“He and Sherm are already inside. I told ’em I’d take care of you,” Rica explained, her full lips curving into a sultry smirk. “He sure is a sight to behold. I’m sure your mother would be quite pleased to have a specimen like that for a son-in-law.”
“Auntie ...” Topaz warned, as they walked into the house.
“He seems very nice and not just because he’s gorgeous beyond belief.”
Topaz was sipping creamy coffee when her aunt spoke. The woman’s words made her burst into laughter. “Does Uncle Sherm know you talk like this?”
Rica’s hand rose in a lazy wave. “Please, that man knows I think the sun rises and sets on him. So? How serious are the two of you?”
For the first time that day, Topaz’s expression clouded with uncertainty. “Auntie, would you understand if I told you I was too afraid to say how serious we are?”
Rica smiled, leaning forward to smooth the back of her hand against her niece’s cheek. “I’d understand perfectly.. . . Do you love him?” she asked, watching Topaz nod. “Then that’s all that matters, baby.”
Topaz squeezed her aunt’s hand, savoring the warmth her words provided.
“We better get these muffins and coffee out to the boys,” Rica was saying as she placed napkins and spoons on the food-laden tray.
“I’ll be out in a minute,” Topaz called, lingering behind to enjoy the sight of ice crystals along the window. The shimmery glow captivated her so, she didn’t realize how long she’d remained in the kitchen, until a pair of arms encircled her waist.
“Your aunt and uncle are great people,” Alex whispered, setting his chin against her shoulder.
“Mmm-hmm, you know you’ve charmed the both of them in record time?” Topaz revealed.
Alex smiled. “I think it’s the other way around,” he admitted, focusing on the wintry view outside the windows. “I wish we could stay longer than a few days.”
“Why can’t we?” Topaz blurted, turning in his arms. Her eyes closed in regret when she remembered.
“It’ll be over soon,” he promised.
“I pray we live to see it,” she said, sniffing as they hugged.
The freezing rain ended sometime during the night. By late afternoon the following day, unexpected and uncommon snow began to fall, covering the ice that had formed. Topaz set out for a walk around the ranch. The place resembled a wonderland, with a seemingly unending expanse of land. The livestock had been tucked away in one of the many heated barns dotting the landscape.
Alex joined Topaz on her walk, eager to take a closer look at the incredible property. Dusk had set in by the time they reached the horse stables.
“Damn, it feels good in here,” Alex noted, rubbing his gloved hands when they walked into the spacious building.
“We always keep it heated for the animals,” Topaz explained, brushing away the snow that clung to her suede jacket and matching hat. “It’s a bit cooler up in the loft. Warm, but comfortable,” she told him, already heading across the hay-covered floor.
A narrow stepladder led the way through the loft floor. There, Topaz removed her hat and coat and plopped down onto the hay that served as a heavy cushion.
“I had the best times here at this ranch,” she reminisced, her stare traveling around the space as though she was envisioning those times.
“Helpin’ your uncle wrestle cattle?” Alex teased, removing his own suede jacket and white hat before sitting next to her in the hay.
“Not quite, no matter how much I begged to help,” she revealed, giggling softly as more memories flooded to the surface. “Usually, I just followed the guys on my horse, observing but rarely participating.”
Alex nodded, his gaze soft as he watched her. “I’ll bet you still had fun, though?”
“Are you for real?” Topaz blurted, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. “Makes you wish you never had to grow up, you know?” she sighed.
Sensing the dark turn in her mood, Alex moved behind her and began to massage her neck and shoulders. Topaz leaned her head back, causing her hair to cascade down her back and cover Alex’s hands.
He smiled, immersing his strong fingers in the healthy locks. Eventually, he resumed the massage, applying increased pressure to the nape of her neck and the area between her shoulder blades.
“Alex ...” Topaz sighed in response to the heavenly caresses. She felt his hands tighten around her upper arms and allowed him to guide her down into the hay.
He dropped kisses to her forehead and temple, before trailing his lips down the side of her face. To her mouth, he pressed quick, soft pecks that traveled over her cheek and jaw, then on to her neck. Meanwhile, his hands disappeared beneath the hem of the fuzzy crimson sweater she wore. Topaz assisted him in pulling the garment over her head. She was so absorbed in the man’s touch, she didn’t realize he’d removed her remaining attire, until a slight breeze whisked across her skin.
A tuft of hay served as an effective stimulator. Alex trailed the hay between her breasts, encircling the dark mounds once before applying the same treatment to the firming nipples. The simple caress left Topaz urging Alex for more. He finally replaced the hay with his mouth and the scene turned lustier. They made love in the middle of the hay-covered loft.
Much later, the couple slept cuddled close together. The contented smile Topaz wore began to fade as she awakened.
“Alex?” she whispered, trying to move in his ever-tightening embrace. “Alex?” she called again, attempting to turn in his arms. Faintly, she thought she could hear him moaning. His hold continued to tighten to the point that Topaz felt her breathing grow labored. “Alex,” she tried once more to rouse him. Unfortunately, his crushing hold left her breathless and her voice was barely audible.
Thankfully, Alex soon awoke. He jerked, his arms loosening around Topaz’s slender frame. She rolled to her back, inhaling deep breaths. Alex frowned, knowing that something was wrong and that he was to blame.
“What did I just do?” he whispered, watching as she focused in on his face.
“What?”
“What’d I do? What’d I do to you?” he questioned, sitting up to glare down into her face.
