“Do you really think I’d leave the greatest woman I’ve ever met empty-handed and expect her to wait for me in a town full of burly cowboys?”
She laughed softly. “That was a smart move, because guys are lining up at my door as we speak.”
“Then I’d better up my game.” He took her in a slow, sweet kiss, and as their lips parted, one look in her trusting eyes drew out more of his emotions. “I was on the road for twelve hours, and all I could think about was getting back to you and doing more of this.” His mouth came hungrily down over hers, and just like last night, they quickly got lost in each other. She went up on her toes, and he deepened the kiss. When she went soft in his arms, he remembered they were still standing on the sidewalk and drew back, leaving her dreamy-eyed.
She sighed, and it was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. Her fingers curled into the front of his jacket. “I really am sorry I underestimated you.”
“It’s okay. I can see why you were worried. I fumbled my romantic attempt, and I’m sorry about last night, but honestly, I think we’re lucky the neighbors didn’t call the fire department, because we are nothing short of combustible. I’m sure there was smoke from the inferno that is Dash and Amber.”
She laughed. “That would have been even worse. I hope you know you don’t have to give me presents to get me to wait for you.”
“I was only kidding about that.” He cocked a grin. “We both know I’m way hotter than any cowboy.”
“Hey now. Don’t get all cocky on me, or I’ll have to prove you wrong.”
He tightened his hold on her. “Are you trying to make me crazy?”
“Maybe I’m hoping you’ll try to convince me otherwise with more kisses.”
“Oh yeah, my sweet wild thing.” As he lowered his lips to hers, he said, “You’re going to make me crazy all right.”
Chapter Seven
AFTER SEVERAL SCORCHING-hot kisses, they made their way to Amber’s house. She sent Reno to do his business and snagged the letter from beneath the windshield wiper on her car. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, she clutched it against her chest and sang, “You wrote me a letter,” as they headed inside. Man, he loved that.
Reno trotted in after them, and Dash took in the hardwood floors running through the cozy living room, which was as warm and inviting as Amber. An earth-toned couch and matching armchair sat across from a painted brick fireplace. Dried flowers in pretty vases were artfully placed around the room, and magazines and paperback novels littered the top of a sleek coffee table. Beyond the living room was a small dining room that led to an open kitchen with the same soft lines and simple elegance as the living room.
“Nice place,” he said as they took off their jackets, and holy hell. He couldn’t take his eyes off Amber in a flouncy short black floral dress that showed off her long legs and tied at her waist. The dress had bell sleeves, and ruffled socks peeked out of the top of her black cowgirl boots. It was the kind of devastatingly feminine outfit that many girls would turn their noses up at for being too country. “Damn, sweetheart. That dress and those boots…”
She smiled a little bashfully as she hung their jackets in a closet by the door. “Do you mind if I read the letter real quick?” She was already tearing open the envelope. “Make yourself comfortable.”
He’d stayed up half the night reading and rereading the letter, contemplating the intelligence of putting his feelings in writing. If Amber were anyone else, he’d worry that the letter might end up as front-page news in a rag magazine. But if she were anyone else, he never would have written it in the first place.
As she read, every word played out in his mind.
My sweet wild thing, I’m sorry about the alarm and all of the embarrassment of last night, but I’m not sorry about kissing you. I sure hope you’ve changed your mind about being just friends, because after last night, I know without a doubt that friends won’t be enough. I’ve been feeling incomplete and unsettled for a long time, but I’ve had a hard time figuring out exactly what was missing from my life. Now I know it was you. I’ve spent so much time in a world where everyone wants something from me, and nobody is who they claim to be, I wasn’t sure an incredible woman like you even existed. How did I get lucky enough to stumble into a barn and meet you? You are the realest, most honest and challenging woman I’ve ever met, and you have reminded me of the man I was a very long time ago. I hope you’ll stick around and see what else we can discover together. I’m heading to New York for the day, but I’ll be back tonight and would love to see you if you’re not otherwise occupied. D.
