Wild Borders by Cheyenne McCray Page B

murmured, “Just relax and enjoy the dance.”
    Lani nodded, the top of her head brushing his chin. She allowed him to hold her snug against him and rested her head against his chest. Rick felt solid and warm, his masculine scent so earthy, so potent to her senses.
    His breath feathered her hair as her body merged with his and the heat of his body burned through her blouse. Her nipples ached as they brushed against his chest and a low thrill settled between the junction of her thighs.
    If she wasn’t mistaken, he was very attracted to her, judging by his erection against her hip. Heat rose in her cheeks and she was glad he couldn’t see her face. Despite his obvious desire, she didn’t feel threatened. Deep within she knew he wouldn’t push her. He could have the one time they’d kissed—but he’d been the one to back away.
    When the song ended, Rick lifted his head and lightly caressed her shoulders. “Ready to head on home?”
    “Yes.” Lani let him take her hand and he linked his fingers with hers and smiled.
    He plucked his cowboy hat off the hat rack as they left. A single light illuminated the small parking lot as he led her to his truck. Gravel crunched underfoot and music from the clubhouse filled the night. He opened the passenger door and helped Lani in, then closed the door behind her before getting in on his side and starting the vehicle.
    Lani studied Rick in the amber glow of the dashboard lights as they headed back to the ranch. She was fascinated by the strength of his arms as he drove, the dark hair curling from his wrist along his forearm. His masculine profile, his strong jaw.
    Yearning curled in Lani’s belly. It was more than lust. It was the desire to be wanted, needed and loved.
    No. She knew better than to start thinking that way.
    Warmth crept over her when he caught her watching him. “I had a great time,” she said, her voice slightly husky.
    He reached across the seat to squeeze her hand, his touch electrifying her.
    Releasing Lani’s hand to take the wheel, he brought his attention back to the road and the short drive to the Turner Ranch. When they drove up to the house, Roxie bounded out to the driveway. Rick parked the truck and Lani climbed out, only to be waylaid by the Rottweiler snuffling her greeting over the seat of her pants.
    “Gee, thanks,” Lani muttered. “Just what these jeans needed. Dog slobbers.”
    With a soft laugh, Rick came up beside her and leaned down to scratch the dog behind her ears. “Roxie’s a regular slobber monster.”
    Rick took Lani’s hand before she could get away from him, and they walked hand in hand to the front door. He stopped beside the screen door, leaned against a pillar, and brought Lani into his embrace. “You drive me crazy, woman.”
    She relaxed for a moment and then looked up at him. “I’m only going to be here a few weeks.”
    He didn’t bother to answer. Instead he lowered his face, slow enough that she could turn away if she didn’t want what he was offering.
    “Rick,” she whispered before he kissed the corner of her mouth and she sighed. He lightly nipped at her lower lip and she gave a little moan. She smelled of honeysuckle and her own unique woman’s scent and he wanted her so badly now it was all he could do to rein himself in.
    He slipped his tongue into her mouth and she readily took him. He enjoyed Lani’s sweet taste mixed with the pineapple flavor of the sherbet punch she’d had before they left the dance. She leaned into him, her arms gripping his biceps like she was hanging on for dear life.
    Damn but he wanted to palm her firm breasts, to suck them into hard peaks while he slid between her thighs. How could he keep his hands off her, as badly as he wanted her?
    Lani suddenly pulled away, her lips parted and moist from his kiss, her eyes glittering in the dim light. “I can’t do this, Rick,” she said as she released him and backed away.
    He hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his Wrangler jeans.