Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

  Dang, he looked good. All tall, and lean and smiling.

  Did he tell anyone? Had any of the guys guessed like Jordan? Her gaze studied the others as they approached. Friendly smiles, warm gazes, no knowing glances. Her secret was safe. Well, it wasn’t a secret, but she was relieved she didn’t have to fend questions.

  “Hi, guys,” she said, moving aside as Brandi scooted to her feet. “Brandi, you already know the McCalls. The other two handsome cowboys are Dalton’s. Guys, this is our designer, Brandi.”

  Kevin, of course, stepped forward first and held out his hand. “Well, what do you know? I could go for a Brandi right about now.”

  Half the room groaned the other half laughed.

  “All right, Kevin. Let her go,” Cole prompted, stopping at his side.

  “What? She has soft hands,” Kevin said, reluctantly releasing their designer.

  Kerri motioned to the silent man at his other side. “And this is his cousin, Kade.”

  Brandi held out her hand, and when Kade shook it, Kerri could feel the designer tense next to her.

  “Nice to meet you,” Kade said, slight frown on his forehead.

  Brandi nodded. “Likewise.” Then tugged free.

  Connor stepped closer, placing a hand on Kerri’s shoulder and one on Kade’s. “They own the Shadow Rock Ranch on the other side of town,” Connor said, thumb brushing Kerri’s shoulder in a slow, circular motion.

  Pulse hiccupping from his touch, she ordered her body not to sway into his yummy, hard, lean warmth. But her body remembered that motion all too well, when his touch had strayed to all her good parts…and lingered. Shoot. He was making her damp.

  Kevin nodded. “Yeah, but, Kade runs it. I only help out when the bossman doesn’t need my expertise with the keys at McCall Enterprises,” he said, nodding toward Cole.

  Brandi looked at Kade. “What kind of ranch is it?”

  “A horse ranch,” he replied.

  Her friend’s brown eyes warmed. “Do you board?”

  He nodded. “Yes, ma’am. We do. Why? You have a horse needs boarding?”

  The designer nodded. “Yes. I do. He’s up north until I can find a good place around here.”

  “Feel free to check us out,” Kevin, said, handing Brandi a card. “We’re on the net. I designed the site myself. And the card.”

  Jordan chuckled. “Okay, down boy. Give the girl some room.”

  “Sorry. My bad. Is lunch ready?” Kevin asked, smile lighting his eyes. “I know the restaurant isn’t open yet, but I heard it through the grapevine Kerri has several batches of prototype chili on her hands.”

  “True,” she said, gaze straying to the tall cowboy with warm brown eyes standing next to her, still driving her crazy with that moving thumb.

  After their shower, having worked up a bit of an appetite, they’d sampled her chili. He’d proclaimed it perfect, and since she’d agreed, she made up a few more batches this week. Just to make sure she got it right.

  “You’re in luck, I happen to have a pot simmering on the stove,” she told the blue-eyed devil. “I’ll go get a few bowls.”

  “And I’ll help,” Connor said, falling into step as she made her way to the kitchen, body tingling in anticipation.

  Stupid body.

  It was just a friendly gesture. He was helping her out. And it didn’t mean anything except…

  Oh boy, it was about to happen. Her first private meeting with the cowboy since they slept together.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kerri had never been in the situation before. Was this the walk of shame? No. She didn’t think so. She’d always thought that was right after sex. Not several days later.

  What was this, then? Because she was certainly walking and well, not ashamed, but…nervous. Yes, she was very nervous and anxious. But was he?

  She pushed through the swinging doors with one wish in her head…Please don’t be awkward.

  It’s only awkward if you make it awkward. And she wasn’t going to make it uncomfortable. Everything would be fine. And it was. Better than fine.

  As soon as the doors closed behind them, Connor gently shoved her into the nearby pantry and shut the door. Before she could ask what was wrong, he had her up against the wall, bodies pressed tight, mouth on hers in a hungry, demanding kiss.

