Well it’s so far so good I am still alive and still sitting as of this writing! Maybe a good Fantasy Friday will keep Nick in a good mood and this week we do have a GOOD Fantasy Friday!! We have been able to have Fantasy Friday for over 7 months now – that makes me so proud! You guys have always come through when I have needed you. So thank you, thank you! And a special thanks to today’s author who came through with such a great story!
RIDING BAREBACK
Evan Taylor swore out loud as he locked up the brakes and swung his battered pick up onto the shoulder. Backing up rapidly he jumped from the truck, shouting before his feet hit the pavement.
“What in the hell is wrong with you? Are you trying to get run over?”
As he got closer he groaned, one look at her and he knew she was trouble. Leaning insolently against the side of a white sports car, smoke from the overheated engine framing her, black hair tumbling down her back and laughing. At him.
“Look lady, I don’t know where you’re from, but around here we do not jump out in front of traffic. I would have stopped anyway, but you scared the crap out of me and damn near got yourself killed.”
Stomping over to the car and peering into the smoke rising from the engine, he tried to ignore his mounting irritation. He was two hours late, the auction did not go well, he had stock waiting to be fed and this car was way past being fixed on the side of the road.
She took one look at the tight pull of faded blue jeans and the work shirt straining across his back and decided this was exactly the kind of adventure she was looking for.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, I was afraid you wouldn’t stop and I would be stranded out here in the middle of nowhere.” She mustered a winning smile to go with the contrite tone and, sure enough, he fell for it.
“I’m sorry I yelled at you. You really did scare me though. Where are you headed?”
She gazed up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. This was definitely shaping up to be a world class, hero rescues maiden in distress type, adventure.
“I’m not sure, it’s one of those travel around, see the country kind of vacations. I was just driving along and I heard a loud pop and it quit running and smoke started coming out.”
“Well, it looks like the engine is fried, it’ll have to be towed back to town, but I don’t have time right now. If you tell me where you’re staying I’ll be happy to give you a lift.”
“But, I don’t have a place to stay. I was counting on making it to Memphis tonight, but I don’t know what to do now.” She let a few tears well up and looked forlorn.
Mumbling under his breath about how much he hated to see a woman cry, he stalked around the car, jerked open the door and started pulling luggage out.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”
“I don’t have a choice, you will have to go with me. I can’t leave you on the side of the road and I have animals waiting to be fed. I’m already late.”
This was sounding better and better. She grabbed her knapsack and followed him to his truck, offering irreverent prayers to nameless gods that there would not be a Mrs. Blue Eyes waiting for them.
Gear stowed in the back, they headed down the road. After a few minutes silence she ventured an introduction.
“My name is KT, or at least that’s what everybody calls me. My whole name is Katerina Theodosia, isn’t that a terrible thing to do to a girl, so just call me KT. And, thanks for stopping, I was starting to get scared.”
“I’m Evan Taylor, I have a farm a few miles from here. I have to tend my animals, you’re welcome to make some phone calls and figure out what you’re going to do. I think the car will need a fair amount of work, not to mention a tow.”
“Couldn’t your wife feed the animals for you?”
“Not hardly.” He snorted at the mere thought. “My wife left when she found out just how much work is involved. She seemed to think a hundred acres meant the money just grew on trees.”
The bitterness of his tone satisfied her that there was no competition. She sighed and snuggled down in the seat, quiet for the rest of the ride.
“Why don’t you get this paved?”
“First of all, it would cost thousands of dollars I don’t have. Besides, I like it this way. Keeps my privacy.”
Bouncing along on the dirt road, KT started having second thoughts about this adventure. She wanted something different but this was a little too rustic to be quaint. Just as she was about to ask him to take her to a motel they rounded a curve and pulled up in front of the most beautiful place she had ever seen.
A log cabin nestled in among some tall oak trees with a neat yard, completely fenced in a low, weathered wooden picket. Off to one side small fenced pastures surrounded a series of small barns and outbuildings, but, the other side made the trip worthwhile. The farm occupied a bluff that dropped sharply giving a stunning view of a lush green valley and rolling hills. The sun was about to set, drenching the valley with a rainbow of golden light. KT ran to the edge of the yard, entranced by the storybook setting.
Her obvious appreciation of the scenery bumped her up a notch in his estimation. She was just another city gal, fancy clothes, fancy car, but she had some taste. He couldn’t help noticing she had a stunning figure, too. Her designer jeans looked like they had been painted on, but it was a hell of a canvas. As she leaned over the fence watching the sunset he stood and stared at the most perfect ass he had seen in years.
