The drive from Lucky Flats to Houston took just a couple hours but it was a long, tension-filled drive. For some reason Sage wasn’t talking to me. Oh, she was polite enough, but the spark wasn’t in her eyes and she wasn’t joking around or even singing off-key to the radio.

“Everything okay?” I asked when the car finally stopped in front of the Four Seasons.

She nodded looking up at the hotel with wide eyes. “Seriously? The Four Seasons?”

“Is that a problem?”

“No,” she said on a weary sigh. “I just forgot that you’re a gajillionaire.”

I barked out a laugh at that. “Not quite a “gajillionaire” Sage, don’t exaggerate.” She was out of the car before I could open the door for her, another clear sign I shouldn’t have avoided her after what happened in her room. Taking her hand in mine we checked in and met the bellman at the elevator taking us to the penthouse.

“You know, a normal room would have been just fine Mason.”

I shook my head because only Sage would complain about me spending money on her. The frustrating woman had never failed to let me know that my money didn’t impress her. “Why would I do that when I can impress you with our suite?”

She said nothing more as the elevator climbed upwards, or when we entered the one room suite. “Nice.” She looked around while I tipped the bellman and locked the door behind us. “Just one bedroom?”

“We’re engaged Sage,” I reminded her, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

“Right.”

“We don’t have anywhere to be today so I thought we could have dinner tonight.” It was already late afternoon so I figured by the time we got settled in it would be late enough for dinner.

“Okay.”

Another monosyllabic response. “Sage, what the hell? Are you having second thoughts about this?”

“No, I’m not. I just have things on my mind Mason. Don’t worry I’ll be on my game for dinner tomorrow.”

“And tonight?” I asked, arms crossed and a pointed look on my face.

She sent me a bright smile that was as fake as a three-dollar bill. “I promise to bring my most sparkling personality. But first I need to shower, unless you want to go first?”

“No,” I bit out. The thought of her in the shower, water sliding over teardrop breasts, soap slightly shielding other parts from view. “I mean, I’ll go after you.”

She smiled again, this time it was genuine and heart stopping. “Okay then. I’ll be out soon.”

“Take your time.” Maybe a hot shower would improve her mood. As soon as I heard the water turn on, I stepped away from the bedroom to stop the images tempting me to join her. Though based on her attitude today she might not welcome me with open arms.

I waited. Paced the living room, stopping ever so often to stare out at the cityscape below. What the hell was up with her anyhow? She was the one who’d agreed to this scheme and now she acted like I’d dragged her, kicking and screaming, to a five-star hotel. I blew out a frustrated breath and grabbed a beer from the fridge, taking it out on the balcony to enjoy the sounds of the city. Lucky Flats was home. It was beautiful and peaceful with the sun-drenched valleys during the day, and cool starry nights. But Houston had its own charms, the sound of traffic and people moving in tandem to keep the world spinning. I could do without the scent of gasoline and pollution though.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

The husky sound of her voice pulled me from my thoughts and I glanced up, damn near biting my tongue at the sight of her in an oversized robe. Knowing, without a doubt, that she was completely naked underneath.

“Just wondering which Sage was gonna show up. The fun sassy one, or the moody brooding one.”

Her lips twisted into a soft smile. “Sorry I just…had a lot on my mind.”

I stood and nodded, trying to slide past her and into the suite without touching her but the little minx had other plans. She stood planted in the middle of the doorway so I had no choice but to press up against her—definitely naked—body.

“I’m just going to wash the road off. Think about what you want for dinner.” Before she could answer I turned on my heels and stomped into the bedroom, grabbing my toiletry bag and locking the door behind me.

I wrenched the handle all the way to the right and let cold water pelt my skin to stop thoughts of Sage in here. Naked. “Dammit!” The woman was driving me crazy and I had the meanest case of blue balls known to man.

Despite the common saying, a cold shower didn’t really help. So I turned the water to warm, soaped up and rinsed off in less than five minutes. It was still too early for dinner, so I put on a pair of worn jeans and padded out of the bedroom. “Sage?”

“Out here,” she called and I followed her voice, finding her stretched out on a lounge, legs on display as she sipped champagne.

“Why are you still in your robe?”

Her brow dipped and lips pouted. “I’ve always wanted to sit around in a big fluffy robe and drink champagne. Is that a problem?”

Hell yes it was a damn problem. But it was my problem. “Why champagne?”

“I just felt like it,” she said quietly, eyes falling to the ground. “I’ll pay for it if that’s the problem.”

“Sage don’t insult me.”

She scoffed and knocked back the last half of the glass, glaring at me as she poured another. “You’re the only one who gets to be insulting, Mason? Who gets me all revved up only to leave and never come back?”

