by Somer Hayes
“Good.”
“Why is that good?”
I could hear the playfulness in his voice. “Maybe I wouldn’t mind seeing you.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t mind seeing you either. You’ll be around?”
“Yes, I’ll be here.”
“What are you doing now?”
“I’m taking a soak in the tub. You know… naked.”
I laughed out loud at the exaggerated groan coming over the phone. “God almighty woman, you are a tease.”
“What?” I asked innocently. “You asked what I was doing. This is what I’m doing. Lathering myself with soap, rinsing it off, rubbing oil on my skin…”
“If you don’t stop, I’m going to have to teach you a lesson when I get back.”
“What kind of lesson?”
“I’m afraid I’ll have to spank you for being so naughty to me.”
“You promise?”
“Dammit, woman, you’re killing me. You’d better be feeling this feisty by the time I get back.”
“Guess you’ll just have to hurry up and get here to find out.”
“I’ll do my best. Now get some rest.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
“That’s it, two spankings.”
I laughed. “Goodnight, Tripp.”
“Night, Hannah.”
I hung up the phone and slid deep into the water. I couldn’t stop the ridiculous grin from claiming my face.
There was no more denying it. When it came to Tripp Maverick, I was a goner.
19
Tripp
I spent the next morning barking orders like a drill sergeant. I hadn’t slept, worried about the ranch and haunted by thoughts of Hannah in the bathtub. I’d tossed and turned desperate to get back to the warm embrace of her body. Finally, I’d given up and gotten out of bed and started working.
I’d caught several side glances and rolled eyes, but I couldn’t care less. I had one goal in mind, and that was to be at the bunkhouse by dinner.
I pushed and yelled and worked until I felt I had everything reasonably buttoned up. The second I could get away, I called for the pilot, and ten minutes later, I was in the air headed back to Hannah. If I had my timing right, I’d get there before she needed to start working on the evening meal.
Tapping my knee anxiously, it was difficult to enjoy the view on the way home. When we finally landed, I jumped out before the propellers had begun to slow. Jogging to the garage, I grabbed the first ATV I saw and flew to the bunkhouse.
I could have growled my pleasure at seeing my truck and no other vehicles when I arrived. She was alone.
I pushed the door open, and Hannah’s face swung to meet mine, eyes wide. She was at the sink running water over soapy dishes and wearing my favorite little apron.
“Come here.”
“Tripp? When did you get back?”
“No questions. I said come here.”
Her eyebrows furrowed, and before she could argue, I shook my head. “I know you think you’re the boss around here, but you’re about to learn you’re not. And I’m going to teach you.”
Her jaw dropped.
“I won’t ask again.”
Eyes locked on mine, her feet began to move toward me. I pinned her hard with a stare willing her to feel my desire, my intent for her that night. When she stopped just inches in front of me, I pounced.
I pulled her face to mine and crushed her against me. I inhaled her scent—cinnamon and vanilla—and the effect of her shot straight to my groin. I hefted her up against me, and she wrapped her legs around my waist. Kissing, touching, fumbling, I got us to the bedroom.
Pulling myself away from her, I set her down. “Strip.”
Her eyes never left mine as she untied the apron at her waist and let it drop to the floor. Then she unbuttoned her shirt, one by one, until her pretty pink bra was revealed. Then her pants and panties, and finally, she took her bra off, and she stood before me, completely revealed.
I was ravenous, but I told myself to slow down. I moved to the edge of the bed and sat, then reached out for her waist and laid her over my lap.
“Tripp?”
My hand came down hard on her ass. “That’s for teasing me.”
She cried out but didn’t try to get away.
I smacked her again. “That’s for bossing me.”
Her breathing was shallower now.
A third time. “And that’s because I wanted to.”
Then I stood and traded places with her. I told her to watch as I kicked my boots across the room then shucked my shirt and jeans. I loved watching her lids grow heavy and her cheeks flush. Once I stood bare, my desire for her made obvious, I told her. “Take me in your mouth.”
For once, she didn’t sass or hesitate. She moved from the bed to her knees and slowly, almost shyly, pressed her lips to my head. Her tongue darted out and licked me all around. I groaned when she opened her mouth to me and took me in, her silky-smooth mouth enveloping me, and her soft hands covering what her mouth could not.
She found a slow rhythm, licking and sucking, blue eyes flickering up to my face. At the last possible moment before exploding in her mouth, I reached down and hefted her up laying her on the bed. I pulled both her arms above her head and pinned her down while licking and kissing my way down her body.
I reached her hips and looked up at her. “Don’t you dare move.” Then I released her arms and found her sex ready for me, but I had to have a taste of her first. I ran my tongue down her slit then into her folds, tasting her sweetness. She cried out above me and arched her back. I looked up at her, and her perfect breasts were straining to the ceiling as her head thrashed on the pillows. I teased and licked and laved until I could feel her thighs trembling and knew she was close. I was merciless and pushed her until she came hard, her tremors vibrating against my tongue.
She cried out, but I continued until she was whimpering for mercy. When I was sure I had wrung every last pulsation from her body, I rose to my knees and draped her legs over mine. I pointed my head at her slick entrance.
