by BJ Wane
“Good to hear.” Before she realized his intent, Greg moved alongside her and plucked her from the saddle, settling her in front of him on his massive beast of a ride without breaking a breath. “If you’ll take Cleo back, I’ll give Kelsey a faster ride on in.”
Saluting his boss, Tom grabbed Cleo’s reins and waved as he trotted behind the other riders. The dizzying effect of being transferred from one horse to another with such ease and speed cleared Kelsey’s head as Greg wrapped one thick arm around her waist and pressed her back against his wide chest. With her butt nestled against his groin, another sensation took hold, this one more to her liking. Wiggling her hips, she turned her head enough to grin up at him, catching his frown from under the rim of his hat.
“I like this seat much better.” She meant the flippant remark as a tease, but when the hard, thickness of his cock jerked against her butt, a slew of other possibilities ran through her head.
“Sit still and hold on to the pommel.” His guttural growl sent a frisson of excitement running down her body and her grin widened.
“Why? You’ve got a good hold of me.” Kelsey didn’t know if it was the pleasure of being this close to such a freaking sexy male body or the desire to see Greg smile at her that prodded her into pushing his buttons. Whatever it was, she was enjoying this turn of events in her afternoon.
“Because I said, and I’m the boss as long as you’re here.” He placed her hand on the pommel and nudged the horse into a walk. “Did you like riding Cleo?”
She nodded, her head rapping his chin. “Sorry, and yes, more than I thought. Probably because I didn’t have as far to fall off.” She cast a quick look down and shuddered.
His deep chuckle went through her, clear to her toes. “Cherokee is big but well-behaved. You won’t fall.”
Unable to help herself, she rubbed her butt against his crotch again. “You sure?”
Greg brought the hand holding the reins up and gripped her chin, turning her to face his disapproval, which only made her smile wider “Stop that,” he scolded. “You’ll distract me and that’s not wise, in more ways than one.”
“You’re taking the fun out of my first ride.” Kelsey feigned a pout.
Releasing her chin, the arm around her waist turned into a steel band. “Behave and I’ll take you for a real ride.”
“Ooh, promise?” Whether it was the accumulation of stress, unhappiness and lust that prompted her to keep pushing him or just plain orneriness, Kelsey didn’t care as a sudden thought struck her. What better way to pass the time here than with a hot and heavy affair? It would be the first time she entered into such a relationship knowing there would be an end date and the two of them would go their separate ways. How much more freeing, and enjoyable could such a liaison be when the risk of getting hurt is taken out of the equation? The more she pondered the idea, the more she liked it.
“Be careful, little bit, or you might incur consequences you aren’t prepared for.” With that warning, Greg kicked his booted heels against the horse’s sides, sending the steed into a trot that jarred her as much as his words.
Kelsey exhilarated in the faster clip that blew her hair into her eyes and bounced her against Greg, wondering if it was just coincidence both men had now hinted at spanking as a way to stop her from goading them. Were they idle threats, or were they serious? God help her, she was tempted to find out. If she could entice one of them – Greg being her best shot – into an affair, that penchant would fit right in with her vivid imagination and fantasies of the past two weeks.
Squeezing her side, Greg stated above her head, “Ready? Here we go.” Another nudge to Cherokee’s heavily muscled flanks and the stallion took off in an all-out run.
With her hair whipping around her face, the evening air cooling her heated flush and the ground below them whizzing by, her exultant laugh rang loud and clear. Who would have ever thought this could be so much fun? Maybe it was the tight hold of a sexy cowboy that was responsible for sending her senses soaring. Either way, by the time they galloped up to the barn, she could feel the strain in her legs from gripping the sides and the rapid beat of her heart pounding against her chest. Greg pulled on the reins, controlling and slowing the huge animal with admirable ease, his equally large body swaying in tune with hers as Cherokee tossed his head in a vigorous shake, his long, shade lighter mane brushing against her arm.
“He seems awfully winded,” she commented on a deep breath, noticing the horse’s labored breathing and heaving sides as Greg brought him to a halt at the corral rail by the stable.
