Cowboy's Barmaid: A Small Town Military Romance (Lucky Flats Ranchers Book 2)

by Piper Sullivan

  “Everything okay in here?” Jack’s deep voice startled us both and we both looked up at him, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

  “Everything’s great,” Sage assured him.

  “I’ll let you guys talk,” I said, standing and skirting around Jack, but he stopped me and stepped in the doorway to shield us from Sage’s view.

  “You okay?” I nodded because what could I say? “You sure?”

  “I’m fine, you’ll find out soon enough.” I flashed a shaky smile and placed a hand to his chest and let it drift away as I walked towards the busy bar. Sage’s words echoing in my mind.

  He isn’t ready.

  ***

  Bacon. The scent of it hit my nose at the exact moment my brain switched into consciousness. Then coffee. Fresh ground. I smiled as my body went taut from my wakeup stretch. I just lay there for a long moment, inhaling those glorious scents as my mind replayed the hours I’d spent in bed with Jack.

  God, Jack.

  The man was everything I imagined, and then a whole lot more. With nothing more than a smile he set my body on fire, heating my skin and my blood, making my heart pulse. Making other parts pulse too. Just thinking about it made my nipples bead to the point of pain as I squeezed my thighs tight. I knew if I didn’t stop thinking about him I’d stay in this bed all day and since today was my day off I wanted to enjoy it.

  After a quick shower, I barely dried off before grabbing my robe and following my nose down the stairs into the kitchen. What I found there stopped me cold.

  From the front Jack was devastating, but the view of him now, miles of shredded back muscles covered in tattoos and scars that tapered to a narrow waist where a pair of jeans hung low, hugging his long rock hard legs. The look was complete with bare feet, and every feminine part of me ate him up. Goodness but the man was the complete package.

  “Morning,” I called out, throat thick with desire and another emotion that I refused to give a thought to right now.

  He turned with a smile and heated affection in his blue gaze, pants open at the waist so I could see just a sprinkling of dark hair, and a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. “Good morning.” He walked over to me and put the coffee in my hand while he gave me a quick kiss on the mouth. “Mmm, you smell good.”

  I rolled my eyes, barely able to suppress a smile at his low spoken words. “I still smell like you.” And green apples, but his scent lingered on my skin.

  Jack stood close enough for the heat of his naked chest to warm my body, or maybe it was just the man. With a sexy smile he leaned forward, “Like me, only better. Like us.” He drank from my mouth slowly then, tantalizingly. Teasing my lips with every swipe of his tongue, taunting my tongue as his own danced with it in a fiery two step that had my body preparing for what she wanted. I was so dizzy with want that I didn’t hear the sizzle of the bacon in the skillet until he pulled back to flip it. “What do you say we spend some time exploring the land today?”

  I grinned at his suggestion. We’d been here for almost two full weeks and I hadn’t gone past the barn, which was crazy since this was my childhood home. Well mostly, since I’d spent more years with the Winchester family than I had on the Carmichael Ranch. But this land was my home. It was in my bones, and I wanted it to be part of my future. Though this hadn’t been quite the future I’d imagined. In some ways, it was better. “That sounds great,” I told him over breakfast.

  We ate quickly and I cleaned up while Jack showered. I made a few sandwiches and things to take with us before I dressed in jeans and a long sleeve Henley under a heavy flannel. This time of year the weather could go from mildly pleasant to unbearable in moments.

  “Ready?” he asked when he found me downstairs.

  “Yep.” We headed to the barn in contented silence and saddled up the horses. The ride began slow and scenic, each of us lost in our thoughts and the beautiful landscape laid out before us. The town wasn’t called Lucky Flats for nothing, with most of the land visible for miles save for a few parts that existed on a slight curvature of the land. “This place is more beautiful than I remember.”

  “Come on, I want to show you something.” He flashed me a grin and took off before I could ask any questions.

  I kicked my horse, Sunshine, into gear and she shot off like a rocket after Jack and Mahogany. The cool breeze felt good on my skin. “Is that all you got, Winchester?”

