She heard the thickness of his voice, knew how much disappointment he’d suffered. “I know this might not be the right thing to say, but sometimes things happen for a reason. The reasons might not seem clear at the time and it doesn’t make sense.”
He scrubbed his jaw. “When a man lets go of his dreams, he doesn’t think that it was for the best, sweetheart. Sure, I’ve come to grips with the fact that I lost my dreams, but football wasn’t the only thing I lost.” He glanced at her, and in that meeting of gazes, she saw the history they had between them.
“You lost stardom,” she muttered. Maybe her words were unfair, but he’d had a playboy image that he didn’t get innocently.
“Yeah, I lost popularity.” There was obvious sarcasm in his tone.
“I once read an article written about you in a sports magazine. Did you actually live in an apartment that had black chrome and stainless steel furniture, and a mini-bar?”
He laughed. “I can’t believe I’m admitting to this, but yes, I did. The boys would come over and leave fingerprints everywhere.”
“You’ve come a long way from chrome and glass to dirt, horses, and a small one room cabin.”
“Hell, ain’t that the truth, but this is who I am. This is what I love to do now.” He sighed. “I don’t miss that apartment, not in the slightest. It was bought on a whim, and you know what they say about purchases made on a whim, you always live to regret it. You won’t believe it, but the bedroom had a waterbed covered in red satin sheets. Could I have been cornier?” He shook his head. “If I had a little too much to drink, which happened quite frequently on my nights off, I’d lay in that bed and feel like I was on the ocean. Half the time I slept on the couch, but that wasn’t much better. I had one of those fancy couches with the buttons. I’d roll around and they’d get lodged in my bare ass.”
She shifted. “I’m having a hard time envisioning you there, surrounded by expensive materialistic things, when I remember you as a man who didn’t join football for the fancier things, but had a star spirit. You should know that I still see that star shining bright in you, but you have to decide where you’ll shine the brightest. Is it here at Nirvana? Or at your family’s resort? Maybe somewhere entirely different. But just because you lost one dream doesn’t mean there are no longer any doors left to open. Use your brilliant, powerful talent and find where you are finest.”
They ate quietly, and although they were in agreement to enjoy the evening without pressure, Krista understood the divorce weighed heavily on their shoulders.
After they finished their meal, Dodge asked if she wanted to take a walk and she agreed. The moon was bright, the air warm as he took her hand and led her along the property. The horses were craning their necks over the fence as they approached. Dodge petted one on the head and it nuzzled his palm.
“The horses love you, Dodge.”
“They just know who gives them extra treats.” He wagged his brows.
“I’m curious, will the ladies be jealous? You know, to have you giving me special treatment?” she asked, looking into his profile which was perfectly lit by the moonlight.
“If they only knew the truth, that you’re my wife, I think they’d understand. At the rate you’re telling everyone, it shouldn’t be long before everyone’s heard.” He laughed.
“Well, excuse me then.” She started to walk away and he snaked an arm around her waist and dragged her back against his chest. His warmth seeped through her clothing and she wanted to stay here, near him, forever. Her chest tightened at the revelation. Could she leave him again without her heart breaking for a second time?
He nuzzled his chin in her hair. “I’m a proud man. Makes me want to put a ring on your finger again—this time I’ll do better. I’ll visit the jewelry store. I was such a jackass, putting a fake ring on your finger,” he whispered next to her ear. “You deserve more than I gave you. Could you ever forgive my stupidity?”
“I loved my dime ring. I still have mine—yours too.” She leaned deeper against him. Both of his arms were now wrapped around her waist, his palm planted against her stomach. A solid bulge pressed against her backside. She swallowed and a warm, familiar eagerness washed through her.
“If I could go back, I’d do things differently. I would, sweetheart. Hell, if I knew then what I do now, I’d have chosen wiser when it came to the heart. Forgive me, baby. I was a kid with fat dreams and wannabes.”
