by Layne, Lyssa
“I’d love a drink.” She reached for the blanket. “It’s getting chilly.”
“Don’t go away.” Rolling to his side, he stood and covered her as tenderly as if she were a small child.
“Thank you.” She smiled sleepily.
By the time he stoked the fire, found his vodka then climbed back onto the bunk, Montana had fallen into a deep sleep, snoring softly. He pushed a couple pillows behind his head and leaned against them, pulling her into his arms. With his free hand, he lifted the bottle to his lips.
The hot sting of the drink burned down his throat and boiled into his belly. In a minute or two, his old friend would start kicking his demons’ asses, keeping them at bay. Those bastards didn’t seem as fierce today. He set the vodka beside the bed and closed his eyes.
The lyrics he’d been working on came to mind. He wished he’d brought Ryan’s guitar, but he hadn’t expected to stay more than a night, so he’d left it behind. His hand rested on Montana’s bare back and he absently ran it across her silky skin as he arranged and rearranged lyrics in his head.
The song was nearly perfect.
Setting it to music and recording it for the album was nearly a done deal.
~*~
Montana woke a little disoriented.
She lay spooned by a big, warm body. An erection pressed to her backside.
Johnny.
Memories of what they’d done flashed through her head. Dear God. She’d made love with him. She didn’t regret a moment. And she never would. Long after he went back to his life and she hers, she’d have this day to hold on to.
“You awake, sleepyhead?” His voice rumbled near her ear.
“Starving.”
“For food?” Laughter colored his voice.
Her stomach pinched, thinking of lunch, but his rigid penis interested her more. “Later.”
When he reached over her ribs and pinched her nipple, she writhed against his hand. He slid his hand down her ribcage and hip, over her ass to her vagina. “You too sore?”
Mute, she shook her head.
With a gentle, persistent pressure he entered her from behind with his middle finger. She held her breath and her body tensed as he teased her channel. “Relax,” he whispered. “Open up for me.”
A shudder ripped up her spine. “Please.”
“I love your pussy,” he said. “So nice and tight.”
A moan slid out of her. “I want—”
“I know,” he murmured. “Patience.”
He nipped her shoulder and she inched her leg up. “Johnny—”
Her body tightened. He removed his finger and she moaned in frustration. He pressed again, this time sliding two fingers inside. She thrashed her head as he pushed deep into her sex. “You’re so tight, baby. I love the way you feel around my cock.”
“I want you inside me,” she begged. The covers wrapped around them like arms, holding them close.
“Not yet.” He nipped her shoulder again. “I need you wet for me.”
“Please.” Frustration filled her voice.
He removed his hand and edged his cock to the place his fingers had just vacated. “You ready, baby?”
“Take me now.”
His dick pushed into her and she clenched around him. She wrapped her hands in the blankets as his pulsing cock assaulted her.
“Oh, God.”
Johnny slid his hand over her hip and between her legs. She moved her knee so he had full access and he took advantage, pinching her clit, soaked with her own fluids.
A scream gurgled out of her throat as he rocked her over the edge. She came in a wet, hot gush that flooded them both.
Moments later he grunted, pushed deep and yelled her name.
~*~
Montana lost count of the times they’d made love by the time early evening rolled around. The man had endless libido with the stamina of a dozen men. Finally, he’d fallen asleep, lying on his back with her sprawled across his chest.
She rose up on her elbow to study his profile.
He hadn’t shaved, in spite of his threat to do so, and she found she liked the feel of his scruff on her skin. Resisting the urge to smooth a hand over his cheek, she dropped her gaze to his hair and wrapped a strand around her fingers. Never in her life had she liked a man with long hair. Now she couldn’t imagine loving anyone without it.
Love?
Her heart constricted. She’d gone and fallen for the rock star. Just like she’d been warned not to. It was going to rip her guts out when he left. Getting over him would take forever. No one could ever make her feel the way he did. There wasn’t even any reason to try.
