“Much better, thank you.” She picked up her plate and tasted the pie.
Graham noticed hers was bigger and wished he hadn’t demanded a smaller piece. He took a bite and closed his eyes. “Heavenly.” She giggled at his antics.
Again they ate and sipped their coffee in silence. Graham relaxed. The scene was pleasant, cozy. All his alarm bells went off, and he straightened in his chair. He didn’t do cozy, did he? He glanced at Gina. She was staring out at the darkness, a faint smile on her face. His heart did a little skip.
Oh, hell, I’m in trouble. I’m already half in love with her.
“Is something wrong?” Gina interrupted his thoughts.
“Why do you ask?”
“You had such a strange expression on your face, sort of dazed. Is my pie disagreeing with your stomach?”
“Not at all. I’m fine, just tired. I’m going to bed.” He stood with his empty cup and plate in his hands.
“I thought we might watch television,” Gina said.
“Help yourself, it won’t bother me.” He strode off to end the conversation. If he stayed in her vicinity for one more moment he’d lose control, and she might reject him. She ought to.
* * * *
Gina sat outside for a while longer. It surprised her how much she loved the quiet. The dark sky dazzled with stars, and the air had a clean smell.
They hadn’t heard from her sister or anyone. She worried Sylvia was caught and in a dark place. Hopefully she’d be rescued and give up her crazy job. There wasn’t anything Gina could do to help her sister except stay here and be safe.
It was going to take time for her plan to work on Graham. If it did. She’d keep busy. In fact, tonight might be a good time to paint her room. His bedroom door would be shut, and he’d be asleep.
She jumped up and took the dishes to the kitchen. Then in her room she spread the cloth she’d bought to protect the furniture and floor, then put on her old clothes and started.
Since the room was small, it didn’t take long to paint, but the smell lingered. Gina put on her long gown with the long sleeves, took her blanket and pillow, and headed to the living room. She’d sleep on the couch tonight. She’d opened her bedroom windows and shut the door. By tomorrow her room would be fine.
She briefly wondered about Graham’s reaction when he discovered she’d painted her room and hung different curtains. He’d bluster and gripe, but she’d smile and ignore him, she hoped. A tiny flicker of fear warned her she might have dangled the red flag in front of the bull one time too many, but she pushed the thought away. He’d get over the surprise.
Chapter Six
Graham woke early, as usual. He showered, dressed, and decided to get some of his editing done before Gina woke and diverted his attention.
When he walked into the hall, his nose twitched. Paint? No, she wouldn’t dare, or would she? He stepped closer to her door. A faint odor of paint seeped around the edges. Quietly, he turned the door handle and opened the door a crack then rushed inside.
Yellow, bright yellow everywhere and new curtains to match. She’d put a white lace cloth under the lamp. Where was she? Her bed hadn’t been slept in.
He charged down the short hall and into the living room, glancing all around. She lay on her side on the sofa. Her auburn curls were tousled, and her thin white nightgown was hiked up, showing shapely legs. Inside, he began to soften.
No, she couldn’t come in and start changing everything. She was breaking all his rules. So he’d break one of his. He scooped her into his arms.
“What are you doing?” she asked, in a sexy, sleepy voice.
Striding to her door, he flung it open. “You painted after I said no painting!”
“You didn’t specifically say no painting, and it’s just a tiny space. The room’s more pleasant now. Not so cold and clinical.”
He turned, kicked his door wide open, and carried her inside. Staring into her large, seductive eyes, he tried to growl.
“You knew the rules, but women always want to bend them. First, the kitchen, then the bedroom, at this rate before you leave my whole house won’t be mine anymore.” He had difficulty keeping his mind on what he needed to emphasize to her. Her pink lips teased him to taste them.
“Put me down. I promise this is all I planned to do with the decorating. I won’t touch your sterile living room or your man cave.”
Graham let her feet slip to the ground. “Sterile living room?”
Gina leaned her head way back and frowned. “I should call it the second man cave. Two chairs, a small couch, and a television does not make for welcoming guests.”