  All thoughts of anxiety, lunch and the people in the other room shot from her mind as heat and need took over. Dang, the cowboy can kiss. She clutched him, her knees buckling, moan low in her throat as she rocked into him.

  He broke the kiss and buried his face in her hair. “God, I thought about doing that all week.”

  She trembled, forehead resting against his collarbone. Then why didn’t you come over, she wanted to ask. But didn’t. “Me, too,” she said, instead.

  He began placing open-mouthed kisses on her neck, while his hands started to roam. One skimmed over her hip and the other cupped her breast, brushing the tip back and forth through her bra, and sending a wave of heat straight to her core.

  “Sorry I didn’t get to see you this week, darlin’,” he said against the curve of her neck, nipping, biting, licking, until she could hardly breathe. “I’ve been busy at the ranch, and now I’m about to head to a horse auction with Kade for a few days. I only agreed to come into town with the guys because I heard they were stopping here.”

  Her hand found its way under his shirt, and she was enjoying the feel of his skin quivering under her touch. “I’m glad you did,” she managed to say before he completely stole her breath by slipping a hand down her pants. “Connor…”

  “I know,” he said, kissing her lips, his tongue dipping inside her mouth in slow, languid thrusts.

  Both of his hands were on her jeans, unbuttoning, and the rasp of her zipper pulled her out of her daze. She freed her mouth and sucked in air.

  “W-what are you doing?”

  “You,” he replied. “In a few seconds.”

  Sexy, sneaky bugger turned her around, positioning her back to his chest, pushed her jeans to her knees, and slid a hand in her thong. Her heart about stopped. Then he reached further down and slipped a finger inside her.

  His inhale cooled the back of her neck. “So wet…”

  Kerri gasped and would’ve fallen, but he shoved his knee between her and guided her onto his leg.

  “Relax,” he said, holding her up with his body, kissing her neck, hand under her shirt cupping her breast through her bra while his wicked, wonderful finger slid in and out of her at the perfect pace. Her pace. He knew it already, and within no time he had her shuddering and panting his name.

  “God, I love to hear you say my name.”

  His hold on her tightened, and she could feel his erection pressing against her backside as she rocked against him, matching the rhythm of his magical hand.

  And as he captured her nipple with his fingers through her bra, crazy sensations shot through her body. He had her leaning back against him, supporting her completely because she was lost. Done. Couldn’t feel her legs. She just trembled, and shuddered, and rocked. A deep, sexy sound rumbled in his throat as he bit her neck while he brushed the outside of her wet folds with his thumb.

  And just like that, Kerri went off, clenching her jaw to keep the moan inside so the others wouldn’t hear. Her body shook, and she had a death grip on his hips.

  When she finally came back to herself, she turned, needing to see him. But her legs were still shaky, and she slid to the floor.

  “Careful, darlin’.” He caught her and pulled her close.

  She was okay with that, because he was hot and hard. And even though he’d just given her a mind-blowing orgasm, she wanted him inside her. Now.

  Sliding her hands down his chest and abs, reveling when he groaned, she trembled at the feel of firm, solid ridges under her palms. Lifting on tip-toe, she brushed her mouth over his jaw while her hands traveled south to her prize.

  “Your turn,” she said, outlining his erection, and she smiled when he sucked in air.r />
  “Hey? How’s that chili coming along?” Kevin’s voice wafted in from the dining room, stopping her cold.

  Holy crow. She’d forgotten about them. And their lunch. Dang, sexy cowboy zapped her brain cells with startling efficiency.

  Connor cursed and held her away from him. “We’d better get that lunch.”

  “But.” She glanced at the bulge in his jeans. “What about you?”

  He brushed her lower lip with his thumb, face strained, but his eyes were warm. “What about me?”

  “It’s your turn. I can’t just...leave you in this state.”

  “You can if you don’t want them to find us in here.”

  She blinked, not at all happy about leaving him hanging. Or the prospect of the others walking in. Still, she’d never let her ex down. Sure, she’d gone without, but she didn’t do the hanging. And she didn’t want to start with Connor.

  “I’m not—”

  “Shh…” he said, finger to her lips. “I’ll be fine. Let’s fix you up and get out of here before Kevin comes looking.”

