Copper Lining (The Cardwell Family Series Book 3) Read online

  Mom takes a moment to introduce Dad to Minka. If I had my way, I’d be introducing Minka to my whole family as my girl, but that’s just not in the cards.

  “Hey!” Maybelle and Sawyer stride into the kitchen. “This place smells incredible.”

  “Grab a drink,” Caroline says.

  After everyone’s been greeted and Minka’s been introduced to Sawyer. We fill up our plates and filter into the dining room. I sneak glances at Minka throughout the meal, catching her staring at me a few times.

  The conversation centers mostly on Minka. I almost want to tell everyone to leave her alone, but Minka takes it all in stride, answering with confidence.

  “So, how are you enjoying your time here in our little town?” Mom asks.

  “Well, I’ve only been here a few days, but the parts I’ve seen are quite charming. Working with Wes at the farmers market was a lot of fun.”

  Maybelle’s eyes meet mine, and she waggles her brows. I shake my head in warning.

  After I inhale my second helping of Mom’s biscuits and gravy, I walk into the kitchen and rinse off my plate. Maybelle saunters into the kitchen and I can’t help but laugh.

  “I haven’t said anything yet, and you’re already laughing.”

  “I know what you’re going to say.” I open the dishwasher and set my plate on the bottom rack.

  “She’s great. Seriously.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know.”

  My family filters into the kitchen. They mingle around, snacking and talking about the Fourth of July festivities.

  Shit. It’s almost July.

  “Wes, why don’t you show Minka around,” Maybelle insists.

  And I’m actually grateful for the suggestion. With my family, I barely got a word in at brunch. I grab a beer from the fridge and a can of spiked seltzer for Minka.

  “We’ll start with the stables, sound good?”

  She nods and takes the seltzer from my hand. “I really like your mom.”

  “Yeah, Mom’s a charmer.”

  “And, man, can she bake.” Her eyes roam up my body as she tips back her drink.

  “She’ll be happy to know you really like her food. I think she was a little nervous and hoping for your approval.”

  “Your mom could easily have a food blog. I mean the texture of those buttermilk biscuits and that homemade jam . . . Are you kidding me—I’m half tempted to ask her for the recipes. But if I keep eating all this good southern comfort food, my ass won’t fit in my jeans.”

  I glance at her ass. “I’ve got no complaints.”

  She shakes her head and laughs. “You . . . oh, never mind.”

  “Never mind what?”

  We trek along the path in front of the stables.

  “I was about to tell you to stop flirting with me, but now I think I don’t want you to stop.”

  My brows rise. “Really?” I pull open the barn doors. The smell of wood and leather hangs in the air. I fill my lungs with all the goodness.

  “Yeah, really.” She pauses and stares down the breezeway. “Wow, this is incredible. Holy crap, are these reclaimed bricks?’

  I nod. “You haven’t seen anything yet. These stone columns and iron railings have been here since my great-grandfather built the place.”

  “So much history.” Her hand passes over the stones as her eyes close.

  “I want to show you something.” I take her hand in mine.

  “Okay.”

  “Have you ever been on a four-wheeler?”

  She shakes her head. “Can’t say that I have.”

  “Well, you’re in for a treat.”

  Minka swings her leg up and over the seat. I settle myself right behind her. She’s the perfect fit and I love that her delicious ass presses against my cock.

  “I thought these things were called quads?” Minka ties her hair back. Women can produce a hair tie like a magician does a bunny from a hat.

  I laugh. “One in the same, sweet thing.”

  “Sweet thing? What happened to princess?” She leans back, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  Holy fuck, is she flirting with me?

  “Would you prefer cupcake?”

  She tosses her head back in a fit of laughter. “That’s Miss Cupcake to you.”

  “Hold on tight, cupcake.” I give the thing some gas and tease the engine.

  Minka’s whole body vibrates with excitement as we tear out of the pole barn.

  I give it more gas and Minka squeals with laughter as we race across the land. The wind blows past us, the warmth hitting my ears and pure joy takes over.

