AllFreeNovel
Share Us
In response, Rory sent another ball spinning into a pocket.
“Actually, I’m too busy thinking about the fact that you won’t have a penny to your name when I’m done with you. The only thing you’ll have left are the clothes on your back. Maybe you shouldn’t be so eager to part with them.”
“That’s part of my plan, sweetheart. I’m softening you up. Getting you to lower your guard. You can take all my money but I’ll take every stitch of clothing off that pretty body of yours.”
Rory circled around the table for her next shot, passing a coy glance my way as she passed.
“In that case, I might let you win.”
I raised an eyebrow. Where did this flirty side of Rory come from? She had been endearingly flustered this morning, but there was no trace of that shyness now.
I watched as Rory finished the game, victorious again. When word got back to the boys in the bunkhouse that she’d kicked my ass, I was never going to hear the end of it. She collected her winnings, tucking them into her back pocket.
“You’ve had really rotten luck tonight, Beau,” she said in feigned sympathy. “I think strip poker might only humiliate you even further.”
I stepped closer, gazing down at her. Heat practically crackled between us like electricity. Her skin was flushed a faint shade of pink, from her cheeks down to her halter top. I wanted to chase that blush over every inch of her with my tongue.
“I’ll take my chances,” I replied.
Looping an arm around Rory’s waist, I slid my hand down into her back pocket. Rory placed her palm against my chest and clucked her tongue.
“You better now be thinking about taking my hard-earned money. I won it, fair and square.”
“That’s the last thing on my mind, darlin’.”
I squeezed her ass, pulling her against me as I sealed my mouth to hers. Rory kissed me back twice as hard, hot and hungry, sliding her arms around my neck. My brain went blank at the feel of her soft curves pressed to mine, and my cock ached to be inside her. If I moved too fast though, I might scare her off, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.
I broke away, breathless, and rested my forehead against Rory’s.
“We can stop, you know,” I said. “There’s no rush.”
Rory idly traced her fingertips over the exposed skin at my open collar. Following the ridge of one collarbone, down the swell between them, then across the other one. She continued lower and popped a button free until she was nearly above my heart. Every muscle in my body tensed under her touch, craving more. She shook her head and wrapped her hand around my wrist, tugging me to the door.
“I’ve waited long enough.”
Chapter Ten
Rory
My stomach was in knots as I led Beau into my apartment. A little voice in the back of my mind warned that I should slow down. For years, I had kept him at arm’s length, refusing his advances over and over again. One night spent in a feed room together, or flirting over a game of pool, didn’t mean anything.
And I wasn’t foolish enough to believe his sweet talk.
I’m not going anywhere, darlin’.
I liked hearing him say that. It sounded so good, but was it a sugar-coated promise that would dissolve under the first ounce of pressure?
I turned to face him, desperate to silence the nagging doubts that wouldn’t leave me alone. As if reading my thoughts, Beau cupped my face in his hands and kissed me, slow and open-mouthed. I whimpered against him and grabbed his belt, yanking him closer. We stumbled through my small living room, aiming in the direction of the bedroom.
I tugged Beau’s shirt free from his jeans, gliding my palms over warm skin, old scars, and firm planes of muscle. With a flick of his wrist, he untied my halter top and let it fall to the floor. Then his hands were on my breasts, smoothing his callused thumbs over my nipples. I was so glad Melody had talked me into wearing that top without a bra tonight.
I pulled away just far enough to glance down at his belt, fumbling with the buckle. Beau threaded his hand up into my hair, tilting my head to the side. When he sucked at my earlobe, pinching my jawline between his teeth, my eyes fluttered closed. To think that I’d denied myself this pleasure for so long was excruciating. I had to make up for lost time now, soaking up every touch, kiss, and caress like I was a dry, withered sponge and he was my cool, clear mountain stream.
Beau tried to kick off his boots and nearly lost his balance. He grimaced, putting out a hand to steady himself against the door frame.
“Shit, sorry, darlin’,” he hissed through gritted teeth. “Our activities might be a bit limited tonight.”
I gripped his forearm with concern.
