Second Dance Cowboy (Second Chance)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “You’re welcome any time.” He went to her, slipped his hand around to the nape of her neck and kissed her forehead. “You couldn’t understand the satisfaction you’ve brought me, Peyton. I guess I’m caught off guard. I’ve never expected to feel so much emotion.” He framed her face and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I’m flattered that you snuck out here to see me. Let me do something for you, and Oliver. Does the boy like to fish?”

  Her expression relaxed. “He loves to fish. Uncle Marty takes him. I’m not too handy with a rod.”

  “I’d beg to differ. You’re quite talented.” He kissed her again. “It’s amazing. You blush and yet you took me to a new place a few minutes ago. I find you very intriguing.” He wanted to say more, but the words wouldn’t come. His heart raced and his limbs went weak. Was this the sensation of falling in love?

  Jerking his hands from her, he took a long step back, averting his gaze. He couldn’t look at her. Would she see straight through him?

  Her sigh bounced off the walls. “I’m leaving now.” He knew she sensed his detachment.

  “Friday evening we’re having our traditional fish fry. Friends and family hang out, fish, chat, drink a couple of beers down at the pond. I hope you and Oliver come. Bring your uncle too. More the merrier.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Her soft footsteps disappeared and his heart ached.

  “Peyton…” He turned, but she was gone. A second later, he heard the soft purr of her car followed by the spitting of gravel. She wasted no time in getting away and he didn’t blame her. He’d clammed up.

  He stomped all the way to the house, marched inside and went straight into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Gulping down the cold liquid, he realized he wasn’t alone. Deckland sat at the table wearing a skeptical expression. Lowering the glass, Dillon sighed. “What’s that look about?”

  “You’re quite the lady’s man, huh?” A mischievous grin flashed over his brother’s face.

  “I wouldn’t say that,” he said as he rinsed out his glass and set it aside.

  “Peyton came here to the house first and let’s just say, she had a goal.” Deckland leaned his chair on two legs, keeping his gaze on Dillon.

  “I don’t need or want a lecture, big brother.” He left the kitchen, hearing his brother’s footsteps behind him. Dillon needed the breeze so he stepped out onto the porch, but it did very little to cool the inside of his body.

  “You may not want to hear what I have to say, but you’re going to listen. Do you have any clue what you’re feeling? You came back home all pissed because Dante is marrying Cassie, but then you take up with Peyton. Look, I get it, she’s a lovely woman and sweet to boot, but she’s been through a lot. She doesn’t deserve to be used as a bandage in helping you get over your sadness. This may seem like two people having fun, but Aspen told me that Peyton has a huge heart and isn’t the type to play around with a man without a focus on a long-term relationship.”

  Dillon leaned his elbows on the railing. “And what makes you think I’m a dick who is incapable of emotion?”

  Deckland joined him at the banister. “You have a big heart also, my brother. I know you wouldn’t hurt anyone intentionally, but when a man feels raw emotion, it’s possible he can do something very stupid. And let me ask, if Cassie broke it off with Dante and came begging for you to take her back, what would you do?”

  Dillon swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. Did Deckland know about the last conversation Dillon had with Cassie? “I’d send her away. No doubt.”

  “You may find out very soon, brother.” Deckland patted him on the shoulder. “Dante called while you were out in the barn. Cassie called off the wedding.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  PEYTON STILL REELED from what happened in Dillon’s barn. He’d been hot and giving one minute and distant the next. He’d pulled away from her like she’d grown horns, leaving her confused.

  She focused on finishing packing Oliver’s snack for soccer practice and, when she’d thrown the apple in too hard, it bruised. “Great!” She switched out fruit.

  What was she doing with Dillon? Where could they go from here? Did she want to marry him and have his baby? She sighed…yes, a part of her did. A very big part.

  And what did he want? Did he want her as his toy?

  No, she knew him well enough. Dillon wasn’t using her—at least not on purpose. But she believed that his recent battle with betrayal had him rolling in an internal scuffle.

