Cowboy After Dark (7 page)

“A little over a year ago, I had a bad breakup.”

“I’m not surprised to hear it.” Some of the puzzle pieces fell into place.

“Really bad.”

His heart ached for her. Such a loving, creative soul, and some slimy douche canoe had caused her pain. Maybe she stopped writing because the piece of shit had broken her heart. “Give me his name and location and I’ll beat the crap out of him for you.”

“He’s not worth it.”

“I’m sure he’s not, but if it would make you feel better, I’ll gladly do it.”

She reached for his hand. “Thank you for that. He’s a dragon not worth slaying. Stand down, Sir Stiff Upper Lip.”

“Nothing worse than a knight with no dragon to slay.”

“I wish it could be that kind of story, where you defend my honor and we live happily ever after. But happily-ever-after only happens in books.”

“Not true. What about Phil and Damon?”

“For their sake, I hope they found their happy ending.”

He might be paddling upstream on this issue. He couldn’t use Cade and Lexi as an example because they were still in negotiations, and he hadn’t met Finn’s girlfriend, Chelsea, yet. “What about Rosie and Herb? They’ve loved each other for more than forty years.”

“Okay, okay. Some lucky couples end up happy-ever-after, but it’s rare, like winning the lottery. I don’t play the lottery, and I’ve decided not to pursue another long-term relationship. It hurts too much to crash and burn.”

“I see.” So he’d been a convenient sexual release mechanism. He tried to pull his hand from hers, but she held him tight. “Hope, I’m starting to feel like the pool boy.”

“You’re not. You’re an incredible gift after a year of misery. But I always planned to tell you that whatever happened between us could only last until the wedding was over. I’m not ready for any more than that.”

He sighed in frustration. The ex must have really done a number on her if, after a year, she was still hurting. Overcoming that kind of injury with a couple of encounters in the barn could be impossible. And she’d probably refuse to go out with him in Cody because there would be no built-in parameters. “So you’re leaving day after tomorrow?”

“No, actually, I’m not. I’ve agreed to house-sit for Damon and Phil while they’re on their honeymoon. They adopted a couple of kittens, and they need someone to look after them while they’re gone.”

Hot damn. His odds had just improved tremendously. He felt like doing a fist pump, but he didn’t want to scare her off, so he kept his tone casual. “Interesting.”

“The kittens? I know. Apparently Damon’s always wanted—”

“Not the kittens. I decided to take a week off from rafting and spend time with Rosie and Herb over Fourth of July. I’ll be around for the week after the wedding, too.”

The rhythm of her breathing changed. “I didn’t know that.”

“Now you do.”

“What about Grady?”

“He’s driving back after the wedding. Because of all the work he put in on this sculpture for Damon and Phil, he’s behind on a couple of commissioned pieces. He wants to use Fourth of July to catch up.”

“He doesn’t want to hang around for the holiday stuff?”

“I’m sure he’d love to, but he has obligations to the folks who’ve put down a significant deposit and are eagerly awaiting their creations.” Liam had learned that an artist’s life wasn’t as fancy-free as people imagined.

“Then you’ll be alone in that cabin?”

“That would be nice, but it’s a home for students now. I’ll move into a guest room at the ranch house so we can spruce up the cabin for the kids.”

“But if Grady’s leaving and taking the truck, how are you getting home?”

“Grady can fetch me, or Cade and Lexi might take me back. Lexi’s been asked to give a weekend riding clinic in Cody, and she’d like to check out the venue and meet the folks before she commits to it.” He paused, his heart thudding. “Or, depending on how the week turns out, I could hitch a ride with you.”

And then he waited, determined not to say anything more. Two nights wouldn’t make a dent in her armor, but if he had a whole week and lots of relaxed private time...miracles did happen, even if she no longer believed in them.

7

H
OPE
GULPED
.
“I feel as if you’ve led me to the edge of a cliff and invited me to jump over it with you.” She turned her head and discovered he was looking at her. His face was mostly in shadow, but light from the stars glinted in his raven hair.

