Naughty or Nice?: Mistletoe, Montana Book 13 Page 5

  “Fantasies, huh?” I could feel my lips curling into a smirk as I asked, “What kind of fantasies?”

  “Oh no. We’re not going to turn this conversation into all about Leslie and her fantasies. If you want to know about mine, you’re going to have to share some of yours first.”

  “I’m not sure that’s fair.”

  “Oh, it’s definitely fair.”

  I finished off the last of my drink, then stood up and got out of the hot tub. As I started rushing towards the door, Leslie shouted, “Where are you going?”

  “I’m going to need a little more liquid courage for this.” Leaving a trail of wet footprints on the floor, I rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of Scotch. Being careful not to slip, I hurried outside and got back in the hot tub. After I poured us both another drink, I said, “That should do it.”

  “You know, we could talk about something else. Maybe you could tell me more about your life on the ranch instead.”

  “I’ll do one better than that. Why don’t you come to the ranch tomorrow afternoon? I can take you out for a ride and show you around.”

  “Really?”

  She sounded surprised by my invitation. Apparently, she hadn’t realized I planned to spend as much time as possible with her while she was here. “Yeah. I think you’d enjoy it.”

  “I would love to.”

  “Then, it’s settled. Tomorrow, we will ride, but for right now, I believe we were talking about fantasies.”

  “Like I said, we don’t have to talk about them.”

  “You chickening out on me?”

  She motioned her hand over to the bottle of Scotch as she teased, “Says the one who needed liquid courage.”

  “What can I say? You make me a little nervous.”

  “I make you nervous?” she gasped. “You have to be kidding.”

  “Not at all. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman who can have any man she desires, and I’m just an old ranch hand who’s trying to keep up.”

  “Well, just so you know, I happen to think you’re pretty great, and you have no reason to be worried about keeping up. In fact, you’ve already made quite an impression on me.”

  “Oh really?” I reached over and slipped my arms around her waist, pulling her into my lap as I asked, “Now this is a topic we should definitely discuss.”

  “Are you fishing for compliments, Mr. Walker?” She batted her eyelashes as she said, “I’m sure you’ve had a similar effect on many women.”

  “I highly doubt that.”

  “Well, you certainly have Susan interested.”

  “But she’s not the one I’ve been trying so hard to impress.” I lowered my mouth to her shoulder and began trailing kisses along the curve of her neck. “You, on the other hand, have me pulling out all the stops.”

  “Well, your seduction techniques are exemplary.” She tilted her head, giving me full access to continue kissing along her neck. “Hmmm. You and all your bad influences. What’s a girl to do?”

  With that, she brought her hands up to my face and lowered her mouth to mine. She wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer as her fingers tangled in my wet hair. Unable to resist, I dug deeper into her mouth, tasting a hint of Scotch on her tongue. I could feel the blood rushing to my already throbbing erection when she inched closer and pressed her warm body against mine. My need for her consumed me like nothing I’d ever felt before, and it was all I could do to keep from losing all control. In that moment, it felt like my entire world was centered right there in her arms. Hell, I was completely lost in her—the scent of her hair, the feel of her heart beating against her chest, the taste of her skin. I slipped the straps of her bra from her shoulders, letting them slide ever so slowly down her body as I continued to claim her mouth. Eager for more, my hands crept up her back, only stopping when they reached the clasp of her bra.

  I was just about to unfasten it, when Leslie pulled back from our embrace and stood. Her eyes darkened with need as she said, “I think we should continue this inside.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  When I started to stand, she placed her hand on my shoulder. “Give me just a minute.”

  Leslie got out of the hot tub and quickly tiptoed over to the back door. Just before going inside, she looked over her shoulder at me, and the way she looked at me got me right in the gut. This was just supposed to be just one night, a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy a woman’s company without the worry of complications, but there was a piece of me that wanted more—much more. I did my best to give her the time she’d requested, then after gathering our cups and the bottle of Scotch, I rushed inside. I could feel the steam radiating from my body as I hurried to the door and opened it.

