Striding into the main house he went to the left instead of right to his office. He passed the other offices which were empty.  Reaching a closed office door toward the back he knocked.

“Come in.”

Jonas opened the door, stepped inside, closed it behind him, then turned the lock. He strode across the room to where Lexi sat at the desk. She stood, quickly coming from behind the desk. When he saw the panic and leeriness on her face, he stopped. He didn’t know what the panic was about, yet he wanted to calm it.  Briefly, he glanced around, then went to his right.

“I remember when you got that.” He gestured to the Hampton Legion Award.

The trophy was in the most prominent position in a glass case, along with various other awards. Even if he hadn’t known what it looked like, he would have known it was a prestigious award. The Hampton Legion Award was a sight to behold all on its own. The twenty-four-carat gold trophy was huge.  In the center of the gold cup was a massive crystal the size of a grapefruit. Jonas went closer and viewed the gold depiction of a bucking horse embedded in the center of the crystal.  He stepped back and read the plaque on the bottom.

For honor in Horse Breeding.

Hampton Legion Award 2010.

Lexi Raines of Magnificent C Ranch.

“When will you get the 2013 award?” He glanced at Lexi.

“The award ceremony is next month.” Lexi shook her head.

“Where is it being held?”

“Since this is the first time anyone has won it more than once, the association decided to have it here at Magnificent C. Ranch.  Cordeo Hampton will be here to present the award on behalf of his family,” she replied.

Jonas continued to study her impressive trophies.

“What’re you doing here, Jonas?”

Instead of responding, he went over to her and took her into his arms. He ignored her stiffening and pulled her snug against him.

“You don’t have to keep me at arm’s length, Lexi. You don’t have to be so hard.”

“I’m not. I can’t—” She sighed and relaxed.  “You’re a fine one to talk. You’ve been doing work as far from me as you can get.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to deal. I-”

“You’re not the only one.” She interrupted him.

Jonas studied her face and saw the slight hurt there. “Sorry Lex. I thought it was best.”

“What does that mean?” Lexi’s eyes narrowed.

“Nothing. You’re so cute when you get that little furrow you do.” He laughed.

“What’re you talking about?”

“That. The cute little expression you do that makes a furrow between your eyebrows.”

He ran his hand between her eyebrows, smoothing it. Lexi chuckled, swatting his hand away.

“Stop it.  A furrow is in no way cute.”

“On you it is.”

He bit back a smile at the slight blush staining her honeyed skin. His smile faded, and he cleared his throat.      

“I need to explain something to you. Will you listen to me and not interrupt?” He met her gaze.

She nodded. 

“After my dad died we were all in such pain from losing him. When we found out that the ranch was in trouble we struggled to rebuild it. It was hard for all of us. Long days and so much hope lost. Thankfully, unlike my siblings, I was married. I had Alicia, my wife…” He held on as she stiffened at hearing he had a wife, “…to lean on, and we hoped we would get pregnant soon.  We knew it would be tough since we were struggling but we wanted kids so bad. ”

He stopped, and struggled to continue. “Then, a little over a year after my parents died, Alicia died in a car accident on the way back home from town.” He paused, remembering the pain. Clearing his throat, he went on. “To deal with the pain I buried it and worked harder than ever to get the ranch back together. We thought it wouldn’t happen, at least until these seven people called with a very out-there proposition.  When you and the others came to Carden Valley with your offer it was what we needed. The work is what I needed to forget all I had lost - my dad and my wife in such a short space of time.  All the years working to make Magnificent C back to what it once was consumed all my time.”

He stopped and took a breath.  “I take the buying trips when the memories still here are too painful. My brothers and sister know this is what I do but leave me be. They don’t speak of it because I asked them not to. When I act too morose they knock sense into me.” He chuckled, then continued. “They respect my not wanting to talk about it, but still make sure that I don’t stay down too long. For the last twelve years or so, they have kept me from leaving Magnificent C and never looking back. Besides I wouldn’t want to have Jaxx who, just because he is oldest and he can control everything, come hunt me down.” He looked into her eyes. “From the start people called you an upstart taking the breeding community by storm. When Magnificent C won the first HLA, people took notice. You have been an integral part of all this. Hell you put up with my brothers’ and sister’s craziness. Even Jaxx’s arrogant ass. ”

Lexi’s eyes narrowed. “I deserve more than an award for that. Why didn’t you tell me about your wife and all this? I thought we were friends.”

He heard the rage bubbling in her voice.

“We are but it wasn’t any of your business at the time.”

“None of my business.” She thumped Jonas on the chest, then continued. “You arrogant ass. I’m your friend and you kept something like that from me. After all we have shared.  It was none of my business.” Lexi pushed Jonas. “You fucking bastard!”

He caught her fist, then held her tighter. Lexi fought to get away.

“No, no! I came in here to tell you because it is your business now.”

“Why now all of a sudden it is my business?” She practically screamed it.

“Those damned whiskey eyes of yours!” he thundered in return.

Lexi stilled and looked at him, eyes wide. “What?”

