“Don’t let me hurry you.”
A sound of both despair and urgency came from deep in his chest, echoing her own desires. She hadn’t been with a man in ages. Even so, it wasn’t her dry spell that fueled the hunger building inside her. She wanted Quinn and only him.
He held her close, his wanting of her undeniable. Nudging her legs apart, he murmured, “You have no idea how often I’ve thought about you in exactly this situation.”
Her. Not just anyone. She alone was the center of his fantasies.
“Tell me about it.”
His chuckle was low and brimming with humor. “You want details?”
“Actually, I think I do.”
“Mmm.” His smile spread wide across his face. “Tempting.”
“Are you going to rock my world, Quinn?”
“I’d like to try.”
“What about all the reasons we should wait? Steer clear of each other?” She was the one, after all, who’d kept insisting their timing was off.
“Those haven’t changed.” He lowered his voice. “What has is us and our feelings for each other.”
He was right. What did being cautious really get them? A life without experiencing the exquisite touch of one’s lover? The enjoyment of waking up snuggled next to a warm, giving body? Summer had gone too long without those things and missed them.
“What if I say no?” she asked, not yet ready to commit. “Can we still be friends?”
“The best of friends.”
“And if I say yes, and it turns out to be only one night?”
“Still friends. I don’t quit and run at the first sign of trouble.”
Her throat suddenly closed as emotions consumed her. “Quinn.”
He took her in his arms and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. “It’s okay, darling. Send me away if you’re not ready. I won’t force myself on you.”
“No, no. I want you to stay. I just need to be absolutely sure. Can you understand? There’s a lot riding on this.”
He slid the fingers of his right hand into her hair and cupped the back of her head. Firmly and decisively and yet tenderly. Or maybe it was the look in his eyes that melted her heart. “I want to make you happy. I think I can. God knows, I’d like to try. But it’s up to you.”
Insisting he leave would be a lot easier if he weren’t such a perfect gentleman.
“How about that kiss first?”
“My pleasure.” He drew her into his embrace and covered her mouth with his.
They started gentle and slow, then quickly gained momentum. Summer didn’t resist when his tongue swept into her mouth, didn’t protest when his hands slid lower to grab her hips and align them with his, and didn’t dare think of objecting when he pressed the hard line of his erection into the junction of her legs.
In fact, were she capable of talking, she’d encourage him to be bolder, take greater liberties and push more boundaries. There might never be another time like this again in her life, and she’d be a fool not to make the most of it.
Drawing on her last ounce of strength, she ended the kiss and retreated a step. Acceptance showed in Quinn’s dark eyes, and he nodded, ready to end their evening.
She had a surprise in store for him.
Slipping away, she turned toward the hall leading to the master bedroom, moving with what she hoped was her best seductive walk.
“Are you coming with me or not?”
Chapter Nine
Quinn woke slowly, stretched and stifled a yawn. Red digital numbers on the nearby alarm clock announced the time: 6:14 a.m. He mentally counted and groaned. Five hours wasn’t enough sleep. Yet, he wouldn’t change a single thing about the previous night. It had been that incredible.
Beside him, Summer stirred.
“Shh.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, resisting the urge to kiss the spot he’d exposed. “Go back to sleep.”
The sun peeked through the plantation shutters covering the bedroom windows. It was well past Quinn’s normal rising time; he’d usually showered, dressed and was heading down the apartment stairs by now.
Today he dallied, the lure of Summer’s warm, naked body difficult to resist.
Besides, this might be their one and only time. They’d talked a lot during the long hours together but not about the future. Better he savored every moment and remembered every detail.
“I have to get up,” she said sleepily as she snuggled closer.
His body reacted immediately and visibly. Apparently, making love twice last night hadn’t been enough. He considered seeing if she was willing to...
No, that would be asking too much.
“Sorry I woke you,” he said.
“I’ve been drifting in and out a while now.”
He hadn’t noticed. “I hope my snoring didn’t bother you.”
“Only for the first hour.” She rolled onto her back, then her side in order to face him. He must have looked dismayed for she laughed and said, “I’m joking. You don’t snore.”
He kissed her just for the fun of it. She, and not he, took the kiss to another level and melded her body to his. When his phone alarm went off, he reluctantly reached over to the night stand, silenced the alarm and exhaled slowly.
“Don’t tell me,” she said. “Duty calls.”
“I’m overseeing the morning and evening horse feedings while Josh is gone. Can’t let him down my first day on the job.”
“Coffee?” She threw off the sheet covering them.
“Love some.” He openly stared at her shapely backside as she sat up. “Mind if I shower first? I’ll be quick.”
“Not at all.” She turned her head and gave him a saucy smile. “Mind if I shower with you?”
Quinn sprang off his side of the bed. The next instant, he was carrying her into the adjoining master bathroom and shoving open the shower stall door. With one hand, he turned on the faucets.
“Wait!” Summer shrieked and twisted sideways to avoid the spray. “The water’s cold.”
“I’ll make up for it.”
