He nodded. "That sounds good. Being a cattleman, I'm not too fond of sheep, but I do like the taste of lamb. I'm going to have fried kibbeh. This says it's fried crushed wheat patties stuffed with lamb meat, onions and pine nuts. I'm hungry so I think I'll also have chicken orzo soup. And I'll take baklawa for dessert, too." He closed his menu and smiled at her. "Did I tell you that you look fabulous?"
"You're pretty handsome yourself, cowboy." She lightly stroked her fingers across her exposed breasts, pausing briefly at her cleavage.
His eyes widened.
"You're such a bad girl." To hide his grin, he bit his lower lip.
She slowly caressed his calf with the toe of her four-inch heel and raised a brow. "You don't know the half of it."
He threw his head back. "Oh, hell, Lennie." Then he looked at her. "I hope the service here is fast."
She laid her menu down. "All good things come to those who wait."
The waitress approached their table and took their orders.
Dylan met Lennie’s gaze, and she traced her lips with the tip of her tongue.
His eyes widened.
Her cowboy would be ready, all right. Wild tingles rushed up her belly, causing her nipples to thrust at the taut fabric of her dress.
Dylan's eyes dropped, and his mouth opened slightly.
She drew her shoulders back, giving him a nice visual.
He flicked his gaze to hers, eyes full of desire. "Lennie ...." Then he mouthed, "I want you," and his hand, which lay on the table, curled into a fist.
She smiled a slow, seductive smile and let her eyelids drop to half-mast.
He leaned forward as his tongue wet his lips.
She had him wrapped around her pinky finger and heaved a sigh, making her boobs nearly pop out of her dress.
His eyes lowered. The man was clearly enraptured at what she had on display.
She couldn't help it. She grinned. "You okay, cowboy?"
He raised his eyes, mouth ajar. "Oh, Lennie, you're ..."
"Yes?"
Closing his eyes, he groaned quietly. "No more. You're killing me. We still have to eat."
She laughed. "Okay. I'll play fair. But just for now."
He narrowed his eyes and stared at her. "Remember, I have some tricks up my sleeve, too."
"Promise?"
He just shook his head and grinned.
Their plates arrived, and she sniffed the steamy aroma, her stomach rumbling. It had been a long flight, and she needed a square meal. She eyed the plate in front of her, and saliva shot into her mouth. The rich buttery, garlic smell set her taste buds tingling.
Dylan looked equally pleased.
She picked up her knife and fork and cut a bite of juicy shrimp, slipping it into her mouth and savoring it as she chewed.
"How is it, honey?"
Realizing her eyes were closed, she opened them and grinned. "Amazing."
He swallowed a mouth full. "Mine, too. I've only had lamb a few times but this is delicious." He took another bite and chewed it before asking, "So, what are you looking forward to most about our safari?"
Eyes unfocused, she considered the question. "I can't wait to visit the Maasai village and learn about the culture. Their tribal clothing is gorgeous, and they're such a beautiful people. We'll see their houses—I think our tour agent said they're called manyattas—and meet the residents."
Dylan nodded. "I'm looking forward to our game drives at the Maasai Mara. I want to see a pride of lions and a bull elephant. Also, I've heard how territorial and dangerous hippos can be, and hopefully we’ll see those on our boat ride on Lake Naivasha. That'll be a thrill."
"We'll need to get to sleep early tonight."
"Not a chance," Dylan growled, eyeing her with a seductive smile.
She grinned. "Just saying, eight o'clock comes early."
He narrowed his eyes. "Honey, the last thing you'll be thinking about tonight is the time."
"Now, that's my cowboy." Finished with her dinner, she set her fork across her plate, anticipation for her honeymoon night bubbling inside her.
Dylan noticed and put his fork down too. Signaling the waitress, he ordered dessert and coffee. "Won't be long now, Lennie."
She leaned forward, giving him a glimpse of his favorite parts of her, and grinned. "Love you, cowboy."
"Love you more."
