by BJ Wane
A tall, lanky man with thinning gray hair and a welcoming smile greeted her from across the room of tables and chairs as she entered the hall. “Hi there. You must be Kelsey.”
“I must be. And I bet you’re Mary’s Les.” Their voices resonated in the large space devoid of anyone else except them. The buffet table sat empty, the fireplace unlit and the dead animal heads adorning the walls looked sad.
“Have been for forty-five years,” he boasted without pausing in running a dust cloth down one wooden leg of the pool table. “You’re as pretty, and as little as she said.”
Suppressing a sigh, Kelsey returned his smile and held up the empty plate. “Thank you. I’m returning this.”
“Just set it up on the buffet. Mary went to Billings for supplies and lunch with our daughter. You need anything else?”
Envying the other woman’s excursion away from this wilderness exile, she shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m just going to walk around a bit. I’m stiff from sitting all morning.”
She shuffled over to the buffet and Les frowned with a look aimed toward her ankle. “Don’t overdo. The boys would take any more harm coming to you personally.”
The boys can kiss my ass. Kelsey stifled the spurt of irritation that produced that thought as well as the lust the image produced. Pulling open the door, she said, “I won’t. It’s almost healed. See you tonight.” She stepped back outside, the faint whinnying from the horses out in the fields along with high-pitched tweets coming from birds flitting about in the trees greeting her. A slight breeze ruffled her hair and loose tee shirt as she strolled toward a corral holding three horses. The fresh, open air and lack of industrial noise was a vast cry from the crowded city where she worked and lived, and was almost creepy. She’d take the hustle and bustle of people jostling along the sidewalks and the clamor of bumper to bumper, impatient traffic any day. At least among the masses, she knew what to expect.
Leaning her arms on the fence rail, she eyed the horses, taking note of how large they were when this close to them, and wondered what the people who came here found so appealing about the animals. Curious, she held out her hand only to have it yanked back by a calloused grip before the biggest horse reached her.
“Sorry, ma’am,” the man said, dropping her wrist. “But you don’t want to get the attention of these three. They haven’t been broke yet, and Red there would take it out on your hand once he discovered you weren’t offering a treat. I’m Tom, the manager. Greg mentioned you might get antsy today, Ms. Hammond, and the boys don’t want you getting hurt again.”
Kelsey’s annoyance with ‘the boys’ was growing by leaps and bounds as she realized Greg must have told his employees to keep an eye on her. “I appreciate their concern,” she drawled. “Thank you for your timely intervention.” She cast a wary look at the horses that appeared so docile. “Do you have any I can get to know? I need something to do in the afternoons, and I figure learning to ride might be fun.” Not. Even though she doubted she would find much enjoyment in that activity, it was better than sitting on the porch twiddling her thumbs every afternoon while everyone else was out doing their thing.
A smile creased Tom’s leathered, lined cheeks, crinkling his brown eyes shaded by his hat. “Come with me. Cleo is a small mare, a pretty bay roan with a sweet disposition. She would be perfect for you.”
“What’s a bay roan?” she asked, following him to the next barn and the attached corral around back.
“That’s a horse whose coloring is a mixture of red and white hair all over.” Pointing to a petite mare with large doe eyes and a grayish coat with hints of red, Tom whistled then said, “This is Cleo,” as the little horse trotted over with a toss of her head. “Here.” Pulling a sugar cube out of his pocket, he handed it to Kelsey. “Hold it out to her with your hand flat so you don’t get nipped.”
Cleo’s velvet soft mouth tickled Kelsey’s palm as she took the sweet treat and she felt her attitude toward the equine species shift into the positive column. After getting Tom’s nod, she reached out a tentative hand and stroked her nose and then down her soft, corded neck.
“If you want, I can saddle her and walk you around a little.” Tom looked down at her feet and bit his lip. “How’s the ankle today?”
