“I’ll try not to hurt you but I have to work it into your muscles.”
“I’m fine. Go for it.”
“Easy for you to say,” he muttered as he opened the lid, scooped some salve out and rubbed his palms together. Taking a deep breath, he lifted the towel, put his hands on the cheeks of her butt, and started rubbing it in. Shit! Bad idea. Having his hands on her made his body react and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. Son of a bitch!
“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea,” she said looking over her shoulder.
“It’s a great idea. I’m enjoying the hell out of this, although my dick is so hard I probably won’t be able to walk straight for a week.”
Priscilla burst out laughing and slapped her hand over her mouth. “What a smooth talker you are, cowboy.”
Roark laughed and shook his head. He knew she was in a lot of pain but was glad she could still make jokes. He loved that about her. Whoa! What was that? He did not love anything about her. He barely knew her. She’d been with him for a mere three days. Wait. He did love having sex with her. It had been so hot and he’d never had better. Hell, if she didn’t hurt so much, he’d have her right now.
“Roark, please stop. This is making me hot. Come here,” she said over her shoulder.
“No, I’m going to grab a cold shower to take care of my dick. You rest.”
“I can be on top––”
“No, you can’t. Just rest. We have a while to be together. You’re going to be here almost a month. I’m done here.” He pulled the towel down to cover her and stood staring down at her. She slowly rolled to her back, smiled up at him, licked her lips, and crooked her finger at him.
“Ain’t happenin’, sweetheart. I’ll be right back and we’ll relax the rest of the night.” He turned from her to head for the bathroom.
“I’ll be waiting.”
Stopping in his tracks, he turned to look at her. “You’re going to be waiting a long time if you’re thinking we’re going to have sex. Not tonight.” He entered the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
DAMN HIM! She punched the mattress with her fists. She wanted him and he was telling her no. He was telling her! Since when did a man turn down sex? Since your ass is hurting and you need to rest...that’s when.
Huffing out a breath, she knew he was right. It would only cause her more pain but it had been so hot between them and that scared her. She knew she’d never have that with any other man. The chemistry between them sizzled and that didn’t happen with just anyone. Slowly sitting up, she stood then headed for her bedroom to put her lounge pants and T-shirt on after which, she’d find them something to eat. Maybe if she moved around a little more, it would ease the pain.
After dressing and doing her best not to cry every time she moved, Priscilla made her way back across the hall and entered Roark’s bedroom. He came out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist and she mentally groaned. Damn, he had such a great body. Those hard pecs and that six-pack stomach had her salivating. She raised her eyes and looked at that gorgeous face. He stood there with his eyebrow raised.
“Stop looking at me like that,” he said.
“I can’t help it.” She started toward him but stopped when he held a hand up.
“Stay right there. I told you, it’s not happening until you’re better. Now, I’m going to get dressed and we’ll find some food then watch some TV. That’s it.” He folded his arms across his broad chest and she watched as a drop of water fell from the end of his hair and rolled down his chest, slid under his arm, across his hard belly, and disappeared under the towel. She wanted to follow it with her tongue.
Suddenly, Priscilla couldn’t stop herself as she walked forward and whipped the towel from him then dropped to her knees in front of him. She wrapped her hand around his dick and that fast it started to rise. She leaned forward and took it in her mouth. When he groaned, she smiled but sucked hard on him. His fists clenched in her hair.
“Priscilla,” he groaned out.
“Shut up. We may not be able to have sex right now but there is no reason why I can’t do something for you.” She put her mouth back over him and sucked while she pumped her hand. He widened his stance, but didn’t say more. When she cupped his balls in her hand, he jerked then a low growl tore from his throat.
“You’re killing me,” he rasped out.
Smiling, she continued to suck on him and pump her hand along his hard, long length until he became harder and his entire body stiffened when he groaned, clenched his fists tighter in her hair, and came. She ran her tongue along his dick and moved up his stomach then stood to take his lips in a kiss. He pulled her against him and deepened the kiss.
“God, that was fantastic. Thank you,” he said through deep breaths.
“You’re very welcome. You’ve done it for me. Payback was in order.”
“Well, if that’s payback, I think I’ll be doing more of that for you,” he said against her lips making her smile.
“I have no problem with that, cowboy. Get dressed. I’m hungry.”
Roark grinned at her. “Me too. Go ahead to the living room. Once I’m dressed, I’ll be out to fix us something. Sit in one of the recliners. It’ll be more comfortable for your sore ass.”
Priscilla laughed. “All right. Hurry.” She quickly kissed him then left the room.
ROARK SAT ON THE BED and wondered how it had come to this in just three days. How had she wiggled her way under his skin so fast and in such a short time? That first kiss about nearly brought him to his knees and now the thought of her leaving was like a knife to his chest. He’d never felt so much so fast for any woman.
They had both agreed it was sex only and neither would ask for more, but he suddenly wanted more. There was no way he’d ask for it though. He’d agreed that it would be sex and nothing more. Damn it. There was no way he could be falling for her.
