Big-Hearted Cowboy

by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond

“But I wasn’t a top wrangler. Charley had that position. Then Seth and Matt. I wasn’t very high on the totem pole.”

  “But you were senior to CJ, Rafe, Nick and Leo. I’m telling you, there was an attitude going on. And it irritated the heck out of me. It also turned me on.”

  “Oh, yeah?” He smiled. “Are you saying attitude turns you on?”

  “Some guys can be cocky and sexy at the same time.”

  “Like me.”

  “Let’s just say my feelings about you were ambivalent back then.”

  “But then you softened toward me. I know you did. You stopped giving me such a hard time. You agreed to dance with me at the Moose.”

  “Why wouldn’t I want to dance with you? You’re very good at it. And that was the other thing that earned you points. I struggled with the line dances and you stayed close by so I could follow you. That was extremely sweet.”

  “I’m a sweet guy.”

  “I think I’ve always known that. Something in your eyes told me there was more to Jake Lassiter than what showed on the surface.”

  He let that sink in. “I hope you’re right.”

  “I hope so, too.”

  He smiled. “Your line was supposed to be I know I’m right.”

  Her expression was adorably serious. “But I don’t. That’s what… that’s what this is all about.”

  “Yes, it is.” He glanced at her plate. “Are you finished?”

  “Sure am. It was terrific.”

  “What if I give Patsy our dessert order and we hit the dance floor again?”

  “About that dessert…”

  “You want something else besides the pie?”

  “I don’t want dessert at all. Please have some if you’d like to, but I’m stuffed.”

  “I’m not set on having pie and ice cream. I can easily skip it.”

  “I thought I could put away a steak dinner and a decadent dessert, but I’ll never make it through pie a la mode. Instead of eating a rich treat, I’d rather dance with you.”

  He stood and held out his hand. “Then by all means. If I’ve calculated right, this should be a slow one.” And tonight, he could hold her as close as he wanted.

  Chapter Thirteen

  So far the band had featured a woman on the vocals, but as the intro to Kenny Chesney’s You Save Me began, one of the guys stepped to the mic.

  “Oh, yeah,” Jake said. “I thought maybe we’d just stand in one spot and sway for a change, but we’re gonna waltz, Millie. This is a great song.”

  “Maybe it’s your favorite song.” She moved into his arms.

  Her hand clasped in his, he pressed gently on her back to bring her within an inch of his muscled chest. “Any song is my favorite when I’m dancing with you.”

  “Ah, Jake, you could turn a girl’s head.”

  He glanced around the floor as he swept her into the first steps of the waltz. “Which girl? Point her out. I’ve always wanted to try that trick.”

  “This girl, doofus.”

  He brought his attention back to her and lifted his eyebrows. “Doofus? Is that any way to talk to a guy who bought you a steak dinner with all the trimmings?”

  “You’re right. That’s a little harsh. I should have called you a goofball, instead.”

  “That’s more like it.” He held her gaze as he guided her through the graceful dance. “I think you’re fond of goofballs.”

  “I am.”

  “Just like I’m fond of feisty redheads who may or may not be international spies.”

  “Would you like me to have a secret identity? Would that be exciting?”

  “Sure would, but this ol’ boy can’t handle any more excitement than you’re already generating.”

  “I’m not doing anything.”

  “So you say. You just ran your tongue over your bottom lip. How do you suppose that makes me feel?”

  “Who knows?”

  “I’ll tell you. It makes me feel like kissing you again. When you’re across the table from me, you’re out of reach, but now I’ve got you in range.”

  “You can’t kiss me at the end of this dance, too.”

  “Why not?”

  “Doing it once is no big deal, but if you keep doing it—”

  “You don’t want me to kiss you again?”

  “I didn’t say that. I just think it’ll be noticed.”

  “So what? Unless you really are an international spy and don’t want to draw unwanted attention to your mysterious self.”

  “Well, there’s that.”

  “You know, I do like this song, but I never paid much attention to the lyrics.” He pulled her a little closer so his body brushed hers in the turn. “I need to clarify that I don’t expect you to save me. Kenny Chesney can ask his lady to save him if he wants, but I’m not into that.”

  “Good.”

  “I would appreciate it, though, if you’ll let me kiss you at the end of this song.”

  “Because the Moose is a safe zone?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m doing my best to stay out of trouble tonight. Can’t get into too much of it on the dance floor.”

  “Then all right. But not too long.” Anticipation jacked up her heart rate.

  “I’ll do my best to keep it short. I can’t promise to keep it sweet.”

  Oh, boy. The brief one he’d given her earlier had been enough to fry her circuits. As the song ended, he pulled her close. Cupping her face in both hands, he settled his mouth over hers. And took command.

  His boldness stole her breath. This was no gentle invasion. He brought the heat. And she caught fire.

  Clutching the back of his head, she opened to him. With a soft groan, he deepened the contact, shifted the angle, molded his mouth to hers.

  Her surroundings dissolved. Kissing Jake gave her the magic she’d dreamed of, the passion she craved. Don’t stop. When he gradually lessened the pressure, she whimpered and tried to pull him back.

