A Cowboy in Paradise

by Shana Gray

  * * *

  UNLESS SHE WANTED to cringe helplessly while the storm crashed around her, Jimi decided she had to take the bull by the horns and do something. Lifting her head, she pushed hair out of her face and wiped her eyes.

  She scanned the dimly lit barn for Diana and Matt. How were they coping? Jimi pushed herself to her feet, determined to make every effort to overcome her terror and try to be of use to someone. Anyone. Thunder crashed, and she nearly crumpled back to the ground in a heap.

  “Hey, there. It’s not that bad, you know. We’ll be fine.” Dallas’s deep voice was a welcome balm amid the maelstrom around them.

  “Will we? It sounds really bad out there.”

  “Well, it isn’t good, but I’ve been in worse.” Dallas wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tight.

  Instantly she felt safe and breathed out a ragged sigh.

  “Being afraid of storms can be overcome,” he assured her.

  She looked at him, grateful for his attempt at calming her. “Yeah, well, I’m not so sure about that. I’ve tried more times than I can count, with no luck.”

  “What happened to make you so afraid?”

  She didn’t really want to dredge it all up, but the need for him to understand suddenly seemed very important. The last thing she wanted was for him to think her weak or silly.

  “A bad storm when I was a child.” She looked up at him and took a deep, quavering breath. “Um, my m-mom died.” Not wanting him to say anything as she felt the edge of panic looming, and talking about how her mom died would be her undoing. “Maybe if I keep busy. What is happening about the wedding?”

  “I’m sorry, Jimi. That’s horrible.” He hesitated and then asked softly, “Do you want to talk about it?”

  She looked up at him but, while she appreciated his concern, she still couldn’t find the nerve to verbalize how horrific it had been. “Not right now—it’s too close to this.” She waved her hand to the roof of the barn and the storm that raged outside. She switched the conversation to a safer topic. “Is there much we can do for the wedding?”

  * * *

  “NO. WE JUST have to ride this out.” He took her by the shoulders and turned her. “It will be all right. This is a safe place. And I’m here if you feel overwhelmed or frightened.”

  She looked up at him in wonder. He was caring and concerned and a protector. All the things she yearned for in a man. “Thanks. I’ll remember that.”

  A crash boomed and she cowered. Jimi had to think of something else, so she thought about Diana. She must be devastated. This also meant she wouldn’t need her wedding gown right away. Jimi was glad she didn’t have to dump the bad news on Diana about the dress, even if missing a wedding was way worse. A bride could only take so much.

  “I think I’ll find Diana and see what I can do.”

  “That’s a great idea.”

  Dallas gave her a gentle squeeze. Jimi didn’t want to leave the comfort of his arms, but she forced herself to.

  “They’re down at the other end of the barn.” He pointed and Jimi looked in the direction he indicated.

  “Okay. Well.” She gave him a smile, which he returned, and then wove her way through the people crouched on the barn floor. As the storm surrounded them, almost shaking the rafters of the barn, she noticed the other guests had found ways to distract themselves and kill time. Their mannerisms comforted her, as well. So by the time she got to Diana, Jimi was almost feeling like her old self.

  “Jimi! How are you holding up?” Diana asked. Jimi was surprised. For a bride whose wedding was being decimated, she looked like she didn’t have a care in the world.

  “I’m fine, but what about you? What a horrible thing to happen. It’s completely set things back for you.”

  “Ah, we’ll make do. You know what they say...rain on a wedding day is good luck.”

  “And this definitely looks like it’s going to hang on until your wedding day.”

  Diana glanced toward the closed shutters and frowned before smiling brightly again. “It sure does.”

  “Aw, Diana, I’m so sorry.” Jimi wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged her tight. “Listen, is there anything I can do to make it better?”

