Macy’s entire body shook now. She couldn’t stop it, but she knew she had to do something. She took a step back into the room, felt for the door, her arms flailing out, searching. Finally, once she made contact, she closed the door as quiet as a mouse and leaned against it, sending up silent prayers.
Footsteps on the stairs brought more fear. She held her breath, panicked. What could she do? She had no weapon.
“Macy? Macy, are you up here?”
His voice broke through her fear, and her knees buckled with relief. “Carter! Oh, my God, Carter!”
A thin stream of light beamed under the doorway and then he was there, opening the door. Light poured in from the flashlight he held. She squinted and saw a look of genuine concern on his face. He dropped the flashlight to the ground and grabbed her waist, folding her into his arms. “Macy, darlin’, are you okay?”
She shook uncontrollably and he tightened his hold on her. “I…d-don’t kn-know.”
“It’s okay. It’s okay,” he repeated, kissing her forehead, her hair. “I’m here now. No one’s going to hurt you.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. She couldn’t stop shaking. “I w-was so scared.”
“I know. I know.” His voice was velvet, soft and warm and smooth. “Calm down, sweetheart. Calm down.”
He freed one hand and used his fingers to pry something out of her hand. He brought it into the light. “A candlestick?” Admiration touched his voice. “I’m glad you didn’t use it on me. Looks painful.”
She couldn’t laugh. She couldn’t smile. She had grabbed the tall bronze weapon out of sheer panic at the last second. “D-don’t let me go, Carter. Don’t.”
His lips came to that sensitive spot behind her ear. He murmured softly, his breath whispering over her skin. “Wasn’t going to.”
She didn’t want to think about anything other than being with Carter, but she had to ask. She spoke in a hushed tone. “What happened out there? Does someone know I’m here?”
“It’s not that, trust me.”
“But how do you know?”
“I got a glimpse of him running away. Must’ve scared him off when I pulled up.”
“I heard him cussing. He sounded…older,” she said.
Carter searched her eyes and nodded. His voice was gruff yet reassuring at the same time. “It wasn’t you he was after, Macy. Don’t worry. He probably just wanted to get out of the rain. Fargo and Henry are out looking for him now. I have an idea who it was, and I’ve sent them in search. They’ll report back to me later.”
“Carter?”
“Shush, darlin’. It’s all right.”
“Shouldn’t we call the police or sheriff or someone?”
Carter shook his head. “Not tonight. I’ll take care of it in the morning.”
He ran his hands down the sides of her body, his fingers splayed wide as he caressed her. Macy focused her attention on how good he made her feel. With him holding her, his strong body acting like a shield to protect her, Macy could forget her fear and concentrate solely on him. He murmured, soft and low, “You have no idea how much I want you right now.”
Macy’s body shook again, this time from the impact of his sensual words. “I want you, too.”
His eyes darkened and he reached up to pull the band out of her hair. Then he dug his fingers into her long, natural curls and spread her hair out, letting it fall past her shoulders. Her body reacted to his touch and the pure lust she saw in his eyes as he let the tresses flow through his hands. Her shaking stopped, replaced by a surge of desire so strong, Macy couldn’t speak the words forming in her mind. She was overwhelmed with emotion and needed Carter more than she needed her next breath.
She stepped out of his arms a moment and he followed her movements with intense interest. She untied the straps of her halter top and let the material fall away. Her breasts were bared, and the cool, damp air touched them. Carter’s gaze was hot enough to heat the entire house. Appreciation shone in his eyes, which made her feel beautiful. She reached for his hand and brought it to her mouth. She kissed his palm then stepped closer to him. He didn’t need any more encouragement.
He cupped her breast with one hand and filled his palm. He looked at her as he stroked his thumb over the extended tip. She closed her eyes. She was truly in heaven.
