Free A Cowboy's Charm by Brandi Michaels Page A

chest.
    Surprised by the blatant invitation in his voice, Callie wondered at his change in attitude. Instead of pushing her away, as he had done lately, he seemed to be encouraging her. It was a welcome change yet also confusing. Never having seen Rylan drunk, she wasn’t sure how much his mood was being affected by alcohol.
    “You haven’t been interested in any TLC lately,” she reminded.
    He held her gaze for a long minute before responding. “I might be now.”
    Callie trembled. There was no mistaking the suggestive tone. He wasn’t playing games. He wanted her. A burst of shouting and laughter drew their attention back to the tables. Somebody had sunk the cue ball in a side pocket. Another game was finished and the competitors were moving into the final challenge.
    Rylan hung up his pool cue and turned to watch. He leaned against the bar and drew her in front of him. Then he rested his chin on her head and wrapped both arms around her waist. With a gentle tug he urged her to lean back against his chest.
    She tried to concentrate on the pool game but it was impossible. Especially after Rylan started burrowing his face beneath her hair. His warm breath tickled her ear and goose bumps shivered down her spine. His voice was heavy with huskiness as he murmured. “If I kiss you right here,” his lips brushed the tender flesh behind her ear, “will you shiver and feel it deep inside?”
    The butterfly kiss garnered the reaction he’d expected. A tremor shot through her.
    “If I nibble right here,” he said, brushing his lips against the back of her neck, “will your breasts swell and your nipples pucker up real tight?”
    Callie couldn’t even pretend to watch the game any longer. Everything but Rylan’s touch faded in significance. She closed her eyes and leaned more fully against him. His arousal pressed against her in a sensual taunt and heat spiraled deep inside, just as he’d predicted.
    Rylan’s hold on her shifted and his forearms brushed against her breasts. Her nipples pearled tighter. He murmured encouragingly as he felt the reaction.
    She knew they had to get out of the bar before she made a complete fool of herself. She was melting on the spot. When his teeth grazed her sensitive flesh again she uttered a small moan.
    “Ready to go?” His voice was hoarse with arousal.
    Callie knew if they left she’d be branded as Rylan’s woman for all eternity. She knew he’d had too much to drink and that his defenses were down but she didn’t care about anything except being alone with him.
    “I’m ready.”
    He tucked her under one arm while tossing some bills on the bar for their tab. They made their way out of the bar without a backward glance. Some taunting and ribald laughter followed their retreat but neither of them cared.
    Rylan helped her into his truck, slammed the door, circled the front and climbed behind the wheel. He started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot without saying another word.
    When they’d traveled several miles in heavy silence Callie started to get nervous. Then he reached over to grab her arm, tugging her close to his side. She didn’t need any further invitation.
    Snuggling as close as possible, she pressed against him while clasping his right hand in both of hers. She stroked each finger separately, loving the feel of the calloused skin. She interlocked their fingers and then slowly lifted his hand to place a tender kiss on his palm.
    A low moan escaped Rylan. She felt his shudder and her confidence began to return. It awed her to think that her touch could affect him so deeply. Next she took his thumb into her mouth and sucked it gently.
    The sound he made caused her pulse to leap and race and set her blood on fire. Then he was pulling her hand to his mouth, bathing it with his tongue. His hot, wet lips made heat pool in her belly.
    “Rylan!” Her whisper was rough and needy.
    “Turnabout’s fair play,” he insisted gruffly. “See what you do to me? What