Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  “Being adventurous. What are you doing?” she tossed over her shoulder. He was standing on the beach still fully clothed.

  “Waiting for the police to arrest you for nudity on a public beach.”

  She heard him laugh just before she dove into the waves, letting the water slide over her flesh. She bobbed out of the surf and sloshed her way ashore. Her flesh pebbled with goose bumps, a nice buzz gave her all the courage she needed to walk up to him and grab her clothes that he’d picked up. His laughter, more subdued, continued as she shimmied her shorts over her wet hips. She pulled the hoodie over her nakedness and stuffed her top in the pocket. Glancing up at him, she noted her pink lace panties dangling like a pirate flag from the crook of one finger.

  He grinned. “Do I get to keep these?”

  “Why didn’t you follow me?” she asked, wringing her wet hair between her hands.

  His grin faded as he scratched the back of his neck. “To be honest, because I don’t swim.”

  “Serious? You don’t know how to swim?” Her gaze traveled up his body, getting caught at that tempting mouth. She forced her eyes to his. He represented everything she wanted at that very moment—independence, confidence… sex. It felt good to be in control of her choices. “So, where’s your sense of adventure, cowboy?” She slid the zipper down, her eyes locked to his, gauging his reaction.

  The bottle and panties landed in the sand. He walked toward her, holding her gaze as he took her face in his hands and brought his mouth hard down on hers. She abandoned herself, claiming her right to have fun, reveling in his hot, demanding kisses. She circled her arms around his neck and he lifted her into his arms as she clamped her legs around him. The sensation of going commando proved exhilarating, building a crazy need inside her. Just as she’d hoped, he was every bit as good at kissing as he was to look at.

  He shifted her higher. Bracing his hands under her butt, he stroked between her thighs. She uttered a gasp as his long fingers slipped beneath the scant piece of fabric, teasing, taunting her to the point of squirming, making her want more. Uncertain of what was happening to her body, but driven by the desire to have him touch her, to be lost in his kisses, she turned her head and clung to his shoulders. “Cole?” she spoke with a shuddering sigh.

  He released a strangled breath and gently dropped her to her feet. He licked his lips. Anna had never seen such primal hunger in a man’s eyes before. A jolt of pure desire shot through her. She wanted him. She’d never wanted anyone like this.

  “Is your room nearby?”

  She raked her lower lip through her teeth and nodded, then curled her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his.

  He pulled away, leaning his forehead to hers. “I need you, Anna. Now.”

  His admission was a rush to her system. She pulled the hotel key chain from her pocket and held it up to him. “Follow me.”

  Anna woke with a start, realizing she’d drifted to sleep. The first dredges of light peeked through the curtains. Her body ached, craving Cole in a way she hadn’t for years. It was as though her body remembered his exploring touch, his mouth driving her insane until she begged him to fill her, to ease the desperate need. They’d spent that night and all of the next rainy day sequestered in the room, making love, munching on what food they had, frantic to appease the primal need ignited between them. He’d shown her things she hadn’t known, a patient and thorough lover, as she’d expect from a man three years her senior. Time had stopped, cocooning them from the world. Kiss by magical kiss, he’d stolen her heart. As she’d fallen asleep in his arms, she’d been certain that she’d found the man she would marry.

  But that was never to be—not then, not now.

  A knock sounded on the door, and she found Maria holding a tray with oatmeal, muffins, and coffee. “Everyone is already gone for the day. I thought I’d check in on you before I start icing the cake.” Not waiting for an invitation, she stepped around Anna, placed the tray on the desk, and drew open the drapes. “I wanted to let you know if you have free time this morning, there is a hot tub just out the door and at the bottom of the stairs. Ideal for weary bones and stress.”

  Anna had helped herself to coffee and relished the warmth of the mug in her hands. “Stress?” Had her emotions been so obvious?

