Finding Love Again (Crystal Lake, Montana Book 1)

by Ann,Christa

  “I notice you had Black Angus. How many head do you have?

  “I have, at last count, twenty head. Like I said, I prefer horses to cattle. I have another barn about a mile in for the cattle. The hands, under the direction of Hank and my boys, take care of them. Dustin and Colby rotate who goes when they have to. I own the ranch, so I stay with the horses.”

  Shannon had to smile at the last comment. “Well, I’m with you there. Horses for me, not cattle. Sorry. What else does your ranch do?”

  “In the winter, the lodge has a contract with me for sleigh rides and horseback riding by appointment. I have a hunting cabin for clients, or I rent it out for those who want to stay on a ranch. I bread my mares on a rotating schedule to give them time. And, of course, three of my males get requested for studding. Argo, the Appaloosa I just got, will be getting requests soon I’m sure.”

  “Argo? I didn’t see him.” He could see her trying to remember.

  Before he could answer, Nell delivered their lunch. “Thanks, Nell. Argo stays in the far corral in the back with Missy. I won’t let anyone ride him until I do. I ride all the new horses first, to get a feel for them.”

  Halfway through lunch, he finally asked the question that he really wanted her to answer. “Would you ever leave Florida? I mean, your daughter is in Maryland and your son is in Colorado.”

  She looked at him, really thinking about the question. “To be honest I never really thought about it, so I’m not sure how to answer that. Plus, my children never asked me to move.”

  Ryan could only nod his head. “Would you like to go out to the ranch and see Venus and her twins? We can go for a ride out to the lake again. This time, just the two of us.” Ryan hoped the answer would be yes.

  She didn’t disappoint him. “That would be great.”

  Ryan held Shannon’s hand and pointed things out on the way back to the ranch. He stopped halfway down his driveway and gestured as he explained what each building was for and explained his plans to add another building for storage. “I’m also thinking about building another hunting cabin. The one I have is always booked solid, and I have to turn down prospective renters. I’ll need to figure out all the expenses first, to see if it’s worth it. I hate accounting work.”

  “It’s not really that hard, Ryan,” Shannon replied.

  Once he’d parked his truck, he walked around to get Shannon. This time she didn’t wait for him and was halfway out of the truck by the time he came around. Taking her hand, he edged her over toward the barn to see the horses.

  The horses were all in their stalls, getting ready to be fed. As they got inside, Shannon could smell the horses and hay. She could hear the beautiful animals stomping their hooves, making noises, and otherwise telling everyone they wanted to be fed or just wanted attention.

  Ryan took her over to the first stall on the right. Looking inside, Shannon saw Venus with her two little ones next to her. They were just adorable. One looked a lot like Venus, with brown with beige on her mane and front legs. The other one had some of Venus’ looks, but must look more like the stallion who fathered her. She had a dark brown coat and only her mane matched the color of Venus.

  As Ryan and Shannon moved deeper into the barn, Colby and Dustin came out of the storage room. Shannon remembered Ryan’s explanation, that the barrels with the oat mix were essential to the horses’ nutrition. The mixture contained oats, corn, and barley. They only gave them the oat mix once or twice a day, but the animals always needed more hay and clean water.

  “Everything okay with the horses? Anything I need to know about?” Ryan asked his sons.

  Colby was the first one to say anything. “Hi, Shannon. No, everything is good, Dad. We have to move Storm closer to Venus. He didn’t like being separated from her. Your horse is being a pain in the fucking ass. Do you mind feeding him? He almost took off Dustin’s head.”

  Shannon turned toward Colby. “Hi, Colby. It’s nice to see you again.”

  Ryan shook his head and made his way down to Thunder’s stall. “I got him. Why does he even try to take care of him?”

  “Because we wanted to make sure he got fed. I know you would have, but I couldn’t feed all the rest of them and not him.” Dustin came out of the storage room with two buckets of water. He looked at Shannon. “Hello.”

  Smiling, Shannon responded, “Hello, Dustin.”

  Ryan handed Shannon a piece of apple to give to Thunder while he went to get the feed, hay, and water. When Ryan got back, Colby and Dustin just stood staring at Shannon. She reached inside the stall to give Thunder his treat. Thunder hung his head over the front of the stall door, letting Shannon stroke his head and neck.

