Cowboy Boone (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 4)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “What? He’s here with that snake in the—” Seeing her sister’s grin, Daisy blinked. “Wait a second. Did you do that to trick me?”

  “I guess maybe you do care a little about him. By the way, you look amazing. Go out there and mingle.” Chynna gave her a gentle push and a swat on the behind. “Don’t forget to smile.”

  Daisy looked around the crowd. It appeared that most of the town had shown up to find out what Hank and Helena were having. How would she ever have an opportunity to discuss business with Boone?

  She was whisked up again, this time by Grace Wilde. “Come and vote if you think the baby will be a boy or girl. I’m definitely picking girl.” She led Daisy over to a small table where a blue and a pink stork were set up for party goers to guess the sex of the baby by putting a clothespin in the corresponding stork. “What do you think?”

  “I have no clue.” Daisy picked up a clothespin and hovered it over the two choices then finally dropped it into the blue stork’s bin.

  Grace looped her arm through Daisy’s and took her to the side. “I heard Boone has decided to co-chair the committee. You two will make a great couple.”

  “Huh?”

  “On the committee. I’m excited to see what you two come up with. I’ll talk to you before I leave.” Her friend took off in the direction of her husband, Ruger.

  Scanning the crowd, Daisy spotted the topic of conversation standing in a circle of cowboys. He stood out among them, in height and in stature. A smile deepened the cleft in his chin and made her weak-kneed. She should go over, pull Boone aside and get this first meeting after last night over with…

  She took one step when she heard, “Daisy! It’s so wonderful to see you, my dear.”

  Abby Hawke-Sage swept Daisy up against her large bosom for a tight hug. She’d always enjoyed the woman’s company and her kind energy. “It’s nice to see you too, Abby. Congratulations on getting married. Rusty’s a lucky man.”

  Holding her at arm’s length, Abby darted a gaze down Daisy then landed her twinkling grey eyes on her face. “You look as lovely as ever, honey. And thank you. I can’t remember ever being this happy.”

  “Marriage is doing you good.”

  “It’s the fresh ocean air.” She coiffed her short grey curls. “Among other things.” She wagged her thin brows. “So, who’s the lucky guy?”

  “Lucky guy?”

  “That you’re seeing. A beautiful girl like you can’t be free.”

  “Thanks, but there is no one, unless you include my animals.”

  “No, honey. You certainly do look like someone’s treating you good these days,” Abby said. “The last I heard you were dating a lawyer from Lloyd County. What happened to him?”

  “He was a dentist, and I don’t think one date constitutes dating. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a date, I’m guessing all the rules have changed.”

  The instant the words were out she heard…

  “Ma, don’t let her lie to you. She went on a date with Mitch just last night. Or was that just a ride…home?”

  Warmth spread up Daisy’s neck and into her face, and it had nothing to do with the sun’s heat. Thankfully, Abby didn’t catch the dirty undercurrent to Boone’s words. She slowly turned to face him, and his impossible grin. The warmth from his clear blue eyes burrowed under her skin.

  “Mitch? Isn’t that Margaret’s boy? He’s such a sweet boy,” Abby crooned. “You could do worse for yourself if you ask me.”

  Daisy wasn’t sure how it was possible, but Boone’s grin widened. He was proud of himself for making her uncomfortable.

  “You think so too, don’t you, Fro—Daisy.” He caught himself. He brought the red plastic cup to his lips and took a drink.

  She didn’t bother answering.

  “Honey, go on and grab yourself a plate. I see someone I must say hello to.” Abby swished off.

  Alone with Boone, Daisy slanted her chin. “We should discuss the committee.” She wanted to appear put together, unaffected by him. What happened to the strong woman back in the car who refused to be weakened by him any longer?

  “Not so fast. This is a party and we should enjoy it. I was just heading to the food table myself. I’m starving and looking forward to a nice juicy burger. After a long night, I bet you are ready for some meat too,” he teased.

  “Would you stop with the innuendos,” she whispered. “That’s enough to last a lifetime.” She took off for the food line and he caught up to her, placing his hand on the small of her back. She almost tripped over a clump of grass.

