Riding Her Rancher Boss Page 12

  “You have the talent. You’ll make it.”

  She smiled, a rosy blush tinting her creamy skin. “That phone call earlier confirmed the job. They’re doing an article on Mountainbrook and they need me for promotional photos. I’m coming back in December.”

  Warmth settled in his gut. “That’s great. I can count on seeing you again.”

  “You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

  He thought back to his antagonism against her during the course of the week and touched the side of her face, pulling her close, knowing she’d never deserved to be rejected. She hooked a leg around his, pressing her body against him.

  He met her eyes, embracing what he’d denied. “I don’t want to.”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips, tentatively, and raw need flooded through him in a heated rush. His kiss deepened, his tongue meeting hers as she returned his hunger, grasping onto his shirt as if she could barely restrain herself from tearing it off.

  He spanned his hands down her body, feeling her curves, imagining her naked beneath her thin clothes. He tore his mouth from hers. “Don’t want you getting too cold.”

  She chewed on her lip. “Maybe we should hold off.”

  And there was a reticence he hadn’t noticed before. Hell, he needed to slow down.

  A gleam in her eyes appeared before she broke out in a grin. “You wanted to stop in the stables. Had to get you back somehow.”

  He laughed. So that was her reasoning. “Now we’re even.”

  He claimed her mouth. Cassie fumbled with the buttons on his shirt as he grasped her shirt and slid it over her arms to expose her in a blue lace bra cupping her full, perky breasts. Goddamn.

  His jeans were now painfully tight. “Here I thought I was the one seducing you.”

  She laughed, undid his shirt and shucked it. The cold hit his skin, but his body was burning at the sight of Cassie reaching for the band of her pants and discarding another layer. Lace panties, too.

  He growled and pulled her against him, relishing the heat and smoothness of her body colliding with his. She felt amazing, looked hotter than he’d imagined. And she was torturing him wearing that lingerie.

  He grasped her hips and guided her over his rock hard arousal, letting her feel the effect she had on him. She let out a little gasp and he silenced her with his mouth. Blind need overcame him. He unclipped her bra while she worked at his jeans, occasionally brushing her hand over his cock in light yet bold caresses.

  Jared groaned his approval. “You love to tease…”

  He lowered his head, catching a nipple between his teeth. He rolled it with his tongue, hearing her pleased murmurs, feeling the suppleness of her breast between his lips.

  He helped her remove his jeans and then lavished her other breast as she arched into him. The air was filled with their heated gasps, thick with a rising tension that needed release.

  He slipped a hand beneath her panties and guided them down her long legs. Hell, this lengthened foreplay was different. He wanted to sink inside her and fuck her hard, but this was what they both needed. To feel each other. Learn each other’s likes and dislikes.

  He found Cassie loved it when he kissed the valley between her breasts and thumbed her clit. He kissed down every inch of her body, letting the cool air dampen the wet heat he left behind.

  “I can’t take this anymore,” she gasped.

  He smiled. Then lowered his boxers; her wide eyes greeting him. Was she intimidated? Impressed? She gently grasped him, her cool fingers dispelling the heat surging through him, and her smile was the answer he needed. He let out a hiss as she stroked him.

  Now he couldn’t restrain himself.

  Retrieving a condom from the basket, he sheathed his cock. He grabbed her hips, pulling her up and onto him. She cried out as their bodies collided, her breasts slamming into his chest. He took hold of the hand she’d wrapped around him and guided himself inside her. Her tightness enveloped him. She bit her lip and leaned back, surrendering to him.

  Her body was immersed in shadows, the hint of moonlight lighting her movements as she rose and fell with him buried deep inside her. She was tight, warm, and it took an immense amount of self-control not to come already. It was unbearably hot having her ride him. He loved the way she gave herself to him implicitly.

  She pivoted against him, each delicious thrust intensely maddening, yet making him crave more. Deeper. And soon he felt it rising within him, building, and he was lost within her, driving deeper and harder, their echoing cries resounding around them.

