“Nice place. It feels very cozy.” I looked around and then breathed in the faint scent of amber that seemed to emanate from the air. Rick smiled and then gestured for me to sit on the couch.
“Get comfortable. I’m going to grab that tool-kit and tire from the shed. I have tea in the kitchen if you’d like to help yourself, and I have a stack of National Geographic magazines if those are of interest to you.” He motioned to a large wicker basket and then disappeared through the door. I leaned forward and picked one out of the basket.
“I must be losing my mind. Seriously.” I flipped through the magazine and then landed on a page that featured a picture of the Grand Canyon. I studied the landscape for a few minutes and then fought back a tear. Joe and I had gone to the Grand Canyon for one of our anniversaries. I still couldn’t believe that he was gone. Equally troubling was the fact that I had just dated two different men in the span of three days, and was now sitting inside one of their homes.
I closed the magazine and stared blankly out the window. Rick had a view of the mountains and the meandering creek below. I took a deep breath and then closed my eyes. What was I doing? When was I going to tell anyone else that I was pregnant? Did I even have any business dating when I knew that I’d never love the way I did with Joe?
I sat with my questions for what felt like an eternity. When I opened my eyes, Rick was standing before me with a glass of water and a handful of wildflowers. He smiled and handed them to me, just as the sun set behind the mountains. I stared at him for a few seconds, then leaned forward and kissed him square on the lips.
Chapter 11
“You know. I’ve been wondering what your lips tasted like since the first time I saw you at Avalanche. Looks like I just found out.” Rick smiled and gently backed away. “Let me show you the rest of my place.” He took me by the hand and led me through his dining room, then around a corner and into a huge bedroom that overlooked Paradise Valley.
“This is an incredible place. Your views are amazing.” I smiled and he pulled me closer.
“Not as good as the view I have looking at you.” He ran his hand over my hair and then drew me into his chest. I could feel his heat beating and it filled me with a rush of excitement. I closed my eyes just as he leaned in and kissed me. It was peculiar that I found myself enjoying the kiss, rather than wishing it away with thoughts of Joe. I wrapped my hands around his neck and rocked slowly back and forth.
“Come over here.” Rick guided us toward his king-sized bed and then propped himself on the edge. He pulled my sweater over my head, then ran his hands over my breasts. I could smell his clean-soap scent, and it made me even more attracted to him. “This is the best afternoon I’ve had in ages.” Rick grinned and unzipped his jeans, and I watched with anticipation as he tossed them to the floor.
The sun had tucked behind the clouds and a few oddly shaped shadows danced across the floor. I slid out of my pants and then inched up onto the bed with a flirtatious smile. Rick wasted no time following me and before I knew it we were both lying on our sides, caressing each other and kissing with reckless abandon.
“I would have never expected this.” I laughed as Rick played with my hair. “I really did just plan on having breakfast and going home.” I leaned my head back on the pillow and Rick ran his tongue down my neck. It sent Goosebumps down my spine. “What a pleasant surprise.” I grinned, then curled my toes as he kissed my ears, my face, then my stomach.
“Let me make love to you, Alyssa.” Rick backed up and then looked at me with a serious expression. I smiled and bit my lip. Was this the right thing to do? We had just met the other day. I knew that if I allowed it, my mind would travel with unbridled anxiety into places I’d rather not go. I gave myself a break and ignored the chatter, then pulled Rick on top of me, ready to honor his request.
He wasted no time sliding into me, and I clutched his waist with my hands. It had been so long since I’d felt anyone on my body, that it was almost too much stimulation for me to handle. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation that came from his powerful manhood. He moved with a gentle force, and I found myself crying out with pleasure as he brought me to the brink of ecstasy.
My orgasm came too quickly, but his followed only seconds behind me, and we both lied motionless on the bed with giant smiles on our faces when it was over. “I hope you know that there’s more from where that came from.” Rick traced my face with his finger, then rolled over and looked me in the eyes.
