CHAPTER NINE
Charley packed a basket with sandwiches, sodas, chips, pickles, and the assorted utensils. Stuffing a couple of napkins and a blanket in as well, she took one last look in the mirror. Scrunching up her face, she stuck her tongue out at her image. She’d never been considered beautiful by the classic definition. Her hair hung limp straight and could only be described as dishwater-blonde colored. The time in the sun had lightened the ends, but the rest remained various shades of brown. Her glasses dominated her face but, without them, she’d be blind as a bat. Freckles lay splattered over her face as if some child had shaken a paint brush, but the small scar by her mouth always caught her gaze.
She’d earned the scar by sassing her drunk stepfather one night. She knew she hadn’t deserve it, yet it reminded her to be cautious with people. That night had been the beginning of the end of her dream of a loving family and a wake-up call to escape. Running her hands through her hair, she once again made a face before seizing the basket and sauntering out of the house.
Glad the breeze blew, lowering the searing heat from the day, Charley strolled down the back porch steps and through the backyard toward the barn. Cheyenne and her foal trotted around the paddock. With the way one would bump the other then scamper off to another area, they appeared to be playing a game of tag. She paused at the fence to watch the horses play, recalling when Cheyenne was in labor. They almost lost the horse to an infection, but Dr. Hall had fixed her up. She hoped things would be better for Angela, as well.
They’d spoken when she’d brought Taylor home after school. Angela rested on the sofa with her feet up. She assured Charley her fainting spell had resulted from a lack of fluids. Her obstetrician suggested increasing her intake of salt and would be monitoring her blood pressure, just to be sure, but everything remained A-OK with the little peanut. Charley was just as sure Jake would keep his wife chained to the couch. Maybe they should talk about hiring another person, part-time.
As she approached the bunkhouse, her breathing shallowed. Omigod! I just asked Kane out on a date. And, yes, this picnic was a date, at least to her. Her face heated.
Nervous about how things would go, she slowed her steps. Kane, all freshly showered, leaned against the side of the building, watching her. She stopped. He looked even sexier than he had yesterday. His hair was still damp and his dark blue T-shirt pulled taut across his chest and abdomen, showing off his muscular body. But his arms had her drooling. She was an arm girl. The gun show made her panties wet, and his guns were impressive. She longed to feel herself held tight in his embrace. She knew she’d feel safe and protected.
“Hi there.” Had her voice always been this husky? “Ready for some food?” She held up the basket.
“I’m starving. Working in the sun all day sure fires up an appetite.” He reached out to grab the basket. “Here, let me carry it.”
Charley handed it over. “Thanks. Since the river’s not far, I thought we’d walk.”
“Great. Just point me in the right direction.”
They strolled along through the back field in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Kane stretched out his arm, stopping her. “Shhh. Look.” He pointed toward the tree line on the left of the field. There stood a mother deer and her twin fawns. The two small spotted babies nibbled on the grass while Mom stood watch, her ears alert to any danger.
“Aww. They’re so pretty,” she whispered. “There’s something about nature and animals that always makes me melt.”
“It’s why I love working with animals and children. There’s an innocence about them. It reminds me of what is good in this world.” As the sound of their voices carried, it caught the notice of the mother deer. She alerted the babies, and off they ran into the woods.
“You have a good heart, Kane.” She smiled then gently grasped his hand. Touching him felt good…natural. “We’re almost there. It’s up ahead, beyond that small cluster of trees.” Even though she hadn’t dated, let alone kissed a boy, to be holding hands with him sent her heart beating fast.
As they broke through the stand of trees, the glistening river greeted them. The tinkling sounds of rushing water over rocks, birds chirping in the trees, and frogs singing to their mates filled the air. He strolled toward the bank and set the basket down under a tree. “Is this a good spot?”
“Perfect.” She removed the blanket and spread it out. “Have a seat. If you give me a minute, I’ll have everything set out.”
Kane plopped down on the blanket while she proceeded to remove several items from the basket. A plate of assorted sandwiches, sodas, bags of chips, and a plate of brownies filled one edge of the blanket.
“Everything looks yummy. I’m glad you suggested a picnic.” Kane grabbed a soda, opened it, and took a swig. “I’ve eaten better since I’ve been in town than ever before.” He picked up a sandwich, took a bite and then laid the rest on a plate.
“Tell me about your home. Do you like college?” Charley hadn’t had a normal life. She’d watched television shows about high school and college, with friends and football games, but television wasn’t how it happened in actuality.
He leaned back against the tree. “Are you sure? I don’t want to bore you.”
She nodded.
“I grew up in southern Ohio and stayed there for college. I’d been recruited by the Bobcats to play wide receiver since I could run and catch. It must have been all the chasing after foals I did during the summers of working with my mom.” His voice held a wistful tone.
She sighed. “It sounds ideal.”
“It was pretty amazing…at least up until my mom got diagnosed with cancer. They found a lump in her routine mammogram screening, but by the time they figured out it about the cancer, the vile thing had spread.”
“I’m sorry, Kane. I can imagine how horrible it must have been.” Charley reached out and squeezed his hand. She wanted to comfort him. To help him with the pain. But she wasn’t sure if he’d rebuff her.
