by Petrova, Em
~* * *~
It relieved Sophie when Luke offered to let her share his tent again the next night. Not that she couldn’t sleep on her own but she desperately wanted a repeat of the night before. Luke had been attentive throughout the day, but definitely professional. They’d seen beautiful fields of wildflowers, stunning mountain ranges, and even some antelope. But what she wanted more than anything was Luke. She hoped he’d just been waiting until they stopped to kiss her again.
And when he took her in his arms, he did indeed kiss her. A budding mixture of relief and sexual tension built inside of her when he deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with his tongue. When he drew back to begin removing her pajamas, she reached up and turned on the battery-powered light, giving him a saucy grin.
“I thought you’d never kiss me!” she exclaimed as he set to work on her buttons.
“You paid for a trek through the wilderness, darlin’, so a trek you’re going to get. I couldn’t have you distracting me. Every time I kiss you it makes me rock hard.”
Sophie felt her grin expand. “Good.”
Glad he didn’t seem to regret their night together, she lay back and let him set to work. He’d taken the lead last night after her initial seduction, and she’d turn the tables on him soon enough, but for now she just wanted to enjoy the rolling of his muscles and the flash of desire in his eyes.
Thank God he hadn’t turned her away last night. She didn’t know how she would have survived. Lust making her body ache, and she knew she had to have Luke. She wanted to claim back the spontaneous Sophie she’d been before she married. The one that didn’t care what happened next and seized every opportunity.
Well maybe she did care a little what happened next. Hopefully Luke wanted her to share his tent for the next two nights too. Her body ached from the riding and the exertions of their lovemaking, and she was exhausted from all the new experiences—slowly she was falling in love with Nevada—but nothing would stop her from wanting Luke again.
As she skimmed her hands across his back and wriggled out of her bottoms, she rolled over and forced him to lie down so she could straddle him. The thought that had been plaguing her all day resurfaced as she looked down at the beautiful cowboy between her legs. Was she also slowly falling in love with Luke too?
~* * *~
Their final days’ journey didn’t last long enough for Sophie. She looked forward to a long bath and a proper bed, but the sight of the small mining town signaled the end of their trip. No more sharing tents with a cowboy. Tonight it would be a cozy hotel room and no sexy cowboy to keep her company.
What an experience it had been though. Travelling through the wilderness seemed to have lifted all the baggage from her shoulders. The sights, the sounds of the beautiful countryside, and the basic living had chipped away at the rigid person she’d become when she married David, and she finally felt herself again.
Of course, making love to a cowboy every night certainly helped remind her of who she once was.
Luke motioned to the settlement in front of him. “Fairbridge. A great stagecoach robbery took place here as the locals like to tell everyone. It’s like a time capsule. There’s a bar for dancing and the hotel is a converted barn.”
“Wow.” Sophie looked down at the town, nestled in amongst the mountains. With its wooden buildings and dusty roads, it was exactly like she’d imagined.
“What do you think? Shall I take you dancin’?” He winked at her, setting her heart fluttering.
“The only kind of dancing I know is the cheesy disco-type stuff.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.”
God, she was going to miss him. Every night, they’d made love, each moment better than the last. As they took the time to get to know each other’s bodies, their connection grew deeper. Luke was funny, intelligent, and actually cared about her pleasure. Her ex seemed so…so pale in comparison to the exciting Luke.
Still at least she would have some amazing memories to take back with her when she returned to England and started job-hunting once more. And with the divorce settlement, she could afford to be a little picky.
Luke led the way to the converted barn, and they dropped off the horses at the stables. Sophie gave Rocky an affectionate pat. One of the ranch hands would be along to collect them, and Luke and Sophie would be driving back to the ranch.
Simple but comfortable, the hotel’s cute little rooms were thankfully equipped with a decent shower. Sophie sighed with relief as she spotted it while Luke put her bag to one side.
