by Susan Stoker
Lennon shook her head. “No, not at all. He was very polite. The offer was low, I think. But that’s not why I turned him down. I don’t want to leave my home…” Unless she had reason to–like a husband.
“Anything else?” he pressed. He had an odd feeling Daniels was involved, but he’d need more proof than a lowball offer to buy her ranch.
He was still touching her, an arm around her back, his fingers under her hair–he made it hard for her to think. “Last year, a geologist from the university came and spent a couple of days doing soil samples. He said it was for a state study.” She shrugged her shoulders as if she was sorry that was all she had to offer.
Dallas stood and began pacing across the floor. “I’m going to call my boss. I think we have enough to merit a closer look at Mr. Rooster Daniels. He has a lease to excavate minerals on Round Top. Maybe he’s trying to buy up other land that might yield better results.”
The idea sounded farfetched to Lennon. “Would he go so far to get his way?”
Dallas smiled sadly. “Honey, some people will do almost anything for money.”
For the rest of the afternoon, they were all busy. Dallas wouldn’t let her go back to the house for food, but he and George made several trips. They brought things to entertain Sally and a laptop for George to watch television on. Lennon made do in the old kitchen, preparing them a make-shift meal. Dallas, as promised, not only saw to the feeding of the animals but spent some time on his cell with headquarters to put an investigation in process.
“Well, I’m hitting the sack, everyone.” George announced. “I’ll look in on Sally for you,” he told Lennon.
“Thank you,” she kissed and hugged him. “I’m sorry about the shuffling around. I know you didn’t sign-up for all of this when you agreed to move in with me.”
George took her by the shoulders. “Are you kidding me? You’re the one who saved me. If it weren’t for you, I’d be wasting away in some dingy little room in a home with grouchy nurses wanting to monitor my bathroom visits. I wouldn’t trade living with you and that little girl for anything.”
Lennon wanted to cry. “Good. I’m glad.”
Dallas waited patiently for George to leave. He seemed like he’d been waiting for this moment forever. “Tired?” She had every right to be. Lennon never let up. They’d just finished inspecting every window and door in the lodge and bathhouse to make sure it was all locked up tight. The instant alarms he’d purchased earlier for the windows and doors were a godsend, all they needed were batteries and if tripped, they would emit a noise loud enough to wake the dead.
“I’m okay. Are you?”
“I think I could use a dip in the springs. Care to join me?” He hadn’t been able to get the memory of her at the pool off of his mind. Tonight, he wanted to do more than watch from a distance.
“I didn’t bring a suit,” she murmured.
“I didn’t either,” he moved closer to her. “I don’t think we’ll need one.” Framing her face with his palms, he looked into her eyes. “Be with me. For a few short hours, let’s pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist.”
Lennon met his gaze, holding it. “If you’re sure you want to; my answer is yes.”
“Oh, I want to, I want to more than anything.” Not needing further encouragement, he picked her up and walked to the bathroom. “Grab two towels.”
He swung her around so it was easy for her to reach them. “Got it. I can walk, you know.”
“I’m aware.” Dallas smiled at her, his face so close to hers that all she had to do to kiss him was raise her head–so that’s what she did, stroking his chest through the opening at the top of his shirt.
Her lips were so sweet, Dallas stopped to accept her kiss so he wouldn’t walk them into a wall. “I want you so much,” he whispered, continuing on his way.
His admission seemed to free something within Lennon. For the first time she had someone to touch, to caress–she took advantage of her position to unbutton his shirt and run her hands lovingly over his chest.
Mesmerized by the attention she gave him; Dallas was braced for ecstasy. “We’re here,” he announced setting her down at the water’s edge.
“I can’t believe I’m here with you,” she whispered with all honesty. She felt like a hungry kid in a candy store. All of the years of solitude made this moment even more special. “Can I?” Lennon waited for permission, her hands on either side of his shirt.
“Be my guest.” Dallas was trembling with need, but he let her set the pace.
