“Nothing wrong with being particular, but I hope I’m not spoiling your reputation as the most available bachelor in town.”
“I think I can handle losing the rep. Anyway, rumors spreading about a beautiful woman spending the night here can’t be that bad for the ego.”
“I’ll have every single woman hating me.”
She moved and he dropped his gaze to her bare feet. They were painted a bright pink and she wore a gold band on her middle toe. He had a sudden and unexpected urge to suckle the ring right off her foot, and then slowly move his way upward to all of the other tasty places of her hot body…
Schwing!
He swore his dick cocked so fast that it broke the speed of light. The way her gaze nestled on his zipper and a sweet smile curved her lips told him that his hard-on didn’t go unnoticed, which didn’t help matters.
“I’m sorry. I’m feeling like a jerk. You must think I have no regulator on the tool.”
She chuckled. “Does it make me sick that I find it flattering? Maybe we’re both a little off.”
Yep, if she kept that talk up I’ll be a walking horn-dog. He could very easily lose his sanity. What happened to treading cautiously? A woman like Leslie wanted independence. She desired a challenge—a man who could hold his own and make her sweat.
Why couldn’t he stop wanting to possess her and claim her as his own? Were all cowboys this way when it came to the opposite sex? There were only a few things in life that had caused him an adrenaline spike—the rodeo and Leslie were at the top of the list, and she had the lead.
Annoyance rippled down his spine.
Cock going flaccid, he was grateful. When the tool was full, the brain was lame.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE FOLLOWING DAY, Leslie was making a few business phone calls when she received a text message from Stryker asking her to meet him out front.
Excitement scurried through her. She hurried and pulled on her boots, making it outside in record time.
Stryker was leaning against the gate at the end of the sidewalk. His foot was propped on the bottom rail, bent over, giving her full view of nice, Wrangler-encased ass. She’d like to have him naked. Pushing her lustful thoughts aside, she cleared her throat and his head came up. “Aren’t you coming in?” she asked.
He stood to his full height, pushed back his hat and raked his warm gaze over her. She caught a glimpse of pleasure in the blue depths and all of the right places on her body sparked alive. Her juices flowed, moistening her barely-there panties and beading her nipples beneath the bra she’d pick out with him in mind.
At this pace, she’d have to change panties every hour or two.
Calm down, Leslie.
“No. I wanted to ask you a favor.”
Unzip your pants and replay last night’s suck what pops up? Oh hell, she’d lost her marbles.
Her skin tingled with the need for a pair of calloused hands. She pleaded with Mother Nature to bring on a downpour, or snowfall, to ease the heat building in every nook and cranny of her tight jeans. “And what would you suck… I mean, like?” It only got worse.
“Will you help me shop for Lilly? If you haven’t noticed, she’s growing out of her clothes and I have no clue what little girls like to wear or what’s in style.”
Chuckling, she thought it was sweet that he cared enough to worry about Lilly’s appearance. “Sure. I’d love to help.”
“Will you go with me now while she’s at her appointment?” His delectable mouth turned upward.
“Of course. Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d try the mall right outside of town.”
She climbed into the passenger side of his big truck, giving him a curious glance across the seat. “I think this one’s bigger than the last one you had.”
“You always liked my big truck, didn’t you?” He winked.
“I used to accuse you of driving it because you were making up for, uh, smaller assets.”
“And I don’t remember you ever complaining about any ride of mine you’ve been in.” He wriggled his brows.
“Can’t say I have.” Stryker wasn’t lacking in any area, especially when it came to his anatomy. She wanted to brazenly demand that he pull over to the side of the country road, unzip his pants and let her explore him with her mouth and tongue. She remained quiet. Getting caught by the sheriff with her pants around her ankles didn’t strike any enjoyment.
Turning her head to stare out the side window, the scenery went by in a blur until they passed the high school. The building was closed since they’d built a new school, but she had a lot of memories, some good—and some not so great.
