"Touch me, Meagan. Please touch me."
His voice was so strained that Meagan could barely make out his words. "I don't want to hurt you," she whispered, hesitating to obey.
"I'm hurting right now Meagan. Hurting for your touch."
Meagan allowed her hand to circle him, experimenting boldly, touching and teasing, moving in motion with his hips, loving the intensity of his response. She wasn't frightened anymore.
"Meagan," Cole brought his hand to meet hers, "I can't take any more."
"I'm not doing it right?"
He claimed her lips, kissing her until she was breathless. "You couldn't be doing better. Let me touch you, now." He captured her nipple between his lips, teasing it to a stiff peak, rolling his tongue around the rosy sweetness of it.
Meagan arched her back, begging for more of what he was offering. Her passion filled mind didn't register the swift, experienced movements of his hands until she lay naked before him, his eyes raking boldly over her.
Covering her breasts with her arms, Meagan turned sideways to escape the disturbing intensity of his stare.
"Don't hide from me, Meagan," Cole urged, guiding her arms to her side. "You're perfect. Let me enjoy you." His hands roamed freely over her, memorizing each curve, each hollow. This time when his hand found the center of her, she pushed up against him, encouraging him. Her whole body was on fire, and a deep tingling sensation began where Cole's finger gently circled, teasing her. The sensation grew stronger, flowing through her stomach and down her thighs. Her legs parted of their own accord, offering herself without realizing she was doing so.
Cole lowered himself, laying on top of her, flesh against flesh, man against woman. "I need to make love to you now, Meagan."
"Please, Cole. Please love me. Show me."
His hand shook slightly as he guided himself to the core of her, and he moved slowly, allowing her to adjust to the feel of him, coming in contact with the wall that was blocking his way. "Meagan, there might be some pain."
"I don't care," Meagan whispered desperately as her body responded to the feel of him inside her. She pressed her hips against him, needing something more. She knew only pleasure. Then he thrust into her, and a sharp burning sensation tore through her middle, bringing her back to reality. She tensed as he began a rocking motion, and tried to push him away.
"Meagan, baby, it's over now," Cole whispered, forcing himself to hold perfectly still until she relaxed. "All that's left is pleasure. Just let it happen." He persuaded her with his lips, his hands, his eyes, and Meagan melted against him, her body responding to his as he once again began moving within her.
A sense of urgency drove her as she matched his rhythm, instinctively following his lead. Her heart pounded erratically as their bodies moved in exquisite harmony, and her need grew strong, demanding release.
"Cole, please," Meagan begged, not knowing what she wanted, but knowing she needed it.
"Feel, Meagan," Cole encouraged, "feel everything."
She did. The heat of his body where it touched hers. His hand teasing her nipples before sliding down to caress her hip. His deep, labored breathing against her ear, the tenseness of his muscles beneath her fingertips. She felt everything. She clung to him, unaware that her nails were biting small marks into his skin. He stiffened imperceptibly, and she felt it. She raised herself to him, pressing harder against him, moving faster. Her body was demanding release, and with an instinct she wasn't aware existed, she gave it what it needed.
A deep, guttural moan escaped from Cole, and she gasped in sweet agony as her eager body welcomed a pure and explosive pleasure that intensified into waves of ecstasy that throbbed through her. They tore at her body, demanding release, and she was a helpless victim of their onslaught. As they subsided, she lay dazed in Cole's embrace, exhausted and fulfilled.
He didn't move. He didn't speak. He was still inside her, and Meagan wanted him there. Her mind focused on her surroundings. A bird sang to them, and water trickled noisily by. The breeze was whistling through the trees. Had all those sounds been there before?
Reality slowly found its way back, and Meagan realized what she'd done. She'd allowed Cole to possess her heart, and her body. She'd confessed her love to him.
She chanced a sideways glance at him. He was beautiful. She watched as the moonlight danced on his naked body, and she knew she'd had no choice. She loved him too much to resist him.
"Come here, Meagan."
