Second Sunrise Cowboy (Second Chance Book 8)

by Carver, Rhonda Lee

  He’d kept his deal and made sure he didn’t look at Dakota the wrong way, even a glimpse that would risk him touching her. It got harder and harder—literally.

  Now here she was, on the floor, on all fours and in a pair of shorts designed to make men slobber and melt into their boots. He wasn’t immune. He had it bad for his wife.

  He cleared his throat and she popped her head around, her cheeks were a promising pink and her lips parted in a surprised O.

  “Sorry, darlin’. Didn’t mean to disturb you.”

  She stood, tossed a dirty paper towel in the trash and swiped her hand down the stonewashed denim of her tiny shorts. “I spilled milk on the floor.”

  “You know what they say. Don’t cry over spilled milk.”

  “Hungry?’

  “Always.” He forced a smile to his lips, contradicting the fact that he was spiraling on the inside.

  “I saved you back something.” She opened the oven door, took out a heaping plate as he took a seat at the table. Steak and potatoes. Just what a man needed after a hard day’s work.

  “Thank you.” He dug in. He half expected her to leave him alone, but instead she surprised him by pulling out a chair and joining him. He looked at her above his fork, watching her. Her old pale color was now a glowing tan. Ranch life suited her.

  “You got a call today.”

  He chewed and knocked it back with a drink of beer. “Yeah?”

  “Kennedy. She said you’d know what she wanted to talk about.”

  He dropped his fork and it clanged the china plate. “I figured it wouldn’t take her long before she called.”

  “She seemed nice.” Dakota played with the corner of a napkin.

  “I guess so.” He shrugged.

  “I think she has good intentions where Becca is concerned.” She now tore the napkin, shredding it. Restless agitation maybe?

  “Everyone has good intentions until you find out who they really are.”

  “It’s Becca’s aunt. Rebecca’s sister.”

  He nodded. “Long lost sister.” He finished off his food and pushed the plate to the side. Dakota started to stand, reaching for his plate, but he stopped her. She was so small and he could wrap his fingers around her wrist, tips touching. “No, don’t wash my dish. I can take of this.”

  “Okay,” she plopped back into the seat and he removed his hand. “Does Becca know about her?”

  “Nope.”

  “Why not?”

  He shrugged. “Because I just met her myself recently. I didn’t realize there was a timeframe on this.”

  “What if Kennedy happens to show up and Becca sees her? That could be hurtful.”

  He drank half his beer, feeling his tense muscles relax some. He could see Dakota’s point. “I haven’t mulled it over much.”

  “She mentioned staying in town.”

  “I can’t make her leave.” He sighed and dropped his hand on the table. The plate popped up, sending the fork over the side. The last thing he wanted to think about right now was Kennedy.

  “I have to ask, Cash, are you keeping this from happening because you don’t trust Kennedy or because you’re afraid you’ll find out more about Rebecca than you want to hear?”

  His head whirled. “She could say anything and how would we know what the truth is?”

  “I think the letter Rebecca wrote says what matters.”

  He rubbed his tired eyes and leaned his elbows on the table. “So you think I should set up a visit between Becca and Kennedy?”

  “It’s not my decision to make.”

  “I’m asking. What do you think?” He watched how her expressive eyes told of her emotions.

  “What would it hurt? Becca could benefit from this. What you don’t want to do is steal this opportunity from her.”

  “It’s just, ya know, it’s hard allowing people into her life.” He peeled at the label on his bottle.

  “Yes, it is, but people come into someone’s life for a reason. We shouldn’t let chances pass us by.” She stood up. “I’m going upstairs.”

  He watched her walk away, the sway of her hips making a statement…a huge one.

  He lowered his forehead to the table and banged it gently against the wood. He was going crazy. Why had he ever agreed to keep his hands to himself? The other times they’d gotten close, he could feel the need in her too.

