by Lolita Lopez
For the last twelve days, he’d walked around with a permanent hard-on. The second Daphne Vasquez had stepped out of her brother’s SUV that hot Saturday afternoon he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind. A stiff breeze had kicked up her blue skirt and bared a tantalizing glimpse of thigh and baby blue panties. He’d tried to do the decent thing and look away but it had proven impossible. As she’d walked toward the house, he’d prayed for another gust of wind, another peek of those cotton panties—and felt like a huge pervert.
Daphne was way out of his league. Hair as black as coffee. Silky skin the color of caramel. Eyes as green as spring grass. And those curves! Daphne was obviously a girl who enjoyed a good meal and understood men wanted their women soft and round and full. She was brilliant, beautiful, disgustingly rich, and young—twenty-two to his thirty-four. Too young for a rough old bastard like himself.
But even knowing all that Cord couldn’t stop the fantasies. He hadn’t been prone to wet dreams in ages but having Daphne just a few doors down had driven him to the point of insanity. He’d done an alarming amount of laundry over the last few days. No matter how hard he tried not to think of Daphne, his cock seemed to override his wishes.
In his dreams, he could have her any way he wanted. Over him, under him, bent over the kitchen table—his dream self had fucked Daphne six ways to Sunday. Even now he ached for her. Desperate for relief, he stroked the rigid length of his soapy cock. He fisted the head and fondled his sac. If he closed his eyes and concentrated, Cord could practically taste her. He yearned to bury his face in her sweet pussy. He could hear her shrieking his name as she came against his lips. He wanted to lap at her cunt, to swallow every last drop of honey leaking from her core. And then he’d shove his fat cock inside that tight pussy. He’d give her the ride of a lifetime, pound her right into the mattress until she begged for mercy.
With a strangled groan, Cord came all over his hand. He leaned against the tile and caught his breath. Shame filtered through him. It wasn’t right to fantasize about her like that. She wasn’t some pinup intended to fuel his dirty thoughts. She was a brilliant, beautiful young woman who deserved to be treated with respect.
Growling and frustrated, Cord switched off the water and reached for a towel. He stared angrily at his treacherous cock and warned it to behave. He’d taken the edge off with that jerkoff session. Hopefully it would be enough to tide him over through dinner and the rest of the evening without Kate and Derek as a buffer. He didn’t know how he’d make it through Saturday or Sunday though. He’d have to just get through it, he supposed.
But Daphne was just so goddamn gorgeous and alluring he accepted it was probably futile.
It killed him to be rude to her but avoiding her and acting as if he couldn’t stand her was the only way to maintain his sanity. He couldn’t have Daphne, not in this lifetime. She was the kind of girl meant for a specific kind of man, namely a CEO with piles of cash and a bloodline to rival his best bull, but definitely not some rough and tumble rancher with a bachelor’s degree from a state university. He couldn’t compare to the men who moved in her privileged circles. To entertain any hopes outside the realm of reality was simply masochistic.
He’d steel his jaw and get through the weekend. If being near her proved too tempting, he’d drive into town and visit one of his standbys. There were a handful of women willing to let him spend the night. Or he could always stop by the Rocking R for a drink. Meeting a woman there wouldn’t be difficult. Maybe that was exactly what he needed: a wild night with a nameless woman to clear his head. Daphne wasn’t the only sexy woman in existence. He’d done just fine without her all these years.
This was all just a passing infatuation. Wasn’t it?
*
Daphne held her breath as Cord took the first tentative bite of the pasta dish she’d prepared. She hadn’t been joking about her cooking skills. She’d grown up in fully staffed households and boarding schools. Learning to whip up a home cooked meal hadn’t even crossed her mind until her first semester at Caltech. Thankfully Kate had taken Daphne under her wing and taught her some of the more important skills she’d failed to develop over the years. Things like cooking, cleaning, ironing. Basic skills she really needed but had never been taught. They’d actually become friends over their shared microwave and contraband hot plate.
“It’s good,” Cord declared, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.
