by Elle Linder
“And what is it that we started?”
Hmm, now she was the one who sounded insecure. “What are you doing right now?” He wanted to remedy her worries immediately.
“Um… why?”
Was she for real? “I want to see you. Are you busy?”
“Not exactly. What about Lyla?”
“She’s in bed. Come over.” He listened to her breathing. Why wasn’t she responding? “Tori? You still with me?”
“Yes. Can we just talk on the phone?”
“Is everything all right? Why don’t you want to come over?”
“What if we discover we don’t like each other?”
“Well, I guess that’s a possibility.”
“I wouldn’t want to hurt Lyla. I know she likes me.”
“She loves you.” Why did he say that?
“Aww, she does? See, that makes it worse.”
“Worse? Tori, I don’t see anything bad about us wanting to get to know each other better.”
“Is that all this is? Getting to know each other?”
“Honestly, I was hoping this was us starting to date.”
“Really?” The surprise in her voice confused him.
“Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“Well, yes, but does a man your age date?”
He furrowed his brow. “A man my age? Forty isn’t that old.” He found himself slightly offended. Did she think of him as old?
“Gosh, I’m sorry. My mouth is getting the better of me.”
“It’s a compelling mouth…” One he’d like to immerse himself in.
She inhaled softly. “Rex…”
“Come over, Tori. Unless you’re not interested.” He anxiously waited for her to respond but wouldn’t push her anymore. Tori had to be sure she wanted to start something with him. If she’d changed her mind, it’d crush him, but he’d understand. No woman had affected him on every level as Tori had. Not even his ex-wife. For the past month, Tori had occupied all his thoughts. Now that she’d been in his arms, her taste seared on his lips, he didn’t want to let her go. Somehow she’d found her way into his heart… after one night with her.
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“I look forward to seeing you.”
“Me too. Bye.” She ended the call.
Rex got to his feet. The first thought to enter his mind was, Brush your teeth. Coffee breath could be a turn-off. It might be presumptuous of him, but he hoped he’d get to kiss her.
Damn, I really wish I had candy corn to offer her.
Seven
AFTER EVERYTHING THAT had gone down back at the ranch, Tori couldn’t believe she was at Rex’s place for the second night in a row. It never was easy being the only girl in her family. But then maybe if she’d been a rough-and-tumble girl, it might have made a difference.
No chance it would have been different. Not with her overprotective Daddy and brothers.
She shook her head as she parked in front of Rex’s house. Her uncles treated their daughters just like her daddy treated her. It occurred to her that Rex was a lot like her father when dealing with Lyla. It melted her heart, watching him and Lyla together.
These strong country boys sure knew how to treat a woman with respect and tenderness. She saw it all the time in her family. Her daddy treated Mama like a queen. Dawson never stopped loving Piper after losing her for a decade, and now they were back together.
Her brothers loved fiercely and faithfully. She wanted a man like them and her daddy. Rex seemed to be that kind of man.
What happened between him and her dad and the land?
She refused to believe Rex was a horrible man the way her father made him out to be.
Tori pressed the back of her head against the headrest. She was doing this with Rex. Her heart was full and butterflies danced in her stomach when she was around him. Why wouldn’t she want to be with him if he made her days brighter and her evenings sizzle?
Enough thinking, she told herself and pushed open her car door and grabbed her purse.
Suddenly she remembered she was dressed down today in jeans and a flannel shirt with a black camisole underneath. The clopping of her riding boots thumped in her ears. She slowed her pace as worry flooded her veins.
Rex might have said he didn’t love Raquel, but she was gorgeous. He must have enjoyed looking at her at the very least.
She fiddled with her long mane. Her natural waves were wild after riding Daisy for a few hours this afternoon. How could she let Rex see her this way?
The door opened before she could change her mind and run back to her car.
Rex smiled as she approached the door. His gaze took her in from head to toe; it made her feel scrutinized.
“I’m here,” she said.
“I’m glad.” He took her hand, giving it a gentle pull for her to come in. “Let me take your coat.”
“Sure. Keep in mind, I didn’t expect to see you today.” She slipped her coat off and let him take it. “When you called, I wasn’t at home. I didn’t have a chance to change out of my riding gear.” Her heart started racing, looking down at herself. “Or freshen up. Or comb my messy hair.” She was rambling now. “I just… God, I’m not good at…”
Rex was studying her carefully after closing the door to the closet, his expression giving nothing away. She wished he’d say something, anything, to give her a clue about how he was feeling or what he was thinking.
“What?” She bit her lower lip. No man ever made her this nervous and insecure.
He lightly pinched her chin, tilting her head up, still not saying anything, only staring at her.
“If you don’t say something, I’m going to…” She inhaled a deep breath.
“You’ll what?”
“I don’t know.” She closed her eyes. “You just make me extremely nervous and unsure of myself.”
“Open your eyes.”
She shook her head.
His lips skimmed over hers, and she exhaled.
“Look at me, Tori.” His hands went into her hair, one cupping her neck, the other the side of her face. She trembled; it felt so good. “Let me see your beautiful green eyes.”
