“Yes, Ms.—Kendra.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out folded papers.
“Good. Let’s go over to my table where the lighting is better.” She waited for him to step to the right, but instead he backed up and waited for her to pass. No one treated her like that and it took her a moment to move forward.
Walking past him, she pretended she was used to being thought of as a lady and sat on the far side of the table to keep some distance. But damn if the man didn’t take the chair next to her, filling her nostrils with his clean scent and presenting her with his stunning profile as he spread the papers out on the table.
“The basic layout of the barn is good. I’ve separated these sheets by project. This one has suggestions for horses. This one is the supplies for the horses. This one is the supplies for trail riding, and this one is for the wagon.”
Kendra couldn’t help staring at his mouth as he spoke. His enthusiasm brought quick smiles between his sentences. He was excited about the stable. That was good, good for the resort. “This is almost as organized as Lacey. We have two weeks. Can you do all this in that timeframe? Because if you can’t, I would suggest prioritizing the wagon and those horses and feed and such.”
He pointed to the paper closest to her and she admired his dark forearm. He must wear his sleeves rolled up to the elbows often because the hair on his arm was almost invisible against the tanned skin.
“I did that, but I think we can be ready. On the back of this I have sketched out some possible trails.”
She tried to study the paper, but she was fascinated by his large hands. How did they hold something as small as a pen? She was used to men who played poker, many of whom had smaller hands than Wade’s, some were even manicured. This cowboy had man’s hands.
“Kendra? What do you think?”
She turned to look at him and found his face no more than six inches from hers. She could control her facial features, but she had no dominion over her racing heart. “I think you should move forward as you have planned here.”
His weight shifted toward her, just a slight movement, one most people wouldn’t notice, but her past profession had her picking up on everything.
“Good. If you give me free rein, I promise you, you’ll be happy.”
Her breath caught at the idea of giving him the freedom of her body. To feel his rough, large hands brush across her nipples would be exquisite. “I’m going to hold you to that promise, Cow—Wade.”
His lips twitched into a seductive smirk. “I always keep my promises.”
Heat infused her body and suddenly even her tank top felt too warm, too confining. Is that how the nudists felt all the time? If so, she had a new sympathy for them.
The gentle touch of his hand on her cheek jolted her from her stupor.
“Hey, are you okay? You look overheated.”
In her rush to get away, she stood and his hand brushed the side of her breast, sending the heat spiraling down between her legs. She stumbled against her chair and it tipped backward. She caught it just as he reached for it.
Their bodies collided. He grasped her arms, which kept her from falling. “Whoa, where are you going?”
That was a good question. The heat of his body against hers made everything worse—or better—depending on how she wanted to look at it. She braced her hands against his chest. “I think I’ve just been cooped up in this office too long. I need to stretch my legs.”
He slid his arm around her back, turning her toward the door. “I think what you need is food.”
She wanted to argue, but the pressure of his arm against her spine had her obeying as he led her out to the main room, his touch never leaving her, despite the fact he opened every door with his other hand.
Once they were in the kitchen, he made her sit on a stool. He rubbed her shoulders with his strong hands as he faced her. “Now you aren’t going to faint on me while I make you something to eat, are you?”
She shook her head, too rattled to argue. She was his boss. He was her employee, although a temporary one. All the more reason she should keep her hands to herself. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen a good-looking man before. It must be her lack of sexual activity over the past couple years. She poured every ounce of energy she had into Poker Flat. She needed to keep her dream in front of her. This venture was for Buddy and Ginger wherever they were. No one could judge them for being nudists or her for her roots anymore. No one could claim her not worthy enough or take Poker Flat away. This time she called the game.
Wade moved about the kitchen with confidence, causing her admiration to grow. Now if he would just take off that blue-and white-checkered shirt so she could see the hard chest she felt beneath her hands in her office, she would be completely happy…for the moment.
Poker Flat. Concentrate.
