Her phone rang, making her jump. She grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”
“Can we talk tomorrow?”
Brent’s sexy voice curled her toes even from the distance of a call.
“Come here in the morning, early. I’m going to be breaking a mare to the saddle. You might enjoy watching. Afterward we’ll go for a ride and talk.”
“How early?”
“Be here at six, and you’ll get breakfast.”
Angie took a deep breath. She might as well jump in the deep end of the pool and hope she could swim well enough to save herself, if necessary.
“All right, six. I want a big breakfast if I have to get up that early.” She heard his deep chuckle.
“We're having sausage, gravy, eggs, potatoes, and biscuits. Is that sufficient?”
“Just barely.” She put the phone down. A thrill of excitement coursed through her body. Hopefully, she wasn’t going to take a long, hard fall.
* * * *
She arrived on time, ate breakfast with all the family, and got up from the table to help Janice clean the kitchen.
“Join me at the corral, out by the barn, when you get finished,” Brent said. He and Drake waved and went out the back screen door.
“You can go along with them,” Janice said. “I’m going to put these dishes in the dishwasher.”
“I’ll wipe the table and take out the trash. I have to do something as a thank-you for that meal.”
“Surprisingly, I like to cook. My mom always did most of her own cooking, but I didn’t really get into it until I moved to the ranch.”
“You don’t miss your high-powered job and the big city?”
“I love the countryside, and Drake. He and the kids are a big compensation.” She grinned. “And if I start getting antsy, Drake takes me to town for a visit. I have the best of both worlds.”
“I want a baby.” Angie surprised herself by blurting that information out.
“Have a husband in mind?”
“That’s the part I’m not sure about. My dad died when I was around seven. Mom remarried. It wasn’t a good example of wedded bliss. I’m not sure I’m cut out for marriage.”
“So you want to be a single mom?”
“Maybe.” Angie glanced around the kitchen. “If you don’t need anything else, I’ll go watch Brent train his horse.”
“Do. It’s something to see. That man has a way with horses. Drake says he’s the best.”
Angie waved and hurried outside. She’d opened her mouth and let out too much personal stuff. Stupid. Kicking the dirt with her boots, she started toward the barn and the corral on the side.
Brent had taken off his shirt. The morning sunlight shone across wide shoulders, and a tight six-pack. He was holding on to the reins and whispering into the mare’s ear. The horse had been shying away, but after a few minutes, she calmed. Brent swung his leg over and settled in the saddle. The mare snorted and bucked. Holding with one hand, he let his body move with her. Muscles stood out in his arms as he tightened his legs around the mare’s middle.
Angie stood beside the rail fence, her eyes riveted on the shiny chestnut horse and the beautiful man riding her bucking back. No matter how the mare moved, Brent clung persistently to her. As she tired, he leaned forward, speaking softly and stroking her mane. Sweat glistened on his tanned upper body.
Watching his hands slide across the mare, a flicker of heat caught deep inside of Angie. He slid off the horse and walked at her flank, still whispering and rubbing his hand along her shiny coat.
Angie yearned to touch him, run her hands over his sleek body, and have him do the same to her. A rush of heat spread from her center out. As though he sensed her thoughts, Brent turned his head in her direction. His light blue eyes matched the sky overhead. His mouth hinted at a smile.
“I won’t be much longer.” Moving quickly, he swung into the saddle. Immediately, the mare started to buck, but this time her resistance didn’t last as long. Again, Brent talked to her. Angie caught a word here or there.
“It’s all right, baby. You’re doing good.” His hands moved along the chestnut’s mane. His tone was seductive, as though he spoke to a woman, murmuring sweet nothings in her ear.
Angie's clothes felt hot and itchy. A tickle of sweat ran between her breast, and her bra was uncomfortably tight. She adjusted her hat, hoping the brim would hide the desire beginning to pulse through her. Damn, he was getting her excited just watching him settle the little mare down.
She glanced around wishing a swimming hole was close by. She’d love to strip naked and dive into the cool water.
As the chestnut grew calm with him on her back, Brent rode to the side where Angie stood. “I’ll rub her down and saddle our horses. Want to help?”
“Sure.” Angie walked around to the front of the barn and went in. The dim interior was cooler than outside. She breathed in the familiar odors of hay, horses, and leather. Brent came in from the back opening. He’d put on his shirt, but it hung open.
“If you want to take care of her, I’ll saddle our horses.” He handed her the chestnut’s reins and sauntered off toward several stalls on the left side.
“You’re a beauty,” Angie whispered to the mare. “You did good trying to fight him, but he’s a hard man to ignore or resist,” she said, talking as she worked. It had been a long time since she’d had an opportunity to be around horses, and was totally enjoying the work when she got the sensation of being watched. She turned just in time to catch Brent looking at her butt.
He laughed and threw up his hands. “You caught me, but you have such a sweet derriere. I couldn’t resist admiring the way those tight jeans fit over it.”
“You are incorrigible.”
“My own mother said that often.”
