Do You Take this Cowboy?

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  She couldn’t say the same for Austin, though. He was clearly in the swing of this new stage in the life of Thunder Mountain Ranch. He asked more questions than anybody, or so it seemed to her. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he’d already lined up his baby mama.

  Maybe he had. He’d said all the right words about having fun without any strings or promises, but judging from his intense interest in the baby news, he was eager to start a family. She was not. By continuing their affair, she was selfishly wasting his valuable time.

  The party lasted a little longer after that, but everyone agreed that they all needed to get some rest before the big day.

  Before they left, Cade asked for everyone’s attention one last time. “I got a special phone call today. My cousin Jack Chance and his mom, my aunt Sarah, are driving over from Jackson Hole tomorrow.”

  Drew blinked. The reputation of the Chance brothers, co-owners of the Last Chance Ranch, had spread as far as Billings. She vaguely remembered serving one of the brothers at Martinelli’s during her waitressing days. It might have been Jack.

  “Oh, Cade.” Lexi looked at him with shining eyes. “That’s fantastic. When were you going to tell me?”

  “Couldn’t decide the right moment. Didn’t want to interfere with the baby news, so this seemed like the perfect time.” He glanced around at the group. “Some of you know the story and some don’t, but two years ago I didn’t think I had any blood relatives. Finding out I was related to the owners of the Last Chance Ranch came as a big shock.”

  “But you’ve adjusted, right, bro?” Finn smiled. “Sure seems like it.”

  “I have, and I feel like a lucky son of a gun to have them as relatives. We invited the whole family, although God knows where we would have put them all considering our limited seating. They couldn’t bring everyone because of schedule conflicts, so Jack and Aunt Sarah are representing the family.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them.” Rosie gave Cade a hug. “This is wonderful news, son.”

  “It’ll be good to see them again,” Finn said. “Chels and I got to spend a few days at the Last Chance two years ago. We’d be glad to introduce them around.”

  Chelsea laughed. “From what I remember of Jack Chance, he’ll need no introduction. The guy’s a force of nature.”

  Yep, Drew decided. She’d served Jack Chance. Martinelli’s piped in music from a sound system but they had no dance floor. Jack had insisted on dancing her around the tables anyway when one of his favorite songs had come on. Then he’d left her a huge tip.

  “So is that it for startling announcements?” Damon lifted a sleeping Sophie from Phil’s arms. “Because I need to get my ladies tucked in for the night.”

  “And I need my beauty sleep.” Lexi gave Cade a quick kiss. “See you at the altar, cowboy.”

  Cade stared at her. “You’re really going home with your parents? I thought you were kidding.”

  “Not kidding.”

  “But I’ll be all by myself.”

  “You’ll have your cat.” She gave him another kiss, this time on the cheek. “Bye, sweetie.”

  “Damn.” Cade looked crestfallen. “Ringo’s great, but he doesn’t say much.”

  Austin glanced at Drew. “I’ll walk you to your truck, but I need to talk with Cade first. Wait for me?”

  “Sure.”

  “Jonah and I will go on ahead,” Elise said. “The truck’s unlocked, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “We’ll probably take our time. It’s a gorgeous night.”

  “That it is.” Jonah slipped his hand through hers as they left the meadow.

  Drew took comfort in her sister’s enjoyment of this flirtation with Jonah. It might turn into something or fizzle out, but for now Elise seemed to have forgotten about Italy.

  Austin had his arm around Cade’s shoulders as they talked. She didn’t want to eavesdrop so she moved a little farther away. Snippets still drifted in her direction, though—things like “important day,” “fancy dress” and “Lexi’s special moment.” She concluded that Austin had given plenty of thought to the subject of brides and weddings, too.

  His conversation with Cade had obviously cheered up the bridegroom because now he and Austin were laughing like fools. Finn and Ty walked over to get in on whatever it was while Chelsea and Whitney stood together watching and shaking their heads.

  “See you jokers later,” Austin said as he left the group and started toward Drew.

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Junior,” Cade called after him.

  Finn laughed. “That leaves a hell of a lot of territory!” He added something else that Drew couldn’t hear and the guys launched into another fit of laughter.

  Austin came toward her grinning. “Mission accomplished. Couldn’t stand to see that sad look on his face.”

  “I know. I realize there’s a tradition that the bride isn’t supposed to see the groom the morning of the wedding, but when they’ve been living together isn’t that sort of pointless?”

  “I think this is about Lexi’s bond with her parents. She wants one more chance to go home and be their little girl again.”

  “Oh.” She was touched by his insight. “Then it makes perfect sense. She loves them a lot. That was clear from the way she thanked them in the video. But it does leave Cade alone with his cat.”

  “He won’t be.” Austin took her hand and wove his fingers through hers as they started toward the barn. “Since Jonah and I are the unattached ones, we’ll spend the night up at his cabin. I suggested it and he liked the idea. I’m sure Jonah will go along with it, too. We’ll drink some beer, play some cards.”

