Chapter Fourteen
As the crow flies, Cheyenne wasn’t far. On horseback, it took hours in the saddle. By train, they were there in no time, but to Jenny it seemed like an eternity and it was only the first leg of their long journey. Though the train left the station as soon as they boarded and arrived on schedule, she fidgeted and paced the entire time, asking Heath for the hour no less than fifty times. He was patient, but around time number fifty-one, he handed over his pocket watch.
“To make things simpler,” he said.
Unable to settle her mind, which was consumed by worry for Will, she watched the slow progression of time in both the monotonous sweep of the second hand and the passage of the miles out her window.
Heath tried to soothe her, speaking softly and offering reassurances, but his efforts failed, leaving him with no other options than to watch over her with concern. The arrival of their train at the Cheyenne depot near noon should have been a welcomed event, but it was in fact when the torturous waiting really began.
The train for Omaha didn’t leave until the next morning, which meant they’d be spending the night in Cheyenne. Ordinarily, her first stay at a hotel would be exciting. Under the circumstances, it was another impediment, one more delay, an additional obstruction between her and her brother. Heath hadn’t told her the travel schedule, but she hadn’t asked about it either. Therefore, when they checked into the Cheyenne Inn for the night, she’d balked.
“Can’t we take the stage to Omaha?”
“We’ve discussed this, Jenny. It’s five hundred miles. Besides, the stage won’t run until Monday.”
“What about getting horses from the livery and riding? How long would that take?” Jenny asked as she paced the floor of their room.
“At fifty miles per day on an exceptional horse, if we push it, it’d be at least ten days by saddle.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders slumped in dejection.
“The train will get us there fastest. In the meantime, Aaron will take care of him as soon as he gets there. I’m afraid that’s the best we can do.”
She nodded, knowing he was right, but hating being powerless to do more.
“Come here, Jenny.”
Walking to him without question, she thought nothing of it when he drew her between his spread thighs. She’d been there before, but when his hands went to the ties of her skirt, that changed.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking off your skirt.”
“Why?”
“We’re going to lie down on this very nice bed, in this exceptionally nice room, and take a very nice nap.”
She glanced toward the window and the bright sunshine streaming in. “It’s the middle of the day.”
“That’s usually when one takes a nap, sweetheart.”
Before she knew it, he had loosened the ties and as one, her skirt and petticoats slid down her hips, landing in a puddle of muslin around her feet. His deft fingers moved on and began to work the buttons of her blouse. Her hands came to his, stilling them. Brown eyes tipped up and his brow arched in question.
“Shouldn’t we find your parents?”
“My parents are capable of entertaining themselves. I told them we’d meet for dinner in the lobby at five o’clock. That gives us time for a long nap. I for one got very little sleep last night, and suspect you didn’t fare any better. It was near dawn when I came to bed and you were still restless.”
She didn’t remember him climbing in next to her, but she’d never forget waking beside him in the morning. Sounds of the household stirring had gradually roused her. Her eyes opened and she’d lay there a moment, feeling disoriented in the strange bedroom. The previous day had slowly come back to her. She was married and the large body she was snuggled against, which was radiating waves of inviting heat, was her husband. She must have sought his warmth during the night and curled into him.
As she lay there quietly, her senses were inundated with all that was Heath. His skin beneath her cheek felt smooth, and the steady thud of his heart beneath her ear was reassuring. His clean masculine scent tickled her nose as did the few curls toward the center of his chest. One of his arms had snaked around her, his hand curled along her hip, as he kept her close in sleep. Her leg was bent upward, her thigh resting atop one of his own. Her lower leg, entwined with his, was entangled in the sheets. She couldn’t think of a better way to wake up.
The last button of her blouse giving way snapped her back to the present. Heath pushed aside the cloth, sliding his hands inside and up her back. The sight of his dark head was a striking contrast with her ivory blouse and white underthings, as was her fairness to his tanned skin. His face was aligned with the tops of her breasts revealed by the low cut of her camisole. She watched with rapt anticipation as he rubbed his nose along the lace edge, nuzzling into the valley between her breasts. She could barely breathe with him so close.
“Honey…”
“I like that.”
She tilted her head in question.
“You calling me honey. I like that a lot.”
His fingers slipped beneath the narrow straps of her camisole and pulled them over her shoulders along with her blouse. As the straps went, so did her bodice and her breasts popped free.
“Heath.” Her voice was reedy thin as his lips brushed her skin. “If we’re to nap, I’ll need my nightgown.”