“Maybe you don’t understand what I’ve been saying to you. I don’t want company, and I don’t have company.”
“You do now.” She started to walk off, but stopped to give him a flirty smile over her shoulder. He rushed forward, swung her into his arms, took two long steps, and dumped her on his bed.
He followed her down and cupped her face in his hands. “I warned you about teasing.” His lips captured hers. They were soft as a baby’s skin. He nibbled on her stubborn bottom lip. He’d hungered to taste it. Her body moved under his, and his cock pulsed against her in happy anticipation.
Most of his weight was held off of her small frame by his elbows. Graham took his time kissing her face and nibbling on her satin-smooth neck. He straddled her when he got to the high neckline of her gown.
“This looks like a virginal bridal gown.” He caught a fleeting expression in her eyes and swung himself off of her. “Are you a virgin?”
She licked her lips, raising the fever in his body. “No, it’s been a long time, though.”
“How long?”
“None of your business. Do you want to make love to me or not?” Her eyes sparkled with defiance.
“Hell, yes.” He stood and had his clothes off and his cock sheathed in a minute. Then he took hold of the top of her gown and tore it down the middle.
“What are you doing?” she yelled.
“You painted my perfectly good bedroom. I’m getting rid of your ridiculously modest nightgown.” He pulled the gown from under her and pulled off the bikini panties she wore underneath.
“Now that’s the way I like to see you.” He surveyed her delectable, dainty body. She looked like a perfectly proportioned porcelain statue his mother might have on her mantel.
The thought crossed his mind that he might hurt her. She looked stunned studying his body and especially his hard cock.
“Do I frighten you?”
She swallowed and cleared her throat. “Only your size compared to mine.”
“We’ll take our time. If I hurt you, let me know right away.”
Gina took a deep breath and nodded, but the concerned expression remained on her face. Graham lay across her body, again keeping the majority of his weight off her. He kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, and bit the edge of her jaw where she always jutted it up toward him to make her point. Inside he smiled, but he also burned for this woman.
When his mouth touched hers, she opened her lips, and her tongue and his tangled together. He sipped her sweetness and moved his hand to cup her breast. She sighed into his mouth and noticeably relaxed. His body, like a desert, soaked up her touch, her fragrance, her exotic flavor. He couldn’t get enough of her. Sliding down, he took her breast inside his mouth and sucked.
Her hands held his head against her chest as his tongue licked across her sensitive nipple. She reminded him of when he’d lain in a cherry tree and eaten the sun-ripened, sweet fruit. Warmth rushed through his veins, and her scent sent his desire into overdrive. He wanted to plunge into her pussy, but he had to take his time. She was small and needed to be ready before he entered her.
Moving farther down, he blew kisses over her stomach, then ran his finger between her wet folds and sucked on her clit. She screamed and raised her body to meet his mouth.
Graham tilted her hips where he could taste and lick her juices. “You’re the sweetest th
ing I’ve ever tasted,” he said and glanced up at her face. Desire flashed in her golden eyes.
His tongue flicked into her pussy opening, and he rubbed her clit with his thumb.
“Take me, please.”
He rose up and positioned his cock at her opening. Gradually, he entered her. His hungry cock wanted to push in faster, but he kept a tight rein on himself and watched her face for signs of discomfort.
“I’m not going to break.” Gina raised her lower body and pulled on his buttocks to move him forward.
His control slipped. His cock sank deep inside her. The warmth of her body and the silkiness of her pussy had him gasping for breath and trembling inside.
“Are you all right?” he managed to ask.
“You’re big, and the fit is tight, but it feels incredible.”
Slowly, he began to go in and out, setting a rhythm that she matched. His blood zinged through his veins, and spirals of pleasure rolled across him. When her pussy clenched and he felt the ripples of her inner walls against his cock, he moved quickly two more times. Then he heard her moan and say his name.
