Riding Her Rancher Boss Page 9

  “I knew all that riding was for a reason.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “And that is?”

  “I’ve been riding for two days and it hurts when I walk. For you, I imagine it would -”

  A devilish smile pulled at his lips. “I can take it.”

  He kissed her again. Every touch of his lips to hers felt soft and delicious, melding against her as if they’d kissed hundreds of times. She poured every ounce of repressed passion into her response, wanting him to feel this turmoil of desire. Running her hand down his chest, she felt the rough material of his shirt beneath her skin, the hint of muscles that lay beneath…

  Breaking free, she blinked up at him, finding it hard to keep her thoughts in line. “And you give as good as you take?”

  “Oh, I’ll show you everything I’ve been thinking about.”

  Feeling the ridges of his broad chest made her swallow. “With your work ethic, you still have time for such thoughts?”

  He smiled, his chest rising and falling with each breath. “You’re the one who started them.”

  “Then why hire me instead of pressing charges? I don’t find blackmail sexy.”

  He laughed. The rough, liberating sound of it sent a warm thrill through her. Then his hand found the side of her face, brushing back a strand of hair. His attentiveness held her still, anticipating his next move. This was the side of him she wanted to see and now that he’d bared it to her, she was helpless to turn away.

  “You’re right about me. And Mountainbrook. It’s why I stayed this long after my father’s fall. I couldn’t release you without making you take responsibility, yet I didn’t want you to go through court over a reckless decision made in the heat of the moment. So I offered you a way out. Thought it was a good deal.” He smiled, crinkles forming alongside his brilliantly blue eyes. “And besides, you’re a skilled photographer. There are some good opportunities here for you.”

  She’d suspected it all along but was relieved to hear it. He’d finally opened up and she melted a little to think of the rugged cowboy confiding in her. Trusting her. She ran her hands down his expansive back, firm and toned from years of work.

  “I’m sure it’s all about the photos,” she teased.

  “It’s been about you, Cassie. You came here unexpectedly and pulled me out of the routine I’ve trapped myself in for years. I was at a loss how to deal with it, but now I know. I want you. You’re all I think about. Crave. And as for being your boss, well, I’d encourage you to embrace this.”

  Cassie laughed. “No hidden clauses about fraternizing?”

  “I made sure to keep them out.”

  She stared into his eyes. Now that it was all out in the open, something unforeseen made her falter. If she went too far with Jared, she’d lose more than her tenacity. She’d fall too deeply.

  Galloping drew her attention to Warren as he entered the stables, dismounting Savannah. She stepped back, hurriedly putting distance between them. Not that it was enough to hide her arousal, her cheeks flushed, her breathing slow. And one glance at Jared made it very obvious he had to hide the effect she had on him.

  Warren rushed over, ignorant to the sexual tension. “Mind telling me what happened?”

  Of course. The accident. She’d been so lost in Jared she’d forgotten.

  Jared ran a hand through his hair, looking equally disheveled. “Cassie had a fall. The saddle got loose.”

  Warren’s attention went to her. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. A little bruised, but I’ve recovered.”

  But not from how Jared made her feel.

  “You sure? Had it happen to me on my third day of riding. Sprained my ankle for a few days.”

  “She was lucky,” Jared said, his eyes falling on her. “But she can get checked over, just in case.”

  Warren nodded. “If it’s any consolation, it happens to the best of us.”

  His words eased the subtle frisson of distress, yet she couldn’t help but consider leaving tomorrow. Jared seemed content with her decision to abscond and hadn’t uttered a word of objection. But that was before the kiss which had undoubtedly changed things. A blatant sign she was in too deep and if she stayed, she’d only sink further.

  “Thanks, I’ll be okay.”

  She excused herself and headed into the ranch for some water. After filling a glass, she let the cool liquid soothe her dry mouth. The sensation of Jared’s kiss made her lips feel swollen. She wanted him, but he’d made it clear that he didn’t do relationships. Getting entangled with him for another three days would only complicate matters.

