Her Unbridled Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

  “I don’t think we’re going to get anything out of these two, Alex. We might as well go talk to Cal.” Her father shook his head, then slapped his friend on the back, and the two of them walked off in search of the ranch hand.

  “Those two are a piece of work.” Connor looked over their horses at her.

  She nodded. “That’s for sure.”

  His eyes darkened and darted to her lips. “Kerri, I…” He stepped closer, and her heart rocked in her chest, pushing out her hitched breath.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Connor,” Hank interrupted as he came out of the stable with a phone. “One of the buyers wants to talk.”

  So do I, Kerri wanted to scream, but she didn’t.

  “Sorry, darlin’.” He sent her an apologetic frown, then grabbed the phone and disappeared inside the stable.

  Regaining control of her emotions, she finished her unloading.

  “We’ll take care of the mare. You’ve done enough,” Pete said, ushering her away. “We all hope you’ll be on the next drive. Your food tastes better than Teddy’s…and you’re better looking, too.”

  “Maybe.” She smiled.

  Kerri honestly didn’t know where she would be by then. Hopefully, right here with Connor and her heart.

  Two days later, Kerri pulled onto Shadow Rock Ranch for the Dalton’s annual spring barbeque. It’d been two long days. She hadn’t had a face to face with Connor since he’d disappeared into the barn the day they’d returned from the cattle drive. He’d called her several times, and they talked briefly, but between their busy schedules, they’d been unable to meet, until today.

  Her pulse increased. Finally. God, she missed him. Had so much to tell him. So much to say.

  Kerri and her sister took the day off of work to attend. She picked up Brandi and was parking her car when she received a call. Glancing at the caller ID, she grinned.

  “Connor?” Brandi looked over at her and smiled.

  Kerri nodded. “Hello, handsome.”

  “Hi, darlin’. You here yet?”

  “Yep. Just getting out of the car. Where are you?”

  “By the big oak. Hurry.”

  She laughed. “Okay. I’ll be right there.” She hung up and gave her head a shake, her heartbeats kicking up a notch in anticipation.

  “Don’t worry about me,” Brandi said as they shut the car doors. “I want to go check on my horse before I join the party.”

  Kerri nodded. She’d helped Brandi board her mare here a few weeks back “Okay. I’ll see you later.”

  She turned and headed for the big oak and her big cowboy, hoping today, right now, was the time they staked a claim. It was time. Past time.

  But what if he doesn’t say it?

  Her rapidly beating heart nosedived into her ribs. Okay, that was not an option. After that night on the range, Connor had told her in every way but words that he loved her and wanted to be with her. And she had done the same.

  This was just a formality.

  And the perfect setting.

  It had all started here at last year’s party. Kerri remembered it vividly. Somehow, Jordan had gotten Cole to attend, much to everyone’s surprise because he hadn’t gone to any function in years. Not since the death of his first wife. Her sister had given the cowboy his space, but had remained close enough in case he needed rescuing.

  Kerri also remembered how it had felt to be held by Connor.

  It was the first time they’d ever danced together, and it had been his arms that had woken her up. Like a fog horn. Holy smokes. She’d realized with a start that night that she wasn’t as fickle or prudish as her failed marriage had led her to believe. She’d felt a stirring for Connor back then, but was too confused to know what to do about it.

  Not now.

  Not this time.

  Heck no.

  This time, it would be much different. Kerri knew exactly what to do about it. All she needed was for the cowboy to show up.

  And he had.

  Her pace quickened like her pulse, and she wiped her palms on her aqua sundress when he finally came into view. God, he was so handsome. He took her breath away.

  Dressed in a dark green, button down shirt, Connor had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, accentuating his growing tan, all tucked into his snug, wish-I-were-them jeans. A pair of brown cowboy boots and brown hat completed his Marlboro Man appearance.

  Kerri’s heart skipped a beat as his gaze found hers and his face lit up with a smile.

