My Hero (Cowboy Craze) Read online

  Lifting her eyes, she told him the gospel truth. “I’ll take it as a compliment.”

  A compliment? She had no clue how she affected him. His iron-hard cock was a monument erected as a tribute to her beauty, a testimonial to the desire he felt for her. “Do that,” he croaked as her small white teeth raked over the flat plane of his stomach as she kissed and teased, her fingers tugging his underwear down. Down. He stared in wonder at her flushed face, her long lashes laying in a halfmoon on her delicate cheeks. Inexperienced he may be, but he knew enough to recognize the arousal on her face.

  As he stared at her, she looked up at him, her eyes glowing with a knowledge as old as Eden. “Just enjoy.”

  Those two words were spoken at the very moment she eased the cotton material low enough so the strutted stalk of his erection could be revealed. He was painfully, achingly swollen and in desperate need of her touch. “Ye, gods…I need you so.”

  “You have me, Blackhawk. I’m yours.” Holding his gaze, she gripped his shaft and lowered her head, licking slowly and tenderly around the throbbing purple crest. Apple didn’t know how good she was at this, but she planned on giving it all she had.

  “Oh, Sweet Jesus…” he moaned, shaking his head as if trying to come to his senses. She had no idea what she was doing to him, his hips jerked at the heated caress. He forced himself not to move, he fought the urge to take control and fill her mouth again and again. Nothing in his imagination had prepared him for this ecstasy. “Don’t tease me, baby.” He was mesmerized watching her fingers move up and down his aching staff.

  When she curled her fingers around the root, they didn’t meet around his girth, but she held him steady, licking her lips. “I wouldn’t do that,” she whispered gazing into his beautiful blue eyes. To prove her word, she parted her lips and hungrily enveloped him – sucking, licking, massaging the thick crest with her tongue. As his hips bucked, the hardened flesh throbbed and clenched in her mouth. Apple felt like she was on a high, she was giving Benjen pleasure and the feeling was out of this world. This wasn’t a sex act, this was him. Alive and vibrant.

  Benjen closed his eyes in absolute ecstasy. He wanted this to last forever and at the same time, he thought he might die if he couldn’t come soon. Every cell in his body vibrated as if the very pillars of the Earth had shifted. Lust swamped him as razor sharp as well-honed steel. He was overcome with wonder, thanking God and fate or whatever forces had gifted him with this woman. Nothing had prepared him for the impact of being intimate with someone he loved.

  Yes, he loved her with all his heart.

  And – no surprise – he loved, loved, loved sex.

  “Oh yea, that’s it. Christ,” he muttered with a groan as her mouth tightened around him. “Suck harder, baby. You’re making me insane. Can’t last…”

  Apple smiled around his dick. She was sure going to try.

  Doubling down, she called upon every ounce of know-how, imagination, and inspiration she possessed. With total focus on his satisfaction, she stroked the heavily veined shaft as she drew the broad head as deep into her throat as possible, lovingly sucking, becoming completely lost in the pleasure she gave and the pleasure she was feeling.

  Over and over, she loved on him, glorying in his ecstatic expression. Flush rising on his cheekbones, mouth partially open, head thrown back. She sucked him, licked him, teased him with tongue and teeth – stroked him, squeezed him, played with his balls. And all the time she set him aflame, Apple’s whole body simmered on a slow burn.

  “Sweet God,” Benjen whispered as she went down on him, her tongue rubbing the sensitive head. She took him deeper and hummed, the sexy little sounds she made creating amazing vibrations around his cock. He felt his cum boiling in his balls. What seemed like hours of ecstasy had probably been less than a handful of minutes. Yea, he couldn’t brag about his stamina – but he had a good excuse. Although, he couldn’t imagine anyone becoming used to this heaven.

  As his dick clenched in warning, she licked the constant bead of pre-cum from the tiny slit on the tip. He was about to come and she was as ready as he. She wanted this for him. She wanted to swallow his release, she wanted to lick him clean. Yea, ownership. Territory. Apple was marking him in the most basic way possible. Knowing it was time – she did what she could to push him over the edge.

