Cowboy 12 Pack
Page 36
PS. Figured you could use a little Luck. Take care of her, and remember that everyone needs a little love. Even you.
Emma clutched the note and the kitten to her chest.
Cooper was gone. She’d pushed away the one man able to rekindle her desire and hope for the future. Emma felt as if she’d been asleep for a long time and finally woken up. Cooper had been responsible for that. How could she let him walk away?
The tears dried and her fingers tightened around the paper. Her pulse quickened and she spun to face Ace. “How long ago did he leave?”
“He left just before you rode into the barnyard,” Ace said. “Driving pretty slowly, too. I think he was hoping to see you.”
Emma shoved the kitten into Ace’s arms. “Hold Lucky.” She shoved past him and ran down the hall.
“Do I have a choice?” Ace called out behind her.
Emma didn’t answer. She didn’t have a choice. She had to catch Cooper and tell him how she felt. That he’d come to mean more than a fake date. That he’d brought her back from a living death. That she didn’t want to go another day without him in her life. If she had to, she’d beg him to give her another chance.
If she could catch him before he got away. Because for the first time since she’d started down the online dating path, she realized she didn’t have his phone number or address.
The road leading into the ranch house forced travelers to move slowly. If she shot over the ridge and down the hill, she might catch him on the farm road that connected to the main highway. She’d have to go cross-country.
Dillon was just heading into the barn with Emma’s palomino in tow.
“Wait!” Emma cried out.
Daisy tossed her head and backed away from the barn door.
Dillon swung around. “What’s wrong?”
“I need that horse.” She didn’t slow as she raced toward the barn. Snatching the reins from her bewildered brother, Emma leaped into the saddle, turned the horse and dug her heels into the animal’s flanks. Woman and beast blew through the open gate and into the pasture.
Daisy stretched her neck, her hooves bunching and spreading beneath her.
The wind in Emma’s face blew away the last of her doubts. She hoped and prayed Cooper hadn’t completely given up.
As the far fence line came into view, Emma glanced to the east. A truck barreled along the farm road toward the T-intersection of the main highway leading back to Temptation and ultimately Dallas.
Emma urged Daisy faster, bending over her neck, one with the horse.
The animal responded, ears laid back, hooves flying low over the mowed field.
When they came within twenty yards of the fence, Emma sat back in the saddle and pulled on the reins.
Daisy ground to a halt, inches from the barbed wire.
Emma threw herself from the saddle, climbed over the fence and ran the one hundred yards to the intersection stretching before her like an eternity. Heart racing, pulse pounding, her lungs burning, she realized she wasn’t going to make it.
Cooper would turn to the left before she reached him. He’d drive off and Emma would never see him again.
She picked up her knees and elbows and ran faster.
The truck slowed to a stop at the convergence of the two highways and a strange thing happened.
The vehicle didn’t budge.
Cooper didn’t turn. For several long moments, the truck remained in place, granting Emma more time to catch up.
Finally, the truck lurched forward, swinging left.
No! Emma’s hopes crashed and she ground to a halt.
When the vehicle jerked to a halt, the brake lights glowing bright red, Emma’s breath caught. Then the white reverse lights engaged.
Her pulse leaping, Emma couldn’t believe her eyes.
Cooper was backing up and turning around!
Emma burst forward, stumbled and almost cried in her relief. She angled toward the farm road, dipped down in the roadside ditch and up onto the pavement, running right in front of the pickup.
Tires squealed, and the truck skidded to a stop, but not soon enough.
The hood of the truck bumped her just enough to send her crashing to the ground. Pain shot through her hip where she landed, but Emma didn’t care as she dragged air into her lungs.
“Emma!” The driver’s door flung open and Cooper was beside her. “Holy hell, woman. Are you all right?”
She dragged in another breath and nodded. “I am now.”
“You scared the crap out of me. What are you trying to do, get yourself killed?”
“Had…to…” she sucked in a breath and finished, “stop you.”
“And that was worth throwing yourself in front of a moving vehicle?” He gathered her into his arms. “You’re insane.”
She pressed her face into his shirt and laughed. “I am. Insane to think I can start over.”
“What are you talking about?” He leaned back enough to stare into her eyes.
“Insane to think you’d give me another chance.” She cupped his face and smiled upward. “Now that we’ve established I’m insane, could you possibly buy into that insanity plea and give me another chance?”
For a long moment, he stared into her eyes. “I was coming back to beg you for that chance.”
“Thank goodness.” Emma cupped her palms around his face and leaned up to kiss him.
After a long, deep kiss, Cooper broke it off. “What about Marcus?”
“He’ll always be a part of me.” She inhaled and let it out. “A part of my past. But I have to keep on living. I have a future, one that I hope includes you.”
“Baby, that’s what I wanted to hear.” He rose, lifted her into his arms and carried her to his truck. “Hopefully, now we don’t have to break up our little family.”
