Grand-Prize Cowboy

by Heatherly Bell

  * * *

  At the end of the day, Boone could hardly wait to shower, change and head over to see Sofia for his makeover. He understood this meant he’d be trying on clothes he’d probably never want to wear except to a wedding or a funeral, but it might be good to stretch himself. His mother certainly liked to see him dressed up. And all this was a small price to pay for spending time with Sofia.

  When he strolled in the shop, he was greeted by a blonde woman he’d seen the night before. “I’m Alexis, the owner. Congratulations on winning our grand prize.”

  “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

  “I read your entry, too.” She went hand to heart. “So touching.”

  Lord, what had his brothers written about him? They must have piled it on thick. He should have thought to ask.

  “Well, um, thanks. That...means a lot to me.”

  “Well, come right this way,” she said as she led him to the rear of the shop. “Sofia has been hard at work designing an amazing wardrobe for you. You’ll see. She has a sense of style like no one else.”

  Sofia turned as he approached and gave him a wide smile. She wore a short brown-and-white dress that showed off her long legs. The tan ankle boots she wore emphasized the curve of her calves. She looked so tempting, he nearly swallowed his tongue.

  “Hi, Boone!” She held up a dark jacket on a hanger. “I’ve got the most amazing wardrobe picked out for you.”

  “Uh...that’s great!” he said weakly. “Can I see if I like it first?”

  “Of course. In the end the choices will all be yours. As long as you agree to move beyond denim and leather,” she teased. “And I had to guess your pant length because I...forgot to get your inseam, but getting the right size is a special gift of mine.”

  “Okay.” Boone shrugged out of his jacket. “Just pretend I’m a life-size mannequin.”

  He noticed some of the clothes she’d laid out. Everything looked uncomfortable. Scratchy. He’d bet that they would itch when he put them on, bringing back memories of Easter Sundays as a child, when he didn’t have a choice of what he wore to church.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Great. She’d noticed the scowl on his face. He forced himself to smile. “Um, nothing. Just looking forward to this.”

  “Don’t be afraid.” She laughed. “The shirt is silk. It will feel soft against your skin.”

  Damn, she’d read his mind. Sorry, but he didn’t believe for a second that silk would feel as soft as her hands on him.

  “Don’t worry, I trust you.”

  “Good, because I’m not going to make you suffer for the sake of fashion.”

  She slipped the shirt off its hanger and then, somewhat shyly, stepped closer. “Do you...um, want to take your shirt off?”

  Oh, man, did he ever! He couldn’t unbutton and remove his flannel shirt fast enough.

  Sofia came close, holding the shirt open for him, and he slid his arm in one sleeve and then the other. He felt odd but couldn’t deny that his favorite part of this entire situation was having a beautiful woman dress him. It was an odd statement to be sure, as he hadn’t been dressed by anyone since age four.

  He’d been about to button up when Sofia, who’d held the shirt behind him, came around to face him.

  “Stop moving around so much. Are you always this jittery?”

  Only when around a drop-dead gorgeous woman.

  “Always.”

  She began to slowly button his shirt and he quickly abandoned all thought of doing it himself. He swallowed at her light flowery scent.

  “Yeah. This looks good. Really good.” She gave him a slow smile and smoothed down the material at his shoulders.

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  And he wasn’t talking about the shirt.

  Chapter Four

  Sofia couldn’t very well pretend Boone was a mannequin when he constantly moved. Nor when touching him was like a feast for her senses. His long arms were lean and sinewy to her touch. Today he smelled like sandalwood and pine. When he looked at her, his warm blue eyes seemed to read her thoughts, and the sound of his deep voice tugged at something inside her she refused to admit.

  She was incredibly drawn to him with an unmistakable pull, even though she knew it was supremely unprofessional. She’d never once developed any kind of attraction for a client.

