Catch Me a Cowboy (Wattle Valley, #1)

by Jacquie Underdown

  A growl in her ear, ‘I want to place my mouth on that hot flesh between your legs and taste you on my tongue.’

  Her breath hitched in her throat to hear him speak that way. This gentleman was a totally different man under these conditions. ‘Then after you come against my lips, I want to thrust into you. Over and over …’ he finished with a ragged breath in and another thrust between her legs. Feeling him there, hearing his erotic words, had her aching with need. She bucked to meet his next thrust, positioning just right so her clit pinged with the contact of her jeans and his erection.

  God, she wanted him to touch her so bad it hurt. Her entire body was thrumming with arousal, each intimate zone sensitive and throbbing.

  ‘Do you want me to make you come, Em?’ he asked in a deep, grainy voice. His breaths were hard.

  ‘Please,’ she hissed against his mouth as he kissed her again. Hard and warm.

  ‘It makes me so fucking hard to imagine you coming against me.’ He thrust again and she rocked to meet him. Again, faster, each push between her thighs filling her with enough sensation to undo her right here. ‘Oh, fuck,’ he growled. He rolled her nipple between his thumb and finger, piercing her deep. The sensation increased the heat between her thighs and she knew she was so wet for him, so ready. All he’d have to do is reach down her pants and she’d explode with one touch of her clit.

  Wil rolled his hips, again and again, until Emily was panting. Her head lolled back, eyes closed. All this beautiful friction left her mindless.

  ‘How hot and wet for me are you?’ He groaned as his teeth nipped the arch of her neck. ‘How slick on my fingers would you be?’

  And still he continued to push between her thighs, rubbing her clit in the most delicious way. The first signs of an orgasm transpired—a throbbing current of warmth in her sex, a surging of pleasure. Her breaths grew short and loud. Was she seriously going to come from this alone?

  ‘I want to taste you as you come, on my fingers, in my mouth.’

  Each flicker over her hyper-aware nipples brought her closer to the stars. He was taking her there, fully dressed, with his delicious thrusting and she was letting him. At this stage, she had no choice. Too far gone. At the mercy of his words, his body, her own pleasure. She was hot and achy and ready to explode.

  ‘One day, Emily, I’m going to spread these exquisite thighs of yours as wide as they can go and I’m going to push my shaft so far inside you.’

  His deep, gravelly voice at her ear, the dirty talk, was all it took. She mindlessly bucked against him and he met her speed as wave after wave of heat and pleasure violently shook her. She broke away from his kiss, arched her head back, eyes closed and moaned. The intensity of sensation surging through her had her uncaring if the entire world heard her.

  She met Wil’s wanting gaze. Oh my fucking God, he actually made me orgasm. Breaths still heavy and head light, she swallowed hard. So he was a dirty talking cowboy. And turned out, she was well into that. She smiled. Heat rose in her cheeks. She never knew that was her thing, but hell it was so damn hot. She was buoyant as she rested back against the trunk of the tree, scared to put all her weight on her legs. Not after an orgasm like that. She may fall.

  The first orgasm she had experienced in two years, and she wasn’t sure if it was because it had been so long since her last that made this one feel like it was the most intense, heart-stopping orgasm she had ever experienced, or it was what this cowboy could do to her.

  ‘You sure put everything into accomplishing challenges.’

  He chuckled softly. ‘Some.’

  He stroked a strand of hair behind her ear, then rested his palm against her cheek. ‘You look so damn beautiful when you come. I want to see that again, but where I can really take the time to explore your body.’

  This man was like no one else in the world. Each comment, gesture, and look was unexpected, but exactly what she needed, yet never realised she had.

  Wil kissed her so softly her bones dissolved under the sensuality of it. His kiss alone had her craving more of him.

  They explored each other for a long stretch of time, but Emily eventually pulled away, though it pained her to do so. She couldn’t stand out here all night. Not if the girls back at the cottage had heard her leave. How much she wanted to go back to his house and spend the night in his bed. She had a hint of that body beneath his shirt and she wanted more … all of it, every which way she could. But, some things were out of reach. At least, while the show was being filmed.

