Taming the Texan, page 14
Clint lifted up to watch her. His fingers replacing his mouth, he stroked her thoroughly over and over. Their eyes met, his gleaming with dark, unbridled pleasure. Her hips bucked again and again, and she felt herself pull up, rein in, and everything went tight.
“Let it go,” he said.
The release came with force. She cried out as she convulsed, her senses reeling, absorbing this new feeling. Her body surrendered to the intense pleasure and slowly let down, bringing her back to reality as she gazed steadily into Clint’s face.
“Don’t think I’ve seen anything so damn thrilling in my life. I’m about ready to burst.”
And Clint came to her then, his eyes hooded, his breaths labored, his restraint defeated.
Clint wanted her wild and wanton. She hadn’t disappointed. He’d watched her come to the brink, her expression filled with awe, her sensual, undulating release enough to stir any man’s blood and make him crazy with need.
She looked at him expectantly and he assured her with a deep, lusty kiss. “There’s more.”
Much more.
Tess reached for him and scorched his chest with her touch. Her fingers rode over his skin. “What should I do?”
“You’re doing it,” he said, lifting off the bed to quickly discard the rest of his clothes.
There wasn’t time for her touches. Clint had applied all his willpower into making her ready. Now he was ready and his need stood at full mast.
He covered her with his body once again and kissed her lips.
God, how he’d waited for this.
He pushed aside her deceit, letting his desire for her overcome his need for vengeance.
He wanted her. Was dying to be inside her.
He rubbed the tip of his arousal to her and she arched. She was hot and wet, and Clint couldn’t take another moment without joining with her. He pushed inside with a solid thrust and met with a barrier.
Momentarily puzzled, he pushed again and the obstacle gave way. He felt the rip, a tearing of Tess’s female protection. Liquid spilled over his sex. This was the last thing he’d expected. He’d never lain with a virgin before.
He stared into Tess’s sex-hazy eyes, puzzled. His mind raced.
She reached up and pulled him down on her, kissing him soundly. “Don’t stop, Clint.” She moved her hips and spread wider for him. “I want you.”
Nothing could stop him from taking her, but she’d damn well surprised him. He thrust gentler now, moving slowly, building the pressure and watching her. She accepted him, her expression beckoning his movements, and soon she was undulating under him, meeting his thrusts and arching her hips.
Her hair spilled over the pillow, a coppery glow of untamed strands surrounding her face and shoulders. Her skin shone like fresh cream, soft and white. Her arms were positioned up and around her head. The sensual vision she made marked him for life.
He thumbed one rosy, erect bud and saw the pleasure on her face. She sighed and closed her eyes, and he continued to fondle her, working them both up to a frenzied state of arousal.
When Clint couldn’t hold back another second, he lifted her hips and thrust harder, deeper, taking them both to heaven with sighs of completion.
When he looked at her sated face, something broke apart inside his heart. He gathered her up into his arms, nuzzled her neck and whispered soft words into her long fall of wavy hair.
She had some explaining to do. But not tonight. Not now. All he wanted to do was keep her close and hold her. She’d given him something precious. He didn’t understand why. She was a puzzle he couldn’t figure. But he knew he wanted to protect her.
Sunrise dawned with an early ray streaming into the bedroom, waking Clint. He found Tess in his arms, her supple back pressing his chest. He settled in and drew her closer, his hand caressing her soft bare thigh. He roamed higher, over her hip, and she let out a little sound.
He smiled and kissed her throat, pushing her hair aside with his chin. Those waves tickled his face. He grazed his cheek to hers, gently kissing her again.
She murmured incoherent words and turned in his arms. Then she opened those beautiful blue eyes. She lay naked with him, and her first instinct was to pull away.
But Clint coaxed her back with another kiss. “Morning.”
She recovered, remembering. She smiled with her eyes. “Good morning.”
“Did I hurt you last night?”
“No…you didn’t.” She closed her eyes. “It was more than I expected.”
Clint chuckled. “That’s good to hear.”
She rolled onto her back and sighed. “I suppose you—”
He came over her to put a finger to her lips, cutting off her words. Then he removed his finger and stared into her eyes. “Not now.”
He lowered his mouth, taking her in a long sweep of a kiss. He didn’t want her explanations yet. His body wasn’t nearly sated. He hadn’t roused her from sleep to talk.
Waking with her in his arms, crushed to his chest, naked and beautiful, was more temptation than he could possibly fight. She tested his willpower time and again.
He wanted more.
He kissed her again and wrapped both arms around her, coaxing her to roll toward him. Then he lifted her so that her sweet, shapely body covered his.
Making love to Tess in the morning’s light equaled that of taking her during the night. She was a striking sight, her breasts firm and lifted, the rosy tips erect. Her body full and giving and so perfect, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
He guided her carefully over him and showed her how to move, to take him in entirely, squeezing him with a sheath that turned his insides out.
They came together and broke apart together.
And then they fell asleep.
Together.
Tess woke in a dreamy state. She sensed the time was late and she was alone in the bed. With eyes still closed, she recalled the night of fiery passion with Clint. She’d given herself to him and it had been wonderful. Her body still tingled in private places. Tenderness between her legs brought images of Clint and the way he’d taken her, made love to her, taught her things she’d never dreamed were possible to do.
