"Amy…he's magnificent. When did you buy him?"
Thunder shoved his muzzle into Brock's hand for the treat lying in his palm.
"Yesterday, when you were busy with the inspectors. I wanted to surprise you."
"You more than surprised me. This is…" His eyes softened, filling with gratitude. "It's the best gift anyone's ever given me." He swiftly closed the distance between us and enfolded me in his solid arms. He leaned his head back and with his enthralling hazel-green eyes, he stared down at me, capturing me in his magnetism. "I love you, Amy. Do you know that? I love you, so damn much."
He kissed my lips, soft and affectionate, and then a deep rumble escaped his chest. He pushed me against the outside of Thunder's stall. His hands claimed every bare part of my skin he could access and then feverishly explored the areas that were covered. He lifted my legs and tucked them around his hips.
"I love you, Amy. Did I say that already?" He chuckled between hot, searing kisses. "Because if the words aren't sinking in, I'm going to work them in another way."
My words caught in my throat as humming pleasure seized my body. "Broc…"
His hips thrust against my pelvis. Damp heat filled my core.
"I love you, too."
His head tilted back and he stared down at me, piercing me with his intense and hungry eyes.
"Say it again."
"I love you."
His hands crept beneath the buttons of my flannel shirt. With little flicks of his fingers, they came undone. Heat swarmed inside my body like an angry nest had been ruptured.
"Again baby."
He spread my flannel open and tugged it off my shoulders.
"I love you, Brock. From the first moment I met you, you lit a flame that I thought had burned out. I love you for the man you are. The way you make me feel. I love you more each day."
His hands squeezed my ass and held me firmly against him. I kissed everywhere my lips could reach as he carried me to the saddle room. He closed the door behind us and set me on the wooden surface.
The heat of our desire rose like a storm. His kisses suffocated me, coming fierce and fast. Bottles, brushes, buckles, leather straps scattered wildly as he flung them out of the way. His hands moved fast, removing any piece of clothing in his way. He lifted his shirt and tossed it into our blurry surroundings. My hands slid over his solid chest and abdomen, admiring the ripples of muscles sculpted in perfect form.
His eyes penetrated mine, betraying his most intimate thoughts. He clasped a hand behind my back and fisted my jeans, removing them with swift precision. They dropped to the floor and my hands instantly seized his, shedding the unwanted fabric between us.
Eager hands palmed my ass and drew my body close to his. His heat pressed against my damp underwear. I could feel him grin beneath his kiss. His eyes stayed locked on mine as he spread my thighs and lowered himself to one knee. He gripped my legs and jerked my body forward, bringing me to the edge of the surface.
Every part of me tingled with anticipation as his warm hand slipped beneath my underwear.
"I hope you're not attached to these."
A quick and wicked tear filled the air. The cool air blasted the scorching heat between my legs. His tongue ran across his lips as he looked down at me.
"Hold onto something."
He spread my legs, giving himself full access. My hands gripped the edge of the wooden surface in preparation of the glorious phenomenon that was about to take place between my thighs.
This woman doesn't know what she does to me. I'm hungry for her love, her body. I want to see her head roll back in pleasure, knowing I'm the one to drive her body wild. I held her legs steady as I devoured her. Loving a woman like this is an art, and Amy, she's my damn masterpiece.
Desperate moans repeatedly escaped her lips as she arched her body. Her orgasm whipped through her, and I didn't stop. I dragged out every last shiver until she trembled weakly, her eyes glazed, and utter satisfaction covering her beautiful face.
Her eyes sparked with renewed interest when I stood, and she saw how aroused I was. Her loving hand reached out and stroked me. I gripped the wooden counter and leaned into her heady touch. Several strokes in and I nearly lost myself, but not without having her first.
I leaned into her, opening her legs for me and plunged into the slick heat awaiting me. My head rolled back as I slid in deeper. She felt amazing, mind-blowing. I gazed down at her sensuous stare. She leaned back, and I took one hand to her thigh and the other to grip the counter for stability.
