He knocked on Daisy's door at ten minutes before six.
Lennie answered a few seconds later and, without a word, she pulled him inside, kissing him long and hard.
When she released him, he grinned, heart racing, eyeing her wonderingly. "What did I do to deserve that?"
She turned to retrieve her purse, probably to hide her tender expression. "You're early, you know."
He chuckled. "I couldn't wait any longer."
She looped her arm through his. "Come on, cowboy. There's lots more smooches where that came from."
He barked a laugh. "Damn, girl, I like how you think. We still going to the Chinese buffet?"
"I'm game."
He slung his arm around her shoulders as they descended the stairs. "We'll have plenty of time to eat before the movie starts, and I plan on getting lots of those smooches when the lights go out. I'm leaving my hat in the truck."
She grinned. "This ain't your first rodeo."
"No, ma'am, it ain't."
With the console up, Lennie sat next to him again on the ride to Odessa. There were no words for the sense of comfort he felt. It was just right having her snuggled against him. He placed a soft kiss on her head and the scent of her shampoo filled his nose, sending shivers rolling through him. She was here, right now, in his arms where she belonged. "Lennie?"
"Yeah?"
He wanted to say something to describe what he was feeling but he couldn't figure out how to do it without sounding a little crazy. "I just want to say ... damn, Lennie, you make me happy." Though not very romantic, it was the best he could do.
She pulled him to her and kissed him gently. "I'm happier than I've been in a long time, cowboy." She met his gaze, and he saw that old Lennie from when they were kids.
He glanced at the road, then kissed her quick. "You deserve to be happy." Holding her close, he stared ahead again. "I'll take care of you. Someday you won't have all that worry on your shoulders, honey." He smiled. "Hear me?"
Face solemn, with moisture gathering at the corner of her eyes, she nodded. "I hear." She leaned against him until the lights of Odessa showed ahead. Then she sat up straight. "Can you hear my stomach? I'm hungry."
He grinned. "I thought I heard a tiger growling a minute ago. Was that you?"
Nudging him in the ribs, she shook her head. "You could have said no."
Laughing, he put his blinker on and headed toward the restaurant. For the first time, Lennie's face appeared relaxed. The tension lines on her forehead were gone and the crease between her eyes was missing. His girl was having a good time.
There wasn't a wait once they entered the restaurant, and they made their way through the buffet line.
Lennie had a healthy appetite and filled her plate.
His was piled high as he sat down across from her.
She eyed it with a crooked smile. "You hungry there, cowboy? I hope they have more in the back, or they're going to have some mad customers."
He gave her a sly look. "This little old thing? I could eat three of these but I won't because I'm polite company tonight."
She laughed. "Lucky me, then."
He lost track of time as he ate and visited with Lennie. Nothing existed outside their table as he watched the expressions on her face and listened to her talk. His hungry soul devoured her. It fed on her voice, the movements of her hands, and the flash of her beautiful eyes. She was his and his soul knew it, as his body had discovered long ago.
Lennie glanced at her phone. "We'd better head to the theater."
Surprised, he checked his watch. Where had the time gone? He went to the register and paid instead of waiting for the waitress.
Once inside the theater, they headed straight back to their movie, an action flick.
Dylan led Lennie to their seats in the already darkened room. Pulling the bottom of her seat down for her, he raised the armrest between them and wrapped his arm around her.
Lennie looked up and smiled.
Grinning, he kissed her temple and gazed at the screen. Oh, yes, this was going to be an awesome night.
As the last preview ended, the theater darkened completely. Smiling, he tilted Lennie's face to him and kissed her, taking it slow and enjoying the softness of her lips.
She met his gaze as he drew away, and her eyes were deep and soft in the darkness.
He caressed her cheek, returning his attention to the screen. But he couldn't concentrate on the blazingly-fast action scene. He was too aware of her hip touching his, her rounded breast against his chest, and the fall of her sweet-smelling hair under his chin.
