Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

  “What, darlin’? Tell me what you want.”

  God, she couldn’t. But then his tongue was on her, licking, teasing, hovering, yet never taking her into his mouth until she thought she’d scream.

  “Connor, please.”

  His head lifted. “Tell me.”

  Lance had never touched her like this or teased or licked. It was incredible and annoying and if he didn’t put his mouth on her nipples soon…

  His warm lips closed over a tight peak, licking, sucking until she writhed about.

  “Is this what you want?”

  “Yes, yes, that’s what I wanted. Thank you.”

  He stiffened, then lifted his head. “Hey, hey, darlin’ you don’t have to thank me. Surely you know all of this foreplay is for me, too.”

  But she didn’t know. Lance had never done it. Had never seemed to need it, and since he’d only touched her a little, she never knew there was more.

  God, had she ever been wrong.

  “Give me your hand,” he said, taking the one nearest him to rub over his thick arousal.

  She gasped again. He was so hard. It had to hurt.

  “Trust me, darlin’. I am enjoying this every bit as much as you. Maybe even more, knowing this is your first time.” He smiled down, tenderly brushing a piece of hair off her face. “I like that I’m bringing you pleasure.”

  She reached up to touch his face. “You are. I can barely catch my breath.”

  His smile broadened. “Good, then I’m doing it right.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, like there was ever any doubt.”

  He leaned down and kissed her, long and slow and deep. Hot chocolate. He tasted hot and like chocolate, and she closed her eyes and moaned. One big, calloused hand closed around her breast, all of it, even the nipple.

  Yes, she silently rejoiced. The other skimmed her belly, over her hip, then thigh, thumb brushing her center. He released her mouth to kiss her neck and she stilled, then moaned when he slid a finger inside. His hand was big, his finger was thick, and she was so close to climax she was already seeing stars.

  He groaned against her neck. “You’re so wet.”

  No kidding. He was making her crazy.

  His finger circled, then slipped inside. Yeah, no, Lance never did it that way. Too bad. It felt so much better.

  Now Connor was kissing a path down her shoulder, her breast, lingering on her nipple before heading down her body toward his wicked hand, his slight scruff feeling like a little bit of heaven on her skin.

  He pulled his finger out and stood back slightly, still between her dangling legs. Kerri’s stomach clenched. He spread them wider and stared down at her. Jeez. He was looking at her practically spread eagle. His gaze lifted to meet hers, and oh Lordy were his eyes hot and fierce.

  “You’re beautiful. I can’t wait to taste you.”

  Taste me? Dear God, surely he didn’t mean…

  But that was exactly what he’d meant, because a second later, his hands slid up her thighs spreading her even wider for his shoulders to fit.

  For the first time since they’d started, uncertainty washed through Kerri. She’d never done this. The thought was actually kind of gross.

  “Connor,” she said, not sure what she wanted.

  “It’s all right,” he said.

  His finger was back, brushing over her, spreading her open for…

  At the first touch of his warm mouth she lifted right up off the counter. He drew back, and a large hand palmed her belly and gently held her down.

  “Easy there, darlin’,” he said. “Just relax.”

  Relax? Easy for him to say. This was all new to her. She was spread wide open and all her good, tingly parts were there for…oh, man. His tongue tickled and licked. He felt good. Real good. In fact. If he didn’t stop…

  “Connor.” She touched his head. “If…stop…I won’t be able to.”

  He lifted his head, and the sexiest, wickedest grin crossed his handsome face, and her heart literally rocked against her ribs.

  “I don’t want you to stop. I want you to come for me, darlin’.”

  And before she could respond, his mouth was back on her, licking, stroking, sucking, then he added a finger, causing her to moan.

  Eyes closed, she lay there, uncaring that she was completely naked and he wasn’t. That they were sticky with ice cream and sweat. That she was on the counter, wide open for him to explore, and oh Lordy, was he exploring.

  Heat was building, her body was trembling, and she was enjoying all the new sensations he introduced. And when he reached up and caught a nipple between his finger and thumb, she felt the erotic sensation straight down to her center where his mouth and finger pleased.

