Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker by Randi Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

came into view. Up on a
hill facing Osprey Lake, surrounded by acres of land, the long, two-story
modern-looking place loomed like a giant country mansion. Glass windows along
the front of the house reflected the sun. There’d be a beautiful sunset
tonight. He’d be sure to watch the time and take Rori down to the lake to enjoy
it with him.
    Of course, right now, his groin tightened with anticipation
of pulling Rori into his arms, a kiss, then another, then a quick walk back to
the house and up to the bedroom he’d chosen to use. Jackson had to shift to
make room in his jeans for the hardening behind his fly.
    “I’m excited to see the house. I’ve heard so much about it.”
Rori fidgeted and pulled down the visor, checking her face in the mirror.
    “You’ve never been in the place?”
    “No.” From her pocket, she pulled a tube of something pink
and shimmery, opened it, and smoothed some on her lips.
    Why did he want to kiss it off her right there, halfway up
the driveway?
    “Your dad was a stickler for separating business and
personal.” She scrunched up her face as she looked at him. “I think it was
Theresa’s way of keeping us common folk out of her life.”
    He’d guessed that Dusty’s wife was a socialite-type. Born
into money, the best schools and college out east. “Well, since I’m about as
common as they come…” He should have a party at the house, invite the whole
company and their families.
    “You’re a Walker.” She flipped up the visor. “Around these
parts, that’s akin to royalty.”
    He laughed. Even when he’d won on the rodeo circuit, he was
treated as just plain folk. “If I find a crown hidden in the storage space,
I’ll be sure to start wearing it to the office.”
    Her smile did wild things to him, and as he pulled up to the
side of the house, outside the garage, he winked at her. “Here it is. It ain’t
much, but it’s home. For this week.”
    She let herself out and they walked around the back to where
the pool, cabana, and outdoor kitchen took up a half-acre of land.
    “Yep.” She looked around, taking it all in. “Ain’t much.”
    Jackson took her hand and led her to the wet bar under the
shady pergola. “Can I make you a drink? Beer? Wine?”
    He opened the refrigerator. “Looks like Marliss made a
pitcher of margaritas.” He pulled out the glass container and showed Rori. “If
you’re brave.”
    “Mmmm.” She nodded. “I’ll have a little one. We still have
some work to do this evening, so I don’t want to get too goofy.”
    He selected two tall glasses, filled them with ice, and
poured the green concoction into them. Handing one to her, he raised his. “To a
long evening, and getting to know each other.”
    She tipped her head. “How about, to a productive evening
getting to the bottom of things.”
    He’d nearly forgotten about the computer searching they had
to do. “To a little of both of those?”
    Tapping her glass against his, she nodded once. “Perfect.”
She sipped. “Oh my gosh, this is delicious.”
    “Thank you.” Marliss’ voice came from the French doors that
led into the kitchen. “A recipe I’ve perfected over the years.” The older
woman, her short hair curly and jet-black, carried a festive Mexican platter with
a variety of appetizers on it. She set them on the counter next to Rori and
Jackson. “Dinner in fifteen minutes.”
    “Thank you, Marliss.” He gestured to Rori. “I’d like you to
meet Rori Hughes. She’s on contract with the company.”
    Marliss nodded, but Rori held out her hand for a shake, and
the housekeeper took it. “Glad to meet you, Marliss. I’m sure we’ve seen each
other in town a few times.”
    The woman smiled. “I think we were on the Founder’s Day
cleanup crew together last year.”
    “We were.” Rori smiled. “It’s nice to officially meet you.”
    “Ditto.” Marliss gestured to a round table with four
comfortable-looking chairs that sat under a huge sun umbrella by the pool.