Monroe, Melody S. - Fantasy Ranch [Fantasy Resort 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Melody Snow Monroe

  After he repeated the action a few times, her curiosity got the best of her. “Are you trying to put the rope over her neck?”

  He chuckled, and warmth shot straight to her stomach. “No. I want Sadie to get used to having a rope near her. This is an extension of my arm, like I’m petting her.”

  “Oh.” She had so much to learn about ranches and horses, and she guessed men, too.

  His approach to getting the horse used to him and the future harness was gentle and humane. She liked that. While she’d never seen horse breaking in person, she always thought the cowboy jumped on the horse and rode them until fatigue overtook the poor animal.

  Deke continued to talk soothingly to the horse. He cut in front of Sadie, who then changed direction.

  “Why do you want her to reverse course?”

  “I want her to know that I control where she goes. When she gets tired, she’ll realize standing still gives her the touch she so desires.”

  “Fascinating.”

  She wondered if that’s how he treated his women. Did he slowly get them to know him first with a soft touch then make his move? Maybe this exercise was supposed to teach her something about men and women, like a kinesthetic approach to learning.

  While she watched Deke work Sadie, her mind shot back to her two copper companies. Just this morning, she’d heard about a strike down in Chile and wondered how that would affect production and sales.

  “Hey, you must be Christina.”

  At the sound of the voice, she whipped around. In front of her stood the younger version of Deke, but this man had eyes a deeper shade of blue. Instead of the short, blond hair Deke sported, this man’s golden locks touched his shoulder. He was taller, too, but his body wasn’t quite as solid or muscular as his older brother’s.

  “Yes, I am.” She stuck out her hand to shake his.

  He did a slow, head-to-toe examination while clasping her palm. “Wow, darlin’. You are smokin’ hot.” Instead of letting go, he pulled her to his chest and kissed her.

  Her first instinct was to pull away, but the way he held her made her melt in his arms. He didn’t try to stick his tongue down her throat either, which she appreciated. Instead, he’d softened his lips and kissed her with passion, as if he’d been in the desert for months and needed her kiss to live.

  She was only here for a week, and the men were being paid a lot to show her how to enjoy her sexuality. She might be willing to take advantage of what they had to offer, but she did have limits. This man, however, did kiss nicely, and she wouldn’t be pulling away soon.

  Only when a second pair of hands touched her waist did she stiffen.

  The younger man leaned back and smiled. “Welcome to the Triple-M Ranch. I’m Brett, Deke’s younger brother.”

  Deke tugged her back as if he was trying to separate them. Certainly, he couldn’t be jealous.

  “Don’t you have some fence repair to do, or something?” Deke’s tone came out low, but it sounded like more of a command than a suggestion.

  Brett smiled. “Just making our guest feel welcome. Watching you can’t be all that exciting.”

  “I enjoyed it.” That was no lie. It also gave her time to let her mind wander over the pros and cons of the strength of the commodity markets.

  “I thought Christina might like to go for a ride,” Brett added.

  Uh-oh. “Ride?”

  “We have a lot of gentle horses if you’re a virgin.” His eyes twinkled, clearly implying the double entendre.

  Hiding her inexperience would do her no good. They’d find out soon enough when she attempted to mount the wild animal. “I am.”

  “Well, darlin’, you’ve come to the right place.” He picked up her hand again. “We’ll catch you later, bro.”

  “I have work to do.” She didn’t mind being outside for a few hours, but she couldn’t afford to run around all day.

  “Not on this ranch. Work is forbidden.”

  She turned toward Deke. “What were your plans?”

  Brett led her away before his brother answered. By the time she looked back at Deke, he’d hopped back over the corral fence. From his stride across the pen, he wasn’t happy his brother had interfered. Now there was an interesting set of family dynamics at work.

  Brett’s grip was firm, but not so tight that he strangled her fingers. She hoped he’d be as gentle with her as Deke was with Sadie.

