She turned to face him. “You looked fierce today.”
“Did you think because I’m easygoing that I couldn’t or wouldn’t protect my own?”
“I’m not yours, and yes, I guess I saw the way you were as not as tough as Graham.”
“We’re all tough. With me it doesn’t always show, but my brothers and friends know I’m a rough competitor. Sometimes it’s all right to be underrated. It gives you an edge. But I’m glad you know I can take care of you in all ways.”
“This doesn’t mean I’m going to be your woman.”
“I can hope.” She had her arms around his neck. He pulled her legs up to his waist. “I love you, Sylvia. I’m not going away without trying very hard to win you. Right now I’d love to put my hard cock inside your delectable pussy, but you need to rest.” He kissed her and let her legs slide to the floor. “Finish up. I’m going to the kitchen to fix you a cup of tea. Luckily my appliances and furniture got delivered yesterday.”
He strolled off. She took the soap, washed, and then got out and dried. She didn’t want to put on the clothes lying on the floor. In his closet she found a robe, tied it snug against her waist, and watched so as to not trip on the bottom of it.
Sam was pouring her tea when she came into the kitchen. He looked up, and his eyes flashed with passion. Her heart had quit pounding, but her aroused desire had it beating faster again. He pulled a chair out for her.
The tea was hot and sweet. “This is good.”
He’d poured a cup of coffee and sat across from her. “The robe looks better on you than me.”
“It’s a little long.”
“I noticed, and it shows the curve of your luscious breasts.”
“You are not making me think of resting. You’re arousing me.”
“When I saw you in that robe, I decided making love to you might help you rest better.”
“That’s an excellent idea, cowboy.”
“I love when you call me that in your sexy voice. Have you drunk enough of your tea?”
She tipped the cup up and swallowed the last bit. “I have now.”
Sam carried her into his bedroom and gently placed her on his new king size bed. He removed the jeans he’d pulled on and joined her. Slowly, he undid the belt and opened the front of the robe.
His warm hand cupped her breast. “I’d like to make love to these jewels if it won’t scare you.”
“I think I’m past that. Let’s try.”
“Just remember who has you in their arms. It’s Sam, not the bad guy.” Lightly, his hand massaged her breast, and then his fingers gently pinched her puckered nipple. He kept his eyes on her face, which aroused her even more. Leaning down, he kissed her mouth as his hand and fingers played with her breasts. He moved his hand from one to the other.
A slow fire flared in her abdomen and spread outward. Her pussy began to throb and moisture flowed. Sam dipped his head and took her nipple into his warm mouth. Her breath caught when he licked across the tip. A rush of desire ran straight to her pussy.
He raised his head. “Are you all right?”
“Please don’t stop. It feels so good.”
Sam licked and sucked on her pebbled nipples. His hands cupped each breast. Sylvia’s pussy responded and felt supersensitive to every move he made.
“I need you inside me,” she pleaded.
“Not yet. I’m going to taste your whole body before this is over.” He moved upward and held her face between his hands. Sam lightly kissed her forehead, her eyelids, her chin, and then his mouth covered hers. She opened her lips, and his tongue swept inside to taste and lick. Her tongue ran along the edges of his.
When he moved his hand back to her breasts and rubbed across her tight buds, her body trembled with desire. She moved restlessly under him.
Her hand slid down his body and took hold of his hard cock. It jerked in her hand. His warm skin felt like satin with steel underneath.
His teeth nipped her earlobe. “You’re trying to speed things up, but I’m not going to give in. You taste too good.”
He licked and kissed her neck. Then he scraped his teeth along the edge of her shoulder.
Sylvia moved her hand up and down his cock. Her finger trailed along the line underneath and then her hand cupped his sac.
Sam groaned, but he continued to kiss her body, her breasts, her midriff, and her abdomen. He moved her hand off his cock as he slid down her body. Now he spread her legs wide and separated her folds. His tongue licked her clit.