I lied there in silence for a few seconds, then sighed and faced him with a shy smile. “I really liked that.” I leaned in and kissed him on the nose. Without his glasses he looked even younger, but either way he was handsome. I slid off the bed and then reached for my sweater and my pants. “And now, I really need to get that housecleaning taken care of.” I winked and then got dressed.
Chapter 12
Bozeman was hit with another unexpected snowstorm mid-week. I was still able to trudge into Avalanche, but we weren’t as busy as usual. It was a somewhat welcome change for me, because it meant that I wasn’t as exhausted by the end of the day. However, the lack of money in my pocket was noticeable, and I found myself sitting up at night worried about my future.
“Hey, Rebecca. It’s me. Long time no talk.” I smiled, glad to hear a familiar female voice. “I know. I have a lot to catch you up to speed with.” I chuckled, then proceeded to tell her how work was going, and how I had become involved with two men since starting the new job.
“I’m in shock, Alyssa. Do you like either of these guys?” I could hear her talking to Cherry in the background and smiled at the thought of having my own child one day soon.
“I do like them. That’s the odd part. I can’t really explain it, and I sometimes feel like I’m going behind Joe’s back, but…” I paused and then shook my head. “I think it’s kind of like a welcome distraction, you know?” I sighed and then looked out the window. The neighbors were shoveling out their trucks, and a few plows were beginning to make their way down the old gravel road.
“Well, you have to do what makes you happy, and what’s right for your situation. Believe me, Alyssa. Nobody can even begin to imagine the pain you’re feeling now that Joe is gone. I’m sure some people will misinterpret you seeing two guys…” She chuckled and then cleared her throat. “But nobody knows your story, so who cares?” Rebecca offered her take on the situation, and I silently nodded my head.
“I’ve been really lonely, Rebecca. I’m in this big house by myself and… I don’t know. I guess I’m just feeling vulnerable. However, I must say. The one guy, Rick, is really nice. I can’t tell if he’s really serious about me, but we spent time together yesterday, and I think there’s some potential. The only problem is that Christopher was the first one I dated, and I have a really strong attraction to him.” I realized I was babbling and quieted myself.
“Well, I suppose it’s not such a bad thing to be in the position to pick and choose.” Rebecca spoke as I walked into the kitchen.
“I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your advice. You always make me feel better.” I hung up and then got dressed, just in time to receive a phone call from Christopher. He wanted me to meet him at the River Bed Café after my Avalanche shift tomorrow. I agreed, and then spent the rest of my day trying to clean the house and fix the corral post that was crumbling in the far end of the field.
When I got ready for work the next day, I was excited at the idea of seeing Christopher, but I was also worried that Rick might find out. After all of his information-sharing, maybe he’d think I was a fool to still go out with Christopher. I realized that so far, there was no commitment necessary in any of our eyes. Yet I still didn’t like the idea of making plans with one man, while another one waited in the wings. I wasn’t much for playing games.
“Glad to see you made it, Alyssa.” Christopher was seated at the bar when I came in. He looked handsome as ever, dressed in a black button down and a pair of jeans. His green eyes seemed to stand out against th
e black shirt, and I imagined him kissing me with passion. He ordered a Jack and Coke, which I now assumed was his signature drink. I opted for a hot tea this time, and decided that I still didn’t want to tell him that I was pregnant.
“You know, I still want to extend the offer for you to come out to Bobcat Ranch. I’ve got a great pool room, and a bar, and even a little hot tub.” He winked and then took a sip of his drink. I blushed and lifted my tea to my lips.
“I’ll think about it. Maybe one day this week I can make it out there after my shift.” I batted my lashes and then decided that maybe Rick had been wrong. How could this man with the mysterious green eyes be violent? How could I believe that he was once physically aggressive with his old girlfriend? I was beginning to wonder if Rick had exaggerated, or even lied completely, to win my affection.
