Cowboy Paradise (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 1)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “I could use coffee.”

  “I’ll have us set in no time at all.”

  “I bet you will.” She sat up, covering her chest with the sheet, watching him move with such grace for a brawny, tough man. “Do you really think I’m a sex maniac?” Was that a bad thing? Of course, maniac wasn’t a good thing…she didn’t think. Either way, she was confused.

  “That was meant as a compliment.” He turned and winked. “I do believe I’ve opened the locked door to the treasure chest. I’m happy to help in any way I can.” His smile grew.

  “I will admit, I woke up looking for you.”

  “I had early morning chores. I wanted to stay, more than you can imagine.”

  She pushed her fingers through her hair, realizing it must be a mess. “You can’t stop working just because I’m in your bed. I guess it was a bit presumptuous of me to think you grabbed more condoms.”

  He leaned against the counter and said huskily, “Last night was great. Hell, better than great. However, I didn’t want to make you think all I wanted was sex so I didn’t know if grabbing more condoms was appropriate. But since you mentioned it first,” he reached into the waistband of his jeans and produced a box. “Will fifty be enough?”

  Her toes curled and she wagged her brows. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  “I like the way you think.” Once the coffee was done, he poured two foam cups full and sat down beside her on the bed, handing her one cup. “I don’t have any real cups and I’d offer milk and sugar, but I’m afraid I don’t have those either. I bet you like mochas or iced coffee.”

  “Black is fine. It’ll be pure caffeine to the bloodstream.” She sipped the brew and it was definitely a shot to the circulation. The cowboy liked his coffee rich, for sure. “What’s for breakfast?”

  He grabbed the bag and placed it into her lap. “Motley’s croissant. It’ll melt in your mouth.”

  She opened the top and peeked in, the crusty aroma made her belly growl. “But there’s only one.”

  “I ate already. The guys and I have an early morning breakfast, work our chores and then later, Motley prepares a bigger breakfast. If I didn’t keep busy, I’d be as big as a house.”

  She bit into the buttery bread and savored the delicious goodness. “This is good. The chef has talent.” She rinsed it down with a large drink of coffee. “So you’ve already done chores? That’s why you were up early?” At least it wasn’t to get away from her.

  He nodded. “Bright and early this morning. Still have a few chores left, but I wanted to stop in and see if you’re doing okay.”

  “I guess I should hurry, get dressed and head back to the treehouse.” She started to move when he laid a hand on her knee. She looked up at him as a lump formed in her throat.

  “Why are you in such a hurry?”

  She shrugged. “Just figured you’d want me to go. You’re busy and have things to do.”

  “Only if you wish to go, but I like this, having coffee together.” The sincerity in his tone and pale eyes made her heart jump.

  “I like drinking our coffee together too. Thank you. Especially for thinking of me, the croissant and all.” She ate in silence, finished the last bite and last bit of coffee.

  “I have something else for you.” He stood up and threw his empty cup into the trash bin.

  She blinked. “You do? For me?”

  He chuckled. “Yes. I know it’s not your style, but everyone on a ranch needs them.”

  “Ooh, exciting.” She clasped her hands together, containing her enthusiasm.

  “Give me just a second.” He disappeared through the back door and came back carrying a pair of brown boots.

  “Are those for me?” She lifted onto her knees.

  “Yes, these are for you. We have a few extra pairs for guests, just in case they forget to pack theirs. I think I’m pretty good at guessing sizes. Are you a six?”

  “Wow. You are good.”

  “Did you ever doubt me?” One thick brow popped up along with one corner of his luscious mouth.

  “Not one second. Here, let me see them. I want to try them on.” She pulled on one boot on bare foot and then the other. No one had ever bought her a nicer, more thoughtful gift. Wrapping the sheet around her body, she jumped up from the bed, wiggled her toes and gave the boots a good thump on the floor. “They’re a little tight, but I can manage.”

  “It’s the leather. Boots are always a little tight at first.” There was an obvious catch to his voice.

