Rope 'n Ride Box Set Books 1-6

by Em Petrova

  His only solace was that she had seemed reluctant to go. She’d lingered a long time before climbing behind the wheel. Making sure she’d given all the children a gift she’d made. Small well-wishes of grass and feathers she’d found. Maddie and Montana had wanted them woven into their hair, and she’d done so with smiles and kisses for each. Buck Jr. had his roped to a stick, which he stomped around the yard wielding like a chief.

  When Malou had taken leave of the sisters-in-law, each had embraced her tightly. Lane had given her a peck on the cheek and Wynonna and his mother stuffed her car full of cookies and a pie.

  But West’s gift had been the best. He’d spent all night loving her. Kissing, licking and sucking every inch of her and she’d returned the favor with a wildness he hadn’t seen in her before.

  He’d been thinking about this for two days now. It excited and bothered him at the same time. That she’d feel so passionate toward him thrilled him. On the other hand, he couldn’t help but fear she was saying goodbye in her own way.

  Like hell.

  “What?” Mav said, looking up.

  “Did I say that out loud?”

  Mav cracked a grin. “Yeah, you did. Oh, here comes trouble now. I’ll leave you to her.”

  Confused, West looked around to see Wynonna burst into the barn. Mav stood and edged around her slowly where she paced the open floor.

  “Mav,” she said shortly in greeting, her voice huffy.

  “Wyn.” He tipped his hat and hurried out.

  West continued the job of shoeing the horse. After a period of time, when his sister just strode back and forth across the worn barn floor, West threw her a look. “You wanna talk about it?”

  “No. Yes. God, that motherfucking asshole is such a dick!”

  “Is he an asshole or a dick?” He saw the I’ll-shank-you-in-your-sleep look cross her face and said, “Sorry.”

  Wynonna whirled, her long red hair fanning out and her boots tapping a staccato beat.

  As she stalked toward him, he caught her gaze. “Want me to kill the guy? I’ve got a good shovel collection.”

  She didn’t even crack a smile. This must be serious. Early on he’d learned to let her spit it out. To pick at her for information was to open a door to hell and unleash the hounds. But he stepped up to her and caught her by the shoulders. She was nearly as tall as he was but much angrier.

  How many times had she calmed him in his worst moments? It was time to return the favor.

  “Take a deep breath. Tell me what’s going on.”

  Her lip curled in agitation, but she seemed to slump under his touch. He pulled her against his chest, ignoring the red hairs adhering themselves to his beard stubble. He’d be picking the hairs off himself for an hour, but she was worth it.

  “That fucking man.”

  “What did he do?”

  “He’s not a cowboy at all.”

  He held back a guffaw of laughter. “I coulda told you that.”

  She narrowed her eyes, and he backtracked. “What does he do?”

  “He’s a freakin’ producer.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad. He’s got brains and money, right?”

  She leveled her stare at him. “He produces porn.”

  “Whoa.”

  “And he wanted me to be his next star. My fame boosts his and all that. Jesus, I’m so stupid.”

  “You didn’t do it, did you?”

  She shoved against his chest, rocking him back. Damn, she was strong as a bull. “I can’t believe you asked me that. He was a freak in bed and we had some fun, but—” She cut off, seeing his expression. “Too much information, sorry. Of course I didn’t make a porno, you idiot!”

  “Hey, you’re talking to a guy who knows how easy it is to get involved in that shit. I had no idea those girls were taking turns filming us on their phones in Cabo.”

  “That’s because you were at the bottom of a bottle of tequila.”

  “Probably.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “So… Jack. Do I need to kill him? I’ve got a built-in posse with Lane and Ridge. Not sure Ryder or Buck will be willing to join, with their families to think of.”

  The corners of her mouth twitched but she didn’t smile. “Better not. Momma wouldn’t like it.”

  “But you ran him off. I saw you.”

  “Yeah. He’s lucky he’s still got his balls.”

