12-Alarm Cowboys

by Cora Seton

  “Your aunt.” Treven’s fingers worked his hat in a circle in front of his thighs. “She bribed a man on your pit crew.”

  Tipping her head, she tried to make sense of the words. Then it hit her. “Hired him to fix the car to…kill me?” Her voice grew shrill. “Steve?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry, hon.” Her uncle looked small, defeated, shrunken inside his suit.

  Delta had practically grown up with her cousins, in her aunt and uncle’s house. This couldn’t be right. “Why?”

  Steve let out a shaky breath. “Like I said, the medications were too strong, they made her a little unstable.”

  “A little?” A sudden burst of anger rolled through her, and her stare made her uncle drop his head.

  “She thought that by killing you…” Steve met her gaze. “It’d put your half of the company in my hands, and she’d stand to receive more in the divorce.”

  Delta’s knees started to shake and her world tilted a little.

  Treven stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her back, taking her weight against his warm, hard, amazingly comforting body.

  “How did you find out?” The words came out of her like firecrackers going off.

  Steve gestured toward Treven. “This guy here had the smarts to get his friend involved. Rex, is it?”

  Treven nodded. “Rex Tarrow. He’s an ex-marine, working toward his detective’s badge.”

  Delta had overheard part of the guys’ conversation when Rex had been at the Rusty Horseshoe for dinner.

  “Together they poked and dug until they got the truth out of everyone.” Steve shrugged. “The private detectives I hired couldn’t find anything. Thank God for these two.”

  “But, that must have taken weeks.” She glanced at Treven.

  His eyes softened. “I didn’t want to come to you until I had something that would help.”

  Steven gave a cough. “You mean, something that would save her life? Again?”

  Delta let the warmth seep from Treven deep into her heart. The heart that had been in a state of suspended animation for the last four weeks.

  Her uncle turned away. “We’ll talk later, but hon, know that I’m desperately sorry.” He walked away, and she let him go. She needed to hear the whole story, but right now, in Treven’s arms, she wanted to sort things out with him. Desperately.

  She’d already convinced their board of directors to put the theme park idea on hold, and was taking a more active role in the company to try to steer its direction away from projects that would displace dozens of hard working people. Like her cowboy.

  Glancing up at Treven’s face, she noted his eyebrow and lashes had grown back over the last four weeks. Taking a chance that the time apart had also softened him toward her, she took a chance. “Do you want to come in?” Her words sounded stiff, but if he said no, she’d be crushed. Was he holding her because he cared and wanted to be with her, or was his presence only because he had news about her near-death?

  Then she remembered the pit stop signs. “Since you gave me such a unique apology.”

  He smiled. “Lead the way.”

  They stepped up into her little trailer and she shut the door, sealing them in together, alone.

  “Delta.”

  She needed to be in his arms, but they had to talk first. “You’re forgiven.” She completely understood his reaction all those weeks ago. “I’d given up hope of seeing you again. And I still can’t believe you’re here.” That night nine days ago, when she’d made herself face the fact that Treven would never contact her? It had been the darkest of her life.

  “I realized my mistake as soon as you’d left the ranch. But I didn’t want to come to you unless I had something to offer you.”

  Nearly leaping into his arms, Delta flung her arms around his neck. “Just your handsome, brave face is enough for me. Not to mention your perfect gentleman’s personality and your kindness to every living creature.”

  Smiling, then frowning, he snorted. “I’m gonna have to work on my image, I guess.”

  “Uh uh. Not one bit.” She kissed his perfect lips. “And before you say any more about the investigation, let’s clear one thing up first. We have four weeks apart to make up for.” Wiggling her hips against his fly, she smiled as she felt a solid chubby forming there.

  The corner of his mouth jumped. “You sure you don’t want to talk a while?” His hand ran down her back, pressing her tight against him. His eyes darkened, signaling his preference.

  “Talking seems like the smart thing to do.”

  He nodded, looking less than happy.

