“Cody McGavin, you really are spoiled!”
“I’m not either. I just—”
“Aren’t you the cowboy who’s leaving to explore the wilderness in a couple of weeks? You’ll be sleeping on the ground, then, I’ll bet.”
“Sleeping on the ground is a whole different thing from having sex on the ground. That’s all I’m sayin’.”
“Is that a deal breaker? Because my plan was to have sex on the ground.”
“It’s not a deal breaker. I just think that for your first time you should be comfortable. It’s special, and I’d hate to think the moment would be ruined because a sharp rock was digging into your backside.”
That comment demonstrated why Cody was the perfect choice. He might not have been turned on by the prospect of a virgin like she’d hoped he would be, but now that he’d accepted her invitation, he was intent on making her deflowering memorable. “I’ve been to the site many times and I thought of that. I’ve cleared a spot and made sure the rocks are all gone.”
“What about cow patties?”
“The grass is sparse in that area, so they don’t generally graze there. I’ve never seen cow patties.”
He took a deep breath. “You really have been planning this for two months.” He glanced over at her. “What if I’d said no?”
“I would have been very sad.”
“Would you have gone looking for another candidate? I mean, you did take out all the rocks in that one area. What a shame to let that effort go to waste.”
Should she tell him the truth? Might as well. “I didn’t know if I would take this step. I had the heroes in my books, and a fantasy life isn’t all bad. Then I saw you.”
He sucked in a breath. “Faith, I’m not some virtuoso in bed. Or on the ground, if that’s where we end up. I can’t promise that I’ll give you the experience of a lifetime or send you on a rocket ship to the stars. I’m just a regular guy.”
She smiled because he was adorable. “I’ve spent my life around regular guys, and not a one of them made me want to take what is, I’ll admit, a huge step. But you have a smile that lights up a room, Cody. There’s a reason you’re so popular with the single women at the guest ranch. You make them believe in the fantasy.”
“Good Lord, I’m not—”
“Yes, you are, at least for me. That leaves only one question. Can we do this tonight?”
He swallowed. “Yes, ma’am.”
* * *
Cody was in the soup, now, and all day he alternated between excitement and dread. His mom would have a fit if she knew what he’d agreed to, so he avoided her as much as possible. Fortunately, he needed to run several errands in town, so after he’d made sure the basic chores had been done at the barn, he left Wild Creek Ranch with a sense of relief.
In April, he’d ordered a camper shell for his truck. He’d wanted one in midnight blue with silver pin striping to match the truck’s paint job, and the Ford dealer had called to say it had come in. They installed it for him, although once the trip was over he’d want to take it off and store it…somewhere. He wasn’t sure where that would be, but he’d work that out when the time came.
The camper shell made the trip real. Until it had been fitted to his truck bed, he hadn’t formed a clear picture of what he hoped to achieve. The shell provided a temporary home and he spent the rest of the day picking up what might be called home furnishings.
When he was finished, the truck bed had been transformed into a cozy hideaway with a cushy mattress, sheets and blankets, and several pillows. He also bought a lantern and a single-person tent. He expected to be in that tent during most of his travels, but when he returned to his truck, he wanted a touch of luxury.
Last of all, he stopped by the drugstore. He’d focused on his trip all morning and had managed to keep thoughts of tonight at bay. But he couldn’t ignore the item he’d need for the task he’d perform in a few hours. No, he shouldn’t call it a task. He needed to think of it as a privilege. He hoped to give her some pleasure. She deserved that.
He wasn’t enthralled with her plan of making love on the ground, though. Had they both been driven by lust, then yeah, any horizontal surface would do. Or vertical surface.
But sex with Faith wouldn’t be like that. He’d need to take his time and gradually ease her into the experience. That kind of approach worked better on an innerspring. In any case, he’d need condoms. He parked in front of Pills and Pop, an old-fashioned drugstore that still had a soda fountain and a reconditioned jukebox.
