Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

  “Fine.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Now I don’t know if I should give you the present I bought you.”

  Oh, he was so good.

  She narrowed her eyes. “What present?”

  “This one.” He withdrew a small white box from his pocket and placed it on the table.

  Her gaze lifted from the gift to his face. He grinned from ear to ear. And not to be trusted. She frowned. What the hell was the sexy bugger up to now?

  “It’s too small for a snake to jump out.” She thrust her chin in the air. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that trick you played on me when I was ten.”

  “I promise it’s not a snake. Go on, open it.” He pushed it closer.

  She hesitated, well aware of all the jokes he use to play…and that she’d enjoyed every last one. Fighting a grin, she picked up the box and gave a careful shake. Something rattled inside. Too big to be jewelry. Her gaze flew to his. Eyes, dark and mischievous, out-sparkled the sun. He’s definitely up to something. Adrenaline heated her veins. Jordan Masters never backed away once Cole McCall threw down the gauntlet. With one last glance in his direction, she slowly opened the box.

  A blue diaphragm met her cautious gaze.

  She screamed and dropped the box. Crazy bastard. She loved it! Unrestrained amusement slackened her body. Jordan fell back in her chair and dissolved into fits of laughter. Never in a million years did she expect a diaphragm. Dragging in air, she reached for the box again.

  “Oh Cole. You’ve outdone yourself. That was your best one yet,” she managed between giggles.

  He laughed with her. “I’m glad you liked it. You should’ve seen your face.”

  “It couldn’t have been anywhere near as priceless as yours was in the Spring. I swear, when I sat on your lap and told you we had broken one of these during a night of wonderful sex, your jaw nearly hit the floor.” Her body shook with renewed mirth at the memory.

  “I still can’t believe you did that.” He shook his head and chuckled. “What am I saying? Of course I can believe it.”

  She wiped the tears from her face and held up the birth control device. “Do I even want to know where you got this?”

  “Now, Jordan, don’t be jealous. It’s from a doctor friend of mine and I can assure you it isn’t used. At least, not yet,” he added, hope gleaming in his eyes.

  Her heart slammed into her chest, sucking the smile from her lips. Excitement and panic gripped. What exactly was he saying?

  Thoughtful, she watched as his gaze travel leisurely down her body and back again, caressing every inch of her languid flesh. By the time their eyes met, her goose-bumped skin and hardened nipples ached for his touch. And damn, was she wet.

  “Sorry to disturb you, Cole.” Emma’s voice stopped Jordan’s heart. “But there’s a call for you from overseas.”

  He cleared his throat. “I’ll take it in my office.” Regret filled his gaze as he stood. “We’ll finish this conversation later,” he promised, sending her one last rueful look before he disappeared into the house.

  Inhaling a deep, steadying breath, she closed her eyes and lay back in her chair. Okay, Cole. Two can play at this game. Body shivering in disappointment, a plan formed in her head.

  Smiling, she gathered her things.

  This should be one interesting barbeque.

  Standing back from her mirror an hour later, Jordan couldn’t stop the wide grin from spreading across her face. In keeping with their teasing, she donned the exact outfit she’d worn to Cole’s office in the Spring. She’d thrown the provocative clothing in her suitcase last minute—because the clothes made her smile. Her fingers skimmed the gold necklace around her neck, sparkling like the matching heart-encrusted bracelet on her wrist—both gifts from Cole a lifetime ago. Her heart warmed at the memories.

  The bracelet had arrived Special Delivery for her seventeenth birthday. Not long after they’d moved from Texas. He’d sent her the matching necklace for her high school graduation. A day fate had turned bittersweet. His parents had delivered his gift because he’d stayed behind to take over temporary reign of McCall Enterprises while his father took his first ever leave of absence. Too bad it had been to attend her graduation and visit California for a month. In the space of Mr. McCall’s innocuous decision, her two year countdown to see her Texan again, had significantly altered. Jordan had understood the trial run of operating the company had been an important honor for Cole and she’d been happy for him, but disappointed at the same time.

  After that, they’d conversed less and less, and other than her secret visit a few years later—one even Cole knew nothing about—they’d lost touch. Until now.

