Studs, page 12
But Jim’s concentration was all for the couple in front of them. Especially when Charissa took the cowboy’s face in her hands and ran her tongue along his jaw. The young man’s eyes widened and he pulled her to him, smashing his mouth onto hers. His hand slid under her shirt, causing the tie in front to come undone. Her shirt fell open exposing her full, luscious breasts. Two hands latched onto her firm, rounded tits.
Jim, with his hand squeezing her right breast, snarled at the cowboy who had her left breast firmly in his clutches. “Let her go, you shit head.”
Hoots, shouts and calls for Charissa to “take it all off” resounded around them as Travis tried to understand his friend’s actions. Jim wasn’t a prude by any measure, but he’d never seen him accost a woman before.
“Jim, are you crazy?” Travis forced down the knot of jealousy threatening to grow large enough to rip open his chest. “Let her go, man.”
Charissa glance down at her breasts with a serene expression. “Boys, you aren’t planning on sharing me, are you?” She lifted her breasts with their hands still on them. “Want a taste, big boys?” With a wickedly “fuck me I’m yours” grin, she scanned the people crowding around their group and nodded. “Go on. You know what you want to do.”
Immediately, men and women started grabbing each other, ripping each other’s clothes off as mouths shoved together and tongues slid over exposed body parts. Travis gawked as men he’d know for years as rational, decent men lifted women up onto tabletops and started tearing off their clothes. With no regard for how the men disrobed them, the women reached for the men in a frantic effort to unhook their large belt buckles.
Had the world gone mad in a split second? Travis couldn’t believe the actions of the people around him. People he’d known as straight-laced, God-fearing, church-going men and women sexually wrestled on the floor, in booths, and on the bar’s counter in various stages of nudity. Even sixty-year-old Gertrude Wilson had a young buck rutting her from behind as she shouted for him to stick it to her. Two men tussled together until they finally decided to share one woman. Like a sexual diplomat, she stopped their arguing as she took one man in her mouth while she lifted her shirt and motioned for the other to lie on the floor beneath her. Kneeling down, she kept the first man’s organ in her mouth and squatted on top of the man who’d spread out flat on the floor below her. With a squeal of delight, she feasted on the man’s erect shaft while the other man feasted on her clit.
Travis stared in horror even as the desire spread through him.
Travis.
As the sound of his voice echoed in his mind, he turned to Charissa to find the cowboy and Jim still groping her breasts while shooting each other infuriated glares.
“I ain’t sharing her. She’s mine!” Cowboy let go of Charissa and whirled to confront Jim straight on.
Jim did the same and planted his feet apart in readiness. “I don’t share with the likes of this squirt.”
The men edged nose to nose as Charissa retied her shirt. “Then how are we going to settle this, gentlemen?” She swiveled her head around as if searching for the answer in the chaos surrounding her. At last, she narrowed her eyes at two gigantic men who had a woman trapped in between them as they positioned themselves to enter her from both sides. Charissa nodded as if satisfied with her find.
The men turned the woman loose, much to her displeasure, and sauntered over to Charissa and her two admirers.
“You guys got a problem?”
Travis, Jim, and Charissa looked up to the one with the deepest voice. The two men, each well over six and a half feet tall and built like pro football blockers, scowled at them.
“I asked if you guys had a problem with my little brother.”
Travis had to tilt his head up to meet the bigger man’s gaze. Standing at six foot, two inches, he’d rarely had the experience of looking up to someone. At least, not before now and he didn’t like it one bit. “Nope, no problem.”
Jim wasn’t about to give up as he thrust his chin out at the one who’d spoken. “Your dirty little scumbag of a brother needs to take his hands off my woman.”
When had Jim started talking like some sexist man of 1950? Much less showing the lack of judgment to challenge Big Foot and his brother. “Your woman, Jim? You haven’t even met her yet.”