  Hell, he needed to straighten this issue out with Dakota. She said it herself, “We shouldn’t let opportunities pass us by”. He knew that all too well. She’d done nothing but the right things since she moved into the guest bedroom. She’d helped with Becca. Cooked, cleaned, and was in bed by the time he came into the house each evening—none of these things he’d expected or asked from her. He was the problem. He’d made her think he wanted her as a stand in mother and not a wife.

  He couldn’t stop thinking about her, or wanting her. Since the moment they’d shared in the bathroom, he’d jacked off until his dick was sore, working until his body ached. And nothing eased the strain in his groin.

  He desired Dakota. He couldn’t deny it any longer. The feelings were getting stronger and the facts built like a wood tool engraving it into his heart.

  Finishing his beer, he tossed the bottle into the trash, washed his plate and fork, then headed upstairs. He checked on Becca who was snuggled up tight in her bed, then he started for his bedroom when he remembered something important.

  Stopping at the closed door of Dakota’s bedroom, he softly knocked. If she didn’t answer he’d move on and take care of business in the morning. He started to walk when the door came open a few inches. He swallowed and hoped his voice worked.

  “Were you in bed?” he asked, shifting in his boots.

  “I was reading.” Her tongue swept out, moistening her lips.

  “I remembered Becca has pictures tomorrow. I forgot to fill out the order slip.” He forced his hand through his hair. He wasn’t sure why he’d become so uncomfortable. He’d only stopped to ask a question.

  “I took care of it. I hope that’s okay.”

  He smiled. “More than okay. I want to thank you, for everything.”

  “I haven’t done much.”

  “Yes, you have. You’ve been here for Becca while I work.”

  “You mean while you hide from me?”

  Sometimes he forgot her bluntness. So different from Rebecca, and he found it refreshing. “I haven’t been hiding from you.”

  “No?” She pushed the door wider and he swept his gaze down her thin shirt. Damn, she wasn’t wearing a bra. The outline of her nipples were thick under the white cotton and he could barely keep his tongue in his mouth. “Okay, maybe to a certain degree.” Even he could hear the awkwardness in his voice.

  “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable in your own home.”

  “It’s our home and I’m not. I’ve had one crisis after another.” Here he went denying it again, looking for excuses. Could he tell her just how much of a dick he was for not being here every night? “It’s hard to say, but—”

  “Let me help you.” She took a step toward him.

  His heart pounded. “Help me?”

  She reached out and slid her fingers through his hair, holding up a piece of straw. “This is what you call bringing your work home.”

  She smiled and every nerve ending on his body heated.

  He stared, a million thoughts crossed his brain. He wanted her like he’d never wanted anything in his life. She triggered parts of him he’d buried long ago, stronger than ever. He lost himself in her eyes and the full set of her mouth. Once he moved over the invisible line, there wouldn’t be any going back. He’d made a promise that he wouldn’t expect sex and he was a man of honor.

  He notched his chin up and forced his thoughts back into the hidden box. “I should go.”

  Something flashed in her eyes. “You don’t have to.”

  And here it was, the offer of all offers. Put on the spot, he stood there, the only part of him not numb mad
e its presence known in a big way. Damn, what had he done in life to be tortured to a hair’s width of insanity? Either choice he made, he would be fucked. Sure as the nose on the center of his face.

  Taking a step backward, he kept his gaze steady on her before he turned and quickly made his way to his bedroom.

  Once there, he dropped to the bed and closed his eyes. What man in his right mind would turn a woman as beautiful as Dakota down for a second time? He wasn’t in his right mind and that was the problem. Guilt spiraled through him like the plague.

  He wanted her, no doubt.

  He opened his eyes, jumped up and paced the room, his boots thudding against the wood floor. What did he have to feel guilty for? Rebecca, who he’d believed could do no wrong, had done a big wrong. She’d slept with her sister’s husband.