Her moans erupted, a chorus of pleasure. I couldn't slow down, couldn't think. The friction, the sound of us coming together, it blanketed my thoughts, my senses. I couldn't get enough. I thrust deeper, harder. She called out my name and then exhilarant bliss seized my body.
I collapsed, my palms flat on the surface, holding my breathless body over hers.
"Damn, Amy, there's nothing, nothing as good as how you feel."
Brock stroked his hand through my hair as we laid in bed after a warm shower. I traced my fingers over the outline of his ex-inspired tattoo—a black bird with a leafless tree drawn into its spread wing. I'd never seen anything like it.
"What does it mean?"
His hand continued to send soothing waves of pleasure over my skin as his fingers slipped through my loose strands.
"It's a reminder to never let the pain of my past hold me back and get in the way of living."
A humored breath left me. Ironic how well that applied to me.
"You're amazing, Brock. Truly. Your strength inspires me."
He shifted his body and raised my chin to meet his gaze. "You want to talk about strong. You lost someone you loved dearly and found a way to continue to move forward. You built a life and a business on your own. You heal wounded horses and give them a chance at life again. You're the inspiration, not me. You're beautiful, Amy, inside and out, and you are strong. Incredibly strong. Don't ever doubt that."
"I love you, so much."
His hand caressed my cheek. "I love you, gorgeous. Don't ever doubt that either."
He kissed me soft and sweet and held me close against him, running his fingers through my hair until sleep took me.
I woke, feeling incredible. I was looking down at the most beautiful woman, and her heart belonged to me. The night before meant more to me than Amy would ever know. I had what I'd been waiting the last several weeks for—her love. The moment she'd said it, I couldn't have her fast enough.
I leaned over her and caressed along her stomach until her eyes opened and a smile swelled her cheeks.
"Morning, gorgeous. Think we can get a ride in before your parents get here?"
She stretched and wrapped her arms around me, pulling me down for a kiss.
"Sure can, they aren't arriving until noon."
"Good, I'm looking forward to riding my new horse."
"You'll have to let me know how he rides. I held off so you could be the first."
I held her face in my hands and loved on her luscious lips. "You're perfect, baby. Simply perfect. The little things you do to make me feel special. I can't tell you how much that means to me."
Her soft, lengthy leg wrapped around mine, pulling me between her. There's nowhere else I wanted to be more. I slid my length across her silky folds. Her head tilted back as her body arched, welcoming me. My lips found hers, covering the sweet breathy moans escaping her lips.
"I love you, Amy."
Impassioned blue eyes seized mine. Her hand grazed my face, taking hold and locking me in place, inches from hers. The kiss came, full of heated need, before the emotional words escaped her perfect lips.
"I love you, too."
It was difficult to let her out of bed, but a stunning thoroughbred was waiting for me in a stall. A thoroughbred that I was now the proud owner of. I rushed through a shower and took breakfast to go. With it being Sunday, I held onto my eager, childlike enthusiasm and assisted Amy with feeding the horses and letting them ou
t to the pasture. Once all the horses were cared for, I led Thunder outside the saddle room and hitched his rope and prepped him for a ride. I winked at the beautiful woman saddling Merlin next to me.
"Should we make a wager?"
A humored breath escaped her. "What did you have in mind?"
"If Thunder and I make it to the top of the hill first, you ride me tonight."
Her smile grew wide. "And if Merlin and I reach the hill first?"
"I give you a backrub and you can choose the position."
Her boot hooked into the stirrup, lifting her tall, graceful body onto the saddle. She turned Merlin toward the barn entrance as I hurried atop Thunder's saddle.
"I'm going to enjoy that backrub," she said, escaping quickly from the barn.