“We both had dreams. You deserved to follow yours, just as I’ve followed mine. Not a day went by that I didn’t need you, didn’t want to hear your voice and laughter.” A single tear slid down her cheek and she swiped it away. “When another man touched me, I closed my eyes and envisioned you. When I touched myself, it was the fantasy of you that brought me over the edge. Even now, right now, I need you, Dodge. To have our bodies connect, you to fill me with your love. I’m burning alive. Please, please…put out the fire.”
He slid his palm down her thigh and slipped his hand under her dress, skimming the backs of his knuckles along her trembling inner thighs. He touched her quivering core and she jerked in anticipation. “You’re not joking. You’re as hot as a flame.” His breath heated her cheek. He rubbed her folds through her panties, circling the pad of his thumb along the throbbing flesh that ached for more. “Come with me.” He stepped back.
The cool air made her chill. But it didn’t last long.
He grabbed her hand and led her along the fence, a path through the field and to the doorway of a barn. “What are we doing?” she asked.
“Looking for a place where we can have a little privacy. Ever made love in a barn, baby?”
She gave her head a shake. “No, but I’m up for anything when it involves you, me and getting naked.” She smiled.
“Fuck. I’m about ready to break the seams of my jeans.” Still holding her hand, he pulled a blanket down from a hook as they passed and he led her around a corner. It was quiet and in the shadows. He wasted no time. He pressed her against the wall and buried his mouth over hers, forcing his tongue past the barrier of her lips. She invited him in, stroking his tongue, suckling his lips. She clawed at his shoulders, pulling and tugging at the material of his shirt that was an obstruction from skin contact.
He brought his hands to the front of his shirt and he gave the cotton a pull, sending buttons flying and material ripping. He dragged off the tattered shirt and flung it to the side, and he was again pressing her against the wood, tugging her dress up high on her thighs. His fingers clutched the wispy lace of her thong and pulled it down her legs, past her heels and brought them to his nose. He inhaled deeply and a lazy grin crossed his lips. “Best scent ever.”
Her inner thighs moistened. Her core throbbed. She needed him…now! “Don’t make me wait another second.”
The metal clanking of his buckle and the unzipping of his jeans sounded loud in the small, empty space. He pushed them down to his knees along with his boxers, planted his hands on her bottom, and lifted her high, a second later plunging deep inside of her body.
Once he was as deep as she could take him, he buried his head in her shoulder, his breaths shallow and fast. “My God, I could never get enough of this. You were made for me, made for my cock. My arms wrapped around you. My hands touching you.”
She snaked her arms around his shoulders, clinging to him, her knees high against his ribs. He held her steady in his strength, their bodies adjusting and becoming one. Then he moved his hips, slow at first, bending his knees low and bringing himself upward, deep inside of her. Her shoulders bobbed up and down the sandpapery wall, and she didn’t care.
“Let’s take this elsewhere, my love.” He easily shifted her from the wall, still connected, and took five steps backward. He lowered them to the pile of straw and he laid down on his back, onto the blanket he’d laid on the makeshift bed. She was on top, her legs spread over his hips, his erection still inside of her. She braced her hands on his chest, lifting her bottom, his body sliding along her insides. She li
ked having control, enjoyed watching his eyes roll back in pleasure and a deep moan erupt from his chest. From her position, she set the pace, fast and faster, then slow to swirl her hips around his girth. His fingers dug into her waist as he thrust himself inside of her, pounding her flesh.
“I need to see more of you.” He dragged her top down, exposing her breasts in the lacey bra. “Fuck that’s sexy.” He pulled the material low and covered her breasts with his palms, kneading them, tugging on her nipples until they were aching.
Her movements became jerkier and she pushed her body up and down, finding a rhythm that made her G-spot tingle. She closed her eyes, laid her head back on one shoulder, and concentrated on the feel of their bodies connected. When his touch came on her clit, she jerked and spread her legs wider. He played with the nub, tugging and pulling, until waves of sensation flooded her body.
