She chewed her lip and examined his expression. His eyes squinted at her, but then, he was looking into the sun. His arm position didn't bode well. Oh hell, just get out of the truck, Lennie. You're here to talk. She opened her door and stepped down, surprised to feel her knees wobble. Dammit. Since when was talking to Dylan so hard? Her heart would tell her what to say.
Pumping her lungs full of air, she started toward him.
He watched her come and she couldn't read his face. At least he didn't look furious.
She crossed the fence and walked over to stand in front of him. Though she desperately wanted to, his eyes didn't give her permission to touch him.
"Hello, Lennie."
She swallowed. "Dylan, I know it looked horrible the other night, but really it wasn't."
He pressed his lips together. "So, tell me what it was, Lennie, cause you're right, it looked bad."
She hesitated. This is where things got complicated. She could let him see her insecurity, or just give him the bare facts. His cool eyes stared down at her, and she remembered their kindness—the love that usually shone from them—and made her decision. "It was me needing to know why Nic hurt me. Me being that poor, insecure girl again. I gave in to my weakness. I let it entice me into doing something wrong, and it was wrong because I kept it secret from you. Dylan, I despise the man, but something inside me needed the chance to ask him why he quit loving me. It's the only reason I was there. I told him before I left the steakhouse that I never wanted to see him again."
"Lennie," he sighed and stared off into the distance. Eventually, he went on, "Now that you've explained, I don't understand why you didn't just tell me about the whole thing first. Don't you trust me?"
She crossed her arms and scuffed her boot in the dirt. "I guess I didn't. I figured you'd get mad—jealous. I thought I'd go and get it over with and that would be that."
He jammed the edge of his heel into the ground several times. "That's not good. How can we have the right kind of relationship if we go around hiding things from each other?"
She met his gaze. "You're right. I know that now. I felt horrible the whole day leading up to that damn dinner. I don't want to go through that again."
Uncrossing his arms, he said. "Do you know how bad I wanted to punch that fucker in the face for what he did to you?"
"Huh, join the club. Thanks for not doing that, by the way. I wouldn’t want to bail you out of jail."
He grinned. "Come here," and held out his arms.
She launched herself at him, her heart nearly exploding with joy. Nothing had ever felt as good as the warmth of his hug or the sweet, gentle kiss he swept across her lips. "I love you, Dylan. Thanks for forgiving me."
"There's nothing to forgive. Do you feel better after talking to the asshole?"
"I do. That's the only good thing that came out of this mess."
He patted her butt and pulled her tight against him. "Then it was worth it." This time, his kiss was slow as he tasted and explored her mouth.
Every womanly part of her body was tingling before he finished. She sighed. "Too bad this isn't Saturday."
He laughed. "Damn, I hate living with my brother sometimes." Cupping her breast, he nibbled her neck playfully.
She grabbed his butt and pulled him tight.
He moaned. "I'm losing it here, Lennie."
Glancing at her watch, she said, "Randy's gone home for the day. We have the pasture all to ourselves."
He drew away and grinned.
She pushed him back a couple of steps and yanked off her boots, then dragged off her jeans and panties.
Dylan stared in amazement, then ripped open his belt and jeans and shoved them down.
Lennie pulled him close and grabbed him in her hand. He was hard and she pumped him a few times.
Grinning, she shoved him back a step and flipped around, facing the front of the truck. Then she laid across the hood, spreading her legs and presenting her perky ass.
He laughed and clasped her hips, pulling her to him and guiding himself slowly inside.
She sucked in a breath at the exquisite feeling of him filling her inch by inch. Arching up on her toes, she gave him perfect access to the sweet spot inside her. As he slid in to the hilt, he hit it and she sighed. He fit her so perfectly. She clasped his hip, loving the feel of his taut muscles.
He withdrew and pushed in again, making sure she was slick and ready for him.
Oh, Lord, was she ready.
