"I figured it was somethin' like that. Okay, darlin', I'm gonna go pack an overnight bag, and put my toy box in my truck."
"You just called me darling."
"I guess I did. Kinda slipped out, but I only say what I feel."
"I'm feeling things too, but darling doesn't seem to fit you."
"The right word will come at the right time," he murmured, then softly kissing her, he stood up and pulled her to her feet. "Be careful goin' back. I won't be long."
They separated outside the barn, but he kept watch until she safely reached the house, then closing up the barn doors, he broke into a jog and headed up to his cabin. There was not a breath of wind. The night was crisp. The moon was hanging luminescent and low, the distant thicket of trees a silhouette against the midnight blue sky.
He paused to take it all in.
Something—or someone—lurked behind him.
Heart pounding, he slowly turned.
Yards away, the eyes of a mountain lion stared back at him.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Caleb froze. But through his fear he admired the magnificence of the huge cat. Resembling a splendid statue, it sat perfectly still, the moon his spotlight. Though finding it difficult to think, there was one thing that had been drummed into Caleb's head. Don't run. Taking a deep breath, trying to stay calm, he frantically searched his brain for more.
Kills happen in silence.
Talk authoritatively.
Stand tall.
If you're wearing a jacket, open it up to make yourself look bigger.
As much as he wanted to heed the advice, he could neither speak nor move. The two remained motionless, their eyes locked, until abruptly standing, the cougar growled. As if emerging from a trance, Caleb blinked, then quickly gathered his wits.
"You don't wanna be here!" he exclaimed, wishing his voice didn't sound so thin. "You'd best get outta here before I get my gun. I sure as heck don't wanna shoot you, but I will if I have to."
To his surprise, the striking creature sat back down, and though the beast could tear him from limb to limb, with every second that ticked by Caleb's fear was waning.
"If you wanna sit there for a minute that's fine, but only a minute, then you've gotta take off."
The cat still did not respond, but the cabin was close, and summoning his courage, Caleb took a tentative step backward, then another, and another. He was almost at the cabin when the cat stood up and began padding towards him.
Caleb paused.
The cat sat down.
"What are you playin' at?"
The cougar let out a low, soft growl, but the growl didn't sound menacing. The porch was only a few feet away. Even if the cat sprinted forward, Caleb thought he could make it safely inside.
"You're a beauty, and I don't think you mean me any harm, but if someone sees you they might take it into their head to shoot. I'd hate to see that happen. Go on, now, go on home."
The cat remained sitting.
"Dang it. If you're not gonna leave, I guess it's up to me."
But as he stepped backwards onto the porch, a sudden thought flashed through his head. Though it went against all logic, his instincts told him he could trust the noble creature.
"Dammit! I dunno what this is all about, but I feel like I've gotta do this."
Taking a deep breath, he slowly turned his back to the lion, stepped up on the porch, opened the door, and walked inside. Flooded with relief, he let out a breath, then moved to the window. The cat was gone.
"What the hell?"
Flicking on the lights, he walked swiftly across to the kitchen and splashed whiskey into a glass. The episode had been unnerving, surreal, almost dreamlike. As the hot liquor slid down his throat, he smacked his lips and shook his head, then made his way to the bedroom. Haunted by the bizarre encounter, he tossed a change of clothes and his toiletries into a bag, then pulled his toy chest from under the bed. Selecting some favorite items, he placed them underneath his belongings, then carried the box of wicked implements to the front door. Stepping out on the porch, he scanned his surroundings. Everything was quiet.
His truck was in the carport against the side wall, and depositing the box in a hidden compartment behind the driver's seat, he returned to the cabin to collect his bag. He'd planned to drive down to the house, but as he stepped back into the night, he decided to walk. He wanted to see the beautiful animal again, and he headed across the empty space towards the house.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wanting everything to be perfect, Connie was tidying her bathroom, but hearing voices she quickly finished. Hurrying down the stairs to the kitchen, she found Caleb sitting at the table with Martha. A tempting Tiramasu was between them waiting to be sliced.
"Connie! There you are," Martha said, rising to her feet. "Caleb has something to tell you. I'll fetch the coffee."
"What's up?" she asked, settling into a chair as she eyed the tempting dessert.
"I met a mountain lion."
"No!" she exclaimed, completely aghast. "You can't have. Are you sure? We don't have mountain lions around here."
"You do now, and he was a beauty."
"Holy crap! Martha, did you hear this?"
"I certainly did," she replied, returning with the coffee pot. "I find it hard to believe too, but if Caleb says he saw it, then he did."
"How close was he?" Connie pressed. "Was he near the cabin? My gosh, when I think of the number of times I've wandered around here at night."
"Real close, and I need to talk to someone who knows about mountain lions. This one didn't act like any I've ever heard about."
"Why? What did he do?"
"I sensed him behind me, and when I turned around he was just sittin' there."
"Do you mean, literally sitting?"
"Yep, and we stared at each other. I remembered bein' told to talk, so I did. Then I started to back away, and that's when the cat growled and came towards me."
"You're kidding."
"But I stopped, and dang if he didn't sit down again."
