“What’s the question?” he asked, lifting himself on to his elbows and staring down at her.
“Have you ever, uh, made love up here before?”
“No, I haven’t,” he answered softly, “and that’s the truth.”
He kissed her warmly, moving his legs inside her knees, deftly spreading them apart, then slithered down her body, kissing and licking as he traced her skin with his lips, until he reached her sacred, sweet, sex. Touching a finger against her slit, he felt her ready wetness, but as she moved against his hand, he slipped it away, and rolled her on her stomach.
“I told you I was gonna spank you for pleasure,” he declared, rubbing his hand across her ass, “and I always keep my promises.”
His vow set forth a fresh wave of wanting, and sighing, she scrunched folds of the blanket under her head, resting her cheek as she sank into the feel of his wandering palms. The wine had left her with a silky buzz, and she moaned as his blissful palms worked their magic, squeezing and caressing, and when he slapped lightly, sending a tingle through her skin, she lifted her bottom, asking for more. His hand smacked again, paused, then again, each slap sparking her sex, fueling her need, and when he positioned himself between her legs, lifting her hips and settling his cock at her entrance, she arched her back in a silent, lewd request.
Chad stared down at her warmed, glorious backside, visibly pink in the moon’s lustrous light. Sliding his condom in place, he clutched her firmly and thrust home, hissing the chilled night air through his teeth as her hot, tight cunt welcomed him. Filled with a heavy, carnal desire, he pumped with strong, purposeful, determined strokes, landing a smack between each thrust.
Cassie had surrendered.
She had surrendered to the intense thirst being quenched, to his all-consuming cock, to the hedonistic pleasure his hot hands were delivering, but most of all, Cassie had surrendered her heart.
As his ardent attention continued, the insistent, demanding, power of his surging manhood, and his spicy hand, sent the promise of an orgasm floating around her, a promise she knew would be kept, but he seemed to know when it drew near, and slowed himself down, teasing her relentlessly.
“Chad, please,” she finally begged, “I can’t stand it.”
“Please? I don’t understand,” he replied, toying with her, moving his hand beneath her and setting his fingers to work, massaging her engorged clit.
“Ooooh, Chad, that’s amazing. Please let me come,” she whimpered. “I’ve been so close for so long.”
“Since you asked so sweetly,” he crooned, leisurely sliding his cock back to tease at her entrance.
“Ooooh, please fuck me, please.”
“Such naughty words,” he declared, and lifting his hand, landed several hard swats.
Cassie wriggled against him, her body imploring him, and he obliged, his piston plunging into her warm, wet, succulent grotto.
As he pumped, as his need carried him forward, as his thrusts accelerated, as he felt himself swell and he readied himself for the marvelous moment, her body lifted and she arched her back.
“Ch- Chad, I’m there,” she stammered.
In spite of his own looming eruption, he was captivated by the sight below him. The finely toned muscles running through her back had grown taut, and she was holding her breath, waiting for the tumultuous wave. Her pussy pulsed against him, forcing his release, and as he savored his rocketing spasms, he heard her impassioned orgasmic wail.
Cassie had felt the rising tide sucking the air from her lungs, and abruptly it had crested, then broken, the ripples shuddering through her. She bucked back against him but he held her tightly, pummeling his cock, milking their mutual euphoria, until spent and breathless, there was nothing more he could give.
She flopped on her stomach and he collapsed next to her, drawing her in, rolling her on to her side, and grabbing the blanket he wrapped them both in its thermal warmth. Burying her head in the cave of his shoulder she breathed heavily, listening to the hefty, rapid beating of his heart.
“How do you feel?” he panted, kissing her forehead.
Like I’ve come home. Like I never want to leave your arms, your house, your ranch. I want to come up here every day, I want sleep nestled next to you every single night. That’s how I feel.
“Kind of amazing,” she breathed.
“Hmmm, me too,” he whispered.