The baklawa was different than ones she'd eaten before—richer and nuttier. It melted in her mouth in waves of deliciousness. The stark taste of the strong coffee enhanced the flavor with each bite. "This must have a million calories."
Dylan eyed her. "You can handle it."
She snorted. "Right."
He raised a brow. "Quit playing around and eat."
"Don't rush me. This is fabulous."
"Hurry up, and I'll show you fabulous."
She barked a laugh and covered her mouth. "Okay, already."
Moments later she pushed her plate back. "Now we can go."
Dylan gusted a breath. "Finally." He caught the waitress's attention and asked for the bill. Grinning at Lennie, he said, "Honey, you're fixing to make me a very happy man."
She shook her head and sighed. "It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it."
"Wait 'til I get my hands on you."
The waitress arrived at the table with their bill.
He slid some money in the folder and stood quickly. "Come on, wife. You have a dirty job ahead of you."
She laughed and pushed her chair back. Pulse racing, she slipped her arm around his waist as he escorted her from the restaurant. Damn, he smelled so amazing. Maybe she'd eat him up, too.
At the room, he pulled her inside and slammed the door. "Come here, you." Holding her with one arm, he ran his fingers across the expanse of cleavage above her dress. "I wanted to do that all through dinner." He kissed her, hard, and grinned. "Every man in that room was staring at you. I loved it because you're all mine."
She reached back for her zipper. "Yep, every square inch of me."
He caught her hand. "Let me do that, sweetheart." Moving behind her, he drew the zipper down and pushed the straps off her shoulders, tugging the dress to the floor.
She stood in her tiny panties and push-up bra.
He turned her to face him. "Look at you." His gaze made slow progress, taking her in from head to toe.
She shivered as if it were his fingers roving over her.
Clasping her face, he kissed her gently, slipping his tongue between her lips and delving deep, stroking her, making her want more.
She unbuttoned his first shirt button and slid to the next, her fingers moving swiftly.
He unbuckled his belt, then his Wranglers and yanked everything down, stepping free.
She dropped his shirt to the floor.
Cupping his butt with both hands, she pulled his hips in tight, kissing his chest. Sliding the tip of her tongue to his nipple, she circled it, then sucked softly.
His arms tightened around her, and he threw his head back, moaning.
He grew harder against her belly. She pressed in against him and rocked her pelvis side to side.
He thrust at her. "Lennie, I love you."
She tickled him with kisses as she moved to his other nipple. Flicking it with her tongue, and sucking, she made him cry out her name.
Dropping to her knees, she took him in her hand. He pulsed and jerked as she slipped her lips around the soft swollen head and sucked.
Dylan drew in a sharp breath and took her head in his hands, sliding his fingers through her hair.
She lowered her head, drawing him in, inch by inch, her tongue caressing his sensitive underside.
He groaned, his fingers tightening, as he hit the back of her throat.
She sucked hard and drew back.
He gasped.
His sounds excited her, making her hot and wet at her core. She worked him with her hand while she sucked, running her tongue around the sensitive tip.
He began to pant and thrust in
to her, keeping time with her rhythm. He felt perfect. Tasted perfect.
He clasped her head and held her motionless. "Wait ... I'll come."
She looked up at him and grinned. "That's kind of the point, isn't it?"
He smiled in wonder and loosened his grip. "Damn, I love you."
She drew him in again and slid down his length, sucking hard and resuming her rhythm.
Dylan shoved into her, holding her tight, his head thrown back.
He pulsed in her hand and she sucked harder as hot liquid squirted in her throat.
Dylan's knees bent and he moaned. "Lennie ... Lennie."
An indescribable tenderness swept through her. She loved Dylan more in this second than ever before. He was fearless and yet vulnerable, and he was all hers now, forever.
He pulled her to her feet and kissed her. "My God, Lennie, you're amazing." He held her close for a moment. "Let me go clean up, and I'll bring you a drink."
She removed her bra and panties and climbed into bed.
