The Sweet Shoppe: Cowboy Up

by Melissa Schroeder

  Praise for the writing of Melissa Schroeder

  Bounty Hunters, Inc: For Love or Honor

  This erotic mystery will entrance you from the first word and will not let go until the last word… The author has blended romance, mystery and a futuristic tale that will have you anticipating the next book in the series.

  -- Tewanda, Fallen Angel Reviews

  From beginning to end, the action is nonstop in For Love or Honor. In 63 pages you will find a fast-paced mystery and plenty of steamy love scenes. What I liked most about this story was the real connection that develops between Del and Dylan.

  -- Patricia Green, Romance Reviews Today

  Melissa Schroeder is well known for writing a tight, exciting, hot story, and this one is no exception… Plenty of action, hot loving and a twist or two will have the reader on the edge of her chair waiting for the climactic end.

  -- Valerie, Love Romances

  Ms. Schroeder has a way of weaving romance, seduction and intrigue in a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat… I was sorry to see the story come to an end, but I am sure there will be more to follow.

  -- Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance

  Bounty Hunters, Inc: For Love or Honor is now available from Loose Id.

  THE SWEET SHOPPE: COWBOY UP

  Melissa Schroeder

  www.loose-id.com

  Warning

  This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

  * * * * *

  This book is rated:

  For explicit sexual content and graphic language.

  The Sweet Shoppe: Cowboy Up

  Melissa Schroeder

  This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Published by

  Loose Id LLC

  1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-29

  Carson City NV 89701-1215

  www.loose-id.com

  Copyright © June 2005 by Melissa Schroeder

  Excerpt of Taming Kate copyright April 2005 by Sedonia Guillone

  All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

  ISBN 1-59632-124-5

  Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

  Printed in the United States of America

  Editor: Linda Kusiolek

  Cover Artist: Scott Carpenter

  Dedication

  To Stephanie Vaughan, whose kindness and support are only exceeded by her ability to make me laugh when I feel like throwing in the towel. When I grow up, I want to be just like you.

  From the time of Arthur and Camelot, she has traveled the world, dispensing her magical sweets. Her spells allow anyone who eats the confections to fulfill their hidden fantasies with the one they love. But if the recipient doesn't believe their love is returned, then they are condemned to a life of knowing their lack of faith caused them to lose the one person they were destined to love.

  Chapter One

  She had arrived in hell.

  Linda Wheeler blinked against the Texas sun and sighed. Only it wasn’t truly hell, just her personal hell. And that was much worse than eternity spent with the Devil himself.

  A drop of sweat dribbled down her back; her mouth felt as dry as sandpaper. She looked at the time and realized that showing up at the ranch at dinner time was probably not the greatest timing, but she didn’t give a damn. Three days ago, she’d been happy. Somewhat happy. Okay, not that happy, but still happier than she’d ever be at the McCabe and Wheeler Dude Ranch. Living in Dallas had been a dream of hers since her teens, and she’d achieved it for the last fifteen years. Now, she was back in hell. Other people might call it West Texas. She had different ideas.

  She ground her teeth as she turned onto the dirt road that led to the ranch house. Red Texas dust billowed out around the car, making her choke. If Charles hadn’t taken off with the Honda, she would have been able to wind up the windows and turn on the A/C. And if he hadn’t cleared out their bank account, sold her jewelry, and left her nothing but an empty apartment and a Dear Jane email ... He’d been nice enough to leave her his piece-of-shit car.

  The ranch house came into view, and her head started to pound. It looked exactly the same as she remembered it. White with dark blue trim, the house had been the center of her world at one time. It had meant home. The wraparound porch was filled with rocking chairs. Light poured out of the windows, creating a welcome invitation to any weary traveler. She could even smell the pit barbecue in the back of the house. Six in the evening in the summer, like clockwork.

  Linda’s stomach roiled, and she swallowed down her panic. This was only temporary. She’d be back on the road as soon as Nick agreed to buy out her part of the ranch. She was sure he’d agree, but since Charles had cancelled her cell phone account, reaching Nick had been impossible. With the first of the month looming, and no way to pay the rent since she’d gotten fired, Linda had decided to pack up the junk pile and head to the ranch.

  A multitude of pickups were parked out in front of the house. Most of them were ranch trucks. She could tell by the dents, the scratches, the later models. A few looked new. There was a minivan or two, telling her the ranch had customers.

  After parking her car, she drew in a deep breath and tried her best to blink away the tears in her eyes. She would not fall apart. Amos Wheeler hadn’t raised a fluffball. She’d make it through this and come out ahead. She should have indulged in the fudge she’d been craving since she’d stopped in Sullivan at the Sweet Shoppe. Licking her lips, she opened the car door and stepped out of the car. Somehow, her left foot got tangled in the seat belt, and, as she struggled, she found herself falling forward, out of the car and into the dirt. She landed with an oomph.

