Sheltered by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Oh darn! I forgot I must call Janie Sue today and tell her what to bring for the book club. You finish up that pie, sweetie, while I go make this call.” Beatrice hurried out of the kitchen.

  She had just rolled out the second crust for the pie when she heard light footsteps behind her. “Beatrice, how does this look?”

  “Amazing.”

  At the sound of the familiar, husky voice she twirled. “Cull, I-I thought you were Beatrice.”

  “Apparently so.” His amazing blue eyes skimmed her from head to toe before coming back up to hold her gaze. “You have a little something right here.”

  She started to reach up to wipe her cheek, but he beat her to it. He swiped the pad of his thumb along the curve of her cheek, leaving a trail of blissful heat that swarmed other pink parts of her body. How could one man have so much control over her? To keep from falling, she grabbed ahold of the edge of the counter and held on for dear life. “About last ni—”

  “Last night we—”

  They both said the words simultaneously. He cleared his throat. “You go ahead.”

  She sighed heavily.

  Okay, here was her chance to clear the air. She’d thought about what she’d say to him and none of her brave words showed up on her tongue. “Why don’t you go first,” she offered.

  He nodded and leaned against the counter, hooking his thumbs in his front pockets. “I’m sorry I acted like a jerk.”

  Preparing herself to prove her point, she moistened her lips and lifted her jaw. “Cull, I know you might not believe me, but I’m not Monica. Sure, that’s the only name I can call myself, but you must believe me.”

  “I do,” he said without hesitation.

  “I know it doesn’t make se—” She widened her eyes. “Wait. Did you say you do believe me?” Had she heard right or what she wanted to hear?

  “Yes, I believe you. It’s not that I didn’t last night, but it all caught me off guard.”

  “What made you come to this conclusion?”

  “Let’s have a seat, okay?” He took her hand into his larger one and he led her to the table, pulled out a chair and when she took the seat, he went around to grab his own.

  “You know, we have to quit having conversations where you have me biting nails.” She swiped her floury hands down her jeaned thighs. Her nerves were taking control.

  “Monica Warren was found last night.”

  She smiled. “Great! Then we can figure out most of the missing pieces to this puzzle.” Seeing his grave expression, she frowned. “What?”

  “She’s dead.”

  She heard the heaviness in his voice that matched her own in her chest. “Oh no. Who did this? It was the same man that tried to kill me, wasn’t it?” Although this proved that she wasn’t Monica, it opened more questions. She didn’t know the woman, but in many ways, they’d shared a part of one another. “So, this means that I’m no longer wanted for questioning, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “And I’m no longer in danger?”

  “Not quite.”

  Her hopes dashed. “But I’m not Monica so the killer would have no reason to still want to come after me.”

  “He would if he thinks that you can identify him.” He blew a long breath out of the corner of his mouth. “You’re getting your memory back, bit by bit. Eventually I think you could point him out of a line up.”

  “I don’t know, Cull. It might never all come back, but if this man is never found, I’ll never be able to live my life. I’ll never be able to live a normal life.”

  He reached out and took her hand, weaving their fingers. “I won’t let anything happen to you, not like I did the real Monica.”

  “What do you mean? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  He let go of her hand. “I thought you were her. If I’d known, I would have found her and saved her, maybe even caught the killer. Somehow I think I set the wolves on her heels.”

  She resisted the urge to cup his cheek, wanting to comfort him. “How so? He’s a killer, Cull. A killer can’t be controlled.”

  He shrugged and his black T-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. “It’s only a matter of time and he’ll be caught.”

  “Now the big question, who am I?”

  “We’ll figure it out.”

  “Why don’t you two go and enjoy the afternoon.” Beatrice patted Cull’s shoulder when she stepped into the kitchen. “It’s too lovely of a day to spend surrounded by four walls. I’ll take care of the pie.”

  “I can’t leave you with a mess,” Monica said.

  “Ah, you will do me the favor by getting my boy out of this house and doing something besides fighting crime.” Beatrice smiled. “Take her out and show her the property, son.”

