The Visitor (Texas Desires - Vol. 2): Texas Desires, #2

By Aubrey Skye

Texas Desires: Vol. 2 – The Visitor

Jamie is a true cowgirl. She’s also a woman who had her heart broken by the one man she thought would love her forever. Mason was everything she wanted, but he left her when she was most vulnerable, and she has been trying to pick up the pieces ever since.

Jamie wakes up at Austin’s house, and she is confused by the picture of the girl on the wall and by the fact that the same girl is calling his phone. She thinks it might be time to run, but she decides to give him the benefit of the doubt and go to breakfast with him. However, there is a surprise waiting for them at home that will change everything…

It turns out both of them have their secrets, and it's anybody's guess whose will be revealed first!

Note: Parts of Texas Desires were previously published as Cowboy Desires.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roja Publishing
• Release date: Oct 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540100207

Book preview

Texas Desires: Vol. 2 – The Visitor

Jamie is a true cowgirl. She’s also a woman who had her heart broken by the one man she thought would love her forever. Mason was everything she wanted, but he left her when she was most vulnerable, and she has been trying to pick up the pieces ever since.

Jamie wakes up at Austin’s house, and she is confused by the picture of the girl on the wall and by the fact that the same girl is calling his phone. She thinks it might be time to run, but she decides to give him the benefit of the doubt and go to breakfast with him. However, there is a surprise waiting for them at home that will change everything...

It turns out both of them have their secrets, and it's anybody's guess whose will be revealed first!

Note: Parts of Texas Desires were previously published as Cowboy Desires.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

~Vol. 2 – The Visitor~

The girl from the engagement picture had just called Austin’s phone. Andrea seemed like she must be someone really important to him if she was still calling him and he hadn’t taken that picture down. What kind of man would bring a woman into his house when he kept pictures of another woman wearing his ring on the wall? I was so curious about it, and still shocked, but how could I ask him when I barely knew the man? Sure, I had shared his bed and he had brought me to places I thought I may never go again, but that didn’t give me the right to question him or look at his phone and try to snoop around for the answer.

When I heard him approaching from the bathroom, I quickly set his phone down and acted like I had just returned from downstairs. I was sitting on his bed in just his shirt and my boy shorts when he came into the room.

Feeling better? I asked the question as innocently as I could. I was a little taken aback by the sight of him in just a towel. He was hard to resist and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to, despite his secrets.

Much better, thanks to you. You made me so happy last night. You’re a beautiful girl with curves in all the right places. I’m so glad you’re here. I still can’t get over how any man could let you go.

You’re too sweet. I guess I’ll never know what made him leave, but I do know that I will get over it someday. Being with you last night was a huge step in the right direction. I just take things one day at a time.

I’m glad I could help. There are things I need to get over, too. I may not have aired all of my dirty laundry, but I have a past, too.

I don’t expect you to tell me everything. All I want is for you to respect me and be kind to me. I don’t want to play games or be used. If you’re planning on doing either one of those things, please tell me now. My heart can’t take another big break like that right now.

Jamie, I have no intention of ever hurting you. I’d like to see you again and let things fall as they may. I can’t promise that it will be easy and perfect, but I do promise to be honest.

I was dying to ask him about Andrea, but I didn’t. Here he was promising honesty, so it was the perfect time to ask him about Andrea. Did I really want to know?

I appreciate that, Austin. I like where things have gone so far. For now, why don’t you get your sexy ass dressed and take me to breakfast? I’m starving!

He laughed and did as I asked. I sat there and enjoyed watching him put clothes on almost as much as I loved watching him take them off. He was ready in about five minutes, but not until he had doused himself with body spray. I liked how it smelled, but it still made me giggle that he took longer to get ready than I did. Weren’t cowboys supposed to be rugged and dirty?

We headed out to his truck and he helped me up and closed my door. Then he hopped in and put more of my favorite country music on his iPod. He placed his hand on my knee like we had known each other forever, and I didn’t ask him to move it. Even though I worried about getting too attached, too quickly, and about Andrea, I liked the way Austin was making me feel for now.

He drove for about 15 minutes and pulled into a diner I had passed a few times in my travels out this way. There were several cars parked outside and it smelled of bacon and coffee. After he got me out of the truck, he took my hand and led me inside. It was nice to have a man take care of things every once in a while, even if I liked my independence. Patrons could seat themselves here, so he took us to a booth in the back corner. I sat down with him across from me. The waitress took our orders, and we each had coffee and an omelet. He ate way more than I did, and we talked the whole time.

The dimples in his cheeks that appeared when he smiled made my insides mushy, and I got distracted more than once by the sight of them. He asked me a lot of questions about myself, and I was completely honest. That is, until he asked me if I wanted children, and I had to take a deep breath so I wouldn’t break down.

Yes, I do want kids. At least two of them, maybe three. I want them sooner rather than later, too, but I don’t know if that will happen. I’m not getting any younger, you know, and being single doesn’t help. What about you?

Yes, I definitely want more kids. I didn’t tell you this until now, but I have a son named Jackson. He’s two, and he’s my little buddy. I try to see him as much as I can, but I have some issues to work out with his mama. She likes to use him against me. I was afraid to tell you because I didn’t want to scare you away.

