My Virgin Cowboy

by Sade Rena

  He approaches from behind, carrying swatches and samples of Glidden’s one-coat. “Should we add a new light fixture to the cart?”

  I can hear the laughter in his voice.

  Tilting my neck up at him, I press my lips together. “No. I’ll get in later. Let’s just pay for what we have in the cart.”

  He nods. “Lead the way.”

  I do, turning a few seconds later to catch him staring at my ass. When he sees me looking, he smiles, and I shake my head, facing forward to hide my grin.

  “Heya, Gladis!” Parker beams when we reach the register.

  “Hey, Parker. What are you doing here today? More repairs down at the ranch?” Gladis asks, her accent thicker than his.

  “Now ya know there’s always stuff to do at the ranch. But I’m here to help my friend. She’s new in town and brought the old Clark house on Caldwell Road.”

  Gladis turns to me with sincerity in her eyes. “Well, all right. You’re fixin’ that old place up, huh?”

  I nod. “That’s the plan.”

  “That’s good, dear. You’re in good hands with ole Parker here. He’s been working on my family’s homes for years. It’ll be right pretty when you’re all done.”

  “You betta stop tryna flatter me, woman,” he teases and loads the belt with the items from the cart.

  I watch the digital screen, grateful I trusted his direction with coming to this store. But, knowing me, I would have driven to one of the name brand stores and ended up spending a fortune.

  “Gladis. Go on and ring her up. I need to run back and talk to Gary for a second,” Parker says before leaning over to me. “Meet you back at the truck, here’s the key but leave the things in the cart. Don’t lift anything.”

  I accept them and watch as he runs toward the back of the store, unable to stop my sights from landing on his tush.

  “You’re Parker’s new girl?” she asks, breaking my train of thought.

  “Oh… no. We’re not. His brother is married to my best friend. He’s only helping me out.”

  “Hmm. Well, that’s a shame.”

  I frown. “Why is that?”

  “You two are right cute together.”

  I fight a smile and lick my lips. “What do I owe you?” I add, holding out my debit card.

  “One second, dear. Let me add the discount.” She presses a few buttons. “All right, the number is on the reader.”

  My eyes widen when the total flashes on the screen. I want to protest, but who am I to interfere with this blessing.

  “Thank you. I really appreciate the deal.” I insert my card.

  “Oh, don’t thank me, honey.”

  After I pay for everything, I head back out to the truck, leaving the cart at the back like he instructed, not daring to go against his wishes. I’m lost in my phone, unaware of his presence until I hear a thud and peak through the mirror to find him putting the last of the supplies in the bed.

  He grunts. “Ready?”

  “Yeah.” I sit upright.

  Parker pulls off, turning on the radio along the way. I enjoy the ride, letting the music and scenery take me away. Then I glance at him, and my mind thinks back on Gladis’ comment about how cute we are together. I wasn’t expecting her to be so forthcoming with her thoughts, but either way, I can’t stop myself from wondering if she’s right. He is beautiful, and I’m confident in my own attractiveness. Then I remember the steep discount and need to know why she’d given it to me.

  “Hey.”

  He turns down the music. “What’s up, darlin’?” He looks between me and the road.

  “Gladis gave me a fantastic price. Was that your doing?”

  He pauses for a second. “My family owns one of the lumber and sawmills. We supply their inventory, so whenever I shop, she gives me a deal.”

  “Oh. That’s why Leah said I should have told you guys.”

  “Yup. We like to save money in this family,” he jokes.

  I laugh. “Don’t we all.”

  We make it back to the house, and Parker takes everything inside, still refusing to allow me to help him lift anything. Annoying as it is, it’s sort of cute he wants to protect my back, or so he says. But instead of arguing over how capable I am, I allow him to do his thing, watching his muscles flex while he does it.

  “That’s the last of it. I’ll stop by tomorrow after work, and we can get started.”

  “Sounds good.” I grip the door, preparing to shut it behind him.

  He uses his foot to stop me. “What time should I pick you up tonight?”

