Harlequin American Romance May 2014 Bundle: One Night in TexasThe Cowboy's DestinyA Baby for the DoctorThe Bull Rider's Family

by Linda Warren

  * * *

  DESTINY FLOATED ON cloud nine as Buck drove them back to Lizard Gulch, her thoughts racing with ways to seduce him. She fantasized about walking out of her bedroom in the wee morning hours, wearing nothing but her bikini panties and a see-through tank top. Or maybe she’d stroll past the couch in her cutoff shorts and sit outside, using the heat in her bedroom as an excuse for needing fresh air.

  Her musings were interrupted when Buck drove the Harley into town and she saw a commotion outside Lucille’s. “Stop at the bar,” she shouted.

  After Buck parked, she hopped off the bike in front of the gathering crowd. “What’s going on?”

  Bernie spoke up. “I was called to settle a disturbance.”

  “What kind of disturbance?” she asked.

  “It’s the Dockers.” Melba stepped forward. “They’re cheating at bingo.”

  Destiny had forgotten about the weekly event. “It’s not six o’clock yet.”

  “The ladies started early tonight because Mitchell wanted them to include Docker’s wife,” Bernie said.

  “How do you know the Dockers cheated?” Destiny asked.

  “We don’t exactly have proof,” Melba said.

  Oh, boy. “How much money have they won so far?”

  “Two hundred twenty-five dollars.” Melba lifted her chin. “That may not be a lot to them, but they don’t live off of their social security checks like we do.”

  Destiny hated to see Mitchell’s friends take advantage of a group of retirees.

  “Want me to arrest them?” Bernie asked.

  “That won’t be necessary.” Destiny wished with all her heart she could ignore the bingo fiasco and flee to her apartment with Buck, lock the door then tumble him on the bed. “Be right back.”

  “I’m not missing this.” Buck followed her inside the bar.

  Enrick stood by the bingo machine, calling out the numbers while the Dockers sat alone at a table. Mitchell stood at the bar, drinking a beer.

  “Is everyone having a good time?” Destiny shouted above the chatter.

  “Haven’t had this much fun since I took my law exam back in eighty.” Jim’s sarcastic joke hit a nerve with Destiny, and no one else in the room laughed.

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourselves.” An idea came to mind, and she clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Did you inform the Dockers about the new bingo rule the town council passed?”

  Blank faces stared at her.

  “Remember we decided—” she glanced at the Dockers “—that all winners will donate their money to our fund for...”

  “A drive-in movie theater,” Melba shouted from the doorway.

  “A drive-in?” Jim frowned.

  “We’re looking for ways to bring tourists to Lizard Gulch. We’ve got the mini golf course, ghost tours and the pastry shop and saloon, but we needed something to put in that big empty space behind Destiny’s garage,” Melba said.

  “It’s too hot to watch movies outside.” Delores appeared genuinely befuddled.

  “Wait one minute,” Mitchell said. “This is the first I’ve heard of plans for a drive-in.” He pointed at Destiny. “You’re making this up.”

  “Am I lying?” Destiny posed the question to the group.

  A chorus of “no” echoed through the bar.

  “You can’t take money from people who win it fair and square,” Mitchell argued.

  “I’m afraid we can.” Bernie puffed up his chest. “And I’m here to enforce the law.”

  Steam spewed from Mitchell’s ears. “I’d like to see the minutes from the meeting where you decided the town needed a drive-in movie theater.”

  “Melba will get the notes to you when she has time,” Destiny said.

  “Never mind,” Mitchell grumbled. “She’ll just forge the minutes.”

  Destiny wanted to laugh at Mitchell’s frustration.

  “You’re all nuts!” He stomped over to the Dockers’ table. “Let’s go before they take all of your money.”

  The couple left their winnings behind and headed out the door with Mitchell.

  The saloon erupted in noise, everyone talking at once. Bernie stuck his fingers in his mouth, whistled and then the place quieted.