Daphne smiled, her tummy trembling happily at his compliment. “Thanks.”
They sat on opposite ends of the dining table. Despite the distance, Daphne could smell the brisk cedar scent that always seemed to cling to him. She yearned to bury her nose against his neck and inhale the smell deep into her lungs. Would it send her over the edge? Probably, she acknowledged, squeezing her thighs tightly together. Her sex pulsed at the vision of being so close to him, of pressing her breasts against him and licking at the curve of his throat.
They’d been eating in silence for a few minutes when Cord finally spoke. “I was thinking of driving into town later.”
Hope swelled inside her. She grinned at him. “Really? Well maybe we could see a movie or something.”
Cord’s face tightened. “I meant alone.”
“Oh.” Embarrassment burned her face. The brief happiness she’d experienced at his compliment earlier collapsed. “Sorry.”
“No, I should have been clear.” He paused before reluctantly adding, “You can come, I guess.”
“No, thanks.” She faked a disinterested smile. “I should probably catch up on some reading and return emails.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I’m sure.” She stabbed her fork into the pasta. “Will you be gone long?”
He looked uncomfortable. “Well I was thinking of having a drink at the Rockin’ R so I may not be home tonight.”
Pain lanced her gut at the thought of him with another woman. “I see.”
“I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to bring someone home.”
So he was going in to town to fuck someone else. Daphne tried not to let her emotions slip. It was obvious he wasn’t ever going to be interested in her. Time to nip that silly, foolish infatuation of hers in the bud, it seemed.
She lowered her fork to the table. “You know what? Kate left me the keys to her car. I’ll just take off after dinner and find a room at one of the B&B’s in town.”
Cord leaned forward in his chair. “I didn’t mean—I just thought—”
Daphne waved her hand dismissively. She plastered a smile on her face. “Don’t worry about it. You’ve been really patient hosting us for the last two weeks. I’m sure you’re used to your privacy. I’ll make myself scarce this weekend.”
No longer hungry, she gathered up her plate and glass and stood. She paused in the doorway to the kitchen. “There are brownies on the counter and ice cream in the freezer, if you want dessert.”
Her eyes prickled with heat as she cleaned off her plate and stowed it in the dishwasher. She had to get away from Cord. Humiliation left her cheeks blazing. She’d been so naive to think cooking the man dinner and engaging him in conversation might have led to something else. God, he couldn’t even be bothered to pretend he enjoyed her company. All he wanted was a piece of local ass to make his weekend better. Stupid didn’t even come close to describing how she felt. For a woman with a genius level IQ, you’d think she’d be smarter when it came to men, but apparently her book smarts didn’t translate so well to real life.
Practically suffocating with humiliation and crushed dreams, Daphne left out the back door. She skipped down the steps of the back porch and walked aimlessly across the back lawn. She skirted the edge of a small pond and found an inviting patch of grass beneath a shady tree.
Plopping down, Daphne rearranged the long skirt of her burgundy maxi-dress. The Indian inspired gold print was among her favorites. She leaned back against the trunk and closed her eyes. Sitting alone and feeling foolish wasn’t exactly how she’d
imagined spending her Friday night. She’d had something a little spicier in mind. She’d just have to content herself with some TV and maybe a glass of wine at whatever bed and breakfast she ended up at later.
Never one to waste time, Daphne pulled her cell phone from the hidden pocket of her skirt and used the touch screen to surf the internet for bed and breakfast listings. As she looked at the available rooms in the touristy center of Fredericksburg, Daphne noticed storm clouds building in the distance. Lately thunderstorms had exploded in the evenings due to the extreme daytime heating. Cord had been worried about the lightning igniting the dry grass that stretched as far as the eye could see. The drought conditions had yet to ease in the area. Daphne didn’t know much about ranching but she knew a grass fire was a terrible and threatening event.
The wind kicked up and a heavy gust slammed against her. The scent of rain hung ripe in the air. Daphne cast a wary glance at the darkening skyline. Deep grey clouds blocked the setting sun. She could feel the temperature shift on her bare skin. The sky would open up soon and drench the parched ground.
