Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  They walked out to a magical set up of twinkling white lights entwined into the tree branches and waiters moving about serving fresh champagne to all the guests.

  Bryce surprised her by insisting all the servers get glasses for themselves and celebrate the countdown. The guests stood in the open space and the staff lined up next to the house, everyone looking up as fireworks exploded overhead.

  “Three! Two! One!” everyone called out, “Happy New Year!” and toasted.

  Sunny sipped her champagne while encircled in Bryce’s arms. The most perfect beginning in her opinion.

  “Happy New Year, Sunny,” he whispered in her ear and she turned to his kiss.

  She laughed when he pulled away and turned his head to burp. “Sorry, the bubbles came up.”

  “Stay the night,” he implored as his eyes met hers and she could only nod. She’d drunk a lot more than she meant to and would not be able to drive home. A shiver of excitement dulled when a woman neared. She instantly recognized her as the blonde who’d fought with Bryce the first day she’d come there.

  The woman held out her hand and smiled. “I’m so glad someone finally got this man to settle down.”

  Bryce seemed surprised, but managed to introduce them. “Alexa, this is Sunny. I hadn’t seen you.”

  “I came late, just an hour ago. With Everett. We’re dating now.”

  She smiled at Sunny again. “Don’t make it too easy for him. Happy New Year.” The woman walked away with her date and Sunny looked to Bryce. “She’s nice.”

  “Yeah, I spoke to her not too long ago. I wasn’t very nice to her. Actually not a good person to most of the women I dated.”

  “I know,” Sunny said and kissed his jawline when he frowned. “You’ve changed.”

  “Yes, you make me a better man, Sunny.”

  After the last of the guests left, Sunny stood before the fire and waited for Bryce to come back inside.

  Warm from not just the fire, but the knowledge that Bryce had committed not just to be hers, but to try his best to be a good man. She smiled at the thought of how things changed so quickly. From virtual strangers to understanding what the other said with only a look or a touch.

  Just then, she felt his need for her when he reached around her waist, his strong arm curving around and pulling her against him just as his lips pressed to the side of her neck.

  “Everyone’s gone except Braylen. He’s passed out, drank a bit too much. I just checked on him.”

  Sunny reached up and slid her fingers through his hair. She didn’t speak, instead looked to the flames and turned her head to give him more access to her neck. He didn’t need to be told and trailed kissed down from her earlobe to her shoulder.

  “I’m glad you came tonight. I know my mother can be difficult. She’ll come around when she sees I’m serious about you.”

  Sunny chuckled. “No, she won’t.”

  Bryce couldn’t help but laugh. “No, she probably won’t.”

  Slowly he turned her to him and lifted her face. “I want you in my bed. Need to touch every inch of you. Kiss you everywhere.”

  Tugging her hand, he led her to the bright purple room. She laughed at seeing he’d had the entire room painted the color she’d done one wall in. “Oh my God. I love it!” She turned and hugged him, enjoying the rumble of his laughter.

  He chuckled and looked around. “It’s a calming color if I do say so myself.”

  Stepping away from him, she pulled the zipper down the back of her dress and allowed the garment to fall to the floor in a puddle at her feet; she stepped from it in her bra and slip of material covering her sex. Sunny knew the shoes made her legs look extra-long as she curled her finger to him. “Come here.”

  His dimples formed when he smiled and came to her. “Gladly.” He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, his undershirt quickly followed. She helped him with his slacks and those joined the other discarded clothing.

  When she started to take her undergarments off, he stopped her. “Not yet. I want to do it.” He lifted her and placed her on the bed. Sunny was more than glad to be a spectator as he took his briefs off, his arousal all too evident by the thickness and hardness of his sex. She licked her lips in anticipation when he looked at her, his eyes dark with passion. First he leaned over the bed and kissed her, then unlatched her bra. His gaze scanning over her exposed skin made her squirm in anticipation.

  He moved onto the bed and climbed over her, his mouth eager on her breasts, his hands sliding down her sides until holding her hips in place while he pressed his penis into her, letting her know how much he wanted her.

  “I think about you all the time. You are the one for me, Sunny,” he whispered in her ear, his words stilted.

  She hugged him when he moved up and then slid her hands down his back enjoying the feel of his muscular physique. “I can’t wait. I need you now.”

  “Whatever you want, I want tonight to be special for you.”

  He licked a trail from her neck between her breasts and he pushed her legs apart and guided himself to her center. Nudging at her entrance, he looked at her and she grabbed his butt.

  “Now.”

  With a chuckle, he obeyed, thrusting in fully and she gasped at how completely he filled her.

  “Is that better?” he asked, his hot breath in her ear.

  “No, start moving. Faster.” She told him with a playful chuckle that died when he began.

  Soon the sounds of flesh against flesh were accompanied by moans and the sounds of two lovers fully overtaken by passion and the wonderful feelings that come when they are meant to be.

  Later, as her eyelids drooped, Sunny adjusted her head on his shoulder and let out a long breath. Bryce was fast asleep, his breathing even. She kissed his warm skin and pulled the blanket over them.

