"I can see it," I whisper, my voice full of wonder. "I can really see my life here with you, Harlan. It feels like the happy ending I never thought I would get."
He turns me in his arms and kisses me right there in the snowy field, deep and hungry, his hands framing my face like I’m something precious. The chemistry between us flares hot and bright, his need for me pouring into every touch. When we finally pull apart, both breathing hard, he rests his forehead against mine.
"Good. Because you’re not going anywhere, sunshine."
We ride back to the cabin slower this time, side by side, the horses' hooves crunching through the snow. Every glance Harlan sends my way is full of that rugged want, that protective fire that makes me feel cherished and desired all at once. By the time we reach the barn and get the horses settled, my cheeks are flushed from more than just the cold.
Back inside the cabin I turn to him with a bright smile. "Best ride of my life. Thank you for being so patient with me."
He pulls me close again, hands on my hips, eyes dark. "Anytime. You did good out there. I’ll call the B&B and tell them you’re quitting."
I rise up on my toes and kiss him, pouring all my quirky, sparkling joy into it. “Thank you.” This grumpy, ex-military cowboy is stealing my heart one protective moment at a time, and I can’t wait to see what happens next on this beautiful mountain.
EIGHT
HARLAN
We get the horses settled in the barn and I can’t keep my hands off her the whole walk back to the cabin. Sunny walks beside me with that bright bouncy step of hers, cheeks pink from the cold and the ride, her golden hair escaping her scarf in soft waves that make my fingers itch to wrap around them. Every time our arms brush I feel that electric pull stronger than before. I’ve been hard since we dismounted at the viewpoint, my cock straining against my jeans from watching her ride so sweetly and picturing all the ways I want to claim her properly.
The second the cabin door shuts behind us I spin her around and pin her against it, my mouth crashing down on hers. She tastes like fresh mountain air and berries from breakfast, sweet and addictive. Her little gasp turns into a moan that vibrates straight through me as I deepen the kiss, my tongue sliding against hers, possessive and hungry. I’ve wanted this woman since the moment I pulled her off that spooked horse and now the need is roaring through my veins like wildfire.
"Been thinking about this the whole ride back," I growl against her lips, my hands sliding down her sides to grip her hips andpull her tight against my aching cock. "Thinking about getting you inside and stripping you bare so I can taste every inch of my sunshine."
She melts into me, her fingers fisting in my flannel, that quirky sparkle in her eyes turning dark and needy. "Yes, please, Harlan. I want you so much it hurts."
I peel her coat off first, letting it drop to the floor with a soft thud, then mine follows. My hands move to the buttons of her shirt, working them open one by one while I kiss down her neck, sucking lightly at the spot that makes her shiver. Her skin is warm and smooth under my rough palms, smelling like vanilla and woman and that wildflower scent that drives me insane. When the shirt falls open I push it off her shoulders and groan at the sight of her full breasts in that simple bra, nipples already tight and begging for my mouth.
"Look at you," I rasp, voice low and rough. "So damn pretty for me. These tits have been teasing me since you woke up in my bed. Gonna worship them like they deserve."
I unhook her bra and toss it aside, cupping her bare breasts in my hands. They’re soft and heavy, perfect against my callused skin. I lean down and take one rosy nipple into my mouth, sucking hard while my tongue flicks over it. Sunny arches with a breathy cry, her hands threading through my hair and holding me there. I switch to the other, biting gently then soothing with my tongue, feeling her tremble under me.
"Daddy," she whimpers, the word slipping out soft and sweet, and it hits me like a spark to dry tinder. Fuck. Light or not, hearing her call me that makes my cock throb painfully.
"That’s right, sunshine," I murmur against her skin, nipping at the underside of her breast. "Daddy’s got you. Gonna take such good care of this sweet body."
I drop to my knees right there by the door, my hands sliding down her stomach to work her jeans open. The zipper sounds loud in the quiet cabin. I tug her jeans and panties down together, helping her step out of them until she stands completely bare in front of me. Her pussy is glistening already, pink and perfect, and the scent of her arousal makes my mouth water.
"Spread your legs for Daddy," I command, voice gravelly. She obeys with a shy little smile that turns into a gasp when I lean in and run my tongue straight up her slit. She tastes like heaven, sweet and musky and wet. I groan against her, licking deeper, circling her clit with firm strokes while my hands grip her thighs to hold her steady.
"Oh god, Harlan... that feels incredible," she moans, her hips rocking against my face. I slide two thick fingers inside her tight heat, curling them to stroke that spot that makes her cry out. She’s soaking my hand already, her walls clenching around me as I suck on her swollen clit.
"Good girl," I growl between licks, pumping my fingers faster. "So wet for Daddy. This pussy is mine now. Say it."
"It’s yours," she gasps, her voice breaking on a moan. "All yours, Daddy."
My cock swells at her calling me that. I work her harder, adding a third finger, stretching her while my tongue flicks relentlessly over her clit. Her thighs start to shake around my head, her fingers tightening in my hair. When she comes it’s beautiful, herwhole body tensing as she floods my mouth with her sweetness, crying out my name mixed with that soft "Daddy" that makes me feel feral.
I lap her through every pulse, gentling my touch until she sags against the door. Then I stand up, scooping her into my arms and carrying her to the bedroom. I lay her on the bed and strip off my own clothes, my cock springing free, thick and hard and leaking for her. Her eyes widen as she looks at me, hungry and a little nervous.
"See what you do to me, sunshine?" I say, crawling over her. I kiss her deep, letting her taste herself on my tongue. "Been aching for this tight little pussy since I carried you in here the first time."
I take my time exploring her again, my mouth on her breasts while my fingers tease between her legs, keeping her on edge. She writhes under me, soft whimpers and breathy moans filling the room. The feel of her skin against mine is electric, warm and silky where I’m hard and rough. I grind my cock against her thigh, leaving a trail of wetness, showing her exactly how badly I need her.
"Please, Daddy," she begs, her hands running down my chest, nails scraping lightly. "I need you inside me."
"Not yet," I murmur, kissing down her stomach. "Daddy wants to taste you one more time."
I settle between her thighs again, licking and sucking until she comes on my tongue a second time, her cries sweeter than the last. Only then do I rise up, positioning my cock at her entrance. I rub the thick head through her slick folds, teasing her clit until she’s whimpering.