The Quarterback and the Dressage Queen

by Winter, Mary

  That moan was his undoing, as was the tug she gave his shirt. She bunched it under his arms and proceeded to run her manicured fingers over his skin. The sight of those red nails against his tanned chest inflamed him. He kissed down the slender column of her neck, reaching the top of the t-shirt. He fought his urge to rip it from her; he figured that wouldn’t go over well since he’d seen her wear that shirt before. She pulled away and lifted her arms, allowing him to pull the shirt over her head. He tossed it behind them and took a moment to admire her breasts. Round and full, topped with wide pink nipples, his mouth watered just looking at them. He bent his head and took a nipple into his mouth. Erin arched her back. She moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair as she held him to her.

  His lips moved over her skin. He kissed her other nipple, then moved lower until he was pushing down her yoga pants. She hadn’t put on any underwear. Had she planned this? He bit back a moan at the thought.

  She shimmied out of her pants, then helped him out of his shirt. With a grin, she turned and grabbed onto the ladder leading to the mattress, swaying her hips with each rung. At the top, she rolled onto the mattress, then lay there with a “what are you waiting for” look on her face.

  He grinned at her and dropped his jeans, then boots and socks. Her eyes widened as he pulled off his boxer briefs. Fully naked, he climbed up the ladder and lay down next to her. Bryan pulled her into his arms. They fit together perfectly, her head tucking beneath his chest, her breasts flattened against his chest, their legs tangled together. Her lithe muscled body aligned with his, and he felt the effects of her work in her arms, her legs, her abs, as his hands roamed over her skin.

  ~* * *~

  Erin relaxed into Bryan’s touch. They’d been leading up to this, heavy petting sessions, long, lingering kisses in the barn. To finally feel his naked body next to hers capped an excellent day of showing. His cock pressed against her stomach, thick and insistent. Her pussy tightened when she thought about him inside of her, and she arched against him. His mouth followed his hands, taking the path he’d followed before along her collarbone, down over her breasts, pausing to suck each nipple, then lower to her stomach. He paused at her hip bones, folding his legs so he could move lower. The logistics of the trailer bed were interesting; they’d make them worse.

  His warm breath blew across her sex. “Bryan,” she cried out, letting her thighs fall open even wider. His fingers stroked her labia with slow, sure touches.

  “You’re so wet,” he whispered against the skin of her inner thigh. His finger parted her folds to circle her opening.

  She lifted her hips. Raw need filled her veins, made it seem as if each touch bordered on too much. Whimpers emerged from her throat; she bit them back to stay quiet, though she doubted sound passed through the insulated walls of the trailer. His mouth replaced his fingers, the first stroke of his tongue against her making her insides quiver. She reached for him, cupped the back of his hand, her other hand going to the sheets to try and anchor herself to some point in reality.

  His tongue thrust into her. With his big hands on her hips, he held her steady, though she wanted to buck and rock beneath him. His broad shoulders on her thighs, the way he masterfully controlled her body, only turned her on more. His finger slipped between her folds to stroke the hood of her clit, and she bit her lip, so close to release. She rode the waves of pleasure, trying to make it last, wanting to wring every last ounce of ecstasy from this moment. And then she was there, on the pinnacle, her body tight, her pussy contracting, milking his tongue as if it were a miniature cock. One cry escaped her lips as she descended into orgasm.

  Release flowed through her body, a moment of exquisite and utter relaxation that had her slumping against the mattress. A foil packet tore; she realized he must have tossed a condom onto the mattress, or maybe stashed one there earlier. She watched with heavy-lidded eyes as he sheathed himself, then crawled back over her body.

  She opened her thighs wider, knees going to either side of his hips to invite him to take her. She twined her arms around his neck, lifted her head to kiss him, pulling him down on top of her as she did so.

  His erection rested at her opening.

  Erin hooked her ankles behind his calves. Lifting her hips, she forced the tip inside of her with a moan.

  Muscles bulged in Bryan’s biceps, the strain of holding himself still.

  “Make love to me,” she whispered.

  “With pleasure.” Bryan thrust forward, filling her in a single stroke. He groaned against her skin.

  She clung to him, rising to meet him as he thrust into her. Words failed her, except to know that this was more than she’d ever imagined, better than she’d ever thought. He filled her completely, his thickness creating exquisite friction with each stroke. Almost without time to catch her breath, he stoked her desire, taking her higher and higher. His pace increased, as did hers. She pressed her thighs to his, her muscles tightening as if she could pull him closer, deeper, harder.

