White Collar Cowboy (5 page)

Chapter Eight

After Lauren’s little conversational gambit, Gavin had returned to his good humor. Tom had taken the hint and steered the conversation away from business. Gavin’s friend had a quick wit Lauren enjoyed and Jenny kept her entertained with stories of Tom and Gavin’s antics in college. Lauren couldn’t remember when she’d had a more pleasant evening.

She felt closer to Gavin. It was as though meeting his friends, sharing in this intimate moment in his life, had opened up a realm of possibilities for their relationship. They lived in different countries, but she was unemployed and free to look for work anywhere. He’d intimated friendship was just a start and she hoped he meant it, because she didn’t want this—them—to end.

Lauren cleaned up while Gavin walked with Tom and Jenny back to their house. He needed to burn off dinner, he’d said.

By the time he returned, the kitchen was clean and she’d changed into a comfortable T-shirt and cotton sleep shorts, and curled up on the couch with a glass of wine.

“Mmm, looks good. You got one of those for me?” he asked as he pushed the slider all the way open, allowing the sweet sounds from the Gulf to filter into the room.

She smiled and lifted her wine glass in offering. “I’ll share.”

He slid the stem between two fingers and cradled the glass in his palm. Lauren couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth as he set the rim to his lips and drank. His throat worked, the glass lowered, his tongue swept across his lips, leaving a glittering sheen of moisture behind.

Damn, the man was sexy.

He handed the glass back to her. “Mind if I turn off the lights? The view will be worth it, I promise.” He kneeled by the fireplace, his shorts drawing tight across his backside.

She loved the view so far.

“Sure. This place is really great, Gavin. It’s so relaxing. Although I wouldn’t want to be the one to wash all those windows, I couldn’t imagine not having them.”

He lit a few candles around the fireplace. “They’re a pain in the ass during storm season.” He turned the dial on the lights, casting the room in candlelight. “But, that makes it all worth it, don’t you think?” He jutted his chin in the direction of outside.

Lauren had all the view she needed. The dim light gave him a dark, almost sinister, look as he came back to the couch. He was Casanova and a dangerous pirate rolled into one. A terrifying combination for her heart, to be sure.

He propped his body in the corner of the couch and stretched a leg out behind her, leaving the other foot on the floor. He opened his arms. “Come here.” When she leaned up to put her wine glass on the table, he said, “Bring that too.”

She scooted toward him. He twisted her hips and pulled her back until her butt rested between his powerful thighs. An arm snaked around her waist and he nudged her until she gave him her weight and relaxed against his chest.

He squirmed behind her. “Not right. Sit up a second.”

Lauren snickered and sat up. She turned to watch as he reached back and jerked his shirt over his head.

As usual, when confronted with all Gavin’s muscles and strength, all she could think was
touch, touch, touch.
She placed her palm against his chest, teasing her fingers over the light smattering of hair covering him. She liked that his chest wasn’t bare, that he was one-hundred percent natural, rugged male.

He waved her back. “Okay, sweetheart. Let’s try this again.” Her back had barely made contact with his chest when he blew out a frustrated breath. “Nope. Still not right. Take off your shirt, Lauren. Bra, too.”

She arched her neck and nipped his chin. “I’m not wearing a bra.”

He cursed softly. “Now, Lauren. Please. Jesus, I’m dyin’ here.”

His drawl came out hot and heavy, something Lauren realized happened whenever he was distracted. “Dying to do what, exactly? Get me naked?” She felt a pang of disappointment as he took her wine and she discarded her shirt. She wanted nothing more than to get naked with him again. Another part of her, the ridiculous romantic part, had hoped—now they were finally alone—he’d be interested in more than having sex with her.

