“You taste like sweet honey.” His tongue moved up and down between her clit and her pussy opening. Susie’s pussy clenched from the sensuous elation swelling in her core.
“Take me, Clay. I’m past ready.”
They stared into each other’s eyes. Love blossomed inside her every cell. She knew there’d been a significant difference in their visual interchange this time. Hopefully it would last.
Clay kissed her mouth. “Don’t doubt me, love. I know I’ve hurt you with my inconsistency, but I won’t again.”
He positioned his cock at her opening and surged inside. When he lifted her hips, he went deeper.
Susie’s tight pussy wrapped around him and they found a slow rhythm. The pace built their desire into a roaring fire.
“Look at me,” Clay said. His eyes glowed with warmth and caring. Her heart swelled at the tenderness she saw. Then he moved faster and a wave of euphoria swept her up and out of herself.
Clay went still. Then his orgasm shook him, and her pussy responded by clenching him tight.
He lay against her, but he was careful to not touch her arm. His rapid breathing and her wildly beating heart was all she heard.
* * * *
Clay raised his body carefully off her and cuddled her good side against him. He knew when she went to sleep. Her breathing slowed and her body relaxed. He dreaded the next two weeks. Letting her go tomorrow would hurt like hell.
He deserved it. He’d run hot and cold. She wasn’t sure she trusted him at this point. While she was gone, he’d go to New York, check on his business, and buy her a Christmas gift, a special one.
Chapter Nineteen
Susie had tried to busy herself with helping to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday, she, her mom, and Sondra had baked pies and a cake. Today they cooked the turkey and dressing, and the house smelled like Thanksgiving.
Her brothers and their families arrived and her sisters-in-law came in the kitchen to help. Susie’s niece and nephews ran around the house. Her brothers had married young and hadn’t waited before having children.
Her oldest brother hugged her just before they sat at the table. “How’s it going in New York?” he asked.
She explained all that had happened, and about opening a bookstore. Her father stopped carving the turkey and glanced at her. “Why didn’t you open a shop here? You’d be nearby and we’d support you.”
“I know, and I appreciate all you and Mom have done for me. But I wanted to do this on my own. I like Frontier City.”
“It’s too far from New Mexico,” he said.
Susie walked to her dad’s side. “I’ll come home for visits.”
Sondra spoke, “She’s in love, Dad. You’re going to have to accept she’ll live somewhere else.”
Her dad nodded. “But it hurts my heart. My boys stayed here, and my girls moved far away.”
“I’m closer than Sondra is in New York.”
“At least that’s something.” He started back carving and Susie went to her seat. “When do I get to meet this guy?”
“When I get back, if he still loves me, I’ll call. We’ll arrange a visit.”
Her father frowned. “What do you mean ‘if’? He’d better.”
Mary Anne cried out and Sondra went to get her. Susie breathed a sigh of relief. She was saved by a baby. She didn’t want to think about Clay having a change of heart. Her feelings had deepened and she missed him terribly. She had one more week before going home. How was she going to bear it?
* * * *
Clay had flown to New York the day after Thanksgiving. He checked in with the office and then walked down Broadway to his favorite jeweler. Over the years he’d bought his mother and sister several pieces of jewelry from him, and the engagement ring he’d given Priscilla.
The jeweler brought out several trays of rings to show him. “I want something special.” He studied the trays. “It’s not here.”
“Wait. I have a few very select items I keep in the safe.” He hurried to the back of his store. When he returned he held two small, white, velvet boxes. He opened them and Clay knew immediately which set he’d buy.
The round diamond shone in an intricate design with smaller diamonds scattered throughout the delicate, filigree gold. The wedding band had three rows of diamonds and curved to rest against the engagement ring. “It’s perfect for her. I haven’t asked her yet, but the delicacy of the rings makes me think of her.”
Clay paid the jeweler and had started out when he saw a thin gold necklace with amethyst stones. “I’ll take this, too.” He’d have them wrapped in Christmas paper and give her the necklace first. Then he’d surprise her with the rings.
It was a little over three weeks from Christmas. For the first time in years Clay was as excited as a kid.
He took out his cell and called Heath. “Hi, I’m in town. Can you meet me for lunch? My treat.”
“I won’t pass up a free meal, especially from you,” Heath teased.
“Shall we meet at our favorite restaurant near your office?”
“Yes. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Is that too short a notice?”
“No. I’ve been wondering how your move was progressing.”
“I’ll tell you all about it.”
Clay arrived first and got them a table in a quiet corner. About five minutes later Heath wove his way around the tables to him.
“You look good. The country air must agree with you. Have you found an office? And how is the pretty secretary doing? Let me see, her name was Suzette, right?”
“What you really want to know is whether you won your bet or not.” Clay grinned.
“Hmm, either you’re so happy you don’t care if you lost the bet, or you’re happy because you won. I think you lost.”
“What made you think Susie would be the right woman for me?”
“I’m not sure, but you overreacted to her and there was a different expression on your face when you looked at her. I won, didn’t I?”
“Look in the box.” Clay slid the jewelry box toward Heath. Heath grinned and snapped the lid up.
