Southern Admirer (Southern Loving Book 2) Read online

  Southern Admirer

  Ava Thorn

  2014 © Ava Thorn

  All Rights Reserved

  Prologue

  Nine Months Earlier

  Shane sat at the bar alone trying to nurse his sorrows, he groaned when his cousin’s country song played over the jukebox. “Girl Don’t Leave Me.” The last thing Shane wanted to hear was another country love song, even if it was his cousin’s song. He finished his whiskey and gasped as the warm liquor went down his throat. Today was the one-year anniversary marking the date his sweet, vivacious wife was killed in a car accident. He never thought his high school sweetheart and wife of sixteen years would be gone in a blink of an eye.

  “Another one….Billy,” Shane said, pushing his glass toward the bartender.

  “Maybe you should call it quits,” Billy said, looking at Shane.

  Everyone in the small town of McKinney, Texas, knew Shane and Sarah. This was the place they were born and raised. They both had high hopes that one day they would eventually have children and raise them in McKinney; a town that was full of old, small city charm with tree-lined streets.

  “If I wanted your opinion I would’ve asked for it,” Shame grumbled and pushed the glass further toward Billy.

  Billy had already confiscated his truck keys. Shane’s eyes were bloodshot, not to mention his brown hair was ruffled on top of his head. He looked a mess and was already on his third glass of Jack Daniel’s and Coke.

  “I’m fine,” Shane said through clenched teeth.

  “You don’t look fine,” a soft feminine voice said from behind. Shane turned around on the barstool, his eyes connecting with a pair of brown ones. Jasmine St. Clair was his partner, Benjamin’s, baby sister.

  The last time he’d seen Jasmine was four years ago when she was graduating from high school. He’d been told she’d graduated from college with a degree in communications. Where was the girl who ran around wearing braces on her teeth? His eyes roamed over her fully developed body, her rich mocha skin appeared to be soft, and there was no more childhood acne on her pretty face. She tucked a curly strand of hair behind her ear.

  Shane didn’t know he was staring until Jasmine laughed uneasily at him. “I don’t need a babysitter,” he grumbled. Turning around, he started drinking the remainder of his liquor.

  “I think you’re too old for a babysitter,” she laughed, and plopped down beside him on another barstool.

  “Jazz,” he warned. Shane forgot how annoying and a smart- ass she could be. “Are you even old enough to be in here?” he asked, looking at a fully grown up woman.

  “Yep,” she smirked. “Last time I checked I’m twenty-four years old and that means I’m old enough to drink if I want.”

  He watched as she picked a few peanuts out of his bowl. “I don’t need a baby to babysit me,” he slurred.

  “Whatever,” she shrugged. Jazz caught Shane’s truck keys that Billy tossed to her.

  Shane rolled his eyes. He was now stuck with his partner’s baby sister of all people. He remembered how she used to make goo-goo eyes at him. Even Benjamin used to tease him how Jazz had a crush on him.

  “I thought you moved to Colorado, shouldn’t you be there right now, getting on your editor’s nerves or something?” he asked.

  Jazz’s silky laughter filled the bar that was full of off-duty National Guards, police and firefighters. He saw how some of them were looking at her like she was a dessert that they needed to sample before the end of the night.

  “Negative,” she laughed. “I’m thinking about moving back home.”

  “Harrumph.” Was all that came from Shane as he continued to nurse his sorrows.

  “Come on, let’s go,” Jazz said as she checked her watch.

  “I’m not ready to go,” he said.

  “Fine.” She looked down the bar at Billy serving another patron. “Can I have a Sprite?” she asked.

  “Sure, Jazz,” Billy smiled.

  Jazz sat on the stool next to Texas Ranger, Shane McBride. She’d a crush on him since she was sixteen years old. Today was the anniversary of his wife, Sarah’s, death. Jazz remember the heart break that Shane was going through vividly, everyone in their tight circle thought he wasn’t going to make it, especially her. When her brother begged her to take care of Shane for the night, she didn’t hesitate, especially since it was Benjamin and Stacy’s first night out since having the twins.

