Shane (Remington Ranch Book 2) (10 page)

She gave him a wary look. “Doing what?”

“Teaching you all those things you were asking about down by the river. I’ll take you out in the backcountry if you like?”

She looked suspicious. “If you just want to screw, I’d rather do it at my place.”

He laughed. “You, Cassidy Lane, are a cynic. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Her face was hard as she nodded. “Oh, yes. I’ve heard that one before. I prefer to think of myself as a realist.”

He shook his head, “No, reality is a lot less harsh than you give it credit for. I’m a nice guy. Yes, I want to sleep with you, but I also want to have fun with you outside of the sack, too. So I dare you.”

She smiled at that. “What do you dare me?”

He’d been right, she wasn’t the kind to refuse a dare. “To spend the weekend with me. We’ll head out into the backcountry. We’ll camp, I’ll teach you what it’s like out there.” He met her gaze, you’ll have to depend on me to keep you safe.” He watched the struggle on her face. He already knew her well enough to know that the thought of depending on anyone was alien to her. The thought of depending on him was probably even worse, but if she was too much of a hardass to do it, then there really wasn’t much point in him pursuing her. He liked that she was strong, liked her spunk, but he was a guy after all. He wanted to feel that she wanted him—maybe even needed him—for something.

She pursed her lips. “I accept.”

He laughed, “But you don’t like it, do you?”

“Not one bit, no. However, I am intrigued. You’re not the big goofball you make yourself out to be, are you?”

He smiled, she knew what he was doing. “Not many people see beyond the pretty face.”

She shrugged. “That’s a problem—or a blessing—we share. I see beyond yours; you see beyond mine. You think we may as well find out straight off the bat if we’re going to be able to handle each other.”

He smiled. “You know I want to handle you.” He let his gaze rest on her breasts and was rewarded when her nipples hardened.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You know damn well what I mean!”

He smirked, “And you know what I mean.”

She let out an exasperated laugh. “I do. And I guess this weekend we’re both going to find out just how much we can handle!”

“In every sense.”

~ ~ ~

Cassidy watched Shane as he drove back down the valley after dinner. It had been a great evening. They’d laughed a lot. He was great company when he wasn’t being a cocky asshole. That wasn’t fair, she enjoyed it even when he was. Sparring with him was fun. She just hadn’t realized what a decent guy was lurking behind the banter. Looking at him now, the moonlight shining on his relaxed face as he drove, he was gorgeous. His strong jawline twitched as he smiled.

“Do you like what you see?”

She’d thought he was concentrating on driving. “You caught me,” she said.

He laughed. “I forgive you, I know it’s hard not to stare.” He turned and shot her his cocky grin making her laugh, too.

“You are so damned full of yourself.”

He shrugged. “It’s hard not to be. You want to be, too. Admit it.”

She cocked her head to one side not understanding.

He turned and gave her that look that set her heart racing and the shivers racing down her spine. “Full of me.”

“Damn you, Shane!”

He laughed. “Come on, Princess. Be honest. That’s where we’re headed. I’ll take you home, we’ll chat a little until we can’t wait any longer, then, finally, we’re going to…”

“No we are not!” She couldn’t believe she was saying it. She wanted him so badly she was wet for him already. She was desperate to get naked with him, be full of him, as he put it. But…no way was she going to let him dictate it on his terms, in his time, like she was some sure thing, that he’d play with and then take when he was ready.

He glance across at her. “You don’t mean that. You want it as much as I do.”

“I do mean it, Shane. No!”

He drove on in silence, leaving her to wonder whether he was angry. Whether he’d lost all interest because he wasn’t going to get what he wanted.

He pulled onto Mill Lane and drove up the long driveway. Once he brought the truck to a stop, he cut the ignition and turned to look at her. She couldn’t decipher the look on his face.

“No?”

She shook her head.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned toward her. Damn her traitorous fingers, they were reaching up to his shoulders, pulling him closer. He stopped with his lips inches from hers.

“Why not?”

“Because you expect it.”

He chuckled. “You’re right there.” He brushed his lips over hers and traced her cheek with his fingertips. “You want to though.”

