To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2)

by Maggie Carpenter

  "Josh, thank you," she said gratefully, throwing her arms around his neck. "You're the best. You're the absolute best."

  "I reckon I'm sharin' that title with you, Princess," he softly replied, hugging her tightly. "I know you've got your own room, but there's no way I'm lettin' you leave."

  "Salvo will be happy."

  "How's that?"

  "With the fair supposed to be starting tomorrow, the hotel had only one room left. Salvo won't have to sleep on the floor. I'd better text him and let him know."

  "Seems like everyone's comin' out on top tonight, includin' Springdale. Last report I heard there are only minor injuries. The fairground was hit, but that's it. I guess the twister touched down, then scurried outta here."

  "I've never seen a tornado and I'm not sure I want to."

  "They're monsters, but they sure are breathtakin' to look at. You call Salvo and I'll open the wine."

  "Are you hungry? There's a picnic hamper in the truck, and guess what's in it?"

  "I'm too distracted lookin' at you to play guessin' games," he murmured, lifting her hair and kissing her neck, "except maybe thinkin' about what you're wearin' under these clothes."

  "Brownies."

  "Mmm, they'd go real good with red wine. How do we get 'em without leavin' the room?"

  "I'll ask Salvo to fetch them for me."

  "Good plan. Your little brother is handy."

  "Yeah. He can be."

  "Here's the plan. You text him, give him the good news, then send him on the errand. While you're doin' that I'm gonna start the tub. You and I are gonna soak in hot foam for a while."

  "Ooh, that sounds heavenly."

  "And I think I might have to tan your tail."

  "Why?"

  "A whole lotta good came outta tonight, but you were still reckless."

  "You're just looking for an excuse."

  "I don't need an excuse. You've got a mighty spankable ass."

  "Aww, thanks, cowboy, uh, I think."

  "Text Salvo before I rip your clothes off."

  Giggling as she reached down and picked up her bag, she rummaged through the contents and retrieved her phone.

  "By the way, how's the finger?" he asked, watching her touch the keypad with only the forefinger of her right hand.

  "It hardly bothers me at all. I had an exceptional doctor."

  "Glad to hear it."

  "There. Done! Salvo will be knocking on the door any minute with the brownies."

  "We need to make sure it doesn't get wet in the tub."

  "I assume you're talking about my finger. What would you suggest?"

  "I have an idea," he replied with a wicked grin. "Yep, I have the very thing."

  "Why am I suddenly feeling you have something devilish in mind?"

  "Because I do, Princess, and before you ask, no, I won't tell you. You'll just have to wait and find out."

  * * * * * * * * * *

  As they walked down the hospital corridor toward the exit, young Officer Fred Wyatt and Sergeant Dustin Kelly were deep in conversation. The doctors had allowed them only a brief visit with Claudia Harris. Though conscious, suffering from exposure, shock, and concussion, the woman desperately needed rest.

  "You know what I can't stop thinking about?" the young officer said solemnly. "Josh Brady was the last person to see that woman, and he's here, right where she was found. He arrived this morning, right?"

  "Huh. That's right."

  "Isn't that too much of a coincidence to ignore?"

  "You know, you might have something there."

  "What should we do? Check out his truck?"

  "This perp is smart, and if it's Josh Brady he sure wouldn't leave anything sitting on the passenger seat, and we sure can't open it up without a warrant. His horse trailer though, that might be worth a look-see. If it's parked on Smitty's property and he gives us permission to take a look, we're good."

  "Even though the trailer belongs to Josh Brady."

  "Yep, even though the trailer belongs to Josh Brady. Good thinking, Fred. Let's head on over there!"

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Propped up on the bed drinking a glass of red wine while they waited for the tub to fill, Josh fed Theresa a piece of brownie, then popped the remainder in his mouth. As the delicious decadence dissolved against his tongue, he rolled his eyes in pleasure.

  "Theresa, this is sinful."

  With the gooey richness muffling his speech he'd barely managed the words, but leaning forward he pressed his lips on hers and shared the chocolatey wonder.