How do you fall in love with someone in three days? Although, Jaxon had always said he fell for Bethany the minute he saw her, and Reid said the same about Lucy even though she had belonged to his best friend. Love at first sight only happened in movies and romance novels, right? He shook his head. It seemed the Callahan men fell fast, hard, and deep.
Pushing to his feet, he pulled on a pair of sweatpants, T-shirt, and socks then headed for the kitchen. He stopped in the living room to see she’d settle into a recliner. “Anything particular you’re interest in eating?”
“I’m fine with anything you want. Do you need my help?”
“No, ma’am. Sit and relax. I’ll make a few sandwiches. Mayo or mustard?”
“Mayo, please.” She made to get up but he raised his hand halting her.
“Sit still. Damn, you are a hardheaded woman. I can make them. Cola fine?” She nodded. “Good. Be right back.”
The day moved into night and soon it was time for bed. He just hoped he could lie beside her all night and not take her hard and fast. Amazingly, later, when he lay behind her, with his arm around her waist, he realized he was just content to hold her. Her head was on his arm and her hand covered his. He could definitely get used to this and that thought scared the ever-loving shit out of him.
When Saturday arrived, he entered the house to see her in the kitchen making a cup of coffee. He strode to her, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her. “About time you got up.”
“It’s only seven.”
“I’ve been up for hours already. How are you feeling today?”
“Much better.” She wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Still want to go to the dance tonight?”
“Yes, but I’d love to go buy a dress. Can I borrow your truck?”
“My truck? You want to borrow my truck. Never ask a man if you can borrow his truck.”
Priscilla laughed. “Okay. Will you take me shopping then?”
Roark furrowed his brow. “Let me get you the keys to my truck.” When she burst out laughing, he grinned then handed her the keys. “
I’ll put the address in the GPS for you. There are a lot of shops in Clifton, so I’m sending you there.”
“Is it far?”
“No, it’s on the other side of Spring City, which sits between Clifton and Hartland. Take your time. I have some things to do in the barn.”
“Can I get some pictures of you when I come back?”
“Sure. I have to drive the tractor to the west pasture and cut hay. You can go with me, if you’re up to it.”
“Great. Wait until I get back to do that, okay?”
“No problem, darlin’. I have plenty enough to do until then. Have a good time. Oh, if you can...go to the Clifton Diner and bring me back a hamburger. Tell Connie it’s for me and she’ll know how to fix it. You might want to get one for yourself. Best burgers in the world.”
“In the world?” she said with skepticism.
“You’ll see. Gotta go. See you when you get back. Be careful on the roads. Watch out for animals.” He kissed her forehead then walked out the back door.
PRISCILLA RAN TO THE door and looked out to see him striding across the dirt area, kicking up puffs of dust as he did. That sexy cowboy swagger made her want to call him back inside and ride him on the kitchen floor. Lord, she was in so much trouble. Roark Callahan was the sexiest man she’d ever known and once she left this place, left him, how could anyone ever replace him? Was it possible to fall for someone that fast? Stepping back, she told herself she didn’t even like cowboys. Shaking her head, that thinking was certainly gone for Roark had changed her mind on that.
After rinsing her cup out and placing it in the sink, she headed for her bedroom to dress before heading to town. She chose a pair of jeans with a green T-shirt that she knew enhanced her eyes. Slipping her feet into a pair of flip-flops, she picked up her purse, left her bedroom, entered the kitchen, picked up the keys to his truck, and then walked outside. She climbed into the big black beast that Roark drove and although not surprised, had to move the seat up to reach the pedals. After looking at the address Roark had entered into the GPS, she put her glasses on, shifted the big machine into Drive, and left the ranch to head for Clifton.
“YOU LET HER DRIVE YOUR truck?” Roy asked from alongside him.
“Yeah, how else would she get there?” Roark asked in retort.
“You taking her perhaps.”
“Oh, hell no. You’ve been shopping with a woman, would you want to go?”
“Not in this lifetime.” Roy gave him a nod and both men headed into the barn to get some work done.
It was already hot and Roark knew it was just going to get worse as the day went on, especially working in the barn. They both picked up rakes and started working on the stalls. Once they were finished, they would put fresh hay in the stalls but in the meantime, they worked filling each wheelbarrow with muck. Each one was then dumped into a bin and the stuff used later for fertilizer.
As he worked, Roark thought about Priscilla and hoped she found her way all right, and found something she liked. He shook his head. Women took forever to find what they liked. It was one reason he didn’t want to take her shopping. He hated sitting around waiting for a woman to make up her damn mind. Trying on dress after dress and coming out of the dressing room to ask if he liked it. If he said yes, she wouldn’t just buy it then, and there. Oh, no! She had to try more on until she found one she liked. It didn’t matter what he said, so why bother going and wasting a day? He had too much to do on the ranch to sit and smile, and nod when he knew she expected him to. Priscilla might not be like that but he’d been shopping with enough women to know how they were and he swore he’d get out of it any way he could. And God forbid if she wanted to buy shoes. Nope. Not doing that either.
