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The ranch hadn’t been far from Zach’s thoughts all week. But driving up the dirt road to his family home still managed to bring back an array of feelings he’d been trying his hardest to suppress. Even Libby’s presence beside him wasn’t enough to settle his racing heart.
As he took the final turn toward the house, he tried to swallow down the emotions bubbling to the surface. He still didn’t know what he was going to do. While he could inject what little he had in savings into the business, he doubted it would be enough to keep the ranch functioning long term. What then?
He knew he needed to talk with his brothers, but he’d been putting it off. Mostly because he knew how pissed they’d be. And rightly so. They’d dedicated their lives to the ranch, unlike him.
He didn’t want to think about how his dad’s decision could be considered the ultimate manipulation. If he did just want him back at the ranch, this was a pretty extreme way of going about it.
“You’re thinking awfully hard over there. Everything okay?”
Glancing over at Libby, he mustered a likely unconvincing smile. “I’m good, just been a long week, that’s all.”
“We can take a rain check if you’re tired. I don’t mind. I did kinda trick you into taking this trip in the first place.”
Not a chance in hell.
Zach waited until they’d parked. Once he’d unfastened his seatbelt, he turned toward her, finally able to get more than a quick glimpse of those vulnerable eyes. With him still yet to reply to her offer, she made no attempt to cover the apprehension in her expression. He liked that. She wanted to go to the rodeo, and she wanted him to take her. It was that simple. And she wasn’t hiding it.
Libby may be inexperienced when it came to relationships, but she was a natural. This was probably the best relationship he’d ever had, and he’d only known her a few weeks.
They definitely weren’t friends. Despite what each of them said. What they had, had never been about friendship. Friends may talk, laugh, and hang out like they did, but they didn’t want to rip each other’s clothes off. And that’s exactly what they both wanted. She wasn’t exactly the best at keeping her feelings hidden and nor was he. If she stopped fighting it, he knew it could get even better. The best he’d ever had.
“I don’t want that. I’m fine, honestly. You looking forward to getting down n’ dirty with a bunch of bull-riding cowboys?”
She went bright freaking red and despite it being the cutest thing he’d ever seen, he couldn’t hold back his laughter.
“Stop it!” Libby wasted no time slapping his bicep. “Don’t laugh at me!”
“Sorry, sorry. It’s just you went the darkest shade of red. You got a thing for cowboys, princess? ‘Cause I’ll get out my cowboy boots and hat right now if that’ll seal the deal. You just say the word.”
Still red. That must be a yes.
He would have to remind himself to pick up his Stetson later. His attention went to the windshield.
Wade. Rolling his window down, his brother wasted no time leaning into his space. “You guys gonna make it out of the car anytime soon? We gotta get on the road.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just give us a minute, man.”
Pushing off from the car, he watched as his brother nodded and made his way over to his truck. When his gaze returned back to Libby, his smile instantly grew as he noticed the tinge of pink still highlighting her cheeks.
“Princess, I swear to God, if I catch you making eyes at any cowboys today, I’m gonna spank that little butt of yours pink. Understand?”
His words had the desired effect he was looking for. A snort and an eyeroll followed by giggling. Goddamn, she was adorable.
“Come on, fireman, let’s go. I’ve got cowboys to ogle.”
After unfastening her belt, Libby grabbed her bag and hightailed it out of the car before he could make good on his promise. At least he got a good view of her ass in those jean shorts. Today was going to be a good day.
***
Zach re-joined Libby, Wade and his friend Carter in the stands with cold beers in hand. So far they’d checked out the bronc riding, barrel racing and calf roping and now they were waiting to watch the main event, bull riding.
Although the day had been more fun than he’d initially expected, he’d been fighting to keep his jealousy in check for most of it. Unsurprisingly, Libby had received more than a few admiring glances from fellow spectators. Not that he blamed them. He’d be happy to look at her over the events any day. But just the idea of her being interested in anyone other than him was a hard pill to swallow. Hence the beer.
“Thanks.” Libby was the last to take her drink, flashing that sunny smile his way. “So, now is the time to tell me whether you’ve ridden one of these things, y’know, before I start babbling on about how crazy these dudes are.”
“If I had, then you’d realize you’ve already called me crazy, so it’s kind of too late.”
Playfully bumping her elbow against his, his body responded as she leaned into him. And didn’t move away. “Well, you do run into burning buildings for a living so ... it was probably already a given.”
He couldn’t argue with that one. Before he could respond, the announcer rendered the arena quiet.
As the rodeo announcer introduced the first rider, their attention went to the young man, who couldn’t be more than twenty years old. He wiped his sweaty palms over his jeans and climbed onto the beast they were calling Loco. Anticipation swept through the stands as they watched him wrap the rope tightly around his fist.