  “I don’t know what you’re up to, Destiny,” a voice in the back called out. “Don’t forget you represent everyone in Lizard Gulch, and some of us think we should sell out to Custer.”

  “I haven’t forgotten who I represent,” Destiny said. “My first priority is to make sure none of us gets ripped off.”

  “Are you really going to keep the Dockers’ money and put it toward a drive-in?” Sonja asked.

  “Looks like the majority of the town is here. I need one person to motion for a meeting,” Destiny said.

  Sonja raised her arm. “I motion we have a town meeting.”

  “I second that motion,” Enrick said.

  “Let’s discuss the idea of putting bingo winnings toward town improvements.”

  “Like what?” Frank asked.

  “What about a sewer system?” Bernie said. “Then we don’t have to pay the Lil’ Stinky man to pump out our septic tanks. That company keeps raising their rates.”

  “Or we could open a library.”

  “Or what about a museum?”

  “Nothing needs to be decided today,” Destiny said. “We’ll put the money the Dockers won in a container and keep it here on the bar.” She waved at Hank. “Maybe you can find a second jar for suggestions. If you have an idea on how to spend the money, put it in the jar,” Destiny said. “The next meeting we’ll vote on the suggestions.”

  “What if some of us don’t want to donate our bingo winnings?” Violet asked.

  “All in favor of collecting the bingo winnings and putting them toward town improvements raise your hand,” Destiny said. Sixteen in favor—twelve against. She suspected even those who didn’t want to give up their winnings would gladly do so to keep the money out of the Dockers’ hands.

  “Enjoy the rest of your night.” She left the bar and Buck was right behind her. Neither said a word as they hopped on the bike and he drove them to the garage.

  The silence continued as they climbed the stairs and entered the apartment. As soon as Buck shut the door, he spun Destiny and pressed her against the wall. His mouth hovered over hers. “Did I ever tell you that it turns me on when you get all mayorlike in front of the town?”

  She took a deep breath but little oxygen got to her brain, leaving her dizzy. “I don’t believe you have.”

  “You didn’t ask for my vote,” he said.

  “What’s your vote?” she whispered.

  “I vote we do this...” His mouth closed over Destiny’s, and all her troubles vanished.

  She threaded her fingers through his hair and held his face. She wanted a real kiss and she wanted it now. Using her tongue she coaxed his mouth open and pressed herself against him. She felt the hard ridge of flesh beneath his jeans zipper and knew her fantasy was about to come true.

  Chapter Nine

  This was crazy, but Buck didn’t want to stop.

  He walked Destiny backward through the apartment—not an easy task with their lips locked together and their eyes closed. He’d fantasized about this moment since he’d first seen her dressed in white leather and a wedding veil.

  He paused in front of the bedroom door and waited for her eyes to open. Her lashes fluttered up, and he caught a glimpse into her soul—those baby blues were begging him to make love to her. He dipped his head for another kiss but hesitated. He had to be sure.

  “What’s the matter?” Her words puffed against his chin. “Why did you stop?”

  “Is this what you want?” Neither of them had said anything about how they felt about the other—at least not out loud. “I like you a lot, Destiny.” She flinched. “Sorry, that didn’t come out right.” He held her hands. “I’m not sure what’s happening between us. All I know is that being with you makes me feel good. Really good.�
�� She remained silent, and he struggled to convey his feelings without being dishonest. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring or what road I’ll travel. All I can tell you—” promise you “—is that right here...right now...I’m exactly where I want to be.”

  “I want this, too, Buck.”

  There had been no hesitation on her part, and he lowered his head intent on kissing her, but she flattened her palms against his chest and pushed. “I need a minute in the bathroom.”

  After she shut the door, Buck willed his body to cool off—he didn’t want to rush their lovemaking. He stepped outside and stared at a sunset most people only saw in the movies. Maybe an outdoor theater wasn’t such a crazy idea. Before the show, couples could sit in their cars and watch the sky turn pink, purple and orange. There was no better ambience than a desert sunset for a date-night kiss.

  A shuffling sound caught his attention and he turned.

  Holy. Moly.