Then he brought his mouth down over her other breast, and she let go a tiny sigh. He moistened her nipple and made it peak, his tongue circling until she ached from dire need. Her body flamed, the heat spiraling down below her waist. She tossed her head back, lengthening her frame. He kissed her again and again, finding her shoulder, first one then the other. He moved his lips to her throat, planting tiny moist kisses there, working his way up her chin, until he finally took her in a long, sensual tongue-to-tongue kiss that brought with it only one inevitable finale. “Take me, Carter,” she breathed between his kisses.
“Planning to, darlin’,” he murmured, his breathing heavy. The palm of his hand flattened on her breast, applying sweet, exquisite pressure.
She had to touch him, to bare his body to hers. She needed him, desperately. There was no holding back, no time for modesty or coyness. She straightened and began unfastening the snaps to his shirt. It was easy pulling them apart. He helped her get his shirt off and then…then she laid her hands flat on the solid, powerful wall of his chest. Muscles bunched underneath her fingers. He was ripped, perfectly sculpted with definition, and damp from his jaunt in the rain. To save her.
A powerful shudder racked her body.
“Wow,” she whispered.
“Give me a few minutes before you say that.” A rumble of laughter rose up his chest and quaked under her palms. Carter found her amusing, but she found him nothing but stunning.
He reached for the zipper of her jeans and made fast work of undressing her. Once she was clear of pants and panties, Carter drew her up against him again and pressed his hand between her legs. Electric jolts shot through her as he stroked her most sensitive area. She brought her mouth to his chest and kissed him, wanting to bring him pleasure, too, but his forceful, demanding touch was no match for her mere kisses.
She squeezed her eyes closed and rode the building wave.
He grabbed the back of her head, brought her mouth to his and filled her with a lusty kiss. He whispered over her lips, “Let go, sweetheart.”
She moved with him now, standing beside the bed, the rain ravaging outside and Carter doing the same to her inside. Her breaths came up short, her gasps closer together. She couldn’t take another second of the toe-curling, heat-inducing spasms.
She broke apart, her body releasing in sharp, shattering tremors. Carter held her tight while she exploded with pleasure in his arms.
It took a minute to come down from the precipice. Everything felt better, clearer, fresher, and she’d never been happier.
Carter kissed her cheek and spoke into her ear. “Now you can say it.”
She smiled wide and said softly on a sigh, “Wow.”
He grinned and picked her up. She wrapped her arms about his neck, and he carried her a few steps to the new bed that had been delivered just yesterday. “It’s time to initiate this bed.”
He lowered her down carefully, and her head came to rest on a pillow sham. His gaze traveled over the length of her slowly, lazily, perusing every slight curve. “You’re…beautiful.”
She smiled. She felt beautiful. “You have to say that. I’m naked.”
“I’m not lying,” he said quietly, and the solemn look in his eyes made her believe him.
She was ready for round two. She’d go ten rounds with Carter and not be sorry. She wanted him. Wanted to bring him the same pleasure he’d just given her.
“Take off your clothes, McCay.”
“Those words,” he said, unbuckling his belt, “are music to my ears.”
She’d felt his erection through his clothes when he held her, but nothing prepared her for the sight of Carter McCay naked and aroused.
She gulped down her compliments. Her mouth went totally dry. He approached the bed, laying one knee onto the mattress. She reached for him, her hand wrapping around the silky, thick member. “May I?” she asked, though she was pretty sure of his answer.
“Darlin’, you have free reign to touch me anywhere. Any time.” He shot her a look so intense, she trembled.
“G-good to know,” she said. She covered him and slid her hand up and down, felt the pulsing need and the shaft thicken even more. She watched Carter’s expression change, saw the lust in his eyes as she stroked him. It was surreal. A few weeks ago, she would never have guessed she’d be making love to a strong, gorgeous cowboy hunk of man and bringing him intense pleasure.
Her stroking accelerated. Carter’s eyes closed tight. She was turned on from arousing him, and her body ached now. She wanted him inside her. She wanted to be covered by him.
