Teton Romance Trilogy Bundle: Includes Yellowstone Proposal (Short Story)

by Peggy L Henderson

  Tori grinned up at him. “I just bet you can.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed herself against him, her breasts crushed against his chest.

  Lucas groaned, then stared down at her. His hands slowly, barely touching her, brushed up and down her arms, then traced the indentation along her spine. Tori bit her lower lip to keep from crying out. His feather-light touch scorched every inch of her, and she wanted more. Never had she imagined a man’s touch could feel like this, make her burn from the inside out.

  “I want to see you, the way I saw you that day by the lake.” His words, spoken as a strained plea more than as a request, made her knees go weak all over again. Her mouth went dry, and excitement pulsed through her.

  He’s your husband. He has every right to look at you.

  Tori lifted her chin, emboldened by the knowledge that she had the same effect on him as he did on her.

  “Would you like to roll in the mud, like we did before, since we have no molasses?” she teased. She willed her breathing to slow, but when Lucas responded with a surprised smile on his face and his brows raised, the last of her inhibitions vanished.

  “If you cover yourself in mud,” he whispered in a low tone, “I’m afraid there are no hot springs nearby to wash it all off.”

  Tori reached for the strings that held her britches around her hips, and slowly, deliberately, untied them. She glanced up at him when she pushed the britches downward past her hips and stepped out of them. His eyes roamed over her, the look on his face one of awe and appreciation, just as he’d done the last time she stood before him without her clothes.

  “So beautiful,” he whispered raggedly.

  He took a step closer. Tori shook her head, and braced her palm against his chest.

  “Your turn,” she said boldly. “I believe it’s only fair that I appraise the man I married, don’t you?” She tilted her head to the side. “Seems to me you’ve done all the looking, and I’ve not so much as caught a glimpse of you.”

  Lucas chuckled smugly. “No problem,” he replied in a sultry tone. “But you’ve had plenty of chances before. As I recall, you decided to run away instead. And don’t tell me you didn’t look while I was strung up like a piece of venison in that Blackfoot camp.”

  She shook her head, smiling. “I couldn’t see anything that night. Or now, for that matter. I may need a better look at you come daylight.”

  Lucas took his own sweet time in removing his britches, and Tori’s eyes widened when he stood to his full height in front of her. Her cheeks grew hot at the sight of him, the faint glow of the moon casting shadows on his physique. Thankfully it was dark enough that he couldn’t see her blush.

  “You’re blushing,” he growled, and took a step closer. Tori chewed her lower lip. How could he know this? He took another step toward her, a rakish grin on his face. “Can I assume that what you saw was satisfactory?” he murmured against her neck.

  Her face flamed even more.

  “We could just stand under the water directly if the cloth isn’t enough,” he suggested in a low tone. “But that might get a bit too cold.”

  “I think I’ve cooled off enough,” she whispered feebly. It was the furthest thing from the truth. Her body was on fire from his sensual touch, from his intense gaze, and from the sight of him. The satisfied grin on his face told her he knew exactly the effect he had on her.

  “Well, then, Mrs. Walker, perhaps I need to warm you up.”

  His hands cupped her face, tilting her head to meet his kiss. Tori whimpered when his mouth touched hers. Her lips parted under his tender assault, and she snaked her arms around his neck, molding herself against the solid length of him. Lucas groaned, and swept her up in his arms, never breaking the kiss. He carried her to their bedrolls, laid her gently on top of his, and leaned over her.

  “I hope you’re agreeable to more than kissing. How about something like this?” he teased against her ear, nuzzling at the sensitive area of her neck. Tori sucked in a quick breath, her extremities growing weak.

  His hand slid slowly along the curve of her hip, down along her outer thigh, and back up, his fingers touching, exploring, leaving a hot trail of desire behind.

  “I think that would be just fine,” Tori breathed against his shoulder.

  One hard thigh settled between her legs, and she craved the feel of his weight on top of her. Following his lead, her hands sought his shoulders, his corded arms, his rippled chest and abdomen. He trembled against her touch, and she smiled, enjoying the effect she had on him.

