by Piper Stone
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Cooper demanded, getting in his face. He had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, the kind she could melt into. Even the two-day stubble on his chiseled face was so damn sensual, alluring in a rugged way.
“You know exactly what that means. You never followed the rules and I suspect you refuse to do so now. Time to grow up, Miss Dawson. Your antics aren’t appreciated. That’s why I took matters into my hands last night and you know what? I think you appreciated a firm hand. In fact, I believe that’s exactly what you want, what you’ve always craved.”
“And you’re the man to give it to me?” Cooper tilted her chin, her lips pursed.
“I am just that man and if you continue pressing me, I’m going to make certain you understand just what kind of man I can be.”
She opened her mouth to retort then shrank back, blinking several times.
“Good girl. I knew you had it in you to tame that mouth of yours. Have a fabulous time at the party, ladies.” Rex turned on his heel, swaggering away.
“Good girl?” Cooper hissed under her breath, her eyes never leaving his carved ass and long legs and...
“What just happened?” Angie asked, moving closer, her mouth gaping open.
“You mean with Mr. Asshole? I told you. He was exactly like that last night.” Cooper tingled all over. She would never forget how forceful he was on that beautiful April night so many years before, taking her by the arm and leading her away from the others. He’d planted his hands on either side of her, peering down, his lips only an inch away. And she’d never forget his words.
“One day, you’re going to be mine, and on that day, you’re going to follow my rules.”
Cooper swallowed, pressing two fingers across her lips, envisioning the forceful kiss.
“If I remember the story correctly, you were pretty nasty and demanding last night.”
The words were biting but very correct. She could only sigh as her answer. “Come on, let’s try to enjoy the party.” She walked ahead, her thoughts lingering on what Angie had said and in truth, Rex’s words. Maybe she was back in town for more than one reason. Maybe.
* * *
“Mr. Asshole has some hot friends,” Angie said as she grabbed another glass of wine.
Cooper held her breath. During the entire afternoon, they’d run into Rex and his buddies a solid five times and every time, they’d turned away, but she’d seen the look in his eyes. Hunger. No doubt the same burning desire she had in hers.
“You look pale.”
“I’m fine and it’s Rex. I shouldn’t have called him an asshole,” Cooper half whispered, craning her neck in order to try to get a better look. Twilight was setting in and twinkling lights had been placed in several locations, creating a beautiful glowing hue throughout the area. There was even a temporary dance floor in front of the makeshift stage.
“Wow. You’ve changed your tune out of the blue. Why? What angle are you trying now?”
“No angle. Just thinking about the past.” He’s right. I need to grow up. She rolled her eyes, trying to push him out of her mind.
Angie shifted so she could look her friend in the eye. “Honey, whatever is going on with you, you need to talk to someone. You’re all over the place and not yourself.” She hummed along to the music as the band began to play, jazzing the crowd almost instantly. “Is this about what happened in St. Louis?”
“Truth is, I don’t know any longer. I’m getting over it. I’d determined to find myself again. Stop worrying.” What she did know, she wasn’t certain she liked. The mask she’d been hiding behind was tight, strangling her, and while she had a good reason, she no longer wanted to use the past as an excuse. No matter how ugly it was. She needed to get on with her life. She studied the dozens of couples as they flooded the dance floor, arm in arm as the band turned up the volume. They looked so happy, so content.
Angie placed her hand on Cooper’s arm, squeezing. “Maybe karma is offering you a do-over. Maybe just maybe, she’s planting a seed in your mind about one particular man.”
She fought the grin and failed, heat creeping up from the swell of her breasts to her cheeks. “Well, it’s obvious he doesn’t want to have anything to do with me so that’s just fine.”
“Such a pessimist. Let’s dance. Get your mind off stud muffin.”
“I’m not a dancer.” And maybe I don’t want to stop thinking about him.
