Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

  Oh, yeah, sure, but mostly because she’d planned to kill him and take over Wild Creek.

  Christ. His gut still twisted into knots every time he thought about the conniving blonde. Thank God he’d overheard her talking about it, or who knows where he might be.

  Probably six-feet under instead of walking on cloud nine, thanks to the beautiful, sweet, giving brunette next to him.

  “I guess I’d better get going,” she said, brown eyes warm with a flicker of apprehension. “Just not crazy about being up there as if on display, again.” She smiled bravely.

  Damn, she was adorable.

  He wanted to pull her under the bleachers and show her just how adorable he found her, but well, not a good idea with hundreds of people around.

  Standing toe to toe, he brushed a thumb over her lower lip and smiled. “You’ll do fine, darlin’. I love to hear you play and sing.”

  She didn’t do it often. Was more a Jordan/Cole thing, but he always loved her voice. Soft, sweet, sometimes with a punch. Kind of like the woman.

  Kerri blushed, and then surprised the hell of him by cupping his face, lifting on her toes and initiating a kiss right in front of the others.

  His chest swelled. Literally swelled at the action and what it meant. She admitting feelings for him, showing others he was important to her.

  Yeah, he was definitely heading to cloud ten.

  She drew back, and even though she was flushed and blushing at the same time, Kerri didn’t shy away, didn’t run, and that did something to his already swollen heart. Cracked it open a little more.

  “Enjoy the show,” she said, then turned and walked away with a smiling brother and sister-in-law.

  Kade cleared his throat. “So, will you be holding the wedding at the ranch, too?”

  Connor twisted to look at his grinning friend. “Very funny. It was just a kiss.”

  But Connor knew it was more. They’d staked a claim. Each of them. Right there in front of everyone. He rubbed his chest as he watched Kerri walking toward the stage. And, Christ, he was both elated and terrified at the same time.

  “Hello, there.”

  He turned to see the sheriff making his way to them. George Hester had been sheriff for over seven years now, and a damn good one. With corruption increasing around the country, Harland County was lucky to have a straight shooter.

  “Hi, Sheriff,” Connor replied as Kade echoed.

  The older man shook his hand and smiled. “Hello, Connor. You brought in some good looking bulls.” He turned and held his hand out to Kade. “Nice to see you, son.”

  “Good to see you too, sir.” His buddy shook the sheriff’s hand.

  George released Kade and looped his thumbs in his belt buckle. “As a matter of fact, I wanted to talk to you.”

  Eyes narrowed, his friend cocked his head. “Is something wrong? What did my cousin do now?”

  “No.” George held his belly and laughed. “Kevin hasn’t done anything to my knowledge, yet.” He sobered and cupped Kade’s shoulder. “I wanted to talk to you about my retirement.”

  Shit. Connor exchanged a glance with Kade. Harland County had flourished under George’s careful eye.

  Kade voiced their surprise. “You’re retiring? When?”

  “Depends.”

  “On what?” his buddy asked.

  “You,” the sheriff replied. “Time to call it a day, son. But I’d feel much better if I knew my replacement was a respectable, law-abiding citizen like you.”

  Kade reeled back. “You want me to run for Sheriff?”

  “Actually, I think that’s a great idea,” Connor said, in immediate agreement with the sheriff. Kade stood for everything George held dear. Loyalty. Commitment. Justice.

  “I agree.” The older man nodded. “See? That’s one law abiding citizen already giving you his blessing.”

  Kade still wore a frown.

  The sheriff smiled. “And as far as running for election, that won’t be necessary if I appoint you to finish out my term. When that’s up, then you’ll have to run. By then, maybe you won’t want to, or by then maybe no one will want to run against you.” George rocked back on his boots. “I’ve gone unopposed twice now.”

  “That’s because we like having you in office,” Connor told him.

  “Much obliged, son. But this old ticker ain’t what it used to be, and the missus wants to travel.”

  Kade cleared his throat. “How soon are you talking?”