A moment later, he returned with a glass of water, grinning. "Did I mention that you're amazing?"
She leaned back on her elbow. "I believe you did."
He slid in beside her. "Because, my beautiful wife, you are." He kissed the tip of her nose.
She lifted her hand to his shoulders, and let it skate down over his bicep to his chest. Her fingers grazed his nipple, and it hardened. She stroked his abs, first with the palm of her hand and then with the back of her hand as he watched her.
She'd made him hard again, and when she reached for him, he stopped her. "Oh, no you don't. Not yet."
He stood and drew the covers from the bed, then picked her up and set her at the foot. He pushed her shoulders until she leaned back on the bed and kissed her slowly.
She clasped his face, kissing him as her body responded to his tenderness.
She thrilled as he trailed kisses down her breasts and belly. Her legs hung off the edge to the floor and she could feel the heat coming from him as he moved. Tingles of desire sent shivers through her as he halted above the cleft between her legs, hovering there as he drew her calves over his strong shoulders.
The walls of her insides pulsed, anticipating his touch, and she sucked in a breath.
He spread her wet lips and found the entrance to her body, rimming her with his fingers. Light touches round and round until her hips were following the movements. Her breaths came in pants now.
He teased, "Are you ready?"
"Dylan!"
He laughed. "Not yet, my love."
He slid his finger deep inside and she cried out, turning her head against the pillow. He added another finger and pumped in and out, in and out of her slick center.
She thrust with her hips, catching his rhythm, riding his hand as a wave of pleasure built inside.
He withdrew and spread her wide, blowing softly on her.
The cool air was a shock and she spasmed. "Dylan!"
He laughed and blew some more.
It began to feel good and she throbbed.
He stopped and the heat of his tongue struck a sharp contrast as he swept her from bottom to top.
She gasped.
He stroked her sensitive spot and sucked it, gently at first, then strongly as he thrust his fingers inside her.
She clung to him, squeezing him with her legs, clasping his head to her as waves of pleasure built. She tossed her head. "Dylan, Dylan!"
A wildness burst inside, rolling through her in deep spasms. Dylan sucked harder.
She needed him in her! "Love me now, Dylan."
He stood and pulled her to her feet, turning her away from him. "You're my lioness, and I'm your mate. Growl for me."
Grasping her hips, he slipped inside, pushing in until he could go no further.
She jammed her pelvis against him, needing him as her spasms continued.
He pulled out and thrust hard, the sound slamming into her ears, making her want him even more. He was her big male, her African lion. She felt like purring. His touch, his grip—it burned like fire. Made her want him desperately. She tilted her hips, giving him perfect access to her sweet spot.
He pounded her as she spasmed around him. She'd never had an orgasm last this long.
He moaned as he pumped, growing near his own release.
She reached back and grabbed him, feeling his tense muscles, lost in delirious pleasure of her own.
With a final burst he howled her name, pulsing inside her. He held her there for long moments, then collapsed with her on the bed. Spooning her against him, he whispered into her ear, "I love you, sweetheart. I'll never look at a lioness the same again."
She giggled. "I'm going to take a picture of the best-looking male lion on the Maasai Mara. Then I can fantasize whenever I want to."
He shook her. "Hey, you'll have me. You won't need to fantasize."
"I might need it to keep you on your toes."
He laughed and popped her on the bottom. "Never."
She smiled and snuggled closer to his chest. He was right. With this sweet and almost perfect man, she would never need to keep him on his toes. Somehow, and against all odds, she had the husband every little girl dreamed of. She held his fingers to her lips. "I love you, Dylan."
He kissed the top of her head and drew his knees up to cuddle her tighter. "Honey, I love you, too, forever."
Epilogue
LENNIE HEADED OUT TO the barn, cussing Wranglers again because they didn't make maternity jeans. The only ones she could find had to be tucked inside her boots. She looked ridiculous.
