Kissed, Spurred, & Valentined (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 4)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Approaching him, she touched his arm. He looked down at her, his eyes jewel green, his mouth slipped into a thoughtful grin. “Done?”

  She nodded. “I believe so. I’d like to get some later when the sun is setting, but for now I got some very stunning shots.” Mainly of you.

  “Ready to head back?”

  “If you are. You seem comfortable standing here.”

  He tucked his hands inside of his coat pockets. “I’ve been here for years now and I’ll never stop having that feeling of peace and tranquility when I look out over this view. It’s amazing.”

  “It certainly is. I’ve been around the world and not many places even come close to this. So much white and blue sky. It’s peaceful and inviting.” In the distance, she saw a group of deer grazing along the rolling hills. She didn’t see this in Chicago.

  With a satisfied sigh, he dragged his hands from his pockets and reached for hers. Their fingers entwined and their palms touched. Waves of heat lifted in her arms, spreading through her body. He was barely a stranger, yet she felt like she knew him, maybe not all of his ins and outs, but had gotten a glimpse inside of his soul.

  They walked back to the truck together, hand in hand, and when they reached her lodge, he didn’t come in. He told her he had a few things to tend to, but he would be back for dinner. She walked into the quiet house alone and her heart sank at the realization that he’d gone, and she missed him. How was that possible? She’d never missed Travis, and had been grateful for the time away from one another when she traveled.

  Slipping off her boots, coat, and flannel, her gaze naturally fell to the open suitcase. She smiled. It looked as if she had an occasion to wear the pretty red dress after all.

  By the time she heard the knock on the door, Jax was dressed. She checked her reflection in the mirror and felt confident that she looked her best. Her hair was brushed out into long waves. Her makeup was applied perfectly and the silk dress was lovelier than she’d anticipated. She’d never been more excited to see someone in her life as when she opened the door and saw Maverick standing on the stoop.

  How could one man possess so much virility? His hat was in place, his beard was trimmed, and he wore a smile that could have melted her panties. For the first time she felt a sliver of disappointment in knowing that this was only temporary. She brought her fingers up to touch the beads at her neck, but instead, touched the delicate chain with the gold heart. The beads wouldn’t have matched her dress.

  “You’re beautiful tonight.” His husky voice sent a flush from her roots to her toes that curled in her heels. If that wasn’t enough, his eyes skimmed over her as he mentally undressed her. He smiled mischievously. “You might slip and slide in those shoes. I’ll have to hang onto you real tight.”

  No complaints from her. “The work boots didn’t match. Where are we going?”

  “I have a little surprise.”

  “Again? You’re full of them.”

  He shrugged. “I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

  Her knees went weak. This was all a fantasy, it had to be, because she’d done nothing in her life up to this point to deserve to be treated like a princess. “Shall we go?” Actually, she wanted to drag him inside and rip his clothes off, but he’d planned something special and she couldn’t wait to see what it was.

  His eyes darkened. “I think we should. We don’t want to be late.”

  “We have a schedule?”

  “Don’t want to miss the sunset.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “I think you wore those shoes just for this,” he said as he stepped closer.

  “For wh—”

  Her words were lost as he picked her up and held her close to his chest. “Can’t have you walking in the snow in those heels.”

  She blushed from eyes to heel. She loved being here in his arms, soaking in his warmth. “You’re going to spoil me. No man will ever live up to my expectations after this time in Nirvana.”

  One corner of his mouth danced. “That’s what I love to hear. Now, where is your camera? Don’t want to forget that, do you?”

  “Of course not.” Hell, she’d forget her own name being this close to tall, dark and handsome.

  She had no idea where they were heading, and she didn’t care. Staring out the window, she saw nothing because she was stuck on shuffling through all of the emotions rushing through her. Yes, she had feelings. She barely knew Maverick and she wasn’t one to believe in love at first sight, but she certainly had lust at first sight.

  He pulled in front of a large chalet and she could see the lights were on through the large diamond-shaped window. “Here we are.”

  “Where is here?” She sat up straight in the seat.

  “The wedding chalet. If it conjures up too many bad thoughts, we don’t have to go in. I was just thinking that we should put it to good use.”

  Her heart kicked up in speed. She found his gesture very sweet and it touched her deeply. “I’d love to go in.” She already had her hand on the door and was getting out.

  “Don’t move another inch.” He climbed out, rushed around the front, and again took her into his arms. He carried her through the snow, up the winding stairs, and to the doorway. She watched as he unlocked the door and he put her down just on the other side.

  The chalet was a remarkably beautiful place. It had a warm, charming feel with elegant touches. The floor to ceiling front window looked out onto the mountains. They appeared as if they were closer. “This is amazing. So romantic.”

  “Indeed it is.” She caught an underlying meaning to his words and turned, catching him staring at her. He dragged his gaze away and lit the last of the candles on the stone mantel. She watched as he bent and started the fire.

  “Are we allowed being here?”

  He chuckled. “While the boss is away, I’m in charge.”

  “Wow…so we can break all of the rules.” She stepped closer to the beginnings of a fire and warmed her hands.

  He nodded. “I guess you could say that.”