  “You can leave,” he grumbled.

  “I’m good, stop worrying about me,” she said. “I’m going to put something on besides the sad songs that are playing.”

  “Do what you want,” he said, and drank a little more of his liquor.

  Jazz shrugged and walked over to the jukebox. She tapped her finger on the glass case, looking for a song to play. Nothing was worth playing in the old bar.

  “Would you like to take a spin on the dance floor?” a southern baritone voice asked from behind.

  Jazz turn around, she stared into a pair of hard cold green eyes, the man was chubby but a handsome guy with blonde hair. And he reeked of booze. “I’m sorry, but I’m here with someone,” she said, trying to sidestep him.

  “I would really like to dance with you,” he slurred. He reached up and touched a tendril of her hair.

  Shane was racking his brain trying to find a way to get rid of Jasmine. He looked over to the jukebox where Jazz appeared to be talking down some big burly looking guy. Shane strained his ears to hear their conversation.

  “Dance with me baby,” the man said, leaning all over Jazz.

  “I don’t want to dance,” Jasmine said, snatching her arm around from her admirer.

  “Leave her alone,” Shane said, standing up and approaching them.

  “Or you going to do what?” the man sneered.

  “I’m ready to go,” Jasmine said, stepping between the guys. She looked Shane squarely in his eyes. “Please.” The last thing she needed was for a fist fight to break out in the middle of the bar.

  “You’re lucky, boy.” Shane stared the man up and down. “She just saved you from an ass whooping.”

  Jasmine started to pull Shane toward the exit. She prayed that they could escape the bar without incident. Her eyes glanced over to Billy, who was standing behind the bar with a wooden bat in his hands.

  “Whenever you’re ready. Your mouth’s writing a check your ass can’t cash. Why don’t you come back to see me?” the man spat.

  Jasmine grabbed Shane’s hands, when he tried to push her aside to go attack the rude man. She didn’t have a doubt that Shane could take the man, even if he was drinking. “Let’s go!” she shouted, pulling him towards the door.

  ***

  Driving down the interstate at night, Jasmine rolled down the window to get the stale smell of Jack Daniel’s out the truck. She reached over to change the radio station only to receive a grunt from Shane.

  “Okay fine.” She rolled her eyes and placed her hand back on the wheel. “Are we going to the ranch?”

  “No, I need to be close to my wife,” he mumbled.

  “I think the McBride ranch would be better for you.”

  “Don’t tell me what you think is better for me.” Shane’s face became red, his fists balled up.

  “I don’t want you being alone and lonely,” Jasmine said softly. She looked over at Shane, but he stared out the window in silence. She always thought that after a year, the grieving gets a little better, but how silly was she for thinking at way. Shane haven’t reached some type of milestone after his wife’s passing, it seemed like the anniversary of Sarah’s death hadn’t changed anything.

  “I’m not alone,” he slurred.

  “Yo
u have to adjust, Shane. You need to learn to survive,” Jasmine said. As soon as the words left her mouth she wished she could take it back. She graduated from Texas Southern with degree in journalism. But Jasmine knew better than to give unsolicited advice to of all people, Shane McBride.

  “Pull the fuck over,” he yelled.

  “No,” she said, ignoring his request. They were ten minutes away from Shane’s house. She wondered why he wanted to go back to the house, which he haven’t set foot in since Sarah died. Benjamin told her that the house was basically empty with the exception of a few empty boxes.

  “You don’t know shit,” he said through clenched teeth.

  Jasmine nodded her head. “I’m sorry,” she said.

  Ten minutes later they pulled up to a beautiful brick two-story house in a quiet subdivision. Jasmine parked the truck and turned the engine off. They both sat there in the truck in silence, looking at the house.

  “Do you want to leave?” she asked, when they continued to sit in the truck after twenty minutes.

  Shane opened the truck door and stumbled. She watched as he staggered up to the house. Jasmine sighed and stepped out the truck, and followed the same path Shane had traveled. The door to the house was open, the lights were off. She touched the light switch and tried to flicker on the lights but nothing happened. Jasmine groaned, she was afraid of the dark, a phobia that she’d never gotten over since she was a young child. Turning the flashlight on her iPhone, she walked through the house.

