As soon as she disconnected, Mia regretted ending the call. Talking to Shari had given her something to do besides breathlessly wait for the man to reach her. She felt exposed now that she was off the phone. Her stomach fluttered with nerves.
The cowboy spoke first. “I’ve never complained about the company of a beautiful woman, but tourists aren’t supposed to be here.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re not here?” His deep voice was rich with humor. His eyes, as it turned out, were a sparkling blue so distracting that she struggled to find words.
Get a grip, Mia. She’d grown up in a houseful of men; it wasn’t like her to be tongue-tied in front of one. “I meant, I’m not a tourist. Dr. Mia Zane, veterinarian.” Normally, she would have extended a hand to shake, but he was occupied with the horse nudging at him. “Alonzo Boone hired me to join the cattle drive.”
“Ah. Then you must be a fantastic vet. Boone isn’t easily impressed. I’m JT, and this pushy young lady is Yen.” He patted the filly’s neck, then glanced back at Mia, his expression unreadable. “So you aren’t a paying customer?”
“No.” Didn’t he believe her?
“I’m one of the hands on the drive. What do you think that makes us?” he mused. “Coworkers?”
“I’m not sure it makes us anything.”
“Well.” His grin was mischievous. “Not yet, anyway.”
“Are...are you flirting with me?” It was an awkward question, but Mia believed in forthrightness, more than ever since Drew’s betrayal.
“When I’m flirting, you won’t have to ask. But if you’d rather I don’t, now’s a good time to say so.”
Did she want him to flirt with her? Yes.
No, you’re here as a professional. She opened her mouth to politely remind him of that, but instead heard herself say, “Too soon to tell. I reserve the right to say no later.”
“Noted. But fair warning—I’ll do my best to make you want to say yes.”
This time, the flutter low in her abdomen wasn’t nerves. It was heat. And giddy elation that she’d been the one to put that gleam in his eyes. “Noted,” she echoed back at him.
He chuckled, but then his expression shifted. “Last thing I wanna do is cut this conversation short, but orientation is supposed to start soon. And I’m leading it. See you there?”
She nodded. Alonzo had told her it wasn’t necessary for her to attend, but she was suddenly feeling very motivated to make sure she understood all the safety guidelines. “I’ll be in the front row, taking notes.” Or ogling the instructor and doodling erotic sketches.
“I have a better idea. It could be helpful for demonstration purposes if I had an assistant. Feel like volunteering, Dr. Zane? If Boone hired you, your equestrian skills must be solid.”
“They are. But I’m a little out of practice. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the saddle.”
“It’ll come back to you. Most of it’s instinct. And, even if you’re a little rusty, you’re in good hands.”
Anticipation shivered through her. She bet JT was great with his hands. The question was, would she be bold enough to find out? A little harmless flirting was one thing, but sneaking into a stranger’s tent? It was a pleasurable fantasy, but she’d never done anything like that in real life.
JT grinned, his expression so wickedly irresistible that she could imagine he’d read her thoughts.
His earlier statement echoed in her mind, and what had seemed like a playful challenge now felt like a thrilling promise. I’ll do my best to make you want to say yes.
The man was as good as his word.
Normally, Mia had unshakable focus, but she struggled to concentrate on the routine orientation because she was so distracted by JT. His tone had been strictly professional when he introduced her to the assembled crowd, but the tourists seated on the rustic wooden benches couldn’t see the way his thumb idly grazed the inside of her wrist as he handed Mia the reins. No one watching knew the electric sizzle caused by the slow back-and-forth slide of his skin against hers. And they certainly didn’t know how good he smelled. When he’d helped her onto the bay mare, it had taken every ounce of Mia’s willpower not to close her eyes, lean closer and inhale deeply. His scent was rich and earthy, almost sandalwood but less definable.
