Wild Ride: BBW Western Romance (Under Open Skies Saga Book 2) (6 page)

“
Ah, here we are
,”
Wyatt emerged from the lockers and walked towards her with a vest and helmet that were clearly new
.“
Your father had them made for you about 10 months ago, when he figured you would be taking over soon
.
”

Wyatt cleared his throat and looked at her. There was no pity in his eyes. Only admiration. She inspected the equipment. They were custom fit to her, black with pink writing. Tacky, not really her style, like a ditsy buckle bunny. A private joke between her and her father. She bit back the tears that were threatening to make their way out of her and down her face.

“
Thanks, Wyatt
.”
She said, shrugging them off with a laugh.

“
Anything I can do for ya, m
a’
am. Anything at all
.”
His gaze lingered over her, just a moment too long.

Hunter shot him a look. Wyatt just winked at him. And stepped a little closer to her.

She liked the attention, truth be told. Something about testosterone filled men staring each other down over her thrilled her. Even if it was outdated and a bit backwards.

“
I get you
.”
Was all that he said to Hunter, nodding. He hovered close to her for a moment before moving over to his desk, sitting down and looking up at the two of them. Wyat
t’
s tone shifted, his mouth turning down. He had capitulated.

“
I suppose you can take her around, huh, Hunter? I got work to do and you seem keen on hanging tight to her. So show her the place
.”
Wyatt opened up a book right on his desk and got to work, not even bothering to look up at the two of them.

Kat could
n’
t help it. She pouted.

“
Come on, Kat. Le
t’
s go
.”
Hunter placed his hand back on the small of her back and his grip strengthened as he guided her away from Wyatt and through the door.

“
If yo
u’
re trying to make me jealous, it worked
.”
He whispered in her ear once they were out.

“
Why would you assume such a thing
?”
A smile played on her lips as she walked past him, breaking contact once again. She walked up to the practice corrals just as a man let out of the gate. He only lasted for a couple of seconds before he flew off, his ass hitting the ground. He was up like a shot and out of the arena before she could even get worried. Hands were there, corralling the bull back through the intricate fencing that led to his pen.

One by one Kat watched different men ride bulls, following the same routine. They got up, rode, spoke to a coach, rested and went again. All training and looking at the bulls, trying to figure out how to read them and adjust to them. It reminded her of her fathe
r’
s life. Of a life that she once wished she could have. Until she realized the grueling pace and the likelihood that she would end up bankrupt.

Despite wearing the least attractive outfit ever men were openly gawking at her, their eyes taking in everything but her own. Sometimes men could be so dense, it was like they did
n’
t think she would notice because as soon as she made eye contact with a face they quickly turned their gaze elsewhere. The open leering made her feel like she did
n’
t belong, more than ever. Judging from the look on Hunte
r’
s face, he also did
n’
t appreciate the way the men were looking at her.

“
So, what do you think of the facilities
?”
Hunter shifted uneasily next to her. His hand hesitated on the small of her back but he put it down at his side.

“
I think they serve their purpose well. The men seem to appreciate the space, and they also seem to like the competition. Updates suggested
?”
Kat tried to remain calm as she faced him, but then another man caught her eye as he suddenly turned away.

“I’
m just a farmhand and a rider, you might want to talk to Wyatt about that
.”
The edge in his tone let her know that he was irritable, but not just about Wyatt. He noticed it too.

“
I just might. But from a ride
r’
s perspectiv
e
…”

He cut her off
,“
More corrals, more space. Maybe some new practice bulls. You know, might help bring in some clientele
.”
He ticked the major things off with his fingers.

“
I see. Anything else
?”
She pursed her lips and tried to hide a smile. He could
n’
t help acting like he was in charge.

“
Updated safety measures. Maybe make the upgrades that the inspector always advocates for. Even if they are
n’
t mandatory
.
”

She tried to take a mental note of what he was saying, but the feeling of eyes on her back was making her a little edgy. She turned back to watch another rider leap on a bull, getting lost in the motions, trying to ignore the curiosity that buzzed around her.

“
What other requests do you all have
?”
She asked to the general group, because if one person had an opinion they all were likely to.

They swarmed her, several people speaking at once at her so quickly that she could
n’
t tell who was talking when.

“
Hold on, let me get a seat, and my phone, I can take better notes that way
.”
Kat grabbed a stool and pulled her phone out of her pocket, sliding the stylus out from the side.

“
Why you need one of those things for, wo
n’
t a pen and paper work better
?”
Someone asked, and the rest of the men chuckled.

“
Damn, that thing costs more than a months pay for me, I bet it does every damn thing
.”
Another voice echoed.

Shit, had
n’
t thought about that.

“
Damn, it is
n’
t working. You got a pen and a piece of paper
?”
She asked Wyatt, who was quick to retrieve one. It was a lie, but seemed to cut some of the tension.

She was
n’
t expecting so many people talking all at once, but after a little organization, she was able to fully engage her riders, and Hunter was right.

She could see the respect in their eyes.

It was late afternoon before she got finished writing down every single request that was made. Some of them unlikely, but others valid.

