Chapter Five
Savannah’s nerves were on edge, and the thought of disappointing Grady made her even more anxious. But she wanted him so badly.
“It’s the room on the left,” she whispered.
Following her directions, Grady entered the room and kicked the door closed behind him. He placed her in the center of the bed and sat down next to her, gently running his fingers through her hair.
“Are you sure about this?”
She hesitated, but finally nodded. She tried to look away, but he gently lifted her chin with his hand to make her face him.
“You don’t seem completely sure. Savannah, I will never do anything that you don’t want me to do. If you tell me no, I’ll leave.”
“I do want this, Grady...”
“But?”
She sat up, propping herself up on her elbows. “I’ve only been with two men in my life: my college boyfriend and Kirk. I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“I can promise you that won’t happen. But if you’re not ready for this yet, we can take it slow. Just tell me what you want.”
“I want you, Grady. I really do. I’m just nervous.”
He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. “You can say no at any time.”
She reached out and touched his cheek. “I’m not saying no.”
Grady took off his boots and stood up to remove his shirt, causing Savannah’s mouth to drop open in awe. Hair covered his pecs and led down to his bellybutton and disappeared into the waistband of his jeans.
He laid back down beside her and kissed her again. His hand slid to the snap of her jeans, undoing it before pulling down the zipper. As he pressed his lips to hers, she moved her hand to undo his belt buckle.
When he rolled away from her, she whimpered in disappointment.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he reassured her as he reached into his back pocket to retrieve a condom from his wallet. He placed it on the nightstand before removing his jeans, revealing a pair of blue boxer briefs that left little to the imagination. Savannah couldn’t help but stare at his body, feeling her desire for him grow stronger. When he removed his boxer briefs, she groaned at the site of his hard cock. She reached out for him, but he shook his head.
“I’ll get there,” he said with a grin. He walked to the end of the bed and removed her boots and socks, then slid off her jeans. Moving back to her side, he motioned for her to sit up. Slowly, he unbuttoned her blouse, driving her crazy with anticipation.
Grady then walked back to the end of the bed and looked down at her. Her purple lace bra and matching panties barely covered her.
“You are absolutely beautiful,” he whispered as he hooked his fingers under the elastic of her panties and pulled them off.
Savannah’s heart raced as she felt Grady’s warm breath on her inner thighs, her body quivering with anticipation. She’d never experienced anything like this before, and the thought of his mouth on her sent waves of desire coursing through her veins.
He looked at her with a sly grin. “A natural redhead too.” He chuckled when she gasped, then dipped his head again.
Grady’s tongue moved teasingly over her clitoris, sending jolts of pleasure shooting through her. She inhaled sharply and fisted her hands in his hair, urging him closer. He chuckled low in his throat, the sound vibrating against her sensitive flesh and sending her closer to the edge.
Savannah moaned as Grady’s tongue delved deeper, exploring her slit with aching slowness. He licked and sucked with expert precision, she could feel herself growing wetter with every stroke, as she sought release.
“Grady. Please,” she pleaded as she squirmed beneath him, desperate for more.
He kept at it until she cried out as her orgasm shook her body.
Suddenly, Grady pulled away, leaving her yearning for his touch. “Get the condom,” he ordered gruffly as he got on his knees.
Savannah fumbled for it on the nightstand, her fingers trembling with need. She handed it to him, watching in awe as he sheathed himself with practiced ease.
He lowered himself, settling between her thighs. Savannah could feel the head of his cock against her, and she arched her back, inviting him in.
Grady inched slowly into her, filling her completely, sending sparks of pleasure dancing across her skin. Savannah moaned as she dug her nails into his back as he began to move inside her.
He pumped into her again and again, each stroke sending her higher and higher. Savannah could feel her orgasm building, her muscles coiling tight like a spring. She could hear Grady’s ragged breathing in her ear, then he pressed his lips to hers, as he drove them both toward the edge.
When she finally came, it was with an intensity that left her seeing stars. She screamed his name, her body shuddering. Grady followed soon after, his own release shaking them both to the core.
As they lay there, tangled in each other’s arms, Savannah knew that she’d never forget this night. The way Grady had touched her, tasted her, filled her... it was more than she’d ever dreamed possible. And she knew, without a doubt, that she wanted more.
****
Grady rolled off of her and lay on his back, trying to catch his breath. He could hear Savannah breathing heavily next to him. When she touched his chest, he turned to look at her.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?”
