Cowboys & Bosses

by Piper Sullivan

  “If you tell the truth, you shouldn’t. But you still haven’t answered my question.”

  She was like a dog with a damn bone. “I wanted to see you. I needed to see you, to taste you.”

  “So, you like my hair?”

  “Yes. No. It’s different and I liked it curly. When it’s curly it’s you. It’s sexy as hell straight, but too much like everyone else.” It must have been the right thing to say because a soft blush touched her skin and she crawled up my body.

  “Thanks.”

  “Have you heard from the Shepherd siblings?”

  “Yes and no. I ran into Katelyn at the salon, but they’ve been pretty effective at dodging my attempts to talk and gather information.”

  “Me too.” But I didn’t care, not when her hands roamed up and down my arms, slowly stoking the fire deep in me. “Why did you let me in?” I had to know.

  “I couldn’t resist.”

  That was it. An easy answer for a not so easy question. “Good to know. Now come here so I can tell you something.”

  “What?” She leaned in until her tits were pressed against my chest, so soft and so smooth.

  “Closer.” She leaned in and brushed her lips against mine.

  “Close enough?” She asked, a sexy smile on her face.

  I shook my head. “Not even close.” And I spent the next few hours showing her exactly how close I wanted, needed us to be.

  Lacey

  “I’m not sure what Katie told you, Ms. Sayers but we aren’t close to making a decision yet.”

  Greg Shepherd sat across from me with his spine erect, white-blond hair glimmering in the sunlight filtering in to the conference room.

  “I am well aware of the situation we find ourselves in, but that’s why I’d like to speak with you about a different venture.” There had been no time to talk to Blake about this idea, because literally every time I went to his office he and Poppy were fused at the mouth and headed towards naked time. So, I was flying on my own with this.

  “Anything less than Katie and I retaining a majority share in the company is unacceptable.”

  Well that just blew my proposal out of the water. I stared at Greg for a long moment. Katelyn did most of the talking usually, so I didn’t have a read on him, other than the assumption about his ego based on his Olympic past. But I knew when someone had no interest in a deal, and Blake had taught me all about cutting my losses. I stood and repacked my proposal materials before turning to the Shepherds.

  “Thank you for letting me know and thank you for your time.”

  He frowned. “That’s it? ‘Thank you for your time’? You’ve been calling us for weeks and that’s all you have to say? Unbelievable.”

  “If you had no interest in actually selling that would have been useful information at any time over the past few weeks. If you want to sell shares in your company, that’s your choice. But Peak Adventures is not interested in that kind of deal, so yeah Greg, that’s all I have to say.”

  “Fucking vultures,” he growled and shook his head in disgust.

  “Excuse me, vultures? You think you can just offer a small piece of a company that you don’t know how to run and that’s enough? That’s throwing away my money for no reason. But again, this is your company. Good luck.”

  “Walker Titus will be here shortly, if that changes anything.” With those words, the tremble in his tone and the tension that made his voice waver I knew. They were playing games, hoping to use Walker and I to drive the price up. It wasn’t very smart though, because even with the notoriety, the station was barely worth their asking price.

  “It doesn’t.” But what it did was strengthen my resolve. My idea was a way forward using Blake’s plan, and though we’d have to invest in the initial setup, we could probably save money in the end. I walked out of the KBBM offices with my head held high. I might have lost the deal, but I had a better plan laid out.

  It would have to be enough.

  “Lacey!”

  I turned at Walker’s voice and instead of feeling angry or frustrated, I felt relieved and that didn’t make any damn sense. “What’s up Walker?”

  “How’d it go?”

  He looked so eager, so ready to make a deal and for the first time I felt like I was looking at the business tycoon Walker. For as long as he and Lukas had been friends he had been the rich playboy, the charming goofball, the wanderer. But I had never seen this version of him, in a crisp slate gray suit and sharp white shirt. His hair had been trimmed just enough to give him that devil may care air that was so damned appealing. His green tie matched his eyes and I knew that Walker came to do business.

