Do You Take this Cowboy?

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  Austin gestured toward the newcomer. “Drew Martinelli, I’d like you to meet Jonah Bridger, Zen master.”

  Jonah shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. Don’t pay attention to that Zen stuff Austin’s spouting. I’m not a master of anything. But Rosie and Herb tell me that you’re the best videographer in Wyoming.”

  “That’s stretching it, but it’s nice to hear.”

  “Ah, she’s just modest.” Austin gave his foster brother a hug. “Like you are, bro. With all that meditating you used to do, you must be enlightened by now.”

  “’Fraid not. I’ve learned just enough to be dangerous.”

  “And to conduct Cade and Lexi’s ceremony.” Austin clapped him on the back. “I’m gonna get a kick out of that.”

  “Oh, right!” Drew remembered now. “You’re the minister.”

  “With no church and no parishioners,” Jonah said.

  “So how does that work?” All Drew’s relatives had been married in a church.

  “I work at a dude ranch, and my boss wanted to offer weddings to our guests. He asked me if I’d be willing to get qualified to marry folks. You can apply online. It sounded like fun so I did it.”

  Austin nodded. “I can see how it would be fun being the person who launches a couple on their great adventure.”

  “Then you should get into it.”

  “Nope, not my thing. I have other plans in the hopper. But I look forward to seeing your performance on Saturday.”

  Drew realized that she’d heard Austin mention his future plans but he’d never been specific about them. She’d have to ask him about it tomorrow night. Right now, though, she needed to make her exit. These guys had some catching up to do, and at some point Austin had to drive back out to the clearing and gather the cookout gear.

  She laid her hand on his arm. “Thanks for a great dinner. I’m going to head home.” She glanced over at his brother. “Great to meet you, Jonah.”

  He touched the brim of his hat. “Same here, Drew.”

  She raised her voice. “Rosie and Herb, I’m going home. Have a good night.”

  “Come on up and sit for a while,” Rosie called back. “Have some coffee.”

  “Thanks. I’ll take a rain check.” She turned back to Austin and smiled. “See you tomorrow afternoon.”

  “I’ll walk you to your truck.” He looked over at Jonah. “Be right back.”

  “Take your time.”

  She didn’t bother to tell him that walking her to her truck, which was only a few yards away, was completely unnecessary. She suspected he’d want to open her door for her and give her a hand up. In truth, she was beginning to cherish that about him.

  Once they’d reached the driver’s side they had a small measure of privacy. She kept her voice low. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stick around here tomorrow night and spend time with Jonah? You two seem fairly close.”

  “We lived in the same cabin once I was old enough to move out of the ranch house. He’s a great guy and I’m glad he’s here, but the answer is no, I wouldn’t rather hang out here tomorrow. I want to be with you.”

  “All right.” The intensity in his gaze made her heart race. “Then I’ll see you at four.”

  He opened her door. “Don’t bring any food. That’ll be my contribution.”

  “Understood, but I’ll ice up the chest so it’s ready for the food. Having a chef along will be a treat.”

  He nudged back his hat and grinned. “Well, maybe food won’t be my only contribution, come to think of it.”

  “Hey, don’t go getting me hot and bothered.”

  “Do I?”

  “You know you do.”

  “Good.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. Then he helped her into the truck, closed the door and stepped back.

  She had to get her keys from under the seat and when she looked out the window he was still there, feet braced apart, thumbs through his belt loops, looking amazing. She gave a little wave and he touched the brim of his hat.

  Somehow she managed to start the engine and drive away even though her mind was completely occupied by the image of Austin standing in the driveway. She’d be sharing a small tent with that gorgeous cowboy within twenty-four hours and the concept left her breathless. It wasn’t until she’d started down the dark ranch road that she realized she’d forgotten to turn on her headlights.

  * * *

  Austin climbed the steps to the porch where Jonah had resumed his seat next to Rosie. He and Herb each had a beer but his foster mom was sipping from a coffee mug that probably contained her favorite evening beverage, maybe her favorite beverage period—coffee laced with a little Baileys.

  She lowered the mug to smile at him. “Did you have a good time?”

  “We had a great time. Thank you for loaning me all that stuff. I’d better get back out there and pick it up, though. If I could borrow the ranch truck one more time, that should be it for a while.”

  Jonah put down his beer and stood. “We can take my truck. I wouldn’t mind paying a visit to the back twenty.”

  “Hasn’t changed much,” Herb said. “Same scrub brush, same rocks around the perimeter.”

  “But it must be overgrown with weeds by now.”

  “It was a few months ago.” Herb cradled his beer in both hands. “But this summer I started taking the academy kids out there for sleepovers. They’ve cleaned out the weeds.”

  “So that’s why I didn’t have much to do.” Austin had raked a little but the place had looked as if it had been used regularly. Apparently the teens enrolled in the recently launched equine program would carry on some of the traditions the foster brothers had helped create.

  “It’s great to think of the kids enjoying the same things we did.” Jonah walked over to join Austin before turning back to Rosie and Herb. “Listen, if you two want to hit the sack, you can leave my beer where it is. I’ll come back to it after we finish up.”

