by Donna Grant
Marlee drew in a breath and then slowly released it. “Usually, a response like mine gets the other party moving, not standing still.”
Cooper chuckled. “You’d think that, right? Things are different with you. I feel … out of control.”
“I like that.”
He looked at her. “You barely know me. I barely know you.”
“True. But I know I like how this feels. I don’t want to think about anything else. For the first time in years, I’m going to think about myself and what I want. We can stand out here and talk about things because it is beautiful. Or we can go somewhere so I can rip off your clothes and see that fine body naked.”
“Where the hell have you been all my life?” he asked in amazement.
She shrugged, her smile growing. “Apparently, waiting to find you.”
“Come on,” he said as he took her hand. “We’re getting out of here and going back to my place where I’ll be the one to rip off your clothes and see that fine body of yours.”
Marlee laughed and quickened her steps to match his long strides. “That sounds like fun. I wonder if we can wait to get to your place.”
“Hell. That’s a good question.”
With desire throbbing, they looked at each other and smiled. The moment was one he’d never forget. They finally reached the truck and released each other’s hands to get into their respective seats. He jumped in first and glanced over at her as he started the engine. That’s when he saw her looking around as if she were searching for something.
“The deer is gone,” he teased.
She smiled as she glanced at him and buckled her seat belt. “Old habits.”
He wanted to ask her more about that, but it would have to wait until later. Cooper continued down the road to his place, which was, thankfully, very close. At any other time, he might have wondered what she thought as they drove up the drive to the old farmhouse he’d bought to restore. Now, all he wanted was both of them in the house with his cock inside her.
The moment the truck was in park, her door was open. Cooper met her at the front of the vehicle, and they half-ran up the steps to the porch where he keyed in the combination and the door unlocked. No sooner were they inside than Marlee shut the door and pushed him against the wall.
His hat tumbled off as their lips met. He blindly reached over and locked the door before yanking off her coat. It hit the floor, and he turned her. With their lips still locked, they took turns removing one item of clothing at a time while navigating their way to his room.
When they reached the doorway, they were both naked. Cooper turned her and pressed her against the wall, running his hands down her slender build from the indent of her waist to the flare of her hips. His palms itched to feel the weight of her breasts. Slowly, he caressed back up until he cupped her breast. Her nipple pressed tightly into his palm, making him groan, and his balls tighten.
He tore his mouth from hers and kissed down her neck until he brought one nipple at a time to his mouth and swirled his tongue around it before suckling. Marlee’s head dropped back, her eyes closed as her swollen lips parted with her sighs.
Cooper kissed between her breasts and lower while he rolled her nipples between his fingers. He dropped to his knees and slid his hands to her hips. There, he paused and looked up at her. After a moment, she lifted her head to meet his gaze. He gave her a smile and slipped his hand behind the knee of one leg. Slowly, he lifted it and draped it over his shoulder.
Her breath came faster now as she realized what he was going to do. He held her gaze as he moved his head toward her sex and licked her. Her moan—full of longing and a deep ache—nearly made him spill his seed right then.
Cooper took his time as he licked and laved her, learning her, tasting her essence. Her hands splayed on the wall, and her moans had turned to soft cries, but he wasn’t finished with her. He waited until she was shaking with need before he slid a finger inside her and flicked his tongue over her clit.
Her breath hitched, and her body tightened right before she jerked with a climax. He continued teasing her until her body stopped moving. Then he lowered her leg, her foot on the floor, before he straightened.
“I forgot what that felt like,” she murmured.
He cocked his head. “What?”
“Pleasure.”
“Then you’ll have as much of it as I can give you.”
She smiled and leaned forward to flick her tongue across his nipple. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
“Are you?” he asked with a smile. Then he bent and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist. “I don’t think you’re going to have to hold me to anything because I can’t get enough of you.”
Her arms wound around him as she leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss. “I don’t understand what’s happening. And right now, I don’t care. I just want to keep feeling this way.”
“Then feel.” He lifted her until her body was poised over his cock, then slowly, he lowered her.
* * *
Another orgasm built within Marlee. She had yet to run her hands over Cooper’s fine body, but she’d gotten a good look at his muscular form from his broad shoulders, to his chiseled abs, and impressive arousal. His cock was at her entrance now, the blunt head pushing slowly into her. She wanted him all the way inside, deep, but he held the reins and took his time.
“I can feel you clenching around me,” Cooper said tightly.
She nodded. “I can feel you inside me. My God, you feel so good.”
Muscles along his jaw tensed as he lowered her inch by inch. Then, finally, he was fully inside. She smiled and tried to move her hips, but he held her still.
“It’s not your turn yet,” he told her with a grin.
She started to argue and then realized that she wasn’t going to pass up such an opportunity. “Do with me what you will.”
“Oh, I will, darlin’. I most certainly will.”
The words had barely penetrated her mind before he pulled out of her slowly, only to thrust hard. She gasped at the pleasure that burst through her. He repeated the movement twice more, increasing his tempo each time. She clung to him, as her climax remained just out of reach.