He settled her back against him, but didn’t return her wine. “Mmm. Skin-to-skin. Perfect.” He nuzzled her hair. “I’d be lying if I said getting inside you wasn’t my ultimate goal for the evening. But, right now, I want to feel you against me. I’ve watched you all day. Watched the curve of your ass as you walked, the way your calves tightened when you crossed those beautiful legs, your gorgeous smile—and all I could think about was how much I wanted to touch you, feel your heart beat, absorb your warmth. I’ve never been so happy to see the ass-end of dinner with my friends before.”

Her heart melted. This was what she’d dreamed of.

“They seem like good people. It’s obvious they care about you.” She snuggled deeper against him, the warmth of his chest too much temptation to resist. “It was nice, you know, getting the chance to see you with your friends. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it. And I should remind you, you’ve been touching me all day.” So much so, she’d become painfully aware of the loss when he’d stopped. Was that his plan? To make her crave him? Because … mission accomplished.

He took her hand as if to place a kiss on the back. Her pulse went berserk when he pressed his lips to the inside of her wrist instead. A sweet, painfully intimate gesture.

“Not like this. I can’t get enough of you. I’m glad you’re here.” He kissed her hair, her temple, the curve of her ear. “Damn, you smell good.” His free arm moved and before she knew it, his fingers were tickling across her ribcage. Her stomach fluttered as he trailed across her belly button, then moved lower to trace the edge of her waistband. She expected him to breach the elastic, but he didn’t. He seemed content to touch the skin exposed and readily available to him.

“Gavin,” she sighed. It felt so good, being with him.

His fingers moved up, traced the curve of her breasts, avoiding her nipples, as he moved from one to the other. He feathered up her sternum, her throat. He cupped her chin and gently eased her head back onto his shoulder.

“Want some more wine?”

“Sure.” She raised her head and reached for the glass.

He pulled it away. “Nope. Let me.” He brought the rim to her lips and gently tipped the wine into her mouth.

That’s how it went. Gavin touching her. Activating every nerve to high alert. Offering her sips of wine while whispering beautiful things about her body, how she made him feel, and how much he enjoyed being with her.

Lauren had never felt so cherished, so … loved. But, Gavin didn’t love her. Couldn’t love her. Not this soon. Could he? Her heart picked up a beat. It wasn’t soon. Not really. Being colleagues for twelve years had to count for something. Did count for something. Gavin had said they weren’t strangers, and he’d been right. Lauren knew what she needed to know. Gavin was a decent, hard-working man.

And oh lord, his fingers were magical.

Everywhere he stroked was an electrical shock straight to her core. Her skin felt alive, as if his touch had awakened something long dormant.

“You feel so good.” His breath was warm against her ear. “You know, you took me by surprise tonight.”

Tiny bumps erupted over her body. “I did?”

He nibbled the edge of her ear, gently nudged her head until she tilted, giving him access to her neck. He hummed an affirmative. “You called me
babe
.”

He kissed down her throat and Lauren found it hard to concentrate. “It slipped out.”

He stopped. “Is that right?”

She teased her fingertips along his thighs, wondering how honest she should be right now. To hell with it. Her life wouldn’t be amazing if she didn’t take a few risks.

She turned and cupped his cheek, his evening stubble rough against her palm. “Yes, that’s right. It wasn’t something I thought about, it just happened. Slipped out as in it was a perfectly natural thing for me to say.”

He threaded his fingers into her hair and brought her lips to his. “I liked it.” He licked the seam of her mouth and she opened, wanting, needing his kiss. He didn’t give it to her. “And don’t think I wasn’t on to your game at dinner, sweetheart.” His smile warmed her heart. “Thank you.”

Lauren didn’t need clarification as to what he was thanking her for. “I don’t understand why the topic of the ranch upset you.” Since he didn’t seem to want to kiss her, she trailed kisses along his jaw. He raised his chin and she kissed down his throat to the base of his neck. “But, I’m here if you want to talk about it.”

A strange expression crossed his features before a smirk curled his lips. “The only thing I wanna talk about is how badly I need to be inside you.”

