First Love Wild Love

by Janelle Taylor

  Lynx chuckled. “I suppose I’ve always been a man of few words. I thought you knew how I felt about you. I guess a man should speak his mind once in a while, even if it’s hard to learn how. Well, Calinda Cardone, I love you, pure and simple love you. It scares the hell out of me, even shocks me, but it’s true,” he declared roguishly.

  “I know what you mean, my love.” she concurred. “But it’s more frightening when you feel it’s one-sided.”

  “When we get to the house, we’ll see why Rankin hid the telegram and paper. If I know my father, probably to surprise you. I believe you said you were starving, Mrs. Cardone. Let’s go home.”

  “Would you believe my appetite has changed drastically?”

  A beguiling grin flickered over his arresting features. “In what way, Mrs. Cardone?” he queried huskily. Calinda unbuttoned his shirt to the waist, then snuggled against his firm chest. “I bet with a little cunning and investigating, you might gain a clue,” she hinted seductively.

  Lynx grasped her chin to lift her head, fusing their gazes. “Is sex all you think about, Mrs. Cardone?” he teased.

  “Only for the next week,” she saucily replied, her lips meeting his as his arms surrounded her.

  They sank to the grassy earth, their love shared at last …

  Chapter Seventeen

  As Lynx spread enticing kisses over Calinda’s face and mouth, her body was consumed by a great need for him. He was so absorbing, filling her mind with thoughts which prevented any distractions, consuming her body with urgent passion, blinding her warring heart to all emotions except her love and his nearness.

  During their mild argument and blooming of desires, dusk gradually wrapped them in an ever-darkening blanket. Without taking his lips from hers, Lynx gathered her in his arms and carried her to a copse of small oaks and placed her there for privacy, his lithe body partially covering hers. It was possible someone might come riding by or might come to search for them when they failed to respond to the dinner bell; yet ravenous emotions demanded to be fed and sated.

  Within a few minutes, Lynx had removed her scanty garments and his own clothing. Semi-surrounded by bushy trees and cloaked by shadows, Calinda felt no modesty or resistance. She had doubted his love and suspected his motives; she needed to destroy those feelings. She clung to his sinewy frame, thrilled by its wondrous contact with her tingling flesh. She yielded to his lips, intoxicated by their ability to stir her senses to a wild frenzy. She vanquished all worries and mistrust, allowing her love to lead her where he willed.

  The sun could have blazed down upon them and revealed their feverish actions to the entire world, and she couldn’t have prevented their imminent union. If anyone had confronted them, she would have been too engrossed with him to notice their arrival. Lynx filled her senses as no other force had ever done, not even air or life itself.

  He was so strong, yet his touch was as gentle and light as rays of sunshine dancing over her quivering flesh, its heat warming her very soul. Her body seemed as helpless as a blade of grass being swayed to and fro by a powerful breeze. Her will was as pliable as dough in a baker’s hands.

  Like a daring and skillful explorer, he let his hands search her enticing regions. They travelled, mapped, invaded, trespassed, conquered, and claimed nearly every inch of her willing body, as his lips did simultaneously with hers. A welcomed interloper, his tongue forded her lips and tasted the eagerness of her mouth. Accepting him as a seasoned and talented guide, she followed his lead.

  Yet, Lynx didn’t enter her unguarded paradise too quickly. He tantalized and stimulated her appetite until she pleaded for his expedition into that conquerable territory. At last, he boldly eased inside the dark passage which was moist and trembling with anticipation. His manhood journeyed from end to end many times, often swiftly, then with tormentingly sweet leisure. He calculated how long he needed to bring her to the point of victory at his side, then lovingly labored at that pace.

  Their bodies and spirits united to strive for that rewarding goal, they sought it with stirring suspense. Soon, the moment of ecstasy seized them and carried them away on waves of blissful rapture. They lay entwined until respirations returned to normal and a quiet contentment filled them.

  A light breeze played over their nude bodies, cooling and refreshing them. “Thank God I don’t have to leave soon because I couldn’t,” he murmured softly into her fragrant hair, nuzzling her ear.

