A Cowboy in Paradise

by Shana Gray

  “Right.”

  She heard the tinge of humor in his voice and knew he didn’t believe her. That irked her. “So, lead the way, Tarzan.”

  “No need to get testy, Jane.” He laughed, a low, slow chuckle that sent shivers along her skin. “You best take my hand—it’s dark, and you can’t see where you’re going. I know how clumsy you are, too.”

  “I’m fine. Lead the way. And I’m not clumsy.”

  Jimi knew Dallas was standing in front of her by the darker form his body created in the shadows. He didn’t move. Neither did she, until Jimi decided she wasn’t going to wait for him to make the first move. They’d started something earlier, and she’d been yearning for it since. She had to get this man out of her system.

  Jimi stepped into him, felt for his arms and grasped them. She stood on her toes and found his mouth with hers, sealing off any form of resistance. There was no fumbling, just his hot lips on hers.

  Jimi sighed when his hands slid along her arms, took her wrists and lifted so she could wrap them around his neck. The musical night sounds and the warm, scented Hawaiian air embraced them. Jimi lost herself in the moment.

  Without the ability to see in the dark, all her other senses exploded into high alert. It seemed as if he touched her everywhere. The sultry tropical breeze whispered over her heated flesh, rousing her further. Threading his hands through her hair, he pulled her head back so she was at his mercy in the shadows. His lips, more powerful and insistent than before, had her melting into him. Her legs wobbled and Jimi clutched him tighter.

  Night birds and other nocturnal animal sounds serenaded them as the creatures woke to their new day as the hour slipped deeper into the night. Leaves rustling in the breeze, distant voices from the camp, the tropical frogs and, mostly, their breathing was all she heard. Dallas’s scent, warm, manly, was tinged with soap, leather and horse. He smelled so good she could eat him.

  Jimi reached her tongue, wanting—no, needing—to find his. When the tips met, she moaned in ecstasy as molten fire flowed through her. He was magic, this man. This Hawaiian cowboy had the touch and she was thrilled to be at the receiving end of it.

  He tightened his arms around her and shuffled her back until the solidity of a tree trunk pinned her sweetly between the rough bark and his powerful chest. Hooking a foot around his calf, she pulled so he had nowhere to go except closer to her. And like lava flowing over the craggy ground, he filled her. But not in the way she desperately needed. Jimi ached for him, and she clutched his shoulders, wanting him to take her here and now. In the dark. Under the rising tropical moon and rustle of leaves overhead.

  “Now—”

  “Easy, hemahema.” His lips silenced her.

  Jimi ran her hands up into his hair, and it fell over her fingers. Thick and soft, it made her want to discover more. He held her against the tree and she fell victim to his lips. Never had she been so thoroughly kissed. It was exquisite—the delicious fusion of their mouths, the way their arms held each other, the feelings that exploded inside her.

  All from a kiss.

  She moaned into him and he pressed deeper. His tongue danced with hers lightly, then firmly, only to tease her again. He was wooing her with his mouth, and she was falling for him in the most elemental way. His hard body pinned her, and she felt his erection nudge her belly.

  Jimi felt like a schoolgirl again and she loved it. This man made her feel it was okay to let go—not hang on so tight—and give up her control, handing it over to him. She sensed it deep inside. He was safe. Hadn’t he come to find her in the dark? After what seemed like a sweet eternity, he broke the kiss. His breathing was ragged, just like hers.

  She was desperate to see his face, the expression in his eyes, but the dark hid him from her. “Take me to your tent. Or mine. I don’t care.”

  “What I’ll do is take you back down to the camp. The tent can come later when everyone is asleep.”

  He slid his hand from her neck, along her shoulder and down her arm, taking her hand in his. He left a charged trail of excited nerve endings where he touched her. Dallas tugged her and she followed him in the dark. “I’ll hold you to that, cowboy.”

  He chuckled. “I had no doubt that you would.”

  Jimi smiled and her heart did a little tumble.

