A Cowboy for Christmas

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  “Thank you,” she said softly.

  “You’re welcome,” he said just as quietly. She was so beautiful it broke his heart to know he could never have her.

  Lucy smiled at him, moved to the sofa, and sat down beside Zeke. “Do you want to see if there’s a Christmas movie on?”

  “Yes, please.” Zeke giggled then he looked at Reid. “Can you drive in snow, Reid?”

  “I sure can, Z-man. Why do you ask?” Reid took a seat on the sofa.

  “If you can’t, you can stay with us tonight.”

  Reid looked at Lucy. She shrugged and blew on the steaming cup of hot chocolate before holding it out to her son. “I told him you could drive in snow.”

  “If I’d known that’s why he was asking, I would have said no.”

  Lucy looked startled.

  “I’m sorry, Lucy. That was out of line.”

  “It’s all right,” she said in a low voice not much more than a whisper.

  “Mama? I’m sleepy.”

  “Maybe you should take a nap then.” Lucy stood and lifted him into her arms.

  “Bye, Reid. See you tomorrow.”

  “Okay, Zeke. Tomorrow.” Reid leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He shouldn’t come back tomorrow. Zeke was beginning to get too attached to him. It was bad enough he was already far too attached to the boy.

  Lucy re-entered the room and Reid stood. “I’d better get going. It’s getting bad out there.”

  She tilted her head. “What were you laughing at on the way back? What did Zeke say?”

  Reid scowled for a brief moment wondering if he should tell her, and then laughed. “He told me he made the snow yellow.”

  Lucy burst out laughing. “He was surprised when it happened. That was the first time he’d peed in snow.”

  Reid chuckled. “He’s a good kid, Lucy. You’ve done a good job with him on your own.”

  “He is a good boy.”

  “Because of you. I really need to get going,” he said but didn’t move.

  “I know,” she whispered. Their eyes met across the room.

  Reid walked toward her, stopped, and glanced up. “Maybe you should step out from under that mistletoe before I get there.”

  A grin tugged at her lips. “Why would I do that, Reid?”

  Reid hissed in a breath and stepped in front of her. He reached his hand out and tugged on her ponytail, pulling her closer to him.

  “I’m not sure this is a good idea,” he murmured.

  “All I’ve thought about is that kiss, Reid.”

  “Me too,” he said as he lowered his head so his lips were barely touching hers. He waited.

  When she stood on her toes, he grinned against her lips, and then took her mouth in a deep kiss. He groaned when she touched her tongue to his. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he placed his hands on her hips pulling her against him. His cock snapped to attention. He dragged his mouth from hers and moved it across her cheek to her jaw and down to her neck.

  “God, Lucy. I want you so much,” he said in the crook of her neck.

  “I want you too, Reid.” She pulled back from him and stared up into his eyes. “Want to take a nap with me?”

  Reid raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Afterwards.” He swept her up in his arms and headed in the direction she pointed. Inside the room, he stopped, staring at the bed.

  “It’s a new bed, Reid. This isn’t the one I shared with Zeke.”

  Reid blew out a breath. “Thank God.” Yet, he still didn’t move.

  “Are you going to stare at the bed or take me to it?”

  Reid frowned. “Were you always such a smartass?”

  Lucy laughed. “Yes. You just didn’t talk to me enough to find out. Why is that?”

  Reid moved to the bed, lay her down in the center of it, and gazed down at her. “Because I got tongue-tied any time you were around. I wanted you so much, and I thought if I talked to you, you’d realize it.”

  She lifted up on her elbows. “You wanted me? Back then?”

  Reid sat on the edge of the bed. “Since the first time I saw you.”

  She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I didn’t know.”

  “It wouldn’t have made a difference, Lucy. You belonged to Zeke.”

  “Lie down with me, Reid.” She kissed his lips quickly and lay back down.

  “Please be sure about this, Lucy.”

  “I’m very sure. Aren’t you?”