  Huh.

  I glance up at him, taking in the wide grin on his lips. “Pick me up for what?” I ask, confused.

  “For our first date. I’m taking you for the best Texas BBQ you’ll ever eat.”

  I fight my smile. “I didn’t agree.” My hands go to my hips.

  “You didn’t disagree.”

  Shit! He’s right. I never protested against his proposal earlier. I didn’t think he was serious.

  “How does seven-thirty sound?”

  The expression in his eyes tells me he’s not going to budge, and I’ll either need to turn him down altogether or give in. What could it hurt? Aside from Leah, I don’t know anyone else in this town. It’ll be nice to have a friend of my own, someone I can hang out with when Leah is busy. But that’s not why I’m here. Just two months ago, I had my heart broken; am I even ready to date so soon?

  “Oh, come on. Don’t leave me hanging. I’d like to take you out.” He pouts, serving me with the cutest dose of puppy dog eyes.

  I huff, the temptation weighing on me. “Parker-”

  “Please?” His hands are on either side of the frame, and he leans toward me, his lips inches from mine.

  I sigh. “Okay. I’ll be ready.”

  He raises his fist before drawing his elbows down to his torso. “Yes.” After a beat, he straightens his posture, leaving only that dimple grin behind. “Awesome. I’ll see you later, then?”

  “See you later.”

  I don’t wait for him to leave to close the door. Not to offend him, but to get my nerves in order. I press my back against the wood panel, my cheeks reaching my eyes. I push away the desire to squeal like a schoolgirl who’s just bagged the high school quarterback. Gathering my breaths, I rush up the stairs, yanking my shirt off on my way to the bathroom.

  Chapter Five

  Parker

  This is it! In exactly two minutes, I’ll be going out with one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met. The woman I can’t stop thinking about. The goal that night was to get me laid, that’s it, and that’s all. But then I saw her there, alone, nursing a drink. And even though there was a twinge of sadness in her eyes, I saw past it. I saw someone I wanted to kiss, to touch, and I got that chance.

  God, did I get the chance.

  She was so hot, so into me, and I lost control. I’ve never been so embarrassed, but when she walked into my brother’s house, the familiar vibe of admiration and desire stirred in me again.

  I need to explore it. I want to experience what it’s like to be with her, and I don’t just mean sexually. I ache to fuck her, we won’t even pretend the tension between us isn’t thick. But I’m intrigued to have more with her. It’s scary because Renee’s the first to spark my interest since Madison left.

  I kill the engine and rub my hand together, blowing into my palms to settle my nerves. With my lips pressed into a thin line, I exhale. I’ve got this! She wouldn’t have agreed if she wasn’t the least bit interested. The thought serves as the mantra I need to walk up to the door and show her the best time possible.

  My clock strikes seven-twenty-nine, and with one more breath, I snag the hat from the passenger seat and exit my truck. The door slams and I shake away my nerves, rubbing my palms down the front of my jeans.

  “She’s going to have fun, and she’ll want to see me again,” I aloud to cheer myself on and peek at the gold-plated watch on my wrist. When the hand hits the thirty-minute
mark, I swallow hard, bracing myself before knocking. She opens right away, and I’m stupefied.

  My lord, she’s gorgeous.

  The moon reflects through her chocolate brown eyes and for the first time, I notice a tiny cluster of beauty marks under her left one.

  I scratch my head under my hat, and my brows raise while taking her all in. The loose-fitting linen camisole she wears hangs around her breast in the most delicious way, the soft white of the fabric making her deep brown skin pop. I follow the large amber buttons down to her waist, then her thighs, and damn it if she doesn’t look great in jeans. I love a woman with curves, and Renee is undoubtedly doing something to my libido.

  “Wow,” is all I can muster.

  She smiles, lowering her head only to peer up at me again. I study her features, loving how she shies away, only a little when deep down she’s excited to see me. At least I hope she is.

  “Thank you,” she adds.

  “Anytime.” I wet my lips. “I’ve got something for you.”

