The Discreet Cowboy (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 6)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Well, you stay close. These tenderfoots aren’t too bad, but sometimes they get drunk and think they’re studs.” He winked. “Tell your brother when he gets a chance to stop by. I have the number for the owner of the Appaloosa he was interested in buying.”

  “Sure will.” Chase was a respected man here in Wyoming and she couldn’t agree more—he was a great man. She was pretty happy for him these days too. A prospering business, a lovely, sweet wife, and a new baby. Felicia loved being an aunt. Nirvana, and her brother, had seemed like the perfect place to hang out before she started her career. Now if she could just get her brother to back off and stop being so insanely protective over her. She was no longer the kid who he was obligated to watch over.

  With her drink in hand and straw between her lips, she spun on the barstool, looking over the growing crowd with curiosity. Why was it that in every bar the men outnumbered the women three-to-one? And these boys seemed far more interested in the bottoms of their bottles than the fact that she’d gotten all dolled up to impress. Tugging at her tight-fitting black dress, she realized she might have overdone it a bit, or a lot, especially with the three inch, strappy heels. She’d forgotten she wasn’t in Cheyenne, but she was in small town country.

  When she got the chance, she liked to wear something sexy, feminine. Growing up, she’d been a tomboy. Oversized clothes, baseball hat and dirty tennis shoes had been her everyday attire, except for church Sundays when her mom made her wear pretty dresses and polished shoes. Back then, she’d grumbled every time her momma placed a ribbon in her hair, and now she saw the need in putting on something ladylike for special occasions.

  This evening—this vacation—marked a new beginning for her. As she embarked on her new start in life, she wanted to enjoy one last evening feeling footloose and fancy-free before she stepped out into adulthood, real adulthood, where car and house payments were a priority. Hanging with her friends would happen occasionally, but work came first, when she found a job. Of course she’d find one. She’d graduated top of her class.

  At this moment, she was in the mood to have fun, in a place where no one knew her name. A place like this was the right place to do just that.

  She skipped her gaze across the full tables and booths and a pair of dark eyes caught her attention. Mmm. Handsome, broad-shouldered, cut off sleeves, a pristine white hat…yummy. The rugged cowboy with an olive complexion nursed a beer and his beautiful lips wrapped around the bottle top gave her thoughts of kisses. He lowered the bottle and smiled. Yeah, she got the feeling he was flirting. She could handle this.

  She didn’t want to come off as the cocktail-drinking, short-dress-wearing, out-of-towner with a cowboy craving, although, it fit her perfectly. No, I’m not desperate, only horny. Laughing, she dropped her gaze to the rustic planks of the floor, counted to three and brought her gaze back up, but a huge wall of blue plaid and worn denims blocked her view.

  Plummeting her gaze back to the dirty boots, she skimmed the long length of faded jeans to the V of muscled thighs. She swallowed and crawled her gaze across a flat abdomen, massive chest, to a firm hair-peppered jaw. Even higher to a pair of narrowed, gorgeous blue eyes. She brought her drink to her lips and took a long sip, then said, “I wondered how long it would take you to find me.”

  His gaze tapered even more and that jaw became dangerously steely. “So this was a test?” he practically growled. He continued to stand in front of her, leaning on his cane, a handmade one made of cherry wood, but it didn’t take away from his virile, rugged presence. Her ‘cowboy-radar’ dinged and started smoking. He was the real thing. Her inner thighs throbbed in proof.

  “I don’t have any desire to play games or entertain a bored cowboy with my meaningless activity. I thought it was about time you stopped stalking me,” she muttered. “A girl deserves a good time without every move being monitored.”

  “You knew all along that I was following you?” He lifted one thick brow.

  “You didn’t miss your calling as private eye. I could have easily guessed that you were sniffing at my heels.”

  “Then I’d say you had a good time being quite the tease.” His voice was unbelievably calm, but when his gaze dipped to her chest for a breath of a second, her insides were anything but composed as she remembered what she’d done on the dock. Her cheeks turned warm. His gaze met hers, steady and with confidence. “You snuck off Nirvana and Chase will strangle us both.”

