Logan was a big man. He was also very skilled in the art of love and he used those skills to the fullest. With slow strokes, he drew himself in and out, teasing her, filling her, until she began to feed herself on his rhythm. Lord knew, he wanted to storm her gates with everything he had, but the slow conquering, the kissing, the keeping her nipples ripe and hard, all added to his blistering need. When he finally pushed through, he held still for a throbbing moment to let her become accustomed to the size and feel of him. With her encasing him so tightly, not moving had to be one of the most difficult things he’d ever done, but he sucked in a shaky breath and held on.
For Mariah the pain was sharp, but just for a moment. He’d prepared her so well that all she could think about was how good he felt inside. And soon, his stroking became her focus and then her whole world, banishing the pain and replacing it with raw hunger. She slid her hands up and down his taut arms and instinctively locked her ankles around his waist. He increased both the force and the pace, making her want all he had to give. Growling, he raised her hips, and from somewhere deep in her soul the orgasm rose, white-hot. She heard herself cry out just seconds before her body broke apart. A heartbeat later, he shuddered with his own completion, and his low cry mingled with hers. Waves of sensation flooded her again and again, until finally, they both fell slowly back to earth.
Mariah was vaguely aware of him removing the sponge, but of little else. Her entire being was throbbing and pulsing. When he gently eased himself in against her back and wrapped her in his arms, she never wanted to move again.
As they lay there in the silence, Logan kissed the top of her hair and wondered what she was thinking. Foremost in his mind was making sure he hadn’t hurt her and where they’d go from here. “Are you okay?”
“I am.”
She slowly twisted around to face him. “You’re a very good teacher, Mr. Yates.”
“And you are an excellent pupil, querida. Did you enjoy your lesson?”
“I did. Very much.”
He traced her mouth, then kissed her softly. He wanted her again, but it was probably too soon. “So, what happens next for us?”
“We go on as before. You’ve given me what I asked for.”
The thought of her using what she’d experienced with him tonight to share passion with another man bothered him more than he cared to admit or face.
“How about that bath, now?” he asked as a way to escape his troubled thoughts.
“I’d like that.”
“Be right back.”
While he was gone, Mariah went over the evening again in her mind and smiled. She was glad she’d tossed down the gauntlet. Who knew it could be so exhilarating? Did her enjoyment make her abnormal? Having no experience with things of the flesh she wasn’t sure, but decided she didn’t much care. She had no regrets about anything they’d done together, nor the lessons learned. Touching him had been a wondrous thing. Even now she could feel how velvety hard he’d felt in her hand. She felt bold and not the least bit shamed. Coming to California changed her in many ways and nothing on earth could make her go back to being the Mariah of before.
She was concerned however that he’d think she’d offered her innocence as a means of extracting a proposal of marriage. There in the dark, she honestly admitted to having feelings for him that undoubtedly equated to love, but she wasn’t naïve enough to believe that admitting it to him would serve any purpose. Instead, she sealed their night together in a special place in her heart and left it there.
He returned and sat on the edge of the bed. “Regrets?”
“No,” she replied truthfully. “None.”
Silence rose between them.
Not sure what he might be thinking, she echoed his question. “Regrets?”
“No.”
“I will always remember this night, Logan. And please, don’t let my ramblings from the sangria make you feel as if you need to marry me now.”
“Hadn’t crossed my mind.”
She scooted to where he sat. Emboldened by her the pleasure they’d shared, she raised up on her knees and cupped his face. “Good,” she whispered and kissed him sweetly.
He gathered her in against him and before long the kisses led to another vibrant lesson.
The tub was large enough to hold them both. The feel of his manhood against her back made her slide against it sensually.
“Stop that,” he said sucking in a breath. Logan was discovering that she liked to play, which aroused him even more, but she was going to be sore and he wasn’t going to be able to walk if he didn’t put a stop to her uninhibited shenanigans.
“Spoilsport.”
He laughed. She reclined between his thighs giving him access to the secrets hidden between her own.
“You’re going to be very sore,” he warned, circling her softness.
“I’m only going to have this one night, so I’d like to experience all that I can. Is that brazen of me?”
“Yes.”
It was her turn to laugh then and her head dropped with embarrassment.
“But I’m enjoying you enjoying yourself.”
And Mariah was. His hand was making her hips rise in response to his call, and once again, she found herself filled with heat. “How many ways are there to do this?”
“Hundreds.”
She swiveled her head around. “Truly?”
He nodded.
“Show me another.”
He laughed aloud. “You are outrageous.”
“And whose fault is that?”
He leaned down and kissed her passionately. “Mine, I suppose.” He reached down to the floor and picked up the small copper box that held the sponges and extracted one.
“How many of those do you have?” she asked sounding amused.
“Enough. Now kneel up for me.”
When she did, he slid it in slowly, then did the same with his arching manhood. As the slow rising and falling began, she gushed quietly, “Oh, Logan.”
“What, querida?”
“I like this very much.”
While maintaining the slow, lazy rhythm, he circled the brown aureole of her breast. “Do you?” He took the bud into his mouth.
