“Jessica Anne! You will not use that language with me.”
“Go to hell, Carrie!”
Carrie took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger and humiliation she felt before she tried again. “Jessie, open the door so we can talk.”
Silence met her ears, and she knocked again. “Come on, Jess, open the door.” Still nothing. “I’m sorry. I know I can’t judge you now for what happened.” Silence. “Yes, I’m a hypocrite. I threw caution to the wind and had sex with a man I just met. Big difference here, little sister. I’m twenty-six years old and you aren’t even eighteen. I can take responsibility for my actions. You can't at seventeen, but I’m sorry and I was wrong.”
She waited a few moments before she turned around and headed back for her room. Her gaze met Cole’s where he stood at the door, leaning against the doorframe. His clothing was now in place, covering the broad, muscled expanse of his chest, much to her disappointment.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered when she reached his side.
“Don’t be.” He lifted his hand to lightly brush his fingers across her lips. A shiver ran down her back.
“You probably should go.”
“Yeah. I know.” A wry smile crossed his lips. “One problem, though.”
“What’s that?”
“Your truck is still at the bar.”
“Shit! I forgot.”
“Let me run you over there at least so you can pick it up, since our plans have obviously been waylaid.”
Our plans. It’s strange to think of it like that, but I guess it was our plans. She stepped back, and he dropped his hand. “I would appreciate the lift.”
Distance. She needed to put distance between them. His touch was too intoxicating, and if she spent much more time in his arms, she would give in to the desire rushing through her veins like the rapids on the Colorado River. She wanted his touch, needed it desperately, but her senses returned, and she realized the mistake she just made.
The ride back to the bar was uncomfortable. He didn’t talk, and she felt too foolish for what happened to say anything. Parking next to her vehicle, he slipped his into park and shut off the engine. His gaze focused on something outside the window as if he didn’t want to look at her at all, and her heart clenched.
The bar was still in full swing, the music loud even where they sat, and she wondered if he would go back inside once she left. The thought disturbed her somehow.
He sighed before he opened his door, walked around to the passenger side, and pulled her door open.
“Cole…”
“Carrie…”
They both laughed.
“You go first.”
“No. Ladies first.”
Chewing her bottom lip nervously, she focused on the toes of her boots for a second before she started to apologize again.
“Carrie, it’s fine, really.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s not, Cole. I probably shouldn’t have let things happen the way they did. I’ve always prided myself on control.”
“Are you sorry we made love?”
“No—yes. I don’t know. Being near you confuses me.”
“I see.” He frowned and stepped back further.
“What I mean is I made a mistake tonight. It's been a long time since a man has held me, and I guess I just gave into the temptation of having you here. I've been under so much pressure with quitting school, dealing with taking care of Jessica, and now her pregnancy…I needed someone. That's why I dismissed the fact that you are only here temporarily.” She moved away, her back to him as she let her head drop against her shoulder and sighed.
He stopped behind her and pulled her back into his embrace. She leaned back, letting his heat envelope her while his hands moved down her arms.
“And because we’re attracted to each other.” His whispered words caressed her ear, and shivers rolled down her spine.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t make it right.”
“Sometimes you have to grab on to something as it happens.”
“I can’t keep throwing caution to the wind, Cole.” She turned back around to face him. “It's not right for me to be judgmental of her.”
“She made that mistake on her own a couple of months ago.”
“Yes, she did, and I made the same mistake.” She shivered when his fingers moved down her neck, and she closed her eyes.
Good Lord, what his touch does to me.
“I don’t think what happened between us was a mistake,” he whispered against her lips.
Her eyes opened slightly. “Maybe not a mistake, but definitely an error in judgment.”
He lifted his head but didn’t let her go. “You’re a grown woman. She’s still a kid.”
“I should have known better. I need to set an example…”
He pressed a finger to her lips to silence her and looked deep into her eyes. “There isn’t anything wrong with wanting to make love with someone just because.”
She removed his finger and stepped away. “It wasn’t making love Cole. It was sex—pure and simple.”
“I’m not going to win this argument am I?” He smiled, flashing those devastatingly handsome dimples.
She chuckled slightly and shook her head.
He pulled her against his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder. For several moments, he held her, stroked her back and she knew it was a moment she would never forget. Sighing heavily, she finally moved out of his embrace.
“I should go.”
“I know,” he whispered, tugging on her hand gently to bring her back into his arms “Let me take you to dinner tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you leaving?”
“Not tomorrow. I’m riding again during the day. We hadn’t planned on leaving until the day after.”
God, I want to. I want to see him again, I want him to hold me, kiss me and make love to me, even if it’s the wrong thing to do.
She closed her eyes as his fingers moved to the hair by her ear and around to the back of her head. His lips played softly along the seam of hers, nibbling at the corners of her mouth, before his tongue coaxed her to open for him. With a tortured groan, he slanted his mouth across hers, taking everything she offered and then some. He pushed her up against the truck, letting one hand wander down her side to cup her breast, his thumb working the nipple through her shirt. He finally lifted his mouth but continued to trail kisses along her cheek and down her neck, nipping softly.
