And bit by bit Liz told him about growing up in Oklahoma and working summers and after school on a cutting horse ranch.
“The first time I set foot on that ranch and watched the trainers at work,” she said, “I knew that was for me. And I had good teachers.”
“I should thank them. Otherwise you might not have landed here at the Lucky L.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “Maybe that’s not the only thing that brought me here,” she said almost hesitantly.
Alex’s hot blue eyes studied her. “Is there something you think you should tell me? Something I ought to know?”
Liz gave herself a mental shake. The patio at Soda Pops was no place to discuss the intimate details of her life. If she could even make herself do it.
“I…”
He reached for her hand again. “Whatever it is, let’s leave it for now. Just keep something in mind for me.”
“What?”
“You’re more than just a playmate to me, although you happen to be an incredible one. Whatever reservations you have about taking this outside the club, I’d like it if you could share them with me.” He caressed her knuckles with his thumb. “You trust me at Rawhide. Can’t you trust me with whatever is bothering you?”
“I—”
“Not now. Not here. Just think about it, okay?” He pulled his hand back and began gathering up their trash, scooping hers up with his.
Liz pushed her chair back and stood. “Lunch was…I enjoyed it.”
His grin sent shivers skating down her spine. “Good. We’re making progress. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” He paused. “And of course tomorrow night.”
“Yes. Tomorrow night.” Wednesday. One of their regular nights.
“Good.” He lifted a hand as if to touch her face, then dropped it, aware of where they were. “See you then.”
Liz stood by the table and watched him walk away with his loose-hipped stride, climb into the big Wright Ranch Supplies pickup, and back away from the curb. Why, she wondered, did she have to be so fucked up just when probably the best thing to come along walked into her life?
She scooped her keys and tote off the table and headed for her own truck. Work, that’s what she needed. Lots of hard work. And then maybe a drink.
Chapter Eight
The afternoon was tense for Liz, mostly because while she worked with young Trish Stanton in the ring, she was acutely aware of Alex watching her. He’d brought his young niece to the Lucky L, given Liz a sinful grin, and made himself comfortable in the observation gallery. The hour of training seemed to stretch endlessly, but at last, the lesson was finished. She and Trish dismounted and walked their horses out into the breezeway where she kept a small box of grooming equipment. It was a rule at the Lucky L that clients as well as instructors cooled and groomed their horses after every lesson.
Trish bubbled with enthusiasm as she wiped Jester down and brushed her carefully. Liz had them set up so she could take care of her own horse while keeping an eye on the young girl, monitoring her strokes with the brush as well as Jester’s condition.
She was going over the training session with her when she heard the sound of boot heels on the concrete. She didn’t have to look to see who it was. Just being near him made her nerve endings sizzle, her nipples ache, and a familiar throbbing sensation set up in her instantly wet cunt.
And that, of course, was a big part of her problem. The physical connection alone was so strong as to be almost visible, a steel band she found it impossible to break.
“Nice workout, Trish.” Glancing sideways, she saw him place a kiss on his niece’s forehead.
“Thanks, Uncle Alex.” Her enthusiasm was unmistakable. “Liz says we’re naturals, Jester and me.”
“I believe she’s right, squirt. She’s got very good instincts.”
“I’m almost done,” she told him. “Just a few more minutes.”
“Take your time. Do what needs doing.”
Liz continued brushing her horse with long smooth strokes, her entire body on full alert. She waited to see if he’d move closer to her, but instead, he dropped onto an upturned barrel, stretching his long legs out in front of him.
“Trish, I can finish Jester,” she told the young girl. “Go on ahead.”
“I’m almost done. And Uncle Alex doesn’t mind waiting.” She giggled. “He told me on the way over here there’s lots of nice things to look at.”
Did he now? Exactly what do you mean, Alex?
“Well, it looks like Jester’s finished so Uncle Alex won’t have to find things to look at any longer.” Liz moved over to unclip Jester’s bridle from the ropes holding her in place. “I’ll take her to her stall. You did really well, Trish. I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Okay. Thanks, Liz.” Trish hugged her tightly. “You’re the best.”
“I second that.” Alex had risen and was standing right next to her, his hands on Trish’s shoulders, his eyes hot and dark as the ocean. Then he pulled Trish’s long braid. “Come on, squirt. Let’s go so Liz can finish up here. She’s got an important appointment tonight.”
Tonight! Heat flashed over her. Rawhide. Nine o’clock. One of their regular nights.
For a quicksilver moment, she was tempted to cancel, but she faced the truth that she wanted the session more than she wanted to duck out on him. God, she was a mess. A total mess.
She managed a casual smile and a wave as the tall man and the young girl headed out to the parking area. Then she walked Jester back to her stall.
“I should have my head examined, right, girl?” She stroked the mare’s forehead. “What do you think I should do?”
Jester snorted and bobbed her head.
Liz laughed. “Right. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Rawhide was unusually crowded for a Wednesday night but Liz spotted Alex at once. He was leaning against a wall in the lounge, talking to another man, tall and heavily muscled. Liz recognized him as one of the dungeon masters.
Alex spotted her immediately and broke off his conversation.
“I was taking bets with myself whether you’d actually show tonight.” He slid his hand beneath her hair and rubbed the nape of her neck. His gaze raked over her. “You look good enough to eat. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
As he talked he walked her down the corridor. He pulled a key card from his pocket, swiped it in the lock, and opened the door to the room they always used. As usual, their regular toys were meticulously laid out and the lighting subdued except for the spotlight directly over the spanking bench and one above several sets of manacles hung from the ceiling on different lengths of chains.
The moment the door closed, the atmosphere changed. Gone was the relaxed, casual male who’d greeted her. In his place was the ultimate Dom, her Master, confident and in control. Moisture dripped from her pussy onto her thighs and her stomach clenched in anticipation. She stood in the usual position, head bowed, awaiting his instructions.
“Strip.” His voice was hot, the one word slicing the air like a knife through butter.
Liz blinked. Okay. Tonight he was getting right to it.
Alex watched her unbutton the embroidered vest she wore and drop it to the floor beside her. Next came the short denim skirt. No panties or bra. Just as he’d ordered.
“Leave those heels on.”
The stilettos were his favorite. Something clenched inside him as he realized she’d probably deliberately chosen them. His gaze traveled over her nakedness inch by inch, the sight of it so arousing he hoped he’d be able to keep himself in check. This woman had branded him in some way, made all other females pale by comparison. Made him constantly hungry for her.
He, Alex Wright, the Dom that other men envied for his emotional detachment. Well, there was nothing detached about the way he felt toward Elizabeth Gillibrand.
“Very good. You please me.”
“Thank you, Sir.” I want to please you a lot more, but oh, don’t ask me anything else. Don’t let this change.