  She set the cup down, realizing her hands were shaking. Falling off Caramel had been the culmination of her lifelong fear and she was hesitant to ride again. How could she continue working while constantly afraid of the unknown? The answer was simple: it was time to leave. And she was certain Jared wouldn’t press charges. Her debt had been repaid.

  But was it worth breaking a contract simply because she had the hots for her boss? Could she shirk yet another responsibility just to protect herself?

  Why wasn’t it as simple as it seemed? After his kiss, she’d been reduced to an emotional, bewildered mess. God, she didn’t plan on getting this close. Even though she had told him she couldn’t make any promises, no matter what she wanted to believe, her heart was in it. And his wasn’t. This was always her burden – caring for the wrong men. Men who would inevitably hurt her.

  She heard heavy footfalls behind her. Turning around, she stared at Jared, his brow furrowed with concern and those piercing eyes stirring heat within her.

  “You get the afternoon off. I’ll lead you back to your car.”

  Cassie nodded, following him out as she withdrew her keys, still distracted by the intense kisses they’d shared. Jared looked as composed as ever and now that she knew what it felt like to have his firm lips molded to hers, to taste his heat, she could barely think of anything else.

  They stopped at her sedan and she removed her hat, holding it close. “Work will be delayed for me tomorrow. I have an interview.”

  “Hope it works out. But you’re contracted till the end of the week, and I order you not to break it.” He smiled.

  Cassie returned it, satisfied that the tension had alleviated between them but as much as she wanted to leave, she’d made the commitment. Besides, escaping wouldn’t tame her attraction to him.

  Sparing a glance at the camera, it occurred to her she’d taken no photos of the ranch during nightfall. Her portfolio wasn’t complete without Mountainbrook being bathed in moonlight, which would irrefutably look spectacular.

  “You won’t be offering for me to stay tonight?”

  It was not only an opportunity for photos, but for them to talk about what they’d done. One kiss wasn’t enough and surely he’d be willing for more. She could handle one hot hookup to get over this incessant desire for him, right?

  She’d done it before in an attempt to get over Aaron, but the morning after she’d slept with a man she used to know in college, she awoke alone. The feeling of being dejected had tarnished any inclination for intimacy. Jared never made her feel that way, in fact, he made her feel cared for and desirable, but how could she be certain once they consummated their attraction?

  For once, she was at a loss. Reason and logic usually prevailed but around Jared, it faltered.

  “I’d love you to stay, if you feel up to it.” The hardened lines on his brow softened. “And you can ride with me tomorrow.”

  “I’ll hold you back,” she pointed out. His unrelenting dedication to ranching overshadowed everything.

  A smile curved his lips. “I don’t mind.”

  He stared at her for a moment, and she let herself bask in the look of concern on his face, a selflessness that hadn’t been so obvious before now that she understood the source of his exasperation. He was willing to abandon his workaholic tendencies for her, and she knew that was a huge step.

  A step in the right direction.

&nb
sp; Something about that made her heart race. “Actually, I’ll head home. It’s been a long day.”

  “Good idea. See you tomorrow, Cassie.” He tipped his hat in acknowledgment. “Get checked up before you leave.”

  She wouldn’t disagree with that. Visiting the doctor onsite was quick and a general look-over showed that she had severe bruises, no internal bleeding or fractures, yet he advised her to rest, which she was only too happy to do so.

  Permanently leaving wasn’t an option, to her disappointment. At least, in some way, Jared had prevented her departure. Whether it was because of contractual issues or if he really wanted her to stay, she couldn’t discern, but it mattered all the same. It mattered that he didn’t want her gone.

  And now her hesitation and the reason for it was blatantly clear - she was falling for Jared Weston.

