Kissed, Spurred, & Valentined (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 4)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  But now he could no longer control himself.

  If she didn’t want him, didn’t want things to go to the next level, he needed to back away.

  Yet, she did want him.

  He wanted her more than he wanted his next breath. The heat of their bodies combined and they were on fire. Her bare skin scorched him and he wanted to put out the flames. He held her hand as they climbed the stairs, anticipation growing within him. Soon he would have her in his arms.

  “Thank you, Maverick.”

  He glanced at her. “For what, sweetheart?” They approached the closed door to the master suite.

  “For giving me the most pleasurable evening.”

  “It has only just begun, darlin’.” He pushed open the door, turned on the light, and watched her eyes widen. The suite was fit for a king and queen. From the stone fireplace that covered one wall, the king sized bed with red satin sheets, to the tiled mirrors on the ceiling. It was tailored for romance.

  His cock throbbed heavily behind his zipper as they stepped into the lover’s den. He needed to slow down before he came in his boxers.

  He stood watching her admire the décor. She was so damn beautiful, he got all choked up. After losing his wife, he didn’t think it could be possible to feel this way again, yet this was different somehow. He’d met Sara when he was in his late teens, still wet behind the ears and naïve. They’d shown each other love, watched each other mature. With Jax, he was on fire. He wanted to sink himself so deep inside of her body that she’d never forget his touch. He wanted to brand her as his.

  Holy shit! Slow down, bro.

  This wasn’t right, or normal, for him to feel so much emotion. He’d closed himself off to feeling anything for anyone long ago, so what happened to that wall?

  Jax had maneuvered her way past the barrier.

  When she turned and faced him, his hands trembled. What the fuck? He was a strong man, so why was he nervous? He’d always prided himself in having enough confidence for ten men. Not now. He could barely breathe through his constricted throat and heavy chest. What if he couldn’t please her? Oh shit, what if he forgot how to move? He was as shaken as a teenager.

  She stepped across the space and laid her palms on his chest. Would she feel his fast beating heart? Know he was about ready to piss himself in fear? Damn brain. Stop thinking and just act. He could do this.

  Her tongue came out and swept across her lips, moistening the plump flesh. His cock twitched and his balls jerked. Yeah, now he was starting to ease into this. He removed his hat and tossed it on the dresser, smiling. “I haven’t been this excited in a long time,” he admitted. “I’d probably feel more relaxed riding a bull with my hands tied behind my back.”

  “If you’re not sure…” Her eyes turned a shade darker.

  “I’m sure.”

  “I can take things slowly, but,” she purred the words. “I’ve been anticipating your lips on mine all night. How about not making me wait any longer?” Her voice quivered and his cock mimicked the feeling.

  He lowered his mouth and touched his lips to hers, slowly, taking his time, enjoying himself. But she wasn’t having any of it. She stood on tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck and slipped her tongue between his lips. He groaned and tucked his arm around her waist, dragging her closer. His nerves were exchanged for something virile, something stronger than both of them. He combed his fingers through her hair, cupping the back of her head as he dipped his tongue in her mouth, tasting wine and woman. She was as delicious as the fresh berries that grew at Nirvana in the summer. Smelled as good as the wildflowers that scattered the fields. He licked her seam, stroking away any evidence that she wore lip tint. He tangled their tongues, suckling the tip until she moaned deep in her chest.

  Running his free hand up and down her spine, he drew her tighter against him, wanting nothing between them. He looked down into her glazed eyes. “Damn, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I want this.”

  “Then don’t tell me. Show me.”

  He growled and bent, kissing her cheek, her jaw, the slender line of her silken neck until he reached the top of one breast. Slipping the top down below her thin red bra, he kissed the pale mounds above the lace. He gave the dress a tug and it fell from her arms, down her hips, and slipped into a puddle at her feet.

