Beau closed his eyes, relishing the feel of her warm, hungry mouth and busy tongue. Her pussy was grinding against his leg, and though he was lost in her lips he could feel her urgency growing. Opening his eyes he stared down, and the sight of her bobbing head, her crimson backside, and her hips working her cunt against his leg sent his shadowy climax up a notch; clutching her hair he slowly pulled her up.
“Come back here, lay next to me,” he said huskily.
Sliding up the bed she settled on her back, and he raised himself, kneeling at her side. Gazing down at her breasts he took his cock in his hand, and she immediately spread her legs, dropping her hand against her sex.
“There you go,” he breathed. “Touch yourself, I wanna see you come.”
Her fingers began seeking out her clit, and as he rubbed himself with one hand, he tweaked her puckered, cherry nipples with the other. She gasped in delighted surprise, and massaging her clit, already engorged and promising its orgasm, she gazed up at his powerful, sinewy body, and his strong fingers working his cock.
“I love you towering over me like this,” she bleated.
The blue of his eyes shimmered down at her, and he moved his pinching fingers to the inside of her legs.
“Wider,” he growled.
Splaying herself, she let out a deep moan as his fingers pinched the silky skin of her inner thighs, then a shocked cry as they slapped. The fiery sting blazed hot, then began to tingle, and she suddenly felt the promise of her orgasm. He repeated the pinch and slap on the opposite thigh, and seconds later she gasped as her moment threatened to hit.
“Beau…!”
“Let it happen,” he grunted returning his hands to worry at her breasts.
Gazing up at him she let out a keen wail, then jerked up her head, squeezed her eyes shut and wailed again. He stroked himself furiously as he watched, and when the eruption happened he heard his own cry of pleasure as the exquisite convulsion prickled through his limbs. The climax was brief but intense, and when he fell breathless next to her he closed his eyes, willing his heart to stop thumping.
“Beau?”
Shifting his head he blinked across at her and realized she’d pulled the covers over them and was nestling into his body.
“Hey,” he crooned lifting his arm to cradle her.
“Did you pass out?” she asked.
“Uh, no, I don’t think so. Why?”
“You dropped like a lead balloon,” she replied, “and when I pulled up the bedspread you didn’t even move.”
“Really? Huh, I guess maybe I did for a minute. My heart sure was racin’.”
“Is that normal? Now I’m worried.”
“Nickie, there’s nothin’ normal about any of this, so I guess it’s par for the course.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she sighed. “Wow, I’m so tired.”
“I’m not surprised. Let’s take a nap. When we wake up we can go downstairs and I’ll rustle us somethin’ for a late lunch, or will it be an early dinner?”
“I don’t know, but I can do that,” she offered.
“You cook?” he asked. “I don’t believe it.”
“Who said anything about cooking?” she giggled. “I was thinking more like a phone call. My treat.”
“If I wasn’t so tired I think I’d give you a swat for that,” he sighed.
“If I wasn’t so tired I’d say, please do,” she yawned. “What time is it anyway?”
“Dunno, don’t care. I’m gonna rest now.”
“Me too,” she agreed.
Nestling into him she felt him drift away, and seconds later she followed, and though they did stumble down the stairs some time later for a bowl of soup and some toast, the weight of the day had taken it’s toll. They returned quickly, and neither stirred until Beau was woken by the morning song of a bird outside the window.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Slipping quietly from the bed, he paused for a moment to stare down at Nickie still heavily sleeping.
I sure hope I’ve got you figured right.
Donning his robe he moved downstairs, and after taking a shower in the guest room, as he was searching out a comb to run through his hair he was delighted to find some condoms in the drawer. Dropping them into his pocket he wandered into the kitchen, put the coffee on to brew, then stopped at the bay window to look out at his horses; they were leisurely grazing, not a care in the world. The sight sent his mind back to the ride around the lake, and Nickie’s enthusiasm.
You did seem happy when you were on Trixie, heck, you seem happy just bein’ in this place. I do believe you wanna get away from that joker, no question, but what about the rest of your life?
The melody of the song he’d begun to write floated through his head, and moving quickly to his desk he retrieved the yellow pad and scanned what he’d written.
I don’t know where you came from,
I don’t know who you are,
I admit to feelin’ kinda strange
And I’m likin’ it so far,
You’re a different kinda woman,
With a different kinda love,
A different kinda of somethin’
A naughty Angel from above.
When you’re nowhere in sight,
I can see you in my head,
I wanna wake up with you against me
I need you in my bed.
You’re a different kinda woman,
With a different kinda love,
A different kind of somethin’
A naughty Angel from above.
Grabbing a pen he sat down and began to write the remainder of the song as it raced through his head.
You’re runnin’ fast and runnin’ hard
You can run into my arms,
I won’t let life get you down,
I’ll keep you outta harm
Sometimes a woman needs a man
to step up and fight her fight.
Ain’t no shame in that my love,
Stick with me, I’ll make things right.
