A Cowboy's Courage (The McGavin Brothers Book 5)

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “Okay, that’s better.” She put the towel in her lap and began to finger-comb his hair into place.

  Now that was a caress. She might deny it, but her breathing told him different. “You should probably stop doing that.”

  “Why?” Her voice was almost a whisper.

  “Because if it’s turning you on as much as it’s turning me on, we’ll never make it into the GG.”

  “You’d drive us back to my house?”

  “No, we’d have sex in the front seat of this truck.”

  “But that’s impossible. For one thing, you don’t have—”

  “Guess again.”

  She gulped. “Oh.” She handed him the towel and put more distance between them. “Then I guess you’d better clean your boots.”

  “That was the plan.” He opened his door so he’d have room to maneuver and pulled off the left one.

  “Could we really do that?”

  “Do what?” The mud had partially dried so he had to work at the job.

  “Have sex in the parking lot?”

  “Yes, ma’am. This spot isn’t well lit. The people who own the vehicles on either side of us are inside having a good time. No one would know.”

  “It’s not only that. It’s the logistics.”

  Since his back was to her, he could allow himself a smile. Her husband hadn’t had much adventure in his soul if she couldn’t figure out the logistics. “It’s entirely possible to manage.” He put on the clean boot and took off the muddy one.

  “This truck doesn’t have a back seat.”

  “So you use the passenger seat.”

  “I don’t see how that would work.”

  “But it does.” The discussion was stirring him up but she wasn’t backing off it so he kept going. “I’d sit on the seat and you’d climb aboard.”

  “Oh.” She took a quick breath. “I didn’t think of that.”

  “Because you didn’t engage in teenage make-out sessions, I’ll bet.”

  “No, but I’m guessing you did.”

  “For teenage boys in Eagles Nest, it was the primary motivation to get a license and a pickup. In summer, we used the truck bed, but in winter, that was too damned cold so we had sex in the cab because it had a heater.”

  “I’ve never done it in any vehicle, let alone a pickup. By the time I had sex, Edward had his own apartment.”

  “Then I can see why you’d have trouble imagining doing it in a two-seater truck.” He put on his boot and tucked the towel behind his seat.

  “I don’t have trouble imagining it now.” Her voice had gone from breathy to sultry.

  He went still. “You want to try it?” His groin tightened.

  “Not now. But sometime.”

  “With me?”

  “You’re the one who understands the logistics.”

  Jacked up as he was by their discussion, he had enough brain cells working to get the underlying message. He turned to her. “So you’re willing to have sex with me at some point in the future?”

  “Yes.” She swallowed. “Yes, please. I…think it would be…wonderful.”

  “Ahhh.” He sank back against the seat and took several deep breaths.

  “Are you okay?”

  “More than okay. Although I was hoping, there was no guarantee. I’m ready to drive straight back to your house, but we should make an appearance.”

  “More than an appearance. I love your family. I want to party with them. I probably shouldn’t have asked you about having sex in the truck. That got us going down that road. My bad.”

  He reached over and stroked her velvety cheek with the tip of his finger. “I think there’s a part of you that wants to walk on the wild side. Just a little bit.”

  “I think so, too.”

  “Then we will. Later.” He leaned closer and gave her the lightest of kisses, one that wouldn’t smear her lipstick. “Let’s go inside. And we’ll stay until you’re ready to leave.”

  Two hours later, he had some regrets about that promise, but Olivia was blossoming. She’d never been to the Guzzling Grizzly when Nicole was performing and she loved the sing-alongs. She couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, a fact Trevor learned early because he sat next to her, but that didn’t stop her from enjoying the hell out of the experience.

  When he glanced over and caught her belting out a tune off-key, her face flushed with the joy of being part of the group, his heart stuttered. He’d be a selfish bastard if he denied her this because he was so eager to sink into her hot body and calm the raging fire she’d created.

  Patience wasn’t his long suit. He’d acknowledged that flaw years ago. But learning it for Olivia’s sake made the exercise worthwhile.