  “Shane,” Jasmine called out. Her voice was shaky with fear. Damn him for wanting to come back here, she said to herself. “Shane….please answer me.”

  “Go home, Jazz!” he yelled.

  He didn’t have to tell her again to leave, Jasmine was almost out the door when she heard his sobs. Stopping dead in her tracks, she turned around, using the flashlights she follows the sounds of his cries. Walking up the stairs, Jasmine stopped at the bedroom, opening the door slowly, she saw him laying bed, the only source of light was coming from the street lamp outside.

  “Shane.” Turning off the flashlight, she went toward him and sat on the bed. “Please don’t cry.” Jasmine ran her hand through his hair.

  “I miss her,” he cried. “I’m forgetting how she laughed and how sweet her voice was.”

  “Shane, please don’t cry,” she whispered. Jasmine didn’t know how to comfort him; she kicked off her shoes and crawled into bed next to him. “I’m right here.”

  “Don’t leave me,” he said, turning around, pulling her into his arms.

  “I won’t,” she promised. Shane hugged tightly. Jasmine wanted to be the friend that he desperately needed. She didn’t know what to say to him. His eyes were filled with tears, sobs shook his back. Jasmine only knew Shane to be this strong man who rarely showed emotions. She couldn’t stand the sound of his cries. “I’m sorry you’re hurting,” she whispered.

  Shane face was buried in her breasts. “The pain is killing me, why don’t it just fade away after a year? It’s my fault she’s in the ground.”

  Jasmine cupped his face in her hands, looking directly in his eyes. “It’s not your fault,” she told him. “Blame him for drinking and driving, but don’t ever blame yourself.”

  “I’m so alone, Jazz. I don’t have anyone anymore,” he said.

  “You have me,” she whispered. Their bodies were close together, Jasmine stroked the back of his head, and she could smell Jack Daniel’s on his breath. She kissed the side of his cheek. Before she knew what was happening, her lips were devouring his mouth. Was it always hot in the house? The heat between them sizzled, her body was throbbing from his close contact.

  Shane couldn’t stop himself with Jasmine. Desire rushed through him like a storm surge. Her kisses were sweet and soft. Jasmine held him like she was never going to let him go. She whispered comforting words in his ear. How strange was it that they were taking a new path tonight? God, he couldn’t stop himself even if he wanted.

  Jasmine wrapped her arms around his neck and eagerly returned his kisses, grinding her body against his. His lips were warm and sweet against hers. His tongue teased hers, and she savored his taste and feel on her mouth. Shane’s tongue encouraged her to open her mouth for him, and she complied, his tongue seeking out hers. She loved the way his tongue felt, warm and moist.

  Shane deepened the kiss. His body covered Jasmine’s body. He thrust against her to show her how hard he was. When his hands brushed against her breast, he felt her shiver beneath him. She dragged her lips from his and planted kisses on the column of his neck. Shane groaned when Jasmine warm mouth nibbled on his ears.

  There were no words spoken between them, their eyes and judgment were clouded with desire. Shane undressed her quickly, kissing each part of her body. His mouth lingered on her breasts, sucking and licking until Jasmine swore she would climax just from his mouth. Jazz laid there and watched him undress, Shane’s body was beautiful with broad shoulders, flat abs, and narrow hips. She licked her lips when she got a glimpse of his large, thick cock with a bulging pink head.

  Shane slipped between her thighs, rubbed his shaft against her pussy, and Jasmine moaned when his fingers slid between her folds to massage her clit.

  Jasmine was hungry for him, she couldn’t contain her excitement as she squirmed beneath him. He pushed the massive head into her aching wetness. She moaned and shuddered and nearly came when he deliver two quick pumps.

  “Oh!! Shane!! Yes!!”