She matched his rhythm, rising with his thrusts, her pleasure mounting, growing as his strokes quickened. She splayed across the truck, her hands fisting, but there was no sheet to grasp, only heated metal. Her toes scrunched as she rode the sweet agony of pleasure to its crest. Light exploded behind her eyes, and she threw her head back. "Dylan!"
He thrust hard one, two, three more times. "I love you, Lennie!" and he stilled.
She reached back, his butt muscles tensed under her hand.
He pulsed inside her as her own spasms continued to give her pleasure. She lowered her heels to the ground.
Dylan still held her tight as he leaned over and nuzzled her neck. "You're fantastic, gorgeous. Who needs a hotel?"
She giggled. Who knew pasture sex would be so damned good?
"Hang on darlin', I have some napkins in the truck." He returned with a handful and a plastic grocery bag, then turned his back so she could clean up.
She grinned. He was such a gentleman. When she was clothed again, she slipped her arms around him from behind and pressed her cheek to his broad back. So much pain had come down to this sweet moment. How lucky she was to love an understanding man. One who would talk about things.
Clasping her arms, he twined his fingers with hers. "Love you, Lennie."
"I love you, too, cowboy."
"How come it took you longer to get here?"
"I was in town."
He turned around to face her. "You were?"
After she told him about her recent stomach problems, he frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"
She shrugged. "I guess I was hoping it would go away. Today, the pain was more than I could stand. I needed to get something for it."
He grabbed her and held her tight. "I'm an asshole. You have too much on your plate without me being a problem. I should have let you explain. Instead, I made you worry yourself sick."
She almost melted. She'd been so tense since seeing Nic that now that it was all over, she barely had the strength to stand. "You're not an asshole and I'm fine. Maybe I'll sleep tonight."
Squeezing her, he whispered, "I didn't sleep last night either. I can't live without you, Lennie."
She held him tighter. "Me, too."
Though they talked for a little while about inconsequential things, Dylan didn't let it go on for long. He cupped her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes. "This time you are going home and going to bed. You look terrible. That stomach of yours needs to be coddled, and so do you. I'd give anything to hold you tonight, honey, but that's not happening, so you promise me you'll head to bed right after dinner, okay?"
With a crooked smile, she nodded.
He kissed her quick and escorted her to her truck. After helping her inside, he stood, watching her drive away.
She watched him in her rear-view mirror, her heart yearning for him and wished he could share her bed tonight. But he'd be back tomorrow with his boys. Maybe she'd live until then.
Chapter Twelve
DYLAN DROVE HOME FROM town, unable to contain his smile. He'd just left their family jeweler who'd remarked, "So, this is the last of you." Dylan had grinned. "Yep, dead man walking." He'd been planning something special for days. He wanted to take Lennie to El Paso for the weekend and propose. Maybe they couldn't tell her father yet, but she would have his ring and know his commitment to her was for a lifetime. He'd made reservations at Stanton House, a luxury hotel, and for dinner Saturday night at the elegant Ruth's Chris Steak House. Now all he had to do was make sure she could go wi
th him.
It was almost time for lunch. Instead of stopping at the house, he headed straight for the pasture. He lifted the lid of the console and stuffed the ring box inside. After spending so much time choosing the setting and then the stone, he hoped she liked the ring as much as he did.
Arriving at their spot, he slowed to a stop and let the engine idle so the air conditioning could run. What might keep Lennie from accompanying him? A problem heifer calving? The hunter had bagged that cougar weeks ago. It wouldn't be that. A vet visit? Surely, she could ask Randy to come in if something like that were scheduled. Dylan would gladly pay for the cowboy's time.
Lennie drove up just then, and he blew out a breath, tired of worrying. He flipped up the console and shoved open her door, waiting for her to come over.
She climbed in. "Hey, you," and she grinned, scooting next to him for a kiss.
His tight belly muscles eased. He scooped her into his arms and kissed her, enjoying the sweet taste of her, remembering that she loved him, too. Why had he been so worried? He finished the kiss with a nip. "I have a surprise for you."
Her eyes widened. "Oh, yeah?"
