“Yeah,” he said, lifting her dress over her hips so he could see her. “I know what you need.”

  He shifted his focus to her face as he slid one, then two fingers inside her, pumping gently in and out of her as he used his thumb to circle her clit. He felt her tighten around his fingers as she rode his hand. Watching her writhe against him was the hottest damn thing he’d ever seen. She was unabashedly beautiful in the way she owned her pleasure, and when she came, she tilted her head back and let out the sweetest sounds.

  He could watch her come apart like that all night long.

  Except now his balls were throbbing and his dick was painfully hard. He ached to be inside her.

  “Condoms are in the bag I threw in the back,” she said, her voice a little low and breathless and a lot sexy.

  He lifted and pulled one out of the back pocket of his shorts. “I’ve got it covered.”

  She let out a short laugh. “What you’re saying is you will have it covered.”

  He grinned. She shifted down to his thighs, then shoved his shorts and briefs down his legs before he got the condom on in record time.

  “In a hurry?” she asked.

  “You could say that.”

  “Then let’s not waste any time.” She sank down over his cock, and she was hot and tight, squeezing around his dick. He had to count to ten to keep from exploding right then.

  And then he let her lead. He grasped her hips and held on as she rocked against him, settling them both into a rhythm. She was like a wild Valkyrie, riding him across the black night, her hair tossed back as she undulated back and forth, seemingly oblivious to everything but her own pleasure.

  “Damn.” He watched her ride him, one hand on his chest, the other planted on the ceiling of the truck. Seeing her rise and then sink onto him nearly undid him.

  He pulled her close and drew the straps of her dress down, taking a nipple into his mouth to suck, and was rewarded with her low moans. She dug her nails into his shoulders and ground against him, and he arched up into her, feeling her convulse around his cock.

  She shifted and took his mouth in a blistering kiss when she came, her entire body quivering against him. That was all it took to make him let go. He erupted in violent spasms, wrapping his arm around her to hold her close while he shuddered through waves of hot pleasure.

  Finally, he settled enough to smooth his hands over Honor’s back, to feel the softness of her hair brushing against his cheek, to notice that her whole body had gone lax. It felt good to just hold her like this.

  “We’ve got a problem,” she said, lifting her head to look down at him.

  “Yeah? What’s that?”

  “I’ve gotta pee.”

  He laughed. “There’s a restroom a short walk down the path. I’ll take you.”

  “Okay.” She climbed off him and moved to the other seat while he pulled up his shorts, figuring he could dispose of the condom in the men’s restroom. They got out of his truck and he grabbed her hand.

  “Thanks for showing up,” he said.

  “Thanks for the amazing orgasms.”

  He laughed. “Happy to give you one—or two—or more of those anytime.”

  Her lips curved. “I’m happy to receive them. Multiple ones are the best.”

  He liked that she was so open about her sexuality, and her enjoyment of it.

  They made it to the restrooms and took care of business. A few minutes later he stepped out, waiting for Honor. It had gotten cooler and was getting cloudy. This was the time of year they got a lot of rain, so it wouldn’t surprise him to see a storm pop up.

  She walked out of the restroom and looked up at the sky. “Smells like rain. Do you need to get home?”

  “Probably.”

  “Too bad. I could have gone a couple more rounds.”

  He took in a deep breath and let it out. “Now you’re just teasing me.” He pulled her close. “You could come home with me.”

  “I could, couldn’t I? Then again, I don’t think anyone knows I even left the house.” She chewed her bottom lip. “And then where would I say I was?”

  “You do know you’re an adult and don’t have to explain your whereabouts to anyone, right?”

  She slanted a look at him. “You’ve met my family, yes? If I don’t show up, they’ll have me declared a missing person before dawn and the National Guard will be out looking for me. If I text and say I’m spending the night with a friend, Mom will have the entire family assembled at the table for breakfast and a full interrogation.”

  Not having that kind of family, Owen didn’t understand them being in Honor’s business. But having grown up around the Bellinis, he knew it all came from a place of love. And, okay, they could be a little overly nosy, too. He’d gone through that when he’d first started dating Erin, but he’d adjusted.

  Until he’d blown everything up and hurt Erin. Then it had taken a while for him to earn his way back into the family’s good graces. He couldn’t imagine how they would feel if they ever found out he was married to Honor.

  “You’re right,” he said as they made their way back to their vehicles. “But I still don’t like that we can’t tell anyone we’re seeing each other.”

  “I don’t like it, either. Maybe when this is all over—this whole being-married thing, we can figure something out. I just want to get past this possible pregnancy and accidental-marriage thing first, you know?”

  “Yeah.” He understood where she was coming from. There was still so much up in the air. But what he did know was that he didn’t want to walk away from Honor.

  Thunder rumbled in the distance. He knew their time together was coming to an end, and he hated it.

  She moved into him, threading her arms around his neck and tilting her head back. “In the meantime, it’s kind of hot to have these secret meetings, isn’t it?”

  He smiled down at her. “I have zero complaints about tonight.”

  “Me, either. Now kiss me before it pours down on us.”