“Ah, I was right. I’m not sure why I’ve never been as accurate about my own relationships.”
“It’ll happen to you one of these days.”
“Hush your mouth,” Heath said and grinned. “I’m not ready. When do I collect my bet?”
“Changing the subject means it makes you nervous. This is one bet I don’t mind losing. I’ll have you talk to my brother, Sam, when you come to the wedding. He’ll make the arrangements for you to receive your prize. The waiter’s here with our menus. Order, then we can eat and you’ll quit gloating.”
During the meal Clay told Heath about the shooting. “She saved my life.”
“I liked her from the start. She’s one brave lady.” Heath raised his tea glass. “To Susie, she’s probably too good for you, but I’m happy you’ve come to your senses.”
“I hope you can come to the wedding.”
“I’ll be there to see my best friend tie the knot.”
When they got up to leave, Heath shook Clay’s hand. “Don’t forget to send me an invite.”
Outside they separated and went in different direction. Back at the office Clay worked steadily that day and the next. He wanted to get home.
He finished his business in record time, and flew to Frontier City two days later. To keep busy, he helped Sam around the ranch and finished furnishing his office. He’d open officially at the first of the year, although he’d already talked to several potential clients on the phone.
Clay checked on Susie’s shop and found her furniture had been delivered. The realtor said she’d let the men put the boxes inside.
Clay opened them and moved the furniture out. Since he didn’t know where Susie wanted the pieces placed, he decided to wait until she got back to do any further work. He glanced at his watch for the hundredth time. She’d arrive tomorrow at two.
* * * *
Susie checked the crowd
at the airport for Clay. She spotted him hurrying around people to get to her. She ran and met him halfway. Clay hugged her tight.
He pulled back. “Did I hurt your arm? It felt like you’d been gone two months,” Clay said.
“To me, too. And my arm is fine. It’s almost completely healed, just a little tender at times.”
They walked to the luggage area and got her suitcase, then headed outside. Clay lifted her into the truck and put her bag in the back. When he got in the driver’s seat, he turned to her.
His fingers trailed along the side of her face and across her lips. “You’re finally home.” He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. “How was your Thanksgiving?” he asked as he started the truck.
“I enjoyed seeing all my family. Dad isn’t happy about me opening a bookstore here instead of at home.”
Clay’s head jerked around. “Have you changed your mind?”
“Watch the road. No, I like Frontier City, and it needs my shop more than they do at home in New Mexico.”
Clay was quiet the rest of the way. When he turned down the drive to the Brodie ranch, Susie asked, “Why aren’t you taking me to my apartment?”
“Mom wants to see you, and then I’d like for us to stay at my place tonight and talk.”
“Okay.”
He parked by the house. “No argument?” A slight smile curved his sexy lips.
“Nope. I agree.”
Clay helped her out of the truck, and after he put her feet down, he held her tight against his body. “Let’s not stay long.”
Susie threw him a grin over her shoulder as she walked to the front door to greet Mrs. Brodie. “We’ll see,” she called back to Clay.
Mrs. Brodie hugged her. “Are you all well?”
“Yes.”
“I’m glad.” She took them to the kitchen. “You said you loved chocolate cake. I baked one especially for you.”
Susie took the cake cover off and smelled the dark chocolate. “It’s too pretty to cut.”
“Nonsense. Sit. I’ll cut you and Clay a piece. Do you want coffee or milk with it?”
“Coffee for me, Mom,” Clay said.
“I’ll take milk, but I can pour the coffee and milk while you cut the cake. Don’t forget yourself.”
“I won’t. I’ll take milk, too.”
While they ate Susie told them about her visit. “It was wonderful and difficult to tell my mom and dad good-bye. But I’m glad to be back.” She smiled at Mrs. Brodie and Clay.
Mrs. Brodie took the plates and forks to the sink. “I won’t keep you. I’m sure you and Clay have a lot to discuss.” She kissed Susie’s cheek. “See you soon.”
Once they were in Clay’s house, he carried her to the master suite. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m starving for you.” He let her body slide along his as he sat her down. Then he cupped her face in his hands.
“I worried your parents would convince you to stay in New Mexico.”
“Moving away is a big change for me and each time I’ve left, first for New York and this time, it hasn’t gotten easier. Still, this is where I want to be.”
He held her head snug against his chest. She heard the rapid beat of his heart.
“I wish you’d stay here until after Christmas,” he whispered. “We can see how we adjust to being together all the time.” Clay leaned his head back and smiled. “You might hate my idiosyncrasies.”
“Have you been hiding them?” she asked. “You’ve seen most of mine.” He started to speak. She went up on her tiptoes and kissed his mouth.
“Hush, and make love to me.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
In record time he had them undressed. His eyes held a glint of wonder when he looked at her.
“I kept you in my mind’s eye these past weeks. But memory doesn’t do the real thing justice.” His hand cupped the back of her head and he kissed her forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and brushed across her soft lips. Each touch increased her heart rate.
When she sighed, he slipped his tongue into her mouth and tasted all around the interior.
She ran her tongue up the bottom of his and their tongues teased and tangled around each other. Clay ravished her mouth. He fueled her desire with every move he made.
