Stand-Up Cowboy

by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond

  Anna doubted she’d be going anytime soon, but she’d always wanted to learn this. She rolled her shoulders and held out her arms as Millie turned on the music, a tune by Luke Bryan called Country Girl. She wasn’t a country girl yet, but she was living on a ranch, drinking hard cider from the bottle and kissing a handsome cowboy every so often. That was a start.

  The two teachers faced their pair of students as the fire crackled in the background.

  “Start slow and build up to it.” Kate demonstrated the technique again. “One shoulder forward, then switch. Back and forth, back and forth.”

  “Keep your hips still and facing forward.” Millie moved to the beat like a pro.

  Anna struggled with the unfamiliar movement.

  “Smile ladies,” Kate said. “Have fun with it.”

  Fun. There was a concept. Anna blew out a breath, rolled her shoulders and tried again, this time with a smile.

  “Better.” Millie nodded. “Now pick up the pace.”

  Anna swiveled her ribcage and moved her shoulders faster. “This is a workout!”

  “You know it.” Kate grinned. “But worth sweating for. I can bring Rafe to his knees with this move.”

  Anna laughed. “The power of the shimmy.”

  “Woo-hoo!” Isabel tossed her head. “Girls, I’m feeling sexy. Look out, CJ. Your hot baby-mama’s got it going on.”

  “Preach it, sister!” Millie began singing along with Luke Bryan.

  When Kate and Isabel joined in, Anna did, too, breathlessly, because the shimmy was way harder than it looked.

  What a blast, though. She’d left her girlfriends in Indiana and hadn’t made new ones here. Brad had discouraged it and then she’d become a single mom with no extra time for socializing.

  Millie had said these overnights were a regular thing. Millie, Kate and Isabel had been welcoming and friendly. She’d be invited back. Cool.

  Millie stopped singing. “Is someone at the door? I thought I heard knocking.”

  “Yeah,” Kate said. “There it is again. Cut the music. I’ll go see who it is.” Breathing hard, she walked to the door and opened it partway. “Oh, hi. Want to come in?”

  “Better not.”

  Anna sucked in a breath. Garrett?

  Kate opened the door wider and stepped back as cold air swept into the living room. “Come on in. Georgie’s fast asleep, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “I was, but—” His gaze locked with Anna’s as he stepped inside and Kate closed the door. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted a moment with Anna.”

  “To report on the discussion?” Heart beating like crazy, she walked toward his gorgeous self. The shimmy practice had heated her blood and his sudden appearance turned it up several notches more.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You two can go in the kitchen,” Kate said. “That’s if you want some privacy.”

  “I appreciate that.” He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “But Georgie might wake up and want a drink of water or something. I think it’d be better if Anna comes out to my truck.”

  “Oh, he won’t wake up,” Anna said. “We’ve been out here dancing and singing. Haven’t heard a peep from the kids.”

  “But that could always change.” Millie gave her a look that she couldn’t quite read. “You should play it safe like Garrett says and have the conversation in his truck.”

  Kate nodded. “Definitely. Don’t take chances.” Then she ducked her head. A tiny snort of laughter gave her away.

  Anna got the message. Garrett was asking for some private time and they were urging her to take advantage of the opportunity. “I’ll grab my parka.”

  Garrett helped her on with it and ushered her out the door. Muffled laughter followed them. He chuckled. “I guess they think we’re going to make out.”

  “Aren’t we?” She shivered as cold air hit her still sweaty body.

  “The thought crossed my mind.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they descended the steps.

  Okay, not cold anymore. Shivering for a different reason.

  “But I honestly did come over to relay information and give you a chance to think about it.” He started to open the front passenger door and paused. “We can talk better in the back.”

  She started laughing. “Talk better? It’s way more cramped than the—”

  “I know, but—”

  “Never mind. Let’s get in the back and talk.”

  “We’re not having sex back here.” He opened the door and the dome light came on as he helped her in.

  “Good, because at least one of us would dislocate something.”

