Chapter Three

The following Wednesday, Kinley stood behind the counter, filling prescriptions, but her mind was on Levi. Why hadn’t he called her yet?

“Stop thinking about it,” Addison said quietly.

“I’m trying.” Kinley looked at her. “I swear if I don’t hear from him before Thanksgiving, he is going to get a piece of my mind at your house that day.”

Addison snorted out a laugh. “I’d love to hear that.”

“Addison, I don’t get it. He said we’d see each other before Thanksgiving, and I haven’t heard a damn thing from him. Is the ranch busy or something?”

“Not at this time of the year. No competitions now, but they still have work to do around the ranch, but it’s normal chores.”

“Damn it.” Kinley blinked her eyes to keep tears back. What was it with men?

The bell chimed again and she sighed deeply. Would this day ever end? She looked up and her mouth dropped opened as Levi entered the pharmacy. She glanced at Addison to see her smirking.

“Hi, Levi,” Addison said. “Are you picking up?”

“Only Kinley, if she’ll go to lunch with me.” He grinned.

Kinley walked around the counter, and marched toward him, her temper flaring. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him .

“I haven’t heard from you in days, and now you just expect me to go to lunch with you?” she snapped.

“First of all, I didn’t expect anything, and secondly, my phone died. I had to get a new one. That’s why I’m in town, to explain and ask you to lunch,” he said.

Her anger deflated at his explanation. “Oh,” she replied quietly.

“Yeah, ‘oh’,” Levi said sarcastically.

“I’m sorry,” Kinley murmured, then a thought occurred to her. “You could have called the pharmacy.”

“I don’t have a landline. How would I call?” Levi retorted.

“Cody—”

“I don’t involve other people in my personal business. Damn it, Kinley, we agreed to talk before Thanksgiving. Give me a break.” He sighed.

She swallowed hard, knowing he was irritated by the tense line of his jaw. “I understand. I’m very sorry,” she said, blinking back tears.

“It’s fine. I’m sorry for snapping at you. It’s been a hellish few days on the ranch,” Levi admitted.

“What happened at the ranch?” Addison asked him.

“Wolves. We had to move the bulls again. That electric fence doesn’t seem to bother them.”

“I forgot. Cody did mention something about that.”

“I’d still like to go to lunch with you,” Kinley said with a small smile.

Levi smirked. “Okay, but put some shoes on first,” he teased as he glanced down at her socked feet.

Kinley gasped in embarrassment. She had been so flustered that she forgot about kicking off her shoes earlier. Rushing back behind the counter, she quickly tugged them on before joining Levi again.

“Are you in socks back there too, Addison?” Levi asked with a grin.

“Yep,” she said, laughing.

“I’ll be back in an hour, Addison.” Kinley leaned close to her. “I feel like an idiot.”

“Make it up to him. You did jump to conclusions.”

“Yeah, make me feel better. Some friend you are.” Kinley picked up her coat, slipped it on, then headed to Levi again. “I’m ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He held the door opened for her, and walked on the outside of her as they walked to the diner.

“I’m so sorry for jumping to conclusions,” she said.

Levi took her hand in his. “One thing about me, Kinley, I’ll never lie to you. If I tell you I’ll call or take you out, I will. If I can’t, I’ll let you know.”

“Alright. I’m so—”

“No need to apologize again. I accepted it the first time.”

“I seem to be on the track of wrecking this relationship before it even gets started,” she said.

Levi chuckled. “All relationships have some problems. Really, it’s fine. I feel bad for snapping at you.” He shook his head.

“It’s okay. Did the wolves hurt anything?”

“They took down a bull. ”

“What did you do?”

“We ran the wolves off by shooting into the air and got the bull back to the barn, but had to call the vet. He was in pretty bad shape.”

“How did you know it was happening?”

“Cody has trail cameras all over the place and connected to our phones. Randy, one of the ranch hands, alerted us.”

“I hope the bull will be okay. Aren’t they a little big for wolves to attack?”

