Renegade Ridge

by Arabella Steedly

  We broke into a run to get across the street in time, and I realized I had never imagined Kent living anywhere but Cody, Wyoming. I found it hard to envision him as a Navy SEAL, living a life that was foreign to me.

  Kent was quick to spot a booth — a rare find at Ollie's — and pulled me over to sit next to him. Before I had a chance to put my book bag on the floor, Kent's arm was around my shoulder, pulling me closer. I parted my lips and felt his other hand bunching my full denim skirt. Then he worked it up to the soft, sensitive skin on the inside of my thigh. My eyes flew open, and I gasped. Kent was about to finger me — not in here, not in Ollie's. So I grabbed his hand. "Stop Kent, let's wait. It's too light in here; someone will see us."

  “So what,” he said withdrawing his hand. I reached over and squeezed his throbbing cock, and he nuzzled his nose into my neck, and whispered, "We'll get back to this later. I need your pussy, Rachel. I’ve been waiting to make love to you for so long now.”

  Over lunch, Kent explained how he was sorry for his rude and distant behavior when he found out I was leaving. I understood it had all happened so fast and was quick to forgive him. Kent told me how he had lost his temper with the new ranch hand, Gavin, and how Daddy had convinced him most of his problems were stemming from our lack of communication. I couldn’t have agreed more and finally felt Kent and I was making progress toward a healthy, happy relationship.

  After lunch, Kent had rolled his eyes at the idea of going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I should have known better and just called it the Metropolitan Museum. The art thing threw him for a loop. I could tell he thought visiting an art museum would label him a limp-dicked, gutless wonder. But as soon as I explained he could see Egyptian artifacts dating back to the pharaohs, he changed his mind. He described how on his flight to the Middle East he had spotted the pyramids out of the airplane window and had always wanted to visit them.

  All afternoon we held hands, walking the streets of the city. He stopped when we got to Trump Tower and took a few pics. On the way to the World Trade Center Memorial, we snuggled in the subway seats. When we got there, we marveled at the beautiful architecture as we read the names on the plaques of those who were lost in the attack.

  By the time we grabbed a snack at the visitor’s center and walked uptown to Chambers Street Station, the sun had slipped behind the skyscrapers. We made out in the corner of the subway car and almost forgot to get off at our 116th Street stop. My blouse was half- unbuttoned as we hurried back to the campus. We were overjoyed — to say the least — to find the student parking lot roped off and the security guard gone.

  Kent was quick to unlock his truck door on the passenger's side while I slipped out of my panties. Moments later the windows were steamed over, and Kent unzipped his fly. He took one of my nipples and squeezed hard, remembering that was how I liked it. I squealed with delight as I reached down and parted up my wet, swollen pussy lips. I didn't bother to rub my clit. There was no need; I had been sopping wet all afternoon, waiting for a moment to have Kent’s hard manhood inside me. So I straddled Kent's lap and swallowed his throbbing cock with my hot horny pussy and played the cowgirl role.

  Kent let go of my breast and arched his neck back in a moment of ecstasy, and whispered in my ear, "Go slow, I want to remember this, and I haven't put on a condom yet.”

  I giggled as I brought my feet up on the seat and squatted over his lap. I used my strong thighs to ride him harder and faster. Of course, I loved cowgirl position, and it appeared Kent did, too. By that time, he had both hands pressing on the seat beside him bracing, pushing back against me. On a downstroke, I whispered into his ear, "Don't worry. I started on birth control when I was back in Cody — thinking I needed to."

  He nodded and grinned. "Good, I can't hold it any longer."

  The light from the streetlight streamed in through the back window above the seat and silhouetted Kent’s head and neck. There was just enough light on his face for me to watch as he bit his lowered lip before he groaned and grunted as his thick cock started unloading. Even though I hadn’t cum yet, I slowed down, just enjoying watching him. I knew he wouldn’t leave me hanging, and man, was I right. His cock never got soft — Kent just kept coming and coming.

  He laughed as he laid me down on the bench seat, with my head near the steering wheel, and completely unbuttoned my blouse and pushed my bra up, setting both breasts free. "Ah," he said. "Now it's my turn to fuck your brains out." And he almost did!

