The Wrangler Takes a Wife (Silver Creek Ranch #7)

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

C hase

Amara returned to the booth. “I was just about to send out a search party,” Chase quipped.

“You didn’t have to wait for me. Go ahead. Your food will get cold.” She gestured to his plates, motioning for him to eat. The discomfort he sensed coming from her before she left, was gone. Chase was grateful for whatever put her at ease.

The food was good, and the conversation flowed easily. Several of the restaurant’s patrons stopped by and greeted Amara. Although the towns were a good distance apart, it showed how close knit they were. Chase even got some insight about his uncle from a couple of folks.

“Willis was one of the sweetest men. You could always count on him to give to a charity. He was so generous.”

His Uncle Willis had not only left him the ranch, but a large sum of cash. So much, Chase wondered if his uncle even spent money. Amara had been in a good mood, and he didn’t want to halt their progress, but he was curious about his mother’s brother. Amara volunteered the information before Chase could ask.

“Just so you know, she laid it on a little thick. Uncle Willis was a kind man who gave to charity, but the most he ever gave to any cause was ten dollars.”

“You called him Uncle?”

“It was out of respect for him as an elder. Our families have always had a close relationship. It goes back generations.” Unlike before, Amara didn’t frown at the mention of his uncle. She actually smiled as she spoke about him. “I knew him my entire life. He was the ‘cool’ uncle. Not only to me and my brothers, but to all the kids.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t have a family of his own.”

“Well, your uncle was stubborn, and your grandfather was an ass.” Her conviction was evident.

Chase chuckled. “Tell me how you really feel.”

“Mr. Johnson was the controlling sort. The way I heard it. He cut off your mom because she chose your dad and ran her off the ranch. Well, he didn’t approve of your uncle’s choice of partner either. Uncle Willis chose the land but refused to pick anyone other than her. Your grandfather was furious about it until the day he died.”

“Who was she?”

“My aunt, my mom’s eldest sister.” Her answer surprised him.

“What happened to her?”

“When he told Aunt Marina she could keep his mother’s ring, but he couldn’t marry her, she told him to stuff his ring. Eventually, she left Willowridge, then the province, and finally the country. Despite his rejection, she told the family not to hold it against him. She didn’t want him to be lonely.”

“So, our family has had a romantic relationship before.”

“Don’t go there.” She narrowed her eyes at him. Chase couldn’t help but to smile. He enjoyed how they got along during dinner, but Amara, throwing daggers at him, was a tremendous turn on. Maybe something was broken inside him. If it was, it was something new. In the past, he would have run a mile from a woman who constantly challenged him.

“Why not?” he pressed.

“Did you want dessert?” Her change of topic was abrupt and very obvious.

“Are you offering?” Chase wiggled his eyebrows.

Despite her blustering, he saw the hint of a smile she worked to suppress. “You are a grown man.”

“Damn straight.” Chase smirked.

They ended up having tea and freshly made almond cookies, along with orange wedges. The third time Chase caught Amara suppressing a yawn, he reluctantly called for the bill. They had a long drive back. Thirty minutes into the trip, he realized she was asleep, not being quiet. Her breathing was quiet and even.

When he pulled into her yard, he took a moment to look at her. The light from the pole illuminated her ethereal features. Her peaceful expression was a picture of serenity, with her lips slightly parted. An air of gentleness enveloped her entire being as her long eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks. She had turned towards the centre console and tucked her feet beneath her while her head rested on her clasped hands. He felt a deep sense of contentment, as if witnessing a rare and beautiful moment that he wanted to hold on to.

Chase wasn’t sure how long he watched her for, but he eventually felt compelled to touch her. He brushed his knuckles against her velvety soft cheek. She stirred, her breathing deepening. While watching her eyes slowly flutter before falling back into slumber, he curved his lips into a soft smile.

They couldn’t stay in his truck all night. Well, he wouldn’t let her. Amara would probably wake up sore. Chase would be perfectly content to watch her sleep. He cupped her face and had to talk himself out of a moment more, when she snuggled into his hold. As he stroked her cheek, her eyelids fluttered open. For a moment, she looked dazed and confused. Suddenly, she frantically looked around the cab of this truck.

“Wrangler?” she questioned. She sounded so sleepy.

