Count on a Cowboy

by Patricia Thayer

  Trent shook his head. “No, we hand out trophies every year. You know guys, we like everything to be a competition, including a best new guy award. Laurel won it on her first roundup, too.”

  “How old was she, ten?”

  Trent grinned. “I think eight.”

  Brooke kept staring down at the silly plastic trophy of a horse. Why did it mean so much to her? This was crazy. It was just a silly award.

  Another song began, Alabama’s “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go.” Trent reached for her hand. “Let’s dance.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know how,” she told him.

  “Then it’s time you learned,” he said. “I’ll teach you.” Taking her hand, he led her to the floor, then pulled her into his arms. “It’s slow so we’ll work on a little country waltz. This also has benefits, because I get to hold you close.”

  Brooke felt his body shift closer against hers, and the contact sent a shiver through her as rich baritone voices filled her head. She loved being in Trent’s arms. Memories of last night came flooding back. The feel of his tender touch, his mouth traveling over her body, his slow easy loving...

  Trent’s voice broke through her reverie. “You were a good sport accepting the trophy.”

  Trent’s heart tripped when Brooke looked up at him and smiled.

  “Are you kidding?” she said. “I’ve never won anything before. That trophy is going in a special place of honor.”

  He kissed the end of her nose, then drew her back and pressed his chin to her forehead.

  Trent shut his eyes, wondering why he was torturing himself. And Brooke in his arms, gave him ideas he didn’t need, especially with the PI report looming over them.

  Last night, he’d read over the three pages after he dropped off Brooke. Outside of her birth date, everything she told him had been true. Cody’s report also stated her address in Las Vegas. A side note from his friend stated it wasn’t a favorable part of town.

  Now that her mother was in a nursing home, maybe Brooke could move into a nicer neighborhood. Surely her new job would pay better enabling her to relocate to a safer place.

  He pulled her closer. He inhaled her powdery scent as he listened to the words of the song. “Forever’s as far as I’ll go...” He breathed a sigh. If only he still believed in forever.

  * * *

  THE PARTY FINALLY broke up about ten o’clock. Brooke said goodbye to the neighbors she’d met tonight but knew she’d probably never see again.

  She enjoyed herself, and spending time with Laurel and Rory had been the best part. When Rory hadn’t been visiting with his guests, he came back to her table where he and Laurel spent time with her.

  Trent had danced with her a few more times, and as much as she loved being in his arms, this was his night to play cohost with Rory.

  Most of the women had cleaned up during the event, so Brooke only found a few paper plates and cups and dumped them into the trash. The food had been wrapped up and taken inside the kitchen. That was a good thing because she didn’t want to intrude on Diane Quinn any longer. She knew Laurel’s mother was upset about her being here.

  She was gathering her purse and sweater when Rory called to her.

  “I was just going to find you to say good-night and thank you for inviting me tonight,” Brooke said.

  “You’re welcome.” He paused and she got worried. “If you’re going to be around tomorrow could you stop by the house?”

  She swallowed back her fear. Had he discovered the truth? “Of course.”

  “Don’t look so worried. I wanted to talk to you about the website and some ideas about our advertising. It’s no secret that we need to make some money and fast.”

  She was thrilled. “Of course, I’ll help in any way I can.”

  He tipped his hat. “Thank you, I appreciate the help. Stop by when it’s convenient. Good night.”

  “Good night, Rory.”

  She just stood there and watched the man walk away.

  Trent came up to her. “You ready to head back to the cabin?”

  Still flying high on adrenaline, she hated to see this evening end. “You stay with your friends. Chet can walk me back there.”

  He frowned. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  She shook her head. “No, of course not. I just thought that you would want to stay and visit with your friends.”

  With little effort, he pulled her close and nuzzled her neck. “My friends have all gone home. These older guys are friends of the Quinns, and if I stay I’ll have to hear about the old glory days, riding the rodeo circuit.”

  She arched her neck allowing his mouth to have access to that sensitive spot below her ear. She was quickly turning to mush. Then she realized there were people around. “Stop, people will see us.”

