"I am?" she whispered, a rush of excitement making her pulse tick up. "Your princess?"
"Yep. If you wanna be."
"I do, I do. That means you're my cowboy."
"I reckon it does."
"I'm so happy. I've caught myself a cowboy."
"Is that all I am? A cowboy."
"Yep. That's it. But you're all mine."
"You're somethin' else," he said with a chuckle. "I think I just bought myself a whole lotta trouble."
"Only the best kind," she quipped, then dropping her voice and moving her arms around his neck, she murmured, "A chocolate waterfall?"
"Uh, yeah," he said sheepishly. "That's what I thought when I saw it. I wanted to eat you up, all of you."
With a sassy smile, she moved her hands to the back of his head, pulled him down and kissed him.
"What was that for?" he murmured as they broke apart. "Not that you need a reason. You can kiss me any time you want."
"I had to. You've made me very happy."
"I'm glad, Princess, and I hate to say it, but I think the storm's lettin' up, but…"
"But…?"
"If you wanna sit on my lap, I reckon we've got five minutes."
"We may as well take advantage of the time we have left."
"Wrap your legs around me."
"You make that sound easy."
"It is. I'll help you."
With effortless ease, he grasped her waist and lifted her off the ground, and as her legs came around him, he carried her across to the sofa and sat down.
"First thing, we need to get rid of this again," he declared, unhooking her bra and sitting it beside them. "Now put your finger against your clit and rub while I suck on your gorgeous titties."
"Oh, dear God. Do you have any idea how much you turn me on?"
"I'm startin' to. Finger against your clit, your good finger, that is."
"Well, duh."
"Hey, does your smart ass want more?"
"I plead the fifth," she replied, sliding her hand into her panties.
"Hush up and rub."
His hands clutched her breasts, and as he began to nibble her nipples, she closed her eyes and sank into the decadent attention. Her bottom burned, her heart pumped like a bass drum, and her drenched pussy sang to her massage. She would soon be crying out in pleasure, and dropping her head on his shoulder, she let out a soft moan of gratitude.
"You're gonna get yourself to the edge, then stop and count to five, then start up again," he whispered. "You only get to come when I say so."
"Yes, Sir."
Seconds turned into endless minutes. Each time he denied her, the need became greater. He pinched her sore cheeks, his lips devoured her neck, and his fingertips tweaked her nipples. When she finally heard his murmured permission, she exploded into a shattering orgasm.
"Remember that while I'm gone," he said softly as he held her. "When I get back we're gonna do that again, but you won't get to come until you've pleasured me with your mouth."
"I won't be able to think of anything else," she purred, "and I'll be counting the hours."
CHAPTER TWELVE
Reluctant to part, they kissed and hugged standing next to Queenie's stall. The bay mare had her head over her door looking for attention, and as Theresa slipped from Josh's arms, she fed the grateful horse the last of the treats.
"There you go, sweet girl. I'll be back to see you tomorrow."
With a soft nicker, Queenie turned away and returned to the large pile of hay in her feeder.
"She's so…"
"Present," Josh offered. "Some horses live in their own world, but when you catch her eye, she's right there."
"That's how it feels."
"Yep, and we're stallin'. We both need to hit the road."
Guiding her the short distance to the back entrance, they stared out at mud puddles and debris scattered across the grounds.
"Good grief. There's a lot of cleaning up to do," Theresa remarked, "and the rain is still coming down. You don't need to walk me to the car. I'll get through the rain faster if I just make a mad dash."
"Don't run too fast. You'll trip and end up in the mud."
"Good point. That's the last thing I need."
"I'll watch from here, then I'm going to follow you back to Dream Horse Ranch. The roads will be a mess. I want to make sure you get back in one piece."
"Josh, one thing," she said hesitantly. "Sometimes in the heat of the moment, or even after the heat of the moment, promises are made, things are said…"
"Whoa. Are you tryin' to tell me you don't want—"
"No! I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about you. If you find yourself thinking you jumped in too fast, I'll understand. When most guys say I'll call you they don't mean it, so if you start to feel—"
"Stop right there," he declared, pulling her into his arms. "I'm not most guys, and I've been wantin' to take you out ever since you first showed up here weeks ago. I told you that."
"But, Josh, you've barely said two words to me."
"You know how it is after lessons! I'm always racin' around, and there are too many people around to try to talk to anyone for more than a minute. I did look for you a couple of times after things settled down, but you were gone. Besides, how does a lowly cowboy like me approach a princess?"
"You're no lowly cowboy," she said with a giggle, "and I'm certainly no princess."
"Yeah you are, and don't you forget it."
"So—what made you come up to me at the supermarket?"
"The moment felt right, but now I'm kickin' myself for waitin' so long."
"You are?"
"You bet, but hey, things happen when they should, and trust me, I'm not havin' second thoughts," he said earnestly, then lowering his voice and looking at her solemnly, he added, "Theresa, I'll always be straight with you."
"Thank you, Josh. I needed to hear that."
"You feelin' better?"
"Yes, I am. Sorry, but I had to be sure."
