His other hand is under my sweater, shoving my bra higher and clutching my breast, pinching my hardened nipple.

  “Oh, fuck…” I’m surrounded by him, filled with him, and I’m unable to stop the noises slipping from my lips.

  “That’s my girl…” His lips are at my ear, and he kisses then bites the shell as his hips begin to move.

  My hands brace the hay wall, my knees weaken, but he holds me up thrusting harder as he circles my clit. His simultaneous, relentless massaging and hitting that spot deep inside me again and again, fires orgasm through my inner thighs.

  “I’m so close.” His lips are at my ear, and another shimmer of sensation erupts in my veins. “Come for me.”

  The order triggers muscle memory. “Keep going,” I gasp. “That’s the spot…”

  I’m bent forward, all my focus on his cock invading my soft parts. Suddenly a Slap! His palm stings against my backside, and I fly straight to the edge.

  “Fuck,” I gasp, clenching, and he spanks me again, another firm smack of his hand exploding heat through my pelvis.

  One more, and my orgasm breaks, drawing my insides tighter as a cry breaks from my lips.

  He groans deeply, and I feel him break, his cock pulsing against my walls, and it shoots another burst of flames through my core.

  “Oh, God, I’m coming again,” I whimper.

  He holds each thrust a little longer, groaning as his orgasm shakes his pelvis against my ass.

  Reaching up, I hold his neck as I ride out the pulses of my second, fast orgasm. Our bodies pull, thrusting, clinging in time like a dance. His hand on my breast squeezes, and he thumbs my tight nipple.

  “You feel so fucking good.” His hot mouth is on my skin, kissing behind my ear.

  Holding my eyes closed, I revel in the sensation of our bodies fused together, our breath slowly coming down as we embrace until the last pulse subsides.

  The shriek of voices on the other side of the hay wall ends it all too soon. He releases me, turning me so I’m hidden by his body as he quickly disposes of the condom and fastens his jeans.

  “Why can’t I stop fucking you?”

  “Because we’re too good at it.” I can’t help laughing as I straighten my clothes.

  I’m fizzy and happy.

  “You’re going to get me fired.”

  “I would never get you fired.”

  My chin is lifted, and I look up at him as he looks down at me, a smile gentling his frustrated features. He’s so beautiful. I slide my fingers across the line of his cheek, lost in the fantasy of us together.

  “Are you staying here for fall break?” His eyes travel from mine to my hair, to my lips.

  “I don’t have any plans.” It’s true—I only have dreams of what I want to do and orders of what I must do.

  “I promised to go back to Hamiltown and check on the estate, exercise the horses. No one will be there, and I was thinking…” Again his chin lifts, and the muscle in his jaw moves as if he’s struggling. “I’d like you to come with me.”

  “Yes,” I answer so fast, a sexy smile curls his full lips.

  “I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning—”

  “Not at my dorm. Pick me up behind the psychology building. I’ll wait there out of sight.”

  His lips tighten, and he nods. “Probably for the best.”

  Rising on my toes, I kiss him again, and he softens, kissing me back, parting my mouth with his before his tongue slips in to taste me. As good as that fuck was, I instantly want him again.

  “Re-re?” Ali calls, and I pull away.

  “See you in the morning.”

  As much as it hurts to leave him, I really don’t want to get him fired.

  His deep voice mutters something about getting out of this damn maze, and I smile, jogging in the direction of my roommate calling me.

  “I’m here!” I yell, and she meets me around the next corner.

  “That was crazy!” Her voice is loud and excited, and I look in the direction I came, thinking yes, it was…

  It’s so dark, I can’t tell if he’s still there or if he slipped away. I only know tomorrow can’t get here soon enough.

  15

  Dirk

  They’re gone, and I lean against the hay wall, trying to catch my breath. I need to find Sharon and Pamela, Pamela’s wife, and Amelia, but for a minute, I’m lost in the crack cocaine that is Reanna Lorak.

