Under Pressure

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Jewels got up with a grace that spoke of money—lots of it. Hell, he already knew the Stone family was loaded, although none of them lived lavishly from what he’d seen. Their two-story, white sided house and the porch that spread from one side to the other could make a good resting spot for a cowboy, but it wasn’t anything fancy. Yet, something about this woman reeked of class—even the department store clothes and downplayed appearance couldn’t hide the fact.

  “You didn’t tell me your name, sweetheart.” He pushed the front of his hat with the back of his knuckles.

  Three seconds and several expressions later, she finally said, “Lisa.”

  Her lie, and poorly executed at that, made his gut clench. That should be good enough reason to call this a night and walk. He knew her name and that she’d moved back home after a tough breakup. Stone had spent a good amount of their first meeting talking about his special daughters…Jewels, Pearl and Emerald. Pretentious names if Spark said so himself.

  Yeah, he didn’t need any part of this situation.

  He started to take a step toward the exit when she clasped his hand, entwining their fingers and practically pulling him toward the dance floor. He guessed he was obligated for a few more minutes.

  Chapter Two

  SPARK UNEASILY WRAPPED one arm around Jewels’ waist and held her hand with his other while attempting to listen to the popular soft tune filtering from the jukebox. He’d met the singer in person at a rodeo event three or four years ago. Nice, family man. Spark had been a fan of his music since.

  But even following the words of the song didn’t take his mind off the pretty woman who leaned close.

  He inhaled and got a whiff of the ocean—light and fresh. His heart picked up like a racing horse and he attempted to control the galloping. She smelled good, and she didn’t feel too bad either.

  He was certain to keep at least three inches distance between their bodies so that no unnecessary touching would happen, but the gentle sway of her hips was enough to make him salivate. He wasn’t much of a dancer, but he found he didn’t mind holding her and their hands tangled in a perfect fit. He wondered how soft her hair would feel sliding through his fingers.

  “What do you do for a living?” she asked, staring up at him with amazing soft eyes.

  “I ranch.” He wasn’t much of a game player either, but he’d keep the ruse going long enough to feel out what her deal was. Then he’d cut loose right out the door.

  Her chest heaved with an impatient sigh. “I guessed as much. Around these parts? Or did you come into town for the rodeo next week?”

  “I came to town to work.” He wanted to keep his answers as vague as possible.

  He moved his hand a bit lower to the waist of her jeans, and she didn’t even blink. “A man of little words, huh?”

  “Are we talking or dancing?” He didn’t need to see the slight pout of her bottom lip to understand the harsh tone of his words, but awkward wouldn’t even begin to explain what he was feeling. At a cross between calling her out and falling into the spider web she was quickly spinning, he was angry at his parts below the waist that didn’t care that she was lying.

  Lord, her smell alone was enough to cause his veins to narrow, but her mesmerizing eyes and smile almost did him in. Riding the rodeo circuit, he’d seen many a pretty woman, hot and willing for his taking. In his twenties, he’d obliged, like a kid in a candy store, wanting to sample every available treat. But after a few years, he’d grown tired of the groupies and was well enough with being alone.

  None of them had sparked his blood like the woman Jewels.

  After quitting the rodeo, he did some traveling, worked on several ranches and decided it was high time he started thinking of his future—possibly find a woman who’d be happy to call him husband.

  Fixing fences and baling hay hadn’t given him much time to meet women, especially the type of Ms. Stone. She was certainly an eyeful. It was just another reminder of what he was missing by not having a place to call his own. He’d imagined many times over the last year what it would be like to come home after a hard day’s work to a family, and now he was at a point he wanted it in reality.

  But not with the boss’s daughter.

  He had to nix his interest in this woman. She was off limits.

  Just a few more minutes.

  “What do you do, Lisa?” he asked.

  “I’m a photographer.”

  He chuckled. Probably another lie. Oh well, in the bigger picture, it didn’t matter what she told him. Either way, it was no sweat off his back. In the meantime, he’d have some fun. “Have you ever ridden a horse?”