JT was igniting all her senses, reawakening dormant hormones and desires. She focused more on the low, drawling timbre of his voice than what he was actually saying and missed her cue at one point. Fortunately, he covered the brief gap. The man was charisma personified and obviously not shy about addressing a crowd.
Of course, he was far from timid in one-on-one situations, too. When I’m flirting, you won’t have to ask. His tone had been playful but self-assured. A man who was confident in his skills. A flutter of appreciation twisted low inside her as she imagined—
The horse shifted beneath her, jarring Mia back to reality. This was hardly the time to be fantasizing. With effort, she tamped down her uncharacteristic lust and gave the rest of the demonstration her undivided attention.
More or less.
Finally, JT dismissed the crowd with the reminder that there was a free hour before cocktails were served if anyone wanted to explore or change for dinner. Then he started to help Mia dismount. He covered her hand with his. “You’re probably expert enough not to need the assist, but we’re a full-service operation at the Climbing W.”
“No complaints here,” she murmured, pivoting toward him to drop down from the saddle. As she touched the ground, the tips of her boots brushed his. She was enveloped in his warmth and his almost-sandalwood scent, close enough to see the ring of darker blue around his light eyes.
They were standing close enough to kiss.
The errant thought caught her off guard. Mia didn’t kiss men she’d just met. Well, why not? At the moment, it seemed like a fantastic idea. Her gaze dipped to his mouth, and her pulse thudded with exhilaration.
“Speaking of full service,” JT began.
She swayed closer. “Yes?”
“If you’re not otherwise engaged, may I join you for dinner? I couldn’t possibly let a visitor to the Climbing W dine alone.”
Mia smiled at the request, warmth spreading through her at the promise of more time with him. “It’s a date.” The word danced in her mind, full of possibility. She might not be reckless enough to kiss a stranger, but a date?
That was a different story.
I owe Shari an apology. Mia stepped inside the spacious refurbished barn, smoothing the hem of her skirt. She’d swapped her jeans for the short dress Shari had packed and replaced the earlier ponytail with loose curls that framed her face.
“Champagne, ma’am?” A waiter effortlessly balancing a tray of drinks approached. “Or perhaps the Climbing W’s signature rum cocktail?”
Mia thanked him but opted for a sparkling water instead. No alcohol buzz could match her pleasant rush of expectation. At the moment, JT was in a corner talking to a pair of newlyweds who’d chosen the cattle drive as their rustic honeymoon, but Mia knew he’d noticed the moment she stepped inside. She felt his awareness of her, an electricity across her skin, like a thunderstorm rolling in.
Resisting the urge to go straight to him, Mia let herself get caught up in conversation with tourists who wanted a vet’s opinion. A woman from Denver showed Mia pictures of her tortoiseshell kitten on her phone. A couple from New Mexico asked her opinions on which dog breeds did best with children. In a way, Mia relished the interruptions that delayed her from reaching JT. It was like how she used to binge a TV show, in her pre-clinic days, but postpone watching the epic finale, reveling in the anticipation.
The guests around her, however, proved too adept at supplying delays. Before she knew it, Alonzo Boone was clanging a small metal wand against an iron triangle, the dinner bell long used by cowboys and chuck wagon cooks.
“If I could have everyone’s attention, please.” Boone was a barrel-chested man with a silver mustache and a voice that did not need a microphone to fill the space. “I wanna thank you all for joining us. Starting tomorrow, everyone will have rotating chores assigned to them, but tonight, we wanted to treat you to some five-star luxury. You’ll be enjoying an alfresco dinner prepared by an award-winning chef, followed by s’mores and a campfire song. Just remember we have an early morning.”
There was one joking groan in the crowd, but given that every tourist in attendance had paid handsomely to take this trip, Mia doubted anyone was genuinely annoyed by the mention of chores or getting up at dawn. As she made her way outside with everyone else, she was surrounded by happy murmurs and lively conversation.