Amazin’, dumbfounded, happy, and I have no idea what I’m gonna do with you. I don’t want you to leave. I want you in my house, I wanna spank you and make love to your glorious body and never, ever stop.
They snuggled together on top of the knoll, dozing and kissing, sharing stories and learning about each other. Chad told her he was the son of a military man, and his parents were still married after decades of happiness.
“My dad was a patriarch. He was never unkind but he ruled the house. He absolutely adored my mother, and she adored him back, but there was never any confusion about their roles. I guess that’s how I am. I know there’d be some who’d disagree, but that’s how I see it. Rules, order, love and kindness,” he declared. “What about you? Tell me about your family?”
“Not like yours, that’s for sure,” she exclaimed. “My brother is ten years older than me. He’s a record producer and he lives in London. My mother is very involved in charities and hosting things. She used to constantly bug me to get involved but I’m just not interested. I’d rather be anywhere, than swanning around at some luncheon or cocktail party.”
“What does your father do?”
“He’s an investment banker. He says he makes the dollars and mom spends them, but that’s not really true. My mother comes from old money and she could buy half the state if she wanted.”
“And you’re her princess.”
“I guess,” she replied quietly, her voice dropping.
“You said your brother is upset about you smokin’. Are you close to him.”
“Kind of, yes, no…”
He noticed a change in her mood, almost a sadness, so he cuddled her close and stopped asking questions, and a short time later suggested they return to the house.
“I think that’s a good idea,” she agreed, “I’m starting to feel really cold,” and pulling on her jeans and sweater, kept a blanket around her as they returned to the car.
Once home, the hamper unpacked and put away, while she showered in the guest room Chad started a fire in his bedroom, then took a shower himself, and was already in bed when she entered, dressed in a pink silk robe.
“That doesn’t look very warm, but it sure looks sexy,” he grinned.
“You’re right about the first bit, and thanks for the second,” she grinned back, and slipping it off, revealing a matching silk nightie, she joined him between the sheets. It was obvious her mood had lightened, and she kissed him on the cheek.
“Mr. Douglas, I have an idea for the logo for your women’s line,” she declared.
“What kind of an idea? Tell me.”
“Have you ever seen that painting of two horses touching noses? It’s almost as if they form a heart. Anyway, that’s my idea. It’s romantic and sweet, and I know if I saw that embroidered on the pocket of a shirt, I’d sigh, then I’d buy it.”
“Cassie you’re a genius, I love it!” he declared.
Pulling a pad and pen from the drawer in the nightstand, he began sketching.
“Can I make another suggestion?” she asked shyly.
“Absolutely.”
“Why don’t you use Bailey and Shelby as your models? Your fans all know Bailey, and they may not know Shelby, but she has that gorgeous, feminine, thoroughbred face.”
He turned and stared at her, shaking his head.
“Here I thought you were nothin’ but a half-decent rider and a pretty face,” he remarked.
“Whaaat? Half-decent?”
“And as I believe I have stated before, so much fun to tease,” he chuckled.
“Oh, you,” she quipped, punching his arm.
“Ea
sy there,” he laughed. “I think it’s a terrific idea. I’ll take some photos for my artist.”
“What about her modeling fee?” Cassie asked.
“I think I can make her owner an offer she can’t refuse,” he retorted.
Cuddling next to him while he sketched, she watched and made suggestions between her yawns. When he turned off the light and they slipped under the covers, exhausted from their long day at the show, and their time together on the knoll, it was only a few minutes before they’d both drifted off and fallen into a restful, deep, satisfying sleep.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
At 6:30 a.m. the following morning, while Cassie was sleeping soundly, still wrapped in her cowboy’s arms, Hannah was being rustled awake.
“Time to get up and muck out the stalls,” Marty announced.
Blinking open her eyes she stared at the clock. As a handler at the ranch she had to be up by 7:30 and that had been an effort.
