Cowboy Unwrapped Read online

  “Keep me safe. I know. I guess what I’m saying is that this job you have, where you protect people from the dangers of fire, is super important. Watching you look at everything with a practiced eye turns me on.”

  “Nice to know.” His cock began to throb. “If I remember right, you made the other bedroom into a studio.”

  “I did. It’s at the back of the house.” She led the way down the hall and pointed out the bathroom on the way. “I promise I have no frayed cords dangling anywhere.”

  “I believe you.”

  “But this is the smoke alarm I’d like to replace with the one you gave me.” She gestured toward the ceiling of the hall.

  He glanced up at it. “Yeah, that’s definitely an older model. I’ll replace it before I leave in the morning.”

  “Thank you. I don’t have your diligence but I wasn’t kidding about wanting a better one. I spend most of my time up here.” She walked through the doorway at the end of the hall and flipped on a light. “This is where the magic happens, or what I hope is magic. Time will tell.”

  When he walked in, he was hit by the dedication to her craft that had produced this studio. He didn’t know a lot about electronics but he suspected her setup had required some serious money. Besides the recording equipment and two computers, she had an elaborate keyboard that looked expensive. Several autographed pictures of popular singers decorated the walls. He circled the room to read the names and recognized some but not all.

  “I was the opening act for a few of the lesser known ones,” she said. “The really famous ones are from my fan-girl days when I went to every concert within driving distance.”

  “This is impressive, Amethyst. I can tell a lot of effort went into creating it.”

  “It did. Finding the equipment at a reasonable price wasn’t easy, but then I had to get the landlady’s permission to soundproof the room. And before you ask, the panel over the window lifts off. I realize now that I could climb out that one, too. There’s even a little porch roof over the back stoop, although the thought of a fire never occurred to me. I just wanted to be able to open the window on nice days when I’m composing but not recording.”

  “I feel a lot better about you spending so much time on the second floor.” He shoved his hands into his pockets so he wouldn’t reach for her. Being here in her studio surrounded by the evidence of her talent forced him to see the heartbreaking truth. She needed to make her bid for the big-time. Sure, he’d be worried about her when she went to LA, but only a very selfish person would try to talk her out of going.

  “I love it up here, especially now that I have my studio organized. I can work any time of the day or night and not disturb anyone. But the outlay was substantial, so that’s when I decided to give voice lessons to bring in more cash.” Her expression became more animated. “The kids are a riot and they love this studio. We put together a Christmas album they’re each giving to their folks.”

  “Great idea. Could you give voice lessons in LA to bring in more money?”

  “Maybe. I wouldn’t have the same setup, though, and here it’s easy to get students because a lot of people already know me. There isn’t much competition.” She smiled. “This fall one kid’s mom took a few lessons because she wanted to sing ‘Santa Baby’ to her husband on Christmas Eve. I guess people remember that Christmas show.”

  “I sure do. I watched you perform that song and cussed myself out for being a damned fool.”

  “You could have said something.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He sighed. “But I’d never expected to hold on to you for long, anyway. I figured you were too hot for me.”

  “Oh, Jake.” She walked over to him and slid her hands up his bare chest. “But I can’t blame you for not recognizing it was all for show. I didn’t want anybody to see through me, not even you. I still put on that sexy girl persona like a suit of armor before every performance. It let’s me go out there without being scared.”

  He put his arms around her and massaged the small of her back. “Thank you for letting me in on the secret.”

  She gazed up at him with a sparkle in her blue eyes. “I have an idea.”

  “Me, too.” He smiled. “I wonder if it’s the same idea.”

  “Probably not. I want to sing you a song.”

  “You do?” He hadn’t seen that coming.

  “Sit right here in my office chair.” She led him to a cushy black-leather chair on rollers.

  He settled into it. “What song?”

  “You’ll see.” Stepping away from him, she cleared her throat and moistened her lips. “I’ve never performed this without accompaniment, but it could be better that way. More intimate.” Looking into his eyes, she began singing in a soft, sultry voice.

  He should have known the minute she’d suggested it what she’d choose for her serenade. Gripping the arms of the chair, he vowed that he would not leave it until she was finished, no matter how hot he became. And guaranteed he would become very hot for her. No one could sing “Santa Baby” like Amethyst.

  10

  AMETHYST HAD NEVER tried to seduce a man with a private solo, but, wow, was it effective. Jake had a death grip on the arms of that chair and his powerful chest rose and fell more rapidly with each stanza. This was way more fun than she’d imagined it would be.

  Quite a bit was going on behind his fly, too. She couldn’t resist teasing him even more by perching on his knee and running her fingers through his hair as she sang. Then she toyed with his chest hair and lightly pinched his nipples.

  His low moan of pleasure nearly caused her to abandon the performance. She didn’t want to do that, but she was turning herself on, too, and her normal breathing techniques weren’t working very well. Fortunately the song was supposed to be delivered in a breathy, slightly husky voice. She certainly had that down.

