Adrianna's Cowboy

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Adrianna’s Cowboy ISBN 9781419923623 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Adrianna’s Cowboy Copyright © 2009 Savannah Stuart Edited by Helen Woodall Cover art by Syneca Electronic book Publication August 2009 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

ADRIANNA’S COWBOY

Savannah Stuart

Dedication This story is for Josh. Thank you for all your support.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Stetson: John B. Stetson Company

Adrianna’s Cowboy

Chapter One Adrianna Campbell grabbed another scarf and shoved it into the side pocket of her overflowing suitcase. “Did you hear what I said?” her friend Lindsay asked. Holding her cell phone against her ear with one hand, she grabbed a pair of boots from her closet. “Yes, I heard you but I’m not going to sue them so forget about it.” “You should. Firing you without any notice after you worked your ass off for four years is wrong. And all because you wouldn’t screw your boss. Stupid fucker,” Lindsay muttered. Adrianna sighed as she folded another pair of jeans. “I know but I was planning to quit soon anyway. Taking that sleaze ball to court is the last thing I want to do.” “Fine, how about we trash his car then?” She chuckled. “Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not.” “Who’s kidding? Teach that jerk a lesson he’ll never forget.” “Okay, no, because that’s crazy and I don’t want to end up jail. Besides, this is going to be a good thing in the long run. I’ve already called my dad and he’s excited I’ll be spending some extra time at home.” Even though she only lived two and a half hours away, she hadn’t been home in four months. Her dad might have an idea why she’d been avoiding Campbell Ranch but if he’d guessed, he hadn’t let on. A year ago he’d rehired Sam Blackwood so she’d made sure to schedule her visits around the cattle runs, knowing she wouldn’t see Sam. “I’m going to miss you,” Lindsay said. “I know but I’ll call you when I get there, I promise.” “Okay, be safe.” 5

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After they disconnected, she gave her room one last glance before rolling her suitcase down the hall and stairs. Her phone rang again so she fished it out of her purse. She smiled when she saw the number. “Hey Dad, I’m walking out the door now.” “Adrianna, it’s not your father.” Her throat clenched at the intoxicating, familiar voice. Somehow she made her throat work. “Sam? Why are you calling from my father’s phone?” He sighed. “Listen, I don’t know how to say this but uh…your dad….” “Is my dad okay?” “Shit, sweetheart… Your dad had a heart attack. He passed away about ten minutes ago.” Her purse slid to the floor and she leaned against the wall for support. “You’re wrong.” “I’m going to send someone to pick you up—” “No! I’m leaving right now.” Without waiting for a response, she hung up the phone and shoved it in her purse. It continued ringing until she made it to the highway. It was almost easy to tune out the sound but finally she shut it off and turned the radio on low. Talking to anyone right now was impossible. If she talked to Sam of all people, she’d start crying and then she’d never make it home.

***** Sam Blackwood paced the length of the front porch and tried calling Adrianna. Again. Went straight to voicemail. Again. Sighing, Sam scrubbed a hand over his face and headed back inside. Even if he was annoyed with her, he sure as shit couldn’t show it when he saw her. She’d just lost her dad. She might put on a tough façade sometimes but he knew the woman would be hurting something fierce. Hell, everyone who knew Jacob Campbell was hurting.

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The sound of a car door slamming stopped him. He rushed back to the front door but before he made it, the door swung open. A gust of icy wind blasted him but he could barely feel it as unexpected heat swept through him. It was her. The woman he’d wanted for longer than he cared to admit. Big blue eyes he remembered well stared at him with raw pain. She had the type of eyes a man could drown in if he let himself. “Sam.” The ragged way she said his name tore at his heart. He took a few steps toward her, closing the distance between them. He’d regret holding her later but for now he didn’t give a damn. Tears spilled down her fairskinned cheeks as she stepped into his arms and he fought the guilt he experienced at actually enjoying holding her slim body against his. Her strawberry blonde hair was shorter than he remembered. She wore it closer to her shoulders now. And it was straight, not wild and curly like before. Of course he hadn’t seen her in about four years. Things and people changed. One thing was for sure, his attraction to her hadn’t. She was also smaller, leaner, than he remembered. Everything except her breasts of course. They pressed against his chest and even though she had on a thick sweater, he knew what they looked like. Knew what they tasted like. Perfect rosy buds he’d kissed and sucked on until she came. To his horror, his cock lengthened as memories assaulted him. He tried to think of something, anything else but nothing worked. Like some horny teenager, his cock wouldn’t listen. Abruptly she pulled back and stared up at him through tear-laden eyes. “Are you…” He cleared his throat but didn’t answer. To his surprise, an unexpected grin spread across her face and she laughed. Actually laughed. “You always were a randy bastard,” she murmured, as she stepped out of his arms. Yeah, only for you. “Do you have luggage?” 7

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“Everything’s in the car. I can get it later—” But he was out the door before she could finish. He found her car unlocked so he lugged out a suitcase that should have its own zip code. Looked like she was planning to stay awhile. The thought gave him a moment’s pause but he shoved it away. Adrianna might have been interested in him when she was young and too naïve to know what she wanted but things were different now. When he came back inside, he found her sitting at the kitchen table sipping on a beer. “You hungry?” he asked. “Not really. Maybe this beer will dull some of my senses.” Her laugh was wry and full of pain. “I don’t want you to worry about anything, Adrianna. I’ve talked to the funeral home and your father’s lawyer. Everything’s being handled.” “When…when’s the funeral?” “Sunday afternoon.” Today was Friday. She stared at her beer. “He always said he wanted to be buried out by that old sycamore tree.” He pulled out the chair and sat across from her. “I know and we’re going to do exactly what he requested. Listen, why don’t you settle in and get some rest? There’s nothing you can do until tomorrow anyway.” For a moment he thought she might say more but instead she simply stood. “Okay, just lock up on your way out.” “I live here now.” The words sliced through the quiet room, effectively sucking all the air out with them. Her big blue eyes grew even wider as she stared at him. “What?”

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He hated telling her this next part. “Your dad… His arthritis had gotten bad the past couple months so I moved in from the bunkhouse a while ago to help out.” “Why didn’t he tell me?” He rubbed a hand over his face. “He didn’t want you to worry.” She mumbled something about her dad being a stubborn ass but then bit her bottom lip. When she didn’t respond he continued. “If you’d be more comfortable, I could—” She shook her head. “No, this house feels so empty without him here. I guess I’ll just head upstairs.” She cleared her throat and glanced down at her feet. “Which room is yours?” “I took the one next to your old one.” “I see.” She turned on her heel and disappeared down the hallway. What the hell did that mean? I see? Seconds later, he heard her walking around upstairs and he cursed the day he’d thought it smart to kiss Adrianna Campbell. The sexy woman was quicksand for a man like him.

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Chapter Two Adrianna stepped under the powerful shower jets. Tension raced through her body and she fought the guilt that threatened to overwhelm her. Her father was dead and instead of mourning, she was lusting after the man downstairs. She still didn’t know the details but after twelve years in the service, Sam had apparently decided to retire. A year ago he’d moved back to Cedar Grove and no surprise, a job had been waiting for him. As she rinsed the shampoo out of her hair she wished she could rinse away her attraction to Sam. She snorted at the thought. Any woman with a pulse in a hundredmile radius would be attracted to that man. With jet black hair, an Adonis face and muscular thighs she’d fantasized about on more than one occasion, the man was walking sex appeal. Only once had he let his guard down around her. She’d been home over the holiday break and he’d been home on leave. She touched her fingers to her lips remembering his roughness. The way their tongues had collided in a hungry frenzy. Instinctively, she squeezed her thighs together remembering the way he’d stripped her naked, kissed and worshipped every inch of her body, brought her to a mind-blowing climax, then hadn’t finished what he’d started. That thought was like a rush of cold water over her skin. Years later she still couldn’t figure out why he’d denied himself pleasure when she’d been ready and willing. Shaking her head, she turned off the shower, stepped out and wrapped a big cotton towel around herself. She peeked out the bathroom door into her room. To her relief, Sam had already brought up her luggage. After blow drying the dampness out of her hair, she slipped on a pair of panties and slid under the covers of her bed. 10

