by Jenn Roseton
Snow battered the kitchen window, as if trying to break the panes of glass. She jumped.
“It’s okay.” Before she’d had a chance to put down the receiver, Mitch’s arms were around her. The phone dangled from her grasp as she breathed in his comforting yet sexy scent of clean horse and hay.
She closed her eyes, allowing herself this one moment with him. Once she returned home, she knew she would always remember how good it felt to be wrapped in his arms.
“Mitch.” Eventually she lifted her head from his chest. His heartbeat had been sure and steady, although a trifle fast. But now it was time to let him go.
“Sophie.” His large hands tightened around her waist.
She looked up into his eyes, knowing as she did so that it would prove to be her downfall. His dark brown eyes burned with desire. For her.
“I …” she didn’t know what to say. Couldn’t manage another word. She drowned in his mesmerizing gaze.
He tilted up her chin, his mouth descending. Her lips parted in surrender before he even claimed her. He kissed her hungrily, as if the taste of her lips was all he ever wanted.
With a soft moan, she gave herself up to his kiss. To him. This was her chance to show Mitch how she really felt about him. Her arms stole around his neck and she stood on tiptoe, pressing her body against his.
Mitch groaned, his arms holding her tighter, until there wasn’t a fraction of space between their bodies. She felt his hardness against her hip and reveled in the knowledge that she affected him that way.
Still kissing her senseless, Mitch walked her over to the kitchen table. The hard edge of the pine dug into the soft flesh of her derriere, but she barely noticed. All that mattered was Mitch. His lips, his hands, his body, and the way he made her feel.
She ran her fingers through his short hair, her lower body quivering with desire. This felt so right, so real. Even if she never saw him again when the snowstorm cleared, she knew she wouldn’t regret her actions today.
His hands cupped her derriere, stroking each cheek until she thought she would combust. She’d never felt this way before. Only Mitch could make her feel like this, so revved up that any second now she was sure she’d burst into flame.
His fingertips brushed her breasts, caressing her nipples. Sophie gasped into his mouth, tightening her grip on him. Her taut nipples poked through her bra and cotton blouse.
Mitch unbuttoned her shirt, parting the fabric. He stroked his thumb over her nipple, making her knees wobble.
“Mitch.” She tore her mouth from his and gasped for air. “Don’t stop.”
In answer, he unsnapped her bra and pushed it off her shoulders. His hands cupped her ample breasts.
“So beautiful.” He brushed his thumbs against her nipples once more, and she clutched his shoulders, too caught up in the incredible sensations to feel self-conscious.
Bending his head, he took a nipple into his mouth. She sagged against the table, grateful for its support. Her fingers drifted down to his waist, and she tugged at his shirt. Her fingers trembled with need as she unbuttoned it, desperate to see the chest she’d been fantasizing about for the last four weeks.
She parted the cotton fabric, her eyes feasting on the bare perfection of Mitch. A slight smattering of dark hair adorned the muscled planes of his chest. He looked even better than her naughty night-time dreams.
She trailed her fingers lightly over his sexy, delineated pecs. A thrill ran through her when she heard his indrawn breath.
His mouth left her breast and she was bereft, until he swept her up in his arms.
“Mitch! You can’t!” She clutched his neck, her self-consciousness returning. What if he hurt himself?
“Shh.” His lips covered hers and she melted against him, all thoughts of being too heavy disappearing.
He strode down the dark hall, passing a couple of doors until he turned into a large bedroom.
She registered brown, navy and cream furnishings. Then he gently stood her on her feet, his hands never leaving her. Pushing her blouse and bra off her shoulders, he looked at her silently.
“You’re all I’ve ever wanted,” he rasped, his strong hands cupping her bare breasts.
Her lower body quivered with desire at his touch and his words. She closed her eyes, absorbing the soft brush of his fingers against her sensitive flesh, arousal throbbing through her.
“Look at me.”
She slowly opened her eyes, and placed her unsteady hands on his firm chest.
“I’m looking.” She smiled daringly.
His mouth tugged up in the corners in the sexiest smile she’d ever seen, before his mouth seared hers. His hands trailed down her body, sliding off her capris. Sophie pushed off his shirt, her fingers trailing along his chest until she reached the zipper of his jeans.
“I’ve got it.” He covered her hand, moving it down lower.
She felt the large bulge straining the denim fabric. In the next couple of seconds, he stood before her, nude, his large, hard shaft standing erect.
Sophie swallowed, her eyes widening at his magnificent body. Her past couple of boyfriends had not been so well endowed.
“Come here.” He swept her in his arms once more, pushing back the navy bed linen and placing her gently on the king size bed.
Mitch followed her down, his lips covering every inch of her flushed skin. She hazily wondered if he liked her curves, before his scorching touch thrust all self-doubt from her mind.
He kissed her rounded stomach, then lower, until his lips touched the silky fabric of her panties. He slid them down her legs, until they were completely off.
Would he like her neatly trimmed mound? Before she could barely form the thought, his mouth assured her he did.
She writhed beneath his talented lips and tongue, her hands clutching his head. Pleasure arced through her, until she didn’t think she could stand any more.
