Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  It was unfair now that at only fifty, his health had deteriorated so quickly after suffering a heart attack. He was too young to be so ill.

  Her stepfather had remarried when Sunny had gone off to college. His wife, Beth, was a precious woman who now sat in the room asleep in a chair facing the bed. Sunny pulled up a blanket that had slipped from her lap and Beth’s eyes opened.

  “Hello, sweetie.” Beth whispered. “What are you doing here so late? Go get some rest. I’ll call you if there is any news. He’ll be just fine, was already complaining and asking to go home.”

  After spending a few minutes with Beth and kissing her stepfather’s brow, she left.

  Sunny could barely keep her eyes open, but managed to pack orders to be mailed the next day. After a long, hot shower and feeding the dog, she carried the pup to the bed with her and promptly fell asleep.

  Thankfully, the Kia gave her no trouble the next day. After the stress of the night before, she was grateful for the fairly uneventful morning. She drove into the estate lands following the driveway around the house to park in the usual spot, noting a Porsche was parked at an angle, which meant she had to park in front of a garage.

  She lifted the dog and carried its bed under her arm, wondering how to handle asking Bryce Forrester about the dog being there during the day with her. Then there was the issue of the kiss. Hopefully he’d not mention it. If he didn’t, she would ignore it as well.

  “And you are?” A woman stood in the kitchen holding a bottle of water midway to her mouth. Although it was only nine, her artificially streaked bob and makeup looked beauty shop perfect.

  “I’m Sunny, the interior decorator.” Sunny proceeded to smile past the knot of dread in her stomach. “How are you?”

  The woman lifted a brow. “I wondered when he’d get something done.” She walked past Sunny toward Bryce Forrester’s bedroom.

  The pup growled and Sunny patted its head. “I know right?”

  Moments later, both Forrester and the unnamed woman emerged. She hung on his arm in an obvious attempt to show ownership, as if walking to his bedroom hadn’t been enough. Sunny held back the eye roll and, instead, concentrated on giving the painters and the just arrived furniture movers instructions.

  Her cell phone chimed and she ignored it, making coffee while the woman chatted about some party she would be attending.

  The furniture company ensured they’d correct the mistake and would be there the next day to switch out the furnishings. Relieved at one item being completed off her To Do list, she set up her laptop on the island as far away as possible from the couple and began scanning for kitchen items.

  “Miss Stilton?” Bryce had obviously asked a question, which she’d not heard.

  “I’m sorry, did you ask something?”

  The woman let out an exasperated huff, which, of course, he didn’t hear, or pretended not to anyway.

  “I asked if my bedroom would be completed today.”

  The mention of his personal space brought vivid memories of the night before and she looked away from him for a moment, studying the now blurred laptop screen. When she lifted her gaze to him, the corners of his lips curved. The man knew exactly what he was doing.

  “Yes, it will be done today. Is there anything else?”

  He looked to the woman as if in confirmation of something. “No. Is your boss better yet?”

  Her heart dropped. Did he mean to ask Stephan to take over the project as soon as he got better? If so, it meant she’d lose most of her commission. Money she desperately needed for not only her stepfather’s care but also car repairs.

  “I will call him today and leave you a message.”

  “See that you do.” He and the woman, who gave her a quizzical look, walked out of the house through the garage.

  Although she never expected to be one of the lucky people who never worried about money, in that moment, she felt poorer than ever.

  Chapter Seven

  Sunny’s expression did not leave his thoughts all morning until the point Bryce gave up, turned his chair to the windows to look out. What was it about her that struck him in a way no one had before?

  Carla had spent the night, a mistake he’d pay for as she’d already texted regarding the New Year’s Eve party. That he’d allowed her back into his life, in her opinion, meant she’d host the party beside him. He considered it was not a bad idea, she’d take care of catering and the guest list, both of which he was behind on. However it was not worth what she’d expect as payment.

  A committed relationship.