“Well, I hope you decide to make the trip.” Christopher took a sip of his drink, then waved down the waiter for a pen. “Here’s my address. I’ll be home all day Wednesday.” He raised his brows and then sat back in his seat. I could see his thick, rounded chest through his shirt, and a pang of lustfulness filled my loins.
“Thanks for inviting me.” I flicked my long hair over my shoulder and then got more comfortable in my seat. An image of Rick making love to me filled my mind, but I wished it away, convinced now that he had just made up lies about Christopher. I took another sip of my tea, then nibbled a few of the pretzels that were in the bar basket.
“Well, I need to go tend to my horses, Alyssa, but it was nice seeing you again. I think we need to get some alone time soon.” He winked and then laid a ten-dollar bill on the table. I smiled, then reached for my coat. I watched him walk away and then decided that I would go visit his ranch like he wanted. In fact, I’d make it a big surprise.
I got home and took off my clothes, then stood in front of the mirror. I only had the slightest bump that indicated I was pregnant. I wondered how long before my secret was revealed. I didn’t really feel like I was lying right now by keeping it to myself, but it would be nice to share my truth with the world as soon as the time was right.
I went to sleep with thoughts about how I could surprise Christopher. I knew he said that he’d be home on Wednesday, but I was too excited to wait that long. I decided that I’d drive out Monday afternoon, after I had gotten home from Avalanche. I picked out one of my favorite brown sweaters with a pair of maroon leggings. I smiled, already picturing his face when I showed up at his house by surprise.
Waiting for Monday to arrive was like torture, but I made it through. As soon as I got home from Avalanche, I showered and dressed, then pulled out the paper that he’d scrawled his address on. I dressed in my outfit then headed out to the truck. The entire ride to Bobcat Ranch put my stomach in knots. I had never surprised a man with a visit before. This would be memorable.
As I pulled up to Bobcat Ranch I noticed his large truck parked out front. Then I saw another smaller red truck parked off to the side. There were several horses galloping through the snow, and I smiled at the serenity. Carefully, I stepped out of the truck and then walked slowly toward his house. I reached the front door and rang the bell, but there was no answer.
“I wonder if he’s out back.” I wasn’t familiar with the property, but I could see that there was a patio leading to a back door, so I stepped around and craned my neck, hoping to find him out back splitting wood or grooming a horse. Yet I only found a pile of snow and a couple of wooden shovels. I walked now, curiously, to the back window that faced the ranch. Then I pressed my face against the glass and peered inside.
“Oh my God.” I spoke out loud and then froze in my tracks. My heart sank and my face turned red. There was Christopher- on top of a red-headed woman, making love to her as she clawed his back with her hands. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I wanted to turn around and run away but I couldn’t tear my eyes off them. Christopher ran his hands up and down her body and thrust deeper inside her. I covered my mouth and then finally turned away. I stormed up the driveway, opened up my truck door, climbed in and drove away.
Chapter 13
I went to work the next day with a numb feeling in my heart. I couldn’t believe what I’d witnessed yesterday, and it filled me with a sadness that I hadn’t quite expected. I waited on my tables and went through all the motions, but my mind was preoccupied and my feelings were scrambled. As if dealing with my raw emotions wasn’t enough, just as I was about to leave work, Christopher walked into the restaurant. “Hey, Alyssa. Hope you’re not leaving yet.” He smiled and then headed toward his usual table.
“Actually, I am leaving, and I hope I never see you again.” I grabbed my coat and then, without even buttoning it, stormed out of the restaurant. Christopher ran out behind me, calling my name as I threw open the door to my truck. I didn’t want to see his face, but there he was, standing in front of my hood, his arms in the air and a bewildered look on his face.
“What is going on?” He yelled and I rolled down the window.
“Are you serious? You invited me to your house!” I was so upset I didn’t even know how to get my point across.
“Yes. I did invite you. What’s wrong?” Christopher still looked confused.