  Dallas led her into the camp by the long barn, where she’d first fallen into his arms. The bright light from camp beyond the barn caught her attention. She was surprised at how much it had changed since the trek up to the ridge.

  It was almost...pretty.

  Through the trees and past the tents, she saw torches and twinkle lighting strung through the trees. Tables had been covered with some kind of cloth, and wide leaves with flowers grouped into them sat in the middle as centerpieces. The backs of chairs were draped with more flowers and leaves, as were some tree trunks. Torchlight lit the paths between the tents. It had a magical look, like a tropical fairyland, and Jimi loved it! Now she wanted to see what else had been done in the way of decoration.

  “Just a quick walk through the barn to make sure the horses are all settled. That way, if we’re spotted no one will think anything,” Dallas told her as she followed him into the barn. The horses were dozing in their stalls.

  “I don’t really care if anyone thinks anything,” Jimi confessed.

  He stopped halfway down and turned toward her. “Well, I do. This is business, and reputation is very important to the family. I wouldn’t want it to get around that a guest had been taken advantage of.”

  “I’m a big girl and can make my own decisions,” she retorted and immediately regretted her words, feeling contrite not considering it from his perspective.

  “I bet you can.” Dallas smiled. He had such an easy nature, and she was captivated all over again as he leaned down to her. “But I have to insist. Ranch rules and all that.”

  “Well, rules are made to be broken, yes?” He was going to kiss her again, and she waited, looking up at him with desire for this man that was unparalleled. She sighed with regret. “I understand. I wouldn’t want to jeopardize your job. I still can’t understand why she didn’t choose a beach wedding! Isn’t that what a destination wedding truly is? I don’t think I’d consider a wedding like this.”

  Dallas didn’t reply, and Jimi was surprised to see a strange expression cross his face. He stepped back, and she furrowed her brows when he turned away. Had she said something wrong?

  “We best get back to the group.”

  “Um, okay.” She was confused by his sudden mood swing.

  “Looks like they’ve got the meal close to ready.”

  This time he didn’t take her hand as he walked away. Jimi stood for a moment before following him. Why this sudden change of mood? Well, she wouldn’t chase him down. No skin off her nose if he didn’t want to hook up; while she was disappointed, she’d get over it and life would go on. But as she watched him go, all broad shoulders and slim hipped, Jimi made a decision that was the total reverse of what she’d just told herself. She wanted that man. And she was going to have him. One way or another, she’d be in his bed tonight.

  5

  JIMI FOLLOWED DALLAS into the twinkling light where all the wedding party guests had gathered. The fairy lights, flowers and decorations that totally screamed a wedding were a complete contrast to how all the guests were dressed. It rubbed Jimi’s fashion sense the wrong way. Western wear, in Hawaii, and pretty sparkly wedding decorations shouldn’t fit together, but they did. It was utterly perfect.

  Glancing down at her own borrowed Western clothing, she realized she fit in dressed like this. Jimi didn’t feel self-conscious at all. Lifting her hand, Jimi smoothed her hair, which had erupted into a wild riot of curls. She smiled. It would take some getting used to, not being perfectly turned out. But for now she allowed herself to feel comfortable and enjoyed the
fact that she blended in.

  She watched Dallas weave through the crowd, smiling at everyone and being the perfect ranch host. Jimi also saw the hungry look in the eyes of the women. Whether married or single, they lusted for him. A very unfamiliar feeling, something she hadn’t felt since she was in the throes of puberty, turned her belly sour. She was jealous. It was hard to watch Dallas show the other women appropriate attention right after he’d kissed her senseless in the dark.

  She shifted on her feet and pulled her gaze away from him. Jimi was determined he would be hers at least tonight for a little while. She could see no harm in a holiday fling. Her life back home was far too complicated to allow for any kind of relationship building. Especially a long-distance one.

  The energy of the party took hold and she mingled, talking to people she didn’t know. Then—surprise!—she spied a familiar face over by the bar.

  She strode over and tapped the woman on the shoulder. She turned and a big smile lit her face.

  “Holy shit, is it really you? Jimi!”

