Boone took it, watching the tree lights reflect in her eyes.
"Bedroom?" Her sweet smile nearly broke his heart.
"Yeah, bedroom." He let her lead him in.
Housekeeping had been in and the bed was made.
Pulling her close, he ran his hands up under her shirt, caressing her back. "I missed you."
Her eyes closed for a second. "I missed you, too." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Kiss me."
He chuckled. "Don't have to tell this cowboy more than once." He pressed his lips on her soft, warm mouth, breathing in the essence of her.
She sighed, and he inhaled her breath. His tongue did a slow trace on her lips before easing inside her mouth.
She lapped at his tongue, building heat between them.
Her excitement drew on his, and heat flowed to his groin, hardening his shaft.
She slowed her manic kiss and stepped back. "I would like a birthday gift from you."
He blinked. Demanding? Hell, yeah! "Anything, baby." And he meant anything.
"I want you inside me. Right now."
An earthquake of lust shook him. "As you wish, ma'am." He tugged her shirt up and off her, unfastened her bra, sliding the straps down her arms, and bent to kiss her nipple.
"Oh, Boone." She sighed the words as she ran her fingers through his hair.
He suckled her other breast, the taste rocking him, raising a desperation he'd never known. Kneeling at her feet, he unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans and slid them down her curvy hips. "No underwear?"
A little laugh escaped her. "I couldn't find them this morning when I was stomping around yelling at you."
He kissed her belly. He had her underwear in his pocket. He might give them back. Someday. "You were magnificent, Gigi." He glanced up at her. "A mix of anger and heartbreak that nearly paralyzed me."
"Cowboy." She brushed a wild lock of hair from his forehead. "I'm glad it all happened the way it did."
"You are?" After all she'd endured, how could she be glad?
"If I hadn't lost you…" She sucked in a breath. "I wouldn't have realized how much you mean to me."
"Aw, Gigi." He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his cheek into her stomach. If his heart had any pull over his brain, he'd never let her go again. He tugged her jeans off her and coaxed her to part her legs.
Her scent filled his nostrils and he needed a taste. He bent and lapped her pink pussy lips, sucking them into his mouth.
"Ahh." Her nails dug into his shoulders.
He loved it. Kissing her mound, he nipped at her, finally finding her clit and sucking. The base of his spine tightened, radiating vibrations up his backbone to his brain.
"No." She breathed. "Can't come yet." Her body tensed. "I want you inside me."
Backing off was the hardest thing he'd ever done. "Anything you want, baby."
He stood and tugged the front of his shirt, his gaze locked with hers. The snaps popped open and he slid it off. Unfastening his belt, he silently thanked the bulls that let him win the huge buckle that brought Gigi and him together.
With a grin, he dropped his jeans and boxers, pulled off his socks, and stepped out of the pile of clothes.
She lay back on the bed. "What's the smile for?"
He grabbed a condom and slid it on. "The way we met."
She lifted her arms to him.
He'd never seen anything as beautiful. His chest ached for this. He lay on top of her, his weight on his elbows. "Like all the forces of karma coming together."
Gigi kissed him. "I believe in karma, too." She reached between their bodies and grasped his cock, guiding it to her wet pussy.
He had one overwhelming thought as he slid his erection into her tight slit. This was where he belonged.
Chapter Eight
Gieselle's mind blanked in and out in odd rhythms as Boone slid his hot shaft into her core. Her whole belly heated as he filled her, and her insides shifted to accommodate his length and width.
When he'd entered fully, she spread her legs farther and he pushed inside another incredible inch. "Boone." She rolled her head from side to side as tiny red lights blinked behind her eyelids.
"Gigi." He pulled out and pulsed back in again, his hips quivering as he fought for each additional centimeter. "So tight and hot."
She cracked open her eyes.
His eyes were unfocused, his pupils large. Easing out once more, he locked gazes with her and pumped into her. His eyes rolled back for a second and his breath panted hot on her face.
Bells rang in her ears and she slipped further into the climax that pulled at her. "I'm almost there."
