Cowboy Boone (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 4)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He grabbed her hand and glanced around the rows of colorful flowers. “We need somewhere private.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m going to find that boo boo you texted me about. I’m okay with doing it right here among all the flowers.”

  Her cheeks turned three shades of red. “Come with me.”

  She led him out of the greenhouse, down the hallway and into a room with a desk, chair, file cabinets, and a few plants. He shut the door with his foot and turned the lock on the knob.

  She let out a giggle when he pressed her against the wall. Planting kisses on her cheeks, her jaw, her neck, and the generous dip between her collarbones.

  “I thought you said you wanted to see my boo boo?” she said around a wide smile.

  “I’m searching so I can kiss it and make it better. Am I close?”

  “No.”

  He tugged down the collar of her stretched neckline and kissed the deep valley between her breasts, wishing she had her clothes off. “Tell me if I’m getting warmer.” He dropped to his knees and lifted her shirt, kissing her flat stomach. Her muscles fluttered underneath his lips. With the tip of his tongue, he swirled her belly button then left a moist trail along the waistband of her shorts.

  “Cold,” she whispered.

  He dipped even further to the fringed hole closest to her zipper. He licked her skin and she trembled underneath him. “How about now?”

  “I’m hot, but no. It’s higher and to the right.” Her voice shook.

  Using his teeth, he undid the button. “I’m bad at directions,” he said against her sun-warmed skin. “But while I’m here…” He lowered the zipper and licked and nibbled. She shuddered under his tongue. Her fingers slipped into his hair and that’s when he saw the large, ugly, purple bruise on the inside of her wrist. “Shit!” He stood and lifted her hand into his, gently touching the painful-looking mark. “Poor, baby.” He lifted her hand and kissed her there. “Does it hurt?”

  “It’s a little tender.”

  “Do you need ice?”

  “It’s beyond that. I’ll survive.”

  “You should probably rest—”

  “I don’t have time to rest.”

  “—in my bed.” He wagged his brows.

  “Oh…well, in that case. I think I can be persuaded.” She reached out and grabbed his bulged zipper in her fist. “Wow. It seems like you need some attention too.”

  “I have my own boo boo. It’s been strangled inside these tight-ass jeans all day and I think it might be a little bent.”

  Her bottom lip quivered, and she surprised him by pushing him against the wall. “Does your boo boo need kissed too?”

  He swore he broke a few seams in his jeans. “A kiss or two, or a lick, never hurt a man I don’t suppose.”

  Her eyes twinkled in mischief. She bent and fumbled with his belt and zipper He was ready to drive himself deep when she said around his thick head, “Are you all hot and bothered thinking of my upcoming date with Jinx?”

  Those words boiled through him like acid. Had he heard right? His rigid body was affected, and he went semi-flaccid. “What?”

  She looked up at him. “You didn’t know?”

  “Nope. When did this happen?”

  “Earlier.” His dick was quickly going soft. She wrapped her fingers around his member and fisted him tight. He hardened, but he couldn’t get past what she’d told him.

  “Sweetheart, come here.” He gently lifted her to her feet. “I think we need to figure out this small puddle before we jump into the water.” He closed his zipper but left his belt loose. He shifted to ease the pain in his groin.

  She took a step back and folded her arms over her waist. A pink flush remained in her cheeks. “I thought Brody would have told you since you two were together.”

  “No, he didn’t. I mean, he did mention something about fixing you and Jinx up, but I didn’t know he already had the ball in motion.” His heart knocked against his heavy chest. What were these foreign vibrations running through him?

  “I thought you’d be happy.” She dropped her arms to her sides, looking flustered.

  “You thought I’d like you going out on a date with another man? Why in the hell would I be glad?” he growled.

  She shrugged and tugged at the neckline of the shirt. “Because this will deter any suspicions Brody has about us sneaking around.”

  “If that’s supposed to make me feel better it doesn’t,” he huffed. “Does this mean you’ll also sleep with Jinx if Brody isn’t satisfied?”

