Rocky Mountain Heat-Six 1

by Vivian Arend

  He lifted her suddenly and spun her, nestling her hips back against him. Blake centered himself and pressed in from behind, his hands cupping her breasts, his thumbs and forefingers tugging on the nipple rings while his hips pistoned.

  “I need to touch. I need to feel you, all soft and welcoming under my hands. So wet and tight and everything I need. Damn, I need you.”

  She was going up in flames, all the heat from teasing him at the table, the knowledge she’d turned him on with her dancing, all the love she’d seen in his eyes pulling her closer and closer to the edge. He drew both breasts together into one hand and dropped the other to brush her clitoris and she cried out. Her body squeezed his cock, tried to lock him in place as he continued to rub and thrust.

  “Give it to me, Jaxi, don’t hold back. I ain’t going to stop until you come around me one more time.”

  Tension drew toward a peak again. She was so wet fluid clung to the inside of her thighs, easing their joining.

  “Blake, oh hell.” The explosion radiated from her core to the tips of her fingers, every ridge on his cock more pronounced as her sheath clutched tighter around him. Blake cried in triumph, his arms supporting her against his torso as his cock pumped and jerked inside her.

  He cradled her close while he shuffled backward, his cock nestled deep within her. He collapsed into the chair, draping her legs over the arms to let him touch where they connected. Jaxi leaned her head on his shoulder and tried to stop the aftershocks from ripping her away from him, still hard between her legs.

  One hand cupped her breast. With the other Blake ran a slow finger along the seam between his cock and her pussy, the wickedest sensation ever.

  The most intimate touch.

  “Damn, that was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  She couldn’t speak. Could barely breathe.

  They lay in the chair until Blake softened enough he slid from her body. He twisted her in his arms, both of them sticky with sweat and come, and Jaxi realized she didn’t care one bit. She’d never felt more alive.

  Blake loosened one of the nipple rings. He pressed his palm against the stinging tip for a minute before removing the other one. Dragging his jeans closer, he reached into a pocket to slip the rings away. He kissed her and cradled her against the beating of his heart.

  “Jaxi, I tried to ask you something the other day before the munchkins invaded our picnic.”

  She sat up a little, glowing from their shared heat.

  Blake grinned. He kissed her hand and slipped something cold on her finger.

  “It’s temporary. We can go pick up something real in Calgary or Edmonton, or even online I guess. I wanted—”

  Jaxi kissed him to silence and leaned back to examine the ring. He’d woven two horseshoe nails together, smooth and shiny. It was simple and beautiful and evoked feelings in her she hadn’t thought possible to grow any stronger.

  He held up his hand to show off a matching ring, and she fought back tears.

  “Can we can be ready by October? Ma and Dad got married Thanksgiving weekend, and I figure a wedding would make a real fine reason to be thankful.”

  Jaxi drew a contented breath and nodded.

  He paused for a minute, then gave an embarrassed cough. “You notice we forgot to use something? Again?”

  Jaxi blushed. “I was too interested in what we were doing to worry about it.”

  Blake let out a big breath. “This past week I thought about the fact we’ve had sex with no protection, a couple times already. I also pondered that lecture you gave me, that first night we made love.”

  “Lecture?” She shot him her best evil eye.

  “Hey, I’m not saying I didn’t deserve it. In fact, I earned more of an ass kicking than you gave me that night. It was reckless of me to put you in that position, no matter how right you were about us being together no matter what the outcome. I shouldn’t have acted all territorial until we’d talked about the future.”

  Jaxi wasn’t sure where he was going with this. “And the next time? In the kitchen? And now—you’re not being territorial now by leaving off a condom?”

  “Now I’m totally staking my claim. Like a bloody caveman.” He brought their lips together and caught her in mid-laugh. When he finally released her from the kiss it was to back up only a couple of inches. “This time I figured I had your permission—something I didn’t have that first night in the cabin. But after you told me very plainly you didn’t think us having a baby was a mistake, I thought you might not mind us getting started on a family right quick. I know I wouldn’t mind a bit.”

