My Virgin Cowboy

by Sade Rena

  “Can I be upfront?” He squints.

  “Yes.”

  “I watched porn.” He winces. “I wanted to make ya feel good, and so I tried to be prepared.”

  My eyes go wide at his bluntness. Not negatively, I just wasn’t expecting him to be that open.

  “Well, your lessons paid off, because I’d happily do it again.”

  With that, we kiss, both of us having to force ourselves apart.

  “I need to get back to the ranch. But, I’ll see you tomorrow to finish up the kitchen.”

  I nod, not wanting the moment to end, but understand it has to. We both should get to work. Plus, it’s not like we won’t get to see each other again. He said it himself—we need to finish the kitchen.

  “All right,” I add after a moment of silence.

  “Matter-of-fact, what are your plans next weekend?”

  “Not much.” I shrug.

  “Perfect! The county fair starts next Saturday. It’ll last two weeks, but I was hoping you’d come keep me company.”

  I lean back. “Um. I know nothing about pony rides. If you care about those kids’ safety, you wouldn’t want me there,” I joke.

  “I don’t need you to work. I just be there. Keep me from going crazy since I’ll be on duty ALL day the first couple of days—”

  “Oh, I see. You want me to suffer with you.” I point out.

  “Would it really be suffering if we’re together?” He kisses me again, and I melt.

  “I’ll be there,” I cave with not much effort at all. “Might be a little later in the evening, but you can count on me.”

  “That’s all I ask.” He smiles and backs away.

  Still bare-chested, he heads for the door, holding on to my hand, leading me along the way. We stand in the threshold, grinning at each other like school kids who’ve made out for the first time. Neither of us seemingly wants to say goodbye. I guide him out, knowing if he stayed any longer, no one would be productive. We kiss once more, then he leaves me standing naked under my robe as he hops into his truck and pulls off.

  “So what’s this I hear about you popping his cherry?” Leah blurts when she enters my home.

  I frown, unable to believe she’s already in my business. We’ve only been apart a few hours, yet here she is questioning me before I had the chance to tell her anything myself.

  “What… how in the hell?” I stutter.

  “Parker showed up at work today—without a shirt.”

  “And? The man is in the sun all damn day, I’m sure he goes without one at times.”

  “Not as often as you would think, and not before ten-thirty in the morning. But, that’s not how I know you gave him the cookies.”

  I roll my eyes at my best friend of over twenty years. I love her to death, but the hoe is nosey as hell.

  “How then, Leah?”

  “Chance’s ass. Parker wouldn’t divulge any details. But apparently, when he showed up half-dressed and questioned, all he could do was grin when asked. Denton was there, and of course, my husband told me,” she continues.

  I pinch my brows between my fingers and sigh. “Please tell me you didn’t make a deal out of it.”

  “I didn’t say a thing. Neither did, Denton. But with a cheesy grin on his face, I’m certain every ranch hand he’s come across today knows what’s going on.”

  “Oh my goodness.” I close my door and stroll back over to my place on the sofa.

  “So am I going to get the details from my bestie or no?”

  Picking up my laptop, I open it to my document. I prepare to answer her, but come up short. “Do you need an explanation?” I finally ask.

  “No. If he didn’t fuck your brains out, you’d said so. Since neither of you are saying much about the matter, I have my answer. But, you do need to tell me if this means you’re official. You’ve both been pussyfooting around the fact you’re into each other, trying to hide the dates you’ve been on-”

  “We didn’t hide anything,” I screech in defense. “And who says pussyfooting?” I joke.

  “You also ain’t shared a lot about your time together either. Which is fine! You’re entitled to some privacy—”

  “Yet, you come storming in demanding details.”

  “Girl, please. Let’s not pretend we don’t tell each other everything. I just need to know if you did it, not how.”

  “He came for dinner and left this morning after breakfast,” I say coyly.

  Leah snaps three times. “Yass.”

  I roll my eyes.

