He held up the other bottle. “Come on, I know you want it.”
Was he playing games with her, reconsidering, or just trying to tease her to soften his rejection?
To be fair, he’d never led her on. He’d been honest with her from the start.
She moved closer and bent over to accept the bottle, drank nearly half of it.
He pulled out a bandana and wiped perspiration from his neck. “It better cool off for your ride tonight.”
Back to business.
Victoria recapped the bottle, tossed it down, dropped herself onto the blanket. That ride was not going to happen.
“Have you checked the weather?” he asked.
She didn’t want to share her troubles with Lang, especially now that he’d flat-out turned down her offer. Everything about the ranch was her responsibility. That included disappointments.
He jabbed her lightly with his elbow. “Victoria?”
“Hmm?” She picked up the water took off the cap and emptied the bottle.
“What’s going on?” He nudged her again. “You aren’t telling me something.”
“How would you know? You don’t know me.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them—and her snappy tone. She sighed. “Sorry. It’s not your fault.”
He braced himself on his hands, his gaze focused on hers. “What’s not my fault?”
Defeat weighed on her. “I’m going to have to cancel the trail ride.”
“Why?” He sat up. “Everything is all taken care of.”
“Well, it was.” She tossed the empty water bottle to the edge of the blanket. “The guide called this morning to say he’s got some problem he’s got to take care of. Whatever that means. He won’t be here until Saturday night or some time Sunday.”
Lang’s brow lowered. “That’ll be too late. The group is only staying through dinner on Monday.” He shifted over to lean against his saddle, then added more softly, “Doesn’t he realize people are depending on him? Doesn’t he understand what a mess he’s made for you?”
He didn’t have to tell her she had a big problem. “I’ll figure out something else.”
A weak breeze blew across her face and Victoria leaned into it. She lifted her shirt from her back and shook the damp fabric. It didn’t help. The heat and frustration stole her strength, leaving her weary and vulnerable. Having Lang beside her was definitely making matters worse. He was another thing that wasn’t going to happen.
“What’re you going to do?” he asked.
Tension gripped her shoulders and pulled on her neck. Waiting for him to laugh and point out her mistake in not having a backup plan, she said, “I have no idea.”
Instead of mocking her, Lang curved his strong palms over her shoulders, kneaded her muscles with his capable fingers. The warmth from his hands gave life to a different kind of heat. The kind she wanted more and more of each time she got near him, the need to have him inside her, bringing them together.
She could forget him in time.
But, her ranch…
“Relax, Victoria,” he murmured. “We’ll figure something out.”
The smell of worn leather mingled with his distinct masculine scent. Victoria gave in, pulling in a deep breath and letting out a sigh of contentment.
If only she could spend the entire day right there. With Lang’s solid body behind hers. She could easily stop worrying about business…and goals…and even the disappointment facing her coming guests.
His gentle, steady massage offered comfort and reassurance. When he stopped, she let him pull her back until her head rested on his chest. The restless tossing and turning of the night before, the hard work and stress of the past days, the heat of the rising sun forced her eyelids to drift shut.
Lang resisted touching Victoria but as he watched the even rise and fall of her chest, his hand lifted on its own and lingered beside the honeyed skin of her smooth cheek. Even in the shade, the sun brightened her face, making it glow.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get away from the truth.
Victoria Moore was perfect. She was everything he could want in a woman—innocence, passion, determination and an unpredictable personality that promised to make every day an adventure. She was so completely different from Lori Anne, he was an idiot for ever comparing the two.
He dropped his hand, scanning the craggy mountains and the drop-off that framed the view of The Circle Cat. The woman snoozing on his chest didn’t understand what it felt like to have everything on the line and really be on the verge of losing it all.
She thought she did but she didn’t.
If she lost her ranch, she’d still have a place to live, she’d still have a bright future ahead of her. So, her pride might take a beating, she’d pull herself together and move on.
But why should she go through all that?
He gazed at her striking face. She was everything he’d thought that first day but she was also so much more. Her father had given her a loving childhood. He’d also taught her the value of hard work.
If only Lang was as convinced as she was that she fit into the lifestyle she was trying to mold herself into. If only. But he wasn’t.
He’d gotten the last chance he’d been looking for, so he’d stay one more night and go on the trail ride. It would be the trail ride of her life—one last test—then the whole issue would be settled one way or the other.
With that decided, he leaned back and closed his eyes, letting the midmorning heat ease him into a light sleep.
—
The screech of an eagle woke Lang with a start. He opened his eyes in time to watch the huge bird soar past, coasting on the high, desert wind. He admired the bird’s fierce independence. How well he knew that self-reliance had a hefty price tag.
The sun had shifted so the overhang only offered a slice of shade. He took one last look at Victoria’s sleep softened face, then nudged her by lifting his shoulder.
She murmured, raised her hand to set it across his arm and twisted. The soft mounds of her breasts molded against his chest, her solid hip bones pressed into his crotch. His cock welcomed the pressure, swelling and growing thick and solid.
