Paige Cameron

by Commando Cowboys Find Their Desire

  Dr. Jack gave her a knowing smile. “I don’t believe it’s weakness making your face flush.” He grinned and went to the door. “I’ll send your dad in.”

  “Hi, honey. Are you glad to be getting out of here?” Her dad came to the bedside and kissed her cheek.

  “I was when I thought I could go home with you and Mom. Whose idea was this? I bet Cody came up with it.”

  “You’re right, darlin’.” Cody stuck his head in the door. “And I think it’s a brilliant plan. We can all get to know each other, and then maybe you’ll say yes when we propose.”

  “I might have known you’d be lurking around.” She frowned at him. “You don’t like me. Why would you want to marry me?”

  “I was an ass. I admit it. But I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

  She tilted her head at an angle. “I’m in control at your place about what happens. You know what I mean?” She was glad her father had walked out when Cody came to her bedside. Her face blushed with just Cody present.

  “We won’t do anything you don’t want.”

  “Promise?”

  “You are a hard, distrustful woman. Still, I love you and so does Payton. I promise.”

  “Send Dad back in to help me get up and out of here. I’ll see you at your house.”

  “No, you’ll see me downstairs at my truck. You are riding with me. From now on, until we know what happened to you, you will have Payton or me at your side.” He sauntered out of her room.

  The man made her so irritated that most of the time she wanted to throw something at him. Her dad came in with a wheelchair. “It’s hospital policy that you ride out of here in one of these.” He hung the bag with her clothes on the chair arm. Then he helped Averil out of the bed.

  “I feel as good as new.”

  “Dr. Jack said you were. No restrictions on activities. Thank goodness our species has a much faster recovery time than an earthling. The dose you got would have killed a human.”

  “Then you’d better put an extra watch on the warriors’ wives. Aren’t a number of the two tribes’ wives earthlings?”

  “Yes. I’d better call Mitch now.” He dialed the number on his smartphone. When Mitch answered, he told him what Averil had suggested.

  Averil’s dad shut his phone off. “He said he’d put guards on all of them. He hadn’t talked with Jack and so didn’t realize the danger to them. Nothing is wrong with your brain, thank goodness.”

  Cody waited, as he’d said, at the side of his truck. As soon as they came out of the hospital, he rushed to her side. When she got out of the wheelchair, he started to pick her up.

  “Don’t you dare. I’m not wounded. I can walk, talk, and do tricks.” Her sarcasm had him smiling. Her heart quickened a beat.

  “I know you’re well, darlin’, when you fight me. May I open the door for you or is that too much?”

  “You may be a gentleman. If you know how to be one.”

  “Ah, darlin’.” He grabbed his chest. “You wound me in the heart.”

  This time she couldn’t help but laugh. She climbed into his truck, and as he closed the door, his hand brushed her arm. A sizzle of desire went straight to her pussy. Was an increased sexual desire a side effect of her illness? Averil watched him walk around and get in the driver’s side. She didn’t think so, but being sick had weakened her wall of defense against him and Payton.

  She wasn’t sure if she wanted to build it back or wait and see what happened. Averil leaned her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes.

  “Tired?” Cody asked.

  “A little. Where is your house?”

  “Closer to the mountains. We raise our own horses as a sideline, so we needed a lot of space.”

  Averil glanced in the rearview mirror and saw her father following them. “Why is Dad going all this way?”

  “So he and your mom will know how to get there to visit you. Also I heard you have a twin sister, Kira? She’ll want to see you.”

  “Actually her name is Wakanda, but she was nicknamed Kira. It’s easier for people to say and remember.”

  “Wakanda sounds Indian.”

  “It does.”

  He glanced at her when she didn’t say any more. She raised her eyebrows at him. “That’s all I’m telling you. If you want more information, ask her.”

  Their home came into view with the mountains as a backdrop and the pastures ablaze with colorful wildflowers. The large cabin looked as though it were an integral part of the scene. A barn sat a good distance behind and in two fenced areas she saw several horses.