  He kissed her breasts, her neck, liberating tension and all inhibitions as he groaned his release. He felt Cassie tighten around him soon after, her gratifying shudder revealing her own orgasm. It was the fastest he’d come and he had to take a moment to recover.

  Jared held her close, their bodies entwined. When the cool air became intolerable, he finally released her and kissed her softly. He cleaned up and dressed quickly, lowering onto the blanket. Cassie joined him after retrieving her clothes and pulling them on, her face flushed. Several minutes passed in breathless silence.

  “I want to fuck you as much as possible before the week’s over.”

  She kissed him. “I’ll consider extending my stay in December.”

  Her proposal hung there, the notion that they could continue this further once her contract was up. He wouldn’t refuse. He couldn’t.

  “I hope you do,” he conceded.

  “But what about your original photographer?”

  “Already called Diane and let her go.”

  Surprise, and anger, ignited in her blue eyes. “Before you even heard my answer.”

  “I knew you’d agree. I’d find a way to convince you, eventually.”

  She smirked. “Your arrogance knows no bounds.”

  “Part of my charm.”

  She shook her head, but he caught her amused satisfaction. They lay together and watched the moon become obscured by darkening clouds, and listened to the cicadas breaking the silence. The food, still heated within the insulated bag, was ideal sustenance after sex. The night ended with Cassie taking photos of the mountains surrounded by the stars, free from the light pollution that was prominent in New York.

  And with a profound hit to his gut, he realized the thought of going back there was no longer rewarding. Being with Cassie was.

  Chapter Nine

  Cassie surveyed her simple outfit of black pants, a grey top and cream blazer. No cowgirl getup needed. Jared had barely left her thoughts in the past two weeks. She’d tried to avoid mental distractions of him by taking regular visits to her parents and to Sharon in Spokane where they lost themselves in wedding talk. Embarrassingly, glossing over wedding dresses and venue details allowed her thoughts to drift to Jared and the image of him in a tuxedo. Now that would be a sight to behold.

  “I’m so happy you faced your fears. You loved to ride as a little girl. It’s good to see you enjoying it again,” her mom remarked. She was giving Cassie a ride from Passionflower, eager to see the ranch after Cassie had divulged her deal with Jared.

  “I’ll be taking photos this time. Nothing else.”

  “I’m still surprised you went through all this to pay off my debt.”

  She thought of the outstanding balance hovering like a dark cloud over her parents, a heavy weight neither of them needed, and the money she’d earned from working for Jared had been sent to her.

  “The arson wasn’t fair to you, and I’ve been wanting to help as much as I can. I know you wanted me to return to Passionflower after the rebuild, but I needed to follow my passion. It felt like the right time.”

  “Your thoughtfulness is always appreciated, sweetheart.”

  “Thanks, mom. Will see you at the wedding.”

  “You better bring Jared, you hear?”

  Cassie smiled and walked towards the ranch, the memory of it vivid in her mind, and she’d had the photos to relive it. Now she could take in how much it had changed. The ranch’s porch
had been extended out several feet and included a dining table and chairs with a grill in the far right corner. She stared around the vast land stretching before her, illuminated by the early morning sun. The grass contrasted with the crisp white mountains and cobalt sky.

  During her time away from the ranch, she’d messaged Jared. They’d shared memories of her time as a florist and the many memorable wedding stories, and his of business dealings in New York. He’d told her to arrive the day before the official opening, and she agreed without hesitation. Tomorrow, the ranch would hopefully be busy. Her blog had had a boost in visitors eager to see the ranch, some booking in directly through her. She’d become an unofficial part of the new Mountainbrook, but she was only too happy to help the Westons.

  She strode up the familiar path. The absence of cattle left a residual silence broken by the horses in the stables. Anticipation seemed to fill the air. The sun warmed her back as she stopped at the door and taking a breath, she entered.

