All But the Fall

by Kim Turner

  He shifted to his elbows, lifting himself above her gaining some of his sense back with the realness of the moment. He wanted her like he’d wanted no other woman but he had to make sure. “If you’re not ready it’s okay.”

  She was already shaking her head, speaking in an urgent whisper. “I want this, Aaron, with you.”

  He pulled his shirt over his head, looking at her on his bed. He might die this very night, but not before he’d found the ways to please her, the ways that would drive him damn insane once this night was over. He lay back against her. “Tell me what you like, Jenna?” He kissed her cheek, letting his hands roam her body, slowing to feel the curves of her hip and the flatness of her belly.

  She whispered and brought her lips to his. “It’s been so long.”

  He began with the buttons of her blouse, taking one at a time as she watched him. With each he kissed her lips, meeting her gaze and going to the next. The beating of his heart paced along with hers. With the last button, he opened each side of her blouse savoring the view of her black lace bra and full breasts.

  “What about your son?” He tasted her lips again.

  She was breathless as she answered, her chest rising and falling in rapid succession. “Brianna has him. I’m due on the set early tomorrow to help with make-up, and she’s off tomorrow.”

  He kissed her chin. “You’re sure?”

  “He’ll be fine…” She panted against his ear, tugging him closer.

  He rested his hand along her ribs under her breast. How was it a woman could be so bold and then shiver when he touched her? It had been a long damn time since he’d had a woman, but tonight would be about her.

  “Answer my question. Tell me what you like.” He traced his hand down her arm and brought her hand to his mouth and touched it to his lips, waiting. He wasn’t going to rush a second of being with her if it did take all night.

  “Only you.” She sighed as he rocked his hips, the pressure in his jeans growing.

  He rolled to his back and pulled her across him, letting his hands wander to the clasp of her bra and tugging it away from between them. He kissed her again, letting his tongue tease along hers, running both hands down her back and pressing her to his chest as he turned her, still wedged between her legs.

  “I knew you were beautiful, but…it’s still fine if you aren’t sure…” Holy dang, if he had to stop now, he’d need an iceberg to calm things down.

  She pulled away from the next kiss, tucking his hair behind his ear. “I want you, Aaron, only you.”

  He kissed her lips with a slight brush. “Mornings after nights like this are sometimes filled with regrets and as bad as I want this, I don’t want you to wake tomorrow thinking it was a mistake, because I sure as hell won’t.”

  “I don’t expect anything more than tonight.” She shook her head, her fingers sliding through his hair. “I certainly don’t expect a trip to the alter because of tonight or other nights like this.”

  He rocked his hips again, enjoying the sigh that escaped her lips. She was having a hard time speaking when he moved and he damn well liked that. “Darn, I was kind of planning one of those quick Vegas weddings with Elvis doing the ceremony.”

  “You are impossible.” She shuddered as he moved again and sucked in a stifled breath never taking her eyes from his, her mouth partially open as he pressed several more times. He ran a hand into her dark hair, the hardness in his jeans seeking relief. He bent his head to kiss her breasts and drew a nipple into his mouth, rasping his tongue across it.

  She tossed her head back, giving him full access to both. She tasted of salt and sweetness all at the same time and she pressed her hips forward against him with each tug of his lips. He switched breasts, fluttering his tongue over the other nipple, enjoying that she moved to meet him. He continued for a long while, rocking back and forth, enjoying the little sounds she made in trying not to make any as he teased and played. And suddenly, her body bowed, as if resisting him and her thighs clamped around his rocking hips.

  “That feels so…” She didn’t finish speaking her breathless thoughts, but arched fully to meet him, a long sigh escaping her as her short nails dug into his back.

  “So. Damn. Sweet.” He rocked harder, grinding against her to draw out her pleasure, enjoying he was able to watch, but shocked it had taken so little. Hell, they both still had their jeans on and this was getting real.

