A Cowboy To Keep: A Contemporary Western Romance Collection

by Hebby Roman

  Plenty of time for slow later, right now, all she wanted was him, deep inside of her. Taking her to that mindless place only lovers could go.

  But still, he traced his hands over her, kneading the mounds of her breasts, trailing his fingers over the flare of her hips. “You’re gorgeous, Leticia. You don’t know how many times I’ve dreamed of seeing you … like this.”

  She raised her arms and laced them around his neck. “‘As naked as a Jaybird,’ as my granny would have said?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, I remember that old saying.” He nuzzled her neck again, “Just naked is fine with me.”

  He shrugged off his robe and now he was naked, too. “I’m not a young stud anymore. But I hope to please you.”

  Her gaze traveled over him. He was lean and rangy, his chest and biceps muscular, his stomach flat. He might not be young, but he was one hell of a fine-looking man.

  And as if he knew what she was thinking, the expression in his eyes made her shudder, scorching her with its intensity.

  He turned his back to her. “Give me a minute.” He grabbed up his discarded robe, pulled something from the pocket, fumbled with a plastic packet, and sheathed himself. Then he laid down beside her.

  He kissed her briefly, lightly, like the wings of a hummingbird thrumming. Then he nuzzled her neck while he touched her down there. At his touch, she was so sensitive, she almost lifted off the bed. He stroked her between her thighs and pulled one of her nipples into his mouth.

  She was ready to come, just like that day in the pasture. Just his touch, just his mouth on her breast could push her over the edge. She dug her fingernails into his shoulders. “Please, John Clay, please, now!”

  He rose up over her, balancing on his forearms, the muscles in his shoulders bunching and straining.

  She took him in hand and guided him inside of her. He entered her with one hard stroke and she convulsed immediately. He followed her.

  A ripple of aftershocks poured through her, and she held onto him, not wanting him to leave her. He must have understood because he rolled to his side, pulling her with him, and they lay cocooned together. He ran his fingers through her hair, curling one long tendril around his finger and kissing her neck.

  Then he raised up on his elbow and gazed at her. “I think I’m in love with you, Leticia.” He shook his head. “I’m not certain if I’ve ever loved a woman before. Only you.”

  His words of love both shocked and thrilled her. But what could she say in return? She’d tried to banish Eduardo’s ghost, but she couldn’t say she’d never loved anyone before because she had.

  Instead, she snuggled into his arms and said, “I love you, too.”

  And that much was true. She did love the new unselfish and caring John Clay. But was she in love with him like the way she’d been with her Eduardo? She wasn’t sure.

  Having feelings for a man again was so new and frightening, too. What was wrong with her? She could feel desire, readily enough. But a deep, soul-shattering love?

  She didn’t know. And if she didn’t love him as he professed to love her, would he sense it somehow?

  * * *

  John Clay lay awake, staring at the recessed ceiling in Leticia’s bedroom. They’d made love again, and she’d fallen asleep, nestled at his side.

  He knew he’d surprised her when he’d declared his love. Hell, he’d surprised himself. Though it made sense, looking back over his life. She’d been his first love, and he’d never stopped loving her.

  Maybe that was why his two marriages hadn’t worked out.

  She’d said she loved him, too, but had she really meant it? He knew how much she’d loved Eduardo. Hell, all of Del Rio and Val Verde County, not to mention Maverick County, too, knew how much they’d loved each other.

  It was hard competing with a ghost.

  He crossed his arms behind his head and wriggled closer to her, taking comfort in having her next to him and thinking it didn’t matter if she loved him or not. He knew she cared for him and needed him.

  And he loved her enough for both of them.

  * * *

  John Clay held Leticia’s left hand under the table, as they lingered over their morning coffee. He couldn’t remember feeling this good in a long time … maybe never. They’d made love again in the early morning hours, and he was thoroughly sated.

  Not only with their love making but with Maria’s huevos rancheros, accompanied by roasted new potatoes, and more slices of peaches with whipped cream.