  “Of course, I have. I can saddle one too.”

  “With those manicured nails, I find that hard to believe,” he snorted.

  She lifted her chin defiantly. The twinkle in her soft brown eyes was enough to send a heat wave through his body. “Are you suggesting that a woman has to look a certain way, or dress a certain way, to be capable?”

  “I’m not talking sitting atop a horse looking pretty at social gatherings at the country club. I’m talking riding a horse as in breaking wind at breakneck speed. Becoming one with your horse, feeling like his legs are your legs, his mane is your mane. Mending a fence with a hammer. Wrestling cattle…”

  Her gasp made the hair on his arms rise. “This is ranching country and my family owns one. On any given day you’ll find me working the land or tending the horses.”

  “Are you trying to convince me or yourself? I doubt you’ve worked a hard day in your life. No, you look like the type who has helpers for everything.” He was teetering on obnoxious, but he couldn’t stop. The more he stood there, touching her, realizing this was all a game to her, the angrier he became. What made him madder was the fact that he wasn’t immune to her. His body betrayed the warning signs in his brain.

  Her eyes widened in disbelief. “For a man who I’ve just met, you certainly seem to think you know a lot about me.”

  “Sweetheart, no reason to get irate because I pegged you for who you are.” Damn, how could a woman look this cute while miffed?

  Several expressions flitted across her pale features before she finally settled on a forced smile that made her eyes look pinched. She took a step back, breaking their hold. “I’m ready for a drink. How about you?”

  She brushed past him, her shoulders tight and he swore he heard her mumble a string of profanities. He watched her walk—more of a sashay—toward the bar. The soft material of her shirt clung to her slender back, and the jeans defined the fullness of her firm backside. At about five-foot-six, with the heels, and probably one-fifteen soaking wet, she was tiny next to his six-foot, two-hundred pound frame.

  His fingers ached to touch and explore, but it wouldn’t be the first time he went home and took a cold shower. Not only was she the boss’s daughter, but she was scheming, and he didn’t like that one bit.

  By the time he returned to the seat next to her, he noticed her anger was gone and a brilliant smile had returned. She lifted her bottle. “Here’s to us.”

  He clinked his with hers, and they both drank. She downed the bottle in one swallow. He was a little surprised. For a woman of her size she certainly could toss back the alcohol, making him wonder if she was drinking to calm her nerves. Another one of those and he doubted she could walk.

  He shook his head. There was something definitely wrong here and it had everything to do with the saucy beauty who was eyeing him as if he was a morsel of chocolate. She had no clue what she was getting her pretty little bottom into.

  And that’s why he slipped off the stool. “It was nice meeting you, Lisa, but I should be on my way.” He pulled out his wallet, grabbed a few bills and threw it on the bar. He dipped his hat in farewell.

  He turned his back to her and started walking when he heard another voice…

  Swiveling back around, his body stiffened. A cowboy hovered over Jewels and she was leaning backward on the stool. His seat didn’t have the chance to
cool before another cowboy stepped in.

  Spark read her face and her discomfort amplified, striking his defensive side.

  She might be a spoiled rich kid doing her daddy’s dirty work, but she was still a woman and he had manners the size of a football field. Seeing her hands press against the drunken cowboy’s chest, Spark shook his head in irritation. Why did he even come out tonight?

  The stranger’s hand came up and slipped down Jewels’ pink cheek, a heated spasm worked its way through his veins. Spark clenched his hands into fists. Not sure why he was burdened with more protective instincts than a momma cat, instinct kicked into gear and he crossed the distance in two strides.

  “Hey, buddy. You’ve got your hands where they don’t belong.” When the other cowboy didn’t respond, Spark gently tapped the intruder on the shoulder. He was a tall man with broad shoulders, but Spark stood at least three inches taller and weighed fifty pounds more—and needless to say Spark guessed the man had enough alcohol in his bloodstream to start a fire if he sneezed.