“For showing me how mind-blowing sex can be. I’ve never screamed like that during sex before. Most of the time, I didn’t even have an orgasm and I thought there was something wrong with me—”
Grady burst out laughing. “Trust me, baby. It’s not you. You’re a very sensual woman.”
“Do you really think so?”
“No doubt about it.”
“Can you stay the night?”
“If you want me to.”
“I do. And I’ll make breakfast for you in the morning.”
“Okay, that will make up for not buying me lunch.” He grinned.
Savannah laughed. “Deal. But first, I want to take a bath. Do you want to join me?”
“I would love nothing more, but I need a moment to catch my breath.”
He watched as she rolled over and got up from the bed, then disappeared into the bathroom. Grady knew he should get up too, if only to dispose of the condom, but he couldn’t resist the idea of getting into the bath with her. He could hear the water running.
The door opened again and she poked her head out. “Could you go downstairs and let Bentley out?”
“Of course. Should I wait to let him back in?”
“If you want.” She disappeared again and reappeared a few moments later wearing a robe. “I’ll do it myself. I have to make sure everything is locked up anyway.” She started toward the door but Grady grabbed her arm, leaned down, and kissed her.
“Don’t be too long,” he said with a smile.
“I won’t.” She smiled and kissed him back before leaving the room.
Grady watched her leave and then went into the bathroom. After disposing of the condom and washing his hands, he got into the tub. He leaned back, rested his arms on the side of the tub, and closed his eyes, relishing in the afterglow of their amazing sex. He had been with plenty of women before, maybe even too many, but none of them had ever made him feel this good.
He was startled when a wet nose nudged his hand and he opened his eyes to see Bentley staring at him excitedly, tail wagging.
“Hey there, buddy.” Grady scratched behind the dog’s ears.
Savannah walked back into the bathroom and took off her robe before stepping into the tub with him. Grady reached for her hand and she took it, sinking down into the warm water.
“This feels incredible,” she sighed.
Grady sat up, cupping her face in his hands as he kissed her. “ You feel incredible,” he said with a grin, making her blush. Then he leaned back again.
“What do you want for breakfast?” she asked.
“Pancakes,” he answered without hesitation, causing her to laugh.
“I can handle that.”
“Good. I always make sure to eat a big breakfast just in case I miss lunch. Do you happen to have an extra toothbrush?”
“Yes. It’s in the cabinet above the sink.”
“Okay.”
“So, you’ll be gone for two weeks?”
“Yeah. Want to go with me?”
“Sure, as if that would ever happen.”
“You could, though. Shay goes with Wes. Most of the guys take their significant others since we’re away for so long. We used to round them up with horses and drive them all the way there, but sometimes it ended up taking longer than planned and we still had work to do on the ranch, which took us away from the cattle. Robert came up with the idea to use haulers to get them closer to our destination. We still have to use horses or ATVs to get them the rest of the way. The haulers can only go so far.”
“But you fly the helicopter all the way there, don’t you?”
“Of course, I do. How else would it get there?”
Savannah playfully splashed water at him, causing him to laugh.
“That was a pretty dumb question, wasn’t it?” She chuckled.
“I fly the whole way. You could come with me.”
“I wish I could, but I can’t shut down my shop for two weeks. If I could find someone trustworthy enough to run it while I’m gone, I’d go in a heartbeat. As long as I didn’t have to ride a horse.”
“You wouldn’t have to. Do you ride at all?”
“I’ve never been on a horse in my life.” She shuddered.
“Are you scared of them?”
“It’s not the horse I’m afraid of. They’re magnificent creatures, but it’s the thought of getting on one that scares me.”
“Well, I don’t want to do anything that frightens you. Most of the time I’m in the helicopter anyway, keeping an eye on the cattle.”
“Do you all sleep in tents?”
“Yep, or under the stars.”
“It sounds like an adventure.”
“Parker’s going with Maverick this time. It’ll be her first time. She’d never ridden before, she was afraid of horses, but Maverick taught her and now she loves it.”
“Now I really want to go, but like I said, I can’t close the shop for that long. Especially during tourist season.”
“It’s all good, maybe next time.”
Savannah nodded. “Maybe. Does Shay close her shop for two weeks?”
“No, she has two other employees besides Parker.”
“Oh. I wish I could go.”