Her flesh rippled around him. “I do.”
She rode languidly while he feasted and caressed. It didn’t take long for climax to stake its claim. Once they were able to move again, they rinsed off in the tepid water, padded back to his bedroom, and slept.
The following morning, Mariah opened her eyes. For just a moment, she was disoriented, then remembering where she was, looked around for the man who’d taken her to paradise so many times last night. He was beside her and propped up on one elbow watching her.
“Morning,” he said. “Was wondering how long you were going to sleep.”
She didn’t want to admit how good it was to see him. “Morning. What time is it?”
“Just past eight.”
He’d given her so much joy last night, and now, although she planned to go on with her life, nothing would ever be the same. Burying the small sadness and determined not to dwell upon how wonderful it would be to wake up each morning with him by her side, she sat up.
“Water’s heating if you want your bath.”
“I do, thank you.”
In the light of day, she found it hard to believe her scandalous behavior, but again, she had no regrets. Knowing fully what it meant to be a woman and to learn it from his tender and selfless ministrations; every woman should be as lucky, however, she needed to reestablish her distance because it was in her best interest to do so. “I’m going to spend the day making patterns for the curtains and looking through my sketches for costumes for Feather. What are your plans?”
“I’d thought I’d see if I can’t convince Andrew and Eli to help me with the bunkhouse, even though it’s Saturday. Or?”
The tone made her smile suspiciously. “Or what?”
“Convince you to spend the day with me down by the river.”
&
nbsp; Shaking her head, she declined.
“May I ask why not?”
“It was to be just one night, Logan.”
“Now who’s the spoilsport?”
Because his jab was made in a teasing tone, she took it in the spirit in which it was given. Spending more time with him would be wonderful, but it would also make it harder to keep her heart from plunging further into love. So, no. Last night would have to suffice. She couldn’t afford another.
Logan wondered if this is how the women he’d treated so casually most of his life felt when he moved on and left them behind. Although he was man enough to accept her decision to not take last night any further, he really wanted to kick and scream like a little boy until he got his way. Add to that the knowledge that sometime in the future she’d be sharing her sensual little body with another man, and he was decidedly unhappy, but he kept it all masked. As he’d noted before, he’d never begged a woman for her affections in his life, even though this golden-eyed beauty had him on the brink of doing just that. What gave him hope, however, was that she was as hot for him as he was for her. He’d give her a few days to let desire rise and claim her and see what happened. “I heated up the water while you were sleeping so you can go on in if you like. I took mine earlier.”
“Thank you. And thanks again for last night.”
“My pleasure. I’ll see you outside for breakfast.” Even though it had been his hope to make leisurely love to her this morning, he left the bed without touching her. Nude, he walked to his dresser to get fresh clothes.
She asked him, “Do you mind if I borrow your robe to wear to my room to get my things?”
“Not at all.” He saw her eyes on his erection and told her, “It’s hard for a man to disguise his feelings—especially after waking up beside a beautiful woman.” And hard he was.
She took his robe from the end of the bed and quickly slipped it on. The desire in her eyes was plain to see, so he stood there and waited.
“I—I’ll meet you outside,” she said and beat a hasty retreat.
Smiling, he watched her leave. After dressing himself, he went over to the bed to strip the sheets. He paused in mid motion at the sight of the small bloodstains. She’d given him her innocence. If that didn’t make her his and his alone, he didn’t know what did. Pulling the sheets off the bed, he said aloud, “This is not the end, querida. Not by any means.”
Breakfast was ready when she stepped outside her door, and just the sight of his welcoming smile was enough to knock large holes in the defenses she was determined to erect. His nudity earlier hadn’t helped either. Feasting her eyes on the part of his anatomy that had given her so much joy began the undermining. How she expected to maintain the distance she wanted when last night was all she could think about was beyond her, but she gathered her will and walked over to join him.
“Enjoy your bath?” he asked as he filled her plate with small helpings of potatoes, eggs, bacon, and sliced oranges.
“I did, thank you.” She took her plate and sat down in the grass. She’d half expected him to join her while she was in the tub. The thinking, saner parts of herself were glad he hadn’t, while the parts of herself aroused by his male display were disappointed. Integrating the two opposing forces was yet another conundrum she faced. Deciding for the moment to concentrate on eating, she did just that.
“Are you sore?”
Her eyes jumped to his and she stammered, “Um. A bit, but it isn’t a bother.”
“I’m asking out of concern, nothing more. We had a pretty spirited night, so the gentleman in me wanted to know.”
“I’m sure it will pass in a day or so.” Hoping she was right, she asked, “It will, won’t it?”
He nodded.
“Good.” She wasn’t in pain by any means, but the aftereffects of their spirited play were there. What was more of a concern was the lingering thirst for more. Were it up to her body, she’d be back in bed letting him fill her with his magnificent desire. She wondered how long it would take for that to fade, but didn’t dare ask.
They ate their breakfast in silence. As if he had the ability to read her thoughts again, he told her casually, “It isn’t going to go away.”