His cock released immediately, and their orgasms shook them both. Graham rolled and lay panting, perspiration shining on his body and his chest heaving. He’d never experienced this level of satisfaction ever. He moved his head to glance at her petite body. Her porcelain skin glowed, her curls were damp from exertion, and her rounded, rose-tipped breasts moved up and down with her deep breaths.
Graham feared he’d made a grave mistake. She might easily become much too important to him. He got out of bed and walked into the bathroom. A quick, cold shower and he’d go to work on his book. If only it was safe to take her home. The longer she stayed, the harder it would be to let her go, to turn his back and continue living as he had. Why did this happen? He was fine the way he was, and he didn’t need a woman to paint, and cook, and smile her way into his life.
When he came out of the bathroom, the bed was empty. He walked to the side and picked up a pillow. Her scent clung to his linens. Tearing the bed apart, he carried the sheets and pillowcases to the washer and threw them in, then started the machine. He wouldn’t sleep a wink tonight if he didn’t get rid of her fragrance.
* * * *
Gina left his bed and went to her room. She’d felt his withdrawal when he got up. What had she expected? He wasn’t going to admit he cared, not without a fight. Maybe he didn’t. She hadn’t had many boyfriends and had only been intimate twice. She didn’t know men like Sylvia did.
When he’d slid into her it was the most incredible feeling. His hard cock filled her to the max and pulsed against her pussy’s inner walls.
Euphoria had swept from her feet straight to the top of her head when her orgasm hit. Her other experiences had left her wondering if she was frigid or if all the talk about orgasms was highly overrated. She didn’t have to wonder anymore. It was wow and wow again.
Today, she’d continue with her plan. She wanted a serious relationship with Graham, and she wasn’t giving up easily.
In the kitchen, she found a bowl and poured in cereal and milk. She’d thought to knock on his closed door and ask if he wanted breakfast, but she’d let him go hungry and see how he liked it.
But after she washed the few dishes she wasn’t sure what to do. She’d put a roast in the fridge for tonight. It was too early to cook.
The phone rang as she started into the living room. She waited to see if Graham would answer. He did.
She went on out and roamed around the yard. She picked a few wildflowers to put in a jar for her room. This morning she’d deliberately put on her short shorts. Glancing at the window, she saw Graham staring out, the phone in his hand.
Gina leaned over and took her time choosing several colorful flowers then slowly straightened and stretched.
She smiled to herself. Her behavior was so bad. What she wouldn’t give to see his face right now.
“What are you doing, picking weeds?” His husky voice sounded behind her.
“These are wildflowers.”
“They’re weeds,” he snapped. “The phone’s for you, my mom.”
His eyes sparked with fire, and he turned on his heel to stomp back to the house.
“Hello, Mrs. Brodie.”
“I thought I’d call and see how you and Graham are doing. He sounded a little upset, which is good. But the other reason I called is one of the ladies you met at Millie’s said you wanted to learn to knit. Our group meets at one this afternoon. Would you like to attend?”
“Sure. I don’t have any knitting supplies though.”
“I’ll pick you up, and we’ll go for an early lunch to another place you might like. Then we’ll buy what you need to get started knitting.”
“Wonderful. What time will you be by?”
“How about in thirty minutes?”
“See you then.” Gina ended the call and walked inside the dim living room.
Graham rose from one of the chairs. “Those shorts are too short.” His face flushed pink.
“Everyone wears short shorts in the city.”
“This isn’t the city. While you’re staying with me you’ll wear proper clothes, shirts and jeans, not a tiny bra top and shorts.”
“You’re the clothing police for the town, I suppose. Do the ladies use makeup? I mean, I thought I saw makeup on your mother and sister-in-law.”
“I’m not kidding. This morning was a mistake. So don’t be flaunting your curvy body under my nose every chance you get.” He turned and disappeared into his room, slamming the door behind him. She giggled and hoped he heard. Her attire had exactly the effect she’d wished for. He hadn’t been able to ignore her. Graham might say their having sex was a mistake, but she didn’t believe him, and she wasn’t going to give up easily.
