Cowboy-Sexy

by Donna Michaels

  “Yep. But first, I have one more present for you.”

  “Cammie, really.” He shook his head. “You’ve given me enough.”

  “This is something I want to share with you.”

  She removed her boots and socks, then stood, unbuckled her pants and let them drop to her feet before stepping out of them.

  He looked from her abdomen to her face, a deeper emotion replacing the desire heating his gaze. “Your tattoo,” he whispered.

  Cammie’s heart beat so loud in her ears it drowned out the noise of the waterfall.

  Suddenly, he was on his knees in front of her, lightly touching the tiny angel wing before his lips replaced his finger.

  Finn’s tenderness brought tears to her eyes and confirmation to her soul. She was right to share this with him. She didn’t need to say anything. He understood.

  He slowly rose to his feet and cupped her chin. “It’s as beautiful as you, Cammie,” he breathed, before gently kissing her lips.

  She’d never felt more cherished in her life.

  Finn’s actions, his touch, his kiss told her how much he cared. Tom had never made her feel this way. He did love her and she loved him, but they had never connected on such a deep level.

  This realm she found herself on with Finn was new and exciting, and she looked forward to further exploration…and to exploring him further.

  When he pulled back, she smiled up at him. “You have on way too many clothes, Commander.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  His lop-sided grin ignited a tremor which grew into a shudder as she watched him strip. The man was as chiseled as the boulder she leaned against and it was high time she got to touch and taste him again.

  “Mmm…much better.”

  “No, it’s not.” He eyed her up. “Now you’re the one wearing too many clothes.”

  She cocked her head, looked him straight in the eyes and this time, Cammie threw out the challenge. “So what are you going to do about it, Navy?”

  His gaze grew as wicked as his grin, kicking the breath from her lungs.

  “This.”

  He fingered the hem of her shirt before pulling it up and over her head in one swift motion, leaving her standing in her purple bra and panties, the slight breeze cool on her over-heated skin.

  Finn looked her up and down, his desire-laden gaze glittering like two big beautiful sapphires. She reached behind her back and watched his eyes darken further as she unhooked her bra and let it fall to the ground.

  “You’re perfect.”

  He stepped closer to cup her breasts before dipping his head to taste each one, putting her resolve not to cry out to the test.

  She thrust her fingers through his hair and held him close, her body tingling in neglect. As if knowing, he released her nipple to trail a path of hot kisses down her torso until he was kneeling in front of her again, fingers tugging her panties while his lips followed them down.

  Her mind registered he had peeled the last of her barriers away and all her scars lay visible. But she wasn’t worried. She wanted to share her imperfections with him.

  He pulled back and slowly gazed up her naked body. “God, you’re so beautiful, Cammie.”

  She grabbed his head again and pressed closer. He needed no further encouragement. His mouth and fingers were tender as he traced the scar from her operation, then grew bold as he headed south to explore the throbbing area between her legs.

  Cammie moaned, her heart thudding in her chest. The man was driving her mad. She needed…more, so much more and nearly cried out when he suddenly released her to nip and kiss a tantalizing trail all the way up to her neck. Need slammed into her core and she arched closer as his talented fingers cupped her breasts, stroking her nipples until she writhed in torment.

  The odd sensation of smoldering shivers tore through her body while butterflies swarmed her stomach and chest. The hot kisses he placed on the curve of her neck were equally potent, but it was her turn to explore.

  Pushing Finn back against the rock, Cammie held his hands near his head and found his mouth, kissing him long and deep, needing the cowboy…the SEAL. All of him. Whatever Cowboy-Sexy would give.

  The hard shaft pressing against her abdomen told her he was ready to give her everything, but she had waited a long time to do recon on his incredible ridges and wasn’t about to skip the special mission no matter how extreme the satisfaction of release promised to be.

  She broke their kiss to stroke and lick her way down his hot body. When she got to his hips, she knelt down, lightly touching and kissing his scarred skin before gripping his lengthy shaft, reveling in the way he throbbed with the very need she had to feel him inside.

