Taming His Brat

by Piper Stone

  He cocked his head, a sexy smirk on his face. Using just the tip of his index finger, he touched the bridge of her nose, sliding down until he was able to circle her lips. “How’d my brat get to be so smart?”

  “Your brat is finally learning what’s important.”

  Leaning over, he replaced his finger with his lips, holding the stance, breathing in.

  Cooper cupped his face, trembling from the way her body responded, all goosebumps and aches, tingles and breathlessness. How could a girl her age actually swoon over a man?

  He darted his tongue just inside, for a brief second then pulled back, kissing her hand. “You up for that drink?”

  “Are all your friends going to be here?” She darted another glance at the entrance. The place was crowded, customers to the rafters. And it was a freaking Monday night.

  “And then some, sugar britches. They have friends who called their friends. Then there are the wives...”

  “I could learn to hate you.” She swatted at him as he chuckled and scrambled out of the truck. She waited, biting her lower lip as a solid plan rushed into the back of her mind. What she had in her head was going to take coordination with a lot of people. And time. How was she going to do all of this and look for a job? Oh, God. The interview. How was she going to explain to him about her New York City interview? She wouldn’t tell him. She wouldn’t lie. Just hide a few things.

  What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Right?

  “Are you coming, sunshine or do I need to find a switch around here to entice you?” Rex’s good mood had returned. “I’m sure I could find an appropriate bush or shrub around here somewhere.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” She sucked in her breath as he climbed out of the truck, almost swaggering as he rounded the front of the vehicle, opening her door. As he took her hand, helping her out, she couldn’t help but think of their earlier conversation. Lies. He’d flat out told her that lies were a deal-breaker. And what was she prepared to do?

  Lie her ass off to buy some time and maybe save a family.

  The entire bar was filled with people, the noise intense as the band played in the background, cheers and shouts and it was only nine-thirty. She scanned the crowd, looking for at least one friendly face. From the way a few of the customers were looking at her, she could tell they’d been here to see her humiliation. At least she hadn’t even attempted to call her other friends. They would have been far too obnoxious at this point.

  When she noticed Angie, she breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Stop fidgeting. You look beautiful,” Rex said as he took her hand, intertwining their fingers. “And play nice or I’ll take you into the bathroom.”

  Cooper rolled her eyes, allowing him to see. “Everyone in this bar knows what happened.”

  “Not everyone. The bartender, my buddies over there. I recognize that table of guys. Oh, and that one. Oh, there are a few more over there. And of course, the band members. Not many.”

  “Several other words are floating into my mind than asshole, by the way.”

  “And I made a couple additional purchases today while I was out, but I still like the switch idea.”

  Cooper glanced into his eyes. “Such as?”

  “Oh, just a paddle or two.” He slapped his hands together for effect.

  After jumping, she narrowed her eyes. “Bad boy. Bad.”

  “Would you like a drink?” His shit-eating grin was wider than normal.

  “I think I need one. Maybe five. Tequila shots will do.”

  “How about a margarita instead? Weak. Little alcohol,” he taunted, backing away, his hands in the air.

  She shook her head, waiting until he’d disappeared into the crowd before making a bee line for Angie, grabbing her arm. “Come on. I need you.”

  “Hold on there, sugar.” Angie was given no choice. “What’s wrong now?”

  “Shush!” Whisking her friend into the bathroom, she moved toward the corner, biting her lower lip.

  “Spill it. I can’t stay too long. Daddy’s orders.” Angie grinned.

  “He’s Daddy now?”

  She smirked and licked her lips in a lascivious fashion. “We’re working on it. Seriously, you’re sweating. Where’s the fire?”

  “Rex is really going to lose the ranch. He has to sell. We can’t let that happen.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry to hear that, but what do you expect we can do, sugar? I don’t have money to invest and God knows you don’t.”

  Cooper nibbled on her finger as she paced back and forth. “I know, but I have a few thoughts and that’s where you come in. You have to help me think of something creative.”

