Cowboy Blue Page 14

  Concerned, Casey pulled back from where he’d pressed her face into his chest, just far enough he’d be able to hear. “Hey. You all right?”

  He shook his head and didn’t ease up on his grip. “No.”

  Bonner was taking Jake’s death far worse than she’d predicted. Casey had known it would be hard on him. They’d been so close for so long, but she’d never thought to find him like this. So…broken.

  Not sure what else she could do besides simply be there for him, she squeezed him tighter. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know. Thanks.” He finally pulled back. “Is there someplace we can go?”

  “Well, I thought after we get your luggage, we’d get you checked into the hotel. It’s the same place Jake always used to stay.” His brows knit together and Casey realized Bonner didn’t need a cold hotel room right now. He needed the comfort of a home. She continued, “Or I can take you to my place. It’s nothing special but it’s warm and cozy and is conveniently located near some excellent take-out restaurants, all of which I have on speed-dial.”

  He looked relieved. “Your place sounds real good.”

  “Great.” Casey put on her cheery face and took his hand in hers. “Come on. Let’s grab your bag and get out of here.”

  On the way down the escalator, Bonner laced his fingers through hers. Casey’s heart skipped a beat and she realized it was going to be really hard for her to ever let go of him again.

  He held on to her right up until he had to release her hand to pull his suitcase off the luggage carousel, then he grabbed hold of her again.

  Casey wasn’t about to complain about any kind of physical contact with Bonner. She’d missed the feel of his hands too much since they’d parted, but his demeanor concerned her.

  He’d been so in control at the ranch, but here, now, he seemed so uncertain.

  She’d have to bolster his confidence and get him ready for the meetings he’d be expected to attend at headquarters. Corporate executives could smell blood in the water. They’d pounce on Bonner and eat him alive if he didn’t go in looking strong and in charge.

  Casey tried very briefly to make small talk on the drive from the airport to her apartment, but quickly gave up. Not that Bonner had ever been a huge talker, but it was more than obvious he wasn’t in the mood for chatter right now.

  He stared out the window as the city sped past. She could only imagine what he was thinking as he gazed silently at the ugly buildings and overpasses that blended together in one indiscernible mass of grey.

  It was worlds away from his home and he was probably really feeling that about now.

  “And we’re here.” She smiled and pulled into her spot in the parking garage, which cost her as much each month as some people paid in rent. She chose not to tell Bonner that and put the car in park.

  The covered lot was dark and dreary and wasn’t such a great welcome for Bonner. She hustled to get him and his bag out of there, across the street and up to her apartment where he’d feel better, she was sure.

  How could he not with her ever increasing Maverick Western purchases everywhere?

  She led the way up the exterior stairs to the door of the building, then unlocked and held it, waiting for him. “Sorry there’s no elevator.”

  “It’s okay.” He hefted his suitcase up the last few stairs like it weighed next to nothing.

  “Most days it’s not a problem, but moving day was real hell.” Casey laughed and tried to lighten the mood. Bonner only nodded and stepped inside. She let the front door slam shut behind them. “So one more flight then we’re there.”

  “Okay.”

  Casey drew in a deep breath and led the way up to her apartment. She unlocked the door and reached in to flip on the lights. She wanted a bright happy space to greet Bonner.

  He entered and the surreal look of him, all big and western looking in her tiny city apartment, was hard to absorb.

  “This is it. Home sweet home.” She closed the door and flipped the deadbolt, then moved to a small table lamp and switched it on. When she turned back, it was to see Bonner setting his suitcase down on the floor. “Are you hungry?”

  “No.” With a determined look he took off his hat.

  He laid it on the table and strode to Casey. Then his lips were pressed against hers. He was hard and demanding. She didn’t mind one bit. She melted into his embrace, gladly taking his tongue into her mouth when he pressed it between her lips.

  He engulfed her face with his hands, bracing her for the deep kiss. Then he slid them down her body, as if relearning her curves. When he reached the cheeks of her ass, he hoisted her up off her feet. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he groaned against her mouth.

  He pulled away just enough to say, “I need you.”

  His words twisted her heart. “The bedroom’s right behind you.”

  Bonner groaned again and spun them toward the bedroom door. Inside, he dropped her onto the mattress and followed her down, laying his long, hard body over hers. Here, in the bedroom at least, he was the man she remembered.

  In charge. In control. Indestructible.

  “I’ve missed you.” He breathed the words just shy of her mouth before grabbing a handful of her hair, pulling her head back and crashing his lips into hers again.

  Casey ran her hands over his suit jacket, down the planes of his broad, muscular back, to his narrow waist, finally settling on his ass. She spread her legs and pulled him tighter against her.

  They were still both fully clothed, but she couldn’t resist the delicious friction the outline of the erection inside his pants caused when it rubbed her.

  Feeling needy, she moved against him, increasing the pressure.

  He rocked his pelvis into her, while stroking his tongue against hers. She’d been so desperate for his touch for so long.

  Torn between wanting to get right down to business and wanting this to go slow and last forever, Casey wasn’t quite sure what to do. Tear off his suit, lovely though it was, or kiss him until both their lips were sore?