  Heart pumping a familiar Texas tune, she stared at her reflection. Was this really finally happening? Did she want it too?

  Oh, hell yeah!

  Laughing, she twisted her hair up and clasped it with a clip. She couldn’t wait to see Cole’s expression.

  Wearing a salmon colored sundress, her sister stepped into the hall at the same time and had her hair twisted off her neck to help alleviate the late summer heat, too.

  Jordan wanted to tell her sister how stunning she looked but knew Kerri would high-tail it back into her room to change.

  “You look cool,” she said instead.

  “So do you.” Her sister’s eyes widened. “Are you trying to give Cole a heart-attack?”

  “No. Just a good laugh.” She winked.

  As Jordan and Kerri descended the stairs, the waiting cowboys removed their hats and watched with interest. Her gaze devoured Cole. Tucked into his jeans, his short-sleeved blue/gray shirt had the first three buttons undone, hinting at the broad chest she knew lay underneath. She could barely breathe, thanks to the heart hammering in her dried throat.

  “Hmm. Now where have I seen that outfit before?” He grinned wickedly, smoldering gaze following her every move.

  “What? This old thing?” She batted her lashes and his laughter increased the tempo of her heart.

  “Hello, Jordan.” Connor cleared his throat. “Jordan? It’s nice to see you again, too. Hello-o-o.”

  The sound of snapping fingers cut through her haze.

  “Hello-o-o? Other McCall here...”

  Pulling her attention from Cole she smiled at his older brother. “Sorry, Connor. I um…didn’t see you there.”

  “I noticed.” He chuckled as they hugged. “You sure know how to deflate a man’s ego.”

  “No one could deflate your ego, Connor. Who are you trying to kid?” Kerri spoke from behind.

  Connor threw his head back and laughed.

  Poor Kerri. Instead of embracing the humor in her comment, her hands flew to her flushed cheeks.

  “I’m sorry, Connor. I can’t believe I just said that.”

  Cole snickered. “Don’t be, Kerri. You’re absolutely right.”

  Stepping in to rescue her sister, he dropped an arm around Kerri’s shoulder and led her toward the door. “That was a good one.”

  Jordan’s heart warmed for the man even further. His sweet gesture touched her beyond reason. The old Cole was back. And Jordan was falling for him again, big time.

  “Connor has a big ego. Who knew?” She linked arms with the still smiling cowboy, noting the deep tan and sun-streaked hair he’d acquired during the summer.

  Why wasn’t he spoken for? He was gorgeous. Gaze straying to his younger brother walking ahead, she swallowed. Gorgeous was a McCall trait—a strong one.

  When they reached the vehicle, Cole released Kerri to open both the front and back doors. Before Jordan could blink, slim fingers clamped around her elbow and yanked her into the back. Slack-jawed, eyes wide, Cole stared at them from the driveway. She hiccupped a giggle and promptly sank her teeth into her lower lip to thwart the rest. He obviously never expected Kerri to be sharing her seat. I never expected Kerri to be sharing my seat. She glanced at her sister busily rearranging the dress around her knees.

  Where was self-assured
Kerri Masters? This woman fidgeting next to her as they headed down the drive wasn’t her. Not by a long shot. Jordan’s chest tightened. Why wouldn’t she want to sit up front with Connor? Because of their mistaken kiss last Spring? She pursed her lips and tried to put herself in her sister’s shoes. Maybe.

  Divorced a year-and-a-half now—thanks to an unfaithful ex-husband—Kerri gave shy and reserved a new meaning. Jordan suspected there was more but try as she might, she couldn’t get her sister to talk.

  All this happened a few weeks after Eric had died. Too occupied with my own grief. I missed something. She sighed inwardly. Kerri had always been outgoing and popular. That and her natural beauty had attracted many admiring glances and she always took it in her stride. Her gaze dropped to her sister’s knotted hands. Now, Kerri was like a scared rabbit too afraid to come out of her hole. Why?

  As they drove under the Shadow Rock Ranch sign, Jordan made a promise. Once they got back to California, she’d sit Kerri down and get to the root of the problem.

