“That’s not true, Cass.” She started to bristle, but his hand squeezed her shoulder and she realized he’d relaxed. “This place is a helluva lot. Your dad worked hard to build the Crazy M and to make a home for you. You might not have wanted to be here, but you knew you could always come back.”
She nodded, her cheek rubbing against the soft material of his shirt. “I tried to run away. Then I tried to stay away. And then I felt guilty because I hated this place. But I really didn’t.” She squiggled her nose to chase away the burn of forming tears. “Do you think Daddy understood? Did he know why I wasn’t here?”
Chance dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Did you get to say goodbye?”
Cass inhaled and held her breath to ease the pain in her chest. Exhaling slowly, she shook her head. She had to swallow before she could speak. “Sort of. I was on the phone with him when he passed.” She felt Chance wince, and she brushed her palm along his abdomen. “That night at the hotel. In Chicago. I waited too long and got caught by that blizzard. Boots put the phone by Daddy’s ear. He...he told me cowgirls don’t cry. They just get back on and ride. He used to say that when I was little.” She snuggled closer to Chance, seeking his warmth and the gentleness of his embrace. “I guess I’ve been doing that ever since I got here.”
He tilted her head and leaned down to kiss her. His lips, full and firm, danced across her mouth as if seeking permission. She pressed into the kiss, her lips parting in invitation. His hand caressed her side and his fingertips teased the swell of her breast before his palm cupped her fully. Her breath hitched as she sighed.
Cass trailed her hand down those firm, rippled abs of his and found what really interested her. Oh, yeah. He was glad to see her. She stroked him through his jeans and he arched against her hand.
“Damn, girl. I want you.”
Not the most romantic of declarations, yet it went straight to her core. She wanted him with a fierceness she’d never experienced. She freed her other arm and fumbled with his buttons.
“Here, let me.”
While he dealt with his buttons, fly and boots, she did the same. She kicked off her boots, peeled out of her jeans and T-shirt and was down to her bra and panties when he growled, “No. Mine.” She stopped as he took over. He was already naked, but she didn’t have time to admire him. His mouth covered hers as he unhooked her bra and slipped its straps off her shoulders.
“You are so beautiful, Cassidy Morgan.” He whispered it against her skin as his mouth dipped to find a nipple.
She bowed her back and threaded her fingers through his hair. Oh, the things this man could do with his tongue. She squirmed, pressing her thighs together. One of his hands dipped low, and his strong fingers found her wet and ready. He groaned against her breast, and his erection pressed against her thigh.
Cass wrapped her fingers around his shaft and he groaned again, only this time, he tried to say something. He raised his head to gaze at her, his face flushed and his eyes radiating desire and regret.
He inhaled sharply and finally managed a complete sentence. “I want to be inside you, darlin’, but I don’t have a condom.”
She was so with that program because that’s exactly where she wanted him. Until he admitted he wasn’t a Boy Scout. “Oh.” That one syllable was filled with disappointment. But at the same time, she had to respect him. She stroked his erection and offered a little smile. “We go to Plan B?”
He blinked at her, his confusion showing in his expression. She wiggled loose and kissed her way down his chest. The moment he figured out her intentions, all the air whooshed from his lungs. Gripping him in one hand, she held him still as she wet her lips with her tongue, her eyes glued on his face. He gulped and held his breath. She dipped her head, and her lips glided over him. His hands clutched her head, fingers fighting her ponytail until her hair fell around her shoulders. He held her still for a moment as he throbbed against her palm.