She felt thoroughly ravaged and yet whole at the same time. She wanted to feel that way again.
She smiled.
“That smile have something to do with last night?”
She snapped her eyes open. Clint sat in a chair facing her, his chest bare, his pants on but unfastened and his legs sprawled out lazily. Had he been watching her sleep?
“Maybe,” she said, sliding the sheet farther up to her shoulders.
Clint leaned forward. “You slept well?”
“Very well.”
She blushed. The conversation seemed odd and too polite for two people who’d done the things they’d done to each other. The memory of how she’d behaved stunned her, but it had felt so right and, strangely, so pure. She wouldn’t change one second of being with Clint last night.
Clint drew in a deep breath. His gaze flowed over her as if recalling their passionate night, as well, then his expression changed and his eyes grew pensive. He leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his knees.
He was a beautiful man. He’d been hers last night. But now Tess knew he wanted answers.
“Are you gonna make me ask?” He spoke quietly.
“No.”
“You surprised me. I don’t usually get caught off guard.”
“I, uh…well, I’ve never been with a man before.”
He squinted and looked at the sheet that covered her as if trying to see through it. “That much I know.”
“I didn’t have…we didn’t…well, my relationship with Hoyt wasn’t like that. He was my friend. Funny thing about your father—I was supposed to be taking caring of him, and all the while he’d been taking care of me. Helping me. I did love him, Clint. He was the kindest man I’d ever known.”
“Spare me,” he said, his mouth curving into that scowl that seemed to be ever-present on his face. “Why’d you marry him?”
“I told you—I loved him.”
Clint’s brows rose. He wanted more of an answer.
“He was dying. We both knew it. He was confined to bed. He wanted me with him most of the time. He insisted on marrying me—for my sake. He didn’t want anyone disparaging my reputation, but he said he would have anyway. He really cared for me.”
“Maybe he wanted to show everyone he could still bed a beautiful young woman.”
Tess shook her head. Clint’s bitterness wouldn’t allow him to see the truth. The night she’d spent with him had been glorious, and she’d hoped to continue on today with a fresh start. This morning she’d hoped to find the tender, amorous man she’d been with last night, but the day was proving to be no different than any other day since Clint’s arrival. He held on to his anger even after she told him the truth about her relationship with his father. “No matter what I say about him, you won’t believe me, will you?”
“Doubtful.”
Tess stared at him and sighed. “Then there isn’t much more to talk about.” She grabbed the sheet tighter to her chest. “Will you leave so I can dress? I have to go into town today and I’m already late.”
Clint rose. His scowl deepened. “Are you meeting with Tom Larson again? Is that why you’re rushing off?”
Tess’s mind spun. She blinked. “T-Tom? You know?”
Clint fastened his trousers, eyeing her with suspicion. “I know you met with him last night.”
Tess wrapped the sheet around her and bounded from the bed, glaring at him with her own suspicions. “How do you know that?”
“I followed you.”
Her mouth gaped open. She couldn’t believe it.
“I found your note. You met him in your secret place.”
“You followed me?” she asked, her voice elevating.
“Damn right I followed you. There’s been so much going on around here, I needed to find out the truth.”
Once the shock wore off, her blood heated and she trembled in anger. “And what did you find out?”
Clint buckled his trousers with a tight pull on the strap. He cast her a narrow-eyed look. “I saw the two of you meeting together behind Laura’s back. That’s enough, isn’t it? I sure didn’t expect that…of Tom.”
Her hands fisted into tight balls of energy. She looked at him now, hating him for the implication. He suspected her of dallying with her best friend’s husband. “You’ve called me many things, Clint, but I’ve never been more insulted than at this very moment.”
“Tell me why, Tess. Are you behind the accidents here? Is Tom helping you?”
Fury built quickly, her love for Clint Hayworth dissolving like snow on a sunny day. Her heart shattered at his wicked accusations. “You bastard! I will not explain myself to you! That’s all I’ve been doing since you arrived here. You came to my room last night and now I know why! You used me. You turned something special into something calculated and cruel.”
Tess had been duped and deceived by a master. He’d come seeking revenge. He’d come because he didn’t trust her. All softness toward him left her. She knew the true reason for his seduction. He’d taken her body and he’d taken her heart. Well, she surely could take her heart back. And he’d never touch her body again.
He ground his teeth. “Do you deny being involved with Tom Larson?”
Tess refused him an answer. She owed Clint nothing. “Get out!”
He took hold of her arm. She flinched and backed away.
“I didn’t hurt you,” he said, looking at her arm.
“Oh…yes,” she said, holding back tears. “You did.” Not by his gentle grasp but by his coldhearted accusations. He’d suspected her of horrible things and had made love to her only to extract payback. “Now go.”
She strode to the door with as much pride as she could muster, holding her chin up. She opened the door and waited.
He grabbed his boots, his gun belt and the rest of his clothes and left, slamming the door behind him.
“I was only a little bit in love with you,” she whispered, trying to convince herself that it was true.