Without further protest, Meagan went into his embrace. He would be hers, even if it meant sacrificing her brother to keep him.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Meagan flipped onto her stomach and hugged her pillow as she remembered each touch, each sensation, each emotion she'd experienced for the first time last night in Cole's arms. With a twist of her body, she sprang from bed, completing her morning rituals without thought.
Her heart was happy, her mind content. Not a single doubt lingered as she pranced lightly down the stairs into the dining room, her face radiant as she smiled at the occupants. "Sorry I'm late."
Cole's eyes swept over her suggestively, "late night?"
“Late enough,” Meagan declared lightly then raised her brows at Cole, “How about you?"
"Late enough," he agreed with a crooked grin.
Stephen cast an inquiring glance Cole's way. "Looks like you two made up last night, ha?"
Meagan grinned wider, unable to conjure up even the slightest guilt or embarrassment. She was much too happy.
"Meagan," Cole explained for the benefit of his parents, "had a bit of a mishap last night."
Anne turned concerned eyes toward Meagan. "Oh?"
With a light laugh, Meagan nodded. "Gloria's dress fell apart.”
“Oh,” Anne repeated with concern, "I guess I should have helped you more."
"It wasn't your fault," Meagan exclaimed as she pulled out a chair and sat down. "I just didn't allow myself enough time to stitch it properly, I guess." She averted her gaze from Cole's amused glance, worried she might laugh outright, which would be highly inappropriate under the circumstances.
"Meagan was quite upset about it," Stephen piped in, glancing quizzically at her.
"I was," Meagan agreed. She felt her face twitch with amusement.
Cole flashed a warning glance her way as he attempted to explain, "Meagan was upset. But I convinced her that the situation was actually quite funny." He shook his head as she smothered another laugh behind a cough. "I think maybe I convinced her too well."
"I see," Anne stated.
"I don't." Judd frowned. "I don't even want to." He turned to his eldest son. "It's time we moved part of the herd to higher ground." He took a sip of his coffee. "We've waited too long already."
Cole turned his full attention to Judd. "I wish there was another way. Taking our cattle up Blue Mountain makes them more susceptible than ever."
"If we keep them in the lowlands, there won't be any grass left this winter to feed them," Stephen pointed out. "Besides, there hasn't been a hit on our cattle for weeks.” Silence followed Stephen's comment as all eyes turned toward Meagan.
She shrugged. "I suspect Tony is aware we were looking for him and I can only assume, since he hasn't contacted me since the fire, he knows why."
Cole leaned forward in his chair. "Tony might try to contact you, Meagan."
She nodded. "If he does,” she stated firmly “I'll tell you."
Cole's stare unnerved her, but Meagan never flinched. Today, she was choosing sides. Tony had committed a crime, and if he tried to contact her, she'd turn him in.
Cole relaxed back in his chair. Meagan understood what his posture told her, and she wasn’t planning to disappoint him this time.
"We’re moving the cattle," Judd decided. "We can't allow these thefts to put even more cattle at risk.”
With a resigned nod, Cole stated, "I'll organize it. We'll head out day after tomorrow."
"The sooner, the better," Judd advised. "We'll need to
devise a plan to guard them."
Stephen snorted. "Short of putting up miles of barbed wire, I'm not sure what that plan might be."
Judd shrugged. "We may have no option but to keep on several extra men to help."
"I may have a better idea." All eyes turned to Cole. "If we drive them along the North ridge, near the Yampa, there's a flat area on top of the mountain. It's too steep to climb, or descend from, with the exception of where the trail runs up it on the west side. It can be guarded by two men, and the grazing is good."
Stephen turned a doubtful glance Cole's way. "Taking a thousand head of cattle up those steep trails could be deadly,” he warned, “they're narrow, with long drops."
"It would be cooler through the summer months," Judd reminded his sons, in favor of the plan.
"I think we should do it," Cole stated with conviction.
An affirmative nod from both Judd and Stephen ended the conversation, and they resumed eating their breakfast.
Meagan stared at the three of them, her mind made up. "I'm going with you."