“Hey, Sweet Darling,” he soothed gently. Chase was able to give her a last caress before Amara pulled out of his hold and sat up.

“I can’t believe I fell asleep.” She pressed her fingers to her lips as she closed her eyes. They opened, and onyx-coloured orbs stared at him. “Tell me I didn’t sleep the entire way home?”

Chase gave her a toothy grin as he shook his head.

“How long?”

“I noticed after we had been driving for thirty minutes.”

“Sorry. I had an early morning.”

“On your day off?”

Amara wrinkled her nose. “I really should get inside.”

“I’ll walk you to your door and make sure you get inside safely.”

Chase took her hand as he helped her out of the truck and didn’t let go until they stood on her doorstep. By then, the sleep had faded, and Amara was back to being her charming self.

“Can I have my hand back so I can open the door, please?”

He was in a good mood and didn’t mention she could have asked as they walked, but he let her have her moment. She unlocked the door but stopped short of opening it when he pressed his hand to the small of her back. The moment she turned her head, his attention was immediately drawn to her heart-shaped lips with their full, pouty bottom. Temptation seized him. God, was he tempted. However, Chase knew kissing was far too much temptation. “Get inside,” he instructed as he opened the door for her.

To his surprise, she did what she was told, without so much as a glib comment. She stepped through the threshold and turned and flicked on the light.

“Go—”

Amara cut him off. “Wait,” she said, pressing her hand to his chest. He could feel the heat through his shirt. “Thank you for tonight. It was nice.” Standing straighter, she asked, “would you like to come in?”

“Nope. It isn’t a good idea.” Minutes ago, she was fast asleep in his truck. She was tuckered out. If she let him in, the last thing she’d be doing was getting rest.

Amara inclined her head. “Why isn’t it a good idea?” she challenged.

“You slept the entire way back. You’re tired.” Chase was giving her an out. Why? He couldn’t say because all he wanted to do was bury himself inside her.

Nibbling her bottom lip, she asked, “then wouldn’t that mean I’m well rested?”

“Well, you have a point,” he said, entering her home and closing the door behind him. Despite the need he felt strumming inside, he took a moment to lock the door. Then worked his boots off. Barefoot, she headed to the kitchen.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“No.” He shook his head, although her back was to him. Chase didn’t want to waste time with a drink he didn’t want. Not when all he wanted was to get his hands on her. “Come here,” he ordered. She stopped in her tracks, then spun on her heel.

“Say, please.” Amara arched her eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips. Her stance was no-nonsense, challenging him.

“Now.” Chase took a few steps forward. “See, I’m making it easier for you.”

She gave a saccharine smile. Then took equal steps back. “You didn’t say please.”

Chase knew what battles to concede. The primary objective was to get her in his arms. “Now… please.”

As she sauntered towards him, her hips swayed, mesmerisingly. He shortened her arrival. Once she was in arm’s reach, he snaked out his hands and pulled her flush against him. Amara smiled at him.

“What the hell? Did you think I was taking too long?”

“Yeah. I’ve been waiting to have you back in my arms since we were interrupted early.” It was the only warning he gave as he lowered his head and kissed her. The kiss was primal. It was passionate and intense, and the surrounding air seemed to crackle with electricity. It wasn’t enough. One hand grasped her nape. The sound of her moan turned his cock to granite. His hand slipped beneath her dress, squeezing her ass. She ground against his length.

It was all he could take. Pulling away from the kiss, he requested she take him to her room. His voice was gruff and needy. Amara grabbed his hands and led him down a long hallway. The door to her room was open. Amara walked in and stood beside the bed. The moonlight filtering in wasn’t enough for Chase; he wanted to see the woman he was about to worship. He felt around for the light switch and flicked it on.

She squinted as the light bathed the room. “Um, do we need the light?”

“I do…” Chase answered as he walked towards her. “…I want to see all of you.”

They locked eyes as he methodically unbuttoned her dress. When he reached her waist, he slipped the dress off her shoulders. Then his eyes drifted to her chest. Black lace covered her full breast. As beautiful a picture as it presented, he wanted the bra gone. On autopilot, he reached behind her, then he released the hooks. He discarded the bra, allowing it to cascade to the floor. His mouth watered for a taste of her tear drop shaped breasts adorned with berry-coloured nipples. Dipping his head, he cupped her breast. Amara moaned as Chase flicked his tongue over each nipple before suckling one. Her hands gripped his shoulders. He eased his hand down her side, tracing her curves with his fingertips, then followed the path with his lips, trailing kisses along her skin until he reached her belly. Gently, he nuzzled her waist, savoring the warmth and softness beneath his touch.