  Sighing, she lifted herself to her hands and knees just in time to see a pair of cowboy boots come into view. Looking up, she squinted against the bright sun as she tried to discern who was standing in front of her.

  “Well, if it isn’t little Linda Wheeler. I think the last time I saw you was after your father’s funeral two years ago.”

  She fell back and plopped down hard on her rear end in the dirt. Nicodemus McCabe squatted in front of her, a nasty smile curving his lips. He pushed his cowboy hat back with his thumb and looked down at her. There was nothing welcoming in his gaze. Cold, hard, and dark, the look in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. Not in fear, but, as usual, from some sort of sick attraction she could never figure out.

  “Let me see if I can remember what you said at the time. Oh, yeah. You would rather take a trip to hell and back before setting foot on this ranch again.” He placed a hand beside her head on the car door and leaned forward. The scent of leather and Nick filled her senses, and her head spun. “So, Linda. How was hell?”

  Nick stared down at Linda Wheeler and wondered just what the hell she was doing at the ranch, sitting in the red dirt. He glanced at her car -- a beat-up sedan that was on its last axles -- and then back at her. She must be at the end of her rope to return to the ranch. From the looks of things, the rope had been unra
veling for a while. And he hated it. As much as he thought he would enjoy her downfall, he didn’t like seeing her at the bottom.

  She pursed her lips, like he knew she did when she was mad. “You tell me. Since you revel in living in hell and being the gatekeeper of the inmates, I figure you know better than I.”

  He had to hand it to her. Her clothes looked liked she’d slept in them, her hair was a mess, and the dark smudges beneath her eyes told him she’d been losing sleep. And she could still dish it out. One tough woman. Even though she looked like she’d been put through the wringer, she smelled as if she’d just left one of those fancy-ass spas she liked to go to. All lavender and spice. When he found himself leaning closer, enjoying the scent, he pulled back and stood up.

  “Whatcha doing here, Wheeler?” He couldn’t help the sarcastic tone, but he did offer her a hand up.

  She glanced up at his face and then his hand. Her green gaze hardened; then she grabbed hold of the opened car door and pulled herself up. The woman always had to take care of herself.

  “I’m here to discuss the ranch, McCabe.”

  Strange. And disturbing. Linda never wanted to discuss the ranch. “Got your check last month, didn’t ya?”

  She frowned and crossed her arms beneath her breasts. He tried to concentrate on getting information, but it was hard with her standing there like that. Linda had never been what anyone would call top-heavy. She was more of a pear shape. But he’d bet her breasts were gorgeous. With her complexion, he was almost sure she’d have the prettiest pink nipples ... Immediately, heat shot straight to his dick. No need to be fantasizing about a woman he would never have. He shook his head and lifted his gaze to meet hers.

  “No, I didn’t get the check, but that’s not what I want to discuss.”

  “Now, hold on a minute. I sent you a check last month, quarterly income.”

  She sighed and leaned against her car. “I’m not saying you didn’t.”

  He studied her. Her shoulders were sagging -- her whole demeanor struck him as defeated. “You’re not making sense, as usual.”

  She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. “Nick, do you think we can have a chat after I get cleaned up and changed? I’m dying of thirst, I haven’t eaten anything but a Snickers all day long, and all I really want to do is sink into a bubble bath.”

  He really wanted to push her, piss her off. If she got irritated, she might leave. Having her this close made his skin itch from the inside out. But he could tell something was wrong. They’d both lost their fathers and had little family on either side. They were almost like brother and sister.

  Okay, not brother and sister. That was sick. Because she had been the subject of many a teenage fantasy while they’d been in high school.

  “Tell ya what. Your father’s room is always open.”

  Her eyes shot open. “You don’t rent it out?”

  He hated the warmness in her gaze, especially the way it made him feel. “Of course not. Wouldn’t make any sense to rent out a master suite when these people are paying top dollar to rough it for a week.”

  Her lips turned down, but she didn’t say anything. Nick didn’t need her admiration, her hero worship. He’d had enough of that while they were growing up.

  “I’ll clean up and then meet you in the parlor.”

  He nodded curtly, but didn’t say anything. The less said, the better. Linda turned to lean back into her car. The material of her skirt hiked up a few inches and stretched across her ass. When he found himself reaching to swat her, he stepped back once ... twice. Linda Wheeler was a woman with a body to adore, but a mouth and an attitude that made him want to throttle her.

  When she finally pulled herself out of the car, all she held was a little white paper bag with The Sweet Shoppe written on it in gold letters. She straightened, then proceeded to walk past him.

  “My bag is in the back seat.”

  Before she could step past him, he grabbed her arm. Again, the scent of her perfume tickled his senses. Nick forced himself not to take a deep breath. He could feel the warmth of her body through her shirt. His body’s reaction was instant and annoying. More annoying was that when she narrowed her eyes and looked up at him, it aroused him more.

  “Listen, Ms. Wheeler. This isn’t a resort, and everyone does for themselves here. I don’t take orders, and I don’t take requests.”