I pushed Thunder into a gallop, testing his limits. No matter who reached the top of the hill first, it was a win-win, but still, I had to try. A man's got to hold his own, especially in his own wager. Thunder was built well, holding his own against Merlin, but there was no beating the hours of training Amy had put in with him. As we neared the top of the hill, Thunder's speed declined. Merlin's endurance brought him and Amy to the top before us. We joined them a couple strides later.
"You know, I would have given you a backrub even if we won."
She leered her gaze at me, a lascivious grin on her face. "I would have ridden you without the wager."
My jeans tightened at the provocative words escaping those sexy, pink lips. A low grumble escaped my chest.
"Woman, you don't know what you do to me."
"Oh, I think I do, and I like it."
Watching her now, sitting atop the lustrous gray thoroughbred, her face to the breeze, the sun kissing her skin, I wanted to hold onto this moment because, little did she know, tonight I'd be asking her father for her hand in marriage.
Brock set the last plate on my dining table and leaned against the chair.
"Think my introduction with your parents will go better than your introduction with my mother?"
I gave Brock a reassuring smile. "It wasn't that bad. She's just looking out for you."
Brock came around the table and pulled me into his arms, resting his hands together on my lower back. "I promise the next time you see her, she'll be a lot nicer. I've made sure of that."
I rubbed along his arched biceps. "Don't be too hard on her or she'll really hate me."
He nuzzled my nose with his. "Not a chance. If I love you, she has to."
I chuckled before leaning up to kiss him. "She doesn't have to do anything."
A vehicle pulling up the drive sounded in the distance.
"They're here," I said with a nervous grin. I took Brock's hand and led him toward the door.
"How should I address your father?"
"Call him Henry. I've told him enough about you, we're past formalities."
I swung open the door and waved at my parents and Grams as they exited the SUV. They reached us and I waved them all in.
"Mom, Dad, Grams, I'd like you to meet Brock Baisdin."
Dad outstretched his hand for Brock to take. "It's a pleasure to meet you. We've heard many great things about you."
Brock smiled appreciatively. "I can say the same about you."
A twinkle lit up my father's eyes. My mom smiled and stepped forward.
"I'm MaryAnn and this is my mother, Evelyn."
Grams pulled Brock in for a hug. Her tiny stature disappeared behind his tall, muscular frame.
"Call me Grams."
Brock let out a breath; his shoulders lowered as his nervous tension eased.
We all settled around the table and filled dinner with light conversation about the ranch, Brock's business, and everyone's current affairs. When we finished, the ladies moved into the kitchen to clean up. Brock entered and wrapped his arm around me and kissed my hair.
"Your father and I are going to take a walk out to the barn and check the horses. See you in a bit."
I stepped into the archway and watched them walk out together, feeling slightly anxious about their private time together.
Mom patted my shoulder. "Stop worrying. Your father likes him. I can tell."
I turned and met her identical baby-blues. "And what do you think of him?"
Grams placed the last dish in the dishwasher. "He's handsome."
Mom glanced over her shoulder, and I let out a humored laugh. "Yes, he is."
"You did well picking him," Grams praised.
"What about you?" I looked at my mother's unreadable expression.
Her lips eased into a pleasant curve. "He's charming and obviously adores you. I like him."
Instantly, the tension left my shoulders.
The moment I stroked Thunder's mane, my shoulders relaxed.
"It's a fine horse Amy bought."
"It's the best gift anyone has ever given me."
"My daughter evidently cares a great deal for you."
I leaned my weight against the stall rails. "I care a great deal for her, too. More than care for her. I love her."
Henry's eyes remained focused on Thunder as he stroked his muzzle. "You know what she's been through?"
"I do, yes."
Henry's tall, lean frame adjusted. He set his elbow on the top rail and leaned his weight against it, before meeting my gaze.
"Amy's been through something that no young woman should ever have to live through. She's incredibly strong, but it took a lot for her to get where she's at now. The last thing she needs is another broken heart."
"I understand."
"Then, you won't mind me asking…what are your intentions?"