  “You like this, too?” she asked with sweet innocence in her voice. Lucas grinned a wicked grin, and his hands intensified their exploration of her. She became lost in him. Lost in the hard male feel of him, in the rugged scent of his skin, the roughened tips of his fingers that slid along her arm, igniting every inch of her that he touched.

  “I like everything you do to me,” Lucas rasped just as his mouth descended on hers. He kissed her, slowly grinding his lips against hers, coaxing and teasing, driving her mad and leaving her wanting more. He touched her cheek, and cradled her head in his arm while his mouth explored hers, kissing her as if she were his sole reason for living.

  The feel of Tori beneath him, moaning her pleasure nearly drove Lucas mad. He deepened the kiss, wrapped her more fully in his arms, and rolled onto his back, pulling her partly on top of him. She gave a short squeal of surprise at his maneuver, and tried to pull her face away from his.

  Panting, Lucas broke the kiss and smiled up at the wide eyes that stared down at him. The vision of her lips glistening in the moonlight, her golden hair spilling down around her, and her eyes dark with desire sucked the breath from his lungs. His hand cupped her cheek, his fingers sliding through her hair. A sharp surge of protectiveness tugged at his chest.

  “I love you Tori,” he whispered on a ragged breath. His hand slid down her cheek, to her neck, then to her shoulder, delighting in the way she shivered from his touch. He cupped her breast, gently stroking his thumb across her nipple. She inhaled sharply, and leaned into him.

  “You feel so good,” he said huskily, and lifted his head to kiss her again. Tori shifted on top of him, and it was nearly his undoing. Blood surged through his veins, heating his body to the brink of combustion. Lucas snaked an arm around her waist, and with a swift heave, rolled her onto her back again. Their bodies molded together in a tangle of legs and arms, slick skin to slick skin.

  “Do you know what you’re doing to me?” he rasped, leaning down for another taste of her mouth. Braced on one arm, his hand explored along the curves of her hips, her silky thighs, and up along her ribcage, eager to feel all of her.

  Tori’s fingers bit into the skin along his shoulders, then entangled in his hair. Squirming beneath him, her exploration became more daring with each movement. She met his lips with a passion that nearly drove him over the edge.

  “Tori,” Lucas breathed her name. He brushed his tongue along her jaw, to her neck, inhaling the warm, natural scent of her skin. His lips trailed their way to her breasts, his fingers stroking their silky softness. She arched into his touch and moaned. Then their mouths reunited in a long, drawn out kiss.

  “Is this what you meant by showing me what it’s like between a husband and a wife?” Tori gasped against his cheek, her hot uneven breathing sending surges of desire through his veins, making it impossible for him to concentrate.

  “Yeah,” he rasped. “That, and so much more.” He strained to force the words from his mouth. She probably had no idea what the hell she was doing to him. Every thought, every dream of her over the long months paled in comparison to the passionate woman he held in his arms.

  The fire inside him threatened to explode, and Lucas could hold back no longer.

  “Lucas,” she panted against his lips. “I love you, Lucas.”

  She dug her fingers into his back, pulling him further on top of her, asking without words to end this sweet torture for both of them. With his body hard against he
rs, Lucas groaned and, when he was near the brink of losing control, filled her with a passion as wild and unbridled as the mountains around them.

  Chapter 26

  Lucas rolled to his side and stretched his legs. A content, thoroughly satisfied feeling surged through him. When had he ever slept so soundly? Without lifting his heavy eyelids, he reached out his arm, a slow smile on his face. Somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, something wasn’t right. His hand met with neither the soft strands of hair nor the warm silky feel of skin he’d touched all night. His eyes flew open, and he bolted to a sitting position. The blanket covering him fell away, the crisp morning air meeting his heated skin. The space next to him was empty.

  Lucas’ gaze shot around camp, and fell to where the small waterfall splashed into the pool at the base of the mountain. His heart pounded against his chest, and heat flooded him. He expelled a breath of relief. Last night hadn’t been a dream.

  Tori.