She nodded and let out a little sigh when he slid his hand down to cover her breast, his fingers teasing her taut nipple. She looked up into his eyes and his lips came down on hers. She clung to his shoulders as he kissed her deeply. His hand left her breast, stealthily making its way down between her legs. She was so glad she’d worn a short skirt. If she was honest, this was exactly why she’d worn it. She moaned into his mouth as his fingers traced her inner thigh until they reached her panties. He lifted his head a moment and gave her a questioning look. Damn him he was seeking permission now. She nodded and reclaimed his lips, kissing him hungrily as she opened her legs wider. He pulled her panties aside and traced her opening with his fingertips, then circled her clit, making her gasp. She was utterly defenseless as he teased her there, circling and squeezing until her hips were bucking. As she thrust them up, he slid two fingers deep inside her making her moan and thrust harder—wanting, needing more. He stilled his hand, not withdrawing his fingers, just letting her move around him. She rubbed herself against him, frustrated now.

He lifted his head and smiled down at her, removing his hand and straightening her panties and skirt. He brought his fingers to his lips and licked each one, tantalizing her with the way he trailed then flicked his tongue, making her wish he was using it on her. She squirmed wanting to feel it on her where his fingers had been.

“Mmm, sweet,” he murmured. She stared at him as he sat back. “Goodnight, Princess. You tell me when you’re ready. Until then I’ll just enjoy the anticipation.”

Damn him! She couldn’t go back on her word now. She’d told him no. But she was desperate for him now.

He gave her that aggravating smile. “I’ll come get you in the morning.”

She let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m not going to give in you know.”

He shrugged. “So I gathered. But if I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight because I’m so damned frustrated, then I thought it was only fair to leave you in the same state.”

She had to laugh. She reached across and cupped his impressive erection in her hand, holding his gaze as she did. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

He narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head before drawing a deep breath. “You will.”

Chapter Ten

The next morning Cassidy woke to the grey light of the predawn. She’d tossed and turned all night. At three o’clock she’d almost called him. She’d sat there with the phone in her hand seriously considering calling and asking him to come back and finish what he’d started. She hadn’t though. Despite feeling more horny and frustrated than she’d have believed possible, she had way too much pride. She also knew that she wouldn’t have to wait too long. She doubted they’d get very far into their little camping expedition before they both had to give in. Instead, she’d texted Summer the photos of Beau’s house. It was just as great inside as it was out. She was hoping her friend would soon be her neighbor. At least for a few months.

She got up and went downstairs to make coffee. Even aside from what she knew she and Shane would be doing, she was looking forward to going camping. She’d been thinking for a while that she needed to get out and explore. She hadn’t known where to start by herself though. Now she would have a guide, a very hot and horny for her guide thrown in! She shook her head; it had been a long time. Maybe that was why Shane got to her so much? He was hot, and she hadn’t had sex in way too long. That was all.

She took her coffee to sit out on the deck. It was still chilly, but she loved to sit out here. Her robe was thick; it’d keep her warm. She listened to the morning sounds—the river burbling by, the birds waking, chirping their greeting to a new day. She tensed as she heard something moving in the shrubbery. She went to lean on the railing to see if she could spot what it was. It sounded big enough to be a bear, but surely it couldn’t get to her up here? She could see the bushes moving. What on earth was it? She heard another sound and then a chuckle. Shane popped out onto the walkway.

She had to laugh. “What the hell are you doing?”

He grinned up at her. “I didn’t know if you were awake yet.”

“So you went crawling around in the bushes?”

He laughed, “I was going to try to surprise you. Show you that you never know what might be lurking out here.” He made his way to the stairs and came up, holding her gaze the whole way. When he reached her, he wrapped his arms around her and held her against him. If anything his hard-on felt even more impressive than it had last night. He looked down at her. “Or what they might do to you.”

She reached her arms up around his neck and rubbed herself against him. “You’d better come in then, and show me.” She took his hand and led him into her bedroom. She couldn’t have asked for better than this. Her bed was still warm and now she had Shane in it! She stopped in front of it and unfastened her robe, letting it slide from her shoulders and fall to the floor. She loved the look on his face as he watched, the way he smiled as he looked at her naked body. He pulled his own shirt up and off over his head before pulling her to him. She reached up and buried her fingers in his hair, pulling his head down to kiss her as she pressed her breasts against his hard chest. As he tongue explored her mouth he walked her backwards until her legs hit the bed and she lay back. He smiled as he unbuckled his jeans and pushed them down. He was naked underneath. She’d seen him naked before, in the gallery the other night, but that hadn’t prepared her for how he looked now—fully erect, his cock standing proud. She licked her lips and went to sit up, reaching to touch him. He surprised her by putting a hand to her shoulder, pushing her back down. He dropped to his knees with a smile.