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Snuggling deeper under the patchwork quilt her mom had made for her, she shut her eyes. After twenty minutes of tossing and turning she gave up. She slipped out of bed and threw on a black-and-pink kimono-style robe. The rest of the house was quiet as she made her way down the stairs. If she remembered correctly, her father had some whiskey hidden in his office. She barely tolerated the stuff but if she mixed it with hot tea, she’d sleep the night through. The heavy wooden door to her father’s office was silent as she pushed it open but she jerked to a halt when she realized she wasn’t alone. Looking tired, Sam sat behind her father’s desk hunched over a stack of papers. “What are you doing?” He glanced up and for a brief second his eyes flashed blatant interest as they raked over the entire length of her body. Her nipples tightened painfully under his scrutiny and she had no doubt he could see her reaction through the thin robe. “I’m going over the books. With your father’s passing, I don’t want anything to fall through the cracks in the next couple weeks.” “I can go over them tomorrow if you’d like. It is what I do after all. Or rather, what I did.” Since she’d graduated college she’d been working for the same advertising company. In four short years she’d moved up to be the head of the accounting department. Everything had been great until the boss’s son took over. “Did? What happened?” “I uh…I got let go. Yesterday in fact.” She shrugged and wrapped her arms around herself. His dark brow furrowed as he straightened in his chair. “Why? Not because of your dad?” “I had a difference of opinion with my boss. He thought sex should be included in my work requirements. I disagreed.” Sam immediately stood with clenched fists. “That son of a bitch—”

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She covered the distance between them and put a gentle hand on his arm as she leaned against the edge of the desk. “I can take care of myself Sam. Besides, it’s the middle of the night. What are you going to do, drive to Charlotte and kick his ass?” She smiled and lightly squeezed his arm, hoping to draw a grin from him. His entire body stilled at the contact. His gaze slid down to her face then to her chest, caressing her body just as intimately as if he’d used his hands. When his nostrils flared she sucked in a deep breath. “Go back to bed, Adrianna.” The words came out hoarse and raspy. “Why?” Her grip on his arm tightened when he tried to pull away from her. The feel of his bunched muscles under her fingertips sent shock waves to her pussy. The man was absolute perfection. “Because if you don’t, I’m going to fuck you over the desk,” he growled, deep and low. She wasn’t sure if his words were supposed to scare her or turn her on. Whatever his intention, it was the latter that won. She spread her legs and let the robe fall open farther to reveal a lot of bare skin. “Promise?” She didn’t know who was more surprised. Him or her. His dark eyes widened for a split second. “Damn it woman, you don’t know what you’re saying.” He brushed past her and stomped out of the room. Tears stung her eyes as the door slammed behind him but she swiped away the few errant ones that dared to spill over. Turning on her heel, she decided enough was enough. If they were going to live in the same house for the next couple of days, she was going to get some answers. She hurried up the stairs and when she stood in front of his door she took a deep breath before knocking on it. When he didn’t answer she listened closely. The sound of running water greeted her ears. She jerked his door open, then continued on to the bathroom door. It was slightly ajar so she marched in and flung the blue shower curtain back. 12

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Sam had one hand on the tiled wall and one hand wrapped snugly around his very hard cock. His midnight black eyes slightly widened but he didn’t move or try to hide what he was doing. She narrowed her eyes at him. “So what? You’d rather jerk off than be with me?” Years of putting thoughts of Sam out of her head and dating men who never compared to him, all came rushing up at once. If his answer was yes, it would be more than she could handle. She’d taken two steps toward the door when an iron hand closed around her arm. It all happened so fast she nearly stumbled. He was in the shower and then he wasn’t. Soaking wet and completely naked, Sam held on to her as he dripped water all over the floor. By the dark look in his eyes, he wasn’t letting go. Her breathing increased as they stood there staring at each other. Why wasn’t he saying anything? She tried tugging away from his grasp but he was immovable. After a long pause he finally spoke but his words came out hoarse. “What do you want from me, Adrianna?” She took a deep breath and didn’t miss the way his eyes traveled to her mouth. “I want to know why you always push me away. I see the way you look at me, Sam.” He dropped his hand and grabbed her by the shoulders so that she completely faced him. Almost instantly, cream dampened her panties. His neck muscles corded tightly and the wild look in his eyes put her on edge. Her gaze followed the hard lines of his muscular chest down to his ripped abdomen. His cock jerked under her scrutiny and she tried to take a step back but he still held firm. “If we take this next step, you’re mine,” he growled. She tore her gaze away from his pulsing cock and focused on his face. He hadn’t exactly answered her question but that was fine with her. Her throat tightened and it was all she could do to nod.

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Sam released her and quickly turned off the shower knob. When he did she got a glimpse of his sculpted ass and she sucked in a deep breath. There couldn’t be an ounce of fat on the man. He turned back to face her but was silent again, making her wonder if he’d changed his mind. Finally he spoke. “Do you understand what I’m saying? You. Are. Mine.” Again she nodded. She wanted him to dominate her. Always had. Heat and cream flooded her pussy like a tidal wave. The look in his eyes was primal and, if she was honest, a little terrifying. Not that she was scared he’d hurt her. Sam would never do that. She was just worried maybe she’d bitten off more than she could chew.

Sam reached out for Adrianna and inwardly cursed his unsteady hands. He tugged the tie on her silky robe free and pushed it off her shoulders. It fell to the floor without a sound. His entire body tensed at the sight in front of him. Faded tan lines didn’t cover nearly enough of her smooth skin and she had a dangling bellybutton ring. A tiny four-leaf clover. He grinned. Yeah, she was definitely getting lucky tonight. He’d seen her naked before. Once. Yet somehow he felt like a randy teenager ready to fuck for the first time. Her hands went to cover her breasts, maybe out of nervousness but he grasped them and held them firmly at her sides. The small action pushed her perky breasts out farther. He leaned down and sucked one of the ripe buds, circling her pink nipple in erotic little motions, flicking and teasing the tip, which earned him a ragged moan from her. “Mine,” he murmured against her soft skin. She might not fully understand what he meant but that was too damn bad. She’d been too young for him before. Very legal yes but he’d known back then if he had her, he wouldn’t have been able to let her go. And that wouldn’t have been fair to her. This time she’d come to him and he wasn’t letting her go again. When she clutched his shoulders and leaned into him, giving him better access to her body, he lost it. 14

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Without giving her a chance to change her mind, he lifted her up in one swoop. If he didn’t get her to his bed, he’d fuck her on the bathroom floor. The first time, he was doing this right. Drops of water rolled from his body onto hers as he stretched her out on his bed. Small rivulets ran down her flat stomach and onto the bed. She deserved foreplay. His brain screamed at him to give her something. Once his cock was inside her sweet pussy, he knew he wouldn’t be long. He’d never had a problem with stamina before but something told him she’d be different. Hell, Adrianna was different. Gorgeous, sweet, incredibly smart. Everything he wanted in a woman. He couldn’t understand why she’d want a roughneck like him but she’d made her choice and now there was no turning back. Just the thought of being inside her was enough to make him come. “Sam?” The sound of her shaky voice brought him back to reality. It took him a second to realize he’d been staring at her and not moving. Stretched out on his dark sheets, she looked like an offering to the gods. Petite as hell with surprisingly large breasts for her frame, the woman had a body made for string bikinis. His balls pulled up painfully tight. “Do you trust me?” he rasped out. “Of course.” Her words came out as a whisper. Adrianna squirmed under Sam’s intense scrutiny and he guessed it was because he looked like a hungry animal. He felt like one too. She apparently pushed her shyness away because she reached for his shaft and wrapped her hand around it and squeezed. With slow, measured movements she started stroking him.

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And that’s all it took for him to pounce. He grabbed both her wrists and placed them above her head. He refused to come in her hands and the only way he could do this was if she wasn’t touching him. “Don’t move your hands.” With a curious expression on her pretty face, she nodded. He’d never been into bondage but he’d also never been with a woman like Adrianna. He quickly slid off the bed and hurried to his closet. He was back seconds later with two neckties. Her blue eyes widened but at least she hadn’t moved. And she didn’t question him as he secured both her wrists to the headboard. Trailing kisses down one of her outstretched arms, he continued a path across her smooth shoulder and neck. When he reached the sensitive part behind her ear, he raked his teeth across her delicate skin. While he savored the softness of her body, he reached down and cupped her mound. She tensed under his touch for a brief moment but when he rubbed a finger over her clit, she sighed in appreciation. “Tell me what you want sweetheart,” he whispered in her ear. “You.” The word came out raggedly. He increased his movements but kept his touch gentle. “I want to hear you say what you want.” When she didn’t respond, he stilled his hand, hovering over her clit but not moving. She tried to move her hips against him but he held a firm hand over her stomach, pressing her into the bed. Finally she spoke. “I want you to fuck me.” That was what he wanted. His mouth was on hers. Dominating and hungry. Their tongues danced with pent-up need, desire and a strange familiarity. It shouldn’t be that way but kissing her felt like the most natural thing in the world.

