“Oh yes, in vivid, Technicolor detail. I thought about telling her what a heinous bitch I am so she would know we were perfect for each other. I don’t think she likes me.” Juliana didn’t think it was possible to care less.
“No, she’s not known for her ability to cultivate female friends. I’m sorry she’s a part of my past. Men think with their ‘small’ brains sometimes.”
Juliana laughed and gave him a kiss. He left, promising to bring her supper when she told him she’d be there until closing. She noticed that he didn’t pass judgment or say anything negative. He just gave her a sexy smile and blew her a kiss.
* * * *
“So, did you get in at least a few licks in the smackdown?” Doctor Guthrie asked with a snicker as she came in the exam room door with Juliana’s chart.
Juliana gave her a lop-sided grin and said, “Yeah, I gave that glass-topped coffee table what-for right before I crushed it.”
“Oooh, ouch! Let’s take a look at you.”
Emma Guthrie parted her paper gown and examined the long line of sutures on her back. “Well, they did good work. You’ll have a light scar here, but you won’t look like Frankenstein or anything. Let me see your finger.”
Doctor Guthrie sat on her stool and examined the stitches that sealed the deep cut on her finger, and then she removed a tool from the tray beside the exam table and set to work removing them.
“How are you doing otherwise? Things picking up at Stigall’s?”
“Yes, business has rebounded a bit. I haven’t had to lay anybody off that didn’t earn the privilege.”
“Your hours still as long?”
Juliana grinned, relieved that for once she wouldn’t get the third degree from her doctor about her work habits.
“No, actually, I started cutting them back this week.”
Emma’s eyebrows arched in surprised, and she drilled Juliana with her bright green eyes. “Is that so? You? You cut your hours back? What sparked this sudden reformation in your lifestyle?”
“Someone close to me pointed out that I may be a workaholic…and a perfectionist.”
“Perish the thought.” Emma snarked, “Who could inspire such change, I wonder?”
“I’ve met someone. Actually, I needed to talk to you about that, too.”
Emma smiled widely in appreciation, “Someone I know?”
“Ash Peterson? Out at the Divine Creek Ranch?”
Understanding dawned in Emma Guthrie’s eyes. “Mmmm, very tall, sandy-brown hair, brilliant turquoise-blue eyes. Yummy muttonchop sideburns and a mustache?”
Juliana nodded, thinking that if Emma had said it with a little more needy admiration in her voice, Juliana might have to take her by the hair.
“That would be the one.”
“Merciful heavens, that man is so purty he makes my eyes hurt. Wait, what happened to old…what’s his name?” Emma asked, snipping away at the stitches.
“Exactly. The cheating bastard broke up with me and moved back to Vermont to be with his mommy and his other girlfriend.”
“You’re better off without him, Juliana. He had soft, icky hands. Now Ash is a real man. I treated him for a sinus infection a while back. He’s got the prettiest eyes. I can definitely picture the two of you together. Does he treat you well? Wait, you don’t even have to answer that. I can see it in your eyes.”
“Like you’d expect a gentleman cowboy would. He puts up with a lot, actually.”
“Want to see about getting on the pill?”
Juliana nodded, and they talked as Emma removed the stitches one at a time then switched to her back and began removing those. She could have allowed her physician’s assistant to do this job, but Emma was one to take the time to care for people and not just push papers.
Emma looked at the X-rays of Juliana’s wrist after she finished applying a light layer of antibiotic ointment to the healing laceration on Juliana’s back and wrapping her finger in gauze and tape. After telling her to come back in five weeks to see about removing the cast, Emma sent her on her way with a prescription for contraceptives and a starter pack.
Juliana looked forward to the weekend with a mixture of anticipation. This would be their first real date as a couple. She was looking forward to dancing with him, but she had a feeling she’d be dead on her feet by the time she was done with work on Saturday. Either way, she wasn’t cancelling their plans. She hoped his plans involved spending the night, as well.
