Chapter Nine

As she had learned from Ty, Colton was supposed to be back from San Francisco in three days.

During those three days, Gus had managed to convince herself that the trip was a good opportunity for them to take a step back and get their heads on right.

She had missed him terribly. And she could only imagine how amplified that feeling would be once he was gone forever. But it was more than that. She wanted to focus on her dad, herself, and their business. Missing a guy who didn’t factor into her future didn’t really fit into those plans.

Pulling up to her usual parking spot behind the barn, she turned off the truck and glanced at her face in the rearview mirror. Determined to show herself and Colton that they could keep an even-keeled friendship, she hadn’t bothered to put on makeup and kept her hair in a long braid down her back, a few short strands escaping to frame her face.

Stepping out of the truck, she took a deep breath of the sweet Montana air, filled with the scent of grass, horse, and warm summer days. The hay in the field looked ready to be cut any time, and the sun on her back promised another hot day.

Her body felt light as she started around the barn. She was here to do a job. Colton was her client and friend, and she was positive that he would be fine staying in that role once she explained herself.

As she rounded the barn, the familiar three-beat canter of a horse running became louder. It rang crystal clear in the early morning air, the sound of sand flying followed each beat. Someone was working a horse in the round pen.

She rounded the corner of the barn, and sure enough she spotted a buckskin yearling running around the pen. His golden body moved with an easy grace, his dark mane and tail flying behind him, his ears pricked forward. The colt was beautiful.

And the man at the center of the pen—even more gorgeous.

Her entire body went hot the second she saw him. All those logical, carefully controlled thoughts that she and Colton could be friends and nothing more flew out her brain.

Colton’s entire focus was on the horse as he followed the animal in a tight circle, driving the horse forward with that quiet confidence of his until the horse paid attention to him. Then he relented.

“Whoa, easy boy.” Colton’s voice was like silk over gravel. Low, sexy, calming. It made her want to go to him.

The horse eased to a trot, his legs kicking out smoothly with each step of the two-beat pace, then slowed further until he came to a complete stop and faced Colton.

The horse worked his jaw as Colton calmly approached, hand forward. The horse blew out a giant breath against Colton’s palm.

“Atta boy,” Colton said as he reached up to scratch the horse’s neck. His attention never left the animal as he ran his hand over his cheek, neck, and withers. “That’s a good boy. Do you think we’re done for the day?”

The horse snuffled in response and dropped his head. With the careful grace and patience that she remembered from years ago, Colton slipped the rope halter into place and quickly tied the knot to secure it.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, threatening to break out as she watched him mutter praise in the animal’s ear as he ran his hand over every spot he could on the horse.

It was like being transported back in time.

Her cowboy had finally come home.

“He’s beautiful,” she said, keeping her voice even and low to not startle the horse.

Colton glanced over at her and grinned. She walked around and opened the gate for them so Colton could lead the horse through.

“He’s got a good personality as well. Easygoing, a bit playful, but not aggressive.” Colton gave him a pat. “Aren’t you, bud?”

“What’s his name?”

“Keith.”

“You named a horse Keith?”

Colton laughed and shrugged as she followed him to the pasture. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, the worn Wranglers, the partially unbuttoned plaid shirt that he had rolled up to his elbows.

She followed them as Colton led the horse back to the pasture and let him free to run with his buddies. Two other young horses greeted Keith with excitement, and the three took off in a cloud of dust, heading for the other end of the field.

“You decided to work with the horses?” she asked as Colton closed the gate behind him.

He stationed himself next to her—close, but not close enough to touch—and rested his elbows on one of the upper slates of the metal gate. “I had some time to think while I was away, and I realized that if I’m going to inherit this ranch, I may as well put my all into it.”

His arm brushed hers as he turned to her.

She kept her eyes carefully on the horses as they ran around the field, happy to be reunited.

“Gus.” He touched her chin, and she turned to look at him. “I want more.”

Her heart pulsed full and hard, acknowledging it was exactly what it wanted. Her logical brain immediately went on alert.

She motioned toward the ranch, intentionally misinterpreting his comment. “Well, here it is. No one is stopping you.”

“No,” Colton said, his jaw setting stubbornly. “I want more. With you.”

“I don’t know.” The wind pushed wisps of hair into her eyes, and she pushed them back.

He caught her hand in his and pulled her fingers close to his chest. “You were all I thought about when I was away. I want this. What can I do to prove to you that I am serious about giving this a try?”

