Dangerous Curves Ahead 2 (Cowboy / BBW Erotic Romance)

by Arabella Quinn

  I looked in the mirror, studying myself. This was the real me. If today didn’t demonstrate to Jake that we were totally mismatched, I didn’t know what would. I frowned. Why was I trying so hard to push Jake away? I knew it was a feeble attempt to try and protect myself from the inevitable. I turned away from the mirror before I could no longer resist the urge to camouflage the real me with fancy clothes and makeup.

  Jake showed up at my door five minutes early. I pasted a nervous smile on my face and swung the door open wide. Each time I first set eyes upon him, he took my breath away anew. What was this gorgeous man doing with me?

  Today, he had ditched the cowboy hat, but he was holding a bouquet of flowers. “I thought you could add these to the roses.”

  I accepted the flowers, shame washing over me as I recalled distributing the dozens of roses Jake had sent me after our first night together to several ladies at the local nursing home.

  “Oh, yes. I’ve meant to thank you for the roses, Jake. They were beautiful.”

  Jake stepped inside, “I don’t see them. I hope they lasted-”

  I cut him off. “Let me just get these in some water and then we’ll take off. I don’t want to be late.”

  My insides fluttered when Jake smiled at me. “Okay. Where are we going anyway? Or are you still going to keep me guessing?”

  I found a vase in the kitchen cabinet and began filling it with water. “Patience. That’s going to be the word of the day, Jake. You’re going to need a lot of it today.”

  “Oh, I can be very patient when I want something.”

  I arranged the flowers, peeking at him while I worked. His presence filled my small apartment with an overpowering masculinity. Damn. Why did the very sight of him have to leave my body tingling with excitement? I was practically salivating just sneaking a glimpse of him.

  “Let me just get my purse and we can leave. Would you mind grabbing that tote bag by the door?” I rushed into my bedroom and grabbed my handbag.

  When I came out, Jake was peering inside the tote. “Hand sanitizer? Baby wipes? First aid kit? Now I am getting a bit nervous.”

  I laughed at his confused expression. “Don’t worry. First, we’re off to lunch to fuel up. I thought we’d go to the local barbeque. Is that okay?”

  “Sure.” Jake was suddenly looking less than certain.

  We headed out to Jake’s truck. I saw that he was angling to open the door for me, so I tried to beat him to the punch without looking comically childish in the process. Unfortunately, his long stride beat me to the truck easily.

  He held my door for me, but then grabbed my hand and stopped me before I could get in. He smiled rakishly. “Krista, this is officially date number three…”

  I could only nod mutely as I watched his lips lower slowly to my own.

  It was crazy how each kiss we shared was as electric as the first had been. The intensity was almost frightening. I felt myself being pulled into the kiss with a dizzying velocity, unable to think, only able to cling in desperation.

  To my disappointment, Jake’s lips left my own. I opened my eyes to see his satisfied smile as he twirled his car keys around his finger. “Let’s go. I’m ready.”

  We arrived at the family style barbeque restaurant and joined the line of people waiting to order. After ordering, we remained near the pickup counter waiting for our number to be called. Masses of people pushed past us at the popular restaurant. The crowd was diverse, large families, some in their Sunday best, men with huge guts hanging out of their white armpit stained t-shirts and even packs of teenagers all strode past.

  Jake raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to have to do better than this to scare me away, Krista.”

  I laughed. Finally our number was called. We picked up our order and decided to eat at the outdoor picnic tables.

  I nibbled at my pulled pork sandwich careful not to spill barbeque sauce on myself. Cars flew past on the busy street behind us. “The scenery at lunch was much better yesterday.”

  Jake’s eyes didn’t leave me. “Mmm. My view is still pretty nice.”

  I tried not to blush, but I was eating up the flattery like a starving person. I needed to stop acting like a giddy teenager and get down to business. “I want to tell you about where we’re going on our date. Where we’re going, or I should say, what we’re going to do is very important to me, so I want to make sure you’re prepared.”

