The mare stopped chewing on the wood.

  “Excellent. Now let’s go back to the barn, okay?” She tugged again.

  Sally planted her feet and gave Lily a look that plainly said Make me.

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Let’s go.” Lily pulled with more force.

  Sally jerked her head up so quickly that she dislodged Lily’s grip. When Lily made a grab for the halter, Sally tossed her head and backed up with a snort.

  “Okay, you’re away from the windowsill. That’s a start.” She thought of trying to move the horse with the flapping technique, but of course her sweatshirt didn’t have tails. Besides, backing Sally all the way to the barn didn’t seem like the way to go.

  As Lily stood with her hands on her hips and tried to figure out a feasible plan, the mare walked back over to the windowsill and took another bite.

  “Damn it, Sally!” Lily made another grab for her halter, and Sally moved deftly out of the way. Then she stood there, tail swishing and brown eyes placid. She seemed to be waiting patiently for Lily’s next move in the chess game they were playing.

  “Got a problem?”

  She turned as Regan, shirtless and sexy, approached. In her frustration with Sally, she’d forgotten that she might be disturbing him. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “No big deal. Need some help with that animal?” He’d pulled on his jeans and boots and come to her rescue, but clearly a shirt would have taken more time than he’d wanted to spend.

  Considering the potent image he presented in that outfit and how it immediately affected her with a case of raging lust, she forgave him his cocky grin. “She’s determined to chew on the windowsill. I guess it tastes better than the porch railing. She’s being stubborn about going back to the barn.”

  He paused about ten feet away and folded his arms across that beautiful bare chest. “I can see that.”

  “Do you think you could catch her and take her back to her stall? I’m not having much luck, and I don’t want her to destroy any more of this windowsill.”

  “I could, but it would be better if you did it.”

  “So far she’s defied me. If she had hands instead of hooves, I think she would have flipped me off.”

  He nodded. “She does have that look in her eye. How about this? Instead of going over and trying to grab her halter like you’ve been doing, you—”

  “You were watching the whole thing from the window, weren’t you?”

  “Yeah. I heard her chewing and wondered what you’d do about it. When I realized she wasn’t going to mind you, I decided to come out. We don’t want to let her think she’s the boss of you.”

  “Even if she is.”

  “She won’t be for long. How about if you walk over there slowly, arms at your sides, and talk to her in a nice, calm voice as you approach? She might stay right there.”

  “It’s worth a shot.” Although at first she’d been relieved that he might handle the problem, she recognized this was better. She needed to learn how to control the horses, and he was conveniently here to teach her.

  Turning back to Sally, she opened the conversation and began walking. “Hey, girl, you really don’t want to chew on that windowsill, even if I did use environmentally safe paint on it. You have green flecks in your teeth, and I have to say, that’s not a good look, especially at your age.”

  Behind her, she heard Regan’s soft chuckle. “That’s good. Make sure you’re completely nonthreatening in your body language.”

  She did a body check and relaxed her shoulders. “Sally, babe, let me also appeal to your generous nature. If you keep chewing up my house, I’ll be out some money for repairs. If you stop the chewing, I’ll have extra money to spend on some nice perks around here. What would make you smile? Ribbons in your mane? A little bling on your halter?”

  “She’s listening,” Regan said. “See how her ears are pitched forward?”

  “Yep. I’m almost there. Now what?”

  “Walk past her head, turn slowly toward her and casually stroke her neck. And keep talking. As you talk, work your way up her neck, scratch around her ears and stroke her muzzle, but act like you have no desire to grab the halter. And keep—”

  “I know. Keep talking.”

  “Right. Your goal is to eventually take hold of the halter without making any sudden movements. Once you have it, cluck your tongue and start walking. Make sure your mind-set is that she’ll follow. Assume she’ll come with you, and don’t jerk or tug.”

  “This feels like Jedi Knight training.” She walked past Sally’s head and slowly turned toward the horse.