  His deep laugh made its way back to me. “If I beat you too bad, you might withhold sexual favors,” he said as we caught up to them.

  “Or maybe I’ll find a really creative way to punish you.” Urging Sunshine forward until we passed Jack, I laughed at the strangled groan he released.

  “Well there goes my incentive to win,” he called out in a deep, flirtatious tone. On and on we rode, Jack pulling ahead and then me. Back and forth until finally he slowed and I came to a stop beside him and looked around.

  A shocked gasp escaped when I saw the worn wooden sign my dad had made for my thirteenth birthday. And as it turned out, the last birthday I would ever spend with my family.

  “I can’t believe it’s still here.” My voice broke with emotion and I slid off Sunshine and led her to the pond where the sign proclaimed it to be “Sierra’s Pond”. The place had an otherworldly look with knee-high Texas bluegrass, and an odd patch of brown eyes Susans offered the one splash of color. “Wow.” Emotions swamped me as I thought back to learning to swim in this pond, catching frogs with Sage. “We used to camp out here sometimes, me and Sage.” We daydreamed about her marrying Mason, and me marrying Jack.

  “When I was out here earlier in the week I came across it. I wasn’t sure this was it until I saw the sign lying in the grass.” Big comforting hands landed on my shoulders and I relaxed against his broad chest.

  “You put the sign back up?” His chin rested on my shoulder as he nodded.

  “Of course. I know how much this place means to you, and now you have it back.”

  I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Thank you, Jack.” He opened his mouth and I took advantage and swept inside his warm mouth, letting the comfort and the lust run through my blood until my legs buckled and his strong hands grasped my waist.

  “I’ve got you.”

  What a loaded statement. It sent hope soaring in my heart, but I ruthlessly shut it down. It was a nice thought, that maybe Jack had done this because I meant something to him, but I knew the truth. He was a good man, and I was practically family. Of course he would do something this thoughtful. It was why I loved him. And why I couldn’t tell him.

  “Is it too early for a picnic?”

  He chuckled and clasped my hand. “Maybe, but I’ve got something better in my saddlebag.” We walked over to where Mahogany and Sunshine rested, eating grass and sipping water. My gaze rested on the sign while he pulled out his loot. “What do you think?” He held up a bottle of champagne and chocolate cake.

  I pressed my lips to his jaw, eyes closed to stem the emotion his thoughtfulness produced. “I think that you’re trying to get lucky by my pond, cowboy.”

  “I wouldn’t say no, but we’ll need this whole bottle to keep us warm.”

  We sat on a blanket on the cold, hard earth, drinking champagne and feeding each other chocolate cake. It was terribly romantic, and my mind and heart couldn’t help but wander to possibilities. Hope for a future very similar to this moment.

  “Damn this cake is good.”

  “Tammy made it,” he said proudly as he slid another piece between my lips. “You have a little, right…,” he leaned forward and licked the frosting from the corner of my mouth.

  My words were strangled. “Thanks, but I wanted that.”

  With a wry grin, he swiped a finger through the frosting and smeared it at the corner of his mouth. “Then have it.” He sucked in a breath when I leaned forward and slowly licked the frosting clean.

  This man intoxicated me and I was helpless to fight against it, no matter what my mind said. So, I needed to pum
p the brakes before this got out of control again. “Are you happy to be out of the Army?”

  He sighed, and for a long moment I thought maybe he wouldn’t answer. “Yes and no. I hate knowing that brothers of mine are still there, and I’m not there to have their backs. But I’ve been fighting too long, and I need some peace. Beauty. Some fucking color other than desert sand.”

  I leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Thank you for your service Jack. I’m glad you made it back safe.” I pulled back but one hand tangled in my hair, pushing the Stetson off my head and slanting his lips against mine. His mouth ravished mine for long, blissful moments and I felt carried away, like I was floating as he leaned forward until his torso rested on top of mine. This kiss went on forever until our mouths were swollen and my hands roamed up his back as his hands cupped my breasts. His delicious touch was hungry and insistent, so full of passion and intensity that I felt something inside my chest just let go and embrace it.

