Cowboy Sanctuary (The Dixon Ranch)

by Michelle Hughes

  “I do appreciate it though,” she said. “I didn’t want you to think I was ungrateful. It’s just new for me. I was always the one who managed money wisely between me and Danielle.” I hated the look of pain that crossed her face at the mention of her sister. I couldn’t imagine if anyone in my family had been murdered and the person had gone free. For that matter, I couldn’t imagine losing a member of my family.

  “How are you doing with all that?” I asked. “I’d be going nuts.”

  Her face tightened, and I could tell she was fighting back emotion. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. Danielle was my best friend, even if she was a little wild sometimes. I know Derrick used his connections to cover up what he did, and as much as I abhor violence, I considered taking matters into my own hands.” She spoke the words quietly but with anger, and I guess in her mind she had a right to feel that way.

  “Maybe you and my brother could talk about it sometime. Even though he’s a sheriff of a small town, he’s got one of the sharpest minds I know,” I suggested. We hadn’t had any murders in in our small town, but there’d been burglaries and small drug rings. People liked to come out into the country to hide their sins. That’s what Travis always said. They probably figured a town our size was a great place to hole up.

  “It won’t do any good. You can’t be retried for murder.” Dana turned her attention to Jeremy, and I decided to let the matter drop. I didn’t know much about law, but she apparently had researched the matter.

  Needing to talk about better things, I changed the subject. “So, how come you were so embarrassed about me seeing you buy underwear?” That thought was still floating around in my head. “Surely you’ve had men take you shopping before?” I couldn’t imagine not wanting to buy her things if she was mine.

  “I most certainly have not done that with a man. Besides, that doesn’t fit in with my life plan.”

  Miss Nose in the Air was back, and I regretted trying to joke with her. “What kind of life plan have you got in place?” I asked, curious about this woman who seemed able to take on the world then act like a skittish colt.

  “Finish school, which I’ve done. Spend five years in a career getting things where I want them, and then I’ll consider looking for a partner to share my life and raise kids with.”

  The way she said it told me she wasn’t kidding, and I have to admit I was a little confused. “Having a plan is good, but you’ve dated before. What if you find Mr. Right before your plan works out?” I wasn’t prone to flights of fancy, but I did believe in true love. Even if the one time I thought I’d fallen for someone had turned out to be a disaster. Dana had to have the same dream as most people, where you met someone and fell in love and life fell into place.

  “The last date I had was senior prom, and that didn’t work out so well,” she explained. “Deciding to wait on that part of my life is a choice I made, and I’m happy with it.”

  Whoa. She hadn’t had a date since high school? Something wasn’t right with that picture. “Did he hurt you?” I was already angry at the unknown person and wanted to kick his ass before she even had time to respond. Something horrible had to happen to a woman for her to give up on men.

  “No! He was a little touchy-feely, but I put him in place and never talked to him again.”

  I met her eyes in the mirror, and I could tell she was being sincere. I was floored. No wonder she acted like she had a stick up her ass most the time. She was still a virgin. All that sexual tension probably made her angry as hell. I know I got frustrated waiting six months to have a woman in my bed, and it was almost that now.

  “Damn. Never would have pegged you for a virgin,” I said. “All that fire in your belly, and no way to release it. Makes sense now.” She looked ready to claw my eyes out, and I wasn’t sure what I had said to piss her off this time.

  “I know my decision to wait might seem strange to you, but not every woman needs to go out spreading her legs to be happy.” The venom in Dana’s tone had Little Man upset, and she quickly turned her attention back to him and ignored me completely. Didn’t that just beat all?

  The thought of her being innocent did something to my libido I’m sure I shouldn’t have been proud of. I wanted to be the one to show her what she was missing, but I was pretty certain I was the last man on earth she’d let close to her that way. Damn shame too, because I knew a thing about a thing or two in the bedroom. Just thinking about having her soft little body underneath me as I pleasured every inch of her had me adjusting my jeans.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Wagering

  Dana

  How dare he ask about my sexuality—or lack thereof? Didn’t they teach these Southern men any manners? It was not something to be discussed casually, if at all! I was still angry when we pulled up in front of his house, even after he helped me take all the bags inside. He had to put more work hours in, and I was glad when he and Frank left me and Jeremy on our own. After getting all my things hung up or put away in drawers and changing into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, I decided to take Little Man outside to explore.

