Oh God. Yes.
He reared back and shot forward one more time, his balls slapping her ass. That's all it took for the floodgates to open. Fire and ice sliced through his veins. Rippling currents overtook his body. They tore through him without mercy.
Someone screamed.
Who? He didn't know or care.
Dolan couldn't think past the exquisite pounding in his groin. In a heartbeat another throb shot towards each of his limbs. Painful, but the best fuckin’ thing he had ever felt. He trembled. It hurt so good. His cock jerked with each delicious contraction of her sex, sucking, milking him dry.
Before he knew it, it was over. Yet the thud of his heart against the walls of his chest remained. He felt drained, exhausted, but pleasantly sated. Even Rowdy appeared lost for words as he eased out of her mouth.
Tracy leaned forward, slipping out of his grasp to slide upon her side. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. She didn't make a sound.
"You okay?” he asked.
Rolling upon her back, she stretched like cat, moving her arms high above her head and then down to her side. Through feathered eyelashes she looked up and hummed, “Mmmm ... Take me again."
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Chapter Thirteen
"So you're the one giving Dolan hell,” said the brunette with sky-blue eyes and a friendly smile. She was beautiful. Tall, slender, and curves and mounds molded into a pair of jeans and form-fitting T-shirt that plunged low enough to drive a man's imagination wild.
Tracy hated her immediately.
Well. Not really, but she couldn't help feel a little uncomfortable with the expressions the woman and Dolan shared. She couldn't put her finger on it, but he looked at her lovingly and it didn't feel like a cousinly love.
"Caitlyn.” Cord Daily, her husband, tugged on her dark brown ponytail, but it wasn't a scolding, not with the soft way he looked at her. He loved her and it was obvious as his hands drew her back against him, his arms snaking around her waist to hold her tight. Cord tickled her neck with his close-cropped, blond moustache and goatee, causing her to giggle. The sound should have been a high-pitch cackle. Instead it came out a stroke of sensuality. “Behave,” he whispered, seemingly unashamed to kiss her in front of God and everyone.
What was Tracy thinking accepting Dolan's invitation to have dinner with his cousin and his wife?
It was Friday. Two days had passed since she'd been with Rowdy and Dolan. She hadn't heard from either of them and probably wouldn't have except today had been her first day at work. It had been a wonderful day working beside Dolan. Caught up in stolen glances and touches she doubted were unintentional. When he had cornered her in the supply room and kissed her silly she had given in and accepted the opportunity to be with him. It was a plus that the staff was great, the work fulfilling. Even Ice Princess was doing well.
Yet since they had arrived at his cousin's, Dolan had grown quiet and reserved. Why?
The mischievous expression on Caitlyn's face said she wasn't through causing trouble. “So, Dolan, she is your type and you like red hair after all."
"Cait!” Both men chimed at the same time. Cord gave her a little shake.
Tracy glanced at Dolan, but he refused to make eye contact.
Coward.
"Okay. Okay.” The woman's laughter was contagious. Even Tracy felt a tickle in her throat as Caitlyn danced out of her husband's arms and he grabbed at her, catching air.
So Dolan had mentioned her to them. What exactly did the woman mean by “giving Dolan hell"?
"Why don't you two go do,” Caitlyn brushed her hands through the air, “whatever it is you boys do. Tracy and I will see to supper."
Dolan leaned closer to Tracy. A sparkle twinkled in his eyes as he stared at his cousin's wife. “Don't listen to a thing she says."
"Scared?” Caitlyn teased.
"You have no idea,” Dolan responded. The interplay between them seemed so natural—so close.
Caitlyn's laughter was magical, charming both men as they gazed at her adoringly and for some reason that pissed Tracy off. The intimate way Caitlyn sashayed toward Dolan, kissing his cheek was all she needed to see to know that the three of them were connected and she didn't mean through marriage.
Dammit. Now she felt miserable. Were they still an item? What about her and Rowdy's arrangement with him? A knot formed in her stomach. Maybe their time together had meant nothing. This really sucked.