“Okay.” Lennon pushed the garment from his shoulders, moving close enough to nip him on the chest. “God, you’re driving me mad, baby.” Jerking the shirt off his arms behind his back, he threw it to the floor. Going to her knees, she helped him with his boots, then ran her hands up his pants leg and massaged his calves.
“I’m having a good time.” Lennon smiled, reaching up to undo his pants. He braced a hand on her head as she tugged them down and off. At last, there was nothing between her fingers and his greatest need, but thin cotton briefs that did nothing to hide the bulge of his cock.
“Touch me,” he breathed with a hoarse voice.
Lennon only hesitated for half a second. Running her hands from the back of his knees to his hips, she leaned in, kissing him through the briefs, loving the shape of him.
“It’s my turn to touch you.” His hands clasped her upper arms as if he were going to pull her to her feet.
“Another moment, please.” Taking hold of the waistband, she unveiled him. “Dallas, you’re beautiful,” she exclaimed with delight. He was boldly erect, standing straight up. “I just want to feel.” Lennon took him in both hands and gently kissed the tip, licking away the drop of pre-cum that nestled in the tiny slit.
“Enough!” He lifted Lennon to her feet. “I want a turn too.” His fingers found the hem of her sweater. “I can’t wait to make love to you in every way you can think of–standing, lying down, against the wall. I want your legs around my waist, I want to be buried so deep inside of you that we’re not sure where you begin and I end.”
Now that it was his turn to undress her, Lennon froze–her hands coming to rest on his wrists, stopping him from lifting her top. “As you can probably tell, I’m small.” She blushed furiously, head down. “Don’t expect much.”
Dallas was so turned on; it took a split-second for him to comprehend what she was saying to him. He’d never intended to tell her he spied on her, now it seemed the best thing to do. “There’s nothing about you that isn’t absolutely perfect.”
“No, wait. I wish I was bigger for you.” Lennon was so torn. “I want to be with you more than anything. I just wish you didn’t have to see my tomboyish body.”
Dallas took both of her hands in his, lifting them to his lips, kissing the palm of each tenderly. “I know exactly how you look, Lennon. I saw you here in the bathhouse.” Hearing Lennon gasp, he sought to reassure her. “I know I should’ve turned away, but I couldn’t. You are absolutely exquisite, delicately feminine from head to toe.” He turned her gently in his arms, kissing her cheek. “Mad at me?”
All of the tension dissolved from Lennon’s body. “No, I’m not mad,” she whispered. “Relieved.”
“I’m going to undress you now.” He lifted her sweater up and over her head, then unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans, pushing them down her legs. When she stood wearing only her bra and panties, Lennon shivered.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment, having you here with me,” he murmured in her ear as he released the clasp on her bra. “You are so hot!” Her breasts were a sweet handful, round and plump. But the sexiest thing of all to Dallas was how big her nipples were, the areolas full and puffy.
Either his warm breath on her neck or his emphatic declaration caused her to giggle. Reaching around her, Dallas palmed her breasts, rubbing her nipples in a circular motion. “Oh, my God,” she whimpered, pushing back against him. She had no idea her breasts would be so sensitive. Lennon felt her womb c
lench and her clit throb with every stroke of his big hands on her body.
“I need to do more than touch.” Moving to face her, Dallas fell to his knees and began to play with her breasts. He took joy in them–molding, kissing, milking the nipples. “These are the perfect size.” Pressing her breasts together, he used his tongue to dance from one diamond hard point to the other.
Lennon almost swooned. As he pleasured her breasts, she rubbed his neck, his back, his shoulders–anywhere she could reach. “I never knew this could feel so good.” At her impassioned confession, he fit his mouth over one nipple and sucked hungrily. Lennon kissed the top of his head as he feasted at her breasts. There was no denying that he was enjoying her body and that miracle made her heart soar.
Her knees grew weak as he finally left her breasts and let his mouth trail south, licking a path around her navel, his hand coming up to touch the hot, needy spot between her thighs. “I don’t think I can stand up anymore.”
“Hold on, doll. I’ll make you comfortable.” He spread out the towels, then eased her down on them.
“Dallas, make love to me.” she said, feeling so empty she ached. “Please?”
