A Little White Lie Read online

  What he discovered from listening to her was that she wasn’t a superficial woman. He popped another hush puppy into his mouth, continuing to watch her animated movements. She was passionate, patriotic and so damn sexy he couldn’t wait to get her back to the hotel, strip her naked and have his way with her. When he caught her eye, she paused. The same desire that coursed through him reflected in her eyes, but there was something else he couldn’t identify.

  “Enough questions,” she said. “I need to get back to the hotel and get back to work.”

  A chorus of groans met her words.

  Trevor looked up with a sorrowful expression. “Do you hafta?”

  JD pushed away from the table and got to his feet. “Sorry, boys.”

  As Stella rose, each of the boys flocked to her for a hug. Even Clifford stepped into her open arms. She whispered something to the child, but JD couldn’t hear it. The boy nodded and stepped aside.

  JD took her hand as she joined him. A sense of pride filled him. “You’re amazing.”

  “Amazing?” Confusion furrowed her brow, which made her even more desirable to him. She had no idea how special she was.

  “You won those boys’ hearts.” He stopped, pulling her into his arms. “You’ve won my heart.” Lowering his head, he kissed her softly.

  As their lips parted, moisture filled her eyes. “Please don’t say that.”

  She tried to look away, but he placed a finger beneath her chin and forced her to confront him. “Why?” he asked, even though he knew there were tons of reasons pursuing a relationship with her was wrong. Hell. The miles between them were enough of a deterrent. Yet like a moth to a flame, he felt mesmerized by her.

  This time she smoothed the back of her hand across his cheek. “We live two completely different lifestyles—two different cities.” She inhaled a heavy breath, and he could have sworn regret flickered in her eyes. “Let’s leave this for what it is, a weekend fling—nothing more.” Her chin rose slightly, even as she nervously bit her bottom lip.

  Damned if her words didn’t sting. Something inside his gut twisted with the thought of letting her go. Even though he knew it was ridiculous, he could see himself settling down with her. She was everything he had dreamt of.

  The truth was they knew nothing about each other.

  She was right.

  He took her hand and placed a kiss on it. “Ever made love beneath the stars?” The sun was sinking in the west. In an hour it would be dark.

  She shook her head. Together they headed toward her car.

  After he opened the passenger door, she slid inside. JD wasted no time moving around the car and getting behind the steering wheel. The thought of taking her beneath the Montana sky made blood rush to his groin, creating an ache that pulsed between his thighs. He wanted this woman. He turned the key and the engine roared. “How ’bout we swing by the Rusty Nail and pick up my truck? I know just the place to strip you naked and have my way with you.”

  In fact, it was the perfect place for her to fall in love with Montana and maybe even him.

  Chapter Five

  As JD walked beside Stella, she curiously eyed the sleeping bag tucked beneath his arm. A smile touched her lips. Her cowboy was a Boy Scout at heart. He had insisted on bringing a lantern and a first-aid kit which he carried in a backpack over a shoulder. Even in the twilight of the remaining day, he moved confidently through the secluded forest. She, on the other hand, watched every step, working hard not to fall flat on her face.

  A red-orange sun peeked over the mountaintop. A cool breeze whispered through the treetops, giving off a piney scent, which made her think of a warm fire, naked bodies and a night of hot, passionate love. The delicious image disappeared when a deteriorating tree trunk found the toe of her boot and she stumbled. Releasing his hold on the sleeping bag, JD reached out and caught her around the biceps, pulling her safely to his chest.

  Her face flushed as she gazed up at him. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” His sexy smile set a hundred pairs of butterfly wings loose in her stomach. Her nipples grew taut. Her jeans felt a little too tight as her body heated with his touch.

  What the hell am I doing? I can’t win in this arrangement. Toliver had seen to that with his proposition.

  JD bent and retrieved the bedroll. “I’ll go ahead and clear the path. Make sure there aren’t any bears or fallen trees.” He winked.

  Her skin prickled as she jerked her head from side to side looking for big furry things hiding in the shadows. “Bears?” Her voice squeaked.