Charissa giggled, sending a shiver of excitement up Travis’ spine. Why did she have such an extreme effect on him? As he started to tell her this wasn’t a funny situation, Jim spat on the floor in front of Big Foot. Big Foot roared his anger and reached out a paw—it was way too big to be called a hand—and snared Jim around the neck.
“Aw, shit.” Jim, what have you gotten us into? But Travis didn’t have long to ponder the question as Jim clubbed Big Foot in the side of the head. Big Foot Two threw an undercut punch to Jim’s abdomen, and the fight was on.
Travis jumped to his friend’s aid as the two ape-like men ganged up on Jim. Charissa ducked out of the way, into the arms of yet a different cowboy and clapped as she cheered the fighters on.
“Good hit, Jim! Way to slam him, big boy! Travis, watch out!”
Travis was too busy dodging another blow from Cowboy as Big Foot Two decided his brother could handle Jim by himself. Travis blocked a deadly blow from Big Foot Two and used the big man’s forward momentum to send him crashing to the floor. Travis spun around, intending to help Jim, when Big Foot wrapped his arm around his neck and pulled Travis into a chokehold. Travis gasped for air and immediately regretted his decision. The guy not only looked like a sasquatch, he smelled like one.
Cowboy and Big Foot Two captured Jim between them and, snaring his arms behind him, dragged him kicking and fighting toward the front door. Big Foot struggled with Travis as he followed his brothers.
Travis fought to get air through the chokehold around his neck. As they neared the door, he knew what would happen next. Which, compared to his present situation, would be a relief. At least he’d get some fresh air. Unless the ape broke his nose first.
Big Foot banged the door open and together the three brothers tossed Travis and Jim out into the parking lot. Travis groaned as he hit the gravel pavement face first, bumping into Jim as his body continued to roll.
“Stay away from her.”
Flopping to a stop, Travis wiped the dust from his eyes and stared up at the little cowboy standing in between his two gargantuan brothers. Seeing Jim start to scramble to his feet, Travis jerked on his friend’s shirt collar and threw him back to the ground. “Got it. Understood. No problem.”
With a grin lighting up his face, Cowboy turned and led his brothers back into the bar.
****
So far, so good. Although she hadn’t figured on the fight, it hadn’t hurt her plan, either. But things needed to calm down in the bar. She nodded and, within seconds, most of the people rutting and grinding together stopped, staring at each other in confusion and abject shame. Yet even though she’d removed the Lust push she’d given everyone, some people still kept going sexually. Once they’d had their fill, they’d realize where they were and what they were doing. After all, a push worked on the natural inclinations of humans and, sometimes, it couldn’t be turned off that easily.
Charissa nodded at the trio of little cowboy and his two brute brothers headed her way and pushed Compliance into them. They skidded to an abrupt stop, the lustful sneers fading into the slack-jawed looks of obedient and dumb servants. Without a word to her, they diverted toward the bar. They’d served their purpose well, but she wasn’t about to waste any more time with them. Now was the time to make her move.
Ignoring the attention of the other men in the bar, Charissa sauntered through the door and into the night. As she’d expected, Travis and Jim stood outside discussing what had happened and brushing the dirt from their clothing. She leaned against the wall, hiding in the shadows, and listened in on their conversation.
“Are you crazy, Jim? What got into you?”
Jim didn’t answer at first and Charissa knew by his gritted teeth that he fought to find an answer.
“I don’t know.”
“What’dya mean you don’t know.” Travis stopped cleaning himself off to stare at Jim. “I’ve seen you worked up about a woman before, but never like this. You’ve never started a brawl over one.”
Ah, but Travis, you know I’m no ordinary woman. Charissa waited for Jim’s reply even though she was pretty sure she knew what he’d say.
“Yeah, well, this one’s different.” Jim brought his head up to challenge Travis. “And you damn well know it.”
Yes, Jim, he does. Trust me. I saw it in his eyes.
“Yeah, maybe.” Travis darted his gaze to the ground. “Yes, she is.” His reluctance to meet Jim’s perusal didn’t last long, however, as he raised his head. “Yeah, she is.”
