Cowboys and Candy

by Avery Gale, Jess Buffett, Willow Brooke, Lynn Ray Lewis, Gracie Meadows

  “I knew you didn’t want me to know, and until you did, I wasn’t going to say anything. It isn’t my job to pry. It is my job to support you, and help you. I love you, short stack.” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head, squeezing her in a bear hug.

  “I love you, too, Daddy.” When he let her go, she turned back to finish cooking supper for him and Jackson.

  “Why don’t you go on and get ready to go. I can find my way around this kitchen pretty good, and if not, I don’t think Jackson will mind ordering pizza. There is a Munsters marathon going on tonight, and he and I are going to kick back and see how many episodes we can watch without falling asleep.”

  Harley grinned from ear to ear. “Thank you. I haven’t been out in so long I have no idea what to wear.” She hadn’t felt like a girlie-girl in a long time. Work kept her professional, with minimal make-up and her hair wrapped up in some sort of twist or knot. Her wardrobe mainly consisted of slacks and blouses, and on the farm either sweats or jeans and a t-shirt. It was going to be nice to actually slip into something that showed a little leg, and maybe some cleavage.

  Tim had been texting since she had gotten off work, and asked her to meet him at the Mexican bar and grill at the edge of town. Their little town may have been small, but it had some of the best restaurants in the world. The beef enchiladas and chiles rellenos were absolutely to die for. And the place served alcohol. There was no doubt in her mind that a couple margaritas were a must to get through this first step. Harley parked close to the door, and walked slowly in, saying a silent prayer that conversation would be good and not totally unpleasant.

  The moment Tim saw Harley walk in the door his heart skipped a beat. She was a sight to be reckoned with. Dressed in a short, black, form-fitting dress and a pair of black stilettos that made her legs go on for miles. Her hair was down, the soft curls giving her an angelic look that was a tasty contradiction to the rest of her devilishly hot appearance. Her big brown eyes were lined with black, and her sexy, bright red lipstick made Tim call on every ounce of willpower not to jump up, throw her over his shoulder, and take her somewhere to eat her up. The closer she approached, the more his heartbeat sped up. When she finally reached his side at the bar, he was speechless. He stood to greet her and gave her a soft hug, almost blowing a wad in his jeans in the process.

  “Hello. Sorry I am late. Jackson and Dad had to explain half an episode of The Munsters to me before I could escape.” Her eyes trailed over him in a heated stare, rocketing his libido through the roof. He had opted for black starched jeans, a black button-up shirt with little silver pearl snaps, and a pair of Justin boots you could see yourself in they shined so bright. Every rippling muscle was outlined when he moved or turned, giving a taunting teaser. It made her want to coax him into moving every chance she got. The black felt Stetson that left his features shadowed and mysterious only added to the sexy as sin cowboy before her. Hot freaking damn. The song, “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” kept playing over and over in her mind.

  Finally, he found his tongue. Speaking slower than normal, he tried to keep from stuttering and stumbling over each word. “No problem. Anything can wait for The Munsters.” He grinned, motioning her to their table. “Damn, Harley. You look…wow. How am I supposed to show you I can be a gentleman and give you a proper date? You are seriously the sexiest woman I have ever laid eyes on.”

  Harley felt her cheeks flush at the comment, knowing he spoke the truth from the fire that danced in the depths of his green eyes—she couldn’t help squirming. The decision to wear panties under her pantyhose had been a good one. At the rate things were going, she would have an embarrassing trail running down her leg if she hadn’t. The sudden moisture pooled between her legs, awakening parts of her that hadn’t been touched in a very long time. He pulled her chair out and seated her before taking his seat. Maybe he does have some manners.

  Much to her astonishment, the conversation started immediately, stopping only when the waitress came to take their orders. Not willing to sacrifice the chance to eat her all-time favorite meal, she ordered the works, looking out of the corner of her eye to see his reaction. His eyebrow shot up with a quirky smile, and when it came to his turn, he ordered the same. “You have no idea how nice it is to see a woman actually eat. There is nothing that drives me crazier than taking a woman out, paying for her meal, only to have her order some fifteen-dollar salad and take two bites of it.”