  Afterwards?

  She wasn’t going to think about afterwards yet.

  ‘I better get back in case someone notices I’m missing and they call out a search party.’

  He nodded.

  She lifted onto her tiptoes and kissed him once on the lips. ‘Thank you, Wil Parker. You broke the drought.’

  Wil laughed. ‘To make sure you’re out of danger, we should make it rain more often.’

  They said their long goodbyes and Emily walked back to the cottage across the sopping grass. She wiped her boots at the back door, then snuck in through the door.

  ‘There you are,’ came Becky’s voice. ‘We were looking for you.’

  Emily, still flushed and foggy from her amazing orgasm, took a moment to think of a lie. She pointed outside. ‘Um, I was just …’ She lowered her gaze and shrugged. ‘Busted. I was sneaking a phone call.’

  Becky laughed. ‘Don’t worry, I think every one of us does it. We’re having a few drinks in the living room if you want to join us.’

  Emily nodded. ‘Sure. Why not.’

  Chapter 31

  Wil tried not to think about Emily coming, particularly the beautiful expression on her face as she did. It didn’t feel right to be remembering that moment when he was supposed to be entertaining another lady.

  Today was the last of the day-long dates. He had driven Becky to a rainforest nearby. They hiked to a river where he had kayaks waiting for them to explore the cave systems. On the long hike back, he couldn’t stop his mind focusing on Emily. It had been the same thing all week. That night under the tree replayed over and over again in his mind. Especially as he attempted to sleep, his shaft would become so hard, he thought he’d burst if he didn’t relieve it.

  A picnic was waiting for Wil and Becky at scenic rock pools, which was a popular spot in summer. Much too cold to swim in at this time of the year, but they were stunning to look at.

  Wil sat with Becky on a blanket, which was laid out beside the pools. They enjoyed a spread of high-tea type foods—little sandwiches, cakes and the like. Wil had enjoyed the day with Becky. He felt comfortable in her company. She was intelligent, funny and had fantastic stories about her travels through Eastern countries. But it was Emily who kept his mind occupied.

  ‘Do you see a future with me, Wil?’ Becky asked, smoothing a hand down her long, red hair.

  Wil had been coached on how to answer this question. He had a set direction he needed the conversation between them to go, so it appeared to Becky she was in contention to win. Perhaps, if Wil hadn’t met Emily, Becky would be someone he could see himself with. She was gorgeous. And seemed keen to start a life in the country. But there wasn’t that indescribable chemistry between them like he shared with Emily.

  ‘Becky, I think you’re beautiful and smart and you make me laugh.’ He wasn’t lying. This was truth and it fell naturally from his lips. ‘A future between us is a possibility.’ That last part was what felt dissonant. He hated to be disingenuous. It went against everything he stood for. And when Becky looked up at him with the most beautiful smile that showed her joy at his answer, he felt like the biggest arse.

  ‘Do you see a future with me?’ That was one of the questions he was directed to ask.

  Becky nodded. ‘Yes. I’m falling for you.’

  Wil forced a smile, tried not to groan. This show was going to end with an explosion. He could feel the storm brewing. Becky shuffled closer and laid her head on Wil’s shoulder. He loosely hung
an arm around her back.

  ‘Thank you so much for the most wonderful day. Each day I spend with you, the more I’m convinced that you’re right for me,’ she said, lifting her head to look at Wil.

  ‘I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.’

  She gazed at him for a long moment, then whispered, ‘Can I kiss you?’

  He parted his lips to say no, then hesitated, sealing his mouth, because he was told he wasn’t allowed to directly decline. But he couldn’t kiss her. No way could he do that to Emily. It was bad enough that he had his arm around Becky. He needed an excuse. A good excuse. But how to say no diplomatically, in a way that still pleased the directors and Becky?

  Wil parted his lips again to say something, anything, but Becky quickly pressed her lips to his, catching him off guard.

  If they try and kiss you, perhaps you could kiss them back.

  Do what you think is right. I trust you.