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When he began nibbling her bottom lip and slowing things down, she tried to wrap her legs around his waist but he lifted his head back and reached down to clasp her thighs with both hands. “Not yet.” Gripping her knees, he spread her legs apart as he trailed kisses down her body. He feathered kisses across her breasts and abdomen. When he got to the sensitive section above her mound, all her muscles tensed under his mouth. He continued until his face was between her legs. Going down on a woman was something he’d never thought much about. It was usually something he did to return the favor. She waxed but there was still a strip of soft strawberry blonde hair covering her pussy. As he stared at her perfect pink lips he couldn’t think of anything he’d rather do more than taste her. The engorged nub of her clit peeked through those lips so he blew lightly on her skin, opening the folds further. Her hips jolted at the sensation but he moved a calming hand to her thigh. Tension hummed through her and her breathing was wild and uneven but she stilled at his touch. He inhaled her sweet scent as he licked the length of her slit up to her clit. She moaned and twisted against the sheets when he began circling the engorged nub with his tongue. Using his thumbs, he opened her lips wider and completely tasted her, letting his tongue dive into her heat. The soft folds of her pussy clenched with each lick. The tiny moans she made and the way her body reacted to his every touch were more of a turn-on than anything he’d experienced with anyone else. Her hips arched in tune with his strokes and when she whispered his name, he knew she was close. And he wanted to be inside her when she came. “You’d better not be finished,” she gasped as he lifted his head.

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Finished? Not if someone held a gun to his head. Without responding, he grabbed a condom from the drawer, ripped it open and sheathed himself in record time. Later, he’d let her do it. Now, there was no way in hell he’d let her touch him. Talking required too much effort. His balls pulled up agonizingly tight and his cock wanted in her now. Like a heat-seeking missile, it found its target. He’d tasted her juices so he knew she was wet but when he buried his cock inside her, he stilled. She was so tight he was afraid he’d come without any further movements. “Damn,” he ground out. She must have read his mind. “It’s been a long time for me,” she murmured as she shifted underneath him. That changes now. But he didn’t say the words. He couldn’t. His throat clenched too tight for words to escape. With her arms stretched above her head, her breasts pushed out like a feast for him. He traced a finger around one breast, circling her nipple. She sighed in appreciation and arched her back. He leaned down and took her other breast in his mouth. He licked and laved the rock-hard nub as he rolled the other in his palm. Tiny mewling sounds escaped her but he couldn’t understand anything she was saying. With each thrust, her pussy clenched so tightly around him, it took all his effort to restrain himself. His cock ached to release but he’d be damned if she didn’t find release before he did. One hard suck on her nipple was all it took for her to climax. She clenched around him like a vise, her pussy milking him with no mercy. Hot damn she was sensitive. Dynamite in his hands. He just had to hit the right spot. Her ankles locked around his back as he started moving in tune with her whimpers. Her cream washed over his cock like a waterfall as he pounded into her.

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And just like that he exploded. Gripping her slim hips, he lost himself inside her. Being with Adrianna was nothing like his fantasies. He’d jerked off to the thought of her more than once but the reality…the reality was almost too much. In a few long hard thrusts, he came like a man who’d been in prison for a decade. Everything around him came back into focus as he stared down at her body. A light sheen of sweat covered her forehead though he was sure he looked a lot worse. Though his body protested, he pulled out of her and forced himself to let go of her hips. She hissed when he withdrew. “Hold on darlin’.” He discarded the condom then released the ties around her wrists. Instantly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down onto the bed with her. “Wow,” she whispered against his cheek before falling back against the pillow. Wow didn’t even begin to cover it. He tugged the sheet up so it covered them both and shifted her body so that her backside was tucked against him. The sound of her steady breathing greeted his ears, telling him she’d already fallen asleep. His cock was already lengthening again but that was too damn bad. Closing his eyes, he draped his arm around her waist and savored the feel of her smooth skin. He didn’t know if she completely understood what he’d meant earlier but Adrianna Campbell was his now.

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Chapter Three Adrianna snuggled under the comforter. She was sore all over. Definitely a good kind of sore but her body had used muscles last night she’d forgotten about. Like a freaking machine, Sam had woken her two more times during the night. She heard the sound of the door opening and pulled the covers higher over her head. If he thought she could go another round without some kind of sustenance, he was out of his damn mind. Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest when the covers were ripped from her. “Get out of bed, lazy bo—” Clutching only a pillow and completely naked, she stared at a wide-eyed Malcolm Santos. At least the older ranch hand looked just as surprised as she felt. Actually, the white-haired man looked like he might have a heart attack. His eyes bulged out and he clasped a hand over his heart. For what felt like an eternity, they stared at each other until he tossed the cover back at her and turned around, nearly tripping over his boots as he did. “Shit Adrianna, I didn’t know you’d arrived,” he mumbled. The back of his neck was red so despite the embarrassing situation she managed to smile. “It’s okay, I got in late last night.” “Just so you know, this is Sam’s room now,” he mumbled again. She bit back a laugh. Yeah, she certainly knew this was his room. Before she could respond, Sam walked through the door. “Where the hell were you?” Malcolm’s voice had an accusing edge to it, each word rising as he spoke to Sam.

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Sam’s gaze went from his friend back to where Adrianna clutched the covers against her chest. “I was in the stables. What the hell are you doing here?” “I wanted to go over the inventory but…” Without finishing his sentence, he rushed from the room, his cowboy boots thudding down the hallway and stairs. “I think you embarrassed him.” Sam chuckled as he took off his Stetson and started to unbutton his worn flannel shirt. “Him? I almost had a heart attack when he ripped the covers off me.” His big hands stilled at the top of his jeans. “He what?” The quiet edge to his voice surprised her. “Uh, yeah, he thought I was you.” A dark shadow played across his face. She shook her head and threw the covers off herself, earning an appreciative look from Sam. “Don’t get all alpha. He didn’t know I was in here and he’s gotta be pushing sixty.” She slid out of bed and headed for the bathroom. He caught her by the waist before she’d taken two steps and tugged her by the hips until she was flat against him. With each intake of breath, her breasts rubbed against his toned body. The hair on his chest stroked her already sensitized nipples, sending shocks to all of her nerve endings. “I don’t like anyone seeing what’s mine,” he murmured before taking her mouth with his own. His lips were soft yet dominating. She ran her hands up his chest and clutched his shoulders, savoring the feel of skin on skin. His hands glided around her waist and up her back, caressing her. The feel of his calloused fingers ignited new sensations. When he started grinding his erection against her pussy, she pulled her head back and pressed a light hand on his chest. “I desperately need a shower and food.”

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Without waiting for a response, she untangled herself from his embrace and hurried to the attached bathroom. If she let herself, she’d forget to even eat around him. While she’d love nothing more than to stay in bed all day and pretend yesterday hadn’t happened, she had things to take care of. Her father’s death still hadn’t completely sunk in but as the heir to Campbell Ranch, she’d have responsibilities to take care of now. Instead of waiting for the shower to steam up, she stepped under the powerful jet while it was still cold, letting the icy water rush over her hair and body. The abrupt jolt to her system raked chills over her but it had the intended effect. She was now wide awake. The shower was more than big enough for two. Maybe later she and Sam would get to test it out. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. As she reached for the shampoo bottle, the shower curtain jangled as it jerked back. “You’re not getting away that easily.” Sam stepped into the shower completely naked and plucked the bottle from her hands. “Turn around,” he growled, the two words an order. She placed a hand on her hip and drank in the sight of him. When her gaze rested on his shiny cock, she gasped. “Are you already wearing a condom?” The man was definitely like a machine. Amusement danced in his dark eyes for a split second. “Turn around.” Adrianna did as he asked. Closing her eyes, she let the now warm-and-getting-hot water rush over her chest, stomach and legs waiting for him to do whatever he planned. A strange anticipation danced in her belly at the unknown. Sam gathered her wet hair and pushed it forward over her shoulder so that it cascaded over one of her breasts. Her body was tense, every muscle pulled taut as she waited for him to make his move. Last night had been incredibly hot. Using any form of bondage had been a new thing for her and something she doubted she’d have ever done with anyone but Sam.

