Chapter Eight
Malin stared ahead at the dark highway broken only by the SUV’s headlights and shifted her grip on the steering wheel. The prospect of a road trip with Tag had sounded fun—even though convincing her sisters involved more backbone than she usually displayed. Through all the hours of conversation, they could get to know each other really well. And she voted to drive through Yellowstone Park. Both suggestions were met with a cocked eyebrow and total silence.
A little less than eight hours into the trip and already she doubted her decision. Her idea of a road trip included sightseeing stops and actually sitting in a restaurant to eat, instead of juggling fast-food while behind the wheel. Not so for this dictatorial man who mapped out the most direct route and insisted they were young and healthy and could drive straight through. Thirty hours of driving! At least, when they’d stopped at his house for his go bag, she convinced him to bring along Pixie. The simple act of leaving the state didn’t cancel her moments of panic. She lowered her hand to rest on the dog’s head that warmed a small part of her right thigh.
One thing Tag said was true. She glanced sideways toward his body slumped against the passenger window, blanket pulled under his chin. They were certainly far away from any chance of being stalked. Blinking away the grittiness of tired eyes, she focused on the road. Every once in a while, a grouping of trees broke up the monotony of asphalt and painted lines. Probably the view of the high prairie would be beautiful during daylight hours. The last big city she’d driven through was Casper. The destination for switching drivers was about halfway between Casper and Cheyenne. A glance at the dashboard indicated less than forty minutes remained in her four-hour shift.
Not wanting the radio to disturb Tag’s rest, she had to entertain herself. What had she learned about Tag so far? He liked onion rings on his burger and preferred root beer to cola. When music played, he chose classical country stations. He didn’t snore. In fact, he hardly moved while he slept. After they’d switched drivers at Lodge Grass, he hadn’t stayed awake long enough to snap her picture next to the Wyoming state sign—one of her childhood family traditions that she carried on when she could. Maybe she could catch it on the way back. Oh jeez, had he done a similar rundown on her traits during his driving shift?
The sign announcing her destination made her perk up. She glanced longingly at the tall signs advertising major chain motels and bit back a sigh.
Tag awoke the moment she braked for the off-ramp marked with the fuel symbol. He stretched and scrubbed his hands over his face. Then he reached across the console to run a finger on her shoulder. “How are you feeling?”
“It’s almost four in the morning so the answer is tired.” Ooh, that was snappish. She wrinkled her nose and glanced his way. “Sorry.”
“No problem.” Leaning forward, he looked around then pointed to the left. “That gas station looks open. Is this Douglas?”
“Aye, aye, captain. I fulfilled my mission.” She really needed to grab some sleep. She depressed the left blinker and steered toward a small convenience store/gas station with glaring overhead lights. After waiting for Pixie to potty in the vacant lot next door and giving her water, Malin stumbled into the convenience store and used the facilities. Already, she and Tag had a routine. She tended Pixie and bought the road-trip snacks, and he dealt with whatever the car needed at that point.
Hank deemed the trip Brotherhood Protector business because of Dex’s future potential as an explosive-scent-trained dog and authorized use of a large company SUV. She looked forward to stretching out on the backseat. After her nap, the cities blurred together and she spotted names she’d never heard of--Eads, Lamar, Campo, Etter. One place that made an impact was a rest area near Stratford, Texas, where Tag agreed to pull over and nap for a glorious three hours. The back of the SUV wasn’t anything fancy or soft, but the vehicle hadn’t been moving. Sleeping in Tag’s strong arms created such security that she enjoyed solid rest.
Bright light battered at her eyelids. Moaning, she threw up a hand. She’d purposely slept with her head toward the east so the door blocked the rising sun.
“You awake back there?”
How was he so chipper? Her whole body felt grungy after minimal cleanups in gas station bathrooms. Balancing on the toilet seat to change clothes when she could no longer stand her own stink hadn’t been fun. The car curved into a wide circular turn, and she grabbed the armrest. “Where are we?”
Pixie yipped and slid off the seat into the foot well.
Malin petted her until the dog settled again then she sat up so she could catch Tag’s gaze in the rearview mirror.
“Central Texas.”
That was his answer hours ago when she’d last asked. She glanced at the clock and saw he’d driven past his normal stint. “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because I was planning a surprise.” He braked for a red light then turned. “Come up here.”
With awkward moves, she climbed over the console, avoiding a watchful dog and cup holders. As soon as she sat, she fluffed her sleep-flattened hair into a semblance of presentable. Why hadn’t she cut it years ago? “Okay, I’m listening. What surprise?” A glance around showed surroundings that included more than green rolling prairie.
“I had to deviate from the planned route because of highway construction farther south.” We’re headed into the Hill Country, which I’ve heard is scenic.”
Malin leaned forward, wide awake now as they rolled through a small town just opening up artsy tourist shops and setting out chalkboard signs on the sidewalks. Anything other than two-lane divided highway looked wonderful. “Thanks, Tag.” Her smile grew as they passed a city park along a creek where a group performed a Tai Chi devotion. She spotted joggers under huge shade trees and people watering front lawns. Nice to know everyday life went on.