Three sets of eyes focused on her with three very different expressions. Stephen's open and assessing, Judd's thoughtful, and Cole's, well Cole looked like he'd rather be put in a pit with a dozen rattle snakes.
Meagan stiffened and stared defiantly down her nose at him. She wasn't wanting to let him out of her sight for a single minute. She couldn't imagine being away from him for an entire week. Besides, she knew how to handle cattle. She could be of use.
"Impossible," Cole stated bluntly.
Ignoring the stubborn set of Cole's jaw, Meagan argued, "why?"
"You're a woman."
Amazement mixed with anger as Meagan contemplated Cole's words. Hadn't she shown him she could rope and ride with the best of them? Ready with a sharp retort, she watched his stubborn expression turn to grim determination, and decided to try a different tactic.
Turning to Cole’s father, she implored, "Judd, you've seen what I can do. I can seat a horse as good as any man and I'm used to long days in the saddle. I know how to drive a herd." Meagan raised her arms to emphasize her point. "I have every skill that your sons have. I can help."
Judd nodded. "Meagan's proven her worth to this ranch more than once. If she wants to go, then I think she should."
"You can't be serious!" Cole stood and paced the room, his frustration evident. "It's going to be tough. Those cattle won't like the steep trails, they'll tire quicker, be more irritable." He leaned both hands on the table, staring straight at his pa. "You can't send a woman to do a man's job. It's too dangerous."
"I can do it," Meagan claimed fiercely, not allowing Cole’s attitude to dissuade her. She'd hoped Cole had more confidence in her abilities than that, but she’d show him.
"I think Meagan should go." All eyes turned from Meagan, to Anne.
"Stay out of this, Ma," Cole ordered, his voice grim.
"I agree," Stephen piped in. "I think she should come." He winked at Meagan.
"Well?" Meagan arched her brow inquiringly towards Cole. She had to win now.
"No." Cole turned and left the room.
Meagan stared at the empty space where he'd been only seconds before. "I've never known such a stubborn man." She stomped her foot. "How dare he think I can't help just because I'm a woman." She forgot about her audience as she raved, "I'll show him. I'm going, whether he likes it or not." She strode out of the house, slamming the door behind her.
"Cole, wait up."
He didn't even slow his stride.
"Darn it, Cole." Meagan broke into a run. Catching up to him, she placed her body directly in his path. "At least tell me why I can't go."
"I already did," Cole stated without a pause in his stride. He forced her to take large strides backwards to maintain her position.
"You didn't say anything worth listening to," Meagan reasoned. "Both Stephen and your father know I can do this."
"They don't understand."
"I think it's you who is having trouble understanding."
Cole increased his stride even more, and Meagan planted her feet firmly. She was tired of walking backwards.
He rammed into her with a force she hadn't reckoned on, and she fell on her rear. "Ouch." Her whole body had been jarred by the impact.
Cole smiled down at her, hands on his hips, a triumphant gleam in his eyes. "You look quite charming like that, Meagan."
"Damn it, Cole, stop your gloating," Meagan sputtered angrily, attempting to stand up. Her foot caught on her skirt, and she fell back down to the ground. "The least you could do is help me up."
He tossed his head back and laughed. "If you want so much to act like a man, Meagan, then I have no option but to treat you like one." He shrugged before turning away. "Help yourself up."
"I hate you," Meagan called after him in all sincerity.
He spun on his heels. "No, you don't."
His eyes probed hers, and Meagan sighed, wishing at that moment that she could hate him. "No, I don't," she repeated in a defeated tone.
"I thought not." He returned to her, holding out his hand.
Meagan clasped it gratefully, planting her feet firmly on the ground before looking up at him. "I want to be with you, Cole. How can you think of leaving for an entire week without me. Not after," she stopped, blushing furiously.
"Not after making passionate love with you," Cole supplied with tenderness. "I don't want to leave you any more than you want me to go. You should know that."
"Then why can't I come?"
"It's too dangerous. Too many things can go wrong."
