Cowboy Payback

by Donna Michaels

  “Exactly,” he replied, rocking back on his heels, glad his brother finally got on the same page. “That’s all it is. We have great chemistry.”

  “Ah, I see.” Finn nodded, pursing his lips. “Then your gut won’t feel like you’ve swallowed a roll of barbed wire or like someone is yanking it out at the thought of her kissing someone else. Of another man touching her and discovering those special spots that make her sigh your name.”

  Shit.

  He sank onto the bar stool, his gut burning like he’d swallowed a roll of barbed wire, and his idiot brother was yanking it out.

  “You’re an ass,” he muttered and reached for the bourbon.

  ****

  Several days later, Trisha had a new appreciation of the captain’s acting skills. That had to explain the lingering glances, and touches, and slow, deep, knee-wobbling kisses he deployed no matter who was around.

  Okay, sometimes she got the impression he wasn’t acting because he certainly wasn’t when they were alone in his cabin. Her stomach fluttered and body heated at the memory of their wild monkey sex. The way his muscles, and ridges, and hard body glistened and throbbed as he took her against the wall, on the counter, floor, shower, or how he’d made great use of his big, glorious bed when she’d woken up from a nightmare the other night. The man was exactly what she’d needed to dull the pain.

  A smile tugged her lips. He was one delicious distraction.

  “Judging by that smile, I guess I don’t have to ask how things are going between you and Brett,” Cammie said, dismounting next to Trisha after the guests had retired for the evening. “Finn said his brother usually had issues with Monica, but noticed she hadn’t pestered him at all this week. He thinks it had to do with the way you two were so chummy.”

  He was right. She’d been prepared to lay it on thick for the woman this week. As they both removed their saddles and a ranch hand led their horses away for rubdown, Trisha silently admitted she’d been looking forward to staking a claim to the guy. But after her initial introduction to Monica as Brett’s fiancée and sharing a kiss or two with him in front of the guests, the pest apparently got the picture all on her own.

  “Yeah. It seemed to work,” she said, hoisting the saddle on her shoulder before carrying it to the tack room.

  “Think it’ll be enough to keep your parents convinced?” Cammie asked, setting her saddle on a post. “Terry said they were only staying tonight.”

  She secured her own saddle and nodded. “Yeah. He was supposed to show my dad more of the ranch operation this afternoon while we had the guests out on the trail.”

  Judging by the tour she and Brett had given her parents after they’d arrived that morning, she felt confident their secret was still safe. It didn’t ease the knot in her stomach, though. “I hate lying to them.”

  Her friend dropped an arm around her shoulder as they walked out of the stable toward the house. “Do you think your dad would still try to strong arm you into law school if he thought otherwise?”

  She sighed. “I don’t know. Probably. There’s still half the summer left. I just can’t take the chance. It’s great here. I’m enjoying myself. I don’t need the added pressure weighing me down.”

  Cammie nodded and released her. “Well, whatever you two are doing, just keep it up…as long as you aren’t going to get hurt.”

  “Hurt?” She stopped to turn and stare at her friend. “No. We’re good.”

  “You’re having sex.”

  “Yes.” She smiled. “That’s what’s good.”

  Her friend didn’t smile back. “I just don’t want to see either of you getting hurt. Whether you admit it or not, you both have feelings for each other, and now you’ve gotten physical. It complicates things. Might make it that much harder to leave.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Actually,” she added with a smile. “There’s no reason the two of you couldn’t continue to see each other after your classes start. Your college is less than an hour away.”

  “I know.”

  The thought had crossed her mind several times that week. Heck, last night, she’d almost posed the idea to Brett after he’d helped her move into the main house, but then he’d stripped, and the sight of the man naked always muddled her brain. And since she knew he wouldn’t be sharing her bed tonight, she’d given in to the stupid.

  “Well, if you ever need to talk…” Cammie stopped her just outside the front door. “About anything. I’m here. Okay?”