  He hummed with obvious pleasure, but he lifted his mouth from hers, anyway. His soft murmur feathered her damp lips. “Gotta quit.”

  “No.”

  “The band’s playing. Folks dancing around us.”

  “’S’okay.”

  “Come here.” He drew her into his arms and nestled her head against his chest as he began to move in time to the music.

  She linked her hands behind the crisp collar of his shirt and breathed in the scent of his aftershave. “Got carried away.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Your heart’s beating fast.”

  “Sure is.” He guided her slowly around the floor. “You pack a punch.”

  “Think anyone noticed us?”

  Laughter rumbled in his chest. “Guaranteed.”

  “Secret’s out.”

  “Wasn’t much of one, anyway.”

  “What now?”

  “Not sure. Didn’t request your song, yet.”

  “Nope.”

  “But… I’m reaching my limit, Millie.”

  She nestled against his aroused body. “I know.” And she didn’t care. Those things she’d said to Kate? Naïve ramblings of a woman who’d never been kissed by Jake.

  “I should take you home.”

  Lifting her head, she looked up at him. “What time is it?”

  “Early, and I’d meant to stay longer, dance more, but—”

  “Then let’s go.”

  “Now?”

  “Now. No point in torturing ourselves more.”

  “You’re right.” He released her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as he escorted her off the floor.

  His signal to Patsy brought her over to the table. “We’d like the check, please.”

  “You bet.” She gave him a knowing look. “I’ll be right back.”

  He gazed after her. “She thinks we’re rushing off to—”

  “She does, but if we try to explain, we’ll only make it worse. Do you care if she has the wrong impression?”

  He helped her on with her coa
t. “Not really. It’s the right impression, in a way. And sooner or later, she’ll be absolutely on target.”

  A delicious shiver traveled up her spine. “Is that a promise?”

  He leaned down and his breath was warm as he murmured in her ear. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Arrows of heat ignited every combustible nerve in her body. “Good.”

  As he retrieved his jacket and hat from the back of his chair, Patsy returned with the check.

  He handed her several bills.

  “I’ll fetch your change.”

  “No change.”

  “You’re a generous man, Jake Lassiter.” She turned to smile at Millie. “I’m happy for you two. I’ve known this guy for a lot of years, and I think he’s finally got it right.”

  “Thanks.” Millie met his gaze. “I think so, too. Ready?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He ushered her out of the Moose and into his truck.

  The chilly evening should have cooled her down, but sharing the cab with him had never been so charged with electricity.

  As he backed out of the parking space, he glanced at the clock on the dash. “It’s only a little past nine. Can’t remember the last time I left the Moose this early.”

  “Because we’re always here with the gang.”

  “Right. I doubt they’re even back from the movie yet.”

  “Probably won’t be for another hour or so.” Pulse racing, she waited for him to pick up his cue.

  “I wasn’t planning on going inside with you, anyway, but now I definitely won’t.”

  He was sticking with the program. Not surprising. She let some time go by and allowed the low volume of the country music station to fill the silence.

  He glanced her way. “You’re being quiet over there.”

  “I’ve been thinking. Are we being ridiculous?”

  “Meaning?”

  Pulse racing, she pushed on. “Is having sex now really going to ruin our chance at building a solid relationship?”

  “That’s the way I’ve heard it. And that’s when two people have no major issues. Add in my background, and we’re doomed unless we take it slow, get to know each other before we—”

  “But we do know each other. We’ve been co-workers for years and friends for almost that long. Shouldn’t that make a difference?”

  “You probably can’t ask that question of a man whose Wranglers are pinching his privates.”

  “Maybe I’m asking because my panties are damp.”

  He groaned. “No fair, Millie.”

  “Sure it is. If you can talk about your pinched privates, which I was quite aware of on the dance floor, by the way, I can mention my damp panties.” She sucked in a quick breath. “Which are getting damper by the minute.”

  “My fault. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

  “I’m glad you did. Saved me the trouble of kissing you.”

  “You were planning to kiss me tonight?”

  “Absolutely. You’re not the only one who’s been fantasizing about that activity. I was determined to get at least one kiss out of this date.”

  “Well, you got two, which was probably one too many, because now—”

  “Now I realize that there’s no way we’re going to drag out this process, Jake. I’m a smoking volcano, and you’re about to combust. If we’re alone for five minutes, we’ll—”

  “That’s why I’m not coming in.”

  “Then are you going to avoid being alone with me until you decide it’s time?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Think that through. How will it work?”

  “Simple. We’ll go on dates, like to the movies and bowling and stuff, and I’ll bring you home, but I won’t come in, especially if Kate’s not there.”

  “No more mouth-to-mouth contact?”

  “I, um, that’s a good question. I didn’t factor in how—”

  “Uh-huh. Now you’re getting the idea. Those kisses lit the fuse and it’s gonna keep burning whether we’re at the movies or in the bowling alley or having lunch at Gertie’s Café.”

  “You’re saying we’ll live in a state of perpetual frustration.”