  Ryan walked over the her. “Back off, Thunder; you’re going to get her blouse dirty.”

  “That’s okay, big guy. He’s gorgeous.” Shannon looked at Ryan with a big smile.

  As they headed out of the barn, Ryan introduced her to all the horses that she hadn’t seen yet and took her outside to the corral. “This is my favorite place. The barn.” He nodded to the barn. “People don’t realize that horses have personalities just like us. Storm is the father of the twins, that’s why he doesn’t like being apart from Venus. He doesn’t like the other males too close to her. But right now I can’t have them in the same stall together.”

  Taking her around the property, he also showed Shannon the storage shed. The building stored a mower, four runners, two utility gators, and a bobcat and all kinds of tools attached to the side. “You call this a shed? What is that building next to it?” Ryan really had a great set-up.

  “That building houses the horse trailer, wagon, and sled, along with anything needed to fix them and a cabinet with blankets. The garage for my truck is on the side of the house,” he explained.

  They walked around some more then headed back to the barn. The sun started to set. “What time is it?” Shannon asked.

  “It’s a little past six. Why? Have a curfew?” Ryan chuckled and moved before Shannon pushed him.

  Shannon reached out to push him playfully but Ryan moved before she could. “Ha ha. Very funny. I didn’t realize how late it is. It’s just gone by fast, that’s all.”

  They headed back into the barn with all the horses. “Want to take a ride?”

  “Do you really have to ask me that?” She looked at him like it was a stupid question.

  While he took care of Thunder, he asked his sons to saddle up Star Dust, a cremello Quarter Horse, and Snowy, a white half Paint horse and half Quarter Horse. After getting done and thanking his sons for getting the horses ready, Ryan handed Shannon the reins to Star Dust and he took Snowy and walked them up to the house.

  Rosa met them on the porch with two saddlebags. “Thank you for doing this, Rosa. I know it’s late. Have a great night. See you tomorrow.” Ryan took the saddlebags from her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  “You two have fun. Very nice to see you again, Shannon. Maybe next time Ryan will let us have some time to talk more than hello and goodbye,” Rosa said, and then glanced at Ryan who just smiled at her.

  They both mounted and Shannon followed Ryan. When she remembered the area, she asked, “Are we going to the lake?”

  “Yes. I thought we could eat and watch the sunset,” Ryan answered.

  When they arrived, Ryan took care of the horses first. A blanket lay on the dock with what looked like mason jars. When they got closer, Shannon noticed that the two mason jars were filled with sand and candles.

  Ryan carried the two saddle bags and an extra rolled up blanket and began to pull everything out. Rosa had packed two sandwiches, pasta salad, two slices of pound cake, strawberries mixed with whipped cream, sweet tea, and wine.

  After lighting all the candles, they sat down to eat what Rosa fixed.

  “So, where are your parents? Do you have brothers or sisters?” Shannon asked before taking a bite of the pasta salad—it was so good. She needed to get the recipe from Rose.

  “My parents and Steve’s paren
ts are in Colorado Springs. I have a sister, Rena. She’s an artist and is being featured at the art gallery there. My parents go to all her openings. Do you have any siblings?”

  “No, I’m an only child. My parents wanted more children, but I’m the only one. My parents still live in the same house I grew up in. I have a lot of friends there, still, and most of them also knew Tom. It’s hard going back sometimes. It’s just beautiful here.” Shannon didn’t want to talk about Tom.

  Ryan seemed to take the hint that Shannon didn’t want to talk about her deceased husband. He said, “Yes, it’s beautiful. Because the lake is on my property, no one can use boats or jet skis. In the shed we have four canoes. I don’t want to damage the lake. The snow from the mountains feeds into this lake, and that’s why it’s called Crystal Lake.”

  “So, the town is named after your lake? Why?” Shannon asked.

  “Steve’s and my ancestors are the founders of the town. But they wanted to preserve the lake, so my great-great…you know bought the property around it to make sure it stayed that way. We do have town functions here and everyone knows they are more than welcome to come here, but no cars or trucks. So, they come up to the main house and we load everyone in the wagon.”