Lennie sighed and snuggled a little closer.
He wrapped his other arm around her in a gentle hug, sensing the bond strengthening between them.
She curled her fingers around his forearm and squeezed. She must be feeling it, too.
Having a relationship in secret was so damned hard. These stolen moments became much more precious because of it. Breathing in her sweet fragrance, he committed it to memory so he could dream of it, day and night.
He released his hug and focused on the screen. The action hadn't slowed down much and he had no idea what was going on.
A few minutes later, he twined his fingers through Lennie's. It was hopeless. He couldn't think of anything but the beautiful woman snuggled against his side.
She glanced up and smiled.
He took the opportunity to kiss her slowly and thoroughly.
She responded, stroking him with her tongue and cupping his cheek.
He grinned when he broke the kiss and whispered, "We're making a spectacle of ourselves."
She nodded. "Yep. So what?"
Kissing her quick, he said, "My kinda girl!" and turned back to the screen, still grinning.
By the end of the movie, his body was fired up and buzzing with desire. Clasping Lennie's hand, he all but dragged her out of the theater.
Lennie looked a little flushed herself. "You in a hurry, cowboy?"
What could he say? "Ah, no."
She narrowed her eyes, obviously not swallowing it.
Once they were on the road, he slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight against him. "Living with our families is a problem."
She glanced up at him, biting back a smile. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yep. It’s kind of hard to make a move on you."
She sucked in her bottom lip. "This is true."
He checked out her expression. She looked ready to laugh. "How do you feel about hotels?"
"I could take 'em or leave 'em."
He laughed. "Dammit, Lennie. I want to make love to you." Hitting the brakes, he pulled over to the side of the road. Drawing her into his arms, he kissed her long and slow, caressing her with his lips and hands, molding her to him.
At last she leaned back and met his gaze. "Find us a hotel, cowboy."
Whooping, he kissed her hard and threw the truck in gear. "Get your phone out and tell me where to go." He headed to IH 20 because that was the most likely spot to find one.
In no time, she located a large chain hotel and directed him to the address. When he pulled up at the entrance, he said, "Be right back, sweetheart," and launched himself out the door. After paying for a king room, he strode back to the truck. Grinning at Lennie, he drove around to park. "We're on the second floor."
He held her hand as he escorted her inside. Heart racing, he punched two at the elevator. He couldn't believe this was really happening. In a few minutes, Lennie would be in his arms—in bed! His hand spasmed around hers at the thought. As the elevator car arrived, he looked at her and grinned, drawing her inside.
He felt like a teenager again, on a clandestine mission to get laid. Following the signs to the room, he slipped his key card in the slot. "Shall I carry you over the threshold?"
Lennie rolled her eyes. "I don't think that'll be necessary, cowboy," and she led the way into the room.
He laughed and slid his arm around her. "Come here."
Tossing the key on
the dresser, he drew her tight, gazing into her eyes. "I'm so glad you said yes."
She smiled. "Dylan. I want you."
He leaned down and kissed her gently. "God, how I want you, Lennie."
Her nimble fingers started at his top button, slowly exposing his chest. She pulled the shirt free of his Wranglers and ran her hands across his abs, sighing.
Goose bumps rose at the touch of her fingers, and he reached for her. Clasping her face, he brushed his lips across hers and stopped. Raising her top over her head, he let her wiggle out of it and tossed it on the bed. He hardened at the sight of her full breasts swelling above the cups of her bra. Fully aroused now, he took in a deep breath, slowing himself down. He pulled her hips against him and kissed her, twining his tongue with hers, tasting her deeply.
She tugged at his buckle, loosening his belt, then worked at the button of his Wranglers.
Damn, his cock jerked, and he knew she felt it. Moving her hands, he opened his jeans and he jutted above his briefs.
She ran her fingers lightly over his head.
He sucked in a breath and quickly unhooked her bra, slipping it off her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he hefted their weight, the soft skin and taut nipples sending his heart racing.
