Do You Take this Cowboy?

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “This is a tight fit, Austin. We’re not small people.”

  “No, but we’re motivated people. Scoot around and kneel on the seat so you’re facing me. Ah, that’s better.”

  She sat on his knees and gazed into his eyes. “You’ve done this before.”

  “And you haven’t?” He cradled her face in both hands.

  “I didn’t say that. Making out in truck cabs is part of a Montana teenager’s education.”

  “Then kiss me, lady. Kiss me like you mean it.”

  “With pleasure, cowboy.” She fit her mouth to his.

  He swore rockets exploded when that happened. Maybe a car driving by had backfired, but he thought it was the effect of her tongue in his mouth and his tongue in hers. Their kiss was hotter than a campfire. When he reached under her shirt and unhooked her bra she didn’t stop him.

  But they were still in a public place in broad daylight, so he contented himself with stroking and fondling rather than pulling off her shirt so he could kiss her there, too. His package ached something fierce but he suffered in silence. Or mostly silence. He let out a moan or two.

  When she pulled back she was gasping. “We need to stop. Otherwise...”

  “Otherwise I’ll have to drive you to a motel and that’s not how I want our relationship to go.”

  “Me, either.” She pressed his hand to her breast. “But I love it when you touch me.”

  “I love it more.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. “When are you taking your sister home?”

  “Sunday afternoon.” She arched into his caress. “Ah, that’s nice.”

  “So you’ll be back here Sunday night?” He rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Then let me know when you’re home again. I’ll come over.”

  “Great plan.” She sighed. “I don’t want to leave this truck.”

  “But you have to.” With reluctance he fastened the front catch on her bra. “Did you wear this for me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Thank you.” He’d take all the encouragement he could get. If she’d worn this bra on purpose for their coffee date, then she’d hoped they’d end up like this, exchanging hot kisses in some secluded spot. She might be putting the brakes on when it came to making a commitment, but he didn’t think she’d hold to that much longer.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Drew reported to Elise that lines had been drawn in the sand. But that hot interlude in the truck made her wonder how defined those lines were. After the way she’d kissed him, he had to know that whenever he was around, she was like a hand grenade with the pin pulled.

  Now that she and Elise were on their way to the rehearsal and Elise would meet Austin, Drew felt the need to unburden herself. “I don’t want to get serious about him, but when he touches me, I turn to jelly. That could be a problem.”

  “Are you telling me that if he proposed during a passionate moment you might say yes?”

  “I hope not.”

  “But you’re not sure.”

  “No.”

  “So don’t be alone with him.”

  “I want to be alone with him. He’s sizzling hot.”

  Elise threw up her hands. “Then marry the guy! He sounds perfect for you, so why fight it?”

  “Because marriage is forever. It means in-laws and mortgages and likely it means babies. I’m not ready for that kind of total commitment.”

  “You may not be, but I’m ready to commit you somewhere if you keep this up. You need to decide what you want and stick to it no matter what.”

  “That’s not so easy when Austin’s around.”

  “Come on, Drew. He’s just a guy.”

  “Say that again after you’ve seen him. He’s gorgeous. And on top of that, he’s sweet and generous and—”

  “You sound like a woman in love.”

  “I’m not!”

  “Are you sure, sis?”

  “Yes.” But she wasn’t sure, and that made everything more confusing.

  At the ranch, Drew made sure her sister met the members of Austin’s family who were helping prepare for the big day. Then she introduced Elise to Austin when they went to the barn to set up the umbrella lights for the ceremony. He was one of the foster brothers in charge of bringing horses in from the pasture and putting them in their stalls for the rehearsal.

  After he’d gone out the back door to fetch another pair, Elise glanced at Drew. “I get it. He’s the stuff fantasies are made of.”

  “That’s why I’m so glad you’re here, so you can see what I’m up against.”

  Elise laughed. “In your shoes I’d be up against that cowboy as often as possible.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Drew set an umbrella light in place. “See if you can find a convenient socket for this baby.”

  “Got it.” She shoved the plug into the outlet. Then she glanced around to see if they were still alone. “It’s the guy’s attitude that I really like. He’s modest, yet at the same time driven to succeed. Lately I’ve run into men who endlessly brag about themselves for no reason. They’re like the old saying All Hat and No Cattle.”

  “I know. Austin’s initiative turns me on. That’s what makes this so complicated.” Drew switched on the umbrella lights and one of the horses nickered.

  “They really want the horses in here for the ceremony?”

  “They do. Lexi’s hired one of her riding students to come in tomorrow morning and braid ribbons into their manes so they’ll look festive.”

  “I can’t wait to see how this goes.”

  “Me, either. Hey, go stand where Cade and Lexi will be so I can get a reading.” She adjusted the umbrella’s tilt. “Looking good. We can start bringing everyone in. I need to mic Cade but otherwise we’re in decent shape.”

  Elise walked back over to her. “Before we do that, let me ask you something. You told Austin where you’re coming from, but are you clear about his thinking?”

  “The look on his face when I asked if he was getting serious said it all.”