  When Benjen felt Apple pick up the pace, he let out a rumbling moan, knowing he couldn’t last. Swirling her tongue, lapping, licking, sucking – she gave him untold pleasure. “Oh, God, baby,” he murmured gruffy, “I’m going to love on you so hard.” He wrapped her hair around his fist and tugged sharply. “I can’t wait to spread those gorgeous legs and feast on your pussy.”

  The image created by his words came to life in her mind. Just the thought of him touching her like that turned her on so much that she began to tremble. The achy place between her legs swelled and tingled. All it would take would be just one touch.

  As she worked him with her mouth, taking him as deep as possible, then lashing at the head with her tongue – she felt his unconditional surrender. His big body jerked, he pulled her hair tight, and he let go. Feeling his total response, seeing the rapture on his face, and knowing she’d done this for him, Apple lost control and came spontaneously, her whole body shaking with release.

  “Apple!” he cried aloud, desperate in the furor of his climax. A growl rumbled from his throat as he reached the point of no return. Wave after wave of ecstasy pounded him. He bellowed and groaned at the violent bliss of his release.

  Weak with pleasure, he gathered Apple close. “You’re amazing.” He was shaken with the realization of what she’d given him. “I want to do that to you.” With gentle touches, he attempted to push her back so he could lift her skirt.

  “No need.” She rubbed her face on his chest. “I came with you.”

  Benjen was stunned. “You did?” He caressed her face, memorizing every beautiful feature.

  “Yea.” Apple gave him a shy smile. “Just hold me a minute.” She was still trembling from aftershocks following the powerful experience. In a way, she was relieved. As much as she wanted him, there was a part of her that dreaded it. She was so afraid of failing him. He’d enjoyed what they did…but he didn’t have anything to compare it to.

  “With pleasure.” He kissed her forehead, loving how she felt in his arms. Her gorgeous breasts were still bare and he was only half dressed. Even after coming so hard, Benjen could feel his cock stir. “This was mind-blowing. I’m having a hard time imagining anything could be any better, but I know it will.”

  She kissed his chest. “Like you said, when the time is right.”

  Feeling the sudden tension in her body, Benjen assumed she was worrying about the letter from the VA. “Don’t worry. First thing in the morning, I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

  “I appreciate your willingness to help.” She wanted to think everything was going to be all right, but she was afraid to hope.

  “As bad as I hate to, I guess I need to go. We both have to work tomorrow and I have an early, early morning ahead of me.”

  She wanted to ask him to spend the night, but she didn’t have the confidence. “What do you have to do?”

  “Give baby calves their first dose of worm medicine.”

  “Oh, if I didn’t have to work, I’d help you. That sounds fun.”

  Benjen chuckled. “Only you would say that.” He captured her lips in a gentle kiss. “I had such a good time with you tonight.”

  “Me too.” She hugged him tight, knowing he was about to leave her.

  When he did rise to adjust his clothes, she stood with him. After pulling up her top, she buttoned his shirt, enjoying the graze of her fingertips against his warm skin.

  “I don’t want you to leave.” The words slipped out unbidden.

  If he stayed, he’d make love with her, Benjen knew that for a fact. And even though it might be silly – he was beginning to doubt his own sanity – he had this vision in his head of how he wanted to
make it the most special night of her life. “I don’t want to go either…but I think I should.”

  She bowed her head. “Okay.” Apple wasn’t surprised he turned her invitation down. She didn’t ask again.

  “Smile for me, beautiful. You’re the light of my life.”

  Apple gazed up into Benjen’s face. She wanted to believe him more than she wanted to see tomorrow. “You mean the world to me too, Benjen.”

  “That’s my girl.” He kissed her again. “Now, walk me to the door.”

  She did so, holding his hand every step of the way. “Be safe driving home.”

  “I will. I don’t know when I’ll get back, things will get hectic tomorrow, but I’ll call. I promise.”

