12-Alarm Cowboys

by Cora Seton

  Resolutely, she thrust the guilt aside.

  If she was using him, he was also using her. They were using each other. And no matter how her conscience felt about that, she couldn’t deny that what they’d shared had been the most mind-blowing experience of her life. She had no intention of walking away. Not now. Not until she’d had her fill of him.

  Not until he’d had his fill of her.

  She thought about waking him up, exploring him again, but he looked so peaceful she couldn’t bear to. Besides. There was always tomorrow.

  She thought about leaving, going back to her room, but she couldn’t bear to do that either. Instead, she eased back down onto his chest and, as his arms closed on her again, he mumbled something that might have been her name.

  She fell asleep, there in his arms, to the rumble of his snores, and she didn’t awaken again until morning.

  “Dude! Where the hell are you?”

  Lisa shot up in bed as a deep bellow echoed through the room and the door flew open and smacked against the wall. Stunned, she peered through the tumble of her hair at the man standing in the entrance to Cade’s bedroom.

  It took a second for her to realize it was Cody. And he was staring at her. Her chest, actually.

  Mortification washed over her as she realized she was naked. With an eep, she yanked up the sheets.

  Cody’s lips worked. He forced his attention to her face. “Ah… Good morning, Lisa.”

  A civil response was beyond her. Aside from which, her heart clogged her throat, so she simply glared.

  “Sorry to, um, intrude, but Cade’s late.”

  Lisa glanced to her side, where he should be, but found nothing but a dented pillow. The door to the bathroom opened and he stepped out and her pulse hitched. All thoughts of her embarrassment, of his brother, and her nakedness fled.

  Good glory, he was gorgeous.

  He wore only his jeans; his chest was bare and bronzed and beautiful. He was in the process of scrubbing his hair with a towel, which for some reason she found adorable. More adorable yet when he peeped out at her and grinned.

  And then he stilled. His gaze shot to his brother. The grin morphed into a glower. “What the fuck?”

  Cody smiled. Or maybe it was a smirk. “Good morning to you too.”

  “What the hell are you doing in my room?”

  Cody fluttered his lashes. “Did you forget we had a meeting with Andy?”

  Cade looked at the clock and winced. “Shit. I did.”

  “He’s waiting.” It was annoying the way Cody tapped his watch.

  “All right. Fine. I’ll be down in a minute.”

  “I can wait here.”

  Cade snarled. Snarled.

  Cody laughed and held up his hands. “Okay. Okay. I’m leaving. But hurry up or I’ll have to come back and fetch you.” He turned to leave, but then he paused and shot Lisa another smirk. It didn’t last long. Cade slammed the door in his face.

  “God, I’m sorry about that.” He shot her a remorseful look. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she said, slipping from the bed and hunting for her clothes. Oh, where the hell were they?

  “He has no concept of privacy. And he wonders why I wanted the room farthest from his.”

  She found her bra and slipped it on. And there, thank God, her blouse. It took a while to find her jeans. Her panties were nowhere to be seen. She didn’t care.

  By the time she was dressed, he was as well, but he didn’t leave. Didn’t hurry off to the important meeting. He came to her and took her in his arms and studied her face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m great.”

  “Good.” He kissed her then, softly and gently. “Last night was amazing, you know.”

  Beneath the warmth of his gaze, her embarrassment faded. “It was.”

  “I’d like to continue this.”

  “Me too.” Her lips curled of their own accord. “But next time?”

  “Mmm hmm?”

  “Let’s lock the door.”

  “So…”

  Cade glowered at his brother as he stepped into the office. He didn’t care for his brother’s smirk. “Not a word, Cody. Not a word.”

  “Did I say anything?” That smug grin widened.

  “Unless you’re hankering for a match to that black eye, you better zip it.”

  “I wasn’t going to say a word.”

  “Good.”

  “Just that she’s got damn fine…”

  Cade narrowed his eyes and growled.