  “A week is very soon, my love,” she debated tranquilly.

  “In another month, we’ll forget all these separations. We’ll never be apart again, Callie. Wherever I go, you’ll come with me. I’m eager to work on some little Cardones,” he teased mirthfully.

  “Ah, ha,” she playfully mused, “so that’s why you married me.”

  “Why not?” he genially accepted her jest. “I can’t think of a better choice for the mother of my children.”

  The moment the word “mother” left his lips, she noticed a slight tensing in his body. Knowing the truth, her heart ached for the anguish he had endured because of Brax and Laura. Never would she treat her children in such an evil manner. “You’ll make a wonderful father, Lynx. I can envision you now, trying to teach our son to ride and herd cattle. I only pray you don’t share any of your wandering spirit with him; I’d like him to hang around longer than you. One expert gunslinger and carefree roamer is enough for me,” she teased.

  “He’ll never have a reason to leave, Callie; I’ll make certain.”

  Although Lynx didn’t know she caught the dual meaning in his statement, she responded to it as she gazed into his impenetrable eyes, “So will I, my love; I swear it.”

  There was a haunting gleam in his eyes when he tenderly coaxed, “Please don’t ever get weary of life on the ranch, Callie. I know trading silks and towns for jeans and dust is a big change for you. But don’t lose faith in me, in us. If you’re unhappy or angry, tell me quickly. Don’t let bitterness fester until it sickens you and drives you from me. I don’t know how I would survive if you ever walked away from me, if you stopped loving me. It’s damn scary to love and need another person so much,” he whispered in a deeply emotional tone.

  Cal snuggled into his protective arms and hugged him tightly. “How can you even think of such an impossible thing?” she softly scolded him, but she knew why. “You would have to take a whip to me to drive me away from your side. I love the ranch and jeans. Who needs silks and civilization when I have you? I love you, Lynx, and nothing will ever come between us again.”

  Lynx’s sharp mind picked up her last word and mentally questioned it. “You mean nothing I say or do will change things for us?” he tested for more information.

  Cal twisted her head to meet his probing gaze. “What could you possibly do or say to shatter our love and promises?” she parried his oddly voiced question. “I’m holding you to your vows, Lynx. If you break them, I’ll make you sorry,” she warned merrily.

  Her innocent threat brought a curious reaction to his face. “You trying to intimidate me, wife?” he asked, failing to mask an odd concern. “If I don’t ride straight, what would you do to punish me?”

  “I don’t need to use energy planning for something which will never take place. If you love me and want me, why would you try to damage our relationship? One day, I want to know anything and everything about you. All right?”

  “Nosy little critter, aren’t you?” he insouciantly claimed.

  “Only because you make it necessary. One day I want to hear all of your secrets,” she whispered conspiratorially, then laughed.

  “I doubt it, Callie. If you knew them, I would lose you for certain. I’m really a devil in disguise, after your beautiful and trusting soul,” he murmured huskily.

  “Then your wicked task is over, Sir Demon; you own me body, heart, mind, and soul. What more can I offer to win you for eternity?”

  “That’s quite a valuable collection, woman. You sure you trust me to take care of them?” he ventured, chuckling wi
th renewed life.

  “If I can’t trust you, Lynx, then I can trust no one,” she stated gravely, her voice muffled and strained.

  Lynx captured her quivering chin, alarmed by the moisture on her lashes and the panic in her voice. “Do you trust me implicitly, Cal?”

  She glanced away as she light-heartedly declared, “Why shouldn’t I? You’re my husband, perhaps soon to be father of my children.”

  “Is there something I should know, woman? You’ve been acting awfully strange and tense,” Lynx speculated an impending announcement.

  “About what?” Cal asked, her fretful gaze and voice guarded.

  “A baby?” he hinted cleverly. “Is that why you’re so edgy?”

  “Not that I know of, Lynx,” she replied honestly, delighted his keen mind was running in that false direction. She cautioned herself to relax and to avoid bringing up any stressful points. She had been attacked by too many pains and problems lately. Soon, he would be home permanently; then, they could discover each other and share their lives. During this visit, she wanted to prevent quarrels.

