Then Came You

by Vanessa Devereaux

  "Oh yeah, have since I was a little girl."

  "Feel free to make whatever you want while you're here. And how about I show you to your room?"

  My room.

  She'd got the whole reason for him asking her to visit wrong. He'd obviously just invited her to be polite so she wouldn't be on her own for the holiday. He wasn't interested in her for anything other than friendship. How could she have been so stupid? And all the way to the house from the diner she'd been having these wild fantasies about them rolling together between the sheets, him diving deep and hard until she climaxed and begged for more.

  God, what an idiot she'd been.

  Gillian followed behind him as he took her bag and made his way up the stairs. She noticed more family photos that hung on the wall.

  They reached the landing. Gillian glanced in the first room that had an open door. The bed was huge. Lots of masculine stuff like statues of horses and cowboy hats were dotted around the room. This had to be Connor's...the one where she really wanted to stay.

  They walked along further until Connor stopped.

  "And this is your room. You have a great view of the mountain and it has its own bathroom, which I thought you might prefer."

  Now he sounded like an inn keeper. Shit, how embarrassing. This was just going to be a vacation. What a let-down, and bringing the box of condoms had been a total waste of time.

  She hoped he didn't read the disappointment in her face but she couldn't even muster up a smile when she entered the room. Yeah, it was just as gorgeous as the rest of the place, even down to the blue checkered quilt on the bed, but she didn't want to be in it.

  "Would you mind if I got an early night? I was up at five a.m. to catch the flight to Minneapolis."

  She wasn't tired, she was upset and right now all she wanted to do was be alone.

  "Sure, I understand. You get some shut-eye and then how about a full day of activities tomorrow?"

  "Sounds like a plan."

  "Just let me know if you need anything."

  You mean other than you.

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  Chapter Three

  * * * *

  Shit, maybe he'd lost his touch with the ladies or something because when she'd told him she was tired and turning in for the night, for some strange reason she'd suddenly looked pissed off with him. Had he said the wrong thing or what?

  He put his hands behind his head and looked up into the darkness above him. He'd watched TV for a bit then turned in himself. Tonight he had the worst case of insomnia, which was not typical for him. Most nights he was asleep before his head hit the pillow. And hell, he slept so soundly a 747 could land on the ranch and he probably wouldn't open an eye. Tonight he'd had a tough time falling asleep, then had woken up only thirty minutes after he'd drifted off and hadn't been able to fall back to sleep again.

  Connor wished Gillian was in his bed right now but he didn't want to seem like the sort of guy who got into a woman's panties straight away, and even more so because she was staying in his house. God forbid if she thought that was the only reason for his invitation. He rolled on to his side and fluffed up the pillow to make it more comfortable.

  She probably didn't know what she did to his body. The almost constant hard-on he'd had since he'd met her at the airport. When she'd come into the house and taken off her coat he'd wanted to just pick her up, carry her up the stairs and make love to her. But he had some romancing to do first.

  Maybe she'd just come here to have sex and that was it... Fuck, if that was the case they weren't on the same page because he wasn't interested in that sort of relationship any more. He'd had enough one-night stands and short-lived romances to last him two lifetimes. He was edging close to thirty-seven and was thinking that in the next year or so he'd really like to settle down with someone he could grow old with. Okay, Gillian shouldn't have been his first pick because she lived miles away but airlines brought people closer together, right? It was worth a try.

  * * * *

  Gillian threw the covers off the bed. She'd tried sleeping but was just tossing and turning and getting more frustrated by the second. She got out of bed and walked to the window. The wind had blown every cloud from the sky and now the moon was visible over the mountain range at the back of the ranch. It was the most glorious sight she'd ever seen. Stars were even twinkling up there. She hadn't seen those since she was a kid and the family had gone camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There was so much to the world you missed when living in a big city, all the blaring lights blocking out what nature provided.

  Gillian turned her head to listen—no traffic, no horns being sounded by angry drivers, nothing. She had to admit it was relaxing, but maybe the stillness was the reason she was so restless tonight. She was used to sleeping with the constant hum of a big city outside her bedroom window and this was actually a shock to her system.

  Of course, the hunky cowboy who was no doubt fast asleep just ten feet down the hall might have something to do with it, too. If she had the nerve she'd sneak into his room and crawl under the sheets and let him know she wanted him.

  She turned around. The chicken fried steak, while mouthwatering, had made her thirsty. She could get a drink of water from the bathroom but she didn't have a cup or glass and that meant putting her head under the tap and gulping. She didn't really relish that. Maybe Connor wouldn't mind if she went downstairs and got something to drink from the fridge.

  She opened the bedroom door and crept along the hallway, noting his bedroom door was closed as she tiptoed by. She headed down the stairs, taking each step slowly but hearing the odd creak. Her feet met with the tiled floors at the bottom. They felt like blocks of ice under the soles of her bare feet so she hurried on to the carpeted floor and made her way into the kitchen. She almost knocked over a stool because she couldn't find the light. It made a scraping noise as it skittered across the wooden floor.