Saturday did prove to be a busy day. The weather cleared up, and everybody came out of hibernation to do some shopping and socializing. Evelyn remarked to Juliana, over their lunches, what a good job Leah was doing with regard to the employees and the store operations.
“She’s gifted at it, just like you, Juliana. May I say,” Evelyn said with a brief pause, “you’ve been looking so much happier? Healthier. You don’t seem like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders anymore.”
“You think so?”
“I wonder if the change is not due to a certain charming cowboy. He’s been good for you. I hope you make him a permanent part in your life.”
“Only time will tell. But yeah, he pushed me to reexamine my life. I still want to be up here at eight every morning, but I no longer feel like I have to be here all day, every day. It just got to be a habit.”
“A bad habit. I like seeing you a little more carefree like this. Going out tonight?”
“Planning to.”
“Well, I hope you do. At least you weren’t here terribly early then staying until closing. That’s progress. I saw your little black dress in your office. Going dancing?”
“That’s the plan. The Dancing Pony.”
“You should go see Rosemary and Bernadette at Cheaver’s. Get them to set you up with a pretty Western outfit.”
“I thought about it. Do you think Ash would like it if I did?”
“I think Ash would take you in a burlap sack with dirt on your face. But if you’ll be spending more leisure time with him, you’ll want some new boots and a few tops and jeans, at least. Rosemary and Bernadette will know what you need. When it slows down at noon, why don’t you run over there for a little while? You wouldn’t even have to worry about stopping to eat since we just finished with lunch.”
“Okay. But do you think I should wear the dress tonight?”
“With the black stiletto pumps? Definitely. He’ll love walking in there with you on his arm all dressed up.”
Chapter Twelve
Juliana leaned into the mirror over the lavatory in the women’s restroom, refreshing her makeup after changing into her evening clothes. Walking in twenty minutes before, she’d felt a strange mixture of bedraggled and keyed up. She’d sat on the couch in the outer rest area and massaged her legs and feet for a few minutes, which helped a lot, and then she’d gone in to change clothing.
Her normal habit was to wear pantyhose under dresses and skirts, but she wanted to go the extra mile for Ash tonight. Juliana had noticed that as she hooked the garter belt and slipped the stockings up her legs that her fresh lace thong was already a little damp. Smiling, she wondered what Ash would think when he found out what was underneath her little black dress later tonight. Oh, the possibilities.
She drew the slinky black dress on and zipped the zipper then slipped on her killer black, patent stiletto heels. The stockings were nude with a hint of sparkling sheen to them, and she thought they accented her legs well. She smiled again, thinking she’d know in a few minutes whether she was right.
After finishing with touching up her makeup, she stopped and assessed herself critically in the full-length mirror. The dress fit her well, accentuating her small waist and hourglass figure. The ultra-high heels made her legs look even longer. She fluffed her hair a little and gathered her work clothing and purse and headed out the door, back down the hallway to lock up her office for the night.
She checked her watch, and her heart pounded a little, knowing that he was probably there alrea
dy, waiting for her. She could hear the sounds of employees coming back from the sales floor with their cash register tills and sales receipts.
Juliana slung her evening bag on her shoulder and walked down the hallway to the bookkeeper’s office to tell Evelyn goodnight and also to get her opinion on the outfit.
Evelyn clapped her hands as Juliana modeled for them. “He’s waiting out front. I let him come in when I locked the front door. You’ll knock him dead. Go have lots of fun. Dance a waltz for me and George.”
Juliana hugged her and bid her good night. Exiting the hallway, she heard his voice at the front of the store as he visited with someone. As she approached the turn to walk up the main aisle, she noticed several employees were waiting to be let out.
Great, an audience.
Her employees were used to seeing her in no-frills, professional attire.
She could do this.
Damn it, has the main aisle always been this long?
Catwalk, Juliana. You can do this.
She retrieved her key ring from her evening bag as she turned the corner up the aisle, her heart fluttering as the conversation up front suddenly stopped. She grinned to herself and walked up the aisle imagining his internal reaction to her dressed like this. She made her way smoothly down the store aisle as she met Ash’s riveted gaze and smiled.
