Rich Love

by Zoe Adams

  “The bathroom is down the hall if you need it. I’m going to get beers from the kitchen.” Susanna flipped on light switches and walked away.

  Royce wasn’t used to old, small farmhouses. The hallway was narrow. The bathroom was just big enough to stand in. He felt like an overgrown man in a dollhouse.

  He joined her in the kitchen. She had two bottles already open and waiting. A bucket was sitting on the counter, and it held a few more beers chilling in ice.

  “Do you want to go outside?” Susanna asked.

  Royce nodded eagerly.

  Susanna grabbed two more beers before leading him outside.

  Old crescent moon was a dainty jewel amongst the other systematic decorations. The big sky over the prairie was unmatched. There was enough light from the midnight sky to lighten the land and each other’s faces.

  Royce did not need spectacular night vision to be able to enjoy the walk along a tamed path. He expected Susanna to take him some place nearby, but he was wrong.

  The back of the yard had long boxed frames built down its length. It looked eerily like miniature castle ramparts closing in the yard. Far off across a field, firelight cast a glow that made his heart jump to his throat. Nothing could have stopped his curiosity as he tried to remind himself to use his head, the one above his belt.

  They walked through the yard, and past the old picket fence. She turned them to the right and along a semi-curved path. The summer-house was in an alcove of trees a little further. It had been designed with privacy its foremost thought, and it was almost hidden in plain sight.

  Susanna stepped into the framework, and Royce’s attention was taken from her. They stood under wood braces and beams that were a skeleton for long white curtains and mosquito netting. The structure was solid and permanently set in concrete. The white mosquito netting and layers of white would pick up a current of wind and flap open and then settle sporadically.

  The floor was smooth concrete, and the walls were mostly transparent. Everything was white. The starlight above gave everything below a pale hue. The ground was smooth and bright. The walls were different shades of white, but white all the same.

  The table was wooden and spindled. Two chairs were set at the table, but they were not dining chairs. One was large, wing backed, and full with a big flowered pillow on the back. The other, smaller chair was delicate and soft.

  There were fresh flowers on the table and other places with colors that popped. The whole experience was rather otherworldly with everything so white. Royce looked up at the sky one more time and saw a shooting star.

  “Here. Have a seat.” Susanna pointed at a table with chairs.

  Royce watched her walk to the fireplace. She stretched for the poker before bending over and stirring up coals. He was distracted by the hourglass body that shouldn’t be waited for. The thin linen skirt was transparent against the glowing fire. The firelight cast a medieval glow on the scene, and Royce almost felt gallant in the circle of light.

  She joined him at the table.

  She plucked a tomato from the fruit bowl and picked up a knife. She started to slice little pieces of tomato into a snack.

  Royce took a swig of his beer. She offered him a plate with sugar and tomato slices. Royce took a bite of the tomato. He rolled his eyes back in appreciation and took another.

  The juices dripped down his throat before he said, “You’re right. These tomatoes you grew are the best, almost like an aphrodisiac.”

  Susanna’s smile was huge. “They say love is the best aphrodisiac.”

  He devoured her with his eyes.

  A large tomato slice was dipped in sugar before being kissed by strawberry lips. Susanna took a dainty sip of beer and sighed a release. Her fingers floated back to the plate, and she selected the next victim for her palette. Soon the tomato was gone.

  “I think maybe all of these stars are having a greater effect on the moment.” Royce put his hand out. “You are amazing in starlight.”

  He watched her face closely. It was exciting to have a woman react to him on an intellectual level. Her expressions were easy to read, and they made him comfortable.

  “I’d like to spend more time together,” he said with determination. “You can show me what you do for fun on the prairie.”

  “Yeah, rescuing people isn’t that fun,” she said nonchalantly.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have fun.” He raised his beer in salute. “And if you don’t like to have fun, then I’ll have an accident on your front lawn every day.”

  Susanna looked at him in shock for half a second then laughed. Most women had a little laugh, but Susanna’s laugh came from somewhere deep inside of her. She had the biggest smile on her face as she held her sides and laughed.

  Royce had seen her serious side, and her business nature, but that smile on her face would stick with him always. Ever since he had met her, he had had new goals in sight. All he wanted to do was make her keep smiling.

  Well, that and a few other things. Susanna stopped laughing and looked at him. When she sat back, she let her whole body completely relax. For all of her hard-working spirit, she looked tired. The way she carried herself was almost indomitable, and even when she relaxed she used her whole heart, brain, body, and soul.

  Royce could appreciate her immensely. Susanna had helped him a lot. The benefits of her were astounding. She was in for a big surprise when she found out how much money he was worth, and he hoped she would be all right with being spoiled and never working another day in her life.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know why that’s so funny.” Susanna tried to look at him soberly. “I guess I’m shocked that a complaint can turn you on. Or maybe you just know how to take it.”

  They sat at the little table under the twinkling sky. Royce leaned forward and stared at the bright beauty. His tomato was forgotten, but he remembered to breathe when its juice ran down his arm to his elbow.

