He didn’t answer, just kept his eyes locked with mine. An answer wasn’t necessary. I knew why—the same reason everyone in this town kept their distance. Fear. I moved his hand lower, struggling to breathe when the rough skin of his palm dragged over my hard, aching nipple. He swallowed audibly and made another one of those hungry, low sounds.
“Your skin’s so hot,” I whispered, curling my fingers around his, encouraging him to squeeze me. He flexed them, but he didn’t let up this time, no, he pressed in, tightening around me in a way that had me soaking my panties. “Feels good?”
“Yes, ma’am.” When he said those words, there was a spark of something thrilling in his eyes. His nostrils flared. “Better than good.”
Dear God, it was. What the hell was I doing?
Chapter Two
Eli’s throat worked as he gripped my breast tighter. His hand looked giant covering me, engulfing me completely. His breath was choppy, getting harsher by the second. Then he pressed his palm deeper, a soft huff bursting past his firm lips as he moved his hand in a tight circle that had my legs close to giving out. When he squeezed again, pleasure shot straight to my core, wringing a whimper from me. His gaze slid to mine and he stilled, then slowly, he ran the rough tip of one finger across the top of my breast, lifting goose bumps instantly, before starting its descent toward the center.
He took his time, like he was relishing the feel of me, the discovery. His eyes were laser focused, nostrils flaring with each labored breath. That torturous finger continued until it bumped the top of my nipple. My breath jammed in my throat when he began to circle it slowly, methodically. I whimpered again, and he shuddered as he dragged his fingers lower, cupping me again, lifting me, then started sliding his thumb back and forth over the tight, hard point, watching my response.
I was going to come. I was going to come from just that alone…
A car door slammed, jarring me, followed by the sound of boots taking the steps to my house. Someone knocked. “Abi?” a gruff voice called.
I stilled. No. Please God, no. I wanted to scream in frustration, to pretend I hadn’t heard it. “It’s Garrett,” I whispered, voice breathy, barely recognizable. My father’s oldest friend often dropped by unannounced.
Elijah yanked his hand away like I’d slapped it.
“Eli…”
“Sorry,” he gritted out. “I shouldn’t have…I should never…” He backed up a step.
“Elijah…wait…”
He shook his head, took another step away, then turned and strode out the side door of the barn and into the night.
Garrett had returned to his truck, calling my name. I wanted to go after Eli, but I knew if I didn’t go and talk to Garrett he’d freak out.
The barn door creaked open before I could head out. “Here you are, girl.” His bushy brows raised high, relief covering his face. “I was out in my yard and saw Kyle tear past looking madder than hell.” He pulled off his cap. “Came to check you’re okay.”
I’d told Cassie, his wife, about the date tonight. They both worried over me, more so since Dad passed. “I’m fine.” I led him to the house, reassuring him as we went, but once he finally left I had barely any recollection of what I’d said to him—not when all I’d been able to think about was Eli’s hands on me.
…
The next morning, nerves dive-bombed my belly as I headed outdoors. Every third Friday of the month, Eli drove into town with me to pick up supplies. It was already hot as hell; not a breath of wind so much as ruffled my blond hair, which I’d left loose for a change. I’d gotten my light hair and petite frame from my mother. My wide green eyes and delicate facial features—my dad used to call me pixie—came from my father’s side of the family. And I was glad of it. Glad I didn’t have to see her every time I looked in the mirror.
I always made an effort on our shopping trips—a little makeup, one of my dresses. If I didn’t wear them when the opportunity arose, I’d never get the chance. Well, that’s the reason I’d always told myself. This morning, though, I’d taken extra care, pulling on my favorite yellow sundress and brown boots that were worn in just right, with one thought on my mind—getting Eli to react to me the way he had last night.
My belly fluttered, pulse quickening. What would he do when he saw me? Had I scared him off? I didn’t know what had come over me, or why I wasn’t just trying to forget it, pretend it never happened. For all I knew, with the way he’d run off last night, he’d either try to avoid me forever or leave the ranch.