by Aliyah Burke
Laciee felt the day’s tension seep out of her as Judd whispered in her ear. He pointed out parts of the ranch while they rode across his vast holding. There were no days like this in New York City that allowed her such relaxation.
His chest rumbled behind her and she wondered if she hadn’t spoken aloud. She didn’t ask, just allowed herself to enjoy all he offered to share with her. After all, how much more perfect could a day get? A cowboy—a hotly handsome one at that—holding her tightly to him, his horse, and the scenery dreams are made of.
Judd thought about the woman who rested against him, her head on his shoulder, as they rode back to the barn. Their ride hadn’t been filled with chatter, but it wasn’t strained either. She asked questions occasionally and he pointed out landmarks other times. For a woman who had tried holding herself away from him when he first mounted behind her, she totally rested against him now. Something he greatly approved of. Her hands upon his forearms and her head settled along his shoulder, gracing him with tantalizing whiffs of the inviting scent compilation she wore—cranberries with a hint of vanilla.
When he’d found her sleeping beneath the tree, he’d wanted to jump down and gather her close. The dried tearstains on her face cut him deeper than he’d like to acknowledge. He bet anything it had to do with her mother. Rosa told him she’d left the ranch earlier today. Combined with what Frank had said, he’d pieced it together.
Kilburn snorted and sidestepped, pulling his attention from the vixen in his arms and returning it to their surroundings.
“Are they dangerous?” Laciee whispered, pressing into him a bit more.
He found what she had spied. Coyotes. About five of them wandered as they scavenged for food.
“No.”
“Don’t most ranchers kill them?”
He grunted. “Yes. But they forget that coyotes are needed to help balance the ecosystem. I’ve not had problems with them. They’re a bit small to go after cattle in a herd and we have the dogs as extra protection.”
“So you don’t set out to kill them?”
He frowned. “Why would I? They were here long before we were. They’re only trying to make a living for themselves. I don’t condone killing them just because they are carnivores.”
“You’re a different man, Judd Travers.”
“Is that a good thing?” he asked as Kilburn carefully picked his footing down the small decline, leaving the coyotes to their own devices.
“Yes. Refreshing.”
Hadn’t ever been called that before. He smiled before he realized it. “You really need to meet other people, darlin’. I’m just me.”
“Hard working cowboy.”
He dipped his head and brushed his lips along her ear. “Yes, ma’am.” Her little shiver affected him deeply.
“I never thought of Texas as beautiful until now. Riding this, with you, I can see the allure it has to people.”
His free hand flexed around her as pleasure raced through him at her honest and heartfelt admission. “Glad to be with you when you realized how beautiful she is.”
Laciee shifted closer to him and he tightened his grip around her. “She?”
He nodded as he gazed around. “Yes. She. Texas. The land.”
She murmured her understanding and turned her head so her cheek rested against the plane of his chest. Christ, he would love to keep her like this forever. When she fell asleep he licked his lips and gazed at her. The amount of trust she showed staggered him. Brushing his lips along her forehead, he allowed himself a moment of fantasy belief that she was his and was staying here on the Flying T with him.
He didn’t rush Kilburn, just allowed the gelding to pick his own way. It didn’t matter to him how long it took to return to the barn. Judd was perfectly content holding the woman in his arms. When the buildings did come into view, he kissed her again.
“Wake up, darlin’.”
“I fell asleep?” Her question was soft and stroked his skin as if she did so herself.
“Yes. We’re almost back.”
“I’m so sorry, you were showing me your ranch and I…I…I’m sorry.”
“Not a problem. You needed to sleep.”
He held her close when she made to pull away from him, liking her near. A few of the ranch hands watched them as they headed for the barn but other than greetings, no one said or made any untoward comments or expressions. Judd swung down before lifting Laciee free from the saddle. Her curves slid against him and he had to remind himself they were being watched.
She looked tousled and slightly sleepy. But her smile was pure and honest.
“Can I help you take care of him?” she asked, turning slightly to touch Kilburn. “Poor baby had to work then carry my extra weight.”
Judd rolled his eyes when his gelding snorted pathetically and lowered his head for her to rub along his blaze. While Laciee cooed over Kilburn, the horse gazed at him with one baleful eye as if daring him to take the woman’s touch from him.
“Sure,” Judd said. Reaching for the reins, he paused when Laciee took them and walked into the barn, continually muttering to the horse who followed immediately behind her.
“He likes her, Boss.”
Crossing his arms, Judd nodded as Frank appeared at his side. “I think I’ve been replaced.”
“You want me to send someone over to take care of him for you?”
“No thanks, Frank. She wants to do it and the clown may throw a fit if I take her away from him now.” The men entered the barn and trailed the woman leading the horse. Judd wasn’t concerned; Kilburn knew which stall was his. “Any more problems with poisoning?”
“Haven’t seen anything so far. Bill and Matt are out there tonight with Cher in the East. Fred and Clovis will be heading out to the West with Sonny, and I’ll be heading North while Chet takes the South. Those bastards come back, we’ll be ready for them.”
“Make sure you and Chet aren’t out there alone. I don’t want any of my men hurt. Stay in contact and if you see something…” he trailed off, not needing to finish. His men knew what to do.
