“Hi, and you look very handsome,” she breathed. “I was afraid you might’ve changed your mind.”
He chuckled. “I promised I’d be here. Besides, I invited you. Let’s get a table.” He slipped his fingers around her elbow; heat pooled at her skin, tracing all the way to her toes.
He drew out the chair for her. Ava sank into the soft cushion with a smile, manners mattered, and he had them. Once she settled, he slid into his seat opposite her, then removed his hat and placed it on an empty chair. A waitress appeared and set down menus and waited.
“I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay, please,” Ava said.
“Just water for me, thanks,” Deacon told the waitress.
After the woman retreated, Ava cocked an eyebrow. “No wine or beer?”
Deacon’s lips curved. “I’ll indulge once in a while, but tonight, I need to stay sharp.”
“Alright,” Ava said, her voice softer now. She picked up the menu and ran her eyes over the offerings. The candlelight flickered across the table, casting dancing shadows on the tablecloth.
“Have you eaten here before?” she asked after a moment.
He shook his head. “First time in this hotel. Everything looks good, though.”
“How often are you on the road?” she inquired, lifting her chin.
“Less than I used to be. Most of my work keeps me around Clifton these days. We’ve had an uptick in livestock rustling, got to stay on top of it.”
Ava’s lips curved into a playful grin. “Well, I’m glad you ventured out for this one.”
Their eyes met across the table. Heat rose in her cheeks, and she looked down, tracing the rim of her wine glass with her fingertip.
“So, do you run a ranch?” he asked as he lifted his glass.
“My father raises Charolais cattle.”
“Good, sturdy breed.”
“My brother runs the ranch and I take care of the bookkeeping, sales, and payroll. I hope you get the men you’re after.”
He nodded. “I appreciate that. These guys have slipped out of jail before on technicalities, but I’ll catch them. This time, they’re going away for good.”
Ava offered him a steady smile. “I believe you.”
He leaned forward, earnest. “I won’t give up until I do.” The candles flickered once more, sealing the promise between them as the night stretched ahead in possibility.
“Deacon, I have to be honest with you. I’m only looking for one night. I’m not interested in a relationship right now and since we don’t live close together, I don’t see it happening.”
“I’m fine with that.” Deacon lifted his glass and saluted her with it.
After their food arrived, they talked and laughed as if they’d known each other for years. Ava was so excited to get him to her room.
The air between them was thick with unspoken desire, a tension so intense it could’ve been cut with a knife. Dinner had been a tease, a slow burn of stolen glances and lingering touches that left them both aching for more. The moment they stumbled into her room, the facade of civility shattered like cheap glass. Deacon’s hands were on her before the door even clicked shut, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pushed her against the wall, his mouth crashing into hers like a damn hurricane.
Ava moaned into his kiss, her lips parting eagerly to let his tongue invade her mouth, hot and demanding. Her hands clawed at his shirt, ripping it open with a ferocity that sent buttons scattering across the floor. His chest was fucking amazing, all hard muscle and taut skin, and she couldn’t resist sinking her teeth into his shoulder, marking him as hers. Deacon growled, low and primal, his hands sliding down to grip her ass, lifting hereffortlessly as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
He carried her to the bed, their mouths never breaking contact, their bodies grinding together in a desperate rhythm. Ava’s dress was a nuisance, and Deacon made quick work of it, pulling the fabric away like it was tissue paper. She was left in nothing but a lacy black thong. He tossed her onto the bed, and she landed with a gasp, her nipples already hard and begging for his attention.
Deacon didn’t waste a second. He toed off his boots, stripped off his jeans and boxer briefs, his cock springing free, thick and throbbing. Ava’s eyes widened at the sight, her mouth watering as she imagined how it would feel inside her as he rolled on a condom. But Deacon had other plans. He dropped to his knees at the edge of the bed, yanking her thong to the side and burying his face between her legs without warning.
Ava’s back arched off the bed as his tongue found her clitoris, licking and sucking with a skill that had her seeing stars. He drove her closer and closer to the edge. She grabbed fistfuls of the sheets, her moans growing louder and more desperate as he worked her over.
“Deacon, don’t stop,” she begged, her voice trembling with need.
