The Golden Rules of Love: Western Romance by Tammy Andresen Page B

have ruined her past but her future. She looked at Mack’s handsome face. She knew that he would never hurt her, never leave her.
    That was startling. She trusted Mack in a way that she thought she might never trust again. More than that, she trusted herself. She could make a good decision. She could choose to love someone she knew would love her back. Annie felt tears pricking her eyes.
    Albert was loaded back in the boat with Tom and Rake. Mary Beth climbed in, keeping a pistol trained at the man’s back. They began rowing him, as promised, back to the ship.
    Mack and Annie stood on the shore watching them go. What a strange day it had been.
    “Let’s take a walk,” Mack whispered softly as he took her hand. She held his and they started walking down the shoreline to where no ships or buildings could be seen.
    “I’m sorry about yesterday,” she started.
    “Don’t you worry none. I knew you were stubborn as a mule. It’s one of the things I admire about you when you’re not driving me mad as hell. Thank you for this morning. Very few people would have put themselves in harm’s way to do what you did.”
    She laughed a little. “My stubbornness has a few uses.”
    “How are you hanging in after today?” He stopped to look at her and she turned towards him.
    “Fine. Not great. I had to face some truths today about myself. I am…” She stopped talking when he gave her an angelic smile then, ever so slowly, his lips came down on hers. They were soft and sensual and heat burst through Annie at the touch.
    He deepened the kiss. It was long and slow as he slanted her mouth open. His tongue lightly touched hers and Annie felt her knees weaken at the pleasure of it. She might have slid to the ground but his arms had wrapped around her and supported her weight.
    She pulled back a little, as she had something she wanted to say. “A lot happened today, and I want you to know something.”
    His eyes danced with amusement, “What is it?” He feathered her with a few small kisses.
    “I…I…trust you, Collin.” She didn’t need to say any more.
    A warm smile spread across his face. “Thank you for saying that, sweetheart. I know how hard it was.” His lips found hers again. He picked her up and carried her as he continued to kiss her.
    Annie had no idea where they were going and she didn’t care. She wanted to get lost in this moment. They stopped moving and Mack slowly set her down on her feet again. Annie opened her eyes to see that they were nestled into the alcove of a cliff. It was almost like a room, it was so private. She sucked in her breath.
    “What―“
    His lips came down on hers, gently but demanding as his hands slowly roamed up and down her back. Annie completely forgot what she was going to say as sensation shot through her body.
    She groaned into his mouth and his hands came around the front of her to slowly unbutton her dress. His hands raked up her rib cage and then held her pillowy breasts in each palm. She arched up into them, wanting to feel more.
    The pads of his thumbs began to stroke her nipples as he kissed down her neck. He pushed her dress open and then untied her chemise. He was able to just access her breasts with her corset still on. His lips came down on one nipple. Annie cried out and she held his head closer to her chest.
    Lifting up slightly, he moved to the other side and gently sucked on that nipple until Annie cried out in glorious agony. He chuckled as he lifted his head and then shrugged off his own shirt.
    As he pulled her close to him, Annie gasped at the sensation of their skin touching. It was warm and erotic, while being so comforting at the same time.
    His lips were all over her now…on her neck, on her breasts, her face.
    Annie writhed underneath his touch. She stopped thinking and was only dimly aware of being laid in the sand. His hands travelled up her legs as he licked and sucked on her breasts.
    “Collin,” she managed to gasp out as his hand touched her