She’d started dating Stryker in school—she was a nerd and he was the popular jock.
Why he’d fallen for her, she never knew, and she was sure many of the cool girls wondered the same.
A star athlete like Stryker could have gotten any girl that he’d wanted. He’d had enough cheerleaders waving their pom-poms to grab his attention. All she’d done was help him with his homework and he became smitten.
In all truth, she’d definitely gone through a stage where her teeth were bigger than her mouth and her vision required thick glasses. Amazing what braces and surgery can do for a person’s image—and ego. By the time she reached her senior year, she was starting to feel comfortable in her skin, yet internally, she’d remained uncertain.
The brick building faded and she laid her head back, closing her eyes.
Stryker, as a young-faced teen, appeared in her mind. She’d been crazy over him. They’d spent every waking hour together, and he’d surfaced in her every dream. He’d driven her to school every morning in his souped-up green mustang and after class they’d stop at Ellie’s Diner for a Coke and cheeseburger.
She went away for college, and being away from the small town of Hollyville had matured her. Mostly, being away from her mother had helped Leslie grow and become her own person.
After graduating from veterinary school, Leslie had gone back home. Soon after, Styker had asked her to marry him and wedding plans started, and she got pregnant.
The truck slowed. Opening her eyes, she slid him a look as they pulled into the strip mall. He parked, turned off the engine and turned to her. “From what I’ve heard, there are three little lady stores here. I believe this is a good start,” he said.
“And how long do we have to shop?”
“An hour. Lilly’s meeting with a speech specialist today so she’ll be longer.”
“That’s enough time to put a dent in your bank account.” She leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“What’s that for?”
“Just for you being you.”
After their shopping finished, they headed downtown to the therapists’ office, a friendly two-story, blue house with white shudders and a playground in back.
“Looks like a nice place,” Leslie said.
“Want to come in with me?”
Surprised, she hesitated.
“If you don’t want to, it’s okay. I just figured you’d like to meet the staff.”
“You’re right. I’d like to.”
As they walked into the lobby, every mascara-coated eye followed Stryker. Leslie understood. He was a heartthrob. Always had been. Confidence oozed from his pores and the second he opened his mouth, his charm kicked in.
The young perky blonde at the receptionist desk fluttered her long lashes and exposed a very wide, pearly smile. Leslie wasn’t sure if she should laugh or tell the twenty-something chick to back off. Then again, Leslie had no rights to Stryker. A tumble in bed a time or two didn’t qualify as a relationship.
“Hello, Mr. Mason. I think Lilly is finished with speech. Would you like to go on back and speak to Tessa?”
“I’d like that. Thanks, Beth.”
“She’s looking at you like you hold rock star status,” Leslie teased as she followed him down the hallway. “I bet she’d fall over if you asked her out.”
&nbs
p; “I’m sure.” He shook his head and flicked her a look of disbelief. “I’ve made it a rule not to ever date someone who sees me as a father figure.”
“I don’t think you’re quite old enough to be her father.”
“Close enough,” he said.
The last door on the right came open and a tall, pretty redhead stepped out. “I was just coming to see if you were here.” A smiled curved the woman’s lips.
Oh, no! Another one who’s smitten? Leslie wanted to puke.
“Hi, Tessa. I’d like you to meet Leslie,” Stryker said.
A flicker of surprise swept over the woman. “So, I see she decided to come back to Hollyville.” Her words were directed at Stryker yet her deep emerald gaze remained on Leslie as Tessa held out her slender hand in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Leslie. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
And now Leslie was certain she also had a look of shock. “Oh, really?”
“Stryker had discussed his plans with me. He’d grappled with the idea of meeting with you. He wanted to be sure that it was best for Lilly. Of course, he has concerns.” Tessa flipped her hair over one shoulder.
“Forgive me. I’m a little caught off guard. I understand his concern, completely.” Leslie didn’t like the cotton ball feeling lodging in her throat.