“You’d best get in the house.”
The unexpected sound of Cord’s voice startled her. She whipped her head in his direction, shocked to see him standing just a few feet from her. How the hell had he snuck up on her like that?
“I’m perfectly capable of deciding when to seek shelter. I’m not a child,” Daphne said, a bit more defensively than necessary.
Cord fixed her with a long, hard look. “No, you’re not. All the same,” he tilted his head, “I’d rather you not get zapped by lightning. I don’t think your parents would take very kindly to that. I’d hate to get sued. Might make things tricky with Derek and Katie.”
“I hardly think my parents would waste the lawyer fees to sue for this scrap of land.” Instantly, she regretted her words. She’d always been quick to snap and say mean things. It was that part of her mother’s awful temper she’d inherited.
To her surprise, Cord snorted and laughed. “Probably not.”
“I’m sorry, Cord. I shouldn’t have said that. It was catty.”
He shrugged and glanced toward the sky again. “At least you’re honest. More than I can say for most women I’ve known.”
“Speaking of women you know, shouldn’t you be heading out? I’m sure you’ll want to hit the bar early so you can scope out the scene and stake a claim.”
“Oh, I’ve already got my eyes on someone.”
“Really?” Daphne tried to ignore the punch of anguish that struck her belly. She should have known. A man like Cord probably had his pick of the beautiful faces in town. “Well I won’t keep you.” She flicked her fingers. “Go on. I’ve got to pack my bag and pick one of these rooms. I’ll lock up when I leave.”
“Maybe I won’t go into town tonight.”
Daphne’s gaze snapped to his. Something flashed in his eyes, something so primal and real she shuddered under its power.
Cord took a step closer. “Are you cold?”
Daphne shook her head and slipped her phone back into her pocket. Before she could stand, Cord offered his hands. She stared at them a moment, not trusting herself to let go when the time came. His warm, dry fingers wrapped around hers. Rather gently, Cord pulled Daphne to her feet. The bottom dropped from her stomach as she came into contact briefly with his hard chest. Cord stepped back immediately and let go of her hands. He seemed to be fighting some battle within his mind.
Daphne started to speak but the oddest sensation overcame her. The hairs on her arms and the back of her neck rose suddenly. The very air she breathed seemed electrified. A split-second later, a bolt of lightning struck nearby—too close for comfort—and rattled the ground beneath her feet. Screaming, Daphne flung her hands over her head.
And then the strongest arms were wrapped around her shoulders and under her knees. In one swift movement, Cord lifted her from the ground and hustled her back to the porch lining the rear of the house. She clung to him like a terrified child. Thunder rumbled around them, threatened to shatter her ear drums. Fat raindrops gushed from the saturated clouds and soaked through their clothing.
When they reached the safety of the covered porch, Cord carefully set her down. He gently pulled her arms from his neck and swept a searching gaze over her body. “Are you all right?”
Gulping, she nodded. Her limbs shook wildly and teeth chattered. “I can’t stop shaking.”
Cord gathered her close, his heat and strength soothing her overexcited nerves. He tenderly touched her face, his thumb grazing her cheek. Daphne’s eyelids lowered at the sensation of his callused hand on her face. She’d imagined this moment so many times. Fantasy didn’t come close to the real thing.
A tiny whimper escaped her throat when Cord’s lips finally brushed against hers. She fisted the damp fabric of his shirt and lifted on tiptoes to encourage his kiss. She wanted him to kiss her, to really kiss her. He didn’t disappoint. Like a seasoned lover, Cord kissed her so deeply her knees threatened to buckle. His tongue darted between her lips and flicked against hers. Daphne opened wide and surrendered completely to his passionate kiss.
Cord broke away from their kiss and stepped back. His shoulders lifted and fell as he breathed heavily. He ran a hand through his now wet hair. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.”
Fire coursed through her veins. She didn’t know whether to scream or faint. “What?”
“You and me.” He gestured between them. “This. It can’t happen.”