Liam was a beautiful man, and he wanted her. She’d thought her interest in men had died after Tom’s betrayal, but Liam made her ache with longing. She shivered when she imagined spending the next week in a sexual relationship with him.

“Let’s try a different image.” Rolling to his side, he reached over and cupped her cheek in one large hand. “We’re both on vacation, right?” He smoothed his thumb over her cheekbone.

“I certainly am. I haven’t taken one since I moved to Cody, so this was the perfect opportunity.”

“And I’m long overdue. The rafting company was short on guides until recently, but now they’re fully staffed. So I’m on break.”

“What a coincidence.” She loved the subtle yet confident way he touched her. He instinctively knew the right pressure and rhythm, whether he was lightly caressing her cheek or giving her an orgasm.

“Coincidence, luck, fate. Take your pick. We both have a week off, so what if we think of it as a long-anticipated adventure, one we’re finally taking the time to enjoy?”

“How in the world could this week be long-anticipated when we barely know each other?”

“We know each other better than we did an hour ago.” There was a smile in his voice. “Think of how well acquainted we’ll be in a week.”

Dear God.
The images his comment inspired made her blush. She was glad it was too dark to see.

“You’re blushing.”

“You can’t tell that.”

“Yes, I can. Your cheek just got very warm.”

“Oh.” It seemed she could hide nothing from this man.

“Can I take that as a sign that you’re excited about the possibilities?”

“Yes.” She drew in a shaky breath. “Yes, you can.” Her body hummed with sensual approval of everything he had to offer.

“I’m glad.”

“But that still doesn’t magically transform next week into a long-anticipated adventure.”

“Are you sure about that?” He combed his fingers through her hair and cradled the back of her head. “Don’t tell me you’ve never fantasized about a wild fling with the right guy. No obligations, no promises, just good times.” He drew closer. “Good sex.”

“Well, okay, I have.” Her blush spread along every inch of her skin. He was about to kiss her, and she couldn’t wait. “I think most women do.”

“I’m prepared to be that guy.” His mouth settled over hers.

Melting against him, she allowed herself to believe that he could be her fantasy lover, especially if he had to fill that role just for a week. A week of feeling his knowing hands on her willing body sounded like heaven. And man, he could kiss.

The hunger in that kiss and the hard length of his cock pressed against her belly reminded her that only she had been satisfied tonight. The heat of his mouth burned away any remaining inhibitions. He hadn’t said what role she would take in the days that followed, but he must have a fantasy woman in mind, too. Sliding her hand down, she stroked the thick, denim-covered ridge.

He groaned. Breaking away from her mouth, he caught and held her wrist. “Don’t.”

“Why not?”

“I’ll come. That would be embarrassing as hell.”

“Not if I’m making it happen.”

His breathing roughened. “I didn’t bring you out here for that.”

“Will you think less of me if I make you come?”

“Of course not! But—”

“Then let me.” Leaning forward, she ran her tongue over his full lower lip.

“Hope...”

“Let me.” She drew his lip into her mouth and sucked gently.

With a low moan of surrender, he relaxed his hold on her wrist. His breath was warm on her mouth. “It seems I’m going to.”

“Good.” She pushed against the solid wall of his chest. “Lie down and look at the stars.”

Sighing, he rolled onto his back. “This doesn’t seem heroic.”

“But I’ll bet it’ll feel really good.” She straddled his thighs and unbuckled his belt.

“I’m sure it will.”

“You can’t be sure.” Unfastening the metal button at his waist, she carefully eased down the zipper. “I might be lousy at this.”

“There’s no such thing.”

“That’s not logical.” Behind his fly, his gray knit boxers were stretched tight. It was a wonder the seams held up under all that pressure. “Everybody’s bad at something. Maybe I’m bad at giving blow jobs.”

“Ask any guy. Good technique is a bonus, but it’s so not necessary.” His breath hissed out as she pulled down his boxers and freed his cock.

Oh, my. She wasn’t going to mention Tom at a moment like this, but Liam had him beat by a country mile. All this would be hers for a week. Hello, fantasy lover.

“Is...is something wrong?”

