Carter (Remington Ranch Book 3) (12 page)

“I’m a man of my word.”

“So you’re going to tuck me in then?”

He nodded again. He was. He was starting to doubt his own motives in taking so much time. Yes, he was a gentleman and he would never rush a woman into bed, but this wasn’t exactly rushing. Was he really just afraid? Afraid of adding to the hurt he was going to feel when Summer left? Sex meant something to him. It wasn’t just a quick physical pleasure; it was a deep emotional connection. Yeah, that probably made him weird, but that was how he saw it. Sleeping with Summer would be laying himself wide open, giving her all of himself so that she could tear him apart when she left. He met her gaze and took a deep breath. She was worth it. He climbed out of the truck. She didn’t wait for him to come around to open her door. She jumped down and winced as she hit the ground.

“Are you okay?” He hurried to her.

She bit her lip and nodded. “I’m fine. I forget how far down it is. I did the same thing at your house this afternoon.”

He took her arm as she stood on one leg to rub her ankle. “Damn!” she muttered.

Carter smiled to himself. He put an arm around her and bent down to hook his other arm behind her knees. He scooped her up and smiled down at her.

She smiled back and looped her arms around his neck. “I like it!”

“So do I.” He really did. She was so small, she hardly seemed to weigh anything. He strode up the steps to the front door.

Summer scrabbled in her huge purse for the key. That amused him. No one he knew locked their doors around here. It just wasn’t something you needed to do. Eventually she found the key and unlocked the door.

Once they were inside, Carter hesitated in the hallway.

“Straight to bed?” she asked.

He nodded and walked down the hallway and into her bedroom. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest—and it wasn’t from the effort of carrying her! He gently laid her down on the bed and then stood there looking at her. He didn’t know what to do next. Part of him wanted to lie down beside her, take her in his arms, and make to love to her. Part of him wanted to pull the covers up over her, tuck her in like he’d promised he would and then hightail it out of here.

She smiled and held her arms up to him. How he could he say no to that?

He sat down on the bed and stroked her hair away from her eyes. He let his fingers run on down her cheek. She was so damned beautiful!

“Stay with me?”

He looked deep into her eyes. Yes, they were filled with lust, but there was something more than that too. Her next words confirmed it.

“Carter, you know I want you.” She reached up to touch his cheek. “But if it’s still too soon, that’s okay. I can wait. But I want to lie here with you. I want to hold you. I want you to hold me. I want to go to sleep with your arms around me. And I want to wake up next you in the morning. Please say you’ll stay?”

How in hell could he say no? He nodded slowly, and began to unbutton his shirt. He loved the way her eyes followed his fingers. She watched him undo each button, until his shirt hung open. She sat up and pushed it off his shoulders. The feel of her small cool hands on his skin drove him crazy with need for her. He wanted to get out of his jeans, but thought it best to keep his hard-on trapped, caged behind his zipper for now.

He drew in a deep breath as she began to unfasten her own shirt. He found his eyes following her fingers as they worked their way down. Once her shirt hung loose, she looked up at him and he dared to push it off her shoulders. She was perfect. Her skin looked so delicate. Her white lacy bra encased her pert little breasts. He covered them with his hands and watched her eyes close. He circled his thumbs around the hard little peaks that pressed through the lace. He needed to see, to touch, to taste.

He reached around and unhooked her bra, then slowly slid the straps down her arms. When it was gone, he closed his hands around her waist and let his eyes travel over her. She was perfect—and she was his! Alarm bells went off in his mind. She
wasn’t
his! He shouldn’t… This time though, his body refused to heed the alarms, refused to be denied what it had been aching for, for so long. Keeping his hands around her waist, he pulled her to him. Her naked skin felt so soft against his. The smell of her filled his nostrils and his mind as he covered her mouth with his own and kissed her deeply.