Caitlyn threaded her arm through Tracy's and pulled her nearer. The closeness made her eyes widen. She tensed as the woman snuggled nearer. She was either awful friendly, accepting Tracy simply because Dolan did or—
Holy shit! Maybe they were swingers. Maybe Dolan brought her here to switch-play. Oh fuck. Maybe they planned a four-way for tonight's dessert.
God-ohGod-ohGod.
Maybe the men planned on watching the women go at it first. Her vivid imagination took wings, making her pulse race. Her heart beat like warring drums. Tracy had to admit she wanted to enhance her sexual experiences, but—
She stumbled, a sick feeling swimming in the pit of her belly. Cord was easy on the eyes, but she didn't find herself attracted to him. Although she didn't care about one's sexual preferences, she wasn't game to going down on a woman or vice versa while the man she desired looked on. She didn't want anyone but Dolan. Panic lodged in her throat. She didn't want to share Dolan.
It was true.
Although she felt attracted to Rowdy it was Dolan whom she dreamt of each night and who held her thoughts throughout the day. With just a touch he made her body tremble. Her heart squeezed with yearning.
"You okay?” Caitlyn asked patting her arm. Even before Tracy could answer she said, “Don't worry. I'll take care of you."
That's exactly what Tracy was worried about.
"I hope you like Cornish hens."
"What?” Tracy tried to jerk her wayward thoughts back to what Caitlyn was saying.
"Cornish hens and wild rice?” She smiled so prettily—and innocently. “It's a new recipe I'm trying. Do you like chicken?” She chatted on as they approached the house. “Please tell me you're not a vegetarian.” Releasing Tracy's arm, she opened the screen door and stepped aside allowing Tracy to step inside. “So what do you think about our Dolan?"
Tracy hesitated, and then she turned around. Our Dolan? The words stuck in her craw. Jealousy crawled up her neck spreading heat across her cheeks.
"Oh my. I hope I haven't embarrassed you.” After she entered the kitchen she let the screen door slam shut. “It's just we're so close. I—we care.” Her voice softened.
Yeah. I bet you're close. Tracy forced an innocent smile. “Embarrassed? Me? Whatever for?” Thank God for high school acting classes. She took a deep breath, raising her chin slightly. “Dolan and I are associates. As you know we work together."
"Puleez.” A canny grin told her the woman wasn't buying it. “I know Dolan. He's infatuated with you."
Now it was her turn to voice puleez. “It's professional respect."
"Oh honey, it's more than that.” Caitlyn eyed her curiously. “But—” she shrugged, “whatever. So do you like Cornish hen?"
What the hell? They were back to chicken again?
"Yes. As a matter of fact, I love chicken.” There. Enough about the friggin’ chicken. The juicy scent penetrated Tracy's senses. She didn't realize she was hungry until now.
"Wonderful.” Bending, Caitlyn opened a cabinet and extracted a pan. “And the answer is no,” she said standing and then heading for the sink.
Now what the hell was the woman talking about? “No?” Tracy bit, even though she knew she was being led down a blind path by the nose.
Caitlyn flashed a knowing grin over her shoulder. “We aren't sleeping together.” She gave the knob a twist and watered cascaded into the pan. “Not since Cord and I got married."
The heaviness in her chest dissipated and relief that her assumptions about the night had been wrong took its place. But it was
a backhanded relief. Dolan had slept with this woman, a fact that was like a rope around Tracy's tongue, making it difficult to speak. “I—Ah. I mean—” Laughter met her frustration.
Caitlyn turned off the faucet and placed a steamer basket inside the pan before placing it on the stove. “The men in this family love a good fuck. The more the merrier.” She winked before reaching for the asparagus lying on the drainer and placing it inside the pan. “But once they settle down it's for good. They're one-woman men.” She squared the lid on the pan and then wiped her hands on a towel lying on the counter. “Cord won't let another man touch me. If you're the right one for Dolan it'll be the same way."
That heaviness in Tracy's chest returned with a vengeance. Although she had thought she heard Dolan profess she was his, he had shared her yet again with Rowdy. Of course, she had asked for it, even craved it. The second time had been explosive. She had collapsed in his arms. After which he had mumbled something about an appointment, refused to eat lunch and left like his ass was on fire.