  “Like what?” Angie asked, leaning against the wall. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

  “I don’t know. Fixing up the place. Turning it into a fabulous tourist attraction. Helping kids with diseases or learning disabilities. Something. Anything to keep him from losing the place. I think that might put him over the edge if he does.”

  “I hate to burst your bubble, but that will take money. Lots of money. Unless you have some sugar daddy hiding in the wings, I doubt you’re going to come up with enough to make a difference.”

  “Sugar daddy. Hmmm... No, but maybe the man at the bank knows of some investors. Maybe we could get some volunteers. Maybe we could start a Go Fund Me.”

  “Those actually aren’t bad ideas.” Angie narrowed her eyes.

  “What are you thinking? I can see that look on your face.”

  “I can’t promise anything but let me make a few phone calls tomorrow. I know some people who know some influential people. They might be able to help. A few contractors, some donations.” She folded her arms.

  “That would be wonderful!” While Cooper was excited, she remained frustrated as all get out. Too many things were up in the air.

  “Uh-huh. And exactly what does Rex think of this?”

  A wave of heat crept up along her jawline, extending to her already rosy cheeks. “Um, I haven’t told him anything and he can’t know. He’s dealing with a lot right now.” Her plans began to kick into overdrive. She’d talk to the man at the bank. She’d find a way to market the idea. Hmmm... After she figured out what to turn the ranch into. Then she’d have to talk to Rex’s father. Maybe. Maybe not. The Go Fund Me was a brilliant thought. Yes. This was going to work.

  “Cooper...”

  “Angie...”

  “Be careful what you’re doing,” Angie admonished. “I don’t want you hurt. And don’t you have some dream job you’re vying for? Did you decide not to go for it?”

  She frowned, the beautiful balloon over her head bursting. “Not exactly. I have a phone interview on Wednesday for the position in New York.”

  “Wow. You haven’t told him that either. Have you?”

  “Nope.” Cooper wrinkled her nose. “I just can’t right now. It’ll crush him.”

  “Not as much as if he finds out on his own!” Angie mumbled under her breath. “You are going to be in so much trouble.”

  “Well, I also applied for the firm in Lubbock if that makes you feel any better.”

  Angie’s eyes twinkled. “Marsh Advertising and Marketing?”

  “Yeah. That’s the one. Why?” Cooper moved in front of her. “What?”

  “I just happen to know that they are big into supporting small businesses in town, even volunteering some of their services. Might be a worthwhile opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. You know, helping out and getting a job in order to keep you here. If that’s what you really want, that is. You need to answer that question before you go any further with this scheme of yours. If you go to New York, he’ll be left with follow-through, especially if this plan of yours doesn’t work.”

  She took a huge deep breath, realizing that Angie had her best interests at heart. If she didn’t handle this right, she might just screw up the best thing in her life. “Just see what you can do. Please? Pretty please?”

  “I will, but I’m serious
about what I said. You’re playing with fire.”

  Cooper nodded. “Maybe, but this is something I have to do.”

  “I feel a nightmare coming on.”

  * * *

  “I did a little digging for you,” Denton said casually, talking over the roaring music.

  “What does that mean?” Rex asked as he glanced through the crowd, searching for Cooper. He remained tingling all over, longing to spend an entire few days with her all alone. As if that had a snowball’s chance of happening. At least right now.

  “Found a number you should call.” He glanced everywhere but into Rex’s eyes.

  “A number?”

  Denton nodded as Johnny walked in, heading for the bar. Pulling a card from his jeans pocket, he tapped the edge against his fingers before handing it to Rex. “Look, I know how you are so don’t be pissed at me. I’m just trying to do you a favor. Okay?”

  “Why would I be pissed?” He glanced at the card. The plain white cardstock had only a phone number and a man’s name listed. “A job offering?” He took a sip of his beer, his sixth sense kicking in. He wasn’t used to anyone helping or offloading his problems for that matter. He also loathed interference of any kind, no matter how generous the offer.