  “Where’s the teeny tiny mini skirt?”

  She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of ruffling her feathers. “It’s retired.”

  “That’s okay. You look awfully pretty in that dress. It shows off leg too.”

  “Hush,” she snapped.

  “Come on. If you have it, flaunt it.”

  “Do you enjoy badgering me?”

  “Badgering you? Is that what they call compliments these days?”

  Why did her body react so strongly to his goading? Because it appeared that Boone Hawke was flirting with her and she wasn’t immune. It only made her angry because she didn’t think he meant any word of it. “The heat must be getting to you.” Reaching the table, she grabbed a paper plate from the stack and spooned up a large helping of potato salad. When he didn’t respond, she swiveled to make sure he was still behind her and almost bumped into him. She cleared her throat and focused on pilling lettuce and tomatoes on a cheeseburger.

  “What did you make?” he asked.

  “Deviled eggs.” She picked up a pickle and set it on her plate.

  “Those?” He pointed to the egg container.

  “Yes.”

  “They look delicious.” He reached around her, grabbed one of the eggs and popped the entire thing in his mouth. “Mmm. I knew they would be,” he said around the mouthful. “You try.” He reached for another and held it up for her to take a bite.”

  “I know what they taste like. I made them.”

  “Take a bite,” he pushed.

  “Fine.” She bit into the egg. “It needs a little more mustard.”

  “I think they’re perfect.” He shoved the remaining egg into his mouth.

  If it wasn’t enough to watch him gobble up her deviled eggs, the eggs inside her ovaries must have dropped like a hot potato in anticipation. Seeing the pleasure spread across his features, made her lean against the table for support. His hand returned on her back and the simple touch almost unraveled her.

  “You lost your top.”

  “My what?” She groped for the neckline of her dress. She didn’t realize the top of her bun had fallen off her plate and rolled onto the table until he picked up the runaway bread, plopping it on top of her burger. “There. It’s back in place.”

  She didn’t like it one bit that he seemed to be enjoying inflicting havoc on her nerves. She’d been to Hawke Farm at least a half dozen times over the last year, but he’d barely said two words to her and now here he was talking a blue streak and rubbing himself all up against her. What had happened?

  Picking up the cup he’d been drinking out of, she brought it underneath her nose to sniff. She didn’t smell alcohol.

  One brow lifted over curious eyes then his lips parted with that legendary Hawke smile. “You okay?”

  “I’m perfectly fine but you on the other hand, well, I’m not so sure.” She handed him the cup. “I guess this is my fault since last night I told you…”

  “Told me what?” He leaned in.

  Past his shoulder she saw a familiar face coming their direction. “Looks like your friend has arrived.” Daisy cleared her throat.

  “My friend?” He darted a glance beyond the table.

  Talia wore a tight, cinched top that showed off her breasts that bounced with each step and fringed shorts left little to the imagination. “Lovely outfit.”

  Boone offered Daisy a shrug. “Why are you hating on her so much?”
<
br />   “Hating on her? Seriously? I don’t hate her. Well, maybe a smidge. However, I was simply making an obvious statement. I’m sure she’s not wanting to see me so I’ll take my plate somewhere else.” She left Boone and headed for a row of chairs underneath an ancient oak tree. Picking one on the end, she sat and forked up a piece of potato and chomped on it.

  He and Talia both looked across the grass at Daisy. She turned away.

  That man!

  What game was he playing?

  What exactly had she said to him last night?

  “Daisy? Is that really you?” came a soft female voice.

  Looking up from her plate, she saw a pretty brunette coming her direction. It wasn’t until the woman dragged off her sunglasses that Daisy recognized her. “Jady Sinclaire?”

  “Well, it’s Jady Pierce now, but close enough.” She bent over and gave Daisy a hug. They hadn’t seen each other in years.

  “What are you doing back in town? Weren’t you here last year for a bit?”

  “Is anyone sitting there?” She pointed at the closest empty chair.

  “No, please, have a seat.”

