Blood Ties - A Magnolia Novel Read online

  Bo eyed her up and down, lingering on her damp T-shirt. “Honey, it ain’t dead. Just thirsty. Like me.”

  Karina was thoughtful for a moment, then grinned. “Ah, no gas?”

  Bo smiled sweetly as he took off toward the tree line. Over his shoulder, he yelled, “Yes ma’am. She’s outta juice, and so am I. Come on, race y’all to the creek. Loser has to skinny-dip.”

  Karina forgot all about the bugs, the empty gas tank, or the fact Bo seemed to know his way quite well around her grandfather’s farm. Her sense of competition, the need to always win, ignited her legs. Bo was fast, but she was faster. Years of running track in high school, combined with long legs and hatred of losing, made the dry, freshly cut hay kick up behind her.

  In a few seconds, she surpassed him, her arms and legs pumping at full speed. Karina knew the way to the creek from visiting it numerous times in her youth, and the shortcuts. Once they hit the woods, they zigzagged through the dense brush. She could hear him behind her, maybe about five feet away. Spurred on by her frenzy to best him, Karina refused to look back.

  She jumped over a downed tree, veering sharply to her right. If she remembered correctly, about ten yards up ahead was a big boulder jutting out over the edge of the creek. Sure enough, when Karina reached it first, she cast a quick glance behind her to see how close Bo was. He lagged only a few steps, so she turned back around and jumped. The cold water was a welcome reprieve from the intense heat, and she gasped in delight before her body went under.

  When Karina surfaced, she expected to see Bo right beside her, frolicking in the refreshing water. He wasn’t. He stood at the edge of the boulder, his hands on his knees, breath coming in gasps. Sweat poured off him, but instead of looking defeated, he had the air of satisfaction gleaming on his face.

  “What’s the matter, country boy? Didn’t think the city girl could beat you, huh?”

  “Girl, I let you win. Because really, I’m the winner here.”

  Karina swam to the bank. She stood and shook the water from her hair. “Please. I may be older than you, but I am definitely faster. And how are you the winner? I believe the bet was loser has to skinny dip, right? Now see, to me, that puts me in the winner category, not you.”

  Bo didn’t answer. His actions answered for him. Before Karina could blink, he shed his cowboy boots, tossing them to the ground below the boulder. He grabbed something from his pocket and in a flash, jeans and underwear crumpled in a pile around his feet. Karina held in her gasp of delight as she drank in every bit of his stunning body. She didn’t have much time to drool over the visual because Bo jumped off the rock, executing the perfect cannonball before he disappeared under the dark water.

  Karina knew the attraction between the two of them was strong. While they worked on the fence the week prior after his surprise visit, every time she glanced in his direction, she’d find him already staring at her. And not just a stare of interest.

  It was full of raw, unabashed hunger. She recognized the look. It was the kind that said, “Yeah, I want to do you sideways” not “Gee, I think you’re interesting, let’s get to know each other and maybe go on a date.”

  Karina didn’t have time to ponder over just what in the hell she was doing, or thinking. All rational thoughts, vanished as Bo surfaced. With a few strokes, Bo swam away from the deeper water and toward Karina. About ten feet away, he stood, the muddy water dancing just below his hip bones. Rivulets of water streamed down his torso, making small trails through his blond chest hair. In seconds, he stood next to Karina in all his glory.

  Karina pulled her bulging eyes away from his rock hard abs, noticing what he held in his hand. The pack of condoms were crushed tight in his palm. He sure is confident in his seduction skills! Hmm, wonder if he was ever a Boy Scout?

  “Seein’ you in a wet T-shirt was my plan all along, so see, I couldn’t lose no matter what. Gotta tell ya, I’d place a week’s worth of pay on your gals winnin’ any wet T-shirt contest they was entered in. Like I said before, you need to be on a calendar. Naked.”

  “You know, if you wanted to see me naked, you could have just asked,” Karina whispered, her words tangling up in her throat. Jesus, he does want me, and boy, do I want him! Oh, what the Hell!