She lowered the letter, gazing at him with the dreamiest expression he’d ever seen. “Dash…?”
“Now, that’s the swoony look I was hoping to see.” He went to her, and she set the letter on the coffee table as he gathered her close.
She wound her arms around his neck, eyes full of wonder and growing darker by the second. “Did you mean all of that?”
“Every word. I know it’s fast, but I don’t want to play games—”
“I don’t either,” she said breathily, pulling his mouth down to hers.
He stopped short of kissing her, answering the question in her eyes as he took her necklace off and set it on the coffee table. Then his mouth caught hers in deep, passionate kisses. His heart beat furiously against his chest, and he felt hers hammering out its own frantic rhythm. One hand moved down her back, clutching her ass, and his other dove into her hair, angling her mouth beneath his, intensifying their kisses. He wanted to lift her into his arms and find her bedroom, but this was sweet, careful Amber, and he didn’t want to rush her. They stumbled to the couch, devouring each other like they may never get another chance. He leaned into the kiss, taking her down onto her back. Her body was soft and eager beneath him as they made out like teenagers home alone for the first time. She felt like his first special girl, and he realized that was exactly what she was.
His hand skimmed down her side to her bare thigh, and she made a pleading, moaning sound into their kisses. The salacious sound shot through him, and he rocked his hard length against her center, the friction sending fire through his veins. The couch was too small for a big guy like him, but he wasn’t about to complain. He cradled her beneath him, and in one swift move shifted them onto their sides, laughing into their kisses.
“Much better.” He palmed her ass. “Mm. Lace.”
He nipped at her lower lip, giving it a gentle tug. Heat flared in her eyes, and he crushed his mouth to hers. The feel of her soft skin against his hand drew a groan from his lungs. She arched against his arousal, and he clutched her ass, holding her there, grinding slowly. He fought the desire to tear down her panties, knowing she needed control. Instead, he pushed his hand beneath her panties, holding her bare ass. Her skin was hot, her noises needy. When she whispered, “More,” urgently, he was so fucking glad, “Thank God,” slipped out, and they both laughed.
He moved his hand between them, teasing her through her damp panties, earning whimpers, her breathing hitching with every stroke. He tried to take things slow in case she changed her mind, but he was burning for more and slid his hand beneath the edge of her panties. She kissed him harder, rocking her hips forward. Fuck yeah. They were on the same page, and he didn’t hesitate again. His fingers slid through her wetness, earning a long, surrendering sound that pounded through him. He intensified their kisses as he teased her, making her wetter, and shifted her onto her back beside him as he dipped his fingers inside her. She gasped, her sex clenching around his fingers. He stilled, but he didn’t withdraw. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.” Trust brimmed in her eyes. “It’s just been a long time.”
His heart swelled with the honor of that trust. Swamped with new, raw emotions, he kissed her slow and deep, loving her with his fingers. But as happened with them last night, he got lost in her, kissing her deeper, more possessively. He quickened his fingers, earning whimpers and moans as he stroked over the hidden spot inside her. His t
humb moved to the apex of her sex, expertly teasing the sensitive bundle of nerves that had her grabbing his arm for leverage as she met each stroke with a rock of her hips. Her kisses turned desperate. “Come for me, wild thing,” he said more demandingly than he meant to, and reclaimed her mouth ravenously as she rode his fingers. Her thighs flexed, fingernails digging into his skin through his shirt. Her head fell back, and his name flew from her lungs like a plea. “Dash! Oh God…” She writhed and bucked, her body quivering around his fingers, a stream of indiscernible sounds filling the room.
As she came down from the peak, he rained kisses over her cheeks and lips. Her skin was warm and flushed, her lips swollen from their kisses, and she was absolutely stunning. He lowered his lips to hers, taking her in a languid, sensual kiss, wanting to be closer, to know all of her. To hear her hopes and dreams and soothe her fears and insecurities. Her eyes fluttered open, full of lust and something much deeper, heightening his desire for all those things.
