Cowboy Promise

by Janalyn Knight

  Laughing, he said, “Hellion?”

  “You bet.”

  His fingertip traced the outline of her lip. She leaned into him.

  He took a relieved breath. Dallas wanted him, too. Cupping her head, he brushed his lips to hers. She sighed softly.

  His pulse raced as he pulled her tight against him. His kisses were slow, wet, and coaxing. He needed her to want him as much as he wanted her.

  She kissed him back, lifting up on her toes to reach his lips and sliding her hands around his neck. As her fingers ran through his hair, he took control of the kiss, possessive, greedy, delving deep and caressing her tongue. Shit, she was making him hard.

  She pulled him down to her with a kiss so hot his hands trembled. God, didn’t she say she wanted to take things slow?

  Easing back, he feathered kisses across her lips, changing the tempo, giving her time to find herself again. She darted her tongue between his lips, and his heart lurched into full speed again. They tasted each other deeply, and he moaned. God, this woman was testing every ounce of his restraint.

  He pulled her down with him to lay on the sofa, stretching her across his length, giving her the power to break off at any time.

  Looking into her eyes, he brushed her hair from her cheek. She stared back with a small, dazed smile. He clasped her waist and slid her up further on his chest. Her lips were now kissably close. “I want you, Dallas. Someday soon, you’ll choose me, and we’ll make love.” Running his thumb across her plump lower lip, he said, “It’ll be the best day of my life.”

  Before she could answer, he pulled her to him. His kiss was tender, sweet. He needed her to feel how cherished she’d be every day of her life.

  He slid his tongue in her mouth, deepening the kiss, caressing her as his pulse ramped up. He couldn’t help it. There was no stopping kissing the woman when he had her this close. Cupping her head in his hands, he claimed her lips, thrusting all else from his mind.

  Her full, taut breasts pushed against him. He wanted her! Growling, he grabbed her hips and dragged her across the bulge at his zipper.

  She pulled back from him just as he realized what he’d done and froze.

  He whispered, “Oops.” The pupils in her eyes were so dilated he could hardly tell their color. My God, she’s so damn sexy. “I don’t think that was exactly taking it slow. Sorry.”

  She laughed shortly and licked her lips. “What did you say? It takes two?” Leaning her head against his chest, she said, “I like kissing you.”

  He tipped her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I didn’t want to stop. I want you, Dallas. But when you’re ready. Not before. I know I’m the one for you. I can give you what you need. The life that will make you and Piper happy. I just need you to discover that for yourself.”

  She snuggled closer. “I can’t even imagine what this situation must be like for you. I want you to know that I really care for you, too. I mean that. If it helps, when I’m with you like this, I just know you’re the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with.”

  He frowned. “Then you see your lawyer and get all confused again.”

  She sighed, lines appearing in her forehead. “It’s awful. I can’t tell you how confusing it is. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I promise, I’ll figure it out.”

  He patted her, keeping his expression neutral. They snuggled, near sleep, until Piper woke from her nap.

  They spent the afternoon on horseback. Piper got to ride by herself in the corral, declaring that she was a cowgirl by the time she was finished. Cash had Dallas ride in the corral for a little while until she got comfortable giving the horse commands, then they rode all over the home pasture.

  Cash had a big back yard where he barbequed the steaks, roasted corn, and even baked potatoes on the pit. By the time the oranges and reds of sunset streaked the horizon, they all had full stomachs. Piper played chase with Blue Boy. The dog seemed tickled to know someone who actually liked being chased.

  Cash pulled Dallas into his lap. Their lawn chairs faced the colorful evening sky. “I’ve had the best day. I wish you were mine. You’d never have to leave. Just think of all the bedrooms Piper has to choose from.”

  Dallas cracked up. “Well, that is a selling point I hadn’t thought of.” She cupped his face and brushed a soft kiss across his lips. “I had a wonderful day, too. You have a beautiful home here. I love it.”

