Chapter Two
When he showed up at exactly noon with the buggy, she was ready in the soft gingham dress she had chosen far ahead of time. Her hair was down but tied softly back. Nothing like her saloon garb and certainly nothing so fancy as her sateen dancing dress and piled curls when he had taken her to the Sociable. He greeted her with an ear to ear grin: "Hi beautiful! You ready for an afternoon away from reality?"
"I am definitely ready for that!" and she noticed that his badge was firmly in place on his shirt, his revolver on his hip as always and added, "I see you're on duty this afternoon. Are you sure Dodge can spare you for a few hours?"
"Not only can Dodge spare me, but I have Chester covering for me. We might even be able to squeeze in a little moonlight buggy ride later on. That is, if you don't get tired of me. I brought plenty of food. Dodge can wait."
"Why is Buck coming along?" Kitty asked with an air of skepticism in her voice about the afternoon off duty, nodding toward the big buckskin tied to the buggy.
"He'll enjoy the green grass at Spring Creek, and he'll keep the mare company so we don't have to watch her," Matt winked. "I tried to think of everything."
Ever the cowboy, she thought. He knew the horses.
The ride out to Spring Creek was light and cheerful. Matt babbled like a schoolboy the whole way, and Kitty touched his hand every time she laughed her deep, unforgettable laugh at one of his stories. He talked of his days in Texas as a young man, how he learned about how cowboys think. He talked about learning the job, and about Chester's antics. He managed to find plenty of humor where there shouldn't have been any, determined to make the afternoon a complete delight. Within half an hour they arrived at a spot by the creek that was tucked privately behind a bluff, but had plenty of grass for the horses and their picnic blanket. "This looks great to me, how 'bout you?" he asked. Kitty gave him a happy nod and a smile, so they stayed. He helped her down from the buggy. He unhitched the mare, bound up her harness, and hobbled both horses so they could graze quietly. Then he took Kitty's hand and led her down the bank to the creek.
"Look, we could come fishing here! See the bass in that pool?" he pointed to an alcove where the water seemed trapped from its never ending hurry to go South.
"Matt, it took six weeks to get one afternoon off. When do you suggest we schedule that fishing date?," she smiled and gave him a playful poke in the ribs.
"C'mon, let's walk up the creek just a little bit," and he took her hand as they started off in the sand and grass next to the water. Some of the footing got tricky enough that she had to hold onto him much tighter than she would have in town. He took the opportunity to slow his pace and just enjoy being held onto by the pretty redhead. Kitty was hoping that's why he took her upstream. It wasn't long until they found the perfect rock to sit on, take their boots off, and dangle their feet in the water. It was cool but not cold, and so relaxing, they just sat quietly next to each other. Nothing was said. It wasn't an embarrassed silence, it was just quietness. Nothing at all like being with each other in Dodge. Just quietness.
He took her hand. He didn't have to reach. He just took her hand. "If you're hungry, we can go back," he said softly.
"Mmm, let's stay a bit. This is just really nice," she smiled up at him. And when she smiled up at him, their eyes met. More quietness, it seemed like much longer than it really was, and he put his lips on hers. Softly. So softly at first. But when she returned the feel, his passion increased. He pressed harder onto her mouth, exploring her lips. He moved slowly to her neck, then her lips, going to her neck, then returning, and she kept perfect time with him. Just like the dance at the Sociable. In perfect time. Two young bodies wanting to be one, wanting to explore each other. She noticed that her feet were kicking softly in the creek now. This was the kiss! Then his lips found her neck again and stayed there. He pulled her gently around so that he could touch every part of it. Another kiss. Deep, wanting. The kiss! She softly traced his face with her fingers and she bit him ever so softly on his neck. He didn't really know what that meant, but it felt wonderful! He didn't know, he had no experience with it, but he just knew. She wanted him while he wanted her. No mistake. She put her lips on his ear and drew the lobe into her mouth. Then their lips found each other again.
He pulled away.
"Kitty, we're on a rock! We need to get off this rock!" And they both looked around and began to laugh uncontrollably at their predicament. Her laugh was infectious, raucous. Neither could stop laughing! This was more than either could ever have anticipated.