  Shane’s eyes were closed, as he spread her legs wider, moving inside her in slow, measured strokes. Jasmine was beginning to lose her mind. He felt so good. Her heart started to pound in her chest quickly. She was on the edge of climaxing. Pushing her hips up to meet his thrusts, his pounded into her harder and harder. Until her moans became screams of passion and his groans became grunts. Skin slapping against skin. Shane lifted her legs onto his shoulders. He grounded down in her. He thrust harder into her, while his mouth devoured hers.

  Jasmine moaned and shuddered as she rode the wave of orgasm.

  “Sarah!” Shane said as he climaxed.

  Jasmine stilled beneath him. She felt sick to her stomach; he’d just called her by his dead wife’s name. This was a mistake, she said over and over in her head. When Shane fell asleep, Jasmine got up and called a friend to pick her up.

  ***

  “What happened, Jasmine?” Sandra asked, when Jasmine was settled in the passenger seat.

  “I had to drive him home,” Jazz said, looking at the window.

  “Is that all?” she asked.

  “Yes,” she sighed. “I think I’m going back to Colorado in the morning.”

  “You’ve only been home for a few days,” Sandra whined.

  “I’ve been here for three days too long, plus I need to get prepared for my new job at Colorado Daily News,” she replied.

  Her thoughts were with Shane; she’d left the truck keys on the kitchen counter and lock the door before she left. All her family and friends knew she had a crush on Texas Ranger, Shane McBride, but if they knew she’d slept with him, everyone would think she took advantage of him during his time of need.

  “Whatever you say, Jazz,” Sandra said.

  Jazz reach over and turned the music up. Hopefully, Sandra caught the drift that she didn’t want to discuss Shane or her going back to Colorado early. Jasmine didn’t want to see Shane again. Texas was big, but it wasn’t big enough for the both of them.

  Chapter One

  Nine Months Later

  "Shane, I think you know it's time to let go," Pala paused. "Your aura is deep red."

  "What does that mean?" he asked, looking around them like he was looking for a red light. Farrah laughed; she could tell that Shane wasn't buying what the old woman was saying. Pala and Shane both looked at Farrah.

  "Sorry." She watched the two people attentively.

  "You have a strong will. You are survival oriented, but—" Pala started to say.

  "But what?" he interrupte
d.

  "Farrah has a white sparkle surrounding her that represents her pregnancy, and there is also one surrounding you."

  Farrah couldn't control her laughter as she watched Shane's face drop in horror. "Are you serious?" he asked.

  "I wouldn't lie, son. You must have a child on the way." Pala tapped his arm before hiking up the hill.

  "Oh my!" Farrah said as she tried to keep a straight face.

  "The old loon is probably crazy," Shane said after a while.

  "Is she, Shane?" Farrah teased. "When was the last time you had sex?"

  Shane dragged his hand down his face. "I'm not telling you the last time I had sex," he said in disbelief.

  "I guess we're in the same boat," she shrugged. "I wonder who's having your baby?" she sang.

  Shane replayed Pala’s comment in his head since he left Farrah in Aruba. Was the old, eccentric lady crazy or was she telling him the truth? He had to admit she did know about him grieving. It was time for him to let go of Sarah, but he couldn’t. But was she telling the truth about having a child on the way? It’d been a year since Sarah’s death and he been with one person, and that was Jasmine St. Clair.

  Picking up the phone, he called Jazz’s number for the fifth time; there was no answer. Checking the watch on his wrist for third time since arriving at Denver International Airport, he groaned. He was on a time crunch. He needed to get to Jazz and find out if she really was having his baby.

  Every time he asked Benjamin about his sister, he got the same reply. “She’s okay, working hard.” Shit, Benjamin even said that she didn’t want to come home because she was working. Shane had a sneaky suspicion that Jazz was trying to avoid him. When he woke up that morning, he didn’t realize his mistake until after it was done. He hasn’t been intimate with anyone in a long time, he allowed himself to live for just that moment in Jazz’s arms.

  Shane sighed a breath of relief when his cell phone’s caller ID showed his good friend, Hawk Youngblood, a detective for the Denver Police Department. Before the flight took off from Aruba, he asked Hawk to search for Jasmine. Shane knew he couldn’t damn well ask Benjamin for Jasmine’s address, especially since he was on a much-needed vacation.