She’d never earned such fretting attention from so many people before and it left her unsettled. “It’s much better, just a little lingering soreness. I’m game to try, if you don’t mind.”
“Nope. Give me a minute to get a saddle.”
Kelsey found riding more entertaining than she’d imagined. Seated atop the dainty mare, she enjoyed the view spread out for miles as Tom walked them around the corral. Once she settled into the rhythm of Cleo’s slow, smooth gait, it was easy to relax. She could feel the shift of Cleo’s muscles against her legs with each step and realized how powerful even a smaller horse could be. As long as she didn’t look down and see how far away the ground was as it moved beneath her, she got a kick out of this new experience.
“You’re a natural, Kelsey.” Tom smiled up at her as he brought them to a halt. “Want to take her out to the field? I’ll be right by your side.”
“As long as you don’t move away from me too far.” She reached out and stroked Cleo’s silky neck. “She’s a sweetie but I still don’t trust anything that’s this much bigger than me.”
Tom snorted and shoved his hat back. “I hope you’re just referring to animals since most of the human population over the age of ten is bigger than you.”
She gave him a mock scowl. “Ha, ha. Good things come in small packages, or haven’t you heard that before?”
He chuckled and tugged Cleo toward the rail where he tethered the reins, saying, “I think it’ll be good for the boys having you here. Sit tight and I’ll go get my horse.”
Over the next thirty minutes, Tom gave Kelsey riding instructions in a field away from all other activity, teaching her how to steer her horse and control how fast she wanted to go. She kept Cleo to a steady, slow pace, not ready to try anything faster. They spotted a small group of white-tailed deer and took a moment to watch their graceful run across the prairie as the sun’s brightness dulled to an amber orange with the start of its descent. Squinting her eyes, Kelsey saw Devin’s group of riders merging with Greg’s and then head their way, her pulse jumping as they neared and Devin and Greg’s piercing eyes settled on her.
“Is that the group Devin took out trail riding all day?” she asked Tom.
“That’s them.” Tom flipped her a proud grin. “In two weeks, reservations drop in half and you’ll be able to accompany an excursion by then. Maybe not such a long one though. Do you want to wait up for them?”
Kelsey’s heart thudded with anticipation as she nodded. She didn’t know which man fired her up more or what accounted for her interest and sudden obsession with sexual fantasies. It could stem from the stress of being accosted and then responsible for a man’s death, or escorted out here to Timbuktu, away from everything and everyone she knew. But as the group neared and she damn near drooled watching Greg and Devin handle their huge mounts with a combination of strong control and coaxing, soothing strokes, she pinned all of her wayward thoughts on lust-driven hormones. I can live with that, she mused with a sigh as they approached and the ripped, corded muscles of both men’s forearms rippled as they pulled back on their reins. Her face heated as she wondered if those lean muscles would bunch if either man swung his arm and cracked his palm against her butt.
Crap, pull your mind out of the gutter. There are people around.
The first words out of Devin’s mouth cooled the rush of heat their nearness evoked, his sharp tone once again laced with censure.
“You were supposed to stay off your ankle today.”
A deeper blush stole over her face as the eyes of strangers shifted her way, his cool reprimand rubbing her the wrong way. Tightening her hands on the reins, she replied evenly, “I am off it. Can’t you see I’m sitting down?”
“Devin.�
Tom reached over and patted her arm. “She’s got a good seat and has steering down perfect. Just needs practice before she can take Cleo any faster than a walk.”
Kelsey nodded. “There. Tell that to Mr. Grumpy. And, my ankle is fine.”
“Good to hear.” Before she realized his intent, Greg moved alongside her and plucked her from the saddle, settling her in front of him on his massive beast of a ride without breaking a breath. “If you’ll take Cleo back, I’ll give Kelsey a faster ride on in.”