  I lost count how many orgasms I had with his cock driving me hard. Then like a butterfly, his tongue was on my clit, causing my pussy to pour my juices all over his face. He wouldn't give me a break, maybe because I was begging for more. By the time he was finished my nipples ached, and my pussy was sore, but I had never felt so satisfied and happy.

  It was five o'clock in the morning when I woke up in Kent's arms. He had propped himself against the door and the steering wheel, and before we had drifted off, he pulled a blanket and a pillow from behind his seat. That’s when he told me he had driven straight through all the way across the country only taking catnaps at a truck stop or rest area. I could barely move, but I managed to kiss him again and thanked him for coming to visit me.

  We had slept that way all night. Since it was early Saturday morning, most of the girls were still out or had left for the weekend. So I slipped Kent inside my dorm — thank goodness, Daddy had paid for a private room. I double locked the door, and we got in the shower. I gasped as he bent me over, spread my ass cheeks and fucked me doggy style, saying, “Rachel, this will help work the soreness out.” He was right. After a good fifteen minutes with Kent in the shower, I left like a new woman.

  The rest of the weekend was like a dream. Kent had enough cash he’d been ratholing to pay for two nights at the Plaza Hotel. We lived it up, talking and eating and getting full use of our Jacuzzi bathtub. Sunday afternoon we went to see the Broadway show, Hamilton. I don't know how he did it, but Kent arranged for us to meet the cast afterward — another one of my dreams had come true!

  Before he kissed me goodbye on Monday, we were standing beside the truck when he held me in his arms for one last moment. He brushed the loose hair out of my face, then his sparkling green eyes peered at me. "Rachel, I'm in love with you, and I don't want to live without you. But now I know I can wait as long as it takes for you to finish college."

  Holy shit! Kent Walker had admitted he loved me! Oh, my God, he has changed! My body shook as I started to sob; I didn't want Kent to leave. I knew I wanted to be with him, too, but I needed time to think — I didn't want to make another mistake. So I said, "Kent, I love you, too." I started bawling so hard I had to dig inside my purse for a tissue. Then I composed myself enough to continue. "I have six weeks to go before Christmas break. Let me see what I can work out.”

  "What do you mean?" Ken asked with hope in his voice.

  "I think Bernard College might have an online program...but I don't know what the requirements are to get in."

  Kent's face beamed with joy as he pulled me in to him for one last hug. For several moments we stood there holding each other, but finally, Kent pushed back. "I'm looking forward to our future," he said. He then turned away and got inside his truck.

  I watched with tears streaming down my cheeks as Kent pulled out on Broadway, headed home. I wanted so much to be going home with him — to be a stowaway in the bed of his truck. But if I gave into my emotions and became a quitter, Kent would lose respect for me, and I would lose respect for myself. I had all the evidence I needed to make the right decision when Kent told me he loved me. He had changed and he was conquering his inner demons caused by his PTSD. Kent was an honorable man who deserved the best, and that was what I was going to give him.

  As I turned to head back toward the dorm, a few pristine snowflakes danced their way to the ground. I looked up into the gray sky, but all I could see were skyscrapers instead of Eagle Peak rising behind Pitchfork Ranch. For a moment I felt saddened, but then a hearten
ing thought came to mind. Like magic, the corners of my downturned lips were tugged into a smile when I realized the holidays were just around the corner and I would be home for Christmas.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Christmas Morning

  Rachel

  I woke up at dawn then walked to my bedroom window and noticed how the sun's reflection across the snow made it appear like gold dust was sprinkled over the hay field. I was surprised to see the light shining through a window of Kent's trailer and wondered what he was doing up so early on a holiday. Since I had been home for two weeks, not one day had passed without holding Kent in my arms and talking about our plans for the future. I was looking forward to finally spending Christmas Day with my high school sweetheart.

  I slipped on my jeans and an old baggy sweatshirt with a reindeer on it, a gift from my mother on her last Christmas. Just like I had done for as many years as I could remember, I crept down the stairs into the living room for a peek around. But this time it was me instead of Daddy who turned on the Christmas tree lights and made sure everyone's presents were under the tree.