“Oh, that feels good.” She ran her fingers through his thick, soft hair as his teeth and tongue licked and tasted her lower lips. His tongue dipped into her pussy opening and lapped up her juice. She whimpered and muttered his name.
“I want you so much it almost hurts.” Sylvia’s muscles were drawn taut like a string on a violin and Sam was the musician playing her body into a wild crescendo.
He moved quickly, ripped open a condom package from the bedside table, and sheathed his cock. Then Sam plunged into her supersensitive pussy. Her pussy walls rippled around him and her muscles from her legs up tightened as the wave of ecstasy released and shattered her into a thousand pieces of pleasure.
Sam kept pumping into her faster and faster, and smaller waves rippled through her pussy. He shouted as he reached his climax and pushed deep against her womb.
Sylvia held him close as his body shuddered and his heart pounded against her chest. He rolled, pulling her with him.
Gradually their breathing slowed and the world around them came back into focus. “I love you, and I won’t let you get away. Somehow we’ll work through our differences.” He kissed her forehead.
But her world was an opposite contrast to his. How could they ever meet in the middle? Was sex enough to hold them together?
* * * *
Sam had driven her back to the cabin this morning. Gab was packed and had said good-bye. He was going to stay with his parents. Sylvia had the place to herself. She wandered from room to room and tried to picture living here like Graham had. How did he keep from going crazy? But he was a loner, and it suited him. She’d always liked action, people coming and going around her.
Sylvia sat in a chair on the small porch. The fall leaves were a brilliant color, and she heard the chirps of numerous birds. Soon they’d be leaving to go south.
This land did bring a sense of peace and relaxation. She tried to remember how’s she’d felt when she lived with Gina and their father. He’d been the first trustworthy person in her life. Actually, he and Gina were the only ones she’d ever been able to rely on.
Before her mother married Dan Piercy, Sylvia’s life had been chaotic with frequent moves and several of her mother’s boyfriends passing through their lives. Then her mother married Dan. They settled down until her mother decided to divorce her stepfather. Thank goodness she’d left Sylvia and Gina with him.
She’d graduated from school and gone off to college. There Sylvia had got caught up in the social life, heard about the job she later took, and never returned, except for short visits to see Dad.
When Sam left her off this morning, he’d told her he’d come get her to go to his mother’s house tomorrow for the family gathering. He’d held her close, kissed her, and driven off in his truck.
He was dependable, trustworthy, and he aroused her as no other man had. But was it enough? She glanced around the land. Could she be happy on a ranch? And more important, what kind of wife would she make? Sam deserved the best. She didn’t believe she met that qualification.
Chapter Eight
Sam hated leaving Sylvia at the cabin. He feared she’d get bored and become more certain the small-town life was not for her. Their lovemaking had been incredible. He had never felt as close to a woman before. He knew she was the special one for him. No matter what his family said, he’d fight and do whatever was necessary to convince her to marry him.
When he’d seen her in danger yesterday, his heart stopped for a second, then pure ange
r flashed through his body. That anyone would dare to hurt her brought all his senses to full alert. Once he had her in his arms, his knees went weak with relief.
Their loving last night had been intense. Sylvia had opened herself to him and given him her all. This morning he noticed her trying to rebuild her familiar defenses. So he’d decided to give her a day to think and hopefully realize what they had together. It might be the worst idea he’d ever had, but he had to risk it. He wanted a solid, trusting relationship. Anything else wouldn’t last.
Sam parked at his house, saddled his horse, and rode out to meet his foreman. He had work to do. He hoped it would keep his mind off of Sylvia for a little while.
* * * *
Sylvia’s phone rang just before noon. “Hello.”
“Hi, it’s Grace. I thought we might drive to Wagon Wheel and have lunch. I have a few items I ordered to pick up for Sam’s house, and I’d like the company.”
“Doesn’t your mother want to go with you?”
