So he didn’t say anything.
“But I have to.”
“See, you won’t forget about your brother. It’s not in your nature.”
“I can’t forget about him. Nobody understands him as well as I do, not even Mom and Dad.”
“Then go.”
She accepted his outstretched hand and stepped into the van, then gave him a sad smile. “In spite of needing to talk with Josh, I was sort of hoping you’d beg me to stay.”
“Don’t think I didn’t consider it.”
“But that’s not you.”
“Not normally, no.” The fact that he’d even thought about it was significant, though. “You’ve done all this to help Josh. I don’t want to sabotage your efforts.”
She studied him for several seconds. “I’ll figure something out for us.”
The determination in her voice made him smile. It also gave him hope. He had a feeling she followed through on whatever she’d set her mind to.
“Good night, Brant.”
“Good night, Aria.” He closed her door, which created something of a separation between them although her window was open. He could have reached in to touch her. Instead he patted the van. “Take her home safely, Matilda.”
“You remembered her name.”
“Yeah, well, I was the goofy kid who named his rubber snake Elmer.”
“What’s your truck’s name?”
“Bessie, after my grandmother. I never knew her, but I’ll bet she was reliable like my truck.”
“That’s sweet.”
“I’m a sweet guy.”
“I have no doubt.” She put the van in gear.
He stepped back and watched until she reached the curve that would take her out of sight. He didn’t know if she was looking in her rearview mirror or not, but he lifted his hand to wave goodbye. She blinked her lights.
He continued to think about her as he walked through the cool night toward Cade’s cabin. He hadn’t counted on meeting a beautiful woman today, let alone sharing a hot kiss with her. But he understood her feelings of guilt whenever she started thinking of herself instead of Josh. He didn’t want to add to her burden so he’d back off if necessary.
But judging from her words, she wouldn’t let him back off. Oh, yeah, he could imagine how much fun they could have in a bed, but he wouldn’t push her into something that would cause her stress. He’d go with the flow, as he always did.
* * *
HE WAS WORKING in the barn early the next morning when he heard her drive up. After telling himself to go with the flow last night, he discovered that his breathing was suddenly affected by the prospect of seeing her again. He pulled in air and let it out slowly.
That he was here waiting for her was another troubling sign that he wasn’t as cool as he pretended. Rosie had tried to talk him into having a big breakfast up at the house with Herb, Lexi and Cade, but instead he’d grabbed coffee and toast so he could be down here when Aria arrived.
He’d told himself that he needed more interaction with the mare and foal before Aria showed up. That was true to a point, but he’d seen the look that had passed between Rosie and Lexi. Cade had grinned at him in a knowing way, too.
No wonder they weren’t buying his story. Food was important to him, and passing up one of Rosie’s excellent ranch breakfasts so he could wait for a woman was totally out of character. As he walked out to meet Aria he saw that she’d come alone. He berated himself for being glad about it. Spending a good part of the day at the ranch without Josh wouldn’t move her any closer to her objective.
But you might get another chance to kiss her. And that was all he could think about as he rounded the van to the driver’s side and helped her out. Her hand was as silky-soft as he remembered, and her scent teased him with the possibilities he’d dreamed of while he’d slept.
She wore sunglasses, which was probably just as well. If he couldn’t see into her eyes he might not be so tempted to kiss her. Besides, after last night’s supercharged encounter he didn’t trust himself to keep things PG-rated, and now was not the time or place.
“As you can see, Josh didn’t come.” Her smile was tight and the tension he remembered from their first meeting was back.
“His loss.”
“I know. I just wish...”
“Do you mind if I ask how he was injured?”
“He was riding in an eventing competition and a jump went bad.”
He winced. “Eventing is a dangerous sport. People and horses die going over those hurdles.”
“I know. We used to do much tamer cross-country riding competitions as teenagers. But Josh craved a bigger challenge. I think he became an adrenaline junkie and paid the price.”