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One of his strong hands settled on her hip as she felt his lips press onto her back. He feathered kisses down her spine as one hand moved around to cover her pussy. In delicate strokes, he began massaging her clit with his finger while his tongue caressed her back. She’d never thought of the back as particularly sexy or even an erogenous zone but while Sam lathered kisses lower and lower, it was like fireworks exploded inside her at the delicate touch. “Hands on the wall,” he murmured in between kisses. He didn’t have to tell her twice. She twisted so that her hands were on the large wall instead of the one behind the shower jet. The cool tile was in contrast to her body, which felt like an inferno. Water sprayed her hips and legs but cool air rushed over the rest of her body, increasing the dual hot and cold sensations shooting through her. Adrianna had been fantasizing about Sam for way too long and the reality was more than she’d imagined. When he raked his teeth over her ass, she involuntarily jerked. He chuckled against her skin and the action sent reverberations through her entire being. Shifting, he pressed the front of his body against the full length of her back. His cock pressed into the cleft of her ass. Slowly, his hands slid up her hips, covered her ribs, then cupped her breasts completely. He held them for a moment, as if weighing them, before lightly stroking her nipples into tight buds. “Does this feel good?” he murmured into her ear. “Mmm,” was all she could manage. If he expected her to talk, he’d lost his mind. The only thing she wanted to do right now was feel. He ground his erection against her back as he rolled and pinched her aching buds between his fingers.

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When he removed one of his hands from her breast, she started to voice her displeasure but he ran that hand down her back and entered her pussy from a different angle. She sighed in appreciation. Slowly, he pressed open her lips before slipping two fingers inside her. She was dripping wet. Her juices coated his fingers as they ran down her thighs and legs. Instinctively she tried to clench her legs together but he used his leg to push and keep them apart. Her hands and fingers pressed into the tile but there was no give. She wanted to climb the walls as he pushed a third finger inside her and began dragging them against her inner walls. “Stay,” he ordered as he stepped away from him. Immediately her body mourned the loss of his talented hands. Her breasts and pussy ached for him to touch her. Before she realized what he was doing, she felt and heard the shower turn off. She turned around at the jingle of the shower curtain. In confusion she stared at him but he pressed a hungry kiss to her lips before grasping her hips and turning her around again. “Hands on this wall.” He guided her hands to the opposite wall as he covered them with his own stronger ones. When she glanced to her left, she understood exactly what he wanted. She sucked in a breath at the sight they made in the mirror. His skin, darkened by the sun, painted an erotic picture against her much paler body. She watched in fascination as he removed one of his hands from covering hers on the wall. Sam traced a path down her arm and body until he covered her mound. From their angle, she could only see his hand between her legs but she could certainly feel what he was doing. Ribbons of pleasure flowed through her.

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He pressed a finger over her clit and in slow, fluid motions, rubbed between her folds. Without warning, he thrust his cock inside her. Her vision clouded and her back arched at the sudden intrusion. Her pussy expanded as she once again adjusted to his size. When their gazes locked in the mirror, she couldn’t have torn herself away from him if she wanted to. His dark eyes seemed to devour her as he began pounding into her from behind. The sound of his balls slapping against her and the rush of blood in her ears as they fucked were the only things she could hear. For a moment she looked away but he stopped his movements. “Look at us,” he growled. Obeying his command, she once again stared at their image in the mirror. He slowly pulled out almost completely, then drove into her. Last night she’d finally realized Sam’s primal reaction to her but seeing him in the bright lights of the bathroom was a different experience. He repeated the movement again and again, taking his time with each thrust. The drag of his cock against her inner walls was too slow. She was on the brink of release and he was intent on teasing her. Something told her he knew exactly what he was doing, too. Scooting back on her tiptoes, she tried to force him deeper but he just chuckled and gripped her hips, keeping her firmly in place. “We do this my way.” His words sent chills down her spine. “Okay,” she whispered. It was like her compliance set off a firecracker. Still staring at her in the mirror, he once again pushed inside her to the hilt and stayed there. Her pussy pulsed around his cock, milking and sucking him. All he had to do was move just a little and she’d push over the edge.

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He must have seen the need, the desire in her eyes, because he grinned before nipping her shoulder. “You belong to me, Adrianna.” His quiet words caressed her body. She murmured something inaudible in response. Even she didn’t know what she was saying. All she wanted was to come. “Say it,” he whispered. “Please,” she moaned. “No.” He pinched one of her breasts and palmed the other in small circles but he remained still inside her. “Fuck me, Sam.” The words tore from her gut. “First say it,” he commanded in that deep, intoxicating voice. “I belong to you,” she practically screamed. “Now fuck me!” A triumphant grin spread across his handsome face but she didn’t care. All she wanted was that elusive release only he could give her. The smell of their sex surrounded them as he pounded into her. Water from her soaked hair probably mixed with her sweat rolled down her back as her pussy fisted around him, milking him tighter and tighter until her juices and cream released in climax. Through a haze she could see his dark eyes in the mirror but it took too much energy to focus as the orgasm ripped through her with unexpected fury. She grasped at the wall and dropped her head as she rode through the waves of pleasure. Behind her, he grunted and moaned out her name as he buried himself inside her one last time. Panting, she finally stepped forward. Her body didn’t give him up easily though. Her vagina made a popping sound as she shifted away. “Damn,” he muttered. Chuckling, she turned around to face him on wobbly legs. “You can say that again.” 26

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Cupping her face, he leaned down and kissed her. His tongue gently teased open her lips, tracing along the inside of her mouth before he nibbled on her bottom lip. After a few moments, he pulled away and leaned his forehead against hers. “If I’d known how it would be between us, I’d never have waited this long.” Before she could respond, he pulled the curtain back into place and turned the shower back on. The water hit them with a blast but his broad shoulders took the brunt of it. Stepping closer, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her body against the length of his firm, muscular chest and legs. “Why did you push me away all those years ago?” she whispered. She held her breath waiting for an answer. Instead of responding, he shifted so that she was standing under the pulsing stream. “I’ve got to go talk to some of the hands and let them know I’ll be unavailable for the next couple of days, okay?” Adrianna wanted to argue but she’d known Sam long enough to read the tight set of his jaw. If he didn’t want to answer her right now, fine. She’d get him to tell her soon enough. And she didn’t mind using sex to get her answers.

***** Adrianna snapped her phone shut and laid it on the kitchen table. One hour and four phone calls later, she felt absolutely drained. Planning her father’s funeral seemed surreal and if she was honest, she didn’t know that she’d be handling it as well as she was without Sam’s presence. True, she hadn’t seen him for about an hour but she knew he was around the ranch somewhere and that was good enough for her. She’d talked to the minister handling the service, to the funeral home and to two of the biggest gossips in town. They assured her they’d let everyone know everything would be out at the ranch.

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The phone had rung a few times but for now she was ignoring it. A quick glance at the clock told her it was only eight thirty. Somehow that didn’t seem possible after the draining morning she’d had. She stood and glanced around the country kitchen. Her heart pinched at the thought that she’d never sit down across the table from her dad again. Never have Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with him again. Swallowing her tears, she shook her head and strode toward the front of the house. She grabbed one of her old wool coats hanging on the rack and slipped it on over her sweater. Maybe a quick ride around the ranch on her horse would pick her up. Her boots crunched over fallen leaves as she made her way down the stone path toward one of the smaller barns. The ranch’s larger barn was an acre away, across the field but this barn was where her dad had kept his and her horses. Horses not used for breeding or selling but just for them. A long sigh escaped as she placed her hand on the brass handle but she eventually opened it. Sadness enveloped her as she walked down the short length of eight stalls. Her dad’s horse was quiet but her chestnut palomino whinnied loudly when she saw her. Immediately the vise around her chest eased. She stuck her hand over the gate and patted Peaches’ mane, letting the horse smell and nudge the side of her face. One of the major things she hated about living in the city was the fact that she couldn’t ride her horse whenever she wanted. She hadn’t realized how much she missed Peaches until this moment. Horses were just like dogs in the sense that they could perceive sadness. Especially Peaches. She was the most loving, gentle horse Adrianna had ever owned. “Thought I’d find you out here.” Sam’s voice jerked her out of her thoughts. She swiveled to find him leaning against the stall across from her, wearing that damn cowboy hat. Something about him in a Stetson did funny things to her stomach. 28