  “Sitting in the middle of nowhere with a sensual woman has been very diverting.” He saw wise eyes mocking him, but continued, “It can only lead to one thing.” When she didn’t respond, he gave a short laugh. “You are too much, tougher than a diamond, while being thoughtful and smart. There are very few people in the world who can hold my attention like you do.”

  He sat back pleased, and finally plopped the tomato into his mouth. After a moment, he threw his head back and laughed. “Getting run over by a deer is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’d like to reassure you I’m not the type of man to do something I don’t want to do. It’s all right to question me, but I’m just a man, and you, my dear, have nothing to fear. I have been around the world, and have finally been delivered to a strong, blue-eyed woman who survives in one of the most devastatingly beautiful and desolate landscapes.” Royce felt a bit overwhelmed at the coincidence. He raised his beer in a salute and said, “I love being here.”

  “I like you being here too,” Susanna agreed.

  Royce lightly traced her chin with his branding finger. “That is something I want you to get used to.”

  He dropped his arm and raised an eyebrow in an expression that said he was in charge. “I really like it here, but it must get lonely.”

  Royce couldn’t wait to grasp the answer to that million-dollar question.

  “Everyone’s an expert.” She rolled her eyes and shared a pointed glance.

  “Yes, I am an expert,” Royce said darkly.

  Susanna quickly ducked and cleared her throat. ”I’m not going to lie; it does get lonely, sometimes.”

  “I love your outdoor room. Do you actually use that bathtub?” He pointed to a corner.

  “Of course I do.” Susanna gave him a straight sexy smile. “I should bathe you before I put you in my bed.”

  Royce’s eyes widened. She had his full attention, but Susanna turned away before he could respond. She left him at the oversized chair. Her bathing ritual was graceful and sexy. She peered into the tub, presumably checking for prairie critt
ers and twigs. The shiny brass of the tub passed her inspection, and she winked at Royce.

  “I do what I can to keep stuff out of here, but there was no way to fight nature, and welcome it at the same time.” She dropped a few leaves and twigs in the corner. “I used to have a hot tub, but it was too loud. Then I saw a picture in a magazine of this, and ordered the largest claw foot bathtub I could find.”

  Susanna bent over in front of the tub, and Royce’s curiosity piqued.

  She turned a knob and there was a propane hiss. Burners had been placed under the claw foot tub, and they began heating the water. The sounds of the water changed as the tub filled.

  “It doesn’t take long for the water to warm and fill the tub.” Susanna stood up and pointed. “During the day, there is an amazing view. The Black Hills are over there, and the Badlands are old salt lakes that can be seen over there.” She paused, then said, “I need some things from my closet,” and started to walk toward a curious structure.

  Royce followed her. Susanna’s closet was a shock in the outdoors. Double wide French doors led from the outside to an enclosed room. Behind the numerous panes of glass, more than just clothes were protected from the elements. Thick vinyl records from the height of culture, which spanned the past hundred years, lined a whole shelf. Another was neatly lined with glassware and other fragile necessities of outdoor living. Clothes were hung in a tight corner between a dresser and a window with a bench. It was peculiar, and Royce loved it.

  Susanna picked up towels, oils, and salts. She was old fashioned. Her towels were embroidered. The oils and salts were in crystal decanters and bowls. Royce liked the shine and delicacy of her things. It was classy and timeless, and he was in a hurry to add to it.

  “Do you want to carry the towels or the tray?” she asked, turning around.

  The tray looked a little delicate, and Royce chose the towels. They returned to the bathtub and turned the water off. A few oils and salts were added, and Susanna dipped her hand in the water and splashed it around.

  “The water is ready. Why don’t you get in, and I’ll get a few more beers from the house,” Susanna suggested.

  Royce could find no flaws in her logic and agreed.

  She started to walk away and then came back, remembering something. “I better turn off the propane burners. I don’t want to burn your butt.”

  Royce appreciated all of her one more time as he watched her bend over in front of him. He watched until she was completely out of view, then shook his head and started shedding his clothes.

  Royce sat chest deep in the water, and faced the path. He looked around and was almost content. The evening’s air was a smattering of sweet scents carried over from the gardens, and the fire from the quad was throwing shadows onto tall bushes that caught them. Potted tropical flowers and trees filled in the additional privacy from the garden that was growing into a full design.

  Royce realized once more that he was dealing with someone who kept her motor running. Susanna was completely in tune with her surroundings and had turned a plain back yard into a luxurious room.

  It turned him on. He was always ready for sex, and Susanna worked her way through the distance. He had a very good feeling about how things would work out between them.

  He just needed to melt her a little bit more. Somehow, he would have to reach into her hard-working life and get her to depend on him. Royce knew she could be everything he needed, but she didn’t need anything.

  Royce was thirsty, and he was thirsty for more than just beer.

  Susanna was quick, and he relaxed when she reappeared.

  She stood before him and took her clothes off, her naked body a welcome sight.

  “Tell me, Susanna,” he started softly, “how many more surprises do you have? Is that beer for me?”

  “I was wondering how you would react to being on the prairie, but it looks like you’re right at home.” Susanna smiled down at him.