  Jake smiled, “I’m intrigued.”

  I realized how important his reaction was to me, so I nervously took a breath and began, “I volunteer with several organizations that work with troubled kids. Most of them have been in and out of foster care and come from homes where they were abused or severely neglected. Today we’re going to help chaperone them at a park outing. Are you still intrigued?”

  Jake chewed on his sandwich thoughtfully. “I have to confess that I don’t know anything about kids or how to take care of them. The thought is a little intimidating to me.”

  “These kids are older, they’ll range from about five to twelve years old. But believe me, they may look little, but they’re some of the most street smart and savvy kids. The only thing you’ll have to do is make sure they stay out of trouble and don’t get hurt on the playground.” I was watching him expectantly.

  Jake took a sip of water. “That doesn’t sound hard at all. No problem.”

  Of course, I was over-simplifying things. It was damn hard. “The most important thing, though, is to listen to them. Really listen to them. Show them that there are people who care about them. And be patient when they don’t behave. Because they won’t.

  Many of them have behavioral problems or social issues and they act out. Remember when they act tough or push you away, it’s just a coping mechanism for them. They’ve been through a lot of heartache in their short lives already.”

  “Okay. Listen, be patient and don’t let them get hurt on the playground. I think I’ve got it. And you’ll be there to help out if I need it right?” Jake asked tentatively.

  I couldn’t wait to see him in action. “Absolutely. This is going to be fun!”

  ****

  Jake was troublingly silent on the way back to my apartment. I glanced over at him nervously. “Jake, would you like to stay for a bite of dinner at my place? I could throw together a salad and a quick meal for us.”

  Jake snapped out of his daze. “I think I could use a shot of whiskey right now. Do you have anything strong at your apartment?”

  “No. I don’t think so. I have beer, if you want.” I held my breath, hoping he would agree to stay.

  He grinned at me. “Beer will have to do. And a back rub. Hopefully that will relax me. Too bad this is only date number three, I could sure use some, uh, stress relief. That was fun Krista, but it left me so stressed out.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Beer and a back rub. How typical!”

  Jake protested, “You don’t know what those little monsters put me through today. While you were off making those bead jewelry things with those sweet little girls, I was getting the inquisition from those hoodlums. It went all downhill when they found out you were my girlfriend.”

  I cut in, “You told them I was your girlfriend?”

  Jake shrugged. “Well, they asked. And I figured, we are dating, so that makes you my girlfriend. No big deal. Wrong! Then they were asking if we had sex, did we use condoms, did I know about oral sex, were we getting married. And that was just in the first five minutes…”

  “Oh my God, Jake! I hope you weren’t talking about sex with them?” I giggled nervously.

  Jake looked shocked. “Hell, no! But you weren’t kidding. These kids know way too much for their years. Dodging their questions was exhausting. I think they were doing it on purpose just to needle me, too.”

  “They definitely like you. I was really impressed.”

  Jake’s proud smile was beautiful. “I hope this means I passed the test. And actually, I was the one who was impressed today. You were amazing with them. They lo
ve you.”

  I held up my hand to stop him before he gave me too much credit. “Those kids latch on so quickly to anyone who shows them love. They’re so needy for any morsel of attention. Every time I volunteer, I tell myself I should come more often. But I don’t. I’m really not so noble…”

  Jake grabbed my hand and held it. “Don’t be so quick to sell yourself short or downplay your generous contributions. I’m in awe of how kind-hearted you are.”

  Luckily we reached my apartment just then. Even though I was secretly beaming underneath Jake’s praise, I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable accepting it.

  I busied myself preparing dinner with Jake’s limited help; it was obvious he didn’t do much cooking. The conversation didn’t come up again until we were both sitting at my small dining table eating.

  Jake must have worked up an appetite, because he was eating fast. “Do you think the ranch could do something to help those kids out?”