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As she stared at him she tried to tamp down her lust but failed miserably. She wondered what would happen between them when she eventually left—if she left. Whenever she came home she talked herself into staying, then talked herself out of it. The one thing that had always pulled her back to the city was her job. Now she didn’t even have that. “What’s going on in that pretty head, darlin’?” Sam frowned and pushed up from his lounging position. “Nothing at all,” she muttered as his gaze hungrily zeroed in on her mouth. She hadn’t come here with this intention but he certainly had. Her stomach flipped as he stalked toward her. Normally she liked to be more in control but with Sam, she gladly gave up the reins. She took a step back until she hit the gate. Maybe Peaches sensed what was going on because Adrianna could hear her back away from the entrance. “You want to do this here?” she asked. Sam stalked toward her until he had her flat up against his rock-hard body. “We’re going to finish what we started here four years ago.” Without waiting for her response, he clamped his hands around her hips and hoisted her up so that she was straddling him. Shivers snaked through her. She’d just been with him barely two hours ago and here she was, ready to go again. How was that even possible? Clearly he’d cast a spell on her. Heat flooded her pussy as he gripped her ass and started walking toward one of the empty stalls near the back of the barn. This was definitely going to be something she’d remember for a while to come.

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Chapter Four Sam cupped Adrianna’s ass as he headed toward the same stall he’d first seen her naked in. The only regret he had in life was not finishing what he started that night but he sure as hell was going to follow through now. He’d always had a healthy sex life but nothing could describe the burning hunger he experienced now that he’d tasted Adrianna. She was like a drug. An intoxicating, blinding, mind-numbing drug. He’d already warned all the men to stay away from the barn. As he turned to shut the gate behind them, Adrianna gasped in his arms. “What is this?” Without looking he knew what she was talking about. He’d brought two large quilts to cover the bed of hay. He didn’t bother responding. “Clothes, off.” Grinning, she unwrapped her legs from his waist and tugged her boots, then coat off. Unfortunately, another thick sweater greeted him. It might be cold but he felt as if lava was running through his veins as he watched her slowly peel the sweater off. His breath hitched as she blindly threw it across the stall. Her breasts were barely covered by a pink lace bra. She placed her hands on her hips. “Your turn.” Grinning, he took his shirt and hat off but didn’t stop there. He stripped down to nothing in seconds. She let out a yelp as he advanced, pinning her to the quilt. He loved seeing her naked but his cock surged painfully at the thought of slowly undressing her. Without him having to say a word, she tilted her hips up so he could slide her jeans off.

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His hands and fingers slid over her bare ass, revealing that the skimpy hot pink number she wore was a thong. After shoving her jeans to the side, he found his discarded ones and pulled a condom from the back pocket. Adrianna sat up and yanked it from his hands. “My turn this time.” Dominating her and ordering her around was an incredible turn-on but he liked this side of her too. She ripped the packet open, then placed a delicate finger in the middle of his chest. “On your back, cowboy.” Unable to stop the grin that spread across his face, he did as she asked, quickly switching places with her. His chest fell and rose rapidly as she straddled him and grasped his cock. Slowly, torturously, she rolled the condom over his hard length. He made a move to touch her but she leaned back. “No touching until I say so.” “Bossy aren’t we?” But he did as she said. He put his hands behind his head because it was the only way he could stop himself from grabbing her, flipping her on her back and fucking her until they were both too tired to move. Slowly, she reached behind her back and unhooked her bra. He’d seen and tasted her breasts but his breath caught as she bared those pink nipples he’d been having wicked dreams about. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever get tired of seeing her. She scooted up, dragging her scantily covered pussy across his cock and leaned forward just enough to tease him with her breasts. Swishing back and forth, she swept her nipples across his mouth, giving him only seconds to taste her. Foreplay, foreplay, foreplay. The words ran through his head like a mantra but his cock won the battle. Pushing up, he flipped her on her back and nestled between her thighs. She exhaled a quick breath of surprise. “I thought I was in control this time.” A small chuckle escaped. “Sorry darlin’, I don’t take orders very well.”

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Reaching between her legs, he pushed her thong to the side and swirled a finger around her entrance. No surprise, she was soaking wet. The little minx was going to completely drain him. He couldn’t look at her without getting hard. Without wanting to bury every inch of himself inside her and just stay there. She moaned and arched her back as he slid a finger into her. He dragged his finger against her inner wall, pressing against the sensitive area as he did, then pushed two digits inside. Her slick pussy clenched around him, pulling him deeper. He leaned forward and buried his face between her breasts. He hadn’t had a chance to shave yet so by the way she nearly vaulted off the quilt, he guessed his stubble tickled her sensitive skin. Head thrown back against the quilt, she rocked her hips against his hand, urging him to continue. But he wasn’t quite ready for this to be over yet. Adrianna had said nothing about staying or the future. He planned to make damn sure that when the time came, she decided to stay on at the ranch for good. Sex wouldn’t keep her forever but it was a good start. In his gut, he knew he loved Adrianna. He’d been lusting after her for as long as he could remember but he’d fallen for her four years ago. And man, had he fallen hard. He’d never seen it coming either. But when he’d stumbled on her in the stables, it had been like something out of his fantasy. Now his fantasy was a reality and he wasn’t letting go. As she raked her fingers across his chest and up around his neck, he reached down and cupped her tight ass, kneading and massaging the soft flesh. “Sam,” she moaned out his name. The word was said so low if he hadn’t been kissing her shoulder and neck he might not have heard it.

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His name on her lips did something to him. Something he could only describe as primal. “Adrianna,” he growled as he rocked into her tight cunt. Her legs clenched around his waist as they found a perfect rhythm. Everywhere her hands touched him left him burning with desire. She ran her hands down his back until she clawed into his ass. He was barely restraining himself from coming. The walls of her pussy milked him tighter with each stroke so he knew she was close. Without warning, she let out a deafening moan and her cunt contracted rapidly as she pushed over the edge. As she peaked, he let go of his barely contained control and let the orgasm rip through him. He threaded his fingers through her tangled strawberry blonde curls and collapsed but rolled to the side so he wouldn’t crush her. For a few moments, they both lay there, breathing heavily and not saying a word. Finally he propped up on one elbow and fingered a strand of her hair. “Your hair’s not straight today.” She stretched her arms above her head and sighed like a woman completely sated. “I didn’t see the point in styling it while I’m here. Why? Do you like it better the other way?” She frowned at him and pushed up on her elbows. “Woman, I wouldn’t care if you shaved your head.” Sam leaned down and sucked one of her ripe nipples into his mouth before planting a kiss on her swollen lips. As he started to roll back against the soft quilt he groaned when he saw the time on his watch. “What?” She shifted and laid her head against his chest. “The lawyer for your father’s estate will be here in less than an hour.” “Do you think I have time to get a quick ride in before he gets here?” “What kind of ride?” Chuckling, she sat up and reached for her bra. “No way, cowboy. I need a break.”

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Sighing, he followed suit and grabbed his jeans from the floor. “You’ve definitely got enough time.” Once they were both dressed, he pinned her against the stable wall. He didn’t know what compelled him but it was time to come clean. “You asked me why I didn’t finish things four years ago and the reason is because I was scared.” The corners around her big blue eyes crinkled as her mouth pulled into a frown. “Scared? I don’t understand.” He tried to find the words but his throat seized up. Okay, maybe he wasn’t ready to admit everything to her. Adrianna Campbell was out of his league in a big way. If he told her that he never thought he’d been good enough for her and she rejected him…he mentally shook his head. “I’ve got to get back to the house in case the attorney shows up early. We’ll talk over dinner,” he murmured the last words against her mouth. She narrowed her eyes at him but instead of pushing, she ducked under his arm and left the stall. He could hear her murmuring soothing sounds to Peaches as he slipped out the back door. Strangely enough, he was more comfortable around her than most people. Telling her how he felt shouldn’t be this hard. He rubbed a hand over his face as he made his way back to the main house. He’d get it out though. One way or another.

