Strong-Willed Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 5)

by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond

  “I’m with you, cowboy.” She glanced toward the window. “Sun’s coming up. I’ll text Henri, let her know about the ride and check on Aunt Lilith.”

  “Can you believe I forgot all about your aunt?”

  “I’d like to forget about her.”

  “Can we even go on this ride? Or do you have to babysit her?”

  “Henri has babysitting duty today. She insisted on it after Aunt Lilith maneuvered us into taking her home.”

  He let out a sigh of relief. “That’s awesome. I’ll figure out some way to thank her later.”

  She nodded. “Me, too. Lots of ways.”

  “Then we’re all set. Would you be willing to pack a lunch?”

  “Be happy to. Should I bring it to the barn?”

  “Tell you what. I’ll saddle the horses and ride over here. Do you want Lucky Ducky again?”

  “Absolutely. I love that horse. When should I be ready?”

  “How does an hour sound?”

  “Great. What are you going to do about breakfast?”

  “I’ll grab a bowl of cereal at the bunkhouse.”

  She made a face. “I could make you something quick before you leave.”

  “I couldn’t handle it.”

  “Your stomach’s upset?”

  “My stomach’s fine. It’s the area below my belt that’s the problem. It wants what it wants, and it’s not breakfast.”

  “Oh.” Her core tightened. “Ever hear of a quickie?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Want to do that?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He stood. “Can’t risk it.”

  “Why?”

  “I’d still be wearing a big ol’ smile when I walked into that bunkhouse. The truth would be written all over my face.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Beautiful day. Beautiful woman to share it with. Rafe couldn’t ask for more as he and Kate ambled down the trail side-by-side on Butch and Lucky Ducky.

  Two months ago the weather had been hot and Kate’s mood had been cool. Today the weather was cool and Kate was looking hot. He’d brought a blanket and tied it behind his saddle. Spread out, it had more square footage than a double bed.

  As they’d mounted up in front of her cottage and started toward the trail, she’d offered to cook dinner for him tonight. That would be a treat.

  The real treat would be after dinner, though. He’d be wise not to dwell on that, but he wasn’t wise when it came to Kate. This time there’d be no party at the fire pit, no doubt about whether he’d share her bed.

  The guys had given him knowing smiles when he’d spun his yarn about friendship this morning. But they hadn’t called bullshit. Tomorrow they might. So what? After two nights of making sweet love to Kate he’d be so high he wouldn’t give a damn about anything. He’d brought his razor this time so he could—

  “I talked to Aunt Lilith this morning.”

  “Oh?” The sensual movie rolling in his head switched over to something that featured screeching violins. “And?”

  “She and Henri were having breakfast when I texted, so she knew I was up and she called me.”

  “How’s she doing?” He didn’t care, but Kate’s tone put him on alert. She’d brought this up for a reason.

  She gazed straight ahead. “She’s excited because the Babes invited her to be part of their monthly sleepover tonight.”

  “Tonight?”

  She turned to look at him. “Weird, right?”

  “On so many levels. It’s not the right day. They always do it on Thursday nights. And they don’t even like her.”

  “I know. She’s going to be with Henri all day so I couldn’t figure out how to talk to Henri and ask what’s going on. Aunt Lilith said they switched the night so she could be there. She’s totally flattered.”

  “They’re up to something. They don’t invite just anybody to those sleepovers. You have to be a barrel racer and have a buckskin, for one thing.”

  “They’ve invited Ellie Mae Stockton, too. She’s driving up from Eagles Nest today. She doesn’t fit the profile, either.”

  “She doesn’t, but she makes better sense than your aunt. Ellie Mae endeared herself to the Babes during the bachelor auction. Your aunt’s a pain in the butt.”

  “So maybe they switched nights to accommodate Ellie Mae, and Aunt Lilith just happens to be here, although that’s not the way she presented it.”