  I shrugged. “I’ll let you see for yourself. Good luck.”

  “You’re not upset things clearly didn’t go your way?” His shock was palpable and it made me wonder what kind of women were in his past.

  “I’m disappointed it didn’t work out, but if it works out for you why would I be upset? I wouldn’t have met you if not for KBBM so it’s not like you lied about your intentions.”

  His shoulders relaxed at my words and he flashed a smile. “Dinner tonight?”

  I frowned. “Do we have a ‘do dinner’ kind of friendship?”

  “We’ve tasted every inch of each other’s bodies, and you think a meal might be too much?” He smirked, and I wanted to smack him and kiss him at the same time.

  “No, I’m just asking, because that sounds like a date and we don’t do those.”

  “We do now. I’ll either want to celebrate or commiserate after this, and you’re my partner in crime either way. I’ll stop by when I’m done.” He kissed my cheek, shocking the hell out of me, and disappeared into the KBBM offices.

  This day just kept getting weirder, but I needed to get back to the office and talk to Blake. But first I needed to make sure I’d have a captive audience.

  “Hey Talia, is your boss in her building, or mine?”

  Walker

  “You’re early.” Lacey opened her door looking grumpy and sexy in a robe and fuzzy slippers.

  I shrugged and pushed into her place. “The Shepherds were bullshitting. Again. So, I left them with a few things to think about and took care of a few things.” Most of those things were for our celebration tonight. “Not that I’m complaining, but is that what you’re wearing?”

  She gave me a saucy look and untied the sash on her robe. “Depends on where we’re going.” The robe opened, revealing sexy red and black lace that instantly made my mouth water. The red lace cupped her tits perfectly and the fan of black lace hid the trace of nipple I knew I’d see there.

  “If you don’t get dressed soon, the answer is going to be nowhere.” How was it that it was Lacey, sweet Lacey with the curly hair who brought me to my knees? Who stripped me of all of my resolve and willpower? Under normal circumstances I wanted her, but right here, right now with the lace and bows looking sexy and girly, I couldn’t resist her.

  “Then I guess I better hurry,” she shot back in a thick, husky voice and let the robe fall to the floor, giving me the perfect view of her heart shaped ass as she walked away.

  “Can I watch?” I called out as she turned down the hall that led to her bedroom.

  “If you can keep your hands to yourself.”

  I couldn’t promise that, and I really wanted to go out tonight. Between work and this damn KBBM deal, I was spending too much time indoors. So, instead I took a moment to look around her place. It was completely Lacey with hints of girlish whimsy in the unicorn figurines on her shelf, the sophisticated executive was there too with the modern furniture that was also comfortable. Splashes of color were everywhere to make the place inviting and warm.

  “Did you decorate this place?”

  “Of course I did. Who would have decorated it, Lukas?”

  “Smartass,” I mumbled and looked at all the photos of Lacey with her brothers all over the world, Peak Adventures signs and logos in the background.

  “You ask a silly question, get
a silly answer.”

  “Fuck, Lacey.” She looked like a walking, talking wet dream in a short black dress that was mostly made up of lace and looked like there was nothing underneath. “You look…amazing.”

  A nervous laugh bubbled up out of her. “Amazing, huh? I’ve never been called that before, I kind of like it.”

  It fit the fucking bill. The dress showed off long shapely legs and wrapped around her snugger than a lover. “The word fits,” I assured her, turning and cupping her jaw. “You’re not one of those women who throws a fit about messing up your lipstick?”

  Red lips curled up and she shook her head. “With the way you kiss Walker, you can mess it up whenever you want.”

  That was all the encouragement I needed to capture her lips. She tasted of mint and cinnamon, and something distinctly Lacey that I couldn’t get enough of as I devoured her mouth.

  “I can’t get enough of you.”

  She put one delicate hand to my chest and gave it a gentle shove. “Tell me about it. Let’s get out of here before we end up naked on the floor.”

