High Noon (Between the Veils Series, Book Two) Read online

  “Sweetie, I was sixteen when we started dating—hardly ready for sex. And by the time I would have been, well—we’d moved on to just friends.” She reached out and brushed the hair off his forehead. “I told you. The chemistry wasn’t there and not just for me. Avery never really saw me that way. I think he wanted to but…”

  “But what? He was insane?”

  She smiled, making his stomach drop to his feet. “I just wasn’t the one for him and it sounds like it turned out pretty good on his end. So…” She leaned in, her breath mixing with his. “Are you ready to jump, or not?”

  Blake groaned as her lips brushed his again, slightly more hesitant than the last time. He waited for his head to clear before taking control, snaking one arm around her waist as he pulled her close, crushing her body against his. He swallowed her gasp of surprise, allowing the moan that followed to sound between them. Payton’s eyelids fluttered then opened, those brilliant blue eyes staring back at him. He held her gaze as he moved forward, taking them both onto her sleeping bag again. She shifted beneath him, cradling his still hard shaft between her thighs. Her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples beading against her shirt.

  He ran one hand down her side, tracing her soft curves until he reached the hem. He tried to calm his breathing as he eased his fingers under the cotton, moving his hand back up. Her skin felt soft compared to his, and he dipped in to taste the sensuous spot on her neck. Payton tilted her head, holding her breath as he nipped her throat at the same time his fingers brushed across one distended bud.

  “God, Blake.”

  He smiled against her skin, loving the husky rasp as his hand made another pass, two fingers flicking her nipple through her bra. The bud tightened further, pressing against his palm as he cupped her breast. She arched her back, increasing the pressure. He growled his intentions, moving his hand to the middle as he twisted open her bra and eased the cups apart, moaning at the hot feel of her skin on his. He eased his hand over, rubbing gentle circles across her breast.

  Payton hissed out her breath, one hand tugging on his hair as the other reached for his shirt. He raised his body slightly, hating the loss of contact as he shoved his jacket off his shoulders before helping her yank his tee over his head. She tossed it off to the right, the soft whisper of cloth on the floor sounding from beyond the ring of light. Small fingers coasted across his back, the tips pausing to knead his muscles.

  Blake rested his forehead on hers, savoring how her hands explored his body. She’d finally released his hair, her hand finding new purchase on his chest. She made small swirls across his skin, skimming it downward until she reached his jeans.

  “These really need to go.” She tugged at the button as if the entire length of fabric would fall off him by sheer will alone. “Now.”

  He eased back and smiled down at her. “Eager?”

  She cupped his shaft through the denim. “I’m not the only one.”

  He groaned as she squeezed his length, making his balls pull tight against his groin. Damn, she was going to make him come with nothing more than a gentle touch of her hand. He pushed onto his knees, swatting at her hand when she reached for his crotch again.

  “Give me a chance to take them off, or I might just make a fool of myself.”

  She traced her bottom lip with her tongue. “You said it yourself. We’re here all night. And I can’t think of a better way to spend the hours. I don’t mind playing while you recover.”

  Damn. How could he argue with that? He sighed in defeat, plopping back on the pad and toeing off his boots as she twisted to her knees before him. Her fingers worked the button of his jeans free, the harsh rasp of the zipper pulsing his cock against his briefs. She paused with his pants split open, his shaft tenting the cotton between the sides. A small dot marred the surface and she hummed as she drew her fingers across the head.

  “Wow, sweetie. There really isn’t anything little about you, is there.”

  It wasn’t a question, and his harsh groan was all he could reply as she bent forward and nipped at his shaft through his shorts. He braced his weight on his hands, lifting his ass up as she fingered the waistband of his jeans and pulled them down, discarding them and his socks into the shadows.

  Her gaze rose to meet his, a wicked smile gracing her lips. “Last chance to back down before I get my mouth all over you.”

  “Just remember, sweetheart. It’s my turn next.”