  I’ve always been in control. I’ve never needed anyone. I’ve worked long hours, stayed awake all night, tracked criminals, found missing persons… But I’ve never found the person.

  Then she appeared.

  I don’t even remember when the change happened. She has me in knots inside and out. She’s beautiful. She’s strong and stubborn, but she’s also vulnerable. When she asked me why I came here with Sharon, my own jealous feelings about her with that shithead Evan were reflected back at me in her eyes.

  This has gone too far… She’s a wild card. She’s lethal to my career.

  I can’t wait to see her again.

  Scrubbing my hands over my face, I’ve got to get out of this maze. Taking off at a jog, I listen closely for the sounds of my party. I go a bit farther, then I shout, “Sharon?”

  A few more paces and I jump back as an actor lunges from a dark corner.

  “Seriously, dude.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “You could get punched doing that.”

  He hisses, not breaking character, and heads back into the darkness. I’ve decided the last job I’d ever want would be “zombie actor” in a haunted house, when I turn and almost head-butt Landon O’Toole.

  “Fuck,” I hiss. “Watch where you’re going, Toole.”

  Did I just say that out loud?

  Yes, yes, I did, and his brow lowers in annoyance. “Professor Winston, are you here alone? Odd choice.”

  Not half as odd as you, I do not say.

  “I got separated from my party, but are you… alone?” I look behind him, not seeing anyone.

  “I’m with my daughter. She’s talking to one of the actors.”

  “Didn’t know you had a daughter.”

  “I didn’t really see the need to get chummy, since it’s unclear how long you’ll be with us.”

  “Is it?” I start to walk, ready to be done with this windbag.

  Naturally, he follows me. “Let’s just say I’ve heard some concerning rumors of late regarding you and a certain female student.” He pauses, and a chill drifts down my spine. “Rumors that make me less optimistic regarding your tenure.”

  That stops me, and I turn to face him. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  Her scent is still on my fingers, the memory of her soft body wrapped around mine, of me bending her forward in the hay and fucking her hard from behind. Did he see us together?

  A humorless smile curls his lips. “I’d be lying if I hadn’t noticed her myself. She’s a very attractive young woman, and nothing’s more appealing than forbidden fruit.”

  “Just say what’s on your mind, Landon.” I’m ready to punch this guy in the face.

  He’s at least ten years older than me, and he’s a professor. A point I realize is completely hypocritical. Still the thought of him looking at Reanna with desire makes me realize just how over the line I’ve gone.

  His eyes narrow as he studies my expression. “Just a friendly word of caution.”

  From someone who claims not to be interested in being friends, I muse.

  He continues. “Grad students do fall in somewhat of a gray zone, but it can be problematic if things don’t work out.”

  “Grad student?” My brow furrows, and in my confusion, I don’t consider I could be blowing my cover.

  “Dirk?” Pamela’s voice calls to me from up ahead.

  “There you are.” Sharon trots up to where I’m standing, slipping her hand into the crook of my arm. “We were about to send out a search party.”

  Landon’s eyes drift down to where she’s touching me, and his eyebrow arches. I almost laugh out loud. Instead, I decide he’s a big boy. If he’s got the wrong idea about me and Sharon, that’s not my problem.

  “I was actually trying to find you guys.” I pat the top of her hand on my arm.

  “We made it to the end.” Dr. Chase strolls to where we stand. “Then when you never appeared, we figured we’d better come find you.”

  “Thanks, I got held up.”

  “Oh, hello, Landon.” Pamela lifts her chin as if she disapproves of the delay. “Didn’t know you were coming to the fundraiser. I thought you said the hay maze was a smelly nuisance.”

  “I’m here with my daughter.”

  “Speaking of daughters,” I interrupt, ready to put an end to this. “How’s Amelia holding up? She must be getting hungry.”

  “Joanna has her in the car.”

  “Come on.” Sharon tugs my arm before dropping it and trotting ahead to what I see is the end of the maze.

  I also notice the group of kids Reanna came with gathered there, and my eyes strain as I scan the faces for hers. As always, she’s standing a little bit apart, a little distant, watching me.