  They stared at each other for a heartbeat and then burst into laughter. She leaned against him as she giggled, tears running down her face. After a long spell of hiccups and snorts, West said, “You know I’m always here for you. And I dig a mean six-foot hole.”

  “Yeah, and I’ll always have your back, even if you’re getting arrested.”

  “Don’t even mention it. I’ve got the meeting with the lawyer later this week.”

  “Does Malou know about it?”

  “Everybody in the world knows about it, Wynonna. It’s all over the news.”

  She sobered. “Do you know what will happen?”

  “Most likely I’ll plead my way out with a fine and probation and paying retribution to Wallace.” He pushed out a sigh. “It was stupid and I’m sorry I did it.”

  “But you still got the girl. You’ve fallen for her,” Wynonna said.

  He firmed his jaw against any sappy words wanting to tumble from his lips. He may have admitted his feelings to himself, but he wasn’t about to utter them aloud and risk somebody catching them on film. “Got horses to shoe.”

  She laughed. “You always did avoid big issues in your life. I think that’s why you’re so adrift, West.”

  He stopped in his tracks and pivoted to look at her. “Adrift? Who the hell’s adrift? At least I knew what I wanted—for Malou to come here and spend time with me and my family.”

  “But you don’t even know why you’re letting the series producers railroad you into this spinoff thing.”

  Now he faced her fully. “Who the hell told you about that?”

  “Please. I have my ways. And I talk to the crew. They tell me things. Are you trying to live up to the bad-boy image so you can get this spinoff?”

  “After shelling out all my savings to Wallace, I’ll damn well need the cashflow. Not that I’ll give you an answer for such a dumb question. You know me, Wynonna. What do you think?”

  She bit her lip and then released it. “You wouldn’t cause trouble just to boost your ratings.”

  He gave a nod, some of his irritation dissipating. “What do you think of Malou?”

  She blinked at his question but followed the change of course. “I like her. We all do. She has something different about her, and I had tears in my eyes during her telling of that moon man story at the fire.”

  He swallowed hard around a lump that rose in his throat. He nodded.

  “I think you need to think hard about what you want out of life, West. And if that’s Malou, then don’t let her slip away. She isn’t the type of woman to stick around waiting for you to stop fraternizing with bimbos and getting yourself out of scrapes.”

  He returned to his job of shoeing the horses and Wynonna’s footsteps echoed as she left the barn. Dammit, he hated when his little sister was right.

  * * * * *

  Malou bustled between the window and her bed. Packing was more difficult when she was so distracted. She was sure she’d forget one of the new oils she’d been concocting. And she needed to try them out on some willing people. Namely one West Calhoun, who was due here any minute.

  She glanced toward the window again. Getting a glimpse of him pulling up in front of her apartment building and climbing from the truck, all masculine cowboy hotness, was up there on her bucket list.

  That he was coming for her at all stunned her. When he’d called her a few days before and asked if she was headed to Chandler, Arizona for the next rodeo and if she’d ride along with him, her pulse had gone through the roof.

  For days the weather had been hanging out in the nineties, unseasonably warm for this time of year.
She’d been flushed and too hot. Of course, it hadn’t helped much that she’d been trying out her own potions. A line of aphrodisiac oils that would help women and men alike.

  She had another call coming up with the investors. She just about had them on the hook. One small jerk of the line and she’d find her dreams fulfilled. So would a lot of women once they tried her Ecstasy Oil.

  After running a drop or two over her clit, she’d been in the hell-fires of need with no West around to quench her thirsts. So she’d settled for replaying her times with him in her head while spread eagle on her bed with a toy or three.

  She heard a truck door slam. Her skin prickled. Spinning to the window, she watched him climb out of his truck, his dark hat hiding his expression. But he walked with purpose.

  A grin broke over her face. She hurriedly tossed the rest of the sample oils into her trunk and slammed the lid. She latched it and ran for the door. Before he’d rung the bell, she whipped it open. Crap, she probably shouldn’t seem so eager.