Suddenly he was surrounded by a yipping, jumping herd of dogs. That was enough to remind him he had work to do and none of it involved her backside. She turned, but seemed uncertain about the dogs, which stood as a group staring at her.
“Will they bite?”
“Only if you attack me, or I tell them to.”
“Good doggies, nice doggies.” She took a step forward.
“It’s okay, Ralph, Jack, Susie say hello.”
At his reassurance they all leaped forward, not jumping on her, but licking, wagging tails and leaping into the air around her. She cautiously put a hand forward to stroke the closest head.
“They’re like silk, what kind of dogs are they?”
“A special cross breed that I raise and train, they have blue heeler and pit bull in them and make good working dogs for small places. They are great with kids, too.”
His pride in them was obvious and even though they had gathered around her as soon as Evan walked away they rushed to follow him. He headed for one of the small barns, calling over his shoulder,
“The house is unlocked, you can use the phone in the kitchen.”
KT ran after him, she wasn’t ready to deal with that yet, and she was curious about the rest of his animals.
“Can’t I see the animals first? I will call and get everything arranged, but I want to see the pigs and the cows first.”
“This isn’t a pig farm, or a cattle farm for that matter. I raise dogs, chickens, and a few goats and occasionally I train horses. If you want to come to the barn you can, but do as I say. Betty has a new litter and she doesn’t take kindly to strangers getting too close to her babies.”
The inside was dim with shafts of light slanting in between the boards. In a corner a tail started thumping and at least a dozen tiny fur balls poured over a low board and wobbled toward them. The mother seemed happy to let them go until she saw KT. With a low menacing growl she leaped over the pups and placed herself between them and this stranger, fur bristling.
“Do not touch the pups, or make any sudden moves.” He cautioned her as he reached down to stroke her head murmuring softly.
“Can’t you just tell her it’s okay, like the other dogs?”
“They didn’t have babies to protect. Just stand still. She’ll settle down when she sees you are no threat and the pups will be chewing on your shoes in no time.”
After a few tense minutes of inspection Betty gave her grudging approval. While Evan carried feed and finished his chores KT sat on the barn floor covered in wiggling fur balls.
Evan walked into the barn and stopped. Framed in the last light, hair wild, fancy jeans dirty, romping with the puppies, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
“You act like you’ve never seen a litter of pups before.”
“Not up close. My father was very strict, no animals were allowed. I’ve seen dogs, but never this close, or this many. I took riding lessons, he felt that was enough.”
Evan couldn’t imagine a childhood deprived of the joys of raising your own pets. How did a child learn about responsibility and where did the unconditional love come from? Certainly not from a father that didn’t believe in puppies.
“I’ve finished the feeding, the pups need to get back in their box and have their dinner, too. Come up to the house and wash up. I’ll round up something to eat while you make your calls.”
KT considered telling him the truth, he seemed like a reasonable man, but it was too risky. One word from him and her father would be on his way. The hard part was what to tell him instead.
She insisted on helping with dinner, not out of any love of cooking, but it delayed the time when she would have to make explanations. Fortunately, dinner was a simple matter of delicious fresh vegetables from the garden and rice left over from a previous meal.
The moment of truth had arrived, no more stalling or he would start to get suspicious. Faced with telling him the truth or providing a plausible lie, KT fell back on time honored tradition and burst into tears. At first embarrassed, then uncomfortable, Evan finally held her gently as she sobbed. Through sighs and shudders and nose blowing on his bandanna, she leaked a mostly true tale of her father’s money and dominance, a forced wedding to further his empire, and her narrow escape from tyranny. All those romance novels consumed under the covers at boarding school paid off. It was just the right tone to bring out the knight in shining armor instinct.
“You have had a rough time, I knew I didn’t like your daddy when you told me he didn’t like animals.”
“Oh, I just knew you would understand! I feel so safe here. You don’t know what it means to me to be safe for a few days while I sort out the car and decide where I’m going. Thank you!”
KT, never one to take any chances, threw her arms around Evan’s neck and smothered any protest he might have to an unexpected houseguest by raining kisses over his face. He may not have seen it coming, but the inconvenience of sharing the cabin paled next to the feeling of her lush curves pressed tightly against him.
“Well, maybe we can work something out. I could use some help around here, I have a horse coming in tomorrow that will take up my time. You can do some of the feeding and watering, I guess.”
Evan gently disengaged himself from her gratitude. She may be a city girl, but she was feeling mighty good in his arms. He had been too long without a woman to ignore his reaction. Just wouldn’t do to ravage the houseguest on the kitchen floor. Not on her first day, anyway.