Emma laughed. “Lucky?”
“I’m feeling it, are you?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. “How are you with a woman who wants to own her own spread?”
“I’d buy it for you, if I knew it would make you happy.”
“I could never accept such an expensive gift.” She shook her head. “I want to pay for it myself.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Your determination and independence is one of the things I love most about you.”
“Your patience and understanding is what I love about you.” Emma grinned. “And you do have a very nice ass.”
He kissed her again, stealing her breath away with his tenderness.
Then they were on their way back to the Rockin’ J Ranch and a house full of stunned brothers. A warm breeze wafted through the open window, brushing across Emma’s face.
For a moment, she closed her eyes and sent a silent prayer to the heavens, “Thank you, Marcus.”
Epilogue
‡
COOPER STOOD AT the head of the conference room table, having called an emergency meeting of Billionaires Anonymous.
“Well?” Tag drummed his fingers on the table. “What’s the emergency?”
“Wait for our guest.” Cooper waved a hand toward the door.
Leslie Lamb entered, her eyes wide, appearing as confused by the short notice as the others. “What’s going on?”
“I wanted my friends to be witness as I write out a check.”
Leslie’s brow furrowed, then climbed up her forehead, her eyes widening. “You and Emma?”
Cooper nodded and called out. “You can come in.”
Emma entered through another doorway, a grin splitting her face. She gave a shy wave to the men gathered around. “Hi.”
As one, Sean, Tag, Maxwell and Gage whistled.
“You lucky bastard,” Gage was the first to reach him and pound him on the back. “Nice to meet you, Emma. Coop’s had only good things to say about you.”
Emma took all the well-wishes and ribbing with a smile while Cooper almost busted buttons on his shirt, he was so proud.
Leslie was last to hug Emma. �
��I’m happy for you, sweetie.”
Emma hugged her back, swiping at a tear in her eye. “Thanks for kicking my butt into taking a chance.”
“Don’t thank me, thank that big cowboy of yours.” Leslie stood back, smiling broadly. “If he hadn’t been the right match, things might not have worked out so well.”
“Which brings me back to this.” Cooper waved his checkbook. “I’m here to write a check for every cent in my bank account.”
“Holy cow, Coop.” Tag shook his head. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Better, I’ve lost my heart.” With a happy groan, he pulled Emma into his arms. “How can you put a price on that?”
Leslie raised her hands. “I won’t take it. Look, I’ll send you a bill for a reasonable amount. No offense, Emma.”
Emma chuckled. “None taken.”
“The main thing I need from you, Mr. Johnson”—Leslie crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow—“is a referral.”
“You got it,” Cooper said, as he smiled down at Emma.
“And you have mine, as well.” Emma stared up into Cooper’s eyes, heating the air between them. “I’ll have to get my brothers signed up right away.”
“Great!” Leslie turned to the other men gathered around and clapped her hands. “So… who’s next?”
The End
About the Author
Elle James also writing as Myla Jackson spent twenty years livin’ and lovin’ in South Texas, ranching horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus. A former IT professional, Elle is proud to be writing full-time, penning intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edge of their seats. Now living in northwest Arkansas, she isn’t wrangling cattle, she’s wrangling her muses, a malti-poo and yorkie. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, out snow-skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories.
To learn more about Elle James and her stories visit her website at www.ellejames.com.
To learn more about Myla Jackson visit her websites at www.mylajackson.com.
Other Titles by Elle James
Cowboy Resurrected (Covert Cowboys Inc Book #4)
Bodyguard Under Fire (Covert Cowboys Inc Book #3)
Taking Aim (Covert Cowboys Inc Book #2)
Triggered (Covert Cowboys Inc Book #1)
Déjà Voodoo (Cajun Magic Book #3)
Voodoo for Two (Cajun Magic Book #2)
Voodoo on the Bayou (Cajun Magic Book #1)
Tarzan & Janine
Haunted
Demon’s Embrace
Hot Demon Nights
Witch’s Seduction
Witch’s Initiation
Deadly Reckoning
Thunder Horse Redemption
Thunder Horse Heritage
Hostage to Thunder Horse
Wild at Heart
Engaged with the Boss
Cowboy Brigade
Time Raiders: The Whisper
Bundle of Trouble
Killer Body
Operation XOXO
An Unexpected Clue
Baby Bling
Nick of Time
Under Suspicion, With Child
Texas-Sized Secrets
Alaskan Fantasy
Blown Away
Cowboy Sanctuary
Lakota Baby
Dakota Meltdown
Beneath the Texas Moon
Other Titles by Myla Jackson
Trouble With Harry (Tomb Raider Trouble #1)
Trouble With Will (Tomb Raider Trouble #2)
Trouble With Mitch (Tomb Raider Trouble #3)
Sex, Lies & Vampire Hunters (Night Shift #1)
Night of the Jaguar (New Orleans Nights #1)
That Voodoo You Do (New Orleans Nights #2)
Dirty Tricks: One Up On You
Dirty Tricks: Two Can Play That Game
Dirty Tricks: Three’s A Charm
Dirty Tricks: Four Play
Dirty Tricks: Five-Second Seduction
Dirty Tricks: Six Degrees of Desperation
Sex Ed
Boots and Chaps
Boots and Leather
Boots and Bareback
Boots and Promises
Boots and Lace
Boots and Roses
Boots and Buckles
Boots and Twisters
Honor Bound
Duty Bound
River Bound
Naked Prey
Jacq’s Warlord
Shewolf
Thorn’s Kiss
Fit to Be Tied
Her Uniform Cowboy
Harland County Series
Book Three: Kade
Donna Michaels
‡
“Kade, wait. Look, I’m sorry. I really am.”