“No. If they’re hungry enough, a pack will attack anything to survive. I’ve seen them take a full-grown male moose down.” He opened the door to the diner, and nodded for her to go inside.

“I remember a few years ago, Preston Mitchell was having a hard time with wolves. They had killed one of his horses, then went after a colt.”

“Yeah, I remember that. Wolves will take food where they can find it. Even a human. I just hope the bull makes it. It’s one of Cody’s best bulls.”

“Did Tess go out there?”

“No. It seems she has another vet working with her. Dr. Russell.”

“I didn’t know she’d hired another vet. She’s so busy though. Man or woman?”

“Woman.”

“I’m sure I’ll meet her when I take Tootsie in for her shots.”

Levi chuckled and shook his head. “Tootsie.”

Kinley smiled. She was glad he’d forgiven her for jumping to conclusions.

They made their way to a booth and sat down. Connie came by, took their orders, then returned with their drinks.

“I was going to ask if you want to go out Saturday night for dinner,” Levi said.

Kinley grinned. “I’d love to. Where? Just so I know what to wear.”

“How about the Hartland?”

“Can you get a reservation this late?”

Levi grinned. “I already did.” He laughed when she narrowed her eyes at him.

“You’ve got some balls, cowboy,” she snapped.

“I thought if you said no, I’d just cancel. I wasn’t confident you’d go, so don’t give me that look. I’m not stupid when it comes to women. I learned a long time ago to never assume anything when it comes to them.”

She laughed. “Fair enough, and yes, I’d love to go.”

“The reservations are for six, is that okay?”

“Sure.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up around five-thirty.”

“Okay. Can’t wait.”

****

After eating lunch, Levi walked her back to the pharmacy, opened the door for and nodded for her to enter.

“I’ll see you Saturday,” he said.

“Alright. Have a good rest of the day,” Kinley said.

“Yes, ma’am. You too. I’ll get my phone activated once I get home.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips, then walked off.

As he strode down the sidewalk, he smiled. She had a temper and he did too, so he was sure there were going to be some wild arguments between them .

He was looking forward to seeing her Saturday night. He lucked out that there had been a cancellation right before he called. He’d been at the Hartland restaurant several times and knew the food was fantastic. Yep, definitely looking forward to it.

Saturday at five-thirty, he pulled into her driveway, parked, grabbed the rose, and a small bag, climbed out and walked to the door. He rang the doorbell, and when the door opened, he mentally groaned. She wore a black dress that hugged her body and ended just above her knees. On her feet were red stilettos. He saw her cat sitting on the arm of the sofa, glaring at him.

“You look beautiful,” he said as he handed her a pink rose and the bag.

“Thank you. Come in. What’s this?” she asked as she held the bag.

He grinned. “Open it.”

She frowned at him, but opened the bag, then laughed when she pulled the bag of miniature Tootie rolls out.

“Thank you. I ran out of them.” She put the rose to her nose and inhaled, then looked at him. “Let me put this in the fridge for now.”

“Alright.” He watched her walk toward the kitchen and his groin tightened. It had been too long since he’d been with a woman, and he wanted this one way too much.

Kinley walked back toward him with a smile on her face and he wanted to say, screw it and fuck her with those shoes hooked behind his waist. She stopped in front of him, stared into his eyes, and tilted her head.

“What are you thinking? ”

Levi chuckled. “You don’t want to know.”

She laughed. “Okay. Maybe you’ll tell me later.”

When she turned to get her coat, he grasped her arm and made her face him.

“I’d rather show you,” he murmured as he leaned down and kissed her lips.

“We’ll see.”

He nodded, took her coat off the rack, and held it for her. She smiled at him over her shoulder. He shook his head. She knew exactly what she was doing to him.

“Let’s go,” he said, taking her hand.

“I’m ready when you are.”

He grinned. “Oh, I’m ready.”