  Once she was seated with her plate balanced in her lap, Jady said, “I was here a few weeks last year doing training for Hawke Landing Search & Rescue, but I’m back for personal reasons now. I’m taking care of the details of selling the old homestead.”

  “I’m sorry. I heard about your father passing away. I’m also sorry that we didn’t get to see each other while you were in town last time. You look amazing.” The Jady that Daisy remembered was painfully shy and hid behind pin-straight hair. She was now confident, and her sky-blue eyes were no longer hidden, which were made brighter against the backdrop of her raven hair. She was beautiful.

  “Thank you. I’ve lost two hundred fifty pounds—two hundred of that was my ex-husband.” Jady forked a piece of tomato and popped it into her mouth.

  “Has it really been ten years since you and I have spoken?”

  Jady seemed to do a mental calculation. “Yeah, I think it has been. How have you been?”

  “I’m okay.”

  “I don’t see a ring. Does that mean you’ve never taken the matrimonial plunge?”

  “No. Not even close,” Daisy said as she scoped the crowd looking for Boone. He and Talia were no longer together. Daisy had expected to find the woman clinging to him like white on rice. A piece of potato got jammed in her throat and she downed half her cup of sweet punch. How could it be that one person had so much appeal?

  He was now talking to Poppy. Let him make his rounds.

  She bit into her cheeseburger and the tomato slid out, landing in her lap.

  His laughter reached her ears, and her gaze was drawn to him. He and Poppy both glanced Daisy’s direction and before she could turn her gaze away, pretending she wasn’t staring, his gaze met hers. He winked. Poppy waved and Daisy waved back.

  Dragging her attention far away from him, she told herself that she didn’t care that he had said something to Poppy about her, but the heavy feeling in the center of her chest warned her she did care… a lot.

  “Some things don’t change ‘round here and Boone is one. He’s still a heartbreaker, huh?” Jady said with a smile.

  “I wouldn’t know. I stay away from the natural born charmers.” She tried to play off her flustered expression.

  “He’s the last available cowboy out of the Hawke clan. I can practically hear the heavy panting of all those single women breathing down his neck.”

  Her words made Daisy wonder if Jady was one of those women she mentioned. “Really?”

  “Not me, if that’s what you’re thinking. Although, he’s certainly as hot as a fourth of July picnic.”

  Daisy used this as an excuse to look over at Boone again. He’d made his way across the yard and was now standing with his brothers. There was a whole lot of testosterone in that small circle. All three were about the same size, in height and weight, and none of them got hit with the ugly stick. Even if they had she figured they’d still be sexy. Boone though, he seemed to stand out. Unlike his brothers, his hair seemed unruly, and obviously he didn’t give a lick by trying to tame the thick mass. “He’s the devil in a Stetson,” Daisy muttered, stabbing more potato.

  “Boone? You think? I know everyone has their own experiences, but remember how I used to be picked on all the time in school? He stood up for me a handful of times. All those Hawke boys did. One day Boone came to my rescue when a group of boys had cornered me in the hallway calling me names like “Mousy Jady” “Slimy Slop” “Four-eyes”. He threatened them if they dared say one word to me, or look at me, again he’d find them and make each of them pay. You should have seen their faces. I’d guess they had to run home and change their underwear. That was the last time I was picked on because those boys left me alone,” Jady said proudly. “He’s one of the good guys.”

  Daisy felt a crushing feeling. She’d almost forgotten how terrible some kids had treated Jady. She’d come from a poor family and because they didn’t have much, she’d worn hand me downs that were usually from her older brother. Jady hadn’t talked much about her life at home. Daisy had gotten the feeling that she didn’t want to divulge how hard things had been for her. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you then. I wish we would have become friends a lot sooner than our freshman year.”

  “People come into our lives when we need them most.” A haunting look appeared in her eyes.

  “You’ll be staying in Cooper’s Hawk for a while I hope.”

  “As long as it takes to clean up my father’s mess. That man never did know how to clean house or maintain his finances. Eventually I hope to sell the house and land.”

  “I know it could be under better circumstances but I’m glad you’re home. If you decide to do any landscaping before you sell, I’ll be happy to give you a discount on materials and flowers. I’ll even help if you need me to.”

