Cowboy Up: A Contemporary Romance (The Cherry Series Book 1)

by Luna Starr

  While I watched him, his gaze turned serious. He ran his fingers down my face and gently shoved my hair back behind my shoulders. His fingers reached my collarbone and I closed my eyes. He pulled me into him, kissing me again and I was lost, filled up by his touch and my body’s reaction to him.

  The night was cool on my skin, but his hands covered me and instantly warmed my body. He teased my nipples and I moaned and squirmed on his lap. He kissed my neck and I tilted my head, giving him more of me to taste.

  I unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. Then he lowered me down and pulled my dress completely off. I fumbled with the button on his pants and he eagerly pushed my fingers out of the way and took his pants off himself. In an instant, we were naked and I sucked in my breath.

  He stilled over me and I brushed my fingertips across his shoulders. He was beautiful. Every time I saw him in the buff, I couldn’t hide my fascination with his body. Long, sleek muscles littered his body, highlighted by his tan skin. And the way he smelled—God, he was so perfect and so perfectly male.

  He kissed me softly, then I swept my tongue over his parted lips until he deepened the kiss and spread my legs. His head was between them momentarily as his tongue sucked at my clit and I heaved as an orgasm took me almost immediately. His body tensed, then relaxed and he wrapped his arms around me and held me tight.

  “How was it?” he asked as he smiled down at me.

  “Amazing,” I answered. “And now it’s your turn,” I continued as I reached for his cock which was straining against me. But he pushed my hand aside.

  “No, tonight is just about you,” he said as he shook his head.

  “But, Tom,” I began to argue.

  “No,” he insisted. “I just wanted to make you feel good—to get your mind off everything. Besides, I don’t want to feel used,” he joked with me, that boyish smile of his making me smile in turn. “I want to cuddle.”

  I laughed out loud and then collapsed against him, cocooning myself in his embrace. I kissed his neck and he rolled to the side, curling my body beside him. “Thank you for tonight,” I said, cuddling closer to him.

  He kissed my temple. “Don’t ever forget that you shape your own destiny,” he whispered in my ear. “You are the only one who decides where you go next.”

  I nodded but I didn’t say anything. Instead, I just enjoyed the feel of him pressing himself against me. I’d never felt so safe before, so completely taken care of. I felt like nothing and no one could hurt me with Tom there. I’d never ever felt so sheltered. But I was also shivering in the cold.

  “Come on, let’s get you in bed,” Tom said as he kissed the top of my head. We dressed and on the way back to the ranch, I sat right next to him with my head on his shoulder. I couldn’t stomach the idea of any distance between us.

  Chapter Thirty

  Summer

  Days turned into weeks and pretty soon, I was fretting about the end of summer every day. Brady hadn’t said anything about what was going to happen after the summer was finally over and I wasn’t sure where or what I would do if Brady no longer needed me. I figured I’d just move on, like I’d originally planned.

  Tom wasn’t at all excited at the thought of my leaving, and every time it came up, inevitably one of us turned the conversation to something else. Neither of us wanted to discuss my impending departure, but we weren’t really talking about what we were doing either. Our days consisted of work and our nights were filled with each other. I was getting really hung up on him, but I didn’t know enough about love to know if I was in it or maybe I was just infatuated.

  As great as everything was, I knew I couldn’t stay at Springhill. Once the season was over, there wouldn’t be enough for me to do, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to be mending fences and ranching in the middle of a Colorado winter year after year.

  In a few weeks, I’d have to make a plan for what would come next. Sweet as Brady was, he wasn’t going to let me stay on as a freeloader and that was the last thing I wanted to do anyway. No, I wanted to make my own way and stand on my own two feet. Sharon had given me every possible shift at the café and I was turning into a good waitress, but I couldn’t make enough to pay for Aria’s full board at Springhill, and yet... I also didn’t want to leave.

