Texan for the Taking

by Charlene Sands

  Mason stared at her a moment, something dark flickering in his eyes before he joined her on the bed. That look frightened her. Was it guilt? Or doubt? Was he second-guessing all this? Had he lost his desire for her? “What?” she asked softly.

  He didn’t hesitate. “I’m thinking how beautiful you are.”

  His words sent a thrill through her body. Yet she had never wanted this. To be his experiment, to have him want her solely due to a crazy chemical attraction he had for her. But here she was, also lured by that undeniable chemistry, waiting and wanting to be dazzled by him again. It would all be okay as long as she recognized this for what it was. As long as she didn’t let him in, the way she had as a teen.

  “But are you okay with all of this?” he asked her.

  “He asks as I’m naked in bed with him.”

  “Just making sure, sweetheart.”

  His next kiss wiped away any doubt.

  Mason was a thorough lover, from his mind-numbing kisses to his attention to her body. He caressed her lovingly, gently massaging her breasts until her nipples ripened to tiny hard pebbles. His tongue did wonderful things, making her whimper in a way that couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than pure sexual pleasure.

  Her skin prickled as sizzling, sweeping heat poured into every crevice, and when he paid deep attention to the sweet spot below her navel, she cried out. His mouth was relentless, his hands were masterful. Her back arched off the bed as an earth-shattering release tore through her. She panted his name.

  “I’m right here, darlin’.”

  And he was right there, now sheathed with protection and rolling onto his back so he lay next to her. She was still coming down from her high and Mason waited for her patiently.

  Then he whispered, “Come to me, Drea.”

  He guided her so that she was on top, her legs straddling him. He circled her waist with his big hands and helped her, fitting her body to his. She sank onto him and her eyes shuttered closed. It was a beautiful joining.

  “You are incredible like this.” His voice was a husky mixture of awe and gratitude. “Your hair, your skin. You feel like heaven, Drea.”

  His words brought her joy. And her skin prickled again, the heat from before magnified. She didn’t wait for him to move, but began a slow, steady gyration, sinking farther down, giving Mason a reason to grit his teeth and groan.

  He touched her all over, his thumbs flicking across her breasts, his hand working magic below her waist. She sped up her pace, cementing that look of awe on his face. Her second release was intense, stronger than before, her voice at a higher pitch as she called out Mason’s name.

  Her completion couldn’t be compared to anything she’d experienced before. Not that she was an expert. She’d had exactly three relationships in her life, and yes, Mason topped them all. But if she’d had a hundred, he would still come out the winner. She knew that for a fact.

  She fell into his arms and he kissed her silly. And then he rolled them both over, so that he towered above her on the bed. She gazed up into his handsome face filled with hunger and lust.

  “I want you, Mason,” she said softly.

  “You’ve got me,” he said.

  Then he drove his point home, telling her yes, indeed, she had him.

  * * *

  Mason’s phone alarm woke him from a deep sleep. Normally, he liked waking up to Larissa’s favorite song, Faith Hill’s “Breathe.” It was a humbling reminder of his wife, and the child he’d never know, and somehow it made him feel closer to them. He’d never thought to change it. If he did, it would be like losing another piece of Larissa. Another soul-emptying piece of her.

  But today, he shut off the alarm quickly and hinged up to a sitting position.

  “Hell.” He ran his hand down his face. He didn’t have to see the empty place beside him on the bed or look around the suite to know that Drea was gone. He should’ve been more considerate. He shouldn’t have fallen asleep. At the very least he wanted to make sure she’d gotten home safely last night.

  He would have gladly driven her home. He would’ve kissed her goodbye in the wee hours of the night and watched as she entered the cottage.

  He rose and dressed then wandered over to the window. Boone Springs was just rising, too, and the autumn sun was warming everything up.

  He craved a cup of coffee to clear his head. Right now, his thoughts were on two women.

