To Kiss A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 1)

by Maggie Carpenter

  He sent his mouth back to her nipples, but as she arched her back and sucked in the air, he worried she'd be unable to suppress her euphoric cries. Withdrawing his lips from her breast, he sent his free hand to clutch her hair, and pulling her head down, he covered her mouth with his just in time to muffle her orgasmic cries. When she fell limp against him, turning off the vibrator, he tossed it aside and gently wrapped her up in his arms.

  "I think I just went to the moon. I'm still floating."

  "I'm not done yet," he purred. "I'm gonna—"

  "No, I can't, there's nothing left."

  "Darlin', there's always more," he purred, removing her blindfold. "I'm stayin' inside you while I do this. Keep your arms around my neck."

  With practiced ease he carefully maneuvered them on to the bed, laying her on her back and resting his weight on top of her. He'd rested her pelvis on a pillow, and stroking gently, he shifted his angle. Suddenly a scintillating wave of pleasure rippled through her womanhood.

  "What was that?"

  "You said you flew to the moon. This is your ticket to Mars. Keep your eyes on mine."

  Taking hold of her wrists, he pinned them on either side of her head, then locking her gaze, he began to pump. With every thrust the wave returned, but carrying more power. His promised rocket ship was launching.

  "Yeah, that's it darlin', go with it," he ordered, his voice a deep rasp. "Let yourself feel it."

  The waves kept taking her higher, the tsunami threatened, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

  Already on the brink from the buzzing vibrator, he was about to pause to catch his breath when she suddenly let out a wail. His eruption could not be stopped, but as he shuddered through his powerful climax, he released her wrists and placed his hand over her mouth.

  Hurtling through the sparkling stars, Connie had only a vague awareness of his attempt to stifle her ecstatic cries. She was flying through a Technicolor universe of sparkling sensations, then landing on a soft, puffy cloud floating over the earth. She could hear Caleb's distant voice. He called a second time, and with a supreme effort she blinked open her eyes.

  "Hey, darlin'. How was your flight?"

  "How…?"

  "You sleep now."

  Softly brushing his lips over hers, he stretched out beside her, and brought her into his arms.

  Walking across a lush green pasture, the warm sun glowed overhead, and a gentle breeze flirted with his open shirt. Off to the side a gentle hill enticed him, and veering off the easy path, he walked over and stood at the base. Searching out a trail, but finding none, he sent his eyes upward. Ominous clouds hovered over the peak.

  A storm was waiting.

  He knew once he started up the slope there would be no turning back.

  A baritone growl sounded behind him.

  Looking over his shoulder, he felt no surprise.

  The lion was sitting down.

  Shedding all reason, Caleb reached out and crooked his finger. As the great beast rose and padded towards him, Caleb held no fear. The lion offered protection, guidance and strength.

  "Thank you," he said as the lion reached his side. "I'm so grateful to have you with me. Do you have a name?"

  "Hania."

  Lifting his eyes to the storm at the top of the hill, Caleb shivered.

  "Release your fears," the lion said, his voice as deep as a bass drum. "We will see her safely through the evil."

  "How can I stop a lightning strike? I'm a simple cowboy."

  "You are an old spirit. You have seen and done much in your many lives."

  "There are times I sense them, but I'm still only human."

  "Don't doubt yourself. Don't doubt the power that lies in your soul. And don't doubt me, the mountain lion that travels with you. When you're tempted to act in haste, I will help you pause, I will guide your steps with caution and cunning, and when it is time to pounce, I will give you speed and strength."

  Caleb's eyes flew open.

  His pulse raced with the speed of a jackhammer.

  The dream remained, vivid and clear.

  Taking a long breath, he tried to calm his thumping heart.

  The brightness of the room confounded him, then he realized the whitewash came from the full moon.

  Compelled to move, he slowly extricated himself from Connie's limbs, and slipping from the bed, he padded silently to the window. Suffering a sudden chill, he crossed his arms as he gazed at the huge glowing orb. Never had he witnessed a moon so large, and making the mesmerizing sight even more captivating, a rainbow halo surrounded the globe. The magical image held him captive, then finally shifting his gaze, he sent his eyes towards the cabin.

