One Hot Christmas

“Except you told me the truth.”

“It was the truth until I met you. And besides that, you were insulted. I didn’t mean to insult you.” His sensual back rub continued. “Your body excites me in a way I can’t describe very well.”

“You’re welcome to keep trying.”

He chuckled. “Okay, let me see if I can come up with a way to say it that makes sense. It’s like you’re sneaky sexy. A stealth vixen.”

“A stealth vixen. I like that.” She also liked the way he’d brought her closer until she was pressed tight against his warm body. Even with the layers between them, she knew for a fact he wasn’t making this up. He really did want her.

“It’s taken me awhile to evolve, but I think I’m finally learning to appreciate subtlety.” He paused in midstroke. “How am I doing? Is any of this making sense?”

“Sort of.”

“Where are we on your dating chart?”

“Is this your way of asking if I’ll go to bed with you when we get back to the house?”

“I wish.” He hugged her a little bit closer. “Much as I would love that, all we can do is fool around a little. No grand finale tonight, I’m afraid. I wasn’t expecting this and I’m completely unprepared.”

She had a genius IQ, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out what he was talking about. She debated telling him what she knew and finally decided that keeping the information to herself might not be right. He should have all the facts, too.

Besides, she liked the idea of rocking him back on his heels. “Actually, that’s not a problem.”

His sharp intake of breath was gratifying. “Why not?”

“There’s a box in your bathroom.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I would never kid about a thing like that, Ben. That would be cruel.”

“And you just happen to know this?”

“I had a headache yesterday and I forgot to bring aspirin. There wasn’t any in my bathroom, so I looked in yours.”

“I see.”

Honesty made her amend that statement. “Actually, I found the aspirin right away, but once I was in there, I wondered what else was tucked in the drawers, so I checked everything out.”

“God almighty, you’re like a little cat, poking your nose in everywhere. And I love it.” He hesitated. “But I’m still trying to get a bead on where we stand. Are we at yes, no or maybe?”

“We’re at maybe. I still think we need to slow down a little. Don’t you?”

“Truthfully? No. We’re two consenting adults and what happens upstairs stays upstairs. We’ve both proven we can keep a secret, and we only have four nights before you leave. By denying ourselves tonight, we’ve taken a potentially great experience off the table.”

“What if it doesn’t go well?”

“Then I’ll leave first thing Saturday morning. You’ll only have to put up with me another twenty-four hours and I’ll be gone.” His voice dropped to a sexy murmur. “But it’ll go well.”

Her heart beat faster. “You’re sure about that?”

“Yes.” And he kissed her again.

The second his mouth covered hers, he proved that he knew what he was talking about. A man who could kiss like this, who could use his tongue with such devastating effect, a man who knew exactly the right angle for maximum pleasure—that man would bring the same originality and expertise to lovemaking. She’d be a fool to miss out on even one night of sharing his bed.

When he released her, he didn’t let go right away, which was a good thing because she might have collapsed onto the cement floor. She was just that unsteady. Mentally, though, she was extremely focused on returning to the house. So much so that she forgot both the uncovered saddle and her dropped phone. “Let’s go.”

Laughter rippled in his voice. “First I have to cover the saddle.”

“Oh. Right.”

He turned on his flashlight app and aimed it at the floor. “And there’s your phone.”

“Thanks.” She leaned down and picked it up. The screen was cracked, but the phone itself might be operational. She activated it. “Everything looks fine. I just need a new screen.”

“Good.” He took his hat off the saddle horn and put it on. “Would you please hold the light for me?”

“Sure.” She tucked away her phone and took his. “It really is beautiful. Now I wish I’d had a chance to contribute to the fund, but my trip up here was kind of a last-minute decision. I’m sure Jack had it handled long before I arrived.”

“He did.” Ben arranged the blanket so the saddle was completely concealed. “He took up a collection back in October and gave me half my fee then.” He turned back to her. “You mean you almost didn’t make it here?”

“Almost. Christmas is special at Mom and Dad’s house, and I usually spend the first part of my Christmas break helping cook and decorate. Plus the weather’s dicey this time of year. Originally I planned to wait until summer.”