  “I didn’t know I was a prison inmate,” she snapped, sucking her drink quicker than she should have.

  “It’s not safe being out here running around in areas that can be dangerous,” he said in a rougher tone.

  She didn’t remove her gaze from Mr. Tall-dark-handsome. “So which of these cowboys do you think is the axe murderer? Or the serial killer?” She chuckled. She sucked air and realized her drink was empty. She nibbled the fruit from the toothpick, anything to keep her lips busy when all she wanted to do was find out what his tasted like.

  Blue eyes crinkled at the corners and he actually smiled. He had nice, even teeth and dimples that she could skinny dip inside. “Funny. I’m talking about the weather. If you haven’t looked lately, the roads are flooding, which they often do around here this time of year.”

  Dropping the half-eaten speared fruit back into the glass, she sat it on the bar, debating his words. She’d never seen so much rain in so little time since she’d been at Nirvana, and why she’d needed to do something outside of sitting at the house. Yet, she didn’t have a clue that things could get bad. “Then why are all of these people still hanging out here?”

  He shrugged. “There’s only one way to get back to Nirvana and that’s over the bridge that you passed on your way here. We might make it back across, might not. I’d say these people are going the opposite direction considering there’s not much else the other way except for the ranch.”

  She squinted. “That’s crazy.”

  “Yeah, crazy. About as crazy as you locking me inside of the room, without clothes. Those were my favorite boots, by the way.”

  Her cheeks were sizzling. Taking his clothes and locking him in wasn’t her best behavior, but at the time it had seemed like the right thing to do. She cleared her throat. “I have them in my room.”

  “Yes, I know.” He reached into his front pocket and withdrew a set of keys, dangling them from his finger.

  “Hey, those are mine.” She started to reach out, but he dropped them back into his front pocket. She had half a mind to go fishing. “That won’t detour me, just so you know.” Did she see a flash of interest in his eyes?

  “Very convenient for me that you left them on the floorboard. Unless you can hot wire a vehicle, you won’t be going anywhere without me.” One corner of his mouth lifted proudly.

  “You seem awfully pleased with yourself.”

  “I am because you and me, well, we’re going to be best buddies before this is over. We’ll be hooked at the hip like Siamese twins.”

  Her chest tightened. “That won’t happen.”

  “Yes, it will. I promise. I don’t plan to lose my job over a spoiled, manipulative brat.”

  “Why would you want to babysit? That’s the real question.”

  “Exactly.” He sighed and made his way to the empty bar stool next to her and took a seat, situating his cane between them. “But as long as you’re here, so am I. Guess I should get comfortable.” He swiveled on his stool and got Mickey’s attention.”

  “Whatchya drinkin’ tonight, Dade?”

  “I’ll have a beer. Another cocktail for the lady, too.”

  “Comin’ right up.”

  “I don’t need a babysitter,” she said through tight lips once Mickey walked away.

  He frowned and shrugged. “Tell that to your brother, but these little antics to get attention might tell him otherwise.”

  His words ripped through her. She sipped from her glass, forgetting that the liquor was gone, and got a mouthful of water. Irritated, she sat it down w
ith a crack. “You know what else?”

  “What’s that?” He raised a brow. Mickey placed their drinks in front of them.

  “I hope you don’t mind watching me have fun,” she slurred and slid off her stool. “I didn’t allow you to bother me before and I certainly won’t now.”

  Question filled his eyes, but he remained silent.

  “I plan on dancing the night away, come hail or high water, literally.” She laughed and stomped across the space of the room, her target on the handsome cowboy sitting with a large group of men. As she approached, all heads came up, eyes on her. A smiled curved his full mouth.

  “Hello, darlin’.” There was no question. He knew exactly who she was there for.

  She smiled. “I really love this song playing. Would you care to dance?”

  With all eyes on him and a couple of buddy-thumps on his back, he slid from his chair and stood to his very-tall height. “I think I’d like to give these two legs a shake.”