“I’ll keep you warm.” He turned his head as he spoke and a stream of moist air brushed over her nipple. Ruching tightly, it jutted eagerly toward his mouth in blatant invitation. She sucked in her breath, her chest rising, bringing the taut nipple closer. She wanted to touch him, to thread her hands through his silky hair, but her hands hung nearly useless at her sides, able to go no higher than his biceps, trapped as they were by the twisted linen and buttoned cuffs of her sleeves.
Torn between being held at the mercy of his tongue and struggling to get free, his tongue won out. She watched helplessly as he licked the tip or rather, licked around it. Swirling in a slow, lazy circle, the warm rasp of his tongue gradually moved inward, laving the aching peak. A squeaking sound escaped her when he captured it between his teeth.
His eyes angled up, locking on hers. Without releasing her, he urged, “Breathe, darlin’.”
After a ragged exhale, she gulped in a shuddering breath of air. He hummed his approval as he opened wide, his lips engulfing her entire nipple, while his tongue did amazing things. Awash with sensation, she clung to him, her hands digging into his forearms.
After a moment, he released her, the sudden loss causing her to whimper.
“Shh, sweet girl, you’ve another to give equal time.” That was his promise before his hot mouth claimed her other nipple and indulged it in the same incredible way. Again, he stopped. “Let’s get the rest of your things off and tuck you in.”
Disappointment swept through her. Was he serious about a nap? Now? Surely not! She had to know and asked him. “Are we really going to sleep, Heath?”
Her answer was his devilishly handsome grin. Busily divesting her of her clothing, his big hands moved more quickly now, freeing her from her restraining sleeves, unhooking her corselet, and tugging down her drawers. When she stood in only her garters, stockings, and shoes, her face burned like fire. To be all but naked while he was fully clothed as the sunshine flooded the room with light seemed improper. At the same time, her heart raced and her body tightened with need. He lifted her and laid her on top of the covers, gliding his hands down her sides, over her hips, and along her thighs as he leaned back and began a slow perusal of every inch of her bare skin. Squirming uncomfortably beneath his bold gaze, her hands fluttered to her breasts.
“No,” he ordered as he caught both hands in his, placing them down by her sides. “Let me see you, Jenny. You’re so beautiful. Don’t ever hide from me.”
He studied every nook and cranny, lingering on her breasts, his eyes trailing slowly down her belly until they came to rest on the curls that guarded her sex. After several long minutes of his heated regard, she felt sure she would burst into flames, so intent was his scrutiny.
“Heath, please, surely this isn’t proper.”
With a small smile, his eyes snapped back to hers. “I’m sorry, darlin’, proper or not you’ll have to get used to my eyes on you. Now that I’ve seen you naked, I’ll want to gorge myself on your beautiful body every day.”
Her eyes squeezed shut and her hands flew up to her burning cheeks. “The things you say. Dear lord!”
He chuckled. “You’ll have to get used to that too, I’m afraid. Ah, but it seems I forgot something.”
“What?” she asked hesitantly, almost afraid to find out what he would say or do next.
“These go too.” One hand pulled off a shoe as the other stripped down her garter and hose. The other leg was bared in the same manner. Once she was completely undressed, only then did he answer the question she’d long ago asked and since forgotten. “We’ll sleep, after I’ve made you my wife in truth.”
Her heart bounded in her chest at the notion. When she heard the rustling of cloth, she couldn’t resist a quick peek. He’d already made quick work of his buttons and in seconds, had stripped off his shirt, leaving his magnificent upper body bare.
“Open your eyes and look your fill. Turnabout is fair play, after all.”
At his invitation, she did, opening them wide. Then she forgot to blink as she stared in fascination at his shoulders, broad and powerful, and his strong contoured arms, both of which were a testament to his strength and how hard he worked at the ranch. His belly was flat but ridged with well-defined muscles.
As his hands dropped to his belt buckle, her eyes followed, torn between watching the masculine display of muscles rippling across his chest and arms to finding out what his open trousers would reveal. Her shyness won out and she kept her gaze high.
His belt zipped through the loops; a clink followed as the leather and metal hit the floor. Compelled to see that last mysterious part of him, her eyes dropped but a fraction too late as he turned and sat to pull off his boots. Two thuds followed as they hit the floor. Half standing, he stripped off his pants. Jenny got a glimpse of his bare behind—firm and muscled like the rest of him—before he practically dove in beside her. He moved too fast for her to see his front side below the waist.
Instantly, she was surrounded by his heat, his size and strength seemed overwhelming. She couldn’t help the tremor of unease that passed through her. As he caged her beneath him, she drew the comparison. He was so much bigger, his body full of sharp ridges and solid planes. She was smaller, softer, and vulnerable. How could this possibly work? As her anxiety rose, he swooped down and took her mouth. Her virginal fears came roaring to the surface and her hands rose, palms pressed flat and ineffectually against his chest. As his weight bore down on her, a small cry escaped.
