by Kristi Gold
He’d like to try out a little wicked right now, to hell with his brothers. “They do think something happened, and actually, it did.”
She sent him a harsh look as she put on both her shirts and then tossed the blanket back to wriggle into her jeans. “I prefer not to be reminded of my few moments of weakness.”
He dropped the blanket without regard to his naked state. “Darlin’, if it was that forgettable, then I’m not doing my job.”
She stared below where his belt would be, then brought her gaze up to his eyes. “If you decide to return to the ranch like that, then we’ll definitely be the talk of the D Bar C, if not the nearest town.”
He grinned when he noticed her attention drifting downward again. “As soon as you’re done looking, I’ll put my pants on.”
“I’m not looking,” she said as she scrambled to her feet. “Now please get dressed.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
While Georgie pulled on her boots, Austin managed to get into his clothes in record time. He helped her gather the bedding and walked out the door to meet the verbal firing squad, thankful to find they were both seated in the truck’s cab. After tossing the supplies into the bed of the truck, Austin opened the back door for Georgie and they climbed inside.
“Good to see you, Houston,” she said in a meek voice. “How’s it going on the circuit?”
“Good to see you, too, Georgie,” he replied. “I’m doing fairly well so far this year.”
When Austin draped his arm over the back of the seat, Georgie shifted closer to the door and asked, “How’s Paris, Dallas?”
“She’s cranky,” he answered. “She told me to tell you she’s looking forward to your lunch together in San Antonio on Tuesday.”
Austin wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up being the primary topic of conversation during that meeting. “You’re off on Tuesday?”
She clutched her shirt closed, like she thought he might actually make a pass at her in the backseat. If they were alone, he would. “I don’t have any appointments that afternoon, although everything is slowing down with the holidays fast approaching.”
Austin hadn’t experienced much of the Christmas spirit in spite of the fact that he’d been surrounded by excessive decorations for the past few weeks. He hadn’t bought any gifts, except for one, and he’d been saving that for the right time. That right time might not come until spring, at this rate.
All conversation died during the ride back, and after Dallas dropped them off in the driveway of his house, Austin turned to Georgie before she had a chance to climb into her truck and escape. “Do you want to come in and take a shower?”
After fishing the keys from her pocket, she tossed her bag into the passenger seat, closed the door and faced him. “First of all, I don’t have any extra clothes aside from the damp ones I’m wearing. Second, I live only five minutes away. And lastly, I prefer to shower alone.”
Not what he wanted to hear. He began his own countdown to counter hers. “First, I have a pair of sweats and a T-shirt you could wear. Second, you look cold and miserable and even five minutes will feel like five hours in those wet jeans. Third, I didn’t say you had to shower with me, although I’m never opposed to saving water.” When she just stood there, arms folded beneath her breasts, he decided to sweeten the deal. “I’ll even cook you breakfast.”
“You don’t cook, Austin.”
True that. “I can make scrambled eggs and bacon. I can have a pot of coffee on in a few minutes.”
“Maybe some other time.”
He really didn’t have a clue as to why he was so desperate to keep her there. Why he couldn’t just let her go and get on with his day? “Tell you what. Why don’t you come here for lunch? It’s Maria’s turn to cook and she’s most likely going to make her famous enchiladas.”
She hesitated a moment before asking, “What time?”
“Usually around one.”
“Okay.”
That was way too easy. “You’re going to accept, just like that.”
“Yes. And afterward, we need to talk.”
“About?”
“I’ll see you at one, Austin.”
He followed her as she rounded the hood and slid into the driver’s side. “Can you give me a hint?” he asked before she closed the door on him.
“Sorry. You’ll just have to wait until I’m clean and coherent.”
Austin watched her drive away, wondering what he’d done this time that would warrant a serious conversation. He suspected it had to do with his continual pursuit of her affections. Maybe she’d decided she didn’t want to be friends. Maybe she wanted nothing else to do with him.
He could drive himself crazy trying to figure it out, or he could go inside, shower and grab some coffee. After that, he’d distract himself with chores, and prepare for anything that might come out of Georgia May Romero’s sweet mouth.
* * *
“Hello, baby boy.”
“Hi, Mama.”
Georgie held the phone tightly, wishing she was holding her son. “Are you having fun?”
“Uh-huh. We rode the rides and played some little golf and we even saw Santa and I got to ask him for presents!”
Georgie chuckled over the usage of “little” instead of “miniature” golf comment, but she didn’t dare correct him. “That’s great, sweetie. What did you tell him you wanted?”
“A fire truck and some games and a pony.”
She’d been working on the last wish. “That’s some list, Chance.”
“I asked him for one more thing.”
“What?”
“My daddy, but I don’t think he can bring me him.”
Her heart broke over the sadness in his voice, and cemented her goal to work on that, too, though she feared the outcome. “Tell you what, sweetie. When you get home, we’re going to make cookies together and go pick out a real Christmas tree. How does that sound?”