This was ridiculous, acting this immature at her age. Tori blinked her eyes open.
“There they are. Whatever you think you think I’m thinking…” He chuckled softly. “That’s a lot of thinking, don’t you think?”
She nodded, smiling at how silly he sounded.
“Why don’t you let me show you what I’m thinking, or tell you. Wouldn’t that be a lot easier then your beautiful mind running wild?”
Her heart rate was slowing with every word he spoke. “Yes, that would be easier.”
“Come on.” He nudged his head toward the den and wrapped his arm around her. “I poured you a glass of Pinot. Hope that’s okay.”
“It’s perfect. Thanks.”
They sat on the sofa like last night, and he handed her the wine glass. Tori took a small sip, her eyes landing on the picture of Raquel. The photo was only of her, not the family, not her and Lyla.
“What is it?” Rex followed her gaze. “Shit,” he muttered. “I didn’t even remember that was there.”
“How can you not? This is your favorite room. It was there last night.”
“Lyla moves it around the house. It’s supposed to be in her bedroom.” He put the picture face down. There was a noticeable change in him. His brow was furrowed, Adam’s apple vibrating. “I swear, I’m not in love with Raquel. I never really was. Getting married and having a kid seemed like the right thing to do when I turned thirty-five. I wanted a family, Tori. I just chose the wrong woman.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She set her glass on a coaster on the coffee table. She clasped her hands together, leaning forward with her elbows on her thighs. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I get this spark of jealousy in my stomach when I see Raquel or talk about her. It’s stupid. I know it is.”
“But I und
erstand. I’d feel the same way about any of your previous boyfriends.”
Tori snorted. “I’ve never had a boyfriend, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“What? How is that possible? You’re gorgeous and irresistible.”
“That’s sweet of you to say. But I have three overprotective brothers and one scary, overbearing father. Guys didn’t bother with me.”
“Well, when you put it like that, I can see why they wouldn’t. But your brothers and father don’t scare me.” He took her hand in his. “Please believe me when I say, you have nothing to worry about with Raquel. If it weren’t for Lyla, I would have nothing to do with her. I sure as hell wouldn’t have a picture of her floating around my house.” He kissed her hand. “Do you believe me?”
Tori stood and released Rex’s hand. Panic flashed in his eyes.
“Where are you going?”
“To remove my boots. I want to sit on your lap.”
A smile stretched across his face. “By all means, take those sexy boots off.”
Tori giggled softly, making her way to the foyer. She was back and perched on his lap in no time. She hooked her arm around his neck and touched her nose to his. His arms swallowed her up. Right then and there she wanted to assure him she wasn’t a crazy, jealous woman but wasn’t sure how to tell him.
His hand glided along her side, then over her back up to her neck. She shivered, a little sigh leaving her lips.
“Talk to me,” he said.
“I like you.”
“I like you too.”
“I’m not usually like this, but you have an ex-wife, and I have my dad. I don’t do well with conflict or drama.”
“You are turning out to be the perfect woman, ya know. Except for your father.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“I don’t want to tell my family about you until I know there’s something worth telling.”
Rex pulled back slightly, his grip on her neck relaxing. “I already told you there’s something worth sharing with them. I’m not into games, Tori. I’m too old for them.”
“Oh, please.” She touched his beard lightly, and the speckles of silver shimmered against the dim lighting in the room. “What are you, forty?”
“I’ll be forty-one after the first of the year.”
Tori’s eyes went wide. “Okay, so there’s a bit of an age gap between us.”
Rex snorted and dropped a kiss on her lips. “A bit? You said you were twenty-seven, right?”
“Yes.”
“You’re almost fourteen years younger. Some men would think that’s awesome… for me. I’m not so sure your father will feel the same. Not sure I’d like it if Lyla was with a much older man.”
“Don’t say that.” She pressed her forehead to his. “I’ve felt… I don’t know. It’s like I was meant to be right here with you. That probably sounds silly.”
“Not at all. Strangely, I feel the same way. The age difference doesn’t bother you?”
“No. Does it bother you?”
He shook his head. “If things work out with us, I’m going to want a couple of kids.” He issued her a charming grin. She appreciated his honesty about what he wanted. It wasn’t like he was getting any younger. “Figured I’d put it out there before we got in too deep with each other.”
“Is that right? Just a couple? I might want a few kids.”
Rex laid her on the sofa and covered her body with his. The move put dirty thoughts in her head—the kind where they’re naked and sweaty.
“I’m more than capable of giving you what you want.”
“I was hoping you’d say that…”
Rex couldn’t get enough of Tori. He’d never met such a sweet and playful woman before. And a damn good kisser too. But it had been her gentle touch with Lyla and dazzling emerald green eyes that had first caught his attention. Then he’d noticed her tantalizing curves and full pink lips, and he was a goner.
After weeks of dreaming about her, the real deal was better than he’d imagined.
He gripped her waist as he kissed and nibbled her neck, digging his pelvis into hers. She’d been rubbing against him, the friction nearly making him mess his pants.
It was heavenly.