  His wife, for one. Dead and buried two years ago next week. He didn’t need a calendar under his nose to remember the date. He still saw her pretty face and the silky cinnamon hair that bounced off her shoulders when she walked. And those light blue eyes that lit like fireworks every time he smiled at her.

  She’d moved to Boone Springs seven years ago, and he’d met her at his friend Trace Burrows’s wedding. She’d been a college friend of the bride, just visiting town and looking for work. Mason had fallen hard for her immediately and was desperate for her to stay on in Boone Springs. Without her knowing it, he’d pulled some strings and she’d been hired as a television anchor for the local news station, WBN. She’d been great on camera and off.

  After they were married, he’d fessed up about his desperation to keep her in town, hoping she wouldn’t go ballistic. She’d only smiled. “I would’ve gotten the job without your help. I nailed that audition.” That was Larissa. She’d been fierce and smart and wonderful.

  Mason grabbed his phone and walked into the kitchen. He set up the coffeemaker to brew. Later, at the ranch, he’d get breakfast. For now, the steady drip, drip, drip of dark roast was enough to satisfy him.

  That’s when something shimmery on the hardwood floor caught his eye. He walked over and bent to pick it up. It was a long strand of looped silver, the necklace Drea had worn last night. As he stared at it, memories rushed in, of him removing her black dress, taking off her shoes and every other pretty little thing she wore. Man, he’d wanted her so badly last night.

  He’d been struck that she’d shown up at all. And that they’d finally cleared the air about their past.

  That’s when his doubts had rushed in. He’d had a moment, a panic attack of emotion. Drea’s resentment about him and his family had always been misguided, yet it had provided protection he could count on, a barrier she wouldn’t allow to be broken. Because he was never going to fall in love again. He’d never have another permanent relationship. His wife was still in his heart.

  “So now what, idiot?” he murmured, holding Drea’s necklace in his hand. It was warm, like her. And sleek and beautiful. Also like her.

  Mason picked up his phone and texted Drea. I have something of yours.

  He waited a minute, poured his coffee and then received her answer. Did I lose my panties?

  He laughed so hard coffee sloshed from his cup, just missing his hand. If you had, I wouldn’t be giving them back.

  Ha! What then?

  Wait and see. I’ll bring it by your place this morning.

  I’ll be at Katie’s Kupcakes.

  Great, save one for me. I’ll see you there.

  Mason put away his phone before she could text him not to come over. He was going to see her. To tell her he’d wanted to take her home last night. Any man of honor would do the same.

  And that’s where it got confusing. Because he had a sinking feeling that even if she hadn’t lost her necklace and slipped out of his place quietly last night, he would’ve found a reason to see her again today.

  Seven

  Drea didn’t have to try another cupcake. She’d chosen her favorite and that was that. When she set her sights on something, usually there was no changing her mind. “This one, Katie. This has got to be one of them.”

  In the back work area of the bakery, Drea leaned over the stainless-steel countertop and took another big lick of raspberry cream cheese frosting. The cupcake was so pretty, a lemon rosemary
cake infused with raspberry filling and covered with delicious icing. “I love your idea, by the way.”

  Katie had offered to come up with two signature cupcakes for the fund-raiser, one that appealed to adults and one for the kids. Of course, her other cupcakes would be for sale, too, and Katie was donating all the proceeds she earned to the cause. She was also overseeing the cupcake decorating booth.

  “Thanks. And I agree. I love the combination of flavors in this one. So now we’ve got one for the adults. What about the kids?”

  “Kids love all cupcakes.” Drea continued to devour hers.

  Great sex had a way of making her hungry. Her heart sped as she thought about the incredible night she’d shared with Mason. After he’d fallen asleep, she’d quickly dressed and driven home, making as little noise as possible as she entered the cottage. Luckily, her father had been sound asleep. She’d tiptoed to her room, undressed quietly and gotten into bed.

