Page 8 of Big and Rowdy
"Define 'real,'" I say, eyeing the machine warily. It looks even more intimidating than usual.
"The kind that requires holding on tight and trusting me completely." His grin is pure mischief, but there's something serious underneath it. "I want to show you something special. Somewhere I've never taken anyone else."
The possessive note in his voice sends heat curling through my belly.
"How special are we talking?"
"The kind of special that requires a promise."
"What kind of promise?"
He steps closer, his voice dropping to something just above a whisper. "That you'll keep it between us. This place... it's sacred to me. Family land that's been untouched for generations."
The seriousness in his tone makes my chest tighten. There's no cockiness now, no practiced charm. Just a man offering to share something precious.
"Why me?" I ask quietly.
"Because you understand. You love wild places the way I do. And because..." He pauses, seeming to struggle with the words. "Because I want to share it with you."
The simple honesty of it takes my breath away. "Okay," I say quietly. "I promise."
The ride to Boone's secret place is unlike anything I've experienced. We climb higher than I thought possible, followingtrails that seem to exist only in Boone's memory. The four-wheeler handles terrain that would challenge a mountain goat, navigating through stands of spruce and aspen that whisper secrets in the northern wind. More than once I find myself pressed tightly against his back, my arms wrapped around his waist as we navigate particularly treacherous sections.
I can feel the play of muscles in his back and shoulders as he controls the machine, can smell the clean scent of his skin beneath the rain gear. By the time we reach our destination, I'm wound tight with more than just adrenaline.
"Close your eyes," Boone says as the engine dies.
"Seriously?"
"Trust me."
I squeeze my eyes shut and let Boone guide me off the four-wheeler, his hands steady on my waist. I can hear water rushing somewhere nearby, and the air smells like pine and rain-washed stone.
"Okay," he says softly. "Look."
I open my eyes and gasp. We're standing on a natural ledge overlooking a hidden valley that's like something out of a fairy tale. A waterfall tumbles down the far side in a ribbon of silver, feeding a crystal-clear pool surrounded by ancient trees. The recent rain has left everything looking washed and new, and mist still clings to the valley floor like gauze.
"Boone," I breathe. "This is..."
"I know." He's watching my reaction rather than the view, his expression soft and pleased.
"It's perfect." I turn to face him fully, overwhelmed by the gesture. "Thank you for sharing this with me."
"Thank you for understanding why it's important."
We're standing close now, the mist from the waterfall cools on our skin. I can see my own desire reflected in his dark eyes,and can feel the tension that's been building between us for days reaching a breaking point.
"Savannah," he says, my name a question.
Instead of answering with words, I reach up and pull his head down to mine.
This kiss is different from the others—hungrier, more desperate. His control, which has been admirable up until now, seems to snap completely. His hands tangle in my hair, and he backs me up against a sun-warmed boulder, his body pressing against mine in a way that leaves no doubt about his intentions.
"God, you're beautiful," he murmurs against my throat.
"Boone," I gasp, my hands fisting in his shirt.
"I want you," he says simply, raising his head to meet my eyes. "Here, now. But only if—"