“He’s fine.” He dropped his arm and patted Cherokee’s long neck. “We spent most of the day at a sedate pace, so he’s glad for that short run. Don’t let go until I have hold of you,” he warned as he dismounted.
Kelsey missed the comfort of his embrace and strength as soon as he slid off, but then those large, calloused hands reached up, clasped her waist and lifted her down with as little effort as he’d exhibited when hauling her off Cleo onto Cherokee. Accidentally on purpose, she fell against him as soon as her feet touched the ground, loving the hard contact of all those chest muscles against her front as much as she had pressing against her back a few minutes ago. As soon as her nipples flattened against his taut pectorals, the girls puckered into turgid tips and the slutty bitch showed her glee with a surge of damp heat. Who was she to continue telling her body no?
A quick glance proved they were the only ones around. With a coy smile and blatant batting of her eyes, Kelsey brushed her chest against his, shivering as he narrowed those heart-melting green eyes and sucked in a deep breath that shifted his tense muscles over her nipples.
“I don’t know what you’re playing at, Kelsey, but knock it off,” he warned. “It’s not happening.”
Cocking her head, she trailed her fingers down his corded, tanned neck. “What’s not happening?”
“Anything between us while you’re here. We’re responsible for you, and we take our responsibilities seriously.” Greg reached up and pulled her hand down. “Now, be a good girl and return to the house. I’ll escort you to dinner after I see to Cherokee and get washed up.”
Grabbing the reins, he pivoted and led the horse into the stable, Kelsey following on his heels with another taunt. “Fine, but Devin made it clear he wasn’t responsible for me, so I’ll just see if he’s interested in helping me pass the time in this boring place so I don’t go stir crazy.”
A laugh burst from Greg as he pulled the saddle off and opened a stall gate. He didn’t want to see her hurt by what would be Devin’s much harsher rebuttal to her wiles, so he sought to caution her. “If you think you’ll get anywhere with him, you’re sadly mistaken.”
Flipping that long, blonde hair, she glared at him with sparks in her bright eyes. “It’s my mistake to make, isn’t it?”
He swore as she spun around and took two steps toward the open door, twitching that cute ass he was sure, on purpose. He understood she was put out by her circumstances and that the ranch offered little in the way of pastimes she was used to. But that was no reason to break his vow not to involve himself on a sexual or personal level. She tempted him, he wouldn’t lie, but not enough to go down that slippery road again with a woman he’d sworn to protect.
After ensuring they were alone in the stable, Greg decided an example of those consequences he mentioned wouldn’t threaten his resolve if he delivered just enough to deter Kelsey from her set course and spare her the embarrassment of Devin’s reaction. Reaching her in two, long-legged strides, he grasped her hand and tugged her back into the stable.
“You need to heed my warnings better, and remember, I don’t bluff.” Ignoring her startled gasp, he yanked her into the crook of his arm, pinned her against his side and delivered five rapid swats on her upturned, jean-clad butt, putting just enough force behind them she would experience a twinge of discomfort and nothing more.
“Hey! What? Holy shit!” Kelsey’s strident cry ended on a gasp, and much to Greg’s su
rprised annoyance, she lifted her ass for the last slap, as if embracing the humiliating experience instead of balking at it.
Helping her upright, he kept hold of her upper arms as he gauged her reaction. Fuck if the rose hue blooming on her face and dilation of those large eyes didn’t hold a hint of excitement. Not only he, but Devin would be hard pressed keeping their hands off her if they learned she possessed a submissive streak and she kept up with her cock-teasing innuendos.
“You need to get any thoughts of pushing one of us into entertaining you with sex out of your head, little bit. It’s not going to happen. Now, run along and let me finish seeing to my horse.”
Chapter 5
Whoever said fantasies were best left unexplored didn’t know what they were talking about. Every step Kelsey took toward the house stirred the warm tingles still racing across her butt with one word resounding in her head. More. All that from a few light swats, just enough to make her wonder what her response would be to harder spanks, to the crack of Greg’s large, calloused hand on her bare flesh. A shiver trickled down her spine as she entered the house with the image of her lying across his hard thighs with her pants pulled down running through her mind.