  She decided to let Bonner set the pace. He’d been through a lot. She was more than willing to give him whatever he needed right now to heal. To feel whole again.

  Bonner seemed different. She sensed his need, the urgency to possess her just like at the cabin, but Casey could also sense a deep shift in him.

  This change in his life—Jake’s death, his stepping up to the presidency—it weighed upon him. She felt it as much as his weight upon her now, pressing her into the mattress.

  She pulled away from his mouth. “Let me get you undressed. Okay?”

  Complying easily enough, he nodded and rolled off her. Bonner watched her movements, and helped by moving an arm here, lifting his hips there. But upon closer look, he appeared more like a predator waiting to pounce, than a man allowing her to tend to him.

  Undressing him gave her a moment to fully take in the changes in his appearance. His footwear of choice was still cowboy boots, but they were black and looked as if they’d recently been buffed to a high sheen.

  His suit was simple but quality. As good as any she’d seen on the male executives at work. Casey was grateful for that. He’d come in to the meetings at HQ on equal footing in the fashion department at least.

  The jacket fit his arms a bit too tightly. She supposed he had biceps and forearms larger than the average executive since he pushed cattle not pencils for a living.

  She’d have to hook him up with either a custom suit or a retailer who specialized in big and tall. He’d be more comfortable in a jacket that fit properly.

  The closely cropped beard that had covered his cheeks and chin while they were at the ranch was gone. He was completely clean-shaven now. She’d kind of enjoyed the rugged look of him unshaven, though kissing him now was definitely easier on the skin of her own face.

  Rather than a necktie, he wore a bolo. She smiled as she pulled the braided leather cord and its ornate western style decoration over his head so she could unbutton hi
s shirt.

  Even dressed as a businessman, he was still all cowboy. Right down to his shirt. It was a thinner cotton dress shirt than the heavier work shirts he always wore, but it was still the blue she’d come to know and love on him.

  She’d like to imagine he’d chosen it just for her.

  Once she’d pulled the shirt’s sleeves down his arms, he lay temptingly before her in nothing but boxer briefs. Casey ran her hands over the well-developed muscles of his arms, touching his tattoos lightly before sliding to his narrow waist, then lower, pushing the briefs down his strong thighs. His erection sprung up to meet her. She bent and lowered her mouth over it.

  Bonner grabbed her arms in a tight grip and hissed in a breath. Opening her eyes, she glanced up to find his eyes squeezed shut and his head pressed deep into the pillow. She moved over him, slow, taking him deep, then pulling back until just the very crown remained in her mouth, before sliding back down again all the way.

  The warmth of Bonner’s skin made Casey realize she was way overdressed. She didn’t want anything between them.

  Every inch of him pressed against every inch of her still wouldn’t be enough to satisfy the longing, but it would be a good start.

  Casey pulled her long-sleeved top over her head and tossed it toward the pile of Bonner’s clothes already on the floor. Her shoes and pants followed, until she was only in her bra and panties. The look of lust on Bonner’s face clearly showed his appreciation of the view. As did his actions.

  He reached out and flipped her onto her back. He hovered over her, his eyes narrowed with desire as he gazed down.

  Much like she’d done to him, Bonner skimmed his hands over her body, sliding her panties down her legs. He made short work of her bra, which ended up on the floor with the rest, then he leaned low capturing her breast between his lips, torturing her nipple.

  Arching her back, she pressed deeper into the heat of his mouth. He answered the action with a groan while he slid one finger inside her.

  Her breast popped from his mouth as he repositioned himself between her legs before giving her what she’d dreamed of since leaving Colorado. As Bonner braced himself above Casey, he plunged his length inside her, forcing a sigh from her lips.

  Bonner kept his eyes focused on her face as he stroked in and out. He watched her as she watched him, with a mingled expression of hunger and relief that their joint need was about to be completely satisfied.

  Casey’s body coiled, poised on the brink of climax as Bonner increased the speed of his stroke. As she lifted her hips off the bed, he slid his hands beneath her and rocked into her faster, hitting every spot she needed him to.

  The increase in both of their breathing told of their impending orgasms. Casey grabbed the firm globes of Bonner’s ass and pulled him closer as he pounded into her.

  That was all it took to push her over the edge. Her muscles clenched around him in orgasmic spasms that had him gasping for breath and finally groaning loud as he plunged and held deep one last time.

  He lay on top of her, totally still except for his heavy breathing, for what seemed like a long time.

  Not that she was complaining. Bonner’s weight upon her, his length, still firm though fading inside her, was what she’d longed for during every lonely night she’d spent in this bed since meeting him.

  “I really missed doing this with you.” She kissed his chest and stroked his back.

  “Me too.” Bonner let out a short laugh that vibrated through her. Finally he pushed himself up. “We need to talk about some stuff.”

  His stomach let out a loud rumble, causing Casey to frown. “I think we need to order dinner too. When was the last time you ate something?”

  “Mrs. Jones made me something before I left for the airport this morning.”

  “Then you’re long overdue. I’ll order, then we’ll talk and eat. Deal?”

  “And uh, maybe some more of what we just did?” The old Bonner she knew and loved was starting to resurface.