Eagles Nest was up to date where it counted, with cell reception and Wi-Fi in most areas. Their top-notch little hospital had a knowledgeable staff and the small police department was vigilant. The fire department was mostly volunteer, but Cody would put them up against any outfit in the country. His brother Trevor planned to take the training when he came back from Texas.
Pills and Pop, though, was pure fifties nostalgia. It was a first date kind of place, where you could buy a girl a milkshake and find out if you had the same taste in music. Cody and his brothers had learned to dance on the linoleum in front of the jukebox. His mom and her friends had, too, back when they were teenagers.
Cody had bought his first package of condoms here and he’d gradually learned not to be embarrassed about shopping for that item. He wasn’t embarrassed now, either. Instead he was worried that the event would lack romance.
So after choosing a package from the rack by the pharmacy department, he cruised the aisles looking for inspiration. Eventually he paused beside a display of scented candles in small glass holders.
“Your mom would like those.”
He turned at the husky sound of a smoker’s voice. Ellie Mae Stockton had worked at Pills and Pop ever since he could remember. He’d once asked his mom how old she thought Ellie Mae was. They’d calculated that she had to be past eighty, and that had been a couple of years ago.
But Ellie Mae took good care of herself. Her short hair was colored a soft brown and her makeup had been carefully applied. She’d buried two husbands and swore she’d never remarry unless a billionaire came along.
“You’re looking great, Ellie Mae.”
“So are you, Cody.” Then she spied the condoms in his hand and laughed. “I see now why you’re thinking about those candles. What scent does the lady prefer?”
“Vanilla.”
“You’re in luck. Those cream-colored ones are vanilla. How many do you want?”
“I’ll take all four.”
“Is that enough? I might have some in the back if you want to make a splash.”
“I do.”
“Then I’ll see if we have more.” She hurried away.
He wasn’t being very stealthy. If someone he knew caught him standing there with condoms and candles, they’d take note of it. Word might get around and Faith didn’t want that. He put the candles back on the shelf and wandered away from the display.
No sooner had he made that move than Aunt Jo came around the end of the aisle, probably on a lunch break from her job at the bank. “Hey, Aunt Jo!”
“I knew you were in here.” She gave him a hug. “That truck of yours really stands out. The camper shell is gorgeous and your truck looks brand new!”
“They washed the truck after they put the camper on. And thanks for that cake last night. It was awesome.”
“Baked it just for you.”
“I know and I appreciate it.” He’d always thought she looked like a classy movie star with her super-short gray hair and big hoop earrings.
She glanced down at the condom package in his hand. “Supplies for the trip?”
“Uh, no. Just…stocking up.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Okey-doke. Didn’t mean to pry.”
“Cody, I found four more boxes of vanilla!” Ellie Mae came from the opposite direction. “You can make a real splash with twenty candles!”
His face heated as he took the boxes from her. “I can, at that.” He glanced at Aunt Jo, who was regarding
him with amusement. “I’m going to ask both of you ladies to do me a huge favor and not tell anyone about me buying these candles and…condoms.”
“Ooo, a secret rendezvous!” Ellie Mae clasped her hands together. “My lips are sealed.”
Aunt Jo nodded. “Mine, too.”
“You can’t tell anyone, Aunt Jo, but especially not Mom or Mandy.”
“I’ve kept your secrets before, Cody McGavin. I can keep this one.”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t have to worry about me, either,” Ellie Mae said. “The whole town comes in here for one thing or another and everybody has something to hide. I don’t talk about any of it. That’s their business.”
“I’m grateful to both of you. Listen, I’d better pay for all this and get on home. Mom texted me earlier and she’s eager to see how the camper shell turned out.” He managed to leave the store without further incident, but he’d learned a lesson about secret affairs. They could get complicated fast.
He stashed the candles and the condoms behind the pillows at the far end of the mattress. Just his luck if he left them on the passenger seat someone would see them and ask questions. He could deflect any questions about the condoms, but twenty vanilla scented candles would arouse curiosity.