Chase returned to unbuttoning her dress. With the release of two more buttons, the dress was freed to slide down and off her hips. She slipped her fingers in the band at the waist of her black cotton panties. He considered stopping her, then thought better of it. As she shimmed out of her panties, he unbuttoned his shirt. His gaze locked on her nude form; its beauty struck him. He admired her curves, her soft skin, her breasts, her rounded hips, thick thighs and long, shapely legs. Amara didn’t shy away from his scrutiny.

“One of us is overdressed…” she informed him. “…and it isn’t me.”

“No, you’re naked and mouthy.”

Placing her hands on her hips. Amara informed him, “I’m sure you can find something to do about it.”

“On the bed,” Chase ordered. He was out of his briefs and pants quicker than even he thought was possible. His cock bobbed once freed from its confines. A stroke of his length reminded Chase that he had to prepare Amara for his girth before he could slide into her. His aim was always to pleasure. From her position on the bed, her greedy stare travelled over his body. Her eyes widened when they reached his cock.

“I don’t think…” she murmured, shaking her head. He walked over to the bed and stroked her leg.

“We will work. Trust me.” He tapped her legs, encouraging her to part them.

Chase took his time, making himself comfortable between her thighs. The smell of her arousal was stimulating. The scent was sweet and intoxicating. A heady mix of vanilla and musk filled the air. It was nothing compared to the taste of her essence. He gripped her thighs, holding them apart as he used his tongue to pleasure her. With cries of encouragement ringing out, her hands delved into his hair. The thought of teasing her materialised but was dismissed quickly. Chase wanted to feel her warmth squeezing his length. Doubling his efforts, he coaxed her pearl from its hood. Passionately sucking the bundle of nerves, Chase drove her to release. Her essence bathed his tongue. He attempted to capture every drop until she begged him to stop.

“Please, enough.”

With a final kiss, to her mound, he drew himself up, positioning his cock at her entrance.

“Birth control?” Chase inquired.

“Huh?” Amara was dazed.

“Are you on birth control?”

“Yes.”

“I’m clean, last checkup was three months ago.”

“Me too. All clear, I mean.”

“Good.” He shared her taste with her in a passionate kiss as he eased his length into her pussy. His groan was guttural as the tightness of her warm walls engulfed his head. “Fuck.” He murmured. Amara felt better than he imagined.

He stayed still, allowing her to adjust to the feeling of him. She gripped her comforter tightly while measuring her breaths.

“You good?” he asked.

“Mm, yeah.”

Uncertain if it was a reflex, or she did it intentionally, Chase shut his eyes at the sensation of her walls squeezing him. He pressed his forehead to hers and stroked inside. The need to bring her pleasure was the only tether to his control. Her sigh fanned his face. Her hands caressed his back. “So good,” he groaned.

Cupping her breast, he teased her nipples. Her moans guided him in applying just the right amount of pressure.

“Don’t stop, Wrangler.”

Chase stopped mid stroke, his eyes flying open. Amara always called him Wrangler. It never bothered him before… but now he wouldn’t bear it.

Her eyes opened, and she looked at him, bewildered. The ‘what the fuck?’ was evident in her stare. “When I’m inside you. Filling you. You say my name.”

“Wrangler, don’t be?—”

“Wrangler isn’t my name.” He growled. “Say it.”

“Chase,” she said above a whisper.

It was enough. The sound of his name leaving her lips had a bigger effect on him than he expected. When he acted on his urge, he had no idea how connected to her it would make him feel. Moving his hips, he resumed stroking into her. He was attuned to her every reaction. Amara was so responsive, returning his every thrust. They moved as one. The sounds of their passion synched. Their connection was like nothing he had ever felt before. He chased the foreign feeling. His strokes became faster and deeper.

“Amara,” he cried as his release slammed into him. She followed close behind. Chase moved, so he didn’t collapse onto her. He pulled her to his side and pressed a kiss to her forehead.