  Her brows pinch together in confusion until I remove my hand from behind my back.

  “Since you looked so good in mine, I thought you should have your own.”

  Renee’s head goes back in laughter, and she covers her mouth with her fingers. “And it matches yours, too.” She takes it, plopping it on her head, not even worrying whether it’ll flatten her beautiful curls. “This is sweet of you, Parker. Thank you!”

  “It was no problem. I thought it’ll make you laugh, and I was right,” I say while stuffing my hands into my pockets.

  “You spent money on a hat, just to make me laugh?” She stares at me over her lashes.

  “Well it’s a beautiful laugh, so why wouldn’t I?” I flirt.

  She doesn’t argue yet continues smiling at me. Yes! I’m winning her over, I think, adoring the way her nose wrinkles when she grins. Renee turns to put my gift in the house.

  “You should wear it. It’s fitting for where we’re going tonight,” I plead.

  “Are you taking me to a country club?” Her tone spikes high, and I can’t tell if that’s a good thing.

  Ah, fuck.

  I should have checked before I planned the night. I don’t even know if she likes that style of music.

  “Oh, man. I didn’t ask if you liked country music. We can do something else,” I blurt nervously.

  Her hand rests on my wrist. “It’s fine. It’s one of my favorite genres.” She smiles and returns the cowboy hat to her head. After securing the house, she faces me. “Ready?”

  I huff and bring a grin to my lips. It would have been damn bad if I’d already messed this up by picking the wrong type of date. I open her door, allowing her to be seated before closing her in and rushing to the other side.

  With my hands on the steering wheel, I glance at her. “All right. Are you ready for some good ole BBQ and dancing?” I beam.

  “Like line dancing?” she blurts.

  I chuckle. “Yes, like line dancing. Have you not done it before?”

  “Honestly, I didn’t think it was a real thing people do,” she says, her shoulders up to her ears.

  “Huh? Of course people line dance.” I pinch my brows, slightly amused by her comment. Is she serious?

  “Well, yeah I know that-”

  “Then what do you mean?” I ask, my voice raised in a playful tone.

  “Everyone I’ve ever met in life who’s from Texas never talked about going to country-western bars and joining in on a line dance craze. I’ve seen it in movies, but since I don’t know anyone who does it regularly, I guess I’m just shocked.”

  “Oh babe, this is going to be so fun.” I smirk and start the truck.

  I glance over at Renee who’s smiling at me, seemingly more excited than she lets on.

  “But I won’t lie, it’s not like just because you’re a Texan or live in the state you have to do it. There are a lot of the larger cities where it’s not some all-out thing shouted on billboards. But it’s definitely a thing, especially here in Coldbank. Bradford is a little more secular with its military presence. The university is there too, so it’s more of your city vibe. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not out here hitting up country bars dancing all the time, but we have a nice spot. It’s a restaurant really; we just like to have a good time anywhere.”

  She nods. “I can’t wait. And to answer the question, no. The only thing I’m able to do is The Git Up Challenge.”

  My eyes go wide, and my chest rattles as laughter rumbles through me. “Really?”

  “Yes. That’s all I’ve got for you tonight.” Renee tilts her head while holding out her hands.

  “Haha. If they play that song, we’ll boogie,” I add, deepening my drawl and pulling a heartier grin from her.

  I let my gaze linger over her a bit before looking back to the road. She really is beautiful, and her smile is so heartfelt and warm. Every time she flashes those bright teeth of hers, I can’t help but do the same.

  We pull up in front of Nikki’s Roadhouse, and a gust of dust swirl under my headlights. Cars line the dirt and gravel-filled parking lot. It’s only Monday, but we can already hear the music blaring out from inside. Folks exit their cars, all draped in fitted jeans and cowboy boots, ready for a great night. A few feet away, there’s a gang of guys huddled around drinking beers with their music nearly overpowering the music from the restaurant. I spot a couple of my friends and wave at them before turning my attention back to Renee.