Tessa peered inside the office and then closed the door. “Trust me, I was all for you helping with Lilly. She misses her mother and female companionship can do wonders for children who’ve lost their parents. I’m glad you’ve decided to be here.”
“So am I. Lilly is a wonderful child. I’ve enjoyed spending time with her,” Leslie said.
“I have too. She’s remarkable.”
“Is Lilly finished?” Stryker asked.
“Lilly is finishing up an art project,” Tessa said. “Would you both like to go in and check what she’s made? She has a talent.”
“Can we?” Leslie wanted to see what Lilly had created.
“Absolutely.” Tessa opened the door and motioned for them to enter. “Although she won’t tell you, she likes to paint and we encourage her creativity.”
“Great.” Leslie passed Tessa on her way to Lilly who was standing at the easel, paintbrush in hand. “That is an awesome picture. I love the bright colors.” There were several figures, trees and a big white house. “Is that you?” Leslie pointed to the smallest stick figure and received a nod. “And, let me guess, the other two are your uncle Stryker and mother?” Lilly shook her head, sending bouncy blonde curls around her cheeks. Leslie leaned in closer and realized the female figure had a stethoscope around her neck. Her breath caught. “Lilly, is that me?” The child responded with a peep of a smile.
“I think someone has made a very good impression,” Tessa said.
“I’m glad I have.” Leslie tousled Lilly’s hair.
“Can I speak with you alone Stryker?” Tessa asked. “Leslie, maybe you’d like to help Lilly put away her paints.”
“I’d love to.”
Once Stryker and Tessa stepped into the hall, Leslie bent to eye-level with Lilly. “That is a great painting. It really is. Are you finished?” Leslie asked. With a simple nod, Lilly took the canvas off the easel and handed it to Leslie. “Do we get to take it home?” Lilly nodded.
“Come sit with me a minute, sweetheart.” Leslie led her over to the couch. They sat together. “I know you’re sad right now. I just want you to recognize that your uncle and I care very deeply for you. I’m here for you, okay?”
Lilly stared at her hands clasped in her lap.
Laughter sounded from the corridor. Leslie followed the sound as Tessa laid a hand on Stryker’s arm and leaned close to his ear. Whatever she whispered made Stryker smile. Feeling like she was spying, Leslie dragged her gaze away and focused on Lilly who needed her more than anyone. Leslie had never been more certain of anything before.
She’d do her best to help Lilly, no matter what the future held.
****
“Who’s hungry?” Stryker asked after they left the clinic. “I know you have to be.” He touched Lilly’s pert nose.
“I could eat a horse.” Leslie realized what she’d said. She quickly turned to Lilly in the backseat. “Not really. It’s only a saying. But wait, you’re smiling. So you like that saying, huh?” She patted Lilly’s hand.
“The diner doesn’t serve horse, but I know they have the best burgers in town. Does that sound like a winner?” Stryker asked.
“It sure does to me. I’m starving.” Leslie’s stomach growled as if to prove her point.
“And I bet Miss Janice has homemade mac-n-cheese for someone named Lilly.” Stryker pulled into the diner’s lot. The lunch crowd had already started coming in as Stryker led them to a booth in the far corner. The waitress took their orders, Leslie followed with his suggestion to go with the burger supreme.
Stryker dug into his pocket and extracted a handful of coins. He laid them out in front of Lilly and her eyes lit up. “There should be enough here to play five games.” She grabbed as many coins as she could and started toward the play room. “She seems better today. I think Tessa is helping her.”
“Tessa seems like a great therapist.” Leslie watched Lilly drop a few coins into one of the machines.
“She’s great,” he said.
“What if she would have suggested that you not come and see me for help?”
He shrugged. “I would have still come. I knew it was right.” There wasn’t a sliver of doubt in the depths of his piercing blue eyes. Relief spread through her.
“It’s none of my business, but it’s a dangerous combination to mix pleasure with therapy.” She moistened her bottom lip. He blinked, opened his mouth as if to say something but snapped it shut when the waitress brought their drinks.
