Shanna moved through the motions of leaving the plane out of habit because travel had been such a part of her life for the last year. She gathered her items from around her, stored them under the seat in front of her, and waited for the wheels of the jet to bounce on the tarmac. While she waited for the ding of the seatbelt light to release the masses, she marveled at people. Without any patience or forethought, passengers jumped up from their seat only to wait sandwiched in between a man with a huge Cowboy hat and a woman with a cane. Unbidden, her thoughts drifted back into her errant, well-worn thought pattern.
It is water under the bridge, she told herself. You need to get your act together, pronto. There was to be no more fantasy dream life and no more wimpy guys for her. She understood she had hit the proverbial jackpot when the local hospital, local as in twenty country miles away, was looking to have an acute care clinic in the nearest real town to her parents’ house. Her credentials as an Advance Family Nurse Practitioner practicing rural medicine who originally hailed from the area immediately made the hospital eager to snap her up. They located a small office space or at least space they could use as a clinic office and would outfit it as soon as she told them she was there.
If she was honest, she needed this change. This was a safe place to lick her wounds and get her priorities set back in place, her goals in line and straight again. Then, perhaps, in a few years, she could look at the male population again. This was the part of the country where men were men and cherished their women, protected them, lead their families. Real cowboy country. Now, let’s hope they have not changed so much I will not be able to recognize a good man when I see one. For fun, Shanna. I just want some fun, right now. Do not forget.
She froze when she heard a voice behind her and then she tried with irrational urgency to identify the man with the voice to no avail.
* * * * *
Zanith Gideon contemplated what he wanted in life. He was thirty-one years old and was the only Gideon son who had not tied the knot with the love of his life and started a family. If the truth were told, he was not against doing that, but there had been a few roadblocks to that scenario for him thus far. The first roadblock was he had always enjoyed splitting his time between playing a little on the rodeo circuit, playing with the buckle bunnies a time or two, and the ranch. He often won at the bronc riding events and it was how he had won his hand-tooled leather saddle he was bringing home today. However, bronc riding and bunnies were not holding his interest any longer. He needed more. He needed to find a woman who was the love of his life so he could have a life, with her. The type of woman that when you are with her it felt like, what his brother had dubbed, the “kick ya in the gut” kind of feeling. It had been more than a year since any woman had excited him enough to consider whether they were someone that he could spend his life with, adoring and protecting.
“May I grab your bag for you, ma’am?” Zane had already extended his arm into the overhead compartment to retrieve the bag too large for the small grandmotherly woman to reach and maneuver.
The older woman graced the tall Zane with a relieved smile. “Thank you, son, I was having doubts about being able to do it myself.”
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
Zane drifted back to his life as he waited for the passengers to disembark. Of course, changing his goals in life was easy to agree on in theory, but putting his mental plan into action was another thing entirely. He needed to decide if he would take over the equine part of the family ranch or give it up lock, stock, and barrel. His family deserved at least that from him.
On the circuit, many were the times when other competitors accused Zane of breaking the bronc before they hit the shoot. Of course, it wasn’t possible and they all recognized it, but Zane seemed to be able to gentle the most skittish horse. It was why he was the one to run the stables and operations at the ranch if he would accept, and he needed to decide that now.
Shanna rose when her row began to empty and on cue, walked out of the plane, having given up on identifying the man with the voice. With yet another unfulfilled sigh, she headed through the airport to a corner of the baggage claim arriving just in time to grab the first one off the conveyor belt. WHAM! It took a few seconds to realize she was on the ground. Whatever happened disoriented her for a couple of seconds and she realized she had hit hard. In addition, something was under her, solid, irregular, and oddly smooth at the same time.
"Oh, darling, I am so sorry about putting my things in your way. I should have put the saddle off to the side, but I was afraid someone would walk off with it."