  During dinner at DJ’s Deluxe, he’d been charming and attentive. Though she dated a lot, handsome men included, she wasn’t usually immediately comfortable with a man, not like she was with Boone. Last night, as she’d tried to find sleep, she couldn’t stop thinking of him. His family.

  The fact that he didn’t feel welcome in Bronco even though they’d already been here for two years was obviously an issue for him. Clearly, Boone wasn’t really new in town, but that they still hadn’t found their place. Her heart squeezed tightly at the thought. He didn’t need her pity, but instead she found that she commiserated with him.

  Sofia liked to fit in, too, and she didn’t know anyone who didn’t. Even though she was a confident woman, sometimes she worried that her personality wasn’t big enough. Sparkly enough. She leaned toward being an introvert, having grown up spending her time drawing and dreaming. So she paid special attention to her looks to make up the difference. It helped that a dress, coat, hairstyle and makeup, in her own unique style, gave her a natural confidence that she didn’t have to fake.

  Sofia hadn’t ever been the cowboy-loving type. Living in Bronco, hot and virile cowboys were all over the place, and she didn’t much care for the cliché. Ranchers and cowboys were fine for those who planned to stick around Bronco forever, but Sofia had always thought she should date someone who had aspirations like her own—with a wardrobe to match. She certainly wasn’t basing her entire dating life on appearances—but deep down, she was beginning to wonder if she’d been judging too many books by their covers.

  Boone came out of the dressing room wearing the black slacks she’d selected, paired with the blue silk shirt that brought out his eyes.

  “No offense at that special talent of yours, but I think you got the wrong size. These are too tight.” He moved one leg and then the next, fidgeting.

  “This is a slim-fit suit. They’re supposed to fit that way.”

  Sofia loved this designer. But even more, she loved the way Boone filled out those slacks. They might be uncomfortable, but they showcased his great butt and strong thighs. Not that she would tell him that.

  “Yeah?” He stretched, looking antsy in his own skin. He pulled at the collar of his long-sleeved silk button-down and winced.

  “Take my word for it.” She stepped close to wind the patterned silk tie around his neck.

  His beautiful, warm neck made her want to bury her face there and inhale his delicious scent. Instead, she pulled up the shirt collar and did her magic. Some men, her brothers included, didn’t wear a tie often enough to know how to put one on the right way. She’d learned years ago as a teenager by watching YouTube videos. It was a challenge, she supposed, and had certainly come in handy.

  “This is my favorite part,” Boone said, his voice husky.

  “Putting on a tie?” She wound it through the loops, trying not to let his eyes affect her. Every time she looked into them, his hooded, bedroom eyes made her feel all warm and prickly.

  He chuckled. “I hate anything around my neck.”

  She reached for the blazer nearby and eased it on. It fit like a glove, accentuating those broad shoulders and his incredible physique. She smoothed the material over his shoulders, pretending it needed adjusting. This time, she met Boone’s eyes and let the attraction between them click into place.

  “Sofia! Oh, my goodness, you’ve outdone yourself,” Alexis said, approaching the rear of the boutique. “You look amazing, Boone.”

  Alexis came behind Boone and dusted off his shou
lders, then straightened out his jacket. She looked at him approvingly in the mirror. “Seriously, you look like a male model.”

  Sofia bit back a smile when Boone winced. “Well, regardless, I’m a cowboy.”

  “Here at BH Couture, we like to say rancher. It has a nicer ring to it.” She came around to face Boone and smoothed down the lapels of his blazer.

  The “ring” Alexis referred to was money. Legacy money.

  When Alexis gave Boone the approving smile she might give to a particularly good-looking model, Sofia told herself that she was just doing a good job with their winner. Making him feel worthy of this wardrobe. Welcome. Convincing him that he looked good and should wear it.

  But it didn’t feel that way.

  Jealousy burned in the pit of her stomach, because it seemed that Alexis was making a move on Boone. Right here, in front of everyone, Sofia included.

  * * *

  “I’m not done here,” Sofia said. “He has more clothes to try on.”

  “Let me help you,” Alexis said.

