A Snow Country Christmas (The Carsons of Mustang Creek #4)(23)

She was. She ran her fingers through his hair. “Um, we do have one problem though. I’m not on birth control. I think I mentioned I’m kind of a hermit most of the time.”

He traced the curve of her cheekbone with a finger and figured he might as well confess. “I have condoms. I’m not saying I thought this would be a sure thing, but I was hopeful anyway. Boardroom executives are master planners and always arrogantly anticipate the best outcome possible. I took two flights and endured a four-hour layover just because I was hoping for the kiss of a lifetime. I got it.”

Oh, whoa, did I just say that?

“Of a lifetime? No pressure.” Her eyes held a knowing look.

He was used to calling the shots, but she was definitely in charge. “Trust me, you didn’t disappoint.”

“Bedroom is this way.”

He followed her. She could have been leading him off a cliff and he probably wouldn’t have noticed anything besides the sway of her hips and her fluid stride.

As she walked in front of him, she took off that loose, less-than-sexy pajama top he found so inexplicably arousing, then tossed it down on the hallway floor. The graceful curve of her back almost did him in right then and there.

“Raine.” It was said on a groan.

She glanced back. “Don’t lag behind.”

“Are you kidding? I’m following at warp speed.”

Her laughter was warm and infectious, and he couldn’t help but think that this was what life should be about. The joy of another person’s presence, and definitely the magic of their laugh.

Raine’s bedroom was a reflection of her personality, from the colorful artwork on the walls right down to the unusual black bedspread that was patterned with bright red poppies. The headboard looked antique, intricately carved, and he’d examine it later but right now that wasn’t his focus at all.

Raine was shimmying out of her drawstring pants. “You seem kinda overdressed to me, Branson.”

She was stunning with every stitch on, and naked...he’d dream about that image. Long legs, firm breasts, a taut stomach...heaven.

His hands had forgotten how to follow brain signals. Mick fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and finally got enough undone to be able to strip it off, though he was fairly sure at least one button went rolling. Socks next, then pants, and by this time Raine had pulled back the exotic bedspread and her dark hair was spilled enticingly over the pillow.

He even surprised himself when he said, as he joined her on the bed, “This is what falling in love should be about.”

She brushed his hair back. “You didn’t just say that.”

“I think I just did.”

“I’m so not ready for your direct approach.”

He nuzzled her throat. “You aren’t ready for us, and I’m not either, but I’m ahead of the game as I’ve been thinking about my options for quite some time. I can pretend you haven’t captured my interest like no woman I’ve ever met, but it doesn’t work. The first time I saw you I was sixteen again and my locker was next to the one of the prettiest girl in school.”

“Do you say that to all—”

He stopped her with gentle fingers on her lips. “Raine, you have it all wrong. There are really no ‘all.’ I’m not wired that way. I’m selective. I always have been. Sex should mean something intimate and special between two people. If you think differently then you’re not the person I thought you are, and I’m usually a pretty good judge of character.”

“You know the right things to say, don’t you?”

“I’m just speaking from the heart. Really.”

She bit his shoulder lightly. “Then seduce me right now or I’ll haul off and slug you. I don’t know what I want long-term, but I do want you right this red-hot second, so you’d better make a note of it.”

“Slugging is legal in Wyoming?”

“Probably not, but we like to make our own rules out here.”

“I believe I just watched a film about the Wild West, so I’m going to take your word for it, ma’am.”

“Hold on a second.” Her eyes were luminous. “I have something I want to do first.”

Her fingers ran through his hair again. How that could push him toward the edge, he wasn’t sure, but it certainly did, even though he knew she was just teasing him.

Two could play that game.

He started with her breasts, firm and luscious, her nipples already taut, and when he drew one rigid tip into his mouth she shivered and let out a small moan of pleasure. He explored the valley between them with his tongue, gave due attention to the other nipple, and kissed his way downward.

She liked that too and wasn’t shy about expressing it.

He discovered she wasn’t really shy about anything and that just tipped fuel right on the fire to create a skylight blast. The dance between them was natural and beautiful; when he moved, Raine did too, and the heat level started to scorch the roof.

Her climax involved a small scream and then it was his turn. He managed to remember the condoms he’d brought so carefully at zero hour, slipped one on, and then there was nothing but pleasure and deep satisfaction as he joined their bodies and sank deep inside her.

Mick had been waiting for her his entire adult life. There was no question. He knew it all the way down to his heart.