  “It’s not so different from that. There’s a lot of mental stuff going on when you work with horses. They pick up on your moods and your body language so well that you’d swear they can read your mind. If you’re feeling uncertain, they won’t want to do a single thing you ask. So think success.”

  “Okay.” She continued to talk to Sally while visualizing that this interaction would go smoothly. She began stroking the mare’s neck and eventually worked her way to Sally’s muzzle. She could do this. Sally would obey her. When Lily thought she’d loved on the horse enough, she took hold of the halter, clucked her tongue and started walking toward the barn.

  Sally followed.

  Lily wanted to shout and punch her fist in the air, but that would be counterproductive. She settled for smiling at Regan in triumph.

  He answered with a wide grin and gave her a thumbs-up. Then he ambled over and joined her as they headed to the barn. “Well done.”

  “You’re a good teacher.”

  “I learned from the best. Ever hear of a horse trainer named Buck Brannaman?”

  “Nope.”

  “He’s the original horse whisperer, and I attended a clinic he gave back in Virginia. I haven’t mastered all his techniques by any means, but he helped me tune in to the horse psyche, and that makes me a better vet. And in some ways, maybe a better man.”

  She eyed him. “For the record, I’m sure you were already a darned good man.”

  “Thanks, but there’s always room for improvement.”

  She took a deep breath. “In my case, too. I realized when I walked out to confront Sally, that I don’t give a damn if this turns into a rebound relationship. That was a selfish concern and I’m over it. The animals are lucky to have you here, and so am I. You’re welcome for as long as you want to stay.”

  He walked quietly beside her, not saying anything. When he finally spoke, his voice was rough with emotion. “Thank you, Lily. That...that means more to me than you can ever know.”

  Maybe so, but she had an idea why her words had that effect. Perhaps he didn’t realize it himself, but like the animals in her care, he desperately needed someone to want him again.

  12

  AFTER POLISHING OFF the roasted portobello-mushroom sandwich Lily fixed him for lunch, Regan decided eating vegetarian meals for a week wouldn’t be bad at all. Turning into a carnivore after he’d left home twelve years ago might have been more of an act of rebellion than a dietary preference. It hadn’t hurt that he’d been starving to death, though. Between the trip out to the Last Chance and all the fun they’d had in bed, they’d blown right past the normal lunch hour.

  But now that one hunger was satisfied, the other one was making itself known. He and Lily had eaten their mushroom sandwiches at the formal dining table because she didn’t have anywhere else to eat—other than the throw cushions from the night before. She’d taken the end seat and he’d grabbed the one on her right.

  He’d also wolfed down his meal like a man who hadn’t eaten in a week. Sex usually had that effect on him, which was why he often raided the refrigerator afterward. This time he’d been too worn out, but in a really good way, to do that.

  They’d spent the meal discussing a training schedule, which was supposed to begin in fifteen or twenty minutes. If they kept to that schedule, they should be able to work with two different horses this afternoon before it was time to feed the animals. As Regan observed Lily finishing her sandwich, he had some very unworthy thoughts that involved deviating from the plan.

  She swallowed her last bite and caught him watching her. “What? Did you want the last bit of mine? Are you still hungry?”

  He laughed. “At the risk of sounding like a cliché, the answer is yes, I’m still hungry, but not for food.”

  “Oh.” Her gaze locked with his. “I see.”

  “But we have a hell of a lot to accomplish, so...”

  “True.” She gave him a once-over. “But now I’m thinking about having sex with you instead.”

  “You weren’t before?”

  “Sure I was. But knowing you’ve been thinking about it, too, is a whole other thing, if you know what I mean.”

  His cock twitched. “I most certainly do.” She was still wearing those easy-access sweatpants.

  “It would help if you’d go put on your shirt while I clear the table. Sitting here with you half-naked is bound to get a girl all juiced up.”

  “Nice to know I’m appreciated.” His cock began to swell.