Hat clutched in one hand, he scraped his other hand through his hair and eyed her. “My room is just next door. If you want to get cleaned up, I’ll take you to dinner at six.”
Sophie gave him a half smile, uncertainty churning in her gut. “Sure.”
Really she wanted to jump on him and kiss him into submission, but it was different now. They weren’t out in the wilderness on their own, sharing a sleeping bag. Life had suddenly caught up with them.
He shifted uncomfortably. “So I’ll just…”
Longing shone through his gaze, and Sophie gulped. Had she learned nothing these past five days? She was no longer the control freak too scared to take a chance. She’d taken a chance once before with Luke—could she do it again?
Running a finger along the waistband of her jeans, she reached for the button. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said slowly, staring at the floor. “It looks pretty big. Might be room enough for two.” She brought her gaze back up to his, heart thumping erratically.
A smile broke across his face. He chucked his hat on the side and kicked the door shut with his foot. “I thought you’d never ask.”
As he scooped her into both arms, he pressed a forceful kiss to her lips, making her gasp. Luke shoved her back through the door of the bathroom and lifted her onto the countertop, his mouth never leaving hers.
Sophie pushed her palms up under the back of his shirt, relishing taut smooth skin and flexing muscles. One hand clutched at her hair while the other tugged on the waistband of her jeans. The pop of a button told her he’d just broken them, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. Shifting from side to side, she helped him tear them off along with her panties.
He plundered her mouth as she fumbled with her shirt, desperate to feel his skin against hers. That got flung aside somewhere too and Luke made quick work of her bra, leaving her completely naked while he was still dressed. She pushed him back and frowned.
“Your turn, cowboy.”
With a tilted smile, he dipped his head in mock deference and slowly worked on the buttons of his shirt. Sophie skimmed her fingers over her breasts, causing him to raise an eyebrow as she silently urged him to hurry. When he showed no signs of speeding up, she trailed a finger over her stomach, down to her sex, and toyed with her wet heat.
Luke released a rumbling groan and made quick work of the rest of the buttons. “Ok, you win.”
Sophie started to laugh, but the sight of his smooth, powerful chest stole her breath. Seeing him in the bright light of the washroom, she realized just how gorgeous he really was. The planes of his shoulders and stomach stretched before her, begging for her to splay her palms across them. When his jeans and briefs fell away, she inhaled sharply.
Thick, strong legs with a dusting of golden hair greeted her as she followed them up and finally settled her gaze on his manhood. Her tongue darted out, and Luke chuckled.
“Hungry?”
Embarrassed, Sophie snapped her gaze up to his face. Before she could deny anything, he stepped between her legs and rubbed his hardness against her folds. She sighed and rotated her hips against him, already feeling the sparks of pleasure shooting through her. Honestly, the man only had to look at her to make her feel amazing.
“Come on, let’s get you clean.”
Nodding, Sophie slid off the counter and snatched his hand, leading him into the shower. Luke reached over her and turned the nozzle. She screeched when cold water struck her ba
ck. He turned her around and stood under the spray, wincing as he waited for it to warm.
“Sorry,” he muttered, but Sophie didn’t think he looked in the slightest bit contrite.
His gaze travelled over her, and she fought the urge to cover herself as he tugged her closer. The water now warm, it flowed over them both. Sophie nuzzled into his chest, kissing and licking his damp skin.
“I thought you were gorgeous before but, damn, Soph, you are so hot when wet.”
Smiling against his skin, she nodded. “Same could be said about you.”
Using her fingers to trace the lines of his stomach, she let her fingertips play lightly over his nipples before following the small strip of hair down to his erection. She grasped it carefully, feeling it pulse under her attentions. Desperate to taste his hot flesh, Sophie sank to her knees and eyed the length of him.
God, her cowboy was gorgeous.
Her cowboy?