  He stepped back, wanting to see her. She was a fantasy come true. Her breasts lifted and fell with each breath. Her pale nipples were hard, stretching the fabric. He didn’t bother removing the wispy lace before he covered one pearly nipple with his mouth, sucking the tip deeper. Her moans vibrated her chest, urging him to suck harder, silently pleading for him to continue lavishing her body with the attention. He couldn’t have stopped now if he tried. He played with the hardened nub, nibbling gently, blowing lightly. Rolling his tongue, making circles, she dug her fingers against his scalp. He could suckle her breasts all night.

  Moving his hand around to the fastener, he unclasped it. The bra fell away from her pale globes glistening from his showering of kisses. Her nipples were large and hard, her firm breasts perfect. He dropped to his knees, kissing her flat stomach, twirling the tip of his tongue inside of her belly button. She arched her back and he lowered his hands to the slinky shoes, slowly unfastening each, then helping her step out. Now all that was left was the thin thong that hid her treasure from him.

  He bent his face to her inner thighs and inhaled the sweet scent.

  Fuck!

  Her scent was a drug, an aphrodisiac. He wanted to slam his body deep inside of her, but he also wanted to give her the pleasure she deserved. He pressed his mouth to the delicate triangle and kissed the fabric covered dewy seam. She combed her fingers in his hair, tugging on the tendrils as if riding his face.

  He slid his tongue along the lace covered slit, tasting her through the material. She jerked her hips and her scent grew stronger, tastier. He gripped her bottom to hold her steady and she trembled against his palms, her muscles clenching. Was she close to release? The thought excited him. His balls grew heavy and the throbbing became almost too much to bear. The gentle whimpers flowing from her throat were sending him closer to his own undoing.

  He glided his teeth over her seam, gently, not to hurt her, but to awaken her senses. She groaned and lifted her foot, bracing it on his shoulder as she pulled the elastic of her panties to the side. He smiled, loving her brazenness.

  Dipping his tongue in her pussy, he rolled the tip around the trembling flesh, lapping up the flavors of pleasure. He could stay right here, allow time to pass, but she had other plans.

  She gave him a little push with her foot. He sat back on his haunches, watching her. Her eyes were blazing with raw desire. “Undress, Maverick,” she demanded. “I want to see all of you. I want to explore every dip and solid curve.”

  He stood on his feet, his knees a little shaky as he slid off his boots, socks, then undid the belt buckle, dragging it from the jeans. Slowly, holding her gaze, he started to remove his shirt, taking his time with each button, tugging the tail from his jeans and lowering it from his upper body. Her eyes followed the line of his chest, lowering to his crotch. “Next,” she said in a throaty whisper, sliding the tip of her finger along the zipper.

  “Why don’t you do the honors?” He could barely keep his hands on his own body. Her naked breasts called out to him to touch, nibble, and caress with his tongue.

  “I’d love to.” She stepped up to him and slid her finger along the waist of his jeans, dipping her finger inside, then withdrawing. She quickly pulled the button free, unzipped them, and pushed the denim down his hips. Then the boxers were gone too, and his hard cock bounced against his stomach.

  “Wow. You’re definitely a real man,” she purred. “I’ve always heard cowboys were stallions.”

  “All for you, sweetheart.”

  She slid her nails down his chest, stopped at his nipple, and rolled her finger around the hardened tip. She lowered her mouth to the sensitive spot and suckled it. He�
�d never had a woman do this before, and he liked it. A lot.

  “Damn, that’s good,” he said on an exhale of breath.

  She brought her chin up, looking at him through the veil of her lashes. A smile played at the corner of her lips. “You are a magnificent man, Maverick.” Her gaze turned heated and she licked her lips, sinking her mouth again on his nipples. An electrical current passed through him, straight to the tip of his cock.

  She finally turned her attention to the part of him that was desperately trying to gain her attention. His eager cock bounced and pre-cum glistened on the head. She moaned and touched him, swirling her fingers around the pearl of cream. She made a humming sound that vibrated his every nerve ending.

