She gave a soft moan. He rested his hand on the silk of her panties and she felt tingles rush between her thighs. She wriggled on his lap again, letting him know she wanted more of his touch.
As he continued to kiss her, he moved his hand from beneath her skirt, then reached beneath her short top, sliding the silky cloth of her blouse and camisole up and over her breasts. He groaned when his hand found her naked breast and her breathing hitched as he rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She arched her back and he moved his mouth from hers to her breast and he sucked her nipple.
The movie was nothing but background noise that she barely heard over the rushing in her ears. So much desire filled her that she didn’t think she could handle another moment without feeling him inside her.
“Gage.” She moaned as he adjusted her so that he could suck her other nipple. “Let’s go to my bedroom.”
He raised his head and her wet nipples felt cool without his warm mouth on them. “This isn’t slow, Tess.”
“Like you said, we’ve known each other quite a while.” She reached up and slid her fingers into his hair. “I’m ready. I want you.”
“Are you sure?” His gaze was intense, his expression tight as he held her in his arms.
She nodded. “I’ve wanted you for longer than I want to admit.”
He gripped her in his arms and rose to his feet, holding her close. He headed in the direction of her bedroom.
When he reached Tess’s bedroom, he carried her through the doorway and paused in front of her bed that was mounded with pillows.
Her blouse fell back over her breasts and her skirt slid down her thighs as he set her on her feet. He shoved the pillows off her bed, leaving only the comforter. He switched on the light beside the bed, bathing everything in a golden glow.
Fire was in his eyes as he returned to her. “Are you sure, Tess?” he asked her again. “I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
“I won’t.” She grasped one of his hands and placed it on her breast. “Promise.”
He paused for a moment, his hand warming her breast through her blouse. Then he gripped the hem of her blouse and she helped him pull it over her head.
“I like this silky thing.” He pinched her hard nipples, which pushed against the soft fabric of her camisole and she gasped. “But it needs to come off, too.”
She raised her arms as he slid the camisole over her head then looked at her bare breasts with appreciation. More erotic sensations traveled to her belly and between her thighs as he palmed her breasts. He moved his hands to the waistband of her skirt, pushed it down over her hips, and let it slide to the floor.
A part of her wondered if she was being rash, if this was too soon. But a greater part of her wanted this more than anything. She’d intentionally worn the sexy lingerie, wanting Gage to unwrap her and see it. She had wanted to end up in bed with him.
When she was standing barefoot in her panties, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. As his mouth took hers, he eased his hands down her body and pressed her up against him. His clothing was rough but she liked the feel of it against her naked flesh.
She clung to him, bracing her hands on his shoulders as he lowered himself to slide her panties over her hips and push them down to the floor. She ached between her thighs, wanting him so much she could barely stand it.
He straightened and she reached for the buttons on his shirt. With confidence, she unbuttoned each one until she reached his belt buckle and then she pulled his shirt out of his Wranglers. He rubbed her upper arms while she unfastened his belt buckle then went for the button of his jeans.
“I can’t get enough of touching you.” His hands wandered, his fingertips exploring. “Your skin is so soft.”
Her heart beat faster as she helped him remove his clothing. He shrugged out of his shirt and she pushed his jeans down. His thighs were taut and muscular and the bulge behind his boxer briefs was impressive. She got to her knees and helped him remove his socks before running her hand along the ridge of his erection.
She was still on her knees in front of him when she caught the waistband of his underwear and tugged it down. Her eyes widened as she released his cock. He was even bigger than she’d expected. She pushed his boxer briefs to the floor and he stepped out of them.
Her eyes met his as she looked up and saw the hunger in his gaze. She wrapped her fingers around his erection, his girth so large in her small hand.
“I want you in my mouth.” She wanted to taste him as she breathed in his scent.
“Not now.” He reached for her and caught her by her shoulders to bring her up to stand. “I want to take care of you…in so many ways.” She slid her hands up his taut abs to his broad chest as she eased to her feet. He took her by her upper arms and kissed her with an intensity so fierce it left her breathless.
He pressed her body to his and she loved the feel of his heated skin next to hers. His cock felt rigid against her belly, his chest hard against her breasts.
Putting a little space between them, he palmed her breasts and played with her nipples. As he drove her insane with his touch, he moved his mouth to her cheek and his lips glided over the soft skin to her jawline.
“I can’t believe you’re finally here with me.” His voice was low. “I’ve dreamed of being with you, Tess.”
His lips trailed down her neck until he reached the hollow of her throat and on down to the valley between her breasts.
“I want to take care of you,” he murmured as he looked up and met her gaze. “I want to be the only one to ever touch you like this.”
She bit the inside of her lip, feeling confused by his words, hardly comprehending as her body quivered from the strength of her desire. He moved his mouth to her nipple and she clutched at his shoulders, afraid that she might not be able to stand much longer, her knees felt so weak.
