After he inhaled a mouthful of salad, he pointed his fork in her direction. “Eat up, we need to get back. You have some catching up to do.”
Chapter 6
On the drive back, Meg felt her cell phone vibrate, surprised to see a text from Ross she read the message quickly.
Hey Meg,
Star is in labor! I promised I would let you know. Not sure if you can make it, I know it’s late, but if you want to see this miracle, I suggest you make it here within the hour. She’s close and coming along very nicely.
Ross
Meg thought about the horse farm just outside of Toronto in Newmarket. A friend of hers from university introduced her to the owner of the farm after her third year. She managed to get the owner to agree to an interview. It was her first field assignment in journalism. After completing the assignment over six visits, she interviewed the owner a few times before he handed her over to Ross. Ross was the farmhand on staff, and he took good care of the stables and horses that filled the stalls. He had a definite passion for horses. You could feel it in his words, see it in his eyes as he talked about managing the stables and the horses that had become his family. To this day, she still made the time to visit him once in a while. She enjoyed listening to his stories and absorbing his knowledge. Everything Meg knew about horses, she learned from Ross. The strength, the darkness, determination, their sheer beauty, and the absolute presence of these creatures had always intrigued her.
Ross and Meg grew to enjoy one another’s company over the five years that followed that assignment. He was much older than her, a strong man in his mid-fifties. He handled the ranch well and never once had he backed down from any of these wild and intimidating beasts. Ross was married at one point and lost his wife to a tragic motor vehicle accident. He talked about her often. His face softened and his words were so very kind when he spoke of her. He swore he would never remarry. “She was the love of my life and there will be no other.” She recalled him saying so many times. They never had any children. The farm and stables were his life. Both Ross and Meg became fast friends, and on some level, they simply connected.
Meg looked over to Drake who was staring back at her with his brow furled in question. “I just received a text from a friend of mine.” She watched his lips form a tight line.
“Oh? Who was it? Do you have to go somewhere?”
“Well, kind of, but, I was hoping you could keep me company?”
“What exactly did you have in mind?” He looked at her, a little hesitant and interested at the same time. He really wanted her to himself tonight and all day tomorrow.
“How would you feel about going to a farm with me right now?”
“Now? It’s past nine o’clock.”
“If you’re too tired I understand. I can go alone and meet you later tonight, if that’s okay?”
“No, I don’t need to be anywhere. It’s just,” his voice lowered. “I was hoping to have you all to myself.”
Hearing the disappointment in his voice, Meg felt torn between wanting to see Star deliver her third foal and wanting to be with Drake. The timing couldn’t be worse. But she couldn’t disappoint Ross. Not to mention, she had been waiting on his call, and she didn’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Meggie, it’s okay. Whatever it is, I’ll come with you. We have the rest of the night and all day tomorrow to spend together, but I can promise you we are staying up late and sleeping in tomorrow.”
She leaned into him and placed her hand over his heart where she felt a strong steady beat. “Thank you. You won’t regret this, I promise.” She brushed her lips softly over his before pushing the button to let the privacy window down that separated them from Matt. She quickly provided the address to Matt and sat back, anxiously waiting out the remainder of the drive.
Leaning back into his arms, she made herself comfortable and snuggled closely to his chest, he wrapped both arms around her and squeezed. “So who is Ross and why are we going to a farm?”
“It’s a surprise. You’ll like it, I promise.” At least I hope he will. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to see something this memorable.
On the drive there, Meg filled Drake in on her history with Ross. They arrived at the farm shortly after nine-thirty in the evening.
* * * *
As they approached the barn, Meg could hear Ross’s soft words of encouragement consoling the mare. Drake looked at Meg as though she had lost her mind, wondering what the hell they were doing at a farm this hour of the evening. Above them, the sky was lit up with bright stars; the full moon cast light over the dark wooded area, and Drake pointed up to the sky. “I can’t believe how clear the sky is here. It’s amazing.” He was captivated by the beauty above them and he continued to stare up to the mystical night sky, mesmerized by the bright stars lingering above.