  Sleep hadn’t come easily. She’d missed Mason, missed waking up with him like she had at the beach house, breathing in his after-sex scent and snuggling up tight. But it was best this way. At least she didn’t have to answer questions from her dad. That would’ve been awkward for sure.

  “I want to make it special for the kids—a cupcake they can’t pass up,” Katie said.

  Drea tapped a finger to her lips. “Well, what do kids love more than anything?”

  “Christmas?”

  She laughed. “So true, but not Christmas this time. I know...they love parties. Can you conjure up a party cupcake?”

  “Confetti cake isn’t new.”

  “No, but what about...a rainbow cupcake?”

  Katie’s eyes widened, and Drea could just see the wheels of invention turning in her head. “I think I can do that. We’ll have three flavors on the inside, and then I’ll do a rainbow frosting on top. I don’t know a single child who doesn’t like rainbows.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Drea admitted, but then as an afterthought said, “But isn’t it a lot of work?”

  Katie grinned. “Not if you’re helping me.”

  “Are you serious? I can’t...bake. I’m so not a baker, and definitely not one of your caliber.”

  “You are a baker. It’s not that hard. But I was teasing. I’ll get extra help from Lori, my assistant, and it’ll all work out. Besides, you’ll be running the entire show at Rising Springs. You’re gonna have your hands full that weekend.”

  “I know. It’s hard to believe it’s less than two weeks away.”

  “I’m looking forward to having the kids learn how to frost a cupcake. I’ve got all these ideas for decorating. Some moms and dads from Park Avenue Elementary School are going to run the booth with me.”

  “I think that’s going to be a hit. Kids love that sort of thing.”

  The overhead bell on the shop door chimed. Katie took a peek out front. “Speaking of having your hands full. There’s a gorgeous hunk of a guy out there, and I don’t think he wants a cupcake.”

  “Mason?”

  Katie nodded. “He looks impatient. He must be dying to see you.”

  “Don’t be silly. He’s only returning something of mine.”

  “That you left at his place last night?”

  Drea opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She straightened out her dress, slipped her feet back into her heels and fluffed her hair a bit.

  “You look great. Go. And remember, I want deets later. You owe me.”

  “Okay,” she answered breathlessly.

  She walked into the café, coming around the corner of the glass display case to face Mason. “Hi.”

  His eyes filled with warmth. She tried not to notice, not to make a big deal of the way he was looking at her. But her heart swelled and she was absolutely certain she was eyeing him with that very same look.

  “Hi.” His voice was husky and deep. He wore a tan shirt under an ink-black suit, no tie, his collar open at the throat. He removed his hat, smiled and then gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You ran out on me last night.”

  “Shh,” she said, glancing out the window. It was midmorning and the bakery café was empty yet someone could walk in at any moment. “I didn’t run out. You knew I had to get home before I turned into a pumpkin.”

  “Well then, Cinderella, I came to see if this fits.” He dug into his pocket and came up with her silver loop necklace.

  She smiled. “Not exactly a glass slipper.”

  “And I’m hardly a prince. But let’s see if it fits.”

  Mason walked behind her, his body so close, his memorable scent teasing her nostrils. He lifted her ponytail out of the way, and his warm breath caressed the back of her neck. “You’re trembling,” he said as he secured the clasp.

  “It’s a little cold in here.” It wasn’t.

  He nibbled on her nape, planting delicious kisses behind her ear. Her breathing hitched and she felt a hot tingling in her belly. “I can keep you warm.”

  “I know.” Heat flushed her cheeks. She didn’t often blush, but Mason was capable of bringing out new sides of her personality.

  When he came around to face her, he noticed her pink cheeks, which should’ve embarrassed her. But there was an incredible softness in his eyes. Then he glanced at the necklace and his brows furrowed, his expression turning serious. “I would’ve driven you home last night.”

  “I had my car.”

  “Still, I should’ve made sure you got safely home.”