As he drove past the arena on his way up to the house, Faith and Mandy were out there with Licorice, the horse that had thrown his mom. Somebody had spoiled that mare by making her into a pet and then they’d sold her to a clueless family with a twelve-year-old daughter. His mom had been trying to teach Licorice manners when the mare had caught her unawares and pitched her in the dirt.
Zane had wanted the horse transferred to a different stable, probably still did, but their mom wouldn’t hear of it. Mandy had taken up the cause and now Faith had become part of Team Licorice. Cody decided to park his truck and walk down there before bringing his mom out to admire the camper shell.
They’d put the mare on a lunge line. Mandy cantered Licorice in a circle while Faith held the line and pivoted slowly as she watched the horse. Mandy waved to him but Faith kept her attention on Licorice. Cody tugged his hat a little lower so he could observe Faith without being obvious about it.
Tendrils of hair had escaped her braid to curl against the back of her neck and her shirt collar gapped enough that he could admire the gentle curve of her throat. He’d never paid attention to the way she moved, but she possessed the grace and confidence of a natural athlete.
She dressed like a rough and tumble boy, but tonight he might discover a delicately made woman under those bulky clothes. If he had to guess, he’d say her underwear would be plain white cotton with no frills. He’d find out. And he’d learn what she looked like with nothing on at all.
Okay, maybe he was excited about this encounter, because he was turning himself on with the slide show going in his head. He would be the first man allowed to touch her in a sexual way, to watch her nipples tighten and her eyes grow dark with passion.
“Cody.” Mandy’s voice was soft but it carried across the arena.
His head came up. “What?”
“You need to leave.”
“Why?”
“I can feel her tensing up.”
At first he thought she was talking about Faith, but then he realized she meant Licorice. “She still doesn’t like men?”
“We thought she was getting better, but I think she just noticed you and…whoops, here we go.” She grabbed a hunk of mane as Licorice bucked.
Cody took his cue and backed away from the arena. Just as well. Any more time spent leaning against the fence imagining Faith naked was liable to give him a woody and embarrass everyone.
He walked up to the house and let his mom know he was ready to show off the new camper shell.
She finished up what she was doing and came out. Hobbling around the truck, she admired it from all angles. “Gorgeous, Cody. The camper shell is perfect, as if it came with the truck. They must have washed it for you.”
“Yep.”
“You should video it against a wilderness background on your first day before it gets dirty.”
“Great idea. Then I’ll take another one at the end of the trip when it’s covered in grime.”
“Yeah, and if for some reason it doesn’t look dirty enough, just drive through some mud on purpose.”
He laughed. “Good thinking.”
Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at him. “I can’t wait to watch that video. You’re finally making your dream come true.”
“Sure am. I almost can’t believe it.”
“Well, believe it. All you need is a trailer. I’m sure the right one will turn up soon.”
“Hope so.”
She peered in the side window of the camper shell. “What’s in the back? Did you get bedding?”
“I did.” He opened the back window and the tailgate so she could examine his setup.
“Wow, this looks so inviting.” She smoothed her hand over the blanket. “You won’t be roughing it when you sleep in here.”
“I figured I might need a break from lying on the ground.”
“Speaking of that, will you have any way of keeping in touch when you’re out there in the wilds?”
“I will if there’s cell reception. I bought a solar charger for my phone so I can take selfies and send them to you.”
“Do that.” She gazed at him for a long moment and then she cleared her throat. “Take lots of selfies, okay?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be in contact whenever I can.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze. Then he reached for the tailgate to close it up.
“Wait a sec.” His mom stopped him. “Mandy and Faith are coming out of the barn. Leave it open so they can see it.” She made a megaphone of her hands. “Hey, come look at Cody’s setup!”
“On our way!” Mandy called back. She beamed at him as they drew closer. “Gorgeous camper shell.”
