Second Hope Cowboy

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  This made the cave of his chest swell to the size of an ocean. “Well, I must say, you look better in them than I do.” He wriggled his brows. “Even if they’re a little big.”

  “And don’t you dare start teasing me. If I’d thought about it, I wouldn’t be wearing them now.” She went back to pouring a cup of coffee.

  “All right, I won’t tease you. In fact, I think it’s sweet. How come I never saw you wear them?”

  She shot him a funny expression. “And when did you ever see me wear clothes to bed? The few times I ever tried in the winter, you had them off me and were promising to keep me warm.”

  Cock stiffened and heart raced. Sweat beaded on his brow. She had to realize that she just threw him for a triple loop and he landed face first.

  “You okay, cowboy? You look a little red-faced.” Although she had a blank expression he didn’t doubt for a second that she teased him.

  “Point taken. I need coffee. A gallon.” He slipped beside her, grabbed the biggest cup he could find and poured it rim-high. He didn’t even bother with waiting while it cooled. In fact, it could have used a shot of whiskey, but it was still too early even when he knew he’d be dealing with aching balls all day. Nothing harder than baling hay, herding cattle and branding horses with a woody in the way.

  Emptying his cup, he rinsed it and set it in the sink.

  “Don’t expect me before dark,” he huffed.

  “I wasn’t expecting anything,” she called at his back but he kept walking, right off the porch and stomped away.

  Damn woman! It wasn’t right that one woman, five foot three and weighing in at a whopping one hundred fifteen pounds could carry such a hard punch. And she didn’t even touch him.

  By the time he marched down to the stables, his anger had only increased. Cash was already saddling up Pinto. He shot Tucker a narrowed eye. “That bad, huh?”

  “Imagine having your balls in a vise grip and a woman being in control of the tension,” Tucker snarled.

  “That’s what it’s like, huh?” Cash laughed.

  “No, it’s ten times worse.” He stomped into the building, grabbed his saddle and geared up Jessie. A paint that had a stubborn disposition. Once he was on the horse’s back and had joined Cash, some of the frustration had absolved.

  “We have a broken fence so we need to look for the horse that busted through. That is if you think you’re up for it.”

  Tucker gave him a side glance. “Nothing like work to take care of a man’s demons.”

  “You mean a man who is horny?” Cash knuckled his hat.

  “Yeah, that too.” No reason to deny it.

  “I know the feeling all too well, brother. I miss having a warm body to come home to. Not just any warm body would do. What I loved most about being married was having someone to talk to. Rebecca always listened. And damn did she make the best grub. How in the hell did a man like me luck out?” Cash stared into the distance.

  “Probably for the same reason I lucked out. We both hit the jackpot—too bad we lost it.”

  “And it looks like you might have struck gold twice in a lifetime, buddy.”

  Tucker shrugged. “It ain’t that easy. I really can’t see how we can pave that bumpy road and start back up. Sometimes the mess is too much to clean up.” He gazed across the green pasture. He’d missed the land—and his old life.

  Maybe he could get some of his life back.

  “I’ve been pondering the idea of my future. I need to start thinking of Becca as she gets older. It’s getting clearer that I need some help in this thing called parenting. I’m lacking.”

  “I’m sure all single parents feel the same way.”

  “But I’m not fishing for appreciation, Tuck. I know I’m not all that and a pack of gum. Rebecca saw something in me. She loved me even through all of the flaws.”

  Tucker snorted. “Is this ‘feel sorry for yourself day’? Maybe this is just your gut telling you it’s time to start dating again. I’m sure there’s some woman out there who’d fall in love with Becca and take you as part of the deal.”

  “Like there are a lot of options in this town, bro. They’re either illegal or planning retirement. I’d need someone who wanted to be a stepmother and can deal with being a rancher’s wife. Won’t find that close by.”

  “And how would you know? You haven’t been out in the dating scene for so long all of the rules have changed.”

  “And you have room to talk,” Cash shook his head. “By the way, what’s this story about you wanting a doll that you can dress and undress?”

  Tucker groaned. “Oh hell. You know that kid of yours tells everything she knows.”

  “We have no secrets,” Cash said.

  “Yeah, exactly. She told me you play dolls with her.”

  Cash turned his cheek so fast he should have gotten whiplash. “She did?”

  Tucker grinned. “Yes, but when I was talking doll I wasn’t referring to rubber with plastic blinking eyes.”

  “Hey, just you wait, one day you’ll understand what a father will do for his kid.” Immediately, Cash scrubbed his jaw. “I’m sorry, Tuck.”

  “Stop walking on eggshells. It’s to a point that sugar-coating your words or limiting discussion is no longer needed. Now let’s get out there and find our missing horse.” He kicked the sides of his horse, but it was his insides that felt like they were being kicked.

  When would he ever be relieved of the pain?

  CHAPTER TEN

  Hope shaded her eyes with her hand as she looked up at the whirl and twirl ride as it spun. The screams floating from the ride were caught in the afternoon breeze that cooled her skin. The ride stopped and teenagers exited, laughing and sharing stories about how much they liked it. She shivered in memory. Tucker had talked her into getting on the ride once and she’d sworn she’d never do it again.

  It was the first date she went on with Tucker.

  How embarrassing it was for her when she threw up the chili cheese fries she’d inhaled before he’d managed to convince her she could stomach the whirling, tornado-like ride.

  Besides the part of throwing up, and getting over her embarrassment, it had turned out to be one of the best nights of her life.

  She moved her attention to the ticket booth where a long line mazed through the growing crowd. Past the throng of people, she looked at the gates. Tucker said he’d meet her here.

  She wasn’t sure why she’d agreed to go on a ‘date’ with him.