It had been a long time since Zach had been to the rodeo. Even longer since he’d been to a bull riding event. A long time ago, his brother Matt had once fancied himself a bull rider, much to his and his mother’s dismay. He’d always found it hard to watch his brother ride. And he was starting to remember why. One particular incident being the very reason he now steered clear of rodeos altogether. Until today.
A wince had now overtaken his face and tension roiled in his gut as the chute opened. Eight seconds felt like an eternity as he witnessed the bull’s brutal thrashing. Loco really lived up to his name. Thankfully, the rider made it through. Bucking off and rolling toward the fence just moments after hitting his time.
The crowd, along with Libby, were on their feet clapping and hollering as the man scampered to safety. The urge to pull her down into his lap was strong. Zach had been wanting to hold her all day. Claim her. As primitive as that sounded. Seeing her like this – happy, carefree and, most importantly, enjoying herself – was everything.
Write a poem, why don’t you? Pathetic.
As she turned to look down at him, the sheer joy sparkling in her eyes made his chest feel tight.
“Oh my God, I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared for a complete stranger before.” She grinned before falling back down next to him. “That shit is intense.”
He couldn’t help himself. His arm instinctively wrapped around her shoulder and tugged her into him. She fell willingly and even rested her head on his chest. That felt good. He didn’t even care she could probably hear his heart beating louder and quicker.
The second and third riders came and went with Libby still in his arms. As the crowd screamed for the fourth rider, he felt her shift. But she didn’t move away. His arm was still tightly wrapped around her. When he twisted to meet her gaze, he found her staring, a contemplative expression on her pretty face.
“I’ve made my decision.” Her voice was soft.
The cheers from the crowd were drowned out not by those words, but by the look in her eyes.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.” A small lift of her head and her mouth was brushing over his. Teasing him. “You’re right,” she spoke into him. “I don’t want to fight it anymore.”
It only took one more light graze and he lost control. His teeth latched onto her lower lip, making her gasp, leaving her open for the taking. He dropped the hand that had been previously wrapped around her, and pressed his fingers into her skin where her tank top had ridden up, allowing him to haul her even closer. The feel of her body shaking against him only fanned the flames.
There was no soft. No gentle. Only need, as his tongue got its first taste of beer-flavoured honey.
Libby had no trouble showing him what she wanted. Pulling him in hard and fast until they were both breathless, slowly drawing back to nip and scrape before going back in to drug him over and over again.
He faintly heard whistles and jeers over the thumping in his ears, but he didn’t have it in him to care. This was where he was supposed to be. Coconut conditioner and rose-scented perfume filling his lungs as perfect, plump lips sent rushes of blood all through his body. Except to his brain. Maybe that was why when his brother called his name several times, he didn’t immediately react.
Cockblocker.
Reluctantly releasing Libby’s lips, Zach kept hold of her hip as his mouth traveled up to her forehead, where he pressed another kiss.
He was still breathing hard when he chanced a look in Wade’s direction. Instead of a smirk, like he was expecting, his brother was sporting a glare. But it wasn’t directed at him. Zach followed his gaze to a burly man just four rows in front of them.
Son of a bitch.
Matt’s old trainer. The motherfucker that convinced his little brother to ride with three broken ribs. Glancing back over at Wade, he knew straightaway what was going through his head. Four years ago, he’d thought the exact same thing. Which was why he needed to get his brother out of there. Now.
“Princess.” Libby’s concerned eyes met his immediately. “We have to go. I’m gonna have to explain later why ... but it’s important we leave. I’m sorry. I know you wanted to see the bull riders.”
He hated that he was taking something away from her.
She was quick to nod, even throwing her bag over her shoulder. “Of course. Yes. I’m ready.”
No questions. Just trust. He’d let that sink in later, once he’d dealt with the situation at hand.
“Wade.” He waited for his brother to look at him. When he did, the sneer and gritted teeth didn’t go unnoticed. “Let’s go.”
“No,” was all he said.
Zach looked to Carter, silently asking for his help.
He couldn’t hear what Carter said to his brother, but he could see Wade’s shoulders slump at his words.
Zach could tell his brother needed some time. So he waited. And then waited some more. At least two more riders competed before Wade was ready to leave the arena. It didn’t matter though. What mattered was that they got out of there before anything went down.
After waving off Carter, they all piled back into Wade’s truck. This time though, he didn’t let Libby sit between them.
Once he was sure there was no longer steam coming from Wade’s ears, he opened his mouth. “You good?”
Not taking his eyes off the road ahead of them, his brother was quiet for so long he didn’t think he was going to reply.
“No, man, I’m not good,” he said eventually. “Goddamnit, I’m this fucking close to turning this truck around and doing what I should’ve done four years ago.”
