12-Alarm Cowboys

by Cora Seton

  She pulled free and headed to her bedroom to put away the new wardrobe still littering her bed. After stacking the shoe boxes in the closet, she grabbed a garment bag. “You should go home, Tanner. Lord knows I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

  And energy.

  And strength.

  And kindness.

  Too tired to care what was inside, she hung all four bags in the closet without opening them.

  “Not until I know you’re okay.”

  A half-giggle, half-hiccup bubbled up her throat. That wasn’t going to be anytime soon.

  “Gwen.” He stopped at her side. “Look at me.” Tanner cupped her shoulder and turned her around. “Gwen?”

  If she did what he said, she would most certainly lose it. In spades. “I can’t.” She began to shake. “Please, just go…”

  He crooked a finger under her chin and tipped her head back, muttering a curse when she met his gaze. “It’s okay. Let me in. Let me hold you.”

  She was shaking in earnest now, but held her ground. It wasn’t too late. He could still leave and not have to put up with her. Tanner was such a great guy. Why did he want to put up with someone like her?

  “Gwen, please,” he said, gaze dark and tortured like he was barely able to hang on himself. “Don’t you see? I need to hold you, too. I need to know, to feel that you’re all right.”

  The honesty in his voice matched the purity of his gaze and wiped away the last of her restraint. She burrowed into him, wrapping her arms up around his back and sighed into his hard chest.

  “God, Gwen.” He buried his face in her neck and sucked in a breath. “When I drove up last night and saw those flames and thought you were inside…”

  She squeezed him tighter, letting him know she was fine, she was there. “It’s okay. I’m okay.” And in saying this, she realized it was true. She was okay. “I’m alive. And unharmed.”

  “I know.” He nodded, drawing back slightly. “But I wasn’t sure if you did.”

  Smart man. “I do now.”

  Especially with his body so near, pressed close, heating her from within. Any last bit of chill she’d had just vanished. Poof. Up in smoke.

  She yawned.

  A smile tugged his mouth, his very close mouth. “Come on. You’d better lay down before you fall down.”

  He drew back the covers on the bed Jordan and Shayla had made with a luxurious plum comforter and matching sheets, then turned to her and brushed a strand of hair back from her face. “Get some sleep. You look exhausted.”

  Gwen grabbed his wrist and held his hand to her face. “Okay, but only if you stay with me.”

  He swallowed and took a moment before he spoke. “I’d love nothing more, but you need to get some rest.”

  She turned her head and pressed a kiss to his palm. “What a coincidence. So do you. Stay with me. To sleep, Tanner. I know you didn’t get any last night either.” When he remained quiet, concern and heat fighting to claim possession of his gaze, she smiled. “I promise I won’t jump your bones. We’ll just sleep.”

  His lips twitched. “What if I want you to jump my bones?”

  She chuckled. “Then you’re shit out of luck, pal.” Another yawn threatened. She released him, kicked off her flip-flops and crawled in bed. “I’m exhausted.”

  He stared down at her a moment, then turned and left the room. Disappointment stung her eyes, but before she had a chance to wallow in self-pity, he returned.

  “I locked your door. No telling how long we’ll be out.”

  Crap. She hadn’t thought about her door. Or the lights. Or much of anything. She’d just gotten so tired all of a sudden, it was becoming difficult to keep her eyes open.

  “Thanks,” she said, then nearly swallowed her tongue when he yanked his shirt over his head, reminding her just how delectable his tan, sinewy muscles were and his sinfully sexy tattoo. The one that had made her a little bit stupid back in PA.

  The eagle clutching a fiery twig with its talons made a whole lot of sense to her all of sudden. That was Tanner. He was just. And strong. His version of serve and protect.

  And just like that, she was a wee bit more awake. Her pulse even kicked up when he sat on her bed to take off his boots. She didn’t care how much her eyes were burning, or head was pounding. The man was about to drop his jeans, and she was totally on board for the show.

