“Oh, yes,” she gasped, squeezing her eyes shut.
Ty continued to lick and nibble on her breast as she began to come. Lights flashed behind her lids and she cried out as she trembled beneath him. A few seconds later, reality hit her. Hard. What had she just done?
Opening her eyes, she found Ty staring down at her. She saw the need on his face, and the sparkle in his gorgeous eyes. Any regret she might have felt for indulging in this guy went flying out one of the tent-cabin’s tiny windows.
“Damn,” he said again.
She smiled. “Nope. You’re certainly not a choirboy.”
He growled at her, and then rolled on top of her. His hands bracketed her face and he kissed her. Bringing his brow to hers, he let out a shaky breath. “I had to touch you, Cassie.”
She could feel that he was hard in his khakis. And Lord, he felt big.
“I want to touch you, Ty.”
***
Ty closed his eyes and whispered a prayer, and then grinned at her as he flipped onto his back.
“Like you said, I’m a gentleman. Who am I to refuse a lady’s request?”
Laughing, she trailed her fingers over his chest. Tugging at his shirt, she bared his torso and stroked her hand over his skin. “You’re one beautiful man, Ty Walsh.”
He chuckled, and then groaned as she lightly scraped her nails over his belly. “Don’t play with me, Cassie. I’m real close.”
A wicked, delicious glint came into her beautiful blue eyes and her lips tilted up at the corner. “How close?”
“Just touch me, baby.” He swallowed thickly. “Please.”
She came up on her knees and bent down to kiss his navel. Her hand cupped him through his pants and he moaned again. A couple flicks of her fingers and she had him in her grasp. And at her mercy. She stroked him long and slow.
“Very nice, Ty,” she said. “To quote you? Damn.”
His laughter ended on a long moan. Her fingers were magic on him and he was going to lose it any second. Closing his eyes, he arched toward her. She stroked him, fast and hard, and brought her lips to his. Tasting her, he cupped the back of her head and took her tongue into his mouth. He hadn’t lied. He was damn close to losing it but he didn’t care.
Her kiss was as sweet as her touch was scorching hot. Again and again she played him, rubbing her beautiful breasts against his chest as she drove him out of his mind. She’d been so hot as he’d stroked her, too. Wet and tight and perfect. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been this wild for a woman. It had to be her. Just her. There was no question about it.
The next second he came hard and fast, bucking as she continued to kiss him crazy. She lifted her head a fraction from his, her lips swollen and her cheeks flushed.
“That was so hot,” she murmured.
He brushed his hair back from his face as he slowly caught his breath. Tugging his shirt down over his wet belly, he threw her a look.
“That sure brings back memories,” he drawled.
“Oh?” She smiled, cradling her chin in one hand as she settled down on his chest. “Memories of getting all hot and bothered in your truck on a Saturday night?”
“Maybe.” He laughed. “But it’s been a long damn time, sweetheart.”
She lost her smile, an expression of vulnerability on her face for a brief second. Then she brightened. “Then I’ll consider myself lucky.”
He came up on his elbows. She was mussed and rosy and looked incredible in his bed.
“I’d love to make you a whole lot luckier but I think your brothers would kill me.”
Rocking back a little, she stretched out beside him and leaned up on one elbow. “I’m a big girl, Ty. But maybe you don’t want to get tangled up with me.”
He turned to face her. “Cassie, believe me. Right now I want nothing more than to get tangled up with you good and hard in my bed.”
She tossed her head back, her silky hair brushing over his arm. “You’re a little bit of a bad boy, aren’t you? Under that good-son nature-boy thing you have going.”
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
She looked like she wanted to ask him something, but then she gave a small shake of her head. “I should get back. Otherwise Rick and Harmony will have no trouble guessing what I’ve been up to.”
“Would that be a problem?”
She sat up, righting her clothes as she let out another of those sighs of hers. “I’ve put my family through a lot, Ty. I promised myself I wouldn’t be any trouble for them now.”
“They love you, Cassie.”
She shot him a look of surprise, and then smirked. “They don’t know me.”
The girl had secrets. That was for sure. He wanted to know her, though. A whole lot more than just naked, too.
“Let me get you home, then.” He winked. “I wouldn’t want both Chapman brothers beating the shit out of me tomorrow.”
That got a little laugh out of her, which he took as the reward it was. “Okay.”
The drive back into the village was a quiet one. His body was still sated from their love play but he couldn’t help wondering just how great it would be when he finally had her. He would have her, too.
She might not want to bring trouble to her family, but he was pretty good at hiding things himself. He doubted anybody really knew him. Not now. And not in a really long time.
He was dedicated to his work. He was devoted to his mother. He was determined to get Riley into their lives for more than the odd weekend. All of that was true.
But maybe, just maybe, he wanted something for himself for once. And he suspected that Cassie Chapman would be a damn fine thing to have in his life, at least for a little while.
All he had to do was figure out just how to make that happen.
Chapter 6
Ty was still thinking about Cassie the next morning. About how sweet she’d been there in his bed. About how sad she’d looked as she talked about her family. He was tempted to ask her out to the tent-cabin again. To pick up right where they’d left off. Damn, it would be so good.
