Slow Hand (24 page)

* * *

He was slouched in the chair wearing only his faded jeans and a deepening frown. He'd never looked sexier, but he'd also never looked so distant. She was desperate to get a rise out of him but he'd hardly blinked when she'd blurted a crude offer of a blow job.

Had she just made a fool of herself? Had she come all this way for nothing?

“You're not really here to talk about ranching.”

“No, Wade.”

“Then why are you really here?” he demanded. “What do you want?

“There are some things I need to say to you.”

“I'm listening.”

“I've been thinking a lot about everything you said—about not trusting you. About pushing you away. You were right. You were right about a lot of things. When you asked me before I left what I wanted, I told you I didn't know. That wasn't exactly true. I already knew what I wanted but I didn't believe I could have it.”

“And what's that?” he asked.

She took a deep breath. “You.” She watched for any flicker of emotion, but he remained impassive, unreadable. She'd waltzed in with such bravado but now felt so uncertain, so vulnerable. “Am I too late? Are you already involved with someone else?”

“Not at present.” His crystal gaze held hers.

“I want a joint venture with you, Wade. What's it gonna cost me?”

“I don't know,” he replied slowly, hauling himself out of the chair. “You still talkin' ranching?”

“No,” she answered, tension coiling in her belly as he came toward her. “Ranching just seemed like a good excuse to come.”

“I can give you a much better reason to
come
,” he said. “In fact I'd like to give you a whole mouthful. And for the record, I'd like you to suck me too. C'mere, Nikki.”

The minute she was on her feet his arms came around her. She locked hers around his neck, shutting her eyes on a sound that was halfway between a sob and a sigh. She clung to him tightly as they moved, almost as if they were two-stepping across a dance floor as Wade backed her toward his bedroom. God, it was so damn good to be back in his arms. He was big and warm, smelled like heaven, and felt like it too.

“Did you really have any doubt about me?” His voice rumbled in her ear. “You must have been pretty damn sure of yourself to have put on that dress.”

“Not at all. The dress was my secret weapon.”

He cocked a brow. “A secret weapon?”

“Yes.” She was growing breathless with lust but he still held back. “I came prepared to wage war.”

Once through the bedroom door, he closed it with his foot, then spun her against it. His lips came down hungrily on hers, his kiss growing deeper, more intense, as he slid his hands with slow deliberation up her thighs, setting every inch of her skin on fire. His mouth broke from hers to glide up her neck, tracking her pulse with his hot tongue, and then tracing her ear.

“You must have known I was a goner the minute you walked in here.” His hot words tickled in her ear, sending ripples low into her belly and a pool of moisture between her thighs.

“I only hoped,” she murmured back, urging his hands higher. Her heart fluttered at his flaring pupils when he discovered nothing underneath but the thigh highs. “I was ready to pull out all the stops.”

“Were you now?” The low rumble of his laugh warmed her insides. “And you thought to begin by talking about
cows
?”

“I had to infiltrate your camp,” she explained. “I hoped we'd eventually move on to other things.”

“Like what?”

“Like maybe how much you missed me?” She tilted her head and parted her lips, inviting his kiss, but he held back, cupping her face and stroking her mouth with the pad of his thumb.

“I've missed you all right. A day hasn't gone by that I haven't ached for you.”

“Me too,” she whispered and brought his hand to her heart, covering it with her own. “Right here. But you still haven't said you want me back.”

He tangled his fingers in her hair and crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her as if he wished to devour her. Until she melted into him breathless and mindless.

“That answer good enough?” he asked. “Or do you still need more convincing?”

“Oh yeah, cowboy.” She grinned. “Lots and lots more convincing.”

He took her at her word, sliding to his knees and inching her skirt up, his lips following his hands. His hot mouth and questing tongue blazed a scorching trail from her knees to the tops of her stockings. He licked the lace edge and then nuzzled his bristled face between her thighs. Her knees buckled at the first hot, wet swipes of his tongue. She whimpered and clutched his shoulders for balance.

“So wet. So sweet.
So
mine
,” he groaned into her flesh.

She braced herself against the door as his masterful fingers plunged in and out in synchrony with the slick swirls of his hot tongue, her blood thrumming though her veins as he teased and tormented her. She plastered herself to him, grinding her hips against his mouth with every wrenching ripple of pleasure. “Please, Wade,” she panted, her body aching for him. “I can't stand this anymore. I want… I need… Please…”

He looked up at her with a wicked smile. “You need what, sweetheart? This?”

He curled his fingers inside her, massaging that magical place while flicking his tongue over her bud. Her insides clenched. Her body quivered with mounting tension.

