Tough Luck Cowboy

by A. J. Pine

  He brushed her hair behind her ear as she wrapped both arms around his waist and peered up at him.

  “And what about you?” he asked. “After the flawless job you did for Tucker and Sara—other than your minor stint in a bathroom prison—is catering the way of the future for you? Because I know of a few brothers building a winery who might want to add some light food service to their patrons. We just need to get the permit, but there’s room to add on a small kitchen. You could choose the menu, and we’d even call it Lily’s Corner. If you wanted.”

  Her eyes widened and then filled with tears.

  “No pressure,” he blurted.

  She kissed him, then pulled away. “No.”

  He smiled broadly. Then his expression fell. “Wait…No? I thought—”

  She shook her head. “It’s an amazing gesture, and I love you for it, but I don’t need you to give me a restaurant. I once thought someone could hand me my dream, but I have to make it come true all on my own.”

  “I wanted to give you what I couldn’t before,” he said.

  She pulled him close again. “All you need to give me is you…and maybe some stories about cows and horses.”

  His chest tightened at the memory of that first night, of all the mistakes they’d made since then, and of how lucky they were for this second chance to get it right.

  “Sounds like it’s my lucky day,” he said against her. “Because I got stories about cows, horses, bulls, even a psychic chicken for days and days.” He kissed her again, each brush of his lips over hers reminding him what he almost lost…and everything he’d found. He may not have walked out of that arena unscathed, but he walked out. On his own two feet after dismounting at eleven point two seconds…with Lily at his side. It was more than just that day. Or today. Every day that she believed in him was the luckiest day of his goddamn life.

  She pulled away and gave him a mischievous look.

  “What?” he asked, his eyes fixing on hers.

  “I was just thinking about what you said, that even with the ranch and the vineyard you still want something that’s just for you.”

  “Mmm-hmmm,” he said with amusement.

  She hooked her finger into one of the belt loops of his jeans. “I might have something to offer. Just for you.”

  The corners of his mouth curled up. “Did you bring me some more white chocolate mousse? Another batch of cookies? Ooh, wait. No. Leftover wedding cake! Or do the bride and groom get to keep that?”

  She backhanded him on the chest, then threw her hand over her mouth.

  “Sorry! But…” She groaned through gritted teeth. “You are still impossible,” she said.

  He laughed and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the back door and then inside the house.

  “Oil and water,” he teased as he led her past the kitchen and straight to the bedroom. “But I’m not exactly hungry for food.”

  He lay down on the bed, crossing one booted foot over the other, and smiled up at the woman he loved.

  “Be gentle. I’m an injured man, after all.”

  She narrowed her eyes, then climbed over him, lowering herself slowly until her lips were just a breath away from his.

  “Impossible,” she repeated.

  “Maddening,” he countered. “Good thing I’m crazy in love with you.”

  “Good thing,” she said, then claimed his mouth with her own.

  He slid his hand up her thigh and gave her ass a pinch.

  She yelped.

  He raised his brows. “A little reciprocation?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I love you, too—sweetheart. But gentle just flew right out the window.”

  He laughed.

  “Like I said. It’s my lucky day.”

  About the Author

  A librarian for teens by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that twenty-fifth hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV when she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far-off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

  You can learn more at:

  AJPine.com

  Twitter @AJ_Pine

  Facebook.com/AJPineAuthor

  Praise for

  SECOND CHANCE COWBOY

  “A fabulous storyteller who will keep you turning pages and wishing for just one more chapter at the end.”

  —Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author

  “Cross my heart, this sexy, sweet romance gives a cowboy-at-heart lawyer a second chance at first love and readers a fantastic ride.”

  —Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author

  “Ms. Pine’s character development, strong family building, and interesting secondary characters add layers to the story that jacked up my enjoyment of Second Chance Cowboy to maximum levels.”

  —USA Today “Happy Ever After”

  “5 Stars! Top Pick! The author and her characters twist and turn their way right into your heart.”

  —NightOwlReviews.com

  “This is a strong read with a heartwarming message and inspiring characters.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  Also by A.J. Pine

  Second Chance Cowboy

  Saved by the Cowboy (novella)

  Looking for more Cowboys?

  Forever brings the heat with these sexy studs.

  True-Blue Cowboy

  By Sara Richardson

  Everly Brooks wants nothing to do with her sexy new landlord, but when he comes to her with a deal she can’t refuse, staying away from him is not as easy as it seems.

  Tough Luck Cowboy

  By A.J. Pine

  Rugged and reckless, Luke Everett has always lived life on the dangerous side—until a rodeo accident leaves his career in shambles. But life for Luke isn’t as bad as it seems when he gets the chance to spend time with the woman he’s always wanted but could never have.

  Cowboy Honor

  By Carolyn Brown

  Levi Jackson has always longed for a family of his own and, after rescuing Claire Mason and her young niece, Levi sees that dream becoming a reality.

  Big Bad Cowboy

  By Carly Bloom

  Welcome to Big Verde, Texas, a place where Little Red Riding Hood can’t help but fall in love with the Big Bad Cowboy.

  The Cajun Cowboy

  By Sandra Hill

  With the moon shining over the bayou, this Cajun cowboy must sweet-talk his way into his wife’s arms again...before she unties the knot for good!

  The Last True Cowboy

  By Laura Drake

  Austin Davis never meant to put his rodeo career before Carly, and this cowboy will do whatever it takes to win her back. But Carly’s hiding a secret—one that will test the depth of their love.

  Long, Tall Texan

  By Lori Wilde

  With an altar to avoid and a cop to dream of, Delany Cartwright is a runaway bride who hopes a little magic will unveil the true destiny of her heart. But be careful what you wish for...

  (Previously published as There Goes the Bride)

  Cowboy Brave

  By Carolyn Brown

  After meeting a handsome cowboy who literally sweeps her off her feet, Emily Thompson starts to wonder if the way to fix her broken heart is to fall in love.

  Thank you for buying this ebook, published by Hachette Digital.

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