Forcing his mind back to the present, he parked the truck and made his way into the Sales Center. He had that tour to give to the prospective sales staff and he could use the focus. It would be healthier for him to think about the property and its attributes and not the attributes of a certain brunette, especially since he was going to report back to that brunette’s big brother.
“Hey, Ty.”
Ty looked up to see Rick Chapman standing in the lobby. Schooling his expression, he smiled at his friend. It wouldn’t do for Rick to know Ty was having all sorts of racy thoughts about the guy’s little sister.
“Hey.”
Rick crossed his arms. “Ready for today’s tour?”
“Sure. Listen, how much do you want me to tell these people?”
Rick smiled. “Don’t scare them. I’m thinking about bringing a few of them on and I need them to willingly lead property tours.”
Ty laughed. “I’ll keep it tame. I promise.”
“Cool. They’re over by the scale model.”
Ty nodded and headed over to the topographic table display depicting the sprawling development. The Center’s interior was painted in greens and decorated with photos of Cypress Corners. It was built like an estate home, plush and inviting and very different from the Cypress Institute.
He joined the other people standing around the table as the tour guide’s voice droned on from a far corner. He caught bits of the presentation, aimed to draw people to the very contradictions Ty liked about the place. A championship golf course and five-star restaurant bracketed by pristine lakes and a pet park. Close to seven thousand acres dedicated to the conservation of native plants and animals. It spoke to him and, if he could get the salespeople to project that excitement when they give their own property tours? It would mean success for the development and the perpetuation of the Institute’s mission as well.
He tuned out the murmurs from the prospective sales staff and l
ooked at the miniature layout of Cypress Corners on the table. Although he’d explored just about every corner he felt at times like he was still learning about the property, even four months after starting here. He could spot the village where the house he shared with his mother sat easily enough, but he couldn’t keep his gaze from drifting to the other side of the table at the far lakeshore. His tent-cabin wasn’t there but he figured he’d always have a fondness for that little patch of land. The small camp, the narrow dock that jutted out onto the lake. The view in the morning as mist drifted up off the water and the sun rose behind him. He wanted to share that view with Cassie. After spending the entire night loving each other until they collapsed in exhaustion.
“Good morning,” Rick said. “Allow me to introduce Tyler Walsh. He’s Cypress Corner’s Wildlife Technician and Eco-tour Guide.”
The six people clustered around the table murmured their greetings, which Ty returned. Big, white smiles struck him. They all looked like they stepped off a billboard or one of those real estate signs at a bus stop.
“Are you all set for an adventure this morning?” he asked them.
The group, four guys and two girls, exchanged nervous looks. They looked to be in the mid- to late-twenties, and just about as polished as Tammy. From the tales Harmony had shared a couple of the times Ty had been over at their house, Rick had been just as starched and polished to a sheen when he’d first come down to Cypress. There was still that air of remoteness from Rick now and then, something he had in common with his little sister. Once again, Cassie popped into his head. He had to get her out of there and fast.
“Let’s saddle up, then,” he said.
By their shocked expressions, he figured they took him at his word. Chuckling, he shook his head.
“Let’s go out to the cart,” he clarified.
Once more, he was greeted by big bright salespeople smiles.
“I’ll leave you to it, Ty,” Rick said. “Just bring them back alive.”
Ty laughed again and led the group out to the waiting electric vehicle parked at the curb. It was an eight-seat, oversized golf cart with a striped canopy. It would be just perfect for today’s excursion, since he didn’t plan on leaving the pavement with this group. God only knew what they would do if he did.
As they buckled themselves in, he mentally reviewed the tour he planned to give today. He would focus on the points that would most appeal to folks looking to move here. The salespeople would be familiar with the neighborhood school and parks, as he knew Rick had arranged tours for them much like the sales staff gave every day. Channeling the Crocodile Hunter, Ty began his spiel as he drove away from the town center toward the east side of the property. Except for the accent, of course.
He would show them a bit of the wild side. He smiled to himself. But just a little bit. To give them a taste of what could be experienced here. And if they bought into the concept? He’d make a note of it and let Rick know just who would do their best to sell it to investors and future residents.
After he’d shown them as much nature as could be experienced from the roadside, he fielded questions.
A few of them asked some insightful ones about energy expenditures and the conservation projects currently underway. One of the guys, probably the oldest in the group, asked about rate of return on investment. Okay, that wasn’t his thing and he wouldn’t hazard a guess.
After about an hour and a half, he could see them flagging. He guessed they were eager to get back to the safety of the Sales Center and Ty was ready to do some exploring on his own. He’d blocked out a couple of hours after lunch to explore more of the east side, places where you couldn’t drive a golf cart.
Pulling up in front of the Sales Center, he shut off the cart and stood once more.
“Mr. Chapman will give you my contact info. If you have any other questions or you’d like to take another tour, don’t hesitate to call on me.”
One of the women, a serious-looking thing who’d seldom looked up from her tablet during the tour, raised a hand.
