A Cowboy in Paradise

by Shana Gray

  She was mad—that was good. It made things easier. He’d been ready to take it just a little too far with her. Now wasn’t the time or the place. He stepped back and tried not to notice her passion-filled gaze, now tinged with anger. Or the way her hair was mussed and the plump pout of her mouth...all beckoning him like a siren, calling him back to her.

  “What...?” Her voice was soft and sultry, but he heard anger around the edges.

  “You’d better leave.” Dallas did his best to keep his voice unemotional, but he sounded like a bullfrog croaking.

  “What happened? I don’t understand.” Yep, she was mad.

  Before he could answer, a loud, booming voice from outside the tent announced his brother.

  “Dallas, you old dog, are you in there?”

  Dallas stepped in front of Jimi to shield her while she fumbled with her shirt buttons. The tent flap was yanked aside and his brother filled the opening.

  “Hey, bro! What the frig...” He gave a knowing nod, raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms over his chest. “...ahh.”

  Jimi stepped around Dallas and he bit back a smile when he saw her lift her chin and shake her head, making her curls flutter around her shoulders like a lioness’s mane. She flickered her gaze to Dallas, but he couldn’t read the expression. It was as if a shutter had closed, hiding the light that had been shining from her only moments before. Strangely, it saddened him. He turned to Tucker and sent him a warning look.

  “Excuse me.” Jimi took a step and winced. Dallas reached for her elbow, but she shook him off.

  “Don’t let me interrupt things,” Tucker said, his mouth curving up on one side.

  “Yeah, yeah, enough of that. Tucker, this is one of our guests. She cut her foot on a stone and I was just doctoring her up.”

  “Yes.” Jimi looked down at her foot. “It doesn’t pay to not wear shoes around this godforsaken place. What a big mistake it was coming here.” Without a second look, she pushed past both the men and sailed out the tent opening.

  They watched her go and remained silent for a few seconds. Tucker turned to Dallas and burst out laughing.

  “What the hell was that all about?”

  Dallas thinned his lips and glared at his brother. Ever the loud one with no tact. “Nothing,” Dallas snapped. The last thing he wanted to do was explain his actions to his brother. The less he knew the better, and no way would he let on what had almost happened.

  “Well, bro, it certainly didn’t look like nothing to me.”

  Dallas turned his back on him and grabbed the first-aid paraphernalia, holding it to Tucker as proof, then put it back where it belonged.

  Dallas ushered Tucker to the tent opening. Time for him to leave. “Wasn’t sure you’d actually show.”

  “You know me—I’m like a bad penny. Always turning up.”

  “You got that right. When you’re needed, you’re not here. When you’re not needed, you turn up and usually with complications.” Dallas followed Tucker from the tent. “So what brings you up here? Did you drive or ride?”

  “Drove. I need to make myself scarce.”

  Anxiety squeezed Dallas’s chest. “And you have to do that...why?” He’d had about enough of bailing his younger brother out of all the trouble he was good at getting himself into. Did he really want to know what he’d done this time?

  “Oh, nothing. Just a little misunderstanding.” Tucker drew in a sigh and stopped, turning to face Dallas. “Do you really want to know?”

  Dallas narrowed his eyes and planted his feet, crossing his arms over his chest. He stared hard at his brother before answering. “Unless it’s got something to do with jail, murder or losing the ranch, then no. Fair warning, though—don’t make a fool of yourself or the family. I’ve—we’ve—worked too hard to keep our upstanding reputation. I don’t need you to bring it down by doing anything stupid.”

  The look that flashed through Tucker’s eyes wasn’t what Dallas expected. He saw relief, pain in them and something else...defeat? Ah, shit, maybe he did need to know. He was his brother, after all. Under his cavalier and crusty exterior, Tucker was a softy. To the bone. Dallas had been hard on him, hoping the tough love would work. Last thing he wanted was his brother to fall down the rabbit hole again. “Like I said. Not unless it falls into any of those categories. But know that I’m here for you.”

