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Her heart constricted with jealousy. A burning sensation grew on her chest, spreading to her tummy.
“Who is that?” Hoss said, verbalizing her thoughts.
They walked towards them and as they got closer, Stephanie saw something in Carter’s eyes she hadn’t ever seen. He loved her! Whoever the woman was, Carter loved her. Well, they would see about that, she thought, her teeth clenched.
Chapter Twelve
Melanie’s hair, unfolded itself from the knot on her head, and whipped itself around her head. She felt more alive than she ever had, as she and Carter rode at breathtaking speed over the open prairie. Everywhere she looked, the land spread out, hills rising like gentle waves.
She and Carter were searching for a herd of ten that had broken away from the main herd. Beyond the open grassland, were brush lined creeks and rocks and pine trees swaying in the wind. Carter slowed down to a canter and Melanie following suit, reined in her mare.
A few miles below them, Melanie could see a small clearing and next to it clusters of trees, the sun casting an orange glow on the branches.
“Can you see them?” Carter asked, pointing a finger at the clearing.
Melanie trained her eyes to where his finger was pointing. She saw nothing.
“Look closer,” he instructed, bringing his horse next to hers.
The scents from the woods seem to cling to Carter. She inhaled his manly scent, forgetting where she was as she reveled in his nearness.
“They are moving now.”
Melanie snapped back to the present. She saw it then— shadowy figures moving across the clearing.
“The terrain is a little rough there. Why don’t I leave you here and go down and check them out,” Carter said?
“Oh no! This is the best part and I’m not going to miss it!” Stephanie said.
Carter looked at her solemnly. He grinned abruptly. “Alright then Miss Marriot, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The descent was slow and Carter suggested they dismount and lead the horses by their reins. Melanie slid over the rocks a couple of times and in ten or so minutes, they were in the clearing at the bottom.
“You’re tougher than you look,” Carter commented.
Her face was flushed and sweat clung to her hair. Carter stopped and turned to her. He pushed away the strands of hair on her forehead. Melanie watched him, her body betraying her attraction for him. She didn’t care though; he was the man she was going to marry and there was no need to hide her growing feelings for him.
Without thinking about it, she went on her toes and kissed Carter lightly on his cheek. As she moved back, Carter’s hand shot out and circled her waist, and brought her body against his. Melanie shivered. She had never been this close to a man. Her body grew alarmingly hot and she craned her neck and looked up at him.
Desire blazed from his eyes and she almost gasped from the force of it. Her own senses were awakened and the world faded, leaving just her and Carter. She melted into his embrace as her body tingled with unfamiliar feelings of desire. He brought his mouth to her and she closed her eyes.
His tongue swirled inside her mouth, sending her pulse racing. The intensity of her feelings frightened her. Her body trembled and she clung to him, wrapping her arms around his muscled shoulders. His kiss was gentle, leading her slowly to a world of passion she had never experienced.
“Your lips are like a peach—full and ripe,” Carter whispered.
His words inflamed her and her whole body seemed engulfed by a fire. He found her mouth again and she opened, welcoming his tongue. She learned the dance of tongues and matched her movements with his. His hands applied pressure to her back so that her chest was crushed against his.
Melanie lost herself then to the sensations in her body. She threw her head back and Carter lowered his head and nibbled her exposed neck. His hand touched her breasts over her dress and brushed a stiff nipple. For a second, Melanie was embarrassed by her reaction but Carter did not seem to notice or care.
Out of their own volition, her hands flew to his hair, his dark, curly hair and she curled her fingers through the thick locks. Carter lowered his head and to her shock, he flicked his tongue between the valley of her breasts. Madness came over her. Her body craved to feel his touch on her skin. Carter unbuttoned the front of her dress, all the while teasing her mouth with kisses. She was at the mercy of her fiancé, Melanie thought.
He pushed her dress off her shoulders, and then pushed away the straps of her camisole. Unlike most women, Melanie did not wear a corset, failing to understand why a woman would subject herself to such discomfort. Carter pushed her clothing down and her breasts spilled into his arms.
Melanie kept her eyes tightly shut.
“You’re so beautiful,” Carter whispered. “Open your eyes.”
Hesitantly, she opened them and was met by Carter’s amused ones. Her hand flew to her chest and she covered up her nakedness. Carter gently removed them and she let them hang on her sides. When his fingers touched her nipples, it felt as if she had been scorched. A groan escaped her lips.