Igniting a flame beneath the pan, Caitlyn turned the stove down before facing her. “So who's Tracy Marx?"
Good question.
She went through the basic information about home, life and her love of animals choosing her current occupation. After she revealed the death of her father and her sister, Caitlyn sat on one of the kitchen chairs.
"Sit,” she said, before adding, “I'm so sorry. Is your nephew with his father or your mother?"
Tracy pulled out a chair and sat. “No. Mom isn't well enough to take on a child and Sheldon's father isn't in the picture. My nephew will join me soon. I made a promise to my sister to care for him. I intend to keep it. Besides I love him like he is my own."
"So...” A perfectly plucked brow rose along with caution in her voice when she spoke again. “You've become an instant mother?"
Tears welled in Tracy's eyes, but she fought back the emotion. “Yes.” It sounded funny even to her, but she was now Sheldon's mother.
"Does Dolan know?” Caitlyn must have realized the insinuation in her words, because she stuttered. “I-I mean—not that it would matter."
The hell it wouldn't. Clearly the woman sitting across from her thought differently.
"No. It hasn't come up in our conversations.” Truthfully they hadn't done much talking when they got together. For the first time she understood how her sister must have felt. Second dates were rare once the man discovered a child was involved. The man who loved Tracy would also have to love the boy who meant so much to her.
Welcome to your new world, a small voice within her head said.
A smirk tugged at the corners of Cord's mouth. He shook his hand before his chest. “H-O-T."
Dolan hid a grin.
Walking side by side they headed in the direction of the pasture. “You didn't mention that she was drop-dead beautiful. Her hair is amazing, especially against that dress. And that voice.” He paused. “Damn. It's enough to make a man come on the spot."
Pride squeezed Dolan's chest. Tracy did have the sexiest voice he had ever heard and she looked fantastic tonight when he picked her up. The soft flowing dress she wore hugged all the right places and showed enough leg, making him instantly hard. The emerald color made her hair glisten in contrast. For two cents he would have canceled dinner and instead spent the night peeling that dress off her.
Yet there was more to Tracy then a pretty face and a sexy body. She was intelligent and her down-home charm drew people like bees to honey. The confident way she handled not only their patients today, but their owners, was remarkable to watch. She had a casual way with people that drew their confidence. Of course, she had the training and knowledge to back her up. The staff was falling in love with her and that included him. He'd known it the first time he laid eyes on her.
They stopped before the fence. Cord placed a booted foot on the lower rung. “So?” he said looking out across the grassy field. Several thoroughbreds grazed quietly. The sun was setting in the west, creating streaks of reds, oranges and yellows across the sky.
Dolan rested his forearms on the fence. “So what?” He released a weighted sigh. Some day he would own a place like this—horses, cattle, a home, a wife and a family.
Cord cocked his head. “Last we talked she was a burr beneath your saddle blanket. Now I gather it's another blanket she's lying under.” He hid the smile, but amusement danced in his eyes.
"Not much choice. Doc Zimmerman gave her a job."
"Bullshit.” This time he did smile. “Who do you think you're talking to?"
"An asshole,” Dolan said playfully.
"Don't think your sweet talk works on me.” His expression grew serious. “So what's going on? Even Cait detected the heat between the two of you."
Dolan took his Stetson off and pushed his fingers through his hair. “I've fallen hard.” He set his hat back upon his head. “Damn woman is always on my mind. She haunts me,” he admitted without shame.
Cord wagged his head. “Yep. I know that feeling."
Silence stretched between them as they gazed blindly out across the land.
"So when do you think Taylor Tweeds will foal?” Cord asked watching the black mare with three white socks. Cait's mare Misty Dawn was also expecting a foal from Cord's stud.
"A week, maybe."
"Yep. Know that feeling,” Cord repeated more to himself than Dolan. “Guess we'd better head back. Cait is trying out another new recipe."
"Is that good or bad?” Dolan asked as they headed back toward the house.
"Depends. Either way I tell her it's great.” Dolan saw love reflecting in his cousin's bright eyes. “Would appreciate if you did the same."
