Cowboy Country (95 page)

“Beth?”

Her throat too tight to speak, she nodded again.

“The only woman I think about when I’m with her is that woman.” He sounded mad. “I thought you knew that by now.”

“I do, but—”

“But what? What did I do that made you think for one minute my mind was on any woman but you?” He stood with legs spread apart, arms crossed. “Did I call her name when I ca—”

“No!” Heat flooded her face.

He softened his voice. “I wasn’t going down memory lane. I was with you, Ava.”

“But Beth died there. That was your special place—”

“Yes, we went there to be alone. I have four nosy brothers and a gossipy sister. And we cut Christmas trees together, too. But I’m here with you today. Because I once did things with another woman doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy those places and things ever again.”

“Liberty said you never went back there because it was too painful.”

He sighed. “My sister has a big imagination. Beth’s murder hurt for a long time. But I haven’t been back to the homestead because there’s been no reason to go there until last night.”

The knot in Ava’s chest began to unfurl. “Really?”

“The memory we made together is the one I want to hold on to.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Not a woman who’s dead and buried.”

Ava tipped back her head and looked into his eyes. “I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“Don’t.” He kissed her so deep and full of longing that she knew he told the truth.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The scent of pine and gingerbread filled the air.

Ava sipped a hot toddy while Levi, Travis and Paco played cards, occasionally breaking out in laughter. A fire blazed cheerfully; Christmas carols played on the stereo. Ginger, Liberty and Hunter decorated the biggest tree—each ornament accompanied by a sweet memory.

The short respite from the storm while they’d cut trees was over. Big, fat flakes came down with a vengeance. The house cocooned them in a private, safe world.

What a perfect day to make love.

The thought jolted Ava and she glanced at Levi.

He must’ve sensed her gaze, because he looked up from his cards to wink at her. She flushed and looked away. Had he read her mind?

Since their talk about Beth, Ava felt reassured he hadn’t used her to chase away the other woman’s ghost. He’d made love to her because he wanted her. The thought gave her a tingle in her abdomen.

If only they were alone.

She stood and walked to the window. Was Dario out there, waiting to take a shot at her, or any of them? Or had he finally given up and gone back to Vegas? No way to know. The uncertainty was beginning to wear on her.

Levi joined her. “You okay?”

“Just thinking about Dario, and what he’s up to.”

“I have the thing to take your mind off him.”

The tingle came back, stronger than before. “What’s that?”

“A dance. Tonight.”

“A dance?”

He took her hand and spun her in a pirouette. “Yep. We do a little boogying here in the backwoods. Everyone wears clothes, though, unlike the dancing you’re used to.” He grinned and she knew he was teasing her. “And no headdresses. Well, except for the time Dandy Wilkins got liquored up, stripped and used the punch bowl for a hat. He’s since been banned. Can you handle that?”

“Smart aleck.” She punched him lightly on the arm. “Where?”

“Town Hall.”

“I’d love to, but I don’t know how to do any country dances.

He studied her for a moment. “I’m a good teacher. I think you’ll learn easy enough…if you follow my lead.”

She flashed back to his tutoring of the night before. He was an excellent teacher. Was he as good on his feet as off? “I’d love to go with you.”

“Eight, and don’t be late.”

~*~

Although she really wanted to wear the lace mini she’d found at Mika’s, Ava chose black velvet jeans and a forest green silk tee instead. As she looked around the crowded hall, she was glad she had gone with pants. A few women had on dresses, but a lot more wore jeans and western shirts. She wore her new boots, wishing she’d gotten the flowery black ones instead of the serviceable brown pair.

She stood with Levi, his arm around her shoulders, and watched the dancers lit by the lights of an enormous Christmas tree. He told her the presents underneath had been donated by local 4-H clubs for underprivileged kids in the county.

Liberty danced with Drew, Levi’s friend. He was from Settler, too. After the song ended, the couple joined them. The men shook hands.

“Hey, buddy,” Drew said. “Looks like you’re keeping your gal safe and sound.”

“So far.”

Liberty dragged Drew back on the floor. “Let’s dance.”

