“It’s beautiful, yes, but you always said if your pro football career didn’t work out, you’d go back to Montana and help with Five Rock.”
“I needed time.” He couldn’t tell her everything. That after he’d lost his career, he’d hit rock bottom. Drinking too much. Sleeping with different women every night. “I made some mistakes.”
“Are you referring to the variety of women?” One thin brow popped up.
He couldn’t deny the truth. “I’ve had my fair share.”
“So, if I’d still been in the picture, would you have found yourself in those same places?” Her soft voice made his stomach twist.
“I’m a loyal man, sweetheart.”
She chuckled, but it was cold. “Interesting you can say that when we’re still married. It’s called infidelity. Or do you continue to believe ‘out of sight, out of mind’?”
He held her gaze. “You haven’t slept with anyone since you and I?”
She swallowed. “There have been a couple.”
“Sticks and stones, baby…”
“We need to talk, Dodge,” she said.
“We are talking. Isn’t it like old times?”
“We’re both upset over the past, but there comes a point that we must face reality.”
“Is there another man now?” The question came out on its own accord.
She moistened her lips and his cock twitched. Damn body!
“No, there’s no one. And you?”
He gave his head a jerky shake. “I’m better off without the headache.”
He’d never been happier to see a cabin. He pulled in front of the walkway, shut off the Gator, but didn’t get out. She had a cabin with one of the best views. Before the accommodations were built along the ridge, he’d come here on clear, starry nights and sit for hours. Never would he have believed that he’d share this space, this paradise, with Krista. Hell, he wasn’t ‘sharing’ anything with her. “Key?”
She reached into her back pocket and handed it over.
He grabbed the bags, stomped up the narrow walkway, up the wooden steps onto the small deck and opened the door. He stepped to the side and allowed her to enter, but when her shoulder grazed his chest, he wished he’d entered first. That part of him that she’d accidentally touched was on fire, the need seeping into his bloodstream. He wanted desperately to keep his gaze on the back of her head, but curiosity won him over. He dropped his attention to her backside and his cock kicked fully alive. The jeans she wore fit her curves perfectly. She had a nice sway to her hips and a new roundness to her bottom that proved women only became lovelier with age. He suddenly felt like his world was crashing down around him and he was tossed out to sea without a life jacket. Nirvana wasn’t big enough for the both of them.
He struggled to gain control, forcing his brain to function as he placed her bags next to the full-sized bed. She looked at him across the red satin comforter, their gazes met and held, and his lungs deflated. This was dangerous. He turned and set the key on the desk in the corner, then clenched his hands into tight fists. He needed out of here, and away from her.
“Are you angry with me for coming?” she asked in a trembling voice.
“Angry? Would it matter?”
“Some,” she said.
“No, I’m not. I have enough anger over the past and there’s no longer any room for more,” he answered honestly. He didn’t feel the need to mince words, at least not with her.
“I-I…can’t believe it’s still here,” she mumbled.
“What?”
“The invisible draw between us. Is it just my imagination?”
He rubbed his forehead. He should lie, but he couldn’t with her. “It’s there.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and his gaze naturally fell to her breasts pushed against the thin material of the gauzy shirt. He could see the faint outline of her nipples and they were hard, just like his dick that ached to be set free. No denying they’d had a sexual connection between them that had rated off the charts hot. They’d made love every night like two rabbits that couldn’t get enough of one another. Just too bad they had more than sexual chemistry between them. She was right. The draw was undeniable. What he wouldn’t give to hold her, kiss her…damn, just talk like they used to.
“We really do need to talk, Dodge,” she said.
“Yeah, you’ve said that a few times.” But he didn’t like what she wanted to discuss. He dragged off his hat and tore his hand through his hair, then smashed it back into place. “Can’t, not right now. I need some time to gather my thoughts.” He stomped toward the door, stopping at the threshold, then turned back to look at her. “We’ll talk later.” He raked his gaze over her, a cross between needing to leave and wanting to stay.
“I won’t leave without…”
He narrowed his gaze. “Without what?” She suddenly looked like she had forgotten what she was about to say. “What, Krista?”
When she didn’t say a word, but her bottom lip trembled, he sucked in a deep breath. “We are still married,” she whispered.
“It would seem so,” he mumbled.
“A least our marriage license says we are. I thought I would come here, drag out the papers and demand you sign immediately. But what I’ve found is that I see why you and I always did things without thinking.”
“So, you feel like you’re still married to me?”
“I feel like I’m young again, caught off guard by a charming smile and an overwhelming, uncontrollable need buried deep inside of me.”
“If that’s the case, then I don’t see any reason why a husband can’t greet his wife with a proper hello.” He slammed the door closed and rounded the bed. Three strides and he was upon her, dragging her into his arms, hard against his chest. For a breath of time he held her gaze before lowering his mouth over hers. At first, she resisted him, pressed her hands against his chest, but then her fingers dug into the material of his shirt, clinging to him like she’d never let him go. A deep moan vibrated her chest as if she’d come to the resolution that there wasn’t any need to deny herself the pleasure. Her arms came up around his neck and she stood on tiptoe, sliding her tongue deep into his mouth. She snaked her fingers into his hair, knocking his hat to the floor and he didn’t give a shit. He didn’t care much about anything but being here, with her, and getting a sexual fix with his wife.