  Harley giggled, relieved he didn’t find it unladylike. “Hey, dad taught me to eat everything on my plate, and I guarantee you I can put it all away. This is my favorite restaurant, and I never get to come. I just can’t miss out on the amazing enchiladas and fajitas they have here for anyone.”

  “Good to hear. We will have to remedy your lack of good cuisine. That is one thing I haven’t missed out on. Traveling the rodeo circuit, eating out is part of life. I try to stay away from fast food as much as possible and go for real meals. There are some amazing restaurants across the country. I am going to make it my mission in life to show you each and every one of my favorites.” He grinned, gulping a drink of his Coke. He had opted to order a pop, letting her get the apple pie margarita shaker. It had surprised her, but he had insisted because he was driving her home, and would have a friend drop her car off later. She was amazed at his anti-drinking and driving morals. Most cowboys were bad about chugging beer then arguing they could drive better drunk.

  Light, fun, and relaxed, they chatted about what each had been up to the past twelve years. She learned so much about him in just the amount of time it took for their meals to arrive. Between bites, they discussed everything from religion to politics, agreeing on all of it.

  After he had paid the bill and tipped the waitress a shocking amount, they walked out. Harley was stalling, keeping her pace slow. She didn’t want the night to end. He was nothing like she had originally thought. The pompous, self-centered, big-headed, jackass cowboy was a compassionate, giving, thoughtful, caring man. When they approached his truck he helped her in, hoisting her by the waist to lift her up into the raised cab. Like most good ol’ country boys, the size of your tires and lift on your truck was what measured your manhood. She had to stifle a giggle when he ‘accidentally’ copped a feel of her ass in the process. He may be all grown up, but there was still a horny boy underneath all the big man muscles. Once he jumped into the driver’s seat, he turned to look at her. “I hope you aren’t tired. I have a few other things planned for tonight, if you are up for it?” Hope spread across his handsome features, making it impossible for her to say no.

  She was secretly excited not to go straight home, and wondered what extras he had in mind. Surely he didn’t think she would sleep with him, not after their prom date disaster, right? Her mind whirled with doubt, coming up with different scenarios to wherever they ended up. Finally realizing it was no use, she gave up and asked. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise. I promise I am not taking you out in the woods to rape and pillage you. We are heading out into the sticks though.”

  “Oh, I didn’t think that. I was just curious. I do like surprises…” She could hear the uncertainty in her own voice. He must have too, judging from the look he shot her and the smirk that tugged across his face.

  Instead of talking, he reached over and cranked up the stereo, sending Jake Owen’s “Eight Second Ride” thumping through the speakers. She slumped against the seat, casually resting her arm across the bench seat. The blanket of darkness in the cab had hidden his arm that was in the same place, making her jump the moment their skin touched. “You are a jumpy little thing. I am going to have to show you how to have a good time. Unbuckle and scooch over here.”

  He glanced over at her, with the strip of light from the car that followed illuminating his eyes and reminding her of a cat in the dark. He couldn’t be serious…could he? When he looked at her again, she knew he wasn’t. Shit. Here goes nothing. Clicking the buckle open, she hopped across the seat and settled by his
side. Harley tried to stay a reasonable distance away, but once the seat belt was latched, it was impossible not to touch him. And, to tell the truth, she liked it. Liked didn’t come close to describing the feelings that ignited when he threw his arm around her shoulders. “There, now ain’t that better?” His accent was thick, drawling slower with the desire that shot through him. Better? Hell, it was amazing.

  “Yes, I guess it is. I haven’t rode like this since my teen years.” She settled against him, perching her hand on his leg. As odd as it was, it felt so right.

  “Get used to it. I like you close to me. Plus, it lets me keep a hold of you while we do this.” Her eyes skirted out the window, falling on the landscape that surrounded. They had driven out to the old creek bed, and were now driving along the edge. The mud ran in a thick goo down the center. He stopped and revved the motor, laughing at her shocked expression.