  Clever and perceptive, Lynx knew she was keeping something from him, something which was plaguing her deeply. Maybe they just needed time together to teach her to accept him and his words. He hadn’t been much of a husband, lover, or friend since their marriage. Her hesitation and mistrust were natural. He would give her the time and love she needed to win her loyalty and contentment. He would grant her the time to come to him and talk openly about what was troubling her. His many secrets and separations couldn’t help but distress her. In time, she would understand them. She had said to “prove” himself to her; he would make every effort to do so. Yet, her unhappiness and boredom tormented him,. panicked him. He could never release her. He allowed the matter to pass for now.

  “Let’s freshen up in the pond, then get something to eat. I’m starved. If you want me to hang around home, you best take real good care of me, Mrs. Cardone,” he teased her.

  “Do you know how much I love you and need you?” she asked.

  He cupped her face between his hands and studied her serious expression. “More than anyone else in my life, Callie,” he answered.

  For a brief moment, her eyes misted and her lips quivered. He thought she was about to cry, but she controlled that reaction. “Are you so miserable here at the ranch, Callie? Is it me?”

  “I just miss you so much, Lynx,” she confessed raggedly.

  “I’m sorry, love. It won’t be much longer,” he promised.

  She flung herself into his arms and whispered fearfully, “I hope not. I’m so afraid something will happen to you.”

  His embrace tightened as he said, “Nothing will happen to me, love. Please don’t upset yourself like this.”

  “Every time you leave, I fear it will be the last time you hold me, or kiss me, or I see you. Am I so terrible or life here so dreary that you can’t stay home very long?” she challenged.

  Her insecurities and loneliness flooded her words, startling him with their depth. “Look at me, Callie,” he softly commanded.

  When she did, he stated distinctly, “I love you, woman. If you don’t believe anything else I say, at least know for certain that’s the God’s truth. I promise to take you with me if I ever leave again. If you’ll recall, I do keep my word,” he hinted slyly, grinning at her.

  “I hope so, my darling. But if you start this secretive roaming again, Lynx, I might not hang around to be convinced of your love and needs. I can’t live like this much longer, me always waiting alone and in fear while you gallivant around the countryside for reasons you can’t even share with me. That isn’t a good marriage or a real commitment; it’s only a convenience for you. I’m going to trust you to keep your word, unless you prove otherwise. One final separation,” she compromised softly.

  The haunting words sounded as if they had been carved from her soul with an incisive honesty and sent forth with much agony. “I won’t let you down, Callie. One last trip,” he concurred joyfully.

  “I pray you mean it, Lynx. If I ever discovered you didn’t, I would leave that very day. I want so much to know you, to understand you, to share everything with you, to help you, to love you blindly.”

  “Is there any reason you can’t?” he questioned.

  “You,” she stated simply. “You don’t allow it to happen.”

  “Then prepare yourself to be stormed with answers and love,” he playfully warned Cal. “Bargain?”

  “I’ve been ready and eager since that night we met in the saloon. Did you honestly think I was Callie O’Hara?” she asked merrily.

  “Yep, but that wasn’t such a terrible mistake after all. It did get us acquainted before…Did you know Callie turned into an outlaw?” He hurriedly tried to cover a slip which she had caught. He went on to reveal the Irish lass’ unmasking during the hold-up and her planning of Calinda’s kidnapping. He was surprised when Calinda’s intrigue was small. Watching her intense observation of him, he lazily rolled into the telling of the Round Rock incident, alleging himself as a witness and spectator without outright lying.

  “That’s what I meant earlier, Lynx; you’re constantly in danger.”

  “I’m perfectly safe. Haven’t you seen me with these Colts?”

  “What’s the saying about there’s always someone else faster?” she craftily rebutted his confidence. “A reputation as large and colorful as yours is mighty tempting to a rising legend. Perhaps I should come along to guard your back.”

  “No way will I endanger your life again, woman. I’ll kill the first man who threatens you,” he warned ominously.