  They entered a barn where there were about twenty stalls. “Wait here.”

  He went into one of them and walked out a large, brown horse that had a calm look about him.

  “This is Molly. She’s old but strong. She can handle carrying two of us.” He stepped across the aisle and picked up a step, like the kind little kids used to reach the sink.

  “Two?”

  “I thought since it was your first time, you’d be more comfortable sitting in front, getting used to the gait of the horse.”

  He made sense. She nodded to the stepping stool. “Do I need that?”

  “You’re tall, but until you figure out how to balance, it’s easier on Molly if you step up. Here, let me show you how to do it.”

  He got onto the top step, sprung up, and magically landed on the horse’s back.

  “Look’s easy enough, but why doesn’t she have a saddle?” Without stirrups, staying on would be tricky.

  “Since I’m taking the back, it’s a little more comfortable for me that way. Plus, it’s less weight on Molly.” In a flash, he was back on the ground. “Try it. I’ll help make sure you get up.”

  She wasn’t sure about any of this, but she did relish new experiences. She stepped on the wooden box. “What do I grab hold of?” She must not have been watching carefully enough.

  “The mane, but don’t tug too hard.”

  Like that was going to happen.

  “Don’t forget to bend your knees.”

  She bent down to jump up when Brett’s hand circled her waist and lifted her up, almost as if she were a small child. At the last second, she remembered to swing her leg over the horse’s back. “Wow.”

  “Easy, right?”

  “Only because you helped me.” She laughed, and the sound was almost foreign to her ears.

  In a flash, he was sitting behind her. He leaned forward and picked up the reins. His muscular chest pressed against the thin material of her shirt. How was she going to pay attention to the scenery with his strong, muscular body leaning against her?

  He placed his lips next to her ear. “Ready, darlin’?”

  No. “Yes.”

  The jolt forward drove her back against him. One hand circled her waist to hold her steady. She instinctively grabbed the mane, trying not to pull too hard. She had a million questions about where to put her legs and how to balance, but she figured Brett would let her know if she did something Molly wouldn’t like.

  The horse walked at an easy pace, but despite the slowness, the ride wasn’t all that comfortable. Her thighs were spread to the max around the big horse, and she had to tense her muscles just to hold on, even though Brett was there to steady her. At least he took it easy.

  He pointed up ahead. “There’s a real pretty grove at the base of the mountain. You up for a little faster pace?”

  “Sure.” Not really, but the faster they went, the sooner she could dismount and give her thighs a rest.

  He must have kicked the horse’s sides, because Molly took off like a greyhound chasing a rabbit. Adrenaline surged through her. Brett must have sensed her unease and tightened his grip. He splayed his fingers, probably to hold on to more of her, but in the process, his left thumb nudged against her right breast. Tingles shot through her. She didn’t know whether to cry out from fear or laugh from the joyful freedom of racing over the desert plains. She swayed and automatically reached out to hold on to something.

  “I got you. You won’t fall. Lean back and enjoy.”

  His soft words had a sexy overtone, and she swore her pussy dampened.

  Over the nex
t twenty minutes as they headed for a copse of trees, her butt took a beating from the constant pounding. Her pussy was also not happy. She had yet to get the rhythm right, since she was always landing on the offbeat of the horse’s gait. Just when she was about to ask if they could stop for a break, Brett pulled up and jumped down.

  “Slide on off, and I’ll catch you.”

  Thank God. She leaned forward, held onto the mane for life, and swung her leg over the side. She would have landed on her butt had Brett not wrapped his arms around her. He carefully placed her on the ground, spun her around, and leaned forward to within inches of his delicious lips. Would he kiss her again? Or did he think it was her turn to reciprocate? She guessed she really did need a lesson in male protocol.

  They’d stopped under a large shade tree surrounded by a patch of green grass, which reminded her of her trips to New England in the summer.

  “Ready for your first lesson, darlin’?”

  From the glint in his eyes, he wasn’t talking about horseback riding.