  “Features.” There was no call for Cody to laugh. Then he sobered and clapped Cade on the shoulder and said, “Look, bro. I’m happy for you. I know how much you like her and damn it, you needed…somebody.”

  It was difficult maintaining his ire in the face of such sincerity. That was the thing about Cody, he could be a complete ass and then turn around and say or do something that was actually human. “Yeah, well, thanks.”

  “I hope it works out between you. I really do.”

  Cade grunted his response. He hoped so too, but he didn’t have a lot of hope. Lisa had made her position more than clear. Even though last night had been amazing, and she’d admitted as much, that didn’t mean she was inclined to change her mind about them. He couldn’t help but remember the bitterness in her tone when she explained why she’d decided to avoid romantic entanglements. She’d been hurt and hurt a lot. The only real way to win her over would be to show her that he wouldn’t do the same. And everyone knew it was impossible to prove a negative.

  The best he could do was try to keep her in his arms as long as he could and hope for the best.

  The meeting with Andy was interminable. The forecasters were predicting a heavy spring rain and they needed to work out the schedule for moving the cattle in the back forty to higher ground before it hit. There was a plethora of other issues that seemed to go on forever. Normally, Cade enjoyed this kind of work, but today he was restless. He could only think of Lisa. He wanted to find her and talk to her. Maybe kiss her again.

  By the time the meeting ended, he was cranky and hungry. He’d missed breakfast after all. He headed for the kitchen and, while it was filled with the wonderful scent of cinnamon, and there were apple muffins on the counter, there was no sign of Lisa. He hunted for her all over the house—from the library where she’d been yesterday, to her bedroom—but couldn’t find her.

  Grumpily, he clomped down the porch steps and over to the shop.

  The sound of laughter stopped him in his tracks. It was her laughter and it was musical. Like a Greek sailor following the call of a siren, he turned and followed the entrancing sound. She was in the barn, in one of the back stalls, where Daisy and her puppies were ensconced.

  Cade leaned on the gate and stared down at Lisa, who sat cross-legged in the hay. She was covered with squirming puppies all wriggling and scrabbling, trying to lick her face. It was such a beautiful sight, so intrinsically Lisa, it made his chest clench.

  She looked up and saw him and their gazes tangled. “Hey you,” she said and then she grimaced, because one of the more amorous pups took the opportunity to stick his tongue in her mouth. Cade should be jealous, but he couldn’t bring himself to be. Besides, her hacking and gagging was hysterical.

  “You have some admirers,” he said.

  She chuckled and peeled a couple of the hounds off, but before she could stand, several more piled on. “They are adorable.”

  No. She was.

  “Do you need a hand?”

  “Oh, please,” she gusted.

  He stepped in the stall and helped her extricate herself from the mass of wriggling fur. It took a while for them to exit the stall without letting any of the pups escape. As she stepped out, she brushed off her jeans. Then she glanced up at him. “Is your meeting over?”

  “Finally.”

  “And what are your plans for the rest of the day?”

  Technically, he should start working. Riding the fences or joining the crew
as they hauled out feed. Cody mentioned he was planning to replace the alternator on one of the ATVs they used to run the ranch and he wouldn’t mind a hand.

  Cade didn’t want to do any of that.

  “How about a ride?”

  Lisa’s eyes widened. “A ride? On a horse?”

  The way she said it, one would think he’d suggested riding a walrus. Or a dragon. “They’re quite tame. We use them for the parties.”

  “Cade, I don’t know how to ride.”

  “I’ll show you.” He hooked his thumbs in her belt loops and tugged her closer, kissed her. “Come on. It’ll be fun.” And they’d be away from the ranch house. There might even be privacy.

  “Okay.”

  She watched as he saddled up two mounts—Champion, his favorite, and Kate, a gentle mare. As he worked, he gave her a quick lesson on horses, including the most important tip—never come up behind them without letting them know you’re there. He’d learned that one the hard way as a boy.