Rather than rush, they took their time. The liquid soap smelled flowery but made a thick, rich lather that he rubbed all over her, taking extra care with her round, full breasts and curvy behind. When he slid his fingers between her legs, her soft moans were all the encouragement he needed to continue until she shuddered and went weak in his arms.
“Mmm.” She clung to him, her arms circling his neck. “I like.”
“Not half as much as I do.”
Refusing to be left out, she poured a generous dollop of liquid soap into her palm. Starting with his chest, she worked her way down to his stomach.
Don’t stop.
Quinn gulped when her hand closed around his erection, shut his eyes and leaned his head back. “I hope you’re serious.”
“Very.” She stood on tiptoes, alternately licking, kissing and nibbling his neck and shoulder.
He tried. Really he did. When he could stand it no more, he hooked an arm behind her left knee and lifted her leg, then entered her deliberately and powerfully. She gasped and clutched him, uttering something wicked that instantly propelled Quinn to the edge. Toppling over was simply a matter of letting go.
“You’re incredible,” he murmured, holding her tight. Hot water ran down their sides, washing away the soap.
“You inspire me to be incredible.”
They finished with the shower and toweled each other off. Though spent, Quinn was unable to keep his hands or mouth off Summer, leaving her no choice but to scurry out of the bathroom.
A moment later, she reappeared wearing a robe. “I’ll put some coffee in a travel mug. You can return it later.”
“Tonight?”
Her smile faded the tini
est amount. “Let’s see.”
He nodded, silently scolding himself for pushing. “I’ll be right there.”
Dressed, he joined her in the kitchen and accepted the travel mug she held out to him. The hot brew tasted good going down.
“I borrowed your toothbrush. Hope you don’t mind.”
“What if I do?”
“It’s a little late, I guess.”
She laughed again. “You’re an easy target.”
“Maybe I like you teasing me.”
They sat at the breakfast bar and talked about nothing in particular. Unfortunately, he couldn’t linger. Not if he wanted to be done with the morning horse feeding and his other chores before Jenny arrived with Corrine.
Summer sipped her coffee. “Depending on what time Hal gets here and what mood Teddy’s in, I should be at the ranch before ten.”
“We may still be at the Cowboy Up Café. I’m taking Corrine and Jenny to breakfast.”
“Good!” Summer seemed genuinely pleased. “We’ll catch up afterward, and you can tell me how it went, which I’m sure will be wonderful.”
Her comment reminded him of Marty’s suggestion to initiate a discussion with Jenny regarding visitation. Wonderful might not happen.
“I hope so. As long as I take her riding, Corrine will be happy. Not calling me Dad yet.”
“Give her time.”
“I want Jenny to let me tell her I’m her father.”
“Corrine’s very young. Be patient. That’s a lot to comprehend for someone who hasn’t had a father before.”
The front doorbell rang, interrupting Quinn’s response. They exchanged glances, and he checked the time on the oven clock. It was barely seven.
“Are you expecting anyone?”
“No.” Summer frowned, straightened her robe and retied the belt.
Quinn grabbed his cowboy hat off the counter and followed her into the living room, just in case her visitor was an unwelcome one. They’d yet to reach the door when a familiar shrieking started on the other side.
“Teddy!” Summer hurried the last few feet, disengaged the dead bolt and yanked open the door.
Hal stood there, holding a leash attached to a spaniel dog who yipped and wagged its tail excitedly. Teddy emerged from behind Hal. Both wore frustrated expressions.
Hal’s turned to anger when he spotted Quinn. “What’s he doing here?”
Summer ignored him and extended an arm to Teddy. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”
Teddy ran past Hal, then, as if noticing Quinn for the first time, came to an abrupt halt in front of him.
“Man.” He stood there, shaking from head to toe, his gaze focused on the floor.
“Hi, son.”
“He’s not your son,” Hal bit out between clenched teeth.
Teddy inched closer to Quinn and grabbed one of his belt loops. He swore he heard the boy’s soft sob.
“Get away from him.” Hal stepped over the threshold, jabbing the air with his index finger. “You hear me?”
The dog strained against the leash. Hal let go, and the dog bounded past them to the kitchen, toenails rapidly clicking on the tile floor.
“Stupid mutt.”
Teddy glowered at his father and made a hissing sound.
Summer positioned herself in front of Hal. “Leave him alone.”
Who was she referring to? Teddy, Quinn or Paw Paw?
Hal glared at her. “I told you to keep him away from Teddy.”
“It’s seven in the morning. Did you actually pick up Teddy at this hour? And why bring him home? Oh, wait. Don’t tell me. He acted up and you couldn’t handle him.”
“I don’t want our son exposed to your tawdry—”
“Nothing I’m doing or did is tawdry, and he wouldn’t be exposed to anything if you could—” she lowered her voice “—tolerate being with him for more than ten whole minutes.”
Teddy hissed again and tugged harder on Quinn’s belt loop.
Quinn hated leaving but he was undoubtedly adding to Summer’s troubles. Donning his hat, he nodded at her and started for the door. “I’ll call you.”
“No!”
The objection came from Teddy and surprised not only Quinn, but his parents, too, judging by their expressions.