  We had one final guest coming in and Rue had been teasing Tom about her for a few days. The night of her impending arrival, I set the table for dinner and asked Rue about it. “So who is this girl that’s coming?”

  Rue scooped scrambled eggs onto the platter and set the pan in the sink. “She’s a friend of Brady’s who always comes out every season to help us out.” Then she glanced at the clock. “Good Lord, she should be here any second.”

  I finished setting the table just as the door opened and Tom walked in with a big smile on his face and luggage in his hands. Just behind him was a woman—our guest who was none other than Deena Markus, Grand Prix Champion and Olympic medalist. I wanted to die.

  After everyone said their hellos, I set a plate down in front of her and took my seat. My hands trembled as I set my napkin on my lap.

  “Well, it sure is great to see you again, Miss Deena,” Brady said with a big smile as we sat around the table.

  “Yeah, we missed you ‘round here,” Tom added as he speared a bite of fried mushrooms. Deena smiled as her gaze settled on Tom and she blushed.

  “Thanks.” Deena ducked her head and for the next ten minutes, I noticed she stole at least ten glances at Tom. That was when I realized she was totally smitten with him! As soon as that thought registered with me, I wasn’t as fond of her as I had been. Instead, a sour taste was developing in my stomach and rising into my throat. I was jealous! As much as I didn’t want to admit it to myself, I couldn’t help but admit it because it was the truth.

  Dinner was awkward and I found myself seething silently through most of it. I wasn’t sure how long Deena was staying, but I suddenly thought that maybe my time at the ranch needed to be cut short. I stood and quickly cleared the table.

  “Summer, we aren’t finished eating,” Rue complained as she motioned to her plate and Deena’s which both still had a pile of mashed potatoes on them.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” I said as my cheeks colored. Whether or not they were done, I needed to get the hell out of the room because if I had to witness Deena making eyes at Tom one more time, I was literally going to puke. “I’ll just get started on these,” I said as I motioned to my plate and Brady’s, which I was already carrying. Then I disappeared into the kitchen.

  Ten or so minutes later, Rue came in with the rest of the plates. I glanced through the swinging doors and noticed Tom and Deena were the only ones still sitting at the table.

  “I’ll help you wash up the rest,” Rue offered as she came to join me by the sink.

  “How long is she staying?” I asked, trying to sound offhand and casual.

  “She usually stays two weeks,” Rue answered. “I think the only reason she comes out anymore is to see that damned handsome boy.”

  “You don’t say,” I answered which came out more as a mutter.

  Rue didn’t say anything but she grabbed my arm to get my attention. When I turned to face her, she was eyeing me intently. “I didn’t know how to tell you,” she started.

  “Tell me what?”

  “That Deena was coming and that she’s head over heels for Tom,” she started and then cleared her throat. “Even though you and Tom have never admitted it,” she began and I could tell she was uncomfortable. “I’m not a fool and of course I’ve noticed what’s been going on between you both.”

  “Does Brady know?” I asked, suddenly concerned for Tom because I knew that Brady would be pissed at him if he did know.

  “Of course,” Rue answered with a smile that said we’d been way more obvious than we’d thought. “But he’s over it. He figures it’s not his business and I’ve convinced him to leave it between the both of you.” She shrugged. “I always hoped something would develop between you
both because you just happen to be perfect for each other.”

  “Thanks,” I said as I sudsed up one plate after another. “So, what’s the history between the two of them?” I continued.

  “I don’t know for sure but it wouldn’t surprise me if there is one,” Rue started with a shrug. “But what I will tell you is that if you want that boy, you need to fight for him.” She breathed in deeply. “Not that you will have to fight hard because he’s as crazy about you as you are about him.”

  “Fight for him?” I asked as I turned to face her, surprised.

  “Tom and I have known each other for years and he confides in me.” She took a deep breath. “And without wanting to break that confidence, let’s just say that I know you both haven’t exactly spelled out what your relationship is because you don’t know if you’re staying or going.”