  “Okay. I’ll be waiting.” She kissed him again, her lips clinging to his – then she stood in the dark and watched him leave. “Oh, you could break my heart so easily, Mr. Blackhawk. So easily.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  “How much bacon do you eat in a week?” Sam asked Easy who had sat down with a mountain of the crispy goodness on his plate.

  “As much as possible.” He crunched down a piece with relish. “We need a good breakfast before a hard day’s work.”

  “That stuff is going to go straight to your arteries,” Benjen observed as he placed three water bottles in his saddle bag.

  Easy shrugged. “I don’t want to live forever.”

  “I do,” said Sam. “Immortality is on my bucket list.”

  “Ah, you’d get bored.” Easy licked his fingers before picking up his next piece of bacon and munching down on it.

  “I have hobbies,” Sam said with confidence. “You sure you don’t want help with the calves?” he asked Benjen.

  “Nope, a deal’s a deal. You two carry on with your plans. I know the hay needs to be moved next to the barn and that’s a big job too.”

  Everything seemed normal with the brothers this morning, but there was an underlying tension that all were aware of yet none acknowledged. As important as his claim to the Rock House was to Benjen, right now he had a more immediate concern. “I’m calling Zane this morning.”

  “Why?”

  Easy was quick to ask and Benjen knew exactly what he was thinking. Ass. “Nothing to do with you or our family affairs. Apple is having some problems.”

  “I thought her ex was dead?” Sam asked as he snuck a piece of Easy’s bacon.

  “He’s still causing problems from the grave. Since he deserted, the government wants his death benefits returned. I’m sure the monthly allowance based on his salary will stop too. She’s going to have to sell everything she has to meet their demands. I don’t think it’s fair.”

  Easy narrowed his eyes, considering the problem. “Red tape at its worst. Some form was filled out that triggered some other form. Cold blooded bastards.”

  “Exactly.” Benjen headed for the door. “I’ll check with you guys later.”

  …Once the hour was late enough for the law office to be open, Benjen took a break from his task to call their friend.

  “Saucier, Saucier, and Barkley.”

  “May I speak to Zane, please? This is Benjen Blackhawk calling.”

  “One moment, sir.”

  While he waited, Benjen sat down on a bale of hay to quench his thirst. He’d been giving Apple’s problem a lot of thought and he hoped to hell something could be done. If not, he wouldn’t hesitate a heartbeat to bring her into his home. One of these days, she’d be living here anyway. One thought led to another until he was reliving last evening’s incredible erotic encounter.

  “Benjen?”

  Hearing Zane’s voice jerked Benjen back to the present. “Hey, sidewinder. Good to hear your voice.”

  “Yours too. What’s up? Or is this a social call. I sure would appreciate an invitation to do a little fly fishing up your way.”

  “Anytime, you have a standing invitation. Let me know when you’re free and I’ll take you out myself.”

  “Good deal. Now, what can I do for you?”

  Over the next few minutes, Benjen explained Apple’s plight to Zane. “I’m sure there’s something we can do to stop this. Right?”

  There was a pregnant pause, one that didn’t make Benjen feel very confident.

  “Well, I’ll have to be honest with you. I’m going to have to look into this. Dealing with the government is a whole different ball game. They have their own court system.”

  “Is this a futile effort, Zane?”

  “I’m not saying that. Give me a day or two to look into this. Send me a copy of the letter too. Also, ask Apple the name of Alan’s commanding officer. This sounds like something Presley would love to sink her teeth into.”

  “Thanks, I have full confidence in you.”

  “Well, we’ll do everything humanly possible, I can assure you. The first thing I’ll do is file some kind of stay on this to keep Apple from being harassed. I’m not sure what we’ll run into at this point, but I’ve always loved a challenge.”

  “Good. I appreciate anything you can do.”

  When the conversation was over, he immediately called Apple.

  …At the vet’s office, Apple’s mood had been lifted by a basket full of kittens. A mama cat had been brought in needing a C-section and she had the privilege of bottle feeding the babies until the mom could nurse. “You are one cute little glutton. Did you know that?” She lifted the tiny grey kitten so she could kiss him. “Your tummy is so full.”