I was completely surprised to hear this, but then I remembered the pictures on his wall that I assumed were all of his nieces and nephews.

Wow, I had no idea. That’s awesome that you have a son, but sad that you have drama with his mother. What happened?

I caught her in bed with one of her coworkers. In our bed. When Jackson was just a little guy. I couldn’t stand to be betrayed like that. She swore it would never happen again, but once the trust was broken, I couldn’t go back. I moved out three weeks later and she has been using Jackson to try to get me back ever since. She can’t stand to see me happy, and I’m pretty sure she talks bad about me to our son. But that little boy has my heart and I would do anything for him. It just about kills me when I have to leave him with her.

So I guess your heart has been broken just as badly as mine. How sad for you and Jackson. But at least you know why your relationship ended. I don’t think I will ever know. Mason just left.

Again, that man must have something wrong with him. It couldn’t have had anything to do with you. On another note, I’m so glad you’re not gonna run from me over this. I was really scared to tell you.

You can’t scare me away that easily. But I have to ask you something. What is her name?

Andrea. Why?

Because I saw the picture on your wall. And I saw her picture come up on your phone when I was getting dressed today. I wondered about it, but I figured it was none of my business.

Yeah, you probably thought I was in a relationship, huh? We were engaged when she got pregnant with Jackson, and we were so happy. I thought that was it for me. I guess I haven’t taken the picture down because I don’t want to forget what it felt like to be happy. And I haven’t had another woman in my house at all, so I didn’t think to hide it. I’m sorry if it upset you.

It didn’t upset me. It just reminded me to be extra cautious. But you don’t owe me explanations. We can walk away from each other today and be happy in the fact that we shared an amazing night that made us both forget for a while.

His face fell when I said this, and he reached across the table to grab my hand.

Jamie, that is not what I want at all. I don’t just take women out for sex. I don’t take women out at all. You are the first girl that has made me feel anything since Andrea. I didn’t want you for sex. That was a bonus. I feel like there is a lot more in store for us. Please don’t walk away.

I looked into his eyes and could tell he was sincere. But my heart was still so fragile. How could I let anyone knowing that it could happen all over again?

I don’t want to walk away, but I don’t know if I am ready for more, either. It would take a lot to prove to me that you aren’t going to up and leave with no warning.

That’s not the kind of man I am, Jamie, and I will prove it to you. You don’t have to promise anything now.

He continued to hold my hand as we finished our breakfast in a silence that was full of words that needed to be said eventually. He paid the bill before I could protest and we headed to the truck. When we were both inside, he patted the spot next to him. I slid over so that he could put his arm around me, and I lay my head on his shoulder. He held me close enough to listen to his heart beating, and for the first time in a long time, I felt safe. I felt like this man could be the one to pull me back from the edge and show me how to love again.

We stayed that way and didn’t talk until he pulled into my driveway. I went to open my door and get out, but he held me there. He placed his hand on my face and looked directly into my eyes. His whole face was pleading.

I will call you later today. Please don’t doubt me, darlin. I don’t make promises I can’t keep. I have no intention of hurting you. Will every second be easy and perfect? No. But it will be worth it. Just let yourself have a little bit of faith in me.

He leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. His kiss was full of meaning and longing, and I kissed him back with just as much want. We broke apart, but we both hesitated.

I’m going to try my best. Bu you have to be patient with me. I’ll talk to you soon, Austin. Thanks again for last night.

I gave him a quick kiss and got out. When I got onto the porch, I turned around and gave him a quick wave. He waved back, and he didn’t pull out of the driveway until I was safely inside.

I set my purse down but took my phone out. I realized that I had turned it off the night before, and my sister was probably sending out a search party. There were five texts from her when the phone finally came back on, ranging from teasing to worry. I quickly dialed her number.

I was just about to file a missing person’s report! Why haven’t you answered me?

I was a little preoccupied. I turned my phone off so I wouldn’t have any distractions. I’m sorry.

Well, at least you got laid! I’m guessing that’s what you mean, anyway. How was it? Did you climb that hot piece of ass like a tree? Was he good? Did he go down on you? Where did you stay? Was he nice to you?

Jesus, Erin, calm down. We had sex. I stayed at his house. It was amazing. He took me out dancing last night and to breakfast this morning. He is a true gentleman, and I had a great time. I have no idea where it is going from here, if that is what you are about to ask.

Well, I have a million questions, but it sounds like you don’t want to answer them right now. I will grill you again later. I’m happy just knowing that he didn’t kill you and dump your body out in the middle of nowhere. Love you!

She hung up before I could get another word in. She was insane sometimes but I loved her.

I checked my phone for more messages, but all I had was a missed call from a number I didn’t recognize. I figured it must have been a wrong number.  I headed up to my room and lay down in my bed. My mind was full of everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. I closed my eyes and let myself think and drift off to sleep. I was woken up by the sound of my phone ringing. It was the same number that I had missed the call from earlier. I reached over in my half asleep state to answer it.

Hello? There was no answer. Hello? Is anyone there? There was still no answer.