  “Hey, there. I’m talking to the lady, fellow. You had your chance,” the other man slurred.

  Spark didn’t have the time or the patience for this. He had a cold shower to look forward to in his near future.

  Handling men like this drunken bastard was easy, but Spark wanted to handle things as safely as possible. Paying for damages in the bar meant he’d have to dip his hand in the money he’d been saving.

  “I don’t think the lady wishes for your companionship. Am I right?” He caught Jewels’ gaze over the cowboy’s beefy shoulder.

  “No, sorry Pete, but I’ve had my fill for tonight,” she said.

  “Ahhh, come on. Things didn’t work out with you and cow poke, so give me a dance.” Pete threw a finger in the air and almost lost his balance. Spark caught him and pushed him back to his feet.

  “Well, it just so happens that things did work out with the ol’ cow poke.” Spark’s frustration flared and he lifted his dusty hat, forked his fingers through his thick hair and replaced the Stetson solid on his head. Spark pushed Pete to the side. “Are you ready?”

  Spark held up his arm for her and she hesitated, but only a second. Standing up, she tucked her fingers around his elbow.

  His lips twitched when Pete’s jaw dropped.

  ~°°°~

  Jewels was grateful Spark had turned around and saved her from drunken Pete—not that she’d needed Spark’s help, but he had no clue how capable she was of handling herself.

  She knew how to take care men like Pete, had all her life, but the situation had helped her fake damsel in distress to get back on the track of seduction.

  But now she wasn’t so confident as they headed out the door and she had no idea how she’d keep him interested long enough to carry out her plan.

  “Thank you for pulling me away from the cowboy,” she said, lugging her hand free from his arm.

  “Well, we wouldn’t want you to hurt a finger on one of those pretty hands, would we?”

  She inwardly cringed, sensing his sarcasm. The man had the ego of ten men. If she didn’t need his company, she’d gladly rip into him. Smile in place again, she smoothed her hands down her shirt. “No, we wouldn’t.”

  “Did you drive?” He tilted an eyebrow.

  “Yes.” He moved and she got a whiff of his masculine scent and something happened in the pit of her stomach. Regret because she couldn’t lean in and sniff his neck without coming across as odd? She hated that her body felt desire for another womanizer—a clear caution her instincts couldn’t be trusted when it came to men.

  Time had passed since a man had wrapped his arms around her, and she found she missed the warmth of a strong body. The dance she shared with Spark shouldn’t have caused her nipples to bunch or her panties to moisten—and yet every part of her had awakened and responded.

  Dropping her gaze over him, she swallowed a purr. Yeah, he was cute, she’d admit, but she was seriously losing her mind.

  She’d found Spark for one reason and one reason only. There was no veering away from the plan. No matter the façade he played with her now, he wasn’t a gentleman.

  “Unfortunately, I don’t think you’re in any condition to drive. Do you have someone you can call?”

  Opening her mouth to tell him she was fine, she snapped it shut. Things were just falling into her lap of opportunity. “Maybe I can catch a lift with you? I’m staying down the road at the motel.”

  His jaw tightened. He wanted to say no, she knew it. But would he?

  Irritation created a masterpiece in her body, making her internal temperature rise to a dangerous level. Maybe she should stop the ploy and yell at him—tell him why she’d found him. Give him the tongue-lashing he so rightly de—

  “Fine. It’s on my way,” he huffed.

  “Great.”

  She followed him into the parking lot, watching his tight butt in the nice fitting jeans. She couldn’t remember seeing a better pair of buns on another cowboy. He stopped and, because she was fixated, she continued walking, straight into his broad back. The impact was like hitting a solid, brick wall that sent her bouncing backward. Luckily, she caught her balance.

  Her nose ached and her pride didn’t feel much better. She swiped her fingers over her face, happy for no broken bones or blood.

