"No way," she said with a flustered laugh. "The Christmas Ball is a formal affair. I can't wear my work clothes."
"You look beautiful to me." He pulled her against him again and stared down into her eyes. "But then again, you always do." Bending his head, he kissed her.
What could a girl say to such an honest declaration as that? And how long had she dreamed of this moment? Melanie gave it up and draped her arms around his neck.
Blake kissed the corners of her mouth, brushing his lips against hers. Increasing the pressure, he urged her to open to him. Immediately, she parted her lips and rose up on tiptoe to meet his kiss. He gathered her closer, relishing the feel of her in his arms. He plunged his tongue inside her mouth, tangling with hers, devouring her sweetness. Dear mother of God. She was liquid fire beneath his sensual assault.
Melanie kissed him back hungrily. Her knees almost buckled as the passion exploded between them. Blake supported her in a strong embrace, his lips moving with tantalizing persuasion. A delicious languor stole over her, slowing down time and space. Even so, her senses were on the alert and she'd never felt so alive, so vibrant.
His hands slid down her back and cupped her butt, dragging her even closer until she was plastered to him. He ground his arousal against her and her panties dampened in readiness for this man's more intimate invasion. His breath was hot and heavy, his body hard against her soft. Melanie wished the kiss would never end. She wanted more, needed more. She'd never experienced anything quite like it. Damn, if his kiss affected her so strongly, what would it be like to actually make love with him?
When he felt Melanie wiggle against him, rubbing her torso against his shaft, Blake knew he had to end the kiss soon. Very soon. She was making him so hot he was close to saying to hell with it and just taking her here and now. Would she resist if he eased her onto one of those tables and unzipped his pants, flipped that skirt up and plunged himself inside her?
With infinite regret, Blake lifted his head and broke contact with those delectable lips. He continued holding Melanie in his arms and searched her face. Her eyes were still closed and her long lashes nestled against her creamy skin. After a long moment, she blinked and looked at him dreamily. It was all he could do not to kiss her all over again.
Suddenly, she stiffened in his arms, her eyes now opened wide, staring at him with wonder and maybe a little consternation, he couldn't really tell. Blake gave her a quick kiss, but couldn't make himself release his hold on her. Not yet. She felt too good to let go.
"I take it this means you'll go to the Christmas Ball with me?" he asked with a grin.
For a long drawn out moment, she didn't say anything. Then she smiled and nodded, and he nearly groaned with the pain throbbing in his groin. He'd have her in his bed soon. Maybe even tonight. He hoped to God it would be tonight.
****
Six hours later, Blake pulled his truck into the hotel parking lot and cut the engine. Melanie had agreed to be his date, but she'd insisted on meeting him back at the hotel. She'd refused to let him pick her up. After that mind-numbing kiss, she'd pushed out of his arms and practically run from the room, telling him over her shoulder that she'd see him at the dance. She had a million things to do if she were to be ready on time. She'd left him with a body hard as a rock, his breath ragged in his lungs.
Blake jerked the keys from the ignition. He'd kept his lust for the lady in strict confinement for six long weeks. He didn't know what the hell had happened this afternoon to make him want to mount her like a bull on a heifer. He'd been in an uncomfortable state of arousal ever since he'd left the hotel. Hell, he'd had a hard-on ever since he'd met her, if he were totally honest with himself.
Shuddering out an exhaled breath, he tried to get a grip. He hadn't been this horny since he didn't know when. He'd had several short-term relationships over the years, but he'd never found anyone he liked well enough to make it long-term.
Straightening his tie, Blake grabbed his jacket and climbed out of the pickup. Shrugging on the tailored coat, he retrieved the box of door prizes from the seat, snagged his duffle bag, then headed inside.
Several Lone Star Cattle Rancher members were making their way to the hotel lobby, too. Many were already there, having reserved a room for the night so they wouldn't have to make the long trip back to their ranches and farms. Membership was spread out across three large counties and some had to travel a hundred miles and more one way. For a lot of them, it was easier to stay the night and head home in the morning.
