“He’s in.” He set the container on the table and washed his hands. While he dried them on a nearby towel, he realized she was staring at him, an expression on her face that he’d never seen before. “You okay?” he asked. He had a feeling she wanted to say something but debated.
“I—well—thank you, Dante.” Before he knew what was coming, and she probably hadn’t thought about her actions either, she kissed him on the cheek.
Their gazes met and her bottom lip trembled. A long second passed. He couldn’t resist any longer. He swooped in and stole a passionate kiss.
When she didn’t push him away, he pulled her closer against his chest, diving his tongue deep into her mouth, tasting her sweetness.
His cock swelled and pulsated.
Her lips parted as a raspy groan rumbled across his tongue.
****
April couldn’t have pulled away from Dante’s kiss if her life depended on it. Although it hadn’t been that long since she’d had his muscular arms roped around her body, she’d missed his warmth, his touch. She wondered how she could miss something so deeply that wasn’t hers? Sometimes she wondered if he’d ever truly been hers.
His scent, sweat and outdoors, teased her senses and lit her fiery libido. He triggered something deep in her bones, awakening every frozen cell and she didn’t want the delicious morsel of sexual tension to stop. Nothing mattered but here and now.
The hard lines of his body pressed against her softer curves, leaving her flesh tingling. She slipped her fingers into the opening of his shirt, splaying her hands against his toned abs, relishing the warm taut skin. The coiled muscles jerked under her fingertips when she sucked his tongue then grazed her teeth across his bottom lip. A moan vibrated his chest, penetrating her senses.
They had a history of coming together like magnet to metal, then at the crack of a new day, they dropped everything and walked away.
Walking away wasn’t an option, at least when it came to responsibility.
She pulled away.
He blinked.
His heated gaze pinned her and she gulped air. He took a step toward her with a melt-her-heart gaze, but she brought up her hands. “I—I...”
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” He swept his fingers through her hair.
“I want to sink myself into this glorious feeling and never come back up for air.”
His eyes twinkled. “Really? Do you mean that?” His chest rose and fell with each breath.
“If only you understood. We can’t let things get out of control.” She took another step back. Secret parts of her were moist and throbbing, aching for more of his delicious kisses, but her mind blared something much different. The last thing she needed was a hot cowboy splitting her world apart again, especially when she was confused. “We should stop.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
She ignored the tingling in her nipples, wanting a warm mouth and raspy tongue. “I’m sure.”
Liar! Liar! Her body screamed.
Good girl! Her mind praised her.
The internal tug of war made her tremble.
“You’re right.” His raspy voice made goosebumps pop on her flesh. He had that much effect on her and she didn’t like his power. She knew if he’d tugged her back into his arms and kissed her again she’d be putty in his hands and there’d be no resistance left. “I’ll go back out and get the truck running.” He brushed past her and out the door. Why couldn’t doing the right thing feel better than aching torment?
The house was quiet and April paced the floor. She played her guitar, attempted to write a new song…but she didn’t get very far.
Several times, she peeked through the window, hoping to catch a glance of Dante coming out of the garage.
Ten minutes passed, then thirty, until she could no longer ignore the raw need burning in her loins.
With one thought on her mind, she made her way to the garage, determined and free of doubt. Dante’s jeaned backside was the only thing she could see when she approached. “Dante?”
He jerked, hitting his head on the hood as he showed his face. He rubbed his scalp. “I’m almost there. I’ll need to get you some new plugs—”
“Dante?”
His brows curved. “You okay?”
“I want you,” she said without inhibition.
He dropped the tool. “April, I’m not sure—”
She reached for the hem of her shirt and dragged it off. Her nipples bunched and his jaw clicked. She’d gotten his undivided attention. Next, she slid off her shorts and thong, and relished in the concentration that swept across his features.
“You’re going to be the death of me.” In three quick strides, he was across the cement and standing in front of her. She dropped her gaze to the bulge behind his fly. “I’m dirty.” He held up his hands and turned them, showing her his fingers covered in grease.
“But this isn’t.” She hooked her fingers into his belt and unlatched the buckle. Slipping her fingers past the leather, she undid the zipper and tugged his jeans down his legs. His erection had grown above the waist of his boxers. “These must go.” She dragged the material down to his knees. “I want to taste you.”
“Won’t hear any complaints from me.”
****
Burying his fingers into April’s hair, Dante gently tugged the mass as she circled her mouth over his cock, slowly bringing him deeper until he felt the limitations of her throat. She brought her gaze up to meet his and he saw all barricade crumble in the green pools, and he couldn’t have been happier. The woman was a vixen and he wanted their lovemaking to have no restraints.
“My God, you’re beautiful,” he said, his throat gritty like he’d swallowed a box of staples.
Pulling her mouth to his tip, she said, “So are you.” She sucked him as a long groan escaped her, vibrating his sensitive muscle.
“You’re very good at giving a blowjob, sweetheart, but I’m aching for tight pussy.” He pushed the words through clenched lips.
“Your wish is my command.” She stood and shimmied the few steps to the truck. With a smile full of naughty and mischief, she turned and stretched her arms over the tailgate. Bending slightly, her firm ass welcomed him. “Think we can do this standing?”