  “Thank you. But I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “I missed you when I woke up.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t have a response for him. He was too devastatingly handsome and honest for her peace of mind. She’d felt the same way; leaving him asleep in his bed had made her feel terribly lonely. She hadn’t felt that way in a long time.

  When she didn’t reply, he sighed. “What are you doing for lunch?”

  “Lunch? I’m working through lunch. In case you don’t realize it, the fund-raiser is less than two weeks away.”

  “And look at all the progress we’ve made. It’s all gonna come together. Linda is working her buns off on promo for The Band Blue and the date with Sean. You’ve got a handle on the art auction. I heard you managed to get donations from several art galleries. That’s huge.”

  “Yes, I’m excited about that. More than twenty-five paintings and five bronze sculptures, and some wood sculptures, as well. It should bring in a good deal of revenue. Is everything going well at the ranch?”

  “Yeah, but I need your advice. There’s things we need to go over.”

  “I’m happy to. When?”

  “We can discuss it over lunch.” His eyes twinkled. He’d caught her and all she could do was smile.

  “You are persistent.”

  “It’s for the cause, Drea. We both have to eat. Can’t afford to run our bodies down.”

  As if the man had ever been sick a day in his life. He was fit and she knew that firsthand. “So survival is your new pickup line?”

  “Do I need a pickup line?”

  No. Never. But she wasn’t going to admit that to him. “Where should I meet you?”

  “At the ranch...in about an hour and a half?”

  “Okay, I’ll finish up here with Katie and meet you.”

  He nodded and turned to leave, then pivoted around, strode over to her and landed a kiss on her mouth that literally rocked her back on her heels. Wow.

  He grinned, plopped his hat back on his head and then took his leave.

  * * *

  “Bye, Katie,” Drea said, giving her friend a peck on the cheek. “I’m off now. Got a few errands to run before I head back to the ranch.”

  Katie shook her head. “To meet Mason. Boy, oh boy. You sure do lead an exciting life.”

  Drea slung her handbag over her
shoulder. “We’re discussing business over lunch, is all.”

  “Didn’t sound like the two of you discussed much business last night. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you two hooked up. It’s about time.”

  Drea stood on the threshold of the bakery kitchen, grateful Lori was busy serving customers and no one was within earshot of their conversation. Katie had pried some deets, as she called them, out of her about last night’s trip to The Baron as Drea helped bake an experimental batch of rainbow cupcakes. Katie sure knew her stuff; the cupcakes had turned out perfect. And now she was matchmaking, which wasn’t allowed between close friends. Or at least it shouldn’t be.

  “I bet you two don’t get much work done this afternoon, either. I bet he takes you somewhere really nice.”

  “You do have a crazy imagination.”

  “Just go. You don’t want to leave his hunkiness waiting.”

  “I’m going, I’m going.”

  Drea left Katie in the bakery kitchen and had reached the front door when it opened suddenly and she bumped into the man walking in.

  “Excuse me. Sorry,” he said.

  “No, no. It was my fault, too. I wasn’t looking where I was...” She glanced up and found the man’s eyes on her. It wasn’t just any man, it was Brad. Dr. Brad Williamson, the taker of her virginity, the man who’d offered to marry her. The man she’d had to walk away from because it wouldn’t be fair, since she didn’t love him.

  “Drea, is that you?”

  She bit her lip and nodded. Too many emotions stirred inside, pain and regret being at the top. She hadn’t seen Brad in ten years. But he looked the same, if a bit fuller in the face, more solid all the way around. He was in his early thirties, an age when men flourished, showing a certain mature confidence and grace. He had intelligent blue eyes, a nice tan, and his longish hair was the same sandy-blond color she remembered.

  “W-what are you doing here, Brad?” she blurted. He was a blast from her past and not necessarily a welcome one. Immediately, her nerves jumped. It wasn’t him, but the memory of the entire ordeal that rattled her. “I mean, I never thought I’d see you in Boone Springs.”