  He’d been surrounded by a sizeable group of supportive people all his life. Judging from what she’d said, she’d mostly had her parents. And Edward. Maybe he’d loved her without ever understanding her erotic yearnings.

  Arrogant though it might be to claim that he understood those yearnings, he’d stick by that conclusion. And her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Olivia nestled into the homey atmosphere of the GG and the warm acceptance of Trevor’s family as if pulling a soft quilt around her heart. Safe.

  She’d needed this. After Edward’s death, she’d leaned on Kendra’s strength but hadn’t let the rest of the McGavins see her pain. She hadn’t allowed herself to be part of Kendra’s circle, either. She’d been too consumed by grief.

  That had changed. She had changed. The person she’d been three years ago, even six months ago, wouldn’t have sat in the GG singing at the top of her lungs. She wouldn’t have exchanged hot glances with Trevor, either.

  That was the biggest transformation of all. Denying herself the comfort and pleasure of a man’s attentions made no sense. Edward wouldn’t have wanted her to be lonely and frustrated. She got that, now.

  Nicole’s performance tonight was amazing and energizing. Most of the tunes were rollicking, fun songs that everyone knew. But then she announced that she’d had a request for Faith Hill’s Breathe and she invited everyone to dance.

  Trevor stood and held out his hand.

  “I’m not any good.”

  “I don’t care. Dance with me.”

  “Okay. I warned you.” She slipped her hand into his. “Your hand’s warm.”

  He led her toward the dance floor. “It’s cool compared to other parts of me.” He drew her into his arms. “I’m about to combust.”

  “Oh?” She gazed up at him. Those blue eyes were hot, hot, hot.

  “Can you tell?” He pulled her in close and moved to the rhythm of a song that was all about making love.

  “Mm-hm.” Snuggled against his solid chest with his hips sliding suggestively against hers, she discovered that she wasn’t such a bad dancer. All she had to do was relax and follow his lead.

  “You get to decide when we head out.” He rubbed the small of her back.

  “Uh-huh.” She molded her body to his and let her instincts take over.

  His gaze darkened. “Could you…um…give me a general idea of when that might be?”

  “Soon.”

  His voice roughened. “How soon?”

  “Very soon. This is a very seductive song.”

  “I know. That’s why I requested it.”

  “I wondered if it was you.”

  “I desperately needed to hold you. And maybe convince you it’s time. I’m going crazy.”

  Heat curled in her belly. “We’re not doing it in the truck.”

  “No. I’ll get us back to your place.”

  “Even if you’re going crazy?”

  “Yes. Say we can leave after this song. Please. Put me out of my misery.”

  “We can leave after this song.”

  He sucked in a breath and closed his eyes. “Thank you.”

  “We can’t just rush out of here, though. We have to say goodbye to everyone.”

  “We will.”

  And they did, but it was the shorte
st leave-taking she’d ever been a part of. Trevor claimed exhaustion from the roof installation but she doubted anyone believed him. He hustled her out the door and handed her quickly into the truck.

  Jogging around to the driver’s side, he climbed in and managed to start the engine and buckle up at the same time.

  “That was efficient.”

  He flashed her a smile and put the truck in gear. “I’m highly motivated. And by the way, you’re a terrific dancer. You were turning me on six ways to Sunday out there.”

  “Wasn’t very difficult.”

  “True.” He pulled out of the parking lot. “But I want to try some more of that dancing, maybe Friday night if I’m not on call. Would you be willing?”

  “I would.” She’d go along with just about anything he asked. She’d climbed into the front car of a rollercoaster and was ready for a thrill ride.

  “Just to let you know, I’m gonna speed a little, just a few miles over, assuming the road’s clear. Sunday night it usually is.”

  “A ticket will slow us down.”

  “I won’t get a ticket.”