  “Yes, but only if we avoid another lip-lock.” She swallowed. “I predict we’re only one kiss away from igniting the stick of dynamite in your Wranglers.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “You’re right.” Jake made the turn onto the ranch road and steered around the muddy spot left by the last downpour. “Kissing you gets me hot. I wasn’t planning on doing it again tonight.”

  “But you want to.” The breathy, seductive note in Millie’s voice was likely no accident. She was on her high horse about this issue.

  “Of course I want to, but that doesn’t mean—”

  “You’ll want to the next time you see me, too.”

  “That’s a given.”

  “The second time was more intense than the first. The third time will be even more—”

  “Not necessarily.”

  “Speak for yourself. I can hardly wait for our next kiss. It’ll be a doozy.”

  She was right about that, too. He could already taste it. “Here’s the thing. Every relationship I’ve had with a woman has begun with sex. I want us to be different.”

  “How long had you known these other women before you ended up in bed with them?”

  “Not long. That’s what I’m saying. Sex was the glue that kept us involved with each other.”

  “Then we are different. If we ended up in bed together, it would be after years of knowing each other. It wouldn’t be what holds us together.”

  “But this is our first date.”

  “I’ll admit that’s how I was looking at it today. I even told Kate that we wouldn’t be doing anything tonight because it was too soon.”

  “See? I’m not the only one who thinks—”

  “Then you kissed me. Twice.”

  “Again, my mistake.”

  “Like I said before, we would have kissed tonight. I would have seen to it. And I doubt we would have ended with one. You don’t get to take the blame for this predicament.”

  “But I’ve been guilty of magical thinking. I imagined we could date like normal people do.” He cruised past the ranch house. Judging by the lights on downstairs, Henri was still up. She could see the front of the cottage from her window. No matter. He wasn’t staying.

  “We’re not normal people.”

  That made him laugh.

  “Well, we’re not! We didn’t meet at some event and exchange phone numbers. We didn’t start out having a coffee date, then progress to a lunch date and finally go for the big dinner date.”

  “Truthfully, I’ve never done it like that.”

  “I have, and it’s kinda boring. Like you’re following some formula. Oh, and FYI, by the dinner date, it’s fairly common to consider having sex.”

  “It is?”

  “So by that criteria, we’re due. And we find ourselves with a golden opportunity.”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Why?”

  He parked in front of the cottage and left the engine running so the heat would stay on. Then he unsnapped his seatbelt and turned to her. “I chose not to bring condoms.”

  “Kate and I figured you wouldn’t.“

  “You talked about it?”

  “Of course. She said if I wanted to bring you in anyway, she’d wear earplugs.”

  “Dear God.”

  “But she’s not here, so we can carry on as much as we want.”

  He gazed at her in the dim light from the dash. The prospect she offered made him dizzy with longing. “Last night I gave myself zero chance of ever making love to you.”

  “And tonight, if I remember the movie times right, we can have about an hour alone to explore the possibilities. Maybe we can’t make love the traditional way, but there are so many—”

  “I’m aware.” His voice rasped. He cleared his throat. “And I want to, Millie. You’ve made your case.”

  She unlatc
hed her belt, too. “Then shut off the motor and we’ll go in.”

  “I’m not going in with you.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because the first time I make love to you, I don’t want to be watching the clock. We’d have to check the website and make sure we know exactly when that show is ending. Then we’d have to set the alarm on one of our phones so I’d be gone before Rafe brings Kate home.”

  “Or not. She’ll see your truck and know what’s going on. We’re all adults. It’s no big—”

  “It is to me. I’ve thought about this, too, and I figured if we took it slow, I’d have time to figure out when and where we’d make love the first time. I want it to be special.”

  “That’s very sweet.” She drew in a deep breath. “And touching. Are you saying you want to take a raincheck for a more appropriate time and place?”

  “Something like that. I don’t have anything in mind yet, but I’ll work on it.”

  “Can you please work on it fast?”

  “Trust me, I’ll give it my full attention.”

  “Were you thinking of the Apple Grove Hotel?”

  “No.”

  “It’s old, but it’s elegant. I’ve never stayed there, but—”

  “The walls are paper thin.”

  “Oh. You’ve taken someone else there.”

  “Right.”

  “Forget the hotel, then. It would only be a solution for one night, anyway.” She turned to face him. “How did you manage a relationship with your other girlfriends? Besides the hotel, I mean.”

  “They had their own places.”

  “So do I. And Kate is very easy to get along with.”

  “I know she is. But I don’t… it feels like bush league. Like we should be past that.”

  “But we each share living quarters.”

  “We do, and mine’s even more complicated a venue than yours.”

  “Yeah, no. The bunkhouse is a non-starter.”

  “I wouldn’t ask you to do that even if they were all gone. That’s bush league squared.” Reaching for her hand, he laced his fingers through hers. “I’ll figure this out.” Then he gave her hand a squeeze and released it. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  “Okay.”

  He left the motor running, grabbed his hat from the dash and opened his door.

  “Don’t you want to shut that off?”