  “Are you two going to make a real go at things?” She taps my shoulder with sincerity shining in her gaze.

  I close my computer and sit it beside me. “We haven’t talked about that. He came for dinner, and things kinda went how they did—”

  “Well, what vibe did you get? I didn’t pry with him, but it’s obvious he’s into you. And even though you aren’t exactly agreeing nor denying what happened between you two last night, you were his first. That’s a big deal. You should talk sooner rather than later.”

  “That’s the main reason I invited him to dinner. To talk. Except for this past week, he’s been here during all his free time. Yeah, he’s been here working on the house, but I like him and his actions tell me he likes me. You and I saw his ex in the store that day—”

  She grits her teeth. “Did you tell him that?”

  “No, I never got to. I wanted to ask about her. It’s been days, and I figured the girl would reach out to him or something. I planned to bring it up to see how he would react. But the night was amazing, and I never got the chance.”

  “That’s a good sign. If she did reach out after how she left him and he still showed nothing but interest in you, then I think it’s clear where his head is at.” She shrugs.

  “Yeah, well, sometimes it’s not always that simple. Men lie! If Phil isn’t an example, I don’t know what is.”

  “Girl fuck, Phil. He is old news that we will never speak of again.” Leah slaps my thigh. “Are you and Parker going on any more dates?”

  “No plans. Tomorrow, we paint and stain the kitchen. But he asked me to keep him company at the fair.”

  “Aren’t y’all just a Nicholas Sparks movie, all cute and shit.”

  “Nope. He does not always end his stories with a happily ever after. I don’t want a tragic ending.”

  “You won’t have one. I can’t promise Parker is your forever person, just like I can’t promise you’re his. But, he’s an exceptional guy, and I don’t believe he’d purposely hurt you.”

  I give her a soft smile, not sure if I want to accept her response. No one knows what tomorrow will hold, but I pray she’s on to something.

  “So, did you at least enjoy yourself?”

  “I did,” I answer, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.

  “Shit! Parker—who would’ve thought it?”

  “Not me,” my voice rattles through a chuckle.

  “Well if he didn’t mention his ex, after she’s been back in town over a week, I think it’s safe to say he ain’t checking for ole girl. Enjoy what you’re building, no matter how long it runs. I told you before, you both deserve something good.”

  “It has been good!” I announce.

  “It has. I haven’t seen you this carefree in a long time. And after twenty plus years of friendship, I’m aware of what happiness looks like on you.”

  “You sure do. I—I just don’t want to get too excited. It’s still so new, and there are eight years between us. Men mature slower than we do. I don’t want to go all-in, just to learn he’s not ready. He’s only twenty-five, and he’s experienced no one other than me. I don’t want to look up months later and find he’s grown bored.”

  “Aht.” She pops my thigh. “What we won’t do is speak negatively about the situation. But you’re right, there’s no telling what’ll happen in a few months. However, right now, you make each other feel good. So, we’ll focus on that. You should have a conversation at some point, though. Not toda
y, but eventually.”

  I sigh. “I will.”

  “All right, well, I just came to be nosey. Get back to writing, I’ll see you later. I need to get to the shop.” Leah stands.

  I follow her lead and walk her back toward the exit. “Okay, babe. Drive safe.”

  “Will do.”

  When she reaches her vehicle, she touches the knob but doesn’t open right away. “Next time, don’t let me hear from my husband that my BFF got some dick.”

  I roll my eyes. “Oh my God. Bye, Leah.”

  She hops in her car and revs the engine, pulling away, not bothering to wave farewell. I shut my door, shaking my head at her antics. Before she showed up today, I’ve thought little about my situation. But now she’s sparked that part of my brain, and I must admit I want to keep him around. And no matter what we may have now, I look forward to what’s in store.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Renee

  I check myself out in the mirror as if I’m wearing something other than a dingy t-shirt and leggings. A combination he’s seen me in multiple times. All we’re doing is finishing the damn kitchen; it’s not a date or anything special. But it’s the first time he’s been back to my house since our night of passion.

