Cowboys Like Us

With a groan he lifted his head and gazed down at her in the dusky light. His voice was hoarse. “You’ve convinced me. Let’s go.”

She struggled to breathe.

Releasing her, he scooped up her keys as if fielding a baseball, and put them in her hand. “If we don’t get out of here right now, we’ll never make it up there.”

“Then let’s go.” She moved toward the front door on unsteady legs. As she opened it, she thought she heard soft laughter coming from somewhere behind her. She turned. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.”

“Didn’t you laugh just now?”

“No. I thought it was the door hinge.”

She paused, playing the sound over again in her head. “Guess so.” It hadn’t been a door hinge, but she wasn’t going to go ghost-hunting tonight. She had more important things on her mind.

SMALL-TOWN GIRLS PACKED a sensual punch, Logan concluded as he fought to stay cool while climbing the narrow set of stairs behind Caro. Her hot little body sang a siren’s song with every creak of the steps. He swore steam was coming off her denim-clad fanny.

Although he hadn’t indulged himself with a woman recently, in the past he’d been involved with sophisticates who dressed in expensive lingerie, women who were into sex toys and flavored body paint. Not a single one had turned him on the way Caro had with her blushing request for vending-machine condoms.

When she’d invited him to kiss her, he’d gone up in flames. Where had she learned to talk like that? When she paired her down-home cuteness with sex-kitten suggestions, she became an irresistible combo of sweetness and sin that made him wild for her.

He’d bought three condoms, and those had been hard-won. Despite a few whacks with his fist, the machine hadn’t wanted to cooperate. He’d finally decided three would do. He still wanted to end the night in Grandma Judy’s guest room, for appearance’s sake.

Now he wondered if three would be enough, after all. He might not be able to force himself to leave before dawn, and he was a real fan of sex in the morning.

Caro reached the landing and seemed to have lost her jitters, because she opened the door without fumbling. He took the last two steps in one leap and followed her inside, his heart hammering and his johnson aching.

She hit a switch beside the door and a floor lamp in one corner illuminated a small living room on the right and a tiny kitchen on the left. Both were spotless, with cozy touches like gingham curtains at the kitchen window and colorful throw pillows on the leather sofa.

As he clicked the lock on the front door, she turned to him. “I could offer—”

“Just you.” He tossed his hat like a Frisbee toward the sofa. He didn’t look to see if it had landed as he pulled her into his arms. “Offer yourself, and I’ll be a happy man.”

“I can do that.” Sliding out of his arms, she backed toward the hallway. “Follow me.”

“You’ve got it.”

“First, the shirts.” She took hold of her lapels and pulled. Snaps popped like cap guns, and the cotton bra covering her pert breasts didn’t fool him in the least. She might not be wearing something obviously sexy, but he saw the fire in her hazel eyes. She was a volcano ready to erupt.

He was so busy looking at what her open shirt revealed that he didn’t follow orders.

“Your shirt, Logan.”

He sure as hell didn’t want to hold up the program. He wrenched open his shirt, shrugged out of it and tossed it to the floor as he continued down the hall.

At the doorway to her bedroom, she reached for another switch, and lamps on twin nightstands winked on. “You said you liked light.”

“I do.” He gestured toward her bra. “Are you going to take that off, or shall I?”

She backed into the room with a soft smile. “I will.” She reached behind her back to unhook it. “You’ve had a long night.”

“Wouldn’t trade it for the world.” He started to unbuckle his belt, but his hands stilled as she slipped off her bra. She might prefer cotton, but breasts as full and perfect as hers deserved designer silk. Her wine-colored nipples puckered under his gaze.

His fingers flexed and he took a step closer. “I want—”

“And you’ll have.” She backed to the other side of the small room, putting the bed between them. “But I can take off my clothes faster than you can.” She waved at him. “Continue with what you were doing.”

He had to laugh. She was the most logical little sexy thing he’d ever come across. He had to admit she was right, especially when it came to dealing with belts and boots.

He tried to be quick about it, he really did. He managed to pull off his boots, but after that, she became a major distraction. When she leaned down to take hers off, her breasts quivered enticingly.

Then she began to wiggle out of her jeans, causing more breast shimmy. The soft denim caught on the elastic of her panties and they came off along with the jeans. She stood naked before him, and that required his undivided attention.

As she pulled the scrunchie from her ponytail and shook her hair free, she glanced over and caught him staring. “You’re still mostly dressed.”

He swallowed. “And you’re not.” He’d suspected she’d be fine to look at, but hadn’t realized she’d look this fine. Maybe country living made a woman’s skin glow like that. Or maybe—and this was an ego-boosting thought—she was flushed with desire for him.

In any case, she was radiant, as if someone had buffed her body until it gleamed with rosy good health. He stood mesmerized, his glance traveling over the wonders he longed to touch, to taste, to lose himself in. No body piercings for this woman. No Brazilian wax, either. A neat triangle of light brown curls awaited him.