  He could get used to this.

  “How long can you stay,” she asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

  “Through the Fourth of July. I didn’t have any plans, besides taking my grandsons back to Houston.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry about that. You didn’t have to come. I told you—”

  “Quit apologizing. I came because I wanted to, because you needed me.”

  “Well,” she said, “it was very kind of you.”

  He patted his full stomach and looked her directly in the eye. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything in the world.”

  She blushed and dropped her head.

  Maria pushed open the swinging door to the kitchen and announced, “Señor Ramos wants a word with you, Señora. I told him you were still at breakfast, but he insisted.”

  “Sure, of course, let him in.” She bit her lip and dropped his hand. “It might be about the horses. I’m still concerned, and it’s going to be a long day waiting for the lab results.”

  He sat up straighter and wanted to take her hand again. His need to claim her openly was almost primeval in its intensity. He knew Ramos harbored feelings for Leticia, and he wanted the man to know she was his. Now and forever.

  Ramos came in, standing just inside the door and holding his Stetson in front of him. He appeared awkward and nervous. Not that he could blame the man.

  Leticia half-rose. “Yes, Señor Ramos, what is it? Nothing else has happened to the horses. Has it?”

  “No, no, Señora, I wanted to tell you of the precaution I’ve taken. I would have told you yesterday evening, but I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  “Good, I’m glad the horses are fine. Is Princess feeding again?”

  “Yes, she ate all her hay and oats this morning. She’s as good as new.”

  “Welcome news.” Leticia exhaled. “What precautions have you taken?”

  “My son will sleep in the barn every night with the horses, watching over them. I’ve given him the shotgun you loaned me. During the day, when we let the horses out to pasture, I will post someone to watch them.”

  “That sounds good. And right now, since it’s summer, we can offer extra hours to Pedro and the other boys, if need be.” She bit her lip again. “Hopefully, by autumn, we will have gotten to the bottom of this and…” Her words trailed off.

  Ramos bowed. “I’m glad you approve of my plans. I will leave you to your breakfast.”

  “Thank you, Señor Ramos. I appreciate you taking the initiative to safeguard the horses.”

  He turned back and said, “My privilege, Señora.”

  After he’d left the room, she fidgeted with her coffee cup, and John Clay could see she was still worried.

  “Hey, do you have any chores you can assign me or maybe something we could do together? Sitting around, waiting for results, won’t be easy. Let’s get busy.”

  She lifted her head and smiled. “How about a morning ride before it gets too hot? And then we could go for a swim. I’ll have one of the boys make certain the pool is clean and chlorinated.”

  He grinned at her. “Sounds great to me. I’d love to see you in a bathing suit.”

  Her lips lifted at the corners, and she lowered her voice, “As if you haven’t seen me in a lot less.”

  * * *

  The first call came while they were swimming. At the jingle of her cell, resting on one of the tables beside the lounge chairs, Leticia jumped out of the water and grabbed her towel.

  She dried her ha
nds quickly, saw the caller ID was from Doc Leghorn, and punched the screen. “Yes, hello, Doc?” Then she held her breath.

  “Leticia, I’m afraid it’s what we thought, arsenic poisoning. Garden-variety arsenic, though, nothing fancy. Are you certain it has been four months since you removed the traps? That’s a long time for some of it to get into Princess’ food.”

  “Yes, I know it is. And I’ve asked my hands, but there’s no other explanation. No one has used arsenic since then.” From the corner of her eye, she saw John Clay emerge from the pool, grab his towel and start to dry off.

  “Is there any leftover arsenic lying around?”

  “No, we used it all and disposed of the container.”

  The Doc paused, as if considering, “Well, I can’t say why anyone would want to poison one of your horses.” His voice lightened, and she detected a teasing note when he asked, “You been making enemies around town?”

  Jim Bob had asked her the same thing, and both times, for some reason, the scowling features of Ramos had lodged in her brain. But she shook the feeling off. He might be disappointed their relationship hadn’t developed, and he might not like having John Clay thrown in his face. But she was having a hard time believing he would do anything to jeopardize his job. It didn’t fit with his character.

