Free Texas Haven by Kathleen Ball Page A

breasts to fall heavily toward the ground. Peppering the back of her neck with kisses, he rolled both nipples between his fingers. He heard her moan and felt her hips begin to move. He knew what she wanted, what he wanted. He let go of her breasts and reached around her waist as he massaged her. Quickly he guided himself inside her and thrust for all he was worth. Nothing in his life compared to the feeling he experienced as he made love to her. Burke felt her tense as she came all around him bringing him to an immediate completion, a nd what a completion it was. He’d n ever had completion quite like that in his life. He was spent as he held onto Annie after they both finished. Finally, he pulled away, adjusted his jeans, and lifted her up into his arms. He sat on the bales of hay with her on his lap. The look she gave him was one of amazement and satisfaction. He couldn’t help feeling proud to have brought those expressions to her face.
     
    * * * *
     
    Annie reached up and stroked Burke’s face, loving the way it felt, whiskers and all. The back of her neck was probably rubbed red from all his kisses, but she didn’t care. She tried so hard to get her breathing under control, but her heart still raced as she snuggled against Burke’s chest. That had been definitely worth the wait. She never dreamed of feeling so good. It was pleasure beyond anything she’d ever felt and she didn’t want to talk or move. She wanted this feeling of joy to last as long as possible. You could never predict tomorrow, so she was set on embracing this day.
    She spotted her torn panties on the hard dirt, and suddenly felt dirty and sexy simultaneously. Slowly, she released herself from Burke’s hold retied her halter-top and reached for her panties. She wadded them up in her hand and gave Burke a sideways look before she scampered to the house. She could hear Burke’s laughter all the way to the porch.
    The leach, he hadn’t even taken off any off his clothes. It seemed improper, but hell, it felt wonderful. Annie smiled realizing just how wild she made Burke. It was definitely good for her self-esteem. She grew giddy just thinking about it.
    She skipped halfway up the stairs and stopped.
    Imagine Annie Douglas—make that Annie Dawson— skipping.
    She ran the rest of the way up and flopped down on her bed. She never wanted to feel any other feelings but joy and satisfaction, and naughtiness she had to admit, for the rest of her life.
    Suddenly, Burke jumped on the bed beside her and she squealed in delight. He gave her a quick kiss. Lifting himself up on one elbow, he gazed at her face. He gently brushed the hair from her face and kissed her again. “Let’s go out and celebrate,” he suggested.
    Annie kissed him back, long and lovingly. “Can we afford to go out?”
    “Your concern makes me proud.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her eyelids. He pulled away and smiled. “I think we can afford the diner,” he teased, “as long as you don’t order extra fries.”
     
    * * * *
     
    They held hands as they entered the diner. Noreen looked delighted to see them and readily came out from behind the counter, her graying hair falling from her bun a bit at a time. She quickly took Annie’s hand. “She’s got that special glow about her,” she teased, her eyes full of mischief. “What do you think Old Rowdy?” She motioned to the counter. “Doesn’t she look just like a newlywed should?”
    Annie blushed at all the attention. The whole diner looked at them. She heard Old Rowdy mumble something she couldn’t make out, but it didn’t seem to matter as Noreen continued to chatter and lead them to their table.
    Noreen seated them and announced to the whole diner that she had set them up together and was wholly responsible for their happy marriage. She preened as the other customers applauded, and turned back to the couple smiling. “Now tell me the truth,” she started, “he’s treating you okay isn’t he? I’d