  A new reception area greeted her, a large pine desk with a glittering chandelier above adding a touch of glamour. She passed by to see all the familiar faces waiting in the living room, and two new ones. Young, lanky men without Stetsons. Jared’s father approached her with a warmhearted smile and started introductions.

  “These are the new stable hands, Ricky and Leo, fresh from Randall’s ranch. Been a great help these past few days.”

  She smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise,” Ricky said, his blond hair unruly. “We’ve heard a lot about the photographer cowgirl.”

  She laughed, thinking of how well that had worked out. “Hopefully not all the details. I only lasted five days.”

  A few moments of small talk later, she roamed the living room, taking in the sumptuously large amount of furniture and extended kitchen. It looked like a luxury five-star ranch and she couldn’t wait to get started on photos. But it all served as a distraction, and gazing around the room, she saw no sign of Jared. Her chest felt hollow.

  Luke came to her side. He looked completely at peace from when she’d last seen him and the sight made her smile.

  “What do you think of the place?” he asked.

  “It’s very impressive. Great job.”

  He nodded. “Mountainbrook means a lot to me. The Westons deserve all the publicity they can get, and you have my personal gratitude for that. Without your photos, it could’ve gone entirely different.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. “You’re giving me too much credit.”

  “Not at all,” he said with a smile that alluded to something other than Mountainbrook, and added, “Jared’s working the pastures, he’ll be back soon. He’s eager to see you, but won’t admit it.”

  Cassie smiled and went to sample some of the delicacies at the buffet table, her waist line be damned.

  In the resulting two days after their first night together, they’d barely kept their hands off each other. She wanted him again but something prevented them from giving in, whether it was preparations for renovations or photo suggestions from the ranchers. It reminded her they’d come together at an inconvenient period. But now that she’d returned, she planned to make time. Besides, Jared was no longer her boss. There’d be no distractions or pangs of guilt.

  Two weeks had been long enough. While Mountainbrook had changed considerably, she hoped her attraction to him hadn’t waned. Nor his.

  Jared’s father returned, flashing a broad grin. “We’re all looking forward to tomorrow. Would you like an official tour?”

  She suppressed her growing insecurity, aware that it could lead in the direction of Aaron. It was sex with Jared, that’s all he wanted and she was more than willing. She grinned. “I’d love that.”

  He led her through the hallway featuring four lodge rooms, and to the renovated massage parlor. Cassie pulled out her camera to take a few shots, listening as he went over the renovation process and how all the men chipped in to help.

  “Got it done a week earlier than scheduled, before the worst snowfall hit. Couldn’t have completed it without the help of Randall’s boys. They’ll be joining the ranch next week.”

  “I’m glad everything’s going well for you.”

  “Sweet of you to say so, but I ain’t getting my hopes up yet. As long as we earn out the expenditure, Mountainbrook can continue.”

  She lowered her camera. “With Jared’s help?”

  A broad smile crossed his face, a knowing gleam appearing in his brown eyes. “Maybe you can talk to him, help him see sense. He’s worked more than any of us combined and still intends on leaving. I’m sure you see this ranch is where he wants to be. I’ve tried to show him that.”

  Now aware of the turbulent past between them, she bit her lip. “Are things...okay between you?”

  A pained look overcame him. “Been better during the renovations. Come, we’re cooking up a feast for lunch. I’d like to know what you think of the new menu.”

  There was still no sign of Jared. Cassie ate until her stomach protested, then after catching up with the other ranchers, she headed out to the stables. Taking photos was her excuse, not because she was seeking Jared out but she doubted any of the men believed it.

  Pulling her camera free, she turned toward the ranch well-lit by the clear afternoon sun, and snapped several photos. The shutter clicked wildly, the intermittent sounds broken by footsteps coming from behind. She hesitated.

  “Knew it wouldn’t be long before you reached for your camera.”

  Jared’s rich voice caressed her and she swallowed. Hard. Clasping the camera in an attempt to control her wave of desire, she faced him. A caramel colored Stetson shrouded his eyes in shadow. Stubble covered his hard jaw line, giving him that sexy, rugged look she remembered so intimately. Riding him that night had been incredibly hot.