  “No, no new enemies I can think of.”

  John Clay lifted one eyebrow, and she almost resented him listening in. Almost … after all, she was the one who’d called him and asked him to come.

  “Keep an eye on your horses then,” the Doc said. “I’m sure Sheriff Ely will figure it out.”

  “Yes, thank you, Doc. I will. Goodbye.” She clicked off.

  “So, it was poison, I gather?” John Clay asked.

  “Yes, arsenic.” She covered her face with her hands and sank into one of the loungers. “It’s hard to believe the arsenic got in her feed, four months later. But I can’t understand why or what anyone could gain…?”

  She lifted her head. “Now I’m afraid to leave the ranch and go to Del Rio for the Fourth or to see Stormy run in San Antonio.” She shook her head. “It’s like someone wants me to be a prisoner here.”

  He put his arms around her. “I’m right here with you. And Ramos is taking precautions. If you want me to send for some of my hands to help out, I will. Anything to make you feel better.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m looking forward to the Fourth and to seeing Stormy race. In fact, shearing time is over and this is one of my slow times.

  “I can stay through until we go to San Antonio, if you want me to.” He put his finger under her chin and pushed it up, gazing at her with sympathy and compassion in his eyes. “And I won’t let this get to you.”

  She pulled away. “I can’t allow you to do all that, accept additional men from you or keep you here with me. It’s not right or fair.” She nibbled on her lip. “I shouldn’t have called you and involved you and—”

  “Please, don’t say that. I want to be involved.” He lowered his head and scuffed his bare feet, as if making a decision. “I’ve been waiting for the right time. Maybe this is it.”

  “What? What right time?”

  “Cathy called me before you did. She’s adamant about getting a divorce and moving on with her life.” He pulled one hand through his wet hair, slicking it back. “It got me to thinking. I want a divorce, too. It’s probably going to be long and drawn out, figuring out how to divide the ranches. But it has to be done.”

  “What are you saying?” She pulled back, sinking into the lounger, and wondering if he was already taking their new-found relationship to the next level.

  Too soon, too soon, she didn’t know if she was ready.

  She cared for him, even loved him. But this whole mess with the horses was making her downright paranoid, and it was hard to concentrate on their relationship. On the other hand, she cherished him for being here for her.

  Her cell rang again, she snatched it up, and saw the Sheriff’s ID. “Hello, Jim Bob, how are you?”

  “I’m fine, but I have some perplexing news. The oats in your bin weren’t tainted, the only traces of arsenic were in Princess’ bucket. It’s strange that someone would target one particular horse.”

  She slumped, her heart sinking. “Yes, very strange.”

  “Anything new to report?”

  “No, except Pancho is sleeping in the barn with the horses and a shotgun.”

  “Hmmm, can’t hurt. And I’ll try to send more patrols out your way, as much as I can, especially at night.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  “Wish I could do more. I tried searching for tracks yesterday, but between your horses and all the hands you have on the property, it’s almost impossible—”

  “I understand, you’ve done your best.”

  “One thing, if you do happen upon a track made by a boot or shoe that seems out of place, preserve the area and call me immediately. Okay? Oh, and Ruth sends her love.”

  “Thanks, Jim Bob, and tell Ruth thanks, too. Okay? Goodbye.” She clicked off.

  Then she turned and looked at John Clay. “Someone is purposely trying to harm my charro horses. And I haven’t the faintest idea why.”

  She lifted her arms and said, “Please, hold me.”

  * * *

  Leticia sat on the bank of San Felipe Springs with hundreds of other people, holding John Clay’s hand. The hot summer night was dense with the acrid smell of gunpowder. But as the fireworks burst over them, filling the night with spectacular spangles and colossal chrysanthemum clusters of color, they leaned together and ohhed and ahhed along with the crowd.

