Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  “Anything I can do?” he asked.

  “No. You sit here and finish that pie. Looks like you need it more than I do.” She winked and left him alone.

  Something stirred inside of him. A woman like Charlie could open his eyes to the fact that he had been numb for a few years now. He wasn’t sure if happiness was even in his reach, but Charlie sure made him want to experience more.

  Charlie couldn’t sleep.

  She climbed from bed, pulled on a robe and started downstairs with her mind on getting a glass of water, but plans were changed when she found Storm sitting at the kitchen table, nursing something in a cup.

  “Something tells me that’s not tea,” she said.

  His head came up. “You couldn’t sleep either?”

  “No.” She took a glass from the cabinet and poured water in it from the faucet. “Come with me. When I can’t sleep I have the perfect place.”

  He pushed back his chair and followed her. She led him onto the screened-in patio. “This is where I come on the nights when demons haunt me. It’s enclosed so it stays pretty warm.”

  “Wow, this is nice.” The moonlight streaming in seemed to catch his eyes in its radiant glow.

  She went to the swing and took a seat, expecting him to sit in one of the wicker chairs, but instead, he sat down next to her. His warmth oozed through her robe and warmed her skin. Her heart picked up and tingles darted through her limbs. She sipped at her water, hoping it would calm her some.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” The words slipped out before she could drag them back in. It occurred to her to attempt to play them off, but no excuse would follow. She wasn’t sure why she got all giddy when he was around. Of course, she did have a clue. He was ridiculously handsome with a smile that could have knocked her socks off. He was tall and built broad. His hair was a mass of wild locks, making him appear almost boyish. He was definitely the sexiest thing she’d laid eyes on. What stood out to her was his eyes. She could lose herself there.

  “I’m glad I’m here too. It wasn’t planned, but some of the greatest things in life happen unexpectedly. Have you ever thought of leaving here?”

  “I love this place. The winters are crisp and brilliantly white. Breezy and bright in the spring with fresh life. Warm and colorful in the summer. But my favorite time here in the mountains is fall when everything turns orange and red. The smell of pumpkin and apples linger in the air. The cooler temperature is an opportunity for snuggling.”

  His smile widened.

  She couldn’t believe Storm Rich was here, with her. He wasn’t anything she’d expected. He was down to earth, kind and interesting. He made her flesh tingle and her body crave things she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

  Billy had been the only man she’d ever known intimately. She’d met him back when she was gawky, long-legged, and pimple-faced. While all of the other girls were boasting big, perky breasts, she hid hers, covered in a training bra underneath big sweaters and T-shirts. It wasn’t until her freshmen year in college that she’d started to blossom. Her breasts filled out, not into more than a B-cup, but she didn’t need anything more. Her hair grew lustrous where it once was oily and embarrassingly stringy. Her face had cleared with just an occasional break out at the time of the month. Great thing was, she no longer looked in the mirror and saw a reflection of a self-conscious, shy teenager. She’d grown confidence. Sitting here next to Storm she felt like a woman—all woman. His thigh brushed hers and the spirals of heat washing through her were the sensations of a woman too.

  She shifted and their arms touched. She jerked at the sudden sharp, sweet yearning rushing through her.

  “Should I go inside?” he asked, his gaze upon her, questioning and mysterious.

  “I’d be disappointed if you did.” How could it be possible that she could tell him everything?

  “If I stay, I’ll kiss you. I don’t want to take advantage.”

  He’d handled Billy, protecting her, and now, they sat close together and nothing about her wanted him to walk away. She was caught off guard by the rush of desire melting her insides like milk chocolate over a flame. Storm was different—and she liked different—possibly even needed different. He didn’t know her, and yet she’d told him more than she had anybody in years. For the first time since she could remember, she wanted to allow herself to follow the yearning that beat heavily in her core. She wanted to know what it felt like to be wanted, really wanted.

  Leaning in, she laid her palm against his chest and looked at him. “Storm.” His name slipped with purpose from her lips.