He put a hand on Teddy’s back. “I have to go, son. My daughter’s coming to the ranch. But I’ll see you there later, okay?”
Teddy slowly nodded and let go of Quinn’s belt loop.
Wasn’t that something? Teddy had understood Quinn. It was the first time he’d truly communicated with the boy. Too bad it was under these circumstances.
“Goodbye,” he told Summer, regretting that he couldn’t hug and kiss her. Hal was already angry enough. Any show of affection would send him through the roof.
“I’m not joking.” It seemed as if Hal wasn’t ready to let Quinn leave. “You stay away from my son, or I’ll get a restraining order.”
It was a hollow threat, but Quinn didn’t call the man on it. He was reacting out of anger, and perhaps jealousy. Quinn knew the feeling.
“I’m so sorry,” Summer said, regret tinging her voice.
Quinn ignored the furious glare Hal aimed at him and addressed Summer. “Don’t worry about it. None of this is your fault.”
“Very sweet.” Hal’s tone dripped sarcasm. “Now get out.”
Quinn’s fist itched to connect with the man’s jaw and, for a moment, he let himself picture just that. Better sense prevailed. Hal was exactly the kind of guy to press charges. Quinn wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“This is my house.” Summer faced Hal with a fearlessness Quinn admired. “I say who stays and who goes. And you’re the one who’s going first.”
Hal drew himself up. “I’ll see you on Wednesday. Have Teddy ready on time for a change, will you?”
“Keeping him for another ten whole minutes?” she called after him before shutting the door and falling against it. She gave Quinn a disarming look. “Wow, that was pretty immature of me.”
He grinned. “You’re entitled.”
Teddy made a sound Quinn hadn’t heard before and, spinning on his heels, called for Paw Paw as he ran toward the kitchen. He thought the boy might be crying and need his animal companion. Understandable since he’d just witnessed his parents arguing.
“Oh, my gosh.” Summer beamed and grabbed Quinn by the arm, shaking it soundly. “He’s laughing. I haven’t heard that in years.”
Her joy gave Quinn hope that, with a little luck, they might actually have a shot at a future. Hadn’t his own recent release shown him anything was possible?
* * *
“THIS PLACE IS GREAT.” Jenny beamed at Quinn from across their booth. “Really quaint. And kid-friendly.” She looked around at the many filled tables on this Sunday morning, most of them filled with families.
“I like it.”
The Cowboy Up Café had become one of his favorite places in Mustang Valley. “The atmosphere’s good and the food’s better.” To emphasize his point, he took a bite of his scrambled eggs.
“Me, too!” Corrine sat beside him, elevated by a child’s booster seat, her purple pony tucked between them. She stabbed her waffle with her fork and brought a large, syrup-coated piece to her mouth. Half the syrup wound up on her face. Not caring, she chewed enthusiastically, her cheeks chubby like a chipmunk’s.
Quinn looked down at her expressive brown eyes and fell a little bit more in love. How was he going to say goodbye to her in a few hours?
Not for the first time this weekend, he contemplated all the recent good in his life. His family, his freedom, his job, Summer and Teddy, and this sweet little girl sitting next to him.
“Wipe your face, baby.” Jenny handed Corrine a paper napk
in.
The girl halfheartedly dabbed at the syrup, then quickly lost interest in favor of her orange juice, which she slurped loudly.
Quinn copied her, and Corrine giggled. “You’re funny.”
She might have called him Daddy for all the warm feelings stirring inside him. This must be what it was like to be a parent.
He understood better than ever Summer’s devotion to Teddy. Like her, Quinn would go to the ends of the earth to protect and cherish his child and ensure a future with her. Jenny had been accommodating this weekend, but things could change. She might return home, think about losing her daughter several times a year, potentially for weeks at a time, and decide to go into hiding again.
Quinn noticed her checking her watch. They’d have to leave soon in order to make their flight. Jenny mentioned she hoped Corrine would nap most of the trip, something more likely to occur on a full stomach.
“Thank you for brunch,” Jenny said.
“My pleasure.”
“Are we keeping you from helping with the reception cleanup?”
“There’ll be plenty of people there.”
“Including Summer?”
“Possibly.” Quinn strived to maintain a neutral tone.
He’d arrived late at the ranch after leaving Summer’s this morning. After making sure the horses were fed, he’d then headed to the apartment for a shave and change of clothes. He’d finished just as Jenny called to let him know she and Corrine were pulling into the driveway.
To his delight, Corrine had greeted him happily, even running the last few feet. He’d taken her on a short ride, naturally. Quinn had begun to worry that horses were all Corrine would ever want from him, so he’d suggested she might like the swing set and sandbox in the backyard of the ranch house.
When Quinn had sat in the sandbox with Corrine and helped her dig a hole, she’d been thrilled, and some of the barriers between them fell away. He would remember that moment always. When they’d arrived at the café a half hour ago, she’d insisted on sitting next to him. He’d remember that, too.
The only downside had been when she asked his name, something he and Jenny had tactfully avoided these past two days. Quinn would have told her then and there that she was his daughter, but Jenny’s warning glance had stopped him.
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