Her arms came up around his neck, and as if on a mission of their own, his hands sought her breasts. She moaned into his mouth, making him even harder as he circled her taut nipple with his thumb. All of his resolve crumbled around him as he crushed her to his chest. He needed to make her his own.

Her hands dropped to his waistband. There was no part of him left that wanted to stop her. He bit her bottom lip as she pushed his jeans and his shorts down over his hips. She rubbed her hips against his and the feel of the rough denim against his most sensitive skin reminded him that he was falling behind. He unfastened her jeans and pushed them down and off. He left her panties alone, knowing that that little scrap of lace was a last line of defense between him and the inevitable. He couldn’t resist though. He slid his hand inside. His heart beat even faster when he felt how hot and wet she was. She hadn’t been kidding that she wanted him! He began to work her with his fingertips and smiled when she moaned again.

His smile faded when her hand closed around him. God that felt good! Too good! She’d make him come in no time if she kept doing that. He shifted his hips away from her and began to tease her opening with his fingers.

“Carter!” she moaned.

She didn’t need to say anything else. He knew what she meant. Knew what she wanted. He slid her panties down and off. He couldn’t resist ducking his head to taste her nipples, but that just made her more desperate. She wrapped her legs around his, opening herself up to him as she looked up into his eyes and buried her fingers in his hair.

“Carter, please!”

It was a moment he would relive again and again. Summer Breese lay underneath him, legs spread wide open, so she could press her heat against him, enticing him inside as she begged him to make love to her. In the moment, though, all that mattered was his need to be inside her. He propped himself on his elbows, afraid to crush her as he thrust his hips. He thrust deep and cried her name as she clung to him. For a second he froze, afraid that he’d hurt her. He searched her face and she gave the tiniest nod and began to move under him. He joined her rhythm, moving slowly at first. She felt so good, her velvety wetness closing around him with each thrust of his hips. He picked up the pace, losing himself inside her. She responded, bringing her legs up around his back as she bucked underneath him. The tension was building, carrying him higher and higher. He could feel her getting closer, her muscles beginning to tighten around him, increasing the delicious resistance each time he pounded into her. On his next thrust, she dug her fingernails into his back and screamed his name. That took him over the edge. He straightened his arms and thrust deep and hard. His release tore through him and exploded inside her as they frantically melded together.

Eventually he let his head slump onto her shoulder, though he was still careful to keep his weight off her and on his other elbow. She let her legs slide down at the same time that she closed her arms around his back and held him close.

“You were right,” she mumbled eventually.

He lifted his head to look down at her. “About what?”

She smiled. “You were worth the wait.”

He smiled and dropped a kiss on her lips. “Good. I’d hate to disappoint.”

She squeezed her arms tighter around him. “You couldn’t if you tried. I just hope I didn’t disappoint you?”

He held her gaze. How could she even think that? “You’re amazing, Summer. Even more amazing than I dreamed.”

The way she smiled told him that she really had doubted. He kissed her lips again and then rolled to the side. “Amazing.”

She snuggled into his side and rested her head on his chest. It felt so natural, so right, to just lie there with her. They didn’t need words. Not after what they’d just shared. He twirled a strand of her hair around his finger as he stared up at the ceiling.

“What are you thinking?”

He smiled to himself, wondering if he should tell her.

“What?” she asked. He could hear the smile in her voice.

“Okay then. I’m thinking that I’m an idiot.”

“You are not! Why would you even think that?

He chuckled. “Because tonight I’m staring at the ceiling lying here naked with you after we just made love, and I’m thinking about what an idiot I’ve been to have wasted so many nights up till now staring at the ceiling by myself while you were lying in the next room.”

She chuckled, too. “Hmm, I do see your point. But you’re definitely not an idiot. Just promise me one thing?”

“What’s that?”

“That we won’t waste any more nights staring at the ceiling alone?”

“Promise,” he said. He didn’t smile though. He didn’t smile because she’d just reminded him that they would have precious few nights together and he really couldn’t afford to waste any of them.