He slid from behind her, going to his knees on the floor. His hair fell over his forehead and he brushed it away. He set aside the wine glass and pulled her legs until her ass rested at the edge of the cushion.

“Raise up, baby doll. Let’s get these off.”

Heat curled in her stomach as she arched her hips. Gavin whisked her shorts down her legs and tossed them away. She jerked as his calloused hands pressed the insides of her knees. “Open for me, Lauren. I want to see you.”

A tortured growl rumbled from his chest as she eased her knees wide. He bent and swiped his tongue over her pussy.

She gasped when he did it again, this time his velvety tongue breeching her seam, licking her from bottom to top.

His caresses had ensured her body was primed and ready. Her clit pulsed as he spread her with his fingers. A warm stream of air caressed her swollen pussy and she arched her hips in a silent plea. Gavin circled her opening before sliding a finger inside her.

“It’s so fucking sexy how wet you are. Knowing that it’s all mine.” He added another finger. His mouth returned to the play, gently sucking her folds as his fingers stroked deep.

Her body was on fire, ready to explode. Her legs trembled as the familiar tingle of impending release zinged along her spine. Gavin’s lips found her clit. He sucked the aching bud between his lips and she broke apart. Shattered, flew. Gasped at the dizzying pleasure that shook her entire body, head to toes.

Lightheaded, she looked down at the man who’d devoured her. He eased back on his haunches and swiped a hand over his chin. He didn’t look like a guy who had satisfied his partner. No smug look or arrogant pride. He looked … possessive.

Her body must’ve forgotten its recent orgasm, because that look got her going all over again.

Gavin tore at the strings of his board shorts. Within seconds, he was naked. “Can’t wait any longer. Hang on to me, sweetheart.” Lauren looped her arms around his neck and he lifted her. “Wrap your legs around me.”

Lauren hopped and hooked her legs around his hips. He held her solidly against him as he turned and planted his ass on the couch.

“You looking for a lap dance?” Lauren adjusted her legs until her thighs straddled his.

“This is Texas, baby doll. We’re gonna test your ridin’ skills.” His eyes blazed with heat as he placed his palm to her chest and pressed her back. She was vaguely aware of the arm supporting her as his mouth captured her breast. Warmth spread through her as he licked over the drawn tips. His teeth scraped against her and when he gently bit down, she cried out his name.

Jesus, the man was good with his mouth. Too good.

“Condom?” She didn’t want to come again unless he was inside her.

His arm shot out and before she knew it, he’d torn the packet open and covered himself. Seems she wasn’t the only one ready to get this show on the road.

Gavin fisted the base of his cock, holding steady as Lauren lowered herself onto him, not stopping until she’d taken him all.

God, she loved this. The lust-filled glaze in his eyes, his harsh breaths, the way he filled her so completely.

“I hope you’re close, Lauren. With your taste still in my mouth and buried balls deep in your sweet little pussy, there’s no way I’m gonna last.”

She rubbed her cheek against his. “I’m very close.” She squeezed her inner muscles and smiled at his curse.

“Ride me, baby doll. Take us there.”

Lauren felt every solid inch of his cock as she rose up and gripped his shoulders for leverage. Instinct told her he didn’t want slow and easy. She pushed back, taking him to the hilt. He hissed in a groan as he gripped her thighs.

She moved, slowly at first, determined to prolong their pleasure. Gavin licked his lips and watched as she rode his cock. Up and back, she rocked her hips. Up and back. Up and back.

The scent of sex, sweat, and sea air surrounded them.

“Fuck, Lauren.” His hands latched on her hips. “Lean back.”

She braced her hands against his knees and Gavin took over, arching his hips to match her undulations. His hand slipped between them and he fingered her clit.

“God, that’s good.” Her voice was barely a whimper as her body tightened.

“That’s it. I want to feel you come on my cock. Let me have it, baby doll. Come for me.”