When he finally lifted his head, they were both breathing hard. “Go out with me tomorrow.”
I need to talk to Jess. If I get more involved with him without explaining things to her, she'll never understand. But I can't seem to tell him no.
His words weren't a question, they were a demand—one she would give in to willingly in her need to be near him. “Pick me up at the store at six.”
A small grin rippled across his mouth. “Gladly.” He trailed his fingers down her arm while goose bumps rose along her flesh behind them. “I’ll see you then.”
She sighed as he stepped back, and she walked around his truck to reach her own. Slipping inside the cab, she pulled the door shut and a shiver rolled down her back. Backing out of the parking stall, she waved and gave him a small smile before she pulled out onto the road headed for home. She looked in her rearview mirror and was happy to see him get back inside his own truck and start it, leaving the bar behind.
Chapter Six
Carrie rolled out of bed feeling more alive than she had in months. As her feet hit the floor, the soreness between her legs caught her a little off guard. She hadn’t been with a man in over a year, and her body made sure she was aware of the fact. Grabbing a quick shower, she twisted her hair into a ponytail, slipped on her clothes, and padded down the stairs toward the kitchen. A quick cup of coffee, some toast, and she’d be ready to face the day. She stopped short when her gaze found Jessica sitting at the table nibbling on some toast.
She moved tow
ard her sister, wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and gave her a hug. “I’m sorry about last night, Jess.”
Jessica shrugged, but tears sparkled on her lashes when Carrie stepped back and took the seat beside her. “I never should have judged you. I’ve made mistakes myself in life, and it’s not fair for me to say anything. I really wish you would have thought things through a little before you slept with Jimmy, but it’s over and done now.” She put her hand on her sister’s stomach. “You’re gonna have a baby, and we just have to move forward and deal with it.”
Jessica leaned over and hugged Carrie, sniffing and wiping her tears. “I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have said those things last night. You haven’t even been on a date since you came home from school, much less had a chance to meet anyone and have a relationship.”
Carrie dropped her gaze. She didn’t want her to see what was probably written all over her face.
“I guess you kinda like him, huh?”
“Yeah, but let’s not talk about Cole, okay? I need to get some coffee and a quick bite before I head to the store.” She rose to her feet and moved toward the pot on the counter.
“Can I ask you a question, Carrie?”
“Sure.”
“You weren’t a virgin last night, were you?”
Carrie closed her eyes and bit her lip. She needed to be honest with her sister, but it was a little difficult to talk about where and to whom she lost her virginity.
“No—no I wasn’t, Jess.”
“So when did you?”
She sighed before she turned and faced the quizzical expression on Jessica's face. “When I was sixteen. Remember Dustin?”
“Wasn’t he the guy you were dating when you were a sophomore? The football player?”
“Yes.”
“You lost it to him? Good lord, Carrie. He wasn’t even half as cute as the guy you were with last night.”
Carrie’s gaze dropped to the table before she sat down. No, Cole is the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever met, much less made love with. “It doesn’t matter.”
“So what’s between you and Cole? I thought you had a policy about rodeo guys.”
“I do, and what’s between Cole and I is none of your business.” Taking the last sips of her coffee, she headed back into the kitchen before she left her cup in the sink. “You need to come to the store about eleven. It gets really busy then, and I need your help today.”
Jessica huffed. “All right. I’ll be there.”
Carrie kissed her on the cheek, grabbed her keys, and walked out the door.
When she pulled into the store parking lot, she let a small, wistful smile lift the corners her mouth when she saw a very familiar black Ford. She grabbed her purse and keys before she slipped out, shut the door, and headed for the front of the store. As she slipped the key into the lock to unlock the door, she felt a warm breath against her ear. She shivered when Cole's hand came up to rest at her waist.
“Mmm…you smell good.”
“What are you doing here?” She leaned back against his chest for a moment.
“I thought I’d come by and help for a little while,” he whispered, his lips nibbling at her ear.
She pulled away and turned around, flashing him a smile. “I can always use cheap help.”
“Cheap? I’ll have you know, ma’am, I’m very expensive.”
She cocked her head to the side as her eyes roamed over his chest, down his lean hips to his boots and back again. “I’m not sure I can afford you then.”
A slow, sexy-as-hell grin spread across his face, showing off his dimples, and her heart skipped a beat. “I’m sure we can negotiate something.”
They moved inside the store. She went and grabbed the cash bag before she walked back to the register. The bell over the door tinkled, announcing the arrival of a customer.
“Carrie?”
She groaned, and Cole frowned when Ken walked up to the counter.
“What can I get for you, Ken?”
His gaze ricocheted from her to Cole, who stood not far behind her, and then back to her. “Who’s he?”
“None of your business. Is there something you need?”
“You know what I need.”
