Hot Prairie Nights Read online

  Hot Prairie Nights

  Title Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  About the Author

  Blurb –

  It’s a hard life living on the western plains. Elizabeth Murphy knows she lives it every day.

  Then just like some medieval knight in shining armor, a stranger arrives at her door. He claims to be a friend, who is down on his luck and looking for work.

  Just looking at him sets her body on fire, and with them sharing a small log cabin, the nights are bound to heat up. Can she resist the chance to take a ride with the cowboy? Or should she trust him at all?

  After all, he thinks wearing a shirt is an optional item and he knows way too many facts about her dead gun slinging husband?

  Anita Philmar Other Books

  Black Dragon’s Series

  Black Dragon’s Blood

  Black Dragon’s Moon

  Black Dragon’s Heart

  Banished – Three Erotic Stories

  Banished Hero

  Banished Scoundrel

  Banished Witch

  Short Stories

  Fairy Fun

  Texas Passion

  Hog-Tied and Branded

  Hot Prairie Nights – Free Read

  Other Stories

  HotWired

  Naked Rebel coming out Dec. 2012

  Hot Prairie Nights

  By Anita Philmar

  Dedication

  A special thanks to my readers.

  Smashwords Edition

  * * * * * *

  Published by:

  Anita Philmar

  Copyright November 2012 by Anita Philmar

  This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  Thank you for downloading this free ebook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to Smashwords.com to discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.

  This book is intended for adults and should not be read by persons under the age of eighteen.

  Chapter One

  The sight at the end of her gun set Elizabeth Murphy on fire. Eighteen months without sex had her craving the touch of a man. Yet, most didn’t even cause a stir in her blood, but this one sparked a reaction in her libido.

  Why?

  She blinked and stared at the man riding across her land. What did he have that other men didn’t?

  Wide shoulders and with his cowboy hat set low over his eyes, he moved with the gate of the horse as if he were an extension of the animal. The gentle rocking reminding her of...she lowered her rifle. A deep-seated yearning curled in her stomach.

  As a woman on a spread by herself, she couldn’t afford to be friendly with strangers. No, she had to protect the ranch and greet everyone with caution.

  Standing on the front porch of her cabin, she allowed her gaze to venture to the barn, then onto the corral where two horses stood. She’d brought them in from the fields a few hours ago in anticipation of her trip into town tomorrow. The sun sinking low on the horizon reminded her that she had supper waiting inside.

  The increase patter of a horse’s hooves caught her attention and she stared again at the stranger.

  “Might as well stop right there,” Lizzie called and cocked her gun. “I’m not much on uninvited guests.”

  The man pulled on the reins, drawing the horse to a walk and then to a stop. “I can understand why a woman in your position might feel that way, but I’m a friend of your husband.”

  The thought didn’t inspire warmth. Instead, she lifted her gun. “My husband was a gun-slinging gambler. He didn’t have the most reputable friends.”

  A slight smirk passed over the man’s lips. He nodded. “Yes, but I knew him as a child back in Oklahoma. Heath Holmes is the name. I’m sure Daniel mentioned me once or twice.”

  The name did sound familiar. What had Daniel said about Heath?

  She licked her lips and fought the hunger to see this man’s strong muscular body naked and up close. She stared at his mount to gather more information. His black horse had the markings of a thoroughbred. The detail design of his saddle, and the rich quality of the man’s clothes spoke of someone who had money. So why visit her here?

  “I recall the name, but Daniel didn’t particularly enjoy his childhood. His mother didn’t provide him with a great upbringing.” Lizzy lowered her gun to her waist but kept the barrel pointed at Heath. Could she trust him?

  “True, at times he would have starved, if not for my family, but then with six mouths to feed, what was one more?” Heath swung his leg over the saddle and stepped down from his horse, and turned.

  Lizzie’s mouth watered and her palms slipped on the gun. She rested the butt of her rifle on the porch railing for fear of firing it off accidently. Thoughts of what Daniel has said about his youth warred with her desire to get to know Heath better. Her gaze slid down his six foot frame, broad shoulders, full chest, trim waist, and thick thighs. Nothing about him seemed to hint at him not being able to take on any task.

  “Right, Daniel did mention his mother’s love of whiskey and how your family was his saving grace.” Lizzy waved him over to the barn. “Why don’t you unsaddle your horse and put him in the corral? There’s a pump next to the water trough if you want to clean up and stay a spell?”

  She stepped back as Heath grew closer. The desire racing through her body tempted her with thoughts of jumping off the porch and into his arms. With only a few kisses, he could have her out of her bloomers and be pounding his cock deep inside her within seconds.

  A sigh escaped at finally satisfying her lust for sex. Stunned by the needy sound, she rushed on with, “I was just getting ready to set down for supper, if you’d like to join me?”

