As soon as he parked his truck and killed the engine and the lights, Dee laced her hands in his hair and pulled him toward her. She kissed him with such hunger that he felt it straight to the soles of his boots.

l.u.s.t consumed him as she thrust her tongue into his mouth. G.o.d, but she tasted good. Her own unique taste, combined with the citrus of the margarita.

Dee tore her lips from his and rose up on her knees, putting her b.r.e.a.s.t.s at the same level as his mouth. aTouch me,a she whispered.

Jakeas mouth found her nipple and she moaned as he licked and sucked at it through the thin fabric of her dress. He shoved her skirt up to her waist and groaned when he discovered she was wearing garters and a tiny wisp of panties.

aI need to feel you,a he murmured as he caressed her hips through the silk underwear. aIave got to taste you.a aPlease, baby,a Dee moaned as he moved his mouth to her other breast, nipping at it, soaking the thin material. He slid his hand between her damp thighs and she gasped as his fingers stroked her p.u.s.s.y.

While he caressed her, Dee clenched her hands in his hair and rocked her hips. aI want you inside me this time.a aCome for me, sweetheart.a Jake sucked her nipple harder and increased the pace of his strokes. aCome for me.a aJake!a she cried out as her o.r.g.a.s.m hit hard and fast.

He continued rubbing her c.l.i.t, drawing out her climax until she begged him to stop. He slipped his hand out of her panties and she slid into his lap, trailing kisses across his face until she found his lips. Her a.s.s rubbed against his erection as her tongue slid into his mouth.

aDee,a he groaned. He had a wild woman in his arms, and he wanted to drive his c.o.c.k into her now.

af.u.c.k me,a she demanded.

aG.o.d, yes.a He yanked up her dress.

She shifted to straddle hima"and the truck horn blared so loud Jake liked to have come unglued.

The porch light came on, flooding the truck with light. Dee startled and turned her head to look at the house. Blinking away the brightness, she said, aWho the h.e.l.l is that?a He slid her off his lap, adjusted her strap, and made sure her dress was in place. aLooks like a woman.a Before Dee had the chance to say anything else, he climbed out of the truck. Blue rushed up, barking and yelping his greeting. Jake glanced at the house to see the womanas silhouette in the open door.

aDee, is that you?a the woman called.

aYeah.a Dee raised her voice as she climbed out of the truck cab. aIall be right in, Catie.a aAbout d.a.m.n time,a Catie said with a laugh. aI was about to send a posse out to search for you. Iall wait inside,a she added and closed the door.

Dee groaned as she looked back up at Jake. aI forgot she was coming over tonight to watch movies.a Jake shut the truck door. aThis late?a aSheas always late. I told her to come at nine, and itas probably ten now.a Dee shrugged as he slid his arm around her shoulders and coaxed her toward the house. She was unsteady on her feet, probably from the margaritas, and he worried shead hurt her ankle again. He stopped and scooped her into his arms and headed up the stairs.

aHey!a She clung to his neck. aNo more he-man stuff.a Jake groaned at the feel of her soft body in his arms, one hand on a silk-clad thigh. aBelieve me. This really hurts me more than it hurts you.a When he deposited her in front of the door, she braced her hands on his arms to steady herself, and frowned. aIam sorry to end the night like this.a aI wish I could see you tomorrow.a He hooked his finger under her chin. aBut itas my momas birthday and Nick and I promised to spend the whole day with her. Then Sunday Iave got to take care of a few things on a case Iam working. Iall call you during the week, okay?a Dee nodded. aSure.a He smiled and gave her a soft kiss, then pulled away. aThe next time we go out, wear that little white outfit you had on at the rodeo dance. Iam dying to see you in it again.a aOkay,a she whispered.

Two weeks.

It had been almost two weeks and Jake hadnat called.

And the d.a.m.n rustlers had made off with another forty head or so from neighboring ranchers, and the d.a.m.n local law enforcement was ignoring her calls.

And it was just like that SOB Jake to promise to help and then bail when things got rough.

Dee frowned at the ivory halter dress hanging in her closet, tempted to ball it up and bury it in the corner again.

The day after Jake had brought her home from their date, shead hand washed that darn dress and pressed it. l.u.s.t had filled her at the thought of being with Jake again, and shead needed her vibrator on more than one occasion.

For one brief moment, shead considered calling him to find out why he hadnat tried to reach her, but pride kicked in. She wasnat about to go begging the man to come climb into her bed and f.u.c.k her.