His hand felt rough and callused and she loved the contrast against her soft skin as his palm glided down her flat belly. He cupped her before sliding a finger into her wetness. She really did think her knees were going to give out on her as he stroked her clit at the same time he sucked her nipple.
Just when she thought she would slide into a boneless heap on the floor, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He pulled the covers down with one arm and set her gently in the middle of the bed.
He reached for his jeans and retrieved his wallet and pulled out a foil packet. He set the wallet on the nightstand and the packet on the mattress before he eased onto the bed.
She lay on her back as he spread her thighs wide, feeling like she could hardly wait until he entered her.
Instead of sliding the condom on, he moved down so that his head was between her thighs. Her eyes widened as she realized what he was going to do.
And then his mouth was on her and she thought she was going to explode from passion and need. She gasped and cried out from the feel of his mouth on her, his tongue teasing her clit. He slid two fingers inside her and moved them in and out as he licked her.
She felt a buzzing in her ears and heat flushed through her body like a fireball as she started to rise toward an orgasm. He pumped his fingers harder and licked her clit with even more passion.
The fireball inside her body seared her inside and out as she came hard. Her cry was loud and she didn’t think she could catch her breath.
“You look so beautiful when you come,” he murmured.
He kissed her, not giving her a chance to reply. When he drew away his expression was strained. “I want to be inside you, Tess.”
She nodded. “Please.”
A moment after he rolled the condom on, he slowly slid his cock into her core. She was still coming down from her orgasm. She caught her breath again at the feel of him stretching her, filling her. The feel of his hard length moving inside her drew out the sensations of her orgasm.
She couldn’t believe she was actually in bed with Gage. She’d fantasized about him more times than she’
d wanted to admit and now he was here, inside her.
He braced his hands to either side of her shoulders and moved at an even pace. Not too fast, not too slow. She gripped his powerful biceps as she met his gaze. Her breathing was ragged and she felt perspiration on her skin. A droplet of sweat rolled from his hairline, down the side of his face.
“You’re precious, Tess.” The words were soft as he whispered them in her ear and her mind was spinning so much she could barely grasp what he was saying. “So special to me.”
His words sounded so genuine, so filled with caring that seemed to wind everything inside of her even more tightly. So tight she felt like she could explode with it. She didn’t know if he’d meant everything he’d said to her tonight, but it felt so real that it made everything more intense.
He took her slow and easy, but his strokes were becoming increasingly stronger.
She moved her hips up to meet his as she clenched his biceps, then realized she was digging her nails into his skin.
The look on his face was almost ferocious. He was holding back, as if caging the animal inside him. He wanted to give her something special and that was exactly what he was doing.
Everything inside of her became so intense that she could no longer think. She could only feel. She felt her climax on the ridge and then she was almost screaming as she toppled over into the most amazing orgasm of her life. She’d never felt anything like it before.
The orgasm shook her to her core and she didn’t know if she’d ever come down. Gage continued his strokes and she found she could barely breathe as she looked up at him.
His look was fierce, wild. And then he tossed his head back and roared as he came. His cock pulsed inside her and her core contracted around him.
He brushed his lips over her forehead, the tendrils damp with perspiration. He tugged up the covers from the foot of the bed, drew them over their bodies. He brought her into his arms, her head resting on his biceps, her body snug against his.
She gave a sigh of pleasure as she cuddled up against him.
As she drifted off, she thought she heard him say, “You’re mine, Tess. I’m never letting you go.”
Chapter 17
Tess woke to the smell of frying bacon and coffee and light spilling through the break in her curtains. Feeling a little dazed, she pushed herself up in bed. The covers fell to her waist and she realized she was naked.
Memories rushed at her in a torrent and her face flushed. She’d gone to bed last night with Gage. She’d insisted on it and had promised him and herself that she would have no regrets.
Yet, here in the light of day, she wondered if she had just made a big mistake.
She pushed her fingers through her short curly hair that she could tell was in a wild mess this morning. When she thought about Gage’s big body on hers and the feel of him inside her, flutters went through her belly. It had been amazing.
Guilt rose up inside her. Last night had been the first time she’d been to bed with any man since her husband had died.
And she had chosen to be with someone who had a reputation as a ladies’ man.
She slid out of bed and nearly tripped over their clothing scattered across the floor. She didn’t know what to think. Everything was a confused muddle in her mind.
Hanging on a hook on the back of her bedroom door was her robe and she took it down and slipped into the comfort of the thick terrycloth. She went into the master bathroom and combed her hair then brushed her teeth, stalling before going into the kitchen where she’d have to face Gage.
When she walked out of the bedroom, she heard the sizzle of bacon and the delicious smells were even stronger. The moment she saw him, her breath caught in her throat.
Bare from the waist up, he looked so gorgeous, wearing only a pair of Wranglers that hung low on his hips. His hair was a little mussed, looking like it had been finger combed, and a shadow of stubble was on his jaws. He turned his gaze on her and gave her a sexy smile, and she forgot about guilt or regrets.
