by Peyton Banks
She bit back a groan at the sight of sweat running down his brown skin. The top few buttons had come undone, allowing parts of his chest to be revealed.
Down, girl.
Her hormones were in overdrive.
It had to be all of this fresh air and the amount of testosterone from all the men working the cattle that had her on the edge. Watching the men work was better than any male review she’d ever been to.
“I reckon I better clean up so I can take her out.” He flashed her his sexy crooked grin, and she practically melted where she sat.
“Well, this pretty little lady wants to be wined and dined.” She playfully added a horrible southern accent. She stood and brushed the back of her jeans off. She walked over to him with the back of her hand pressed to her forehead. “There was so much testosterone out here, I don’t think my heart can take watching the manly men do such hard labor.”
She arrived at his side and feigned as if she were going to swoon. He caught her in his arms and laughed. Yani didn’t care that his shirt was slightly damp. She breathed in his scent, and all she caught was the outdoors, a hint of musk, and Rashad.
“Well, little lady.” He poured on a better southern accent. “You better not be looking at any other men on the ranch.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and stared up at him. “There’s only been one man I’ve had my eye on who works this ranch.”
“See y’all tomorrow!” Rashad gave a salute to Stan, Darnell, and Karl as he walked past them in the barn. He had just finished brushing Brandy down and feeding her. The hands were able to board their horses on the Blazing Eagle Ranch for free as part of their job perks.
“You and Yani, huh?” Darnell chuckled. He broke away from the other guys and walked along side Rashad.
Darnell had grown up in Shady Springs just like Rashad. They had gone to high school together, but Darnell had graduated a couple of years before Rashad. They had hung out quite a few times after work, and Rashad considered Darnell a friend.
“Not sure.” He sighed. It was the honest truth. He didn’t know what was happening, but he was definitely going along for the ride.
“Y’all looked good together up on Brandy. She’s a sweet girl and not like the bunnies that hop around searching for a good ride on a cowboy.”
They stepped out of the barn, and Rashad caught sight of Yani standing next to her car. She was sitting on top of the trunk, staring off into space.
Darnell was right.
She wasn’t like all the other women who chased after him.
He breathed in sharply at the memory of his mother trying to sell Yani on him. Her words still echoed in his head.
‘She’s beautiful, talented, and successful. Her clientele is a mile long.’
Hell, what did he have to offer a woman like Yani?
He was a ranch hand who worked hard from sunup to sundown. He did have a decent amount of savings, owned his own home, and had little debt.
What the hell was he thinking? He had much to offer Yani.
“You’re right. She’s not like the other women,” he muttered, shaking his head to clear it from the moment of self-doubt.
“Y’all have a good night. Me, I’m headed home for a hot shower, a beer, and maybe food before diving into my bed.”
“See ya later, man.” Rashad’s fist met Darnell’s before they parted ways.
Rashad’s feet carried him straight to Yani. A woman such as herself shouldn’t be kept waiting. Before they went anywhere, he had to stop at home and take a shower. He was sure he smelled to the high heavens. Yani hadn’t complained one moment when they were up on Brandy.
“Are we just taking my car or both?” she asked when he arrived in front of her.
Yani’s bright smile was like a ray of sunshine directly beaming down on him. It brightened his day.
“You can follow me back to my place. I need to take a quick shower because I’m sure I smell of cattle, horse, and shit.” He chuckled.
Yani’s nose scrunched up in the cutest little look. “I wasn’t going to say anything…”
“No complaining, darlin’,” he drawled. He playfully tugged her to him to where she slid to the edge of the car. Her infectious laughter had him smiling with her. He moved between her open legs. “You wanted an inside look at ranching, and the scent comes with it.”
She giggled and leaned forward. She trailed a finger down his chest and batted her eyes in a seductive manner. “Maybe I like the scent of Rashad Mays after a long day of hard manual work.”
Her voice grew husky, and his dick twitched.
“There is something about watching a man earn his living working the land.”
Fuck.
Rashad grabbed her neck and yanked her forward. He lowered his head and claimed her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Her lips immediately parted and granted him entrance.
Had he planned for their first kiss to be out in the open where anyone walking around the Blazing Eagle Ranch could see them?
No.
Could he tear his mouth from hers?
Hell no.
Yani’s hands gripped his shirt and tugged him closer to her. She was shy at first, but now, she was returning the kiss with the same fever.
The screech of a bird flying overhead broke through Rashad’s carnal thoughts. He pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss. He opened his eyes and found Yani’s still to be closed. Her lashes fluttered before opening, revealing her pretty brown eyes.
Rashad cupped her face gently in his hands and brushed her cheek with his thumb. This close to her, he could see a few scattered freckles under her right eye. He’d never realized she had them until now. He leaned down and pressed another kiss to her swollen lips, unable to resist.
“I hadn’t mean for our first kiss to be here on the ranch,” he murmured.
Her lips curled up into grin. “But you did mean for us to have a first kiss?”