As always, the delicate citrus scent made his mouth water. Without thinking, he lowered his head to smell the silky strands of her hair. “Victoria, wake up, honey.”
She rolled her head, causing the golden tresses to cascade across his stomach. The image of her lying naked in his arms exploded in his mind, shoving away the reasonable plan of waking her and leaving their secluded spot. He grabbed her waist, lifting her so her face was a breath away.
She opened her eyes, a lazy smile lingering on her sweet, kissable mouth.
There was no hesitation, no shy awkwardness in her gaze. Only sure-footed, simmering passion.
Her gaze flickered to his mouth, then back to his eyes. “I’m going to kiss you, Lang Thompson.”
Chapter Twelve
Her words stirred his blood, blocking out everything except the pounding in his chest and the hot need to taste her.
She leaned forward, brushing her tender, willing mouth across his. Then she surprised him by running her tongue over his bottom lip.
Lang groaned and shifted, positioning her more fully against him.
“Feels nice, doesn’t it?” she asked, rocking gently to make sure their bodies touched in the places that mattered.
Nice wasn’t the word that came to mind.
Reality circled, reminding him what he had in mind for Victoria and her ranch. “This isn’t a good idea.”
She wiggled out of his grip to slide one leg over him, straddling him perfectly. “One little kiss never hurt anybody.”
The tempting pressure of her ass nestled in his lap had him clenching his jaw. If they were naked, his cock would be inside her but he wouldn’t be sitting still. He’d be driving into her tight pussy, pumping into her so hard her breasts would be bouncing, just inches from his mouth.
She’d already made the offer, all he ha
d to do was accept.
Could he take only part of what she offered?
”I’m hurting already, can’t you feel it?” He tightened his grip, pushing her down to feel the weight of her ass on his already hard shaft. “But kiss me anyway, sweetheart.”
Her blue eyes glittered with well placed confidence. She lowered her head. He met her halfway. As soon as her lips touched his, he tugged her closer until her breasts pressed against his chest and her thighs wrapped snugly around his waist. With her body molded to his, he deepened the kiss, tasting not only the sweetness but her soul.
She matched his exploration with one of her own. The movement of her tongue, tentative at first, quickly changed to demanding and intent.
Heat from her palms spread through him when she slid her hands under his shirt, skimmed her palms across his work-tired muscles. Every time she touched him that way, it made their physical connection tighter, harder to ignore.
He followed her example, shoving his hands under her shirt, then lifting it. But he couldn’t stop there. He had to taste her citrus scented flesh, at least once.
The cups of her bra came down easily, freeing her generous breasts. Lang didn’t let a single second pass, he greedily pulled one nipple into his mouth, sucking with gentle, constant pressure.
She gasped, arching her back and forcing more of her firm, round breast into his mouth and wiggling her sweet ass against his pulsing erection. If she kept that up, he’d come in his pants.
“Hold on, sweetheart,” he said as he lifted his mouth. “Slow up.”
“I know what I want,” she murmured, “and it isn’t to slow down.” To get her point across, she rocked against him, smiling like a vixen.
His gut tensed, letting go with Victoria wasn’t a good idea.
It was only a game to her. He’d be dealing with another broken heart. If he got what he wanted—the ranch—she’d be leaving him behind as easily as she tossed out last season’s shoes. And if he didn’t get the ranch? Same thing, only he’d be the one doing the leaving.
Using his last bit of sanity, he righted her clothes and angled back, putting distance between them. He brushed his fingertips across her face, her passion-darkened eyes looking back at him.
“What’s wrong, Lang?” she asked, tugging on his shirt.
Rejection shone in her gaze. Heaven knew, that was the last thing he wanted her to feel from him. “Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart.”
A tiny crease formed between her eyebrows, then that flirtatious smile showed up. Or was it more sincere than the other times he’d seen it?
“If nothing’s wrong,” she asked, rocking gently to remind him of the solid erection she’d created, “then why did you stop?”
“We’ve been gone awhile. Your dad and Susie are probably waiting for us. We should get back.”
Her blue eyes cleared and she looked down at her legs wrapped around him. The confidence fell from her face as she swung her leg around. “I’m sor—”
“Don’t say that.” He cut her off, hating her apology even before it was spoken. He wanted to resent her and the way she wanted toy with him but deep inside he knew she didn’t understand what was going on. She had no way of knowing how bad it hurt when things didn’t go your way.
Lang’s feelings where Victoria was concerned were getting more complicated by the hour and not caring about her was nearly impossible. He lifted her face. “I wanted you to kiss me, I wanted all of it. I still do.”
The spark came back into her eyes and she swung off him to sit on the corner of the blanket.
Guilt clamped around his chest and he had to pull hard for the next breath. After all, what he had planned was for her own good. She’d understand. Someday.
He got up and reached for her hand. “I’m going to stay on, go on the trail ride with you tonight.”
Her mouth pulled tight and she angled away from his outstretched hand. “You don’t have to do that. My problems are my business.”
The sudden defensive tone made the weight of his guilt less of a burden. He grabbed her arms, hauling her to her feet. “What if there’s a problem? You can’t go on that ride with only one guide.”