Gavin’s words sent her over the edge. Her vision went dark as her entire focus went to where they were joined. Pulse after pulse, her muscles contracted, stealing what was left of her breath as she succumbed to the pleasure of release.

Somewhere, Gavin made a harsh sound and then she was in his arms. Right where she wanted to be.

She relaxed against him, loving the intimacy of still being joined with him. His heart pounded against her as she tried to catch her breath.

“So, how’d I do on my riding test?”

Gavin puffed a laugh and tightened his arms around her. “Passed, sweetheart,” he panted. “Flying colors.”

Chapter Nine

Gavin woke later than usual, a habit he’d gotten into over the last two weeks with Lauren. Waking up each day, with her warm, naked body curled against him had been reason enough to stay in bed as long as possible.

She wasn’t with him now, though. She was probably in the living room, glued to her laptop. The last few days, she’d grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of employment opportunities being sent her way.

He’d convinced her to stay in Galveston, with him, while she continued her search. She’d readily agreed to a one-day-at-a-time scenario, refusing to commit to a solid timeframe. They’d gone into town a few times—to purchase extra clothes for her and to stock up on food—but other than that and a few dinners with Tom and Jenny, Gavin had had Lauren all to himself.

He was good with going with the flow, but the longer she stayed, the less he wanted her to leave.

He threw his legs over the edge of the bed and ran his hands through his hair. His family had been calling and he’d put them off as long as he could. He’d promised to go to the ranch today and he wanted Lauren to go with him. It was a big step, introducing her to his family. He hadn’t brought a female home since high school. But, if he was going to ask Lauren to stay, to work with him at Shadow Maverick Ranch, then she ought to see the operation firsthand.

Which meant the talk he’d put off had to happen now, this morning. Any minute she could get a phone call or an email and then, she’d leave him. She might very well leave him anyway, once she learned the truth about her job. No. Fuck that. Lauren wasn’t that kind of woman. She’d sooner leave him for his silence than the circumstances that had caused him to have something to be silent about.

He didn’t want her to leave him, period. No matter how he justified it in his mind, he’d been a total chickenshit for keeping what he knew from her. Now it was time to pay the piper. He prayed it wouldn’t cost him Lauren.

This had been the greatest two weeks of his life. Having Lauren here felt … right.

They’d complemented each other well at work. His weaknesses were her strengths and vice versa. They’d challenged each other, pushed each other to be the best they could be.

Being here with her, Gavin had also figured out she was quick to laugh, confident enough not to take herself, or him, too seriously. She was a strong swimmer and looked mouthwateringly gorgeous in a bikini. She’d even asked him to teach her how to cook, although his skills were more in the grill-and-eat category. And watching her come was one of the most amazing sights he’d ever seen.

No denying it. He was in love with her. Straight up, passion-and-picket-fence kind of love.

Hell, he’d probably been half in love with her for years. He didn’t want to scare her away with a bended-knee declaration, not with everything else going on. She’d have enough to deal with once they had their talk. Finding out why her job was eliminated, going to the ranch, meeting his family. Oh yeah, she’d be overwhelmed enough as it was. One thing at a time.

After a quick shower, Gavin threw on a T-shirt and jeans, and shoved his feet into his favorite, practically worn-out boots. Better to be prepared in case he decided to stomp around the barn a bit.

His cell phone buzzed on the nightstand and he smiled when he saw the caller ID.

“Erin!” he answered. “How’s my girl?”

His twin sister snorted in his ear. “Cut the shit, Gav. Where the hell are you? I thought you said you’d be home today.”

The oldest of six, Gavin and Erin were the first of two sets of twins. His youngest brother and sister were twins as well. He loved his three brothers and other sister, but sharing a womb had solidified the special relationship he and Erin had.

Gavin glanced at the clock and grinned at her impatience. It was only nine-thirty in the morning. “I
am
coming home today.”

