Seducing the Sheriff Page 4

  “But I don’t want to be.” Her voice was thick with emotion. “I want to feel you inside me. I want to feel your Johnson all the way to my soul, and I want to ride you until I come all apart in your arms.”

  “You’ve already come in my arms. Coming is coming.”

  “But I ache down there.” She reached down and touched herself. There must be something…a cure?”

  “There is. A real fucking’s what you need.”

  “Yes, that’s it.” She grinned up at him. Was she really going to say the one word her mama said no lady ever said? Her breath came in short ragged bursts. “I want you to fuck me—like I’ve never been fucked before.”

  He reared back against the headboard and laughed. “That wouldn’t be hard. Seeing as how you never been fucked, you got nothing for comparison.”

  She huffed and rolled to face him, worrying her way into the curve of his shoulder. “I cannot believe you’re laughing at me in bed. Here I am so hot I’m about to explode like a keg of gunpowder. I’m begging for release and you’re laughing.”

  “Aw, angel, you’re a hoot.” He nuzzled her hair, her ear lobe, then planted a light kiss on her temple. “You’ve already had release, as you call it.”

  “Not enough. And you’re changing the damn subject.” She elbowed his ribs.

  “Oomph!” He pulled away from her, his eyes glittering with passion. “You’re a bad girl. You have to pay.”

  He lifted the hair from her shoulders and nuzzled her neck, sending waves of heat to her sex.

  “Darlin’, I can’t love you that way. Already told you. Not going to change my mind.”

  “Dammit. You’ve done everything there is to do, except that.”

  “That’s all you know. And there you go using curse words. Somehow, I think I’m going to have to paddle your behind after all. Don’t you know that girls who misbehave get spanked? And you’re a bad girl if I ever saw one.” He reached around and gave her buttock a light tap.

  Before she could hold it back, a guttural moan escaped her lips. “Tell me why your popping my ass makes my privates throb. Doesn’t make a lick of sense.”

  “’Cause you’re a very bad girl. One who could get into all sorts of trouble if you’re not careful.” He grinned and, without so much as a by-your-leave, pulled her over his lap and started spanking her. Not hard, but not exactly gently either. But her pussy seemed to like it too much, if the throbbing of her walls was an indication.

  “Oh—!”

  “Told you. Bad girls get spanked. But if she’s really, really sorry, this bad girl might get something she really likes.”

  Her heart racing, she cocked her head around. “Like what?”

  “You’ll see,” he said with a wide grin, “but not today.”

  “Why not? Surely—”

  “Stop.” He stood and started redressing.

  Dammit. He was supposed to… He couldn’t leave now.

  “I’ve stayed here too long as it is.” He buckled on his gun belt. “Need to head back to town before my brothers send out a search party.”

  A sense of loss deep and irrevocable cut into her heart. She reached for his forearm. “Please don’t leave me. Surely there’s more to lovemaking.”

  “True, there is.” He erupted in a great laugh and slapped his thigh. “Sometimes I think you’re the one who’s gonna be teaching me before this is over with.” He sat and tugged on his boots and flashed a smile. “We’re getting hitched on Sunday. Your daddy would have my hide if he knew what we’ve been up this day. Wouldn’t be a shotgun wedding. No sir, it’d be a shotgun up my ass and the trigger pulled.”

  She made a face, and frustration sharpened her tongue. “Guess it’s a good thing my daddy’s on the cattle drive.”

  “Damn straight.”

  She bent over and jerked on her knickers then snatched the bustier from the chair and pulled it on, lacing it as best she could. “At least there’s no chance of getting with child.”

  “Nope.”

  She shrugged and smiled to herself. But if he thought they were gonna be husband and wife and not ever get around to making babies then he had another thing coming. She’d be his wife in every way, even if she had to liquor him up. And once he and his big old cock found their way home, he’d never leave her.

  And her mama, Teddy Darwin and all the Pinkerton agents in the U.S. of A. could just go piss in the wind.

  “Still wish you’d stay.”

