The Cowboy's Wish (The Govain Cowboys Book 3)

by Janalyn Knight

  She sucked in a breath.

  He rose above her again. "When you do, it'll be like your first time, baby. Like your very first time."

  Her eyes were wide—darkened to the color of midnight-blue velvet. She shivered. "I love you, Dylan."

  "You sure?"

  She nodded again; her eyes glued to his.

  He smiled, lowering his head. And, how he did keep his promise.

  THE NEXT MORNING, HE woke with Lennie's head nestled on his chest. Wishing he could wake every day with her warm body snuggled against him, he kissed the top of her head so as not to wake her. The sweet smell of her hair brought back memories of the night before. He'd never experienced such lovemaking. Making her wait had been incredibly exciting, something he hadn't expected. She had begged for him to finish her—to plunge inside her—to do anything to sate her incredible need. Her helplessness, her vulnerability had done something to him. Brought out a part of him that he'd never known was there. He'd both exploited her need, and desperately wanted to please her.

  He tenderly brushed a lock of hair from her cheek and sighed. What in the hell would he do if she turned him down now?

  A few hours later, when they'd finished a late breakfast at a pancake house, he asked, "What should we do today?" He wanted to pamper her this weekend.

  "Can we just go back to the room and watch TV? I'm bushed."

  He reached for her hand. "Can I make a suggestion? What if we got a couple's massage? The hotel has a spa and I checked while you were sleeping. They have time for us at two so I reserved it just in case."

  She raised her brows. "You're up for a massage, cowboy?"

  "You bet."

  She tilted her head. "You're just full of surprises." Then nodded. "I'm game."

  They rested in the room until time to go down to the first floor where the Blush Spa was located. As they entered the glass double doors, calming music surrounded them.

  Dylan went up to the receptionist while Lennie took a seat. "We have reservations. Govain?"

  The young woman flashed him a smile, one he was used to. Girls flirted with him all the time but he was off the market—forever. She checked the computer and looked up. "Yes." She handed him two clipboards. "Please have a seat and fill out these forms. We'll be with you in a few minutes."

  He joined Lennie on a strangely shaped cubic-looking piece of leather furniture. "You're going to love this." He'd had massages many times before. Getting his body snapped in two on the back of a bronc was a great reason for a massage.

  "I hope so. I definitely have some knotted muscles. But someone else's hands touching me all over is another story."

  He laughed. "You'll get used to it. Believe me, you'll feel so good you'll forget all about that worry," and he handed her a clipboard.

  A short time later, two women walked into the room. The eldest smiled at them and stepped forward. "Dylan and Lennie?"

  They nodded.

  "Welcome to Blush Spa. Come with us. We have everything ready for you."

  Dylan urged Lennie ahead of him, and they followed the women to a cozy room with two padded tables.

  The elder woman stood at the farthest table and motioned to Dylan. "I'll be with you today. This is where you'll lay. Please remove your clothes—and lay on your back. Be sure to cover with the sheet." She pointed to a door behind her. "That's the dressing room." She took the clipboard from him.

  The younger woman smiled at Lennie. "This is our table. Same instructions. We'll step outside and return in a few moments."

  Dylan pulled Lennie's therapist aside before they left and spoke quietly to her.

  Lennie grinned at him when he returned to his table. "Oh my God, this is so weird. I'll use the changing room." Grabbing her sheet, she stepped inside.

  Dylan laughed softly and stripped, then crawled up on the table and laid his head on the padded section with a hole in it. Snapping the sheet out, he covered himself.

  Lennie walked out swathed in the sheet and awkwardly climbed on the table. Looking at Dylan, she laid her head over the hole, too.

  "You have to untuck that sheet, darlin' or there won't be much massaging going on."

  She rocked her body back and forth and tugged it out from under her. "Damn, this is like my first day of kindergarten."

  "You'll love it once your therapist gets started. Close your eyes and relax."

  She did, taking a deep breath and letting it out.

  A knock sounded at the door, and Dylan called for the ladies to come in.