  He blinked and a long breath escaped him. He moved toward her, entwining his fingers through her hair, then bringing tendrils to his nose and inhaling deeply. “You smell so good,” he muttered as he lowered his mouth and softly brushed his lips against hers.

  Goosebumps scattered her skin. Her entire experience with the opposite sex could fill a shot glass. Seduction was outside of her realm, and yet he made her feel sexy. Her body went tight as his lips found hers again, this time with more pressure. The spirals of pleasure racing through her weren’t a disappointment. Could things get any better? She tried to calm the excitement building, tried to reign in her emotions. Her insides were as hot as an inferno. Storm was big and powerful, and she wanted nothing more than to sink against him and go along with the ride.

  She forgot she was holding her glass and it turned upside down, trickling water onto the floor. Storm took the glass from her and set it on the table next to the swing.

  He folded his arms around her, strong and secure, and she didn’t resist. He was gentle, yet she could feel his need in the tense length of his body. She wanted to explore him, know every bend and toned dip of his body. She smoothed her hands up his broad shoulders, into his hair, enjoying the softness of it against her fingers. With every bit of control she had, she maintained herself, slowing her mind down to concentrate on experiencing this moment.

  “Come here, sweetheart.” He lifted her across his lap and his bulging zipper rubbed her bottom.

  Her secret parts throbbed and filled with heat. Come? Yes, she wanted to come. But the need burrowed deep in her wouldn’t be satisfied by her own fingers as she’d done over the years. Self-pleasure was the only way to stay emotionally detached, but all of the vibrators and toys in the world didn’t entice her like Storm.

  She kissed his chin and cheek, and licked his ear lobe. A tense groan vibrated his chest and shot straight to her inner thighs. Yes, they could have sex. What was stopping them?

  Chapter Seven

  They could have sex. But there were so many things that could stop them.

  Those were Storm’s thoughts as he nuzzled his nose against her chin, then sipped at her ripe, luscious mouth. He took his time, savoring her, enjoying her like an aged wine. He cupped her face, tenderly, wanting to show her how much he wanted her. Since he’d met her, he’d been wrapped around her little finger. Wondering about her secrets, desiring to know her better and deeper…but had he believed they’d have sex? No, he hadn’t.

  She shifted in his arms and for a second he thought she was going to pull away from him. He stopped kissing her, waiting. Instead, she moved, pressing her breasts against his chest while exploring his mouth. He dragged open the front of her robe, wanting closer contact. When she moaned, he deepened the kiss, and the heat between them consumed him. He found her breasts and she wasn’t wearing a bra. His cock jerked to an unbelievable length. He rolled the pad of his thumb over one cotton-covered nub and she shuddered. Had he gone too far too quickly?

  She lifted her chin, breathless. “I want this,” she whispered.

  “I want this too.”

  “But wait a second.” She slid from his lap, standing. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and her eyes were wildly lit. The robe was pushed down both her shoulders and the T-shirt clung to her hardened nipples. Her breasts heaved with each breath she took and he was mesmerized, filled with a need that burned every inch of him.


  “Are you okay?” He forced the words through his tight lips. He slid his gaze up her long, slender neck, tilted chin, and into her glinted eyes. Her cheeks flushed.

  “Never better.”

  “Okay?” He was a bit confused. He inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly. Demanding that parts of his body relax. “I shouldn’t have—”

  “Yes, you should have. We should. I want it, trust me, but not here.” She tugged her robe closer, running her palms down her hips.

  Short of breath, he wasn’t sure how he’d allowed this woman to take up residence inside of him, but he wanted her—needed her more than a number one hit. Yet, she’d gotten cold feet and pressure wasn’t in his vocabulary. “It’s okay, Charlie. I understand.” He stood. “You’re not ready.”

  She took a step closer, her toes touching his, and she looked up at him with the sweetest, most vulnerable expression he’d ever seen. It cut straight into his gut. His knees weakened and he could barely swallow. What the hell was she doing to him? He was overcome with the need to protect her, to steal away all of her fear and pain. He wanted to make a place between them, but knew they lived in separate worlds.