  “Relax, Renee,” I say out loud. “There’s no need to put pressure on yourself. It’s just a regular ole day.”

  My phone rings, and I rush downstairs to answer it. I sent my manuscript off to my agent days ago, and I’m hoping this is her calling with good news. My brows crease together when I see my mother’s number staring back at me. Not that I’m not happy she called, but I needed this to be someone else.

  “Hello,” I answer.

  “How’s the house coming along?” she asks.

  I sigh while rubbing my forehead and looking around. “We’re close to finishing. We still have to paint the bottom level, and he’ll start on the top floor afterward.”

  “Dang. You had that much work to do? I don’t understand why you brought that rundown thing.”

  I roll my eyes, trying not to let her negativity get to me. My mother has made it very clear she’s unhappy with my decision to pack up and move across the country. Every chance she gets, she finds a flaw in my plan and never hesitates to point it out. It’s one reason why I wasn’t enthusiastic about seeing her name on the Caller ID.

  “Don’t go there, momma. It’s a fixer-upper. Plenty of people buy homes and work to turn it into what they want.”

  “Yeah, when they have money to do so. You’re counting on someone Leah knows to save money.”

  I pinch my mouth closed, regretting answering this call. “The house is coming together great. Parker is a well-respected builder in this town and has done an amazing job. Please don’t be negative. Let me enjoy this.”

  She huffs. “Well, how much is the boy charging you?”

  “We’ve only discussed the cost of labor. When I get my advance, I’ll revisit the topic with him. Right now, he’s helping me out so I can get my home to where I want it sooner rather than later.”

  “Oh, so you’ve talked to the publisher?”

  I squint and blow out a breath. “Not yet. I submitted everything to Allison last week, waiting on her response.”

  “Wait! So you haven’t even... never mind. I hope you hear something back from them soon, and I hope the house comes out great,” she adds, her voice laced with derision.

  I smirk. “Thanks,” I say blandly.

  “Have you talked to Phillip?”

  My eyes go wide, and I clutch my stomach. “W—why would you ask me about him? Why would I talk to him?”

  “Because you’re getting married.”

  “Are you kidding me?” I blurt, my voice ringing louder than I intended.

  “Don’t raise your voice at me,” she demands.

  “The man cheated on and started a whole other life behind my back. You know how much he hurt me, yet you bring him up. And for some jacked-up reason, you’re expecting me to still spend my life with him?”

  “You don’t just walk away at the first sign of trouble, Renee. That’s not marriage.”

  I open my mouth while lifting my hand to speak, but all rationale falls by the wayside. I let out a sharp breath and squeeze my eyelids shut.

  “Listen,” I rub the bridge of my nose, still keeping my eyes closed. “I need to go. I’ll talk to you next week or something,” I huff.

  “Renee? I—”

  “No. It’s fine. I have a lot to do today and want to get on that.”

  “Okay,” she says, and the line clicks.

  I inhale, shaking out the nerves that settled in my chest. Tears pool, threatening to fall, but I wipe them away. There’s a knock at my door, pulling me back to the present. Double checking that I’ve dried any sign of wetness, I rub at my eyes multiple times as I approach the door.

  I force my shoulders back and forge a smile. “Hey, Parker,” I say, turning away as soon as he enters.

  The lock latches before his deep voice meets my back. “How are you, babe?”

  I clear my throat, “I—I’m fine. How was work?” I throw over my shoulder and only face him when I’m certain I’ve gotten my emotions under control.

  “Busy as always.” Parker invades my space, towering over me with that dimpled grin of his.

  My features soften, and all the tension from the call with my mom deteriorates. He touches my shoulder before running his palm down my arm. I release a breath and a soft smile. He leans into me, using his eyes to ask me to kiss him. I lick my lips, waiting for him to take the plunge. He does, planting one sweet peck after the other before backing up and showing me his power tool.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, cutting himself off mid-thought.