  Taking his hat from his hand, she set it on the table. Delta needed the healing of being possessed by him completely, and giving him all of her, proving in a sensual way that she’d forgiven him, and he’d forgiven her. “I don’t feel like being smart right now.”

  He threw his head back with a laugh and grasped her butt with both hands, lifting her until her feet left the floor. “Delta, darlin’, that should be the tagline for our relationship.”

  Hanging onto his shoulders, she kissed him, their tongues teasing, their breaths merging as it panted from their lungs. Treven broke the kiss and peeled off her fire suit, then her long-sleeved fireproof undershirt, and her sports bra, while she unbuttoned his shirt and ripped it open, revealing his perfect chest. Then she remembered. “Your hands.” Grasping his wrists, she looked at them. Red in some spots, scars that were barely noticeable. “They look so good.” She eased his palms up to her bare breasts. “Feel so good.”

  He sucked in a breath and palmed her nipples. “They are healed, thanks to you.”

  In a burst of speed, he pulled down her fireproof pants and lace undies, and dealt with her boots, as she tore his jeans down, along with his briefs, and yanked off his boots. They stood naked, breathing hard and looking at each other.

  “I didn’t dare hope, Delta.” His brow furrowed.

  “I still think I’m dreaming.” She went to him and he picked her up, stepped forward, and pressed her against the polished wood wall. With one hand on her bottom, he used his other hand to lift her leg and slid his hand up her thigh to her pussy, which she gladly arched upward for him, hot for him.

  Heat spread along her core and her belly contracted. When he brushed her clit, she sighed and shuddered. “Together? Like the first time?”

  He bent his head and suckled her breast. “Yes ma’am. Anything you want.” The motion of his tongue on her tight peak shot lovely chills down deep into her belly.

  Lifting his head, he frowned. “Shi… Crap. I didn’t bring any protection.” He looked like his world had just collapsed.

  “I’m protected. And I trust that you’re as perfect, healthwise, as you are in every other aspect of your life.”

  He smirked. “Perfect? Hardly. I let you walk out of my life.”

  “Talk later.” She wiggled against his fingers. “Now, sex.”

  He chuckled. “Cavewoman. I love it.” Lifting her higher, he positioned himself with his cock just at her opening. Their eyes met for a long moment before he pushed his long, hot shaft deep into her, making everything inside her shift and heat.

  “Yes, Treven. I’ve missed this.” She gasped for air as her body burned with desperation. “I’ve missed this. Missed you.” Her head lolled to the side as he withdrew and entered her again, pulsing and thrusting, slow then fast, until his teeth clenched.

  Her mind raced in circles as the pleasure in her core escalated to a frenzy. “Yes.” Her shout sent her whirling on a wild ride across a silent universe that had her fingers digging into his shoulders, her body shaking, and her nerve endings buzzing. Fast and frenzied, the climax tore through her soul as she fought to feel every thrust, every movement Treven made inside her.

  Shouting her name, his muscles stiffened then shook for a second, his eyes opening to look into hers. “You’re back in my arms.” He continued to thrust inside her as warm wetness flooded in pulses deep in her core.

  On a sigh, she whisp
ered, “I’m right here, Treven. Don’t ever let me go.” She meant so much more than just her body. Her heart, her soul, needed to be right here, right now.

  “Darlin’.” He breathed fast for a few seconds, his eyes growing serious again. “Bed?”

  She looked toward the back of the trailer. “Yes.”

  Still inside her, he walked the length of the trailer and eased her onto the bed, sliding his still-hard cock out of her and lying next to her. Touching and kissing, they stayed silent for a few minutes.

  “I want to hear all about your investigation.” Delta’s curiosity sobered her out of the lovely afterglow. “But not right now.”

  He shook his head. “No, right now, I want to apologize for asking you to go that day.”

  “Forgiven.” Staring into his beautiful eyes, she touched his cheek. “And I want to apologize for not telling you, from day one, that my uncle thought I was there to buy land.” She dropped her hand and glanced away. “I’m not one to keep secrets, but I was afraid you’d send me away before I got a chance to help you.”