  “That’s very nice of you.” Holding hands with Austin was a pleasure she was growing increasingly fond of. As they walked she savored the warmth, strength and affection he communicated with that simple gesture. If she ultimately decided to give up that pleasure, that would be a sad day.

  “Hey, we’re brothers. It’s what we do for each other.”

  “But you’ll also get some sleep, right?”

  “Worried about me?”

  “I am, but I’m even more concerned about Cade from a practical standpoint. If he’s dead on his feet and he’s the only one with the mic, then the ceremony could suck, which would be disappointing for everyone.”

  “Tell you what. I’ll make it my job to see that he gets some shut-eye tonight. How’s that?”

  “Helpful. Thank you.”

  “I noticed your sister and Jonah went ahead of us. That could mean they want to be alone for a while.”

  “I’m guessing they do.”

  “Then we should meander along and give them some extra time.” He slowed his pace. “Come to think of it, they might be to the kissing stage by now.”

  “They might.”

  “Speaking of kissing...”

  And here she was, yearning to feel his strong arms around her and yet wondering if she would only create heartache in the long run.

  He didn’t seem to notice her hesitation. “The minute I took your hand my brain checked out. It’s a wonder I managed that much of a segue.”

  “I thought it was cute.” His use of the word segue reminded her of another quality she admired about him. He was literate, and not in a stuffy, self-important way. He’d read books because he’d loved the stories.

  He squeezed her hand. “Here’s my idea. There’s a place in the shadows beside the barn. If we slide into that spot before we get to your truck, Jonah and Elise won’t even know we’re there.”

  “I see.” She tried to summon the willpower to refuse. She failed.

  “I really need to kiss you again before you leave tonight.”

  Heat suffused her body and she resisted the urge to fan herself. “We should probably discuss something else.
”

  “Like what?”

  “Tell me about Jonah.”

  “Ah, okay. Let me recalibrate some brain cells. Jonah. Somewhat footloose. Man of a million ideas who can’t settle on any one of them for long. Drove me crazy until I accepted that he might drift from one thing to another for the rest of his life.”

  “You don’t think being a licensed minister will turn into anything?”

  “No, ma’am. He enjoys marrying folks but said he can’t settle on one denomination. Most churches expect you to declare a preference.”

  “True.”

  “He’s good with people and horses. Dude ranch work suits him. Is that enough about Jonah?”

  “Is he nice to women?”

  “Always. But picky. He must think your sister is special since he’s taken an interest.”

  “She is special. Someday she’ll be living in a large city because that’s where she’ll find the right job. Jonah doesn’t seem like a big-city kind of guy.”

  “He’s not.”

  “But if he’s the footloose type...”

  “Exactly. They can have some temporary fun.” He pulled her to a stop and smiled down at her. “I don’t think you have to worry, Drew. He’s a good guy. And I’d love to change the subject.”

  Her pulse kicked into high gear. “Okay.”

  “Come with me, pretty lady.” He led her to their right, avoiding the pool of light cast by the dusk-to-dawn lamp mounted over the barn doors. Then he hung his hat on the end of the hitching post.

  They ended up in deep shadow on the side of the barn farthest away from where her truck was parked. She kept her voice down. “Was that hat some kind of signal?”

  “Used to be. Don’t know if anybody remembers.” He pulled her close.

  “I can barely see you.”

  “You don’t need to see me.” He cradled her jaw in one hand and pressed his thumb to the corner of her mouth. “Just let me in.”

  She instinctively parted her lips and he was there, the firm pressure of his lips coaxing her to open even more. With a soft groan, he thrust his tongue inside. Then he proceeded to hold her head very still as he ravished her mouth. He took possession of every inch, teasing, nipping and using his tongue in ways that made her writhe against him in frustration.

  Shoving her hands in his back pockets, she pressed her hips tight against his groin and yearned for the barriers between them to magically disappear. He pushed her against the side of the barn and nestled his aroused package between her parted thighs.

  Slowly he raised his head. His voice was strained. “Let the record show that I really want you right now.” He gulped for air. “But I’m going to control myself.”

  She took a shaky breath. “Am I supposed to be thankful?”

  “I sure hope not.” He nudged the aching spot between her thighs. “I hope you’re thinking about when we can solve our mutual problem.”

  “Sunday night.” They had issues, but they needed time and privacy to sort them out.

  “That’s an eternity from now.”

  “I know.”

  “But we’ll make it.” He shuddered. “Not sure how, but...” He sighed. “We will.” Touching his mouth very lightly to hers, he gently sucked on her lower lip.

  She was definitely wound too tight, because that simple caress nearly sent her over the edge.

  Slowly he backed away. “No more.” He sucked in air. “No more good-night kisses.”

  “Just...just as well.”

  “I’m holding out for a good-morning one.”

  “Not tomorrow, though. I’ll be—”

  “I’m not talking about tomorrow.”

  “Oh.”

  “When you come back from Billings on Sunday, I want the whole night.”

  She swallowed. “Okay.”

  “Good. That’s settled.” He took a deep breath. “Excuse me while I do a little pacing. I need to walk off some of this tension.”