  When he finished, he helped her mount and waited at her side as she found her bearings. Only when he was certain she was comfortable did he mount up himself. He shot her a grin. “Are you ready?”

  She sighed. “As ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.” There was trepidation in her tone, and she clutched the reins as if her life depended upon it, but she valiantly gave Kate’s side a gentle kick as he instructed and the horse moved forward. It was only a step, but she eeped…and then she laughed.

  He loved that about her. She might be scared to death of the enormous beast, but she was brave enough to try a new thing.

  As they headed out of the stable yard and into the field surrounding the compound, it became easier for her. By the time they reached the woods, she was riding like a pro. Well, maybe not a pro, but she was definitely more at ease.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “I thought we’d go to the lake.”

  “Oh, you have a lake?”

  “Yup. It’s a popular spot during the parties. We have a little cabana set up with a bar and a grill. There’s a rope swing too. If you want, we can go swimming.”

  She made a face. “I don’t swim.”

  He gaped at her. “You…don’t swim?” Such a thing was unthinkable.

  “No. I never learned.”

  “I can teach you that too.”

  Though her eyes glimmered, she said, “Besides, we don’t have swimming suits.”

  He stilled and shot her a scorching gaze as the image of Lisa, naked, frolicking in the lake, filled his mind.

  As though she knew exactly what he was thinking—or she was thinking it too—she pinkened. Either by accident or intent, she kicked Kate again and increased their pace.

  Chapter Twelve

  ‡

  Oh lordy.

  She’d been missing Cade all morning, frustrated and annoyed that they’d had to part so soon, before they really had a chance to talk about last night…or repeat it. And now, judging from his expression, he was leading her to a spot where they could do just that.

  The thought thrilled her.

  He thrilled her.

  There was something about him that pushed all her buttons. Something about him that made her want to gobble him up, sink in, wallow in him. Maybe it was his smile or the look in his eyes or the calm, steady energy he projected. Maybe it was his voice or his scent or the way he touched her, treated her. But when she was with him, the sun shone brighter and the birds were…chirpier. Everything was clearer. More pleasant. The rustle of leaves in the breeze, the smell of the loam, the movement of the horse beneath her.

  She liked spending time with him and, more than that, she liked who she was in his presence.

  As they rode, he told her about the ranch, how it had been built by their grandfather, who got it in his mind that his children and their children would never leave the Double S, so he built a house large enough to accommodate them all. They had moved away, though. All of them, until his father was the only one left. He talked about the day his father died. About learning the ranch was near foreclosure. About how Cody had come up with a crazy idea to save it.

  And they talked about her life. How her father had broken her mother’s heart. How her parents had divorced and she’d had to leave this town and move to Dallas. About meeting Guy. Her dreams of opening a bakery.

  He appeared somewhat annoyed when she mentioned that Guy hadn’t supported her career. She liked that. She liked that a lot.

  When they came out of the trees to a clearing nearly filled with a sparkling expanse of water, her breath caught. “Oh, it’s lovely.”

  “We like it.”

  He slid to the ground and then came around to help her down. As much as she considered herself an independent woman who didn’t need a man for anything, in this instance she really appreciated his help. Also, his hands on her waist were warm. She loved the way his hold spanned her. She tipped up her chin to thank him and he took a kiss instead.

  He tied up the horses and then took her by the hand and led her to the charming gazebo at the far side of the lake. It was a whimsical confection of curlicues and lattice and inside there were several lounges, chairs and tables sprinkled about. The bar took up one side, but the others were open to the air and the front arch looked out on the lake.

  It really was beautiful, the water tempting.

  The day was warm. Sweat gathered on her brow. A dip would be wonderful.

  She leaned against the colonnade and glanced up at him with a flirtatious smile. “About those swimming lessons…”

  He stilled. His gaze locked on her. “Do you…do you want them?”

  She shot a look around the clearing. “This is private, isn’t it?”