  He twisted—not even acknowledging that she’d slammed into him. Of course, he wouldn’t since he was a giant compared to her. She had to crane her neck to look up at him. “This is my truck.” He pulled the keys from his front pocket, hit a button on the lock pad and opened the passenger door. She stared at him. “What is it?”

  “I haven’t had a man open the car door for me in…well…never.”

  “You must be choosing all of the wrong men.”

  He didn’t have a clue how accurate he was. “Thank you.” The words sounded like squeaks. He stood so close, he could easily lean in and kiss her. Her body melted and her knees weakened. Kiss me!

  He took a step back. “My momma raised me right.” Several expressions flicked across his handsome face, until one corner of his mouth turned down. He didn’t wait for her to climb in. He stomped around to the driver’s side.

  She swallowed her nervous tension and disappointment. She’d wanted him to kiss her, wanted it as much as she needed her next breath.

  Shaking her head, as if the simple movement could dislodge all desire, she sucked in a long breath.

  Ogling the open door, she wrinkled her nose.

  Some things just weren’t meant to maneuver in stilettos. Large trucks were one. She longed to slip them off her sore feet, but what she remembered from her small bucket of knowledge, men liked women in heels. Dragging herself up and into the seat, he watched her from the driver’s side. She pretended not to notice and finger-combed her hair. “Some ride you have here.”

  He chuckled. She wondered how many other women have said the same—whatever ride they were meaning.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He slammed his door.

  Jewels thought Em needed a brain scan. How had her little sister fallen for Spark? Jewels didn’t see the irresistible charm Em referred to. Maybe the charm of a horse’s ass. No, that wasn’t accurate. He was great to look at—until he opened his mouth.

  She brought her gaze around and looked at him.

  Big mistake.

  His rugged looks seemed softer in the dim light of the dash. Her gaze naturally fell to his broad hands, his long fingers gripping the steering wheel. His hands would cover large amounts of quivering flesh at one time. His shoulders were wide—unbelievably wide—and she couldn’t believe that every time he moved he didn’t break a seam in the faded flannel.

  He had a nice body, one that motivated her thoughts to wander down naughty paths that included naked skin. Em had told her he knew how to please.

  The truth hauled her back to reality.

  Em had slept with him, and then he’d disappeared, leaving her sad and hurt.

  Jewels k
new those same emotions all too well.

  Damn! She needed to get a grip.

  He brought his hand up, curling his fingers around the brim of his hat and tugging it off. He placed it in between them on the seat. He had a mass of thick dark hair, resembling waves of blue-black satin with threads of silver. She had a strong urge to reach and tousle the locks, but clenched her hands into fists to stay her limbs in her lap.

  His features were sharply defined, his jaw prominent with a dark dusting of beard growth. A man like him undoubtedly shaved in the morning and, by noon, had a shadow on his chin. Although he hadn’t given her more than a forced smile and a half-attempt at a laugh, earlier she’d noticed the dimples that framed his full, kissable mouth.

  It was time she worked some magic.

  “Wow, who would have thought we’d meet and an hour later we’d be heading back to my room. That was fast.” She chuckled, but it fizzled. Realizing now she was in over her head, she had no idea what reeled a cowboy like Spark. She was at a complete and utter loss. She certainly didn’t have the seduction like Em, apparently.

  “Yeah, imagine,” he mumbled under his breath.

  She brought her chin up, his gaze met hers. Seconds ticked by. He pulled away, started the engine and jetted out of the parking spot.

  Deciding it was best that she sat quietly until they reached the motel, she hoped she could pull off a sex appeal that this cowboy had never witnessed before.

  Her insecurities bubbled up.

  Her palms turned sweaty and she smoothed them over her thighs.

  Kiefer had stripped her of self-confidence.

  Her memory stumbled back to the night she’d walked into his office party, finding him snuggled up over eggnog and reindeer hats with his new voluptuous assistant. Jewels had been running an hour late and he must have gotten lonely waiting for her.

  Most women would have screamed, possibly thrown something, but Jewels hadn’t said a word to Kiefer or his lover. Her love for him had died that very moment.