“What’s so funny, sugar?”
“A roll in the hay. Chad, we’re in a barn.”
He chuckled. “We sure are. And I sure as hell am not going to love your sweet body for the first time in a stinky old barn.”
“Where then?” The bold statement surprised her, even after it had escaped her lips.
Chad paused and stared at her. She grabbed a broom and swept Ladybird’s stall to give her hands something to do.
Then he spoke. “Back to my place.”
“But my parents… They’ll wonder where I am.”
“You’re fond of telling me what a grown-up girl you are, sugar. They didn’t know where the heck you were or what you were doing the last four years. Come on, you can ride with me on Eclipse.”
“Chad—”
“Come on now, Catie. I can’t wait another minute to have you.”
He helped her mount Eclipse, climbed up behind her, and they rode into the still night.
He kept the horse to a trot, and Catie let her head fall back against Chad’s hard chest. His powerful muscular thighs hugged hers. Every part of her was hyper-aware, hyper-conscious of the man behind her, the man in control of the beautiful animal atop which she sat.
It will happen. Tonight.
Tonight she would make love with Chad McCray.
* * *
Back at Chad’s house, Catie stared in awe. She’d been to the main house, which dwarfed her ranch house. But this one… Was it bigger? Or had she spent too many years in quaint Paris townhouses?
Within seconds, Chad had scooped her into his arms and carried her to what she presumed was his bedroom. He deposited her on his bed, took off his boots and socks, throwing them to the other side of the room, and unsnapped his western shirt. She gulped as he exposed his chest. Pure golden muscle, accented with dark brown hair smattered over his pecs. The hair grew lighter until it disappeared in a line under his belt buckle. She gulped again. A bulge under his belt buckle beckoned her.
A really big bulge.
“Sugar, those eyes are about as big as flying saucers. You all right?”
“Oh, yeah. Sure. I’m just—”
“Stop me now, if you’re going to. Because once these pants come off, there’ll be no going back.”
“I don’t want to stop.”
“Thank God.” He yanked open the snaps on her shirt, unhooked her bra, and let her breasts fall against her chest. He sucked in his breath. “I’m going to kiss every inch of your gorgeous body tonight, sugar. I’m going to taste every ounce of honey you have to offer.”
Catie shuddered. His sexy words embarrassed her, yet inflamed her. She wanted to hear more. She wanted to feel more. His lips everywhere. On her mouth, her nipples, between her legs.
Oh God…
Chad pulled her boots off one by one, and then her socks. He reached forward and unbuckled her belt, unzipped her jeans, and pulled them off, along with her already moist panties, until they joined her blouse and bra in a heap on the floor.
“I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful,” he said. “It’s a crime to cover your body, sugar.” He cupped her breasts. “These are works of art. Big, but not too big. Perfect rusty nipples.”
He thumbed them, and a jolt shot between Catie’s legs.
“Just like sweet berries under my tongue.” He lowered his head and sucked, licking and tugging.
Catie shook with want and anticipation. “Chad. Make love to me. Please.”