Cowboy is Mine (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Ask away. I’m an open book.”

  “Do you ever get frustrated living here? You know, with all of the single and obviously horny women?” Krista noticed that the blonde had stomped off from Dodge.

  Kaycee inhaled and let it out slowly. “No, I don’t worry about Chase. If you only knew our past, you’d see that trust wasn’t always there, but when you love someone, you work through all of the hurdles. I love living here. Chase has a vision for this place and I share in the dream. A husband and wife have to support one another.”

  “I tried,” she whispered.

  “You tried?”

  “Dodge was my husband. No, he is my husband.” Krista blurted.

  “What?” Kaycee’s mouth fell open.

  “Ten years ago I met him and fell head over heels. I mean, who could blame me, right? Don’t think I ever got over it either.” Krista blinked back the sudden moisture in her eyes. “He was everything I’d never expect to fall for, but so much more than I could imagine.”

  “That’s not what I anticipated, but that explains a lot. Makes sense why I just saw an ounce of jealousy while Dodge was talking to Millie. If it helps any, Dodge doesn’t sleep with any of the guests. In fact, I’ve had my thoughts, for a while now, that he’s been stuck on something, or someone.”

  “And you think that something or someone is me?”

  “Oh, I most certainly do. A cowboy doesn’t look at just anyone like he looks at you.” Kaycee gave her jaw a quick jerk.

  Krista looked up to find Dodge strolling toward them, wearing a smile that could charm the devil from the pits of hell. And his gaze, penetrating, warm and devilish was aimed directly at her. Her inner thighs trembled, wanting more of what he gave her earlier.

  “That baby’s never going to make an appearance into this world, Kaycee,” Dodge said as he approached, handing Krista her full cup.

  “That’s what I’m starting to fear, Dodge.” Kaycee stood, with the aid of Dodge, patted him on the shoulder and winked at Krista. “You two be careful now. I think our cupid is out and about strong this evening, looking to shoot that arrow.” Then she slowly made her way back to her husband who wrapped his arm around Kaycee’s waist and bent to kiss her cheek.

  “Did you tell her?” Dodge asked.

  “Sure did. She suspected, at least a little.” Krista sipped her beer. “Looks like you got sidetracked.”

  “Only slightly. But that wasn’t anything,” he said, holding her gaze.

  “I didn’t think so.”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “Will you forgive me if I step away for a moment? I have to take care of something for one of the hands.”

  “Go right ahead. I’ll just sit here and watch. I like watching you walk.”

  “Well, well, Miss Wyatt, are you flirting with me?”

  “Put a little picnic food inside my body and I lose control,” she said.

  “You’re going to make it hard for me to concentrate, darlin’.”

  “Then come back soon.” She wagged her brows.

  Once he was gone and she had finished her meal, Krista needed to use the restroom. She hurried and did her business in the porta-potty. The cleanest one she’d ever been in, thankfully. As she was coming out of the door, she was caught with a heated glare. The blonde with the big breasts stood a few feet away, her crimson colored lips turned into a scowl. How’d Krista know that somewhere along the course of her visit at Nirvana, she and this woman were going to have to have a conversation. She realized the time was now.

  “Wonderful night, huh?” the blonde muttered. “I’m Millie, by the way.”

  “And I’m Krista.” It was best they got the formalities out of the way because that certainly wasn’t the reason Millie ambushed Krista coming out of the toilet.

  Millie took a step closer, jutting out her hip sharply. “Look, I’m not one to mince my words so I’m going to just say what’s on my mind.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.” This should be good.

  “Dodge is my cowboy. I saw him first. I have plans and you’re not included.”

  Krista chuckled. “That’s quite funny. Maybe you should take this up with Dodge.”

  Millie snorted. “Honey, I did.”

  “What did he say?”

  “That he was busy,” she said in a slurred voice.

  “Then I guess you take it for face value. See you around.” Krista started to pass, but a hand on her elbow paused her.