  “No, I won’t sleep with Jinx. We’re friends.”

  “And we aren’t?”

  “It’s only a date and I didn’t think…”

  “Didn’t think what?” A part of him wanted to grab her up and hold her close, demand that she never look at another man. Another part of him realized he didn’t have a right. He’d spent the better part of the morning attempting to convince Brody that he didn’t have the right to stick his nose into Daisy’s love life and here Boone was crossing a boundary. They weren’t in a committed relationship, at least he didn’t think so. Promises hadn’t been made. Which meant she could date anyone she wanted, and he couldn’t say shit. Maybe Daisy didn’t think of him as relationship material, just like Brody didn’t. If that were the case, she shouldn’t waste her time. He shouldn’t waste his time either. He’d already spent more time with her than he had with any woman before.

  His internal steel wall came up and he fixed his belt and buckle.

  “I didn’t think you’d care,” she said softly.

  He opened his mouth, rethought his words, then said evenly, “You don’t have to explain yourself. Jinx is damn good guy. And the big reward is we’ll have squashed Brody’s suspicions that you’re sneaking around with someone. That’s like killing two birds with one stone. You’ll have a date with the town’s most eligible bachelor and our secret will be safe.” He swiped up his hat from the chair and smashed it on his head.

  She stared at him as if she’d been struck by lightning. “So…you’re urging me to go out with Jinx?”

  “Sweetheart, not only do I think you should, but I think you should also be open to a second date. Look at the cowboy’s resume. Mighty impressive.” He forced a smile to his lips, hoping she couldn’t see past the pain in his eyes. He told himself he was doing this for her advantage. He couldn’t give her what she wanted anyway.

  “I feel like you’re upset.” She already had fastened her shorts too.

  “You’re reading me wrong, darlin’. I’m tired. I’m sure you’re tired. The planning of the concert about took the wind out from underneath my sails.” He’d never been good at lying. He liked to keep things on the up and up so squashing his feelings dang near killed him.

  “Well, then I guess I made the right choice.”

  He winked. “I have work to do. I’ll see you later.”

  He was still reeling that evening when he picked Glenda Reese up at her house. After he’d left seeing Daisy, he’d called the blonde bombshell and asked if she’d be interested in heading over to Pelican for a little karaoke therapy that evening. She’d happily, and anxiously, agreed. Glenda taught over at the elementary school and they’d dated a stretch before they realized they were better off as friends. It seemed like a better alternative rather than going out alone.

  He’d also repeated to himself at least a hundred times on the way to her house that this wasn’t to make Daisy jealous or upset. He didn’t plan on sitting at home wallowing in self-pity while she was out with Jinx.

  This proved he was okay with her dating.

  When did he have to prove anything?

  When Daisy rocked his comfortable world.

  He strolled up the flower lined walkway and knocked. Glenda opened the door and if her ear-to-ear smile didn’t grab his attention, the strapless top and the teeny-tiny, fringed shorts would certainly grab his attention. Unfortunately, all he could see was Daisy in her dirty shirt and form fitting jeans with
the tormenting holes.

  He needed to get his head on track.

  “You look nice, Glenda,” he offered with a dip of his hat. He meant it, she did look pretty but it wasn’t her fault that his head and his dick were malfunctioning because some petite brunette with lavender eyes got inside his head.

  “So do you, handsome.” She stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Lingering long enough that he caught a whiff of her perfume that was a little too strong for his tastes. “I was surprised to hear from you.”

  “I’ve been busy.”

  “Is busy what they’re calling that these days?” She laughed and dropped her keys into her small purse.

  “Call what?”

  “Come on, Cowboy. Don’t you think I hear the rumors? That you’re taken by a mystery woman. Some are saying that Talia has finally managed to lure you into her web, but I know you well enough that she isn’t woman enough for a man like you. It’d take a special one.”

  “I had no clue there was a rumor being spread. Isn’t the first and won’t be the last I s’pose.”

