Flirting with Love (28 page)

She lifted her hips, and he slid into her until their hips touched. He rocked his hips, angling up as her body began to quiver. She pressed her wrists against his strength.

“Want me to stop?” he whispered against her cheek.

“Never. More, Rossie. More.”

He thrust in deeper and harder, feeling her arms strain against him. He searched her eyes, checking in, making sure they were in sync, and—Oh yeah, they were in sync, all right. He felt her thighs flex, and her eyes slammed shut.

“Ross.”

“Come, baby.” He pumped faster, taking her right up to the edge. God, he loved to watch her come. Her body tensed around him, and she made the sexiest little noises, which slipped out like promises in the dark. When her body began to ease down from the orgasm, he released her wrists and gathered her in his arms, holding her against him until the last of the tremors vibrated through her.

“Again,” she whispered.

He moved his hips faster, pushed in deeper, and she guided his hands to her wrists again.

“Again,” she urged.

He took hold of her wrists and rode her hard.

“I’m not going to last.”

She made one of those sexy sounds again. “Try,” she urged.

Holy fuck, was she kidding? Did she have any idea how close to the edge he was? He slid his hands down to her hips and pressed them into the mattress, then took her quickly up to the peak again. She clawed at his back, pretzeling her legs around his body and lifting her ass so he could go deeper as her body shuddered and pulsated around him and his name sailed from her lips.

“Again,” she panted.

“No promises,” he groaned, and captured her wrists in his hands, then held them out to her sides as he loved her faster.

“Oh God…Oh God…”

“Come on, baby. Get there, because I’m not going to last. You’re so damn sexy you’re driving me crazy.”

“Come with me.” Her eyes flew open. “With me, Ross.”

Her invitation sent a surge of heat blazing through him, spurring him into a blind frenzy of need and want and everything in between. He drove in harder, deeper, and released her hands. She clawed at his back, digging her nails into his skin and driving him out of his ever-loving mind. Two more deep thrusts and her hips bucked against his. He stayed in deep, groaning through his own intense release. They remained tangled together, their bodies joined as one, both struggling to regain control of their senses, spent, satiated, and slick with sweat. Ross held her against him until her pulse slowed and her breathing eased.

He lifted up and she tightened her arms around him, holding him in place.

“Don’t go,” she whispered. “I like being close.”

He rested his head on her shoulder and kissed her heated skin. “I’ll never leave you.” She’d zapped his strength and claimed his heart, and he was the happiest man alive.

THE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL Fairgrounds were located at the edge of town and had been a showcase of all things farm related in the county since the early 1950s. Boasting carnival rides, a petting zoo, live animal competitions, and a variety of foods and entertainment, the county agricultural fair was the largest fair in the state of Colorado. Families came from near and far to enjoy the monster trucks, demolition derby, cattle roping, and of course to see the award-winning animals up close: pigs, goats, sheep, dairy cattle, and horses. Elisabeth had attended a handful of times throughout the years with her aunt, and this year she was excited to be part of the program. She’d always loved the sight of the animal pavilions, and the large barns full of unique handmade items for sale, such as arts and crafts, quilts, wooden furniture, and much more. Fresh-baked goods, locally grown vegetables and fruits, and canned goods were also a big part of the event.

Ross constructed her awning and set up the refrigeration unit she’d rented, then helped her arrange the tables, hang signs, and prepare her grooming station. Elisabeth tied balloons to the table legs and the poles of the awning. Around them, other exhibitors set up their booths, waving and making small talk about the weather and how big the crowds were expected to be. The gates opened while Ross was returning from the exhibitor parking lot, where he’d gone to put away the temporary coolers she’d used to carry the pies.

Elisabeth watched Ross walking back from the parking lot. He looked striking in his jeans and Trusty Veterinary polo shirt that stretched tight across his strong chest. Their eyes caught and her breath hitched. Oh, how she loved him. She’d had no idea what real love was, even though she’d dreamed of it every day of her life, until Ross came into her life, and every second they spent together drove the knowledge deeper.

Ross lifted his hand and waved, flashing his sexy smile that she loved so much.

“I’m not sure I can spend all day watching all those googly eyes.” Emily flopped into Elisabeth’s chair.

“I’m sorry!”

“I’m kidding. I’ve actually never seen Ross like this. It’s kind of nice, and kind of unfair.” Emily was wearing a pair of cutoffs, a tank top, and sandals. She kicked off her sandals and pulled her legs up under her.