  She shrugged as if she wasn’t concerned about his turn and wrapped her fingers around his shorts. She held his stare as she slowly lowered his briefs, breaking eye contact to watch his shaft emerge into the candlelight. Blake followed her line of sight, clenching his jaw as his cock bobbed forward, the tip shiny with pre-cum. Payton paused, holding his shorts at the top of his thighs as she stared at his shaft, her tongue darting out to moisten her lips again.

  She looked up at him, raising one eyebrow in an unspoken question. He sucked in a ragged breath, not sure how long he could last if she wrapped her lips around his cock. He forced down a swallow, nearly choking when she blew a warm breath across the crown, making his shaft jerk up in response.

  “Payton. Sweetheart. While I can’t imagine anything hotter than those luscious lips of yours wrapped around my cock, I’m not sure…”

  His voice cracked as she leaned forward and swirled her tongue across the tip, licking up the fluid that had leaked out.

  “Mmm.” She glanced up at him, winking before sliding her mouth over the head and taking him deep to the back of her throat.

  Fire burned a path down his spine, culminating in his balls as she paused with him lodged inside before easing up, keeping just the head inside her hot mouth. A pass of her tongue had him fisting the sleeping bag, his eyes threatening to roll back in his head. She stopped just long enough to shuck his briefs off the rest of the way before taking him deep again.

  “Damn. You’re too hot, too fucking good at this.” He released one hand from the bag and threaded it through her hair, trying not to clamp too tight on the silky strands. But all he could think about was holding her head still as he fucked her mouth in long, steady strides.

  Payton seemed oblivious to his need and descended again, slower than before. His shaft flared as it hit the back of her throat, and he cursed the way she made him wait, using her wicked tongue to her advantage as she retreated, licking his cock as if she was in complete control.

  Blake growled and punched his hips forward, nudging her mouth. She looked up at him, vibrant blue eyes beneath long, black lashes. Her expression told him she knew exactly how close to the edge he was, and that she had no intentions of backing down.

  He narrowed his eyes, nudging her mouth again. “Payton.”

  She chuckled, but relented, opening wider and encouraging him to move of his own accord. He took her invitation and thrust forward, stopping himself before he made her gag. She swallowed with him deep inside, and he lost it.

  “Damn.”

  Blake closed his eyes, starting up the rhythm Payton had hinted at, driving deep then levering back. He didn’t pause like she had, too close to exploding to stop. Payton hummed, the throaty sound adding another layer of sensation. The tiny vibrations skirted along his shaft, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer.

  He forced himself to open his eyes, pinned by the gleam in hers as she pleasured him. Her mouth tightened at the edges and she raised one hand to cover the length of him her mouth couldn’t reach while her other caressed his sac.

  “Fuck, Payton. I’m going to come, sweetheart.”

  She sucked harder, using her hand to counter his motion. He clenched his jaw then surrendered to the rush of heat blazing through his groin. Dots flashed across his vision as he thrust deep, spurting down the back of her throat.

  Payton moaned and kept pumping him, draining every drop from his cock until he collapsed onto his elbows. Their gazes clashed along the length of his body, and he didn’t miss the way her mouth curled up slightly into a
victorious smile. She’d more than bested him, and she knew it.

  Blake breathed deep, trying to calm the pounding of his heart as he shook his head, a satisfied smile gracing his lips. “You are truly wicked. And I thought the ghost was dangerous.” He nodded at her. “I hope you enjoyed your success, because I don’t intend on stopping until you’ve screamed my name…repeatedly.”

  Payton raised her eyebrow again, giving him that mischievous look as she dropped a kiss on the tip of his shaft before sitting back on her heels. “What if I’m not the screaming type?”

  He chuckled, launching forward and taking her onto her back. Her eyes widened in surprise as a gasp feathered from her lips.

  He leaned in, brushing his mouth across hers. “Don’t worry. By the time we’re finished, you will be.”

  Chapter Five

  Payton stared up at Blake, his eyes shadowed against the wavering candlelight, the skin over his cheekbones pulled taut as he smiled down at her, his expression more than confident. She hadn’t planned on sucking him dry, but when she’d pulled down his briefs, bobbing his cock free, every other thought had vanished like the mist.