  Though unsure where this was all coming from, she did know one thing, her friend was a good one. “Thanks,” she said, cupping the pretty brunette’s arm. “I will. But I’m good. Honest.”

  Cammie stared at her and appeared to want to say more, then simply smiled. “Okay. Guess we’d better get cleaned up if we’re supposed to meet everyone at the dining hall for Bugsby’s dinner.”

  Trisha nodded as she followed her friend into the house. What little she’d seen of her father that day, she knew he’d been excited to have the opportunity to eat a meal from his favorite chef again. She just hoped the food would be enough of a distraction to keep him from pushing for specifics about her future.

  ****

  As their steak and lobster dinner ended and Alaska Florentine dessert began, Trisha breathed an inner sigh of relief. Not once had her father questioned her relationship with Brett or inquired about her classes, seemingly happy to discuss the legalities of adding veteran rehabilitation to Royal Pines.

  “My firm deals with criminal law, but I do know a few that can handle what you need, if you’d like me to make a few calls.”

  “Yes, thank you, sir,” Brett replied.

  Finn nodded. “We’d appreciate it, Mr. Jennings. I already have a point of contact with JAG.”

  Trisha could tell by her father’s raised eyebrows that he was impressed to hear the Brennans had already involved the military’s legal branch, the Judge Advocate General.

  “Good. My son, Colton, works out of JAG in Dallas. I’ll leave you his number. Don’t hesitate to call him if you need any advice on that front.”

  “Thank you, sir, we won’t,” Finn assured as Brett nodded in concurrence.

  Her mother leaned forward. “And our son, Liam, works construction now. I believe he was in the SEALs with you, Finn?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact, I called him yesterday to invite him to the wedding and mentioned the project. He’s coming in the day before, so we can share the particulars with him.”

  “Oh, that’s a relief.”

  Her mother sighed with her whole body, and Trisha immediately went on alert. She turned to the anxious woman sitting next to her. “Mom, what’s wrong with Liam?”

  She couldn’t imagine her big, strong, older brother needing help. He was her best dragon slayer. The first one she went to if she couldn’t find her own solution, or if she just needed to bend someone’s ear. Liam had always been there for her growing up. The thought of her solid, smart brother with his can-do attitude needing help, made her stomach twist into a tight knot.

  “Oh, hun, he just hasn’t really been right since he’s been home from his last mission.” Her mother glanced back at Finn. “Hopefully, maybe helping you to help other veterans will somehow benefit him, too.”

  The former SEAL nodded and reached for his fiancée’s hand. “Sometimes, we don’t even realize we need help until we get it.”

  From her other side, a strong, firm hand covered hers and squeezed. “True.”

  Trisha turned to find an open blue gaze staring at her, warm and solemn. Her pulse leapt. She didn’t know if Brett’s actions were to thank her for helping him or because he felt she needed help. Since she wasn’t sure, she decided not to respond and was thankful when the conversation turned back to the wedding and the upcoming hunt for her dress and Cammie’s gown.

  Thirty minutes later, the music started, dance floor filled, and Trisha found herself in Brett’s arms, body dutifully heating from close contact with her fiancé
’s muscled form.

  The guy had great form.

  She enjoyed the slow dances the most and noted she wasn’t the only one. Her mother and father were dancing, along with Terry and Mrs. Brennan, and Cammie and Finn. All with smiles on their faces.

  It was great to see her parents having a good time and to visit with them, but she had to admit, she looked forward to their departure in the morning. Selfish, she knew, but it meant she only had to spend one night away from Brett at the main house.

  “Thanks for your help with Monica this week,” he said against her temple, their bodies swaying as one to a Luke Bryan ballad.

  She drew back to stare up at him. “For what? I kind of feel it was a no-brainer. I really didn’t do much.”

  “You did enough by responding to my public advances,” he replied.

  A smile tugged her lips. “Again, no-brainer. I enjoy kissing you. Why? Did you think I was acting?”

  “No.” He shook his head, sinful gleam in his eyes making her stomach flutter. “I wasn’t acting either. I love putting my mouth on your body.”

