Lone Ranger Page 27

  “Deeper, darling, deeper,” Emma begged. “I’m coming.” She squeezed and pinched her nipples, and Carter felt her release. Emma grabbed a pillow, and a raspy moan tore from deep in her throat. “Aaahhhh…oh, my God, Carter! So good!”

  Carter breathed in sporadic pants as she fingered and sucked every ripple of orgasm from Emma. She withdrew her fingers, wrapped her arms around Emma’s thighs, and buried her face deeper, tonguing every ounce of arousal from her. When Emma slowed beneath her, Carter wasn’t ready to stop. Her body was close to exploding. She wanted to hold Emma, to feel her body cool in her arms, but she needed release. Her body jerked involuntarily.

  “Come here, Carter.” Emma urged Carter up beside her. “Tell me what you want.”

  “I can wait until you’re—”

  “I don’t want to wait one more second to satisfy you.” Emma slid her hand down Carter’s torso and nestled her fingers between Carter’s legs. “Is this okay, or do you need my mouth?”

  “That’s…good.” Carter’s breath hitched. One touch of Emma’s hand and she was about to pop. She didn’t want to come so quickly, but she ached from holding back.

  Emma scissored Carter’s clit between her fingers and stroked. “Do you want me inside?”

  “Ahhhh…no. Just like that. Won’t take lo—”

  Emma’s last pull was long and firm, and Carter buried her face in Emma’s shoulder. The first prickles of orgasm started low, and her legs went numb. When all sensation exploded under Emma’s touch, Carter clung to her. “Please don’t stop. Ooohhh, yes!” Tears streamed down her face as she came again and again. Emma rolled them over and covered Carter with her body until she stopped shaking.

  When Carter opened her eyes, Emma was staring down at her, her forehead crinkled. “What’s wrong, Emma? You look like you’re about to cry.” She tucked a strand of Emma’s hair behind her ear.

  “Was that all right? I’ve never been very good at this whole sex thing.” She looked everywhere but into Carter’s eyes.

  “I love you, Emma Ferguson, and I’ve never been as satisfied as quickly by anyone in my life. You’re absolutely perfect for me, in every way.”

  “Are you sure? I couldn’t bear it if I found out later that—?”

  “Whoever told you that crap was obviously not the right person for you.” Carter kissed Emma and snuggled her head against her shoulder.

  “Finally.” Emma laughed. “I’m finally perfect at something. I love you. I’ve never made love to anyone like that before. I felt completely free to do and be whatever I wanted.”

  “Like trusting it’s all right to just be yourself?”

  “Exactly. And what about you, Ranger West?”

  “I’ve learned one very important thing being with you, Emma.” Carter kissed her again and pulled a sheet over their cooling bodies. “How love feels. That’s been missing from my past relationships.”

  “I always thought my relationships didn’t last because I wasn’t perfect enough, didn’t work hard enough, or stay long enough.”

  Carter stroked Emma’s hair and hugged her closer. “And I realize I’ve never committed to anyone because I was afraid I’d never feel what I feel for you. I’m so glad I was wrong.”

  “What does that mean exactly?” Emma rose on an elbow and stared at Carter.

  “It means, my adorable lover, I’m ready to give long-term a try.”

  “Really?”

  The surprise in Emma’s eyes was almost humorous. “Yes, but it seems the woman I love is leaving soon.”

  “Who said anything about leaving?”

  “I thought since the story was finished, you’d be going home.” Carter’s heart ached as she said the words. She wanted Emma’s home to be here with her and Ann. Maybe she was expecting too much too soon. Just because she was ready to make a commitment didn’t mean Emma was.

  “Well, I don’t really have a home anymore. I left the apartment with Sheri, and my work has come to me. I’m staying to finish the Thompson murder story and then do a few features for the Richmond paper. They’ve offered me a job.”

  “Is that what you want?”

  Emma nodded.

  Carter smiled, suddenly as mentally light as her body felt. “You’ll need a place to stay.” She kissed Emma’s nose, her cheeks, and ended with what she hoped was an invitation to more lovemaking.

  Emma moaned and pulled her closer. “I thought I’d rent the cabin indefinitely.”

  Carter flipped her over and looked down at her, trying to keep a straight face. “I’m afraid that won’t work. It’s rented again, starting tomorrow. However, I know a place that could put you up as long as you want. It would make Ann very happy. And I make it a point to always keep my aunt happy.”

  “You mean…live with you and Ann?”

  “If you didn’t like it, you wouldn’t have to stay. I know it wouldn’t be the same as having a place to yourself or even just the two of us.”

  Emma put her fingers over Carter’s lips. “Ann is a wonderful woman, and I’d be honored to have her in my life.”

  “We have three bedrooms. You’d have your own private space. We wouldn’t have to necessarily share a—”

  “And would it make you happy, this cohabitation?” Emma leaned forward and kissed Carter lightly.

  “It would make me beyond happy.” Carter tried to pull Emma into another heated kiss, but she pulled back.

  “Under one condition, Ranger.”

  Carter nibbled Emma’s ear and down the side of her neck, unable to get enough of her taste and scent. “Name it. Anything.”

  “You have to promise to finish your doctorate and start doing what you love. I’ve seen you with children, and it’s definitely your calling.”

  Carter stopped and met Emma’s gaze. “The only thing that would make me happier than helping children is having you by my side while I’m doing it. I promise.”

  “In that case, I’d love to stay with you and Ann, for a while, until we see how we’re going to work out…if it’s okay with Ann.”

  “She wouldn’t have it any other way. And we’re going to work out beautifully.” Carter pinned Emma’s arms above her head and grinned. “What about my conditions?”

  “I’ll consider all legitimate requests, Ranger.”

  “You have to promise to do that thing you did to me the first time we had sex—at least once a month from now until eternity.”

  Emma’s face lit up as she tumbled Carter over beneath her. “You mean you actually want me to lead?”

  “If you think you can handle it, but I have to warn you. I won’t come as easily this time.” Carter spread her arms and legs across the bed, opening herself fully to Emma.

  “Oh, I can handle it, darling. The question is, can you?”

  About the Author

  A thirty-year veteran of a midsized police department, VK was a police officer by necessity (it paid the bills) and a writer by desire (it didn’t). Her career spanned numerous positions including beat officer, homicide detective, vice/narcotics lieutenant and assistant chief of police. Now retired, she devotes her time to writing, traveling, home decorating, and volunteer work.

  VK can be contacted at vk@vkpowellauthor.com

  Website: http://www.vkpowellauthor.com/

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