Blake hadn't planned on spending the night when Sue Ellen had agreed to be his date. He'd thought he'd drive back to the ranch, no matter how late the party lasted. He only lived fifty miles northwest of Stone Creek after all. Not far by West Texas standards.
But with Melanie stepping in for Sue Ellen, everything had changed; he was staying the night. He'd be a fool not to. No longer was he escorting an old childhood friend to the Christmas Ball. Oh no. Now his date was a sexy single woman, whom he wanted in the worst possible way. Just thinking about that kiss this afternoon was enough to warrant an ice-cold shower.
Hopefully, that wouldn't be necessary. With luck, Melanie would be as anxious and eager as he to take their relationship to the next level.
Whatever happened, Blake looked forward to holding her in his arms for every slow dance the band played. He smiled as he waited for the elevator to take him to his room. And you'd better believe he'd do his damnedest to make sure most of the songs played were slow.
****
Melanie hurried to the Lancaster Room, running behind schedule. Again. What was it about today that had her running late? Too much to do, too little time. That's what. She detoured to the lady's room for a quick stop so she could check her hair and makeup.
What an afternoon she'd spent getting ready for this last-minute date. Being last-minute had been the least of her worries. It was the fact the dance was a formal affair that had Melanie close to panic. She hadn't been lying when she'd told Blake she had nothing to wear. She'd been meaning to go shopping for ages, but hadn't found the time to make a run up to Lubbock. Ninety miles was quite a long drive, but that's where the closest mall was located with stores selling items like full-length gowns. Thank God her sister had a new dress that she'd been willing to lend Melanie for the occasion.
Her sister also had a talent for arranging hair. Elaine had done magic with Melanie's long brown hair, scooping it high on top of her head with soft tendrils cascading down and curling around her face. The updo accentuated Melanie's graceful neck and complimented the beautiful ball gown.
The lady's room was crowded with women attending the Christmas Ball. Melanie covertly studied the dresses swishing around and was pleased to note her sister had an unerring eye for good fashion. Her gown was a simple, elegant, off the shoulder creation of shiny midnight blue. Melanie had dug in her own closet and found a pair of classic strappy heels she'd worn when she'd been a bridesmaid a couple of years ago.
Her turn at one of the mirrors told Melanie she was as ready as she'd ever be. Another dab of lipstick and she was good to go.
****
Blake waited by the door greeting members and guests. Standing beside him was Trevor Callahan and his wife, Beth. As the vice-president of the Lone Star Cattle Ranchers Association, Trevor was Blake's right-hand man. No way would Blake have let himself be hornswoggled into the presidency, if Trev hadn't been right there with him.
"So Sue Ellen finked out on you, did she?" Trevor asked. They'd both gone to school with Sue Ellen, although Trev had left Stone Creek soon after high school. He'd reluctantly returned several years ago and now made his home on his late grandfather's ranch.
"She didn't fink out. I told you she's sick. Besides, you know as well as I do, Sue Ellen would never let a friend down." Blake couldn't believe how laid-back Trev had become. He'd loosened up a lot since he'd married Beth and become a father. Such a contrast to the sulky unhappy kid he'd been.
Trev grinned. "I know, I know.
Lucky you found a substitute so quickly, is all I can say."
Blake thought it nothing short of miraculous. Of course, it wouldn't have killed him to come to the dance alone, but he hadn't really wanted to. And since he'd been planning to ask Melanie out anyway, the opportunity had seemed golden. And that kiss . . .
The thought strangled in his brain as a vision of loveliness approached the door and commanded his full attention.
Trev elbowed him in the ribs. "Looks like the sub's finally arrived."
"Put a cork in it, Callahan," Blake growled through his teeth.
"Behave yourself," Beth said to her husband, leaning into him slightly, her eyes cutting to his suggestively.
"You really want me to behave myself?" Trev wrapped his arm around her waist and looked down into her face, his eyes scorching over her. "Because it's really gonna cost you, babe."