Susie grasped his hard cock, making him groan. He slipped out of her grasp and slid down her naked body to suck on her breast. Then he licked and kissed her breasts and sensitive nipples.
“I want to pleasure you,” Susie said.
“If you do, I won’t last a minute. I’m too hungry for you.”
He kissed her abdomen and around her lower lips. Then he glanced at her and got off the bed.
“Don’t stop.”
“I’m getting a condom. I don’t want to take a chance on getting you pregnant”
Does he still only want me to live with him? We haven’t talked about marriage and children. Since the shooting, I’d thought he was more serious about us.
When he returned, he kissed the tip of her nipple. She couldn’t hold back the shudder of pleasure that passed through her.
He lifted her onto the bed and followed her down. Clay opened her legs wide and separated the folds of her lower lips. When he licked her clit, her body went taut like a violin string about to break. Then he licked his way to her pussy opening.
She didn’t want to feel all the emotions sweeping over her. Not until it was clearer what he wanted. She knew she’d never be happy with anything less than marriage.
Clay flicked his tongue into her pussy opening, jerking her back to the present.
He gazed at her face. “Are you all right, darlin’? I thought you’d gone away from me for a second.”
Susie raised her hips upward. “What do you think? Take me, cowboy.”
Clay plunged into her and ecstasy shot up her spine. He felt so good. She’d missed him so much.
But his earlier words still stayed at the back of her mind, in spite of the warmth rushing through her veins. She pushed her concerns aside and gave herself fully to Clay. He pounded into her pussy. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and met his strokes. Her pussy walls tightened around his big cock, and her nipples brushed across his wide chest.
“Ah, honey, you feel so good. I can’t tell you how empty this place was without you.”
His words calmed her worries. She kissed the side of his neck and pushed herself closer to him. Her heart danced in her chest as she let go to reach her peak. When she did, a tremendous wave of joy filled her and had her holding onto Clay as tight as possible.
She felt his cock pulsate and heard his cry of release. Her pussy held him tight until his orgasmic pulses slowed.
When he rolled to her side, he still kept one hand on her stomach.
* * * *
Clay had never been so satisfied. His feelings of being complete with her by his side were gratifying and added a new dimension to their lovemaking. He wanted to shout and say, “Marry me,” but he waited so he could surprise her Christmas Eve. If he didn’t watch himself close he’d never make it.
He raised his head and looked down on her lovely face. “I’ll grill steaks, if you’ll cook the rest of the meal.”
“You get the easy part. I am hungry, so I’ll agree this time, but I can grill, too. We’ll start taking turns.”
A wave of relief washed through him. He’d seen her reaction when he said what he did about no pregnancy. He’d meant he didn’t want her to marry him because she’d have to, but because she loved him. He’d explain later.
She started to get up. “There isn’t any rush. Maybe we should make love once more. You were gone a long time.”
Susie turned and walked to the bed. She cocked her head to the side. “Let’s see, I’m hungry for food, but I’m hungrier for you.” Laughing, she jumped into bed and straddled his handsome body. “Where do I start?”
Chapter Twenty
The days before Christmas rushed by. Susie shopped for all Clay’s family, especially the children. M
rs. Brodie had told her they only gave the adults funny gifts. She’d found several on her visit with her family when she and Sondra went shopping.
Since returning to Frontier City, Clay and his sisters-in-law had been a big help in getting her bookstore ready to open the Monday after New Year’s.
Susie stood in the middle of her shop and looked around. It was just as she’d visualized it in her mind. Clay wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of her neck.
“I gather from that deep sigh that you like what you see.” He nuzzled her neck.
“I do.” She motioned her hand toward the street. “They’ve started planting trees and hanging baskets of flowers. Frontier City will have a brand new look.”
Clay turned her to face him. “I knew the day you spilled coffee on me and knocked me in the chin you were going to be trouble,” he said it with a grin.
“I’ve succeeded in not spilling anything on you since.”
“Thank goodness.” Clay kissed her lips. “Want to go upstairs and play?”
“You’re incorrigible. Every day you want the same reward for your help.”
“When I find something I like, I want it all the time.”
“We don’t have the time. We’re due at your mother’s house to help trim the tree in an hour.”
“I can do fast.”
Laughing, Susie locked the shop and led him upstairs. She’d refused to move in with him for two reasons. She wanted a little more time living on her own, and she was old-fashioned enough to want him to propose to her before they lived together.
As soon as they stepped in the door, Clay relocked it, gathered her into his arms, and headed to the bedroom. “If we don’t have much time, I’m not wasting any.” He sat Susie on the side of the bed and knelt in front of her. Cupping her head in his hands he drew her to him and kissed her deeply. Then he gazed into her eyes. “I’ve become addicted to you.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“It appears to be good. A few more times making love and I should be sure.” His gorgeous blue eyes twinkled at her as he started removing her clothes. After he removed her shirt and bra, he kissed each nipple and they firmed instantly from his touch. The velvet warmth of his mouth sucking on one bud sent a spiral of desire racing through her blood.
The Billionaire Cowboy's Christmas Surprise [Wives for the Western Billionaires 10] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 14