“Hell yeah!” Making haste in ridding his feet of boots, he practically tore off the jeans and boxers. Hearing seams burst in his shirt, he tugged the material off his shoulders as he made his way to heaven in flesh. Her erect nipples and flushed skin told him she was wet with need. He wanted to sample her readiness.
Leaving a trail of kisses along her spine, he followed the dip of her waist and licked the swell of each butt cheek. She trembled under his attention as moans tumbled from her lips. Spreading her creamy slit, he buried his face deep. He lapped up sweet juices until she squirmed and circled her bottom. “Now, Dante. I can’t wait!”
Standing, he placed his hands on either side of her on the truck while he pressed his cock to her nether lips. In one swift thrust, he slid into the moist cave, and she clenched him with tight muscles. He pumped her fast and hard until her body shook.
Digging a hand into her hair, he sank his girth to the hilt as release washed over him.
Once the tremors left his body, Dante pulled himself from her. He watched as she picked up her clothes and dressed in silence. Taking this as a cue, he dragged on his jeans. When she was finished, she wrapped her arms around her waist, a pensive expression nailing him. Her protective stance returned. “Thank you, Dante.”
“What? Are you thanking me for this?” He swept a hand through the air as a bitter taste settled in his mouth.
“No, I’m just—well—this doesn’t change anything. I don’t want you to feel obligated to help me.”
He huffed. “You have the worst timing, sweetheart. I haven’t lost my hard on and you’re talking like I just fixed a leak in your pipes. Are you trying to push me away?”
“I just feel it’s necessary to keep the lines drawn—”
“Making you mad wasn’t my target.” The distance between them grew colder. She blinked and he saw something dark in her eyes. Was she hiding something? “I don’t know how long I’ll be here.”
“April, if you’re trying to break it to me that you won’t stick around town, I already knew this going in. We had sex. We didn’t exchange vows.” He slipped into his boots. “I’ll get back to working on the truck. I’ve got plans later.” His gut clenched as he picked up his discarded tools. He didn’t dare look to see if she had gone.
Chapter Nine
APRIL WALKED OUT of the doctor’s office into the afternoon sun, pausing and letting the warm rays seep into her skin. While she was in town, she needed a doctor and she was glad she found one she liked. Dr. Garmon seemed proficient. He’d told her the same thing the doc had said back home. Take the prenatal vitamins and get lots of rest. Easier said than done when she hadn’t slept more than a few winks since she’d found out she was pregnant.
Two days had passed and she hadn’t seen Dante. He’d worked until late on the truck and had disappeared without any goodbye.
What had she expected? She’d pulled away and handled the situation badly. As she’d started to tell him about the baby, her words had scrambled somewhere between brain and tongue and she’d wound up making things worse. For a woman who could write a song, she sure didn’t have communication skills.
She slid into her Gramps’s truck and started the engine. Dante had fixed whatever was wrong. The man was good with his hands, no doubt.
Movement caught her eye. She looked across the distance to a mother and her toddler walking hand in hand up the sidewalk. Her heart tugged.
Laying her hand on her stomach, she was starting to show some signs of her growing baby. Her breasts were tender. Her nipples were darker. And she couldn’t button her jeans that morning. As she physically changed, reality sunk in.
Although this was new to her, and unplanned, she was a mature adult. She had no excuses to shrug off her responsibility. In fact, this could be her last opportunity to have a baby.
In the end, she needed to give up some things to be the best possible mother.
Laying her head back on the tattered material of the headrest, she closed her eyes. She was a mess.
And alone.
Not once had she ever felt sorry for herself, and she certainly wouldn’t start now, but truth was, she’d always searched out men who weren’t interested in commitment—no hope for a future. She’d known JJ wasn’t the type to settle down. He liked his fans too much, especially the willing female variety.
What did she know about family? Besides her Gramps, she’d never had anyone as a role model. She guessed she shouldn’t complain because he great.
Her mind drifted to Dante and what they’d shared in the garage.
If she wanted to satisfy her urgency for a cowboy, Dante would be her man, but long-term was a different story. Even if he wanted their child, she doubted he’d ever commit to one woman. Although, she couldn’t assume anything where he was concerned.
She backed out of the parking lot and headed toward the closest fast-food restaurant. A greasy cheeseburger and fries would satisfy her need for comfort food.
****
“What do you mean you invited April?”
Peyton’s gaze narrowed. “Why are you getting red faced?”
Dante scraped his hand down his face. “I’m not, it’s just that—that—”
“Are you stuttering? That’s not like you.” She chuckled and continued to cover the large pan of ziti with cheese.
“How did you two even meet?” He wondered if Deckland had set this ‘chance’ meeting up.
“I ran into her at the diner yesterday and I introduced myself. I mean, she is famous. You know that I love her music and it’s awesome to have her here. Don’t worry. I didn’t make a fool out of the Brooke name by slobbering all over her. I was cool and collected.” A bright smile curved Peyton’s lips. “Ollie is spending the night with a friend, and Betty and Uncle Marty are out of town. We have the extra seating. What’s the big deal? After all, she practically grew up a mile from you.”