Saluting his boss, Tom grabbed Cleo’s reins and waved as he trotted behind the other riders. The dizzying effect of being transferred from one horse to another with such ease and speed cleared Kelsey’s head as Greg wrapped one thick arm around her waist and pressed her back against his wide chest. With her butt nestled against his groin, another sensation took hold, this one more to her liking. Wiggling her hips, she turned her head enough to grin up at him, catching his frown from under the rim of his hat.
“I like this seat much better.” She meant the flippant remark as a tease, but when the hard, thickness of his cock jerked against her butt, a slew of other possibilities ran through her head.
“Sit still and hold on to the pommel.” His guttural growl sent a frisson of excitement running down her body and her grin widened.
“Why? You’ve got a good hold of me.” Kelsey didn’t know if it was the pleasure of being this close to such a freaking sexy male body or the desire to see Greg smile at her that prodded her into pushing his buttons. Whatever it was, she was enjoying this turn of events in her afternoon.
“Because I said, and I’m the boss as long as you’re here.” He placed her hand on the pommel and nudged the horse into a walk. “Did you like riding Cleo?”
She nodded, her head rapping his chin. “Sorry, and yes, more than I thought. Probably because I didn’t have as far to fall off.” She cast a quick look down and shuddered.
His deep chuckle went through her, clear to her toes. “Cherokee is big but well-behaved. You won’t fall.”
Unable to help herself, she rubbed her butt against his crotch again. “You sure?”
Greg brought the hand holding the reins up and gripped her chin, turning her to face his disapproval, which only made her smile wider “Stop that,” he scolded. “You’ll distract me and that’s not wise, in more ways than one.”
“You’re taking the fun out of my first ride.” Kelsey feigned a pout.
Releasing her chin, the arm around her waist turned into a steel band. “Behave and I’ll take you for a real ride.”
“Ooh, promise?” Whether it was the accumulation of stress, unhappiness and lust that prompted her to keep pushing him or just plain orneriness, Kelsey didn’t care as a sudden thought struck her. What better way to pass the time here than with a hot and heavy affair? It would be the first time she entered into such a relationship knowing there would be an end date and the two of them would go their separate ways. How much more freeing, and enjoyable could such a liaison be when the risk of getting hurt is taken out of the equation? The more she pondered the idea, the more she liked it.
“Be careful, little bit, or you might incur consequences you aren’t prepared for.” With that warning, Greg kicked his booted heels against the horse’s sides, sending the steed into a trot that jarred her as much as his words.
Kelsey exhilarated in the faster clip that blew her hair into her eyes and bounced her against Greg, wondering if it was just coincidence both men had now hinted at spanking as a way to stop her from goading them. Were they idle threats, or were they serious? God help her, she was tempted to find out. If she could entice one of them – Greg being her best shot – into an affair, that penchant would fit right in with her vivid imagination and fantasies of the past two weeks.
Squeezing her side, Greg stated above her head, “Ready? Here we go.” Another nudge to Cherokee’s heavily muscled flanks and the stallion took off in an all-out run.
With her hair whipping around her face, the evening air cooling her heated flush and the ground below them whizzing by, her exultant laugh rang loud and clear. Who would have ever thought this could be so much fun? Maybe it was the tight hold of a sexy cowboy that was responsible for sending her senses soaring. Either way, by the time they galloped up to the barn, she could feel the strain in her legs from gripping the sides and the rapid beat of her heart pounding against her chest. Greg pulled on the reins, controlling and slowing the huge animal with admirable ease, his equally large body swaying in tune with hers as Cherokee tossed his head in a vigorous shake, his long, shade lighter mane brushing against her arm.
“He seems awfully winded,” she commented on a deep breath, noticing the horse’s labored breathing and heaving sides as Greg brought him to a halt at the corral rail by the stable.
“He’s fine.” He dropped his arm and patted Cherokee’s long neck. “We spent most of the day at a sedate pace, so he’s glad for that short run. Don’t let go until I have hold of you,” he warned as he dismounted.