  “Well, the house has character, and the ranch is beautiful.” He caught her gaze and held it. “Dallas, I want my children raised here where they know their neighbors and the kids they go to school with. My kids will grow up loving animals and the land. They’ll go to church with me and love God like I do. They’ll learn to respect their elders and be proud of their country.” He held her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “Our children will have that life, Dallas.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “You’re offering me the world, and I know it. Thank you, Cash.” As she nestled her head on his shoulder, the last colors of the sunset faded.

  Darkness settled over them, and Cash squeezed her. “Before you go, I want to tell you something. You never let me explain about the girl that kissed me at the club.”

  She stiffened in his arms but held still.

  “She had no right to do that. She’s one of Jesse’s ex-girlfriends. That girl was always coming on to me, even while she was dating him. She was drunk. I sure didn’t want her kiss or her piling into my lap. I’m so sorry you had to see it.”

  Dallas didn’t say anything, but she gave him a quick kiss. He was forgiven.

  Patting her leg, he said, “You’d better get on the road. Deer are a menace this time of night.”

  He helped her gather Piper’s bag and toys and load her into the car. Not caring that Piper’s eager eyes were watching, he pulled Dallas in for a lingering kiss. When he drew back, he looked her in the eyes. “You think on today, long and hard, Dallas. You’ll know in your heart who to choose.”

  She bit her lip, looking torn. “Oh, Cash...”

  Kissing her cheek, he said, “Go on, now. Get home safe.”

  THAT NIGHT, DALLAS turned over for the umpteenth time, her mind racing. Piper had fallen asleep in the car and didn’t wake when Dallas put her to bed. It being a work night, Dallas had gone to bed shortly after. But her thoughts tormented her, keeping her awake.

  Everything about her day with Cash had affected her deeply. He’d acted like a different man, leaving her in no doubt as to what he wanted. She’d been overwhelmed. She was the luckiest woman alive to have Cash Powers care about her. And yet, here she was, unable to accept what he offered. At least, not now. Every aching breath she took told her she had to choose soon.

  She remembered the passion Ethan aroused in her on the couch in their suite in California. And, after he rescued her from his mom, she had felt so protected and cherished. How could she forget the way she couldn’t keep her hands off him in the town car as they drove back to her house? He had the financial resources to provide everything for her daughter that Dallas had ever dreamed of as a child.

  Flipping herself over again, she jammed the pillow under her neck. What the hell was wrong with her? How could she feel so strongly about two men at the same damn time? She couldn’t bear to hurt either man. Yet she could see that coming and she couldn’t stand it.

  But in the end, she would have to choose. She’d tear the heart out of a good man.

  Chapter Twelve

  Two weeks later, Dallas leaned back into the deep leather cushion of the limo seat and wiped her hands on a napkin. Ethan had packed a wonderful lunch for the drive to Dallas. The symphony started at seven-thirty, but they planned on arriving early. They’d have plenty of time to check-in at the hotel and dress.

  He passed her a glass of wine. “I can’t tell you how much I look forward to having you to myself this weekend.” He clinked his glass with hers. “To beautiful music and desire.”

  She smothered a smile, raising her own
glass. “To my first symphony and a night to be someone other than Mommy.”

  Tapping her glass, he said, “Tonight, I promise you, when I hold you in my arms, you definitely won’t feel like a mommy.” The look in his eyes and his wicked smile left her in no doubt as to his meaning.

  Her lips parted as she leaned toward him. This handsome man, so kind to her in every way, reached into the center of her being—answered an elemental yearning that had crushed her from the earliest memories she owned. That terrible craving came from poverty—never, ever having enough. With Ethan, she was safe from hunger, unmet needs, nameless wanting. He had everything she ever wished for. She touched his face. “I don’t thank you enough for the kind things you do for me. I’m looking forward to this weekend, too.”

  He leaned in, brushing the softest, feathery kisses across her lips. Pulling back, he caught her gaze. “I love taking care of you. I want to spend the rest of my life finding ways to make your life better. You need to understand that, Dallas.”

  Like balm on a scraped knee, his words eased her. Smiling, she sat back in the seat and closed her eyes. The thrum of the car’s powerful engine lulled her.

