Chapter 15

By ten o'clockTaz was done being social. Done talking to folks about things that didn't matter to him. And done sharing Scarlett with all of Big Bend. Everyone and their mother had turned out for Cal's show. Heck, even Mrs. Bollard, a lady well into her nineties, was cutting a rug with folks half her age. Cal's band was well into their second hour and would probably play until midnight.

At the moment, Millie Sue was on stage singing a new song with him, her voice rich and husky, a perfect foil to his deep rasp. It was a nice slow one, which is why Taz had Scarlett on the dance-floor, her body pressed against his in a way that should be illegal, but hell, he couldn't help himself. As the final note rang out and the crowd began to clap and cheer, he looked down at Scarlett, only to find her eyes on him, her mouth moist because she'd just licked it.

That was it. He was done. Game over.

"We're leaving." He didn't ask.

"Okay." Her voice was soft, and she moved out of his arms. "Let me say goodbye to Benton. I'll meet you at the truck."

"No," he said, grabbing her hand. "We'll both say our goodbyes."

They walked over to Benton who was sitting at a table with Dallas, and a couple ladies Taz didn't know.

"We're heading out, Bent." Scarlett kissed her brother's cheek, leaned closer and whispered something in his ear. His reply was low, but she pulled away with a nod.

"Bit early," Bent's eyes were on Taz. There were unsaid things between the two men, and Taz was man enough to appreciate the concern for his sister.

"I'll make sure she gets home safe," he said.

"Appreciate it."

"Hello." Scarlett waved her hand and made a face. "I'm standing right here. I'm a big girl and can take care of myself."

Benton glanced her way and smiled, the love he had for his sister obvious. "I don't doubt that, but it feels good to know Pullman is looking out for you."

"Jesus," she said, exasperated, "did I miss the trip back to 1895?"

"Don't worry, Peaches," Taz whispered in her ear. "You can boss me around later." With Scarlett's hand firmly in his, they ignored everyone, including those trying to strike up a conversation—save for Lacey, Presley and Donna whose smiles were a little too big and hugs a little too giggly, on their way out.

They walked in silence until they reached his truck and then she turned to him, a coy look on her face.

"What?" he asked roughly, fighting a losing battle because he wanted her naked and underneath him so bad, he was tempted to do something about it. Here.

"I told Bent I'd be home in the morning." She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and stared up at him. The woman was a Jezebel. He was hard and ready and if she didn't watch herself, he'd have her bent over the hood of his truck with his cock buried so deep inside her she'd be screaming his name for days.

"And what did you your brother say to that?"

She smiled and pressed her body against his, practically purring. "Does it matter?"

Surprised, he slowly nodded. "Yeah. It does."

"He told me that he missed my smile…and that he was happy to see it back."

"That so?" He leaned down and swept his lips across hers. "I guess I better do my part to keep that smile on your face."

"You do," she said breathlessly, pulling away. "Now take me back to your place, sir, and have your way with me."

They headed out to his ranch, and the ride did nothing to dampen the anticipation. If anything, by the time he opened his front door, Taz was as hard as a rock and there was a good chance he'd blow before he could get his hands on her; something that hadn't happened to him since he'd been that horny thirteen-year-old.

"I can't wait," she whispered hoarsely, reaching for him before the door was closed. He kicked it shut and claimed her mouth in a kiss that destroyed him. The feel of her, the taste of her, drove him wild, and her scent was heavy in the air. Mouth still fused to Scarlett's, he hiked up her skirt and buried his hand between her legs, sliding beneath the flimsy fabric, his fingers rough and seeking.

"You're so wet," he said gruffly, his mouth now on her neck.

"I wasn't lying when I said I can't wait." She yanked her head to the side. "I want you inside me now."

"Fast and furious?" he cracked a pained smile. His cock ached.

"Just like the movie."

"That's my girl." He scooped her into his arms and headed upstairs to his bedroom, where he placed her on the bed. While she tore off her dress, he kicked off his jeans and boots, his T-shirt joining them in a heap on the floor. Taz paused, breaths ragged, heart racing at the sight before him.

Scarlett was completely naked, her legs open, inviting, her pussy glistening with need. Her hands were on her breasts, and she gazed up at him with a look that made his mouth go dry.

His cock was rigid, ready to go, and he grabbed a condom from the table by his bed, clamping his teeth tightly as he unrolled the damn thing. He was all thumbs.

"You're beautiful," she whispered as he positioned himself between her legs. For one moment he stared down into a face that he knew would stay with him for the rest of his life. Even though his body screamed for release, he sank into her slowly, savoring the sensation for as long as he could. He dipped his head and took one nipple into his mouth, suckling hard and smiling at her gasp.

