by Lori Foster
The dog was so busy gnawing her chew, she didn’t even look up.
April slipped her arms around his neck. “This is romantic.”
“This is desperate,” he corrected as he carried her into the bedroom that had been his for much of his life. He kicked the door shut, then set her on her feet. “I don’t want any interruptions.”
Flashing a smile, she said, “I’ve never been in a guy’s bedroom before.”
“Don’t judge me by this, okay?” His room, like the rest of the house, was unchanged, which meant old furniture, minimal decorations and a lot of clutter.
As Boone took her mouth again, he let his hands roam. Feeling her breasts against his chest, the way she kept crawling closer, as close as she could get, he knew he wouldn’t last.
It was her first time, and he needed to concentrate on her.
Stroking over her shoulders, down her back and to her perfectly plump ass, he slipped his hands inside her panties, pushing them down so that they fell at her feet. He barely stifled a groan as he cupped twin globes, bringing her closer, rocking her against his erection.
“Boone,” she murmured against his mouth, arching in surprise.
Openmouthed, he kissed her throat, sucking softly on her delicate skin, licking, tasting. Down to her collarbone...down to her left breast.
She gave a vibrating groan as he drew in her nipple, tonguing it to a hard peak, tugging with his teeth, sucking.
Tunneling her fingers into his hair, she held on and told him without words how much she liked that.
Leaving that nipple ripe and swollen, Boone moved to the other, all the while rocking her against him.
“Boone,” she whispered more urgently. “Take off your jeans. I want to touch you, too.”
He knew he wouldn’t last, but still couldn’t resist. While kissing her he toed off his shoes and opened his jeans.
Her hand snaked in, nearly pushing him over the edge.
Featherlight, she trailed her fingers up his erect length, then looked at him with big eyes and parted lips. That expression, that right there, would be his undoing. It showed a mix of excitement and innocence, and it fired his lust unbearably. Flattening her hand more tightly to him, he guided her in one firm stroke—and knew instantly it was a mistake.
So that she wouldn’t misunderstand, he kissed her, hungry, hot, wet, devouring her mouth as he carried her hand to safer ground, up on his chest. Her fingers clenched in reaction.
Determined, Boone released her mouth long enough to shove down his jeans, taking his boxers and socks off at the same time.
Without giving her a chance to touch him again, he got them both in the bed, April on her back, him over her.
“Not fair,” she protested, squirming just a little as he nudged her legs apart.
It was as fair as he could make it. “I need you. So goddamned bad I know I’m not going to last.” Boone cupped her face with a shaking hand. “But you’re not ready yet. Let me get you ready, baby.”
Her eyes warmed even more. She looked at his mouth and nodded.
Groaning, Boone kissed her until she was once again clinging to him. He held both her breasts in his hands, his thumbs teasing over her nipples as he kissed his way downward, over her throat to the upper slopes of her breasts, then down to her nipples again.
Shifting slightly to the side of her, he pinned down her legs with one of his own, keeping her open and accessible. His first touch was light, petting over her, giving her a moment to get used to it, to him. It felt critical that she get as much enjoyment as possible. Always, he wanted mutual satisfaction—but for April, for the love of his life, it was so much more.
When he dipped lower, he felt the heated silkiness of her, the wetness. He parted her gently, his fingertip moving back and forth, entering her more with each small sweep. Her hips lifted, signaling what she wanted, and Boone pressed his finger into her.
They both groaned. God, she was small and tight and getting wetter by the second. He played with her for a while, enjoying her growing excitement, the way her fingers threaded into his hair, how she now moved with his hand.
He needed to taste her, and he wanted to know her climax was a done deal. At the thought of it, heat rushed through him and his cock twitched. Easing her into it, he kissed below her breasts, her ribs and her stomach.
“Boone?”
Gazing up the length of her body, over the smooth thighs, the slight curve of her belly and the lushness of her breasts, he met her gaze. She appeared a little nervous...and full of anticipation.
Lifting one leg over his shoulder, he looked at her exposed sex. “You are so pretty,” he said, meaning it. Leaning in, he nuzzled against her, inhaling the scent of musk. “Just relax, okay?”
He didn’t expect an answer and didn’t get one, but the tension left her legs, allowing him to lift the other leg over his other shoulder. Clasping her hips, he held her still and parted her with his tongue.
Her body bowed and she released a soft cry. Liking that, loving her, Boone licked again, probing, tasting, stroking his tongue deep, giving her the most intimate of kisses. He took his time, not only because he enjoyed it, but because he wanted the pleasure to build for her.
When she was wet and hot, her every breath labored, he reached up to her breasts and rolled her nipples, while also gently suckling her tiny clit.
“Oh God. Oh God, Boone...” She moved with him, her head tipped back, her scent warming.
Boone thought he could come just from her pleasure, but he ruthlessly held himself in check. He sensed her getting closer, felt her tensing, and brought one hand down to press two fingers into her.
That’s all it took. She came with a long, shuddering groan that he felt in his heart. Boone stayed with her, eating her gently, easing her until she went lax.
