Fire and ice.
He kissed the palm that had smacked him. "I'm just a no-account bronc rider. Can't even make a living at it." He half believed his excuse, especially after today's ride. "You deserve better."
"I don't want better." She made a face. "That didn't make sense." She laughed. "What I meant was, you're more than good enough. And you know…" Glancing around, she leaned in closer. "We do have a connection."
"Wait, what?" They hadn't had sex, they had kissed a couple times, he'd felt her tight, round ass, and she'd felt his, but that was all. Wasn't it? A blurry memory of a drunken cab ride, flowers, a vow… "We didn't really do it, did we?"
Her eyebrows lifted. "I'm afraid we did. I have the thing right here." She pulled her purse onto her lap and started rummaging.
"Jayden Hancock to the poker room." A voice came over the speakers. "Jayden Hancock, your seat at the seven card stud table is waiting."
He didn't want to deal with Stormie right now. Didn't want to see what he knew she was going to pull out of her purse. He'd been ignoring it, and her, for a month, and if things got any worse for him right now, he might just hitch a ride back to Reno.
"I've gotta go, Stormie, but I'll call you as soon as I'm done playing poker."
She frowned at him. "You may think I'm a ditzy blonde, but I know when I'm being tossed aside." With a sigh, she slung her purse back over her shoulder. "You don't want me, Jayden, and that's okay." She poked a finger into his chest. "You just have to be man enough to tell me that."
He felt like a complete jackass. "Is that why you're here? Why you just showed up?"
"We have to take care of you know what." She touched her purse. "Okay? That's all I ask."
"Last call for Jayden Hancock." The speaker blurted. "Jayden Hancock to the poker room.
"I'm sorry, Stormie. I'll call you." He held up his hand in an oath. "Promise."
She shrugged. "Sure." She turned to the poker machine. "I love this poker." She hit the draw button.
"Aw Storm, I had three aces." Damn. He could have walked away with a few bucks. When he saw the cards that popped up, Jayden's mood swung from defeated to ecstatic. "A royal flush! Oh man, you got us a royal flush!" Bells rang and lights flashed.
Stormie giggled, hugged him, then looked down at the payout line. "Royal flush is…" She turned toward him, her eyes bright and her smile sunny. "Four thousand dollars."
"Woo-hoo! Cutie, we're gonna have us some fun tonight."
She stood and did a little dance.
Getting to his feet, he pulled her into his arms. He swung her around a couple times. When they were both dizzy, he planted a quick kiss on her. "You're my lucky charm."
"Oh, I know." She smirked. "Let's get the payout ticket and cash in." She moved toward the machine, but he stopped her. "Um, Storm, I gotta tell you something first."
Her smile left her face. "Okay."
He leaned close to her ear. "I'm not twenty-one. I have a fake ID, but just to be safe, you'll have to—"
She jerked back, a look of horror in her eyes. "How old are you?" she mouthed silently, her gaze scanning his face.
He liked how worked up she got about everything. "Fourteen, but I'm mature for my age."
"Oh. My. God. No." She shook her head but stopped when she saw his grin. "You jackass." She stepped closer. "How old, really?" she whispered.
"Twenty. So if you do the tax paperwork…" From behind her, an army of smiling casino employees approached. "What the hay?"
Stormie turned. "Oooh, it's just like when Kira and Dallas won their jackpot. We get champagne and maybe a room."
"For four thousand? Seems like overkill." Something wasn't adding up.
A young man in a white suit grinned widely. "I'm your casino host, Aaron, and I want to congratulate you on your win, and offer you a glass of complimentary champagne."
"Yummy." Stormie did her usually sparkly thing. "Thank you."
They were handed glasses of bubbly as a photographer stepped forward.
Aaron shooed Stormie and Jayden backward toward the machine. "Pictures okay?"
"You must not give away many jackpots, huh?" Jayden lifted a brow. "If you make this much ruckus over four thousand bucks."
Aaron seemed to choke. "Four thousand?" He stepped toward them, grasped their arms, and turned them to face the machine. He pointed to the screen. "See how these cards are lined up? Ace. Pow." He made a gun with his hand and shot the card. "King. Pow. Queen. Pow. Jack. Pow. Ten. Pow."
"Wow." Jayden held back laughter. "So, what do all those pows add up to?"
Aaron pointed his gun hand up above the machine. "Bang!"
Jayden was almost afraid to look.
Stormie squealed. "Jayden, we're rich!" She jumped up and down in circles.
He felt dizzy. He hung onto the chair and looked up. Three hundred sixty two thousand and some loose change. "Oh man. Is this for real?"
"It is." Aaron seemed to catch Stormie's bounciness and started giggling. When the outburst ended, he arranged the two of them in front of the machine again and the photographer started snapping pictures.
"Hey, can you smile, cowboy?" Aaron pointed his finger-gun at Jayden.
Jayden had to look like a scared rabbit. Turning to look at Stormie, he saw her happy grin.
Another man, older and lacking Aaron's giggliness, walked up to them. "So, who's the lucky winner?"