  Although he did not have it within him to cheat on a woman, had always been a one-woman man, Bryce had absolutely no intention of committing to Carla.

  “Bryce?” Tyler stood in the doorway holding his ever-present steno pad and pen. “Do you have a moment to give me some info?”

  After motioning for Tyler to enter, Bryce studied him. “Do you have time to handle catering and a guest list for my New Year’s Eve party?”

  Tyler’s eyebrows lifted and he looked to his pad. Scribbling something, he didn’t look up, instead began firing questions.

  Within minutes it seemed the entire project would be handled by his efficient admin. Tyler gave a rare smile. “My boyfriend owns a catering company. Would you be opposed to him doing the job?”

  “No, sounds great.” Bryce was relieved to have an answer when Carla brought the subject of the party up. “Also, do me a favor, put in a call to Parker Interior Design. I am expecting to hear from Stephan Parker and have not. Find out if he is back to work. Last I heard, he’s been ill.”

  “Yes, of course,” Tyler replied then began to ask several work related questions. Bryce was glad for the reprieve of wondering if the young decorator would be at his house that evening.

  Her car was pulled to the side of the garage blocking his entrance. He pulled around it and parked, then taking his gym and computer bags, went in through the front entrance.

  “No, it cannot wait. I need someone to come tow it today,” Sunny’s voice was an octave higher than normal. “Yes, I know it’s on private property, but I can’t leave it where it is now. It is not my property.” She let out a loud exhale and groaned.

  “You should consider getting a new car,” Bryce said as he walked to the kitchen.

  In an outfit of tight leggings and oversized sweater with a multicolored scarf and knee-high boots, she looked as if she were ready to head outside. Instead, she paced the front room, her eyes moving to him as she remained on hold. Finally, she mumbled something to whoever spoke to her and disconnected.

  “I am so sorry, but it seems the only towing company that will come this far has one truck and they are taking a car to the next county. They can’t come get my car until tomorrow.”

  Bryce considered being an ass and insisting she move the car. If he made her angry enough, she would quit. She already looked upset enough. Instead, he shrugged. “You can take my car. I’ll go in late tomorrow, after you get here.”

  “What?” Her eyes were round as saucers and lips parted. It took superhuman willpower not to go to her and yank her against him.

  “Take my car. It’s not a big deal.”

  “I couldn’t possibly. I’ll call a cab.” She peered out the window to where he’d parked his black Lexus. “If anything happened to your car…” she left the sentence hanging when he stalked over, lifted her hand and dropped the key fob into her palm.

  “Go on, I have some work to catch up on and need some quiet.” In truth, the longer she remained, the more dangerous it could prove for them both.

  When she lifted her face to him with beautiful, shiny, green eyes, he let out a breath at how adorable she was. “I am going to accept. It’s just my stepfather is very sick and I go see him every day after I leave here. I didn’t stop by yesterday because I needed to check on Moe, the little dog. But I’ll take him with me today. I’ll just leave him in the car while I visit.” She covered her mouth with one hand. “I’m rambling, you j
ust said you need time to work.”

  Before he could think better of it, he pulled her against him and kissed her. Desperation like that of a man left in the desert to die at his first drink of water took over and he deepened the press of his lips, pushing his tongue into her mouth. Sunny grasped his shoulders, her soft moan followed by her arms rounding his neck. She trembled against him, her body so perfect touching his, every part of her fitting like she was made for him.

  Bryce slid his palms down her back, until cupping her rounded ass and pulled her against him, thrusting his hardness against her. Everything ceased to matter and, in that instant, he knew this woman would be his downfall. Yet, at the same time nothing mattered. It was not important that every rule he’d set for himself could end if things between them proceeded further.

  Sunny held on to Bryce Forrester as if her life depended on it. He affected her in such a way that she was powerless to stop it. Any thought of this being a mistake flew away with each nip of his teeth and slide of his hands. Instead, anticipation lit in her center, so strong and overwhelming, Sunny wondered how she remained upright.

