Roping A Runaway Bride Read online

  Rafe nodded. “Yeah, you probably could, but it's pretty far out. If we go this late in the day, we'll have to camp out. Unless, of course,” he said humorlessly, “you're afraid to be alone with me."

  "I'm not afraid of anything.” Sarah bit her lip. Actually, she was quite uneasy at the prospect. In their surly moods they'd probably be at each other's throat the whole time.

  Still, she could get some beautiful evening shots and she did have camping equipment out in her Jeep. “Okay, let's go for it. I've got all the equipment we need in my Jeep."

  "Fine, I think we could use some time alone.” He turned and walked out the back door. “Let's go."

  Sarah relaxed at his statement. Maybe she could get him to see her side of things.

  Rafe opened the rear door of her jeep and then slipped her keys back into his hip pocket. Sarah frowned at the telling action; he wouldn't give an inch.

  Sarah reached inside and pulled out her bedroll. Underneath was a spare bedroll. They were both attached to backpacks. She turned to Rafe. “Have you ever done any hiking?"

  Rafe took one of the packs from her. “Don't worry. I'll keep up.” He picked up two canteens. “I'll go into the kitchen and fill these. What about food?"

  "I have a week's worth of freeze-dried food in the packs. Don't worry, Rafe, we won't starve. I'll find Rose and tell her we'll be gone while you're getting the water."

  * * * *

  * * * *

  Rafe hobbled around the clearing setting up camp while Sarah scouted around for possible photo opportunities. He had to admit that hiking in cowboy boots wasn't the smartest thing he'd ever done. But after they started there was no way he was going to admit it. Sarah knew anyhow. He could see it in the twinkle in her eyes whenever she looked his way.

  He wiped the trickle of sweat out of his eyes, and looked off into the distance where she was checking out an ant hill. He grinned when he saw her loosen up and smile. She was just like an excited little kid when she set to work. It showed a passionate nature he knew reflected upon other areas in her life.

  Such as her uninhibited passion in bed. The errant thought caused a tightening in his groin. He was supposed to be mad at her, not thinking about taking her to bed.

  Would two fit in this sleeping bag? He rolled it out and smiled. If they slept on top of each other, maybe.

  He turned and walked away from the task to gather firewood, his thoughts growing dark as he thought about Sarah's attempt to buy him off. He wanted her, not her money. Would she ever get that through her stubborn little head? But something even worse worried him. Was this pay off just a preliminary to her leaving him? He cast a frustrated glance her way and saw she was snapping a shot of an eagle in flight. She was like the eagle, free, and alone, but he wouldn't rest until he had her tethered to his side.

  Rafe had the fire going and dinner on to cook when Sarah made her way back to camp. She plopped down on the ground and smiled when he handed her a cup of coffee.

  "Thanks,” she murmured, and took a sip.

  Rafe sat down next to her. “It's been a long day. I figured you could use a cup. Dinner will be ready soon."

  "I think I'm too tired to eat.” She closed her eyes and sighed.

  Rafe reached out and began to rub her knotted shoulder muscles. He felt the tension seep out of her. “You have to take your antibiotic on a full stomach."

  Sarah opened her eyes. “I forgot about those. I didn't bring them."

  He pulled the bottle out of his shirt pocket. “I knew you would, so I got them out of the bathroom before we left."

  Sarah smiled. “Figures.” She gave a pointed glance at his boots. “I should have warned you about hiking in cowboy boots, sorry."

  Rafe chuckled. “That's okay, sweetheart, I'll live."

  "Whatever you're cooking smells good enough to eat."

  Rafe grinned. “Freeze-dried beef stew, and applesauce for dessert."

  "Yummy.” She took a deep whiff of the tantalizing aroma. “You're going to spoil me. It's kind of nice to have a helper along on a shoot. I'm not used to such luxury."

  Rafe got up and stirred the stew. “Sweetheart, if you played your cards right, you could have this kind of help all the time."

  Sarah smiled. “I might just take you up on that offer, cowboy."

  Rafe could have given a cheer, instead he got out two tin plates and dished out their stew. She was moving toward forever.

