She had to run to keep up with him, “Hey slow down, will you. Is something wrong? Are you worried about what we just saw?” She gasped “Are they doing something illegal?”
He slowed down to a more accommodating pace, he gazed over at her “My my, you are just full of questions, aren’t you?” He shook his head “To be honest, I don’t know what the hell those men were doing Mary, but I don’t think it was anything good or legal for that matter. Devin hoped he could get to the bottom of the whole and take care of it speedily. The Guest ranch was set to open in four more days and he didn’t want anything or anyone jeopardizing the success of the newest ranch. He and Abe had worked too hard on the project and he was determined that nothing would mar his father’s legacy.
The couple walked on in silence, not bothering to make anymore stops. When they reach the point where the cabins of the guest ranch could be seen relief washed over them both. It had seemed like their journey would never end. Mary’s entire body ached and she was sure she smelled awful. She just wanted to shower, fall into bed and stay there until it was time for her to go back to Detroit; and she wouldn’t mind if Devin wanted to join her.
Chapter six
Devin and Mary Lou entered the ranch from the back. Mary wanted to drop to her knees ground and kiss. They were only stranded in the middle of nowhere for one night, but to Mary it felt like days. “Thank God we made it back” Mary Lou sighed. “I am heading straight for a shower “she announced.
“Ok, go and shower, I’m going to see if any of the employees are here as yet, and make some enquiries about the men we saw out in the fields earlier.
“Ok” Mary Lou said, disappointed that he would not be joining her.
Mary Lou had washed off the dirt and sweat from her body in the standing shower before she sank down in to the luxurious bath tub. She turned on the body massaging jets and laid back. It felt like heaven, the warm water soaked her aching limbs. Unaware that she was slowly drifting off, she awoke with a start when she heard Devin’s voice.
“It seems you have the dangerous habit of falling asleep in filled bath tubs and leaving your doors open” he said disapprovingly, leaning against the door frame, studying her with folded arms.
“I didn’t realize I was drifting off, and I left the door open so you could come in, in case I was still in the bathroom” she defended.
“Ok. Come on time to get out of there, you need to eat little lady.”
She stood up in the tub, water running down her sleek body. “Hand me a towel please?” She asked looking his way.
She heard Devin’s sharp intake of breath as his eyes swept the length of her body, before he moved to pick up a towel.”Thank you”, she said sweetly, knowing full well the effect she was having on him but couldn’t help tantalizing him. She ducked her head to hide the small smile that formed on her lips. When she entered the bedroom, she spotted a tray perched on the night stand, with sandwiches and canned sodas for two. “We will have to make do with more sandwiches” he announced “the place is still empty, anyone else is yet to arrive, which is strange. Its mid afternoon, I thought someone would have made it out here by now.”
“Could they have been somehow held up by the rain that fell last night?” Mary Lou asked.
“It’s a possibility” Devin answered, seating himself on the bed.
Mary Lou sauntered over and plopped herself down bedside him, reaching for a sandwich. “This is fine by me, I would eat just about anything right now, I am famished” she said, taking a big bit out of her sandwich. She devoured one and reached for another attacking it with gusto. She paused when she saw Devin studying her, smiling between bites of his sandwich. She looked away, as embarrassment engulfed her. Here she was attacking her food, stuffing her face like a pig. She eyed him, clearing her throat, “Sorry I was just really hungry” she muttered putting her sandwich down and reaching for a napkin.
He raised his brows and asked, “what are you apologizing for darlin’? I love a woman with a healthy appetite. It is quite refreshing to see a woman actually eating and not just munching on lettuce; you women and your constant diets.”
“Diet is not a part of my vocabulary” she joked, smiling at him.
He let out a laugh, “Glad to hear it.”
