Page 154 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“Sienna spends so much time in here, she should have a tree to enjoy all day. And she can help decorate it.”

“That sounds like fun. I think we’ll do it in the morning.”

“Coffee smells good. Want some?” he asked, rising from his seat. Earlier, she’d set a pot of decaf brewing.

“Sure, thanks.”

After a minute he delivered a cup to her. It was amazing how wide-awake they both were. She was used to waking up and cooking during the night. But this would all change soon for Jared. Once he got back to work full-time and began commuting to Dallas, these special nights would probably end.

Jared sat and sipped his coffee. “Tell me about your childhood, Bella.”

She stiffened and averted her eyes, pretending to peruse her notes. “Uh, nothing much to tell really. I don’t remember my mother. She passed away during childbirth. My baby brother didn’t make it, either. At the time, I was just a tot, not much older than Sienna is now, and I had no clue how it had affected my father. Until I got older, that is. I don’t think he ever got over the loss. He had trouble being both mother and father to me. We don’t get along.”

“Sorry. That’s rough. My dad died young, too. It sort of made me want to branch out and do everything I’ve ever wanted to do, like, right away. Before time runs out.”

“But maybe, Jared...doing so could actually cause your time to run out faster.”

He scratched his head. “You sound like my brother. And mother.”

She walked over to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her mouth to his, giving him a solid earth-shaking kiss. “Do I?” she whispered. He reached for her but she swiftly moved away before he could reciprocate.

“Okay, point taken. So tell me more about your life, Bella.”

“First, you tell me what sort of extreme sports are waiting for you once you heal completely?” Her question was meant as a diversion, a way to take the focus off her life.

“They’re not extreme, Bella. I ride motorcycles. I like fast cars. I race boats during the spring and summer. I’ve been on long endurance runs on my bike. I’ve river-rafted and skydived. As soon as I get the word from the doc, I’m gonna take flying lessons.”

“Yeah, all normal everyday stuff as safe as, say...going to a movie or hiking a trail.”

“You don’t approve? Hell, Bella, if you want to go to a movie, I’ll take you anytime.”

She rolled her eyes. Was he serious? “Jared, you’re forgetting I have an investment in you. I’d like to see your life continue, preferably without injury.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Bella. You don’t have to worry.”

Sadness filled her heart. “That’s what Paul would tell me. I don’t have to worry. And then he died and it hurt for a really, really long time. It still hurts, Jared.”

“I know, Bella. I hate to see you hurting.” He rose and approached her. “Fact is, it’s the last thing I want for you,” he said softly. This time when he reached for her, she flowed into his arms. His solid strength surrounded and settled her. It amazed her how easily his touch could do that. Being tucked into Jared’s broad shoulders cocooned her in warmth and heat began to grow in her belly.

He tenderly kissed her forehead and lifted her chin. She looked into his blue eyes, blazing with heat and hunger, and she couldn’t fight it any longer. She knew what it was like to be with Jared now, to be joined with him flesh-to-flesh. He was a beautiful man, flawed in only one way: his love for speed and danger. Could she overlook her doubts and open her heart fully to him?

A deep plea rose from her throat. “Jared.”

It was a call to him. To take her. To be with her. To make love to her the way he had last night.

“I’m here, angel.” And then he lifted her into his arms. The move didn’t seem to strain him or to hurt him in any way. “And you don’t have to worry.”

Jared held her tight, her head resting on his bare chest. They’d made love just a few minutes ago and Bella’s body was still humming like a sweet bird. There was nothing selfish in the way they pleasured each other. Jared worked his magic on her, hitting all her sensitive points, making her whimper. And she was beginning to discover what he liked her to do to him, with her mouth, her hands. Which seemed to be pretty much anything she wanted. His wild responses to her, his deep guttural groans, gave her a sense of power and command in bed. She loved pleasing him.

Earlier, Jared had mentioned his mother’s visit, but she hadn’t had a chance yet to ask him about it. “So, your mother is coming on Friday?” Bella whispered, wondering what her role would be once she got here. She stroked Jared’s chest with the palm of her hand, absorbing the feel of him. Already, tingles of awareness were plotting against her tranquility.

“Yeah, she’s anxious to see me. I’ve spoken with her on the phone, but with the party and all, she wants to be here.”

“I can understand that. She has to see you for herself. You may be all grown up and resilient, but you’re still her boy.”

“Boy?” He grinned. “I’ll show you boy,” he said, rising up. He planted his mouth on hers and kissed her senseless. The heat of his palm covered her derriere and he gave it a long, proprietary squeeze.

She could easily give in to him again—she wanted to—but this was important. She gave him a shove, startling him, and he landed back on the bed. “Jared, we’re having a serious conversation here.” She smiled.