“Think about this? Yes, ma’am.” He climbed the steps to the porch, matching his stride to hers. A lamp in the window cast a soft glow. “From day one. How about you?”
“Since you walked into my classroom with Claire.” She twisted the key in the lock, pushed on the door and pulled him inside. “And now I have you right where I want you.”
“That goes both ways.” He started to tug her closer.
“Not yet.” She backed away. “If you kiss me here, we’ll never make it to my bedroom.”
“Then lead on, pretty lady.” He followed her into a room with a bed and a lamp to see her by. All he needed. “I’m kissing you, now.”
“Please do.” She moved into his arms and lifted her face to his. “Everywhere.”
He gulped, his hand trembling as he cupped her cheek. “You’re blushing.”
“I’m blushing all over.”
“God, Nell.” He captured her mouth and tightened his grip on her waist, aligning her hips with his, pressing his aching body against the softness of her breasts and the inviting cleft between her thighs. His heartbeat thudded in his ears, making him dizzy.
He thrust his tongue into her mouth and she whimpered. Cupping his glutes, she urged him closer, wiggling into position so he was… right there.
Gasping, he lifted his head. “I can’t… I need...”
“Me, too.” She broke away from him, clutched her blouse and pulled it over her head.
Okay, then. He began shucking his clothes, not caring where they went as he kept his gaze on her. When she stripped off her underwear, he went still, fighting for control as a tidal wave of desire threatened to knock him over.
“Look at you.” He swallowed. “Look at you! You’re… you’re perfect.”
She flushed a rosy pink. The color touched her cheeks, highlighting the happy sparkle in her eyes. Then it moved past her smiling lips to her graceful throat and spread over her plump breasts. Moisture pooled in his mouth as her nipples tightened.
She’d asked him to kiss her everywhere. He would. Oh, yes, he would, but not now, not when the ache of an impending climax told him he was running out of time.
He stumbled backward and clenched his hands to keep from grabbing her. Sure, he’d been out of the game for a while, but that didn’t explain his overpowering urge to unzip and make the ultimate connection. The sooner, the better.
But this wasn’t just about sex. It was about Nell. Ah, how she tempted him, from the curve of her narrow waist to the flair of her hips and the lure of her creamy thighs. He wanted… God, how he wanted.
His gaze returned to lock with hers. “Seems you do.” His voice sounded like someone raking gravel.
“Do what?”
“Blush all over.”
She glanced down and her breath hitched. “Guess so.” She looked up again. “I’m feeling a little shaky. Think I’ll lie down.”
“Think I’ll join you.” Chest heaving, he went back to undressing, fumbling in his haste. Anyone would think he’d never done this before.
Then again, he hadn’t. Not with Nell. It was shaping up to be a game changer. She lay on her side, shallow breathing, her head propped on her hand.
He couldn’t stop looking at her. Pulling the condoms out of his jeans pocket, he tossed them on the bedside table.
She glanced at them briefly, smiled, and returned her attention immediately to him. When he shucked his jeans and briefs in one go, her lips parted and her blush deepened.
If the sight of his body caused a reaction in her that was anything like the way she stirred him, they were in for an explosion. He reached for a condom, tore open the package and rolled it on.
She didn’t miss a single second of that. Her breathing was faster, now, and the light in her eyes beckoned him. She didn’t say a word. Didn’t have to. Rolling to her back, she spread her thighs and opened her arms.
Their communication had moved to the realm of touch. Pulled by the force of her gaze and the invitation of her body, he settled between her thighs and flattened his palms on either side of her head.
Holding his gaze, she wrapped her arms around him, fingers kneading the tight muscles of his back. He leaned down and captured her mouth, taking the kiss deep, claiming her with his tongue.
She moved her grip lower and pressed her fingers into his glutes, a clear signal. An urgent request.