Shit I knew we would eventually come around to this. “I’m sorry Sage. I shouldn’t have…we shouldn’t have.”

“Just stop Mase! Don’t give me the it was a mistake line because it’s crap and we both know it. Just be honest and say you don’t want me. That would be less cruel.” Flute filled to the rim she took another long sip as her hand shook with emotion.

I reared back, completely surprised by her outburst. “Is that what you really think?”

“What else should I think Mason?”

Yeah she was right. My actions had only one interpretation without all the facts, so I had two options. I could let her keep on believing that I wasn’t interested in her and hope this thing between us would slowly fade. Or I could just suck it up and tell her the truth. Like a grownup.

Apparently I didn’t answer fast enough because Sage pushed off the lounger, almost opening her robe completely in the process. She tightened the sash and picked up the green bottle with the gold label, glaring at me as she stepped inside. “You know what? I don’t need this Mason. Just…just forget it.” She brushed past me, but I couldn’t let her walk away thinking what she did. Big blue eyes looked up at me warily.

I grabbed her by the waist, pushing her up against the wall with my body. Big blue eyes looked up at me warily. “You got it all wrong Sage.”

“I do?” her voice was breathless. Deep and thick with desire, and uncertainty.

I nodded with a slow smile, sliding my hands through her hair, over her shoulders and gliding down her arms before settling them low on her hips. “You do. I want you Sage, so damn bad. I want you so bad I can fucking taste it.”

She sucked in a breath at my words, cheeks staining a beautiful shade a of pink. Her eyes searched mine before she asked, “But?”

Smart woman, because there were a whole lot of buts. “But you work for me. You are my best buddy’s kid sister. You’re much younger than I am.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not a kid.” Her gaze sobered, and hands that a moment ago caressed my chest now pushed at it. “Are those real reasons because to me, they sound a hell of a lot like excuses.”

Her hands started to move again, up my chest and around my neck to play in the curls at my neck and then back down again before resting on my waistband. I groaned, “Sage.”

“If you want me, prove it Mason. Show me or I’ll believe you’re a liar.”

“Don’t call me a liar,” I groaned and grabbed her hips tight to pull her close enough that my hips pressed against hers, making her gasp. I needed her to know. To feel how hard I was for her, how much I ached for her. “Does that feel like a lie to you Sage?”

Surprised blue eyes stared up at me, lush mouth slightly parted as a gasp escaped. Hell yeah I felt smug at that look. Then her hips moved, a tiny little swirl and her smile turned smug.

“There’s an easy solution Mason. Don’t be a liar.”

Words were useless at a time like this. The only way to prove to her that I wanted her deep down to my bones, was to show her. To tease her. My lips brushed down the column of her neck, tongue swirling around her throbbing pulse, before giving the other side the same treatment. My teeth scraped across her jaw before finally I captured her sweet mouth in hot a kiss that took her by surprise. Her fingers hooked through my belt loops and pulled me closer so my cock was pressed against her stomach, producing a shiver that shook her.

Damn but the kiss was intense. So full of passion and want that I couldn’t bring myself to pull away. I was operating on nothing but raw pleasure to fuel me, deepening the kiss as I navigated us to the bedroom where I could lay her out, look at her and taste every inch of her until she begged me to fuck her. Sage tore her mouth away from mine, panting. “Mason.”

The sound of my name, so guttural and low as though it was torn from her mouth, only made me want her more. Need her more. Her legs hit the back of the bed and I cupped her jaw with one hand, kissing her neck as I pulled the sash apart and shoved the robe off her shoulders. “Sage you’re so beautiful, darlin’.” She was too. Long legs, tan and toned, hips flared out like a woman’s body was supposed to. She was so soft, with a small strip of brown at her core. But sweet lord the woman’s breasts were full, so luscious they could bring a man to his knees. Pink raspberry buds hard and straining towards me had me licking my lips and leaning forward to pull one into my mouth.

Her moans drugged me, made it hard to think about anything but tasting her. Pleasing her. “Mase,” she groaned, tugged my hair and held me closer. “Yes, god yes.”

I need more. It wasn’t enough. Her legs shook as pleasure swamped her and I let her topple backwards, following her down because I couldn’t bear to have her away from me. Completely naked and making the most erotic sounds, Sage was so responsive I had a hard time containing myself. I slid one hand down her flat stomach and straight between her legs where she was wet and swollen for me. I dipped one finger in. Then two. Stretching her out and letting her coat my fingers, easing the path into her body.

“Oh!” Her hips bucked off the bed as my mouth on her plump nipple drove her insane and my fingers sent her cresting on the wave of her first orgasm. “Oh, oh my…Mason!”

“Damn babe I love the way you say my name.”

