by Lea Hart
Being celibate for as long as she had was making it difficult to resist the lure of the man in her shower. Hell, even if she hadn’t gone without, he would have been hard to resist. Picking up the phone, she answered breathlessly. “Oh, hey, Tamara. How are you?” Another friend from school and another set of poorly veiled inquiries about the man staying in her house. She’d done it this time, no doubt about it.
***
Ivy stood at the dessert table and arranged the dishes as she kept a close eye on Ryan. Right now he was across the courtyard, surrounded by some of Dripping Springs’ finest ladies. Her Aunt LeLe was practically drooling on his shirt. Maybe they could leave right after dinner. Shaking her head, she realized that was a bad idea. A lot of people probably had them pegged as sex-crazed. If they left before dancing, that would only add fuel to the fire. Oh, well. She’d made the mess, so now she just had to face the consequences. It wouldn’t be the first time the town had gossiped about her or her family. And it probably wouldn’t be the last.
“Baby girl, did you make your coconut cake?” Mama called out as she approached.
“I did. I also made some brownies.” She took her mama’s plate of cookies and placed it in the center. Bea’s snickerdoodles were legendary, and they deserved a spot up front.
Bea followed her daughter’s gaze and patted her hand. “Honey, it’ll stop before you know it. People are just curious about the man you brought home.”
“Mama, I made this mess.”
“It’s not a mess. It gives the ladies something to talk about. It’s cheap entertainment for the town. You know not much is going on till football starts next week.”
Laying her head on Mama’s shoulder, she then nodded. “You’re right. Thanks for always believing in me and never giving me a hard time about my poor choices.”
“Oh, honey, buying condoms just proves that I raised a smart girl who knows what she wants. From where I stand, that’s a lot to be proud of. The fact that you bought as many as you did just tells the town you’re lucky on top of everything else.”
“I love you, Mama.”
Bea kissed her daughter’s head. “I love you more, baby girl.”
Grams joined them and clucked as she stared at the women surrounding Ryan. “What do they think is going to happen if they maul him?”
All three women laughed, and Ryan’s head popped up as he smiled at Ivy and winked. He motioned that he was coming her way, and she felt her tummy flip over. Butterflies and the whole damn zoo were having a party in her stomach. Ever since they had left the house, he’d been whispering naughty things in her ear. She was vibrating with lust like a wanton hussy. God, she hoped he kept doing it. All the pictures he was painting with his words were making her want to drag him off and ride him like the cowgirl she once was.
“Ivy, are you feeling all right? You looked flushed,” Bea said as she rested her hand on Ivy’s forehead.
“Fine, Mama. It’s August in Texas. Of course I’m flushed.”
“Or the man coming your way is making you that way,” Grams added.
Two ladies marched up to the table and called out greetings. “Oh, gawd…here come Roxy and Ellen,” Ivy said under her breath. “I hope they behave this year.” The women had been battling over cakes for years and none of it had been civilized.
“Hi, ladies,” Bea called out as she nudged her daughter.
Ivy pasted a sweet smile on her face and wondered why women in this town were so competitive when it came to treats. More blood had been drawn over the bragging rights to the best chocolate cake than anything else. “You can just put your cakes down.” Roxy elbowed Ellen as they set the cakes right next to each other.
“Thank you so much,” Ivy said. “Father Hobart is going to be so thankful that you both took the time to make something special for tonight’s fundraiser. God bless you both.”
Roxy sniffed and moved her cake plate over by a millimeter. “Everyone expects to see my cake here.”
“Really, Roxy?” Ellen replied sweetly. She shoved her cake plate in front of Roxy’s with a smile.
Before things could get rolling between the two, Grams spoke loudly. “Have you ladies met Ivy’s young man?”
Ryan came up to the group and gave everyone a big smile. “Hi there.”
Grams looped her arm through Ryan’s and smiled. “This is Ryan Cordell.”