Long wooden tables were decorated with fresh flowers. Fairy lights twinkled in the overhead branches of towering aspen trees. It was an enchanting setting, worlds removed from the bustle of her clinic and the stress that had become her too-constant companion. She felt light and liberated. The only thing that would make the night even more enjoyable was her dinner partner.
“Mia!”
She blinked, shifting her focus to the trail boss in front of her. “Oh. Mr. Boone. Hi.”
He snorted. “I remember when you were yea tall and called me Uncle ’Lonzo. Let’s split the difference. Just call me Boone. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to catch up with you until now. Day before a drive is always hectic.”
“I totally understand. Don’t worry about me. I’m here to work.”
“Yeah, I heard you helped lead orientation.” He lowered his voice. “I didn’t realize you and Jace were already acquainted?”
Mia frowned, not quite following. “Sorry? Who?”
“JT.” Boone rocked back on his heels. “You two know each other?”
The J stood for Jace? She smiled inwardly, charmed to have discovered more about him. “We met earlier today, and I, uh...” Managed not to jump him down by the barn. “Volunteered my assistance. I hope that’s all right.”
“Of course. Sure. I just thought maybe—Oh, Levi is waving me over. Better see what he needs.” He was already striding away when he added over his shoulder, “Enjoy dinner!”
She scanned the small crowd gathering at the tables in search of JT. When she finally spotted him, it wasn’t amid the diners but along the perimeter, deep in conversation with two other ranch employees. Their eyes met briefly, his expression apologetic. She understood immediately. Duty calls. How many lunch dates had she canceled or dinners had she been late for because of her clinic work? Drew’s typically churlish responses had bewildered her, since she’d considered the clinic a partnership, something he was as invested in as she was.
Despite a mild disappointment as JT and the other men retreated in the opposite direction, she accepted that he had a job to do. She resolved to enjoy the beautiful night anyway. The fresh air had given her a real appetite, further bolstered by the tantalizing food smells. Her dinner companions engaged her in conversation as a grilled shrimp appetizer was served. Mia shared lighthearted anecdotes about the kittens she was fostering while enjoying chilled white wine. A lovely, unfamiliar calm washed through her.
This must be what “relaxed” feels like. No wonder people recommended it.
After dinner, some of the tourists headed for their bunks while others paired off around the crackling campfire. Still mellow from a wonderful meal, Mia sat alone on a log, trying to remember the last time she’d roasted marshmallows.
“Is this seat taken?”
She glanced over her shoulder to see the welcome sight of JT—Jace—behind her, his jawline etched in the glow of firelight. “Hey.” Her greeting sounded breathless, but she didn’t care. She was unabashedly happy to see him.
Although she scooted over on the log bench to give him room, the seating was still cozy. His denim jeans brushed against her thigh, and his arm grazed her shoulder as he reached across her to get a skewer and the bag of marshmallows.
Hyperawareness jolted through her body, and she nearly lost her grip on her skewer. It dipped toward the fire.
“Oops.” She pulled up three flaming marshmallows and blew them out.
He laughed. “Want to trade with me?” He handed her his skewer and took the trio of blackened marshmallows. “I actually like them this way.”
She cast a skeptical glance at the marshmallows, which were puckered and bubbling. “You do?”
“When I was five, I burned some marshmallows on a campout with my dad and older brothers. Reed was so snotty when he told me I was doing it wrong that I made a point of always setting my marshmallows on fire thereafter, just to irk him.”
“Older brothers, huh? How many? I survived three.”
“Yeesh. You have my condolences. Two was more than enough.”
She laughed, bumping her shoulder lightly against his. “It wasn’t all bad.”
“Bet it wasn’t all good, either.” He slid the first charred marshmallow off the stick and into his mouth. “Mmm. Once you get past the cinder crunch, it’s gooey perfection. Maybe it’s an acquired taste, but I always got to skip the wait and enjoy my s’mores before my brothers.”
“So you’re an instant gratification kind of guy?”
“Sometimes.” He turned his head to meet her gaze. “But I can slow down and take my time, too.”