She had still yet to release him from her clutches. A gentle breeze blew and pushed her hair into her face. He reached up and moved the wayward strands out of the way for her.
“I’ve been fantasizing about it for years,” he admitted.
“And you didn’t do anything about it?” She playfully punched him in the arm.
He feigned as if she had hurt him and stumbled back a few steps.
Her giggle echoed through the air. “Whatever.”
“Damn, girl. You got an arm on you,” he joked. It was truly nothing. Her tiny fist wouldn’t do anything to him. He had to put a little room between them before he did something as drastic as toss her over his shoulder and carry her into the barn to find an empty stall. He was certain the Brooks family would draw a line to him ravishing a woman on their property.
“Don’t be stalling, Rashad Mays. You are taking me out. Tonight.” She hopped down from the car and stood with her hands braced on her hips.
His cellphone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and glanced at the screen.
Nate Polk.
Rashad hesitated for a brief moment before sending it to voicemail. He would call his friend back later. Right now, he had Yani waiting on him.
5
Yani walked around Rashad’s living room, taking in his domain. She’d been to his house a few times with her brother but never on her own. This was unfamiliar territory for her.
She had followed him to his house from the Blazing Eagle Ranch. He lived about twenty minutes from it. That brief drive was pure torture. The kiss they shared had her body tied up into knots. Her panties were so damp afterwards she had thought of taking them off and chucking them somewhere.
But she didn’t.
She had home training.
A genuine lady kept an extra pair in her purse when she was around a man that exuded sex appeal like Rashad.
“Welp, guess I’m not a proper lady,” she muttered. Alas, she didn’t have an extra pair of underwear with her.
Her feet carried her around the room. She was nosy, want
ing to see a little inside the life of Rashad. There were photographs on the television stand of him with friends and family. Her gaze connected with one in particular of Rashad and her brother.
Yani smiled and lifted the frame to study it. She remembered that day as if it were yesterday. She had been the one to take the picture.
They had driven down to Grand Lake, near the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. In the summers, there were tons of activities to do, and each year the Polk family traveled there as a tradition. That year Rashad had tagged along with their family.
The fellas were partaking in a fishing competition while Yani and her mother had gone hiking along one of the trails. By the time the girls returned, Nathan had won the contest. He’d caught the largest fish. Yani had run down to take a picture of him and Rashad together.
She giggled, remembering the prize. A small fish trophy and a six-pack of beer.
Yani replace the picture frame in its rightful place, then glanced around the room one last time before walking over to the sofa. She plopped down on it with a sigh.
The sound of the shower turning on caught her attention. She sat back, and immediately the fantasy of Rashad in the shower came to mind.
She groaned aloud, thinking what he probably looked like. The hot water would flow along his ebony skin, sliding down those hard washboard abs she’d felt. It would continue on toward his—
Girl. Get. It. Together.
Her face grew warm from her erotic thoughts.
She wondered what he would do if she just showed up and boldly joined him.
Could she muster up the confidence to join him?
Would he push her away?
The memory of that kiss came rushing toward her. The warmth of his lips pressed against hers. The scent of him surrounding her and how badly she wanted him.
Yani shifted on the couch, aroused beyond belief.
Rashad had been a true gentlemen all these years, and it wasn’t until she’d taken the initiative that he’d given in. Knowing Rashad, he was probably honoring some unspoken code between men and that was why he hadn’t approached her.
She pushed up and stood from the couch. She would have to go ahead and just put her foot down and claim her man.
Before she could change her mind, she headed toward his bedroom. His home was a small ranch-style dwelling. She knew her way around and headed down the hallway.
Yani reached the door and paused. Her heart was pounding hard. She took the door handle and turned.
It opened.
She entered his private domain, and immediately the scent of his cologne engulfed her.
His room was a pleasant-sized bedroom decorated in strong bold colors with dark furniture. His style was a mixture of rustic yet modern.
Yani pushed off the door and stripped her clothes off. She tossed them onto a wide leather chair in the corner. Her gaze landed on the door that separated the master bedroom from the attached bathroom.
She briefly thought of her hair and whipped it into two French braids. Getting in the shower with it pulled back would not keep it from getting wet, but at least it would tame it.
“Now or never, girl,” she murmured. She had to hype herself up or else she would probably chicken out and run from the room. “Go get your man.”
She strode toward the bathroom door and slowly opened it. The bathroom’s decor matched that of the bedroom. The warm colors were welcoming and relaxing, what a bathroom should be. Brown slate lined the floors, and her eyes were at first drawn to the white clawfoot tub.
This was unfamiliar territory for her. She had never stepped foot inside his private sleeping or bathing quarters and she was finding his taste matched her own. There were a few things she’d add, like flowers to brighten up the room.
Her gaze continued on to the large walk-in shower, and she froze in place.
Rashad stood with his hands braced against the wall while he let the water run down his head.
Her breath caught in her throat. Her imagination couldn’t hold a candle to the actual life image of a naked Rashad. His muscular body was toned and fit.
It was complete perfection.