With a shake of her head, she put her tongue to him, hearing an intake of breath. He tensed and clutched his hands in her hair as she circled him before taking him into her mouth. The feel of solid male flesh filling her made her body pulse with desire.
He rocked carefully against her when she curled both hands around his taut ass and she loved him with her mouth, tracing every indent until he groaned and hauled her to her feet.
“I can’t take much more of that, sweetheart,” he said, palming some soap and rubbing the lather into her breasts before working down her stomach to her pussy.
She pressed into him while he used the ball of his hand to rub at her clit and his clever fingers found her channel. One hand supporting her back, he worked her quickly into a frenzy, watching avidly as the pleasure overtook her. Gaze glued to his, she flew over the edge, bucking and shaking against his palm. A sense of overwhelming vulnerability assailed her, and she had to press her face against his chest to keep from crying.
How could she ever return to her boring old life in England after this? How could she leave Luke?
Soapy hands spread over her ass cheeks. He rubbed against her, sending frissons of yet more pleasure through her. A hand came up under her chin and forced her face up.
“What’s wrong, Soph?”
“Nothing,” she murmured and tugged him down for a kiss.
It was not as if she could ask any more of him. She’d already made him break his rules. Rubbing her stomach against his erection, she squealed when he spun her around and pressed her against the cool tiles, the water splashing over their backs.
The rustle of a condom packet sounded. He lifted a leg slightly to one side and held firmly on to her hip as he guided himself between her legs. Head resting on the crook of her shoulder, he teased her with his erection. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he repeated.
She bucked against him, and he retreated slightly. “Nothing! Oh God, Luke, stop teasing.”
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
“There…is…nothing…wrong,” she ground out as he probed her entrance with his cock.
“Don’t believe you.”
“Oh Luke, please,” she begged as he remained frustratingly still against her wriggling ass. “I just…just don’t want to it to end,” she admitted.
With one sharp, powerful thrust, he impaled her, making her cry out.
“Me either,” he whispered and filled her completely.
Her climax built quickly at his admission and he pounded into her, forcing her breasts up against the tiles as rough thighs rubbed against her. Already she clenched around him, so close but unwilling to go over quite yet. She wanted this to last and last.
Luke brought his strong hands up to cup her breasts. He pinched her nipples and nibbled her neck and ear. Sophie braced herself against the wall and tilted her head back to give him better access to her neck. His kisses and nips sent shivers through her.
The rough friction of his hardness inside her made her legs quake until she could hold off no longer. As he gave her several deliberately hard thrusts, she came apart and squeezed her eyes shut. The pulsing orgasm seared through her limbs.
As Luke supported her weak body, she felt the throb of his cock and he muffled a moan against her neck. He pulsed slowly against her, milking himself inside of her and Sophie grinned to herself.
“Don’t want this to end, huh?” Luke withdrew carefully and turned her to face him. He smoothed her damp hair from his face.
Chewing her lip, Sophie nodded.
“What am I going to do with you then?”
She shrugged and twisted a finger into the wet hair at his nape. “Take me to bed again?”
Luke shook his head, lips tilting upward. “Naturally. But I mean after that.”
“I don’t know. I don’t have much waiting for me at home. Maybe…maybe I could stay for a while?”
The pulse in her ears threatened to deafen her as she waited for a response. She wasn’t sure what she would do, but she had to find out where this was going. With no job or anyone special waiting for her at home, she could take some time, extend her holiday, and figure things out. Maybe they could have a long-distance relationship. Whatever they did, Sophie knew she didn’t want to give him up easily.
He smoothed back her hair again, pinned her down with his gaze, and told her, “I’d like that a lot, darlin’,” before claiming a kiss.
~* * *~
Apprehension and excitement mingled in Luke’s gut when the ranch came into view. He glanced at the woman beside him as he pulled the car into the car park. One of his ranch hands, Joe, who’d collected them, sat in the back seat, which pretty much prevented them from talking about what was going to happen next.