When she laughed, he shook his head as he led her to his truck. Opening the door, he held her hand while she stepped onto the running board, sat and swung her legs inside. He clenched his jaw and slammed the door. Taking a deep breath, he blew it out, then grinned when he heard her laughing. Women.

He made his way around the truck, climbed inside, started it, then drove them to the restaurant.

“How was your day?” she asked innocently.

“Stop. Just stop talking.”

Kinley burst out laughing, making him wonder what the hell he’d gotten himself into. They drove the rest of the way in silence.

Levi’s heart pounded in his chest as he parked the truck and made his way to her side. He extended his hand, and she took it, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through his body. As she stepped down from the running board, he couldn’t help but stare at her lips, the vibrant red lipstick calling out to him like a siren’s song.

“I want to kiss that lipstick off,” he growled, his voice thick with desire.

She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with lust, before leaning into him and pressing her lips against his. He groaned as their tongues met, his hands roaming over her body, desperate to feel every inch of her.

He cupped her ass, pulling her closer, and she moaned softly into his mouth. He could feel the heat radiating off her body, her arousal evident in the way she moved against him.

He slowly raised his lips from hers. “Let’s skip dinner.”

“But I’m hungry.”

“Hell, so am I, and I don’t mean food.” He lowered his head until he heard someone yell.

“Get a room!”

Kinley laughed and he chuckled.

“Best damn idea I’ve heard all night,” Levi yelled and chuckled when he heard them laugh.

“Now you have lipstick on you. Let me get that.” She reached into her purse, removed a tissue and wiped his lips.

“We’d better get inside, or we’ll lose our reservations, but we’re going to continue this later.”

“I’m game if you are.”

“Come on before we give everyone a show.” He grabbed her hand, led her to the restaurant, and entered. The hostess showed them to a booth, placed the menus on the table, took their drink orders, then returned, setting the drinks on the table .

“Your server is Marco, and he will be right with you. Enjoy your evening,” she said and walked off.

They picked up their menus and looked at them.

“This place has the best food,” Kinley said as her eyes scanned the menu. “It’s always a tough choice.”

“I think I’ll get the ribeye.”

“I’m not sure yet.” She kept looking as she picked up her soda and took a sip.

“Hi, I’m Marco, your server. Are you ready to order?”

“Kinley?”

“Uh, yes. I’ll have the chicken parmesan, baked potato, and ranch dressing for the salad.” She smiled as she handed the server her menu.

“And for you, sir?”

Levi placed his order, then handed the menu to the server.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Yes, sir. I’ll be back with your orders soon.” The server walked off.

“Did the bull make it?” Kinley asked.

“Yes. He’s going to be fine. We found one of the wolves dead. Apparently, the bull was able to fight back and gored it. This was one of Cody’s younger bulls, and the horns hadn’t been tipped yet.”

“Tipped?”

“Yeah, the ends of the horns are taken off. All competing animals have their horns tipped prior to arriving at check-in for the event. The only exemption are turned down horns. It’s safer for the rider. ”

“I see. That’s sad for the wolf though. I know they’re dangerous, but wolves are so beautiful.”

“True, but hell on ranchers and farmers, especially this time of year when their food source is low.”

“I’m glad the bull is alright though.” She placed her elbow on the table, cupped her chin in her hand and stared at him.

“What’s up with you tonight?”

“Me?”

“I’m not talking to myself.” He chuckled when she laughed.

“Nothing is up with me. Anything up with you?” she asked.

“You’re killing me, and you know it.”

Kinley shrugged. “I just think if we’re going to see if there’s anything between us, we should take this a step further.”

“This is our first date, Kinley.”

“Are you telling me you go by the third date rule?”

“No, but—”

“Actually, it’s our second date. We spent a day together.” She grinned.

“Okay, so it’s our second date.”

“Well, then I guess we’ll wait for a third date.” She shrugged, but she bit her lip, and he knew it was to keep from grinning.

He sat back against the back of the booth, folded his arms, and narrowed his eyes.