  A moment later, Ethan clasped her hand.

  She opened her eyes and took a sip of wine. Squeezing his fingers, she stared out the window. This would be a wonderful life. She’d never want for anything. He would cherish her, and Piper would have the best life could offer. How could she not choose Ethan?

  JUST AFTER SEVEN WITH Dallas on his arm, Ethan walked toward their boxed seats, near the stage. The box belonged to one of his childhood friends who allowed Ethan to use it on occasion. Men were staring at Dallas, and no wonder. The long, emerald-green, off-the-shoulder gown fit every contour of her stunning figure. With her hair piled high on her head, leaving loose strands to curl around her face and neck, there wasn’t a more beautiful woman in the room. And she was his. Damned if he wouldn’t do everything in his power this weekend to make sure she chose him. As they arrived at their seats, he slid his arm around her waist and ushered her inside. They had the box to themselves tonight.

  A waitress came by a few minutes later, and he ordered wine.

  Dallas’s eyes were glued to the stage where the musicians tuned their instruments and visited quietly with each other, making a wild mishmash of sounds.

  He caught her gaze, and she grinned at him. Clasping her hand, he asked, “What do you think?”

  Excitement bled through her fingers, and she answered in a rush. “I didn’t know there were so many people in a symphony. I can’t wait until they start.”

  The wine arrived, and he handed her a glass. “The lights go out, and it’s dark except for the stage. Your whole world becomes the music. I lose myself in it every time. I can’t help it.”

  Her eyes widened, and she sighed. “Oh, Ethan. How lucky you are to enjoy nights like this in your life.”

  Sliding his arm around her, he said, “I’m lucky to have nights like this with you in my life.”

  She kissed his cheek and looked out over the stage again.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her beautiful face, long, slender neck, and those full breasts pushing up from the scooping neckline of the dress were like a siren’s call. His fingers itched to touch every inch of her gorgeous body. Not tonight, though. She wasn’t quite there, yet. Now, New York, that was a different story. If he had his way, and he was sure he would, his time with her in New York would be something else entirely.

  The hall quieted as the conductor came on stage. The crowd applauded with enthusiasm, and he bowed. As the man gathered the attention of the musicians, Ethan glanced at Dallas. The music began, and she leaned forward, her eyes wide and that beautiful mouth of hers slightly open. He wanted to kiss those full lips and drive everything but thoughts of him from her mind. He set his chin on his steepled hands. There would be time for that. Let her enjoy this first taste of exquisite music.

  At the end of the evening, when the last note sounded, Dallas leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, clasping her hands to her breast. “Ethan, this was the most beautiful night I’ve ever spent. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

  He brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “I loved watching you enjoy it. We have dinner reservations. Are you hungry?”

  She raised her brows and laughed. “I just realized I’m famished.”

  “Come on, then.”

  He’d already texted the driver, and their limo was outside waiting for them. The restaurant was close and, in no time, they were seated at a table, sipping wine.

  Ethan glanced over his menu and asked, “Are you tired?”

  “I am, and I can’t understand why. It’s like I ran a marathon or something.”

  Laughing, he said, “You lived every note of that music. It’s no wonder.”

  “I’ll sure sleep good tonight.”

  He smothered a smile. That depended. He might have her so revved up before he turned her loose it would take hours for her to fall asleep. She’d accept his marriage proposal when it came. He’d make sure of that.

  They didn’t dawdle over dinner, and he pulled Dallas into his arms as they rode back to the hotel.

  Closing her eyes, she snuggled into him and relaxed. He planted tiny kisses on her forehead, and she lifted her mouth for a kiss, eyes still closed. His belly tightened. She looked so damned vulnerable like that, and infinitely more desirable. Her lips were petal-soft. He shivered, the intensity of his need pulsing through him. Yet, he slowed. Tracing the seam of her lips with the tip of his tongue, he withdrew.

  Her eyes had stayed closed. She was still waiting for his touch. He breathed a tiny breath in her ear and landed the lightest little kiss on the sensitive spot behind it. A shiver ran through her.

