Pumpkins, Cowboys & Guitars

by Patti Ann Colt

She lashed out and punched his chest. “You scared me to death!”

  He nudged her back in the house and shut the door. Her slap didn’t register on his pain meter through all the layers of clothes. “That’s what happens when you run around in the dark. Lines are down. You should have stayed put.” Zach set the lighted flashlight on the counter and pushed off his gloves.

  “Out of wood for the fireplace, Mr. Sheriff. Since I didn’t know how long the electricity would be off, it seemed prudent to gather some wood. Or would you rather I freeze to death?”

  He pushed against her, her arms collapsing against his chest, his face next to hers. “You’re in more danger outside than in here. It’s fifteen degrees and snowing like a mother—” He broke off. “You should have called me.”

  Leia vehemently shook her head. “Call you? For a wood run? Take you away from an accident or something more dire than that? I may have been sick, Zachary Murphy, and note that I say have been, but I am not helpless. I can carry in some wood.”

  “And let the cold air undo all Doc’s work with those lungs? I don’t think so,” he sing-songed the last part at her, but she mimicked his “I don’t think so” in a better tone than his right back at him.

  Then she stretched on tiptoe, all warm and mused, and kissed him.

  He was a goner.

  His lips were cold, but heated rapidly against hers. She rubbed her lips ever so softly across the firmness of his, coaxing and savoring. He groaned, but she muffled it with her sigh. She tasted of coffee and chocolate. She slipped her hands around his neck and his resistance collapsed like the shields on the Enterprise in every damn episode. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her against him, cradled thigh to thigh, chest to breast, and breath to breath.

  “You shouldn’t have done that,” he whispered against her mouth.

  Before she could answer, he deepened the kiss. His whole body clenched in fierce, demanding need. He dived in, every reticent thought seeping out through the damn burst of his common sense. One minute he was drowning in taste and sensation and the next minute, she lifted her mouth from his.

  “You should fix the fire before this goes any further.”

  “This isn’t going any further.” He tried to pull her mouth back to his.

  “Yes, it is. In my bed. You’ve got twenty minutes or I’m coming after you. Snow bank. Kitchen counter. Living floor in front of the fire. Don’t care. But we are.”

  His gut seized.

  She reached up to caress his face. “Surely you know we’ve been dancing around this for months.”

  His brain attempted to wrap around an excuse. Parts south weren’t so interested, especially when pressed against her warmth. “This is not a good idea.”

  “You said that about me moving here and it didn’t work out so bad. Trust me.” She bit and licked his earlobe. If she hadn’t been against him, his knees would have collapsed.

  He backed against the counter and kissed her again. She was all heat and willingness. His body wanted, his heart wanted, his mind with all its negative reasons could take a flying leap. “Let me get the wood. Don’t know how long the electricity will be off.”

  He set her away from him and went to the door. Fortunately, Beau and Wyatt had helped him move enough wood to the garage to keep the fireplace going for several days. He wouldn’t have to tramp through the snow around to the side where he’d stacked the rest.

  Because now that she’d made up his mind, he planned to enjoy her with every bit of imagination and skill that he’d been using in his dreams for months. If he took a minute to think about things from a practical standpoint, he’d change his mind. So he hustled to move several piles and didn’t think about anything but the heat of her mouth and how he was dying to see her naked.

  She’d moved the sofa back, clearing a spot in front of the fireplace. He stacked the wood in his arms and went for more. When he came back with the next load, she wasn’t in the living room, but he could hear her in the back of the house. He stacked that load and went for more. A couple more loads would get them through the night. He stoked the fire with part of the next load, poked and prodded until it was burning high again, then went for another load. When he came back, she was wrestling the mattress off one of the beds down the dark hall.

  He dropped the wood on the hearth and rushed to grip the mattress before it slid to the floor. “What are you doing?”

  She pushed on the mattress, but with his weight against it, it wouldn’t budge. She sighed and gave him the explanation he’d asked for. “I don’t know about you, but we’ll be warmer in front of the fire and I refuse to have our first time be on the damn floor. Finish the wood. I’ll get this ready.”