  He climbed in, sat down and closed the door. Then he turned to her. “When we make love, we’re going to do it right.”

  Her breath caught. The dome light was still on, allowing her to see his expression. Something had changed. “You sound confident that will happen.”

  “I am, now that the Babes have come up with a plan.”

  Her heart beat in triple time. “Are we talking about how to handle the issue with Georgie or—”

  “Everything. Georgie, you, me.” He took a deep breath, his gaze intense. “Us.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Us?” Anna’s eyes widened. “But there is no—”

  “Oh, yes, ma’am.” Tossing his hat in the front seat, he drew her close. “There most certainly is.” The dome light flicked out, but he didn’t need it for this. He captured her mouth, sinking into the wonder of kissing Anna.

  She moaned and kissed him back, fumbling with the buttons of his coat, sliding her hands inside, eager for this, eager for him.

  He kissed her thoroughly, stoking the fire. No us? Who was she kidding? Their passion was more real than the ground under their feet, the sky sprinkled with stars above their heads.

  Tasting her lips was heaven, but it wasn’t enough. He nuzzled her jaw and the curve of her throat, unzipped her parka and slipped his hand under her shirt to unfasten her bra. His blood racing, he cupped her warm, silken breast.

  She gasped and arched into his caress.

  “Don’t tell me there’s no us.” His voice rasped in the stillness. “Your heart’s going a mile-a-minute.” He brushed his thumb over her taut nipple.

  “So’s yours.” She pressed her hand against his chest.

  “Because I want you. And you want me.”

  Her breath hitched. “But we can’t.”

  “Yes, we can.” He squeezed gently as he returned to her mouth and placed light kisses there. “Not tonight, but soon.”

  She pulled back. “How?”

  The front porch light barely reached to the truck, but it was enough for him to tell she was looking at him. “Georgie’s needs are important. I’m not minimizing that fact at all. But ours are, too.”

  “What… what are you saying?”

  “Henri’s offered to keep Georgie and Claire the next time the gang goes out for dinner and dancing at the Moose. Red volunteered to stay at Henri’s and help, too.”

  “When?”

  “This Saturday.”

  She sucked in air. “Day after tomorrow?”

  “Too soon?” He drew her back into his arms and combed his fingers through her hair. “What do you say, Anna? Will you come dancing with me?”

  “Then what?”

  “If Henri’s place works for Georgie, he’ll stay there. And I’ll spend the night with you.”

  She tensed. “That’s a big step.”

  “But is it a step you want to take?”

  “We talked about waiting until Georgie gets used to you.”

  “Which we could still do. However, I got a different perspective tonight and I’m considering it. I’m hoping you will, too.”

  She was quiet for a moment. “Can you give me some time?”

  “Sure can. All the time you need.”

  She took another deep breath. “Did you discuss Georgie? Or just this?”

  “We dis
cussed Georgie first. Henri would like to escort you and Georgie to the barn tomorrow morning at eleven if you’re still okay with going. She’ll make sure Lucky Ducky’s in residence and the rest of us are elsewhere.”

  “That would be great.”

  “You can text her when you go back inside.”

  “I will.”

  “And Ed wants to buy Georgie a pair of boots.”

  “Oh, wait. That’s not—”

  “Hear me out. Ed’s hoping you’ll agree to come into town with Henri for lunch and then you can all go boot shopping for Georgie.”

  “That’s sweet of Ed, but I don’t want her to waste her money, either. I’ve heard she has a ton of it, but that’s doesn’t mean she should spend it on boots for a little kid who’ll outgrow them lickity-split.”

  “Then you can donate them to charity. Or save them for Cleo Marie.”

  “I hadn’t thought of passing them down. But still….”

  “The boots are part of the strategy. The more he identifies with cowboys, the more likely he’ll warm to the ones on the ranch, specifically, me. Oh, and by the way, Claire has boots. Claire’s another part of the strategy. She loves cowboys. And what Claire loves—”

  “Georgie might start loving. It could work. Okay, I’ll go along with the boots idea, but I’ll pay for—”

  “Anna.” He hugged her closer. “I get your reluctance. Been there. Took me months to understand that the Babes live for opportunities like this. They treasure their status as honorary aunties for the Brotherhood. They love to spoil us rotten.”

