Riding the Storm

by Delilah Hunt

  But he wouldn’t. What he would do is go in there and…

  What? Hurt her feelings for being kind and friendly to you. Matthew paused halfway down the hall. No, he couldn’t hurt her and he didn’t want to. But he had to do something, say something to her.

  A barrage of thunder rolled outside spurring Matthew into action. He swung the door open. The words he planned to utter died on his lips the instant he saw Zara sitting on the chair with her knees bent and drawn up to her chin, her focus centered on the spinning machine.

  Alerted to his presence, she looked up shifting her gaze to where he stood by the doorway. Her feet hit the floor. She jumped up from the chair and raced across to the machine. Her hands grasped the handle of the dryer and Matthew closed the door with a resounding click.

  “Leave it.”

  Frowning, her hands remained on the machine. “I want to check if they’re dry.”

  He strode in front of her, straightening to purposely intimidate her with his height. Bearing down on her, he demanded, “Look at me.”

  Slowly, she looked up, bright glossy eyes staring back at him.

  “Why did you have to do it? You knew I was married and every fucking time we met, you had to give me those looks as if you thought I was going to leave my wife and go to you.”

  She gasped and her eyes bulged. “I never thought that. I swear. I know you don’t think of me in that way. I would never–”

  The loud beep of the machine blared, knifing the tension.

  Zara quickly spun away, escaping his attention. He caught sight of her hands shaking as she opened the dryer removing the clothes and clutching them in a ball to her chest.

  Shit. He shouldn’t have attacked her like that. But she had to know. On some level Zara had to know what she’d been doing to him, making life inside his ill-fated marriage more complicated than it had to be.

  “I just need a minute to change and then I’ll head out,” she said in a low voice, averting her gaze.

  She had to be out of her mind. Frustrated, Matthew growled, “I thought I made it clear there’s no way in hell I’m letting you drive in this storm.”

  “If I’m not allowed to leave, can I at least have some privacy so I can change into my clothes?” She tried to walk past him, but he blocked her path, trapping her with one hand plastered on the wall above her head.

  He slid his gaze over her slender figure concealed by the oversized shirt. Although her height wasn’t much to speak of her legs were long, sleek. He raised his head and looked her dead on. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  She shook her head. “I never thought you were cruel.”

  “I’m not.” Matthew drew in a breath and lifted a lock of damp hair matted to the side of her face. “Why are you afraid to change in front of me? You think I didn’t get an eyeful when we came inside from the rain?”

  She drew the bundle of clothes tighter to her middle, pulled in her arm as if that could prevent him from seeing the way her lush nipples peaked against the fabric.

  “I’m not afraid.”

  “Then take it off.” He tucked a finger under the collar, daring her. She stared at him, her brown eyes glossy.

  Damn, damn, damn.

  Not a single man on earth could miss the heat in her eyes. Zara Whitley was hot for him. His cock went rock hard. He knew the second his balls seethed with cum.

  “You’re afraid, aren’t you?” he insisted.

  She shook her head, damp curls falling loosely above her shoulders. Matthew placed his finger on the spot where her nipple peaked through the shirt.

  “Yes,” he said quietly. “You’re terrified of what I’m going to see when you take off that shirt.” He took his hand from her breast, slipping it beneath the shirt while the other slid to her thigh.

  “Please, Matthew, don’t.” Her body stiffened and it looked as if she had quit breathing.

  He hardened his jaw and closed his eyes, gliding his hand farther along her upper thigh all the way to her naked pussy. Zara thrashed her head and bit her lips, a strangled sound escaping. Dipping a finger between her folds, Matthew’s breath lodged in his throat. He locked his gaze to hers. Jesus. He’d known all along that she was attracted to him, but not once did he think she would be this aroused.

  “Zara…” His voice trailed off. Matthew kept his fingers in place, loving the feel of her wetness. For him.

  Her eyes fluttered and a lone teardrop rolled down her cheek. “I’m sorry,” she told him in a tremulous breath.