He braced his hands on the small of her back pressing her hips against his, showing her that physically he wanted her. Emotionally, he wanted more. Heat built between them, almost too much to bear. Following the line of her spine, her nape, he sunk his hands in her hair, wrapping the satin strands around his fingers and gently tugging, just enough so that her chin came upward, allowing him deeper access to taste all of her. She tasted good, just as he remembered.
Dragging his mouth away from her lips, their heavy breaths entwined. Her eyes were glazed over with desire, and if he’d had any doubt of what they were doing, it disappeared.
He kissed her cheek, her jaw, lowering his mouth to her neck and leaving a moist trail with his tongue to the pulse point at the indentation between her collar bones. He nibbled the delicate skin and she arched her back, nicking her nails against his scalp.
Even lower, he dragged the flimsy material of her top down over one breast encased in lovely lavender lace. He kissed the plump flesh, dragging the bra aside to reveal a pert nipple engorged with need. Surrounding the nub with his mouth, he suckled the areola deeper, using his tongue to flick against the nub that hardened even more.
“Dodge!” His name fell from her pearly lips.
“So good. So damn good.”
He took his attention to her other breast and lavished it with tenderness. Her breathing became shallow and she was tugging at his hair.
“Don’t stop,” she whimpered.
“I won’t. I promise.”
They ripped at each other’s clothes, grabbing and twisting, not caring that seams were breaking. He backed her up against the be
d until her knees struck the edge. She lost her balance and together they fell onto the soft blanket, still kissing and holding each other tight.
He nibbled her bottom lip, suckling, then licking it. He was a hungry man and needed her. He needed a relief from the gut-wrenching torment slicing him to bits.
****
Krista knew she should push him away. There was no good that would come of this, but for the life of her, she had no control when it came to him—came to the mind-numbing desire between them. She hadn’t come all of this way to sleep with her husband, but she wanted him. Wanted to feel his naked body against hers, feel him stretching her insides to accept his large erection. She’d never met another man built like him, with powerful moves that could give her orgasm after orgasm.
No denying there was a need that had never dissipated over the years, but stayed in her soul until this very moment. Like the sun’s rays that had been buried behind dark clouds until now. Her body ached, her blood boiled, and only he could put out the flames that scorched her insides.
She clawed at his shirt, tugging it from the waist of his jeans until she could slide her hands underneath. His warm, smooth skin felt heavenly against her fingertips. She rolled her fingers over his coiled muscles, remembering every line, but exploring the new hardness. She clung to him, meeting his kiss, his tongue thrusts, giving herself over to the power of seduction. His large hands tugged at the button of her jeans, practically tearing it from the hole and then they were unzipped. She was in a mindless cloud, monopolized by desire, barely registering that he was yanking the denim low on her hips, lower over her legs until they were gone along with her panties. The air swept across her heated inner thighs, but nothing could touch the heat building in her core. It was as explosive as a volcano meeting a hurricane.
She heard the zing of his belt as he tore it from the waist of his pants, followed by an unsnapping, unzipping, and a slight touch between her legs. He pushed two fingers deep inside of her, but she was already wet and ready. He withdrew his hand and steadied himself between her legs, pushing her hips wide to give his larger body room. He guided his erection to her opening and in one quick thrust, he buried himself inside of her. A deep moan slid from his lips as he pumped himself hard against her as if he was a thirsty man and she was a drink of water. She wrapped her arms around his back, bringing her legs up high around his ass, digging her heels into the backs of his thighs, giving her the leverage she needed to bring her hips up to meet his. The denim of his jeans rubbed the backs of her legs, brushing her inner thighs, intensifying the sensitivity in her body. The zipper scraped her trembling flesh and she cried out, rocking against him, feeling a sweet torture building low in her belly and throbbing its way where their bodies met and held.
Her muscles tightened as a spasm shook her to the core and she pushed her body high, taking all of him deep, the crisp hairs on his legs rubbing her flesh. A tormented groan erupted from him and his body tightened, a second before he gave one last pump and released himself inside of her.
CHAPTER FOUR
KRISTA SAT ON the edge of the bed long after Dodge had quietly pulled himself from her body, adjusted his jeans, and didn’t even look at her as he walked out of the door.
What had she done? What had they done?
She’d given in to a part of her that still craved Dodge, and loved him dearly.
Making love had seemed natural, the thing to do between two people consumed with need.
Lifting her fingers to her lips, they were still swollen from his kisses and she had chafing on her chin from the grazing of his beard. Her hair was tangled and her inner thighs ached, pleasantly.
Laying back into the pillow, she dragged the blanket up around her partially naked body, hoping to ease the quivering in her muscles. Blowing out a ragged breath, she closed her eyes. Nothing good could come from what they’d just shared. It would only make it tougher for her to ask for his signature that would bring their ten-year union to an end.
Why didn’t she have the strength to deny him?
Why could he always bring out a raw need within her?