“Fuck. It was your eyes. I didn’t realize that every time I left and came back it was like a homecoming when I saw your eyes. A homecoming I don’t want.”

She stiffened, and a look of pain flashed in her eyes. Her face went blank so fast, he thought he had imagined it. 

“I’m not keeping you here. I can’t trust anyone except Ro—”

“Don’t say his name to me. I’m tired of you throwing Roan’s name at me every time we talk.”

“What’s your problem? Ro—”

“Don’t say it! Damn you, don’t you know what you do to me? Can’t you tell how muc—”

She put her finger over his lips. “You know I grew up in foster care. Although I learned to trust, I don’t let anyone in easily. You got under my barriers. I enjoy being with you, but I can’t afford to trust you. Not yet.  Do—” Tears were in her eyes.

He shook his head and pulled her finger away, cutting her off. “Oh god, Lexi. I felt bad when you told me years ago and I didn’t share about Alicia with you.  I promised myself when Alicia died I wouldn’t leave myself open again to the pain love can bring. I kept that vow for so long, but I can’t now. Not anymore.” He cupped her face. “People may think the HLA was the greatest prize to have at the Magnificent C, but they’re wrong. I’ve found the ultimate prize.” He pressed a kiss along her jaw, then pulled back. “I love you, Lexi.”

Tears were in her eyes, and she shook. Suddenly, she wrenched away from him and shook her head wildly.

“You can’t. I ca—”

He put a finger on her lips. “Shhh… it’s okay. I just wanted you to know.” Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her softly.

 

Lexi sank into his kiss. The tears burned her eyes. His understanding weakened and humbled her.

Let him in, her heart screamed. She had only let him in as a friend but the thought of letting him deeper was too much. The fear in her mind kept any words she would say still on her tongue. Jonas released her from the kiss. His gray eyes studied her, while a gentle smile curved his lips.

“I know you find it hard to trust, bu—”

She tried to interrupt him, but he cut her off.

“It’s okay. But I wanted you to at least know how I feel.”

Lexi knew she should correct his assumption, but decided it was best not to. His grin turned devilish.

“Do you remember what I said when we made love?”

“No.”

Her heart thumped, and her mouth went dry.  All the decadent things he had done to her and his whispers crowded her mind.

Jonas leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Next time, I’m going to lick that hot pussy of yours and bite your ass. “

Her pussy contracted, and her legs went weak. Jonas’s sensual chuckle tickled her ear.

“I’d love to have you here, but I want you to scream loud for me, and someone may hear. I’ll come to your house tonight.”

“We soundproofed all the offices earlier this summer,” she blurted out.

She could have bitten her tongue for admitting it.

“Oh yeah, I forgot we did that.” Jonas’s look was full of devilment.

She rushed to fill the silence knowing she was babbling but unable to stop. “The noise when everyone was in their offices was distracting.  Also in my case the noises from the horses made me go outside instead of getting the office work done. It was a good idea to have it done so that we could all get the office work we needed done.  I-”

Jonas kissed her, stilling her words. His kiss was carnal, precise, and a promise of pleasure. Her slit ached with need. As if hearing her unspoken longing, his hands raced along her clothes. The button of her pants was undone, and his hand ran along her stomach, then below her panties. A moan bubbled from her. His hand caressed her bare mound, then unerringly found where she throbbed.

His long fingers impaled her, stroking in and out of her wet slit. Whimpering, Lexi pumped her hips against his fingers. Pleasure built, overtaking her fast. He stopped. She wrenched her mouth away from his.

“Ple…ase… don… stop… Give it to me.”

She held his hand in place against her and rubbed her cunt against his fingers.

“I want to suck you, Lexi.”

Cream flowed from her as he withdrew his fingers.  Delirious with lust, Lexi watched as he quickly unbuttoned her shirt, then unhooked her bra. His fingers stroked her pebbled nipples briefly. A shaft of heat lanced her cunt at his touch on her sensitive breasts.

“Step out of your jeans,” he demanded.

She shifted, and his hands pushed down her jeans and underwear. He stroked her butt, then guided her to the desk. He sat, then turned her around until she was facing away from him. Lexi shivered as she waited for his touch. She looked out the one-way glass at the ranch. All the offices had the same sort of glass so they could see what was going on outside. Men and women passed beyond the glass, working.

Is the door locked? she wondered.

A wet tongue stroked along her cheek. She gasped and flattened her hands on the desk. A nip made her yelp, then sigh as he kissed the sting, then licked it. Moaning, she moved her hips. Jonas licked, nipped, and sucked across each firm globe. Slowly, he traveled down each one, then kissed along the crease of her ass. His hands pushed her flatter. Her pussy was dripping with cream. A humming sound vibrated against her crease, just above her pussy. A shock of pleasure made her scream.

Jonas chuckled, causing more sensation. His hands spread her, and then his tongue stroked along her aching slit from top to bottom.

“Yessss.”