  The mist…

  God, he’d single-handedly saved her life, and here he was worried she was still pining after Avery. Hell, Avery had never made her wet with want so badly she was sure she’d soaked clean through her panties. But one pass of Blake’s hand across her nipple and she’d nearly climaxed.

  Blake hovered above her, his massive form filling her view. He was handsome and sexy, with a cowboy charm that clenched her heart. Damn, if she’d only known he’d had feelings for her before, she never would have agreed to keep up the ruse with Avery.

  The thought sent a warm sensation spiraling through her chest, and she realized what it must have taken Blake to ride to her rescue. How hard it must have been for him to come here, knowing he was resurrecting old feelings but in the dark about hers. She smiled, intent on showing him she no intentions of letting this Smith boy go.

  Blake’s gaze traveled the length of her body; the smile on his face telling her he appreciated the view. He lowered one hand to her shoulder as he traced a line down her body, the tip of his finger like a constant shock to her skin. Every inch he touched felt alive, and she couldn’t contain the moan that built in her chest.

  Blake inhaled, tugging on the hem of her shirt when his hand reached her hips. “God, you’re beautiful. Like one of those sirens that lure sailors to their death.”

  Her cheeks heated at the predatory look in his eyes. He wasn’t holding anything back.

  She grinned at him. “I’d rather keep you alive, if it’s all the same.”

  “I’d go willingly if it meant saving you.” His smile faltered. “Damn. When that thing took you…I’ve never truly been scared until that moment.”

  Payton reached up and drew her thumb along his jaw. “I never doubted that you’d find a way inside. Never.”

  His eyes misted for a second then the fire was back. “I like that idea…finding a way inside. And I think I know just where to start looking.”

  His gaze never left hers as he lifted her shirt, gradually easing it over her head. He inhaled as the cotton covered her eyes, and she tensed, not sure if he was pleased or not. She blinked as the barrier rose above her head, her gaze clashing with his again. Heat and desire lit his face and she bit at her bottom lip, waiting for his next move.

  His focus shifted to her chest and she held her breath. She’d forgotten he’d already opened her bra, baring her breasts as the cups hung to either side. His hands landed on her shoulders and slowly descended, brushing the straps clear before circling one of her nipples, lightly brushing across the tip.

  Fire shot through Payton’s core, and she closed her eyes as her head fell backward, a husky yes filling the silence. His fingers tightened on her bud and she had to clench her thighs together to keep the fluttering feeling from sending her over the edge.

  “So pretty, sweetheart. I could touch you like this all night.”

  She moaned as he tweaked the other side, sending another spike roiling through her. But just as she arched her chest forward, he retreated. She huffed, preparing to open her eyes when a warm breath caressed her breast. She inhaled again, anticipating his mouth, when his tongue swiped across the tip.

  “More.”

  The word was raw, like her nerves, and she sank her fingers in his hair when his lips closed over her nipple, drawing it into his wet heat. Warm cream eased from her slit as Blake suckled the tight bud, pinching her other nipple between his fingers. He switched sides, laving her nipple before biting it. She squirmed beneath him, pressing her groin against his shaft in desperation.

  “Still impatient, I see.” He cupped her mound through her pants, making air hiss through her teeth. “Like you said before, sweetheart, these need to go.”

  Payton’s eyes opened, and her hands fell from his hair as he fingered her pants, dispensing of the button and zipper the same way she had. This time the rasp of the metal teeth sent shivers down her spine as Blake grabbed the sides and yanked off her pants. A thin scrap of white cotton was all that stood between them.

  “God. You’ve fucking drenched these.” He ripped the narrow sides apart, allowing the torn material to fall between her thighs.

  She looked up at him, but he merely shrugged.

  “Sorry, sweetheart, but you’d ruined those. I’ll have to get you a new pair, but first.” He leaned forward, inhaling as he lowered his face to her mound. “Damn, I swear I can already taste you.” He extended his tongue, licking a path through her slit. “Mmm. Even sweeter than I imagined.”