Chapter Twelve

Summer opened her eyes and smiled. She was still nestled into Carter’s side with her head on his chest and her arm across his abs. He was still sleeping. She snuggled in closer. Loving the feel of him. Finally, he was here! He’d made love to her and he’d stayed with her—right here in her bed—and nothing had ever felt so right! She looked up at his handsome face, relaxed as he slept. He was beautiful! That may not be a word she’d normally associate with a man, but he was!

It was almost light, but she was done sleeping, she knew that much. Carter stirred and opened his eyes. He smiled and his arm tightened around her.

“G’mornin’, darlin’.”

She smiled back. She loved the way he called her that. “Good morning yourself.”

“It is! The best morning ever.”

She chuckled. “Glad to hear it. Do you have any ideas what you’d like to do with it?”

He rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow to smile down at her. “I reckon I could come up with something.”

He put his hand on her shoulder and ran it down her arm sending shivers racing through her. She was glad that now the waiting was over, he seemed keen to make up for lost time. “Oh yeah? And what might that be?”

He raised an eyebrow and lay back down on his back. “I thought maybe I could take you for a ride.”

It was her turn to prop herself up and look down at him. “A ride? You mean out in the mountains? On Lola?”

He smiled. “Maybe later.” He caught hold of her hand and guided it under the sheet. He was hot and hard and very much awake. “But for now I was thinking more of a ride right here, on this.”

His words set her pulse racing. He certainly didn’t seem too shy this morning. He closed her fingers around his thick shaft and began to move her hand up and down the length of him. Yes, please! She got up on her hands and knees and made to straddle him, just the thought of what he wanted had her wet and ready.

He surprised her with the speed with which he turned her. Somehow she was on her back and he was smiling down at her. “Hold on a minute, missy. There’s no rush. We need to make sure you’re all warmed up and ready before we ride.”

She smiled. “Oh, I am. More than ready!”

She pushed her hips up against him, wanting to feel his hard shaft pressing into her.

He shook his head slowly and reached his hand down between them. His fingers found their way between her legs and sent tingles of anticipation rushing through her. She thrust her hips again, wanting more than just his fingers.

He shook his head again. “You know I like to take it slow.”

Oh, no! He was going to tease her? “But, I thought we were past that?’

He began to circle her clit, making it hard to concentrate on his words. “We are, but now we get to savor every single moment.”

Hmm, she didn’t exactly want to argue with that! Every single moment of what he was doing right now felt wonderful. She relaxed and gave in to the sensations. He dipped a finger inside her at the same moment that his hot mouth came down on her neck. She began to move her hips in time with his hand. She wanted to feel him inside her. She brought her arms up around his neck and spread her legs wider, hoping that he’d take the hint and give her what she wanted so badly.

Instead he turned again, rolling onto his back and drawing her with him. She straddled him and sat up with a smile. He smiled up at her and rocked his hips.

“Ride me, darlin’.”

She wasn’t about to argue! She closed her fingers around him and guided him to her entrance. His hand joined hers and he began to stroke her again. He was driving her wild. She let herself slide slowly down onto him, surrendering herself to the rocking of his hips and gentle pressure of his fingertips against her clit. She closed her eyes and let her head fall back. She wasn’t going to last long, but she wanted to do as he’d said and savor every moment.

His hands came up and closed around her waist as his rocking changed to thrusting. He held her in place, pulling her down to take him deeper and deeper. It felt as though he was filling her with every thrust. Her breasts bounced as she rode him. She grasped his wrists and hung on tight as he took her on the ride of her life. He met her gaze and smiled as he took her closer and closer to the edge. She felt him tense and that was all it took to trigger her climax.

“Carter!” she screamed as he came with her. He held her still and continued to thrust deep and hard. She felt as though she’d lost control of her own body. Carter now controlled every cell of her being, and he demanded that every cell dissolve in exquisite pleasure. Wave after wave crashed through her, taking her soaring away. Her muscles clung to him as if he were the only solid point in a melting universe.

