Texas Fire

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Maybe a little. The wind is cooler on the water.”

  There was a blanket folded on the other seat across from them but Rowdy ignored it. He put his arm around her instead. “That better?”

  “Much.” Megan leaned against him and enjoyed the ride down the lazy river. They were both silent, as if afraid talking would break the spell that had started over dinner. They’d become friends as they’d shared experiences. It was a good feeling, and she didn’t want to ruin it. She savored the cool weather after a long, hot summer and watched the trees lining the river go by. They also passed many busy restaurants and bars. Laughter drifted across the water along with music from different venues. It was a romantic vibe. But none of that intrigued her as much as the solid strength of the man next to her. He ran his hand up and down her arm, warming her, but he never said a word, not even when, finally, the boat landed in front of the hotel patio. Rowdy helped her climb out.

  “That was lovely. Thanks.” She took his hand and walked beside him to the elevator. What would happen when they got to their rooms was up to him. She knew what she wanted.

  He opened the door with his key card when they got there. Megan almost held her breath when he looked at the door to his bedroom. Then he walked over to the balcony in their shared living area and opened the glass slider. Okay, so he wasn’t quite ready to call it a night.

  “You want something from the minibar?” She opened the tiny refrigerator and peered inside. “I—” Warm hands came around her waist, and she slammed the door shut, then straightened.

  “What I want is standing right here.” His voice was low, husky. He trailed his lips over her bare shoulder. “This has been driving me crazy all night. I need to know.” He pushed the top down her arms. “No bra. Woman, that is just plain cruel.” He cupped her breasts in his palms and pressed against her from behind.

  “Rowdy.” Megan raised her arms and reached back to run her fingers through his thick, crisp hair. “God, that feels good. I’ve wanted your hands on me ever since the pond. Even before that.” She sighed when he circled her nipples with his fingers. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

  “You going to stop me?” He turned her around and looked into her eyes. Another man might have just checked out her breasts, but he was waiting for her answer.

  “Stop you?” She grabbed his shoulders. “Are you going to stop me?” She stretched up, reaching for his mouth with her own, needing to taste him again. He let her in to explore with her tongue, then took over, making her wild for him, for more.

  He picked her up and carried her to his bedroom, still kissing her. Only when he stood next to his bed did he set her on her feet and lean back to take a breath.

  “Let me.” He unhooked her silver belt and dropped it on the floor. Then he lifted up her blouse, drawing it up her arms and off before he tossed it aside. “Beautiful.” He leaned down as he held her breasts, stroking one with his tongue, then taking a nipple into his mouth. When he drew hard, she gripped his hair again and gasped his name.

  “My turn.” She pushed up his shirt, desperate to get it off of him. He finally cooperated so he could throw it aside. It hit the dresser, landing in front of the mirror. Megan glanced that way and saw them together. He was much bigger than she was, but she didn’t mind it. She reveled in his strength, his broad shoulders and the muscles that rippled in his arms when he slid his hands inside her elastic waistband to tug her skirt down her legs, along with her panties. She stepped out of them and kicked off her shoes, leaving them all on the floor. He ran his hands down her legs as he dropped to his knees while Megan held on to his shoulders again.

  He laughed and kissed her tattoo. “Bet there’s a story here. Texas forever?”

  “Of course. But that story’s going to have to wait.” She sighed as he trailed his lips across her stomach and aimed farther south. “You headed somewhere?”

  “Damn straight.” He gently shoved her back on the bed, his hands under her thighs as he pressed open her legs and eased between them. He pulled her toward him, then sat back, smiling before he traced a line where she knew he could see she was desperate for him already. Then he leaned forward and slid his tongue along the seam, just enough to make her moan.

  “Rowdy?” She looked down at him.

  He touched her again, opening her so he could take a long look. She’d been waxed in the spa upstairs. Her recent swim had reminded her that she’d needed to keep herself tidy in case she had to get out that bikini again. He must have liked what he saw, because he kissed her there until her head fell back and she forgot how to breathe.

  “This something you like?” He sounded like he was laughing at her.