  Alexis’s comment that he looked like a model made him remember that the agreement came with a photo shoot. He wanted to kick his own ass. He should have never signed up for this.

  The only bright light had been the look on Sofia’s face when Alexis boldly put her arms around him. Sofia could not disguise the outrage in her gaze. He’d seen jealousy on a woman, and Sofia was jealous. Maybe this whole thing between them wasn’t one-sided, as he’d feared. She held herself to a professional standard of behavior.

  Whenever Sofia came close, to smooth his shirt or blazer, the moment felt intimate. She was the most desirable woman he’d ever met, and now he realized that he hadn’t imagined the sexual tension between them.

  “You know,” Alexis said, as she and Sofia swapped out shirts and held them in front of Boone. Classic white? Bone white? Cream? He couldn’t even see a difference. “I was just thinking about my billboard idea. I can just picture Boone’s handsome face smiling out at all of Bronco Heights wearing a suit. Dressed to kill.”

  “Um, no thanks.”

  He could just picture his mug all over town, his lips red, his teeth blackened out, horns on his head. They did not know his brothers! Meeting her eyes, he sent SOS signals to Sofia. She had to know how he’d feel about this. The photo shoot would be tough enough for him to get through. He hated all this attention to his looks and only cared what Sofia thought of him.

  “Why not?” Alexis pressed. “You could be the face of our new men’s clothing line. Why wouldn’t you do it? You’re so incredibly handsome, so perfectly proportioned...”

  “No, sorry. Absolutely not.” Boone pulled on the tie that now felt like a noose around his neck about to hang him. “If that’s the deal, then I’ll just leave the clothes. You can pick another winner.”

  “Now, Boone. You have to know I don’t want that.” Alexis faced him. “Just please...think about it.”

  From behind him, Sofia stepped out. “Alexis, he already said no.”

  The shop owner sighed heavily. “Oh, all right. Sorry, I just got all excited when I saw how wonderful you look. These clothes have made a new man out of you.”

  “I hope not. I liked the old man.” With that, he snapped the lapels of his blazer.

  He caught Sofia biting her lower lip as if to hold back a smile.

  Alexis went back to her paperwork, leaving him with Sofia, and within the next hour or so of torture, Boone had tried on three more outfits. Sofia had picked out a tux, and also a fancy coat for him, something that looked too expensive to ever risk getting dirty at the ranch. He might wear it...someday.

  “Same time tomorrow?” Boone asked, having changed back into his jeans and flannel shirt.

  “Yeah,” Sofia said. “Maybe a little earlier?” When he nodded, she said, “I’ll walk you out.”

  He held the boutique door open for her and they walked out side by side. She’d come out without her coat, and an icy wind kicked up. He put his arm around her, almost unconsciously shielding her from the cold.

  “It’s chilly.”

  Today he’d driven his old truck, the one he used to haul hay around the ranch. He told himself it was because he didn’t want to show off, but truthfully, he liked knowing that Sofia appreciated him even when she thought he had nothing. Maybe even liked him as more than a friend.

  “Is this you?” she said when he stopped at the old green Ranger.

  “Yep,” he said. He reached into his pocket for the key, then turned back to her. Noticing the uncomfortable look on her face, he asked, “What’s up? Are you okay?”

  She looked down as she replied, “I should ask you. Alexis was way too aggressive in there and I’m sorry. She doesn’t understand that some people don’t appreciate all this attention.”

  “But you understand me?”

  “Yes. It may look like I want attention because of the way I dress, but I’m not a snob.”

  “Hey, hey, I know that.” Almost out of instinct, he reacted by tipping up her chin to meet his gaze. He wanted to reassure her. “I never thought you were.”

  “I just want you to feel welcome in Bronco, you and your entire family.” She then brought his fingers from her chin to her lips and brushed a kiss across his knuckles.

  She set him on fire with that one movement.

  “I already feel a lot more welcome.” He threaded his fingers through hers and lowered their joined hands to his side.