  And then, with the sensation of flying, she came, her release spilling from her in a rush of pleasure and emotion. She squeezed her eyes closed, afraid happy tears might leak from them. He thrust once more and came, stiffening above her with a hoarse cry. Sweat covered their bodes; the smell of sex filled the trailer. Erin snuggled, and when Bryan relaxed his body onto hers, kissed him hard on the mouth. His cock softened slightly. He rolled to his side, slipping from her and tucking her against him. He quickly got rid of the condom, tossed it in a nearby small trash can, and then pulled her against him. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was thinking how right this was, how perfect.

  ~ * * *~

  It’d been four weeks since the show, two since she’d seen Bryan in a date-type setting. She’d gone to a couple of football games, finding new appreciation in the sport now that she saw it through his eyes. He’d come to another show, cheering for her and his sister. She’d finalized the work for the rescue, officially becoming 2 Hearts Rescue South. This weekend she planned to go to an auction in Arkansas and had already networked with trainers at Oaklawn race track to see about taking in thoroughbreds who could no longer race. She glanced across the table at Bryan as she finished Chinese takeout he’d brought from town.

  “I hope you know things won’t be so hectic once the football season ends,” he said, reaching across the table to tangle his fingers with hers.

  She relished the touch and nodded. “I know. And though rescue activities may pick up, I’ll always make time for us. You’re important to me. This is important to me.” She’d been thinking about them a lot over the last month, realized that now she had Bryan in her life, she couldn’t imagine it without him.

  “That’s good.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her knuckles. “Because I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  She was grinning like a fool and knew it. “I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you.” She set her fork down. “I’m not sure what took us so long seeing how Lindy is one of my best friends, but I’m glad you came to the show with her that day.”

  “Me too.” Bryan pushed back his chair and stood, rounding the table to kneel in front of her chair. He grabbed her hands, then leaned in to kiss her. He tasted of spicy chicken and egg drop soup; she didn’t mind and returned the kiss. Who knew the dressage queen would actually get the quarterback? She certainly hadn’t thought so, and couldn’t wait to see what happened for them after the season was over.

  2 HEARTS RESCUE

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  About The Author

  Mary lives in the Ozarks on a homestead with her spoiled horses, a flock of highly entertaining chickens, a not-so-itty-bitty-kitty-committee, and her husband. Her first published novel, Ghost Touch, was released in December 2002–back when you had to explain to people what an ebook was. Since then she’s written more than the fifty novels/novellas in multiple genres of romance under a few pen names, as well as nonfiction books under yet another pen name.

  In addition, she runs Unscramblet Author Solutions, helping authors unscramble their “to do” lists and their promotions. Learn more at http://unscramblet.com

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  Have you read this book from the 2 Hearts Rescue series?

  A rescue in need of cash. A broken heart in need of mending.

  Giving up and going back to work as an attorney didn’t appeal to Jay, even though he knew it would bring in money to save his failing rescue, 2 Hearts Ranch. When Cody shows up after walking out on him too many years ago, Jay wonders if his former lover is playing a trick on him, or if Cody’s arrival answers more than one of his prayers.

  Tired of not being accepted for who he was–a gay man–Cody walked away from his family’s fortune to go after the man he loved–Jay. When he hears about the rescue’s financial troubles, he knows he can help. Except some wounds take longer than others to heal, and he has to prove to Jay that this time, he’s going to stay.

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  Excerpt

  The scent of sun-warmed equine failed to push Jay’s blues away. He tried. He buried his face in Jenny’s mane and even shed a few tears. Jenny’s hay-scented breath brushed across his cheek in an intimate caress, and neither the pleasure of that simple moment nor any number of tears erased the fact. Without help he was going to lose his ranch, and with it, ten rescue horses, half a dozen cats, and two dogs were going to lose their home. He needed cash and had no idea where to turn.

  For the millionth time, he contemplated brushing off his resume. Going back to a corporate job would bring in money, but would it be enough? Not to mention the long hours away from the ranch would make doing chores without help even more difficult than it already was. The to do list on the white board in his office of repairs for the barn was growing longer by the day. “I don’t know what to do,” he said to the horse, giving her one last, lingering pat before backing out of the stall.

  You’ll find a way. The big dark eyes promised complete and total trust, a trust Jay wasn’t sure he deserved. The orange shafts of sunlight poured through the open barn door, reminding him it was close to sunset and he still hadn’t eaten yet. He checked all the doors and latched the bottom doors of the barn closed, and started toward the house.