Once at the door, Meg slowly pushed it open, careful not to draw too much attention their way. As soon as they walked in, Meg took note of Ross sitting on his knees in the middle of the barn. His shirt sleeves were rolled up past his elbows exposing his strong muscled arms. And there was Star, laying on her side, her soft pants and heavy grunts echoing in the huge empty barn, painful moans coming from her throat in an effort to deliver her third foal into the world.
Meg stole a look in Drake’s direction. She wanted to take in his expression and see how he felt about being here. His look was one of interest and she could tell he was pleased. He gave her a soft smile and her heart melted in her chest. Ross stayed put and looked toward them. “Hey, Meg. You made it just in time, she’s close.” he said in a low tone, careful not to scare the mare. When they were close enough, Meg bent down and kissed his cheek, thanking him for letting her be here. “I know how important it was for you to see this. I’m happy you made it.” He looked at Drake who was standing close to Meg’s side. “Who’s your friend?”
Ross was protective of Meg; concern etched across his face and he stood. He wiped his hands with the cloth he was holding and shook Drake’s hand.
“Oh, where are my manners,” Meg said hastily. “Ross this is my um…friend, Drake Noble and Drake this is Ross Farrow, a good friend of mine. He’s the one I was telling you about on the drive over here.”
“Hey, man. Nice to meet you,” Ross said and gripped Drake’s hand in a firm handshake.
“Nice to meet you too, Ross. Looks like you got your hands full here, huh?”
“Yeah, you could say that. It’ll all be over soon though,” he said with ease. The two exchanged a friendly once over just before Ross knelt down again to focus on Star.
“I know it sounds like she’s in a lot of pain, but she’s actually doing very well. This little guy should be making his way out any minute now. If you two don’t mind, I’m going to ask that you stand back a little while I get her prepared. She needs to start pushing,” Ross said while pointing in the direction of the hay piled up a short distance away.
“Can we help in any way?” Drake asked with genuine concern in his voice.
“Nah, man, I got this, but if you can be ready just in case I need you that would be great.”
“Yeah, just let us know if you need our help.”
Both Meg and Drake backed up to the stacks of hay piled high against the wall off to the side. The view was perfect from this angle. They stood quietly and waited. Drake stood directly behind Meg, and she leaned back into his broad chest. He wrapped his arms beneath her breasts and held her snug against him. His hands linked together at her front and he whispered. “Friend, huh?” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Regret filled her, but when she turned her head to look up at him, he smiled, chuckling into her ear. He kissed her lobe tenderly.
I could lose myself in this man every time he’s near me. Not quite sure how to respond to him, she drank in his beauty. He loosened his hold and one large hand reached up to touch her cheek. “You’re special to me, Meggie. You are so special to me,” he whispered just before he leaned in an
d brushed his lips lightly over hers. Star made a loud grunt, and they both looked toward the mare to see what was happening. Watching her give birth was pure magic. She did so with finesse, and although this must have been painful, she was in control and at such ease with herself. Meg’s heart swelled with emotion at how courageous and strong Star appeared to be.
The little foal’s head was fully exposed. His long neck, followed by the rest of his body glided out with ease. Drake squeezed Meg gently and rested his chin on her head. “This is amazing. I have never in my life seen anything quite like this, Meggie. I’m lucky to be here with you and sharing this moment.”
“I agree. It’s not every day you see this sort of thing happening. It’s incredible, isn’t it?” Meg quickly pulled Drake’s hand up to her mouth and brushed her lips gently across his knuckles before she put his hand back to where it was, wrapped around her, just below her breasts. He felt good against her; she felt protected and adored.
Drake held her in his arms; she felt good there, like she belonged. He couldn’t believe his luck that he had found the perfect woman. Now all he had to do was slow down in the business world, take a breath, and go with what felt right to him. Meggie Malone had changed his outlook on life, and she was by far the most incredible woman he had ever met. Nothing and no one compared to how she made him feel. He felt like the luckiest man in the world around her. She was sweet, beautiful, and she made him laugh. He never thought he would find someone that would catch his attention the way she did. She made him want things in life that he never thought he’d want until he met her. Mine. He squeezed her.
