Cowboy Joe knew something or he wouldn’t have acted so surprised when he saw her. He’d secured intel on her somehow, but she couldn’t do anything about it now. She’d have to figure out a way to pry the information from him later.
With only an hour to get ready, she rushed toward the bathroom. She certainly didn’t relish riding with body oils from her massage all over her skin. If she was lucky enough to get real close to the cowboy, she didn’t want to be covered in grime.
Whoa. When had she decided she even wanted to be close to a man? She usually didn’t have that kind of confidence. She couldn’t worry about that now as she had to shower.
Once inside the bathroom door, she halted. The shower was ginormous. Four showerheads hung from the ceiling and jet sprayers rimmed the sides. A two-foot-wide stone seat spanned three of the walls. Wow. She could stay in here forever.
She turned on one of the knobs and water sprayed from above. After stepping in, she ran her finger across the names on the liquid dispenser on the wall. Two different types of shower gels, one with a strawberry scent and the other a white, creamy liquid that smelled like peaches, sat next to a passion fruit conditioner. Hurriedly washing, she promised to spend more time in the shower after she returned from her ride.
Good thing Joe had brought civilized clothes for her to wear or she might have had to turn him down. She towel-dried and stepped into the bedroom. Instead of wearing the butt crack thong, she shimmied on the straight-legged jeans over her naked flesh and slipped on the blue chambray, button-down shirt that was a tad too tight for her comfort. She checked her image in the full-length mirror. Embarrassed, she rubbed her tits to make her nipples go down. Didn’t work in taming them, but her pussy sure enjoyed the touching. The tingling excitement made her imagination go into overdrive, thinking about what an experienced hand could do to her body, like Joe’s man hand to be exact.
What was happening to her? One didn’t go from prude to slut in under sixty seconds. There must be something in the atmosphere here.
Holding a hand over her chest while she rode would be impossible, but if she wanted to get some fresh air, she had no choice but to deal. Maybe the cowboy would be so busy enjoying the scenery he wouldn’t notice her discomfort. She checked her image once more. She might look like an easy lay, but that didn’t mean she had to act like one.
On a positive note, the socks and boots fit her size-ten feet perfectly. Someone had done his homework, but who? Her dad would never have gone to this much trouble for her.
She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and quickly realized she had no makeup and no money to go to the spa store to buy any. She could charge her supplies to her father’s account, but there was no time now.
Once outside, she spotted her cowboy, who stood with two beautiful horses by the fountain. One a shiny black quarter horse and the other a caramel-colored mustang with a flowing brown mane. She knew which one she wanted to ride. Fast, wild horses, or fast, wild men, for that matter, didn’t interest her, or at least never had until she’d laid eyes on smooth-talking Cowboy Joe.
Her quarter horse whinnied. Joe held out an apple, immediately making a friend for life, then offered the mustang a similar treat.
Joe smiled when he spotted her. “I’m glad to see the clothes fit you so well.” He brought her horse up to her.
Nudging her shoulders forward so she wouldn’t give him a total show, she mounted her ride without waiting for his help. That was a dumb move. If she hadn’t been in such a hurry, she could have had Joe’s hands around her waist and maybe even on her ass as he pushed upward. Darn. Next time she wouldn’t be so quick.
She glanced over at him. There was something about this guy that had the potential to make her want to get out of the lab, but her stay was only for a week. She understood after she was long gone, Joe would be plying his charms on another woman, but for the time being, he was hers. If she wished to keep her heart intact, she’d need to keep her distance, which was too bad since he had such a nice ass. He also moved with such little effort she imagined he’d be just as smooth making love.
Say what? No way she was going to try out that theory.
“Ready, darlin’?”
Focus. “Sure am. How long is the ride?” The Santa Catalina Mountains were in every direction. Off in the distance, the terrain had a purplish cast with wisps of green mixed with spots of brown.
“’Bout thirty minutes to an hour, depending on how fast we go.” He patted her horse’s neck and gazed up at her. “Do you like it slow and deliberate, or do you want to ride hard and fast?”