"Baby, let go. Come for me. I want to see your face when you hit the top." His hips picked up speed as he rammed into her. He slurped her nipple into his mouth.
The lovely jolt from her breast to her pussy tipped her over and she tucked into a wild spin, traveling through time as alarms shimmered up and down her spine, tremors gripped her core, and flashes blipped in her brain.
As she coasted back toward consciousness, the slide of his cock in her rippling slit drew aftershocks that had her whimpering with pleasure. Rolling her hips with his thrusts, she opened her eyes.
His gaze was still on her. "You're incredibly beautiful when you come." He smiled and kissed her jaw. "But then, you're beautiful no matter what you're doing."
She tipped her head, encouraging him to taste her neck. "Coming for you is my favorite."
He slid warm, wet lips across her skin. "Coming in you is mine." He sped his rhythm and his body tensed. "I want you, Gigi."
She couldn't get enough of him. She bit his earlobe. "Show me how much, Boone. Show me what I do to you."
He lifted his head and kissed her hard and desperate, his tongue matching the thrusts of his cock.
Tingles raced through her as a quick-burning orgasm ripped her out of reality.
He broke the kiss and shouted as his pumping hips drove into her, his body tensed and shuddered. His hands gripped her with bruising strength.
Her own body tingled and shook as she accepted his thrusts, welcoming his pulsing heat inside her.
"Best ever…" His dark, heavy-lidded eyes locked onto hers.
She cupped his cheeks. "Gets better each time."
"Might not live through the next one." He pulled out and collapsed next to her, rolling onto his back and bringing her with him.
Her hand rested over his heart, feeling the rapid beats and his labored breathing. "We'd die happy."
He laughed, a slow rolling rumble. "You make me happy, Gigi."
She snuggled in as her stomach jittered with glee. "I'm happy, too."
He sat up. "C'mon."
"No afterglow cuddling?" She faked a pout.
He stood and tugged her up with him. "On the loveseat."
After a quick stop in the bathroom, they wrapped in their robes and snuggled in front of the tree as the fireplace warmed the room.
Her head rested on his shoulder as she took in each one of the ornaments sparkling in the multicolored tree lights. The little slot machine they'd picked up at the gift shop had the casino's name and the year on it, and she reached out and gave it a twirl, watching it reflect the lights. One ornament seemed out of place. A plain black bag about four inches wide.
Boone's tension was the giveaway.
She bit back a smile. "Okay, what is it." She gestured to the tree. "What did you go spending your money on?"
He laughed as he kissed her. "Took you long enough." He bent forward and his long arm reached out and plucked the bag from the branch.
The brand name on the front of it had her gasping. "Oh, Boone. You didn't do anything crazy, did you?"
"It's Vegas, and I'm a rich man."
She pulled a three-inch square black box from the bag and opened it.
A lovely silver bracelet rested on black velvet. On it, two charms sparkled.
She lifted it out. "It's beautiful." Glancing up at him, she was surprised by the intens
ity of his gaze.
"You like it?"
"Yes. I've always wanted one of these, but thought I'd have to wait a while." She smiled. "A long while."
He touched the two charms and sent them spinning. "I hope you like these."
She turned the bracelet to see what he'd chosen. "A birthday cake." The silver three-tiered cake had a little gold heart at the top. "And a Christmas tree." All silver except for the gold star on top.
She brushed a kiss on his lips. "They're perfect." A lump of emotion clogged her throat. "They'll always remind me of this time with you."
His brow furrowed. "I'm not ready to end this, Gigi." He hefted out a breath. "I know we said we'd give it a little more time, but I know what I want." He took her hand. "I'll be out east for a few rodeos in January. I'd like to have you there for as many as you can."
She nodded. "I'd love to, if my schedule allows." She crinkled her nose. "I do have a lot of work to do before I graduate."
"I understand. And if it works better for you, I can come to you."
"To New York?" She'd never pictured him in her little on-campus studio apartment.