“Mr. Walsh, do you offer more adventurous tours?”
The other woman and one of the younger men snickered a little but Ty knew she wasn’t referring to anything racy.
“I do. If you come by the Cypress Institute you can sign up for a tour of the wilder parts of the property.”
Her eyes sparkled and he made a mental note to keep an eye out for this one. She’d been quiet but seemed to absorb everything he’d said about the importance of conservation and the mission of the Institute as well.
“Thank you, I will,” she said.
They got out of the cart and filed into the center. Rick was waiting once more in the lobby.
“Go ahead and grab a water or soda out of the fridge in the break room,” he told them. “We’ll meet in the conference room in about ten minutes.”
Chattering among themselves, they went down the hallway.
Rick faced Ty. “What do you think? Any standouts?”
Ty nodded. “The one guy with the buzz cut. He seemed keen on the energy conservation aspects.”
Rick nodded. “Good, because we’re going to offer more of the smaller homes with optional systems like solar and geothermal. Anyone else?”
“The glasses girl. She’s got a spark of something, Rick. I think she can get really excited about the natural aspects if given the chance.”
“Enthusiasm is half the battle.” Rick nodded. “This was terrific, Ty. I’ll get with them and pick their brains to see just what they got from the tour.”
“It was painless, really,” Ty told him. “Although I was itching to off-road and give them a real tour.”
Rick laughed. “Save that for after they’ve been here a while.”
Ty nodded with a smile. “You got it. I’m heading over to the Institute to check in with the director.”
“Tell Cassie I said hey,” Rick said.
Ty began to protest, and then realized that Rick knew he’d know she was working there. “Sure.”
Heading back out, he crossed the street and entered the Institute. Cassie was there at the receptionist desk and clearly in the weeds again. The phone was beeping and the desk was a mess. Stepping close to the desk, he cleared his throat and she looked up. For just a second, if he blinked he would have missed it, she shot him a look of excitement at seeing him. Then her face crumbled and she sank into her chair.
“Rough morning?” he asked.
“I think I’m going to single-handedly bring this operation to a screeching halt.”
Ty laughed. “Come get a cup of coffee with me. You can take a break, can’t you?”
“If I get somebody to take the phone.”
“I’ll do it,” Harmony said.
Ty smiled at Rick’s wife as Cassie shot her a look of extreme gratitude.
“I love you, Harmony,” she said. “Have I told you that I love you?”
Harmony laughed lightly. “About five times this morning.”
“You saved me. About five times this morning.” Cassie stood. “And now I can definitely use a shot of caffeine. What can I get you?”
Harmony wrinkled her nose for a second, and then nodded. “Today I’ll do a caramel macchiato. Grande, I think.”
Cassie grabbed her mammoth purse from one of the desk drawers. “You got it.” She faced Ty. “Let’s go.”
Ty raised his brows. “Ladies first.”
She flashed him a smile and he felt it hit him just right. Whistling, he followed her out the door. He’d just ignore the speculative look on Harmony’s face. He was just taking a friend out for a cup of coffee. That was all.
If he wanted to spend more than a coffee break with Cassie, that was his business.
And he was really good at keeping his business his own.
***
Cassie could have hugged Ty when he’d appeared at her desk. Heck, she could have wrapped herself around him given half the chance.
“Thank God Becky comes back tomorrow,” she
said as they entered the coffee shop.
“Where will you go then?” Ty asked.
“I have no idea. I have to work. Maybe Rick can use me in the Sales Center.”
Ty nodded, and then stepped up to the counter. He ordered a latte and Cassie gave her and Harmony’s orders. Stepping to the side to wait for their drinks, he leaned against the counter. She felt a little self-conscious about her appearance this morning. She was a little mussed and rumpled, but that couldn’t be helped. He, on the other hand, looked delectable.
“What were you up to this morning?” she asked.
He grinned. “I took some of your brother’s prospective hires out for a tour.”
“I need to take one, I guess. I suppose if I’m going to work for Rick, I’ll have to.”
His brows raised. “I didn’t give a sales tour, though. I took them out toward the wild side of the property.” His dimples appeared. “Not too wild, though. I don’t think they could have handled it.”
She ran her gaze over him. He wore a polo shirt in a green that made his eyes light up golden and bright. His jeans, as usual, hugged his legs just right. “Do you think I could? Handle it, I mean?”
His eyes lit and she nearly bit her tongue. Oh, she was going to hell for sure, teasing this man in the coffee shop of all places.
“I’d say you could handle anything, Cassie.”
His words were innocent enough but his tone was deep and a little husky. Was he thinking about what they’d done last night, too?
Luckily, the girl behind the counter called their names and Ty handed Cassie her drink, and then grabbed Harmony’s and his own.
“Do you have to get right back?” he asked.
“I think I should.” She shook her head. “But I suspect it can only be a good thing if I stay out of the place.”
He lifted his chin to indicate she should go in front of him and the two of them stepped out into the courtyard.
“Becky will be back tomorrow,” he said.
Cassie eyed him. “Do you know Becky very well?”
Cypress Corners Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 39