Rolling Like Thunder Read online

For the moment his primary target was her rosy, plump mouth. The brief thought that all this kissing might have to end someday made him even more eager to taste often and well. He moved over her and supported himself on his elbows while he gazed into her eyes.

  Reaching between them, she wrapped her fingers around his cock. “I want this.” Her eyes darkened as she stroked him.

  “And you’ll get that, but now it’s kissing time. Turn me loose so I can concentrate.”

  “You’re getting bossy.” But she released him and slid both hands up to his shoulders. “This better be a really good kiss.”

  “You tell me.” He stroked the pad of his finger gently over her lower lip. Leaning down, he nibbled on it before tracing it with the tip of his tongue.

  “That tickles.”

  “I love touching you here.” He outlined the graceful bow of her upper lip with his finger and then with his tongue. “Your mouth is perfect for kissing. Like this.” He pressed his lips to hers briefly, lightly, playfully. “And this.” Changing angles, he did it again. “And this, and this, and this.” He kept it up until she laughed.

  “You’re silly.”

  “Mmm.” Then he captured her mouth fully, fitting it to his with deliberate intent. He made a leisurely exploration with his tongue, sliding it easily along hers.

  Her breath caught.

  Shifting the angle, he cupped her jaw and stroked the corner of her mouth with his thumb, urging her to open to him. He kept his thumb there and took the kiss deeper. The thrust of his tongue grew more demanding, more suggestive.

  She whimpered and hollowed her cheeks, sucking him in. Her fingertips dug into his shoulders as she lifted into his kiss, her mouth hot and eager. He responded with firm strokes that told her exactly what would happen next.

  As she moaned and arched her body toward his, silently begging for that next step, he barely restrained himself from taking it. Ending the kiss, he grabbed the condom, tore open the package with his teeth, and rolled it on.

  She lay there gasping. “Hurry.”

  “Oh, yes, ma’am.” He sank into her slick heat with a groan of pleasure. Then he looked into her passion-dark eyes. “This part of you is perfect, too.” He pushed deep.

  She took a shaky breath. “That was one hell of a kiss.”

  “You helped make it that way.” He eased back and slid in up to the hilt again.

  “It was so close to...this.” She wound her legs around his, cinching them even closer together.

  “My plan.” He dipped his head and took her mouth again as he held himself still inside her. Only his tongue moved, yet she tightened around him as if he’d been thrusting steadily.

  One spasm became two and then she was coming, sucking hard on his tongue as her climax rippled over his cock.

  His climax followed quickly, urgent and strong, making his toes curl and his body flush with heat. He lifted his mouth away and gulped for air. Then he leaned his forehead against hers. Gradually his heartbeat returned to normal.

  “Some kiss, O’Roarke.” She slowly relaxed and sighed in obvious contentment. Her breathing evened out.

  When he roused himself enough to look into her eyes again, they were closed. “Chels?”

  She didn’t respond, although a smile remained on that beautiful mouth. She’d fallen asleep.

  How like her to go until she couldn’t anymore. She hadn’t wanted to give up these precious moments any more than he had. But finally exhaustion had claimed her.

  He gazed at her with a rush of tenderness laced with guilt. She’d been a willing partner the night before and she’d given her all today despite not getting a full night’s sleep. After a successful presentation and the triumph of almost reaching their goal, she’d entertained five young children and danced for two hours. Then she’d once again become his enthusiastic lover.

  Dropping a light kiss on her forehead, he eased away from her. “Sweet dreams, Chelsea Trask.”

  * * *

  SHE WOKE TO golden light streaming in the window and no Finn in bed with her. But he’d left a note on Bunk and Grub stationery propped on the nightstand where she’d see it right away.

  Dearest Chels,

  I decided to sleep in my own room because if I stayed here, I might reach for you in the night. Maybe you wanted to have sex with me from that first day we met, which is still amazing to me. But I doubt you wanted to have this much sex. I’ll see you down at breakfast.