  “It could be the only night Ellie Mae could get away, since she works at the drugstore down there. It is the right week, at least. I can see Lilith wanting to believe the timing was all about her, though.”

  “Which it still could be. She’s flying out tomorrow.”

  His stomach clenched. She’d known that factoid since he’d arrived with Butch and Lucky. Should have been the first thing she said when she saw him. “Kind of buried the lead, there, Kate.”

  She sighed. “Yes, I did. It caught me off guard. I expected she’d stay a few more days.”

  “I thought you wanted her out of here ASAP.”

  “That was before… before we…”

  “Yeah, okay.” He got it. Her plan to quit while they were ahead remained firmly in place. But now that they’d done the deed, she’d hoped for an extension on the timeline.

  “It’s not like she has a job she has to rush back to. She seemed intrigued with the ranch and she likes you a lot.”

  “Then why’s she leaving?”

  “She’s attending a gala next weekend and she’s spending three days in Chicago with her friends dress shopping.”

  “Of course she is.” He took a deep breath. “Tomorrow, huh?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “I seem to recall you were the one who decided we’d end this when she left. It’s a free country. You can change your mind.”

  “It makes the most sense, though.” Once again she stared straight ahead, her back straight as a ruler. “We weren’t supposed to be in this situation in the first place. It’s better if we end it cleanly when she leaves.”

  “Cleanly?” He had internal bleeding. Nothing clean about that.

  “You know what I mean.”

  “No, Kate, I don’t. You may be able to make a clean cut and go on, but—”

  “You said you’d take the deal.”

  Yep. He’d have said anything for the privilege of making love to her. But he was a man of his word. If he’d given it in haste, if he’d given it because he’d counted on changing her mind, then he’d gambled and lost. Nudging back his hat, he gazed at the fall foliage decorating the slopes of the mountains. Breathtaking scenery. Didn’t help.

  “You’re upset.”

  He looked at her. “Like you’re not?”

  “Maybe we need to figure out how to lessen the impact.”

  “I didn’t bring any booze.”

  “Ah, Rafe. Only you could make me smile at a time like this.”

  “That’s because I’m a keeper.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “So keep me.”

  “No can do. I’m putting you back.”

  “This bites, Kate.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Her expression softened. “Listen, maybe we shouldn’t drag this out. You could leave your truck in front of the cottage tonight and walk back to the bunkhouse. If she’s partying with the Babes, she’ll never know you didn’t stay overnight.”

  The ache in his chest made breathing tough. “Is that what you want?”

  She held his gaze. “I was the kid who begged to stay until the park closed. My folks wanted to leave early because of traffic. I hated getting stuck in traffic, too, but it was worth it for one more roller coaster ride.”

  He swallowed.

  “But you may prefer leaving early to avoid the traffic.”

  If she could take it, he could take it. “We’ll stay in the park until it closes.”

  “Okay.”

  He surveyed the trail ahead. “There’s a clearing about half a mile from here. It’s off the trail
a couple hundred feet. Want to stop there?”

  “Instead of going all the way to the glen?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Is it as pretty as the glen?”

  “No, but it’s a lot closer. And more private.”

  “Gotcha. The clearing it is.”

  Rafe sat on the blanket, cross-legged and barefoot, his shirt unbuttoned as he ate the turkey sandwich Kate had made. “This tastes good.”

  “Thanks.” She sat across from him wearing her jeans and her shirt. She’d left her bra off and her shirt unbuttoned at his request. “Glad you like it.”

  “I like the way you taste even better.”

  She blushed, and the rosy color moved from her cheeks to her throat and down to the swell of her breasts. “I’ve never done that in the great outdoors.”

  “Was it better or worse?”

  “Better. I was one with nature. Or maybe it was great because you’re talented. It might be equally nice indoors.”

  “I enjoyed having more room to work.” He polished off the sandwich and took a long pull on his bottle of virgin cider.

  “I brought brownies for dessert.”