  He snapped up a brow. “I’m a halfway decent tour guide if you’re interested?’

  “Okay, if you don’t mind waiting while I wash the flour off my face.”

  “I’ll meet you outside.”

  Chapter 20

  HE WATCHED MONICA step out of the house and the breeze swept across her, lifting the hem of her shirt. She grabbed it and tugged it down, laughing. She was beautiful, and he could barely catch his breath. He tightened his grip on the horse’s reins. “Ready for a ride?”

  Did she pale some?

  “On a horse?” She practically squirmed.

  “Yes, this is Charlotte. She’s gentle and doesn’t have a problem carrying two riders. She loves to ride.” He patted the beauty on the neck.

  “Yes, she’s very pretty, and—wait…what did you say?” Her eyes widened.

  “Her name is Charlotte.”

  “After that.” Monica took another step.

  “She loves to ride?” The scrunching between her brows deepened.

  “You know what I’m talking about. You said two riders, as in one,” she pointed at him, then stabbed her own finger against her chest. “Two as in me.”

  He laughed. “What’s the problem? You said you wanted me to be your tour guide. We can’t walk the entire property and a golf cart doesn’t have the genuine feel.”

  As if she saw his point, she nodded. “Okay. You do remember I’ve never done this, right?”

  He pushed his Stetson farther back on his forehead. “Everyone has to start somewhere.”

  “Is that saddle big enough for the both of us?”

  Cull climbed up, settled against the leather. “Right here, sweetheart.” He patted the space between his legs.

  She dropped her arms and her cheeks flushed. “It looks awfully small.” There was a quiver to her voice.

  “I could always go and saddle up another horse so you could ride alone.”

  She gave her head a quick shake, sending some of the hair from her topknot. “No, I’ll join you.” She stepped across the short space and looked up at him with a bewildered expression. “What do I do to get up there?”

  “Put your foot in the stirrup.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and easily lifted her into the saddle. “Feel free to scoot closer,” he whispered in her ear.

  ****

  There was something very intimate about sitting in the saddle with Cull. The heat rose, and her inner thighs trembled.

  “Relax and enjoy the ride, sweetheart.” His words made the butterflies go wild inside her stomach. He brought his arms around her to take the reins and with a clicking sound of his tongue, the horse took off into a gentle gallop.

  She bounced lightly against him and when it became too difficult to keep her back straight, she gave in to need and relaxed against the broad plane of his chest. His warm breath brushed her cheek and she swore she could feel the heavy beating of his heart. Laying her hands on his thighs, she felt his muscles flex and his breaths quicken. There was no denying that she wanted him.

  The sun was balmy and the slight breeze felt good against her skin. The rhythmic movement of the horse’s steps were a lullaby to her senses and the comfort of Cull’s body with his arms around her put her in a trance. Th
e land was beautiful, lush green as far as the eye could see and the jagged line of mountains in the distance. The blue sky was scattered with plump, fluffy clouds.

  They rode for another few minutes and reached the edge of the woods. He brought Charlotte to a stop and he slid out of the saddle.

  “I’ll help you down,” he said. He placed his hands around her waist and she clasped his shoulders as he lowered her to her feet. Lifting her face, she looked up at him, his eyes were as blue as an ocean. Neither made a move to part, they stood there as seconds floated by and the temperature rose.

  He took a piece of her hair and twirled it around his knuckle, bringing it to his nose. “How is it that you always smell so damn good.”

  ****

  He was a goner. He knew it and there was nothing he could do to stop his need. Hell, did he want to stop things? “We’re going to have to stop fighting these feelings, sweetheart.”

  As if a higher authority controlled his body, Cull couldn’t step away from her. He shifted to give his tight jeans a little more room, hoping to ease the discomfort of his growing cock. It wasn’t enough. He was engulfed in the moment, a runaway train without brakes.

  “Maybe it’s time we allow things to happen,” she said in a whispery voice.