You’re a different kinda woman,
With a different kinda love,
A different kind of somethin’
A naughty Angel from above
Satisfied, he returned his pen and pad to the drawer and headed back to the kitchen.
I’ll sing it to you one day. Don’t know when that day will come, or why I’ll feel like pullin’ it out, but I will.
He was about to pour himself some coffee when he suddenly remembered Gina was supposed to be coming by, and hurriedly grabbed the phone.
“Hey, big boy,” she answered.
“Hey, Gina, thanks for such a great lunch, and, uh, everything else.”
“You’re welcome. I can hear it in your voice, you sound happy.”
“I am, but-”
“Let me guess, your friend is still there?”
“She is,” Beau chuckled. “Am I that obvious?”
“I’ve known you a long time,” she laughed.
“It’s fine if you still want to come over, and I’d like you to, but she’s not up yet so maybe a bit later?”
“Around noon?”
“That would be great, thanks Gina.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
“She’s…uh…different,” Beau warned. “She has a bit of an edge, so if she says somethin’-”
“Don’t worry, Beau, I won’t take offense. You know me, water off a duck’s back.”
“Thanks, Gina. See you later.”
He returned to the business of pouring himself the much needed coffee, and had just splashed in the cream when his cellphone rang; picking it up he peered at the small screen and saw it was Tyler.
“Hey, Tyler, what’s the word?”
“I’ve got good news, and maybe some bad. Harris has gone. He checked out of the hotel, got his car from the impound lot and raced outta here first thing.”
“That’s great,” Beau said picking up his mug and moving back to the window to cont
inue to watch his horses. “What’s the bad news?”
“He booked the Holmby Suite for tonight.”
“I don’t understand?”
“He used his credit card to hold it, but it’s for a guy named Joseph Pantera.”
“Aw, shit.”
“Ouch. That bad?”
“I think so. That’s either one of Nickie’s brothers, or her father, dunno which. Either one isn’t good.”
“Sounds like you’ve got your hands full,” Tyler remarked.
“Now that I think about it, we don’t even know if Harris is truly gone,” Beau said. “He could be anywhere.”
“You’re right about that,” Tyler agreed, “and if he’s hell-bent on findin’ Nickie you won’t be hard to track down.”
“Can you and the guys keep an eye on this place? Ben and Jeb know to intercept any strangers, but-”
“Say no more,” Tyler interrupted. “We’ll keep watch.”
“Let them know I have some folks comin’ to look at some horses this afternoon. Probably not a good idea friskin’ the customers.”
“Ah, right. Not to worry, the guys know what Harris looks like, and I doubt this Pantera guy will be driving a truck. I hope you’re showing those horses early.”
“What? Why?”
“Did you forget? The wind is comin’.”
“It is? I haven’t watched the news for a couple of days. I vaguely remember the chance of it.”
“It’s more than a chance. It’s startin’ late this afternoon, then hitting full force overnight and into tomorrow. Supposed to be a humdinger.”
“I’m so glad you told me. The buyers are comin’ around 12:30 so we should be okay, but I’ll make sure the barns and the horses are locked up tight after they leave. Thanks, Tyler.”
“Beau, uh, before I go,” he said haltingly, “maybe I’m crossin’ a line here, but, uh, Nickie’s a real looker and seems like a great girl but-”
“but am I jumpin’ into somethin’ maybe I shouldn’t?” Beau said cutting him off.
“Just sayin’, you don’t really know her.”
“I’m kinda in it now,” Beau sighed. “You know what I mean? It’s not just my toe in the water. Not sure I can bail at this point,” and my heart won’t let me, even if I wanted to, and I don’t.
“Women!” Tyler exclaimed.
“Yeah,” Beau chuckled. “Thanks again, I’m gonna cook up some breakfast. Catcha later.”
He ended the call, and placing his phone on the counter in front of him he watched Pepper as he began his antics, teasing the other horses then bucking as they teased him back.
“So you want to bail?”
He felt momentarily paralyzed. Silently cursing himself for not being more careful, he took a deep breath, found his feet and slowly turned around.
Nickie was standing just inside the kitchen dressed in the shirt he’d discarded the night before, and the sight of her took his breath away; she looked unbelievably sexy, but lost and worried and totally confused.
“Hey,” he said softly, moving towards her, “you didn’t hear right. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
“I heard exactly what you said when I was coming down the stairs,” she scowled.
“No, you didn’t,” he replied keeping his voice steady. “You heard the word bail, but not only didn’t you hear me correctly, you heard it out of context.”
“You don’t want to take on all my problems, but you’re a good guy so you feel like you-”
“Stop, you stop right there,” he interrupted.
Placing his mug on the table he strode quickly forward and placed his hands on her shoulders.
“It’s okay,” she mumbled staring up at him, “I’ll get my things and-”
“Nickie!” he said sharply.
“I don’t blame you, and I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted!”
Her voice was rising and he could see the panic beginning to bubble to the surface.
“Stop it, you didn’t hear what you thought you did,” he said firmly. “How many times do I have to say it?”
