Her Fated Cowboy (Harland County Series)

by Donna Michaels

Cole shrugged. “Good.”

  “He’s being modest,” Jordan told them proudly. “It went better than that. His software met with a standing ovation and high praise.”

  Impressed beyond words when he’d given his presentation, she’d sat there enthralled. His speech was strong, eloquent, informative and even humorous at times. When he’d made a statement that the only virus his software couldn’t prevent was the Jordan Virus, she’d nearly choked on her wine. Confusion had rumbled through the guests, until he cleared the matter up by asking her to stand and introduced her as his Jordan Virus.

  “That’s wonderful, Cole. Congratulations.” His mother stood and gave him a kiss on his cheek, bringing Jordan’s mind back to the present.

  “Yes. Good job, son.”

  His dad and her parents all slapped Cole’s back on their way out and, in a blink of an eye, they were alone.

  “Wow, we sure know how to clear a room.” She chuckled, looking around the deserted kitchen.

  “Now that they’re gone…”

  Strong hands tenderly cupped her face as he gazed warmly into her eyes. Her heart fluttered.

  Yay, more snacking.

  Her palms glided over sinew from his chest to shoulders on her way to tangle in the thick hair at the back of his head. “Yes?”

  Smiling, full lips brushed hers ever so slightly, turning one tantalizing second into two before they grew bold and deepened the kiss. Tongues explored and teased, bodies pressed closer, straining to touch. She was addicted to the taste of his wild abandonment.

  Just when her lungs threatened to burst, he broke the embrace and buried his face in her neck while they both drew in several deep breathes.

  Holy smokes, could the man kiss.

  The sound of the kitchen door opening had her taking one step back from Cole and gaze shooting to Connor’s large form.

  “Wow, look at you two.” He stopped dead. “Did you just get back from the prom or something?”

  They laughed.

  “You know…I wanted Cole to take me to my prom but…he wouldn’t,” Jordan pouted, enjoying the dazed looked in her cowboy’s eyes.

  “I was several states away.” He frowned. “You didn’t miss out going, did you?”

  “My goodness, no. The star quarterback asked me.”

  His body stiffened. “Oh.”

  Connor grinned, grabbing a bottle of beer from the refrigerator. “Built was he?”

  “Yes, and blond in a California kind of way.” Biting her lip, she turned her back to Cole and busied herself with rinsing their parents’ cups. She knew she was bad, but couldn’t resist falling in line with Connor’s teasing.

  “He was probably a surfer, too,” Cole muttered.

  She swiveled to face him with innocent surprise. “How’d you know? He won several tournaments and everything.”

  “Wow, he must’ve been good,” Connor exclaimed.

  “He was good. I was life-guarding at a few of those tournaments. I believe he set some record or other.”

  “Wait a minute.” Connor’s beer bottle paused in mid air. “You were a lifeguard? Like on that television show?”

  She rolled her eyes and glanced down at her chest. “Not exactly. The girls never could get that bounce just right.”

  Muttering an oath, Cole yanked the fridge open and swiped a bottle of water from the shelf.

  Mischief hovered in Connor’s brown gaze. “So what ever happened to the star quarterback/surfer and the lifeguard?”

  She fought her smile. “He asked her to go steady.

  “And what did the lifeguard say?” Connor prodded.

  Cole slammed the refrigerator shut, rattling the jars in the door.

  “She said, no.”

  “No?” Connor’s bottle clanked onto the counter. “Why ever not?”

  She moved to stand in front of her brooding date. “Because he wasn’t Cole.”

  Delight replaced the dark expression as her words sunk in. The corner of his mouth lifted. “He wasn’t?”

  She traced his jaw. “Nope, none of them could compare to you. Ever.”

  Deep affection and heat combined to smolder in his gaze as he pressed her against the counter, cupped her face and kissed her slow and sweet.

  Connor cleared his throat. “Don’t mind me. You all go ahead…have some fun. I’ll be fine.”

  Cole broke the kiss and dropped his forehead to hers. “Did you hear something?”

