Cowboy For A Season (The New West)

by Janalyn Knight

  Alex grinned and clasped her hand. "Hannah, I want to take you on a real date."

  She sucked in a breath, needing to say no, but wanting to say yes.

  "Come on, Hannah. We will eat, and dance, and have fun, okay?"

  Chloe knocked her milk over and cried.

  Hannah jumped up. "It's okay, honey. You didn't mean to. I'll clean it up." Grabbing some paper towels, Hannah had the spill wiped away quickly.

  Chloe stopped crying as soon as she saw Hannah wasn't mad.

  Did Debra scold the child for mistakes? Anger caused a hot burning sensation in Hannah's stomach. How dare that woman? Every child had accidents. They shouldn't get punished for them.

  Hannah took a deep breath. Her emotions were all over the map today. Way too strong. Maybe she needed to go out and blow off steam. She glanced at Alex as she sat back down and her tummy fluttered again. She wanted to be with this handsome cowboy, and she couldn't deny herself any longer. "Alex, I'd love to go on a real date with you. Just tell me when."

  He grinned. "Next Saturday night," and reached for her hand. "Hannah, thank you."

  A little while later, before Alex loaded Chloe into her car seat, he said, "Say goodbye to Hannah, Chloe."

  Steeling herself for the sweep of intense emotion as Chloe held out her little hands, Hannah took the child in her arms and gave her a hug and kiss.

  Chloe said, "Bye, bye."

  A lump in her throat, Hannah nodded. "Bye, honey." As she watched the two of them drive off a few minutes later, her heart followed them. She longed for the little girl already, and it would only get worse over the next couple of days. And there was something else. A part of her ached for the handsome cowboy and his tender hands, too.

  Chapter Eight

  THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY night, Alex handed the menu to the waitress after ordering his steak. Hannah had already ordered and drank a margarita while he sipped a beer. Since he was driving, he would drink very little.

  Hannah looked lovely. Her black blouse set off her copper hair and blue eyes and he'd never realized how sexy freckles could be. His fingers itched to open the buttons of her top and see how far the little golden speckles went. He swept his gaze across the nearly empty restaurant before she could guess his thoughts.

  "How did you learn to speak English so well, Alex?"

  Her smile and the interest in her eyes sent tingles across his chest. How lucky he was to have the company of this woman tonight. "I studied English for three years in my off seasons. The PBR encouraged me. They want us Brazilians to talk good on TV." He laughed. "I worked hard. I didn't like talking with the interpreter. It was too slow." Taking a swallow of beer, he said, "Anyway, I wanted to live in the U.S., so talking English was important. I still must learn more. Many words, I don't understand. I carry a dictionary with me."

  She grinned. "Really?"

  "Oh, sure. I find words all the time. Spelling the words, now, that is hard. I ask people how to spell a lot."

  She took a drink of her iced tea. "I admire you, Alex. I know some Spanish because I took it in school. But becoming fluent and speaking it every day—I've never been able to do that."

  Tonight, he enjoyed watching Hannah's eyes as she talked. Different colors of blue shaded them, and they sparkled, something they rarely did while she worked on the ranch. He hadn't been this attracted to a woman since his divorce. The sound of her voice was enough to send his pulse racing. "Some Brazilian cowboys don't try too hard to speak English. English is not easy, you know?" He smiled as the light created golden highlights in her hair.

  "It isn't, is it?" Hannah took a sip of tea. "Alex, I hope you don't mind me asking, but have you heard from Chloe's mother?"

  He shook his head. "No. But this does not surprise me. She calls me only when she wants money."

  "Oh."

  They continued their easy conversation until dinner was over, and he handed his card to the waitress. "Are you ready to dance, Hannah?"

  She blushed. "I haven't been dancing in a long time. I may step all over your toes."

  "I might step on your toes, too. It's good we both have boots."

  She fiddled with her napkin. "Just don't laugh if I trip or something."

  He reached for her hand. "Hannah, I'll hold you. We will be the best dancers on the dance floor tonight."

  She cracked up. "Uh, right."

