Cowboy 12 Pack
Page 48
“And he’s right.” Jordan nodded before downing the rest of her drink.
Damn straight.
He was also done. Kade had heard enough. Made him sick to think he and that fucker wore the same uniform. It was time to show the woman just how attractive he found her lush body. He wasn’t looking for a commitment. He wasn’t looking for a relationship, but he sure as shit could treat the woman how she deserved to be treated.
“Not so sure Kade still thinks it.” She sighed and looked down at her hands.
Kerri frowned? “Why not?”
“Well…if he did…then why…what was he doing with the redhead?”
Ah hell. She thought… He blew out a breath. It probably did seem odd.
“Shayla?” Jordan’s brow rose. “Trust me. Kade would never get involved with her.”
“Why not? She’s stunning and thin…and stunning.”
Really? The designer really didn’t know how beautiful she was?
“And the fiancée of the soldier who died,” his friend’s wife stated.
Brandi’s inhaled breath reached his ears. “Oh…”
“Yeah, so trust me,” Jordan said. “Kade is not interested in her that way. But you…oh yeah.”
He nodded with a smile. Exactly. And it was time he made his attraction to her perfectly clear.
The guys and their game of horseshoes forgotten, Kade strode to his truck to retrieve the swim suit on his front seat, only one thought in his mind…
Showing Brandi Wyne how a real man appreciated a woman with curves.
THE HOT TUB was a good idea. For the first time in days, Brandi was relaxed and enjoying some me time…after they got off the subject of her and onto discussing the upcoming wedding. All it took was one question asked on her part, and boom, subject changed. Still, she was glad the girls had talked her into buying the suit. Glad they talked her into the tub, too. The bubbling water soothed her troubles away with a warm, encompassing hug. Just what the doctor ordered. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she sighed.
It had been a crazy week of work, annual blood tests and throat ultrasound for her upcoming thyroid checkup, dress shopping, incredible, mind-blowing kisses…
“Got room for more?”
No. Her gaze shot open, heart rocking into her ribs, sending the butterflies in her stomach into a frenzy. Four lean, muscled, nearly naked cowboys smiled as they neared. Oh, Lordy. The tub fit four comfortably. Seven would be snug. Very snug.
And the urge to snuggle into the very fit, approaching sheriff trembled through her. Damn, the ripped man made her scalp sweat, and body quiver with a need to taste and explore his delicious, broad, muscular terrain with her mouth. And tongue. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him.
Too bad she harbored enough for them both.
“Absolutely.”
Of course, Jordan would be the first to answer. And even stood to make more room. What did the former cop care? The smiling woman was trim and curvy and gorgeous.
Her stomach knotted. She should’ve gotten out while she had the chance. Oh, lovely. Now her other friend was standing. And why not? Kerri was tight and…and…perfect.
No way in hell was she getting up. No way. They could all just squeeze in. She was not moving, except…maybe to slink further into the water.
“Well now, ain’t this cozy?” Connor smiled as everyone settled into the water.
Crazy was a better description for being sandwiched between the virile cowboy and hunky sheriff. She glanced at the bubbles, grateful the swirling water hid her body from view. It didn’t, however, hide her body from touch. And with the cramped quarters, touch was impossible to avoid.
Funny how a simple brush here and there with Connor was just that. Simple.
Kade, on the other hand… That man made her right side tingle and body heat on contact. And she was already hot from the spa.
“But…hey.” Kevin frowned as he sat between his cousin and the stairs. “I’m the odd one out.”
“No.” Cole laughed. “You’re just odd.”
Brandi laughed with the others, not just because it was funny, but because of the pout on the gorgeous, blue-eyed Adonis’ face.
Kevin leaned back and grinned. “You’re just jealous.”
“Of what?” Cole shifted Jordan until she sat across his lap, arm slung around his neck.
The cowboy’s smile faded. “Never mind.”
Again, everyone laughed, and Brandi tried to relax. None of the guys looked at her with disgust in their gazes. They were friendly and warm. Except for Kade. Every time she snuck a glance, the sheriff glanced right back, his mesmerizing gaze hot…and interested.