  She opened her eyes after a long pause, still trembling, and leaving him mystified for the most part. “Oh God, that…was…”

  “Downright excellent.” He smiled, still lying between her thighs rigid as hell. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

  He climbed out of bed, lifting her feet to toss her shoes aside and in one swift move he relieved her of her jeans, then returned to take his time with her panties, unwrapping her as if she were fragile. He sucked in a deep breath at the sight of her fully naked on the bed and bent to kiss her, lingering as he ran a hand from her breast to the dark mound of curls. He stood again and shucked his jeans, digging through the nightstand drawer for a condom, cursing under his breath until he landed one. He lay back down beside her thinking he’d have to thank one of his brothers later. “Are you sure?”

  She ran a hand into his hair, drawing him to her lips again. “Touch me, Aaron, all of me.”

  He tore open the condom, fitting it to himself, surprised she reached to help. He groaned, lifting her leg over his hip. He held her gaze as he traced his fingers to her, finding her slick and warm.

  She sighed, her body shuddering again.

  “You are beautiful, Jenna Wilder.” He traced the tiny swollen nub of her pleasure, then sank two fingers inside her, twisting them in her warmth.

  Her hips moved in the rhythm he set and when she tightened around his fingers, he withdrew them. Not wanting to wait any longer he pinned her to the bed with one deep thrust, both of them moaning in unison.

  “God, Jenna.” He held onto her hip for leverage, taking the pace slow at first and sucking back in a breath he’d lost. He closed his eyes fighting for control as he propped on his elbows, sinking deeper.

  She traced her hand into his hair and then down his shoulders and to his back, holding him against her as they moved together. Each thrust of his body against hers brought him closer and he upped his pace until she began to sigh with each stroke.

  She traced her hands lower, pressing him to her and wrapping her legs around his hips, urging him. He rocked harder, fighting his own body until she shuddered, taking him with her. He slammed himself harder, the echoes of her cries consuming him as he shattered inside her, hanging on for all he was.

  The quiet hum of the camper heater was the only sound as he lifted his gaze meeting her sweet amber eyes; no words leaving him. And she clung to him, burying her face in his neck, still breathless as he rolled beside her, tucking her close.

  ****

  Aaron woke with the first hints of sunlight, peeking through the window on the far side of the camper. It only took a second for him to remember Jenna was sleeping beside him. He hesitated to move not wanting to wake her out of fear she would let go of his arm and move her leg from resting across his. Damn she was something to look at, beautiful beyond her physical attributes, given they’d exchanged parts of themselves in making love for the first time.

  They were supposed to have taken things slow and there was the possibility he’d blown that even though she’d consented. Still, having her made him want her more and going slow wasn’t even an option any longer. He’d known there was something about Jenna the moment he laid eyes on her but now he was all but sure he’d never be the same man again.

  She stirred, rolling closer.

  He ran his hand down her arm, pulling her to him as she opened her eyes. Meeting her sleepy gaze, he kissed the top her head. “Morning.”

  She groaned. “What time is it?”

  “It’s early, before five.”

  “I slept like a rock. You?” She yawned loo
king at him with the hint of a smile, her hair a mess, but somehow still beautiful.

  “I slept.” And he had, but not all night like her. He’s spent a few hours watching her as she’d slumbered. He brushed strands of her dark hair from her face and kissed her wondering if words of love were due. “So, no regrets this morning?”

  She shook her head. “None whatsoever, except I’m due in make-up to help at six. Can I shower?”

  He nodded toward the small camper bathroom. “It’s small but the water’s warm if you let it run for a second. You, uh, gonna need any help?”

  She smiled and took the sheet with her, leaving him to scramble for the top covers as she smiled. “Later, Stuntman. But…there’s an overnight bag in the back of my truck, if you could get it.”

  He narrowed his gaze. “Always prepared or anticipating a long night in my lovely camper?”

  She grinned but didn’t answer as she shut the bathroom’s tiny door. He shook his head and after a moment of listening to the shower and thinking of her lathering her luscious body, he jumped out of bed with a groan. Maybe he should have told her he loved her, but it was hard to judge when words like that would come best. He was sure he loved her but speaking it would only cause him to fall harder if he hadn’t fallen enough already. And too much too soon was bound to cause her to run again, something he couldn’t take right now.