  Her smile broadened as she wrapped her arms around his neck and melted against him. “Mmm…and I love when you put your body on my body, cowboy.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said, dipping down to kiss near her ear. “Any time.”

  “Tonight?” she asked hopefully. “I don’t suppose you can sneak into my room?”

  He pulled back, regret dulling the heat in his eyes. “No, sorry. It just seems disrespectful to your parents, as well as you, knowing they’d prefer we didn’t share a room while they were here.”

  She nodded and sighed. “Yeah, I know. I’m just glad your mom is okay with me sharing your cabin. When I think of all we could’ve been missing out on…” She shuddered and burrowed into his chest.

  He was so dang noble. Always putting others before himself. It was one of the things she loved most about him.

  Her steps faltered. Loved?

  She turned her face into his neck and inhaled his fresh, woodsy, male scent. God, he smelled great. It warmed her from the inside out. Another thing she loved about him. One of many.

  Ah…dang it.

  It was time to face the truth. She was in love with Captain Brett Brennan. Had been for some time. He was a strong, reliable, fierce marine, and a noble, fair, hardworking cowboy. The combination captured her heart…now she just needed to figure out if she fit into his future.

  “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night,” he whispered against her ear, wicked hands roaming over her back in a sensual caress. “I promise.”

  That was it. With her knees threatening to buckle, she clung to him tighter and made herself a promise. She wasn’t going to worry about next month. Just the present and the great-smelling cowboy in her arms. He was the only thing that mattered.

  She brushed her lips across his strong jaw, loving the way his body heated under her touch. Admittedly, the empowerment sometimes went to her head. He was so handsome and strong; to think she had the ability to rev-up his engines did all kinds of crazy things to her body. She also loved how she could count on him to kiss her stupid by uttering one word. A word Trisha deliberately used often.

  “I’m going to hold you to that…sir.”

  ****

  July flew by, and before Brett knew it, August rolled in, along with his least favorite guest. Clarissa.

  The woman didn’t drive, so she arrived by shuttle, along with a few other guests. The vehicle had barely unloaded their clients when the blonde bombshell made a beeline straight for him, even though he was holding Trisha’s hand.

  “Brace yourself,” he muttered as his stalker drew near, seductive smile on her face, determined set to her shoulders.

  “You’re home.” Their guest clapped her hands and squeaked.

  The annoying sound ricocheted through him like fingernails on a chalkboard. Hiding his grimace, he cocked his head. “Yeah, hi, Clarissa. I’d like you to meet my fiancée.”

  “I’m so glad to see you’re safe and sound,” the woman said, pulling him in for a hug, completely ignoring his announcement.

  And Trisha.

  “Hello?” The spunky redhead wedged her way between him and the pest. “I’m not sure if you heard, Brett, but I’m his fiancée. The name’s Trisha, Trisha Jennings.”

  Clarissa reeled back. “You’re his what?”

  “Fiancée. The girl wearing his ring.” She held up her left hand and flashed the diamond in front of the blonde’s frowning face. “Brett is no longer free, so I’d appreciate it if you backed off.”

  Ah hell. The others were glancing in their direction. So much for keeping things low-key.

  “All right,” Cammie said, stepping toward the gawking crowd. “What do you say we get everyone checked in?”

  Next to her, Finn smirked at him.

  Jackass.

  “This way we can all meet for lunch before we saddle up,” his brother said, and along with Cammie and the other guides, ushered the rest of the guests into the main building.

  “Come on, no hard feelings. Let’s get you checked in,” Trisha said, hooking her arm with Clarissa’s as she led the bombshell toward the ranch, talking nonstop about how much fun they were going to have that week.

  But judging by the saucy look the newcomer sent him over her shoulder, his stalker wasn’t through with him. Not by a long shot.

  An hour later, Brett was yawning as he saddled his horse next to Finn in the vacant stable.

  “Hot date last night? You look exhausted,” his brother joked, then must’ve seen something in his eyes because he sobered and lowered his voice, even though the others were still outside. “Trisha have another nightmare?”