Jonas suckled her pussy lips, and then his tongue stoked inside. He pulled her back against his mouth. Lexi pushed harder against him, wanting more. His growl shivered along her clit. Juices poured along her legs while she rolled her hips. Jonas ate ravenously, sucking, licking, and growling. Lexi arched her ass into his face, spreading her legs wider for his taking.

“Delicious,” he murmured. “You’re so hot.”

“Suck me. Yes. Lick me. Ummm… like that,” Lexi moaned.

Jonas pulled away.

“Damn it, don’t stop!” She pounded her hand on the desk.

He turned her over, stood, and swept his hand across the desk, clearing it. He pushed her back onto the desk, then sat, pulling the chair forward. Lexi leaned back and put her feet on the chair’s arms. She watched as Jonas leaned into her open mound and inhaled deeply. A rapturous look came over his face. He rolled his eyes to meet hers, then leaned in and licked along her slit.

“Fuck!”

Jonas sucked her pussy lips into his mouth, then licked them. His fingers spread her. His tongue licked around her clit, and then he engulfed it between his lips. The view and sensation combined drove her over the edge. Heated pleasure swamped her. Lexi arched her back, grinding her pussy against his face. Jonas murmured darkly against her as he continued to stroke his tongue in and out of her.

“Ummmm…Oohhh!” 

Lexi dropped back against the desk. Her hands scrabbling, she grabbed his hair and held him to her as her orgasm rode her with a vicious intensity. She pushed harder against his tongue, holding him as she fucked his face. Heart racing, she gasped, then arched as another orgasm flowed over the first.

“Give it to me.”  Jonas’s harsh whisper vibrated against her cunt.

Bearing down, Lexi screamed loudly as shivers of release flowed out of her. It seemed to go on and on. She collapsed against the desk, breathing harshly. Jonas’s tongue licked her greedily.

 

The taste of her come on his tongue was addictive. He licked it up and suckled her. The sound of her harsh breathing echoed in his ears. Lexi murmured incoherently. Her body stiffened, and he knew another orgasm was not far away. Her breathing hitched as it had done whenever he made her come. Lexi arched. Jonas looked up, and the beauty of her release was like nothing he had ever seen.

Lines of pleasure etched her face, and her eyes went opaque. Lexi’s full, luscious lips parted, and her scream rang in his ears like music. He put his hand on her stomach. The vibration of her release was under his palm, and then a fresh drenching of cream flowed from her over his tongue. Jonas sucked it up, not wanting to miss a drop. Lexi whimpered, then collapsed on the desk, shivering.

Reluctantly, he slowed his movements, then pulled his tongue out of her sweet cunt.  He stood, leaned over, and kissed her. Lexi jumped, startled, then kissed him with hungry abandon. She licked his mouth, taking in the taste of herself. He tangled his tongue with hers. She moved against his jean-covered hardened cock.   He pulled back. She murmured a protest. Jonas stood, then stroked her hair that had come undone.

“Rest. I’ll let myself out.” He left her and went to the door next to the one-way glass which led directly out to the front yard. 

He cursed himself with each painful step as his aching shaft rubbed against the front of his jeans.

“You’re leaving?” There was disbelief and anger in her tone.

Jonas turned and almost dropped to his knees. Lexi was kneeling on the desk, facing him, gloriously naked. Her curly dark brown hair framed her, while the sun cast her sensuous honey skin in an almost mystical glow. Jonas gulped, locking his feet to keep from going back, spreading her across the desk, and fucking her until she was raw.

“This was for you.” He blew her a kiss.

Unlocking the door, he opened it, then turned the knob to relock it. He glanced back at Lexi’s baffled face, then stepped outside and closed the door. He dropped his forehead against the door.

You’re an idiot, Jonas, he thought.

“I’m not an idiot. I’m a fucking ass,” he said aloud. Then he turned from the door and went back to work.

Hours later, he was still cursing himself for leaving Lexi.  He lifted another pitchfork of hay, then put it in a stall. He stood and leaned his chin on the pitchfork.

“You could have spent all morning making love to Lexi instead of here mucking out stalls. Instead, you had to be all noble and just see to her need.” He took the pitchfork and continued to work as he spoke. “You’re an idiot, and an ass.”

“Although I happen to agree, why are you talking to yourself?”

Jonas stiffened, then turned to look at Roan, who watched him coolly as he walked in and leaned against a wall inside the stall Jonas was cleaning.

“Just entertaining myself,” Jonas replied. He picked up another portion of hay.

“Instead of making a mess of my stables, you should be talking with Lexi,” Roan said easily.

Jonas went rigid, then forced himself to relax. He had also been avoiding Roan. Roan saw too much and he didn’t want to explain what was going on with him and Lexi. Until earlier today he had no clue himself. He wiped his brow, put down the pitchfork, and went to get his water canteen. Taking a long drink of water, he glanced at Roan, who stood a few steps away and watched Jonas with his intense aqua gaze.

“I don’t k—”

Roan cut him off with an annoyed grunt. “Don’t insult us both. I know what’s been going on with you and Lexi.”