Sophie cried out, her body convulsing as she climaxed. She’d never had such a powerful orgasm before.
Her breathing slowly returned to normal. “Mitch.” She held out her hand. “That was …”
“I know.” He laced his fingers with hers, his touch igniting another fire within her. “But that was only the start.”
He kissed her long and deep, clasping her other hand with his. Kneeling over her, his lips trailed another path of fire down her body, until he eventually loosened his grasp. She wrapped her arms around his back, never wanting to let him go.
When his mouth reached her mound once more, she bucked her hips, unable to take the sensual build-up any longer.
“Please, Mitch,” she breathed. “I want you.”
He reached across her and yanked open the nightstand drawer. His hands shook as he grabbed a large box of condoms. He ripped it open, the contents spilling onto the bed.
Sophie emerged from her sensual haze, her lips parting at the sight of dozen of condom packets on the sheets.
“Mitch?” Her voice held a questioning note.
“I bought them the day we were in Elk View.” He smiled crookedly, picking up one of the colorful packets. “A man can dream of making love to you, can’t he?”
“Oh, Mitch.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down. No man had ever affected her the way Mitch had, and she tried to let him know that by her kiss.
He groaned, the foil packet slipping from his fingers. They rolled over on the bed, Sophie on top. She laved his nipples, her fingers trailing along his body until she reached his jutting shaft.
“I need you,” he gritted, reversing their positions so that once more he was on top. He grabbed a red packet, tore it open and sheathed himself. “Now.”
“Yes.” She parted her thighs, wanting more than anything to be one with Mitch.
He slid his finger into her moist folds, making her tremble with desire.
“It’s going to be so good, baby.” His hoarse tone sent fresh arousal coursing through her.
He positioned himself, thrusting slo
wly into her. She parted her legs further, taking all of him.
“Mitch,” she gasped, once he was fully seated inside her. He felt so right.
He surged into her, slowly at first, then quickened his pace. Sophie clutched his muscled back, and wrapped her legs around his waist. His powerful strokes gave her the exact friction she needed to climax once more.
The pleasure built, and built, until she couldn’t hold it back any longer. She gasped for air, her body shuddering with the force of her orgasm.
Mitch continued to surge into her, thrusting faster, until a moment later he followed her over the edge.
Sophie eventually drifted back to earth, only stirring when Mitch kissed her shoulder, then gathered her to him. She nestled against him, her back to his front, his tanned arm wrapped around her waist, and fell asleep.
***
They awoke a few hours later - at least, Sophie assumed it was only a few hours later. She smiled at him sleepily before his lips claimed hers, and they made love once more.
Afterwards, they looked out the window at the still swirling snow.
“Come back to bed.” He held out his hand.
She couldn’t resist his husky invitation, or the way he looked at her naked figure, as if she were the world’s most desirable woman.
They made love once more and afterwards, she snuggled in his strong arms, wishing every day could be like this.
***
Sunshine peeked through the window the following morning. Sophie stirred, wriggling against the large, warm object next to her in the bed.
She stilled, her memory of yesterday flooding back.
She’d made love with Mitch. Multiple times. And each time had been incredible.
What was she going to do now?
His hand curled around her waist, rippling heat through her body. Half of her wanted to relax against him, turn around and initiate early morning sex. The other half wanted to bolt to the bathroom and lock the door.
She loved him. Yesterday he’d made her feel so desired, as if he cherished every inch of her curves - and her. But apart from whispered murmurs in the heat of their love-making, nothing had been said about their feelings for each other.
If he had feelings for her.
Flicking her gaze to the alarm clock on the nightstand, she gasped. Nine o’clock.
She was expected back in San Diego today.
Carefully easing his hand off her waist, she inched toward the side of the bed.
“Where are you going?” Shivery tremors skittered through her at his low growl. His hand reached for her.
She fled.
***
Sophie stepped out of the shower and wrapped the large bath towel around her, pleased that it fit without leaving any embarrassing gaps around her middle. She’d half-expected Mitch to bang on the bathroom door, demanding - well, she wasn’t sure exactly what he’d demand, but she was only a little relieved he hadn’t.
Perhaps that’s because he doesn’t want anything more than yesterday.
Her shoulders sagged at the thought.
At least she had yesterday to hold onto. She didn’t think any man could ever compare to Mitch. Once she was back in San Diego, she would have memories of their lovemaking to sustain her. She would focus on her job and her studies. If she kept busy, then it should be harder to mourn what she’d never really had - a romantic relationship with Mitch.
She was glad she’d met him, though. She dimly suspected it would be difficult to find anyone to equal him. It was not just his passionate lovemaking, but also his strength, tenderness and compassion. He was everything she wanted in a man.
She didn’t want anyone else. She wanted Mitch.
Shoving those disquieting thoughts to the back of her mind, Sophie unlocked the bathroom door and peered out. The hallway was empty. She dashed toward the kitchen, praying that he wasn’t already working on the computer.
She needed to grab some clean clothes from her suitcase, then book a flight back to California.
The kitchen/study area was deserted. Thank goodness. She pulled on underwear, snagging her fingernail in her haste to fasten her bra, then practically jumped into a pair of capris and a blue shirt.