  “Oh, you definitely are, but we need to get going.” She stood. “So put on your shirt before I forget myself and grab you.”

  “Okay.” But he smiled as he walked into the master bedroom. She couldn’t go around delivering lines like that and expect him to be a good boy and do as he was told. Comments like hers inspired him to be a very bad boy, indeed.

  But he could be bad and still hold to the schedule. She might not believe that, so he’d have to prove it to her. The benefits to that were many, including setting the stage for more such encounters. They’d both be able to concentrate on work much better if they took occasional breaks to release some tension.

  He returned wearing a shirt just as she’d finished wiping down the table with a damp dishrag. He pointed to a place in the middle of the table. “Missed a spot.”

  “Are you sure? We sat at the end. We didn’t even use that part of the table.”

  “Yeah, right there.” He moved a chair aside to give her access.

  She came over and peered at the area he’d indicated. “Maybe there is something left over from another meal. Oh, and FYI, buttoning your shirt would be a good thing, too. You still look like a Playgirl centerfold.”

  “Think so, huh?”

  “I’ll bet you’re doing it on purpose to get me hot.” Leaning over the table, she scrubbed at the nearly invisible spot he’d pointed out.

  He coughed to cover a moan. “Is it working?” He unbuttoned his jeans.

  “I’ll never tell.”

  “Let’s see.” Stepping closer, he caught her around the waist.

  “Hey!”

  He slid his free hand neatly under the waistband of both her sweats and panties.

  Her breath caught. “I thought we agreed to...Regan...”

  “What, Lily?” Pulling her against the erection straining the zipper of his jeans, he thrust his fingers deep. She was slick and hot. Ready.

  “Work.”

  “We will.” He breathed in the scent of her hair and the musk of her arousal. “This won’t take long.”

  “That’s what you think.” She gulped for air as he continued to probe her heat. “Once you get me back in that bedroom, we’ll be in there for—”

  “We’re not going back to the bedroom.”

  “Then where are we going?”

  “Right here. If we stay out of the bedroom, we’ll be fine.” He stroked faster. “Come for me, pretty lady.”

  “You’re...crazy.” She braced her hands on the table and widened her stance. “But that feels so...good.”

  “Thought you’d like it.” Closing his eyes against the intense pressure in his groin, he pumped rapidly until she began to whimper and tighten around his fingers. “Let go,” he murmured.

  “I... Yes, there. There!” Gasping, she came, massaging his fingers with each contraction.

  Gritting his teeth against the demands of his own body, he stayed with her until her tremors subsided. Then he slowly withdrew.

  Hands still braced on the table, her face hidden by her curtain of red hair, she took a shaky breath. “Great for me. Not so great for you.”

  “It will be. Stay right there.” Quickly unzipping and shoving his jeans and briefs down, he rolled on one of the two condoms he’d stuffed in his pocket when he went after the shirt. From now on, he planned to have one with him at all times.

  Then he drew her sweats and panties down, exposing her creamy backside, which was also dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg. He longed to kiss her there, but this episode wasn’t about leisurely kisses. There would be other times. Many other times.

  She sucked in a breath. “Regan?”

  “Lean over,” he murmured. “Arch your back and raise your hips.” He nearly came when she did as he asked, resting her upper body on the table and presenting him with an exotic view of his destination—pink, glistening and blatantly inviting him inside.

  He certainly planned to accept that invitation, but the angle was different and he didn’t want to hurt her. Breathing hard from the effort to maintain control, he grasped her hips, eased partway in and paused.

  She moaned softly.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  “No. I want more.”

  He gave her that and fought to hold back his climax. Sweat beaded on his chest.

  “More. I want it all, mister.”

  He sank in up to the hilt and groaned at the pure pleasure of it. He swallowed. “Still okay?”

  “This is amazing.”

  She sounded surprised. Hadn’t she ever tried it this way before? “But surely you’ve—”

  “He...he wasn’t built like you. So it was...anticlimactic.”