Her whole body was tingling under his scrutiny. And the damn bubbles weren’t helping. They tickled her tingling good parts, enhancing her body’s reaction to the man. The man whose deliciously calloused hand was now tracing light circles on her thigh. God, she could scarcely breathe.
“Brandi, this yard looks fantastic,” Cole was saying. “I’m excited to have you finish our master suite, and think maybe we might contract you to do our back yard, if you can pencil us in.”
Her mind had formulated plenty of scenarios for their backyard having stared down at the barren area while working in their house this past week. And she would’ve been happy to relate that information, except she still couldn’t find her breath. She nodded instead.
A big, warm, wonderful hand lightly squeezed her knee. “How’d you make out today? Any prospects?”
She turned her head, and Kade’s open, smiling, hopeful gaze made her dizzy. And confused. Was he seeing that redhead? If so, why was he flirting with her? He didn’t seem the type to toy with two women at the same time. But, maybe she was just blinded by lust and couldn’t see the real man.
“Brandi?”
Her inability to breathe was now affecting her sight. Great. Can you say loser? She finally found a hunky guy who wasn’t repelled by her body and she couldn’t even communicate. Or breathe. That was going to be a problem. Damn, it was hot. And they were shaded by the retractable awning they’d opened.
“Brandi,” Kade repeated, his tone a little more urgent.
The next thing she knew, he lifted her out of the water and carried her dripping, jiggling body to a nearby chaise.
Mmm…he felt good, all hot and hard and wet.
“Brandi?”
She blinked, and drew in a breath. If it weren’t so embarrassing, this moment would almost be perfect.
“Jordan, Kerri, are there any sports drinks here?” he asked.
She closed her eyes against the spinning sky. A second later, she felt the soft cushions of the chaise beneath her as someone shoved a bottle in her hand and helped her drink. It was blessedly cool and quite tasty. Raspberry. She liked raspberries.
“That’s it. Keep drinking,” Kade encouraged in a tone both soothing and commanding.
Is that how he sounded to the horses? At this point, she’d do anything he asked. Run around a pasture. Hope a fence. Jump him… A few more gulps and colors and shapes came into view.
“There you are,” he said, gentle hand feeling her forehead.
His touch was like heaven, chocolate heaven—all warm and delicious…wait…
She inhaled then blew out the breath. “How many calories was that?”
He chuckled, amusement chasing the worry from his gaze. “Yep, you’re back.”
She glanced at the other concerned faces, noting the older couples had joined in the vigil. Oh, goodie. Heat surged into her cheeks. If you’re going to make a fool out of yourself, might as well do it in front of everyone. “I’m good.”
“You sure?” Kerri frowned over her. “You’re awfully red still.”
Brandi nodded. “Not to worry, this shade is brought to you courtesy of embarrassment.”
“Nothing to be embarrassed about,” Jordan said. “It’s a hot day, in a hot tub. Add in the sangria and it was the perfect cocktail for dehydration.”
“Yeah,” Kade agreed
, smiling down at her. “It could’ve happened to any one of us.”
She forgot to mention his nearness, unwavering interest, mouthwatering muscles. Then there were his hands. Cripes, her knees hadn’t had that much attention from anyone or anything except maybe a razor for years. One touch and every cell in her body had clamored and yearned for more.
“Well, as long as everything is okay, we’re going to go,” Mrs. McCall said. “There’s an outdoor concert in Galveston.”
“Yeah, we want to get good seats.” Mrs. Masters nodded. “You all stay and have fun.”
Galveston. She envied them. Over the past several months, she’d visited the pretty, gulf city to attend a few of their wonderful outdoor concerts. Alone. She wanted to enjoy the symphonies without explaining her acquaintance to some of the musicians she ran into that, once-upon-a-time, she used to accompany. It was such a joy to be anonymous, and a patron on the opposite side of the coin.