  Gillian hoped it hadn't woken Connor and if it had that he wasn't one of those cowboys who slept with a shotgun under his pillow, would think there was an intruder and fire first and ask questions later.

  She saw the outline of the fridge and walked over to it. She noticed all the notes and cards he had on the door and smiled when she saw her own business card stuck up on the top. The one with the awful photo of her on it. Worse than the one on her driver's licence and that was saying something. The company's photographer wouldn't be getting any commissions from Vogue for his handiwork.

  She opened the door. Connor obviously liked his beer because a whole row of bottles sat on the bottom shelf. She spotted a container of milk—yeah, she'd have a glass of that. Nothing like something high in calcium to put you to sleep. But then she'd have to search around for a glass because she wasn't going to drink out of the gallon jug.

  Gillian noticed a can of Diet Coke sitting on the top shelf and pulled it out.

  "You need something?"

  She stopped in her tracks. It was Connor and by the sound of his voice he was standing right behind her.

  She turned around. “I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

  "I heard you walking by my room just now and, no, I wasn't asleep."

  "I was thirsty and thought I'd come and get something. Hope you don't mind."

  "Of course not, while you're here you treat this place like your own home."

  "Thank you. I'll just drink this and I'll head back up to my room."

  "You want some company?"

  He stepped towards her. She still had the fridge door open and she could see he was wearing just his pyjama bottoms. Shit, he was gorgeous. A matt of dark hair on his chest, a narrow trail down his stomach...biceps and chest muscles that made him look like he worked out for a couple of hours a day.

  "You should probably shut that fridge door,” he said.

  "I'm sorry, I'm wasting electricity..."

  He suddenly pulled her in close to his body. “It's not that but the light's at the back of you and your nightie is transparent...y
ou're wearing no panties and I'm getting the biggest hard-on of my life."

  She didn't have to close the door.

  Connor pushing her against it did it for them. His lips were on hers before she could say another word. He pressed his body into hers. Did he ever have a huge erection. Felt so good pressing into her belly. Just the thought of what was about to happen was making her pussy hot and wet.

  He slipped his tongue inside her mouth. And he was one hell of a kisser too. He lifted her arms above her head, pushed her even harder against the door and kissed her neck. She arched her body against the metal behind her, causing every one of the magnets on his fridge to fall, each one making a tiny slapping sound as it hit the floor.

  "I wanted to romance you before we got to this part. I wanted it to be at least Friday before I made love to you so you could get to know me before we had sex,” he whispered.

  She ran her hand down his face. “You sweet guy, but I really want this too so don't worry."

  "I don't want you thinking it's all I invited you here for."

  Boy, was she relieved she wasn't wrong about him finding her physically appealing.

  "I'm not thinking that at all."

  "You promise me?"

  Gillian took the initiative this time. She kissed him.

  She ran her fingers though the waves in his hair as she nipped at his bottom lip before they pulled away.

  "Since the first time you made a sales call on me I always dreamed about carrying you up the stairs to my bedroom."

  Now that's romantic.

  She laughed. “I'm heavier than I look."

  "I'll take my chances."

  Before she could warn him about maybe putting his back out then really ruining things for them, he'd swept her up in his arms.

  "Connor, this is the most romantic thing a guy has ever done to me,” she said, setting her head on his shoulder as he made his way up each stair.

  He carried her into his bedroom and laid her carefully on the bed.

  "Now where were we?"

  He got on the bed and kissed her.

  "I wanted to take it slow but I don't think I can,” he whispered. “Shit, I'm pretty much at the breaking point."

  He pushed his hand up under her nightie and up her thigh. His fingers and palm were both calloused and rough but for some reason she liked it. Davey's had been soft, but Connor was a working guy. He found her clit and stroked it with his index finger. That finger was rough too but added to the pleasure. Gillian parted her legs, hoping he'd take the cue. He did. He inched his finger down to her entrance. He wouldn't have to do much work down there—her juices had started flowing since the minute she'd seen his bare chest in the kitchen.

  "Do what you have to,” whispered Gillian.

  "You sure?"

  "I'm positive."

  She heard a drawer being opened then something being torn open. Next thing she knew his hands were on her legs, parting them even more. The mattress dipped and she closed her eyes as he slid his cock inside her.

  "Oh, shit, wow,” she muttered.

  "Sorry, don't tell me you weren't wet enough yet."

  She didn't want to tell him that, while she was drenched down there, it had been the size of him that had taken her by complete surprise.

  "No, it just felt good,” she said.

  He kissed her on the nose as he started to thrust into her. He filled her, and now it felt so good, so right, that they were having sex. She raised her hips then wrapped her legs around him, allowing him more access to her. The tip of his cock rubbed her sweet spot.

  "Harder, please, harder...you won't hurt me,” she said.

  He picked up intensity, plunging deeper. Gillian rested her legs on his butt as he moved with more urgency. She lifted her ass to meet his movements and felt her orgasm building ever so slowly. She held his arms, digging her fingertips into his biceps as she got closer to her climax.

  It took her by surprise and she lifted her head and pushed her chin into the air. Shit, it felt like wave after wave of sensations in her stomach, pussy, even down each of her legs.

