Bullwhipped (A Cowboy Romance) Read online

  “Sorry,” he whispered.

  “For?”

  “I really want to prove to you that I’m about more than just sex. I know you want to wait. I know you would regret this if we let it happen again so soon, Livie. We can’t let our desires take over.”

  Reaching out, Olivia ran her thumb over his lips, her eyes welling up with tears. “Oh my gosh, Cale. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again. You’re full of surprises aren’t you? You really do care. You really are trying to change.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and Cale wiped it away with his index finger. She leaned into his touch, her eyes closed.

  “I’d never lie to you. I meant what I said. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to.”

  “We just have it all backwards,” she said, laughing as she wiped more of the moisture from her face. “Sex and then dating. Go figure.”

  “What can I say? I’ve never been a conventional type of guy.”

  He placed both of his hands on either side of her face, resting his forehead on hers. For a second he forgot that they were sprawled out on a blanket near a lake. Everything was perfect and if he could, he’d make time stop.

  Her lips brushed his again and he held her close, enjoying every second, making a memory he hoped he’d never forget.

  ***

  A few days had passed since their time at the lake and Olivia felt like she had been walking on cloud nine. Cale was not the man she had assumed he was, and though she still held reservations about him, she found herself excited to see him, to watch his rides, and to just be with him. It still scared her, especially how quick she was letting her guard down, and somehow through all of it, she was still able to resist him. They had gotten close at the lake, but thankfully, Cale had stepped in and brought her back down to earth.

  Walking through the rodeo crowd, she couldn’t believe it was the last round for everyone. With her second day ride as awful as it was, she was still able to manage to stay in the top three, and it all depended on today on what place she’d actually take home. Oscar had still nagged at her, more about Cale than her ride, and she had found ways to completely block him out, defeating his purpose of even being on the road with her.

  Leaning against the railing, she watched a group of kids laugh and play, some pretending to ride on hay bails, others crowding around cowboys, trying hard to be noticed and fit in. She wondered if Cale was that way as a kid. She imagined he was a stubborn child just like now, wanting to grow up long before it was his time.

  She hadn’t taken the time to ask if he was going to Killeen for the next rodeo. With so many rodeos happening across the state, the chances of them going their separate ways were a reality. How crazy would it be to change her plans and follow him? She didn’t want to seem like a creeper.

  Watching the kids, she saw Cale, leaning over and grabbing a program from one of the boys, signing it for him. He tapped the boy on his hat brim and the kid laughed as he handed him his autograph. The simple act was admirable – so many of the adults ignored the kids, but he stuck around, taking time to talk to each one. It made Olivia smile and feel bad for ever thinking bad about him.

  The little boy skipped away, lost in his own world, and Cale went to the next child and she wished she could hear the conversation better. The interaction was cut short when a woman yelled, pointing toward the chutes.

  “My son! He got in the with the bulls!”

  Olivia stepped forward, not sure how she could help. Cale and his friend Sammy took action and he hopped over the gate as the bull charged toward the small child. The kid stood motionless, like he didn’t know how to react. His eyes were wide with fear and Olivia felt helpless, watching Cale sprint as fast as he could, his leg still not one hundred percent from a few days before.

  The bull galloped, his speed much faster than Cale’s. Would he get there in time? Olivia got closer, her heart thumping, fearing the worst for both Cale and the boy. It was like everything was in slow motion as the near future stood in limbo between the charging bull and Cale. Within seconds, Cale scooped him up and guarded him with his body as the bull blew by, barely missing both of them as he rounded the corner to come back for more. Cale wasted no time, lifting the boy over to another cowboy, getting him out of harm’s way. Climbing, he lifted his body at the last second, the bull’s horns brushing him as he fell to the ground on the outside of the arena.

  Olivia couldn’t get to him. A large crowd circled round and she was pushed aside, but at least he was okay. It took her a few seconds to calm down. Her nerves were shot and she saw the woman scoop her son up, hugging him and checking him over. How did he get in there? Most importantly, it was amazing how fast Cale and the others responded.

