Crazy About a Cowboy

by Barbara McMahon

  Sam watched Lisa. She raised her paddle. The bid had risen to twenty-seven thousand. Well below her limit, but not if she was still planning to get Bill Taylor two more bulls.

  The auctioneer raised the price another grand. A man two rows down and to the left raised his paddle. The auctioneer nodded, raising the price another thousand dollars.

  Lisa started to raise her paddle. Sam covered her hand, holding it in her lap.

  “Let go, I need to bid.”

  “Think a minute, Lisa. You are almost at two-thirds your limit for the entire amount. Taylor wanted three bulls. What are you going to do if you go back with only one?”

  She struggled to pull her hand free. Then stopped. Taking a deep breath she looked into his eyes, hers widening as reason took hold.

  “You’re right. This is getting too steep.” She looked down at the auctioneer and shook her head slightly. He began the final spiel, then slammed down the hammer. The bull had gone to someone else for thirty-four thousand dollars.

  “Now I have to tell Bill why I didn’t get the one he wanted.”

  “I doubt he wanted it at any price. Ranching is a business. Making business decisions aren’t always easy, but if you follow prudent business practices, you can usually come out ahead. There are plenty of good bulls. You’ll get another.”

  “Maybe, but I’m not much for selecting which one would be best.”

  “Maybe I can help. Tell me what Taylor is looking for and we’ll scout out some stock that will suit.”

  The rest of the morning they reviewed the catalog, went to look at livestock and discussed everything from yield potential to conformation to disposition.

  “Haller, good to see you.” A rancher stopped them and offered his hand.

  Sam shook it and smiled. “Hank Jenkins, I haven’t seen you in a coon’s age. How’re things going?”

  “Great. Cut back on the rodeoing, though that stock cutter of mine is always in the money. What’re you up to?” He tipped his hat to Lisa.

  “Hank, Lisa. Hank and I have been friends for longer than I can remember,” Sam said.

  Hank studied Lisa for a moment, looking puzzled. “I thought I heard you two split,” he said.

  Sam nodded. “We did,” he said shortly.

  “Well, I’m glad to see that was temporary. How’s that boy of yours?”

  “Can’t wait to ride his first bronc. Come to the ranch sometime and see him.”

  “Will do. Say, a bunch of us are meeting at the Sombrero just outside the south parking area for lunch. Join us?”

  Sam looked at Lisa, raising an eyebrow in question.

  “I’d love to stop for lunch. My mind is a jumble with all the facts and figures you’ve been pouring in.”

  The Sombrero was obviously a favorite restaurant. It was as crowded as the auction grounds had been. Hank, Sam and Lisa found the big round table with others already seated. In no time they found more chairs and squeezed in.

  Once again Sam and Lisa were hip to hip. He rested his arm on the back of her chair, wondering how they would all eat when the food came. Baskets of corn and flour tortilla chips and bowls of salsa were already piled down the center of the table. Beer was ordered, conversations flowed, changed, crossed over the table and back. The primary topic ranching.

  “Bored?” he asked Lisa a few minutes later, remembering her comment about so many facts and figures.

  She turned and leaned closer to be heard. “Not at all. This is more fun than I’ve had since ” She stopped and shrugged, the consternation in her eyes revealing what she’d been thinking.

  “Thanks for including me,” she finished.

  The rim of her hat touched the rim of his. He wanted to sweep both off and cover her mouth with his and kiss her until neither could breathe.

  But not in a crowded restaurant with men and women he knew and saw from time to time at rodeos and cattle shows. He’d bide his time, though his impatience was hard to contain. I’d like to see how far you can go, told him nothing about how far she’d join him. They had three days, and he planned to make the most of every minute.

  Chapter Nine

  By late afternoon , Lisa felt exhausted. She’d successfully bid for one of the bulls that Bill Taylor had marked in the catalog, and discussed pricing concessions with several major suppliers. The insight and suggestions Sam provided had been invaluable. But her head felt as if it were spinning.