  He squeezed his eyes shut and forced himself from jerking backwards. Becky eased back, but her lips touched his again. She went to open her mouth, but he moved away, not too fast. He didn’t want to make it obvious. His heart was racing.

  Becky smiled up at him, then laid her head on his shoulder again. Wil looked away, knowing this was just the start of hell moving in.

  This morning was another elimination, followed by a group date with the remaining contestants. After yesterday’s date, when Becky had kissed Wil and confessed her feelings, he had transformed into the insincere villain playing every one of the girls. He knew that’s what the game demanded, a cat among the pigeons, but to play that role was more difficult than he could have ever imagined. Now, after sweet talking the girls for the last few weeks, he had to tell one of them they were going home. That everything he had said about seeing a future with them was complete bullshit.

  As they stood in the barn, with the girls lined up, he could barely look Emily in the eyes. She told him he had to do what he was obliged to do. But was what happened with Becky overstepping the boundaries? Surely she’d understand that he had to. But did he really? Was it an obligation to let the other contestants kiss him? Could he have turned his head? He didn’t know. He didn’t know how far the studio was willing to enforce that contract he’d signed—where he promised to play within the spirit of the game.

  Anyway, it was too late now. The kiss happened.

  The elimination went by in a blur. And before he could think clearly again, Felicity was crying as he said goodbye to her. Actually crying. He frowned as he took in her tears. He didn’t believe they had built any kind of connection that would demand tears. But, at this end of the game, emotions were amplified. He knew that for himself, as though this game was a fast tracked, stripped down microcosm of what went on in real life.

  Felicity kissed his cheek and her tears wet his face. ‘Thank you for being my guest and allowing me to get to know you over the last month. You’re a gorgeous woman and so kind. You will make someone very happy in your future, I’m certain of it.’

  Felicity nodded and made her final exit from the barn. Wil was deflated. Like he couldn’t hold his body up. Never did he anticipate the game would affect him like this, but it went against most people’s nature. People don’t like to fuck others around. People didn’t like to lie to another’s face. And humans were not polygamous, no matter how much certain sectors attempted to convince themselves that it was the natural biology of humans. It wasn’t. Because people got hurt. Invariably. Wil understood then why these shows were so successful because they were never short of conflict and viewers ate that up.

  Missy addressed the contestants. ‘We are now down to six women, all vying to win the heart of our cowboy. What a fantastic three weeks of dates you’ve experienced. Some of you have been whisked up into the ether in hot air balloons, others kayaking along pristine waters, and some experienced private concerts from Prissy Jones. You’ve all had extended time to get to know Wil in a one-on-one setting. There’s been some deep emotions revealed and—’ she held up two fingers, ‘—two kisses.’

  Wil’s heart thud like a bass drum again his ribs when those words came out of Missy’s mouth. His eyes flickered to Emily. She met his gaze, her mouth gaping. A look of shock and betrayal crossed her features and then it was gone, replaced by a wall of stone. He knew that look anywhere; it was the one he saw every day in the mirror since his divorce.

  His stomach knotted. His throat felt sick because he knew in that instant, he had lost her and it may well be impossible to get her back.

  Chapter 32

  Two kisses. Two freakin’ kisses? That meant Wil kissed someone other than her. Emily couldn’t believe her ears. She gave him permission to do what was required, what he felt was in accord with his integrity, but kissing transgressed unstated barriers. Maybe a week ago, she could have accepted it, but not after their amazing day spent together, then how he made her feel under that tree those few nights ago. Not after the way he whispered his sweet everythings in her ear.

  So, she allowed herself to feel shock, regret and betrayal for only a moment before all her old defences shot up and surrounded her heart with their bullet proof protection. I’m fine. I can move on from this. Yes, she had enjoyed Wil’s company, his touch, his kiss, his mind, his body, but that could all be undone. He’d facilitated the ease in which that would happen already.

  She could convince herself that none of that was real—merely a product of this false reality where she was made to believe in things like fairies and the possibilities of true love. Both nonsense.