  Tanner could feel Gwen’s gaze as if it was a tangible caress. Hot and strong, like the blood rushing through his veins. She was killing him. Killing his restraint. Killing his good intentions of holding her close while they both got some much needed sleep, leaving him to deal with the burning need to be inside her.

  Muttering a curse, he rose to his feet, forcing those thoughts to the back of his mind. Sleep first, then they’d see what happened. He shucked his jeans and crawled in bed without looking at her. That would be his undoing. As it was, he was going to have a hell of a time behaving with her soft body pressed against him as he held her close.

  “Tanner?”

  He swallowed then cleared his dry throat. “Yeah?”

  “I’m not so sleepy right now.” Her warm fingers suddenly slid down his chest to his abs.

  He grabbed her wandering hand and held her still. “Don’t. I’m trying to behave, but I’m barely holding it together here, Gwen.”

  She lifted up on her elbow and stared down at him. “What if I don’t want you to?”

  Chapter Seven

  ‡

  Momentarily closing his eyes, Tanner swallowed another curse as heat shot straight to his groin. “Gwen.” He sucked in a breath before opening his eyes. “You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re still suffering from shock. I can’t take advantage of that. Of you.”

  She shook her head, gaze glinting blue steel. “Don’t tell me what I’m feeling, Tanner. I know what I’m feeling, and yeah, shock is probably part of it, but you and I both know this chemistry existed between us way before that damn fire.” Her chin lifted defiantly, her gaze hot, daring him to deny it.

  No need. It was true.

  “Yes, it has,” he said, sitting up to cup her face. “And I do intend to explore more of that chemistry real soon. But first, you need rest, because what I plan to do will make the Poconos look like a picnic.”

  She sucked in a breath, along with her lower lip, before her heated gaze dropped to his mouth. “Damn, Tanner. You can’t say something like that, promise something like that, and expect me to sleep. I’m not made that way.”

  Well hell. Now he wasn’t going to sleep for sure.

  “Don’t you see? I need you to hold me, to touch me, to make me burn so I could get lost, yet feel alive. I can sleep later.” Her warm, shaky hand trailed up his chest to stroke his collarbone. “I need you. Make me feel alive, Tanner. Remind me that I’m alive. Please…”

  Her words were his undoing. Her pleading was too much; her trembling caught his heart and ripped him wide open.

  To hell with sleep. They’d sleep later.

  “I need all those things, too, Gwen.” He pushed her down into the mattress and captured her mouth, his control and all the reasons he should keep his distance going up in smoke.

  A sexy sound rumbled in her throat as she opened up under him, brushing her tongue against his as he plundered inside. Damn. Her taste, her hunger, was so fierce and demanding he already broke out into a sweat.

  Her hands stroked him everywhere as she rocked up into him, trying to kill him. Had to be, because he was dying. Of need. He wanted to slow down, to take his time with her. They’d gone at it like a pack of hungry wolves back in Pennsylvania, and again in Barry’s kitchen yesterday. Now, he was wondering if they’d ever be able to slow down and savor. Every damn time he kissed this woman, hunger consumed him until he couldn’t see straight, and he had to be inside her.

  Maybe once they got fast and furious out of the way. Again.

  He broke the kiss and sucked in air. “Lift up.” In one swift movement, he grabbed the hem of h
er dress and tugged it up over her head, revealing her braless form. His heart rocked. “You’re so damn beautiful.”

  Bending down, he licked a delectable peak while he brushed the other with his thumb as he cupped the gorgeous breast in his hand. She moaned and arched up, testing his control. So damn responsive. He tugged her nipple with his teeth, his whole body tightening at the sexy as hell sounds leaving her lips. Her hands were busy, too, clutching his shoulders tight.

  “Tanner…” She squirmed. “I need…”

  He didn’t need to ask what she needed. He knew. Hell, he needed it, too. Releasing her nipple, he kissed a path down her soft belly, nipping at her hip as he wedged his body between her legs. She was so soft, and hot, and…had a frog on her panties?