“You’re so beautiful.” Her brown eyes shone with passion. He couldn’t believe she was begging to be with him. “I want you so much.” Lowering himself to lie next to Lennon, he came over her–capturing her lips, then kissing her breasts, moving down her body to tongue the wet spot on her panties that proved she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Dallas hooked his fingers at the top of the little scrap of lace and pulled them off.
Lennon was shaking with need. This was her every fantasy come true. Spreading her legs wide, she lifted her hips, imploring Dallas to take her. “Now. I’ve waited so long.”
Dallas was more than ready, he was painfully hard and aching for her. Lennon gave him her eyes as he positioned himself to enter her. Weaving their fingers together, he took what she offered, plunging his cock deep. She jerked in his arms, then stiffened, her fingers clamping down on his. Dallas went instantly rigid. She was tighter than tight, squeezing him in a velvet vise. He’d wanted her so much and she’d been so willing–God, he hadn’t even thought. Showering her face with kisses, he begged. “Baby, did I hurt you?” This was Lennon’s first time.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Lennon tried to catch her breath. She’d wanted him so much, she refused to let him know how much it hurt. “Don’t move. Just give me a second. I’m good.” Burying her face in his neck, she kissed his shoulder.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Dallas asked, afraid to move, afraid he’d hurt her more.
“I didn’t want you to change your mind,” she whispered. “Please don’t stop.” The sharp pain had subsided, and now what she felt was a fullness that seemed right. Lennon lifted her hips, urging him to move.
He didn’t want to stop. Dallas was right where he wanted to be. Raising up on his knees, he pulled her bottom up across his thighs, leaving his hands free to play with her breasts and her clit. “Better?” God, he hoped so. Pleasing her meant everything to him.
“Yes, more, please,” she moaned. “Kiss me.” Dallas did as she asked, easing her down, fusing her lips with his. Feeling her acceptance, he began to move–to thrust–holding himself above her, he pumped with deep, strong strokes that brought them both to ecstasy. When he felt her contractions begin, he let himself go. Closing his eyes, he reveled in the miracle of their joining, the wonder of how they fit together. Fire rose within him, the muscles of his neck corded. Pleasure built. When his release came it was blinding–pulsating–he called out her name. “Lennon!”
Lennon cradled him close as his body shuddered. He tried to hold himself off of her, but she urged him close. “Rest on top of me. I want to feel your weight.” Kissing him on the side of the neck, she sighed. “I don’t feel so alone.”
When their breathing quieted, he eased into the pool, inviting her to join him. She went into his arms and let him hold her as the warm waters soothed them both. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
Lennon turned into him, smiling against his chest. “I’m perfect.”
“Yes, you are,” Dallas chuckled. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Lennon felt content. She didn’t know how long he’d be with her, but she would cherish him while she could. He was everything she’d ever longed for, more than she could have ever expected. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”
“Me too.” Dallas didn’t question how he felt. He just held her close and vowed to put things right in her life if he could.
*
“Get up, Lenny. I hungry!” Lennon felt her bed shake. For a moment, she didn’t know where she was, nothing looked familiar. Lying on her stomach, she opened one eye and saw that the pillow next to hers bore a definite head shaped dent. And then it all came rushing back…Dallas, the bathhouse–and the fact she’d lost her virginity.
“I’m awake,” she mumbled as Sally continued to bump on the mattress. “You’ve got a good rhythm there. I could use you instead of one those vibrating beds.” As the little girl giggled, Lennon sat up, wondering when Dallas had made his escape. She couldn’t help but smile, last night had been incredible. Reaching for Sally, Lennon pulled her warm little body into her arms. “You’re already dressed.”
“Yes, Dallas tied my shoes. He buttoned Annie’s dwess too.” She held up her doll. “He said to come wake you up.”
“Oh, he did, did he?” She stood, thankful she’d slipped her gown on at some point during the night. She could get used to sharing a bed with Dallas. Going to sleep in his arms had been incredible. Lennon blushed a little remembering how bold she’d been. After they’d returned from the bathhouse pools, he’d brought her to her bed and she’d asked him to stay, unwilling for the magic to end.