“Yeah, she went very quickly. I’m grateful she didn’t have years to cope with the pain and suffering. I’ve seen others who lingered, and it would have been much harder to handle.” His voice caught on the last word. “She was there, vibrant and full of life one minute, then gone. Her death left a hole in our hearts but also our lives. Dad threw himself into work, taking on any extra hours and jobs, so he didn’t have to sit at home. I…I…
“I tried to stay at the Final Chance Corrals and continue her work, but it hurt too much. I threw myself into football and school.”
“Your mom would’ve been so proud of you. I’m glad you are working at the ranch this summer. It’ll bring you closer to your mom, once again.” She gave his hand another squeeze. “I’ve had to take classes online this term rather than on campus at Adams State University. With the higher intensity of summer classes and more hours at the café, I didn’t want to add commuting. What are you planning on doing when you finish college? Is professional football in your future?”
“No thanks. I love the game, but the pressure to be the best has led to destructive behaviors. Steroids, stealing playbooks, deflating balls, and throwing games are just a few. I’d rather work with children, helping students who struggle to find their passion for learning.”
“You must have a ton of patience to work with kids.” Charley grinned.
“You have to have it to work with baby horses. Have you seen anyone trying to get a foal to take a saddle? It’s like herding cats.” He laughed, then his stomach growled. Both of them chuckled at the strange sound.
“Looks like we’d better feed the beast. Dig in.” Both paused their conversation to eat, devouring the sandwiches, chips, and dessert in nothing flat.
He removed his boots and socks, stood up, and lifted his T-shirt over his head. “Now for some swimming. Last one in is a rotten egg.” He jumped off the bank into the icy cold water.
She rose unsure of what just happened. Kane splashed in the river. She hadn’t planned on swimming—didn’t have a swimsuit on—but maybe some wading in the water to refresh would be good. Quickly, she picked up the remains of the dinner and stuffed them into the basket. Scrambling to the edge, she gingerly walked down into the water. Each step into the frigid river had her shivering.
“Too cold?” he taunted.
“Sure thing. The river is fed from a mountain spring. I’ll wade instead.” She waved her hand, shooing him away. “Go enjoy your bath. Probably the first one you’ve had all year,” she teased.
Tilting her head down, she covertly watched him through her lashes. The hard planes of his stomach. The six-pack abs dusted with light golden hair. His cute “innie” belly button. She licked her lips as her gaze settled on a single drop of water trailing down between his pecs and over his abs into the waistband of his jeans. She couldn’t stop her scrutiny from dipping lower, over his belt buckle, and to the bulge in the front of his jeans. She shivered again, this time from passion as she crossed her legs to stop the pulsing between them.
Kane strolled out of the river. Strong, wet arms encircled her. His chilly body dampened her T-shirt and bra. She looked up to chide him, but his gaze was glued to her chest. The freezing water triggered her nipples to pucker. They stuck out for all the world to see…and for one young man to admire. He swallowed then licked his lips as if he couldn’t take his gaze from her chest. It was only fair; two could play at that game. She glanced down and inhaled sharply at the image of his large rock-hard cock straining against the front of his jeans. Seeing the evidence of his desire for her, she felt beautiful, powerful.
His large hand reached out, slid behind her neck, and pulled her body up close to his. Where they touched, warmth spread. His lips assaulted her mouth as if war had broken out on her shores. But the caress of his finger and thumb, teasing and tweaking her nipple, had her legs ready to buckle. Unable to think, she could only feel.
***
Kane withdrew, his cock painfully engorged. He stared at her hooded eyes, her swollen lips, and still distended nipple. He ached to shove himself into her tight folds and watch as she let go of her passion. He yearned to send her over the cliff into a mind-blowing orgasm. More importantly, he ached to hold her and share the events of the day, to talk about horses and politics while making dinner on the stove. He wanted her with a passion but also with each beat of his heart.
He dipped his head and softly sucked on her neck, eliciting a moan from her lips. Moving his fingers from her nipple, he peeled her shirt off, dropping it to the ground then slipped her bra strap down over her shoulder, releasing her breast to his gaze. Her large areola was a perfect peach color with a bud rivaling any rose. Kissing and nibbling his way down to her exposed breast, he dropped to his knees and took the bud into his mouth, sucking on it, drawing it into his mouth then twirling his tongue over and around it.
Charley’s hands came up and slid through his hair as she anchored his feeding mouth to her breast. Reaching his other hand around her back, he slid it down along her butt cheeks and drew her body tight against his chest. With each pull of his mouth on her breast, Kane pulled her body against his, forcing her pussy to rub against his chest and eliciting more moans and deep breathing. As his tempo increased, so did her whimpers until her orgasm crested, sending her over the edge of passion. Her knees buckled, and he carried her to the blanket where he laid her down before returning to feast on her mouth. Her taste was heady, and he longed for more but didn’t want to rush or frighten her. No matter how demanding his cock was, it could wait. Although he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself from whacking off later when he recalled her whimpers and moans or her release in his arms.
“Are you okay?” He studied her face as he brushed the hair off her forehead.
“I’m wonderful.” Her eyes had shut, and she had a funny grin on her face.
Kane lay beside her and folded her into the crook of his arm. He wrapped one of the towels around their bodies and lay watching her sleep, memorizing her features. Holding her felt so right. Finally, sleep claimed him.