Send Me a Cowboy by Joann Baker Page A

need.
    “Last chance,” he grunted even as he came
back to bed, the pressure of his powerful legs parting hers.
    “Do you want me to beg?” she whispered
saucily, winding her arms around his neck to pull him fully against
her.
    “Oh, honey, you’ll be begging me before we’re
through,” he replied wickedly. His lips met hers and she returned
his kiss hungrily. He demanded; she gave generously. The feelings
he aroused so easily had her clinging to his strong arms. This
was…overwhelming. He moved insistently and her body responded,
following his lead and longing for the pleasure he promised.
    “That’s it darling,” he whispered. “Just like
that.” He gripped her hip with one hand, teaching her. She moved
her hips, meeting the thrust of his. They both groaned as they
found the perfect rhythm.
    “John,” she gasped as she felt that slow
spiral of satisfaction low in her belly. He made her ache so
delightfully.
    He kissed her as he increased the pace. “Let
go, Katie-cat. I’ll catch you, sweetheart.”
    Those words, spoken with such passion in his
deep voice, carried Katie over the edge and she cried out as the
world exploded into a riot of color behind her closed lids.
    He joined her moments later, her name a
hoarse sound of need on his lips.
    *****
    When Katie woke some time later, it was dark
outside. She snuggled under the covers, feeling on top of the
world. John was gone, but she could still feel his presence. The
time they had spent together, well, Katie couldn’t begin to
describe it. They’d made love the first time and it had been
amazing. When they’d had time to breathe, he’d become concerned
about her ankle. When she’d admitted it was hurting again, he’d
quickly gotten her another icepack. Funny, she’d completely
forgotten about the pain in their initial discovery of each
other.
    He’d also brought them more food, telling her
she was going to need every ounce of energy for the long night to
come. Of course, the food had again been quickly forgotten and he’d
taken her for the second time. She shivered as she remembered. John
was a demanding lover; a sensual lover. As he’d taken her, he’d
described in elaborate detail all the ways he planned on having her
before the night was over.
    A soft knock sounded on the door. Thinking it
was John, she sat up on the bed, pulling the cover beneath her arms
to cover herself. He’d had to leave their bed to return a call to a
Japanese buyer. She combed her fingers through her hair, wishing
she’d taken the time to go to the bathroom and freshen up when
she’d first woken up. Too late now.
    “Come in.”
    “Hi.”
    Katie pulled the covers up to her chin when
she realized the person behind the door was James.
    “Can I come in?”
    “I, umm…”
    He didn’t wait for her okay, just came on
in.
    “How is the ankle?” He sat on the edge of the
bed like a long lost friend and Katie smiled. Everyone had been so
caring.
    “It’s starting to hurt,” she admitted. She
moved the appendage slowly, wincing as the pain deepened. She
probably needed to put some more ice on it and see if she could
find some more aspirin. What she really needed to do was find her
t-shirt and panties and get dressed. She was nude beneath the
covers and felt extremely awkward with James in the room. Now if it
was John…
    “Let me look.” He slid the cover off her
lower leg and took her injured foot in his hand before she could
protest. Removing the icepack, he groaned when the icy water
spilled out onto his shirt. Flicking open the buttons, he lifted
the wet material away from his skin. “I’ll dry,” he muttered at her
concerned look. Lifting her foot lightly, he turned it slowly,
trying not to cause more pain. The swelling had gone down, but it
was now a deep purple.
    “Oh, James.” His name came out in a husky
rush. His manipulations hurt.
    “Sorry.” He stopped. “I know it’s late, but
do you feel like going over some of the plans? I have to meet