“To hell with the blanket.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her over to the grass. Her hat fell off somewhere along the way, but she didn’t seem to notice.
Instead, she wound her arms around his neck. She was breathing fast, and little puffs of warm air tickled his throat. He couldn’t look down to see if she was okay with this because in his current state he might run smack into the tree trunk.
Somehow he managed to lay her on the fragrant grass without injuring either of them. He was coiled tight as a buckboard spring, but as he looked at her lying there, he realized he should find a safe place for her glasses. Leaning over her, he gently removed them, took off his hat and dropped her glasses inside.
“Thanks.” Her voice was husky.
“Anytime.” Setting his hat aside, he looked into her eyes. “If you—” He paused to suck in some air. “If you want me to get the blanket, or if you want anything to be different, you’d better tell me now.”
“I want you.” She grasped his face in both hands and pulled him down for an open-mouthed kiss that fried what was left of his brain.
Operating solely on instinct, he pushed up the stretchy cotton of her tank and found another front-catch bra under there. Instead of taking anything off, he simply moved the material aside. Then he broke away from her kiss so he could savor her beautiful breasts.
She moaned and arched into his caress, and at last she begged for more. She was very specific about what she wanted and he loved that she was so bold, loved that her hunger matched his. His cock swelled in response.
First her boots had to go. Next he pulled off her jeans and panties in one smooth motion. Earlier, caught in the frenzied dance of anticipation, he’d fumbled the simplest tasks, but now he was extremely focused.
His gaze swept over her as he knelt in the grass. He wanted the bra and tank top out of the way, too. “Lift your arms.”
Holding his gaze, she raised them over her head and he removed the last of her clothes. She lay there panting as the scent of crushed grass and arousal flowed around them. Sunlight filtered by the new leaves created a dappled pattern on her smooth skin—pale where the sun’s rays had been blocked by her swimsuit and golden where the sun had been allowed to kiss her.
“You look...like a goddess.”
“I feel like one.” Her green eyes glowed with passion. “And I command you to strip down, cowboy.”
Wordlessly he reached back, grabbed his T-shirt with both hands and pulled it over his head. The slight breeze felt good on his bare chest.
She brushed her fingers over his chest hair. “They didn’t make you shave.”
“No.” His heart thudded wildly. How had she guessed he was sensitive there? “They were going for—” He gasped as she gently pinched his nipple. “Historical accuracy.”
“I’m glad. I like this look.” She ran her fingertips down the strip of dark hair that disappeared under his belt buckle. “But you’re still overdressed.”
“I can fix that.” Soon his boots and socks were history and he shucked his jeans and briefs in record time. But he remembered to take that all-important item from his pocket before he tossed his pants aside. He tore open the packet and rolled on the condom.
At last. Moving over her, he flattened his palms on the cool grass and settled between her thighs. His voice was tight with the strain of keeping himself in check. “You probably think I’m crazy.”
“Not crazy. Creative.” Her voice trembled, but her hands were steady as she caressed his shoulders and the tense muscles of his back. “You turn me on, Matt.”
“Lucky me.” He eased forward.
“Lucky us.” She welcomed him with liquid heat and delicious friction that made him groan with pleasure.
His first impulse was to hide his reaction to the intense feeling of connection as he slid into her. He was good at hiding his emotions. Usually it was the safest course of action.
But this time, when she so obviously trusted him, it seemed wrong. Looking into her eyes, he masked nothing as he slowly began to stroke.
Neither did she. He drank in the passion, tenderness and joy shining in her gaze. And, ah, she was so eager. Her soft moans of pleasure told him that she wanted this with every fiber of her being. Gradually he picked up the pace.
Her fingertips dug into the muscles of his back as she rose to meet him. “Matt... Matt.”
“I’m here.” He pushed in tight and paused, his gaze locked with hers. “Right here.”
“I know.” Her body grew taut. “I know.” She began to quiver and her eyes darkened, but she held his gaze as her climax swept through her. Gasping his name, she arched upward as if inviting him to plunge deeper.
His control snapped. With a roar of triumph, he thrust hard into her pulsing channel and welcomed an orgasm that electrified every muscle from his scalp to his toes. He nearly blacked out from the force of it.
Panting, he fought to keep himself braced on his outstretched arms. Gradually his vision cleared enough that he could see her face again. His wish had been granted. She was smiling.
* * *
In Geena’s experience, happiness was difficult to pin down. No more. Happiness was looking into Matt’s blue eyes and seeing the wonder of their shared climax reflected there. Happiness was feeling soft, damp grass against her bare skin and a gentle breeze brushing her heated cheeks. Happiness was realizing that today, in this place, with this man, she’d discovered a human connection so strong that she’d never again settle for less.
“I love it when you smile like that.” He traced her lower lip with the pad of his thumb. “I almost hate to kiss you and give up my view of that smile.” He leaned closer. “But I will.”
“Please do.” Oh, yes, and happiness was kissing someone who put his heart and soul into it. She did the same, which made for a kiss that was long, satisfying and...arousing? Incredibly, she wanted him again. Judging from the evidence, he would be happy to comply.