  Tucking her hair behind her ear, she went back to the stable where Chance was being held. She’d have to see Cale later. How could she have ever judged him before she knew him? It was small town talk at its finest and it had gotten the best of her. She had to let him know it was a mistake. She had to apologize for the way she had treated him.

  ***

  The heat from the shower felt good against Cale’s skin. The water poured over him, providing some temporary relief from his aching body. Closing his eyes, he relived the seconds right before saving the kid. His mother had thanked him profusely but now that it was over and done, he had a chance to process it. It had all happened so fast and once it was done, it hit him blindside. Kids crowded around all the time. Not once had he ever taken a second thought in them getting inside with the bulls. A split second difference and they would have all witnessed something tragic.

  Stepping out of the shower, he toweled off and pulled on a t-shirt and sweats. They were headed to Killeen in the morning and he wanted to rest. Sammy had invited him out like he did every night, wanting to celebrate both of their top five finishes, but he declined. He wanted to see Olivia, but kept his distance so he wouldn’t wear out his welcome with her.

  Lying on the bed, he turned the TV on and flipped through the channels. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the night at the lake and took a sip, but scooted it across the nightstand, resisting any more of it. Relaxing into the pillow, he began to doze when he heard a knock on the door. Who could that be? First instinct was to ignore it, but whoever it was knocked again, this time louder.

  “Cale, are you in there?”

  Was that Olivia? Sitting up, he went to the door, opening it to reveal her on the other side. “Livie.”

  “Sorry for coming by unannounced.”

  “It’s a good surprise.”

  She looked over his shoulder into the room. “Are you alone?”

  “Yeah. I don’t expect Sammy back until way later. What’s up?”

  She didn’t answer him and pushed through the threshold, slipping out of her light jacket as she moved toward the beds. She wore a tight tank top and Cale tried hard not to stare. Her hair draped over her shoulders, fanning over her skin so perfectly.

  “I saw what happened today with that boy.” Turning, she faced him, her face serious.

  “Pretty crazy, wasn’t it?” Was she mad? She kept a straight face, and Cale was having a hard time reading her.

  “It was, but you saved him. You didn’t even think twice.”

  Shrugging, Cale hadn’t realized she had been there. “Any of those guys down there would have done the same thing. I was just the closest.”

  She shook her head no, getting close to him. Again with the perfume – it drove him wild. “No, you’re different. You’re not at all what I thought you were, Cale, and I’m sorry for that. I let the small town rumor mill cloud my own judgment of you and I should have never treated you the way I did.” She wrapped her arm around his waist, her body pressed hard against his. “I saw the way you were with those kids. Most of those guys ignored them but there you were, signing autographs and talking to them, making them feel like they belonged.”

  It was something simple he never thought twice about, but it seemed to stick out to her for some reason. Her breasts push
ed into him and he felt his arousal grow in his pants. If she got any closer he wouldn’t be able to stop himself.

  “I remember how it was to be their age. No big deal.”

  “Forgive me for being such a bitch?” Looking up, her hand cupped his ass, jolting him forward.

  “You were just protecting yourself, Livie. I didn’t take offense to it.”

  Her hand continued to massage him and his breath caught in his throat. She tiptoed, her mouth trailing up his neck and to his lips, the kiss firm and sensual as her teeth nipped at his lips. Unable to resist any longer, he followed suit, his hands skimming down her sides, resting in the small of her back. His erection pressed into her belly button and he was certain she could feel it. Her hand left his backside and moved to the bulge in his sweats, stroking him from the outside, the cotton providing perfect friction.

  Olivia back peddled toward the bed, pulling him with her. She fell back, spreading her legs, wagging her finger toward him to follow her. He waited at first, standing over her.