  He made his way to the tiny kitchen. The least he could do was put on the coffee she loved and get them both something for breakfast. She had make-up, and he needed to check on the animals and look at the schedule as later in the day, all four horses were needed for the filming of a Cavalry scene.

  He stepped into his sweatpants and went to the small kitchen, searching in the fridge and deciding on bagels and cream cheese. He set the container on the small table and turned back for the left-over sushi for himself. Grabbing paper plates, he placed two on the table and filled the coffee maker with water and ground coffee beans. He clicked the button and a surge dimmed the lights for a second in the camper. He glanced up, and the lights returned to full. He’d have to have Jeremiah check the camper hook-ups later.

  Stepping into his heavy boots at the door, he pulled on his overcoat, grabbing Jenna’s keys from the counter. It didn’t take long to find her truck near the medical tent and grab her bag, returning to the camper.

  Inside he paused back in the kitchen, Jenna talking on her phone. Her voice was soft and from what he could tell content. “Kiss him for me and because I was here early, I can leave by two this afternoon.”

  He listened as he kicked back out of his boots, a grin crossing his face. She was likely on the phone with Brianna, who had Mason, and her friend was pushing for details. He leaned closer, halting his efforts.

  “Stop it! That is totally none of your business, even if you are my best friend. I will see you later.” She hung up.

  Aaron knocked, even though the small door was open to the bedroom. He shouldn’t have eavesdropped but given the confinement of the camper it wasn’t like he’d done it on purpose. He handed her bag to her, his jaw nearly hitting the floor at the sight of her.

  “Thank you.” She was wearing one of the dark brown towels from the bathroom, and her damp hair was pulled back in a ponytail. His heart raced, and all he wanted was to touch her again.

  “Hungry?” he asked, sucking in a narrowed breath.

  She walked closer. “Coffee?”

  “Gotcha covered.” He turned leaving her to dress, thinking if he stayed a moment longer, they’d both be late and while that would be damn worth it…he shook his head.

  “Uuuggghhh, sushi for breakfast?” Jenna entered the kitchen, fully dressed much to his disappointment.

  He nodded at her plate. “I figured you for bagels and cream cheese.”

  She sipped the coffee. “I was talking to Brianna, and Mason slept all night. She’s taking him with her shopping today. You’ve got film time this afternoon?”

  He looked on as she added the cream cheese to the bottom half of a bagel. “Evidently the Cavalry have come to town so all four horses are needed.”

  Jenna chewed and then spoke. “I saw another bunch of horse trailers come in yesterday.”

  He nodded, smiling to himself that she hadn’t gotten all weird about their night together. “Extras, just for numbers. Mine are most often for the stunts and jumps, but those are from a local ranch.”

  She took another bite and stood, sipping from the mug of coffee. “I need to run…some of the Cavalry need made up to have suffered an attack from the local Indians.”

  Aaron stood. “I’ll catch up with you…” The moment held between them, and he struggled for words. “I don’t take what happened lightly.” He shook his head and tried again. “I’m just not casual about…never brought a woman into the camper until now, and I’ve never shared Lily with…anyone.”

  She touched his lips with her finger. “It’s the same for me, but I liked being with you, Aaron.”

  She stepped into his embrace, and he held her close, kissing her hair and speaking again. “I thought, it’s coming up on the weekend. Maybe you could come by the ranch. Bring your son and hang out with Lily and me and meet Sarah and Amos. We could go fishing and I can show you my cabin if you want.”

  She leaned back and met his gaze. “That would be nice.”

  “The cabin’s small and not fully furnished or finished but Lily and I go there some weekends partly to give Sarah a break from her and me. Pack an overnight bag, then…or am I pushing to fast?” He shook his head, thinking that might be a bit much, but he was surprised when she nodded and smiled.

  “That sounds nice. Mason would enjoy being outside and playing with Lily.” She hurried to sip her coffee and made her way toward the door.