  “How will that change things for Nirvana? The boss being married. It’s difficult for me to see this as a life for a married couple.” The wood was engulfed by golden flames and they lit up his profile.

  “They have a house in the final stages of construction along the west side of the property. There’s plenty of space. It’s secluded and he’s already made the promise that if any of the hands marry and wish to stay at Nirvana, they’re welcome to build on the ridge too.’

  “That’s very generous of him.”

  Maverick shrugged. “We’ve lost three good hands lately. He wants to keep the ones he still has.”

  “Lost? They left?” She sat down on the edge of the crème colored sofa piled high with similar colored pillows.

  “Two fell in love and moved on. One was in a riding accident last year and he’s still recovering.” He stood and placed the poker back into the rack.

  “Chase seems like a great boss.”

  “We’re all like family here.”

  “I believe so.”

  He held out his hand and she placed her palm into his, allowing him to help her up. “Dinner is on the table, but if you’d rather take some shots first, it’ll keep.”

  She didn’t want to move from this spot. The warmth from his body seeped through her pores and warmed her soul. “As beautiful and lovely as the scenery is, I’d like to sit down with you and have dinner.” She’d never chosen anything over work before. She guessed there was a first time for everything.

  He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her into the open dining room where the smell of an elegant dinner filled that side of the room. She could have fit her entire family here. Two silver platters with lids were set up on one end. Candles were lit and soft music played in the background. “You’ve thought of everything.”

  He pulled out one of the chairs. “Seat, ma’am?”

  She sat down. “This wasn’t what I expected.”

  “Di
dn’t think it was possible to have elegance all of the way out here in the middle of nowhere?” he teased.

  “Actually, I wasn’t expecting to be here in the wedding retreat when I’m not married.” She chuckled. “This is sacred territory.”

  He took the seat across from her. “Are you heartbroken?” The sincerity she saw in his eyes evoked emotion in her chest.

  “No, not at all.” To think she’d almost married a man that she felt no remorse over losing left her frazzled. That was a close call and would have ruined her life. She would have missed out on meeting Maverick.

  “Okay, remember I said I don’t cook, so I had the chef prepare our meal. I thought you’d appreciate the thought.” He lifted the lid from her plate.

  “A cheeseburger?” She looked at him across the short space.

  “Your favorite place to eat is a burger joint, right?”

  “Yes, but how did you know?”

  “When you registered for the honeymoon package, you answered basic questions giving the chef an idea of what you like to eat. I had Jennifer look up what your favorite thing is. Cheeseburger and fries.”

  He uncapped his own plate and spread his linen napkin over his lap. His eyes dazzled in the candlelight. He’d gone to a lot of trouble for her, and she couldn’t remember ever feeling so on top of the world. “I’m flattered.” She picked up her burger and bit into it, chewing and savoring the delicious taste. “Wow…Mike’s has competition.”

  “Mike’s?”

  “A place near where I lived.”

  “You no longer live there?” He took a big bite of his own burger.

  “Travis and I shared the apartment. Not only did my relationship status change, but so did my address.” She smiled.

  “At least you can smile.”

  “I never much liked the place anyway.” Wiping the corner of her mouth, she watched as he poured them each a glass of wine and she took a sip to wash down the food. “Wine for you? I thought you didn’t like it?”

  “I’ve decided to give it a try.”

  “Tell me, was there anything else that you saw on my questionnaire I should be aware of?” she asked.

  “Nothing at all.”

  She looked at him over the rim of her glass. “What would you like to know about me?”

  “How much time do we have?” He grinned and her inner thighs throbbed.

  “As much time as you want, but at least all night.” Her words held promise, just as she meant them to.

  “Well then, in that case. Let’s start when you were a child. What were you like?”

  “Growing up with active brothers, I learned how to play football, basketball, climb trees, and punch a boy if he got out of hand.”

  “Thanks for the warning, although I don’t plan to do anything you don’t want me to.”

  She tilted her head. “You’re safe, maybe.” She took another sip, the wine relaxing her. “How about you? One brother and sister, right?”

  “You remembered. They still live back on the ranch with mom. Dad died ten years ago.” His lips tightened some.

  “I’m sorry. What are your siblings’ names?”

  “Catalina, Cat for short, and Mason.”

  “Are they younger than you?”

  He leaned back. “Yes.”

  She rolled her finger around the rim of her glass. “I’m confused. You have a family ranch in Montana and here you are, working under someone else on his ranch. Family feud?”

  His jaw tightened. She didn’t think he’d answer until finally he caught her gaze. “I was married.”

  Her throat constricted. He was married? “But no longer?”

  He swallowed. “She passed away.”

  Her stomach did a flip. “I-I’m sorry, Maverick. I’m butting into to your personal life—”

  “Jax, I wouldn’t answer if I didn’t want to. It’s okay.” His jaw loosened. “She was in a car accident. She was pregnant.” He took a long drink of his wine and put the goblet down with a thud.

  Jax’s gaze blurred. She couldn’t imagine what he must have felt, losing his family. She knew this was a sensitive subject, would be for anyone. “You left because of the memories?”

  “I needed a change of scenery. I found Nirvana.”