  “That is extremely smart.” Shannon was impressed.

  Before long, a full moon started to rise and the stars would be twinkling in the sky. They both leaning back on their elbows. Ryan leaned in with his hand to place a lock of hair behind her ear. “I enjoy being with you, Shannon. Maybe we can do something together tomorrow.”

  Shannon blushed. “I’d like that.”

  Ryan lowered his head, his lips hovering just above hers, seeming to want to give her a chance to pull back. However, instead, she moved forward. She whispered his name against his lips right before Ryan sucked her bottom lip into his month then crushed his lips to hers and deepened the kiss. He tasted of the strawberries that they’d eaten. He had his own unique taste and it was addictive. She wanted more.

  He followed her down as she lay down on the blanket. Ryan half lay down next to her, one elbow by her head and the other hand on her waist. His tongue explored her mouth. Ryan couldn’t stop himself; his hand moved slowly from her waist to her rib cage so his thumb was right underneath her breast.

  Shannon fired Ryan up and he was only kissing her. Moving his hand to right underneath her breast, her breathing came out deeper and heavier.

  He felt one of her hands grip the back of his shirt and tried to pull him closer. Her other hand moved up to his biceps to his shoulder then to the back of his neck to deepen the kiss. He loved how she tried to take over the kiss. He was naturally demanding, dominating, and passionate.

  She broke the kiss for needed air. She hadn’t felt like this for years. She tilted her head to give him better access to her ear and neck. Then his mouth finally moved to her ear and he sucked her earlobe into his mouth. Breathing just as hard as Shannon, he whispered into her ear, “Shannon, you need to tell me now if you want to me to stop. I won’t be able to if we go any further.” He looked into her eyes. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone, and I mean anyone. Tell me, Shannon, do you want me? Or should we stop? I’m willing to wait. You’re worth it.”

  “Will anyone come out here?” Shannon didn’t want his children to come out to find them naked together.

  With a smile, he said, “Come with me.” She could only nod. Leaning down, he placed a quiet kiss on her lips and forehead. They got up, gathered everything up, and took the candles with them.

  As they headed in the direction of the shed, she asked, “Ryan, we aren’t going into the shed, are we?”

  “No, look just past the shed,” Ryan assured her.

  “You had this planned.” She wanted to die on the spot.

  “No, of course not. The boys set this up yesterday to air it out for a camping trip they have planned,” Ryan explained. Relief washed over her face. “Shannon, I didn’t plan anything happening. Yes, I set up the food and blanket to watch the sunset. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’ll be happy just holding you, kissing you, and maybe getting to second base.” The last part was said with a chuckle and a wink.

  When they got to the tent, Ryan blew out the candles and set them down. Taking her hand, he led her inside. She eyed the camping equipment on one side of the tent and spotted the battery operated lantern. Ryan sat down and Shannon straddled his lap. This would give him access to not only her neck, but her breasts as well.

  Ryan slid his hands under her blouse, over her ribs to her breasts at the same time she had her fingers in his hair and kissed him like her life depended on this kiss. His hands squeezed her full, round breasts, and she loved the feel of his touch. He moved this thumbs over her hard nipples over her bra, and that had her rocking against him.

  He moved her blouse up to her breasts, over her head, and then unhooked her bra. The straps moved down her arms and fell away. He sucked in a breath. “You are beautiful.”

  He kissed her breastbone and dragged open mouthed kisses across her right breast. Shannon could feel his hand on the center of her back while the other squeezed her left breast. She held onto his shoulders, her nails digging in.

  She started to gather up his shirt, needing to feel him skin to skin. She could feel the ragged scars on him. “I love the feel of your skin. I haven’t been with anyone like this for a long time.” His skin rippled at her touch. She wanted to know what his skin tasted like. She planned on finding out.

  “You make me feel like I’m a teenager finding love for the first time.” Just then he slowly moved the zipper down on her jeans. Looking down into his eyes, she could see the raw sexual heat in his gaze. Ryan helped her to stand and slowly lowered her jeans and lace panties at the same time. “Fuck, you’re absolutely gorgeous.”

