Bullwhipped (A Cowboy Romance)

by Danica Chandler

  His hand clasped in hers, hindering her from getting any closer to the exit. “Where you going so fast, Olivia? It’s not even last call yet.”

  “I thought I offended you.”

  Cale scoffed and took his cowboy hat off, twirling it in his finger. “Ah hell, if I got offended at every preconceived notion about guys like me, I’d be curled up in a corner somewhere with my thumb in my mouth. You’re right, we’ve got a reputation. But you wanna know something else?”

  He pulled her in again, his hand cupping the back of her head as another song belted through the speakers. They stood in the middle of the dance floor, though neither of them moved to the music. Others pushed beside them, but Olivia was lost in the moment, not even caring that they might be in the way.

  “What?” she asked, feeling a deep hunger she had never experienced course through her.

  Dipping his head, he pressed his lips against hers. Tasting a subtle hint of whiskey on his breath, she opened her mouth, inviting his tongue to slip inside, searching her, tasting her, as his hands skimmed her sides. A moan escaped her, but she was certain he couldn’t hear it over the thumping bass.

  Pulling away, he rested his forehead on hers. “I bet you never knew great kissing came with the reputation we have.”

  Shaking her head, Olivia felt weak in the knees. Had she not been leaning against him, she probably would have fainted. “No. No, I didn’t.”

  He looked at everyone near them and laughed. “I guess if we’re not gonna dance we should probably move.”

  “Yeah.” Olivia didn’t know what else to say. She had just kissed a man she barely knew in a bar she never went to. What was happening?

  Grabbing her hand, he led her through the crowd and looked over his shoulder at her. “We’re good at other things too, if you know what I’m saying.” His thick eyebrows danced as they got back to the bar. “What do you say we get out of here?”

  Olivia wanted to scream out that it was a bad idea. She wanted to say no. But her legs didn’t do what her brain was telling them to. Instead, she continued to walk, allowing him to get her to the door and out on the porch. Kissing him was enough. What else did he have in mind?

  “I have a room just down the way here.” He quickened his pace, and to her surprise, Olivia followed. She didn’t do things like this. She should turn around and go the other direction, back to her room where she was certain Oscar was snoozing away.

  Cale grabbed the key from his back pocket and slid it in the door. It creaked open, exposing a single bed with a duffel bag on the floor. Say no! She was on the verge, but when he turned to face her, any voice of reason had faded, and she had no intention to end this. Kicking the door shut, he pinned her against the wall, kissing her deeply as his hands trailed at her waist. Damn it, he tasted so good and it felt amazing.

  Rather than do what was right, Olivia fanned her hands through his hair, knocking his cowboy hat to the floor. His lips moved down her neck and to her collarbone, sending a chill down her spine. She missed his hands when he pulled away and began unbuttoning his shirt. It slipped off to the floor below, and she aided in getting the white cotton t-shirt underneath off, exposing his muscled chest. She slid her hands over his taut muscles, feeling his smooth skin under her fingertips.

  Cale guided her hands and her index finger circled around one of his nipples. Closing his eyes, his Adam’s apple bobbed as he growled in pleasure. Stopping, she stood and stared, admiring his perfection in front of her.

  “What?” he asked as the corners of his eyes crinkled and his lips parted in a half smile.

  “I was just thinking about how I never do things like this,” Olivia replied as she placed her hand on his chest, feeling the rise and fall as he breathed.

  “Never do things like what? Have sex?” Cale reached out, looping his finger in her belt, drawing her close. “You’re an adult. I’m an adult. What’s to be ashamed of?”

  So many things, yet Olivia didn’t say anything. She wanted this to happen, even if it meant regretting it in the morning. Raising her arms, she felt the cold air of the room hit her as he pulled her shirt over the top of her head, it joining his pile of clothes at their feet. Cale stared for a second, but wasted no time in unclasping her bra. Her top half was completely exposed, but he gave no chance of her feeling vulnerable. Slouching, his mouth clamped down on her breast, his teeth biting at her nipple. She leaned back against the wall as his other hand massaged the other. His small nips were painful, but arousing all at the same time.

