“I’d love that.” His pulse sped as his mind raced to the end of the evening.

  She looked up at him and smiled. “I promise you I won’t need a rubdown tonight.”

  His heart thumped hard. Did she mean...?

  “Dane, it’s our last night. Will you make love to me?” Her voice was a little uncertain, as if she was worried that he might decline.

  He slipped his other arm around her and pulled her close. “Honey, there’s nothing in this world that I’d love more. Your room or mine?”

  “Mine, if you don’t mind.”

  “Yours it is, sweetheart.”

  She sighed and closed her eyes. “I feel a winning streak coming on, Cowboy.”

  He chuckled softly. “I’m sure you’re right, honey.”

  And a hell of a winning streak it was. By three in the morning, she’d cashed out with a check for more than $76,000. She’d found a high-stakes table that suited her and had never looked back. Security had taken an interest around midnight when her winnings had soared.

  Now back at the Jesse, Dane stepped out of the shower. Anticipation had his pulse racing, his heart thumping a staccato rhythm in his chest. Yet the future was uncertain. Tonight might be the last time he made love with Alexis.

  He shook his head. No, he wouldn’t think of that. Each moment with her was precious. He wouldn’t ruin that time with concerns of losing her.

  He dried off and dressed in dark-blue boxers and a pair of khaki shorts, not bothering with a shirt. At this time of night, the halls in the small, boutique hotel would be deserted.

  When Alexis answered her door, he threw back his head and laughed. Her sleep shirt featured a giant horse facing forward and standing on his hind legs. There were horse apples on the ground behind him, and the caption said, “I’m Pooped!”

  “Honey, where do you get these shirts?” He was still grinning as he followed her into the room.

  “It’s not easy finding such examples of pure perfection.” She put her arms around his waist. “I don’t have anything sexy left to wear, Cowboy.”

  He traced her bottom lip with his thumb, his heart melting. “You’re so damn sexy right now...” He sighed. “Honey, you’re constantly underestimating yourself. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, and you don’t need a skimpy nightie to prove it.” Clasping her face in his hands, he kissed her tenderly, cherishing her mouth inch by inch.

  She sighed when he drew back. “I love it when you kiss me like that.” Leaning into his chest, she said softly, “Whatever did I do to deserve you, Dane?”

  “I feel the same way, sweetheart. I...” No, he wouldn’t say anything more. Not now.

  “Come with me, Rodeo.”

  It was the sweetest thing in the world when she took him by the hand and led him to the bed. Her feet, high-arched and beautifully formed, caught his attention. Everything about her was exquisite.

  He tossed a condom on the bedside shelf and sucked in a breath as she drew her sleep shirt over her head. He stood still, the sight of her slender yet muscular body overwhelming him for a moment. “God, you’re gorgeous, honey. Come here.”

  She slipped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes, a flicker of passion igniting in her gaze. “I want this night to last forever.”

  Moved beyond words, he nodded. She felt as he did, then, and suddenly the night was perfect, no matter what happened tomorrow. “We’ll make love until the sun rises, sweetheart. We won’t waste a second. And when we have to rest, I’ll hold you in my arms.”

  She leaned her forehead against him and sighed. “Dane, honey, that sounds like heaven.”

  His heart thrilled as she called him “honey” again. He slipped out of his shorts and briefs and lifted her onto the bed, sliding in beside her. Resting his head on his hand, he looked down at her. She hadn’t worn panties, and the sight made him hard.

  She traced shapes on his chest with her fingertip, sending tingles racing through him.

  “Alexis...”

  She didn’t look up, seeming engrossed with the muscles of his chest. “Hmm?”

  There was so much he wanted to say, so many emotions conflicting inside him.

  She cupped his cheek, her hand soft and yet sporting a callus or two from the hard ranch work she did every day.

  “Alexis, I want you to know that this past week has been one of the best times of my life.” He took her palm and kissed it softly. “Maybe the best time of my life.”

