LITMIR.BIZ

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didn’t get any satisfaction in upsetting Logan. She didn’t set out to annoy him, but she did need an outlet for her pent-up energy. And a ride along the paths of Sunset Ranch would do the trick. She wasn’t fool enough to go by herself. She should be able to find a riding partner, if not here at the ranch, then at the lodge.

      Twenty minutes later, after changing into her riding clothes, Sophia walked into the barn. Horses whinnied in their stalls. Some kicked and others brought their heads up to greet her with a snort as she walked by. She stopped to stroke the face of a good-natured aging palomino. “Hello, Buttercup.”

      Buttercup wasn’t a star of pure-breeding stock that would be sold off to clients. She and half a dozen other horses were kept on the premises to take prospective clients for rides in the pasture and, more important, to lend a mellow tone to the more spirited animals in the barn.

      Sophia gave each of the horses a little attention as she headed to the tack room to pick up her gear. There wasn’t a soul around to help her saddle up and just as she was going to take Logan’s advice and turn back, changing her mind about the ride, he appeared in the doorway.

      “You still want that ride?” he asked.

      Startled by his appearance, Sophia tamped down her initial gut reaction. But Logan noticed the momentary fear she couldn’t hide from her expression. “Oh, uh … yes. I’d like to take a ride.”

      “You’re still jumpy, aren’t you?”

      “No.”

      The sound of his boots echoed against the walls as he strode farther into the small room until his face was inches from hers. “You are.”

      “Not now. I have you here. And there haven’t been any more notes or incidents.”

      “You knew I wouldn’t let you take a ride alone. Or go with anyone else.”

      Sophia stared at him. “Is that what you thought? I was hinting for you to take me?”

      “Weren’t you?”

      “No, I just wanted to get out of the house.”

      “I’d think you’d want some peace after working all day.”

      “The house is …”

      “Is what, Sophia?” Logan whispered her name.

      “Lonely,” she said, confessing one of her vulnerabilities.

      His expression changed, softened. His gaze traveled up and down her body until she was so excited that her breathing grew ragged and heavy. Her chest heaving now, Logan stared at the top button on her blouse that prevented her breasts from spilling out.

      “Without Luke in the house, and you barely speaking to me—”

      “Luke?” Something flickered in his eyes. “You don’t want Luke.”

      Sophia’s heart raced. The conversation had switched direction. And Logan’s powerful gaze destroyed her rational sense. “Luke’s my fri—”

      Logan pulled her into his arms. He smelled of earth and musk, so strong, so powerful. His breath warmed her throat and his words made her mouth go dry. “We’re not gonna talk about my brother tonight, darlin’.”

      His determination made her go limp. Her voice lowered until she could barely hear the words she spoke, “Wh-what are we going to talk about?”

      He brought her body tight against his. “Your loneliness.” Then he smiled, a flash against a stark, handsome face, the gleam brightening his eyes. “Then again, we don’t have to do much talking at all.”

      His lips touched hers tenderly as if he wanted to draw out all of her fears, all of her loneliness. The kiss was sweetly gentle, and Sophia had to remind herself that it was Logan who was kissing her, Logan who held her in his arms.

      He brought his hands to her face and cupped her cheeks, murmuring sweet nothings as he kissed her. Sophia surrendered herself to the compassion Logan was showing her. He suckled her lips, tasting from her, his firm delicious mouth giving her time to adjust to what was happening between them. “You’re safe with me,” he whispered over her lips.

      She felt protected and cared for but then in the back of her mind, coming from a very dark place, a warning bell sounded.

      This was Logan Slade. He hated her.

      So why did he make her feel as if she were floating on a cloud?

      She ignored her misgivings and dove into the sensations he stirred in her. She’d always been attracted to Logan and now, with his kisses heating her through and through, she thought she could be a little bit in love with him. She told herself that and stopped trying to analyze the pleasure he offered her. It felt too good having him strip away her loneliness.

      Sophia placed her hands on his chest, her fingers spreading across rough cotton as she stroked him eagerly. A groan emanated from his throat and Sophia continued to touch him, to explore the strong washboard across his ribs.

      He slipped off her ponytail holder and in the faint, fading sunlight watched her hair flow freely to frame her face. Appreciation shone in the glint of his eyes and he released a relenting sound that came from the depths of his throat. “You make me forget who I am,” he murmured.

      Sophia put her arms around his neck and rose up to kiss him soundly on the lips. Softly, she whispered, “You’re Logan Slade and you don’t like me very much.”

      Logan wove his hands through her long hair, letting the tresses slip between his fingers. He released a deep sigh. “There are things I like about you, Sophia. More than I’ve liked about any other woman.”

      He pressed his mouth to hers again. Sophia relished the kiss and the words behind the kiss. She whispered over his lips, “What do you like about me?”

      “Kissing you is right up there,” he said softly.

      He paused to gaze at the strands of hair framing her face. “You’ve got the prettiest hair.”

      A soft whimper escaped her throat. His compliments were a heady elixir.

      He slid his hands over her shoulders and stroked down her arms. Tingles erupted from his soft caress. “Your body is perfect. It’s been killing me living with you. Knowing you’re lying just steps away in another bedroom.”

      Fiery heat arrowed down her belly. “Logan,” she breathed out.

      There was no stopping this now. They were caught up in a game that had only one outcome. He pulled her taut against his rock-hard chest. Jeans to jeans, their legs touched, denim rubbing together. His hand rested on the soft material of her white blouse and with two nimble fingers he stroked her exposed skin just above the buttons.

      Sophia’s breath caught. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensual touch that brought goose bumps. He toyed with her there, making her ache, making her lean back and give him reign to do what he pleased.

      She heard a snap and then a tear as her blouse split apart, two buttons flying onto the floor. Her eyes popped open. He watched her, waited for her approval.

      She smiled and a little bubble of laughter rose from her throat.

      Logan pulled the blouse out of her jeans and off her shoulders, discarding it with a flick of his wrist. Then he touched the top of her breasts, the flat of his palms against her plump ripe skin spilling from her bra. “I like touching you. I can’t get enough.”

      He unhooked her bra and with a reverent groan watched her breasts fall free of their restraints. The look on his face made her body ache for more. He cupped her, weighed the globes in his hands as he kissed her again and again. Their mouths opened and the kisses grew hotter and more frenzied.

      After a minute, Logan slid his lips to her ear, his words clipped and ragged. “In another second, I’m not gonna be able to stop.”

      Sophia understood him. She was already at the point of no return.

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