The ladies both gazed up at him, and their rivalry was momentarily forgotten. God bless that man’s smile; it was strong enough to distract these two loonies from their decade-long feud.
A loud tapping could be heard from the other end of the courtyard as the priest stood and tested the mic. “Welcome, everyone, to our semiannual fish fry extravaganza. We’re hoping to raise enough money tonight to fund our meals on wheels program for the year. Buy those raffle and drink tickets and help us realize our dream.”
Everyone clapped and then resumed their conversations. Roxy’s husband came over and was kind enough to take his wife to the other side of the courtyard, and Ellen left in the company of her daughter. Detente had been achieved, if only for a while.
“People drink at a church fundraiser?” Ryan asked, as he looped his arm around Ivy.
“Honey, we’re Catholics. Of course we drink. How do you think we get through any of these functions?”
“It’s true,” Bea said. “It makes these evenings bearable.” She took her mother’s hand and turned toward the bar. “Come on, Mama. I heard that new vodka company is here. Let’s get a martini.”
“I knew I raised you right,” Grams said as they walked off to the bar.
“We also have a new whiskey distillery in town. I heard they make a fine product. Can I get you a glass?” Ivy asked sweetly.
“Are you trying to seduce me with liquor so you can have your way with me later on?” Ryan asked as he snugged her closer.
Laying her hand on his chest, she smiled like she was innocent. “Would you judge me if that was my evil plan?”
“God, no.” He leaned over and spoke quietly in her ear. “I’m just trying to decide where I want to start when I get you home tonight. I’m thinking that I’d like to taste you and see if you’re as delicious as you seem. I’d like you to scream my name once or twice before we even open the first box of condoms.”
Lights pricked the back of her eyelids as she swayed on her sandals. Could she pass out just from a suggestion? Before she fell over, Ryan’s face appeared before her. “I have no response.”
“That’s okay. I expect that brain cells are going to be destroyed after you and I get our clothes off. I saw your old cowboy boots by the back door, so I’m guessing you have some experience riding. I look forward to feeling you ride me before the night’s over.”
Pulling herself out of the sexual haze she was wrapped up in took Herculean effort, but she managed it by staring at her priest, who was walking their way. “I guess…I’ll have to break you the same way I did that stallion I had when I was seventeen. You are right…I do know a thing or two about mounting a wild horse.”
He choked just as Father Hobart approached. “Is this your young man?” the priest asked, as Ivy thumped on Ryan’s back.
“Yes, Father. This is Ryan Cordell.”
“A pleasure to meet you, young man. You must have something special if you’ve caught the interest of our Ivy. She’s an exceptional woman, and you’re a lucky man.”
Ryan shook the priest’s hand and smiled. “Yes, sir. I’m lucky indeed, and I think I have just what Ivy needs.”
Before he could say more, the priest was called over by a group of men. “We’ll talk later,” the priest said before he walked off.
As the priest moved out of earshot, Ryan spoke into Ivy’s ear. “I’ve got nine inches of something that you need, Ivy Bellows. You can ride me all you want.”
“I need a martini,” Ivy said with more force than was necessary.
Ryan took her hand and led her over to the bar. “Whatever you want, honey. I’ll make sure yo
u have it.”
That’s what she was afraid of. If he was as amazing as she thought he was, then she was in deep trouble. A smart, honorable man with a kind heart was bad enough. If you added great in bed, then she was done for. Nothing good could come out of something like that.
***
The band started to play, and Ryan stood and held out his hands. “Come on, Ivy, let’s have that dance.”
“I can’t move. I ate too many hush puppies.”
“I’ll push you around. All you have to do is stand up straight.” He heaved her out of her chair and kissed her head. “I’m getting my dance, even if I have to carry you around the floor.”
“I’m coming.” She followed him out to the small space that had been set aside for dancing and slipped into his arms. “I eat when I’m nervous, and all this sexy talk has me on edge.”