“Oh, for crying out loud,” she muttered as the girls and slutty bitch let her know with soft pulses how much they liked that idea. Leaning against the door, she closed her eyes, wondering how far she was willing to go with pushing either Greg or Devin into sex. The fact she couldn’t decide which man she was drawn to and itching to get down and dirty with most should give her pause. But it didn’t, just the opposite kept happening. She liked both men and was in enough of a needy turmoil due to the upheaval in her life that had landed her here that she would settle for the diversion of either man’s attention.
“What’s wrong? Did Greg reprimand you for not staying off your ankle today?”
Kelsey opened her eyes and glared up the stairs at Devin who stood in the shadows at the top. His cool, taunting tone hurt, prompting her to disguise that undesirable emotion any way she could.
“No, in fact, he rewarded me for knowing when I was healed enough to walk on it. I do believe I could get into this spanking proclivity you two seem to enjoy.” Shoving away from the door, she strode toward her room, smiling when his low curse reached her ears.
Devin was nowhere around thirty minutes later when Greg stood ready to escort Kelsey to the social hall, and as happy as she was for the warmth of his hand resting on her lower back as he held open the door, another part of her wished they were both willing to spend time with her.
A sigh escaped her as they stepped out into the evening air, the sound catching Greg’s attention. “Are you okay?” he asked, casting her a probing look from under the brim of his hat while slowing his stride to match her shorter steps.
“If you’re referring to that ‘reprimand’,” she finger quoted the last word, “then yes, I’m fine. It’s not as if you hurt me.” Nope, just gave her enough to leave her aching for another lesson, one harder and longer enough to satisfy her curiosity instead of adding to it.
“If you refuse to heed that warning, you won’t get off so lucky the next time. I made sure you were settled afterward before letting you go, so why the sigh?”
“Why does Devin dislike me so much? He doesn’t even know me.” Kelsey’s stomach rumbled as she caught a whiff of tantalizing aromas emanating from the open doors to the dining hall, but as they entered the crowded, noisy building, she preferred an answer before food. Pausing, she looked up at Greg, waiting for a reply.
Removing his hat, he tossed it on a hook next to several others and raked his fingers through his thick, wavy hair. “He doesn’t dislike you, he just doesn’t want the responsibility for your safety. And, before you ask, his reasons are his own and for him to tell.”
“Aren’t you both responsible for the safety of all your guests?” she returned, smiling when he frowned and tried to work through the logic of her question. “See, you don’t have an answer, do you?”
“You make a good point, little bit, except our other guests aren’t hiding out from a possible assailant.”
She shrugged, pivoting toward the buffet across the room. “There’s no proof I need to be either. Thanks for walking me over.” Flipping him a cheeky grin and finger wave, she left him standing there with a rueful twist of his lips.
Devin finished his meal, struggling to keep his mind on the guests at the table and their conversation instead of straying toward the sound of tinkling laughter coming from the table next to them. Not even two days, he thought in disgust as he eyed Kelsey’s animated face and sparkling eyes, and she was wreaking havoc on his intentions to remain immune to her presence. Greg’s knowing smirk from another table didn’t improve his mood. He knew his friend didn’t want to take the same risk they’d both taken the last time they were in charge of a woman’s safety any more than he did, but he also knew Greg didn’t blame himself for their charge’s death as much as Devin did. Deep down, he knew they’d done everything humanly possible to protect Catherine Valdez when the surprise attack had occurred, but a part of him would always question whether they were distracted that morning following the first and only time they’d spent the night in her bed. After being brave enough to agree to testify against her corrupt boss, she hadn’t deserved to go out that way.
Kelsey tossed her head and laughed at something one of the men sitting next to her said, all four people at her table appearing captivated by the girl. There was no denying she had a way about her that, when coupled with the fey appearance of her petite features, drew people in. And then she bit into her thick burger, closed her eyes as she chewed then slowly opened them with a sigh as she swallowed. Jesus. As if the look of bliss on her face wasn’t enough to stir his cock, she had to raise a fry to her mouth, dart her tongue out to savor a lick of salt and then nibble on the slim potato with small white teeth. When she shifted those wide, guileless blue eyes his way he swore under his breath, damned sure her antics were for his benefit. Pushing back his chair, he hardened his determination to stay clear of the girl and let her remain Greg’s problem.