  He stared down at her, his gaze warm and lingering. His muscled chest rose and fell with each breath. “Have to go. I’ll try to come back and check on you. Otherwise I’ll see you on Sunday.”

  “No!” She barely managed not to stamp her foot. “That’s five days away.” She buried her face in his chest and rubbed her pelvis against his cock. Reassuringly it hardened and pressed into her belly. “Now I know what I’m missing, I don’t think I can’t wait that long.”

  She glanced up and grinned. Poor fellow. He’d shut his eyes as if that would keep his resolve strong.

  “I’ll be back this way by Friday at least. I promise.” The last came out with a groan.

  “I might just make it until then.” She tiptoed and aimed for his mouth. Hit his chin. Then he smiled, inclined his head and slanted his mouth across hers. Kissed her hard. Kissed her soft. Kissed her every way between. Man had the mouth of an angel, or was it a devil? Her knees weakened—damn, they were doing that a lot lately—and she grew as dizzy and faint as if she hadn’t eaten for days.

  Knowing he would catch her, she sagged in his arms.

  He stepped back. “None of your wily tricks, missy. I’m on to you.”

  “I like you better…” she stiffened her back and set her hands on her hips, “…when you’re busy loving me.”

  “Careful or you won’t see me ’til Sunday morning at the church.”

  “Better see you before then.” Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. “You’re leaving me high and dry.”

  He shook his head and laughed, as if surrendering and admitting her hold on him. “Okay, you little witch. More likely sooner than later.”

  She gazed up and fluttered her lashes. “Tomorrow night, maybe?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I’m all alone out here.” She gave a pretty pout. “Never know what might happen to a woman all alone.”

  “All right. If I can.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Provided there aren’t any holdups or shootings in town requiring my attention.”

  “I’m pretty sure I’ll be requiring your attention.” She gave an exaggerated pout. “Your undivided attention.”

  “And no doubt you always get just exactly what you want.”

  “I intend to, starting today.” She gave a sharp nod, assured she would definitely wed this man. And he would be a husband to her.

  In every way.

  Cord kissed Star one last time, slow and deep. As much as he hated leaving her for even one night, he had to. Just knowing she was back had set his head in such turmoil, because there were too many things that could go wrong if they were together. He’d lost her once and he couldn’t risk losing her again. But he’d stepped forward and told the reverend they were going to marry. And they would.

  Having once tasted her, he needed her sweet loving like an opium eater needed his pipe.

  Chapter Four

  The next morning, Star dressed early and hitched her mare to the buckboard. The countryside passed in a blur. All she could think about was Cord making love to her over and over.

  Before she could play out the memories of each touch and word, she reached the town of Kenton Valley, population three hundred and forty-seven. She stopped in front of the general store, hopped down and tied the horse to the hitching post. Hands on hips she stared up at the fading blue and white sign. The hot Texas sun hadn’t done Wheaton’s Mercantile any favors since she’d last been in town. In fact the whole town was smaller, duller and dustier than she remembered.

  Removing her shopping lis
t from her pocketbook, she gave a sigh. It’d been a long time since she cooked a real meal, never one all by herself. Her uncle in Boston had servants and wouldn’t hear of her entering the kitchen like a common servant. Hopefully her cooking skills weren’t too rusty. Keeping it simple was the trick. Somehow she’d come up with a decent meal to feed Cord if he came for supper. And something told her he would. And afterwards…

  She checked the small timepiece pinned on the bodice of her shirtwaist. She’d have to hurry if she was going to get back in time.

  Unable to resist, she darted a quick look down toward the sheriff’s office. No sign of him anywhere. And she’d hoped to catch a glimpse of him. Better he caught one of her. Jog his memory if it needed it.

  “Looking for me?” Cord’s deep voice came from behind her.

  Surprised, she spun around and sputtered, “W-why would I be looking for you?”

  He grinned and lifted his broad, broad shoulders in a shrug. “Don’t know. Just figured you might.”

  “You ‘figured’ I’d have to come to town today? I assure you I’m merely doing my weekly shopping. But if you wanted to drop by around supper time, you might find something good to eat.”

