Spurs and Heels(Divine Creek Ranch 5)(15)

“I can’t sleep. You can’t get comfortable. Will you come lay

down with me?” Yeah, because that would help her fall asleep. This



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45

would no doubt be an exercise in self-torture, but she knew he was

not comfortable, either. If he was willing to stay to watch over her,

the least she could do was make him comfortable. She posed it as a

direct request, knowing he wouldn’t come to bed if she asked him if

he’d like to.

“You sure, darlin’? I’m afraid I’d wind up hurting your stitches or

banging on your wrist.”

“I’ll be okay. You won’t wobble me on this mattress. Just be

careful when you scooch in.”

“Which side?”

“Behind me. There’s more space on that side of the bed.”

“You sure?” he asked, sounding unsure.

“Yes, Ash. I’d feel better if you were lying down, comfortable,

and I…I’d like it if you came closer. I promise I’ll behave,” she said

with a faint chuckle.

He sounded like he was smiling when he said in the dark, “Well,

if you’re sure my virtue is safe.”

“Very safe, Ash,” she whispered, softly adding, “For now,

anyway.”

She felt the bed dip slightly, and then a shiver went up her spine

as his lips brushed her ear when he replied, “I heard that,” before she

felt his lips press against her throat, his fingers brushing her hair away

from her neck.

Smiling into the darkness, she listened to him settle directly

behind her, not pressing against her but up nice and close. She closed

her eyes and couldn’t help the shuddering sigh of pleasure that slipped

from her when his fingertips slid up her cheekbone then over her

temple, stroking in a repetitive pattern down her throat, to the curve of

her shoulder, then back up again.

“That is the most soothing thing I’ve felt, in…I have no idea how

long,” she whispered, sighing in pleasure at his light, tickling touch.

“Try to relax and get some more sleep. I’ll be right here,” he

murmured, continuing to stroke her.



46

Heather Rainier

“Ash?”

“What, darlin’?” She shivered slightly at the feel of his breath on

her cheek, her body very much aware of his proximity.

“I’m not usually such a difficult person to be around.”

“I know, darlin’. I never thought that.”

Scoffing lightly, she said, “After today, even I would think I was

one crazy, mouthy bitch.”

“Today you were not yourself, and anyone can tell you’re tired

out. I don’t think you’re like that at all.”

“You haven’t seen me at my best, not even once.”

“We haven’t known each other that long. It would be harsh for me

to judge what kind of person you are based on the little time we’ve

spent together.”

He was being awfully generous. If she’d met someone as

cantankerous as she’d been, she’d have written them off without

another thought.

“I just wanted you to know, I’m not usually like that, so

oversensitive. I don’t know why I’ve been like that.”

“I’ll bet you’d feel better if you had a little rest, and some time

off.”

“It’s easier said than done.”

“I know. It’s hard when you have so much responsibility. But

people will cut you slack when they know you need it. Darlin’, when

you were in the closet at Teresa’s house and you got upset, did you

think I was making fun of how you’re shaped?”

“I’ve always been self-conscious of certain…physical attributes.”

“You mean your derriere?”

She sighed and nodded as he continued his hypnotic stroking,

drawing the honest answer from her.

“Why?”

“Growing up, I got teased for it. I developed early, and I’ve

always been…curvy, unlike most of the women in my family who are

willowy. My older brother teased me mercilessly when I started



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47

developing. He was hateful to me, telling me I had a fat ass, even

kicking me or swatting me there several times. Turning my back to

anybody, like how I was with you in the closet, is very uncomfortable

for me.”

Juliana felt his lips in her hair, and then he murmured, “I’m sorry

your brother was mean to you, darlin’. All the women in my family

are shapely, too. My dad would’ve kicked my ass if I’d ever teased

one of them for it. He and all my uncles were proud to have curvy,

beautiful women in our family. My grandma, my mom, sisters, and

my aunts are all real lookers.”