  A smiled tugged his lips as he stared up her gorgeous body to her face. “Ribbit,” he murmured, then bent down and kissed the green emblem.

  Her chuckle turned into a hitched breath. He hooked his fingers under the panties and drew the green material slowly down her legs, looking his fill as he took his time. Delectable. Tugging them off the rest of the way, he kept his eye on the prize. She was so lush, and beautiful, and he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to taste her.

  Starting at her ankle, he kissed a path up her leg, spurred on by her words of encouragement. Using his hand to stroke her other leg, he made his way to her quivering thighs, then drew back and looked some more.

  “Tanner…I…”

  He stroked a finger over her center and dipped inside, his blood heating as he found her wet. So damn wet. She lifted off the bed.

  “Easy, I’m just getting started.” He pressed her back down, then stroked her again, and again, loving the way she clutched the sheet, sexy little mews on her lips.

  He hadn’t had the opportunity to taste her last year, or yesterday, but that was about to change. Now. He leaned in, and while he continued to stroke, he licked her, relishing her moan and how her hands were suddenly on his head.

  “Yes.” Her voice was hoarse and full of need, while she gripped his hair tight and thrust up. “Faster…I need…”

  He slid another finger inside, changing the angle as he drew her into his mouth. She tugged his hair and cried out as she burst with a delicious heat, nearly taking him with her. Delicious and so damn hot. He fought for control while he slowly brought her down.

  Still trembling and panting, she released his head and smiled up at him. “Damn, Tanner, what did you do to me? My body feels like goop without bones.”

  “I can help you with that in a minute.” He smiled, slipping off the bed to dig a condom from his jean pocket.

  “Is that right?” She lifted up on an elbow to watch him, her gaze heated, and smile wicked.

  He crawled up her, dipping down to kiss and lick soft curves and valleys on his way to her mouth. “You doubting that?”

  She answered by sucking in a breath and clutching his back as he gave equal time to each of her gorgeous nipples, too perked and tempting to ignore. He was beginning to realize it was more than her body that tempted him. It was the whole package. Everything. Her sweet smile, kind heart, hot sighs, needy little moans.

  He kissed a path up to her neck, tasting and sampling, enjoying her squirms and sighs with equal pleasure. She was truly exquisite. He didn’t think he was ever going to stop needing her. She was under his skin but good.

  “How do you do it?”

  He stopped and drew back. “Do what?”

  “Make me crazy with need two seconds after I was so relaxed I’d nearly became one with the mattress.” Gwen couldn’t believe her body was already heating and aching to have Tanner inside.

  The sexy cowboy smiled down at her, his eyes deliciously dark with need. “Just following your lead.”

  If that was his way of saying she was wanton, he was correct. Something she should probably be embarrassed about, but she wasn’t. After all, it was the truth. She wanted Tanner. Couldn’t get enough of the hot cowboy. His touch made her feel things she’d never felt before, things she liked way too much not to indulge.

  Gwen trailed her hands down the sinewy muscles of his back to cup his fine ass. “Then you probably know what I want now.”

  And in case he didn’t, she nipped at his shoulder and rocked her hips.

  “I believe I can help you.” His voice was as unsteady as the pulse throbbing at the base of his neck.

  Using his knee, the clever man pushed her legs open, then bent down and drew her nipple into his mouth while the head of his erection teased her aching center.

  Hot damn.

  He was so thick and hard she could barely hold back her moan; she’d done way too much moaning already.

  When he released her nipple and stared down at her, his gaze was warm and open, showing her honest, pure emotion. He wanted her. Needed her. And not just sexually. Gwen almost didn’t know what to do with that. How to respond to a real emotion, not something faked to get her to perform to their satisfaction.

  This was different.

  So different.

  So much more.

  She felt light. Beautiful. Accepted and needed.

  He slowly lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her softly at one corner, then the other, bringing tears to her eyes with the tender caress. Now, she felt cherished. No one had ever cherished her before. It felt incredible, like some of the smudges on her heart had washed away.

