Riding High

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  Lily had shown him that. He wanted to show her what she meant to him, and for that, they needed to make love. He didn’t confuse it with being in love. They hadn’t known each other long enough for that to happen. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t make love. Besides, who knew? Maybe one day soon they would discover that they’d fallen, and fallen hard.

  They undressed each other with care, taking time to lay their clothes in a neat pile. They took even more time to kiss and nuzzle each other along the way. When Lily finally lay back on the cool grass, Regan’s cock felt as if it was made of tempered steel. He’d clenched his jaw as he’d rolled on the condom. If he wasn’t careful, he could come just by looking at her lying there.

  Yet he wanted to look at her and burn her image into his memory. So he knelt beside her, rigid cock notwithstanding, and memorized the picture she made. Green was definitely her color. The soft grass set her off like a jewel nestled in velvet, highlighting her fiery hair and pale skin dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg.

  A breeze ruffled the leaves over her head, and shadows danced over her body. She seemed one with nature, a sensual female aroused and ready to be taken by a lustful male. And he was that male...for now.

  An emotion stirred deep in his chest, an unfamiliar one. It felt...ancient. It had no place here, and he shoved it away, but still he heard it whisper. Mine.

  Reaching up, she stroked his cheek. “Such a fierce expression you have.”

  “Do I?” He met her clear-eyed gaze. He must have been carried away by the setting. “I was concentrating while I counted all your freckles. I don’t want to miss any of them when I start the kissing part.”

  She smiled. “We’ll be here all night.”

  “Maybe.” Leaning down, he kissed a sweet little freckle on her breast. “One.” Then another. “Two.”

  She laughed as he kept kissing and counting, but then he paused and drew a nipple into his mouth. She didn’t laugh then. She moaned and held his head to her breast, her fingertips pressing into his scalp.

  Her urgency fed into that ancient voice telling him to claim her. No, he would not. But he abandoned freckle-counting for the more primitive pleasures of nibbling and licking her breasts while he caressed her damp thighs and sought out the slick heat waiting for him.

  She moaned again and arched upward, inviting him deeper. Capturing her mouth to muffle her cries, he stroked her until she came, bathing his fingers in her juices. As she lay panting beside him, he trailed his hand up her flushed body and anointed her lips. Then he leaned over and kissed her.

  The heady taste sipped from her mouth made him a little crazy. He wanted, needed more. Kissing his way back along the damp trail he’d made with his fingers, he moved between her thighs. The scent of crushed grass and fragrant earth mingled with the aroma of sex as he settled his mouth against her heat.

  With the first lap of his tongue she sighed and opened wider, offering herself so completely that his breath caught. Mine. He feasted until her whimpering cries told him she was close.

  Sliding slowly up her restless body, he effortlessly buried his cock in her drenched channel. He felt the quiver, knew she was almost there. “Wait,” he murmured. “Wait for me.”

  She gulped. “Okay.”

  When he was locked in tight, he braced himself on his forearms and gazed down at her.

  She looked right back at him, her eyes dark with passion, her red hair spread out over the grass like tongues of flame.

  He was stunned by the force of his desire for her. “It’s never been like this for me.”

  “Me, either.”

  That helped, knowing she’d been blindsided, too. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

  She smiled at that. “I do. We’re both going to come.”

  “Yeah.” He appreciated any attempt to lighten the mood, because wow, this was intense. “And we can’t be loud and scare the horses.”

  “I know.” She stroked his back and pressed her fingers into his backside. “Ready for some cliff diving?”

  “Yes.” And he began to thrust, holding her gaze as the rhythm escalated, watching her eyes. He saw arousal there, but he also saw wonder, and maybe just a touch of fear. His expression probably told the same story.

  Faster, now...almost there...

  She gasped. “Now.”

  “Yes...” He gulped for air. “Jump.” He kissed her and swallowed her cries as her climax rolled over his cock. Then he broke away to drag in a breath, clenched his jaw and came in a furious rush that left him reeling. He felt the shock of it from his scalp to his toes.

  Breathing hard, he closed his eyes and somehow managed not to fall on her. When at last he felt recovered enough to open them, he discovered that she’d closed hers, too. She appeared suddenly more vulnerable lying there in the grass, her cheeks blushing from a recent climax and her mouth red from his kisses. As if waiting for this moment, the ancient whisper sounded again. Mine.

  But she wasn’t his or any man’s. She was her own person, and yet...if she was into this as much as he was, she was trusting him not to hurt her as that other bastard had. She’d said she didn’t care if this was a rebound relationship, but he wasn’t sure he believed that.

  God, he hoped he hadn’t used her to get over Jeannette. A rush of protectiveness made him vow that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. And that included him.

  * * *

  IN THE NEXT few days, Lily worked harder and enjoyed more great sex than she’d ever had in her entire life. She also couldn’t remember being happier. She and Regan were creating a practical rescue operation at Peaceful Kingdom, and that was extremely satisfying. And bonus, so was the sex.

