Mustering her courage, she placed a hand on the ladder and began to climb. It only took six steps and a ragged breath wrapped around a few curse words from Nash to remind her that she wasn’t wearing any underwear.
“You’re totally looking up my dress, aren’t you?”
“Na,” he snickered right before sinking his teeth into her butt cheek, material and all.
Each weathered foothold creaked in the summer sun as they made their way toward the crown of the old oak. Curiosity mingled with jealousy. Ember found herself counting the rungs, speculating how many asses he’d previously bitten escorting women up the ladder.
Looking up, she spotted a large terrace spanning several sturdy limbs. Thick boards painted in multiple shades of faded greens and browns, took on a camo effect, obscuring the fort from below. Keeping a secure hold of one of the many branches acting as a handrail surrounding the fort, she cautiously tested the stability, stepping onto the plank flooring one foot at a time.
“It’ll take a few minutes for you to get your bearings, but I promise, it’s safe.”
Nash pointed through the thick foliage to the river below. “The view doesn’t get any better than this, sweetheart.”
Steep embankments covered in lush grass, flat rocks, and sandy dirt bordered the broad river, snaking its way through the picturesque prairielands. Smaller trees and shrubs clung to the edges of the rushing water flowing within its banks.
“I can’t believe this is the same river that runs along my ranch…Walker Ranch,” she clarified.
“Same river. Just a different vantage point.” He pressed a kiss near her temple. “I’ll be right back.”
“What? Wait, where are you going?”
A lazy taunting smile slid from one side of his stubbled jaw to the other. “It’s a surprise. I need to grab a few things.”
A breathy response stuck in the hallow of her throat. Forcing a swallow, she managed to squeak out, “Okay. I’ll be fine.”
After he disappeared down the tree, Ember inched toward the center of the platform, opting to sit rather than stand. Gathering her wits, she dropped her chin to her chest and slowly rolled her head from side to side, releasing the sticky tension from her neck.
Nash returned a few minutes later with a sizeable duffle bag slung over a shoulder and two pillows in hand.
Eyes popped wide, she asked, “Oh, are we camping?”
“We are. That is, as long as you’re not scared of sleeping under the stars. But I have a sneaky suspicion you’ll enjoy it.”
Scooting to one side, Ember watched as he unclasped a few bungie cords holding a couple bed rolls to the pack. Digging in, he dropped to his knees unloading a sleeping bag built for two, a blanket, a battery-operated lantern, half a case of water, a candle, and a few other items.
Shifting to her knees, she peered inside the large duffle, brows arched in question. “Got any food in there?”
Nash rescued an insulated bag from the bottom. “Dinner and two bottles of wine. Nothing too fancy so don’t get too excited.”
The hum of sensual energy coming off him scattered chill bumps across her flushed skin. She started to comment, but the growing arousal coursing through her body momentarily muzzled her words.
“I…I can’t believe you did all this.” The spicy scent of him caught on her tongue wreaking havoc on her intuition and libido. Normally, her instincts guided her through moments of anxiousness, but the questions in her mind started backing up like LA traffic. Not wanting to sound too eager or hopeful, or just plain jealous, she added coyly, “You sure know how to show women a good time.”
Nash countered, “Maybe a certain woman who enjoys the great outdoors.”
The claiming tone in his voice scrambled a swarm of butterflies in her belly. His lips tipped upward, tracking the wave of goosebumps coasting down her arms. Resting his hands on the floor, he leaned in close, bringing his nose inches from hers.
“And don’t think I didn’t catch that question. No, I don’t bring women here.” He paused. “The only person that’s ever been here is Sam.”
The sound of his soft, knowing chuckle danced through her like a live wire. Ember could feel her cheeks turning cherry red, but she wasn’t going to deny her interest in his previous dating habits.
He handed her a bottle of wine and she made quick work of the cork, filling two plastic wine glasses while Nash spread out the comfy bedding. He retrieved several containers filled with cured meats, hard cheeses, bite sized fruits, and a few tasty looking spreads, unloading them onto a gorgeous live edge piece of wood with black, wrought iron handles.