  He kissed her. Whenever he kissed Honor, it could never be simple or fast. It was slow, and hot, and he ended up pushing her against the door of his truck so he could press his body against hers. She made all kinds of sounds and tangled her fingers in his hair and he swore to God if he could have one wish right now, it would be to take her home so she could sleep in his bed tonight. Though he knew there would be no sleeping.

  But that wouldn’t be fair to Honor, because she was the one who’d have to answer all of her family’s questions, so he stepped back, took her hand and walked her over to her car.

  “You press me up against my car and kiss me like that again, we’re going to camp out here for the night and I’m going to use your dick until you can’t walk.”

  His balls quivered at the thought. “Tempting. But you’re going home. And so am I. And we’ll both suffer.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Fine. Not my preferred option, but of course you’re right.”

  He grabbed her tote bag from the back seat of his truck and handed it over to her. “What’s in here anyway?”

  “Condoms. Hand sanitizer. A towel. Some water. Chips. M&Ms.”

  He nodded. “A most excellent sex bag.”

  “I try to be prepared.”

  “Well, hang on to it for, you know, next time.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers, very lightly and briefly this time. “See you soon.”

  She tipped her fingertips across his lips. “I hope so.”

  She slid into her car and he watched her back up and drive away before he climbed into his truck. He blew out one long, frustrated breath, then headed for home.

  CHAPTER

  nineteen

  HONOR WAS KNEE-DEEP in satin, lace and tulle as she did her best to calm a very stressed-out bride who needed some last-minute alteration, which she was happy to provide. Not the first time she’d had to dive under a wedding dress and repair a hem, but still, it made for an incredibly busy day. She was always prepared for a hectic wedding, except that the entire week had been this way. She’d had meetings with prospective wedding couples the past four days, along with a rehearsal dinner at the barn Friday afternoon, followed by a small wedding last night and now a big event tonight.

  She’d be so happy once this weekend was over.

  At least she had tomorrow off. It was Memorial Day weekend and she’d promised Owen she’d help him plan the party at his ranch. So after the wedding tonight she was going to have to drag out her planner and make sure everything on her to-do list for tomorrow was set.

  As she helped Abigail, the bride-to-be, calm her pre-wedding jitters with some slow and deep breaths, Honor also took some calming breaths herself.

  She left Abigail in the very capable hands of Mae and the mother of the bride, then dashed out to the barn to ensure that the decorations were all in order. They were, thanks to Erin. Brenna had the wine covered, of course, and was barking out orders left and right if something wasn’t absolutely perfect. Everything was under control, so Honor hurried over to the vineyard. The flowers on the arbor looked spectacular. All the chairs had been arranged just as the bride and groom wanted. Catering had just arrived, so she directed them where to set up. She was about to make her way back to the bride when she spotted Owen’s truck parked in front of the house. Her heart skipped a beat and she thought about heading over there, but she didn’t have time. The wedding was set to start in fifteen minutes and the last thing she needed was to hike up Abigail’s stress level all over again, so despite her curiosity, she made her way over to the bridal room.

  Fortunately, the wedding ceremony was perfect, Abigail and Jeff were all smiles and love, and Honor could finally exhale because the bride and groom were happy. After the ceremony, the guests made their way to the barn for refreshments. The wedding party was having pictures taken by the awesome photographer, whom Mae was overseeing, so Honor took a minute to dash to the house for some much-needed air conditioning and a quick glass of something cool to drink.

  She ran into Owen in the kitchen, downing a glass of lemonade. Louise wasn’t in there, and neither were her parents.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, simultaneously filling her own glass with lemonade and copious amounts of ice.

  “I went fishing this morning and caught a lot of trout, so I thought your mom and dad might like some.”

  “Oh. Well, that was nice.” She took two large swallows of the sweetly tart lemonade, which didn’t help at all to cool her down—not when she stood in the same room as Owen.

  He inched over to where she stood. “Why? Did you think I came by to see you?”

  “Did you?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. But not really. I knew you’d be busy. But I thought I might catch a glimpse. You look pretty today.”

  Warmth curled around her lower belly. “Thank you. You look hot and sweaty.”

  He grinned. “Yeah, I need a shower. I smell like fish. Otherwise I’d kiss you.”

  She reared back, then peeked around the doorway before giving him a warning look. “You would not. My parents are here. Somewhere.”

  He laughed. “You gotta live a little, Honor. Take a few chances.”

  He leaned in and, okay, what harm would a short kiss do? She so wanted to kiss him.

  “Oh, hey, Owen. I didn’t know you were here.”

  Honor almost dropped her glass of lemonade. She moved a few feet away from Owen.

  “Hey, what’s up, Brenna?” Honor asked, turning toward her sister. “Is there a problem?”

  Brenna frowned at Honor. “No. I’m just here to do exactly what you’re doing.”

  “What? I’m not doing anything. Just having some lemonade. Owen brought over some trout. He went fishing today.”

  Brenna went to the fridge and grabbed the lemonade while continuing to stare at Honor. “Uh, okay. Why are you being weird?”

  “I’m not being weird. I should go.”