  “Thanks, I’ll just get Sasha settled and be right in.” Heath grinned and led his horse to the barn.

  Lizzy backed through the open doorway and set her gun in the rack by the door. Thoughts raced through her head as to what she should do. Living alone had its advantages and disadvantages. No one knew what she did or didn’t do. So if she wanted to take a temporary lover, who would be the wiser? However, she didn’t want to get involve with the wrong type of man again either.

  Daniel had married her and stayed around for a few weeks at a time too, but he had wanderlust. His lifestyle up to the point where he married her allowed him to come and go as he pleased. He didn’t really like ranching and had relished the chance to get away occasionally for random trips. She didn’t want another man like him, even though the sex between them had been wild whenever he returned home. Next time around, she wanted a man who’d stay by her side and enjoy helping her with the ranch.

  She walked to the counter and looked out the window.

  Could Heath be that man?

  ****

  Heath grabbed his hat and shirt off the fence post. Water drops ran down his chest and helped cool him off from his sweaty jaunt here. He questioned many times over the last few days if making this trip was the right thing to do.

  He shook his head and grinned, but one look at Lizzy had solidified his plan. She needed him.

  Daniel had talked nonstop about his beautiful wife, but Heath hadn’t believed his friend. After all, what man would admit to mar
rying some ugly troll? And Daniel had a tendency to lie.

  Heath walked toward the house and glanced around. The log cabin and barn didn’t look to be more than ten to fifteen years old. That meant, Daniel’s story of finding an incredible deal on the place from a grieving widow needing to return east, had to be true too.

  Did that mean Heath could count on his friend to tell him a few other truths? Like how much Lizzy disliked Daniel not wearing a shirt because it turned her on?

  Heath rubbed his hand over his bare chest and stepped onto the porch. What would she say about him coming to the supper table half dressed? Would he offend or excite her?

  Stepping through the doorway, he hung his hat on the cow horns nailed to the wall and glanced around for a place to hang his shirt.

  The one room cabin had all the required amenities. A bed in one corner, a few chairs positioned next to a fireplace, a table with two benches and a counter where Lizzy stood putting together supper. He dropped his shirt over a chair and turned.

  Crystal blue eyes briefly met his before dropping to his chest. Color flooded her cheeks and Lizzy quickly averted her gaze.

  Heath fought the desire to step closer and draw her into his arms. She had to be missing Daniel and remembering what it was like to be with a man.

  Yet, Heath couldn’t take advantage of the fact until he knew for certain she wanted him and not just a substitute for his friend.

  “Something smells awful good. After being on the trail for several days, I’m always excited to have a home cooked meal.” He walked to the table and threw a leg over the bench. “Everything looks right tasty.”

  The table set with a basket of yeast rolls, fresh strawberries, and a pot of stew. His stomach rumbled with hunger and he shifted the fork next to his plate.

  Lizzy turned with two glasses in her hand. “Well, you might as well dig in. I’m sorry the only thing I have to drink is water.”

  She set a glass by each plate before taking her seat.

  Heath rose briefly from the bench and waited for her to settle. “There’s enough food here for more than just you. Were you expecting guests?”

  “No, I prefer not to cook everyday with the hot days that we’ve been having. So I try to make enough for several days, then all I need to do is reheat or eat it cold.” She sipped at her drink and stared at his chest.

  “I appreciate you letting me join you.” He lifted the ladle and reached for her plate to dish her out some food. “How much do you want?”

  He placed one scoop in the center and dipped the serving spoon back in the pot.

  “That’s enough. I’m not very hungry at the moment.” She retrieved her plate and added a roll from the bread basket.

  Heath stared at the small portion and lifted his own plate. “I can see why you have leftovers if you don’t eat any more than that.”

  She offered him a half-hearted smile and toyed with her fork. “Feel free to finish it off. I’ve grown tire of this stew several days ago.”

  His plate full, he set down the ladle and lifted his fork. The tantalizing scent of cooked vegetables and beef had him scooping a fork full into his mouth. The rich flavors of the stew caressed his taste buds and hunger had him diving for the next bite. He selected a roll and concentrated entirely on the food in front of him for several minutes before Lizzy’s soft voice interrupted.

  “So why exactly are you here?”

  Chapter Two

  Heath looked up. Only the space of the table separated them. Her crystal blue eyes held a spark of defiance, while her creamy complexion tempted him with the desire to touch. A small wisp of light-brown hair fluttered near her pink lips.

  The desire to brush the erratic strands back consumed him and he lifted his hand.

  She shifted back as if afraid he’d strike her.