  “I’m telling you to steer clear, bitch! I’m not one to give up easily.”

  Krista swallowed against the constriction in her throat. “I beg you not to embarrass yourself. I think you took a wrong turn somewhere and thought you landed in Millie’s world, but let me fill you in on the truth. Dodge is my husband.” Millie’s mouth thinned. “So, technically, the cowboy is mine.”

  “He didn’t tell me that he was married,” she stuttered.

  “He didn’t need to because being married isn’t an excuse, he’s just not into you.” Krista jerked her arm away. Millie’s hand fell to her side. “Just FYI, my husband and I are planning to spend this week together and you’re not included. And the next time you plan to brush your breasts against a taken man, you better keep in mind that a needle will pop those babies like balloons.”

  Millie’s mouth opened and she stomped away.

  The moment she was alone, Krista realized she’d gone too far. She couldn’t believe what she’d just done. She had no right over Dodge. Sure, they were married, but she didn’t own him. She couldn’t allow her emotions to get the best of her. Why was this harder than she thought it’d be?

  Throwing her cup into the trash, she made her way away from the growing crowd and followed the path back to her cabin. She’d barely had time to slip her shoes off and grab herself a bottle of water when the knock came. She didn’t need to look to know who was on the doorstep.

  Dodge was leaning against the rail, his thumbs tucked into his front pockets and his booted feet crossed. He looked like he owned the world. She should be angry that he had this much confidence, but instead, she found him very appealing. “You can’t flirt and walk away, sweetheart.” His slow drawl made goosebumps scatter her flesh. “I’ve got something for you.”

  “Dodge, I’m not in the mood.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she didn’t invite him in, although she wanted to drag him across the threshold.

  “For your boots?”

  They were sitting next to him on the step. “Thank you.” She took them from him and sat them by the door. “That’s very kind of you.”

  “What happened, Krista?”

  There was something happening here, something that was taking her by surprise. Spending time with Dodge was making her feel…what? Crazy? Like she was having an out of body experience? No, everything suddenly felt right. It all seemed contradictory when she had divorce papers waiting for his signature. “I just did something that I shouldn’t have.”

  “Good thing I wasn’t around to catch the blame.”

  “Oh, it’s sort of your fault.”

  He raised a brow. “And what am I ‘sort of’ at fault for?”

  “Your friend Millie approached me and I…well…I kind of threatened to burst her fake breasts with a needle. I’d never do that, but she doesn’t know that I wouldn’t. I mean…” She threw up her hands. “She warned me to steer clear of you and, not that I’m jealous because I’m not, but can you believe the audacity? But I had no excuse. This is your job.” He was smiling. “This is funny to you?”

  “Slightly. No, a lot.”

  “Great. I’m glad my discomfort amuses you.” She left him standing at the door.

  “I thought I’d taken care of the situation myself.” He closed the door. “Guess I was wrong.”

  “I don’t think clearly when I’m near you.” She faced him, tapping the toes of one foot against the floor.

  “I think that’s a good thing.”

  “In what way?”

  “It means
I still affect you.”

  “It means this is dangerous.”

  He stared at her for a long moment, then he brought his hand to his chest as if he’d been shot. “You’re trying to kill me aren’t you?” Then he dropped his hand and laughed.

  “What is wrong with you?”

  “Can you relax? Remember we decided to enjoy this week. We used to do that so well. Just follow our desire no matter where it took us.”

  She shook her head. “We’re not young adults anymore. We’re grown up.”

  “Grown-ups can let go of the reins on occasion, sweetheart.” He stepped closer, kissed her on the forehead and turned toward the door.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To let you think about things and get a good night’s sleep.” He winked.

  He said goodnight and was gone. She was a bit disappointed that he didn’t stay the night with her. Yet, it was the smart thing to do. Wasn’t it? They couldn’t allow sex to complicate things. Could they?

  Her inner thighs trembled. What just happened?