  George smiled. He knew he had him, just as Connor knew the moment his buddy had uttered the question. Yeah, Kade was interested. And was certainly the perfect fit.

  Responsible. Respectable. Helpful. Everything the county wanted in a sheriff.

  “How soon?” The sheriff scratched his temple. “Well, as soon as I can talk you into it. You’d have to go through a process, but I’ve no doubt you’ll do well. Why not stop by my office on Monday, and we’ll get into more detail?”

  Kade nodded. “Okay. Sure. I’ll see you then, sir.”

  “See you then.” The older man turned to Connor. “You boys enjoy the show.”

  Once they nodded, the sheriff turned and walked away.

  “Well, now,” Connor said, staring at his friend. “That was interesting.”

  Kade nodded.

  “What are you going to do?”

  His buddy shrugged. “Go hear what he has to say. But right now, I’m going to watch my buddy’s girl take the stage.”

  Connor smiled. “Yeah, I can’t wait.”

  They grabbed a beer and one of the few remaining tables and sat down to watch.

  A crowd was gathering. Some would sit, others would stand, and others would dance. All and all, it was a good time waiting to happen.

  And he loved good times. His pulse kicked up. And spending time with Kerri. Hell yeah.

  Spending the whole day at the fair without complaining about dust, and animals and smells.

  Kissing him for luck…without him asking.

  Yeah, he could get used to this.

  With her thoughts on Connor and getting back to him, and her heart light, Kerri exited the stage after their set... and bumped right into Duke.

  “Sorry, Kerri.” He steadied her bare shoulders, and she had to fight the sudden aversion to him. Something had changed in the man. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was different about him since their date a couple months back.

  “That’s alright.”

  He smiled down, still holding her shoulders. “I saw you with Connor earlier. You have any more strawberries?”

  “Back off, Carver,” Cole practically growled, stepping to her side, suddenly rigid and fierce.

  But he wasn’t the one the jerk needed to worry about. Heck no. Jordan had gone stalk still. Not good. Not good at all. Kerri had seen that look in her sister’s eyes before. When two very big, very amorous, very drunk bikers wouldn’t leave Comets after last call last year. Her former cop sister had persuaded the men. Their faces became acquainted, up-close-and-personal, with the bar. Twice.

  So, yeah, Duke needed to heed Cole’s warning before his wife made a move. Okay, maybe she better do something before the situation got out of hand.

  “Nope, but I hear they’re selling some over at the farmer’s market section.” Kerri brought her hand up between them to lightly tap Duke on the shoulder and break his grasp in the process.

  Two strong hands clammed around her arms, and before she knew it, Cole pulled her behind him, shielding her with his body, forming a wall of hunk in front of her. Sweet. But unnecessary. She had a Jordan.

  And, uh oh, her sister was stepping up to Duke.

  “I’d like to make a suggestion,” Jordan said, cupping his shoulder. “If you’re going to sniff around, go to the barn. My sister’s taken.”

  Duke looked unconcerned. He even shrugged. “We’ll see about that.” Then he sent Kerri a look that said he wasn’t finished yet, before he disappeared into the exiting crowd.

  “Jacka
ss,” Jordan muttered under her breath. “He’s lucky I restrained myself.”

  “No, he’s lucky Connor wasn’t here,” Cole said. “He would’ve ripped Duke’s arm off and beat him with it.”

  His brother and Jordan smiled, but Kerri wasn’t amused. She was worried. What if Connor had seen that exchange?

  Her gaze bounced through the crowd. There was a bit of a mass exit going on. Looked like a sea of cowboy hats.

  “Hey.” Cole dropped an arm around her shoulder and squeezed. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just hoping your brother didn’t see that.”

  Limb-ripping wasn’t on her agenda for the evenings events.

  After what seemed like forever, the crowd dispersed, no doubt to get ready for the main event at the arena, bull riding. His donated bulls would be crowd pleasers, but Connor had no intentions of watching. Once he met up with Kerri, he’d make arrangements for the bulls’ transportation back to the ranch, then concentrate on the sexy cook for the rest of the night.