  “Who trains them?” She motioned at the beautiful horses.

  “I do. That’s my skill. I have a way with horses and ladies.”

  “Are you saying we have something in common?”

  “Both of you need special handling, a soft voice, a firm hand, and a loving heart.” He parked the truck in front of the cabin and then leaned on the steering wheel facing her.

  “Hah, try a firm hand on me and I’ll belt you one.”

  He didn’t comment. He got out and came around to her door. Before she could get out on her own, he put his hands on her waist and lifted her out and against his hard, muscled body.

  His scent of sandalwood and citrus floated around her head. The heat from his body made her want to cuddle close. Her father slamming his door shut broke them apart. Cody chuckled until she stomped his toe and punched him in the stomach.

  “Back off.”

  “Yep, you are fully recovered.”

  “I’m going home,” her dad told them. “Here are her cases, Cody. And one more thing, if you give her a difficult time, I’ll be back, and you’ll regret it. I was the third tribe’s boxing champ for ten years. I might use your body for a little practice.” He hugged Averil. “Take care of yourself.” Then he turned and left.

  “Now I know where your violent side comes from, but he’s your stepfather.”

  “He taught me and Kira a few moves.” She put her hand on his chest. “Be careful, big guy.”

  * * * *

  Cody watched her sweet ass swing toward the front door. He’d be careful, but he couldn’t wait to sink his hard dick into her hot pussy. She might deny caring about them, but he’d seen her face flush, and her sweet smell of desire tickled his nose. He picked up her cases and went to unlock the door.

  He watched her expression as she stepped into the great room. She looked up at the towering ceiling and around at a large corner fireplace.

  “Your mothers must have done the decorating. It’s lovely and welcoming.”

  “We think so. Our sisters and mothers took over and did all the inside. They were good though and didn’t make it too girly.”

  “Nor totally masculine.”

  “No, they’ve had high hopes for some time that we’d get married. Mom wants more grandchildren.”

  “I haven’t met your parents.” Averil wandered to the left and into a sitting room. Off the sitting room, to the right, was an enormous master bedroom, three huge closets, and a bath as large as a normal bedroom. The colors were soft yellows and gold.

  She ran her hand along the countertop with three sinks. Then she walked to the other side of the bath where a step-in jetted tub looked inviting. A shower with four spray heads had been built against the back wall.

  “None of this looks used, but it’s obvious you’ve lived here for some time.”

  “This is waiting for when we get married. Payton and I each have a bedroom and bath upstairs. Let’s go up and I’ll show you. Unless you’d rather rest first?” He anticipated the look she gave him. She was fun and such a challenge.

  “Then I’ll lead the way up our curving staircase.”

  The stairs were on the right side of the great room. At the top a loft was decorated as a place to read, relax, and listen to music. To the left, built over the master bedroom area was a long, narrow hallway. Three doors opened to the passageway.

  “Eventually these will be our children’s room
s. Payton uses the first room.”

  Averil glanced inside. The bed was made and the room immaculate. Cody knew from her expression what she was thinking. He held his grin inside.

  “No one has used the middle room, and this last one is mine.”

  When she walked in his doorway and looked stunned, he couldn’t keep the laughter in. “You thought I’d be the slob. But Payton and I both like things neat. We’ve hired a lady to clean once a week, but the rest of the time we keep things in pretty good order. Are you the slob?”

  “Definitely not. Mother would never have tolerated her daughters keeping their rooms messy.” She turned to leave and ran into his hard chest.

  He put his arms around her. “Stay here a moment. I like the idea of you in my room. I’d like it better to see you in my bed.” He put his hand over her heart. “Your pulse is beating fast.” His lips brushed across the soft skin of her cheek. “Skin as soft as a rose petal.” Encouraged that she hadn’t moved, he covered her mouth with his. Her sweet lips softened and opened. His tongue went inside, licking, tasting, ravishing the silky interior.