  “Long as you promise not to poison me.” His luscious mouth lifted in a broad smile, setting her heart to beating faster than might be healthy.

  “I’ll have you know I’m not half bad as a cook.” She grinned. He wanted to kiss her. She could see it in his eyes. “Just haven’t had a chance or anyone to practice on…lately.”

  “Now that brings to mind other things than cooking. So I’m coming to supper.”

  “I thought you might. Hoped you would anyway.”

  “Hadn’t you better get a move on? Reckon I’ll be hungry. Real hungry.” He let out a chuckle, and his eyes shone as he teased her.

  She chewed her bottom lip and felt her neck and cheeks heat up. “Bring your biggest appetite, because I’m starving already.” It was all she could do to keep from throwing her arms around his neck and rubbing her body all over him.

  “Careful, darlin’, we’re not alone here. Wouldn’t do for you to take advantage of me right here on Main Street.”

  “Me? You—” She poked his chest, and he started laughing and shaking his head.

  “Gotta head out and meet the stage, and see that brother of yours and his gang don’t have any fancy ideas about robbing it.” His mouth twitching as he loomed over her, one hand rested above her head on a weathered turned column. “Must say it’s a real pleasure seeing you in town.”

  “Nice seeing you, too, Sheriff.” She curtsied briefly as if she were on a Boston street and meeting a proper gentleman. In the distance, she spied two women with their bonneted heads together giggling.

  “Don’t you pay those old biddies any mind. I’ll see you for supper.” He swept off his ten gallon hat and bowed.

  “Stop that. You're making a spectacle of yourself…and me.”

  “Can’t have that now, can we?” He strode away laughing, but the two women stopped their giggling and scurried off in the opposite direction.

  Laughing. The man was actually laughing at her. And so were those women.

  Opening the door, she swished her skirts and stepped over the store cat, who rolled over on his back, gazed up at her with wide yellow eyes and yawned.

  “Same to you, Buster,” she said with a grin then crouched down and stroked the soft yellow fur on top of his head. “At least you don’t pretend to be anything but a fat cat who lies around all day in the sun. There’s a certain man who could take notes if he were smart enough.”

  “Ahem.” Abner Wheaton, the proprietor, stepped around the counter and smiled, showing uneven, rat-like teeth. “Miss Tyler, I heard you were returned safely…from Boston, was it? What can I provide you in way of comestibles today?”

  His words were civil enough, but the knowing, almost insolent speculation in his gaze sent a sick shiver through her entire body. She stiffened her back and gave him what she hope was an imperious expression. “Yes, I’m returned home for good.” Not that it’s any of your business. “It’s a fairly uncomplicated journey these days—what with the railroad and all.”

  “I hear there are upcoming nuptials?” He licked his lips in a dainty catlike fashion, the tip of his pink tongue barely visible through his sharp teeth.

  Her jaw clenched as she bit back the inclination to tell him to mind his store and not her. “Yes. Although how my impending marriage affects you I can’t imagine.”

  “I—uh, suppose the wedding is…”

  Of all the nerve. “This Sunday after services.” What had the pastor done? Had he spread more than the news of the marriage?

  “Best to take no chances that way.” He nodded knowingly, his rat-like teeth biting into his lower lip.

  “Pardon?” She kept her tone imperious and crisp. “Now if you have no additional impertinent questions or personal comments, here’s my list. Please have them loaded as soon as possible.” Tilting her chin upward a notch, she turned and, taking care not to tread on the cat, marched from the store. Her face still flushed with anger and more embarrassment than she ever thought possible, she bumped elbows with the solidly built woman entering the store.

  Oh, no. The preacher’s wife. “Pardon me, Mrs. Moore. I didn’t see you. Good day.”

  The woman’s eyes widened, her mouth opened and her chin wobbled before she could speak. “M-miss Tyler, I’m must say I’m surprised, nay, shocked to see you out and about.”

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. I’m afraid my father has let the ranch run down terribly in my absence, so I’m here to restock.” Surely if she went about her business as if this were any other day, everyone would soon forget about any rumors the good reverend had spread in advance of her wedding.