  She cupped his face, and kissed him back, starting at one corner, then the other, basking in the warmth of his gaze. When he looked at her like that, she felt new.

  Reborn.

  “Gwen,” he whispered, kissing her over and over again, longer and deeper each time.

  Oh man, could he kiss. He was a master, sending heat low in her belly as she trembled with desire. She was on the brink again, nearing that blissful edge only Tanner could find.

  He broke the kiss and drew back, staring into her eyes as he drove inside with one sure, delectable thrust. She cried out, uncaring how needy she sounded. He felt too damn good.

  “So right,” he said, eyes closed, muscles bunching in his neck. “I thought I’d imagined it last time.”

  Then his eyes were open, staring down at her as he began to move. She clutched at his hips, thrilling at the sexy damn sound rumbling in his throat.

  He grabbed her hips and drove in deeper. “So damn good.”

  She wasn’t going to last. “Tanner…” she panted. She was so close.

  “I’m with you.” He bent down to kiss her lips, before he straightened his elbows and increased the pace.

  Harder. Faster.

  It was too good. She flew apart, climaxing hard as she clutched his hips, and held tight. He followed her over, body hot and slick with sweat as he drove deep and came with her name on his lips.

  When she returned to her body, and the ringing in her ears subsided, she worked on getting air into her lungs. Tanner had collapsed on her, breathing heavy and ragged.

  He lifted up and smiled. “Amazing,” he said, dipping down to kiss her nose, before he rolled off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom.

  Déjà vu filtered through her mind, bringing with it their short escapade in the Poconos. This was the point where she’d fled, scrambling into her clothing on the way out the door.

  Not this time.

  Hell no.

  She was right where she wanted to be. They’d shared a whole hell of a lot more than their bodies just now. It hadn’t been planned. Just sort of happened, and as scary as it all was, she was going to ride it out. Stay put. Not run. Take a chance.

  Nodding, she smiled at the ceiling and worked to get her breathing under control. He was right. That—whatever that was—had been amazing. Something had made it different, but she had no idea what the something was, only that it had to do with Tanner and the way he made her feel…and the way he felt about her.

  He returned a minute later and crawled back in bed, tucking her against his warm body. “I’m going to take that smile to mean you agree.
You were amazing.” He kissed her head.

  “Me?” She twisted to glance up at him. “That was not all me, Tanner. You were the reason that was so good.”

  He shook his head and squeezed her shoulder. “We were the reason that was good. We’re good together.”

  “I agree.” She smiled and settled back down, snuggling close to his warm, naked body, and yawned. “I think it’s probably a good thing I don’t have work until Monday.”

  “Yeah? Why?”

  “Because you wore me out.” She chuckled. Then yawned again, so completely relaxed and utterly satiated. “I think I could sleep for days.”

  And the last thought she had as her eyes fluttered closed was she never felt so absolute, so whole. And she liked it.

  Tanner woke up, blissfully aware of the soft, naked body wrapped around him.

  Gwen.

  He smiled, enjoying the feel of her curves lightly brushing his body as she breathed steadily in her sleep.

  This was the part where he detangled himself, shoved his body back in his clothes on his way out the door. Two times with a woman was his limit. His all-time rule. One he never broke. Ever. One that had always kept him safe, and out of trouble.

  One he was tossing out the window.

  It wasn’t needed. Not this time.

  But Gwen was. He needed her, and twice with the incredible woman was nowhere near enough. Hell, he didn’t think he’d ever get enough. And that was okay. He got it now. He understood what Kade and Jace had gone through. What had made them take the plunge and tread into monogamist waters. In the past, that was one pool he’d avoided like the plague. Had never wanted to enter. Hell, he never had an interest in it before.

  But he did now. With Gwen.

  The thought of walking away, never touching her again, never kissing her again, watching her with someone else twisted his gut something fierce. Those thoughts never bothered him with other women.

  Because he didn’t have feelings for them.