  Bo moved closer, his lips millimeters from Karina’s. Her breath was warm and smelled of cinnamon and sweet tea. After reaching up and stroking her cheek, moving a section of her dripping hair away, Bo murmured into Karina’s ear, “Okay. I want to see you naked and on top of me.”

  She almost came right then. Karina hadn’t been with anyone in over two years, and Bo’s animal attraction, his sensual touch, whipped her into a frenzy. Desire slammed into her mind, obliterating everything else. She didn’t care about the fact she was out in the middle of the woods. Or on her family’s property. Or someone might be watching and walk up on them.

  All she cared about was letting Bo’s full erection inside her. Her fingers couldn’t move fast enough to get rid of her clothes. Bo let out a small laugh as she tried to wriggle out of her wet shorts, which was a difficult task.

  He knelt down in the water, cupping his hands around her quivering butt. She buried her fingers in the mound of damp hair on his head and groaned, grinding her hips forward. With one hard yank, the shorts disappeared.

  As well as his warm, wet tongue inside her.

  Hallelujah, I’m in Heaven.

  The sun had started its descent in the west, casting shades of orange, red, and pink across the sky. The reflection off the water was breathtaking, but it paled in comparison to what Karina was snuggled up against. The last several hours drained them both. Bo was an amazing lover. Karina climaxed so many times, she lost count. His fingers were just as magical as his mouth, but when he entered her the first time, she came after just two strokes.

  Between the warmth of the late afternoon sun and all the places Bo’s hands caressed, Karina’s skin tingled with delight. The hot sex underneath the cloudless sky, the sense of risk of being caught and the joy of exploring Bo’s tantalizing body, left Karina breathless, and a tad embarrassed. No, a lot embarrassed. She gave a sideways glance to the pile of used condoms and held in a snicker.

  He’d been prepared, full of himself and the knowledge she would succumb to his advances. Their bodies had melded together with ease, and she was surprised at his skills for such a young buck. The creatures of the forest sure had a show put on for them as Bo explored every inch of her body. Thinking about his magical tongue sent another shiver of desire race through her. Rather than giving into the temptation, she decided it was time to learn more about the man who made her scream out “Oh, God!” at the top of her lungs several times.

  “So, Bo, now that we’ve established the fact we are attracted to each other, I want to know more about you. I mean, I’m acquainted with what your mouth and body can do, so tell me about who’s in here,” Karina asked, pressing her hand against his chest.

  “Ain’t too much to tell, darlin’. I’m twenty-nine, have a twin named Bryce, and grew up here in Sheridan. Love to hunt, fish, and every now and then, get all redneck and go muddin’ in my truck. Guess I’m just a typical southern boy, right?”

  Karina couldn’t help but smile at Bo’s assessment of himself. Honest. To the point, no frills attached or bravado spewed out. Hearing he was older than she originally thought made Karina feel somewhat better. Their age difference wasn’t enough to push the relationship into cougar territory.

  Of course, she didn’t even know if this was the start of a relationship, or just a good old fashion one-night stand sort of thing. Either way, she was curious about him. Karina propped herself up on her elbow, marveling at his gorgeous features kissed by the rays of the sun. “Good start. Okay, so here it is, the middle of the day and you are here with me instead of at a job somewhere. Other than moving furniture, what else do you do?”

  A teasing gleam appeared behind Bo’s eyes as his hand moved across the swell of Karina’s hip. “Well recently, I noticed I’m p
retty good at makin’ your eyes roll backward.”

  The throbbing in her sore crotch intensified as Bo’s strong fingers traced a circle across Karina’s bare skin. She shook off the urge to mount him again, determined to find out more about him. With her luck, he was married and had a handful of children running around. “Oh, no doubt about that, but I mean, you know, do you have a job? Did you go to college? Are you married? Kids? Most importantly, why were you hell-bent on seducing an older woman? Oh, and by the way, if you tell me you’re married, I’m going to kick your ass. Believe me when I say, I am more than capable.”

  Bo’s touch increased in intensity as his hand moved to the small of Karina’s back and then around to her front. He slid in between her thighs and rubbed her mound. A lazy grin spread across his swollen lips. “Here is the long and short of Bo Barton. I ain’t married and haven’t sired any offspring. My dad owns a ton of farmland, and my family ain’t hurtin’ for money. My brother and I do side work durin’ the off-season to keep busy. Bryce and I both have degrees in farm management and will take over the place when our dad passes on.”