When he finally lay still, she lay down on his chest breathing hard. She’d never come like that in her life! His hands came up to tangle in her hair and he nuzzled his lips into her neck. “You’re a good rider.”

“Not yet, but if you give me lots of lessons I think I could learn.”

“Lots of lessons?” he asked with a chuckle.

She nodded. “Lots and lots and lots. It might take me a lifetime to perfect it, but we can have fun trying.”

He didn’t chuckle at that. In fact, he lay quite still. Oh, crap! Why had she said anything about a lifetime? The one big dark cloud hanging over their heads was the fact that they would only have a short time together, and she’d had to go and talk about a lifetime? Especially at a moment like this!

She lifted herself to look into his eyes, but he avoided her gaze. Damn! “Carter. I’m sorry.”

He pursed his lips. He looked so sad for a moment. Then it was gone. He smiled that smile that melted her heart every time she saw it. “No, I’m sorry. I’m just a big ol’ dumbass who got carried away for a minute.” He stroked her hair. “I really am sorry. What do you say we get up? Get cleaned up and go do something fun with the day?”

Summer wanted to talk to him, wanted to tell him that she was sorry for mentioning the lifetime when she didn’t know if it was possible. She wanted to tell him that a lifetime with him sounded wonderful to her right now. But she knew better. There was no point having a conversation about something that might not be possible, even if they did both decide they wanted it. She rolled off him and stared up at the ceiling for a moment. “Okay. Let’s go get a shower.”

~ ~ ~

Carter felt a little uncomfortable about not helping Mason with the McLellan horses. He didn’t tell someone he’d do something then not follow through. That wasn’t him. When he and Summer arrived at the ranch, he felt a little better about it, though. Gina was out in the arena on one of the mares and she and Mason were joking around. Maybe it was a good thing for the two of them to get some time together.

Summer smiled up at him as they walked toward the barn. “Does that make you feel a little better?” she asked. “You can still go help out if you’d rather do that. I don’t mind watching.”

He put an arm around her shoulders. He was grateful that she understood, and he knew she really meant it. He shook his head. “I do feel better seeing Mason and G together like that. I don’t feel guilty anymore. I can go have fun with you, knowing that Mason’s getting done what he needs and having fun with his lady…” He stopped himself short. He didn’t want Summer to think that he saw her as his lady in the same way Gina was Mason’s. That was different, they were getting married. It wasn’t the same. He looked down at her. No matter how much he wished it could be.

She smiled. “Okay then. I’m glad, because I’m looking forward to this.”

He raised an eyebrow and gave her a knowing smile. “I know. You proved this morning just how much you like me taking you for a ride.”

She pushed at his arm. “I guess I did, didn’t I?”

“And I seem to remember you saying something about wanting me to take you for a ride in the mountains?”

Her eyes widened. “Oooh! I could be persuaded.”

Carter laughed. He’d only been joking, but he could be persuaded, too.

As they reached the barn, Shane and Cassidy came out laughing together. “Hey, guys! How’s it going?” asked Shane.

Carter nodded. “Going great. Is everything okay? What are you doing out here? I thought you took Sundays off?”

Shane laughed. “I do. But Cassidy wanted to ride out. We just brought Cookie and Lady back. We’re headed over to see Chance. You know he’s going to California this week?”

“That’s right. It’s his sister’s wedding, isn’t it?”

Cassidy nodded. “Yeah. We’re going to see if he wants to come for lunch at the Riverside, and maybe see if he’ll come out one night before he leaves. He’s going to miss our engagement bash, but we can hardly compete with his sister’s wedding. Do you two want to come along if we can get him out?” She looked at Summer. Carter knew she was checking with her friend whether she wanted to risk being seen out with him.