Tag kept checking the phone balanced on his thigh. He navigated a series of turns moving away from the small town’s busy street. Then he pulled to a stop in the parking lot of what looked like a motel.
Sucking in a breath, she wanted to look at everything at once. Mostly, she focused on the sign with the word “resort” in the name. Which meant a hot shower and a bed. “Don’t tease me. Are we staying?”
“We’re a bit ahead of schedule. You’ve been a relatively good sport and deserved a treat.”
She snorted. “Love the qualifier, Redmond.”
“Well, you’re not the easiest person to wake up.”
“I’m used to more than three hours of sleep at a time. Call me a wuss.” Malin unlocked her seatbelt and jumped out of the vehicle. “Hurry up. I’ve got dibs on the first shower.”
Tag must have been busy while she slept, because within ten minutes, they were registered and inside their room that boasted everything western. Wagon wheel headboard and lampshade, wooden horse sculptures on the wall, and a bath mat in the shape of Texas. Mountains, horses, and teepee decorated the bedspread.
This room was smaller than one at a national chain motel, but she labeled it cozy. As she luxuriated on the fresh sheets wearing a clean sleep shirt, she listened to the running water on the other side of the wall. Her pulse thrummed with building anticipation. Eyes closed, she imagined soapy rivulets traveling over his muscled shoulders and down across his pecs. Would the trails slow their descent through his chest hair? Did he have much body hair?
Then she didn’t have to wonder because he stood next to the footboard made from a tree branch, bark and all. A small patch of dark hair shadowed the cleft of his pecs and narrowed to a trail that disappeared beneath the towel wrapping his hips. In this case, the reality was better than the fantasy, and she aimed to discover everything about the ex-soldier before her.
“I wish the shower was bigger.”
Interpretation: I wanted to be naked with you under the steamy water and help you wash. Her throat dried. He’d already asked her twice is she was all right with sharing the room. “Did you set the alarm?”
He nodded, his gaze roaming her exposed legs.
At some point during one of her driving stints, she’d decided this trip was the perfect opportunity for them to explore their sexual compatibility. Not that she had doubts they’d be good together…her racing heart proved that fact. Here, they were just another anonymous couple.
No one from Eagle Rock would see a vehicle parked at the other’s house and ask questions. He wouldn’t have to tiptoe out of her cabin, hoping not to run into a sister or a ranch hand. The door was locked, Pixie was crated, and the next six-and-a-half hours were theirs to spend how they wished. Grinning, she crooked her finger.
Tag crawled across the mattress then lowered his head and shook off the excess water.
Perfect tension breaker. Giggling, she grabbed him around the neck and pulled him across her chest, kissing her way up his neck. He’d shaved, and the sweet-woodsy scent of his cologne filled her nose.
His hand slipped under the hem of her shirt and inched upward.
Malin caressed his shoulder, tracing the line of his clavicle, but very aware of his hand approaching her breast. Her pulse skittered, and she told herself to relax.
He cupped the mound and paused. “How’s this? Am I rushing you?”
Turning her head, she looked into his deep brown eyes. “I see you, Tag, and I can smell your scent. I’m not afraid. Only nervous.”
“Nervous? Why?” His hand massaged as he spoke.
She arched into his touch, feeling her nipple pebble against his palm. “Because a while has passed since I’ve done…since I’ve gone to bed…” Him rolling her nipple between his fingers stole her words.
He tweaked a finger tip against the end of the tight peak.
Pleasure sparked. She lost her train of thought and stifled a moan against his hard chest.
His response was to toss the towel over his shoulder and strip off her shirt. Then they stroked and caressed, nibbled and licked, discovering secret erotic spots as well as ticklish areas. Her stomach clenched when she saw the puckered skin on his left thigh, and she arched an eyebrow. He shook his head. “Another time.” Taking turns, they laid still while the other explored the feel and taste of napes and elbows, insteps and backs of knees. She learned the small of her back was sensitive to hot breaths. He groaned when she massaged the muscles at the base of his skull. Small pleasures that developed trust and intimacy.
By the time she could no longer ignore her shortened breaths or his rigid erection, she was comfortable with touching and being touched. Positioning herself on her side facing him, she reached out to stroke his steely length, trailing her fingers along the veins and circling the edge of the mushroom cap.
Tag caressed a palm over the rise of her hip and down her leg to her knee before skimming upward along her inner thigh.
A memory flashed from that awful day and multiple hands groping. She tensed.
“Malin, open your eyes. You’re safe.”
She did and looked into his eyes, pinched at the corners. “Right. I’m with you, and I’m safe.”
“Good, now can you release my cock?” His words whooshed through gritted teeth.
Gasping, she opened her hand and glanced down to see white stripes becoming pink again. “Sorry.” A finger pressed against her lips.
“No need to apologize. We’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t.” He rubbed circles on her hip. For several moments, he moved his hand closer to her pussy from different angles.