Blake watched as the couple became totally engrossed in each other. The chemistry radiating from them shot sexual sparks into the air. It had been that way since Trev had come home. He only had eyes for Beth. Their marriage had calmed him, solidified his foundation. Made his world right.
Damn, Blake wanted that, too. His eyes slid to Melanie and an intense hunger and need gripped him.
Beth leaned across Trev toward Blake. "She's very pretty, isn't she?"
"No," Blake said. "She's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous."
"Man, you've got it bad," Trevor said. "Better watch your back. Ouch!" He rubbed his arm where Beth had pinched him. "Okay, okay. I'll behave."
Blake walked out the door of the banquet room and met Melanie in the hallway. He'd thought her beautiful before, dressed in her work clothes. But now that she was all dolled up, she was truly gorgeous, just as he'd told Beth. The shining dark blue dress hugged every feminine curve of Melanie's tall body. She'd put her hair up and exposed her long delicate neck. Blake imagined kissing the creamy skin all the way from below her ear down the arching neck, then trailing his tongue along the collarbone and the exposed shoulder . . .
"Hi," Melanie said with a smile. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement. "Sorry, I'm late. This makes it twice today I've kept you waiting."
That smile of hers made Blake want to jerk her into his arms and kiss her until she cried for mercy. But since they were in full view of God and everybody, that was out of the question. Instead, he took her hand and brought it to his lips. "Believe me, the wait was well worth it."
She blushed adorably. It took every ounce of willpower not to gather her in his arms and kiss her blushes away . . . or make her blush all over, which would be even better. Blake faced a long night ahead of him if he couldn't wrestle his libido under control. Taking a deep breath, he tucked Melanie's hand in the crook of his arm and led her toward the banquet room. "You look beautiful."
Melanie laughed. "That coming from the man who urged me to wear my work clothes to a formal dance. I don't know if I can trust your judgement, kind sir."
Her laughter lightened his heart, but her words made his groin heavy with desire. He'd like to urge her, all right. He'd like to nudge her, prod her, poke her, in fact. And he would, too. Sooner or later.
"Oh, you can trust me, sweetheart," he said, his voice husky with suppressed desire. "You're the most beautiful woman at the Christmas Ball. I guarantee it."
Her eyes twinkled as she peeked at him from beneath dark lashes. "Why, Blake Chambers . . . I think you're trying to sweet talk me."
The lady was flirting. An excellent sign. "You have to know you look stunning tonight," he said, pausing for effect. "But if I were trying to sweet talk you, would it be working?"
She gave another gurgle of laughter. "It depends on what you're trying to sweet talk me into."
Pulling away, Melanie moved forward to shake hands with Trevor and Beth. Glancing back, she winked at Blake over her shoulder. Her bare shoulder. His body flexed in response. Well, damn. No way could he mistake her intentions with that sassy little wink.
The evening held promises of the most interesting kind. Shaking away the sensual images bouncing around his fertile imagination, he hurried to catch up with her so he could make the necessary introductions.
****
Melanie pushed her plate away and delicately wiped her mouth on the linen napkin. She looked around Blake's table where the other diners were finishing their meals. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the scrumptious fare she and Blake had chosen for the special dinner.
Scooting back her chair, she rose to her feet. "I'm going to check out the dessert buffet. The food was delicious, but now I need something sweet."
"I'll go with you." Blake shoved away from the table and took her elbow.
Melanie tried to ignore the delicious shiver of awareness his touch stirred up. Sitting next to him throughout the meal had been exciting to say the least. He'd positioned his chair close to hers and she'd felt the heat of his body emanating toward her. Every time he moved, exquisite tingles of pleasure shot through her body.
To say she was hyperaware of him would be an understatement. The sexual chemistry surging between them increased exponentially. Surrounded as they were by a throng of people made it all the more thrilling. If they'd been alone, social inhibitions would have flown out the window. They would have been in each other's arms in a heartbeat.
She'd feel Blake's embrace soon enough when they danced. Her heart pounded in anticipation.