  One of his hands moved down her back and cupped her buttocks, bringing her against his hard cock. His other hand brushed across the tip of one of her breasts. But when he lowered that hand and gently squeezed her buttocks, she pushed him back.

  “We need to go downstairs.” She licked her lips, and her gorgeous brown eyes sparkled. He saw the confusion in her face and reluctantly stepped back.

  “I’ll bring your suitcases up to the second bedroom. Wait there and you can unpack while I fix us a quick lunch.” He’d give her a breather, but not too long. Tonight, he was going to make love to her.

  * * * *

  Averil stood where he’d left her. Desire rushed through her veins, making her body hot. Her pussy had clenched with hunger to feel him deep inside her. She was surprised how quickly she had responded to him. Just yesterday she’d been so mad. But today, his touch set her on fire. If he’d pulled her close again, she didn’t think she could have resisted wrapping herself around his strong, muscular body.

  She walked out of his room and into the next bedroom. Each room had a king-sized bed, bedside tables, a chest of drawers, a lounge chair, and a small private bath. It’d be a comfortable place to stay if it wasn’t sandwiched between their rooms. They were going to be much too close for comfort.

  He brought in her suitcases. “Here you are.” He set them down. “Unpack. I’ll holler when lunch is ready.”

  “Thanks.” She didn’t look directly at him. Her body still hummed in awareness of him. Once he’d gone, she placed her jeans and underwear in drawers then hung up the few dresses her mother had added. She seldom wore dresses, but they might come in handy. She suspected her parents wouldn’t mind if she decided to marry Payton and Cody. They wanted to see her happy and settled.

  “Lunch is ready,” He hollered up the stairs.

  “I’m coming.”

  He’d put their plates on the small kitchen table. A chicken sandwich, chips, and a glass of soda sat at each place, plus a plate of fruit sat in the center.

  “This looks very inviting. But did you taste test everything first?”

  “Of course, I’m the queen’s taster,” he teased.” After lunch we can walk out to the barn and see the new foal. She’s a beauty, all spindly legs and big eyes.”

  “I can see from your expression you love horses.”

  “I have, ever since I got old enough to get on one. After my dad died they were a consolation to me. I lived on a horse or in the barn, when I wasn’t up to mischief with Payton.”

  “Let me guess. You were most often the instigator.”

  “I take great pride in saying yes.”

  His grin and bright blue eyes caught at her heart. She took a bite of her chicken sandwich and ate some chips. “This is very good. Did you cook the chicken?”

  “Actually I did, on the grill.”

  A comfortable silence fell between them as they ate. Cody’s cell rang just as they’d finished.

  “Payton, how are you? Did the doctor say it was all right? No, of course I want you here, but I’d prefer not to go through seeing you pass out and be sick again. See you then.”

  “Is Payton coming home?” Averil asked.

  “Tomorrow. He was released from the hospital the day before you were. The doctor did a scan and his surgery is completely healed. But his mom insists he stay one more day with them.”

  Cody hesitated then added, “I’m sorry for the way I treated you. It was uncalled for. I was being an ass.”

  “Yes, you were.”

  “Can we start again, fresh?”

  Averil took her plate and his to the dishwasher. “If you take me to see the foal.” She smiled at him.

  “We’re on our way.” He grabbed his cowboy hat from the rack and then put one on Averil. “Come on.”

  The barn was cool and shady. There were ten stalls with horses.

  “Did you breed them?”

  “All but the first two. It’s taken time, but when I’m off work most of my spare time is spent here working with the horses.”

  “What is your job on the ranch?”

  “Same as here, I train the horses and watch over them. You can’t beat a job that’s your passion. I also go off on assignments.”

  “What type?”

  “I’ll explain another time.”

  He led her to a stall in the back. A foal was nursing and the mare raised her head to see who had come close to her baby.

  “No problem, Dainty Walker, this is a friend.” Cody spoke in a soft tone, and it was evident the mare knew him. She laid her head back down.