He opened his eyes and turned his head toward her. “How long have I slept?”
“About an hour, I think.”
“I really zonked out.” He pulled her close and dropped a light kiss on her mouth.
“You were tired.”
“You wore me out, sugar.”
Her lips curved up in a teasing smile. “Oh, yeah? I was just getting warmed up…”
“I’ll show you warmed up.” With a quick maneuver, he flipped her onto her back. Settling between her thighs, he growled against her neck. “Feel that?”
“I feel you.” She giggled.
He kissed her, slow and lingering. When he lifted his head, he said, “Baby, you’ve got me all jacked up. I can’t believe I’m ready to make love again.”
Make love?
The man who’d told her he wanted to fuck her in every way possible had just said make love?
Could he have feelings for her?
As soon as the thought entered her brain, Montana banished it. Such ideas would only get her badly hurt. She had to remember that even though her heart was getting entangled, for him this was just a good time.
She pushed his chest. “Let me up.”
“Was it something I said?”
“Not at all, but I’ll waste away without food.”
Abruptly, he rolled off her and stood. He tugged on his sweats and boots. “I’m going outside for a minute. I’ll check the horses while I’m out there.”
“Thanks.”
As soon as he left, Montana dressed. Moving toward the stove, she winced. Although a considerate lover, Johnny was a big man and he’d loved her well. Another good soak in the hot springs sounded wonderful.
They should have headed back toward their own camp, but the day spent in Johnny’s embrace had passed so quickly. No one would mess with her campsite, but it made Montana uneasy leaving it too long. They’d have to head out at first light, hunting as they made their way down the mountain. A pang of regret filled her. Reality hovered only a couple days away.
Charlie had left a pre-cooked ham and blocks of cheese for them. Thankful she didn’t have to cook, Montana found a knife and sliced both. Homemade bread and a bag of chips completed the meal.
In the cooler she found beer and removed two. Too hungry to wait for Johnny, she cut a slice of cheese and nibbled it. What was keeping him? He’d been gone forever. Had something happened?
Suddenly worried, she pushed away the snack. Grabbing her coat, she headed for the door. She was still pulling on her gloves when the door burst open.
The look on Johnny’s face told her something was wrong. “What? What is it?”
“The horses are gone.”
She stood on tiptoe to peer over his shoulder. “That’s impossible.”
The look on his face told her it wasn’t. “I looked everywhere. They took off.”
Reeling back, Montana grabbed the door for support. “My horses wouldn’t do something like that unless someone led them away.”
He stepped inside. “Who would do that?”
They looked at each other and spoke nearly in unison.
“Tom.”
“Mr. Football Dick.”
Montana staggered back to the nearest chair and plopped into it. “Why?”
“Because he’s a prick?”
“That’s a given.” She shook
her head. “I can’t believe this. Leaving someone on foot in this country is a crime.”
“When I catch up to that motherfucker I’m going to give him the ass kickin’ he’s beggin’ for.” Johnny stomped around the cabin.
“Not if I get hold of him first,” Montana vowed. “I’ll tear him apart limb by limb.”
“We have to hurry if we’re going to catch them.” Johnny began rummaging through his duffle bag.
“What are you doing?”
“Going after that son of a bitch.”
Montana jumped up and grabbed his sleeve. “Johnny. Listen to me.”
He paused to look at her. “What?”
“It’s a mistake to leave here tonight. It’s already dark and the trail is rough even in daylight. Night could make it deadly. If one of us missed a step and fell off a cliff…” She tightened her grip on his arm. “If Tom is riding, he has too much of a head start for us to catch him. People on foot can’t move as quickly as horses. It makes more sense to spend the night here and take off first thing in the morning.”
Slowly, he lowered his hands. “I guess you’re right.”
“I know I am.”
“Tom Kerrigan best be saying his prayers,” Johnny said. “Because he’s going to need them.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Dawn rolled around way too soon.