She was at a loss to understand what was happening. “Why not?”
“You’re not the woman for me, Daphne. I can’t offer you anything more than this.” He spread his arms wide and indicated his ranch.
Regret tinged his voice. She suddenly realized why he’d been so aloof. Not wanting to lose this chance, Daphne reached out and cupped his cheek. His stubble rasped her palm. “Maybe this is exactly what I want.”
Cord went rigid. He stared at her intently, his gaze searing her skin. Finally he spoke. “Daphne, you’re not the kind of girl I could love and leave. You better be damned sure you want me because once you’re in my bed and in my arms, I’m not letting you go.”
Daphne couldn’t breathe. Hot and cold torrents rippled through her body. He wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Vaguely Daphne understood this was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. If she didn’t act now, she’d lose him forever.
Boldly, Daphne wound her arms around his waist. She pressed her lips to his. “Take me to bed.”
Chapter Two
Cord growled and lifted her into his arms. His resolve crumbed. There was no denying the attraction between them a moment longer. Daphne wasn’t the type of girl to toy with him. She wanted exactly what he did—something more than a one night stand.
He carried her into the house and kicked the door shut behind him. His lips crashed down upon hers as he carted her through the dark house. She tasted of sugary iced tea. He couldn’t get enough. He was practically dizzy with need.
Flashes of lightning lit up the house. The relaxing patter of raindrops against the tin roof created the perfect soundtrack for their night. He gently placed her on his bed and crawled over her, his knees on either side of her waist. Pinned to the mattress, Daphne stared up at him with those bright, wide eyes. Her tongue stole out and licked her lower lip. An image of that pink tongue on the head of his cock rocked Cord’s mind.
He bent low and captured her mouth again, nearly ravenous for her. Her skin was silky and soft. He nuzzled her neck and nipped at her throat. She mewled like a kitten and arched beneath him. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons lining the front of his shirt. Between his sensual kisses, she managed to work her way through the buttons and push the shirt off of his shoulders. Cord moved away just long enough to remove his shirt and toe off his boots and socks. He returned to Daphne.
“You’re so soft, sugar.” Cord’s hands roamed her body. He needed to get her naked as quickly as possible. Cord rolled off
of Daphne and sat up. He hauled her off the bed and settled her across his lap. She straddled him, her ripe breasts jutting against his face. Her pebbled nipples poked through the thin cotton. He grasped handfuls of her dress and tugged hard. She lifted her arms as he swept the garment over her head and tossed it aside.
For a long moment, he simply stared in awe at her nubile form. She had the perkiest tits he’d ever seen, the nipples a dusky brown and stiff. His hands drifted over the curves of her waist and full hips. A pair of hot pink hipster panties rode low on her tummy. Sparkling diamonds dripped from her navel. He playfully flicked the piercing, wondering all the while how many thousands of dollars’ worth of diamonds she so casually wore every day.
“Touch me.” Daphne took his hand and brought it to her breast. She sighed as he palmed the full orb and tweaked the nipple. Immediately he latched onto the enticing peak, drawing the nipple between his lips and rolling his tongue over it. Daphne’s fingers were in his hair, her head thrown back as she cried out at his suckling.
He wanted to hear her scream, wanted her shouts to ricochet off the walls of his bedroom. He moved swiftly and pressed her back to the mattress. Taking his sweet time, Cord explored every inch of her delectable body, licking and kissing and nibbling until she trembled. He slid to his knees and pulled her toward the edge of the bed. He slowly parted her thighs and ran an appreciative hand along her mound. The crotch of her panties was soaked and clung to her plump, waxed pussy lips. His mouth practically watered for a taste of her.
Her panties were whisked off and thrown aside. He peppered noisy kisses along her inner thighs. She quivered with anticipation, her legs shaking slightly beneath his lips. The tantalizing scent of her cunt filled the air. He slid a finger through her dewy lips and circled the pink nub hidden there. She gasped and rocked. “Cord!”
He lovingly petted her sex. “This is my pussy now.”