  Diana hugged her back. A boom of thunder overhead made them both jump as they stepped apart. “No, nothing. You just try and enjoy yourself. I know it’s a disaster. But it will all work out in the end. We’re going to make it up to everyone at the hotel later. We do have to get married you know!” She laughed.

  Jimi had to hand it to Diana. Under the circumstances, she sure was taking this all in stride. If it was her wedding? Well, Jimi had no idea how she would be handling things, other than likely not near as well as Diana was.

  “Hey, honey, how you doing?” Matt came up and put his arm around his fiancée’s shoulder, holding her tightly. Diana leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist as he dropped a kiss on her head.

  “It’s all good. We have no control over Mother Nature.” She grinned at Matt, and Jimi knew she was putting on the brave front. “We’ll be husband and wife soon.”

  “I’ve waited this long for you—a couple of days more won’t hurt.” Matt smiled at Diana, and Jimi’s heart swelled. The love he had for Diana was evident and Jimi was happy for her. Jimi glanced around the barn. Her gaze fell on Dallas at the far end, and she watched as he moved around, checking the shutters, stopping to talk to guests, giving the horses strokes as he walked past them. She smiled when she noticed how each horse lifted their nose to him, almost as if they knew he would stop and give them a little bit of attention as he moved around the barn. Her heart told her he was a good man. And her body told her how much it wanted him.

  From remembering the couple who had walked past her last evening at the barbecue, the romance and love oozing off them, to witnessing now the love between Diana and Matt made Jimi want that, too. How could she ever get a chance at love and a long-lasting relationship when she was so focused on her career, her business? Her independence?

  Never taking her gaze from Dallas, Jimi felt both excitement and sadness. He was special, and it seemed impossible how quickly she’d grown attached to him in this short space of time. It was the intensity of the situation. Would they get a chance to see where it could go after all this?

  Dallas stopped in the center of the barn. “People, attention for a moment.”

  Everyone stopped and turned to him.

  “A bit of housekeeping. We won’t be at a loss for food or water, so no concern there. We have a truck backed up to the barn at the far end for supplies. Now, as for facilities, you’ll notice a cordoned-off area also at the far end. Sorry to do it to y’all, but it’s back to the basics and rustic living. The shitter, as we call it, is in business.”

  He smiled a wide smile, and Jimi heard a few people, including herself, laugh.

  8

  “IS IT SAFE to venture out?” Although Jimi had spent two nights and a day trapped in the barn, she was still a little nervous about leaving its safety, even if the rain did stop this morning. It remained dreary outside and she worried the storm would come back.

  “Trust me. I know this land like the back of my hand.” Dallas helped her on the horse. “The worst of the storm is past, and this will be a perfect time to show you.”

  “Will we head back down now that the storm is over?”

  “Can’t until the river lowers. So we may as well make the most of our time...and what better way than with a ride. Since you didn’t get to ride up here in your fancy dress and shoes.”

  Taking the truck had been the wisest thing without proper riding clothes. Now that she had some borrowed ones, she was actually glad of going for a ride. When she thought back to just two days ago and how upset she was to be up here in the wilds, then the storm, this ride would
be a welcome interlude.

  “What about all the guests? We can’t just take off and leave them.”

  “They’ll be fine. Tucker, Samantha and the wranglers have them in hand. Plus, they’ve been good sports about this. Now that the weather is clearing up, they seem happy until we can head back down to the house.”

  “When do you think that will be?”

  “Hopefully, by the end of the day. I’m sure everyone would be much happier back down in civilization. Including you.” He grinned at her, then checked his cinch and gathered the reins, about to mount his horse.

  For some reason his comment stung her. Did she really give off the aura of a diva, unable to enjoy life without all the finer things? She thought she’d done pretty well since the storm blew in. Being thrown back into rustic living had been a shock, something she hadn’t wanted at all, and yet maybe this whole trip up here was a blessing in disguise.

  A hard lesson to be sure, but making her see things in a different light.