  Jimi laughed and they fell into each other’s arms. “Yes. It’s so good to see you, Wendy.”

  “You too. Gosh, it’s been years.”

  Jimi squeezed her and they stepped apart. “I know. What, six years since we graduated?”

  “Ugh, has it really been that long? You’re making me feel so old now.”

  “Sorry. But, yeah, time marches on.”

  “Truth. What a cool place for a wedding, don’t you think? I was wondering how Diana would pull this off. So, how are you doing? Still designing?”

  Jimi nodded and placed her hand on Wendy’s arm. “Yes, oh, my God, you have no idea how excited I am. I’m designing Lilly Weaver’s Oscars gown.”

  “The actress! Really? Holy shit, that’s awesome! What’s it look like?”

  “You know I can’t tell you that—it’s a huge secret. The next few months will be ridiculously insane! But I so hope it is the beginning of more,” Jimi said, polishing off the mai tai and reaching for another. “Jeez, these are good.”

  “Yeah, no kidding.” A long, low sound startled them. Looking around, Wendy whispered, “Oh, look. A conch blower. There’s Diana and Matt.”

  The wedding planner raised her hands, silencing the crowd. Funny how such a little thing of a woman held such commanding power.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I’m Samantha, your host and wedding planner for the next three nights here in beautiful Hawaii. The future bride and groom are in the house, so, please, let the festivities begin!”

  Everyone clapped, hooted and whistled as Matt swept Diana back and kissed her. They looked so happy it made Jimi’s heart hurt. Would she ever find love like that? They looked so damn happy. It made her wonder if she could ever have that one special relationship for herself. A man who would treasure her, be her true love and not take off when he got bored.

  The crowd surrounded the couple and the smell of food wafted on the air, reminding her she hadn’t eaten anything all day.

  “I’m starved. Are you?” she asked Wendy.

  Her friend shook her head. “No, I had a late bite after the never-friggin’-ending flight.”

  “Mind if I go over and get something?”

  “Go, go. Of course not. Catch up with you later.”

  “Great.” Jimi gave Wendy a hug and was surprised that her feet didn’t really want to do as she bade them to. Must be those mai tais. She made her way to a beautiful table under a string of twinkling lights. She swore the table was groaning under the weight of food. Beelining to the stack of plates, she filled one and grabbed a glass of water. After finding a spot at a rustic table, she sat down, ate and watched the crowd.

  The whole time watching for him, as well. He must’ve slipped away while she was talking to Wendy. It seemed that most of the ranch hands had disappeared. Her heart dropped with disappointment.

  “Jimi!”

  Jimi turned to see the bride-to-be approaching her with her arms wide. Standing, she greeted her. Ever expressive, Diana had her in a bear hug.

  “Oh, Jimi, I’m so glad to see you and it’s been way too long. Emails and phone calls just don’t cut it.”

  “I know. I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m very happy for you.”

  “So what you think?” Diana waved her hand around, indicating where they were. “Pretty cool, huh?”

  “It’s amazing. It really is.” As she spoke the words, Jimi realized she truly meant it. “How on earth did you ever manage to make this look so fabulous?”

  “It was Matt’s idea. I thought a destination wedding should be on a beach, really. But when he suggested it, and after my initial resistance, I could see how wonderful it would be here. We are going to have a little bit of a party down at the Four Seasons next week. Plus, the wedding planner did the whole thing. She’s a friend of the ranch owner’s daughter, so...” She shrugged a slim shoulder.

  “Oh, really?” That excited Jimi to no end, the party down at the Four Seasons. “That will be fun. I should have my suitcase by then.”

  “What do you mean? You don’t have your suitcase? What happened to it?” Diana fired questions at her, which totally opened her up to the inevitable sharing of bad news.

  Jimi shrugged her shoulders and held out her arms, trying to keep it light. “It got lost somewhere over the Pacific. They’re hoping it’ll arrive tonight and bring it up to me tomorrow. In the meantime... I have these wonderful clothes.”