  “I’m not a member of the Brotherhood and neither is Georgie.”

  “But you’re very important to a member of the Brotherhood, which makes you and Georgie very important to the Babes.”

  She lifted her face to his. “Seems like they’re playing matchmaker.”

  “I suppose they are.”

  “Are you fine with that?”

  “Yes, ma’am. But just remember this—the ball will always be in your court.”

  “In that case, could I have one more kiss before I go inside?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He kissed her with all the longing in his heart. Then he reluctantly let her go. To his immense surprise and joy, she came back for more. He gave her more, and the heat built until his fly pinched and his breathing grew ragged.

  He broke away again. “I have to stop. Either that or shove some snow down my pants.”

  Her short laugh was breathy and strained. “I might need to do the same.” She stroked his cheek. “I do want you, Garrett. I’m just afraid I’ll start something I can’t finish.”

  “No worries. I’ll make sure you do.”

  “That wasn’t what I meant and you know it.”

  “Thought I did, but I decided to clarify in case you had doubts about that issue.”

  “My doubts lie elsewhere.” Reaching under her shirt, she fastened her bra.

  “Okay, then. One more thing.” He cupped her face in both hands. “I want you with the heat of a thousand suns, but that’s not all there is to it.”

  “I know that.” She placed her hands over his. “That’s where my doubts lie.”

  “Hey, I’m tougher than I look.”

  “No, you’re not.” She gave him one more quick kiss. “Now you’d better let me out before Millie, Kate and Isabel send a search party.”

  He reached for the door handle. “Brace yourself. It’s cold out there.”

  “That’s okay. I’m tougher than I look, too.”

  “No, you’re not.” He opened the door and helped her down. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  “No, don’t. I’ll just run in. Get back in that truck, cowboy.” She turned and started toward the cottage.

  He went after her. “Dammit, Anna.” He caught her by the arm. “I can’t just let you go off like that. It’s not right.”

  “You have to leave or I’m liable to kiss you again.”

  He swept her into his arms. “Like that’s a bad thing.” His mouth came down on hers and the cold air meant nothing because he was kissing Anna and she was a furnace.

  At last she broke away, gasping. “See what happens?”

  “Yeah.” He grinned. “And I like it.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Getting teased by her three new friends was fun. None of her Indianapolis friends had teased her about Brad. They hadn’t liked him. Why hadn’t she paid attention to that?

  After Millie, Isabel and Kate wound down a little, she revealed the proposed plan for Saturday night. They were all for it.

  “I don’t know. It’s like I’m colluding with Georgie’s enemy.”

  “Except he’s a friend,” Millie said. “Georgie just doesn’t know that yet. But eventually he will.”

  “This makes me think of something that came up over the holidays.” Isabel put down her bottle of virgin cider. “When my folks were here, my mom noticed that CJ and I were focusing entirely on our baby and starting to ignore each other.”

  “You’re lucky CJ pays attention to Cleo Marie. Brad couldn’t be bothered with Georgie.”

  Millie spoke up. “Which was an excellent reason to leave him, but…” She hesitated. “Never mind. I’m probably overstepping.”

  “No, you’re not. I could use some advice.”

  “Well, you don’t have a husband to ignore, but Isabel makes a good point. Maybe you’re ignoring yourself.”

  The words hit home. “Garrett said something similar, that Georgie has needs, but… so do we.”

  “That’s tough to remember when you’re a mom, though.” Isabel reached over and squeezed her arm. “This Saturday night deal has me thinking, too. I’m not ready to leave Cleo Marie overnight, but with Henri and Red on duty, maybe I could leave her for a couple of hours. And show off my shimmy.”