Relief tinged Erin’s voice. “Just making sure. You’ve stayed away this long, I thought maybe you’d changed your mind.”

Gavin cradled the phone between his shoulder and ear as he fastened his watch around his wrist. “Never. But, this time was important to me, I told you that.”

“You did, but it doesn’t mean I’m not dyin’ to see your face.”

“Same goes, honey. I’ve got a few things to take care of, then I’ll be headed your way.”

“Sounds good. So, how goes things with the move?”

Gavin went back into the closet in search of his belt. It had been so damn long since he’d worn actual pants, he felt out of practice at getting dressed in anything except board shorts. “I think it’s all in order. I had everything shipped to Mom and Dad’s. They’ll store my stuff until I decide if I’m keeping this place or not.”

He cringed as those words slipped out. He rarely kept anything from Erin. He hadn’t mentioned his thought about selling the house to anyone, not even her.

“Wait a minute. You’re selling the beach house?”

If Gavin didn’t know better, he’d swear Erin was concerned about losing her favorite beach spot. He thought about the bed, remembering the things he and Lauren had done there. He thought about the times he’d held her as she slept, the showers they’d taken, the meals on the deck. He’d be hard pressed to give up the place that had given him those memories.

“Maybe, I don’t know. It’s an option I’m looking at, but I haven’t decided anything concrete. It’s too far to live here full-time when I’ll be at the ranch every day.”

“Mom and Dad want you to move back to the ranch.”

Yes, he knew. Lord knew the house was large enough, but there was something about living in his childhood home, under the same roof as his parents, that didn’t sit right with him. “Not happening. Although I might take up residence in the cabin for awhile.”

The cabin being a four-bedroom, two-bath, fishing cabin his grandfather had built. It was within the borders of the ranch, but only a fifteen-minute drive to the office instead of the hour and a half from Galveston. Truth was, he wouldn’t be making any permanent residence decisions until he knew where he stood with Lauren.

“Clay will be devastated to lose his love shack,” Erin said dryly.

Gavin matched her tone. “I’ll bet.” It was no secret Clayton used the cabin for more than fishing. “Anyway, there should be one more shipment from London this week, and then I’m officially a Texan again.”

“Thank God,” Erin said. “Have you talked to Lauren yet?”

Leave it to his twin to go straight to the heart of the matter. He’d told her about Lauren a few days ago, and Erin had dragged the whole story out of him.

“Not yet. This morning.” He finally found his belt under a pile of clothes he hadn’t put away and bent to pick it up.

“Do you know what you’re going to say?”

He straightened and blew out a frustrated breath. “I’m not sure there’s a good way to tell her my decision to move back to Texas caused her job to be eliminated. Goddamn, Erin. No matter what I say, or how I say it, she’s gonna be pissed.”

“But not at you.”

God, he hoped not. Her job search frustration level was high, so he wasn’t optimistic. She’d loved her job with Clearwater and had been blindsided by the loss. “No way to know until I tell her.”

“Gavin, it wasn’t your fault,” Erin said reassuringly. “If she’s half the woman you told me about, she’ll get it.”

He walked out of his closet and stopped dead. Lauren was standing in the doorway, watching him through amber slits.

She’d heard.

Fuck. That was not how he’d wanted her to hear that information.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. “Erin, look honey, I’ve gotta run,” he said into the phone, his gaze locked firmly on Lauren.

“Okay, but don’t dawdle. I’m not the only one waiting to see you. Drive safely. I love you.”

“Yeah, I will. I love you, too.” The color drained from Lauren’s face. He hung up the call and tossed his phone to the bed. “Lauren, honey, I—”

“Stop,” she snapped. “I’ve heard enough.”

He supposed she had, but he wasn’t giving up. “I was going to tell you.”

“Yeah?” She crossed her arms, eyes fierce with anger. “When?”

Shit. After what she’d overheard, he knew it would sound as though he was lying. “This morning,” he said slowly.