* * * *
Hot. Holy. Hell.
All conversation ceased around him as she walked—no, sauntered toward the front door. He’d known she might dress up but hadn’t known what to expect. Hell, if she was strutting up the aisle in ratty blue jeans and a T-shirt, he’d still be getting hard.
It was the look in her eyes that did it. She drilled him with those pale, wolf-blue eyes, and he lost track of all other sensory input. Smiling at him as she walked up, Juliana slid her key into the deadbolt lock on the front door then allowed everyone to exit, wishing them a good night.
When the door shut on the blustery breeze outside, she turned to him.
“Hi.”
“Hello, gorgeous. You’ve got me a little tongue-tied, darlin’.” He twirled his index finger so she’d show off her outfit to him.
“You like it?” She slowly turned for him, and he groaned when he noted the seam on the back of her stockings.
She’s wearing a g–g–garter belt and stockings.
His dick pummeled at his zipper as he imagined her sliding them on earlier then attaching the garters to what must be a lace edge. He looked into her eyes and saw that she must’ve heard the sound he’d made because her cheeks were a pretty shade of pink now. “Is this all right to go out to The Dancing Pony, Ash? Did I overdress?”
No, but I can’t wait to see what’s under that dress. “You’re perfect, trust me.”
Totally fucking perfect. He took her leather coat from her and held it while she slipped her arms into the black, buttery-soft leather then tied the belt at the waist. “I’ll follow you home, and then you can ride me to the club—I mean ride with me to the club. Everybody is supposed to be up there tonight.”
She looked up at him and giggled softly. Stopping her as she reached for the door handle, Ash crushed her to him, pressing his lips to hers in a sultry kiss. She felt so good against his chest, and she must have agreed, judging by her sexy moan.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding the back of her head firmly but gently as his tongue swept through the silky recesses of her mouth. She tasted spicy, like cinnamon. Her hands slid slowly around his waist, holding tightly to him.
Her scent filled his nostrils and made his pulse throb. Everywhere. She smelled good, like flowers, shampoo, and woman. His woman. He loosened his grip and looked down at her when she let loose an alluring, earthy-sounding chuckle.
“Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me, big boy?”
Ash chuckled with her and replied, “Oh, I’m packing all right, and I’m damned glad to see you, darlin’. I missed you.” He kissed her again, brushing her lower lips with his in a light caress.
He couldn’t wait to get her on the dance floor. He wished now he’d wrapped his arms around her before he’d helped her with her jacket so that he could feel her supple curves under his hands and against his body.
“Let’s get you out to your car, pretty lady,” he said as he put his arm around her and pushed open the door for her, shielding her from the wind as she locked the deadbolt again from the outside. He ushered her quickly to her car, which was parked near his pickup.
Following her to her house, he turned on his windshield wipers as a light rain began to fall. She locked up her car then took the hand he offered as she came to him.
He smiled at her as he pulled open the passenger door and lifted her into the pickup.
He secretly loved the light squealing sound she made, and the feel of her in his arms. After closing her door, he ran around the front of the pickup and climbed in the driver’s side door
“Ash? Are you sure I’m not overdressed? I bought some other clothing today, and I could change really quickly. I might fit in better with you. I like you dressed up in your cowboy hat, boots, and jeans,” she said as she plucked at the crease of his freshly pressed navy sleeve. “You look sharp. I could change to…match you.”
Ash smiled up at her as he reached over and rested his hand on her curvaceous thigh.
“Darlin’, I wouldn’t change a thing about you. I’m not at all worried about whether we match. Every bachelor in The Dancing Pony will be drooling all over you, and I’m prouder than hell to have you walk in on my arm and have everyone know that you’re there with me. I think the way you’re dressed is perfect. I especially like you in those damn sexy high heels.”
She blushed for him and kissed him again.
“Is that sleet?” she asked, leaning forward to look at the light rain falling in front of the street lights as he backed out of her driveway.
