Reality was better than dreams.
Reality with this man.
She met him halfway for the kiss, not that far to move as they were both already angling forward. The hot sweep of his tongue along hers was bold and hungry. His spicy scent filled her every breath. Everything about the moment seared into her senses in a way she knew she would replay in memory again and again.
His fingers speared through her hair, massaging along her scalp as he drew her head closer. She sank deeper into the kiss and delicious sensations licked along her spine. She glided her fingers down his back and tugged the tails of his shirt from the waist of his jeans, tunneling up to stroke the muscled expanse of his back.
A frenzy burned at her even as she ached to savor every touch, taste, caress. Drawing the moment out sharpened the edge of desire, dulled the edge of time until she whispered against his mouth, “I’m ready to show you my sexy brain.”
He chuckled, his hands gliding down to clasp her hips. “Oh really?”
“Yes, and more.”
He growled softly in appreciation. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“You’ll reciprocate, of course.”
He angled back to meet her gaze. “Am I moving too fast for you?”
She struggled to gather her thoughts and how to express herself when she still had so many questions herself. “To be honest, I’ve never felt this much for someone so quickly. So yes, my head is spinning more than a little, but I’m sure. Very sure that this is what I want.”
“For what it’s worth,” he said, “even with the whole matchmaker gig, this is moving at lightning speed for me, too.”
“But you’re sure?” she repeated.
“Absolutely. I want you. Here. Now.”
“All I needed to hear.”
As soon as she said the words, he slid from the couch to kneel in front of her, the lit tree glimmering behind him.
Between kisses, he eased her sweater over her head, breaking briefly to tug it off and toss it aside. The air was cool against her flesh, then warm as he touched her again, unhooking her bra, freeing her for his touch and gaze. He peeled down her jeggings, his hands warm, launching butterflies in her stomach and goose bumps along her skin.
He reclined her back onto the sofa, his lips grazing her neck, nuzzling aside her sweater to nip along her collarbone. He was definitely overdressed, and she intended to fix that. Immediately. She made quick work of the buttons on his shirt, shoving the flannel off his broad shoulders, flinging it aside. Then... Wow... Just wow... His chest was on display, a feast for her eyes and hands. She arched up for another kiss, desire pulsing through her, demanding more. Of this moment. Of him.
She tucked her hands into his jeans pocket and whispered against his mouth. “Birth control?”
“Yes, I have it.”
“So glad.” She teased his bottom lip between her teeth.
“Me, too.” He rested his forehead against hers for a moment before rolling to his feet.
He fished out his wallet, withdrew a condom and set it on the coffee table on top of a stack of farming magazines.
She swung her legs off the sofa and reached for him, unfastening his jeans. Easing the zipper down. Revealing the steely length of him. She stroked up, then down again. His hands gripped her shoulders, his chest rising and falling faster until he kicked aside his jeans and boxers. He angled back down to join her, stretching out over her in a delicious weight, his bare body meeting hers. She passed him the condom and quickly, he was ready.
And she was more than ready.
His gaze held hers as he slid inside her, filling her in a slow, deliberate stroke. Holding. The sensation of being connected for the first time was so intense, a ripple shimmered through her. Then he moved, and she moved with him, instinct taking over.
His mouth grazed her ear, her neck, before settling, yes, on her breast. Need tightened through her, sending her arching up. Her nails scored down his back lightly, although it was a struggle not to dig her fingers in deeply, anchor them both even more firmly.
She drew her foot up his calf and a husky moan rumbled in his chest. She’d known the attraction between them was strong, but she still hadn’t expected the chemistry to be this intense, more than she’d felt with anyone before. Soon, too soon, she felt release building. And as much as she wanted to hold back, to wait, the bliss increased, growing more intense until her head was flung back with the force of her orgasm. Feeling Jesse’s hoarse groans of completion heat her skin sent aftershocks along her already-sensitive nerves. Every sense was heightened, honed to right now.
His head was buried in her neck, his breath ragged, until with a hefty exhale, he rolled to his side, taking her with him. He eased a hand away to pull a blanket from the back of the sofa and over them, holding her close, staying silent other than the sound of their hearts galloping in sync.
As she drifted off to sleep, her walls and defenses down, she couldn’t escape the niggling voice telling her that this had been a dangerous idea.
And already she wanted him again.
* * *
Their interview that afternoon had gone beyond anything he’d imagined. He could certainly check “sexually compatible” off his list. Their lovemaking still lingered in his mind. He already craved her again.
Jesse paced in the sunroom off his bedroom suite, glass walls overlooking his property. In the landscape lights the pool glimmered, spa waters churning. The bunkhouse glowed in the distance. Christmas lights glinted along the split-rail fences, marking the lines of his property out in the distance.
Space, waiting to be filled.
For a moment, he allowed himself to envision what the future might look like. And what it might look like with Esme in it. He dropped into one of the wingbacks, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His memory was full of images of her asleep in his bed, hugging a pillow, her honey-blond hair fanned around her. He wanted to make the most of his time with her, and it would be helpful to know how much time he had before he would have to make some trips up to Houston. It would help to find out about the state of the roads.
