My Virgin Cowboy

by Sade Rena

  “I love you,” he admits.

  Tears threaten to fall, but I smile instead. “I love you, too.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Renee

  I park along the makeshift carport and exit my car. The door slams behind me, and the gravel under my shoes make it a little challenging to walk. One would think after months of dating a cowboy, it’ll be more natural. Better yet, one would expect me to wear the proper shoes.

  I make my way to the stables in search of my man. There’s no one around, and several of the stalls are empty. I continue forward, glancing around, stopping when I reach Harley’s area. He isn’t there, which tells me Parker has him out for a ride.

  A horse neighs in the distance, pulling my attention toward the exit on the other end. I trudge toward the sounds, the sun blinding me once I’m no longer in the shadow of the barn. I look across the field, spotting Chance pouring feed for the calves. He jerks upright, yelling something I can’t make out from here, to someone on the other side of the field. I follow his projection and there he is, the man I’m looking for.

  Parker comes into view, looking damn sexy while shirtless on horseback. His tan skin glistening from sweat and his muscles flex as he stirs Harley where he wants him to go. With his Stetson low on his head, I can’t see his face, but I know it’s him. And I should.

  After he announced we were together, we’ve been inseparable. Most nights we spend at my house and others his. It doesn’t matter to us as long as we’re together.

  But if you’d leave it up to Leah, she prefers I stay with him; that way, I’m across the field, and she can see me anytime she wants. Parker put a stop to that—quick. She has her time with me, and he has his. So splitting our time between both locations has become our norm.

  I cross the farm, being careful where I step. I’m wearing flip flops, and the last thing I need is to step in any droppings. The closer I get, the more in view they both become. His back is to me as he chats with Chance. A second later, his friend spots me and waves, but not before leaning forward and visibly teasing him.

  Parker glances over his shoulder, and when he notices me, he puffs his chest out. Admiration and happiness surge through me, and I smile. I love how he lights up when he sees me. It’s a bonus, the things that happen to my insides when he flashes those pearly whites.

  He darts his attention back to Chance, the two of them engaging in a debate. I don’t have to be near to know what’s happening. They bicker like brothers, and Parker’s told me all about the playful torment he’s endured since we’ve met.

  “What are those two going on about?” a voice asks from behind me.

  I check to find Charlie gripping the rein on a mare. “Girl, who knows.” I chuckle.

  She rubs the beauty while still watching the boys go at it. “I’ve told them they might as well get married. Fight just like a couple,” she jokes.

  “Tell me about it. But who’s this, she’s new.” I turn to rub the horse’s mane.

  Her coat is black all over and has the shine of a healthy steed. I notice these things while spending so much time around them now. I’ve even started riding lessons, and it shocks me to admit I enjoy it. My first experience on horseback was funny and embarrassing.

  “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she? She’s new to the training camp,” Charlie answers without making eye contact with me.

  “What’s her name?”

  “Lady,” she beams.

  “Fitting.”

  “Right? And she’s so classy too.”

  I laugh out loud. “I can see it. Will she be a racehorse?”

  “She will actually be a family horse. She’s a gift to a ten-year-old girl. Once we get her ready to ride, we’ll start workin’ with them both.”

  I nod. “That’s cool.”

  “It is. I love my job. But here comes your man.” She uses her chin to point me in the other direction. “C’mon, girl. Let’s get to work,” she says to Lady.

  I look over as Parker turns Harley and gallops toward me. I perch against the fencing and wait for him, using my palm to shield me from the UV rays.

  “Hey, darlin’. You didn’t tell me you were stoppin’ by today,” he says and hops off Harley.

  The two approach me, and I reach out to stroke Harley’s head.

  “That wasn’t the plan, but I got news,” I singsong the last of my statement.

  “Oh yeah, what’s that?” Parker leans over the posting to kiss me.

  I cup his face, holding our embrace longer. “My agent called.”

