Chuckling, Claire glanced into the pond, and sure enough there was an entire swarm of baby koi. She saw Sam watching her out of the corner of her eye, and turned to him. He smiled and her heart melted. Making love to this man would be wonderful. How could it not? He was kind and caring, and obviously attracted to her.
His gaze coasted over her. “Your feet cold?”
She glanced down at her bare feet, glad she’d taken the time to get a pedicure yesterday, then returned her gaze to his. Desire shot through her. “Nothing about me is cold.”
His gaze heated and he took her hands, but he made no move to kiss her. “You smell like roses. I bought the soap with that in mind.”
“You mean you don’t want to smell like roses?” she teased.
He nuzzled her neck. “Right now, smelling like roses would be fine with me. It’d mean you’d rubbed your body all over mine.”
Her skin tingled. He ran the tip of his finger down the front of her robe, easing it open just enough to reach her skin. She shivered with pleasure at his touch. “Go get your shower while I have the will power to let you go,” she said breathlessly.
He gave her a soft kiss and, without another word, went inside.
Claire watched him go, then let out the breath she’d been holding as the door shut behind him, her nervousness over-ridden by the storm of desire surging through her. Unless she was mistaken, she was about to experience the best love-making of her life, and if Sam wasn’t back out here in five minutes, she would go after him and drop this robe the minute he laid eyes on her.
CHAPTER SIX
Wearing fresh jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, Sam stepped out on the deck with two glasses of wine, smiling when Claire turned toward him. The woman was beautiful and didn’t even know it. “Glad to see you haven’t run off,” he said, handing her a glass. He eased into a chaise and pulled her down between his legs, her back against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he clinked his glass to hers. “Here’s to the night ahead.”
Claire snuggled against him, raised her knees and tucked her feet under the bathrobe, then took a sip of her wine.
“Now your feet are cold. Right?”
“They’re the only thing cold,” she answered, running a hand over the top of his bare foot. “So are yours.”
He set his wine on the side table, tugged the robe aside, and kissed her shoulder. “Nothing will be cold in a few minutes. Besides, I thought it would be nice to enjoy the crisp, clear evening for a few minutes. My favorite kind of weather actually. I’m surprised it’s not colder by now.”
“Me too. Especially in the country.”
“So why do you live in the city?” he asked, burying his nose in her soft hair and breathing in the clean citrusy smell.
She shrugged. “I guess because I grew up there. And my family’s all in Nashville. Not to mention my job. It’s so peaceful out here, though.” She turned and draped her legs over the edge of the chaise, gazing into his eyes, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears. “It’s been a wonderful day, Sam. Thank you.”
He cupped her face and brushed his lips against hers. God, she was intoxicating. He ran his tongue over her lips, and a soft whimper escaped her. His heart revved even more, but he forced himself to take things slow. Tucking her against him, he nodded at the sky. Next time you come, I’ll get out my telescope. Tonight, I only want to concentrate on you.”
“So there will be a next time?” she asked, her gaze roaming over his face.
“Definitely.” One night wasn’t near enough for all the things he wanted to do with this woman.
“Kiss me again, Sam.”
“Let’s go inside,” he said, helping her to her feet and taking her hand. “Come on, Brutus.” As soon as they were inside, Sam crated Brutus and then led Claire to his bedroom.
She stepped inside the door and laid a hand over her heart. “Oh, Sam, I love it. It’s so you. Rustic and masculine. And the moon bathes it in just enough light.” She walked over to a four-poster pine bed with intricately carved trees in the headboard. “Did you make this gorgeous bed?”
She started to say more but he covered her lips with a finger. “Yes, now let’s get in it.” She nodded but made no attempt to move. He pulled her into his arms and devoured her mouth, filling himself with her taste, her smell. When he finally broke the kiss, he was short of breath. He traced the neck of the bathrobe with a finger, following it all the way to her waist, then untied the sash. The robe fell open and he slipped his hands inside, running them over her smooth-as-silk skin. “I knew you would feel like heaven.”
Claire had never felt so alive. So tuned into another person. So desired. And definitely never this turned on. She grabbed the bottom of his t-shirt and pulled it over his head, dropping the shirt without taking her gaze off his chest. “Oh my,” she whispered as she rested her palms on his pecs, then smoothed them down his chest and over his flat belly before heading back up to his broad shoulders. “You take my breath away,” she murmured.
He eased the robe off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor, then picked her up and carried her to the bed, setting her down gently before shucking the rest of his clothes. Claire couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He was the most incredible specimen of man she’d ever laid eyes on. He eased down on the bed and she opened her arms to him, excited and eager to experience a night in the arms of this wonderful and considerate man.
He lay down, pulling her with him. As his big, warm hand skimmed down her side and over her hip, her body thrummed to life with pure pleasure. Every muscle in her felt like a tightly strung string, vibrating with anticipation and pleasure at Sam’s touch. She closed her eyes on a sigh, not able to even imagine what this night held for her. But she knew one thing. She’d never be the same again.