  Embrace that I loved Jack Winchester and that he would never love me back. Finally, the kiss broke. I don’t know if it was him or me, but the kiss was over and Jack stared down at me with a strange look on his face.

  “Race you back?” He stood before his words even registered and I was on my feet in a flash, chasing him to the horses.

  “First one back gets to be in charge tonight!” I hopped on Sunshine but Jack was already in motion.

  “Ready, go!” He took off but I was on his heels and laughing loudly as I enjoyed the rush of the cool breeze and the wonderful afternoon we’d had.

  Together.

  Jack made it to the barn first and I couldn’t find it in myself to care. When he was in charge he always made sure I was well loved.

  Jack

  “I want to have another costume party. For Black Friday.” Sage sat in a recliner rubbing her belly, aiming a pleased smile my way.

  “Right because you know, historically Black Friday is a big day for costumes.” I didn’t want to make my pregnant baby sister cry, but this sounded crazy and she had to hear it too. “You do know that most of the country will be shopping that day, right?”

  She nodded, a peaceful expression on her face that didn’t bode well for me. “I do, but those who aren’t too tired will love to come dance and drink the rest of the night, and those who finished their online shopping can help me set up and eat all day long.” She grinned, but already I felt a sense of doom for what that meant for me. “Since I know you hate to shop, you can be my assistant.”

  “If I agree to this, no more parties until next year Sage.”

  “Okay,” she agreed easily. Too easily. “Agreed.”

  “Good.”

  “After New Year’s Eve, no more parties this year.”

  I just groaned and took a seat in the other recliner. “Dammit Sage you know I can’t say no to you.”

  “I’m counting on it.” She grinned devilishly. “Are you going to bring Sierra?”

  I shrugged, what the hell did that mean? “Like a date?”

  “Why not? You’re still screwing her, aren’t you?”

  I hated that she put it so crassly, but it was the truth, so I simply nodded. “Things are casual, Sage. Don’t make it more or less than that.”

  She held up her hands. “I’m not making it anything. Maybe if you don’t like how it sounds, you should do something about it.”

  I stood, and I knew my expression was dark. “I need to get back to the ranch.” I didn’t want to have this conversation at all, but certainly not with my kid sister.

  “Wait, Mason is in the barn and he wanted to talk to you.”

  I grunted at her and turned towards the back door for a quicker trip to the barn. Inside I could hear Mason listening to Mitch talk his ear off. At two years old the little boy talked more than his sister and mother. Combined.

  “Hey guys.”

  “Uncle Jack!” His little legs carried him to me faster than I could lean down to grab him. He leapt at me. “I rode a horse!”

  “You did? Did you go fast?”

  His stuck his bottom lip out in an adorable pout. “Dad wouldn’t let me.” He pointed the accusation right at Mason.

  Biting back a smile, I commiserated with my nephew. “He wouldn’t? What a meanie.”

  He wiggled free and ran over to the newest additions to the stable, a couple of black foals. While he babbled to the horses I turned to Mason. “Sage said you wanted to talk?”

  He grinned and shook his head. “Nah, I knew she’d get to you with her talk of what’s going on with you and Sierra, so I told her to send you to me.”

  I let out a grateful sigh and clapped him on the back. “Thanks. What’s this about a Black Friday costume party?”

  Mason let out a sigh that spoke volumes. “Honestly I think she’s getting restless the bigger she gets. It’s hard for her, being confined to the ranch unless me or Ma can take her out.”

  “Then I won’t complain too much about being roped in to help with the party.” Hell, I would even dress up if it made things easier for Sage. “You know you guys can always call me.”

  “She wanted you to get the ranch up and running. I think she’s worried you’ll leave Lucky Flats if you don’t.”

  “Shit man.” I raked a hand through my hair and blew out a long, loaded breath.

  “She missed you while you were gone. Worried about you constantly. If you hadn’t come back I might have lost her too.”