  His eyes grow wide. “They want the book?”

  The excitement in his voice is infectious and makes me love him that much more. With my tongue sticking out between my teeth, I grip the railing and lean back while nodding rapidly.

  “Holy shit.” He hops the fences and scoops me up in his arms. “That’s amazing, baby.” Parker kisses me again and spends us around.

  I giggle. “Thank you.”

  “I’m so happy for you.” He returns me to my feet. “So spill, what did they say?”

  Swiping my hand across his face, I wipe the sweat from his forehead and dry my palms on my shorts. “What time are you done today?”

  He glances at his watch. “I can be home by five. Why? Wanna celebrate?” He waggles his brows.

  “I do. But I’ll save the details for when you’re off.”

  Parker looks me over before pulling me to his chest. “You came way over here to tell me ya ain’t gonna tell me? And why are ya wearing flip flops, woman? You should always wear your boots on the ranch. Or at least closed-toe shoes.”

  “I came to hang out with Leah but wanted to see when you’d be free. And I was in a rush. I got the call and slipped on the first pair of shoes in front of me.”

  “I see. Well get on over to Leah’s, I’ll meet you at my place later.”

  “Okay,” I squeal. I rise on my toes for one more peck to the lips.

  “Really, you two? Get a room,” Chance says when he approaches us.

  I dart my gaze to him, trying hard not to show my amusement. I adore Chance. He’s funny, extremely blunt, more than a little crazy, but he has a great heart. And clearly, he gets a kick out of teasing Parker and I anytime we show PDA.

  “I can’t wait for you to find someone so we can haggle you,” I blurt.

  He leans against the fence. “Me and my lady wouldn’t be as sickening as y’all.”

  “Oh, don’t be a hater,” Parker responds.

  I rub his chest, redirecting his attention to me. “Okay, baby. I’ll see you tonight.”

  He responds with a kiss and Chance gags. We all laugh, and I saunter back to my car.

  Leah’s in the kitchen when I enter the house, and it smells great as usual. Her music is loud, and she’s dancing to the beat, so she doesn’t notice me at first. Not to scare her, I pick up the remote from the counter and adjust the volume. Like I expect, she glances around to figure out what happened.

  “Oh. Hey, Nay. When did you get her?”

  “Just now.” I return the remote with a soft thud. “What are you cooking?”

  “Denton wanted chicken and dumplings.” She turns and scoops a batch from the pot before adding in another.

  “Sounds like I’m right on time.” I slide onto a stool.

  “Ha. Between you, Denton, and Parker, I’ma have to start charging y’all asses.”

  “Oh, whatever. You love feeding us.” There’s a tray of cheese in front of me, so I help myself to a slice.

  Leah peeks over her shoulder at me. “So what’s going on? What brings you over?”

  “They accepted the book.”

  “No way!”

  “Yes way.”

  “Hell yeah. I’m so happy for you, babe. We told you they would want it.”

  I pop another piece of cheddar into my mouth. “You did. I guess I just didn’t think anyone would be interested in my love story.”

  She frowns at me between stirring her dish. “Why not? I read it, th
e shit is good.”

  “It’s not that I felt it wasn't good. It’s more like I wasn’t sure how the tropes I wrote would play out in the mainstream eye.”

  She nods with a raised brow. “I get that. But, whatever, they accepted it, and what else? What did they say?”

  “They requested the full manuscript, which I sent over before I hopped in the car. Once they finish reading, I’ll know more. But for the most part, I’ll get a contract, we’ll review royalties and dates, and eventually hit publish. Oh, and they want to keep the title. They feel it’ll sell a lot of books.”

  She squeals, and I hover over in laughter.

  “Let me get the wine,” she announces. “Nay,” she screams my name. “You’re about to get a movie deal. I want to play myself is all I’m saying.” She sits two glasses in front of me and pours us each a glass of Moscato.

  “So you’re an actress now?”