“Do you want me?”
“Yes,” she cried.
“Need me?”
“Tripp, please. I need to feel you.”
I ran my hand up and down her folds. “Tell me how bad.”
“God, you’re killing me. Please, please,” she begged.
I leaned over her body and pushed my way inside her watching her eyes until I was buried deep. But then it was about me. I drew back, thrust, drew out further and thrust harder. I set a punishing pace until we were both panting and slick with sweat. I felt her tight little sheath clench around me, and she cried out once more. Her release drew mine from me, and I yelled out, coming harder and longer than ever before. I kept moving inside her until she held every drop of me.
Then finally, I collapsed over her.
Our breathing was ragged, our bodies were tired, but I knew we were both sated, and I finally felt some peace.
“I have been dying to get back here and do that.”
“That was amazing,” she said, her eyes closed, a small smile playing on her lips.
“You are amazing,” I told her and rubbed my thumb along her cheekbone.
She turned her head to face me, and I was struck again by her beauty. She had such purity and innocence about her. I wanted to preserve it and sully it at the same time. But only me. If this angel should fall, let it be because of the sins we commit together.
“What time is it?” she asked.
I checked my watch and told her it was four o’clock.
She moaned and stretched. “I need to get out to the kitchen.”
I ran my hand down her side loving the feel of her soft curves. “Do you want any help?”
“No. Why don’t you stay right here and rest? I’ll wake you up before anyone gets here.”
“You’re sure? I don’t mind.”
“I’m sure. You must be exhausted after these past few days.”
&nb
sp; “Well, if you insist,” I said and threw the quilt over myself.
Hannah giggled and slid out of bed. I could hear her rustling around and getting dressed as I began to doze off. Just as I fell into sleep, I felt a cool hand on my forehead, and a sweet kiss pressed to my temple.
“Rest well,” she whispered.
Then the door closed, and I was out.
I didn’t know another thing until I felt a movement on the bed like someone had sat down. I opened my eyes, and sure enough, there was Hannah with a mug of coffee.
“I thought I should wake you now before anyone gets here for dinner.”
“That for me?” I asked about the coffee.
“Yep, thought you could use a little perking up after that workout.”
“You’re a good woman, Hannah Price.” I accepted the mug and took a sip. So good. “I’ll be out in just a minute.”
She pressed a kiss to my forehead and left me to get dressed. I surveyed the room, bed a mess, clothes strewn everywhere, full mug of coffee, and the smell of a good dinner waiting on me.
A man could get used to this.
Less worried about my reputation but very worried about hers, I gathered my things and got dressed. I joined her in the kitchen and managed to sneak in a quick kiss before Jake wandered in.
“Hey, boss. Welcome back.”
“Good to be back. How you holding up?”
“I can honestly say I’ve never been this tired in my life, but we’re making good progress.”
“I knew you would. Go on and have a seat. We’ll have dinner ready for you in just a minute.”
Jake cocked his head at me and gave me an odd look, and I realized my mistake.
We.
Not Hannah. Not I. We.
Shit.
I cleared my throat and buried my face in my coffee mug. I looked at Hannah and assumed by the look on her face she’d caught my Freudian slip as well. There was nothing to be done about it now, I thought.
“May as well put me to work,” I told her.
“Umm, okay. The rolls should be done cooling. You can just throw them in this bowl for the table.” Jake wandered off into the dining room, and she brought me the bowl. “Then you might as well join him.” She arched her eyebrow, and her message was clear.
We don’t know what we are yet. Let’s not involve other people until we do.
I went and sat with Jake, and we discussed the events of the past few days. As the other guys began coming in—muddy, dirty, tired—they updated me on their progress, and I was pleased to hear how far they’d come in such a short amount of time.
Hannah brought out several plates full of thick pork chops, rice, gravy, and of course, her wretched vegetables.
I was careful not to let my eyes linger on her but could feel Jake watching me closely. He leaned over. “She’s sure a pretty one, isn’t she?”
“I suppose she is.”
“You know, I asked her out a few days back. Offered to buy her a coffee.”
I bit down and clenched my jaw so I wouldn’t say anything stupid. Hannah was off limits, and I was beginning not to care who knew it. I glanced up at her. Why hadn’t she told me?
I released my death grip on the bread bowl and passed it on to Jake. I tried for nonchalance. “Oh yeah, what did she say?”
“She turned me down. Said she was too busy working two jobs and all.” I could feel his eyes on me, so I met his gaze. “But something tells me that wasn’t the real reason.” His face broke into a wide grin, and he clapped me on the back. “And your face just confirmed it.”
“Dammit, Jake, shut your stupid mouth.”
“Don’t worry, boss. Your secret’s safe with me. But if you keep looking at her like a sad, lost puppy all the time, it won’t be long before the others catch on.”
I muttered a curse and buttered the crap out of my bread. Was I that obvious? That pathetic? If even the affable dumb-dumb, Jake, picked up on it, then I had to wonder.