  Diana leaned toward her and whispered, “Where did you get them? I’m so sorry this happened to you because I know how important having all your creature comforts is to you.”

  Jimi was sure she wasn’t poking fun at her. Diana knew she was a fashionista. It was what she did for a living, so naturally it rolled over into her everyday life. But she wasn’t that rigid or unable to survive without her clothes, makeup and shoes...or was she?

  “It’s fine. You have to make do, right?” She smiled and took a deep breath, ready to tell her about the wedding dress, surprised Diana hadn’t asked about it.

  “Where’d you get these clothes, then?”

  “You have some very generous friends. I should be fine until my bag arrives. In the meantime I’ll enjoy the rustic, new me.”

  “Oh, say, you have no idea how thrilled I was when you offered to design my wedding dress. It’s not every day a girl gets a haute couture wedding dress.”

  “Oh, please, I’m far from haute couture. But...” Jimi waggled her finger at Diana. “You could have told me it was a country wedding and not a beach wedding.” She also decided then and there not to say a thing until the last possible moment. Like the morning. If there was no suitcase by then, she would tell Diana and figure out what she could do for a gown for her friend.

  “I know and I’m sorry. But whatever you have designed will be perfect. I just know it.”

  Jimi smiled and then found her gaze wandering off to scan the dancing guests.

  It wasn’t until Diana pointed it out that she realized what she was doing. “Who are you looking for?”

  She’d been looking for Dallas. Yes, she’d been paying attention to Diana and at the same time unconsciously looking for the hot cowboy who had turned her inside out.

  “Oh, just seeing if I know anyone here. I found Wendy a little while ago.” She smiled at Diana, hooked her arm through her friend’s and walked her over to the buffet. “Let’s get a mai tai, even if I really shouldn’t have another one, and catch up. Tell me about this man that has captivated your heart and whisked you off to the wilds of Hawaii.”

  “Let’s! I’m dying to see my dress!”

  “I’m dying to see you in the dress, too.” Oh crap. Here it comes.

  “Matt is wonderful—”

  “Of course he is—you’re marrying him.” Jimi
squeezed her friend’s arm. She was truly happy for her and wanted to steer her off the dress course for now. God, how she prayed it would arrive. Not only for Diana, of course, but Jimi had committed to an interview with a top fashion magazine, and they were waiting for images to put in the photo spread. They were interviewing her because of her diversity. Oscars to destination wedding. Jimi groaned and looked up at the starlit sky. Anxiety gripped her belly. She tamped it down and looked at Diana, hoping it didn’t show on her face.

  “Yes, he is. It took a while for him to convince me, though. His patience paid off.” She sighed, and Jimi felt the warmth of the feelings her friend had for her man. Clearly, he’d swept her off her feet.

  “Diana!” A male voice boomed under the canopy of trees.

  Diana spun around, a bright smile on her face. Jimi looked off in the same direction and watched a tall, redheaded man approach. He was sporting a smile that could brighten any gloomy day.

  “It’s him,” Diana whispered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

  “Don’t worry—I’m still allowed to see you before the wedding. I don’t believe in bad luck and all that crap.” Matt swept his bride-to-be into his arms and spun her around. Jimi watched as he placed her back on her feet and slid his hands down her arm to clasp her fingers in his.

  Jimi was surprised at the flash of envy she felt.

  “Attention, everyone.” Matt raised his voice above the din of the crowd, and momentarily everyone fell silent. “Aloha. And mahalo for coming all the way to wonderful Hawaii. I hope you’re comfortable in your tents, and if you need anything just ask our fabulous wedding planner, Samantha. Please give her a round of applause for setting up this wonderful event.”

  He turned, indicating a woman who was standing beside a tree.

  “Thank you, Matt. This is your day—I mean yours and Diana’s. I’m a behind-the-scenes person charged with making your wedding spectacular. Thanks to Broken Creek Ranch for putting up with all my demands.” She gave Diana a wink and continued, “Well, we may as well be clear. The demands were not mine, and all I can say is I’m thankful I don’t have a bridezilla.”