Wade sliced tomatoes as if he were born doing it, and she closed her eyes. She tried to remember the profit-and-loss statement Lacey gave her that very afternoon, her to-do list, his to-do list, his hands as he pointed to the different pages. Ugh. She opened her eyes in time to see him lathering a piece of rye bread with mayonnaise, his hand gently cradling the bread.
Poker Flat. Focus, Kendra, focus.
Topping the sandwich, he sliced through it twice, making four triangles. He picked up the plate and walked around the stainless steel table he’d been working on. He stopped in front of her and, lifting one of the triangles, he raised it even with her mouth. “Okay, time to eat.”
She cocked her head as she lost herself for a moment in his dark eyes. “I’m a big girl, Wade. I can feed myself.”
“That may be true, but I have little faith you will. Something else will come up and you will forget this masterpiece of a sandwich I made.” The self-deprecating grin he gave her pulled at her heartstrings.
“Fine.” She opened her mouth and he gently inserted the point of the sandwich. She bit down and pulled back quickly, but the flavors of turkey, tomato, mayo, provolone and a hint of horseradish had her mouth celebrating. “Wow, you are a food artist.”
“Trying to butter me up won’t work. Here.” Willingly, she opened her mouth again, and he inserted the sandwich. Grasping his wrist, she took the rest of the piece from him.
The flavors were perfect together. Who knew? “Where did you learn to make sandwiches like that?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t. It took me a long time to master the art of budgeting while in college. Too often I had very little food in the fridge and was too proud to drop by my mom and dad’s for dinner, so I got creative with the few ingredients I did have.” He picked up another triangle.
She opened her mouth and bit the piece in half.
“Trust me. Not all my creations came out this good.”
She swallowed quickly, her curiosity piqued. “What was your worst?”
He held up the other half of the triangle, and she carefully took it from him with her teeth before maneuvering it into her mouth.
“I’d have to say the night I added ketchup to my Captain Crunch cereal. I had no milk, no meat and wasn’t getting paid for two more days.”
He grimaced and a vision of what he must have looked like back then flashed through her mind. “I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have liked that either. Have you ever tried making the box macaroni and cheese with—”
Wade inserted another quarter of the sandwich into her mouth and she squinted her eyes at him while she chewed.
“No talking until you finish this entire sandwich.”
“Excuse me, but I’m the—” Wade filled her mouth with sandwich and she bit down lightly on his fingers.
“Hey.” He pulled his hand away and examined it for bite marks. “I don’t remember Dale saying anything about this being a dangerous job.”
“That’s what you get when you force feed your boss.”
He studied her a moment, probably trying to figure out if she was joking.
She wasn’t. She was in charge and no matter how handsome he was, he wasn’t
going to control her. “So are you going to let me have the last piece or not?”
He handed her the plate. “Of course.”
His body language told her she acted like a bitch. Yeah, maybe she did. She wanted to redirect his attention, but couldn’t think of anything, so she stuffed the last quarter of the sandwich in her mouth and chewed.
He took the plate from her and brought it to the sink. “I’ll just wash these up for Selma and head to bed.”
She was off the stool and grabbing the sprayer before he could reach it. “No. You made the meal for me. I can clean up. You’ve probably had a long day. When did you get up?”
He shrugged. “Probably around five. I didn’t really pay attention.”
“Exactly. I’ll stay and clean up. Go get a good night’s sleep. You have a lot of ordering to do tomorrow based on your lists.”
His eyes widened. “You really approve of everything?”
She put her other hand on her hip. “Listen. I don’t know anything about horses. All I know is what nudists like based on research. I’ll come up with something for the nude riding, but I need an expert to set up my stables and trails. You’re that expert. I’m not going to get in the way of that.”
He smiled, his eyes almost twinkling in his excitement. “Well then, boss. I definitely need to be doing the dishes for you.”
He reached for the sprayer and without thinking, she pulled it out and sprayed him.