Jeez. What was the matter with her, anyway? She didnat want a relationship and shead made that clear to him. Maybe he was staying away for that reason.

Maybe head found someone else. Not that it made any difference to her.

Then why did the thought of him being with another woman make her feel so angry?

Dee sighed and closed her closet door. She turned and almost tripped over Blue. The Border collie yelped and scampered out of the way, his soulful eyes gazing at her as though he was in trouble.

aSorry, love,a she murmured. aDidnat mean to step on you.a No, Jake was the one shead like to be stomping on right that minute.

She started to head to the kitchen but stopped at her bureau. As though her will was not her own, she slid open the top drawer, and then the hidden compartment. Inside lay the treasures that meant more to her than anything else: her motheras locket; a black pearl Trace had won at the county fair when she was twelve and had given to Dee; a chunk of turquoise her father had found in Bisbee.

And the necklace Jake had given her after theyad been dating for three months. She had pushed the box way to the back of the drawer all those years ago and had forgotten it. Sort of.

Until now.

Dee wasnat sure why her hands trembled as she withdrew the box. It was rich ivory with the jeweleras name embossed in gold across the lid.

She lifted the cover and caught her breath. Shead forgotten how beautiful it was. The gold chain shimmered in the light, and the pendant almost seemed to glow against ivory velvet. It was a large chunk of peridot in the shape of a heart, bordered in gold.

Jake had given it to her that Christmas. Peridot may not have been considered a precious gem, but the necklace was one of the most precious things shead ever been given. The gift had come from his heart. Head said head had it made special for her, because it matched her eyes. And since it was her birthstone it would be good luck.

A lot of luck it had been.

She shoved the jeweleras box to the back of the compartment, shut the drawer, and headed out the door. Might as well get some grocery shopping done.

Dee wheeled her almost full grocery cart through the store and stopped to grab a couple of boxes of cold cereal. Her head ached and she wasnat in the mood for shopping, but the fridge and pantry were looking pretty bare.

As she tossed a package of gourmet coffee into her cart, Dee couldnat help again wondering what Jake was doing and why he hadnat called. And why he hadnat taken her up on her obvious desire for him. Shead all but begged the man to f.u.c.k her. Twice.

Her cheeks burned as she added a bear-shaped container of honey to her basket and a squeeze bottle of chocolate syrup. Well, it was his loss.

She glanced at her shopping list as she rounded a corner into the sundries department. Just a few more things and she could go home for a quiet afternoon.

Toothpaste and shampooa"

With a crash, her cart collided with another shopperas basket.

Dee stumbled back. Words of apology died on her lips as she looked up to see that shead just crashed into Jake Reynolds.

He turned from the display in front of him and gave her that slow, s.e.xy grin that made her knees weak. aGot something against whatever Iam driving, sweetheart?a Warmth flushed through her and she raised her chin. She wasnat about to let him see how much head hurt her feelings by not calling like head promised.

Her gaze dropped to his practically empty cart and she spied Preparation H amongst the bread, bologna and peanut b.u.t.ter. aHemorrhoids giving you trouble?a She c.o.c.ked an eyebrow at him.

He grimaced. aA particularly large one.a The display he was standing next to caught her eye.

Condoms. He was probably stocking up for his current conquest. She gestured to the packages of prophylactics. aPlanning on getting lucky?a At least he had the decency to look embarra.s.sed. But in the next instant his expression turned sensual as he murmured, aYou tell me.a aYeah. Right.a Dee clenched the handle of her shopping basket and forced a bright smile. aWell, gotta run.a She started to move the cart around his. aSee you around.a aHey.a Jake caught her by the arm before she could pa.s.s him.

She cut him a glare. aLet go.a Instead of dropping his hand, he rubbed his thumb on the inside of her elbow, his touch teasing the sensitive skin. aWhatas wrong?a A genuinely puzzled expression crossed his face.

Dee rolled her eyes. aOooh, letas see. We d.a.m.n near f.u.c.k in your truck cab, you donat call me for two weeks after you said you would, and you expect me to fall into bed with you?a aI see.a His tone was a little hard, his gaze a steely gray. aLawless didnat give you the message.a With a frown, Dee asked, aWhat message?a aI called before I left, but your foreman answered the phone and said you were checking stock tanks.a Jake released Deeas arm and leaned against his shopping basket. aAt the last minute I was sent to California to help break up a major smuggling ring with ties to a case Iave been working on here. I got back late last night.a aOh. It must have slipped Jessas mind.a Heat crept up her neck toward her cheeks. Her anger with Jake died like flames under a downpour.