Good to know. She swallowed, unable to look away from him. But then, why would she want to?
“Careful, Doc.” With a grin, he nodded toward the skewer she held. “You don’t want to burn a second batch.”
Probably not. But she couldn’t resist the idea of playing with fire tonight.
“Sorry I missed dinner,” he said. “Got called down to the stables to help with a high-strung mare.”
“That’s okay. Dinner was delicious, but I was more looking forward to...”
“Marshmallows?” His words held a note of friendly challenge, daring her to come right out and say what she wanted.
“No.” She could do better than words. “This.” Mia leaned forward, bracing herself with one arm as her lips met his.
He went still for a millisecond. But then he cupped the nape of her neck and deepened the kiss. His mouth slanted over hers in a slow, smoky-sweet seduction. Mia’s head spun. She would never again taste a toasted marshmallow without remembering this moment.
“Damn.” He sucked in a breath, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t available until now. But I am at your disposal—anything you need from now until tomorrow morning.”
An entire night with him? Hell, yes. She wanted this stolen, spontaneous night with a fierceness that surprised her. Her heart pounded. “Walk me to my cabin?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
It wasn’t until they stood that Mia remembered they weren’t alone, not really. Other couples were silhouetted in the firelight. This was his job—and hers, too, for the week. She shouldn’t have kissed him in front of potential witnesses, but she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. Fortunately, no one seemed to be paying them any attention. They were just another couple enjoying the crackling fire and the starry night.
Still, in the name of discretion, she didn’t reach for his hand as they walked toward the path. She didn’t allow herself to touch him at all. The space between them took on a life of its own. Instead of contact and sensation, she was awash with anticipation and yearning.
Mia barely registered the journey up the subtly lit trail to the guest cottage; she was preoccupied with the luxurious bed awaiting them. Earlier today, it had seemed comically large. But it was exactly the right size for sharing with the cowboy next to her. She quickened her steps, picturing him there with her. Imagining how good it would feel once they were free to explore each other.
Maybe there was something to his marshmallow philosophy. Sometimes patience was overrated.
Despite her enthusiasm, or likely because of it, her fingers shook as she tried to unlock the cabin door. It was a relief when his hand covered hers.
“Let me.”
With one deft click, they were inside. Neither of them bothered turning on a light. The moonlight through the window bathed them in silver, more than enough illumination for her to appreciate the lines of his body and planes of his face. Although his blue eyes were shadowed, the hunger in them was unmistakable.
His gaze slid down her in a nearly tangible caress, making her ache. “You are one sexy woman, Doc.”
“Thank you.” And thanks to you. She was often a stress-ridden workaholic, but not tonight, not in his eyes. His appreciation made her a temptress, a voluptuous goddess. A siren who took what she wanted.
She stepped forward, skimming her fingers past the collar of his shirt, over the vee of exposed skin. “I want to see you.” She began unbuttoning her way down. “Want to touch you.”
He inhaled sharply. “Feeling’s mutual.” After shrugging out of his shirt, he helped her with his jeans. His body was like a sculpture, lean muscle and taut abs shaped by physical labor. He tugged playfully at the neckline of her dress. “Your turn.”
She shimmied free of the fabric, letting it slide down her body and pool at her feet. He took his time drinking in the sight of her. Mia wasn’t much of an exhibitionist, but the sheer lust in his expression made her feel proud and powerful. And very grateful that her duffel bag had included lacy lingerie.
It had not, however, included any birth control. “Oh.” She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t suppose you have condoms with you?”
He nodded, picking up his discarded jeans and reaching into a pocket. “Not that I was assuming—”
“I like a man who’s prepared,” she interrupted with a grin.
Grinning back, he pulled her close for another deep, hungry kiss that obliterated all thought. She swayed on her feet, clinging to him. Pleasure sizzled through her, sparking a need she hadn’t felt in a long time. Or maybe ever. She felt completely out of control, and it was glorious.