“Anyone for a friendly pool wager?” Devin asked the young couple who would be checking out the next day and Otis and Silas, two of their long-term renters. It didn’t surprise him Silas was the only one eager to join him at the billiards table.
“I’m in. I owe you a rematch, boy.”
Devin grinned, replying in kind. “Come on then, you can give it your best shot, old man.”
An hour later, he and Silas were finishing up their game with each readying to make the winning shot when Kelsey strolled up with a Cheshire cat grin Devin didn’t trust. Leaning a hip against the pool table, she cocked her head as she took in the placement of the last three balls, her pose distracting him as he bent at the waist and lined up his shot.
“You won’t make it at that angle,” she said, her tone laced with amusement.
“Hey, don’t give him any pointers. Save them for me. I’m old and need all the help I can get against these young sharks.” Silas winked at her from the other side of the pool table and Devin shook his head at both of them from his position at the end.
“Nice try, but I’ve been watching your moves. You’re good enough on your own,” Kelsey retorted with an engaging smile.
It surprised Devin she caught on to Silas’ bullshit so fast and he couldn’t help but be amused by the older man’s disgruntled expression and grumbling reply. “I used to have a way with the ladies. Sucks to get old.”
Devin flicked a look toward Kelsey and told her the truth. “He says that a lot. Shouldn’t you be getting back to the house and putting your foot up?”
“Shouldn’t you give me a little credit for knowing when I need to turn in and put my foot up?” she shot back.
Silas threw his head back and guffawed, setting his cue stick on the table. “Good for you, girl. This one’s yours, Devin. I am ready to turn in. Otto and I plan to be at the creek with poles in hand by
sunup.” The two best friends had booked the entire month of September for the last three years, spending most of their time fishing all day and shooting the breeze with other guests in the evenings.
“It’s a draw. We’ll settle the matter next time. Goodnight, Silas.” Devin frowned as Kelsey reached for the rack, placed it on the felt tabletop and started grabbing balls to put inside the triangle. “What are you doing?”
Leaning across the table, she plucked up Silas’s cue stick and straightened with a wicked grin. “One game, you and me. We each name our own prize if we win. I want you to give me my next riding lesson if I beat you.”
She was challenging him? Devin never could resist a dare and maybe it was time he demonstrated who held the upper hand between the two of them. “You’re on, and if I win, you ignore me, stay clear of me, don’t talk to me for the next few weeks.” He regretted his words the instant they came out of his mouth, the flash of pain in her eyes cutting him to the quick. Sliding his gaze away from her expressive face, his eyes connected with Greg’s stormy green glare. The social hall had cleared out except for a few people playing cards in front of the fireplace, so at least he had spared her the humiliation of anyone else overhearing his callous wager. “Look, Kelsey…”
She lifted a hand and shook her head. “Fine, you’re on. I’ll even let you go first.”
“Good enough.” Maybe this was for the best, Devin thought as he bent and took aim to break. He needed to hold on to his resolve not to have anything to do with her, and it would be much easier to accomplish that if he won and she abided by their wager. His gut clutched at that but he refused to acknowledge the odd feeling of dissatisfaction it conjured up as he pulled back and started the game with a clatter of balls spreading out across the table.
Fifteen minutes later, he blew out a frustrated breath as Kelsey sunk yet another ball, increasing her lead by two. There were only four balls remaining and the eight. Unfortunately, she was the high ball after he choked on the eight. She was good, he’d give her that, but he wasn’t above playing dirty to get out of the bind she wrangled him into. There was no way he wanted that small body pressed against him as they rode Thor, or even the responsibility of sticking close to her as she rode Cleo. Cursing Greg, who stood leaning against the wall with a glower on his face this whole time, he strolled behind her as she lined up to sink the ten. Thinking just to distract her enough to screw up her shot, he slipped in a tight squeeze of one buttock without slowing, surprised at the malleable fullness of her cheek. She jumped and missed, but that didn’t seem to bother her since she flipped him a cheeky grin, swaying her hips.
