Free Hot Damn by Regina Carlysle

least two of them, moved back to take over the ranch.”
    “So, do you work there when you’re not rodeoing?”
    “I drop in sometimes to see if they need any help. But, hell, Scarlet, a man’s gotta make it on his own. Buck taught me that much and that’s what I plan to do. One day I’ll find my own place. Build a home.”
    Scarlet turned in his arms. He touched her on so many levels and she didn’t know why. Sure, he was ultra hot and sexy but she sensed an innate honesty that she found vastly appealing. Needing to touch him, she reached up and lightly stroked his cheek. “Home is important. I hope you find it.”
    “Enough about me. I’m boring as hell, honey. Already know you aren’t.”
    Laughing, she pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “Small town girls are really dull, I promise.”
    His grin was quick and wicked. “You’d have to go a long way to convince me of that.”
    “Bet you think I’m a huge slut.”
    “Huh? What the hell?”
    “Ah, I’m just kidding,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “It’s just that earlier, um, I mean—” Embarrassment swamped her. What a big mouth!
    Silencing her words with a finger over her lips, he bent close. His eyes were solemn, serious. “Don’t say things like that. I was the one who started what happened in the kitchen. Not apologizing for it though. Hell, I loved it.” His thumb stroked smooth and slow over her jaw making her shiver.
    “But why?”
    Nash closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. It was almost as if he were breathing her in, then he looked at her with those whiskey hot eyes. “I wasn’t going to make it through supper without touching you at least once. Don’t you know what you do to a man? From the moment I saw you strolling across that crowded room straight toward me, I’ve wanted you, wanted to test your responsiveness to me.”
    “So this was some kind of test?”
    “Not at all. Don’t tell me you haven’t felt the heat that burns between us. Hell, I can’t keep my hands off you. You’re a beautiful woman and I’m a healthy man.”
    “Don’t you mean a horny man?”
    He laughed. “That, too.” His gaze turned solemn. “Did I move too fast for you, darlin’? Cause I can do things slow, if you want. Real slow.”
    Nash trailed his hand over her bare shoulder then cruised one finger over her breast. She sucked in a hard breath and shivered.
    He cupped her gently, his thumb rubbing over her nipple. That quick, hard breath she’d drawn released in a languid sigh. She closed her eyes and leaned against his sturdy shoulder knowing she was lost.
    “You do slow real good, Nash. I like slow. I like it a lot.”
     

Chapter Five
     
    If she wanted slow and hot, he was just the man to give it to her. Taking her hand, he led her through the house knowing he might be making the biggest mistake of his life. A smart man wouldn’t mess around with a woman like Scarlet. She was the real thing and better than he deserved. She needed a stable man, one who’d be here. Hell! He was pulling out of town Sunday and who knew when he’d return? Maybe never.
    But fighting the attraction was a lost cause. He had to have her. That was the bottom line.
    Holding her hand tightly, he stopped by a doorway in the living room and gave her a look.
    “In here,” she whispered, taking the lead and drawing him down a short hallway into her bedroom.
    God, her room smelled sweet and fresh, just like her.
    Impatient, he pressed her against the wall and took her mouth with a voracious hunger. “You sure about this?” He panted the question against her mouth.
    Scarlet turned back into the kiss, then looked at him, those wide eyes sparkling in the shadowy room. “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve never wanted anyone more.”
    “You know I’m leaving.”
    She paused then whispered, “I do.”
    Did her voice sound just a little bit sad about that? His heart thumped hard enough to rattle his ribs. If she drew out this kind of response from him now, what would it be