“She’s happily cooking and baking for the big get-together tomorrow. My brother Clay is even going to be here, so she’s thrilled to have us all under one roof again.”
“Then I’d love to accept. It sounds like fun.”
“I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes. Is that all right?”
“Yes, if I can go in jeans.”
“Jeans are perfect. See you soon.”
Grace hung up, and Sylvia went to the bathroom to check her makeup and hair. She grabbed her purse, locked the cabin, and waited on the porch for Grace.
Once on their way, Grace glanced across at her. “How do you like living in Graham’s cabin?”
“It is a bit isolated and quiet.”
“I know. It was perfect for Graham before he met Gina.”
“Gina certainly changed him.”
“Love can do that.”
“I hope you don’t mind my talking about this, but the other night it was obvious you and Gab have a history, and it didn’t end well.”
“I started dating him in my sophomore year in high school. I was sixteen, and he was five years older. He was a friend of my brothers’ and had been around the house for years. But I fell hard for him when he came home from college that last summer before he graduated. My mother wasn’t happy about us dating because of the differences in our age.
“Mom relented, and we dated hot and heavy.” A sigh escaped her lips. “I’d built up this fantasy where he’d graduate from college, come home, and run his parents’ ranch like Sam. Then after I graduated, we’d marry.”
Grace went quiet. Sylvia respected her silence and enjoyed watching the scenery out the window. Then Grace took a deep breath and continued.
“When he graduated, he called. He told me he was joining the navy. He wanted to be a Navy SEAL. He wasn’t ready to settle down.
“Silly me, I suggested we write and keep in touch, but he said he thought it best we make a clean break.”
She glanced at Sylvia with a sad smile. “It was a clean break right through the center of my heart. I promised myself I’d never love anyone that way again. Love makes you very vulnerable. I like feeling secure and in control.”
“Yes, I do, too, but men don’t always understand us.”
“You’re talking about Sam. He’s really crazy about you. If there was ever a man to trust, it would be him.”
“I know and that’s what scares me.”
“Let’s forget men for the afternoon, and eat, shop, and have a great time.”
“I agree.” They smiled at each other, and Sylvia had a feeling she’d made a good friend.
Grace parked in front of a shop that sold curtains and other items for the house. Sylvia followed her inside.
“Ah, Miss Grace, it is so nice to see you.” An older, white-haired man came from behind the counter and hugged her. “Your packages have arrived. Sam will be pleased with your choices.”
“I hope so, Mr. Craddock.” Grace turned to Sylvia. “This is my friend Sylvia Rufus. She’s staying in Frontier City, temporarily.”
Mr. Craddock shook Sylvia’s hand. “Perhaps you’ll find this area to your liking and stay longer.”
“I doubt it. I’m a city girl.”
Mr. Craddock nodded his head at Grace. “Her momma was from the city, but she fell in love with Brodie and that was that.”
“Mr. Craddock and my dad were good friends,” Grace explained.
“I’ll get your packages. Browse. Maybe you’ll discover something else to buy.”
They’d just turned toward the lamps when the bell above the door rang. Gab strolled through the entry. He saw them and walked in their direction.
“This is the last place I’d expect to see you,” Grace said.
“I’m picking up a lamp for my mother. She’s out in the car.” He stared at Grace. “You’ve become more beautiful.”
Grace stepped back and put her hands up as though to ward him off. Her cheeks were rosy.
Sylvia came to her rescue. “Are you staying around for a while, Gab?”
“Yes. My dad isn’t well, and Mom’s overwhelmed. They need me, and I find I’ve missed Frontier City more than I thought.”
“What about your fancy business?” Grace snapped.
“I have an assistant who’s quite capable of keeping things going in New York. I may stay here and run my business from this end.”
Grace jerked back as though she’d taken a blow. “Will your lady friend want to visit you in such a backwater town?”
Gab grinned. “Backwater? I don’t have a lady friend, at least not now.”