“Oh… oh my… Rex…” She panted, her hips moved a little faster, and her mouth made a perfect O. He watched in awe, the aching bulge in his pants begging to be set free. “What’s happening to me?” Her mouth widened.
Her question gave him pause. From what he could tell, she was on the verge of having an orgasm. Didn’t she know that? Her eyes were dilated, cheeks flushed… all signs of arousal. He moved his hand over her breast, searched for her peaked nipple, and gave it a little pinch. Her hips bucked forward, and she moaned.
He’d been right.
“Tori,” he whispered her name at the shell of her ear. “Let me take care of you, darlin’.”
She continued to rub against him, seemingly lost in her own world.
Rex moved his hand down between them and over her mound. When she didn’t object, he stroked her firmly with the palm of his hand. Her body bowed into his and her head went back, giving him complete access to her neck. He went in for the kill, sucking on her neck while working between her thighs.
“I… oh, Rex…” Her nails dug into his shoulders when he pressed his fingers into her. He didn’t imagine it felt as good through her jeans as it would if she were naked, but her response said otherwise. Tori froze and her melodic voice filled his ears.
Before she got too loud, he captured her moan with his mouth. His tongue searched for hers, wanting to play and tease while her body writhed beneath his. Once Tori’s orgasm was over, she melted into the sofa, panting.
“You’re so damn beautiful. I especially like your rosy cheeks after you come.”
She gasped. “What? I didn’t.”
“There’s no reason to be embarrassed. I like taking you over the edge, fully dressed. Imagine what I could do to you without clothes on.” He kissed her lips, trying to ignore the envy in his lower half, which also wanted a release.
Tori blinked, a small crease of confusion between her eyebrows. “Rex, that’s never happened to me before.”
He stilled. Surely he hadn’t heard her right. “What?”
She buried her face in his chest and shook her head like she was embarrassed.
“Hey, you don’t need to hide from me. Are you saying you’re a virgin?” He moved back to see her face. If she was, he needed to slow things down pronto.
“No. I’m not. But I haven’t been with anyone in a long time, and well…” Her voice trailed as if not wanting to talk about it.
“It’s okay. You can tell me anything.” A heaviness appeared in his chest as he considered Tori. The more he learned about her, the more he liked her.
“It’s too soon. Just kiss me.”
He could do that, no problem.
Regretfully, the hours passed much too fast. Midnight was looming, and Rex needed to be up at four-thirty to start his day. He’d refrained from mentioning it, not wanting Tori to leave.
They’d continued kissing like desperate teenagers, and he relished every second. But she’d been the more responsible adult tonight when she announced she needed to leave.
As Rex kissed her long and hard against her car door, the ache he had down low traveled up to his chest. It was crazy how fast his feelings for her were changing, but he wasn’t a fool. Rex knew what he wanted, and now he knew who he wanted.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said against his mouth.
“Tomorrow is too far away.”
She giggled. “I think you can handle it.”
“I can’t. I want you to stay.” Did he really just say that?
“Aww. You know I can’t.”
“Do you want to even though you can’t?” What was he, thirteen again? It was childish that he needed to know she wanted to stay, but he didn’t care. Tori wasn’t the only one who felt insecure. Especially knowing she was fourteen years youn
ger than him. A younger, more fit man could swoop in and steal her away. She might come to her senses a few years from now, realizing she’d made a colossal mistake taking up with him.
He stopped himself before he did something stupid, like end things with her just as they were starting to take off.
“It’s weird, but I do want to stay. Can’t say I’ve ever felt this way before.”
“Good. I like being your first.”
“In more ways than one.”
“What do you mean?” Something told him she was inexperienced when it came to intimacy. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t please him.
His ex-wife, Raquel, had been plenty experienced when they got together, and he was no saint. On the rodeo circuit, he’d had his fill of women more than he cared to admit. But Rex wasn’t one to throw stones or judge Raquel for the number of men she’d slept with before him. So the stark contrast with Tori never so much as having a boyfriend before blew his mind.
“Nothing. I need to go.” She pecked his lips. “Don’t forget, no PDA at school.” She poked his chest with her finger and smiled.
“Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to like seeing you and not being able to touch you.” He waggled his eyebrows.
“You probably don’t like obeying rules, right?”
“Rules?” He huffed. “Rules schmules.” She wasn’t wrong. Rex never liked rules. He’d broken many in his younger years, back when he had moved to Piper Ridge and bought his land. Rex wasn’t proud of how he went about securing the property his equestrian business was on, but what was done was done. He couldn’t change it and was too damn stubborn to apologize to Conway Hart for playing dirty.
“Don’t get cocky with me, Mr. Knolls. You will obey the rules.”
“If I don’t, will you punish me?” He sure liked riling her up.
She narrowed her pretty eyes. “Rex.”
“I’m just teasing you. I’ll be a good boy.” He took her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, ma’am, Miss Hart. I promise.”
The smile on her beautiful face melted him. Rex was in deep after two evenings with Tori. He’d never felt such strong emotions for a woman before. His heart raced with excitement whenever he thought of her, saw her, or was with her. He knew what was happening to him, but it was much too early to admit it.