Chapter 7

His green eyes were smoldering, his hands moving upwards to her thighs, thumbs kneading the taut flesh. When he made it to her inner thighs. Her eyes were mesmerized as she looked into his, her body feeling as if someone had turned the heat up to its highest notch.

"Please." She found herself begging, something she had never done before.

"Soon," he promised thickly. Releasing her thighs, he slipped his fingers into the waistband of her panties slid it down, and took it off. His breath was strangled in his throat as he stared at the curls covering her sex.

When he mindlessly pressed his palm over hers, she felt as if she was being flung off the edge of a cliff. Her body arched, her lips parting as the moan escaped her.

"It has to be now." He whispered thickly. Letting go, he rose unsteadily and started tearing off his clothes.

Dani lay there, watching dazedly as he tugged off his shirt and then the white T-shirt under that to reveal a heavily muscled-tanned chest. He had unzipped his pants and was easing over his hips when her eyes dropped to the bulge in his underwear.

Taj found himself getting weak at the knees when her eyes widened and flew up to his face, her lips parting. Kicking away his pants and underwear, he walked over to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I am happy you left this for me to do."

She was still in shock at how well endowed he was and the magnificence of his body.

Tugging her blouse free, he unclasped the front of her bra and took it off.

"You are beautiful." He whispered hoarsely, cupping the fullness of her breasts. His fingers moved over her rigid nipples, watching them harden even more at his touch. "I had every intention of taking my time, but I am not so sure- "Stretching full-length next to her, he turned sideways, to take in his fill.

"Touch me." He ordered thickly when she just lay there. "I want to feel your hands and mouth on me. Please."

His voice dragged her out of the turmoil she was experiencing. Reaching between them, she placed her hands flat on his smooth chest, her fingers grazing his small nipples.

Waves after waves of heat trembled through his lean body in reaction to her touch.

"More." He demanded.

Leaning her head down, she used her mouth to tug the nipple into her mouth. His body shook, his heart slamming inside his chest as she created a tumult inside him that was incomprehensible.

"Hold up." He whispered shakily, pushing her back against the pillows. "If you continue, I am not going to last."

Hunkering over her, the reddened tip of him, rubbing against her taut stomach, he started kissing her cheeks and brushing his lips against hers. Shaking his head when she parted her lips, he kissed her determined chin before going to the hollow of her throat.

Dani sucked in her breath as he started to nibble his way down until he was pulling a nipple into his mouth. Her fingers dug into his hair, her body arching towards his mouth. By the time he had transferred to the other nipple, she was a mass of pure unadulterated nerves, her blood surging hotly through her body.

When he ventured down her stomach, she knew she could not take any more.

Digging her fingers into his hair, she tugged, forcing him to abandon his journey towards her stomach.

"Now." She gasped when he moved on top of her.

"I have to get- "

"No." Shaking her head wildly, she pressed him forcibly down on top of her.

With a strangled groan he guided himself into her, an inch at a time. His breath exploded inside his chest when she lifted her hips to meet his and her tightness wrapped around him like a very tight glove. For a minute, he could not move and could scarcely breathe. Lifting his head, he stared at her, his face taut with incredible passion.

Simultaneously wrapping her arms and legs around him, she forced him to start moving. Easing himself out a fraction of an inch, before plunging into her so hard, it shoved her head into the padded board.

"I am sorry." He whispered against her lips, feeling like an inept schoolboy with his first girl.

"Don't," she whispered laughingly. "And don't you dare stop!"

"I couldn't." His lips parted hers, his tongue plunging into her mouth. He did his best to slow things down, without success, and within seconds, he was driving into her, his body surging into hers.

Dani felt as if she was drowning in liquid fire. Nothing in her limited experience had prepared her for this overpowering emotion slamming into her body.

The tightness was building at the core of her and demanding a release that she could not help but reach for. Without a word passing between them, he knew what was happening and he gave it to her. Releasing her mouth, he buried his face into her neck, his teeth sinking into her skin.

She came then – the climax slamming into her body with the force of a tidal wave and had her crying out, the heels of her feet drumming against his back.

His control snapped as she closed around him, wrapping around him until he felt like she was squeezing his life out of his body. Her name was dragged from his mouth as he shot his load deep inside her, his lean body shuddering from a climax that shocked the hell out of him.

Waiting a few minutes until he could gather enough strength, he turned sideways, bringing her with him so that he could cradle her. His heart was still beating unsteadily, and his body was flushed and moist with sweat. His fingers stroked her back slowly, a frown touching his brow.

Dani had no idea what to say to him and that was a first for her. It had been more than she expected. And she was going to have to take the time to process it.

When he eased her back a little to kiss her forehead, she felt the tears pricking the back of her eyes. His gentleness was almost her undoing, and she could feel the emotions swelling inside her chest.

"Should we talk about what this is?" she asked quietly.

"Do you want to?" His deep voice was just as quiet.

"Not really."

"Then we won't."

"There are rules."

"I thought we weren't talking." He teased huskily.

She finally lifted her head to look at him and what she saw had her heart hammering. His hair was hopelessly tousled by her fingers and his green eyes were hooded. A slight smile curved lips that had destroyed her senses.