  And there it was, the confidence and daring that made him the sexiest man she’d ever met. Considering how fast the scenery whizzed by, he was more than a few miles over the limit, but he drove with precision and she never once was scared.

  She was aroused, though. She was super aware of his hands gripping the steering wheel, his muscular thighs flexing as he worked the pedals and his chest expanding with each breath. Her lady parts tingled and her panties grew damp.

  He gave her a quick glance. “Do I make you nervous going this fast?”

  “No.”

  “Just wondered. You’re staring at me so I thought you might be worried.”

  “I like looking at you.”

  He grinned. “That’s good to hear.”

  “I’ve never seen you naked.” Hurtling through the darkness made her say things she never would otherwise. “I want to.”

  “I’ll be happy to grant that request.” He slowed the truck as he turned down her road. “I’ll take it easy going into your place. I’m not about to get stuck in the mud at this point in the evening.”

  “Please don’t.”

  “Am I detecting some impatience in your voice, Olivia?”

  “It’s possible.”

  “Good. I don’t want to be the only one who’s desperate.”

  She located her keys in the bottom of her purse. “I’ll hop out when we get there. Don’t worry about opening my door for me.”

  “You realize that goes against my training.”

  “But you’ll do it.”

  “Whatever gets us inside faster.”

  “Okay, then.” She unbuckled her seatbelt as he drove up close to the porch. “See you in there.” She was out of the truck before he turned off the engine.

  Racing up the steps, she crossed the porch and unlocked the door.

  He came up behind her. “I’m taking off my boots.”

  “Take off whatever you want, cowboy.” She barely recognized the temptress she’d become as she walked in, left the door open and turned to face him. “I plan to.” She nudged off her boots as she unbuttoned her blouse.

  “Damn, woman.” He unsnapped his cuffs as he came through the door and kicked it shut. His eyes glittered. “When did you turn into a tease?” Snaps popped as he yanked open his shirt.

  Heart pounding, she slipped off her blouse and dropped it to the floor. “It’s not a tease if I’ll give you anything that strikes your fancy.” She reached behind her, unhooked her bra and tossed that away, too.

  “You. You strike my fancy.” He sent his hat sailing toward the couch. Then he eliminated the space between them. Spanning her waist with both hands, he lifted her up. “Wrap your legs around me, lady, and hold on. I’m about to kiss the living daylights out of you.”

  “Please do.”

  With a growl, he lowered his head and claimed her mouth. It was a searing, possessive, demanding kiss. He took it deep and used his tongue to take it deeper.

  She wanted that kiss with an urgency that made her tremble. Sliding her fingers through his silky hair, she gripped his head and opened to him, letting him have his way with her. Nothing mattered but the fiery emotion he ignited.

  He kneaded her bottom with strong fingers and pulled her in close. She squirmed against the denim keeping her from what she wanted and rocked her hips with a moan of frustration.

  He lifted his mouth a fraction from hers. His hot breath fanned her lips. “Want something?”

  She gulped for air. “I want it all.”

  “That’s what I like to hear.”

  The velvet sound of his voice stroked her to a fever pitch.

  Tightening his grip, he carried her down the hall. “You left the light on.”

  “So you can find your way.”

  “Right now I could navigate this hallway blindfolded.” He carried her through the doorway and lowered her to the floor.

  She slid her hands over his taut six-pack and firm pecs. “Thank you for waiting for me while I thought this through.”

  With a groan, he cupped her face. “Thank you for saying yes.” He dropped kisses on her forehead, her eyelids, her cheeks. “Thank you for letting me touch you.” Holding her gaze, he brushed his thumbs over her cheeks.

  “It feels good.”

  “That’s the idea.” He caressed her throat and her bare shoulders. “Let’s see how this feels.” Drawing her to the bed, he sat on the mattress and guided her between his knees. “Perfect.” Cradling a breast in each hand, he looked up at her as he rubbed his thumbs gently over her nipples.

  As they stiffened under his easy caress, sensation arrowed downward, winding the tension tighter. Her breathing quickened and she clutched his shoulders for support.