She cleared her throat, which snapped him out of his daze long enough to get rid of his jeans and his knit boxers. He had to work both of them over an erection that felt bigger than the Hancock Building. He was gratified when she sucked in a breath. Nice to be noticed.

She’d stood still while he looked, so he afforded her the same privilege. This was the first time—and maybe the last time—they would see each other without clothes. They should make it count.

He wished he was in better physical shape, but his knee had kept him from the full workouts he was used to. Her breathing picked up as she studied him, though, and he kind of thought she liked what she saw. Her gaze lingered on the purple scar where he’d had knee surgery.

Surgery hadn’t put him back in the game, but at least he could walk without hobbling. In fact, he could dance for short stretches, a fact he’d proven tonight. He’d told himself to be grateful for that much.

“Looks painful,” she said.

“It is, and I’m not talking about my knee.”

Her mouth tilted in a smile. “Cute.”

“I prefer the term impressive.”

She laughed and flung back the covers, which included a colorful patchwork quilt. “Are you fishing for compliments, Carswell?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me just say that UPS would likely slap a surcharge on that package of yours.” She climbed into bed and stretched out, facing him. “Gonna deliver it?”

“Yeah.” He was really starting to like her, and that could be a problem. He might want to remind himself, beginning now, that this was only temporary. “Special delivery, overnight male.”

4

CARO WAS PROUD OF HERSELF for keeping the tone light. She’d never had a one-night stand, and this was shaping up to be her first try at it. If so, she wanted to make sure the mood was carefree and playful, not intense and sordid.

So far, so good. Logan was following her lead, and as he climbed into her bed, she told herself not to mentally record this moment and think it was significant, because it wasn’t. Yes, his body was incredible. He was the most muscular guy she’d ever seen naked, not counting marble statues or issues of Playgirl.

He was so ripped that she felt a little intimidated, as if she were about to take a ride on a monster roller coaster and wasn’t sure if she’d chicken out before it began. Could she keep up with all that energy and power? She was willing to try.

Her body was more than willing. From her first glimpse of his spectacular endowments, moisture had collected between her thighs and her womb had contracted. Natural instinct had taken over, demanding that she join with him in the most basic way.

So she’d take this wild ride, but she’d better not get used to having a hard body in her bed. She’d look into his sexy eyes, which reminded her of dark chocolate, but wouldn’t set that shade of brown as her new standard. His mouth not only looked sensual, she knew from experience that it felt even better. Still, she couldn’t get attached to his kisses, either.

What was about to happen between them was an unexpected gift, a moment stolen from each of their regularly scheduled lives.

Then he looked into her eyes, and she was caught by surprise at the warmth and caring in his gaze. When he touched her, all her promises to stay objective shattered. He could have grabbed her. With all their banter, he would have been justified in rolling her onto her back and having his way with her.

Instead, he skimmed the tips of his fingers over her cheek with such tenderness that her throat tightened.

“I want you so much I can barely stand it,” he said. “But before this gets hot and heavy, and I can guarantee it will, I wanted to say … thank you.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Shouldn’t I be thanking you? I’m sure you can get girls by snapping your fingers. I’m the one who’s in a sexual wasteland.”

He smiled. “I’ve been in a wasteland of my own making, bogged down in self-pity. This …” He paused to sweep his hand over the bed. “This feels as if you just tossed me a lifeline.”

“I’d say ‘anytime,’ but we both know that’s not possible.”

He cupped her face with one hand. “So let’s make the most of right now.” But his kiss was slow and easy, as if they had all the time in the world. Leisurely, he combed his fingers through her hair and nibbled his way from her mouth to the curve of her neck. “You smell like lemons.”

“Homemade lemon juice hair spray.” She shivered as he ran his tongue along her collarbone.

“Love it.” His virile body was inches from hers, yet his mouth and fingertips were the only contact points between them.

Tension wound tight within her. She tamped it down, fighting for the kind of control he seemed to have. In an attempt to mirror his restraint, she slid her fingers across his lightly furred chest. She’d meant to keep her caress as soft as his, but oh, the muscles on this man!

She flattened her palm against the most magnificent pecs she’d ever touched. Her breath caught as she absorbed the heat and power, and imagined his body poised over hers.

The ache that had been building ever since he’d first kissed her threatened to overwhelm her good manners. She was fast approaching the point where she was liable to move her hand lower, latch on to the object of her desire and demand that he use it immediately. That would not be classy.

“Logan?” She heard the desperate note in her voice and couldn’t do anything about it.

“Uh-huh.”

“Um, do you know where your condoms are?”

“Yes.” He sounded amused.

“I don’t mean to rush you, but …”

He chuckled softly, his breath warm against her shoulder. “Caro, I didn’t want to rush you. I’m not a small guy, and I didn’t want to hurt you because you weren’t ready.”

“I’m beyond ready, Logan. Rushing sounds like a wonderful idea.”

He raised his head, his dark eyes sparkling with lust and laughter. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” She curled her hands into fists and squirmed with impatience as he rolled to the far side of the bed, snatched up his jeans and rummaged in the pocket. The sound of ripping foil was music to her ears.