He’d always had an abiding power over her, capable of making her swoon like it was the first time, even though they’d made love many times.
She had to stay focused. Although he said he’d never cheated, why didn’t he come after her then? Explain?
It was obvious why. He knew as well as she did that they couldn’t make their relationship work. However, she couldn’t remember ever feeling as if they wouldn’t last forever. They’d been in love, or was it only lust?
Today, what they’d shared was a simple form of hunger. They didn’t hold each other and whisper sweet words. They’d practically ripped each other’s clothes off, didn’t get very far, before uniting their bodies.
She wasn’t complaining. As always, Dodge was a man who could please. Unfortunately, she wanted more. The sex had only fanned the flames, and the fire intensified.
Sitting up, she slid to the edge of the bed, opened her case and took out the papers. Her signature was already on the appropriate line. There was a small sticky note attached to where Dodge needed to finish the process.
Opening her fingers, the stapled papers fell to the floor…forgotten as another thought came to her mind.
They hadn’t used protection. She wasn’t on contraception, hadn’t needed to be, until now…
Burying her forehead into her palm, she couldn’t believe she’d been so careless.
Yet, what if this had been fate working a twisted hand? Having a baby wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen.
Oh shit! What is wrong with me? The fresh air was making her mad. A baby? With Dodge? How crazy could she get?
She’d come to ask for a divorce, not for his seed.
Shaking her head, and hopefully the remainder of her silly thoughts, she stood and dropped the blanket back onto the bed. She hadn’t really looked around at the cabin until now. It was rustic and charming. Yet, who needed much when she had this view? The scenery was breathtaking.
Going to the back door, she stepped out onto the screened porch. She could see down into the valley and out onto the snow-capped mountains. She had no clue how far away they were, but from where she stood, it seemed like she could reach out and touch them.
In the brochure she’d read that a skilled hiker gave tours on the trails. She’d never been much of a naturist, but she wanted to explore Nirvana. She wanted to see what brought, and kept, Dodge here.
Grabbing fresh clothes from her suitcase, she took a quick shower, dressed, and was excited to think about taking a tour of the ranch.
And maybe later, she’d see Dodge again.
****
Dodge drove the truck toward Nirvana after he’d run errands for Chase. He was still reeling from what he’d shared with Krista. He couldn’t believe it! His wife was here, in Wyoming, at Nirvana!
They’d made love. Wow!
The sexual release he’d had with her should have put his libido on a hiatus, at least for a short time, but no. Even now, his cock was hard and he wanted to rush back to the ranch, find his wife, and go again. He blamed this strong desire on the fact that seeing her uncovered old emotions, needs—and she couldn’t resist him anymore than he could her.
But how could he be this close to her and not make love with her again?
He’d go insane.
She was still so damn beautiful. He’d wanted to stick around at her cabin, undress her completely and explore every inch of her like visiting an old haunting ground. He’d enjoyed suckling her breasts, hearing her whimpers, driving himself in and out of her until she tightened in release. Ten years ago she’d been an eager, sweet nineteen-year-old that viewed the world as a treasure to discover. He still got the idea that she was more than willing to try anything once. Honestly, he liked the idea of giving her what she wanted, making her dreams come true right here under the big Wyoming sky.
An image of her lying in the bed as he left darted
through him like poison. He hadn’t wanted to leave. Hell, it was a shitty thing to walk away like he had. He felt like a dick, but guilt had plagued him. She wasn’t at Nirvana for more than twenty minutes and he was already jumping her bones. What sort of ass would do that? Wife or not.
The type of man that had dreamed of her nightly. Still craved her as if every time would be the first.
They’d shared so much passion—now and in the past. Her face would always light up, her expression molding to her mood. If she liked what he was doing, she would moan and move under him. If he was trying a new position, her eyes would pop in question. If she wanted control, she would push him onto his back and lower her body over his.
God! She’d felt so good.
He struck his fist against the steering wheel.
He turned into Nirvana and found Maverick standing at a Gator parked to the side, hood open. Dodge pulled over, slid out of the truck and made his way toward his pal. “What’s the problem?”
Maverick scrubbed his jaw. “Piece of shit decided to die on me,” he grumbled.
“Can’t be fixed?”
“No. The engine’s fried.” He slammed the hood and threw his tools back into the box.
“You seem a bit out of sorts,” Dodge said.
A good ten seconds passed before Maverick shrugged. “Jax left for out-of-town business a little earlier.”
“She’ll be back soon, right?” Dodge leaned against the front of the Gator.
“Yeah, tomorrow night. I had plans to ask her to marry me this evening after the roast.”
“Damn, you didn’t know she was leaving?”
Maverick shook his head. “An unexpected job.”
“Are you sure about the marriage thing,” Dodge asked.
“What the hell? Yeah, I’m sure.” Maverick sighed. “You’ll see. When you find the right woman, you’ll know.”
Dodge scrubbed his jaw. “I know exactly what you mean.”
“How the hell is that?”
“Can I talk to you about something?” Dodge looked around and they were alone.
“Sure. I don’t want to head back to the office right now anyway.” Maverick leaned against the other side of the hood.
Cowboy is Mine (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 5) Page 7