  Setting Oliver’s brown paper bag on the table, she heard a knock. Aspen was peeking through the window, waving. Peyton opened the door, laughing at her friend. “Hey, I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “I want to visit as much I can before I leave.” She strolled in. “And, I wondered if you’d heard the news.” Peyton narrowed her eyes. “Okay, you didn’t. Cassie called off wedding plans with Dante.”

  Dizziness washed over her and she quickly sat down before her knees buckled. She had to wonder if this had something to do with Dillon. “How did you find out?”

  “As you know, I’m friends with Sierra, who is good friends with Cassie. Sierra said it happened quickly and everyone is shocked.” Aspen sat across from Peyton. “I’m not surprised.”

  Peyton lifted her gaze. “Did Sierra say why?”

  Aspen shook her head, sending her hair flying. “No, I’d tell you. I bet you’re thinking it’s because of Dillon.”

  “Of course. Aren’t you?” Peyton’s stomach tensed.

  “I think it’s a good idea that we don’t jump to conclusions,” Aspen said.

  Peyton rubbed her temples. “This is what Dillon has been wanting.”

  “You don’t know this.”

  “Come on, I have to face reality.” Peyton brought her gaze up, silently daring her friend to tell her differently.

  “Please don’t talk yourself out of this relationship that you have with Dillon. You and I both know he’s a good guy.” Aspen sighed. “Anyway, we’re going to the fish fry this weekend. We’ve both been invited.”

  “Have fun. I’m not going.” She stood up and dug her hands into her front pockets.

  “Why not?” Aspen’s mouth twisted.

  “Because I’m probably no longer invited.” Opening the window, the summer breeze wafted in. A bird chirped and Peyton explored where the critter was hiding. She found him perched on one of the tree branches. He was stepping side to side while his beady eyes watched her. The same bird had been visiting day after day for the last few weeks. It seemed lonely, much like she’d been for far too long. She brought her hand up and pressed her fingers against her shoulder, kneading the kinks—the result of stress.

  “Bull crap. I just spoke with Deckland this morning and he mentioned that you and Oliver were coming. He wanted me to remind you,” Aspen said.

  “Interesting that Deckland is reminding me. Why is that? Maybe Dillon has changed his mind.” She turned away from the window. “What we had was casual sex. Plain and simple. He could have any woman he wants in Texas. After all, he’s as sexy as sin. I never fantasized that we were anything more, or that we had a future. In this town, Brooke rhymes with bachelor. That won’t change, not unless Cassie finally snares one of them.”

  Aspen snorted. “Cassie is looking for a rich man to sink her claws into. That’s obvious. You and she are worlds apart. And trust me, Dillon sees that. If anything, he’s confused because, up until recently, he had no clue what type of woman she really was. You may want to punch me, but it wasn’t too long ago that you felt the same for Richie.”

  Peyton stiffened, but she couldn’t deny the truth. “Okay, I can’t say that I wasn’t blinded by Richie’s magnetism and charm. I believed him, and it did take me a while to see his true colors.”

  “So then give Dillon the benefit of the doubt. And believe me, if he does anything to hurt you I’ll hunt him down like a dog.”

  They shared a laugh and Peyton felt some better. “Okay, okay.” She waved her hands. “I’ll see what hap
pens. I like the idea that you’ll be there too. Does that mean things are speeding up between you and Deckland?”

  “No, afraid not. We’re friends. That’s all. Maybe if we’d met earlier, but I’m leaving.” There was an unspoken sadness to Aspen, maybe even disappointment. “So, I’m leaving now.” Aspen got up. “Can I drop the kid off at the park for his practice?”

  “Sure. Let me go and get him.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Peyton sat on the back porch reading her favorite author’s newest novel, but she couldn’t relax. Laying the book beside her on the wicker lounger, she turned her attention to the clouds as they slowly passed. The sun was shining bright and the birds were chirping. It was a lovely afternoon. Too bad her emotions weren’t as clear.

  Her phone buzzed and she picked it up. She read the message on the screen. Dillon had sent her a text.

  “I hope to see you, Oliver and Marty on Saturday.”

  Her chest tightened. So, he did still want her to come.