  “Ready to head back to the hotel?” Sam asked. “There are two more days to this show, you don’t have to do everything the first day.”

  “I am tired,” she admitted, nodding her agreement, a spark of excitement flaring. Despite the fact this was a business trip, it would be just the two of them at the hotel, in adjoining rooms, away from the crowds, away from people who knew Sam. Away from the business at hand.

  “Then let’s go.” He teasingly pulled her hat lower on her forehead, shading her eyes from the sun. She wanted him to do more, to take her hand, or throw his arm around her shoulder, but he seemed content with a small teasing gesture. She wasn’t going to be the one to rush blindly out of control, she vowed as they walked to the truck. Despite her flirtatious words that morning, despite her intentions of a few days ago, she wasn’t confident how far she wanted to go with this new-found friendliness.

  Make haste slowly had been a favorite saying of her grandmother’s. Maybe she should apply it to her own situation.

  Lisa expected Sam to invite himself into her room when they reached the hotel. He didn’t.

  Sam waited until she opened her door, then casually asked, “Want to get supper together later?”

  “I’d like that, but I didn’t bring anything but jeans.”

  “We’ll find some place around here where jeans are the attire of choice. Say seven?”

  “Seven.” She smiled, waiting, but Sam just nodded and walked down the hall to his room.

  She stepped inside, disappointed to see the maids had closed the connecting doors. Would he open his and knock?

  Waiting by the door for several moments, Lisa was baffled when she heard nothing from his side.

  Sighing softly she crossed the room, took off her hat and ran her fingers through her hair. She felt bone-tired. It was hard work buying livestock especially with someone else’s money.

  Reaching for the phone, she called her mom’s to talk to Joey, then headed for the bathroom. A quick shower, a short nap and she’d be ready for the evening.

  Every second she had her ears attuned to the room next door, but heard nothing.

  ***

  The country-western bar that had been recommended was not crowded when they entered shortly after seven.

  “Nice,” Lisa said, trying to keep the butterflies from kickboxing in her stomach. She hadn’t been on a date in more than five years. The last time they’d dated they’d been engaged to get married. Things were so different now. She had reasons to be nervous.

  “They have dancing after nine,” he said, following the waitress to the tables on the left side of the huge space. To the right a long polished bar gleamed in front of a wall-size mirror. Glasses and bottles of liquor stacked up before the mirror, gleaming in the artificial light.

  Between the tables and bar a wide hardwood dance floor waited, empty.

  Dancing? Sam wanted to dance?

  The butterflies kicked higher. Was she ready for this? Cheek to cheek, chest to chest, arms wrapped around each other? Heat skidded through her at the thought.

  When they’d ordered, Sam leaned back in his chair and looked at her. “So how did you like your first solo stock show?”

  “Interesting, but I wouldn’t have known what to do if you hadn’t been there. Bill should have come. He needs to meet other ranchers, build a network.” She glanced at him shyly. “He could have learned a lot from you today.”

  Sam shrugged. “Have him call me if he needs help.”

  “Thanks, Sam. That’s nice.”

  He smiled sardonically. “That’s me, Mr
. Nice.”

  She bit her lower lip. She had not always thought that. Looking away, she pushed back the memories of the past. Tonight was not for thinking or dwelling on things not changeable. Tonight was just for fun. For the two of them.

  And after two years of heartache, she wanted to experience a lot of fun!

  They had Porterhouse steaks with all the trimmings. Her portion was regular, he had the larger size. She remembered when they’d first married, she had tripled what she thought they’d eat, and he seemed to clear his plate every time. Yet not a spare ounce of flesh ever showed. Ranching was tough physical labor and Sam worked hard.

  “Want some dessert?” Sam asked when they’d finished.

  She shook her head, toying with her wine glass. The band had started assembling in the small area to the back of the dance floor. Glancing around, she noticed the restaurant section had filled up.