  Destiny was a goddess.

  She stood in nothing but her birthday suit. She wore her hair loose—the long, fiery locks falling over her shoulders, concealing her breasts.

  “Are you going to stay there or come here?”

  He didn’t need to be asked twice. He pulled Destiny into his arms. He ran his fingers down her spine, investigating the little notches in her vertebrae then he paid special attention to her neck. “You smell like honeysuckle and warm woman.”

  Rising on tiptoe, she pressed her mouth against his cheek and he felt her hot tongue lick his skin, setting it on fire. He groaned. “That’s what I like most about you.”

  “What’s that?” She nudged her pelvis against his arousal.

  “You’re uninhibited.” And you make me burn. He nibbled the underside of her chin and skimmed his hands across her shoulders and down her arms. He avoided touching her breasts, wanting to slowly arouse her...make her yearn for him the way he longed for her. “I like that you’re bold.” He kissed the patch of skin behind her ear then inhaled her feminine scent. “I like that you’re not afraid to take what you want.”

  Her hand found the hardness in his jeans. “I want.”

  “Not so fast.” He moved her hand to his chest, pressing it over his heart. “I want to go slow.” A woman like Destiny came along once in a man’s lifetime—if he was lucky. Buck wasn’t about to mess this up. He kissed a path along the curve of her shoulder then down her chest between her breasts.

  Her moan emboldened him, and he lifted her against him, bringing her breasts even with his face. He growled, the noise rumbling through his chest and up his throat, where the sound vibrated against her skin. Her hands pressed his head closer, begging for more. He aimed to please.

  Standing in the middle of the living room, Buck lost himself in the taste and feel of Destiny. Time slowed to a crawl and the only thing that registered in his mind was the rising testosterone level in his blood and an urgent need to feed his craving for the woman in his arms.

  He swept Destiny off her feet and carried her into the bedroom. The heat they were generating would turn the place into a sauna in no time so he left the door open. He laid her on the bed then stared at her beautiful body, soaking in her sexiness...the need for him shining in her blue gaze.

  She reached for him. “You have too many clothes on.”

  He tugged off his T-shirt and dropped it to the floor.

  “Loosen your belt, but don’t take it off.”

  “Bossy little thing, aren’t you?” He undid the buckle, letting the ends hang open. “Now what?”

  “Unzip your jeans.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He did as instructed.

  “Take off your boots.”

  He sat on the edge of the bed and removed his Ariats. He waited for the next command.

  “Come closer,” she whispered.

  After he reclined next to her on the mattress, she slid her hands inside his jeans and cupped his backside. Destiny’s boldness set Buck on edge and his heart pounded inside his chest. What if she’d been right—what if he couldn’t handle her?

  Her nails dug into his flesh, and he hissed. “Are you going to let me in on this fun?”

  She giggled—the girlish sound at odds with the possessive gleam in her eyes. She shoved his jeans and briefs over his hips and down his thighs. There was no hiding what she did to him. He kicked off the pants then stretched out on top of her and took his dang sweet time familiarizing himself with her curves.

  Her teeth nipped his shoulder. “Buck?”

  Please don’t tell me you changed your mind. “What?”

  “Can we not go slow the first time?”

  He stared into her eyes. “I was trying to—”

  “I know.” Her mouth curved into a wicked smile. “Right now, I really want—”

  He cut her off with his lips and their kisses grew hotter and deeper. He tasted her desire...her need for him. Destiny was everything he never even knew he wanted...until now.

  He sheathed himself then she guided him inside her. Forget slow and easy. Their lovemaking was as bold and forward as the woman in his arms, and without warning, she took Buck over the edge in a death-defying plunge he feared he’d never survive.

  * * *

  BUCK DIDN’T KNOW how much time had passed when he’d completed the journey back to consciousness...his body drained. Bracing himself, he peeked at the woman resting next to him on the bed.

  Destiny was sound asleep.