“Good morning.” The way he looked at her did strange things to her insides.
She held her terry robe close around her as she returned his smile. “Good morning.”
When she walked into the kitchen, he leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Breakfast is almost ready.” He flipped a medium-sized pancake that was perfectly golden brown on one side. A stack of pancakes was next to the stove. “I hope you’re hungry because I made a lot.”
“It smells so good.” She got out a coffee cup and poured herself a cup from the coffeemaker. She saw his cup beside the stove, the coffee black and still steaming.
After she put half-and-half into her coffee, along with a couple teaspoons of sugar, she took a long sip. Wonderful.
She set the table in the breakfast nook as he was putting the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. She grabbed a couple of glasses and a carton of orange juice and brought them to the table before they seated themselves.
Sitting across the table from Gage and seeing the way he would look at her every now and then, made all of the doubts and guilt slide away. At least for now. She loved seeing him in her kitchen and loved how he had made breakfast for her.
“You slept well,” he said.
“I think you wore me out.” The words came out before she could stop them and she looked down at her plate before meeting his gaze again.
He gave her a smile that made her belly flip-flop. “I hope you saved some strength. Are you up for going to Sedona today? We could hike West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon.”
“I love Sedona and I haven’t been on that particular hike,” she said. Tess let the thought turn over in her mind. “I could ask Katie Sue’s mother if Jenny can stay a little later in case we’re not back on time and I can pick her up over there.”
“Great.” Gage pushed back his chair and stood, then picked up his empty plate and orange juice glass. “Ready?”
She laughed and pointed to her robe. “Not hardly.”
“You look terrific to me,” he said.
She rolled her eyes and got to her feet before helping him with the little cleanup there was to do.
When they finally got to the bathroom, he stripped out of his jeans and she let her robe drop after she warmed the shower. She stepped under the spray and he followed her a few moments later.
She turned to face him and he slid his hands down her ass and brought her close to him as the water pounded on them. His erection pressed against her belly as he lowered his head and kissed her. The feel of his water-slick body against hers as he kissed her sent thrills through her to the place between her thighs.
“I can’t keep my hands off you.” He palmed her breasts then moved his hands over her body, caressing her.
She clasped her hands behind his neck and leaned into him, her nipples against his chest. He kissed her and grasped her ass again, drawing her up his body. She hooked her thighs around his hips and felt his cock against her core. She looked down and saw that he was already wearing a condom. She hadn’t noticed that he’d put one on before he got into the shower.
“Prepared, aren’t we,” she murmured as she met his gaze, loving the way he was looking at her.
“I couldn’t wait to have you again.” His voice sounded hoarse as he placed the head of his cock against her core.
He moved her so that her back was against the cool shower tiles and he was blocking most of the shower spray. He slid inside her. Her breathing hitched as he began moving in and out of her, his strokes long and his movements deliberate and unhurried.
His gaze held hers and she clung to him, as her world seemed to catch fire. He caught her mouth with his as he thrust into her. He raised his head and started driving into her harder and harder.
Her mind whirled as she felt an oncoming orgasm. She could barely breathe, could barely think. Being with Gage was something so incredible that she’d never experienced before. Maybe it was just sex to him, but right now she didn’t care. All that she cared abou
t was having him inside her.
The orgasm took her faster than she expected. She tilted her head back against the tile and a cry escaped her. He continued thrusting and thrusting and she watched his face, waiting to see him climax.
He came with a loud groan that rumbled up in his chest and she felt his powerful body shudder. He pressed himself hard against her as he closed his eyes, tilted his head back, and water beat down on his face.
When his eyes met hers she gave him a smile. He kissed her hard before letting her slide down his body until she was on her own two feet again. She leaned close to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, her heart beating hard enough that she wondered if he could feel it beating against him.
She gave a sigh of pleasure, wanting this moment to last a little longer.
He caught her chin with his fingers as he leaned back to look at her face. “If you still want to go out to Sedona, we’d better get finished in here.”
She nodded and reached for the shampoo. He washed her hair and then he had to lean down in order for her to wash his. He was at least a foot taller than she was.
It felt amazing having him soap her body, touching her in ways that made her want him all over again.
Being with him in the shower felt so intimate and she felt as if she was closer to him than ever.
And as he kissed her here and there, whenever he could, she knew she was in trouble. She was falling for a cowboy she had no business falling for.
Chapter 18
The distinctive red rock of Sedona came into view as Gage drove his truck toward the town. As they neared the town, Tess felt a kind of energy surrounding her. There was something about the area that seemed to carry a current in the air. She could almost feel static crackling in her hair.
She shook her head, knowing she was imagining things, but she still always got the same feeling.
“Want to do the tourist thing first?” Gage asked. “Or head up to Slide Rock and Oak Creek?”
Fencing You In Page 9