Taking a long sip of her wine, she watched as he meticulously arranged the goodies on the board as if following a memorized diagram, taunting, “Charcuterie, huh? I suppose you’re going to attempt to convince me that you created this delicious looking masterpiece all on your own.”
“Not in a million years, sweetheart. Jax from Grace hooked me up. I told him I needed something that would impress you and this is what he conjured up. I would’ve never considered this to be impressive, but he assured me you’d be dazzled.”
Heart brimming with happiness, she plunked a strawberry into her mouth and pressed a kiss near his temple before whispering in his ear, “Very impressive.”
“Me or the charcuterie?” he riddled, waggling his dark brows.
Ember blushed sliding him a sultry look. “Both.”
The sun began its nightly descent toward the horizon, painting the late-day sky in wispy strokes of tangerine orange and cotton candy pink. Easy conversation carried across the tranquil night air as they feasted on savory specialties. Nash extended his long muscular legs and leaned against the tree. He stacked the last piece of sausage atop a slice of baguette and topped it with a smear of lemon pesto before popping it into his mouth.
Laying her head in his lap, she gazed up into the fairy tale setting wondering how much time he spent as a child on the banks of the river. Nash didn’t talk about his childhood much. After meeting his sister, Ember suspected there were more hidden truths and mysteries to the Harris family. However, the subject was definitely not something he was comfortable discussing. Nash was the kind of man that guarded his privacy and preferred keeping personal issues close to the vest.
The soothing sounds of the babbling river combined with the crisp fall air and two glasses of wine, lulled her into a relaxed state of mind. Rays of the fleeting sun pierced through the canopy leaves, warming her bare legs. Ember closed her eyes and pulled a deep inhale through her nose relishing in the feel of his fingers sifting through her hair massaging her scalp.
“This place reminds me of Malibu a little.”
The manipulation near her temples came to a halt and the muscles of his thighs tensed beneath her head.
Detecting the heavy shift in his energy, Ember peeked up through one eye. His jaw was rigid and set tight to one side, gnawing on the inside of his lower lip. The turmoil building in his eyes turned the ocean of blue into a stormy sea of darkness.
Uncertain of what sparked the internal battle going on inside him, she continued in a ramble, “The cool air plus the humidity and smells of the river…they remind me of the beach. A little.”
After a whole sixty seconds, he grimaced, brows knitting with concern. “Do you miss California?”
The way he enunciated the word miss, she knew it was a loaded question. She just couldn’t figure out why the mention of Malibu struck a nerve.
Turning her head to the side, Ember peered out beyond the foliage. Bare feet crossed at the ankles, she turned one foot in a small circular motion, contemplating.
“I do. I miss my clients, but I truly miss teaching. Yoga has been an integral part of my life for so long it’s like breathing for me. And, of course, the beach makes for a nice view every day. But I don’t miss the traffic or the crowds,” she snickered.
The softness previously surrounding his eyes now pleated with uneasiness as Nash toyed with a lock of her dark hair. The
ir conversation was sliding into unchartered territories, but she couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, she was tired of having the ranch, or anything else, wedged between them.
Ember lifted her hand to his jaw, gently stroking. “What is it? What did I say?”
Lips pursed tight, he shook his head, eyes never budging from hers. “It’s nothing.”
“Doesn’t feel like nothing.” Ember sat upright. Wriggling sideways, she scooted into his lap and loosely draped her arms around his neck.
“Damn it all to hell, woman,” he cursed, turning his head to avert her curiosity.
Shadows of dancing leaves played over his rigid features. Swinging his gaze back to meet hers, he pushed his fingers into her hair, clasping her skull. Heat from his ragged breath fanned across her lips right before he crushed his mouth to hers. Tongues tangling, he deepened the pressure licking into the heat. The wildness of the kiss, possessive and claiming, spilled through her soul drawing a low moan from deep in her throat.
Breaking the connection, he brushed his firm, full, sexy lips back and forth over hers. “Why do you have to be so intuitive?”
