She smiled as she closed the door and turned the shower on. The bathroom quickly filled with steam. Stepping inside the shower, she closed the glass doors, picked up the soap, and lathered it up. She began to wash and grinned with satisfaction when she heard the bathroom door open. “Did you decide on a shower after all?’
The glass doors slid open and Wyatt stepped in. “Woman, I never back down from a challenge.”
“Oh, really? Well, I’ll just have to toss a few more out there then.”
He chuckled. “Just try not to kill me.”
Olivia put her hands on his chest and rubbed soap on him. Her hands slowly lowered to his cock and her fingers wrapped around him, making him groan. He grew thick and hard in her hands. He picked her up, set her back against the wall, and slid into her. She moaned deep in her throat. “You feel fantastic.”
“Not as good as you feel, sweetheart. Damn, am I ever going to get enough of you?” he murmured.
She locked her legs around his waist and held on as he pounded into her. Sex had never been this good before. This man knew how to please her. She never wanted to let go and she was going to do everything in her power to keep him. Her orgasm ripped through her, making her shudder and cry out. She felt him stiffen as his own orgasm engulfed through him. Wyatt kissed her and leaned his forehead against hers.
“Damn.”
Olivia laughed. “Yeah…damn.”
“I do need to sleep now.”
“Why are men like that?”
Wyatt laughed. “Because we wear ourselves out, and in case you hadn’t noticed, we just did it twice within a few minutes.”
“Oh, please…like women don’t get worn out from it?”
“I’m smart enough not to have this conversation. Let’s wash up and go to bed.”
“Now you’re talking.” Olivia grinned.
“To sleep,” he growled.
“Sure. Whatever.” She laughed.
She took the soap from him and washed him again but when her hand started to stray downward, he grasped her wrist. She gazed up at him and laughed.
“Behave. I have an idea. You wash you and I’ll wash me,” Wyatt told her.
“Spoil sport.” She sighed. “All right but I don’t want any grumbling from you if I wake you up during the night. I’ll challenge you to that.”
Wyatt groaned. “You’re going to kill me.”
Olivia burst out laughing. “What a way to go.” She squealed when he picked her up and carried her out of the shower. Setting her down, he grabbed a towel and rubbed her dry, and then quickly ran the towel over his damp body. He leaned down, kissing her hard and quick, and then tossed her over his shoulder, carrying her back to the bed. He had accepted her challenge.
Chapter Eight
A week later, Olivia sat at the front counter with Stacy and watched several of the guests leaving. Some of them even hugged her and Stacy before leaving. As she sat there watching them going out the door, she saw Wyatt walking in. Women stopped to stare at him but he didn’t seem to notice. She bit back a grin when one woman ran into the doorjamb. Wyatt turned toward her and Olivia heard him ask if she was all right. The woman nodded as she continued to stare up at him. He touched the brim of his hat and turned back toward the foyer. Olivia and Stacy burst out laughing. Wyatt frowned at them.
“Was she all right?” Olivia asked.
“She said she was.” Wyatt shrugged.
“She was totally in awe of you.” Olivia laughed.
“What? No.” Wyatt shook his head.
“Oh yeah, she was staring at you. It’s why she ran into the door,” Stacy told him.
Wyatt screwed up his face as if in disbelief before turning serious and looking at Olivia. “Can you take a break for a few minutes?”
“Sure. I’ll be right back, Stace.” Olivia led Wyatt to the kitchen. She stopped by the kitchen table and stared at him. “What’s up?”
“I know it’s our date night, but is it all right if we just stay in tonight? I’m beat, sweetheart.”
She stared at him in surprise. She figured he was there to cancel the date, not have a night in. “I’d love a night in, cowboy. You could have just called me though. You didn’t have to drive over here.”
“I was heading back from town. I’ll make some steaks. Do you want me to come back and pick you up or do you want to drive over?”
“I’ll drive over. Can I bring Punkin? Evelyn can’t watch her this weekend.”