“I bet she did.” Angie stepped close him. “I’m going to fasten your shirt. I think I feel the same way about your chest as you do about my butt.” As she’d talked, she’d begun to close the snaps.
His skin was still warm and his chest hair soft. She took her time, enjoying breathing in his scent. His breath quickened, and she thought she heard a groan when her finger brushed his nipple.
“That’s enough.” He brushed her hands aside. “I can finish, or we won’t get our ride at all.” He took the mare’s reins and walked toward a stall. “You did a good job with her,” he spoke over his shoulder.
Her heart warmed at his compliment. Her body had already heated from his closeness. Glancing to her right, she saw a large gray stallion and a smaller horse saddled and waiting. This was going to be fun. As long as they kept their distance from each other, and he didn’t start with his questions again. But she doubted he’d be able to restrain himself from interrogating her. And the fire she’d started here in the barn was nowhere near out.
“Ready?” He moved quickly to stand behind her.
“Yes.”
He helped her onto the saddle. After getting on his horse, they moved out of the barn and along a narrow trail to the east.
“There’s lots of empty pasture this way. We can let the horses run. Drake and his men are working at the southwest corner. We’ll have all of this to ourselves.” He spread his hands out, indicating the wide open spaces ahead of them.
He slapped his horse and took off racing.
Angie waited a moment, enjoying watching him and his horse. Janice was right. He moved as a part of the horse, riding along with ease and grace. His hat pulled low, he bent across the horse’s neck, encouraging him as they flew across the ground.
Not wanting to get left behind, Angie signaled to her mare and they went thundering after Brent. The air blowing in her face had the sweet scent of wildflowers as the mare’s hooves crushed their delicate stems. A few wispy clouds floated across. A beautiful day and the most wonderful feeling of being free. Free temporarily of anything but nature and the pounding powerful animal she rode.
Brent had pulled up and waited for her. She slowed and moved her horse in his direction.<
br />
“I’d forgotten how much fun this is. It’s been quite a while since I had an opportunity to ride.” Angie stopped beside him.
“See those trees to the left?” Brent pointed to a hammock of oaks not far in the distance.
“Yes, are we going in that direction?”
“I thought we would. It’ll be cooler under the trees.” He turned his stallion and they rode side by side. “To the left of the trees is a cabin used in the old days for the men to take refuge in during a storm or for overnight. Janice saw it and decided to remodel.”
He turned his head toward Angie. “She had Drake shore up the foundation, paint, and do a major cleanup. Then she did some decorating. The funny thing is, it’s too fancy for the men. Drake says they won’t go in it. He’s built another place further on for them, much more rustic.”
Intrigued, Angie asked, “What are they doing with this cabin?”
“I’m not sure, but I thought I’d check it out. Maybe I’ll build a small cabin to live in while my ranch house is being done.”
“You’re buying the property?”
“Later today I’ll sign the papers, and it will be mine.”
She shook her head.
“What, you don’t think it’s a good deal?”
“I think you haven’t given yourself time to consider the change it will be from mystery protector to an ordinary cowboy.”
“Mystery protector? I like that. But, I’ve decided what I want for the next part of my life. You wait and see. I might make quick decisions, but they’re always considered thoroughly first.”
“Hah, we’ll see who’s right on this. Time will tell.”
Chapter Six
They reached the trees, and the temperature dropped. The shade and breeze cooled their bodies. Brent kept going to the left and in a clearing surrounded by trees, Angie saw the cabin. It reminded her of something out of a fairy tale. Any moment now Red Riding Hood or Goldilocks would come dancing out the door. She giggled at her fantasy.
“What made you giggle?”
“Oh, no, I’m keeping some secrets to myself.”
“You keep a number of secrets to yourself.”
“Let’s go inside. I can’t wait to see it.” Angie swung off her horse and tied the reins to a tree. “Is it locked?”
“No, go on in.” Brent followed behind her.
She walked up the dirt path and pushed the door open. The room smelled musty. Gingham curtains hung at the windows. She went to open the windows on the left and Brent did the ones to the right. Soon a breeze blew fresh air inside.
The main area was one large room. There was a small kitchen area to the left. To the right, a couch and two chairs were arranged around a fireplace. Straight ahead, two doors opened off the main area. The first room was a bedroom with three cots, and the other a small bath.
“Come here.” Brent grabbed her hand and pulled her to the sofa. “The main reason I chose this spot is so we could talk.”
She pulled her hand, trying to get loose. “We argue when we start talking.”
“It doesn’t have to be that way. Sit. I want to make a bargain with you.”
Although she was reluctant, Angie let him draw her to the sofa. She sat against one end.
“I realize you’re determined to have a child. For some reason the idea of you choosing Daniel or—was it Allen for your temporary husband doesn’t suit me. I am the best candidate.”
“According to who?”
“Me.”
His boyish grin had her heart beating quicker. He was basically a kind man. But her mother had been fooled, and she feared the same thing happening to her.
“My bargain is this.” He continued to talk as she breathed in his scent, and her body began to ache for his touch. “So, about six months after the baby is born, we’ll get a divorce if we both agree.”
“Wait, I must have missed something.”