  “Excellent choice. But let’s hold off.” He finished his cider and put the bottle in the grass. “I’d like it very much if you’d take off your jeans and panties again.”

  She grinned. “Give me one good reason.”

  “Glad to.” He stood, fished a condom out of his pocket and unzipped his jeans. “One good reason coming up. And I do mean up.”

  She sucked in a breath. “Happy to comply.” She laid back on the blanket and wiggled out of her clothes. “Was that fast enough?”

  “Almost.” He moved between her open thighs. Bracing himself above her, he leaned down and brushed a kiss over her mouth, rosy from his kisses. “I didn’t check the ground for stones before I spread out the blanket. If one starts digging into you, stop me.” He probed once and thrust into her warmth.

  She moaned softly.

  “Feel a stone?”

  “I feel you. That blocks out everything else.”

  Lifting his head, he gazed into her luminescent gray eyes as he began to stroke. “This just gets better and better.”

  “Is it because…”

  “The clock’s ticking?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Could be.” He picked up the pace. “Stay with me, Kate. It’s roller-coaster time.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  As Kate guided Lucky Ducky over to the hitching post in front of the barn, she glanced at Rafe. “Leo’s bringing in the horses from the pasture. Tell me the truth, do I look ravished?”

  “A little bit. Do I?”

  “A little bit. Leo will know exactly what—”

  “He’ll also know we had fun. He’d rather see that than sad faces. Or angry ones.”

  “You’re right. The gang’s had enough of that from us. I plan to do better.”

  “Me, too.” He swung down from the saddle. “I’ll fetch the halters and lead ropes.”

  “Thanks.” She dismounted as Leo arrived leading Prince and Thunder. “Hey, Leo.”

  “Hey, Kate.” Leo paused, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he wanted to grin. “How was the ride?”

  “Excellent, thanks. Gorgeous weather.”

  “Sure was. One of the guests mentioned seeing a couple of bears yesterday in the glen where you were headed. Any sign of them?”

  “Didn’t notice any.” She managed to say it with a straight face.

  He ducked his head, but not fast enough to hide his grin. “That’s good.”

  “Do you have any info on why the Babes are having a sleepover tonight?”

  When he glanced up, he was in control of himself again. “Only that it’s happening and we’re all thinking what the hell. Makes no sense.”

  “Did they switch days because Ellie Mae gets Sunday off?”

  “Possibly, although why not move it ahead to next Sunday when your aunt’s gone?”

  “That would be logical, wouldn’t it? They must be up to something.”

  “That’s a given.” Prince gave him a nudge. “Somebody’s impatient for his dinner. If you’ll excuse me, I’d better get these guys inside. Glad your ride went well.” He led the horses into the barn and exchanged a few words with Rafe as they passed each other.

  She took the halter and rope Rafe handed her. “Leo said someone’s seen bears in the glen. He wondered if we’d come across any sign of them.”

  “What did you say?”

  “That we didn’t notice anything.”

  “Good answer.”

  “The Brotherhood doesn’t know why the Babes switched their sleepover, either.”

  “Then for sure they have something up their sleeves. Need any help with anything?”

  “No, thanks. I’ve been working on my horse skills recently.”

  “Oh, yeah?” He smiled. “Then I’ll try not to get in your way.”

  They worked in silence for several minutes as Leo came and went, returning horses to the barn two at a time. When she lifted off the saddle ready to carry it inside, Rafe stood holding his saddle, clearly waiting for her to finish. “You didn’t have to wait for me.”

  “I’ve enjoyed watching you. You weren’t kidding about your skills. You know your way around the leather.” He tilted his head to indicate she should go ahead of him.

  “I’ve spent a fair amount of time at the barn the past couple of months.”

  “How did I miss that?”

  “I got the schedule from Henri and picked hours you’d be elsewhere.”

  “I see. Who was teaching you?”