  “Depends.” She wasn’t going to let him get away with that. So she wiggled her butt. “This something you’re really good at?”

  “You tell me.” He bent his head again and proved that he was not just good at it, he could make her scream his name and her hips come up off the bed.

  “Oh my God!” She gripped the comforter in her fists. “Stop it. You’re killing me, Rowdy.”

  “So you didn’t like it.” He grinned and shucked his jeans after toeing off his shoes. “Well, that’ll never happen again.”

  “Damn it.” Megan sat up. “Come here.” She was quivering after what had to be one of the most intense orgasms she’d ever experienced. And he just stood there? Like he was king of the bedroom? Oh no. And clearly he was hurting. It would serve him right if she walked out of there right now and let him suffer. But there was a better revenge. Megan Calhoun knew her own power and how to use it.

  “Where?” He stared at her. “You want me to lie on the bed? Next to you?” He looked down at his erection. “I seem to have a problem, Megan. I’m in pain. Can you help me?”

  “It hurts? I can see you’re swollen. Too bad.” She looked him over. Yes, she just bet he hurt, since he’d been doing all the giving and none of the taking. “But I’m done for the night.” She slid off the bed. Her knees almost buckled. God, but he’d put her through her paces. “Thanks for the nice time.” She picked up her silver belt and began to gather her clothes.

  “Wait. You can’t leave me like this. Not when you’re responsible.” He’d dropped to the bed, but now he leaned up on his elbows.

  “Me? What did I do? I just lay there on the bed. You did all the work. If you can’t control your body, fella, it’s not my fault.” Megan bit her lip to keep from laughing.

  “But just seeing you naked caused me pain.” He touched himself. “And I think I’m not the only one who needs help now. Look at you, you’re flushed. Face, breasts. And it’s not whisker burn. I shaved this afternoon. Must be something wrong, Megan. But I’ve got the cure right here.” He lay back and patted his stomach. “A ride on the Rowdy Baker love train will help you feel better. Me, too. Guaranteed. If it doesn’t work, you can have a do over.”

  That did it. Megan burst out laughing and jumped on the bed, landing next to him. “The Rowdy Baker love train?”

  “All aboard.” He pulled her on top of him, lifting her easily with those strong, strong arms until she straddled his hips.

  Megan settled onto his erection, taking him in until she gasped, still incredibly sensitive from that first orgasm. She had a feeling more were ahead. God, he felt good inside her. She looked down and thought his eyes might have rolled back in his head.

  “Rowdy? Are you with me?” She hit his chest. “This train needs to leave the station.”

  “I’m waiting for the conductor to give the signal. That’s you, lady. Set the pace. Fast, slow, any way you want it.” He reached for her hips. “I can help if you’re too weak to get us moving.”

  She laughed and leaned down to kiss him. She’d never had a lover who was this much fun. “Maybe you can help this time, but I do have a few tricks of my own.” She squeezed her inner muscles and his eyes widened. “Do you like that?”

  “Shit, woman! Do that again and this trip may be the shortest one ever.” He slid one palm up t
o her breast and held on to her hip with the other as they began to move.

  Megan leaned forward. He smiled into her eyes as he began to shift with her, finding that angle, that spot that made her gasp again and shudder. She held on to his shoulders, the pressure building inside her again almost too intense. Harder, faster. He slid both hands down to her hips, no longer smiling as he drove into her. Megan held on, her breasts brushing against him as she matched his strokes, their bodies slamming together. She rode him toward a release that quaked through her until his own climax pulsed hot inside her. A moment later, she collapsed on his chest, out of breath and totally spent.

  “Wow.” That was all she could manage.

  “You feeling better, Ms. Calhoun?” Rowdy murmured against her hair as they were drifting off to sleep. “I think you reached your destination.”

  “Some better. But I may need a do over in the morning.” She sighed and snuggled closer.

  “You know this was probably a bad idea.” He pulled her leg over his and settled his hand on her breast.

  “Probably. And I don’t give a shit.” She kissed one of his nipples, then pulled up the sheet when the air-conditioning cycled on.