  I thought it was interesting that Jake was still thinking about the kids. I often worried about them long after I interacted with them, too. “They don’t really need any money. What they need is guidance and healthy role models. They need someone that cares for them on a steady basis, not people who come and go.”

  Jake nodded his understanding. “Yeah, I was thinking more like a program at the ranch. We have access to so many resources, surely we could come up with something that the kids could benefit from and have fun doing at the same time. Maybe you can help me think up something.”

  He looked serious. Could he really be serious? I felt the defenses that I had erected slowly crumbling. Careful, Krista. Date number three and I was practically putty in Jake’s hand. “I’ll think about it. That would be so generous of you.”

  “I’d like to give back beyond just writing a check. It’s rather selfish really, because it feels so good to make a difference. Even a small difference. How did you get involved with these kids?”

  I didn’t share my past with many people, but Jake seemed like he might understand. “My mother died when I was 12. My father was in the military, so he was away a lot. My Aunt Martha came to live with us when Mom died, mainly to take care of me when he was away, I guess.”

  I took a deep breath and continued, “My Aunt, actually she was my father’s aunt, so she was much older- she took her job to care for me very seriously. She was very strict and religious, and she wanted to make a prim and proper lady out of me. She probably would have a heart attack right now if she knew I was entertaining a man in my apartment un-chaperoned.”

  Jake laughed. “She sounds like a wet blanket.”

  I agreed. “She was so old-fashioned. She still is. It was a very cold and unloving house and I didn’t have a lot fun growing up. I think that’s why I connect so well with these kids.”

  Jake was silent for a moment. “So instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you help other people.”

  I thought for a moment. “Those children help me a lot more than I help them.”

  After dinner was finished and cleaned up, we headed to the couch where Jake pulled me close. “Now it’s time for that back rub.”

  I jokingly acted like it would be a chore, but I secretly couldn’t wait to get my hands all over his muscled back. But instead, Jake pulled me onto his lap and began massaging my shoulders.

  I was in heaven as he rubbed my weary muscles. Not used to being on horseback for so long, I had been overly cautious and must have held myself rigidly. Between the horseback riding yesterday and the stressful outing with the kids today, my muscles were paying the price. As Jake masterfully worked the tension out of my body with his firm touch, I felt my worries melting away.

  And they were replaced with very naughty fantasies. I imagined his fingers slipping under my shirt…peeling off my clothes…massaging me in the most intimate of manners. I could feel my body reacting to his touch and to my x-rated thoughts. My nipples were pebbling, longing for his fingers to slide around my body and capture them in a pinch. Just the thought of his fingers tweaking my nipples caused a warm tingle to spark between my legs. I was panting slightly as my body tingled with a heightened anticipation, as I waited for him to make his move.

  So why wasn’t he making his move? Back rubs were usually pre-cursors to sex and I was getting impatient. He was making me crazy with lust, yet he was acting the perfect gentleman.

  Jake rested his hands on my shoulders. “I probably should be going. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with me today. I had a great time.”

  Disappointment washed over me. Was it possible that he was going to leave me like this? That he wasn’t even going to try to seduce me?

  I frowned. “Do you have to leave so soon?”

  He gave me a peck on the cheek. “It’s better this way. But I’ll be thinking about our next date. It’ll be number four.”

  I felt pouty. “You’re not even going to kiss me goodbye? Properly?”

  Jake smiled, a gleam of mischief in his eye. “I’m going to honor our agreement, since it’s what you want. So, it’s probably safer if I don’t kiss you. I’m already thinking dirty thoughts, kissing you properly would be too much temptation.”

  Honor our agreement? Well, if he had the nerve to get me all excited and worked up, then he was going to have to live with the consequences and deal with a little temptation. Because there was no way that I was going to let him walk out of here like that.

  I twisted around in his lap to fully face him. “You’re right. It would be far too dangerous to kiss me goodnight.”

  Slowly leaning forward, my lips touched his neck just below his jawline. “It would be much safer if I kissed you.”