  Reid blew out a laugh. “Never been more sure of anything in my life, darlin’.”

  He lay down beside her and pressed his lips to hers. Her mouth opened to allow him in. He moved his tongue into her mouth and groaned when she tangled hers with his. Her hands slid down his chest to the bottom of his T-shirt and rolled it up, and over his head. Her hands on his skin made him tremble. She ran her fingernails down his hard pecs to his six-pack stomach.

  “Reid, you’re beautiful,” Lucy said as she leaned in and kissed his chest. Her hands moved to his belt. She placed her hand over his hard dick straining against his jeans. She lifted her eyes to his. “Absolutely beautiful.”

  Reid kissed her hard while moving his hand over her breast. She arched her back and moaned. It was driving him insane. He’d wanted this for so long. He slid his hand down to the bottom of her shirt and lifted it over her head. He growled low in his throat when he saw the purple bra barely containing her breasts.

  “Lucy, you take my breath away,” he whispered as he unhooked the front clasp. Her breasts fell free and he almost wept. “I knew you would.”

  He leaned down, took her nipple into his mouth, and suckled. He felt her fingers comb through his hair. She clenched her fists to hold him to her. She didn’t need to. He sure as hell wasn’t going anywhere. He wanted to worship this woman like no other.

  “Reid, please...” she moaned.

  He raised his head and looked into her beautiful face. “Please, what?”

  “I need you, Reid.”

  “I need you too, darlin’, but I’m going to go over every inch of you and savor all of you.”

  He lowered his head and smiled when she growled. He slid his hand to the snap of her jeans and unhooked it. He slowly lowered the zipper. He was killing himself by being patient, but he didn’t want to take her fast and hard...not this time, not the first time. He moved down her legs and stood at the end of the bed. She raised her head to look at him and seeing the desire on her face almost had him coming in his jeans. He grabbed the bottom of her jeans and pulled on them. Lucy lifted her hips to help him. He tossed them across the room and stared down at her purple bikini panties. He thanked God right then for creating this incredibly beautiful woman. She crooked her finger at him making him grin. He crawled up between her legs and kissed her flat belly making her gasp. He was so hard he ached, but he had to taste her. All over.

  He pulled on her panties with his teeth, hooked his fingers into the sides, and dragged them down her legs before dropping them to the floor. He stared down at her dark strip of curls revealed to him and couldn’t wait to taste the treasure they hid from view. He kissed her legs making her squirm as he made his way toward his destination. He spread her legs and hooked them over his shoulders. He put his nose against her curls and inhaled then he moved his tongue through them. She gasped and clutched at his hair.

  “Reid,” she hissed before moaning.

  He moved his tongue teasing her. He chuckled when she pulled his hair again.

  “I’ll get there, darlin’. Hold on,” he said.

  “You’re killing me, Reid Callahan,” she growled at him, making him smile.

  “Payback’s a bitch, baby. I’ve wanted you for years.” He moved his tongue up and down between her wet folds. “You’re getting so wet for me. Only for me.”

  “Yes Reid, only for you.” She moaned then sat up grabbing his hair again. “Damn you, Reid Callahan. I swear I’ll get you back for this.”

  Reid burst out laughing. “All right, darlin’,” he said right
before he used his thumbs to separate her folds and place his mouth over her clitoris.

  Lucy fell back against the bed while he worked his magic. He sucked on her and rubbed his teeth against her. When he inserted his finger, he moved it against her G-spot while he teased her clitoris. Her moans were making him crazy with desire. He felt her inner muscles clench around his finger. He raised his eyes to see her pulling the pillow over her face as she screamed when her orgasm ripped through her.

  Reid pulled back and stood. He slid his jeans off, retrieved a condom from his wallet, and rolled it on. He took a deep breath, crawled up her body, and inched into her. She tossed the pillow aside and stared up at him. He pressed his lips to hers and thrust the rest of the way in making her gasp. Her legs wrapped around his waist and she moved her hips in rhythm with his. He clasped her hands in his and held them by her head.