“God yes. Don't stop!”

His chuckle vibrated through her like a tuning fork. “Or maybe more like this?”

He latched onto her clit and sucked, launching her into a screaming climax.

* * *

Wade licked her juices from his lips and stood. Her face was flushed, swollen lips parted, and blue-green eyes glazed over with spent passion when he caught her against him. He swallowed her soft sobs, kissing her deeply and tenderly until she came back to earth. He'd never tire of making her come apart, and damned sure wasn't finished yet.

With his hands under her ass and her legs wrapped around his hips, he carried her to his bed, where he unzipped her dress, and peeled it slowly off. She wore only the black stockings. Her skin was flushed, her eyes were heavy-lidded, and her hair fanned out in loose waves on the pillow. He stepped back to admire the view he'd missed while he shucked his jeans.

God, she's a gorgeous
sight.

He came over her, taking one tempting nipple into his mouth, suckling until she whimpered. He released it with a pop before moving to the other. She parted her thighs and reached for him. “Now.
Please.
”

He pulled back. “Sorry, darlin', but I'm not finished yet.”

“Is this some kind of punishment?”

“You might look at it that way. You made me wait a long time for you, Nikki. Didn't you once say payback's a bitch? Now roll over. Onto your stomach.”

He stuffed a pillow under her hips, then knelt at the foot of the bed where he began anew, peeling off her stockings one at a time, nibbling at her ankles, stroking his fingers over the backs of her calves, scraping his teeth up the back of her legs. He licked and sucked the erogenous spot behind her knees until she quivered again with want.

He moved up her body to her delectable ass where his lust grew hotter and his attention more aggressive. Molding and squeezing her buttocks, he added stinging bites that made her buck, only to soothe her tender flesh with hot open mouth kisses and long lashes of his tongue. After savoring every luscious inch of her ass, he worked his way up her spine licking, biting, and kissing one vertebrae at a time until his chest hugged her back and his cock lay nestled in the groove of her ass. He began a rhythmic rocking of his hips. It was so damned good just to feel her body beneath his again.

“Do you like that?” he breathed into her ear, then bit down on her lobe.

She moaned her reply, squirming against him, urging him inside her.

Beyond ready, Wade positioned her hips, and then froze.
Shit!
He'd forgotten a goddamn condom. And he was damned if he even knew where they were.

“What's wrong?” she asked.

“I don't have protection. Do you?”

“God no,” she replied in dismay. “I didn't even think of it.”

“How long has it been for you?” he asked.

“Not since we were last together. What about you?”

“There's been no one else, Nikki.”

“So we're exclusive?”

“Yeah. We are as far as I'm concerned.”

“Then we don't need anything.”

“Thank you, Jesus,” he moaned, dipping into her wetness, and sliding his bulbous head through her sex-slickened folds. Having already tortured himself to the brink of insanity, he closed his eyes, withdrew slightly, and plunged deep, losing himself in the mind-melting sensation of Nikki.

* * *

Determined to make up for lost time, they never left the apartment the entire weekend, and barely emerged from the bed. They made love until exhaustion set in, dozed for stretches, only to wake up and begin again. Between bouts of lovemaking, they laughed, talked, and even ate in bed, only to fall back into each other's arms. Their weekend together was like nothing Nikki had ever known. It was different now. The blossoming bud of trust as they rediscovered one another and explored new desires, made each time better than the last.

When Monday morning came, Nikki awoke cradled snugly by Wade's body. She lay there with her eyes closed, not daring to stir, only wanting to linger in his warmth, his scent, in the feel of him wrapped around her. Unable to resist, she wriggled against him and he responded with a guttural sound that vibrated through her back. Only half awake, he slid his hand from its position on her breast to the space between her thighs, pushing his fingers into her wetness.

Without even opening his eyes, he positioned himself at her entrance. She loved how he felt inside her, how completely he filled her, so big and hard and hot, and how he always ensured her pleasure. It began lazy and languid as they settled into a slow, steady, rocking rhythm while his bristly cheek nuzzled her neck.

Wade kissed his way to the junction of her shoulder and gently bit down, as he drove deeper, increasing the force of his thrusts while his finessing fingers traced slow, teasing circles around her clit. Wade was languid and tender, entering her deliciously deep, slow, and sweet, maintaining a steady cadence with her breathless sounds until she spiraled once more into shuddering bliss. It seemed as if Wade wanted to convince her with his body what words could never convey. For the first time in her life she felt safe and secure. Cherished. Loved.

Moments later, as she lay spent in his arms, she looked up to find him studying her, his eyes sober and his brows pulled together. “What is it?” she asked.

