“There’s something holding you back. I can feel it.”
He waved her off. His gut clenched, a part of him desperate to talk to someone, to confide. But discussing it would only cause more problems. Gina was a good soul, but not equipped to deal with this kind of conundrum. “Thanks for the free therapy session.”
She walked up to the door and grabbed the handle, tossing him a sassy look behind her shoulder. “Who said it was free?”
…
“Are you interested?” A rush of adrenaline flowed through Alexa’s veins. Scott, the nineteen-year-old they visited at one of Brooks’s other farms, fit the bill. For the past two hours, they’d chatted with ease, and he’d shown smarts to go along with the all-American cowboy look. Blond hair with scrub-like curls at the tips and bright blue eyes. He’d come across as innocent if it weren’t for the mischief gleaming in his gaze.
She’d broken one of her own rules and offered him the position without checking with Brooks. Hell, hadn’t she broken a good set of rules already?
Brooks paced the old, empty barn. He’d explained they were in the process of changing outhouses, so while the animals were in the newer ones, there was still a smell of hay, mildew, and manure lingering in the air. At least the location offered them privacy.
“Alexa…” He used the same cautionary tone he’d used a few minutes ago, when she explained to Scott what she really did for a living and how he could become a millionaire overnight if he agreed.
“It’s okay.” She lifted a hand, dismissing his worries. Then she turned to Scott. “Listen, this is a verbal proposal. It’s an idea. You don’t have to agree to it, but if you do, you’re all in.”
Scott removed his Stetson hat and toyed with the brim. “Can I think about it, ma’am?”
“Of course.” She tossed him what she hoped came across as an apologetic smile. “We can meet again tomorrow, and if you’re interested, we can go over the details.”
“What if I’m not?”
“Then that’s it. Life will continue as usual for you.”
Brooks stepped forward. “I don’t want you to think for a moment you need to do this because you work for me.”
“Yes, sir.” Scott touched his belt. “If I agree, can I use a different name? Like Hollywood actors do?”
Alexa bit back a smile. “Any name you want.”
Specks of gold flickered in Scott’s eyes, and he nodded. “All right. I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
“Thanks for your time.” Alexa shook his hand one more time before he stomped on leftover dry hay and marched out of the barn.
She walked over to Brooks, enthusiasm warming her cheeks. When had she ever been so certain about an auctionee so early in the game? Never. Usually, she carried on a lengthy process, with Jackie’s help, to find the best candidate for the position, and to keep a level head. “He’s the one. I know it.”
Brooks jammed his hands into his pockets. “How can you be so sure? I thought you were going to double check with me first.”
She’d done a great job pretending not to notice how those denims snugged his manly frame and cupped his delicious ass. Still, her pulse fluttered. She drew in a long sharp breath, determined to stay on task. “Trust my instinct. He’s a real virgin, because he dated his ex-girlfriend for years who wanted to wait until marriage and then dumped him two months ago. He’s extremely good-looking, but he also has that endearing quality most women want.”
“What’s that?”
“He’s charming. Respectful. Called me ma’am and didn’t look at my boobs.”
“He’s obviously blind.”
Desire bolted through her. Brooks erased the distance between them, the dirty message in his eyes very obvious. She cleared her throat, her lips suddenly feeling dry. When she licked them, he pulled her to him in one swift move, and just like that, every part of her touched his.
“I have a hard time not looking at your tits,” he said, his gaze so intense, her breath caught in her throat.
“Yeah,” she said, more of a whisper than a word.
“I also have a hard time not salivating over your ass. Or smile. Or eyes.”
A bursting sensation expanded in her chest, squeezing its way up her throat, making her main pulse point throb. God. She’d meant it when she proposed they sleep together for one night only, but one night hadn’t been enough. How long with him would ever be enough?
She felt his cock pulsating through his jeans and, squirming, she moved just enough to nestle him between her thighs. He groaned, sweat slicking his forehead. Maybe he’d been exercising self-control for much longer than she. Perhaps…while she’d interviewed Scott?
“Is this true, or is your male ego bruised because I gave someone else attention?” Her voice wavered, and she wasn’t sure if she joked or meant it.
He circled his arm around her waist. “The part of me that’s hurting right now isn’t my ego,” he said, his voice thick and sexy. “And it’s burning for you, Madam, like the rest of me.”
“I’m…burning too.”
Burning? More like exploding. She circled her arms around his neck, and he took the cue, dipping his head and capturing her lips with his in a devastating kiss. He nipped her upper lip, causing currents of shivers within her. She tightened her hold on him, wishing neither had on clothes.
She touched his chest, loving how he stiffened, and worked her way down his washboard abs until she reached his zipper.
“Alexa,” he growled, the urgency in his voice enhancing her own.
Ignited, she unzipped him, fumbling with his boxers then pulling them down enough for his cock to jut out, gloriously hard and warm. She stroked it, staking her claim, the stupid idea of claiming him adding to the turmoil of sensations bubbling inside her. God, she hadn’t claimed his cock yet, had she?
“You’re so hard,” she whispered, if only to distract him before