  They finished their meal and, after signing the ticket, he helped Hannah with her chair and escorted her to his truck. Funny thing, he wasn't even six feet tall, but he always felt huge when he walked with the tiny woman.

  A short time later, they pulled into the parking lot of the club. As he escorted her to the front doors, he imagined what it would feel like to two-step around the dance floor, holding Hannah close to his body as she swayed to the music. He felt focused again after two years of treading water, like a swimmer lost at sea. This woman was the reason. Placing his hand at Hannah's back, he urged her through the doors.

  The place was a little small, but the dance floor was large enough for a fair number of couples. The dim light, except near the bars, made it a cozy setting. The band arrived on stage for another set. He found a table and seated Hannah then left to get their drinks. The first song had begun when he sat opposite her. "This is nice, huh?"

  She fidgeted and had a hard time meeting his gaze as she took a big gulp of her drink. "Yeah, real nice."

  He reached over and took her hand, holding it gently in his fingers. "Hannah, it is just you and me. Relax. We have all night. No rush."

  Nodding, she seeming more at ease. "Okay, Alex. Thanks. You know, Ty was so ... and before, we were so stressed out. It's just been a long time for, for all this—and being with another man." She shook her head and turned away.

  Even in the dim light he could see the deep red creeping up her face. He got up and moved his chair beside her. Slipping his arm around her, he kissed her temple. "Meu querida, the past does not matter to us." He tipped her chin so she looked into his eyes. "Relaxa, meu querida.” He kissed her. "Now we have fun, sweetheart."

  They watched the dancers circle the dance floor, and she slowly relaxed into him. He kissed her temple again. Hannah was safe with him. More than anything else, she was protected from her own fears.

  Soon he signaled the waitress for another round. It would be his last beer, but Hannah needed to unwind. The bourbon would release her inhibitions and allow her to enjoy herself tonight. With her snuggled close against his chest, he pointed out couples who were good dancers, speaking into her ear to be heard over the loud music coming from the stage. Her hair tickled him, and his desire quickened, though he tried hard to tamp it down. Right now, Hannah needed him to be calm.

  After her second drink, he caught Hannah's boot tapping to the music. When the next slow song started, he stood. "Dance with me please, Hannah?"

  She stared at him with startled eyes, then got up. "Thank you."

  His hand at her back, he escorted her to the dance floor, anticipating holding her slim body.

  Taking her in his arms, he stood still for a moment to let her get her balance, then stepped out with the slow beat of the music. Her stiff body told him how nervous she was. He guided her with a firm hand at her waist and clear signals in the palm of her hand, preparing her for each step he made. Soon her body unwound, and he pulled her close. She melted into him, and they moved as one to the music. With Hannah curled on his chest, moving against his hips, his pulse pounded in his ears, and he tightened his arm around her. Taking a deep breath, he mentally talked himself down. Too soon, the song ended, and he released her.

  She stepped back, and her half-lidded eyes reflected some of his own desire.

  He kept hold of her hand. "Thank you, Hannah."

  "You're a good dancer, Alex. We didn't step on each other once."

  Laughing, he put his arm around her, leading her off the dance floor. "I told you I wouldn't let you trip."

  When they took their seats, Hannah flipped her hair off her
shoulder and grinned at him. It was the first time he'd seen her truly happy, and she was magnificent. He wrapped her in a hug. "Hannah, you should be happy all the time."

  Still in his embrace, she clung to him. "Alex, I am happy tonight. Thank you." Her eyes closed, and she smiled. It melted his heart.

  He squeezed her for a moment, then turned her loose. He would do his best to see she stayed that way.

  A few minutes later, a fast song started, and he said, "Are you ready to dance, Hannah?"

  She raised her brows, looking unsure. "You have my back, right?"

  He laughed. "I have your back. Come."

  Once on the dance floor, he waited again to be sure she was ready, then stepped out, dancing to the rapid beat of the song. To his surprise, Hannah was right with him. He spun, and she kept up with him. Soon they were twirling and quick-stepping all over the dance floor. When the music stopped, they were both breathing fast. "Hannah, you teased me. You're a very good dancer."