  “How long?” he whispered, stroking between her slickened labia. “How long have you been this wet for me?”

  She wiped the teardrop with the back of her hand and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”

  Must be long. “Did you find someone to give you what I couldn’t?”

  She bit her lips, crying out when his finger delved into her juicy cunt.

  “Do I know him?” Matthew asked, anger rising inside his chest. “The man you’ve been using to replace me.”

  Her cunt tightened around his finger. “There’s no one. I didn’t meet anyone that I liked as much as—”

  “Me?”

  She nodded and undulated her hips. “Uh-uh.”

  Lowering his head Matthew brought his forehead to the side of her face. He drew in a breath. Man, even her hair smelled good. Vanilla and coconuts. He pressed his lips to her ear. “What the fuck are you doing to me?” he rasped.

  She closed her eyes, mewling. The sound drove him wild. Matthew pushed another digit into her moist cunt, nuzzling her hair. “You think you can just say you want me, that you haven’t been with another man because of me, then expect I’m going to let you go?” He thrust inside her, in and out, his cock pulsing with desire and envy.

  Soft lips brushed along his face and she whimpered into his ear, writhing on his hand.

  “Matthew,” she sobbed. “Oh God. Please don’t be angry with me for loving you.”

  His heart hammered and his movement slowed. Love? Raising his head, Matthew pinned her with a stare.

  “You love me, Zara? Is that what this has been about? Those warm gazes, always being so damn sweet. Bringing me the food?”

  She threw her head back. “Ye-Yes.”

  “Jesus Christ,” he murmured, finding anyplace on her body he could let his lips taste. Groaning, he withdrew his fingers. His cock felt full, straining against his pants. Need to get inside her. Placing his arms on her waist, he lifted her and stalked toward the living room.

  “Tell me you love me,” Matthew demanded, pinning her against the wall. He had officially lost his mind.

  “I love you,” Zara whispered.

  A lump rose inside his throat and he swallowed hard not quite sure why he needed to hear those words from her. Matthew closed his eyes and nodded.

  “Take off the shirt. I want to see you naked.”

  Hesitantly, her fingers closed over the material, dragging it over her head. Matthew cupped her breasts squeezing the soft flesh. Her nipples were small but thick and so fucking beautiful. Lowering his head he closed his mouth over the distended bud, suckling deep.

  “Matthew,” she moaned, running her fingers through his hair. “That feels so good.”

  Damn, but he wanted more. His cock was threatening to rip through the seams of his jeans. Moving his lips from her nipples, Matthew pressed them to hers in a deep, penetrating kiss. Her lips, nipples. Was there no part of Zara Whitley that didn’t taste like heaven?

  His gaze lowered between them, eyeing her pussy. He’d have to lick it another time. Right now he had to get inside her. Thrust his prick into her cunt until there wasn’t a fucking part of her he didn’t know.

  Matthew ripped off his shirt, his cock twitching with the need for release at the sight of her brown skin pressed up against his. He never imagined it would turn him on as much as it did.

  Clenching his jaw, he drank her in. Her gaze was lowered, pointed on his erection. In agonizing slowness, she glanced up, flattening her palms
on his stomach.

  Matthew locked his hand around her wrist meeting her eyes. “Open my pants.”

  Nibbling her bottom lip, she brushed her fingers against his groin, opening the zipper and waistband. His cock swelled under her gaze. Using one hand Matthew lifted her arms high above her head and with the other reached into his boxers and gripped his aching prick. He rubbed the tip between her legs, pushing into her slick, warm opening. Yet again his mind screamed with the awareness this was all for him. That warm, welcoming heat was for him alone. Because she loved him.

  A soft smooth leg rose up and draped across his waist and Matthew groaned at the sound of her low voice, which had taken on a husky, needy tone. “I want you so much, Matthew.”

  Did his name always sound this good coming off her lips? He kissed her on the mouth and whispered against her lips. “God, Z, you’re so tight I can barely move.”

