Chapter 22

Renata pulled on her pajamas and stood staring into the mirror. She had gotten used to being in the house alone after Jo went home at night, and she felt safe in the knowledge that Lee was still in charge of the farm's security and only three minutes away if she needed help. Still, she was feeling restless and a little out of sorts. She had the feeling that she needed to do something, make some kind of changes, but she couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was she should change. She wandered to the kitchen, took out a bottle of wine, then shook her head and put it back. She took some herbal tea out of the cupboard but then put it back as well. Finally, she just got a bottle of water and carried it back to her bedroom. She tried to read but gave up and put the book down when she realized that she'd read the same paragraph four times. Finally, she simply switched off the light and lay in the dark, trying to relax.

Her thoughts drifted aimlessly, and Renata suddenly realized that she was picturing Gabe standing hipshot at the pond with his fishing pole in his hand. She was especially picturing his exceptionally fine ass in his worn denim, and her nipples were erect. Her hand slid under the waistband of her pajama bottoms and to the warm, damp place between her thighs. She imagined Gabe kissing her, his deft tongue exploring between her lips, and a shudder made its way up her spine. She abruptly had a good idea of what change she needed to make. She felt a thrill of anticipation mixed with a chill of fear that she couldn't have a normal sexual relationship. Then she thought back over the things Gabe had told her and realized that she didn't really know what a "normal" sexual relationship was.

She said out loud, "You took down a whole, major money laundering operation. Surely, you can work up the courage to make a pass at the best man you've ever met. Don't be a chicken." By the time she fell asleep, Renata had made a plan.

The next day, she called Gabe and invited him to dinner on Saturday night. Then she went shopping for a new outfit. When she thought about all the clothes she owned, she had to laugh at herself, but she still wanted something new. She came home with three outfits and two pairs of shoes, plus a pair of boots. She pored over Jo's cookbook, searching for just the right recipe, and picked Jo's brain for her suggestions. She finally decided on her famous lasagna, and Jo watched her make the meat sauce on Friday, then she directed Renata through the construction of the dish and it was stashed safely in the refrigerator so that all she had to do was bake it on Saturday. She picked up an Italian cream cake from the bakery and the ingredients for a salad from the market in town.

On Saturday, Renata made sure that her bedroom was spotlessly clean, with fresh sheets on the bed and new candles on the dresser. She took a long bubble bath and pampered her skin, then she dressed in her gauzy new skirt and its slightly low cut top, with her new boots of butter-soft leather. She checked the clock and slid the lasagna into the oven at exactly the right time and watched the time crawl by. When Gabe knocked at the door, she jumped up, smoothing her hair and laying her hand on her belly to soothe the butterflies.

"Well, look at you," Gabe said after he kissed her. "You look gorgeous."

Renata's face turned pink and she gave a self-conscious little spin that flared her decidedly western-styled skirt out. She wore a chunky necklace of turquoise stones and a matching bracelet, and Gabe thought he had never seen her looking more beautiful. "I went shopping," she said.

"You did good."

Renata busied herself, putting the little bunch of daisies he had brought into water. "Dinner won't be ready for about an hour, but I have some appetizers. What would you like to drink?"

"Beer's good." He was happy just looking at her.

Renata opened beers for both of them and got out a tray of cheese and grapes with crackers. "We can sit on the porch if you want."

"Sounds good."

They settled into the porch swing and looked out at the peaceful pasture, occupied by a few grazing horses. It was a lovely, warm night and Renata was struck by the rush of pleasure she always got when she took a good look at where she lived now.

Gabe rested his arm comfortably along the back of the swing and toyed with strands of her hair. "You know what you need out here?"

"No, what?"

"A dog. It's the only thing you're missing."

She dimpled up at him. "I've been thinking the same thing lately. I love Lee and Jo's dogs; they're just like real friends. But I have no clue what kind of dog would be a good idea. I've never had a dog of my own, not since I was a little kid. Eventually, it turned out that my mother was allergic to animal hair, so after that, we never had anything but a parrot."

Gabe laughed. "A parrot would be fun."

