe what happened tonight.”
Juliana gave him a few details of how the visitation went and what
it had been like to watch Teresa speak up for herself, with all her
friends at her back, defending her with their presence.
“I was proud to be a part of that group. The Ferraros never even
got a glimpse of Michael. I think Angel and Joaquin are planning to
bring Teresa’s dad back with them when they come home.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Exhausted. But exhilarated, as well. We should be home by
lunchtime tomorrow.”
“Are you getting ready for bed?”
“I’m already in bed.”
“Are you sharing a room?”
“No. I booked my own so I could stay up and read if I wanted to.
The others were exhausted. I’m sure they’re already asleep. I also
wanted to be able to call you.” Her voice had taken on a husky, sexy
quality, like she was stretching out naked.
“I see. Are you under the covers?”
“Yes.”
“And if you’re by yourself, you’re either wearing that scandalous
lace nightgown, or you’re wearing nothing at all.”
“I brought the gown, but it’s still in my luggage.”
“So, you’re in bed, talking on the phone with me, and you don’t
have a stitch on?”
“Not even half a stitch. I’m naked,” she whispered in a sultry tone.
Hot fucking hell, if his dick didn’t sit up and beg. He checked that
his bedroom door was locked and then lay back down on the bed, his
cock perpendicular and demanding.
Spurs and Heels
177
Juliana asked, “What about you?”
“You know how I sleep, darlin’.” He stroked his engorging shaft
as it hardened and tingled almost painfully.
“Mmm, yes I do. Is your cock hard?”