  “Right,” I answered.

  “Well, now’s about the time when you should really start considering that, Summer,” she continued. “You’re still young and you haven’t experienced enough to know that when life puts a good man in your path, you shouldn’t turn tail the other direction.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean,” she started, “that Tom is a good man. And he cares for you so much. So, if you feel the same way, you should follow your gut and follow your heart.”

  I laughed. “Rue, Tom is a known flirt. Everyone around here knows that.”

  “Well, I’ll admit that he’s definitely had his fair share of women but I also know that boy sometimes better than he knows himself,” she continued in that way of hers which made me want to hug her. “And I can tell you this: that man loves you, Summer. And I don’t want to see you breaking his heart.”

  I was floored, I couldn’t help it. “Loves me?” I asked as I frowned at her. “He’s never said anything that even hints to love.”

  “He doesn’t have to,” she insisted. “I can see it as clear as day in the way he looks at you and the things he does for you.”

  The sounds of chairs against the wood floors sounded from the other room which meant Deena and Tom were finished and probably heading this way.

  “I’m just saying I want you to seriously think about it, okay?” Rue finished as the door opened and Deena walked in, followed by Tom. He was laughing, presumably at something she’d said and I felt my stomach drop.

  ***

  The next morning, Rue and I were done with our chores with a few hours to spare. Brady and Tom had taken Deena out with them and I wasn’t sure when they’d be back. I dusted the tables in the living room again, then wandered into the kitchen. Rue had put the leftovers from breakfast away and now wiped her hands on her apron. “I guess we’re done. You going out to ride?”

  I shrugged, feeling bad about leaving her. “Are you sure there isn’t anything we need to do for dinner?”

  “Nope. It’s in the oven and everything else is done. I was going to run into town. You could either go with me on a silly errand or use the time to ride.” She smiled widely at me, knowing where I’d rather be.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

  She laughed and took her apron off. “That’s foolish. It’s just a simple errand and it’d be a waste of time for you to come with me. Go ride that mare.”

  I tossed my dusting rag in the hamper and changed into my boots. Aria whinnied when I came in. “Hey, girl.” I hadn’t had such a huge block of time to spend with her since we’d showed up here. But now everyone was gone and I didn’t even have to work that night. I could ride straight through dinner if I wanted. And at the thought of watching Deena and Tom flirt with each other, I thought it wasn’t a half bad idea.

  The air was crisp with the bite of fall but the leaves were still on the trees. After saddling her up, I led Aria into the arena and warmed her up. Then we headed for the jumps. I’d had Tom build me some cross-country jumps in the wide spot of trees that lined one of the pastures. I hadn’t had time to try them out yet and I was dying to take Aria over them.

  It took a few minutes for us to start working as one and then Aria minded me like she was supposed to. We flew over the jumps and I made mental notes about things I wanted to change. But, for what we had to work with, it was a great course.

  I turned her back toward the small course and we raced toward the final set of jumps. I leaned forward and Aria rose to meet me, clearing the fence with ease. We took all the standard jumps and I eased her down to a trot and slapped her neck heartily. She had done so well. We both had.

  I felt like we’d both grown so much. I slid off and scratched the base of her ears. Aria leaned into me and tried to wipe her sweaty face on me, making me laugh. We walked through the jumps as I let her cool off, then turned toward the barn to find Deena standing in the open door of the alleyway, watching me intently.

  OH. MY. GOD. I wanted to die. I couldn’t believe she’d just watched me jump and I hadn’t even had a chance to show her my best stuff. I tipped my face toward Aria and groaned.

  I walked Aria far longer than necessary but after a while, it was obvious that I was stalling so I headed in. By the time I got to the stall, Brady and Tom were standing with Deena chatting.

  She glanced my way and I wanted to drop my gaze so I didn’t have to make eye contact with her. My heart was pounding in my throat and I was breathing so fast, it sounded like I was panting.