  My laugh turned to a groan when she threw on a pair of tall black stilettos that offered a hint of red with every step she took. “Later tonight, I’m putting the request in now. You, me and nothing but those shoes.”

  Lacey sucked in a breath and grinned. “Best deal I’ve heard all day.”

  Our first stop was a table at Nomad, an upscale restaurant with a bold modern menu that I thought Lacey might appreciate. The space was wide open and offered little in the way of privacy, but the tasting menu had just received glowing reviews. “Hard to believe this is all there is.”

  She burst out laughing, tugging on my arm like I’d just made a joke. “It’s minimalist but delicious. I can’t believe you got a table here, wait until I tell Lukas.”

  I frowned at her when we were seated in our all white booth. “Lukas can’t get a table here?” That was hard to believe.

  She shrugged. “He slept with the hostess and she thought it was the start of something beautiful. He did not.”

  “Ouch. Too bad. Do I get points since you’ll undoubtedly rub it in his face?”

  “You got all the points when you said I looked amazing.”

  I laughed, feeling a warm sensation inside that I couldn’t explain. Maybe it was pride or maybe it was affection, but I pushed it way down and flashed a smile. “Good to know.” We fell into a comfortable silence as we chose which tasting menu to get and which wines to go with it.

  “So, Walker, tell me something about you. Do you like your job?”

  “What kind of question is that?” It wasn’t the question women typically asked which was a relief, but still it was an odd one.

  “Well I know that you and Blake are alike in a lot of ways, mainly that you both took over the family business because you had to. Blake is protective of Peak and I know he adores his job because he excels at bossing people around. But I wondered if you liked it.”

  That was a thoughtful question and one I had no real answer for. “I’m good at it, but that comes with experience. I suppose I like it. It’s not my major passion in life, but it’s all right.”

  “Well what is, then? Your passion in life?”

  “At the moment, it’s you.” It was a cop out, and we both knew it, but Lacey was kind enough to let it pass. “What about you, are you happy?”

  “I am. I like marketing and I’m good at it, but I want to be more…I don’t know, forceful? Aggressive?” She shrugged. “I just want to be taken seriously when I say shit and have people do what I say, when I say it. Not when Blake or Lukas confirms that what I said was right.” There was a lot of frustration in her voice and I felt bad for her, never realizing how hard it must be.

  “Is that what the KBBM deal is about?”

  “No. I’ve been giving Blake a hard time about giving me more responsibility, and with the company and Poppy’s pregnancy, he did it out of necessity.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “No, I’m happy for the opportunity. And the experience, even if I didn’t get the outcome he wanted.”

  “You still might,” I assured her, because though we hadn’t talked about it, my meeting didn’t go much better. “Don’t give up yet, Lacey. Business deals go through stages and die a million deaths before the contracts are signed.”

  She looked at me with that crazy little head tilt things women did when they were proud or happy. “Thanks, Walker. I won’t.”

  The food was good, delicious in fact, but it was all too small and dainty. We’d finished the tasting menu and I was still hungry and ready to be alone with Lacey.

  “Dessert?”

  “Nah, I happen to know that you have some very delicious caramel and chocolate cream at your place.”

  “Presumptuous, much?” She laughed as I expected she would, because we both knew this night would end up with both of us naked and sweaty and panting. “Dessert later, first we have another appointment.”

  Ten minutes later Lacey was squealing her delight as we stepped onto my yacht. “I should have known you’d have all the cool rich guy toys, but this one is my favorite!” She lit up as her gaze landed on the table set with different desserts and champagne. “You never did say what we were celebrating.”

  Not a thing other than being with her. But I couldn’t tell her that. “Life. We’re young, and my psychic told me there were many orgasms in my future.”

  She burst out laughing and pushed her body against mine, shimmying sexily as her hands roamed up my chest and over my shoulders, letting them slide down before cupping my ass. Her mouth was on mine quickly, easily and she dove deep into my mouth, kissing me like she was on a mission to explore every inch.