  She met his gaze then, and her eyes welled with tears. “Will you shut off the light, please?”

  He reached back over his shoulder. “Of course.” The room was plunged into darkness, with only a faint hint of light escaping around the edges of the plantation blinds at the window. She leaned her head against him, and his eyes soon adjusted, showing him her pale hair and the curve of her back.

  “Why couldn’t you be a rancher, a regular cowboy who stays home and works cattle and does everyday things?” She sniffed quietly, and he felt her wipe her eyes. Oh hell, she was crying.

  He sighed. “Why aren’t you a ballerina?”

  She laughed softly. “Touché.”

  He’d thought recently of quitting his bulldogging career. He was old for steer wrestling. It was a sport that took a heavy toll on a man’s body—his current injuries were testament to that. But he hadn’t come anywhere near making a decision about quitting competing, and he didn’t feel that mentioning the subject would be fair to Alexis. Not now, when he was so ambivalent.

  She slid her calf over his. “It’s been a wonderful week for me, too, Dane. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. More than that, I’ve loved being with you.”

  She cared about him too. Lord, those words were precious. And they had to be enough for now. He kissed her softly, taking his time, running his fingers up her back and slipping them through her hair. She sighed as he drew back. Her green eyes were dark pools. She traced his lower lip with her thumb. “So gentle for such a strong man. You’re an incredible kisser.” She stroked his lip again. “Kiss me, Dane. I can’t get enough of you tonight.”

  She slid her hand behind his neck and drew him to her. His senses spun with the scent of her freshly showered body, of the light, slightly floral perfume she wore. A hot flush went through him, but it was much more than sexual desire. He wanted her, all of her; her heart, her mind, and her lovely body.

  He kissed her slowly, then slipped his tongue inside her mouth, stroking her lovingly. She moaned, and his heart beat faster. A spurt of hungry desire spiraled through him, and he caught her lower lip between his teeth.

  She clasped his face and kissed him hard, her mouth hungry and demanding. He rolled her onto her back and slid his thigh over hers. She looked up at him, and he caught the glimmer of her teeth as she smiled. She drew him down and whispered, her breath tickling his ear. “Make love to me, Dane. I want to live the best dream of my life.”

  His heart soared at her words. There was hope for them. Maybe not now, depending on his decision, but in the future. He traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. “Aw, honey...” He didn’t have an answer for her now, not in words, but he could show her the deepest secrets of his heart.

  He cupped the full swell of her breast in his hand, loving the feel of its weight in his palm, then took her nipple in his mouth, working it gently with his tongue. As he increased the suction and took in more of her breast, she moaned softly, “Dane...” He continued to suckle as she ran her fingers languidly through his hair. She was lost in sensation, pleasure taking over her senses. He smiled and trailed kisses to her other breast, taking it into his mouth. She sighed, her eyes closed, her body relaxed. He loved pleasuring her like this, awakening her desire in such a slow, tender way.

  When he trailed kisses down her belly, she clasped his face and drew him to her for a long, sensual kiss that set his heart pounding. Then she lowered her head and began kissing his chest, slowly, tenderly. When she took his nipple in her mouth, he gasped at the erotic jolt it gave him. He’d never experienced that before, had never known that it would feel so amazing. God, no wonder she loved it when he did it to her.

  Her hand slid down his belly, and he sucked in a breath, anticipation sending a shockwave through his chest. He was hard, and she clasped him in her hand. He groaned as she moved her hand up and down, rolling over the head and then back down again, giving him such exquisite pleasure he nearly came right then.

  Then her warm, wet mouth enclosed him, and he cried softly, “Oh God, honey.” She stroked him with her tongue, sucking hard as she moved from the top to the bottom of his shaft. Faster and faster she moved. His fingers laced in her hair, he closed his eyes, the pleasure so incredible, so unbelievable, that he fought like hell for control.

  “Alexis!” He stopped her before he lost it. Panting, he rolled her onto her back and put the condom on.