“I’m sorry. That sucks.” He hesitated. “And the horse?”
“By some miracle Pegasus wasn’t seriously injured.”
“Thank God for that, at least.”
“It could have been so much worse. When my folks visited last month they told Josh he was lucky, but he didn’t want to hear it. They offered to move him down to Texas and find him a different physical therapist, but he refused. I think he gave up when he realized his eventing days were over. That’s when he stopped going to physical therapy. And he sold Pegasus.”
Brant winced. “Too bad.” He pitied the animal. After years of devoted companionship, Pegasus had been shipped away.
“I tried to talk him out of it, but his horse represented a lifestyle that was gone forever.”
He let out a breath. Hearing about such situations always tested his resolve to stay positive. “I can see why you wanted to breed Lucy and give him something new and exciting to think about. A foal is not the same as the horse he rode in competition.”
“That was my reasoning. The thing is, I’m desperate. I feel as if I’ve lost my brother and I want him back. You’re about the same age. Did you know him in high school?”
“Not really. I think we had a couple of classes together but he had his crowd and I had mine.”
“You were with the Thunder Mountain boys. As I recall, they were a unit.”
“Yeah, we did tend to stick together. Probably didn’t mingle as much as we should have.” He searched his memory to dredge up something for her sake. “But I seem to remember your brother was a pretty happy guy.”
“He was, and that’s what I want to see again. Somehow.”
If Josh had stopped going to therapy then Brant had less hope for him. But he wouldn’t say that to her. “I’ll do what I can to make the training smooth for both Josh and Linus.”
“I know you will. I never thought to ask how long it generally takes.”
“Anywhere from one week to several. It’s impossible to predict, but I’ve never tried teaching a foal to be comfortable around a wheelchair. That’ll be an interesting challenge, something new. I look forward to it.” He chose his words with care. She was already jacked up about the situation so he didn’t want her to worry that the wheelchair would be a stumbling block.
“And the sooner we get started on that, the better, right?”
“Right.”
“I’m determined to bring Josh out here tomorrow, then.”
“Well, sooner is better, but I wouldn’t force it. We don’t need someone hanging around who doesn’t want to be here. Horses, even very young ones like Linus, pick up on that.”
“Understood.”
“Eventually he’ll come around.” On impulse he gave her shoulder a light squeeze. He let go immediately, though.
“You’re probably right.” Her voice sounded breathy.
“Curiosity will get the best of Josh.” He was a little short of breath, too. Touching her aroused all the emotions he’d felt the night before. He’d have to watch himself today because she looked more beautiful than ever.
She’d put her dark hair in a single braid down her back, which made him want to undo it. Her jeans, purple T-shirt and boots reminded him that she was an accomplished rider as well as a talented cook
. He noticed a Western hat sitting on the passenger seat.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone for a pleasure ride, one that involved a blanket on the ground and making love to a beautiful woman in the great outdoors. They didn’t have time now, but that didn’t stop him from fantasizing. He liked sunset rides best, but she’d be delivering meals for the restaurant by then.
“I’ve promised myself to make better use of this today.” She held up her phone. “The still pictures might not be dynamic enough for Josh to grasp how adorable Linus is, so I’ll take some videos, too.”
“Good idea.” But he was growing impatient with her brother. She’d put a lot of effort into her plan and Josh should get his ass out here and at least take a look. “You’ll have a chance for some great stuff. Once Lucy finishes breakfast, we’ll head on out to the pasture.”
“Really?” Her delighted laughter chased away the last evidence of tension in her expression.
“I wouldn’t kid about a thing like that.”
She smiled at him. “No, you wouldn’t.”
He longed to reach for her, but instead he leaned into the van and snagged her hat. “You’ll need this.”
“Thanks.” She took off her sunglasses, tossed them on the seat and closed the door. Then she settled the hat on her head. Instant sexy cowgirl. She glanced up at him, anticipation glowing in her eyes. “Let’s go.”
