She looked at him. “Something wrong?”
He shook his head. “Just eating too fast.” He swallowed hard. “We’ve got a lot to do today. Are you up for a ride outside the corral?”
Her chocolate eyes rounded. “You mean it?”
Patrick found her excitement contagious. “Yeah. I think it’s time I broadened your horizon. So let’s go get saddled up.” He stood, took his plate to the sink and she followed. When she started to rinse the dishes, he reached for her hand to stop her. The electrical shock nearly threw him backward.
She frowned. “What?”
Patrick released her. “Leave them. I’ll do ’em later.” She followed him to the door. He grabbed his hat, then handed one to her. “Come on, the sun’s up.”
Twenty minutes later, Forest held open the gate that led out to the open pasture and Cynthia walked Daisy toward the trail. The high grass waved in the summer breeze. Rows and rows of tall pine trees met the majestic mountain range, and the crowning glory was the clear blue sky. Cynthia sat in the saddle, holding Daisy’s reins, but the scenery had her attention until Patrick rode up beside her.
“How do you feel?”
She couldn’t hold back her smile. “Great. This is a whole different world than any I’ve ever known. I grew up in the city with noise, smog and freeway traffic.” She drew another deep breath. “This is heaven.”
“I feel the same. I don’t know if I could ever live anywhere else.”
“You were lucky you had parents who wanted their kids to have this kind of life.”
She watched the light fade from his eyes. “Yeah, I was lucky. Maybe we should get to work on the lesson. I have a lot of other things to do today.”
“I’m ready,” she said, trying not to let his sudden mood change bother her.
“Okay. Let’s pick up the pace.” He kicked his horse’s side, and Cynthia did the same. She was determined to keep up with him. Daisy cooperated and obeyed her every command. Cynthia felt the wind in her hair as she began to canter, trying to remember how to sit, to be one with the horse. For a while she bounced up and down, then finally caught the horse’s rhythm.
Patrick rode up beside her and critiqued her posture, then urged her to go faster. She lowered her head and nudged Daisy’s sides and they shot off. After about a hundred yards, Patrick called to her to stop. She pulled back on the reins and slowed at the edge of the trees.
She turned around and saw Patrick come up. “Well, how did I do?”
“Not bad.”
“Not bad!” She worked to slow her breathing. “A week ago I wouldn’t have come near a horse, let alone ride one.”
“I know and you’re doing great, but you have to work on your posture some more. You’re a little stiff. A few more days of practice and you should look a lot better.”
He rode ahead of her and Daisy followed. “Where are we going?” she asked. The trail led them under the tall trees that filtered out most of the sunlight, and the temperature dropped.
“You ask a lot of questions,” he called over his shoulder.
“And my mother taught me never to go off into the woods with men.” After a while the sun again brightened their path as the trees changed. Now they were smaller and planted in neat rows that seemed to go on forever.
“You’re not in the woods anymore. You’re in the middle of the Tanner Christmas Tree Farm.”
“I thought you raised horses.”
“Ranch land has to be multipurpose to survive these days. I raise cattle and horses, grow trees and have been known to plant a few crops.”
“I’m impressed,” she said. “You have quite an operation.”
Patrick shifted in the saddle. He didn’t like to talk about his business, but Cyndi’s interest drew the words from him. “We do what we have to do,” he told her. “I had sisters to care for, so there wasn’t much of a choice. I didn’t want to lose our home.” He’d been too close to that possibility twice and he never wanted to be there again.
He shook away the thought. “There’s a line shack up on the ridge. We’ll stop there and rest the horses.”
He should just turn around and take her back to the barn, but he wasn’t ready to end this time with her.
They pulled up in front of a crude structure. About twenty yards away was a small stream, so he hobbled the horses and let them drink and graze.
“When I hire a crew to cut the trees, we use this place as the base.” He walked her up to the porch, wondering what she thought about the simple shack.
“Oh my, it’s like I’ve stepped back in time about a hundred years. How old is this place?”
“Not sure. It’s been around since my dad was a kid.”
The cabin had been his escape from Michael Tanner when he went on a drunken rage. More than once, it had been a safe haven where he’d brought his sisters to hide. He only wished he could have found a way to save his mother. That pang of guilt would always be with him.
Patrick pushed open the door and allowed Cyndi to go in ahead of him. The inside was anything but fancy. Just a scarred table, a few mismatched chairs and built-in bunk beds up against the far wall, with rolled-up bedding on the metal springs. The kitchen area had a couple of cabinets, and a rust-pitted sink with a pump that drew its water from a well. Heat was supplied by a potbellied stove, and Patrick had bought a generator a few years back so they would have electricity.
“It’s not the Ritz, or your mansion in Hollywood.”
Cynthia swung around. “You really must think I’m such a snob.” Her eyes flashed. “I’ll have you know that you’d be appalled at some of the places Kelly and I had to live in when we were kids. Our father walked out on us years ago, and our mother couldn’t seem to hold a job—or her second husband or her third.” She shrugged. “Of course Kelly and I were happy when she stopped bringing strange men into our lives—men who always seemed to take an unhealthy interest in her young daughters.”