“I swear, I wasn’t trying. I can just sense when you’re…conflicted.”
“I know! That’s what makes it so damn frustrating. You know exactly how to react to me. No matter what my mood, you ease in around me, not pushing or prying, simply allowing me my own mental space.”
Ember’s mouth bowed south in sympathy, blown away by his transparency. Leaning closer, she placed a trail of soft kisses down the curve of his neck.
“My mom says it’s a gift,” she admitted in a quiet voice. “It’s true, I can usually sense when you’re upset, but at the moment I have no idea why you’re so frazzled.”
Nash clutched her by the arms, putting a few inches between them. His eyes narrowed, staring down at her with smoldering intensity. “Look, for three months, I’ve restrained myself from asking questions. We both dance around every subject regarding Walker Ranch, but I need to know if you’re leaving. And at this point…this has nothing to do with the ranch. I need to know if you’re going back to California?”
The air swirled with unspoken emotion.
Slivers of light shone through the cracks of his fortified heart like the sun shining through the thick foliage of the ancient oak.
In a blatant invitation, Ember kicked a leg toward the sky and rotated her bottom to straddle his hips. Spikey shadows cast across his cheeks, looking down between her spread thighs. The storm clouds in his eyes vanished leaving nothing but hunger and lust.
Notes of playfulness vibrated in her tone asking, “Nash Harris, are you saying you’d like me to stick around?”
This roused a smile. Every tiny muscle in his face softened. Clasping hold of her hips, his fingers knotted into the knit fabric of her dress. With one small yank, he lifted the dress above her head and tossed it over a branch. Need and desire infused his long, heated gaze, roaming over her naked body in a slow meticulous assessment.
“Yes, I guess that’s what I’m asking.”
His admission made her spirits soar in shameless delight. Feeling the bulge in his jeans swell to a full-blown erection lured a low groan from her parted lips. In the ultimate embodiment of sensual power, Ember reached behind her, resting her palms on his shins, exposing every inch of herself to him under the sunset glow.
A thick beat of sensual awareness pounded in her chest.
She’d never felt so vulnerable and powerful at the same time.
Slipping his fingers into her thick mane, he gave a little tug, drawing a raw, throaty moan from a secret place concealed within her core. It was the only response she could manage.
Sensations building strength, Ember came undone, feverishly yanking at his shirt and belt. “Off, I need these off.”
Nash obliged, discarding his tee to the floor, working the buckle and zipper to release himself from the confines of his boxers.
Raw hunger licked its way through her body. She’d never experienced this kind of delicious, unfiltered need. Her thighs quivered and her center throbbed uncontrollably as a rush of adrenaline ripped through her veins. She started to squirm, grinding against him.
Catching the thick ridge of his cock on the perfect rhythm of friction, her head dropped back, sending a joyous groan toward the heavens. He secured her in place keeping a firm grip on her hips as she began riding out the buildup of pleasure.
A cool breeze rustled through the branches, turning her nipples to hard points. Nash buried his nose between the plush valley of her breasts. Trailing his tongue from one delicate mound to the other, he took turns drawing each tight, bud into the scalding heat of his firm, wet mouth.
“Nash, oh yes. Feels so good.”
Nash rested his palm over her heart, measuring the frenzied cadence, slowing the burn deepening in the pit of her stomach. Fingers splayed wide, he dragged the flat of his hand past her breastbone to the side of her neck. The brightness in his eyes grew unruly, stroking her throat with his thumb.
“Sweetheart, if this is good just wait until I’m inside you.” He buried his face in the curve of her neck, kissing, biting, and sucking. The scrape of his teeth and roughness of his stubbled jaw on her tender flesh provoked another whimper. “Get up here and ride me.”
Perched on top of his hips, Nash scooted them to the center of the makeshift bed. Mesmerized by his sun-kissed skin and trail of dark hair leading from his navel to his boxers, she smoothed a hand down his cut abdomen. Everything about him lured her in.
