Nights with the Outlaw by Lauri Robinson Read Free Book Online

Through their clothing, the tips of her breasts hardened against his chest. He could almost envision the dark peaks, knew they’d fill his mouth wonderfully.
    His tongue danced with hers, and he held her firmly against him, imagining how glorious it would be to be inside her, rising to the apex of delight and releasing his seed to be embraced by her womb. The thought was suddenly sobering. He’d never dreamed of a woman bearing his children.
    Practically trembling in his boots, he broke the kiss, but planted a few small ones on her cheek and nose and temple as she snuggled her head beneath his chin, leaning heavily against him.
    Her hands kneaded his back. “Does that mean you want me to find a scanty dress or not?”
    He couldn’t control the chuckle that escaped.
    She lifted her head while her hands slipped down to settle on his waist. The look in her eyes was deep and thoughtful. Taking a step backward, she took his hand and pulled him down as she sat.
    Once on the ground, the enthusiasm in his groin had him wanting to lay her down in the grass and remove her clothing piece by piece. He gave his head a clearing, scolding shake. He should be trying to fathom up an excuse to keep from kissing her, but that was impossible. His mind couldn’t think of anything except how sweet she tasted and how full of life he felt.
    â€œHave you ever carved your initials in a tree?” she asked.
    A thumping in his head told him to stop acting on his feelings for her. No good could come of it. “No, I can’t say I have.” And never will, he added silently. She was as pure and clean as new snow, and he was as tarnished as a rusted nail. “Doreena, I’m sorry, I shouldn‘t—”
    â€œShh.” Doreena pressed a hand against Clint’s lips, stopping his protest. She was lit up like a firefly in a jar from the kiss they shared, and she wasn’t about to let anything hamper the joy of it.
    She’d never imagined the day would come when she’d want to share everything she had, but she did with Clint—had for weeks now. Not only that, she wanted to kiss him again and again, wanted to feel his arms around her every day, and every night. Sometimes, like right now, she wanted it more than she wanted the ranch. “Why shouldn’t we?”
    Clint shook his head slightly. “I’m an outlaw.”
    She let out a sigh. “I know. You told me. But I don’t…” Just telling him she didn’t believe it wouldn’t be enough. She glanced around, trying to come up with a way to explain how she felt. “Tristan has changed since you arrived, but he’s still a kid, and my responsibility. Jeb and Sarah, Joe and Dobbs, depend on me, and the wages I pay them. Do you honestly think I’d put any of them or myself in danger?”
    â€œNo,” he answered.
    â€œI wouldn’t. And I don’t believe you would, either.”
    His hands, warm and gentle, cupped her cheeks. “No, I wouldn’t.” Disquiet shimmered in his eyes. “But that doesn’t change my past. I’m an outlaw, Doreena. I spent the last two years in prison in Missouri.”
    She’d never asked him why, but did now. “For what?”
    â€œTrain robbery.”
    His answer didn’t cause a deep reaction. She could live with his past. “You served your time. You paid your dues.”
    â€œIt’s not as simple as that.” His hands fell to his lap. “There were other robberies.” He bowed his head. “Trains, banks, stagecoaches.”
    She wrung her hands, wanting to touch him, but sensed he’d back away. “If you can start over in California, why can’t you start over here?”
    â€œDoreena—”
    She shook her head and laid a hand on his chest. “The first place to start is right here. Inside yourself. Once you start over there, the rest is easy.”
    Thoughtful and clear, his gaze held hers.