A small sound of protest escaped her when he ended their kiss. But then his mouth was at the hollow of her throat, grazing her sensitive skin and working his way toward her cleavage. He palmed her breast through the lace, and she moaned. She arched her back to give him better access, struggling to maintain her balance, and he solved the problem by tumbling them across the king-size mattress.
Mia landed atop him. She rocked against his erection, and Jace gasped. His hands dropped to her ass, urging her to do it again. She moved with abandon, shifting her weight and swiveling her hips in wanton eagerness. He sat up to unclasp her bra, then rolled them over so that he was braced above her. On another mattress, they would have fallen off.
“This bed is definitely Texas-sized.” His tone was amused, but arousal made his voice lower, rougher.
“Right?” She lightly bit his collarbone.
“Let’s make good use of it.” He brushed the backs of his fingertips over the curve of her breast, tracing light, teasing patterns that made her nipples tighten and left her breathless for more.
“Jace.”
He stilled, eyebrows drawn.
It took her a moment to realize how she’d caught him off guard. “I heard that’s what the J stood for. I—”
“Say it again.” Maybe it was a trick of the moonlight, but for a moment he looked surprisingly vulnerable.
She cupped his face between her hands. “Jace.”
With a low hum of satisfaction, he bent his head to her breast and sucked hard, his stubbled jaw a tantalizing friction against her skin. There was no featherlight teasing this time; it was a sensual onslaught. He shifted from one breast to the other, wringing cries from her with his lips and tongue and teeth. Heat flooded her, and her hips bucked of their own accord.
When he brushed his fingertips over her inner thigh, she trembled. The warm tingles of desire she’d felt when he first kissed her had become something far more primal. She needed to get closer, needed him inside her. He moved his thumb over her clit, and her back bowed off the mattress.
“Oh, God.” Her voice was broken, desperate, but she didn’t care, not while he was touching her like that. She was frantic, on the edge of bliss and raw craving. He pressed harder, rotating his thumb as he speared a finger inside her. Uncensored words spilled from her, and she was only distantly aware of them, hearing “yes,” and “please,” and his name.
Jace hadn’t been able to imagine a bigger turn-on than seeing Mia naked, but hearing her was downright addictive. His name on her lips, her uninhibited moans, her unabashed pleasure in his touch. He couldn’t get enough. He wanted more of her gasps ringing in his ears.
Part of him wanted to do this all night, lavish her with touches and kisses until the sun rose. But he wanted to be inside her when she came, wanted to feel her shatter around him. He reached blindly for the condom he’d dropped on the mattress, sheathing himself in record time.
Even as wet as she was, she was tight. She felt so fucking good. He kissed her, using all his self-control to move slowly at first, then faster when she curled her nails into his back. He rolled his hips, and Mia wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him deeper. He lost himself in the rapturous sensation. Her body clenched around him as she gasped his name, shuddering against him. Pleasure erupted, starting at the base of his spine and coursing through him. With a guttural yell, he fell forward, balancing the brunt of his weight on his arms so he didn’t squash her.
For long moments, the only sounds in the room were their mingled panting breaths. He wasn’t sure how much time passed before he finally managed an admiring, “Wow.”
She sighed contentedly. “Now I know how your marshmallows feel.”
Jace pushed up on one arm. “Excuse me?”
“Like I just went up in flames.” She grinned. “And now I’m sticky.”
He laughed.
“I could use a shower.” She wiggled out from underneath him, her progress slowed when he pulled her back for a kiss.
Eventually he let her go, hungrily watching as she sauntered across the room, moonlight hugging all of the curves he had just explored.
“Want to join me?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Right behind you...and loving the view.”
She blew him a kiss and gave an extra swish of her hips as she disappeared around the corner. Jace scrambled after her. Had it only been hours ago that he’d been complaining to a horse about his life? Because right at this moment, he felt like the luckiest man on the planet.