Finally the laughter stopped and he said, "C'mon, let's at least head back to some soft grass and talk this over." And he lifted her up effortlessly, both barefooted, for one more passionate kiss. Standing now, her heart racing, she felt him unmistakably hardened against her. Self aware, he pushed gently away, and went to retrieve their boots. She thought she was scared. Was she scared? Did he push away because he was scared? She didn't know. So much went flooding through her mind. Should she be scared? How could she be scared with this wonderful man that she trusted so much and everybody loved? How could this massive man who could take down the meanest of outlaws be scared? Quietly they both put boots back on. When he took her hand to lead her up the bank, she felt the big man's hand trembling ever so slightly. She squeezed it in acknowledgement.
Neither said a word on the walk back. Their hands remained entwined. He pulled her to a stop midway and looked down at her. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen! Her blue eyes danced in the sunlight! He smiled reassuringly to her, but still she said nothing. He had an overwhelming urge to keep her close to him. He kissed her hair softly and then immediately turned and started walking again, leaving her no chance to arouse him again.
Back at the picnic site, the horses were grazing peacefully, oblivious to the humans. She noticed Matt glance at them to make sure. Ever the cowboy. Checking on the horses.
The stare again. Really? Another stare? This time it was Kitty staring at Matt's perfect male butt while he retrieved the blanket from the buggy and shook it out onto the ground. This time he didn't notice. He was paid to watch his backside. But this time she won.
He put the picnic basket on the corner of the blanket, then came and got her and led her to it. "Would you like to sit here, ma'am?" he grinned, pointing to it.
But she didn't sit. She just stood there and looked at him. And it dawned on him that he might have scared her back at the rock. No idea why that dawned on him. This was the girl who was biting his neck 15 minutes ago, pulling him into deep kisses. So he did the only thing he could think of, he went to her and very gently pulled her to him. He felt her yield to his embrace.
"I would never hurt you, Kitty, he said softly. I would never take advantage of you. Please understand that. But I'm just a man. Just a plain man, Kitty. You only felt me being a man."
"Then why don't we have that picnic, Cowboy?" she smiled.
The last thing she was, was hungry. But twice now, once after the Sociable and already once today, she had felt him aroused against her. She needed some time to think, so picnic time it was. And he proved himself again, as if he needed to: It was OK by him if they just had a picnic.
"Wait for me," he said as he spread the food out from the basket. "I've got a bottle chilling in the creek!" And he stepped off into the water to retrieve the bottle of wine Bill had picked out for him from the Long Branch stock. Wine was a special treat, rarely stocked at The Long Branch unless someone asked Bill to order it for some special occasion. And special occasion this was!
It wasn't long until the smiles, the laughter, and the storytelling were again the focus of the afternoon. The wine was perfect, and although Matt would rather have had a beer, he liked the warm feeling the wine gave him when he sipped on it. There was enough fried chicken to make even Chester happy, had he been along, and all the sides anyone could want. Kitty watched in amazement as the man who an hour ago had been kissing her, was now eating like she saw him do that first morning at Delmonico's.
When neither could eat any more, Matt said, "Kitty, do you want to go home or do you want to stay for a little bit? It won't be dark for a few hours, but we've had a great picnic."
"No, Matt, I don't want to go home. I want to sit here on the blanket with you. I don't think I ever want to go back to Dodge!"
He put the rest of the food back into the basket and loaded it into the buggy. He checked to make sure the ice was still keeping it cold, very cold. He was hoping they could share the rest together, later. Hoping. When he returned to the blanket, she had spent enough time thinking and was ready to explain herself.
"I'm sorry I got a little scared back there at that pretty spot. It was wonderful! You were wonderful! I just didn't know what to do, I'm so sorry. Would you sit here with me for a bit?
"Kitty, I'd like nothing better." He tossed his gun belt down on the blanket, then sat down, and without hesitating laid down, and pulled her down close to him. "Don't be scared," he said softly. Don't ever be scared, OK? I'll never force you to do anything. I remember everything you told me about what you went through in Abilene. Your life doesn't have to be like that. Not all men are like that, I promise."
She melted into his arms and again all was quiet. Quiet for a very long time. Neither spoke, he just held her. She felt the need to stroke his shirt, tracing the buttons softly. He laid still. No talk, just touch. She ran her fingers slowly through his hair. He moved his hips tighter against her in response, and just waited. The passion had reignited, yet nothing was said. The quietness was special. So were her kisses. Their hearts pounded. Then she took his hand in hers, put it to her mouth, and ever so slowly begin exploring the tips of his fingers with her lips. He had never imagined a woman doing that to him. He had never felt more need to please her.