  “Forgiven.” He brushed her hair from her face.

  “What now?” How would they make this work?

  “Let’s figure that out together, one day at a time.”

  She smiled and ran her hand along his big biceps. “Today, we’re here in…” Why couldn’t she remember the name of this place? “Whatever town this is in Florida.”

  He laughed. “You don’t even know where you are?”

  “Nope.” A burst of sweet emotion raced through her. “But I think I finally know where I belong.”

  “I do too, Delta.” He touched one finger to the spot over his heart. “There’s a place for you right here.”

  Tears welled in her eyes as her world finally stopped wobbling and spun easily on its axis.

  The End

  Ready for the second book in the Heroes in the Saddle Series? Rex’s book, Badge and a Saddle, will be released in the spring of 2016 in the Cowboy Justice 12 Pack, along with eleven other books from eleven awesome authors. Connect with me at any of the sites below to be kept informed of new releases. And here’s a sneak peek:

  Rex and Mina’s story:

  Badge and a Saddle

  Chapter One

  Rex Tarrow set his badge and gun on the night table next to his bed and sank down on the mattress behind him. Dropping his head, he ran his fingers through his dark hair, which had needed a cut for the last two weeks.

  This missing persons case, though. It had consumed him, kept him awake nights, drew his attention away from his other duties during the day. Nothing about it made sense. Doctor Mina Cooper, an astronomer at the U of Texas at Austin. Why would a woman like her, single, young, beautiful, go out on a turkey hunt on a ranch just outside of Dallas/Fort Worth and disappear? And the woman was a friggin’ vegetarian.

  The neighbor’s dog barked. After midnight, and the darn animal was outside?

  A beam of light flashed through the room. It had to be the neighbor. Was that raccoon back after the garbage cans?

  Rex stood, even though every muscle, tendon, and bone in his body told him to lie down and get some sleep. Hell, what would one more night without rest matter? He trudged through the house to the back door as footsteps clomped up the porch steps and the flashlight beam caught Rex in the eyes.

  “It’s Jeb from next door.” The man’s gruff voice nearly rattled the pane of glass out of the door.

  Shielding his eyes, Rex opened the back door. “What’s going on?” Jeb’s flashlight redirected to a woman’s face, partially shielded by blonde hair and…sunglasses? She held her hands up at her shoulders as if in surrender.

  “The lady, here, says you know her.” Jeb shifted his shotgun away from its deadly aim at her back.

  Tipping her head up, she stretched to her full height of nearly six feet, just a few inches shorter than Rex.

  He snapped on the porch light as she removed her glasses.

  “Holy fu…” Rex had to swallow. Twice.

  Dr. Mina Cooper stood right in front of him, living, breathing, and lifting an eyebrow at him. “Are you gonna keep a girl standing on the back porch all night?”

  Connect With Me

  Two of my uncles were firefighters, and one became a paramedic after he broke his hip during a rescue. The hours they spent protecting their communities, the days when their families didn’t have them with them at home, the knowledge that every time that alarm rang, there was a chance they wouldn’t make it back to the station. We owe these men and women a resounding shout of thanks for risking their lives for us.

  I’d love to hear from you. I’ve listed all the places I hang out, and I hope you’ll connect with me at one or more of them.

  All my best,

  Randi

  “Rode Hard and Put Up Satisfied”

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  About the Author

  New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Randi Alexander knows a modern woman dreams of an alpha cowboy who takes the reins, and guarantees they’re rode hard and put up satisfied.

  Published with Cleis Press, Wild Rose Press, and self-published, Randi writes smokin’ hot romance with heroes who’ll have you begging to ride off into the sunset with them. When she’s not dreaming of, or writing about, rugged cowboys, Randi is biking trails along remote rivers, snorkeling the Gulf of Mexico, or practicing her drumming in hopes of someday forming a tropical rock-band.