  “We’ll still be here,” Rosie said. “Unless you boys dawdle.”

  “Then we’ll see you soon.” Austin walked with Jonah toward the barn where Jonah’s beat-up truck was parked.

  “Drew’s pretty,” Jonah said.

  Austin chuckled. “That doesn’t even begin to describe her.”

  “I know that, but I have to be careful. If I get too detailed, you might punch me.”

  “No, I wouldn’t. I know you better than that. You don’t poach.”

  “None of us ever did. I mean, think about it. I’ll bet at one time or another all of us had a crush on Lexi. But once Cade made his move, that was it, hands off.” He fished his keys out of his pocket. “I suppose you got the word that we’re all considered part of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood now.”

  “Cade told me. It’s kind of nice, you know?”

  “It is nice.” Jonah climbed behind the wheel and Austin got into the passenger seat. Neither of them buckled up and they ignored the warning beeps as Jonah shoved the key into the ignition and turned it. “I won’t lie. I was jealous of Cade, Damon and Finn.”

  “Yeah, most of us were.”

  “But imagine what it must have been like.” Jonah put the truck in gear and drove past the front porch with a little friendly honk for Rosie and Herb. Then he headed down the narrow path to the campout clearing. “They were only thirteen. Hell, Finn was twelve. They didn’t know there would be other foster boys eventually. No wonder they declared themselves blood brothers so they’d have something to hold on to. I can see how they’d be proud and protective of that status.”

  “I can, too.” Austin settled back in the seat. “I decided to say thanks for including us instead of being a jerk about it.”

  “Same here. You know, I’ve missed this place.”

  “So have I, which is why I’m
back.”

  “I’m thinking about it, too. Mom asked me if I’d like the caretaking job over at Matt’s ranch. I’m considering it, but there are drawbacks.”

  “Yep. Nothing’s really yours.”

  “I could handle that. Possessions aren’t a big deal to me. But when Matt comes home and brings his fiancée, I’ll feel like the butler.”

  Austin laughed. “How’s your English accent?”

  “Lousy. What he needs is a caretaker’s cabin. Doesn’t have to be fancy. I’d help put it up. If he’ll agree to that, then I’ll give my notice and move back here.”

  “And leave your dude ranch without a preacher man?”

  “I’ll make sure that’s worked out before I leave.” He glanced over at Austin. “Not to change the subject, but I’m changing the subject. I’m curious about Drew.”

  “What about her?”

  “Mom and Dad said you’ve been home for all of two days. I’ll admit those muscles you acquired in New Zealand are impressive, but damn, that’s fast work, even for someone as focused as you.”

  “I don’t know what to tell you. This afternoon I was under the sink getting rid of a clog. Cade and Lexi came into the kitchen to grab a beer and then the videographer walked in. I scooted out from under the sink and saw my future.”

  “Your future? That sounds like something out of a movie. But then, you’ve been a dreamer ever since I’ve known you. The problem is, life doesn’t work that way.”

  “Of course it doesn’t if you just let the chips fall. I didn’t get to New Zealand by hoping that some magical event would take me there. I worked my ass off, saved my money and made it happen.”

  “True, but—”

  “Drew is no different. Maybe she’s not the right one for me, but I have a gut feeling she is. I didn’t expect to find her two days after I landed in Wyoming, but what if that’s my reward for making the decision to move back and look for a wife?”

  “Oh, jeez. You’ve known her since sometime this afternoon and you already think you’ll end up marrying her? What’s wrong with you?”

  “I know it sounds crazy.”

  “Yes, it absolutely does. I’m thinking the water in New Zealand has altered your brain chemistry.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my brain chemistry.”

  Jonah sighed. “You’re not a competent judge of that. When we get back to the house, we’re going to have some beers while I convince you to slow down and take stock. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t have sex with her. It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re doing the horizontal mambo with someone. Which reminds me, what was the deal with that blanket wedged between you two on the ATV?”

  “We were just goofing around.” Austin smiled and decided not to mention the plan for tomorrow night.

  Chapter Six

  Underwear. Drew stared into her dresser drawer, having a stupid debate with herself. She had some silky panties and bras but they weren’t as comfortable as cotton for hiking. They didn’t breathe.

  But her breathable cotton was white and made her look like a jock. Which she was. Except with the guys she’d dated in Billings, she’d tried to present a different image. That was why she had silk and lace undies in black, red and purple. Maybe that was the reason she hadn’t clicked with any of those men. She’d been trying to be someone different.

  She glanced at the clock on her bedroom wall. The truck was loaded. She’d showered and shaved her legs with a new razor. All she had to do was get dressed and throw a change of clothes in a duffel and she’d be good to go.

  Finally, she grabbed two pairs of cotton panties and two cotton sports bras, one set to put on now and the other to toss in the duffel. She didn’t know why she’d spent so much time thinking about it. This was who she was. In fact, she should get rid of the others, bag them up and donate them to charity.

