Then Came You Read online

  "I think we do. You want me to look out back for you?"

  "That would be great. And I'll also take this,” said Gillian, handing her a matching necklace.

  Connor put his credit card receipt in his wallet and also checked out the rings.

  "Never thought I'd get my Christmas shopping done so soon. I usually scramble around a few days before Christmas Eve,” said Gillian.

  The assistant came back with the right-sized ring and even gift-wrapped everything for her.

  "You mind if we head to the toy store next? I want to get my nieces and nephews their Santa gift."

  "So you really are the Santa."

  He put his finger on his lips. “They love it. Every Christmas Day they come over to my place and I'm always missing when they get there and then out of the blue Santa appears with gifts and cookies."

  Gillian laughed as they headed out of the store and down the road.

  "They all seem to really love you."

  "They're all great kids and I love them too. I guess I overcompensate for not having my own."

  Gillian squeezed his hand. He squeezed it back. “I wish my uncles would have been as fun as you,” she said.

  "Hey, I can play Santa for you too. I mean, you're never too old for that sort of thing."

  * * * *

  Connor was glad he'd suggested they start to head back to the ranch after they'd eaten in Casper because it was snowing and he sensed within a few hours the roads back would probably be slippery and even borderline dangerous. The temperature had also dropped and he hadn't realised just how cold the house had got while they'd been out until Gillian rubbed her arms with both her hands as she stood in the hallway.

  "Hey, you're cold. I'll get some firewood and light the fire in the living room."

  "You need any help?"

  "Nope, have everything under control."

  Within the hour the fire was roaring and Gillian looked so sexy sitting next to it. Her cheeks were aglow, which made her eyes sparkle.

  "I haven't seen a real fire like this one ever,” she said.

  "You're kidding me, not even once in your life?"

  She shook her head. “The house I grew up in had two fireplaces but my dad could never be bothered with firewood and getting it started so he had them converted over to gas.” She snuggled into him.

  "You're experiencing lots of firsts here,” said Connor.

  "I am and I want to thank you for inviting me."

  He kissed her head.

  "The fire is so cosy and relaxing,” she said. “The perfect ending to a wonderful day."

  "How about I give you a massage?” asked Connor.

  "Is this more romancing?"

  "Actually it falls into the category of wooing."

  She laughed. He tapped her on the nose.

  "Then yes, I would love a massage from a sexy cowboy."

  "Well, just let me go find one.” He pretended to get up.

  Gillian tugged on his shirt, forcing him to lean towards her. She gave him a quick kiss. “You're the only cowboy I ever want touching me."

  Did that make him feel good or what? He also hoped after their few days together that also extended to all other men, not just cowboys. He didn't know exactly how she felt about him but he'd fallen for her big time.

  He kissed her and then pulled her sweater up over her head. He threw it over onto the couch. Damn, she was wearing that sexy bra again. He ran his fingers over the top of her breasts. She might have to forgo that massage he'd promised her because he was getting hard just looking at her.

  He unbuttoned her pants and slipped the zipper down, pulling the sides apart. Her flat sexy belly came into view. He reached inside, running his hand over her skin. For one crazy moment he imagined his baby growing inside her womb. Shit, he was getting way ahead of himself now. He didn't even know if she wanted kids, even liked children...even wanted to do the whole family thing. After all, she was the quintessential career girl.

  Connor was lost in thought and it wasn't until Gillian lifted her butt to remove her pants that he realised she was growing inpatient.

  "Okay, honey, we'll get you out of these things real soon,” he said.

  He slid them down her legs and they joined the sweater on the couch.

  She was so beautiful lying in front of the fire in just her bra and panties. His cock started to pulsate at just the mere thought of being inside her again.

  "These might be the sexiest bra and panties I've set my eyes upon but I like what's underneath them a whole lot better."

  He slipped the straps of her bra down her arms and on cue she leant forward, allowing him to unclasp it. He eased it off her chest as she rested her body back on the pillows on the floor. Connor kissed her belly button before pulling her panties down her hips, over her thighs then off her ankles.

  Damn, he shouldn't have offered to give her a massage because by the time he was done his libido would be in overdrive and she might just think he was an animal.

  He glanced over at the bag that sat on the end table. He'd made sure he stopped by the drugstore on the way home to pick up another supply of condoms.

  Gillian stroked his face.

  "I thought I was getting a massage but you look miles away. Is something wrong?"

  He took her hand and kissed her palm. “I was just thinking how can a woman be this beautiful, that's all."

  "You really know how to woo a girl."

  He kneaded her shoulders then moved inward towards her breasts. He trailed his hands over her nipples, feeling them harden upon contact with his skin. He ran his fingertips over both of them. They felt so wonderful and, despite being like tiny pebbles, the skin surrounding them was soft to his touch. He moved down her belly, making circles over the navel and down into her curls.

  She took hold of his right hand, spread her legs and put his fingers over her clit and folds.

  What a foolish thing because now her massage was in jeopardy. Gillian was such a beautiful sight. A mere teardrop of her juices was making its way from her pussy and reminded him of early morning dew on the flowers. He wiped it with his pinkie and massaged her, letting his finger slip into her entrance on every other swipe.