He halted and turned to face the clinging designer. “Fine. Duly noted.”
“No.” She frowned. “It’s not fine. I accused you of something horrible, and I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
Shit. Tears were filling her eyes again.
“I think it’s wonderful that you help out the Humane Society.”
He did more than that, but he wasn’t about to enlighten the crazy woman. “Thanks.” His tone gave away his less than sincere thoughts, but he didn’t care. He was ticked off. Damn high-n-mighty Pennsylvanian.
“Why are you so sensitive? I said I was sorry.”
“Why indeed.” He stepped closer then stalked the frustrating Yankee when she backed up. “Tell me, Ms. Wyne.” He didn’t stop until her back hit the front of a stall. “There are several other people who live on this ranch, did any of them cross your mind as being the culprit?”
Eyes round, she swallowed and slowly shook her head.
Kade bit back a curse. “Figures.”
He stepped away, and then changed his mind. Grasping the spokes on either side of her head, he pulled himself in and stared into her widening brown eyes. “Just what the hell is your problem with me, lady?”
What They’re Saying…
About Her Unbridled Cowboy:
“I love Ms. Michaels’ voice and she knows how to hook her readers in from the very beginning. I love how she develops her characters and makes them so believable that you feel as if these are real people you could become friends with. I highly recommend this second novel in the Harland County Series and I’m eagerly looking forward to book three and four. Don’t pass this series up!”
—Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick
About Her Forever Cowboy:
“Ms. Michaels has done it again! Book four in this series is another great success. The author knows how to lure her readers in by telling them a wonderful story that’s wrapped around characters we get to know and love as if they’re real people. This book was no exception. I highly recommend this book and this author!”
—Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick
—InD’tale Magazine, Crowned Heart of Excellence 4.5 Stars
—July Read of the Month SSLY 2014
—BTS Magazine Red Carpet Book Award Nominee-Reader’s Choice 2015
About Her Fated Cowboy:
“As always, this author perfectly blended an amazing storyline, which contained characters you just can’t help but fall in love with and she worked her magic in creating a masterpiece of the heart. I even enjoyed her sense of humor sprinkled throughout, which was placed in all the right places. This is one story I highly recommend and one author I just can’t read enough from. Since this is the first book in the Harland County series, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book.”
—Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick
Dear Reader,
Thank you for purchasing Her Uniform Cowboy. This is the third book in my Harland County Series. Unruly cowboys and the women who tame them.
In this story, I’ve incorporated a few similarities to my life. The hero is in the National Guard, like my husband, and the heroine deals with the same thyroid condition I have for years. I thought it was time to put both in a book. :)
Kade Dalton has been on several deployments with the Texas National Guard. The tough, handsome sheriff, a consummate helper, doesn’t realize he also needs help. It takes a strong, understanding ‘cowboy tamer’ to stand by him.
Brandi Wyne is the perfect match for the cowboy guardsman. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism, she’s had weight issues and boyfriend issues, and needing a clean break she’s hoping to build a new life in Texas—without a military presence. But her friends’ matchmaking parents have other ideas.
When their need for each other becomes too strong, soon Kade and Brandi are in a relationship that heals as well as frightens, pushing them each to face their demons, and discover, together they can overcome their past.
Another hot, heartfelt, sexy read, this story also includes some of the other characters in the series. I’m also creating a spin-off series-Citizen Soldier Novels-set in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, featuring Brandi’s National Guard brothers briefly introduced in this story.
Thanks for reading,
~Donna
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com
Also by Donna Michaels
~Novels~
Captive Hero (Time-shift Heroes Series-Book One)
The Spy Who Fanged Me
Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book One)
Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book Two)
Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book Three: Kade)
Her Forever Cowboy (Harland County Series-Book Four: Kevin)
She Does Know Jack
Wyne and Dine (Citizen Soldier Series-Book 1)
Royally Unleashed (Book 1)
~Novellas~
Harland County Christmas (Harland County Series-Prequel)
Cowboy-Sexy
Thanks for Giving
Ten Things I’d Do for a Cowboy
Vampire Kristmas
~Short Stories~