“I’ve wanted to taste you since the first time I saw you.”

She gasped as he spread her thighs, pinning them to the bed with his big hands. She squirmed to get away, but he held her firm, his face hovering above her.

“Let me taste you.” He lowered his head, holding her gaze as he breathed her in. “So sweet,” he murmured.

Her hands came down to tangle in his hair as he dipped his head and flicked her clit with his tongue. She yelped as he took it between his lips and sucked. Oh, God. He was going to make her come in no time if he kept that up. He trailed his tongue slowly down over her, then back up. She moaned as he thrust it inside making her buck underneath him. It felt so good, but she didn’t want to come like this. She felt too vulnerable. She sat up, and as he looked up at her in surprise, she closed her fingers around him and began to work her hand up and down the length of him. She smiled as he closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. She pulled him down onto the bed beside her and nibbled her way down over his abs. She knelt on the floor, reversing their positions as she spread his muscular thighs and held them open. She trailed her tongue up and down the length of him, loving the way his thighs quivered under her touch. She opened her mouth and breathed on him, making his cock twitch, eager to be inside the source of the hot wet air. She closed her lips around him and sucked, then bobbed her head to take him deep. He caught a fistful of her hair, and just as she tensed, thinking he was about to control her, move her mouth as
he
wanted, he pulled her head back. She looked up at him, his breath was coming hard. He shook his head.

“I won’t last.” He worked his way up the bed and lay back against the pillows. She crawled after him, dipping her head to flick him with her tongue one more time.

“Cassidy!” He grasped her shoulders and pulled her up face-to-face with him. “Don’t tease. Fuck me! Please!”

She smiled and sat back on her heels, looking down at his cock throbbing between her legs. “Oh, okay then. If you insist.” She cupped her breasts in her hands, loving the dazed look on his face as he watched, his hips moving rhythmically underneath her. She didn’t get time to torment him for long. He grasped her hips, lifting her slightly, making her gasp at the way his hot head pushed at her. Her fingers involuntarily tightened around her nipples, heightening the pleasure as he thrust up deep and hard at the same time he pulled her down to receive him.

“Oh, God!” he cried as he buried himself to the hilt. “Ride me.”

It was like riding a bucking bronco. His hips thrust wildly, stretching her, filling her. She didn’t fear falling though as he gripped her hips tight. She continued to caress her breasts, rolling her nipples between her finger and thumb as Shane watched transfixed. He slowed his thrusting and moved back until he was sitting up against the pillows. He brought his knees up behind her, making her lean forward to grasp the headboard. The feel of his warm breath where moments before her fingers had been squeezing made her moan and thrust her own hips to take him deeper. He filled his hands with her breasts, bringing them to his mouth so he could lick and nip. She moved desperately over him, her inner muscles clenching around him tighter each time he closed his lips around her nipple. He latched on and sucked hard as he grabbed her hips again and pounded into her relentlessly. Each thrust took her closer to the edge. All she could do was cling to the headboard for dear life as he grew bigger and harder, hurtling them both toward release. She screamed as her orgasm took her, his voice joining hers as he tensed. Wave after wave of pleasure went crashing through her, as they bodies heaved together. Shane clung to her, filling her over and over as he gasped his way through his climax. Eventually she collapsed onto his chest, still panting.

His arms came up around her and instead of trying to wriggle away, she nuzzled into his neck, once again loving the feeling of being all wrapped up in him. It was such a strange reaction for her. She didn’t have the energy to question it though, her brain was too fuzzy right now. Eventually she rolled off him. He turned to face her, his usual grin replaced by a very genuine smile.

“Wow!”

She smiled back. “Wow yourself.”

He laughed. “I knew
I
was that good; I just wasn’t so sure about
you
.”

“Ditto!”

“I think there’s room for improvement though.”

“You do?”

He nodded. “I think if we practice hard and often, we can take great to even greater. What do you say? Think we should try?”

She laughed. “I could be persuaded.”

He propped himself up on his elbow and smiled down at her. “Hmm, and what will it take to persuade you?”

“It’d be no fun if I tell you. I’d rather see you running around trying to figure it out.”

“I’ll bet you would. Tell you what, how about we start out in the shower? We need to get going if we’re going to get to camp by nightfall, and maybe I can do a spot of persuading while we’re in there.”