Sam took his time, savoring Claire’s silky skin and the way she responded to his touch. “God, you feel good, baby.” He placed his hand on her stomach, and she moaned, lifting her hips. He kissed her, smiling against her lips which were as pliant as every other part of her, and hoped he could hold on and give this woman what she deserved.
He shifted off her and lay on his side, tracing every one of her curves with his fingertips. When he rubbed a rigid nipple, she groaned and arched into him. “More, Sam. I want more.”
He took her nipple in his mouth and gave a gentle tug. Claire gasped, and Sam laved the hard bud again, then moved to her mouth, claiming and ravaging and still wanting more. So much more. Pulling on every bit of will power he had, he rolled onto his back and brought her with him, filling his mind and senses with the sexy image of her—tousled hair, flushed skin, and unfocused eyes that begged for more.
He cupped her rounded bottom and rocked against her.
“I want you in me,” she gasped. “Now.”
“Not yet.” It would all be over if he entered her now, and he wanted this to last.
“But I can’t wait.” She straddled him, then raised her hips and took him in, a look of pure ecstasy on her face.
She started to slide up, but he wrapped his hands around her hips and held her still. “Don’t move, or I won’t be able to wait, and I want this to be special for you.”
With a sigh she melted onto his chest. “We can go slow next time. Please,” she added, nipping at his lip.
His mind went blank, as every nerve ending in his body shot off sparks. Chivalry had never been so difficult. “You sure?”
“Positive.” He thrust his hips up and she groaned.
“Hang on, baby. We’re about to go on the ride of our lives.”
****
“Oh. My. God,” Claire said when she could finally manage to draw in a breath. “That was incredible. Let’s do it again.”
Sam chuckled and pulled her flush against him, running his hands lazily over the curve of her back and her sexy-as-hell bottom. “You have the sexiest butt I’ve ever seen.” She wiggled it and he squeezed her cheeks. “Give me a few minutes and we’ll do the slow version.”
; She would give him all night if that’s what he needed, because being cuddled up with Sam McGinnis was the most marvelous feeling she’d ever had. Well, except for the volcanic eruption she’d just experienced. Boy had she been missing out. She might never be able to get enough sex with this man.
“Want some pecan pie?” he offered. “I think I’m gonna need it for energy.”
She nipped his chest. “Best eat the whole thing then.”
“Don’t go away.” He slipped out of bed and she shivered.
“Hurry back. I’m cold without you.” Leaning down, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her soundly. Her entire body heated, and her woman parts tingled. She wanted this man so bad it scared her. How could she ever get enough of him in a one-night-stand?
Sam returned a minute later carrying the entire pie, two forks and a carton of whipped topping. “We both need our energy to get through tonight,” he said, scooting in beside her and propping some pillows up for them to lean against.
Suddenly feeling shy, she pulled the sheet over her breasts before scooting up.
He grinned. “You don’t like to eat naked?” She felt her face heat as he plopped whipped cream on the pecan pie, then scooped out a bite and fed it to her.
“Pretty good if I do say so myself.” She licked her lips, then took the fork from him and fed him a piece.
“Way better than pretty good,” he said after he’d swallowed. “Almost as good as you.”
He leaned over and kissed her and all thoughts of pecan pie evaporated. She straddled his lap, letting the sheet fall, then took the pie from him and set it on the nightstand. His eyes coasted down to her breasts as he cupped them. “And you wanted a sheet over these babies.”
She arched into his touch and soaked in the raw pleasure.
“Wait,” he said, removing a hand from one of her breasts. She was pretty sure she whimpered, but within seconds his hand was back, coating her nipple with whipped cream then taking his time licking it off. All thought floated away in a sensual haze, and Claire knew without a doubt that she was prepared to take all that Sam offered and give him back everything she had.
****
Claire woke to the sound of Sam’s voice. “Hey, sleepyhead. I brought you some breakfast. Figured we both needed nourishment after last night.”
Smiling, Claire scooted up, not bothering with the sheet. After all the things she and Sam had done last night, modesty had been thrown out the window.
He sat beside her and offered a bite of omelet, a twinkle in his eye. Her stomach growled, as she took the offering. “You like to pamper don’t you?” she asked after swallowing.
“I like pampering you.” He ran his knuckles down the side of her face, and she closed her eyes, relishing his touch. He had no idea how much she liked his pampering. No one had ever treated her so special before. She took his hand and kissed it, but looked away, not wanting him to see the emotions warring within her. What had started out as an experiment—a one-night fling—now felt like anything but that. Being with Sam felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket in the middle of a snow storm. Cozy and safe and protected.
The knowledge slammed into her and she fought the urge to flee. She needed to get out of here. Needed time to process the feelings running rampant through her, feelings she wasn’t sure what to call, and for sure wasn’t ready to have.
Sam tilted her chin up with a finger. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
“Nothing,” she lied. “But I should get dressed and go home. I’m pretty sure I way overslept.”
He cocked his head, one corner of his mouth tilting up. “It’s not oversleeping when you’ve been up all night.”
Memories flooded her mind, and in the light of day she couldn’t believe all the things she’d done with this man. It had been explosive. Mind-blowing. She’d been totally out of control and loved every second of it.