  “I can pick you guys up around ten?” he offered, helping her with her coat.

  She lifted her bag and shook her head. “How about I find my way there. Text me the address. I’m late.”

  He stopped at the door with her and kissed her hard and wanting, lingering near her face. “You could, uh…come back here on your lunch break.”

  “We both have to work Mr. Stuntman, but it was very incredible.” She embraced him, then opened the door and tugged away.

  She trotted away into the makeshift town which was coming to life with activity. She bounced along but turned back once more to look at him and smiled. He held up a hand and let it fall as she slipped from his sights for the day.

  Chapter Eleven

  Jenna stepped outside her apartment carrying Mason on one hip and their bags on the other. Turning to check the lock on the door, a small vase of flowers at her feet caught her attention, nearly tripping her.

  “What on earth?” she whispered and bent to lift the card, her first thought of Aaron. Would he have left flowers for her? And if so why had the delivery person not knocked at the door.

  Struggling to keep the bags across her shoulder, she adjusted Mason on her hip and pulled the card from the envelope, turning it around to read.

  “Cowboy Up!”

  She flipped the card over, confused as it had nothing else written. Shaking her head, she glanced around them. Aaron hadn’t done this; he only delivered flowers to her in person. It might have been that Drake Masters was sending one more thank you, but why would he think more was needed?

  She glanced at the beautiful yellow buds, tiny roses and shrugged, lifting them and bobbling with the keys to unlock the door. Stepping inside her apartment she set them on the table, adjusted her bags and juggled her son once more and headed to her SUV after locking the door.

  “Want to go see horses, baby?” Jenna asked as she tucked Mason into his car seat handing him his stuffed lion. His eyes lit up but not about the horses as much as his little best friend. The lion went where Mason went. She smiled as she gave him his sippy cup he’d just started using now that she’d weaned him from his bottle. He threw his head back to the car seat and chugged on the watered-down apple juice with a toothy grin. Sh
e shut the door and got into the driver’s seat cranking the engine and heading toward Sun River, butterflies in her belly.

  Meeting Aaron’s parents made her a bit nervous, but even more, she figured the nerves were that she was anxious to see him. After their intimate night together, she wasn’t sure what or how she felt. She hadn’t planned on meeting anyone any time soon, but she could still feel his warm breath on her skin and heat of his passionate kisses. And afterward, he’d wrapped his arms around her thought neither of them had spoken words of love. Making love didn’t necessarily mean they were obligated, but meeting his parents obviously gave way to the idea of things moving fast.

  She’d headed toward Sun River but pushed the plug from the GPS into the lighter socket and waited on it to calculate the address she’d entered earlier. Glancing at the clock it seemed she’d arrive early and slowed her speed as it wasn’t that far from Great Falls. It probably wasn’t proper to show up ahead of time and with a child in tow.

  The GPS instructed her on an upcoming turn and she veered off the main road and so did the vehicle behind her. She adjusted the rearview mirror, watching the black truck unable to see the driver due to the glare. When the truck finally took a right veering a different direction, she inhaled a deep breath. At some point in her life she had to stop looking over her shoulder with fear. Get it together, Jenna, this is crazy.

  Little by little, the terrain of the small city faded behind her as a dense forest and rocky juts of cliffs filled her vision. It was a beautiful day though the morning news reported it would be into the twenties by dark. No matter, it would be fun having Mason meet Lily and spending time with Aaron.

  As the ranch came into view, she glanced into the review mirror at Mason who had fallen asleep. She smiled, hoping she was doing the right thing for him as well. Turning into the long drive, she marveled as the stone and cedar house widened before her. It was beautiful and matched the nearby barn and several out-buildings.

  Aaron was there. Waiting on her in the drive, easing her nerves though her pulse raced at the sight of him. He was wearing a flannel shirt, jeans and boots, and his hair was banded. He was so handsome wasn’t he, something like those models she’d eyed in GQ Magazine? She rolled down the window and smiled, meeting his gaze.