“Yes, my love. Come for me,” he murmured in a thick voice.
Her body wielded to his command. The orgasm started at her toes, warm and powerful, until the sweet feeling took her nerve endings hostage. The spasms continued for a minute, for hours, for an eternity, until she was panting in relief.
He wrapped his arms around her and gently turned her, laying her down into the bed of straw, still warm from his body. He held her close, kissed her temple, her cheeks, then on the lips. He nibbled her chin, her neck, and licked her nipples, giving each swollen pillow a suckle. His hips moved slowly, then his body tightened and he thrust himself hard against her. He arched his back and moaned, an expression of pure relief came over his face.
It was then that she knew, this wonderful, beautiful cowboy would always be branded on her soul. No matter how much time passed. No matter what hurdle was between them.
****
Dodge was stretched out on his bed, thinking over what he and Krista had shared in the barn last night. It was an amazing moment.
They’d had a serious conversation during dinner. She saw him as a star and that made his chest pump. He’d never had anyone call him ‘brilliant’. Sure, he had a degree in business and achieved athletic and academic excellence in college, but where would he thrive in life?
Football had been in his blood.
He’d held a football before he could walk. Growing up, his parents always said a football belonged in his killer arm. He was the popular kid in school. In fact, all of his siblings were because they all were athletic, but Dodge was the only one who made it pro. As a star athlete, working hard on one’s education wasn’t necessarily expected, or demanded, at least where he was from. Yet his parents had instilled in their sons that good grades and education were a must. Dodge had lived up to their expectations and had graduated with a decent grade point average. He was accepted into college with a full football scholarship.
When he’d met Krista for the first time, he hadn’t been looking for a relationship. Definitely wasn’t ready for one, but the love bug had bitten him and he was done for. He’d wanted nothing more than to have her in his life, next to him as he realized all of his dreams. Yet, those were his dreams, not theirs as a family. If they had any chance of making it a second time, he’d have to support her in all of her endeavors. Would she even consider moving to Montana?
After dropping her off at her cabin last night, he hadn’t seen her but a few minutes this morning. Hell, he was disappointed. He’d hoped to spend another day with her, but she said she’d promised Miss Rox that they could go hiking together. Damn, he had to give her some space. It was possible she was starting to rethink whatever this was that they were sharing. Maybe he’d pressured her? He was known to do that on occasion.
Getting up, he changed the sheets, picked up a bit, crumbled up the note from Moon and threw it away. He put away his clothes and even scrubbed the shower, all in hopes to ease the tension in his gut.
Nothing had worked.
He stretched out in bed again and stared at the ceiling. If he looked hard enough he swore he could see the letter K written in the strokes of paint. He chuckled. He was losing it fast. What the hell would he do if, at the end of the week, she handed him the papers and demanded he sign them? That could easily happen.
A soft knock sounded on his door and he stiffened. Could it be Krista? Who else would come knocking after ten in the evening?
Anticipation made his heart beat faster. He jumped up, strolled to the door and standing on his step was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. Krista was dressed in a long coat and heels.
“So what do I owe this surprise?” He watched her sashay past him, he could see the soft sway of her hips under the bulky material and his cock came alive.
“You didn’t think I’d let this evening go to waste, did you, cowboy?” Her sultry voice played his veins like a guitar.
“I was beginning to wonder.” He slammed the door shut with his bare foot and locked it.
She faced him, one hand on her tilted hip and a saucy lift to her chin. Her eyes were shining like diamonds in the soft lighting and the pink tinted lip gloss made him wonder what flavor it was. If he had his way, he’d soon find out. He took a step closer, but she held up a hand, holding him off. “Not so fast.”
He chuckled. If she only knew how much he wanted to drag her into his arms, she wouldn’t be requesting anything but for him to drop his pants. As callus as that made things seem, the connection between them was growing.
“I didn’t get all dressed up for nothing.”
Dressed up?