  Her breath hitched when Ryan went to his knees and placed kisses on top of her shaved mound. Shannon parted her legs to give him better access. She opened her mouth, to gasp, “Ryan…” She couldn’t get anything else out.

  Shannon backed up and encouraged Ryan to stand. Lowing his zipper, she pushed his jeans down and her eyes widened. “Is that a good look or bad look? I’m hoping good,” Ryan asked as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

  Needing to touch him, Shannon cupped him and massaged him until he rocked hard against her.

  Grabbing her wrists, he held them behind her and together. “I won’t last if you keep touching me. But, I am going to taste you.” He knelt, taking a nipple into his mouth, and sucked.

  His hand roamed down to her heat and he curled one finger inside slowly, then added another. Moving his fingers in and out slowly, he scissored them ever so slightly. Ryan let go of her hand, moving to her ass. “Lay down, Shannon.”

  Instead of doing what he asked, she started moving her hips against his hand. “Oh, God. Ryan…I can’t wait. Please, don’t stop.” She felt her body start tightening on his fingers and then the tingle down her spine. Ryan pulling his fingers out right before she came. “Nooooo.”

  “Lie down, Shannon. I’ll take care of you, but I want you to lie down.” He helped her to lie down on the blanket. Ryan quickly placed their clothes aside and folded the sleeping bag in half for Shannon’s head. He spread her legs wide so he could settle between them.

  Her folds were wet, pink, and swollen with need. Shannon raised her hips on her own, wanting him to touch her again. Ryan moved his hands to her folds. “Please.” He spread her with one hand; at the same time, he slid his two fingers back inside and started moving them. Her hips moved up and down, wanting more, but they stilled when he sucked her clit between his teeth. As soon as he nipped her clit, Shannon lost it. She legs spread wider as her pussy clamped down on his fingers, trying to suck them in deeper, and she pushed hard against his hand. Ryan looked up, wanting to see her face and the passion as she came for him. He kept pumping his fingers and curling them inside to hit her g-spot every time.

  As she came down from her high, Ryan s
at up. His one hand cupped her and his other hand squeezed the base of his cock. He had his eyes closed and Shannon wanted to touch him. The purple head of his cock look painful. As she moved to her elbows, he growled, “Don’t move, Shannon. I just need a minute.” His voice sounded so deep and rough, she could feel herself getting wetter, and rubbed herself against his hand. “Shannon, be still.”

  “I can’t. Come to me, Ryan. I need you inside.” She has never felt so needy before, not even during her marriage. It was almost painful for her

  Noticing him reaching for his jeans, she raised an eyebrow at him. “Condom.”

  He opened it with his teeth and slid it down his shaft. Leaning on one elbow, he guided his cock to her opening. As he slid in, both of them sighed. “Fuck. You feel so good. Hot.” He moved in without stopping until he was balls deep. Then he started moving, slow and deep. They kissed roughly, her hand on his back, meeting his thrust. He lifted one of her legs and placed it around his waist. His thrusts became faster and harder. She was so damn close. Reaching down between them with his other hand, he found her clit and rubbed hard and pinched. She came again with a scream, and he followed right behind her.

  Ryan leaned down on his elbows and kissed each cheek, forehead, and then her lips. Rolling to his side, he pulled Shannon into his chest. She rested her head on him as his arms came around her. “I didn’t plan on this. I’m normally not like this.”

  “Like what?” He smiled as he moved his hand down to her ass then up to her hip.

  She playfully slapped at his chest and smiled. “You know what I meant.”

  Chucking out loud, he replied, “Yes, I know. For the record, I’m not either. I haven’t been with anyone since my…for a long time.” Relief washed over her when he didn’t finish that thought. Shannon felt so relaxed in his arms and didn’t want to ruin the moment. “Stay out here with me tonight.”

  Placing her chin on his chest and looking into his blue-grey eyes, she said, “Yes.”

  * * *

  Ryan sat up and pulled the other blanket over them. Shannon’s breathing became even, telling him that she already was falling asleep, probably from exhaustion. Relaxing, he tightened his arms and closed his eyes.