When Montana wiggled in Johnny’s tight embrace, he pulled her closer. “Stay.”
“I can’t,” she murmured. “We’ve got to get up.”
“Already am.” Johnny tugged her close.
Hard again. How could he be so insatiable? They’d made love all night long. The last thing Montana wanted to do was leave Johnny’s arms and their little hideaway, but the inclement weather left them no choice. Last night, when they’d soaked in the hot springs, heavy snow clouds hovered, threatening to open up and dump tons of the wet, cold stuff. If they didn’t leave soon they might be trapped until spring. Or at least until a chopper could get to them.
She wouldn’t mind staying holed up for months with Johnny, but they might get a little hungry by spring. Charlie had left supplies for a week, not months. Come to think of it, there might be enough food because they’d barely eaten, spending most of their time in bed.
Recalling the previous night made her body dampen. How she could possibly want to make love again after all the times they’d indulged, she had no idea. Her spirit might be willing, but her body wouldn’t be up for another go-round so soon. Sadness filled her. This affair was nearly over.
She forced herself to push out of his arms. “Come on, sleepyhead. It’s a long walk to camp.”
He muttered a filthy curse, then shoved back the covers. He stood while Montana admired his bare backside. Nice, so very nice.
He looked over his shoulder. “You staring at my fine ass?”
Hiding her hot face with the covers, Montana giggled. “No.”
“Liar.” He pulled the covers away. “Look all you want.”
The look in his eyes sent a quiver straight between her legs. Her giggles disappeared. “Johnny…”
For a moment, his hot gaze roamed her nude body. His eyes darkened and she thought he might make good on his threat of climbing back into bed with her. The idea was extremely appealing.
She wet her lips.
He stared into her eyes.
“As bad as I want to get back in this bed right now,” he said, “I can’t.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Because if I do, we’ll be here all day.”
Montana’s eyes fluttered shut. “I know.”
“There’s no question of which I’d rather do,” he said in that low, sexy voice she loved. “But we better get out of here before we can’t.”
She sighed deeply and forced her eyes open. “I’m getting up.”
He grinned wickedly. “So am I, baby. So am I.”
The evidence of his desire was on full display and Montana gulped. “Okay, let me get out of here so I can get dressed.”
When he turned away, she reached for her clothes. A perfect day and night coming to a close. Melancholy filled her and she pushed it away. She had more than most women who admired Johnny ever would—memories to last a lifetime.
She stuffed two thick ham sandwiches into her saddlebags, and added bottles of water, chips and trail mix. They’d be back at the main camp by nightfall and would eat dinner there. She placed a box of ammunition in the other side, checking to make sure the weight felt even.
Satisfied, she looked at the fire once more to make sure it was out, then did a slow perusal of the room. Everything looked clean, neat and ready for the next person. The Marsh family might have guided hunters last hunting season. She’d forgotten to ask Evan or Charlie.
Either way, the cabin was set for whoever needed it next.
Johnny came through the door carrying their saddles. He placed them near the door, where they’d be safe until they came back. “Ready?”
She positioned the saddlebags over her shoulder. “Yes.”
He held out his hand. “Give me those.”
“I’m capable of carrying them,” she said.
“I know you are, but let me have them.” He obviously wasn’t taking no for an answer, so with a shrug she handed the leather bags to him.
Hoisting her rifle, she slung the strap over her shoulder. “I guess that’s it then.”
Johnny advanced two steps with a predatory look in his eye. Montana inhaled as his lips brushed hers. Just a quick touch, the kiss still made her toes curl and her stomach tighten.
Her eyes fluttered shut. “Johnny—”
“You keep saying my name like that and we’ll never get out of here.”
Giving him a wry look, she adjusted her rifle and stepped to the door. “You keep kissing me and we for sure won’t get out of here until spring.”