  “But there are different levels of serious. I know some couples that have been hanging out for years and they never moved in together, let alone married and had kids. They just like each other. Maybe that’s all he’s looking for.”

  “That would be great.” She smiled at Elise. “Thanks for being here, sis. You’re good moral support.”

  “Back atcha.”

  Drew took one last look around the barn to assess her lighting setup. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road.”

  Walking to the open barn door, Elise made a megaphone of her hands. “Everyone can come in now! You first, Cade. Drew needs to mic you up.”

  Cade walked into the barn with a big smile on his face. “I feel like a celebrity.”

  “You are.” Drew clipped the mic to his shirt. “You and Lexi are the stars of the show, but you’re the easiest one to hide a mic on because you’ll be wearing a jacket.”

  “And a vest.” He fingered the mic’s wire. “I might want to run this under the vest instead of under the jacket.”

  “Right, and I’m thinking I need to put one of your brothers in charge of getting this put on you tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Ask Damon to come in.”

  “He understands this stuff?”

  “He’s a contractor so I’m sure he can manage it. But he’s also my oldest friend and I know he’d do it right.”

  “Then let’s get him in here.”

  Cade went to the door and summoned Damon, who came in and informed them that the sound guys had arrived and wanted to set up.

  “You can tell them that’s fine.” She was interested in seeing how the sound system would work in the barn.

  Once Damon
came back, he paid close attention to the correct way to attach the mic and the small battery pack. She felt confident she could hand the job over to him for the ceremony.

  Damon glanced around at Drew’s lighting installation and his brown eyes lit with approval. “You did a great job with the lighting.”

  “Thanks.” Pleased with the compliment, Drew flashed him a smile. “We can let everyone else in now.”

  “I’ll give them the all-clear.” Damon left.

  Moments later Lexi came in. After admiring the way her husband-to-be was wired for sound, she watched the speakers and amps being hooked up for the musical portion of the ceremony. “Cade, I think it’s too elaborate. We don’t need the equivalent of a symphony in here.”

  “It’s our big day,” Cade said. “We need a big sound.”

  “Music sets the tone.” Jonah joined the discussion. “I’m glad you’re testing it tonight. I’ve seen ceremonies rise and fall on the choice of music.”

  “I wanted a single guitar,” Lexi said. “I was outvoted.”

  “Interesting idea.” Jonah glanced toward the open door where Austin stood talking to Rosie and Herb. “I know we’re at the zero hour, but if you change your mind, we have someone who plays guitar.”

  Lexi perked up. “I’d forgotten that! It’s been a few years, but as I recall, he was pretty good.”

  “Austin plays guitar?” Drew couldn’t have been more surprised.

  “He doesn’t tend to talk about it,” Jonah said, “but he’s got a nice touch. He picked it up while we were both living at the ranch and apparently played for sing-alongs when he guided trail rides over in New Zealand.”

  Drew looked over at Austin. She could imagine him with a guitar balanced on his thigh, now that she thought about it. It completed the picture, in a way. “Did he bring his guitar when he came back?”

  “He did,” Jonah said. “He considers guitar playing as his sideline. He plans to work it into his own trail rides.”

  “That’s very cool.”

  “Speaking of sidelines,” Elise said as she gazed at Jonah. “I’m fascinated by your decision to become a mail-order preacher. I’ve never known anyone who did that.”

  Drew blinked. She knew Elise, and her sister didn’t make idle chatter without a reason. Something about Jonah had snagged her attention.

  “Hey, I like parties.” Jonah smiled. “Now that I’m licensed to marry folks, I get to attend a whole bunch of parties.”

  Elise laughed. “Can’t argue with that logic.”

  Now that Drew thought about it, she realized Elise had been more animated whenever the good-looking minister was around. Interesting. A crush on one of the members of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood would be an excellent distraction from all the drama about the internship rejection that was going on in Billings.

  Damon rejoined the group. “Ready to test the sound system.”

  “Good. Once I’m in position with my camera mic on, let ’er rip.” Drew moved to the area of the barn she’d picked out for obtaining the best shots. She held up her hand. “Go!”

  The first chords of the music chosen for the intro filled the space, surging into the rafters as if the structure had been transformed into a cathedral. The horses grew restless, stomping and nickering in protest.

  “Tone it down!” Damon shouted.

  The volume was reduced, but the horses still didn’t like it. Their protest was more muted, but they were clearly not happy as they paced restlessly in their stalls. Drew suspected the ceremony would either include dramatic music or horses, but not both. Given time Cade, Lexi and Herb might have acclimated the animals to this, but they didn’t have that kind of time.

  After conferring with Cade, Lexi held up both hands. “Stop the music!” That got a laugh. She turned toward the two sound guys. “You have a magnificent system and without horses in here it would be spectacular. But Cade and I decided early on that the horses would be part of the ceremony, so that means the music won’t work. We’d still like you to play for the reception. We’ll pay you as if you did both. That’s only fair.”

  “Thanks, ma’am,” one of the men said. “Then we’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” They began packing up their gear.