  And because she knew she couldn’t handle the feel of his big, warm, calloused hands on her skin, Kerri quickly righted her clothes, then followed him back into the kitchen.

  He bent down and gave her a quick kiss. “Where are the bowls?” he asked, gaze full of heat, regret, and affection.

  She pointed him in the direction and smiled as he limped away. The man was something else. Giving. That’s what he was. Connor gave without taking.

  It tugged at her chest. Softened something inside.

  And as they left the kitchen, each carrying a tray, Kerri was struck by how something as common as a pantry could hold such significant moments in her life.

  Two different restaurants.

  Two different states.

  Two different pantries, and yet she’d felt the earth move in both. Knocked her off kilter. Turned her world upside down.

  Changed her.

  Given a choice, Kerri had to admit, she’d much preferred the Texas earthquake.

  It wasn’t working.

  No matter how busy he was, how many chores he did himself, Connor couldn’t stop thinking about Kerri and the look on her face yesterday as she gave Jenny’s son Cody a piggy-back ride. He’d run into her on his way back from the horse auction when he’d helped Kade unload his stock.

  She’d smiled over her shoulder at the little boy, her expression happy and carefree and so damn natural it tore his gut in two.

  She’d be a great mom. And thoughts like that were killing him. Because he wouldn’t be the dad. No. Some slick, city dude would have that honor once she moved back to the west coast.

  But she’s not there yet, his mind whispered. And although it was true, he knew it was also inevitable, so pretending otherwise was foolish.

  He had to think of her as his current…what? Special friend? Lover?

  Christ. He ripped his hat off and shoved a hand through his hair while he walked back into the cattle barn Saturday afternoon. The sexy cook was driving him nuts. He needed his head examined.

  Sure she seemed to fit in and get along. She was born a Texan, but the newness of her re-acquaintance of her hometown would soon wear off. It always did with city girls.

  And that’s what she was. He’d do well to remember that the next time he was lost in her heat and softness. The woman had real talent. She belonged in the big city, creating dishes for the famous, not slinging barbeque in some small Texas town.

  Their time together was temporary. It was simply a fling. She didn’t fit in with this lifestyle. Didn’t belong here.

  So imagine his surprise when he walked into the break room to find the city girl sitting down eating chili with his ranch hands.

  But that wasn’t the most startling part. No. That would be the fact she was wearing jeans, cowboy boots, plaid shirt and a white cowgirl hat.

  A hat!

  His insides fisted so tight he stopped dead in his tracks. And, oh yeah, he was hard. Very hard, damn it. Not the best state to be in with five other guys in the room.

  “There’s the boss now,” Pete said unnecessarily.

  “Yeah.” Joe nodded at him. “Look who stopped by with enough lunch for everyone.”

  Again, more unnecessary talk, but he was grateful because it gave him the chance to get his head out of his ass and move like he had a purpose. He headed to the sink to wash his hands, then to the old fridge in the corner for a bottle of water. Right now, he needed a gallon he was so friggin’ parched.

  “I see,” he said, smiling at the grinning woman. “Hi, darlin’. This is a nice surprise.”

  Okay, that was good. It was true and didn’t reek with overt sentiment. He took his water and sat down across from her since the spot miraculously became vacant when his back had been turned.

  He wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He’d much rather look at hers. Touch hers. Taste hers. God, she was beautiful. Her face flushed and his insides warmed at the sight.

  “Hi, Connor,” she said, her gaze briefly dipping to his mouth before meeting his gaze once more.

  His insides fisted again. Heat lurked in her warm brown eyes.

  “I brought over the last of the chili.” She motioned to the pot in the middle of the table. “I think everyone’s going to be chili’d out by the time the cook off comes around next week.”

  “No way,” Pete said.

  Hank shook his head. “Not a chance.”

  The rest of the guys agreed.

  Connor helped himself to a bowl. “See? There you have it. Never too much chili in a Texan’s diet.”

  She laughed, a light, happy sound that filled the building with cheer. He found himself smiling for the first time that day.