“On the contrary. Something is very right. You have a magnificent tallywhacker.”

His voice sounded strained. “I thought maybe there was a problem.”

“No.” She glanced at his face. Even in the dim light, she could see the tendons in his neck were standing out. He was also gripping fistfuls of the blanket. “Do you have a problem?”

“Only that I think I’m going to come any second.”

“Maybe I can help.”

“That would be great.”

Grasping the base of his penis, she squeezed hard.

“Ahh.”

“Better?” She leaned over him, her tongue poised to lick the single drop of moisture gathered at the tip.

His massive chest heaved. “Yeah. For a second there I thought I’d—” He gulped when her tongue made contact. “Hope, if you keep that up, it’ll be all over.”

“Not if I give you another squeeze.” Circling the base of his shaft with her thumb and forefinger, she tightened her grip while continuing to lavish attention on his very fine penis. The longer she stroked and licked, the more she ached to feel him thrusting deep inside her.

But he was a gentleman and hadn’t brought condoms. She understood completely. Showing up with condoms in your pocket on a first date didn’t demonstrate much respect for the woman you’d invited out.

Consequently he’d suffered while giving her two amazing orgasms. She’d do well to remember that instead of wishing he’d been a little less of a gentleman. Now he deserved his reward for all that self-sacrifice. Closing her lips over his considerable girth, she took in as much of him as she could manage.

He gasped and began to shake. When she moved her head up and down, he swore. So they had that swearing thing in common. She used her tongue and her teeth and concluded from his labored breathing and the cussing that he was enjoying himself.

“Hope.”
He sounded desperate. “I can’t wait. I’m going to...come. You don’t have to...stay with me.”

Yes, she did. Sucking hard, she put him over the top. As he cried out, she swallowed all he had to give. If he’d committed to being her fantasy man, she’d be his fantasy woman. For one week.

* * *

S
HE
MADE
THE
RIDE
back in a sensual daze. The shadows that had spooked her on the way out had lost their power to stimulate her imagination. She had no time to contemplate a bear attack when her mind was filled with visions of rolling around in bed with a naked and aroused Liam Magee.

They’d agreed that frantic attempts to have sex in the next forty-eight hours made no sense, though. If a golden opportunity presented itself, they’d take advantage, but otherwise they’d wait until after the wedding. Liam was fixated on making sure they had a bed next time. Now that she’d seen and touched his top-grade package, she didn’t much care whether a bed was available or not.

By the time they returned to the ranch, the ranch house was dark. They rode over to the barn and dismounted under the glow of the light over the barn doors.

“You should go in.” Liam kept his voice low. “I’ll take care of the horses.”

“That’s not fair,” she murmured. “I’ll help. Just tell me what to do.”

He seemed to consider that for a moment before nodding. “Okay. While I take off the saddles, you can bring the grooming tote out. It’s a black plastic gizmo that holds the brushes and curry combs. It’s on a shelf in the tack room. Can’t miss it.”

She found the tote, no problem. She also found an envelope tucked into it with Liam’s name printed in block letters on the outside. Leaving the envelope exactly where it had been placed, she carried the tote outside just as he was taking the first saddle in. “There’s an envelope in here with your name on it.”

“There is? That’s strange.” He hauled the second saddle in before examining the note. “If someone wanted to leave me a note, you’d think they’d stick it in the cabin door.” Leaning down, he picked up the envelope, opened it and started to laugh. “Oh, jeez.”

“What? Who’s it from?”

“Never mind.” He shoved the envelope and whatever it contained in his back pocket. “You can brush Isabeau, and I’ll take care of Navarre.”

“All right.” She picked up a brush and started in on Isabeau’s dark gray coat. Curiosity was one of her failings, but she vowed not to be nosy. Keeping that vow would have been easier if Liam had quit chuckling.

She tried to imagine what would have caused that reaction. It hadn’t been a note, because he’d taken no time to read it. As she replayed the moment, she remembered hearing the envelope crinkle. She recognized that crinkle.