His head reared back at the sound and he scanned her face. Instantly, his face softened and his intensity lessened.
“Sweetheart, don’t be frightened of me.”
His husky voice offered reassurance as his hand rose to cup her cheek, his forehead coming to rest gently upon her own. She could see the concern on his face, as well as the control he was exerting, the patience.
“I’m not frightened, not really… It’s just new and—”
“And I’m going too fast.” His voice was strained as he finished for her. “I feel like an eager youth, between hay and grass with you, Jenny. You are so beautiful that I’m over anxious to make you mine. Let’s slow things down and try something different.”
He rolled off her, sat back against the headboard, and lifted her onto his lap. Cuddling her close, he tilted her face up to his and took her mouth slowly, tenderly. As their lips and tongues explored one another, Heath’s hands gently stroked over her shoulders before down her back.
“Touch me,” he urged. “Having your hands on me feels good, as good as mine do to you.”
“I doubt that.”
Heath paused, as did she, both surprised at her words. She buried her face in his neck and groaned, “I can’t believe I said that.”
As he laughed, low with delight, he took her hands and placed them on his chest, encouraging her to explore. “I’m glad you said that. Nothing’s out of bounds as long as it feels good.”
Tentatively, she let her fingers glide over his hard chest, finding the smoothness of his skin and the small spattering of springy dark hair fascinating. Her hands stroked over his broad shoulders and along the corded muscles of his neck, testing the rough texture of afternoon scruff. Her eyes followed where she touched along his jaw, tracing over his chin and up to his lips. They drew together in a kiss as her fingertips slid along his full lower lip.
Jenny relaxed as she got used to being close to him. The whole while his hands caressed her slowly, down her back, over her bottom, and along her thighs, only to slide up again to her hair, where he smoothed it or combed his fingers through her curls. This went on for some time, before he pushed for more.
His lips found hers and lingered there as his fingers moved from her back to ease down her front. Starting with her collarbone, he caressed the flat between her breasts and down to her belly, all with excruciating and methodical slowness that was near to driving her insane. Her skin was alive with sensation. On the next pass, when the edge of his hand grazed the bottom swell of her breasts, she couldn’t keep silent.
“More.” The single word came out as a groan, an entreaty for him to get on with it.
He broke away from her mouth and his head came up, his eyes burning into hers. Then his hand cupped her breast, the thumb sweeping out and finding her nipple. His forefinger joined in and he rolled it, all the time watching her. Adding a bit of pressure, he tugged the hard peak.
“Yes,” Jenny cried out, arching her back and wantonly pressing her breast forward into his hand.
“You like that.”
“Mm-hm, very much.”
“Are you ready for more? I don’t want to frighten you.”
“I’m not afraid. I was acting silly. It was before I knew how good this would feel. It’s amazing, Heath.”
“Sweet darlin’, if you think this is good, hold onto your hat, ‘cause you ain’t seen nothing yet.” He bent his head and captured a nipple, slipping it into his mouth, employing suction and a gentle, biting pressure from his teeth. She thought she would die from the pleasure, arching into him as her fingers dug into his hair to hold on. This must be what he meant, because it was better than good.
His fingers trailed over her hip and the flat of his hand slid across her belly, low so that the edge of his hand grazed the curls at the apex of her thighs. As they dipped lower, combing through her curls, he said in a husky murmur, “Spread your legs for me. Let me show you how really amazing I can make you feel.”
As if under his spell, she inched her legs apart and his hand dipped between her thighs, his fingertips grazing along the slit. She felt wicked and wanton, his touch wonderful in the extreme. A tingling sensation was building inside her, a feeling of excitement, a euphoria on the periphery, hanging just out of reach like the most succulent berry, high up on the vine. It tempted the eye and she knew if she could reach it, it would be sweeter than anything she’d ever tasted before. She wanted it—the berry, the tingly sensations, and the burning desire brought on by his decadent fingers.
His hand shifted. Not wanting to lose him, she clamped her thighs together, holding his hand in place.
“Open your thighs wider,” he said against her throat. “I want to touch you inside.”
His words brought the tempting berry closer, until it hovered right at the edge of her fingertips. He opened his mouth and sucked on her skin, his tongue teasing as he licked up toward her ear. Her breath rushed out in a moan as his teeth latched onto her lobe. It was too much and she whimpered. Her legs fell open and he was there, touching her more intimately. His fingers slid between her lips, a fingertip circling a spot near the top. It sent a thrill of excitement racing through her body. Helpless to stop the surge, she cried out.