“Not a problem, Boss. We’ll be fine. We’re ready.”
Past Frank, he spied Laciee laughing as Kilburn nudged her with his head. “Good. Call me if you need me.”
“See you in the morning, Boss.” Frank left and Judd was free to turn all his attention to the woman who’d been taking up all his thoughts. Hell, she slipped in even when he was supposed to be working.
He trailed them into the stall and leaned against the closed door as she turned to look at him. “What do I do first?”
Judd assisted her in removing the saddle and blankets, hesitating before allowing her to carry them from the stall to where he stored his tack. He knew his saddle was heavy; it had a real wood tree and was an older, well made one. Yet she carried it like a pro. Back in the stall, he talked her through removing the bridle, which he hung outside the stall so she didn’t have to go to the tack room again. Then he remained to the side while she brushed Kilburn.
“He’s an amazing horse,” she said once she’d finished.
Judd remained standing against the wall and watched her from below the brim of his Stetson. “Yes.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him, a sparkle in her gaze he had missed while it was gone. “Am I doing it too slowly?”
Lust flared within him. “Slow is good.” He pushed from the wall and stalked her with purpose. “Real good,” he drawled. Her tongue darted out and skipped along her lips before retreating into the dark cavern he wanted to delve into himself. “Like, I’d love to strip off your clothing and lick you from head to toe. Slowly. Turn you over and start all over again.”
Her pupils dilated while her breathing hitched. The fingers on the brush tightened. He backed her into a corner and braced his arms on either side of her.
“Sink my cock into you, one inch at a time, holding your gaze as I do so. Move in you slowly while you beg me to go faster, beg me to let you come.”
&nb
sp; Her whimper echoed the one in his own soul. Lowering his head, he nipped at her chin. “I like slow. What about you, darlin’?”
“Yes.” Her word so faint he almost missed it.
Nudging her chin up, he captured her mouth with his own. Despite the desire that raged within him, he maintained his slow pace, ignoring the intense pressure in his jeans. His world had shrunk to him and her.
He nibbled along her lip before dragging his tongue over the same path. She opened with a sigh and yet he still waited, teasing her lips until her tongue came out and touched his own. He allowed her to tempt him back into the waiting depths of her mouth where they began the ageless ritual. Stroking, delving, thrusting against one another. Actions he wanted to do with more than just his tongue.
A snort burst through his intimate bubble with Laciee, and Judd realized at once they were still in Kilburn’s stall. And his horse wanted to be fed.
Ending the kiss could only be described as slow torture. Laciee had completely sunk into him, her hands held chunks of his shirt as she pressed tight to him. He placed a light kiss on the end of her button-nose.
“I have to feed him or he’ll get pushy.”
She nodded but didn’t release him. Judd waited for her to either speak or let him go. She merely stared at him. He took each hand from him and let it go after kissing the back of it. Feeding Kilburn didn’t take long at all and soon he guided Laciee from the barn, his hand at the small of her back.
Chapter Nine
Things had changed between them. Laciee knew it as sure as she breathed in his masculine scent with each inhalation she took. Judd was a massive presence behind her, his hand upon her back warm and protective. As well as proprietary. If she were to be honest with herself, she’d admit she was confused.
Given the passion between them in the hotel, she thought for sure he would have found his way into her bed by now. Yes, he did say he would give her one night but even that hadn’t felt as it did now. Almost like he’s trying to woo me. She gave her head a small shake. Now she was just being fanciful.
Men like Judd Travers didn’t woo women like her. No, she wasn’t being hard on herself, it’s just how she viewed things. She wasn’t self-deprecating or anything as some say anyone who says what she had did. She just had a cold reality of the world thrust upon her at a young age. That was it.
Her father, nonexistent in her life, despite her attempts, hadn’t turned her into a jaded old crone who hated men. Her mother’s whorish lifestyle hadn’t turned her into one of those either. But what it had done was make her cautious and pragmatic. And that sense told her she and Judd had good chemistry. Explosive really.
Which worked for her. She could go with that and enjoy the sex, but the little girl who had once dreamed of fairy tales and happily ever after with her own prince had long since given up that dream. So as long as she knew whatever else happened between her and Judd was just for the two weeks until she left, all would be fine.
“A lot on your mind, darlin’?” His voice, deep and seductive, wound out of the crepuscular light and settled around her like the warmest velvet. He flexed his fingers against the small of her back, expediting fissures of pleasure through her.
“It’s been a long day, is all.”
“You gonna tell me what happened with your mother?”
A harsh chuckle escaped. “Mother. There’s a word that should mean so much to me and yet…” She shook her head. “It went pretty much as expected. Not well. But I’ve done it so at least it’s not hanging over my head.”
He guided her up the brick steps to the front door where he reached around her and opened it, allowing her to precede him inside. She paused for a moment and glanced along the porch, its hardwood gleaming in the lights illuminating from the house. So beautiful. With a wistful sigh, she entered his house.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, removing his hat and stepping around her to hang it on the hook.
“I will be. Thank you, for the tour and again, sorry I fell asleep.”