  Toward the end, when she was afraid she’d end up gasping out the last lines because she needed him so desperately, her professional pride kicked in. She regained control of her breathing long enough to finish with the cute, pouty ending, a final touch that made his eyes darken and his nostrils flare.

  Desire pulsed within her and tightened a coil of need that demanded release. If he didn’t take her in the next five minutes, she might burst into flames all on her own. Quivering, she brushed a kiss over his mouth. “Thanks for listening.”

  In response he scooped her into his arms and stood, kicking the chair away as he strode out of the room and down the hall.

  “Did you like it?”

  His reply was strained and succinct. “Yes.”

  Judging from the way he was barreling down the hall toward her bedroom, she almost expected him to throw her down on the bed. Instead he laid her on the comforter with exquisite tenderness and gently worked her out of her fur-trimmed sleep shirt. No movement was wasted, though, as he pulled a condom from his pocket and shucked his jeans and briefs. He was obviously a man on a mission.

  He rolled on the condom before climbing into bed and moving between her thighs.

  Looking into his eyes, she found the heat she knew would be there, but another emotion lurked in his steady gaze, one far more potent. Her heart answered with a surge of fierce joy, even though allowing such feelings to take root was a huge mistake for both of them. She stroked his muscled back and felt him tremble beneath her touch. “I’m glad you liked my song.”

  He started to speak but had to pause to clear his throat. “I didn’t just like it. I loved it. And, dear God, how I need you.” He plunged his cock deep.

  She arched off the bed, a wild cry of joy rising from her throat as Jake pounded into her again and again. The bed rocked with the force of his thrusts. She lost control in seconds and clung to him as her world shattered into a million brilliant pieces. With a roar that echoed off the walls of her small bedroom, he drove in
once more and his big body shuddered in the aftermath of his climax. Gasping for breath, he remained braced above her with his eyes squeezed shut.

  At last he opened them, but he still looked dazed. He shook his head as if to clear it. “I have never...wanted anyone so much.”

  When she reached up to cup his cheek she felt the prickly beginnings of his beard. “I guess it was the song.”

  “Not just the song, although it really got to me.” He took a shaky breath. “It’s knowing you’ve let down your guard for the first time and I’m the lucky SOB you’ve chosen to do that with. Knowing what you’ve told me about your suit of armor, I’d bet my badge you’ve never performed that song for a guy before.”

  “Nope. Just you.”

  “That’s a powerful aphrodisiac.”

  She smiled. “Apparently.”

  “Take my word for it.” He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss. “Don’t go away. I’d like to wash up a little.”

  “I remember that about you. And I can’t imagine why I’d leave when I have a seriously ripped fireman spending Christmas Eve in my bed.”

  His gaze flickered. “Glad I could be here.” Easing away from her, he left the bed and walked out into the hall.

  While he was gone she got up and pulled the covers back. After all, she’d bought sheets decorated with brightly wrapped Christmas packages so she might as well make the rest of the evening festive. She hadn’t expected anyone to enjoy the holiday bedding except her, but after meeting Jake in the hardware store she’d washed everything and put it back on.

  She considered lighting the candles she’d arranged on her dresser but after being around Jake in this setting she realized he might not be enamored of that plan. She’d ask him when he came back. In the meantime she could turn her bedside lamp down a notch before stretching out on her Christmas-themed linens.

  When he walked into the bedroom looking his usual manly self, she was reminded again of their rendezvous in Jackson Hole. She’d loved having a chance to admire and explore his body that night. Now she had another golden opportunity.

  He glanced at the bedding and grinned. “Don’t tell me you bought the sheets after we talked in the hardware store.”

  “Nope. Picked them up a few weeks ago, but they’re freshly laundered for the occasion.” She gestured toward the dresser. “I have candles, but now I’m thinking you might not be a fan.”

  He looked over at the dresser. “I’m not crazy about candles in the bedroom. Dinner by candlelight is one thing, but we could forget these were burning. I don’t know about you, but I forget my own name when we’re—”

  “Say no more. We need to concentrate on orgasms, not candles.”

  “Thank you for that.” He climbed into bed beside her. “These sheets remind me I didn’t wrap your present up nice and fancy.”

  “I don’t care. The smoke alarm is perfect. Besides, the best gift is you, and I like you much better unwrapped.” She ran her fingers through his thick hair. “I remember your hair as being lighter.”

  “I’d been out in the sun a lot. Did some hiking in the Tetons.” As if following her lead, he picked up a lock of her hair and drew it over her shoulder. “Did you cut some off? It used to reach to your nipple. I remember tickling you with it.”

  “It’s a little shorter. Now I wish I hadn’t cut it.”

  “That’s okay. It’ll grow back.” Then he paused, as if realizing he wouldn’t necessarily be around once it did. “I mean—”

  “For New Year’s I’ll bring feathers.”

  He shook his head and grinned. “You’d do it, too.”

  “I would. I’ve never played around with feathers but it could be fun. Maybe I’ll bring a little satchel of stuff, get creative.”