“Bullshit. Put your drink down and come on. Let’s find some men.” Angie refused to take no for an answer, yanking Cooper forward. “And I’m not suggesting Rex, although he’s a damn good catch. He’s not married or seeing anyone.”
“How do you know these things?” Cooper half smiled.
Angie winked. “I just do. Come on.”
She barely had time to find a place for her glass before stepping onto the wooden planks. The band was very good, livening up the crowd, but she’d never felt so alone. As she moved from side to side, her dress swished across her backside, reminding her of the spanking. The humiliation had been terrifying but at the same time, there’d been such peace rolling into her system from his strong words alone. Maybe the stern discipline had done her some good after all.
“Would you look at that sexy blond dude?” Angie smacked Cooper with the back of her hand. “He’s gorgeous.”
“And the sexy cowboy is staring at you. Go on, ask him to dance. You know you want to.”
“Are you certain you’ll be all right?”
“I’m a big girl. Go. Have fun. I might find a cowboy or two myself,” Cooper insisted.
“Oh, a ménage. I love it!”
Cooper kept her practiced smile as Angie moved toward the guy in question. At least Angie was going to have a wonderful night. She tried to get into the groove, dancing by herself and even moving further into the crowd. Several of the unattached cowboys glanced at her from the sidelines, forcing her to move even further into the dense group. Making small talk while dancing with a stranger wasn’t her style.
After what seemed like an eternity, she had enough of being bumped and pushed. She made her way back through the crowd, seeking another glass of wine and some quiet time.
“Would you care to dance? I ain’t that good, but I can give it a try.”
The music seemed to stop, creating a vacuum as she turned to study the cowboy. The voice was so similar to Rex’s, a deep baritone, but there were no shivers, no wetness. He just wasn’t the one. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m a little tired.”
“Well, if you rest up, little lady, come find me.”
Giving him a polite nod, she quickened her step, happy to see she was the second person in line. The wine in her hand, she headed for the bank of trees and picnic tables, far removed from the crowd. She leaned against a large oak tree, still tapping her foot in time to the music. The moon was almost full, creating a light show with the stars. She’d forgotten how beautiful Texas could be, especially at night. “I wish I may, I wish I might...” She allowed the words to die off.
“Wish upon a star tonight.”
Shards of electricity sheared along the backs of her legs, pulsing into her pussy, forcing her nipples to harden. She swallowed when he flanked her side, gazing up at the sky, his face pensive. The awkwardness was palpable. “What did you wish for?”
“Same thing I always do.” Rex kicked his heel into the grass.
“Mmm...”
“What about you?” he asked, darting a look over his shoulder.
“I don’t have a wish.”
“Everyone has a wish, even though we can’t be certain it’ll come true.”
She studied his long neck and strong shoulders, the short cropped blond hair, long legs that were to die for, and the most tantalizing lips she’d ever seen. “Why didn’t you call me?” Perfect conversation.
“When?”
“After the night in school.” Cooper whispered the words.
He seemed taken aback, turning to face her. “You remember that
night.”
“I’ve never forgotten anything about that night. Everything was magical, special. Then you didn’t call and left town. I thought I’d done something wrong. Then I hated you, figuring you were just one of those guys.”
Rex lowered his head, brushing one hand through his hair. “Cooper, I loved the night we shared. Truth is, I wanted more.” He seemed to hesitate.
“Okay.” She had no idea what to say. “Then you should have called me. You should have said anything to me. Anything to help me understand.”
“You’re right. I was an asshole,” he whispered as he gazed up at the sky, shaking his head. “You have no idea how much I wanted to see you again, but I didn’t want to start anything because I knew it would have to end.”
“Why? I don’t understand.”
“You don’t know?”
“Know?” she repeated, inching closer. What was she supposed to have known?
He scrunched his face. “Where I’ve been.”
“No. I just got back into town myself. I didn’t talk to anyone and came back only twice for Christmas. I just wanted to get away, you know?” She took a sip of her wine, hiding behind the glass. Another song started, and she tipped her head, smiling as she looked in the direction of the band. “Do you remember this song?”