Carter groaned and gripped her hand. He stilled her, and she knew then he was close.
“I have protection,” he said, finding his jeans and coming up with it.
Of course he did.
Thank goodness. Macy hadn’t thought about it. Not once.
He was ready for her now and he joined her on the bed, kissing her mouth and fondling her body again, making sure she was ready.
She was so ready.
Carter came over her, his eyes on hers, and he nudged her between the legs. “Open again for me, sweetheart,” he commanded.
“It’s been a long while, Carter,” she warned.
“I won’t hurt you.”
She knew that. It wasn’t what she meant. She was out of practice.
He reassured her with a kiss and entered her body with a slow, precise thrust. She welcomed him with all she had. It was heaven all over again.
Carter made love to her like a man on a mission to please. They were in tune with each other, their bodies perfectly aligned.
His thrusts grew stronger, harder, Macy accommodating him with each movement. His release came fast and hard. She toppled over the edge, seeing him arch above her, still his body then thrust once more with an erotic groan of completion. She came with him and they filled the room with moans of intense satisfaction.
It was good…so good.
Carter lowered himself to lay atop her slightly askew to allow her breathing room. He kissed her and she wove her hands through his hair. The dark blond locks, thick and long, curled at his nape, and she relished the freedom to touch him. He was her sexy cowboy for the night.
He’d rescued her once again.
They lay quietly for a while, Macy speechless, for once. She didn’t know what to say to him. She didn’t know how this changed their relationship, if at all.
“Wow,” Carter said. It wasn’t a word he’d ever used, and she wondered if he was teasing her.
“I agree. Guess fear of death is a pretty hefty aphrodisiac.”
Carter lifted up on his elbows to look into her eyes. His musky scent surrounded her. She drew it into her lungs and savored it. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”
“How’d you know I was in danger?” she asked softly, running her hands through his hair. Once she’d gotten free reign, she couldn’t get enough.
“I, uh, came to bring you home for dinner.”
That surprised her. She tilted her head in question. “Why?”
“It was getting late.”
“I’ve stayed late before and missed dinner.”
“Yeah, well. That’s going to change now.”
He kissed her quiet and Macy got the hint.
Carter had made his decision, and the time for talking was over.
Eight
Midnight pranced around the corral, kicking up mud leftover from the night’s storm. Now, sunshine warmed the morning air and began drying the earth. Carter squinted and lowered the brim of his hat to block out the glare. He was up as early as usual, but instead of going into his office, he’d come outside to clear his head. The rain last night had washed away sweltering heat and brought freshness to the air that did him good as he inhaled deep.
He’d always liked this time of morning, just after dawn, when the world was full of peace. He could sit here and watch the new colt take instruction from his mama for hours. It was as it should be, the parent actually parenting the child.
He’d come a long way since those days growing up in the shack on the other side of town, his mama gone and the foul smell of whiskey tainting the room. His life was good now. He worked hard, used the smarts God gave him and made enough money for five lifetimes.
He should be satisfied with that and he would be, but that break-in last night rankled his good nature. He’d had to rein in his fury for Macy’s sake.
She’d been scared out of her wits, and he couldn’t blame her. He’d invited her here, promised to give her solitude and peace, but instead she’d been tormented by an intruder.
“Hey, McCay. Want some coffee?”
Carter smiled at the sound of her sassy voice and turned to see Macy coming out of the house with two steaming mugs in hand. Coal-black curls framed her face and fell in wild disarray down her back. Her eyes, free of makeup, looked brilliantly clear in the light. She wore a red-and-blue plaid robe and leather boots. He had to smile at that. The Hollywood starlet looked pretty at dawn and too much as if she fit in around here.