Ross turned briefly to look at them. “He’s coming. Come closer you two, get a look at this.”
Slowly, they approached as Ross helped the foal by pulling him all the way out and then cutting the long cord that bound the two together. Star looked exhausted, laying there. Her head rested gingerly on the floor and her breathing was quick and loud. The foal struggled to stand up for the first time; he was so adorable. His back legs stretched out straight beneath him, his front legs were bent slightly and he shook uncontrollably as he tried to find some sort of balance. With unsteady legs and after a few attempts, he finally made his way up on all fours. Now standing at full attention and a little off balance, he stood tall after all that effort. “Just look at him, he’s beautiful,” Meg whispered to both men in admiration.
“So, Meg, what would you like to name him?”
“Really, Ross? You want me to name him? Are you serious?” She looked from Ross to Drake and back to Ross again with a smile plastered over her face, “This is a lot of pressure, and I’m not sure what to name him.” Meg said as emotion welled inside her.
“It’s just a name, Meg,” Ross said while staring back at her.
“I know, but he’s special. Just look at him, he looks so much like Star. He has that same little white patch between his eyes with all that dark black hair. I don’t know,” she replied unable to contain her obvious excitement. “Okay, just give me a minute, let me think.”
In less than five minutes, she came up with the perfect name. “Sable,” she blurted out.
“Sable,” Ross repeated. “Really, Meg, you’re sure?”
“Hey, you said I could name him, right?”
“Okay,” he said wearily as he shook his head. “Sable it is.”
Meg’s face lit up, and Drake stared lovingly at the baby foal. He repeated the name out loud a few times. “I like it.” He decided. “I think it’s perfect. How did you come up with that name?” He asked, eyeing Meg curiously.
“A friend of mine had a dog when I was a little girl and she named him Sable. I’ve always liked that name. It’s unique.” Meg thought back to her childhood and continued. “Every Christmas, I asked for a dog named Sable.”
“Did you ever get the dog?” Drake asked.
Meg shook her head, “No, sadly enough, but I kept asking,” she laughed lightly. “Apparently, my dad was allergic to dogs and my mom allergic to cats. Surprising, isn’t it?”
Both Drake and Ross laughed in unison. “I’m sorry,” Drake says, with a kind look in his eyes.
“It’s okay. I’m over it, now,” she said and smiled back at both men.
* * * *
An hour later, Drake and Meg made it back to the hotel with their bags in tow from the little gift shop in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They were tired as hell but didn’t care. They needed to be close to one another, to be intimate, after sharing such a wonderful day together. They also didn’t know when they would see one another again after Monday. Drake was going on a business trip that would take him across the world, and Meg had her work cut out for her at the office in an attempt to finalize the sale. These last twenty-four hours had been the best hours of Meg’s life, and she wasn’t quite sure where she fit into his future plans, but she prayed she’d fit in somewhere. “You go ahead and jump in the shower, Meggie. I have a few calls to make,” he suggested as he motioned her toward the washroom. Meg didn’t argue with him. She was tired and a shower would help her re-energize.
* * * *
It felt like it was taking forever to dry her hair when the thing she wanted to do most was the man in the next room. Her body was revved up and she felt daring. She wanted to be wrapped up in him. Finally, she left the washroom sporting a hotel towel. She made her way back to the bedroom, and he stood there, looking sinfully delicious. Meg watched while he continued his conversation. She could tell right away it was a business call; his tone and demeanor changed from playful to one of authority. She calculated his thoughts, studied him, and tried to be patient. He hadn’t noticed she was right there in the same room with him or at least he hadn’t acknowledged her presence yet.
Meg took in her surroundings and found what she was looking for. She snagged a white undershirt from Drake’s suitcase and pulled the material down over her head before the towel fell to the floor. When she looked in his direction, she realized he was now watching her every move. His eyes traveled up and down her body in a possessive way, telling her without words that she was his.