"Yeah, to New York." He frowned. "They don't allow cowboys there?"
"They do." She laughed. "But only in limited quantities to save the women from melting into lusty pools."
"Okay, then. We'll compare calendars later."
"Okay." So much excitement, she didn't know where to start. Rodeos and college visits. Life would be complicated but she'd make it work. He'd make it work. She held up her bracelet. "Will you help me put this on?"
He sat up. "Sure."
He took the jewelry and opened the clasp. "Here's the thing." He slid it around her wrist and worked to fasten it. "I want to be able to fill this with charms." He looked at her. "Tokens of times we've spent together."
The sweetness of the moment washed through her and moisture gathered in her eyes. "Could take a long time." She held up her wrist. "To fill this, I mean."
He kissed her, pulled her close, and rested his chin on top of her head. "I'm hoping it does."
She closed her eyes and gave in to the joy that filled her. A couple tears escaped, and she let the emotion carry her off into dreams.
Banging sounded and Gigi startled awake.
"What the fuck?" Boone sounded groggy, too.
More banging on the suite door.
He stood and strode over. Even in a robe, he was all macho studly. He opened the door.
Kira burst in and dropped her suitcase. "I'm leaving this town right now." Her voice sounded frantic.
Gieselle raced to her, took her arm. "What happened?"
"Dallas." Her lips tightened.
Boone took her other arm. "What happened? Is he okay?"
"He's fine, besides being an asshole." She shook off both of them and walked to the bar. "That phone call I got yesterday?"
Gieselle sucked in a breath. Something bad? She'd been so involved in her own drama, she'd never asked Kira about it.
Boone led her over to the bar.
Kira found a shot glass. "I'd left a message and asked my dad's attorney to run a background check." She grimaced at Boone.
"On me?" His brows furrowed.
"Sorry. I was worried, with this whole jackpot thing." She smiled at Gieselle. "He's squeaky clean."
She nodded. "I could have told you that."
Boone wrapped his arm around Gieselle's shoulder and kissed the top of her head. "That doesn't explain why you're leaving."
"I got another call today." Kira downed a shot of tequila, choked, then waved a hand. "I don't want to talk about it." She strode to the door. "I'm sorry to leave like this, Gieselle, but I booked the last seat on a flight out in…" She checked her watch. "Shit, I've gotta run."
"Wait." Gieselle grabbed her wrist. "Stay here in the suite tonight and we'll fly back tomorrow."
She snorted. "Right, with you two banging the headboard all night?"
Boone fought a grin. "You're welcome to stay, Kira. We'll keep the banging to a minimum. I'll even keep the asshole out. Jayden, too."
"Thanks for the offer." She smiled at Boone. "I'm leaving, though." Kira gave her a fast hug. "We'll talk when you get home." She opened the door and did a finger wave at Boone. "Have fun. Merry Christmas. And happy birthday, Gieselle."
Gieselle took Boone's hand. "You can call me Gigi." She glanced his way. "It's kind of growing on me."
Kira turned and stepped out the door. "What have you done to her, Boone?" A laugh softened her words.
He closed the door and took her into his arms. "What have I done to you, Gieselle?"
She pressed her hands to his chest, admiring her beautiful bracelet. "More than you can imagine, cowboy."
His stomach rumbled. "We need room service."
"We do. Then more banging of the headboard."
Boone shook his head. "I wonder what that goddamn Dallas did."
"I'm worried about the phone call. Something about him?" She sighed. "I'll find out tomorrow when I get home."
He frowned at her. "About that. I was thinking."
"Uh oh."
"Mom's doing Christmas dinner for the family tomorrow night."
"And you're driving home tomorrow." The thought of saying goodbye stung like a million wasps.
He slid his hand up her spine to her neck and traced his thumb along her jawline. "I'm gonna let Dallas and Jay take my truck back. And…" He stared into her eyes. "I want you to fly back with me."
Everything inside her froze.
"I know it sounds like too much too soon, but I can't let you go yet. I'd like you to be there with me. To meet my parents and the whole damn herd of Hancocks."