  His words only made her wetter as he made another pass, deeper than before. The fluttering in her stomach swirled faster, and she knew it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge.

  Blake eased back slightly, trailing a single finger along her inner thigh. “Do me a favor and hold yourself open.”

  Heat burned her cheeks as she stared at him, not sure what to do. His palm landed on the bottom part of her ass and she jumped, her gaze flying to his.

  “Be a good girl, sweetheart, or I’ll have to toss you over my knee.”

  Her breath hitched and she released a garbled cough. God, how many times had she wished for a partner that would bring some of her fantasies to life? It was as if he was reading her mind.

  Blake moved over her. “Damn, Payton. You’re going to be the death of me.” He lifted her up, holding her close to him. “Looks like you need that spanking after all.”

  Payton gasped as the world shifted, his strong arms laying her across his thighs. She tried to push up, but he laid one arm across her back, holding her still. She wiggled against him, but was rewarded with a firm smack across her ass.

  “That’s for not calling me months ago and putting your life at risk.” Another pass of his hand warmed her flesh. “And for thinking I wouldn’t come.” He landed one more whack. “And that’s because you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever known.”

  He smoothed his hand across her heated skin, soothing the slight sting he’d inflicted. The stark contrast rolled another wave of desire through her, making her pussy clench emptily. A warm breath tickled her shoulder as he leaned over her, planting a wet kiss on the top of her spine.

  “Tell me, sweetheart. Was it as good as you’d hoped?” He chuckled at her muffled answer as he traced his other hand up her inner thighs. “That’s okay. I’ll check for myself.”

  His finger inched higher, lightly brushing across her clit. She moaned at the feathered touch, lifting her hips in the hopes of increasing the contact. He moved with her, giving her only fleeting passes of his finger along her crease as he continued to kiss and lick her skin. Payton groaned in frustration, certain she’d die of need when a broad finger slipped between her folds and sank deep inside her.

  “God, Blake, please. Please let me come.”

  “So soon?”

  “I didn’t tease you.”

  He nipped her s
houlder muscle this time. “An oversight on your part. I assure you, I won’t make the same mistake.”

  She huffed, trying to push up again. “Seriously, Blake, I…”

  Her voice keened into a hiss of pleasure as he pulled his hand back and drove it deep again, the pad of his finger brushing across her G-spot. White spots flashed across her vision as he slowly repeated the motion, easing out then driving in. The steady rhythm soothed some of her aching need, but after a few minutes of pleasure, the emptiness returned, stronger than before. She moved against him, plunging his finger even deeper.

  He shifted his legs slightly, giving his hand more space to move between her thighs. “Tell me what you need, Payton, and I’ll give it to you.”

  He withdrew his finger, swirling the warm cream around her clit. She cried out, tilting her hips to give him better access. She knew she must look desperate with her ass pushed skyward, but she didn’t care. He’d worked her into a frenzy and she wasn’t convinced she’d survive his torture.

  “I need more than just your finger. I need you, driving deep, fucking me like it’s our last moment on Earth. I need you to hold on and never let go. Damn, I just need you to love me.”

  His motion stilled for a moment, his breath exhaling in a slow hiss. She reran the words she’d uttered without thinking and cringed. Had she really phrased it that way? Love her?

  Blake’s lips kissed the side of her neck. “I think I have for the past twelve years, without even realizing it.” Another breath tickled her skin. “Enough teasing. Come for me.”

  His hand returned to her sex, two fingers thrusting inside as his other hand found her clit, the pad of his thumb making firm circles across the knotted nerves. The shadowed scenery faded into gray as the coil he’d wound inside her tightened to the breaking point. She held her breath, suspended on the edge when he added a third finger. The increased pressure pushed her over. She screamed his name, fisting the sleeping bag as the candlelight appeared to splinter, flashing shards of colored light across the blackness as she shattered around his hand, shaking through her orgasm until her strength waned and she collapsed on his thighs.