  Yours,

  Finn

  PS I put the condoms in the nightstand drawer.

  She thought back to the last thing she remembered from their night together. He’d kissed her so thoroughly that he’d created an intense craving. He’d proceeded to satisfy that craving by locking them together and kissing her again until they’d both had an orgasm without moving at all. Incredible.

  After that...she had no idea. Apparently she’d fallen asleep with his cock deep inside her. But he didn’t sound insulted in his note—his words were sweet and considerate, just as he was when he wasn’t being macho and sexy, or adorable and funny, or...preoccupied and anal.

  She showered and dressed while she thought about that last aspect of Finn O’Roarke. It had the power to cancel out all the rest. She’d witnessed it first-hand during the painful episode when she’d asked him out and he’d calmly explained why he couldn’t accept.

  He might well be someone who wasn’t capable of delegating because he didn’t trust anyone else to do the job. If that was the case, then he wouldn’t have room in his life for her or any woman. He could build a successful business in Seattle and expand the territory for his microbrewery. Someday he’d have the money to buy a place down near the water.

  She’d continue to get her checks for a percentage of his booming business, but she wouldn’t be in the picture otherwise. Ironically, he could make her a lot of money. She’d rather have the man than the money, but she might not get that choice.

  His door was open when she walked into the hall a little past eight. She checked to see if he was in there, but the room was empty. He’d pulled up the covers on his bed, although she wouldn’t say he’d actually made it. His laptop was out and his gray hat was brim side up on the dresser.

  The signs of his solitary life made her sad, as if he’d already moved on. He hadn’t, of course. They were scheduled to spend many more days together, and she couldn’t imagine him giving up sex with her unless she was the one who called a halt.

  She wouldn’t do that. Right now he clung stubbornly to his world view, and maybe he was right. But there was always the chance that he was shortchanging himself. In that case, she’d be there when he figured it out. If he never figured it out, she’d have some beautiful memories of what Finn was like unplugged.

  Pam had been right—the smell of coffee led her straight back to the breakfast room. It turned out to be a sunny spot filled with green plants and several tables and chairs that reminded her of outdoor cafes in Paris. She’d never been to Paris, but she’d seen enough pictures to recognize the look.

  Finn sat alone at a table drinking coffee and reading a newspaper. He’d turned back the sleeves on his long-sleeved white shirt to reveal his muscled arms sprinkled with dark hair. That alone was enough to tighten the coil of desire in her belly.

  He must have heard her footsteps because he glanced up. His smile of welcome told her that he had no intention of pulling back from their interlude. He stood and watched her approach. “You look ready to visit an equine rescue operation.”

  “It’s the best I can do.” She’d worn a long-sleeved purple T-shirt, jeans and her running shoes.

  “You look great.” His gaze moved over her with a trace of hunger.

  “Thanks.” She cherished that hunger because she wasn’t sure whether he’d look at her that way once they were back in Seattle. />
  “How did you sleep?”

  “Like the dead.” She lowered her voice. “Missed you, though.”

  “I didn’t trust myself.” He motioned to a chair. “Have a seat. I’ll get you some coffee. I asked Yvonne to hold off breakfast until you showed up.” He walked over to a coffee urn on a side table.

  “What if I’d slept until ten?”

  He had his back to her as he filled her cup. He shrugged. “We would have made different plans.”

  “You could have gone ahead and eaten.”

  “No, ma’am.” Turning back to her, he brought her coffee and set it in front of her. “That’s not how I operate.”

  “Meaning what?”

  He sat across from her. “Meaning that I want to share breakfast with you.”

  She looked into the warmth of his blue eyes. “That’s nice, Finn. I’m sorry I fell asleep on you last night.”

  He shook his head. “I’m the one who should apologize. I don’t know what I was thinking. I knew you were concerned about the presentation and had stayed up late working on it before the flight. Then I kept you up the next night with...”