  He wanted to argue, but he could see nerves in her eyes and maybe she needed to have a part in setting the scene just as much as he did. Because the truth was, in front of the fire was a pretty special first time and she deserved that. He needed that. So instead, he helped her slide the mattress into place on the floor in front of the fireplace.

  She went for sheets and blankets. He went for two more loads of wood, trying not to think. He should call and check in, but said to hell with it. He had a pretty decent stack of wood by the time Leia made the bed.

  He went to the kitchen and shed his coat and boots and washed his hands. He took off his flannel shirt and tossed it over the back of a table chair. Back in the living room, Leia was smoothing the edges of the blanket across the mattress. He poked the fire to settle the coals and added another log.

  He stood. So did she.

  “All the doors locked?” Habit made him ask.

  “Yes, Sheriff.” She toed off her slippers and slipped out of her sleep pants.

  His breath whistled out of him. He stood transfixed by the long, slender legs and pale skin. He wanted to touch, but didn’t dare until he gathered enough control to shed a few clothes of his own.

  She crooked a finger at him. “Come here, Zach.”

  Control was severely over-rated.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Sometimes a man stood on a cusp—one that would change things forever. That was how this moment felt with Leia. When he didn’t move, she started toward him, all shiny intent in her eyes, but hesitated at the makeshift bed when he didn’t move to meet her.

  “Wait.” He stepped around and took her hand. “Come with me.”

  “What?” Leia’s lip trembled. Damn his finesse. He bent and gave her a quick, hard kiss, then laced his fingers through hers. “Come with me for a minute.”

  He pulled her into the kitchen. For once in his life, he was going to start an intimate relationship the right way. For crying out loud, they hadn’t even had a date—a fact that never would have bothered him before, but bothered him greatly now.

  He reached for his flashlight and flicked it on and searched the room for inspiration. With the weather so bad, he couldn’t afford to drink, but if he wasn’t mistaken there was sparkling cider here somewhere.

  “What are we doing exactly?” Leia’s hand clasped his tightly and she gave a little shiver.

  He lifted her to the counter and stepped between her legs. The doubt in her eyes squeezed his heart. He cleared his throat. “Every other woman I’ve been with got rushed into bed. I don’t want to do that this time. We’ve got all night. Memorable. That’s what we need.”

  Her eyes widened and a soft smile touched her lips. “What did you have in mind?”

  He hesitated, feeling like a fool, but something deep told him this was what they both needed. Maybe it wouldn’t last, but then again there was no gain in treating their feelings with utter disrespect. He done that a few times and paid the price.

  He threaded his fingers through her hair, reveling in the silky, fragrant strands. Then he kissed her like he’d been dreaming—with no inhibitions, no little voice hammering at him. He slanted his mouth against hers and coaxed, softly sipping, tasting the wildfire that was Leia Shae, woman.

  Her lips sank against his, and when her tongue slip
ped along his lips, a long shudder went down his spine. She wrapped her legs around his waist and taking the time to make this memorable seemed foolhardy and pointless. It already was memorable.

  With his resolve faltering, he pulled back and sucked in air like a dying man. “Drink and food. Kissing and talk.”

  She had her eyes closed in a dreamy, sexy pose that sent a flash of red hot fire across his senses.

  He cleared his throat and stepped away from her to the refrigerator. The sparkling cider was right where he thought it was. He lifted the bottle from the fridge and began working on removing the top. “With the weather, I can’t take a risk on alcohol.”

  “That’s fine. I’m off alcohol for obvious reasons.” Her husky voice ripped along tender nerve endings, jamming lust into his throat.

  When he turned, Leia had reached to another cupboard for wineglasses, exposing a wide expanse of creamy skin along the edge of her shirt. He wanted to touch, to lick.

  He fumbled the cap in his inept fingers and spilled a few drops of cider on the floor.

  “Let’s try putting that in glasses, shall we?” She gave him a crooked smile.