When he came back, he was ready for action. “No more foreplay, then?”

She shook her head and held out her arms. “Main event, please.”

“God, Caro.” He moved over her, his breathing ragged. “You are some kind of woman.” Bracing himself on one arm, he reached between her thighs. “But I still need to make sure you’re—”

“Logan.” She squeezed her eyes shut and arched off the bed as his probing fingers nearly made her come. She’d never wanted a man so much that she was dizzy with anticipation.

He groaned softly. “You weren’t kidding.”

“No.” She opened her eyes and met his gaze as she cupped his firm bottom. “Now.”

“With pleasure.” He thrust forward and gasped. “God, that feels good.”

Good didn’t begin to cover what she was feeling. Pressing her fingers into the muscles of his backside, she closed her eyes again. The rightness of this connection stunned her. She’d imagined that sex with Logan would be nice, but she hadn’t counted on this … perfection.

He leaned down and brushed his mouth against hers. “You okay?”

“Fabulous,” she murmured.

“You’re so still.”

She looked up at him. “I’m just …” Overjoyed? Ecstatic? No, she couldn’t say that.

“Don’t worry. I’ll go slow. Let you get used to me.” He eased back and slid forward in a gentle motion.

That was all it took. She gasped as the first spasm hit.

His eyes widened. “Caro? Are you …?”

“Yes … yessss.” A powerful orgasm arced through her, leaving her shuddering and breathless.

His voice was low and intense. “Okay, then.” His buttocks flexed beneath her fingers as he began a steady rhythm that urged her quivering body to tighten once again. He gazed down at her, his dark eyes gleaming with purpose. “I think you’re used to me.”

“Uh-huh.” Her breath caught as he shifted his angle to penetrate even deeper.

He paused and gulped for air. “Still okay?”

“Mmm.” She wrapped her legs around him, opening herself in complete surrender. “Don’t …”

He frowned in obvious concern. “Don’t?”

“Don’t stop.” She smiled up at him.

“Caro, you’re …” He dragged in more air. “Amazing.”

Logan’s movements took on new authority as his forceful thrusts propelled them forward. Gradually he increased the pace, urging both of them toward the brink.

Caro abandoned herself to his rhythm as they rocked faster, and faster still, and then … heat flooded through her, brilliant, golden and intense. Through the haze of her climax she heard him cry out, and he surged forward. She absorbed his orgasmic shudders with a laugh of pure delight.

This had been an outstanding idea.

LOGAN FELT THE RIPPLE of laughter caress his happy penis. He’d never had any woman laugh at the end of sex with him, but was beginning to understand that Caro was unique. Once he had enough breath in his lungs to form a sentence, he nuzzled her ear. “Do you usually laugh after sex?”

She laughed again. “No.”

“Should I be honored or insulted?”

“Honored, for sure. I couldn’t help it. I’m so happy.”

He raised his head and peered down at her. Sure enough, she looked content. Her eyes sparkled and her skin was flushed with obvious pleasure. He’d like to claim credit for that, but he had a hunch Caro was pretty easy to please. Still, she had said she didn’t usually laugh.

“So what brought on this happy laughter?”

She stroked his back. “Well, because I’ve never invited a man I just met into my bed, I wasn’t absolutely sure it would work out well. But it did, didn’t it?”

“That’s an understatement.” He loved the way she touched him—not too light and not too heavy. Not everyone was good at that.

“See? We took a chance on each other and had a terrific time. We even managed a mutual climax, and that doesn’t always happen, especially the first time with someone.”

“That’s true.” She was adorable—and that tug at his heart should serve as a warning to be careful. But he wouldn’t have much luck distancing himself while he was this close to her sweet, sunny self. He’d work on the distancing thing later, maybe on the plane ride home.

In the meantime, he planned to soak up as much of this therapy as he could, and give her some in return. “I’d have to say that was the best first-time sex I’ve ever had.”

“Me, too. Hands down. Which is a good thing, because we needed to get it right the first time, all things considered.”

“Yeah, not much time to practice.” But he was willing to work in whatever practice they could. She ought to have some input on that plan, though. “Especially if you want to get some sleep before morning comes.”

She switched from stroking his back to fondling his chest. “Are you sleepy?”

He wondered if she’d ever studied massage. Her touch was magic. “I asked you first.”

“All right, then I’ll be honest. I want to come at least once more before morning does. That is, if you have another condom available.”

He grinned. “I have two more.”

“Excellent.”

“I would have bought more than that, but the machine wasn’t very cooperative.”

“It probably needs maintenance. I’ll bet nobody would report it to Josie or me. A guy might tell Steve, but it’s not like some cowboy would come up to me and say the condom machine is malfunctioning. It’s kind of a prob—”

He cut her off with a quick kiss. “Let’s not worry about it. I have two more, and if you’ll direct me to your bathroom …”

“Across the hall.”

He eased away from her and left the bed. “Be right back.” The moment he put his weight on his right leg, pain sliced through his knee. Without meaning to, he sucked in a breath.

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