  Her eyes are wide as she stares at the repurposed barn while rubbing her hands up and down her legs.

  “Wow,” she says, the sign from the bar bouncing red beams off her skin. “Nikki gets down like this on a weekday?”

  I smirk. “Yeah, it’s probably not as rowdy once you’re inside. The volume is just always loud. The weekends are livelier.”

  “So is this your club?” She swallows.

  “I guess you can say that. We have one other bar in town, but if you really want to party, then I’ll take you to Bradford. The nightlife there is probably closer to what you’re used to.”

  She nods.

  “Ready to go in?”

  She hesitates. “Let’s do it,” she coos after a beat, leaving me wondering what her reservations are.

  I’m about to ask her if she’s sure she doesn’t want to do anything else. But she stops me in my tracks by swinging the door open, and hopping out. She adjusts her pants, pushing the denim down her thighs and then tugging on her waistband.

  She’s nervous; I think as I join her.

  We reach the entrance, and I wait for her to walk in first. Once inside, her spine stiffens, and she freezes in the middle of the walkway. She subtly presses her back into my chest, grasping at the side of my leg. The movement is light, so light she probably doesn’t realize she’s doing it. It’s not until I grip her shoulders does she move.

  She scans the room, taking in the open floor plan and tall triangular ceilings while I slowly inch us forward. There’s an empty table in the middle of the room, resting against one of the many pillars used to support the structure of the restaurant. We head for it, and she sits first, still darting her gaze around.

  Servers weave about, delivering orders, and directing customers throughout the bar. A few speak, and I return the greeting, but my focus is on Renee.

  What changed?

  On the way over, she was so bubbly and excited to be going out with me. But now her mood is different like maybe she’s regretting this whole thing. Or maybe she’s changed her mind about me in general.

  She continues surveying the crowd and fidgeting with the rolled silverware in front of her. I follow her eyes, trying to understand what may be bothering her.

  “Hey.” I crane my neck to steal her attention. “Are you okay?”

  “Parker. You’re back here again,” Amelia, a middle-aged woman, blurts when she approaches us with her order book in hand. Her creole accent is heavy despite her being a Coldbank resident for years now.

  I lean
back in my seat. “You know I’ve gotta have Nikki’s at least twice a week.”

  “Oh, that’s why you’re here. I was beginning to think you might have had a crush on me.” She winks and taps my shoulder with her notepad.

  “What can I say? I love me an older woman.” I cheese, and she smirks.

  “Oh hush, chile’. Now, who’s this pretty lady?” Amelia nods at Renee, giving her a welcoming smile.

  It isn’t lost on me that she softens when Amelia speaks to her. Her lively personality is slowly peeking out when she smiles back at Amelia.

  There she is.

  I realize now her attitude shift isn’t about me at all. And almost instantly, she’s bright and warm again. It never dawned on me she would feel out of place. I’ve lived here my whole life, but this is a new place for her, a far cry from the city life she’s used to.

  “This is Renee-“

  “Oh, you brought the Clark house.” Amelia’s comment is more a statement than a question.

  “Wow.” Renee replies with her brows raised. “News travels fast. Yes, ma’am I did.”

  “Yeah, we’re a pretty close-knit town,” I offer.

  “Well, welcome to Coldbank suga’, where’d you move here from?”

  Renee drops her head, fiddling with her thumbs. “DC,” she adds after a beat.

  “Oh really? This place sho’ is different, ain’t it?”

  The two share a laugh.

  “What can I get you to drink, honey?”

  I look to Renee, waiting for her to order.

  “I’ll take a lime juice and tequila, please,” she says.

  “Bud Light for me.” I lift a finger then plant my palms on the surface.

  Amelia’s lips turn up at the corners. “Sure thing, sweetness. I’ll be right back.” She sets two menus on the table and scurries off.

  Renee chuckles.

  “What?” I ask, craning my neck.

  “So you like older women, huh?” she teases.

  Licking my lips, I say, “Clearly. I’m here with you, ain’t I?”