  She moaned and wiggled her hips. He bit his lip.

  "Turn over, baby."

  She flipped on to her belly.

  He slid up beside her, kissing her back as he massaged her ass cheeks. She had the cutest butt he had ever had the pleasure of laying his eyes upon. He made his way into the crease between them, making a trail downward over her anus then on to her pussy.

  He massaged it. It was slicker than ever before. She was as turned on as he was. Connor slid a finger inside her. She was tight, hot, and oh so wet. He was hard and getting more so by the second.

  Connor pumped her entrance, hearing her moan, seeing her arch her back. She was squeezing his finger like a vice and he was bringing her close. He thrust harder, feeling her call out and pant.

  "Oh, baby, you don't know what you're doing to me,” he said.

  He leaned over and kissed her right ass cheek.

  "Make love to me while I'm on my belly,” she said.

  He closed his eyes. It would be his pleasure. He reached over for the bag from the pharmacy but was all fingers and thumbs opening it to get the damn condom out. He sat the package on the floor while freeing himself of his clothing. He sheathed himself and straddled Gillian's ass. He parted her cheeks and pressed himself into her pussy as she arched her back to meet his body when he thrust inside her. Connor didn't want her to take his weight so he leaned towards her and steadied himself on his elbows while pumping her as hard as he could. Shit, this felt like...he didn't know what because his body had never been this excited before.

  He balanced on his knees, driving harder into her pussy, hearing her groan and hoping it was from pleasure because he'd never want to hurt her even for the sake of his own orgasm.

  Gillian called his name as her pussy clamped around his cock. That was all it t
ook for him to climax. He sat frozen, still resting on her butt as he tried to get his breathing back to a normal pace. He put his hand on his chest. The nearest hospital was twenty miles away. His heart was beating double-time. Phew, that would be embarrassing if she had to drive him to the ER. He took a deep breath and it calmed down.

  He wanted to tell her right now that he loved her but was too scared to just in case she didn't feel the same way. He didn't want to frighten her away. Didn't want this to ever end.

  Connor slid out of her and she flipped over. He rested his body down beside her.

  "That, cowboy, was fantastic,” she said.

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  Chapter Twelve

  * * * *

  Gillian had accepted the invitation thinking it would be four days of having some great sex with Connor O'Riordan. She hadn't been wrong. The sexy cowboy took her to paradise every time he made love to her. What she hadn't counted on was falling for him. Was that stupid or what? She lived in Chicago and he in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming. He was one of her best customers. How would they ever make this thing work? Well, that was if there was a thing.

  He'd already woken up and left the bed when she opened her eyes the following morning. As usual it was still dark but she could hear men talking outside the window. She knew the deep pitch of his voice now and guessed one of them was Connor. She got out of bed, wrapping a blanket around herself, and walked to the window, pulled back the drapes and peeked out.

  Looked like they'd had some more snow. Deep in the back of her mind she wished they'd have the biggest snow storm on record and that Connor's truck wouldn't make it to Casper Airport so she'd have to reschedule her flight tomorrow and stay longer with him. Today he was wearing a brown cowboy hat and his sheepskin coat with its collar turned up. He was talking to some other guys. Connor must have sensed she was watching him because he glanced up and blew her a kiss.

  She blew one back. She could stand there all day just watching him but she was getting cold and decided to get back into bed and sneak under the covers. It was cosy but she wished Connor was here with her.

  Gillian rubbed her feet on the sheets trying to get warm when the bedroom door opened and in walked Connor.

  He took off his shirt. “You miss me?"

  His jeans and boxers were next to be removed.

  "Big time."

  He slid in bed beside her and they snuggled together. “Did it snow again?” she asked.

  "Yep, couple more inches. I was going to suggest you have another riding lesson but I think it's too cold for that."

  "You could give me one right here in the bed."

  Gillian slid her body over Connor's until she was straddling him.

  "You city girls are so bad."

  "I know, but we're fun, right?"

  Gillian kissed his lips, let her mouth trail down his Adam's apple, over his chest, down his belly, got under the blanket and found his cock. She licked its entire length before taking him into her mouth.

  The blanket covering her was making every sound muffled but she could just about hear Connor moaning on every movement of her tongue and lips. He wiggled his butt as she took more of him inside her mouth.

  He reached under the covers and touched her head as she licked and sucked, loving how he tasted. Gillian sensed he was edging closer to his orgasm and slowly, ever so slowly, eased her mouth off him just as he climaxed.

  She crawled out from the blankets and up on to his chest.

  Connor was almost panting. He pushed her hair back out of her eyes.

  "Lady, you know how to give a guy a blowjob. Jeez, my dick's still feeling that."

  Gillian purposely let her entrance run up and down his cock, hoping he'd know she was in a very playful mood this morning.

  "I think we need to talk about tomorrow and beyond,” he said.

  Was this the bit where he'd tell her they'd had a good time but...?

  "Are we going to be a couple? I mean, I know we don't live in the same town but I can assure you I won't be dating anyone, won't even look at another woman after all this,” he said.