He relaxed when Summer nodded. “We’d love to.” She looked up at him to check. His grin answered for him, even though it was mostly caused by the fact that she’d referred to them as a
we
!

“Okay.” Cassidy smiled at Carter. She seemed to understand his reaction and felt the same way. “I’ll give you a call when we figure out what’s going on.”

Shane winked at him. “See you soon, then. Have fun, kiddies. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”

“I guess that means we can get up to all kinds of mischief then, little bro.”

Shane shrugged. “I guess it does.” He grinned at Summer, “Just don’t go blaming me if he gets up to anything too wild.”

Summer smiled up at Carter. “Don’t worry; whatever he gets up to, it’s all on him.”

Carter smiled back as he led her into the barn. He was glad that she saw him as his own man, responsible for his own actions and decisions. Sometimes he felt like a pale reflection compared to the larger-than-life Shane.

He stopped when he reached Lola’s stall. “So, it’s time for the two of you to get to know each other.”

Summer reached up to rub the mare’s nose. “I feel as though we already do. She feels like an old friend.”

Carter nodded. He couldn’t help thinking back to the conversation at dinner last night. He would love for Lola to become Summer’s horse. He would love for their stories to mirror each other. He sucked in a deep breath. That would mean Summer finding that life here in the valley suited her better than the life she’d left behind. He had to be realistic. Lola’s former owners might have turned their back on her, but he could hardly see Summer’s people—her sister, her record label, hell, even her fans—giving her up so easily. Even if she did want to stay.

“Are you okay?”

He nodded. “I’m just fine.” He smiled and dropped a kiss on her lips. “Come on. Let’s bring her out and we’ll get her and Jake saddled up.”

~ ~ ~

Summer smiled to herself as the horses picked their way up the trail. She was enjoying this. She hadn’t ridden for years, but she’d felt right at home as soon as she was in the saddle. Lola had everything to do with that. She’d turned her head to look up at Summer, as if to check that she was okay. Summer knew that they’d become great friends. It might have been a long time since she’d been around horses, but one thing that had stuck with her was that what mattered most was the trust between horse and rider. She trusted Lola to take care of her, and she hoped that Lola trusted her not to interfere or mess up.

They were making their way single file up a rocky path. They’d climbed so far that it was cooler up here. Summer was grateful for her jacket. She’d been about to leave it behind, but Carter had suggested she bring it along.

He turned in his saddle and smiled at her. “How are you holding up?”

“This is wonderful! Thank you. Lola is awesome.” She reached her arm out over the view of the valley below them. “And it’s so beautiful. I mean this place is gorgeous no matter where you are, but seeing it from up here, it’s spectacular!” It really was. The valley was maybe fifty miles long and twenty miles wide. From this point they could see almost all of it. The snowcapped peaks seemed to sparkle in the sun, shining stark white against a deep blue sky.

Carter nodded. He seemed to take pride in the place, as though she were paying him a personal compliment by admiring the place. “It is beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It’s gorgeous.” Seeing the way he reacted, the way he obviously loved the place so much, Summer knew for absolute certain there was no way he’d ever leave. This place was more than just where he lived; it was a part of who he was. The tiny part of her that had been wondering whether they might continue seeing each other when she had to leave saw the truth in that moment. If she wanted Carter, she had to want a life here. She pursed her lips. She thought she did, but was that realistic?

He reined Jake in and waited for her to bring Lola alongside. “Are you okay?”

She nodded.

“What is it though? For a moment there you looked so sad.”

She met his gaze for a moment. “It’s nothing.” She didn’t know what to say. There was no point in trying to explain it to him. She wanted to enjoy their time together, not spoil it with sad talk about what might never be.

His big brown eyes were full of questions. It seemed as though he found his answers and he nodded. If he did understand what she was thinking, he apparently didn’t want to go there either. He patted the pack behind him. “Let’s keep going, there’s a great picnic spot a little farther up. If you like the view from here, you’ll love it up there.”