  Without her conveniences and not having to worry about looking perfect all the time was actually liberating. She hadn’t realized until just this moment how caught up in appearances she was. And the cool thing was that Dallas didn’t seem to mind her borrowed clothes, lack of makeup and riot of hair. He was seeing her at her worst and there was no judgment. He accepted her. In fact, if she thought back to the beginning, he’d never seen her perfectly turned out, which was her norm. Still, she wasn’t ready to completely let go of her armor of clothes and makeup. She’d built that shell over years, and it would take more than a few days to break it.

  Jimi watched him swing with ease onto his horse. Her heart beat a little quicker. He settled into the saddle and gathered up the reins. Jimi watched his hands, how he cradled the leather between his fingers. The gentle yet firm touch he had and the horse’s response to him only reminded her how wonderful his touch was.

  Oh, yes, there sure was something about him and not just physically—that was a given. There was more. His quiet, calm way. His strength. How he’d easily calmed her in the storm, constantly keeping tabs on her to make sure she was okay while also tending to all the guests. How he made her feel special. Like now, how he’d helped her on the horse—even though she was quite capable—checking the stirrups were right and placing her foot just so in them. The lingering touch of his hand on her knee. Everything about him was perfect. Jimi rested her palm where his hand had just been, positive she still felt his energy.

  What was happening here? He was supposed to be just a holiday fling.

  Glancing back at him, she smiled when his horse did a little dance. He was an excellent rider and looked so good in the saddle. She’d seen some men ride, men who should never ever have sat in a saddle. In fact, it had turned her off one or two. So, watching Dallas ride was sweet, indeed.

  “Easy there, Sweeny.” Dallas crooned to the horse, and the mare instantly calmed, falling into a nice ground-covering trot.

  Jimi nudged her horse and followed suit. Used to riding English, she started to post, but her horse had a wonderful smooth trot and she was able to sit to with no problem.

  “Hey, you look mighty fine in the saddle.” Dallas gave her an appreciative smile.

  “I’ve been riding since I was little, although not much in recent years. English, but I’m adaptable.” She bit her lip and then started to tell him something she’d never told anyone before. “I rode on the commune. Of course, ponies to start, bareback with a halter. Then graduated to the horses.”

  “That doesn’t sound too bad.”

  “That part wasn’t.” She drew in a breath and continued, “It was a hippie commune. Sure, there was free love, and all that, but not a very nurturing environment for the kids. We were left to fend for ourselves, like we were a by-product of communal sex. The only nurturing person was my mom. All the kids loved her.” Tears pricked her eyes at losing her mom far too soon. “But anyway, like I said, I’m adaptable.” And before she spilled any further private thoughts, she proved her point by giving the appropriate leg commands and the horse broke into an easy lope. She passed Dallas on the trail, with no idea which way to go.

  “And by the way, what is it you want to show me?” she called over her shoulder.

  His horse’s hooves thumped on the trail, and in a flash he was past her.

  “You’ll see when we get there. That is, if you can keep up.”

  Jimi laughed and leaned over her horse’s neck. Never one to back down from a challenge. Oh, she’d keep up, no doubt about that. They raced down the trail. Mud flew and the misty air soaked her in minutes. She was used to being wet after these last couple of days. Inhaling, she drew in a deep breath of the warm, tropical air. The scent of flowers, rain and damp earth was like a perfume to her. She loved the earthy sultriness of it.

  Hot on Dallas’s heels, she followed him down the unknown trail, realizing she would follow him just about anywhere. Then the sun showed itself for the first time since the storm had hit them. Dappled light exploded around her, lighting the rain forest into a myriad of greens. Flowers seemed to burst open under the warming heat of the sun and the forest steamed exotically around them.

  Dallas reined up and pulled to a halt. Jimi followed suit.

  “Look,” she breathed, “it’s so beautiful. You’d never know a storm had just wreaked havoc on us all.”