  “You aren’t going to drive through that, are you?”

  “That is the plan.”

  “Are you nuts?”

  “Yes, probably. But, we have four-wheel drive. Let’s get a little mud on the tires.” He punched it, earning a squeal from her that quickly turned into laughter. They skidded and slid in fishtails and crazy eights, slinging dirt everywhere. The more they went, the more she hollered. As promised, he held her close to him, keeping her from slinging around.

  Before long, she was pointing out places to go through and asking to try. “Can I drive? I haven’t went mudding in forever either.”

  Not one to turn down a lady, for any reason, he agreed and gave up the driver’s seat, begging for her to be careful. With nothing around to hit there wasn’t much she could do to cause damage or danger, but the idea of her behind the wheel made him feel a little uneasy. He checked his seatbelt twice, and waited for the worst.

  “Now let me take you for a ride, cowboy.” She smiled saucily and dropped it into gear. The moment drive kicked in, she punched it, sending them flinging and flying through a brown tidal wave. With precision movements, she took them into advanced maneuvers and turns, landing a perfect 360 ‘Cops’ style.

  Tim couldn’t believe it. “You are outdriving me, you sexy little minx! I gotta say, it makes me wonder. What else can you make a perfect ride on?”

  “Guess you will have to find out, now, won’t you?” Her tone was sultry and suggestive, sending a rush of blood straight to his cock.

  “Hot damn, you are something else. Saddle on up here, darlin’. I promise to give you one hell of a time.”

  “Maybe someday…but right now you need to saddle up and hang on!” With no warning, she took off in a bolt across the lane, barreling through a deep puddle. Half way through, the tires started spinning, and momentum stopped.

  Her cute little pout made him laugh out loud. “Flip that little red knob into four wheel low, baby. The whole point of mudding is trying to get stuck. Now, let’s see if we can get out.”

  “We better be able to! I can’t believe we are this deep.” Looking out, he could see the mud almost to the bottom of the doors, which were elevated from the big monster tires. She locked them in and tried to no avail.

  “Hang on, let me try. Trade me places again.” She did, sliding over him as he slid along the seat into place. It was only a matter of minutes before he had them out of the gunk and headed back to the dry, hard bank. Once he hit the peak, he stopped and put it into park. Up ahead, they had a clear, gorgeous view of the huge full moon that seemed to fill the sky. Off to the left, the main river ran swift, casting the moon’s reflection in sparkling twinkles. It was breathtaking.

  “Oh my gosh, this place is gorgeous.”

  “Yeah, this is my thinking spot. I come here whenever life seems to be getting the better of me. You should see it on a harvest moon. It is Halloweenishly spooky.” He snickered, pulling her tight into the crook of his arm.

  “I love it.”

  “Well, you are welcome to use it anytime under one condition.”

  “Yeah? What’s that?”

  “You let me come with you.” He turned in his seat and brought his hand up to cup around her neck. “Harley, you are more than I imagined you would be. Thank you for tonight.” Before she could answer, he kissed her. Slowly and gently he moved in, softly tucking her hair out of the way with his thumb. The moment his lips met hers, it was magic. She could taste the sweetness of his gum, mixed with something that was all his own. Harley’s head swooned. He traced the seam of her lips, begging for entrance. It didn’t take much effort before she gave in and opened to meet him, one slow lick at a time. Like a pro, he deepened the kiss, twisting his tongue with hers in an intense tango. Just as her body started to react and reach for more, he pulled away.

  “I better get you home before you start to doubt my intentions.”

  “Or you doubt mine…” She looked up at him through her full lashes in a seductive stare, making it hard to back down. With his last little bit of willpower, he started the drive to her house. Soon, she would be his forever. “Harley, I would wait a lifetime for your heart. I am not going to rush you into something you aren’t ready for. But when you are, I promise you I will take you to the moon and back.”

  “I will hold you to that, cowboy. So, does that mean you want to take me out again?” Her cocky grin made him laugh.