“You haven't changed your mind, have you? You're not going to hie on back to Georgia and never come back, are you?”

“No, Wade. It's different now. I'm different.”

“How?”

“I went back the first time because I'd convinced myself we were doomed to fail before even giving it a chance. I was afraid of heartbreak.”

“Why?”

“Because it seemed too good to be real. You were too good to be true. I was insecure and afraid to trust that you really cared for me beyond this.”

“And now?” he asked.

“I'm still scared,” she admitted.

“I told you a long time ago I'd never hurt you, Nikki.” He kissed her softly. “I meant it.”

“I know you did and I'm sorry that I was the one to hurt us both, but I'm ready now. I truly want us to make this work.”

“I'm damn glad to hear that.” He grinned. “Any more
convincing
at this juncture would surely kill me.”

She laughed. “I doubt that, but you'll have time to rest up while I'm gone.”

“How long before you come back?” he asked.

“Not long. I only need a few weeks to take care of things. I think I'll just let Shelby have the apartment until my lease is up. I doubt I can get everything done before Christmas, but I should be back in time for us to celebrate New Year's together.”

“I can't think of a better way to begin it,” he said.

She traced a random pattern on his chest. “Wade?”

“What, darlin'?”

She looked up into his face. “Promise me it'll always be like this with us.”

He claimed her lips with an all-consuming kiss, the kind she'd never get enough of for as long as she lived.

He released her slowly, murmuring hotly against her mouth. “It always will be with us, sweetheart… As good as it gets.”

Epilogue

A crash sounded outside her apartment, sending Nikki racing to the front door. She flung it open to find Shelby dragging a gargantuan fir tree up the steps.

“What the heck are you doing, Shel?”

Shelby looked up, her Santa hat askew. “What does it look like? The trees were on clearance at the Home Depot, so I thought I'd buy one and spread some Christmas cheer.”

Nikki scrunched her face. “Don't you think it's a bit too big for the apartment? That thing must be seven feet tall!”

Shelby shrugged. “I wanted the best one. Though I think it's going to look more like a Charlie Brown tree by the time I get it in the door.”

On closer examination, the tree was pretty dried up and its needles formed a trail of green all the way from the apartment steps to the parking lot.

“How on earth did you even get it home?” Nikki asked.

“Got a ride from the guy working in the garden department. I also have a date now for New Year's Eve.” Shelby winked. “It was kind of a trade.”

“Glad to know
one
of us will be having a good time.”

“So, you still can't get a flight out?”

“No,” Nikki sighed. “And I miss Wade horribly. We were supposed to spend New Year's Eve together, but the airlines are completely booked until the weekend
after
the holiday. I've called every day and put myself on all the waiting lists. I had no idea Montana is such a popular Christmas destination.”

“You could always drive there,” Shelby suggested.

Nikki shook her head. “Not on your life. I've never driven in snow before, let alone snow- and ice-covered mountains. The idea of it terrifies me even more than flying. Besides, I was going to leave you my car since you still don't have one.”

“That old piece of—”

Nikki silenced her with a look. “It's still better than the one you
don't have
, isn't it?” she retorted, hands on her hips. “A little appreciation might not be out of order.”

“Quit acting like my mother.”

“Then don't be such an ungrateful little brat.”

Shelby dropped the tree and threw her hands in the air. “Fine! I'm outta here!”

“C'mon, Shel,” Nikki cajoled. “Let's not get into it again. It's Christmas Eve. I'd rather have eggnog than arguments.”

Shelby's scowl softened. “You're right. And I could go for a drink. You got anything good to spike it with? Or do I need to go back out and hit the package store?”

“I've got a bottle of Bacardi stashed away.”

“
Had
,” Shelby corrected.

“You drank it?”

Shelby shrugged. “Mojitos go really good with Jerry Springer.”

“I can't believe anyone with your IQ watches that crap!”

“It's highly entertaining…not to mention culturally enlightening.”

Nikki shook her head. “If that's true, I'd rather stay in the dark, thank you very much. C'mon. Let's get this pathetic tree inside, although with all my stuff packed up, I'm not sure what we'll decorate it with.”

Shelby grinned. “Don't worry. I bought a bunch of Christmas thongs on clearance.”

* * *

“I'm so sad,” Nikki whispered tearily into her phone. “I tried every flight but it's impossible. I
really
miss you, Wade.”

“Me too, darlin',” Wade replied. “More than you know. I can't wait to show you just how much. We'll make up for all the lost time when I see you.”

“You promise?” Nikki asked.

“Yeah. I promise.”

“How are you going to make it up?”