That voice was the voice she had heard on the airplane. Shanna found herself groaning, but not out of pain. That voice almost made her wonder if she should not just find a seat, and get lost in the sound and timbre of the intoxicating voice. It resonated with opulent country sounds. It was smooth, but with rough edges, almost gravelly and a touch of humor. Not a doubt about it, that voice was sex on a stick, or a saddle as it were. The next thing she knew she was moving and she found herself lifted bodily off the floor and set on her feet with big, hard, comforting hands on her waist until she steadied. Was her tummy tingling?
"Mmm, I'm okay. Wow, you are tall and tanned." Immediately, she mentally moaned at her lack of intelligent or tactful conversation. Where was that filter she usually used when talking to those she was not close to, when she needed it most? Damn, but this man looked a lot like that senior in high school so long ago. The simple act of being in his presence affected her cerebral abilities. Good Lord, she could be wrong, probably was wrong, but if not, he was even more freaking gorgeous than she remembered. Looking up, she saw the smile spread over his face and light up the whole baggage claim area. She felt the warmth creeping up and the beginnings of the familiar, yet latent and seemingly uncontrollable excitement.
"Yes, ma'am, they grow them tall down this way and we do see a lot of the sun."
"They sure do. I had quite forgotten that. Yes, I bet a lot of sun, but I‘m thinking not all tan, right?"
“Right again, my family has some Native American in us so we can keep our tan year round. Looks like you have a bit of some yourself.”
“Latin on my mom’s side, but I also did some fakin’ bakin’ just so I’d fit in. The Northwest tends to be a bit rainy this time of year.”
He nodded as he reached over and snagged his bag from the conveyor belt sitting it next to Shanna. She could smell his body’s essence mingled with soap that had a ‘green’ and leather scent. Leather, soap, and outdoors, but certain scents brought color to her mind’s eye.
“Mmm, you smell green and warm.”
“Warm and green, that is an interesting description.”
“Yeah, you know, warm has a scent, and somethings like fields and meadows, smell green. I have this thing called Synesthesia. It’s where some smells produce color in my brain. Fear is purple.”
Shanna continued to talk about the flights and other mundane things, as he was content to listen and enjoy the conversation. She had missed that in a male companionship for a little while.
She reached to rub her tummy. Yes, clenching, it was definitely clenching, but she tried to chalk it up to hunger, as she had not eaten for hours. Hunger was safe because if she went down the road that her body was leading her then she was looking trouble in the face. Trouble was one thing she did not have time for, especially when it was the melt your panties, cowboy kind.
Shanna experienced a twinge of regret she did not have the option of better acquainting herself with this nice looking, comfort talking cowboy. She was almost sure that here, standing in front of her, was the same man that for years her daydreams envisioned would take her home. He was a man who appeared as tough as he was gorgeous, a take-charge real gentleman cowboy that was pure sex with a Stetson. Oh, and a hand-tooled saddle, she added with a smile.
Another familiar theory of self-doubt came through. She could be on the rebound and any man would make her quiver in her boots. Could a person be on the reb
ound after more than a year post-dump? Was there even such a thing as a reasonable amount of time or was it like grieving, it took however long it took?
Quickly changing her mind’s created philosophy tract, Shanna agreed, "Beautiful saddle you have there, I can see why you were protective. Who tooled it so well? It doesn't appear stamped as so many I have seen."
The scrumptious cowboy kept his protective hold on her.
“No, ma'am, it’s hand tooled. You have a good eye. I won this at the last rodeo I was at and since I decided to get home for Easter weekend, I flew home and needed to bring it with me. I almost didn't let them check it. Debated about buying it a seat, I was that proud and protective."
Shanna laughed. "Yes, that might have been awkward. I don't suppose they let you buy a seat for a seat, do they?"
They both laughed. Oh, Lord, I am tingling lower down. Am I damp? Stop it, Shanna, just stop this flirting and get home.
