Free When the Rancher Came to Town by Emma Cane Page B

within his embrace.
    â€œThat was . . .” He trailed off.
    â€œI hope it was amazing, because it certainly was for me.”
    His chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “Damn, there aren’t words.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll accept that,” she said, kissing his salty skin.
    The windows now held only gray light, the sun giving up for the day. At last she slid to the side, and he pulled her up against him.
    â€œOh, you’re still wearing the dress,” he said, his voice bemused.
    It was now slung around her waist in an untidy mess. “So I am. And I still have to wear it Sunday, so maybe I better take it off.”
    â€œI’m not stopping you.”
    She sat up and pulled the dress up and over her head, then enjoyed his look of reverence as he watched her breasts. She was never going to be skinny, but apparently he didn’t mind.
    And then his gaze lifted to hers, and his expression sobered. “I know you’d wanted to take things slower than this.”
    â€œI did, but apparently I’m not that good at controlling myself.”
    His growing smile was relieved. “Because I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable.”
    â€œYou didn’t. I wanted this as much as you. We were playing characters, and it made me feel sexy and silly, and I haven’t felt like that in forever. Maybe I needed it.”
    â€œOr maybe it was how good we are together,” he said softly.
    They studied each other for a long time, smiles fading.
    â€œI don’t know, Mason.”
    â€œI don’t either, Amanda, but maybe the point is that we have some kind of chemistry that’s rare and good. Can’t we take our time and explore it?”
    â€œBut—­”
    â€œSlowly. We have all the time in the world.”
    Though she’d been naked and not felt shy, now she did. “Okay.”
    â€œGood. And I’m happy you’re going to the rodeo tomorrow. I want to show you some of my world, introduce you to my sisters.”
    â€œYour sisters?”
    â€œDon’t sound so surprised. They brought our stock for the rodeo.”
    â€œOh, right.” Damn, that was forgetful of her.
    He caressed her cheek and down around her chin, murmuring, “They’ll like you a lot, I know it.”
    How could his sisters, related to a man like Mason, not be just as wonderful?
    â€œSince you have to work,” he said, “just call when you’re ready, and I’ll come get you.”
    â€œBut you have to compete. I can get there alone.”
    â€œI know you can, but I want to be with you. I want everyone to see that the prettiest girl at the rodeo is with me.”
    His words made her feel warm and tender and flustered. And it was wonderful. “I’ve never been to a rodeo. What should I wear?”
    â€œJeans or a skirt or shorts—­and cowboy boots.”
    She laughed. “I think I can manage that. Oh, but what time do you want breakfast?”
    â€œIs seven too early? I’m fine with cereal or whatever’s easiest.”
    â€œCereal? After the way I worked you tonight? I think not. We’ll give you a hearty breakfast: eggs, bacon, and toast. And don’t protest again. In fact, I’m kinda hungry now. Shall we go search my kitchen for some snacks?”
    The spent an hour in the semidarkness of her kitchen, enjoying ice cream and each other. Amanda felt like their conversation was natural and easy, like she would never run out of things to say.
    Tomorrow would take care of itself.

 
    Chapter 8
    T HOUGH M ASON SLEPT in his own room, he dreamed of Amanda, her lush body, her uninhibitedness, her unselfishness in bed—­and everywhere. He’d never met anyone like her. She’d been betrayed by a man, yet she’d been willing to give herself to Mason. She’d started her life over again, when many ­people might have given up, or at least settled for whatever wouldn’t hurt them. He