He continued to shield her as she shifted to the opposite side of the booth, then waited until she was seated before he settled across from her.
“All the way against the wall, please. I don’t need you peering around to sneak a peek.”
“Oh, for goodness sake,” she muttered, shuffling across.
As she began switching their plates, David watched Cathy and Scott feed each other bites of an appetizer that had just been placed in front of them, and it was obvious Cathy was radiantly happy.
“We have to see what kind of car he drives,” she declared. “He may dress well, and he’s brought her here for dinner, but a car says a lot.”
“Once again,” he sighed. “You are such a snob!”
“Don’t you get tired of saying that? I’m just looking out for my little girl,” she protested. “At least he’s a darn sight better than that ruffian at her barn.”
“Maybe if you took the time to speak to that ruffian, you’d find him to be-“
“What, acceptable? I don’t think so, David,” and it appears he’s taken my money and ended things. I knew he would. What a relief, it was worth every penny if she ends up with a nice-looking man like the one she’s with now.
“I can hear the wheels turning in your brain,” David remarked. “What’s going through that Machiavellian mind of yours?”
“I was just wondering how long she’s known whoever that is. Maybe she wasn’t as interested in that Scott Sampson character as I thought, unless she’s been dating them both. Do you think that’s possible?”
“I don’t know, Marianne, but now you’re going to get back to having dinner with your husband.”
“Just one more thing,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “With Renaldo leaving, which I still find very strange, taking off like that so unexpectedly, anyway, with him leaving, she’ll need an escort to my dinner party next Saturday. Maybe I can mention that I spotted her here, and she-“
“Marianne, I don’t do this often, but I’m going to put my foot down,” he said, lowering his voice. “Stop interfering with Cathy’s private life. I mean it. She’s a big girl, and she looks very happy tonight. Let her be.”
“Says her doting daddy who moves heaven and earth to give her anything her heart desires. Was it a coincidence that Sampson found a way to keep his barn right after Cathy got so upset about him selling?”
“Fine, I admit it,” he sighed, “but that’s different. You know how crazy she gets when she has to move her horses. I don’t get involved in her personal life, and neither should you, and you won’t from now on. Are we clear?”
“My macho husband,” she said airily, trying to minimize his authority.
“Don’t mock me, Marianne. You know that’s not a good idea.”
It had been years since she’d heard that tone in his voice. The last time she had taken him to the mat, he’d punished her by scolding her severely, then leaving the house early in the mornings, and staying the office until late at night. It had taken five miserable, lonely days before she’d capitulated and apologized. Making-up had almost been worth the drama, but she’d promised herself she’d never again, push him that far.
“All right, all right,” she said testily. “I’m sorry. I just want to see her with the right man. A good marriage is the key to her future, and her happiness, and…my gosh, David, it’s everything, and you know that.”
“Yes, I do, and a good marriage comes from two people who love each other, right?”
“Yes,” she sighed, “but-“
“But nothing, and she’ll probably kiss plenty of frogs before she finds her prince, now let’s talk about something else.”
She paused, sighed, took a sip of her wine, then looked at him sweetly.
“Tell me what’s happening with the equestrian park. Are things still on track?”
“Thank you,” he said, mellowing his voice. “Yes, they are, and it occurred to me that you could hold some of your charity events there. You spend so much money at the country club it’s ridiculous, and the park will be a much more interesting venue.”
“I was thinking about that just a couple of days ago, and yes, I agree. In fact, I was going to ask you if I could float the idea at the dinner on Saturday.”
“You sure can,” he nodded, “now try that pizza?”
“For you, husband dear, of course I will.”
She raised it to her lips, and took a mouthful, chewed slowly, then smiled back at him.
“The pizza is delicious, even if it is cold, and about Cathy, I will behave, I promise,” because I can now. Obviously Scott Sampson is history.
Cathy was blissfully unaware that her parents were across the room. All she could focus on was the gorgeous man in front of her, and the promise in his warm, inviting eyes.
“Now that you’re all moved into the chalet, tell me what you’re going to be doing this week,” she said, excited at the prospect of his new home becoming a horse facility. “When are you going to start putting up corrals?”
“I’m gonna get Joe up to finish off the small sheds, and bring the roofers in at the same time,” then lowering his voice and looking at her with a wicked grin, he added, “I’ve got my own project as well.”
“You have no idea how you make me feel when you look at me like that.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Okay,” she giggled, “maybe you do. What other stuff?”
“I’m gonna start buildin’ a special chair.”
“A chair? What kind of chair?”
“A chair just for you, sugar.”
“Ooh, why did you say that? You’ve just turned me to jello.”
He picked up his wine, and taking a sip he studied her flushed face. She was drooling for more of his dark attention, and he was greatly looking forward to giving it to her, but slowly, over time. They had the rest of their lives to explore and to learn about each other, and he had no desire to rush anything. When they left Bellisimo and returned home, he was going to cradle her in his arms and drift off into never-never land. His brain was tired, his body was tired, and he ached for a long, restorative sleep. With her in his arms, and confident of their deep-seated love, he knew he would be dead to the world and wake up a new man.