“You know you’ve got me by the balls, and you’re enjoying it,” he said in a low tone.

When she laughed, he grinned.

“How about we just see what happens after dinner? ”

“If you think I’m going to walk away when I take you home, you can think again,” he said.

Kinley didn’t say anything as she picked up her glass and sipped her drink, all the while keeping her eyes on him. He wanted her, but he’d see if she was just teasing him or wanted him too, once he took her home.

****

Kinley had made up her mind that she was getting him in bed tonight. She knew she could because she was certain he wanted her too.

Their server returned, carrying a large tray, set it on the stand, then placed the dinners on the table in front of them. He smiled at them.

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you,” Levi said after looking at Kinley.

“Enjoy your dinners. I’ll be back around.” The server headed back to the kitchen.

“It smells fantastic,” Kinley said.

“I’ve never had a bad meal here.” Levi picked up his knife and fork, then cut into his steak.

“Me neither. That’s why it’s so hard to choose.” She cut a piece of chicken, put it in her mouth and moaned. “So good.”

Levi nodded. “This steak could be cut with a fork. It’s so tender.”

“Grant only buys local, so that’s a local rancher’s beef.”

“It’s good he does that.”

“Yes.”

They continued their meals in a comfortable silence. She was anxious to get out of here but didn’t want to rush it. He looked so handsome tonight. She wanted to rip the buttons off his dark blue dress shirt to see what was under it. Raising her eyes, she met his and watched him glance at her lips then back into her eyes. She could feel the heat in her cheeks, and he raised his eyebrow.

“Why are you blushing all of a sudden, when just moments ago you were teasing me?” he asked.

“You think I was teasing you?”

“Yes, from the moment I picked you up.”

She shrugged nonchalantly. “If that’s what you believe.”

Levi grinned. “I do.”

She chuckled in response. “Okay then.”

“So, tell me the truth,” he demanded playfully as he lifted his glass and took a sip.

“I was picturing ripping those buttons off your shirt,” she admitted with a cheeky smirk.

He inhaled sharply and began coughing as his drink went down the wrong way. Kinley couldn’t hold back her laughter at his reaction.

“Damn, don’t say things like that,” he said when he was able to talk.

“You said you wanted the truth.” Kinley shrugged.

Once they finished eating, the server placed the leather check holder on the table, and Levi placed his credit card in it.

A few minutes later, the server returned with the receipt. Levi signed it and added a tip, then he stood, helped Kinley up, and held her coat for her. Once he pulled on his coat, they walked out of the restaurant. He held her hand as they made their way across the parking lot.

At the truck, he opened the door for her and held her hand until she sat on the seat. She kept her feet on the running board, staring at him and watched him smirk.

“Get in, Kinley.”

Kinley grinned. “Yes, sir.”

He shook his head as she swung her legs into the truck, then he closed the door, walked around to the driver’s side, got in, started the truck, and drove out of the lot.

“Levi—”

“Nope. Not one word,” he said, making her snort out a laugh.

She saw him grin, but she remained silent.

****

Levi pulled into her driveway, put the truck in gear, wrapped his fingers around the steering wheel, staring straight ahead.

“Do you want to come in?”

He glanced at her, then looked away. He opened the door, stepped out and made his way around the truck. He opened her door and put his hand out to her. She placed hers in it. He wanted her so much.

Kinley stepped from the truck, led him to the door, then unlocked it. She pushed it open, then looked at him. Their eyes held. She smiled, put her fingers in the belt loops of his jeans and pulled him into the house while walking backwards.

Once they were inside, she pushed the door closed, locked it, then moved away from him and took her coat off, and he did the same. They hung them up and she walked to the middle of the room, still staring at him.

“Didn’t you say something about ripping the buttons off my shirt?” He said as he stared at her. But when she walked toward him, his breath hitched and his heart raced when he saw the look of desire on her face.