“Not easy to forget. Rascal Flatts—‘I Won’t Let Go.’” When he said the words, he inched closer.
“That was my dream and with you. I realize we were just kids, but everything was magical,” she said then exhaled, swaying her hips back and forth.
“Yeah. I’ve thought about us more than a few times.”
His voice sounded so haunted, full of pain. “Where did you go, Rex?” she dared to ask.
“The reason I didn’t call you was because I’d signed up for the Marines.”
Narrowing her eyes, she had no idea what to say. “I honestly had no idea. You enlisted?”
“Yep. I wanted to get away from my father and the ranch. I wasn’t that good in school, so I had limited choices for college. Seemed like the right decision to make. Fight for the rights of people, ensure the safety of my beloved country. Our country.”
“Then you’re a hero.” As soon as she said the words, his expression changed, becoming darker and even in the moonlight, she could see the mist in his eyes. “No matter what happened during your time, serving alone makes you a hero. Never forget that.”
He looked away, a deep breath escaping his lips.
“I wasn’t teasing. I wouldn’t tease about something like that. I just... Well, I just wanted you to know.” Cooper felt like the same young girl who’d thought she was in love with him.
Rex smiled and nodded, closing the distance and taking the wine from her hand. Every move deliberate, he eased the plastic glass onto the table and took both her hands into his. “How about a dance?”
She wasn’t certain why tears formed, threatening to reveal her sappy inner self. Perhaps because of her thoughts and wishes regarding the past or because of the sadness in his eyes, but she dug her nails into his hands, shaking. “I don’t do this very well.”
“Neither do I.” As the song continued, the sultry lilting sounds floating in their direction, he took the lead, keeping their bodies moving in time to the beat.
Relaxing, she gave him a shy smile and glanced down at her feet. There were so many words she wanted to say, thoughts about the past, but there was no reason. Six years had passed and they’d both changed. Maybe too much. “I would have given you my virginity that night.”
His eyes opening wide, he lowered his head, pressing his lips against her forehead. “And I would have been honored.” He eased one hand around her waist, pulling her close.
Cooper stiffened at first then as the tension passed, she eased her head against his carved chest, drinking in the strong scent of musk and testosterone. Just being in his arms created a wave of heat between her legs, yet she had no idea what to say or how to think. The slick wetness soaked into her already damp panties and with every shift, her erect nipples became a distinct reminder of her complicated yearning.
He pulled her even closer, his hips swaying, his footsteps leading them in a wide arc.
The feel of his groin against her stomach stole her breath, the way he throbbed, his hardness allowing her to know his feelings, his longing. Closing her eyes, she fell into the moment, clutching his shirt, her legs quivering. When he leaned in, holding her even tighter, the entire world seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them. Her breath skipped, electricity searing every nerve ending. Everything about this was a sinful temptation or maybe a reminder of exactly what she couldn’t have.
He was gorgeous, muscular in all the right places and the second sparks exploded in her brain, she lost all track of time.
When the song ended, he didn’t let her go, yet his other arm slid around her, his hand rubbing up and down the length of her back. “You feel so good in my arms.”
“I missed you. You have no idea.”
Rex leaned back until their foreheads touched.
She could still see his eyes in the shadowed light, unfocused and full of raging desire. Her eyes unfocused, she issued a single moan when he exhaled, the hot breath cascading across her heated skin. Goosebumps popped along every inch of her naked skin, creating a firestorm of desire.
“Cooper.” He cupped her chin, his thumb brushing ever so slowly across her cheek. When she tipped her head, he pressed his lips against hers, not forcing her in any manner. “If you’re dating someone else, I don’t want to interfere.”
“I’m not dating anyone.” No one else could ever matter.
Clinging to him, she slid her arm around his neck, the moan becoming a whimper.