"That feels so good," she muttered, hands now in his hair. "Oh God."

"God, has nothing to do with this, Peaches." He nipped at the hard nipple, and when she moaned, he was gone. "I'm going to apologize now because I'm not gonna last long." He began to pump, his thrusts deep as the momentum increased. "But I promise the next time I'm inside you, I'll take my time."

Her legs wrapped around his waist and she clung to him, whispering feverish things he couldn't hear or understand. All he knew was that in this moment, right here with this woman, he'd never felt so connected before. Sex had never felt this good. Taz held out as long as he could, his body strained, his veins like spider legs down his neck and chest.

When he came, he roared his release, that animal part of him taking over as he hunched over Scarlett and bit into her shoulder. She was tight, so tight and wet, and shuddered against him, her body slick with sweat.

For a moment he held himself still, trying to catch his breath, trying to understand what had just happened. He'd always enjoyed sex. Hell, what man didn't? But what had just transpired between him and Scarlett was something else entirely.

"That was…" she gasped; her fingers still dug into his shoulders as he slowly pulled out of her.

"Yeah," he replied, pulling her close, and nipping at her ear. "Do you think round two can top it?"

"I don't know." There was a smile in her voice. "I suppose we need to rest up and see."

Taz kissed her and slid off the bed. He headed to the bathroom to take care of the used condom, then padded down to the kitchen where he dug through the fridge for the plate he'd prepared earlier. His mood was light, his body already hardening at the thought of having Scarlett again, when he walked into his bedroom.

She was on her stomach, that sweet ass rounded to perfection, on display and begging for his touch. He set down the plate and climbed into bed beside her, kissing each butt cheek before making his way up her spine until his nose was buried in the mess of hair at her nape.

"Turn over," he ordered, smiling when she did without question.

"Close your eyes." Again, she complied right away.

"Now open your mouth." A smile touched the corners of her lips. "I have a pretty good idea what you're going to put in there."

He leaned close and swiped a kissed over her mouth. "I think you might be getting ahead of yourself." He grabbed a chocolate covered strawberry and placed it between her lips. "Now take a bite."

"Taz," she said slowly, as she began to chew. "You're full of surprises." She sat up, and grabbed another, offering it to him before she scooped one more for herself. "Did you make these?"

"I did."

Surprise, she paused. "Is there anything you can't do?"

"I'm sure there are a few things." Her eyes darkened at his tone. "But in spite of what just happened, I want you to know that I can last longer than five minutes."

"Is that so," she said coyly, looking up at him from beneath her lashes. "You're going to have to prove it to me." She grinned. "Maybe more than once."

"Challenge accepted," he growled, eyes on her breasts. "We've got all night."

* * *

Dusk was comingon by the time Taz pulled Scarlett into his arms and they settled beneath the covers. He'd had her four times. Each one better than the last. She was an eager lover. Unabashed and willing. More than happy to give, and generous. He'd never been with anyone like her. Never reacted to a woman's touch the way he did with her.

He nuzzled her neck and damned if his cock didn't twitch.

"Have you brought anyone here before?" she asked slowly. Her head rested in the crook of his arm, her hair splayed out across his chest.

"No."

"Oh."

"You sound surprised."

She moved until she was half on his chest and looked at him. "I guess I am."

He played with her hair and shrugged. "I've never met anyone I cared to bring back."

She seemed to be considering something. "Just ask," he said. "I won't lie to you."

"Why me?"

This was new territory and Taz needed to get it right. "You're special. In a way I can't articulate. It could just be chemistry, but I've had chemistry with women before. This is different." He caressed her cheek. "I don't know what that means yet. I hope that's okay."

She nodded, eyes big and shiny. "That's the most honest thing a man has ever said to me. Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me," he replied, tucking her into his arms once more. "I'm just sorry you've had shit men in your life."

"Malcom was…he…I just…" She tumbled over her words and stopped, burrowing into his chest.

Anger flared, coming from a place deep inside him that if lit, would spread into something ugly. The thought of this faceless son of a bitch hurting the woman he held was enough to poke the bear. He had to take a moment and get his shit together.

"We can talk about him if you need to."

"Who are you?" she asked lightly, her heart-shaped face open and vulnerable.

Taz all but growled, this possessive thing inside him now awake. "I'm the man who's going to make you scream his name one more time before I fall asleep." He pulled her close so that he could kiss her senseless and murmured against her mouth. "That's if you think you can handle one more go?"

Scarlett bit his bottom lip and pushed him back. "I've got three words for you, mister." She straddled him, her breasts heavy and full. God, she was fucking beautiful. She bent low and whispered, "Ride 'em cowboy."