Arousal brimming full force, she hooked her toes into the belt loops of his jeans and shimmied them to his ankles. Gazing down at his glorious cock jutting outward from the dark trim, she held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Wrapper?”
Before the words left her mouth, Nash grabbed the wallet from his jeans, producing a foil packet. “You’re welcome.”
“Oh, thank goodness.”
Fingers working hastily, she rolled the latex down his erect shaft. Encircling her hand around the hard-sprung length, Ember readied him, slowly lowering onto the thick, fullness. Pleasure hissed from her throat in a carnal groan, taking every inch, allowing him to fully penetrate.
Nash’s eyes turned pliant, neck straining to the glorious view before him. Seeing him so entranced, watching their intimate connection sparked a wildfire inside. She wanted to please him.
Lost in the high, Ember rocked and swiveled her hips in a slow boil of seduction, consuming each new sensation before committing to the perfect rhythm of movement.
Shifting to her feet, she gazed into his gorgeous blues. Ember grinded against him, deepened the roll of her hips and quickened the rhythm of the ride. The intensity of their connection a startling awareness of their presence. Back arching in pleasure, her hair swung wildly against the blades of her shoulders, sticking to the damp skin.
Indulging in the bliss, his hands traced her body, skimming over her breasts and up her neck. Stimulation began building momentum, surging toward the ultimate climax. Low moans, full of pleasure and adoration, climbed into the night sky.
Sitting upright, Nash thread his open hand into the hair at her nape. An unbridled grin lurked in the corner of his mouth. Tightening his fist around the wavy strands of chestnut, he murmured, “I think you like this.”
“Yes, yes I do,” she panted, nearly howling at the moon.
The possessive gesture made her body tremble all over. He bucked upward, unshackling the flow of erotic energy streaming between them. The wild, powerful current tipped her into rapture. Tiny jolts of luscious electricity bloomed in strength, stretching outward from her center to the farthest points of her limbs.
Keeping hold of her hair, Nash dropped a free hand to the apex of her thighs, slicking a thumb over her clit in a circular motion. The luscious force and friction of his fingers drew out the last tremors of ecstasy. Surrendering to the chaos, she cried out for him, riding out the pleasure high as convulsions wracked
her body.
“Fuck,” he barked. Grasping her hips with both hands, he strained and jerked burying himself inside her.
Together, they tumbled, free falling into the other’s gravity.
Ember draped her arms around his neck, wilting over his shoulder as the remaining twitches left her body. In one easy move, he laid back, tucking her beside him. Each gasping for air, she curled up to his side.
Lying in his arms, Ember didn’t need to be poked with a red, hot iron to realize she’d just been branded. The claiming sensation sank all the way to her bones. Nash enveloped her physically, mentally, sexually, and spiritually. She might as well have had Harris permanently tattooed to her ass.
Nothing had ever felt so right, so natural, so perfect.
After a quick clean up, Ember rolled to her belly, and tucked her hands under her chin. They laid there, reveling in the serenity, catching their breath, watching the last bits of scattered colors fade into the horizon.
“Did you know this is my favorite time of day?” His rich baritone carried through the coming darkness.
“I did not know that.”
“Umm hmm.” He laid on his side, one hand propping up his head while the other toyed with a long strand of her hair. “It’s the perfect time of day when all the colors are sucked from the day’s end and the sun dips below the horizon. The landscape’s suffused with bluish light silhouetting the horizontal line of the land, and stars begin to dot the heavens.”
“I can see why it’s your favorite,” she acknowledged in awe.
“When I was a kid, I used to call it the magic hour.”
“I take it this was your favorite playground.”
Mimicking her relaxed position, Nash rolled to his stomach and rested his chin atop his crossed arms. “I wouldn’t call it a playground so much as I’d call it my escape.”
“I bet you and your brother used to stay out here all the time.”
“Sam’s five years older than me and grew facial hair before high school, so he preferred sneaking into the bars,” he joked, but somberness lingered in his voice. “I used to run away a lot and this was my spot.”
Catching Ember (Buckle Up Series Book 1) Page 21