“Where is Dallas now?”
“He went out wiff George when I came in here. He be back he said.” As Lennon quickly dressed, Sally leaned on the bed playing with Annie.
Finding out Dallas had left the lodge worried her. There was so much that needed to be done and here she was a virtual prisoner in her own home. Warring emotions filled her–undoubtedly she wanted all of this madness to stop. But when it did…Dallas would leave. There’d be no reason for him to stay. He lived halfway across the state and this was her home, she had responsibilities here. The possibility that she’d never see him again made her heart hurt.
Sorting through the few clothes she’d brought over with her, Lennon admitted her wardrobe was sadly lacking. Even though she wouldn’t be going out to tend the animals, the day didn’t merit a Sunday dress. Her work clothes were the only sensible choice. After she’d dressed, Lennon glanced at herself in the mirror. Did she look different? She touched her face, still void of any makeup enhancement. What did Dallas see in her? The women in his world were probably glamorous and she was what she’d always been–just Lennon.
“You pretty nuff, Lenny, let’s go.”
Lennon had to laugh. “Do you think I’m pretty enough?”
“Yes,” Sally nodded her head emphatically.
Hand in hand, they left the bedroom to go to the kitchen. Lennon had just sat a plate of scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage before Sally when her cell phone rang. Thinking it might be George, she grabbed it without checking the read-out. “Hello?”
“Miss Haley? This is Greg Folsom at Sierra Blanca Bank and Trust. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”
“Well, no.” Lennon wasn’t about to explain her problems to the banker. “I know I’m a few weeks late on my loan, I’ve had a bit of trouble. As soon as I can get some of the sheep penned, I’ll take enough of them to the sale to catch up.”
Mr. Folsom cleared his throat. “I’m afraid you have a very limited amount of time. We’ve learned of the circumstances at Apache Springs and I’m afraid our board has instructed me to begin foreclosure procedures if we don’t have payment by the end of the month.”
Lennon started to shake. “What do you mean?”
She needed to make sure she was hearing him correctly.
“You need to pay what’s owed plus interest within ten days or we take possession of the property in its entirety.”
Unable to speak, Lennon grabbed onto the back of a chair for support. “This is really bad timing…I’m not sure I can come up with that much money in so short an amount of time.”
“I hope you can, Miss Haley. If not, you’ll lose your home.” The line went dead. Slowly, Lennon lowered her phone.
“What’s wrong, Lenny?” Sally looked up, the fork frozen between her plate and her glass. “Are you sick?”
Not wanting to scare her child, Lennon composed herself. “I’m fine, I just need a drink of water.” She turned to the sink, pulled a glass from the drain board and filled it, bringing it to her mouth. What was she going to do? Filled with panic, Lennon’s mind ran rampant with questions. If she lost the ranch, she’d lose everything. She had no savings to speak of, any extra funds had been exhausted in the process of adopting Sally. Miranda had been content for her just to live with Lennon, but Lennon had insisted on making the situation permanent. She knew her cousin and while she’d never keep Sally from Miranda, she wanted Sally to have the stability of a home and a mother.
With her head spinning, Lennon clutched her arms around her middle and began to walk in circles. She’d need to get the sheep to the sale, which would mean getting out there in the open with a madman taking potshots at her. And even then…she wasn’t sure it’d be enough. Maybe if she worked a couple of rodeos. Grabbing her cell, she searched through her contacts for Jim Nelson, the man who coordinated the rodeo bullfighters with the events. When he answered, she didn’t wait, just blurted the words out. “Jim, this is Lennon Haley. If you have any openings, I’d like to sign up for some work.”
Jim didn’t ask questions; he was always trying to fill spots. Before she got off the phone, Lennon had two bookings. This, along with the money she garnered for selling the sheep might be enough to ensure she kept her home. Hearing the front door slam, she was relieved Dallas and George had returned. A few minutes ago, she’d been self-conscious about seeing him again after what they’d shared last evening–and now, that concern seemed small. As soon as their footsteps drew near, she went to meet them.