Secret Billionaire's Stubborn Cowgirl (The Secret Billionaires 1)

Turning in his arms, she stared at the spot they’d run to—the small lake on the land they’d bought next to Charlie’s ranch.

The blue of the water matched Zach’s eyes. A gnarled, old oak tree shaded the water, and one long branch hung out over the sparkling water. A long rope with a knot at the end hung from the tree limb. She smiled at Zach. “It’s so nice to have a day to ourselves.”

The past few months had been hectic, not just with starting up Zach’s charitable company, but Charlie had turned out to be the perfect person to apply for the first grant. Charlie now had three kids besides Jackson—who was now acting like the old had at everything. With the extra help, Charlie had far less trouble running her place as a ranch and not just a bed and breakfast—but she still opened her house to her regulars. Lucy had been to more places with Zach in the last few months than ever, but she was ready to slow down a little and enjoy the small place they’d bought to be close to Charlie.

She also had her mom here at the ranch house with a live-in nurse—they’d fought over that because it was so damn expensive. They fought over a lot of things, but somehow they always found a way to a compromise that worked for both of them. And Lucy sometimes thought them arguing make for a lot spicier time in bed.

Slipping out of Zach’s arms, Lucy spread out a Pendleton blanket. Zach picked up the basket he’d put down. He had on his usual plaid shirt, his jeans and cowboy boots, and his battered Stetson. Lucy could hear Sunny’s bark as he chased something. Kneeling on the blanket, she pulled out Charlie’s fried chicken, biscuits, cheese and crackers, strawberries and a bottle of wine with two paper cups.

Zach grinned. “Just like old times. Remember what happened the first time we had a picnic together?”

She shook her head. “Nope—I’m eating first.” She picked up a strawberry and bit into it—slowly.

“Want to play like that, hun?” Growling, he tackled her and rolled her onto the ground. He took the half eaten strawberry from her hand. Smiling, he licked her lips. “Tastes good,” he said, his voice rough.

Mesmerized by the look in his eyes, she touched a hand to his chest.

He kissed her, long and deep and she slipped her hands up under his shirt to feel his skin. She wanted...no, she needed to feel him. She gasped as he slipped his hand under her shirt and over her breast.

Sitting up, he pulled of his shirt. He bent to unbutton hers, grumbling, “Too many damn clothes.”

“I can take care of that.” She wiggled out of her jeans.

Zach stared down at her, his eyes dark. Touching her, he rubbed between her legs. “You’re so wet.”

She moaned, and he slipped a finger inside her. Leaning over her, he sucked and nipped at her nipples. She gave a gasp and grabbed for his hips. “Now who’s wearing too much. Lose the boots and jeans, cowboy.”

He reared up to drag off his boots, socks and jeans.

Lucy watched as beads of sweet trickled down his neck. Reaching up, she wiped them away with her tongue. Naked now, he grabbed her hips. “Want a ride, little lady.?

?

“Call me that again, buster, and you’ll get more than you can handle.”

“Promises, promises,” Zach said, and smiled.

She pushed him down on the ground and swung a leg over him so she sat on his hips. Grinding her hips into his, she watched his head fall back. He gave a moan and she guided him inside her. He slipped in and she gave a gasp. Eyes half closed, she lifted up and sank down on him—again and again. The pressure built inside her and she both wanted it to last and wanted it to end. Wiggling her hips again, she ground down on him. The world went white. Inside her, she could feel Zach’s hot seed spurting in long bursts.

He let out a breath and looked up at her. Smiling, she eased off him and lay beside him. A cool breeze caressed her skin.

Running a finger over her shoulder, he said, “I’ve never felt so content at being in a place as this. You’re the reason for it. I had to come to this small place to find out what really matters.’ Grinning, he sat up and tugged on her hand. “Come on. Let’s go swimming.”

“But the water’s going to be freezing—it’s heading into fall soon. And you can’t make me.”

“Wanna bet?” He stood and swept her into his arms. She gave a shriek as he jumped into the water. She came up, sputtering. Zach started laughing.

She grabbed him and dragged him down under the water with her. They both came up laughing, water dripping from their faces.

“Oh, god that is cold.” He shuddered. “Okay—you were right.” Grabbing her hand, he pulled her out with him. He spread the blanket out in the sun and she collapsed on it.

Stretching out next to her, he said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

She propped herself up on an elbow. “What? Something about the Institute? Or Charlie? Or my mom?”

He shook his head. Drops of water slid down his cheek. Reaching over to his jeans he pulled out a small, black-velvet box. “Lucy Ennis, will you make an honest man out of me and marry me?”

***