  “I want to take you a lot of places…the bedroom, the kitchen…on the hood… but yes, I would be honored if you would go on another date with me.”

  Harley giggled like a school girl. “You are starting to sound like Rog now. Tomorrow night, Chinese. I get off work at five, and can have Jackson in bed by eight. After a long night of Nick at Night with dad tonight, he will be ready to crash early.”

  “I will pick you up at eight-thirty then. Now, tell me more about yourself. I want to know all of your favorites, from color to flower.”

  She snorted. “No you don’t. No man wants to know, they ask to work their way into the girl’s pants.”

  “Really? Well I have you know that I do want to know. Believe me, I don’t need help getting into women’s pants. I have enough game and swag that knowing your favorite flavor of tea isn’t going to matter.” She nudged him with her elbow, using it as an excuse to wiggle closer. The rest of the ride they talked, getting to know each other on a different level. Over the course of one night, she knew more about him than she had her whole life. She was amazed to have found so much more to the sexy cowboy than she had never seen.

  When he dropped her off, the goodnight kiss made the first look like a finger painting next to the Mona Lisa. If sex could be wrapped up in one smooch, he had just managed it. The moment his tongue slid along hers, she couldn’t help diving into his mouth to explore, tasting the sweetness and falling into a heated turmoil of lust. Her hands raked over the hard muscles of his arms, skimming down and over to stop on the mountain of his chest. She was right…there wasn’t a soft spot on the man. Her fingers wandered until they reached the hem of his shirt, and snaked under the hem to his belly. An unsuspected growl echoed into her mouth, jolting straight to her clit. She moved closer, pressing against him tightly. Her hands and mouth went wild. The kiss escalated into heated pants and licks, trailing down necks and under collar lines. When the front porch light flicked on, they both jumped back ten feet like teens caught making out on the couch. Frank’s face appeared in the window, and his finger pointed straight at Tim. “Well, it looks like we are busted. I better get before he steps out with the twelve gauge.”

  Harley shook her head and giggled, bursting out in laughter at the same time Tim did the second Frank’s disapproving face disappeared. “Yeah, sorry about that. He is a dad, no matter how old I get. I guess I will see you tomorrow then…”

  “You can bet your sweet little ass you will. Do me a favor and wear jeans. That tight little dress had me in agony all night. I think I am going to have to ice the boys down before I get some sleep tonight.” He winked playfully, making her blush.

  “I do have a jean miniskirt that woul
d look great with my boots…and a low necked sweater to match, you might need to keep me warm though.”

  Tim groaned. “You are killin’ me, woman. I would be more than happy to keep you warm, anytime.” He dropped his mouth to hers in a sweet kiss and started backing up.

  “See you tomorrow, beautiful. Dream of me.”

  “Mmmm. I am sure I will. Dream of me.”

  “I do every night. Bye.” As he turned and walked toward the truck, she turned to the door and opened it. Unable to resist, she shot a look over her shoulder and caught him staring at her through the windshield. With a huge grin he winked with a cocky smile and took off.

  She half expected to see her dad waiting up for a full report, but he wasn’t. His whole ‘scary dad’ routine was to make sure she was okay, and to scare Tim. Harley giggled all through the house, loving the man more and more. She was the luckiest daughter in the world. Heck, she was the luckiest mom, and now woman, in the world if things kept going like they were. As she shut the house down for the night, she found a note on the counter.

  Short Stack,

  Life is funny…when you least expect it, fate finds you. It is your job to accept it and fall prey to destiny. If destiny screws up, it is Dad’s job to hide the body. Remember, the past is the past. There isn’t any way to change it. No one knows what the future will hold, but the present is a gift. Live for each moment.

  Sweet dreams, angel.

  Harley chuckled, loving the deep and meaningful words of advice. He must have watched Kung Fu Panda with Jackson tonight. Ten bucks says tomorrow will be something about noodles.

  With a love-drunk buzz, Harley locked up and headed to bed. Every moment replayed in her mind, dragging her into a deep sleep.