Page 35 of One Texas Night...
“Jared,” she whispered, rubbing his hips with her long legs. “Jared, come here.”
“Darlin’,” he whispered, an endearment she loved. Then he filled her, slowly, and in minutes his control was gone. Urgency drove him, and she clung to him, moving with him. Need for him coiled into a tight spring. He was slippery with sweat from loving, hard, his muscles bulging, his perfect body making her want him more than ever.
Sensation enveloped her, lifted her until she crashed, spinning out in rapture that was total. “Jared,” she cried, holding him as if he would vanish.
Pumping, he shuddered with his release, sensations still bombarding her until finally they both slowed, gasping for breath.
Gradually she became aware of things beyond Jared. The fire burned steadily as a log crackled and fell, sending a shower of orange-red sparks up the chimney. The low flames spilled heat over them while the thick blanket and carpet beneath them cushioned them from the hard floor.
He rolled over to keep her close with their legs entangled. He showered light kisses on her temple, her throat.
“Perfect, love,” he whispered and she turned her head a fraction to kiss him, stopping him from speaking, wanting to savor the moment and keep the world and words shut away.
He showered kisses over her, caressing her with feathery touches. “Allison, you’re the best,” he whispered.
She smiled, stroking his smooth back lightly, winding her fingers in his thick hair, relishing every inch of him pressed against her. Memories of the past moments thrilled and dazzled her. “I wish I could say ‘abracadabra,’ and you would always remember this night when you go out on your balcony or, even better, when you’re in here.”
“I’ll remember. I remember the night we were together before. I recall it in great detail.” She traced his lips with her finger, and he turned slightly to kiss her hand. “This is perfect, Allison. I’m glad you’re here with me.” He propped his head on his hand and looked down at her, combing her long hair away from her face with his fingers. “When it’s daylight, we’ll go out on the end of my balcony again, and you can see what a spectacular view I have. But it’s not nearly as good as the view in here right now.”
“I need a sheet or my shirt or something to have a shred of modesty.”
“Oh, no, you don’t. I want to look and touch and kiss you all night.”
She smiled at him and hugged him lightly. “So does this ranch of yours have a name?”
“Of course. River Bend Ranch. Very original,” he added drily. “The brand is a combination of RBR.”
“Sounds original to me. Is there a river?”
“Sure. Allison, when this job is over, can you take a weekend to come back up here with me? It’ll be later in the spring and even prettier by then.”
“Let’s not talk about the future yet. I don’t want to think about tomorrow.”
“That’s fine with me,” he said, lying down again on his back and pulling her close against him. “In a few more minutes, before my side is toast, we’ll get up. We can shower together or run a tub of hot water. What holds the most appeal for you?”
“The tub of hot water sounds fabulous right now.”
“Then that’s what it’ll be. Let’s go, and I’ll show you my big bathroom that cost a fortune to build.”
They stood, and she caught up the blanket to wrap it around herself beneath her arms. He looked amused. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to be modest.”
“I think you tossed modesty aside an hour ago. We’re getting into a tub together, too. No room for modesty there. Or are you wearing that blanket into the tub?”
“Of course not.”
“Then you don’t need it now. Do you want me to cover up?”
She moved closer and ran her hand over his backside and then up his chest. “Oh, I don’t think so,” she replied in a breathless, sexy voice. “No. This is definitely a spectacular view,” she said.
“I know a far more enticing sight.” He unwrapped the blanket from her and tossed it away. Then he picked her up to carry her.
She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly. “Has it ever occurred to you that you might fall in love someday even if you don’t intend to and don’t want to, and it will upset all your plans for adventures?”
“I don’t think that will happen. I think I’ve made that clear to anyone who has an interest in a future together.”
“You might not have total control over love.”
