Mag-log in“Come on up here, young cowboy.”The kid didn’t go around and take the stairs. He took a running jump and threw himself onto the stage.This amused everyone at the tables off to the left.Ainsley bent down. “What’s your name?”“Miles McKay.” The kid practically shouted the last part, which incited more laughter.Didn’t it just figure she’d pick a McKay? “So, Miles, what do you want to be when you grow up?”“A bull rider like my daddy and like Chase.”“I’ve always admired a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Have your dad and Chase given you any advice?”He nodded. “Stay on eight seconds.”More laughter.What a charmer. “Okay, Miles, stick your hand in and pick out a winner.”Miles stirred the pieces of paper before he found the one he liked. When he looked up from beneath the brim of his little black hat, with those vivid blue eyes and serious expression, Ainsley immediately thought of another dark-haired, blue-eyed cowboy charmer. She almost said, “Thanks, Ben,” but caugh
“He gets pissy when you rip on yourself. So tell me.”Her exhalations puffed against his lips. “You see me in a different way than I see myself. You can make me feel sexy and pretty.”“You are sexy and pretty.” He pressed smooches to her lips.“And when you give me such awesome compliments? They’re sincere. Not toss off comments because you want to get laid.” She rubbed her mouth over his. “You know I’m a sure thing. So I appreciate them even more.”“The only sure thing about you, angel, is you keep me on my toes. I don’t take for granted that you’re a sure thing because you can stop this at any time. And after last night…I was really afraid you would.”“Ben.” Ainsley placed a kiss on his chin. “I can’t promise you that this won’t end, but I want to see it through until the end date we agreed on. Okay?”That was more than he’d hoped for, but not nearly enough, and it’d have to do for now. He said, “Okay".Ainsley had expected a decent turnout for the community event National West and
“Nope. It’s always been my private place. Well, as private as a public place can be.”“Did you ever come to any life-altering decisions while soaking in the scenery?”“Given that my workin’ life had been predetermined by bein’ born into a ranching family, I’ll say no.”“Are you ever resentful that path was expected for you? And then Chase got to go off and do his own thing?”The depth of the questions surprised him. Like she’d just been waiting for the chance to ask. “There are days, but I’ll admit those days are rare. I’ll also admit I’d probably feel differently about that life if I hadn’t found my place in the club. Besides I’ve always known my station in life regarding our section of the ranch.”She frowned. “I was under the impression the McKay Ranch was one entity.”“It is. But it’s complicated with the additions to the original ranch land. My Uncle Carson and his sons have been buying up land for the last fifteen years. So has my Uncle Cal.”“And your family hasn’t added on?”N
“Ben, it’s—”“It’s not okay. Christ, it’s far from okay. Just hear me out, all right? ’Cause I’m not used to…doin’ shit like this.” He exhaled a frustrated burst of air. “Not that I don’t f**k up from time to time, but I’ve never had to approach a sub and apologize for my inappropriate Dom behavior.”She said nothing.“What I did was out of line. I won’t make excuses. I won’t be the guy who apologizes, and tries to defend his actions after the apology.”“But?”“But nothin’.” Ben studied his drink. “I was wrong. I made the punishment about what I wanted, instead of makin’ it about what you needed. That goes against everything I am as a Dom and as a man. Jesus. I…” He looked into her eyes and felt his stomach bottom out. “Ainsley. I’m sorry.”“I know you are,” she said softly. “I knew it last night. But I appreciate you coming by and saying it and making sure I was all right.”“So are we okay?”“You mean am I willing to continue as we were? With me as your submissive for the next couple
“Not yet.”“But you do plan to, right?”Ben tossed the socket to the ground. “I guess.”“That oughta go over well, if you’re as forthcoming with her as you’ve been with me,” Quinn said dryly.“Asshole.”“Look, I’m just gonna toss this out there. We guys expect women to carry the emotional load in a relationship. I’ve figured out things go to hell when I’m not doin’ my part to tell Libby how I feel. Then she gets upset and won’t talk to me. It’s a damn vicious cycle and an easy one to get into.”Quinn had hit it dead on. Ben had been so adamant about Ainsley opening up, about sharing her feelings, both in and out of bed, that he’d neglected to share his own. He’d kept her at arm’s length emotionally, even while he demanded her absolute physical obedience.Not only did that make him a bad Dom; that made him a bad man.But he had no idea how to fix it. He sighed. “So got any advice, Q?”“There’s nothin’ a sincere apology can’t fix, especially if you just started seein’ her, especially if
This was what she’d feared Bennett would become. Unyielding. Aggressive and unwilling to provide her with any type of comfort or explanation as he took what he wanted. Reinforcing to her what it meant to be submissive. Reminding her who had the power and the control.The scenes had happened in such rapid succession, she had no idea how much time had passed when Bennett finally untied her.If she’d had the strength in her legs, she might’ve run.If she hadn’t been so confused by Bennett’s sudden change, becoming the caring Dom she recognized, she might’ve shaken off his loving touches. But he’d shown a Dom’s care. Massaging blood back into her limbs. Caressing the spots where the rope had abraded her skin. Running those rough hands over her body, not with punishment, but with reverence.Ainsley’s instinct was to give into the sleepiness. She didn’t want to ask him what she’d done to deserve that treatment. He was accustomed to her reluctance to discuss a scene immediately after it ende
“I am grateful to call the Woods my clan,” she said. “I am proud.”Edward smiled. “Go now. I’ll not keep you further.”Keeley curtsied and hurriedly left the alcove and headed in the direction of the courtyard. She dodged through the throng of people and made her way to the hillside that overlooked th
Her eyes ate him, and she wasn’t being entirely discreet about it. She hoped that his fever and pain kept him from noticing her avid attention.“I must look at your wound,” she said, damning the husky catch to her voice.He glanced down and then slowly rolled onto his good side so that his injury was
The two watched as the last pail was brought up and the tub brimmed with water. Steam rose in rapid puffs, and Keeley’s eyes rolled back in her head as she imagined getting in.“Well, I’ll leave you to it, lass. Gannon will be outside, so call if you need anything.”Keeley’s cheeks burned. “Gannon! I
“ ’Tis his duty to remain outside my chamber in case I have need of anything. I knew he wouldn’t be far.”“Was this merely a test?” Gannon grumbled.“Nay, I require water and didn’t want Keeley to have to fetch it herself. She’s tired and has galloped up the stairs more than enough already.”“I’ll retu







