“Can you ride long distances?” he asked her.
“How long?”
The wagon was not in the barn when Carter left that morning and he had been forced to ride with his stallion to town. If Melanie could ride, it would save him the trouble of looking for a buggy which was a bit scarce especially when a train from the East landed in town.
“Say a three hour ride?” he said.
“That’s fine. Midnight could do with the exercise,” Melanie answered, and then turned to whisper to the horse.
Carter raised an eyebrow. It seemed his biggest competitor was going to be a mare.
“My saddle is in my bag in the luggage compartment,” Melanie said.
That presented a new problem. What to do with her luggage. He could only hope that she had not carried a lot of clothes as women tended to do. To his surprise, Melanie’s luggage consisted of two bags, both medium sized. He could easily tuck them at the front of his saddle.
He helped her saddle up Midnight and then she followed him out of the station. His stallion was tethered on a post just outside and he went to her.
“What’s his name?” Melanie asked, stroking his head and letting him smell her hands.
“Arthur,” Carter answered.
Melanie made a face of mock horror. “That’s a preposterous name for horse, and a gorgeous stallion at that!”
Carter looked at her in amusement. “Is that right? Tell you what, when we get to the ranch, I’ll let you name each of our bulls and cows.”
“How many are there?” Melanie asked.
“Thousands,” Carter said and laughed.
“I thought so. Now how about we call him ‘Spirit’?” she said.
Carter made as if to give the matter some serious thought and then he nodded.
“Yes, it does suit him.”
They smiled at one another, and his heart pounded faster. She was damn attractive! His gaze lowered to her mouth. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her. Her features had initially told him that she was a quiet sort of lady, which he hadn’t minded, but he could see Melanie was far from quiet. He helped her mount and then mounted his stallion.
They moved at a slow pace, and he let Melanie take in Crab’s Creek. He supposed it was a little shabby through a person from the East but Carter found himself hoping that she would like it.
“I like it,” she said thoughtfully. “There’s so much potential for growth. In five years Crab’s Creek will be one of the largest towns in Montana.”
“I agree,” Carter said, pleased by her verdict. “In fact, we’re working on that,” and he went on to tell her about the cattle breeding system they were trying to use.
She nodded. Carter shyly added that he was the group representative and tended to travel a lot looking for support from state legislatures all over Montana.
Melanie looked him up and down without a trace of embarrassment.
“I can see why?” she said and then urged her mare to a gallop.
“Some woman!” Carter said to himself, before cantering off after her.
She was a strong rider and she did not stop once to rest. Sometimes they slowed down and spoke.
“Are you an only child?” Carter asked.
“Yes but I always longed for siblings,” she said a wistful tone in her voice.
“It’s not all joy you know,” Carter said in a dry tone, thinking of his brother’s betrayal.
With Melanie there, it did not hurt as much. He had stayed out of Hoss’s and Stephanie’s way since then. He assumed they did the same for he hadn’t seen either of them in over two months. He was not bothered about his brother’s non-involvement with the ranch anymore. Between James and himself, they were doing pretty well keeping the ranch going.
“Tell me about your brothers? They live at the ranch too don’t they?” Melanie asked.
“Yes they do, though they have their own ranch houses. There’s James, whom I would say, is more like myself. And then there’s Hoss.”
Melanie chuckled. “Is that the black sheep? I hear every family has one?”
Chapter Eleven
Already Hoss knew her body intimately, Stephanie thought, moaning softly. She was lying on her tummy and Hoss was breathing on her ear, tugging at her earlobe and planting kisses all over the back of her neck. She could feel his hardness pressing against her rear. He sat back and massaged her shoulders.
“You’re tense,” Hoss whispered.
Stephanie mumbled, his comment momentarily distracting her from his hands. She was tense; that was for sure, ever since she had gone to the doctor a week ago. Stephanie still could not bring her mind to accepting what Dr. Graham had told her. She had gone to see him due to some nausea and even retching on some mornings. She closed her eyes tightly now. Oh God! She was pregnant.