“I’m sure you can rectify that soon. Here are my packages. Thank you, Mr. Craddock.” Grace took two packages and Sylvia carried the larger one. It left one box sitting on the floor. “I’ll be right back for it,” Grace said.
“No problem.” Gab lifted the box and smiled at her.
“I don’t want to trouble you. Your mother is waiting.”
“No trouble, and Mom will be pleased to see you.” He followed them to Grace’s car. After the packages were put in the trunk, he insisted Grace and Sylvia speak to his mother.
Mrs. Forrester smiled and took Grace’s hand. “You look so beautiful, my dear. We’ve missed seeing you.”
“I’m living in New York. I came home for a few days to help Sam get his new house furnished. I leave late tomorrow.” She glanced to the side toward Gab.
“We’re lucky Gab is staying with us to help on the ranch. I’m sure your mother misses you being so far away.”
“She’s gotten used to it. I hate to run, but we have other errands.”
“Wait, I haven’t introduced Sylvia to Mom.”
Sylvia shook his mother’s hand after the introductions. Gab had his mother’s sky-blue eyes, but her hair was snow white and she was a small woman both in height and size.
“Welcome to the area, Sylvia. You must come visit us.”
“I will, if I get a chance. I’m working for Sheriff Grady during the week.”
“How interesting. Then you must be considering settling in our little town.”
“Maybe.”
Grace grabbed her arm. “See you, Mrs. Forrester. We have to go.”
Gab watched them get in the car. He had a sardonic grin on his face. As they backed up onto the street, he turned to speak with his mother.
“He really rattles you,” Sylvia said.
“I don’t know why, but yes he does. I’m in love with Fred. He’s flying in tomorrow to meet my family. I’m looking forward to you and my family getting to know him. Do you mind if we skip the meal and go home?”
“No.” Sylvia noted Grace’s fixed stare on the road and saw her bite the side of her lip. Grace Brodie hadn’t forgotten Gab Forrester.
* * * *
Sylvia carried in the last of the packages. Grace had begun to unwrap the curtains. They were a cream color with a faint thread of gold interwoven.
“These are for the front windows. Do you mind helping me hang
them?”
“I’d love to. They’ll be perfect in here.”
“I’m glad you like them. I hope Sam does.”
They undid all the furnishings and hung curtains in each room. The bigger box had a beautiful two-globe lamp to sit on the table in the foyer.
“What do you think?” Grace asked as she stood back to admire her handiwork.
“I love the furniture, and these final touches make the house into a home.”
“Not quite,” Sam said from behind them. “A wife will be what really makes this a home.”
“You have someone in mind?” Grace teased and laughed when Sylvia blushed.
“I do, but she’s stubborn as the mare I’m training for her to ride. I’ll win them both over yet, given time.” He winked at Sylvia and her face got hot.
“I don’t think I’m needed here. I’ll go help Mom and visit with her. See you tomorrow, Sylvia.” Grace hurried out the front door and got into her car. They heard her motor as she drove off.
“Did you have fun today in Wagon Wheel?” Sam asked. He’d stepped into her space, and her breathing increased with his nearness. His fingers brushed across her cheeks.
“I love to see you blush. Then I know I’m getting to you. You might verbalize your determination not to be committed, but your body says you are coming under my influence more every day.”
His husky voice ran through her veins like a shot of whiskey. He was right. The silence in the room beat against her as she tried to think of a response he’d believe. Her thoughts were scrambled. She, who’d been known for her smart, tart answers, had no comeback.
He pulled her tight into his arms. “I can’t believe I have you speechless.” Tipping her head up, he kissed her softly on the mouth. “Show me all the changes Grace made today. I like the curtains.”
Grabbing at any straw to change the conversation, Sylvia nodded and said, “I do, too.” She walked him through the house to see all the curtains they’d hung. “You must have noticed the lamp when you came in.”
The Intriguing Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 7