  “How soon do you propose to defend me at such a distance? As we both recall, you weren’t around when Cole Stevens grabbed me,” she reminded him, her fishing expedition in full swing. With the right bait, she might catch some enlightening answers or clarifying clues.

  “I did rescue you, my ungrateful and demanding wife,” he retorted, his intuition alive and working overtime.

  “You do have that stimulating ability to sense when I’m in peril. We must have a mental link, or fate is guarding us. And I am most appreciative of all you do for me, Lynx. But alas, I admit to being demanding and selfish; I want more,” she stated comically.

  “Do you deserve more from me, you sly vixen?” he taunted.

  “All you have to offer,” she replied smugly.

  “Demanding and selfish don’t cover the half of it, woman.”

  “We’ll see, won’t we?” she cheerfully hinted.

  “I think I’m in deep trouble,” Lynx playfully sighed.

  “You are, Lynx. You haven’t seen anything yet. Let’s get moving before we miss dinner,” Cal reminded him.

  They quickly bathed and dressed. She was mounted before he could assist her. “See you at home, love,” she threw over her shoulder as she raced off across the meadow, heading for the rolling hill beyond.

  Lynx jumped into his saddle and raced off in pursuit, easily catching up with her. She slowed her pace to ride beside him. “You’re a damn good rider, Callie,” he complimented her.

  “Good shot, too,” she informed him. “Maybe good enough to challenge you,” she laughingly added.

  “I’d be a dead man; I’d never be able to draw a weapon on you.”

  “Any kind?” she speculated with a giggle.

  “If I can help it, Callie, I’ll never hurt you.”

  “Bribery and flattery are sly tricks to win my favor.”

  “I have it, don’t I?” he smugly declared.

  “Yes, my love, you do,” she readily agreed.

  When they arrived at the stable, Charlie took possession of their horses. They locked hands and strolled to the house. They were greeted by a grinning Rankin. “I see you found her, son. She’s been fretting over your arrival for weeks. I saw you in the papers from Round Rock. I didn’t dare show them to Cal; I didn’t want her tearing off in search of her adventurous husband and getting into danger again. I even kept your tele
gram a secret; I wanted her to be surprised tonight,” he cunningly enlightened Lynx.

  “You underestimate my wife’s intelligence, Father; she knew about both. She’s been annoyed with us for keeping her in the dark. She’s been raking me through the fires,” Lynx replied in that same sly communicative way, failing to deceive an alert Calinda.

  “I’m sorry, Cal,” Rankin said. “Now I see why you’ve been so irritable and distant with me. We won’t trick you again.”

  “Any food left from dinner?” she asked, dropping the nettling game. “We’re both famished.”

  “In the oven. Salina’s gone for the night.”

  Calinda stopped her pleased response from leaving her lips. “You relax, dear husband, while I get it ready. Talk with Rankin.”

  “We can talk later or tomorrow. I’m not letting you out of my sight in that crazy mood,” Lynx informed her, a gleam of mischief in his tawny eyes. “I’d best learn my way around this house again.”

  Together, they set the table, retrieved the food, and sat down to eat. Hungry and weary, Lynx and Cal ate in relative silence. Afterwards, Lynx helped her with the dishes. “Watch it, Lynx, this could become a habit with me. I like having you around.”

  “Excellent. Would you like to take a walk?” he offered.

  “Not tonight. That work and swim drained me. I think I’ll turn in. You coming along, or staying to talk with your father?”

  “I’ll be along shortly, love. I think I should speak with my father for a little while tonight,” he said, stroking her silky hair.

  “I’ll be waiting,” she murmured, smiling seductively at him.

  “I’m counting on it,” he responded, his smile tugging at her.

  Calinda went to their room and dressed for bed. While she waited for Lynx and Rankin to visit, she read and dozed. If only she’d known he was coming home today, she wouldn’t have worked so hard. Now that she was bathed and fed, her fatigued and sated body was lax. After thirty minutes of straining to focus on the book, it fell into her lap and closed; Calinda was fast asleep.