  “Nope.” She smiled, playing with his collar. “But maybe your brother did.”

  They laughed, including Connor. She released Cole and walked to her purse, withdrawing the white bag.

  “Anyone care for a cookie?”

  Connor blinked a second before his hand shot into the air. “Hold on a cotton-pickin’-minute. First Cole’s grinning like the Cheshire cat and now Jordan’s sharing cookies?” His gaze bounced between them. “Wow. You two are good for each other.”

  “I tried to tell your brother that over a decade ago.” She nodded toward Cole.

  He stepped to her, settled his hands around her waist, then said softly, “I’m listening now,” before brushing her mouth with his.

  “Okay, I can take a hint,” Connor joked good-naturedly and headed toward the door. “Night, you two.”

  “Good night, Connor.” Cole chuckled, hugging her head to his chest.

  “Night, Connor,” she echoed, preoccupied by the pounding of Cole’s heart beneath her ear as Connor disappeared through the swinging door, leaving them alone in the silence.

  “I hate to say it, but I better get you up to your room.”

  Goosebumps raced his fingers, skimming a path down her arms on the way to her hands.

  “Yes, it’s getting late,” she replied, reluctant to leave him.

  Arms around each other’s waists, they walked silently to her room. What a day it had been. She didn’t want it to end, and wondered if it must. Again, she didn’t want to disrespect his parents, but…God, she just couldn’t let go of this man.

  When they arrived at her room, she twisted her back to her door and looked up expectantly as he leaned his hand on the doorframe and gazed down.

  “I had such a wonderful day today, Cole.” Her body wanted his again with a hunger so fierce the passion admittedly scared her, but the new intimacy—the tenderness harboring such promise and hope was too special to ignore. They’d already taken the first step. It was too late to turn back. And she was so happy he felt the same way and took a chance on her. How could she possibly not take a chance on the man she’d always known she belonged with—even before she’d been old enough to vote?

  “I had an incredible day, too.” His finger trailed a streak of fire up her neck to her lower lip. “I hope you’ll have dinner with me tomorrow. I did have a nice one planned for tonight, until Kevin reminded me about that presentation.”

  She eyed his hovering lips. “I’d love to.” Anticipation flowed like a river rushing over rapids.

  “Good,” he whispered into her mouth.

  Kissing her slow and deep, he turned her legs to liquid, and forced her to cling tightly to his solid frame. Over and over he delved, taking his time, thoroughly attacking her brain cells. When it ended, he pressed his forehead to hers and took a deep breath.

  “Jordan...” His voice was rough with need, as he slowly stroked her bottom lip with his thumb. “I had every intention of kissing you goodnight and heading to my room, but I can’t seem to let you go.”

  “God, I was hoping you’d say that. I don’t want you to go, either.” She opened her door and drew him inside, holding his smoldering gaze. “Stay with me tonight, Cole.”

  With that sexy growl-like groan, he thrust his hands in her hair and covered her mouth with his as he closed the door behind them.

  The next night, Jordan had no idea where they were going for dinner so she opted for casual and donned a pale blue halter sundress. Hair clipped up because of the heat, she added the jewelry Cole had given her and came downstairs as he ent
ered the house.

  “Mmm…mmm…mmm. You look great.” He dropped his briefcase on the table by the door to take her in his arms. “I’ve been dreaming of this all day.”

  “Me too.” She met his kiss head on. He was hot and hard and delicious and her body craved all of him. The greedy bugger.

  “Okay, the sooner I get changed the sooner we can go.” His voice matched the reluctance in his eyes as he released her and turned to take the stairs two at a time.

  She hoped he changed just as fast. With a smirk on her lips she stepped into the kitchen to chat with Kerri and Emma in an attempt to occupy her mind—she’d never been good at waiting. And now that she’d been with him a few times, her body was already highly charged for his touch.

  When Cole strode in fifteen minutes later, her throat dried. Holy cowboys. Sleeves rolled up on his tapered white buttoned-down shirt, his lean form and bronzed muscled arms toppled her heart. She couldn’t believe he was hers. Finally hers. Black Stetson and boots completed the package she wanted to open and use and ride…and if she didn’t get off at the next station the train she was on was going to take her straight to orgasm.