Kelsey missed the comfort of his embrace and strength as soon as he slid off, but then those large, calloused hands reached up, clasped her waist and lifted her down with as little effort as he’d exhibited when hauling her off Cleo onto Cherokee. Accidentally on purpose, she fell against him as soon as her feet touched the ground, loving the hard contact of all those chest muscles against her front as much as she had pressing against her back a few minutes ago. As soon as her nipples flattened against his taut pectorals, the girls puckered into turgid tips and the slutty bitch showed her glee with a surge of damp heat. Who was she to continue telling her body no?
A quick glance proved they were the only ones around. With a coy smile and blatant batting of her eyes, Kelsey brushed her chest against his, shivering as he narrowed those heart-melting green eyes and sucked in a deep breath that shifted his tense muscles over her nipples.
“I don’t know what you’re playing at, Kelsey, but knock it off,” he warned. “It’s not happening.”
Cocking her head, she trailed her fingers down his corded, tanned neck. “What’s not happening?”
“Anything between us while you’re here. We’re responsible for you, and we take our responsibilities seriously.” Greg reached up and pulled her hand down. “Now, be a good girl and return to the house. I’ll escort you to dinner after I see to Cherokee and get washed up.”
Grabbing the reins, he pivoted and led the horse into the stable, Kelsey following on his heels with another taunt. “Fine, but Devin made it clear he wasn’t responsible for me, so I’ll just see if he’s interested in helping me pass the time in this boring place so I don’t go stir crazy.”
A laugh burst from Greg as he pulled the saddle off and opened a stall gate. He didn’t want to see her hurt by what would be Devin’s much harsher rebuttal to her wiles, so he sought to caution her. “If you think you’ll get anywhere with him, you’re sadly mistaken.”
Flipping that long, blonde hair, she glared at him with sparks in her bright eyes. “It’s my mistake to make, isn’t it?”
He swore as she spun around and took two steps toward the open door, twitching that cute ass he was sure, on purpose. He understood she was put out by her circumstances and that the ranch offered little in the way of pastimes she was used to. But that was no reason to break his vow not to involve himself on a sexual or personal level. She tempted him, he wouldn’t lie, but not enough to go down that slippery road again with a woman he’d sworn to protect.
After ensuring they were alone in the stable, Greg decided an example of those consequences he mentioned wouldn’t threaten his resolve if he delivered just enough to deter Kelsey from her set course and spare her the embarrassment of Devin’s reaction. Reaching her in two, long-legged strides, he grasped her hand and tugged her back into the stable.
“You need to heed my warnings better, and remember, I don’t bluff.” Ignoring her startled gasp, he yanked her into the crook of his arm, pinned her against his side and delivered five rapid swats on her upturned, jean-clad butt, putting just enough force behind them she would experience a twinge of discomfort and nothing more.
“Hey! What? Holy shit!” Kelsey’s strident cry ended on a gasp, and much to Greg’s surprised annoyance, she lifted her ass for the last slap, as if embracing the humiliating experience instead of balking at it.
Helping her upright, he kept hold of her upper arms as he gauged her reaction. Fuck if the rose hue blooming on her face and dilation of those large eyes didn’t hold a hint of excitement. Not only he, but Devin would be hard pressed keeping their hands off her if they learned she possessed a submissive streak and she kept up with her cock-teasing innuendos.
“You need to get any thoughts of pushing one of us into entertaining you with sex out of your head, little bit. It’s not going to happen. Now, run along and let me finish seeing to my horse.”
Chapter 5
Whoever said fantasies were best left unexplored didn’t know what they were talking about. Every step Kelsey took toward the house stirred the warm tingles still racing across her butt with one word resounding in her head. More. All that from a few light swats, just enough to make her wonder what her response would be to harder spanks, to the crack of Greg’s large, calloused hand on her bare flesh. A shiver trickled down her spine as she entered the house with the image of her lying across his hard thighs with her pants pulled down running through her mind.
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