  “Oh, definitely. And if I remember correctly our discussion in the cabin, the next time should be your favorite position.” Casey smiled.

  “I’m finding with you, every position is my favorite.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

  She broke away and groaned.

  “Keep this up and we’re never getting out of this bed.” Actually, they really didn’t have to. She held up one finger. “Hang on for just one minute. I can fix this. What Chinese food do you like to eat?”

  “Got me.” Bonner shrugged and was paying much more attention to running the tip of his finger around the darkened edge of her nipple than to her question.

  “I’ll just get us an assortment.” Casey swatted his hand away and reached for the cell phone in the pocket of her pants on the floor. She found the number for China Gourmet in her contact list and dialed. “Hi, I’d like to order take out for delivery… Casey Harrington… Yes, you have me in the database… Yup, that’s me… Um, one order of Pepper Steak. One General Tao’s Chicken. Two egg rolls. A large Pork Fried Rice. Oh, and one order fried dumplings. You have my credit card on file? …Great. How long?... Thanks.”

  Bonner’s brows rose. “You really don’t cook, do you?”

  “Nope.” She rolled toward him, biting her lip. “That make you think less of me?”

  His gaze dropped to where he skimmed his hand over the curve of her hip. “Nope. How much time we got ’til the food’s here?”

  “They said twenty minutes or so.” She smiled at the look of hunger in his eyes. It wasn’t only food he wanted. “Why?”

  “I have an idea how to kill the time.” His body showed he was more than ready again. “Roll over.”

  Casey pursed her lips but did as he asked. “I thought you wanted to talk.”

  “Later.” Lifting her ass high in the air, he was inside her before she could respond.

  His having come moments before did nothing to diminish Bonner’s performance.

  He finished in the time allowed, though Casey wouldn’t have minded if they could have gotten an extension.

  She’d just gotten herself cleaned up in the bathroom and was pulling her Maverick lounging pants on under the shirt she’d taken from Bonner in Colorado when the doorbell rang.

  Her path to the door took her past the kitchen table where Bonner’s hat lay. Just the sight of it made her smile.

  She took the large bag from the deliveryman, signed the credit card receipt and added a tip.

  Skirting Bonner’s suitcase on the floor, she left the food on the kitchen counter and turned toward the bedroom.

  As Casey padded back to Bonner, stretched out naked and gorgeous on her bed, she realized two things—she could get very used to this and to do so would be very dangerous.

  CHAPTER 17

  Dressed in nothing but his long dress shirt and boxer briefs, Bonner let out a big breath, his belly full to bursting. He leaned against the chair back. “That was a lot of food.”

  Casey laughed and looked over the remains on the table. “You did it justice.”

  “Yeah, guess I was hungrier than I thought.” Bonner glanced at her sweet face, framed by the collar of the shirt she’d taken from him back at the cabin. Just the sight of her warmed him. He only wished he could be touching her too, but she was on the other side of the table. “Can we put this stuff away later and just sit together for a bit?”

  “Sure. We can snuggle on the couch under my Maverick Western Buffalo Plaid Throw. It’s perfect to give as a gift or to keep for yourself.”

  “So I’ve heard.” He laughed. “Sounds perfect.”

  She took his hand, while eyeing him closely, as if she knew he needed to hold her while they talked.

  They made their way to the sofa, and sure enough, there was the plaid throw. She arranged it over their laps. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer, needing her strength as his own flagged.

  New York was so foreign to him. The corporate offices where he was expected to lead an
entire company would be even more so.

  “You’re going to do great, you know.”

  He glanced down at her as she looked up at him. “How can you know that?”

  “Well first off, I’m very good at my job and I’ll be behind you all the way. Second, I did some looking into your assistant Dean. He’s young but he’s way overqualified for the position. He can handle much more than just booking flights and meetings, or sorting through your mail. I think giving him more responsibility will keep him from eventually getting bored and moving on to another company. He can be a real right hand man for you here, so use him.”

  “All right.” Bonner absorbed all she was saying. It made sense but didn’t exactly belay his fear of standing in front of all the corporate executives and being laughed out of the office for being an uneducated cowboy, just like J.J. had said.

  He let out a sigh, and Casey responded by slipping an arm around him and squeezing. “Let me tell you something. You can take a fish out of the water, but that doesn’t make him a less valuable fish.”

  Bonner genuinely laughed at that, long and hard. “So you’re saying I’m the fish in this situation. Uh, thanks, I guess?”

  “You’re no more the fish than I was. Look, I was marketing a German-based bank this time last year. Now, I’m helping sell the Western lifestyle and philosophy. Since I joined the company and started the new social marketing campaign, sales have increased fifteen percent over the same period last year.”

  “Congratulations. That’s something to be proud of.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not looking for compliments. What I’m saying is this—actually this is a good idea and I think we should plan it after the New Year—but anyway, if you were to fly all the corporate big wigs from Maverick Western out to the ranch in Colorado, throw them into a saddle and smack the horse’s ass, they would be just as insecure and out of place as you feel in the offices here.”

  “But the difference is, they haven’t been put in charge of the ranch. I have been put in charge of the company.”

  God help them all.