It was a lot to take in, and when she finally stood up, she felt her anxiety grip hold of her, making her stagger.

Hunter was there in a moment, rescuing her from the panic that threatened to take over, pulling her away from the group, and walked her back behind the barn, away from prying eyes.

He was different, the businessman in him gone, replaced by a protective man who was full of emotion. Red hot, deep, soulful emotion. It lit something in her, a spark that had been doused too many times before.

She did
n’
t expect him to care.

“
You okay, Kat
?
” He asked, pulling her into him, examining her face, both hands on her cheeks, his eyes searching hers.

She did
n’
t think, she just leaned into one of those hands and breathed in his scent. Before she realized what she was doing she laid a kiss on that palm. Her body was quaking, her desire clear from the very stiff, attentive nipples that poked through her silky top. This was not going as planned.

“
Wanna go some place else
?”
He asked, before kissing her jawline. It was a gentle kiss but it fueled her body like gasoline to a fire.

“
Yes
.
”

It was all she had to say, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door. He was
n’
t kind about the way he pushed through the crowd, not bothering to pardon himself. As soon as they recognized him their outrage went silent.

Apparently the man had a reputation.

The sea of bodies was enough to make Kat feel claustrophobic. She could feel the tightness in her chest, squeezing at her as she barreled through the crowd with him.

When they were finally out of the building and in the fresh air Kat felt like she could breathe again, but he did
n’
t slow down. He just kept pulling her, his speed increasing. His long gate meant that she had to practically run to keep up. She was breathing heavily, her want only increasing as she looked over at him. He was on a mission and his determination was certainly sexy.

“
Are you sure about this, Kat
?
”

He was exactly what she wanted, so she looked into his eyes and gave him a quick nod before she changed her mind.

“
Then le
t’
s go
.
”

Kat never did things like this, she never let herself go, but she was wound tight, and she was struggling to maintain her composure.

Just a little slip would
n’
t hurt.

They finally reached his old blue pickup truck after weaving through the parking lot. He walked over and threw open the door. It certainly was
n’
t going to win any prizes. There was rust on the wheel well and a dent in the door.

She turned and walked around the truck, throwing the door open and her body back into the seat. But she could
n’
t help but grin.

Ka
t’
s heart fluttered as he entered the cab, threw her things behind the seat and looked at her.

“
Get your ass over here, Brooks.
I’
m not going to have to slide you over here myself, am I
?”
His glare was positively wolf-like.

“
You just might
.”
She grinned and tried to dodge his grab but failed. His arm wrapped securely around her and pulled her to his side.

“
What was that
?”
He asked, his voice dark. Like the look in his eyes.

“
You may have caught me, but that does
n’
t mean you can keep me
.”
She knew she was poking the bull, but she could
n’
t help herself.
Even if I want you to
.

The inside was immaculately clean, not a bit of trash on the floor or the seat.

“
This beauty your pride and joy
?”
she asked, digging just a little, all she wanted was to get a reaction, something that got him going.

It worked.

“
Sh
e’
s a little rough, but she gets the job done
,”
he said as he walked around the truck and got in on his own side.

“
Where are we going anyways
?
”

“
I know a little place
.”
His smart ass smile returned.

“
Yeah, I am sure you do
.
” She pushed away from him, playfully.

“
Do
n’
t challenge me, Kat
.”
He gripped the wheel a little tighter.

“
It is what I do. I challenge
.
”

“
Then do
n’
t be surprised when I meet those challenges
.”
He took off in a roar, his tires tearing up the gravel driveway as he headed straight for that dirt road.

She was
n’
t sure what it was about him, or his rusty old truck, but every time the two were combined she could
n’
t help but gravitate towards them. She just needed to get him out of her system. Then she could finally get back to work. Back to running her da
d’
s business.

No sooner was he in than he was pulling her over to his side. Her body curled around his almost instantly, the spark from the dance reignited inside of her and spread to a flame that consumed her entire body. Her nerves were on fire, dancing and playing with her as arousal licked at her skin.

Hunter inched his hand up her thigh, his rough, calloused fingers swirling and moving towards her at a slow but steady pace. It was enough to drive her crazy.

Somehow the mere thought that she was turned on just sitting next to a man in his truck only served to worsen her condition. Sure enough her nipples poked out, standing at attention through the soft fabric of her blouse, harder and more swollen.

“
No, really, where are we going
?”
Kat leaned closer and landed a kiss on his neck. His thick murmur of pleasure only empowered her and she reached over between his legs and rested her hand over his throbbing bulge. She was
n’
t sure how big he was, but she could definitely feel his arousal
.“
I would actually like to know
.
”

“
Well, we can go back to my place. I have a solid bed and a warm house. Or
,”
He finally reached the area under her skirt, dancing around her panties
,“
If you can tolerate the crisp air we can park way out in this clearing in this grove that I know of. It is
n’
t too far. And the stars are beautiful on a night like tonight
.
”

Suddenly he was there, his fingers groping over her soaking wet garments, rubbing in the exact spot she needed touched. She did
n’
t want to be in his house. Didn't want anything but him and the open night sky.