  “Mmm, I like that idea.” He lazily brushed his finger over her nipple. “I hope I can get the night off. I can’t remember for sure, but I’ll bet the chief scheduled me for New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t important so I didn’t notice before I left.”

  “It doesn’t matter if you’ll let me stay in your apartment when I drive over. I can hang around until you’re off duty.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “Why not? Driving to Jackson Hole and not seeing you makes no sense, especially if I don’t have to pay for extra nights at the hotel.”

  “Of course you can stay with me. I’d love that. It’s not a bad little place. Not as nice as this house, but I think you’ll like it.”

  “If you’re there, that’s all that matters.” For the first time she noticed a bruise on his shoulder. It had faded quite a bit, but something heavy must have hit him there to make a grapefruit-size mark. She outlined it gently with her finger. “I’ve been hanging on to you quite a bit recently. I hope I haven’t hurt you.”

  “Didn’t even notice. That bruise is almost gone, anyway.”

  “How’d you get it?”

  “Beam collapsed. Reaction time was too slow.”

  She swallowed a cry of alarm. After hearing his speech about tough Thunder Mountain guys she figured he wouldn’t appreciate that reaction. But the image of him dodging a collapsing beam would probably haunt her for some time. “It could’ve hit your head.”

  “But it didn’t.” He stroked her hip. “That’s all that’s important.”

  She looked into his green eyes and shivered at the thought of dangers he faced on a daily basis. “And you’re worried about me moving to LA.”

  “I’m trained to avoid being hurt or killed. You’re trained to sing and write music, not navigate your way through a busy urban environment. Logically you’ll be performing at night in places where guys could get drunk and disorderly. Instead of taking the elevator to your hotel room, you have to make it back to your apartment without being accosted or followed.”

  “Ugh. You’re making me think of things I hadn’t before.”

  “That’s my goal.”

  “I’ll take a self-defense course. I’ll figure this out, I promise.”

  He cupped her chin and stroked his thumb over her lower lip. “Make friends, get a roommate, travel in groups whenever you can.” He grimaced. “Ideally you should have a menacing-looking boyfriend, but I can’t bring myself to suggest that.”

  “I don’t want a boyfriend. You’ve spoiled me for anyone else.” She’d meant it as a teasing comment.

  Judging from the way he looked at her, he hadn’t taken it that way. His eyes shimmered with an emotion that could lead to trouble. “Likewise.”

  Much more of this and they were liable to say things they couldn’t take back. Time to change the mood. She began by massaging his warm chest. “You know what? I think you’ve developed more muscles since last summer.”

  He smiled. “Unlikely.”

  “I think you have. Lie flat and let me take inventory.”

  “Not gonna argue with that plan.” Laughing, he rolled onto his back. “But nothing’s changed. I’ve been doing the same workout at the gym since then. Wait, that’s not quite true. When my shifts allow it, I’ve added some early morning or late evening runs through town. Depending on how many times I go around the square, I probably clock about five miles a day.”

  “Why did you start doing that?” She swung one leg over his hip so she could start at the top and work her way down over his gorgeous body. By the time she was finished, they’d both be ready to rock and roll. That’s what tonight was supposed to be about.

  “Nostalgia.” He cupped her breasts. “Hey, I want to explore, too.”

  “Let go, please. You’ll get your turn later.” Grasping his wrists, she pushed them down to his sides. If he hadn’t let her do it she never would have been strong enough, but they’d established the routine last August. All requests were granted without question. “What sort of nostalgia?” She leaned down and kissed the hollow of his throat
.

  “When I first settled on firefighting as a career, I knew I had to get in shape.” He sucked in a breath as she licked her way down to his pecs.

  “You’ve certainly done that.” She took his nipple between her teeth and was gratified by his soft groan.

  “I used to run on the Forest Service road.” He drew in another sharp breath as she swirled her tongue over his warm skin. “Lots of great memories connected with that road. Today we added another one.”

  “Yeah.” She glanced up to discover he’d propped a pillow behind his head so he could watch her progress. “I’ll never forget that, Jake.”

  “Crappy sleigh.”

  “Didn’t matter.”

  “Nope.” His green eyes glittered and his attention drifted to her breasts. “Are you about done? Because if you are, I have some plans for you.”

  “I’m not even close to done.” She returned to the vast erotic territory that was Jake. Besides his impressive pecs, he had a six-pack that could make grown women weep with longing. He might claim that nothing had changed, but she thought his abs had gained more definition since August. She kissed her way across them.

  He chuckled. “You’re tickling me.”

  “Then let me move to less ticklish areas.” His cock had already risen to the occasion. Although she’d meant to save that for last, she couldn’t resist the proud jut of his obvious desire for her. Any girl with access to that primo equipment should be grateful. Grasping the base, she began licking the velvet length of him.

  His choked response indicated he hadn’t expected that. “I thought...you were going to gradually explore.”

  “Something caught my attention along the way. Do you mind?”

  “Are you kidding? I’ve spent months dreaming about being in bed with you again, fooling around while we...ah, that’s so good.”

  “How about this?” She closed her mouth over the sensitive tip.