  "Of all the times I've enjoyed my grandmother's brownies, that was the best," she murmured softly, then taking a sip of her wine, she sank back and released a happy sigh. "I'm beginning to feel almost human again."

  "You sit there for a minute. I'm gonna check the water."

  "I'm not sure I'd be able to move anyway. I'm totally exhausted."

  "I'll bet you are," he remarked. "Drink your wine. You need to chill."

  Climbing from the bed and ambling into the bathroom, though the bubbles sat at the top, when he lowered his arm into the aromatic suds he found the tub half-full. With both of them in the bath, any higher and the water would splash over the sides. Turning off the faucets, he walked back to the bed and perched on the edge of the mattress.

  "Hey, Princess, you wanna join me in a soak, or has that wine got the better of you?"

  "The soak. Definitely. I feel covered in crap."

  "Yeah, the wind makes you feel that way."

  "I can't wait to feel clean again."

  "I should warn you, I've gotta surprise waitin."

  "I consider myself warned," she said with a grin. "Do with me as you will."

  "I intend to, and I'm gonna start by takin' off your clothes. You don't do a thing. Got it?"

  "Yes, Sir."

  Slowly peeling off the layers, as he placed her belongings neatly on the chair by the window, he could feel her eyes on him.

  "What?" he asked as he returned to pop the snap on her bra.

  "I don't understand the question."

  "You were staring at me."

  "You're easy on the eyes," she said with a giggle. "I think I'm getting a bit buzzed."

  "Thank you, Princess, but that's not the feelin' I was gettin'."

  "Watching you put my stuff on the chair reminded me of the morning I woke up at your house."

  "Yeah, I can see why."

  "You're awfully neat for a cowboy," she remarked, as he shimmied her panties down her legs.

  "I didn't know cowboys had a reputation for bein' messy."

  "Good point."

  "Wineglass on the nightstand," he commanded. "Tub time." Waiting until the glass had been safely set in place, he effortlessly lifted her up, and carrying her into the bathroom he stood her on her feet in the warm, soapy water. "Lay back with your head below the faucets and raise your arms."

  "What are you going to do?"

  "You'll find out. Just do as I ask."

  As she lowered herself into the foam, he removed the sash from the bathrobe supplied by the hotel, then tying her wrists together, he looped the sash around the faucets. "Perfect. You look a treat, Princess."

  With the aromatic suds floating around her body, Theresa gazed up at the handsome cowboy leaning over her. Wearing a devilish grin, he slowly peeled of his shirt, then his trousers and boxers.

  "Someone's happy to see me," she said, staring at his cock standing proudly at attention. "Too bad I can't give him an appropriate welcome, like shaking his hand, or giving him a wet, sloppy kiss."

  "You'll be able to bring out the welcoming committee soon, but you'll stay as you are for the moment."

  "Don't you want him to enjoy my attention?" she asked, her eyes twinkling up at him.

  "Are you sayin' you don't like bein' at my mercy?"

  "You're answering my question with another question."

  "Yep, and I'm gonna ask again, and this time I want an answer. Do you like bein' at my mercy?"
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  "I haven't made up my mind yet," she said flippantly, raising her eyebrows. "I suppose my answer will depend on what you plan on doing to this helpless female."

  "Damn, girl, you're in one sassy mood," he remarked, kneeling beside the tub and sliding his hand over her breasts. "You might wanna think twice about pushin' your luck."

  "If that's what I'm doing, blame the wine."

  "The wine? Uh-uh. You know exactly what you're doin', and that's askin' me to take you in hand."

  "Take me in hand? Ooh, that is so sexy."

  "You think?" he purred, leaning down and softly sucking on her neck. "If you ever wanna feel my belt kiss your butt, you go right ahead and keep on pushin'."

  "Call me crazy, but there's a part of me that wants to accept that challenge."

  Her breathless words brought a fresh grin to his lips.

  "Don't think I wouldn't do it," he warned, lifting his head and fixing her with a steady gaze, "but we'll talk about that later. Do you want my company in that warm soapy water?"

  "Of course."

  "Yeah, then ask nice!"