  That was all it took. She exploded into a shattering climax, and the talented cowboy drew it out for several beats before he let her down slowly.

  When it was over, he kissed a path to her neck, where he lifted his head to look into her eyes. “Better than strawberries,” he said with a grin.

  Then he kissed her, long and deep, and again she should’ve been repulsed by the fact she could taste herself on his lips. But she wasn’t. She kissed him back, running her hands up over his warm shoulder blades, then down around to the front of his jeans where she traced his bulge with her fingers.

  He groaned and broke the kiss. “You’re killing me.”

  She smiled, still touching him. “You have on too many clothes.” Her initiation into such blatant intimacy made her bolder. “I want you naked.”

  His dimples appeared with his lop-sided grin. “Yes, ma’am.” He backed up, kicked off his boots and stripped down right in front of her in her kitchen.

  Holy Texan, he was bigger than she’d remembered seeing in her youth. And magnificent. Well proportioned for his large frame, and heaven help her, she wanted him inside her.

  “Not boxers,” she said when his briefs hit the floor.

  He stepped out of them and shook his head, his grin broadening. “Nope. Not today.” Bending down, he fished a foil packet from the pocket of his jeans, then stood and set it next to her on the counter. “Now, where were we?”

  She reached for him, needing to take him into her hands. Hot, hard, smooth, he was like satin over steel. “We were about to take care of you.”

  He hissed a breath. “Me? Darlin’, make no mistake, we’re about to take care of us both.”

  “But…you already took care of me.” She blinked, her pulse hiccupping at the heat in his eyes. “Didn’t we?”

  He shook his head, wicked grin returning. “Not by a long shot,” he replied.

  Connor kissed her again, his tongue growing bold, his hand daring as he skimmed over her breast, lightly grazing her tightened peak while his other slid further south and he slipped a finger into her wet center.

  She moaned and rocked into him. He was right. She was ready for more. She’d never been ready for more. Her hand moved up and down his hard length still in her grasp, and a new, inner feminine something rejoiced when he pulsed in her hand.

  A groan sounded deep in his throat before he drew back. “There’s only so much I can take, darlin’.” He ripped the foil packet, sheathed himself, then pulled her to the very edge of the counter, where he eased the tip inside.

  Gripping his shoulders, she threw her head back and moaned while her body got used to him. He pushed further, then further still, and she inhaled at the feel of him. He was so big and filled her so good…

  “You okay, darlin’?” he asked, eyes, half closed.

  She nodded. “Oh, yeah. But I’m going to need you to start moving.”

  His smiled appeared. “Yes, ma’am.” He gripped her hips and began to thrust.

  Things got a little wild. She slung her arms around his broad shoulders and captured his mouth. Hungry and frenzied, they kissed, his tongue matching his thrusts, driving her mad.

  Heated pressure built and enflamed and oh yeah, she was close again. Kerri had never had two orgasms during sex before. Heck, she ne
ver had two in one night. But she was almost there. Yeah, the pressure built with each delicious thrust.

  When he broke the kiss and lifted her off the counter, Kerri decided then and there gravity was her new best friend because she sank onto him even more.

  She moaned, then gasped as her back met with the cold wall. Blinking back surprise, she frowned at him. “We’re not going to the bedroom?”

  He shook his head, expression strained as he began to thrust again. “Won’t make it. You feel too damn good.”

  His words, his praise, the way he felt driving deep inside had her right back at that incredible edge again. He was plastered against her, mouth on her neck, magnificent chest brushing her nipples with each thrust. Little mewls panted up and out of her throat.

  She’d never made that sound before.

  His body was hot. So hot. She wrapped her legs around him tighter and he groaned against her throat. God, he felt so good. He filled her completely. She was done.

  “Connor.”

  He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “I’m right with you, darlin’,” he said, then kissed her hot and rough, and with so much need, she shuddered, bursting clean over that edge to experience her first ever double orgasm.

  A second later, with a fierce thrust and a sexy, rough sound rumbling in his throat, he followed her over the edge.