“Have you ridden your horse yet today?”
She blinked at Kade, surprised by the question. “N-no.”
“Want to get out of here?” His voice was low and incredibly sexy.
So sexy, her body began to hum.
“I… Okay.”
Twenty minutes later, stuffed back into her sundress, Brandi chewed her lower lip as she drove to Shadow Rock, wondering if she was out of her ever loving mind.
KADE DECIDED TO follow rather than lead the bombshell to his ranch. He wasn’t stupid. Sure, the woman was attracted to him, but Brandi was also leery and battling low self-esteem. He intended to nullify both concerns. Today.
When she parked near the stables instead of the ranch, he knew he was going to have to tread carefully. Despite the hunger he’d seen in her gaze, the designer was nervous. He’d take it slow, let her have the lead. He would never force her into doing something she didn’t want to do.
Parking next to her, he got out, smiling to himself when she remained in her truck. At least she’d cut the engine. She was too cute. If the poor woman was really that nervous, he was fine with just riding horses.
Now, if only he could get his body on the same page. The image of her falling out of that sexy-as-hell bathing suit was still wrecking havoc with his groin.
He opened her door and held out a hand. The combination of heat and anxiety darkening her gaze hit him with the force of a physical blow. His grip tightened on the truck.
“Come with me,” he said, pleased when she took his hand without hesitation. And because he couldn’t resist, he added, “I want to show you something in the barn.”
Bypassing the boarding stables and the hustle of activity at the training arena, Kade led Brandi to the quiet barn set off to the side. Without a word, the woman walked with him, hand in hand, no indication she wanted to tug free. He held tight, relishing the feel of their entwined fingers. She was a vision in her white and orange dress, caramel waves falling past her shoulders, skin glowing from her time in the sun, emphasizing those big, brown eyes. The woman took his breath, and he was glad she agreed to come with him.
“Have you been in here lately?” he asked as they walked inside the quiet stable.
She glanced at him and shook her head, small smile playing about those sweet lips of hers. “No. Not since our…incident, which I really am sorry about.”
“I know,” he said, squeezing her hand. “And I think you might be surprised.”
He stopped in front of the stall where the image of her bent over flashed through his mind, as it had every damn day since their incident. Her sweet, blue jean clad ass had fueled many late night fantasies.
“Oh, Kade…”
It took him a moment to realize the breathless endearment had been real and not one of his fantasies. She squeezed his hand before releasing to step up to the stall door and peer closer.
“She looks so much better.” Glancing over her shoulder, the woman hit him with an over-bright brown gaze full of emotion. “You certainly have a healing touch.”
He shrugged, and leaned next to her against the stall. “Nah. She just needed care and respect.”
A single tear rolled down her face as the beauty turned to him and nodded. “Guess all creatures do.”
Gut tightening as if punched, he felt his heart snag in a rare occurrence. There was just something special about this woman. He lifted a finger to wipe away the tear.
“We all need healing,” he said softly.
She stepped closer, brushing her lips across his palm poised near her face. “Even you.”
“Me? I’m fine.” No way was he delving into that darkness. Brandi and her gorgeous body were much more appealing. Made him feel alive. He trailed his finger across her cheek. “In fact, I’m feeling pretty good right about now.”
She smiled. “Me, too.”
“Good.” He twirled a piece of hair around his finger and tugged her closer. “Let’s see if we can improve on that.”
With his heart knocking a hell of a beat against his ribs, he covered her mouth with his and found what he hadn’t known he was missing. Satisfaction. Completion. Something sappy and sentimental, but he didn’t care. Her lips drew a response from him like no other, fulfilling more than just a physical need. He probably would’ve run like hell if he hadn’t been so caught up in the embrace.
Warm hands slid up his chest to settle at the base of his head as she leaned into the kiss, fingers lightly brushing his neck in a back and forth motion. Killing him. He groaned and dropped his hands to her luscious ass. Her curves felt good in his palms, amazing, even better than he’d fantasized. She moaned, and sweet Jesus, rocked against him, stretching his erection to full tilt.