***** Adrianna swung off Peaches and slid to the ground. After thirty minutes of riding around the field she was somewhat refreshed. She’d wanted a longer ride but combined with her sore body—thanks to Sam—and the fact that she knew the lawyer was arriving soon, she hadn’t wanted to be late. Well, later than she already was. Peaches stomped the ground as she led her into the stables. Obviously the ride hadn’t been long enough for the mare either. “I’m sorry angel. I promise next time we’ll go longer.” 34

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Peaches whinnied and shook her head in response, her mane flying wildly around her face as if agreeing with Adrianna. Sometimes she swore the animal could understand her. Grinning to herself, she picked up the green bucket full of grooming tools and continued leading toward the stall. “Adrianna?” She turned at the sound of Malcolm’s voice. “Hey, Malcolm.” His face turned red but at least he didn’t break her gaze. “I’ll take care of Peaches for you.” “That’s okay, I’ve got her.” He shrugged and shifted from foot to foot. “I groom her every day anyway and besides, I saw that lawyer drive up not too long ago. Figured you’d want to meet with him.” She glanced at her chestnut horse, then back at Malcolm. He was good at what he did. Hell, he’d been working with horses longer than she’d been alive. She just felt bad leaving without cleaning her horse. It was the number one rule in the Campbell household. If you ride a horse, you clean it. You don’t pass your work off to anyone young lady. She could practically hear her father’s voice echoing in her head. “I think your old man would let you off the hook just this once.” Malcolm grinned as if he’d read her mind. “Okay. Thanks, I really appreciate it.” “No problem. Just good to see you back at the ranch. You plan on sticking around?” She bit her bottom lip. It was a question she’d been asking herself. The thought of leaving now burned a hole in her gut. Partly because of Sam but partly because she missed her home and she knew her dad wouldn’t want her to give up her heritage. She was tired of the daily traffic and she hated not getting to ride her horse among other things. Ironically, the only reason she’d been avoiding the place for the past year was because of Sam. Now she didn’t want to walk away from him.

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Sighing, she shrugged. The man was waiting for an answer she didn’t have. “I have no idea, Malcolm.” “It’d seem a shame not to have a Campbell living on Campbell Ranch,” the old hand muttered before taking the reins from her hands. Damn, had he learned that guilt thing from her dad or what? She took off her riding gloves as she walked back to the house. Sure enough, she could see the oversized sedan peeking around the corner of the house. Instead of going through the front—where Sam and the lawyer were sure to be sitting in the living room—she went through the kitchen door. Before she met with them, she wanted to take off her dirty boots and dust off her jeans. She was thankful that the screen door and kitchen door didn’t creak as she opened them. After slipping off her boots, she took off her coat and draped it on the table. Male voices drifted in from the next room but she stopped cold in her tracks when she heard Sam’s next words. “Why did he give me the land?” “Jacob wanted you to have…” The rest of the man’s answer was impossible to understand so she stepped closer to the entryway and kept her back pressed up against the wall, straining to hear. “Does Adrianna know?” Sam asked. “That would be between her and her father. Truthfully, I don’t know if he told her.” “Let’s just keep this between us for right now.” “But—” “Tell her after the funeral. She’s got enough to worry about. I don’t know that she’ll even care but I don’t want to add to her troubles.” “She’s expecting to talk to me today,” the other man argued. “I’ll tell her you got called away.” Sam’s voice left no room for argument.

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Adrianna’s throat clenched. Had she heard right? Had her father left the land to Sam? Tears burned her eyes. She knew he’d thought of Sam as a son but to leave him the family land instead of her? “Fine, for now but I’ll be back here on Monday.” She heard shuffling so she took the chance to peer around the entry. Sam was leading the white-haired man to the front door so she snagged her coat, gloves, and boots, tiptoed toward the stairs, and hurried up to her room. After locking her door and the connecting bathroom door, she stripped out of her jeans and sweater and got under the covers. Hiding from the world might be childish but she didn’t give a damn. Her heart hurt and now was as good a time to feel sorry for herself as ever. How could her father have left the ranch to Sam? Her chest tightened as she tried to hold back her tears. It had been in her family for generations. Pulling the covers up higher, she burrowed deeper, wishing she could somehow block out the world. A sharp knock jerked her back to the present. “Adrianna? Are you in there?” The door rattled and she was thankful she’d locked it. “I’m just getting some rest,” she called out. “Is everything okay?” His deep voice carried through the heavy door as if he was standing right next to her. “I’m fine.” When he didn’t respond, she fell back against the pillows in relief. If there was ever an excuse to sleep in the middle of the day, now was it. Her father was gone. Really and truly gone. And tomorrow she’d have to go to a funeral, talk to a bunch of well-meaning people and pretend she’d be okay. At least with Sam she’d been able to forget everything for a while. She curled up on her side and let a few tears fall. Just as she was drifting to sleep, the rattling of her door startled her. Seconds later, the connecting bathroom door swung open.

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She jerked up in bed to find Sam standing there. She kept the covers pulled up high since she was only wearing panties. Right now, she didn’t have the energy to deal with him. “What the hell are you doing?” Her words came out harsher than she’d intended. “You’ve been crying.” He took a tentative step inside the room. “My dad just died,” she snapped. His head jerked back as if she’d slapped him and instantly she wished she could take the words back. “That came out wrong, Sam.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.” She raked a hand through her hair. “I told you I was fine.” “Why’d you lock the door?” For some reason his words sounded almost accusing. “I wanted some privacy.” He wiped a palm on his jeans and suddenly he didn’t look like the confident cowboy she adored. “I just…just wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything.” Her annoyance dissipated as she witnessed this new side to Sam. It wasn’t his fault her father had left the land to him. “I’m not going to off myself if that’s what you’re worried about.” His features darkened and her stomach clenched with guilt. “Bad joke. Sorry. I’m okay, I promise. Thanks to you I didn’t get a lot of rest last night.” At her last statement, she tried smiling in attempt to make light of the situation. His jaw clenched but he nodded and backed out of the room. Closing him out was the last thing she wanted to do but what was she supposed to say to him? It’s cool that my dad chose you over me? Her eyelids felt as if sandbags weighed on them as she lay down again. A moment later, she heard the door open but didn’t bother getting up. “Sam, I told you I’m fine,” she mumbled. “I know what you said.” His deep voice enveloped her as the bed dipped under his weight. She tensed and turned toward him. “I don’t want to—” 38

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“Shh.” He placed a finger on her mouth and that’s when she realized the only thing he’d taken off was his boots. Wordlessly, she turned back around and let him pull her against his stomach. For some reason Sam had never struck her as a cuddling kind of guy but right now, this is exactly what she wanted. She hadn’t even realized it but he obviously knew she needed to be held. Even through his jeans it was impossible to ignore his erection but he kept one arm wrapped around her bare waist and didn’t make a move that he planned to try anything else. There’d be time enough later to worry about the future. Sighing, she nestled closer to Sam and let sleep overtake her.

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Chapter Five Sam shut and locked the front door, then sagged against it. Almost the entire population of Cedar Grove had come for Jacob Campbell’s funeral. Adrianna had been holding up well. Or at least he guessed she was. Since he’d held her in bed yesterday morning, she’d kept her distance. Hell, she’d even slept in her own bed last night. It had been obvious she hadn’t wanted him to touch her so he hadn’t pushed. All morning she’d been helping the ladies of the town prepare and set up food for the mourners. People had stayed hours longer than he’d imagined, well past sunset and into the evening. While it touched him that so many people wanted to pay their respects, he hadn’t had more than thirty seconds alone with Adrianna all day. Now it was just the two of them in the house again. He couldn’t understand why she was pushing him away. At first he’d assumed that it was grief but now he knew it was something else. He just couldn’t put his finger on why she was acting this way. His boots thumped across the wooden floor as he strode toward the kitchen. He paused in the doorway but she heard him. She looked over her shoulder as she slid a plastic container into the stainless steel refrigerator. “I think that’s the last of the food. Do you think any of the hands would want to take all these desserts?” In response, he nodded. She quickly broke eye contact and shut the door. “Good. Well, I guess I’m going to hit the sack.” Without looking at him, she tried to brush past him but he caught her by the arm, forcing her to meet his gaze. “What’s going on, Adrianna?” She swallowed and licked her lips. He didn’t think the action was meant to distract him but it certainly had that effect. His eyes trailed to her moistened mouth. 40

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Despite the mournful situation, he’d been half hard all day just being in the same vicinity as her. Staring at her now, his cock lengthened fully. He wondered if he’d ever get to a point where he wasn’t turned on by this woman. Somehow he doubted it. “I’m waiting.” She cleared her throat and glanced down at her feet. “Nothing.” It suddenly hit him that he might be the problem. Maybe she’d changed her mind about him. “Decide you didn’t want a fling with me after all?” He couldn’t have kept the bitterness out of his voice if he tried. Instantly her head jerked up. “No!” Her small outburst eased his mind a fraction. Before he could respond, she continued. “Damn it, Sam, I have a lot on my mind. I’m trying to keep it together here.” Her voice cracked on the last word and a vise cinched around his heart. He was an asshole. She’d lost the only family she had left and he was dumb enough to think her distance had anything to do with him. He let go of her arm and cupped her chin. When she didn’t resist, he bent down until their lips were barely touching. He didn’t know shit about comforting a woman but if he could give her some relief, he’d do it the only way he knew how. His balls pulled up tight when she swayed into him, her lips hungrily tangling against his. How the hell had he gone an entire night without touching her? Anticipation hummed through him as she fumbled with his jeans but he encircled her wrists and held them tight. She pulled her head back and frowned. “What—” He cut her off when he hoisted her up onto the kitchen island and slid a hand up her thigh. Adrianna had worn a button-down black dress since they’d been inside most of the day and now he was thankful for the easy access.