  "You want to know if I'll be dating other guys in Chicago?"

  Connor nodded.

  She shook her head. “If you think we can make a long-distance relationship work I'm willing to give it a try."

  "I'm willing to give anything with us a try,” he said.

  * * * *

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  Chapter Thirteen

  * * * *

  They had spent the rest of the day visiting his three brothers and their families. He wanted them to get to know Gillian and vice versa. When they'd returned, Gillian had wanted to check on Starlight and say goodbye to him just in case she didn't have time in the morning. He seemed to be as crazy about her as Connor was. He could see the sparkle in the foal's eyes as she went into his stall and stroked his nose. And he was sure the horse had a smile on his face when she kissed him.

  He'd then cooked a steak and baked potato for them, they'd made love in front of the fire, headed up to bed, made love again and now this morning it would be the last time he'd wake up with her beside him.

  She was already awake when he first opened his eyes. There was sadness to her face this morning. Gillian didn't say anything but simply rolled into his body and held on to him. He wrapped his arm around her, feeling a teardrop splash on his chest.

  "This long-distance relationship is going to take some getting used to,” she said.

  "They're a lot easier than they used to be. There's the Internet and cell phones now. You can call me any day, any time you want, and I'll be here."

  She stroked his face. “I guess I should get showered and packed. My plane to Minneapolis leaves at noon."

  He held her hand, wishing she could stay with him forever.

  * * * *

  They'd ridden to the airport in almost silence, her on the brink of tears. Where was that damn snow storm when you wanted one? Today was clear and bright, not a flake in sight.

  He'd carried her bag to the check-in desk. The flight was on time and now here they were about to say goodbye.

  "Damn shame you can't see someone off at the gate anymore,” said Connor, holding her close to his body.

  "I know. I wish I could see you standing there waving to me as the plane pulls away from the gate because that would have been so romantic."

  "Oh, baby, I think I'm going to cry when I see you walk through that security section."

  "I didn't think cowboys did that,” said Gillian.

  "They do when they say goodbye to their lady."

  "Maybe we can get together before my sales visit."

  "Let's plan on something soon. Maybe I can talk one of my brothers into running the ranch for a few days and I can come to Chicago to see you. Okay, you ready for our last kiss? I won't say a goodbye kiss because it sounds so damn depressing."

  Connor's mouth went on hers and they kissed as if they were the only two people in the airport, neither of them coming up for air for what seemed like forever. His tongue in hers, hers in his. When they finally pulled apart, several people sitting nearby were looking their way.

  "Shit, now that's got me all horny,” said Connor.

  Gillian laughed. “I guess I'd better get going before you talk me into making love again."

  "Call me as soon as you get home,” he said.

  They gave one final hug and Gillian headed through security, which, lucky for her, didn't have a line, and she was on the other side in minutes. She could just about see Connor standing there waving to her. She waved back but turned quickly to head down to her gate before she started crying.

  * * * *

  Connor had buried his sorrows in a cold beer and was in the middle of watching an old suspense movie when his cell phone rang. It was a number he didn't recognise.

  "Hello,” he said, turning down the volume on the TV.

  "Hi, cowboy."

  It was Gillian. He looked at the
clock on the mantel. Jeez, that plane must have flown at double the speed for her to get home this fast.

  "You make it home okay?"

  "Nope, I'm stuck in Minneapolis for the night. They had a snow storm move in and all the flights are cancelled until eight a.m."

  "Oh, baby, you okay by yourself?"

  "Sure, I found a room at a hotel close to the airport. Just means I won't make it into work tomorrow."

  "I'm so sorry about that."

  "My own fault. I kept wishing for snow to keep me at your place but I guess it got placed in the wrong city."

  Connor laughed. “If Minneapolis was closer I'd drive there and keep you company."

  "I know you would. Well, I suppose I should get some stuff unpacked and turn in for the night so I can be back at the airport bright and early."

  "Okay, sweet dreams and call me when you get home, okay?"

  Gillian wished she was in her own bed. She missed Connor's warm body next to hers and she wanted to cry too. God, how she missed him already and being in a strange town and hotel room was making it worse. At home she'd snuggle into her old PJs, make herself some hot milk and watch one of her chick flick DVDs. She guessed she should phone her company and leave a message for her supervisor that she wouldn't be in to work probably until Tuesday morning, all going well. She just hoped the flights resumed tomorrow or, if not, maybe she'd take a chance and rent a car and drive the six hours home. Sadness washed over her. Wyoming and Connor seemed so far away now.

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  Chapter Fourteen

  * * * *

  Gillian hadn't made it home until four p.m. on Monday. She'd called Connor and then had been so tired from not sleeping well the night before plus the travelling, she'd headed to bed for an early night. A pile of messages were waiting for her the next day when she returned to work.

  Her supervisor, Pete, put his head around her office door as she was skimming through all of them.

  "Glad to see you back. You go somewhere nice for Thanksgiving?"

  "Yeah, Wyoming."

  "Aren't you sick of seeing that place when you go on sales visits?"

  She didn't want to tell him that she had been visiting a customer because it was none of his business.