  I took my iPhone out of my pocket and snapped a few pictures of all the colorful packages and one of my old stocking that hung on the mantel by the fireplace. I giggled to myself when I noticed Daddy had played Santa. After I had gone to bed, he had stuffed my stocking with goodies. After twenty some odd years it looked a bit worse for the wear, but I didn't care, I was home, and it was Christmas!

  A few hours later we all were sitting around the dining room table eating our Christmas lunch. I was holding Kent's hand when Daddy looked over at me and grinned. Then around a mouthful of pumpkin pie, he said, "Rachel, I'm so glad things have worked out for you to stay here at home and finish your studies online. It’s too quiet around here when you’re gone.”

  Kent laughed and grabbed his glass of spiced eggnog. "Not as glad as I am!”

  I giggled then reached for my glass and held it up. "I'll drink to that."

  I noticed Sally glancing over at Daddy with a coy smile. Then he grinned back, and said, "While we're toasting I have an announcement to make. Sally has accepted my proposal to be my wife.”

  A rosy color filled Sally’s cheeks as she held out her hand and showed me the most beautiful solitaire diamond ring I had ever seen. I clapped my hands together. I was so happy that Daddy had proposed to her. She seemed so devoted to him, and I had never seen my father more content. I reached out to hold her hand to get a better look, and asked, “When did you get this Sally? I hadn’t noticed it before.”

  Daddy’s cheeks turned a bit red out of embarrassment. “I gave it to her on her birthday last week but made her promise not to wear it in front of you until I made the announcement this morning.” For a few moments I wondered what the big deal was, then I figured Sally’s birthday must be December 15th, the day my mother had passed away.

  I looked at Daddy and winked. “The ring is beautiful — and congratulations.”

  Then all on a sudden Daddy glanced over at Kent, then back at me. “Wow, it’s almost two o’clock. Sally and I will clean up the dishes. Why don’t you two go enjoy yourselves? Thanks for cooking, Rachel. Our Christmas lunch was delicious.”

  Kent turned to me. “Yeah, I got a surprise, but we have to saddle up the horses and take a ride to go get it.”

  An hour later Georgie-B and Licorice were trudging up the dirt road toward the east pasture, leaving their heavy footprints in the snow. Kent had been very secretive about why he insisted we ride way up to the pasture instead staying close to home. I couldn’t help but notice that someone on horseback had ridden up the road earlier, though the footprints were almost erased by drifting snow.

  As I wrapped my woolen scarf tighter around my neck and patted Georgie’s flank, covered in a thick winter coat, I pondered how our relationship had grown. We had been given a second chance at romance, and I was grateful I had finally found the Kent I had longed for since high school.

  Moments later, Kent turned around in the saddle and looked back at me, pointing ahead at a stand of pines. "That's where we're headed.” It was the same place TiaMaria had run toward for shelter the day of the terrible storm.

  As we got closer, I saw what appeared to be a small box dangling from a bough of a pine tree. My heart began to flutter when Kent dismounted, wrapped the reins around the saddle horn and walked toward Georgie and me. I had never seen such a wide grin on Kent’s face — ever — as he helped me down to the ground. When he took my hand and tugged me toward the box, I could see it was wrapped in shiny, gold paper and was hanging by a red velvet ribbon.

  I peered into Kent’s green eyes, and with a coquettish smirk, I asked, “Oh, is this for me?”

  Kent nodded and pointed toward the delicate bow with a tiny holly leaf on it. “Go ahead, open your surprise!” His expression was warm and tender as I undid the bow and the box fell into my palm. I took off one glove with my teeth and held it there while I carefully unwrapped my gift. I gasped and my glove fell to the ground when I noticed inside the box was another, and that it was the type that usually contained jewelry.

  While I peered in wonder at the tiny box, Kent snatched it out of my hand and dropped to his knees. As he opened the lid to reveal a beautiful teardrop diamond ring, he whispered, “I have a question that's been burning in my mind since graduation day, Rachel." I gulped and held my breath, then I gasped when Kent asked, “Will you marry me?"