Slowly but deliberately he untied the sash at the top of her dress and slid the sleeves down so that the top of her corset was exposed. She swallowed hard, but didn't move. He stared at the exposure, then softly stroked the skin. She breathed deeply, aware of her vulnerable exposure to this huge man. She never took her eyes off of his, but felt for the buttons on his shirt and undid them one by one. It was her turn to explore his chest. And he was welcoming it. Two fingers at first, then her whole hand, caressing him so gently. Big, broad, beautiful chest. Two more deep, hungry kisses. She had come here hoping for one!
After what seemed like forever, he spoke. "Kitty, let's wrap ourselves in this blanket and enjoy each other." And they did. First he slid her dress completely off. Then his shirt. She helped him unfasten her corset, it was completely beyond him. He let her unbutton his pants, and he slid them quickly off onto the grass. And in one swift motion he pulled the big blanket up loosely around them and pressed close to her. There was no mistaking the passion, the need. Both hearts beat fast, both of them breathing loud enough to moan softly with each exhale. Again she could not keep her feet quiet. And from her feet the wiggling moved up her legs to her hips, which seemed to start moving against him without any thought on her part. Impossible to keep still. He pressed himself against her repeatedly, moving in slow rhythm with her hips. Skin on skin. No clothing to block them. And they were quiet again for such a long time. Bodies speaking to one another. No need for words.
"Matt, I . . .", finally she studied his face and spoke softly. "Matt, . . . would you make love with me?" She couldn't believe she had said it, but she had said it, and she sure couldn't take it back now!
She had taken the lead, and he was grateful. He knew she felt the passion, but he knew she had been scared. Her body was speaking to him. But he needed to hear her say that. His fears went away. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. How could this be? No man could ask for more!
"Mmmm Hmmm," he barely whispered. He kissed her softly, then more deliberately. He tilted his head back to make it easier for her to nibble his neck. He laid a long time next to her, letting her feel him erect, and be sure she was ready. She dug at his chest with her fingers, begging silently for more. His hardness was relentless. Seeming to sense her ready, he rolled her onto her back. Laying on top of her, their hips together, she had given him control. He kissed her neck softly and she bit him again. Ever so gently, but she bit him. Again, he was sure. Slowly, she bent one leg and moved it outside of his. A signal. Another signal. Ever so gently he moved his other leg inside of her other leg and pushed it away. Nothing blocked his entrance. And finally he spoke. He had to speak. He looked deep into her eyes.
"Kitty, if you want me to stop, you need to tell me right now."
"Whatever in the world would give you that idea?" she smiled back softly.
Such a big man, a giant of a man, on top of her now, yet so careful not to crush her while he prepared her for what he would do. She felt the first touch of him, just the tip touching where she wanted it, and shuddered. He stopped and waited. Their breathing was more like panting now. She increased the spread of her legs and raised her hips to meet him, and that was his invitation. He entered her immediately, easily, slowly, watching her face as she gave a delighted gasp at his penetration. He pushed in to feel her. He withdrew, and pushed again. Her hips moved more rhythmically. She raised herself more to welcome him and encourage him. He moved in unison with her. Eyes wide open, watching each other's faces, bodies coupled together in passion. She started trembling uncontrollably each time he thrusted slowly inside of her. He studied her face. He saw nothing but pleasure. Suddenly, with no warning, her eyes widened with desire and she exploded onto him. She gasped over and over, squeezing him inside of her. Stories of his buddies back in Texas flooded through his mind. Guys talk. It was around some campfire, sometime, who knows when, a couple of them told him about making a woman explode like that. He'd never seen it. He couldn't imagine it. He had laughed about it. Until now. He stopped pushing into her. He watched her. He waited for her trembling to subside. He watched, and he waited, deep up inside of her. She kissed his lips, his face, every part of this big man that she could reach. Her joy was unmistakable.