  We usually spent a few hours in the park every day back home, so I knew he was probably restless for a little sunshine. Brock’s land was vast, and I was sure Jer Bear—one of my pet nicknames for him—was going to have the time of his life here. It was beautiful land, and as we walked I discovered it was even bigger than I’d thought. When we made it to the barn, I was shocked to find it air-conditioned inside. These horses lived better than some humans.

  “Howdy, ma’am. I’m Marshall Riser. You must be Dana, and this little guy is Jeremy?” Marshall touched the brim of his hat, and Little Man giggled.

  “Nice to meet you. Yes, I’m Dana, and he’s Jeremy. Do you work with the horses?” I felt a bit stupid asking him that since he was obviously in the barn.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m a stable hand. Brock’s letting me pay off my bareback training by working here for him.” He smiled kindly at me, and I guessed he wasn’t more than sixteen years old. “I bet you’re gonna be the finest rider in Texas,” he told Jeremy with a wink, and he transferred his hat to Jeremy’s little head. Little Man thought that was hilarious.

  “I remember Brock saying he trained people to finagle, or was it wrangle? Does that have to do with barebacking?” I still had a lot to learn about the terminology used here. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jeremy being trained in such a dangerous sport.

  “It’s wrangle, and no, ma’am. People from all over bring their kids to be trained by Brock. He has trained award-winning horses and riders for years. No one can teach like him.”

  I sensed a little hero worship in young Marshall, which told me a lot about Brock’s character. “Sounds like he really knows what he’s doing,” I said. I didn’t know about anything about horses.

  “Oh, yes, ma’am. There’s not a better trainer or breeder anywhere in the world.” Marshall was definitely a fan of Brock’s. “Anyway, I better get back to work. Brock doesn’t take well to slacking. Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  He picked up the hat that Little Man had tossed down and went back to cleaning out stalls. Jeremy was fascinated with the gorgeous animals, and I had to run to stop him from sticking his hand in a stall. I was clueless about horses. Their mouths seemed big enough to take Jeremy’s little hand off.

  The coat of fur on this brunette creature gleamed, and when the horse stuck its head over the cage top, I picked up Jeremy in my arms and allowed him to stroke it. I knew I could pull him out of harm’s reach quickly if things looked wrong. To my own and his delight, the horse bowed its head, seeming to enjoy the touch. Maybe there was a little cowboy in Jeremy too.

  “That’s Mabel. She’s pretty docile.” Marshall stuck his head out of the stall and grinned our way. “If you want to ride her, let me know, and I’ll get her saddled.”

  I fought back a laugh at the idea of me on this huge animal. Docile or not, I wasn’t about to ride he
r. “Maybe some other time.” I guess my look put out the vibe that I wouldn’t be doing that in this lifetime because Marshall walked back over to join us.

  “Seriously, she won’t throw you. You’ve ridden before, right?”

  When I shook my head, he looked at me like I was from another planet. Maybe to Marshall, I was. I was willing to bet everyone in Texas rode horses, but I’d never been around one before.

  “I’m sure Brock would teach you,” Marshall said. “If you’re gonna live on the ranch, you’ve gotta know how to ride.”

  Since I had no plan on living here, it was a moot point, but I thanked him for the suggestion. Jeremy had no such fear; he was laughing and still rubbing the horse’s nose, looking like he’d been doing that his entire life.

  Brock rode in on a huge black horse, and I took a few steps back. I had thought Mabel was huge, but the one he was riding made her look like a dog.

  “She’s never ridden a horse.” Marshall delivered the shocking news like it belonged on the front page of Texas Weekly, if such a publication existed.

  “We can’t have that now, can we?” Brock looked amused, and his eyes were crinkling up on the sides again, making my insides flutter. I seriously had to get over this strange attraction to him! “Get her ready,” Brock instructed Marshall, then held out his hands. “Let’s see how the little man enjoys riding.