  After dinner Sarah started to gather up their dishes, but Rafe took them out of her hands. “I'll do that while you wash up, Sarah. We want to keep that wound clean, remember?"

  Sarah smiled. “I'll take you up on that offer. I think I'll go to the lake for a dip."

  Rafe turned away and grinned. She didn't know it, but he planned on joining her shortly. This camping trip was serendipity. They were both a heck of a lot safer out here where absolutely nobody knew where they were. And it gave him time to cement their relationship. He finished the dishes, grabbed a towel, and headed toward the lake.

  Rafe stopped at the water's edge. The sunset painted the water with rainbow colors, and highlighted Sarah's beauty. As she turned toward him, droplets of water looked like diamonds sprinkled over her fair skin. Her eyes were dark green and fathomless and her full lips curved into a siren's smile.

  "I wondered if you would join me,” she said.

  "No power on earth would stop me.” Rafe peeled off his shirt and kicked off his boots.

  "Good."

  Rafe saw her eyes widen when he slipped out of his jeans and briefs. He strode toward the water. “Do you want me, sweetheart?"

  Sarah grinned. “More than you could ever know, cowboy."

  Rafe looked down at his hard flesh. “Oh, I think I've got a pretty good idea.” They both laughed at the private joke. He closed the distance between them with a few long strides and bent to kiss her parted lips.

  Sarah pulled away. “It seems like the only time we get in sync is after we fight."

  Rafe traced a teardrop that trickled down her soft cheek. “Don't cry, sweetheart. We're both going through some tough adjustments now. Things will get better."

  Sarah smiled softly. “I hope so because sometimes I hurt so bad inside I want to die. Other times I get so mad at you I want to kick you."

  "Believe me, sweetheart, the feeling is mutual.” Rafe scooped her up with a chuckle. He kissed her mouth as her slippery body slid across his. Her breasts were tempting mounds pressing against his chest. Rafe's knees began to shake from excitement as he walked toward the bank. “We better take this on dry land before we both drown."

  Sarah laughed. “By all means. I'm not quite ready for a watery grave."

  Rafe carried Sarah toward the campsite.

  "But what about our clothes?"

  "Don't worry about it, sweetheart. I'll go back for them later.” Rafe reached the camp and bent to lay Sarah on top of her sleeping bag. The firelight cast shadows on her body, highlighting her curves. “You're beautiful, Sarah."

  Sarah reached up to trace a pattern on his chest. “Thank you. Every woman wants to be considered beautiful by the man she ... loves."

  Rafe was exultant. She'd said right out loud that she loved him. He bent down to kiss her, positioning himself on her so she could feel how much he wanted her. Sarah parted her legs and he nestled between them. “I need you, Sarah,” he murmured before moving down to suck at her nipples. They were like new strawberries in his mouth, sweet and hard.

  Sarah gasped, pressing herself firmly into his mouth. “That feels wonderful. I've been aching for your touch."

  Rafe smiled and moved down her body, scattering kisses across her taut abdomen. He stopped to dip his tongue in her navel and she arched toward him. Rafe chuckled at her surprised reaction and moved on down to press kisses on the insides of her thighs. Rafe found the heart of her and touched her with his tongue. She pressed against him whimpering. Emboldened, Rafe continued on circling that little bead, teasing it until she screamed in ecstasy, arc
hing toward him. Then she eased down. He pressed kisses on her thighs moving back up to join her.

  "Why did you do that, Rafe? I wanted to feel that when we made love."

  "And you will, sweet Sarah. Just lie back and let it happen.” He nibbled at her neck and cupped her breast, finessing the nipple. It instantly beaded to his touch. “You see?"

  Sarah gasped when he bent down to flick his tongue across her nipple. “Yes, I guess it is possible,” she said in an awed voice.

  Rafe moved to the other breast and placed his hand between her thighs. He slicked slowly between the damp petals until he reached her bud.

  Sarah's legs thrashed as she opened for him.

  The scent of their love was heavy in the air and Rafe exulted in it. Sarah reached out to touch him, cupping him in her hand. Rafe pressed himself into her hot palm, but when he almost lost control, he pulled away. He settled between the thighs, pressing the tip of his shaft against her heat. Unable to wait any longer, he surged into her.

