“But the hurt I caused you, hurts me now.”
“No.” she said scrambling out of his arms to face him “We love each other and that is what matters now. I grew up in those years, just like I was supposed to so that I can be a good wife to you not a kid. I have loved you for eight years but the love I have now shows me how deep you can feel for another person. My love for you has gotten better than that love. I didn’t tell you those wishes to hurt you, I told you so that you would know why I probably went a little overboard today. I could so I did. It is just like when I cried over the freedom to touch you. That hurt is gone for me; your love has replaced all of that. Please let mine do that for you.”
He reached for her and pulled her as close as possible. “Easy on the ribs there cowboy.” She said trying to break the somber mood
Nick laughed and let her go. “Sorry, I forgot.”
“I like that better. This is a happy day. Do you believe I love you with all my heart?” she asked smiling at him
“Yes, and do you believe I love you with all my heart?”
“Yes, know why?”
“Why?”
“Because I can be goofy and sad and crazed and you still want to be with me. That is true love.” She said as she kissed him “I can also see it when you look at me. I can feel it when you hold me. And I know it when you do things that please me.” She turned back around and wrapped his arms around her. “And you are not just some plain old cowboy. Cowboy? Mercy me yes!” she pumped her fist in the air “Old? maybe. Plain? Not on your worst day covered in mud. You are so handsome. Now back to celebrating your birthday.”
“You are hysterical, sweetheart.” He said laughing at her and kissing her head as she laughed with him. He lifted her off of him and then moved to leave the tub. “I am moving this party to the bed. I’ll be right back to get you.”
He went into the other room and changed out of his suit and into his pajama pants. Then he went back and got Lindsay out of the tub and dried her thoroughly. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed and laid her gently down.
He moved onto the bed until he was kneeling over her on all fours. “So you like that I am a cowboy?”
“I believe I mentioned before that I like to watch you ride your horse.”
“Yes, if my memory is correct since I am so old, that was about the same time you mentioned the jeans and boots thing.”
“I don’t believe I mentioned boots, but yes it is part of the whole package if you catch my drift.”
“I caught your drift, are you catching mine?”
“You are the one who is stalling, not me. I already voiced my opinions.” She said teasing him. “Kiss me!” she urged trying to capture him.
He grinned and moved down to the bottom of the bed. He picked up one of her feet and brought it closer and kissed the arch of her foot. Lindsay’s toes curled in pleasure. He picked up the other foot and kissed it also.
Nick ran his hands all the way up her legs and back again. He picked up her foot again and placed it against his chest. The sensual massage began at her calves, he rubbed her smooth skin like he did when he applied the lotion when she was injured. He changed his massaging to the other leg. He rubbed and caressed her until her leg moved involuntarily. He placed it back on the bed and bend over to kiss and lick the inside of her legs up to her center. Lindsay was stunned. He licked back down the inside of the thigh on the other leg. He moved back down and started to run his hand up the same path he had just licked. When both hands reached the top of her thighs he brought his hands together and brushed his thumbs over her sex. “Your luscious body fits perfectly with mine. When we love we are going to soar in our passions. I loved that reaction. Your body is so responsive to my touch; I hope you always react that way to me even after sixty years of marriage.”
“That sounds wonderful cowboy!”
“I really am glad I am a cowboy if you like it that much.”
“I love you that much. It is who you are; I wouldn’t change your profession for anything. The way you handle horses is beyond my ability to describe. I love to watch you with a horse, well, I can’t watch when you are breaking them especially now. But any other time it is majestic.”
“Why can’t you watch when I am breaking them?”
She stalled trying not to answer that question.
“Lindsay, tell me.”
“The day of your accident, I directed the ambulance to the south barn where you were. It was awful to see you lying there unconscious. I could see you were badly hurt and broken. I can’t watch it happen to you if it ever happens again.”
“Lindsay, sweetheart, listen to me. Did no one tell you what really happened that day?”
“No, weren’t you thrown from the horse and stepped on?”
“Yes, but it was not because of something I did. James, the new ranch hand, did not follow the rule about approaching me quietly when I am with a horse. He thought it was just a stupid rule. He came rushing up on me laughing and joking and yelling at someone down the barn. The horse spooked and threw me.”
“Did David thrash him?” she asked suddenly angry that someone endangered Nick
“He fired him, he was on probation for another rule violation and so David kicked him off the ranch.”
“I still don’t know if I can watch or not. I still picture you lying there so still and hurt.”
“That is up to you, babe, but please don’t worry about me. This is sometimes a dangerous business but I don’t take unnecessary risks. You have seen me and know how I work, trust me.”
“I do. But that picture of you in my head is still fresh. I was so scared that day.”
“I know, I was scared the day we flew to San Francisco to see you. That plane ride was so long.”
“We have had a few tough months, haven’t we?” Lindsay asked
Nick rolled over so that she was beneath him again. “Yes, but this moment right now isn’t so tough. The moment is wonderful. My Lindsay is with me and I have had a wonderful birthday thanks to her.”