  Chapter Three

  Her first lesson? How was Christina supposed to answer that question? Was he asking if she was ready to be ravished? Doubtful, given the resort restrictions. Standing under a tree would never occur in the real world, or rather the world of the politician. Here her mother thought she was sending her daughter to a place to make her the perfect political wife, and instead she ends up under a tree, standing inches from a man’s sexy body, a man who was ripe for kissing.

  Her father had taught her the old evasion technique. “What do you have in mind?” She tried to keep her tone light and flirtatious.

  “Just you wait and see.”

  What did that mean? He moved closer, if that was possible, and began to unbutton her shirt. Her instincts took over and she stopped him. “What are you doing?” She was up for a little education, but not a full-on assault right off the bat.

  “What does it look like? You came here to learn about the fine art of loving, right? I was told your fantasy was to be taken by a real man.”

  She pushed back. “What? I never put down any fantasy.” She fisted her hands. “My devious aunt must have sent that information in. Damn her.” No wonder Aunt Miriam hung up so fast the moment she’d asked about the fantasy requirements.

  He dragged a finger down her cheek, and her traitorous body liked it. “All women have the fantasy of wanting a man to take control, to do to them what they don’t have the courage to ask for.”

  So maybe her aunt hadn’t filled out any form, and he was just exposing his beliefs about what he thought the female population desired. “I’m not like other women.” Or was she? She loved having control and making her own decisions, but sometimes the pressure became too much. It might be nice not to have to worry about the day-to-day details that often overwhelmed her. For one week, she might let life happen.

  Nah. She was too uptight to let go completely. She’d enjoy Brett now, but as soon as she got back, she’d go over her prospectuses. It would be her way to gain control.

  On the other hand, if she was to be groomed for the political arena, she had to learn how to enjoy her downtime, right? Or was she rationalizing too much?

  He didn’t give her time to hash out her thoughts, for his nose nudged her head.

  He inhaled. “I love your scent, Christina. I promise I’ll only do what feels good to you.” This time when he unbuttoned her shirt, she didn’t stop him. How could she say no to someone so sweet? He’d stop if she asked, she was sure.

  Half-exposed, she looked around to see if some worker was nearby repairing a fence or something. Having someone stumble upon them would be so embarrassing and potentially scandalous.

  “No one’s here but us, darlin’. It’s all McKenna land.”

  He must have seen her gaze wander. “I can’t imagine living on a place where you own farther than you could see.”

  “That’s one of the reasons why I took the job here. I hate being crowded.”

  He untucked her shirt from her jeans, and cool air kissed her skin. Her breath hitched as his hands traveled from her waist to under her breasts.

  His eyelids lowered halfway. “You are so beautiful.”

  When the tips of his fingers reached the underside of her bra, he widened his arms and slipped the shirt off her shoulders. She should be swatting his hands, telling him to stop, but from the amazed look on his face, she didn’t want to. Every sweep of his eyes bolstered her confidence, making her believe he genuinely liked what he saw and that this wasn’t merely something he was paid to do.

  Her shirt floated to the ground. Even when he lowered one bra strap, she stood there, as if mesmerized by his touch, his strength, his command. If she could bring him into the boardroom, she bet he could convince any investor to buy, buy, buy.

  His thumb gently lowered the cup, nearly exposing her whole breast. Her panties dampened even more. Damn. Never had a man’s touch aroused her like this, and she wasn’t sure she liked giving up so much control.

  Yes, you do. She almost giggled as the line from Star Trek about resistance being futile raced through her mind.

  Brett leaned over and ran a tongue over the top of her tit. Oh, God. That felt so good. His hand rose to cup her breast, pushing it upward, exposing her more. So involved in the erotic sensations coursing through her, she didn’t feel his one hand reach behind her and pinch open her bra until he’d suckled her nipple and the bra dropped to the ground.