  Tucker nodded and Dallas was relieved to see the stress ease a tiny bit from around Tucker’s eyes. “I brought the truck. A few bags straggled in and Larson sent up some more wedding trinkets.”

  “More wedding crap? Take a look around—there’s enough lace and ribbons and girlie stuff to sink a ship. What more could possibly be needed?”

  Tucker shrugged a shoulder. “Who the hell knows. It’s chick stuff. Anyway, we need to get it unloaded.”

  Dallas followed his brother to the half-ton dually. The wranglers had unloaded most of the additional supplies and late luggage, and carried stuff into the storage tent under Samantha’s care. He checked the labels on the suitcases. Nothing for anyone named Jimi.

  “Did Larson say anything about the other suitcase coming?”

  Tucker shook his head. “She said something about a woman upset her bag hadn’t arrived.”

  “Yeah, she’s already made her displeasure known. Hopefully it turns up in the morning,” Dallas muttered.

  “So what’s first now?” Tucker inquired.

  “We should get the coals lit. Easy dinner tonight—everything’s on the grill.” He checked his watch and then looked to the sky. “Probably should get the guests out to Bridge Rock. The first night is supposed to be a sunset-cocktail thing.”

  “Seriously?” Tucker shook his head and gazed around the camp. “This really is a stretch for us, isn’t it?”

  Dallas nodded in agreement. “All I can say is thank God for Samantha. I didn’t want any wedding responsibilities. This is important, though. If we can pull this off, it could open up a whole new niche for us. Weddings and glamping. I think there’s a market.”

  Tucker gave him a skeptical look. “Where did you get that idea? I thought all brides wanted to be pampered, five-star, not roughing it like we are up here.”

  Dallas shook his head. “Apparently not, according to Sam. If there’s a need, I will provide. Be warned and on your best behavior. Nothing is to go wrong. And no fraternizing, either.”

  “What, moi? Fraternize?” Tucker gave him a devilish look, but Dallas kept his demeanor stern. Tucker had to understand the importance of professionalism, something Dallas would have to remind himself where Jimi was concerned.

  “So who is this wedding planner?” Tucker asked.

  “Haven’t you met Samantha Ray? She’s Larson’s friend.”

  Tucker shook his head. “Can’t say that I have.”

  “They met at college, but she’s not like Larson at all.” Dallas looked over Tucker’s shoulder. “Well, speak of the devil.”

  Tucker turned around as Samantha approached. She was a small thing. With red hair that hung in a riot of organized ringlets almost to her hips and pale blue eyes under ginger brows that easily drew you in, she exuded a serenity unlike Larson. Sam was calm, where Larson was wild.

  “Well, well. No, I haven’t met her,” Tucker muttered in a low voice. “She might be worth a little bit of a chase.”

  Dallas found that funny and chuckled. “I think she’d run you a merry chase, that’s for sure. She’s way out of your league, bro.”

  Tucker ignored him, but Dallas saw the muscle in his jaw twitch, usually a sign he’d been offended. But sometimes the truth hurts and it needed to be heard.

  “Hey, Sam, everything good?” Dallas asked.

  “So far so good.” She gave a bright smile and turned to Tucker, sticking her hand out. “Hi, I’m Samantha, wedding planner extraordi
naire.”

  “Tucker, the evil brother of Larson and this paniolo here.”

  Dallas watched him take Sam’s hand. They both fell silent and stared at each other for a little bit too long. Samantha’s Tinker Bell mannerisms were momentarily quiet as she gazed up at Tucker. Dallas looked from one to the other. He sensed the attraction between them. They were polar opposites.

  “Right, then. Anything else we can help with or do you just want us to disappear?” Dallas nudged Tucker out of the way, which forced him to drop Sam’s hand. “Here, you take this last box, Tucker.” He pushed the box with his boot until it was between him and Sam.

  “Um, thanks.” Sam’s gaze lingered on Tucker as she bent to reach for the box.

  “No, let me. I insist.” Tucker reached and scooped it, hefting it into his arms. “Now, Miss Samantha, if you’ll just show me the way...”