  “God, honey, you’re amazing.” Slipping his fingers between her folds, he found her hot and wet. He sucked in a breath, still at the edge of his control. He slid between her legs and thrust his tongue inside her. She moaned. “Dane, love me.”

  “I am, baby. I am,” he said as he thrust again and again. She raised her knees, opening herself to him. He stroked up, finding her sensitive spot. She cried out, and he took it into his mouth, sucking gently on it. “Oh God, oh, Dane,” she said softly, her hands threading through his hair and holding him to her.

  Suddenly she bucked. “God, honey—now, baby!” she cried, and he thought his heart would burst at her sweet words.

  He reached for her, but she rolled to her hands and knees and looked back at him. “Hurry, Dane.”

  My God, I love this woman.

  He took hold of her hips and slipped easily inside her, the round, firm cheeks of her butt brushing against him. She was slick and tight and every man’s dream. She pushed back at him, and he thrust harder, sensing her need. She cried, “Yes!” and he let go of his restraint, slamming into her.

  She matched him stroke for stroke, tilting her pelvis, exposing her depths. God, loving had never been this good. Her body sucked at him, hard and fast, and suddenly he was there. A roaring tide of pleasure swept his senses from him. His mind swirled into nothingness, and only his body locked with hers remained.

  He came back to himself when he felt her move. She laid her head on her arms and sighed. He ran his hands up and down her back. “Alexis.”

  “Uh-huh?”

  “You’re phenomenal.” His hands slowed as he tried to put his feelings into words. “I just, I feel...”

  She rolled on her back. “Come here.” He lay down beside her, but she pulled him onto her chest, taking all his weight. She clasped him to her, cupping his head in one hand and running the other up and down his back. She whispered, “I feel it too.”

  After a pause, she added, “Something special.” When a quiet moment had passed, she continued. “Thank you, Dane. Not for this week. I’ve already thanked you for that.” She kissed his cheek so softly he wondered if he’d actually felt it. “Thank you for this. For tonight. I’ll never forget it.”

  Not for the first time, he wished that the light was on. He rose above her. “Alexis, you’ve given me a gift that I’ll treasure always. I wish...”

  She sighed. “I know. Me too.” She rose up and kissed him. “Hold me?”

  “Come here, you,” he said softly and took her into his arms. He wouldn’t think about tomorrow. Tonight he was in this amazing woman’s bed, and he wouldn’t waste one minute of the time he had with her.

  “If you wake up, Dane, don’t let me sleep,” she said softly. “Until the sun rises, remember?”

  He chuckled and kissed her temple. “Oh, I remember.” He tightened his arms and promised. “All night long, sweetheart.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Alexis sat next to Dane on the plane back to Dallas. He held her fingers clasped in his, his thumb absently rubbing the back of her hand while he read a magazine from the seat back organizer.

  They’d had plans this morning to tour the National Automobile Museum to see the classic cars, but instead they’d slept in and then made desperate love. They were both intensely aware that it was their final chance to be together. The seven magical days were over, and their circumstances hadn’t changed. Dane would still be going back to rodeoing, and she’d still be ranching at home in Horsehead while he was on the road. An untenable situation for her if there ever was one.

  When Dane had left for his room, her heart wrenched as if it had broken in two.

  She glanced at him now, remembering the pain.

  He looked over and smiled, squeezing her fingers affectionately.

  She wanted to wail, “Why do you have to rodeo? Why do you have to go on the road?” But she knew the answer. That’s what cowboys like him did. It was in their blood, and no woman could change it. She’d learned that the hard way.

  Turning to look out the window, she bit her lip to keep it still. Damn straight she’d learned it the hard way—that and a whole lot else. Rodeo cowboys rode and they partied, and they got chased by Buckle Bunnies everywhere they went.

  She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. The way she’d behaved this past week had been a huge mistake. She should never have slept with Dane.

  He slid the magazine back into the seat pocket in front of him. “You’re sure quiet.”