  Our eyes meet, and the familiar lightning electrifies my senses. I’ve never been this way with a woman. I’ve had relationships, but I’ve never felt the things you hear about in songs and sonnets. I’ve never hungered for someone so intensely.

  “As I was saying,” Tool’s eyes are on me, and I tear mine away.

  I realize he’s watching me as well, but my thoughts are several hours ahead and miles from this place. “Thanks for the warning, Landon. I’ll keep it in mind.”

  Reanna stands slightly behind the round bushes lining the back of the psychology department, not quite hidden, but not immediately visible to passersby. Her dark hair hangs straight down her back, and she’s in dark jeans and a red sweater with a low V that hugs her body.

  A small bag is at her feet, and as I drive closer, she looks up at me. Our eyes connect through the windshield, and my stomach tightens, heat filtering below my belt. I barely slept last night, the anticipation of this day holding me in a state of alertness.

  I wanted to text all night, but instead, I sent one note, Pick you up at 9.

  Her reply was simply, I’ll be there.

  Now we’re here.

  I put the Jeep in park, ready to hop out and help her with her things, but before I can open my door, she tosses her bag in the back and jumps in the passenger’s side.

  “No need to draw attention.” Pushing her hair back, ice-blue eyes meet mine, and adrenaline hums in my veins.

  I want to reach over and grab her neck and kiss her roughly like we always do, but she’s right, no need to linger where we might attract attention.

  Turning the wheel, I drive us off campus to the freeway and out to the interstate highway. We’re ten minutes down the road with “Take it Easy” playing on the radio, and I glance over to see her watching the scenery pass.

  It’s the first time we’ve been out of the pressure cooker. We’re free to do whatever we want as much and at any time, and I search for something to say, to break the silence.

  “I guess the Eagles never go out of style.”

  Her brow furrows, and she turns to look at me. “Who are the Eagles?”

  Squinting at her, I look out at the road. “You’re joking, right?” She doesn’t answer, and I clarify. “You don’t know who the Eagles are?”

  “I take it that’s one of your bands.” Her brow arches. “Because you’re so much older than me.”

  Cutting another glance, I see her lips press together, and she turns her face to the window again.

  Reaching across the console, I poke her side. “I’m so much older now, am I?”

  A laugh bursts from her lips, and it’s cute and unexpected. I realize it’s the first time I’ve heard her laugh. She threads her fingers with mine, resting them on the console, and warmth filters from our connection, up my arm, to my heart.

  It takes me by surprise, and I’m not sure what to say.

  “I know who the Eagles are,” she says quietly.

  Her thumb slides along the skin at the side of my hand, and it’s so familiar. “I figured you did.”

  She presses the button, lowering the window so the breeze blows around us, lifting her hair. “I love the scent of the ocean. I’m part mermaid, you know.”

  This playful side is new, and I like it. I think about having her in the ocean and decide a beach trip is now on our bucket list. “How do you feel about horses?”

  “I can ride a horse.” She shifts in the seat to face me, our hands still clasped. “I didn’t know you owned horses.”

  “They belong to Hugh… my sister-in-law’s uncle. He has a big estate, plenty of land for them to run.”

  Her eyes flicker down, and a shadow seems to pass over her pretty features. She blinks it away, quickly smiling up at me again. “It sounds beautiful. Will we be staying there?”

  “I figured we’d stay at my place, but we’ll go over during the day.”

  Her smile holds steady, but again her eyes go to our hands clasped on the console. Her thumb slides over my skin, and she almost seems sad.

  “Everything okay?” I glance back at the road.

  “Of course.” Her voice brightens. “I want to see all your things.”

  “Good, because I’m planning to show you everything.” Yeah, there’s a hint of innuendo in my tone.

  She’s right there with me. “That sounds naughty, professor.”

  “You have no idea.”