  It didn’t change that he’d loved Rebecca. People made mistakes. While they were married, they’d been happy and she’d given him a precious daughter.

  He’d made mistakes too. Lanie Madru was a mistake. He’d slept with her knowing the only emotion on his body stemmed from his hard depraved cock and nothing more. He’d had reason to feel guilty for allowing things to get out of control with her.

  What blame was there in wanting Dakota?

  Again, he was attracted to her, but his heart remained covered in a layer of protection. She’d all but offered herself up to him and he’d walked like a dumbass.

  Maybe if he went to her and they shared a night together, he could get some of the tension out of his bloodstream and he could start thinking straight.

  He laughed at his own ignorance. Dakota wasn’t the type a man could fuck and move on. Lanie could handle it because, in the end, all she’d wanted was a screw. But Dakota, the way her innocent eyes lit up made him want to treat her like she deserved. She was his wife.

  Blowing out a long breath, he tore his hand through his hair and came to the realization that he was falling fast and hard.

  ****

  Dakota dropped coffee crystals into the filter and stabbed the power button a little too hard.

  She went to the table, pulled out a chair and plopped down.

  The truth hit her so hard it knocked the breath out of her.

  Over the course of a few weeks, she’d lost her aunt, got married, and had been rejected by a man who was obviously pining over his late wife. Why had she, in a moment of foolishness, made an offer of sex? Not quite in those words, but close enough that when he’d walked away, she’d felt the heat of humiliation cover every nook and cranny of her body. In fact, she’d woke up still humiliated.

  Maybe he’d done the right thing by walking away. Sex would only complicate things further. But her misery had gotten the best of her. She missed having arms to hold her, sweet nothings whispered in her ear, and knowing someone found her irresistible.

  Well it certainly wouldn’t be Cash Bailey.

  She sighed. Unfortunately, she found him irresistible. How had it happened? How had she allowed herself to ‘like’ a man who wasn’t available? She was his wife, but it gave her no right to him. Rebecca still clutched him from the grave and Dakota had a feeling nothing could change that fact. Sure, he knew he needed to move on. He’d talk about it and wore a good game face, but when it came down to the starting line, he couldn’t follow through.

  It seemed nothing she ever did was good enough. She’d never satisfied anyone, even a boyfriend who swore he cared for her. The more she strived to reach goals, the more they slipped out of reach. She climbed the ladder, but the rungs were slippery.

  The time had come for her to stop wallowing in her misery. She needed to chew the facts, swallow, and process. Delores had left her enough money that she could open her own business and shed light on a few dreams.

  Shaking off the bad vibes, she exchanged them for positive thoughts. No more pity, no more fear. She would make plans for the future. She could do this, no doubt.

  Standing up, she poured herself a large cup of coffee. A good dose of caffeine would do the trick.

  A knock at the door made her turn. Through the window, she saw a cowboy hat and a plaid covered back.

  Opening the door, she saw that it was Brody. She smoothed her gaze from the tips of worn boots and frayed jeans…raised her head further…into a wide smile. “Hi, Brody,” she said.

  “Mornin’, Dakota.” He dipped his hat in greeting. “Congratulations on the marriage again. Cash is a great man.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m surprised you two didn’t disappear to some island or mountain and take a week away from home.”

  She shrugged, but didn’t know how to answer without telling the truth. So, she dodged the bullet. “Are you looking for Cash?”

  “Sorry to bother you so early, but the cow he’s been worried about has finally calved.” Brody shifted in his boots.

  “He’s not back from taking Becca to school. Should be back in about fifteen minutes, give or take. You said a baby calf? Wow.”

  “Have you ever seen a baby before, ma’am?” His hazel eyes sparkled.

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “She was born early this morning. Would you like to come and see?” he offered.

  She thought it over and couldn’t find one reason to turn him down. “Yes, I would.” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. “I’ll grab my boots and meet you out front.”

  “Sure.” He nodded.

