Catch Me a Cowboy (Wattle Valley, #1)

by Jacquie Underdown

  The main and dessert were served and they enjoyed the food and company, giving the questions a rest for a while. Emily seemed happy enough, not at all tense.

  After dinner, they retreated to the lounge again. Wil headed to the bar for more drinks in the hope of having a quiet word with Alec.

  ‘So what do you think?’ he asked, leaning against the timber counter next to his brother.

  Alec smiled broadly and smacked Wil on the back. ‘I think she’s gorgeous and smart and very loveable.’

  Wil nodded, his chest inflating. ‘Yeah. She is, isn’t she?’ He glanced back at Emily. She was sitting next to Cheree and had her hands on her pregnant belly. There was something about seeing the wonder on her face that tugged hard on his basest biology. He was in deep because all he could think about was making lots of babies with that sexy-as-hell woman right there, starting right now.

  He dragged his eyes away and turned back to Alec, composing himself. ‘Thank you for kicking my arse and making me do this.’

  Again, Alec smacked his back. ‘Hey, that’s what big brothers are for.’

  ‘You think Mum and Dad like her?’

  ‘Wil, they fucking love her. She’s already a part of the family.’

  Wil nodded and sighed with relief. ‘Yeah. She is.’

  After a few more drinks, the volume of the music was set to blaring and they all retreated to the dancefloor. He knew Emily found it hard to believe that country folk liked to dance, but they did. Again, something else that he’d grown up with—enormous community shindigs, with country music booming, extending well into the night.

  But besides that, to dance with the woman you are falling in love with was deeply intimate and he wanted that. He wanted to be as close as possible to her every second of the day. He gripped Emily’s hand and led her onto the dance floor. The music was fast paced rock ‘n’ roll. Mum showed the way, with Dad spinning her under his arm. Emily looked at them, then back to Wil and laughed.

  He clasped her hips and kissed her lips roughly, then rocked his body nice and close. The look she gave him almost undid him right there on the dance floor—such hunger and carnality, he felt himself stiffening. Not a good position to be in with his family close by and cameras honing in on him. He groaned and kissed her again, before drawing her away, back in, then spun her under his arm.

  Her laugh echoed over the music and tickled his own humour. He didn’t have to share his time tonight with anyone else. Only her. Always Emily. They danced together for the next few songs until Alec interrupted and stole Emily away. Seems he spoke too soon. As Wil danced with Sandy, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of Emily. Her giggling and cheers filled his ears.

  ‘Wil, I’ve not seen you this smitten. I don’t think you’ve looked at me since we started dancing.’

  Wil grinned bashfully. ‘I’m sorry. Preoccupied.’

  She nodded. ‘I can well and truly see that. Emily’s lovely. I can see why.’

  He smiled wider. ‘She is, isn’t she? Adorable.’

  ‘Yes, indeed.’

  Cheree danced with him next and Mark thieved Emily from Alec. Cheree couldn’t dance with as much gusto as usual, but she was doing one hell of a job considering her stomach was as big as a basketball until she stopped mid-song and bent over groaning.

  Wil paled as all the blood rushed from his face. ‘Are you okay?’ he asked with a hand on her back.

  She breathed for five breaths, not saying anything. Then slowly straightened and looked around for Mark, who was already striding over. The music came to a stop. The lighting switched on to full brightness.

  ‘I think I’m in labour,’ she said, stroking her stomach. Her words were loud against the sudden silence.

  Mark was at her side, with an arm around her back. ‘Honey, you okay?’

  ‘It’s time,’ she said and excited tingles shot through Wil. He wasn’t naive enough to know that Cheree was in for a night of pain, but he was buzzing to meet his new niece or nephew. The end result of all that hard work.

  Mark looked to his parents-in-law. His eyes were damp and he was beaming, his movements and words jittery. ‘She’s in labour. We’ll have to finish this here. We’ve got a couple of hours drive ahead of us to the hospital.’

  Mum was all business as she jogged over. ‘Show’s over,’ she yelled out. ‘We’ve got to get Cheree to the hospital.’ Then she smiled wide at Dad.