  Maria stopped at the door and folded her hands in front of her. “You’ve had a long drive. And I couldn’t help but notice you seemed upset last night. I hope your accommodations are suitable. If there is anything I can do—”

  Anna looked at her feet, embarrassed by the woman’s blunt honesty. She wondered how much Cole might have told her about their past. “I appreciate that, and the room is lovely. I was overwrought last night. I’m feeling much better.” She forced a smile.

  Maria held up her hands. “I can understand. Still, if there is anything I can do.”

  “There is one thing. Do you happen to have a land line I could use? I promised a friend I’d call when I got in. I’d use my cell phone, but my service isn’t getting great reception up here.”

  She nodded, thankfully not pressing Anna further about her tears—tears that had everything to do with seeing Cole again.

  “Of course, there’s a phone down the hall. Help yourself.”

  Anna took another sip of fortifying caffeine. “Thank you, Maria.” She smiled, though it felt foreign to how she felt inside. “Is the hot tub difficult to operate?”

  Maria grinned. “There’s a sign with instructions. I think it’s just you and me here for most of the day.”

  “My friend is arriving later this afternoon. He’s flying into Montrose.”

  “Very good. I’ll inform Mr. C that he needs to arrange a pick up.”

  Anna held up her hand. “There’s no need. He’s renting a car. Mr. C seems to have enough on his plate this weekend.”

  Maria chuckled as she reached the doorknob. “If by that you mean, Miss Eva, then I’d say you are right. I’ll be glad when this wedding is over and we can all go back to our lives. Enjoy the tub. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”

  “That’s got to be the best view I’ve ever had since I put that tub in.”

  Startled, Anna, who’d been leaning over the ledge of the hot tub, bobbled her hold on the expensive camera, nearly losing it to the frothy bubbles. Steeling her senses, she placed the camera on the rock ledge and turned to face the voice. Cole stood there in a pair of wildly patterned swim trunks that hung low on his lean hips. His skin was bronzed, his broad chest, washboard abs, and sturdy biceps all by-products of hard work outdoors. One hundred percent pure male. One hundred percent taken, she reminded herself mentally. “I was about to leave,” she said as she stood and made her way to the steps.

  “Not on my account, I hope. I thought this might be a good time to catch up.”

  No phone calls, no contact for a decade. Now he wants to catch up? Why? To ease his guilt? No, thank you. “Harrison should be arriving soon.” It was a lie. He hadn’t given her an exact time and he’d told her he’d rent a car from the airport. She knew that was code for, “if I’m not having a good time, I can leave.”

  “Ah, yes. Mr. Barnes, wasn’t it?” He stepped over the edge and sank into the water. “Come on, just for a few minutes. I promise I won’t keep you long.”

  He held out his hand to take hers and guided her to sit next to him. For a moment, they sat shoulder-to-shoulder, staring out over the valley. The sun peeking in and out of the gathering dark clouds sliced brilliant beams across the shadowy valley.

  “Did I interrupt you taking pictures?” he asked.

  “No, I have plenty, thank you.” She was better off concealed beneath the swirling water, as she preferred him to be.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he said. “I really didn’t care for it much at first.”

  She imagined Eva had changed his mind quickly on that score. But she wasn’t about to let her bitterness of the past make things difficult. Not when he was to be married the day after tomorrow. She
was here to do a job. The article. The interview. “As long as you’re here, I wonder if you’d mind if I ask you a few questions.”

  He grinned, leaned back, and draped his arms over the edge of the tub. One arm lay directly behind her, and Anna swore she felt his fingers tug at the loose tendrils of her hair that had escaped her simple clip.

  “How long have you known the bride?”

  “Eva?” He blinked and looked away, as though in deep thought. His brow furrowed. Was it such a difficult question? Anna stared at his profile, drawn to those eyes the color of a deep blue Montana sky, and thought of the time when she’d seen them inches from her face. She’d tried to block the memories that teased at the back of her mind—memories of his hands on her, the weight of him, the things he’d whispered as he made love to her more than once in the few hours they had spent together.

