Page 144 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

She trembled in his arms. “Bella,” he whispered in a plea. “I need you.”

He’d saidneedand notwant, and it dawned on him immediately that he did need her, more than he’d ever needed a woman in his life. She was his angel and he’d be a damn fool to screw this up. “God.” He stopped kissing her and put his head down, gently bumping his forehead to hers. “Tell me you feel it, too.”

Bella didn’t hesitate. “I feel it, too. I don’t want you to stop, Jared. Maybe I should, but I don’t.”

“Come to bed with me, angel.”

“I’m no angel, Jared,” she insisted softly, grabbing the baby monitor and taking his outstretched hand.

“That’s not true, sweetheart, but I’m not opposed to you proving me wrong...in the bedroom.”

Bella set the baby monitor down on Jared’s dresser, her heart beating in her ears. Her first priority always had to be Sienna, and fortunately her baby was sound asleep. Jared glanced at the baby monitor, too, and nodded. A big part of her wanted to believe Jared Stone cared about her and her baby, and not just because she’d saved his life, not just because he wanted a temporary bed partner.

He began unsnapping his shirt and she caught herself watching him as if she was floating in a dream, mesmerized by his elegant, swift motions and partly stunned that she was here in his bedroom in the first place.

Thoughts of Paul strummed in her head and she had no choice but to shove them aside or she’d start running. She couldn’t live in the past. She’d been through a lot this year, and if being with Jared would help her get over her heartache, she had to take the chance.

She focused on him. He was nothing short of perfect, even in his slightly bruised state. Moonlight touched his profile and the sharp angles of his jaw looked hard and dangerous, but she knew he wasn’t. She knew what kind of man Jared was and that’s why she was here with him.

His shirt off now, he reached for her hand and laid it on his bare, muscled chest. She inhaled deeply, her fingertips scorched by his heat. His whole body seemed on fire and the flames spread to her like wildfire. His eyes closed as she slid her hand over him again and again, absorbing his rock-solid feel. It was as if he was absorbing her touch, as well.

“Jared,” she murmured.

He claimed her mouth again and his hands wrapped around her back to untie her apron and lift it off her. From there, her shift easily followed as he gave it a tug at the shoulders. It slid off her body, circling her feet. She took a step out of it, fully aware that she was standing before Jared almost naked but for the tiny white bra and panties she wore.

His eyes burned into her as he reached around her again, this time flicking the fastener of her bra. He guided the straps down her arms, until she was free of the garment. Her long hair tickled the tips of her breasts, covering her from his view. Gently, he moved her hair aside, grazing her nipples with the back of his hands. She gasped.

And so did he. “Bella. Your name suits. You’re...beautiful.”

His eyes locked to hers, he cupped her breast, gently weighing and rubbing it with the palm of his hand, his thumb circling the aroused tip. Ribbons of heat flowed down her belly and a tiny moan escaped her mouth. He kissed away her next moan and the next and, before she knew what was happening, she was lying across Jared’s bed, her head against a fluffy pillow, and he was over her, his erection pressing her belly through his denim jeans.

He was thorough in his kisses, making sure she was satisfied, and then he backed off for a few seconds, adjusting his position. The flat of his hand traveled from her breast down her torso, past her navel. Jared worked her panties down her legs and her heart rate escalated in anticipation.

When his palm finally touched her folds, she parted her legs for him and he stroked her over and over, his fingers working magic on her body. The painful pleasure shocked her and soon jolts of electricity streamed through her body. Her breaths came in short bursts, her hips arched and trembled, and a low unavoidable whimper escaped her mouth. Her release shattered, sending pieces of pleasure to all parts of her body. It was complete and abundant and so freaking amazing.

“Jared... Jared.”

“I’m here, angel.”

“That was so...”

“I know. I’m glad,” he said, giving her a smile right before he kissed her.

She lay naked on the bed, fully exposed to him after having a mind-blowing orgasm, and there was no shame, no guilt, which sort of baffled her. Nothing about this night seemed wrong.

But she knew there should be plenty wrong with this scenario: namely that she was lying to Jared, deceiving him about her true identity. And for Sienna’s safety, she couldn’t do a thing about it.

His next kiss caused all thoughts and doubts to vanish from her head. She was in Jared territory now, a place she craved to be.

“I’ve got protection, Bella,” he said, rising quickly to remove his jeans and briefs. She watched him sheath his erection and took a big gulp of air. Good Lord, he was magnificent and, for the night at least, all hers.

“Somehow, I knew you would.”

He smiled a killer smile, cocking his head to one side. “You’d be surprised.”

“I’m hoping to be.”

He laughed, joy and lust filling his eyes. “That’s a lot of pressure.”