“Okay, I guess. I gotta go. We’re going to go see some sharks.”
“That sounds wonderful, Chance. Now put your grandmother...”
The line went dead before her son could answer her request. She would call her mother later, when she returned from Austin’s house, because that might be the time when she’d need her most.
On that thought, Georgie postponed the shower and opted to take care of the horses, all the while rehearsing what she would say to the father of her child.
Hey, Austin, guess what? You have a kid. Hey, Austin, a funny thing happened the last time we were together. I gave you comfort and you gave me a child. Hey, Austin, this little boy needs you, and so do I.
She truly didn’t want to need him, but she did, and so did Chance.
After tending to the livestock, she returned to the house, bathed and laid across the bed to take a brief nap before the moment of truth arrived. She decided to be positive, let herself imagine they could live as one big, happy family. Let herself dream that Austin loved her, too, and he would love their son equally. That he would forgive her for waiting so long to tell him. Yet deep in her soul, she knew that would probably prove to be only a pipe dream.
Georgie soon drifted off into fitful sleep, and woke with a start when she realized she hadn’t set an alarm. She glanced at the clock to discover the digital number displaying five past noon and shot out of the bed to get ready. She dried her hair, put on a little makeup, tried on three different outfits before settling on black slacks and a red silk button-down blouse covered by a black cardigan. She even chose to wear real shoes—a pair of simple black flats.
After putting on a pair of simple silver hoops, she ran a brush through her hair, took one last look in the mirror as well as a few deep breaths, then grabbed her keys, sent a text to Austin letting him know she was on her way and dropped the phone int
o her black purse.
On the way to the D Bar C, she said a little prayer, recited a few wishes, hoped for a miracle and grew more anxious as she approached the ranch’s entrance. By the time she pulled into Austin’s driveway, she was a twisted bundle of nerves.
She exited the truck, silently chanting, It’s time, it’s time, all the way to the front door. But when Austin greeted her wearing a black shirt and hat, crisp jeans and a winning smile, she wondered if she would be strong enough to say what she needed to say. He gestured her inside, then closed the door behind them, and as they stood there in silence, studying each other, the tension was palpable.
“Is something wrong?” she asked when he continued to stare.
“Lunch won’t be ready for another hour. Something about Jen burning the tortillas.”
“Oh. It happens. I guess we could go to the house and visit with everyone.”
“Or we could stay here.” Austin moved closer, searched her eyes and touched her cheek. “You are so damn beautiful.”
She began to feel light-headed, vulnerable, fearful that she might not be strong enough to resist him. “You know what they say about beauty, Austin.”
“It’s in the eye of the beer holder?”
Did he have to be so darn cute? “Something like that.”
“I’m not holding any beer. Besides, you’re also smart, honest and sexy as hell.”
She could certainly debate the honesty, considering what she’d been holding back. She also knew what would happen next if she didn’t keep her wits about her. But common sense was no match for that continuous spark, or the sensual words the irresistible cowboy whispered in her ear, followed by a deep, provocative kiss.
“I need you, Georgie. I swear you’ve been all I’ve thought about since we met up again in the arena.”
He’d never been far from her thoughts for years. “I need you, too, Austin, but if we keep giving in, where does that leave us?”
“As far as I’m concerned, we’re two consenting adults who enjoy each other’s company. We always have. I don’t want to be only your friend, Georgie.”
“What does that mean?”
“I want to spend time with you, out in the open, without worrying about what anyone thinks.”
For years Georgie had longed to hear him say that, but she also recognized he might change his mind once he learned the truth. “Austin, there’s something I need to say.”
He pressed a fingertip against her lips to silence her. “We can talk later. Right now, I just want to be with you. I want all of you.”
That It’s time chant that had been running through Georgie’s mind suddenly became Later. Much later. Maybe she was simply stalling. Maybe she’d grown weary of fighting the attraction. Maybe she just needed to be with the man she had always loved, perhaps for one final time. “Then, cowboy, take me away.”
When Austin literally swept her off her feet and into his arms, Georgie surrendered to her needs, to this strong, handsome man, as she had so many times in the past. As she had last night, when he’d required nothing more than giving her pleasure. Now it was her turn to reciprocate.
Lunch, and the all-important talk, would simply have to wait.
Eight
Georgie closed her eyes as Austin carried her into his room and laid her across the bed. When she opened them, he pulled her up, removed her cardigan and paused with his hand on the top button of her blouse, indecision in his blue eyes.
“I want to make love to you, sweetheart, but only if you want it, too.”
She swept one hand through her hair. “I do want it, even if I probably shouldn’t.”
“But—”
“Let’s not talk it to death, okay?”
“That’s all I needed to hear.”