There were crinkles in the corners of his eyes as he looked at her, his blue eyes more intense than the blue of the sky above.

A wave of yearning hit so hard, she found herself wanting to give in. She wanted him closer, to feel his touch, to have his arms around her as they spoke about little nothings and real life. “What happens when you leave? You have a company and a life in California. We can’t fool ourselves into thinking this is long-term.”

“If what we have is worth it, we can make it into something long-term. We talk about it. We compromise.” Colton peered down into her face. “But we won’t know if it’s worth it unless we give it a try.”

She moved away, trying to create a safe distance between them, but Colton didn’t let go of her hand.

“Name your price,” Colton said, his voice low and serious. “I’ll do anything.”

“Anything?” she repeated, her voice breathless as she realized that Colton was serious. She had already drawn one line—Steph’s birthday—and he had gone, proving to her that he would do what it took to be friends with her. If she drew this second line, she knew she was setting them up for more.

“Anything,” he confirmed.

Her mind raced through ideas. Things that she knew he wouldn’t do. But she didn’t want something extreme; she wanted something to show just how serious he was.

And then her brain landed on the perfect scenario. The decorating committee for the dance met at the end of the week. For as long as she had been aware of the committee, there was never a man on it. Sure a guy would show up to help with the heavy lifting on the day of the decorating; however, there was never a guy who would join the committee and actually help plan what the dance would look like.

“I am a little concerned about that smile on your face,” Colton said, suddenly wary.

“The dance decorating committee,” she said. “You have to join and help decorate.”

Colton’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

“Yeah,” Gus said warming up to the idea. “If you go to the committee meetings and help decorate, I’d be willing to explore this connection between us.”

“Don’t you feel like this is a bit like sending the lamb into the lion’s den?” Colton demanded. “I can’t go. Everyone knows the decorating committee is claimed by the women of this town and no men are allowed.”

“Are you the lamb in this scenario? Because I don’t think any woman sees you as an innocent little lamb.” She grinned up at him, pretty pleased with herself. Because if Colton did join the decorating committee, it would be a damn miracle. The man hated decorating in general—even his room was a bed, a dresser, and a closet without any photos on the wall.

“I know you are doing this to keep your heart safe,” Colton deadpanned. “When is the committee meeting?”

“Friday,” Gus said.

“I’ll be there.”

Inviting Colton Hartman to the dance committee was a terrible idea. The second he walked in, a few minutes late, the entire meeting veered off course.

The group turned as a door slammed shut followed by the sound of boots against hardwood.

In front of her, Gus watched as two women glanced over their shoulders to see the newcomer, turn back to say something, and then do a double take.

No doubt they had set their eyes on Colton Hartman.

Gus almost laughed at how ridiculous this was until she turned back and noticed that the man had come ready to charm in dark Wranglers, a black tee, and new leather boots.

Her belly instantly warmed.

“You invited Colton?” Steph asked under her breath. “Are you trying to distract everyone from your presentation today? Because that man looks like sex in boots, and I think every woman in this room agrees.”

“Colton,” Mrs. Thompson greeted him as he walked farther into the room, “are you looking for someone?”

He eyes scanned the room of a dozen or so women and landed on her. A smug smile spread across his face. “Actually, I was invited and thought I could help decorate this year.”

A murmur rolled through the group, the women no doubt noting that Colton was still in town and looking right at her. Garnet Valley loved its gossip, and Colton Hartman being back in town was certainly good gossip.

Especially for any single ladies in town.

He moved through the room, his broad shoulders looking powerful as he headed toward her.

Gus tried not to bristle as every woman’s eyes followed him across the room. Automatically, she moved her purse and display of park decorating ideas from the chair next to her.

“Thanks for inviting me, Gus,” he said, his voice a low rumble as he settled right next to her. His body was close enough that she could feel heat radiating from him.

She closed her eyes, trying to gather herself. No doubt everyone would be talking about this later, which wasn’t something she’d thought through when she practically dared Colton to come to the meeting.

She needed to stop drawing lines in the sand.

On the other hand, Colton showing up to this committee meant one thing: he was serious about wanting more from her. From them.

Her mouth went dry as Colton shifted, and the full length of his side pressed against hers. Colton was giving her zero room. A shiver ran through her body, settling low in her stomach and blooming into a warm hum that was becoming impossible to ignore.

“Cold?” Colton wrapped his arm around her, cradling the back of her head against his bicep.

She sucked in a deep breath, taking in the scent of Colton right beside her, in Garnet Valley, his arm around her in public.