  He laughed at himself. “We’ll let the maid get the floor.”

  “Indeed.” She laughed. “I’m freezing, Zach. Can we do this out by the fire?”

  Chagrined, he set the bottle on the counter next to her and lifted her down. “Go. I’ll bring the feast.”

  She stretched and kissed his neck. “Ummm, delicious. See you in front of the fire.” She grabbed the glasses and the bottle from his hand and beat a hasty retreat.

  Zach drew a shaky breath and went back to the refrigerator. What kind of food did one take to a midnight rendezvous with a woman who probably had more of these encounters than he had? That gave him pause, then he shoved the idea away. Talk about over thinking. This wasn’t about his past or hers.

  He reached for leftover chicken, a cucumber cream cheese dip and the fudge Fiona had made and stashed in the fridge for snacks. He picked crackers and then an apple from the counter. He grabbed the tray he’d been using for Leia’s meals. The meal items, forks, paring knife and napkins gathered, he turned off the flashlight and made his way to the living room. The temperature had dropped in the house to a shade above shiver.

  Leia had pulled the coffee table to the edge of the mattress and poured cider into the two glasses. She sat cross-legged on the mattress, comforter pulled up against her for warmth. Her lips beckoned, the fire had put a light red toasting across her cheeks, and her eyes were dark pools of anticipation.

  A man could get lost in a moment like this—his rational side protecting, his wild side longing for the adventure.

  “You going to stand there looking? Or you going to join me?” Leia reached for her glass and took a sip, licking her lips again until they glistened with luring promise.

  “I’m joining.” He set the tray on the coffee table and crossed to the kitchen island, unloading his gun, his cell phone and his keys. He returned to sit on the sofa, all the while aware of Leia’s eyes following him.

  The intimacy of that small action hardened him, and he had to force himself to take it slow. He shoved off his socks and tossed them, then unbuttoned his shirt and stood.

  “Pants on? Pants off?” His hands poised at the fastener on his jeans.

  “Off,” she breathed, before he finished his question.

  He grinned. “Love a woman who knows what she wants.”

  Leia raised her eyebrows. “Oh, Sheriff, you have no idea what I want. But I’m about to show you.”

  Lust thrust into his throat and wouldn’t be swallowed. He shucked his jeans and underwear, and joined her under the comforter, the heat from the fire just enough to warm the space and body heat could do the rest.

  She ditched her glass, wiggled in against him, fitting her too slim body against his, sliding her legs against the bare skin of his and his mouth found hers. Food was forgotten.

  Her mouth was an elixir, strong and potent, demanding a thorough drink. He threaded his fingers through that soft, enticing hair and drowned. He slid his tongue across her lips and was joined by her soft, quick tongue teasing his. He stroked a thumb down her jaw line, tipping her mouth so he could delve deeper. He sipped and licked, then moaned. She did the same, pushing the need to a pounding pulse that vibrated through him. She moved closer, pressing her hips into his.

  He reached between them and lifted her shirt. Leia pulled away for a moment to draw it over her head. She was naked underneath and the brain cells left firing helped him to sweep a gentle hand over creamy skin and soft, rosy nipples, cupping and weighing the globes that fit perfectly into his hands.

  The touch only heated him further and he bent to take one perfect budded nipple into his mouth. He aimed for slow, tasting strokes, until her head fell back with a deep, satisfied moan. One hand stroked through his hair and the other hand found his hardness. His breath whistled through a throat jammed tightly with need.

  He placed a hand over her nimble fingers. “Honey, don’t tempt me. This will be over before we even get started.”

  “But I want to touch you.” She pouted, and she did it with such pretty intent, he didn’t stop her when she took another stroke. Instead, he rolled over on his back.

  She went with the action willingly and straddled him, the silky skin of her thighs branding his hips. Her face was flushed with the most beautiful damn expression he’d ever see, reminding him of the first time she’d seen this house.

  To be the focus of that kind of enchantment pushed him over. He pulled her down and took her mouth. She protested in the back of her throat, but he soothed a hand down her back, then slid his hands to her hips and centered her over his erection.