  His heart skipped.

  Painted silver by the mystical light, in the middle of the open field sat the mountain lion.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  In spite of his bizarre dream and the surreal moment at the window, Caleb had no trouble falling back asleep. He would have remained blissfully in the land of nod had it not been for Connie's fingers wrapping themselves around him.

  "Mornin', angel," he mumbled groggily. "That's some alarm clock!"

  "Should I stop?"

  "Don't you dare."

  Gently moving her hand away, he rolled her on her side so her back was towards him, and slid his fingers into her sex. She was deliciously wet. Placing himself at her entrance, he drove himself home and began fondling her breasts. Her moans of pleasure filled the room as he continued his slow, strong pumping. When her gasps told him she was close to her release, he returned his fingers to her pussy and sought out her sensitive button. Fervently massaging, he quickened his thrusting, pushing them into their orgasms.

  But as Connie snuggled into him, drifting in the post-orgasmic bliss, the specter of her dire circumstances floated into her head.

  "Connie, am I sensin' a change in your mood?"

  "You are, but how did you know?"

  "Not sure. What's goin' on?"

  "Why did I let Jerry into my life?"

  "You're a sweetheart, that's why. You think the best of people. You trust them until they give you a reason not to."

  "Is that bad?"

  "No, but trust leaves you vulnerable. Did you ever see the movie, Catch Me If You Can?"

  "I don't think so."

  "The story is about a real-life conman. There's a great line in it. People only know what you tell them. Most people are like you. They believe before they don't."

  "Are you like that?"

  "I guess I am, but I also have a strong streak of skepticism. That came from dealin' with horse traders."

  "I can understand that. I'm definitely wary when I'm looking at horses. That's why I was so happy when I found Heath and Andy. They're straight shooters. When I got Domino back here and couldn't ride him, I didn't know what to think."

  "That Malcolm guy. He messed things up, but Domino's smart. He settled when he realized he was back among friends."

  "He did, thanks to you," she said softly, then letting out a sigh, she snuggled closer. "I don't want to get out of bed. I'm not looking forward to this morning."

  "Why?"

  "I need to talk to mom and dad. That won't be much fun."

  "Why don't you hold off for a bit? You might have a clearer picture of what you're facin' once Spike gets here."

  "You think so? Okay. I will. I'll wait until this afternoon. Uh, Caleb, last night…"

  "What about last night?" he murmured, shifting his body and nuzzling her neck. "You wanna lodge a complaint with the management?"

  "It was unbelievable," she said softly. "Like, crazy unbelievable."

  "It was just the beginnin', darlin'."

  "Despite all this worry, I'm still floating."

  "We need to start spendin' time in the cabin. You'll be able to make as much noise as you want."

  "That's a good idea. I tried not to scream, but it was impossible."

  "Maybe you just need some trainin'."

  "Good grief. Do you have any idea
how you make me feel when you say things like that?"

  "Yep. But they weren't just words. We're gonna start workin' on that tonight."

  "Oh, my gosh."

  "Now let's get up. I'm starvin'."

  "Holy crap. Look at the time. The horses, they need to go out."

  "At least that's one thing you don't have to worry about anymore. David and George are reliable now. They'll be fed and their stalls cleaned. They might be a bit late gettin' out to their pastures, but they've got their big backyards to wander in."

  "Let's take a quick shower and get them out first, then come back for breakfast."

  "Sounds like a plan."

  "I can't wait to meet Spike. Do you really think he can help?"

  "He's a magician, but don't be shocked when you see him. Remember, he's an oddball," Caleb warned, but as they climbed out of bed, Spike's pending visit wasn't the only thing on his mind.