“Are you okay?” she asked, wondering why he’d suddenly fallen quiet.
“Are you kiddin’ me? I’ve never been better. I’m just chillin’, and thinkin’ about the days ahead.”
“Can you tell me about the chair?” she murmured, her eyes sparkling across the table at him.
“It’s gonna evolve as I build it,” he said quietly, “but I can tell you it’s gonna offer both pleasure and pain.”
“Ooh, why did I ask?”
“It’ll be adjustable, have ledges and poles, attached straps, and padded of course,” he said with a wink. “I want you to be comfortable.”
“I don’t even know what to say to that,” she muttered. “How long will it take to build?”
“Why? You eager to try it?”
“I’m not sure,” she said with a soft laugh.
“I have a toast,” he grinned, picking up his glass.
“That would be?”
“To woodworking classes in schools.”
“I’ll drink that that,” she giggled, and as they clinked glasses, she added, “and sailor’s knots!”
“And sailor’s knots,” he chuckled.
A short time later, Marianne and David moved out of their booth, and taking Marianne’s hand, David walked swiftly to back of the restaurant and entered the empty banquet room.
“This is so nice,” she exclaimed as he led her through the room towards the door that opened into the lobby. “Look at that wine collection, that’s impressive, and the blow-ups of those mid-century black and white photos. We should host a dinner here some time, maybe for Cathy’s birthday. The middle of June is just around the corner.”
“That’s a nice idea, we should talk about it. Okay, we’re here,” he said, pausing at
the door. “Straight through the lobby and out into the parking lot. No looking around at them, got it?”
“Aye, aye, Captain,” she said with a straight face and sharply saluting.
He shot her a look, then opened the door, and moving them rapidly outside he handed the valet his claim ticket.
“We’re in a hurry,” he said, giving him a ten-dollar bill.
“I’ll be right back,” the young man said, and sprinted away.
Her eyes scanning the parking lot, Marianne saw a town car just a short distance from them. The driver was ambling back and forth drinking a bottle of water, and before David could stop her, she was striding towards him. Torn between going after her, or waiting for his car, David decided on the latter, and less than a minute later, his Mercedes pulled up just as she returned, slightly out of breath and grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
“Get in,” he said sharply as he beat a loitering valet to open her door.
Walking rapidly around to the driver’s side, he put the car in gear and sped off into the street.
“It was for them, the town car,” she said excitedly. “I told him I thought Cathy was an old friend, and described her, and he said, yes, that was the young lady he’d picked up.”
“You didn’t manage to find out the name of the person who booked the car? I’m surprised, you’re such a super sleuth.”
“I asked. Of course, I asked, but he said that was confidential, and he could lose his job if he gave out information like that.”
“As well he should,” David remarked. “Are you happy now?”
“I’m very happy,” she said with a sigh and a smile, “very happy indeed.”
“Good, because when we get home, you’re going to make your husband very happy as well, aren’t you, sweetheart?”
“Of course, and I’ll do something extra special to make amends for driving you crazy.”
“Oh, yeah? And what would that be?”
“The red corset and black fishnet stockings? How’s that for a start?”
“I’d say that would be an excellent appetizer.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Scott and Cathy were fast asleep minutes after wrapping themselves around each other, and when Scott woke up, snuggling her from behind, instead of looking at the clock as he usually did, he drifted for a while, then pressed his urgent hardness between her thighs.
“Mornin’,” he purred, moving his hands to fondle her breasts.
“Hey, handsome cowboy,” she muttered, “what are you doing in my bed?”
“I think this is my bed.”
“Not anymore more,” she yawned. “It’s our bed.”
“Hmmm, I like the sound of that.”
“What a marvelous way to wake up.”
“The only way to wake up,” he agreed. “We’ve got all the time in the world this mornin’, and I intend to make the most of it.”
“Yes, please.”
Rolling on top of her, he sent his cock forward with slow, leisurely thrusts, delighting in not having to find himself a condom, pausing every few minutes to suck in her breasts and lightly nibble her nipples. When she raised her arms above her head, he took hold of her wrists, pumping with greater vigor, and was rewarded with excited gasps and a fevered request to be kissed. As he crushed her lips, he buried himself deeply inside her, then resting his weight on her body, he relished the feel of her underneath him. There was no time, only pleasure.
“I need more,” she mewled, “please, give me more.”
“More what, baby?” he whispered, kissing her neck.
“More of your cock.”
“Is my girl gettin’ impatient.”
“Maybe,” she sighed.
“We’re gonna have to work on that,” he muttered, and rising from her body, he flipped her over, clutched her hips, and pulled her into his pelvis. “Looks like I’ve gotta pink up this ass of yours.”
“Why?” she whimpered, wiggling her backside, hungrily asking him to slide inside her.
“Just cos,” he said, landing several solid smacks. “A girl like you needs it, and we both know that.”