His mouth opened slightly, and she could have sworn his tongue peeked out.
Normally, she would have ignored a man’s attempt at flirting like it was junk mail, but Joe’s sexy comment went straight to her now-heated center.
“I guess it depends on my mood.” God, she was actually giving it right back. How powerful was that?
“And what kind of mood are you in today?” He mounted the mustang and tossed her a smile.
She’d been about to answer when his huge mount bucked and nearly threw him off. Joe pulled on the reins and the horse settled. She’d been around horses her whole life and was impressed by his ability to handle the temperamental animal.
Nudging her horse’s flanks, she circled around him, taking her time, enjoying how he held the reins firmly but gently, and how his thighs flexed as he kept his horse under control.
“Why don’t you head on down that path, darlin’? I’ll be right behind you to make sure everything goes as smooth as silk.”
His sensual words twisted her stomach and caused some collateral damage to her insides. That was not a good way to start the day. She tapped the horse’s side and headed east, happy he’d make sure nothing went wrong.
Twenty minutes into the ride, her saddle became unbearable with the seam of her jeans chafing her bare pussy. She refused to suggest they stop, too embarrassed to explain her dilemma.
“We’re almost there,” Joe said, pointing to a crest of a hill covered in ponderosa pines.
Thank God. At the top of the peak, her breath caught in her throat. In front of her, a sandy slope ran down to the most refreshing lake she’d ever seen. The blue water was crystal clear. Surrounding the lake’s edge were large rocks stacked on top of each other next to patches of pristine beach. She pulled up her horse and glanced behind her. “I have to admit I never expected to see a lake in the middle of the mountains.”
He grinned. “I’ve got lots of surprises up my sleeve. Mind if we stop here for a bit?”
Was he kidding? Her clit was so swollen from bouncing up and down during the ride, and her breasts were half-soaked in sweat, she’d considered begging him to take a break. Going back wasn’t an option, nor was riding any further. Besides, the view made her finally believe she was on vacation. As for riding one more hour without a rest? That wasn’t going to happen.
Joe dismounted, walked toward her, and reached up to help her down. This time she let him, dying to know what it would be like to have his big hands on her body. “Thanks.” His fingers clasped her waist and shivers shot straight to her nipples. She leaned into him as she swung her leg off the saddle. He set her down gently and let go, but the heated imprint of his hands lasted long after he moved away.
“You okay, darlin’?” He nodded to her damp, protruding nipples.
Could this get any worse? “Just a little hot, that’s all.” To make him believe she wasn’t embarrassed, she stuck her chest out further and pulled down on her shirt.
From the bulge in his pants, he liked what he saw. To her surprise, teasing a man was fun. Maybe she had holed up in the lab for too long.
He walked back to his horse, pulled off a blanket he’d rolled up behind his saddle, and took off the saddlebags. Without a word, he unfurled the blanket near the lake, sat on the ground, and pulled out a bottle of wine and a box that held who knew what.
“You joinin’ me? I sure would appreciate the company.”
Awesome. She was going to have a real picnic. Her traitorous heart skipped a beat. When was the last time anyone had thought to ask her? “What about the horses?”
“I figure they aren’t going anywhere other than to get a sip of water. I’ll tie ’em down later.”
That worked for her. Tugging her jeans lower on her hips, she slid down on the blanket. The relief was noticeable, thank God.
After popping the cork, he handed her the bottle. “Ladies first.”
He hadn’t brought any glasses?
He must have read her mind. “The bottle’s clean. No one’s here to see ya.”
She was thirsty. Putting her lips around the bottle, she slugged back the fruity drink. “God, I needed that.”
He winked. “I know how to treat a woman.”
She bet he did. Don’t go there.
He picked up the plastic container, popped the top, and pulled out the most glorious-looking strawberry. He eased the fruit into his mouth, bit off half, and slowly pulled it out again. He closed his eyes and moaned as he swallowed. Her blood heated just thinking what those lips could do to her body.
He held one up. “Want to give it a try?”