“Then we wouldn’t have met.”

“Probably not.”

“What made you change your mind and come before Christmas?”

“Aunt Sarah’s birthday party tomorrow, for one thing, but then she told me about this set of diaries that her mother-in-law, Nelsie Chance, had kept for years. I was very eager to read them, which I have, and they’re wonderful. I even found mention of me in there. But I could have put that off until next summer, too. I just had this hunch that I should come up here now, for some reason.”

“Hmm.” He adjusted the fit of his Stetson. “Listen, do you think...” Then he shook his head. “Never mind. I don’t believe in that stuff.”

“What stuff?”

“Fate, kismet, that kind of thing.”

She didn’t say anything because she did believe in it and was beginning to wonder if her hunch had been about him. But she wasn’t ready to announce that thought. She might never admit it to him. So much depended on how the next few days went for them. Or the next few hours.

But apparently he was over there interpreting her silence. “You believe in it, don’t you?”

“A little.”

“Well, I don’t.”

That made her smile. He was the one who’d brought it up in the first place, but she wouldn’t point that out to him. The instant attraction between them excited him, but it probably made him nervous, too.

Not surprising. It made her nervous. Going to bed with him tonight was so far out of her comfort zone it was in the next zip code. But that didn’t mean she’d decided not to. She was still thinking.

7

AS THEY HURRIED from the tractor barn back to the house, Ben still wasn’t clear on whether Molly wanted to have sex with him or not. She hadn’t specifically said she would, but her kiss certainly tasted like yes.

Yet he should probably give her a little more information before they took that step. Her dreams had to include a family of her own, but all he could share would be this brief time with her. Then he’d bow out of her life.

She didn’t realize that, and he should be straight with her before anything happened between them. Someday she’d settle down with a man who wanted a family, but in the meantime, here they were, crazy for each other. If she was willing to share her warmth for a long weekend, he’d take it.

On the porch they quietly brushed off the snow that clung to their jackets. The porch stretched the length of the house, and according to Jack, rockers lined it during the summer. If Ben came back this summer for Calamity Sam, he’d make a point to enjoy some time in a rocker and take in the view of the Tetons.

Molly wouldn’t be here, though. A tug at his heart told him that he’d miss her cheerful presence. He’d have to get over that, because she was most definitely not for him, not for the long haul, anyway.

But now, as he carefully opened the door hung with a giant pine wreath, he thought maybe she could be his for a little while. While they wordlessly removed their boots and set them on a mat by the front door, he thought about what he wanted to say to her. He didn’t relish giving a full explanation, but he had to tell her this wasn’t a lead-in to something more.

That was assuming she would consider sharing his bed. As they climbed the stairs to the second floor, he unbuttoned his coat. Then he grabbed her by the hand before she could start back to her room. “Molly.”

She turned toward him, her eyes bright and her skin flushed.

“You know I want you.”

“Yes.” She swallowed. “And I—”

“There’s something you need to know about me.” He took a deep breath. “Saying this might seem weird, except...you’re so into family, and I’m...not.”

Her expression grew thoughtful. “Okay.”

“I never plan to have kids. I’m not even sure if I’ll ever get married.” He wondered if she’d laugh and say the topic was premature. Or maybe she’d ask him why he felt that way.

Instead, her gaze softened. “Thank you for telling me.”

“Seemed like the right thing.” And he’d probably ruined his chances, but at least he’d be able to live with himself. “I guess that’s that, then.” But he didn’t let go of her hand, just in case he hadn’t blown it with her.

A smile touched the corners of her mouth. “Giving up?”

His heart kicked into high gear. “I thought maybe, under the circumstances, you’d rather—”

“You thought wrong.”

“Thank God.” Watching the glow of anticipation return to her eyes made his body hum.

“But first I should probably...” She gestured toward her bedroom.

“You don’t need anything. Come with me.” He wasn’t about to lose momentum now. He tugged her down the hallway. “First stop, the bathroom.”

She started laughing.