When they were finished with their meal, she watched Devin get up, take up the tray and disappeared into living room. He returned with a bottle of unopened red wine in one hand and two glasses in the other. “I don’t believe you have received a proper welcome as yet” he drawled, pouring wine into each glass. Handing her a glass, he seated himself back beside her. “So, Welcome to Cooper’s Ranch and Tours, Miss Carpenter and here is to an enjoyable stay,” They clinked their glass together and sipped their wine.
“Mmmm, some more please”, Mary begged after draining red liquid from her glass.
“Careful now” Devin said pouring some more wine into her glass “Don’t want you getting too tipsy, little lady.”
“Not to worry Mr. Cooper, I can handle a few glassed of wine.” She drank deeply, savouring the tart richness. She looked up to find Devin studying her eye with and intense stare. Disconcerted, she smoothed her hair with nervous hands. “What?” she asked him.
He rested his glass on the night stand, “Come here, Mary.” Just the seductive note alone in his voice, caused Mary Lou to come undone, already her breath began to quickened and he hadn’t even touched her yet. She got up and slowly walked around the bed to him, holding his fiery stare. She stopped, standing between his legs. He reached out and took the wine glass from her finger tips, resting it on the night stand. He extended a finger and uncooked the towel she had wrapped around her body, watching it fall to the floor in a puddle at her feet.
“Come closer” he demanded.
She obediently took a step, then another closer between his legs, until her thighs brushed against the bulge in his jeans. She kept her hands at her side, looking down at him, waiting for his next instruction. “Kiss me, now” he whispered. She placed both hands on his shoulders and lowered her head to his; her lips hovered near his as she stared deep into his eyes. She covered the distance, and their lips met, softly. The all consuming passion between them quickly erupted and Devin grabbed her hips, unable to control himself.
Mary pulled away from him to help him undress; he stood us so she could unbutton his jeans. Fully naked now, Devin reached out for Mary Lou, but she swatted his hand away playfully and gave a wicked smile. He watched her unhurriedly got down on her knees before and his breath caught in his throat when he realized her intention and is body sang with anticipation. Mary Lou placed both hands on his muscular ass and pulled her to him, peeking up at him through her lashes. She opened her mouth and slowly took his rock hard cock in, inch by inch. Devin released a low moan, which motivated Mary Lou to take him in deeper, wanting to hear him moan with pleasure again. She pulled back and swept her tongue around the sensitive tip of his cock, then took him back into her mouth. He threw his head back and bunched his hands into her hair, holding her firmly to him and pushed into her mouth.
Her assault on him continued and he felt himself slipping, he quickly pulled away from her before he spilled his seed into her mouth. He pulled her to her feet, “Your turn” he whispered. He gently pushed her on the bed before she could respond, “Open your legs” he commanded, kneeling between them. She felt so vulnerable beneath his gaze and instinctively tried to snap her legs close. “Devin no has ever done that to me before” she breathed, not knowing what to expect.
“Just relax and baby, you will like it I promise” he assured her. Using his strong hands he spread her legs a little wider. Her breathing became laboured when she felt his breath on her exposed pussy. He began kissing her thighs, inching his way up until, finally his tongue darted out and her clitoris a lick. Mary Lou jumped, almost coming off the bed. He held her hips firmly down and pushed his tongue inside her giving a couple of hard strokes then licked his way back up to her clitoris, where he continued, drivi
ng he wild. He bought her to the brink with his skilful tongue, “Devin” she breathlessly pushed out his name “Devin, I’m going to- before she could finish her orgasm tore through her sending her, nearly ripping her from the bed.
Before she could recover, Devin rose up, coming between her thighs and entered her in one swift motion filling her completely. Mary Lou gasped with pleasure; her pussy still pulsating from her orgasm welcomed him. He went on with slow, sweet strokes “God, Mary you feel so good” he moaned.
“I want more, Devin, harder”, she begged. Before complying he flipped her on to her stomach and bought her onto her knees. He clutched her hips, slamming into her over and over until Mary Lou thought she would die with pleasure. It wasn’t long before Devin felt the pressure building up inside him. He pushed into her relentlessly until she screamed his name shaking through another orgasm; almost simultaneously he came undone with a loud groan, spilling everything he had inside of her.