Suddenly she didn’t want to be sitting in public in front of everyone she knew with Colton’s arm around her.

She wanted to be back at her place. Alone. With Colton.

“Gus.” Steph nudged her in the ribs.

“Huh?” She peeled her eyes away from Colton and turned to her friend. “What?”

Steph motioned to the front of the room. “It’s time to present your idea. Go.”

“Oh!” She had been so distracted by Colton, she hadn’t even noticed that it was time for her to put her ideas before the committee. Grabbing her poster boards, she moved to the front, and set up her display. The community hall was a little outdated, but she thought she had done a great job putting together some posters for the group. She had put together ideas inspired by her backyard, ideas she had learned in school and through a good scour of the internet.

The annual dance in Garnet Valley usually drew people from a few towns over and had become a fundraising event whose proceeds would go to projects to help improve and preserve the town as well as provide funds for the programs for the town’s kids. It was highly successful and included a barbeque, silent auction, and dancing. The park was usually packed, and this year was to be no exception.

If she nailed the decorating, it would be a great volunteer opportunity to add to her resume, and it would hopefully help impress the board picking the team to help with the park renovations.

She ran through her ideas. After thinking it over the past couple of weeks, she had come up with a scheme that involved fairy lights and up lighting to illuminate the park and trees. She had ideas for the colors and table arrangements. She even threw out ideas for additional potted plants, ivy, and succulents to really turn their park into a garden paradise.

She provided estimated costs based on the budget that was provided to her, as well as ideas to help cut expenses.

Then she wrapped up the presentation with a schematic drawing she had pulled together with her plan.

No one spoke as she stood, ready for questions.

Silence filled the room.

Colton was staring at her like he didn’t know what to say, and Steph looked shocked.

Did she mess something up? She looked quickly around the room, waiting for someone to say something. Anything.

“Oh, wow,” Steph said. “Gus, that’s gorgeous.”

That seemed to break the spell. A murmur of agreement passed through the women.

Heart hammering in her chest, she looked around the room, smiling as she realized how much everyone liked the idea.

“I can’t believe you thought of this,” Ella said. “The park is going to look gorgeous.”

“I haven’t seen anything that beautiful since your mom helped decorate,” Mrs. Thompson said. “I can’t wait to see this in action.”

“So,” Steph called, stepping up to the front. “Who wants to meet up with Gus to figure out quantities of supplies?”

“I’ll do it.”

It was the only male voice in the room.

“Great,” Steph said. She went through a list of tasks and assigned people to each one. “We’ll reconvene in a week.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Gus said the second they were both outside. “I only asked you to go to the meeting. Don’t feel obligated to actually volunteer.”

“No way I am backing out now. Every woman in that meeting will have my head if I don’t follow through,” Colton said, flashing her a sinful grin. “Besides, it gives me an opportunity to spend more time with you off the ranch.”

He moved closer to her and grazed his thumb along her jawline.

She swallowed hard, barely aware that they were still in public and the whole town would be talking about this by the end of the day.

“So,” he said, his voice a low growl. “Now that I’ve proved that I’m serious about us, what do you want to do now?”

That growl did her in. Her entire body felt soft and pliant, ready to melt against him. She braced her hand against his chest, telling herself that it was to steady her shaky body, but she knew there was more to it. She wanted to touch him, feel him hard and solid against her.

She wanted to believe, well and truly, that he wanted this, wanted her. She didn’t know what the future held, didn’t know if she could trust Colton to stay. But she didn’t want to resist him any longer.

Before she could stop herself, she was leaning up onto her tiptoes. Looping her arm around his neck, she pulled his mouth down to hers and kissed him full on the mouth, nipping on his bottom lip. His arms instantly went around her.

She broke the kiss and looked up at him. His eyes were hooded, and his lips a little swollen.

It was only early afternoon, but the idea of parting with Colton didn’t appeal to her.

“Want to go back to my place?” she asked.

They had taken their own trucks to her place so that she didn’t have to dance around or hide from his brothers. It was one thing to finally sleep with Colton. It was another for people to actually know they were hooking up. If she compartmentalized him to one specific area of her life, then it would be easier to deal with the fallout if and when he left.

The trip back to her house felt endless, and all she could think about was the attractive cowboy in the truck behind her driving back to her place for one thing, and one thing alone—her.

Finally, she pulled up in front of her garage and parked. Colton parked next to her and got out. The man was nothing short of masculine grace or quiet confidence.