She took it from him, making sure to drag her fingers along his hand. The twinkle in his eyes implied he knew exactly what she was doing. In one fell swoop, she dunked the strawberry in her mouth. The sweet juices exploded, sending a direct pulse straight between her legs. “Mmm.” She slowly licked her lips and Joe’s eyes sparkled.
Who am I? And where did the real Dr. Jillian Masters, chemist extraordinaire who avoided men at all costs, go?
He picked up the bottle, chugged a good portion of the contents, and dropped on his back, securing an arm under his head. To create the appearance of control, she slipped the bottle from his hand and drank another mouthful. More than once, in fact, to erase what she wanted to do with the enticing form next to her.
It was all Joe’s fault she wasn’t acting herself. He was unlike any man she’d been around. He’d been caring, protective, and seemingly concerned for her well-being. It wasn’t as if she’d hired him to have sex with her. He was there to take her for a ride. Nothing more.
He chuckled. “From the way you keep glancing at my cock, you act like I’m goin’ to have my way with you.”
More proof he read minds. Or was she staring? She tilted her chin, praying the intense heat didn’t show on her cheeks.
“No. I just don’t want to worry about some cowboy pawing me.” Just knowing he was interested was enough for her.
“I never paw.” Joe placed a hand on her lower back.
Her breaths came out faster, and the butterflies in her stomach bounced off the walls. His touch made her want him more, dammit, and his fingers really did almost burn a hole in her skin.
Joe must have sensed her internal debate because he began to make small, tentative swirls with his fingertips above her hip. The wine kicked in and the crest of her nipples swelled the closer he got to her tits. His light touch sent a hint of arousal to her already-damp slit.
What was up with nearly wetting her jeans?
Admit it. You’re in full-blown heat.
“You know, darlin’, the ride back could be real long. You want to dip in the water to cool yourself? I’m betting it’s eighty out, but the water will be quite a bit colder.”
She speared him with a glance, her breath coming out faster. Did she dare?
His fingers climbed higher, nearing the desired destination but never touching the sensitive parts. Her unfaithful nipples saluted as if worshipping him. “I—”
“If you’re worried about anyone seeing you all wet, you’ll be dry by the time we get back.”
It wasn’t the people at the spa who worried her. Joe was the one who was driving her to do something she might regret. Then again, maybe letting loose for a bit would be good for her. Skinny dipping would definitely be asking for more trouble than she could handle, though going in with her shirt might not be much better. The wet, braless top would sculpt to her body, which could result in him getting a raging hard-on. Did she dare? From the bulge she’d seen in his pants, he might try to have sex with her, but then the elite spa would fire him, and she didn’t want that.
Damn. All pumped up and no release in sight.
“Actually, the idea of getting cool does sound nice. My body’s all sticky and achy from the ride. Getting my muscles to relax might be just the thing I need.”
She drew out a smile, trying to be as sexy as she knew how. She liked how her innuendoes made him squirm, even though she could tell he was trying to act as if what she said hadn’t affected him. It was cute really.
She stood and, without looking back, headed to the edge of the lake. She shucked her boots and socks, intentionally wiggling her butt as she bent over. She dipped her toe into the water, immediately finding relief for her hot feet. The water was cool, but not icy cold. As she walked into the lake, the soft, rippled sand bottom enveloped her feet. The farther she went, the more her muscles and attitude gave in to the ecstasy. The denim clung to her legs and sculpted tight against her nakedness. When the water came to her waist, she ducked down and moaned in delight. She would have stayed all day in the lake if a huge wave hadn’t rocked her. Joe’s bare heels disappeared under the surface. Next thing she knew he pulled her under the water, head and all, then pushed her up to the surface, his hands slipping under her breasts. A ring of fire ignited her body where he’d touched her.
As she reached out to steady herself, she grazed his muscled, naked chest. Her fingers brushed against his hard, distended male nipples, causing her to nearly choke. Good thing the dark blue water hid his attire. If he was totally naked, she’d drown right there.
“Last one to the center’s a rotten egg,” he challenged. His face lit up like a ten-year-old getting ready to do something he’d been forbidden to do.