“That’s fine.” Wyatt kissed her gently. “I’ll see you later, darlin’,” he whispered against her lips, and then he left through the back door.
Olivia headed back to the front desk and took her seat beside Stacy again. Together, they helped the guests check out, and Olivia hoped the day went quickly so she could soon be with Wyatt.
Later as she pulled up to his place, it began to flurry. Snow came early in Clifton. Being in northern Montana and close to the Glacier Mountains, it wasn’t a stretch to have it snow in October. She’d lived in Clifton long enough now to be used to it and to recognize that the way the snow was beginning to come down, it was going to start accumulating. She parked and hopped out. After retrieving her suitcase from the back, she let Punkin out and they headed toward the steps. The back door opened and Wyatt stepped out. He did look tired and her heart went out to him. He reached for her suitcase and gave her a quick kiss before turning to hold the door open. He motioned for her to enter, which she did with Punkin on her heels. As soon as Punkin entered the house, she and Bear took off running toward the living room. Wyatt carried her suitcase to the bedroom while she stayed in the kitchen.
After taking her coat off, she walked to the counter and picked up the package of steaks. She about jumped out of her skin when Wyatt’s arms wrapped around her from behind. She leaned back against him.
“You do look tired, cowboy,” she whispered.
“I’m beat. It was a long day.” He rested his chin on her shoulder.
“Are you even hungry?”
Wyatt sighed. “No. I’m too tired to be hungry, but I can make dinner. I just hope I don’t fall asleep while trying to eat.”
Olivia put the steaks in the fridge then took his hand and led him toward the bedroom. “I think we’ll just go to bed. You sleep and I’ll watch TV.”
“Not much of a date.” He yawned.
She laughed. “You can make it up to me next weekend or tomorrow.”
“Deal,” he said as he yawned again. He stood by the bed and removed his jeans, boxer briefs, and shirt. Then, without hesitation, he crawled between the sheets.
“I’m just going to brush my teeth and get into my comfy clothes. I’ll be right back.” She smiled when she saw him simply nod. She bet he was asleep before she got back.
* * * *
The next morning, the sunlight danced across her face, waking her. She stretched and looked toward Wyatt’s side of the bed. Seeing it empty, she got up and headed to the kitchen. There were no sounds in the house. Olivia yawned as she reached for a cup for coffee. Her hand stopped in mid-air when she glanced out the window above the sink. Snow was everywhere she looked. After pouring her coffee, she headed toward the back door, where she glanced out before opening it, and stepped out onto the porch. The sun glistened on the snow, making it appear as if diamonds lay sprinkled upon it. She shaded her eyes as she looked toward the barn, but she didn’t see anyone. Shivering, she sighed, closing the door against the cold, and headed toward the living room. She decided she’d watch TV until Wyatt made a trip back inside the house. Glancing out the front window, she shook her head. She was still amazed at the amount of snow Montana got. She heard the back door open and waited for him to come into the living room. When he strolled in and stopped at the doorway, she almost groaned. If someone had told her a few years ago she’d fall in love with a cowboy, she would’ve scoffed at the mention. But seeing him standing there, with snow on his hat and on the shoulders of his coat, she couldn’t imagine not loving him.
; “We got some snow. Did you see it?” he asked her.
“You call that some snow?”
He grinned at her and her heart slammed against her ribs. “Okay, I may have fibbed a little on that.”
“I hope it’s gone by tomorrow.” Liar!
“In a hurry to get out of here, darlin’?”
“We only agreed on Saturday nights and Sunday days. I don’t want to overstay my welcome, cowboy.”
He chuckled. “Did you get something to eat?”
She noticed he didn’t say anything about her overstaying her welcome. She sighed. “Not yet. I haven’t been up long. Did you sleep well? You were out like a light when I came back from the bathroom last night.”
Wyatt nodded and took a seat in the recliner. “I did. I’m sorry about dinner. I’m sure you’re starving. I can make you something.”
“Are you hungry?”
He stood. Then grinning, he moved toward her, stopped in front of her, and cupped her cheek in his gloved hand. “Not for food, sweetheart.”