Everything happened in a rush then. She kicked off her shoes, he toed out of his boots. He unbuttoned her blouse, she undid his shirt. Together they pulled off their pants, leaving them clad in only their underwear. Austin slowed down the pace when he removed her bra, then stood by the bed and shoved down his boxer briefs, leaving no doubt he was primed and ready. After he leaned over and slid her panties away, she expected him to join her, yet he surprised her by sending soft kisses down her torso.
Georgie knew where he was heading, and the thought made her hot as blazes and damp with anticipation.
He stopped below her navel and smiled up at her. “Remember the first time I did this?”
As if it had happened yesterday. “In my bedroom, right before you left for college.”
He rubbed his knuckles along the inside of her legs, coaxing them apart. “I wasn’t sure you trusted me enough, but you proved me wrong.”
Funny, she’d trusted him enough to allow him to do anything, even when they were teens. “I admit I was a little scared, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had.”
“One you want to repeat?”
“Yes,” came out of her mouth in a breathy sigh.
After Austin bent her knees and moved between her legs, Georgie understood the futility in trying to talk. She struggled to stay still when he feathered kisses down the insides of both her thighs. She stifled a moan as he worked his way up and his mouth hit home. She involuntarily lifted her hips toward him, demonstrating how much she needed his attention, and where.
He knew exactly how to use his tongue in slow, deliberate strokes, driving her to the brink. He knew how to let up before she let go, then start again until the pressure began to build. He kept the pace for a few more moments, a sensual tug-of-war until she was prepared to lose the battle. And then he used the pull of his lips to completely shoot her over the edge into an orgasm so intense, she literally cried out.
Georgie clutched the sheet in her fists as she continued to ride the waves of the climax, only remotely aware that Austin had left the bed, and extremely aware when he returned, condom in hand. “Are we ready for this?” he asked as he held up the silver packet.
She glanced at his impressive erection. “You definitely are.”
He tore into the package like a dog with a ham bone. “That I am.”
Feeling a bit daring, and somewhat impatient, Georgie held out her hand. “Let me do it.”
He favored her with a grin as he answered her request. “My pleasure.”
“It will be.”
And she made sure to focus on that pleasure when he fell back onto the bed. After tossing the condom aside, she swept her hair back with one hand and kissed her way down his belly, the same as he had done to her. She had a few tricks of her own, lessons learned from him, and put them in play, sliding her tongue down the length of him, then back up again.
“Damn, sweetheart,” he muttered. “If you keep doing that, this is going to be one short ride.”
“We can’t have that,” she said as she sat up, retrieved the condom and rolled it in place.
He clasped her arm and pulled her atop his chest. “Do we go traditional or your favorite position?”
She was both pleased and surprised he remembered. “What do you think?”
“Your favorite it is. Turn to your side.”
Georgie rolled away from him and waited for that first sensation, that sense of completion. Luckily she didn’t have to wait long as Austin draped her leg over his, then eased inside her. The last time she’d been in this position, little had she known they’d made a baby. He still didn’t know, but he would in the near future.
All thoughts of sins and secrets faded away as Austin kissed her neck and placed his hand between her legs to again tenderly manipulate her.
“Austin, I don’t think I can.”
“You can. You will. I promise.”
He made good on that vow in a matter of seconds with deep thrusts and deliberate caresses. She wanted s
o badly to see his face so she’d know when he reached his own climax, but her choice dictated that wasn’t to be. She simply relied on the unsteady cadence of his breathing, the strength of his thrusts, the tension in his entire body and the one crude word that slipped out of his mouth.
Austin held her tightly then, his face buried in the back of her neck. She wanted to remain this way indefinitely. She wanted to shut out the world and the burden of truth, but that wasn’t logical.
After Austin slid out of her body, Georgie shifted to face him. “It’s probably past time for lunch.”
He pressed his lips against her forehead. “I’m not that hungry right now.”
She released a laugh. “Oh, come on, Austin. You’re always starving after sex.”
He gave her a slow grin. “Only when I’m finished having sex.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Nope. I have to have some time to recover, so I’m thinking we should put my big ol’ shower to good use.”
She liked that idea, but... “What about Maria and Jenny? They’re not going to be happy if we don’t make an appearance.”
“I’ll call them and tell them we got tied up.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Better still, I’ll send a text. That way, I won’t have to explain anything in detail.”
Thank goodness for small favors, and modern technology. “Good plan.”
Austin grabbed his phone from the nightstand, typed in the message, then smiled. “First one in the shower gets to set the temperature.”
Georgie was in the bathroom and standing at the shower before Austin even made it to the door. Unfortunately she could only stare at a panel of illuminated blue lights, completely perplexed. “How do you work this?”
Austin reached around her and pushed a button, then keyed in a number, sending several spray heads into action. “It’s not rocket science.”
She glanced back at him. “It’s a little too high-tech for me. What happened to just turning a knob?”