  When she awoke the next morning to a knock at her door, she found Dodge standing on her step holding a coffee cup in each hand—and a sweet, sexy smile on his face. His pensive gaze seeped straight through the thin nightgown she was wearing. He looked handsome in a white T-shirt, worn jeans, and boots. He was freshly shaven, but she knew how fast his hair grew and wouldn’t doubt by mid-afternoon he’d have a layer of beard again. “I remembered how much you love your morning coffee.” He held out a cup for her. “Lots of cream and a touch of sugar.”

  She took the cup. “You remembered. I’m flattered.”

  “How could I forget? I used to make you a cup every morning.”

  He’d always been sweet and considerate, sexy and charming—a lethal combination of sorts. She sipped the hot brew, savoring the thick, rich flavor. “Did you make this?”

  “I’d like to take credit, but the cook, Deke, did the honors. The man’s a genius in the kitchen. In fact, I’ve asked him to pack us a picnic lunch. I have fishing rods in the back of the Gator. You still fish, right?”

  “I haven’t for years, but I think I still know my way around a rod and a fishing hook.” She stepped back from the door. “Come on in. I don’t think I need to give you a tour.” Her thoughts automatically traveled to the bed and what they’d shared. Her inner thighs flooded. She took a huge gulp of coffee and it burnt all the way down.

  He dropped down on the end of the bed and took a sip from his cup. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Poorly. You?”

  “Same. But what can be expected when a man’s wife is in a different cabin?”

  “You’re teasing me.” She watched his expression, seeing nothing resembling humor. Going to the bed, she sat next to him, but kept enough distance that she could resist touching him. “This is all going so fast—maybe too fast.”

  “We’re not forcing things. They’re just happening,” he said.

  “That’s scary, and exhilarating at the same time.” She was neck deep in trouble.

  “How about you go get dressed and let’s hit the water. You know what they say, fish don’t bite when the sun is high.”

  “Okay. Give me just a few minutes.” She hurried and dressed in her bikini, then pulled on a crème colored tank and a pair of cutoff jeans. She started to go for the boots, but instead grabbed her flip flops. She checked herself in the mirror and figured she should put on a small amount of makeup but went for only lip tint instead. Although she no longer had the flawless complexion of a nineteen-year-old, she didn’t feel the need to hide herself behind a cover up when it came to Dodge. After putting a cowgirl hat on to keep from burning, she met Dodge on the front porch where he was waiting.

  ****

  Dodge was glad to see Krista hadn’t lost her touch when it came to the rod and reel. Back when they were together they’d sneak away with a pole to a friend’s private lake house every chance they got, make love under the sun, and talk for hours. He told her whatever they caught today, Deke would fry up for them later and he could see she took it to heart because she’d already caught a large bass.

  He wasn’t doing his best. It was all of Krista’s fault. He’d been trying hard to behave himself, but once they’d settled on the dock, she’d pulled off her shirt and showed off her nice, firm breasts in a bright purple bikini top, and he was done for. She kept her shorts on, which was probably a good thing because he didn’t want to implode. She hadn’t changed a bit from the young girl he remembered—still nibbling at her bottom lip when she was in deep thought, as she was now. He’d like to get a nibble himself, and it had nothing to do with a fish and a hook.

  He watched as she whipped the rod, sending the line through the air, lowering the hook into the water, all at the ease of someone who’d been fishing all of her life. He did what he could to concentrate on his own rod, but the only rod that wanted attention was the one in his pants. He wouldn’t weaken to the desire. He had a goal and that was to prove to Krista that although he loved sex—like most red-blooded men—he wasn’t led by what was behind his zipper. He could think of something else besides thrusting his body deep inside of her—really, he could.

  But could he?

  It was high time he pulled his mind out of the gutter. He had one chance to show her he’d changed. He was no longer the kid who had every radar pointed for pro football, no matter what it took to get there. Now his goals were set on…well…his wife.

  “I’m not surprised that you’re an author. You always loved writing,” he said. The sun’s rays made a rippled effect on the water.