  “Hold that thought.” He crossed the yard to the group of men talking with Rory. He said something to the older man, then shook hands with the group, and walked back to her.

  Her pulse raced, seeing the determined look on the handsome cowboy’s face. As he got closer, she could see the heat in his gaze. She swallowed, recalling last night in his bed.

  “Come on. I want you all to myself.” He grabbed her hand, headed to the truck and lifted her inside. The short drive to the cabins was silent. When he pulled up to her door, he climbed out and went to her side and she willingly went into his arms.

  Trent wasn’t sure what he was doing, except he couldn’t let Brooke go. He wanted her. He carried her to the porch and managed to get the key into the lock, then the door swung open.

  Once inside, he kicked the door shut, but didn’t move from his spot. He didn’t want to think about the secrets, or Rory or Laurel or Coralee. Tonight, he wanted to be with this woman.

  “I want you, Brooke Harper. I want to spend the night making love to you. If you have a problem with that then you better tell me now.”

  She inhaled sharply, then leaned in and brushed a kiss on his mouth. “Not a one.”

  He continued down the hall and into the bedroom. He set her down and breathed a kiss over her lips, but backed away before he lost it totally.

  He unhooked her belt and let it drop to the floor. “I’ve wanted you since you appeared at the party.” He pulled the sweater off over her head, leaving her in a lacy bra. “I hope you feel the same.”

  “I do.” Her heaving breath nearly had her breasts spilling out.

  Trent’s mouth covered hers in a hungry kiss, but soon his lips began trailing a path along her heated skin to her breasts. With a groan, he pulled back, popped the snaps on his Western shirt, and stripped the fabric off his shoulders and arms, then tossed it aside. Then he reached for her bra and removed that, as well.

  Brooke’s hand shook as she reached out to press her fingertips to his chest. She shivered, feeling the heat of his bare skin. He sucked in a breath and she pulled back.

  He took her hand and flattened her palm against his flesh. “I love your hands on me.”

  Feeling brave, she stepped closer and pressed a kiss against his nipple.

  “Oh, babe, now you’re playing with fire.”

  She liked a challenge. She continued the kisses until he’d had enough and quickly tugged off her skirt and boots, and sat her down on the bed. Then he worked off his boots and jeans, and placing a knee on the mattress, he leaned over her.

  Brooke placed her finger over his lips. “Don’t talk. Showing me is better.” Just for a little while she wanted to pretend she could love this man.

  Trent leaned down and his mouth covered hers, and her fantasy began.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The next morning, Trent got up at 5:00 a.m, but only to go into the other room to call Ricky and give him the list of chores for the day. It had been a while since he’d taken any time off, but this morning he was making an exception.

  He tossed his phone on the counter, walked into the dark bedroom and climbed in bed beside the sleeping Brooke. Slipping under the covers, he pressed against he
r warm body, she automatically turned and curled into him. Her arm rested on his chest.

  He felt his body rouse, which seemed impossible after spending most of the night loving this beautiful woman. He’d never been with anyone that made him feel so... He couldn’t even find the words. Brooke’s innocence had touched him, humbled him, making him want to be a better lover, a better man.

  “Trent,” she murmured against his chest and her hand began to move.

  He covered hers with his. “I’m here, babe.”

  She raised her head. “Don’t you have to go feed the stock?” Her voice was low and sultry in the darkness.

  He kissed her nose. “No, I took the day off. I plan to spend it here with you. Whatever you want to do.”

  She moaned. “Sleep.”

  “Really, you want to sleep the day away?”

  She brushed back her messy hair and rested her chin on his chest and blinked those pretty eyes at him. “Unless you have a better idea.”

  He groaned. “I created a monster.”

  “I don’t recall you complaining last night...or this morning.”

  He pushed her onto her back and leaned over her. Every curve of her body was pressed against his, making him want her again. “As wonderful as that invitation is, I thought I would take you into town for some breakfast.”