  “You look amazing, Kerri,” he said, rushing forward to pull her in for a long, slow, delicious kiss. When they broke for air, he grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Let’s talk before someone interrupts us, again.”

  She laughed.

  He led her to the privacy of the trees, where he turned and leaned back against the big oak and squeezed her hand.

  Funny. Kerri had so much she wanted to say to him, but now that the opportunity finally presented itself, she was tongue-tied. All she could do was stare into his handsome face.

  He stared back, and his eyes told her he wasn’t sure where to start.

  “Kerri, I know how much that job offer in California means to you, and I know I don’t have the right to ask you to stay but...” He took a deep breath. “I think you should know how I feel about you.”

  Her pulse raced, and her body began to sweat as she smiled and waited silently for him to continue. He dropped her hand to cup her face in both of his and tipped her head so he could stare straight into her eyes.

  “I love you, Kerri,” he said simply. “God, more than you could ever know.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes and she was powerless to stop them, just as she powerless to stop the rush of feeling warming her from within. She opened her mouth to tell him, but he put a finger to her lips and smiled.

  “I have more I need to say.” He brushed the tears away with his thumbs and continued. “All I want is for you to be happy. If it’s that job in California, so be it. Take it. I just want you to know that we will work something out. Borrow Cole’s jet. I’ll commute. Move. Do anything I have to, because I am not going to let you get away.”

  The love and raw truth shining from his eyes stole her breath. Hope and love mixed, filling her heart so full the band restricting her chest broke and fell away.

  He loves me. And oh, God…he offered to commute. Or move. Move. Leave his beloved ranch. His love, commitment, feelings for her staggered her very soul.

  Kerri threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. She pressed into him and held tight. Not ever going to let him go.

  And he kissed her back, taking her breath and the strength from her legs.

  Never had she realized her heart had been off kilter. Needed to be set. Wasn’t in position. Until her cowboy, with his big heart, big love and unbridled feelings, just clicked hers right into place.

  A minute later, they pulled away panting and smiling.

  “Connor,” she said between breaths, unable to wait to tell him how she felt. “I love you, too. So much—”

  And would’ve said more, but he cut her off with another kiss that curled her toes and destroyed all coherent thought.

  Thinking was way overrated anyway.

  Five minutes later, Connor forced himself to detangle the soft sweetness wrapped around him tight. Not that he wanted to. Hell no. He wanted to go on holding and loving the woman who was more patient and understanding than he deserved.

  But someone kept calling her name, dammit. Apparently, their private moment was over.

  She pulled away and stared up at him dazedly.

  “Kerri?” There it was again.

  She blinked, and his gaze roamed her features hungrily. God, he could hardly believe this beautiful woman loved him, but her eyes said it. Oh, hell yeah—with as much emotion and deep love as Jordan had for Cole. It humbled him. Made him feel blessed. Strong. Like he could take on the world.

  “We need you, Kerri. Come on up.”

  Conn
or groaned. “That would be my brother with his impeccable timing,” he said, turning her around to face the stage.

  He was going to kill Cole later.

  “Oh yeah, I forgot I promised I’d help them out with a few songs.” Kerri twisted back around and smiled apologetically.

  His heart melted at the sight. “Go ahead. You know I love to hear you play and sing.” He traced her lip with his finger. “And moan.”

  Color rushed into her cheeks, and he fell even more in love with her.

  “There she is.” Cole continued to sign his death warrant. “Kerri, I know my brother is hard to resist, but I promise, you can go right back to him when we’re done.”

  Connor drew in a breath and dragged his gaze from Kerri’s oh so kissable mouth to look at the stage in time to see Jordan swipe the microphone from his grinning brother.

  “Don’t listen to him, Kerri. You take all the time you need.” Her sister winked at them and the crowd roared.

  Kerri’s blush deepened, but she smiled and held her hand up to wave at their audience. That was another thing he loved about her. Not just her strength, but her courage. Even if something intimidated her, she faced it head on.