He lowered his hips. She lifted hers. Guided by an age-old instinct, he plunged into her quivering channel. She met that first thrust with a climax that rolled over his cock, undulating around him in waves of ecstasy.
He lost what was left of his mind. Wrenching his mouth from hers, he pounded into her, taking her up again and gasping as her muscles contracted around him and she clutched his glutes, pulling him in tight, shuddering beneath him. She yelled this time, and so did he. So close.
But somehow he hung on for one more wild sprint to the finish. The room filled with their labored breathing and the liquid sounds of two bodies coming together with enough force to send the headboard slamming against the wall.
When she cried out a third time, he abandoned himself to the rush of an orgasm that roared through him with the energy of a flash flood, sweeping away every rational thought but one. It had never been like this.
Eventually the room stopped spinning. Gradually his lungs had enough air to allow him to speak. She hadn’t said anything yet, likely because she was dazed and wiped out, too.
He glanced down. Nope, not dazed. Instead she was grinning, her eyes dancing with laughter. “And you were ready to give this up.”
“Because I’m an idiot?”
“Yes!” She pinched his butt. “All that sexual energy and you were prepared to keep it bottled up indefinitely. I predict that sooner or later you would have exploded.”
“I think I just did.”
“We both did. I could blame those rapid-fire orgasms on my nun-like existence this past year, but I don’t think that’s it. I think it’s you.”
“I’m not taking all the credit. You were on fire before I ever joined the party.”
“That was all you. I almost came watching you take off your clothes.”
“That’s hard to believe.”
“Have you looked in a mirror lately? Checked out your pecs and abs?”
“Just so you know, that’s not a thing I do.”
“So you’re not vain. I like that, actually. But take my word for it, you have impressive muscles. When you unveiled the rest of the goodies, you put me right on the edge.”
“Surprised the heck out of me when you came so fast. Made me go a little crazy, to be honest.”
“Which made me go even crazier. I’ve never had multis.”
“Never?”
“You’re the first. It’s a little scary, getting off to such a great start.” She laughed. “What if we’ve hit our peak and it’s all downhill from here?”
“You don’t believe that.”
“No, I don’t. I believe we’re in for a whole lot of fun.”
His chest tightened. She was so generous. “Thank you, Nell.”
She reached up and stroked his cheek. “Feeling grateful?”
“Very.” He kissed her gently. “And I hope you’re not sleepy, because I’d like to express my gratitude a few more times before I go home.”
“Can’t wait.”
Chapter Twelve
Nell enjoyed more fabulous lovemaking in the next few hours than she’d experienced in her entire adult life. Zeke left at five because he was on barn duty. She suffered guilt pangs because he’d had so little sleep, but that didn’t stop her from going back to bed and conking out for several hours.
When she woke up, she found a text from Zeke on her phone. You’re amazing. See you tomorrow.
She texted back. Looking forward to it. Then she texted Valerie and arranged to meet her for coffee at Cup of Cheer when it opened at eleven. She ate a quick breakfast, showered and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.
She’
d overdone it with Zeke and was tender in some intimate spots. Who cared? She had a week to recover before they’d do it all over again next weekend, either Friday or Saturday night. He would let her know when the gang was heading back to the Moose.
The square was quiet on a Sunday morning. Summer had arrived, bringing with it lush green grass to showcase the freshly painted white gazebo. The cheerful border of flowers surrounding the base of it matched her mood. She grabbed a diagonal parking spot in front of Cup of Cheer, one of the few businesses open.
Val had arrived at the coffee shop ahead of her and had snagged a two-top beside the large window that looked out on the square. She glanced up when Nell approached the table, a wine bag in hand.
Nell did her best to play it cool. “You win, since he asked to drive me home. I happened to have a bottle on hand, so here you go.” She set the bag on the table.
“And?”
Nell grinned. “He left at five this morning.”
“Oh, my God. Sit down this minute. Tell me everything.”