  Dakota hurried, ran upstairs, slid into her boots and hurried outside. Brody waited for her on the steps. “Ready?”

  They walked together to the closest barn, Dakota working to keep up with Brody’s wide strides, even with his limp. “Brody, don’t you have a girlfriend?”

  He scrubbed his jaw. “Not at the moment.” He chuckled.

  “I was just wondering. You’re here working a lot. Do you live in town?”

  “I’m staying in the hand quarters with the rest of the fellows. It’s not home, but it’ll do.”

  They stepped through the open door of the barn and she followed him to the last stall where the mama cow and baby were held. The little creature looked up at her with milky brown eyes, and emotion stabbed her directly in the heart. Tears misted her eyes, but she blinked them back. She nuzzled the calf behind the ear, but didn’t get too close. She wasn’t sure how momma cow would respond.

  “Nothin’ like new life,” Brody said from behind her.

  “That’s true.” Dakota stepped back and watched the baby calf drink from her momma. “How do you like working here so far?” She looked up into his profile.

  He shrugged. “Not bad. Great bosses. Great land. What more could I ask for?”

  “Did you grow up around here?”

  “This is where I grew up, but I joined the rodeo circuit when I was twenty.” He shifted his hat.

  “And after the bull fight, you gave it up?” She leaned against the rough wood of the wall.

  “I didn’t want to, but every man must come to the point when he admits default.” He chuckled, but it failed.

  “I grew up around here too, not in this town, but here, as in Texas. There’s something about being at Havens Ranch, words can’t even describe. It’s peaceful, welcoming. The family is like my own.”

  He scratched his forehead. “They are your family.”

  She tossed his words around. He was completely right. “True.”

  “When I said Cash is a good guy, I meant it. Tucker too. Hell, I can’t move as fast as I did before the accident, but they’ve brought me here, letting me learn the ropes. I hope to buy a farm, and who knows what else.”

  “Accident?” She’d noticed he had a limp.

  “Took a spill off a bull who turned around and stomped on my leg, crushing the bone.” He looked away and she got the hint that he didn’t want to take a stroll down memory lane.

  “I’m thinking of opening a small business here. A coffee shop. I was a little worried about the location, but I have a feeling this town needs to refine their tastes in coffe
e.”

  “I think you might be right. I’ll make sure to check it out.”

  “Did you know my Aunt Delores?”

  He smiled, his jaw relaxing. “You’re Delores’s niece? Yes, I knew her. She was good friends with my mom. You should visit my mom some time. She can tell you all sorts of stories, I’m sure. Delores once told me that I should give up riding bulls for horses.” He laughed.

  “Over the years she’s tried to get me to come here. I wish I’d come sooner.” Tears blurred her vision.

  “You’re here now and I bet Delores is smiling.”

  His kind sentiment made her smile, and then she did something out of the ordinary. She gave him a quick hug. “Thank you. I needed to hear those words.”

  “Now doesn’t this look real cozy.” The rich drawl made Dakota turn. Cash stood in the doorway of the barn, his eyes flashed something dangerous.

  Her cheeks burned as she stepped away from Brody. She wasn’t sure what Cash thought just happened, but by the harsh set of his jaw, he didn’t like it one bit.

  Dakota pulled her shoulders back and turned her chin up. Cash’s scowl was back, but she wouldn’t bend. She’d given herself a pep talk earlier and she planned to stick with it, every little word.

  ****

  Cash stepped into the barn and lifted his chin in time to see Dakota move into Brody’s arms for a hug. Gut tight and hands fisted, Cash moved toward them. His heart twisted and a vile taste rose in his throat. Something shone in her eyes as she looked at him, but disappeared before he could dissect it.

  “Cash. I didn’t know you were standing there,” Dakota said.

  “I didn’t think so.” Damn, he wished he could keep his tone in control.

  “Brody was showing me the new addition.” She smiled and his heart skipped a beat.