“There it is,” he murmured as he circled the spot where the pleasure was focused, gliding over the nub several times before beginning to circle again. “This is your pleasure point, darlin’, one of many that I plan to explore often, and at length.”
“Heath, I feel so odd.”
He flicked his finger back and forth, making her groan. He did it a few more times, before returning to the slow circling. “Tell me, Jenny. How exactly do you feel ‘odd’?”
“Like my heart is pulsing where you’re touching, I’m warm, and I feel like I have to move. And there’s a burning…”
His hand moved lower as he dipped a long finger inside her, his entrance shallow. “Is this where you burn?”
“Yes,” she gasped. Unable to keep still, she lifted her hips, encouraging a more intimate possession.
“Easy, darlin’, we’re going slowly for now.” His finger moved slowly out, went back to circle up high, and then dipped in again, gliding deeper.
She protested his exquisite torture. “I don’t want to go slow. Something is building and I need to—” She stopped as he pinched the hard bud firmly. “Oh, my stars, Heath!”
“I know what you need, sweetheart. We’ll keep building it until you’re ready for me. Until you’re so wet and wild, that when I glide fully inside you for the first time, it will only be good.”
As his fingers played, her breasts ached. She rolled toward him, rubbing chest to chest against him, her face finding his neck and her mouth latching on, imitating what he’d done to her. A groan, rumbling in his throat, vibrated under her lips. That he was finding pleasure by her actions spiked her own higher. She writhed against him, unable to stay still.
“I ache, Heath. Please.” That damn elusive berry was right there, barely out of reach, yet so close she could almost taste it.
The mattress was at her back the next instant. His mouth was on hers and his hand moved faster, stoking the fire higher. She arched, abrading her aching nipples against the light mat of hair on his chest. His mouth moved lower, down her throat and across her chest until it latched onto one achy tip, claiming it, and sucking it inside. The pulling sensation, along with his thumb working her pleasure point, his fingers delving inside her, sent a powerful wave of pleasure coursing through her body. It crested, lingered at its zenith for only a brief moment, before breaking over the top and crashing, taking her with it. She cried out his name. Overcome, it came out like a sob.
As she shuddered beneath him, his big body moved, coming over her, his knees spreading her thighs wide. Through a half-lidded hazy-eyed fog, Jenny watched as Heath pushed up, locking his elbows as he loomed over her. Her eyes were drawn to the muscles of his chest and shoulders as they bulged from the strain.
“Look at me, darlin’.”
Her eyes lifted and met his, which burned bright with barely contained passion. “I’m going to make you mine, Jenny. Are you ready for me?”
“Yes.” Although she wanted to be bold, and appear fearless, her response was barely a whisper.
He bent his head and took her lips in a thorough kiss. “There may be pain, but only this once. Forever after there will only be pleasure.”
She released the grip on his hair and allowed them to slip down to cup his cheeks instead. “I’m ready, Heath.”
His lips fused to hers as he surged inside her. A slight twinge of discomfort was followed by a fullness. She stretched to accommodate him, his size testing her limits.
“Doing okay?” he asked, brushing her lips as he spoke.
“Un-huh.”
He nipped her lower lip with his teeth, soothing the sting away with his tongue. She felt the earlier fire reignite.
“I’m going to move now, stay with me, Jenny.”
“’Kay.” Evidently, half-words and grunts were what she was reduced to now.
He pressed forward and sank into her even more. Where she thought she’d been full before, she understood now how wrong she’d been. She felt stretched near to bursting.
“Grip me tight,” was all he said as he pulled her legs up and guided them around his hips. The angle was different now, still deep, but easier for her to manage. The stirring he created with his hardness buried inside her increased incredibly when he moved. Starting out slow, the pace was steady, but it grew gradually, as did the fire as he drove into her faster.
Heath was right, it felt more than good; in fact, it felt amazing. Every nerve tingled, along her spine to her fingertips and down to the very ends of her toes; even her scalp had come alive with sensation.
Clinging to his shoulders, her hips began to move instinctively, lifting as she met the thrust of his hips. It went fast after that as Heath grasped her hips, plunging into her, building the fire until it burned hotter than before.
Staring up at him, she drank in his masculine beauty, absorbing the pleasure he was driving into her body until the wave peaked and crashed over her again. Set free, her cry of release was drowned out by his roar of completion. He shuddered and jerked as his body emptied into her own, his seed splashing hot and deep.
Jenny floated in a state of euphoria, thereafter. Unable to will her muscles to move, she was glad when Heath had the strength to. He dipped in slowly one more time, before withdrawing and moving them to their sides.
She sighed and snuggled into him. “Mmm, I think that’s the best nap I’ve ever taken.”
His chuckle rumbled in his chest. A few minutes later, they were both fast asleep.