  He held her head and called out her name in a half growl/half plea as she took him in all the way to the back of her throat, bringing him to the verge before releasing him, just as he had done to her moments earlier.

  Slowly, she rose to her feet and smiled up into his dazed face. “I give what I get, too, Navy.”

  His answer was to crush her close and capture her mouth, their tongues sweeping and sparing in a heated frenzy as he pressed her back against the smooth boulder. He tasted hot and she savored his desire, but didn’t protest when he broke the kiss to lift her up. She was beyond ready. She wrapped her legs around him and slowly guided him in.

  His first thrust reached deep inside and felt so incredibly good she gripped his shoulders, closed her eyes and rocked with him in a slow, tantalizing rhythm. But the man was bold and oh so good. He bent down to lick and nip at her nipples, increasing their rhythm to match their growing need, until she could feel herself nearing that magnificent tide.

  Pleasure so intense tore through Cammie’s body and she called out Finn’s name as she tightened around him in wave after frenzied wave of glorious sensations, shaking her to her very soul.

  A moment later, her name left his lips and echoed through the trees as he threw his head back and shuddered with his own ferocious release.

  When he finished, he pulled out and slumped against her. She held him tight as they worked on catching their breath.

  “Damn, Navy,” she said into his neck. “I think we can safely say your stamina is in top form. I can’t believe what you just did to me standing up.”

  He lifted his head and rewarded her with a lop-sided grin.

  “You’d be surprised what you can accomplish with the right motivation.”

  He let her go to fix their clothes as a makeshift blanket, then sat with his back against the bolder before pulling her down to sit in front of him. She settled her back against his thudding chest, and sighed when he wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss on her head.

  “The right motivation, huh?” She snuggled closer. “I’ll have to remember that…Finnvincible.”

  His chuckle vibrated through her and she closed her eyes, trying to hold onto the euphoric satisfaction she felt at that very moment. Cammie knew Finn had a better than great chance of rejoining his SEAL unit; soon her happiness would be replaced by a fierce anxiety of not knowing where he was or what he was doing, yet knowing he was in harm’s way.

  Or worse, he could walk away from her completely.

  She opened her eyes and refused to think about their uncertain future. What they’d just shared was incredible, and she sat in quiet contentment with him for several minutes, enjoying the feel of his heart beats decreasing to a steady, strong rhythm against her back.

  “Cammie, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think of using protection,” he said quietly. “But to be honest, the doctors only give me a thirty percent chance of fathering a child.”

  She stilled, then patted his leg. She hadn’t thought about it either.

  “It’s okay, Finn. The doctors only give me a forty-two and a half percent chance of conceiving. Babies are miracles, but it would really take a miracle for us to conceive. I think it’s safe to say we don’t need to use protection.”

  He answered by kissing her head again, and holding her ti
ghter. She didn’t know if he was relieved or sad. She only knew the thought of carrying his child thrilled her beyond measure. But she was a realist, and the reality of the two of them having a baby together was slim.

  Hell, they may not even be together nine months from now.

  She squeezed her eyes shut and closed her mind to the burgeoning thoughts. They were out of control.

  Her eyes slowly opened and she glanced down at the strong arms holding her close. His tattoo was beautiful, he was beautiful, and the only thing that mattered was the moment.

  Cammie had decided during her trek up the mountain today to go wherever the journey might lead. This wasn’t the time for debate. It was time to enjoy. And as his embrace began to change and need soon took over their bodies once more, she held on to Finn, and the here and now.

  Life was just too damn short.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Life was good.

  The day of Brett’s homecoming had arrived with a cloudless blue sky and his mother pacing a hole in the deck floorboards in the late afternoon sunshine.

  “Mom, you should sit,” Finn told her. “I just got off the phone with Terry and he said they’re still ten minutes out.”

  “I’m too excited to sit.” She turned to face him. “I’m so glad this will be the last time I have to worry about either of my sons anymore.” Warm fingers patted his cheek.