  “Henri. I tried to pay her but she said this was a perk of working here and now she had another capable hand if she needed one.”

  “I sure hope you’ll stop avoiding me.”

  “I will.” She went into the tack room and returned the saddle to its stand.

  “If you’re making time to come down to the barn, maybe we could schedule a ride now and then.”

  “I’d like that.” She picked up the grooming tote and glanced at him before heading out of the barn. “But we might have to wait a while.”

  He followed her out. “How long do you suppose we’ll have to wait?”

  “I don’t know.” She put down the tote so they could both reach it, grabbed a brush and started working on Lucky with firm, quick strokes. “I’m sure there will come a time when we can be together and not—”

  “I can’t picture it.” The rhythm of his brush strokes matched hers. He lowered his voice as Leo went through the barn door with the last two from the pasture. “That’s what’s hanging me up. Now I know what making love to you feels like. It’s in my mind, in my body, in my blood. I can’t imagine those urges going away.”

  “Because you’re too close to it. When you get some distance, you’ll—”

  “What distance?” He moved to Butch’s far side. “Your friends are mine, and vice versa. We’ll see each other every day. If you stop avoiding me, we’ll meet here at the barn. You’ve already agreed to play poker at the bunkhouse. We’ll—”

  “Stop.” She dragged in a breath. “You’re freaking me out.”

  “Sorry.” He tossed the brush in the tote and took out a rag to wipe Butch’s coat. “I think I’m doing okay and then I…” He shook his head. “I want to believe we can go from lovers to friends. Other people do it, right?”

  “I don’t know anybody personally.” She began wiping Lucky’s coat, too. “But you see it all the time on TV.”

  “Well, then. We’ll just follow the same script as characters on TV. What could go wrong?”

  “Sarcasm doesn’t become you.”

  He sighed. “And it’s not how I want to talk to you. I apologize. Again.”

  “Apology accepted.” She gave Lucky one last swipe with the rag and turned. “Seriously, you don’t have to stay until the park closes. I’m not a kid anymore.”

  Nudging back his hat, he gazed at her.
“Maybe I am.”

  “What if the Tilt-a-Whirl makes you sick to your stomach?”

  “I won’t let that happen.”

  “I wish I believed you. Just drive me back to the cottage, park the truck in front and sneak out the back.”

  “Sneaking out the back is not my style.” His jaw firmed. “And neither is complaining about getting stuck in traffic. That ends now. It’s party time.”

  Rafe made good on his vow. Fixing dinner became an adventure punctuated with many kiss breaks. One of those got out of hand when he hoisted her to the kitchen counter and made love to her while the country fries burned to a crisp.

  The chicken breasts were overdone, too, and the salad looked like it had been thrown together. Because it had.

  “I’m embarrassed about this meal,” she said as they finally sat at the kitchen table with a couple bottles of cider. “It’s not my best effort.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He dug into the blackened potatoes. “Eating these reminds me of making you come. The chicken is overcooked because I had my hands under your shirt. We made the salad together between bouts of kissing. This is the sexiest dinner I’ve ever had. Eat up. You’ll need your strength for later.”

  “I have an idea for later.”

  “Good. I have several ideas. Let’s share.”

  “What if we drag both mattresses out to the living room and push them together?”

  “How about I carry them out so I can flex my muscles?”

  “So you like the idea?”

  “Sure do. The extra width would be awesome, especially if we can figure out how to keep them together. I don’t want to lose you in the crack.”

  “I have a solution so they won’t slide. We put one up against the hearth, set the other one beside it and push the couch over to hold them in place.”

  “That could work.”

  “It’ll still be too short for you, but better than what we’ve dealt with. What you require is a super king, or whatever the biggest bed is called.”

  “It’s called Rafe’s custom-made bed and someday I’ll have one.”

  “I’m sure you will.” And just like that, they’d fallen into the trap of looking ahead instead of focusing on the present. She took a breath. “Let’s go get those mattresses.”