  California.

  Her heart rocked. The prospect of returning there next week flooded her body with waves of forlorn. She eyed the sexy dark haired man sitting in front. Suddenly, Jordan wasn’t so sure she wanted to leave. Not if the old Cole was truly back.

  “Big turnout this year,” Connor said as he parked the car in a field full of vehicles.

  California promptly tucked to the back of her mind, Jordan squared her shoulders. Right now, she’d enjoy the time she had in Texas and not worry about leaving until next week.

  Cole opened her door, helped her out but didn’t release her hand. Warm and firm, his fingers, entwined with hers, felt right but still, doubt returned. She glanced sideways at him. Was five months long enough for Cole to come to grips with moving on? He squeezed her hand and smiled. Her heart fell into her fluttering stomach.

  God, I hope so.

  When several familiar men approached and asked her to reserve them a dance, Cole dropped her hand. Disappointed, she opened her mouth to reply but her voice evaporated as he draped an arm around her shoulder and drew her against his side.

  “Sorry guys, the lady’s with me tonight.”

  Her heartbeats tripled. She was?

  Eyebrows shot up and heads snapped in their direction as the news registered in everyone’s brains. Smiling, he guided them towards the food.

  “Wait, McCall.” She pulled him out of the line.

  A big smile split across his face. “You want to get me alone already?” he teased, grazing her hip with his hand.

  “Cole, what’s going on? Is this a date?”

  “Yes.”

  “You and me?”

  “Yes. It generally takes two.”

  “I know that, but one is generally asked.” She raised a brow and waited.

  Laughter faded from his eyes. “Are you saying you don’t want to be here with me?”

  “No, ya big dummy. I’m saying I expected to be asked.”

  “Oh, I can do that.” He grasped her hands and gazed straight into her eyes, his own alight with mischief and hope. “Jordan, I know this has been a very long time coming, but would you do me the honor of being my date for this evening?”

  All kidding aside, her heart thudded in her throat. “Are you sure about this Cole? Are you sure you’re ready for me?”

  “Jordan.” Lips twitching, he cupped her chin. “Honey. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for you.”

  She laughed. “You’ve got that right, Cole McCall. You’ve got that right.”

  Kevin approached with a grin. “Cole is right about something?”

  “Yes.” She laughed.

  Cole slipped his arm around her waist and grinned. “You’ve got to start sometime.”

  “That you do, my friend. That you do.” Kevin slapped Cole on the shoulder and smiled broadly. “Carry on,” he added, giving them a wink before he sauntered off toward Kerri.

  The next few hours turned into one of the best nights of Jordan’s life.

  How could it not be? She was there with Cole. After all those years of wishing and waiting, it finally happened. Cole had asked her out on a date. She could barely breathe as the reality of the momentous occasion sank in.

  He twirled her on the dance floor; held her body close on the slow songs; called her up onto the stage to sing with and laughed and joked with her all evening.

  She’d treasure the night forever.

  Later on, as they piled into the SUV to head back to the ranch, Jordan beat her sister to the punch. Wrapping her fingers around the taut muscle of Cole’s bicep, she quickly tugged him into the backseat, forcing Kerri to sit up front next to Connor. It was either that, or all three stuffed in the back. She couldn’t bring herself to leave Cole’s side. Not even for the brief ten minute ride to the McCall’s. Guilt pricked her conscience until Cole’s warm hand found her knee. Thumb lightly rubbing across her leg, he stroked and stroked, and desire simmered.

  Kerri’s a big girl…she’ll survive.

  Air, thick with humidity, blew in from the opened windows and clung to her already heated skin. With her head on his shoulder, she looped her arm through his, listening to the hum of the vehicle and the sound of country music playing softly on the radio as they silently made their way to the ranch.

  Where Kerri and Connor disappeared to once they got back, Jordan had no idea. She was only aware of Cole’s warm fingers still entwined with hers as he led the way up the outside stairs to the balcony.

  “I don’t know about you but I’m not ready for this night to end just yet.” His twinkling eyes outshone the starry sky.