And it made her feel suddenly shy.

Unsure what to do, she crossed her arms over her chest.

“You ended up at your grandmother’s old place?” Colton asked, breaking the silence.

“She passed it down to me a couple years ago.” She looked over at the place she had spent years remodeling into her cozy little haven.

Up until now, she had been careful to make sure that Colton hadn’t stepped foot inside. She didn’t want the memories of him haunting her home once he was gone.

But now, a memory with Colton was all she wanted. Her body craved it with an intensity she didn’t know possible. Her panties were growing damp just from the thought of getting to feel the heat of Colton’s body pressed against hers.

“Want to come in?” Her voice came out low and breathy.

Colton placed a hand on her hip and pulled her close. “Are you sure?”

She looked up at him, her breath ragged. His hat was off, and his eyes were a stormy blue, hooded and heated. Never in her life was she more certain. “I’m sure.”

Then he kissed her.

And oh dear god, what a kiss. Colton Hartman kissed like sin and tasted like dessert.

That was the last thought—and a ridiculous one at that—before all Gus’s rational sense went out the door without a backward glance.

Colton leaned into her, and Gus gripped his arms as her body molded against his, imprinting him against her.

He raked his teeth across her bottom lip, asking for permission. With a helpless moan, she parted her lips, opening herself to him, welcoming his tongue against hers.

His hands slipped under her shirt and up her ribs. His large hands, rough with calluses, grazed her skin. His fingers slipped under the wire of her bra, cupping her breasts in his palms.

She arched against him, wanting more contact, wanting less clothing.

“More,” she muttered against his mouth. “I need more of you.”

With a groan, he broke the kiss. “Let’s head inside.”

Yes, inside. They hurried up the porch to her house, Colton’s hands never leaving her body as she fumbled with her keys.

After the third attempt, she got the right key in the lock and turned, pushing the door open. Colton wasted no time.

The second she turned around to face him, he lifted her up, crushing her against his chest as she wrapped her arms and legs around him. He went for the nearest surface, her kitchen table and set her down on it, fitting his hips between her thighs and slipping her shirt over her head.

“August.” Her full name on his lips was a seduction unto itself. He brushed his thumb over her bare waist, sending fiery little shivers down her spine to her belly, blooming into a heat between her legs. She was sinking into his touch, his heat, wanting to get lost in this endless spiral.

Her bra followed her shirt, and she was naked from the waist up. “Damn, you are gorgeous.”

Colton ran his thumb on the underside of her breasts before dipping his head down to taste her skin.

A gasp escaped as his hot, wet tongue circled each nipple, followed by his teeth, making her breasts feel full and heavy with need. The sensation was driving her up the wall.

She arched back, rocking her hips against his, grinding herself against his rigid shaft through the denim of their jeans.

“I think we should set some ground rules,” she gasped.

Colton pulled back, an amused look in his face, as though he knew exactly why she was setting ground rules before she lost all sense. His thumb continued to trace a teasing path along the waistband of her jeans. “Ground rules? What are you thinking?”

“One night—” she started.

He jerked back and gave her an insulted look. “One night? I don’t think so, cowgirl.”

“One night, and we go from there,” she said quickly, placing her hands over his before he released her. “There’s no denying this attraction between us,” she continued, tilting her head back and her pelvis forward so she could grind against his hardening erection.

“No denial on this side,” Colton murmured.

“So if it starts to get awkward on the jobsite, or if the attraction starts to fizzle on either end, or if it’s time for you to go, we talk about it. If this needs to end, we end it with no hurt feelings.” And she was going to have to trust that Colton would do it. That he wouldn’t leave out of the blue.

“I don’t think attraction is going to be an issue.” He grazed his teeth along her collarbone and toward the column of her throat as though to prove his point.

“Promise me,” she insisted.

Colton gave her a sinful looked before kissing her full and hard on the mouth. “Promise.”

His tongue teased her lips, demanding that she open for him. She caved instantly, giving way to the welcome invasion. Her body melted into his, trapped between his hard muscles and the edge of the table.

She needed to feel his skin against hers. Working his shirt buttons free from their holes, she pushed the fabric over his shoulders, revealing his broad, well-muscled chest covered with a light scattering of dusky hair. His shirt sleeves caught on his wrists, trapping his hands behind him.

Taking advantage of his temporarily restrained state, she leaned forward and tasted the salty sweetness of his chest, dragging her teeth over his nipple.