  Karina moaned softly as Bo’s fingers slid inside her. She closed her eyes and went limp as his sweaty body shifted and he moved on top of her once again. His hips ground into her, his warm lips grazing her check then up to her ear.

  “As far as you’re concerned, I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you. Age don’t matter to me none. You’re a fine filly, and I just knew you’d be a wild ride. That’s the short part about Bo. Here’s the longer version.”

  Karina gasped as Bo entered her, thoughts about anything else vanished as they rocked in heated harmony on the soft grass.

  “I wonder how many neighbors heard me scream out your name?” Karina teased, her fingers toying with the golden curls on Bo’s chest.

  “There ain’t no one out here this time of year. Too hot. Now, if it was huntin’ season, my answer would be different. And we woulda had us an audience. Boy, they woulda been happy with the view. I know I am. You are somethin’ else, Karina. Like I said, knew it the first time I saw you.”

  Karina swatted at a mosquito on Bo’s abs, irritated the little bloodsuckers were back. She glanced over at the water, wincing at the cloud of them hovering above the surface. Any second, they would descend upon their naked bodies and feast.

  Though she didn’t want to break the tranquil moment, she gave Bo’s belly a light pat and stood. Once on her feet, Karina kept in the groan of pain she wanted to release inside. The pounding between her legs was intense. God, she would be walking funny for days. “I believe our clothes are dry now. Come on, let’s go. I need to get back to the house before my mother sends out a search party. She’s sort of overprotective like that, so fair warning.”

  “I don’t know what kind of man y’alls used to in California, but I ain’t the kind to worry about. I’m as gentle as a kitten with a heart of gold. At least that’s what my mama says.”

  Karina couldn’t help but laugh as she pulled her shorts on. “It’s too early to tell about your heart, but you’re certainly gentle. At times. Honestly, I preferred the rougher, lion-like moments.”

  Suddenly, Bo was right beside Karina. He held out his hand, a warm, genuine smile on his face. Bo’s other hand reached down and cupped Karina’s right breast, giving it a light squeeze. “Yes, I reckon’ from your screams, ya did.” He lifted Karina’s chin up to meet his gaze. “Rest assured, darlin’, I ain’t a liar, and I was raised right. I know how to treat a lady, though sometimes I get the steps out of order. I think the first one was I was supposed to do was ask ya out on a date. It’s your fault I got mixed up, comin’ out here lookin’ all sexy as hell in those shorts and t-shirt. I’ve had a hard-on for ya since the day I was movin’ your furniture. So, Karina Summers, I would like to take ya out for beer, bootscootin’ and barbeque. What do ya say?”

  Karina’s mind filled with hundreds of reasons to say no. She pushed them all away, refusing to let the past control her life any longer. “Only on one condition.”

  Bo cocked his head to the side, grinning as they walked through the woods. “Which is?”

  “You teach me how to two-step, and don’t laugh at me while I learn. Fair?”

  Bo gave Karina’s hand a quick squeeze. “Deal. I done told ya, I’d make country gal outta ya yet. Now, come on, let’s go gas up our ride. I’ve gotta head home and eat. I worked up quite an appetite. Plus, it’s your turn to spill. I wanna know all about the woman who likes to scream out my name when I’m inside her, and why she thinks she can kick my ass.”

  18

  Time to Rebuild

  Karina smiled watching Ranger bound around the backyard, chasing fireflies like a carefree puppy. The moon was almost full, and the silvery light illuminated the freshly mowed pasture. As Ranger performed his jumps, the moonlight made his coat look gray, like a ghost. She tipped back the beer and took a long swig. The sounds of the katydids were so loud, it was like she stood in the middle of a nest of the creatures. It was a welcome relief to the annoying sounds of the city. Karina took a deep breath, drinking in the pungent air.