  “I want to take a closer look.” Bending at her knees, her face was inches from his cock that pounded with need. She took him in her hand. “Large and warm,” she whispered. She wasted no time and took him into her mouth, very easily rolling her tongue over the slit on his head. Shivers raced through him and pooled in his stomach. He couldn’t move, afraid he’d spill himself in her mouth. She wrapped her lovely lips around his shaft and suckled him while she smoothed her fingers over his muscle, lower until she clutched his balls in her palm. Gently, sinfully, she squeezed the sacs. That feeling along with her sucking brought him close to the edge of release. He silently sung a tune, forcing his body to pull back.

  He inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly. The throbbing accelerated in his balls and the electrical current eased into his shaft. He needed her now.

  Grabbing her elbows, he pulled her up, lifting her into his arms and carrying her to the bed. He placed her in the middle, hooked his fingers in the material of her thong and dragged it down her hips, slender legs, and off at her ankles. He lowered himself between her thighs, inhaling her spicy scent as his mouth salivated. He could only stare at the groomed treasure, wanting to sink his face into the triangle. But he had to go slow, show her the same pleasure she’d given him with her mouth. He slowly eased open her knees, taking in the glistening lips that awaited him.

  He ran his tongue over the stripe of blonde hair, following it to the nest. Using his fingers, he opened her folds and touched the tip of his tongue to the mound. She jerked and he held her down, caging her hips against the bed. She tasted so good, like freshly picked blueberries.

  “Nice,” he muttered.

  I-I need you.”

  “Soon, very soon. I promise.” He lapped up her sweetness, pulling her swollen clit with his lips and then his teeth, tormenting her with this erotic action. She gripped his hair, tugging on the tendrils as if urging him to both stay and come. He loved how her sexy body moved under his lips, how she tasted like a fine wine.

  When he realized she was nearing climax, he controlled the ferocity by sliding his finger inside of her, gliding along the slippery, coiled muscle. He thrust his finger in and out while blowing a raspberry on her engorged lips. She jerked hard and exploded in his mouth. Her cry filled the room, her scent filled his senses, and he lapped up every last bit of the lavish gift.

  He slid up her body and situated himself against her soft curves. “You taste so good.”

  She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Now find out how I feel.”

  He lowered his mouth and kissed her, long and passionately. He nibbled her ear, her neck, and kissed the pulse point where her collarbone met. She whimpered and scratched at his back, demanding he put her out of her misery. She twisted and gyrated, her moans became deeper. He kissed her nipples, exploring with his tongue as he slipped his finger inside of her. She writhed and cried out. She was dripping wet with need.

  He couldn’t wait any longer.

  Reaching into his jean pocket, he took out the condom packet and opened it quickly, pulling the sheath over his erection. He braced his hands behind her knees, lifting high and wide, giving him space to move his body closer.

  She reached down and gripped him with her fingers and guided him to her opening. He slowly entered her, allowing her body to ease around him in a poignant grip. She was tight and became wetter as he probed. He stretched her, easing their bodies together until he was sunken to his hilt. She bucked her hips and he pushed his hips against the back of her thighs, easing himself slightly deeper. He watched her face, her eyes were closed, her lips parted, quivering. He sucked in a deep breath, exhaling slowly, not wanting to burst too soon. It’d been too long and she felt so good.

  Once he had a sliver of control intact, he moved in and out, sliding and gliding his way in her slick passage. He moved his hands upward, along her back, pressing his chest against her breasts. She folded her legs around his waist, anchoring her heels in his ass cheeks, clinging to him. They were locked together and he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

  He drove himself inside of her, slowly, then fast, alternating in speed. As his body grew closer, he monitored the cues, but he wouldn’t stop until he knew she was ready to climax with him. Plunging deeper, he gritted his teeth and finally he felt her body tighten around him, clenching him. She arched her back, her nipples hard, and a raw moan escaped her lips.

  He knew she was falling into the abyss of release. He rammed his hips against hers and allowed his body to be consumed by the strong, electrical current. The explosion was fierce, amazing, and glorious. He shook and quivered like a tornado had come along and swept him into the eye of the cyclone. He held on for the wild ride, clinging to her sweat slickened body until finally he eased back to earth, collapsing on top of her.