Olivia grinned up at him. “What are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing right now. I have to get back to work. Two men didn’t make it in.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I’ll make it up to you later though.”
“Can you make a fire first?” She nodded toward the fireplace.
“Just needs to be lit and the flue opened.” He moved to the hearth, crouched down, and reaching inside, opened the flue. He then lit a match and set the wood ablaze. The flames crackled and snapped as they wrapped around the logs. Wyatt stood and glanced over at her. “I’ll be back later. I only came in to see if you were awake yet.”
“I’ll be right here,” she said.
He gave a terse nod and left the room. She heard the door close behind him. The two dogs came running into the living room and greeted her. “You two must have been outside somewhere, huh? Where were you when I was on the porch? In the barn with Wyatt? I bet that’s where you were. You both feel cold.” She laughed and walked toward the kitchen with the dogs at her heels. She decided to make herself some toast and hope it didn’t take Wyatt all day to come back to her.
* * * *
After the snow stranded Olivia at Wyatt’s place for three days, she knew she needed to head back to the B and B as soon as possible. Stacy needed help these last couple of weeks, and Olivia knew she couldn’t leave her stranded. It seemed the closer it got to closing for the season, the crazier it got. There were no vacancies but someone still had to operate the phones, and help with the guests.
Having gathered her things, with a sigh Olivia went in search of Wyatt to tell him she had to leave. She walked out onto the porch and shaded her eyes against the brightness. The sun shining down on the snow made it almost impossible to see and her eyes had trouble adjusting at first. Then she saw him exiting the barn with one of the ranch hands. They were laughing about something. She loved his laugh.
Good Lord! He looked so sexy. Who ever thought that a man who wore a damn cowboy hat could look so sexy? His jeans and boots were dusty with bits of hay clinging to them from working in the stalls. He was in need of a shave and haircut but neither took anything away from his dark good looks. His sheepskin coat was open, allowing her eyes to roam down over his hard chest to the fly of his jeans. She closed her eyes. All too aware that what was behind it was pure temptation, and…nope, she shook her head because she couldn’t think of a good enough word to describe it. Mouthwatering? Wonderful? Magnificent? Yes, yes, and yes.
Olivia knew the instant he caught sight of her. He grinned and his white teeth flashed in his dirty face. He said something to the ranch hand then walked toward her on a path through the snow. He stopped at the bottom of the steps and gazed up at her.
“Hi, darlin’.” He smiled up at her.
Olivia took her bottom lip between her teeth to bite back a moan. He slowly climbed the steps until he was even with her. Wyatt reached a hand out and cupped her hip in his gloved hand. She smiled. He grinned at her and put his other hand on her cheek. The leather from the work glove was soft and worn. He kissed her.
“I need a shower, want to join me?” He nibbled along her jaw.
Olivia moaned. “I’d love to, but I have to leave.”
Wyatt pulled back. “What do you mean you have to leave?”
Olivia sighed. “Stacy’s going to need help and I can’t leave her stranded.”
Wyatt swore. “Do you have to go right now?” When she nodded, he swore again.
“I wish I didn’t but there’s no one else to help out.”
Wyatt nodded, stepped up onto the porch, hesitated, and then entered the house. Olivia stared after him and after taking a deep breath, she followed behind him. He was standing in the kitchen staring at her suitcase where she’d left it on the floor. He glanced at her and frowned.
“Find someone else to help her.”
Olivia’s mouth dropped open. “There is no one and you know it.” She folded her arms across her chest. “What is wrong with you? You knew I’d have to go back sooner or later.”
“I don’t want you to go back yet,” Wyatt growled.
“Tough,” she said and then gasped when he picked up her suitcase and left the kitchen with it. After a slight hesitation, she ran after him. “Wyatt. Give me my suitcase.”
“You don’t have to go back yet. Becca can cover until you get back.”
Olivia grabbed his arm. “You can’t be serious. Becca is married. She has a husband to take care of, and don’t even think of suggesting Emma.”