  Dad nodded his head once and tipped his hat. Women’s business, this was. It was men’s business too in Wil’s eyes. He planned on being right by Emily’s side when she gave birth to their children. He shook his head when that thought struck. Getting a bit far ahead of yourself, Wil.

  They spilt out of the barn and Mark helped Cheree into the back seat of his car.

  ‘I won’t be able to drive,’ he said. ‘I’ve had too much to drink.’

  ‘Get in the back,’ said Mum. ‘I’ll get you there.’

  Mark did what he was told and the engine started. Wil poked his head into the back and kissed Cheree on the cheek. ‘Good luck. I’ll wait eagerly for the good news.’

  Cheree nodded. ‘Sorry to end the night like this.’

  ‘I couldn’t think of a better way.’

  Cheree smiled and peered past Wil to Emily. ‘I’ll see you soon.’

  Emily nodded and came forward. ‘Best of luck,’ she said.

  Alec and Sandy pushed them out the way to say their farewells. Wil stood back with Emily, an arm around her waist as the doors were closed and the car accelerated away.

  Emily turned to him with a smile wide on her lips. ‘Oh my God. That was the most excitement I’ve had in a long time.’

  Wil laughed. ‘Plenty of that out here.’

  ‘Are you excited?’

  Wil nodded quickly. ‘Hell yeah.’

  Emily giggled. ‘I’m guessing she’ll have a girl.’

  ‘You’re on. I’m saying a boy.’

  The director jogged over then, earpiece in her ear, iPad in her hand. ‘If you could head back inside. We think we’ve enough footage of the night, but I want to talk with the crew. Give me five minutes.’

  Wil and Emily headed back inside and took a seat in the lounge. Dad, Alec and Sandy joined them. The atmosphere was charged with energy. This night was over. No one was going to be able to keep their mind on task knowing that in mere hours they were going to have a new baby come into their lives that they will love with all their hearts.

  Five minutes transformed into half an hour, but no one seemed to notice as they all drank and chatted together.

  ‘Hey, Em, can I talk to you for a tick over here?’ asked Wil.

  She looked to the others and smiled apologetically, then turned back to Wil. ‘Sure.’

  He gripped her hand and led her past the bar and down a narrow hall located at the back of the barn. Small cupboards, the restroom and feed stores branched off on each side.

  When hidden away down the end of the hall, Wil pressed a finger to Emily’s lips and mimed that she turn off her microphone. He switched his off and she followed his lead, eyes darting around for one of the crew to bust them.

  ‘Why?’ she mouthed.

  He pushed a finger to her lips, shook his head, then took her hand. He tugged her into a small cupboard and closed the door quietly behind them. Inside was pitch black until he switched on the light to illuminate the tiny space. Big enough to fit themselves and some cleaning gear.

  Emily’s chest was rising and falling, lips gently parted. He took her waist and pulled her closer. Already his shaft was as hard as stone and pushed against her belly.

  Emily licked her lips. ‘Hmmm, so that’s your plan.’

  Wil smiled and spun her so her back was to him. ‘But we need to be quick,’ he whispered in her ear.

  ‘I don’t think that will be a problem.’

  ‘Place your hands against the wall,’ he said. ‘There, step on that paint tin.’

  She stepped onto the tin and leant forward so her palms touched the wall
and she was at a perfect height for him.

  He reached in under her dress and pulled her panties down until they fell to her ankles, then undid the zip and button on his pants to release his shaft. He lifted her skirt until her bare arse was exposed to him and her perfect pink lips were in full view, glistening with her arousal.

  A rumble sounded in his chest to see that. No, this was not going to take long. To open her wider for him, he lifted her leg and draped it over his elbow. He gripped his cock and pressed the head between her cleft and stroked it through her moisture, paying close attention to her clit. She was well and truly ready for him. He slid his shaft down to her entrance and pushed inside.

  Emily gasped then moaned as he pulled out and thrust back in harder. Leaning forward over her, he reached his hand around her waist and pressed his finger to her clit, rubbing gently over the tight little nub. Her breaths grew deeper and his pleasure flooded him, made him harder. He thrust more deeply, quicker, no longer in control. His pleasure was commanding him. Still he fingered her clit as he pushed inside her, over and over. Her legs began to shake, so he kept his rhythm, building a sensual friction, letting the waves crash.