  “I wanted that as much as you,” she said softly.

  “I know, but yesterday was intense with the presentation, convincing backers to contribute, and then playing with the kids, and then dancing. I didn’t think about you being tired. I just thought about—well, you know what I thought about.”

  “I thought about it, too. You still don’t seem to realize how much I crave your—”

  “There she is—the sleeping beauty!” A small, dark-haired woman came into the room. “Are you ready for breakfast, now, Miss Trask?”

  “I’m starving,” Chelsea said. “Are you Yvonne?”

  “I am, indeed.”

  “And you cook as well as handle the housekeeping chores?”

  “That’s right.” She smiled. “It’s a beautiful house to work in.”

  “It is! And you make wonderful pastries. I can’t wait to have some more.”

  “Coming right up!” The housekeeper turned and headed back to the kitchen.

  Finn’s attention remained on Chelsea, almost as if they hadn’t been interrupted. “I’m flattered that you want me that much, but you know what? Maybe it’s time for me to back off a little and let you catch your breath.”

  She met his gaze. “Don’t you dare.”

  “All right.” He chuckled. “But maybe we should at least have some breakfast first. We need to keep up our strength.”

  “Of course, if you need me to back off so you can catch your breath, then—” She gulped in surprise as he left his chair and pulled her out of hers.

  His mouth came down with deadly accuracy. His kiss was short but it delivered a powerful message that left her gasping. Then he settled her back in her chair and returned to his. “Does that answer your question?”

  “Yes.” She took a shaky breath. “I do believe it does.”

  10

  KISSING CHELSEA MIGHT not have been the wisest course of action. Finn no longer cared about breakfast. He wanted to haul her back upstairs. But he couldn’t forget the moment when he’d glanced down and discovered that she was fast asleep. When she was awake, she was a force to be reckoned with, a woman with a sharp wit and a smart mouth.

  But with her eyes closed and her mouth curved in a soft smile, she’d looked...vulnerable. She didn’t need a man to protect her. He’d never make the mistake of assuming that. She was totally in charge of herself and would resent someone who suggested otherwise. He wouldn’t back off, but there was nothing wrong with slowing down, just a little.

  So after Yvonne served the food, they ate a leisurely breakfast. They had things to discuss, after all, concerning Thunder Mountain Academy—Gabe’s potential classes in training a cutting horse, Alex and Tyler’s suggestions, and Lily as a potential guest lecturer on equine rescue efforts.

  When they’d finished eating, they lingered over coffee. Now that they’d become lovers, it was a totally different experience from the old days when they’d met in the coffee shop to go over business issues. Without the constant level of sexual frustration that had made all their Seattle discussions edgy and vaguely uncomfortable, they could relax and just be with each other.

  “It’s so good to know the end is in sight and, one way or another, we’ll have the money by the deadline,” Finn said.

  “No kidding. I’m glad it won’t be like that nail-biter we had with yours.”

  “That was intense.” They’d hovered over her computer in the same coffee shop where they’d met and reached the goal a few minutes before midnight. Then they’d gone out for drinks.

  She smiled. “That might be the only time I allowed myself to drink too much when I was around you.”

  “Same here.” He met her gaze. “I almost asked you to come home with me.”

  “I almost asked you to come home with me. But I was afraid you’d say no.”

  He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “I might have. I don’t know. I was pretty happy that night and we’d had several rounds. I might have said yes.”

  “And then regretted it in the morning?”

  He hesitated as he considered the question. “At this point, I can’t imagine ever regretting being with you, but, yeah, it’s possible. Honestly, Chels, I don’t know why you haven’t written me off.”

  “I tried, especially when you married Alison. I worked really hard to find someone who’d take my mind off you.”

  “I know.” Even now his chest tightened when he remembered those agonizing months of his marriage and Chelsea dating other guys.