  “Very. The crew is on the other side of the ranch. Cody’s in the shop. Claire’s working in the office. We’re all alone.” The lilt of enthusiasm in his tone was stirring, as was his expression.

  Tempting. Tempting indeed.

  Without giving herself a chance to think about it, she pulled off her t-shirt. His eyes widened. He stared at her. Then he scrambled to catch up. They pulled off their clothes and dropped them where they stood, then raced each other to the shore. Laughing, Lisa plowed into the water, catching her breath at the cold kiss on her heated skin. Cade was right behind her; he grabbed her, swung her around and then turned her to face him and kissed her.

  As always, the kiss heated them.

  As always, it lasted longer than intended.

  Lisa didn’t care in the slightest. She gloried in the feel of the sun, the feel of his skin against hers, his hands on her body. The nudge of his erection.

  That he wanted her as much as she wanted him invigorated her. Beyond that, it was glorious and illicit, being nude outdoors, in the daylight.

  He walked her deeper into the water; as they submerged, it crept up her back like silk. All the while, he kissed her, stroked her. When they were as deep as her chest, when the play of water lapped at her pebbled nipples, he stopped and raised his head.

  “The first lesson in swimming,” he said, “is learning to float.”

  She blinked. Something that resembled disappointment skittered through her. Surely not because his tone was avuncular and pedantic. Surely not because he’d been serious about swimming lessons. Surely not because she’d really been expecting something else.

  “Seriously? We’re going with swimming lessons?”

  He grinned. “I did promise. And I always keep my promises.”

  “You do?” That was good to know.

  “Of course. I’m an Eagle Scout.” He said this as though it were a given. “Besides, everyone should know how to swim.” He winked. “It’s as easy as riding a horse.”

  “Humph.” No doubt it was. But she’d really had something else in mind. She set her hand on his chest and thumbed his nipple in an attempt to distract him. It didn’t work.

  “Come on, Lisa. Lie back in the water.” When she resisted, he added, “Don’t worry. I’ve got you
.”

  Well, hell, she wasn’t worried. She could still touch the bottom, for heaven’s sake, but it seemed like a pretty good excuse to clutch at him.

  She allowed him to ease her onto her back. His hands splayed out to hold her up and he began gliding her body through the water. “Focus on keeping your back slightly arched. Focus on staying buoyant.”

  She watched his expression as he tracked her, making sure he didn’t move so quickly water splashed on her face. He was so gentle, so tender, so patient, she didn’t have the heart to tell him she already knew how to float. It was far too pleasant to allow him to continue.

  “Now, close your eyes.”

  “Close my eyes? Why?”

  “Lisa.” He tsked. “Who’s giving these lessons?”

  She huffed a sigh and complied. And oh, with her eyes closed, each glide of her body, each lick of the water, each touch of his hand was magnified.

  Something warm and wet closed on the peak of her breast. Her eyes flew open and she lurched as the sensation seared her. She grabbed hold of his shoulders with a cry.

  He lifted his head. His lips tweaked. “Close your eyes, Lisa,” he said in a low, languid voice.

  It took every bit of her self-discipline to do so—she really wanted to watch—but with great effort, she closed her eyes and leaned back into a float. It wasn’t long before he touched her again, but this time with a finger, and not to her nipple. Instead, he drew tantalizing circles around and around, teasing her areola until it swelled to a painful point. She couldn’t hold back a moan.

  She thought she heard him chuckle, but her ears were underwater so it could have been her imagination.

  He continued his torment, alternately nibbling and plucking and sucking at her nipples until she wanted to thrash. With great force of will, she managed not to. She was about to congratulate herself on an impossible feat, when his palm scudded lower. She froze as he neared the crux of her thighs, shivered as he drew a light line along her crease.

  She did open her eyes then. She couldn’t resist. And the expression on his face slayed her. His attention was locked on her mons. His features were tight. A muscle in his cheek bunched. What she saw there was pure, savage hunger.