  When I stepped inside the cabin, Leslie was standing just a few feet away at the fireplace with her towel wrapped tightly around her. Fuck. She was absolutely stunning with that look of hunger in her eyes—a hunger that was directed solely at me. “Do you need a towel?”

  “Yeah. You got one for me?”

  “Sure do.” A spark of mischief flashed through her eyes as she let the cloth fall from her body, then offered it to me. “Here you go.”

  I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she stood there wearing nothing but a sexy smile. I stepped over to her and took the towel from her hand, quickly drying off. She placed her hands on my chest as she said, “Remember when we were talking about fantasies?”

  “I recall a slight mention about them.”

  “Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about it,” she wound her arms around my neck, “and I think this is the perfect time for me to fulfill one of mine.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Um-hmm.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  With a sexy smirk, she stepped toward me, taking the towel from my hand and tossing it aside. She placed her hands on my chest, lifting up on her tiptoes as she pressed her lips to mine. In the beginning, I simply wanted to spend time with her, but with each moment I spent with her, I found myself wanting her more and more. And this kiss. Fuck. It was filled with a hunger that matched my own, and I simply wasn’t strong enough to resist the temptation, especially when she kept inching closer.

  I was quickly losing control, and Leslie knew it. Breaking from our embrace, she let her fingers trail slowly down my abdomen as she lowered herself to her knees. With her eyes locked on mine, she took me in her hand and began teasing me with soft, easy strokes. A wicked smile spread across her lips as she watched my body grow more tense with every flick of her wrist. While I loved the feel of her hands on me, I was eager for something more, and a tortured moan echoed through the room when I felt the warmth of her tongue rake against me.

  My breath caught in my chest when her mouth closed over me, forcing me to work to steady myself. Her warm, soft skin against mine and the wet heat of her mouth were almost too much for me to take. A sudden groan escaped me as I savored the feeling of her delicate lips around me and the flood of sensations wracking my body as she began to swirl her tongue around me. Damn. I was absolutely lost in her.

  I had never experienced such an intense combination of sin and pleasure in my entire life. This woman exceeded every fantasy I’d ever had. She moved me further into her mouth, taking me deeper and deeper. With expert finesse she slipped me in and out of her mouth, while her hand slid around my hip to grip my ass. She pulled me into her mouth, and the enthusiasm she showed made me rock hard. She wanted me every bit as much as I wanted her. I hadn’t even thought that was possible. I could feel my orgasm building, winding me tighter and tighter. I leaned my head back as I moaned, “Damn.”

  She continued to slide her hand up and down while sucking and licking me right to the edge of oblivion. Each swirl of her tongue made the blood rush to my cock, and I could feel my release building again. Fearing I might come right there on the spot, I reached down and lifted Leslie to her feet, saying, “Love having your mouth on me, baby, but it’s my turn to play.”

&nbs
p; I carried her into the bedroom, laid her across the bed, and spent the rest of the night making love to her. I’d thought nothing could compare to that first night we were together, but over the next few days, I’d learn that I was wrong. Every time was better than the last. Damn. I was in trouble—bad trouble.

  Leslie

  My time in Mistletoe had been everything I’d hoped for and more. I’d not only finished my book, I’d met a man who fulfilled my every desire. There was just one problem. Our one night together had turned into eight, and even though I knew in my mind it was just a fling, my heart was certain it was something more. I knew I was being crazy. We’d only known each other for eight days, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself from falling for him. Colton was everything I’d ever hoped for in a man. He was unbelievably handsome, and I was undeniably attracted to him—not just for his looks, but for the way he made me feel. I could be completely open with him. I didn’t have to worry about what I did or said. He simply made things easy. I felt like I could be myself with him, and that was something that hadn’t happened in a long time, especially with a man. Colton Walker was a smart, hardworking man who also loved his kids without question. Damn. I’d finally found my Mr. Right, and I was about to lose him.