  She laid her palm against his cheek. “Would it be so bad if someone came along that made you start thinking of the future? I once thought I might be the one.”

  “You’re a wonderful—”

  “Oh stop, please. You don’t have to explain. That’s history. I’m glad though that we could get together and catch up.”

  “You ready?”

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.” She gave a flip of her spiral curled hair and batted her lashes.

  He opened the passenger door for her, went around to climb in the driver’s seat then headed toward Pelican, all the while listening to her ramble on about her sister’s wedding coming up and how hideous the dresses looked. She then quickly transitioned into how she bought a new car a few weeks ago and hated the color. He’d forgotten how “energetic” she was.

  Pelican was already hopping, no surprise on karaoke night. Everyone became a star when the mic was open. He’d never been much into karaoke himself, but a couple of drinks and some dinner with an old friend fit him perfectly. It didn’t matter where or what Daisy was doing. Jinx probably took her to some fancy steak house outside of town. Boone wondered if she wore that pretty backless dress.

  Growling, he blocked those thoughts from adding salt to his wounds.

  “Don’t move.” He stopped Glenda when she placed her hand on the door handle. He jumped out and came around the front to open the door for her.

  A flash of shock shown in the lift of her thin brows. “Well, aren’t you just the gentleman this evening, Boone Hawke.”

  “I try.” He adjusted his hat and once her door closed, he pressed the “lock” button on the fob.

  Music spilled out into the parking lot as they crossed to the door. Boone threw up a hand in greeting to Joe who was behind the bar and Glenda curled her fingers around the inside of his elbow as he searched for an open table. Then he stumbled upon a sight that triggered that jealousy thing again. Daisy and Jinx were sitting at a corner table near the fireplace. They were laughing and she had her hand on his shoulder. Boone gritted his teeth and felt a vein pop out at his temple. At least she wasn’t wearing the “concert” dress.

  She hadn’t seen him yet and a part of him wanted to come up with an excuse why they couldn’t stay, but no way in hell would he allow Daisy to run him off. She and Jinx should have chosen another place other than Pelican.

  “How about that table there?” Thankfully, one had cleared far away from Daisy and her date.

  “Looks like a winner to me.” Glenda slipped her hand into his and he started to pull away when he noticed that Daisy had spotted him. Not only were her eyes rolling from him to Glenda, but that prissy frown on her face told him she’d either woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning or she didn’t take kindly to the fact that he was on a date too. He wasn’t about to tell her that he wasn’t on a date. Let her figure it out for herself.

  He strolled over to the table and was still butt hurt over the frown from Daisy when he realized Glenda still hadn’t sat down.

  “So you open car doors but don’t pull out chairs?” She slanted a wide hip, the corners of her lips dipping.

  “Sorry.” He hurried around to pull out the chair, feeling Daisy’s impolite glare on his back.

  They gave their drink orders to Brax. “Add a round of drinks for Daisy and Jinx too, on my tab.” That should help prove to her that he didn’t care one lick about her date with Jinx.

  “Sure thing, Boone. Are you two ready to order or do you need a few minutes?”

  He let Glenda order first. A salad. With low fat dressing. “Are you sure you don’t want more? You know George sears a mean steak.”

  “No. A salad is fine. I still have to ft into that horrible bridesmaid’s dress.”

  “I’ll take a medium steak, sweet potato fries, a side of potato salad, and how about a big slab of cherry pie. Oh, better add a salad to that so I can get my veggies in.” He closed his menu and put it back in the holder.

  “Coming right up,” Brax said then went to put in the order.

  “You have a strong appetite, don’t you?” Glenda laughed. “I forget how you cowboys can eat and still look like you just walked out of the gym.”

  “I’m willing to share my food if you decide that salad ain’t enough.”

  “Some of us have to watch our figure, Boone.” She twirled a piece of her hair around her finger.

  “And trust me, men are doing their best to watch your figure.” He pointed out a group of fellows sitting at a nearby table who couldn’t seem to keep their gazes off Glenda.

  She gave a subtle glance over at the men and blushed.