He thought back to whenever Heidi had dragged him along on shopping trips, it took up an entire day and since they’d been in a long distance relationship and only saw each other once or twice a month, there were much better ways to spend a day. Like in bed. But sex with her couldn’t begin to compare to sex with Priscilla. Could he do another long distance relationship though? He didn’t like the idea of that but he also didn’t like the idea of never seeing Priscilla again. It was all too good just to walk away from and never experience again. Damn it all to hell. What was he going to do? He decided since he had a few weeks yet to be with her, he’d make every minute count and maybe, just maybe, they’d be able to work something out for down the road.
Chapter Eight
Priscilla drove the truck down the road and came to a sign stating, Welcome to Clifton, population fifteen hundred. As she passed through the little town, she smiled. It was wonderful and quaint like a throwback to another era. She stopped the truck at a stoplight and looked around. Not many people were out but it was very warm, so understandable. When the light changed, she drove on until she came to the Clifton Diner. She pulled into the parking lot to leave the truck so she’d remember to go in there before heading back to the ranch.
“Best burgers in the world? We shall see, Roark Callahan,” she murmured as she found a place to park. Throwing the gear into Park, she turned off the engine, opened the door, and stepped out. After locking the door, she slung her purse strap over her shoulder and started down the sidewalk outside of the diner. The smells coming from inside quickly had her stomach growling. She walked on past then entered the first shop she came to and looked through the clothes. She pulled a dress out and looked around for a dressing room but before she found one, she spotted another dress she liked—then another one. Sighing, she took all three into the dressing room and tried them all on. Not sure, which one she liked best, she bought all three. Of course, now she needed to get shoes.
Strolling further down the row of shops, she entered a shoe store, looked around, and decided on a pair of cowgirl boots with blue stitching, along with two pairs of sandals. Having satisfied her shopping needs, she returned to the truck with the purchases. After putting her packages in the truck, she decided it was time to satisfy her hunger, and entered the diner.
A bell above the door announced her arrival. Almost everyone in the place stopped what they were doing and looked at her. Feeling a little self-conscious, she walked to the counter and took a seat on one of the red vinyl stools. A woman looking to be in her fifties stopped in front of her, and smiled.
“Hi, hon. What can I get ya?”
“Hi. Is, uh, Connie here?”
“I’m Connie.”
“Oh.” Priscilla smiled at her. “I’m Priscilla Butler, nice to meet you. I need to get two burgers and Roark Callahan told me to tell you one was for him and that you would know what to put on it.”
Connie laughed. “I see. All right then, and what would you like on yours?”
“I have no idea but those onions cooking smell fantastic.”
“Roark likes cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and mayo.”
“I’ll take the same then, thank you.”
“Sure thing, hon. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”
“I’d love some water, please.”
“You got it,” Connie said then poured a glass of water and set it on the counter in front of Priscilla. “I’ll be back with your order in a few minutes.”
Priscilla nodded and looked around. The diner was a definite throwback to the fifties with its black and white floor tiles. She looked through a window behind the counter and could see the cook back there. The smells emanating from the kitchen were amazing.
A few minutes later, Connie came back with a white paper bag and handed it to her. Priscilla stood, removed her wallet, and paid for the burgers.
“Thank you, Connie,” she said, picking up her package of delectable aromas.
“I’m curious, Priscilla. I’ve never before seen a woman come in and pick up burgers for Roark.” Connie tilted her head in obvious curiosity.
Priscilla smiled. “I’m a writer for Western Cowboy magazine. I’m doing an article on him, kind of a day in the life piece so I’m following him around his ranch learning
what it is he does. I was supposed to follow him on the circuit, but...well...”
Connie frowned at her. “Oh, yeah, right. We all know how that went.” She smiled. “You have a good day, hon, and come back to see us.”
“I’ll try. Thanks again.” Priscilla waved away the change Connie offered then returned to the truck to head back to the ranch.
Pulling the truck up to the barn, she shut it off, opened the door, and stepped out. She carried the bag of burgers into the barn to see Roark strolling toward her. He grinned when he saw her and her heart slammed into her ribs. After taking a deep breath, she held the bag up like a trophy. “I almost stopped to eat mine on the way home. They smell fantastic.”
He stopped in front of her, leaned down, and kissed her lips. “Just wait until you taste them. You’ll want to move to Clifton.”
“I don’t know. I’ve had some good burgers, Callahan, so we’ll see.”
Roark smiled then jerked his chin for her to follow him to his office. They entered and she took a seat in the chair across from his desk. He strode around it, removed his hat, and sat down. He opened the bag then looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“What did you get on yours?”
“Same as you. Those onions cooking in there had me salivating.”
“Connie’s husband is the cook and he’s damn good at it.” Reaching into the bag, he pulled one of the foil wrapped burgers out and handed it to her. “Oh, great, you got fries too.”
Priscilla frowned in confusion. “I didn’t order fries.”
“Connie knows what I like. Here,” he said as he handed hers to her.
A Cowboy of Her Own Page 9