“You say that like you want her.”
Oh, he does, Jim. He does. Charissa held her breath as she waited for Travis to confirm what she knew was true.
Instead, he shook his head.
What? Why does he keep denying me? I know he wants me. I can sense it, feel it, see it.
“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Ah, so I am right.
“So you do.”
“Yeah, but I’m not going to make any move on her, Jim. If you want to, then go ahead.”
Charissa clenched her fists together as she forced the Anger emotion down. How dare he give permission to his friend! As if he had any say in who she’d want.
A big grin slid across Jim’s face. “Thanks, Travis, but I’ll pass.”
What? Now both of them didn’t want her? Had she lost her touch? Charissa’s frustration burned a hole in her stomach.
“She’s too high maintenance for me.”
Travis’ laugh made the hole bigger. How dare he! How dare both of them! She’d show them!
“When you’re right, you’re right. I think we’d both better steer clear of her.”
“Steer clear of me? You mean the way your sissy stud steered clear of the breed mare?”
Two sets of very surprised eyes turned on her.
Chapter Seven
“What did you say?”
Charissa grinned a rueful grin at Travis’ shocked reaction as she swayed out of the shadows. “You heard me.”
His features clouded over as he took in her smirk. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but—”
“But nothing. It’s all over town how your million dollar stud can’t get it up. Or should I say, how he got it down?”
She glided across the pavement, noting how Jim and Travis watched her, their eyes running the length of her twice before settling on her face.
“Don’t believe everything you hear.” Travis wheeled around and started for his truck.
“Really? Because I hear the vet is out of answers.” She smothered her glee as Travis slowly pivoted back to her.
“And this is your business because why?”
Ah, the loyal friend standing up for his buddy. Jim drew up beside Travis in a show of support.
Charissa twirled a finger in her hair and tried to act innocent. “I would think you’d want any help you could get.”
Travis and Jim exchanged a look and she knew she had them right where she wanted them.
“Look, Charissa, I don’t know what you’re game is, but I don’t want any part of it.”
“Good, Travis. I’m glad you remembered my name.” She swallowed, suddenly very aware of the richness of his voice, the tightness of his body posture as he confronted her. Shat, but he’s a stud. I’ve got to get him soon. In response to her thoughts, moisture spread into her panties as she envisioned them together, Travis mounting her as a good stud should.
“I remembered.” His eyes grew darker as he studied her.
He’s thinking what I’m thinking. How good we’ll be in bed. In full control, she leaned into him, putting her lips inches away from his. She could smell his breath and, along with it, the definite smell of desire. Desire for her. “You need me.”
Travis blinked. “I do?”
The words he spoke were more of a statement than a question. “Yes.” Her breathing picked up speed and matched his own rapid intake of air.
“Uh, Travis?”
Damn. She’d forgotten about Jim. Travis stepped back, but didn’t take his eyes off her.
“Yeah?”
“Let’s get going, man. Don’t forget what you said.”
Charissa glanced sideways at Jim and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t believe you’re a part of this conversation.”
“He is if I am.”
She darted her gaze back to Travis. “Then I guess he is.” A tight bubble of glee popped inside her as the corners of his mouth twitched upward. It’s okay. He could have his small victory. As long as she won the war.
“But I think this conversation is over.”
“So you don’t want help with Adonis?” Good. That recaptured his attention.
Travis checked with Jim who shrugged his shoulders. “Are you saying you can help?” Although his perusal was filled with lust, his skepticism rankled her nerves.
“Yes. I can.” She dove into his eyes, determined to seek out the thoughts lurking behind them. “The question is, are you willing to give me a shot? Or are you as wimpy as your stallion?”
Anger flashed across his face before he hid it behind a mask of indifference. Oh, please, Travis. You’ll never be indifferent to me, so stop trying to fake it.
“I’ve had enough of this.” Spinning on his heel, he turned and stalked toward his truck again.
Jim started to follow him but she grabbed his arm first. When he looked at her hand on his arm, she nodded. Jim jerked up, confusion in his eyes, before the Cooperative push settled into him.