  He chuckled. “Darlin’, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll keep you safe.” His reassurance did little to ease her anxiety. Her disquiet was twofold. Bears and grandfathers. Time was running out.

  As JD continued ahead of her, she pinned her sight on his firm, jeans-covered ass. What would it take to convince him to accept responsibility for his family business? Truth was she wanted Toliver’s account and she wanted more time to get to know JD. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance—

  A little voice in the back of her mind interrupted her wayward thoughts, reminding her that she was fooling herself thinking there could be anything between them. Her earlier words had said it all. They lived two completely different lifestyles—two different cities.

  The sound of rushing water pulled her from her wanderings. A waterfall was near.

  When they broke through the trees into a small clearing, the exquisite sight took her breath away. Clear water gushed from a small opening in a wall of stone and flowed into a pool that trickled into a stream. Large stones jutted out of the ground, surrounded by a bed of green grass sprinkled with wildflowers. She could barely make out their colors in the moonlight. “I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous, so serene.”

  He laid the lantern and backpack on the ground and began to unroll the sleeping bag. “I stumbled over this place hunting one year.” When the large blanket was spread wide, he turned to her. “I’ve never brought anyone here. It’s been my place to unwind or just think.”

  Her chest squeezed at the look in his eyes. Raw affection stared at her. She took the necessary steps to close the distance between them. Leaning her body against him fully, she nudged his lips apart with the tip of her tongue. He willingly gave her access and she swept inside to taste him.

  Mmmm. Masculine. Sexy. His spicy cologne engulfed her senses. When his arms locked around her, every bone in her body melted.

  Her kiss of soft exploration turned heated when he tilted his head and deepened the caress. His tongue pushed against hers, gliding past to delve into her mouth and take control. He left no place untouched or unclaimed.

  Wrapped in his arms, she didn’t resist when he drove them to their knees on the bedding. Instead she held on tight, refusing to break the sensual touch of his lips against hers. He gave her a little tug, and she felt her shirt pulled from her jeans. Warm hands smoothed around her waist, up her rib cage, raising her arms to remove the garment. Cool air swept over her skin, chills rising. She was breathless when their lips parted.

  Calloused hands cupped her face. His thumbs stroked her cheeks. “You’re so beautiful.” His voice was husky with desire. Moonlight bathed his features in shadows. “I want you. Here. Now.”

  It wasn’t what he said but how he said it that made the throb between her thighs thicken. An all-consuming need rushed over her, leaving her flustered. She wanted this man and not for just a weekend of unadulterated sex.

  Fisting her fingers into his shirt, she jerked his shirttails out of his jeans. The feel of his sinewy abdomen, the strength beneath her hands, made her cry out, “God. Yes.” Her hands shook as she pulled his shirt over his head, knocking off his Stetson. “Need you naked.”

  Deft fingers twisted the snaps of her bra and the lacy material released, falling to the ground. As her nipples drew into diamond-hard peaks, stinging rays shot through her breasts. In seconds JD’s warm, wet tongue laved one of the tips. Threading her fingers through his thick hai
r, she pulled him nearer. He closed his mouth around the flesh and sucked long and hard.

  Stella threw back her head, lips parting on a groan. When his teeth skimmed across the sensitive nub, she let out another cry. Moisture dampened her panties. A fireball of need burned low in her belly.

  She reached for his belt buckle, fingers fumbling to unfasten it. “I need you inside me.”

  Maybe it was the stars burning so bright they sparkled like gems against the now-velvety sky that heated her body. Or perhaps it was the fact she had never had sex on a sleeping bag, the melody of a waterfall lulling her, or the romantic scent of pines all around. Then again, maybe it was the man who’d captured her lips and possibly even her heart.

  She met his caress with a hunger of her own, sucking his tongue deep into her mouth. Images of her going down on him, that delicious cock in her mouth, made her squirm impatiently against him.

  “Please,” she murmured against his lips.

  His eyes darkened as he got to his feet.