Ever so slowly and deliberately he began again. She found a rhythm with him again. So much flooded through her mind. What did he just do to her? It was supposed to be a kiss. She was going for a kiss. Now this gorgeous man was inside of her, satisfying her, making love, creating a passion she had never imagined. She wanted him more than she wanted her breath. She knew what was about to happen. She knew she should stop him. The passion was too great. Instinctively, she put her hands onto his butt and pressed hard with each stroke, asking for him. Faster now, intense beyond any plan, and very quickly it became rapid. Too fast to count. Knowing what was going to happen, she left his hips and held his face in her hands while she felt him stiffen his whole body. He grimaced. He held his breath. She felt him release in her. No mistaking that he had done this. He thrusted again, trying to make his climax last forever.
He laid over her, panting, kissing, refusing to let go. Refusing to roll over or withdraw. Seeming to will that he could stay inside of her forever. She didn't move. Their lips met more softly, but over and over again, in a sealing of their fate as lovers. This was it. Pleasure beyond pleasure with the completion of their coupling together. After what seemed like forever, he moved to her side. Both of them spent, yet both wanting more. How could that be?
She traced his chest lightly while he buried his face in her neck. There was no need to talk. In point, there was no way to talk. Who could use words to describe what had just happened? Words wouldn't do it justice. The blanket was warm and soft. She ran her fingers through his hair while he nuzzled her. He held her close, then just as quickly pushed back, and finally he spoke.
"I want to take this blanket off and look at you."
She smiled, her eyes widened, and she nodded slowly, the only answer he needed. On their sides, facing each other, they studied. He studied her breasts, nipples still rock hard. He dared touch them lightly. Lightly. He cupped first one and then the other in his hand, and she allowed it. Pleasure flowed through her again. He thought, "No woman could be this beautiful, this soft, this perfect!" Then he reached in and kissed each breast softly while he cupped it in his hand. He was transfixed. Never had done this. Never had imagined this.
Pushing the blanket all the way back, he sat up and studied her legs. She opened them for him, and he stroked the insides. Eyes meeting eyes again. She was smiling. He took each foot in his hand and rubbed her toes. She bent her knees and rolled over with pleasure, inviting him to stroke the backs of her thighs. He touched her butt, between her legs, everywhere.
He rolled her into him and kissed her. A long, passionate kiss to further complete their coupling. Her breathing was rapid. Then she rolled him effortlessly onto his back and straddled him at the waist. Slowly she stroked his arms. The arms that had been around her when they joined. Bigger even than she had imagined. She reached down and kissed him, then nuzzled him with her lips. Sitting upright on him again, she traced his massive chest with her fingers, gently circling his nipples. Fair was fair. His nipples hardened.
"Oh, look at you, Cowboy! Oh, look at you!"
It must have been instinctively, because she had never been like this, not ever. She slid down onto his thighs and studied his sex. And then he hardened again while she watched. She touched him so gently on his hardness with her fingers, and he swelled.
"Kitty, I want you again right now. Right now!" This time it was demanding.
No more words. She moved into him and held him in her hand, almost to make sure it wouldn't go away. She couldn't believe this was happening! It wasn't supposed to be like this. But they were both so young, so strong, so filled with passion, there was no denying it. He was still wet from her and she from him. She rolled onto her back willingly with readily open legs while he moved over her. She immediately guided him into her and released him to begin thrusting. How could he be this hard again? How could this be happening again? There was no delay. He groaned softly with each push into her. He felt her hips raising up, meeting and releasing, meeting and releasing, teasing him into her. She had put him inside of her! She wanted this again! How could this be? Eyes wide open again, never leaving each other in the coupling. They were going to do this again. And it was going to be right now. Right now.
He thrusted with intensity, rocking in circles inside of her with his pleasure. He felt her fingernails on his back, delightful and burning, wanting him. He thrusted faster, repeatedly.
She whispered in his ear "Please, Matt! Please!"
And so he did. He pushed hard, then stiffened and released inside of her, and she moaned as he brought her with him to enjoy it. Both panting, both moaning, Kitty feeling his wetness inside her once again. They had completed their second coupling. Irresistible.
There was no going back now. They had made love. Twice. It was supposed to be a picnic by the creek. She thought she would never take a risk like this. And yet here they were, naked on this blanket, and she was full of him. Definitely no going back.
He wrapped the blanket around them, pulling her close. Wanted her close, wanted her quiet. Didn't want to disturb anything he had done to her. They laid together, feeling each other breathe.
"Matt . . . " she whispered softly, "What have we done?"