Page 12 of Frosty in Flannel
“This…” I rasped. “This isn’t what I planned.”
Her fingers tightened on my arms. “Good.”
A laugh escaped me—rough, disbelieving. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me.”
“Then tell me,” she whispered.
I groaned, resting my forehead against hers, dragging in air. “If we keep going here, I’m going to take you right up against this stall door.”
Color rushed to her cheeks, but she didn’t step back. “Maybe I don’t mind.”
My control frayed another inch. “You deserve better than a half-starved man in a barn.”
Her eyes darkened. “What if what I want is you, right here?” The words hit me harder than any blow I’d ever taken.
“What if—”
I swallowed the rest. She didn’t know the nights I woke up sweating, the therapy sessions I’d walked out of, the way I stillchecked every exit before I could breathe easy. She didn’t know how much of me was still stuck back there in the smoke and fire. But right now, with her pressed against me, I wanted her to. I wanted her to see all of it and still stay.
I slid my hands to her hips and lifted her onto the hay bale in one smooth motion. I pushed her legs apart, stepping between them. Letting her feel how much I wanted her. Her palms flattened on my chest, fingers brushing scars I didn’t let anyone touch.
I didn’t flinch. God help me, I leaned into her touch. Every scar on my body felt hot. Every place I’d been cold for years came alive.
I crushed my mouth to hers. She kissed me back like she’d been starving for it, tongue sliding against mine, a soft moan vibrating against my lips. My hands roamed—up her thighs, along her waist, fingers brushing the edge of her sweater, desperate to feel skin.
I pulled her closer, letting her feel the hardness of my body. “You feel that? That’s you. I’ve been that way since the day you showed up.”
I might have known it wouldn’t scare her away. “Then do something about it.”
I groaned, low and ragged and kissed her again, this time slower, deeper, my tongue thrusting inside, claiming her. I tightened my hands on her hips, my fingers digging into the soft flesh.
I moved my mouth from hers, trailing my lips along her jawline down below the sensitive flesh beneath her ear. My fingers ached to touch her breasts, pinch those peaked nipples. Hell, I wanted to rip off her jeans and sweater and taste her. Everywhere.
“This isn’t going to be enough.”
“I know,” she whispered her fingers tangling in my hair.
I tried again. “Tell me to back off, Libby.”
“No. I’m not afraid of you.”
“Careful. I’m not a safe bet.” My grip tightened dangerously.
“Neither is a wild mustang.” She smiled faintly. “But I ride them anyway.”
The mare whined behind us, breaking the spell. “You better be ready for where this goes.”
Her eyes locked on mine. For a second the world fell away again. Then she gave the smallest nod. “I am.”
I let out a rough breath and moved away completely. “Later,” I murmured as I opened the stall door. Not a question, a promise.
Her lips curved—half-smile, half-challenge. “Later.”
Chapter Five
Libby
I didn’t fall for men easily.