Lindsay lifted her head and kissed him. “And this weekend we will continue your birthday celebrations. But I have to tell you that Dalton and Sarah are going also. All of us are going to the concert you received tickets for.”
“That will be fun.” He pretended to scowl at her “As long as you and Sarah don’t set me up for something like you did with that swim suit.”
“Would we do that?” she asked mischievously
Nick started to tickle her until she cried “uncle”. “You were saying, dearest?”
“Ok, I will warn you that I have some new clothes.”
“For private view or public view?”
“Both”
“Oh man. You were setting me up again.”
“No, we really weren’t. I think you will like the new clothes though.”
“If you are wearing them, then it is pretty much guaranteed. I love how you look in clothes and out of clothes.” He added as he lifted off of her for the full view. “You are so beautiful!”
She put both hands on the sides of his face. “I keep telling you to look in the mirror if you want to see beautiful.”
“Guys are not beautiful, sweets.” He growled at her
“So you think, but we girls know better.”
Nick leaned down to kiss her thoroughly. “We need to get to sleep. Thank you for today; it was wonderful.”
“I had a great day with you.”
Chapter 14
Nick, Lindsay, Dalton and Sarah arrived in Las Vegas on MatthewsOne about noon on Friday. They had tickets to the Colby Randall concert that night. Sarah needed a chance to rest before the show so they came early in the day. The two couples checked into their suites and said they would meet up about six for dinner.
Lindsay and Nick had barely made it in the door when Lindsay pulled Nick to the couch and pushed him down. She climbed on top of him and
leaned down for a long leisurely kiss.
“What’s this about?” Nick asked as they broke apart.
“I missed you and I wanted to feel you.” Lindsay said as she kissed his neck “I love to be with you.”
Nick wrapped her securely in his arms. “I love to be with you also. Your body feels great with mine.” He pulled her head down to his and gave her another kiss. He teased her lips apart and delved his tongue into her mouth. She moaned and moved in closer.
“I arranged for a couples massage for us.” Nick said as they sat up on the couch.
“Really? You would do that with me.”
“Yes, it will be great.”
“When?” she asked excitedly
“Very soon. We just have time to freshen up and then we need to leave.”
They changed into comfortable clothes and headed for the spa. Lindsay was so surprised that Nick would do this with her; it didn’t seem like his type of thing.
They were greeted warmly by the staff and shown to the dressing rooms. The spa staff instructed them on the lockers and gave them the robes to change into. After changing they were directed to a room with two massage tables.
Nick and Lindsay lay down on the tables as instructed and the massage began. The soft music and the low lighting made it even more romantic and special. There were times when they could hold hands during their massage. They didn’t exchange words but Lindsay was having a fabulous time.
Nick massaged her hands again and she lost track of everything. Her hands were so sensitive to his touch that she practically melted for him. He loved to touch her hands ever since the movie they had gone to where she didn’t even watch the movie just watched his hands on hers.
I have lost so much time with her. I don’t want to lose anymore. I want to love her and be loved by her for the rest of my life. I need to put the plan in motion so I can propose to her and we can get married. Nick thought as his massage continued.
Lindsay was thinking that she had never been this happy in her whole life. I want to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful man. He loves me and I love him even more than I knew I could. I have loved him for so long and the last few months that love has gotten deeper and stronger.
Their massage ended and the couple went back to their room. Lindsay leaned against Nick in the elevator “Thank you. I had a fabulous time.”
“Me too.”
“I loved it when you held my hand and caressed it. I lose my ability to think.”
“I know.” He whispered “That is why I like to do it so much.”
Lindsay was still in her robe when Nick knocked on her door a few hours after they had returned from their massage. “How do you get ready so fast?” she asked opening the door to him
“Men are always faster than women.” He replied taking hold of the tie to her robe. “We rush so that we can then watch without interruption our women getting dressed.” He moved the robe past her shoulders and let it fall on the ground.
“I haven’t even started to get dressed yet.” Lindsay said as she watched him look at her.
“I can see that. I am really glad I hurried now.” He said as he took hold of her hands and held them out away from her so he could look his fill. “Really glad!”
Lindsay blushed and lowered her head
Nick reached over and lifted her head with hand cupped under her chin. “Why are you embarrassed?”
“I don’t know. The look on your face … I don’t know.”
“I love you. Your outward appearance and your heart and soul.”
Lindsay raised up onto her tiptoes and gave him a sweet kiss. “I love you.”
Nick winked at her. “Even though I love this outfit and you can model your birthday suit for me anytime, I think you had better get dressed.”
Lindsay nodded and moved to finish her makeup. “I’ll be right back.”
“Lindsay?”
“Yeah.”
“I am watching you and I like it. Don’t be embarrassed with me.”
“I can’t help it. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with my feelings for you.”
“Isn’t that good?” he asked not quite understanding her
“Yes, but I don’t want to scare you off or overwhelm you if it is too intense.”
“I am not going to be scared off and I like being overwhelmed by you. You can be as intense with me as you want. I am a big boy I can take it.”