“I think it is, darlin’. Don’t worry. You’re safe with me.” He patted her thigh and squeezed gently, smiling when she placed her delicate hand over his and held it in place there.
Once they arrived at The Dancing Pony, he was glad they’d left her vehicle at home because she would’ve had to park way out in Timbuktu like he did. After setting the security system, he lifted her from the truck and carried her to the asphalt so she wouldn’t have to walk in the frozen, wet grass in her heels.
His mom would’ve been proud of him for thinking of that. Watching for icy patches, he wrapped his arm around her and escorted her up to the door of The Dancing Pony. After they were inside, he helped her slip off her jacket as they waited for the group in front of them to disperse into the club.
She waved at Rachel Wolf as they got closer. Rachel left her seat beside her husband, Eli, who was working the door, to greet them.
“Hey! I’m so happy you came in, Juliana! Grace told me you and Ash might be coming by tonight! It’s good to see you out of the store.” Rachel gave her and Ash a speculative glance and whispered something to Juliana.
Ash shook hands with Eli and greeted the bouncers before pointing into the club. “Darlin’, Grace is waving frantically at you.”
“She’s probably saving you seats at their table,” Rachel offered in explanation. “You’re dancing with us later, aren’t you, Juliana?”
“Sure!” Juliana replied enthusiastically. “Just let me know. If it’s okay with Ash, that is.”
Ash and Eli exchanged a knowing smirk and bumped fists. “Oh, it’s definitely okay with me. Dance with the girls all you want.”
Ash wondered if Juliana knew what “dancing with the girls” meant but hoped he’d find out shortly.
All the admiring looks Juliana received from the single men did not escape Ash’s notice. Several were blatantly ogling her as his hand slid possessively around her hip.
He escorted her through the crowd to the table in the corner by the bar, where Ethan and his crew usually sat. Grace was there, seated in Adam’s lap, with Jack and Ethan on either sid
e of them.
Rosemary and Bernadette from Cheaver’s were there also, flanked by Wesley and Evan Garner. Anyone casually observing might think that the Garner brothers were there with both of the girls. Rosemary had confided to Juliana at the pig roast in November that she was in love with both brothers and they with her. They were planning a getaway beach wedding in the spring.
Grace had saved seats for Juliana and Ash at their table, and there were a few other empty chairs at the row of tables as well, saved for friends who must be out on the dance floor.
A waitress took their drink orders, and Juliana and Grace chatted for a few minutes, getting caught up on the news about the little visits Brenda Sanderson paid to them both.
Grace still had her back up over the obliterated crape myrtles. Ash and the unfortunate ranch hand Brenda had hooked up with did what they could to mollify her by planting replacement trees of the same variety. Juliana smiled up at him appreciatively when Grace told her that part of the story. This was the first she was hearing about it.
“Our Grace, when she’s good and pissed, is a sight to see,” Adam said with a quiet laugh as he squeezed her affectionately. “We barely stopped her from chucking a clay flower pot through the back window of that dually before that little chippie tore out of there. We’ve got some spirited women around here, huh, Ash?”
Ash couldn’t help the wide grin on his face as he remembered the sight of Juliana’s beautiful, flushed cheeks and the fire in her eyes as she told him off at Teresa’s place a few weeks before.
“Damn straight! I like them just the way they are.”
A friend came up to Ash and started a conversation with him while Grace, Juliana, and Adam talked. At first, Ash didn’t notice the ranch hand that took that opportunity to slip in and ask Juliana to dance. He turned to look at Juliana just in time to see the son of a bitch give her an admiring onceover as he engaged in flirtatious conversation. Being polite, Grace introduced the ranch hand to Juliana, glancing at Ash with apologetic amusement in her eyes. Rock and a hard place, he figured.
Box Set: The Divine Creek Ranch Collection, Volume 2 [Book 4 - Rosemary's Double Delight (MFM), Book 5 - Spurs and Heels (MF)] (Siren Publishing Romance Collection) Page 31