“Then it’s back here to cook up a decent breakfast,” he finished.
How am I going to survive this? she wondered. A whole month? I don’t think I can.
“I know it’s not easy,” he declared, as if reading her mind, “but you’ve gotta learn your lesson.”
“I’ve learned it, believe me,” she groaned.
“Not yet you haven’t, now let’s move!” he said sternly.
Leaning over he whacked her butt through the bedcovers, then striding from her small room, made his way into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee.
How am I going to get through this? I feel sorry for her already. Maybe I should just spank her again, real good, and let that be an end to it.
Staring out the window he watched the serene horses in the pasture grazing, and took a long deep breath.
You know you can’t do that. Hang tough, even if you do melt every time she looks at you.
“I’m ready.”
He turned and saw her stumbling forward, still bleary-eyed and yawning.
“You want some coffee before headin’ out?”
“No thanks, I’ll wait until breakfast. I can’t have coffee on an empty stomach.”
“Go on then, you know where the barn is, and the rakes and wheelbarrows. Shouldn’t take you more than half an hour.”
“Right,” she replied, but as she started out the door, she stopped and turned. “You know, Marty, I really am sorry,” she said softly, fixing him with a cool, direct stare. “I was sorry the moment it happened. We all make mistakes, and I’ll admit mine was a doozy, but people do crazy things when they’re hurting,” and before he could respond she was gone, closing the door behind her.
Marty looked out the window at her small frame walking down the pathway to the barn, and swallowed the overwhelming desire to run after her, to hold her and kiss her and tell her all was forgiven, and wondered just how long he’d be able to hold out.
A short time later, in the main house, Chad was abruptly woken by the ringing of his cell phone. Sleepily, Cassie clung to his waist as he reached across to his bedside table to pick it up.
“Hello?” he muttered.
“Chad, it’s Mandy. I’m really sorry to bother you so early, but I didn’t know who else to call,” she said urgently.
“Hi Mandy, what’s wrong?”
Instantly awake, Cassie’s sleepy state evaporated, as if a splash of cold water had landed across her face.
Mandy? Why the hell is she calling at this hour?
“It’s my mare,” Mandy exclaimed. “She’s colicky, and my trailer is stuck behind a bunch of other trailers. I need to get her over to Doc Hanson’s right away. He’s waiting for us.”
“Damn. He can’t get to you?”
“No, he’s stuck with an emergency that came in overnight. I have to get her over to his clinic.”
“I’ll be right there,” he promised.
“What’s happened?” Cassie asked, as he hung up the call.
“A friend of mine needs to get her horse to the vet and she can’t get her trailer out. I have to get to the show grounds.”
“I’ll come with you,” she offered.
“No, I won’t be long. You rest up,” he said quickly, pecking her on the cheek. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
She watched him dress, and grabbing his phone he hurried from the room, but she could hear him talking to Marty, instructing him to bring the two-horse trailer to the front of the house.
Who is this girl? Why would he drop everything to help her? Shit!
Flopping back on the bed, she forced herself to see reason.
Calm down. He’d drop everything to help anyone with a horse in trouble.
Rolling on her side she took a few deep breaths and shook off her insecurity, but couldn’t erase her disappointment in the start to her morning. She would have much preferred being woken up by Chad’s marvelous cock snaking its way home.
Knowing she wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep, she ambled into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and headed into the kitchen. After downing some coffee and toast, she decided to wander to the barn to visit her horses, and grabbing her jacket and gloves she headed out.
It was as chilly as she expected, so picked up her pace, still haunted by the memory of Mandy Parsons kissing Chad on the cheek, but when she moved into the barn her thoughts were unexpectedly interrupted; having just finished her work, Hannah was pulling on her coat to head back to the cabin.
“Hannah! How great to see you,” Cassie exclaimed, running across to hug her.
“Cassie, what are you doing here so early?” Hannah replied, hugging her back.