"Yes. Well- "She moaned, her eyes closing when he surged to life inside her. "We- Oh good Lord," she whispered, fingers digging into his muscled chest.

"You were saying?" He shifted so that she was straddling him.

"I- Oh." Her fingers curled into his chest when he started moving. "You cannot- Taj- "he winced when she dug her nails into his flesh.

When she started riding him, he lost his senses along with his control. Cupping her breasts, he took a nipple in his mouth and suckled earnestly. A whimper escaped her as darts of incredible fire trembled through her body.

Her fingers tangled through his honey-blonde hair as she held him to her, hips moving on top of him. She came again, body shivering as the climax surged through her like a violent storm.

Letting go of her nipple, he sank his fingers into her hair as he held her steady for his rapacious kiss.

His climax left him weak, his body shuddering as he poured himself into her as if he would never stop. Sagging back against the pillows, he held her as she collapsed on his chest.

The scent of her, the intoxicating perfume filled his nostrils, and he knew without a doubt that he would never forget her smell, the taste of her.

Telling her he was in love with her was too soon, but he felt it, like a song inside his head, the blood flowing through his body created a harmony that filled his entire being. But he could not say it, not yet -not now. He could only worship her body and pretend that this was just something loose and casual.

"What's the name of the perfume?" he whispered in her hair.

"What?" Dani was struggling to make sense of what was happening to her and scarcely heard what he said.

"The scent you are wearing – what's the name of it?"

"Whisper."

A smile curved his sensuous lips. "It should be called ‘Shout' or ‘Seduction'."

"I think Seduction was already taken." Lifting her head, she finally looked at him. "Are you always this ready?"

His thick blonde brows shot up as he laughed. "I would like to think of it as excited. This has never happened to me before."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"Any reason why I would lie to you?" He countered, hands roaming lazily up and down her back."

"I don't know." She felt restless and confused. "Why are you not married?"

"I almost was."

His answer threw her for a bit as she stared at him. "I see. Let me guess, you decided to call it off because you could not commit."

He smiled at that. "I called it off because she wanted me to leave the ranch."

"Oh. She did not like the idea of being a rancher's wife?"

"No."

"You loved her." Dani had no idea why that made her feel strange, but it did.

I love you! The words were trying to burst out of him, and he had to physically tamp them down.

"I thought I did."

"How long ago was that?"

His amused glance made her realize that she was being too impertinent and dipping into something she had no business dipping into.

"I am sorry- "

"A year and several months."

"Were you tempted?"

"No. Anyone I marry will have to realize that this is my home and my birthright." She shifted on top of him, a frown touching her brow. It felt like a warning, but she was imagining things.

"Where is she now?"

"Somewhere in Europe, I believe. She was a model."

"Was?"

"She is now an ambassador for her agency."

"I see."

"Now you. Why aren't you married?"

"Marriage requires work and commitment. I am an actress who leaves at the drop of a hat, and I happen to love what I do."

"You don't want children?"

Her eyes shifted to his and she felt the hypnotic pull that she could not understand.

"Eventually, yes. But from experience, I vowed that I would never commit to motherhood unless I am positive that I can be there for my child. Parents don't comprehend that children are greatly affected when they mess up. What about you? Of course, you would one day want to be a Dad."

He nodded. "It would be a pleasure and an honor with the right person."

Her eyes shifted away from his face. "We are going to have to be discreet."

"Okay."

She turned her head to stare at him. "And you are good with that – why?"

He grinned at her. "I am not a famous movie star, but I happen to have some sort of presence. I am well-known in several towns."

"Of course you are. This cottage could be where we meet up."

"That could be arranged. I want to see you tomorrow night."

"Don't you have to work until midnight?" she asked curiously.

"I work when I choose. Just tell me when you are finished shooting and I will get here. I will give you the code and a key to let yourself in."

"What about your Dad?"

"He is not invited." He grinned when she gave him a quelling glance.

"I meant that I have a feeling he doesn't like me."

"He thinks I am making a mistake getting involved with you." He told her bluntly.

"He might be right." She answered airily, refusing to be hurt by what he just said.

"Why do you think so?"

"We cannot afford to get too hot and heavy."

His eyebrows lifted, and she had to laugh. "I guess it's too late for that."

"Indeed."

"I brought a case with me. It's in the trunk of the car."

"Ah. You fully expected to have your way with me."

"Absolutely." She whispered, bending her head to his.

*****

She fell asleep wrapped around him, something she had never done before either. He had made love to her three times and kept them up until one in the morning. Now she was snoring softly, her head on his chest, one arm flung around his waist.

He was accustomed to getting a few hours' sleep every night and his body was wired from that habit. So, he was not sleeping. She had not said anything about the lack of protection. He still had the condoms he had brought with him, but he had not used anything.

It was foolhardy to think that she would want to stay because they were so combustible together in bed or because they seemed to get along so well.

She was not some na?ve girl who was dazzled by his wealth. She was wealthy in her rights and had an independent streak a mile wide. He had listened to her story and his fascination as well as his admiration had soared.

