by Wanda Edmond
At the shout of her name, Mary Lou jumped up and let a shriek of surprise when she saw Devin standing in the door way, with a look of relief on his face, which transformed to surprise, then pure male appreciation. Water sloshed over the tub as she tried to cover her breasts simultaneously trying to emerge her body deeper in the water.
She let out another shriek, “Don’t people knock in the country?” She bellowed.
“I knocked a couple times and you didn’t respond, I was concerned”, Devin defended.
“Well thanks for your concern, but as you can see I’m perfectly fine”, she glowered at him.
He let out a breath, “You are fine, indeed” he replied remembering the sight of her breasts floating above the water before she covered them.
Mary Lou let out groaned, wondering if anybody ever died from humiliation.”Don’t just stand there, hand me towel” she snapped.
Devin snapped out of trance at the sharpness in her tone “Huh? Right, here you are” he grabbed a towel and bought it over to her. It was only when Mary Lou threw him a disgusted look that he realized he was still standing there staring at her like a horny teenager seeing the female body for the first time. “Sorry” he muttered, turning to exit the bathroom, wondering why the sight of a naked Mary Lou affected so much, beyond belief. It’s not like he hadn’t seen plenty of naked women. Now he had a massive erection to get rid of before she came out of the bathroom.
Mary Lou exited the bathroom slowly, wrapped in a white fluffy towel that was too large for her body. The corners of his lips lifted slightly at the sight of her, she looked damn adorable he mused. She kept her eyes downcast, refusing to look at him. Aw hell she’s still embarrassed. He quickly began to tell her the reason for his visit, hoping to ease her humiliation.
“A nature walk?” she asked with a frown, looking like she was about to refuse.
“Well more like a nature ride” he added quickly. “We can take out a couple of the horses; you know just a little adventure for the rest of the afternoon. I even packed a picnic basket.”
She finally raised her eyes to look at him and smiled, to his delight. “Well, I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a horse and a picnic sounds lovely”.
“Great”, Devin responded. I’ll wait outside while you get dressed.
Mary Lou watched Devin leave her bedroom and let out a long breath. Holy shit he saw me naked. She dropped her head in her hands; he wished the ground would open up and take her in. She recalled how he had stood there, staring at her. Her below zero self-esteem kicked in and she was convinced that he stared because he was disgusted by what he saw. Why would a good looking man like him be attracted to her? She frowned staring at her naked body in the mirror. He was probably used to tall, slender, model-like women falling all over him. She was the complete opposite of his type, she was sure. Her shoulders drooped as she went to pick out something to wear.
Damn it! I have nothing appropriate to wear! She threw articles of clothing over her shoulders, looking for something “nature ride” worthy. She finally had to decide on a pair of too short for her comfort black shorts, a low cut, skin tight yellow tank top. Damn you Yvonne, Mary thought as she studied herself in the mirror. She would never be caught dead in a get-up like this back in Detroit. At least she had a on a pair of comfortable sneakers she had manage to sneak into her suitcase when Yvonne wasn’t looking. She topped the outfit off with a brown Stetson over her loose curls, she had picked it up during her and Yvonne’s shopping spree, thinking it would be appropriate for the environment and make her look “cowgirl” like. Mary located her fanny pack, threw in her insect replant spray and chap stick and went through the door.
Devin nearly fell off the wall he was resting on, when he spotted Mary Lou. God damn she was one sexy woman. He was hypnotized by the sway of her hips and the bouncing of her breast as she made her way to him. He jumped down off his perch as she stopped in front of him. He smiled at the Stetson perched on her head “My, my you look like a real cowgirl, Miss Carpenter”, he said with his western drawl.
Mary Lou gave girly giggle, surprising herself, she never giggled. What has gotten into her? She cleared her throat, “That’s just the look I was going for.”
Devin led Mary Lou around to the back of the main Cabin where the horse stable was. “If no one is here, who takes care of the horse?” Mary asked, curious.
