Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
C urled up next to Kieran, Sara laid her cheek against his warm chest and absorbed the steady beat of his generous heart. He’d insisted on returning the favor she’d bestowed on him, and she’d gladly let him have his way with her. His talented touch and clever tongue had left her gasping and sated… at least for now.
“That was lovely.” She snuggled closer.
“’Tis a gift, sharing yourself with me, lass.” He kissed the top of her head and stroked his fingers slowly through her hair. “I get far more than I give.”
His manner of speaking charmed her as much as his virile body. “If we keep this up, we won’t need any condoms.”
“Oh, we need ’em. Much as I fancy the alternative, there’s nothing like pushing deep and watching your eyes glow and your cheeks turn pink. It’ll be even better in daylight.”
“And we’ll feel the soft breeze on our skin.”
He chuckled. “Can’t promise I’ll notice a breeze on my arse when I’m in the moment.”
“Have you ever done it outside?”
“I have not. Was thinking about it until Rance came up with this scheme.”
“Lani was afraid we’d try that and be eaten by a bear. But my theory is you take a horseback ride out to your spot. If any critters show up, the horses will let you know in advance.”
“Sounds like I need to learn how to ride a horse.”
“You should.”
“Taking a ride out into nature to make love would be a grand adventure.”
“That’s what I like about it.”
“I’m ready for adventure.”
It could have been a casual statement except for the resolute way he said it, as if he’d come to a decision. “Got a particular one in mind?”
“I do, yeah. More plane trips to Montana. I let the cost of a ticket hold me back. I don’t have much in savings anymore, but I have skills. If Desiree bought my ticket, I could work off the debt during my stay. A place this massive can always use a fella who knows how to swing a hammer.”
Her breath caught. Resourceful. And in line with Angie’s thinking, although she wanted him fulltime. “How often would you come?”
“Depends on what I can negotiate with my employer. I’d love to make it over here two or three times a year. Maybe even more.”
“What about Granny?”
“She should be fine if I’m only gone a couple of weeks at a stretch. It’s not like she needs me to shop for her or take her places. Sure, she’d miss me, but Lucky and I have years to catch up on. She’d be all for that.”
“Would you make a stop in New Jersey?”
“You know I would. But I could also time my visits for when you’ll be here.”
He’d just taken a flying leap forward. Her chest tightened. Was it anxiety or excitement? She couldn’t tell. “Are you suggesting a long-distance relationship?”
“That I am.” Cupping her chin, he coaxed her to look up at him. “What d’ya think?”
She gulped. “I thought you wanted the whole works — marriage, a family.”
“It’s still on the table.”
“I—”
“But first we’d have to see how this setup turns out.”
The jury was in. Her chest hurt because his plan wouldn’t work for them the way he hoped. “I don’t see it going well.”
“How can you say that?” He frowned. “We haven’t even?—”
“It’s brilliant for connecting with Lucky and the McLintocks. I’m sure they’ll be excited about it. But we won’t be seeing as much of each other as you imagine.”
“Why not?”
“For starters, my next visit will be over the Christmas break.”
“Ah. I see what you mean, there. I can’t leave Granny at Christmas.”
“I might make it back over the Easter weekend, too. I’ll bet you can’t leave then, either.”
“No, but?—”
“I used up a lot of vacation days on this trip. I might not get to the ranch again until the following Christmas.”
“But this year you’ve already been here twice and you’re coming again.”
“I’ve been banking unused days ever since I started there. Once Dallas moved to Montana I had a hunch we’d be coming out sooner or later. I blew my saved days on the wedding and this trip.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“There was no reason to explain it. I’ll be concentrating on getting off for important holidays like Christmas now that my folks will be living out here.”
“They’re leaving Trenton?”
“Yep. They’re selling the house. And probably their insurance agency, something I didn’t realize until this minute. Wow, my folks are retiring. I didn’t fully grasp that. Anyway, their announcement came after you left last night, and I didn’t think to mention it.”
“Well, then.” He looked pleased about the news.
“Are you hoping I’ll pull up stakes and follow them?”
“It might have crossed my mind.”
“I won’t, Kieran. I’m doing great with that company. To quit and move just because my folks are here and there’s a chance you’ll show up once in a while?—”
“You’re right, you’re right.”
“Your plan for making it to the ranch more often is inspired. Desiree will love it. Everyone will. But don’t count on me being here when you make the trip. My job doesn’t give me that kind of time or flexibility.”
“I’m not sure mine will, either.”
“What if it won’t?”
“I’ll find a job that will.”
She knew that look. He’d had the same determined light in his eyes when he’d come into Hannigan’s with a postcard in his shirt pocket. “And I’m sure you’ll succeed.”
“Forgive me for making assumptions, lass.” He dragged in a breath. “I didn’t understand you don’t normally have this much time off and God knows I don’t expect you to build your life around me.”
“But we’ll see each other.” She traced the line of his mouth with her finger. “You’ll fly into Newark and spend the night with me. I’ll help you get over your jetlag and send you on your way.” If that prospect made her heart ache, oh, well.
“That sounds better than an airport hotel.”
“You can have another stopover on your way back. You can fill me in on the doings at the ranch.”
“Be glad to.” He smiled, but there was no sparkle in his eyes.
“Then when I make it to Dublin, you can show me around.” Would he introduce her to Granny? Maybe not. The woman who’d raised him would sense instantly they were more than just friends.
“I have to believe we’ll be able to coordinate a visit to the ranch… sometime.”
“We will. Sometime. I’m sure this isn’t the way you envisioned it when you had your brainstorm, but?—”
“I’ll take it.” He gathered her close. “All I know is I can’t let you go. I don’t think you want to let me go, either.”
“Of course I don’t. We’ve found something special.”
“And speaking of that…” He gently rolled her to her back. “We’ve spent way too much time talking about the future and not enough enjoying the present.” He reached for the condom on the nightstand.
“Are you ready to have sex while a soft breeze caresses your butt?”
“A soft breeze can’t compete with the pure joy of your hands gripping my arse and urging me on.” Sitting back on his heels, he ripped open the package and rolled on the condom.
“How you talk.”
“If I haven’t told you how much I love that, I’m telling you now. I don’t give a feck about the breeze. But hold onta me like you mean it and you’ll make me a very happy fella.”
“Count on it, cowboy.”