“I know that,” she replied, pulling away to straighten her shirt and smooth back her hair.
Her stubborn streak was a mile wide. “Consider it a way of fixing the score between us—for the barn.”
After a pause, she fixed him with a firm look and answered, “Fine. We’ll be even.” She smacked the dust off her jeans then spoke to him over her shoulder as she gathered up her saddle, “But I can assure you, I won’t need any more assistance from you after that. Everything will be settled when we get back from that ride.”
Everything settled. That’s what he was counting on.
—
Victoria stared at Susie’s flashy, red Mustang until it disappeared at the end of the long, dusty driveway.
Hank set his hand on her shoulder. “It’s the day we’ve been waiting for, Miss Moore.”
“Everything’s ready,” she said, stepping back. “I can’t believe it.”
“Your dad and Miss Susie turned out to be a great help.”
She nodded, scratching Promise who’d come over to sit beside Hank. “They sure did.”
“Lang says he’s stayin’ on for one more night.”
Victoria straightened and walked toward the house. “That’s right. For the trail ride. I only agreed to his offer because I’d have to cancel without him.”
Hank and Promise fell into step beside her. “Miss Moore?”
She paused at the stairs. “Yes, Hank?”
“I know this ain’t my business,” the old man looked across the yard before bringing his gaze back to her face, “but did you consider askin’ Lang to stay on? We never did get someone from that ad and well, we’ll be needin’ another pair of hands.”
“He made it clear that he’s anxious to get back on the road.”
He pushed his hat around, then ran his hand across his scruffy cheek. “I know he said that when he got here but…well, I thought things had changed.”
That kiss…his mouth on her bare breast…
But he’d pushed her away. “He doesn’t want to stay, Hank.”
The old man ran his weathered hand across his jaw. “All right. I’ll keep out of it but if you don’t mind my sayin’ so, I think you ought to come right out and ask him to stay.”
Victoria frowned. I did.
“Guess you do mind.”
She chuckled, to let him know she had no hard feelings where he was concerned. “No harm in speaking your mind, Hank.”
“Glad you think so.” He tucked his hands into his pockets and took a step backward. “I guess I’ll go feed and water those chicks of yours. That ought to keep me out of trouble for a while.” He whistled to Promise and the two of them moved off toward the barn.
—
Lang hung back, watching Victoria chat easily with the newly arrived group. He was enjoying the sight more than he ought to, considering what he had planned for them all.
The guests, nine city folks from California, were anxious to hit the trail and see the famous Arizona desert up close and personal. He couldn’t blame them really, the colors and sights were like nothing else on earth and he intended to make sure they got their fill of adventure.
More than their fill.
He and Hank had saddled up the horses and now they were waiting while Victoria gave the guests basic instructions on managing their mounts. Occasionally, he added a comment of his own, partly to clarify what she said but mostly because he couldn’t manage to keep his mouth shut when any conversation turned to horses.
“You don’t need to worry, Mr. Byrd,” he heard Victoria say as he stepped closer to the group, “All the horses at The Circle Cat know the way home. If you get separated from us, you simply let your mount bring you back.”
Miss Honey Kalchik slid over to Victoria, turning an assessing stare his way. “Will Lang be coming with us?”
“Of course Lang will be coming with us. He’ll take the lead and I’ll stay at the back.” Victoria turned to the whole group, “So if you need anything at all, you can ask either of us.”
The redhead who asked the question made no attempt to hide the inviting leer she sent his way. “I’m sure I’ll need to stay up front. I don’t have much experience. I might get lost in the desert and end up all by my lonesome.” She practically licked her bright lips, then added, “And I just hate to be alone.”
Victoria looked away from the woman to give the group a reassuring grin. “Don’t worry, we’ll be taking it easy tonight. Right, Lang?”
He nodded.
Right.
Easy for real cowboys.
“The horses and packs are ready to go, Miss Moore.” Hank handed Victoria a cell phone, which she slipped into her pack. “I’ll sleep on the couch at the house in case you call.”
“I’m sure everything will be fine Hank, thanks.”
The old hand ambled toward the porch, Promise at his side. Everyone called goodbye and he waved in response, reminding them all to be sure to drink plenty of water.
Lang helped Mr. Feazel and his two school-age sons adjust their stirrups then went on to show the Byrds how to hold the reins. Thanks to a twist of luck, Victoria got to Miss Honey Kalchik before the determined lady got to him. Finally, everyone was mounted and comfortable.
Victoria swung into the saddle and separated Sasabe from the rest of the animals. “Ready, Lang?”
He nodded, urging Prickly Pear to the head of the trail. The redhead urged her horse forward with suspiciously efficient movements until she was right behind him.
As if he didn’t have enough to deal with already. Lang dipped his chin in a curt nod and quickly turned to face the trail.
—
Three and a half hours later, Lang reached around to rub the small of his back. The moist fabric of his shirt stuck to his hand and the quick massage did little to ease the strain stiffening his spine. He twisted to the left, catching Collin Feazel’s eager gaze.
Cowboy For Hire Page 12