  She looked around and he was staring at her, eyes glazed over and mouth slightly open. “What is it? Do you like them?” Twirling and lifting the sheet high on her thigh, she proudly showed off the mid-calf boots. “Pretty fancy if you ask me.”

  “Lovely. Beautiful. Engaging.”

  He wasn’t looking at the boots. His eyes were on her, dark and something mysterious lingering in the blue depths. She swallowed and tightened her hold on the sheet. “Ben, this is the best present ever.” She was fully aware of the trembling in her fingers—and other body parts.

  “You’re easily pleased. I only picked them out.”

  “That could be true, but ask me again next year, ten years from now, and my answer will be the same, these are the best things ever!” To prove her point she kicked the toe against the floor.

  “I’m glad you like them. We can’t chance you spraining an ankle, can we?” He shoved his hands into his front pockets and shuffled his own boots.

  “So you were thinking of me, even when you planned to never see me again and had pushed me into another cowboy’s hands. I’m flattered, I think.”

  He shrugged and the red flannel stretched across his chest. “I would have seen you again. No doubt.”

  “And how can you be so sure? You tossed me over to Maverick like yesterday’s news.” Although her words sounded harsh, she wasn’t angry. After what they’d shared last night, she knew he’d stepped away thinking it was for her own good. That’s just the type of man he was, thinking of others. He didn’t have to get her the boots, but he did for concern of her safety.

  “I know, Cara, because having you anywhere on this ranch and not close to me is too far away.”

  Her heart skipped a beat and she pushed through the emotion. “You’ve been a busy cowboy this morning. Chores, my breakfast in bed, a box of fifty condoms, and boots. I wonder if you’re too busy for something else.” She cocked a hip and looked through her lashes, hoping she nailed the seductive expression she wanted.

  “What do you have in mind?” His hands came out of his pockets, his chest lifted and fell with each breath.

  “I won’t need this for what I’m thinking…” She let the sheet slip from her body. It puddled around her new boots.

  He skipped his gaze downward and was in front of her in a flash, dragging her into his arms. She didn’t make one whimper of refusal. “Should I remove the boots?”

  “No, sweetheart, keep them on,” he whispered in her ear.

  ****

  Ben pulled on his jeans, boots and shirt, catching a glimpse of Cara’s body as she climbed from bed. Her boots were still on. He grinned and his chest filled with post-sex pride. What they’d shared might have been a quickie, but it was the best damn quickie ever. The boots had him rearing to go. And she hadn’t complained.

  “What chores do you have left?”

  “A cow calved last night and I want to check in on the newborn,” he said over the rim of the foam cup.

  “Am I allowed to go with you?”

  He was caught off guard. “Yes, you’re allowed. Would you want to?”

  “Yes. I can help. I can’t say I know my way around a ranch and cows, but I can sure try, as long as I’m not intruding.”

  “I’d love to have you along. Company makes the time go faster.”

  “What could be more exciting of a morning than spending it with a hot cowboy, watching him work?” She smiled and his heart hitched. She had some power in that petite body of hers. “All that I have with m
e are yesterday’s clothes. Shorts and a top.” She held them up.

  “I have an idea.” He crossed the room to his small dresser and pulled out a white T-shirt, tossing it to her. “The shorts will work, but you don’t want to ruin the top, so wear mine.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Cara, it’s a shirt. Not a kidney.” He grinned.

  She headed for the bathroom and he watched her firm bottom until the door was shut. His cock twitched and he warned his body to behave. For now, he had to finish his chores, but later he’d take all of the time needed to pleasure Cara until she squirmed with need and screamed his name.

  The thought didn’t do much good for easing the strain in his zipper, but it sure did give him something to look forward to.

  He was glad she liked the boots. Glad they fit too.

  When she came out of the bathroom, she was wearing his shirt. It was a little big but she had the hem tied in the front showing off a sliver of flat stomach. Her shorts hugged her rounded thighs, fit close enough to cause a man to lose all logic. The boots clicked the floor as she swayed closer to him…the image of removing them made his groin ache. Damn! It was going to be one long morning.

