Daisy had been quiet up till this point, although her heated stare wasn’t as submissive. She looked like she would have shot Boone dead if she had a gun. “Why don’t we trade partners for this next one?”
“Well aren’t you just a doll,” Glenda crooned. “Are you game, Jinx?”
“Sure.”
They switched partners.
Boone had every intention of not saying a word to Daisy.
“So, is this how you get revenge?” she whispered.
“Revenge? For what?” His vow of silence lasted all of three seconds.
“Oh, come on. It just so happens that you and Glenda are here, on a date, on the same night as Jinx and I are out too. Color me purple and smack my ass. What a coincidence.”
He chuckled. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“How am I flattering myself?”
“To think I’d follow you around like a whipped puppy,” he snarled.
“You looked like a whipped puppy the way you kept staring at us. Couldn’t you steer those eyes on your date?”
“If someone is jealous I think it’s you.”
“I’m not jealous of Glenda.” She looked up at him with lasers for irises.
“You have no reason to be, but I’m unsure why you’re getting your panties all in a bunch.” The words rolled off his tongue.
“My panties are not in a bunch, thank you.”
“Are you sure we should be dancing?” He leaned next to her ear. “We wouldn’t want to give folks reason to think there’s something between us. By the way, this sexy little dress sends the message that you’re wanting another apple whiskey and black lace teddy night. I hope Jinx pulls through.” He knew he crossed that line from silent dick to loud-mouthed dick. He opened his mouth to start to apologize but her laughter cut him off.
“Are you suggesting that my outfit is slutty? That’s. So. Funny coming from you. There’s more material in a toy poodle’s sweater than the top Glenda is wearing. I think you’re just jealous.” He’d fueled her burning ember.
“Sweetheart, this isn’t a competition.”
Glenda’s laughter rang out from across the dance floor.
With an exasperated sigh, Daisy slightly pulled out of his hold. “It looks like she can’t figure out who she wants to leave with tonight.”
“Should you go grab your cowboy before she decides she wants him?”
“You’re a real piece of work.” Then she turned and left the floor.
He cursed under his breath and watched her walk away.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Daisy stormed to the bathroom and the second she stepped inside with the door closed, she felt the sharp sting of tears. When exactly had she become so lost? Or maybe she’d been found.
Was this what caring for someone felt like? A ship being led to shore by a lighthouse.
Why had she been so stupid to think going on a date with Jinx had been a good idea? She wasn’t angry with Boone, but angry with herself—furious that she was allowing her brother to dictate how she should feel, who she should see.
A light tap came on the door. “It’s occupied,” she called out.
Another more urgent knock came. With an agitated sigh, she stepped over and swung the door open. “I said it’s occupied—” Her chest tightened. “Boone?”
His eyes burned with a rage she didn’t understand. He looked like a warrior who prepared for battle with his hands fisted at is sides and his chest expanding with each breath. He took a step across the threshold and she backed up as he shut the door, clicked the lock, then turned to look at her with a heated glare.
An invisible string pulled at them, drawing them together like a magnet to metal. They rushed into each other’s arms in a blur of limbs. She ripped at his shirt, not caring that she tore the soft material and a button popped, flinging across the floor.
They became a flurry of two bodies mingling, heavy breathing, and passionate groans. He gripped at her skirt, lifting the hem high upon her hips before walking her back against the wall. He scooped her panties aside and the scratching of his zipper sounded a milli-second before he slammed his solid cock deep inside her. She writhed in the anguished emotion she’d felt a mere second ago, clawing at his back, his arms, his shoulders as he drove repeatedly inside her. A tightening rushed over her as if she lingered on the brink of an implosion.
Thankfully, the music in the outer room droned out her moans and his groans. He slipped his hand between their bodies and he plucked and played with her clit, sending her up in flames. She wrapped one leg around his hip while she rode him.
His hands were on her breasts, dragging the neckline of the dress and the lace cups of her bra down and sealing his mouth over hers, sucking and licking. His moan came in a deep baritone and then he whispered her name. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and shoulder and after a shuddered release, he zipped his jeans.
She stared up at him, filling her lungs with breath.
He recovered much quicker than her.
His chest rose and fell. The lines around his eyes were softer. “Is it a date you want? Meet me at the Landing at five tomorrow.” Then he took the steps to the door, tossing a look back at her. “Wear that black dress that I like so much.”
Lack of sleep didn’t mar Daisy’s anticipation. She’d barely managed a few winks because she couldn’t wait until her “date” with Boone. The day had slipped by slowly and finally when the clock read four, Daisy flipped the sign to closed, locked up and hurried to change into the black dress. She had no clue where he was taking her, but she wanted to look her best.
By the time she reached the landing she could have combusted in emotion.
Parking and grabbing her purse, she stepped inside and smiled at Willow who sat at the receptionist desk.
“Hi there, Daisy.” Willow whistled. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. Is Boone here?”
“He asked me to send you into the hangar when you arrived. Right through those double doors.” She pointed.