  The thought of handing my nephew up to Brock on that huger-than-life creature made my stomach turn over nervously. “Are you sure that’s safe?” I was ready to run back to the house with Jeremy until Brock’s lip lifted in a sexy smirk, showing me he thought I was being ridiculous.

  “Safer than riding in a car in that big city you’re from. Come on now.” That wide, country-boy smile broke over Brock’s handsome face again and made my knees weaken. Without even thinking, I walked over and let him lift Little Man into the saddle with him.

  Jeremy loved every minute of this, his little legs kicking softly, making the horse take a step toward me. I gasped like the city girl I was and almost fell on my backside trying to get away.

  “Sweetheart, he ain’t gonna hurt you,” Brock reassured me. “He just thought Jeremy was ready to ride. When you touch their sides with your feet, it means go.”

  Marshall had Mabel fixed up before I could tell him I was terrified of getting on her back. I looked up at the young man, who was a head taller than me, in confusion. “Put your foot in the tread cover on the stirrup here.” Marshall pointed to a leather strap. “Lift yourself up by the horn.” He put his hand on the strange leather handle.

  I was going to die. No doubt about it. Not wanting to show my fear, I did what he asked, shocked that I didn’t fall off the other side as I balanced in the saddle. Marshall held on to a leather strap. With Jeremy in his lap, Brock turned his horse to walk out of the barn. I held my breath as Marshall led me after them. At least it was slow. I was waiting for this girl to toss me off her back and was holding on for dear life. My knuckles were turning white.

  We were inside a large pen with dirt and straw strewn around, and after a few minutes I relaxed as I was carefully led around. That lasted until Brock spoke up. “Let her hold on to the reins.”

  Marshall tried to hand the leather strap over to me, and I shook my head violently. “No. Seriously, I’m good,” I said. The thought of maneuvering this horse was terrifying. She was being nice now, but what if she jumped the fence and took off the minute I started leading her?

  “I took you for a woman who likes being in control. I wasn’t wrong, was I?” Brock’s teasing made me feel like an idiot, so I took the reins, glaring at the challenge in his eyes. “Thatta girl! Now, when you want to stop, pull straight back. If you want to turn, just pull on the side in the direction you want to lead her,” he instructed.

  Despite his challenge, his words were calm and educational, making me a lot less nervous. My face almost hurt from smiling after I’d walked Mabel around the pen a few times on my own. We spent the next ten minutes enjoying going in circles until Jeremy finally got bored. I was pretty proud that I was able to follow Brock back into the barn without Marshall’s help.

  Brock handed Little Man to Marshall before dismounting, then came over to help me. It was the first time he’d put his hands on me, and the feel of them around my waist left me absolutely breathless. I slid down his body like something out of an old movie and then stood staring at him, lost until Marshall handed Jeremy back over.

  Brock was looking at me like he’d felt something too, and I hoped he couldn’t hear how fast my heart was beating in my chest. “I’ve got a little more work to do,” he said, clearing his throat, and I noticed a small tick in his cheek.

  Was he angry? I hadn’t intentionally rubbed against him, but it seemed like something was bothering him. “I’ll just get Jer Bear back inside to cool off,” I replied, needing to get away and think about the way Brock made me feel. His voice stopped me.

  “My parents want us to come over for dinner tonight so they can spend time with Jeremy. I hope that’s all right?”

  Even his words seemed tense. I had no idea what I’d done wrong! “Of course. I’m sure they’re dying to get to know their grandchild. I can find something to occupy my time while you’re gone.” I knew sooner or later I was going to have to get used to Brock having my nephew, and it was better to start now.

  “The invite was for you too. I think Little Man would feel more comfortable with you around.” There was a glint in Brock’s whiskey-colored eyes that confused me.

  “OK, but you know he’s going to have to get used to being without me eventually,” I argued. That thought made my heart hurt, but I couldn’t lie to myself.