  Chapter Seven

  Instead of entering the ranch, Cassie followed the faded dirt trail embedded with hoof prints toward the stables. No doubt Jared would be there, alone. She stopped at the doorway, the scent of hay and horses thick in the air, her nose numb from the morning’s chill.

  Taking a breath, she stepped inside. She caught sight of Jared shoveling hay and even with the sound of her boots echoing, he didn’t turn around. Not until she stood a foot away from him, and Caramel snorted as if announcing her presence.

  Jared glanced over his shoulder, surprise igniting in his eyes. “Didn’t expect you this early.”

  “Well, I have a contract to keep. And I…need to talk to you.”

  He stripped off his work gloves, exposing rough hands. “How are you feeling?”

  Confused. Frustrated. She wanted to mention their kiss, but couldn’t bring herself to. It would unravel all the emotional barriers she’d built, excuses that sounded rational last night. Until now.

  The corners of his lips curled up. She wanted to kiss him.

  “Good,” she forced out, mustering false cheer. “I don’t know if I’ll ride today, but I’m aware of my limits.”

  He set the pitchfork down and closed the distance between them. “You got complacent. Happened to me. It took a nasty fall and a badly bruised elbow for me to realize I’m not invincible. It’s straightforward to get set in a routine, comfortable and secure, and when something like that happens, it really shakes you up.”

  His admittance of failure stunned her. As she knew, he wasn’t one to admit weaknesses. “Yet you continued working here.”

  “I had no choice.”

  “Everyone has a choice.”

  He let out a sigh, shoulders sagging, highlighting his fatigue. “I didn’t mean what I said yesterday, about you. I like having you here. So does my father. It’d mean a lot to both of us if you accept the job in December.”

  Cassie smiled, touched by his apology. “If I’m working in Spokane, I’ll consider dropping by.”

  “What do I need to do to persuade you to take it?”

  He stepped in close enough to feel the heat from his breath, and she looked up at him, taken by his imposing gaze, the utter strength visible in his body.

  “I can think of one thing,” she murmured.

  She searched his face. There was no sign he was affected by the cold, his skin smoothly tanned, his pearl white smile deliciously tempting. Then his kiss stole her next breath, his lips colliding with hers, firm and demanding. She was swept away by the heat of his mouth molding to hers, retaliating desperately as if she were gasping for air.

  Their lips met harder, faster, heat coiling in her body, brimming with passion until she could barely stand not touching him. Not feeling him. This was all she’d fantasized about last night between the bouts of restlessness.

  Jared’s hands found her waist, the heat of his touch intensifying her need until she was seconds away from begging him to take her, all the sexual tension coalescing into a kiss that felt like foreplay. And with the dampness between her thighs, she was ready and aching for him.

  Pulling away, she drew in a breath. “I’m convinced.”

  “Do you want this?” he asked. She knew what he implied - if she wanted to severely cross that line. As her boss, it would complicate the working environment, not that it wasn’t convoluted already. But a little fling was harmless. She’d guarantee it. One moment, and then she could move on.

  Cassie removed her hat and let it fall to the floor. “I’m willing to take the risk. Let’s not get interrupted this time.”

  “We won’t be. I’ll bar the doors if I have to.”

  His lips collided on hers again, claiming her. She strung her arms around his neck, angling her hips against him and Jared leaned away, looking into her eyes.

  “Let me sweep you off your feet. Literally.” He lifted her into his arms, the bulges of his muscles pressing into her. She broke into a giggle, unable to prevent her approbation from his over the top antics. He carried her down the centre aisle to a ladder and lifted her up, his hands burning through her, reminding her of what awaited. She grasped the ladder and climbed up to emerge in a hay loft. It was peaceful. Private. Immersing herself in the dust strewn straw, she faced Jared.

  He would ease the years of pain she had over Aaron’s insensitive dismissal. The moment Aaron came home during his birthday, she’d surprised him with his favorite dinner and a cake she’d labored hours to make, decorated with flowers from her mom’s florist store. She’d thrown everything she had into their relationship only to be met with reluctance.