Hoss’s mouth nibbled on her back and quivers of desire ran down her back. Stephanie thrust out her body and breathed deeply. Hoss took the opportunity to slide his hands under her body and he gently lifted up her hips. He ground himself against her. Stephanie groaned, evidence of his desire driving her wild with her own arousal.
“Shall I stop now?” Hoss said suspending all movement.
“Please Hoss, no! I want to feel you,” Stephanie whimpered.
He slid his fingers up the insides of her thighs. Without warning, he flipped her around and proceeded to kiss her stomach. He gripped her thighs and pried them apart. Stephanie moaned as his tongue connected with her button. She pulled his head hard and he obliged by licking harder.
Stephanie had never experienced such immense throbbing pleasure before. His painter’s fingers thin and slim, delved between her thighs. Stephanie gasped.
“You like that sweetheart?” Hoss asked.
She groaned in reply, her mouth unable to utter a reply. His fingers rubbed hard and fast, and his thumb slid over her magic button. There was only one Hoss but his hands were everywhere. His mouth searched for her nipples and greedily sucked each. Stephanie felt as if she was being carried by a raging flood and she was only too happy to go with it.
“I need you now Hoss,” Stephanie groaned, reaching for his manhood and cradling its hardness in her hand.
“Turn around,” Hoss commanded.
She flipped over and drew the upper part of her body up so that she was kneeling. She felt the tip of his manhood and she pushed her hips backwards. Stephanie bit her upper lip, relishing the filling of being filled up completely.
Hoss grabbed her hips, holding her in place, and with sure strokes, got into a rhythm.
“Yes!” Stephanie yelled.
“Hush, you want the whole ranch to hear you?”
“Why the hell not?” Stephanie cried out.
Hoss chuckled and leaned forward to touch her breasts. They had never done it this way and she was enjoying every bit of it. The room began to swirl and she gripped the bed headboard for support. Stephanie lost all sense of where she was.
She was vaguely aware of Hoss’s groans as he thrust in and out faster and harder. When her orgasm came, she felt one with Hoss as he poured his seed into her. Wave after wave shook her until they both collapsed on a heap, Hoss on her back. He rolled off and pulled her into his arms.
Their breathing returned back to normal after several minutes.
*****
“I might be going to New York,” Hoss said.
“New York?” Stephanie said, propping her head to look into his face.
His eyes blazed with an intensity she had never seen before.
“I’ve always wanted to pursue my painting, but Carter was always drumming my responsibilities into my head. I’ve had it now,” he said with barely suppressed anger.
Stephanie was shocked into silence. She had never thought that Hoss had such a burning ambition. Like Carter, she had assumed painting to him was a hobby. His news though, brought new worries to Stephanie. What about her? She had planned on telling Carter about the baby and if he did not take responsibility, there was always Hoss to f
all back on.
Her heart pounded at the thought of not having a backup plan.
“Will you go with me?” he asked, stroking her chin.
“Me?” Stephanie squeaked.
“Yes you of course, or are you still hankering after my brother?”
Stephanie fell back to his chest. She needed time to think.
“No of course not,” she said, her voice muffled by his hairy chest.
Feeling confined, Stephanie stood up abruptly. “I have to go. I have a shift tomorrow.”
“It’s still early,” Hoss protested sitting up. You could spend the night and leave early in the morning.”
Stephanie shook her head. “As appealing as that sounds, I think I better get on home.”
“Will you think about what I said?” Hoss said.
“Of course I will,” Stephanie said, rapidly putting on her clothes.
She finished and waited for Hoss to dress up. When they were both ready, they left the house.
“I’ll take you myself,” Hoss said and she smiled at him gratefully.