Even though she was a strong swimmer, she bet Joe would be faster. She dipped her face into the water and kicked with all her might. She wasn’t sure what prompted her to stop, but when she did, Joe was floating on his back in front of her. Thank God he’d worn his jeans.
She waved. “I guess I lose.” Now come catch me.
“You are anything but a loser.” He tucked in his bottom lip and raised his sexy brows.
She glanced to the sky hoping for some divine inspiration on how to hide her interest. She looked back to him and stilled. Where’d he go? She spun around. Hands crawled up her waist again. Before she could react, his face popped up inches from her lips.
“You’re fast, also.”
She wanted to steal a kiss, but she wasn’t bold enough yet. She pushed him away and laughed. “You’re faster.”
“You got that right, darlin’.” He dunked her again before swimming farther into the middle.
Using every ounce of energy, she swam after him. When she got close, she grabbed his foot and twisted him on his back. “Race you to the shore.”
He grinned again. “You’re on.”
She’d taken two strokes when his hands clamped high on her calf and held tight. “Not fair,” she said, laughing.
He pulled her to him, his hands climbing one over the other, up to her thigh. Chills crawled over her wet, heated flesh. She rolled over and he let go, grinning like he’d won some award.
He winked and took off again. With Joe, teasing came naturally. She followed. As soon as he allowed her to get ahead, he’d catch her then spurt past. They continued battling, and cheating, all the way to the shore. When she dragged herself up to dry land, she collapsed on the beach. Her breath came out fast, and her chest heaved from the exertion.
Joe did the same, but when she looked over at him, all sense of adventure seemed to go out of him as if she’d pricked his balloon and the air ran out.
She propped herself up on her elbow and turned toward him. “What’s wrong?”
He nodded to her shirt. She looked down, immediately clamping her hands over her chest and r
eadjusting her attire. In the process of playing, not only had two of her buttons popped open, but her left breast had become totally exposed. Flirting was one thing, but the moment she was naked, her courage disappeared.
Joe popped up. “Be right back.”
Once she regained her composure, she realized Joe hadn’t tried to touch her. Maybe he was embarrassed for her, something no one had ever been before, including her father.
A few seconds later, he returned with the blanket and his shirt. He draped the wool over her shoulders and rubbed her arms and back vigorously until heat returned. “Better?”
“Yes.” An intense tingling exploded in all parts of her body, even to areas he hadn’t laid a hand on. Her reaction troubled her. With Joe, all she could think about was how he might excite her, even though she understood he had rules to follow.
He handed her his shirt. “I’ll turn my back while you take off yours and put on mine. It might be a little sticky, but at least it’s not see-through.”
That was the nicest thing anyone had done for her. “Thanks.”
She did as he suggested. The cotton material smelled like him, like the desert sun. Having a man’s shirt on her body, his shirt, stirred a deep ache in her belly. The image of a being a couple flashed in her mind’s eye.
“Come on. I have a big surprise for you back at the spa.”
* * * *
Joe had to admit Frank had done a great job placing all the candles in Jillian’s suite and fitting the massage table between the bed and the desk.
While she was in the shower getting ready for her “surprise,” Joe lit the candles and arranged the sheets on the table to make sure the special event would be perfect. When his brother had called a few minutes ago, he mentioned he wanted to be called “Francois.” Frank would probably be able to pull off the charade, given their Louisianan upbringing and the fact all of them had picked up bits and pieces of French. “Francois” said he would join them only if Joe texted him. That worked for him.
Joe should have showered too, but by not doing so, it gave him a good reason to hold back until all three of them had their chance to tease and tempt her. Jillian needed time to adjust to these new experiences, and he wasn’t going to mess it up for the special lady. So many times today he’d wanted to tell her the truth, that he enjoyed being in her company, not because her daddy was holding the chance to be CEO over his head, but because he liked her. Jillian Masters was pure and seemingly unaffected by the jaded world around her. With proper guidance, he could bring her to her true potential.
Monroe, Melody S. - Three Hired Lovers [Fantasy Resort 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3