“You really want me to tell you?”

“Yeah. In explicit detail, but maybe I should take this conversation into the bedroom first.”

“That might be a good idea,” Shelby replied, rolling her eyes and upending the empty bottle of Captain Morgan.

The doorbell rang. Nikki stared at her watch with a scowl. It was almost midnight. Who would be dropping by at this time of night? The bell chimed a second time. She covered the phone and hissed to Shelby who was sprawled across the sofa watching a marathon of
A
Christmas
Story.
“Get it, will you? I'm kinda busy right now.”

Shelby protested, “But this is the part where he gets his tongue stuck to the flagpole.”

When Shelby still made no move to answer it, Nikki jerked her head toward the door. “All right already!” Shelby muted the movie before heaving herself up to answer the bell.

“I'll be counting the days,” Nikki continued to Wade.

“That so? Well, I'm counting the seconds now. I'm hoping it's not more than thirty before you answer the door.”

“What?” Nikki bolted out of her chair. “Are you saying—”

Shelby flung the door open. “Well, boy howdy, Nikki! Just look at what Santa dropped off!”

Wade stepped through the doorway, tipping his hat with a mile-wide grin. “Merry Christmas.”

“Wade!” Nikki shrieked, shoving Shelby out of the way to leap with simultaneous laughter and tears into his open arms. He picked her up and swung her around, almost knocking over the thong-covered Christmas tree. “How did you get here?” she asked, raining kisses all over his beloved, beard-stubbled face.

“Camped out for two straight days at the airport waiting for anyone to no-show on any flight headed south. I only got as far as St. Louis and then had to rent a car and drive the rest of the way.”

“I can't believe you did that! Or that you're really here!”

“I couldn't stand the thought of not being with you for Christmas, New Year's, or any other day to come.”

“Oh, Wade,” she cried. “I don't even know what to say!”

He flashed his sexy grin. “Say yes.”

“Of course! Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!” She suddenly drew back with a puzzled look. “Yes to what?”

“You didn't think I came empty-handed did you? A guy who shows up at his girl's place on Christmas Eve had better be armed.”

Nikki's heart almost stopped when he plucked a velvet-covered ring box out of his shirt pocket.

“Oh my God!” Shelby's jaw dropped. “A ring? He brought you a freaking ring!”

Nikki swallowed hard. “But we never even talked about this. I thought we were going to wait a while to see…” She stared at the box, afraid even to touch it.

He opened the box to a gorgeous emerald-cut diamond surrounded by glittering baguettes. Nikki stared down at the ring through eyes blurred with joyful tears and then back at Wade.

“I'm not getting any less certain about us.” He paused, searching her face. “Are you?”

“No,” she cried. “It's been agony being away from you these past weeks.”

“Me too. I know we didn't talk about this but it just felt right to me. We don't have to rush into it if you don't want to, but you'll let me put it on your finger, won't you?”

His eyes held a look of uncertainty, of vulnerability, that she'd never seen in him before. Did he actually think she'd refuse it? With her throat too tight to speak, Nikki stuck out her hand with an emphatic nod. Wade took it in his with an audible sigh of relief and then dropped to one knee.

“You've got to be kidding.” Shelby grimaced. “Are you for real?”

Wade's grin returned, even broader than before, displaying his perfect white teeth and a mind-erasing dimple. “Humor me, Shelby. I'm an old-fashioned kinda guy.”

Wade's expression immediately sobered when he took Nikki's left hand in his. “I had this all planned out. I was going to ask you this question on New Year's Eve, after a bottle of wine and a nice romantic dinner, but once I bought the ring, I knew I couldn't wait. I've already wasted enough time in my life. Now that I know what I want, I don't want to waste another minute.”

“Me either,” she whispered.

His eyes of crystal blue bored into hers. “Then will you marry me, Nikki? Will you be my best friend and my lover for real and forever?”

Nikki watched in breathless amazement as he slid the ring past her knuckle and firmly onto her finger. She gazed at the shimmering diamonds thinking this was the most sublime moment of her entire life. “I still can't believe this,” she murmured.

“That's not the answer I was hoping for, sweetheart.”

“How about this?” She clasped his face between her hands, kissing it all over with wild abandon. Wade soon took command, toppling her backwards over his knee for a long, deep, heart-clenching kiss, releasing her from it slowly, reluctantly.

“Can I take that as an affirmative?” he asked.

“Yes, Wade.” Nikki stroked his perfect face feeling like her heart would burst. “I'll be your best friend and your lover. For real and forever.”

Order Victoria Vane's next book
in the Hot Cowboy Nights series

Rough Rider

On sale February 2015