  "We both are. That was fun, Alex."

  He settled her at the table and excused himself. "I'll be back. Would you like another drink?"

  "One more. Thank you, Alex."

  HANNAH'S GAZE FOLLOWED Alex as he wove his way through the tables to the restrooms, the vision of his sexy back side doing nothing to calm the tingling in every nerve in her body. The protective way he held her, his gentle kisses, his sweet smile, everything about him tonight turned her on. Deep in her core, lust snaked and coiled, ready to be released. How long had it been since she felt this way? For years, she and Ty had been going through the motions, watching her temp and hoping for a pregnancy. Romance had been the casualty of their dreams for a child. This night was magical, her body more alive with every breath she took. Alex would leave her, she knew that, but tonight it didn't matter. Tonight, he belonged to her.

  Alex returned to the table, setting her glass in front of her and sliding his arm around her as if it had always belonged there. "Hannah, I'm happy." He tilted his head so she could look into his eyes. "You make me happy, Hannah."

  She sucked in her bottom lip. To hell with the consequences. "You make me happy, too, Alex."

  Leaning in, he swept her lips with a kiss. Then kissed her again, lingering over it.

  Her heart pounded, and she reached up, capturing his cheek with her palm. When he pulled back, she looked into his eyes and grinned. "Your kisses make me happy, Alex."

  He threw his head back and laughed. "Hannah, meu querida, I like your kisses too."

  She finished her drink, cuddled in his arms, happiness humming in her veins. When he asked her to dance again, the music was slow, and she settled into his body like she was born there. He held her close, and, as the music stopped, he leaned down and kissed her. Her heart swelled with such joy she wanted to cry.

  As they arrived at the table, he said, "Are you ready to leave?"

  The look in his eyes said he wanted more than holding her on the dance floor. Her stomach clenched. Was she ready for that? This had been an amazing evening, and she didn't want it to stop. But, how much farther would she go? He was leaving. She couldn't forget that. Nodding, she said, "It's a long way home. Let's go."

  He held her hand in the truck, keeping up a lazy conversation.

  She asked, "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

  A look of sadness flitted across his face. "No. My mother was a kitchen maid on a big rancho. I don't know my father. She came there when she was pregnant with me. It was always me and my maẽ. She never talked about her family. I don't know if she didn't have one, or if they didn't want her when she got pregnant."

  Hannah squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry, Alex. That must have been hard for both of you."

  "The rancho where I grew up was very grand, very beautiful. And the people were good to me and my mother. That is where I learned to ride bulls." He grinned at her. "Come closer, Hannah." Flipping the console up, he jerked the seat belt out. "You will be safe here beside me."

  He had the devil in his eyes, and her body responded. Yanking her belt off, she slid next to him, but, before she belted in, she pulled his face to her and kissed him, hard.

  When she leaned back, he grinned. "You kiss good, Hannah."

  Buckling up, her heart beat a million times a minute. She wanted her hands all over that muscular chest of his. Wanted to be on her knees beside him, kissing his sensuous mouth, exploring every inch of him. She hardly knew herself at the moment, and didn't care one bit.

  Alex clasped her leg and pulled her closer to him, smiling down at her.

  She leaned into him, and he slid his arm around her shoulders. Snuggling into his chest, she closed her eyes, reveling in the sensations her body was feeling. Nerves sang everywhere he touched her.

  He said, "Hannah."

  "Hmm?"

  "Kiss me again."

  She smiled and did what she wanted to do—unbuckled and rose to her knees, taking his face in her hands.

  Looking at her, smiling, he waited for her to do what she willed with him. He glanced at the road, then back at her.

  Caressing his lips with hers, she tickled him with the tip of her tongue, and dipped inside.

  Groaning, he whispered, "Hannah." Looking quickly at the road, he returned to her.

  She kissed him again and sat back on her heels.

  He licked his lips, shaking his head. "Damn. I want to kiss you back."

  "You asked for it."

  Keeping his eyes on the road, he grinned. "I sure did."

  She sat down and buckled in, leaning into him as he put his arm around her again.