“I see. And had you planned this talk for before or after you fucked me? Not that it matters at this point, since you’ve been fucking me for two weeks.”

Founded or not, her insinuation plucked at his temper. “Whatever you’re thinking right now, I never meant for this to happen.”

“For what to happen? Us?”

What the hell was she talking about? “What? No. That’s not what I meant.”

“Who the hell is Erin?” The sound of his twin’s name being spat from Lauren’s lips fired his anger right up. “Are you fucking her too,
honey
?”

“No,” he said, his voice deadly calm. Goddamn it. This was getting out of control. “Erin is my
sister
. Jesus Christ, Lauren. What the fuck?” His voice gained power. “Do you really think I’d do that? Have a woman on the side while I’m with you?”

Infidelity had almost destroyed his brother. Married or not, when Gavin was in a relationship, he was monogamous. He’d never cause his partner the pain his brother went through. Ever.

He thought he saw her shoulders relax a little. “How am I supposed to know? Up until a few weeks ago, I rarely saw you outside of work. We hardly know each other.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it.”

“Do I? I know you have brothers and sisters, but you haven’t talked about them or given me their names. You haven’t talked about your family much at all. So, how in the world would I know Erin was your sister and not your lover?”

He scrubbed a hand over his face. He hadn’t mentioned his family because he’d been focused on her. On them. “Because you know me, whether you want to admit it or not.”

Her voice shook, as if she were trying to keep from breaking down. “And yet, ten minutes ago I would’ve sworn you’d never lie to me.”

“Lauren,” Gavin fought to keep his own tone smooth. He took a breath. They wouldn’t get anywhere with them both pissed off. “Sweetheart, I’m so fucking sorry. I wanted to tell you, tried to tell you but then…” He hadn’t wanted anything to ruin their time together.

“You came to my office that afternoon,” she said, less angry now, although the hurt that replace it tore at his heart. “You knew then, didn’t you? Is that why you came by?”

“I told you I’d talked to Sullivan. I was in town to sign some papers. I’d asked for a meeting with you and your team to discuss how things would be handled until they named my replacement. Up to that point, they’d insisted I keep my move quiet. At first, I think they’d wanted to announce my predecessor at the same time they announced my departure, to ensure a smooth transition. I’m not sure when things changed. When I got to New York a few weeks ago, it was the first I’d heard about the reorganization. Sullivan and I had words, but the damage was already done. He said they’d let you go over lunch.”

“So, you came by to check on me because what? You felt guilty?” She took on a faraway expression. “Oh god, you did. I remember the look in your eyes. It’s the same look you get whenever we talk about my job search.” Tears filled her eyes and Gavin wanted to punch something. Preferably his own face. “Did you invite me here out of pity? Was that what all this was about?”

Gavin stifled a curse and pulled her into his arms. She didn’t fight, so he took that as a good sign. “Of course not, sweetheart.” He kissed her hair. “I’m so sorry about your job. I swear to you—”

She pulled back. “Swear what, Gavin? That you would’ve made a different choice had you known the outcome?”

He didn’t know how to respond. It wasn’t that simple.

“Come to the ranch with me,” he blurted. “Let me show you around, introduce you to everyone. Let me show you what we have here.” Because he wanted her to be a part of it. Something told him if he said that now, she wouldn’t believe him.

“No.” Her half smile didn’t do much to soften her response. “I’ve got some things I need to do, and frankly, I could use a bit of time on my own.” Her gaze traveled from his head to his boots. “You go. It looks like you’re all ready.”

Maybe giving her some space would be good, but he didn’t relish the feeling she was slipping through his fingers.

“You’ll be here when I get back?” He needed to hear it.

Half smile still in place, she patted his chest and turned away. Well, that can’t be good.

“I’d really like it if you were still here, Lauren,” he amended as she pulled open the slider.

Lauren nodded and slipped outside.