  “Now? The sun isn’t even up, yet.”

  “Welcome to ranch life.” He didn’t want to remind her that her hometown of Las Vegas never sleeps.

  Her gaze met his as her hands cupped his face. “It’s a nice life you have here, Trent. Quiet and serene, with nice neighbors. And horses you can ride anytime.”

  “Glad you like it.” He brushed a soft kiss on her lips. “That means you’ll come back here and visit me.”

  He felt her tense. “It will be a while before I have any time off. And Coralee will probably have a fit if I leave her again.”

  He had no idea how far Coralee’s disease had progressed, but most Alzheimer’s patients that he’d heard about seemed to lose their memory pretty quickly.

  “So Coralee still recognizes you?”

  Brooke paused. “Not always. She goes in and out of reality. That’s how I learned about Laurel. She started calling me by her name.”

  “I’m sorry, Brooke. It has to be difficult to stand by and see this happening to her.”

  She glanced away. “I have a good support team with Erin. I never would have been able to come here without her help.”

  “I, for one, am very glad you came here. And Coralee is lucky to have you.”

  She kissed him. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He pulled her close against him. “Now, go back to sleep and we’ll go have breakfast at a reasonable hour.”

  “I like how you think, Mr. Landry.”

  “I’m just being selfish because I like holding you close. You’re one sexy lady, Brooke Harper.”

  She wrapped her arm over his waist. “You are the first man who ever made me feel that way.”

  Good, he liked sharing firsts with her. He also wished she would be here longer so he could do that all the time. “They’re all blind and dumb.”

  “Can I tell you a secret?”

  “Sure.”

  “When you’re wearing those leather chaps with the fringe and your big belt buckle and cowboy hat, you’re hard to resist.”

  He loved that he excited her. “If you want I can put on that gear for you. Us cowboys aim to please.”

  He acted as if he was getting out of bed and she reached to stop him. She was laughing. “I think my memory is pretty good. You can model for me later.”

  “My pleasure, ma’am.” He leaned down and captured her mouth as he pulled her under him. What a way to start the day. He could get used to this.

  * * *

  LATER THAT MORNING, they’d left the B&B Diner in town stuffed with the biggest breakfast ever. Instead of going back to the cabin, Trent stopped by his ranch to check on Red Baron. Brooke didn’t mind spending time with this man, or his horses.

  She walked into the cool barn with Trent and inhaled the now familiar smells: the hay, horses, even the manure. None of them bothered her anymore. Trent went off to check on Red so she went to greet some of her friends. The old buckskin horse, Cassie, eagerly greeted her, and Brooke returned the attention. Next she stopped by Trent’s chestnut gelding, Rango. He was as big and powerful as his owner, then in the next stall was her favorite, sweet Raven.

  “Hey, girl.” She rubbed the black mare’s neck. “How you doing? You resting today, after the two-day workout?”

  The horse blew out a noisy breath and Brooke smiled. She pressed her face against the horse’s neck and felt tears well up behind her eyes. How could she get attached to this animal, and so quickly? “I’m gonna miss you, girl,” she murmured into the horse’s soft coat, then released her.

  She headed down the aisle when Trent came out of Red’s stall. He looked at her and frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing really, just saying goodbye to some friends.”

  Trent started to speak, but Brooke stopped him. “I don’t want to talk about my staying or leaving. Nothing is going to change, Trent. So can’t we just enjoy the time we have left?”

  He nodded. “I was just about to say, why don’t we go for a ride. There’s plenty of amazing countryside you haven’t seen yet.”

  She couldn’t stop her excitement. “Really? Of course I want to go.” She stopped. “Oh, wait. I promised Rory I’d look over the ranch’s website and give him a brochure from the Dream Chaser Hotel.”

  “We can ride in the direction of the Bucking Q. This would be a good time to tell him he’s your father.”

  Brooke glanced away. She knew Trent was right, but she didn’t want to spoil the tentative friendship that was starting between the two of them. “How do I start that conversation?”