He held her against his chest as the band played “Tennessee Whiskey.” If there was a song that would seduce her, it was this one. She hummed along as they moved under the fairy lights. A small breeze blew across her skin as she rested her head against his chest. A perfect Texas evening to lose her ever-present control.
“Honey, I just want to make you feel good. That’s all tonight is about.”
“What if you make me feel so good that I want to keep you?”
“That’s what I’m hoping for. You told me when I met you that you were only interested in a man who wanted your heart. I’m here because I want to own that part of you.”
“Why me?” she asked as she stared into his sea-green eyes.
“Because you make me happy, and I want to do everything I can to hold on to that.”
“My goodness, Ryan, you have turned on a light for me. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I figure it’s time I quit being scared.”
“I’ve got you, Ivy.”
He moved them around the dance floor, and she decided that even if this thing didn’t last beyond next week, it would still be worth giving it everything she had. After all, you couldn’t complain if you never got in the game, and it was about time she went all in.
***
Ryan jumped out of the truck and hustled around to get Ivy out. The day had been one long seduction, and verbal foreplay had him dancing on the blade of a sword. Before he could open Ivy’s door, she jumped out and grabbed his hand.
“What are you waiting for?” Her laughter filled the quiet night as she ran for the front door.
“I hope you’re ready.” He skidded to a stop behind her, wrapped one hand around her waist, and moved the other up the front of her blouse. Her soft skin felt like silk beneath his fingers as he slowly let himself trace the underside of her breast. When she gulped loudly, he knew he wasn’t the only one on edge.
“My hands are shaking. I can’t get the key in,” she wailed.
Reluctantly, he released her breast, slipped his hand out of her blouse, and grabbed the key. He shoved it hard into the lock and twisted it with a lot more force than was required. “Got it.”
Ivy pushed the door, tumbled into the house, and turned to grin. “Lock that door, because I don’t want anyone interrupting us.”
Kicking the door closed with his boot, he grinned. “Start taking those clothes off or I’m gonna rip them off your body.”
Nervous laughter fell out of Ivy as she slipped off her sandals. “Have you lost your patience?”
“A gentleman is just a patient wolf, and I have about three minutes of gentleman left in me.” He kicked his boots off and got rid of his socks, then slowly stalked toward her. She lifted her shirt off and threw it in his direction. “That’s a nice start…keep going.”
“I want you to take yours off. You have a sexy body and I want to see it.”
Pulling his shirt over his head, he threw it over his shoulder and grinned. “Is this what you want?” He moved within a breath of her and watched her eyes as they traced his face with enough desire to set him on fire. Finally, she was allowing herself to feel the force of what was happening between them. His mouth found hers, and he took her in a kiss that stole the last of his control.
“You taste good,” she mumbled against his lips.
“Now,” he growled against her ear as he lifted her up and wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Bedroom,” Ivy responded.
“Bedroom,” he repeated as he strode down the hall. They bumped against a couple of walls along the way because he couldn’t tear his mouth away from hers. “Made it.” He laughed as he dumped her on the bed. When she settled, he leaned over and whispered, “Mine.”
Satisfaction, pure and simple, ran through his blood like a river when her trembling hand reached for his. The simple act soothed him in a way he couldn’t immediately name. Maybe it was as straightforward as knowing that she was as affected as he was. He moved the zipper down on her jeans, and the sound bounced against the walls of the quiet house. With little finesse, he slid them off and threw them over her shoulders. “I won’t rip those pretty panties in case they came from that fancy store in Miami.”
“I appreciate that, Ryan.” Smiling, she watched his hands slip the delicate piece of lace off her body. “Your turn.”
“Nope, I need to taste you first.” Kneeling, he trailed a finger across her stomach to the bare folds between her legs, slicked with her desire. “I’m going to taste every inch of you.”
“Oh, my…” she moaned as he slid his fingers inside her tight heat.