  Brenna shrugged and turned her attention to Owen. “Trout, huh? That sounds great. Are you saving some for the party tomorrow?”

  “Yeah. I’ve got quite a bit. Gonna put it in the smoker.”

  “Sounds amazing. I’ve got an arugula salad recipe that would go really well with that.”

  She left Brenna and Owen talking, shooting Owen a quick, apologetic smile before sliding out the back door.

  Her heart beat like the wings of wild butterflies as she made her way to the barn. Why was it that every time she saw Owen, she was either utterly panicked or completely turned on, and no matter which situation she found herself in, she was completely unable to focus her brain cells?

  She was going to have to figure out how to maintain her cool while keeping this secret, or before long she was going to self-combust.

  And maybe it was more than the secret that was making her brain cells go haywire. It was seeing Owen, talking to Owen, touching Owen. When she wasn’t with him, she wanted to be. And when she was with him it made her so happy.

  What do we call that, Honor? Is that love?

  She shook her head and picked up her pace, refusing to even consider the possibility.

  Today she had a bridal party to attend to, and she intended to focus all her attention on her job. Tomorrow, she’d worry about how to handle her growing feelings.

  CHAPTER

  twenty

  OWEN WAS TYPICALLY a chill kind of guy. He didn’t worry about the minutiae of things like whether he had enough cups for beer. He ran a craft brewery. Of course he had enough cups for the beer.

  Honor, on the other hand, had made a checklist, because that was her thing, and if it made her happy to do that, he wasn’t going to get in her way.

  “Okay, we’ve got tables, chairs, cups, plates and utensils. People are bringing side dishes. We’ve also got plenty to drink with wine, beer, water and pop, along with iced tea, both sweet and unsweet, and lemonade.”

  He watched as she focused on the list like this was some important event instead of a casual backyard get-together. Which was why he’d asked her to help, since he’d likely have forgotten something important.

  She looked up from her list. “Did you remember to get the vegan stuff?”

  He nodded. “Meatless burgers will be offered for our vegetarian and vegan friends.”

  She smiled and put a checkmark on her list. “Awesome.”

  He watched as Bettie stood at attention at Honor’s side, as if she, too, was prepared with her own list. Said list probably included digging more holes in the backyard, something Owen had spent all of yesterday filling in.

  “I also made a couple of vegan side dishes,” he said.

  “You did? When did you have time for that?”

  He slid his arm around her. “They weren’t hard. And we’ll have a few salads here as well, but some salad dressings aren’t vegan, and I want to cater to everyone.”

  She reached up and smoothed her hand across his jaw. “It’s nice that you think of others.”

  “I try.” She smelled like lemons, making him want to lick her neck. He leaned in and—

  “Oh.” She moved toward the door to survey the backyard. “We should put those umbrellas over the tables to shield people who don’t want to be in the sun.”

  Damn. Thwarted by the to-do list. “I’m on it.”

  “Good. You do that and I’m going to call Brenna. I forgot something at home that I need her to bring.”

  “Okay.” He went outside and took care of the umbrellas over the round tables, then made sure to walk the yard and check for Bettie’s handiwork. So far so good. It was warm today, but he’d gotten lucky and the weather had cooled down some overnight, so it wasn’t unbearable. He hoped it was going to be a great day, since this was his first party at the ranch.

  Once he finished setting up, he went inside, dashed into the bedroom to change into a nonsweaty pair of shorts and a white tee, and then came back out to see that Jason and Erin had arrived, along with Honor’s parents, Maureen and Johnny.

  “Nice place,” Johnny said. “How are your ponies?”

  It was a known fact that Johnny Bellini was a lover of horses. “They love the land. You’ll have to check out the corral and the barn while you’re here.”

  Johnny nodded. “Si. You know I will.”

  Owen saw some people arriving through the gate. “I see we have some other guests. Excuse me.”

  “Go ahead,” Honor said. “I’ll take care of things in here.”

  “Thanks.” He liked knowing Honor was there, handling everything, acting as his unofficial partner today. He wondered if anyone would notice that.

  He wasn’t too worried about it.

  He just had to convince Honor that it was time to let other people see them together.

  * * *

  • • •

  OKAY, FOOD WAS cooking, snacks were on the tables and wow, what a crowd had gathered. Honor was impressed. Her entire family was there, and many of their friends, too. Several of the people Owen worked with at the brewery were here as well. It was one hell of a party.

  Bettie was ecstatic since Owen had told everyone that their pets were invited. Which meant it was a free-for-all of dogs. Murphy, Homer, Puddy and Agatha were all bounding outside the backyard with Bettie, who was currently demonstrating how to bark at the cattle.

  The cattle had gathered at the fence, seemingly bemused by so many dogs.

  “Do you think they’re unhappy?” Honor asked as Owen came over to stand next to her.

  “Nah. They’re curious.”

  “Hey, you two,” Mae said as she walked outside, hand in hand with yet another new guy Honor had never met before. “This is my friend Jameson. Jameson, this is Honor Bellini and Owen Stone, who owns this awesome ranch.”