  “Hey, Anna.” Kate turned to her, a gleam in her blue eyes. “You can show off your shimmy, too. Make your teachers proud.”

  “I’ll admit I’ve already thought of that. I haven’t danced in so long. Until tonight, I’d forgotten how much I love it.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Millie said. “You’re going with us to the Moose Saturday night.”

  “What if I just plan to do that and forget about the rest?” Her question stirred up a chorus of objections.

  “You can’t send poor Garrett home to sleep in the bunkhouse,” Kate said. “That’s not cool.”

  “Yeah, okay, you’re right. But here’s the issue. I’m miles away from making a commitment. I think he’s inches away. Am I being fair to him?”

  “Ask him.” Kate took a swig from her cider. “I guarantee he’ll tell you he doesn’t care. He’s too far gone to be worried about whether this experiment will crash and burn. Sleep with the guy and put him out of his misery.”

  Anna started laughing. “An act of mercy?”

  “Absolutely!” Kate grinned. “He’s been interested in you ever since Leo described your spunky attitude during Operation Santa.”

  “Oh, I’m sure. The oblivious mom who let her child kick Leo in the nuts.”

  “No,” Millie said. “The sweet mom in dire circumstances who touchingly still wanted a picture of her son with Santa Claus. Jake cracked up when Leo told the story, but then he took another look at your situation and got serious about the idea of hiring you. I’m so glad he did.”

  “Me, too.” She took a drink of her cider. “I love working at the sanctuary. And living in that adorable cabin. And meeting you guys.”

  “And meeting Garrett.” Kate gave her a sly look. “Don’t tell me you’re not thrilled about that, because I know better.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  Millie gazed at her. “So you’ll say yes to the entire plan?”

  “I will.” Not surprisingly, all three women cheered. She waited until they’d finished toasting her decision before turning to Millie. “I’ve been wanting to ask this ever since I got here. Would you give me your version of the flaming hoops story?”

 
; “Be glad to.” She smiled. “But I’ll open with a commercial. The members of the Brotherhood are special. If you have a chance to become involved with one, don’t hesitate.”

  Anna met her gaze. “Message received.”

  The relaxed evening was followed by a breakfast that was served crazy early. Fueled by Kate’s egg casserole paired with Isabel’s fresh-ground coffee, a fruit plate and sweet rolls, the women scattered in different directions.

  Kate left to cook for the ranch guests and Millie had cabins to clean. Isabel drove into town to open Cup of Cheer with Cleo Marie in tow. Claire got ready for school and Millie gave her a ride to the bus stop.

  As the only one with the day off, Anna offered to stay and straighten up the cottage. Georgie followed her around while she worked. She gave him as many tasks as he could handle and fielded questions about Claire’s whereabouts and when he’d see her again.

  She kept her answers simple. Claire was in school and he would see her in two days. When he wanted more details, she switched the subject to their upcoming trip to the barn. Focusing her attention on Saturday night created a firestorm of sensations in her body and destroyed her ability to accomplish anything.

  And she had a busy day. Although Kate had told her not to spend any time cleaning the cottage, she wanted to leave it tidy. Kate and Millie had fed her two meals and offered a big dose of female friendship. She was grateful.

  Back in the cabin, she baked the Valentine’s cookies for the daycare party and rushed through a shower for her and a bath for Georgie. She’d texted Henri this morning to make sure they were still on for the barn visit. Kate had mentioned that the Babes sometimes partied until dawn.

  If they had this time, Henri gave no indication. She promised to be there at eleven, and sure enough, her tan truck was parked in front of the barn. It was the only vehicle in sight.

  “Miss Henri’s here, Georgie.”

  “I wanna see Miss ’enri, Mama.”

  “And you want to see the horse, Lucky Ducky, too, right?”

  “Yep! He goes huh-huh-huh.”

  She grinned. During his bath, he’d asked what sound a horse made. Instead of attempting the whinny she’d heard in movies but never personally experienced, she’d mimicked Lucky’s low-throated chuckle. Georgie’s version was cute as hell.