  If Austin had a negative reaction to her utilitarian underwear he wasn’t someone she cared to spend time with. That would be good to know before they had sex.

  When she left her apartment and got into her truck, she had her hair in a ponytail that was pulled through a forest green Rocky Mountain College baseball cap. She’d tucked her tan long-sleeved shirt into some old jeans that allowed her to move easily. She wore her necklace under her shirt with the pendant inside her bra.

  Heavy socks and a sturdy pair of hiking boots finished off an outfit that wasn’t the least bit glamorous. She hadn’t talked to him about footwear. Maybe she should have.

  She drove over to the ranch to get Austin. When he walked out to meet her carrying a duffel and a couple of bags from the grocery store, he looked amazing as always in a yoked shirt, brown Stetson and jeans that fit him like a glove. But he was wearing cowboy boots. She should have warned him not to.

  She managed to get out of the truck before he came around to open the door. His chivalry was fun and all, but it could slow them down and she didn’t want to waste any time getting out to the refuge. “Do you have any hiking boots to wear instead?”

  “Not really.”

  “You didn’t hike in New Zealand?”

  “No, ma’am. The idea was to ride the trail, not hike it.”

  “Sorry. We should have talked about this. We’ll be parking next to the road and then hiking in to set up camp. It’s more than a mile. To film the horses, we’ll have to hike some more. Do you have anything else? Running shoes?”

  “I have an old grungy pair, but I hate to—”

  “You should go put those on while I load the food in the ice chest.” She could tell he didn’t like the idea. “Really, I’m serious. We could end up hiking a couple of miles to find the horses, maybe more. You’ll be miserable in those boots.”

  “All right.” He handed her the bags of food and his duffel. “Be right back.”

  She let down the tailgate, crawled into the truck bed and loaded the ice chest with the food he’d brought. The supplies included another bottle of the wine they’d had the night before. She had to admit having a guy provide a gourmet meal in a campground setting was arousing in its own way.

  She’d finished stashing the food and had closed the tailgate when he came back down the steps in a pair of running shoes that might have been white once but were now a sad-looking gray. They weren’t snazzy like his boots but they’d serve him better.

  “I’m glad you have those,” she said as he approached.

  “It’s a wonder I still do. They’re close to ten years old. I bought them so I could run track in high school.”

  “Why would a cowboy who doesn’t hike want to run track?”

  “There was this girl on the team, and I—”

  “Okay, never mind.” Then she had another thought. “Are you pretending to be interested in these horses? Because I think they’re super cool but if you’re only going along because of the tent-sharing possibility, then we should rethink this.”

  He met her gaze. “The tent-sharing element is a huge draw. But I also want to see the mustangs. Before I went to bed last night I used Mom’s computer and looked up their history. Exciting stuff.”

  “Isn’t it?” She was pleased that he’d taken the time to research. “They’ve survived against all odds and that says something about their resilience.”

  “I’m all about resilience.”

  Considering his background, he’d have to be. “Then let’s go find some Pryor Mountain mustangs.” She walked around to the driver’s side.

  “You bet.” He followed her.

  Although his insistence on gentlemanly behavior made her want to giggle, she accepted his help getting in. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” He touched the brim of his hat with the tips of his fingers before jogging around the front of the truck and climbing in. “Let’s go.”

  She started the en
gine and pulled away from the ranch house. “I have a hypothetical question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Let’s say that we’re being chased by a bear while we’re out on the trail and we manage to reach the truck.”

  “First of all, never try to outrun a bear.”

  “I actually know that. All right, something else is chasing us. A cougar.”

  “Can’t outrun them, either. And they’re really shy so chances are you won’t see one, let alone be chased.”

  “Pretend it’s a female who thinks we’re threatening her kittens. And she’s a little slow. We’ve managed to reach the truck. Are you with me so far?”

  He grinned at her. “I can’t wait to see how this turns out.”

  “How would you handle things at that point?”

  “Simple. I’d distract the cougar while you got in the truck.”

  She was glad to hear he wouldn’t insist on opening her door first. “But that’s not logical. If we split up and I head for the driver’s side and you head for the passenger side, we both have a good chance of reaching safety before the cougar attacks.”

  “Or the cougar could decide to follow you and I’d be safe and you’d be toast. I’m not taking that chance.”

  He said it with such certainty that she had no doubt he would react that way. “You’d risk your life for someone you barely know?”

  “I’d argue the term barely know, but yes, I would. My dad had never met that family he rescued.”

  “And he made an incredibly selfless sacrifice. Most people wouldn’t have. But he was also a trained professional dedicated to that job. We’re just out on a camping trip together. You’re not responsible for my safety.” From the corner of her eye she could see he was smiling. “What?”

  “I could ask where this is coming from, but I think I know since your hypothetical question popped up right after I helped you into your truck. You’ve never dated a cowboy before, have you?”

  “No.”

  “Then maybe I should explain how we operate. We open doors for ladies. We hold their chairs and help them on with their coats. That’s surface stuff, but we’ll also fight off the cougar if it becomes necessary.” He glanced at her and shrugged. “It’s what we do.”