“You’re sorry you ever met me,” she exclaimed, and ducking away she turned to run back up the stairs, but Beau was too quick and caught her wrist; spinning her around he enveloped her, wrapping her up in his arms.
“Nickie, listen to me, I’m not goin’ anywhere and you need to calm down,” he said sternly.
“Let me go,” she squirmed. “I heard you, I’m too much trouble, me and my…my screwed up life!”
“You can wriggle all you want. I understand that you’re upset but you’re totally overreactin’, and you’re startin’ to act like a brat. Stop it. You hear me? Just stop. I’m crazy about you, don’t you get that?”
“Why? Why would you be crazy about me?” she asked mournfully, “I’m nothing but a big mess, and you have this perfect, wonderful life.”
Holding her tightly with one arm, he clutched her hair with the other, yanking back her head. Her eyes blazed up at him, and without warning he dropped his lips against hers, pressing fervently, demanding she respond.
As he felt the fight leave her, his kiss became warm and inviting, soft and luxuriant, tender and loving. Sweeping her up he carried her into the guest room, and laying her on the bed he sent the buttons flying as he ripped off her shirt.
Dropping his robe he hastily slipped on a condom, then laying his weight on top of her he snaked his way home; there were no words as he devoured her, just a series of collective gasps and moans. Traveling his lips ardently over her face and neck he stroked with abandon, pumping until they were both lost in their mutual moments and uttering their noises of orgasmic pleasure.
A short time later she was nestling against him catching her breath, and before she could speak Beau lifted himself on to an elbow and gazed down at her.
“I want you to listen to me very carefully,” he began, still slightly panting himself. “If you’re not sure about somethin’, ask, don’t just go jumpin’ to conclusions.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry, it was such a scary moment.”
“Ask me, if you have any questions about somethin’ you overhear, or anythin’, it doesn’t matter what it is, ask me, got it?”
“Anything?”
“Sure. Why?”
“Um, there is one thing,” she said quietly.
“Spit it out.”
“All the condoms. I mean, how many girls do you, uh, are you-”
“Nickie,” he grinned. “I’m a guy. I have condoms, and like I said I don’t have sex without ‘em. When I took a shower down here this mornin’ I found them in the bathroom drawer. I totally forgot they were there, honest.”
“So, you don’t have a harem? You’re not seeing anyone?”
“Hell, no, I don’t have a harem,” he chuckled. “I mean, I have a couple of friends who call me from time to time, but no, no-one special. I always have condoms handy though. My momma used to say, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
“She said that to you about condoms?” Nickie asked totally shocked. “I can see your dad, maybe, but-”
“No,” he replied laughing out loud, “she said that about things like, if I was headin’ out and didn’t have a jacket; Beau, she’d say, it’s better to have it…”
“Ooh, I see,” Nickie giggled.
“Sure is good to see that smile back on your face,” he sighed.
“It’s good to feel happy again, and safe,” she murmured. “Sorry, I get a bit carried away sometimes.”
“No kiddin’.”
“Who were you talking to when you said that bailing thing?”
“Let’s be clear, I was NOT talkin’ about bailin’,” he said firmly. “It was Tyler. He called to tell me Gerald had checked out of the hotel. He got his car out of the impound lot and left.”
“That’s fantastic,” she grinned. “What? Isn’t it?” she asked seeing the cloud over his face.
“Yep, it’s great,” he answered.
Do I tell you about your dad, or is it your brother checkin’ into the hotel? No, I’ll tell you later. No sense havin’ you worry the rest of the day. “Thing is, we can’t be sure if he’s truly gone or just layin’ low, but Tyler and his guys will be cruisin’ by the ranch keepin’ an eye on things. You’ll be safe here.”
“I’ll be safe anywhere you are,” she smiled. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
“Breakfast, and after that we’re gonna call Geoff about the changes you want, then I’ll start roundin’ up my crew, see who’s available to work. Gina will be swingin’ by around noon, and then those folks will be comin’ to look at the two horses I told you about.”
“Perfect. Breakfast, yes please, I’m starving.”
“Let’s see what I can whip up,” he replied. “Why don’t you go take a shower and get dressed, it’ll be ready when you come back down.”
“Beau, thank you,” she said softly, “for everything.”
“Hey, thank you for sweepin’ into my life,” he grinned. “Just remember what I said; if in doubt, ask, and no more overreactin’.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
When Gina drove up the driveway just past noon, she saw a very attractive, dark-haired girl brushing Trixie, and immediately suspected it was Beau’s new friend. The girl was wearing barn-friendly clothes; jeans, a red plaid shirt, and paddock boots, but it was obvious she was a stranger to horses, and her long hair kept falling across her face. Gina pulled her vintage jeep to a stop and reached across the seat for one of several baseball caps that lived in the car.
You look like a girl who likes things to match, so red, that should work, but I do like the blue, oh screw it, I’ll take them both, you can decide.
The Heiress and the Cowboy Contractor Page 13