She and Dylan had built a house on the Govain ranch in the Brewster County pasture shortly after they got married. That was five years ago. First, they'd put in a long drive on the Govain side that met the county road headed toward town. Then they'd laid down a road that ran to the Duncan ranch fence line and added a gate so Lennie could go straight to work from the new house.
Now that she was married, she'd stopped working Saturdays. Randy did that now. She wanted to spend weekends with her family.
She arrived at the barn and turned the corner, following the sound of a jogging horse.
"That's right. Don't let him go any faster. You're doing fine," Dylan called.
She smiled as the corral and her three-year-old son, Sawyer, atop his old gelding appeared.
Dylan glanced at her and waved. "Hi, honey. He's doing great."
She walked over to her husband, her heart swelling with the tender, loving feeling that always overwhelmed her when she saw him.
He slung his arm around her shoulders, his eyes never leaving Sawyer. "Jeb's slowing down. Kick him," he called.
Sawyer's little chubby legs lifted high and he thumped the old horse, who obediently picked up his pace.
She grinned. Her boy was doing well. He looked like a little peanut on top of the tall, dark horse. They could have bought a pony for him, but Dylan said he'd started with a full-grown horse, and that was the best way to learn.
Dylan patted her hugely distended tummy. "How are you, Mommy?"
"I'm ready to pop."
"I wish the doc would induce you sooner. A week late is too long."
"You just can't wait to hold your little girl."
He laughed and bent to kiss her belly. "That's true. I always wanted a little girl to call me daddy. I'll spoil her rotten."
She didn't tell him, but she'd been having contractions all morning. He'd been a huge worry wart with Sawyer, and she didn't want to start that whole drama too soon this time. "Lunch is almost ready, so come to the house in a bit, okay?"
He pulled her in for a kiss and grinned. "This is another reason I'll be glad when my little girl comes. I don't like her getting between us. I want to snuggle you close again."
"Me too, honey." She smiled, and wondered how she didn't melt into a puddle of goo at his feet. You'd think she would get used to being cherished like this, but it never got old. His loved filled her to the top and overflowed every single day.
/>
She started back to the house. "I'll see you in—"
Warm fluid gushed down her legs and into her boots, saturating her stupid maternity jeans.
"Ugh! Dammit!"
"Sweetheart?"
She turned around. "My water broke."
He frowned striding toward her. "What? Just like that?"
"No," and she explained about the contractions.
"Shit, you should have told me, honey." He wrapped his arms around her, then lurched back. "Sawyer, come here! We need to put Jeb up now!" Dylan hugged her again. "Don't move. This'll just take a minute."
She laughed. "Don't be silly. I have to change clothes. Come up to the house when you're done, and we'll leave."
He whipped his head toward Sawyer, and back to her. "Okay, but don't hurt yourself."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. You don't hurt yourself or Sawyer by hurrying too fast."
At the house, she called her doctor’s office then quickly stripped her clothes and washed her bottom half in the shower. After throwing on some clothes, she wheeled her hospital bag to the front door.
Dylan burst in a moment later, holding Sawyer in his arms. "Good, you're ready. Let's go!"
She reached up and hugged him. "Honey, I love you. Now, calm down. We have plenty of time. My contractions are still four minutes apart."
He took her bag and rushed her out the door. "Second babies can come faster. You don't know how long you have. Climb in the truck, and I'll buckle Sawyer in."
Grinning, she followed orders, fastening the seatbelt under her huge belly bump and waiting patiently.
Dylan jumped in the driver's seat and started the motor, throwing the truck in gear and gunning it out of the drive.
As they drove away, she looked back at their home, and then at the sweet, handsome cowboy next to her.
He grabbed her hand and grinned. "We're having a baby girl!"
She smiled. "We sure are."
Sawyer piped up. "A baby sister."
She reached back and patted his hand. "That's right, honey." The sun caught his golden curls, and her heart swirled with joy. She squeezed Dylan's fingers and leaned her head back against the seat. Life didn't get more perfect than this.
The Cowboy's Wish (The Govain Cowboys Book 3) Page 17