  As he stood with Kade off to the side while the audience left the area, he spotted Cole and Jordan and the beautiful woman in his thoughts. His pulse picked up, then galloped when she spotted him and smiled. Her whole face lit up, and a soft blush crept into her cheeks, deepening the sparkle in her mocha eyes.

  The urge to kiss her ripped through him so fierce, he had a hard time standing still and not rushing up to meet her. Out of nowhere, their parents appeared to congratulate the singing trio, but he only half heard, thanks to his still thundering pulse. When his gaze met hers, his whole body tightened, and he barely managed to hold back the groan. Heaven help him, she looked like she wanted to kiss him.

  His buddy stepped forward. “Well done.”

  “Thanks,” the girls said.

  Cole slapped Kade’s shoulder. “Maybe next year you’ll give us something to cheer about in the rodeo?”

  The Guardsman laughed. “We’ll see. Right now, I’d better try to round up my Casanova cousin. I’ll catch you later.”

  “See you later,” he said, then turned back to Cole.

  His brother thrust out a hand. “Thanks for staying, bro.”

  “Ya, goof.” Connor shook Cole’s hand and laughed. “You’re not the reason I’m here.”

  Jordan patted Cole’s chest. “Well, I’m here for you, sweetheart. Let’s go buy some strawberries.”

  As he watched his sister-in-law pull his brother away, Connor rejoiced. Finally, he could get Kerri alone and…

  A blur of blonde wearing a red shirt, short jean skirt and red cowboy boots pressed against him.

  “Where’ve you been, stranger?” Ashley asked, then yanked his head down and kissed him with fervor.

  Shit. Right in front of Kerri. He hoped she didn’t think he was seeing the blonde.

  He grabbed Ashley’s shoulders and broke the kiss. “Busy. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have some celebrating to do.” He detangled himself and chanced a look at Kerri. She didn’t seem to be mad. No frown. In fact, she almost looked like she was smiling.

  He dropped an arm around her shoulders, then led her away from a dumbstruck Ashley.

  When they reached a fairly secluded spot by the 4-H building, he stopped and looked down at her. “Kerri, I’m sorry about Ashley. I—”

  She put her finger to his lips and silenced him. “It’s alright, Connor. I know she initiated that kiss.”

  He stared down, well, shocked. “You mean you’re not mad?” He couldn’t think of one women he’d ever been with who wouldn’t have been.

  “Of course not.” A smile crossed her lips and lit her eyes as she glance up at him. Then her gaze narrowed. “As long as you didn’t enjoy it.”

  “Well, now, I didn’t say that.” He grinned and she punched his arm.

  “Hey…you’re supposed to say, ‘No, Kerri. I didn’t.’”

  Her playful tone and warmth in her eyes when she stared at him had his insides heating. God, she was wonderful. He backed her up against the side of the building and gently traced her chin. “No, Kerri. I didn’t.”

  Her playfulness continued as she prompted with a smirk, “And, ‘No one is as good as you, Kerri.’” Her eyes never left his while she ran her hand up and over his abs, then stopped when she reached his chest.

  His heart tried to make a break for it and reach right for her palm. He couldn’t blame it. That was where he liked to be. In her grasp.

  His pulse increased as he watched her lift up on tip toe and nip playfully at his lips, always pulling back when he was just about to kiss her.

  She laughed and didn’t try to escape when he pressed into her and captured her mouth for a very hot, very deep kiss.

  God, yes, this was what he’d wanted for the past hour.

  He groaned at the first contact, the first taste of her kiss. It had been nearly two hours since he’d held her like this, which was four hours too long.

  He pressed closer, but it wasn’t enough. With one hand on her waist, he shoved the other under her hair, the soft strands like silk on his skin as he cupped her head, holding her at an angle best suited for possession of her mouth.

  Her moan rumbled straight through him, testing his mettle. He would not take her up against the building. It was too public. But, oh hell yeah, he wanted to. She still tasted of strawberries and sangria, and when she sighed in his mouth, he nearly lost his resolve.