  He felt like every wish he’d made in his life had just been granted. The stars were aligned, and he had reached the ultimate happiness. “Are you sure? I mean, you’ve had a lot of ups and downs and your memory is slowly coming back. You’re in the driver’s seat, sweetheart, and I respect your decision.” He dropped the tendril of hair and brushed the tips of his fingers along her cheek.

  “You’ve been here with me through everything. This feels so right.”

  Her soft and seductive voice did amazing things to his body—things he couldn’t deny. She smiled and he growled with appreciation for her beauty. He’d always thought she was beautiful, ravishing, but today she was radiant, and her eyes were as bright as diamonds. He followed the delicate lines of her face from her high cheekbones, full, delectable mouth, big gorgeous eyes, and a pert nose. He kissed the tip and her smile grew. “My God, I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman. Never wanted another as much as I want you.”

  A little giggle bubbled up in her throat. Her cheeks flushed and that made her even more adorable. She tucked her hand into his and their palms touched. “Let’s go sit by the tree.”

  Once they were in the shade of the ancient oak, he touched her back, skimming his thumb along her spine, following the line until he came to the waist of her jeans. What he wouldn’t give to use his tongue to explore her. He’d sample her sweet body, learn every inch. Bringing his hand up, he lifted her hair away from her neck and he massaged her nape. A moan of pleasure escaped her and he smiled.

  “The scene is so gorgeous. Everything is so bright. The sky. The grass. I’m so calm except for the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach,” she said softly, lifting her head to look at him.

  He bent and brushed his nose over the silken skin of her cheek. She was so soft, and he wondered how she felt and tasted on other parts of her beautiful body. “Your scent reminds me of cotton candy from the carnival.”

  Chapter 21

  CULL WAS HER knight in shining armor. The man who made her feel empowered. Her body was on fire and every cell throbbed with a need so powerful she thought she’d burst.

  Her eyes naturally drifted to his mouth. It was tight as if he was doing his best to control himself. He wore a sexy shadow of a beard which made him look bad ass and drop-dead gorgeous. Her heart sped up as if she’d just run a marathon. What were these strong feelings in her? Was she falling hard?

  “I want to kiss you, sweetheart. If I don’t, I think I might go crazy. Hell, I’m already past that point. I’ve felt insane the second I knew I shouldn’t touch you.” He swallowed hard. “I’m afraid I’ll blink and this will all have been a dream. Please tell me I’m awake and you’re not a dream.”

  “I’m here, Cull. I’m real.”

  He brought his fingers to her face, cupping her cheek. “What if I want more?” He leaned in and rubbed his nose against her cheek, then kissed the same spot, leaving a trail of kisses to her ear and he licked the sensitive skin, nibbled it between his teeth.

  Laying her head gently back to give him better access, she tried concentrating on getting her words out of her trembling lips. “That’s huge, Cull.” His gentle, loving kisses made her want to give in completely. Offer him anything he requested. What was keeping her?

  A moan of arousal reached her ears and she smiled. She loved turning him on—loved knowing he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

  “Go big or go home, right?” He kissed her neck.

  “I’m a little nervous,” she admitted. “This is all so new. I know I’ve been in a man’s arms before, but I don’t remember how I felt. I couldn’t possibly have felt like I do now.”

  He drew his head back to look at her curiously. “I don’t want to make you nervous.”

  “Not you exactly, but not knowing how I’ll do…you know…You must have been with many women.”

  He chuckled lightly. “Sweetheart, I’m certain you’ll do just fine, and as far as other women are concerned I think I’ve had a bit of memory loss myself. I don’t remember anyone but you. That’s what you do to me. You make everything feel like the first time.”

  “We’re a pair, aren’t we?” She gave a shaky laugh.

  With both hands he encircled her neck, his fingers smoothing over her skin, his thumbs framing her chin. He roved his gaze over her face as if he were imprinting her features into his brain. “I’ve thought about you nonstop. How much I’ve wanted you.” With great care, he showered her with sweet kisses on her forehead, her brows, her eyelids, and planted a longer one on her lips. “You taste so damn good. Somewhere in life I’ve done something pretty damn amazing to deserve this.”