Checking the time, he found it just shy of midnight. He didn’t want to wake anyone up...but then, his friend was a night owl. He typed out a text to his friend Nathan Battle, the sheriff of Royal.
Are you awake? If not, I’ll catch up in the morning.
Seconds after he hit Send, the phone rang, Nathan’s number flashing.
Jesse answered. “Thanks for calling. Hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Everyone’s asleep or playing video games. What can I do for you?” Nathan was an imposing leader for their police force, with a soft spot for his wife, Amanda, and their children.
Jesse moved out onto the balcony. A few stars peeked out of the nighttime clouds. “How’re the roads looking?”
“We have a couple of rural routes that are washed out and a damaged bridge. But we’ve marked enough detours for people to get around.”
“I imagine you’ve had your hands full.”
“Amanda’s been on me to take a vacation once this is over.” Nathan’s wife owned the Royal Diner, an informal eatery where small-town Texas gossip got spread.
“Sounds like you’re married to a wise woman.” Nathan and Amanda had the kind of rock-solid marriage that was an advertisement for matrimony.
“I’m a lucky bastard,” his gravelly voice echoed over the phone line. “But you didn’t call me for a weather report. If you wanted to know about the state of the roads you could have phoned anyone in the department.”
“What do you think of all the jockeying for power going on over in Houston to decide who’s going to head the new club?” Of all his friends, Nathan was like a brother to Jesse. He’d served as sound counsel for years.
“I think we’ve been lucky to have our group stay local here for a long time. We’ve got a good
town here and the club has made great strides since admitting women. The Texas Cattleman’s Club stands for community and family, honor and friendship, a cohesive force to support each other and do good in the community.”
Though his friend couldn’t see, he still found himself nodding in agreement. For all those reasons he took his role in the Texas Cattleman’s Club seriously. “I agree.”
“Choosing the person to set the tone in Houston is important. We don’t want our brand to be turned into some kind of social club or to lose its values. Houston isn’t Royal. It’s going to take a strong leader to guide all those larger-than-life personalities.”
“Solid insights.” His throat tightened. He hesitated.
A yawn echoed from the other end of the phone. “Do you mind if I ask why we’re discussing this?”
Shooting a glance at his bed and finding Esme stirring just a bit, he moved farther out onto the balcony and kept his voice low. “I’ve got an unexpected guest here. Sterling Perry’s daughter. She’s come to town to lobby for her father.”
“What do you think?”
He blinked. How in the hell did he answer that? “What do I think of her? Esme’s brilliant.”
“Uh-huh.” Nathan chuckled.
“Uh-huh what?”
Nathan laughed softly again. “My friend, I’ve been in this job a very long time and that’s taught me how to read a person’s tone. The sound always tells more than the words. And your tone tells me you are head over ass infatuated with her.”
“And if I am? But she’s the epitome of Houston glamour.” Opposite of everything he thought he wanted during the whole matchmaking process. And yet he couldn’t help but feel drawn to her.
“Glamour isn’t a bad thing. You’ve been to enough galas at the club—tuxedos and gowns and jewels. I defy you to find any event more high-end than ours.”
“Good point. Esme would enjoy that.” He envisioned her in a floor-length ball gown. Dancing. Their bodies in sync as they moved to the music.
“And since you contacted that matchmaker, I assume your interest is still for something lasting. A wife and family?”
“My plans haven’t changed.”
“Then my advice? Pursue her. Find out if what you’re feeling for her is the real thing.”
Before Nathan had even finished signing off, Jesse’s mind was already churning with ideas and excitement.
Dinner out. Maybe they could even double-date with his neighbor Cord and his girlfriend, Zoe. Cord would be relocating to Houston soon and Jesse was going to miss him. But then, connections in Houston would also give him a reason to see Esme. Houston might have massive department stores, but Royal offered top-notch specialty niche shops, and he wouldn’t mind having Esme along as he finished his Christmas shopping. And he still had a tree to chop down for all those decorations and an old-school string of lights like he remembered from childhood.
Full of plans, he pushed to his feet. He intended to show her just how amazing life could be here. That the town of Royal had everything to offer for a full social calendar.
And he very much looked forward to wooing her all the way back to his bed.
Eight
The past two weeks had been a blur of bliss for Esme, a time of discovery, getting to know Jesse, their differences fading in the face of so many shared interests, laughs and kisses. They’d spent nearly every moment together, going on dates, buying last-minute Christmas gifts and adding to the scant wardrobe in her suitcase. Touring his land, decorating his Christmas tree, making love in front of the fire.
He’d learned she had a weakness for flowers and could eat her way to the bottom of a bowl of popcorn. Heavily buttered. She sang Christmas carols with gusto, her pitch questionable, her enthusiasm undeniable.
Her equestrian skills were some of the best he’d ever seen. She was fire in motion on a horse.
Esme was a sensual woman who took pleasure in experiencing life.