  After he could finally breathe normally again, he slid off of her and stared at the ceiling in complete satisfaction. He didn’t want to move, but the need became too much to ignore. “I’ve got to run to the restroom.” He kissed her cheek.

  “Okay.” She looked beautiful with her heavy-lidded gaze and swollen lips.

  Inside the bathroom, he discarded the condom and cleaned himself up, then splashed his face with cold water. He looked at his reflection and something struck him straight in the chest. Guilt. That was a feeling that stayed with him, haunting him with the long reach of a past he couldn’t change. He’d never felt emotion with anyone but Sara. He’d sworn that he’d never give his heart away to anyone, yet Jax was taking up residence in places he’d kept hidden.

  What would happen between him and Jax now? They’d crossed a line and there was no going back. He’d felt something with her that he couldn’t switch off. It scared the hell out of him. Past hurt and angst returned. He wanted to flush the demons from his body, but he didn’t know how.

  He dried off and walked back into the bedroom, finding Jax just how he’d left her. She looked angelic lying there, naked with her blonde hair spread over the pillow. Her sleepy expression, pouty lips, and rosy cheeks. Her pale breasts and nipples. Her long slender legs stretched out, one knee bent. His heart swelled three times bigger. How in the world had this happened? He couldn’t be the man she needed. He wasn’t anywhere close. He had a broken heart, baggage that could fill a landfill, and he could never open himself up to getting hurt again.

  Going back to the bed, he laid down. She snuggled up close to him and his stomach twisted. He shouldn’t have allowed her this close. He should have kept his guard up. Now what in the hell would he do?

  ****

  Jax blinked against the sun coming through the window and she inhaled, her nostrils filling with the scent of Maverick, but he wasn’t in bed with her. She touched the cold sheet where he’d been beside her and sighed. Where had he gone? Did he have work?

  Disappointment slithered through her as she sat up, the sheet falling down her naked breasts. She listened, but there weren’t any sounds except a bird outside of her window chirping relentlessly. Probably looking for a worm.

  Sliding from the comfort of the blankets, she found her clothes, dressed, and went downstairs. Everything was as they left it last night…their plates and glasses remained on the table, the charred remains of a log in the cove of the fireplace, her camera sitting on the couch,
but there was no sign of Maverick. No note. Nothing.

  She went to the window and looked out and his truck was gone. He’d left her. She wasn’t sure what to make of the feelings erupting in her chest. Sadness mixed with disenchantment that quickly turned to irritation. How could he do that? How could he leave her here alone after what they’d shared?

  Blinking through the unshed tears, she gathered the rest of her things and saw the pack of mint gum on the table. She had the right mind to leave it, but instead picked it up. Just as he’d said, the gift wasn’t much, and yet it meant everything in the world. The dinner, the dance, his kindness. Especially making love. Yet why had he vanished?

  Pulling out a stick of gum, she unwrapped it from the foil paper and popped it into her mouth when she saw the writing. She pressed the wrapper on the table and couldn’t believe what he’d done. Inside he’d written a message, “You’re beautiful.”

  She took the pack and dumped out the rest onto the table, quickly opening another piece. A different message. “Life is too short to waste it.” Then the next wrapper. “Thank you for making me smile.” She read each message, then came to the last one, “You deserve love.”

  Tears clouded her vision and they fell to her cheeks. She couldn’t hold them back and she sat there for a long time, staring at the enchanting words. Wiping away the last salty moisture from her cheek, she gathered up the papers and stomped toward the door, ready to have a talk with Maverick. She had no idea what she’d say, but she needed to find out why he’d left.

  She started to reach for the door handle when she saw the note taped to the wood.

  “Stay put. You’re ride will be here at nine.”

  She dropped her hand to her side. So was he coming back to get her? She wasn’t sure what to make of this. When the soft knock came at the door, she anxiously opened it, but it wasn’t Maverick standing on the platform. It was a cowboy, but not the right one.

  “Hi, ma’am. I’m Dodge.” He dipped his hat in greeting. “Maverick asked me to make sure you got back to your lodge safely.”