  “About that. My mom might have a solution that works for you. She’s got a cottage on her land she rents out, if you want to take a look while we’re over there.”

  I had no idea where his mother lived, but I nodded. “Sure. Um, what time should we be ready?” Just looking at Brock made me nervous, and not in a bad way. I hoped my heart wasn’t doing something stupid like falling for the one man I didn’t need to think of that way.

  “Dinner’s always at five. Mom and Pop like to get to bed by eight.”

  I nodded and took Jeremy out of the barn, walking back toward the house. Little Man was having none of it. For the first time since Danielle had passed, he wanted someone other than me. He reached his arms out for Brock. The look on Brock’s face was priceless.

  It was a mixture of awe, concern, and adoration. Without another thought, Brock walked over and took Jeremy in his arms, and immediately his crying stopped. I was hurt but quickly realized this was his daddy, and he should want him. Still, it was hard when you were the only caretaker and suddenly not enough.

  “I guess it was the horse.” Brock gave a repentant look, even though he had no reason to feel guilty. He walked with us back to the house, telling Frank he’d return when he could. Frank didn’t seem to have any issue, judging from the smile he gave Brock.

  After a quick lunch, Jer Bear was rubbing his eyes, so we cleaned him up and walked upstairs to put him in the crib. Brock was really good with him for a new father. He caressed Jeremy’s head until the battle of sleep was won, then stared down at him with so much emotion that I ached to feel someone care about me that way. “Thank you for all you’ve done,” her whispered.

  I looked away as tears filled my eyes. “You don’t have to thank me. I love him.” I hated the weakness that overcame me. All my life I’d fought to be a strong, independent woman. This wasn’t who I was!

  “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  I nodded and walked into the bathroom to grab a tissue. The last thing I expected was Brock to follow behind me and wrap me in those incredibly thick arms.

  “You’ve done a great job raising him, and I wanted you to know it means a lot.”

  I don’t know why I clung to him, aside from the fact that it felt good to be held. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone other than Jeremy had hu
gged me. When Brock lifted my chin and gently pressed his lips to mine, it felt as natural as breathing. I returned the kiss breathlessly, unable to think of anything except how good it felt. His tongue slowly slid between my lips. He tasted like cinnamon and a flavor all him that had my hips pressing against his.

  The way our tongues danced was desperate, and my lips ached when he pulled back. I stared at him, wide-eyed. What was that? My nipples were hard little pebbles, and I felt a throb between my legs that left me damp. We stared into each other’s eyes, still holding on to each other tightly.

  “Damn.” He spoke first.

  My sentiments exactly, I thought. I don’t think I fully realized what we’d done until I felt the outline of his shaft pressing against me through his jeans. The man was hung like one of his horses, and it scared the living hell out of me. I took a step back, speechless. “I should take a shower,” I said.

  He nodded but didn’t move an inch. Instead, his eyes roamed up and down my body, leaving me shivering at the hunger there. “I should probably take one too. Ice-cold, at that.”

  I flushed at his meaning, and my eyes were instantly drawn to the outline of that monster he was packing. “Not together.” I gasped the words, hoping he didn’t think I was falling into his bed just because we’d had some strange animal attraction to each other.

  “Definitely not. Jeremy could wake up.”

  Not exactly what I meant, but that would work. I had to gain some control over my speech and body, because neither was working right at the moment.

  “I’ll sit here with him until you’re done,” he said.

  He left me, and I closed the bathroom door quickly, locking it for my own peace of mind. I didn’t think he’d come in while I was bathing, but taking that chance seemed a little idiotic. Stripping down, I was shocked to feel how aroused my body was. I turned on the shower and scrubbed as I tried to forget how much I wanted him.

  This was the worst idea in the history of ideas, me and Brock hooking up. I couldn’t do a casual affair. I’d always be the sister to the mother of his child. It was all so very wrong, no matter how right it had felt in the moment. I physically hurt from the idea of not exploring more between us. I considered myself a rational person, and we had one little person who meant more than either of us. If I was stupid enough to get involved with Brock and things didn’t work out, he could make seeing Little Man hard for me.