  Yes. Tremble, Dallas. Want me. As he lowered his lips to hers, she opened to his soft, coaxing kisses. He adored her mouth with his tongue. She cupped his face, teasing him with a kiss of her own.

  It nearly drove him to lose control. They must be near the hotel. He kissed her hard, then soft, then hard again. When he pulled back, she was breathing in quick pants. She wanted more, and that was how he’d leave her until they got back to the suite. Clasping her cheek in his hand, he ran his thumb across her lower lip. “Dallas, you’re an amazing woman.”

  She breathed deeply and sat back against the seat. “Oh, Lord. You do know how to kiss a girl, Ethan Keys.”

  Once at the hotel, he opened their door and turned to her. “Join me in a nightcap. Please?”

  Smiling, she walked past him into the room. “One glass, then. I’m tired. I wish it weren’t too late to call and check on Piper.”

  He inserted the wine opener into the bottle he’d left on the table before they set out for the symphony. “Come on. Remember, you’re not a mommy tonight.”

  She grinned. “Oh, right.”

  After pouring them each a glass, he joined Dallas on the sofa. Passing one to her, he reached his arm around her and snugged her up close. As he gently kissed her temple, he said, “You make me happy.” And she did. Happier than any woman had in a very long time. That was why he must tread carefully. She had feelings for her cowboy. He had to reel her in, despite those feelings, and make her choose him wholeheartedly.

  Leaning her head against his shoulder, she replied, “Ethan, I feel so safe with you. I relax, and you take care of everything. You make the most amazing things happen in my life.”

  He took Dallas’s glass and set it on the table. Tilting her chin, he kissed her, keeping it chaste, warming her slowly to him. His hand grazed her breast as he clasped her waist and turned her toward him. Sliding his fingers into her hair, he deepened the kiss, flicking her lips with his tongue and finally entering her mouth.

  Sighing, she relaxed into him, her hand at his cheek, matching him kiss for kiss.

  His mouth wandered from hers, tracing the contour of her throat as his hand slipped to her breast, partially exposed by the beautiful gown. As he cupped it, his thum
b found her swollen nipple and caressed it.

  She sucked in a breath.

  Returning to her mouth, he delivered a blistering kiss as he caressed her breast, molding it to his hand. She slid her hand behind his neck, sucking on his tongue, drowning him with hot, hungry kisses. He pulled back on his mental reins, fighting his own reaction. Now was not the time to lose control. She was where he wanted her now. Desiring him—desperately. But she couldn’t have him. Not yet. Not until he overpowered her feelings for that cowboy. When he took her, he’d be the only man she wanted.

  Drawing back, he held her face in his hands, holding her gaze. “How lovely you are, Dallas. And what an incredibly lucky man I am to have your affection. But I can’t let this go on. You must decide who you love. I know the kind of woman you are, and I won’t take advantage.” He drew her into a hug. That had come out just right. He was quite proud of himself.

  “Thank you, Ethan. You always take care of me. How could I not love you? I’ve never been so confused in my life.”

  He set her away from him again. “I know, love, but you have to decide soon. I’ve fallen for you. I’ll do anything to make you mine. Just tell me what you want.”

  She cupped his face, stroking his cheek with her thumb. “Thank you for caring for me, Ethan, and I’m so sorry to keep you hanging. I’ll figure this out. I promise.”

  Helping her to her feet, he gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead. His plan was proceeding well. Without doubt, Dallas Royle would soon be in his bed, and not long after, his wife.

  THE NEXT DAY, THE LIMO sat at a stop light. Dallas smoothed the material of her slacks and straightened her bracelet. When Ethan had called last week and told her that his mother had invited them to lunch at her country club, Dallas had almost lost her dinner. The thought of sitting down to another meal with the woman had Dallas trembling, and she hated that. She was strong and could take anything his mother could dish out. With a deep breath, Dallas crossed her legs and forced her face into a calm mask. She would get through this, and nothing Linda said could change how Dallas felt about Ethan.