Page 38 of Tempest

Lights pricked the back of her eyelids as she swayed on her sandals. Could she pass out just from a suggestion? Before she fell over, Ryan’s face appeared before her. “I have no response.”

“That’s okay. I expect that brain cells are going to be destroyed after you and I get our clothes off. I saw your old cowboy boots by the back door, so I’m guessing you have some experience riding. I look forward to feeling you ride me before the night’s over.”

Pulling herself out of the sexual haze she was wrapped up in took Herculean effort, but she managed it by staring at her priest, who was walking their way. “I guess…I’ll have to break you the same way I did that stallion I had when I was seventeen. You are right…I do know a thing or two about mounting a wild horse.”

He choked just as Father Hobart approached. “Is this your young man?” the priest asked, as Ivy thumped on Ryan’s back.

“Yes, Father. This is Ryan Cordell.”

“A pleasure to meet you, young man. You must have something special if you’ve caught the interest of our Ivy. She’s an exceptional woman, and you’re a lucky man.”

Ryan shook the priest’s hand and smiled. “Yes, sir. I’m lucky indeed, and I think I have just what Ivy needs.”

Before he could say more, the priest was called over by a group of men. “We’ll talk later,” the priest said before he walked off.

As the priest moved out of earshot, Ryan spoke into Ivy’s ear. “I’ve got nine inches of something that you need, Ivy Bellows. You can ride me all you want.”

“I need a martini,” Ivy said with more force than was necessary.

Ryan took her hand and led her over to the bar. “Whatever you want, honey. I’ll make sure you have it.”

That’s what she was afraid of. If he was as amazing as she thought he was, then she was in deep trouble. A smart, honorable man with a kind heart was bad enough. If you added great in bed, then she was done for. Nothing good could come out of something like that.

***

The band started to play, and Ryan stood and held out his hands. “Come on, Ivy, let’s have that dance.”

“I can’t move. I ate too many hush puppies.”

“I’ll push you around. All you have to do is stand up straight.” He heaved her out of her chair and kissed her head. “I’m getting my dance, even if I have to carry you around the floor.”

“I’m coming.” She followed him out to the small space that had been set aside for dancing and slipped into his arms. “I eat when I’m nervous, and all this sexy talk has me on edge.”

He held her against his chest as the band played “Tennessee Whiskey.” If there was a song that would seduce her, it was this one. She hummed along as they moved under the fairy lights. A small breeze blew across her skin as she rested her head against his chest. A perfect Texas evening to lose her ever-present control.

“Honey, I just want to make you feel good. That’s all tonight is about.”

“What if you make me feel so good that I want to keep you?”

“That’s what I’m hoping for. You told me when I met you that you were only interested in a man who wanted your heart. I’m here because I want to own that part of you.”

“Why me?” she asked as she stared into his sea-green eyes.

“Because you make me happy, and I want to do everything I can to hold on to that.”

“My goodness, Ryan, you have turned on a light for me. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I figure it’s time I quit being scared.”

“I’ve got you, Ivy.”

He moved them around the dance floor, and she decided that even if this thing didn’t last beyond next week, it would still be worth giving it everything she had. After all, you couldn’t complain if you never got in the game, and it was about time she went all in.

***

Ryan jumped out of the truck and hustled around to get Ivy out. The day had been one long seduction, and verbal foreplay had him dancing on the blade of a sword. Before he could open Ivy’s door, she jumped out and grabbed his hand.

“What are you waiting for?” Her laughter filled the quiet night as she ran for the front door.

“I hope you’re ready.” He skidded to a stop behind her, wrapped one hand around her waist, and moved the other up the front of her blouse. Her soft skin felt like silk beneath his fingers as he slowly let himself trace the underside of her breast. When she gulped loudly, he knew he wasn’t the only one on edge.

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