And, sadly, not succeeding.
Chapter Twelve
Clint exited Tess’s bedroom, jealousy knotting in the pit of his stomach. She’d been a virgin, offering Clint something she’d waited twenty-one years to give. So what the hell had she been doing in a secret meeting with Tom Larson? All he’d wanted was for her to deny his accusations and come clean. He’d wanted her to say the words. He’d wanted to hear her explanation.
Instead she’d gotten her feathers in a ruffle.
He turned on the landing, with clothes in hand, and locked gazes with Greta as she glanced up from the base of the stairs with knowing eyes. A witness to his state of undress, the corner of her mouth quirked up before she continued down the hallway.
Clint dressed with haste and headed downstairs. It was late and all the other hands were already busy at work. In no time he had eaten breakfast, saddled up and mounted Midnight.
He rode fence, checking the barbed wires, righting posts and clearing his head. The sun beat down mercilessly, his hatband soaking up his sweat already, and he hadn’t been outside for more than an hour this morning.
The land was dry, the breeze in short supply. He had stopped to sip from his canteen when Randy raced up, bouncing off his saddle.
“Mr. Hayworth,” he said, breathing rapidly. “I found ten yards of fence down. I’m sure cattle are missing. Don’t quite know how many yet. Some of the crew sent me down to tell you. Looks like someone cut the wires.”
Clint handed Randy his canteen. “Take a drink. Catch your breath.” He waited for Randy to drink up, then questioned him further. “Did anyone see anything?”
“No, sir.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. The boys were all surprised. They’d come up this way yesterday looking for a new mama and her calf and they didn’t see any fence broke down.”
“How long have they been out here?”
“They’ve been working since sunup. Came out right after the breakfast call.”
“Okay,” Clint sighed. “Show me where exactly. I’d better check it out.”
“The boys are sure it happened late last night.”
“I’m thinking they’re right,” he said, setting his hat lower on his head as he rode farther into Hayworth land, kicking up dust, assured now that Tess hadn’t had anything to do with this.
She’d been with him all night.
The memory wouldn’t soon leave him.
But more than that, gut instincts he trusted told him there was someone else behind these occurrences at the Double H. And he wouldn’t rest until he found out who was guilty and why they were doing this.
Tess rocked little Abby on her lap gently while she held Laura’s hand. They sat together on Laura’s parlor sofa, her dear friend teary-eyed. Tess couldn’t remember seeing Laura without a smile on her face or her eyes beaming. Laura had always been a comfort. She could always rely on her friend for her sensible mind. She’d admitted to herself Laura’s sullen look and attitude disconcerted her.
“I don’t know what’s come over me, Tess. I love Abby. And poor Tom, I’m sure he’s about to wring my neck. I’ve been so moody and out of sorts.”
“Tom’s a good man, Laura. He loves you. I’m sure he only wants you to be happy.”
“I should be happy! I have a baby. I have a caring husband. I…I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”
Tess sat back and explained about the woman she’d known who had gone through the same thing. She described her neighbor’s feelings of desolation and depression, and Laura nodded in full agreement.
“That’s how I feel, too. At times I think I don’t deserve any of the good things I have.”
“Well, I think you deserve everything wonderful, Laura.” She set little Abby onto her cradle bed and then reached into her carrying bag and lifted out the pink scallop-edged baby blanket she’d been working on. “If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t have stayed up all hours of the night knitting this.”
She handed the blanket to Laura.
“Oh, it’s so delicate, just like Abby.” Tears dripped from Laura’s eyes. “You’re such a dear friend. And this is beautiful,” she said, staring at the blanket with appreciation. “And a good deal of work.”
She smiled. “A labor of love.”
Laura set the blanket down. “Thank you. For the blanket and for coming to visit me. The doctor says there’s nothing wrong with me that he can see.”
“I think it’s something you have to work through.”
“I’m trying.”
Tess hugged her. Laura was the closest she’d ever come to having a sister. “I know you are.”
“Poor Tom,” she said again.
“He loves you, Laura. He’ll be patient. I’m sure these feelings will pass soon.”
“Do you really think so?”
Tess nodded. “I do. Maybe instead of resting all day, you should get out of the house. Why don’t we take Abby outside for a stroll?”
“It’s warm out.”
“We’ll find shade. Come on. Abby will like it, but I think you’ll like it, too.”
Laura wiped her tear-stained face. “I think I would like it,” she said, bolstering up. “Yes, let’s take Abby for a stroll.”
Tess spent the rest of the morning with Laura and Abby and was gladdened to see Laura smile more and hold her baby in her arms. She left their house after a light lunch and then pointed the buggy toward home.
When she entered the house she nearly bumped into Greta on the threshold. Speaking rapidly in German, she fretted, wringing her hands with a stark look in her eyes.
“Greta, what is it?”
Greta continued speaking in her native tongue.
Tess took hold of her hands and stilled them, peering into the cook’s eyes. “I don’t understand a word of what you’re saying.”
Greta caught herself. She took a breath and began speaking more calmly, her English heavily accented. “Pearl Cowper is here. She is hurt. She wouldt not rest. She came to see you.”