By the time his mother arrived she’d changed into a new pair of jeans and the cowgirl shirt she’d bought. Then she added the boots. Graham came to the door and gave her the once-over.
“Do I pass the test?”
He started to say something, but his mother knocking on the door stopped him. “Come in, Mom.”
“How lovely you look, Gina. That green color looks good on you. Are the boots comfortable?”
“I think they will be when I get used to them.”
“Graham, you look stressed.” His mother put her hand on his face. “Do you have a fever?”
“I’ll be fine once I have some peace and quiet. Thanks for taking Gina with you today. Where are you going?”
“We’re going to my knitting group. But first we’ll have lunch.” Mrs. Brodie motioned for Gina to come with her. “Bye for now, son.”
Gina turned back at the last minute. “You’re on your own for lunch. Your favorite is in the cupboard, peanut butter and jelly.” She let the screen door slam behind her.
“Boy, you can cut through the tension in that room with a knife. Whatever you’re doing has his attention,” Mrs. Brodie said.
Gina grinned and told her about decorating the kitchen and painting her bedroom. “I’m sure he’s going to enjoy his private time this afternoon.”
Mrs. Brodie glanced at her as she drove toward town. “Don’t get discouraged. The battle has just begun.” She winked at Gina.
Chapter Seven
Graham thought he’d get a good start on his edit, but he found himself walking around the cabin. A faint hint of jasmine and lilies lingered in the air. He went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. It was full.
Sunlight shone through the window, and he had to admit the bright-colored curtains and tablecloth created an ambiance where he was tempted to sit and have a cup of coffee. He shook his shoulders. What was wrong with him? The woman had moved into his house and put a spell on his mind. She was a witch. Inside he smiled, thinking, A bewitching witch.
Next he wandered into her bedroom. The paint scent was almost gone thanks to the open windows. Her shorts and that minuscule top lay across the end of the bed. His heartbeat had jum
ped and speeded up when she bent over and her sweet ass was up in the air. Then she straightened, and her breasts looked ready to pop out of her top. Hot desire boiled in his blood.
But this wasn’t getting his work done. He walked across the living room and stopped to look back. Sterile living room, he didn’t know what she meant. It had all the necessities. Shaking his head, he settled at his desk.
But the words ran together, and he found himself staring out the window. When the phone rang, he grabbed it in relief.
“I’m off today. Want to come over and go fishing in the creek?” Rand asked.
“I’ll be right there.” Graham put down the phone. Just what he needed, a day to clear his head. He kept his fishing gear in the truck. He started to lock the door. Gina didn’t have a key, but his mother did. He’d call them on the way and ask Mom to unlock the door for her. That settled, he was determined to put Gina out of his mind.
* * * *
Gina was surprised at the large group gathered to knit. Mrs. Brodie introduced her to everyone. The names began to run together after the first five. There were twelve in all.
“This lady”—Mrs. Brodie motioned to the tall, slim, white-haired woman who stood in front of them—“is new to our town. She moved here about a month ago. Mrs. Trevor, I’d like to introduce Gina Piercy. She’s staying with our family on vacation.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, and now I won’t be the new person on the block.” She had a pleasant smile and twinkling brown eyes. “I hope you also don’t know how to knit. Everyone else in this group is a professional. I’m just learning.”
“I’ve wanted to learn to knit, and this is my first opportunity. We can work on this together.” Gina and Mrs. Brodie sat by Mrs. Trevor.
Most of the women were already knitting, but two older ladies circled the room helping with any questions, and one came to sit by Gina and Mrs. Trevor to get them started. Mrs. Trevor had done a small bit, but the lady made her pull most of it out and do it over. Then she turned to Gina. Gina was afraid this was not going to be easy, but she straightened her shoulders and was determined to finish her first project, a blanket for one of the twins. She’d first thought about knitting sweaters for them, but later decided a sweater might be too difficult for a beginner.
Bewitching the Reclusive Billionaire Cowboy Page 5