But no matter if his touch was light or heavy or fast or slow, every time she tensed. To distract herself, she repeated the motions on his body, watching his arousal grow from the flush darkening his cheeks to the tight cords in his neck as he fought against giving in. She wanted to share in that excitement. The very fact Tag was being so patient and focused on her needs endeared him. Except neither was actually getting off. A state she really hoped she be closer to by this point. “Maybe foreplay won’t work this first time. Maybe I need penetration to break through the impasse in my mind.”
“You sound so clinical. Are you sure?” His brows lowered but he rolled to the side and dug a hand into his bag. Then he moved to sit on the edge of the mattress to shuffle through the clothes.
“Blame my therapist, Suzanne. She warned me the first time might be challenging.” She flopped back on the bed. “Obviously, what we’re trying isn’t working.”
Tag glanced over his shoulder. “Are you slamming my abilities?”
“Not my goal, but frustration makes me witchy.”
“Not touching that comment.” He leaned down again.
The play of muscles as he twisted and reached caught her attention. She ran a fingertip below his shoulder blade and encountered a raised scar. “What’s that one from?”
“Shrapnel.”
Intellectually, she’d known as a soldier he’d been in combat. But seeing the evidence of an injury hurt her heart. “And your thigh.”
“Bigger piece.”
Pushing upward to her knees, she stretched to kiss the bump. Then she slid a hand under his arm and around to his chest, circling a finger around his puckered nipple. Rubbing her breasts against his back shot zings of arousal to her core.
“Damn, that feels good, babe. But I can’t touch you.” He reached a hand over his shoulder and cradled the back of her head.
“That’s okay. For now.” She moved her hand from nipple to nipple in counterpoint to rubbing herself on his bulged muscles. Her skin heated, and her heartbeat pulsed in her nether lips. Flexing her hips, she pressed harder. “Sit against the headboard.”
“Gimme a second.” He dropped his hand from her head. A rip sounded then a moment or two later he rolled to his back, fully sheathed.
Malin didn’t hesitate to straddle his hips and brace her hands on his shoulders. “I need to do this at my own speed.”
“Let me kiss you first then I promise hands off.” He leaned forward and molded his mouth over hers, battering with nipping teeth and probing tongue then retreating to gentle brushes.
Malin accepted every dive of his tongue and circled hers around his. She ran her hands along his neck and cupped his cheeks so she could slant her mouth in a different direction. Desire hit in her core, and dewy juices wet her channel. Barely able to breathe, she whimpered when the heat disappeared. Wow, and only his mouth had touched her. What would a full advance involving hands, body, and legs feel like?
She centered her pussy over his rigid shaft and eased herself downward. His girth stretched her pussy, and the burn ramped up her excitement. Making little bounces, she moved her hips lower to accept more of his cock.
Tag reached for her then dropped both hands to the sheets and gripped with his fists. “You’re so tight, babe. Feels amazing.”
Flexing her hips created perfect alignment. Giving shallow thrusts, she rocked in that one spot, alternating with slow circles to rub her clit against his coarse groin hair. Needs hit all at once, stalling her arousal. Her channel was filled to the max and needed release. Beaded nipples ached for friction so she fell forward against his chest, rubbing through the bristly hairs. The movement dulled the pressure on her G-spot.
Frustration wrenched a sob from deep in her throat. Grabbing the branch above Tag’s head, she levered herself up and down the length of his cock.
“Let me help, babe.”
“I don’t know how.” She rocked but penetration alone wasn’t enough. Her gaze locked on his.
His jaw clenched as he curled upright until his arms braced his torso only inches away.
Greedily, she ran her nipples up and down against his wall of chest muscles as she regained her hip flex rhythm. The dual stimulation revved her pulse, but her arousal plateaued. “Tag,” she rasped. “I need your touch.”
“Where?”
“Nipples, breast.” Her breaths panted from her open mouth.
His eyes flared and he grinned as he bent closer until he caught her jiggling left breast between his lips and sucked in a mouthful. His tongue stroked the underside.
Malin inhaled, reminding herself the woodsy scent belonged to Tag, the man who cared about how she felt and allowed her to set the boundaries.
Her flexing quickened, thigh muscles screaming with the extended strain. When a pinch centered on her left breast, she squealed then stilled before her body jerked. Orgasmic pulses flowed through her and sent twitches to her other muscles. She slumped forward, draping her arms over Tag’s shoulders.
He released her breast and kissed his way to her ear. “Can I hold your hips?”
Limp as a rag doll, she nodded.
Strong hand cupped her hips to keep her in place as he thrust upward in long strokes. Harsh breaths grunted from his throat as the pace increased.
Malin revived enough to plant her hands next to his thighs and flex into his last few thrusts.
Then he arched his back and held tight while his cock emptied. A long release of air sounded before his body relaxed backward.
On shaky limbs, she moved off his hips and tumbled against his hot body. The last thing she remembered was expelling a satisfied sigh and cuddling into Tag’s embrace.