“Oh my God,” she whispered again, a forearm over her eyes.
Though he hurt with need, Boone grinned as he grabbed a condom from the nightstand. April still didn’t look at him, but he didn’t mind. That fact that she seemed overwhelmed pleased him. With the rubber on, he came down over her.
That got her attention.
She dropped her arm to stare up at him.
“Hi,” he whispered, and kissed her lips while settling between her legs.
“Hi.” She touched his face. “That was...”
“Oh my God?” He cupped her breasts again. “I’m glad you liked it.”
“More than like.” Tracing his lips with a fingertip, she said, “Because I more than like you.”
His heart almost stopped. “Good to know, since I’m so fucking in love with you.”
Her lips twitched. “You have the naughtiest mouth.”
“You enjoyed my mouth.”
Nodding, she said, “Very much so.” She laced her arms around his neck. “Now I’m ready for more.”
Groaning, Boone rested his forehead to hers as he reached down between them, using his fingers again to ready her, open her, then slowly pressing forward.
As her delicate flesh stretched to accommodate him, she caught her breath. Teeth locked, he moved slowly, entering her by small, excruciating degrees. Her climax had left her swollen and hot, silky wet, and that made it easier. Still, he knew it was uncomfortable for her.
“April,” he whispered. “Kiss me.”
She did, the touch of her mouth on his gentle, maybe even loving. She combed her fingers through his hair, over his straining shoulders and down his back. “I want you,” she said. “I want this.”
Breaking, Boone surged into her, and then stilled as she clenched tight around him. He labored for breath, not moving, furious that he hadn’t shown better restraint.
Until she brought one leg up and around him. “Boone.”
That didn’t sound like discomfort. It sure as hell didn’t sound like regret. He partially
withdrew, only to surge in again, and she moaned, her hold on him tightening.
“Okay?” he whispered.
For an answer, she licked his mouth—and Boone lost it. Plans fell under instinct and he rocked against her, deeper and harder each time until they found the perfect rhythm together. Far too quickly, he felt the pressure building, his release imminent, but April was with him, crying out, holding him, urging him on as she came again. Boone let himself go, his face turned into her neck, his head and heart filled with her.
Nothing had ever felt so perfect.
No other woman would do for him.
* * *
IT SHOULD HAVE embarrassed April, the way Boone cleaned her afterward, and that final kiss he’d pressed to her in such a private place. It didn’t. She only relished the few extra minutes to regain use of her muscles.
“Be right back.” He pulled on his jeans and opened the door to find Sunshine standing there, her ears up as if curious about the noise they’d made.
April barely stifled a laugh.
Boone glanced at April, patted his leg and said, “C’mon, girl. It’s getting late.”
Sunshine gave April a long look, then bolted around to follow Boone. She heard the front door open and close.
Was that concern she’d seen on Boone’s face? Did he worry that she’d want to go home now? Ha, not likely. She’d just have to make it clear that she was staying over.
While he was busy with Sunshine, she made a quick trip to the bathroom, cleaned her face and teeth the best she could without her usual toiletries, used his mouthwash and comb, and then returned to the bedroom to straighten the blankets.
When Boone returned, he found her neatly tucked in, waiting on him. Pausing, his gaze moved over her, and one side of his mouth kicked up. “You’re staying.”
“Right here,” she said, patting the bed. “With you.”
Apparently, with Sunshine, too. The dog made an agile leap up to the mattress as if it was her usual thing, then greeted April with a few happy snuffles to her neck.
Laughing, April rubbed her ears. “I hope you’re not a bed hog.”
Sunshine answered with a wide yawn that showed sharp, white canine teeth.
“Sleep,” Boone said, and the dog curled up at the foot of the bed.
He didn’t ask her if she minded, and she loved that he knew her well enough to already know she didn’t.
“Don’t move.” Boone left the room again, but returned a moment later with her clothes. He took a moment to put her things, and his, on the chair, then turned out the light and finally joined her under the covers.
April curled into him. He’d been so incredibly...incendiary. Being with him would be such fun, in ways she’d never expected. Boone might have doubts about his past, but she’d always known he was special, that how he made her feel was special, too.
To her, he was the only one.
No wonder she’d waited. Who would settle for less when she could have this?
He drew her closer still, his arms strong around her.
“Sleep,” April whispered. “Tomorrow we’ll figure it all out.” Tomorrow, with the whole day ahead of them, she’d admit that she loved him, too.
* * *
APRIL WOKE TO an empty bed. Momentarily disoriented, she looked around—and warmth filled her. Boone.
Smiling, she turned her head to the pillow and inhaled his scent, thinking about everything they’d done, not just last night but every day, every minute since his return to Buckhorn. Nothing had ever felt more right to her.
No other man would do. Not for her.
She’d loved him since she was seventeen years old. Maybe even before that. Now, finally, she had him.
Sun streamed in past the curtains, and a glance at the clock told her it was only seven thirty. After he’d worn her out, she’d slept soundly. Had he?