AMBER WAS FLOATING in a post-orgasmic haze. Dash began moving his thumb over that magical spot again, but her nerves were too sensitive, and she bowed off the cushions, grabbing his wrist. “I don’t think I can survive another…”
A devilish glimmer sparked in his eyes. “Then let’s make it a phenomenal death.”
He took her in a deep, passionate kiss, and all thoughts of stopping went out the window. She wanted this, him, more. He trailed kisses down her neck. Feels so good. She breathed harder as he dusted his lips over her chest, igniting flames beneath her skin. Don’t stop. Please don’t stop. He moved the neckline of her dress to the side, revealing the edge of her bra, and pressed a kiss to the swell of her breast.
“Mm. Pink lace on my girl. Life just got even better.”
His girl? She loved the sound of that.
His warm breath coasted over her skin as he pressed another kiss there. Mm. So nice. He moved lower, untying the bow at her waist. His eyes flicked up to hers, his fingers hovering over the front clasp of her bra. A single nod was all it took for him to unhook the clasp, and then that magical mouth was on her bare breast, licking, sucking, his teeth grazing her sensitive skin. She arched beneath him, grabbing his head, holding his mouth there. “Don’t stop.”
He did as she begged and gave her other breast the same attention. Every suck took her closer to the edge. Her body vibrated from her head all the way down to her toes. He kissed a path down her belly, her ribs, her hips. It hadn’t just been a long time since she’d fooled around. It had been years since a guy had—
Her thoughts fractured as his lips touched her inner thigh, sending ripples of heat skating up her core. He did it again, and her eyes slammed closed. Oh, how she loved that! His hand moved down her leg, and her nerves caught fire. She felt him shifting, sitting up, sending cool air sailing over her legs. Her eyes flew open, and she found him reaching for one of her boots. He took them off, leaving on her socks. His brows knitted, and his chin fell to his chest.
“Don’t laugh at my ruffles,” she warned.
His eyes found hers, the emotions in them bowling her over. “I love your ruffles. Don’t ever stop wearing them.”
The desire in his voice sent thrills rushing through her. His lips touched her leg again, kissing his way up her body, whispering against her skin. “So pretty…So special…” He pressed a kiss just below her belly button. She inhaled sharply, and his gaze found hers.
“You’re so feminine, wild thing, you do me in.”
His deep voice, his words, the depth of his stare, all of it, all of him, did her in.
He hooked his fingers into the sides of her panties, drawing them down and off. Then his rough hands skimmed up the outsides of her legs, his eyes locked on hers as he kissed her inner thighs. Lord have mercy, the fire in his eyes made her ache with anticipation. She curled her fingers into the cushions as he splayed his hands over her thighs, opening her to him and lowering his mouth between her legs. She held her breath, readying herself, but he didn’t touch her. His mouth hovered there, his hot breath teasing over her wetness as his mouth moved up to her clit, then lower again. He slicked his tongue beside her sex, and she moaned, rocking up. He did it again, earning another sharp gasp. His hand moved up her body, and he teased her nipple as he continued masterfully taunting her with his erotic torture. She clawed at the cushions, panting, writhing, mewling, need strung so tight she feared she’d burst. He hadn’t even touched her where she needed it most, and the pleasure was so exquisite she didn’t want it to end, but she also wanted more.
“Dash, I can’t…take it.”
He pressed a kiss to the apex of her sex, and her hips shot up. Just when she thought she’d lose her mind, he slicked his tongue along her sex, sending electrical currents racing through her. She whimpered, and his mouth came greedily down where she needed him most, feasting on her, thrusting his tongue into her and using his fingers on that other magical spot while squeezing her nipple. She was lost in a sea of sensations. Her skin was on fire. Her entire body felt like one giant nerve ending. He moved his mouth higher, using his tongue and teeth on her clit as his fingers entered her, moving in and out in a hypnotizing rhythm. She clawed at the cushions, blinded with pleasure, rocking against his mouth until her toes curled under and she surrendered to the ecstasy consuming her. He stayed with her, keeping her at the peak and loving her through the very last shiver.
