登入The dogs jumped out of the truck bed and raced off into the trees with Rielle’s three mutts.Rielle met him at the front door and held open the screen. “Hey, stranger.”“Mornin’, Rielle. Something smells good.”“There’s fresh coffee and warm muffins inside.”She was in a good mood, which boded well for him. “I didn’t stop over here expecting to be fed, but I ain’t gonna say no now that you offered.” He followed her into the kitchen.“I don’t imagine you stopped over to talk to me anyway.” She pointed to the mugs. “Help yourself.”“Is Gavin up?”“He hopped into the shower as you pulled in.”Ben sat at the counter, poured himself a cup of coffee and set two blueberry muffins on a plate. “I did want to talk to you about something.”“Sounds serious.”“It is. I wanted to bring it up in private.”“Now you’re really scaring me.”Ben looked Rielle in the eyes. “I won’t beat around the bush. How much financial trouble are you in?”Rielle’s cheeks turned bright red and her hands squeezed her co
“Not yet. I wouldn’t mind getting under the covers, though.”After they slipped between the sheets, Ben ended up spooned behind her, tucking her against his body, almost completely immobilizing her.“Thanks for inviting me to your folks’ party.”“You’re welcome. You deserved to be there. You fit right in.”“Which is odd, given I’m never around my family, and rarely around so many kids.”“The McKays were out in full force today.”“You were…scarce.”His rough-tipped fingers trailed up and down her arm. “That’s the way it goes. I’m considered one of the quiet ones, a man of few words, and usually none of importance, so no one pays much attention to me.”“But that gives you the opportunity to pay attention to them.” She paused. “Is that why you’re so in tune with…people? Because you’ve spent a lifetime observing?”“Probably. And without goin’ all psychobabble, I’ve been the middle boy. Even now that Gavin is around I’m still in the middle. Quinn…well, Dad thinks the sun rises and sets wit
Ainsley stood and draped the sweater over the back of the chair. She unbuttoned her skirt and it slithered down her legs to the floor. Bennett’s hands were on the bottom of her lace shell. He pulled it over her head, tossing it aside and attacked the hooks on her bra. Then she was stark naked except for her shoes. And Bennett’s hungry eyes ate up every inch.He led her to the bathroom and flipped on all the lights. “Up on your knees. On the counter. Facing the mirror.”She actually blurted, “But why?” before the two hard smacks stung her backside.“Now.”Not only did her face heat, but her whole body burned as she scrambled onto the low countertop. She did not want to see all her body flaws in what felt like stadium lighting. Her head fell forward of its own accord and her hair obscured her face.Bennett grabbed a handful of hair and jerked her back up. “Look at yourself.”“I-I don’t want to.”“Not a request.” She watched his big hands in the mirror. His roughness to her softness. Tho
Ainsley flipped on the lamps in the living room. She shut the shades. She fought the need to tidy up—straighten the fleece blanket draped over the couch, gather the newspaper and mug on the coffee table. How could she be so nervous in her own house?“Ainsley.”She looked at him, definitely in Dom mode now, nonchalantly leaning against the wall. With that look in his eye. The man knew how to smolder. “Yes?”“Come here.”A mere twenty steps across the small space and she stood in front of him. More nervous than before.Bennett ran his knuckles down her cheek. Then he cupped her chin and traced the outline of her lips with his thumb. “Put your mouth on me.”Ainsley didn’t move. Didn’t think. He’d tell her exactly what he wanted her to do. And that was exactly what she wanted. After being in charge all day, she’d gladly let Bennett take charge of her.His hand fell to his waist and he worked his belt buckle, his midnight-blue eyes remained locked on hers.She lowered to the carpet. She un
“Thanks, Chase. I appreciate it.”“I ain’t one to brag, but I’ve gotten good at this touchy feely shit since meeting my Ava Rose.” Chase belched. “Speakin’ of…gotta see what my missus is up to.”Ben had a strange pang of jealousy when Chase swept Ava into his arms and plopped her on his lap, kissing her soundly. They were so in love, so attuned to each other—so oblivious to assorted family members shouting at them to get a room.He had time to study how his family clustered together. His cousin’s wives, Channing, Macie, AJ, Ginger and India had babies propped on their hips. His mom, Aunt Carolyn and Aunt Kimi were carting around their grandkids. Tell, Dalton, Brandt and Jessie had formed their own group in the living room corner. The rest of his cousins were outside because it was damn hot in here. The horde of kids running in and out every ten seconds hadn’t done much to cool the place off.No one bothered him. The groups shifted. He saw his sister-in-law Libby bustling around in the
He watched as she made the rounds with his family, so beautiful and confident and real. For the first time he allowed himself to wonder what would happen when the month was up. Would Ainsley be interested in seeing more of him? And if so, did she want him as Bennett, the man who took great pleasure in awakening her darker sexual needs? Or would she want Ben, the rancher? Maybe she’d want neither and she’d just walk away. That made him want to punch something.Ben stared out the dining room window to the darkness beyond, mentally planning his weekly to-do list instead of obsessively watching Ainsley. A hand clapped him on the back and he stiffened. He hated Steve Talbot’s fake show of camaraderie.“Ben. Good to see you.”“Talbot. Thanks for comin’.”“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Steve tossed a glance over his shoulder. “But I’ll admit I’m surprised you brought my competitor to a family event.”Ben couldn’t very well point out the fact Steve wasn’t family and he was here. “The com
Although the air was humid in the enclosed space, Keely shivered. Her nipples puckered and her skin broke out in gooseflesh.Jack stood with his back to the water spray. His teasing smile was gone and pure male heat smoldered in his eyes. “You want to be wet for this?”Lord. She was already wet from t
If Ginger was surprised by how quickly she acquiesced, she was even more surprised by Kane’s thoroughness. His gentleness.He rinsed her hair. Her face. Her eyes.“I can take it from here,” she said curtly.“Like hell. I’m gonna help you to your feet whether you like it or not.” He wrapped his arms aro
When Ginger Paulson’s horoscope hinted she’d take an unexpected trip, she hadn’t anticipated tripping down a flight of stairs.The wool scarf muffled her shriek as she became airborne. Everything happened in slow motion, yet lightning fast. She twisted her body, colliding with the ground in a bone-ja
“I imagine.”“With the late nights, case overload and me being a rookie who needed supervision, Chas and I spent a lot of time together. One thing led to another, and within a year of my assignment we were engaged in this torrid affair.”At that comment Kane’s fingers stilled.“Chas was married, which






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