“Hey, you know where they are. I could waste precious time looking for them.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

He’d never been with a woman whose vocabulary included incorrigible. He liked it more than he would have believed. He hadn’t realized that smart women turned him on. Maybe before this episode ended, he’d make love to her while she wore the glasses she loved so much.

She located the box of condoms and lobbed them in his direction. “Don’t say I never did anything for you.”

He caught them in one hand. “I’d never say that, not in a million years.” Taking her by the hand again, he led her into the bedroom and nudged the door closed with one foot.

Reluctant to break the magical connection between them, he tossed the box of condoms on the nearest nightstand. Coordination came in handy sometimes. Then he sent his hat sailing toward the bedpost and was gratified when he scored a ringer.

“Impressive.”

“That’s nothing.” Pulling her into his arms, he plucked off her knit cap. Her hair was another glorious thing about her, and he combed his fingers through it, marveling at the many shades of color caught in the lamplight. “Cowboys are known for their agility. I can have you naked in ten seconds flat.”

Her green eyes flashed. “Only if I cooperate.”

“Please cooperate.” He unwound the red scarf and dropped it to the floor. “I’m a desperate man.”

“In that case...” She unzipped her parka and shrugged out of it. “I wouldn’t want to be responsible for causing undue stress.”

“Now I’m a grateful man.” He got a firm grip on the hem of her sweater and tugged it over her head. He’d expected a utilitarian bra underneath. Instead she wore a lacy black number that made him catch his breath.

She stepped back with a coy smile. “When a girl doesn’t have much to show off, she goes for the prettiest underwear she can find. Allow me.” She reached behind her back.

The action thrust her pert breasts forward, and his mouth went dry. Then she unfastened the clasp and slowly drew the wisp of black lace away from the sweetest breasts he’d ever seen. He reached out.

“Not yet.” She backed away another step. “You’re falling behind.”

He’d been so eager to get her out of her clothes that he’d lost track of the fact he still wore everything but his hat. He tossed the scarf aside and took off his sheepskin jacket.

“Give it here.”

“You want my jacket?”

“I’ve always wondered what sheepskin would feel like on my bare skin.” She draped his jacket over her shoulders and wrapped it around her. “Nice.” Turning her cheek, she rubbed it against the soft collar. “Smells like you.”

Transfixed by the sight of her stroking her cheek with his jacket lining, he stood motionless in the middle of the room.

“You’re still behind, cowboy.”

And so he was. He unfastened the cuffs of his Western shirt and the snaps down the front popped in rapid succession as he wrenched it open. In no time he’d dropped it to the floor. “Better?”

Her gaze moved from his face to his chest and the heat in those green eyes told him all he needed to know. This would be quite an evening. He’d closed the door, but now he wondered if he should stuff a towel under it to further soundproof the room.

At least Sarah and Pete slept downstairs at the opposite end of the house. He hoped that created enough distance to muffle what could become a noisy interlude.

“Now you’re the one who’s behind.” His voice sounded rusty. “You’re wearing my jacket.”

“I like it.”

His first impulse was to tell her she could have it, but that would be stupid for many reasons, most of them centering on the impermanence of this arrangement. “I’m glad. Now drop it.”

She allowed the jacket to slide from her shoulders onto the floor. It was one of the most seductive maneuvers he’d ever seen. Once it was gone, she shoved her hands in the back pockets of her jeans, thrust her breasts forward and lifted her chin. “Now what?”

He lost it. With a groan of pure lust, he eliminated the distance between them and cupped her breasts in both hands. Then he leaned down and kissed her hard. She kissed him right back, rising on her toes and gripping his shoulders for balance.

Her breasts felt perfect in his hands and her throaty moans told him how much she loved having him touch her there. He stroked her silken skin and his cock thickened. Beneath his palms, her nipples hardened in arousal. He pinched them lightly and she moaned again, louder this time.

Wrenching her mouth from his and struggling for breath, she gazed up at him. Her words came out in a rush. “Take me to bed, now. Please.”

He didn’t have to be asked twice. Sliding his hands under her firm bottom, he lifted her up. She was light as a sunbeam and twice as warm. When she wrapped her legs around his waist, he felt the heat coming from her core, and the crotch of her jeans was damp. Hallelujah.