  Guilt gripped Finn’s gut and twisted tight. What would she say if she knew about his physical in five days? He never realized how their deployments had affected their mother. She never once complained, only supported.

  She dropped her hand and her smile disintegrated into a frown.

  “I don’t understand why Brett didn’t want us all to be at the armory when he arrived?”

  Images from one of his brother’s previous homecomings flashed through Finn’s mind. They’d been a lot different than his own last minute drop ins. Brett’s involved an armory full of family waiting to welcome nearly a hundred Marines home in a chaotic mixture of tears and cheers.

  “I’m sure he just wants to get out and home as fast as possible.”

  “I guess.” She shook her head. “Still, you’d think he would’ve wanted us to pick him up.”

  Finn shrugged, but he knew exactly why his brother hadn’t asked him. Brett probably thought his jaw would meet with Finn’s fist, not just for the charade but for only talking to him or Cammie on web-calls when their mother had been around. Truth be told, Finn was prepared to eat humble pie and thank Brett for his gift of Cammie.

  Cammie.

  A gush of satisfaction rushed through Finn at the thought of the woman who now shared bed and body with him. The last few weeks had flown by, and he’d quickly grown addicted to waking up before the beautiful, giving woman so he could watch the warmth enter her gaze when she first opened her eyes and saw him.

  He felt new, whole. Ah hell, he didn’t know. He just felt good, and he wasn’t sure he could give that up.

  Not even for the SEALs.

  “Here comes Cammie. It was nice of her to finish up for Terry so he could go get Brett.”

  Finn nodded, watching the occupant of his thoughts walk toward him, her quick pace doing nothing to diminish the graceful strength from her steps.

  “You’re just in time, dear,” his mom said as Cammie joined them on the deck.

  She smiled. “Oh, I wouldn’t miss this, Rose.”

  Finn bent to receive her quick kiss which he would’ve gladly lengthened if his mother hadn’t been there. He dropped an arm around Cammie’s shoulders and settled for holding her close.

  “Here they come!” His mother rushed down the steps to meet the truck.

  Brett emerged from the passenger side wearing civilian clothes and a broad grin.

  “Hi, mom!” He picked her up and twirled her around.

  “I’m so glad you’re home safe and sound. You look wonderful.” She hugged him a few seconds. “I made your favorite supper. Speaking of which,” she paused to pull out of the embrace. “I’d better check on the potatoes before they’re ruined. We’ll eat when you’re ready.”

  She hugged Brett for another full minute, then sailed up the steps, passing him and Cammie, as she wiped tears from her face. The potatoes were no doubt fine, but his mother obviously needed them as an excuse to go inside and collect herself.

  Finn turned his attention back to his brother who looked decidedly more apprehensive now that their mother had disappeared into the house.

  Terry leaned against the truck and folded his arms, eyes twinkling in anticipation.

  “Finn, Cammie, so good to see you both.” Brett’s voice was as guarded as his gaze.

  Finn fought back a smile as he walked hand in hand down the steps with Cammie, basking in his brother’s uncertainty.

  “Good to have you home, Brett,” he said, then let go of Cammie to step forward.

  “Wow, Finn, not at all what I expected.”

  “Then this will no doubt surprise you further.”

  He thrust his hand out and grinned when his brother flinched.

  “Thanks, Brett,” he said. “You were right about Cammie.”

  His brother’s frown disappeared. “You’re welcome.” Brett pulled him into a backslapping hug, then drew back to smack his shoulder. “And of course I was right about Cammie.”

  “Hello? I’m right here.”

  The woman smiled as she walked up to them, her beautiful brown eyes sparkling.

  “It’s great to see you, sir.” She hugged Brett. “Is everyone else accounted for?”

  “Yes. The whole unit is back safe and sound,” Brett proudly informed.

  “Good.”

  In the next instant, Cammie hauled back and punched his brother square in the jaw, dropping Brett like he weighed two pounds instead of the two-hundred-twenty Finn knew him to weigh.