She shook and laughed, eyes going wide as I kissed my way down her belly and settled between her thighs. “I think you can say it louder. Be a bit more colorful,” I joked.

“Uh, Mase you don’t have to…,”

“Oh I know. But I want to.” My tongue slid through her folds in one long swipe and she cried out, pushed herself into my mouth. “In fact, I can’t wait to. Now make sure I can hear you, okay?” She nodded and man my girl didn’t disappoint me as I licked and sucked at her wet core. Fucking her with my tongue, I looked up and saw the heated gaze aimed at me as she reached out to cup my jaw.

“What are you doing to me? My god, Mason. Yes, oh yes.” Her hips swirled, grinding into me as my tongue slid in and out of her body, licking her wildly while she made the most delicious cries I’d ever heard. One final swipe of my tongue and I pulled her clit into my mouth, sucking hard until she flew apart, crying my name over and over like it was her own personal prayer. “Good god, Mase,” she chuckled.

“You look so damn beautiful.” She did too. Lips pink and swollen, nipples hard as her chest heaved and skin flushed pink and slicked with sweat.

“You make me feel beautiful,” she admitted shyly but her hands weren’t shy. The moment I slid up her body, her hands went to my waist unfastening my pants and taking my cock in her hands. “I want you Mase. Now.”

She looked so sexy lying there with her chocolate hair spread over the pillow. “Don’t move.” I stood and removed my pants, chest puffing with pride at the way her eyes widened in surprise. “See something you like?”

“You know I do,” she answered, licking her lips as her gaze never left mine.

I settled on the bed between her legs, brushing my dick against her dripping wet pussy. She moaned and then she froze.

“What is it?”

“I need to tell you something, but only because I think you should know. But I need you to know that I want this. I want you. Tonight.”

I nodded, waiting. Hesitant. What could she say that would put that look on her face. “You can tell me anything Sage.”

Her grin was sardonic at best. “I’ve never done this before.”

“This? Sex without a relationship?” She wouldn’t be the first woman to say it and probably not the last. “It’s not a big deal.”

“No. Sex, Mason. I’ve never had sex before. With anyone.”

What? “How is that even possible?” She was gorgeous, smart, sassy and she could ride a horse better than half the men I knew. “Did you go to school with idiots?”

She smiled and shook her head. “It just never happened.”

Probably because Sage was the kind of girl you married, not the kind you used for one incredible night of pleasure. I began to pull away and I saw her body sink further into the mattress.

“I think you should think about this Sage.” If she was looking for romance and love and happy ever after I wasn’t her guy.

Sadness flashed across her face, but it was quickly replaced with anger. “I should think about it? You can’t just be honest with me, can you?” Pushing at my chest she slid off the bed and bent to grab her robe.

“Come on Sage. Let’s get dressed and have dinner like we planned.”

“You do whatever you want Mason. You always do.”

“Sage you can’t be mad that I’m trying to do the right thing!” I called to her as I dug a pair of boxers from my bag before pulling my jeans on.

She appeared in the door way, robe pulled tight, arms crossed over her chest. “You mean assuming I don’t know my own mind or what I want? Tell yourself what you need to Mason, I don’t care.”

Damn.

“In case I haven’t said so yet, you look stunning tonight.” She really did. I thought she looked damn fine in jeans, but the deep blue lace top dress she wore drew the eye and wreaked havoc on my ability to focus. And the skirt only showed of long shapely legs punctuated by a pair of fuck me pumps that had my mind going straight there. She looked like a beautiful woman any man would gladly have on his arm, without regard to where she worked or who her brother was.

And she wasn’t giving me the time of day.

“Thank you,” she said politely. No smile. No sparkle in her eyes. Just a civil word of thanks.

I heaved a deep sigh. How in the hell would people believe we were in love and engaged to be married if she barely tolerated my presence? I had second thoughts. Hell I was having third and fourth thoughts too, and I wondered if we could get out before the door opened.

But the door opened, and Walt appeared with a pretty plump blonde at his side. “Mason Manning and his little lady, Sage wasn’t it?”

Then the most amazing thing happened. Sage’s face spread into a blinding smile and she took Walt’s offered hand. “That’s right, it’s good to see you again Walt. And this beauty must be your wife?”

Nancy smiled, a blush coloring her cheeks as she extended a hand to Sage. “I’m Nancy and I’ve heard wonderful things about you Sage.”

Sage looked shocked but she quickly recovered and hugged Nancy. “I find that hard to believe, but you must tell me about this wonderful house. It’s like a Texas castle, fit for a queen.”

Nancy’s laugh echoed in the foyer leaving me and Walt staring after them. Sage had completely transformed, and I felt my shoulders relax. She may hate my guts right now, but she was keeping her word.

