by Sierra Brave
Grasping the bed sheets for dear life, she cooed in bliss as her body jarred forward only to be yanked right back. The power and speed kept every nerve ending buzzing with excitement. Her toes spread and an orgasm sent her into spasms, even as Davis continued his hard ride. Again and again and again he pounded against her, his hips and pelvis smacking against her ass. Another climax shook her, sending a heavy burst of orgasmic juices flooding her already tightly packed cunt. Her arms and palms shaking, she was tempted to collapse, but Davis grabbed a handful of her hair and gently tugged her head. His other arm wrapping around her waist, he pulled her upward while lifting one of his legs, turning it to the side and resting his foot on the side rail of the bed. She bounced and jerked, impaled on him as the coiling inside her constricted, once again teetering on readiness to spring. His thrusting becoming more frantic and his grip around her waist tighter, he grunted, pushing deep inside to release his seed. Simultaneously, her climax collided with his and she screamed out his name before they both collapsed onto the mattress.
Surrounded by the sounds of their heavy breathing, she rested her shaky body. Her limbs might as well have been boneless, and her heart rate was soaring to new heights. As Davis’s weight lifted off her body, she turned her head slightly, observing him removing a condom from his spent cock. Mortified, she dropped her head back onto the bedding. I’m such a dumbass!
She was so out of practice with casual sex and so enthralled by Davis’s sweet, sexy cowboy appeal that she had let something so important slip her mind. He must have put on protection when she was getting up on her knees. At least Davis had been responsible…or perhaps she was just one of many routine, one-night stands. A pang of discomfort stabbed at her chest, though she had no illusions about a fairytale romance with a man she just met. She needed to feel good again, to feel lovable and desirable and he had catered to her ego. If only the high hadn’t been so fleeting, leaving her with an empty, raw, gnawing sensation in her gut.
Catching his breath, Davis sat up and stretched his arms over his head before turning to face her. His chest and stomach glistened with sweat and his hair was a mess. Still, he looked damn good. While flashing an unassuming smile, he reached over and smoothed her hair before dropping a peck on her lips.
“You were amazing!” he said, gushing.
Scarlett smiled half-heartedly, ready for the brush off.
“I have to go to the ranch for just a spell,” he continued.
Here it comes. He’ll say his good-byes and bolt. She smiled expectantly, disappointed but not angry. How could she be mad after he’d given her all those orgasms? Those body-jerking sensations had been such a welcome surprise, he might as well have delivered them straight from Santa’s sleigh.
“Would you like to come with me? I could show you the horses. Do you ride?”
Surprised, she raised her eyebrows. An after sex date—was he for real? “Ride? Um, yeah…I know how but I think I’ll be too sore to mount a horse for a little bit.”
He rested his hand on her hip, rubbing in a circular motion, and a bright-red blush lit up his face as he said, “Sorry…I didn’t mean to be rough.”
Sitting up, she put both hands in her sex-styled hair and shook it out. “You have nothing to apologize for. That was the best!”
His face lit up and he grinned. “Thanks.” Leaning in, he nuzzled at her neck and whispered in her ear. “You get some rest, pretty lady.”
“Don’t mind if I do…”
She scooted back, shuffling the covers as Davis stood. He fluffed her pillows and adjusted the bedding before grabbing his clothing. After quickly throwing them on, he sat down on the edge of the bed to put on his boots and tie the laces.
Standing, he ran his hand through his hair. “I’ll just get my hat from the kitchen and be on my way.”
“Okay,” she said, her tummy churning in turmoil as her legs continued to shake. She had to just let him go. She had fallen into bed on the rebound and there was no need to imagine this had been anything more than sex no matter how passionate and exciting it had been.
He moved to exit, reaching the doorway before he hesitated. He looked back over his shoulders, meeting her eyes and then pivoting to face her. “I’ll call on you again when I get back if that’s okay.”