  She twisted back to him, her gaze suddenly serious. “I have a few things I need to say, too. I’m—”

  Ah hell. Now the crowd chanted her name. Connor let out a breath and dropped his forehead to hers.

  “Go ahead. I’ll be right here when you’re done,” he assured and gave her a quick kiss before turning her around and pushing her toward the stage.

  All the while she was up there performing, her beautiful gaze had stayed on him, letting him know she was singing the songs just for him. His chest couldn’t expand any more. He’d never felt so happy. And so far away…

  Connor moved closer, feeling warmed from the inside out, needing to be near her. She was too far away. Much too far away.

  And his mind raced with ideas and scenarios on how and where to get Kerry alone. They hadn’t had the chance to discuss if she was taking the job. If she was moving. He only knew they loved each other. Which, was actually enough. Everything would fall into place. He’d make it work.

  Finally, the third song ended, and he watched his brother place the guitar down. Anticipation rushed through his veins knowing he’d be holding his woman again soon.

  And this time, he’d find a much more private spot. Shadow Rock Ranch was big. There were plenty of places where they could get lost and no one would interrupt. He’d make sure of it this time.

  When his brother and Jordan hopped down, he expected Kerri to do the same. But she didn’t. She remained. Lifting the microphone to her lips, she looked straight at him and his heart literally dipped.

  “I’d like to say something before I get off the stage,” Kerri informed and the crowd cheered. “I don’t know if you all heard about the job offer I got from a prestigious restaurant in California.”

  Now the crowd suddenly moaned and groaned, and he understood their sentiment.

  “I just wanted to let you know that Texas has once again captured my heart…and so has that cowboy over there.”

  Hot damn. She pointed at him with a grin so big and her heart in her eyes, he felt like an absolute king. Certainly the luckiest son-of-a-bitch in the whole state of Texas. Everyone hooted and cheered, and Kevin and Kade walked over to slap him on the back.

  “Way to go, Connor,” Kade said.

  His cousin nodded. “Yeah, you done good.”

  “So,” Kerri continued when his gaze met hers once more. “That is why I turned down the offer.”

  He felt his mouth drop open as hope and love hit his chest with the force of a Brahma bull. My God…she turned down California…

  She continued to smile at him, love shining in her eyes. “You see, no job is more important to me than you, Connor.”

  Jesus…that did it. His knees nearly buckled, but Connor fought through it and rushed the stage, needing to grab his woman and hold her tight. And he did. In front of a cheering crowd. Then he kissed her, thoroughly, and she kissed him back as the whole party looked on.

  She loved him. Wasn’t moving to California. And told him he was more important to her than her job.

  He’d died and gone to heaven. This wonderful, sweet, giving, beautiful woman in his arms was his heaven. As long as he had her, he was home.

  When they finally broke apart, Kerri’s cheeks were wet. He cupped her face and gently brushed away her tears. “God, I love you so much I can’t see straight.”

  “I love you, too,” she said, caressing his chin, more tears spilling down her face.

  He kissed them away.

  Her smile turned mischievous, and she brought the microphone back up to her lips. “I just need to know one more thing, cowboy.”

  Gaze full of love, face glowing, she stole his breath and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  “Anything,” he stated firmly, gazing down at the woman he loved more than Wild Creek or the south Texas stars.

  “Will you marry me?”

  The crowd silenced, as if sucking in a shared breath.

  Shocked speechless, Connor blinked at her a few times, slayed by her gusto before the smile in his heart found its way to his face.

  “You bet I will, darlin’!” He pulled her in tight and spun her around, capturing her happy yelp with his mouth.

  The microphone fell from her hands as she clung to him, body shaking with the emotions he’d seen in her eyes.

  Wild cheers went up from the crowd, and happiness swelled in Connor’s chest as he held everything that mattered most to him right there in his arms. When he stopped spinning, he looked down into her happy, jubilant face. Her smile suddenly turned saucy.

  He quirked a brow. “What?”

  “I just realized, you’re no longer unbridled.” She laughed. “Now you’re a bridled cowboy.”

