Under the Cowboy's Control

She nodded her head.

He hung his head. "Shit. I'm sorry." He released her completely, his hands slowly moving from the grip he had on her shoulders, down her arms, until he held each hand in his, squeezed, and then stepped away from her. "Why don't you go get dried off, and I'll get a mop and clean up this mess."

Selena nodded and turned away and went to change.

****

A few minutes later, after Travis finished mopping the floor, he stood in the doorway to his bathroom and studied it. It didn't look like the same room. The fresh smell of pine cleaner and bleach assailed his nostrils. The room sparkled, the mirror shiny and streak free. A large stack of fluffy towels sat on the vanity top, ready for his use. But what held his attention were the three shelves above the commode. Before, they had been stuffed with half empty bottles and accumulated crap that he didn't have the time or the inclination to go through. Now, the bottom shelf held his shampoo and shaving things, all neatly organized. But the top two shelves were decorated. An empty glass coke bottle held a fresh bunch of wildflowers, their aroma softly scenting the room, and two

of his first place bull riding plaques filled the extra space. He had always meant to put some of his things around the house, but he had never had the time. So they had just sat in the box and rotted.

He glanced up when he heard a noise behind him. Selena was coming out of her bedroom, clean, dry clothes on and her wet hair brushed behind her ears.

She hesitated as she saw him studying his bathroom.

Travis watched her slowly come closer to him and felt his muscles clench in a rush of violent need. The feelings she evoked in him were primeval. Elemental.

Feelings of jealousy, possession, and an arousal so strong he thought he might snap.

She lingered just out of his reach. She motioned to the bathroom. "You l-like it?"

Travis had to touch her. He physically was unable to stop himself from reaching out and picking up her hand. "Oh yeah, I like it." He pulled her into the bathroom and swiveled her in front of him, her back lightly resting against his front, a position that let them both see the room. He gently wrapped his arms around her.

He held her for a moment and forced his body back into control. He took several deep breaths and let her closeness temper the fires raging inside of him.

"The shelves look good, Selena. Thank you." He lightly rested his chin on her head and softly rocked her in his arms, letting the magic of the room and the feel of her soft little body soothe him. "You're a miracle worker, aren't you?"

Selena stood in his embrace, enchanted at his reaction to the few simple things she had done. His praise washed through her mind, and a feeling of safety settled in her soul. Safety such as she hadn't experienced since the loss of her family. Not since the drug cartel had taken over Mexico.

She closed her eyes and leaned back against him, her hands unconsciously caressing the strong arms that enclosed her. She savored the moment and tried to tell him what she was feeling. " Gracias, Travis. Th-thank you. Thank you for everything."

She needed to see his face, and she turned in his arms. She studied his features.

He was so handsome, so big, so comforting to her. His house was becoming her haven, and his men that he was so afraid would offend her, had done nothing but show her the utmost respect.

She reached up, and with her soul in her eyes, placed her palm against his cheek.

"Thank you."

Travis felt a need so profound there was no trying to deny it. His head dipped, and his lips settled on hers. He felt her jerk in his arms and hesitantly kiss him back. He took a chaste kiss, his lips firm against hers. His mouth hovered over hers, and when he didn't lift his head to end the kiss, she made a slight sound of shock in her throat.

He continued to sip from her lips, but made no move to penetrate her or deepen the kiss. His arms tightened around her, and she hung in his embrace. Her innocence had been obvious from the first day, but now the idea tickled his brain that she might be experiencing her first kiss.

It was a tantalizing thought.

He shifted his body slightly, until his back was against the wall. He splayed his legs wide and pulled her more closely to him, until she was leaning into him, clutching his chest. All the while, his lips moved gently across hers. He opened his mouth slightly, so she could taste him.

She gasped.

He moved his hands from her waist to her face and her body sagged against his.

He felt his erection straining against his jeans, and he lifted his lips from hers and sucked in a deep breath. He held her face in his hands and studied her loveliness.

Her eyes slowly opened.

His gaze tangled with hers, and their breathing became ragged. His eyes moved down to her mouth, damp from his lips, and his thumb brushed across her bottom lip. She made a tiny mewling sound.

"Selena, I want to kiss you." His words were deep, rough.