  “Happy New Year, my love,” she whispered knowing he didn’t hear her, but needed to say it. One day she’d tell him she loved him. When the timing was right.

  With a smile, Sunny joined him in slumber.

  The End

  About the Author

  Hello, dear reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.

  I live in a small town in Georgia with my husband and three unruly little dogs.

  I had fun writing this story. If you enjoyed New Year with You, please recommend it to your friends and family. I would sincerely appreciate a review.

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  Keep Calm and Read On!!

  Lost & Found

  An End of the Line novella

  by

  Amanda McIntyre

  Dedication

  To those who believe love offers second chances

  Chapter One

  “Look at us. Man, we thought we had the world by the tail, didn’t we?”

  Anna sat next to her best friend since college. It was the day after Christmas and, in a wave of nostalgia, Mina had pulled out the old album with photos of their college days. She glanced at the pictures, yellowed around the edges and faded now with time and thought that ten years seemed like a thousand. She’d been a different person back then, trusting, naive, believing that anything was possible. “Yeah, we thought we were pretty damn invincible.” She tore her gaze from one of the photos taken at spring break. The only one she ever went on. It was a picture of a sexy young cowboy from Austin. He had his arm looped around her sho
ulders, leaning in like they’d known each other forever. She hadn’t cared that he’d acted so personable, she’d found it daring and at that moment, Mina, who was of age, had just introduced her to her first alcoholic drink—Sex on the Beach.

  Cole Tanner. She hadn’t thought of him in years—hadn’t wanted to.

  “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to dredge up bad memories.” Mina’s dark brown gaze was sympathetic. She glanced back at the photo. “Why is it that bad boys always seem to be the hottest?”

  “I assume you’re referring to Cole Tanner?” Anna summoned the courage to lean forward and study the photo, pretending it no longer affected her. “What was his friend’s name again?”

  “Kyle…somebody.” Mina winced. “Is it bad I can’t remember his last name?”

  Anna grinned. “Probably not. I’m guessing the beer destroyed some of our brain cells.”

  Mina nodded. “That’s entirely possible.” She looked at the picture. “Despite how things turned out—which honestly may have been a Godsend in retrospect, you have to admit those guys were hot.”

  “Or we were simply too stupid and young to see the reality,” Anna offered. She shifted, curling her legs under her.

  Mina’s silence indicated her awareness that the wounds caused by her experience were not as well scabbed over as perhaps they should be. “It was our first spring break, Anna. We were young. You’re supposed to be kinda stupid.”

  Anna considered that while it was probably true, her tumultuous summer had segued into a worsening year. After the argument about her not wanting to pursue law, her parents divorced after the discovery of her father’s affair. It split their family and things were never again the same. Her experiences with both Cole and her father had readily dissolved her notions of ever finding Mr. Right. She’d worked long and hard to overcome the hurt and betrayal she felt, but it tainted other parts of her college memories, as well. “Lessons learned, right?” She smiled at Mina. “Could we maybe put the album away? I have some incredible news I’ve been waiting to share with you.”

  “Sure.” Mina closed the album, sat back, and raised her brows. “Go on, what’s your big news?”

  “The magazine is sending me to a private ranch soon to be turned into an exclusive resort. One of those corporate ranches for private meetings, building up teams. Jim Diamond, owner of this and several other ranches, is a multi-millionaire in the cattle industry. His only daughter is to be married at the family home and the senior social editor of Today’s Cowboy magazine has the exclusive on the entire weekend!”

  “You’re writing a wedding article?” Mina looked confused.

  “This isn’t just another wedding,” Anna explained. “An heiress to this kind of fortune doesn’t come along every day. Big names are attending. We’re talking celebrity status. Doesn’t it sound amazing?”

  “That’s wonderful, sweetheart. You love your photography.” Mina smiled, the quiet way she does when there is more to the meaning behind it. “Who’d have known that you’d go to spring break ten years ago as a pre-law student and four years later, graduate with a journalism degree and a photography endorsement.”

  Mina knew exactly why Anna had chosen her major. She knew what (or who) had prompted her to risk life and limb to tell her parents that being a lawyer wasn’t what she wanted, it’s what they had wanted for her. That’s when the communication decline had begun with her parents. “I know. At least one good thing came of that summer. I finally got the courage to decide what I wanted to do with my life.” It had been Cole’s independent persona that she’d fallen in love with and ultimately the same she’d eventually loathe. She stuffed the dusty memories to the farthest corner of her heart, where they couldn’t hurt her anymore.

  “The thing is, it’s a great opportunity with one exception.” She scrunched her nose, eyeing her friend and hoping she’d understand.

  “What is it?” Mina asked cautiously.

  Anna scooped up Mina’s hands and held them between hers. “I have to leave tomorrow. It’s a long drive and I want to start out early in case the weather turns. It’s about a day’s drive. The ranch is located near Telluride. It’s beautiful country.”

  “Nooo. Anna, seriously? You just got here Christmas day. I thought we’d have at least through New Year’s together.”

  Anna grasped her friend’s hands. “I know I’m sorry.” From the corner of her eye, she saw Lizzy making a beeline for her mother.