  “Boone,” she said, biting her lower lip and once again avoiding his eyes. “I’m sorry about something else, too.”

  “Yeah?” He swallowed.

  Even if she told him she was sorry she’d set his house on fire, he’d probably still be staring at her milky skin and smelling that delicious scent of coconut in her hair.

  “I hope this isn’t unprofessional, but... I like you.” She glanced up and smiled a little shyly. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you. You’re so comfortable with who you are, so honest and hardworking.”

  “Okay, now I’m the sorry one.” He let go of her hand to run it through his hair, a nervous habit. “I sort of...lied to you.”

  She paled. “About what?”

  “This contest. I didn’t win.”

  “Sure you did. I picked your entry myself.”

  “I’m going to need to read that entry someday. It was actually written by my younger brothers. Remember, I told you that they’re always playing practical jokes? Well, they thought this would be funny. I don’t think they ever imagined I’d go through with this makeover.”

  Her brows knit, and she looked confused. “But everything in the entry is stuff you’ve told me yourself. How some people just think they’re better than others. How your family hasn’t felt welcome.”

  “All true, but I don’t need anyone’s pity. I have a little pride.”

  Not to mention a whole lot of money to ease any hurt feelings he might have. But she didn’t have to know that just yet. One reveal at a time.

  She was quiet for several minutes, that sweet mouth a straight line, simply studying him. “Why did you take the wardrobe? Why let me fit you with clothes you don’t want?”

  He shrugged, slowly releasing his guilt. “Because when I walked in and took one look at you, I had to see you again. And I needed a good excuse.”

  She bit her lower lip as if fighting a smile, then met his gaze and traced his jawline with the pads of her fingers. He was glad he’d shaved this morning.

  “I can’t get mad when you say things like that.”

  “And then there was all the touching you had to do when you helped me with my tie or smoothed the shirt and blazer. That was extra stuff I hadn’t even counted on.”

  “Confession time.” Stretching, she put a hand on each of his shoulders. “I don’t ever touch a client like I’ve been touching you.”

&nbs
p; “You mean they can smooth their own shirts and lace their own ties?” He reached to tuck a stray hair behind her ear.

  She shrugged and brought her hands down to grip the front of his leather jacket. “It’s more that I’m willing to provide direction and let them learn to do it for themselves. I should have done that with you, but...you’re just far too irresistible.”

  It was all the invitation Boone required. Pulling her close into the circle of his arms, he bent to kiss her lips. Her sweet mouth lived up to its promise. She tasted like sugar with a hint of mint. He took the kiss deeper when she made a little sound in the back of her throat that drove him wild. The cold night around them was no longer a concern. They had enough chemistry to start their own roaring fire. When they came up for air, surprise flashed in her eyes. He felt the same way. There was chemistry, magnetic attraction, and then...there was this.

  Kind of a crazy and unexpected spell. Boone felt mesmerized.

  “I’m not going to sleep well tonight.” Boone finally spoke, pressing his forehead to hers.

  “That makes two of us.”

  Chapter Five

  Sofia drove home to her little apartment above the Bronco Valley post office in a daze. She’d kissed Boone. After a long night of imagining what he might taste like, what his lips would feel like on hers, she had her answer. The kiss had been amazing. Good thing they’d been in public or she might have been tempted to see where else it might lead them.

  Learning that he hadn’t entered the contest suddenly made a lot of sense. Boone actually seemed too confident to care much about how he dressed. Still, she wished he could see himself through her eyes. His good looks shot into the stratosphere with designer clothes. “Clothes make the man” as the old saying went. But yeah, she’d bet Boone looked just as outstanding wearing no clothes at all.

  One strange question remained. Why had Winona Cobbs chosen Boone’s entry when he obviously didn’t want the wardrobe? She’d said, “This is the one you’ve been looking for” and she’d been so certain of it. Well, Sofia supposed even someone with so-called psychic intuition could have an off day.