Page 28 of Honoring Freedom

He attempted to comprehend what had just happened, but it made little sense. Should he be surprised? Freedom did things that only she knew rhyme or reason for.

He didn’t doubt that she’d enjoyed the attention he gave her. He inhaled her scent on his fingers and his hard cock jerked. Her juices had dried, but her memory remained warm and delicious in his head. Her pussy had squeezed so tightly around his knuckles that she had him nearly coming in his pants.

He was standing at a fork in the road. One way sent him chasing after her, the other he allowed her space. Keller had never been one to chase a woman, but Freedom wasn’t just any woman. She was part of his history, his present and someone he would happily invite into his future.

Jumping up from the bed, he adjusted himself and zipped his jeans.

He decided pride didn’t belong anywhere in the situation.

He made his way down the hall and found the front door standing wide open. Pushing through the screen door, he found her barefoot, the blanket tightly wrapped around her, and her hair damp from the rain.

Keller had half a mind to pick her up over his shoulder and take her back inside.

“You’re going to turn into a prune.”

She jerked as if she only just realized she was no longer alone.

She gave a little shiver. “I’ll survive.”

“What the hell? Talk to me. What happened upstairs?” he asked.

She looked up at him with an expression that melted him. It had been years since he’d been involved with someone and needed to worry about their feelings. He’d been so busy working, following the busy career path that he’d hardened himself to dating. He didn’t want to fill his own head with false ideas and wishes. Nothing about tonight meant there was opportunity for a relationship. Yet, he couldn’t imagine not pursuing her.

“I-I…” her words faded into the velvety darkness.

“Hey, talk to me.”

“You and I, we are like a moth and flame. We naturally gravitate toward each other. There’s a draw that I can’t deny.” She stared into the darkness. “Warnings are popping off inside my head.”

He felt a punch to his gut that almost sent him to his knees. “I’d never force you into anything.”

She leaned onto one hip, facing him, clutching the blanket tightly at her chest. “If we…” she swallowed loudly. “do this, we need to keep it private. I can’t have Sagebrush Rose hands treating me like I’m your lover. Or be the butt of the joke in late night talks at the bunkhouse.”

He understood where she was coming from. “You never have to worry, Free.” He reached for her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against his chest. “You should know I’d never let anyone hurt you. I vow to protect you always.”

“Keller…”

He touched her chin with his thumb and gently lifted her face so that she was looking at him. “Don’t fight it. I know you don’t need taken care of, but everyone, no matter how strong they are needs someone who has their back. We can do as little, or as much, as you wish.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tiptoes. “I enjoyed myself in your bed.”

“I enjoyed myself.” He wagged his brows.

She lowered her hands and planted them against his chest. “This is a heavy rainfall. It must mean something.” The glow of the security lamp caught her expression.

“That we should both get our asses back inside before we freeze to death or get carried away by a flood?” He shivered. “I’m freezing, so I know you have got to be too.”

“You’re not afraid of a little rain, are you?” she teased.

“Says the one in the blanket.”

“Let’s fix that.” She shifted, opening the front of the blanket and wrapping it around both of them. “Better?”

“Much.” In fact, holding her warm naked body made his dick stiff again. “Better tell me now, sweetheart. Do I put the brakes on?”

“Gas pedal. To the floor.” She pressed her lips against his, sweeping the tip of her tongue over the curve of his lips.

He planted his hands on her back and drew her closer, leaving no room for distance or the frigid air to move between them. Lifting her, he settled her on the railing that was a perfect size for her bottom and his height.