  After a short discussion of their needs, their session began.

  Within minutes Dylan was lost in the pleasure of a full-body deep-tissue massage—his favorite. He'd mentioned to Lennie's therapist that it was her first time and that the therapist might start out with a Swedish massage. After that the woman could ask Lennie if she'd like to go deeper and focus on her back, which he knew bothered her from their evening conversations.

  He'd almost fallen asleep when his therapist, speaking quietly, asked him to turn over. He couldn't wait to have his back massaged. Placing his face over the hole and his arms at his sides, he closed his eyes. Soon he was in paradise as the woman's hands worked the knots out of his back. Why hadn't he found a therapist in Ft. Stockton? He would when he got back. He'd needed this massage.

  A soft sigh came from beside him, and he had a vision of the other woman's hands massaging, rubbing, working Lennie's capable muscles. Then it became his hands performing that sensual activity. Was the woman massaging Lennie's legs—those beautiful, curving creations that made him want to smother her in kisses? Damn, now he had a problem. His dick was hard. He adjusted his hips. Thank God he was on his belly. He forced his mind away from his gorgeous lover and on cattle, horses, anything but her.

  His therapist eventually finished and, before she left the room, told him to take his time getting dressed.

  A moment later, Lennie's did the same.

  He turned over on his back and moaned. "Damn, that was good."

  Lennie sighed. "I can't get up. I'm made of jelly."

  He laughed. "It was wonderful, huh?"

  "Oh, yeah. You were totally right. I loved it."

  Crossing his hands over his belly, he said, "Our dinner reservations aren't until eight. We have time to rest before we get ready. Tonight is when you dress fancy."

  She turned to him. "This is where I find out my surprise."

  His heart lurched, and he swallowed. "Yep, you do." Damn, he still hadn't decided whether to ask her in the restaurant or back at the hotel. What if she said no in front of all those people? He took a deep calming breath. He knew she loved him. After last night he had no doubt. What worried him was her father. He hadn't given his approval, and Dylan just didn't know if she'd say yes without it. Crap. Sitting up, he rubbed his suddenly tightened neck muscles. There went a good massage down the drain.

  DYLAN WALKED BEHIND Lennie as the hostess led them to their table in the elegant surroundings of Ruth's Chris. Men's heads turned, following her progress. She looked stunning in a mid-thigh, form-fitting black dress. The scooped neck showed off the soft swell of her breasts without being too obvious. He'd been shocked to see her in four-inch heels when she stepped out of the bathroom.

  He patted his shirt pocket for the twentieth time. He'd put the ring in there while Lennie was in the bathroom. He'd also decided to take a leap of faith and ask her to marry him here, in front of everyone. They stopped at a table in the middle of the room. Holy crap. Of course, it would be center stage. He held Lennie's chair before sitting across from her.

  Lennie leaned toward him and whispered. "This is nice, Dylan. I went to the Ruth's Chris in Austin once. You're really going all out tonight."

  He smiled. "Only the best for my girl."

  They ordered iced tea and soon made their selections from the menu.

  Lennie was appalled at the prices. "I'd forgotten how expensive it is here. Dylan, you shouldn't have done this. I'd be happy anywhere you took me."

/>   "And miss out on my chance to spoil you? Never."

  They visited easily after the waitress removed their menus. He couldn't keep from staring at her. The dim lighting enhanced her beauty. Her skin glowed, and her blue eyes shimmered. Her smile flashed intermittently as she talked, proving how happy she was tonight.

  Their meals arrived at last, and his chest constricted. He would propose over dessert. The next hour would determine his fate. Throat suddenly dry, he made the first cut on his steak.

  Mercifully, he wasn't required to talk much as they ate. Lennie spoke here and there, but they mostly focused on the wonderful food before them. His tense stomach meant he had to eat slowly. He kept glancing at her plate to see how far she'd progressed. She finally laid her fork down, and he did, too. "Let's share a dessert."

  She blew out a breath. "I don't know if I can."

  "I'll order one, and you can at least try it." He was sticking to his plan and signaled the waitress. "We'd like dessert."