Renata had to laugh too. "He was, but he developed a terribly foul mouth, and my father gave him away."

"Where did he get the bad language from?"

"Um, that's why my dad had to give him away." Renata's laugh rang out, and Gabe was utterly charmed. "We got a pair of parakeets after that, and they never did learn to say more than a couple of words each."

Gabe offered her a grape, and her lips parted to take it from his fingers. His eyes were trapped by hers and slowly, he leaned closer to brush her lips with his. He tasted the sweetness of the fruit on her tongue and lost himself in her kiss, her touch. Slowly, Renata rose and took his hand, drawing him along with her. She led him to her room, where candles were scenting the air and a light breeze stirred the curtains. She bent to pull off her boots and then faced him as she undid the buttons on her top. He slipped his hands under the top and slid it gently down over her shoulders, feasting his eyes on the swell of her breasts. He bent to kiss her, and she drew his hand to cup one perfect, plump breast in his palm. He rubbed his thumb gently over the rigid tip, and she let out a breathless little moan.

Renata unbuttoned his soft, white shirt and laid her hands on his chest, marveling at the hard muscles she found there. She kissed the hollow of his collarbone and explored him with her hands. Gabe slid a hand behind her back and undid her bra, freeing her magnificent breasts from the pretty prison that held them. When he cupped them both in his hands and rolled the nipples between his thumb and forefinger, she gave a little cry of pleasure. Her mouth hungrily sought his and she explored the depths of his mouth with her tongue. After long minutes of kissing him and stroking him, she tore herself away and stepped back. Her eyes steadfastly on his, she reached back and unzipped her skirt, letting it drop to the floor. Gabe sucked in a breath at the beauty of her, standing proudly in front of him in only a wisp of lacy panty. He reached for her, but she laid a hand on his belly, pushing him back.

With tantalizing slowness, Renata unbuckled his belt and then unfastened his jeans. She pushed him gently back to sit on the bed, and then she knelt to take off his boots. He shook his head and tried to pull her up, but she said, "No. I want to."

When his boots were off, he pulled her upright on her knees so he could kiss her. She got to her feet and pulled him up so she could push his jeans down over his hips. Gabe wrapped her in his arms, pressing against her, and she could feel his erection, trapped between them. He kicked off his jeans and swept her up off her feet to carry her over to the bed and lay her down. He lay down beside her and took his time exploring her body with his hands, stroking and squeezing, kissing her with light, feathery kisses all over her face and throat. Renata uttered a low moan when he trailed those kisses down between her breasts, teasing and hinting until he finally fastened his mouth over one swollen, rosy tip. Her back arched at the electric sensation that his tongue sent through her body. She clutched the back of his head in her hands, twining her fingers in his hair, and cried out when he gave her nipple a tiny nip with his teeth.

"God, Gabe, you feel so good." She wanted him with every fiber of her being.

"Oh, darlin', not nearly as good as you do." He lowered his head to nibble at her lowest rib and she squirmed with the sensation it brought. He kissed her belly and licked at her navel and tickled her ribs for just a second, making her writhe and gasp out a laugh. Then, he took the lacy waistband of her panties in his teeth and tugged them downward until he could nuzzle at the hollow between her belly and thigh. Pressing his hand into her pubis, he felt the heat between her legs. Unable to wait any longer, Gabe pulled her panties off and slid his hands under her to cup her buttocks and lift her toward him. Her legs fell open as his mouth moved down to her sweet, wet center. Renata fisted her hands in the coverlet as he tasted her, savored her, and jabbed his tongue into her.

"Gabe, please. Please, I need you. Please. I need you inside me."

In an instant, he was out of his undershorts and pressing against her. He raised himself up and looked into her eyes. "You're sure?"