He captured her mouth, crushing his lips against hers and pulling her into a tight embrace.
After he darted his tongue just inside her mouth, she rose onto her tiptoes, shifting her back into a slight arc. The taste of him was exquisite, salty yet sweet at the same time, the kiss slow and deep. As their tongues entwined, every move so gentle, so loving, she was no longer certain she could stand on her own.
Rex crawled his hand down her back, cupping her ass, lifting her off the ground. Everything seemed to change, the shared desire overwhelming. The kiss became a passionate roar, their mouths open, tongues together, exploring the deep recesses. He pressed his groin back and forth, a slight growl slipping past his lips.
There was no way she could focus or think clearly. He’d simply taken her breath away, his lips crushing hers, leaving her tingling all over.
When he finally broke the kiss, gasping for air, he whispered words she never thought she’d hear. “God, I want you. Everything. All of you.”
Cooper tilted back her head, exposing her neck, unfocused as she attempted to gaze at the stars.
He licked across the seam of her mouth, taking his time before dragging the tip to her jawline, sliding back and forth. His mouth remaining open, he pressed it hard against her skin as he shifted across her neck, nipping her earlobe.
Current rushed through every cell and muscle in her body, leaving her wet and hungry, her pussy clamping down to the point she was certain she would have an orgasm. She managed to ease her hand between them, using her fingers to crawl down his chest to his jean-covered cock, stroking, her fingers roaming. Everything about this man was exciting, tempting and she never wanted the night to end.
“Oh, you are one bad little girl,” he whispered in her ear before darting his tongue just inside, his hand crunching her dress into a ball, sliding the material up to her thighs.
As the air hit her naked skin, she shuddered and opened her legs, wrapping one around his calf. “No, I’m a very good girl.”
“Not a chance, sunshine and bad girls deserve hard spankings,” he muttered before dragging his open mouth across to the other side, his tongue swiping her skin.
“That’s not fair!” She wasn’t certain if he was serious or not.
“It’s very fair.�
� He peppered a series of kisses down to the swell of her breasts, taking his time to lick up and down as if savoring her drops of perspiration. “My insolent brat.”
The sound of his husky voice filtered into her mind, sending current dancing down the length of her body. She continued stroking his long and hard cock, wanting nothing more than to have his throbbing shaft in her hand.
He fisted her hair, holding her in place as he continued exploring, using his teeth to move aside the bodice of her dress. He breathed out, covering her skin with his hot, wet breath.
This was like a dream come true, a special moment shared with the very man who’d kept her awake at night, fueled by vibrators and intense dark cravings. How could she refuse anything that he asked? “Rex, I...”
“Yes?” His mouth found her nipple, taking her tender bud into his mouth. He sucked, his tongue swirling in aimless circles.
When he cupped her naked ass, clenching, she whimpered, the sting of the spanking a reminder of his utter domination. She’d longed for a controlling man and Rex was passionate and dangerous, making her quiver to her very core. Every ounce of tension faded away as he bit down on her nipple, creating a wave of the most delicious pain. “Oh, yes... More.”
“More, huh?”
“Please.” Oh, dear God, yes. I want to have your cock in my pussy, thrusting in and out. No good girl should ever have these thoughts about a man she barely knew any longer, but she’d come to realize she had a distinct darker side. And this particular man fueled every wicked fantasy.
“Then you’re coming with me.”
Cooper quivered from excitement and the anticipation of sharing a night with such a gorgeous cowboy.
“Hello, you two.” Angie’s voice floated from behind them.
Stiffening, Cooper groaned and pushed hard against Rex, breaking the intimate connection. She darted her head around his arm, cringing as she noticed her friend wasn’t alone.
“We came to see if you wanted to go by the bonfire with us, but I guess not. I can see you’re otherwise occupied,” Angie quipped, snickering as she snuggled next to the blond cowboy.
“I’m taking her with me,” Rex stated, as if this wasn’t a question but a command.