  “Howdy, fellas. I didn’t know we were having a party,” Johnny said as he crowded closer to the bar.

  “Hero boy brought his spanking gal tonight,” Denton half yelled.

  “I’m going to kill you with my bare hands. Did I ever tell you that they are considered licensed weapons?” Rex stated with as much authority as he could muster. He didn’t want Johnny knowing a thing. If he was anything like the way he used to be, the entire town would learn about his horrific deed by morning.

  “Right.” Denton took a step back, changing his expression to one of pretend terror.

  Rex shoved the card into his pocket and moved in front of Denton, keeping his voice so only his buddy could hear. While he didn’t know the name, he knew the rank. Master Sergeant in the Marines. “Why am I calling this man?”

  “To find out about your friend,” Denton said as he finally locked eyes, concern covering his face.

  He opened his mouth to spew angry words about him getting in the middle of his life, but he shrank back, giving his friend a respectful nod. He could see that Denton was holding his breath, expecting some form of chastisement or worse. “I appreciate that, buddy. I really do.”

  Breathing out, Denton lifted his bottle. “You’d do the same for me.”

  “Yeah, I would. Just keep this quiet. Tell no one. Do you understand?”

  “I wouldn’t do that to you!” He remained unblinking then took a long pull on his beer, dropping his gaze.

  A hint of tension rolled between them.

  Rex had no idea what to say. Here his friend was trying to help and he was being an asshole. “Denton, I—”

  “There’s the little princess. She’s even prettier than when she was over your knee,” Denton interrupted then burst into laughter, Johnny following suit.

  Let it go. Just fuckin’ let it go. “Behave, both of you,” Rex admonished as Cooper walked in his direction. Sucking in his breath, he chastised his snarly attitude. He was determined to remain in a good mood.

  Cooper was trailed by Angie, the blonde pushing his brat forward. What little secret did they have between them?

  Seeing the sheepish look on her face, he knew she was up to something. When she stopped not once but twice, holding a full minute’s worth of conversation, he watched her every move. What was she doing? He took a few steps into the crowd, taking her hand as she drew close. “There you are. I was beginning to wonder if you ran off with another guy.” Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Zeke Keeler. And where were his eyes? Planted directly on Cooper. Damn the man.

  “There are some pretty tasty cowboys in here, I have to admit,” Cooper said with a seductive tone.

  “Ouch!” Denton clamored.

  “She’s not lying,” Angie commented until Cooper gave her a lifted eyebrow. “What? I can look. I just can’t touch or taste.”

  Rex lifted his middle finger before pulling her against him, shooting Zeke a nasty look. “Meet the guys. Denton, Johnny, this girl is totally off limits. You touch. You die. The other one, well...”

  “Funny,” Angie said under her breath, giving him a nasty glare.

  “Wow, he’s not the jealous type. Not in the least. Hello, sunshine. What are you doing with a broken-down dude like this guy?” Johnny held out his hand to Angie first, pulling her knuckles to his mouth.

  “Now, this one’s a true gentleman,” Angie offered.

  “You know, Johnny, I’ve been asking myself that very question for two days,” she answered, fanning her face as she gave both men a naughty stare.

  Rex leaned down, tapping her on the ass. “Remember what I told you earlier. I could go for a repeat of the other night if you’d like.”

  “Not a chance, cowboy.” She nuzzled into his neck. “I know what you’re made of and all your weaknesses. I wouldn’t mind spouting them off.”

  “I like this girl. I really do.” Denton leaned against the bar.

  “I like this one,” Johnny said, refusing to let Angie’s hand go.

  “Careful, Angie does have a nasty bite but she’s very attached,” Cooper purred.

  “Once a brat, always a brat.” Rex dragged his lips toward her ear. “Be careful, little girl.”

  Blushing, she palmed his chest, pushing him away. “I’m always careful.”

  “Seems like you brought additional resources,” Rex said quietly, nodding to Angie.

  “I need to keep you in line and that’s a tough job,” Cooper insisted as she slid her ass back and forth across the front of his jeans.