“Thanks, Willow.” Daisy followed the hallway into a wide-open space that smelled of oil and wood. Two planes were inside, one with the propeller removed looking like it was being worked on. She searched for Boone, but she didn’t see him inside.
The sliding doors were open, and she stepped outside, using her hand to guard her eyes from the sunlight.
“There you are,” she said.
Lowering her hand, she watched him coming her way. He looked sexy in his green flight suit and aviator sunglasses. His hat was missing, exposing his thick hair.
“Hi.”
“Hi. Am I too early?”
“You’re right on time. You look amazing.” He swept his gaze down her and she felt dizzy.
“Thank you. I-I’m not sure why I’m here. I thought you said we were going on a date—” Had she misunderstood him? She’d been post-orgasmic drunk when he’d told her.
“Yes. We’re going on a date.” He was clean-shaven. “Your chariot awaits you.”
She followed him across the pavement and stopped when she saw the small plane. “That?”
“Have you ever flown before?”
“Not in something that small.”
“Are you afraid?”
“No. Well, maybe a bit.”
He strolled over and took her hand, kissing the back of her knuckles. “Do you trust me?”
Without any hesitation, she said, “Yes.”
*****
Boone smiled at Daisy.
She stared through the window as they flew high above Cooper’s Hawk. Landmarks looked so different. That’s what he enjoyed about flying tours. Seeing the expressions and excitement from people.
“Looks different from nine-thousand-feet up, right?” he said through the headset.
She turned to look at him. “It’s beautiful up here.”
He enjoyed seeing her excitement. He’d flown so much he’d almost forgotten that look a person got when they flew in a small plane f
or the first time. To share what he loved with her, well…made him feel damn good. After last night, he’d decided it was high time he showed her how much he appreciated her. How much he liked having her around. He’d never gone above and beyond for any woman. Never tried his hand at being romantic, but a cowboy had the right to change.
Showing Daisy how special she was had become his top priority.
“Where are we going?”
“Billings.”
Radioing the tower, he then focused on landing the plane smoothly. Once they stopped, he shut off the engine, grabbed his duffel bag and helped Daisy through the narrow doorway. He was glad the car was waiting.
“Is that what we’re riding in?” she asked once they reached the sleek, white Lexus.
“Only the best for you. I bet you thought I only rode horses and drove trucks.” He laughed as he opened the passenger door for her. Once she was seated, he closed the door then went about the task of removing his flight suit in exchange for a suit jacket he’d neatly folded and put in his bag. He hadn’t worn it in a while, but he was glad to see it still fit him.
When he slid inside the driver’s seat, he caught her staring.
“You did this for me?”
“Don’t look so shocked. You deserve to be treated special every day, sweetheart.” He slid on his sunglasses and pushed a button that started the engine. The sound was as soft and smooth as a happy cat’s purr.
“You didn’t tell me where we’re going in Billings,” she said once they pulled out of the airport parking lot.
“Be patient.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The restaurant had candles lit on every table and a jazz band played from the stage. A stone fireplace covered one wall and sleek chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
They were shown to a table by the tall, beautiful hostess dressed elegantly in a red dress who didn’t bother hiding the fact that she found Boone attractive. Daisy didn’t care one bit. She felt beautiful too and desired. His effort to make her feel special filled her heart to the brim. No one had ever gone to so much trouble for a date with her.
He pulled out her chair and then he took the seat across from her, settling into the high-backed cushioned chair.
The menu contained a variety of delicious choices and she decided upon filet mignon with potatoes and a salad. The waitress suggested a wine, an expensive Cabernet and Boone didn’t even blink.
The music, the candles, the fireplace, and Boone’s company all made her feel like she was in a fairytale. “Thank you for going to all this trouble. This place, it’s amazing.”
“I’m sorry…for last night.” Creases appeared around his eyes.
“For what?” The wine warmed her body.
“Acting like an ass and then,” he rubbed his brow, “the bathroom.” He gave his head a shake. “You deserve better than that.”
“I wasn’t at my best either. Honestly, I was jealous. Not of Glenda, but…”
“But what? Talk to me.”
“They can openly show their affection for you and I can’t. I have to remain a secret.” She lowered her eyes to the white linen covered table.
“Daisy?” Once she looked at him, he continued, “You and I agreed that we’d keep our relationship quiet.”
“I’m not saying this is your fault. It’s not either of our faults.”
The arrival of their food stopped their conversation. It gave her a moment to think over what she wanted. Stabbing a spear of buttered potato cooked to perfection, she chewed it thoughtfully.
She laid her fork down. “I wanted to tell you that I’m not interested in Jinx. I’m not interested in dating anyone…else.” She met his gaze straight on. They were overdue for this conversation.
Boone set his fork down too. “What do you want?”
With an exhale, she relaxed back into her chair and stared at him through the flame of the candle. “Although I appreciate this. The plane ride. The restaurant with the amazing food. You didn’t have to go to any extra for me.”
Something glinted in his expression. “Then what do you want?”