  Her smile was bright as she spun on her heel and walked off, fingers sweeping her phone, red curls bouncing jauntily. But not without a little side glance and cute smile at Tucker.

  Dallas sighed as he watched the two of them stride off. He wondered what sort of catastrophe was waiting to rear up next.

  4

  JIMI HAD NO WORDS. The sight held her spellbound, and she was stunned when tears pricked at the back of her eyes. A sunset had never moved her so deeply. She stood in hushed silence along with the rest of the wedding guests. All facing west watching the sun slip to the horizon.

  She hadn’t wanted to hike up to this ridge while they were told the barbecue was being readied, but, boy, was she glad she had. She’d been too ready to hang on to her misery, tucked away in her tent, but Jimi realized that was stupid. Rather than being a party pooper, she should join in. Make the best of a bad situation. A view like this was what she needed to remind her how good life truly was.

  She hadn’t been able to get Dallas out of her head and still felt his lips, the weight of his hand, his heat, keeping her at a slow burn of arousal. So, of course she looked for him. At least she knew his name now, thanks to his brother.

  “Dallas,” she whispered, letting the letters roll off her tongue. She liked it. It was different and fit him so perfectly.

  She glanced around—trying not to make it obvious—hoping to see him. She spied him off to the side leaning against a tree. It was like her gaze had found its home and she thrilled that he was watching her. Their gazes met and locked. The sunset momentarily forgotten. She didn’t look away, didn’t want to, couldn’t. He gave her a leisurely smile, and her heart tumbled. She returned his smile, then turned back to the sunset, a new sense of excitement building inside her.

  Brilliant hues of red and orange streaked the sky as the glowing orb set into the horizon. Wispy clouds reflecting in shades of pink chased across the sky above them. All too soon the sky purpled and darkened, giving way to the beginning of the velvet night.

  No one seemed to move. Spellbound by the spectacle before her, Jimi wrapped her arms around herself and drew in a contented sigh. This really was beautiful.

  “It’s something.” His deep voice was soft and low in her ear.

  Jimi smiled and leaned back slightly, feeling his heat, almost like the air between them crackled with life. She nodded and breathed in the smell of the dusk air.

  “It’s quite a view. The way the land rolls down to the sea. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “So maybe being up here in the wilds of Hawaii isn’t so bad after all?” She heard the humor in his voice and smiled.

  Jimi turned to him and tipped her head back to gaze into his eyes. “Maybe it’s not. At first I thought being on this farm—”

  “Ranch,” Dallas corrected her gently.

  She smiled. “Ranch, then. This isn’t anything like where I grew up.”

  He looked down at her, and in that moment she knew they would be together. “Where did you grow up?”

  She pressed her lips and wasn’t sure what to say. She glanced at him and figured she’d never see him after the wedding right, so what did she have to lose? “Believe it or not, I grew up on a commune. Do you know anything about that lifestyle?”

  “Only what I’ve read or seen on television.”

  “Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. So I’ve tried to avoid any kind of farm or country life since.” She rested her head back on his shoulder and looked up at him. There was something about him that called to her and she was eager to find out what that was.

  “I’ve never met a woman, other than my sister, who enjoys country life.”

  “But this is beautiful.” Jimi had begun to relax, even if she still didn’t want to be here. “There’s been nothing but surprises from the moment I stepped off the plane. You being one of them.” Jimi rested back into him. “Everything is playing out so perfectly.”

  “That’s the wedding planner’s job. I only know the basic plans.”

  “Well, that’s not really what I meant.” Jimi didn’t look away from him, not wanting to break the connection. She needed to see his eyes, those wonderful eyes, and maybe be able to see what was lurking in their depths.

  His eyebrows rose. “Really?”

  “Surely you have some idea.” She smiled and her knees almost buckled when his lips curved up in return. But his eyes were shuttered. He was holding something back, even though his smile seemed to promise all sorts of tempting possibilities. There was depth to this man. She liked it and the challenge he posed. He held an air of authority, determination and compassion. A curious combination.