His declaration was met with a strange mewling sound, and he thrust inside her, but continued to spank her while he pumped. As her bottom turned rosy pink her cries grew louder, and suddenly turning her head, panting heavily, she looked back at him over her shoulder.
“I’m s,so c,close,” she stammered.
“Ask nice,” he demanded, dispatching his palm to deliver three hard smacks on the same spot.
“OWW, please, Sir, please will you let me come?”
“Only when I say so. It’s time you had that lesson in patience.”
Groaning, she dropped her head into the pillow, sure he was about to tease her into oblivion.
She was right.
He fucked her lustily, pausing when her body told him she was nearing her moment, then spanked, keeping the sting alive. Only when he felt his cock at its bursting point did he clutch her waist and tell her should ready herself.
“I’m gonna count to five, and then you come.”
“You’re going to count?” she bleated. “Ooh, just the thought of it…”
“One…two…three…” he began, but his count was agonizingly slow, and she was right on the edge. She was holding her breath, her body was taut, and she was sure she would explode before he reached the magic number.
“Four…five…now, come now!”
A scream bubbled up from her gut and burst from her mouth, and as the spasms engulfed her, her cries filled the room, each wail seeming louder than the last. As he released into her warm, wonderful depths, Scott grunted loudly, and though the moment seemed never-ending, the spasms finally abated. Flaccid and drained, slipping out, he watched her fall on her stomach, and collapsing next to her, struggling for breath and trying to calm his heart, he flopped an arm over her back.
“I can’t move,” she mumbled.
“You don’t have to,” he panted. “You can stay there all day if you want.”
He sensed she was drifting back into a nap and decided to join her, but before closing his eyes he glanced at his clock. The red digital numbers read 10:23, and he sighed contentedly. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laid in bed until midmorning, let alone with a woman he was nuts about. As the light sleep descended, he thought he heard a knocking sound, but decided it must have been the wind, or perhaps an animal, but he didn’t really care. There was no way he was leaving the beautiful girl laying next to him.
It was almost an hour later they descended the stairs. They had showered and dressed, and with the groceries Scott had picked up on their way to dinner the night before, he was able to offer her muffins, cereal, a cooked breakfast, or his delicious pancakes, but she surprised him by suggesting she whip them up a French omelet.
“I though you couldn’t cook,” he remarked. “Have you been holdin’ out on me?”
“I’m like you. I do a few things well, and that’s it, but I need an electric hand mixer. Do you have one?”
“Just so happens I do, and I even remember where I put it,” he happily declared, opening a cabinet.
As she whipped the egg whites, he made coffee and toast, and when they sat down at the breakfast table she suddenly began to laugh.
“What,” he grinned, “did I do something?”
“No, no, sorry, I was just thinking that this is the most domestic I’ve ever been.”
“You fit the role pretty darn well from where I’m sittin’,” he winked, “and this omelet is great.”
“I’ve had a terrific time.”
“You and me both!”
“Thank you for dinner last night, thank you for everything.”
“Hey, it goes both ways,” he smiled. “What are you gonna do after you take off.”
“I need to start hustling. Did I tell you about my interior design business?”
“Uh, no,” he frowned, thinking he should come clean with her about her father’s visit.
“I’d better call those roofers, and zip down to the barn and see Joe,” Scott said as he finished his omelet and downed the last of his coffee. “I guess we have to return to the real world.”
“Bummer,” she sighed.
“Hey, we you can come back here to fantasyland whenever you want.”
“You promise?”
“I promise, now let’s get these dishes cleaned up. I think it’s time we both got back to work.”
“I hate to admit it, but I agree.”
They puttered around the kitchen, clearing up and washing the dishes, and after Cathy made sure she had all her things, they walked outside to her car. Hugging her tightly, he promised to call her later in the day, and as he waved her off, he did so with a full heart.
“How did I ever consider lettin’ her go. Damn, what a mistake that would’ve been,” he mumbled. “That mother of hers needs her head examined, and whole lot more than that. Can’t believe she’d mess with her daughter like that. Cathy needs protectin’ from her, not me!”
Turning around he walked back to the house, and it was only then that he spotted the brown manila envelope laying on the porch just to the side of the front door.
“What the hell,” he muttered, picking it up, “not another letter from that woman? No, it couldn’t be. She doesn’t know I live here, or does she? That wouldn’t be good.”
Carrying it inside he closed the door, and walking through to the kitchen, he sat at the kitchen table and tore it open. To his shock he discovered it was a formal letter attached to a contract from the Coleman Construction Company, offering him an extremely generous amount for the five acres of his land that fronted the road, but his initial surprise began to turn into fury.
“Dammit, this is just another ploy by the Coleman’s to interfere with Cathy and me,” he said angrily. “First her mother, and now her dad? I thought he was a decent guy, but I guess I was wrong. I’ve had enough of this, and I’m gonna settle this horseshit right now. Let it land where it will.”
Her Forbidden Cowboy (Cowboys After Dark Book 12) Page 15