Somehow he managed to stop looking at her long enough to put his feet in motion. No doubt about it, he was hooked on her, and they’d only met yesterday. He wasn’t sure what to make of that.
If she was aware of his infatuation, she didn’t let on as they walked into the barn. “I’m excited that we’ll be taking him out today. I thought he might have to stay inside a little longer.”
“Only if the weather had been nasty. But it’s gorgeous.” Like you. He’d almost said that out loud. Talk about cheesy compliments. “Cade and I already turned the other horses out in the far pasture, but we kept these two in the barn. We figured you should be here for Linus’s big moment.”
“Thank goodness you waited for me. I would have been crushed if I’d missed this.”
“I wouldn’t have let that happen.” Okay, he was grandstanding a little, but it was true. Nobody at the ranch would have allowed Aria to miss watching Linus experience his first time outside.
“How about Rosie and Herb? Will they come and watch?”
“You couldn’t keep them away. A foal’s first day in the pasture is special. Lexi and Cade are up at the house having breakfast with them, so they’ll all come down in a bit.” And he’d text them so they’d know she was here.
But not yet. He didn’t foresee a lot of opportunities to be alone with her unless he created them. He wanted to savor their privacy for a little while longer.
“Brant, can I ask a favor?” She paused and turned to him.
“Sure.” He stopped walking.
Taking off her hat, she stepped toward him. “Would you please kiss me?”
With a groan he swept her up in his arms so fast she squeaked in surprise and his hat fell off...again. His mouth found hers and he thrust his tongue deep. His hands slid unerringly to her sweet ass and when he lifted her up, she gave a little hop and wrapped her legs around his hips.
Dear God, it felt good to wedge himself between her thighs. He continued to devour her mouth and she gave as good as she got, parrying each thrust of his tongue with one of her own. Her little whimpers of need drove him beyond reason.
Backing her up against an empty stall, he supported her with one forearm while he reached beneath her shirt and cupped her breast. She arched into his caress with a soft moan.
He pressed his aching cock between her thighs. So damn good. Wrenching his mouth from hers, he gasped for breath. “I swear I could take you right here.”
Her eyes glittered. “And I’d let you.”
“We can’t.” But he found the front catch of her bra and flipped it open.
“I know.” Her fingers dug into his shoulders as he stroked her breasts. She swept her tongue over her moist lips. “I’ve... I’ve been...thinking.”
“Good.” He sucked in more air as he brushed his thumb over her erect nipple. “I can’t think at all right now. All I want to do is—”
“Me, too.” She closed her eyes and shivered. “That feels so good.”
“Aria, when?”
“Tonight, after I’m finished with deliveries.”
“You’ll call me? Because I can be at your apartment in—”
“I’ll come over.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“Leave your door unlocked.”
“I won’t be asleep.” He couldn’t imagine falling asleep when he knew she’d show up.
“Maybe not, but...go to bed. I could be late.”
“And I could be naked.”
She smiled. “Saves time.”
“I’m all for that. Okay, one more for the road.” He delved into her luscious mouth and feasted for as long as he dared. But they were taking an enormous chance that someone would come into the barn, so he eased her back to her feet. “Someone’s probably noticed your van by now. They’ll wonder.”
“Will they really?”
He looked into her eyes. “No. I skipped breakfast so I could be down here when you drove in. And I never skip breakfast. As they say in poker, that was a tell.”
She reached under her shirt and fastened her bra. “I thought you were the cool guy who never let anything rattle him.”
He watched her breasts shift under the purple material and another jolt of lust shot through him. “Yeah, I thought so, too.”
6
ARIA MADE A quick trip to her van and repaired her lipstick while Brant texted Rosie. She was a little shocked by her forward behavior but not the least bit sorry. She was used to guys who latched on to every opportunity to get physical, but Brant wasn’t like that, so she’d had to make the first move this morning.