  Somehow they managed to get the work done and still have time to fool around. Often they had to get creative, such as when they made quiet but highly orgasmic love on a hay bale while the horses ate breakfast. They’d done that twice.

  Lily found herself walking around with a song in her heart and a smile on her face. She’d always been a cheerful person, but these days it seemed as if nothing would get her down. She was in high spirits when Nick and Lester showed up late Thursday afternoon to help work with the horses.

  Having someone around felt a little strange after all the private time she’d had with Regan. But on Friday night everyone would descend to help set up, so in effect, the isolation she and Regan had enjoyed was nearly over. Lester, it turned out, had a special affinity with horses and planned to be a trainer some day. So Regan invited him out to the newly constructed pasture to help pick out two animals they’d train until the corral became too dark. That left Nick and Lily free to lean on the corral and discuss the progress that had been made so far.

  “Everything’s in place,” Nick said. “Your fliers have been distributed. Some basic food’s been ordered, which Mary Lou will be in charge of on Saturday. Dominique will be here to take pictures, and we managed to nix the jumping castle and the cotton candy machine.”

  “I’m just as glad. I know Tyler was worried about entertaining the kids, but I’m afraid a jumping castle would involve a lot of noise that might bother the horses.”

  “She was going to set it up quite a ways from the corral, but still, I agree. It’s expensive and potentially disruptive. Tyler’s hired someone who does face painting, and she’s organized an activity table for the kids with coloring and a few simple crafts.”

  “Did she decide to have a band?” Lily had been a little worried about that possibility.

  “After much discussion, not doing it.”

  “That’s a relief. I know some barns have music piped in, but since I don’t do that, I’m afraid a band might be another distraction. Regan and I have enough on our hands getting the horses ready for all that activity without adding a potential hazard.”

  “Which brings me to another point. You two have done a
terrific job this week. The porch railing’s fixed, the flower beds are replanted and the new sign is gorgeous.”

  “Thanks.” Lily beamed at the compliment. The sign read Peaceful Kingdom Equine Rescue, and it had turned out beautifully. “I was lucky to find somebody local who could create that sign on short notice. Regan and I have worked hard.”

  “I can tell. And hanging out with him must suit you,” Nick said. “I’ve never seen you looking so...settled.”

  That startled her. “What do you mean by settled?”

  “Don’t take this wrong, but I’ve always viewed you as a tropical bird about to take flight.”

  “And now I look like what? A roosting chicken?”

  Nick laughed. “I was thinking more like a turtle dove.”

  “Wait a minute.” She panicked at the idea that her feelings for Regan were that obvious. “Don’t go making any assumptions.”

  “What assumptions? You two like each other and you’re both single. I’m happy for you.”

  “You haven’t said anything like that to Regan, I hope.” She would die of mortification if he had.

  “No, I haven’t, so don’t get your undies in a bunch. He’s been tearing in and out of the office all week like a madman so he can take care of his clients and help you out here. We’ve barely said two words to each other.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “But when I have seen him, he always had a smile on his face. I can’t say that’s been the case prior to his moving in here. So I figure you’ve been good for him, too.”

  “I hope so, but please don’t jump to conclusions.” She broke out in a cold sweat at the thought of Nick pushing Regan into an admission of his feelings for her one way or the other. Neither of them had taken that step, and maybe they never would.

  “Okay, but tomorrow night you’ll have a whole mob of people who are liable to jump to conclusions. You might want to decide how to handle that.”

  That was a scary thought. She sent him a pleading glance. “Could you caution everyone not to ask any leading questions? We’re at an uncertain stage right now, and I don’t want him to feel pressured.”

  “I can say something, but there’s no way I can control that bunch. Regan knows what they’re like. Have a talk with him. Come up with your standard responses.”

  “Okay, I will.” She cleared her throat. “I can’t deny that Regan and I are having a little fun, but I think it would be foolish of me or anyone to take his interest too seriously. He just broke up with his fiancée. He’s not ready for another relationship.”

  “Could’ve fooled me.” Nick adjusted the fit of his Stetson. “If anything, he looks happier than you do.”

  “Well, sure, he looks happy. That doesn’t mean he’s in love or anything.” That last part had been harder to say than she’d expected.

  Nick stared at the Tetons as the afternoon shadows gathered in the canyons. “Mighty pretty view.”

  “It is.” She figured he was buying time as he decided how to approach an obviously delicate subject.

  “Look, God knows I’m no expert on this subject, but I think both of you are heading into that kind of emotional territory, at least a little bit. And if you want my advice—”

  “Not really.”

  “You’ll keep an open mind,” he continued, ignoring her protest.

  “Nick, six months isn’t long enough. Most people need a year to get over a thing like that.”

  “Maybe most people do, but don’t assume he’s most people and don’t assume he’s not ready. Everybody heals at a different rate. My guess is that Regan’s more resilient than most because of his parents.”

  “His parents?” That shocked her.

  “That’s what I said. Got a banana in your ear?”