“Well, that’s not gonna happen.” She laughed when Val made a face. “I’ll tell you what led up to his decision to stay, though.”
“And maybe a few tiny details? I’m living vicariously through you.”
“Some broad brush strokes, then. Let me place our order first. What do you want? My treat.”
“The Summer Lovin’ special brew and a cheese Danish, please.”
“Be right back.” She went up to the counter and wasn’t surprised Isabel wasn’t there taking orders. Her employees usually handled the light Sunday crowd. After placing the order, she returned to the table and took a seat across from Val.
Her phone pinged. “Excuse me a minute.” She glanced at her phone. A smiley face emoji blowing a kiss. Excitement curled in her stomach.
“Whatever went on last night must have been good, because you look like a kid with a handful of tickets for the Tilt-a-Whirl. And you’re blushing.”
“That’s it in a nutshell. Couldn’t have said it better.”
“Was that him texting you?”
“Yes.”
“Are you seeing him again tonight?”
“No.” She explained the arrangement they’d made.
“I take it you’re fine with that.”
“Like I told him, something’s better than nothing. And we’re so good together. We—”
“Good? Is that code for off-the-charts sex?”
Nell’s cheeks warmed. “Yeah.”
“Awesome. It’s a shame you’re limited to once-a-week, though.”
“If last night’s an example, I’ll need the time to recover.”
Val groaned. “You’re killing me, girlfriend. Did I happen to mention that I’ve spent the school year living in the same state of nunnery as you? Am I allowed to be jealous as hell?”
“Listen, come to the Moose with us next time the Buckskin gang goes. Maybe you’ll—”
“The Brotherhood is a swoony bunch, but they’re all spoken for.”
“I’m not talking about them. I’m just saying it’s a chance to meet single guys, and if you like cowboys, they usually hang out there, and—”
“Thanks for the invitation. I’ll definitely think about it.”
“You should. If nothing else, you’d get the opportunity to dance, even if nobody suits you. And you’d get to know the Brotherhood. You’d love those guys. They’re so....”
“Hot?”
“Well, yeah, but they’re also genuine.”
“Hot and genuine.” Val sighed. “I need to find me one of those.”
“I was lucky. If Claire had been a different age, I might never have met Zeke. He’s such an amazing dad. I love the way he and Claire interact. He—”
“So it’s his parenting skills that hooked you in?” Val had a teasing gleam in her eyes.
She laughed. “At first. But now that I know him better, I wouldn’t say that’s the big draw.”
“Can’t wait to hear what the big draw is.”
“That’s not up for discussion.”
“Just so it’s up when you—”
“Val.” She ducked her head and grabbed a napkin to muffle her whoop of laughter. “Stop.”
“I made you blush again. I’m guessing he was all you’d hoped for and more.”
“I’m not answering that.”
“You don’t have to. You’re glowing.”
“I’ve never met anyone like him. But then I’ve never dated anyone who had a kid. Watching his loving behavior with Claire adds a new dimension. I like it.”
“I’m happy that you’re happy. Me, I’m not looking for that situation. A little too domestic for me. I just want someone to have fun with. And not to change the subject, but we need to decide who’s driving tomorrow. I can, but it’ll be a tight fit. The back seat of my truck is tiny.”
“Then let’s just take my SUV. It has plenty of room.”
“I was hoping you’d offer. But I’ve always wondered why you traded your sports car for that big old SUV instead of a snazzy little truck.”
“I looked at ones like yours, but I wanted more flexibility.”
“For when you have kids?”
“Not really.” She shrugged. “I was over the tiny sports car that only held two people and wasn’t good in the snow.”
“I get that. And I’m grateful you have it to ferry us out to the Buckskin this summer. I’ll cover the gas.”
“Never mind about the gas. You can provide wine for happy hour after the girls go home. Seeing Zeke tomorrow and trying to pretend nothing’s changed will be weird. After we get back and send the kids home, I’d love to order a pizza, drink wine and decompress.”
