The worst part about it was that she couldn't turn around and go back for more at the moment. The animals needed tending, and with only one man somewhat on his feet, that responsibility fell to her. Jonas had taken care of the dozen horses kept in the barn and pens, but he wasn't up for the trek to the feeding stations for the cattle. So she had to do it. Having Toren along for company would be nice. She'd have a chance to get to know him better. Ha. Better late than never.
The specter of her father's nasty accusations leapt up to haunt her with the thought. Damn the bastard. Would he never—No. She refused to allow him to intrude further on the most amazing experience of her life. Never again would she give him that kind of power over her. She resolutely returned her head to the tasks before her.
A quick inspection of the truck satisfied her the bucket of bolts would survive the day-long trek. All the tools they might need were packed into the bed, and Kassie's food container sat full and waiting in the place of honor in the middle of the seat. All things considered, the day promised to be beautiful.
A soft sound alerted her to Toren's presence. How such a big man could move so quietly mystified her. He stopped directly behind her and slid his arms around her waist to pull her back against his body.
Sam's muscles automatically threatened to tighten in protest to the intimate touch, but she easily brought the response under control. After what she'd already allowed him to do, a hug was nothing.
A soft moan vibrated through his chest and he dropped his head to nuzzle along her neck. His beard stubble rasped against her skin, raising the most delicious goosebumps at the memory of how that stubble felt against other skin. Her head dropped back against his chest to give better access to more flesh. She wanted his touch everywhere.
Her surrender seemed to trigger something within him. He drew her tighter against him as a growl rolled through his body with a shudder. "So beautiful." Little puffs of warm air against sensitive skin set her heart pounding. "I could spend eternity making love to you. I had no idea it would be like this." He growled again and bent to bring his incredible mouth toward the front of her neck, his tongue leaving trails of flame as he turned her in his arms.
His mouth found hers in a blaze of need. His firm lips slid over hers, teasing, gently nipping and tugging before the tip of his tongue swept across her lips, seeking entrance. She willingly parted her lips in invitation. The velvet rasp of his tongue against hers brought a needy moan to her throat.
Eventually, he drew back, breathing hard. "We'd better go take care of those cattle. Or I'm going to have you stripped right here so I can taste every inch of your delicious body."
When he spoke like that, she almost believed him. Until the reality of her existence struck again. A plain woman, more masculine than feminine, didn’t attract that kind of attention from a gorgeous man for long. Maybe it was a little diversion. Maybe he was bored and so accustomed to female companionship, he just automatically seduced any female that came within range. No matter how badly she wanted to believe he was genuine, she was perfectly aware of the real nature of men.
With a sigh she forced herself out of the fantasy. "We should go."
Halfway expecting him to insist on driving, Sam hung back a little until it was clear Toren intended to go to the passenger side. With a shrug, she climbed behind the wheel and coaxed the truck to life.
"By the way. Do you know anything about the new hole in the truck's floorboard?" She'd discovered the hole on the drafty drive back the ranch after the little sojourn in the hunting cabin, but hadn't said anything. A piece of sheet metal tack-welded in place took care of the problem, leaving only the mystery of the hole's origin.
"Um, sorry about that." The sheepish note in his voice made her glance up to find reddened cheekbones. "It's my fault. When I brought you to the cabin after the fire, the cabin sort of loomed up out of nowhere and I hit the brake harder than I intended."
He left it at that and she didn't ask further. A man as big and powerful as Toren probably had accidents like that on a regular basis. When she popped the clutch and they jolted over ruts, Toren braced himself securely, but didn't complain about her driving. Probably afraid she'd insist he drive so he'd end up Fred-Flintstoning the truck down a hill.
The first location would take about an hour to reach with the snow, if she didn't have to use the blade attached to the front of the truck to clear part of the track. "You never did tell me where you were from."
He was so quiet for a moment, Sam thought he might refuse to answer. "It's hard to explain. I didn't grow up in a traditional home."
She grinned, unable to resist teasing. "What? You sprang forth fully formed?"