  “I don’t know. Ten years, I guess. We met for the first time the day my mother married her dad. Loud and lavish, that was Jim Diamond. I don’t think my mom stood a chance.” He smiled at the memory and glanced her way. “It was love at first sight, my mom told me.”

  She stared at him, wondering if he understood how much like his mother, she had fallen for him. It was a ridiculous notion, particularly under the circumstances, but still, she was curious. Had he ever felt a tenth of what she’d felt for him? A flicker of guilt swept through his eyes.

  “Anna, I wanted to talk to you about… spring break.”

  Anna looked away. There was no point in him seeing how this still affected her. Even she was surprised by her wayward emotions. She had to get control of them. She was here to take pictures of this grand wedding—one that could launch new opportunities, if done well. She held up his hand to stop him. “Really, Cole, there’s no need.” Awkward emotions bubbled up inside her. Distance. It had worked relatively well for the last ten years; it could work for a couple of days. Just until she had her story. She stood to leave, and he grabbed her hand.

  “Anna, please.”

  Her toe stubbed one of the spray valves and she stumbled backward, landing in his lap. She was quickly aware of Cole’s body heat, his hands clasped around her waist, preventing her from tumbling into the water. He moved his hand, and his fingers brushed the underside of her breast. Tingles shot straight to her core. She could feel his breath on her bare shoulder, and it triggered the sensation of his mouth on her skin, moving slowly down to her stomach, teasing the tender flesh of her inner thighs.

  “Anna,” Cole said in a soft whisper.

  She felt his semi-arousal beneath the thin fabric serving as a barrier between them. Squeezing her eyes shut, she summoned every ounce of will power. This was insane. It was simply the temptation of something they’d shared long ago. All they had in common was impulsive great sex. Sure, they’d whispered endearments, encouraged one another with what they wanted. But it was only sex. Only sex.

  She pushed off his lap, sloshed toward the steps, and grabbed the railing. “Look,” she faced him. “This can’t happen. I won’t let it, Cole. Whatever happened between us is ancient history. You have your life here and I have mine.” She wrapped a towel around her waist, grabbed her camera and parka, and started for the stairs.

  “That’s exactly why I never tried to contact you, Anna. Your parents had plans for you. Mine had plans for me. I’m not sure either of us had much of a choice.”

  She stopped, unsure whether to explain how much meeting him that spring break changed her life. She’d made choices after she met him, after the experience of having her heart affected so immeasurably that she would defy what her parents wanted. They’d fought with her, made threats, but in the end, she’d followed her heart.

  She paused, looking down at him from midway up the stairs. “We always have choices, Cole. Even back then, we both made ours. It’s not spring break anymore.” She hurried up the stairs and managed to get into her room before the tears broke free.

  Chapter Six

  Cole hit the swirling water with his fist, not caring when it sprayed over him. Seeing her again had rattled him. More than he thought was possible after all this time. She’d matured into a beautiful woman, clearly competent and successful, using her talent and passion. She’s done well for herself. And her confidence made her even sexier, if that was even possible. Christ, her round little butt parked on his lap and the up-close view of her creamy breasts in that skimpy bikini was enough to rouse him to the point of needing a cold shower. Memories tightened his body, causing the muscle in his jaw to twitch. He had to let her go, if only for his sanity. Fate had played a cruel trick on him, bringing her here, but keeping her at a distance. Off limits by her connection to some world-renowned photographer, who would arrive in a few short hours as her date to the wedding.

  What he needed was to run around in this frigid air and toss back a shot or two of Jack Daniels. That’d bring him back to his senses. What was important was that his stepsister was getting married, and his mom and other guests would be arriving soon. Anna had been right. We all have choices. And this sure as hell wasn’t spring break.

  He waded out of the tub and scrubbed down with a towel, grateful for the icy chill in the air. He took a deep breath, drawing the cold into his lungs, and shoved the memory of him and Anna into the past where it belonged. He glanced down at his treacherous body, aware of his semi-aroused state. Some memories were harder to forget than others.