“You weren’t listening?” A gleam came into his eyes. “You know, we really have to have sex so we can think about other things. I just made you a very reasonable bargain.”
“Tell me again. I promise to listen with both ears.”
He reached across the distance between them and lifted her onto his lap. “Look at me. We’ll date a month or so, and let the townspeople see us together. They know you’re looking for a husband from what you told the ladies at the beauty shop. Gossip thrives in small towns. Everyone has heard that the shy teacher is man hunting.”
“Man hunting?”
“What else do you women call it? Anyway, they won’t be surprised if we get engaged shortly and marry soon afterward. I’ll have the cabin built by then. We’ll live there while I get the ranch going. We will stay married until after the baby is born, as I said. I think you heard that bit.”
“What do you get out of this?”
“Sweetheart, have you looked at yourself? I get you, temporarily, and a son or daughter, without the hassle of a permanent wife. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
Angie narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you serious?”
“I am. But we need to take the first step right away.”
“The first step?”
“The sex.” He wiggled his eyebrows like a bad man in an old cowboy movie. “We have to see if we’re compatible before we marry. Don’t you think? Not that we won’t be. Half our arguments are because we’re so tied up with wanting each other.”
“Really? You’re in knots with desire for me?” She started to unbutton his shirt. “I’ve been half crazy since watching you do your act with the mare.”
“Turned you on, did it?” He leaned back giving her easier access to his front.
Angie kissed each spot as she uncovered his chest. When she got to his belt buckle, she slid to the floor between his legs and unfastened the belt, the button at the top of his jeans, and lowered his zipper. His hard cock moved into her hand. She glanced at his face. The lines of his high cheekbones were drawn taut, his sensuous mouth tight, and his eyes dark with hunger.
She lowered her head and brushed her tongue across the salty tip and around the edge of the cap. He took a sharp breath. Her hand moved up and down the satin firmness as she sucked on his cock. His groan gave her a sense of satisfaction.
“Wait.” He barely got the word out. “I don’t want this over too soon.” He reached for her and helped her up. Pulling himself together, he carried her to the bedroom, where he slid two cots side by side. “Not the best arrangement, but it’ll do.”
Turning, he surveyed her from her feet to her head.
They’d both removed their hats on entering the cabin. He yanked the scarf from around her hair, and the silvery-blonde strands fell around her to her waist. His fingers slid through her hair.
“Don’t cut it. Not until we’re through with each other. Promise?”
“All right.”
“Sit. I’ll get your boots.” She did as he said and leaned back as he pulled first one, and then the other off, throwing them to the side.
Next he took his boots off. “There, now to uncover the whole package. His fingers ran from her lips, down her neck, to between her breasts. “You’re hot.” Quickly he had her shirt and jeans off, and then her wet panties, moistened from her throbbing pussy. “You’re the prettiest filly I’ve ever seen.”
She laughed at his comparison. “It’s my turn. Take it off,” she said, motioning to his clothes.
He was quick, and as soon as he was naked, he lifted her off the bed and headed out of the room. “We’re going to cool off first.”
“I thought you were supposed to be hot for this to work.”
“Oh, you will be inside, I promise.” He headed out the back door.
“Stop. Where are you going? Someone will see us.”
He looked down at her. “Who? No one is even close to here.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Trust me. I have a surprise.” He strode further between the trees.
She heard the water and t
hen saw the waterfall coming out of the side of a tall rock. It hit into a small pond.
Brent walked right under the water with her in his arms. Her skin was covered in goose bumps.
“There, this will cool you.” A smile lit his face as he kissed her wet mouth.
“I love it.” And I’m so afraid I’m falling in love with you.
Brent sat her on her feet and tipped his head back, letting the water sluice across his face, and along his broad shoulders and back. The sun kissed his skin through the caress of the silver water. Angie was sure she’d never seen a more beautiful and sexy picture in her whole life.
Desire stabbed her inside. Her blood rushed in her veins. She wanted him with a wildness she’d never felt before. He turned and saw her face. Without a word, his hands wrapped around her waist, and he picked her up. She put her legs around his middle. He moved her into position, and she slid onto his silken, hard dick. He swung her around, her back against the cool rock formation, and pushed hard and deep inside her pulsing pussy.
Her sensitive breasts rubbed against the hair on his chest. His mouth captured hers, and his tongue swept inside to rub along the sides and top of her mouth. Sensations of heat and cold, hard and soft, mixed inside and out. The inner walls of her pussy clenched around his wide cock.
Tremors began in her legs and rolled across her abdomen, almost stopping her breath. She shoved herself harder against him to take more and more of him in. He pulled back and stared into her eyes as he plunged in all the way one last time and held. He sent her body into a spasmodic orgasm that had them yelling their relief.
Brent rested his head against her brow. “We have one little problem to our plan.” His words came out on short breaths.
Angie’s heart had almost pounded out of her chest. She waited a second to get her breath. “What’s that?”
“We may have to move the date of the wedding sooner. I never forget my condom. I just did.” He gradually let her legs down and stepped back into the full spray of the waterfall.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 5