Lindsay smiled at him. “How did I get so lucky to be with you?”
“That is my line. I’m the lucky one. I am glad I finally removed my head from the sand and fell in love with you.”
Lindsay rushed to him and threw herself in his arms. He grabbed her and swung her around. “You feel so wonderful in my arms. Holding you for the rest of my life will not be long enough.”
“You are going to make me cry.”
“Nope, not tonight. Tonight we go have fun and later…” he raised his eyebrows suggestively at her. “Now get dressed. Is this outfit setting me up for something?”
“I’ll show you in a minute.”
Lindsay moved into the dressing room in the suite so Nick couldn’t see her. He sat down on the chair in the room and waited for her.
“I got a little distracted earlier, but you look very handsome by the way.” She called from the other room. “I believe I have mentioned it before, but you look really nice in jeans and boots.”
Nick laughed at her “Thanks”
Lindsay left the room carrying her shoes. Her outfit was a short western style mini skirt and a halter style top in white lace.
“You look very nice. I think my heart can take this outfit.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want an old man like you to have a heart attack before the good part of our life.”
“And what is the good part of our life?”
“Marriage, kids, and making love to each other as often as we want.”
“Mmmm sounds wonderful.” He said nuzzling her neck as she sat beside him to put her shoes on
He moved her to sit on his lap and kissed her gently. “My Lindsay, thank you for a wonderful birthday week.”
“You are welcome. I probably had more fun than you did just planning it.”
“Tonight I will give you a better thank you.”
Lindsay moved from his lap after gently kissing his cheek “I am holding you to that.” She said pulling him to stand so they could leave the room.
They walked over to Dalton and Sarah’s suite and knocked on the door. Dalton opened it and welcomed them in. “Sarah is almost ready.”
“Sarah is ready.” She said as she exited the bedroom. “I like your outfit Lindsay.”
“Mine? You look amazing yourself sister.” Lindsay said as she moved to hug her. Sarah was wearing a short dress with a western style jacket.
“Thanks!” she said as they looked at their men. “Do we or don’t we have the most handsome men that God ever created?” Sarah whispered to Lindsay
“Yes!” Lindsay exclaimed enthusiastically
“Lord, have mercy on us.” Nick groaned in prayer.
Dalton slapped him on the back. “You get used to it.” Then leaned towards Nick and turned with his back to the ladies and talked real low so the ladies couldn’t hear “It is usually followed up with some great loving.”
Nick clapped him on the shoulder with one hand and grabbed his heart with the other. “Stop. You are killing me.” He whispered back
Dalton laughed at him and turned to clasp Sarah’s hand. “Let’s go before we have to call another ambulance for Nick.”
“Why, what is wrong with Nick?” Sarah asked too sweetly while winking at Lindsay
“You are cruel, Sarah dearest. But one of these days it is payback time. Just be forewarned.” Nick growled at her.
“I am just getting even, Nick dearest. Do you recall a time you called me and threatened me to come to the ranch and ride my hor
se?” Sarah questioned
“I didn’t threaten you, that was David. I was innocent.” Nick said laughing
“It is all in the company you keep. David was guilty and so were you!”
“But look what happened…” He said glancing between Sarah and Dalton. “Now you are stuck with him for life.”
“And that is the only reason you didn’t hang for your part in that call.” Dalton replied for her. “I got the love of my life.”
“And I have mine.” Nick said turning to stare at Lindsay
Lindsay gasped and colored again so Nick hugged her close. Dalton and Sarah laughed at them both. “Let’s go.”
Nick, Lindsay, Dalton and Sarah had dinner at Dalton’s hotel and then rode to the concert in the hotel limo. The concert was at another casino’s main arena. Their seats were in one of the luxury boxes.
As they arrived at the concert, Lindsay noted that they were in the back of the casino area. “Aren’t we in the wrong area, Dalton?”
“No, come on.” He said exiting the limo and reaching for Sarah’s hand. Sarah had a knowing smile on her face as she also exited. Nick and Lindsay followed but were looking a little confused.
The two couples walked towards the big tour bus that was parked in the underground parking by the dressing rooms. Sarah walked up to one of the buses and knocked on the door then stepped back so Nick was visible from the door. The door opened and Greg Davis spoke “Well, look who is here. It is our friend Nick Cates.”
“Hi Greg.” Nick responded dumbfounded and confused “What are you doing here?”
“I am here to set up a surprise for your birthday. Follow me.” He said closing the door to the bus. Greg led them to the dressing room and knocked on the door. CeCe opened the door this time and welcomed them in. “Hi all. Happy Birthday Nick.” She said hugging everyone.
“Hi CeCe. What is going on?” Nick asked still looking confused. The door to the other room opened and Colby Randall walked in.
“Nick, I would like for you to meet Colby Randall. Colby this is Nick who I was telling you about.”
“It is nice to meet you Nick.” He said
“The pleasure is mine.” Nick replied.
CeCe took a moment and introduced everyone else. “Nick, Colby has a problem that he needs your help with.” CeCe said after everyone sat down