  Zara whimpered. He thrust harder coming into contact with a thin barrier. Fuck. Matthew groaned and kissed her ear. “Are you a virgin, baby?”

  She nodded. His cock grew harder, pleased by her admission. “I’ll try not to hurt you.” With painstaking gentleness, he pressed into her, planting kisses along her face. He needed her to relax and allow him deeper. Molten heat flowed over his prick and blood pounded in his ears. He thrust hard, tearing through her virginity.

  Her eyes widened and her lips parted but he covered her mouth with his, muffling her cries.

  “Does it feel good?” he asked, fucking her sodden cunt. Already he could feel her walls stretching to accommodate his length and girth.

  “Faster.” Warm lips brushed against his shoulder and tiny fingernail scraped at his back. “I want to feel you all the way inside me.”

  On a ragged breath, Matthew increased his pace, hooking his arm beneath her knee.

  “Was I worth the wait?” He kissed her neck. “Is this what you thought it would feel like with me?” He shoved into her with another rough, long stroke.

  “You were worth the wait, Matthew.”

  His heart thumped and his cock swelled inside her cunt. Harder. He had to fuck her harder. Her soft body clung to him, and the room vibrated, humming with her tiny whimpers, his harsh grunting, and the sound of his prick slapping inside her body, which banged against the wall with each brutal thrust.

  Her head fell forward resting on his shoulder. Small teeth nipped his skin. Matthew held her to him as her body began to shudder wracked with her orgasm. And still he kept fucking her. He had to. His balls tightened, laden with cum. He knew he had to pull out soon.

  “Matthew,” she moaned, her face beaming with passion. “I love you so much. Please don’t ask me to stop.”

  Oh God. Too late, he couldn’t stop now. Zara’s cunt was so small, clenching around his cock and holding him snug inside her wet heat. He lost it. Matthew threw his head back and released a harsh grunt. His seed shot out harder than he could ever imagine and yet he kept coming, unable to stop the gush of hot semen lashing out.

  Seconds ticked by amid a heavy silence that hung in the room. Outside the wind rustled and drops of rain skidded on the window. Reluctantly, he withdrew and hooked his thumb beneath her chin, searching her eyes.

  “You all right? I wasn’t too…”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine.” She darted her gaze toward the window, then back at him. “The rain is letting up,” she said in a quiet tone. “Can I go use that bathroom to put on my clothes?”

  A fist knotted inside his stomach and his mouth went dry. She thought he wanted her to leave after what just happened.

  He looked toward the entrance then back at her. “You can, but I’d rather you didn’t go.” He touched her hand and tugged her closer to him, tipping her chin to look at him. “Do you want to go?”

  “No.”

  “Then stay with me. Sleep beside me tonight.” Christ. He saw the look of surprise on her face and realized the shock was mutual. He did want her to stay. It had been a long time since he’d had a woman curled up next to him. Months before Kristin died he’d taken to sleeping in one of the spare bedrooms. A sliver of guilt threatened to overshadow his peace. Matthew squelched it. It would just be for one night. As much as he wanted to deny it, Zara Whitley meant something to him. He might not love her as she did him, but was it so wrong to enjoy her company for the night, to rekindle in the friendship they once had?

  “Matthew?” She touched him. “Are you okay?”

  He nodded and looked down at her, brushing his fingers across the dark tiny curls between her thighs. They were wet with seed.

  “I came inside you.” He wanted to see her reaction.

  “I know.” She bit the corner of her lips. “I can feel it between my legs. Warm and sticky.” Through hooded lids, she peered up at him. “I like it.”

  Sweet Jesus. Matthew groaned and hugged her to his chest. “Do you like having my cum inside of you?”

  She stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his jaw. “Makes me feel like I belong to you.”

  His muscles went rigid, allowing the weight of her words to seep in. Seconds passed before he held her hand. “Come on, Z. Let’s call it a night.”

  Inside the bedroom, he took her into his arms, cleaving to her soft little body. Unlike the other nights of restless slumber, Matthew closed his eyes and drifted into a tranquil sleep.