His dark brown eyes twinkled at her before segueing into something more intense. Primitive. Raw. Primal. “You’ll be well rested for tonight then.”
Heat flooded her and she swallowed hard. Her body responded to the alpha way he made his statement. She didn’t have to ask him to clarify anything, she knew exactly what he meant and so did her body.
“I need to shower,” she blurted out.
“Come with me.” He didn’t ask, he told. And she willingly went.
When they didn’t go upstairs she almost asked him what was up; however, the moment they passed from the living room into the family room, she had a pretty good idea. He led her toward the only room she’d not been in as of yet. Judd’s.
They entered through the door, passed a walk-in closet, avoided the bathroom, moved by a linen closet before entering his main bedroom, and she was immediately taken by the openness of his quarters. Masculine colors, clean, and…damn if that bed didn’t look inviting. She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting but somehow this didn’t seem like it.
“If you blink,” he said in her ear, “the bed will still be there.”
Heat surged up her cheeks and she avoided his gaze. “I don’t know why I had you pegged for a huge four-poster bed kind of guy.” He had a simple platform bed covered in espresso bedding.
He pressed up against her, settling his hands against her hips. “Is that so? I don’t have to tie women up in my bed, Laciee Dupree.”
Lord, he made it hard to think straight. “What if they want to be?”
“Ask nicely and I’ll show you.”
Her belly clenched at the seductive tone and promising words. Dampening her dry lips, she gave as nonchalant a shrug as she could pull off. “I’m not into that, but thanks.”
“Come on, or you’ll be more acquainted with my bed than you think.” He turned her and led her back to the master bath. Her breath left her in a rush as she took it in.
“This is beautiful.”
“Run yourself a bath.”
There was dark furniture in here as well, but the floor was a lighter tile, which offset it perfectly. Along one side, heading toward the window, were two sinks, each with its own massive mirror. Between them sat a drop-in rectangular tub with an impressive light above it and three windows offering natural light.
“You know I’m capable of taking a shower upstairs,” she said.
“Humor me.”
She allowed him to move her closer. Oh, it would be divine to submerge herself in there. On the platform enclosure she spied some oils and bath salts along with towels that she knew would be so soft against her skin.
“What about you?” she asked, picking up a wild honey scented oil.
He tipped up her face to his. “I’d be more than happy to join you, but I thought you’d want some time alone.” His thumb brushed along her lips. “If you want me to wash your back, I will. And front.”
Locking her knees to keep from sinking to the floor, she gave him a small smile. “I would love to have a long soak. Are you sure you don’t mind?” I also wouldn’t mind you joining me. Oh, to have all that hard muscle pressed against her, naked. Yeah, she could definitely go for that.
“Not at all. Take your time, we’ll eat when you’re done.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips along hers. As brief as the contact may have been, it still rocked her. By the time she’d regained her faculties, he’d left her alone.
Worrying her lower lip between her teeth, she made her way to the faucets and turned on the water before adjusting to her preferred temperature and adding the wild honey oil. She undressed while the tub filled. It had been so long since she actually soaked in a tub, she was looking forward to this more than she wanted to admit.
Casting a final glance toward the door, she debated for a moment on locking it. Only for a moment, however. It wasn’t like Judd hadn’t already explored every inch of her body. Heat, which had nothing to do with the steam rising from the water, flow
ed over her and she shivered in memory.
She slid into the heated water after pinning up her hair and groaned in exquisite pleasure. A rolled towel beneath her head, she closed her eyes and allowed the indulgence, one which was heightened after she discovered it was a whirlpool one and she activated the bubbles. Only one question lingered in her mind. Why did Judd Travers have a tub like this in his house? She couldn’t imagine him lying in there and enjoying a long soak after a hard day’s work. The standing shower along the other wall seemed more his style.
Longing shuddered through her at the thought of joining him in that glass shower. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and got to cleaning. After that had been completed, she allowed herself to relax again and just enjoy. Her muscles relaxed and she came to with a start. It took her a minute to realize what happened. She’d dozed off.
The water had begun to cool and she shut off the jets before realizing she had no clothing in with her. Crap. Rising from the tub, water sluicing down her skin, she reached for a towel and stepped out onto the plush mat.
“Well, this wasn’t very smart of me,” she muttered, dragging the thick towel over her skin so it could absorb the lingering water. “What am I supposed to do now, walk through his house wearing nothing but a towel?”
The grin happened before she could stop it. Shaking off the fanciful thought, she gazed about the room and paused. Draped over the first sink, the one she’d had her back to, lay a thick blue robe. She picked it up, only to immediately be swamped by the scent of Judd Travers. Oh God, this was his. Heartbeat erratic, she placed it back down, finished drying and never hesitated before drawing it on.
The robe swallowed her with thick luxury. Tying it off at the waist, she turned up the collar and buried her nose in, loving the security his scent gave her. It didn’t take her too long to drain the tub and hang up her towel. Barefoot, she padded to the door and opened it. Nothing. No noise coming from his bedroom or the family room. Gripping the robe tighter, she made her way out and found him seated in the family room, on a couch, facing his bedroom.