Colton sucked in a harsh breath as he struggled to free his hands from his shirt. Seconds later, his shirt dropped to the floor, and he lifted her chin up with his thumb to claim her mouth.

“Bedroom. Now,” he demanded.

Before she could even respond, he grabbed her just below her ass, hefted her off the table, and started down the hall.

“Last door on the left,” she said.

Her heart pounded against her ribs as he pushed open her bedroom door. For a brief minute, she looked around her simple bedroom, decorated in shades of white and green, plants on the sill of her open window, and family photos on the wall.

She tried to imagine what it would look like through Colton’s eyes as he paused before carrying her to the bed.

“I like this,” he murmured, nuzzling her ear. “This room feels like you.”

He settled her easily on the mattress, like she was the most treasured thing on the planet.

Once again, he asked, “Are you sure?”

His hooded blue eyes were so dark they looked like sapphires.

A tremble of anticipation ran through her. “I’m positive.”

He didn’t jump her like she thought he would. Instead he took his sweet time kissing her as he slowly kneeled on the floor.

He pulled off one of her boots, followed by the other. Her jeans came next, his fingers brushing torturously against her skin as he teased the heavy material down her legs, leaving her in her soft hot pink boy shorts.

His eyes raked over her body, the appreciation evident in his face. She could feel his gaze on her breasts, swollen with need, the curve of her belly, the flare of her hips, and the length of her legs. She was not a small woman by any means, but she was curvy.

“You have got to be the sexiest damn woman on this planet.”

Then he was on her.

His jeans were off in seconds flat, and then he was pushing her back onto her bed, his body aligning with hers until he pressed fully against her. She could feel the heat of his skin sear every inch of her body.

Her hands were everywhere, roaming over the muscles in his back, the sinew of his arms, and curve of his ass. The man had a spectacular body. The ranch work had honed it even more since he arrived, the manual labor showing in each flex of his muscles.

Colton worked his way down her body, teasing and tasting his way down her throat, lingering on her breasts and belly, his stubble scraping a delicious heated path along her body.

Shifting down to the vee of her legs, he gave her a look so heated as he spread her legs that she nearly came right there. His tongue slicked over her core, working her with his tongue until she was crying for release. She threaded her hand into his hair, her hips bucking as her body tightened, begging for release. Then brightness flashed, and her world exploded as she fell over the edge.

“That was amazing,” she panted, her body limp and satiated on the bed. She reached for his hand, pulling him up her body.

“We aren’t done yet,” he promised. “I want to make sure you aren’t walking away after today.”

Gus opened her nightstand drawer and pulled out a small pack of condoms, handing one to him.

Seconds later, he rose over her, and then, with a gentleness she didn’t thing possible, drove himself slowly inside her, working his hips as he seated himself fully to the root.

“Colton,” she whispered as they began to move together, climbing higher together as one.

Tension coiled in her abdomen, and her whole body throbbed with need as Colton caressed her, kissed her, and whispered dirty words in her ear.

Higher and higher they climbed, spiraling up, her body tensing, begging for release.

Colton slipped his hand between their bodies to find her swollen clit. He expertly massaged it, teasing her until she couldn’t handle it any longer. Their movements, the sounds escaping her throat were raw and primal. In that very moment, her entire universe was her and Colton, and the way he felt filling her so completely, his scent surrounding her, his mouth claiming her.

“I’m coming,” she gasped. Her body arched up, as she bucked against his hips. Then her world exploded into a fireworks display of white light and endless sensation, undoing her completely.

Colton followed right behind her, her name on his lips as he buried his face against her neck, holding her close.

“Wow,” she whispered as her body slowly wound down to a languid, liquid state.

He collapsed on top of her, pressing his full weight against her body, sinking her farther into the mattress before rolling to his side and gathering her close to his chest.

She could hear his heart hammering in his chest, matching the rhythm of her own. Her body satisfied, she relaxed against him, breathing in the scent of Colton and sex.

After a minute, Colton pulled away long enough to get rid of the condom and bring in a warm damp washcloth to clean them up.

It was only midafternoon, and there were a number of things that she needed to do. But all she wanted to do in that moment was cuddle close to him and imprint this moment on her brain forever.

“Come here,” Colton said as he settled back on the bed, patting the spot next to him.

She really should get going, review her plans for the park project. But the idea of cuddling with Colton was far more tempting. So she crawled closer to him, turning so that her back was pressed against his front, his protective arm wrapped around her waist.

Then, in the comfort and safety of his arms, she drifted off to sleep.