  The delight in her core turned from a tiny flutter of happiness to a wash of nearly unbearable joy. Having him and a family? “Oh God, Blake.”

  “Good oh God, or you’re ready to kill me oh God?”

  They were getting married. They could have a baby soon. Wild, incredible, unbelievable. “You’re safe, no murder on the agenda. I’m just as responsible for birth control as you are, if it comes to that.”

  “Just as irresponsible, you mean.” His grin flashed bright, and she nodded ruefully. “I also did something this week I’d never done before. I did the math. You know when I was born?”

  “May seventeenth.”

  “Hmm. I’ve heard that planning for life takes different routes for different folks. But it sure looks like I’m following in my daddy’s footsteps in more ways than one.”

  Oh boy. “You talking six boys?”

  “Maybe. Hate to remind you, it’s tradition. Great-Grandpa started it.”

  They dressed and strolled away from the barn hand in hand, Blake playing with the ring on her finger with his thumb.

  “So, when are you going to ’fess up and tell me what other classes you’ve taken? The interesting ones you wouldn’t share last week…”

  Jaxi raised her gaze to his. “Let’s see. Self-defense and boxing.”

  “Handy for those six boys we’re going to have.”

  “Stop it. Personal massage.”

  “Nice. What else?” Blake drew her close as he led her back to the cabin. It had been worth the wait to know she was finally his. No more questioning if he’d be able to hold her heart.

  She was his. He was hers. It was enough.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Canadian Thanksgiving

  “How long we do we wait?” Blake plopped down on the edge of the mattress.

  Jaxi burrowed a little farther under the covers and groaned. “Oh hell, don’t rock the bed.”

  Blake pulled the edge of the quilt free and smoothed his fingers along her neck, rubbing gently. He leaned over and kissed her nape. “You’ve got to get up sometime, Slick.”

  “Go away.”

  Blake chuckled and drew the blankets back, a tug at a time. She was still warm and soft from sleep, cheeks rosy, and the subtle scent of her skin made his mouth water. He rolled her carefully to her back and smoothed his hands down her body all the way to her toes. He picked up a foot and massaged his thumbs along the bottom length.

  “Oh, yeah. You keep that up, and I promise I’ll be real nice to you later.”

  Blake snuck in a nip to her arch. “You’re already going to be real nice to me. How long do we have to wait?”

  Jaxi opened her eyes with reluctance. “I don’t know, read the box. Why do we need that thing anyway?”

  “’Cause I want to know for sure.”

  Jaxi sat and snuggled in close.

  “You ready for today, Jaxi?”

  “I’ve been ready for a long time, but…”

  He kissed her eyelids, stroked her hair, held her close.

  Three more hours and they’d be standing in front of their family and friends, saying the words to join them as a couple. Together and forever and everything that went with it.

  It felt so right.

  “But what?”

  Those big eyes stared at him as she traced a finger along his jaw. Her touch was light but it echoed through his whole body.


  “I’m a little scared.”

  Blake shook his head. “You? Scared? Hell, woman, I’ve always admired how fearless you were. Even as a little tyke, the first time I saw you, half-naked, covered in mud and whaling on Travis. You were so damn proud you never gave a hint to how much you hurt.”

  “I was only seven and Travis deserved it. You’re never going to let me forget that fight, are you?”

  Blake stroked a finger over her lips. “Nope, I like it that you know how to use your fists.”

  “You like a woman who fights?”

  Blake kissed her. “I love a woman who fights. I think I fell in love with you the day I found you taking on that boy who was planning to drown the kittens.”

  Jaxi’s eyes flashed. “You never did let me finish him off. He was ready to go home crying to his mama—”

  “Yeah, but he was about three years older than you and a whole lot bigger. Tell me when you knew you wanted me.”