“These horses were just bought in over the weekend, but someone has been coming in to feed them every day. He must have come this morning and left before we arrived.”
Mary Lou had never been this close to a horse before, they were magnificent creature. She cautious made her way to light coated stallion with a dark brown mane. She bravely, but slowly reached her hand out to touch it, she saw them do it in the movies all the time, so she figured it was ok besides he was locked in a stall. Before she could make contact with the, it neighed loudly and kicked up on hind legs. Mary let out screamed as loud as the horse’s neigh and jumped back right in to Devin’s arms, her entire body trembling, her racing, and her knees buckling beneath her. Devil supported her with strong arms “Easy now, easy” he soothed. Mary had no idea if he was talking to her or the horse. Devin turned her around in his arms; her heart rate just began to stabilize. He cupped her chin and lifted her face, he stared into her wide, terrified eyes “You ok?” he asked.
Mary nodded “I-I think so, I thought it was ok to touch one, but it just totally freaked out and I freaked out and-and” she tried to finish but her breaths were coming out in short puffs.
“Calm down darlin’ just breathe; you’re ok, no harm done.”
“No harm done? There’s no way I’m get on one of those things now.” Mary Lou look at him as if he had just gone insane, folding her arms under her breast.
Devin chuckled and shook his head “Come on, you’ll be fine, we’ll find you a nice mild tempered mare.” He took her hand, feeling a weird jolt of electricity; he glanced at her wondering if she felt it too. She was looking up at him in wonder but she said nothing. They stopped in front of a medium sized mare with a rich chestnut coat. “Go ahead rub and rub her coat, bond with her a bit”, Devin encouraged.
“You’ve obviously lost all sense, no way am I touching that animal.” Mary Lou folded her arms.
Devin rolled his eyes and reached out and grabbed one of her hand “Hey, what are you-before she could finish had his hand on top of hers and guided toward horse. Her palm made contact with the horse’s thick coat. Devin’s hand stilled covered hers, guiding her movements. Mary Lou’s lips broke into a smile, “Wow, her coat is so soft. This is amazing.”
“Her name is Lucy” Devin informed her.
“Hi, Lucy, you’re so gorgeous”, Mary Lou whispered. She looked up to find Devin staring down at her. “What?” she asked, feeling a bit awkward. She always felt uncomfortable when people stared at her.
“I’m just wondering how you taste” he breathed.
Before she could respond his lips captured hers stealing her breath. She only reached the middle of his chest so he had to bend; she rose up on the tip of her toes and bent her head back to provide him better access to her lips. She opened her mouth tentatively because she wanted to know how he tasted as well. And the man tasted damn good! The intensity of the kiss deepened as his tongue pushed its way into her mouth; she allowed him entry and their tongues mingled gently. He pulled her more tightly to him crushing her breasts against his chiselled chest. Mary couldn’t believe she was being so passionately kissed by the sexy cowboy. Holy shit! She must be dreaming. She was attracted to him from the moment she had laid eyes on him, but she had no idea he was even thinking about her in that way.
Devin broke the kiss when Mary Lou’s soft moan penetrated his lust hazed mind. He broke away from her, shocked at his loss of self control. She was gazing up at him wide-eyed and dazed. “I’m so sorry, that shouldn’t have happened” he said turning abruptly away. What the hell was he doing? She was a guest at the ranch for God’s sake. Now
she probably thought he was some kind of sex-crazed pervert.
Disappointment washed over Mary Lou. Oh hell he regretted their kiss. He was probably disgusted by it, by her. Memories of her ex began to surface. “He had once told her that she was frigid and didn’t have a sexy bone in her body.” She put the memory aside before she began to weep like a fool. I guess he isn’t really attracted to me after all she thought sadly. God, can I be any bigger of an idiot? She mentally kicked herself, straightened her tank to top, put on a brave face and said “It’s all good, let’s just pretend it never happened”.