  He blew out a breath and nodded, slipping the bit into the palomino’s mouth. Although he enjoyed every damn second of making Trisha feel better half the night, he worried she was using sex with him as a deterrent, instead of seeking treatment.

  “She getting worse?” Finn asked, glancing at him over his stallion.

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Hard to say. Children definitely trigger them.”

  “Ah.” His brother nodded, a knowing gleam entering his eyes as he secured the saddle on his mustang. “Maddie went with them to get fitted for the wedding yesterday.”

  “Yes.”

  His cousin’s six-year-old daughter Madison was a sweetheart and excited to be Finn and Cammie’s flower girl.

  “I pulled Cammie aside last night to ask if Trisha had any issues. She told me no, but I knew they’d surface during the night.”

  Finn nodded again. “Do you want me to ask around for a therapist?”

  “No. I have one.” His gut clenched tight, hating that Trisha was hurting and bottling everything inside. “I’ve tried to get her to talk after her nightmares, but she always…” He paused, not at all thrilled with himself for letting her distract him.

  But one well-placed stroke of her hand or the feel of her naked, warm curves as she pushed him back on the mattress, and all the blood left the head on his shoulders and rush to the one farther south.

  He muttered a curse. “I’m such a guy.”

  “Let me guess, she distracts you with sex?”

  His head snapped back, and he narrowed his gaze on his brother. “Yes, how’d you…?”

  “I’ve done it myself a time or two, bro. Not with Cammie. This was before her.”

  Brett stilled and stared at his brother. Jesus, he hadn’t known. He should’ve known. He let his brother down, and now he was letting Trisha down, too. It made him feel like a good for nothing piece of shit.

  “There wasn’t anything you could’ve done, so don’t beat yourself up about it,” Finn said, reading his mind as usual. “I eventually came to realize I needed help and got it on my own. Trisha will, too.”

  He hoped to God that was true.

  “I’ve already talked to a therapist I know. She said she’d fit Trisha in anytime. Now, all I have to do is get her to agree.”

  “W
ell, give yourself a break over the sex thing. You’re a red-blooded guy, and she’s the gorgeous, propositioning woman you’re in love with. Of course you can’t resist.”

  “Right.” He nodded, then stilled. “Wait? What? I’m not in love with…” His protest trailed off at the serious expression on his brother’s face.

  “Do you think of her all the time whether she’s with you or not?”

  He blinked. “Yeah, but—”

  “Does putting a smile on her face become your number one priority every day?”

  “Well…yeah.”

  “Last question, and this is the biggie, bro. Is it Trisha you’re eager to get home to after a long day on the trail and not Royal Pines?”

  His heart slammed into his ribs as the truth hit him with the force of an Abrams tank.

  “Shit…yeah…it is.” He slumped against his horse. “I’m in love with my fiancée. How the hell did that happen? It’s just supposed to be a fling.”

  Finn chuckled. “I know. I get it, bro. It hadn’t been my intention with Cammie either, but I fell for her hard.”

  “Which is a good thing.” He straightened and smiled for what seemed like the first time that afternoon.

  “Yes, it’s very good. And it looks like the twin thing with us happened again. You know, us doing things together without intention.” Finn waved a hand between them. “Although, this time, it’s not Boy Scouts or high school sports or joining the military.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We both did it backward,” his brother replied. “We got engaged before we fell in love.”

  He would’ve laughed if it wasn’t so damn sad. If he wasn’t so damn far out of his depth. “But what the hell do I do now?”

  “I’m not going to lie to you, Brett. It won’t be easy,” Finn said, cupping his shoulder again. “Once I realized my feelings for Cammie ran a hell of a lot deeper than lust, it was a game changer. Things might get a little rough, but that’s when you ask yourself what is important, and then you change your life accordingly.”

  “Right. Great. I’ve no idea where to even start.”

  “I have faith in you,” his brother said, before stepping back. “Just remember, it’s true what they say…nothing worth having comes easy.”