Carrying her to the bed, he set her on the edge of the mattress so he could pull off her jeans and panties. She was so finely made, so delicate. As he caressed each new treasure he uncovered, he also found out just how hot and wet she was, how breathless with desire.

He dropped to his knees, eager to give pleasure to a woman who was so ready for it.

“Not now.” She cradled his head in both hands, her fingers gripping him tight, her gaze intense. “I ache, Ben. I’ve never ached like this. I need you inside me.”

So he stood and backed away as she stretched out on the comforter. He hadn’t bothered to pull it down. There was no need. The room was warm and about to get a whole lot warmer.

She turned her head to watch as he stripped off the rest of his clothes and freed his aching cock. Her eyes widened. “Oh, my.”

For the first time, he worried that he’d be too much for her. If he hurt her, even a little bit, he’d never forgive himself. His voice tight with lust, he sought to reassure her. “I’ll take it slow.”

She swallowed. “Okay.”

His blood pounded in his ears. “Don’t worry. You’ll be in charge.”

“Oh.” Her rapid breathing made her breasts tremble invitingly. “That’s good.” A tiny smile touched her kiss-reddened lips and a gleam lit her green eyes.

“I guess you like that idea. Big surprise.” His hands shook as he rolled on a condom. He didn’t need it for birth control, but he didn’t care to get into that discussion.

He didn’t care to get into any discussion. She craved relief and by God, so did he. Neither of them needed conversation. He’d never wanted a woman so much, which meant he had to watch himself or he’d take her with all the force of that wanting. She might be a tough little thing with a will of iron, but she was no match for him if he allowed his passion free rein.

He paused before putting a knee on the bed and took a shaky breath. “Scoot over,” he said softly. “So I can lie on my back. That’s how we’ll do this.”

She followed his directions and propped her chin on her fist to watch him as he settled down beside her. “So I’m in charge?”

“Completely.”

She looked him up and down, and her gaze lingered on his cock, which projected upward with the rigidity of a sundial. “Oh, boy.”

That’s when he realized he was in for it. He hadn’t intended for this to be a test of his control, but now it likely would be. The other part of wanting her so much was that he felt as if he could come any minute. That would be bad on many levels.

She wasted no time scrambling to her knees and straddling his thighs. Then she sat there, her bare bottom warm against his skin as she contemplated him, her cheeks flushed. “I need you so much, but you are huge.”

He resisted the urge to grab her and lift her into position. With the entrance to nirvana so very close, yet so very far, his brain was on tilt. “You don’t have to take it all.” But how he hoped she could.

“I want to.” She wrapped her fingers around his latex-covered cock.

He shuddered. “Then...just try.” Dear God, please try, before I go out of my effing mind.

Slowly she rose on her knees and leaned over to flatten her hands on his chest. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders in waves of abandon. “Hold still.”

“Right.” His breathing roughened and he fisted his hands at his sides.

“Here goes nothing.” She closed her eyes in concentration while she shifted her hips. Eventually, after what seemed like forever, she pressed the blunt tip of his cock right where it needed to be for the next stage.

He swore under his breath as her slick heat taunted him almost beyond endurance.

“Mmm.” She looked into his eyes. “Ready?”

“Hell, yeah.”

She eased down a little and sucked in air.

“Too much?”

“Oh, no.” She moaned softly and took him slightly deeper. “This is...amazing. I thought it might be, and now...now...”

He didn’t dare speak. He was too busy going through his multiplication tables and naming the U.S. presidents while he fought off his climax. She picked up another inch of real estate and he started counting backward from a hundred by threes.

Although he’d been worried that he’d be too big for her, he hadn’t contemplated the flipside of that. He hadn’t considered that her tight sheath would intensify the friction for him, too. He was thinking about it now as she continued her slow downward journey and he forgot how to breathe.

She also wasn’t quiet about her plan to take all he had to give. She heralded each bit of progress with heartfelt moans and blissful sighs, which made it even tougher for him to stay in control. Then her core muscles clenched.