KT, caught up in her act, was a little disappointed at how easily he set her aside. She was hoping for a definite move on his part. Once he showed his interest, then she would be in control of the situation. He hustled her through the cabin, pointing out where everything was stored and producing sheets for the couch. He didn’t even try to coax her into his room, much less his bed. She’d give him till tomorrow to shape up and fall helplessly in lust with her.
Evan lay in the dark staring at the ceiling. That was trouble on the hoof in the other room and he knew it. But, he couldn’t stop thinking about her arms wrapped around his neck, her soft lips against his cheek, and those thoughts led straight to slipping her out of those ridiculous designer britches. It was only for a few days, she’d be gone and life would be back to normal. He was pretty sure he could refrain from making a complete ass of himself that long.
The smell of coffee brewing at an obscenely early hour roused KT from the best nights sleep she had had in weeks. She could hear the shower running so slipped out of bed to grab a quick cup before h
e came out. It came as a great surprise to all concerned when Evan walked in the back door just as KT grabbed for the coffee pot. Both froze, staring at the other.
“I thought you were in the shower.” She tried to sound put upon but was distracted by the large expanse of thatched chest that ended in a low-slung pair of worn Levi’s.
“I was watering the stock, sorry if I startled you.” He felt glued to the spot. Her white tee shirt clung to every curve, leaving nothing to his imagination, and stopped just short of covering a pair of silk panties that were begging for his attention.
Not one to miss an opportunity, KT sauntered out of the kitchen, making sure he got a good look before grabbing a bag and heading to the shower. Evan sat at the kitchen table, swearing softly at himself.
“I will not follow her around like some dumb animal. I will not break out in a cold sweat, or a hot one either, just cause she has a fine ass. Okay, I admit it, she has the finest ass I have ever seen in 34 years of looking. But she is definitely just passing through. I do NOT need another city girl who will run off when it looks too much like work.” Having talked himself out of tackling her as she stepped out of the shower he found a clean shirt and finished the morning chores.
KT took her time getting ready, making sure every little detail was perfect. He was almost to the point of being wrapped around her little finger. This outfit should push him over the edge. Stepping back for one last check in the mirror she couldn’t help admiring herself. Tight jeans, low cut sweater, not too fancy but definitely highlighted the things he was staring at earlier. Calculating her entrance, KT flowed into the living room with all the swivel she could muster only to find a note on the table.
Went to town. Back later. Evan
“Well, isn’t that romantic, I can’t believe he left me stranded here, all alone, no car, no one to talk to.”
It is hard to work up a good righteous indignation without an audience. She spent the rest of the morning working on a plan for the next phase of her big adventure. Evan found her, sound asleep on his bed, curled into a ball, looking totally harmless. Not wanting to startle her, he gently pulled a strand of hair away from her face and quietly called her name. Moaning in her sleep, she slipped into his arms, murmured “love you” and snuggled close.
Evan's breath caught at the feel of her. It had been far too long since any woman had felt this good, this right, hell, this dangerous. Flashbacks of his marriage saved him from making a complete fool of himself. He eased her away and stalked off to the barn, muttering about treacherous women.
KT couldn't believe him. She knew he wanted her, she could feel the desire rolling off of him. But just when she was sure he was about to surrender to the inevitable he stomped off in a huff. No man had ever walked away from her and Mr. Evan Taylor was not about to be the first. If the temptress didn't get him the lost little girl routine was a sure thing. He may be noble and deny his urge to rip her clothes off, but there was no way he could resist her helpless tears. He just wasn't the type to leave a lost kitten out on the porch in the rain.
Evan finished the chores as slowly as possible trying to make sure she was out of his bed by the time he returned. He wasn't sure he could resist another round of her teasing, and there was no way she was innocent. She was begging for it, and that was putting it mildly. Maybe he should confront her, oh right, and say what?
"Golly gee miss, please don't give a poor lonely man any reason to think you want him to fuck your brains out." She'd get a real kick out of that. Heading back to the house through the dusky twilight he was surprised to see lights on in the kitchen and the aroma of something wonderful wafting through the air. He took his time washing up and approached with caution.
It was like a scene from some movie. There she was, covered in a big apron, hair curling around her face as steam rose from a large pot on the stove. There were biscuits on the table, fresh flowers from the garden, the table set for two. She looked up and smiled.
"You're just in time. What would you like to drink? I made some iced tea."
She looked like a totally different woman. The tight jeans and sweater replaced by a soft cotton dress, face scrubbed clean, hair tied up in a simple knot. Gone was the wild gypsy temptress, in her place a sweet, smiling girl.
"Thought you didn't cook?"
"Oh, I can cook, I just have to be in the mood."