Mary Lou dropped to the bed, lying on her stomach trying to catcher breath. Devin dropped beside her. “That was...” he searched for a word “above and beyond amazing” he exclaimed, wonder and amazement in his expression when he glanced at her.
She smiled broadly at him “I am in total agreement” she responded. After taking another quick shower together, they collapsed into bed, the long morning and vigorous love making catching up to them. They fell asleep, wrapped tightly in each other arms. Devin’s last thought before he gave in to slumber, was that he was falling in love with the woman sleeping in his arms, the woman who would be leaving in a matter of days so far out of his reach.
The next morning Devin woke Mary soft flattering kisses. She could feel his erection poking her in her back. She stretched languidly, rubbing against him cause him to inhale sharply. “You’re a tease”, he whispered in her ear.
“And you’re insatiable” she responded, pushing he back against his erection. He reached his hands below the covers and slid two fingers in to her, discovering that she was dripping with readiness.
“So are you” he said with a smile. He wasted no more time and entered her.
“I need to go into town” Devon informed Mary Lou as they stepped out of her cabin. “I need to get groceries, can’t have you starving little lady.”
Mary clutched her chest, pretending to swoon “That southern drawl of yours is so sexy, cowboy.”
He laughed, “Well, I’m glad you think so.”
“Hey, is it ok if I go with you? I don’t want to stay here alone.” She said looking around the lonely guest ranch.
“Sure, I don’t see why not.” Devin was glad she wanted to do along; he wanted to spend every minute he could with her, before she walked out of his life for good, at the end of the week. The thought cut into his heart deeply and painfully.
“Are you ok?” Mary Lou asked, concerned by the frown that just formed on his face.
He gave her a tight smile, “I fine, darlin’, nothing for you to worry about.”
They decided to grab some coffee in the kitchen of the main cabin, before they ventured out into town. Mary Lou prepared the coffee while Devin went into the office to make calls. Walking happily, with the two mugs in her hands, she made her way to the office. She looked out the glass doors and gasped, the mugs fell from her grip spilling the hot liquid all over the floor. She stood paralyzed, eyes wide with surprise.
Hearing the loud crash, Devin ran out to make sure Mary Lou was alright. “Darlin’ what is it?” He asked, a little out of breath. He found her standing, staring outside and followed her gaze. “What the hell?” He reached her side in two long strides an instinctively swept her behind him. The front yard of the ranch was lined with police officer, pointing their guns directly at them. Behind him he heard Mary Lou whimper, “This is the second time in two days, I’ve almost pissed my pants.”
“Stay here” he instructed “I’m going to find out what the hell this is all about.”
Mary Lou grabbed him, “Devin, no they might shoot you” she whispered.
“Considering that I haven’t done anything illegal, I’ll risk it” he said stepping forward.
One of the officers shouted “Norman Police Department, we’ve got you surrounded!”
Devin put both hands up in surrender and walked to the door; dropping one had to push it open. “What the hell is all this about officer?” he asked completely annoyed.
“We got a call about illegal activities taking place at this ranch, sir” the officer replied.
Devin rolled his eyes “Well I was the one to make the call, so you can all stop pointing your weapons at me.”
“Devin Cooper, is that you?” A faceless voice asked.
“That’s right.” Devin responded, looking for the man who apparently knew him.
An officer stepped out from behind the group. “Devin! Man, it sure has been a while” he said.
Recognition hit Devin immediately, “Brian you old dog! How the hell have you been?” He asked, laughing. Brian Cullen was one of his old high school buddies, their lives had gone down different paths and they had lost touch for years.
“Hey, stand down guys. It’s Devin Cooper, millionaire owner of Cooper’s Guest Ranch and Tours, this is his place.”
“Holy shit, Sorry Mr. Cooper I didn’t realize who you were” The lead officer stumbled forward.