  Sarah moved against him, wrapping her legs around his hips. “Oh, Rafe, that feels so right,” she cried out in a voice raw with emotion. He surged into her once, twice, three times and she climaxed.

  Undone by her passionate cry, Rafe followed her into bliss with a hoarse shout of love.

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  Chapter Nine

  Something tickled Sarah's nose. She wiggled it against a warm furry pillow, opened her eyes, and realized she was sleeping with her head cushioned on Rafe's broad chest. She raised her head and saw that she was halfway lying on him as they both nestled inside her sleeping bag.

  She yawned and then grinned. She might not remember falling asleep last night, but she'd never forget their long, passionate night of lovemaking.

  She cautiously unzipped the sleeping bag, trying not to rouse Rafe. She smiled again. The poor guy would probably be full of aches and pains when he woke up. She wasn't exactly light as a feather.

  The zipper buzzed down noisily as Sarah eased off Rafe and lay at his side. She leaned up on one elbow and gazed wondrously at the man she loved. Her gaze stopped on that part of his anatomy that had pleasured her last night. In the early morning light it was just a shadow of its former self, but as she looked, it started to grow.

  "Taking inventory, sweetheart?"

  Sarah looked into Rafe's laughing eyes. “I just wanted to make sure we hadn't done any damage last night,” she said with a straight face.

  Rafe reached up to pull her down into his arms. “And do I pass inspection, wife?"

  "You'll do.” Sarah nuzzled his neck. He tasted wonderful, sweet and salty at the same time. “You know, I could get used to this.” She sighed blissfully when he caressed her breast.

  "I aim to see you do.” Rafe rolled onto his back, taking Sarah with him.

  Sarah lay astride him, momentarily astounded by the rapid change of position. “Don't tell me it's time for another riding lesson,” she said, laughing.

  Rafe groaned. “That's a terrible joke, sweetheart, but since this is a truly wonderful morning, you get to be in charge. I'm all yours."

  Sarah smiled when Rafe reached between her thighs to touch her softly. She couldn't help moaning at the exquisite pleasure his touch brought. The breeze ruffled her hair as she arched up to give him better access to what he so ardently sought.

  She reached back to touch his hot velvet shaft, reveling in her ability to excite him. There was magic between them. He loved her. He'd yelled it out last night at his climax.

  She moved back, positioning herself above him, and slowly lowered herself onto him. She moved easily, filling herself with his love, slowly, exquisitely.

  "You're in control this morning, sweetheart,” Rafe husked. “Do with me what you will."

  "Don't worry, cowboy, I'll take extra special care of you.” Sarah loved the intense look of passion on his face. She watched his expression change as she began to move. His dark hooded gaze burned with excitement. All too soon, Sarah's own passion overwhelmed her.

  She moved raggedly against him, her breathing rapid. Her thighs trembled as their sweet friction started a brush fire inside of her.

  Rafe reached up to cup her hips, gentling her motions.

  Sarah gasped as she rubbed against him, feeling the sweet muscular contractions of her climax wash over her. She was aware of Rafe's blissful cry as he joined her. She collapsed against him.

  Sarah lay on top of Rafe while she caught her breath. “We're right back where we started this morning."

  "Was I a comfortable cushion, sweetheart?"

  Sarah raised her head and looked at him feeling herself flush. “Sorry about that."

  "Sorry? Are you crazy? I loved every minute of it. It's not every night I get to cradle you all night long.” Rafe brushed her hair back from her eyes. “So what's on the agenda for today?"

  "I'd like to get in a couple of hours of work before we head back.” Sarah rolled off Rafe and sat up. He looked more relaxed than she'd ever seen him before. “That is, if it's okay with you."

  Rafe sat up. “It's fine with me, on one condition."

  "Oh yeah, what's that?"

  "That you give me a morning kiss."

  Sarah saw how Rafe's eyes glittered as she bent toward him. Nothing could spoil this wonderful morning. Rafe's lips brushed warmly against hers. She kissed him back, feeling the sweetness seep all the way down to her toes. Sarah pulled away and laughed. “If we don't cut this out, I'll never get any work done."

  "So who wants to work?"