  Lucas blinked to clear his vision. He stared. Tori knelt at the pool’s edge, her hand swirling lazily through the water, her gaze fixed on something at her feet. Her golden hair spilled down her back and over her shoulders, concealing her breasts but not much else. Lucas rose to his feet, his eyes glued to her. She looked like something out of a dream, with the golden rays of the morning sun seeping through the mist created by the waterfall, surrounding her in an almost magical veil.

  She is a woman of exceptional beauty, the one with golden hair the color of the setting sun and eyes as green as a mountain meadow in spring.

  Yeah, she sure was.

  And she’s your wife, you lucky sonofabitch.

  Primal male possessiveness mixed with a hearty dose of protective instincts. Mesmerized, Lucas moved toward her. He was almost close enough to touch her, when her head came up and she glanced over her shoulder. Their eyes connected, and something slammed into his gut, his knees going weak. Her face shone with a purely radiant smile, the sparkle in her gaze meant for him alone. She slowly rose to her feet, still facing the pool.

  Lucas moved up behind her, reached for her hair and lifted the silky strands away from her shoulder. He dipped his head and pressed his lips to her skin, trailing soft kisses up to her neck. Tori inhaled sharply, and tilted her head to allow him better access. His stomach tightened at her response, the soft beating of her pulse against his lips igniting his own heart to beat stronger.

  “Good morning,” she whispered softly.

  Lucas wrapped one arm around her waist, his fingers tingling when they connected with the smooth skin of her flat abdomen. “Yeah, it is.”

  Every morning would be like this from now on, right after his assignment was completed. He had an obligation to Captain Raynolds, and leaving Tori for even a day would be more difficult than leaving her behind three months ago. He inhaled slowly, the warm scent of her skin, her hair tickling his cheeks, igniting memories of the previous night.

  Tori turned in his embrace, and slid her hands up his chest and behind his neck. Her touch left a scorching trail of burning sensations along his skin, heating his entire body. Lucas pulled her to him, the urge to feel her, and at the same time craving her touch, overwhelmed his senses. A full night of lovemaking hadn’t diminished his desire for her.

  “You make me absolutely crazy, Mrs. Walker” he growled, and took her mouth in a deep, slow kiss.

  Tori moaned against his lips, and leaned into him. In one swift move, Lucas hooked one arm behind her knees and lifted her, holding her to his chest. He pressed his forehead to hers, matching her smile with his own.

  “Every part of me burns for you, Tori.” He claimed her mouth again, and took a step into the shallow water. If he didn’t do something to cool his need for his wife at this moment, he wouldn’t find the strength to break camp today.

  Tori’s head lifted, and she glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

  “What are you doing?” Her voice rose in alarm.

  Lucas grinned. Her hackles were raised, and his admiration for her perceptiveness swelled. It would be a constant challenge to sneak up on her or surprise her with anything. Her suspicious nature made her much too perceptive of her surroundings. In time, her walls would come down fully where he was concerned, but for the moment, it would be fun to tease her. He waded through the cool mountain spring, which was no more than ankle deep.

  “Oh no, you don’t,” Tori warned, bracing her arms against his shoulders. Her eyes shot toward the waterfall. She kicked her legs and flailed in his arms, but he held tight. Her reaction was no less than what he anticipated.

  “Lucas Walker, don’t you dare,” she warned, but he wasn’t going to change his plans now.

  Lucas dipped under the soft rush of the falls that plunged from high above them, and covered her mouth with his to silence her screech when the cold water spilled over their heads. The liquid hit his heated skin, but the momentary contact failed to douse the fire in his veins. He stepped through the wall of water, and carried his drenched wife out of the pool and to their camp.

  “What the hell did you do that for?” she sputtered, water streaming off her face.

  Lucas grinned sheepishly, then laughed. His breathing quickened at the sight of her outraged expression. He’d never tire of her fiery spirit. “Figured it was the right thing to do at the time. You looked like you needed a good cooling off, what with your pretty cheeks looking all rosy.”

  “That water’s freezing cold,” she protested.