Patrick cursed and started toward her, but she backed away.
“So don’t go assuming you know me,” she spat out as she turned and walked out the door.
Patrick drew a frustrated breath and released it. She was right. He didn’t really know Cynthia Reynolds. Suddenly he found he did want to know everything about her.
He walked out to the porch. She faced away from him looking out toward the creek. “You’re right, Cyndi. I shouldn’t have judged you.”
She shook her head. “No, I apologize. I have no idea what got into me. I’ve made a considerable amount of money in the movie business. And I do have a nice home in L.A. Not a mansion, just a nice house. I’m not a showy person. And I will always remember where I came from.”
He’d never forget his past, either. He had his father’s legacy to remind him. “I don’t think our childhood ever leaves us.”
“No, I guess that makes us who we are.”
She looked so vulnerable and that made him vulnerable. She made him feel so many things, a connection for one. But their lives were so different. She’d be going back to Hollywood, and she’d forget he ever existed. No, they didn’t have a future, but that didn’t stop the wanting.
Cynthia felt like throttling Patrick, but she also wanted him. How could she desire him so much when he was such a crazy-maker, one minute kissing her, the next minute pushing her away.
He closed the distance between them and surprised her when he reached for her. Her heart drummed in her chest as he drew her against him. She never knew whether this man was going to run hot or cold, but when he touched her, she didn’t care. His head lowered to hers and he captured her mouth. She thought she was going to melt there on the spot, but he held her up, holding her against him.
He broke off the kiss. “This is dangerous,” he whispered, just before his mouth returned to hers. Teasing her lips apart, he pushed his tongue inside to taste her. She moaned as his arms wrapped tighter, holding her close, causing her to feel the imprint of his arousal. Then suddenly he released her.
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nbsp; His breathing was ragged and his eyes didn’t hide his desire. “You are one sexy woman, Cyndi. We better get back or I’m going to break my promise to you.”
Before Cynthia could say anything, he walked off the porch and headed for the horses. Okay, maybe he was right. He wanted her, but he’d let her know there wasn’t any future for them. That was one of the things she admired about this man—his integrity.
Only not right now.
That evening, Carrie Martin found herself back at the Healthy Living Clinic attending another meeting. This time the evening seminar was packed. Standing room only. She recognized several faces in the crowd, famous people like Cynthia Reynolds. Carrie almost didn’t realize it was the actress without her makeup and styled hair. Like most of the people here, she was dressed casually, having come from working out in the fitness center.
Carrie was still amazed that her ex-husband had caused such a stir in Portland. His new product was the buzz throughout the clinic, and she’d even heard rumors about it going national. People had nothing but praise for the doctor. She tensed. She wondered how they’d all feel if they knew the truth about their precious Dr. Richie. He was a womanizer and an absentee father.
Carrie’s thoughts turned to her late husband, Ralph. For fifteen years he’d loved her dearly, and she’d loved him, but they’d both known that someone had stood between them. Richard.
Even when Ralph had been dying, his only worry had been for her and Jason. She hadn’t deserved her husband, because she’d still carried feelings for the man who’d deserted her and their child. And Dr. Richie needed to pay the price for what he’d done.
All in due time, she told herself. She wasn’t ready yet to announce her presence back in his life.
Around midnight, Patrick wasn’t in a good mood. He’d spent the evening with Nora, who’d been far too curious about what was going on. She had asked too many questions, especially about Cyndi. Where had she gone tonight? When was she coming home? He wanted to know the same things, but Cyndi hadn’t told him a thing. There had only been a note that said she wouldn’t be home for dinner. Why should she tell him anything? He’d pushed her away so many times. He didn’t have a claim on her.
Not that he didn’t want to lay claim, but in the long run, this was best for both of them. He reminded himself of that as he stood under the cool shower spray, hoping to ease the tension in his body. He’d never gotten so aroused by a woman that he couldn’t concentrate on one damn thing. He hated that Cyndi had that power. She’d managed to be on his mind too much. During the day, he’d find himself thinking about her; at night he dreamed about her lying next to him…about making love to her.
Stop it! He shut off the water and stepped out of the stall. After drying off, he wrapped the towel around his waist, then raked his fingers through his wet hair as he walked into his bedroom. He needed sleep. He’d worked hard today so there shouldn’t be any reason he couldn’t fall off once his head hit the pillow.
Yeah, right. Patrick had just jerked the blanket back when a sudden noise alerted him that someone was in the house. Cyndi. So she’d come home. There was a crash and then her cry, sending him running into the hall. He flipped on the light and looked over the banister to find Cyndi sprawled at the bottom of the stairs along with a toppled end table.
Patrick hurried down to see if she was injured. When she tried to move, he stopped her. “Lie still. You could be hurt.”
“I’m okay. I’m sorry about the table and the photos.”
“The hell with the furniture. What about you?”
“I only fell down two steps and landed on my butt.” She grimaced. “Sorry I woke you. I was trying to be quiet.”
He helped her sit up. “And you could have hurt yourself in the process. Of all the crazy things…” He eased her to her feet. “The hall light wouldn’t wake me. Hell, I wasn’t even in bed yet.”
“You should be. You have to get up at five.”