I didn’t know what this was or what Hannah thought it was. I wasn’t sure what either of us wanted it to be. Lord knows we both had plenty enough to keep us busy already. We didn’t need the complications relationships brought. So was it just sex? Amazing, mind-blowing, axis-shifting sex?
I risked another glance at her and caught her eye. She’d been watching me too. Something in my heart swelled, and I knew that it wasn’t just sex. At least not for me.
So where the hell did that leave us?
I didn’t have long to wonder. Bill, who wouldn’t let me call him my Ranch Manager, but for all intents and purposes was, spoke up. He’d made a detailed list of the damage, cost estimates, what had been repaired, and what was left to do. By the time we had made it through his list, everyone had finished eating and began heading out presumably to go back to work, though I told them all they should call it an early night. I doubted many of them would listen.
Bill was the last to leave. I shook his hand and thanked him for his hard work in my absence. He tipped his hat at me, then Hannah, and then left.
I turned to her. “What are your plans this evening?”
“I just need to clean up here, then nothing.”
“I’d like to show you something.”
“A surprise?” The lift and hope in her voice twisted my heart.
“Yes, a surprise. For you.”
“Just let me get this place clean, and I’ll be ready to go.”
I helped her gather the dishes and put everything away. She didn’t try to stop me which told me just how excited she was to have something to look forward to. I couldn’t help but wonder if she hadn’t had many of those moments in her life. I had to ask myself again, how had it happened? How had she ended up so alone in the world?
I shook my head. No matter. She was here now. And no matter what happened between the two of us, she would always be a welcome addition to Maverick Ranch.
“Okay. Kitchen looks good. Just let me freshen up real quick.”
She scampered off to her quarters and came back out about five minutes later in a clean outfit of jeans, boots, and a light flannel button-up. I could tell she’d put on a touch of makeup, and though I didn’t think she needed it, I was touched that she wanted to look nice for our outing.
“All ready?” I asked.
She nodded. “Do I get any hints?”
I shook my head. “You’d never guess it anyway.”
She squinted her eyes at me, and I led her out to the truck.
“Are we going on a horse ride?”
“No.”
“Are you showing me some other part of the ranch?”
“You could say that.”
“Is it your house?”
“No. Wait. Why? Do you want to see it?”
She shrugged. “I’m a little curious, but it’s not a big deal.”
I hadn’t considered showing her much more of my life than she’d already seen. It didn’t seem all that interesting to me, but I added showing her my home to the list of things I wanted to do with her.
“Umm, to see the animals?”
“You’re not going to guess, so stop trying.” I chuckled and shook my head. A thought struck me, and I glanced over at her. “You know, I never said the surprise was something we’re going to do. How do you know I didn’t get you something?”
She shrugged easily. “Even considering all you have, you don’t seem materialistic. I think if you wanted to give me something, it’d be an experience and not a possession.”
The girl was sharp. It hadn’t even been a conscious thought of mine, but she was right. I’d rather show her the world than give it to her. The thought made me even more excited for her surprise.
I drove us back to the main house and parked in the garage. I rounded the truck taking her hand to help her out of it, then I held onto it as we went through the house, out the back door, and in the direction of the helicopter waiting in the meadow.
“Tripp?” she asked, her question clear.
I st
opped to face her and took both her hands. “Have you ever seen the Rocky Mountains from the sky?”
Her eyes widened, and she shook her head silently.
I squeezed her hands. “Well, you’re about to.”
Her jaw dropped, but then a slow grin claimed her face, and soon she was smiling from ear to ear. I couldn’t help but return it. “Come on,” I told her and nodded my head in the direction of the chopper.
She grasped my hand tightly as I led her over to meet the pilot.
“Hannah, this is our pilot, Alan Shepherd. Alan, this is her first time in a helicopter.”
“Then I’ll be sure to give you a great show,” he told her. I shook his hand, then helped Hannah climb into the helicopter. I gave her a set of headphones and pulled my own on.
“Can you hear me?”
She nodded vigorously.
The sun was getting low but would provide the perfect glow for our ride. We buckled ourselves in, and I gave the thumbs up. We rose into the sky, and Hannah’s delighted laughter filled my ears. I looked over, and she was clapping her hands with the innocence of a child. My heart filled with joy.
I’d told the pilot we were taking a joy ride and to go where he pleased, just show Hannah the beautiful sights.
As we zoomed around the sky, Hannah would point excitedly and show me landmarks. Her favorite mountain. The trail she liked to walk. A pond she swam in as a kid. We headed toward Great Falls, and she found her bakery and her best friend’s house.
“Look, you can see all five of the falls from up here,” she said, her eyes shining.
Great Falls had been named after five waterfalls that fed into the city. I caught her eye.
“My mom, among other things, was a conservationist. She loved those falls and did a lot in the way of keeping them clean and organizing events near them to showcase their beauty. She always told us that Mother Earth had gifted her with five boys for each one of the five waterfalls she’d cared for.” I shook my head and laughed. “Some days, my dad would swear it was a curse, not a blessing.”
Hannah laughed along with me. “So which fall is yours?”
“Big Falls,” I pointed to the lowermost waterfall. “From there, she assigned them by birth from me at the bottom to the baby at the top, the uppermost fall.”