  “Are you sure?” he whispered. “I don’t want to…”

  Reaching up, she grasped his shirt and yanked him down. “I’ve never been so sure in all my life, Cale. I want you to teach me everything you know. I want to come out of this shell of mine. Make me yours. Make love to me however you want.”

  Cale laid her back and fluffed the pillows around her, taking his time. Her breasts moved up and down with her breath, her nipples hard underneath the thin fabric that served as the only barrier between his hands and her skin. He massaged each one, slow, enjoying their perfect size. She closed her eyes and bit her lip, moaning from the contact, and he slipped his hands underneath, easing the tank top over her head. There was no bra and he sucked on each pink nipple, bringing them more to attention than before.

  Stopping, he moved the waistband of his sweats down, pulling himself from his pants.

  “You ever give a man a blow job?” Cale asked as he held himself in his hand.

  Opening her eyes, she propped herself up on her elbows, eyeing his hard on like it was a piece of candy. “Not very many. When I was younger.”

  Cale lifted her off the bed and laid down where she was. She straddled his legs, positioning herself over him. Her hand gripped the base of his hard on and she dipped her head. He sat up and gathered her hair, holding it back so he could see her better.

  “Just go slow. Watch the teeth. Don’t take too much in your mouth if you can’t.”

  Nodding, she sucked on the tip and that was almost too much for Cale. The pleasure burst through him and the sudden feeling made him pull her hair. She widened her mouth and adjusted to his size, taking a few more inches in until he hit the back of her throat. Bobbing her head, she continued her attention on him and though she didn’t have much experience, it was one of the best he had ever had.

  Growling, he fought his hips, trying not to buck up against her. She wasn’t ready for that yet and he had to pace himself. Gently, he guided her head up off of him, the cold air hitting his wet skin.

  “You hustling me, Livie?” Smiling, he laid her back down on her back, slipping her pants down.

  “Hustling you?”

  “Best blow job I’ve ever had.”

  Her cheeks reddened and she laughed. “You’re lying.”

  “I’m not lying, I promise.”

  His hands skimmed up her thighs and his fingers moved under her panties. Her body shivered and he moved to her ass, trailing down her slit, parting her cheeks as he reached farther between her legs and stroked her. Her panties slowly moved down her legs, joining the pile of clothes at the foot of the bed.

  “Cale…” she whispered, her eyes slightly parted as he dipped a finger inside of her. Her legs spread father, lending him even better access to her sensitive folds.

  “You like that?” he asked as another finger joined the other.

  The moan was a good enough answer and he moved in and out as fast as he could, her body shaking. He couldn’t believe they were here doing this. She had been perfectly clear that she never wanted to see him again, and now he was on the brink of making love to her again. The fact that he was the object of her desire and sending her pleasure made him want her even more. And she wanted him to teach her everything he knew. She might eventually regret that with everything he had in mind and all the things he knew he could show her. Her innocent lifestyle would soon be exposed to a world she wouldn’t be able to comprehend, to feelings she’d never experienced, and to ways she had never been touched or made love to.

  It was different, even for him. There was a new feeling behind all of it, and one that Cale was even experiencing for a first time. There was more emotion behind it. It was more than physical release. She wasn’t just some woman he was having his way with. He wanted to make sure she was enjoying it and that this all wasn’t just for his benefit. He wanted to make sure he wasn’t going too far. Her desires mattered.

  His mouth kissed up her legs, skipping over where she wanted him most, and up to her stomach, his tongue flicking at her tight abs and up to her breasts. He had to pace himself. This wasn’t something that he wanted to end quickly. This had to last a while for both of them.

  “Cale, I need you,” Olivia whispered, her legs tightening around him.

  “Need me?” Laughing, his tongue flicked her nipple again as his hand strummed between her legs. “Patience. We’ve got nothing but time.”

  Looking up at him, there was so much passion behind her expression. It sent a chill through him and he lowered his head, kissing her hard, his erection rubbing against her stomach. He let out a gasp when her hand wrapped around him, stroking him, her pressure against him almost too perfect. If she didn’t stop, he’d finish long before he was ready.