“It’s a little late to worry about that now.”
She jerked away from his hold. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Hell, woman, I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since I met you.”
She stared at him, anger flashing in her eyes. “And that’s my problem? You’re blaming me for your lack of sleep? That’s just great.” She grabbed her purse and marched up the stairs. Her shapely bottom swayed back and forth, heightening his desire. “Good night, Patrick. Sweet dreams,” she taunted as she disappeared into her room, slamming the door behind her.
Patrick closed his eyes. She had him in so many knots that he wasn’t going to survive another day—hell, another minute. He climbed the stairs two at a time and stormed to her room.
Hearing the loud pounding on her door, Cynthia jumped. Patrick. Well, she was in the mood for a fight. She’d barely got the door open when Patrick grabbed her and pulled her to him.
His eyes bored into hers. “If you have any protests, you’d better tell me now, because I’m going to make love to you and I’m not stopping until I get my fill.”
Cynthia’s heart was pounding erratically as she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. “No. You’re not stopping until I get my fill.”
She tugged his mouth down to hers, capturing his hunger, thrilled that it was all for her. She pressed her body against his near-naked form and got a groan from him. He kissed so well. His tongue plunged deep into her mouth and dueled with hers. This time she moaned, hoping to get more. She did. His hand moved down to clamp on her bottom, his fingers digging into her. Her skin was set on fire as his hands moved over her body, all the time his lips working their own magic.
He tore his mouth from hers but continued to spread kisses across her face and into her ear, making her shiver and sway in his arms.
“Whoa, unless you want to finish this up on the floor,” he said.
“So are you going to finish this time?” she managed.
“That’s the plan. Any objections?”
“Not a one,” she answered.
He began walking her backward until she felt her legs hit the edge of the bed. Then they both tumbled and landed with a bounce. “New mattress.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I think we’re going to give it a workout tonight.”
“Think so?” she teased, wanting to believe everything he was telling her.
He nodded, his hair falling across his forehead. Then he dipped his head and began taking teasing nibbles from her lips till finally deepening the kiss. When he raised his head, his breathing was rough. “I think one of us has too many clothes on.”
Cynthia ran the back of her hand against his jaw and inhaled his familiar scent of soap and man. “Should I change into a towel?”
He smiled and her stomach tightened. “How about I just give you mine? But first, I’m going to strip every piece of clothing off you,” he promised, emphasizing each word with a breathy pause as his skilled hand slid down her body.
He climbed off the bed and bent down to remove her sandals, then unfastened her slacks, and in his enthusiasm, nearly pulled her off the mattress. Next came her T-shirt, and she sat there in her sheer bra and panties. Her nipples hardened in delight as his gaze moved over her, examining her closely.
When she was finally naked, he said, “You’re as beautiful as I remembered.”
So was he. His body was rock-hard, and a light sheen of perspiration covered his bare chest. Unable to wait any longer, Cynthia reached out and hooked her finger in his towel, then yanked it off. Seeing his powerful arousal, she felt her body tingle. “And I never forgot how beautiful you are.” She leaned back on the bed and held out her arms to him. “I don’t think we need a towel, do you?”
Patrick stretched over her and placed a kiss on her lips, then began kissing his way down her throat and over the slope of her breast. “No way. I like you just like this.” He cupped her breast, then clamped his mouth over one hard nipple and sucked it. A shock wave went through all the way to her stomach, causing her to arch her hips
as goose bumps rose along her skin.
“I love the way you respond to me.”
Cynthia was almost afraid to move, but her body reacted automatically and she bucked against him as his tongue continued to work her into a frenzy. And she wanted even more.
He leaned over her, spreading her hands on either side of her head, pinning them to the mattress. Without breaking their linked gazes, he leaned down and used his tongue on her skin. Once again, his mouth moved down her body. She arched her back when his tongue plunged into her navel.
“You like that?” He repeated the action.
She gasped, feeling her body tense in anticipation, moisture pooling between her legs. “More. I need…”
Suddenly his body pressed into hers as his mouth met hers in an all-consuming kiss. When he raised his head, he was breathing hard.
“Tell me what you need.”
“You.”
His tongue dipped into her mouth while his hands parted her thighs and his fingers slipped inside her.
She gasped, but couldn’t speak. She grabbed the mattress and opened more for him.
“You like that, Cyn?”
Nodding, she closed her eyes and tried to grasp reality. She’d never felt so helpless and didn’t care. Then he bent down and replaced his fingers with his mouth, torturing her even further with flicks of his tongue. It only took a few strokes to bring her to the edge and she cried out.
Patrick was about to climb out of his skin, he wanted her so badly. He leaned over her, kissed her lips, then when she opened her eyes and smiled at him, he nearly lost it.
“Make love to me, Patrick.”
“My pleasure. I’ll be right back.” He disappeared, but within seconds he returned to her side. He held up a foil packet. A condom. He quickly prepared himself, all the while telling himself to go slow. He wanted this woman so desperately that his control was nil. Silently he shifted between her thighs and in a swift motion slipped inside her. With a gasp, she wrapped her legs around him as he began to move in strong, controlled strokes, savoring her tight body.
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