  At the same time, the table in the corner drew his attention. Jinx had leaned close to Daisy and whispered something in her ear. She bent her head back, laughing.

  That stuck in Boone’s craw.

  He hadn’t realized Jinx was such a comedian.

  Boone turned his head and focused on the beer Brax brought him, half listening to Glenda chat about the wedding.

  The second his plate was set before him he dug into the juicy steak and forked up a couple of fries. When he noticed that she wasn’t eating, he asked, “You okay?”

  “I’ve had my eye on that dance floor since we walked in. How about one before karaoke starts?” She was already out of her seat and grabbing his hand to drag him out onto the floor. “I want you to show me those moves I saw the other night at the concert.”

  “But my steak’ll get cold.” Seeing her brows droop in disappointment, he dropped his fork and got up. “I can try.” Why didn’t he have the motivation? Why had he allowed Daisy to get to him?

  The upbeat song came to an end about the same time they stepped onto the floor. “That’s okay. I like slow dancing too.” She waltzed against him, wrapping her arms tight around his waist and looked up at him like he was the next best thing to sliced bread. He felt a bit guilty as he circled his arms awkwardly around her because she refused to remove her hold on him. He’d make it work.

  “I like this song. It’s an oldie but goody.” He felt he needed to occupy the unease with conversation. He never needed to make small talk when he was with Daisy.

  “You always were a good dancer. I can’t seem to find another who can move quite the same as you.”

  “Have a little patience. Anyone can shake a leg if they try.”

  What pissed him off—he couldn’t stop allowing his gaze to wander over to that corner table. An invisible string kept jerking his attention there to torture him. He should have stayed home.

  “What’ya keep looking at, honey?” Glenda landed her gaze on the target of his annoyance. “Hey, that’s Daisy. Looks like she’s got herself a date with that hunk Jinx. He’s swoon worthy.”

  The song ended and another played.

  Out of his peripheral, Boone saw that Daisy and Jinx had joined them on the dance floor.

  Figured.

  Glenda gave him a h
alf-lidded stare. “You seem a bit tense. What’s got you all riled up?”

  “The steak isn’t settling well on my stomach.” He peered past Glenda’s shoulder and felt a jab to his gut. Daisy and Jinx were dancing too close. “Leave room for Jesus.”

  “What’s that?” Glenda scrunched her brows.

  He hadn’t meant to say those words aloud. “How are things at work?”

  She sighed. “Dealing with parents can be a pain. Last week I had a mother come in demanding that I explain why her son had received a D on his paper. Then when I told her it was because he didn’t apply himself, she got angry and demanded I change his grade as if our roles had changed and she had become the teacher. By the time the conference was finished no number of words could make her see my point.” She snorted. “I tried to help, but people just don’t want to listen. Are you listening?”

  Truth was, he’d zoned out about halfway in, but he caught enough. “You’re a great teacher. Parents should be grateful.”

  “Thank you.” She tossed her hair over one shoulder. “Have you ever thought of getting highlights, Boone?”

  “Highlights?” He was lost. Why the sudden change of subject?

  She laughed and playfully pinched his arm. “You know, stripes of lighter color. Like Jinx’s hair.”

  Boone blew out a long breath. “No, thanks. Highlights aren’t my thing.”

  “Hey, Hawke,” Jinx said. He and Daisy had danced their way over. “We wanted to say thanks for the drinks.”

  “I owe you. You brought in a lot of money for the park,” Boone said civilly. Although he didn’t like the cowboy touching Daisy, he did like the man. “You heading home any time soon?”

  “Hell, friend, I love Cooper’s Hawk. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been thinking about sticking around. I guess that’s to be determined sooner rather than later.” Jinx offered Daisy a toothy smile.

  “You have the voice of an angel,” Glenda stared at Jinx dreamily.

  “Thanks. Much appreciated.” He dipped his hat.

  “Looks like you have some moves on the dance floor too.” She gleamed. “Would it be too brazen of me to ask for a dance?”