  Regan smiled. All righty, then. His ego had been stroked, but not his impatient cock. It wanted to move. “Tell me if this is okay.” He drew back and slid forward again.

  “Outstanding. More of that.”

  “How about this?” He initiated a steady rhythm.

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “Faster?”

  “Oh, please, yes.”

  As he picked up the pace, she began to pant and urge him on. He didn’t need much urging. His thighs slapped against hers in a frantic tempo amplified by bare walls and floors.

  “I’m coming! Oh, Regan, I’m coming!”

  Her wild cries and the undulation of her hot channel hurled him over the edge. He surged into her with a bellow of surrender. Locked tight against her firm bottom, he shuddered and moaned as his cock kept pumping. It was the most intense orgasm of his life.

  Neither of them moved. He knew he should. He’d planned for this to be short and sweet. Timewise it might qualify as short, but no way had it been sweet. Sweet was lollipops and roses, unicorns and rainbows, kittens and puppies. This coupling had been black velvet, bloodred wine and the low wail of a saxophone. This was sex in its most earthy, sensual, primitive form. And he wanted more of it.

  While she remained stretched out against the smooth tabletop, she drew in a shaky breath. “Wow. Way to sabotage a work schedule.”

  He smiled. “Couldn’t help it.” Then the smile became a chuckle, and the chuckle morphed into a belly laugh.

  “That feels very strange, Regan, since you’re still...you know...connected to me. It’s sort of vibrator-ish.”

  He laughed harder. “Is it turning you on?”

  “It might if I hadn’t just had a peak orgasmic experience, but my private parts are currently in a state of shock and awe.”

  He couldn’t seem to stop laughing. She had a way with words, this girl genius. He supposed that went with the high IQ. “Want me to disconnect so you can recover?”

  “I may never recover my dignity. Dear Lord. Bent over a dining room table and taken from behind. What next?”

  “Is that a question or a challenge?”

  “I’ll let you decide. But you probably should let me get up before I dislocate something.”

  “Okay.” Reluctantly he started easing away from paradise.

  “Wait.”

  He paused.

  “Promise me something first.”

  “Good timing. I’m in the mood to promise you anything.”

  “This one’s easy. Don’t look.”

  “At what?”

  “Me! Bent over the table in this unflattering position!”

  “I find it extremely flattering.”

  “Maybe before, when you were filled with lust, but I doubt you will now. So promise me you’ll close your eyes, turn around and head for the bathroom. Okay?”

  He hesitated. “That’s a lot to ask of a guy who’s all about visual stimulation.”

  “You don’t need any more of that. We have work to do. Promise you’ll close your eyes?”

  “Sure. I’ll close my eyes.” He hadn’t said when.

  “Good. By the time you get back, I’ll be presentable.”

  “All right.” He reluctantly backed away. But he sure as hell looked his fill before he left. He could talk until he was blue in the face and never convince her that men enjoyed different visuals from women.

  Oh, yeah. He wasn’t about to miss that. Surely there wasn’t a prettier sight than her freckled bottom, so rosy from the incredible sex they’d just enjoyed. Below that, peeking out seductively, were the moist pink folds of her sex, still swollen with arousal. Any man would remember that sight for the rest of his life. And he was no exception.

  * * *

  LILY SUSPECTED REGAN hadn’t honored her request not to look. Her first clue was his soft hum of appreciation after he’d slid out of her. Her second clue was his heartfelt sigh as he walked away. Her third clue was when he started whistling in the bathroom.

  He was one happy guy, and come to think of it, she was one happy woman. Too bad he’d shot the timetable all to hell. But once she’d peeled herself off the table, pulled up her pants and walked slightly bowlegged into the kitchen, she was astounded to discover that they weren’t so far off schedule, after all. Who would have thought you could pack so much pleasure into so little time?

  And oh, the pleasure. She’d never considered herself a hedonist, but a man like Regan could make her reconsider her position. That cowboy knew how to ride. In any position.