She grinned at him as she placed her hands on his shirt, fisted them in the material and pulled the buttons apart, making them fly all over the living room. She pushed it off his shoulders and it fell to the floor, then her hands reached for his belt buckle. The metal clinked against his jeans as she unsnapped them, then lowered the zipper. Her fingers brushed against the head of his throbbing cock, making him moan softly.

“Fuck,” he murmured, his voice strained as she knelt, pushing his jeans and boxer briefs down, then took him in her mouth. Her hot, wet lips wrapped around him like a glove, and he couldn’t help but let out a long, low groan. His hips bucked forward, driving himself deeper into her mouth.

He had to stop her, so he stepped back. “Stop.”

“Why?” She looked up at him.

“Because I want to fuck you,” he said as he reached down and pulled her to her feet, then he toed off his boots, removed his socks and wallet from his jeans and took a condom out, then he stepped from his jeans and boxer briefs. His hard cock stood straight up, as he rolled the condom on.

As she stood in front of him, he reached behind her and unzipped her dress and pulled it down her arms, letting it pool around her feet.

She stood in front of him in nothing but a black low-cut bra, matching lace panties, and her shoes. He moved his hand down her belly to her panties, then slipped his fingers under the elastic, and inched them closer to her slit, but stopped, making her whimper. He moved his lips across her cheek to her ear.

“Those shoes are staying on. What do you want me to do, Kinley?” he whispered then took her earlobe between his teeth.

“Touch me, please. Please,” she begged, and he slid his fingers along her slit.

“Sweetheart, you’re so wet...” he whispered, his voice husky with lust. He rubbed at her swollen clitoris, causing her to gasp and moan. The sounds were making his cock harder. He unhooked the front clasp on her bra, then pushed the straps down her arms, making it fall to the floor, then he stared at her breasts.

“You’re perfect,” he said, then took a nipple into his mouth, sucking it and making it harden. He slid his lips across her chest to her other nipple and did the same. Her breath came in gasps as she raked her fingers through his hair. He picked her up and carried her upstairs. She pointed to her bedroom. He entered it and placed her on the bed. He moved over her and kissed his way down her body, then slowly slid her panties down her legs, and dropped them to the floor, before putting his face between her legs and moved his tongue along her slit.

As he licked and sucked on her clitoris, she cried out in pleasure, arching her back off the bed. Her hands gripped his hair tightly, pulling him closer to her sensitive bud. He swore the taste of her arousal on his tongue as he teased her to heightened states of ecstasy, made his cock ache.

He moved his free hand across her smooth stomach, before sliding lower to tease her. She squirmed beneath him, desperate for more contact.

Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as he continued to drive her closer to the edge. He gripped her hips, holding her still for his punishing kisses on her inner thighs. She shivered as he continued to taste her.

With one last lick along her slit, he pulled back. His cock stood at attention between them. She reached for it, wrapping her hand around him and stroking him slowly. Her eyes met his, filled with lust and desire.

“Please,” she whispered. “I need you inside me.”

Without further hesitation, he wrapped his hand around his cock, guiding himself as he inched into her. She moaned as he filled her, stretching her tightness around him. He began to move, thrusting in and out of her with a steady pace. Her nails dug into his back as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

As they moved together, their rhythm growing faster and more intense, he glanced down to see her eyes staring into his, her body shaking with the force of her orgasm. He could feel her walls pulsing around his cock, and he came hard.

As their breathing finally slowed, they collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. She held onto him tightly, their sweat making their bodies stick together as they tried to catch their breath. Levi lifted his head and gave her a deep kiss, full of passion and desire. She moaned softly as he moved his lips to her ear.

“That was incredible,” he whispered.

“Yes, it was,” she replied, still trying to catch her breath.

After a few minutes, Levi got up and went into the bathroom. He disposed of the condom, washed his hands, and stared at his reflection in the mirror. Sex had never been that hot before and it scared the ever-loving hell out of him because if she couldn’t accept what he couldn’t give her, he didn’t know what would happen to them.