  “I’m not going to last, Lucy,” he growled through gritted teeth then groaned trying his best to hold back.

  “Faster. Harder. Reid...please.”

  Reid did as she asked. It wasn’t long before he felt her clench around his dick. He stared into her face and watched the flush roll over her skin. Her head tilted back and she started gasping for air. Reid knew she was there. He moved harder against her and slammed his lips down on hers as she cried out. He groaned into her mouth and came.

  Reid tried to catch his breath as he put his face against her neck. She was breathing hard too. He raised his head and lightly kissed her lips. Her eyes fluttered open and she stared up at him. He gazed into her eyes feeling happier than he’d been in years. Her lips lifted into a beautiful and satisfied smile.

  “That was...fantastic, Reid,” she said on an exhalation.

  He leaned down and kissed her again. “I agree.”

  He moved off her and lay beside her. She placed her arm across his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. God, he could get so used to this. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

  “What do you do now, Reid? Since you retired, I mean.”

  “I have a small farm in Butte. I grow feed for other ranchers.”

  “Do you miss the rodeo?”

  “Sometimes, although I still follow the circuit.”

  She raised her head and looked at him. “I thought you retired?”

  “I am retired. I haven’t ridden since I last won the championship two years ago, but I love the excitement in the arenas.”

  “It does seem electric, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes. It will always be in my blood, but I’m getting too old to ride anymore.”

  “I’m glad. I wouldn’t want something to happen to you.”

  He blew out a breath, this wasn’t something he wanted to talk about with her. “I’d better go, Lucy. I’m sure the snow is getting worse.”

  Reid sat up and swung his legs over the bed then stood to get his boxer briefs and jeans. After pulling them on, he picked up his T-shirt and boots, walked back to the bed, and stared down at her. She lay there with a smile on her face and her gorgeous naked body calling to him. He felt his cock twitching again.

  “If it’s too bad, you can stay the night. You’d just have to be out of my bed before Zeke wakes up,” she said as she sat up against the headboard, smiling at him.

  Reid stood there staring at her. He wanted her again. Shit! How in the hell was that even possible? After sex, he usually tore out of wherever before the woman got ideas but with Lucy, he wanted to stay. He wanted her to get ideas. He dropped his boots and shirt. She laughed low in her throat.

  “Damn it, Lucy.”

  “I need a shower. How about you,” she asked him as she got out of the bed and walked naked toward her bathroom. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her perfect ass. He lowered the zipper on his jeans, shucked them and his boxer briefs, and followed her to the bathroom.

  LUCY GLANCED OVER HER shoulder to see Reid following her. She allowed her eyes to skim down that perfect body. Who’d ever have guessed what was under those clothes he wore? Reid had one hell of a body. Those hard pecs and that six-pack stomach made her mouth water. Zeke had never been built like Reid was. She mentally shook her head. Now was not the time to think of Zeke.

  She reached into the shower and turned it on. Steam quickly filled the room. She smiled as Reid walked toward her. She looked down and her mouth honestly did water when she saw he was hard again. Oh, yes. Reid Callahan definitely had a great body. Every single inch of him was breathtaking.

  “You keep looking at me like that and we won’t even make it into the shower.”

  Lucy laughed. “I need a shower and I want to share it with you.”

  “Shit. I don’t have any more condoms.”

  “I’m on the pill to keep my periods regular. You don’t need a condom.”

  “I don’t have sex without one,” Reid muttered.

  Lucy shrugged and stepped into the shower. “Suit yourself, big guy.”

  She could hear him muttering under his breath then the door opened, and he stepped in.

  “Reid, I haven’t been with anyone since Zeke died and if you always use a condom, I’d say we’re safe.”

  “You haven’t been with anyone in three years?”

  “No. I never wanted anyone. Now, I just want you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her up.

  “I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of you,” he whispered against her lips.