“You. It’s always been you. I just can’t keep living this secret.”
“Daisy—”
“Pardon me.”
Daisy brought her chin up. A handsome elderly man with slicked back hair, groomed features and an olive complexion was smiling. “I’m Cordon Kunns, the owner. Does your meal meet your satisfaction?” He had a deep accent.
“It’s delicious,” Daisy said.
“Amazing,” Boone said.
“That’s wonderful. You two make such a beautiful couple. How long have you been married?” His smile made his dimples blossom.
“We’re not married.” Daisy flicked her gaze at Boone.
“No? Really? I feel so much love from you two. Maybe marriage is in the books?”
Did the temperature rise? Daisy shifted in her seat.
It was Boone who answered this time. “She’d make a wonderful wife.”
She barely heard Cordon excuse himself because she focused on Boone. They’d never talked about a future.
They finished their meal and he laid down several large bills. “Are you ready? The night isn’t over yet.” He pushed back his chair, stood and held out his hand for her.
She laid her palm into his and together they left the restaurant. The night was perfect with a clear sky, twinkling stars, and Boone next to her. She had no clue where they were going, and she didn’t care. He could take her anywhere and she’d feel on top of the world.
Laying her head back on the seat as they drove downtown with the tall buildings, colorful lights, and the hustle and bustle of the evening she felt happy.
The car stopped and she brought her head up to see where they were.
“A spa?” The building looked stylish with large, white pillars and a waterfall.
“You deserve to be pampered.”
“I’ve never been to a spa before.” She felt butterflies in her stomach.
“And neither have I.” He climbed out and came around to open her door. “I thought we could try something new together,” he said close to her ear.
“Manicures? Pedicures?” She liked the word “together”.
“No, that’s not for me. A couple’s massage. Creed told me that he and Mindy had one on their honeymoon and she loved it.” He closed her door and locked the car.
Eagerness made her smile. “I’m impressed. Did I really say back at the restaurant that you didn’t have to go to all this trouble?”
“Yes, I believe you did.”
“Forget what I said.” She stopped to give him a kiss. “Thank you, Boone. This is a fairytale.”
He stared down at her and she felt he had something to say, but instead he took her hand and led her inside of the spa where a sliver of heaven awaited them.
*****
Best idea ever.
Those were Boone’s thoughts as he watched Daisy from his own bed a few feet away. He’d never thought he’d enjoy something like this, but he’d been terribly mistaken. There was something beyond the experience of just destressing. He felt a strong intimacy between them, a bond. She looked beautiful in the golden light of the lit candles, her hair spread out against the white sheet and a look of complete satisfaction on her face. He also knew she was naked under the sheet which had caused him a bit of discomfort when he was asked to lie down on his stomach.
But tonight, he’d refrain from touching her.
This evening was to show her that she wasn’t just a fuck to him.
He also wanted to give her what she wanted. A relationship. It made him a bit nervous.
The massage therapists excused themselves at the end of the hour, leaving Daisy and Boone alone. She sat up and dropped her feet over the side of the bed, wiggling her cute toes. Her hair hung wildly about her bare shoulders like she’d been massaged into heaven. Her eyes glistened in the light and her cheeks blossomed in pale pink.
His cock came alive, but he remi
nded himself of the rule tonight. No sex.
“You have rocked my world.” She smiled.
“Unfortunately, we have to get up.” He lowered his feet to the floor. “Do you want to use the shower first?”
She slid off the bed and looked at him through the thick fringe of lashes. “I have a better idea.” Taking a few steps, she dropped the sheet to the floor. A hiss fell off his lips and a punch to his gut. The candlelight bathed her skin in a golden kiss. Her slender back, tiny waist and heart shaped bottom made him forget the promise he’d made for tonight.
Control yourself, man.
“I saw the shower and it’s plenty big enough for two.” She pranced toward the attached bathroom, stopping at the threshold and offering him what only could be called an explosive smile. “Are you coming?”
He blew out a breath. At least his intentions had been good.
He threw off his sheet and followed her.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“I’ll walk you to the door,” Boone offered. “I’d like to speak to you about something.”
“Do you want to stay the night?”
“I’d like that.”
They walked up the sidewalk and Daisy unlocked the door. If she hadn’t been so focused on Boone, she would have realized the light was turned on inside the house.
“Where’s the dog and cat?” Boone asked.
“With Chynna. She calls it fur babysitting.” She set her purse on the table and swung around to wrap her arms around his neck. “I wasn’t sure how long I’d be out tonight.”
A rustling sound made Daisy swing her gaze around to find Brody sitting on the chair in the living room. His expression could have scared the bravest of men.
“Brody? What are you doing—”
He stood and she saw he held something in his hand. He shook out the black teddy. “You really should keep your intimate garments picked up. Especially off Boone’s floor.” He swung his furious gaze from her to Boone in one swift swipe.
Her shoulders slumped. Her breath came out on a groan. “Why are you here going through my things?”
Cowboy Boone (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 4) Page 15