  This kiss was more. Different. Unguarded. Was it the adrenaline from watching her sing on stage or something else? Connor didn’t know. Didn’t care. For the first time in years, he dropped his guard, too, and just went with it.

  A small sound escaped Kerri’s throat. Did she sense it? Could she tell he’d just knocked down all his walls and welcomed her in? She had an arm up around his shoulder, holding tight, while the other found its way to the back of his neck where she played with his hair. The light stroke of her thumb sent waves of heat straight down to his groin.

  All too soon, or maybe just in time because he was lightheaded and so turned on he practically hummed, they broke for air.

  He buried his face in her hair. “What do you say we leave this place?” he asked through ragged breaths.

  Her hold tightened. “I’d like that.”

  Hell yeah, that was exactly what he wanted to hear. He drew back, and she opened her eyes and hot damn, they smoldered. His gut twisted with need.

  “My place?” she asked, voice husky, gaze dark with the same need. “I have more strawberries...” She trembled in his arms.

  “I love your strawberries,” he said, forcing himself to release her, otherwise they’d end up back against that building. Instead, he captured her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “I’ve got to go make transportation arrangements for the bulls I donated. Why don’t you wait here? I won’t be long, then we can head out. Is that okay?”

  “Sure.”

  She smiled warmly, and it took him a second to remember what she was agreeing to.

  He drew in a breath and smiled as he exhaled. “Okay. I won’t be long.”

  Forcing himself to back away without kissing her, he turned around and rushed to the pens, as fast as his tight jeans would allow.

  This interruption was good. Tonight was special. And he wanted to slow things down, not go off like a horny teenager. She deserved a slow hand, and he couldn’t wait to worship every curve.

  He entered the pen, oblivious to the activity, his mind intent on his task so he could get back to Kerri as soon as possible. A few signed papers and a quick talk to Pete who was there helping at the rodeo, and the transportation was taken care of.

  Now, to take care of Kerri.

  Smiling, Connor made his way through the crowd, stopping to shake hands with a few friends when it was unavoidable. Christ. He’d been gone over ten minutes now. His stomach tightened as apprehension skittered down his back. Maybe he shouldn’t have let her alone.

  Cutting across the fairway, he was passing the horse stable when a glimpse of lilac c
aught his eye. Kerri? He backtracked to find Ashley at the door.

  The blonde placed her palm on his chest and blocked his entrance. “You don’t want to go in there, Connor,” she said, blue gaze soft with compassion. “I’m sorry. I know you thought she was different than the other city girls.”

  What the hell is she going on about?

  He moved her aside and entered the stable. Shit…no. His heart slammed hard in his chest. It was Kerri. With Duke.

  Shock stiffened his body while all the blood drained in a fierce rush to his feet. Son-of-a-bitch…She was kissing the bastard!

  The stable spun slightly out of focus. He grabbed for the nearby stall and sucked in a sharp breath, but not much got past his tight chest.

  Son-of-a-bitch! He fell for her tricks a second time.

  They broke apart, and he watched Duke brush a strand of hair behind Kerri’s ear, his gaze tender while he wore a shit-eating grin Connor wanted to wipe away with his fist. But not now. He was way too enraged to have the good sense to stop.

  Air. Distance. Dammit, he had to get out. He turned on his heel and strode the hell away from the two-timing broad and her smiling prick. The fuckers! He lengthened his strides, brushing past Ashley and ignoring Kerri as she called after him. He did not want to talk to her. He was so furious at himself and her right now he had no idea what he’d say.

  I’m a fool. Again.

  God, how could he be such an idiot?

  His hollowed gut twisted tight. He had all he could do not to double over as if the wind had been knocked out of him.

  Christ. The two of them must’ve planned the basket auction, and he fell right into their trap. All it had taken was Duke’s smug expression every time the bastard had bid. He took the damn bait and out bid the prick. Jesus, once again, he was the damn target.

  Well, no more. Shards of pain stabbed at Connor’s gut, but he kept moving through the crowd. He needed a drink. A big one.

  What the heck just happened?