  “I wanted to play some more.” She rocked against him.

  “Next time,” his rasped out. “Condom. Wallet.”

  She reached to the side of the mattress and popped up with a packet. “Mine’s closer. Let me help.”

  He took it from her hand and kissed her mouth hard. “I prefer to be inside you before I lose it.”

  She gave him a dreamy, yet frustrated smile. “You are such a guy.”

  “It’s a good thing, honey, or this wouldn’t work.” He fitted the latex and pulled her back against him, desperate to reignite things. He kissed his way up her neck, across her jaw, loving the feel of her. “Let’s dance, honey.”

  “Um hmm.” She rubbed her lips across his collarbone, sending tremors through his muscles.

  God, he needed her now. “Leia…”

  She lifted up, slid her hand around his shaft and led him home. He thrust up, desperate to feel the wet heat of her around him. She levered her body up and threw her head back, her breasts thrust out, a long sigh escaping. “Oh, Zach…”

  Deep abiding rightness filled him, startled him. She was so damn beautiful and she was his, in this moment, in this place. “Hold on, honey. We’re about to have some midnight delight.”

  She gave a tiny laugh and copied his rhythm with an intensity that tore through him. Fire glowed in her deep blue eyes. Her soft skin slid against his hands, the smell of the pine burning in the fireplace mingled with her citrus lotion, wrapping him in intimate familiarity.

  The house, quiet except for the crackle of the fire, echoed her husky moans. Her wetness pulled at him, twisting his gut and his intention to be attentive and thorough.

  He held back, desperate but determined. He moved his hips, sliding in, sliding out, rubbing and stroking skin and nub until her soft breath caught in her throat and she forced him deep inside.

  Her orgasm tightened and stroked until the heat of the joining permeated every thought and action. He wrapped his arms around her and let go, wondering how this could feel so right.

  Leia waited for Zach to return from the bathroom. She fidgeted with the blanket, smoothing and straightening.

  After sex nerves sucked.

  Was this the moment where she’d hear the “I made it with a rock star” variati
on? She didn’t think Zach was like that, but she’d been wrong in the past.

  The toilet flushed and she stifled the urge to grab his T-shirt and cover up. Instead she lay back, pulled the quilt up over her shoulder and turned to the fire.

  He came back and bent to stir the blaze, giving her a view of muscles and smooth skin to the nicest naked butt she’d ever seen. He stepped over her and slid back under the blankets, pulling her back on top of him. He rubbed his hands over her naked back.

  Contentment ran deep and she hesitated to speak into the moment, but the barrier was down. There were things she wanted to know and now—when they were alone and intimate—seemed like the best time to find out.

  But in seconds, he utterly relaxed beneath her, his eyes closed. Light breaths brushed against her skin. She was jazzed, wide-awake and wanting more than just the physical connection. She wanted pillow talk, dammit.

  “I can hear you thinking.” His voice rumbled from deep in his chest. “It was amazing and you know it.”

  She smirked, not sure he’d understand she needed more. After being disconnected for so long from people that mattered, this was too important to let go. She’d always lived by nothing ventured, nothing gained. What was so hard about it now?

  It mattered.

  “Spit it out, Leia.” He shifted her to the side, entwining his legs with hers and running a finger down her throat and across her collarbone.

  “You matter to me.” Man, could she get any more lame?

  He kissed her eyelids and her mouth, light flutters across her skin, meant to reassure possibly. “I wouldn’t be here if you weren’t under my skin.” He slid his hand to her hip.

  Which was lust not love. She sighed. That was just a trifle better than rock star lust. Go the distance.

  She twined her fingers with his, their hand cuddled between them. “I’m falling in love with you.”

  His hand tightened, yet he said nothing.

  Truthfully, what had she expected?

  She expected him to roll out of bed, dress and leave. Or laugh. Or repeat the phrase in a trite manner, have sex with her again and then leave. Instead, she got direct eye contact.