He was such a gentleman but the fact was that Carter was the eldest and held the power in the family. She wanted to be Carter’s wife more than anything, she thought with a shiver. They rounded the bend of the house and the barn came into view. They both stopped in their tracks when Carter came into view, beside him, a stunningly beautiful woman. They were laughing at something but what shocked Stephanie was how at ease they both seemed with each other.
Her heart constricted with jealousy. A burning sensation grew on her chest, spreading to her tummy.
“Who is that?” Hoss said, verbalizing her thoughts.
They walked towards them and as they got closer, Stephanie saw something in Carter’s eyes she hadn’t ever seen. He loved her! Whoever the woman was, Carter loved her. Well, they would see about that, she thought, her teeth clenched.
Chapter Twelve
Melanie’s hair, unfolded itself from the knot on her head, and whipped itself around her head. She felt more alive than she ever had, as she and Carter rode at breathtaking speed over the open prairie. Everywhere she looked, the land spread out, hills rising like gentle waves.
She and Carter were searching for a herd of ten that had broken away from the main herd. Beyond the open grassland, were brush lined creeks and rocks and pine trees swaying in the wind. Carter slowed down to a canter and Melanie following suit, reined in her mare.
A few miles below them, Melanie could see a small clearing and next to it clusters of trees, the sun casting an orange glow on the branches.
“Can you see them?” Carter asked, pointing a finger at the clearing.
Melanie trained her eyes to where his finger was pointing. She saw nothing.
“Look closer,” he instructed, bringing his horse next to hers.
The scents from the woods seem to cling to Carter. She inhaled his manly scent, forgetting where she was as she reveled in his nearness.
“They are moving now.”
Melanie snapped back to the present. She saw it then— shadowy figures moving across the clearing.
“The terrain is a little rough there. Why don’t I leave you here and go down and check them out,” Carter said?
“Oh no! This is the best part and I’m not going to miss it!” Stephanie said.
Carter looked at her solemnly. He grinned abruptly. “Alright then Miss Marriot, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The descent was slow and Carter suggested they dismount and lead the horses by their reins. Melanie slid over the rocks a couple of times and in ten or so minutes, they were in the clearing at the bottom.
“You’re tougher than you look,” Carter commented.
Her face was flushed and sweat clung to her hair. Carter stopped and turned to her. He pushed away the strands of hair on her forehead. Melanie watched him, her body betraying her attraction for him. She didn’t care though; he was the man she was going to marry and there was no need to hide her growing feelings for him.
Without thinking about it, she went on her toes and kissed Carter lightly on his cheek. As she moved back, Carter’s hand shot out and circled her waist, and brought her body against his. Melanie shivered. She had never been this close to a man. Her body grew alarmingly hot and she craned her neck and looked up at him.
Desire blazed from his eyes and she almost gasped from the force of it. Her own senses were awakened and the world faded, leaving just her and Carter. She melted into his embrace as her body tingled with unfamiliar feelings of desire. He brought his mouth to her and she closed her eyes.
His tongue swirled inside her mouth, sending her pulse racing. The intensity of her feelings frightened her. Her body trembled and she clung to him, wrapping her arms around his muscled shoulders. His kiss was gentle, leading her slowly to a world of passion she had never experienced.
“Your lips are like a peach—full and ripe,” Carter whispered.
His words inflamed her and her whole body seemed engulfed by a fire. He found her mouth again and she opened, welcoming his tongue. She learned the dance of tongues and matched her movements with his. His hands applied pressure to her back so that her chest was crushed against his.
Melanie lost herself then to the sensations in her body. She threw her head back and Carter lowered his head and nibbled her exposed neck. His hand touched her breasts over her dress and brushed a stiff nipple. For a second, Melanie was embarrassed by her reaction but Carter did not seem to notice or care.