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Crouching down, he nudged her legs apart. Wordlessly, she shifted and helped him shove the thick material higher until it was around her waist. “Lie back,” he ordered. The island was more than wide enough to accommodate her. She did as he instructed. When she lay back, he positioned her feet onto the counter, giving him a perfect view of her sweet pussy. Only a tiny scrap of black thong barred his view. He didn’t understand why she even bothered with it in the first place. He sucked in a deep breath, savoring her scent. Beginning near her knee, he kissed a trail up her inner thigh. When he’d almost reached the juncture between her legs, he raked his teeth over one of her sensitive spots. Her legs squeezed around his head so he gently pushed them back open. “Unbutton the top of your dress.” His words came out raspy. Though he couldn’t see her, he could hear her moving. When he was satisfied she was doing as he said, he pushed the material aside with his teeth and sucked on her engorged nub. A moan escaped and her body bucked so he continued swirling his tongue around the sensitized bundle of nerves. He only stopped for a brief moment. “Take your bra off and touch yourself,” he ordered.

Adrianna had never experienced something so erotic. She didn’t know if it was because she couldn’t see but only feel what he was doing to her but the sensation made her head light. She’d worn a long shirt style dress and from her flat position, her dress covered Sam’s head. Doing as he ordered, she pushed her bra down and palmed her breasts in small circles until the hardened tips ached with need.

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Sam’s movements between her legs were painfully slow. He swirled around her clit, pushing her toward the brink of release but he wasn’t moving fast enough. And she guaranteed he knew it. He wanted to tease her. It was just his nature. It was also one of the reasons she’d completely fallen for him. No other man had ever taken such good care of her needs. With Sam, he made sure she was satisfied before he thought of himself. That thought alone was enough to make her come. He paused. “Are you touching yourself?” “Mm-hmm,” she murmured. Without responding, he parted her pussy farther with his tongue. She was soaking wet. The more he worked his magic, the hotter she got. Arching her back and hips she resisted clenching her legs as he stroked and lapped her clit with barely restrained gentleness. Most men had no clue what they were doing down there. They always pushed too hard but not Sam. The man already understood the nuances of her body. As she captured both hardened nipples with her fingers and pinched, he sucked hard on her clit, drawing an unexpected orgasm from her. He spread her legs wider as the surprising climax rippled through her. She heard his zipper and the sound of a condom wrapper opening but didn’t open her eyes, mainly because she didn’t have the energy. After the day she’d had, that had been the exact release her body had been craving. Something Sam had no doubt known. When he thrust into her, her eyes flew open to find him staring down at her. Pushing up from the counter, she clutched onto his shoulders as he buried himself inside her.

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He didn’t make a move to kiss her and something told her this time between them was different. With his hands he cupped and massaged her already sensitive breasts but he didn’t tear his gaze away from hers. There was something so personal, so erotic about staring into his eyes as he moved in and out of her. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. Or at least she thought that’s what he said. Blood rushed in her ears as he increased his tempo. Her breasts bounced in his hands with each penetration. Shifting her hips, she wrapped her legs higher around his waist, locking her ankles in place and letting his cock hit her from a different angle. When his neck muscles corded and his ripped abs clenched, she knew he was about to climax. She tightened her inner muscles around him, milking him until he moaned her name. He moved harder, faster, still never taking his eyes from hers until her own vision clouded over and another, smaller climax rocked her body. Sam tensed as he came with her and she arched her back one last time before she turned to mush. Holding onto his shoulders was the only thing that kept her steady. When they were both sated, he pulled her even closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and laying his head on her shoulder. “God, I love you.” His words were said quietly but she knew what she’d heard. People said all sorts of things during sex so she threaded her hands through his dark hair and nipped his ear with her teeth instead of responding. She knew she loved him but she wasn’t going to say it in the heat of the moment. She’d already lost enough people in her life. If she said it back and it wasn’t what he meant, she’d die of embarrassment. Once she caught her breath, she leaned back and wiped a bead of sweat from the side of his face. He still wore boots and his jeans were around his ankles. She was no

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better. Her dress twisted around her midsection, covering her bellybutton ring, but her breasts and lower body were bared. When she realized the state of their undress, she chuckled. “You want to head upstairs?” Wordlessly, he pulled out of her. Instantly her body mourned the loss but she slid off the counter and tried to adjust her dress. Finally she gave up and started unbuttoning it. It’d be coming off eventually anyway. As she headed for the hallway, she realized he still hadn’t moved. She turned by the entryway and frowned at him. “You coming?” “Yeah, I’ll be up in a sec.” His face was an unreadable mask. “Okay.” She didn’t bother heading for her room because she knew she wouldn’t stay there. If she tried, Sam would just get in bed with her. After stripping, she slid under the covers of his bed and tried to keep her eyes open. Thankfully he entered the room seconds later. “Everything okay?” she asked, watching him strip off his clothes. “I need to talk to you about something.” Great. Here it comes. She guessed he’d decided not to wait for the attorney to tell her after all. Internally bracing herself, she sat up. “I know what you’re going to say.” He’d paused with one boot in his hand and glanced up at her. “You do?” “Yeah, I heard you talking to the lawyer yesterday.” For a second confusion marred his face, then that mask slid back into place. He was silent as he took off the rest of his clothes. When he slid into bed, he laid on his side so that he was facing her. “How do you feel about your dad’s decision?” Sam said it so calmly, as if it wasn’t a big deal. “I don’t have much of a choice do I?” Her voice cracked on the last word. His expression changed to something she’d never witnessed from him before. He looked almost…hurt? “Do those few acres really mean that much to you?”

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She started to respond when his words registered. “Acres?” “The five acres near the stream. I thought you said you heard us talking.” He shifted against the sheets, his movement making a slight rustling sound. “He didn’t leave you Campbell Ranch?” The words blurted out before she could think about censoring herself. “What? You thought…” His words caught on a laugh as realization played across his features. He fell back against the pillows and howled. Adrianna sat up and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for him to finish. “It’s not that funny,” she muttered. After a few long moments, he hooked his arm around her waist and tugged her so that she was stretched out on top of him. “I can’t believe you thought he left me the ranch.” Fighting embarrassment and fatigue, she simply shrugged. He caught her bottom lip between his teeth before feathering kisses on her face. “Darlin’, he loved you so much, I can’t believe you thought that.” Before she could stop herself, a few tears escaped so she pushed off him and turned on her side. “Shit, don’t cry, Adrianna.” She could feel him moving behind her but didn’t turn around. Her throat seized, stopping any response. She swatted away the remaining tears and leaned into him. Relief washed over her that she’d been wrong but she couldn’t find the words to express herself. He seemed to understand though. Wordlessly he shifted her and pulled her back tight against his chest. Normally she liked her space when she slept but she found herself breaking all her bedroom rules where Sam was concerned.