Her heart fluttered and she giggled at her reaction, averting her eyes a second before lifting her chin to meet his gaze. This was certainly the mountain version of I’ll call you later but he was very sweet about it. “I’d like that.”
His eyes glimmered as a smile brightened his expression. “Well, all right, all right. See you soon.”
Davis’s heavy footsteps haunted the house a couple more moments as he galloped out the front door. Exhaling a heavy breath, she looked up to the ceiling, shaking her head before dropping back on the pillow and smiling to herself. I must be dreaming.
Chapter Two
A long soak in the tub had brought comfort but not much clarity. As the water drained, Scarlett ran a towel over her body, drying one foot and straddling the side before drying the other and making a full exit. After hanging the towel on a drying rack, she ran a comb through her wet hair, parting it on the side and positioning her bangs over to one side of her high forehead. She sighed, wiping the hazy mirror with her hand. For a little while, Davis had driven all the sadness and negativity from her brain, pushing Robert’s betrayal out of her head and allowing her to feel good, but with the afterglow fading, the self-doubt and misery were creeping back again. At first, Robert had treated her like a precious jewel. Then he’d started taking her for granted and stupidly, she had let him. Thinking back on it, she realized he had probably started his cheating about the same time.
She stared at her body in the mirror. Had Robert cheated on her because of her size? Her big breasts stood at attention, plump and firm. Robert had always been quite fond of them, but her hips were wide and she had a huge ass. Still, until he asked her to lose weight, she had put those attributes into the positive column. Her waist cinched between those assets, forming her hourglass-shape. Maybe she should have done more sit-ups. She rubbed the small roll around her midsection. Stop! No! No! No! She had to quit doing this to herself. Robert had no qualms with her body when they’d started dating and he’d certainly fucked her regularly for the past three years. He cheated because he is a faithless dick…no other reason.
She closed her eyes, mentally calming herself to keep from crying. Fuck Robert! She touched her breasts, squeezing them together before slipping a hand down over her well-ridden cunt. Davis had pummeled her privates but a warm bath had brought everything back to normal. Closing her eyes, she could practically feel his hands on her skin. Her body tingled as she fondly recalled every sweet caress and hungry kiss. She shook her head. This is stupid. Since when have I ever needed a man to validate myself? Since when have I ever had trouble getting a man? Never! Had three years with the same man dulled her edge? Fucking cheater—she had given him her heart and her body. Why hadn’t she been enough?
Storming into the bedroom, she grabbed a pair of black yoga pants out of her bag and pulled them on along with a gray t-shirt. The clock on the bedside table told her it was nearly 3:00 p.m. How might she kill this afternoon? She had some romance novels on her e-reader but she wasn’t in the mood for reading about someone else’s happily ever after. There wasn’t any Wi-Fi for internet access and cell reception was sketchy at best. She passed through the den, heading into the kitchen. The cookies Davis brought by were still on the bar but she didn’t have much of an appetite. She opened a small drawer and there they were—the pack of cards she’d seen earlier. A game of solitaire would keep her mind occupied for a while. She sat at the bar, shuffling the cards. As she cut the deck, a knock at the door caught her attention. Startled, she stood and tip-toed into the living room to peep out the window. Davis! He’d actually come back.
“Just a minute!” she called out, running to the bedroom. She slipped her shirt off over her head, grabbed a fresh bra and
put both items on in record time. “I’ll be right there!” She ran to the bathroom, brushed her teeth and swished with mouthwash. Giving herself a once over in the mirror, she pinched her cheeks and licked her lips before hauling ass. After pausing for a moment to calm her breathing, she opened the door.
Davis was dressed in a similar but different shirt, still plaid but thicker and he’d added a jean jacket. His butt-hugging jeans looked about the same but were a touch darker, and he still had on his trademark hat. “Hey there, did I come at a bad time?”
Nervously, Scarlett smoothed her damp hair. “No, I was actually just bored enough to start playing cards by myself. I’m glad you stopped by.”