She heaped his plate with pasta tossed with fresh asparagus and passed him a bowl of salad. Content to enjoy the first meal anyone had cooked for him in years he dug in, leaving the conversation to her. She chatted on about her day, making phone calls, enjoying the peace of the farm, and playing with the pups.
By the time he pushed his plate back she was ready for act two. Gazing up at him from beneath lowered lashes she let her lip quiver just a bit as she thanked him again for rescuing her. She even managed to let a single teardrop roll down her cheek.
"It has been so long since I have been able to relax, feel safe. You just don't know what this means to me. I'm tired of running and even more tired of worrying. This is a paradise for me. I don't know how to thank you."
Right on cue KT burst into tears, not anything showy, just a little ladylike weeping. Enough to get him out of his chair to gather her in his arms, but not enough to redden her eyes or damage the carefully crafted scene.
"I don't know why you are so scared of your father, but you are safe here, I won't let him, or anyone else hurt you. Just hush, now, everything will get sorted out." Extremely pleased at the way her plan was working out, KT ventured a peek at his face. The genuine concern she saw there almost made her feel guilty. The jolt of electricity that arced between them as their lips hovered only inches apart came as a surprise to her. He was supposed to fall madly and deeply for her, she was only supposed to be having an adventure. Her last thought before his mouth claimed hers was the sense of falling into deep and dangerous waters.
The first touch and the passion raged between them. Like a wild fire burning out of control, there was no turning back. He might have resisted her teasing but there was no escape from the complete surrender as their bodies melted together. All thought of games lost in the simple need to feel more. Taking her face in his hands, Evan pulled back long enough to see the wanting in her face.
"Are you sure this is what you want?"
"Oh yes, this is what I want."
Evan scooped her up into his arms and carried her to his room. Placing her gently on the bed he lowered his mouth to hers, one hand sliding up to cup her breast as he eased down beside her. Just then a truck pulled up the gravel drive sending the dogs into a barking frenzy.
"Damn. I forgot the time. That'll be Jerry, delivering that horse. You stay right here. Don't move. I'll hustle him along and be right back."
Jumping up and straightening his clothes he was grateful it was full dark out, less likely Jerry would ask embarrassing questions.
KT sat on the porch, grateful for the dark that allowed her to observe without being seen. She needed a little distance to sort out her feelings. Part of her would like to beat Jerry over the head for daring to interrupt. Another part felt as if she had narrowly escaped an unforeseen danger. Watching the two men work the horse into the corral, then lean on the gate talking she was sure they were discussing the horse, but every line of Evan's body was taut with tension. She should be happy, she had him right where she wanted him, but suddenly she wanted him to want her. Not fall for her manipulations, but just plain want her.
Horse stabled, pens checked, dogs locked out to prevent any further disruptions, Evan slipped in the back door ready to pick up where they left off. The house was dark, just a lamp in the bedroom burning. Smiling at the thought of her waiting for him in his bed he slipped into the shower to get rid of the barn. Minutes later, trying hard to appear nonchalant, he walked into the bedroom, wrapped in a towel, only to find the bed empty. A quick search revealed her small form, curled up and sound asleep on the couch. Hurt and frustrated, Evan stalked back to the bathroom for a colder shower.
The next morning, determined to act as if nothing was amiss, Evan roused her just after daybreak.
"You have five minutes to get dressed and meet me in the barn." And he was out the door.
KT stretched and threw on jeans and a tee shirt. At least he didn't seem angry about her ducking out on him last night. Not sure how to approach the subject she hurried to the barn hoping he wouldn't throw her out, even if she did deserve it.
Evan carefully showed her how to gather eggs, feed the chickens and goats, and fix the special food for Betty, who was still nursing her pups. He kept a light and constant conversation going about all of the animals, what she was expected to do for them and when.
"As long as you're staying here these are your responsibilities. No free lunch on a farm, everybody has to work. Just stay away from the horse, I'll start his training today, but for now he has to depend on me for everything. Any questions?"
KT was amazed at how calm and matter of fact he was treating her. She nodded and eagerly got to work, making sure each animal got a minute of special attention. Leaving the pups for last, she sat on the floor letting them crawl over and under her legs while their mother got her breakfast in peace. Realizing she had been in the barn for quite awhile she shooed the pups back to Betty and wandered to the house looking for her next job. There were leftover biscuits with homemade jam on the table along with a note.
Working in town today. Water the garden. Fix dinner. Back 5PM.
A leisurely breakfast on the porch surrounded by well-mannered dogs waiting for a crumb to drop restored her good mood. She had a whole day to herself. No one knew where she was, and there were baby goats to meet.