  As I sat there watching him get dressed, my heart literally ached. I knew what I had to do, and it was killing me. Sensing that something was wrong, Colton came over and sat down on the edge of the bed. “You okay?”

  “Um-hmm. I’m fine. Just a little tired I guess.”

  “Well, maybe you can get a little more sleep once I’m gone.”

  “Probably not. I’ve got some work I need to do.”

  “In that case.” He got up and walked into the living. Seconds later, he returned with a small, gift-wrapped package. As he offered it to me, he said, “I got you a little something.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Of course I did. It’s Christmas Eve after all.”

  “I got you a little something, too.” I reached over to the bedside table and pulled out a small box wrapped much like the one he’d given me. As I handed it to him, I said, “It’s just a little something to remember me by.”

  “I don’t need a gift to remember you, Leslie. I don’t think I’ll ever forget these past few days with you.”

  His words made my chest tighten even more. I needed him to go before I lost my nerve, so I said, “I tell you what. Save it and open it later. Maybe in the morning when the kids are opening their presents.”

  “You sure?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. It’s silly anyway.”

  “Okay. You do the same.” He stood up and slipped the gift in his coat pocket. “You sure you don’t want to come tonight? The kids would enjoy seeing you again.”

  “You’re sweet to offer, but you need to spend the time with your family. Besides, I really need to get started on my edits.”

  There was no missing the disappointment in his eyes as he said, “Okay. I understand.”

  “Don’t work too hard today. It’s Christmas Eve after all.”

  “Wish my herd knew that.” He shook his head with a chuckle. “I best be going.”

  He leaned down to kiss me, and before I realized what I was doing, I slipped my arms around his neck, holding him close as I kissed him back. I knew it would be the last time we ever kissed, and I struggled to let him go. After kissing him long and hard, I forced myself to hold onto him. His eyes met mine as he stood, and it was all I could do to keep myself from crying. “Merry Christmas, Colton.”

  “Merry Christmas to you, too, Leslie.” He gave me a wink, then put on his cowboy hat. “I’ll see you soon, beautiful.”

  With that, he turned and walked out of the room. As soon I heard the back door open and close, I sank back into the bed and started to sob uncontrollably. I knew I had two more days I could spend with him, but I also knew it would hurt even more when it came time for me to go. I lay there crying for over an hour, and when there were no more tears left to cry, I forced myself out of bed. I went into the living room to get my phone and dialed Natalie’s number. After ringing several times, she finally answered. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

  “I’m sorry. I know it’s early, but I need you to do something for me.”

  “You sound like you’ve been crying. What’s wrong?”

  “I need to get home, Nat. Can you please see if you can get me a flight out of here?”

  “Why? What happened?”

  “I just can’t stay here a second longer.”

  “It’s Christmas Eve, Leslie. I don’t think it’s even possible to get a flight out of there tonight.”

  “I really need you to try.”

  “Of course I will, but first...Tell me what’s going on.”

  I didn’t know why I hadn’t told her what had happened between Colton and me. Maybe I thought it would make it seem too real, like it wasn’t some fantasy I’d concocted in my head, but I couldn’t keep it from her any longer. I needed her. She was my only chance of getting through this without falling to pieces. “I slept with him.”

  “With the cowboy?”

  “Yes.”

  “What?” she gasped. “When did this happen?”

  “The night he came over for dinner... and every night since.”

  Sounding utterly wounded, she fussed, “And you’re just now telling me?”

  “Please don’t be upset with me. I was going to tell you, but I just wanted to keep it a secret for a little while. I know this will sound crazy, but I just wanted to have this one thing that was mine and mine alone.”

  “Oh, honey. I understand. You had every right to keep that to yourself. I just want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “I know, and that’s why I love you.”

  “So, what happened? Why are you suddenly so eager to get home?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “When it comes to men, it usually is. Just tell me why you’re upset.”