After trying a couple more times, I hung up. Either someone was trying to prank me or it was a wrong number. I put the phone back on the nightstand and went back to sleep.

When I woke up again, it was 4:00 in the afternoon. I had slept half the day away. I figured the crying from the day before and all of the sex had taken its toll on me. Luckily it was Saturday and I didn’t have any plans. I looked at my phone again and found a text from Austin.

Hey darlin. I hope your day is going good. Is it wrong for me to say that I miss you? I came home and found that my bed smelled like you. My truck smells like you, too. Did I tell you before I left that you are so beautiful, and I’m so happy you’re in my life. I’m thinking about you...every second...

Wow, he was good. I was smiling like crazy, and I read it about five times. I got up and finally decided to change my clothes. I put on a pair of cut-off shorts and a tank top. I pulled my hair out of its knot and redid it in a long braid down my back. Since it was close to dinnertime, I headed downstairs to find something to eat. I was starving since I had skipped lunch, so I made up a plate of crackers and cheese. Then I grabbed some wine out of the fridge. As I was pouring it, there was a knock at the front door. I figured it was probably my sister, so I yelled out some profanities and told her I would be right there. But it wasn’t her at all.

When I opened the door, my heart stopped and I couldn’t breathe. This was a face that I hadn’t seen in over a year. A face I thought I may never see again. I had no words, and I didn’t know if I wanted to punch him or throw my arms around him. He looked the same as the last time I saw him, and the butterflies still swirled in my stomach. But I was frozen in place with my hand on the doorknob.

Jamie. You are a sight for sore eyes. Even more beautiful that I remember.

He was speaking, but he wasn’t moving. He looked just as unsure of what to do as I felt. The dark hair. The blue eyes. The tall, thin frame. I had dreamed of him so many times and planned what I would say if I ever got the chance, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. When I finally found my words, they weren’t what I had planned.

Mason. What are you doing here?

I felt my voice start to break, and I had wanted to put up a strong front. I didn’t want him to have the satisfaction of knowing what he did to me. I didn’t want him to see my heart breaking all over again from his mere presence on my porch.

I missed you. I have so much to say. I was a coward for leaving and for staying away so long. Please let me in. I won’t ask you for anything. I just want to talk to you. To try to explain.

For some reason, I stepped back and let him come in. Part of me knew I would regret it, but my body worked on its own. It worked from familiarity and memory. From so many sweet moments shared with this person who was almost a stranger at this point. I followed him into the living room, taking a big swig of my wine. We sat down across from each other.

Why are you here now? After all this time? I waited and hoped and prayed and called. I never got a word in return. You just vanished completely. You knew what happened, and you left me to deal with it alone. I’m still scarred. I’m still sad. But I was finally ready to move on.

There hasn’t been a minute that I haven’t thought about you. I worried about you every day. I wanted to call or text, but I was scared. I changed my number because I knew if I heard from you, I would come running back. I couldn’t face what happened. I couldn’t get over it. I wanted it as much as you did. I figured once that part of us was lost, we would never be able to make it together. I couldn’t sit there for another second and watch you falling apart. I knew you had your sisters and that they would help you. But I couldn’t take the pain. I was an asshole. But I love you so much. I never stopped loving you, Jamie. You have my heart. No one else ever will.

If you loved me, you wouldn’t have left me when I needed you most. You wouldn’t have walked out of the hospital room and never come back. You would have sat there and held my hand and been there for me after the surgery. You would have cried with me instead of running. You would have gotten through it with me and we would have been stronger for it. Do you have any idea what I went through alone?

You weren’t alone. You had your family. I wouldn’t have left you there if I didn’t know that.

I never told anyone. I waited and waited for you to come take me home the next day, and when you didn’t show up, I called a cab. I couldn’t bear to tell my sisters what happened, so I pretended I had the flu and holed myself up for days. Then I closed up my heart and faced the world. I tried to get in touch with you, but my texts were returned. I asked around about you, but no one knew where you were. Or you swore them to secrecy. I’m still not sure. Either way, I am still struggling with it to this day, and you are still the only person who knows about the hell I went through. How could you leave me so broken?

I had no idea you didn’t tell anyone. Why did you do it alone? I ran. I was an asshole. A selfish asshole. I didn’t mean to stay away for so long. But I was mourning, and I didn’t want to face you or anyone else here. I didn’t want anyone to see me go through my grief like that. I cried every day. I still cry a lot. I had closed up my heart for so long. When I finally let you in, that was a huge step for me. When that happened, I figured it was all my fault for letting myself fall in love with you. I lost two people that day. And I lost myself too. Unfortunately, you were the one who suffered the most.

You have no idea, Mason! I had to go on fucking anti-depressants. I still cry more than normal people do. I heard our song the other day, and I had to pull over because I was sobbing. All I wanted was you. You were the only one who could understand my grief. I wanted to build a life with you. I wanted to marry you. We could have tried again. How could you love me and leave me? You completely broke me.

I was sobbing again now. Angry tears of rage and hurt and love were falling down my face. What surprised me the most was looking over and seeing the same tears falling down his face. That was the last thing I expected to see.

Despite all the pain he had