The Rancher's Redemption

“Lizzie, I don’t want to go.”

She closed her eyes and didn’t turn around to where he stood at the door. Instead, she placed his clothing carefully on the top of her chest of drawers. Could she accept that he’d always love Louisa, and that she could never have that? Could she accept what he was offering her right now? Friendship, support, sex?

She contemplated telling him to leave. But, she couldn’t bear the thought of actually doing it, which left her at the acceptance phase. Stripping off her robe, she walked over to Adam, took his hand, and led him toward her bed. He sank down onto the mattress, drew her into his lap, and wrapped his arms around her, his whole body shaking.

“Lizzie,” he said, low and fierce. “Please.”

She rested her cheek against his broad shoulder. She didn’t want to fight with him right now.

* * *

Adam kissed Lizzie, gathering fistfuls of her hair to hold her mouth pinned against his. Waking up properly, realizing what the hell he’d said, had propelled him out of bed to find her, and make her understand. He kissed her again, his hands roaming her body, pressing her against him, making sure she felt every urgent inch of his need.

She sighed into his mouth, and relaxed against him, all the tension evaporating, which made his desire even more rampant. He needed her to see him, feel him, and want him. The moment when she’d left him alone in the bed had sucked all the air out of his lungs. She’d made him come alive again, and he didn’t want to go back down into the pit.

“Lizzie . . .” He murmured her name again as he one-handedly opened a condom wrapper and hurriedly covered himself. “Let me . . .”

She went up on her knees, her thighs spread. He gently lowered her down onto his shaft, loving the way her breasts slid past his face, and into his waiting hands. He cupped them, stroking her nipples with his thumbs as she shivered and rocked over him.

She nipped his lip, and he opened his mouth for her, letting her dictate the pace of their lovemaking, willing to do so much more if she’d just forgive him. He spread his fingers over her ass, helping her move on him until he curled his hand over her hip, and played with her bud, driving her ever higher.

She closed her eyes when she climaxed, but he kept looking at her, enthralled at the expression of bliss on her face as she threw back her head and squeezed his cock so hard he prayed it wouldn’t break. Eventually, he couldn’t resist rolling her onto her back, hooking her knees over his elbows, and rocking into her until he forgot his own name, let alone hers.

Damn, it was scary feeling like this, but it was better than feeling nothing at all. He thrust deep and held still.

“Lizzie, look at me.”

She slowly opened her eyes and he held her gaze before pushing into her one last time and climaxing. He let her see her power over him, his weakness, and his complete vulnerability while he came deep inside her. She didn’t look away, and he was glad of it.

This time, he managed not to collapse over her, but eased away to deal with the protection, and then came back to bed. She was already half asleep as he took her in his arms, her body pliant and supple with pleasure.

“I don’t suppose you have any duct tape around here do you?” Adam asked softly.

“No, why? You’re not thinking of tying me up, or anything kinky, are you?”

“Not tonight.” He paused to kiss the top of her head. “I was thinking more of my big mouth.”

She reached back to pat his cheek. “It’s okay. I’d rather you put your mouth to other uses.”

“Good to know.” With a sigh of deep thankfulness, Adam let out a long, contented sigh and nuzzled her neck. “Sleep tight, Lizzie. Thanks for everything.”

* * *

Adam paused, boots in hand at the door of the mudroom. He’d parked his truck away from the house so as not to disturb anyone, and was now intent on getting to his bedroom without anyone seeing him. The last thing he needed right now was an interrogation from one of his brothers. It was almost four in the morning, and he’d have to get up by six. But he needed to sleep in his own bed, to think about the night he’d just shared with Lizzie, to come to terms with it in his own way.