  Chapter Four

  Zara walked onto the path leading from the split-level house to the working part of the ranch. Should have known better than to expect him to be lounging around at home in the middle of day, she thought. Although he had many workers on hand, Matthew took on the majority of duties on the ranch. She loved that about him. Whatever he did Matthew Caldwell always put his heart into it. That is, everything that meant something to him.

  Three weeks had passed since the evening of the thunderstorm and, while their friendship was getting back on track, Zara was at a standstill as to the direction she and Matthew were headed. Apart from their heated encounter in the living room, not once had he initiated or hinted at a repeat of what could only be described as one of the most divine moments of her life, the crescendo of her emotions for Matthew. But there was more to it. Matthew Caldwell was in her blood, in her heart. The question was, how much of his heart had he given to her?

  Zara bit her lips, reminded of the stop she’d made to the drugstore minutes earlier. Even if he wasn’t willing to give his heart to her just yet, she had the sinking feeling Matthew had given her something that was about to change the course of her life. Their life. Of course, she wasn’t going to mention her suspicion unless she had confirmation.

  She continued on, stopping suddenly, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach. Two of Matthew’s prized longhorns were going at it on the open range, horns clashing and hooves kicking up dust. Matthew sat atop Whiskey in his dark brown Stetson hat, riding around the fraying cattle. Her eyes widened. What was he doing?

  Matthew rode toward the hefty brown and white bull whose horns were jammed near the neck of the other bull. As he edged closer the longhorn lifted its head, nostrils flaring.

  Oh my God. Of their own accord her legs broke into a trot. Zara felt herself being lifted inches off the ground, held by a firm, unfamiliar hand.

  “Hey!” She whipped her head to the side. A tall, blond haired man was shaking his head at her.

  “Why aren’t you helping?” she demanded. “What if they attack him?”

  At that point she heard Matthew bellow, “Caleb, keep her away.” Matthew closed in

  on the bull, which had broken into a trot. Lariat in hand, she watched him nudge Whiskey’s side and with a masterful sweep of the rope he swung it over the longhorn’s head. Her knees almost buckled in relief.

  “Let go of her.”

  Matthew’s voice lashed out as he tied the end of the lariat around a tree. Zara pushed out of the man’s arms, ignoring his ridiculous chuckling.

  “You’re Zara, I take it?”

  Zara gave him a quick nod,
keeping her eyes on Matthew. He stopped in front of her, his face a mask of fury. Caleb coughed and muttered something about checking on the injured bull.

  “What the hell do you think you were doing running out there like that?”

  Zara gulped. It was a dumb move, for sure. One she would have denounced anyone else for.

  “I thought the bull was going to attack you. I couldn’t just stand here and not do something.”

  His eyes looked as if they were about to pop out of his head. “You mean like get yourself mauled or killed by a two-thousand pound bull, not to mention distracting me?”

  He sounded worried, terrified. A hint of joy sizzled in her gut, although she felt about two feet tall for the sheer stupidity of her action. “Okay, so maybe it wasn’t such a brilliant idea.” Understatement of the year.

  Matthew glowered, then leaning over, extending his hand to her. “Climb on. I’ll take you back to the house.”

  “Where are we going?” she asked when Matthew detoured from the trail that led to the house. He didn’t answer, but there was no need. The creek he had shown her on the day of the tour came into view. Whiskey slowed his gait and Matthew leapt to the ground, arms outstretched to her. Swinging her legs over the horse, Zara jumped into his arms.

  Instead of placing her on her feet, he held her in front of him, feet dangling above the ground as if she weighed less than a mite.

  “Do you have any idea how worried I was when I saw your legs moving toward me?”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

  “You should be.” Just like that he steadied her to the ground. “If that bull wanted to charge the living daylights out of me, what did you think you could do?”

  “I would have tried something. I wouldn’t stand there helpless and watch.”

  Matthew lifted an eyebrow. “So, you’re telling me you would have risked your life to rescue me?”