  And later, while they were in the barn and Cara was awwing and cooing over the baby calf, Ben was smiling. “Bet you didn’t know you had a country girl bone, after all.”

  Her cheeks were flushed from the morning air and her hair was wildly framing her face, and she was the best thing he’d seen in a long time. “There’s something about Nirvana that clears the head and puts everything into perspective. And the calf is the cutest thing ever.”

  Mama cow was feeding the baby calf, but another scene had him as hot as a desert in the afternoon sun. Cara was leaning against the gate to the stall, her back slightly arched and her bottom perfectly rounded as she stood on her toes. She was a sexy woman, but the combination of short shorts and the boots made him salivate. Damn if he didn’t want to take her then and there, over the top rail of the gate, giving a shit less who walked in. He’d never been this far into throwing caution to the wind and following every desire, no matter what path it led him down. Hell, he’d already predicted this wouldn’t end well for him. Cara was here, breaking down walls, having orgasm after orgasm, and when the end of the next week came, she’d bid him a thank you and farewell.

  That was the name of the game. The guests came and they went. But he’d never been sadder at the thought of seeing her leaving.

  He didn’t realize she was watching him.

  “Ben, are you okay?”

  “Peachy. How about you?” He pushed his hat down his forehead.

  “Wonderful. Absolutely, positively wonderful.” Her eyes were as bright as the sun on a cloudless day.

  “That’s a smile worthy of meeting each and every day.” Without thought, he reached out and ran the back of his knuckle down her cheek. An electric current swept up his arm and he dropped his hand. “We’ve missed second breakfast and it’s closer to lunch. I bet Motley would love having a beautiful side-kick in his kitchen. He teaches the cooking lessons, not that I’m saying you need them, I mean, how would I know. And you already signed up. ” Hell, could he make more of a mess of things? He’d never been this tongue-tied before when asking a guest if they wanted cooking lessons. “You did say you wanted lessons, right?” This was a sign his lines weren’t only blurred, but rather, they were gone.

  “Yes, I’d love to check out his kitchen, maybe steal some ideas.” Her eyes twinkled and he realized inviting her had been the right thing to do. Anything to light up her baby blues would be worth a trek across coals on hands and knees.

  ****

  Ben had left Cara with Motley while he excused himself to take care of business. She didn’t ask, and he didn’t supply but a vague excuse.

  But watching Motley expertly dice and slice vegetables for a stew for dinner had her attention.

  “Did you attend culinary art school?” she asked.

  Motley, an Italian with dark busy hair and prominent features tossed the cut up vegetables into a large stock pot of boiling liquid on the stove. “No. Self-taught. A man like me didn’t have the means of attending school.”

  “Well, no one would ever know you didn’t have professional lessons. You’re amazing.”

  He beamed and she could swear his cheeks turned rosy underneath his olive complexion. “I’m glad I delight you. And because you are making my head bigger, you will be the first to try my newest dessert. It’s to die for.” He kissed the tips of his fingers.

  “There’s nothing I like better than dessert.” And then Ben came to mind. Well, there was something…

  Motley reached into the refrigerator. He dipped a spoon deep into the confection and handed it to her. She licked the spoon, savoring the sweet delicacy. “That’s amazing. Now, what is it?” She wanted more.

  “A new recipe for Tiramisu. I’ve been working on it for a cooking competition coming up next month. If I win, I will get the jackpot.” His eyes lit up. “I could open another restaurant.”

  “With a dessert this yummy, can’t see how you won’t win.”

  “You’re a kind woman. And I will share. Want to make some?”

  “That would be great.”

  An hour later, Ben strolled into the kitchen. He had changed, was clean shaven, and had on a nice blue plaid shirt and worn jeans. He was a sight for sore eyes. “Is Motley giving away any secrets?” Ben chuckled.

  “She is a pleasure and easy to teach.” Motley grinned.

  “I don’t know how easy I was to teach, but I know good food when I taste it. Motley, you’re a great chef,” Cara said.

  “Are you ready?” Ben asked her.