Davis’s face lit up and he shuffled nervously. “You think you might be up for going for a ride with me?” He moved to the side, pointing out a quarter horse hitched to a shiny-red sleigh.
She laughed, covering her mouth as her heart fluttered beneath her breast. “What kind of fool would I have to be to turn down a sleigh ride at Christmas? Can you give me a sec to dry my hair and throw on some heavier clothes?” She stepped to the side, motioning for him to come in and take a seat.
“Yes, ma’am, take your time,” he said, removing his hat as he entered.
“Just have a seat anywhere,” she replied before scurrying off to get ready.
* * * * *
Bundled up in her navy-blue wool coat with matching gloves and scarf, Scarlett rode shotgun next to Davis. Flowing from beneath her light-pink, button-billed, cable-knit beanie, her hair fluttered with the motion of the sleigh. The cool air was sharp but refreshing and her close proximity to Davis had her pulse racing. “So where are we headed?”
Davis held the reigns as the handsome brown horse trotted ahead, pulling them along with relative ease. “Supply run and pick-up for the shut-in. Except for special occasions, Gram won’t leave her perch from up on high…says she feels closer to Grandpa there but she’s expected at the house tonight.”
“Wait…so we are literally going through the woods to Grandmother’s house in a one-horse open sleigh?” Scarlett’s jaw dropped. What kind of magical, holiday snow-globe dimension have I fallen into?
Davis nodded with a laugh. “Yeah, I guess so.”
She snickered once and paused, giving another stifled laugh before descending into a fit of giggles. Davis turned his head to meet her gaze, smiling at her lively reaction.
“Sorry…sorry.” She choked out her words between dwindling laughter. “I’m just not use to being in a Winter Wonderland.”
Davis grinned, leaning to playfully nudge her with his shoulder. “Yeah, I reckon it’s pretty scenic around here at Christmas time.”
“Well, it’s certainly beautiful. How long have you lived here?”
“All my life…my family is close knit. Most of the houses up on Horse Mountain are owned by relatives. We leave the mountain for school and shopping and the like but this is our land, has been for generations.”
Intrigued, Scarlett listened quietly, hoping Davis would tell her more.
“Just to warn you… Gram can be kind of…blunt. Try not to take anything she says too personally. She’s not great around…new people.”
“Aw, are you worried about me?” She snuggled closer to him, a smile dangling on her lips as she threw him a flirty look. “I’m a grown woman. I think I’ll be okay.”
Glancing her way, Davis nodded, pulling the reigns to slow the sleigh. “Whoa, girl! Whoa!” His voice was commanding but gentle…just like his presence. “We’re here.”
The horse slowed to a stop in front of a small house. Something was familiar about the place. The porch was different but the wood-stained logs and decorative, peaked, overhanging roof was just like her rental. “It looks like the cabin I’m staying in.”
“It should. The same man built it. My great-grandfather had four sons and two daughters. The men in our family are very protective of their daughters, sisters, aunts and nieces. So Great-Great-Grandpa put his sons to work and each daughter got a love nest as a wedding present.”
“Wow—and one of them right next door. That’s a lot of togetherness,” Scarlett said, raising her eyebrows and biting down on her bottom lip as she tilted her head to the side.
“I imagine so but as the story goes, Great-Aunt Tilly was reluctant to leave her mama, but back then a proper young lady got married. I understand it worked out pretty well though.”
“Interesting,” Scarlett said as Davis helped her out of the sleigh.
Missing her footing, she stumbled, smacking right into his brick wall of a chest. His huge, masculine hands grabbed her shoulders, steadying her as he pulled her in closer, snaking his arms around her waist. Removing her forehead from his pectorals, she lifted her chin, looking up at him.
His green eyes met hers, knocking the breath out of her with their gleaming intensity. She used her hands to steady herself, her palms pressed against his chest as she lingered longer than necessary, breathing in his fresh scent. The pounding sensation of his heart flowed through her hand like a jolt of electric current, leaving her knees knocking.