  “Mommy, mommy, look I fixed my horse’s mane, just like you braid Fudgemuffin’s.”

  Anna smiled at Lizzy, her five-year-old goddaughter, who was the spitting image of her mother. “Wow! That’s beautiful honey.”

  Mina reached into her knitting bag and handed her daughter a few pieces of brightly colored yarn. “Now you can make some bows to put in her mane and tail.”

  “Come on, Punkin.” Robert, Mina’s husband, called from the entryway. “Let’s take Freckles for a walk and let Mommy and Aunt Anna visit.” He held her coat to her as the beautiful Golden Retriever danced madly at his heels.

  Lizzy bounded toward her father, slipped into the coat, and was out the door, Freckles barking madly in pursuit.

  “Have fun, Bob. Thanks and watch Freckles, you know how he spooks the new mare.” She blew him a kiss and he grabbed it, tossing her a grin.

  Anna’s heart squeezed. They didn’t make guys like that anymore. At least she hadn’t found any. She refused to admit that while Cole Tanner had taken her trust and her heart, squandering them like some notch on his headboard, she’d never fully gotten over him. Mina once told her that subconsciously she’d taken the lower paying position at Today’s Cowboy over the offer of a higher paying prestigious newspaper job, in hope of some day running into her wayward cowboy. She stared at Mina, in awe of all the woman had been through. She deserved this happiness and so much more. Still, it was hard not to be the slightest bit envious. “Your life is a Hallmark movie, I swear. Do you know how lucky you are to have a guy like Robert?”

  Mina leaned back on the couch and watched her daughter and husband walking hand-in-hand to the barn. She shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “I’m so happy, Anna. We aren’t wealthy by any means, but he’s so good to Lizzy and to me. I sometimes wonder where’d we be if I hadn’t run into him.” After Mina’s first husband ran off, cleaning out their account and leaving her and a newborn child, she’d barely enough to get by. She’d lived with Anna for a few months. And while on a visit to Amarillo to help her elderly aunt move into a nursing home, she’d run into Robert—literally—totaling what was left of her broken down car in the Walgreens parking lot. Three months, and several phone calls and emails later, Mina informed Anna that she and Lizzy were moving to Amarillo to live on an Equine rescue ranch. She’d found the man of her dreams. Despite their whirlwind and, from the looks of things, mostly internet romance, it appeared she had everything she needed.

  “And”—she placed her glass on the table—“I have some news of my own to share.”

  Anna squealed and hugged her friend.

  “I haven’t told you what it is,” Mina said with a laugh.

  “How far along are you?”

  “Only about a month.” Mina smiled. “Wait, how’d you know?”

  “Seriously? You haven’t touched a drop of anything except water and juice since I’ve been here. Your skin looks fabulous and…” Anna paused, tearing up,” I just knew.” She shrugged and pulled Mina into another warm hug.

  “You can’t breathe a word. I plan to tell Robert on New Year’s Eve.”

  Anna twisted her fingers over her lips. “Sealed.” And then she squealed again, albeit quietly.

  Tears shimmered in Mina’s beautiful brown eyes as she held Anna and studied her. “You know that more than anything I want you to be happy.”

  Anna sniffed and waved away the uncomfortable thought that she might not find Mina’s brand of happily ever after. She straightened her shoulders. “Don’t worry about me. I’m happy, trul
y. Would I like to find someone, settle down, and start a family one day? Sure. But if it’s not meant to be then that’s okay.”

  Mina frowned. “What about that Harrison guy you’ve been seeing?”

  “Harrison Barnes?” Anna responded with surprisingly less enthusiasm. She and Harrison had been seeing each other for over nine months—seeing being the operative word. They’d met through mutual friends at a dinner party. His career kept him traveling, as did hers. On those rare occasions when both were in town, they’d get together, out of need for companionship more than interest. They both enjoyed similar things—museum openings, dinner parties, classical music, and sex—if they were both in the mood. Not exactly, the stuff of happily-ever-after, but more like satisfied for now.

  “Yeah, that hotshot photographer you texted me about. He’s cute. Looks really smart. What’s he like?” She waggled her brows. “Good in bed?”

  “Mina, really?” Anna thought about it, then smiled. “Yes, he’s smart. Not a great sense of comedic timing, but yes, he’s cute in an urban bohemian kind of way. Harrison likes to think his photographs of depressed countries are for the greater good of man.” She raised her brows and shrugged. “Never mind the butt-load of money he makes on those pictures, of course.”

  Anna raised the mimosa to her lips. It had helped her to relax, maybe too much. She thought about the second part of Mina’s query, pressed her lips together, and looked to the ceiling in thought. “In bed… well, Harrison likes to think he’s God’s gift there as well.”

  “And?” Mina asked with a sly smile.

  “It seems to be a one-sided opinion.” Anna met her friends shocked gaze and they both fell into a fit of laughter.

  Mina nudged her. “You are wicked.”

  “No rest for our kind… as they say.” She glanced at Mina. “I’m really sorry about missing New Years. I would love to see Robert’s face when you tell him the news. Lizzy is going to be so excited.”