He broke for air, brushing his lips down the curve of her neck. “Damn, you feel good. I want to be inside you.”
She shook in his arms. “Y-you drive me crazy.”
“Ditto.” He smiled, holding her ass while he pressed against her.
She drew back to stare at him, eyes dark and heated, making him just a little nuts.
“I…before this goes any further, I think we need to talk.”
Ah hell. The talk. Damn, he hoped to God she didn’t bring up the ‘r’ word, because he didn’t do relationships. But, if that was what she was expecting, it was best he heard now and set her straight.
He loosened his hold, but couldn’t bring himself to release her fine ass. “Okay.”
She inhaled. “I guess I just need to know what we’re doing.”
“Well now, I think that’s obvious.” He chuckled, pressing their lower halves together.
She inhaled again. “No…I know that.” A small laugh broke from her throat. “I mean you and me.”
Shit.
“Look, I don’t want to hurt your feelings or anything, Kade,” she rushed to say. “But I’m not looking for a relationship. And I don’t think you are either. I just started a new job. You just started a new job. There is no room for a relationship. That’s a complication I can do without right now, and I think the same goes for you.”
He blinked, happily surprised by her words. “Yes, I completely agree.”
“Good.” This time she released a breath, and played with the front of his shirt. “But I’ve never just had sex. I don’t know. I mean, can we just do that…have sex…without a relationship?”
A smile tugged his lips. God, she was adorable. “Yes, as long as we both know that’s all it is upfront. Then no one gets hurt. I want you, Brandi, very much so. And unless I’m reading you wrong, you want me, too. So, now that we both know neither of us is looking for a commitment, we’ll be fine.”
She cocked her head as if thinking, then nodded. “I guess you’re right. We can have it this one time. No one will get hurt. And no one else has to know.”
“If that’s how you want it, no one has to know. Both my cousins are away for the night. Kevin got a call as we were leaving the party. He was meeting some flight attendant he knows at his apartment in Houston.” He brought his hands to her hips and bent at the knee to pe
er into her eyes. “But, honey, let me assure you, we will be ‘having it’ more than once today.”
“W-we will?”
“Hell yeah,” he said and, unable to resist, he leaned in to spread kisses against her collarbone. “Starting right now.”
“H-here? B-but someone will see…” She clutched his shirt and moaned.
He continued to kiss her neck, nipping at the soft spot behind her ear. “No one comes into this barn but me and Brock. He’s at his grandmother’s with Jen and Cody this weekend.”
She trembled against him, her hands under his shirt now, stroking his back. He loved the feel of her flesh against his, and longed to get them both naked. But not yet. Not here. He somehow didn’t think she was comfortable enough with her body to expose it in a semi-public place…in the daylight.
But he would make damn sure she’d remember the barn.
Placing kisses on her jaw, he made his way back to her mouth and upped the heat of their embrace. She sighed into him, and the touch of her tongue kicked his pulse clear out of Harland County. Damn, the woman was potent. He groaned and dragged her body close, exploring her mouth, plunging deep and long, enjoying her equally thorough response.
She was hot and soft and shaking in his arms, and heaven help him, he needed more. Backing them up to a stack of hay bales in an empty stall, he continued to kiss and caress the trembling woman until air became a necessity.
He drew back and stared down at the panting woman. “I need to touch you, Brandi.”
Brown eyes, hazed with desire, blinked at him. “I—I don’t know about here.” She bit her lower lip and glanced around.
He gently grabbed her chin and turned her to face him. “It’s okay. You don’t have to get naked if you don’t want.”
“I’d rather not…but how…”
He smiled and pulled her close. “Much better to show than tell.”
Capturing her mouth, he enjoyed her eager response as she drank him in, sucking on his lower lip, driving him beyond nuts and straight to psycho. He groaned and ran his hands over the front of her dress, cupping both breasts, brushing his thumbs back and forth across her peaked nipples until she moaned and shook in his hands.
Oh, hell, yeah.