“Oh, stop. You’ll find your true love. I know you will.” Elisabeth reached a hand out to Ross as he came to her side.

“Hey, sis. Seen Jake yet?” Ross kissed Elisabeth’s temple.

I love that. I love you
.

“Yeah, he’s over with the greasy mechanics.” Emily pulled at the edge of her tank.

“As I remember, there’s a certain greasy mechanic who would love to go out with you.” Ross raised his brows.

“Really?” Elisabeth asked.

“Ugh. Don’t even go there.” Emily glared at Ross. “I’ll never do anything for you again if you try to push Tate on me.”

“He’s a good guy. Nice as hell. You’re just too picky for your own good.” Ross turned his attention to Elisabeth. “I want to head over and find Jake. Mom’s having a breakfast for everyone tomorrow before the fair. I told her we’d come. Is that okay?”

“Of course. I’ll make some muffins to bring with us.”

Ross kissed her again. “You don’t need to do that. You’ll be exhausted tonight.”

“I want to.” She shooed him away with her hands. “Go see Jake before things get crazy. People are already starting to arrive.”

He reached into the cooler and pulled out a beer cake. “Can I bring this for Jake?”

“Bring it for
Jake
, yeah, right.” Emily rolled her eyes with a teasing smile.

“Of course. Enjoy.” She’d made a few extra cakes because most of Ross’s brothers and their girlfriends were going to be at the fair.

By noon the grass in front of Elisabeth’s booth was trampled flat. Callie and Daisy were tending to customers, selling slices of pie and slices of beer cake, while Emily was handing out puppy cookies and other goodies and selling them to the customers whose dogs Elisabeth was giving pawdicures. She’d been busy since early morning, and she was loving every second of not only the work, but being with the girls.

Emily set up a tip jar beside Elisabeth, which Elisabeth had been excruciatingly embarrassed by, but it solved the more embarrassing position of constantly turning away money that was offered. She’d set up the free pawdicures as a way to meet people and gain new clients, while also getting them over to the table and introducing them to her baked goods. It had worked so well that they’d sold most of her beer cakes already. Emily had also set up a clipboard sign-up sheet, where customers left their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, as well as what they were interested in—pet grooming, pet baked goods, or people baked goods. Emily had such a strong business sense, she’d already begun ticking off ideas, like a weekly Paws & Pies newsletter.

Tracie and Maddy came by with Justin Bieber for a puppy treat. Maddy’s long red hair hung loosely to her waist.

“Thank you for cleaning up Justin Bieber. I thought you’d have to shave him bald.”

“He’s too handsome to shave. Just try to keep him out of the creek.”

Tracie bought a bag of doggy cookies. “Thanks again, Elisabeth. I’ll call you to schedule another grooming in a few weeks.”

When Elisabeth finished with the puppy she was working on, she exhaled loudly. “You guys, I don’t think I could have run the booth without you. Thank you so much.”

“This has been really fun.” Callie pulled her dark hair up and secured it in a high ponytail.

“Yeah. It’s been a blast. I have to run to see Shaley and Luke, but I’ll try to come back after.” Daisy hugged Elisabeth. “Welcome to the sisterhood. Wes told me that Ross said he loves you.”

“Really?” Elisabeth felt her cheeks flush.

“Those guys gossip like girls,” Daisy explained. “It’s all good. Now you’re really one of us. One more Braden man enters couplehood.”

“Now it’s Emmie’s turn.” Callie put her arm around Emily.

“Speaking of…” Daisy nodded at Tate McGregor heading toward the booth. She leaned in close to Emily and whispered, “You’ve been spending a lot of time with him lately. Are you holding out on us?”

Emily gave her a shove. “Go see my brother. I am
not
going out with him. I’m working on a project with him.”

Elisabeth watched Tate approach. Did every man in Trusty wear low-slung jeans and tight T-shirts? He had a deep tan, shiny black hair, and like most guys around town, a tattoo snaking out from under his sleeve.

“He is cute,” Elisabeth whispered.

“We’re not dating,” Emily snapped. “I’ll be back.” Emily hurried out of the booth and joined Tate.

Elisabeth watched them walk off together. “You think they’re dating?”

