She took the pitchfork, stabbed it into the pile, and threw a load into the barrel. After her fourth round, someone snatched the pitchfork from her hand, scaring her. She jumped, putting pressure on her bad leg. Trying to correct it, she lost her balance. Riley clutched at the arm, reaching for her. She missed it and fell into the hay. Glancing up, she saw Garrett standing with his hands on his hips.
“Did we have an agreement?” he asked.
“You,” she seethed. “I can’t believe you scared me to prove a point.”
“If you keep this up, your leg will never heal. I’ve given you a ton of leeway today and you can’t seem to stop yourself,” Garrett exclaimed.
“You’re not the boss of me,” Riley snapped. “I only meant to help you finish faster.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right,” Garrett conceded. “I didn’t mean to scare you. It worried me to think you might fall and get hurt.”
“In hay?” she asked, not believing him.
“Let me help you up,” he said, extending his hand.
She smiled sweetly and held her good arm out. He clasped her and as he was about to pull her up, Riley gave him a hard jerk, sending him flying down beside her.
“Why, you little wench,” he said, tickling her. “You got me. Now, it’s my turn to get even.” His fingers ran up her sides as she squirmed to get away.
“Stop it, stop,” she said, laughing. “I mean it, Garrett.”
“Or what?” he challenged as he leaned over and tickled her with his beard along her neck.
Riley inhaled sharply and stilled. Garrett stopped and sat up, thinking he might’ve hurt her. His gaze fell on hers, and he saw his desire mirrored in her eyes. His hand wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer. He hovered over her mouth, giving her time to change her mind.
They danced around each other all week, little touches, eyes meeting, but he reeled himself in, not wanting to make the same mistake again. Every time he fell for a woman, they ended up disappointing him. But Riley seemed different. She loved to work and shared his likes. When he thought of returning to his cabin, he pictured coming home to her.
“If you don’t want this, say so now,” he whispered.
Instead of the denial he expected, Riley crushed hermouth to his. The flame she slowly stoked all day in her pretty dress now combusted into an explosion of desire. Their tongues battled with each other as he pressed her body against his. He left a trail of heated kisses down her neck as she clutched at his shirt and moaned.
“Touch me, Riley. I want to feel your hands on me,” he murmured as he slowly untied her bodice, letting the straps fall to her arms. His hands cupped her breasts as she fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. Tired of struggling, she yanked it open, sending buttons flying. Riley kissed his chest, and he almost laughed at the innocence of it.
His thumbs brushed her nipples, and Riley’s eyes grew wide. Her body trembled against him.
Realizing where they were, Garrett shook his head. “Come on, let’s go home.”
“No,” she protested, shaking her head. “I want you now.”
Garrett scanned the barn, spying blankets. He lifted her up and helped her to stand. Throwing the blankets on the bales, he turned toward her. He held out his hand, wanting Riley to choose him.
Riley didn’t hesitate as she moved toward him. When she reached his outstretched hand, she clasped it, and he picked her up and set her on the bales.
“I want to see you, all of you,” he whispered as he crouched before her. She nodded jerkily as she raised her arms in the air. Garrett took off her boot and sock and gently lifted the dress over her head, setting it aside. Pressing her to lie back, his hands traced the shape of her toned legs and up to her waist, where he hooked his fingers under her white cotton panties. Riley raised her hips, letting him slide them down.
She bit her lip as he knelt and spread her legs, gently propping them over his shoulders. Garrett nibbled aroundher knee, letting his beard stroke her skin as he made his way to her center.
“Don’t stop,” she pleaded, moving restlessly. “Please don’t.”
Garrett’s mouth covered her core, making Riley jump. “Ohhh,” she said softly as he explored her delicate pink skin. Slowly sliding a finger inside her, he curled it upward as he sucked on her nub.
Riley leaned on her elbows, watching him with keen interest as her hand gripped his hair. “Are you supposed to do that?” she asked, as her breath hitched. “It feels good. Don’t stop,” she urged him on.
“You’re soaked, Riley,” he said softly. “You taste sweet and spicy.”
Her walls clamped against his finger, and she seemed tight. He used some of her slickness to lube a second and added it with his strokes. Riley moaned and moved with his rhythm. Garrett watched her face, enjoying her flushed cheeks, the way her mouth parted, and how she watched him. He licked and sucked, eliciting louder moans from Riley.
“Let go, Riley,” he commanded before curling his fingers and increasing the rhythm.