All he knew was he wanted Sophie to stay. He was pretty sure he was falling in love with the cute, funny girl. He didn’t even know if she would be the one woman who could cope with being his girlfriend, but she was made of pretty stern stuff so he hoped so. Maybe that stiff upper lip thing had its benefits after all.
Throwing open the car door, he hurried around to the side to open her door and snatched her bag from Joe, who eyed him with a bemused look.
Sophie stepped out and stretched, giving him an eyeful of her sweet breasts against the cotton of her shirt. Christ, he wanted her again already.
“Come on, let’s get you to your room.” He pressed open the door and frowned at the sight of a dark-haired guy in a suit at the counter. Luke didn’t recall arranging any meetings, and they were winding up for the end of the season, so he hadn’t booked any more trips.
The man turned and Luke extended out a hand. “Can I he—” he trailed off as the man pushed past him and embraced Sophie.
Sophie stood rigid in his arms, eyes wide. “David? What are you doing here?”
Luke clenched a fist. This was David? Her ex-husband? He tensed his jaw as anger threatened to bubble up. It struck him that the smooth-looking guy with an expensive haircut and a perfectly fitted suit was the total opposite of him. Was that the kind of guy Sophie really liked?
David finally released her. “Beth told me you’d come out here and I just had to come after you. What were you thinking? You could have been bitten by a snake or eaten by a bear or something.”
Sophie took a step back, hands propped on hips. “You came all the way out here because you were worried I’d be eaten by a bear?”
“Look, Sophie, I made a mistake. I want you back, baby.”
She glanced over David’s shoulder at Luke. “Come to my room. We obviously need to talk.”
Luke crossed his arms over his chest and glared at David. This slick asshole was going to steal her back? Hell no, he was not allowing that. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” he hissed when she took her bag and room key from him.
Sophie put a placating hand on his arm. “It’s ok. We just need to clear the air.”
“Fine. Can I get you anything?”
“A bottle of water,” David said without even looking at him.
Jerk. Oh he’d get him a bottle of water all rig
ht. And he’d throw it straight at that perfectly-styled head of his.
“Sure,” Luke said through gritted teeth as Sophie led him away.
He couldn’t believe it. He’d just found the perfect woman and she was about to get snatched from right under his nose. And how could he compete with some rich British guy? All he had to offer was a ranch in the middle of nowhere and he sure as hell didn’t have a posh haircut or a fitted suit.
Grabbing a bottle of water from the kitchen fridge, he stormed up the steps two at a time until he reached Sophie’s room. He lifted a hand to knock and hesitated as Sophie’s raised voice came through the door.
“You think you can put me through the hell of a divorce and just expect me to come back?”
Good girl.
“No, baby, of course not. I made a mistake, and I’m sorry. Ella has gone. You could move straight back in. Just come home,” came David’s response.
“I’m not coming home, David,” Sophie replied. “I’m going to stay here for a while. Think things over.”
Yes! Luke resisted the need to punch a fist into the air.
“Stay here? Are you joking? You don’t belong out here. You belong in London surrounded by beautiful things. Sophie, you’re no cowgirl.”
Luke heard the condescending tone to David’s voice and fought the desire to batter down the door and smash a fist into his jaw.
“You’re probably right, David,” was Sophie’s answer.
Unable to bear it anymore, Luke smacked a hand into the door, his heart constricting painfully. He should have known Sophie wouldn’t stay. Once the excitement was over, she’d probably realized ranch life wasn’t all that romantic.
The door swung open abruptly, and David snatched the bottle from his hand with a muttered thanks then slammed the door shut again. Luke stared at the door for a moment before swiveling angrily on his heel.
He barely registered the sound of the door opening as he stormed down the steps and out the front. Taking a glance around, he sucked in a breath. It was ok. He had the business, some great guys working for him, beautiful scenery. He’d enjoyed life before Sophie and he could again. If only it didn’t hurt so damned much.