"I'm glad you said something. Any time you're feelin' insecure you've gotta speak up. Imaginations can be deadly."
"I will. You're the best, Josh Brady. Okay, I guess I'm ready to make a run for the Rover. Wish me luck."
"Just be careful. I'll follow you to the ranch and call you when I get to Springdale."
Bolting into the weather, she dodged the puddles and branches littering the ground, quickly climbing into the SUV. Taking a second to catch her breath, she pulled off the waterproof parka Josh had lent her, then starting the engine, she turned on the heater, and slowly started down the gravel road. As she rounded the building, she spied Josh's truck with its headlights on. They flashed, signaling he was ready to follow her.
Keeping her speed down on the journey back to Dream Horse Ranch, her eyes stayed vigilant, and when she drew near the ranch she found herself navigating several downed branches. Finally reaching the driveway she turned off the road and rolled slowly towards the tall gates. Josh honked as he drove past, and honking back, she moved forward and headed up to the house. Evidence of the storm surrounded her, including the lawn chair from her back patio lying on its side in the middle of the lawn near the barn.
"Wow. This is a mess," she murmured, rolling to a stop, "but I'm so glad it happened. If I didn't know better I'd say that storm blew in just to bring Josh and me together. Thank you, weather Gods."
Climbing from the SUV, she hurried to the back door and into the kitchen. She'd made it back in time to prepare dinner, but found a message on the kitchen island from Andy. He'd left to spend the evening with Maureen and wouldn't be back until morning. Though happy as she'd ever been, a yawn swallowed her up, and as the weariness took hold, she decided to make pasta. She still had several jars of the sauce she'd made, so all she'd have to do was cook the linguini and pop some garlic bread in the oven to toast. Lifting a pot from the kitchen chandelier, she filled it with water and set it to boil. She was pouring the sauce from the jar into a dish when she heard the d
oorbell. Not sure if anyone else was in the house she walked to the foyer, and opening the door she found a police officer on the porch.
"Hi, come in out of the rain," she said warmly, ushering him in. "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"
"Afternoon, Miss. I'm Officer Purdue. I'm doing some routine checks after the storm," he replied. "It was pretty bad, but you seemed to have come through it okay."
"Looks like we did, but I waited it out over at Tall Tree Farms. I'm Theresa, by the way. I just got home. Can I get you some coffee?"
"I'd love a cup. I can't stay long, but thanks. It's been a rough morning."
"Sure. Come on through to the kitchen."
But as she started to leave the foyer, the door opened and Salvo entered.
"You're back!" he exclaimed. "I'm so glad. Why didn't you text me?"
"I just got home a couple of minutes ago. Officer Purdue, this is my brother, Salvo Cavalleri."
"Hi. Nice to meet you, officer. Is there a problem?"
"He's checking in because of the weather," Theresa said, "and you're dripping all over the floor. Take that slicker off and come into the kitchen. I'm making coffee."
"Great. Heath and Carly are at the barn with Chuck," Salvo declared as he took off the bright yellow raincoat. "The vet arrived, then the storm hit. They've been waiting for it to pass so he can examine Chuck. Not much fun having thunder banging over your head while you've got your hand in a horse's mouth."
"This sounds like quite a story," the officer remarked as they headed down the hall to the kitchen. "Horses, I love 'em, but they sure can have their problems."
"Have a seat at the table," Theresa offered, starting the coffee. "Salvo, be a doll and get the brownie's from the pantry."
"This is real nice of you, and call me Jim. Officer Purdue is such a mouthful."
"Thanks, Jim."
He settled into the kitchen table, and when Salvo joined him with a plate of brownies, they began chatting about the storm. Producing steaming mugs of cinnamon coffee topped with whipped cream, Theresa sat down, but as she did the officer became solemn.
"There's something else I need to mention while I'm here. We're alerting everyone. We have a missing person. A woman. Her name is Claudia Harris. This is her picture," he said, unfolding a piece of paper and placing it on the table. "If she hasn't shown up by tomorrow morning these posters will be all over the county."
Theresa's skin prickled.
"Where was she last seen?" Salvo asked, just as Theresa was about to.
"The Horseshoe Tavern two nights ago."
"I saw her," Theresa blurted out. "I was there."
"You did? Please tell me everything you remember. Did you see her talking to anyone?"
Though she knew Josh was innocent of any wrongdoing, she paused, not sure what to say.
"Theresa, anything at all, the smallest detail might be helpful," the officer pressed. "Did she leave before you?"
"So, uh, where do I begin? Salvo, I planned to fill you in the moment I saw you."
"Fill me in about what?"
"You'll find out in a second. Jim, do you think she's another victim of the date rape drug guy?"
"I was about to mention that," he said, raising his eyebrows in surprise. "This is the first case in this town, but we've been anticipating his arrival. He's been broadening the net. How do you know about him?"
"I'm a friend of Josh Brady's. He told me."
"Ah, I see. You know you can't mention his involvement to anyone."
"Yes, he made that clear, but he knows I'll be telling Salvo and Heath. Does he know this woman is missing?"
"Not yet. It only became official a little while ago. Apparently she and her husband had a fight, and he thought she was just staying with a friend."