  Unable to remain standing, he slid them down to the floor, holding her tight, still buried deep inside her. Air rustled around them as they stayed that way a few moments, working to catch their breath. Head resting against his collarbone, she’d never felt so relaxed, so boneless in all her life.

  “Connor?”

  Spurts of warm breath fanned the side of her face and neck as his forehead rested against her temple. “Yeah?”

  “Is there a time frame on when you get the feeling back in your legs? Because mine are kind of gone.”

  His chuckle rumbled through her. “Not to worry, darlin’,” he said, drawing back to look in her eyes. “It’ll return.” A long finger traced her face and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “You okay?”

  She knew what he was fishing for. Some sign as to how he did. If she’d enjoyed sex with a straight guy. If she enjoyed sex with a cowboy. If she enjoyed sex with him. Well she did, big time. Surely he could tell by her moans and panting.

  “Better than okay,” she replied with a smile. “That was…wow.”

  His lips curved into a very satisfied grin. “I like wow.”

  “Me, too. But I think you know that.”

  “Yeah. You’re screams kinda gave it away.”

  She smacked him. “I didn’t scream.” Yeah, she did. She totally did.

  “Then you have a bad memory,” he said, detangling from her before he brought them to their feet. “What do you say we head into that big shower of yours so we can wash off chocolate heaven, and I can refresh your memory?” He ran a finger down her chest, lightly grazing a hardened peak.

  She shuddered and heat pooled low in her belly. Holy smokes. She was so easy when it came to him. Her hand skimmed up his taut abs to his muscled chest, and the thought of soaping up his hot, hard ridges made her ache.

  “Yeah,” she said, leaning forward to lick a spot of dried chocolate from his pecks. “I think I need a few more lessons.”

  In a swift move, he swept her off her feet and strode down the hall toward her bedroom. “Then we’d better hurry,” he said. “We don’t want to be late for class.”

  March was nearly over and Kerri had spent most of that time going through the applications and résumés in order to fill the staff for the restaurant. And trying not to think of Connor. Dang him. Darn cowboy had his way with her body and now he was in her head.

  Last week, his visit had been unexpected and well, magnificent, but they were supposed to keep it casual friendly. They’d talked it out. Discussed a few simple rules that would help keep things free and easy. No sleeping over. No consecutive visits. Staying all night in either of their beds was a no-no. That was a sure way to form an attachment neither of them wanted. So, after their shower and another round of incredible sex—proving Jordan’s theory about a king-size bed correct—Connor had left.

  Surprisingly, she’d been fine with that. Sore as heck, but fine. Parts of her body she didn’t even know had muscles hurt for a few days. She’d even walked funny. Trying to keep that from Jordan had been a big challenge.

  And now, staying away from the cowboy was proving another. Six days without his kisses, without his touch was a test of her resolve. But she’d had the restaurant to keep her occupied, and she knew he was busy getting ready for his spring cattle drive.

  “Earth to Kerri,” her sister was saying, snapping her fingers. “Uh oh, Brandi, I think my sister’s out in orbit, again.”

  Kerri blinked, and the two smiling women came into focus. They were sitting in a booth in the restaurant, having coffee and brownies, discussing the remaining renovations and upcoming inspections.

  Brandi’s design was coming to life and was just amazing. The wooden walls were completely done and stained, as were the floors. The tables, booths, and bar were complete. A big barbeque pit was ready for firing up. The kitchen was glorious with state-of-the-art industrial-size everything, and Kerri never wanted to leave her own little bit of heaven. Texas Republic, the name they chose for the restaurant since the public would have a say in the music and menu specials, was just about done. Only the stage area and restrooms needed to be finished.

  “I’m here. I heard you. I was just thinking how nice it’ll be to have everything complete,” she told them, sipping her coffee.

  Jordan snorted. “Yeah, right. That dreamy look had nothing to do with a certain brother-in-law of mine.”

  Brandi’s brown eyes widened. “Oh? Really? You and Connor?”