His heart did a little flip watching her glide toward him, and he passed it off as sexual contentment. Last night, they’d made love twice before he’d driven her back to the house. As they approached her room, she’d paused by her door, lifting hesitant eyes his way as if unsure of his intentions. Carter had gripped her hand tighter and led her to his room. She’d gone willingly, and she’d slept through the night curled next to him. He’d wanted her to feel safe, but it didn’t end there. She’d gotten under his skin, and he wanted her in his bed for the remainder of her stay at Wild River. “Sure, wouldn’t refuse coffee from a gorgeous woman.”
A smile spread over her face as she sidled up next to him and carefully handed him a cup. “You’re up early.”
“I was about ready to come join you in bed.”
She snapped her head up, her eyes wide, and then whispered in a hushed tone, “Should I go back inside?”
The sexy morning lilt of her voice did things to him.
“I wouldn’t want to disappoint you,” she added.
“Doubt you could do that.” Carter slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She went willingly, coffee cup balanced in one hand. He nuzzled her neck, roving his lips over her throat and tasting her sweet skin once again. He glanced around the yard. His ranch hands hadn’t begun working yet. With no one in sight, he brought his mouth to hers and took her in a long, lingering kiss.
She made a little throaty sound, a sexy moan reminding him of the hot night they’d spent making love at the inn, and Carter cursed under his breath. He wanted her again.
Last night, when she’d been in danger, his protective instincts took hold. He’d been more concerned about Macy than catching the intruder. Afterward, he couldn’t seem to let her go. He’d caved in to his lust. Macy had intrigued him from the moment he’d laid eyes on her on that New York street, and last night was the culmination of temptation and raw desire.
The mare whinnied and they both turned their attention to the horses. Carter sipped coffee. “Watch the colt. He’s something.” Midnight parading around the arena, strutting, sniffing and mimicking his mother, made for great entertainment.
“He’s wonderful,” she said, and it touched Carter how sincerely awed she was witnessing something Carter could easily take for granted.
“You sleep okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “Thanks to you. I’m not a wimp usually, but I was pretty scared last night.”
Carter’s gut tightened and he swore silently. “I’ll see to it that never happens again.”
“How?” she asked.
Carter kept his focus on the horses. This wasn’t an easy thin
g to admit, and it took him a few seconds to force the words out. “I’m ninety-nine percent sure I know who broke into the inn last night. It was my father.”
“Your father? Oh, Carter. No.”
He ground his teeth. “I’m afraid so. He’s got this fool notion that he should be overseeing the inn. Even though I banished him, after what happened the last time. He was probably all boozed up. I’m so damn mad that he scared you, I could spit.”
Macy’s expression softened. Sympathy touched her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s expected. He’s never going to change.”
“Don’t say that. Don’t give up on him.”
“I’m afraid it’s too late for that. Not only is he checked off my list, after how he scared you last night, he’s disappeared from it. Poof. Just like that, he’s gone. I’m done with him.”
Macy’s lips formed a tight pout. “It’s heartbreaking to hear you say that. Your father needs your help.”
“You want me to help him?” He began shaking his head. “No way.”
His brain wouldn’t go there. Not after what his father had put him through. Not after he’d sent his mother to an early grave and almost killed Rocky in that fire. Fathers were supposed to raise their children, not the other way around. “He doesn’t deserve it, Macy.”
Macy set her coffee cup down on a post, making sure it didn’t teeter, before she turned to him, her voice firm. “Everyone deserves another chance.”
“He’s used up his quota of chances.” Carter gulped coffee too fast. It burned his throat on the way down. “Damn it.”
“Carter,” Macy pressed, “you can’t just give up on him.”
“I can. I have.” He didn’t want to have this conversation right now. “But you should know, it’s not for lack of trying. I’ve spent years trying to clean that man up. It’s impossible.”
Macy looked toward the corral. She pretended to watch the horses, but he could see her mind was a million miles away. Then softly, as if she were speaking on a breeze, she said, “Maybe if someone took my father by the scruff of his collar and shook some sense into him, he’d be alive today.”
Exquisite Acquisitions Page 11