  “Want to stay?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’d like that.” She smiled, wondering if this feeling of euphoria would last. They had discussed various things over dinner, nothing controversial. The two glasses of wine had mellowed her senses and she wished the night would last forever.

  By the time the band was ready to start, the place had filled up considerably, though it was not as crowded as the restaurant had been that afternoon. At least they had their table to themselves. She almost missed the crowded condition with Sam brushing against her with every move.

  Of course, dancing would change all that.

  “Ladies and Gents, we’ll start off with a Texas Two-step. Come on folks, time to work off that good food you just ate!” The band began playing a lively tune.

  Lisa smiled when Sam rose and offered his hand. In two seconds, they joined others on the floor and began moving around to the familiar tempo.

  She and Sam had often gone dancing. She’d loved every minute. Tonight, keeping time to the music took her mind of everything but the joy of moving with the rhythm, in Sam’s arms again. She’d been so lonely in Denver.

  When the set of fast numbers ended and the band segued into a slow dreamy tune, Lisa didn’t protest when Sam pulled her in close snuggling right up against his hard chest, putting her arms around his neck as his came around her back. It was the closest thing to heaven she’d ever felt, she thought dreamily.

  Resting her forehead against his jaw, she relaxed and moved with the music, conscious of every inch of her body pressed against his. The slow beat of his heart could be felt through their shirts. His long legs moved with hers, brushing against her thighs, causing a deep longing to bud and grow.

  The dance floor was crowded, but Sam kept them from bumping into anyone. Slowly the song ended and another slow-moving tune began. The easy-going camaraderie of dinner was being replaced with an intensity she hadn’t felt in years.

  He tilted back his head and looked at her. “Lisa?” he said.

  “Hmmm?” She opened his eyes and looked into his.

  Lisa felt the deep breath he took before he spoke. “Let’s go back to the hotel.”

  Decision time.

  “Okay, Sam.”

  They didn’t speak during the short walk back, but Lisa felt like her skin had been electrified. Tingling sensations seemed to dance on nerve endings as anticipation grew by leaps and bounds all because Sam held her hand. Or was it her imagination of what they’d do when they reached his room.

  His thumb traced patterns against the back of her hand, his palm felt warm and firm against hers, the calluses from work giving his skin a slightly rough texture that heightened the sensations.

  She glanced at him from time to time, his expression hiding his feelings.

  When they reached their floor, Sam pulled her right past her door, stopped in front of his and opened it with his free hand, his other hand tightening his grip with Lisa. He glanced at her and stopped with the door wide open.

  “I’m not misreading the signs, am I?” he asked.

  She shook her head, her heart racing.

  The room was dark, the only illumination that spilling in from the window. The curtains had not been drawn.

  Sam made no effort to turn on lights, only pulling her into the room to shut the hallway door.

  He tossed his hat in the direction of the dresser and pulled her into his arms.

  “Lisa,” he said softly, kissing her.

  His touch was electrifying. She could scarcely catch her breath. Time and memories mingled. Was she in the past or the present? He held her in a so familiar way, that was almost forgotten only had never been.

  She pressed closer, reveling in the feel of his hands as they roamed over her back, as he deepened the kiss, taking her to that special place only the two of them had ever shared.

  Slowly he moved her closer to the huge king-sized bed. Feeling out of control when he lifted her and put her on the bed, she smiled up at him, her arms locked around his neck as if she’d never let go. Sam’s eyes glittered with emotion, and he kissed her again.

  Before long, kisses weren’t enough. He ran his hand over her arm, as if learning the texture of her skin. His fingertips gliding gently, leaving trails of fire and ice.

  Lisa threaded her fingers in his thick hair, remembering the rich texture, the warmth. She relearned the breadth of his shoulders. Then found the buttons of his shirt. Without thinking, she began to unfasten them.