  He withdrew and rubbed the back of his neck. “I heard about Daniel’s death only a few months back. With him dead now more than a year, I decided that I should come and make sure you were doing okay. Daniel, may he rest in peace, was a good friend and asked me to check on you occasionally if anything should ever happen to him.”

  Lizzy captured the strand playing around her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Interesting, I recall Daniel telling me about you, but from what I recollect, he said he didn’t think you’d ever leave Oklahoma. Said your whole family lived there and you guys were thick as thieves.”

  Health had to laugh. His friend had love the relationship he shared with his brothers, not seeing it as an only child the drawbacks of being the fourth son. “Yes, well, Daniel never had to deal with the problems of being from a large family.”

  “So you plan to head back to Oklahoma when you’re done here?” She shoved her food around her plate but didn’t lift any to her mouth.

  “If you’re asking if I’m in a hurry to get home. The answer is no. My brothers are more than capable of handling everything while I’m gone.” He studied her expression. A slight frown turned her lips downward for a moment, before she nodded like she’d come to some type of conclusion.

  “Right, then I should offer you the bed. I’ll sleep on a pad in front of the fireplace. Not that it’s cold enough for one right now.” She shifted backward as if ready to leave the table.

  “You don’t...” Heath captured her wrist. The soft caress of her skin had him tightening his grip and her pulse thundered against his fingertips. Why?

  Was she excited or scared?

  Thoughts of maneuvering her around the table so she could sit on his lap lit his imagination with other ideas. Was she as needy as Daniel had claimed? Because his friend had enjoyed giving Heath blow by blow accounts of their sex life.

  That wife of mine can ride my cock for hours and never tire, and if I let her get her mouth on me...oh my...

  He stared at her mouth, picturing her lips wrapped around his cock. His body tightened with desire.

  “No, I uh, mean you’re my guest. If you don’t mind I’ll...” she tugged her arm free and stood. “Just clean this up and get ready for bed. I’m sure you’re tired after riding all day and I need to rise early to get all my chores done.”

  She stepped around the bench and set her plate on the counter. The sleek lines of her body heightened the pictures flashing in his head of her pleasuring him with her mouth. His gaze fell to her hips. Would the imprint of his hand on her ass arouse her like Daniel had professed?

  Heath spread his legs a little wider to relieve the pressure of his growing erection.

  She turned and lifted the bread basket. “Would you like anymore?”

  Yes, screamed through his head, but he reminded himself that she wasn’t offering what he wanted.

  He shoved to his feet and grabbed for the basket. “Here, why don’t you let me help you?”

  Releasing her grip, her gaze rose to his. “You don’t need to do that. You’re a guest.”

  Wanting to get closer to her, he stepped around the table and set the basket on the counter. “There is no reason for you to do all the work, not when I haven’t eaten so well in ages.”

  Her cheeks blushed red. She lowered her gaze shyly, and froze.

  He glanced down and felt the heat of her stare on his cock. His body pulsed with a desire to unbutton his pants and offer himself to her.

  The force of his hunger must have hit her, because she stumbled back against the counter.

  His hand shot out and captured her arm. “Easy.”

  Her moist palms landed on his chest and she stuttered, “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  Unable to let her go, he dropped his other hand to her waist to give additional support. For her or him, he couldn’t say as fire spread through every cell in his body, igniting a need he hadn’t experienced in years.

  She swayed in his arms and her fingertips teased his navel. “If you want you can go on to bed, I just need to finish up here and set up the pallet on the floor.”

  He drew in a breath and fought the idea of suggesting she not sleep anywhere else but with hi
m. Instead, her sweet scent teased him, and he shifted closer. “I...”

  Fingers slid under the waistband of his pants and toyed with the top button.

  She eased back and offered, “If you want you can also take off your pants and I’ll wash them tonight so they will be nice and clean for you by tomorrow morning.”

  Heath studied her face. Was this an innocent suggestion or was she looking to get him naked?

  He shuffled back a step, two, and released his hold. “Are you sure you know what you’re asking?”

  She nodded, a quirky little grin spreading across her lips. “I’ll have one more chore to do tonight. Now, strip while I finish clearing the table.”

  Leaning over the bench, she picked up the few remaining items and transferred them to the counter. She deposited the soiled dishware into a bucket of water and turned her back to him.

  Not sure what to do, Heath sat on the bench and drew off his boots. For a number of days now he worn the same clothes to have them laundered would be a nice treat. He could also get a quick sponge bath while she was off washing his clothes.

  The idea of cleaning off the dirt and sweat from his journey took root. He stood and slipped off his pants.

  “Mine doing my shirt too?” He walked to the chair and retrieved his shirt before offering the bundle to her. “Here, you go. Now, you have a naked man standing in the middle of your cabin.”

  A wide smile covered her lips and she held out her arms. “Not an event that hasn’t happened before.”