“Thanks.”
“Wait’ll you see how he’s fixed up the back.” His mom gestured toward the opening.
Mandy peered inside. “That is so cool. You did a great job.” She stepped back. “Take a gander, Faith.”
Cody’s heart rate picked up. Standing here with Faith while she inspected the bed he’d created was giving him ideas that heated his skin. If that heat reached his face, he’d be in trouble.
“It does look nice.” Her voice was soft and a little shaky. She kept her head slightly down, too, so her hat obscured her expression.
He took his cue from her and tugged his hat lower. Would he have a chance to share this bed with her before he left? He would love to, but he couldn’t think about it now.
A breeze picked up, cooling his overheated skin as the sun disappeared behind a cloud. A rumble of thunder followed.
His mom glanced toward the mountains. “Looks like that storm they predicted is coming in early.”
“What storm?” Cody had been too preoccupied to check the weather.
“A big one,” Mandy said. “It wasn’t supposed to start raining until tonight, but I think Aunt Kendra’s right. You’d better button up your rolling motel room. Me, I’m heading back home before it hits.”
“Good idea,” his mom said. “Faith, if you want to beat the storm home, Cody and I can handle feeding tonight.”
Faith gazed at the sky. “If it’s coming in early, maybe it’ll be gone by feeding time.”
“Hang on.” Mandy pulled out her phone. “Let me check. Nope, the weather app says it’ll keep up most of the night.”
“And Wagon Wheel Road has that place that floods in June when the snow’s melting in the mountains.” Cody had seen it running and he didn’t want her driving through it.
“How do you know it floods in June?” Faith studied him.
“He used to have a girlfriend who lived out there,” his mom said. “I’d worry myself sick whenever they were on a date and it started to pour.”
“Oh.” Faith gave him a quick glance and then took a deep breath. “Then
I’d better vamoose. See you all later.”
“See you tomorrow,” he called after her. Their plans were wrecked. Damn.
Chapter Five
Faith ate a quick dinner with her dad, pretended exhaustion and escaped upstairs to her room. Rain came down in sheets outside her window, and she yanked the curtains closed to blot out the sight. Why hadn’t she checked the weather report?
Because she’d been rattled. After focusing all her efforts on getting Cody to say yes, he had. Once the glow of triumph had passed, she’d had hours to get nervous. He’d left after chores were done and she’d appreciated that.
But then he’d come back and she was convinced her nerves had spooked Licorice, not Cody’s presence. He’d been watching her. Her brain had gone a little crazy trying to imagine what he’d been thinking.
But if the stupid storm hadn’t blown in, they would have already done the deed in the little clearing she’d found. The area where she’d dug up rocks and raked until it was smooth was probably fit for mud wrestling. She had almost twenty-four hours to wait for the main event, assuming he was willing to reschedule.
Almost twenty-four hours in which to get even more jittery at the prospect of being naked with a gorgeous cowboy. She was too restless to sleep, so she took a hot bath and shaved her legs, the second time in two days. She ducked her head under the faucet, washed her hair and then dried it, which took forever when the humidity was so high. She braided it again.
Finally, she put on her sleep shorts and tank top, picked out a book from the box under her bed and settled down to read as rain sluiced down outside. The story turned out to be one of the hotter ones about a duke and a widow and she smiled at the thought of Mrs. Preston, a stately matriarch, reading it.
The sexy parts made her squirm in her bed. She wished that Cody could magically appear in her room, but that wouldn’t happen, so she kept reading. The steady rain soothed her and she eventually drifted off to sleep.
Naturally she dreamed about Cody, who had transformed into a duke living in England, with a mansion and servants. It was a good dream, and the hail bouncing off her window was annoying. If it didn’t stop, she was going to wake up. Oh, no, she was awake, blinking in the light from the bedside lamp she’d left on, and the dream was drifting away…
A Cowboy's Honor (The McGavin Brothers #2) Page 4