She remembered to breathe. "Really? You want me there for your family Christmas?"
He smiled. "I sure as hell do."
Real tears rolled down her cheeks this time. "Boone. I'd love to."
"Woo-hoo!" He picked her up and spun them in circles. When he set her down, he wiped the tears from her cheeks. "No more cryin' until after you see what a weird bunch we are."
"If they're anything like you, I think I'm going to like your family. A lot." She pressed a kiss to his lips. "But what will they think of a buckle bunny from New York?"
He laughed, tipping his head back like a kid. "Aw, Gigi. They're going to love you." He grinned. "Trust me."
####
Here's a sneak peek of the second book in the Cowboy Jackpot Series which will be coming in January
Dallas and Kira's story: Cowboy Jackpot: Valentine's Day
Chapter One
Dallas Burns shifted on the plush chair in the high-stakes area of the Old West Casino in Las Vegas. He tipped his black cowboy hat back on his head and glanced around the red velvet-lined room.
Hell, he hoped his buddies didn't see him playing roulette. Not that it was a woman's game or anything, but rodeo men only talked about poker. The way they liked to tease each other, this would be a tough one to live down.
"Twenty-four black." The dealer set five more chips on Dallas's bet on Black, and five on his Even bet.
He scooped up his winnings and stacked them in front of him. He'd been fascinated with the game since he was a kid watching an old cowboy movie. And tonight, he was having the best luck of his life. He did a quick count. He had nearly six thousand dollars in chips and he'd started with three hundred.
He set five chips on First Twelve, and five on Odd. Mixing it up had been working for him tonight. The table was busy. Seven other people stood or sat around the board and placed bets that were quite a bit larger than his. A few wrists flashed diamond-studded watches as they set down their chips.
He glanced around the room and caught a very familiar green gaze.
Kira Morrow. Her eyes opened wide and she leaned toward the strawberry blonde next to her, pointing at him and saying something he knew couldn't be good.
Kira's bright red hair hung loose and shimmery. He'd loved running his fingers through it back two months ago a
t Christmas. The day his buddy Boone had met his fiancé, Gigi, right here in this same casino.
Dallas looked back at the table. He and Kira had gotten into a nasty dust-up on Christmas Day. She'd stormed off and flew back to New York before he had a chance to apologize.
Her unmistakable scent threaded through his nostrils into his brain, making him remember how he'd wanted her crazily back then. He turned his head. "Kira."
"Dallas." She stood right next to him, too close for safety.
She looked better than ever, her long body slim and graceful, her beautiful breasts large and round.
"Stop staring at my tits."
A couple people at the table laughed.
He met her gaze. "Get them the heck out of my face."
She lifted a brow. "As charming as ever, I see." She gestured to his other side. "This is my cousin, Stormie."
He turned and started to rise.
"Oh, don't get up." She pressed her hand on his shoulder, keeping him down. She was strong.
He held out his hand to her. "My condolences for being attached by blood to this…sweet lady."
Stormie giggled and leaned closer to Dallas. "She's always been mean, but now I'm big enough to fight back."
He took a closer look at her. Green eyes like Kira's, pale skin with cute freckles. Much too young for him, but he liked her spunk. "Are you here for the bachelorette party?"
Kira interrupted. "Dallas? Can I play a chip?"
He turned his head. "Sure." One chip he could afford to lose to get Kira less irritated with him. And he needed to do that before they had to walk down the aisle together in New York next week at Boone and Gigi's wedding.
"I am now." Stormie drew his attention back. "I'm here with my parents for the stock show, and when I heard Kira would be here, too, we arranged to meet. We had drinks with Gigi last night and she invited me to the bachelorette party."
"No more bets." The dealer called. "No more bets."
He glanced at the table. All his chips were gone. "What the fuck?"
The chips stood in a tall stack on one spot on the roulette table.
"Kira." His heart palpitated and sweat broke out on his forehead. "Why?"
Cowboy Jackpot: Christmas Page 7