  Terry howled, and after the initial shock wore off, Finn joined in, leaning against the truck laughing…hard. That’s my woman.

  “Guess I deserved that,” his brother said, rubbing his jaw.

  “Damn right you did, Captain.” Cammie shook out her hand and stared down at the man by her feet.

  She’s something else. Finn’s attraction increased tenfold. Maybe he should step in though, in case their mother came back out.

  Nah. He folded his arms across his chest. The hell with it. Brett deserved whatever happened next.

  “What were you thinking? How could you do that to me? And how could you thrust me on your brother knowing he hated Marines? But worst of all, was your mother.” Cammie was still frowning as she helped his brother to his feet and dusted him off. “I mean, my God, Brett, before we knew it, she was inviting people to our engagement party. We didn’t have the heart to destroy her happiness or to embarrass her. I just can’t believe you would do that to your own mother.”

  “Actually, dear, he didn’t.”

  Finn’s gaze snapped to his mother who appeared out of nowhere. “Mom?” His arms dropped to his sides.

  No way. She wasn’t in on it. Was she?

  Brett stepped forward in a protective stance. “Mom didn’t plan this. I did.”

  “I’m sorry, Cammie, Finn. I need to confess this to you both.” His mother walked toward them, wringing her hands together, a deep V creasing her brow. “Brett’s right, I didn’t plan it. I was just as shocked as you both when he told me you two were engaged. I really did believe it…until he told me the truth a few days later. But by then, it was the day after your party, and honey, I’m sorry…” She paused, stepping onto the driveway to take Cammie’s hand. “I thought I was being a hip mother, putting you up in Finn’s room. Once I learned the truth, I didn’t know what to do.”

  Finn watched his mother place a hand on her throat, her skin turning pink.

  “Brett said not to worry. You two hadn’t killed each other so far, so it would be all right.”

  Cammie smiled, but Finn was still having trouble digesting the bombs his mother was continuing
to drop.

  “I knew my son would be a gentleman.”

  His mother’s gaze momentarily rested on him and he fought back a snort. If she had any idea of what he’d been doing to the beauty in his room for the past few weeks, her opinion would drastically change.

  His mother’s attention returned to Cammie, and she patted the hand she still held. “And I figured if you were that uncomfortable, you’d make up an excuse to be placed in another room.”

  Cammie’s mouth dropped open. “You mean that would’ve worked?”

  “Of course, dear.” His mother nodded, then tilted her head and frowned. “Do you want me to have your things moved to another room?”

  Finn’s heart slammed to a stop. He didn’t want Cammie to go. She glanced at him and smiled before looking at his mother.

  “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and watched his mother smile, along with his goofy brother.

  “I didn’t think so. You two have been acting a lot different the past few weeks, haven’t they, Terry?”

  “Yep.” His foreman elbowed him in the arm. “You ain’t as grumpy anymore.”

  Brett laughed outright. “Damn, I should’ve introduced you two a lot sooner.”

  “I agree,” Finn said, and Cammie sent him the most beautiful smile, efficiently expanding his chest.

  “Okay, now that everything is cleared up, let’s go eat the special supper I fixed before you three head to town for your traditional homecoming celebration at the pub.”

  As in their traditional celebration with good times, laughter and of course, beer.

  His mother hooked an arm through Brett’s and led the grinning idiot into the house.

  Cammie was shaking her head, but smiling as she picked up one of his brother’s duffle bags. Finn rushed forward to grab the other one before she had the chance.

  “I’ve got it,” he told her, and although he knew better, he had to ask, “I don’t suppose you’d let me carry them both? I’m sure your hand’s throbbing from hitting my hard-headed brother.”

  She laughed and flexed her fingers. “I’ll survive. But, thanks, Navy.”

  He stood there grinning at her, vaguely aware of Terry saying something about parking the truck. The woman’s warm brown gaze was playing havoc with his pulse and messing with his hearing.