Page 76 of One Lucky Cowboy

But ooh, had she felt out of her element. Not because she was picking weeds at the house, covered in dirt when she should’ve been working on spreadsheets or creating content slides on market projection for the board, but because Jax had looked so fine out there in his element, she’d longed for him in a way that threw her off the metaphorical horse and into unknown territory two states away from comfortable. She spun in front of the mirror one more time. This outfit was her sweet revenge.

She could have used more time to work on the final slides she’d be presenting to the CAF along with Deer Creek High School’s engineering teachers, but this was worth the tradeoff. She’d make time tomorrow by skipping her run. Hopefully, tonight would give her all the cardio she needed.

The doorbell chimed, and she jogged barefoot down the long hallway, stopping to fluff her curls, drape them over one shoulder, and catch her breath. She opened the door and—

Promptly lost her breath again.

“Wow,” she whispered. “You look—You look great.”

And that was an understatement of Texas-sized proportions. Jax wore newer jeans that had clearly never seen the dusty end of a horse but were still worn to a level that belied comfort. And then there was his button-down black linen shirt, rolled up over strong forearms and unbuttoned at the top just enough to see the definition of well-sculpted pecs that could’ve been an ad for a local gym.

That was if Jill didn’t know just how Jax’s muscles were made. He really did love working outside, being part of the land and the shaping of it through harmony of beast and man.

“Thanks.” He grinned like she’d given him the exact response he’d hoped for. “And might I add damn.”

His gaze shifted over her petite frame, lingering on her hips then her breasts, and she swallowed a smile. Then he licked his lips, and she couldn’t hold back the laugh, though.

“Come here, you,” he demanded, whisking her into his arms and planting a heated kiss on her lips like they did this kind of thing every day. Her stomach flipped on itself, warm and squishy. Kissing Jax was an open flame, and her heart was on the griddle.

“Jax, the door is open,” she said when he finally released her. It was a small complaint since she’d have stripped right then and there if he’d asked her to. But even though they lived in relative privacy, there were still ranch hands and contracted staff boarding on property.

“Let’s rectify that.”

He shut it and scooped her up from under the hips, then pinned her against the wood door. She moaned as he kissed her, his mouth as hungry as hers. His tongue drew hers into a game of exploration. The taste of mint and vanilla sent a surge of liquid heat to her core, dampening her new lace underwear.

“Oh my god,” she whispered.

Jax took that as a vote of approval and slid her dress straps off her shoulder, then trailed his lips along her collarbone.

“Mmm. Yes.” This is what I’ve been missing? Well, not anymore. If she was going to live next to a sexy cowboy who wanted to kiss her like this, she was darn well going to let him, and screw the consequences.

Jill leaned her head back against the door, desperate to give him access to every square inch of her.

He took advantage of it, sucking and nibbling on her exposed skin while his hands propped her up under her butt. He squeezed her flesh and his thumb moved across the lace of her underwear. She gasped.

“Sweet chilis, are you kidding me?” she asked.

He laughed, the heat from his breath warming her skin and giving her goose pimples at the same time.

“That’s a new one,” he said, breathless. Then, before she could answer, his mouth was on hers and she was in his arms, heading toward the couch.

“Mmm-mmm. Bedroom,” she said, breaking the kiss for barely a moment.

He crashed back into her, and all she was aware of was her back landing soft on the feather comforter and her dress being lifted over her head. After that, every move, every kiss, every touch she gave into without thinking of them at all.

She simply let him enjoy her and gave herself permission to do the same, regardless of the fact it was further than they’d gone before. Much further. Not that it was unexpected or unwelcome, just … a lot.

Two hours later—which she only knew because the clock in Maggie’s dad’s old office chimed, marking the new day that was upon them—they finally came up for air.

After coming who knew how many times. Honestly, Jill had lost count.

“Holy crap,” she said, collapsing on her side, her arm languidly draped over Jax’s chest. There wasn’t a solid bone left in her body. Jelly—she was made of jelly and smiles and a warm, fuzzy feeling in her chest. “That was—”

She dropped her head against his shoulder. Nope. She had nothing left. Not even words. So how could she feel so full and good when she was completely empty? Jax was a gosh-dang magician, that was all that made sense. And boy, was she under his spell. Kissing alone had transfixed her but sleeping with the man had all but ruined her for sex with anyone else, ever.

Was there ever a day I wanted to work over doing whatever it was we just did?

“Yeah, it was.” He kissed the top of her head.

---