“Chad had to go and help a friend of his and I couldn’t get back to sleep.”
“I wish I could to talk to you,” Hannah sighed, “I’d to love find out what’s going on with you and Chad and the show and everything, but I can’t. I have to go. I’m sorry.”
“Five minutes!” Cassie insisted. “No-one’s here, Marty and Chad will never know.”
Hannah stared at her friend, truly tempted, but shook her head.
“No, I swore to Marty I’d learned my lesson, and I have,” she exclaimed. “I don’t need to get into anymore trouble.”
“Shit. You’re right,” Cassie admitted. “Here I am, still slipping into old habits. You go. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Thanks,” Hannah replied warmly. “I’ll talk to you when I have permission, but not before.”
Cassie watched her friend walk quickly away, and meandered over to give her horses some carrots, thinking about her favorite event the following afternoon; the Jumper Classic. She’d brought Shelby all the way to the show for that one class.
While steady Dominic would win her the equitation classes, the judging based entirely on her performance as a rider, she was more a passenger than anything else, and he was so solid all she had to do was focus on her position. Rembrandt, the big, beautiful hunter, had stunning looks and confirmation, and was always in the ribbons, but the jumper classes with Shelby, they were different.
Shelby could jump the moon, but it was Cassie who had to guide her to the perfect liftoff point to clear the big fences. There were times she had hold the mare back because her stride was too long, or push her forward when they were racing against the clock. It was thrilling, exciting, and carried a certain amount of danger.
“One more day big girl,” she smiled, “and we’ll be airborne.”
Shelby munched her carrot happily, and when there were no more on offer, wandered back to her morning hay.
“Bye, you guys. See you all soon,” she waved, and ambled out of the barn.
As Cassie headed back to the house she glanced at her watch. It was still early, and she wasn’t sure how she’d spend the time while she waited for Chad to return, but she did know she’d have to tell him about her conversation with Hannah the moment he did. She had no doubt her friend would mention it to Marty, who would undoubtedly share the news with Chad, and she certainly didn’t want Chad thinki
ng she was keeping anything from him; the sin of omission.
Little did she know that during her entire visit, she’d not been alone.
Having entered through the back of the barn, Jeb Beaumont had been in the tack room quietly cleaning the bridles and saddles. As the newest member of the team it was his responsibility, and he chose the early morning, twice a week, for the chore.
The team had been made aware of the situation with Hannah, and had been instructed to give her a wide berth should they cross paths, so when Jeb had heard her come in he’d left her alone, but when Cassie engaged her in conversation, Jeb knew he would have to tell Marty the minute he got back.
Jeb had always enjoyed Hannah, finding her fun and easy-going, with a natural talent for handling horses, and he’d been shocked with the news that she’d been let go.
That conversation wasn’t your fault, Hannah, he thought, and I’ll make sure Marty and Chad know it.
Across town, at the vet clinic. Mandy had just received good news.
“Your mare will be fine, but she’s stressed,” the vet proclaimed. “She needs to keep moving. See if you can find a paddock or turnout for the day.”
“Bring her back to the ranch,” Chad immediately offered. “We have a ton of room.”
“Chad, that would be fantastic, thank you,” she replied gratefully.
“Marty, why don’t you drive the trailer and I’ll follow with Mandy in her car. It’ll give us time to talk.”
Not wanting Chad to have to drive her back to the show grounds if her horse needed to remain at the clinic, Mandy had followed the trailer in her own car.
“That’s a great idea,” Mandy agreed, “and I have some good news to tell you.”
They loaded the horse, and as Mandy waited for the trailer roll on to the road, she turned to Chad and hugged him.
“Thank God for you,” she sighed.
“I’m just glad you felt you could call me,” he replied. “How did you know to get the stables so early?”
“She wasn’t acting like herself last night, and I just had a feeling, you know what I mean?”
“Definitely, I know exactly what you mean,” Chad nodded.
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