by Alta Hensley
She finally remembered to breathe. Lifting her head to look up at him, she saw nothing more than the shadowed outline of his broad shoulders, backlit from the soft moonlight beaming through his bedroom window.
"I didn’t mean to bother you," she managed, the words weak and breathless.
"You aren’t." He slid his hands lower, cupping her still-tender buttocks. "You’re dangerous, Taylor." His husky words sounded like a warning – a strained voice of reason, echoing amongst a storm of hungry need.
Taylor wrapped her arms around his neck, seeking his strength and command. "We hardly know each other, but I feel..." Her voice trailed off. Taylor did not know what else to say, how else to resist a man so able to shatter her common sense.
She ran her fingertips up the center of his chest and across to his upper arms. Desire flooded through her as she touched him. Muscles flexed beneath her fingertips, increasing the heat that flooded her senses.
He held her still, lowering his head, kissing the side of her neck with his parted lips. He seduced her with gentleness. "Tell me to stop," he commanded.
Taylor shook her head, not wanting to fight him, or fight the fiery need in her body. "No," it was the only word she could barely whisper. Speech was conquered by sexual need.
In one quick movement, Jason swooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. Her body melted with his as she danced her tongue in the depths of his mouth.
She needed more, she needed to feel his skin. Hastily, she pulled his shirt up over his head and ran her hands down his chest. Relishing in how smooth and sleek his skin felt against her fingertips, each muscle clearly defined. Sexual attraction took on a whole new meaning.
Jason moaned as he kissed her deeper, lowering her down onto the mattress below. With movements as graceful and gentle as before, Jason removed each item of Taylor's clothing. Her body screamed for him, her heart demanded, and her soul ached for him to take her. Her mind swirled as he placed soft kisses everywhere her clothes had once been. Pleasure escalated with every touch and with every moment she laid beneath his weight.
"I'm so glad you came over, so glad you wanted this," he said breathlessly.
Taylor froze, passion being replaced by confusion. "What? You think I came over to...?"
She lusted Jason in every way, no question about that. But she did not want him to think she came over with the intention of having sex with him. For some reason, she did not want him to have the power of knowing how much he drove her wild. It drove her crazy that he had the upper hand.
Jason tried to hush her as he placed soft kisses along her neck. "Shhh... it's okay. I want this. I want you."
Taylor pressed against his chest with the palm of her hand. "Wait, I came over here to see where the spare sheets were stored. You were the one who kissed me."
Jason stopped kissing and sat up, still straddling her with his muscled thighs. "Only because you came over to seduce me."
Taylor gasped and wiggled her way from underneath his weight. "I most certainly did not!" She scrambled to find her clothes, now mortified that she was naked in front of him.
He grabbed her panties and dangled them from his finger in front of her. With a smirk, he teased, "Yes, you did."
She snatched her panties and the rest of her clothes and quickly made her way to the exit. Completely nude, she turned around to face him. "Do you like what you see? Well, this is the last time you'll ever get that pleasure!"
With heat radiating from her body, both from passion and embarrassment, Taylor made her hasty escape.
Chapter Seven
"Son of a Bitch," Jason grumbled under his breath.
He made his way back to his bed and laid his head on the pillow that once had Taylor's flowing bronze curls sprawled out over it. He could still smell her scent, delicious and exotic. He tossed the pillow to the floor and propped up his head with his arm. He had to get that crazy woman out of his head. His mind filled with images of what could have been. Visions of what very well could have been the best night of his life.
She was the most frustrating woman he had ever met. Yet his body screamed out for her. She was intriguing, interesting, and sexier than anyone he had ever been blessed to see. God, she was stunning.
One moment he wanted to throw her over his knee and paddle her ass into submission, and the next to thrust his manhood into her luscious body. When Taylor was around, his mind blurred with a mixture of emotions. Aggravation for one, but pure indescribable hunger seemed to conquer all.
Was bringing her here a wise choice? He knew having someone in Mandy's life was needed. She needed a friend and a confidant during this time and life transition. So much was going to happen and change, that Mandy really required someone around to help guide her. But was Taylor the right choice? Jason tossed and turned in his bed, trying desperately to solve all the questions in his mind. Sleep was futile.
Jason stood up and made his way to the window. Looking out at the moonlight cast on the open land, he could not help but feel a sense of pride. This was his land, his new life, his dream. So, where did Taylor fit in with all of it? He would be lying if he did not admit he wanted to feel himself buried deep within her. But did he want more? Did he want more than a one night stand? Was it just an unquestionable sexual attraction, or did he want Taylor in his life?
Tonight had certainly proven that he cared. Seeing her fall from the window had scared him half to death. Spanking her had given him a sense of...ownership of sorts. He felt possessive, and protective. But at the same time, he wanted to wrap his arms around her and place soft kisses all over her body. Removing each thorn and attending to her scrapes had been agonizing. He hated to see her in any discomfort and wanted to whisper soothing words. All of the emotions going through his head left him unsettled. For the first time in Jason's life, he did not feel in control.