He drew in a sharp breath and glared at her. “Don’t.”

“I can’t...help it.” Her eyes were dark with excitement. “Nothing has ever felt...” She gasped as she settled further down. “Like this.”

He lifted his head to gauge her progress. That was a mistake. The visual of his cock almost completely buried except for a mere inch sent a spasm through him. He groaned and fought against coming.

“I’m going for it.” Taking a ragged breath, she moved the rest of the way and erupted, her climax rolling over his cock as her wild cries filled the room.

That wiped out his last ounce of control and he arched upward, claiming whatever fraction remained with a deep bellow of satisfaction as he came. Yes, oh, yes! Her tight channel clenched as he withdrew and thrust again. Pleasure pulsed through him in a dizzying spiral that left him gulping for air.

He couldn’t say how long the moment lasted. He lost all track of time as he lay immersed in the incredible sensation of coming inside Molly Gallagher. When she slid down to rest her cheek on his damp chest, he finally allowed himself to hold her.

Until then he’d been true to his promise that she was in charge, but now he felt safe wrapping her in his arms. She relaxed against him, and her weight was no more than that of a pillow. The top of her head only reached his chin and her waist wasn’t much bigger than his thigh. Yet she’d taken his cock deep into her body and treated it to the best time of its life.

“I loved that,” she murmured.

“Me, too.”

“Next time you can be in charge.”

He smiled and combed her tousled hair with his fingers. “So you want to do this again?”

She laughed softly. “I do. And now that I know we fit, I’ll let you direct the action.”

Normally he required some recovery time. Apparently not with this woman. All she had to do was say she wanted more, and his body was willing to give her what she wanted.

8

WHILE BEN LEFT the room to dispose of the condom, Molly got under the covers and snuggled down to savor the most satisfying orgasm of her life. And she’d had it with an honorable man who’d admitted he was the wrong guy for her. She wanted to know why he’d decided against having a family, but something told her the reasons were extremely private.

Funny, but even though they’d just had great sex, she didn’t feel as if she knew him well enough to pry into his personal business. He’d given her the truth, and she admired him for doing that much. They only had a short time together, and that might not be long enough for him to let down his guard. She wouldn’t push, either.

Instead, she’d be grateful for this amazing experience, although she didn’t know whether Ben was good in bed or not. Maybe with a package like his, he didn’t have to try very hard to make a woman extremely happy.

He did, however, have to be gentle if the lady in question was built the way she was. She’d been intimidated when he’d first unveiled that bad boy, but intrigued and curious. Besides that, his kisses had aroused her to the point of no return, and although he’d offered oral sex to begin with, she’d wanted the full-body experience. She just hadn’t realized how full he’d make her feel.

They hadn’t moved much. They hadn’t needed to. But she’d like to find out how a little movement would work out for them. She’d put his restraint to the ultimate test, and he’d controlled himself admirably. After that go-round, she didn’t have to worry that he’d forget himself and take her too hard or too fast.

His consideration and tenderness said a great deal about him. He’d stockpiled some trust while holding himself motionless as she slowly discovered whether she could accommodate him. Putting him in charge didn’t scare her a bit.

It aroused the hell out of her, though. He was by far the most exciting man she’d ever had sex with. When he walked back in the room, closing the door behind him, she sat up. “Could you just stand there for a minute and let me look at you?”

He grinned. “So I’m not in charge, after all?”

“You are, but once you climb into this bed, I won’t get the same view as I have now.”

“All right.” He stayed where he was.

She took her time surveying his powerful chest sprinkled with dark hair before moving lower to his abs.

He shifted his weight. “You know what? Fair is fair. Throw back the covers so I can look at you.”

She did, although she couldn’t believe her body would affect him the way his affected her. The soft sheen of lamplight on his broad shoulders made her moist and achy. And when she gazed upon the equipment that could relieve that ache...

Hello. Maybe her body held the power to arouse him, after all. As his dark eyes focused on her, his penis, looking as impressive as it had the first time, rose from its base of dark curls.

“See what you do to me?” His voice was a soft caress.