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I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and saw Kipp leaning against the edge of the fireplace with two drinks in his hands. He motioned with his head for me to come over to where he was. “Take this, sit down on that chair, and I will be back in four minutes.” His voice was smooth enough to lull me to sleep, but I was suddenly more awake than I had been in the last two hours. The other guys must have all gone to bed because the room was empty except for us. He walked away without kissing me or touching me. A pang of sadness cut through me and I wasn’t prepared for the feeling.
Sinking into the oversized chair, I pulled the blanket over my lap. Kipp had started a fire and even though it wasn’t cold, it made everything cozy. “Told you, four minutes.” He looked down over me. “You look comfortable.” He smiled and I nodded. Kipp rounded the chair and effortlessly slid his hands under me, lifting me up. I put my arms around him and held on tightly. He turned and sat, settling me on his lap. “I think that’s much better.”
“Aren’t you worried about the guys?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder.
“Nope, they all went up to bed. It’s just you and me down here.” He kissed my cheek, then placed one on my neck. Reaching behind me, I set my drink on the table and shifted in his lap. “You’re going to have to be careful how you move,” he groaned, and I felt his erection grow under my ass. “I want you, Nora, but not like this. Not after a long day with more looming. When I take you to my bed, it will be after we go on a proper date,” he said huskily. I’d never had a man be such a gentleman. I looked into his eyes and knew he was telling the truth. Crushing my mouth to his, I pressed my tongue to his lips, and he opened his mouth, allowing me to slip my tongue along his. His stubbled face rubbed against mine, but it didn’t matter. Shifting, I straddled his lap, but never broke our connection. Kipp moved his hand to cradle my head and wrapped his fingers in my hair. His other hand roamed my back and my side, his thumb grazed the underside of my breast. Goosebumps popped up all over my skin, and I wanted more of his touch.
Our kisses changed from flirty to hot and demanding. I let my head fall back and Kipp trailed his mouth over my neck and collar bone. Sighing, I opened my eyes. His were locked on my face. He smiled and returned it. “Your face is all red. I might need to shave before I kiss you again.”
“Don’t you dare,” I said, grabbing his face in my hands before I kissed him again.
Kipp pulled away and smirked. “If you say so. You’re going to need a little makeup tomorrow, I think.” He ran his thumb over the lower part of my neck.
“You did not. Kipp Miller, now everyone will know.” I covered my neck with my hand and slowly started to panic.
“Baby, everyone already knows. And the way the single cowboys were looking at you, I had to mark you to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.” He laughed and I knew he was right. Resting my head against his, I moved my hands to his neck. Something about him calling me his made my heart pound and butterflies dance in my stomach. I didn’t even mind being claimed by him.
He leaned over and pushed the button for the foot of the chair and reclined us back. Snuggling into the crook of his arm, I finally knew what contentment felt like. His powerful arms around me and his big hand resting on my side were all I needed. “Where are your sisters?” I asked quietly.
He took a deep breath and I wasn’t sure what he was going to say. Any time his sisters had been brought up, the subject was always changed, but as I sat here staring at years of family photos, I couldn’t help but ask. “Two of my sisters moved to Phoenix. They both rodeo, met guys on the circuit, and didn’t come home after the season was over one year. Mom misses them, especially since dad’s been gone, but they’ve found their lives. I would think wedding invitations will be arriving soon.” His voice trailed off and I listened to him breathe. My eyes grew heavy but I didn’t want to give into sleep. I didn’t want this night to end. Kipp had said this wasn’t a proper date, but this has been the best one I’ve ever had.
“My other sister, she’s eight years younger than me, ran away one night. We haven’t seen her in about four years. That’s what really kills my mom. There are times I’m so mad at her I can’t even see straight, but if she walked back on this ranch asking to stay, I would clean out her old room and get her anything she wanted.”
“I’m so sorry, Kipp.” I rested my hands on his chest, my fingers grazing the spot where his shirt was unbuttoned. He tightened his arms around me and I closed my eyes for a split second. Kipp’s breathing was slow and steady. He traced circles on my arms and it was perfect.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
KIPP
“Nora, Nora?” I prodded, but she didn’t move. Looking down at her, I saw peacefulness on her face. I couldn’t help but smile. Tightening my arms around her, I took a deep breath, drinking in the apricot and coconut shampoo she used. It was her, the scent that filled the truck the first time I brought her home, the smell that wafts out of the bathroom after she’s had a shower, and now the one making me crazy.
Glancing at the clock, I knew we both needed to get to bed. I wished I was taking her to mine, but like I told her, there would be a proper time for that. My body ached to stay here but we all had another busy day tomorrow. Sitting up, I gently closed the foot of the recliner and shifted Nora into my arms and stood. She cuddled into me, which was making it even harder to think about leaving her tonight.
Swinging the door to her room open, I was surprised that it was exactly the same as the day she got here. I was sure she would change it and make it her own, but she hadn’t. Placing her gently on the bed, I wondered if she would be comfortable in her clothes. Well, I wasn’t going to undress her, that might be a little creepy, so I just pulled the covers up around her. Standing, watching her sleep, felt like I was invading her privacy. Leaning down, I gently brushed my lips on her forehead and quietly left her room.
Laying in bed staring at my ceiling, with the feeling of Nora still in my arms, I finally sensed a peace wash over me that I hadn’t had in years. For the first time in my life, I thought maybe there was a woman I could have a future with.
The sun was rising over the mountains and laying in bed any longer was going to make me go crazy. Getting up, I quickly dressed and went to the kitchen. It was dark, and I looked at my watch. It was odd that Nora wasn’t up yet. Grabbing the empty pot of coffee, I made it and the fresh aroma awakened my senses.
“Are you taking my job from me?” Her voice floated through the air and I smiled.
“Well, it seems like we’re going to need to talk about your work ethic.” Turning, I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter. She walked over and stood at my side.
“Did you take me to bed last night?” She arched her brow.
“Yes, ma’am, I did,” I said, pulling her to me. “And I wasn’t at all happy about it. The next time I take you to bed, it will be mine and you will be very much awake.” Leaning down, I pressed my lips to hers. I was craving her kiss, my body begging to have her close to me and now she was.
Pulling away, I looked at her and smiled. Her eyes were still closed, her head still tilted up and she was radiant. “I was disappointed when I woke up in bed,” she whispered.
“Why?”
“Because if I’d woken up in that chair, I would have been in your arms.” She rested her head on my chest and I sighed.
“To be honest, I wrestled with wanting the same thing, but I didn’t want Cooper to wake up before we did and find us that way.” I ran my hand down her smooth hair, her back, and stopped on her ass, tucking my hand into her back pocket.
“Do you ever just think of yourself?” she asked, tightening her arms around me.
“Yes. Last night, when I knew you were exhausted and I kept you up so I could kiss you, I was thinking of myself. Right now, with my hand on your ass, I’m thinking of myself, so don’t you for one moment feel like I’m being a martyr. I’m a selfish bastard, just like any red-blooded man.” Kissing the top of her head, I pressed against her, hoping she would feel just how selfish I truly was.