  The buzzing of her phone drew her attention, so she gently placed the kitten with his family and pulled her cell from her pocket. As soon as her eyes focused on the name, her blood pressure skyrocketed. “Benjen.” Her dreams had been full of him. All morning she’d been having these flashes of memory of his mouth on her breasts, her kneeling at his feet. She’d vacillated from elation to self-doubt. Despite the inner turmoil, she couldn’t wait to hear his voice.

  “Hey, baby. How’s my girl?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “I’m bottle feeding kittens, so I’m great.”

  “That sounds fun. Does Rose go to work with you? I’ve never thought to ask.”

  “She does, she’s become the new office manager.”

  Benjen chuckled at the thought. “I like that. Listen.” He took a breath. “I wanted you to know that I’ve called Zane and they’re looking into your problem as we speak. I need you to send a copy of the letter to this email.”

  Apple wrote down the lawyer’s email address. “I’ll do it right away. Thank you.” She was glad she’d brought it with her.

  “Also, when you send the email, Zane needs to know the name of Alan’s commanding officer. Any other information you can give him that you can think of, do so. It can’t hurt.”

  “All right.” She made a few more notes. “I do so appreciate this, Benjen. I have no idea how I’ll pay…”

  “Don’t worry a second. Okay?”

  Apple felt her chest contract with emotion. “I’ll try not to. How’s your day going?”

  “As good as it can be, considering what I’m doing. I made fun of Easy for taking a cat worm pill. I poked myself with the needle a while ago, so no intestinal parasites for me.”

  Apple giggled. “Oh, no. You’re doing this by yourself.”

  “I’ve got a couple of the ranch hands, herding them into the lot, then into the head-gate. I’m administering the shots. It’s not so bad. I’ll be worn out when I’m through.”

  In other words, she wouldn’t be receiving any visits tonight. “I hope everything goes okay.”

  “It will. I just wanted you to know that I didn’t forget you.”

  “Thank you. You’re too good to me.”

  “Not a chance. I can’t wait to see you again.”

  “We have the dinner Friday night to look forward to.”

  “Oh, we have to go berry picking before that. Right?”

  She smiled. “Oh, yea. If you have time. If not, I can do it.”

  “Hey, I wouldn’t miss this. How’s this af
ternoon sound. Do you have any plans?”

  “No. Can you get away?”

  “I can be there by the time the evening cools off. With these longer days, we’ll have plenty of daylight.”

  “Okay, sounds good.”

  “Great. I have a craving for something sweet.”

  “Berries are good.”

  “Especially those sweet pink ones on your chest. I can’t wait to get my mouth on those again.”

  Apple’s cheeks flushed scarlet red. “Oh, my goodness.” Her nipples went hard and her clit began to tingle. “You’re so bad.”

  “We’ll see. One of these days, you’re going to tell me exactly how good I am.”

  “Benjen…” she protested with a laugh.

  “Get back to work, Miss Wright. I’ll see you tonight.”

  * * *

  “Open wide.”

  Like a baby bird, she opened her mouth to take the succulent berry from Benjen’s fingertips. “Good?”

  “Yes.” She enjoyed his offering, then set out to pick some more in the field of wild flowers behind her house. “We’ll need at least another bucket.” Rose and Hope darted to and fro, chasing whatever they could find. “Look at those two, they’re having a blast.”

  “They sure are.” He touched her arm to slow her steps. “Hold on. Let me go first.” He moved in ahead of her. “If there’s any snakes out here, I want to be the one that comes upon it first.”

  “Snakes?” She stopped in her tracks.

  He grinned at her. “I’m here. Don’t worry.” Benjen was keeping a close eye out and listening for any tell-tale rattling. One summer a woman had been bitten in the face by a rattlesnake while she was picking berries near here. He’d never forgotten that and he didn’t intend any such thing to happen to his Apple.

  His Apple.

  Don’t worry. He told her that so often, she found herself taking his advice. “I don’t like snakes…but I like you.” She gave him a wink.