  And a half hour later, when he was done eating and knew he should leave to get back to the hundred and one chores on his list, Connor lingered.

  Most of the men had gone back to work. Only Hank remained with them in the lunch room, talking to Kerri about one of her recipes his wife had tried.

  “It was delicious, and she was so happy with the results she’s going to make it for her family reunion next month,” his foreman told her with a satisfied grin. “Thank you, miss. She’d been sweating this reunion, but now she’s looking forward to it.”

  Kerri smiled broadly. “That’s wonderful news. I’m only too happy to help.”

  “Speaking of help.” Hank rose to his feet and nodded. “I’d better go help Cal check on the cows. It’s birthing season and several of them are getting ready to go.”

  As soon as his foreman left, Connor reached across the table and grabbed Kerri’s hand. He’d only waited because he didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.

  “This was a nice surprise. Thank you.” He watched her blush again and smiled. “The chili was great as usual, but you taste so much better, and darlin’, I really need to taste you.”

  He tugged her to her feet and held onto his control. “Not here,” he told her, voice sounding strained. Because he was. Big time. “It’s too open, too public.”

  Still holding her hand, he tugged her into the walkway, then over to the ladder leading up to the loft. Once there, he continued to lead her to the far corner behind a pile of hay.

  “This is better,” he said, pulling her into his arms and getting his first taste of her since their hot foray in her pantry earlier in the week.

  Seemed like forever. Because it was. Much too long for him to go without her sweetness. And apparently, she felt the same because damn, she was kissing him back with such hunger and demand he was having a hard time keeping up.

  Christ, her hands were everywhere, sliding under his shirts and over his skin in a frenzy that had him groaning and needing more.

  She broke the kiss and blinked up at him. “Are we safe here?”

  He nodded, reaching for her. “Yes. It’s private.”

  “Good.” She took off her hat, then pushed him onto the hay pile and followed him down. “The chil
i wasn’t the only reason I’m here.” Her hands fisted his shirts and lifted them while she licked a path up his chest.

  “Oh?” He was having trouble concentrating on her words. His mind barely registered the hay poking his back as he gripped her sweet ass and rocked against her. He was so damn aroused, he could barely think and almost didn’t hear her reply.

  “Yeah. I’m here to make us even,” she said against his abs a second before her hands made quick work of his belt and zipper, and had his jeans and boxers down to his knees. “Much better.”

  His heart literally stopped, then jumped orbit when she gripped his throbbing erection and made the sexiest purring sound he’d ever heard.

  He must’ve died and gone to heaven. This was insane. He was supposed to taste her…not…

  “Kerri,” he groaned, trying to grab her shoulders and lift her up, but she pushed his hands aside.

  “Oh no, cowboy.”

  She glanced up at him with the sexiest, wickedest grin on her lips and he nearly came right then.

  “It’s your turn to lay there and take it.”

  Kerri’s warm breath washed over Connor’s aching arousal a moment before she licked him and kissed the very tip.

  A deep, guttural sound rumbled in his throat as she ran her tongue down his length. He gasped.

  “Kerri…”

  “Relax,” she said before her mouth closed around him.

  Ah, hell yeah, that feels good. So damn good. He laid back, squeezed his eyes shut and tried to hold on as long as possible. But he knew it wouldn’t be long. Hell no. It’d been almost two weeks since he’d been inside her warmth, and this was exquisite.

  Opening his eyes, he watched as she went down on him, over and over, her hands gripping his hips. She felt incredible, and watching her kneel between his legs, hair brushing his skin, mouth hot and wet on his erection, was like something out of his fantasies. Better than his fantasies.

  And, Jesus, she knew his rhythm.

  Heat skittered down his spine. His body tensed. Damn, he was close. He lay back, trying to hang on. Wanting to enjoy the erotic, incredible things she was doing to him with her tongue for as long as possible, but when she made that same sexy, purring sound as before, it vibrated around him and he was done. Hands on her head, he thrust up into her warmth and growled out her name as everything tightened, and he exploded.