  “Nature is harsh and forgiving.” He leaned over and placed his hand around her neck, tugging her to him.

  “It’s amazing.” Jimi faced him, their lips so close.

  “Yes, it is. I’m glad you came with me.”

  His kiss was almost sweet. Heart wrenching. And Jimi was moved beyond words. She answered his kiss, and for the first time since he’d come into her life, she realized this fling would be over soon. The thing was, it didn’t feel like a fling anymore. She couldn’t put her finger on exactly why, and it confused her.

  “This is as far as we go on horseback. Ready for a bit of a hike?”

  I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth. But can I? Jimi pushed the conflicting thoughts away and decided to live in the moment.

  “Lead the way, cowboy.” Jimi swung down and landed on the soft forest ground easily. After looping the reins around a tree branch, she followed Dallas as he disappeared into the lush forest on a trail only he could see.

  * * *

  HEARING JIMI FOLLOWING him gave Dallas a sense of contentment. He was surprised how much his thoughts about her had shifted over the past days. He liked being with her. Not just sexually, which was without a doubt the best sex he’d had even in its frantic haste, but just in her presence. She was a handful to be sure. He liked that, and the last thing he wanted was to tame her.

  He wanted to see her expression when she saw this special place. It wasn’t on the regular tours. Tricky to get at and he preferred to keep it less traveled, so to speak.

  “Keep to the path. This is an ecologically sensitive area and we like to keep it as untouched as possible.”

  “It’s really quite beautiful. I wouldn’t have expected such a lush place in this area.”

  “It’s one of my favorite places on the ranch. Another few minutes and we’ll be there.”

  Dallas reached back and took her hand when the path widened enough for them to walk abreast. He liked it when she curled her fingers around his hand. It felt good. Their time together was drawing to a close and he had no idea what would be coming next. If anything. He was going to make the most of being together with her. He knew she’d be leaving to go home after the wedding, and he would be left behind to take the ranch to the next level of business. And he had the mare ready to foal. His life was complicated. But being out here with her in nature seemed to take away all those worries. Shit, he was just making excuses. She was a city girl, and he knew she’d break his heart if he let it go too far.

&n
bsp; “Oh, my,” Jimi whispered, and clutched his hand tighter. “Breathtaking.”

  They emerged from the forest to the edge of a pool surrounded by lush ferns and flowers of all varieties, which clung to the black lava rock wall that horseshoed the pool. The sun poked through the tree canopy that seemed to arch over the water, embracing this very special place. Again they were bathed in sunny light.

  Dallas was pleased to see the look of wonder on her face. Bringing her here had been a good idea after all.

  “This is beautiful.” Jimi walked forward and crouched at the edge of the pool, running her fingers through the clear water. “It’s warm. I thought it would be chilly.”

  “It’s our hot spring, or pond. There’s some on the island, and we’re fortunate to have one on our property. The others are public, but this one we’ve kept private.”

  “How is it heated?”

  “Geothermal. From the volcano.”

  Jimi swished her hand around in the water. “I’d totally forgotten about the volcano.” He chuckled and Jimi smiled. “I suppose not being from here would make it easy to forget about the volcano, but in actuality, how could you forget about it? You know, I’d be interested in seeing it.” She turned to him. “Is that possible? Do they have tours?”

  He nodded. “Yes, you can do a helicopter tour and see the crater, walk through a lava tube—”

  “Seriously? Lava tubes? That would be an experience.”

  “Well, maybe we can do it after things calm down.”

  * * *

  HE’S THINKING OF the future. When we’re not stuck up here.

  Jimi wasn’t sure how to feel about that. But she couldn’t deny the flutter in her heart at the thought of seeing him again after all this wedding drama was over. She looked at him and smiled. “I’d like that.”

  He gave her a devilish grin and stepped toward her. The look in his eyes dark and intense. Jimi was mesmerized and she stood up, waiting for him. Anxious to see what he had on his mind.