  “She is right, you know, cowboy,” Angie mused.

  The sinful friction created was a welcome shift from all the negative thoughts racing in the back of his mind. There were so many things to talk about with his dad, which would no doubt bring a slew of arguments. Why couldn’t anything be easy in his life? “No, little brat. That’s where you’re wrong. Works the other way, you and me.”

  “I wish I’d been here,” Angie stated, moving out of Cooper’s reach.

  “Bad friend. Bad,” Cooper taunted.

  “Listen to the big cowboy talk,” Denton threw out, laughing as he waved for the bartender. “We need to get some drinks here since the shit is getting thick. What are you two lovebirds having?”

  For a second, Rex thought Denton was going to call him a hero yet again. He just couldn’t take another round of bullshit, no matter what his buddy had tried to instill. He thought about the card now firmly nestled in his pocket. Maybe give him a call. Maybe not.

  It all depended on his mood.

  “We’re not lovebirds,” both Rex and Cooper said at the same time.

  Both Denton and Johnny burst into laughter.

  “Oh, yes, they are,” Angie scoffed. “I’m having a beer with a whiskey chaser.”

  “My kind of girl,” Johnny chortled. “I’ll have the same. Are you sure you’re attached?”

  Angie cocked her head, her eyes moving slowly down to his steel-tipped cowboy boots, lingering on his crotch then back to his face. “Oh, I’m sure.”

  “Wow. Women in this town are rough!” Denton exclaimed, slapping his hand on the bar.

  “You ain’t kiddin’. I’ll take a beer. The vixen in disguise will have a margarita, very light on the tequila,” Rex instructed, his words meant for the hovering bartender, who had a curious expression on his face. He’d been the same one from the few nights before, no doubt inquisitive as to whether she was going to cause any additional trouble. He almost wished she would.

  “You don’t trust me to order for myself?” Cooper huffed, winking at the other guys.

  “They know you well,” Angie said with a lilt in her voice.

  “Not a chance.” Rex couldn’t keep a grin off his face as he brushed his thumb across Cooper’s cheek. �
��You look beautiful tonight. You really do.”

  “If you keep saying things like that, I just might stick around.”

  “Get a room, will ya? Making us look bad,” Denton snarked.

  “Then find yourself a woman,” Rex shot back. “I dare ya.”

  “Maybe Miss Angie has some special friend,” Johnny suggested.

  Rex intertwined their fingers. “How about a dance?”

  Cooper glanced over the crowd toward the band. “As long as you promise to keep me on my feet.”

  “Let’s just say I promise to keep whatever happens private from now on.”

  “Why don’t I believe you?” She laughed mischievously as he dragged her toward the dance floor, stopping smack in front of the band.

  “Just for that, we’re going to be front and center.” He adored the way she squirmed, glancing over first one then the other shoulder. A few people had given them a second look, a few nods of approval in his direction and no doubt because of his mechanism of taking control the other night. He twirled her twice before dragging her against his chest, swinging her back and forth then dipping and leaning, blowing a swath of hot air across her face and neck.

  “You’re incorrigible.”

  “And you need to loosen up.”

  “Yes, sir.” Closing her eyes, she finally relaxed in his arms, allowing him to take full control. For a few minutes, there was no one else in the room, just sweet music and a pretty girl in his arms.

  As he brought her back into a standing position, sliding his hands down the length of her back, he brought his lips to within centimeters of hers.

  “Oh, cowboy,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  The closeness was more intimate than he could have imagined. The way her voluptuous breasts were crushed against his chest and the way his cock throbbed, blood rushing through every vein stole his breath. Or perhaps the fact her eyes were shimmering and all because they were together was the reason he was so turned on. He ground his hips against her belly, echoes pounding in his ears from the friction, and moved them around the dance floor. Every step drove him into a heated wave of longing, his heart racing as if in time to the beat of the drums. The Rascal Flatts song was the perfect fit and he could swear the lead singer had selected the tune for them alone.