“That wouldn’t be all bad,” he said with a long look. “But rock on.”
Locking the cabin securely behind them, they set out into the storm. Icy particles pushed by a heavy wind blew into their faces.
Johnny grabbed her elbow. “Should we wait it out?”
Montana shook her head. “No. We don’t know how long the storm will last and it could trap us here.”
He nodded. “Okay.”
Montana gasped as bits of ice stung her cheeks. She pulled her ski mask from her pocket, tugged it over her head and readjusted her sunglasses. She glanced at Johnny. Dressed similarly, they looked like a pair of pumpkins in their hunter orange.
She gave him a thumbs-up and turned away.
They zigzagged up the granite shelf, taking care not to slip on the slick rock.
By the time they reached the top of the granite ridge, Montana was breathing hard. She paused to catch her breath in the thin air. Already the trail had an inch of snow, making it difficult to see the narrow path. They had to press on.
Ducking her head, she plodded forward.
As they walked along the ridge, the wind pushed hard, fighting them back. Montana looked for signs of the horses, but enough snow had covered the trail that spotting tracks was impossible.
Once they left the ridge, the storm didn’t seem as fierce. Wind whipped the pines, making them howl mournfully. The snow hadn’t covered the trail here and the tracks of the horses were easy to spot in the soft earth.
Moving at a good clip, probably a trot, they’d stayed in single file. Montana noticed something odd about one of the hoof prints and knelt to take a better look.
“What are you doing?” Johnny asked from behind her left shoulder.
She pointed to a set of distinctive tracks. “This horse has a chip broken on his front hoof. Those don’t belong to either of the horses you or I rode, or the mule, although the shape looks like one of mine that the rest of the crew took out…but that makes no sense.”
Johnny gave her a blank look. “Broken hoof?”
“A piece of this horse’s toe is missing,” she told him. “This animal lost a shoe somewhere and probably bro
ke part of his hoof on a rock.”
“So? It’s probably the one Tom rides.”
“Pretty small horse for a big man like him,” Montana mused.
“Who else would have an axe to grind with either of us?” Johnny asked.
“Nobody I can think of. Charlie and Evan certainly wouldn’t be involved in anything like that. And I can’t see them condoning Tom hurting us.” Montana pushed to her feet. Johnny seemed oddly quiet and Montana took a long look at him. “Johnny?”
He shook his head. “Nah. It’s too farfetched to even talk about.”
“What? Tell me.”
He dug in the saddlebags and withdrew a bottle of brandy. After unscrewing the lid and taking a deep draw, he offered it to Montana. She took it and sipped. The liquor slid down her throat into her belly. Warmth spread through her limbs down into her fingers and toes.
Johnny took back the bottle. Instead of lifting it to his mouth, he studied the contents. Slowly, he began to speak. “There was more than the urge to hunt elk that brought me here.” He lifted his gaze and the pain there was raw and unfiltered. “Right before we left L.A., my ex-wife broke into my house and attacked me with a letter opener.”
Montana thought of the thin red line she’d noticed on his chest but not asked about. “She cut you?”
“Yeah.” He turned the bottle in his hands. “Not to kill me, but she wanted to scare me a little.”
Appalled, Montana stared at him. “Why?”
Johnny sank down on his haunches and drew a figure in the ground with a twig. “Soon after I married Teal she asked if I’d produce an album for her. I thought, why not? She has a decent voice and it made her happy, so I couldn’t see the harm.” He tossed the twig aside and rubbed out the figure he’d just drawn. “Not too long after the album was in the can, I walked into the studio and found her fucking my best friend.”
“I’m sorry.” Montana wanted to touch him, but sensed he didn’t want her right then.
“Yeah. I fired Keifer and divorced Teal.” He took another drink. “Bitch’s desperate for the CD she recorded and has done everything in her power to get it from me.” He indicated his chest. “Including poking me with a letter opener when flashing her pussy didn’t work.”