  Her pulse jumped. “What are you up to?”

  He shrugged, guiding her to the other end of the balcony just outside her door.

  She stopped dead and gasped.

  Chapter Eleven

  Candles lit the balcony, while soft music played in the background. Jordan gazed in amazement. A bottle of champagne chilled on ice and two empty glasses beckoned as a single red rose sat in a crystal vase in the middle of a white-linen table. Balancing out the romantic setting, sat a silver-covered dish.

  She turned to him and blinked. “How did you manage all of this, Cole?”

  “I asked Emma to set it up for us.” He grinned slowly, hope lighting the dark depths of his eyes. “Do you like it?”

  “Like it?” Her stomach dipped. “I love it. And that would explain the knowing glances she kept throwing my way today.”

  “I just wanted things to be perfect.”

  Barely recovered, her stomach dipped again. “They are.”

  Unable to wrap her mind around the fact he’d gone through all this trouble just to please her, Jordan remained rooted to the spot. The whole evening had been surreal, yet so real.

  He handed her a glass of champagne, fingers grazing in the process. She drew in a breath, his fresh, sporty scent filling her nose.

  He’s real. He’s very real.

  “To us.” Cole raised his glass, and her temperature, with a look of intense longing.

  Her heart slammed against her ribs. Hard. “To us,” she replied a little breathless, touching flutes.

  As she sipped the bubbly, his gaze devoured her, making it difficult to swallow. She was a strong person, sometimes damn immovable. But not with this man. God, not with Cole. Excitement and anticipation hitched her breath and weakened her knees. The full force of his attraction was damn potent. She didn’t resist when he took the nearly full glass out of her hand and placed both flutes on the table.

  “Dance with me?” he asked softly.

  Unable to speak, she nodded and he pulled her gently into his arms. Quickly becoming her favorite place. Her eyes fluttered closed and she melted against him, reveling in his warm strength. This was right. This was Cole. His heart thundered under her chin and matched her hammering pulse. More alive than ever, her body buzzed with awareness, and for the first time since Eric’s death, she allowed her heart to feel another man.

  For severa
l minutes the two of them dwelled in a special, private place.

  A short time later, Cole jarred her senses by doing the unthinkable—he stopped and drew back. Jordan nearly cried out in protest but when her eyes flew open she promptly forgot her objection—and how to breathe. Hunger darkened his eyes to coal.

  “Jordan, things were all screwed up on your last visit. This time I want to do them the right way.” Voice husky, he lightly caressed the side of her face. “I’m going to kiss you now. I hope that’s okay?”

  Okay? She swallowed past her dried throat, and acknowledged her mind, body, and heart where finally all in agreement.

  “You bet it is, cowboy.” She lifted the Stetson off his head and tossed it on the chair behind him. “I’ve waited a lifetime for this kiss.”

  Desire blazed in his eyes as he cupped her face with both hands and slowly lowered his head. “So have I, Jordan.”

  Hot breath hit her mouth a mere second before his lips.

  A charged tremor instantly rippled to her toes. Wow. They both pulled back, the awe she felt reflecting in his eyes.

  “Jordan…”

  He lowered his mouth to hers again and this time, as the current ran through her, she didn’t draw away but rejoiced at their incredible connection and moved closer.

  Different than the angry, heated, kiss they’d shared in the spring, this one was stronger, more concentrated, more…potent.

  Cole gathered her nearer still and she moaned at the new sensations wracking her body. Liquid fire replaced her blood, heating her from the inside out—while goosebumps shivered her flesh at the same time. Taking advantage of her opened mouth, he deepened the kiss, causing Jordan’s insides to flutter. He tasted of champagne and passion, making her heady for more. Much more.

  Running her tongue inside his mouth, she swallowed his groan and cupped his jaw for a better angle. They kissed long and deep and she didn’t want to stop. If she hadn’t needed to get air into her lungs, she would never have ended their first real kiss.

  Resting her head on his shoulder, she looked down at her feet and grinned at her curled toes. “Man, Cole, you sure do pack a punch.” She lifted her head and touched her fingers to her mouth. “That was better than our last one.”