  He exhaled a quiet sigh. He hadn’t had a clue what he should say to her after that incredible experience. Gently, so as not to disturb her, he caressed one of her curls between his fingers. She was like a stick of dynamite—all that power packed in a pretty package. When he’d lit her fuse, she’d exploded into a fireworks display so bright and beautiful she blinded him.

  He recalled the few relationships with women he’d had in the past and none of the ladies had made him feel as alive in their arms as he’d felt with Destiny. When he gazed into her eyes he felt a surge of energy—as if she was the fuel he needed to run on.

  The only reason you feel this way is because you got caught up in her and Lizard Gulch’s problems and you’ve been on the road too long. Plus you’re bored.

  He’d been bored with his life long before he’d stirred things up with Will and had left the farm. Buck had been toying with the idea of opening his own auto repair shop for a couple of years but hadn’t had the guts to make the move. Maybe he’d been waiting for the right motivation.

  Was Destiny responsible for this sudden urge to move forward with his life and take control of his future?

  Destiny rolled onto her side, facing Buck. Her mouth moved, forming silent words, and he wondered what she was dreaming about. Plenty of moonlight spilled through the bedroom window, illuminating Destiny’s body. Their passion had exploded so quickly that he hadn’t had a chance to see if she had any hidden tattoos. His gaze roamed over her limbs, then stalled on her hip. He touched the tip of his finger to the little red ladybug. A lizard, a flower and a ladybug—odd choices for a Harley girl, but he was getting used to the unexpected from Destiny.

  When he considered her childhood, he couldn’t help but admire her inner strength and stamina. Maybe they were a lot more alike than he’d first believed. Destiny appeared to have put her past behind her, refusing to follow in her mother’s footsteps. And she’d found a place to call home and put down roots.

  Buck had also moved on from the pain of growing up without a father. He and his brothers had talked about their fathers not being involved in their lives but when asked if he’d ever wanted to confront his—Buck had never felt the need. He believed he was better off not knowing the man.

  He squeezed Destiny’s hip and closed his eyes. If anything good had come of meeting her, it was that she’d given him the incentive to get his act together and make plans for his future. He’d talk to Troy about buying into his repair shop, and if his friend didn’t want a partner, then Buck would make his own business plans.

  As he li
stened to Destiny’s gentle snoring, he wondered if she’d go into business with him. Lizard Gulch would never win the battle with Custer. Whether it happened a year from now or next month, the land developer would find a way to destroy the town and build his resort. Then where would Destiny go?

  He smoothed his hand across her belly and her lashes fluttered—he hadn’t meant to wake her, even though he wanted her again.

  “How long have I been sleeping?”

  “Long enough for me to enjoy admiring you.” When he rubbed her stomach, she moved his hand to her breast, and he said, “This time we’re not rushing.” He kissed her neck, but she pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him.

  “I’m in the driver’s seat.”

  “If I recall, you were driving last time.” He chuckled. “When do I get a turn?”

  “You will...eventually.”

  Talk ended, which was fine with Buck. Destiny’s mouth was too distracting to have to keep track of conversation. He closed his eyes, his senses overwhelmed by her scent and touch. He could get used to her spoiling him with her brand of lovemaking. He’d let her have her way again, but next time she’d better watch out because he had a few things up his sleeve that even a Harley girl might find surprising.

  * * *

  DESTINY STARED AT the ceiling as the first rays of morning light filtered into the bedroom.

  Don’t you dare cry.

  Eyes stinging, she willed the tears away. The last time she’d shed tears, she’d been seven and her mother had ruined the Christmas dress one of the truck stop waitresses had given her. Her mother had yanked on the sleeve to get Destiny’s attention and had torn the material. It had been the last pretty dress she’d ever owned.

  Buck’s quiet snores drifted into her ear and she gathered the sound close to her heart. After waking up an hour ago and making love for the third time, he’d snuggled her against him and had fallen into a deep sleep, leaving her with too many thoughts racing through her head.

  What an idiot she’d been—believing she could have sex with Buck and then send him on his way in a couple of weeks.

  Don’t be melodramatic. Been there. Done that. Big deal.