“I haven’t done anything yet,” he said before he moved his mouth along the inside of her thighs. A groan escaped as his tongue swiped along her wet folds. Sliding his fingers in and out, he closed his mouth over her bud and tasted her sweet honey. She tasted like spicy peaches, and he knew it was a taste he would soon become addicted to. Her body moved under his attention as his tongue speared inside her, tasting and lapping at the liquid passion that coated his tongue. She cried out, her hips jerked against him, and she shuddered. Licking, he rasped his tongue up and down repeatedly as his name fell from her lips.
“Ryan…sweet Lord, what are you doing?”
Lifting his mouth away from his treasure, he wickedly grinned. “I’m having my dessert.” He moved his mouth against her center again and added a second finger. Her hips answered as she strained against his mouth. Her panting grew louder as he hooked his fingers and found the magic spot. A rush of sweet liquid coated his tongue as Ivy fell apart. He licked up every drop and continued to pump his fingers in and out as he dragged her orgasm out for as long as he could. The tremors moved through her body as he gentled her and slowed the pace. Lifting his head, he watched a smile cross her lips as she collapsed against the bed. He’d done that. Satisfaction rolled through his body as he watched her lie limply. Rising, he got rid of his jeans and grabbed the box of condoms sitting on the dresser. “How are you doing, darlin’?”
She lifted her hand and waved. “I’m completely happy, and I will become your slave if you promise to do that again.”
He ripped the package open and slid the condom on. He was harder than a bat and held on to his need to pound himself into her. He was too big to be anything but gentle with her, at least the first couple of times. After that, he could figure out how to take her hard and fast. A raw, primitive feeling was boiling in his gut, and he wanted to brand himself on her skin so there would never be room for a thought other than him. “I have something you’re going to like.” His eyes met hers as the thick head of his cock parted her folds. Her face was flush and damp with desire, and her breathing was irregular. “Relax, honey.”
Her eyes flew to his, and he sensed her panic. “We’re going to be perfect.” He pushed inside her a little more. “Don’t fight it.” His thumb went to her clit and pressed down on the tight bud, and ripples inside her walls almost had him coming too soon. “You’re so tight.”
Lifting her leg over his arm, he pressed himself into her slowly with one long thrust. He didn’t move a muscle, and let her relax and accept him into her body. It w
as going to take a hot minute, so he kissed her and let his hand run up and down her side slowly. As each second passed, he felt her relax, and he continued to soothe her with his mouth and touch. Releasing her mouth, he lifted his gaze to hers. “How are you feeling, honey?”
“Full. Amazing. Overwhelmed.”
“All positive words.” He braced his arms on either side of her body and slid himself slowly out and back in. This was heaven, he thought as her inner walls clenched around him. Her tight welcome had him ready to blow his load, so he tried to think of anything other than how freaking amazing being in Ivy felt. Sweat dripped from his temples and he knew he couldn’t last much longer.
“I’ve never…” she said.
Her hips moved in response to his thrusts, and he smiled against her head. “Never what?”
“So good,” she moaned as she gripped his shoulders.
His answer was a stroke so strong and deep that she gasped. Hunger seethed in his veins, and he felt like he was on a freight train with no brakes. He moved in and out and dug his toes into the mattress so that he could go as deep as she would take him.
“I knew it was going to be this good,” he said, as his hands dropped and pushed under butt. Lifting her up, he thrust heavily and felt her still. Her body tightened around him as she called his name. Two more sharp thrusts and he joined her as his groan coalesced with her moan. Her body milked his as he exploded into her and his feelings spun out of control. The climax felt like it was ripped from his body, and he regretted the use of a condom fiercely. He wanted to own her and possess her, and the latex prevented him from doing that.
His heart trip-hammered with excitement, and long moments passed before it settled down. Collapsing, he buried his face into her soft cloud of hair. He brushed his lips against the incredibly soft skin of her temple, and her scent surrounded him and went to the most prehistoric part of his brain. The part that told him she was his and he would do anything to make that permanent.