****
The next morning, Taylor stood in the kitchen gazing out the window at the livestock. Slate-gray skies and threatening thunder clouds formed the backdrop for the day to come. Daydreaming about Jason, she ran her fingers along her lips, remembering the way his kiss seared its way into her entire being. They had been so close to becoming one. Merging their bodies together, and exploring each other in ways she could only fantasize.
She worried about the awkwardness between them this morning. But when she woke up to find him gone, she felt a sense of relief. She was not sure how Jason would treat her from this point on. Could they forget what happened and move on? Could they look at each other and not wonder what would have happened had she not left his bedroom? Could they keep it from happening again? The biggest question was: did she want it to happen again?
Her thoughts were broken when Mandy walked into the kitchen. "Good morning, Taylor." She looked around. "Where's Jason?"
Taylor shrugged. "I guess he had to get to work early." She smiled at the blonde virtue before her. "I made you some breakfast. Afterwards, I thought maybe you and I could go to the garden and see what we have in store for us."
Mandy's smile dominated her entire face. "That sounds like fun!" She clapped her hands in glee. "I hope we can plant tomatoes. Jason and I love tomatoes."
"Tomatoes it is, then."
Mandy clapped her hands in glee. "Yay! What about you, Taylor? What's your favorite fruit?"
"I love lemon trees. There's something really special about having fresh lemons in your kitchen. It reminds me of my grandma. She had a bunch of them in her back yard when I was a kid."
"I never met my grandma. It was just my mom, dad, Jason and me. And then when they died...well, then it was just the two of us."
"I was raised by my grandma," Taylor confessed. "When she died, it was just me. You're lucky you have your brother."
"I am. He takes really good care of me."
Taylor made her way to the table with the breakfast she had just made them, displayed nicely on the plates. "Do you mind me asking what happened to your parents?" Asking the question was risky. But Taylor re
ally did want to get to know them better.
Mandy took a bite of the bacon and mumbled, "They drowned. Their boat flipped over." She paused for a moment and just stared. Her eyes darkened. "I was only ten." As if flicking a switch, she suddenly smiled. "But they went to Heaven and they left Jason here so we could have each other. So, it isn't all that sad."
Taylor studied how quickly Mandy went from sad to happy. Her way of coping was always turning things around to be positive. It was odd, unsettling, and different than what Taylor was used to. No self pity. No negative. Watching the way Mandy could paint a bright picture, with even the darkest colors, was inspiring.
"I like you, Mandy. You truly make me smile every day."
"Well, you should never go a day without one."
They sat in silence and finished their breakfast. Mandy grabbed the dishes and began washing them in the water Taylor already had prepared.
"Taylor? Do you like my brother?"
Mandy's question startled Taylor with how direct it was. "Yes, of course. He's a very nice man. He seems to really want to give you the best."
"No," Mandy stated.
"No?"
"No. He wants to give us the best. You're included in this family too, Taylor. He really likes you."
Taylor smiled. "I hope so. I haven't really ever had a sense of family before. I really like this idea of your brother's. The town and community, I mean."
Mandy shrugged. "He has big dreams. But I worry that sometimes he is trying to build happiness...when what he really needs to do, is find happiness."
Chapter Eight
Taylor was lost in her thoughts as she kneaded the bread dough for the evening's supper. Since arriving on the ranch, she had cooked, cleaned, chopped, planted, picked, milked, peeled, and washed everything in the way an old-fashioned woman would be expected. She was so exhausted she could barely see straight at the end of each day.
Jason was just as busy. He was gone each morning before her or Mandy woke and only returned for supper, fatigue weighing down his shoulders. Conversation focused around the project, the development, and of the ranch.
Thinking of Jason as she kneaded the dough, Taylor wondered if the fire they once had had simmered down. Jason avoided her, and Taylor did her best to do the same. She had never worked so hard in her life, so by the time sunset fell she could barely keep her eyes open long enough to undress and collapse into bed. Fantasies were replaced with chores, and sexual need substituted with exhaustion.
She paused a moment and brushed a brown ringlet from her forehead with the back of her flour-encrusted hand. She lifted her shoulders up and down a few times, in an attempt to loosen her aching muscles.
"I warned you it was going to be hard work."
Taylor jumped at the sound of Jason's voice. Turning her head, she saw he'd come into the kitchen. His jeans were dirty and his sweat-stained shirt clung to his chest. His cowboy hat rested on his head just enough to shield the depths of his eyes. Even filthy, he exuded sex appeal.
"And I told you I wasn't afraid of it." She turned her attention back to her bread making.
Jason walked up to her and placed both of his hands on each side of her shoulders and began to give a gentle massage. "I know how tired you are." He continued to massage as he spoke, causing Taylor to close her eyes and relish in the delightful feeling. "I know I haven't told you, but I couldn't ask for more. You've been amazing these past few days. You truly are making this place a home."