  His words came back to her. I never loved you.

  The harsh memory faded as she met Jared’s gaze. He wouldn’t hurt her like that. Already the difference when he touched her, kissed her, made that obvious.

  The hay felt spindly and uncomfortable, which would be exacerbated without any clothes on. She flinched and propped herself up on her elbows, sinking further into the mass of straw. “This will be...”

  “I have some blankets in storage.” Jared reached up to a small alcove above some shelving. “I used to come out here to sleep when my parents argued.”

  Her heart raced. Hearing that glimpse of his past heightened her curiosity about him but she had to quell it. This was about giving in to temptation, enjoying the way Jared made her feel. Nothing more.

  “It’s almost romantic,” she teased.

  “If you’d like it to be.”

  He draped the blanket beside her. She lowered herself onto it, looking up at him, suddenly feeling vulnerable. Jared leaned over her, the firmness of his chest pressing into her. Heat radiated off him. She trailed a hand across the expanse of his back, feeling the scrape of his shirt beneath her fingers. His groan encouraged her to pull it halfway up his chest and slide her hand across the heat of his bare skin. Jared felt deliciously firm, and she traced the contours of his muscles.

  His breath caressed her face. He buried his lips against her neck, kissing lower, the impression of his mouth on her skin sending quivers of pleasure through her. She wanted this. Needed him with every fiber of her being.

  She arched her back, encouraging him to explore, touch her where he pleased. His hands made their way down her body, stopping at the band of her jeans. “I can’t wait to make you cum.”

  Her lips parted as he snapped the button from her jeans and slid them down her legs. Tension, aching need flooded through her. She knew his intention, had to stop herself from pleading for him to hurry.

  Jared slid his hand between her thighs, cupping her. And let out a heated rasp. “You’re wet for me already.”

  “Y-yes.”

  He slipped beneath the seam of her panties, inching them smoothly down her legs. She parted herself wider. And before she could comprehend, he kissed her lips, his mouth bearing down on her in a display of unregulated passion. He was barely holding himself back. Putting her pleasure first.

  She pulled away. “Please…”

  His rough fingers teased her clit, and she gasped at his touch. He didn’t make her wait any further before caressing her slick folds and filling her with two fingers a
t once.

  Oh God.

  She felt herself tighten around him.

  His fingers were deep within her, slick with arousal and when he slowly withdrew, the friction was unbearable. She needed him now - until he filled her again and she was on the cusp of an orgasm, her pleasure heightening with each thrust Jared gave. She pressed back against the straw, giving herself over to him completely.

  He didn’t stop the rhythmic motions, his gaze fixed on her, lust gleaming in his narrowed eyes. A look of pure sexual need directed at her. And soon she was swept away from the barn, the sounds of her wetness, guided to the rising crest of her orgasm by Jared’s hand.

  She gasped his name and her eyes fluttered shut. He pressed his body into her, as if following her over the edge himself. She shuddered and came beneath him, shattered by the force of it. How strongly he made her feel.

  Breathing heavily, she opened her eyes to meet his. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “I know I enjoyed it. Very much.”

  He withdrew, leaving her empty but not sated.

  “I haven’t felt anything like this before,” she admitted.

  He pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Cassie melted into him, surrounded by the scent of hay and the sense of isolation within the barn. He’d pleasured her and she loved it. But even with his skilful kisses, the way his hands roamed across her body, teasing her in all the right ways, something felt off.

  A loud whinny came from below and despite Jared shielding her, she stiffened.

  Noticing her reaction, Jared froze. While he didn’t think of this as the romantic gesture she’d implied and more of a case of having her before he’d explode from need, he wanted Cassie to feel special.

  Watching her come had been incredibly hot; her expressiveness was a turn on. And it shocked him to hear she considered it better than her past experiences, but not enough to let this stop. To falter like she had.