Once they’d walked into the privacy of the barn, she’d expected him to kiss her. When he hadn’t, she’d realized a more direct approach was required. As he’d said the night before, he wasn’t out to wreck her carefully laid plans.
She knew how much he wanted her, but he’d focused on Josh. She appreciated that, but Josh wasn’t here. Dealing with her brother had become increasingly frustrating, and in contrast here was Brant, willing to go along with...whatever.
Brant offered the perfect gift for these trying times—a chance to take a break, have fun and relieve some of her tension. She remembered what Rosie and Herb had said—he liked to move around and keep his options open. They hadn’t spelled it out but she’d gotten the distinct impression that Brant wasn’t a good prospect for a committed relationship.
No problem there. She wasn’t in the market for a forever guy. Her cooking school plans were already delayed because of Josh, but she would dedicate every spare moment to them once he recovered. Although she wouldn’t have gone looking for someone like Brant, he’d dropped into her lap. She’d be a foolish woman to let a busy schedule and guilt over her uncooperative brother keep them apart.
He was waiting where she’d left him, halfway down the aisle of the barn. He leaned casually against the side of a stall, his thumbs hooked through his belt loops. His lazy smile sent her hormones into overdrive. Thanks to their enthusiastic kisses and the promise of more later, her irritation with Josh had been replaced with lust for Brant. Not a bad trade-off.
She had her phone in one hand and would have loved a picture of his casual pose. He was pure cowboy yumminess. Somehow she didn’t think he’d go for a photo shoot right now, though. It could destroy the mood.
He watched her approach with a masculine gleam of appreciation in his eyes. She didn’t have to guess what he was thinking about. She was thinking about it, too. The question of whether they’d have sex had been decided. It was only a matter of time.
A very long time. Their rendezvous was hours away and he was
right there. She pictured stripping off his shirt and smoothing her palms over his muscled chest. Then she’d unbuckle his belt and unzip his jeans...that image sent moisture between her thighs.
“You’re going to have to stop ogling me like that.”
She lifted her gaze from his crotch and looked into his eyes. “You started it.”
“That’s not my fault. You have a sexy walk.”
“I don’t, either. No one’s ever said that before.”
“I can’t help it if other guys are blind. Watching you walk toward me was like foreplay.”
“Seeing your hot self leaning against the stall was like the opening scene of a porn movie.”
“Except in the movie they get to do it.” He grimaced as he pushed away from the wall. “Lady, you are tough on my package.”
“They say anticipation is half the fun.”
“Somehow I doubt that’s true in this case.” His smile was strained. “Speaking for myself, I could ditch the wait.”
“Me, too.” She gazed at him. “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked you to kiss me, huh?”
“Are you kidding?”
“If I hadn’t started something you wouldn’t be in pain right now.”
He chuckled. “Worth it. Totally worth it. But the gang will be here any minute so let’s proceed to Linus and Lucy’s stall while I do my level best to calm down and not grab you.” He turned and ambled away.
“If you’re worried about accidentally grabbing me, you could put your hands in your pockets for safekeeping.”
“Ordinarily that’s a great idea, but at the moment the front of my jeans is stretched to capacity.”
“I noticed.”
“I’m sure you did, you saucy wench.”
“Brant, can I say something?”
“Sure. Just don’t touch my privates. Something might detonate.”
“I’m really glad we met.”
“Not half as glad as you’ll be when you’re floating around the cabin tonight.” He paused in front of the stall door and peered in. “Aw, look at that. Cuteness to the rescue. If we concentrate on that we’ll be fine.”
Aria smothered a laugh. “Oh, my God.” While Lucy nosed in the grain bucket searching for any stray alfalfa pellets, Linus strutted around the stall, neck arched and stumpy tail in the air as if he owned the place. “Has he got attitude or what?”
Cowboy All Night (Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Book 5) Page 6