Devin stared down at her wanting to respond, to say anything that would remove the hurt he detected in her tone; the hurt that she had tried to hide, with her suddenly developed nonchalant attitude. She couldn’t fool him that easy, he knew she was as affected by the kiss as he had been, or she wouldn’t have responded so passionately. What was her problem any? She had gone from hot to cold so swiftly, leaving him in a whirl of confusion? He only pulled away because things were getting out of control too rapidly, and she wasn’t one of his usual hit and leave it flings. He sighed inwardly and decided to let the issue rest, for now.
“Have you ever ridden a horse before?” He quickly changed the subject.
“Never” she relied.
“Ok then let me show you how.” He reached out to assist her onto her mare.
She stumbled back, “I can manage on my own, just tell me what to do.”
Great, now she doesn’t even want me to touch her he thought, annoyed with himself for initiating that kiss. “Ok just hook your left foot in the stirrup there, jump and swing your right leg over the horse’s back.” He held the on to the reigns to keep the horse steady as she followed his instruction and mounted the animal. “Good girl. Always remember to stay calm, horses are sensitive creatures, they can detect anxiety or fear.” He swiftly mounted his horse, placing the picnic basket in front of him. As they slowly took off, he continued to give her instructions until she caught on and was managing just fine.
Chapter Four
Mary Lou lost track of time as they rode. They rode for in silence, except for Devin giving brief instructions every now and again. She had gotten the hang of horse riding and was manoeuvring Lucy like a pro. Mary Lou gazed out at the miles and mile of grass terrain surrounding them. It looked like a something out of a painting, paintings that she always spent time admiring and wishing she was a part of the work of art. But she didn’t have to wish right now, she was here and she was grateful to Yvonne for practically forcing her to accept the raffle ticket prize.
She never experienced this kind of calm in Detroit. It was all big city hustle and bustle, people rushing from one destination to the next, not even slowing down for a minute to appreciate their surroundings, to appreciate life. For her it was an everyday routine of waking up, going to a job that she really didn’t enjoy, going home to a lonely apartment, and doing it all over the next day. But in this moment, on top of this horse, taking in the beauty and quiet around her, she let go of the city and her boring, lonely life. As a sense of peace washed over her, a broad smile broke on her face. Daringly, Mary let go of the horse’s reigns, opened her arms wide, tilted her head skyward and soaked in the late afternoon sun, as a light breeze caressed her face. She sighed in momentary contentment.
But the thought that this peace was only temporary crept into her mind, jolting her back to reality. Though the beautiful surroundings remained intact, far gone from her mind was the calm and content that she had too briefly experienced. Now all she could think about was returning to her life in Detroit in just a matter of days, a life that in a moment of illumination, she just realized that she hated. Despair abruptly assailed her entire being, but she dismissed it as fast as it had appeared.
Devin was paying no attention to the world around him. He was wholly focused on the interesting woman riding beside him. It was like she forgot that he was there and was engulfed her own private world. When she opened her arms wide and looked skyward, he saw her as a goddess beckoning to the sun. She remained completely silent, but he noticed the series expressions that flitted across her pretty face. Wonder, happiness, longing, peace, and then sadness. He felt his hear squeeze in his chest at her forlorn expression, whishing he could take her into his arms and kiss her worries away.
He frowned inwardly, taken aback by his own thoughts. Since when did he care about taking a woman’s worries away? Since Mary Lou Carpenter had landed and disrupted his life, that’s when, he answered his own question. This was not something that he was use to feeling at all. The women he usually encountered were money hungry barracudas who mostly just slept with him in hopes of getting one foot closer in to the marriage bed, and closer to his fortune. But Mary Lou was different, she was aware that he was a wealthy man, but she didn’t seem to give a damn. She was just absorbed in admiring the beauty around her. She was a strange, yet refreshing entity to him.
Devin glanced at his watch. Wow it was half past four already. It was full time for them to stop and eat and allow the horses to rest. He decide that they could ride a little bit further, he knew the perfect the perfect spot under a huge willow tree a little further up. Before he had purchased the land to build the guest ranch, he drove out here to examine the land many times, so knew the vast area like the back of his hand.