  Forever an adventurous spirit with a naughty imagination, Randi is also family oriented and married to the best guy in the world, her own cowboy, Kick. Give in to the allure of erotic passion, strong but vulnerable heroines, and irresistibly seductive cowboys, as Randi’s emotional love stories sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless with passion.

  Saddle up! And prepare yourself for the sexier side of happily ever after.

  Other Books by Randi Alexander

  The Sons of Dusty Walker: Jackson – When rodeo bronc rider Jackson Walker’s father passes away, he’s shocked to find he’s not the only son of Dusty Walker. His dad had three other families at compass points around the country. When a stipulation in Dusty’s will requires him to live in his dad’s house and work at his company for one week, Jackson heads to Red Creek, Kansas to get it over with, so he can get the hell back to his regularly scheduled life.

  Computer engineer Rori Hughes needs to solidify her position in Dusty’s company, but the only one of his four sons available is Jackson, and Rori has a mighty low opinion of rodeo cowboys. Finding inconsistencies in the computer files, Rori and Jackson work together to solve the mystery, but their constant contact fires a red-hot desire that burns wild between them.

  Spending their days at Dusty’s opulent lakeside home, and their nights together making love, they both ignore the warning signs that point to their attraction becoming more than merely sexual. Jackson’s time in Red Creek is coming to an end, but can he follow his original plan and leave town, breaking away from smart, beautiful, sexy Rori?

  Legend Awakening Book 1 of the Diaries of a Casanova Series – The series addresses the controversial and often taboo art of The Ultimate Female Orgasm. The books are based on true-life events and real life experiences of co-author, Leo J. Canyon, pen name for a country music artist who has been seen by millions. “Leo” has opened his secret vault, telling his story in this truthful adventure that unfolds through fiction. The series of three books combines a traditional romance with a supernatural twist, and sexual passion so strong it smolders off the page. This mysterious subject begs to be explored, opening discussions for women worldwide. Join us as we take this erotic storytelling journey together. It’s fiction based on truth, guaranteed to get a little rain on you.

  When
small-town, Southern boy Liam Jackson learns he’s able to evoke The Ultimate Female Orgasm, he’s unprepared for the side effects. With each one he brings forth, he inherits the woman’s sexual uncertainty and frustrations. This frees the woman to love whomever she chooses, but binds Liam’s soul more and more with each encounter, lessening his ability to find love.

  Inspired by the rumor of a legendary ritual known as “The Rain Ceremony,” Liam questions whether this ability may be his hereditary legacy. In a reckless search for answers, he creates havoc with the people he cares about most. Reaching the lowest point of his life, he is faced with a pivotal decision: will Liam seek the future his family wants for him, or continue his search for the truth?

  As the legend awakens, Liam can no longer ignore the mysterious powers at work within him.

  All Hat No Cattle Book 1 of the All Cowboy Series – Award Winning Novella It’s Independence Day, and Harper Johansen is at the rodeo in South Dakota on business. While she’s deep in cowboy territory, she’s hoping to meet a real cowboy—one who shares her dreams for the future. Shaw Donahue, tall and sexy in his cowboy hat, jeans, and boots, could be that man, and Harper quickly falls for his seductive charm. Until he tells her he’s a roughneck.

  Shaw can’t believe his luck. Harper is an accomplished, intelligent businesswoman, and she’s beautiful, sexy, and willing. Until she learns he’s working in the local oil field. Before he can explain the reason he’s roughnecking, she pushes him away, telling him they can only be friends. He doesn’t fit into her plans. With four days of rodeo ahead of them, can Shaw convince Harper to value a man for more than his cattle?

  All Flash No Cash Book 2 of the All Cowboy Series – When bar owner CJ Overton hires Pete Gonally to paint a motorcycle for a charity giveaway, she expects him to do it her way. After all, he’s a small-time rancher, and graphic arts is just his hobby. But Pete comes back with his own ideas, and sparks fly as tension builds between them. The only way to relieve the pressure is one hot night in her bed. Just one. But Pete wants more.