“Have you had anyone come by about the job?”
Savannah smirked. “A few teenagers. That ain’t happenin’.”
Grady chuckled. “I get that. Some teens are very responsible while others couldn’t give a damn.”
Savannah picked up the soap, rubbed it between her hands, making suds, then moved her hands over his chest.
“I’m glad you don’t manscape. This is sexy. I’ve always loved a man with hair on his chest.”
“Well, that’s good, because I’m not shaving it. It’s bad enough shaving my face. In fact, while I’m on the cattle drive, I don’t shave at all.”
“I think all women love scruff. I don’t like thick heavy beards.”
“It doesn’t get that bad, just a little more than scruff.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “I’d shave it off for you if you came with me.”
She touched his lightly whiskered cheek. “I really wish I could. But, if you grow a long, thick beard, this relationship is over.” She smiled when he grinned.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, then yawned. “I’m about to fall asleep.”
“Then let’s get out. I’m tired too. I’m glad I’m closed on Sundays, but I think once I hire someone, I’ll open.”
“You need a day or two off, Savannah.”
“I know. So, do you.”
“I told you, I’m off every weekend.”
“Who runs the ranch?”
“The other two foremen. Maverick and I have been there the longest so we get weekends off. The only time we work on weekends is on the cattle drives. Steve and John stay at the ranch.”
When she stood, he watched the water glide down her body.
“Damn, if I wasn’t so tired…”
Savannah laughed. “Maybe later after you’ve rested a while.”
Grady put his hands on the sides of the tub and pushed himself up, then kissed her lips.
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
He held her hand while she stepped out, grabbed a towel, and dried off, then handed Grady one. They crawled into bed, and he pulled her against him, rested his cheek on her head, and fell asleep.
****
Monday morning, Savannah stared out the window watching the people pass by. She couldn’t keep the smile off her face just thinking about yesterday with Grady. He stayed until after dinner, then had to leave since he got up early. She hated seeing him go, but she understood.
They laid on the sofa, watching old movies. She found out that he loved them and teased him he was born in the wrong time period.
He pulled her across his lap and kissed her lips, making her moan as he moved his lips across her cheek to her ear and took the lobe between his teeth, making her shiver.
“I want you,” he whispered.
“I want you too.”
He moved her off his lap, stood up, then reached for her arm and pulled her up. She burst out laughing when he tossed her over his shoulder and climbed the stairs two at a time. He turned to close the door and saw Bentley standing there.
“Sorry, buddy. You’re not allowed right now.” Then Grady kicked the door closed.
Savannah was brought back to the present when the door opened and a woman with light brown hair entered, smiling at her.
“Hi, welcome to Timeless Treasures. Can I help you find something?”
The woman turned, picked up the help wanted sign, then looked at Savannah.
“Yes, a job.” She laughed.
Savannah liked her immediately. “Well, let’s talk about that. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water, if you don’t mind. It’s hot out there today.”
“Yes, it is. Let me get you a bottled water, then we can talk.”
Savannah walked to the back room where she got a bottle of water, then returned to the front of the shop and handed it to her.
“Thank you so much,” the woman said as she twisted off the cap, then glanced around the store. “You have some beautiful things.”
“Thank you. What’s your name?”
“Maggie Lancaster.” She held out her hand for Savannah to shake.
“I’m Savannah Collins. Most people call me Vanna.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Vanna.”
“You too. Do you know anything about antiques?”
“They’re old,” Maggie said with a laugh. “Seriously, I know absolutely nothing about them, and I’m sure you’ve heard this plenty of times, but I’m a fast learner.”
“Come around the counter so you can sit down.” Maggie strode around the counter and hopped onto the stool.
“Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?”
“I have always hated that question.”
Savannah enjoyed her honesty.
“Most people do. How about I just start. Have you always lived in Clifton?”
“No, I was born and raised in Whitefish, Montana. You?”
“No, I’m from Arizona.”
“That had to be a shell shock,” Maggie said, laughing.
“Oh, it definitely was, but I just love it here. Are you married?”
“Divorced. It’s a long story, but…”
“Don’t worry about it. I don’t judge. That’s not my place. I’m divorced too. So, what kind of work experience do you have?”
Maggie sighed. “Not much except working in a fast-food restaurant during and after graduating. I didn’t go to college. I got married at a young age. Biggest mistake of my life. But I know how to interact with people.”
