The Lone Rancher - By Carol Finch Page 0,47
simple and as complicated as that.
“I have another theory,” she murmured as she skimmed her lips over his hair-roughened chest and encircled his male nipples with her forefinger—loving the feel of his muscled flesh flex and relax beneath her hand.
“What theory is that?” His voice crackled and a muffled groan clogged his throat.
“The fire was a warning for me, sent from one of your secret admirers. One of your jealous lovers might have tried to burn down my house for spite.”
“I don’t have any lovers, jealous or otherwise,” he said as he stepped back a pace. “Look, Boston, I know your emotions are in as much turmoil tonight as mine, but this isn’t a good idea. Not that I’m not interested, because you know I am. But we’ve both had a rough evening. If we become each other’s consolation tonight, you’ll regret it in the morning.”
Adrianna thought it over carefully and realized she was not looking for compassion, distraction or consolation. Her desire for Quin—who could be maddening one minute and irresistibly charming the next—had plagued her since she’d met him.
“Of all the men I could have had, Cahill, you’re the one I want,” she admitted honestly. “You have assured me that you don’t need my money and I have no need of your wealth. There are no strings attached, right?”
He cupped her face in both hands and lowered his dark head. “No strings, maybe, but there might be consequences,” he warned. “Just ask Leanna, who maybe went to a man for comfort and consolation and bore him a child he won’t claim.”
She looped her arms around his neck and leaned closer, aware that he was aroused. That did wonders for her self-confidence. For once, she was desired for herself, not for her name, her social status and her fortune. “Are you going to kiss me, or keep trying to talk me out of this? I’m all talked out after hosting the party. I’d much rather kiss you, Cahill.”
And so she did. She wanted Quin to forget about the frustrations they’d both experienced tonight. She wanted to feel his masculine body pressed familiarly to hers and to appease the erotic dreams that continually hounded her sleep.
“Are you absolutely sure about this, Boston?” He devoured her lips, scooped her into his arms, then grinned. “This is your last chance at sanity. Don’t come whining to me later.”
She returned his teasing smile and traced his sensuous lips with her index finger. “I almost never whine, Cahill.”
He tumbled with her onto the bed, then braced himself on his arms to loom over her. He chuckled wickedly and said, “Perhaps not, but I wouldn’t mind hearing you beg.”
“I don’t do that, either,” she insisted loftily.
One thick, black brow elevated and he flashed a devilish grin. He was so playful and endearing that she nearly melted on the spot.
“No? We’ll see about that,” he purred.
Then he kissed her so tenderly, so seductively, that she considered begging for a dozen more tantalizing kisses. But she couldn’t speak or think or breathe when his warm lips skimmed her throat. She gasped in anticipation when he unbuttoned her blouse, then cupped her breast.
Desperate need coiled inside her when he flicked her nipples with his tongue. She arched instinctively toward him to align her aching body with his, but he bent his leg over her knees to hold her in place.
“Patience,” he murmured, then suckled her breasts. “This might take all night. In fact, I’m counting on it, Adrianna….”
She loved the way her name rolled off his tongue with that husky Texas drawl.
“Then I need someone who moves a lot faster than you because I won’t last the night. You’re burning me up already,” she rasped.
When Quin raised his head, something fierce and unfamiliar blazed through her chest and lodged in the vicinity of her heart. Oh, for heaven’s sake, she thought. I’d better not be falling in love with him. Adrianna had come to Texas for limitless freedom and independence. She had wanted to take complete charge of her life and prove she was as business-minded as her father. She wanted to avoid restricting ties. And look where that had got her!
“I’m not giving you up to anyone else who moves fast, slow or anywhere in between,” Quin said hoarsely, jolting her back to her previous remark. “I want you all to myself, Adrianna. I won’t be satisfied with anyone but you tonight….”
Chapter Eight
Quin meant exactly what he said. He wanted to be flesh to flesh and heart