"Oops. That's my other bag," she tried to redirect her thoughts and leaned over to reach for the bag, but her sexy Stetson cowboy reached over to grab it and set it at her feet. Her cowboy? No, not hers.
"Thanks. I have been pleased to meet you, but I need to head out if I intend to get home before dark."
Shanna reached out a trembling hand to shake and his voice responded with energetic intent.
"What’s your name, sunshine? I understand Texas is a big state, but if you are coming into DFW, we could be from the same general area. I'm Zanith Gideon, but everyone calls me Zane and I live outside a stop in the road called Freedom."
"Really? I am going back home to Hopeland or at least close to Hopeland. We are going probably about ten miles apart from each other. Guess it is a small world."
Shanna could feel her insides quiver with the hope that she might be able to see him again. It could happen. Yep, panties definitely wet and her tummy was definitely gnawing at her.
"Hey, you got a phone number I could call and we could get a bite to eat sometime?"
Shanna laughed. "Sure, I'm Shanna Parker, by the way."
They exchanged information and went on their way. She caught the transport to the car rental area that was located out of the airport parking lot area, but was on the edge of the property. It seemed like such a hassle, but it worked out fine because it afforded her a few moments to gather her overexcited thoughts and trembling insides.
Chapter Two
Well, that worked out well, she told herself, you haven't even stepped foot at home yet and you have completely melted internally. She reviewed his smile, his friendly and dark good looks, and his ability to ease into a conversation without bravado or a stampede. She was almost positive that Zane Gideon was the full-grown man her dream boy had become. You have a real nice way about you, Zane Gideon, like my dreams, always believed. Oh, her belly played the symphony that her mind was playing. Yum, it was obvious he was a man who appreciated what physical labor was all about. It was not like going to a gym built, but the kind created by manual labor and physical exertion. And what happened to her hesitancy about swarthy men like her ex? Even her messed up psyche was betraying her. Was nothing sacred anymore?
Shanna gathered bags and let the driver help her for a small tip so she was able to get to her car rental desk within a few moments, but the line was several deep. She took the time to review whether she wanted Zane to call her or not. She would probably run into him at one place or another. There weren't many places to go for something quick except the town in between them both so she was confident she could learn more about him.
* * * * *
“Sorry, Zane, Lady Bell was birthing a bull and since it wasn’t her first, we missed the signs that she was about to drop it. She was having a terrible time of it and we just couldn’t leave it to chance. I hate it when they calf later than most, but she has always had a different cycle. Anyway, I sent for Jud to help so I could drive up, but he had already gone into town for entertainment of the female variety, so I had to stay, boss. Joey said she would go, but expected your plane to be the latest one. Sorry, man. You’ll have to rent a vehicle and drive it down. One of us will turn it in tomorrow.”
“Nah, that’s fine, I’ll grab a car and be down in a few hours. See you soon.”
Zane hopped on the next bus for the rental cars, then sat and contemplated that cute bit he had just run into. If she was going back home to Hopeland, it might mean she was unattached and that could be a good thing for him. He reflected on her confidence and her feminine way that meant she was not one of those people that ran a corporation and ate her own young for breakfast. She saw what she wanted and was not afraid to get it. However, she did understand how a woman should be soft spoken and sweet in most circumstances. She was raised in Texas after all. And she blushed effortlessly. He smiled, for he was sure she did not value that quality, but he did. Zane wondered what a blush on her other set of cheeks would look like. He bet they would look cuter still. And a good girl session would make her love those blushes. He almost burst out laughing when he imagined her response to a naughty girl session.
Yep, she was just like that shirt he saw at the airport, something about men wanting their women like their tea, “strong, sweet, and southern” he substituted “and Texan.” Just like any dyed in the wool Texan, he knew Southern was a whole different creature. Texas blended the amenities of the South with the toughness of the West to create Texans. And if you didn’t get that then you just didn’t get it. Zane could imagine her also to be like the sticker his sister sported on her pickup truck, ‘Don’t mess with a Texas Woman’.
