Reese came around and slid the bridle up on his shoulder, lifting the loose saddle off her horse. “Your nose is red.”
Shay grinned and touched it, feeling nearly giddy with his nearness. “Summer is such a short season that I’m trying to get out every chance I can to enjoy it. Small price to pay.” There was a new openness between them. Reese had brushed near her shoulder to reach out to take the saddle. She followed him down the aisle and hurried ahead to open the large tack room for him so he could place the saddle on a rack. The fragrance of oiled and clean leather enveloped her as she stood aside and he walked in. The room was large and cool compared to the temperature outside. Shay pulled off her gloves, placing them in her back pocket.
Reese settled the saddle on the metal rack, meeting her smiling eyes. “On you, it looks good.” He saw her eyes change, her lips part slightly as he turned toward her.
Shay sensed the charged air around them as he moved to his full height, his shoulders so broad, the fabric stretched tautly across his chest. Reese had gained back all the weight he’d lost. He was a terribly good-looking man, from the ropy muscles of his arms to his large, square hands. She moved toward him, holding his gaze. At first, she saw a question in his eyes, but then a burning, narrowed look replaced it as she drew within a foot of him. There was nothing she wanted to say, driven by the weeks of teasing torture that Reese had awakened in her.
He towered over her, so broad, powerful, and pure male as he searched her eyes, realizing that she was going to kiss him. Shay followed her heart this time, pushing away any fear of rejection. She laid her hand on his chest and instantly felt his skin grow taut, the muscles tightening beneath her fingertips. Shay cupped his jaw, closed her eyes, and lifted her mouth to his.
The first contact made her ache. His mouth was firm, male, and she felt his arm come around her, pulling her fully against him. If Shay had any question whether Reese wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him, it was lost in the plundering heat of his mouth sliding hungrily across hers.
A moan vibrated in her throat as she opened up to him, pressing her breasts wantonly against his chest, the scent of man, the earth, and sweat all combined in her flaring nostrils. His fingers moved through her loose hair, her scalp leaping with tiny flames of pleasure as he kissed her more deeply.
The world ceased to exist. Just Reese, his mouth growing gentler after initially taking her fiercely, tasting her, asking her to meet and match his need for her. Shay’s breasts grew taut, and she felt his other hand come around her waist, pulling her fully against him. She could feel his erection against her belly. He tasted so good to her! Their breathing was chaotic, their mouths hungry, as if they couldn’t get enough of one another.
Drowning in the strength and tenderness of his mouth as he moved his lips against hers, she felt as if she were the most cherished woman in the world. Unable to get close enough, she slid her hands around his shoulders, needing every inch of physical contact she could get.
The pounding of his heartbeat was in time with hers. Their breath mingled, their lips clung to one another. Shay felt if she let go of Reese, he would be lost to her forever. It was such a sense of joy as she moved her hips suggestively against his. Instantly, Reese groaned, his arms tightening around her, his mouth taking hers hotly, more deeply.
Yes! Shay wanted all of this and more. Much more! No longer did she care what Reese might think of her boldness. Shay knew there was something more beautiful that existed between them and she wanted to give both of them a chance to explore it fully.
Slowly, reluctantly, Reese eased from her mouth, gently pulling her away just enough to stare darkly down into her half-closed eyes.
“Shay . . .” he rasped, his entire body taut with need.
“Come into the ranch house with me,” she whispered unsteadily, searching his stormy green eyes. “I want you, Reese. I know you want me . . .” She saw such agony for a split second in his eyes. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders. “I’ll take whatever you can give me, Reese. No strings. Just us. Please”—her voice broke—“I need you . . .”
She felt a quiver go deep within him. His gloved hands grew more firm around her. For a moment, she thought he might step away. No! A new urgency thrummed through her, and she whispered, “I’ll take you just as you are, Reese. It’s more than enough for me. Let’s explore what’s there? What we know is between us?” A lump formed in her throat, his possible rejection terrifying her. His eyes grew hooded, burning with white-hot desire for her.