“What’s wrong is that I caught you in bed with another woman yesterday. Okay? How do you feel now?” I wanted to drive away, but I also wanted to hear his explanation.
“Listen, Alyssa. I need to just be up front with you, oaky?” Christopher looked at me with a shrug. “I only dated you because some of my buddies dared me to. They wanted to see how quickly I could get you in bed.” He shrugged and then turned around to walk away.
“What?” I was furious but didn’t know what else to say or do.
“You heard me. It was a dare. And you know what? I’m allowed to sleep with whoever I want. Sorry to burst your bubble.” He raised his brows, then turned around and walked away. I sat behind the wheel in disbelief. Then I started the ignition, threw it in reverse and drove away.
When I got home I sat on my bed and cried. I couldn’t believe all that had happened. I walked toward the window and watched Lizzie as she moped around in the corral, then I got undressed and climbed into bed. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard a gently rapping at my door. Who could possibly be at my house? Thinking that one of my neighbors had been locked out, I got up and jogged down the wooden steps, then threw open the door.
“Sorry to come by without announcement, but I really wanted to see you.” Rick stood in my doorway holding a bouquet of roses. He handed them to me and then smiled. I was too surprised to say much of anything, so I just backed up and motioned for him to come inside. I realized that I had two options at that moment. I could either tell him all about the ordeal with Christopher, or simply let it go and pretend like it never happened.
“It’s actually wonderful to see you, Rick.” I smiled and then wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you since the last time we saw each other.” I was telling him the truth, but it was still confusing for me because I didn’t know if I was acting, again, out of vulnerability, or out of vengefulness toward Christopher. Why did relationships have to be so complicated?
“Well, the feeling is mutual, and I wanted to make sure that you understood how I felt about you, Alyssa.” Rick looked at me thoughtfully and then swallowed hard. “You know. I didn’t mean to paint Christopher out as the bad guy when I told you everything I knew about him.” He hung his head and then shrugged. “I just didn’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Well, you were right.” I cocked my head and then laughed. “Because I caught him in bed with another woman.” I looked away, the feelings of disappointment creeping back up my spine. Rick looked at me with a strange expression.
“You went to his house?” He stood back and folded his arms across his chest. I nodded my head and then reached for his hand.
“I did. Look, let’s just…” I covered my face with my hands, wanting all of this confusion to just go away. Rick stared at me with a di
sappointed frown.
“You went to his house? After we made love?” I could tell from his tone of voice that he was disappointed. I didn’t know what to tell him, and I really wanted avoid getting into all the details.
“Listen, Rick. I just want to enjoy my afternoon, okay.” I ran my hands on his arm and then squeezed his hand.
“Okay, Alyssa. Whatever you say.” He sighed and then followed me into my bedroom.
“Make love to me like you did the other day.” I whispered in his ear and then pulled my sweater over my head. He stood back and watched me in admiration. “I’m in the mood.” I leaned forward and whispered to him again, then shook my leggings down to the floor.
“You know, I’m just going to pretend that you didn’t go and visit Christopher. I’m just going to put it out of my mind.” Rick shook his head and then ran his hands over my body. “I want you so bad that it doesn’t even matter. Even if you did touch that man-whore, I’d still be into you.” Rick traced my jaw line with his finger, then unzipped his pants and let them fall to the floor.
“I’ll tell you more about it later.” I stood before him and rocked my hips slowly, from side to side. The sunlight streamed through the living room window, and I could tell that the massive sheets of ice from the previous snows were finally beginning to melt. “But for now, just take me.” I threw back my head and he kissed my neck, then clutched my waist with his hands and licked my stomach with his warm, determined tongue.
“Get on the bed.” Rick eased me back and I lied down, my head propped on a silky pillow. He ran his hands down my thighs, taking time to feel the delicate bends of muscle that led down my calves and toward my feet. “You’ve got an incredible body.” He kissed my toes and then backed up so that he could admire me in all of my naked glory.
Romance: Luther's Property Page 20
