Trick by Lori Garrett Page B

but something made me pick up. He heard my voice and demanded to know what was wrong. When I told him, he asked me mama’s favorite flowers and hung up. I went back to staring at the wall until he tapped the window, a bouquet of yellow roses and one of daisies clutched in his hands. He took me to the cemetery and we laid flowers on our mamas’ graves. I thought it would be the saddest day ever, but it made me feel better. Gunner pointed out that our mamas would never want to look down from Heaven and see us wallowing in our sorrow.
    Our fourth date we made out in the back of his pickup on a blanket he spread out. I thought for sure we were going to have sex, but when he found out I was a virgin, he stopped cold and took me right home. I was nervous he’d never come by again and cursed my damn virginity for the first time.
    But then he came to the window with an excited grin that was hard to pull out of him, but so gorgeous to see. “I’ve got a surprise for you, baby. Come on and see.”
    “Okay.” I could never say no, so I crept down the steps and out the door, loving the cool night air on my skin and Gunners arm around my shoulders.
    We stopped at a small horse farm, and Gunner jumped the gate. “I know you always wanted that pony. I promise to get one just for you to keep one day, but right now I can get you a night of riding. Ever ride at night?”
    I shook my head, my breath held, as he led me to a gorgeous white mare. “Hop up there.” He kept a tight hold on me as he settled me on the saddle and showed me the basics.
    He got on a brown mustang and we took off, slowly, on the paths dappled with moonlight, the breeze soft on our faces. When I was more comfortable, Gunner helped me pick up the pace and race through a pasture, letting me win. I had never felt so alive except when I danced. I loved every part of it.
    But the best part was after we took the horses back and he took me to the place where he’d found a little hunting cabin in the woods. It was neat and clean, and he laid a blanket from his truck over the bed so we could sleep.
    “Tonight felt like magic,” I whispered as he held me tight in his arms.
    “Sure did,” he murmured, kissing my neck and holding me tighter.
    I turned in his arms. “Gunner?”
    “Hmm?” He opened his sleepy green eyes.
    “I want you to be my first.” I said the words quietly, but they had him sitting up fast.
    “That wasn’t what I had in mind tonight, Harlow. Not at all. I did this to see the smile on your face, not for any other reason.” He ran a thumb over my cheek.
    “I know that. I do.” I bit my lip, nervous. “But I want you. I want this.” I pulled my shirt over my head and started to unbuckle my jeans.
    “Harlow,” he said, his eyes raking over my body as I let my bra fall away and put my hands on the waistband of my panties. “Are you sure?” He put one shaking hand out, but didn’t touch me.
    “I’m positive. I want you. I’ve never wanted to be with anyone before. I want you. Please?” The minute that word fell from my lips, he gave a moan and rolled me under him.
    It was all slow and sweet. I pulled his shirt off and pushed his jeans down. He took his time dragging my panties down my legs, and I gasped when his mouth hovered between my thighs.
    “Anyone ever licked you here?” he asked, his voice rough. I shook my head. “Good. I’m gonna do it right now.”
    His tongue slid against my skin with slow, perfect strokes. I gasped and pressed into him. Gunner only stopped to let me know how good I tasted, how beautiful I was, how crazy I drove him. And then there was this crazy shaking low in me that spread out and radiated warmth through my entire body. I shook against the thin mattress and Gunner’s mouth left my clit and kissed up to my breasts, where he stopped and sucked until I was panting hard. He kissed my mouth, licking deep and sweet.
    “Are you ready for me, sweetheart? This might hurt for a second.”
    I tensed and nodded.