She lifted one hand and with a twist of her wrist, she sent the coat falling to the floor. There were times in a man’s life that he would give his soul to have one touch of a treasure…and for Dodge, this was his defining moment. Krista stood before him wearing a black peekaboo lace one-piece outfit with a garter belt attached to thigh-high stockings. He could see her hardened nipples through the keyhole material and she wore no panties. He’d never laid eyes upon anything more sinfully sexy. His gut twisted and his cock was ready to break his zipper.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” He rubbed his jaw and whistled through his teeth. “You don’t plan on taking any prisoners, do you?” There was a quivering to his voice that should have told her exactly what his thoughts were.
She smiled and his world lit up. “I know your old injury was bothering you yesterday and I wanted to mend you. My new friend didn’t have a nurse’s costume, so I chose this instead. I’m sure it’ll suffice.” She slid her hands down her waist. “If I say so myself, it’s pretty hot.”
“Baby, that outfit’s not just hot, but this is a forest fire and I’m a superhero fireman ready to lend a hand.” He’d never been close to creaming in his jeans before, but if he wasn’t careful, he might be embarrassed.
She slowly swiveled, giving him an eyeful of her legs encased in the fishnet stockings as she sashayed her way across the small space of his cabin. The heels clanked against the wooden planks and her bare bottom made him salivate. She leaned against his dresser, bending her right knee and planting her heel against her calf in a Marilyn Monroe exotic stance. Fuck if he wasn’t ready to drop to his knees and plead with her to put him out of his misery.
“Okay, fireman, what fire would you like to extinguish first?” She brought her finger to her lips. “Here?” She leisurely lowered her fingertips over her chin, down the length of her neck, and stopped at the tops of her breasts that were teasingly visible in the mesh. “Here?” She tapped one pale globe. The outfit looked perfectly snug, showing off her slender waist and voluptuous hips that he couldn’t wait to get his hands on. “Or here?” She parted her inner thighs ever so slightly.
“I hope you don’t have to give the outfit back to your friend because those stockings will be in shreds when I’m finished.” He strolled closer, stopping within several feet, keeping his distance intentionally because he wasn’t sure it was safe to touch her without exploding from the inside out.
Her laughter sounded like a sweet melody—teasing his bulging nerves. She slipped up onto the
low dresser, crossing one leg over the other and lifting one knee high. The dresser should have been a hot rod classical car. She rubbed her toes up and down her calf, deliberately and erotically. His cock ached as it pressed against his zipper.
“Is there a proper time when I’m allowed to touch? I mean, I’m good with watching, but I can’t wait to get my hands on you, around you, and do sweet wonderful things to that body,” he growled.
Her eyes lit up. “Don’t make me ask,” she whimpered.
He took one quick step that brought him close to her. She opened her legs wide and spread her knees, welcoming him as he stepped between her thighs. The warmth from her core seeped through his jeans and his body jerked in anticipation. Yeah, he’d never wanted anyone, not even her, this badly before.
She lifted her chin, looking at him through her long lashes, her juicy lips slightly parted. “Whatever is happening here is good, cowboy. Too good to stop. So, let’s don’t stop it. Let’s enjoy each other.” There was a slight purr to her voice that vibrated his erection.
He lowered his mouth, sipping from her lips like he would a fine wine. Slipping his tongue along the swollen seam, he urged her to open fully to him. When she did, he pushed his tongue inside, playing with her tongue, rubbing the roof of her mouth that brought a deep, delicious moan rolling up her throat. He kissed her until she panted for breaths, her fingers digging into his shoulders, clinging to him. He wanted more though. He kissed her jaw, throat, licked the front of her collarbone and paused at the swell of her pale breasts snuggled in the naughty outfit. Inserting his finger between her cleavage and the lacy bodice that didn’t cover much, he tugged and the top lowered and her breasts popped out. “Beautiful breasts. Never seen a better pair,” he mumbled as he slowly reached out and touched her, so careful because he was afraid this was all a dream and she would disappear.
Cowboy is Mine (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 5) Page 12