  He’d lifted her into his arms and was carrying her to the bedroom and she could only cling to him, their mouths fused as they took from each other.

  Clothing was ripped away so quickly that before she realized it, they were a tangle of limbs on the bed. His mouth was everywhere, licking the side of her neck, pressing kisses to her shoulders, suckling her breasts and trailing a line of anticipation down the center of her body.

  When his mouth covered her sex, Sunny screamed out in immediate release. His tongue flicked through her folds, over and over, sending her even higher.

  Too fast she began falling and she fought to gain control, only to lose it when he flipped her over trailing his tongue down her back. He continued his descent until reaching the part of her ass, then kissed each buttock before rolling her over again. He controlled every aspect of what happened and she allowed it.

  “Let me have you, Sunny,” his gruff voice in her ear startled her, the reality of what happened struck, but she was powerless to fight the need.

  “Yes.” Her own voice was husky in response. She looked up at him, but he didn’t meet her eyes, his attention between their bodies.

  Sunny trailed her fingers down between his pectorals to the center of his washboard abs. His darkened eyes lifted to hers as he allowed her to take him in hand. For some reason she understood he didn’t normally allow a woman to do anything in bed until he gave permission. The knowledge that, at this moment, he gave himself over gave her a surge of excitement.

  “Take me, Bryce.”

  He reached to the nightstand and shielded his thickness then pushed her legs open. The study of her most private parts made Sunny even more excited. As much as she wanted him, at the same time, the anticipation was beyond anything she’d experienced.

  “Beautiful,” Bryce said looking up to her. “Just perfect.” He trailed his fingers from her lower stomach to between her exposed core and teased her nub with expert strokes until she began to shake.

  “Don’t come yet. Wait.” The command shocked her system enough to stop the release.

  He nudged at her entrance, surprisingly gentle when entering her. She wanted him hard and fast, this slowness made her squirm with the need for release. The pace was meant to drive her insane. Bryce knew exactly what he was doing. Finally, he was fully seated and she wrapped her legs about his waist.

  “Oh, shit,” he growled. “I’m not going to last long. You feel so good.”

  He began moving and, not much later, both screamed.

  “Oh my God,” Sunny said while driving away, her body still a bundle of raw nerves. She had sex with Bryce Forrester. The Lexus hugged the curve in the road, but she couldn’t appreciate it as she would if not for her mind racing to what happened just moments ago.

  He’d laid over her spent, then lifted and kissed her temple. “I’m taking a shower. Please lock the door.” With that he’d pulled out and padded to the bathroom, promptly dismissing her.

  She went over her plan of how to deal with the situation. If Stephan was feeling better, she’d beg him to take over and would quit immediately. Early the next morning, return the car and ensure the tow truck came for hers.

  The sooner she put distance between herself and Bryce Forrester, the better. “I can’t even call him by his first name,” she mumbled. “I don’t know him. He’s my client. Stupid stupid stupid!!” A horn sounded and she realized the traffic light had changed.

  Sunny rushed into her apartment. Moe’s little excited barks greeted her and she rushed to the dog and picked him up. Once outside so the dog could relieve itself, she brushed her hair back away from her face and wrapped it up into her usual messy bun with the elastic band on her wrist. She’d left her favorite scarf and tote bag behind in her haste to leave. No matter, she’d collect both in the morning and leave as soon as possible. Hopefully, she would not see him. But leave instructions for the painters, hoof it to the street and wait for a cab.

  Once inside her apartment, she showered to prepare to visit her stepfather when her cell phone rang.

  It was Beth. “Honey, don’t come to the hospital today. Doug is feeling much better, we’re heading home.”

  “Home? What about the treatment? I thought he needed a few more days.”

  There was silence and she heard her stepfather’s voice. She smiled at the sound. Beth chuckled. “He said to stop being so bossy. We’ll talk tomorrow. A physical therapist is coming to the house for the next couple weeks. After that, we’ll see.”