Lifting his head, he gazed down at her. “You’re powerful medicine, lady. I feel like I’m seventeen again.”
“Not me. I never had this much fun when I was seventeen.”
“Come to think of it, neither did I. I was clueless.”
“I’m here to tell you that’s no longer the case.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Is that a green light?”
“That’s a hell yes.”
“Hallelujah.” He brushed a quick kiss over her mouth. “Don’t go away.”
“Not a chance.” After he left she watched the tender green leaves above her dancing in the sunlight. She hadn’t felt like dancing since she’d quit at eighteen. Until today. Until Matt.
Then he was there, moving between her thighs, his gaze warmer than the sun.
Her pulse rate shot up. “That was a fast turnaround, cowboy.” Stroking both hands down his back, she cupped his firm buns.
“I was highly motivated.” He nibbled on her mouth. “Didn’t want you to get bored and leave.”
“Like that was going to happen.”
“You never know. But it’s too late now.” He entered her with one swift thrust. “Gotcha.” Then he captured her low moan of surrender with an open-mouthed kiss.
The first time had been wonderful. She’d doubted that he could improve on something so perfect, but she hadn’t stopped to think that he’d have more staying power the second time around. Lordy, did he know how to use staying power.
He drove her to the brink of insanity and then slowed the pace, teasing her with a leisurely yet erotic motion that kept her at a fever pitch without sending her over the edge. When she began to beg, he finally ramped up the action and she was enveloped in a whirlpool of pleasure. She expected him to follow her there, but instead he kept going.
“Matt?” Gasping, she looked up.
“Y
ou’re amazing.” His breathing was labored but his smile was filled with joy. “I’m having...the time of my life.” He gulped for air. “Wrap your legs around me. You’re going to come again.”
She followed his directions, and sure enough, she swirled into another orgasm. Then he claimed his release, shuddering as a cry rose from deep in his throat. His chest heaved and his biceps trembled, but he remained braced on his outstretched forearms.
Tightening her hold on him, she tugged gently. “Come here.”
He shook his head but there was no mistaking the yearning in his eyes. “I don’t want to crush you.”
“You won’t. Lie with me.”
A hint of vulnerability flashed in his eyes, but he eased down until he was nestled against her. Sighing, he laid his head on her shoulder. “Tell me if I’m too heavy.”
“You’re not.” She combed her fingers through his damp hair. “You’re perfect.”
“You are, too.”
She listened to his breathing as it slowly evened out. She had no idea what came next in what seemed to be turning into an actual relationship. Sure, making love always changed the dynamic. But she hadn’t expected it to change her entire view of the future. Now she couldn’t imagine hers without Matt.
Chapter Thirteen
As they lay together, sated and relaxed, Geena’s stomach growled.
Matt chuckled. “I heard that. I’ll fetch our lunch.” Easing away from her, he made short work of the condom and stood, six feet three inches of sculpted manhood.
Despite their recent activities, the sight had the power to dazzle her. She worked regularly with gorgeous movie stars. But she didn’t get naked with them. She sat up and looked around for her clothes. They were scattered everywhere.
She untangled her panties from the wad of denim that was her jeans. “We should get dressed and eat lunch in the house.”
“Let’s not get dressed and eat right here.”
“And then what?”
He winked. On Matt, a wink looked really good. “We’ll have dessert.”
“Are you by any chance putting off the moment when you walk into the house you bought?”
“I’m putting off the moment when you get dressed.”
She got to her feet and stood facing him. “Flattering as that is, I can’t shake the feeling that you’re reluctant to go inside.”
“After all the great things that happened out here, the inside of the house has lost its appeal.”
“I get that, but you have to take a look sometime. Your family will expect to hear your thoughts on the place.”
He shoved his fingers through his hair. “The idea of buying a ranch sight unseen sounded like a bold move back in LA, especially when Mom and Dad gave it their approval. But what if I hate it?”
“Then you renovate. Aren’t you expecting to do that, anyway?”
“I am. Damon and Phil are all set to do the work. But I’ve never bought a house, let alone figured out what needed to be done with it.”
“That’s all the more reason to go inside. I don’t pretend to know anything, either, but we can’t talk about what we haven’t seen. You have to start somewhere, get a general idea. Then you can bring Damon and Phil over and work out the specifics.”
“Okay.” He started pulling on his clothes. “That’s another thing I have to decide. They’re refusing to charge for labor. Just materials. I need to come up with a way to compensate them that doesn’t involve giving them a check.”
“How about tickets to the premiere?” She dressed quickly. She’d always been eager to see the house but Matt had been a powerful distraction.
His laughter had a bitter edge. “Yeah, right.”
“Why not? That’s a huge gift, especially if you fly them over.”
“Is it? Months ago I set aside a bunch of money so I could treat anybody who wanted to be there. That was before this nastiness happened. Now I wonder if anyone will want to come or even if they should.”
“Of course they’ll want to come.” Her heart broke for him, but this wouldn’t be the only time he’d have to face ugliness. Hollywood was filled with gossip and innuendo. She spoke softly. “Matt, I know this is awful, but unfortunately it’s part of the job.”