  It was too late now to turn tail. She arched her back a little and offered her breast to him. She’d never been so forward, but she wanted to experience what an expert lover would be like. He nipped the tip in return, and she jumped a little.

  “You are so sweet. I could feast off you for hours.”

  No corporate lawyer or financial analyst had ever used that line. Then again, she bet none of the men she’d dated could fix a fence or ride a horse like Brett could either. To think there were no bodyguards, and no one to censor what she did. For the first time in her life, she could be who she longed to be, with no repercussions. She’d go home in a week with no one the wiser. Hopefully, she’d learn a trick or two about getting what she wanted and make her mother proud.

  The seeming paralysis in her body began to unlock, and she wrapped her hands around his back, enjoying the play of his muscles with his every move. His kisses trailed upward to her collarbone then inward along her neck. His hips pressed against hers, and his hard erection let her know he wanted her.

  “You made an A on part one of your lesson,” he murmured into her ear.

  Part one? She loved that part, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to go to part two. Wasn’t that against the rules? But if Brett was willing, why not? No one would know, and he might just be able to melt the frozen tundra between her legs. His soft breath against her skin made her shiver in delight from head to toe. This man was a deathly force, and if she didn’t watch herself, she’d be naked and under him in a flash.

  Would that be so bad? No.

  He took her hand and pressed it against his rough jeans. “See how much I want you?”

  “Yes.” God, she was all breathy and needy, but the warmth between her thighs was wonderful, like she’d been hibernating forever and wanted to welcome the spring.

  Brett unbuttoned the top of her jeans and slid down the zipper. She should have wanted him to stop him, but knowing he couldn’t go too far, she let him continue with his amazing seduction. His hand slid along her bare skin. She held her breath, wondering if he’d be displeased with her Brazilian wax job. Totally nude women might turn him off.

  “Jesus, you’re sweet.” He dove his finger into her wet pussy then pulled partway out, landing on her clit. Oh, my God. Her bundle of nerves nearly exploded. He rolled the tip around, sending her to the moon and back. Her moan came out too loud.

  “Oh, God, Christina.” As if he’d been burned, he whipped out his hand. “Time to go. Get dressed.”

  What? “Why?”

  “I have
ranch work to do.”

  That was bullshit. He’d ignited a fire then suddenly stopped. How fair was that?

  He whistled for Molly, who seemed to be enjoying some nearby sage.

  She refused to beg and hurriedly picked up her bra.

  “You don’t need that.” Before she could question him, he’d snapped the material out of her hands and stuffed it in his back pocket. No way it would fit, but she’d let him find that out for himself.

  “I hope you don’t expect me to ride back naked.”

  “No. I don’t want anyone else to sample you. You can’t trust any of the other hired hands. We don’t get into town very often, and if they see a woman like you, they’ll be all over you like flies on shit.”

  Nice analogy. “Not even your brother is allowed to tempt me? Or the third man in the party?”

  “Deke’s okay, and the third man’s the owner, Zach, but he decided he didn’t want to participate, so you’ll have to be taught by the two of us.” He scooped up her shirt and helped her thread her hands through the sleeves. “His decision suits me fine. It means more for me and Deke.” Instead of helping her button up, he tied the front into a knot under her breasts. “Perfect. Leave it.”

  She looked down. While the tips of her breasts were covered, more than half of her too-full tits were exposed. “I can’t run around like this.”

  “Like what? A hot, sexy woman any man would want?” He laughed. “You’ll have every dick on the ranch hard five seconds after they get an eyeful.”

  “Which isn’t safe.” She bet the hired hands had no rules to follow.

  “You got me to protect you, darlin’. Don’t worry. When the men see you with me, they won’t dare try to stake a claim. You’ll be all mine.” He squeezed her waist as if to punctuate his claim.

  He left her speechless. Brett patted Molly’s back and motioned she climb on. “How am I going to get up?” There wasn’t a stepping stool.

  He stuck out one leg, bent at the knee, and patted his thigh. “Use me.”