  Deena turned and practically shouted down the hallway, “Girl, I’ve seen a lot of riders in my time.”

  “I’m sure,” I answered as I quickly undid Aria’s cinch. Deena walked closer.

  “A lot. At every level. I’ve ridden with the best and I’ve taught gold medalists.”

  “I didn’t know you were standing there watching,” I said, feeling lame all the while because it came off as an apology.

  She laughed. “And I didn’t know you were here.” She elbowed Tom and I felt myself cave inside as I remembered Rue’s words. Maybe it was too late? Maybe Tom was as much in love with Deena as she was obviously with him?

  “Ha,” I said with little humor. “Well, here I am!”

  “Thanks a lot for telling me you were hiding this gem,” Deena laughed to Tom. “It’s a good thing we came back early, or I’d have never known.”

  “We aren’t much on talkin’ around here,” Brady answered in his Brady way.

  “Please tell me you compete?” Deena ignored him.

  I shuffled my feet and pulled the saddle closer. “I did. But now we just ride for the fun of it.”

  Her eyes widened and she glanced at Brady, who was staring out the door. “You’re just here for the summer, right?”

  “Yes,” I answered.

  “What are your plans afterwards?”

  Dear Lord, could she have asked a worse question? I hadn’t figured any of that out and I didn’t want to answer in front of Tom and Brady. We hadn’t talked about any of this and I was completely on the spot. I’d been secretly hoping that if I ignored it, it would go away.

  “Haven’t thought about it. I was just taking it one day at a time.” There was no way she could ignore the forced chipperness in my voice.

  “You’re incredibly talented, Summer.” She shook her head like she didn’t quite believe it and stroked Aria’s hip. “Incredibly. You two were something else.”

  “T-thank you.” The saddle almost slipped from my hands and I blinked rapidly as I tried to come up with something to say to someone I’d always looked up to.

  Who’d just told me I could ride.

  She stepped closer and took the saddle from me like she was going to help me groom Aria. “Nobody knows what the future holds. I’ve seen too many friends and colleagues put off their riding because jobs and families and circumstances got in the way. Some come back, but most of them don’t. I’d hate to see that happen to you, too.” She shifted the saddle to one hand and patted Aria again. “You have a gift.”

  She turned and strode into the tack room with my saddle while I stood there looki
ng like a moron. What in the world could I say to that? The boys were still a few feet away, listening to the entire conversation. I couldn’t meet Tom’s eyes.

  Before I could move, Deena came back out with two brushes and handed me one. “It wouldn’t take much at all to get you and Aria ready for the Olympic trials. Come out to my place in California. I’ll put you up if you’ll help around the barn. I could always use a good rider to help me with some of my younger horses. And I’ll bet you could give lessons, too. How about it?”

  “I, uh, I...” I couldn’t keep from glancing at Brady. He was still staring off into the pasture, not saying a word.

  When I finally found the courage to check on Tom, he walked away.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Summer

  Deena was the best of the best and she’d seen something promising in me and that meant a lot. It meant I could get back into doing what I loved, what I’d always wanted to do. But then, there was Springhill Ranch and, more pointedly, Tom.

  I took a deep breath as I thought about my options. As far as Springhill went, I wasn’t sure how many options I really had. It wasn’t like Brady had promised me anything beyond the summer. For all I knew, maybe he wanted to get rid of me?

  As badly as I wanted—as desperately as I needed—to go with Deena, to get back to that life that I loved, I wasn’t the same person anymore either. I was some strange version of my former self mixed with a new and, in my mind, improved version of myself. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to being the old me.

  My feet slowed and I deviated from the house and wandered out to the cattle pens. Everyone was up at the house and I needed some time alone. I paused at the first pen, full of yearlings, their chocolate coats shimmering in the fall sun. One came close and sniffed me with his snot-covered nose. I patted the thick curls on his forehead. The old me never would have touched a cow, but now I understood their personalities and their simple contentment. And I loved them for it.