  "I have to ask?"

  "You sure do, Princess, and be grateful. With all that sass I could've walked away and left you tied up in there."

  "Josh! Not tonight. You wouldn't do something like that tonight!"

  "No, not tonight, but remember that promise, and you still have to ask nicely."

  "Please, Sir, will you keep me company in this lovely bath?"

  "That's my girl," he said softly, pecking the tip of her nose.

  Climbing into the opposite end of the tub, he stretched out his legs on either side of hers, then laid back and let out a heavy sigh.

  "Man this feels good. Whatta day."

  "Who would have thought you're a cowboy who likes a bubble bath?"

  "I can't imagine a cowboy who wouldn't with you in the tub."

  "Good answer."

  Sitting up, he moved his hands against her slippery inner thighs, then slowly slid them towards her pussy. As she closed her eyes, he heard a soft, quick intake of breath. Though he knew she ached for his fingers to explore between her legs, he traveled his caress past her sex and over her belly.

  "Josh, please touch me?"

  "I am touchin' you."

  "You know what I mean."

  "Not yet, Princess."

  Moving his hands to her nipples, he lightly tweaked, then tweaked again—harder—but her yelp quickly faded as he began kneading her breasts.

  "You sure have beautiful tits. I can't wait to lace 'em with my rope. Have you ever been laced, Princess?"

  "A bit," she managed between moans.

  "You wanna try for more than a bit?"

  "Yes, Sir."

  "Ah, behavin' now are we? What happened to that sassy girl who was here a few minutes ago?"

  "I banished her."

  "Because?"

  "Because I need you. I'll be good, I swear. I want you so bad I can't stand it."

  Slowly sitting back, he drifted his hands back down her body and slipped his fingers into her womanhood. Even in the scented water he could feel her slick moisture, and massaging his thumb against her clit, he pushed a finger into her depths.

  "Sir, please don't stop."

  "Let me know when you're on the edge, but don't you dare come. You hear me?"

  "Ooh, Sir, I'll try not to."

  "Try? That's not good enough," he warned as he stroked her faster and rubbed more aggressively. "You'd better tell me."

  "Yes, Sir."

  She'd panted her reply, and though his cock was screaming for attention, he watched her closely, studying the rise and fall of her chest as her gasps and moans continued to rise in pitch.

  "Sir, I'm almost there," she suddenly wailed. "I can feel it."

  "Good girl," he said softly, immediately withdrawing his hand. "Now you just lie there and relax for a minute."

  "Relax? How can I relax?" she whined, squirming and sending water over the edge of the tub.

  "Take a deep breath, and don't worry, I won't leave you hangin' for long."

  Taking his member in his hand and enjoying the sight of her glossy nakedness, he stroked himself and pondered a decision; mutual masturbation in the bath, or lift her out, dry her off and ravage her on the bed? Deciding on the latter, he released his cock and lifted the soft sponge from the built-in shelf.

  "How long will you make me wait?" she bleated, her eyes half-lidded.

  "A little bit longer every time you ask. Close your eyes. This is gonna feel real good."

  With a resigned sigh she did as he instructed, and as he glided the soft sponge across her chest and up her arms, he was rewarded with a series of sensuous moans. It had been years since he'd bathed a beautiful woman, and though he relished every moment, his cock's craving finally won out.

  "Okay, Princess. After I untie you, get on your hands and knees."

  "Why?"

  "Why? Because I said so."

  "Why more than that?"

  "You really are feelin' that wine," he said with a chuckle as he leaned over and undid the knot. "There you go."

  "Yeah, I guess I am, but I still want to know."

  "I'm gonna wash your back, then we're takin' this to the bed."

  "Yummy."

  "You're a kick when you're a bit buzzed."

  "Thanks. Should I get on my hands and knees now?"

  "Yep. Carefully." But as she started to move, her unsteadiness worried him. "Never mind, Princess, just stay kneelin' like that."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Very sure."

  Moving the sponge across her shoulders, down her back and over her bottom, he quickly slipped it between her cheeks. To his surprise she didn't react, but calmly accepted the decadent attention. Satisfied, and hungry for her, placing the sponge back on the shelf, he stepped out and offered his hand.