  Sarah stood up and smiled. “I do, cowboy, so let's get cracking."

  * * * *

  * * * *

  Rafe rolled up Sarah's sleeping bag. He breathed deeply and smiled. He could still smell the traces of her scent and the perfume she wore. Things were going well, better than well. He'd told her he loved her last night and he didn't regret it one bit. It was a new sensation because he'd never believed in that kind of hearts and flowers stuff. Sarah had made him a believer.

  Still, he had to make it clear to Sarah that he wasn't going to be placated by her money. After all, she'd thought he'd married her for her family connections. How would she feel if he actually took the money she offered. It would give her too easy an out.

  No, it was going to be tight but he'd solve his financial problems by himself. He hated to part with any of the Double-H but when it came down to preserving their future he was prepared to go through with it.

  He stuffed the clothes he'd retrieved from the beach into his backpack and tied it securely. He slipped the pack onto his back, picked up Sarah's, and headed for the rise where she was scouting for shots.

  As Rafe headed toward the sun, his thoughts returned to their lovemaking. Maybe he'd give Rose the night off so he and Sarah could have a cozy dinner for two. He smiled. It was just the kind of thing Sarah would love.

  He crested the rise and looked around. He didn't see Sarah anywhere. Where could she have gone? She said she'd be here taking some shots of the cliffs.

  Then he spotted a still dark object lying in the high grass, several hundred feet away. Maybe she'd dropped some of her equipment. Rafe told himself he was just worrying for nothing, but his footsteps hurried toward the object anyway. He drew closer, and saw it was Sarah, crumpled like rag doll in the grass.

  His heart lurching in his chest, Rafe knelt beside her, reaching out to touch her warm, still, arm. “Sarah, are you okay?” There was no reply. He felt for broken bones and then carefully turned her over. She gave a tiny moan, but her eyelids remained closed.

  What was the matter with her? Was she shot? He couldn't see any wounds. He brushed the hair back from her forehead and his hand came away with blood.

  Looking closely he saw a gash with a deep purple bruise underneath her hairline. Rafe leaned down, placing his ear near Sarah's nose. Her sweet breath came slow and shallow into his ear.

  "Sarah, sweetheart, can you hear me?” There was no response. Her face was so pale. How long h
ad she been like this? She must have fallen and hit her head. Rafe looked around, but didn't see any stumps of rocks nearby, just soft grass.

  It hit him like a sucker punch. Someone had attacked her. Rafe's jaw tightened as he looked around. Whoever had done it was gone. Damnit, he thought they were safe, otherwise he never would have let her go off on her own. This was all his fault. He should have anticipated the unexpected attack. He should have taken better care of her.

  He shrugged the backpack off his shoulders, and yanked out his cellular phone. He dialed the number for the local rescue service. The wait for an answer seemed like an eternity.

  "Shelbyville nine-one-one, how can I direct your call?” a businesslike female voice asked.

  "This is Rafe Halliday from the Double-H. I need paramedics right away. My wife has a severe head injury. We're camped out just one mile east of Jersey Lake."

  "I just dispatched the Rescue Service. They'll be there as soon as possible, Mr. Halliday. In the mean time, stay on the line with me. I need to ask you some questions."

  "Fine,” Rafe said tightly. “Just please hurry them up."

  "Please remain calm, sir. They'll be there soon. How did the injury occur?"

  "Somebody bashed her on the head,” Rafe said harshly, through gritted teeth. His stomach convulsed at the image and he thought he was going to be sick.

  "Are you sure?"

  "Yes.” He reached down to touch Sarah's cheek. “Send the sheriff, too."

  "Do you know who attacked your wife?"

  "I don't know for sure. I found her lying on the ground, unconscious.” He stopped to take a calming breath. “But I have my suspicions,” Rafe continued. Nevell Blackthorn would be one sorry bastard when he got his hands on him.

  "I'm going to assist you by phone until the paramedics arrive. Is your wife having any trouble breathing?"

  "Her breathing seems to be kind of shallow but I guess she's doing okay that way. The main problem is she's bleeding a lot. There's a big gash on her forehead."

  "Mr. Halliday, I need you to apply gentle pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Do you have a clean cloth to place on the wound?"