“Uh, Travis, I think we need to hear her out.”
Travis laughed a sarcastic cough as he paced back to them. “Why?” His lips curled in feigned disgust. “What can she do?”
“Anything. Everything.” Charissa’s sultry tone struck home as both men caught her hidden meaning.
The three of them stood, sizing each other up, as her declaration hung in the air. At last, she chuckled and got down to business. “I can get your horse to stud in no time. Trust me.”
Interest sparked in Travis’ eyes as he crossed his arms in front of him. “Is that so? And exactly how would you go about this miracle?”
“Oh, so you do admit you’re having problems with Adonis?” Come on, Travis. Quit playing dumb.
“Maybe. But that doesn’t mean you’re the solution.”
She took her time to answer. No need to rush into anything. Jim wouldn’t let Travis go anywhere now. Not until she let him. Besides, she wanted to play with him first. “I can get him back in the mood to make cute little horsies. Isn’t that what you want?”
Travis laughed and stuck a thumb at her as he looked to Jim for confirmation. “Did you hear her say the word ‘horsies’?” He didn’t wait for Jim to answer as his humor faded into irritation. “How can you think I could take anyone seriously when they use words like ‘horsies’?”
She placed a hand on his chest and rejoiced as his pupils changed and darkened with yearning. “Who cares how I talk as long as I get the job done? Right, Jim?” As she’d known he would, Jim nodded his agreement.
What was the commercial she’d seen on television? Oh, right. His look…priceless.
Although she sensed he wanted to leave, Travis couldn’t figure out why Jim would support her. As she knew he would, he stayed because Jim stayed. “Okay, I’ll play along. I could use a good joke.”
Like a woman running her hand over an expensive fur coat, she slid her palm down his chest until it hovered over his belt buckle. With a wink, she removed her hand and watched as disappointment flitted across his features. Play along? Yes, she’d love it if he’d play along. In fact, she’d love it if he’d play along straight down her stomach, over her pelvis and into her vagina. “Good. I like playing.”
He started to speak, but the heat from her words blew his thoughts away like sawdust in the wind.
“Travis, honey, I can fix your horse.”
He swallowed and regained some of his earlier skepticism. “And just how would you do that?”
“Simple. I’ll talk to him.”
“Talk to him? You mean you’re like a horse whisperer?” Travis smiled a lazy, “I don’t believe a word you’re saying” smile.
But she wasn’t upset by his disbelief. “No. Not a horse whisperer. A horse talker. Sometimes when a stud won’t stud, you have to yell at him.”
His grin grew wider. “Right. A horse talker. Well, Charissa, it’s been entertaining if nothing else talking to you. But I’ve got a real business to run, so if you’ll excuse us we’re outta here.”
Charissa gave a quick nod at Jim before Travis could leave.
“No, Travis, I think you ought to hire her.” Jim grabbed Travis’ arm as if his life depended on Travis hiring her. “Please.”
“Shit, man, you’re acting really weird tonight.”
“I mean it.”
“I know you do. That’s what’s throwing me.”
“Do it, Travis.”
Charissa waited as they exchanged meaningful looks. “So am I hired?” She could almost see the questions coursing through Travis’ head. He’d hire her. She was as sure as she’d ever been. True, she could push him into hiring her right now, but she wanted him to hire her without added influence. Hire her and then love her.
“Okay, I’ll give you a try. I think I’m out of my head hiring an unknown, but it seems like everyone’s gone a little nuts tonight so why not me?” He stuck out his hand. “Show up tomorrow morning and get busy. Time’s growing short.”
“Can I stay with you tonight?” She ran her tongue over her lips to tease him a little more.
Flustered, Travis looked to Jim and back. “With me?”
“I need a place to stay. Don’t you let some of your hired help stay on the ranch? I think I heard some old man say something like he’d stayed in the guest quarters. Can I stay there?” Throwing out the hint about Justin flustered Travis even more.