  She quivered under his touch as a longing so needful crept inside of her causing her stomach to flipflop. Her inner core spasmed with desire. As he moved his mouth lower to her neck, she closed her eyes and focused on the feeling of his lips against her skin. He was so gentle like an artist creating a masterpiece. Finally, he brought his chin up and touched her mouth softly.

  Their breaths mingled and he used the tip of his tongue to trace the curve of her lips. She opened for him, inviting him in. He took tender, sweet nips at the corners, then slipped his tongue in. She brought her arms up around his neck and his kiss deepened.

  When she moaned in delight, he met her sound of pleasure with erotic bites to her mouth.

  “I’ve never wanted anyone, anything more in my life. You’re so fragile and yet so strong. I want to go fast, and yet I need to go slow.”

  He claimed her mouth again, his kiss a little more demanding but she could feel the tension as he held himself back. She could almost allow tears to flow at the joy of being in his arms.

  Feeling the dampness between her legs and the swelling of her nipples, she was heavy with desire. She resisted the need to move his hand between her legs to help her find release. “I feel out of control,” she said.

  He rested his forehead on hers. “I could take you right here, but I want you in my bed.” He stood and his need was evident. “This is going to take some work, but it’ll be worth it.” He laid out his hand for her.

  Once they were in the saddle, what was only minutes to reach the stables seemed to take hours.

  ****

  He wanted her.

  They wanted each other.

  There were so many things he wanted to say, but he couldn’t manage to wrap his brain around one word. They walked together, neither saying anything, but the magnet between them became stronger with each step.

  Once they finally reached the apartment, he could barely walk a straight line. He lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs.

  “What are you doing? I’m too heavy,” she lightly pressed against his chest.

  “Honey, you weigh
less than a bag of feed.” He crossed the threshold with her and carried her into the bedroom. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t much of a tour guide, but I’ll be a better lover.” He winked and laid her down on the bed.

  “How did you manage carrying me without breaking a sweat?” she asked.

  He stared down at her. Damn, he was hungry for her. He looked deep into her beautiful eyes. “I can’t promise that I won’t be sweating before the next few hours are out.”

  Dragging his shirt off his body, he gave it a toss, then toed off his boots. Her eyes remained on him and her tongue darted out to dampen her lips. He could have shot his wad off in his jeans, but he had a little thread of control left. He felt like the luckiest man being here with her—watching her watch him. Slowly, he moved his gaze from her lovely face, down along her graceful neck to the neckline of her snug T-shirt. “We need to get rid of that, sweetheart. I’m dying to see all of you.”

  She sat up, grabbed the hem of the shirt and pulled it up and off. She wasn’t wearing a bra! Holy shit! He took in her bare skin, the feminine line of her slender shoulders, the creamy skin of her chest that had a slight flush. Her tits were firm, milky pale and she had large pink areolas with thick, erect nipples that begged to be suckled. He lowered to the bed, hearing the springs pop and crack as he eased closer and cupped her breasts, lifting them higher, squeezing them gently. Rolling the pads of his thumbs over her nipples, he relished in their perfection, the silky softness. An eager moan slipped from her lips and he grinned.

  Her bottom lip pouted ever so slightly, making it appear fuller. “They’re beautiful, baby,” he said breathlessly. “Your body…amazing. I can’t guarantee that I’ll last long, but I want to show you the pleasure you deserve.”

  Feeling her tremble, he traced one plump nipple with the tip of his finger, then lowered his mouth to sample it with his tongue. A sweet groan escaped her and she arched her back deeper, lifting her incredible breasts higher and making his shaft harder. He treasured the sweet bud, dancing his tongue over the smooth skin. With the hunger of a starving man, he nibbled her milky flesh, kissing a sweet path between the cleft of her breasts until he took the other nipple into his mouth and suckled. He could spend hours here, just on her breasts, but the seams of his body were breaking.