Page 39 of Overdue for a Cowboy

She cut him off before he could finish his sentence. “What I’m saying is…quick talking and start taking advantage of me. This water isn’t going to stay warm forever.” She pressed her body against his and threaded her fingers into his hair to pull his head down to meet hers.

This time, she kissed him. Her lips were moist and cool from the water, but her tongue was warm as it slipped inside his mouth. She must have brushed her teeth before getting in the shower, because she tasted minty and sweet, and he couldn’t get enough of her.

His arms wrapped around her, and he hauled her against him, the motion rough but he was still cognizant of her sprained wrist. Finally able to explore her body, he ran his hands over her slippery skin, pausing to give attention to her lush breasts before sliding his hand down, over her round hips then between her slick legs.

He took his time, kissing her as his hands teased and caressed. He pulled back and watched in lust-filled fascination as beads of water trickled down her breasts and spilled off the tips of her tightened nipples. Leaning down, he captured one in his mouth, sucking at both the trickle of water and the hardened nub.

Maisie moaned as she arched into him, pressing her back and the palm of her good hand against the shower wall. He teased the tip of each nipple as he found a rhythm, stroking her most sensitive spot until she was writhing against him then crying out in release.

She sagged against him, clinging to his shoulder, her face pressed into his neck. Then she surprised him by dipping her head and circling his nipple with her tongue before grazing the edge of it with her teeth.

The action shot a white-hot sensation of heat surging through him, and he slapped a hand against the shower wall to steady himself.

Before he could respond, her hand slid down his shoulder, over his waist, and then he sucked in a breath as she caught him in her palm. This time,hishead tipped back in ecstasy as she stroked her hand along his length.

Then she shrieked as the hot water suddenly ran out and icy water sprayed across them. “Turn it off.” She yelped as she leapt out of the shower and grabbed a towel.

He laughed as he twisted the handle to turn off the spray then shook the cold water from his head, misting her with drops.

“That didn’t seem fair,” she told him, wrapping a towel around herself. “You had to turn the wateroffjust as I was turning youon.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Yeah, I noticed. So, what do you think we should do about that?”

“I think you should help me dry off then race me to the bed to see if I turn you on again.”

Chapter Eighteen

Several hours later, after they had spent another two hours in bed, then taken the dog for a walk and cooked and eaten the lasagna, Maisie lounged on the sofa with her feet in Dodge’s lap. They were both reading, and his hand would occasionally drop down from his book and massage her arch.

She’d read the same page three times already, trying to concentrate on the words, but couldn’t help sneaking glances at Dodge. She felt like she needed to pinch herself. She couldn’t believe that she had spent the last nightandthis morning in bed withDodge Lassiter. It felt like a dream. But her sore muscles and swollen lips testified to the fact that it had all been real.

Dodge’s phone vibrated, and he checked the screen before telling her, “It’s my grandpa,” then accepting the call. “Hey Gramps.”

Maisie tried to focus on her book, but Duke spoke so loudly, she could hear his whole part of the conversation blaring through the phone.

“How’s Maisie doing?” Duke asked.

“Pretty good,” Dodge told him, offering Maisie a smile. “I think she’s still sore, but she’s got her feet up and we’re both reading.”

“Sounds like a perfect afternoon for both of you.”

“It is.”

“Well, I hate to bother you, but I’ve been trying to watch television, and I was just getting into this new show and your brother’s dang dog sat on the remote, and now everyone’s speaking in French.”

Dodge chuckled. “I’ll be right out. It should only take me a minute to fix it, and I’m sure Maisie can manage for a bit on her own.”

She nodded her agreement, loving the fact that Dodge was so willing to drop everything and head back to the ranch to help his grandfather, even for something as minor as a remote-control catastrophe.

“I don’t want to trouble you,” Duke said. “But I was right in the middle of a good part and durned if I can tell what’s going on now. The main character is either the murderer or has become a pastry chef.”

“It’s no trouble. I’ll be there in ten.” Dodge clicked off the call and gingerly lifted Maisie’s feet from his lap.

“I heard,” she told him. “And now I really want to watch this show. I’m dying to know if the hero murdered someone or made them a macaron.”

“Me too.” Dodge laughed but hesitated to get up. “You sure you’ll be okay on your own?”

“Yes, of course. Although, if you wouldn’t mind the company, I could come along. I’d love the chance to thank Duke for all the cookies.”

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