  “Good?”

  “Mm-hm.”

  “Let’s try this.” Leaning forward, he pulled one aching nipple into his mouth, catching it against the roof of his mouth with his tongue and rolling it back and forth.

  Her breath came faster. As he began rhythmically sucking, the spring wound tighter. She dug her fingers into his broad shoulders and whimpered.

  Reaching under her short skirt, he found his way past drenched silk and lace. A few strokes of his nimble fingers brought her to the edge. A few more sent her over it.

  Thrusting deep, he anchored her in his firm grip as waves of pleasure swept through her trembling body. Gradually the tremors subsided and she took a shaky breath.

  “Like that?” His voice rumbled in the stillness.

  “It was…unexpected.”

  He gave her a lazy smile. “Really? You didn’t expect to come tonight?”

  “Oh, I did, but I thought it would happen when you threw me on the bed and went for it.”

  “Almost did that.” He unbuttoned her denim skirt and pushed it down along with her soaked panties.

  She kicked them aside. “Why didn’t you?”

  “It wasn’t a good idea.” Glancing up at her, he slipped his hand between her damp thighs. His touch was light, but fire gleamed in his eyes. “Not sure how long I’ll last.”

  “Want to find out?”

  “I surely do. Want me to throw you on the bed?”

  “I sort of do. I think it would be fun.”

  “Okay.” He moved her gently aside. “First I need to strip down for action.”

  “Can’t wait.” She moved back to get a better view.

  “You’ve seen this part.” He slipped off his shirt and let it drop. “You’ve seen it quite a bit today, in fact.”

  “Ah, but it never gets old.” She reveled in the sight of his muscular chest and sculpted abdomen, the coiled strength in his arms and the inspiring breadth of his shoulders.

  “Nice to hear.” Unbuckling his belt, he unfastened his jeans. Before he took them off, he pulled two condoms out of his pocket. He put one packet between his teeth and tossed the other on the bedside table.

  Her he
art thumped in anticipation. He shoved his thumbs in the waistband of his briefs, pushed down and stepped out of jeans and briefs in one easy motion.

  She sucked in a breath. She was ogling shamelessly and yet she couldn’t make herself stop.

  He ripped open the condom package.

  “Wait.”

  “For what?”

  “I just want to…look at you…for a minute. If that’s okay.”

  “It’s okay.” He sounded tense, but also slightly amused. “Just don’t take too long. Now that we’re both naked, the fuse has been lit.”

  “I understand.” Dynamite was the perfect image. His muscular calves and thighs completed the picture of masculine strength. The jut of his thick cock and the heaviness of his balls promised explosive pleasure.

  She was at the top of the rollercoaster, now. No place to exit. She was in for the ride of her life. She lifted her gaze to his. “Go for it.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Trevor rolled on the condom and slipped the leash on his self-control. She’d flat out told him what she wanted. He would bring it.

  Striding toward her, he dropped his shoulder, grabbed her arm and hoisted her up in a classic fireman’s carry. She squealed, which was exactly the reaction he was looking for.

  This maneuver was way more fun with a naked woman. The imprint of her breasts against his back was arousing as hell, not that he needed more stimulation right now.

  “This isn’t what I meant! Put me down!”

  “How can I throw you on the bed if I don’t pick you up?”

  “All the blood’s rushing to my head!”

  “Funny, but all my blood’s rushing to a different place.” Too bad she didn’t have a mirror in here so he could see how cute she looked with her firm little ass in the air. He reached up and lightly pinched it.

  “Hey!” She pinched him back. Then she laughed.

  How he loved her laughter. And just like that, he couldn’t go another second without burying his cock in her hot body. He crossed to the bed and tossed her down on the mattress. It was so springy she bounced, which cracked him up and gave her the giggles again.

  In no time, he was on her, wedging his hips between her thighs, laughing with her as he thrust deep. Effortlessly. A sword to its perfect sheath.