“That’s not happening, Ken, so forget it. If that’s all you came in for, you can leave now.”
* * * *
He didn’t like the man. Something about him rubbed Cole the wrong way. Maybe it was his beady eyes. Maybe it was the possessive way he looked at Carrie. Whatever it was, the man brought out a protective side of his nature he didn’t know he possessed. Stepping closer to Carrie, he laid his hand on her waist.
“Somethin’ I can help you with, mister?”
Ken’s eyes narrowed. “Some other time.” He turned his back and walked out.
Carrie shivered and closed her eyes.
He pressed his lips to her temple and whispered, “You okay?”
She nodded and stepped out of his reach. He didn’t like how she pulled away from him after their encounter with the other man.
The bell tinkled again and several customers came in. The two of them went back to the routine they had on Saturday with him filling orders and her ringing the purchases up until eleven rolled around.
Jessica walked in precisely on time, and he wasn't sure, but he thought he saw Carrie physically relax. They hadn’t had a chance to talk at all since earlier that morning, and he wished he had time now, but he didn’t. He had to ride in an hour.
“Hi. Cole, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. How are you feeling?”
She dropped her eyes. “Fine.”
“Can I talk to you a minute?”
Her gaze came back up to his, and she shrugged before she moved toward a corner of the store while Carrie was busy. She looked at him questioningly when they stopped near the back wall of the store.
“About last night…”
“It’s okay. Carrie and I talked this morning.”
“I just don’t want you to think your sister goes around sleeping with guys she just met all the time.”
She cocked at eyebrow at him and waited for him to explain.
“What I mean is—what happened between me and Carrie wasn’t planned.”
“I think that was obvious since, until three days ago, she didn’t know who you were.”
He shuffled his feet. Damn! She’s making me feel like the teenager here.
“I don’t begrudge Carrie anything. She gave up a lot when our parents died. Her dream was to have a career, not babysit her little sister, but she did it without complaining. She took over running this store to pay the bills, never once thinking about what it meant or how her life would change. Don’t get me wrong, she has plenty of guys in this town who would love to catch her and hold on tight, but she’s never been interested in anyone. Not until you came along.”
“I—uh…”
She brought her finger up and poked him in the chest. “Don’t hurt her, or you’ll have me to deal with.”
He smiled. “I’ll try my best not to.”
“See that you don’t, cowboy.” She turned to leave, but swung back around for a moment. “By the way, tell Jimmy I need to see him. He’s got a responsibility he needs to take care of one way or another.”
He watched her walk back to the cash register and take her place behind it without a backward glance in his direction. The flow of customers slowed down for the moment, and he moved to where Carrie stood stocking a shelf. He stopped at her side, and she looked up. “I need to go. I’m riding in a little bit.”
“Thanks for your help this morning. You came to my rescue again.” She stood and brushed the dirt on her hands across the thigh of her jeans.
He didn’t know whether she was talking about the business or the asshole that had been harassing her this morning. “No problem. Are we still on for later?”
“Of course.” She frowned. “That is unless you’ve changed your mind.”
“Not on your life, lady. I’m looking
forward to getting you alone again.” Picking up a strand of hair lying on her shoulder, he ran his thumb over the end in a caress. She closed her eyes, and he bent his head, softly taking her lips with his in a light kiss. The kiss was meant to remind her of what they already shared, and when she shivered, he knew she remembered, just like he did. He wanted her on fire when they met later. The night before just made him want her more, and what he told her was the complete truth. He wanted her alone, lying beneath him, screaming his name when she came around him.
“I’ll see you at six.” He dropped a peck of a kiss on the end of her nose.
“Okay,” she whispered when he stepped back.
He turned and headed for the door, but stopped when he reached it so he could see her one last time before he left. He flashed his best grin and winked, almost laughing out loud when she blushed.
* * * *
She sighed when he left before she turned back to stocking the shelf.
There’s too much to do today to spend it daydreaming about Cole.
Her lips still tingled from the pressure of his.
Catching Jessica’s knowing smile from near the register, she grumbled to herself and went back to work.
The rest of the day went by fairly quickly. Some of the rodeo participants came in, buying up some of her merchandise, feed, and tack broken during competition and needed replacing. Some even bought souvenirs from their little town.
When the clock struck five, Carrie walked the last few customers to the door, thanking them prior to locking it behind them. Before she could get it closed, someone pushed against the solid surface, throwing her aside as he rushed in, a mask over his face and a gun in his hand.
Jessica screamed, and the man waved the gun in her direction yelling, “Shut up, bitch!”
He turned toward Carrie. “Shut the door, lock it, and get over there by her.”
Doing what she was told, she moved toward her sister and wrapped an arm around her shoulders while Jessica shook in her embrace.
“I want the money in the register.”
She stiffened her shoulders and growled right back at him. “Get it yourself. I’m not helping you rob us.”
“Don’t tempt me, bitch, or I’ll blow your brains all over the wall.”
Wild Rodeo Nights Page 5