At the dessert bar, Melanie made a careful selection. She wanted to splurge but knew she couldn't over indulge in excessive sugar and calories. She needed to pace herself during the holiday season if she wasn't to gain any unwanted pounds.
Blake obviously didn't share the same mindset. His plate was full to overflowing with a sampling of the various sweets. There wasn't an ounce of fat on his muscular body, damn him. Melanie sighed as she placed another strawberry beside the small piece of cake on her plate.
Turning from the buffet, she glanced around the banquet room. In the daylight, it had been enchanting, but now at night the atmosphere and ambiance was truly magical. The room was dark with only muted light above the buffet tables and the flames of the candles flickering on the tabletops. The strings of lights on the walls twinkled like stars and the tall tree in the corner glowed brightly. With the curtains pulled back, the wall of windows exposed a breath-taking view of Coyote Lake with the lights of the hotel reflecting on the black shiny surface.
Blake guided Melanie to their table, his hand warm on the small of her back. The waiters were busy clearing away the dishes and the band was getting ready to play.
"I'll have you in my arms soon," he whispered, his breath hot in her ear, his hand moving to her hip and pressing intimately.
Goosebumps erupted and tingled on her arms and down her back. She could hardly wait to dance.
****
Blake could hardly wait for the last dance to end. His body burned with such hot desire, he thought he'd surely burst into flame. He'd danced every dance with Melanie and the band had made good on their promise to him. Almost all the sets had been slow love songs, perfect for holding a woman close in your arms and dancing the night away.
The night was well advanced and the Lone Star Cattle Ranchers' Christmas Ball was coming to a close. Blake held Melanie in a now familiar embrace only intensified with the growing sexual awareness building between them. Their bodies rubbed together in time to the music. Her full breasts pressed into his chest, her nipples hard against him, driving him mad with yearning, wanting, hunger.
Melanie leaned her head on Blake's shoulder. His heart beat fast beneath her ear. She nestled against him, his hard muscled body hot against hers. Their legs brushed one another with every step of the dance, and an electric charge coursed through her bloodstream. This was the last dance and she wished the night didn't have to end. There hadn't been much time for talking. Twirling around the dance floor, they communicated through touch and body language of the most basic primal kind.
Blake's arms tightened around her and she l
ooked up into the ruggedly handsome face. Her breath jammed in her throat as she caught the feral light in the sapphire blue eyes.
"I want you. I want to make love to you." He slid one of his hands down to her derriere and pulled her even closer.
No way could she mistake the bulge pushing against her. The proof of his desire was all too evident.
Melanie licked her suddenly dry lips and felt a shudder ripple through Blake.
His eyes dilated. "Oh God, don't do that." He swooped down and kissed her. She nearly melted in a pool of lust as his tongue delved into her mouth. The kiss was hard and brutal, and he ended it all too soon. "Spend the night with me," he said, his voice rough with passion.
Still dazed, Melanie tried to focus. His kiss left her limp and ragged, craving more. Much more. "Where? How?" she asked, her own voice barely a whisper.
He kissed the top of her head. "I have a room. Here. At the hotel."
The last notes of the music faded into the night. As the other couples left the dance floor, Blake didn't move. He kept his arms around Melanie, searching her face. "Come up to my room. You know you want to. Say yes." He kissed her again.
Yes, she wanted. It had been so long since she'd felt this way. If she'd ever felt this way. Her senses were overloaded with Blake. Only Blake. All evening, he'd stoked the embers, fanning the passion burning between them, until the fire was so hot Melanie thought she'd die if she couldn't lie down with him and make love.
He cupped her jaws with his large hands and looked into her eyes. "Melanie. Sweetheart. What do you say?"
She took one of his hands in hers and kissed the knuckles. "Yes, Blake. I say yes."
****
By the time the elevator reached the twelfth floor, Blake was so hard he thought he'd splinter into a thousand fragments if he didn't get Melanie naked and into bed. The dances they'd shared, the kisses exchanged, all had imprinted her very essence into his brain.
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