"Yes, yes." She reached for him and wrapped her hand around him, guiding him between her thighs. The head of his penis touched her hot, swollen, wet center and then slowly entered her, pressing deeper and deeper into her. She felt the sweetest surrender she had ever experienced as she opened to him and wrapped her legs around him, pulling him close. He began a slow rhythm, thrusting deep into her and then pulling back, nearly out, before he pushed back in. The rhythm slowly built in speed and intensity, with Renata arching to meet every thrust until they were both crying out with the force of it. The room spun around them as they met their climax together, quaking and pulsing with the spasms of pleasure that rocked them. Gabe wrapped his arms around her and held her close as they drifted ever so slowly down from the heights. Their breathing slowed but their closeness grew, and Renata felt something she had never felt before.

"Gabe," she whispered with a feeling of wonder. "Oh, Gabe, I love you. I really do, I love you."

"Renata, I love you back. More than I can ever tell you."

She pulled him even closer and kissed his lips, resting in his arms. Suddenly, her eyes flew open. "Shit! The lasagna!" She jumped out of bed and ran for the kitchen. Gabe laughed and followed her. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, bending over, stark naked except for oversized oven mitts, to take dinner out of the oven.

"Be careful!" he said, laughing. "You've got some tender parts exposed there."

She turned to glare at him after she set down the hot pan but had to laugh when she looked at him standing there, also stark naked. "I almost burned it. Lucky for us, only the edges are a little burned."

"Mm, that's the best part, the crispy edges." He came toward her, reaching for her, and she swatted him away before she gave in and fell into his arms, raising her face for his kiss.

"We can let this rest for a few minutes while we put some clothes on," Renata said primly.

"Aw, now, why would you want to spoil the scenery like that?" Gabe's eyes were twinkling with humor.

"Gabe, I have never eaten in the nude and—"

"Now's a good time to start, then." He was laughing.

"No, now I can only take so many new experiences at once."

He swept her into his arms. "So this was a new experience? The lovemaking or the nude cooking?"

Her lips fell open and her eyes went darker. "Well, both."

He kissed her and then swatted her on the bottom. "Go ahead; put some acceptable clothing on."

They both went off to freshen up, and when Gabe came back, barefoot and bare-chested but in jeans, he was surprised to find Renata in an oversized college jersey that came to mid thigh and nothing else. "And you look amazing yet again." Her hair was still messy, and her eyes had a little sleepy, satisfied look that was overwhelmingly sexy.

Renata set the table and got out the salad and then cut the lasagna and put portions on their plates. After she was seated, Gabe pulled his chair around next to her and fed her little bites of the cheesiest portions of his lasagna, making her laugh until she joined in and started to feed him, too. She had never had a playful relationship like this before, and Gabe knew it without her having to tell him. He was determined that this night was going to be a good experience for her. No matter what happened to them in the future, she was always going to remember this as an experience that was magical for her. He was determined that they were going to have a future together, too, but just in case, this was going to be a special night.

After dinner, Gabe helped Renata do the dishes, and then they went back to the porch swing to enjoy the beautiful, starlit night. "Gabe," Renata said softly, her head resting on his shoulder, "thank you for tonight. It was just perfect. I was a little scared."

He was touched by her confession. "Darlin', you don't have to be scared with me. I'll never do anything to you that you don't welcome. I promise. You mean way too much to me for me to be dumb enough to do something to betray you."

Renata hesitated, then she asked, "Can I say something?"

"Anything, anytime."

"I always thought Logan loved me. Now, I can see that it wasn't love; it was just some sort of obsession. You are so much more; you are real love. I don't think you'll ever be able to understand how much I appreciate that."

Gabe tightened his grip on her. "If you'll let me, my job for the rest of my life is going to be to see that you forget about Logan and your life with him. I know you won't actually forget, but you can come to a point where it doesn't cross your mind most of the time. It'll be the past, done and over forever."

"Gabe, I'm so lucky to have met you."

"No, darlin', I'm lucky."

They rocked gently and in comfortable silence for a long time, until Renata said, "You know, I think you're right. I do need a dog."

Gabe chuckled. "Then we'll figure out what kind of dog you should get."

"Gabe?"

"Yes, darlin'?"

"Would you stay tonight?"

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Can we have lasagna for breakfast?"

She actually giggled. "I promise."

"Okay, you got me."

It was late into the night when Gabe and Renata finally drifted into sleep.