  Because of her worries about the horses, they’d simplified their plans. They hadn’t gone to the Country Club for dinner. Instead, they’d brought along a picnic supper Maria had made with fried chicken, potato salad, and more slices of fresh peaches, along with some pungent goat-milk cheese they both liked. John Clay had filled his cooler with Lone Star beers and a chilled Chardonnay for her.

  Except for the occasional buzzing mosquito, which they’d lit a Citron candle to ward off, it had been a romantic evening, sitting on an old blanket above the burbling, clear-water stream, eating and drinking while they waited for the sun to go down and the fireworks to start.

  They’d seen a few friends and mutual acquaintances, exchanged greetings and visited with some of them.

  When the fireworks were over, they’d spend the night at her condo, as John Clay had some business he needed to attend to in town. He hadn’t said what it was, and she wanted to hurry back to the ranch tonight, to make certain her horses were safe. But she’d agreed to his request because he’d stayed with her and neglected his ranches, except for a few phone calls to his foremen.

  Besides, when they went to San Antonio in less than ten days to see Stormy run, they’d be away two nights and that trip worried her even more.

  He traced patterns on her sensitive wrist, making her shiver, despite the heat. Then he pulled his hand free to fan himself with his light-weight, straw Stetson. She craned her neck forward, lifting her thick hair from her neck, and wishing they had one of those battery-powered fans.

  He chuckled and fanned her, too.

  Then she leaned back with both of her arms behind her and watched the firework finale, a flaming crescendo of rockets bursting one right after the other.

  She sighed, thinking, the last few days had been like a honeymoon. They’d puttered around her ranch, riding, talking, swimming, working in the garden and orchard … and making love. Making love so many times, she’d lost count. They’d even worked some of the two-year-old horses together, competing with each other to see how quickly they could get a horse accustomed to the bridle or saddle.

  It reminded her of… She bit her lip and pushed back the memories.

  The last flare of the fireworks fizzled to the earth. People all around them rose to their feet and gathered up their belongings. She leaned forward and started stowing the remnants of the food and paper plat
es into the picnic basket.

  He touched her arm. “Let’s wait awhile. Okay? The parking lot will be a mess, getting out. And it’s not late.” He leaned forward and kissed her.

  Every time his lips touched hers, a flare of desire, like a bursting firework, shot through her, making her want him. If lust was love, then she loved him more than she knew.

  He stroked her hair and lifted it off her neck, fanning her again. Then he took a leather thong from the brim of his cowboy hat. “Want me to tie it back for you, darling? It might help.” He shook his head. “I was hoping for an evening breeze, but I guess not.”

  She turned her back to him, and he gently pulled her hair together, tying it with the leather thong. In the distance, she saw headlights pierce the now inky sky and the roar of motors coming to life.

  He was probably right. If they rushed to the parking lot, they’d be waiting their turn to exit in his pickup—but at least his truck was air conditioned.

  He turned her around and tilted her chin up. He kissed her again, long and deep, and she wondered if there were some convenient bushes close by?

  Making love under the stars … they’d only been brave enough to do that once, after a late-night swim. But she wouldn’t say no to a little outdoor hanky-panky if they could find the right spot.

  Breaking their kiss, he touched her forehead with his. “Do you want to know what business I need to see about tomorrow?”

  “No, I hadn’t thought. At first, I was worried about my horses, but—”

  “That’s why I thought you’d ask.”

  She stroked his jaw. “I didn’t want to bother you. You’ve been so sweet, staying with me. Not even leaving to check on your ranches.”

  His eyes gleamed in the feeble candle light. “Darling, it’s not exactly been a burden, being with you.” He brushed her breast, and she gasped.

  “Oh, John Clay,” she breathed. “I want you, right now.”

  He pulled back and winked. “Hold that thought.” He put his arm around her. “I’m going to my attorney’s office tomorrow. Haygood is getting with Cathy’s attorney in San Antonio, and we’re starting proceedings.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “It’s gonna take some time, but I’m committed and Cathy is committed, and the girls are on board, too.”