*****

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Adrianna’s world shook beneath her. “What the hell?” She opened her eyes to find Sam standing above her, fully dressed and gripping her by the shoulder. “Good, you’re awake. I swear you could sleep through a tornado,” he muttered as he shrugged into his leather jacket. “What’s going on?” She wiped at her eyes and sat up. “There’s a problem with some of the cattle. I’ve got to help Malcolm and the men round them up.” “Is everything okay?” She shook her head in an attempt to clear the cobwebs from her brain. Sam bent down and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Everything’s fine. I don’t get cell service out in the fields but I should be back by dusk.” Groaning, she fell back against the pillow. “What time is it?” “It’s a little before dawn sweetheart. Go back to sleep. I’ll see you tonight.” Her eyelids refused to open but she felt him kiss her again before she heard the door shut behind him. Hours later, Adrianna forced herself to get out of bed. Sleeping until lunch wasn’t something she’d ever done before and she was a couple hours away from doing just that. After showering and fixing a pot of coffee, she decided to unpack the rest of her clothes. She wasn’t sure how long she’d be staying but considering she didn’t have a job to go back to and a hot man was intent on staying in her bed, the decision to stay a while longer was a no-brainer. Once she’d emptied her suitcase, she shoved the monstrous thing under her bed. It was a little after ten on a Monday morning. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept in on a weekday. Sure she needed to review the ranch’s books, but considering her father’s funeral had been yesterday, she figured Sam would cut her

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some slack. She dug her phone out of her purse and cursed when she realized it had died. Suddenly guilt flooded her veins. She hadn’t even called Lindsay to let her know what had happened to her father. Everything had happened so quickly, calling her friend had been the last thing on her mind. Adrianna plugged her phone into the charger then turned it on. Ten new voicemails. The message blinked on her screen. Damn! As she listened to the first message, her stomach dropped. “You don’t know me but my name is Randall and I work with Lindsay. She’s been in a car accident. You’re the person listed as her emergency contact…” The message was dated yesterday. She quickly flew through the rest of the messages. One was from her jerk ex-boss, one was some guy she’d gone on a date with eons ago but the rest were from the hospital and Lindsay’s coworkers. Shit! Her heart beat a rapid tattoo against her chest. She slipped on her boots, grabbed a small bag and repacked some of the clothes she’d just unpacked. Next she grabbed all her toiletries and haphazardly threw them in the bag. As she zipped up her bag, she grabbed her purse and unplugged her phone. She had a charger in her car so she’d call Sam from there. Just in case he didn’t get her message, she scrawled a note telling him she’d gone home but would be available on her cell.

***** Adrianna eased open the door to Lindsay’s hospital room with her hip as she balanced coffee and candy bars in both hands. “You’re a goddess! The freaking nurses are worse than the Gestapo.” Lindsay shifted against the sheets as Adrianna held out her offering of chocolate and caffeine. She chuckled. “And I’m sure you’re not giving them a hard time at all.”

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“I seriously owe you, Adrianna. I still can’t believe you drove all this way just because I broke my leg, especially since… God, I’m so sorry about your dad.” “Stop it. Besides, from the messages Randall left me I thought you were in ICU or something.” Lindsay’s cheeks reddened at the sound of his name. “What do you think of him anyway?” Lindsay’s coworker had stepped out to make a call. “He’s cute and it’s obvious he’s into you.” “You think?” Lindsay chewed on her bottom lip. “Uh, he’s been by your bedside for the past day and a half and you guys only work together? Yeah, I’d say so.” Adrianna took a sip of her coffee and repressed a grin. Anytime Lindsay moved, her coworker jumped like a jack-in-the-box, ready to serve her every need. “Listen, I know you drove all this way but I swear I’m fine. Don’t feel like you have to come back tomorrow morning.” Adrianna rolled her eyes as she stood. Visiting hours had been up for half an hour so she knew it was time to clear out, especially since she guessed that Randall wanted some alone time with Lindsay before he left. “Whatever, girl. You’d better believe I’ll be here bright and early. If you’re lucky, I’ll bring pastries. The chocolate kind.” When she heard the door open, she glanced over her shoulder to find Randall hovering. She turned and winked at Lindsay whose face only turned a brighter shade of red. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Bye, Adrianna. Thanks again.” “Bye, hon.” She gave her friend a light peck on the cheek and said a quick goodbye to Lindsay’s other “friend” who barely glanced in her direction as she left.

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For the past four hours she’d been hanging out at the hospital with Lindsay but now that she knew her friend was okay, she didn’t feel too bad that she’d missed the call. A broken leg sucked but according to her doctors, it could have been a lot worse. Exiting the hospital, she turned on her phone as she walked through the parking lot. She frowned when she checked her messages. No new voicemail. It was getting dark so she assumed Sam would have called by now. She’d written a note and left a message so there was no reason for him not to have contacted her. She bit back her disappointment then immediately chastised herself. It had only been a day and she was missing his voice. Pathetic. The drive to her place was short but she was looking forward to taking the time to go over her options and figure out what her next move was. As she unlocked her front door she began her mental pro-con list of why she should move to the ranch and why she shouldn’t. Sighing, she dropped her bag on the foyer floor and sagged against the door. Her brain was threatening to overload. After slipping off her boots, she tossed them by her bag and headed toward her kitchen. Maybe wine would help clear her muddled brain. She shook her head and chuckled at the thought of alcohol clearing anything up. “Something funny?” A deep male voice from the direction of her living room caused her to spin to her left. A scream died on her lips when she spotted Sam laying on one of her microfiber couches, cowboy hat pulled low on his head. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack? How the hell did you get in here? And what are you even doing here?” Out of sheer nervousness, questions flew from her lips like machine-gun fire. Her heart beat wildly against her rib cage as she tried to catch her breath. Sam pushed up from his lounging position. His legs unfurled and when he stalked toward her, she suddenly felt like he was the hunter and she was his prey. “I used your father’s key and I’m here to collect what’s mine,” he growled. “Didn’t you get my message?” 50

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As he came to stand toe-to-toe with her, she resisted the urge to step back. What was the matter with him? Why was he acting so edgy? He held up a crumpled piece of paper. “What the hell is this? ‘I’ve gone home but I’ll be available on my cell’?” He repeated her letter to her as if she were a child. Adrianna frowned at his heated tone, trying to understand why he was so upset. “Did you check your voicemail?” His intense expression faltered. “What?” “Your voicemail?” Now it was her turn to speak slowly. “No.” “So you drove all this way because…” “I told you. I’m collecting what’s mine.” He still hadn’t touched her but they were so close she could feel his body heat emanating off him. “And that would be…” His jaw clenched as he reached for her, clamping his hands around her hips so that their bodies were flush against each other. “You.” She shifted against his erection and smiled. “You thought I left, like for good?” When he didn’t answer she wrapped her arms around his neck. “If you’d checked your voicemail you would have known that my friend was in an accident. That’s why I left.” He frowned as if he didn’t quite believe her. “All your stuff from the bathroom is gone.” “You mean like my makeup and other stuff I use every day?” She inwardly smiled. She couldn’t believe he’d driven all this way. “Your clothes were gone too.” Now his voice was accusing. She glanced toward the door where her small bag lay, then back at him as she tried to bite back a smile. “Most of my stuff is still back at the ranch. My suitcase is under my bed.” 51

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“When I saw the note and your stuff gone, I thought you’d left.” The words were strangled and hoarse. Suddenly she saw a side to Sam she’d never imagined possible. No longer was he the confident man she’d fallen for long ago. Real fear was visible in his eyes as he bared his soul to her. Her stomach clenched as reality hit her. “I wouldn’t leave for good without telling you in person.” “So you’re coming back?” “For a while anyway. There’s a lot of stuff I need to take care of at the ranch and—” “No. Not for a while, forever.” It wasn’t a question. “Oh really?” She sucked in a breath at the heated look he raked over her face. “I was serious when I said you were mine.” She bit her bottom lip as she stared at him, unsure how to voice her next question. He took the words right out of her mouth. “I meant what I said last night. I love you, Adrianna. I have for longer than I care to admit.” He leaned forward so their foreheads touched. “Me too,” she whispered. “Say it.” “I love you, Sam.” He let out a growl as reached under her sweater and bra and squeezed a breast. She let out a yelp as he started pulling her clothes off. “What are you doing?” Without breaking stride, he answered, “We’re christening every room in this place, darlin’. Starting right here.”

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About the Author Savannah Stuart has been reading romance for as long as she can remember. When she discovered erotic romance, she knew she’d found her niche. Most of her stories have a touch of intrigue or suspense, but the one thing she always includes is a Happily Ever After. In addition to writing (and reading, of course!), she loves traveling with her husband.

The author welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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