  “Oh my gawd, this is insane,” Minka calls out.

  Ten minutes later, I stop the ATV by the river. We walk toward the riverbank and I watch Minka as her eyes scan the rolling acres of land, miles of fence, and the stables.

  “Wow, this is some view. The distillery looks like a castle from down here. I hadn’t realized just how high up it is.”

  “Yeah, pretty sure old great-granddad, Sam, did that on purpose.” I walk toward the bridge and remove the loose board on the post.

  “On purpose for what?”

  “I’m certain it was a big fuck you to Clarence Stratton.” I nod toward the other side of the river. “See that big house over there with the huge barn. That used to be Caroline’s family property, Cranberry Ridge.”

  “Oh, but now it’s the bed and breakfast that Maybelle owns, right?”

  “It is.” I lift the lid and pull out a bottle of bourbon. Sam’s Original. I found a few bottles down in the cellar at the lake house. So, I hid one out here for when Brant and I’d go riding.

  “This is Sam’s Original.” I unscrew the cap and take a long pull.

  Her eyes go wide. “This was my favorite.”

  “Have a taste.”

  I hand her the bottle and she takes a small sip.

  “Damn, it’s just as good as I remember.”

  I take the bottle and lead Minka toward the big rock across the bridge where we sit in the shade.

  “Caroline and her family didn’t have it easy. When her dad died, they had to sell off their farm and all the equipment. They had a few hard years and from what Caroline says, they almost lost the house. Her family should’ve had this land from the beginning. Clarence and Samuel should have run the distillery together as partners.”

  I let out a deep sigh. Minka rubs my back.

  “Well, look at everything that’s happening now—everyone seems to be right where they’re supposed to be.”

  The breeze catches a strand of her dark hair, and I brush it back from her face.

  “I suppose that’s true, although—”

  She laughs. “Although you’d rather be on the beach.”

  “True. But a beautiful woman by my side, a sunny afternoon, and a good drink . . . yeah, this seems like a good place to be.”

  Her lips are inches from mine. Her chest rises and falls as I stare into her eyes. When she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, I don’t hesitate to kiss her.

  She groans, inviting me to deepen the kiss. I push my tongue between her lips, finding her tongue.

  I get lost in the kiss. It all rushes back to me—the beach, the smell of coconut, the taste of her.

  All these months of being without her, I pour all that agony and frustration into this kiss. My hands move to her ass and she shifts toward me. I lift her up and put her on my lap, and she grinds her hips against me.

  Fuck.

  If we don’t stop, I’ll have to get her naked right here.

  Minka sighs, her soft lips are perfect against mine. Her arms travel up my chest and wrap around my neck, fingers tangling in my hair.

  She slows the kiss, pecking softly before breaking away entirely.

  “Wow,” she whispers against my lips.

  “Yeah, just think we could’ve been doing this days ago.”

  She smirks. “Looks like we’ve got some time to make up for.”

  “This what you want?
”

  My answer is her sweet lips on mine.

  Sealed with a kiss. Green light . . . go.

  Minka

  Wes couldn’t get us back to the main house fast enough.

  He parks the ATV and helps me down. An arrogant, cocky smirk twists up his gorgeous lips. He stares at me with intensity. It’s as if he knows there’s a burning desire for him spreading through my entire body.

  It’s been way too long since I’ve touched Wes. Way too long since I’ve made him moan with pleasure.

  He leans in, pinning me against the wall, and kisses me. He grinds his cock against my stomach, if only I could lift up a bit. I’m sure my panties are soaked.

  He groans, and I take that as an invitation to deepen the kiss.

  When the tip of his tongue slides against mine, my panties might as well combust into flames.

  “As much as I’m enjoying this, I don’t want my mom and dad to see what I’m about to do to you.”

  I laugh and my fist pounds against his chest. “Right.”

  “Let’s get outta here.”

