A Bid For Love

shock through him. God! Of all the things he'd daydreamed and fantasized, none of it came even close to this.
    "Now, let me demonstrate why I'm top hand around this spread." Blue eyes smoldered with passion, locking with Scott's, pulling him into a sensual storm. Gloved hands slid up that rose-colored open shirt, baring satin skin, showcasing well-defined abs and wheat-pale hair dusting a broad chest. The shirt dropped to the floor, leaving Scott's mouth dry and desire screaming for release. He tried to swallow, tried to regain a measure of control, but it wasn't working this time...
    "No." Soft leather clamped over him, pressure exerted on his shaft to let him breathe. "Not yet, Scott. Not until I have you completely." Far more plea than command, but those clear blue eyes still burned. "You need a minute?"
    Much as Scott wanted this feeling, he knew he'd lose it if not for Asher's tight grip. He managed a frantic nod. "So close, honey. Damn!" His lungs bellowed, so sharp and hard his chest hurt. "This may be just be the best I've ever had."
    "See what you get for teaching me the joy of just playing?" Now that was Asher, not the top hand. That smile glowed. "Heaven forbid we ever get to playing pirates. I fear the sight of you in one of those flowing white shirts would destroy every last brain cell in the sweetest breakdown in history."
    Scott's breathless laugh eased some of the tension coiling his body so tight. "Looking forward to causing that breakdown, darlin'." He paused to take a few slower, deeper breaths. "Think we can rent a boat again?" Or maybe a quick trip to the Caribbean once Italy was paid off. A long breath escaped, almost a sigh. "Dear Lord, you're just beyond perfect. You make me feel like I never have before." And blessed God, if the light on Asher face didn't make Scott want to do everything in his power to keep it there. "It's pure mush, but I think I love you more every day."
    "I know I love you more every passing hour. So I guess maybe I'm the top hand when it comes to pure mush, too." Asher grinned and pressed a soft kiss over Scott's lips. "Can you breathe yet, sweetheart? Nice as you feel in my hand, I'd planned to finish stripping for you before we got to this part."
    Another long, deep dose of oxygen assured Scott control had returned, though that admission of love didn't aid it. Scott knew just how deep trust had to run for Asher to admit to love, much less do it in so romantic a fashion. The pure ease of his words settled a fire other than sexual deep in Scott's core. He smoothed his fingertips over Asher's cheek, the hint of stubble alluring. "Yeah, I think I'm good for a few minutes, baby. Though you get me just by smiling sometimes."
    The smolder didn't quite make it back into those blue eyes. Asher's fingers brushed the brim of his hat, a bit of a salute, before he stood and hitched up his jeans. Wow, bare-chested in worn denim and speechless made a beautiful combination, Scott decided. But then everything about Asher did.
    "Now, where were we?" Asher looked him over once and the grin hardened back into character. "Oh, yes. Teaching a smartass cowhand who's in charge." He nodded to something just off to Scott's right. "I'd almost hoped I'd have to use that on you tonight. So many possibilities."
    Scott turned his head, blinked, and went granite-hard again. A lasso. When the hell had Asher managed to set this up? "Sorry, darlin'. I'm far too willing for you to need to tie me up." Though that thought sent more than a few hot--if disturbing--visuals racing past Scott's inner movie screen. He ran his tongue over dry lips. "Of course, needing and wanting are two different things."
    "Another night. I find I want your attention focused on me." Those slender fingers in their leather gloves toyed at the top button of Asher's fly. "Very much focused."
    "Oh, you have my full attention, baby. I promise." Scott's breathing turned shallow and fast again.
    God, every move, every twitch of those lean hips was so graceful. Nobody else on the planet could make toeing off a pair of cowboy boots look so hot. Five silver buttons down that fly, stonewashed denim sliding over...shit. Silk. Blue silk, the same color as those pretty eyes. High-cut, form-fitting bikini briefs. So utterly un-Asher and so perfect.
    Scott informed his love of his appreciation in the most honest and profane way he knew how. And almost drowned in the wash of love setting those pale features aglow. Asher really could tie him up