  A truck pulled into the yard. A nice truck, one that looked like a much newer model than his own. The truck parked and the door opened. Out stepped Cody Jewelles. Time hadn’t aged his tousled dark blond hair, though a few more lines bracketed those deep blue eyes. A worn shirt stretched over broad shoulders and defined a set of abs as hard as the concrete he needed to break up in the north pasture. Jeans more expensive than his last feed bill sat on narrow hips and clung to his long legs and the boots on his feet were worn and very expensive.

  “Cody,” Jay said, wishing his heart wouldn’t pound so hard. “I never thought…” He couldn’t finish the sentence, didn’t want to finish the sentence because it brought with it the memory of a horrific fight and so much yelling and in the end, slammed doors and broken hearts.

  “Jay. I’m glad you’re here.” He crossed the space between them and clasped his former lover on the shoulder. “I should have called.”

  “I wouldn’t have taken them,” Jay admitted with a grin.

  “And that’s why I didn’t call. Can we go inside? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  A flash of anger tore through Jay. He drove all this way, after so many years, and demanded to go inside and talk to him. Yet, Jay couldn’t refuse him. Not when there was sadness in his eyes and regret, so much regret, filled them both about what had happened. “Okay. To talk.” He wasn’t sure who he was convincing more, himself or Cody. It didn’t matter because he turned and led the son of one of Wyoming’s wealthiest ranchers into his modest two-story house.

  He tried to see it through Cody’s eyes and failed. Most of the rooms were empty, or almost so, because he hadn’t the time or the money to furnish them. A desk sat in the corner of the living room, his office and adoption room. He had to be careful with the animals he’d taken in; he could only care for so many and the need was so great. He adopted just as many out and was proud of his success. There, by the desk were two mismatched chairs that routinely got the dog hair removed from them. He gestured to one and Cody sat. Jay took the other.

  Half a dozen phrases came to mind and were just as quickly discarded when he looked at Cody. It’s been a long time. How had he been? Did he know about the rescue? About their financial problems? About how he might have to go back to work, and how false accusations of ethics issues had nearly disbarred him. He worked a little on the side, probably did more pro bono work than he ought to, and the ends still never met.

  “There’s no easy way to say this. I need a place to stay. I can help. I have my personal money, though I’m no longer heir to the Jewelles family fortune.” Cody stopped and took a deep breath. “I heard you take in strays.” He grinned.

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  Have you read this book from the 2 Hearts Rescue series?

  Arcelio (Ace) Mendez lost his career as a jockey and part of his leg in a horrible accident during a race. He thought he’d lost his lover, Danny Raines, too. Ready to move on with his life, he accepts an invitation from 2 Hearts Rescue to come see the horse he’d been riding when the accident happened. When he arrives, he discovers Danny’s there, and they have a lot of catching up to do.

  Danny would have kicked himself for not being there for Ace during his rehabilitation, except he’d had an accident getting to the hospital and shattered his ankle. His career as an exercise rider was over, and his self-destructive behavior ensured that career would stay dead. He found himself at 2 Hearts Rescue and it seemed that not only had the rescue saved him, but it also brought Ace back into his life. He has to prove to Ace that he won’t run again, and together they can make a new home.

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  Excerpt

  The thud of the horse’s hooves hitting the ground in a steady 3-beat canter rhythm rang like music in Arcelio’s ears. He leaned the crutches against the white fen
ce, then rested his forearms along the top board to support his weight. His good leg held the rest of his weight. Seeing Topper canter effortlessly under saddle was worth it. The big chestnut horse had quieted some, but still moved with the majestic grace he’d shown on the race track.

  His attention turned to the rider, and for a moment Arcelio, wondered if his heart hadn’t stopped. He’d recognize those long legs, easy seat, and more importantly, blue and green helmet anywhere. Danny. Arcelio reminded himself of the need to breathe, and then reached for his crutches. The need to run—not that he could run anymore with his lost leg—pummeled through him. The man who had been his world outside of jockeying, and who hadn’t even bothered to visit him in the hospital, sat aboard the horse he’d almost killed. It was too much.

  Gravel crunched under boots, the only warning he had before a hand settled on his shoulder. “Stay. Danny will want to talk to you.” Jay Dunmore, the owner of 2 Hearts Rescue, said and gave his shoulder a friendly squeeze. “Don’t worry, Ace. It will be okay.”

  Just hearing the old track nickname brought back too many memories, though thankfully most of them were good. He’d quit being Ace when the doctor chopped off his lower leg. Still, the nickname felt good, like coming home even, and he inhaled the scent of arena dust, hay, and horses, then nodded. “If you say so. Either way I’m glad you let me know that you have Topper now.”