He placed his hand over the mouth piece and whispered, “Hey, I didn’t say you could get dressed. I want you naked.” His eyes narrowed as if she were betraying his every need. He continued to take her in while maintaining a conversation at the same time. Meg knew she would be completely useless at any form of multitasking around Drake Noble, and she admired his ability to do business and focus on her at the same time. His unshaven face had grown darker throughout the day. The look appealed to her every desire and she was captivated by the sexy edge it gave him. His dark eyes were tempting her, calling to her without uttering a word.
Teasingly, she lifted the shirt over her head and threw it aside. She felt completely hypnotized by him. Decidedly, she put on a little show, hoping to get him to end that annoying call he was on. She moved her hands over the surface of her tummy and upward, where she cupped her bare breasts. With a strained expression on his face, he watched her. She continued to caress and massage both breasts at the same time. Pulling and pinching her already erect nipples, forming them into tight peaks. With a sultry look, she moved one hand downward and touched herself. She threw her head back giving him the full effect of what she was feeling, what she wanted. When she looked over to where he stood, one hand held the phone while the other combed through his hair in frustration, her actions clearly arousing him to the point of frustration.
Meg wanted the call to end, now. She strummed her fingers over her clit, circled and massaged the ache that settled there. Her need for him growing more intense with each passing moment. Her hand reached down lower and she inserted two digits inside her wet channel. Her fingers glistened from her juices and she slowly traced a line up to her breasts where she rubbed and pulled each nipple before she moved her fingers up to her mouth. She traced the outline of her bottom lip before closing her mouth around them. Meg blocked out all thoughts with the exception of Drake. She opened her eyes and looked over, watched him und
er lowered eyelashes. She drank him in slowly before deciding to pick it up a notch. She slowly walked over toward him, grabbed the front of his jeans and pulled down the zipper with one purpose in mind. The head of his penis peeked out over his briefs, and Meg stroked her finger across the tip of his erection. She gathered up the pre-cum that settled there and slowly drew her hand toward her mouth where she slipped her finger past her lips. The act was erotic and she had him right where she wanted him. He was losing his mind. She closed her eyes and absorbed the taste of him. The taste of salty liquid made her desire grow even stronger, and she let out a satisfied hum of appreciation just before she licked her lips. His jaw flexed in reaction, his pupils dilated and his eyelids grew heavy. He was fixated on that mouth of hers.
Meg dropped to her knees in front of him and pulled down his jeans and tight boxer shorts with one quick shrug, right down to his ankles where they remained rested at his feet. His shaft was hard, long and bold. Fuck, he was gorgeous. Immediately, his hand wrapped around the length of his shaft and he stroked once, twice. With the phone settled between his ear and shoulder, his other hand reached down to the back of her head and he guided her mouth to cover his erection, pushing her to him until he was fully encased in her mouth. He wasn’t gentle in his action; he was too far gone with the need to be buried balls deep in that pretty mouth of hers.
Meg withdrew him from the warmth of her mouth and fisted him with her hand. She stroked his length gently before tightening her grip and stroking him again and again. His eyes grew dark and wild, his need evident from when his lips formed a tight line. Meg continued to tease and frustrate him with her touch, not giving him what she knew he wanted. She moved her hand lower and cupped his balls and proceeded to massage gently, making him crazy. She lowered her mouth and licked the heavy sack and around the delicate tissue before she took his balls fully into her mouth and suckled gently. She licked all the way up his length again, leaving a trail of soft bites before she settled on the mushroomed head of his erection. She applied a little pressure with her tongue to the sensitive underside. She knew that particular move made him wild. She continued to lick and nibble, working her mouth around him. Finally, Meg loosened her jaw and took him fully into her mouth to the back of her throat. He tightened his grip on her hair and Meg continued to swallow the length of him until she felt his balls touch her chin. The taste of him tickled her senses, and she took pleasure in the act. His legs trembled a little. He was close.
Felisha Goulding's Stolen Innocence Series Page 31