  “I can be.”

  I accept my drink and wait for her to toast with me.

  “Have you told Parker yet?”

  “I just left him. I’ll give him all the details tonight, but he knows they want it.”

  Leah takes a sip and sighs. “Girl, this is happening. I mean, you’ve been doing your thing for a while. Your ability to move here and support yourself as a writer is proof of that. But I know this book was super close to your heart, and to be able to see it all play out is beautiful.”

  “Right? It’s like once I let go of all my inhibitions, all my past pain, and failures and trusted the process, everything fell into place.”

  “Like with Parker?”

  “Especially with Parker. Be honest, how many people do we know meet some stranger in the bar, a virgin no less, and have it turn into something?”

  We both sip from our glasses.

  “I was certain I would never find love again after catching Phil with his other woman. I just couldn’t trust like that again.”

  “But ole country ass Parker weaseled his way into your heart. And you weren’t even going to give him another chance.”

  “I wasn’t. I guess I should thank you for giving him my address without my permission.”

  “You’re welcome,” she singsongs.

  I roll my eyes and finish my wine. Leah tops me off and returns to cooking.

  “So when do you think you two will get married,” she asks.

  I suck in a breath, taken aback by her question. “Um, we haven’t talked about it. But neither of us is in a rush. He’s been very considerate of the fact that I called off an engagement months before meeting him. Plus, he’s still so young. I don’t want him to feel pressured into something because I’m at that stage in life. I trust him and love him more than I ever loved anyone, so I'm sure we’ll get there one day.”

  “I respect that. I only ask because I know you want marriage before kids, and let’s be honest, babe, neither of us is aging backward.”

  “How about you and Denton give us a baby, and I live vicariously through you?”

  She steps away from the stove and retrieves her drink. Holding it out to me, she grins. “Deal.”

  “Good. Now that’s settled, what’s up with this chicken and dumplings?”

  “Ha. It’ll be ready in about ten minutes.”

  “Any chance you made enough for two to go plates?” I wince.

  “Oh no, hoe. You will not take my food and roll out.” Leah teases.

  “Don’t be like that. You’ll be feeding your best friend and your brother-in-law. It’s for a good cause.”

  “Good cause, my ass.” She finishes her wine. “But yes, there will be more than enough. Why don’t you two join us tonight?”

  “I was hoping to celebrate alone with my man tonight.” I shrug, knowing she would understand.

  “You little nasty.”

  “Oh, shut up. Can we get takeout trays or no?”

  “Of course you can. But if you make a baby tonight, I want it named after me.”

  “I… really don’t like you,” I say while shaking my head.

  Leah blows me a kiss, and I pretend to catch it. For the rest of the afternoon, I watch her cook, and we discuss nearly everything under the sun. She fills me in on their plans to start a family. I gush about my relationship and where I’d like to see us years from now. We both reminisce over funny moments from during our friendship and have a grand ole time altogether. Before I realize it, it’s four-thirty and Parker will be off soon.

  “So, I hear congrats are in order?” Parker says upon entering his home. He strolls over to where I am in the kitchen and sits his hat down while dropping his keys with a clink.

  “I’ma kill Leah.”

  He walks over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pinning me between him and the counter.

  “They are reading the full thing now. I’ll hopefully have a contract and learn what my advance is by week’s end.”

  He kisses my neck. “Um,” he mutters with his lips pressed together. “How did they feel about the name? You mentioned they might wanna change it.”

  “They’re keeping it. My Virgin Cowboy should be out sometime next year,” I grin, knowing the title once made him uncomfortable, but he later accepted it.

  “Chance was right then? Cowboys in books is mommy porn.”

  I slap his chest, unable to keep from laughing. “Not all my readers are mothers.”

  “But it’s still lady porn.”

  “Cowboys are hot, yes,” I say while pulling my bottom lip between my teeth.