She grasped him, hard, and moved her hand up and down.
He moaned. "God, Lennie, let's get naked."
Grinning, she let go of him and took off her boots, hurriedly slipping out of her jeans and panties.
He kept up with her, yanking his boots and jeans off in seconds.
Pulling back the bed covers, he beckoned to her. "Come here, darlin'."
He climbed in bed as she slid in beside him. God, she was beautiful. His dreams didn't come close to matching the reality of her. Leaning on his elbow, he looked down on her. "Honey, do you know how I've dreamed of this?"
She bit her lip, and smiled. "Knowing guys, I can imagine."
He laughed. "Right. I almost don't want to start, because that means that eventually tonight will be over. Do your parents think you're staying with Daisy?"
"Yeah."
"Good." He leaned down and kissed her, taking his time, tasting every inch of her lips before he pulled back. "I have all night to explore you. Mmm, I can't wait." Outlining her nipple with the softest touch of his finger—her aureole pebbled.
She panted.
Taking her breast in his mouth, he circled her taut nipple with his tongue, sucking until she moaned with pleasure.
Lennie ran her fingers through his hair, pressing into him.
His girl was aroused. He smiled and slid his mouth to her other breast, bringing it alive, suckling softly as she sighed.
Trailing kisses down her belly, he paused above her mound, placing quick kisses there.
Her pelvis rocked in anticipation.
He moved, sliding between her thighs.
Lennie sucked in a taut breath. "Dylan."
Slipping a finger in her wet folds, he slid it inside. Her hot center clasped him.
She whimpered.
Her soft sounds goaded him as he slipped another finger inside and pumped slowly, then faster and faster. His own need grew but he wanted, needed to please her.
He stopped suddenly and withdrew, replacing his fingers with the tip of his tongue. Quickly finding her sensitive spot, he stroked it, caressed it, sucked it until she writhed in ecstasy. He thrust his tongue deep, and she clutched him, moaning. His sweetheart was nearly ready. Thrusting and stroking he brought her closer to the edge.
Seconds later she cried out, spasming, clutching him and calling his name.
Heart thudding, her release sent joy rippling through him. His cock jutted, ready for his own satisfaction. He raised himself above her, watching the emotions play across her face.
She grabbed him and guided him to her, wrapping her strong legs around his waist. Her eyes dazed but full of emotion, she urged, "Ride me, cowboy. Ride me hard."
Oh, hell, yeah! She was hot and wet and he slid easily inside, thrusting until she took all of him. She was perfect, just as he imagined.
"Yes, like that!" and she clutched his sides, squeezing with her calves.
He pulled back and thrust again, slamming home, feeling it in his hips. Delirious with pleasure, he pounded her again and again. Lennie could take him—wanted him. Then all thought left him as he lost himself in her, in the sound of the pounding and her moans. A powerful wave built and built inside him. His body screamed for release. He had to let go. "Lennie!" A tidal wave of breathtaking pleasure rolled through him as she cried out her release with his own. Muscles clenched, head thrown back, he held her as the feeling slowly dissipated.
Lennie's legs released him and she ran her fingers up and down his back. "Cowboy, you sure do know how to ride."
He laughed quietly, rolling to his side and pulling her into him. "Lennie, I'd tell you how good that was, but I don't have the words. I'll just say thank you, sweetheart." Kissing the top of her head, warmth spread through him like a wave. This was what his life had been missing. This exact thing. This person. Lennie.
He cuddled her as she traced circles on his chest. It tickled but in a sexy way that nearly got him started again. He had the whole night to love her. His mind jolted. Did he love her? His muscles tensed. He did, didn't he? He took a deep breath and wrapped his arms tighter around her. He loved Lennie. He couldn't imagine his life without her.
"Lennie?"
"Hm?"
"How're you feeling?"
"Like a million bucks, cowboy."
But, how did she feel about him? "Lennie, um, I like you. I mean, I really like you. No, I really, really, really like you."