She greedily took him in.
As if feeling eyes on him, Rashad lifted his head, and their eyes met.
Yani’s feet carried her over to him. He turned, putting the water to his back. She stepped around the glass barrier and stood before him. She tried to keep her eyes level with his, but her curiosity got the best of her. Her gaze wandered to his sculpted chest and down to the washboard abs she knew he had. His long length captivated her attention, bobbing in the air.
Holy mother of Moses.
He was everything she could have imagined.
His gentle hands tipped her chin up so she could meet his eyes. They could only be described as dark and feral. The water pounded on his back, spraying on her slightly. She blinked and moved closer to him, closing the gap between them. His dick pressed against her stomach.
Her core clenched with need.
“Yani, there’s no turning back.” His deep baritone voice washed over her.
She took notice that it wasn’t a question but a statement.
“I don’t want go back.” She slid her hand up his chest. She marveled at his muscular frame. There was another tattoo on his pectoral muscle of a fierce lion with a wild mane.
It fitted him perfectly.
Rashad chuckled. His hands skimmed along her torso and down to her ass, gripping her to him.
Time seemed to move slowly as she watched his head lower to hers.
He hovered close to her. “Good, because I wasn’t planning to let you go.”
The first touch of his lips to hers sent a tremor through her body. She parted her lips to allow the kiss to deepen. His tongue slipped inside and tangled with hers. Yani reached up and wrapped her arms around Rashad’s neck.
God, he could kiss.
A moan slipped from her, and she found herself lost in the kiss. It was toe-curling, sending chills down her spine.
Rashad held her close, backing her up to the tiles. She gasped from the coldness pressing against her.
He rested his hands on the wall, trapping her. He broke the kiss only to trail hot, open-mouthed kisses along her jawline. He burned a trail down to her neck.
Yani’s knees grew weak. Thankful for the wall to help hold her up, she basked in Rashad kissing and nipping at her skin.
His hand returned to her, massaging and squeezing everything he could touch. He lifted his head and cupped her breasts. She fit into his grasp perfectly.
“Damn, Yani. You’re beautiful,” he murmured in awe.
She flushed and suddenly became conscious of all the imperfections of her body, but the way he was looking at her had her slowly forgetting every single one of them.
She was flawless in his eyes.
Rashad rolled her beaded nipples, teasing her.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she quipped. Who was she kidding? There wasn’t an ounce of fat on the man. He was chiseled stone from a life of hard work on the ranch.
Heat flared inside her as he took her all in. His hands slid down to her hips and gripped them. A growl escaped him when his gaze dropped to her core.
Impatiently, she stood on her tiptoes and reached for Rashad, bringing his head back down to hers. She covered his mouth with hers.
He slipped an arm under her ass and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist. This time when her back met the wall, she welcomed the chill of the tile. Her body was on fire with the need for this man plundering her mouth with his tongue.
The kiss grew frantic with need.
Yani couldn’t think of anything else but being taken by Rashad. She raked her nails along his shoulders. Her breasts were crushed between them, and she whimpered.
“Rashad,” she whispered, tearing her lips from his.
His hooded eyes met hers before dropping to her lips.
“Tell me what you want?” he demanded.
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“You.”
Rashad wanted Yani. There was no doubt about it. Her nails digging into his shoulders, the sounds of her whimpers, and the feel of her legs wrapped around his waist had his dick harder than he’d ever experienced.
“You got me,” he replied hoarsely.
He lined up the head of his cock to her slick folds. He couldn’t promise that their first time would be gentle.
The memory of her standing in the room naked with the hint of doubt in her eyes replayed in his mind.
She was downright gorgeous. He couldn’t help but admire her full breasts that were perky and high, her waist that was tapered and flared out with her wide hips. Her light-brown skin was impeccable.
His mouth had instantly dried up, and his tight throat made it difficult to speak.
She had done that to him.
Rendered him speechless.
He had been crazy about her before and had to hold it back, but now she was in his arms, naked, he would not hold back anything.
Rashad dropped a soft kiss to her lips as he slowly pressed forward. Her slit opened, welcoming the head of his cock. He bit back a groan at how wet she was.
“Rashad,” she moaned.
The warm water flowed on his back, cascading over him, and dripped off onto Yani. He growled and surged forward, completely burying himself inside her.
They both cried out.
He paused to give her a chance to get acclimated to the size of him. Yani’s channel was slick, snug, and gripped him perfectly. Her legs tightened around him. He dropped his head down to the crook of her neck. He kissed and nipped her neck before running his tongue along her skin to get a taste of her.
“Fuck, Yani. I have to move,” he groaned. He couldn’t hold back any longer.
Her eyes were closed but fluttered open to gaze at him. He was hit with the pure lust in her gaze.
He pulled back and thrust forward again. The sound of her gasp had his dick swelling even more.
She was so damn beautiful. Her face was flushed, slightly wet from the water spraying out the showerhead, and her breasts…he couldn’t get enough of them. He couldn’t wait to take them in his mouth.