By the time she and Liam had settled both horses in their stalls, she’d figured out the likely contents of the envelope. She waited until they’d left the barn and he’d slid the bar across the double doors before confronting him. “Was there a condom in that envelope?”

His sheepish expression said it all. “Um...yeah.”

“Who—?”

“Cade, but it’s not like you’re thinking.”

“Then the two of you didn’t discuss the subject of condoms while you were out here saddling up for our ride?”

“We did discuss it.”

“Ha! And I was giving you points for being a gentleman! Meanwhile you and Cade were—”

“Doing what good guys do.” He gripped her arms. “If you picture us taking bets on what would or wouldn’t happen tonight and making crude remarks about it, then you don’t know either of us very well.”

“No, I don’t.” And she’d pictured exactly that.

“Here’s how it went. Cade wanted us to have a good first date. He suggested taking a blanket, and I agreed. Then he asked if I had condoms, and I told him I wouldn’t presume to take them on a first date. He thought maybe I should reconsider because...” He paused. “That part doesn’t matter. I didn’t take them, as you know.”

“I think it does matter, considering he left one so you’d have it at the end of our ride. Why did he think you should reconsider?”

He cleared his throat. “He’s convinced you want me.”

“Oh, really? Why is he convinced?”

“He’s observed how you look at me.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks grew hot. “Well, that’s damned embarrassing. I didn’t realize I was telegraphing my interest to the world.”

“Not the world.” He drew her closer. “Before dinner I mentioned to Cade that I’ve liked you for a while. Cade, being protective of me, paid attention during the meal to whether you returned that interest.”

“I see.” She wondered how Cade would react if he knew her interest was strictly short-term. Probably not well.

“Should he have left that condom for me? Probably not, but that’s Cade. He means well, but he doesn’t always think how something will be perceived. He didn’t want us to go to bed frustrated.”

“What exactly did you say to Cade before dinner?”

“That you seemed special and I’d been meaning to ask you out for weeks.”

“And why didn’t you?”

His gaze searched hers. “The truth is, I had a strong feeling you’d refuse. So I put off asking to avoid what I thought would be a rejection.”

“It would have been.”

He accepted that with a nod. “Then my instincts were right, and as it turns out, the situation we’re in now is the only way you would ever have agreed to spend time with me.”

“Exactly.”

“A brief affair.”

“Yes. But now I’m worried you won’t be okay with that.”

An emotion flickered in his eyes and was gone. He smiled down at her. “Are you kidding? What guy wouldn’t be thrilled with a week of great sex with a beautiful woman?”

“A guy who wants more.”

“But you don’t have more to give.”

“Right.”

“So I’m grateful for whatever you are willing to give.” He rubbed her back. “We’ve just begun, and you’ve already made me a very happy and satisfied man. FYI, you’re not lousy at it. You’re damned good at it, in fact. I hope we can do that particular activity some more this week.”

“We can, but...” She rested her palms against his warm chest. “This won’t be a stolen few days away from everything, the way I’d first pictured it. We’re not on a tropical island. During the week, we’ll be seeing your family, and I can’t believe they’d approve of a superficial relationship that’s all about sex.”

“I have no intention of telling them. Do you?”

“Of course not.”

“Then as I see it, we don’t have a problem. We’ll have our fun this week, and they can assume whatever they want about us. At the end of our time together, we’ll go home to Cody. After a while, I’ll announce that it didn’t work out.”

“You’ve thought this through.”

“Yep. On the ride home.”

“Then you really are willing to enjoy the week and end it cleanly?”

“Absolutely. I’m no fool. You’re proposing a setup that’s every man’s fantasy.”

She could either keep questioning him or take him at his word. Making her decision, she nestled closer and wiggled her hips against his. “You said the barn wasn’t very romantic.”

Sliding his hands down her back, he cupped her bottom. “It’s not.” His fingers flexed in an arousing massage, and his eyes darkened. “But then, we’re not looking for romance.”

“No.”

“We’re looking for hot, no-holds-barred, mind-blowing sex.” He lifted her to her tiptoes and fit the hard ridge of his fly into the crotch of her jeans. “Right?” Holding her gaze, he thrust forward.