  We stood in contemplative silence. The only sounds in the barn were the horses neighing and Mitch happily talking to each of them. “Well, we’re all here now, and apparently, we’re dressing up in costumes. The day after Thanksgiving.”

  Mason laughed. “You think I have to dress up too?”

  “Hell yeah. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your costume.” I laughed at the affronted look he sent my way. “Don’t even think of going as a cowboy or you’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “Fine, but if you make me look like a male stripper, I swear I’ll make you pay.”

  “As much fun as that would be, I’d still have to look at you all night.”

  “And Sierra, I’m sure she’ll have something…interesting on.”

  The thought of her in that leprechaun costume, or better, in that white and green lingerie she wore underneath, drew a smile to my face. “Yeah well, we’re talking about you.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. “So, I shouldn’t ask you what’s going on with you and Sierra?”

  “I’d rather you didn’t. But you can tell my sister we’re keeping things casual.”

  Mason barked out a laugh, grabbing Mitch by the shoulder and guiding him out of the barn. “I said the same thing until I realized that I couldn’t live without her.”

  “That was different,” I insisted but the defense sounded weak, even to my own ears. “Sierra and I are…,” I searched for the right words but Mason took them.

  “Casual? You say that, but the look on your face says that things are complicated.”

  “Yeah.” More complicated than I would have thought, but if I continued to ignore the pang in my chest, the discomfort in my gut, then things could stay causal. “Of course they are. Am I going to lose everything when this ends?”

  “Should have thought about that before you took her to bed.”

  “Yeah, thanks Mase. You’re a big help.”

  “Anytime.”

  “I need to get going. Sierra bought a bunch of stuff for the bunkhouse that I need to get set up.” We’d already hired two ranch hands who would start tomorrow. Only time would tell how many more we would need. At least six by my estimation. “See you later.”

  “Bye Uncle Jack.”

  “See ya later cowboy Mitch.” He waved adorably and sent me a smile that made me damn glad to be back at home with my family.

  ***

  “You heard me.”

  Sierra turned to me wearing a blush pink bra and panty set that should seem innocent, demure but really was sexy as hell.
My hands twitched with the need to touch her. “I heard the words you said, but I’m asking for clarification.”

  I leaned back on her bed, propped up on my elbows so I could watch the graceful way she moved, the slight movement of her breasts as she pointed at me. “You need clarification on let’s go get some dinner?”

  “And dancing. You said let’s grab dinner and go dancing,” she accused.

  I had no clue how to respond to that, because despite her tone she didn’t seem put off by the idea. Just confused. “So?”

  “That sounds like a date.”

  Ah. Now I understood. “One date can be casual, Sierra. We’ve known each other forever, is it so strange to grab a meal together?” Besides we both had been working hard the past few weeks, and I wanted to spend some time with her. With my arms wrapped around her as we moved to some good ol’ honky tonk music.

  “I don’t know.” She sank her teeth into her raspberry pink bottom lip and I had to stifle a groan. Though there was no hiding the way my body responded so I didn’t bother.

  I sat up and pulled her to me, one hand pressed flat against her belly while the other teased her, stroking up and down her legs. First on the outside, sliding up to cup her ass and back down before moving to her knee and stroking up her thigh, brushing against where she was wet and swollen for me. “I do know, Sage. Trust me.” My lips brushed across her belly and up her ribcage, shooting an arrow of desire straight through my cock at the little hitch in her breath.

  “Jack,” she said on a sexy little breath that shuddered when I swiped a thumb across one hard nipple.

  Those little whimpers and cries were quickly becoming my favorite sounds. Her fingers speared through my hair when my mouth closed around one stiff peak, pulling hard through the fabric. She clung to me as I moved back and forth, licking and sucking, biting down until she cried out again. Begging me for more. “So sweet,” I groaned and she rewarded me with a sexy smile.

  “Say yes.”

  Wary green eyes stared at me, and I could see the gears turning in her head, trying to figure out what my deal was. If she figured it out, I hoped she would tell me, because hell if I knew. I just wanted to hang out away from the ranch.