  “It wasn’t in the game plan, as you remember. I guess it was my way of putting my heart and soul into something when I got back to Ohio instead of wallowing in self-pity.” She fidgeted with the hem of her shorts.

  “Self-pity, huh? Or was it anger? Regret?”

  She sighed. “You’d think somewhere in all of this craziness, we’d have at least a sliver of regret, but I don’t. Now, when it comes to anger, I’ve dealt with that emotion and I know all too well that it never does a person good. We can’t change the past so we should just let it go.” She made a waving motion with her hand.

  “Have you, sweetheart? Have you let it go?”

  She brought her gaze up to meet his, her long lashes skimming the tops of her lightly freckled cheeks. “I wish I could say I have, but I’m here, aren’t I?”

  “You haven’t ripped up the divorce papers, have you?”

  “Dodge, what if at the end of this week I still ask for you to sign them? Will you?”

  He shrugged. “I haven’t thought about it.”

  “I’m still confused at what we’re doing here. Are we friends hanging out, having a good time? We can’t possibly work on our marriage, have a clean slate, here at Nirvana. The real life is out there, and this is certainly not ‘real’ life.”

  “When did you become so negative?” He chuckled.

  She smiled. “Let’s see, maybe you’ve lost your touch with reality a tad bit. Here you are in paradise, surrounded by nature’s best. I’d say if given a choice, you’ll choose to stay put.”

  He shook his head. “Just so you know, there’s no possible way we could just be friends. Too much history between us. And it doesn’t work like that, not when you can’t keep your hands off me.”

  Her mouth opened, but she slammed it shut. Seconds went by until finally she said, “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. And I don’t want to be your friend anyway.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I can’t keep my hands off you either. I’ve never wanted one of those friends with benefits arrangements.”

  “Sounds like you’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

  “The part where we can’t keep each other’s hands to ourselves?”

  A smile played at the corner of her mouth. “We should drop the subject.”

  “I’m curious, sweetheart. Why ask for a divorce now?”

&n
bsp; She took a deep breath. “Should we wait another ten years when our chances of ever being happy will be slimmer?”

  He heard something in her tone that sounded close to tears. “What will make you happy?”

  “Come on, Dodge. Do you really want to do this?”

  “I’m asking, aren’t I?” They had many conversations that needed hashed out, and this certainly was one.

  She looked out over the water. “I love my career, but I want more. I want a husband, children, a life full of love and joy. I want a partner who I can grow old with, sharing in laughter and the aches and pains as our bodies age.”

  “We had once shared that dream.”

  “Yes we did,” she said in a soft voice. “I have something to say. I’m not taking contraceptive.”

  He narrowed his gaze. “I guess I just assumed you were. You did before.”

  “You assumed wrong. I’m not a woman who fools around, and I especially don’t do what we did in my cabin.”

  “I’m not accusing you. I just assumed a single woman your age would be protecting herself.”

  She snapped her chin up, nailing him with a ‘kiss-my-ass’ glare. “And most single men would take the responsibility.”

  “Hell, no arguing that point. We were both careless. Damn, I didn’t have a working brain cell in my skull.”

  She sighed heavily. “You and I didn’t use anything, so, well, I felt I needed to be honest.”

  His chest twisted. Shit! He hadn’t even thought about it until this moment. With every woman he’d ever been with besides Krista, he’d always used precaution—no matter what. This switched things up some. “Is there a chance that you could be—”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I wouldn’t know this soon. And the chances that I would be are very slim. I just needed you to be aware of it.”

  What if, just by chance, she was indeed carrying his baby?

  Wow…shouldn’t he feel fear? Even repentance? No, that wasn’t guilt spiraling through his body. It was excitement. Why wouldn’t he be? There wasn’t anything in his life that he wouldn’t want to share with his own flesh and blood. In fact, when he looked to his future, he saw Krista. Always had. Sure, he’d made many mistakes in the past, but he had changed. He was a different man, confident that he could be a great father. Even a husband.