  She was so torn up inside she couldn’t answer. She wanted to throw herself at him and kiss him until she ran out of breath—and she also wanted to flee to the ends of the earth.

  He met her gaze. “Alexis?”

  She forced a smile, but it was a dreadful failure.

  He wrapped his arms around her, caressing her back with his big, gentle hands. She pressed her face to his chest. He understands. Oh God. What am I going to do?

  He continued to cuddle her, kissing the top of her head from time to time, until she brought her emotions under control. She caressed his cheek and nodded her thanks. The corner of his mouth lifted, but it was a sad smile.

  He kept his arm around her until the “Fasten Seatbelt” light went on. Lord, she just wanted to get home.

  Dane pulled up in front of the Snowden ranch house after dark. Alexis had fallen asleep long before sunset. He reached over and traced the curve of her cheek. “Honey? We’re here at your place.” As she slowly sat up, he turned off the truck. The overhead light came on as he opened his door, and her haunted eyes broke his heart. He said, “I’ll get your bags.” God, he hated this.

  She opened her door and stepped down as he grabbed her suitcase from the back seat. Her voice funeral-quiet, she said, “Thanks, Dane. I can take it from here.”

  “I’ve got it. I’ll walk you to the door.”

  Her face was pale in the glare of the security light.

  She walked ahead of him, and he was reminded again of how beautiful she was. Of how much he wanted her in his life.

  She turned to him at the door. “Dane, I...” Then she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely.

  When she stepped back, he asked, “Can I call you?”

  She looked down. “You’re still a rodeo cowboy, aren’t you?”

  Shit, this was killing him. “I am.”

  “Dane, you’re who you are, and I’d never ask you to change that. Unfortunately, I’m just not able to live with it. I can’t tell you how much I regret that fact. I’ll never forget the time we spent together.” She paused and looked off over his shoulder. “As for calling me? I just don’t know right now. I’ll really have to think hard about that.” She met his gaze with anguish in her eyes, then took the handle of her suitcase and walked inside.

  Dane got out of his truck to open the pasture gate. It’d been three days, and he hadn’t heard from Alexis. The minutes dragged by like hours. How long did she need to think about their future? It was the only thing on his mind.

  Two days ago, he’d gone over his finances with fresh eyes and had reviewed his long-term plan again. He’d allotted a percentage for a home, a percentage for the ranch and the specific improvements that he and his dad had talked about, and a cushion for whatever life might throw at him. It had been obvious that he needed to rodeo for another year in order to meet his goals.

  There was something else that had been eating at him since this year’s rodeo season had started in October. He’d known that his career was nearing an end, and it terrified him. His whole life he’d lived for the buzz, for the next win, and he was scared to death that he wasn’t cut out for the quiet, laid-back life of a rancher. It was fine in between rodeos, but full-time? He didn’t know if he had it in him. And the future of his family’s ranch depended on him.

  He hadn’t shared his feelings on the subject with anyone, not even Colt or Jace. They were both successful ranchers, and he didn’t want them to think that he looked down on them because they were happy with the prospect of ranching for the rest of their lives.

  But with the continued silence from Alexis, it was time to break down and talk about his reservations. He expected to have good news when he saw his doctor in less than two weeks. He had to have a plan for his immediate future long before then.

  As he drove the truck through the gate, he put in a call to Jace. “Bro, thanks again for watching over Alexis’s place while we were gone. I can’t imagine how I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

  “Like I said, someday I’ll need your help, and we’ll be even. Have you heard from Alexis yet?”

  Dane had given Jace very few details of the time he’d spent with her in Dallas, but Jace did know that Alexis was undecided about whether to see Dane again. “No, and I’m about to lose my mind. Are you real busy, or do you have a few minutes to talk?”

  “Go ahead. I’m just putting out feed,” Jace said, as a feed sack rustled in the background.

  Dane explained his reservations about becoming a full-time rancher first. “It’s not that I mind the work; I enjoy ranching. I’m just worried that I’ll miss that edge, that jazzed-up energy I get when I compete.”

 

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