  Moving out of her reach, he took a few seconds to admire her. Her long legs were stretched out, spread just enough to enjoy the view. Her breasts were perky, her nipples at attention from the punishment he had just given them, and her hair, so disheveled and crazy, outlining her face. Her mascara was smeared under her eyes, providing an even sexier look.

  “Turn over,” Cale said as an idea hit him. She wanted him to teach her things and by how inexperienced she claimed to be, he was almost certain she was about to experience something new.

  Hesitating, Olivia rolled on her side, glancing over her shoulder at him.

  “You trust me, right?” he asked as he reached for a condom from his wallet.

  “Yes,” she said as she completely rolled to her stomach.

  “Get on your hands and knees.” He slipped the condom on, his hard on sensitive to the touch. “You ever had sex in this position?”

  Olivia shook her head no and already, her legs were trembling as she waited for him. Grasping her hips with both hands, he traced her, the warmth pushing him close to the edge. His mouth watered and instead of slipping inside, he lapped at her with his tongue, flicking, sucking, and she spread her legs in response, inviting him closer as she moaned against the headboard. Her reaction made him throb, and he didn’t let up, his teeth nipping enough to make her flinch. He couldn’t get enough of her taste and with her continuous yelps and repeating of his name, he couldn’t stop himself from enjoying her.

  Her legs shook and tightened around his head until she collapsed, unable to keep her balance. Her breathing was labored and she looked back at him, her hair in her face, skewing her view of him. Gently, Cale lifted her hips back up until she was on her knees again, giving her no time for recovery as he finally slipped every inch inside of her, this time proving less resistance than the first time had had made love to her.

  She contracted around him, her walls gripping him. Her ass slammed into him, bouncing with each thrust he sent deep into her. He kneaded each cheek as he continued, sliding almost completely out before shoving back in.

  “Livie…” he said between breaths as sweat dripped. She reached back, her hand brushing against his stomach. “Oh my… Livie…” It was so incredible that he couldn’t even
form a full sentence.

  The pleasure heightened when she ground her hips, sideways, back and forth, in random directions keeping him guessing. For never experiencing the position they were in, she sure knew how to take charge and he welcomed it, closing his eyes as she did her thing.

  There was no stopping him from finishing now. He pulled on her hair as he felt himself come, deep inside her as a low growl rumbled from his throat. Olivia finished with him, losing her balance again, falling into the mattress. Burying her face in the pillow, she said his name again, looking up at him with her smeared makeup and sweaty hair.

  “Cale…” she trailed off, closing her eyes.

  “You okay?” He slipped in beside her, rolling her on her side, hugging her from behind.

  “Understatement.”

  He slipped some of her hair aside and kissed the nape of her neck, tasting her salty skin. “Somehow I still feel like you’re hustling me.”

  “Why is that?”

  “You’re good at this. You must be a natural. Some of the best sex I’ve ever had, and I’m not just saying that.”

  She laughed and her whole body shook against him. “What can I say? You bring out the sexual deviant in me.”

  Cale traced his hand down to her chest, cupping one of her breasts as he continued to nibble on her ear and down her neck. “Still so much to learn, Livie. So much I can’t wait to do to you if you’ll let me.”

  Her hand rested on his and she turned to face him. She ran her other hand through his hair and down the side of his face, resting her fingers on his lips. He gently kissed them, staring into her beautiful eyes.

  “I don’t want to be away from you for one minute, Cale.”

  “Ditto.”

  “How long before you can go again?” she asked as she flashed a mischievous grin.

  He guided her hand down between his legs. “That all depends on you, Livie. Could be minutes if you use that mouth like you did earlier.” Arching his eyebrow, his heart skipped a beat when she began at his mouth and slowly traced her tongue around each nipple, down to his stomach. Could this night get any better? Her mouth took him deep and it was the answer he needed – it definitely could.