  Every inch of him was male and every inch would be hers. Again. Tonight. She trembled but kept her need in check. They had an audience. She slid off the stool and swayed toward him.

  “That looks wonderful.” He smiled.

  At first she thought he’d meant her, then followed his gaze to the food Kerri and Emma were packing.

  Packing?

  The two women place fried chicken and a few other finger foods into a soft insulated pouch. She’d just spent the past fifteen minutes with the cooks and hadn’t realized the food they were preparing had been for her and Cole.

  Jordan pursed her lips and fought a grin. There goes another round of brain cells lost to the likes of Cole McCall. At this rate, she’d be a blubbering idiot by the end of the week.

  “That should do it, Cole.” Emma zipped the bag, then handed it to him with a smile.

  “Thanks, Emma, Kerri,” he said, grabbing the cooler.

  Kerri smiled. “Anytime. You two have fun.”

  “We will.” He turned to Jordan and held out his elbow. “Shall we?”

  “Yes.” She grinned and together they left the house.

  When they appeared to be heading for the stables, she glanced sideways at him. “Okay, you’ve got me. The sun is almost down, we’re not taking the car and you’re carrying a basket of food. Where exactly are we going?”

  He led her to the last stall where Connor was busy saddling Cole’s horse.

  “Someplace special.”

  His gaze softened and her questions disappeared. As long as it was with him, it was special. Her glance fell to his lips. “Lead the way.”

  “Jordan,” he groaned thru clenched teeth. “Stop looking at me like that or we’re not going to leave this stable.”

  “Yes, please, Jordan.” Connor grimaced. “I’m glad you two are finally seeing each other but I don’t need to witness it firsthand. A kiss is one thing, but that?”

  “Yeah…yeah, Connor. We’re going.” Smirking, she helped Cole secure their dinner and a blanket before he swung into the saddle and held out his hand.

  Her pulse leapt at the intimacy a shared mount would bring. Thankful the skirt of her dress was loose fitting, she had no trouble joining him on the horse. Breathing, however, was an entirely different story.

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” his brother preached.

  “That leaves the slate wide open,” she said on an expelled breath.

  “You’re darn right, darlin’. You’re darn, right.” Connor winked, then slapped the hind end of the horse.

  The creature lurched forward and soon Jordan rode off into the setting sun and to her fate with Cole McCall.

  Light-hearted and light-headed at the same time, she wrapped her arms around his broad form and pressed her body into his back. Her nipples beaded against him from the friction of the gallop’s erotic bounce. Their fast paced knocked away her hair clip, and she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sense of freedom as her locks flounced in the wind.

  When the horse slowed to a trot and eventually stopped, she opened her eyes and gasped. They’d reached the big oak tree overlooking the ocean. Their tree. And at the base sat a romantic picnic for two with a red-and-white-checkered blanket and hurricane lamp.

  Playing their song, the ocean roared in the distance and swallowed the setting sun, leaving the sky streaked in a mass of deep purples and blues.

  “Cole, this is incredible…” Her breathless tone faded into his back. Once again, she couldn’t believe he’d gone through all of this...for her.

  The warmth of his palm seeped into the hand she’d clamped around his hip.

  “I’m glad you approve,” he said before dismounting with ease.

  Turning to her, he looked up, and his sucked-in breath dropped his jaw and hissed into the breeze. Hunger—instant and fierce—entered his gaze as he held his arms out to help her down.

  Pulse roaring louder than the surf, she slid off the horse and into his arms, his large hands brushing the sides of her breasts on her way down.

  “You’re so beautiful, Jordan,” he breathed, his voice husky and full of emotion. Finger tenderly touching her skin, he traced a path from her chest to her shoulder as he pushed back a strand of hair. “So damn beautiful.”

  The rising and falling of her chest increased when he continued to trace a path to her parted lips. Her tongue snaked to touch his finger and hot breath hissed through his teeth. Empowered, she repeated the action. He groaned and brought his mouth down on hers.