Ava’s toe tapped in rhythm with the jaunty country tune.

“Would you like to dance?” Levi asked.

“Not yet. I need to see what they’re doing first.”

“You’re not at work. No one’s watching.” He pulled her onto the dance floor. “Follow my lead.”

It took a few moments, but she caught on quickly. Soon, she felt like an old pro as he swung and dipped her. She couldn’t remember having so much fun. When had dancing become just a job?

Finally, he led her to the edge of the floor. “Thirsty?”

“Dying.”

“Let’s get punch.”

She followed him through the crowd. “Is it spiked?”

“I hope so.”

Giggling, she took the cup he offered and tasted it. “Nope. Just punch.”

“Not like senior prom, huh, Levi?” A pretty brunette spoke. “We got pretty lit up, ended up at the drive-in, one thing led to another—”

“Hi, Jackie. How you been?”

“Good.” Her smile was bright. “Congratulations on winning the finals this year.”

“Thanks. I heard you’re doing pretty well yourself.” He slung an arm around Ava’s shoulders and pulled her close.

“Not too bad. I was on my way to the finals, but Hawk pulled a tendon in Houston. He’s almost ready to run again, and I have a promising colt.” She tipped her cup at Ava. “I’m Jackie Lawson. Levi and I went to school together, if you hadn’t guessed.”

“Ava Demassi.”

“You know each other from rodeo?”

“No,” Levi said. “We met in Vegas. At a club.”

Ava glanced at him. He was giving up a lot of information.

“Good for you, Ava. Levi, it’s been nice seeing you.” Jackie moved away and began talking to a handsome cowboy.

“High school girlfriend?” Ava asked frostily.

“Last-minute prom date.” He swung her onto the dance floor. “Nothing else.”

The little green monster in her belly vanished. She moved into his arms when the band changed to a slow tune. “I know how to dance to this.”

“Yes, you do,” he said in her ear. “No lessons required.”

They swayed together, alone in a crowd.

She rested her head on his shoulder. He smelled good, like pine and leather and mountains and freedom. His arms around her were strong and corded. And his erection against her belly had her trembling.

“Let’s get out of here.” His breath tickled her ear.

“Where do you want to go?”

“I have a few ideas,” he said suggestively. He touched the lobe of her ear with his tongue. “Here, for starters.”

A hot flush raced through her, centering in her quivering stomach. “Not your house. Your nephew is there.”

“He’s not.” Levi circled so that she could peer over his shoulder. “Look at the exit.”

She followed his directions and spotted Hunter talking to a group of friends. His longing gaze rested on a petite redhead.

“See what I mean? The boy has his mind on his, well, anything but us.”

“Your mom said—”

“My mama doesn’t need to know everything I do.”

He guided her off the floor and held her coat as she slipped her arms into the sleeves. They stopped long enough for him to have a quiet word with Travis, who grinned.

Ava felt her cheeks heat. “What did you say to him?”

“Just reminding him of a brother’s code.”

“Oh. I see.” She snuggled against him as they walked to his truck in the parking lot.

Once inside, they flew into each other’s arms, kissing until they gasped. His hands went to her waistband, then under her t-shirt to cup her breasts. Her nipples responded, pushing against her lace bra.

Levi pulled away and straightened her top. “As bad as I’m aching for you, I want you in a nice, comfy bed. Not a crowded pickup seat.”

“You know where to find one?”

He started the engine and pulled onto the road. “Yes, ma’am, I sure do.”

A soft song played in the dark cab, and neither spoke.

He took her hand and kissed the palm.

Her insides turned to mush.

~*~

Instead of taking the fork toward the ranch house, Levi turned his big truck the opposite direction and drove to the end of town. He turned right on the last street and drove to the end of the lane.

“Where are we going?” Ava asked.

“My brother’s place.”

“That’s what you said to Travis?” She gaped at him. “You asked to use his house for us to…you know?”

“Not that brother’s house.” He parked on the far side, out of sight. “Travis doesn’t live here. The one who does is out of town at an art show.”

“He’s okay with us being here?”