  “I’m afraid,” she said.

  “I’d never hurt you, sweetheart.” But could he make that promise? He was leaving and wouldn’t be back. Those were the cards they were dealt.

  “Not of you. These emotions, the desire building like a fire in me. I’m caught off guard.” Her hand rested on his chest and he lifted it, bringing her fingers to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. She trembled underneath him.

  “You don’t have to be afraid of these feelings. It’s okay to feel, Charlie.”

  “I think I’ve been in limbo for too long.”

  Using his thumb, he caressed her palm. “I’m very grateful that Yogi ran out in front of my truck.”

  “The stars must have been aligned just right.”

  “Sometimes that happens.”

  She took his hand, linking their fingers. “Let’s go to my room.”

  “This isn’t a question I ever thought I’d ask, but what about your dad? Last thing I need is to have a shotgun aimed at me.”

  “His bedroom is downstairs, and mine upstairs. He sleeps like a log. Have you changed your mind? You have, haven’t you?” One thin brow lifted and her bottom lip slightly puckered.

  “Charlie, you know I’ll be leaving soon.” He had to make that clear.

  “Let’s not think about tomorrow. Only tonight.”

  Once they were inside of her bedroom, door closed, Storm stepped behind her, pressing his hips to her bottom and she felt the length of hard male flesh. She had to swallow and blink to gain function in her brain. His large hands braced her waist, his fingers settling on her stomach. “I want you. I want this,” he whispered.

  Her stomach did a flip as moisture flooded her panties. Her mind swirled and turned with no thoughts except for the hunger buried within her. A powerful erotic emotion spiraled through her at knowing she was Storm’s desire—even if only for tonight. He was the most handsome, sexiest man she’d ever met, and soon she would know more of him. A niggling of uncertainty lingered in her gut, not about him, but about her own emotions. Could she keep them constrained? She understood he would be leaving soon and then what? She’d have a memory of a cowboy. What was there to complain about?

  He turned her around and cupped her face with his callused hands. “We’ll take things slow, sweetheart. No rush. Only pleasure.” His beautiful, mysterious eyes stared into her.

  His promise scooped out all of the remaining uncertainty. “I’ve only known one man.”

  He smiled and her knees weakened. “I got that feeling.” Tilting her chin with his cupped fingers, he lowered his mouth and placed a sweet, but firm, kiss on her lips.

  Opening her mouth, she welcomed him and he moved in, tasting her. His hands pressed her back, lowering to the indentation of her waist, pulling her against him tighter. His tongue played with hers, coaxing it into a swirl of exploration.

  Cupping her bottom, he gently squeezed, then moved his hand around to her stomach, upward until his hands were on her breasts. “Got to get rid of this.” He slipped her robe from her shoulders and it landed at her feet. She gave it a kick. His mouth lowered to her neck, his tongue leaving a moist trail at her collarbone. Butterflies fluttered in her core.

  Her nipples tightened and every nerve came alive as he moved his palms over her breasts. He brought his lips back to hers, licking and suckling. “I want to bring you pleasure,” he said around her lips. The vibration tickled the roof of her mouth. She met his gaze and wild, hot need raced through her.

  He pressed his lips to hers, sucking her tongue then nibbling, sweeping his tongue along the roof of her mouth. She’d never felt something so unbelievably erotic. She clung to his shoulders, digging her nails into the material of his shirt, wanting to rip it from his body.

  Was this really happening to her?

  He tugged her hard against him again, rubbing his hips against hers, his shaft creating a friction between their bodies and the heat spreading through her. Her body tensed, her core throbbed and she jerked her hips against his. Pulses of current shot through her, around her, between them. Her spine tingled like fingers playing her vertebrae.