  ‘Oh, God, I’m going to come already,’ she sighed.

  ‘Come,’ he groaned, on the verge himself.

  She tightened around him, rhythmical pulses that seemed to milk him. Her soft moans filled the small space and he was lost inside her, undone. He released her leg, gripped both her hips and gave her everything, needing to be so deep in her. He exploded, his seed rushing from him in a burst of sensation that left him breathless and boneless.

  He slowed as the final traces of orgasm retreated, then eased out. His chest was heaving. Head light. He blew out a long breath as she stepped down from the paint tin and turned to face him. Her cheeks were flushed with pink. Her features were loose with contentment. ‘You’re so beautiful, Em.’

  She grinned up at him. ‘You’re pretty sexy yourself, Wil Parker.’

  He pulled his underwear up his thighs, followed by his pants and did the button up while Emily slid back into her panties and smoothed her skirt down. Wil leant over and kissed her. When their breaths had returned to near normal, they stepped out of the cupboard, switched their microphones back on and headed back to join the others.

  As they passed the bar, Wil told Emily he’d order them more drinks and join her soon. Alec was at the bar already, collecting drinks for the others. He looked at Wil with narrowed eyes. ‘Bit hot, bro?’

  Wil shrugged. ‘A little.’

  ‘You cheeky bugger,’ he said shaking his head, a grin wide on his lips, and left with his drinks to join the others.

  When Wil arrived back at the lounge, Andrea was striding over. ‘Okay, we’ve got enough footage of your family tonight. But Wil and Emily, if we can record some more of you saying goodbye for the night.’

  Wil nodded.

  They finished their drinks then said goodbye to Dad, Alec and Sandy. Wil and Emily were left alone out the front of the barn under the cover of darkness. Light spilt from the barn doors illuminating them both in a gentle light. Wil stood in front of Emily with his arms around her waist. A cool breeze blew over their flesh. He could still feel the hot warmth of her sex on his cock and wanted more. He wanted to take her back to his home, to his bed, not have her head off to the cottage. It didn’t feel right to be rushing their intimate moments. He wanted time and privacy to thoroughly explore every inch of her body, time and time again.

  ‘You have a wonderful family, Wil.’

  Wil smiled. ‘You think so?’

  ‘I do. Very much. They are lovely and welcoming.’

  ‘I’m glad you like them.’

  ‘Thank you for a fantastic night.’ She lifted up on her tiptoes and planted a lingering kiss on his lips. ‘I’m falling madly in love with you, Wil Parker.’

  He backed away and gazed deeply into her eyes. His heart was singing, his veins swarming with life. ‘I’m falling in love with you too.’ In fact, he already had. He loved her. Every facet. And, after tonight, he knew that without a doubt.

  Chapter 38

  Emily arrived at the silent contestant’s quarters, grateful the other ladies were tucked away in their rooms. She couldn’t contain her emotions and didn’t need their appraising stares as she unleashed with a flood of words how she truly felt about Wil.

  She headed to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of red wine. Not that she needed any more alcohol, but she was in a celebratory mood. Taking a gulp, she smiled as she reflected on the night. How fantastic his family were—wonderful, kind, welcoming people.

  Did she seriously just utter to Wil that she was falling in love with him? Am I? It felt like the honest truth as the words tumbled from her mouth, unheeded by the usual constraints she placed on herself. She didn’t know if it was because of the excitement of Cheree going into labour, or if her emotions were simply too strong to be capped.

  As she sipped again at the ruby liquid, Dwayne came to mind, with his extra bright teeth, fake tan, inflated muscles, and unrealistic expectations. She remembered all the men she had dated, even the men she had loved, and none of them compared to this genuine, candid, salt-of-the-earth sex god she had just had a mind-blowing romp with in a cupboard.

  She would never meet someone like Wil in Melbourne. The possibility was as high as being struck by lightning twice, or winning the lottery. He was her one blessing, her one gift and chance at having a happy life.