Taylor turned and faced him, her eyes meeting his. Any question before, of whether or not the fire between them had extinguished, had been answered. She wanted to melt into his body.
Jason took a deep breath and a large step backwards. "I want to take you somewhere. Clean up and meet me outside in five minutes."
"What? What about supper and Mandy?"
"Mandy's at the neighbor's house helping with their little ones, and I decided to surprise you with a picnic supper. It's the least I can do for all your hard work."
Taylor stood in disbelief. "A surprise?" She could not believe he had taken the time to plan it all out.
He smiled. "Just go get cleaned up."
A few minutes later, Taylor found Jason standing by a horse outside. He smiled at her warmly. "I'll help you up onto my horse and we can ride there together. If that's all right with you."
"I've never been on a horse before. I'm not really sure if—"
"Well, get ready for your first experience," he interrupted. "I love taking a gal's virginity," he chuckled.
"Haha, very funny."
He turned and put his boot in the stirrup, swinging his jean-clad leg over the saddle. Leaning over, he pulled Taylor onto the horse before she could even prepare herself. Her heart skipped and fear paralyzed her body as she desperately clung to the saddle horn. She closed her eyes and tried her best to control her breathing.
With a kick of his boot, he jabbed the horse forward. The sudden motion caused a gasp to escape from Taylor.
Jason leaned into her ear and whispered, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You're safe."
His soothing voice sent shivers down her spine but did little to calm her anxiety. She opened her eyes and saw the ground below her. She seemed so high and far from safety. Taylor swallowed back her fear and pressed her back solidly into Jason's chest. His warmth comforting her, his strong arms around her, reassuring her confidence.
"See, this isn't so bad," he said as he ran his palm up and down her arm.
"Piece of cake." Taylor's voice trembled.
"I can go faster if you like," Jason challenged.
"No! I like this pace just fine, thank you."
Jason laughed while tightening his grip around her.
The horse prodded along, and after a while, Taylor began to ease her muscles. Her breathing calmed and her heart seemed to beat regularly again. Every time she adjusted her body, Jason would squeeze tighter, enveloping her into his security and safety. She could feel his breath against her ear, feel his heart beat against her back. The feeling of being protected, guarded, and cared for replaced any reminisce of fear.
"Over there." He pointed. "There's a natural hot spring I thought would be perfect to help ease your tired muscles."
Taylor turned her head so she could look up into his smoldering blue eyes. "A hot spring? That sounds heavenly!"
Jason assisted her in dismounting the horse. She felt a sense of pride that she had actually managed to ride a horse, even if she did have Jason seated behind her. She was becoming quite the pioneer woman.
He placed the palm of his hand on her lower back and walked her to the steaming water. "Go ahead and get in. I'll go set up our picnic." With a twinkle in his eye, he smiled. "Don't worry, I won't peek."
"Wait. You aren't going to join me?"
"Well, since we don't have suits, I thought I would give you your privacy and let you have it to yourself."
Taylor reached for his hand. "I would like you to come in with me. If you don't mind." She winked and, with a mischievous smile, began to strip off her clothes. "It's not like you haven't seen me naked before." Taylor stripped all the way nude and ran towards the water."Come on!"
"Woman! You really never cease to amaze me." Jason started removing his clothes as quickly as he could, following close behind.
Taylor slowly eased her way into the hot water, almost moaning in delight as the sultry liquid covered her body. She closed her eyes for only a split second, not wanting to miss the full view of the unclothed man before her.
Jason's body did not disappoint. Muscled, lean, and mouthwatering, Jason took her breath away. He exuded power as he made his way to the water, reminding her of a Greek God.
"Ahh, this is exactly what my body needed," he sighed as he lowered himself in.
Taylor tried to conceal her smile. She could not help but have images of what her body really wanted and needed from Jason.
Jason looked at Taylor, with an eyebrow raised, he asked, "What are you over
there smiling about?"
Taylor just smiled more and shrugged in response.
Jason ran his wet hand through his hair, slicking it back. "I think we're going to have to make a habit of this." He moved his body closer to Taylor's, their legs barely touching. "I know I've been away a lot, but hopefully that will die down soon. We've just had a lot of final details to throw together and—"
"You don't need to make excuses. I knew how busy you'd be. But..."
"But what?" He positioned her body so he could move up behind her and begin to massage her neck and shoulders. His hands were hard but gentle at the same time. The rubbing turned her body to jelly.
"Are you sure you aren't avoiding me? Ever since that night, you seem to dodge me every chance you get. Do you dislike me that much?"
Jason stopped massaging and racked his fingers through his hair again. "I don't dislike you at all. I just...I'm attracted to you in ways that I can't even explain, and I think you and I getting together could be a big mistake."
She looked down at her pruning hands. "Why? Is there something wrong with me? Do you still think I'm a liar and cheat?"
"Of course not. I wouldn't trust you with Mandy if I truly thought that."