  He kissed the top of her head, and hugged her against him. "Hannah, I want you." Then he kissed her again. "But I worry. You need a man who will be here with you, work your ranch and take care of you all the time. A bull rider is gone too much. I could not be that man for you."

  She didn't want to hear his words. Couldn't think that far ahead tonight. Nodding, she said, "I know. I've thought about that, too." Her body wanted him. Her heart yearned for him. Nothing could stop those two things from happening tonight.

  Squeezing her again, he said, "I don't want to hurt you, Hannah. You hurt too bad already."

  Dammit, it had been so long. She would have this one night of happiness. Fortunately, there were a few advantages to being tiny. Throwing off her seatbelt, she swung astride Alex, and looked him in the eyes. "I don't want to remember yesterday, and I don't want to think about tomorrow. I want to be happy tonight. Will you make me happy, Alex?"

  He glanced at the road and then back at her. "Meu queridinho. I will, my little sweetheart."

  She smiled and kissed him, slipping her tongue inside and stroking him. "You drive. I'll kiss."

  "Santa mãe de Deus.” He groaned. “Holy mother of God, Hannah!"

  She slipped the tip of her tongue in his ear and puffed a tiny breath.

  He ducked and moaned, "Hannah, I'll wreck." Yet, he caught her mouth and kissed her hard.

  Evidence of his extreme arousal was underneath her. Tilting her head so he could see the road, she kissed him with tiny, feathery kisses, exploring every bit of his mouth. Sliding her lips down, she nibbled on his neck.

  Sucking in a hard breath, his hand on her back clenched.

  Smiling. she kissed him some more, making her way to the hollow of his throat. With quick fingers, she unbuttoned his shirt.

  He sucked in his belly, hissing, "Hannah, you're killing me!"

  Sliding her hands inside his shirt, she ran her fingers over the delicious muscles of his chest. She caught his mouth in hers and kissed him deeply. "Alex, you're gorgeous."

  Groaning he said sharply, "Hannah, I'm pulling over if you don't stop."

  She grinned. "Against the rules. You drive. I kiss, remember?"

  He narrowed his eyes at her. "We will be home soon, Hannah. I will have revenge."

  A trickle of delicious fear swirled in her belly. What kind of actions would this gorgeous man take with her? She held his face in her hands again, a
nd kissed him, taking her time, enjoying every second. If this was the only night she had, she would make it count.

  Later, as they pulled into her driveway, Alex gave her a mischievous grin. He got out as she slid over to her side, wondering what he had planned for her.

  The door beside her flew open, and Alex lifted her out, holding her against the side of the truck, eye-level with him. "You will invite me in, Hannah."

  She swallowed, trying not to smile. "Won't you come inside, Alex?"

  He set her on the ground, reached into the glovebox for something, and grabbed her purse from the floorboard. Grinning, he said, "I will, Hannah."

  He slung his arm around her shoulders as they walked to the door.

  Once she locked the door behind them, he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the kitchen, sitting her on the countertop, facing him. "Do you have anything to drink, Hannah?"

  She bit her lip, holding back a smile. "Um, bourbon?"

  "I'll get it." He located the bottle by the sink, found two glasses and poured three fingers in each glass. Handing her one, he narrowed his eyes and said, "This is for your courage, Hannah."

  Her eyes widened. She took too big a swallow, then choked, coughing and spitting bourbon everywhere.

  Alex laughed and grabbed her glass, patting her on the back. "Come on, Hannah. You're a tough boss lady. What are you afraid of, eh?"

  Her eyes watering, she took a good look at him. He was grinning, his eyes loaded with mischief. Lord, what had she gotten herself into?

  He handed her the glass back. "Drink up. You will need it."

  She chugged the bourbon like water, hoping to fortify herself for whatever this Brazilian devil had in store for her.

  Slapping her back, he said, "That's my girl," and downed his own drink. Sliding her off the counter, he clasped her butt in his large hands, holding her to his waist.

  She wrapped her legs around him. Pulse racing, heart pounding, surges of desire sweeping through her, she was his.

  He kissed her and whispered in her ear. "Tell me where to go, meu amor."