  “Me, either. Good night, Megan.”

  More comfortable than she’d thought possible, Megan closed her eyes and slept.

  Chapter 11

  “This trailer is certainly a step up from the one the tornado took out.” Megan looked behind them as Rowdy negotiated the turn that would take them to the vet’s office. “It’s huge.”

  “It’s a blessing and a curse.” He shook his head. “Look at the size of that parking lot. I can’t get this thing in there. I’ll have to leave it out here on the curb. At least this neighborhood seems safe.”

  “A little too high-end. I should have known anyone recommended by that hotel wouldn’t be cheap.” Megan sighed as she realized she’d soon be broke again. “The vet told me what the bill is going to be. It’ll just about wipe me out again.”

  “I’ll pay half.” Rowdy looked surprised that he’d said it.

  Megan stared at him. Had he lost his mind? Maybe he’d offered because he was still in a good mood from two rounds of the best sex she’d ever had in her life. Wow, Mason must really be something in the sack for Cassidy to have given up this guy for him. Then again, her new sister claimed to be “in love.” Since Megan had never been hit by Cupid’s dart herself, she really had no idea what kind of thought or lack thereof made a person decide they’d met “the one.”

  “What did you say?” Maybe she’d misheard.

  “I like the dog. And I can afford it. My paycheck’s a lot bigger than yours. I checked before we took off, when we were back at the office. You’re getting the same pay an entry-level hand without a college degree and no experience would get.”

  “You don’t have to look smug about it. So I didn’t finish college. Hell, it’s already obvious I don’t know a screwdriver from a drill bit. And, yes, I know you’d never have hired me in the first place.” Megan ignored him when he stretched out his hand as if to comfort her. “But I’ll accept your help, Rowdy, and thank you.” She unbuckled her seat belt when they came to a stop. “I’ll pay you back if I manage to pass Daddy’s stupid test and get some money at the end of the year. That’s a promise.”

  “Okay, then.” He turned off the motor. “It’s a loan. No interest, unless you want me to add that, too.”

  She opened the truck door without saying another word. By the time he joined her at the entrance to the vet’s office, Megan had figured out that pouting was stupid. He was being nice. She had to get over herself.

  “Seriously, Rowdy, thank you. I know you were against bringing the dog along. Add the interest. It’s only right.” She stuck out her hand.

  He shook it. “That’s a deal.” He held the door into the office open so she could precede him. They could hear a familiar barking coming from the back. The veterinarian herself came out to talk to them after they paid several hundred dollars for Lucky’s shots and license. Not that they’d be staying in San Antonio again, but apparently it was a requirement in this office.

  “He’s a little thing, but healthy and seems like a smart fellow, already knows a few basic commands.” The doctor smiled when her assistant brought an excited Lucky out from the back.

  The dog lunged at Megan, almost knocking her down when she squatted to greet him. She laughed and shoved him back when he tried to cover her face with dog kisses.

  The vet grabbed the leash off the floor and handed it to Megan. “Nice leash. Hand-tooled leather.”

  “We just came from a ranch where one of the cowboys made it. He really wanted to keep Lucky for himself. If my dog goes missing, I’ll know where to look.” Megan rubbed the dog’s ears. “But I won’t give him up. I told you how I found him. It seemed like fate.”

  “He was one lucky dog, all right. I put a chip in him as you asked. Just fill out the paperwork and e-mail the registry. If he gets away from you, he can be traced.” She shook hands with them. “If you need me again, my information is on your copy of the bill.”

  They thanked her and headed for the truck. Lucky sprang into the backseat, where they’d put down a new beach towel for him. They’d already stopped at a big box store for supplies, using the company credit card to replace a lot of the things they’d bought before the tornado had wiped them out. Also on their list was a laptop computer for Megan and a new tablet for Rowdy. He had explained that they both were essential for the next job they’d be tackling.

  “Thanks again for helping with the vet bill. I’m still in sticker shock.” Megan pushed Lucky back when he tried to ride in her lap. “I guess you want me to navigate again. Do you have a map?”