She melted into the cushions, trying to catch her breath as he kissed his way up her body, gently clasping her bra, righting and retying her dress. Lord, this man…
He gathered her close, brushing his lips over her cheeks as she lay in his strong, safe arms, happiness wrapping around them like a ribbon, and then he kissed her. The taste of him mingled with the lingering taste of her, and the world came back into focus. She realized he’d given her everything, and she’d left him high and dry.
“Dash,” she whispered, “Do you want me to…?”
“No, babe. Once you get started, I’m not letting you out of the bedroom for a week. I’ll never make my flight in the morning.”
She giggled.
“You think I’m kidding? I need to clear my schedule when I get back. I think a week ought to do it. You’ve got staff to take over, right?”
“A week?” Holy cow. “I barely survived tonight.”
“Told you I was better than any old cowboy.”
They talked and kissed until long after midnight, reluctantly giving in to what had to be the end of their evening.
“I wish I wasn’t leaving tomorrow.” He took her hand as they made their way to the door. “I’m having dinner with Shea tomorrow evening. Can I call you after you get off work?”
“I’d like that. Do you have my cell number?”
“No.” He pulled out his phone and typed in a code. “Here, put your number in while I get your gift from the car.”
She’d forgotten all about the gift. “A gift and mind-blowing pleasure? I might never let you go.”
“I’m counting on it.” He gave her a quick kiss, then jogged out to his car.
She put her number in his contacts and watched him carrying an enormous picture up the walkway. “You went to New York to get me a picture?”
“This isn’t just a picture. It’s an autographed movie poster for The Greatest Showman, signed by the entire cast and the director.”
He turned it around, and her jaw dropped. “Ohmygod, Dash. Look!” She pointed to the signatures. “Hugh Jackman! Zac Efron! Zendaya! Where did you get this? Wait, you said it was in your house. I can’t take this from you!”
He laughed. “Yes, you can. I want you to have it.”
“But you love the movie, too.”
“Yeah, but that light in your eyes? That adorable giddiness you’re trying to hold back? That’s way better than this.”
“You’re crazy!”
He set the framed poster down and hauled her into his arms. “I’m crazy about you, Amber. Every little thing about you, from your ruffled socks to you
r love of acorns.”
She buried her face in his chest. “I saw your acorn post. I figured I was the nut you were referring to.”
“That sexy little brain of yours shouldn’t go straight to the negative. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, so I posted the acorn. I know you don’t like drama, so I kept everything about us off social media. That acorn was my secret message to my secret sexy reader.”
“But I told you I only wanted to be friends that night, so the nut made sense.”
He shook his head. “It’s not about the words; it’s about symbolism. You said you wanted to be friends, but your eyes told me otherwise. I was hoping you’d see the symbolism of looking deeper and seeing the start of something new between us. I guess I really do suck at doing romantic stuff.”
“No, you definitely do not. I just stink at interpreting it.”
“Maybe we can both work on that. A couple of weeks ago I posted about the signing, and I’ll do that again to bring exposure to your store. But this. You and me?” He touched his forehead to hers and lowered his voice. “This is ours. It’s private and special, and while we figure out what it all means, I’d like to keep it out of the gossip magazines. Please don’t think that I’m not posting about the amazing woman I met in Oak Falls because of anything other than wanting to protect what I hope will become the most important thing to both of us.”
She had a feeling it was already well on the way.
Chapter Eight
“HI. THANK YOU for returning my call,” Andi said into the phone. “I’ve been trying to reach you. Hold on just a second, please.”
It was late Thursday afternoon, and Dash was in LA. He’d called his sister to check in while getting a quick workout in the hotel gym before meeting Shea for dinner. Through his earbuds, he heard Andi telling someone she needed to take his call and would be back in a few minutes. He pumped out another set of curls as he waited.
Sweet, Sexy Heart – the Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls) Page 10