  Less than gentle, he released her arm and turned on his heel, leaving her behind him. The faster she got cleaned up, the faster they could clear the air and he would be free of her. He didn’t need a woman with fancy requirements screwing with his brain.

  As he reached the top of the porch stairs, he almost ran headlong into Sybil Franklin. The bleached blonde had checked in Monday with her husband and had been a pain in the ass ever since he’d laid eyes on her. From what he could tell, the woman was the second wife, the trophy, and hubby either turned a blind eye to her affairs, or had no earthly idea. Tall, with a set of breasts that had probably been paid for by her husband, Sybil was the epitome of the Texas debutante. Blonde-haired -- not her original shade -- blue-eyed, and in a pair of jeans that looked to be painted on, she’d been driving the ranch hands into lust since she’d arrived. Still, her husband was a good old boy whose family had made their money in the oil fields and got out before it busted. Nick was pretty sure the old guy could handle a gun if need be.

  “Seems we have a late arrival,” she said, looking over his shoulder. He followed her gaze and tried not to laugh as Linda struggled to pull her suitcase out of the backseat. Curses followed each attempt to tug it out.

  He turned back to Sybil. “L-- Ms. Wheeler is part-owner of the ranch and is coming to stay for a bit.” And hopefully will be gone tomorrow.

  Her attention shifted from Linda back to him. “Oh.” Her perfectly painted lips turned down in a pouty frown he was sure would drive other men crazy. It just irritated Nick. He didn’t have time for women who had agendas. “She doesn’t look like someone who would know anything about a ranch.”

  That statement was followed by a loud curse and another oomph. He bit back a chuckle. Linda must have gotten the suitcase out of the car.

  “Don’t let her fancy clothes fool you. The woman knows how to ride and rope better than many of my ranch hands. She was a barrel-racing champion in high school.”

  He heard Linda dragging her suitcase across the rocks, cursing all the way.

  “Definitely not very ladylike.” Sybil frowned harder as the sound of Linda’s footsteps grew closer. She apparently saw Linda as competition, but he knew there wasn’t any competition involved. Because if he were going to fool around, he would never do it with a guest, and he definitely wouldn’t do it with a married woman. And besides, he never could stand a fake woman.

  Linda passed, without a word to either him or Sybil -- didn’t even looked their way. She opened the screen door, cussing once more when her luggage got caught. One vicious yank, and the door slammed shut.

  “Well, anyway ...” Sybil sighed, her breasts rising partway above the low-cut neckline of her four-hundred-dollar western shirt. “... I was wondering if I could interest you in a ride tonight.”

  From the way she said it, Nick knew she really wasn’t talking about a horse ride. He plastered on the most genuine smile he could offer. “Sorry. With Ms. Wheeler in town, there are things we need to discuss.” And thank God for that.

  Her bottom lip thrust out in a genuine pout. She stepped closer, and he almost gagged when her overwhelming floral perfume reached him. He swallowed. Jesus, she must bathe in it.

  “I’ll let you go tonight, but I really look forward to spending more time with you.”

  She patted his cheek and then turned, swinging her ass as she sauntered away. Nick released a sigh. Relief poured through him. He was far from interested in a woman like that. There had been a time he would have ridden the bitch for all she was worth, not caring. Now he was too damn old to be caught with his pants down. And by a husband who might just sho
ot to kill.

  He turned his thoughts back to Linda as he walked to the door. She wouldn’t have shown up if there wasn’t something she needed, desperately. But instead of the present situation, whatever that might be, he thought of her in another situation -- naked and in his bed. The thought of her warm skin beneath his, of hearing her sigh his name, of slipping into her and having her muscles clinging to his cock, jolted him. He had to quit thinking that like. No matter how much he wanted her, she wanted something else entirely, and he’d bet it wouldn’t have a thing to do with stripping him naked and jumping his bones.

  Chapter Two

  Linda slipped out of her skirt and left it puddled on the floor, along with the rest of her clothes. Wearing only her panties, she walked into her father’s bathroom and began to run a bath in the clawfoot tub. He’d been gone for two years, but she still couldn’t think of this room as anything but his. Nick had left it exactly the way it had been decorated when Amos had been alive, right down to the last picture of her and her mother. Linda had been five when that was taken.

  Figuring that the water was still hard as steel, she went and rummaged through her suitcase for her bubble bath. Once she found the bottle, she headed back into the bathroom and poured some beneath the running water. After the tub filled, she pulled off her panties, grabbed the bag of fudge, and then stepped into the bath. The hot water soothed her muscles, as did the musky scent of the bubble bath. With a sigh, she took out a piece of fudge, popped it in her mouth, and closed her eyes. Rich and velvety, the fudge melted on her tongue. Sinking down until the bubbles reached her chin, she tried to ignore the nagging irritation in her belly. It wasn’t as if she were jealous. Okay, maybe she was, just a little bit. Probably just a knee-jerk reaction left over from their youth. Nick had always had a woman, and no time for her.