  “No need. This new truck has a nav system and satellite radio. Plus we’re heading straight out I-10 until we get near Pecos. Then we skirt the Davis Mountains.”

  “I’ve never been there.” She realized there was a lot of Texas she’d never explored.

  “Wait till you see them.” He smiled at her. “I don’t know about you, but after being raised in the flatlands around Houston, I’m crazy about mountains.”

  “Me, too.” Megan leaned toward him. This was something else they had in common. It continually surprised her that they liked so many of the same things. “One of my favorite vacations is skiing, just about anywhere. Not that I’m any good at it. I just love to sit in the lodge with a good view of the mountains and gaze at them.”

  “I get it. I went skiing once. A little too cold for my taste. But being in the mountains? Hoo boy. That’s amazing. I’m with you. A spot next to the window, a roaring fire, and one of those hot toddies.” He laughed. “Nothing like that where we’re going. You’ll see desert one minute and mountains the next. The site is out of town on a county road. Maybe I’ll use the nav system then.” Rowdy eased them away from the curb. “Cassidy made sure we had all the bells and whistles in this truck. For once I’m not dreading going out west.”

  “She went overboard, Rowdy. I never expected any of this.” Megan stared out the window, all thoughts of romantic nights in the mountains overwhelmed by the reality of what this rig must have cost. “The company really can’t afford this kind of extravagance right now.” She knew things were getting better for the oil industry as a whole, because the price of oil had been rising. But she couldn’t forget the dark cloud hanging over Calhoun Petroleum that had nothing to do with that price. How could Cass justify this kind of expenditure? Rowdy claimed the dealership had thrown in extras, hoping for future business from Calhoun, and had given them a fleet rate. There was insurance money from the first set of wheels, too. So maybe her clever sister hadn’t spent as much as Megan thought. Of course, Cass was probably feeling guilty, too.

  And not just about her relationship with Rowdy. Conrad Calhoun had defrauded a lot of people. Stolen their mineral rights. He’d even tricked Rowdy’s senile grandmother into signing away her rights thirty-something years ago. Now the family held that s
ecret and felt horrible about it. Megan had been warned not to tell anyone until Cass was ready with numbers for the victims of the fraud. Even hinting about the scandal to King had been dangerous. But how could she just sit back and ride west with Rowdy like she didn’t know . . . ? Once he found out, not only would he be pissed that her daddy had deceived his family, but he’d also be furious that she’d played ride the love train with him and never said one word. Not to mention, he’d hate anyone who carried the Calhoun name.

  Megan was having a very hard time handling what she’d learned about her father herself. She fought back sudden tears. It was impossible to believe that Daddy, the man who’d called her Pumpkin and thought she could learn the oil business, had been a lying, cheating scoundrel. She sucked in a shaky breath and knew she wasn’t nearly ready to tell Rowdy the truth about Conrad Calhoun and what he’d done.

  She watched Rowdy steer them onto a freeway headed west. He was competent as usual. They had miles to go yet, and months more in close quarters. No way did she want to ride that long with a furious man who felt betrayed. Especially after what they’d just discovered about each other. So she’d keep her secret and pray he wouldn’t find out from anyone else—at least not until a big wad of money could take some of the sting out of the betrayal.

  Because last night had been . . . amazing. And this morning he’d turned to her and rocked her world again. No wild rides on the love train this time. Instead he’d made slow, tender love to her. It had still ended with her losing her mind in his arms. The man was a genius when it came to finding just the right places that made her body hum or shout hallelujah. A quick shower together had made a third round tempting. But Rowdy always had his schedule in mind. So they’d grabbed breakfast from the buffet in the hotel dining room, then used a cab to get to the dealership where the brand-new four-door truck and RV were waiting. A two-bedroom RV. Megan smiled, hoping that only one of those bedrooms would be used, unless they could train Lucky to sleep in the other bunk.

  “What are you smiling about?” Rowdy glanced at her. “Couldn’t be thinking about a train ride, could you?”