  Connor panted then stiffened and found his own release. He pulled out of her then rolled on to the bed beside her. Gillian turned on to her side and Connor put his arm around her as she laid her head down on his chest.

  "Shit, that was fantastic,” he said.

  "Was it like you imagined it would be?"

  "No, like I said I thought I'd woo you first."

  Gillian burst out laughing.

  "Hey, you making fun of this country boy?"

  She ran her fingers down his face.

  "No, but I haven't heard of men wooing ladies for a long time."

  "I'm old-fashioned, okay."

  "And that's what I like most about you."

  "So was it okay for you?” he asked.

  "It was perfect for me."

  "Next time it will be the whole bells and whistles thing."

  She couldn't wait for that.

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  Chapter Four

  * * * *

  Gillian woke to find herself without a bed companion. She squinted at the clock. It was just after six a.m. She sat up. It was still dark outside but by the sound of things people were already up and walking around out there.

  She yawned, pushing both her arms into the air. This was a working ranch and things started early. Maybe she should see if Connor needed her to make him breakfast or something. She got up, feeling a familiar soreness and ache between her legs. She smiled, remembering how great things had been after Connor had found her in the kitchen. She made her way out of the bedroom and down the stairs. .

  What smelt like sausages cooking wafted her way as she got to the edge of the kitchen. She turned the corner and stepped inside before it was too late to retreat. Connor was in the kitchen drinking coffee with two other guys who were obviously a couple of his ranch hands.

  Yes, she had her nightie on but Connor had told her he could see right through it.

  Gillian knew she'd turned beet red by the heat that travelled up her neck and face. To make matters worse the two guys weren't taking their eyes off her.

  "This is Gillian Matthews, who is my guest for the holidays,” said Connor when he spotted her.

  "Ma'am,” said the older of the two, tipping his cowboy hat to her. “I met you the one time you stopped by to show us some vaccines."

  Shit, yes, she remembered him now, which was making the whole thing more embarrassing by the minute.

  "Ms Matthews,” said the younger man, nodding to her.

  "You want some coffee? And I'm just cooking some sausages and eggs if you're hungry?” asked Connor.

  "Maybe I should shower before I eat."

  She backed out of the kitchen, remembering to wear a bathrobe from now on.

  Gillian was halfway along the hallway when someone grabbed her hand. She turned around to find Connor standing there.

  "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you had company... I...” she stuttered.

  He kissed her on the nose. “Anyone told you that you're irresistible when you blush?"

  "No, because thankfully I don't do it that often."

  He was grinning now.

  "What must they think of me? Please apologise to those two men."

  He pulled her in close and gave her a light tap on her butt. “None required because you gave them quite the start to their long day. I'm betting both of them walked out of here with erections like they've never had before."

  "Oh, thanks, that makes me feel a whole lot better. They might think I do this sort of thing on purpose."

  "I know you don't so that's all that matters, pretty lady. Now, you take your shower and I'll get to work for the day and then when you've eaten I'm going to show you the new foal and start romancing you."

  He grabbed her bottom as he gave her a quick kiss.

  "You cowboys always start the day off like this?"

  "No, why?"

  "Because I sort of
like it."

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  Chapter Five

  * * * *

  Gillian was drinking coffee and reading the newspaper in the kitchen when Connor returned to the house an hour later. He took off his gloves and set them on the table. She looked up at him.

  Could a woman get more gorgeous? Today she had her hair tied up in a ponytail. It accentuated her cheekbones, the heart-shaped face, those gorgeous lips it had been his pleasure to kiss last night. It was the first time he'd seen her in casual clothes. When she'd stopped by the ranch on her sales calls it was always dress pants and a blouse, today it was jeans and a sweater. He'd make a cowgirl out of her yet.

  He hoped she'd enjoyed herself last night. It had been the toughest time for him. As soon as he'd entered her he knew he was on the brink of climaxing. He'd never got aroused that soon but she'd been hot, tight...he'd been waiting for two years to hold her and be inside her. All the time he'd been thrusting into her he'd said a silent prayer that he could get his body under control long enough for her to enjoy an orgasm. When she'd tightened around his cock and thrown her head back on the pillow a whole sense of relief had washed over him and set the stage for a mind-blowing climax for him too.

  "So, you ready to come see that horse with me?” he asked.

  "I'd love to. I'll just grab my coat and gloves."

  He waited while she went and got her outerwear then grabbed her hand to lead her outside. The snow from last night had settled on the grassy areas but not the dirt path that led away from the house towards the stables. Maybe he should have reminded her to pack some old boots for the trip. He glanced down at her feet—well, at least this time she was wearing running shoes and not her sexy pumps.

  "You get something to eat?” he asked.

  "Yep, I found the sausage patties you left. They were really good, much better than the ones I buy in Chicago. You'll have to tell me the brand so I can take some home with me."

  He burst out laughing and lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “You won't find it in the stores because it's homemade...and not from a pig but a bear."

  Connor wished he'd had his camera with him to capture her expression. She'd raised her eyebrows and her lower lip had dropped as she turned to face him.