  Chuckling, he set his forehead to hers and kissed her adorable nose. “I can’t believe you asked me to marry you.”

  Smile still tugging her lips, she reached up and brushed his jaw with her thumb. “Well, with your track record, I thought maybe I’d better do the asking.”

  Four pairs of eyes watched from their table in the far corner overlooking the party. They turned to each other and clinked flutes of champagne.

  “Here’s to two jobs very well done.” Hannah gave the first toast.

  “Here’s to my happy boys and your wonderful girls for making them that way.” Leeann’s eyes filled up as the glasses came together again in celebration.

  Nate glanced at the cousins. “So, now, our work really begins.”

  “Yes,” Alex agreed, determination lining his shoulders. “What can we do about those Dalton’s?”

  The barbeque was in full swing and couples were dancing to the sounds of the southern rock band. Jordan and Cole barely moved as they slow danced together, and on the other side of the makeshift floor, Kerri and Connor fed each other strawberries.

  Kade found himself smiling again. Normally, he would’ve been shocked by what had taken place on the stage five minutes ago. But being that Kerri is a Masters, nope, he wasn’t surprised at all. But Connor had been.

  “She sure got him good, didn’t she?” Kevin asked, drawing up beside him.

  He nodded. “Are you feeling all right?”

  His cousin looked at him and frowned. “Ya. Why?”

  “Because...” Kade shrugged. “You’re not out there with some hot chick in your arms.”

  Kevin smiled. “Got to give the other guys a chance once in a while.”

  “You’re some piece of work.” He shook his head and tried not to smile.

  “What are you gonna do, arrest me, Sheriff Dalton?” Kevin snickered.

  “I’m not officially sheriff until Monday,” he told him unnecessarily.

  His cousin and everyone knew Kade had agreed to finish out the retiring Sheriff Hester’s term. One year. Shouldn’t be too bad. It was one of the smallest sheriff’s depar
tments in Texas. He had only two deputies under him.

  “So, I still have time to raise a little hell this weekend,” Kevin stated, not questioned.

  Kade just shook his head. “You don’t know the meaning of the word ‘little.’”

  “Sure I do. I can even use it in a sentence.” Smiling, Kevin placed a hand on his shoulder and turned him to face the table where his cousin, Jen, was sitting talking to Harland County’s newest designer. “I’m thirsty for a little taste of brandy.”

  He held himself rigid, despite the heat from images his cousin’s words provoked. Images of tasting the full lips of the curvy, brown-eyed woman who occupied his fantasies. Until the fair.

  “Go for it,” he said, and watched Kevin raise his brows.

  “Nah, man. Not me. You.”

  Kade scoffed. “No thanks. I’m not into Yanks.”

  “Since when did you care where a woman comes from?”

  “Since she’s a soldier hater.”

  After the way Brandi had reacted to him in his uniform at the fair, no thanks. Kade was proud of the Guard. Proud to serve, and didn’t need some damn Yankee thumbing her nose at him.

  Even if she was the only woman to spark his body to life with her mere presence.

  Sparks were overrated.

  ***

  Stuffed Strawberries with Yummy Cream Cheese Filling

  Main Ingredient:

  30 fresh whole strawberries, large

  Preparation:

  Slice off the stem of each strawberry so the berries stand upright. Carefully cut each berry into 4 wedges, cutting almost to, but not through, the bottoms. (If you’re a klutz like me, you may want to ask someone else to do that part.) Fan wedges slightly, taking care not to break; set berries aside.

  Beat together until light and fluffy:

  12 ounces cream cheese, softened

  1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

  1/4 teaspoon almond extract

  Gently fold in:

  2 tablespoons semisweet or milk chocolate, grated

  (I’m partial to the milk chocolate and use a ‘heavy’ hand)

  Fill the strawberries using a teaspoon or decorating bag with decorative tip if you’re proficient. Sprinkle them with a little more grated chocolate, if desired. (Okay, I desire and sprinkle with a lot more grated chocolate.)