  Her future spanned out before her eyes, with Wil at her side. Walking down the aisle, their children sitting on his lap, having lazy Sundays on the porch drinking wine and nibbling cheese as the sun set over the mountains. She could see dinners with his family, all of them sitting around the table together, chatting and laughing. She could smell the soil on his skin as he came to bed at night and he wrapped her in his arms.

  No, she wasn’t falling in love with Wil. She loved him. Adored the ground he walked on. Would do anything for him. She loved him.

  Her throat grew tight. Tears pricked her eyes. She thrust her wine glass down. Was it suddenly hard to breathe in here? Had the temperature increased? She flapped her hands over her face trying to cool herself and sucked air harder into her lungs.

  Calm down, Emily.

  She felt the slow caress of fear all through her body. The threatening mouth of anxiety. It was irrational, she knew it, but it was real. Her heart thundered. She pressed both palms against the kitchen bench and closed her eyes, trying to steady her breaths, but they kept coming in rushes, thin. Her chest ached.

  What was happening to her? Why was this happening now?

  And then the thought stung her like a wasp—loving Wil this much was dangerous. Very dangerous. And her body was doing its best to warn her.

  No. She couldn’t succumb to this. Not this time. Not with Wil. He was worth too much. But imagine the pain of losing him? Imagine what it will feel like when he realises you’re not good enough for him anymore?

  Her body shook. Her chest was heavy and tight. So tight. She couldn’t draw a breath. Was Wil worth this pain? Such an ancient grief overcame her. The sensation of abandonment swamped her senses; the pain of having her world shattered into a million shards; the loss of the one person she adored as he transformed into an untrustworthy monster. Betrayal filled her from her toes to her head, and she knew this exact scenario, with Wil, would be a billion times worse if she allowed it to happen.

  She tossed her head from side to side. She couldn’t let that happen. She had to stop all this before he had the chance to grip her heart in his hands and squeeze until it was broken and bleeding.

  Emily ran out of the kitchen, down the hall and into her bedroom. Panting, she pulled her mobile from her bag and switched it on. She jogged out of her bedroom, along the hall and burst out through the back door into the cool night. She gulped in the air as she strode quickly towards the tree. Halfway there, she dialled Xanthi’s number. It was late, but she didn’t care. She needed to talk
about this before she did anything stupid.

  ‘Is everything okay?’ came Xanthi’s weary voice.

  For a moment, Emily couldn’t speak, found it hard enough to breathe.

  ‘Emily? Are you okay?’

  Emily shook her head, squeezed her eyes closed. ‘No,’ she managed, a rasped bark.

  ‘What happened? What’s going on?’ Xanthi’s words were rushed, shrill.

  ‘I love him.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘I love him too much.’

  ‘There’s no such thing, Em. You hear me? No. Such. Thing. You can’t possibly love someone too much. Love is love is love is love.’

  Emily pressed her free hand to her chest, her shoulders rolling inwards. ‘Why does it frighten me to death?’

  ‘It shouldn’t. It doesn’t. You just need to stop overthinking things and take the risk.’

  ‘If I didn’t have to give everything up to be with him, I might be able to take the risk. If I could ensure I still held on to my apartment and my job, we might be able to make it work.’ But they were lies. She wouldn’t let this man hold her heart any longer. It was too fragile a thing for a man to hold, especially one she had freely given the ability to destroy her.

  ‘That’s no way to live, Em. Preparing for when everything might end. That’s not letting go and loving with all your heart.’

  Emily shook her head from side to side and groaned. ‘It’s foolish to love someone this much. Dangerous. I’m opening myself up for so much misery you just can’t even believe it.’

  ‘Wil’s not your father. You’re not your mother. You are a strong, resilient woman who owes it to herself to take a fucking risk with love. Emily, if you fuck this up, I promise you, I will never ever talk to you again.’ Xanthi’s words were loud and angry and Emily flinched. ‘I won’t. I can’t. I will not put up with this anymore—seeing you sabotage yourself over and over again because of someone else’s mistakes. You don’t owe it to anyone to be miserable. No one. Do you understand?’