She had beaten the odds to become someone to be recognized and he was proud of her. A soft sigh escaped him as he realized that as much as he wanted to freeze time, it would no doubt gallop forward and very soon he would have to look forward to saying goodbye to her. Unless he was able to make her fall in love with him.

He had told her he would never leave his home and he meant it. But if she would agree to a compromise, he certainly would be amenable to that.

But the question was nagging at him. Could a woman like her – one who had worked so hard to get to where she was, be comfortable being the wife of a rancher? Would she put aside her career to become a mother to his children? Or was that asking too much?

He had less than three weeks to put his plans into action. He was going to spend as much time with her as possible and hope and pray that there was no emergency on the ranch that required his having to stay out all night.

It was spring and the weather all year round was unpredictable. But spring had sprung some surprises on them too often for him not to be wary and alert. All he had to do was hope for the best.

*****

Her eyelids fluttered open, and the scent of rich and wonderful coffee tickled her nostrils and awoken her senses slowly. She also felt delightfully used. A smile curved her lips and she jerked awake when she saw the man who had used her body for the better part of last night, sipping coffee, his jade green eyes on her face, a bland expression on his.

"You are dressed," she said the first thing that came to her lips and had him grinning.

"It's usually frowned upon to ride the range buck naked, and I don't think my men would appreciate it."

He burst out laughing when she wrinkled her pert nose and hauled herself up against the pillows. His heartbeat quickened as the covers slipped to her waist, exposing her delectable breasts.

She saw the quick sweep he gave her body and smiled archly.

"No coyness?"

"None. I have become accustomed to stripping down to the skin with several people in the room whenever we have to change outfits in a hurry." She reached for his cup of coffee, and he nodded to the cup at her elbow on the table. "I anticipated you would be up soon, so I poured you a cup."

"And I am grateful." Picking up the cup, she glanced at the glaring red lights of the clock.

"Goodness! Five in the A.M."

"I am usually up and about at four. I decided to hang back some."

"For my benefit?"

"What do you think?" he asked lightly. "What time do you have to leave?"

"In a few minutes. Could you grab my case from the car while I shower?"

"Of course." Rising gracefully, he slugged coffee and put the cup down. Instead of leaving the room, he came to sit on the edge of the bed and took the cup from her.

"Hey."

"I need this." Hauling her into his arms, he ravished her mouth hungrily and had her sinking against him.

Putting her away, he let out a breath. "I'll be back in a minute."

Sinking back against the pillows, Dani closed her eyes and breathed in and out shakily. "Oh, good Lord." She whispered. "Okay girl, get ahold of yourself. He is just a man, a sexy, tanned, and gorgeous man, and the best lover you ever had, but still a man. Okay, not just a man- oh hell!" Swinging her legs off the bed, she headed to the bathroom.

He came in when she was toweling herself dry. Without a word, he took the towel and started to rub it gently over her skin.

"You do know I can handle that myself, right?"

"I am aware." His eyes met hers as he patted her breasts dry. "I am just enjoying the pleasure of waiting on you."

"Oh, is that what you are doing?" She was finding it hard to stay still as he rubbed her stomach.

"What do you think it was?"

She held her breath as he stroked the towel over the vee between her thighs. "Taj- " "Hmm?" He did not look at her as he concentrated on what he was doing, paying close attention to the folds between her vagina.

"You are going to be late."

"It so happens that I am the boss, which means I can make my own time. Open- "he whispered thickly. "Yes, like that." He had twined the fluffy towel over his finger and inserted it inside her. Now he lifted his head, concentrating on her exquisite face as he used the towel to move inside her.

The friction of the towel was incredible, and she had never felt anything like that in her entire life. "How does it feel?" His voice was hoarse, his body reeling at the shocked pleasure on her beautiful face.

"I can't take it." She gasped.

"You can." He was ruthless and she found herself reaching blindly for him, her body trembling.

"Damn you. Stop! I can't- "her scream echoed around the room as the climax slammed into her with spikes that threatened to tear her to pieces. He caught her as she fell limply in his arms. He was so shaken by the tidal waves of passion, that he could barely function. Swinging her into his arms, he took her back to bed.

*****

She could not look at him. She had wept in his arms and went mad as he labored over her. She had never lost control like that, and it made her angry and scared. For the first time in her life, she was in turmoil, and she did not like it.

"Will you call and let me know when you are through?" He knew she was avoiding his eyes, but he had no intention of allowing her to push him away.

"I don't know when- "She gasped as he took her arm and spun her to face him.

"You are not pushing me away." He gritted.

"Back the hell off!" she pushed at him, eyes glittering. "You think because we spent the night together that you what? Have some claims on me? Think again."

Swallowing his anger and heightened emotions, he softened his voice and gentled his hold.

"I am feeling it too Dani. I am asking you not to push me away."

She felt her anger dissipating. "Fine. I really must go."

"You promise to call?" he persisted.

"Yes. Look, I am just tired, and I must have all my wits about me for the scenes I will be doing today."

"Should I apologize?" he asked softly.

"Do you feel sorry for anything?"

"None of it." He said promptly, making her smile.

"Then there is no need."

"Get in." he let go of her. "I will lead the way back."