  “Ahh,” she hissed between her teeth as Cale continued to pay attention to her nipples, sucking, biting, and massaging. His hands cupped her ass, spreading her legs. Her body felt weak, and with the heightened pleasure he was giving her, she was certain she’d collapse at any second.

  As if he could hear her thoughts, he guided her to the bed, edging her back against the mattress. With him standing over her, she felt safe. How could she? She didn’t even know him, yet she was allowing him to have his way with her. Suddenly feeling exposed, she crossed her arms over her naked breasts, yet still didn’t feel the desire to get up and leave. Instead, she welcomed him as he worked at her belt and zipper on her jeans.

  They slowly slid down her thighs and she kicked out of them, her lacy panties the only article of clothing left, blocking him from her. It didn’t stop him, and his fingers traced into her folds, the friction from the silk and the pressure from his hand arousing. His other hand spread her legs and she closed her eyes, excited about what was to come, pushing back any doubts about moving so fast with him.

  Wet warmth took over where his fingers were, and she propped herself up on her elbows, relishing the sight of his head between her thighs. Olivia reached down and ran her fingers through his hair as he flicked his tongue all over her sensitive area. It was erotic that he hadn’t taken her panties off. Her hips bucked upward and she moaned as he finally slipped her panties down, making complete contact with his tongue. Crying out, her head fell back. Cale didn’t let up and she was on the verge, only to be left there when he stopped.

  “You ever have someone do that to you, Olivia?” Cale asked as he freed himself from his pants.

  “No.” It was a whisper, and about all the energy she could muster.

  He spread her legs again, probing two fingers inside. It was the most sensual thing she had felt, and again, her body was out of control. Opening her eyes, she watched him send her heightened pleasure with just his fingers. She noticed his erection, huge and throbbing, and it scared her. She wasn’t a virgin, but it had been a long time since she’d had sex with anyone. His size alone was incredible even if she had been sexually active.

  Pulling his fingers away, he walked to where they had left his pants near the door and grabbed his wallet from the back pocket. Sifting through it, he grabbed a condom from it. At least he practiced safe sex. That made Olivia feel better.

  Rolling it down over himself, he kneeled on the bed, taking his time. “I’ll go slow, Olivia. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Now was her last chance to say no and end it where it was. It had already gone way too far. It was too fast when they kissed, and now here she was, lying in his motel room, on his bed, and he was about to push deep into her. It was exciting, it was terrifying, and it shocked her that she was allowing it to happen.

  Cale inserted the tip, and Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. Looking down at her, he rested his hands on either side of her head, the look of seduction enough to make Olivia finish before he ever got started.

  “You okay?” he asked as another bit pumped inside.

  It hurt a little, and Olivia spread her legs farther. She shook her head yes and closed her eyes, relaxing as he continued to push in. Though it was painful, it still felt good to have a strong, sexy man on top of her. Burying his face in her neck, his tongue tasted her skin as he stuck to his promise and went slow, going deep until their hips were mashed together.

  His pace quickened and the discomfort subsided,
replaced by pleasure at new levels. Olivia kept her eyes closed and found herself moaning and making sounds she never knew she was capable of. Cale thrust on top of her, pulling out almost completely, only to shove back in.

  “Damn Olivia,” his said as sweat dripped. “Damn…”

  He collapsed on top of her and pulled out. She instantly missed him filling her and rolled over on her side as he pulled her in for a tight hug. No one had ever made love to her that way. Technically, it wasn’t making love. You couldn’t make love to a stranger.

  His arms were strong and she didn’t want to move. Why did this seem right even though it was wrong? Olivia was confused.

  “How was it?” Cale asked, still out of breath.

  “Incredible.”

  “First time having sex with an infamous bull rider?” he asked, smirking.

  “Very perceptive, Cale.”

  “I could tell. Now sex with anyone else will just be mediocre.”