  Jaxi nuzzled at his neck, her lips brushing his rough stubble. “I fell in love with you when you came to the school for the Professional Day talks. You told everyone all about how the ranch was managed, and the hard work and caring needed to keep the animals happy and everything. I decided right then and there I was going to be the one that helped you.”

  His jaw dropped. “Jaxi, you must have been about ten years old when I gave that talk.”

  She flashed him a gorgeous smile. “I told you I’ve loved you forever.”

  He cradled her tenderly, enjoying their embrace. There was one last lingering concern he had to share. He had to start this marriage with a clean slate and somehow he’d never managed to bring it up while they were wooing. His chest tightened. “Jaxi, I’ve got to tell you. Travis and you and me. I mean, there was this one time…”

  Jaxi wiggled back, her cheeks slowly flushing with colour. “Oh, shit.”

  He narrowed his eyes. She looked guilty, but he was sure that was his own emotion reflecting back. “I have to confess the first time you touched me wasn’t the night after the pool hall. You kinda… Well, there was this time earlier when you hit on me.” He hurried to reassure her. “I mean you were out of it and nothing really happened. I don’t think you were aware you were with me.” He stuttered to a stop, not sure there was much else he could say.

  Her face glowed red but her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Um, Blake, if you’re talking about the trip home from the Stampede? I knew it was you.”

  A funny feeling tickled his stomach. “You knew?” Holy shit, she’d known all the time?

  She licked at her lips and nodded. “I don’t remember much from the start, but suddenly it was like I woke up. Well, I wasn’t sure how I’d gotten into the situation, but there was no way in hell I was going to give up the opportunity once I had it.”

  He stared at her. Unbelievable. “You are more trouble than anyone I’ve ever met in my life.”

  Blake shook his head, and they both laughed, soft at first and then louder until he was lying flat on his back beside her.

  When they finally calmed and he wiped the tears from his eyes, he noticed the time. “Damn, we’ve got to get ready.”

  Jaxi stood slowly, biting her lip. Blake swung around and wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her close as he sat on the bed.

  “I’m sure it’s done by now,” Blake teased.

  Jaxi leaned into him as he kissed her belly. “I can’t believe you woke me early to pee on a stick. Just remember I already told you the answer.”

  Blake followed her into the tiny bathroom, crowding against her back. He dropped his chin to her shoulder as she lifted the small white indicator.

  “What’s it say?” He kissed her neck. Couldn’t stop touching her.

  “It says you owe me a trip to Calgary to buy maternity clothes like I already told you last week.”

  Blake slipped his hands over her still flat stomach, imagining how it would feel round and heavy with their baby. All the doubts, all his worries were a thing of the past.

  The future was feeling mighty fine.

  Jaxi looked at the community people gathered around, faces gleaming at them with delight. Blake’s fingers interlocked with hers as he led them firmly down the path toward the outdoor barbecue reception.

  “You sure we need to stay for this?” Blake whispered in her ear. “’Cause I got plans.”

  Jaxi poked him in the side. “We have a whole lot of tomorrows for sex but we’re only getting married once. Behave.”

  Blake grumbled under his breath. “I want to get to the good stuff.”

  They were swept apart into a sea of well-wishers.

  Everywhere Jaxi looked she saw family. Matt and Travis manned the barbecue with Mike, grilling a steady stream of thick steaks. Joel was in charge of the music, and she smiled as he raced to make sure everything was ready at the large dance area they’d built on the lawn. Jesse mixed drinks and flirted with the girls while he restocked the large ice-filled buckets with long-necked beer bottles. Marion, finally free of her cast, visited with Jaxi’s parents while Daniel hovered at her side.

  Jaxi watched Blake as he spoke with their friends, laughing and receiving congratulations from their neighbours. Her heart filled with joy at the realization she was living her dream.

  It wasn’t long before they were back together, swaying on the dance floor for a first dance. Jaxi slipped into his arms and sighed with happiness.