  “I like orgasms and you give really good ones.”

  “Lacey, sweetheart, you’re good for my ego.”

  “Like you need me to boost your ego. Besides, when you’re that good I figure it’s alright to say it.”

  I laughed again, and pulled her onto my lap. “So, I heard you have a thing for astronomy.”

  “Lukas, that little sneak! Did he give away all my secrets?”

  “Just this one,” I assured her and pointed up at the sky. “Right now, we’re too close to see anything, but there’s a very fancy telescope on this boat for when we get further out. Apparently there are quite a few constellations visible tonight.”

  “Walker, are you serious? My goodness this is great. You’re incredible.” I don’t know what happened after that, because for a long, long time, my whole world consisted of Lacey and her succulent mouth, her soft hands and her lush curves. All I know is that when we emerged from the kiss the world had changed. The stars were brighter, the water bluer and my body was aching for more.

  For everything.

  But first, constellations.

  Lacey

  “Damn, Walker,” I panted with a big satisfied grin on my face as the boat rocked back and forth on the waves. “I’ve never had sex on a yacht before, or any other sea vessel for that matter, but you made it work”

  My chest still heaved as I struggled to catch my breath and I was satisfied to see he had the same problem.

  “I’m happy to oblige, babe.” One long finger gently and lazily traipsed up and down my thigh.

  Babe. I shouldn’t have liked that as much as I did, but I did. His low, whiskey graveled voice slid over my skin like warm thick honey. “You did oblige. Spectacularly.”

  He leaned over and groaned as he pressed a kiss to my neck. “I love it when you use those nerd girl words. Come on Lacey, talk nerdy to me.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh and my head tilted back, giving his lips better access to my skin. “Did you just call me a nerd?”

  “Of course. You know I’m only fucking you for your brains, right?” His own deep chuckle reverberated through my body. “Oh, and this delicious body.”

  I closed my eyes as his lips left a trail of heat from that sensitive spot right behind my ear. “Keep doing tha
t and you can call me a nerd anytime.” The more his mouth tortured me, the louder the clanging of those warning bells sounded in my ears. But I shut those fuckers up because being in Walker’s arms was just about the best thing in this moment. When he thrust into me, thick and long and deep, nothing else mattered but the way he made me feel. Sexy and wanted. Cherished. It was as intoxicating as it was addictive, and I threw myself into it with the wild, reckless abandon of a woman who didn’t know better. Who hadn’t learned a damn thing at the hands of previous relationships.

  It was too much, and not enough, and my hands clawed at his back as my legs wrapped tight around his waist and he drove deeper and deeper, pushing so deep there was a chance we’d meld into one. Maybe that was wishful thinking, or maybe it was the orgasm that slammed into me, hard and fast and out of control. “Walker, yes!”

  He smiled down at me, still pumping into me, his eyes dark and intense, focused on chasing pleasure. Both mine as well as his. “I love it when you say my name,” he said, voice filled with pride and arrogance as his strokes sped up and deepened.

  The more he moved with such purpose, such intensity, the more his name was on my every breath. And when I broke the second time his name was perched on the edge of my lips. I came violently as he pounded into me, finally his body stilled and jerked as his own orgasm spilled from his body into mine.

  “Fuck! Lacey!” His big heavy body collapsed onto mine, breaths coming out harsh against my neck.

  I don’t know how long we stayed like that, bodies glued together, just trying to get our breathing back to normal. But eventually we separated long enough to take a quick shower and lie under the stars. “This is nice,” I told him sincerely. “Thank you.”

  He chuckled. “I think maybe that’s my line.” And when he kissed me on my forehead, so sweetly and affectionately, it was hard to remember this was just sex.

  “I’m serious. I can’t remember the last time I had such a good date.” I sighed and relaxed against his chest, ignoring how he temporarily stiffened at my words. “The sky is so clear tonight.”