So this is what love did to a man—made a liar out of him, killed his taste buds and gave him a cast iron stomach.
Dolan could live with that.
They entered the house and scents of roasting chicken and freshly baked bread touched his nose. His stomach growled and he prayed it was one of Cait's better days of cooking. He was hungry.
As they walked through the kitchen Cait had remodeled to go along with her new cooking interest, he marveled at the change she had wrought not only to his cousin, but the house. The western décor along with the bulky wood and leather furniture that he, Cord and his uncle had lived with for years was gone. Instead a more classical air rang in the furniture, curtains, carpet and accessories. Cait had left her mark in every room, including the dining room. A simple but classy chandelier hung above the elegant eight-seated dining table set for only four. Fresh flowers, china, not paper plates, crystal and silverware graced the table. Candlelight flickered softly.
Dolan took his hat off and hung it on the back of one of the chairs. He thought of his own home. It was cold, needing a woman's touch—Tracy's touch.
Her laughter stroked his ears and he turned to see her and Cait descending the stairs. As Tracy entered the room their eyes met and warmth surged through his veins.
"I was showing Tracy the rest of the house.” Cait walked into Cord's arms.
"It's beautiful.” Tracy stopped short of reaching him. There was something bothering her. He could feel the instant chill in the room.
"I'm afraid it's all her doing.” Cord kissed his wife on the forehead. “She's dollified the house."
"Dollified? Is that a word? Maybe sissified. I know that's a real word.” Dolan closed the distance between him and Tracy. “You okay?"
She nodded, but instinctively he felt her lie.
"Dolan.” Caitlyn whined his name. “You don't like what I've done to the place?"
Cord touched his lips to hers. “He loves it. He's just jealous."
Had Cait said something to upset Tracy?
"Damn, Cord. She's got you wrapped right around her finger.” His cousin didn't even try to dispute his jest.
Instead, he said, “Smells good. What culinary delight are we in for tonight?"
Cait beamed. “Cornish hens and wild rice."
"She's p
retty high on chicken.” Tracy smiled, but the gesture appeared strained.
"Ready to eat?” Cait stepped out of Cord's embrace. “Tracy, you and Dolan take a seat. Cord can help me in the kitchen."
Approaching the table, Dolan pulled out a chair for her.
"Thank you.” She sat without speaking another word.
"Is something wrong?” He scooted out a chair and sat.
"Of course not."
He wanted to delve deeper, but Cord and Cait entered with four plates covered by silver domes. They set one in front of each of their empty seats, and then set the other plates before Dolan and Tracy. Cait lifted the dome and Dolan wanted to laugh, but suffocated the chuckle as it tickled his throat. The damn bird looked more like a pigeon. There wasn't an ounce of meat on its thighs.
"Mmmm. It looks great,” he choked. Cait was oblivious to the laughter in his voice, but Tracy wasn't. She frowned at him. He winked and the hard lines in her face softened.
Cord was the first to take a chance on the cuisine before them. Everyone watched as he tore off a leg, placing the tiny thing into his mouth. Stripping the meat off the bone, he chewed. “This is really good, baby.” He broke off the other leg and his wife grinned ear to ear.
Dolan ventured forward and cut into the breast. Liquid oozed from the chicken. He sliced a wedge and placed the meat on his tongue. Moist. Juicy. He chewed. Not half bad. Swallowing, he went for another bite.
"It's wonderful,” Tracy said. “Isn't it, Dolan?"
Mouth full and chewing, he nodded.
The conversation was light as they ate. He discovered that Tracy loved horses, although she hadn't ridden in quite a while. Other than college this was the first time she'd lived away from home. She was already a little homesick, but anxious to establish herself in California. She cooked very little, but she hoped to rectify that.
"I can help,” Cait offered. “I have tons of cookbooks."
"I can attest to that. We had to remodel the kitchen just to accommodate them.” Cord released a dramatic sigh. He laughed, dodging his wife's hand as she playfully swung out at him.
"Ready for dessert?” she asked pushing to her feet. Tracy stood following her into the kitchen. Each carried two plates with pieces of chocolate cake as they stepped back into the room.
Take Me Again Page 13