  “They’re both lovely.” Averil and Cody stood quietly by the stall for several minutes. When the foal finished she got awkwardly to her feet and came to them, bumping their hands with her nose.

  “She’s inquisitive.” Averil rubbed across the foal’s nose.

  “Would you like to name her?”

  “I’d love to, but I haven’t got any idea of what would fit her.”

  “Take your time. There’s no hurry.”

  “She’s a beauty. She’ll have her mother’s reddish-brown coat.”

  “I like reddish-brown hair, but especially fiery-red hair.” He touched Averil’s curls. “Everything about you is soft.”

  “Time to go back to the house. I have no intention of rolling in the hay with you.”

  “You’re no fun at all.”

  Averil walked out of the barn and he followed. Once inside the house, she took her soda glass off the table and refilled it. “What are we going to do to pass the time? I’m used to being active.” She poked her head in the fridge. “You have plenty of food in here. I’ll cook dinner tonight.” When she looked around, she saw him looking at her backside.

  “Is sex all you think about?” She turned and straightened.

  “It is when you are around. Especially when that sweet ass of yours is stuck up in the air in front of me.”

  “I never know when you’re serious or teasing.”

  “Baby”—he stepped into her space—“I’m always serious about sex with you.”

  His enticing scent filled her lungs. He pulled her hips against his, and his hard cock pulsed against her belly. Sweet desire coiled in her lower abdomen and fluid seeped from her aching pussy. She was tempted, very tempted. Cody started to lower his mouth to hers, but she pulled away and put distance between them.

  “I assume that means you aren’t ready yet. Do you play chess?”

  “I’m very good at the game.”

  “Then follow me.”

  She grabbed the bowl of fruit and her soda and then went with him into the great room. In the east corner a table had been set up with ivory chess pieces. He pulled out a chair for her.

  “Have a seat, my lady. We’ll see who’s the best at this game.” She placed the fruit on a larger table to her left and sat.

  They were well matched. They’d played one gam
e and were well into the next when Averil heard thunder. She looked up from the board and realized the light had grown dim from the dark clouds outside the window.

  Cody reached out and turned on a lamp. “No excuse to stop now. I’m almost ready to say checkmate.”

  “No way. I’m in a better position.”

  When he went to make his move, Averil reached for the fruit bowl and picked out a banana. Cody glanced up at her as he sat back with a triumphant grin. His light-blue eyes glistened in the lamp light.

  “I’m close.”

  Averil took her time peeling her banana. She tried to avoid staring at his sexy mouth. His foot bumped against her leg. He was trying to break her concentration. While she studied the board, she licked up one side of the banana and down the other. She swirled her tongue around the long, phallic-shaped fruit. Ignoring the quiet groan from across the table, she kept her eyes on her chess pieces. Just as she made her move she took the banana farther into her mouth and looked up at him.

  His eyes smoldered with the fire of desire. He’d clamped his firm lips tight and held his body taut.

  She slid the banana slowly out and smiled, holding it in her hand. “I believe it’s your turn.”

  Chapter Seven

  Like a man thrown a lifeline, Cody glanced down at the chessboard, studying her move. After he made his choice he leaned back but kept his eyes on the board.

  She took his rook and said, “Checkmate.” When he looked up, she took one long swipe at her banana and sucked.

  His chair fell over when he got up. He threw her over his shoulders and took the stairs two at a time. When he got to his room, Cody dumped her on his bed and followed her down. He clamped his mouth on hers, and his tongue ravished the soft interior.

  Averil’s heart pounded against her chest wall, and her pussy gushed from her hunger. She ran her fingers through his thick, dark-brown hair. Their legs intertwined and his hard cock pulsed against her lower lips. She rubbed herself against him, arousing an all-consuming longing for him to satisfy her.

  Cody’s mouth slid across her cheek and he bit gently on the lobe of her ear. “You are the sexiest woman I’ve met. I’ll never look at a banana again without thinking of you.” He raked his teeth lightly down her neck and nuzzled his mouth between her neck and shoulder.