Zach didn’t need the hand gesture to know just how close he was. That was the reason he got them all out of there. Fast.
Despite the tension now filling the cab, Libby was a shining light filtering out the darkness. Curling her hand over his, he welcomed the comfort and let the warmth wash over him.
“Beating the shit outta Max won’t change what happened.”
“It would sure as hell make me feel better though. That fucker almost killed Matt. Killed him, Zach!” Wade barked back as his grip on the steering wheel tightened.
“I know, man. I was there. I remember. But me bailing your ass out of jail ain’t gonna change what happened. It’s not gonna get Matt back on the circuit. And it sure as shit ain’t gonna do anything but ruin our goddamn day.”
He felt Libby squeeze his hand. He responded by lacing their fingers together until they were holding hands properly. Then, he brought their hands up to rest on his thigh. Having her by his side made him feel strong. Like he could get through anything. And right now, he needed that. More than she would ever know.
“It just isn’t right. His ass needs a good kicking.” The ferocity in his brother’s voice was diminishing. Thank God.
“You’re right. It does. But not from us. He isn’t worth it and you know it. Let karma do its thing, brother, and fuck that guy.”
Wade let out a long and slow exhale. He’d managed to talk him down. Even the tension in the air was starting to dissipate. Now they just had to get through the next hour without his brother changing his mind and turning the truck around.
***
Anxiety was the last thing Zach needed right now. Not when the woman of his dreams had finally agreed to take things to the next level. But here he was, heart palpitations in full swing while pacing back and forth across Libby’s living room.
They’d arrived back at her house five minutes ago and he was yet to take a seat. He was feeling restless. Pent up. And he was doing a seriously shit job of hiding it.
After offering an array of drinks, all of which he declined, Libby had taken a seat on the couch. Like him, her feelings were on full display. Concern being the most prominent emotion glistening in her big eyes.
Eventually rising from the cushions, Libby disappeared into the kitchen. Just as he was contemplating leaving, she returned. Whiskey bottle in one hand, two tumblers in the other.
Now we’re talking.
“I know you said you didn’t want anything,” she began, a hint of caution in her voice, “but if ever there was a time for a stiff drink, it’s now.”
She wasn’t wrong.
Libby didn’t wait for him to answer. She simply began pouring. As she did, he finally settled down next to her, sinking into the couch cushions just in time for her to pass him a glass with an extremely healthy measure.
“Talking might help, you know? If you want to, I mean. I’m a good listener.” She took a dainty sip of her own drink before dropping one shoulder against the back of the sofa, so her body was facing him.
He could do that. Libby deserved that. Especially since the day had gone from amazing to complete shit in the blink of an eye.
“I guess you probably got the gist of what was going on during the journey back. And why I had to get Wade out of there.” She gave him a solemn nod. “Well, the short version of the story is ... my brother Matt used to ride bulls. And he was good. Really good. Until he had an accident. A serious one that ended his career. Very nearly took his life. The dude Wade was ready to deliver to God tonight ... well, he was partly responsible for that accident.”
“How?”
Letting out a slow breath, Zach pushed his fingers through his hair. He remembered that night as if it was yesterday. And he hated that. Hated that he had carried it around with him every day for so long.
“You saw how much bull riders get thrown around, yeah?” She nodded again. “Well, he’d had a bad fall during an event. Broke three ribs.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah, shit. Thing is, no one knew. Not me, not my brothers, not my parents. Only Max. His trainer. The guy we saw tonight.” Zach couldn’t help but sigh. “So, Max convinced him the injury wasn’t a big deal. Encouraged him to compete again the next weekend. Apparently ‘cause some big sponsor he really wanted to land was going to be at that particular event. Anyway, having ridden with injuries before, Matt agreed to ride. That was one of the nights I went down to watch him. Support him.”
They both took a swig of their drinks, as if preparing for what was coming next.
“I can still see it. Four years later and I can still tell you every move that bull made after Matt was thrown from him. Every miss. Every stamp. I can still remember the fear, and helplessness I felt as I ran down those wooden steps trying to get to him.”
Libby’s tumbler clinked against the glass table as she shimmied closer to him. As close as she could get. One leg even draped over his thigh as her hand gently nudged his jaw until he was twisted to face her.
After untangling his drink from his grasp and placing it on the table next to her own, she dropped her forehead to his. They stayed like that for a while. Enjoying the quiet. He let her steady, warm breath help him get his own under control. They both knew he wasn’t done. There was more he needed to say. And she was ready to listen.
His eyes flickered shut as he allowed himself to go back to that day.
Even now, the hospital smell still stuck in his throat. Artificial cleaners mixed with antiseptic. But it was nothing compared to the memory of Matt in that bed, machines bleeping while he lay unconscious for what felt like forever.