  Normally a good-natured and pleasant woman, Mrs. Moore froze, her expression changed into a frown of outright disapproval. “’Tisn’t right. I’ll have to have a word or two with your father.”

  The woman’s entire body seemed to shudder as she brushed past Star.

  “Afraid you’ll have to wait until he returns from the trail drive. Good day.” She nodded and tried to swallow, but couldn’t. Her mouth was as dry as the fine yellow dust, ever present in the air. So this was what it was like being the object of gossip and knowing glances. Tears stung her eyes. She blinked them back.

  Maybe what she needed was a short walk down to the sheriff’s office. Without a doubt, she wished a certain lanky lawman had stuck around a little longer. Feeling small and ashamed wasn’t a part of her nature, but she’d fallen prey to the storekeeper’s prurience and Mrs. Moore’s disdain anyway. Would anyone else treat her any better? Who did these people think they were? She was one of them from birth, but in the meantime they’d grown petty and small. Or had they always been this way and she’d been too naïve to notice?

  Could she live her life like that—on the outside of everything she loved about Texas? While Kenton Valley was far from high society, she dreaded running a gauntlet every single time she came to town. These were people she’d known all her life. Facing censure with every look, every slight, or every mocking smile wasn’t how she wanted to live her life.

  Cord had been right all along to tell the reverend they were going to get hitched. He knew these town folk better than she.

  Dammit.

  By the time Star made the short walk down to the sheriff’s office, she’d heard, but ignored, the catcalls of several old farts who had nothing better to do than chew tobacco, spit and take up space in front of the feed store and barber shop.

  Finally she reached the office where the man she loved had better be on hand to accept her request to walk her back to the buckboard.

  One of his brothers, Nash, looked up when she opened the door and grinned. “He’s not here. He and Luis headed out to meet the stage, just in case—”

  “I know. I saw him before he left. I was sort of hoping he might still be here.” Her bottom lip trembled
. She’d run the Main Street gauntlet for nothing. All for nothing. Now she’d have to walk by those old coots again and listen to another round of their lewd comments and gestures.

  His brother sprang up from his chair, his long, lanky body movement awkward like those of an unsteady colt. “Have a seat, ma’am. Is there anything I can do? Drink of water, perhaps?”

  From catcalls on Main Street to Cord’s anxious and over-solicitous brother, now that was quite a contrast. “No, I’ll be going.” Hesitating, she bit the inside of her lip and fiddled with the beaded fringe on her purse. Should she leave a message? “Tell him…I stopped by. That’s all.”

  “Surely will, Miss Star.”

  She turned to leave and the memory of those raucous catcalls stopped her. Turning to Cord’s baby brother, she smiled. “Would you mind accompanying me to Miss Nelson’s dry goods? I still have to purchase some fabric and some sewing notions…for my dress.”

  He flashed a wide grin and offered his arm. “Glad to.”

  “I appreciate it, Nash. I really do.”

  “Anything for my sister-in-law—almost, that is.”

  Her face heated a bit, but she managed a grateful smile. “Thank you. Now did you mean I’m almost your sister-in-law or you’ll do almost anything for me?”

  “You know what I meant.” Her almost brother-in-law gave an evil sounding chuckle. “You’re playing with words, trying to catch me out.”

  “Not really. Just teasing. Isn’t that what almost sisters-in-law do?”

  “You’re my first almost—” He broke off and cleared his throat. “No, that’s not quite right.”

  “It’s all right. I was sorry to hear about Annie and the baby, but I’m sure she enjoyed being a part of the Tate gang.”

  The young deputy blushed and pulled at his collar. “She was a sweet gal. Y’know, that was a real bad time for Cord. All of us.”

  “I’m sure it was.” Growing more uncomfortable by the minute, she suggested, “Maybe we should go?”

  “Sure.” He grabbed his hat from the rack and settled it on his head.

  They walked by the catcalling old farts, but Nash’s stern expression and his grim salutation, “Gentlemen,” silenced them before they could humiliate her again. When they reached the dry goods store, next door to Wheaton’s, he opened the door and ushered her inside. A tiny bell jingled overhead.