Did Jess forget?

Did he forget on purpose?

Didnat matter. Shead just kill the man and have done with it, dammit.

Two weeks of suffering, of being angry for nothing. Deeas rage faded to embarra.s.sment.

aIave missed you.a The way Jake stared at her cleared everything up, straightaway. She felt calm again, then agitated right away, thenawet with l.u.s.t. aIad planned to call you today after I got a few things for my mom.a She nodded, not sure what to say.

aI want to take you someplace special.a He moved closer, just inches away. aTonight.a Her body quivered at his nearness, and she bit her lip. Shead spent the past two weeks telling herself it was for the best he hadnat called. It was dangerous to be around the man too much. She kept losing her head, and he made her long for things she knew better than to wish for.

aDee?a he murmured.

The sound of his voice, his earthy scent and raw masculinity made her wild. She needed to tell him no. Not now, not ever. aWhat time?a aIs seven too early?a The pleasure in his expression was unmistakable.

aThat sounds fine.a Dee swallowed. aCasual?a aNo. Dress s.e.xy. I want to see what Iave been waiting for.a His gaze was so filled with desire that her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were positively aching and her panties soaked.

G.o.d, she had to f.u.c.k him.

And soon, before she lost her mind.

Dee gave Jake a seductive smile and leaned past him to grab a box of extra-extra large ribbed condoms and tossed them into her basket.

She touched her fingertips to his jaw and pushed it closed. aDonat be late,a she murmured and wheeled her cart to the checkout counter.

Chapter Eight.

Frowning, Dee studied her reflection in her bedroom mirror. aMaybe I should wear something else.a aThat dress says exactly what you want.a Catie grinned as she handed Dee her brush. af.u.c.k me, baby.a aAnd I aim to get it tonight.a Laughing, Dee ran the brush through her hair, the auburn ma.s.s falling wildly around her face and shoulders.

Although for the thousandth time, Dee wondered if she was making a mistake by going out with Jake.

Well, why the h.e.l.l not? Why couldnat she just enjoy the man and his body while it lasted? Enjoy the ride, knowing that eventually shead have to get off.

As much as a part of her wished for something more permanent, she refused to give in to those dreams Jake had said about wanting to start over, but shead decided long agoa"and was now frequently reminding herselfa"that she wouldnat trust her heart and soul to anyone again. Period.

aWhenas he supposed to be here?a Catie plopped onto the edge of Deeas bed, her hands braced behind her.

Pursing her lips at her reflection, Dee put a touch of peach lipstick. aAnytime now.a aSo how would you rate Jake in bed in comparison to other guys youave been with?a aI canat.a Dee gave a little shrug and dabbed orange blossom perfume on each wrist. aI donat have anyone to compare him with.a Catieas voice rose, her tone incredulous. aAre you saying that heas the only man youave actually f.u.c.ked?a aWellaa Dee grabbed her purse and dropped her lipstick inside, her eyes avoiding Catieas chocolate gaze. aIave only gone so far with other guys, and then Ia"I freeze up.a She shoved her hair out of her face and looked at her friend. aMaybe I am an Ice Queen like everyone thinks.a A manas voice rumbled, aI know for a fact you arenat.a With a yelp, Dee whirled toward the door, knocking her purse and all its contents across the floor. Heat flooded her as her eyes locked with Jakeas.

He was leaning up against the doorframe, his arms folded across his broad chest, and his gaze focused intently on her. She was ready to die of embarra.s.sment at him overhearing that he was the only man shead ever had s.e.x witha"that was not something shead ever intended to let him know.

Yet his sensual smile and smoldering gray eyes made her stomach flutter in antic.i.p.ation. He was wearing his black Stetson, an ivory western dress shirt with pearl snaps, snug jeans and boots. And d.a.m.n if she didnat want to eat him up whole, right then and there.

aHi.a Catie bounced off the bed and extended her hand toward Jake, giving it a quick shake before dropping it. aIam Catie, and I dare say you could only be Jake.a aPleasure.a His s.e.xy grin and the rumble of his voice made Deeas nipples tighten, and all she could think about was being alone with him. Naked.