“No idea, but I doubt it. She’d be gushing about it if they were.” Callie nibbled on a crumb of beer cake. “She needs that trip to Tuscany so badly.” A group of women were heading for their booth. “Oh good, customers. Take a break. I’ll watch the booth for a few minutes.”

“Thanks. Want me to bring you a soda?”

“Iced tea would be great. Thanks.” Callie turned to help a customer.

Elisabeth went off in the direction of the snack pavilion. She wandered through the livestock pavilion on the way. The smell of hay and sweaty animals probably turned a lot of people’s stomachs, but it made Elisabeth think of Kennedy, Dolly, and the other animals, and how much she loved living in her aunt’s house. She sighed and leaned on a stall, thinking of Ross. If it hadn’t been for Kennedy, she wondered when they might have met. She was sure they would have. Fate would have seen to it.

A wave of people came through the pavilion, and she weaved her way free of them and into the crowd moving in the direction of the food. The warm summer air carried away the scent of the animals and brought in the aroma of grilling meat, deep-fried foods, and buttery popcorn. The pavilion was packed tighter than a cattle run. Elisabeth was shoulder to shoulder with a man on either side of her. She ordered drinks, paid, snagged some napkins, and turned to leave. A small boy ran in front of her, and she lost her grip on one of the cups. It landed with a thud and cold liquid splashed all over her feet and legs and on the feet of the couple standing beside her.
Great
.

“I’m so sorry,” she said as she handed them napkins.

“It’s okay.” The man raked his eyes down to her chest. His girlfriend glared at her.

Elisabeth had been glared at so much recently that the woman’s stare didn’t come as a surprise. She hurried toward the entrance and paused at the sight of Ross talking with Tate. A man crossed in front of her and stopped to study a fairground map. Something about the way he was standing was familiar. She glanced at Ross, then back at the man, his familiarity nagging at her. She ran her eyes down his body, and he lifted his head. Elisabeth’s breath hitched at his square jaw, the coffee-stain birthmark just below the hairline on his neck.
No
. Her pulse quickened. Her brain told her to move. Get the hell out of there. But she was unable to turn away.
Robbie?
She had to be wrong. What would he be doing here in Trusty? The last time they’d spoken, he was in California, finishing up his all-important PhD.

He lifted his eyes and she held her breath as he surveyed the grounds and slowly turned in her direction.

She spun around, but not before catching a glimpse of his electric-blue eyes.

Ohgodohgodohgod
.

She ducked through the crowd to the other side of the pavilion and hurried back to her booth.

“Hey there,” Callie said as she handed a customer their change. “Some guy was looking for you. I told him you went for snacks. Robbie something or other.”

She sank into the chair and covered her face.
Robbie. Fucking Robbie
. Why would he come all this way?

“Oh my God, what’s wrong?”

Elisabeth sprang to her feet and paced the small booth. “Nothing.”
Nothing. He’s nothing
.

Callie’s arm circled her shoulder. “Elisabeth, what is it? You’re shaking like a leaf.”

She was not only shaking, she felt sick to her stomach. She looked up at Callie and burst into tears. What the hell was wrong with her? She was over him. Done. Totally, without a doubt, done. Why was she so shaken up?

What the hell was Robbie doing here? He didn’t belong here. He’d broken up with her and she’d moved on. She had no lingering doubts about him, or them, and definitely no doubts about Ross.

Ross
.

Oh God
.

She needed to pull herself together.

“It’s nothing, really. I just…”

“Who’s Robbie?” Callie asked, handing her tissues from her purse.

Elisabeth wiped her eyes. “Thanks.” She sniffled and drew in a deep breath. “Oh God, how can this be happening?”

“If I knew what was happening, I might be able to tell you.”

She looked at Callie. Sweet Callie who would probably never fall apart over an ex-boyfriend whom she once
thought
she loved. She knew now that what she felt for Robbie wasn’t love, but,
oh God
, why was she falling to pieces? Why did her heart ache and her stomach twist into a fist?

“I think I need to find Ross.”

ROSS LEANED AGAINST the fence between his brothers Jake and Luke. He’d already seen to a handful of animals and watched Luke show Shaley. Shaley won a blue ribbon. Luke and Daisy were so proud, they were still glowing. Daisy headed back to the booth to help Elisabeth, and Ross was seconds from going to see her himself, but it had been a long time since he’d seen Jake, and he wanted to hang out for a few more minutes first.