  In a moment, she brought a menu and he and Lennie decided on cheesecake. After ordering, he fidgeted.

  Lennie sat back in her chair. "That was a wonderful dinner. Thank you so much, Dylan."

  "You're welcome, sweetheart. I'm glad you enjoyed it." He glanced around the room. The place was crowded which meant a big audience if he bombed.

  The waitress came back with the cheesecake and placed two forks on the plate.

  He took a forkful, barely tasting it. "It's good. Take a bite."

  She leaned forward and took a small scoop, bringing it to her mouth and swallowing. She was so damned beautiful he wanted to cry.

  Taking a deep breath, he reached in his pocket and took hold of the ring. Pushing back his chair, he stood and walked to Lennie, going down on one knee. Heart pounding, he met her gaze as everything around him faded. Her face became his center.

  Her eyes widened in surprise. "Dylan, what—?"

  He held out her ring. He'd memorized this. Please God, let it come out right. "Lennie, I've known you since we were kids, and I've wanted you since way back then, even though you didn't like me."

  She grinned.

  "I love you, Lennie. I love how you take care of your parents, how hard you work, and how incredibly tough you are, even when you don't feel strong. I love how soft you can be and how you love me back. I love your intelligence and your sense of humor. I love everything about you."

  She raised her fingers to her lips, her eyes filling with tears.

  "You've changed me, Lennie. I'm a better man because of you. I no longer think of myself first. I've grown up because of your love. And I know something important now. I can't live without you. Will you marry me, Lennie?"

  She leaned toward him; hands outstretched. "Yes, yes I will. I love you, Dylan."

  Applause rang out from the tables surrounding them.

  Air whooshed out of his lungs. Clasping her hand, he slipped the ring on her finger. Pulling her to her feet, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her, but not long enough to embarrass the other diners. And not nearly as long as he wanted to.

  She clutched him and whispered, "I love you, cowboy. You've made me so happy."

  Dessert was forgotten as they sat down again, and he signaled for the waitress and the check.

  Lennie held her hand before her, admiring the ring. "Dylan, this is beautiful. It couldn't be more perfect."

  "I took my time choosing it. The stone setting is low so it won't snag easily on things, though I'm sure you'll want to take it off when you work cattle."

  She smiled across the table, and he'd never seen her look softer or more feminine.

  Once he'd paid for their meal, they were free to go. He wrapped his arm around the gorgeous woman who would one day be his wife, and escorted her out the door. Now all he had to do was tell Evan Duncan a Govain was marrying his daughter.

  Chapter Thirteen

  LENNIE REMOVED THE beautiful ring and stuck it deep in the pocket of her Wranglers. Heart pounding, she stepped out of the truck and grabbed her suitcase and hanging bag. How in the hell was she going to tell her family that she was marrying a Govain? Dylan had offered to come with her to break the news but she'd nixed that in a heartbeat. She had to face this music alone.

  She entered the house through the kitchen door to avoid questions from her father.

  Her mother met her there. "Honey, did you have a nice weekend?" Her mom smiled, but her expression was less open than normal. Almost like she didn't want to know. Damn.

  "Let me put this stuff away, and I'll tell you all about it." Oh, hell, this'll be rough. She won't be happy. But, will she help me tell Dad?

  In her room, she rolled the suitcase to a stop and sat on the bed for a few seconds, gathering her thoughts. She couldn't sugarcoat the news. She loved Dylan, and she was going to marry him. Maybe her mom would understand when Lennie told her just how much she loved him.

  Taking a deep breath and steeling herself against what her mom might say, Lennie strode back into the kitchen. "Do you want some iced tea, Mom?" Pouring herself a glass gave her hands a chance to steady.

  "Sure, honey."

  Lennie brought two glasses to the table and sat across from her mom. Meeting her mother's gaze, she began. "I went to El Paso with Dylan this weekend, and we had a wonderful time. He made it so special, Mom, we stayed in a fancy hotel, had a couple's massage at a spa, and it was amazing!"