  He stood there like walking sex in boots. Muscled thighs bulging in worn denim slung low on his hips and a simple white T-shirt that said Ram Tough.

  His eyes blazed from under the brim of his hat, which he pushed up with his knuckles. She noted one knuckle was split and scabbed over.

  Their gazes locked, and he let out a whoop that made her jump. She laughed and threw her arms around him. He lifted her around the hips and kissed her with a slow thoroughness that spoke of much more than a few hot nights together.

  She ran her tongue over his, angling her head to draw him deeper. He groaned, and she had a feeling they weren’t getting on the road anytime soon.

  A thought hit, and she opened her eyes and peeked behind him. Sure enough, there was a camera pointed out of a truck that was parked behind his.

  “Um… There’s someone filming us,” she said.

  “Damn.” He let her slide down his hard body. Her pussy throbbed and her nipples ached.

  He turned and flipped the bird. “Get the hell outta here! I told you no filming us.” The low threat in his tone was unmistakable.

  Malou knotted her hands together. “West, are you breaking contract by saying they can’t film you?”

  He gave her a dark look. “I don’t give a damn. There’s plenty for them to film without getting my private life on tape. Nobody’s filming Buck and Channing while they make baby number three.”

  She caught his hand and pulled him into her apartment. She closed the door behind him. He watched her do this and then reached out to flip the lock into place. They exchanged a look.

  “Just in case,” he said.

  For a moment, they just stared at each other. Seeing him in her space was shocking. She’d only had a guy or two over for a drink in the past few years she’d lived here. And certainly nobody like West.

  “So this is where you live.” He turned his head right and left, taking in her surroundings. She tried to see the strange mishmash of furniture, medical books and crates of bottles she’d fill with oils at some point through his eyes.

  He stepped farther into the room. Her sofa was littered with pillows and blankets. She suddenly realized how messy she really was.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tidy up before you came.”

  “I like it,” he said at once. “It’s a little mad scientist.” He picked up an open botany book that was circled with highlighter in several places, the margins filled in with notes. He set it down and lifted a hand to touch a feather hanging from a Hopi artwork on the wall.

  “A raven feather?” he asked with a glance over his shoulder that nearly brought her to her knees.

  “Yes. It’s a bringer of creation. Knowledge and light.”

  He let the feather fall back against the wall and turned to her once more. He opened his arms, and she moved into them without hesitation. She inhaled deeply. God, he smelled so good, and she’d missed everything about him from his burning gaze to the strong muscles she leaned against.

  Using his knuckles under her chin, he tipped her face up. “I missed the hell outta you, Lou.”

  She smiled softly, her heart tapping a little faster. “I missed you too. It’s weird having you here.”

  “Do you feel uncomfortable?”

  “No. Just excited.”

  “Good. We’ve got a long drive ahead of us, but I might have a few minutes to taste you.”

  His low words threaded into her. She trembled a little and cradled his jaw in her palms. Looking into his eyes, she saw a raw need that her body echoed. It was like a loud call down a long canyon, reverberating off her inner walls until she felt a rockslide would result.

  He claimed her mouth. Rougher than before. His beard sharp against her skin. She moved closer for more, opening wide for his thrusting tongue. Need skittered down her body and settled between her thighs. She rubbed against him restlessly, and he trapped her against him.

  “I’ve been dying to do this for days.” He broke the kiss and dropped to his knees. Her lips fell open as he tugged down her leggings and panties and pressed the flat of his tongue right against her pussy.

  Liquid heat seeped out to meet him, and she moaned. Letting her head drop back, digging her nails into his shoulders to keep from collapsing.

  He licked a warm, wet path from the bottom of her pussy to the top, flicking lightly over her hard clit.

  “Gods, West.” She squeaked as he slipped his tongue between her folds and lapped at her opening. With his fingers, he held her open to his mouth. Her blood pounded in her ears, and she focused on each mind-blowing swirl of his tongue.