  His astonishing dream, and the silver silhouette of the mountain lion, remained vivid in the forefront of his mind.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Spike had known Caleb for several years, but this was the first time the home-spun cowboy had asked for help. Spike's unique skill was a closely-guarded secret. Only a handful of people knew the extent of his talent and the hi-tech equipment he owned, some of which was illegal. Spike believed in the adage—loose lips sink ships. There were rumors of course, and phone calls requesting his expertise weren't uncommon. He was happy to walk someone through a basic computer issue, but anything more than that, and he'd claim it was beyond his limited knowledge.

  Caleb, though, he'd trust with his life.

  Spike had fallen in love with horses as a boy, watching old westerns on television with his grandfather. He was in awe of the horses charging through water and sailing over downed tree trunks. The images made an indelible impression, but he never had the opportunity to pursue his dream of learning how to ride.

  When Caleb had wandered into TOPS and BOTTOMS, the BDSM toy store Spike managed, he took one look at Caleb's cowboy hat and boots and couldn't wait to talk to him. They'd hit it off, and Caleb had invited him to visit the ranch where he worked. Once in the saddle, a wide smile crossed Spike's face and stayed with him for days. Every weekend Caleb would give him a lesson. Over time the biker and the cowboy discovered they had a great deal in common and became close friends.

  Speeding down the country road in his 1965 Mustang Convertible, purchased just as much for the name as the car's classic style, Spike checked his handheld navigator. The screen showed he was less than a mile away, and though he kept his eyes peeled, the mailbox with the address appeared abruptly. Turning sharply, the tires squealed, then hit the driveway's gravel. Quickly regaining control, he drove slowly forward, and the oversized log cabin came into view. He grinned. It was as classic as his car. Pulling up to the front door, he climbed out, walked up the path, and rang the bell.

  "HEY! SPIKE!"

  Turning around, Caleb was striding towards him with a pretty young woman. No doubt the friend in need of help.

  "Hi, Caleb. This place is terrific," Spike said enthusiastically. "Sure is different from where you were before. No hustle and bustle."

  "That's because this isn't a show barn, and is owned by this lovely lady. Connie, this is Spike."

  "Hi, Connie. Am I here to help you?"

  "If you can. Caleb says you're a genius, but I'm not sure even a genius can do much. I'm in one gigantic, horrible disaster."

  "Ah! A GHD. GHD's are my speciality," he said with a reassuring smile, hoping he could relieve some of the deep worry in her eyes. "I want to hear all about it."

  "I thought we'd set you up in the guest cabin," Caleb said. "You'll be away from the main house and have complete privacy. If you want to stay overnight, you'll have everything you need."

  "Hey, that sounds ideal. I wasn't sure what I'd be facing, so I brought the kitchen sink."

  "You might need the bathtub as well."

  "Excellent. Challenging GHD's are my favorite kind."

  When Connie had first seen him, her heart sank. Dressed in shredded jeans, an odd, open billowing cream shirt, a leather vest, and wearing a large diamond stud in one ear, she couldn't imagine him being a brainiac. In just a few short minutes his bright personality and genuine attempt to make her feel better had won her over.

  "Spike, thank you," she exclaimed, spontaneously throwing her arms around his neck. "I'm so grateful. You've come all this way and you don't even know me."

  "As they say in the old westerns, my pleasure, ma'am. Where is this cabin? I'm anxious to hear your story."

  "Let's take your car. You'll need to park it there anyway," Caleb said. "I've moved my truck. You'll have the carport."

  "Sounds like a plan. Climb on in," Spike said, walking back to the Mustang and opening the passenger door. "My lady."

  Grinning at Spike's dramatic bow, Connie slipped into the front seat, while Caleb climbed into the back. Settling behind the wheel, Spike started up the powerful engine, and put the car into gear.

  "Just follow the lane towards the ring. You'll see the cabin across the field on your left," Caleb said, "and remember, no—"

  "You don't have to remind me. No wheelies or roaring off. We don't want to scare the horses. How's Neon?"

  "Great. You'll see him when we pass his paddock."

  "How can you do a wheelie in a car?" Connie asked as they started up the drive. "Or roar off for that matter."

  "I take it you've never been in a car from the sixties with a stick shift."

  "A stick shift? Hardly."