  “I don’t have a problem with that,” she said as she pressed her lips to his. He took control and deepened the kiss. When his tongue moved into her mouth, she moaned long and low. He put his arms under her legs and spread her wide. She gasped when he thrust into her. He leaned her against the wall and pumped into her, hard.

  “Shit, this is going to be over too soon. Are you with me?” His words were a growl in her ear.

  “Yes. Oh God, yes Reid.” She nipped at his shoulder with her teeth. When her orgasm hit her, she was glad he was holding her up because she would have fallen otherwise. She felt him throbbing inside her as he came. He put his forehead against hers and tried to catch his breath. She laughed. “Wow.”

  “Damn, I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  She smiled. “For what?”

  “That was over too soon.”

  “It was perfect, Reid.” She kissed his neck and moved her lips up to his ear where she took the lobe into her mouth and sucked on it. He moaned and moved his mouth to hers. She loved the way he kissed—especially those deep, toe-curling ones.

  “I could’ve sworn I said I was leaving.”

  Lucy burst out laughing. “Well, that changed quickly. I told you that you can stay tonight if it’s bad.”

  He pulled away from her. “We’ll see how it is once we get done in here. Right now, I want to wash you.” He picked up the soap and rubbed it between his palms building up a sudsy lather. He grinned at her as he turned her around and began washing her back.

  Lucy closed her eyes and gave in to the feel of his hands on her but couldn’t help wonder why he seemed in such a hurry to leave. Still, it was a long while before they left the bathroom.

  REID ENTERED THE KITCHEN and peered out the back door. The snow had accumulated a good bit but not to the point where he was stranded. He could leave. Thing was, he didn’t want to—not yet. He wanted to stay as long as Lucy would let him. He combed his fingers through his wet hair. Christ, the sex was better than I’d ever imagined!

  Reid had been with his share of women, maybe more than his share but not one of them made him feel the way sex with Lucy did. He wanted to stay buried inside her forever.

  “Is the snow deep?” Lucy’s voice startled him from behind.

  He spun around to face her and he felt as if he couldn’t get enough oxygen into his lungs. He stared into her eyes, and then she tilted her head. “Reid?”

  “Uh, yeah, it’s getting deep...but I can still drive in it. I can get home, no problem.”

  “That’s a shame,” she murmured as she closed the distance betwee
n them, stopping in front of him.

  “Damn it, Lucy. You’re killing me here,” he groaned and closed his eyes. He felt her need for him to stay crowd the air around him, but why did she want him to stay? Was she lonely? She missed Zeke and he was the next best thing?

  “I just think that was a great way to spend a snowy afternoon. You can stay or go. I understand if you want to get home.”

  “I don’t want to leave, but I do need to get the tree home before it gets too buried under the snow in the bed of the truck.”

  “Okay.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and put her face against his neck. He automatically encircled his arms around her. He laid his cheek on her head. Reid wanted her to want him to stay because she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

  “I’ll go out and start the truck to warm it up. I’ll be right back.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “All right.” She pulled out of his arms, turned, and left the room. Reid’s eyes followed her until she disappeared.

  He put his hat, coat, and gloves on, and headed out the door. The cold air filled his lungs as he took a deep breath. He walked down the steps, brushed snow from the door, and window before opening the truck door then climbed inside to start the truck. Once it started, he sat there staring at the snow-covered windshield. What the fuck are you doing, Callahan? She’s Zeke’s wife.

  “Zeke is dead,” he said aloud but it didn’t make him feel better.

  For years, he’d wanted Lucy but he kept it to himself because Zeke was his friend—his best friend. He couldn’t lust after his best friend’s wife, yet he had. Anytime he saw her, he had desired her. There had been so many times when Zeke invited him to the ranch, but he’d declined more often than not. He couldn’t be around Lucy and see her touching Zeke when all he wanted was to feel her hands on him. It had been bad enough when she’d been at the rodeo and he’d had to watch her kiss Zeke before she left to find her seat. He wanted her kisses and her touch. Now that he’d had both, how could he walk away?