Chapter Three
‡
“OH MY GOD, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” She stared as the shirt conformed to Wade’s body, the contours of his chest coming out in full relief. Turning away from the titillating sight, she grabbed a couple hand towels hanging next to the sink. She just didn’t want him to do the dishes. Now he would think she was the worst boss in the state.
Turning back to help him dry off, she froze. Wade had taken off his shirt, revealing his moist chest and arms. The man’s pectorals were what she called mountain muscles and the wet hair that formed a line straight down the middle of his rippled abdominals disappeared beneath blue jeans being held up by a big-buckled belt. She tried to look at his face but was drawn to his large biceps, which had been hidden by the shirt. She followed those to his shoulders where more muscle explained why he appeared so broad. He was. The man was walking muscle.
“Are those for me?”
His voice snapped her out of her drool-like state, and she looked him in the eye. The man’s lips formed a slow smirk.
“Yes. Here.” She gave him the towels and he pushed one back at her.
“Can you dry my back? That water sprayer is strong.”
“Right, of course.” She was bumbling like an idiot, but what woman wouldn’t be. Damn, the man was built. He made her feel petite despite being taller than average. He had to be well over six feet. Stepping behind him, she was treated to another tantalizing view. As he wiped at his chest and arms, the muscles in his back danced, showing the many layers he had. She hesitated to touch him. He would be warm and so male.
“Isn’t it wet?” He rolled his shoulders. “It feels like it.”
“Yes. Yes, it is.” She forced herself to use the towel against his skin, careful not to let her hand touch him. If it did, she wouldn’t be able to stop. She wiped at the moisture until he was dry, then took a deep breath and stepped around him, tossing the towel on the sink. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to keep you from washing the dishes.”
“No harm. I’ve been wet before.” His smile appeared again, and she had the strongest urge to kiss it.
Switching her weight to her right hip, she crossed her arms. “Well, I guess now you have to let me do the dishes.” She meant to sound flippant, but didn’t carry it off well.
He held out his towel. “Yup. Definitely got your way…this time.”
She uncrossed her arms to take the towel and crushed it against her chest. “Have a good night.”
He shrugged his large shoulders, causing her insides to tighten. Why did she have to be so susceptible to broad shoulders, and why did he have to have the most muscular ones she’d ever seen?
“It all depends on the bed.” He winked and brushed past her. Their arms touched for a second, his clean male scent, which was stronger now without his shirt, washed over her and almost buckled her knees.
She couldn’t resist and turned to watch him walk away, his back teasing her with its muscle play until the batwing doors swung closed behind him.
She pulled the damp towel up to her face and inhaled. God, the man smelled good. Damn. Built, well mannered, organized, knowledgeable and with a dark tan above his waist that made her want to crawl down his pants to see how far it went.
She groaned. Tan to the waist meant he was outside without a shirt more often than not. “Hell.” She was definitely screwed…or rather wanted to be. Could she ask Dale for another replacement stable manager?
WADE STRODE THROUGH the open dining area and outside, hoping for some cooler air, but it was almost as hot as his skin where his arm had brushed by his boss’s on the way out. The desert summer nights had yet to give way to the cooler fall temperatures and added to his already over-sensitized body.
Ignoring the golf cart he’d been assigned by Lacey, he took the opportunity to walk to his casita. The dark sky shimmered with millions of stars and he attempted to focus on it instead of the desire he’d seen in Kendra’s eyes. When she turned around with the towels it was as if he’d been gut-punched. Her stare had devoured him in a very flattering way. He’d never seen such honest interest from a woman before. She didn’t even seem aware she’d been doing it, probably because she didn’t show any emotion normally.
As she wiped down his back, she’s stroked him sensuously, causing his cock to harden in his jeans. He had to get out of there. By time she stood in front of him with arms folded beneath her impressive bustline, he’d become very uncomfortable.