“I haven’t seen my Nancy shine that bright since our boys got married. Come on in Mason, let me introduce you around.”

True to his word, Walt got me face time with each of the board members who would vote on new members to the TPBA. They all seemed impressed with what he’d shared of my operation, asking questions and congratulating me on the recent Roller Girl’s Preakness win. It was a major victory for Manning Ranch and me specifically. The night could not be going better if I had scripted it myself.

Garry Graham, the only Triple Crown winner among us, approached with a mile-wide grin. “Mason Manning, I knew your daddy. He’d be proud to see how well you’ve been doing, though the old dog would never admit it,” he laughed and clapped me on the back.

I smiled because Garry obviously knew my father well. “I agree on both counts, rest his soul. That’s high praise coming from you.”

“I met your bride-to-be, and I have to say there is nothing finer than a beautiful woman who loves horses.”

I smiled thinking that must be the motto of Texas as he echoed Walt’s words. My gaze drifted to Sage then, face lit up in another smile as two grey haired men and their much younger wives listened intently. She was absolutely gorgeous and in her element with these people.

“Yeah, she is pretty amazing.” And a virgin! I still couldn’t get over that little tidbit of information. I couldn’t believe no man had ever touched her the way I had. Never tasted her and lapped up her juices until she screamed his name. She looked over her shoulder and grabbed my gaze, flashing a sexy little smile that shot straight to my cock and I knew in that moment that I wanted to be the man to show her how good sex could be. I wanted to help her learn her body, figure out what made her cry out in pleasure.

“Boy, you’ve got it bad,” Garry said, drawing Walt and the others into a laugh at my expense.

I didn’t know what they thought they saw on my face, so I gave a wan smile and continued to mingle. Schmooze. Talk horses. Eventually Nancy and Sage made their way to our little group and she slid onto my arm effortlessly, as though we’d been doing it for years.

“Are ya’ll having fun? I hope you enjoyed those barbecue sliders because that whiskey sauce is truly a modern miracle.” Her drawl was thick and sexy as hell, like the cowgirl she’d always been.

Nancy blushed at her praise and I squeezed her tight. “It’s my mama’s recipe.”

“Bottle that up and you’ll make a killin’!”

Before anyone could say another word, the bell sounded for dinner and we slowly made our way to the opulent dining room with a seating for twenty.

With Sage seated across the table, I had a hard time focusing on my dinner companions, one a member of the board and one a spouse. By the time we said goodbye to our hosts, I was so wound up, so twisted with desire I could hardly think straight.

The only thing I could see was Sage in that blue dress that made her eyes pop and me running my hands through her dark waves. I wanted her. And tonight, our last night in Houston, I would have her. All night and in every way possible.

“That went well, I think.” Inside the back of the limo she smoothed her skirt, drawing my attention to those long legs I couldn’t wait have wrapped around my waist as I thrust deep into her wet heat.

“It did,” I bit out harshly.

She flinched at my tone and I placed a hand on her thigh, slid it up a few inches shy of appropriate. “What are you doing? I don’t need your pity Mason.”

“Good because the last thing I feel for you is pity.” My hand slid up a little higher until the tips of my fingers grazed the soft fabric covering her slit. “I feel frustrated. I feel hot and bothered, and horny as hell.”

Her breaths came in quick little pants, pupils dilated with desire and that little pulse at the base of her neck beat so rapidly I knew she felt it too. “So?”

“So I’m having a damn hard time keeping my hands off you. So I want you.”

“Now you want me?”

“I wanted you last night Sage, but I need you to be sure. I can’t promise you anything other than I’ll make it good for you. So good. And hot.”

“I know,” she said on a moan as one finger slipped inside her panties, inside her molten center. “S-s-so we’re doing this?”

I nodded and moved in closer to wrap my arms around her, to kiss her in a raw and hungry kiss that fogged up the windows and rendered the rest of the world useless. The sounds outside the limo were distant, so far away as not to be in the same world as Sage and I.

Her hips began to grind in quick little circles against my hand, and I knew she was close to coming.

“Come for me Sage. Let go, I got you.”

She nodded and leaned back on my arm, gaze searing into mine as my thumb circled her clit and she went off like a stick of dynamite, so loud and passionate I had to swallow her cries with a kiss. “Wow,” she laughed nervously.

“Watching you come just makes me want to make you do it over and over again, darlin’.”

She cupped my face gently and drew me back in for another kiss. “Yes please.”

When the limo came to a stop outside our hotel we raced out and into the lobby like two horny teenagers rushing towards our first time. The elevator couldn’t come quickly enough, and when it did I thanked the lord above that we had the car to ourselves.

“Come here,” I growled, settling my hands on her ass with no shame when she obeyed.

“You’re bossy.”

“Ah, my sweet Sage. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”