Brian turned to Devin, “You have to forgive ole’ Nate here, he’s new in town.”
Devin nodded, “Sheesh, when I made the call, I wasn’t expecting all of this. I mean, it isn’t exactly a state of emergency.”
“Actually, it is a more serious matter that you think, Mr. Cooper”, Nate chimed in “We have been hunting down a group of elusive poachers for months. We believe they are connected to a dangerous southern gang, but our leads always turn up as dead ends. We have reasonable evidence that this group has been responsible for stealing oil and metals from mines, through the western states. They trade these precious commodities on the black market for high powered weapons and drugs. When you made the call, we knew that they were the guys we are looking for. It seems they have been mining illegally on the closed down ridge, which used to be government property.”
“Wow, this is like something out of a movie”, Mary Lou piped up from behind Devin. The startled men all turned to stare at her, wondering how no one heard or saw her coming.
“I thought I told you to stay inside” Devin hissed at her.
She glared at him defiantly “There’s no way I was going to let you come out here by yourself”, she hissed back.
Brian let out a hoot of laughter, “Devin your girlfriend sure is a feisty little thing, and protective too. You’re a lucky man.”
Devin smiled, “I suppose I am.”
Mary Lou shot Brian a dirty look for calling her “little thing”. She then turned to Devin hands on hips, one eyebrow raised in question, with an expression clearly asking “So, I’m your girlfriend now?” Devin cleared his throat and chose to avoid her gaze.
Turning back to officers Brian and Nate, he asked “So what now?”
Brian answered “It’s likely that they know you two are here, we believe you’re both in danger.”
Devin sighed, remembering that the men has indeed spotted he and Mary Lou and they had been callous enough to steel his horse and shoot the other. “You’re right Brian, I think our lives are in Danger”, he aid in agreement.
“They will likely come after the two of you, to protect their identities”, Nate continued. “So, it would be best if you two leave this ranch immediately. I will have two of my officers take both of you away from here and to a safe house at a secured location.”
Mary Lou groaned. This really was turning out be like some damn crime drama and now they had to go into witness protection. When her best friend had urged her to take this trip to have a little fun, Mary Lou was sure that this kind of excitement never crossed her mind. This was way more excitement than Mary Lou had expected. She looked up at Devin in apprehension, won
dering what was going to happen to them. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, and she never wanted him to let go.
It pained Devin to see witness the utter fear in Mary Lou’s eyes. He wanted to take into his arms, carry her away from the group of police officers, kiss her deeply and let her know that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. But all he could do at the moment was hold on to her hand.
Chapter Seven
Devin and Mary Lou sat quietly in the back of the police vehicle. The car sped down the highway and the two officers in the front seats remained silent and solemn. Devin had her arms around her while her head rested in the crook of his arms. Mary stared ahead, not really seeing anything, she was deep in thought. It was amazing to her how she could feel so at home in this man’s embrace after only knowing him for a few days. Even though their lives were in danger, she somehow felt safe in Devin’s arms.
Her thoughts went to her mother and Yvonne. Before they left the guest ranch she had wanted to call them. However, Officer Brian had insisted against it. He assured her it was for their safety and their loved ones’ safety if no one knew what was happening or where they were being taken. Mary Lou guessed it really was for the best. If her mother and best friend knew the deep shit she was in and that her life was potentially in danger, he mother would have a coronary attack. Yvonne would probably board a plane to Oklahoma, arrive with metaphorical guns blazing, ready to get all up in the criminals faces for messing with her friend. Mary Lou smiled slightly, reflecting on her best friend’s loud, feisty personality and readiness to take on the world in defence of her loved ones. Mary Lou shivered as the thought that Yvonne might never see her alive again.
ROMANCE: WESTERN ROMANCE: The Secret Cowboy (BWWM Billionaire Interracial Multicultural Romance) (Contemporary Steamy Western Short Stories) Page 9