  “I heard you fine, but judging from what he’s told me, he doesn’t agree with their lifestyle or their parenting skills.”

  “He might not, but I’ve had a few years to observe the O’Connelli crew, and while Seamus and Bianca might have been too permissive, their kids never doubted they were loved. They all have an unshakable belief in their own worth.”

  Lily thought about Regan’s quiet confidence, especially when he was working with the horses. “You may have a point.”

  “I generally do.”

  She looked sideways at him and couldn’t help laughing at his cocky grin. “I’ll bet Dominique has to use a wide-angle lens to get you and your ego into the same frame.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll tell her you said that. She’ll love it. She wanted to come over to see you tonight, but she’s mounting a new show at the gallery, and that’s sucking up all her spare time. Plus, as she pointed out, she’s not a horse trainer.”

  “Neither am I.”

  “According to Regan, you’re better than you think you are, which doesn’t surprise me. You have a lot of empathy. I’m glad to see you getting into this. I think it suits you better than whatever IT gigs you had in Silicon Valley. Every time I talked to your folks you’d switched jobs.”

  “Because I’d get bored.”

  “Maybe that’s because you’re more into living creatures than electronic gizmos.”

  “You think so?” No one had ever said that to her before. “You don’t feel like I’m wasting my intelligence on this project?”

  “How could you be? In order to make a success of this venture, you’ll have to learn to think like a horse, run a business and attract both donors and potential adopters. Isn’t that enough of a challenge for you?”

  “When you put it that way, yes.”

  “Who said you were wasting your intelligence?”

  She thought back to a phone call she’d had yesterday, one she hadn’t mentioned to Regan. “A computer game company in Palo Alto wants me to work for them. I told them I don’t want to leave this place, and they said that while I might be able to telecommute from here, they generally discourage it. They’ve found that having everyone on site interacting with other designers contributes to more innovation.”

  “Are you considering it?”

  “No, of course not.” She watched Regan walking back with Lester, small for his age but incredibly likable. Each of them led a horse and both animals looked docile as could be. “Certainly not now, anyway.”

  Nick took a deep breath and blew it out. “Lily, you’re not going to break that guy’s heart, are you?”

  “No.” Longing tugged at her, as it always did when she looked at Regan. “But I’m still not entirely convinced he won’t break mine.”

  15

  REGAN WAS GRATEFUL for the Chance clan pitching in. Without them there would be no adoption fair, and Lily desperately needed to find good homes for at least six of the horses under her care. But their Peaceful Kingdom had been invaded late Friday afternoon by a Chance contingent ready to set up for the fair, and Regan knew he wouldn’t get to be alone with Lily until late tonight. By then they’d both be too exhausted to make love.

  On top of that, they’d agreed to be careful how they interacted with each other to keep gossip to a minimum. She’d told him about Nick’s suggestion that they come up with a standard response to any questions. It was We’re just good friends. Regan didn’t think anyone would believe that BS, but he said it, anyway, because apparently that’s what Lily wanted.

  He was a little irritated that she didn’t want to go public with their relationship. What was wrong with letting close friends and family know they were involved? They suspected it, anyway, so why be coy? But Lily insisted on a party line, so he was doing as she asked, because in the end, he’d do just about anything that woman asked.

  They’d been on a deadline situation this past week, but once they got successfully past the adoption fair, he needed to have a heart-to-heart with her. Technically he’d have no more excuse to li
ve in her house. Oh, yeah, and that was the other thing. He’d had to move all his stuff to the guest room and pretend he was sleeping there. Lame.

  Anyway, he’d go along until after the fair, and then he’d flat out ask her how she felt about him. Would she still want him around when she no longer needed him to help her with the animals? Now that she had a paddock, a chicken coop and a pigpen, she could handle her menagerie a lot easier. Once a few horses went out the door, it would be a piece of cake for a woman of her abilities.

  So then what? They each needed to lay their cards on the table. He wanted to stay. He thought they had something going and he wanted to find out where it would take them. She might feel differently. Thinking about having that talk made him nervous as hell, but it had to be done.

  Right now, though, he didn’t have much time to contemplate the next step in their relationship. He was too busy helping set up bleachers next to the corral, a canopy for Mary Lou’s refreshment stand and another canopy for the kids’ activity center. Jack, Nick and Gabe were in the barn grooming the horses so they’d shine like new pennies. Although they’d settled on showcasing only ten of the twenty-one, Jack had insisted that every horse look tip-top to enhance the image of the place. He had a point.

  Regan was so busy moving from one job to the next that it was a wonder he even heard his phone. But when he did, he considered not answering. He knew that ring. He’d assigned it to the caller several years ago and had never bothered to change it or delete the number from his contacts.

  He couldn’t just let it go to voice mail. At the last minute, he punched the button and walked over to a darkened spot in the yard, away from all the action. “What?”

  “Hey, Regan.” Drake’s voice sounded strained. “I wasn’t sure you’d pick up.”

  “I almost didn’t.”