  “You’re looking mighty sexy in them boots, Mrs. Coleman.” He twirled her a bit and let her skirt flare against his legs. “You going to tell me if you’ve got panties under that pretty little dress?”

  “Of course, I’m wearing panties.” Blake’s face fell a little. Jaxi lifted a brow. “You going to pout because I wanted pretty undies to remember this day?”

  “You’ll have plenty to remember it by without needing some bits of fluff and lace.”

  She was sure she would, but still.

  “Think of it this way. You enjoy unwrapping presents, don’t you?” Heat swelled between them, and Blake drew her closer, his fingers splayed possessively over the open keyhole in the back of her dress. She rested her head on Blake’s shoulder, dancing close and easy. She waited until he relaxed completely before she spoke again. “Of course, if you don’t want to unwrap I made sure nothing would get in your way.”

  Jaxi counted slowly, aiming for ten. Before she’d reached five, Blake jerked for a moment, and they stumbled. He recovered in time to keep them upright but she’d felt the increase in his heart rate.

  “You saying your panties have no crotch? Hot damn, are you trying to kill me right here on the dance floor?” He nudged his erection harder into her body. “Now we have to keep dancing until I can walk past my ma without blushing and embarrassing everyone.”

  She laughed.

  His voice, dark and husky, drifted over her skin like a caress. “There will be a price to pay.”

  “I love paying my debts. You can strip-search me later.”

  He stumbled again, and this time the laughter welled up from deep inside her until it burst out and flowed over them both. Swaying on the dance floor, family and friends all around, Jaxi felt the satisfaction she’d been working to achieve for so many years. She’d finally come home, and it wasn’t the land or the house or even the family she’d just joined.

  It was Blake, and he was all the home she’d ever need.

  Bonus Chapter: The Beginning

  Lazy Days of Summer, fourteen years earlier

  The screams rising from the coulee had changed in the past ten minutes from fun to fearful. Blake flicked the reins to head Midnight over to see which one of his little brothers was in need of getting his britches tanned. Because sure enough when they weren’t fighting for each other, they were fighting each other.

  Blake let Midnight take her head as she picked her footing down the steep trail that led toward the swimming hole where loud shrieks continued to echo off the clay embankments. Individual voices grew clearer and Blake grin
ned. It wasn’t often Travis ended up on the hurting side of the equation.

  He rounded the bend and darted his gaze over the scene. Chaos was in full reign. His youngest four brothers and a spare little boy, all in jean cutoffs and nothing else, were covered from head to toe in dark mud. Joel and Jesse, the six-year-old twins, raced in circles, waving their hands frantically while they shrieked at the top of their lungs. Twelve-year-old Daniel was attempting to pry the skinny newcomer off Travis with one hand, his free hand swatting the air with desperate jerks.

  Travis screamed again—the eight-year-old was madder than Blake had ever heard the little bully. His attacker was the only one in the area not hollering or swearing at the top of his lungs. Blake watched as the kid swung and connected another solid blow to Travis’s jaw.

  Time to stop the fun and games.

  “Enough, you little hoodlums.” Blake dismounted and waded in, ready to pull the combatants apart and deliver a timely big brother from hell speech. “Every one of you, get your…”

  Then he realized what was causing all the arm swinging and at least half the swearing. Just to the side of the main fight lay a giant wasp nest.

  It appeared to have been ripped clean in two.

  Blake felt a little like swearing now himself. “Daniel, get the twins back to the house. Take Midnight, and clean her saddle completely after you get hosed off.”

  Pausing to make sure Daniel nodded in agreement, he turned his attention to the screaming boys at his feet.

  Wasps whizzed around them, and he felt the first sting on his leg. Pulling hard, he lifted the still-swinging blond banshee, grabbed Travis by the wrist and toppled the three of them into the shallows of the swimming hole. “Get ready to hold your breath. Travis, I mean it. Stop screaming and take a big breath. On the count of three.”