"That is totally weird. I wish my grandfather was still alive. He'd be able to interpret the behavior. He loved them."
"No kiddin'?"
"If he ever heard about a mountain lion getting shot, he'd be depressed for days. He had photographs of them around the house. I think he loved mountain lions even more than horses and dogs."
"That was always strange to me," Martha remarked, cutting into the dessert and placing generous slices on plates. "But, Caleb, I don't think I've ever heard of a lion sitting like that, except maybe in the circus. Have you, Connie?"
"Well—they do sit down, of course they do, but the behavior you're describing is definitely unusual. I have to call dad tomorrow and tell him about Jerry and everything that's happened. I'll ask him. He might know."
"Funny thing," Caleb said thoughtfully. "My heart was poundin' like crazy, but by the end of it I wasn't feelin' in any danger."
"Maybe he'd just had his dinner," Martha said with a grin.
"Speakin' of dinner, this dessert is as fabulous as your lasagna," Caleb declared, taking several bites in a row. "Have you ever thought about bein' a professional chef?"
"I am. I just happen to cook for a few instead of the masses. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to turn in. This has been quite an eventful day. Are you okay, Connie?"
"I am. The news from Dan was a terrible shock, but I have faith the authorities will find Jerry, and how much money can one man spend in a few weeks? I'm going to stay hopeful. You go ahead and turn-in. I'll take care of these few plates and put the dessert away, and don't argue with me, I insist."
"I might just let you this one time. Goodnight, Caleb. I'll sleep better knowing there's a man in the house."
"Goodnight, Martha, and thanks again for the wonderful dinner."
"You're always welcome at my table."
As Martha left, Caleb cut himself off a second slice of the Tiramisu, and Connie leaned towards him.
> "Do you really think Spike will be able to help?" she asked, keeping her voice low. "It seems like such a long shot."
"I don't know how much, or what he'll uncover, but yeah, he'll be able to help."
"I'm still feeling like an idiot."
"Those feelin's will pass, and I think I have a way of takin' your mind off things," he murmured, taking the last bite. "I've brought a couple of surprises with me."
"You know when you say things like that I get goosebumps."
"That's a good start, but first I need to take a shower and wash off the day."
"Go on up and use my bathroom. I left a towel out for you. I'll clear this away and be up in a minute."
"Sounds like a plan."
Standing up and moving behind her, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and dropped his lips to her neck.
"I think that mountain lion was an omen. A good one. Everything's gonna be okay. I can feel it."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Clearing away the dishes, Connie's butterflies had settled, but as she climbed the stairs, more burst to life. When she reached her bedroom the door was closed. Pausing to take a breath, she pushed it open. Sitting in the easy chair next to the fireplace, the flame's light flickered against Caleb's bulging biceps. Captivated by the sight, she stood for a moment, soaking him in. He slowly turned his head, then raised his hand and crooked his finger, beckoning her forward. Closing the door, sure she must be gliding through a dream, she moved across the room, finding him naked but for a white towel tied around his waist.
"Strip. Slowly."
His command had been gently delivered, but felt like a command nonetheless. Feeling her pulse tick up, she lifted her sweater over her head, tossed it aside, then unhooked her bra and let it slip down her arms. He smiled, but didn't move. Kicking off her slippers, she peeled off her socks, then unzipping her jeans, she let them fall to her ankles, pushing them off with her feet.
She was wearing no panties.
"Naughty girl, runnin' around with no underwear. Do you do that often?"
"Uh, no."
"Did you plan to surprise me?"
"Uh-huh," she murmured, feeling oddly self-conscious.
"I like it. I like it a lot. Move closer, then spread your legs and close your eyes."
Though the fire was bathing her in soft warmth, she could feel her nipples puckering as if licked by cold air. Stepping forward and closing her eyes, she could imagine how she looked to him. The picture almost sent a smile to her lips, but his fingers touched her inner thighs and began tickling towards her pussy. She was captured.
"Mmm, already so wet," he purred, pushing his finger between her lips. "But not quite enough."
She sensed him rise to his feet, then a soft, silky fabric slipped over her eyes.
"You ever worn a blindfold?" he asked, his breath in her ear.
"No."
"Any thoughts?"
"I love being helpless and at your mercy."
"If you like to feel helpless you've got some good times comin'."
His whispered promise sent a shudder down her spine, and as he tightened the blindfold and kissed her neck, she let out a bleating whimper.
"You wanna say something, darlin'?"
"I'm feeling weak."
"Start walkin'. I'm gonna guide you."
Slipping his hand around her waist, he helped her across the room, and sitting on the edge of the bed, he steered her across his knees. She wriggled and gasped, and he waited until she'd settled before moving his hand over her upturned backside.
"This is so weird. I didn't know being over your lap would feel like this."
"Are you sayin' you've never been spanked?"
"Uh, no, I haven't."
"But you wanna be, right?"
"Did you have to ask me that?"
"The answer to the question is either yes or no," he declared, landing a hot smack.
"Ow!"
"Let's try that again. You wanna be spanked, right?"
"Yes."
"Then I'm happy to oblige, but first we have some unfinished business."
"What unfinished business?"