  Together they walked to the dance floor, his hand pressed against her lower back, and she caught a glimpse of Dade sitting at the bar, his eyes on her. She felt the heat all of the way across the room. Let him stare. How could he agree to watch me for Chase like I’m a child?

  Once out on the small dance floor, surrounded by other couples, she wrapped her arms around the man’s neck and his smile grew broader. “You from around here?” he asked.

  “Nope.”

  “I’ve had my eye on you since you walked in. Pretty little dress you have on. You wouldn’t go unnoticed.”

  She lifted her chin, forcing a smile on her lips. His thick cologne was having an adverse effect on her head. “I think I overdressed for the occasion.”

  He tipped his hat and winked. “Speak for yourself. A woman like you must be used to getting hit on, I’m sure, right beauty?”

  “I’m Felicia.” The room spun slightly.

  “Tom.” He grinned and she realized that his teeth were too white. How was that possible?

  “Do you come here often?”

  “No. My buddies and I are only here for the weekend. We’re staying over at the hotel next door.”

  “Oh, for the rodeo?”

  He nodded. “My pal Sam is riding tomorrow.” Tom pointed to the table and waved. “That’s Sam.”

  She looked passed his shoulder at the grinning, pleasant-looking fellow leaning back on two legs of his chair, scrubbing his smooth jaw.

  “Sam has a lucky charm,” Tom said.

  “Is that so? Rabbit’s foot? Four leaf clover?”

  He laughed. “Not quite.” He bent close to her ear. “Sex.”

  She stiffened, suddenly getting the idea that ol’ Tom wasn’t the man for her either. “Well, I wish Sam luck.” They swung around to the music and she caught another glimpse of Dade. He had his back against the bar, his legs stretched and she couldn’t read his expression. Then he frowned. He wasn’t happy at all.

  “You have plans after this?” Tom asked.

  “Yes.”

  Disappointment filled his dark gaze. “Willing to change them? Sam and me, well, we know what a lady wants.” He brushed his knuckles along her cheek.

  “Not sure what you mean.” She swallowed.

  Dade pushed his hat back and continued staring at her.

  “I was guessing you were into kink,” Tom said.

  She tore her attention from Dade and took a short step back. “Tom, are you asking me to have a threesome with you and your buddy?”

  “Pretty much.” His eyes dazzled.

  She giggled, looking for the humor of the situation, but he was stark serious. “Oh, sorry, but I might not be the one for you. The cowboy I’m looking for won’t need a buddy to help him out in the sack.”

  His eyes crinkled and his lips thinned. “Or maybe you just can’t handle real men, sweetheart.”

  Dragging her bottom lip in, she counted to five. “If that was a real rodeo belt buckle you’re wearing, I’d almost take your words serious, but we both know it isn’t, and the same goes for your pal. His isn’t real either and I highly doubt he’s riding tomorrow, at least not anything in the pen.”

  “Is this a trick?”

  “A trick?”

  “You know, you’re one of those modern feminist who hates men? Or, one who thinks being a bitch lures a man in, wraps him real nice and tight. Let me have a taste of that pussy and if it’s sweet enough I might let you wrap me.” He started to go in for a kiss and she held up a hand to block him.

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to save your charm for someone else. I like cowboys, not wannabes.”

  His laughter ripped through her. “Okay, I’ll bite, baby. I can get a little rough. I have a rope in the back of my truck. I bet you like being tied up, smacked on the bottom—”

  “No, thank you,” she grumbled, rolling her eyes in impatience. What happened to men with manners? Pushing out of his hold, she sighed. “Suddenly I’m feeling a little dizzy. I think I’ll head back to the bar with my friend.”

  On the walk back, the unfortunate walk of shame, she prepared herself for dealing with Dade.

  When she sat back down at the stool, she felt his eyes on her in interest…or was it humor? “Don’t even say it,” she moaned.

  “All I was going to say is that we all strike out on occasion.” His soft chuckle made the hairs on the back of her neck lift and it had nothing to do with revulsion.

  “Don’t be jealous because you can’t dance,” she snapped.

  He sighed. “Don’t be upset because pretty-boy disappointed you.” His voice showed no sign of irritation, but instead laughter.