“Absolutely.” He opened the truck door and stepped out; she slid out after him.

He took her inside and turned on the light.

Ava looked around at the A-frame house. Western pictures covered every surface. Walls, the floor, on the table. She moved to examine one closer. She recognized Travis and Hunter as a toddler riding double on a buckskin horse. Another one showed their mother with her hand shading her eyes against the setting sun. Liberty barrel racing.

“Wow, these are good.”

“They’re all right.” He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I like this picture better.”

Ava turned into his embrace and lifted her face. It didn’t take much urging for him to claim her lips with his. He teased her mouth open with his tongue, then kissed her good and deep.

“Let’s take this upstairs.”

She nodded, mute.

They climbed to the loft, and Ava caught a glimpse of a king-sized log bed before Levi turned the lights low. He let go of her long enough to flip on the stereo. Soft country music drifted from hidden speakers as he kicked off his boots and slid off his shirt. His muscles bunched and played under his skin.

She swallowed hard. Such a beautiful man.

He reached for her and she went willingly into his arms. They slow danced around the room, kissing until she felt faint. He slipped his hands under her tee and she lifted her arms to let him remove the garment and toss it on a nearby chair. He knelt before her, unzipped her jeans, and tugged them over her hips and down her legs. Together, they managed to get her boots off and out of the way.

When she stood before him in her new lace bra and matching thong, he stood and reached for his belt buckle.

“May I?”

He grinned. “Be my guest.”

With trembling fingers, she unhooked his trophy buckle and top button of his jeans. Ava stopped long enough to taste his neck. His pulse throbbed under her tongue. Near where her fingers hooked into this waistband, his erection rose and pushed against the confines of his tight Wranglers.

Hot, wet heat flooded her.

“I think you better take these off.” She took her hands from his waistband. He wasted no time unzipping and kicking free of his jeans and shorts. His erection jutted arrogantly in front of him. Big. Proud. Like the man it belonged to.

“You have on too many clothes.” He reached for the front clasp of her bra and released it. After she pushed it off her arms he eyed her thong. “Still too many.”

She slid the scrap of fabric from her hips and over her legs. “Better?”

He eyed her. “There’s one thing that would make it even sweeter.”

A little huffy, she said, “What?”

“If you were on that bed.”

“Oh. Okay.” She giggled as she crawled in the middle of the giant mattress. “Better?”

“Just right.”

He edged onto the bottom of the bed and took her foot into his hands.

Ava tugged away. “My feet are ugly. Too much dancing.”

Ignoring her protest, he kissed it again.

He made love to both feet with his hands and lips before moving up her leg, sucking, tasting as he went. When it became clear where he was headed, she tried to close her legs. But he placed his palms on each thigh and held them apart.

“No, Levi. Please.”

“I want you wet for me.” Then his mouth went
there
. She’d heard about this, but never experienced it. Licking, nibbling, he teased her until of their own accord her thighs widened. Her stomach tightened. Her nipples hardened. She grasped the sheets, wrapping her fingers in them until they went numb.

He lifted his mouth and she moaned a protest.

Sliding a finger inside, he replaced his mouth on her and sucked her clit. She thought she might die from the pressure building in her insides. She lifted her hips to give him full access. He pressed his finger deeper than she thought possible.

Her climax came so fast and strong, she screamed his name. “Levi! God!”

He put a second finger inside her and spread them apart. His mouth lapped her. A second wave hit her harder than the first. She panted his name. She let go of the sheets and grabbed his hair as she bucked and cried his name.

Still thrumming like a guitar string, she moaned when he lifted his mouth and pulled his finger from her. He planted a trail of kisses up her abdomen and paused to suck each of her too-sensitive nipples.

He stretched out beside her and they kissed like it was their last goodbye. His tongue and hers met, mated. Backed off and did it again. She tasted herself on his lips and somehow that made her stomach clench again.

This time she didn’t need him to guide her, and she stroked his cock until it pulsed under her palm. He put a small package in her free hand. “Put this on me, baby. I’m not going to last much longer and I want to be inside you when I come.”