  She was within arm’s reach, and handed him a bottle.

  “I think it’s time for you to join me.” He grasped her wrists and pulled her into the water.

  Her body went limp and slid across him smoothly. She was a hot jolt to his senses. She was all woman and had just landed in the best spot.

  “Ouch,” Royce groaned. “You made me forget I was just in a wreck. This is so much better. You belong in my lap.”

  “That might be true,” Susanna said, “but I would like to look at you for a while.”

  Susanna was sprawled across him. She kicked off her flip-flops and spun her legs into the water. She kept moving until her back was to the tub, and they faced off from opposite ends of the claw foot tub.

  She cracked her beer and saluted him with the bottle. She took a good gulp, then another before setting it down on the table.

  The night was one for the ages. Royce wanted to savor every detail. His eyes were full of Susanna’s dripping wet body glowing in firelight. His nose was full of fresh wildflowers that carried a breeze, and Susanna’s voice was a comforting lull.

  “It’s been a long day,” she said.

  “One of the best days,” Royce replied before taking a swallow of his beer.

  She shifted softly in the water, her knees hugging one side of the tub. Royce stared at her quietly, enjoying the gleam of her ivory shoulders.

  Susanna leveled her eyes on Royce and said, “You don’t know how lucky you are. I’ve seen the worst accidents with deer. You just got up and walked away.” She shook her head, dumbfounded, and picked up her beer again.

  “I have often wondered what my reaction would be to tipping a motorcycle on its side. Letting go of the motorcycle and jumping away worked quite well.” Royce smiled. “This tub is great. It’s very private.”

  “Thanks. I always miss it in the winter,” Susanna admitted.

  “I bet it’s even better with me in your tub,” Royce said smugly.

  Susanna sat up even straighter. Air started to compete with the water on her flesh, and Royce wondered where he could fit.

  She shifted her knees and quickly changed the subject by asking, “Do you like the prairie?”

  The innocent question did much to bring Royce down, but he was honest. “There are pros and cons. Have you traveled a lot?”

  “Yes, with a rodeo team in my teens. There are pros and cons to cities.” She finished her beer and shrugged. “Being neighborly in cul-de-sacs has never been for me. Some people spend all day worrying about the next day, or their afterlife, you know. I think this is the afterlife, and we might as well enjoy the present. It is a gift.”

  Royce really liked her brain. She had simple way of acknowledging life that struck him in the gut, every time. He was amazed that she could be so easy to understand and deep at the same time.

  “You are my present,” Royce whispered.

  Susanna snatched his beer away while saying, “I like presents. I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear you say I’m yours.” She finished his beer and nervously changed the subject. “I’m getting another drink. Would you like another?” she asked, standing up.

  Royce was enthralled by her creamed-honey skin. It was smooth and unmarred without a tattoo in sight. He rose; he was done waiting for her. He was on fire for her, and he couldn’t take the burn anymore. He hugged Susanna under the stars once more.

  They were a stark silhouette against the breezy white canopy that fluttered eyelet ruffles. There was no denying their attraction, and they were sucked into a vortex that had them leaning on each other heavily.

  Royce took his time as he picked her up. She was easy to carry, even when she was slippery wet. The feeling of flesh on flesh spurred him into a new sort of fastness.

  He carried Susanna to the canopy bed. Laying her down softly, he couldn’t decide which part of her body he wanted to touch first. He looked down at her smooth and clean body in hesitation. He started by stroking her thighs and belly as Susanna arched and moaned before him.

  “Royce, I want you. Now,” Susanna com
manded.

  He did not need any other encouragement; he was happy to comply with her wishes. When rosy pink lips said his name aloud, he found new demons to battle as he struggled for control.

  Chapter 6

  Love Bites

  Royce’s Version

  It was a cool night, just the right temperature for two steaming hot bodies to cuddle. Royce slept hard and deep. He woke up when Susanna shifted in bed. She had slept in his arms all night without moving.

  Susanna fit so nice.

  “Where’re you going?” His morning voice could barely find air. His eyes barely opened, expecting to find it still dark out. “Where’re you going?” He repeated himself with the same slurry morning voice.

  “Mmm.” Susanna’s morning voice was low. “You sleep light.”

  “Yeah, and I sleep until it’s light out.” Royce was surprised his brain could respond in the dark.

  She rolled onto her back and stretched out her legs.

  Susanna hadn’t answered his question twice and it made Royce more awake. He sat up on his elbow and looked down at her. He fingered a pink circle that had popped out of the coverlet. “What time do you usually go to work in the morning?” he asked.

  “Right about now.” Susanna looked up at him. “I thought I’d get a few chores done, and you can sleep in.”

  Royce placed his hand on her belly. “How about we compromise? Stay in bed for one more hour, then I’ll help you with your chores.”

  “I don’t think I’d thrust you into country life, no matter how much you love nature. You’re a city boy.” Susanna grinned at him mischievously.

  “Maybe I love nature, or maybe I love natural beauties, but you can’t say the word thrust to any man without trouble.” He covered her body to prove it.