TWENTY-NINE. #2
His other hand settles on my opposite hip.
He doesn’t pull me closer, just keeps me there, fingers firm.
It’s not enough. I step back until I’m pressed between his legs, my back flush against his chest. His grip tightens when I settle against the front of his jeans.
I roll my hips and his breath catches against my hair.
His hands slide from my hips to the front of my thighs, resting just close enough to where the ache is starting to build. My pulse hammers in my chest, but he stays still except for the slight pressure of his fingertips.
“You’re gonna have to tell me how he does,” he says, his mouth close to my ear. I laugh softly and rock my hips again. I can feel how hard he already is and my thoughts scatter.
“I’m not sure I can do that,” I say softly. He groans low in his throat and presses forward, hips meeting mine. My breath hitches as I let my head fall back against his chest.
His hands slip under the hem of the jacket and I’m suddenly glad for the length. His palms rest warm against my lower belly, making a breathless moan fall from my lips. God damn this man for making me feel like this.
“Tobias,” I whimper his name. His mouth lingers close to my ear, breath warm against my skin.
“You’re impossible to resist,” he says. His hand slides lower, applying just the right pressure where I need it most. My eyes close for a second as heat floods through me. “Don’t worry. I won’t make you cry out with people around.”
When he moves his hands back to my hips, I press my back harder against him and a low growl rumbles in his throat.
“I can’t promise the same thing,” I tell him.
I reach behind me, flatten my palms and slide them upward until I find what I’m looking for.
His whole body stiffens. My breath catches at the size of him, the familiar weight that already has my mind spinning.
I’ve never felt like I truly needed anyone before, but with him it’s different.
I need him in a way that feels almost unbearable.
“If you make me come in my pants,” he starts, voice rough and trailing off.
My shoulders shake with a quiet laugh, but I pull my hands away smoothly. I want more than this hurried moment. He can wait.
I take a step forward and his hands tighten instinctively, trying to draw me back, but I catch his wrists and gently unwrap them from my body. I turn in his arms and place my palm flat against his chest, feeling the muscles flex under my touch.
“How long will this take?” I ask.
His eyes narrow. “Depends what you’re referring to.” I laugh under my breath and nod toward the sheep pen, where neither of us has paid attention to. “We can hire him right now and be done with it.”
“Does Jesse know about this?” I ask, gesturing between our bodies.
He nods slowly. “I told them both. They saw it coming.”
I slide my hands over his pecs and up to his shoulders. At least we don’t have to hide it. “I think I’m going to head back to the house.”
He shakes his head. “Not happening.”
“Why?” I ask, fighting a smile.
“Because if I get back there later and find out you’ve already taken care of yourself, I’m going to be real upset.” His voice drops lower. “I don’t trust these wandering hands.”
“And I don’t trust myself with you out here,” I whisper.
He leans forward and presses his lips to mine. His arms snake around me, pulling me in until I’m completely surrounded by him. I push lightly against his chest to break the kiss.
“I don’t trust you either,” I say.
“Well, I’m not taking any chances.”
He reaches down, hooks his hands under my thighs, and lifts me easily.
I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, burying my face against the side of his neck as he carries me toward the horses.
I’m aware of Jesse somewhere nearby, probably watching this entire display, but right now I don’t care.
If Tobias’s hands aren’t on me soon, I’m not sure I’ll make it.
“I think we have to hire Wyatt at this point,” I murmur into his neck.
“He’s definitely seen too much,” Tobias says. I laugh against his skin. “If we don’t, he’ll run back to town and tell everybody about us. Rumors spread fast here.”
“I guess we have no choice then.”
I pull back just enough to see his face. A smile curves his lips, and my heart melts a little more.
When we reach the barn, every part of me is aching with need. But then I see a familiar white truck parked in front of the house, and the heat in my body cools instantly.
Mr. Jenkins.
I can already guess what this visit means—another offer, another pitch about how someone else could “do better” with the ranch, another attempt to turn my home into profit for him. I thought I’d made it clear I wasn’t interested in hearing any more of it, but apparently he didn’t get the message.
“You expecting him?” Tobias asks as we stop near the barn door. He dismounts Tacoma smoothly and takes June’s reins from me.
“No,” I mutter. I slide down from the saddle and stare at the truck, dread settling in my stomach.
“Want me to tell him to leave?”
I let out a short sigh and shake my head. “I’ll just talk to him real quick.”
Tobias nods, but I can see the fury already building in his eyes. He doesn’t like this any more than I do.
“Sorry,” I mutter, resting my hand on his chest.
He covers my hand with his, holding it steady. “Don’t be. I’ll be right here if you need me.”
He leans down and presses his lips to mine. The kiss lingers, like he’s trying to steady both of us. I savor the feel of him before he pulls away.
“I’m sure everything will be fine,” he tells me.
“We’ll see,” I answer quietly.
Because whenever Mr. Jenkins shows up, he always has something new to offer. I just hope this time he’ll listen when I tell him I’m not selling the ranch.
Not now. Not ever.