  “I fell in love with him.” Saying the words brought tears to my eyes. I told her about our night at the festival and our time in the hot tub, how we’d gone horseback riding in the snow, and how we’d had dinner over at his ranch, and I met his kids. The more I shared with her, the more upset I got. I had no doubt that I sounded like a blubbering idiot when I told her, “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I was trying to do what you said and just have a good time with him, but the more time I spent with him, the more I ended up falling for him.”

  “I’m sorry, sweetie, but I’m not seeing the problem. You still have some time to spend with him.”

  “I can’t, Nat. The more I’m with him, the more I’m going to miss him when I leave. My heart just can’t take it.” My voice trembled as I told her, “I need to go home before I make this thing even worse.”

  “Are you sure about this?” she pushed. “I don’t want you to do something you might end up regretting.”

  “I’m sure. Book the flight.”

  “Okay. You’re the boss.”

  “Thanks, Natalie. I’m going to start packing. Let me know if you are able to find a flight.”

  “Will do.”

  After I hung up the phone, I took a moment to collect myself, then went to the bathroom to take a shower. Once I was done, I got dressed and started gathering my things. As I packed my suitcase, I thought about the characters in my books, and how I’d always found a way to give each and every one a spectacular happy ending. I tried to think about how I might give characters like Colton and me a happy ending. I thought about how we lived two separate lives—him on a ranch in Montana and my life in Tennessee. In my fantasy world, I would have my heroine move and spend the rest of her days writing on the Walker Ranch, but again, that’s just a fantasy.

  Just as I’d finished packing, Natalie called to let me know she’d found me a flight. There was just one problem. I only had an hour to get to the airport. I put on my coat, and when I started to collect my bags, I spotted th
e little red box sitting on the side table. I didn’t have the strength to stop and open it, so I slipped it in my coat pocket and grabbed the rest of my bags. After I’d put everything into my rental car, I rushed back inside to write Colton a note. I knew it was cold and heartless, but I just didn’t have it in me to say goodbye to him in person. I grabbed a pen and piece of paper from the desk and tried to think of what I should say. It should’ve been easy. I wrote for a living, but every time I tried to put to words how I felt, I’d start to cry and lose track of what I was trying to say. Knowing I was pressed for time, I finally wrote:

  Dear Colton,

  I’m so sorry for leaving like this, but I didn’t have a choice. I had to go. Staying even one more day would’ve only made leaving you that much harder. Please know it meant the world to me to spend these past few days with you. I had such a wonderful time, and I will treasure the memories for a lifetime.

  Love always,

  Leslie

  I placed the note on the table next to the key to the cabin, then rushed out to my car and started for the airport. I was worried I might not make it in time, but I arrived at the airport minutes before the departure. I quickly checked in and raced to the terminal. Moments later, I was in my seat beginning to head home. My mind was reeling as I sat there staring out the window, watching silently as they prepared the plane for takeoff. I was so tempted to jump out of my seat and plead with them to let me off, but I didn’t move. Instead, I just sat there wallowing in my self-misery.

  We’d been in the air for just over a half-hour when I finally decided to take off my coat. I leaned forward, and as I pulled the thick fabric down my arms, I felt Colton’s gift bump my leg. Feeling like someone drowning and reaching out for a life preserver, I slipped my hand into the pocket and pulled out the gift.

  I held it in my hands for several moments studying the beautiful wrapping, and when I couldn’t stand it a second longer, I finally started to carefully tear away at the paper. Once I had it unwrapped, I slowly opened the box, and the second I saw what was inside, I started smiling. As I picked up the small, wooden ornament, I could still remember the look on Colton’s face when I told him that it looked like him. In all honesty, the chubby Santa didn’t look anything like him. The only similarity was that Santa was riding a brown horse just like Colton’s. It was the perfect gift. I would’ve given anything to see the look on his face when he discovered I’d bought him the ornament of Mrs. Claus sitting at a computer. It was clear that night had meant a great deal to us both.