26. Romy
26
romy
W ell, hello there.
Waking up to Jude’s warm body wrapped around me, his knee pressed between my legs and his morning wood poking my ass, negated the fact that I was sore from riding all day every day and then sleeping on the couch.
The couch seemed deceivingly comfortable. Jude hadn’t once complained, but he had to be hurting from sleeping on the stiff, leather couch the last couple weeks. He was going to have to fight me because tonight he was sleeping in the bed with me.
The thought made me giddy. My libido was screaming at me. I wiggled my butt into his boner.
Jude groaned. “You’re evil in the morning,” he rasped. His voice sounded so sexy waking up. Gritty.
I thrust my ass back into him. Jude’s fingers pressed into my hip, digging into my sides to keep me in place.
He peppered kisses along the curve of my neck, sending shivers down my body and making me giggle. I turned in his arms, putting a hand to his face, and scraped my fingers along his unshaved jaw.
“Morning,” I greeted, smiling up at him.
“Morning,” he returned, leaning down to give me a light kiss.
His blue eyes were still heavy from sleep and what I knew must be desire. He put a hand between us to adjust himself.
“This couch sucks,” I stated.
Jude released a throaty chuckle. “It’s not that bad.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Your back must be killing you. You’re sleeping in your bed tonight.”
“Romy,” he warned.
“Jude.” I reached between us, gripping the bulge in his boxer briefs.
Jude hissed through his teeth. “Evil, evil woman.”
I tightened my grasp, and he bucked into my hand. I nuzzled my nose into his neck, inhaling his delicious, spicy scent. Pumping my grasp, I nipped at his black-and-gray neck tattoo before soothing it with my tongue.
Jude twitched as I gripped harder. “You’re sleeping in the bed tonight,” I ordered.
“What about you? We’re supposed to take things slow.”
Putting a hand to his shoulder, I pushed him onto his back and straddled him. My sleep shorts rode up my thighs. His hardened cock now pressed right where I needed it. I rolled my hips.
“I thought we addressed this. Patient, not gentle.” I leaned down, taking his bottom lip between my teeth. “But if it’s slow you want, I can show you how slowly I can torture you.” I rolled my hips again, Jude thrusting against my core.
His fingers skimmed the inside of my thighs while I continued to rock my hips, this time sucking his tongue into my mouth. His fingertips explored the hem of my shorts, achingly close to where I wanted him.
“Are you not wearing any underwear?”
“I never wear underwear to bed.”
He groaned, swiping his fingers along the crease of my hips.
“Sleep in the bed tonight,” I told him, still rocking against him. I could feel the dampness growing between us.
“Okay,” he breathed.
“Say it.”
“I’ll sleep in the bed tonight.”
Smiling against his lips, I gave him a quick peck and jumped off the couch.
“ Romy ,” he growled, reaching for me. I took a step back. His brow furrowed; his mouth pinched in frustration.
Quickly turning on my heels, I swayed my hips as I headed to the bathroom.
Feeling rather smug, I threw over my shoulder, “I win. I’ll collect my prize tonight.”
“Fuck!” I heard him yell from the living room.
That’s right, baby. I play for keeps, too.
It was my fourth time leading the trail ride. Reed accompanied me this afternoon, taking up the rear as we led the riders past Thomas Rock.
It was a deep river canyon with sheer, basalt cliffs. Thousands of people visited the area each year for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Other than the Willows Rodeo, this was the major attraction for vacationers traveling to central Oregon. Twisted Creek ran along the trail we traveled. It was the most popular trail ride Thornbrush Ranch offered, and it was almost always full, just like today.
Without Lina around, I didn’t mind Reed’s company on the trail. He was quiet and serious, and he made sure we didn’t end up with any wayward tourists.
We were nearing the place where we forded the creek when Winnie stumbled, practically tossing me.
“Ho,” I cued, pulling up on the reins.
The other horses behind me slowed to a stop.
Dismounting, I ran a hand down Winnie’s forelegs finding she threw a shoe. Nails were left protruding.
“Shit.” It was my own damn fault. I hadn’t checked her hooves like I usually do, distracted by the lawyer’s call.
Reed rode up beside me.
“Threw a shoe?” he asked, seeing me with the horse’s hoof perched on my thigh.
I picked a rock from the tender hoof before setting it back down.
“You didn’t happen to bring any tools with you?” I asked him.
He shook his head. “No.”
Shit. I blew out a breath.
Looking back at the waiting riders, some of them pulling out their phones to snap photos of the creek and canyon, I knew I had to think of something. These people were expecting their four-hour trail ride to end on time. They weren’t expecting to just sit on horses and wait until I could fix Winnie up enough to ride out of here. Most of them probably had dinner reservations in town.
I turned back to Reed. “You’re going to have to lead them back and get the kit and a boot.”
Unless I had a boot or duct tape, I shouldn’t try to move an unshod horse. Otherwise, I could lame her with a bruised hoof.
They had at least an hour left of the ride before they circled back to the ranch. It would take Reed probably another hour to return with the farrier kit. I pulled my phone out of my pocket. It was nearly four o’clock. There was no service where we were in the canyon, so I couldn’t call Jude or Chuck to help.
“Do you want to take the group back and I stay with Winnie?” Reed offered.
It was a nice offer. I had a feeling Reed wasn’t as bad as Lina claimed him to be.
I shook my head, wanting to stay with Winnie to make sure she was okay. “It’s all right. I’ll just pull Winnie off the trail, and we’ll wait in the shade.”
Reed nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Thanks, Reed.”
“We’re going to ford the creek here,” Reed instructed, taking command of the riders. I hadn’t seen him take charge like that before, and it eased any concerns I had about him leading the rest of the trail ride. “Romy’s horse threw a shoe, so I’m going to lead us the rest of the way. Make sure you keep your feet in the stirrups and two hands on the reins. Otherwise, you might end up wet.”
Some of the riders snickered at the possibility of landing in the creek, while others shot me concerned looks.
I gave them all reassuring smiles, waving as they passed. “You’re all in good hands. Enjoy the rest of the ride!”
I waited, watching them cross the creek, return to the trail, and disappear out of sight. Knowing we needed to make room for possible hikers, I gently led Winnie off the trail. She hobbled slightly, huffing.
“I know, girl. It can’t feel great.”
Ponderosa pines shaded grassy areas along the water, and I found a flat spot to sit. It was a nice afternoon, sunny but not too hot. A cool breeze blew off the water, lifting loose hair from my sweaty neck. I removed my cowboy hat, setting it in the grass beside me.
“This isn’t too bad.” I sighed, resting my arms on my knees.
Winnie shifted a little, bending down to grab a mouthful of grass before sniffing my hair. I stroked her nose to reassure her and myself while we waited.