The corner of my mouth creased. "I was hoping you'd ask. I've been waiting for a woman like Amy to come into my life for years. When she finally did, it didn't take me long to realize what an incredible woman she is. It also didn't take me long to realize how much I love her and how proud I'd be to call her my wife. With your permission, I'd like to ask Amy to marry me."
The man's cool demeanor was unaffected. He tilted his head and rubbed his hand along his chin, obviously contemplating what I'd said.
"Would you want to live here or your house?"
"Whatever would make her more comfortable, but considering how things are now, we'd likely live here. It would make more sense with the ranch."
Henry's eyes focused in on mine. "Would you want to become co-owner of the ranch?"
"If Amy wants me to, but that isn't an interest of mine, so we're clear on that."
Henry nodded. The man was evidently very intelligent and protective of his daughter. It increased my already growing respect for him.
"How soon would you want to get married?"
"I don't want to rush her. A longer engagement might be appropriate. She and I can decide that together. I want whatever makes her happy."
A smile grew from the corner of his mouth. "That's what I want, too. You have my permission. I believe you'd make my daughter happy. But I do want to make it clear for you, if you do anything to hurt my daughter, you'll have a serious problem on your hands."
I received the blessing I'd hoped for and it was sealed with a promise I expected. I reached my hand out for Henry, my future father-in-law, to shake.
"I respect you, Henry, and appreciate how important your daughter is to you. I hope I can make you proud to have me as your son-in-law."
The morning sun filtered through Amy's bedroom window, casting a warm glow over her beautiful face and disheveled hair. Moments like this, when she was peacefully sleeping in my arms after loving her well into the night, left me with a feeling of heart-swelling joy. How did I get so lucky to end up with her? She was everything I'd ever wanted, and I couldn't wait to ask her to take my last name. I leaned across her side and swept kisses over her eyes, nose, and cheeks. She giggled as her eyes fluttered open. She held me in place so she could claim my lips.
"What are you so happy about?" she asked.
"I'm glad it's the weekend. I've been waiting all week for ou
r trip."
"I can't believe how good you can keep a secret. I've been dying to know where you're taking me."
"The quicker you get ready, the quicker you can find out."
Amy's long, slinky legs eased off the bed. My morning wood ached the moment I caught a glimpse of her perfectly round cheeks taunting me from beneath her tiny, cotton shorts. Might as well satisfy the needy bastard. I chased her down and stripped off the blockade of fabric between me and downright filthy erotic bliss. I lifted her into the shower and met the silky wetness waiting for me.
"You're gonna have to wait just a little longer, baby."
A lecherous grin spread across her soft, pink lips. She wrapped one lengthy leg around my waist.
"It's worth it."
Anticipation had me wiggling impatiently in the passenger seat of Brock's Nova. My eyes were glued to what was beyond the windshield as he finally took the exit to our destination. As soon as I saw the sign, I had a feeling of where he intended to take me for the weekend. I looked over at him, excitement bursting from my core.
"Are we going to the horse track?"
"Yes, baby, we are. And after the race is over, I booked us a very nice room to enjoy for the weekend."
I squeezed his hand as a squeal of excitement left me. I hadn't been to the races since I was a teenager with my parents. I couldn't wait to enjoy it all, and being there with Brock made it all the more special.
Brock pulled into the parking lot, and I nearly jumped out the moment he shifted it into park. He came around the other side and wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm glad you're this excited. I hoped you would be. C'mon, let's head in."
He took my hand and led me to the ticket window. He handed them off and we were ushered through the entrance. The place was buzzing with life. People were going every direction toward the seating stands, the restaurant, and the betting stations.
Brock gave my hand a squeeze and winked at me.
"I have a surprise for you."
He led me to the stables. We met a tall, slender, dark-haired staff member at the gate. He raised his hand and stepped toward us.
Fire On The Farm (Second Chance Cowboy Romance) Page 15