  * * *

  AFTER A LEISURELY RIDE, but too soon for Brooke, they headed to the Bucking Q and her cabin. Trent kissed her, then gave her another pep talk on trusting Rory. She agreed, then stood there and watched the incredibly handsome man climb onto his horse. With the promise to meet her back here in a few hours, he rode off on Rango, leading Raven back to the Lucky Bar L.

  With a last wave, Brooke watched the figures disappear over the rise. An ache circled in her chest and gripped her heart. She didn’t want to leave this place, or Trent. Would it be possible to return here? To be a part of all this?

  She pushed aside the fantasy and walked inside the cabin where she gathered the report and the hotel brochure from her laptop case and got into her car and went up to the main house.

  As she parked at the back door and climbed out, she could feel her nerves starting to take over. Suddenly Laurel appeared on the steps and once again Brooke wondered how her sister would take the news.

  There was a big grin on Laurel’s face. “So how are you feeling today after you lassoed that cowboy last night?”

  Brooke blushed. “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t try and act innocent. I saw you and Trent making eyes at each other. Those looks got pretty heated at times, too.” Laurel grew serious. “I know I’ve said this before—Trent is a good man, Brooke. And he seems to be pretty wrapped up in you. I’ve never seen him act this way with anyone. I hope you give him a chance.”

  That thrilled her. “I still have to go home.”

  “But you can come back here,” her sister encouraged. “And I want to come and visit you in Las Vegas.”

  Hope spurred her. Maybe Rory would feel the same. “I’d like that very much.”

  Laurel hugged her tightly. “I’m so glad you came here, Brooke, and that you’re my sister.”

  Brooke closed her eyes, working to hold back the emotions. “I’m glad you’re my sister, too.”

  They pulled apart. “Sorry, I’ve got to go. I need to start a training session on a mistreated gelding. Can we get together later?”

&n
bsp; “Sure, I’d like that. I need to see Rory. Is he around?”

  Laurel nodded. “I just left him in the office. Go on in, it’s the first room past the kitchen.”

  Brooke felt a little strange just walking in, but when she saw the kitchen was empty she felt better that Diane wasn’t there. She hurried through the large room and into the hall, then continued looking for the elusive office. That was when she heard voices. She started to turn around, but when her name was mentioned, she couldn’t. She went to the open door and saw Rory and Diane in a heated discussion.

  “Diane, none of this is Brooke’s fault.”

  Diane paced in front of the big desk. “That may or may not be true, but every time I see her, I’m reminded of that woman. Rory, she nearly destroyed us. I don’t want Brooke here. Send her away.”

  Rory started to speak, but must have sensed her there and looked toward her and froze. “Brooke...”

  Diane swung around and glared at her.

  Brooke fumbled for the right words. “I’m sorry, Laurel told me to come in.”

  Diane didn’t say a word, she just stormed out, leaving Rory and Brooke. There wasn’t any choice now. Brooke’s decision had been made. She released a calming breath and walked inside the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Rory.”

  “No, I must apologize that you had to hear that.”

  “Please, don’t... I understand how your wife feels. I’m sorry my being here caused you both pain.” Her throat tightened, and she held out her papers. “Here are the hotel brochures and some more information you might want to look at for ideas. I’m sorry I can’t stay to look over your website with you, but I need to get on the road and home to my mother.” She forced a smile, feeling her lips trembling. “Thank you so much for letting me stay here. I had such a great time. Good luck with the cabins.”

  His piercing gaze locked on hers. “I wish things could be different, Brooke.”

  She took one last look at her father, to memorize his face, trying to store away memories of him. She nodded. “Goodbye, Rory.” She turned and walked slowly out of the house, then got in her car and made her way back to the cabin.

  Once inside, she shut the door, and leaned against the wood frame, feeling her pounding heart. She had to leave here, and soon. She walked into the bedroom and began tossing her clothes into her bag, then straightened up the bed and bath. She hated the memories of time with Trent that flooded her head. She pushed them aside and carried her bag into the main room.