  “Maybe some. Why, did you have something particular in mind?”

  Jimi was enjoying their back-and-forth bantering. It was fun. Suggestive. And delightfully flirtatious. She was adapting quickly to her strained circumstances and hadn’t thought of her lost suitcase in a while, mainly thanks to him.

  “I might have something in mind.” Jimi reached out and laid her palm on his hard chest. It seemed a completely natural thing to do, even if it was deliciously dangerous. His body heat warmed her palm and scorched up her arm, rushing through her blood, hot and heavy. She had a difficult time breathing as her desire settled with seductive heat deep inside her. Her nipples rose against the soft fabric of her borrowed shirt, which grazed the sensitive peaks. She trembled with anticipation.

  Good Lord, there was something about this man.

  Dallas drew in a sharp breath as if he felt the same electricity between them. His hand closed over hers and tightened momentarily before stepping away. “Perhaps we should explore the possibilities later.”

  Jimi nodded, drawing in a shaky breath, and took his cue, wandering off on her own. She glanced over her shoulder and watched him walk away, appreciating his magnificent male physique. Ranching had made him muscled, honed his body that clothing couldn’t conceal. Jimi had the insatiable urge to rip off his clothes, desperate to see him naked. Her body temperature soared and it wasn’t because of the Hawaiian heat.

  “Hello! Everyone, please gather around.” Jimi was glad of the distraction when the wedding planner called everyone. “The barbecue is about ready and the light is going fast. It’s a tricky walk back down to our campsite, so how about we get a move on. And there are two special people waiting to say hi to y’all!”

  Jimi smiled. That meant Diana and Matt had arrived. Then her heart dropped at the bad news she had to give her friend.

  The wedding planner herded the group, but Jimi hung back behind a tree. She could follow them down and she ran a bunch of scenarios around in her head. She might be able to do something for Diana’s wedding day. Oh, how she hoped her suitcase arrived tonight, or tomorrow morning at the latest. Rather than alarm Diana tonight, she’d hold off. Every bride’s worst nightmare was her gown not showing up for the wedding. Jimi looked out across the waves to the darkening sky. It really was beautiful. Peaceful and serene.
Something she hadn’t felt in such a long time.

  The voices faded. She was in no hurry to join them, rather liking the solitude. But she knew she shouldn’t delay too long. Night was descending rapidly now that the sun was gone.

  She turned around, and alarm flared inside her when she realized just how dark it was, making it difficult to see the path. She picked her way, trying not to trip over the loose stones, and listened carefully to hear the voices long down the path. Almost bumping into a tree, Jimi raised her hands and felt her way through the brush. While this was a beautiful country, she could see how quickly it could turn on you. Totally unprepared for this wilderness trip in Hawaii, Jimi swallowed the fear building inside her.

  Being alone out here in the wild was a harsh reminder of her childhood. Getting lost in the bush and spending a night all by herself huddled and terrified in the root of a tree wasn’t something you could easily forget. She kept moving one foot in front of the other—shuffling them over the ground—and stared into the darkness between the trees, hoping, waiting, for a flicker of light from the camp to show her the way. The icing on the cake would be for a storm to roll in. Jimi’s heart clenched at the thought. After her mother died during a storm, she’d never gotten over her fear of them.

  “Oh, thank God.” Relief washed through her when she saw a sparkle of firelight off in the distance. The trail was steep and she had to take it to get down to the camp. Hopefully light from the torches would show her the way.

  “I knew you were trouble the minute I laid eyes on you.”

  The deep, velvety voice in the dark made her jump out of her skin. “Oh! You scared the crap out of me.” She wasn’t going to tell him how glad she was he’d come back for her.

  “The last thing I need is for someone to get lost up here. Why didn’t you follow the group down?”

  She wasn’t going to admit that she’d frightened herself. “I was so peaceful up there I wanted to stay a little longer. I was finding my way back with no trouble at all. There was no need for you to come looking for me.”