  Finally.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she inadvertently knocked his hat off but neither of them cared. Long and deep and wet, they kissed with wild abandon flowing in their veins. Seemed like this could be their common way of kissing. Yay! By the time they came up for air, her body ached for release. A release only he could give.

  He sucked in air and stared down at her through smoldering eyes. “If you kiss me like that I won’t be able to keep the promise I made to myself to take things slow. To make tonight special.”

  His dark hair captured a glimmer of the sun’s disappearing glow, while his words captured her heart. She loved him, always had, and the fact he was trying to keep his promise surely must mean his feelings for her ran deep. This was more than physical; more than great sex on a desk or fitting room or bed. She wanted to give him all of her and was ready to take whatever he would give in return.

  Convinced she was right, a calmness swept over her. The time for holding back had passed and the time for Cole and Jordan had arrived.

  She cupped his face and stared into his incredible eyes. “Tonight is already special, Cole. We’re together. That’s all I need.” Her gaze dropped to his full, talented lips and a tremor shook through her. “And right now, I need you, very, very much.”

  To prove it, she pulled his face down to lick lightly across his lower lip. A rough sound rumbled in his throat and he crushed her close, exploring her mouth with a bold, and oh-so-talented tongue. Heat shot through her body and she made a rough sound of her own. More, please. She had to have more. Wet and throbbing, she longed to have other parts of him inside.

  Only because she was about to burst did she break away to drag in a breath. “Let’s get out of these clothes…and onto…the blanket.”

  “Wait.” He backed up and thrust both hands through his hair. “Jordan, I don’t have any protection with me. Taking it slow…I wasn’t expecting to…”

  “That’s okay.”

  “Awe, hell, Jordan. I’m sorry.” A hand shot through his hair again.

  “No.” She stepped closer and caressed his jaw. “I mean, I’m on the pill, have a clean bill of health.”

  “Me, too.”

  She smiled. “So…I’m okay with not using protection…if you are.”

  He blinked as realization dawned. “What if…”

&
nbsp; “We make a baby?” She giggled and kissed his chin. “I’m okay with that too.” This was the man she belonged with, the man she wanted to have children with so if it happened sooner than later, she saw no problem. “What do you say, McCall? You willing to take the chance?”

  His eyes blazed the reply his words confirmed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  He had the lamp lit and his boots off before she could blink. While he worked on his belt, she helped him with his shirt, snapping it open and yanking it off with a quick jerk. Bared for her eyes and touch, his glorious abs, chiseled chest, and broad shoulders begged for attention.

  She willing obliged.

  Running her hands over his carved muscles, she yearned to feel and taste every last ridge. It had been nearly sixteen hours. Sixteen long hours. And although they’d already had sex several times now, they hadn’t been completely naked out in the open before. He disposed of the rest of his clothes and stood before her in the naked splendor she’d glimpse at that watering hole many years ago.

  Boy, had the years been kind.

  All muscle, no fat and a whole hell-of-a-lot of Cole. She swallowed, boldly taking his erection in her hand.

  “Jordan…dammit woman.” His hot words matched his breath as he sunk his teeth into her neck.

  Heat rushed in shards low in her belly and just like that she went damp. She needed to have him inside. Now. Releasing him, she stepped back to slip out of her sandals and rip off her dress.

  His sharp intake of breath stilled her hands as they fingered the band of her baby blue silk thong.

  “You’re so damn beautiful.”

  Dark eyes devoured and caressed her body, peaking her nipples even further.

  He swallowed and nudged her hands aside. “Allow me.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Gifted fingers, full of magic and fire, scorched Jordan’s skin as they grazed her hips, thighs and calves before she stepped out of her final piece of clothing.

  “So damn beautiful,” he repeated, staring up at her.

  Exploring hands started their ascent, along with his lips and she trembled under his touch as he kissed her body from toe to head. When his mouth found hers, she wrapped her arms around him and crushed their bodies together. Hard, ripped and hot, he felt so good pressed close her legs nearly buckled.