“We can stop a little further up ahead to grab a bite and allow the horses to rest a bit”, Devon shouted to Mary Lou whose horse he realized had gotten quite ahead of his while he had been lost in contemplation.
Mary Lou turned her head and smiled at him, not looking where her horse was stepping. “Sounds great”, she shouted back. “I’m so hungry I could—
Before she could finish her statement both she and Lucy went tumbling down. Mary Lou let out shrilling scream before she hit the ground. Devin watched in horror as woman and horse went down, he was too far away to do anything. “Mary Lou!” he shouted her name as he pressed stallion to gallop ahead. He prayed that she was unhurt. As he neared the scene he saw Lucy attempting get up snorting and nursing her left hind leg. He looked around frantically for Mary; he spotted her lying face down and motionless a little distance away from her horse.
He jumped off his horse and sprinted to her. “Talk to me Mary, please tell me you’re alright” he said anxiously.
Mary Lou groaned loudly “Ouch! Devin? What the hell just happened?” she asked softly, slightly lifting her head to look up at him. Devin seized her shoulders and helped her to turn her to sit up. He spotted a small abrasion on the left side of her forehead. He ran his fingers through her hair and down her body. “What are you doing?” she asked feeling a bit hot and bothered with his hands roaming over her body.
“Checking for any more injuries” he said gruffly. Damn it Mary, I almost had heart attack when I saw you lying on the ground, not moving.” He blew out a breath “A man’s hear can only take so much.”
Mary Lou was touched by the concern that filled his eyes. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m ok, really. I just got the wind knocked out of me that’s all” she said while examining the bruises on her hands. In the split second that her horse had gone down, she had instinctively reached out her hands to try and break her fall. She still doesn’t know what happened to cause the accident. “Oh no, Lucy!” she cried. “Is she alright?”
She was startled when Devin suddenly scooped her up in his arms. “It looks as if she injured a leg” he answered. “I haven’t examined her yet; I had to make sure you were ok first.” He strode effortlessly with her in his arms.
Mary Lou was painfully aware of her body pressed against his larger, much harder frame. Oh boy she thought, she had to put some distance between them now. Her breath quickened and she could swear she felt her panty getting a little wet. “Devin, please put me down I can walk” she half whispered breathlessly.
He looked down at her with a small frown “Are you sure?” he asked.
She nodded, struggling to get her words out “I’m sure
. I can manage, I promise. Go check on Lucy.”
He hesitated but slowly put her down. His hands remained on her shoulders, making sure she was steady as her feet were planted back on the ground. He stared at her for a few seconds as if he wanted to say something, but he remained silent, turned away from her and made his way to the injured horse. Mary Lou let out a breath and rubbed the back of her neck, wondering why Devin affected her so much. Just a simple touch and she last all senses. He returned to her a few minutes later, wearing a grim expression “Lucy has broken a leg” he told her.
“Oh no!” she cried in dismay. “It’s all my fault. Did I do something wrong? I shouldn’t have gone so far ahead of you.” She dropped her head in her hands “I’m so stupid, I should have been paying more attention. I’m so sorry Devin.”
He cupped her chin and angled her face so that she was staring in her eyes “Hey, it wasn’t your fault, her left hind leg somehow got caught in a hole , which was completely obscured by grass there’s no way you could have seen it, so stop beating yourself up.”
“What do we do now? She asked.
“I’m going see if I can get someone out here with to carry Lucy back to the ranch” he answered. Whipping out his cell he dialled but the call would go through. He glanced at his phone screen “Shit, no reception here.” We will have to walk a bit, we’ll head back in the direction of the ranch, and hopefully cell reception will improve. You can ride my horse and I’ll walk.”
Mary Lou eyed the intimidating black stallion nervously “Um, its ok I have no problem walking.”