  She put her phone down, resisting the urge to message him immediately. Maybe she needed to play harder to get. Sometimes that was the only way to find out where a man stood.

  ****

  “She’s a woman that’ll make your heart forget to beat.” Dillon barely registered Deckland’s words. Peyton had climbed from the driver’s seat of her car and he could hardly inhale. “Lucky bastard.” Deckland patted his back, sending Dillon forward but he caught his balance.

  “What the hell?” Dillon growled.

  “Just checking to make sure your tongue was in your mouth.” Deckland laughed.

  Peyton walked toward them and sweat beaded on Dillon’s forehead. He swiped his hand across the moisture. The temperature was close to ninety, but with the exotic goddess headed his way, it rose by at least ten degrees. He’d been thinking about her non-stop and he couldn’t deny he was slaphappy seeing her arrive. Everyone else at the party disappeared as he watched her.

  The shirt she wore clung to her breasts. He remembered how they smelled and tasted and his mouth salivated. If only he could have the privilege of sucking them every day. He’d never grow tired of the act. Her dark jeans clung to her hips and long dancers legs. They looked good on—real good—but in his mind he saw her naked, her legs spread wide and moisture dripping from her pussy. He’d like to dive his dick into her sweet body until she screamed his name.

  Surrounded by his brother and a few friends, he kept his expression mutual. No one needed to know just how hot Peyton made him. He shifted, hoping his body behaved.

  “Hey, Dillon.” Oliver ran across the yard and came to a quick stop in front of him.

  “Hey, little man. Nice to see you again. Ready for some fishing?” Dillon shook his hand. Reality spun Dillon’s thoughts. He liked the kid, cared for the mother…more than simple caring. He wanted to get to know her better, see her often, and chat about everything.

  “I brought my fishing pole. Uncle Marty came with us. Mom threatened that she’d tie him up and drag him here. She said he needed to get out of the house.”

  “What’s that you’re saying, Ollie?” Peyton asked as she joined them. Dillon saw that Marty had stopped to talk to one of the old timers.

  “I was telling Dillon that Uncle Marty wouldn’t get out of bed and you told him—”

  “I know what I told him.” Peyton looked at Dillon, pink spreading across her cheeks. “Hi Deckland.”

  “Hi, Peyton.” Deckland tipped his hat. “Glad to see you could convince Marty to come.”

  “He’s been crabby here lately. His doctor said he’s most likely going through a depressed stage since he can’t work on the farm.” The wind picked up and tousled her hair, sending tendrils across her lips.

  Dillon was staring and he couldn’t drag his gaze away. He struggled with an overwhelming urge to pull her into his arms. Reaching for her, he placed his hand on her elbow instead. That was as close as he could get for the time being. Her eyes danced and tugged every string attached to emotion in his body.

  Clearing his throat, he dropped his hand. “It’ll take some time for him to get used to the changes.” She lifted her chin and the tip of her tongue came out, sweeping across her bottom lip. He wanted to help lick.

  “Did my mom tell you that we’re moving on the farm? Everything’s packed at our house.” Oliver took a deep breath. “She’s thinking she might put our house up for sale.”

  “No, she didn’t tell me,” Dillon said. An unspoken word passed between them. “Hey, big guy. Will you go with my big brother Deckland to check out the worms for bait? See if we have enough.”

  Deckland motioned for Oliver. “You like creepy crawlies, Oliver? I sure did when I was a kid.”

  Oliver nodded eagerly as they walked away.

  Peyton smiled and her features lit. Dillon had always thought she was beautiful, but she was radiant this afternoon. “Thank you, Dillon.”

  “I sensed some discomfort,” he said.

  “He has no filter.” She laughed.

  “What kid does? You’re moving to the farm?” he asked.

  She buried her hands into her back pockets, which pushed her firm breasts against the fabric of the thin shirt. He kept his eyes glued to the area between her brows, not wanting to see if her nipples were erect, aching for his touch. “I decided it was for the best. Marty needs the company. I haven’t decided if I should sale my house, at least not yet. I could rent it out as an investment.” He could see a sliver of disappointment in her eyes.