  “Is that what you think? I’m hot?” Parker’s voice drops, the vibrations along with him nuzzling his nose against my collarbone, sends a shiver down my spine.

  “Very.”

  “Mm.” He pulls my lip into his mouth, then releases it. “I have news, too.”

  “What’s that?” I breathe deeply.

  “We got our first contract under McNeely & Young. It’s a small project, we’ll be designing and building the new gazebo for the town square.”

  I squeal. “That’s amazing! I knew you could do it. Now, here you are with your first gig, while still keeping the ranch in tip-top shape.”

  “Ya did tell me that.” He tightens his hold on me. “I want to tell you something else, though.”

  “What’s that?’

  He scoops me up, sitting me on the counter. “I love you and have wanted to be inside you all damn day.”

  “What are you waiting for?”

  He unzips my shorts and yanks them off.

  “Ooo. Feisty,” I groan.

  “No, horny.” He slips his hands around my thighs and forces them apart.

  “Oh,” I blurt from his sudden aggression. “I like this side of you.”

  “Yeah?” He undoes his jeans, letting them fall to the floor and steps out of them.

  “I do.”

  “Good. I think we should get a head start on material for your next book.”

  He finds my treasure, wasting no time touching me the way he knows I like, remembering to hit every note like a pro.

  My head falls back, and my mouth gaps open. “Well, what will we call it?”

  Parker licks my neck and squeezes my breast through my shirt. He knows what it does to me to have a man invested in my work. It’s something he learned months ago when he accidentally solved a plot hole. I thanked him by riding him senseless, and ever since, it’s become his secret weapon.

  He picks me up and carries me toward the bedroom. “How about we call it; Claimed by the Cowboy.”

  “Is that what you’ll do to me? Claim me?” I whisper into his ear.

  “Oh darlin’, you’ve been mine since the day we met.”

  I gaze into his eyes, finding nothing but unconditional love in them. He’s right, I am his, and whether I wanted to accept it back then or not, I always was.

  And I always will be.

  Epilogue

  Chance

  “How was ya flight?” Parker walks around his desk and flops down in his chair.

&nbs
p; For the last fifteen minutes, he’s been on the phone with Renee, gushing over how much they miss each other. I swear the shit is borderline sickening. Don’t get me wrong; I’m happy for my boy. We’ve been through a lot together, and seeing him in love is a good thing, especially after Madison and the way she left him, all broody and broken. But when I pushed him to get back out there, I didn’t expect his ass to be whipped and so fast.

  Who am I kiddin’? She’s good for him. She’s gotten him out of his shell and encouraged him to finally pull the trigger on something we’ve both wanted for years. So no matter how much shit I give him about it, I’m glad he has her.

  I stand in the center of the shop we’ve since converted into a dual office. Half the space belongs to him and the other to me. It gives us enough distance that when he gets on my nerves, I can tune him out.

  “I miss ya, too,” he beams.

  I roll my eyes and grab my throat, pretending to be choking. Parker picks up the stress ball from in front of his keyboard and tosses it at me. I catch it, throwing it right back. It hits him upside the head, sending me forward with laughter.

  “I’ma hurt you,” he mouths while shaking his head.

  I chuckle and saunter over to the water dispenser.

  “All right, baby. Knock em’ dead. I love you.” Parker holds the phone, listening to whatever Renee has to say. His eyes dart to mine before he turns around to keep me from seeing whatever happens next.

  The sound of him blowing her a kiss sets me on high alert, and I have to cover my mouth. But the moment he hangs up and faces me again, I erupt in laughter.

  “Did you just blow her a kiss, like a damn teenager?”

  “Why are you always talking shit about my relationship, huh? Yeah, I blew my woman a kiss. She likes it when I do that. Jerk.”

  “Hey man, whatever works. It’s weird is all I’m saying.”

  “How’s it weird? Wait till you find a lady that has the wits to wrap you around her fingers.” He stands and crosses the floor for the fax machine.