  “I understand.”

  He chuckled. “I doubt that, but thanks for the support.” He winced. “Once you’re in the truck and on your way, I’ll be much better.”

  “I don’t want to startle Jonah and my sister. How did you want to work this?”

  “We’ll approach the truck while having an animated conversation.”

  “Not necessary, bro.” Jonah came around the corner of the barn carrying Austin’s hat. “I left Elise sitting in the truck. Then I saw this and figured I’d hang out by the hitching post until I heard what sounded like normal conversation.”

  “So you did remember.”

  “Sort of. I recognized your hat and you were wearing it when Elise and I left the meadow, so if it was now on the hitching post that logically had to be a make-out signal.”

  Drew pushed away from the side of the barn. “If Elise is ready to go, then I’d better get over there.”

  “No rush,” Jonah said. “She thought you two might linger along the way.”

  “That’s what comes from double-dating with my sister. She knows way too much.”

  Austin came toward her. “I’ll walk you over there.”

  “Tell you what.” She reached up and touched his cheek where his whiskers were starting to grow. “You and Jonah can stand by the barn and watch to make sure I get in the truck and drive away without incident. But you really don’t need to escort me over there.”

  “She’s right,” Jonah said.

  “But—”

  “I know that isn’t how Rosie taught us, but there are times you need to throw out the rule book.”

  Austin laughed. “Do you even have a rule book anymore? You’ve been throwing it out ever since I knew you.”

  “I have one. It just doesn’t look like everyone else’s.”

  Drew filed that comment away. She might need to pay closer attention to this budding relationship and make sure her sister didn’t get hurt by some cowboy with a different set of principles. “So is the consensus that I can walk to the truck on my own?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Austin glanced at Jonah. “I’m overruled.”

  “Then I’ll leave you both. Have fun keeping Cade company while he waits for his wedding day. Good night.” She gave Austin a quick kiss on the cheek and walked away.

  When she climbed into the cab, Elise glanced over at her. “I have a crush on that cowboy.”

  “Tell me something I don’t already know.” She fished the keys out from under the seat and started the truck. “FYI, according to Austin, Jonah’s not the type to live in a big city.”

  “I figured that out. Who knows? Maybe I’m not, either.”

  “What are you talking about? All you’ve ever wanted was a job curating an extensive art collection for a major museum. You’re not going to find that job in a small town.”

  “I know, but losing this internship has made me reevaluate.”

  “That’s fine, but please don’t let a good-looking cowboy, who, by the way, has no idea what he wants from life, derail your entire career plan.”

  “He knows what he wants.”

  “Like what? I mean aside from the obvious short-term goal that we don’t need to lay out in detail.”

  “He wants a life based on meaning instead of material possessions. I find that sexy.”

  “Material possessions like fine art?”

  “We didn’t get into that, but he gave me something to think about—fine art as stuff. It’s a concept I hadn’t considered before.”

  Drew groaned. “I’m not liking the sound of this.”

  “I didn’t think you would. But it’s not like we’re in love or anything so you can stand down, sis.”

  “Yeah, okay. I’ll admit it’s a hot-button issue for me so I’m probably overreacting, or projectin
g, or whatever the terms are.”

  “I’d believe that. So how are things going with Austin? You didn’t look terribly excited during all the talk about babies.”

  “I’m totally happy for those couples if that’s what they want. But that’s not where I am in my life. I’m becoming convinced that’s where Austin’s at, though.”

  “Honestly, that wouldn’t surprise me. You said he’s been with Rosie and Herb since he was nine and Rosie loves weddings and kids. I picked up on that immediately.”

  “So you think I might be right that he’s ready to start a family of his own?” She glanced over at Elise. “Even though he says we can just hang out and have fun?”

  “Considering his behavior tonight, maybe he is ready to settle down, despite what he’s said to you. You have more info to go on now. I’d suggest another heart-to-heart with the man.”

  Drew sighed. “I’ll do that. But the wedding doesn’t make that kind of conversation easy. Then again, if it hadn’t been for the wedding, he might not have come back from New Zealand when he did.”

  “Do you regret meeting him?”

  She thought about it. “No. I’ll never regret meeting Austin. He’s one of the good guys.” She took a deep breath. “But that doesn’t mean we’re meant for each other.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  By Saturday morning Austin could see that Cade was a nervous wreck. Playing cards and drinking beer was no longer an appropriate distraction. Since Austin needed a trip to town for guitar strings, he proposed Jonah and Cade go with him. They could fuel up with breakfast at the diner, pick up the strings and shop for some decorative doodads to make the cabin more festive when Lexi returned that night.

  Two hours later they arrived back at the cabin with the new strings plus a boatload of scented candles, flower arrangements, various types of chocolates, wine and a teddy bear couple dressed in wedding outfits. The bears had been Austin’s idea.

  “I’m doing this when I get married,” he said as he surveyed the stash on the kitchen table and the kitchen counters. “What a great idea to welcome her with all these goodies.”

  Cade rubbed the back of his neck. “Hope so.”