She should be deliriously happy. Instead, she was scared to death. She’d never experienced anything close to what she and Sam had last night, and right now she needed time to reflect on that and get her head back on straight. She’d known being with Sam would be great, but last night had gone way beyond that. If she spent much more time with him, it would be torture to back away.
Sam set the plate of food aside and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay, Claire. Go on home and get your bearings if you need to. I understand.”
She pulled in a deep breath, but couldn’t think of a response. How did he already know her so well? And how could he be so composed, so nurturing, when she was about to fall apart?
She’d been stupid to do this. To even think she could do a one-night stand. Sam was used to nights like they’d had. Unlike her, he was experienced with flings. The thought brought tears and the staggering knowledge that she could fall hard for this wonderful, sexy man—so hard that it would make losing Chris feel almost insignificant. She blinked away her tears and scrambled out of bed. Grabbing her clothes, she practically ran into the bathroom. She had to get away from Sam, so she could get her raging hormones and runaway emotions under control. Her one-night stand was over, but it would take a lot longer than that to regain control of her emotions.
****
Sam sat on the deck with Brutus and thought about the way Claire had acted this morning. He’d wanted to stop her from rushing out of here, try to calm her down, but she’d been hell-bent on leaving. He hoped he hadn’t done anything to make her vamoose. He’d been positive they’d both been on board last night, but maybe he’d been wrong. The thought brought him up short. For him, it had been an incredible night. More than incredible. She had driven him insane with desire and brought out a fun side of him he hadn’t felt in years.
And he wanted more. A lot more.
Trouble was, he wasn’t at all sure Claire wanted the same thing, and that bothered him way more than he cared to admit. Shoving to his feet, he headed for the truck with Brutus and helped him into the cab. He might as well quit brooding and get started on the gazebo that Ethan had commissioned him to do and give Claire the time she obviously needed. It’d probably be good for him to have some time for himself, too. Last night had been in a league all its own, and if he were being truthful, he’d have to admit Claire was the type of woman he could fall for. That is, if he were so inclined. Good thing he wasn’t, because he liked his life just the way it was.
Last night may have been perfect, but he didn’t want to give Claire the wrong idea, so he would lay low a few days and then call, see how she was. Maybe by then she would feel better and they could get together again. The woman was easy to hang with and sexy as hell. And sweet. Real sweet. And smart. He especially liked that about her.
Brutus whined and Sam figured the dog had picked up on his mood. Plus he probably missed Claire. Seems they were both taken with her.
Scratching the dog between the ears, he pulled into the Crystal Springs Dude Ranch and headed toward the chapel, ready to get his mind off of Claire, but when he parked the truck he couldn’t keep from going inside the chapel where he’d first laid eyes on her. He’d known instantly that he wanted to get to know this woman, and God knows he had. Trouble was, right now he wasn’t at all sure it had been a very smart thing to do. For either Claire or him. And he had no idea what to do about that.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Try as she may, Claire couldn’t keep her mind on work. She hadn’t been able to concentrate all week and coming into the office on Saturday had been a huge mistake. Sam had called a few days ago and asked to see her again, but she’d make up an excuse. Said she’d fallen behind in work, so this weekend wouldn’t work. She’d come into the office like she normally did on Saturdays and now here she was, unable to keep her mind on her job long enough to accomplish a thing.
Oh, how she missed Sam. Missed the anticipation of seeing him something fierce, but she knew the more time she spent with him the more difficult it would be to back away. Unfortunately her heart not only wanted him, it wanted him for
way more than a quick fling. She needed to get out of her office. Being at work trying to pretend her life hadn’t taken a major nosedive, was making her even more miserable.
She hurried to her car and headed home where she could lick her wounds in private and figure out a way to get through this emotional minefield. She cared way too much for Sam, which was exactly why she had to cut her losses now, if she had any chance of coming through this without a broken heart. She’d not only fallen fast, but she’d fallen hard. Sam McGinnis had stolen her heart and this was the only way she knew to protect herself, even if it was too little, too late.
When she turned onto her street and saw Chris’s car parked in front of her condo, her mood dropped even further.
“Now he shows up,” she muttered. The last thing in the world she wanted was to see Chris. She squared her shoulders, determined to be nice but let him know this was not a good time for her. She parked her car, and he got out of his jeep. It shocked her that she had no response to seeing him. No anger. No sadness. Pretty much nothing. Looked like she’d managed to get over him in a hurry.
He walked over, and she opened her car door and got out.
“Hi Claire. I know I should have called first, but I wanted to see you, and I thought you might say no.”
He’d thought right, but she decided to keep that to herself. After all, they’d been friends most of their lives. “What do you want, Chris?”
“Can we go inside?”
She hesitated. “Okay, but I don’t have much time,” she lied.
“I understand, but I want to talk with you. I was prepared to wait all day if I had to. Figured you were working, but didn’t think coming to your office would be good.”
He figured right. She led the way and ushered him inside as soon as she’d unlocked the door, which reminded her that he still had the key to her place. Setting her purse on the bar separating the kitchen and living room, she motioned for him to sit and then sank onto her recliner.
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