  “You taste so good,” he mumbled. He moved his hips, rubbing his erection along the cleft between her legs, bringing her to her toes. Her core trembled and a moan escaped from deep within her throat. She could almost reach orgasm with this small act of pleasure. His breath swept across her cheek and her own breath hitched.

  His hand took the place of his groin, rubbing his fingers over her slit through her cotton panties. They weren’t the prettiest, but she didn’t care. And she didn’t think he cared either. He lowered his head to kiss her neck and his beard rasped her skin, sending splashes of heat across her flesh. His fingers continued to rub until she cried out, “More, Storm. Give me more.”

  He dipped his finger inside her panties, across her sensitive flesh and rolled along her quivering parts. At the same time his teeth clutched her ear lobe, sucking and licking. His tongue played with the earring. “Do you like this?” As if to help her understand what he was asking, he spread her nether lips and sank one long finger inside of her. She dropped her head to her shoulder, a wild sound undulating from her.

  “Yes!” she whimpered.

  Trails of heat and shivers slid down her back and nestled in her core where his fingers touched her most intimate part. Her nipples ached and she could barely drag air into her lungs.

  “This is all your call, baby. Do you want this? Do you want me?” His hot breath felt glorious against her neck.

  “If you stop now I’ll die from need.”

  He slid an arm around the back of her knees, picked her up and took the few steps across the room to the bed. He placed her in the middle of the queen size mattress and reached over to turn on the lamp. “I want to see all of you.”

  Their gazes locked and she clutched the comforter into her tight fists. “I want to see you too.”

  He reached for his shirt and dragged it from his body. He tossed it aside then bent on one knee next to her. The bed sank under his weight and she slid closer to his thigh. He grabbed the hem of her shirt and removed it, his eyes skimming her partially nude body. With a groan, he tossed the shirt over his shoulder. A rush of pleasure shimmied down her spine as his fingers moved up her back and around to her breasts.

  This was going to happen…between them. She dragged in a breath and exhaled. She couldn’t wait. Cooler air splashed across her breasts, her nipples tightened.

  He roved his gaze down her and scrubbed his jaw. “Wow, you’re beautiful.”

  She could hear the hunger in his tight voice. It empowered her. “Thank you.” She sat up on the bed. “What is your real name?”

  “Huh?” He choked the word.

  “Storm Rich isn’t real, is it?”

  He gave his head a shake. “Storm Dillinger is my real nam
e.”

  She crawled her fingers down his chest, through the triangle of crisp hair and lower to the waist of his jeans. “Mmm.” She rolled her finger along the zipper teasingly.

  “Aw, baby.” His gaze held hers. “You got me going crazy.”

  “Is that your heart beating, or mine?” she whispered.

  “Both, I do believe,” he murmured against her neck. His lips moved along the length, headed for her breasts. They were prickly and full, craving his touch. He plucked her nipples, teasing and pleasing.

  “You’re good with your fingers,” she whimpered.

  His crooked grin played her heartstrings like a guitar. “You make it real easy.” He lowered his mouth, his breath feathering her lips and then a gentle joining of their mouths. The connection grew stronger as he pushed his tongue between her lips and she tasted him. She caressed his face, the stubble of his beard scraping her sensitive fingers. She loved how he felt—how he made her feel.

  He was tender and giving, taking things slow. She realized he was allowing her to set the pace. Was he afraid she’d pull out again? Not in a million years. She was too far in to pull back now. She trailed her tongue along the seam of his mouth, pushing past the barrier, suckling his tongue. Over and over, he moved his warm lips over hers.

  Finally, she drew back, leaving a trail of kisses at the corner of his lips, his cheek and jaw, lower to his neck. He smelled like leather and spice. Masculine.

  She looked up at him, willing to give him everything.

  Chapter Eight

  Storm watched Charlie’s pink mouth tremble and her blue-green eyes twinkle. He cursed under his breath. His body was so tight, he thought he’d burst soon. He smoothed his thumb over her flawless skin, loving how smooth it was. Her grin lit up her face. “You’re smiling.”