  Kneeling, she looked up through heavy lashes. “I need to taste you.”

  He took his time unfastening his belt and jeans, staring at her with an intensity that sent her desire spiraling.

  She didn’t wait—couldn’t. With both hands, she grasped his pants and yanked downward, revealing an impressive bulge against his white skivvies. Her tongue glided between her lips, her mouth watering. Slipping a finger between his waistband and skin, she traced a path and paused.

  “Don’t stop.” He weaved his fingers into her hair and eased her forward. “Fuck me with that gorgeous mouth.”

  Stella didn’t need any encouragement. She pulled his briefs and jeans down to his knees.

  His cock arched against his belly, jerking several times beneath her scrutiny. Folding her fingers around the hard shaft, she began a casual glide from base to head and back again. She heard his sharp intake of air. The veins in his neck protruded as his hold on her hair tightened. Bittersweet pain exploded at her roots, exciting her even more.

  She leaned inward, licking a path around the sensitive tip. “More.” There was a thickness in his tone. He thrust his hips forward, and she took him into her mouth.

  He was so large that she felt him at the back of her throat. Her gag reflex threatened, but she inhaled through her nose, focusing instead on JD’s lustful expression. She slid her mouth up and down, pausing to suckle and work her throat muscles and tongue.

  “Yeah. Suck it hard.”

  Long, firm draws forced little sounds from him that excited her. Her nipples ached to be fondled. Her pussy convulsed and at one point she thought she might come in her jeans. She loved everything about this cowboy. The fire in his eyes, the way he made her feel as if she belonged in Montana—in his arms.

  He rocked back on his heels, breaking their connection. “Dammit.” The sandpapery growl she loved so much greeted her and something snapped inside him, because he knelt, grabbing a hold of her jeans. Within a blink of an eye he had her pants undone and down around her knees. His movements were smooth as he repositioned her on her hands and knees away from him. She looked over her shoulder to see him extracting a condom from a pocket. He stared at her with such longing it made her struggle for her next breath. As he sheathed himself, he inched closer.

  Threads of sensation made the small hairs on her back stand up as his fingertips smoothed down her spine, dipped into the small of her back and then the crease of her cheeks. When he stroked her puckered skin, she gasped.

  “You have a beautiful ass.” With his knuckle he exerted pressure that made her pussy weep. “Not this time, but soon.” He teased her with his wicked promise. Dragging his fingers lower, he parted her folds and delved inside. “Tight. Wet.” He pumped in and out of her body, making her inner muscles clamp down. “Damn, you feel good.”

  She closed her eyes. Every nerve in her body came alive as he stroked close to her G-spot. Out of nowhere her orgasm rose to the surface, but immediately faded into the background when he moved away from the spot. Desperately she reached for fulfillment, riding his hand, pushing against it so that his fingers penetrated deeper.

  Easing back, he pulled out of her.

  “JD.” Her whimper was dashed when his cock slid between her thighs. Hard, thick and oh so good.

  He grasped her hips, his fingers digging into her skin. In seconds he was rocking against her with a momentum that stole her breath. With each thrust her breasts swayed. It was the most sensual sensation. Spasms clenched her womb. White-hot need washed through her, and her climax exploded with the strength of an earthquake. In fact, she could have sworn the ground shook beneath her as she tossed her head back. Her scream of ecstasy cut through the night, joined by JD’s as he reached completion.

  As the aftermath of their loving lingered, he eased out of her, guiding her onto her back. Silently he removed her boots, socks and jeans before he did the same for himself. Heart racing, she couldn’t find the right words to express what she was feeling. A hiss and the smell of sulfur drew her attention back to JD. He touched the flame to the mantle’s mesh fabric and the lantern came to life. Its soft glow brightened with each turn of the knob. He reached for the backpack and extracted several wet wipes to clean up, and he disposed of the condom before lying down beside her. The sated sigh he released put a smile on her face. As if he were tucking them in, he pulled the sleeping bag over their shoulders and drew her into his arms.