He didn’t see her as a clingy woman, but she would be in tune with her feminine side. That would blend nicely into her kick butt side. Zane would like to become familiar with her feminine and saucy side, which he knew she had. He had seen a quick showing when he reached for her bag off the belt. It was that little bit of irritation before she stepped back in acquiesce. However, it was obvious that she did not want to do that. Yeah, she would be something to tame.
She would be glorious to meet on the proverbial battlefield, as she would be a worthy opponent. Before he spanked her, that is. Zane had always had a love of spanking beautiful women. Hell, he loved spanking them when he was just a kid, still wet behind the ears. He loved the challenge of a woman who enjoyed winning, but real punishment spankings happened because they were needed. Truth be told, he hated to do them, but he would if his lady earned it. The best kind, hands down, was the kind that brought moans to his companion and got him so hard it created an agony he worked hard to earn to satisfy. Ladies first, always, and often. That was when the best rockets took flight.
But she did have to enjoy the spanking in general and agree to the lifestyle difference. He wondered if Miss Shanna did. He found some who tolerated it, but only one that enjoyed it. Well, except when she was getting the naughty girl spanking. He noticed the shifting in her seat and the wiggle when he changed his voice. She was a good candidate if she would let it happen.
Knock it off man. She might not even be interested. Besides, even if she showed interest, she might not want the complete package that defined Zane. The whole DD package was the only thing he ever offered since he was seventeen. He learned he enjoyed a little additional jazz and the more he played, the more he liked to play, but DD was his foundation. He wondered if he should even think of pursuing her. However, she did exchange information and he looked at the number, to verify it was a local landline. She was not an innocent, so she might be interested. He tried to look the number up on his phone, but it was unlisted. He thought about her long legs, but they didn’t make her a tall woman, just sexy. She was close to a full ten inches shorter than he was, but her amber eyes were easy to fall into and her dark chocolate hair and creamy tanned skin, made her exquisite.
He and his siblings had hair and eyes that were nearly black so that hint of richness in hers was noticeable. She was built with plenty of generous curves and they looked perfect on her. He loved that lushness in a woman. It made
her soft and called to a man, making this man go into protective mode and his sidekick go into overdrive. Yes, perhaps this would be an impressive new beginning of the rest of his life. He just needed to play his cards right and see how the hand played out. Damn, it was like a kick in the gut and unconsciously rubbed his midsection just as Shanna had done earlier.
"Miss, miss?" Shanna looked up. "I can help you now."
She smiled a bit sheepishly. "Thanks."
As she was walking out the door with her paperwork in hand, she stopped to go to the ladies' room. Wow, she acknowledged, I look a mess. She took out her brush to put some order to her appearance before proceeding to her car. Shanna left the restroom and as she swung her bags around behind her, the wheel of one suitcase caught on the other bag causing both to tip to the side. With irritation, she concentrated on righting the cases and untangling them, causing her to run into a hard wall. No, not a wall, her tummy was clenching again. It was Zane standing tall and muscular.
"Whoa, you are going to get hurt before you get home, darling. I bet your parents are expecting you in one piece. What are you in a hurry about?" Zane reached to steady the teetering young woman as he put his cell phone back into his pocket.
Shanna laughed. "I just want to go home is all. Are you renting a car too? I would have expected you to have a car here or someone pick you up."
"Yeah, me too, but plans change. I'll rent a car and drop it off tomorrow."
"Hey, don't do that. Why don't you just ride with me? I have to go your way anyway and so will be able to drop you off. There is no use you paying for a car you don't need more than a couple of hours. I need mine until I get a new car so I need it a few days."
"Thanks, I would appreciate it. How about I get you supper?"
"That'd be nice, but be warned, I have little patience when my stomach aches caused by hunger." What happened to that filter? "You sure you don't need to get right home?"
Cowboy Welcome Page 2