  “You’ll have to manage better than that if you’re wanting to ruffle my feathers.”

  The music changed, an old country tune about broken hearts and exes. Moments later, drink in hand, she sipped and looked at him over the top of the rim. He turned his chin around, nailing her with a pondering gaze that made her heart kick up double speed. Originally, she’d thought he had blue eyes, but they weren’t. He actually had the prettiest hazel eyes she’d ever seen. A quick sweep from the top of his black hat, dark hair that touched the collar of his button down, over his lean torso to the dusty boots propped on the leg of the stool, sent a wash of sensation between her legs that she didn’t quite expect—or like. Dade wasn’t the cowboy for her. Nope.

  “Don’t you have something better to do tonight?” she asked, dragging her gaze anywhere but on him—sexy, handsome him. How had she believed that when she visited last year, before his accident, that he was boyish? No, he wasn’t boyish. She’d gotten an up close and personal view of his manliness when she’d snuck into the massage room and saw him lying on the table, covered in a thin sheet. His lean, sleek back, slender waist, strong, muscular bottom stretching into long, thick legs that spoke of a virile man. She’d wanted to drag the sheet away and investigate further—take a peek at all of the glory that she wasn’t allowed to have.

  Her interest had actually started a few days ago, when she’d walked by the barn and spotted him holding a baby calf. His strong, comforting arms wrapped around the animal had sparked an image of him holding her, whispering sweet words. Her heart had melted—and that wasn’t good. Then when she awoke the next morning, stepped out onto the porch and in the distance, she saw him in the saddle of a beautiful mare. He belonged there. One with the horse. In that moment, she’d wished she was a skilled artist or photographer. No man had ever made her all ooey-gooey, and now was not the time to tap into those sensations. Exactly why she needed to find another cowboy to scratch her itch. The room was full of them, but why couldn’t she see anyone but the man sitting close, now looking at her with a warm, beautiful gaze?

  “No, I really don’t.”

  She’d almost forgotten what they were talking about. “Lucky me,” she muttered.

  He sat his bottle down, and she noticed his hands. Long fingers. Callused palms and stained skin. Yet, his nails were short and clean. “Wow, is this like a date?”
/>   “Don’t flatter yourself. I have my rental car. I can see my way home, just give me back my keys,” she demanded.

  “Not going to happen.”

  “You don’t have the right.”

  “I’m not going to let you kill yourself either. At this point, it’s not about me wanting revenge, it’s about keeping you safe. I know these roads, know the severity of the weather. If you go anywhere tonight, it’ll be with me. That might cramp your style, but those are the facts, darlin’.”

  Holy shit! She wasn’t into all of this damsel in distress stuff, but for a fleeting moment she could have easily slipped right into his protection. A tense throbbing started at her inner thighs and she had a strong urge to touch herself—a stronger urge for Dade to touch and lick her. She shifted on the stool and tugged her skirt lower, not before his gaze swept across her bare skin leaving a heated trail of longing.

  “Can I make a suggestion? Sometimes it’s best to let go of everything and start again. Is that possible?”

  What? She couldn’t concentrate, so she numbly nodded. “Sure.”

  “Let me introduce myself again. I’m Dade.” He held out his hand.

  She stared for the longest time then slipped her hand into his. His hand was large and she wasn’t prepared for the electrical pulse of current that shot up her veins…or the fact that she noticed how rough his palms were. Or his firm grip, yet still tender and not crushing.

  “Felicia.” She was grateful her voice worked.

  “Nice to meet you, Felicia.” He finally let her hand go and it disappointed her.

  The way he said her name, like he’d sipped a fine, sweet wine, made her insides red hot. “You too.”

  “Do you mean that?” he asked, his eyes dazzling.

  She smiled too. Couldn’t help herself. “Of course. It’s not your fault that my brother still thinks of me as a child.” She sipped her drink, finally feeling her inner muscles relax some, but the tension in her core wasn’t letting up.

  “He cares.”

  “Do you have young sisters, Dade?” She lifted a brow.

  “Three.”

  “You’ll be a busy man.