  Silence stretched between them, while nature was everything but quiet. Above the flowing water, crickets sang. Somewhere high in the branches an owl released a hollow hoot.

  The moment felt so right, and for the first time since Stella had arrived in Montana she felt like she belonged—here—in his arms.

  JD cuddled her closer. “Do you really have to leave Tuesday?”

  She swallowed hard. “Why don’t you come back to New York with me?” The words tumbled from her mouth before she even knew it, and so did the regret. The pit in her stomach tightened when a glimmer of light from the lantern revealed the sadness on his face.

  The fantasy JD had conjured in his mind of the two of them together and living happily ever after at the ranch began to crumble right before his eyes. Instead a big dose of guilt took its place. Someday the option of stepping in and taking control of the family business wouldn’t be a choice. Yet he had hoped it would be later rather than sooner. A rustling beyond the trees forced their attention toward the darkened forest.

  “Bear?” she creaked.

  He couldn’t help chuckling. She was so damn cute as her grip on his arm tightened.

  “Come on.” He pushed to his feet and extended her his hand. “We’d better get you back to the hotel where there aren’t any bears or mountain lions.”

  Her eyes widened. “Mountain lions?” She scrambled to her feet. “You didn’t say anything about mountain lions. Where are my clothes?” She jerked her head from one side to the other. Spying her jeans, she moved toward them and quickly pulled them on.

  As he got dressed, he attempted to calm her with a little trivia. “Most animals are as afraid of you as you are of them.”

  Briefly she lost her balance, but righted herself before she crammed a foot into a boot. “Don’t bet on it. Oh—” Awe filled the soft sound. She held perfectly still.

  A fawn about six months old stepped from the tree line. Cautiously she looked around. Raising her nose, she sniffed the air and ventured closer to the water at the farthest point from them.

  “It’s so adorable,” Stella whispered.

  They watched the animal until its mother appeared from behind a large pine tree. The doe dug a hoof into the ground and snorted, clearly issuing a warning that they were too close to her young.

  Without rolling the sleeping bag, JD folded it quickly and tucked it beneath an arm. He put his hat on before slinging the backpack over a shoulder, and then he reached for the lantern. Stella followed quietly as he led her away. Neither spoke until they were closing in on his truck.
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  She hesitated, turning to face him. “I’m sorry.”

  Placing the sleeping bag and backpack in the truck bed, he doused the lantern’s light and set it aside the rest. “For what?”

  She bit her bottom lip. Her fingers closed around the passenger handle and she opened the vehicle door, light flooding the cab. “Nothing. Forget about it.” She climbed inside and closed the door.

  Now that was strange. He opened his door and slid behind the wheel. “What’s up?”

  “It’s just—” She dragged in a heavy breath. “I mean— I’ve had a great time.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

  He shut the door, throwing them into darkness once again. With a turn of the key the truck engine roared to life. “Me too.”

  Anxiety skittered across his skin. Was she attempting to say goodbye?

  The trip back to the hotel was void of conversation. The wall she erected between them disturbed JD. He knew they had found something special. Did she feel it too?

  Fool, he thought. What the hell was he thinking losing his heart to a city girl anyway? Of course this type of life wasn’t her thing. She had even spelled out their differences.

  As he maneuvered the truck into a parking spot in front of the hotel, melancholy rose to the surface. He tried to shake off the disquiet, but it refused to release him.

  His hand trembled reaching for the ignition key. He switched off the truck and the engine fell silent. “Would you like me to walk you to your room?”

  Leaning over the console, she gave him a chaste kiss. “No. I’ll be fine.” For a moment she stared at him. Then she smoothed her hand over his cheek.

  JD’s heart raced. He wasn’t aware of his actions until he had her in his arms, his lips pressed to hers. She whimpered. The cry tightened his chest.

  “Stay with me.” He muttered the plea against her mouth.

  She closed her eyes. “I can’t.”

  The voice of reason pushed past his building emotions. She was right. Regretfully he released her. In less than a heartbeat, she was out of the truck and for all he knew out of his life.