He shrugged. “I guess there isn’t one.”
“I’d think you’d like the idea of a beautiful woman hanging around.”
“This isn’t you playing matchmaker, is it?” He watched her take the steaming bowl of corn from the microwave. The last thing he needed was for Peyton, or anyone, meddling between him and April. He was tired of the sudden wall she threw up when things got out of control. He couldn’t understand why she just couldn’t go with the moment instead of coming across as a steamroller.
“Noooo…of course I’m not.” She batted her lashes innocently. “Except, she is single.”
“Sorry I’m late, sweetheart.” Dillon popped into the kitchen and snuggled up behind Peyton, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Did Dante help you cook until I got here?”
“Dante, cooking? Oh, sweetheart. Were you in the sun a lot today?” Peyton laughed then turned in her husband’s arms, kissing him fully on the mouth.
“Come on, you two. Awkward moment,” Dante said with a shake of his head. He suddenly wished he’d excused himself from dinner tonight. He’d rather be home with a grilled steak and a beer. Knowing April would be coming made his gut lurch. He hadn’t seen her since he’d fixed her truck. Several times, he’d thought about calling her, but what good would it do. She’d entice him into her web just to drop kick him against the wall. He wouldn’t mind the challenge if he wasn’t so damn confused.
Dillon laughed. “Sorry, brother, but sometimes I can’t help myself when I see my beautiful wife.”
Dante huffed as he heard laughter—April’s melodic laugh. His gaze drifted to the doorway as she walked in next to Deckland. The air sucked out of Dante’s lungs as the bottom dropped out of his emotions.
“Look who I ran into at the door,” Deckland said. “I didn’t realize we’d have a celebrity in our presence today.”
“I’m just a hometown girl and I don’t want anyone thinking any differently.” Her eyes twinkled and her smile was as bright as fireworks.
Damn, how could she make Dante feel like he was in the front seat of a roller coaster? Why was it that as soon as he changed his ways from bad boy to gentleman, along came Miss Hotpants with a body that made his engine roar?
“I believe you already know everyone,” Peyton said.
The instant she saw him a bit of surprise slipped across her pretty face. Lifting his tall glass of iced tea to his lips, he downed half in one gulp as beauty swept his direction.
“Dante, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Although subtle, April’s voice held a sliver of trouble. He doubted anyone noticed, except Peyton’s curious gaze landed on Dante.
“Let me guess, Pey, you didn’t tell her the whole clan would be here.” He gave his sister-in-law a wink.
“I didn’t want to scare the poor woman off before I’ve had a chance to get to know her.” Peyton laughed and looked at April, concern replacing her joy. “You’re not afraid of the Brooke brothers are you? I know they can be a bit intimidating at times.”
April’s eyes widened. “What woman would complain being in a room full of tall, muscular, virile cowboys? I could think of far worse places.” Her gaze flitted over Dante and his chest inflated as he realized she was talking directly to him.
Peyton and April chatted about something and he couldn’t quite wrap his brain around the words. He was stuck in between her curls that were falling from the bun and bouncing around her cheeks and the movement of her lips. The neckline of her shirt drew him like a red cape to a bull. Her pale globes peeking above the top button teased him, enticed him to dive in and lick. The mounds looked bigger. Was that possible or did his mind play tricks? His gaze drifted lower to the tight jeans that fit her curves like a denim glove. How c
ould he still crave her long legs draped around his back when he knew she’d turn him away like yesterday’s news when she was finished?
Hell, she was playing him. Maybe he deserved it.
“Do you need more iced tea, Dante? You’re sweating,” Peyton said with a knowing smile. “I hear you and Dante knew each other when you were teens.”
April moistened her lips, which made his senses amplify. He shifted and hoped his worn jeans could take the growth. What he hated most was how his body reacted to her as if he was a wet-behind-the-ears boy. He was a man, with skills, mature and all grown up. He respected women, especially April. Why couldn’t he just behave?
“Yeah, Dante and I go way back, ain’t that right cowboy?” The raspy tone of her voice plucked his insides.
“Aint that the truth.” Dante realized his own tone was a little rough. A man couldn’t concentrate with his gun loaded, plain and simple.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” April kept her gaze glued on him and everything around them seemed to disappear.
“Should I apologize?” Dante thought it best to get the awkwardness out of the way.
Peyton, as observant as always, said, “Dillon and Deckland, can I get your help with the steaks on the grill?”
Deckland was in the middle of grabbing a sliced cucumber off the crudité platter. “How big are the steaks if it takes two men to turn them?”
Dillon patted Deckland on the back. “I need to talk to you about the horse feed. What better place than over the grill?”
“And Dante, would you mind getting April a glass of wine? Or tea.” Peyton said before disappearing with Dillon and Deckland through the door to the patio.
“A water or tea would be fine.” April didn’t remove her stare from him. Her gold-tipped lashes swept across her cheeks as a flirty smile blossomed across her pearly lips. He woke up that morning with her mouth on his mind and the pleasure he’d get from kissing her. “Peyton seems great.”
Second Song Cowboy (Second Chance) Page 8