He nodded. "You'll need to go to El Paso with me this weekend to find out what it is. Please say yes, Lennie. It's important. I'll do whatever it takes so you can get away."
She drew her brows together. "The whole weekend, huh?"
"Yep. I'd like to leave Friday afternoon, and we'd come back Sunday after lunch. Can you ask Randy to come in for you? I'll cover his wages—pay him cash Monday morning."
Her eyes grew far away as she considered his offer.
"Come on, Lennie, go with me," he pleaded.
She looked back at him. "I'll check with Randy, but I'll pay him."
"Forget it. This weekend's on me, and that includes paying your help."
She narrowed her eyes. "You're getting pretty damn bossy."
"Yep."
She pressed her lips together, but the corner of her mouth crooked up. A few seconds later, she asked, "What should I wear?"
"Bring something dressy, and casual clothes, too."
"Dressy, huh? Now you've really got me wondering."
He grinned. "You'll just have to wait to find out." She was coming. He could tell she was sure Randy would be okay with filling in for her. His pulse picked up as he imagined what she might wear Saturday night. What would she look like in a dress? Would it be short? He hardened at the vision of those curvy legs of hers on display. Just two more days to go until Friday!
The talk turned to their mornings as he brought out lunch. He skipped the part about going to town and focused on his time spent working with the horses at the barn.
Later, as he watched her drive away, his mind returned to Saturday night and the last hurdle—the real focus of this weekend getaway. Would Lennie say yes? Would she agree to marry him despite her father's disapproval? Tendrils of anxiety crawled up his chest. What would he do if she said no?
BY THE TIME FRIDAY afternoon arrived, his nerves were raw. His mind had spun in circles the past two days, and he'd almost talked himself out of asking Lennie to marry him. What if he put too much pressure on her? How sure was she that she loved him? Was it too soon to ask? Maybe he should wait until her father showed progress in his rehabilitation.
Dylan sat parked outside the ranch front gate for Lennie to arrive. Caleb had chosen the spot where they would leave her truck for the weekend since Daisy's place was forty minutes in the wrong direction. They would leave it at a pole barn in one of the pastures where nobody was scheduled to go for the next several days. Dylan could just park her truck at the ranch house since his parents were aware that they were dating, but it was none of their business that he and Lennie were spending the weekend together.
Her truck appeared in the distance and his pulse sped up. She always affected him this way. He'd never known a woman who could get him revved the way she could, and each time it happened it reaffirmed that she was the girl meant for him.
Waving out the window, he pulled onto the road, picking up speed as Lennie followed behind him.
It wasn't far to the pasture gate, and ten minutes later she was climbing into his truck.
He drew her over for a quick kiss. "Everything okay at your place?"
"I told Mom I'd be gone for the weekend and that Randy would be around tomorrow. She didn't ask any questions but I figure she gets who I'm with."
"Good enough. Caleb knows what's up. You ready for some fun?"
She grinned. "Give me a hint. I've been guessing hard for two days about this surprise."
"Oh, no, no hints."
She pouted. "When do I find out?"
Damn she was cute. "Saturday."
She groaned. "I have to wait 'til then?"
"Yep."
"You're mean."
He laughed and turned the truck around. "I hope you'll find it worth waiting for. We'll see." His heart thumped hard as he thought again of her turning him down.
She narrowed her eyes. "Hm, you're sure being mysterious, cowboy."
The four-hour drive to El Paso gave them time to talk themselves out. He'd brought sodas in a small ice chest, and he drank one to stay alert as darkness fell. Lennie ended up falling asleep against his shoulder. Poor girl always worked so hard that it broke his heart.
With GPS it was a snap to find where they were staying. Though the hotel was a renovated hundred-year-old building, inside the ultra-modern furnishings and eclectic original art were a world apart from what he and Lennie were used to. The bellman helped them to their room, and Dylan tipped him before joining Lennie at the foot of the king-sized bed. "What do you think?"
She raised her brows. "Um, I've never seen furniture quite like this, but it's great. You're treating me like a queen, cowboy."