  “Okay,” I agree, and Wes pulls me out of the barn and down the path behind the stables. “Oh, shoot, wait.”

  He shakes his head. “What?”

  “I came here with Brant and Caroline. Won’t it look weird if I leave with you?”

  He’s quiet for a moment. “I’ve got an idea,” he snaps his fingers. “How about we tell everyone that you’ve had an idea for work and you asked me for some help. Not that you need my help.”

  “No, but that’s good.” He runs his thumb over my swollen lips.

  “You have no idea how good I’m going to make you feel.”

  “Show me.”

  Wes’ dark gaze grows sharp. “Woman, you don’t know what you’re saying right now—unless you want me to take you here in the middle of the stables.”

  “I’m not saying no to the idea.”

  My eyes drop to his lips, and all I see is satisfaction painted on his face. I kiss him, opening my mouth and tasting him.

  His hands curve around my ass, and he pulls me closer. My whole body clenches with need.

  One moment I’m kissing him, the next he’s hoisting me up by the back of my thighs, his mouth again on mine.

  Thoughts scatter when his teeth drag over my earlobe where he nips.

  “Please,” I whisper.

  “I love to hear you beg, especially when I’m deep inside you and you’re moaning my name. I’m going to make you come until you can’t take it anymore.”

  My nipples, which are already hard and puckering against the fabric of my strapless bra, ache with need at Wes’ deep voice. “Is that a promise?”

  Wes growls and releases the hold he has on me. “Don’t test me, woman.”

  A delicious shiver rolls through me, and I wonder why the hell I’ve denied myself the pleasure this man gives me.

  Wes

  We say our goodbyes and I can’t get Minka to the house at the lake fast enough. I don’t want to think about how many laws I break on the way.

  Anticipation. That’s the feeling buzzing through every muscle in my body.

  “You have no idea how much I want you,” she tells me as we cross the threshold and crash into the mudroom.

  “I have some idea.” Smiling, I stroke her over the fabric of her panties. “I need you in my bed, Minka. I’m not fucking around. I need to be inside you.”

  “Well, what are you waiting for?”

  My plans for her are shaping up to be pretty dirty.

  “Can you stay the night?”

  “Tomorrow is a workday, and I didn’t bring anything for a sleepover.”

  “Who said anything about sleeping?” I cock a brow.

  The door closes behind us. I’ve got her right where I want her. Minka kisses me slowly, and my tongue strokes against hers.

  My fingers tangle in her hair, angling her head back, moving my lips over the base of her throat. She moans when my teeth scrape against the delicate skin.

  “I think my panties are about to hit the floor,” she murmurs against my lips.

  “That’s an excellent place for your panties right now.”

  My fingers move under her skirt. I push my thumbs inside the fabric, and they slide all the way down. “Fuck, I can smell you.”

  “That’s what you do to me.”

  In a blur of movements, her panties are on the floor, and I haul Minka over my shoulder. She yelps as I trek up the stairs.

  “I want you in my bed.”

  When we reach the bedroom, her ass hits the comforter as my knees drop to the mattress.

  “You have me in your bed. Now, what are you going to do?”

  “Watch and see, beautiful.”

  Every word that leaves her sweet mouth is a dare. Now it’s time for me to show her just how good things will be between us. She needs a reminder in the worst way.

  Her legs fall apart, and she’s bared to me.

  Holy fuck my life.

  My mouth lands on her pussy, and she lets out a moan. A shiver works through her entire body as I spear my tongue inside her.

  “So fucking sweet.”

  Her flavor is just as I remembered it—intoxicating and all Minka. I breathe in and devour her sweetness.

  My breath fans over her skin, and I kiss her right above her glistening slit. I tease her until she’s squirming with need.

  Minka’s fingers dig into my hair, and her nails scrape across my scalp. I use my shoulder to spread her thighs further apart and wrap my lips around her clit before flicking it with my tongue.

  “Wes . . .” My name comes out in a hushed tone.