She got up from the bed and held her hand out to him. “That works for me.”

~ ~ ~

Shane grinned as he came around and opened the truck door for her. She didn’t get down immediately, but sat there eyeing the three horses, two saddled, one packed.

She looked down at him. “You’re kidding me, right?”

He shook his head. “I’m deadly serious. You said you wanted to learn what it’s like out there, this is how you learn.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of sitting in a truck with binoculars.”

He laughed. “That’s what tourists do. You’re not a tourist. You live here.” He had to smile at the little crease that formed between her brows. For the first time since he’d known her she looked unsure of herself. He liked it, but he knew he’d better not push it. “Seriously, I do this all the time.” He waved his arm out over the lodge and the cabins, the horses grazing and minibuses waiting to take ranch guests down to Yellowstone for the day. “People come from far and wide and pay good money to get the opportunity to ride out and camp in the backcountry. I know what I’m doing. You’re safe with me.”

She looked into eyes and smiled. “I’m out of my element, uncomfortable I guess, that’s all.”

“I know, but you’re going to love it.” He held out a hand to her and she jumped down. “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone, Princess. Come live a little.”

She laughed and waited while he pulled their bags from the back of the truck. He’d taken an extra bag with him when he went back to her place this morning. After they were done in the shower—an experience he intended to repeat as soon as possible—he’d supervised her packing, laughing and offering her the spare backpack when she’d pulled out a small suitcase with a questioning look.

He carried the packs over and strapped them to the third horse who turned to give him a gentle head-butt. Shane laughed and rubbed his ears. “Hey, Teddy. How you doin’, old fella? Meet Cassidy.” He beckoned to her and she came a little closer. Teddy nuzzled her hand, and Shane was relieved to see her smile and rub his nose.

“Nice to meet you, Teddy.”

Shane smiled. “Teddy’s a good friend. He’ll be carrying our stuff.” He turned to the two saddled horses. “This,” he pointed at the gray mare, “is Lady.” He patted her neck. “She’s a sweetheart.” He led Cassidy over to the third horse, a dun gelding who watched them patiently. “And this guy is Cookie, your mount for the weekend.”

Cassidy approached him cautiously. “Hi, Cookie.”

Shane couldn’t resist. “Cookie is a lover. Give her a kiss, boy.” He laughed at the look on Cassidy’s face as Cookie sniffed her cheek ever so gently and then moved his lips against hers.

She reached up and patted his cheek then turned to Shane. “Let me guess, he’s yours?”

Shane nodded. “He’s my boy. We grew up together. How can you tell?”

“Because he’s a charmer.” She laughed. “He kisses like you do, too.”

Shane feigned a hurt look. “You’re saying I kiss like a horse?”

“No! I’m saying he’s good at it. Take a compliment would you!”

“Well excuse me. That’s the first compliment you’ve ever given me. You can’t blame me that I didn’t recognize it.”

She laughed. “I’ll give you that.” She looked up at Cookie again. “He’s so big.”

“That’s another thing we have in common.” Shane winked, “Now, if you’re saying he’s hung like me—
that
I will take as a compliment!”

Cassidy slapped his arm. “Get over yourself!”

“Okay, sorry. He’s tall, like me.” He held her gaze. “He’s also very good-natured and kind. He knows what he’s doing. You’re riding him because he’ll take very, very good care of you.”

She stared back into his eyes. “Are you still talking about Cookie?”

Shane didn’t reply. He was talking about himself, and the words surprised him. He felt incredibly protective toward her and pretty dumb about it at the same time. She’d hate it if she knew what he was feeling. She was Miss Independence—and that was what attracted him to her—but damn if she didn’t bring out all his male instincts to protect the little lady! He shrugged and decided to turn it around on her. “You decide.”

He loved the shadow of a smile that crossed her face. Maybe he was bringing out her female instincts? Maybe she liked the idea of having a guy look out for her? And maybe he was kidding himself!

“We’d better get going. I want to take it easy to start with, give you chance to get used to being in the saddle before we pick it up.”

She looked wary as she eyed Cookie again. “And just how am I supposed to get up there?”

Shane untethered him and started to lead him across the yard to the mounting block. We have beginners use this. He had to bite back a smirk at the stubborn set of her chin.

“If I’m going to do this, I need to learn to do it properly. Show me. You get on him, and then I’ll do what you do.”