  "Come on, darlin', take your time."

  "I know how to get out of a tub!"

  "You can be such a brat. Not to worry. I'll soon fix that."

  With her safely out of the water, he dried her off and ran the towel over his body, then swooping her up, he carried her through to the bed.

  "Hands and knees time," he declared, laying her on her stomach and climbing on the mattress behind her.

  He waited, but she mumbled something he couldn't make out and remained motionless.

  "I didn't hear you."

  Looking at him over her shoulder, she grinned a sassy smile.

  "I said make me."

  "Oh, Princess, you are a treasure."

  Grabbing her hips, he yanked her up, and grasping her firmly at the waist with one hand, he rained a flurry of sharp smacks with the other. Though she squealed and yelped in protest he continued to spank, finally stopping to check her wetness. Finding her soaked, he placed his rigid cock at her entrance and plunged forward. With her cries urging him on, he rode her vigorously, but each time he sensed she was nearing her climax, he slowed to deliver more slaps.

  "Sir, please, no more, please," she bleated. "I surrender."

  "What does that mean?" he asked, pausing his cock but staying buried inside her.

  "Just what I said. I surrender. I won't be a brat."

  "Until the next time," he muttered knowingly. "Right?"

  "Yes, Sir, but I know what will happen if I am."

  "Except I'll make you wait longer, and spank you harder."

  "Yes, Sir. I understand. Please let me come?"

  Wordlessly clutching her waist, he began to pummel her pussy. With no condom he knew he'd have to withdraw, but he didn't allow the thought to interfere. When she threw back her head and let out her grateful wail, he clenched his teeth and accelerated, using all his self-control to hold his climax at bay, but as her convulsions took hold, her pussy pulsed against his cock. Unable to deny his orgasm he pulled out, and groaning loudly he sprayed his cream across her crimson backside. As she collapsed on her stomach, though his heart pounded, he made his way to the bathroom, and gra
bbing a towel he returned to gently wipe her back. Finally dropping next to her, he wrapped her into his arms.

  "That was unbelievable," she mumbled. "You're unbelievable. Not even Henry made me feel like this."

  Exhausted from the day, and spent from their lovemaking, he knew she was muttering her thoughts as she passed out.

  "I know how you feel, Princess," he mumbled, closing his eyes. "I'll see you on the other side."

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Officer Wyatt and Sergeant Kelly were driving away from Rise and Shine Stables. Officer Wyatt sat behind the wheel while Sergeant Kelly pondered who to call first. Beside him an evidence bag held a royal blue silk scarf. Claudia Harris had been wearing a royal blue scarf on the night of her disappearance. Sergeant Kelly hadn't found it in the trailer. He'd been chatting to the barn's owner in the tack room when he spotted the dirty, wrinkled scarf lying over a saddle, a saddle that came in with Josh Brady. Not about to leave it behind, the sergeant had dropped it into an evidence bag.

  "What do you think about that," the young officer asked.

  "What do I think?" the sergeant repeated. "I think we're about to catch a cowboy."

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Theresa was stirred from a deep sleep by Josh's warm hug, and his cock pushing insistently into her portal. Resting on her side, he had her wrapped up from behind, and as his hands caressed her breasts, he pumped with slow, strong strokes. Though still groggy, she surrendered to his ardent skill and rode the gentle waves of pleasure. He carried her from one peak to the next, until the last wave crashed on the shore into orgasmic bliss. Again he had pulled out, but with the towel from the evening before lying on top of the bed he didn't have to leave her.

  "This is for the birds," he grumbled as he kissed her shoulders. "I've gotta get some condoms."

  "But I like you naked."

  "There's no gettin' around it until we have some other kinda protection."

  "I'll handle it," she promised, rolling over to face him. "When I get back to the ranch I'll call and make an appointment."

  "That would make me a very happy cowboy."

  "And if you're happy, so am I," she said, then yawning, she closed her eyes and groaned. "I feel like I could sleep for a week."