  “Let me hold you close, and I promise I’ll warm you up in no time.” His gaze fixed on her wet lips that glistened in the sunlight. He placed her onto her blanket and sank down next to her, pulling her into his arms. Water dripped from his hair onto her cheeks. Tori glared up at him, but the corners of her mouth twitched.

  “Do you know how irresistible you are when you get your feathers ruffled,” he whispered hoarsely. His stomach tightened. The cold water had done nothing to dampen his desire for her.

  Tori swiped at her face and shot him a quick look of annoyance, then reached up and pushed the wet strands of hair away from his forehead, cupping his face between her palms. Her frown quickly turned into a soft smile. Yeah, she wasn’t really angry with him.

  “Why is it that I can’t stay mad at you?” she huffed in an exasperated tone, scooting her body further beneath him. Lucas groped for the second blanket, pulling it up over both of them, and covered her with his own body.

  “For the same reason I can never stay mad at you,” he growled against her neck, which elicited a soft moan from her.

  As much as he ached to continue where they had left off before finally falling asleep in each other’s arms, perhaps initiating this game hadn’t been such a good idea. There were things he needed to tell her, and he didn’t have much time before he had to return to Captain Raynolds’ company, but damn if she hadn’t been the most tempting thing he ever saw when he’d first opened his eyes.

  Seeing Tori by the pool stirred the same fire in him that she always did, and turned his mind to mush. He’d planned on telling her first thing this morning about her mother, and that she was a free woman. All her worries over the years had been for nothing, and she could finally live her life without constantly looking over her shoulder.

  On the ride to their campsite last night, he’d contemplated telling her everything right then, but something held him back. Some part of him had wondered how she would react to the news, and he hadn’t wanted anything to distract them from their wedding night.

  Lucas, you’re a selfish bastard.

  Yeah, he was. Tori had a right to know about her mother, and he’d kept it from her long enough. He kissed her slowly, cursing silently when she arched into his embrace, and pulled him closer. How the hell was he going to get a word in when she was so willing in his arms?

  “I have things to tell you, and a surprise for you,” he mouthed against her lips, his breathing ragged. Tori’s hands slid lazily along the contours of his back, and she refused to end
the kiss. Her soft curves moved beneath him, and Lucas groaned. Another second, and he wouldn’t have the strength to leave their blankets. With willpower he didn’t know he possessed, he eased himself away from her. The look of surprise and confusion in her eyes was nearly his undoing.

  “Did I wear you out last night?” Her brows rose, and her mouth curved in a seductive smile. Her emerald eyes shimmered with unspent passion.

  One eyebrow shot up, and Lucas grinned. She’d regret her words later when he had more time to fully show her how much endurance he really had. For a woman who’d seemed almost apprehensive about intimacy several months ago when he’d pulled her onto his bed at the cabin, she sure had come alive for him last night. He smiled inwardly, satisfied with the knowledge that he’d obviously pleased her and made her forget all about her prior experience.

  “Wear me out? Hell, woman, I could stay under this blanket with you all day. I can’t think of anything I want more, but Captain Raynolds expects me back before nightfall, and there’s something I have to tell you.”

  Lucas ran his fingers along her cheek, then kissed her pouty lips for one more taste of her. “I love you, Tori.”

  Before his resolve crumbled, he scrambled to his feet and grabbed his britches up off the ground where he’d discarded them the night before by the pool. He reached for Tori’s clothes that lay in a heap next to his, and walked back to where he left her. She sat up, wrapped in a blanket, watching him.

  The gleam of desire in her eyes nearly sent him over the edge. How the hell was he going to ride away from her today after he delivered her to her mother? Wordlessly, he held her clothes out to her, and hastily slipped into his britches. With his back turned to her while she dressed, he crouched by the fire, covering the dying embers with dirt to keep the fire from reigniting.

  “All right,” she said moments later, coming up behind him. Her hands rested on his bare shoulders. “What’s the surprise?” She bent down, and kissed his cheek. Her golden waves spilled over his arms and chest, teasing his heightened senses of her. He groaned silently. It was time to get this day over with so they could begin their married life together without outside distractions.