“I know. I just didn’t expect it first time out of the gate when my family is so excited for me. Eventually I’ll get used to the way things are. They will, too. But I hate that it’s spoiled something that was so shiny and new.”
“Are you sure it has? I haven’t been here long but I’ve already seen what the people in your family are made of. They won’t let something like that keep them from celebrating your big moment. I’ll bet nothing’s spoiled in their minds. They love you.”
Sighing, he picked up his hat and walked over to her. “You’re right.” He grimaced. “You’d think by now I’d believe in their loyalty.” Handing over her glasses, he put on his hat. “Thanks for reminding me.”
She hadn’t meant to chide him but he’d taken it that way. Stepping closer, she touched his arm. “You’ve been sabotaged by someone you respected, someone you trusted. That would mess with anybody’s head, but when you’ve dealt with something similar in the past, it has to be even more devastating.”
He gave her a long look. “Yes, ma’am, that about sums it up.” His gusty sigh of impatience was followed by a quick shake of his head. “But my past is no excuse. I’ve had the counseling. I spent more than ten years living at Thunder Mountain Ranch. Everything that was broken has been fixed. At least, I hope to hell it has. Otherwise I have no business...”
“What?” The haunted expression in his eyes made her stomach churn.
“I have no business wanting to be with you.”
“I want to be with you, too.” Her grip tightened on his arm. “I love how I feel when we’re together. And I’m not just talking about the sex.”
“Neither am I. You’re...you’re magic.” His jaw tensed. “But I’m starting to see a pattern. When I’m focused on you, everything’s fine. Then I think about the injustice of it all, I lose my cool. That’s not a good sign. Maybe I’ve been kidding myself. Maybe I’m still the same screwed-up kid I used to be.”
She fought panic. “I’m sure you’re not.”
“Easy for you to say when you don’t know what I was like. Any little thing would set me off. If somebody even suggested I’d made a mistake, or that I’d taken what wasn’t mine, I lashed out.”
“But you haven’t lashed out.”
“No, because I switched from lashing out to shutting down.” He paused. “Does that ring a bell?”
She remembered the moment in her office when suddenly there was an invisible wall between them. “But you had a reason. I wasn’t being—”
“Doesn’t matter whether I had a reason. It’s a bad coping mechanism and I’m supposed to be over it. I caused a problem for you by reacting that way. You had to make this whole damn trip because of my behavior.”
“And I’m not the least bit sorry I flew out here! Are you?”
“No.” His gaze softened. “I probably should be, but I guess I’m pretty selfish. What we’ve had together has been incredible. I’m glad you ran after me.”
“Me, too. And I wish you weren’t making it sound like what we’ve had together is going away.”
He cupped her face in both hands. “I could be a bad bet, Geena.”
“Let me decide that, okay?”
“Not so easy.” He brushed his thumbs over her cheeks. “You’d need a hell of a lot more background in order to make an informed decision.”
“Then fill me in, catch me up.”
“Don’t know if that would work. Whenever I’m with you I’d rather kiss than tell.”
“Okay by me.” She sensed that the telling would be hard for him. “A lot
of kissing, a little telling.”
“Considering what happened today, I’d want to go way beyond kissing.”
“So would I. I don’t see a problem here.”
“The sex is really good.”
“Still no problem.”
“It’s likely to interfere with your judgment.”
She met that comment with silence, unwilling to admit he had a point.
“See? You know I’m right. That means I should back off, at least until I know whether or not I have my act together.”
“What if I don’t feel like backing off? This is a two-person activity, you know.”
“Are you threatening to seduce me?”
“I believe so, yes.”
“Then you’ll probably succeed and that won’t get us anywhere.”
“That’s your opinion. I maintain it gets us all kinds of places, paradise being one. I like it there.”
He held her gaze for several seconds and the struggle in his blue eyes was obvious.
“Tell you what,” she said softly. “Let’s go look at the house. We’ll have lunch. We’ll talk. And then...we’ll see.”
He took a shaky breath. “Okay.”
* * *
Matt opened the front door and ushered Geena into the entry hall of his house. “This feels weird, like I’m trespassing.”
“You’ll get used to it the longer you’re here.” She walked straight ahead through an arch into the dim living room, where olive-green drapes covered a window. “Let’s check out your view.” She reached for the cord on the drapes and paused midmotion. “You should open them.”
That made him smile. “This isn’t the opening of a Broadway show. Go right ahead.”
She pulled the cord and the drapes slowly parted to reveal a smudged picture window with a view of the Bighorns. “Bingo! I thought you might have a view of the mountains from this side of the house. The window’s old as the hills, which is why there’s so much dust on the floor. Look, you can see our footprints.”
Sure enough, there were his large ones and her smaller ones. But not dainty. There was nothing fragile about Geena, and he needed to remember that. She’d survived living in Hollywood with an overbearing mother and she’d come out of that determined to do her own thing. She wouldn’t allow him to selfishly mistreat her. That was a comforting thought.
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