"I know the dangers, Cole. I also know my way around cattle. I'm a big girl. I'll be fine."
"Meagan,"
"And we can be together," she added desperately.
"Meagan."
"Please."
"Meagan, don't force me to make this decision."
"I want to go, Cole."
He studied her face for several seconds, saying nothing.
"Please," Meagan pleaded, unable to stand the silence.
Cole dropped his head and rubbed his temples with his fingers, apparently deep in thought. Finally, he raised his eyes and threw his hands up in defeat. He sighed audibly. "I give up. If coming with us is what you want, then I guess that's what you're going to do."
Meagan threw herself into his arms, planting a kiss firmly on his mouth. "You won't be sorry," she vowed.
"I hope not." Cole forced his doubts aside as he lowered his head, responding to her kiss with a much deeper one of his own.
Stephen cleared his throat loudly, chuckling under his breath. "Excuse me."
Meagan tore her lips from Cole's and practically leaped from his arms. She turned her back to the men to give herself the opportunity to compose her thoughts.
"Meagan."
"Yes?" Meagan didn't miss the amusement lurking in his tone. She refused to face him.
"Meet me by the swing tonight, after supper. I have a surprise for you."
She nodded before scurrying away. She pretended she didn't hear the laughter that followed her retreat.
It was nearly eight o'clock. Meagan had just helped Anne finish cleaning up after supper, and as soon as the last dish was dry she headed outside. Cole was nowhere in sight, so Meagan sat on the swing, waiting. She waited, and waited, and twenty minutes passed. Still, no Cole. She was about to give up when he appeared from the darkness.
Meagan made no effort to disguise her annoyance. "I'm glad to see you decided to make an appearance."
"Come with me, Meagan."
She stood and flashed him a resentful glare. "Aren't you even going to apologize? You told me to meet you here after supper. Why I did that, in the first place, I'll never know, but.."
Cole reached for her and pulled her to him, claiming her lips with his. Meagan melted against him, her anger vanishing bit by bit as he explored her mouth with his.
"Come with me, Meagan," he repeated, this time in a husky whisper, his lips still tou
ching hers.
She slipped her hand into his. He led her through the darkness to a narrow trail. Meagan recognized their destination before they arrived.
"Cole, why are you taking me here?"
"You'll see."
They moved slowly down the narrow trail until they came to a clearing in the trees. Before them was the cove where Meagan bathed. A large blanket had been placed on the ground, and as she moved closer, her eyes rested on a wicker basket and two long stemmed glasses sitting beside the blanket. An oil lamp hung from a tree, illuminating the area.
"I wanted to surprise you," Cole explained as he guided her to the blanket, waiting for her to sit before he continued. "That's why I was late." Easing down beside her, he opened the basket and withdrew a bottle of white wine, already opened, and filled her glass.
"Cole!" Meagan jumped back as the clear liquid flowed over her cup and spilled on the blanket. "Watch what you're doing."
"I was watching something more interesting," Cole declared, a wicked grin playing on his face as he slowly raised the bottle above her head.
Meagan didn't like his expression one bit. She scooted quickly away. "What are you thinking, Cole?"
"I'm thinking that I can imagine a much nicer way to drink wine than from a glass."
"Don't you dare!" Meagan tried to rise, but got tangled in her skirts.
Cole's grin widened at her predicament. He placed the bottle above her, tipping it until small drops splashed against her face and neck, trickling lower as she struggled to escape.
Her voice cracked with laughter as she scolded, "Cole McAllister, you stop that this instant."
"In a minute."
"I'll be all sticky," she protested, her voice not as stern as she'd have liked.
He stared intently at the droplets as they fell between her breasts. "I'll clean it," he volunteered. His eyes darkened. "I'll lick every drop from your body."
His words sent shivers up her spine, and Meagan froze as her senses leapt to life. He moved nearer, so close she could feel the heat of his breath against her neck.
"Don't miss a single drop," she advised in a husky tone as she tilted her head back, giving him full access to her neck.
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