  She reluctantly agreed to wait another day. No doubt they needed time to settle at home. Yet it bothered her for Beth to attempt to do it all by herself. The woman was slight, but Sunny relented, knowing her father was in good hands.

  Later, as she sipped on wine and attempted to focus on the computer screen, marking the status of orders, she wondered how she’d make ends meet without the commission from the work at Forrester’s. If Stephan took over, her portion of payment would be significantly lower.

  After paying her rent and both hers and her stepparent’s utility bills, she barely had enough money left for expenses. Since her stepfather lost his job after the heart attack, he didn’t have any medical insurance. At fifty, he was not old enough for any type of government provided insurance. She let out a huff. Somehow they’d make it. Beth made a little bit of income from her part-time job at the library. Thankfully, their house was paid for, but they depended on Sunny to help out. Sunny knew they hated being a burden, but the way she saw it, it was the least she could do after everything her stepfather had done.

  The cell phone buzzed and she picked it up. “Hello, Stephan.”

  Chapter Eight

  “Is there a reason you are giving your cereal a dirty look?” Braylen asked as he poured coffee and opened the refrigerator door. “You’re acting squirrelly.”

  Bryce had taken his other vehicle, his rare Porsche convertible and gone to his brother’s the night before. Yes it was a coward’s way of avoiding conflict since Carla was supposed to stop by that morning. And yes, he did not want to see Sunny.

  He’d called her boss right after she’d left and asked she be fired from the job, stating he was not happy with her work.

  “Squirrelly? What the hell does that mean?” He frowned at Braylen who grinned, pleased with whatever he bit into. Looked like some kind of donut pastry. “Danita, the woman I saw a couple days ago said it. It stuck I guess.”

  “Danita. I’m surprised you remember a name.” Damn he was such an asshole. Not for the first time, he considered calling the guy, Stephan, back and telling him he’d changed his mind.

  “What did you do?” Braylen studied him. “You did something.”

  “Carla…and the interior decorator…I’m firing her.”

  “Carla?”

  Bryce gave his twin a droll look. “No, I’m having the interior decorator fired. I don’t care enough to worry
about Carla at this point.”

  “You’re an ass.” Braylen let out a long breath. “You should talk to them.”

  Of course he should. Doing the right thing, explain it had been a mistake. Tell Sunny it was best to avoid each other until the job was completed. But the problem was he didn’t trust himself anywhere near her.

  She’d touched him, had managed to penetrate past every wall he’d put up. It was as if when he’d lain naked against her, every single thought of ever being away from her terrified him.

  Fear that this woman was the one had made him flee for the bathroom. He didn’t even remember what he’d said to her before finding shelter in a steaming hot shower. Once he’d returned to the bed, her scent was everywhere, so he’d left. Came to his brother’s condo and crashed hard.

  “Oh shit!” Braylen’s exclamation brought him from his musings. “You’re done for.”

  “What the hell are you talking about now?” he snapped. “I’m going to work.” Bryce stood, only to find Braylen blocking his path.

  “The decorator. She’s important to you.” When Braylen began laughing, Bryce fought the urge to punch his brother in the face. “You are falling in love.”

  “Fuck you,” Bryce said and stalked from the kitchen to find his things.

  “Is that how you repay my hospitality?” Braylen called after him. The guy never gave up, loved to rib him. Although to be fair, Bryce did the same thing in return. But today his brother’s assessment had been right. It bothered him to know the woman could destroy his wall, make him rethink everything existed.

  Sunny Stilton was the one.

  Sunny stared at her cell phone display and could only blink at hearing Stephan ring her out. “So here’s the thing,” he said between hacks. “I don’t know what the fuck happened between you and Forrester. But you better make it right. Wrap things up today. Get your skinny ass out of there and go home and pack. You are going to New York to finish Kevin’s job. I trust you won’t screw that up.” He coughed for a few moments, which took a bit of the edge off his rampage. “And don’t say a word to Forrester. Not. One. Word. Just get your shit out and leave.”