  “I might take you up on that. First though, I have to get his debts settled.”

  *****

  Boone helped at the grill, flipping burgers and hot dogs and made sure everyone had their plate filled, to give Creed a break.

  What had come over him earlier? Flirting with Daisy like he’d barely reached puberty. If only he hadn’t felt like a pubescent boy again when he saw her walk into the yard wearing a sundress that fit every soft curve of her beautiful body. He’d known all along that she had nice round curves and a perfect amount of angles that would satisfy any man. He’d cursed a silent red streak when she’d walked away leaving him to deal with Talia. Why couldn’t Daisy see that he had no desire for the woman? Probably because just like Brody, Daisy thought he trailed after anything with tits.

  Last night he’d gone to bed and tossed and turned most of the night. A few years back he wouldn’t have minded what anyone thought of him. He’d never been a saint, but these days he’d changed, and it was important people knew…especially pretty brunette’s that had him dreaming of miniskirts and a bed of flowers.

  Yet, he had a problem. Brody would never forgive Boone if he took things to another level with Daisy.

  Maybe it was time he and Brody had a heart-to-heart.

  As if his “Daisy” radar had dinged, he turned his gaze, seeing her across the yard. She smiled at him. What happened to her temper? He wouldn’t complain. He grinned and because he couldn’t tear his gaze away, he dropped a burger patty onto his boot. What had come over him? Maybe the dress she was wearing got him. It certainly did show off her tantalizing curves and made her eyes stand out. Then it struck him that her wide-rimmed glasses were gone. He didn’t mind them though. In fact, he found them sexy and book- nerdish, but it took away the barrier to her beautiful eyes that seemed to pour sugar over him across the distance.

  He’d also noticed there was a brazenness about her today, and last night, that he hadn’t quite noticed before.

  “Want me to take over here?” Hank asked.

  “Huh?” Boone pulled his gaze away
from Daisy and pretended interest in flipping a burger.

  “Let me have the spatula before we have more burgers on the ground than in our mouths.” Hank took the tool and manned the grill. “Word of advice, go speak to her.”

  “What? Who?”

  Hank’s laugh made a few bystanders turn to look. “Don’t deny it. Your interest in Daisy Bloom is about as subtle as an elephant in a china shop.”

  Rubbing his jaw, he glanced at her and she was ladling punch into her cup. He removed his stare and concentrated on opening another package of buns. “It’s just taking me some time to get used to her without glasses.”

  “I bet. And maybe that form fitting red dress too?” Hank teased. “Hi, Daisy.”

  Boone looked up. How the hell did she move so quick?

  “Boone, you ready to go over the details on the park?” Her tongue came out to roll across her plump bottom lip and he swore he broke one of the zipper teeth in his worn jeans.

  Swallowing the lump in his throat, he nodded and left the grill area. “Let’s walk.” If they were going to work together, he needed to clear the air. Walking around with a boner wouldn’t be productive, or healthy, for him. Once they were away from the crowd, he stopped and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. “About last night—”

  “Last night was—”

  They both started in unison.

  She laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “You go first,” he offered.

  “I was just going to say that I don’t want things to be awkward between us after last night.”

  “Why would they be awkward?” He shifted on his worn boots.

  Her cheeks flushed. “I-I was just a little tipsy.”

  “Really? I couldn’t tell.” He chuckled. “Let’s walk over and sit down by the water.”

  Once they were seated on the weathered wooden bench, she toed off her boots and set them aside. “Much better,” she said.

  “When we were kids you were barefoot all the time.”

  “I still am when I can be.” She crossed her legs and the slit of the dress parted, showing off her nice thighs. His gaze seemed to lock on her legs all the way down to her delicate ankles. Her toenails were painted a bright red. She had nice feet and he wasn’t sure he’d ever noticed anyone’s feet before now. Not that he was a foot man. He liked a woman’s smile, and she wasn’t lacking in that area either. “How about we go out and sit on the dock so I can dip my feet in the water.” She was already up and moving that direction.