  16

  Reanna

  The golden horse lifts her head over the door at the sound of Dirk’s voice. We drove straight from Thornton to what I now know is Hugh van Hamilton’s estate, leaving our bags in the Jeep as Dirk took my hand to walk us straight to the stables.

  Sliding my fingers through his on the drive over was the most natural thing. It was the first time I’d held his hand, such a simple gesture, yet so amazing. The heat of his palm warming mine, the strength of his fingers against my skin. I never thought much about holding hands until this moment, when my hand is securely in his firm grip. Now we can’t seem to stop touching each other.

  He only releases me to cup the face of the massive animal rubbing her nose against his chest. “Reanna, meet Dancer. Hugh van Hamilton’s prized Palomino.”

  “Is she prized?” I slide my hand along the horse’s velvety neck.

  “Hugh loved old westerns, and when he got her, I think he was hoping for Trigger.” He squints an eye at me, and adds, “Roy Rogers was a famous old cowboy. His palomino horse was named Trigger.”

  “I knew that!” I didn’t.

  “Dancer’s not a stallion, but she’s a good horse.”

  The mare nods her head at him as if she understands what he’s saying.

  Wrinkling my nose, I laugh. “Does everything fall in love with you?”

  The words jump out, and I bite my lip at how close it sounds to me saying I love him. That’s crazy, although I’m acutely aware of how close I am to falling for this sexy-ass man right now, especially with him playfully showing me all his favorite things like a little boy.

  He doesn’t miss a beat. “I am the youngest.”

  “So I take that as a yes.”

  “I can’t speak for others.” He gives me a sexy wink, and it’s a sizzle in my veins.

  We’ve been so restrained since he picked me up this morning, almost as if we were meeting each other for the first time, in a new environment, where we can truly relax and be ourselves. We’re not stealing moments or hiding from prying eyes.

  The tension between us is tight as a drum, but we can take our time.

  I slide my hand down the horse’s nose. “She acts like she’s your horse.”

  “We have a history.”

  “You have a history with this horse?” Stepping closer to him, I rest my cheek against his firm shoulder.

  “I was the only person to ride her regularly after Hugh brought her here. He asked me to keep her exercised, so we pretty much spent the summer together.”

  “Mm, lucky girl.” I walk over to an empty stall filled with fresh hay. “Is it just me or does the smell of hay make you horny?”

  His low chuckle meets my ears just before his arms circle my waist. “It’s not just you.”

  Turning, I lift my hands to his cheeks, meeting his lips halfway to mine. They bump in a kiss and part, tongues desperate to taste. He drags my body firmly against his, burying his face in my neck and inhaling deeply.

  “I love your scent.” His low voice filters heat through my veins. “It haunts me when we’re apart.”

  “We’re together all weekend… at least?” I’m not entirely sure of the timeline.

  “Everyone gets back Sunday night.” He lifts his messy dark head, hazel eyes smoldering. “I thought we could hang around and let you meet them if you want.”

  There’s no way I can meet them, but I’ll figure that out when the time comes.

  “Sure.” I smile, kissing his lips again, loving how I can touch him whenever I want. “You don’t think they’ll have a problem with you being my professor?”

  His lips are at my jaw, tracing a line up to my cheek when he stops. “I’m only your professor for a few more months.”

  Then he goes back to being my enemy. I cringe at the unwelcome thought, barging in on my happy space.

  It makes me shiver, and I pull his hand as if we can run away, back in the direction of the horses. “Can we go for a ride? Then we can come back and clean up… or get dirty.”

  He grins, walking past me. “Sure, help me grab a saddle.”

  I follow him into the tack room, which is the size of a large utility closet, filled with blankets and saddles of all sizes and shapes, bridles… and gifts, it seems.

  “Oh, man,” Dirk laughs softly, putting a straw cowboy hat on his head. “Check this out.”

  He turns, tilting his head so he looks up at me from under the brim, and a flash of desire shoots straight to my core. “That’s a look I didn’t know I liked.”

  “You like it?” He pulls me to his chest, tipping the brim back before leaning down to cover my lips with his in a hot kiss.