She sucked in a breath
.“
Clearing
.
”

“
I was hoping you would say that
,”
Hunter deftly swung the truck onto a side road, his hand running over the steering wheel with the experience of a trucker. He punched the gas and the roar of the pickup intensified, its rumble filling the night air.

He hooked his fingers around the crotch of her panties, the tips of them just barely brushing against her lips. She sucked in another ragged breath, her body still as his fingertips found her little nub. He swept across it first, making her gasp and then quickly latched on to it, moving his fingers in a circle, bringing forth little cries from her mouth.

“
We are almost there, Kat. Not too much longer now
.”
He slipped one of those thick fingers down in between her lips. He spread her wide to reveal her little hole before he wiggled his finger into her. She was sopping wet, her juices dripping down over his hand as his finger slid easily into her sweet little pussy.

“
Oh yes
,”
She cried, not hiding her excitement. Why should she? She knew he could feel it on her, dripping down his fingers.

She writhed on his hand, unable to take the sensations he was giving her. It was
n’
t enough. The young woman whimpered in frustration. In retaliation Kat unzipped Hunte
r’
s jeans and inserted her hand, rubbing the bulge through the fabric of his boxer briefs. She could feel him better now. He had a thick shaft with large, throbbing veins up and down the side of it. Clearly strong enough that she could feel them through his underwear. It was tempting. So tempting. Still, she refused to slip her hand in his undergarments, wanting to give him a taste of the frustration that she was experiencing.

Take that.

It seemed to be having the desired effect, she felt his cock jump in her hands, blood filling it before her very eyes as she wrapped her hand around it. The warm fabric was all that was between her flesh and his, and it proved to be just as much of a hindrance to her as she meant for it to be for him.

“
God woman, you are going to do me in
.”
His cock twitched in her hand, its swollen girth growing even larger.

She swore he punched that accelerator a second time, roaring down the country road for several minutes. His driving would have been reckless if he was anyone else. Anyone but a rider. In his arms, in his truck, she felt safe. She knew his level of control. She knew he could handle it. Handle her.

He slowed suddenly, turning off to the left into a grove. Parking near a line of trees he turned and looked at her. She could
n’
t help it, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, letting it all go. In that kiss she revealed her passion. Her want. Her entire hand. She certainly did
n’
t know when to hol
d‘
em.

“
Are you sure? I want to double and triple check. Because right now you feel like a dream that is going to slip right out of my fingers
.”
His voice was dark and thick as he looked at her. He was sure. Sure of what he wanted. When and how he wanted it
.“
This is your last chance to back out and go back to strictly business
.
”

That opportunity passed as soon as he took her into his arms at Dusk. The way he looked at her, the kiss. It banished any prospect of their relationship maintaining a purely professional nature.

It was wrong, it could hurt her, but she did
n’
t care. He was too much temptation to turn away, at least this once. Though she was starting to even doubt that.

“I’
m not walking away, Hunter. I need to see where this goes
.
”

“
I need to know that you want me right now
.
”

She did
n’
t answer him with her words. Instead she released his cock from that last scrap of fabric and bent forward and seized it with her warm, wet lips. She circled her tongue around that mushroom cap, her tongue sliding across his hot, soft flesh. He tasted good. So good that she could
n’
t help herself. She sucked on his cock, her hand around his shaft, pumping into her. His guttural moan let her know that she was doing exactly the right thing.

He let her do what she wanted just a little bit longer before he pulled her head up.

“
Stop
,”
He grunted, barely able to get the words out
,“
This is
n’
t how I want it to be and you are going to waste me if you do
n’
t
.”
He pushed her off and put his cock back inside his pants.

She knew she should
n’
t, but she could
n’
t help but pout.

Hunter reached behind his seat and grabbed a thick blanket. He opened his door and exited, pulling her down out of the truck.

“
I thought we could use a room with a view
,”
He said with a husky lilt to his voice. She found herself gravitating towards him as he pulled the tailgate down.

The cold wrapped around her, but it could
n’
t cause a physical reaction. Her arousal had already done that. So when it nipped at her it only served to make her feel even more alive. She embraced it, the earthy smell of an autumn breeze filling her senses as Hunter laid the blanket down. When he turned and wrapped his arms around her she found that his touch was exactly the right sensation at the right time. Hunter tightened his grip on her and lifted her up onto that tailgate. She felt the urge to strip her clothing piece by piece and bare her body to him in the nippy air.

Hunter did
n’
t need her to resist her urges. In fact, he took care of them for her. He reached over and pulled off her shirt, exposing her. Refusing to cover herself, she kept her arms down at her sides.

So many times she tried to hide her curves, her body. But not tonight. Not for him. She was beautiful, perfectly proportioned and she wanted him.

“I’
ll ask you one more time, Kat. I need to hear it from you. Do you want me
?
”

He placed his hands on her shoulders and demanded that she look in his eyes. He was serious about this. He wanted her consent. And damn was it sexy.

The fact that he kept checking, that he kept asking her, it only made her want him more.