Then he turned and walked through a door. The feel of him moving inside her as he moved left her moaning for more. She didn’t get it though as he laid her on the bed and grasped her ankles. He began driving inside her with controlled movements. She clutched at the comforter, her body pulsing with a need that tightened with each movement.
Cooper’s thrusts became faster, moving deeper, harder. She said his name, lost in the passion. Then he leaned over and teased her nipple. That was all it took to fling her toward another climax.
She screamed at the intense pleasure that left her body weak and pulsing for more. She reached for Cooper and only then realized he hadn’t orgasmed yet. She held on to him as he put a hand on either side of her head and began to piston his hips faster and faster. Marlee looked up at him, their eyes meeting just as he peaked.
He jerked out of her, spilling his seed on her stomach as his body shuddered. He held her until the final vestiges of the climax waned. For long moments, they didn’t move, didn’t speak. She’d never been in such a situation, but she wanted to stay here forever.
“I should get something to clean you off with,” Cooper whispered.
She shook her head. “Can we just stay like this? I’m quite content right now.”
“Darlin’, we can do whatever you want. So long as you stay with me tonight.”
Marlee lifted her head to look at him. “You want me to stay?”
“I do. I want more of you, whether it’s sex, holding you, or talking. I like you.”
“I want to stay and do all those things and more.”
He grinned and gave her a soft kiss. “Ah, woman, you’ve made me the happiest man on Earth.”
Marlee snuggled against him and closed her eyes. “And you’ve made me the happiest woman on Earth.”
/> Chapter 19
Marlee’s warm body lying beside him made Cooper smile as he woke. An auburn curl tickled his chin, but he didn’t move it. He slowly opened his eyes to see light filtering through the blinds. The night had gotten away from him. He’d intended to wake Marlee and make love to her again, but they had fallen asleep. And for some reason, he’d slept the sleep of the dead.
He heard the flap on the door and the soft jingle of Pesto’s collar as the Doberman came into the room. Cooper motioned to Pesto with his free hand. The dog’s dark eyes slid to Marlee as he extended his head and gently sniffed her hand. Satisfied, Pesto sat, his tongue hanging out of his mouth as he panted, waiting for Cooper to get out of bed.
Something caught Pesto’s attention, and a low growl rumbled in his chest. Cooper didn’t think anything of it since Pesto kept the wildlife away from the house. He put his finger to his lips to quiet the dog when Pesto turned his head back to Cooper. Then the dog stood, his little nub of a tail wagging as if silently asking if he could go back outside.
Cooper motioned him out, and seconds later, the dog flap sounded again. He’d come across Pesto quite by accident at the local animal shelter. With his schedule, the last thing he needed was something else to take care of, but Pesto had needed him, and as it turned out, Cooper needed the dog, as well. They’d been together for five years now, and Pesto was the best dog he’d ever had.
Cooper had fences up around his property, but Pesto never wandered off. He stayed near the house and had free rein to come and go from inside as he wished. But the dog was the best at keeping raccoons and other things away. Though Cooper had seen Pesto walking with a calico cat. And on one occasion when it had been cold out, he’d spotted the two curled up together. That’s when Cooper began feeding the feline.
He yawned and held Marlee tighter. Neither had moved since they drifted off to sleep. He’d been shocked and pleased when she had agreed to stay. He couldn’t explain it, but he had known that she needed to remain with him. Perhaps it was because he was so attracted to her. Whatever the reason, he wanted to have her around more.
But she would be leaving soon. He wasn’t sure how that would work, but he wanted to try. Long-distance relationships failed more often than not, but he knew there was something special about Marlee. He shouldn’t let that go without trying.
The fact that they just met and were getting to know each other was probably a concern for her. It wasn’t for him. He’d dated enough women to know that what he’d found with Marlee was special. The kind of special that people searched for and never found. The kind of special that would make him give up everything just to be with her.
The kind of special he didn’t think he’d find.
Marlee inhaled deeply and shifted her leg to rub against his. He felt her smile right before she lifted her head from his chest and met his eyes.
“Good morning,” he said.
She blinked and moved the hair out of her face. “Morning. How long have you been awake?”
“Not long.”
“You should’ve moved me.”
He frowned at her. “Why? I was comfortable. Besides, I enjoy having you in my arms.”
Her smile grew as her eyes crinkled. “You like to cuddle?”
“I admit, I’m a cuddler. You?”
“I definitely am, but most men aren’t.”
Cooper rolled his eyes. “Then they’re stupid.”
“I could get used to this.”
“The cuddling?”
“That and the fact you agree with me.”
He chuckled and ran his hand up and down her back. “I’d like to think the times we might disagree, it would be done in a civilized manner. Though I’ve noticed you’re quite stubborn.”
“I am.” She ducked her head and laughed. “Probably not one of my better traits.”
“I don’t know. I think it could be a good quality in some instances.”
She stretched and moved so she could prop her chin on his chest and look at him. “I don’t normally sleep through the night. I’m usually looking at evidence or searching for some lead.”