Catie grinned at Dee over her shoulder and said, aHot tub. Definitely,a before turning back to Jake. aI was heading on out. You two have fun.a aSee ya, Sweetpea,a Dee called after her friend as she knelt down and gathered the scattered contents of her purse.

As Dee heard the front door open and shut, Jake crouched beside her and said, aHot tub?a aOh, nothing.a Just the thought of having Jake in the whirlpool with her made Deeas mouth water. But she still would not want to share him in any way with another woman. Even just playful s.e.x with her best friend?

The answer came through loud and clear. No.

aReady to go?a he said in a husky murmur, his gaze raking over her as he handed Dee the tube of lipstick and her compact. aOr are you planning to go barefoot?a aOh.a Heat burned Deeas cheeks as she stuffed everything back into her purse. aIall grab some heels.a Jake reached back and pulled Deeas sandal out of his hip pocket. aMissing this?a Her eyes widened as they stood. aHow did you get it?a aYou dropped it by your Rover the night of the dance. I found it after you left.a aI canat believe youave had my shoe all of this time.a Dee smiled at Jake and grabbed the other sandal off the top of her dresser. aIall get these on and then Iam ready.a Was she ever ready. She wanted him bad. Right now.

Jake moved so close that she could feel his heat radiating through her. aLet me see if the shoe fits, Cinderella.a She tilted her head, her heartbeat accelerating. aAnd if it does, will you be my cowboy prince?a Her insides melted as he gave her that drop-dead gorgeous grin of his. aIf you want me to be.a aYes,a she whispered.

Dee reached for the sandal, but he shook his head. aNo, the prince gets to try it on you.a Before she could respond, he maneuvered her onto the edge of her bed, and knelt down in front of her.

He rested his hands either side of her hips, his mouth so close to hers that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her lips. Blood rushed in her ears and her throat went dry.

His eyes slowly traveled down her dress, and her gaze followed his. From her prominent nipples puckering the front of the dress, to her flat belly, down to the garters exposed below the hem of her skirt that had hiked up to the top of her thighs.

Slowly, he slid one finger from her hip, over the exposed skin above the garter, and onto the sheer stocking. Dee gulped, her breathing coming hard and fast, her panties already soaking.

Continuing on down her thigh in that maddening pace, Jake trailed his finger over her knee, down her shin to her ankle. He caught her heel in his hand, tracing the ball of her foot and then raised it to his mouth.

She gasped as he ran his tongue along her arch. The feel of him through her sheer stockings was incredibly erotic. It made her hotter and wetter, and so ready for him to f.u.c.k her.

He nipped at her big toe and then sucked on it, and she thought she was going to climax from the feel of her toe in his warm mouth. She whimpered when he pulled away and slipped the sandal onto her foot.

Jake let her foot slide out of his grasp, then reached up to tug the other sandal out of her hand. The movement startled her. Shead been so intent on what he was doing, shead forgotten that she was holding it.

Smiling, he ran his fingers down her other leg until he reached her stockinged foot. He caressed it as he had the other, with his tongue and his mouth, and then slid the sandal on. When he was finished, he brought his gaze to her face.

Nudging her knees apart, Jake moved between her thighs, and forced her back so that she was partially reclining and bracing her arms on the bed behind her. He pressed against her until the bulge in his jeans was tight against the wet crotch of her panties. His face was an inch from hers, yet he made no move to kiss her. He ground his c.o.c.k harder against her p.u.s.s.y, spreading her thighs farther apart.

Dee moaned as he nuzzled her neck, the feel of his stubble against her skin lighting a fire inside her.

Just as she was about to beg him to f.u.c.k her, he pulled away. aI made reservations in Bisbee. Wead better leave if weare going to make it on time.a Surprised and disappointed, Dee only nodded. She wanted him bad. And she wanted him now.

Jake held his hand against the small of Deeas bare back as the waiter led them to an obscure corner of the restaurant.

This time, the cell phone was off. Head even left the d.a.m.n thing in his car. Let the rustlers take all the cattle in the county. Tonight, his attention belonged to Dee.

Her skin felt hot against his fingertips, and he yearned to peel her clothes off and slide his c.o.c.k into her.

Right there, on the restaurant floor.

It had been one incredible feat of self-control to not take her the moment he got to her house. But he didnat want her thinking this was only about s.e.x, even though thatas all she seemed to want from him.