  When filming was cut, Emily didn’t hang around to talk to Wil like she had planned, like some of the other women were doing. No, instead, she stormed out of the barn and headed directly back to the contestants’ quarters. When home, she went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. Standing there, she took the few moments of quiet she would be allowed before the other contestants got back. They were required to talk about the elimination tonight. It was the last thing Emily felt like doing.

  Halfway through her first glass, chatter, laughter and footsteps floated up the hall and grew louder as the girls approached the kitchen. A camera was following them. It was all pleasant as they fixed themselves drinks, but once they were in the lounge together, the questions began.

  ‘Two kisses?’ asked Tatiana.

  ‘So that means two girls are keeping secrets from the rest of us,’ said Daniella.

  Becky looked at Emily and she knew immediately that it was her that Wil had kissed. Her stomach pulled and squeezed, despite her declaration that this was not going to affect her adversely. Wil was just another guy proving what guys do best—looking after number one. Themselves. Her dad had taught her that lesson nice and young, that way she had no expectations, that way she could never be totally broken hearted.

  Becky arched a brow and a smug grin flickered across her lips.

  Tatiana squealed and pointed to Becky. ‘It was you? Why didn’t you tell me?’

  Becky shrugged a shoulder. ‘I don’t kiss and tell.’

  ‘So who else?’ asked Georgie.

  All the girls shook their heads except for Emily. Eventually, the room of women turned to gaze at her. Their mouth’s dropped open. ‘You?’ asked Daniella. ‘I knew it. I knew you were hiding something. You’ve got to share what it was like. Damn it, I was hoping he was still being a gentleman, yet here he was with two on the go at once.’

  That comment hit Emily in the heart of all places and she lost her breath. She felt like such an idiot to have ever believed him. What else was he doing in private with Becky?

  ‘Was it a full on French kiss?’ asked Tatiana, looking from Emily to Becky. Emily held her breath until Becky answered, wanting to stupidly know the answer to this as well. Just how far did Wil go with her?

  ‘No. But it was so sweet. He’s not the type to take it too fast, so it was a gentleman’s kiss.’

  Emily sighed with relief to hear that. Though it was still a kiss, it wasn’t open-mouthed, whic
h made it feel less like a betrayal. Sort of. But their lips still touched. He got close to her. Smelled her scent. Emily closed her eyes and drew some deep breaths to ease the tension in her body. When she opened her eyes, the girls were all looking at her.

  Tatiana pressed a hand to her hip and cocked her head to the side. ‘Well?’

  ‘Um … just a quick peck,’ said Emily, not willing to show to the other women just how foolish she had been.

  Becky narrowed her eyes at Emily. ‘It was more than a peck, Emily Wolfe. I can tell. You’ve been pale from the moment you heard he’d kissed someone else. What, did you think you would be the only one?’

  Emily forced a smile on her face. She shook her head. ‘Of course I didn’t. This a dating show, isn’t it? I’m not that naive.’ Her voice cracked when she said that and she had to rein in her emotions before they exploded in front of the cameras and the other girls. ‘But our kiss wasn’t anything special.’ Yet to me it was everything. Because I’m an idiot who let herself think Wil was different, despite the fact that he had signed up for this show. ‘Excuse me,’ Emily said, placing her glass on the coffee table. ‘But I’m not feeling well.’ She shook her head as she stood and cleared her throat. ‘I’ll see you all tomorrow. Have a good night.’ And she walked out.

  When back in her room, she grabbed her toiletries and pyjamas and showered quickly. She wanted to change into comfortable clothes, climb into bed and brood. But she was also curious to see if Wil had texted or rang. She wanted to see that he had tried to contact her, but also didn’t want him to have contacted her. She was scared of what he might say and hopeful that there was a perfectly good reason for him to kiss Becky. To kiss Becky. God, I’d punch him fair in the face if he was here right now.

  She went to her luggage and rummaged under her clothes for her mobile. She pulled it out and switched it on. As she waited for it to boot up, her stomach squirmed. Her throat had that tight, sickly sensation.

  Her phone vibrated and her breaths stalled for a moment while she debated if she should see who it was. Taking a deep inhalation, she clicked into her messages. Wil’s name popped up. She thumbed the screen to open it and read the text quickly.