When the server was gone, he shook his head. “Tessa and I have only gone on a couple of dates and that was before she started seeing Lilly. And how did you know?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t know for sure, but it wouldn’t take a genius to decode the way she looked at you and how she touched your arm while you two were talking. Attraction was written all over her features.”
“We just dated—”
“You don’t owe me an explanation. I just want what’s best for Lilly and it could get a little sticky.” She brought her glass of sweet iced tea to her lips and drank.
“I have Lilly’s best interest at heart, if that’s what you’re worried about.” There was a slight raise in his tone.
Shaking her glass, the ice clanked. “I know you do. I’m not suggesting otherwise.”
“Are you jealous?” One brow lifted.
“Of course not.” Her laugh sounded more like the croaking of a frog. She cleared her throat. “I have no reason or right for those emotions. Tessa seems like a very nice person. I can’t resent you for finding her attractive. What’s not to like? She’s beautiful, smart and seems to have a talent at working with kids.”
He nodded. “Just like I can’t resent the fact that you were dating too, but it sure as hell isn’t the easiest thing to swallow.”
His frankness surprised her. “So you’re admitting that you’re jealous?”
“No reason to deny it, right? You and I…well, we have history. I was the first cowboy to touch you, to bring you pleasure, and I guess that gives me some sort of unstated right to feel protectiveness.”
“Maybe it’s the instinct within you? You were a bit overly protective at times.”
His jaw tightened. “Really?” He lifted his own glass to his lips and downed the beverage.
“At times, sure, but that’s your character.”
“I’m not sure it’s a flaw or asset. Maybe it could go both ways.” He shrugged.
“When Bobby Malone swatted me on the behind and you hit him in the nose, he knew never to touch me again.” She swept her finger through the condensation on her glass.
“Bobby Malone needed a lesson. At twelve, he was a pervert and he grew into a jerk. He’s been in and out
of jail.” He sniffed.
“I think, even then, you had a crush on me.” She laughed.
“Hell yes I did.”
“Then I’ll confess, as I got a little older, I fantasized about you. My daydreaming was almost the death of me, one time in particular. I was sixteen and my hormones were like hot wires. Anyway, you were in the cafeteria arm wrestling. I’d gotten all heated while watching you and forgot I was eating. I can’t remember who struck me hard on the back, but the chicken came up and shot into Miley Brown’s tray. That girl never spoke to me again.”
He laughed. “You never told me that story.”
“And risk blowing your ego up more? Maybe one day I’ll tell you all of my darkest and deepest secrets.” She wriggled her brows.
His gaze narrowed. “What makes you think I don’t already know all of your secrets?”
“Trust me, you don’t.” She licked her bottom lip. “I never did tell you that Miley and I kissed once. We were curious what it felt like so we tried. Her lips were soft and tasted a lot like bubblegum. It wasn’t bad, but it never compared to your kiss.”
He shifted in the seat. “It’s a good thing the table covers my legs. I think I hear the teeth bursting in my zipper.”
Leslie could have drowned in his heated gaze. Bliss washed over her as she realized there was no place on earth she’d rather be.
“It also explains why she never had a boyfriend, but lived with the woman who coached baseball.”
“Miley is…?” Leslie had no clue.
He nodded. “Yes she is. So apparently she liked the kiss more than you.”
Later that evening, Leslie had tucked Lilly into bed, reading her a story until she fell asleep. Stryker was out working on the ranch and wouldn’t be back until late. After cleaning, doing a load of laundry and watching a sappy movie, she clicked off the TV. She checked her phone for messages—nothing.
Her muscles were a bit tense. She poured herself a glass of wine, drank it then took a shower in Stryker’s bathroom. The spray of hot water was heavenly over her body, not to mention the fact that she could smell his strong body soap and shampoo made her miss him even more.
Second Round Cowboy (Second Chance Series) Page 10