She rose to an elbow and peered at him through narrowed eyes. "Really. You really, really, really like me?"
He nodded. "Maybe even more than that."
Her eyes widened, all teasing leaving them. "Oh." She bit her lip and continued to meet his gaze.
He couldn't read her. Her soft eyes were vulnerable and open, but did she return his feelings? He wished she would say something. "And ... do you really like me?"
Her mouth quirked up. "I'm thinking I really, really, really like you."
He sighed dramatically. "Is that all?"
She grinned. "Maybe a little more than that, cowboy."
He laughed and grabbed her, pulling her into his chest. "I love you, Lennie. You better get used to hearing that." He felt her smiling against him.
"I think I can manage it." She pinched his nipple.
"Ow!"
"I love you, too, Dylan."
He rolled her on her back, raising himself above her. "Tell me again."
Grinning, she said loudly. "I love you, Dylan Govain."
He laughed, kissing her with a smack. "I want to hear those words a lot from now on."
She slid her hands up his chest and cupped his face. "I'll remember that."
There was that other Lennie again. The sweet, vulnerable one. How he loved bringing that out in her. "Sweetheart, I'm so happy right now I could bust."
Eyes wide and serious, she pulled him down to her. "Don't bust, I want to make love to you later on tonight."
He burst out laughing and rolled over. "Do you need the restroom before I turn out the light?"
"Be right back."
When she returned, he turned off the bedside lamp and plunged the room into darkness. Rolling over, he pulled her into him, spooning against her back and wrapping his arm around her waist. The only thing that might be better than making love to her at midnight would be waking up beside her and starting out his day loving her. With that to look forward to, he'd never fall asleep!
Chapter Eight
A FEW DAYS LATER, LENNIE couldn't get the silly smile off her face. Turning into the south pasture to check the herd, all she could think of was Dylan and the night they'd spent together. And then there was the fact that he loved her. How had that happened? But what she couldn't believe was that she'd gone an
d fallen in love with him—a Govain. It was a damned fine mess but she couldn't help herself. Her heart stuttered every time she thought of the guy, despite his last name.
It took her a little while but she spotted the cattle in the distance. Approaching them slowly, she scanned for illness or injury. At least inspecting the herd got Dylan off her brain. He was a damned distraction. She got out and grabbed a bag of cow cubes, tearing it open and rattling it to catch the attention of the milling animals.
They came at a trot, knocking each other out of the way as they got close and jockeying for position at the piles of feed she quickly distributed in the area near the front of the truck. After the second bag, she walked around the cattle, getting a closer look, making sure they were acting normally and checking for lumps and sores.
Satisfied, she climbed back in the vehicle. Despite being freakishly happy that Dylan loved her, a heavy sense of foreboding now lay on her shoulders. This thing between them could only lead to heartbreak. Her father's fragile body couldn't bear the brunt of his fury if he found out about her relationship. Dylan had been right. Loving each other meant that, at some point, they would need to tell her dad. She couldn't imagine doing it. She'd thought about it all morning—what she could say—how it might go. It was a disaster in every instance she could foresee.
She started the truck and her phone rang. "Lennie here."
"Hey, sweetheart."
A wave of warmth rolled through her, and her belly relaxed. "Hey, you. I was just thinking about you."
"Good stuff?"
"Ugh. About telling my father and how awful that would be."
He groaned. "I've been worrying about the same thing. Your daddy's sick, and I don't want to hurt him. But I don't want to sneak around with the girl I love, either. Lennie, what are we going to do?"
Rubbing her hand across her eyes, she clenched her teeth in silence for a moment. "I don't know. I'm worried as hell, to tell the truth. I don't want him to have another stroke, and I'm fearful that might happen if I tell him."
"Damn, Lennie." He was quiet for a bit. "Let's just pray your daddy gets stronger. Then we can make a decision."
She nodded, then realized he couldn't see it. "Right."
The Cowboy's Wish (The Govain Cowboys Book 3) Page 7