  I press her pussy to my face and lick with more force. I bring my hand up and plunge two fingers inside, working her to the edge.

  “Make me come . . . dammit . . .” The words bounce off the walls as my fingers and tongue work in tandem, finding a rhythm, and I toy with her G-spot. The quiver of her inner muscles tells me I don’t have long until she detonates.

  Pleasure spreads from every cell in my body and darts straight to my balls.

  I slide my thumb over her clit, sending Minka over the edge. She screams my name as her body tenses and twists.

  Mission accomplished.

  But I’m not even close to being finished with her.

  Wes

  Last night I’d given Minka a handful of orgasms. And then she passed out. Some men might take offense, but it revved me up. I’m looking forward to another round.

  Minka’s back in my bed. Back where she should be.

  All this may be temporary.

  Mayfield’s temporary for her, and as much as I want to consider something more permanent with her, I’ll take our time together now as a victory.

  Glancing to my right, I stare at how peaceful she looks sleeping beside me. It’s almost five in the morning. As much as I don’t want to leave her, I need to run.

  Inhaling a heavy breath, I scrub my hand down my face.

  Minka’s breathtaking. My fingers whisper down her naked back.

  Damn, why is she so addictive?

  She shifts and the sheet falls down, exposing her flawless skin. Those pretty nipples beg for my mouth.

  Her eyes cock open and a lazy grin spreads across her lips.

  My hand moves up her ribcage, and I cup her breast, coaxing her nipple with my thumb. I dip my head and wrap my mouth around her soft skin.

  “Good morning.”

  Her hand weaves through my hair. “That’s better than an alarm. Keep doing that.”

  Saying nothing, I lean over, catching her nipple between my teeth. I bite down softly, dragging out the sensation.

  She moans, pulls up my head, and her lips land on mine. I kiss her hard, tangling my hands in her hair.

  Shifting, I pin her under me, nestling my body between her thighs that kindly open for me. I grind against her, and my cock slides through her slick heat.

  Christ, she’s soaked.

  My hands fly t
o the nightstand, and I snag a condom that’s within my grasp.

  “Do you really need that?” she asks.

  “What are you saying?”

  She levers onto her elbows. “Well, I haven’t been with anyone since you and I’m on the pill. I’m old-fashioned like that.”

  My brows rise. “I haven’t been with anyone since you either.”

  “Good, then fuck me already, cowboy.”

  “Hold on, this is going be a helluva ride.”

  Her head bobs in agreement.

  Grabbing the backs of her thighs, I angle her body and slide my cock inside her. I take immense satisfaction watching her eyes roll back.

  Since she’s so wet, I have no trouble sliding deep with zero resistance. Minka gasps and churns her hips like she’s starved for my cock. Spreading her wide, we rock together in a perfect rhythm.

  My chest presses against hers, and I taste her everywhere—her jaw, her neck, her collarbone, and her lips.

  Her nails dig into my back as she meets me thrust for thrust. My mouth seals over hers, and her inner muscles start to pulse. Pleasure coils and tightens, and I’m about to snap, but I hold back.

  “Oh, Wes,” she breathes.

  She’s about to lose it.

  Leaning forward, I grab the headboard for support, and I thrust harder, sending us both over the edge.

  “Fuck,” I groan, tensing from my own orgasm.

  We lie for a moment, spooned together before I pull away. Once the stars leave my eyes, I climb out of bed for a warm washcloth to clean us both up.

  “How about a shower instead?”

  I glance over my shoulder from the sink and see Minka naked and bathed in the low lights of the room. I toss the cloth aside and flip on the spray in the shower.

  A smirk crosses my lips. “It’s best to conserve water.”

  “Right, we have to think about the environment.”

  Minka

  I spent most of the week in a Wes-induced haze. I sat in the corner booth in the executive dining room dreaming of the possibilities with him instead of working on my ideas.

  Some kind of weird after-sex glow thing was messing with my brain. I went back and forth between the care he’d taken with Sonny to the love he had for his own family.