Jayden opened his mouth to say something about splitting it, but quickly closed it. He wasn't legal to win it. His stomach roiled. This might be a problem.
"It's both of ours." Stormie smooched Jayden on the cheek. "'Cause we're married!" She laughed joyfully.
He was going to throw up.
####
Did you enjoy meeting Boone and Gigi in this book? Would you like to read their story? The first book in the series, Cowboy Jackpot: Christmas, is available now. Read the book blurb HERE and purchase it HERE. Here's a sneak peek:
Boone and Gigi's story:
Cowboy Jackpot: Christmas
Chapter One
"Buckle bunnies to your left."
Boone Hancock turned his head at Dallas's alert.
Two cuties stood at one of the giant slot machines. They both smiled and waved.
Dallas tipped back his cowboy hat. "I'm puttin' dibs on the redhead."
Boone glanced at her, but his gaze shot back to the angel with the long black hair and pale skin. Her curves, packed into a petite little body, captured his complete focus. Her slinky purple dress and black spike-heeled sandals shouted she was ready to party.
"Look at those legs." Dallas raised his hand in a return greeting.
The redhead wore a green dress that showed off her nice breasts and skimmed her thin body. Boone smiled. "You like the tall, leggy ones, buddy. I'm likin' her girlfriend. She's a hot little bundle."
"Let's get 'em." Dallas took a step forward.
"Wait." Boone stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, one night. Two at the most."
"Yeah, yeah."
"You say that like you mean it, but we promised to keep each other out of the deep shit."
Dallas looked him square in the eyes. "I learned my lesson the hard way. You don't have to babysit me."
Boone had watched Dallas going through hell two months ago with the girl he thought was the one for him. It had affected his buddy's performance in the arena, and his ability to stay sober.
Boone's little brother, Jayden, caught up to them and busted in between them. "What's going on?"
Dallas nodded toward the two girls. "Couple ladies recognized us and want us to come and say howdy." He flicked the brim of Jaden's cowboy hat. "Now get lost. They're both spoken for."
"Mmm, I'm liking that redhead." Jayden grinned at her.
Boone looked back at the women. The shorter one—his—waved them over.
"Called dibs." Dallas hitched up his jeans and headed toward the girls.
Jayden caught up to him. "We'll see, won't we."
> Boone quick-stepped and lined up next to his brother. As they got closer, he saw his cutie's eyes watching him. Hazel. Damn. Beautiful eyes, beautiful face, a body that he needed tight against his. It didn't take any effort to slide into charming cowboy mode. His body warmed, primed and ready to sweet-talk this little honey 'till her toes curled.
****
Gieselle Colberg-Staub leaned against the Birthday Baby slot machine, her knees wobbly and her stomach jittering as she watched Boone Hancock walk toward her. "I can't believe it. They're actually coming over here."
Kira twirled a lock of hair around one finger and made a shy smile at the cowboys. "Of course they're coming over here. How could they resist?"
Gieselle sucked in a calming breath. She'd watched Boone win the bull riding competition this afternoon, and now he—and his big, shiny belt buckle—headed her way. "God, he's cute." Shaggy blonde hair touched his collar at the back of his black cowboy hat. A purple and black print western shirt and the sexiest jeans she'd ever seen on a man.
"That big, dark haired hunk is fucking gorgeous." Kira sipped her vodka tonic.
"That's Dallas Burns. He came in third in bareback riding today." She glanced at her friend. "Weren't you watching?'
Kira sniffed. "You saw that sexy cowboy sitting right behind us. He was worth watching."
Gieselle had picked up a love of rodeo from her college roommate, but this was the first live event she'd attended. Now the sexy stars she'd drooled over headed straight toward her. She held back a nervous giggle. "Dallas is definitely your type with those dark eyes."
"Oh yes, my heart is thumping." Kira stirred the ice in her drink with the straw. "So, we agree? Dallas for me and Boone for you?"
Gieselle licked her lips. She would let herself go a little crazy this holiday break, because what happens in Vegas, hopefully stays in Vegas. "Agreed." She squinted. "What about the third one?"
Kira laughed. "Oh, now you're getting kinky?"
Gieselle sent her a look. "That's your specialty, girl."
The cowboys reached them, sauntering up with wicked grins on their faces, like they expected Kira and her to peel down naked and let them have a quickie right here on the casino floor.
Gieselle liked the cockiness.
####
Connect With Me
Thank you for reading the second Cowboy Jackpot story. I loved creating two such different characters in Kira and Dallas. Opposites do attract! I'd love to hear from you. I've listed all the places I hang out, and I hope you'll connect with me at one or more of them.
All my best,
Randi
"Rode Hard and Put Up Satisfied"
RandiAlexander.com
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About the Author
Randi Alexander is published with The Wild Rose Press Cowboy Kink line and with Cleis Press. When she’s not dreaming of, or writing about, kinky cowboys, she’s biking trails along remote rivers, snorkeling the Gulf of Mexico, or practicing her drumming in hopes of someday forming a tropical-rock band.
Other Books by Randi Alexander
Available Now:
Chase and Seduction - Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything—and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.
Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.
Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame? Read the first chapter
Her Cowboy Stud - Trace McGonagall’s quiet life on his Houston stud ranch is shaken up when gorgeous Macy Veralta arrives to claim an inheritance left to her in his uncle’s will. Trace sees her as just another gold digger, but he also can’t resist her curvy body. When she hints at being the perfect submissive to his Dom, he has to have her.
Macy wouldn’t have been three months late to claim her inheritance if she’d known Trace was sin in jeans. The cowboy’s dominant bearing and the smoldering glint in his eyes send shivers to her toes and stirs images of being bound in his bed and disciplined at his hand. But could Trace’s perfect seduction be part of his plan to reclaim her inheritance? Read the first chapter
Turn Up the Heat - During the filming of the reality show America’s Newest Chef, finalist Mackenzie Jarvis falls desperately in lust with actress Gina Volto. Mackenzie’s never been with a woman, and her strict Wyoming upbringing has her questioning whether she can loosen up enough to live out her fantasy.
When Gina shows Mackenzie how sensual their nights could be, Mackenzie ignores her doubts for one wild weekend. Monday morning, she returns home to her ranch, her horses, and her busy career as the owner and chef of a restaurant. But a week later Gina shows up at Mackenzie’s home. She’s come to Wyoming-for Mackenzie.
Gina teaches Mackenzie the sweet pleasures of loving a woman, the naughty sting of a whip, and the seductive submission of bondage. But Gina admits she wants more than just a few days. Can conservative, family-valued Mackenzie ignore the plans she’s made for her life, and find her future in the tender arms of a woman? Read the first chapter
Cowboy Bad Boys - Randi Alexander has created ten male/ female (M/F) erotic romances starring sexy cowboys and the ladies in their lives. Each story combines the heart-pounding heat you expect from Randi, as well as the touching romance she does so well. Randi’s stories take you from an early summer High Country Ride in the Rockies, to a dangerous buck off a rodeo bull with a Hard Headed Cowboy.
Body Heat – When a rancher and his gorgeous passenger are buried in his truck under an avalanche, they discover a sensual way to keep warm.
Breakfast in Bed – A ranch foreman devises a plan to keep his woman from bolting out of his bed every time they’re through making love.
Hard Headed Cowboy – When a rodeo bull rider needs a lift, his sexy equipment sponsor makes him a proposition.
High Country Ride – Fulfilling her father’s last wishes, a city girl hires a hot cowboy to guide her into the Rockies.
Kill Me or Kiss Me – With her life in danger, an exotic dancer has to trust a sexy cattle rustler to keep her alive.
No Way Out – The town sheriff and the beautiful bank president he’s been lusting after are cornered by a killer.
Private Lessons – When her girlfriends buy her a mechanical bull lesson with a real bull rider, a college girl gets a sensual ride from her high school crush.
Stubborn Redhead – The rancher’s woman left him because of rumors of his cheating, but what will it take to make her believe his innocence?
Takin’ a Chance – A barrel racer has one last opportunity to seduce the sexy rodeo bullfighter she’s fallen for.
Where We Left Off – In desperate need of help, a country veterinarian contacts the man she’d loved but booted out of her life years ago. Read the first chapter
Banging the Cowboy (short story in the Cowboy Lust anthology) - Every Saturday for a year, Annie Paris has lusted after Rafe McCord from behind her drumset on stage at the honky tonk. The Big Cowboy, they call him, and rumors say he likes it rough in the bedroom. The thought of banging him makes Annie’s pussy tingle and cream.
But Rafe is a one-night-stand kind of guy, and Annie couldn’t handle seeing him every Saturday, knowing she’d already had her one night with him. That there’d be no more.
Tonight, something’s different. Rafe doesn’t l
eave with a woman. And he’s been staring at Annie since he came in the door. At closing time, he sets his longneck on the bar, and swaggers toward her, his gaze locked on hers, his smile pure sexual invitation. Annie’s slit contracts and her nipples harden. Oh God, if he asks her to his house for a rough ride on his big, hard cock, where would she find the strength to say “no”? Purchase Cowboy Lust
Coming Soon:
Double Her Fantasy - At a comic book convention, artist Megan Shore is amazed to find action movie hunk Garret McGatlin sharing the same elevator. Usually reclusive, she jumps on the rare opportunity and flirts shamelessly with the man who has starred in more than one of her sexy fantasies. He responds strong and seductive, and she agrees to meet him for a drink—in his suite. When she arrives, it's his rancher brother, Trey, who opens the door and unleashes Megan's cowboy fantasy. Both men pour on the charm, and she's uncertain which of them she desires more.
The McGatlin brothers have shared many women, but Megan is an irresistible combination of brains, beauty, humor, and sensuality. They want her, need both of their cocks sliding deep inside her. Working together, they execute a potent seduction. When one hot night turns into an amazing week, the three-way relationship becomes emotionally charged. But some bad publicity sends a terrified Megan running, and Garret and Trey have to devise a way to make the headlines disappear. Can they pull off the impossible, or will they lose Megan forever?
Cowboy Jackpot: Valentine's Day Page 10