  The comment felt like someone had punched her in the stomach. Sex with anyone else. She was crazy to think he’d want more. After all, they did hop in bed fast. Why would it go any farther than what had just happened? Yet Olivia still felt like it should. Maybe it was her old fashioned ways. Maybe it was the fact that she wasn’t used to one-night stands. And the harsh feeling in her gut was the main reason she had never treaded on casual sex. He had left her wanting more, aching for the pleasure he had sent her through.

  She had to cover it up. She didn’t want Cale knowing any of that. Thinking quickly, she said, “There’s that arrogant attitude I mentioned at the bar.”

  “I aim to please,” he replied. “Gotta live up to the prejudices placed against me. Guess I did just that tonight.”

  Olivia didn’t know what else to say. She let the silence linger, and when she looked back at Cale, he was snoozing away, deep into the pillow. Though she already felt heartbroken about what had just happened, she took a few seconds to admire him. His dark hair was sticking out in every direction and his perfect face seemed content as he slept. Why wouldn’t it? He had fulfilled every guy’s fantasy – picking up a girl in a bar, taking her back home, and sleeping with her, only to not have the drama afterward. It was probably a normal occurrence for him.

  Kicking her legs off the side of the bed, she gathered up her clothes and made sure not to wake him. She ran her foot over the condom rapper on the floor and smoothed her hands down her hair. If she needed any more of a reason to not go to bars, this was it. She knew better than this.

  She had to hope she’d never run into him at rodeos.

  She’d avoid bull riding at all costs.

  Chapter Two

  Cale rolled over, squinting at the small beam of sunlight that streamed through the curtains. Groaning, he pulled the covers up around him. He didn’t know what time it was, but that it was too early to even think to get out of bed. Stretching his legs out, he tried to doze, but jolted awake when he realized that Olivia wasn’t beside him in the bed. Sitting up, he looked around the room. There was no sign of her anywhere. His clothes were scattered across the floor, but hers were gone.

  Raking his hand through his hair, a small pang of guilt hit him. Had he scared her? She definitely didn’t seem like the type of woman he usually brought back to the motel. Her innocence was what attracted him, along with the fact that he had spotted her earlier in the day and had somehow managed to track her down. Taking it as far as sex was a surprise, but she gave no hint that she didn’t want it. The instant physical attraction was overwhelming.

  Lifting the sheet, he realized he was still naked underneath. Leaning back against the headboard, he thought about Olivia Hayes. Her soft skin, her long legs, her beautiful blue eyes, and her voice were all things he found himself admiring. What was it about her? Most times, if the woman left in the middle of the night, Cale shrugged it off. Nothing lost, nothing gained but a night of sexual release, but it was different with Olivia. This wasn’t a one-time thing. She had left him wanting more.

  Ambling to the bathroom, he turned the knob to hot and climbed in, ducking his head against the tile as the water flowed over him. He had a hard time grasping his bearings. What town were they off to today, and would Olivia be there? He hoped so. He didn’t want this to be it. He had so much he wanted to tell her, and he wanted to prove her stereotypical views of him wrong.

  What a good start he was off to. Getting her into bed and taking it all the way the first night they had met was in no way helping what she thought of him. Cale quickly lathered up, thinking about Olivia and her supple body beneath him – her heavy breathing, her ample breasts, and the way she tasted – it was enough to feel his arousal growing, and he quickly thought about something else to sway any erotic thoughts from his mind. If he wanted to win her over, he had to get back to basics. He had to be a gentleman.

  Hopping out of the shower, he toweled off and took a long look at himself in the mirror. Why couldn’t he just shrug this off and move on? Why was he so upset that she had snuck out in the middle of the night, leaving him alone?

  Several knocks pulled him from his frustration. “Hurry up, Cale, we gotta get on the road!”

  It was Sammy, and Cale heaved a deep sigh. Grabbing his Wranglers from the floor, he slipped them on and unlocked the door, allowing his riding buddy inside. “Jeez, chill with the knocking.”