Wyatt spun around to face her. “Becca needs to hire more people. It can’t be that hard sitting at the desk and checking people in or out.”
Olivia could feel the heat pouring into her face. She clenched her fists to keep from punching him. “It’s not as easy as it looks, cowboy.” Her jaw hurt from gritting her teeth. “Give me my damn suitcase.”
Wyatt headed into the bedroom. Olivia stood rooted to the spot.
“Fine.” She turned and headed back into the kitchen. “I have more clothes at home.” She called over her shoulder as she went out the backdoor with Punkin on her heels. She put Punkin in the back of her vehicle and was about to get in when he came down the steps with her suitcase.
“Olivia, why are you doing this?”
“I’m not doing anything. I just have to go. I’m just down the road for God’s sake, Wyatt.” She got into her car and put the window down. He folded his arms atop the car and stared at her. It took every ounce of her willpower not to get back out. She took a deep breath. “Please don’t be angry with me.”
Wyatt swore. “With one of us being able to walk away whenever we want, shouldn’t we take advantage of it while we can?”
Dear God. She suddenly wanted to cry. “It sounds to me you know exactly how long this is going to last, which means you’re just stringing me along until you decide to walk away.” She jumped when the palm of his hand slapped the top of her car.
“I have no idea how long anything’s going to last but all the same, why shouldn’t we make the most of it?” When she didn’t answer, he put her suitcase in the back and then stepped back from the car. He put his hands on his hips and didn’t look at her. “Go.”
Olivia blinked back tears, put the car in gear, and drove off. She glanced in the rearview mirror and saw him standing there staring after her. A tear rolled down her cheek. God damn it! She drove back to the B and B and entered through the back door. Evelyn smiled at her until she saw the tears.
“Oh, honey. What’s wrong?” She pulled Olivia into her arms. Olivia wrapped her arms around her and sobbed. She didn’t know anyone else was there until she felt another pair of arms go around her. She raised her head and saw Emma.
“Come on, Liv. Let’s sit down and talk.” With an arm around her shoulders, Emma led Olivia to her apartment. Once inside, Emma took a seat on the sofa and patted the cushion beside her for Olivia to sit down with her. She flopped down beside Emma.
�
�Tell me,” Emma murmured and listened as Olivia told her what had happened with Wyatt.
“I don’t know how you did it, Emma. Loving Gabe as you did and not giving up.”
Emma shrugged. “I knew I’d never love anyone the way I love Gabe. I decided that I’d take him any way I could get him. Now look at us, we’re very happy.”
“But Wyatt doesn’t want any of that,” Olivia admitted, her voice cracking.
Emma snorted. “You think Gabe did? He was just like Wyatt. He only wanted sex.”
Olivia blinked back new tears. “I can’t give up on Wyatt. I’m so in love with him.” She shook her head. “I knew this was going to break my heart.”
Emma smiled at her. “I think he cares more than he’s letting on, Liv. Don’t give up. Not yet.”
Olivia wiped at her eyes. “I miss him already.”
* * * *
Wyatt watched her drive away. It was probably for the best anyway. He was getting in way over his head. He went to bed thinking of her and woke up thinking about her. It couldn’t be this way. Wanting her the way he did wasn’t good, but the sex was amazing with her. He turned, heading back toward the barn to get some work done. Damn it! He slammed his gloved hand against the barn door when he reached it.
He entered the barn to find Ben Collins watching him. Wyatt raised his eyebrow at him. “Don’t you have something to do, Collins?”
“I’m taking a quick break. I already asked Lucky about it.”
Wyatt nodded. “All right.”
He walked past him to go to his office. As he opened the door, he glanced back over his shoulder to see Collins staring at him. Mentally shaking his head, he entered the office and closed the door. He moved behind his desk and took a seat. After booting up the computer, he began working on the sales and payroll, but Olivia kept popping into his head. He sat back in his chair and glanced toward the window to see more snow coming down from the Glacier Mountains. It was too bad she left when she did or she might have been stuck with him for a few more days.
Wyatt Page 10