Watering the garden turned into definite dinner plans, she returned with her shirt covered in dirt and bulging with veggies for a stir-fry. Washing them off at the sink she watched the horse wandering through the corral. All horses like carrots and he was the only animal that hadn't had some sort of treat. Armed with a fresh carrot she headed to the corral, seated on the top fence rail she dangled a carrot until he wandered over. Delighted by the velvety touch of his nose as he snatched a piece from her palm, she stroked his head and scratched behind his ears. He seemed friendly enough. On impulse she lured him close with the last nub of carrot and swung her leg over his back, intending a quick ride around the corral.
Evan pulled into the drive just in time to see her land on the horses back for a split second before one quick buck threw her through the air. Evan raced to the fence, trying to distract the horse from trampling her, certain she was seriously injured. As he rushed to her side, ready to make a wild dash to the county hospital, she sat up, laughed and jumped to her feet ready to try again.
"What in the hell do you think you are doing? I told you to leave that horse alone. You scared ten years off of me, I thought you were hurt."
The sound of her laughter interrupted his tirade. Without thinking he threw her over his shoulder, satisfied that the jolt knocked the wind out of her and at least stopped her laughter. Bt the time he reached the house she was beating her fists on his back and demanding to be put down. Happy to oblige he sat on the end of the porch set her on her feet between his knees and tossed her over one leg. His large calloused hand crashed down changing her tune to one of outrage.
"Who do you think you are? Let me up this instant. I'll have you arrested."
Her threats continued as his hand crashed down over and over onto her upturned bottom. Even through the heavy jeans the heat was rapidly building, soon threats gave way to apologies and promises to be good.
"Are you going to listen to me?"
"Yes. Yes, I'll do anything you say just stop, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Evan stopped abruptly, pulled her to her feet to face him.
"Did I tell you to leave the horse alone?"
KT nodded, head hanging, unable to look Evan in the eye.
"I'm sorry, it won't happen again." She sniffled.
"Damn right it won't happen again, I intend to see to it your butt is too sore to sit on anything, including a horse."
With that Evan unfastened her jeans and jerked them to her knees. Screeching she caught his intent just as he threw her across his lap again. The tiny thong underwear provided no protection as his hand once again descended with a loud crack. One arm wrapped around her waist, he had no trouble keeping her bottom right where he wanted it. All of his frustration at the games she had played, his anger that she deliberately defied his instructions, and his fear that she was hurt went straight into her bottom.
After several minutes of hard spanking her entire butt was bright red and her apologies had given way to sobbing. Resting his hand on her burning skin he asked,
"Have you learned your lesson?"
"I'm so..so…sorry," she hiccupped, hanging limp over his lap.
Looking at her perfect ass, crimson with his handprints he wanted nothing more than to comfort her. Setting her on his lap, he handed her his bandana and held her close until she stopped sobbing. Carrying her inside he laid her tenderly on the bed and applied soothing lotion to her burning backside. Even red-eyed from crying and dirty from her fall she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
Somehow the fear of losing her made everything clear. He wanted her. City girl or not she was meant for him and he was going to keep her here until she understood this was where she belonged.
Pulling her jeans the rest of the way off he turned her over and looked into her eyes. KT may have been confused about how they got here, but this was exactly where she wanted to be.
"Tell me you want me."
"I want you," she whispered just before his mouth covered hers.
As he slid inside her, he growled, "Next time you want to ride bareback, this is how it's done."
~~ooo0ooo~~
After you are through fanning yourselves? Alright it is time to vote on the author. Even if it is a blind guess vote. It is nice for the author, and me, to know how many people are reading. Here are your choices, Marcus, Todd, Michelle, Cassie and of course Anonymous. The reveal will be up Monday!
oned woman this weekend. Nick is off with the guys playing golf all weekend. Of course he only leaves two weekends out of the year so I can’t complain. I used to love it, I would park the kids with friends or my parents and enjoy the solitude but now I miss him a lot more. I will be glad when he’s back!
t to check it out. That will teach Nick to leave me alone! We found several things we couldn’t live without including this hair brush – what can I say! I just couldn’t pass it up.
e you. I felt pretty good; I had communicated my need at a safe time. Nick was going to be gone this weekend and I knew LJ was going to be around Wednesday afternoon until Mollie got home from babysitting. But as I saw LJ getting ready to leave earlier than I had expected I began to worry about my timing! I mean you don’t tell your man he really needs to spank longer and harder when he is going to have time to give it a try that day! I was about to grab onto LJ and cry “No son wait! You need to spend some time with us!!” But I restrained myself. He had no more than gotten out of the drive way when Nick asked me to accompany him to the bedroom.