  Grabbing her take out container of tiramisu, Cara bid Motley goodbye and followed Ben to the golf cart. She was climbing into the seat when she heard the purr of an engine and looked up as Maverick drove by. He had a silver-striped-haired woman in the passenger side who was waving herself with a fan. Ben and Maverick exchanged nods.

  “So, is that one of the lodgers?” Cara stared until Maverick’s cart disappeared on the narrow lane.

  Ben climbed behind the wheel. “Yes.”

  She eyed his profile. “If you traded spots with Maverick, I’m assuming that’s the woman you had for the day.”

  He smiled. “Yes.”

  “Okay, I’m sure you don’t want to expand your answers to complete sentences, but how was it?”

  He looked at her. “What do you mean, Cara?”

  “Would you have been sleeping with her, too?” Once the words were out, she wished she could fish them back in. She shook her head. “Never mind. That wasn’t a fair question.”

  He shifted in his seat until he faced her. “Sweetheart, I don’t sleep with the lodgers.”

  “You never have?” She realized she was traveling down a touchy path, but she couldn’t help herself. Her curiosity was getting the better of her.

  His jaw clicked. “I can’t say that I never have, especially after last night.”

  Her chest tightened. “Oh, I see.”

  “No, you don’t see. If you think for one minute I have the same relationship with everyone as I do with you, you’re way off the mark.” His exhale of breath brushed her cheek.

  “Then, what we are doing is different?” She moistened her lips.

  “Darlin’, you’re different than anyone I’ve ever met, hands down.” He turned, started the cart and they drove away.

  Cara wasn’t sure how to take his words. Although he didn’t come out and say yes, he’d admitted that he’d slept with other lodgers, and although she knew she shouldn’t be upset, it did hurt ever so slightly. Heck, she was plain out jealous. Even if she had no right to be, it stung all the same.

  Having sex with Ben didn’t give her some special place in his life. He worked at Nirvana. He had a job and that meant pleasing the lodgers. She was a lodger. Point blank.

  She turned her cheek and stared at the scenery, but seeing nothing but uns
hed tears. As happy as she was, she realized it would all come to an end in a week. She would leave the ranch and go home, where nothing awaited her. No friends, not really. No family. No dog or cat. She swore she was going to get a pet. Maybe two or three. James hated animals. She happened to love animals.

  Cara also decided she’d tell James’s sister to shove her negative, bad comments where the sun doesn’t shine. There came a point that Cara had to stop letting people treat her badly. She’d allowed it to continue for far too long. She’d felt sorry for Tammy. Although she wasn’t close to James, Cara did realize how hard it would be for Tammy to accept the truth about her brother when their father had been the dictionary definition of evil.

  “Here we are. I realized you and I never did go down to the waterfall like I’d promised.” Ben pulled the cart over in the same place they had before for the picnic.

  “No bees, I hope.” She smiled, forcing her brain on the present.

  “While we’re in the water, we’ll have no worries.” He grinned and slipped out of the seat.

  Cara absorbed his words as she crossed the front of the vehicle. “Did you say ‘in’ the water?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I have towels.” He grabbed them from the backseat.

  “Okay, but there’s a problem.” She folded her arms over her waist as fear threatened to make her sick.

  “And what’s the problem?” One brow cocked.

  “I don’t swim,” she admitted.

  “You can’t swim?”

  She shook her head, sending hair around her cheeks. “I never learned.”

  “No big deal.” He shrugged. “The water isn’t deeper than your waist and I won’t leave your side, not for a second. I’ll keep you safe.”

  Together they walked the field and they made their way down the slope to the edge of the water. The sound of the water was soothing and the space was shaded. It was beautiful.

  Ben toed off his boots, his socks, and started for his jeans.

  “What are you doing?” She swallowed.

  “Sweetheart, I didn’t bring trunks. Have you never gone skinny dipping?” His eyes searched her.

  “As in swimming naked?”

  “Skinny dipping doesn’t refer to anything but.” He grinned and it warmed her insides.