“H-he was in a coma. It took a month for him to wake up. We didn’t even know if he would.” His voice was betraying him. But he pushed on, through his broken words. “The not knowing was the hardest part. What the future looked like. Whether he’d ever wake up. If he’d ever have a normal life again if he did. Every day I sat there and prayed he’d be okay.”
Zach realized then that this was the first time he’d said any of this out loud. It had been bottled up for so long, it was almost cathartic to finally get it out.
That month had been all about staying strong for his family. He’d been on autopilot the whole time. Holding his mom while she cried. Driving his brothers back and forth for visits. And in between shifts he’d even tried to help out at the ranch.
“When he did finally wake up, he wasn’t the same. I could tell straight away a part of him was gone. Forever. I’m not talking physically. Even though he’ll never ride again, with time and a hell of a lot of physio he’s managed to recover. But mentally ...”
“Mentally ... what?” Libby whispered.
Zach’s eyes slowly opened, and he got his first glimpse of an unguarded Libby. Her eyes were closed. It didn’t stop him from looking, though. This close, he could see every pore, every smile line and every curve of her features. She truly was beautiful.
But it went far deeper than smooth skin and powdery pink lips. Who she was as a person was what really made her shine. What made her a princess. What made him fall as hard and fast as he had.
As if she knew she was under his scrutiny, her almond-shaped eyes fluttered open.
“You’re perfect, you know that?”
She should know. Actually, she should be told every damn day.
Libby drew back slightly, just enough to capture his gaze. And hold him captive.
“I’m so far from perfect it’s not even funny.” Her voice was still quiet, but he could hear it shake.
“The fact you don’t even know how special you are blows my mind.” It was the God’s honest truth.
Zach lifted his fingers and got his first touch of silk as he brushed back the hair she’d now begun to hide behind. But he wasn’t done touching her. Tracing her plump pink lips with his thumb, he felt her eyes burn into him.
Every time their gazes locked, his blood heated. And by the flush creeping up her neck, he could tell, she felt it too. The inferno they were creating.
Closing what little distance there was between them, his nose nudged hers as he breathed in her scent. She was addictive.
Already high, just like any addict, he wanted more. Needed it.
With his heart pounding hard and adrenaline coursing through his veins, he lightly pressed his lips against hers. But he didn’t move them. He just left them there. To savor. His hand dropped to the nape of her neck. Once there, his thumb gently massaged her racing pulse point while the rest of his fingers kept her in place.
“Zach, please,” she pleaded.
“Please what, princess?” He spoke into her, the words vibrating against her parted lips.
As her chest pressed into his, he felt her body tremble.
“Kiss me, damnit,” she demanded through ragged breaths.
“I need you to be sure,” he rasped. “Once I start, I’m not going to want to stop.”
Libby’s breathing became choppy. “I’m sure, Zach. I want this. I want you.”
With those words, his control snapped. His mouth finally claimed hers, pushing those perfect lips even further apart. Asserting his grasp on her neck, he kept her securely in place while he deepened the kiss until her taste was on his tongue.
The feel of her hands on him was enough to drive a man insane. One was in his hair, trying desperately to angle him for her pleasure. The other was twisting his shirt into a ball and wrenching him closer. She was taking what she wanted, and he’d be damned if that wasn’t the sexiest fucking thing.
As their kiss grew more and more desperate, Libby’s focus switched to pushing up his shirt. He helped her wrench it over his head, using the one second their mouths were apart to suck up enough oxygen to never have to leave her again.
Her fingers were now on his bare chest. Gliding over every ridge and leaving a path of molten heat in their wake.
His entire body throbbed with such intensity that it bordered on painful. He couldn’t take it anymore. He needed to feel her from the inside. Map every curve, taste every dip and satisfy all the cravings threatening to destroy what was left of his brain cells.
Aching for more, her tank top was next to hit the carpet, leaving her in only a lacy black bra. It was enough of a distraction that his lips didn’t automatically reattach themselves to hers. Instead, his mouth went straight to the lace that kept her chest imprisoned. Using his teeth, he tugged the material down until supple flesh slipped out. A second later, he was sucking her sweet pink nipple and revelling in her throaty moans.
Every whimper that left her lips elicited his own guttural groan. Clearly just as impatient as him, she unclasped her bra from behind and let it fall.
Enough fucking around.
He needed a bed and he needed one now. Gathering the topless beauty in his arms, he carried her up the stairs with her legs tightly wrapped around his waist. Each step proved torturous. He could handle her nails digging into his back, he could even handle the squeeze of her thighs. But when her mouth latched onto his neck and began to suck, he had to fight the urge to lay her down on the stairs and take her right there.
Where the hell is the bedroom?