Their nights had been spent passionately exploring in a lengthy quest to discover what made the other unravel with desire.
But she knew their time together was drawing to a close. She would have to return to Houston and her job. She’d delayed as long as she could.
Tomorrow, she was due to go back to Houston. Key members of the Royal chapter—including Jesse—would be touring the new club’s building renovations. Afterward, there would be a meeting with those Royal players, held at the Houston site.
Cases would be made for who should be the new president. Had she done enough good during her time here? Heaven knew, she’d been focused more on her relationship with Jesse than on her father’s bid for power.
She shoved aside the pinch of guilt. There was nothing she could do about that now, and she wouldn’t let it steal the joy of this last evening with Jesse.
Tonight, they were enjoying a five-star dinner at the Texas Cattleman’s Club—the original branch—in Royal. Music from a string quartet filled the room with classical Christmas melodies.
Looking around, no one would guess the place had suffered a devastating tornado, the fiercest to hit Royal in nearly eighty years. They’d rebuilt, better than ever. Pride surged in her heart at this community, the bonds made in this space. No wonder Jesse felt like these people were family. His comfort here showed in his easy manner, his way of greeting friends who stopped by their table.
The club was housed in a large, rambling single-story building made of dark stone and wood. The interior decor consisted of mostly dark wood floors, leather upholstered furniture and super-high ceilings.
Hunting trophies and historical artifacts adorned the paneled walls. Her favorite was the tooth of an ancient relative of a horse. As a child, she’d been delighted to know herds of horselike creatures roamed the lands she called home. She’d even had her own horse tooth in a small shadow box that always felt strangely comforting to her. That the Royal club boasted a similar horse tooth gave a sense of continuity between the two spaces. A slice of home for her. In addition to the elegant formal dining hall, there were several private meeting rooms and a great room for both public and private Texas Cattleman’s Club events.
During her tour of the place prior to being seated for dinner, she’d been most surprised to discover the club had a childcare center for club members and employees, the laughter and squeals broadcasting how much the kids enjoyed the setup.
To see how inclusive the Texas Cattleman’s Club had become warmed her even on the somewhat chilly Texas evening.
And of course, that was just the inside. Outdoors there was a stable, a pool, tennis courts and even a playground. Her mind was spinning.
She pulled her attention back to the table, tapered candles flickering in the middle of an arrangement of white poinsettias and holly.
She spooned up the last of her chocolate trifle. “Thank you, Jesse. This is the perfect end to an incredible meal, from the lobster bisque to the filet mignon.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” He stretched a leg out. He’d worn his good boots with the suit.
“This has been an amazing two weeks.”
He clasped her hand across the table. “I agree. I don’t want things to end just because we’re going to Houston.”
Her chest grew tight. It was ironic how excitement and anxiety could make such a tangle. “I feel the same.” Not wanting to risk wrecking their evening by wading into deep waters too soon, she said, “I’m looking forward to you meeting my family.”
“I’m sure they’ll be glad to have you back,” he said with a pensive look in his green eyes.
She reached for her wine, avoiding his gaze, not ready to have the Houston-versus-Royal discussion yet. She sipped the after-dinner wine, then set the crystal glass on the table again. Her fingers tapped nervously along the gold beading at the glass stem, syncing with the Christmas carol playing softly.
T
he silence between her and Jesse stretched until she looked up self-consciously, pulling her hand away from the glass and clenching her fingers. She nodded toward the string quartet. “‘Silent Night.’ It was my mother’s favorite carol.”
“You must miss her a lot this time of year.”
“Very much.” She blinked back tears. “We all do. Even my dad, although their marriage wasn’t the best. She married him out of duty. He married her for power. It’s no surprise things didn’t work out well at all.”
“Is that why you reacted so strongly to the matchmaker idea?” he asked insightfully.
She could only nod, not trusting her voice.
He clasped her hand again. “Thank you for telling me that.”
“Thank you for listening.” She swallowed down a lump in her throat, then drew in a shaky breath. “Okay, that’s enough serious talk for one night. I just want to enjoy this night of Royal’s finest. In fact, I’m thinking we should order more dessert to take home and enjoy later.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea. How about you choose for the both of us and surprise me?” Jesse placed his linen napkin by his plate. “And while you’re doing that, I need to have a quick word with my friend Cord. I won’t be long.”
“Take your time.” She smiled, soaking up the sight of him in a charcoal-gray suit and festive red tie.
“You really are incredible.” Jesse’s gaze smoked over her from across the table, lingering on the plunging neckline of the emerald velvet dress she’d chosen in one of the specialty boutiques at the Courtyard Shops. He dropped a kiss on her lips before stepping away.
Her toes curled in her Valentino heels. Tingles spread through her all the way down to her fresh pedicure.
The day had been deliciously pampering from start to finish. While Jesse had had business to attend to at his lawyer’s, he’d suggested she spend the day at Royal’s Saint Tropez Salon. She hadn’t expected such a luxurious, high-end spa in a small town. She’d felt petty for judging so quickly.
Hot Holiday Rancher Page 9