  “No.” Kerri shook her head, knowing the designer had met him when he’d stopped in with Cole a few weeks back. “There’s no me and Connor.”

  Not really.

  “So, it wasn’t his truck I saw parked here the other night. The same night he got home at four in the morning.” Jordan raised a brow.

  Cripes. Really? How the heck did her sister see all that?

  Kerri sighed. “We had a one-time thing.”

  She wasn’t sure there would be another. So it wasn’t a lie. Sure, he’d called her once and texted a few times, but they’d never made any definite plans.

  Jordan’s palm hit the table. “Hah. I knew it. That explains why he’s walking around with a smile on his face again.”

  Connor was smiling?

  Darn, if that didn’t put one on Kerri.

  “Kind of like that?” Brandi asked, pointing to her.

  Jordan nodded. “Exactly like that one.”

  “Ha ha. All right. Funs over,” Kerri said, opening the folder on the table. “We still have applications to go through.” She turned to pretty designer sitting next to her. “Thanks for helping, by the way.”

  “No problem,” Brandi said. “Your place is almost done. I’ve got your mandatory inspections all lined up and my next project doesn’t start for another month. I’m glad to help.”

  “Well, since you won’t let us pay you for this extra time, at least have one of my sister’s to-die-for chocolate peanut butter brownies,” Jordan said, pushing a piece to the designer.

  Brandi eyed it with longing, but shook her head. “I’d better not.”

  “Why?” her sister asked. “Surely you’re not worried about your figure. You look great.”

  “Yeah.” Kerri nodded. “If I had your curves…”

  “You’d be ten pounds heavier,” Brandi said, cutting Kerri off. “I’m almost to my goal weight. The past year I’ve lost forty-two pounds and would really like to get back down to where I was before my thyroid quit working.”

  Oh wow, Kerri never would’ve guessed the woman had trouble with her weight. Brandi was a little shorter than her and Jordan, probably around five seven and looked wonderful. The design
er had big, brown eyes, golden strands in her caramel color hair that fell past her shoulders, and curves, not rolls, that turned the construction crew’s heads.

  “So you’re hypothyroid.” Jordan nodded. “I had a cop friend in L.A. whose wife had to take a pill for it every day.”

  Kerri frowned at Brandi. “Is that what you do?”

  “Yeah.” The designer nodded. “But it doesn’t help me lose weight. It just controls my TSH levels. I have to watch my diet and eat smart and small every two to three hours to keep my metabolism going.” Her gaze rested on the brownies. “So, as much as I’d love to devour that beauty, I’d better not.”

  “Must be tough to eat out,” Kerri said, mind beginning to run with possibilities as she sipped her coffee.

  Brandi snorted. “You’ve no idea. Sure, I can pretty much eat anything I want, but in such small portions I’d end up wasting money and food.”

  “Really?” Yeah, her mind was running rampant now.

  Jordan smiled. “Okay, sis. What’s cooking?”

  Now Kerri smiled. “Well, it’s just a thought, but you know how some restaurants will have an under 500 calorie dish? I was thinking we could maybe do that, but tailor it better.” She glanced at Brandi. “Could you help me? Maybe make a list of acceptable food and portions so I can put together a few meals to add to the menu?”

  Brandi’s face lit up. “Oh, wow. That would be great. I’d love to.”

  “Thanks.” Kerri nodded. “You can either email it, or stop by when you’re ready and we can concoct.”

  “Sounds good,” Brandi said.

  “Then I guess we’d better get to work.” Jordan divided the applications and they each took a stack.

  An hour later, they had a nice pile of hopefuls sitting in the middle of the table and were fleshing out a training schedule when the door opened and four handsome cowboys strode in.

  “Hi, husband.” Jordan scrambled to her feet and met Cole halfway, causing the remaining cowboys to step around.

  “Hi, wife,” he said, crushing her sister in for a kiss.

  “Hi, bathroom while I puke,” Kevin muttered, without missing a beat.

  Kerri stood and laughed with the others, while her heart pounded in her chest as her gaze strayed to Connor. This was the first time she saw him since they’d shared more than ice cream.