Page 67 of Roped in Rawhide

Now, my flip flops slap the grass as I pace around the wildflowers in our clearing. There’s a stampede of mustangs in my chest and knots in my belly. I want this to be special for him. After the incredible dates he planned over the past two days, I’ve taken it upon myself to make our Meadow Masters’ anniversary perfect. The pressure is getting to me.

I’m an anxious mess when the rumble of his truck approaches. The knuckles on my fingers hurt from being tangled too tight. It’s difficult to draw in a full breath. The enormous Ford appears through the brush, bumping along our secret path to meet me. Chance’s stare is fixed on my frazzled energy through the windshield.

The summer heat is baking my flesh, but his smolder incinerates me from the inside out. I squirm when he hops out from behind the wheel and strides straight for me. His eyes burn through my purple sundress, stripping me bare. My nipples pebble under the thin cotton material and his unwavering admiration lowers to caress them with attention.

Arousal is already pumping liquid fire through me. The instant I’m within reach, Chance hoists me into his arms and I wrap my legs around his waist. His palms roam up my thighs and under the short skirt of my dress, cupping my ass in a possessive grip. An animalistic sound growls from him as he crashes his mouth against mine.

“Fuck, I missed you.”

I laugh against his lips. “You just saw me an hour ago.”

“That’s an hour too long without you.” His focus strays to the bed of Big Red. “You’ve been busy.”

I follow his gaze to the back of my pickup where I created an intimate lounge space for us. The futon mattress I repurposed is covered in soft sheets and blankets. Six fluffy pillows are arranged at the front end. An ice bucket holding a bottle of champagne is at the foot. There are a dozen electronic candles scattered on the floor to complete the cozy vibe.

“Happy anniversary.”

“Wildflower,” he rasps. “This is…”

“A vast improvement compared to the last one we were supposed to celebrate?”

Chance frowns. “That should be obvious.”

“Adequate for a short amount of time? I’m a one-woman team.” The tease in my voice brings his dimple out of hiding.

“It’s perfect, baby. I never suspected a thing.”

My painted nails walk up his T-shirt, toying with the collar. “Thirsty?”

“And then some.”

He carries me to our rustic room, planting my butt on the open tail gate. Quick, efficient movements pop the cork of the champagne. Excess spews out and I laugh when he tries to catch it all in his mouth. Chance swoops in, sharing the sweet bubbly with me. I swallow the burst of crisp flavor out and lick along his bottom lip to gather any stray droplets.

“Yummy,” I purr.

His gaze is fixated on my tongue. “You chose well.”

“Fingers crossed you say the same in about… thirty minutes.”

He glances at the bed behind me while pouring two glasses of champagne. His gulp is audible. After passing me a drink, he fits himself between my bent knees and stares deeply into my eyes.

“There’s no other choice for me,” he whispers as our foreheads touch. “You’re the only one I want, Wildflower.”

I guzzle half of the flute for some liquid courage, but I’m already intoxicated on his devotion. “What do you want from me right now? Be specific.”

He goes unnaturally still. “You’re giving me free rein?”

“Yes.” My confirmation is a smoky wisp. “It’s your turn to be in charge. We can do whatever you want.”

“Is this a test?”

“Just a lesson.”

Chance’s fingers tremble when he tucks some loose hair behind my ear. “I want to pleasure your body.”

“Which part?”

His large hand cradles my jaw and his thumb grazes my cheek. “All of it. Head to toe. Front and back. Top to bottom.”