“Maggie, I would love to hire you. I feel such a rapport with you.”
Maggie grinned. “I feel the same and I swear I am not blowing smoke up—” She stopped herself just in time. “I’m sorry. Swearing during an interview can’t be good.”
Savannah laughed. “No, it’s not, but I think this will work. When can you start?
“Anytime.”
“Wonderful. How far away from town do you live?”
“About twenty-minutes. I’m actually in the process of looking at apartments for rent.”
“There’s an apartment above the shop, if you’re interested.”
“Oh, I am. What’s the rent?”
“I have no idea. I’ve never used it.”
“Why not?” Maggie shook her head. “Never mind, that’s none of my business.”
“Oh, that’s fine. An opportunity to rent a townhouse came up, and I took it.”
“I’m glad it’s working out for you.” Maggie glanced around again. “This shop is amazing.”
Savannah stood. “Follow me.”
She led Maggie to a back room and smiled when she heard Maggie gasp.
“Oh, my! These are just so gorgeous.” She looked at Savannah. “I love dollhouses, but I never had one.”
“I always tell people that every girl deserves a dollhouse.”
“I’d love to have one of these.” Maggie ran her hand over one of the roofs.
“You’d get an employee discount,” Savannah said, smiling.
“Perks of the job.” Maggie smiled.
“I do need you to fill out a form for your taxes.” Savannah handed her a form.
“Sure.” Maggie picked up a pen and filled in the form, then handed it to Savannah.
She glanced over it, then looked at Maggie. “Your name is Magdalena?”
“Yes.”
“That’s beautiful. So, how about you start next Monday. Oh, let me give you the key to the apartment and you can check it out. Please, don’t take it because I offered. If you don’t like it, you don’t like it. Simple as that.” Savannah shrugged.
“Great. I’ll take a look then be right back.”
“That’s fine.”
The door opened and a bunch of women walked in together. They all smiled at Savannah and Maggie.
“If you ladies have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“We will. I could spend hours here. I love antiques,” one of the women said.
“Feel free to wander around.” Savannah smiled at the woman.
Maggie said to the women. “There’s a room in the back filled with dollhouses.”
The women made their way back to the room. Savannah and Maggie laughed when they heard the women talking about how beautiful they were. Then Savannah looked at Maggie.
“I’m happy I hired you. We open at eight and close at five. Monday through Saturday. The shop is open six days a week. You would get Sundays and another day off, except for Mondays. It’s an extremely busy day. Oh, and we close an hour for lunch.”
“Sounds great. I’m very anxious to get started.”
“I’m so happy you came in. I’ll remove the sign.”
“I don’t suppose the apartment is furnished, is it?”
“Just the appliances.”
“Okay. Well, I will let you get back to work. Do you know of a furniture store?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t. I’ve only been here a year and still haven’t explored the town. The townhouse was furnished.”
“Alright.”
“I bet Connie at the diner would know.”
“I’ve met her, so I’ll ask. It’s almost eleven-thirty, so I’ll get lunch and talk to her.” Maggie shook Savannah’s hand again. “I’ll see you soon.”
With a wave, Maggie opened the door and left the store. Savannah walked toward the window, removed the sign, then put it in a drawer. Just in case, but she had a good feeling about Magdalena Lancaster.
After she got home, she let Bentley out, then fed and watered him. Then she climbed the stairs, entered her bedroom, and put a T-shirt and lounge pants on. She was happy about Maggie taking the apartment. Savannah hadn’t heard from Grady, but she knew he was busy.
“Who wouldn’t be busy on a ranch that size?” she murmured as she looked into the freezer to find something to eat. She should have stopped at the diner. “Too late now.”
She removed a fish dinner, read the instructions, then placed the container in the microwave and hit start. She let Bentley back in and he ran to his dish to drink.
Once her dinner was done, she removed it, set it on a plate, then walked toward the living room. She sat on the sofa and Bentley jumped up beside her, curling into a ball and sighing.
“You had a rough day too, huh?” She smiled as she stroked his soft fur. “I wish I could take you with me when I go to work. I know you have to get bored. I’m too busy to get bored at this time of the year.”
She watched a movie while she ate and couldn’t stop thinking about Grady. That man wasn’t lacking anywhere, and he knew how to use everything he had to make a woman feel sexy. Kirk never took the time Grady did. Kirk only cared about himself. Good luck to the next Mrs. Collins.