  Ranger needed to quit playing around and finish his business so she could go back inside, but she couldn’t bring herself to scold him. He was just too cute. She needed to help clean up the dishes from yet another artery-hardening meal fixed by Gram. Thankfully, the table had also been full of fresh vegetables, so Karina had loaded her plate up with tomatoes, green beans, spinach and banana peppers, leaving little room for anything else.

  It was almost sunset when they chugged up on the tractor, and everyone else was already back. After exchanging pleasantries with Grampa, Bo left, promising to return the next day to finish, then pick her up at seven for “a night out on the town.” Once he was gone, Karina walked into the house and straight to the bathroom. She ran out of hot water twice while soaking her pleasantly sore body.

  When Karina caught herself humming, something she never did, it dawned on her she was happy. Content with life, like a hundred-pound weight had been lifted off her back. Her old life in Cali had finally been put to bed. What happened, happened. It was over, and way beyond time to move on.

  Karina’s gaze wandered over to the edge of the woods, immediately bringing back the earlier events of her afternoon with Bo. Though unsure of where her life was heading at the moment, or how the budding relationship with Bo would progress, or end, she didn’t care. Hell, all the worry might be for nothing. Bo got what he wanted, which was an afternoon of screwing a willing participant. The chase was over, the prize won, and it was among the realm of possibilities Bo would just move on.

  Karina would take things day by day. If it turned out her and Bo ended up being only friends with benefits, great. She really couldn’t see a scenario where they ended up anything more, which was okay. After all, they didn’t have a whole lot in common, other than mind-blowing sex. If they remained an item, would she be able to keep up with his demanding libido when she was older? Doubtful. Hell, he’d worn her out earlier, and she wasn’t even in her forties yet.

  How would she react when someone assumed she was his older sister, or even his mother? Oh, she knew. They’d get a swift punch in the gut, or an earful from her dirty mouth. Stop it, girl. Just…go with the flow. Walk in, eyes open, with no expectations. You came here to build a new life. So, build it!

  Karina heard footsteps behind her. Expecting her mom, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during dinner, all geared up and ready to dig into the reason behind Karina’s glowing face and ridiculous grin. She was surprised to hear the voice of her grandfather instead.

  “So, I see you and Bo got the tractor goin’, and quite a bit mowed down. Looks good,” Junior said.

  Karina tried not to wince at the knowing look behind Grampa’s cloudy eyes. He reached down and patted Ranger’s head after lighting his pipe. He blew out a plume of smoke, and Karina’s cheeks flushed with heat.

  She wondered just how much he knew about her afterno
on activities. A sense of paranoia hit her as she considered someone Grampa knew might have been out in the woods, watching the entire spectacle. Maybe made a phone call, requesting the X-rated wilderness adventures of his kin stop.

  “Plan on finishing it up tomorrow. We, uh, ran out of gas. Bo said he would bring by extra when he comes back.”

  “Ran out of gas, huh? Now that surprises me. Ol’ Bo’s worked on his family’s farm his whole life. He shoulda been better prepared.”

  Oh, he was prepared, that’s for sure.

  The knowing glint was behind Grampa’s eyes again, so Karina changed the subject before dying from embarrassment. He stood there, in his favorite attire of overalls and a straw hat, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. “You aren’t supposed to be smoking, you know. The doctor said…”

  With a look of irritation, Junior waved his hand to shush Karina. “Don’t go gettin’ all bossy with me, girl. I know what the doc said, and I don’t care. I ain’t gonna live out the rest of my years like a timid mouse, afraid of doin’ anythin’ that might make my time shorter. People live, people die. That’s the way of the world. I could go live like a monk for the rest of my life. It ain’t gonna stop the inevitable. It’s hard enough knowin’ I can’t do the things I used to because my body won’t listen to my brain. I mean, look what I’ve become. An old man who can’t even do for himself. The day before y’all arrived, I tried to mow. Couldn’t stand lookin’ at the shape the ol’ place was in. Didn’t want you or your ma workin’ yourselves to the bone. But the heat got to me before I even made it out to the tractor. Though your gram and I do appreciate y’all comin’ down here to help us, and all the work you’re doin’, it’s, I don’t know. Humiliatin’ is the best word, I guess.”