  I nod.

  Parker lets his gaze linger for a moment like he’s unsure if I’m being truthful. I perk up, hoping to sell the lie I’ve told the both of us. I hate this. My mother knows how to evoke emotions I’ve worked to avoid. It’s why I’ve barely spoken to her since my arrival to Coldbank. Things were going well, and I’d finally gotten to a place where Phil didn’t consume my mind. Yet, now my energy is dwindling.

  She’s honest, always has been, and will never change. If it’s on her mind, she says it, and you’ll have to determine if you can deal with it. The sad thing about it is, she probably doesn’t even realize the effect her bluntness has on me. At least that’s what I tell myself to keep from building any resentment. I wish that with this, she would see my pain and stand by my decision to call off the engagement.

  “Okay,” he says after a while. “I brought my electric sander. I’ll knock out the cabinets. Why don’t you tape off the baseboards and start painting? I’ll take care of the ceilings and stuff.”

  “I can tape off the ceilings, too,” I offer.

  He looks at me for a moment, and I see him fighting a smile. “That’s cute.”

  “What?” I ask, unable to keep from grinning. I know what he’s referring to. Being only five feet and a quarter-inch tall, reaching high places is amusing for some.

  “Should I hold you up?” he teases.

  “Oh, you got jokes,” I say through a chuckle. “We have a ladder, thank you very much,” I quip while rolling my neck.

  “I’m just saying; I wouldn’t want ya to strain your back.”

  “Are you challenging me?” I press my lips together while raising a brow, daring him to deny it.

  “Are you competitive?” His tone lowers a bit.

  “I don’t like being doubted.”

  “Darlin’, I’d never doubt you.”

  My cheeks warm, and I glance away, opting to pick up the tape and get to work. He makes me so nervous sometimes. Here I am, a thirty-three-year-old woman who can barely keep a level head around this man without feeling like he’s my first crush. And like that, whatever emotions I fought to suppress fades. The only thing on my mind now is Parker and how good he is to me.

  He grabs the ladder, bringing it over to where I’m standing.
/>   “What are you doing?” I quiz.

  “I want to see you reach the ceiling,” he beams.

  My mouth falls open. “Thought you didn’t doubt me?”

  “I don’t. But I want to see you up there.”

  We laugh.

  “Stop teasing. I’ll let you do the top. But only because I’m sure you look much better doing it,” I defend.

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yup.” With that, I turn around and line the new trimming with blue tape.

  I make my way around the entire downstairs and the doorframes to the best of my ability. The constant bending and moving works muscle I never used before. I shake out my legs to get my blood flowing before continuing. When I reenter the kitchen, he’s done with the cabinets and is rubbing what I believe to be paint primer on them.

  “I thought you were going to stain them?”

  “I was, but these floors will go better with white paint. And instead of this old granite for the counters, I want to use the same wood. Throw on a layer of epoxy for a beautiful shine, add a bit of contrast. What are your thoughts on subway tile or a distressed brick?

  “We don’t have any of that, and we already brought this stain and stuff,” I say with my arms out at my side.

  Parker approaches me, his hands going straight for my waist. “Do you trust me?”

  I peer up at him. “I do.”

  “Good, get your purse. We’ll use the paint for the cabinets and upstairs, but I want to do something else,” he instructs with a kiss to my lips.

  “So you had me tape this whole house, and you’ve changed your mind?” I ask as he grabs my arm and pulls me out the door.

  I shake my head and follow behind, snatching my keys and purse from the hook he put up for me. We hop in his truck and peel out in the direction of the hardware store.

  Parker exits first and walks to my side, holding a hand out to help me from the bed of his vehicle. I accept and jump down, grunting from the impact of my feet hitting the gravel driveway. He tightens his grip on me and leads me inside the shop. We wave to Gladis as we head straight for the back of the store.