She was right, the modernistic, and to his eyes, strangely-shaped furniture did make a statement. He drew her into his arms and kissed her slowly. Pulling back, he cupped her face in his hands as he said gently. "You are my queen, Lennie. You mean everything to me."
Her eyes softened, and she brushed her thumb across his lip, drawing him in close. "I love you, cowboy," and she kissed him so thoroughly she left him breathless.
"Wow," he licked his lips. "I hope there's more where that came from."
"Not unless you feed me. My belly thinks its throat got cut."
He walked over to the desk and riffled through the contents on top. "How about room service?"
"Sounds perfect."
Sitting beside her, he snuggled her into his chest while they looked over the menu together. Little tingles fired off where she pressed against him. His body wanted more of her. "You know what you’re hungry for?"
"Sure do." She told him and, while he called in their order, she headed in for a shower.
Tonight, it would be all about her. He'd show her how much he loved her in every way he knew.
Lennie was still in the shower when room service arrived. What was she doing in there? He let the delivery guy in and signed for it, tipping generously. No sooner had the young man left than Lennie stepped out of the bathroom, looking fabulous in the midnight-blue gown. His heart skipped a beat and he rushed to her. "This looks even better with you in it, sweetheart." Pulling her tight, he kissed her, taking his time.
When he drew back, she grinned. "I'll have to wear this more often. That was a hell of a kiss."
Sliding his arm around her, he led her to the small table. "Food's here. Let's eat before I shower."
His gaze caressed her as he chewed bite after bite. Her breasts swelled above the neckline of the gown, making his fingers twitch. He knew just how luscious they felt in his palms. Her small feet were crossed and tucked under her chair. He wanted to take a tiny toe in his mouth and see if it drove her wild. And, damn. Her ass. The rounded cheeks were perfect for his hands. Stifling a groan, he chewed faster. He had to get this woman in bed!
When he couldn't stand it any longer, he wiped his lips and stood. "I'll be in the show
er. I won't be long." He meant it. This would be the fastest clean up on record.
As he shut the bathroom door, the first thing he noticed was Lennie's stuff on the counter—a makeup bag, perfume and lotions. He glanced in the shower and there were her shampoo and conditioner and razor. His heart flipflopped and warmth spread through him. She hadn't done this when they'd spent a single night in a hotel. Was this what it was like when you were married? He picked up her perfume and sniffed it, loving how it smelled—how she smelled. Then he looked for the brand, thinking he might buy her some. The amazing scent reminded him that he was in a hurry, and he peeled off his clothes and got busy.
He came out a few minutes later, and Lennie headed back in again, probably to brush her teeth. After pulling the covers down, he waited for her to come out, pacing the room and counting the seconds and getting even more aroused if that were possible.
She opened the door and he strode to meet her, lifting her up and kissing her hard.
Laughing, she wrapped her legs at his waist, slipping her arms around his neck. "Miss me, cowboy?"
"What took you so long?"
"I like torturing you."
He squeezed her butt. "I'll show you torture." Striding to the bed, he tossed her on her back.
Shrieking, she laughed as he crawled in beside her.
"Be prepared to be ravished. You're all mine tonight, sweetheart." He followed up that declaration by kissing her bellybutton.
She squealed. "That tickles."
"Get used to it. I have no mercy."
She giggled. "I'm scared. What is my he-man going to do to me?"
He moved between her legs and slid her panties off, then plunged his tongue inside her before taking a long stroke to her sensitive spot.
She jerked and sighed.
"I'll do a whole lot more of that." He grinned. "And some of this." He rose above her and kissed her breast, tracing her nipple with his tongue. "But then, you already knew that."
Bending to her ear, he whispered. "What's going to make tonight different you might ask?"
She nodded.
His lips grazed her ear and he noted the goosebumps rolling down her arm. Hiding a grin, he said softly, "You're going to beg—to plead for me to let you come."
The Cowboy's Wish (The Govain Cowboys Book 3) Page 12