  “I know the feeling. Do you plan to go back to Montana?”

  “Well,” he drawled, “I feel guilty sticking my brother with all of the administrative duties and work, but he understands. He’ll call me on occasion and get my input, considering the place is one-third mine.”

  She rubbed her temple, glad that he was opening up. “And your sister? Does she take part in running things?”

  “No, not really. Her husband works on the land and is a good fellow. Cat likes being a mom to two boys. Says they’re roughins’, but what can she expect? They’re half McCade. We were all heathens when we were kids, even sis. We got threatened with a switch more times than I can count.”

  “Sounds like you had a great childhood.”

  “The best.” He poured himself more wine. “I have something for you.”

  “Maverick, you’re being too nice.”

  “Would you rather I be mean?” His gaze twinkled.

  “No. What do you have?” she asked anxiously.

  He got up, went to his jacket hanging over a chair and took something from the pocket. He came back and took his seat. “It’s not much.” He laid the item next to her plate.

  She smiled. “Peppermint gum. Just what I’ve always wanted. Unless you’re trying to tell me that I have bad breath.”

  He winked. “No, I’m not.” He chuckled as his eyes smoothed over her.

  “I want to make a toast to the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had.” She held her glass high. He touched his goblet to hers. “Cheers.”

  He took a long swallow from the glass. “I have to say, this is a pretty damn good one for me too.”

  “Then I’m glad that we found each other.”

  “So, you said Jax is short for Jaxene?”

  She laughed. “After having boys, I think my parents couldn’t figure out a more feminine name. There’s Jason, Jeremiah, Jacob, John, and Jess. And of course Jaxene, which is probably the worst name ever.”

  “What was it like growing up with a house full of testosterone?”

  She brushed her hair off her cheek. “Not always pleasant. It was like living in a boys’ locker room, but worse because they’re my brothers. However, my mom and I had a close relationship and we did all of the girly girl things together. Shopping, manicures, baking. She was afraid if she didn’t, I’d be as rough as my brothers.”

  “What does your family think about the wedding being called off?”

  “I-I don’t know.” She swallowed a drink of wine. It puddled at the bottom of her stomach.

  “What do you mean?”

  She shrugged. “I called and left a voice message for them, explaining the change of plans. I ignored their returned calls. I wasn’t prepared to handle a hundred and one questions. I don’t have any phone service out here, so I can only imagine how many missed calls and messages I’ll have.”

  “I’m surprised one of your brothers haven’t searched down your ex and thumped him. If someone hurt my sister, I’d be first in line to teach the boy a lesson.”

  Fiddling with her wine glass, she smiled, loving how easy the conversation was, and how they both talked about their past. It was as if they’d known each other for years and were getting caught up again. They danced around talk of Travis, and he touched base again about his late wife, Sara, but she knew he remained guarded and she didn’t want to force or pry.

  For dessert they shared an amazing chocolate cake that Maverick said was the chef’s ‘specialty’. It was ooey-gooey and to die for.

  A soft slow song flowed from the speakers and Maverick laid his fork down. “I think we both could use some movement after that rich cake. Care to dance?”

  The fork fell from her fingers and bounced off the fine china plate. “Oops,
sorry.”

  “Surprised? I do dance, although I haven’t for some time. I won’t step on your toes,” he said.

  She nodded and they stood. He led her to the open area of the room in front of the fireplace. The candlelight twinkled and reflected on the window appearing like a hundred lights outside. It had long grown dark and she’d forgotten all about the scenery. He pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned in, pressing closer, laying her cheek against his iron-hard chest. She could hear his strong heartbeat and she counted each heavy thud, but lost count when he pressed his fingertips at the base of her spine, swirling a figure eight with his thumb. Her invisible tail wagged.

  “I like this,” he whispered in her ear.

  “There’s definitely a draw here, unexplainable and magical.”

  “Some of the best things in life are without explanation.” His husky voice told of his inner turmoil.

  She brushed her hip against the bulge in his zipper and she swallowed. Her panties moistened and her nerve endings came alive. He kissed her cheek and she sighed gloriously. She imagined his lips on other parts of her body, closing over her tingling nipples and trembling inner thighs. He rolled the tip of his tongue over her ear lobe and she jerked in response. She wanted his tongue gliding over her breasts, down her stomach, and tangling in her nether lips…sampling the desire he created at her most sensitive part.

  Finally, he stepped back ever so slightly, lifting her chin with his forefinger. “Sweetheart, if you don’t want this to go any further then tell me now. I want you. I want to hold your naked body against mine and bring you pleasure.” His voice slid over her like warmed honey.

  Tingles splashed over every nook and cranny of her body. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here, with you, right where I want to be tonight.” Butterflies frolicked inside of her stomach and between her legs.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  FROM THE MOMENT Maverick had seen Jax in the silken red dress and ‘fuck-me’ heels, he’d been incapable of concentrating on anything but what he wanted to do with her in bed. Dancing had only triggered more urgency within him. Each time she made a soft whimper, or rolled her tongue along her full bottom lip, he wanted to drag her in for a breathless kiss. He deserved an award for his constraint.