She heard a door creak. And froze.
Mitch strode into the room.
Sophie took a deep breath. “I’ll book a flight to San Diego in a minute and email my boss about the snowstorm.” She looked out the window, the view preferable to scrutinizing the expression on his face. Sunshine streamed through the window, little blobs of left over snow the only evidence that there had been a freak blizzard yesterday. The garden looked intact. “Now the storm’s over there shouldn’t be a problem getting to the airport.”
“Sophie--”
“I can call a cab.” He would never know how much it cost her to sound businesslike and professional.
“Sophie. Stop.” He placed a hand on her shoulder.
Her eyelids fluttered closed at his touch.
“Mitch--” She had to tell him it was okay if last night was a one-time thing. She’d always treasure the time they spent together, in bed and out. The last thing she wanted to do was to make him feel guilty for not being in love with her.
“Don’t go,” he said hoarsely.
Her eyes flew open. The heat from his hand swept through her body. She must have misheard.
“What?” She moistened her lips.
“Don’t go. I love you.” Soul-deep intensity etched his face.
She stilled, trying to take in those five words. He loved her? Joy flooded her whole being. Knees wobbling, she grasped his shoulders for support, loving how grounded she felt just by reaching out and touching him.
Her face broke into a smile. “I love you, too.”
“Baby.” He crushed her to him, as if he would never let her go. Eventually, he drew back, so he could caress her face with the softest kisses imaginable. Butterfly kisses, she thought hazily, thinking of the butterflies the newly designed garden would attract.
His mouth closed over hers, a gentle and tender kiss. She melted against him, still finding it hard to believe that he returned her feelings.
Minutes, or was it hours? later, they broke apart, gasping for air. Reality intruded.
“I have a job in San Diego,” she said reluctantly, holding onto him, never wanting to let go.
“We can make it work.” He brushed back a strand of her hair from her face, looking deep into her eyes. “I can fly and see you every week - every day, even.”
From the serious tone of his voice, she knew he meant it.
“But … how?” She crinkled her brow as she stared up at him, loving the way he looked at her, as if she were the one person he’d been searching for his whole life. “I can afford to fly here once a month. My plane ticket cost four hundred dollars. But you can’t fly to see me every day.” She gripped his shoulders tighter. “What about your writing? And the horses?”
“Don’t worry, baby.” His face broke into a grin. “I love you. That’s all that matters.”
Mitch’s confidence in their love buoyed her spirits. For a few seconds. Then she remembered she had a confession to make.
“I have to tell you something,” she admitted in a small voice.
“You know you can tell me anything.” He tilted up her chin, his dark brown gaze encouraging her.
“I’m … I’m not who you think I am.” She held her breath. When he didn’t say anything immediately, she rushed on, “I’m not a qualified landscape designer.” She waited for his reaction.
“Is that all?” he asked gently.
She nodded. “Your brother Alex knew but insisted I come out here and redesign your garden. I’m studying landscape design at night school and I’ve worked for my boss’s firm for the last two and a half years, but I mostly take care of the admin work.”
His mouth crinkled at the corner, then he let out a rich chuckle.
“What’s so funny?“ He didn’t hate her for lying to him?
“Sophie, I’ve got a confession to make, too. A couple, in fact.”
Her eyes widened. What on earth could Mitch have to confess? As she stared at him, she realized she’d forgotten to admit that she’d read his writing. If they were to have a relationship, she needed to be totally honest with him from the start.
“What is it?” Surely it wasn’t anything terrible … was it? Even if it was, she knew whatever he said next wouldn’t change her feelings for him. She loved him. And she knew her love for him was strong and true.
“I’m not exactly who you think I am, either.” He took a deep breath. “I know I might have given the impression that I don’t have a lot of money, but I do. My grandfather Abel Trask made a crazy will leaving me and my brothers a huge monthly allowance, on the condition we remained single.” He shook his head. “He was a bitter man, old before his time, and apparently hell to live with. My grandmother finally had enough and when my dad was in his twenties, she ran off with a local schoolteacher to Pennsylvania.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Grandma is great. She never asked for a penny after she left him. Nobody blames her for leaving our grandfather, but that’s why he made such a ridiculous will.
“I didn’t want anyone dictating my life to me. I used some of the money for college and used the rest to invest in the stock market.” He smiled wryly. “Alex knows what he’s doing in that regard and gave us all plenty of good advice. But once I made enough for my needs, I started giving the monthly checks to animal charities.”
Her mouth parted. “But … you’re a writer. I know you are because I read some of it.” A warm blush tinged her cheeks at her as she owned up. “I got our laptops mixed up one day and started reading one of your books. I thought it was great and wanted to keep reading, but I knew how private you are about your writing. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
“You really liked that book? Somehow, I didn’t think you would read that kind of thing.”
“I don’t usually,” she confessed. “Most of the time I read chick lit or cozy mysteries. But your writing was so good, I wanted to keep reading.”
He closed his eyes, a smile tilting up the corners of his mouth. “That’s a relief.” He drew in a deep breath. “When I was in college, I had a girlfriend I thought I would marry.”