“I’m in. Do you think Claire will pick up on the new status quo?”
“I’ll be amazed if she doesn’t. She might not know exactly what’s going on, but she’ll know something’s different.”
“And I’ll have a ringside seat to watch her reaction. And his. And yours. Exciting stuff. It’ll be a miracle if I manage to concentrate on the business at hand with all that going on.”
Nell gazed at her. “I’ll be in the same boat, girlfriend.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Are you okay, Dad?”
“I’m great, Claire.” Zeke ducked under Prince’s belly and grabbed the cinch. “This’ll be lots of fun. Looking forward to it.” Which he was. He was as eager and excited as his daughter, but for very different reasons.
“I just wondered.” She pulled Lucky’s cinch tight. “You keep dropping things. That’s not like you.”
“Probably drank too much coffee today.”
“Again? Yesterday you drank coffee like it was going out of style. That’s not good for you.”
“You’re right, sweetie. I’ll cut back.” Yesterday’s coffee had been a lifesaver. As had Garrett, who’d spent his day off with Anna and little Georgie. He’d invited Claire to hang out with them, leaving her little time to quiz her exhausted dad about his night at the Moose and the Apple Grove faculty party. He owed Garrett.
Claire slipped Lucky’s bridle in place. “I looked up the dangers and benefits of coffee, and three cups is plenty.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Excess caffeine wasn’t his problem. Was that the purr of an engine? Yep, sure was. His heart pumped faster and sweat trickled down his backbone, even though a few clouds and a cooling trend had banished the heat.
“I hear a car! Hey, Lucky, they’re coming down the road, big boy. I told them to bring carrots, and they—”
“Not too many, I hope?”
“No, Dad.” She rolled her eyes. “I told them to bring just what you said.”
“Thanks.” She was calling him dad more often these days.
“You asked me about the carrots an hour ago.”
“I did?”
“Yes, and that’s the other thing. You’re repeating yourself. Something’s making you distracted. You were like that yesterday, too. Loopy.”
; “Like I said, too much caffeine. I promise to limit myself.”
“Good. Oh, boy, here they come! Lucky, you are going to love helping my friends learn how to ride. And Miss O’Connor and Miss Jenson, too. You’ll be their hero.”
“How about Prince, Butch and Sundance?” If he kept talking, maybe his attack of nerves would pass. “Won’t they be heroes, too?” He picked up Prince’s halter from the hitching post. Nell’s SUV pulled in and he dropped the halter.
“Dad. You’re doing it again.”
“I know.” He scooped it up and shook off the dirt.
“I hope you don’t have a condition.”
He choked back a laugh. He had a condition, all right. The cause had just climbed out of the driver’s side of that SUV.
She was mostly hidden by the vehicle and the luggage rack on top of it. He could see her baseball cap bobbing around as she opened the back door. Her hair must be stuffed under it. A few dark strands had escaped. He’d never forget how she looked with those glossy curls spread across the pillow…
“Dad.”
He blinked. “What?”
“You might need a checkup. I think you’re going deaf, too.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Then what did I just say?”
“You said something?”
“Ye-es. I said we should go meet them.”
“Good idea.” He set the halter back on the hitching post and put a hand on her shoulder. “No running or shouting.”
“I know. Before we left school on Thursday, Miss O’Connor had a talk with us about not freaking out the horses. We promised to hold it down, even though we’re super excited to see each other.”
“You saw each other four days ago.”
“That’s a long time when you care about somebody.”
Tell me about it. Since he’d left Nell yesterday morning, the hours had inched by at the speed of a geriatric turtle. When he glimpsed her smiling face, he wanted to run and shout. And hug and kiss. Not happening. Not until Friday night, a lifetime away.
She walked toward him with one hand on Riley’s shoulder and the other on Tatum’s. “Hello, Mr. Lassiter.”
Single-Dad Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 8) Page 6