  I shrieked and knelt beside him. Wet snow was seeping in through my jeans as I threw my arms around his neck and whispered, "Yes, yes, yes...a billion times yes!" And I covered his face with kisses.

  "I love you, Rachel, and always have."

  “I love you more, Kent!” My hand was shaking when he pulled off my other glove and slipped the platinum ring on my finger. Then we hugged and fell over in the snow. After tumbling over and over a few times, we sat up and giggled. Then Kent pulled me to my feet. I stretched out my arm, flexed up my hand, and peered at my gorgeous engagement ring. It was the exact moment I had envisioned for so many years in myriad different scenarios. Now it had happened — it was real, not a dream!

  When we brushed off our coats and headed back toward the horses, I turned to Kent. "Would it be all right if we invite Daddy and Sally and see if they want to do a double ceremony."

  Kent pulled me close to his chest and gazed down at me with a sly grin on his face. "Rachel, I bet Sam would be honored to get married with his daughter."

  I cocked my head to one side. "What makes you say that?”

  "Sam is a man who puts the love of his daughter before everything. He's been hoping we would get together all along! That's one of the reasons he hired me."

  “Did he tell you that?”

  “Kinda.”

  Before I could ask more probing questions, Kent put his lips on mine, and we kissed until I forgot what we were talking about. My head was still spinning as we started back toward the house. Kent turned and peered at the mountains behind us and pointed toward Eagle Peak. "Isn't that fitting,” he mused. When I turned around to see what he was referring to, I noticed how the sky was lit up in the most beautiful colors of purple, pink and yellow. It was the most beautiful sunset.

  I nudged Georgie and rode up beside Kent. Then I grinned, and said, “This time you're not getting away from me. We're riding off into our future together!”

  “Agreed,” he said. Then he winked just before he dug the heels of his boots into Licorice’s side. Speeding ahead, Kent held his Stetson high and hollered, “Ye ha, and Merry Christmas!”

  SNEAK PREVIEW: Secluded Valley Billionaire Cowboy

  Secluded Valley Billionaire Cowboy

  (Preview)

  by

  Arabella Steedly

  BLURB

  TESS She didn’t want to give herself away to New York City billionaire who was buying their ranch, but her desire for Clay overwhelmed her. She didn’t dream she would end up having his baby and find the man of her dreams.

 
It wasn’t easy growing up on a secluded ranch surrounded only by rough, tough cowboys. Her mother had passed away when she was only three, so her daddy and her three older brothers were fiercely protective of her. Tess knew that was the very reason she was still a virgin at the age of twenty-five.

  Her family had been struggling and was close to bankruptcy, so they had put the ranch up for sale. When a New York City billionaire showed up wanting to buy the ranch Tess was furious at first until he gazed at her with his sexy green eyes.

  She couldn’t help but notice how tall he was how he had wide shoulders and muscular arms. Something inside her wanted him to take control and ravish her, as she had fantasized a man would do when she was upstairs in her bedroom alone.

  CLAY He marveled at Tess naiveté and found it to be sexy as hell. For a second, he tried imagining her in New York City wearing stiletto heels and tight skirts but found it hard to do.

  He eased the truck up under the rocking ’S’ the ranch’s brand and was taken aback by the untouched beauty and the ranch’s old-world charm—a stark contrast to the vistas from his penthouse overlooking Central Park. When he pulled up to the house, he saw a woman younger than him had stepped out onto the porch.

  Her shapely long legs were accentuated by the way her Wrangler jeans were tucked into her cowboy boots. She was a tall, curvaceous woman with full breasts—just the way he liked them.

  Already Clay's mind had drifted from business to naughty thoughts of pleasuring himself with her. Then he shook his head—he had intended to leave his womanizing ways behind when he came to Colorado.

  Chapter One

  TESS

  Tess galloped up to the hitching post in front of the barn at Secluded Valley Ranch and jumped down from Daffodil, her pinto mare. After leading the horse into her stall and feeding her a flake of hay, she blew a lock of her flaxen hair out of her eyes. Glancing down at her wristwatch, she noticed it was four o’clock. It was her responsibility to have dinner on the table for her father and brothers before seven, and she was running thirty minutes behind.