  “I’ve been dying to taste you again.” He dived back in, tongue-fucking her until her knees threatened to give out.

  He met her gaze and snaked his tongue over her clit. Again and again. Her core ignited. He closed his lips around her swollen bud and sucked.

  She peaked in a heartbeat. Jerking her hips forward to get more of his heated touch. He held her in place, watching her face as she convulsed on his tongue.

  A harsh breath left her as the final pulsation racked her, and she fell forward. He delivered two more soft licks, and she twitched with a cry.

  Breathing hard, she dug her fingers into the soft hair on his nape. His hat had fallen off as soon as he’d buried his tongue in her folds.

  “West… I can’t believe you just did that.”

  “Mmm. You must have been needy, because it didn’t take you long. I didn’t get nearly enough of you.” He sank his tongue into her pussy again, and she quivered as a brand new need broke through.

  Her breaths came in harsh pants. After several dizzying seconds, he lifted his head and gave her a crooked grin, his lips gleaming with her wetness.

  Her insides knotted tighter. Was he going to take her? She cast a look around for the closest surface besides the floor. Sofa, ottoman that served as a coffee table. Of course, it was piled in books…

  He rose and pulled her in for a kiss. The taste of herself was a shock to her senses, and she had to grasp his shoulders to steady herself. As he brushed his lips over hers and fed her the flavors of her own release, his hard cock jutted into her lower belly.

  With a will of their own, her fingers worked his T-shirt out of his waistband. But he stopped her before she could remove it.

  She blinked up at him, confused. He didn’t want her?

  “I’m burning for you so fucking bad, baby. But I want you to think about my tongue in your pussy all the way to Arizona.”

  Her mouth fell open. “It’s going to take us ages.”

  He dropped a soft kiss to her lips. “Oh yeah. I want you wild for me by the time we get there.” He bent and scooped up his hat. As he settled it on his head, he gave her another wicked smile.

  “That means you’ll be wild too. You didn’t even get release.” It was impossible not to glance down at the bulge in his jeans. His very impressive bulge. And she’d hoped to use some of her oils on him.

  He took his time adjusting himself. Damn, this m
an knew how to lure a woman in.

  He’s had enough practice.

  Suddenly feeling out of sorts, she pulled her clothing back into place. “I’ll just grab my bags then.”

  “I’ll help. I want to see your bedroom anyway.”

  “Why, if you’re not going to make use of it?”

  His huff of laughter washed over her from nape to ankle. Did he need to walk so close behind? She could feel his body heat. Oh yes, the man knew what he was doing—torment was obviously a second sport to him.

  To distract herself, she said, “How’s the family? Buck Jr. and Merry? Maddie and Montana? And gosh, Addy May is the cutest little thing.”

  “They’re well. Took a liking to you, for sure. You’ll see them all in Arizona. That’s if I let you out of my bed.”

  “Surely you will be needed in the arena at some point. And I’m there to work.” Inside her room, she turned to look at him.

  He was glancing around, taking in her space. Now that she looked at it through his eyes, she realized how different it was from everything on the Calhoun ranch. That home was country, utilitarian. A little messy, especially the mudroom, where all the boots cluttered the floor along with horse tack. But her room—and her life—were totally different.

  She didn’t have many clothes—everything seemed to go together whether it was made to match or not. But what she did have wasn’t in her closet. Garments were draped over a chair and desk, while all of her books were stacked in the closet.

  “Looks like you could use a bookshelf.”

  She held out a hand toward a low bookcase she’d thrifted. Not only was it crammed with books but the top held herbs in various states of drying or crushing. She detected the sweet hint of lavender in the mortar right now. Plus, there were a few dresses thrown over the surface.

  “I look like a slob.”

  He met her gaze, his eyes bright with something she couldn’t name. “Like I said, mad scientist.”

  “Or teen girl.” She started grabbing clothes and tossing them onto her bed. Once she came home from the rodeo, she’d take the time to actually hang everything up.