Time to find out. Assuming he was out with the dog, she crawled out of bed. Dressing in only her panties and his T-shirt, which he’d left behind, she padded quietly out of the bedroom. After a quick trip to the bathroom, she went to the patio doors, but didn’t see him outside.
She heard something farther down the hall, and backtracked to the bedroom she assumed to his father’s.
Boone was there, sitting on the floor, going through the bottom drawer of a dresser. Sunshine slept on the floor beside him.
Barefoot again, wearing only open jeans, he stared up at her. He had a photo album in his lap, a stack of snowy-white T-shirts to one side, socks to the other. “Hey.”
Her heart breaking at the expression on his face, April eased closer. “Hey.”
“I was going through Dad’s winter stuff,” he explained unnecessarily, “boxing it up to donate.” He swallowed and looked away. “It was past time.”
Somehow, April knew he did this for her. “Would you mind some company?”
“I would love some company—as long as it’s you.” When she drew near, he pulled her down into his lap and hugged her close, one hand moving over her thigh, then her behind. “You are a gorgeous sight first thing in the morning.”
Distraction? She’d gladly give it to him. Rasping her fingertips over his whiskery jaw, she whispered, “You, too.”
Sunshine eyed them both, grumbled and stretched out.
“You want some coffee? Breakfast?”
“Coffee for now, breakfast later, a shower after that.” And then you. “Is the coffee ready?”
“Yeah. I’ll get you a cup.”
“Stay.” Both Boone and Sunshine looked at her, and she laughed as she got to her feet. “I’ll get it and be right back. We’ll get through this room in no time, I promise.”
They worked together all day, pausing for breakfast and lunch, a walk with Sunshine, and then dinner from the grill. They’d finished the bedroom, and also cleared out his father’s belongings from the bathroom.
Now out on the deck, they took a break with iced tea, her in one chair, him in another with Sunshine leaning against him. It was such an incredibly peaceful spot, lush and green, alive with birds and squirrels and skimming fish. April wanted to take a dozen photos or more.
She wanted to keep Boone and Sunshine as her own.
Boone shared his plans for remodeling, not only the interior but the exterior with an addition, too. She wasn’t surprised to know her dad had offered to help. The surprise would have been if he hadn’t.
It all sounded wonderful to her, but if she was to stay over again—and she wanted to—she needed her own car, a change of clothes and her toiletries.
Rather than waffle around about it, she asked, “Should we talk about the future?”
Boone’s sharpened gaze landed on her, and he said without hesitation, “I want a future with you. With Buckhorn.” He breathed a little more deeply. “With this house.”
She smiled. “Good. I’d like that, too.”
He froze, his hand on Sunshine’s scruff going still. “You mean that?”
“I mean that with all my heart. I love you, Boone. I think I’ve always loved you.”
Somehow he crossed the deck and had her off her feet in a single heartbeat, crushing her close, laughing, then holding her back. “I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say that.”
His happiness was contagious, and she felt her eyes sting with joyful tears. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to, but I do love you, so very, very much.”
Charmingly, he went to one knee—then almost got knocked over when Sunshine took that as an offer to play. He ended up on his back, the dog on his chest, and, still grinning, he asked, “Will you marry me?”
April laughed. Sitting down beside him, giving Sunshine a hug, she said, “Yes.”
He’d always had her heart. He’d only had to return to Buckhorn to claim it.
* * *
TUCKER
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER ONE
TUCKER PUT HIS shoulder to the muddy gate of the ancient truck and shoved hard. At the same time, the farmer hit the gas. The tires spun, spraying mud over Tucker’s legs and lap, splattering up his chest and even into his face.
He could think of a hundred ways he’d rather spend his evening. Sex would top the list, but then he’d been so long without, it was no wonder that particular activity seemed glued to the forefront of his brain.
He knew why it had been so long, but hopefully no one else suspected.
Finally, finally, the truck rocked free and gained traction. It lumbered awkwardly back onto the road.
Turning his face up to the pounding storm, Tucker let the rain wash away some of the mess. The turbulent weather was more intense—and dangerous—than usual for the area. He had a feeling it would cause more problems before it blew over.
There were times when being the sheriff of a small town was a major pain in his ass.
When the driver’s door of the truck opened, Tucker quickly stepped forward. “No, don’t get out, Harmon. No reason for us both to be soaked.”
Harmon, who was at least eighty-five, frail of body but sharp of mind, gazed at him with gratitude. “Thank ye, Sheriff. I’da been stuck there all night if it weren’t for you.”
A terrible thought.
Meaning it, Tucker said, “I’m glad I came by when I did. Now get home safe, okay? The storms don’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.”
Nodding, Harmon replied, “You too.” He pulled his door shut with a clatter and slowly, oh so slowly, drove away.
Tucker headed for his SUV, wondering if he should strip before getting in so he wouldn’t get mud on the seats. The town supplied the car for both official and personal use, and he kept it shining out of respect for the office. Luckily, he’d been off duty when he spotted Harmon, so at least he hadn’t ruined his uniform.