  "Put your foot on the clutch, the other on the accelerator, let the clutch out fast and you'll burn rubber, or in this case, shoot up a whole lot of gravel. I'll show you one day."

  "That sounds like fun—I think."

  They chatted about the ranch as they continued up to the cabin, and Caleb showed him the hill where they'd take their trail ride. As they pulled to a stop under the carport and climbed out, Spike stepped to the edge of the field and studied the view.

  "Sure is a great place. I'd love to live out here. I think I've just set myself a new goal."

  "Thanks, though I'm not sure I'll have this property much longer," Connie said sadly.

  "Because?" he asked, frowning as he turned to look at her.

  "Because my former fiancé just stole all my money. Every penny. And he's disappeared."

  "No wonder you see your situation as a gigantic, horrible disaster. Let me put your mind at rest. No-one can disappear. Not anymore. I'll find him, I'll find where he's stashed your cash, and I'll get it back."

  "You've got to be kidding," she muttered, an unexpected wave of emotion heating up the back of her throat. "You can really do that?"

  "It might take me a while, but yeah, I can really do that. Let's get inside so I can set up my equipment. I'll need a good lunch, then I can get started."

  "I should have told you, he needs to start work on a full stomach," Caleb remarked, walking up behind them. "Once he gets started, he doesn't stop until he's finished."

  "I'm kind of OCD that way," Spike joked.

  "I don't care what you are, you can eat everything in the kitchen if you need to. I can't believe this."

  "But you can," he said warmly. "The cavalry has arrived, and just like the old days, I came riding in on a mustang."

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Initially Martha eyed Spike with reserved suspicion, but as their lunch progressed her worries melted away. He carried a sharp wit, and she found many of his comments insightful.

  "How do you feel about mountain lions?" she asked, serving the remaining Tiramisu. "Caleb had an encounter last night."

  "You didn't tell me about that!" Spike exclaimed. "A mountain lion! That's cool."

  "Tell Spike how he acted," Connie said eagerly.

  "It was strange," Caleb began. "When I first saw him I damn near had a heart attack, but he just sat in front of me, still as a statue. When I started backing up towa
rds the cabin he followed me a few steps, and when I stopped, he sat down again."

  "He almost sounds domesticated," Spike said thoughtfully. "There's a lot of land in this area. Perhaps there's an exotic animal facility and the cat escaped."

  "What an interesting suggestion," Caleb remarked. "That could explain his demeanor."

  "If he's been kept in captivity, he'll see humans as providers of food."

  "Keeping a wild animal locked up is shameful," Martha said solemnly.

  "I think I would have heard if there was a place like that nearby," Connie said, "but that doesn't mean there isn't. I could ask around."

  "This probably doesn't mean anything, but…" Caleb murmured, his voice trailing off. "No. Never mind. I'm sure it's nothing."

  "You have to tell us now," Connie declared. "What's nothing?"

  "That storm."

  "Oh, my gosh, you're right!" Connie exclaimed. "That's just weird."

  "Storm? What storm?" Spike asked.

  "There was a storm brewing around dusk," Connie replied. "The clouds were coming over the mountains, but when we went to the barn after dinner the sky was completely clear. The storm had vanished. Poof. Gone."

  "Interesting," Spike said, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. "There might be another explanation for the lion. One that's a bit over the top, so prepare yourself. I don't pretend to know much about this stuff, but maybe those clouds were a harbinger. Caleb, you might have met your totem."

  "I know about totem poles, but what's a totem?" Connie asked.

  "A spirit guide. If you enter—Mountain Lion Totem—into a search engine, you'll be able to read about it. If memory serves me right, a mountain lion totem offers protection and leadership. Perhaps that storm ushered him in."

  "If the lion Caleb saw was a totem, are you saying he wasn't real?" Martha asked.

  "The lion was real!" Caleb exclaimed. "I know what's real, and what's a figment of my imagination. Trust me, the lion was real."

  "I don't know if they can manifest into the material world," Spike replied, "but you know what they say! There are more things in heaven and earth…"