“Everyone needs a break. My mom calls it self-care. I tend to agree with her. People get burned out. Why do you think companies require people to take vacation days? Because everyone needs downtime.”
She shrugged. “I have to admit, you’re right. The sleep did me a world of good.”
“I like hearing that. Though it might also have something to do with the sex.”
Her lips curled up in a grin. “The food, the sex, the comfortable bed, the cuddling. Yep. It was a recipe for an amazing night. You need to be careful. I may demand it again.”
“I hope you do.” And he was serious. She could demand it every night for the rest of his life, and he’d gladly give it to her.
“I want to.” The smile was gone as she grew serious.
“Nothing’s stopping you.”
Her brows rose on her forehead. “There’s my work.”
“You can’t help others until you take care of yourself. Take a few days here to go over the evidence that led you to Brice and Naomi. I can help if you’d like. Just … stay here. Let me spend more time with you.”
Her gaze lowered as she blew out a breath. Then her bourbon-colored eyes met his again. “Then what? We go through this again? I’m going to have to leave eventually. It’s what my work entails. All I do is travel.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen today or tomorrow. I understand what you’re saying, but all I know is that I like how I feel when I’m with you. I want to enjoy more of that.”
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.”
He ran a finger down the side of her cheek. “Then stay for a few days.”
“You can’t use that sexy voice while I’m lying naked next to you and not get the answer you want,” she replied with a smile.
Elation swept through Cooper. “Now I know how to get you to say yes.”
They shared a laugh. As it died away, they stared into each other’s eyes. Just as Cooper leaned in to kiss her, Pesto began barking. Marlee jerked, but Cooper shook his head. “It’s fine. It’s my dog.”
“He sounds upset.”
Pesto certainly did. Cooper knew that bark, and it was one that meant something, or someone, was on the property. He sat up as Marlee rolled away. He threw off the sheets and jumped to his feet as the sound of Pesto’s barking moved farther away from the house. Cooper rushed into the living area and looked through the open windows and out back to see Pesto running after something as he barked even harder.
“Should we follow him?” Marlee asked from behind Cooper.
He watched Pesto until the dog finally stopped, though he continued barking a little longer. Pesto remained in that position, staring after whatever it was for a long moment before turning and trotting back to the house. Cooper let out a whistle, and the dog ran to him.
The moment Pesto came through the doggie door, he rushed to Cooper with his little nub wagging. Cooper rubbed his head and smiled down at the dog. “Did you get him, boy? Good boy. That’s a good dog.”
“He’s beautiful.”
The moment Pesto heard Marlee’s voice, he forgot all about Cooper and went to her with his tongue lolling. Cooper shook his head at the dog. Not that he blamed Pesto. He’d want to be with Marlee, too. “His name is Pesto.”
“Aren’t you a handsome boy?” Marlee said as she let the dog smell her and then ran her hand over his head. She looked at Cooper. “I don’t remember a dog last night.”
“We weren’t looking at much of anything but each other.”
“Ah, no, we certainly weren’t.”
His gaze lowered to her nakedness as she went back to petting Pesto. Cooper couldn’t believe he wished he was the dog in that moment to have Marlee’s hands on him. He’d seen his fair share of pretty women in his life, but Marlee surpassed them all. From her wild curls to her heart-stopping eyes to her tenaciousness to her body that he couldn’
t wait to sink into once more, she was perfect for him.
“You’re staring,” she said without looking at him.
He felt his cock stirring. “You’re naked, and you don’t want me to look at your beautiful body?”
She licked her lips and straightened before turning to him. “Well, when you say it like that, no.”
He groaned when she looked at his rod. The driving need he felt, the hunger for her was something he’d never encountered before. Cooper wanted to hold on to her tightly and never let go, but he knew he couldn’t do that. All he could do was savor whatever time he had with her—for however long that was.
Something hit the window, and he realized it was raining. He walked to Marlee and took her hand. “How about a shower?”
“I am getting chilled.”
“I’ve got a very large stall, big enough for two.”
She laughed as she followed him, Pesto on her heels. “Is that right?”
“The bathroom was the first thing I remodeled when I got the house seven years ago.”
He brought her back into the bedroom and then into the master bath that had a shower in white marble tiles surrounded by glass with two showerheads. Next to it was a tub that would also fit two, a long counter with two sinks, and two cabinets and entries into two separate closets.
Cooper stood back while Marlee looked at all of it. He turned on the shower to heat the water. She returned from her tour of the closet and gaped at him.
“This is incredible. I can’t wait to see the rest of the house. Did you do all the work yourself?”
He shrugged. “Some of it. Other things I hired people to do. I know my limits.”
“You’re one incredible man, Cooper Owens.”
He stepped into the shower and pulled her with him. “Oh, I’m just getting started with you, Marlee Frampton. Just you wait.”
Chapter 20
The hot water and Cooper’s soapy hands on her body were enough to make Marlee promise to never leave Texas, much less the house. His hands moved over her slowly, teasing her swollen breasts and turgid nipples until she burned for him.