  My lips trailed down the column of his neck, gently kissing along the way. “Then you could remain completely honorable.”

  I slipped my hand inside his shirt, feeling his muscled frame; I had been dying to feel his sexy body all day.

  Jake rumbled low in warning, “Krista…” I felt his arms tighten around me.

  Oh, yes. It was working! Feeling bolder, I trailed feather-light kisses back to his mouth, before I captured his lips with my own. My kiss, meant to seduce Jake, only served to pull me into a hazy swirl of desire when he returned it full force. The tingling of anticipation I had felt was quickly replaced with a heated fire pulsing at my very core. There was no doubt that there was only one thing that could satisfy the throbbing need between my legs. Jake stood up, lifting me with him. He began carrying me to the bedroom.

  Finally! I giggled, playfully protesting, “Jake, what are you doing? This is only date number three!”

  Jake smiled devilishly, “I’m not going to disappoint a lady who’s clearly begging for more.”

  I wasn't about to argue with that.

  Jake brought me into my bedroom, which I had meticulously cleaned this time, and placed me on the bed. The intense look of hunger in his eye made me quiver with anticipation as he pounced on top of me, covering me with his hard body.

  Any coherent thought I had at that point was scrambled by Jake's demanding kiss. I vaguely felt a hand freeing my hair from its ponytail and another sliding down my hip. Wanting to feel his skin against my own, I began tugging his shirt off. Jake broke our scorching kiss long enough to finish removing his shirt. My hands wandered freely over his smooth back, glided over his broad shoulders and explored the sculpted muscles of his torso. I couldn't help but feel turned-on being pinned underneath his sinfully sexy body.

  Jake's mouth left my own and began to burn a trail over the sensitive skin near my ear and then down my neck. The seductive spell was broken momentarily when Jake halted his sensual assault and removed my shirt. Even as he helped pull the shirt over my head, tauntingly familiar insecurities came flooding back to confront me.

  Maybe this time Jake would notice all the imperfections of my body. I wasn’t skinny. My thighs were too large. My breasts too big… There were dozens of flaws he could discover. My hands froze on his chest as I tried to swallow down my negati
ve thoughts.

  Slowly, my eyes lifted to seek his own, but his were filled with lust as he stared at my heaving breasts spilling out of the lacy red bra. I felt a wet heat invading my pussy and my nipples tightening as Jake devoured me with his eyes. He was definitely a breast man.

  I gasped as a jolt of desire shot through me when he swiped a thumb across my nipple, which strained against the red silk. His fingers traced swirling patterns through the thin fabric of my bra, circling my taut nipples. I shivered with pleasure, feeling the growing ache deepen between my legs. In a flash, his hand slipped around my back and unhooked my bra.

  Jake finally pulled his eyes away from my breasts. His smile, unapologetic and almost boyish in his admiration, set my insides on fire. When he began unbuttoning my jeans, I felt some of that trepidation creeping back. I wanted him so badly, but my self-confidence was still so fragile. I lifted my hips as he peeled my jeans from me and then he wasted no time in sliding my panties off next.

  I fought the urge to cover up my body as I lay before him on the bed, fully exposed to his hungry gaze. A sexy growl escaped his throat, and then he lowered his head and took my breast into his mouth.

  My self-consciousness disappeared when his tongue circled my sensitive nipple just before pulling it into his mouth. I gasped at the waves of pleasure that washed through me and gathered deep in my pussy and left me throbbing for more. I pressed my hips against him, grinding against the bulge in his pants, needing him desperately.

  Jake pulled off me and stood. I watched in fascination as he unbuttoned his jeans and lowered the zipper, and then hurriedly slid them down his legs.

  My eyes widened as his thick cock popped out of his pants. Seconds later his jeans were tossed aside and he was impatiently climbing atop me to resume his blissful torture. His hard, toned body dwarfed mine and molded against my soft curves making me feel sexy and feminine.