  Sammy did a double take, a sly smirk flashing on his face. “Well hell, from the looks of things, I’d say someone had a good time in here last night.” He bent over and picked up the condom wrapper. “Was it that girl you were dancing with? She was…”

  Cale took the wrapper and threw it in the trash. “You’re very observant, Sammy.” He thought about Olivia using the same phrase on him and how he loved her sarcasm. “Let me just pack up real quick and we can get going.”

  “Ah, come on, man, no details? I need some details!”

  Cale ignored him and gathered up his things, slipping into his last clean shirt. Usually he wasn’t so clammed up about things, but this was all so different. He felt respect for Olivia, even though he didn’t know her. It didn’t feel right talking about what they had shared with just anyone, even if Sammy was begging him.

  “You mean you didn’t grab one of those buckle bunnies for yourself? There were tons waiting at the bar for you, ready to go. Ruminate on what you did last night and I’ll keep mine to myself, how about that?”

  Sammy arched his eyebrow and for a second, was speechless. “Guess it didn’t go as good as I thought. By the looks of the place I thought…”

  “Think what you want. I don’t wanna talk about it.” Sliding into his boots, he double-checked the bathroom to make sure he wasn’t leaving anything behind. His memory quickly flashed to Olivia, pinned against the wall, her body so inviting as he pulled her shirt off. Blinking, he shoved it aside. He had to get her out of his head.

  “Sorry, Cale. I guess we don’t always have the best sex. It’s bound to happen, even to you.” Sammy clapped him on the shoulder and winked. “You’re taking first shift in driving. I’m hung over as shit.”

  “Yeah, but you better tell me where we’re going.” He twirled the keys on his index finger, pulling his sunglasses on as the bright sun felt like a nail drilling through his skull. Tossing his duffel bag in the back, he climbed in the cab and the truck vibrated as the engine came to life.

  “Denton. It’s about a three-hour drive. We still gotta make registration, so we better get moving.”

  Nodding, Cale went to put the truck in gear when he saw Olivia in the rear view mirror, loading up her own truck. She tossed several bags in the bed and went around back to the horse trailer, inspecting the door.

  “Give me a second, Sammy.”

  Hurrying her direction, Cale had no idea what he was going to say to her. She’d probably think he was a psychopath, but he had to talk to her.

  “Hey Olivia.”

  She looked up but ignored him, continuing to latch in her horse. She didn’t look amused and it
was a punch to his gut. He wasn’t used to women treating him like this.

  “Are you mad about something?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “Can I talk to you for a second?”

  She hurried around the other side of the trailer, pulling him with her. “Make it quick. My brother is here and he’s ready to get on the road. I don’t want him knowing what I did last night. I don’t want anyone knowing.”

  “You act like you committed murder or something,” Cale replied. It wasn’t common to run across someone with such traditional views on sex. Maybe that’s why he couldn’t shake her. She was a challenge he had never faced before.

  “No, but I never sleep with men I just meet. I’m not sure why you happened to be the exception. I figured what we had is done. You got what you wanted from me. On to the next girl.”

  “There you go assuming about me again, Olivia. What makes you think I’m that way?”

  She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her frown never changing. Even when she was mad, he found her attractive. “Cale Warren. I didn’t recognize the name last night but I do now. Your reputation precedes you, and here I am, another notch on your belt. Any assumption I’m making is pretty accurate, isn’t it?”

  “No, it’s not. You’re going to listen to rumors instead of me? I’m here to ask if I can see you again. Are you going to the Denton rodeo next?” Cale tried to hide his anger. He did have a reputation, but he was trying desperately to get away from it. He just wanted a chance with her. Resistance was a whole new thing for him, which made him fight harder.

  “Yes, we’re in Denton, but no, I don’t want to see you again.” She looked him straight in the eye, her blue eyes cold as steel. “Good luck on your ride.” She moved toward the truck, not even taking another glance back at him. “Let’s get going, Oscar. I want to get there in time to ride Chance a bit.”