Out of their own volition, her hands flew to his hair, his dark, curly hair and she curled her fingers through the thick locks. Carter lowered his head and to her shock, he flicked his tongue between the valley of her breasts. Madness came over her. Her body craved to feel his touch on her skin. Carter unbuttoned the front of her dress, all the while teasing her mouth with kisses. She was at the mercy of her fiancé, Melanie thought.
He pushed her dress off her shoulders, and then pushed away the straps of her camisole. Unlike most women, Melanie did not wear a corset, failing to understand why a woman would subject herself to such discomfort. Carter pushed her clothing down and her breasts spilled into his arms.
Melanie kept her eyes tightly shut.
“You’re so beautiful,” Carter whispered. “Open your eyes.”
Hesitantly, she opened them and was met by Carter’s amused ones. Her hand flew to her chest and she covered up her nakedness. Carter gently removed them and she let them hang on her sides. When his fingers touched her nipples, it felt as if she had been scorched. A groan escaped her lips.
“Here,” Carter said taking her hand. “See what you do to me.”
She let him guide her hand to the bulk between his legs. Shocked by its size and hardness, Melanie tried to withdraw her hand but Carter would not let her. Slowly she touched it through the denim material. Carter groaned. He turned his attention to her nipples and to her shock; he brought his mouth on one and gently sucked it.
He used his hand to rub the other nipple. A strong aching need to be filled grew inside her. Just when she thought she could not take it anymore, Carter stopped all movement and held her to him in a crushing embrace.
“I’m afraid that I can’t control myself anymore,” Carter said.
He released her and then gently as though dressing a child, he tucked her breast back into her camisole, and pulled up her dress. To her surprise, Melanie did not feel a shred of embarrassment as he handled her breast. She gave a low moan when he flicked her nipples with his finger one more time.
“Shall we take the herd back to the ranch,” he said to her when he finished dressing her.
“Yes,” Melanie answered.
When they were leaving, Melanie took one last glance at the clearing. It felt peaceful and it soothed her soul. This would be her spot, she decided. It would always hold sweet memories of the first time she and Carter had kissed.
Chapter Thirteen
Hoss’s pacing irritated her, but Stephanie held her ton
gue. She sat still on the seat facing the window as they awaited Carter’s return. He hadn’t spoken to her since the day she had dropped the news on him. Despite her fear over Carter’s reaction, she felt madly excited.
Melanie Marriot had changed everything and the sooner she left the better. Stephanie had contemplated having a proper relationship with Hoss, but the other woman’s arrival had brought out her feelings for Carter. She wanted him and she would have him, Stephanie thought. She knew exactly what she wanted and she wanted Carter to herself.
Laughing voices alerted her to their arrival. She had not heard the hooves of the horses and before she could gather her thoughts, they walked into the drawing room. Stephanie took in Melanie’s flushed face, her disheveled hair and the dazed, satisfied look on her face. Her heart twisted with a combination of pain and anger.
Hoss had stopped pacing and was glaring at Carter.
“We’d like to speak to you—alone,” Hoss said, barely controlling his anger.
Carter looked from Stephanie to Hoss. “Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my fiancé.”
He took Melanie’s hand and pulled her to him, tucking her under his arm. That would be the last time he would be holding her, Stephanie thought. Power filled her as she thought of the bombshell she was about to drop. Just as well that Melanie was there. Stephanie gave her two hours and she would be out of Circle One and back to where she had come from.
Taking her time, she got to her feet.
“Well,” Carter said, tapping his foot on the ground impatiently.
“She’s pregnant Carter!” Hoss blurted out to Stephanie’s annoyance.
To her further annoyance, Carter did not react. He shrugged his shoulders.
“Don’t you see? It could be either you or me,” Hoss shouted.
Carter’s eyes narrowed and to Stephanie’s deep satisfaction, his jaw clenched, a sign that the implications of her pregnancy were now dawning on him.
“Carter, what do they mean?” Melanie asked.
She disengaged herself from Carter’s arm and stood facing the three of them.
Romance: My Stepbrother's Plaything Page 43