  “No, you don’t. You didn’t even notice.”

  “How could I not notice? You brought that first dude, the one with the pretentious beard, into O’Roarke’s.”

  “He did not have a pretentious beard.”

  “Oh, come on. Trimmed to a little point? Give me an effing break.”

  “Okay.” She seemed to be trying to keep from laughing. “It was pretentious. And scratchy.”

  “I don’t want to hear about that part. All I know is you cuddled in a booth with him for an hour and forty-five minutes.”

  “You timed us?”

  “Damn straight. Watched the whole sickening performance from the kitchen and every minute was torture. Don’t tell me you didn’t bring him in on purpose so you could wave him in front of my nose.”

  “Of course I did! But you never said anything so I thought you hadn’t seen us and it was a wasted effort. And don’t talk to me about torture. You were married.”

  “Dear God.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Well, we won’t be going through that kind of nonsense anymore. I’d say our cards are finally on the table.”

  “But the game’s not over.”

  “Yes it is.” He reached for her hand. “No more games. I love being with you and wish I could be more like you so that I could neatly compartmentalize my life. I don’t know that I can.”

  She gave his hand a squeeze. “I believe you can, but that doesn’t matter. You have to believe it.”

  “I wish I could.” Looking into her eyes was a pleasure, one he’d denied himself for years. He hadn’t dared let his attention rest there, but now he took every opportunity to bask in the warmth of her gaze. “I’m glad we’re going to Thunder Mountain. It seems really important for you to see it.”

  “I can’t wait, Finn. I’ve been hearing about the ranch ever since we met and I know how much it means to you. I wouldn’t miss going there for anything, especially now that we know Rosie and Herb will be able to keep it.”

  “I’d like to leave first thing in the morning, if that’s okay. We can grab breakfast here, but then take off.”

  “Works for me. Are you willing to drive again
?”

  “I thought I would. Then you can look at the scenery. You didn’t do much of that on the drive from the airport.”

  “Actually, I could use those hours to work.”

  “Oh.” He shifted his thinking. “Are you getting behind? Here I’ve been raving on about taking time away from my job and you’ve had to do that, too.”

  “No worries. It’s just that right before we left I picked up a new client. He knows I had this trip, but he’d like to have a proposal for his new PR campaign ASAP. He’s on a tight deadline and if I can come through, he could be a good source of income for future campaigns.”

  Her comment provided a much-needed reality check. “Then definitely I’ll drive and you can work. I should have asked you before if you had your own stuff to do instead of assuming you were going to be fancy-free once the presentation was over.” He released her hand and pulled out his phone. “We don’t have to leave for Lily and Regan’s until a little before one, so you’d have some time now if you need it.”

  She shook her head. “It’s a beautiful day. I’d rather take a walk through town. Shoshone’s so different from what I’m used to and I’d like to check it out. Who knows when we’ll be back?”

  “Sounds great to me, but I don’t want to interfere with whatever you need to do.”

  “I promise you won’t. I wanted to make this trip, both to help out and to be with you. I’ll do some work tomorrow, and maybe a little bit while we’re at Thunder Mountain. It’ll be fine.”

  Once again, she seemed so comfortable with switching back and forth between work and play, so certain nothing would fall between the cracks. He envied the hell out of that. “Then I’ll get my hat. Need anything from upstairs?”

  “Just you.”

  Damn, but that sounded nice. “Be right back.”

  “I’ll wait for you on the front porch.”

  “Okay.” He whistled a catchy little tune as he made a quick trip upstairs. They’d danced to it the night before, although he couldn’t remember the lyrics. He hadn’t whistled in years...five, to be exact.

  What an uptight bastard he’d become. Now that the tension was ebbing away, he’d like it to stay gone. But would it? He knew himself, and once he was back in Seattle, he’d probably have the same compulsion to monitor everything 24/7. Although this trip had given him some breathing room, the fear of failure still lurked in his heart.