She wanted to feign ignorance but simply being near him made her nipples harden in wanton response.
He set his empty plate aside and stood. “I’ll be over at the bunkhouse—if you need me.”
She didn’t respond verbally to the double entendre, but her body said plenty.
Alanza was seated in her courtyard enjoying the peacefulness of the morning. Two of her three sons were now home; the eldest more than likely in love, and her youngest would be arriving in a few days. She had a new woman friend whom she adored, and who might just be the mother of the grandchild she’d been longing for, and Destino was one of the most profitable ranchos in the county. What more could a woman ask for?
Bonnie stepped out. “Senora. Mr. Rudd is here. Shall I bring him out?”
Alanza shook her head at the ironic arrival, and wondered if God was sending her a veiled message. “Yes, Bonnie.”
A few moments later, he appeared.
“Morning, Lanz.”
“Max.” She gestured him to a seat at the table. “Would you care for coffee?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Alanza turned her attention to Bonnie, who replied, “I’ll bring it out right away,” and went inside.
They sat silently until her return. She placed the brimming cup on its saucer before him and left them alone.
He took his coffee black and while he stirred it idly to aid in its cooling, Alanza asked, “What brings you here on this beautiful morning?”
“Want to take a look at how Logan’s bunkhouse is coming along, and to deliver a couple of crates that were at the station yesterday for the new housekeeper. They’re on the wagon.”
“That was very kind of you.”
“Went to pick up some materials I ordered from San Francisco and Jess Hopkins asked if I’d bring them.” Jess was a porter at the station and an old friend.
“Hopefully, it contains her sewing machine. A lot of women are wanting her needlework. Missed you at Feather’s party last evening.”
“Started planing the cabinets for Logan’s kitchen and lost track of time.”
So for the next few moments, she told him about the celebration: who was there, who wasn’t; what she’d heard by way of the gossips; Mariah sitting with Reverend Dennis; and how proud everyone was of the guest of honor. “We’ll miss her while she’s away.”
He nodded. “Yes, but she’s going to do well back East.”
Silence rose and he watched her over his raised cup. “The other reason I came by. Going up to the cabin in a few weeks to do some fishing. Wanted to know if you’d like to—”
Andrew suddenly appeared, and Alanza was admittedly relieved. The look on Max’s face said he wasn’t. Andrew must’ve sensed that, because he paused in mid-step. “Am I interrupting something?”
“No,” Alanza said.
“Yes,” Max countered at the same time.
Andrew glanced between them and a smile widened his face. “Well, what have—”
“Go,” Max said firmly.
“Don’t be rude,” Alanza scolded. “Drew, you’re more than welcome to sit and join us.”
“No, you’re not, because I’m officially courting your mother.”
Andrew’s grin widened.
“No, you aren’t.”
Andrew acknowledged Max’s declaration with an inclination of his head. “I’ll let my brothers know, and you have our blessings.”
“Andrew!”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll eat inside. I love you, Mama. Good luck, Max, and dare I say, it’s about time.” Ignoring Alanza’s fuming face, he left them alone.
Max toasted her with his cup. “So, do you want to go fishing?”
She looked away and thought about all the reasons she wanted to say no, but because not a o
ne held water, she turned back and met his eyes. “Yes.”
“Then we’ll leave right after your birthday.”
Logan was at the bunkhouse adding more nails to the framing when Andrew rode up. “Morning, Drew.”
“Morning. Came to see if you need any help before I ride out to San Francisco.”
“What’s in San Francisco?”
“A beautiful piece of love candy named Whilemina Wells. Calls herself Billie for short.”
“I was hoping to get some help today, but you aren’t exactly dressed for manual labor.”
Andrew glanced down at his fancy Mexican suit, and admitted, “No, I’m not. Just offered my help to be polite.”
Logan chuckled. “At least you’re honest.”
“Max is over with Mama. I’ll bet he’ll help if you catch him before he leaves.” He then told Logan about Max’s declaration.
“About damn time.”
“Same thing I said. Mama put up a fuss of course, but he’ll be good for her. Always has been.”
“Yes he has.”
“Speaking of fussing. How’s your beauty this morning?”
“At the house working on curtain patterns.”
“You really aren’t going to let the reverend into the corral, are you?”
“You worry about Billie. I’ll handle Mariah.”
Drew inclined his head. “Whatever you say, big brother. I’ll be back in a few days.”
“Travel safe, and don’t choke on the candy.”
“I won’t, and neither will she.”
Logan laughed. “See you when you get back.”
Drew turned his horse and galloped off.
On the heels of his departure Max drove up on his wagon. “Morning, Logan. Got some crates for your housekeeper.”
Logan knew how anxiously she’d been awaiting their arrival. “She’ll be pleased. Let’s take them over to the house.” He wanted to see the pleasure in her eyes.
Logan climbed aboard and once they were under way, Max asked, “Have you seen your brother this morning?”
“I have, and he told me about you and Alanza.”
“Just want to make sure you don’t have a problem. Not that it’d matter.”
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