  Next Lexi focused on Austin, who’d taken a seat on the end of one of the benches. “Jonah says you still play guitar.”

  He rose and stepped into the aisle. His six-three, muscular frame nearly filled it. “I do, but I’m not—”

  “Austin, I’m asking you, I’m begging you, to play guitar for our wedding. For the intro you can play whatever you know, but if you can manage it, I’d love the traditional wedding march when I come in.”

  He tugged on his hat. “Turns out I know that tune.”

  “You do?”

  “Had a couple who wanted to get married during a trail ride in New Zealand. They wanted that music so I learned it.”

  Lexi beamed at him. “You’re a lifesaver.”

  “I wouldn’t say that, ma’am.”

  “Well, I would. Could you fetch your guitar so we can continue with the rehearsal?”

  “I can, but it needs a new set of strings. The sound won’t be what I’d want it to be.”

  “It’ll do for now,” Lexi said. “Would you have time to get new strings before the ceremony?”

  “I’ll make time.”

  “Bless you, Austin Teague.”

  Drew looked on as Austin blushed, and her heart warmed in a way that could end up being very dangerous.

  Elise nudged her in the ribs. “Gotcha, didn’t he?”

  “I didn’t count on the guitar.”

  “Yeah, we never see those things coming until they hit us between the eyes.”

  “This doesn’t change anything.”

  Elise chuckled. “Keep telling yourself that, sis.”

  After Austin returned with his guitar, the rehearsal went well, mostly because Jonah kept everyone on task. His sense of humor combined with his talent for managing a group of people made him perfect for the job. At one point Elise tapped Drew on the shoulder, pointed to Jonah and mouthed, He’s great.

  Drew nodded because she was also impressed. But she had trouble focusing on anyone other than the gorgeous cowboy playing his guitar. Maybe it needed new strings, but Austin compensated beautifully. After the rehearsal Lexi gave him a big hug and Drew would have loved to do the same. But she was working.

  Although the wedding reception would take place in the rec hall near the cabins, Lexi and Cade had decided the rehearsal dinner should be around the fire pit, the favorite gathering spot for cookouts. Drew switched to a smaller camcorder so she could video the group walking down to the meadow. Several of the guests helped her out by peering into the lens and making faces during the short hike.

  Elise carried Drew’s camera bag and swapped jokes with everyone. As Drew had envisioned, her sister fit right in with the boisterous crowd, which was not unlike the Martinelli clan. Maybe that was why Austin’s comment about seeing a lot of the family in the future had made her nervous. In her experience, family equaled turmoil and obligation.

  Eventually she realized Jonah was keeping pace with them, too, and had started a conversation with Elise about Michelangelo. Whether he knew it or not, he’d found the surest way to her sister’s heart. Drew was encouraged that he seemed as interested in Elise as she was in him.

  Before Drew had started filming today she’d promised herself not to get more footage of Austin than of the bride and groom. Turned out it wouldn’t be a problem because he never came within camera range. At the moment, he was up at the house helping a couple of his brothers bring the food and drinks down to the meadow. Not that she’d kept track of his whereabouts.

  Yeah, right. She’d known right where that cowboy was at all times. She’d picked up on the conve
rsation about who would haul down the dinner fixings and she’d heard Austin volunteer. He was keeping himself busy and that was a good thing because it left her free to do her work.

  The setting and the upbeat mood of the guests made her job easy, too. In the waning light, she got some great shots of friends gathered by the fire against the rosy hues of sunset. Once the beer and champagne arrived, she recorded toasts and laughter, teasing and hugs.

  Then, after the steaks were on the grill and everyone was gathered, Lexi and Cade produced two matching digital tablets loaded with the video Drew had created. Cade handed one to Rosie and Herb while Lexi handed the other to her folks, Janine and Aaron. The four of them chose to gather around one screen instead of turning on both.

  As they started watching, Drew was afraid she’d lose it, but somehow she kept filming through her tears. By the time the video was over, the natural light was almost gone so she shut off her camera. Good thing, because she was suddenly besieged by Rosie, Herb, Janine and Aaron as they embraced her and poured out words of gratitude. Elise showed up to take her camera so it wouldn’t hit the dirt.

  The group hug ended with much wiping of eyes and blowing of noses. Several of the other guests were in the same shape and a slew of emotional toasts followed. When the entire group raised a glass to Drew, she was both choked up and humbled. One little video had brought so much joy.

  Elise gave back the camera and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You did good, sis.”

  “Thank you.” Drew sniffed and dug in her pocket for a tissue.

  “Ever thought of making that your specialty?”

  “Not really.” She wiped her eyes. “I think the nature videos will be my specialty.”

  “Okay. Just thought I’d mention it.” She looked past Drew’s shoulder. “Hey, Austin. Didn’t she do great?”

  “She sure did.”

  Drew turned to find him walking toward her, wearing a broad smile. She’d last seen him tending the food on the grill, but then Cade and Lexi had brought out the video and she’d lost track of him. His sudden appearance delighted her and made her wish they could have a little alone time.