  Her mom raised an eyebrow, but kept silent, her face otherwise immobile.

  Lennie couldn't read her mother's eyes, but the happiness she was hoping for wasn't there. "We went to a really nice restaurant last night and, Mom, after we ate, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him."

  Her mother's eyes widened, and she lowered her head, squeezing her hands together. "What did you tell him, Lennie?"

  Pulse racing, heart thudding against her chest wall, Lennie answered, "I love him, Mom. I said yes."

  Her mother raised her head and met Lennie's gaze. "You'll kill your father."

  Lennie reached across and clasped her mother's hands. "Mom, please, help me tell him. Help me make him understand. Dylan's a good man. He's kind and sweet and not at all like Dad thinks the Govains are."

  Her mother shook her head. "He'll never accept it. You know how he feels about the Govains. He'll be furious—desperate when he hears the news. How could you let this happen, Lennie?"

  She pleaded, "Mom, I didn't mean for it to. It just did. But I do love him, and I'm going to marry him. Somehow Dad has to accept Dylan. Please, will you help me?"

  Her mother held Lennie's gaze, and slowly her eyes softened. She squeezed Lennie's fingers. "Honey, I don't have any hope that your father will change, but I'll do what I can." She paused, thinking. "So, you love this boy, huh?"

  Smiling, Lennie dug out her ring and slipped it on her finger. Holding her hand for her mother to inspect, she said, "More than I have words for, Mom. He's so good to me. Nothing like I thought he would be. He's someone I can count on."

  Her mother gazed at the engagement ring. "It's beautiful, honey. I'm happy for you, but I'm scared to death, too. I'm scared how this news will affect your father. Let me think about what to do, and you keep this ring hidden, you hear?"

  "Yes, Momma."

  Lennie returned to her room; a weight lifted from her shoulders. Though her mother hadn't exactly approved, she wanted her daughter to be happy. Now that Lennie had cleared one hurtle, she laid down on her bed and closed her eyes. Hopefully her mother would come up with some way to tell her husband. Lennie picked up her phone and texted Dylan.

  Mom took the news pretty well, considering. She's going to think about how we can break it to Dad. Right now, my ring stays secret.

  He responded instantly.

  Thank God. I'm so happy she agreed to help. We'll get through this, sweetheart. Try not to worry. I love you.

  She smiled.

  I love you, too. I keep looking at my ring, and I still can't believe I'm engaged.

  A moment
later he wrote back.

  Honey, you've made me the happiest man in the world. I feel different now. Like everything's changed. I'm going to be a husband, a provider, and someday, a father.

  Her heart thrilled. She'd be a mother one day, too.

  I can't wait to begin my life with you. I just wish we didn't have to deal with this mess with my father first.

  He wrote back quickly.

  Please don't worry about that, sweetheart. We'll figure this out.

  She considered her next question a moment.

  Have you told your family?

  He didn't hesitate.

  I'll tell them at breakfast, and ask that they keep it quiet for now.

  Warmth washed over her. He wanted to share his news with his parents and his brother's family. Then she bit her lip. What if they weren't happy that he was marrying a Duncan?

  Do you think they'll be upset?

  His response was instant.

  Are you kidding? No way. They'll love who I love, and they know you're a wonderful person. Quit worrying, honey. I've got this.

  She sighed. It would be so amazing if she could shout to the rooftops that she was getting married. That's what she wanted to do. She hated hiding her joy.

  You're right. It'll all work out somehow. Do you know how much I love you, Dylan?

  She grinned at his next text.

  No, I don't. You'll have to show me when I see you tomorrow at lunch.

  Laughing, she sent:

  Talk to you tomorrow, cowboy.

  DYLAN STRODE TOWARD the dining room the next morning and, despite the fact that he knew his family wouldn't be upset, his stomach clenched. His parents ate at their own home, so it was only Caleb and Eve and little Abi when he arrived at the table. He ruffled her golden curls.

  As he filled his plate, Caleb glanced at his brother. "How was El Paso?"