  In the flurry of the arrival of his mother and Eva’s in-laws, Cole had missed meeting Harrison Barnes. Maria had told him later that he came in, took his things to Miss Anna’s room, and the two took off to have a private dinner in town. He should be ecstatic—grateful, in fact.

  “You’re going at those peppers like they’re your worst enemy, darling.”

  Cole glanced up across the granite kitchen island and met Jane Diamond’s deep, blue eyes.

  “Something you’d like to get off your chest?”

  Maria was busy marinating the Machaca beef for the reception. Conversations, even intimate, were always safe in Maria’s presence. Cole laid down the knife and rested his hand on the cool cabinet top. “You know that woman, the one doing the feature in the magazine?”

  “Today’s Cowboy. Yes, I remember,” his mother answered. “I was the one who made the arrangements for her to be here.” She met his gaze. “Is there a problem?”

  “No, she’s fine.” Cole looked away and released a sarcastic laugh. “She’s more than fine,” he mumbled under a sigh. He looked back at his mom.

  She raised a brow, not hiding her curiosity. “The young woman only arrived, what… yesterday? And already she’s managed to addle your brain? She must be quite remarkable.”

  Cole closed his eyes, reining in his frustration. He’d never spoken to his mom about college—spring break, in particular. What son did? “It’s funny, sort of. We met a long time ago in Corpus Christi—spring break.”

  His mother’s eyes registered the situation, assessing without a word from him what had likely transpired. “Ah, I see.”

  Cole shook his head. “It wasn’t… hell, yes, it was. I’m not sure you can remember me back then, but there’s stuff I’m not exactly proud of.”

  “Oh, I remember.” His mother smiled. She was a beautiful woman—statuesque, her silky, snow-white hair now cut in a short, sensible style. She regarded him, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. He’d gotten his handsome good looks from her, she’d always told him, but he had seen pictures of his bronco-riding dad, who in his day had been quite the heartbreaker on the rodeo circuit. Cole was the spitting image of his dad, except for his eyes and disposition—his mother had gifted those to him. “But a mother sees what she wants to see, Cole. I always knew you’d turn out to be a fine man… one day.”

  “I’m not sure I could convince her of that now.” He shoved a hand through his hair. “I was pretty bad. The thing is, she got to me. And by the time I figured that out, too much time had passed. By then, I figured she either hated me or was pretending I had never exis
ted”

  “Hate’s a strong word, son.”

  Cole met his mother’s concerned gaze. “I know.”

  His mother sighed. “Is she married?”

  Cole’s mouth pressed into a flat line. The thought that she might be after this weekend filled his stomach with dread. “Not yet. Her boyfriend arrived today to be her date this weekend. They ducked out and went to dinner in town.” Cole picked up the knife and continued to chop at the peppers.

  Maria quietly came to his side and placed her hand on his to calm his fervent chopping. “These were to be julienne cut, Mr. C. No worries, we’ll just put them in the freezer for chili later.”

  Cole looked up and met his mother’s gaze. “What the hell should I do?”

  “Do?” She acted surprised. “How exactly did you leave things between the two of you?”

  Cole frowned and swiped his hand over his mouth. “I used the urgency of your call as an excuse.” He paced as he spoke. “I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to hurt her. So, I just left.” He shook his head. “I was an idiot. I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me. I could see it on her face the first day she was here.”

  “Cole.” She reached across and took his hand. “Why does this still bother you?”

  He studied his mom’s face. “Because I can’t ever remember feeling like that about anyone—then, or since.” He snorted. “Not that it makes any difference now.”

  “Cole Tanner. I’ve never known you not to not face obstacles head-on. You’re not the giving up type.”

  “I didn’t give up. I was a jerk and left. I didn’t even leave a note.”

  She sighed. “I suppose that’s true. But everyone makes mistakes, honey. No one is perfect. Especially not in college.” She studied him. “Did you love her?”

  “I’d only just met her, but we talked about everything and nothing. I didn’t want to think that one woman could have that much of an effect on me. It was spring break—people fall into bed, not into love.”