He stumbled over a rock and brought his gaze back to the dark path. Falling in bed with the boss was not an option. He had to keep his two priorities in mind. Do the job he was hired to do because he would be paid very well to do it and find out why the other men quit. Dale had made it clear Wade was the only man he trusted to discover what was wrong with Poker Flat.
He came to a stop, his heated body cooling. Was that why the other men quit? She wanted them in bed or they wanted into her bed and she said no? Is that what the last guy had been hoping for? The thought had him clenching his fists. He’d run in to men like that. Men who could tame a wild horse but didn’t have a clue how to treat a lady. Or maybe they couldn’t stand taking orders from a lady.
Forcing himself to unclench his hands, he continued to his lodging. Kendra seemed well able to handle herself and her staff. Even better, it appeared some of them were incredibly loyal. He’d get to know each of them more, find out why they liked her or didn’t. Someone was the key to why the other cowboys quit and it could very well be Kendra.
After unlocking the door to his new home, he stepped into the cool interior. The air conditioner hummed smoothly as it should, being brand new. He found the thermostat and turned it off. He much preferred the sounds of the desert. His casita was at the end of the row of staff cottages, so he opened windows on three sides, leaving the one toward the place next door closed.
He looked at his duffle bag of clothes and his equipment thrown on the couch, but didn’t move to unpack. It was late and he was more than ready for sleep. Dropping his hat on the dresser, he sat on the bed and pulled off his boots. In no time his jeans and underwear followed and he lay down, his hands behind his head.
Kendra was a puzzle. She was obviously very smart but stoic. The first real emotion he’d seen in her had been tonight. Just the thought of her eyes at that moment caused his balls to tighten. He’d tried not to think of her in that way, but the minute she’d stared at him with so much desire, he’d become aware of her as a woman first and his boss second.
Every feminine aspect of her flooded his sense
s from her stunning blue eyes to her full red lips. He’d like to see her with her hair down, but he doubted that would happen while the resort was in preparation to open. The woman worked hard. Something drove her.
Would she be like that in bed? Would she take charge or give up her control? His cock jerked at the thought. There was nothing like having a strong woman under him to rev his senses. The challenge and the equal passion had always been what he’d looked for in a lover. He would like to have her ride him first. Let her feel in control as she sheathed him inside her wet pussy. He would lift his hips high, giving her all he had as she rocked against him, her clit brushing against the hair above his dick, her large breasts swaying above him. He couldn’t resist. He would take one of her hard nipples into his mouth even as she ground against him. Sucking and nibbling, even holding tight with his teeth if she tried to break free.
Wade closed his eyes as his hand gripped his cock. Shit, what had he’d been thinking? He couldn’t fantasize about a woman he was supposed to be secretly investigating, about setting her on the stainless steel table in the kitchen and pulling her black tank below her breasts. Unhooking her bra so her nipples could be free for him to suck on as his fingers played inside her jeans, circling her clit until she rocked into his hand. He wouldn’t bring her release though. He’d pull her jeans off and lay her back on the cool metal. Then he’d spread her legs wide and push his cock into her moist sheath. He’d hold her hips as he pulled out and pushed back in, her pussy tightening around him, resisting his exit. He’d increase his rhythm, pumping into her, hearing her whimper with pleasure until he reached between them and rubbed her juices over her excited nub. He could hear her scream as she reached her orgasm, and he stiffened as he filled her with all he had.
The howl of a coyote brought him back to his room and his wet hand. “Fuck.”
*
KENDRA JOGGLED AND poked at the flue handle with the butt of her screwdriver. The thing barely budged. “Come on, you freakin’ pile of rocks. Give it up already.” Crawling out of the fireplace, she jiggled the handle then crawled back in for the third time and hit the damper hard. Nothing happened, not even a crack of light shone through it. “To hell with you then.” She slammed her elbow up against the metal, but pulled it back into her body fast. “Ow! Damn waste of space.” She slammed the butt of the screwdriver against it for good measure and received a face full of garbage.
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