Page 47 of Fool's Gold

She straddled him, momentarily astounded by the rapid change of position. "Don't tell me it's time for another riding lesson?"

He groaned. "That's terrible, sweetheart, but since this is a truly wonderful morning, you get to be in charge. I'm all yours."

She smiled when he reached between her thighs to touch her softly. She couldn't help moaning at the exquisite pleasure his touch brought. The breeze ruffled her hair as she arched up to give him better access to what he so ardently sought.

She reached back to touch his hot velvet shaft, reveling in her ability to excite him. There was magic between them. He loved her. He'd yelled it out last night at his climax, though he hadn’t seemed aware.

She moved back, positioning herself above him, and slowly lowered herself onto him. She moved easily, filling herself with his love, slowly, exquisitely.

"You're in control this morning, sweetheart," Rafe husked. "Do with me what you will."

"Don't worry, cowboy, I'll take extra special care of you." She loved the intense look of passion on his face. She watched his expression change as she began to move. His dark hooded gaze burned with excitement.

All too soon, her own passion overwhelmed her.

She moved raggedly against him, her breathing rapid. Her thighs trembled as their sweet friction started a brush fire inside of her.

He cupped her hips, gentling her motions.

She gasped as she rubbed against him, feeling the sweet muscular contractions of her climax wash over her. She was aware of his blissful cry as he joined her. She collapsed against him.

She lay on top of him while she caught her breath. "We're right back where we started this morning."

"Was I a comfortable cushion, sweetheart?"

She raised her head and looked at him, feeling herself flush. "Sorry about that."

"Sorry? Are you crazy? I loved every minute of it. It's not every night I get to cradle you all night long." He brushed her hair back from her eyes. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"

"I'd like to get in a couple of hours of work before we head back." She rolled off him and sat up. He looked more relaxed than she'd ever seen him before. "That is, if it's okay with you."

Rafe sat up also. "It's fine with me, on one condition."

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

"That you give me a morning kiss."

His eyes glittered as she bent toward him. Nothing could spoil this wonderful morning. His lips brushed warmly against hers. She kissed him back, feeling the sweetness seep all the way down to her toes.

She pulled away and laughed. "If we don't cut this out, I'll never get any work done."

"So? Who wants to work?"

Sarah stood and smiled. "I do, cowboy, so let's get cracking."

Rafe rolled up Sarah's sleeping bag. He breathed deeply and smiled. He could still smell the traces of her scent and the perfume she wore. Things were going well, better than well. He'dtold her he loved her last night, and he didn't regret it one bit. It was a new sensation because he'd never believed in that kind of hearts and flowers stuff. Sarah had made him a believer.

Still, he had to make it clear to her he wasn't going to be placated by her money. After all, she'd thought he'd married her for her family connections. How would she feel if he actually took the money she offered? It would give her too easy an out.

No, it was going to be tight, but he'd solve his financial problems by himself. He hated to part with any of the Double-H, but when it came down to preserving their future, he was prepared to go through with it.

He stuffed the clothes he'd retrieved from the beach into his backpack and tied it securely. He slipped the pack onto his back, picked up Sarah's, and headed for the rise where she was scouting for shots.

As he headed toward the sun, his thoughts returned to their lovemaking. Maybe he'd give Rose the night off so he and Sarah could have a cozy dinner for two. He smiled. It was just the kind of thing she would love.

He crested the rise and looked around. He didn't see her anywhere. Where could she have gone? She said she'd be here taking some shots of the cliffs.

Then he spotted a still, dark object lying in the tall grass, several hundred feet away. Maybe she'd dropped some of her equipment. He told himself he was just worrying for nothing, but his footsteps hurried toward the object anyway.

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