  “I’m sure Marty will be pleased to have you and Oliver close.”

  “He’s been after us to move in. I think he’s lonely. I’ve hired someone new at the studio so that I can add more classes, and I can be at the farm helping him more often. He doesn’t know yet that I’ve hired someone and I’d like to keep it that way. I’m letting him believe we are moving in with him for my benefit, not to take care of him. He’s as stubborn as a mule and he’d make a big deal out of me changing my schedule to help him.” She glanced over her shoulder in the direction of her uncle.

  “But is this what you want? You could hire a nurse. He may not mind after he got used to having someone care for him.”

  Bringing her gaze back on him, her eyes narrowed and her lips thinned. “When my parents died, he took me in. Not once did he leave me in the hands of someone else. He raised me like a second father and now I’m going to be there for him. If it means selling everything I have, then that’s what I’ll do. After he’s gone,” moisture filled her gaze, “I can rebuild my life, my business.”

  He respected her. It took guts for her to do what needed done. He knew he’d do the same in her situation. “It makes sense.” Her gaze softened and he realized she needed to hear a word of support. He understood it couldn’t be easy for her. “I’m glad he came.” He looked past her to where the older man laughed with Harry Johnson. “I’m glad you came.”

  “I almost didn’t.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  Her chest rose and fell as she exhaled. “I heard the news. Cassie broke off her engagement with Dante.”

  His stomach twisted. “Oh, just that. It has nothing to do with me.” The last thing he wanted to do tonight was talk about the past.

  “Let’s not sugar coat the truth. Their break up has everything to do with you. You know it. I know it. I’m sure Dante suspects it.”

  Dillon opened his mouth but the loud exhaust of a motorcycle coming up the driveway made him snap his lips closed. Dante and the toy he’d bought recently came into view. Deckland had told Dillon to be on his best behavior if Dante showed up. Dillon shook his head. He had nothing to do with Cassie breaking off the engagement, but truth was, his brother deserved better. Dante had a reputation for being a bad boy, but Dillon believed Dante really cared for Cassie.

  “Looks like someone else may be in need of special attention,” Peyton said as she nodded toward Dante who was sliding off his bike.

  “If a man plays with fire he’s bound to get burnt.”
Dillon hated that he had sympathy for his brother’s predicament. The man got himself into the mess. At the same time, he loved Dante and hated that he was hurting.

  The corner of her mouth turned down. “It appears you two have a lot in common. You’ve loved the same woman.”

  A part of him couldn’t get past what Dante had done. If a man didn’t have a brother to depend upon, what did he have? And yet, Dillon felt a connection with his brother. “I better go talk to him. Will you be okay?”

  “I’ll be fine. I know most everyone and Aspen is on her way.”

  “I’ll catch up to you in a bit.”

  Dante was digging into the cooler and pulling out a beer when Dillon got across the yard. Dante snapped the can open just as Dillon approached. “Nice ride. It’s what you’ve always wanted.” He pointed at the Harley.

  Dante shrugged. “Best ride I’ve ever had.”

  Dillon wondered if there was deeper meaning. “I didn’t know if you’d make it.”

  “Or were you hoping I wouldn’t?”

  “Let’s not do this,” Dillon said.

  “Do what? Talk about Cassie?” Dante took a long sip. “Deckland asked me to be here and here I am. I don’t have to promise to be good company.”

  “Look, brother—” Dillon rubbed his tired eyes, “—you may not like to hear what I have to say, but I’m going to just let it out. You’re better off without Cassie. You should be grateful it didn’t take you as long as it did for me. I wasted too many years on that woman. Don’t do the same.”

  Dante snorted. “Thanks for the advice, dear brother, but worry about yourself.” He grabbed another beer from the chiller and took off toward the pond.

  “This should be loads of fun,” Dillon whispered.

  He turned on the heel of his boot and caught sight of Peyton. Her laughter filled the air and his heart tugged. She made him fully aware of all of his flaws. She could make a man want to be better. Realization clamped his soul—he had grown attached to her. What he wanted more than anything was to march across the grass, take her in his arms and carry her away.