  He paused in his gentle nibbling on her cheek and ear lobe. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded, not wanting words to spoil the magic of the moment.

  “Say it, then,” he whispered, his voice urgent.

  “I’m sure. I want you, Sam. I’ve wanted you for a long time. I missed you.”

  He groaned at her words and kissed her again and again, his hands moving slowly as he unbuttoned her shirt and spread it wide. He lowered himself until he brushed against the lacy bra, rubbing his chest against her until Lisa thought she’d go crazy with yearning to have her skin against his.

  “Let me take off the bra,” she whispered, trying to move to get enough room to reach behind her.

  “I’ll do it. I’ve dreamed of doing it every night for more than two years,” he said, reaching behind her.

  She wouldn’t let the words infiltrate or their meaning interrupt. Time to think things through in the morning. Tonight was for this.

  Sam didn’t stop with the bra. As soon as he had that off, he sat up to pull off his boots, then hers. Lying back down beside her, he traced a pattern from her shoulder to her waist. Lisa shivered.

  Turnabout was fair, and she traced a matching pattern against his chest, pleased to hear his swiftly indrawn breath when she brushed her nails lightly across one tight nipple.

  His hands moved to the fastener of her jeans, and she matched him, step for step. With the sound of zippers moving in the dark, she caught her breath. The back of his fingers against her belly set fire to her desire. She had trouble with his zipper, there was a lot more behind it than normal with his arousal.

  Feeling cherished and satisfactorily feminine, she delighted in the knowledge that she had the power to cause that reaction in him. Despite what had gone on in the past, there was no denying Sam wanted her.

  When they had shed their clothes, they came together with no inhibition, no shyness. It was as if the last two years had never happened. Their touch aroused awakening long dormant yearnings and desires.

  Lisa grew impatient for the closeness they’d always shared, the spiraling thrill and exquisite sensations that always made her feel as if she were exploding from the inside out.

  Her fingertips touched everywhere, as she reveled in the sensation that continued to build. She was so hot! And felt wound as tight as a spring. She tasted him on his shoulder, his chest, back to his mouth.

  She’d never get enough of this man, and wanted even more.

  His hands worked magic, caressing her, brushing her hair from her face, sending shivering spirals of ecstasy through her very core. She could scarcely think. Her mouth wanted his lo
cked against her. Tugging suggestively, she tried to move him on top of her.

  “Damn.” Sam stopped stroking her and sat up abruptly.

  “What?” Dazed, she tried to read his expression. Why had he stopped?

  “Stay here, I’ll be right back.” He rose and headed for the bathroom. The sudden bright light caused her to turn away and close her eyes. She didn’t want the mood shattered. What was he doing?

  “I don’t believe this!”

  “What?” she called, starting to get cool. The air-conditioning was working quite well in the room and without Sam’s hot body against hers, she felt the drop in temperature.

  He came out of the bathroom. “I don’t have any protection. Do you?”

  She blinked and slowly shook her head.

  “Why not?”

  “I haven’t needed any.”

  His fist hit the wall beside the bathroom door.

  “I thought guys always carried a condom in their wallet,” she said, pulling the light coverlet over her as she grew even cooler.

  “Not if it’s not needed. And I haven’t needed one since-- ” He stopped suddenly.

  Lisa felt like a child all dressed up and no where to go. The blood hummed through her veins, her skin felt two sizes too small for her and she wanted nothing so much as for him to come back and kiss her again. Take up where they left off until they were both complete.

  But to make love without protection would be the dumbest thing in the world. Nothing was resolved between them. And to risk bringing another child into the world without a firm reconciliation would be unacceptable.

  Suddenly the humor in the situation struck her. Lisa smiled a little. “It’s a little funny, don’t you think?”

  Sam glared at her. “I find nothing humorous about this at all!”

  She sat up and switched on the lamp beside the bed. Slowly she reached down on the floor and pulled on her shirt.