  “I’ve been given the tour,” she managed to say, her heart racing from the sight of him. “The ranch looks stunning.”

  He closed the distance between them, looking down at her as if he wanted to divest her of her clothes. “So do you.”

  She attached the camera to her side, arousal sweeping through her, stealing her composure. She drew in a breath. “Thanks. Am I the one making you hide away out here?”

  “Someone has to work.”

  “And that someone has to relax.”

  A smirk pulled at his lips. “Damn. Two weeks away from you, and I thought...”

  “What?”

  He kissed her, the sensation of his mouth caressing hers lingering after he withdrew. “That I’d be able to hold back a little while longer.”

  She placed her hands on his chest, attempting to restrain him, but the feel of his hardened muscles made her shudder. “We should hold off. For now. I’ve got work to do.”

  “And I’ve got to tend to unit five. The last of the cattle will be shipped to the McKenzies before the opening. Unless you feel like helping?”

  She recalled her brief ranching days and it brought a smile. “I’m strictly taking photos today. Besides, isn’t that what Ricky and Leo are for?”

  “They clean up the barn and stables, feed the horses. They don’t ride. Actually, no one rides like you.” His gaze trailed down her face. “Are you staying?”

  “Yes. I can’t miss the grand opening.”

  “Good. Without you, I don’t know—”

  She raised a hand. “No, give yourself the credit. I hear you’ve been doing a lot of hard work and your financial investment created a breathtaking ranch. Your father’s enthused about Mountainbrook’s future.”

  A frown creased his brow and he stepped back. “I’ve done what I can for him.”

  She knew she was transgressing again by imploring him to reconsider, but she thought of all he could lose. All he’d leave behind. “He truly believes you’re the one to take up Mountainbrook.”

  “And you both well know that I don’t like the changeover. Cassie, it doesn’t feel like my place to claim.” He sharply adjusted his hat. “See you tonight, hon
ey.”

  Jared kissed her again. He pulled back, desire and restraint creasing his face, a brief insight into his feelings. His troubles.

  Cassie stared after him as he retreated to the stables. Something bothered him, and even though she was compelled to delve further, he made it clear they had to wait. Their intimacy had forged an intense bond, one she couldn’t deny the more she helplessly grew closer to him. Still, she couldn’t ignore the ache in her chest.

  The question that lingered in the back of her mind, one she feared to acknowledge: why did his future concern her when they had none together?

  Jared didn’t mean to brush her off like that. In all the time they’d been apart, he figured his attraction, this need, wouldn’t be so crazily strong. But standing there, seeing her slender body and the bountiful curves of her breasts, remembering the sensation of her smooth skin beneath his lips, how it felt to be inside her, he realized nothing had changed.

  He wanted Cassie Mills. Which made sense, but he couldn’t let himself get too close. She was due to leave tomorrow and he’d been intent on leaving as agreed to return to New York. It all seemed clear months ago. Before her.

  Grasping the pitchfork tightly, he brushed the hay away from the entrance. This was a job for the new stable hands, he knew, just as much as he knew he shouldn’t keep distracting himself. Being distant over Heidi had served to instill his workaholic behavior, as Cassie had put it. She was right.

  Hell, it was time to let go.

  He set the pitchfork back in place, took off his Stetson, and headed for the ranch. The sun had been consumed by clouds, shadows lining the grass, and the air held a tinge of warmth, a welcome change from the bitterly harsh fall this year. It’d been all kinds of hell trying to get renovations done in time thanks to his father’s eagerness, and they’d managed but not without a hefty amount of curses and sleepless nights. He’d been stressed out, tense, and kissing Cassie had been a moment of relaxation. One he craved again. He couldn’t wait to take her mouth to his, easing his tongue inside her, tasting their kiss and feeling the warmth of her skin right on his. To touch her soft breasts, pull a nipple between his lips, making her groan as he remembered.