“Are you okay?” he asked, still holding her close.
“You’re so warm…even in this weather.”
He leaned his head down, as if breathing in her essence. “Yeah, my whole family is hot natured. You smell good. What is that scent you’re wearing?”
“Cheap, peach-scented shampoo.”
“Mmm, peaches…sweet and yummy—just like you.” His lips brushed against her temple.
“Flatterer,” she said, playfully batting at his arm.
“How long are you going to stand on my lawn, slobbering all over her, before you bring her inside, Davis.”
As Davis stiffened in her grasp, Scarlett’s eyes followed the voice to the regal snowbird standing in the doorway. Dressed in black denim jeans and black equestrian boots paired with a green sweater, Davis’s grandmother was tall and thin and her silver hair was cut in a short bob. Davis’s spine snapped straight and he loosened his hold on Scarlett’s body.
“Gram! She tripped. I was just—”
“Stop back-sassing and get in the house. My heat is escaping.”
Davis’s cheeks reddened as he shook his head and shrugged. “That’s Gram.”
He turned, grabbing Scarlett’s hand as he guided her up the porch steps and into the cabin. “Gram, this is Scarlett. Scarlett, this lovely lady is my grandmother, Mrs. Carolyn Banks.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Banks.” Scarlett nodded toward the older lady, taking in her strong facial features. She had prominent cheekbones, a pointed chin and thin lips, but her eyes were kind and as green as Davis’s were.
“Likewise, dear, please have a seat.” Ms. Banks gestured toward the sitting area in the den.
Timidly, Scarlett sat down on a high-back loveseat and waited for Davis, but as he walked toward her, his grandmother slammed on the brakes.
“Not you! You go get my stuff out of the sled and put it away or have you forgotten why you came up here?”
Davis shot Scarlett a look of both embarrassment and sympathy before he turned to head back out the door.
“So, dear, can I get you something to drink?” Carolyn Banks asked sweetly.
Scarlett shook her head. “No, thank you.”
The older lady sat down across from her, giving her a smile. “Are you enjoying your stay on Horse Mountain?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Scarlett couldn’t restrain her smile.
“Good…good…so I take it my grandson is treating you well?”
Taken aback, Scarlett sat a little straighter, attempting to read the woman’s face. Carolyn’s expression was confident and knowing. Why was she asking about Davis? Could the older lady know they had slept together? Scarlett felt so vulnerable she might as well have been sitting there in her birthday suit.
“Pardon?” she finally asked.
“Oh, nothing…I was just thinking you two make a darling pair.”
“Gram!” D
avis said indignantly as he toted a large box through the den toward the kitchen.
Carolyn smirked. “He always was a bashful one.”
Red faced, Davis stepped up and interrupted. “Are you ready to go yet, Gram?”
“Oh, I suppose so. Just let me get my coat and gloves.”
Suddenly realizing the coincidence, Scarlett commented, “Come to think of it, the lady who rented the cabin to me was a Banks too, Cheyanne Banks. Do you know her?”
Carolyn stopped in her tracks, turning to face Scarlett. She gave a nervous smile as she said, “Nope, never heard of her,” before bolting off.
“How about you, Davis? Do you know her?” Scarlett asked.
His reaction was a lot less conspicuous. He seemed to be thinking it over before shaking his head. “Can’t say I know any women named Cheyanne but when I was little someone around these parts had a horse with the name.”
“I’m ready to go now, Davis,” the older lady insisted, carrying her cold-weather duds.
“Yes, ma’am.” Davis was agreeable but clearly aggravated.
Carolyn slipped her thin arms into the sleeves of a single-breasted gray wool coat, pairing it with a royal-blue, chunky-knit, puff-ball hat and matching gloves.
“Shall we?” Carolyn asked, holding open the door.
As Scarlett stood, Davis surprised her, offering his arm. Happily, Scarlett locked elbows with him, allowing him to walk her out.