"Will you please tell me what this is all about?" Salvo said impatiently.
"We've got a psycho on the loose," Jim replied. "He's been targeting single women in bars and clubs. He slips them a drug, then somehow—and we don't know how he does this—but he lures them outside, abducts them, and they wake up with very little, or no memory."
"He takes their jewelry and money," Theresa interjected, "but he doesn't take their wedding rings or phones. The thing is, he leaves them in the middle of nowhere, right, Jim?"
"Yes, that's right. Sometimes they're ten minutes from town, other times they're miles away. But they have no idea where they are or how they got there. A grim scenario to say the least."
"I want to help!" Salvo exclaimed. "We have to find this guy."
"Believe me, we're pulling out all the stops, but Theresa, what can you tell me about that night?"
"I think I was supposed to be his victim."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because someone slipped something in my drink, and if Josh hadn't stepped up and helped me out of there, I might have been the one woman you're looking for."
"You're one lucky lady."
"Very," Theresa murmured. "I have a hard time wrapping my brain around what might have happened, but to answer your question, the last time I saw Claudia she was talking to Josh in the parking lot. They were standing next to his truck. I went back inside and apparently that's when the drug took hold. I remember Josh coming back in and dancing with him, but that's all. He recognized the symptoms of the drug and hustled me out of the tavern. There was another officer there and she followed Josh in my car. Obviously I couldn't drive."
"That would have been Officer Martin. She went back, but by then Claudia was gone. I'd advise you to be extra careful, Theresa. Cases like these can escalate. The perpetrator often becomes more confident and ups the ante, so to speak."
"Are you saying he'll come after Theresa during the day?" Salvo asked urgently. "That would be risky. Would he do that?"
"I'm not saying anything, I'm just speculating, but if he came after Theresa and failed, he might want to try again."
"I had the same thought," Theresa said, "but I didn't even consider the possibility he'd try something in daylight hours. Didn't all his victims come from bars and clubs?"
"Victims that we know of. There will be some who haven't come forward. It takes courage, and not everyone is prepared to face the ordeal."
"I have to help," Salvo repeated. "Tell me what I can do."
"When you're out keep your eyes open, and if you see anything suspicious contact us," the officer said, lifting a card from his breast pocket. "Don't do anything, just call."
"But what if I see a woman being bundled into a car? I can't just watch."
"You're a fit young man, but even those muscles won't stop a bullet. Take the time to memorize the make, model and color of the vehicle, and the license plate number, then call us."
"Got it. You can count on me."
"I can see you're eager to do something, but I don't think you should stake out bars and clubs. We're already doing that."
"Okay. I hear you," Salvo said, nodding his head.
"Time for me to hit the road. Thanks for the coffee and brownies, Theresa. They hit the spot."
"My pleasure. Take some with you," she said, rising to her feet and wrapping several in plastic wrap.
"That's mighty kind."
Salvo lingered in the kitchen while she walked the police officer to the door, and when she returned, she recognized Salvo's set jaw and narrowed eyes.
"Don't do it, Salvo. You heard him. Leave it to the police."
"The hell with that. I'm starting tonight."
"The Horseshoe Tavern is closed, and with the storm I'll bet the other bars will be too, at least tonight."
"Oh. I hadn't thought about that."
"How about this? I'll talk to Josh and ask him if he'd like to have you along for back up."
"Will you do that?"
"Sure. He's a really neat guy, Salvo. You'll like him, and I'll sleep better knowing the two of you are watching out for each other."
"That's a good plan. I like it. Thanks, sis, but I'm going with you when you run to the
store until this asshole is caught."
"You won't get any arguments from me. I need the help. Loading those bags into the car can be a pain. I'll tell Heath and Carly about all this over dinner. Everyone needs to be on alert. This guy could be anywhere."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Over dinner Theresa had given Heath and Carly the details of her evening at The Horseshoe Tavern, shared the information offered by Officer Purdue, then explained Josh's covert involvement in the investigation, and the disturbing news about Claudia Harris's disappearance.
"Now you know everything," Theresa finished. "If Josh was in a bar and saw a woman leave alone, he made it his business to see her home safely. He wasn't picking up girl after girl. Unfortunately some were upset that he didn't want to stay with them. Perhaps that's where the rumors started."
"Carly, until this creep is caught you're not goin' anywhere without one of us along for the ride," Heath said firmly. "He could be anywhere, and who's to say he only does this at night?"
"Josh had the same concern," Theresa declared. "Especially with me."
"I'm not sure I'll leave the ranch," Carly said grimly. "The whole thing is so scary."
"I'm sorry, Theresa," Heath continued. "You were right about Josh, and you were also right when you said gossip is just that, gossip. I'm sure glad he was there for you."
"I am too, but I'm a bit worried. He should have called by now."
"He'll be fine. I'll bet he arrived at the show and found himself dealin' with a bunch of unexpected last minute problems. Happens all the time."
"I hope so. I feel edgy though, like something's wrong."
"Salvo, what do you have to say about all this?" Carly asked.
To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2) Page 9