"You started to say something when we were up on the plateau, but you refused to tell me what that was. I gave you three chances. Remember?"
"Kind of."
"Now you're just playin' games," he scolded, landing another swat.
"Okay, okay."
"I'd just threatened to put you over my knee, and you turned around and said—Call me crazy, but you are— Now is the time to tell me what you were gonna say."
"I was going to say you are the sexiest man ever."
"Because I said I'd spank you?"
"That, and, uh, other stuff. Your muscles, the way you look at me, everything."
"Thanks, darlin'."
"Are you going to spank me now?"
"Among other things," he murmured, and reaching for the implement he'd left under a pillow, he added, "And this is the first surprise."
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The wicked toy was one of Caleb's favorites. A wooden paddle with fuzzy fur on one side, and polished wood on the other. As he smoothed the soft fur across Connie's curvaceous cheeks, he was rewarded with a wriggle and a moan. Continuing the sensuous caress to her sit spot, he smiled as she spread her legs. Ignoring her blatant request for his touch, he moved the paddle back to the center of her bottom, flipped it to the hard glossy surface, and delivered a solid swat.
"Ow! What the hell?"
"You were testin' and teasin' me up on that plateau. I told you what would happen if you kept it up."
"No. I wasn't, I—"
"Be careful, darlin'," he warned, cutting her off with a second smack. "This isn't the time to be tellin' fibs."
"Sorry, sorry. Yes, I was."
"That's more like it."
Turning the paddle back to the soft side, he moved the comforting fleece across the bright red spot.
"This is gonna be your punishment and pleasure paddle. When you're a bad girl, you'll have to fetch it and hand it to me with the hard side showin'. If you've been a good girl, you'll fetch it and hand it to me with the pleasure side showin'. Then you'll bare your bottom and lay over my knee. Any questions?"
"Oh, my God."
"That's not a question."
"You mean, like, often?"
"Yep. You gotta problem with that?"
"Uh, no," she mumbled, her pulse racing with the news. She absolutely loved the idea. Visions of him ordering her to fetch the paddle swam through her head, but his fingers slipping into her sex snapped her from her thoughts.
"I guess not," he chuckled. "You're drippin', but you've got a few more swats comin'. I've gotta make sure you know you've been punished. If you've gotta yell again, bury your head. We don't want Martha thinkin' I'm throttlin' you."
"But I already feel punished," she whimpered. "My ass is already sore and hot."
"What? Now you're playin' with me. You'll get an extra one for that! No more of your sass, young lady."
She had purposely provoked him, and to the sound of her muffled yelps, he landed the paddle several more times, then flipped it over and applied the soothing caress.
"That thing stings," she protested. "Seriously, it stings."
"And your point is?"
"Uh…"
"Should I heat you up some more?"
"No!"
"Then hush."
Though she let out an irritated grunt, Caleb was her dream cowboy. Surrendering to the pleasure after the pain, she never wanted the fondling to end. Time became non-existent, and when he touched between her legs again, she had no idea if she'd been lying there for ten minutes or twenty.
"There you go," he said softly. "In a minute I'm gonna tell you to straddle me and sit on my cock. Once you're settled, you're gonna place your hands around my neck and lock your fingers together. They're gonna stay locked, no matter what. Understand?"
"Uh-huh."
Her voice had been a whim
per, and reaching his arm down, he smoothed the hair from the side of her face.
"Darlin', how are you feelin'?"
"Never been better."
"Not every punishment will end so nicely. You'd best remember that."
"Then I'll be just naughty enough for this."
"I think you'll find I'm not that predictable," he said with a chuckle, then sliding his fingers back into her pussy, he twirled his finger around her clit.
"Ooh, Caleb, that feels so good. Please don't stop."
"Now you're gonna sit on me."
"But I can't see anything."
"I'm gonna help you," he assured her, and gripping her waist, he helped her up, moving her legs over his. "There you go. Now find my cock and lower yourself on me."
Resting one hand on his shoulder, the other wrapped around his rigid member, she slowly sank down. He closed his eyes, savoring the heavenly touch of her nipples brushing against his chest, and her sex engulfing him.
"Now lock your fingers behind my neck and don't move."
With her hot, prickling backside, and his cock filling her, his hands slid up her body to knead her breasts, then clutching them, he voraciously drew her puckered nipples into his mouth, sending her into a vortex of sensations.
"I've got another surprise," he said huskily. "You want it now?"
"S-surprise," she panted.
"You want it now?"
"I, uh, don't know. I love this."
"I think you're gonna love the surprise even more," he muttered, nibbling each nipple in turn.
"Ouch, ow, yes, please. The surprise."
"Lean back just a bit, yeah, like that."
She caught her breath.
A soft buzzing sound.
It touched her clit.
Her entire body tensed.
It was a bud on the end of a small but powerful vibrator.
"I'm gonna hold this against your clit until you come, but no screamin'."
"Caleb! Oh! My! God! I'm…!"
Her walls pulsed against him, and the stimulation from the vibrator sparked through his loins, but he grit his teeth, refusing his own climax.
"I'm getting there," she said breathlessly. "Ooh, Caleb, I'm so close."
To Kiss A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 1) Page 9