  They were exes. Exes didn’t date.

  But in some rare occasions, they did. And here she was, and admittedly anticipating his arrival.

  Hope swiped her clammy palms down her jeans as she scanned the crowd by the 4-H building. Further down, she skipped a glance across the homegrown vegetable booth. And then her favorite stand. Each year she’d come here with Tucker and buy several jars of homemade jams. They were the best she’d ever had and, although she’d searched far and wide, she couldn’t find any that tasted so good. She made a mental note to stop and get some strawberry and raspberry before she left.

  Waves of people walked past her. Smells of corndogs, cotton candy, candied apples and lemon shakes drifted into her nose, making her stomach growl. She was hungry and wondered if she could find an elephant ear. What was visiting a country fair without sampling some of the fare?

  Her thighs would never forgive her if she ate the treat and the fried pickles in the same day. Since she’d moved back into the farm house six days ago, Delores had filled her with large breakfasts of succulent bacon, fresh eggs, and fluffy, sweet blueberry pancakes smothered in rich buttery syrup. She should turn away from the whopping calories on a plate, but how could she deny such wonderful cooking. Tomorrow she planned to start running again.

  While she waited for Tucker, she moved toward the livestock building. She’d always liked watching the 4-H kids auctioneering off their animals they’d raised. A strong smell of hay and manure took away some of her hunger for carnival food.


  Walking to the arena, she steadied herself against the metal rails of the fence and watched as a young girl led her cow out to the dirt ring to show her prided animal.

  “Plan to bid, sweetheart?” A familiar deep voice said from behind Hope.

  Startled, she turned and met Tucker’s eyes, the sun turning them as pale as worn denim. He hadn’t changed a bit since that young man she’d came here with on a date. A few added lines around his eyes only added a unique quality and didn’t take away from his strong, sexy looks. “I’m surprised you found me.”

  “It was easy to spot you, sweetheart.” He skimmed his gaze downward and every nerve ending jolted to interest. “I’m glad you decided to spend the afternoon with me,” he said with a sugary smile.

  What had come over him? Was he flirting with her?

  Her toes curled. “Who can pass up a county fair?” And what woman, even an ex, would pass up spending some time with a gorgeous cowboy?

  She gave her head a quick toss. Had her brain cells dislodged?

  “You been in the livestock building yet?” he asked.

  “No, not yet.” Their gazes stayed connected.

  “How about I show you around, just like I did back on our first date.”

  “You remembered.” She smiled. Something about his mention of that first amazing date flattered her.

  “How could I forget?” A slow smile curved his lips and his blue eyes held hers.

  The way he looked at her, the warmth of his gaze and the sexiness of his smile, sent heat straight through her stomach and into her loins. She swallowed. Heaven help her. “Some night, huh?”

  “Most certainly. How about that walk now?” He held out his arm.

  She stared at his offering for a long second until she finally ticked her fingers around his elbow and they walked side by side into the building. Although the smell wasn’t any better, the shade kept the area cooler and the breeze coming in through the open sides soothed her balmy skin.

  As they strolled through the barn, kicking up straw with their shoes, Hope thought it was very natural to be next to Tucker. Definitely like old times.

  When they came to a stop in front of one stall, she peered in at the goat. His fur was completely s shaven and he chewed straw. She looked up at Tucker and pushed her hair off her shoulder. “You looking to buy a goat?”

  “I already did. This little fellow is mine, or rather, he belongs to Becca. She wanted a goat so I got her one. Think she’ll like him?”

  His love for the little girl touched Hope in desolate places—places she’d attempted to forget owning. “I think she’ll love him.” She reached through the slat of the pen and nuzzled his head. She received a snort in reward. “He’s humorous too.”

  “Now let’s see what else we can get into,” Tucker said.

  As they moved on through the building that housed the chickens and then into the cleaner space of the art exhibit area, Hope tugged Tucker toward the display of pictures painted by elementary students. “I don’t know a lot about painting, but these are great for children their age. Sure stars in the making. This one especially.” She pointed at the drawing of a cowboy walking in the sunset. Feeling his stare, she turned her cheek. “What?”

  “Why haven’t you followed your dreams of teaching, Hope?”

  She shrugged. “I like my job. I enjoy fundraising.” She caught the gentle shake of his head. “You don’t believe me?”

  “When we met you wanted more. I’m glad I convinced you to go back to school to get your teaching degree. So why haven’t you used it?”

  He put her on the line, and she didn’t like the pressure. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you a fair isn’t a place to talk over anything important? Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  They walked out of the exhibit hall and into the bright sunshine. Loud music played over the large speakers, making it difficult to hear. Silently, they walked the worn, brown path of trampled grass toward the row of food booths. The mixture of scents—spicy to sweet—made her stomach grumble. She laid her palm against the protest.

  He must have read her motion. “Want something to eat? They have the junk food you love.” He smiled. “I think that’s the only reason why you wanted to come out each year.”

  “That wasn’t the only thing.”

  “Oh, I don’t want to forget about the Whirl n’ Twirl. You ready to conquer that ride this evening?” His mouth quirked.

  “No way, no how. You go on ahead while I grab an elephant ear and enjoy myself.”

  “I didn’t think I’d change your mind. I’ll go get you an ear with extra powdered sugar.”

  She watched him walk away. He didn’t just walk, he strutted, his powerful muscles in his back bulging underneath the red plaid shirt. His worn Wranglers fit his bottom like a comfortable glove. She wasn’t the only one who watched. Every woman in a twenty-foot vicinity turned her head. Even some men.

  He approached the window of the food cart and the young woman behind the counter blushed three shades of red and threaded her fingers through her long curls. Hope could practically see the tremor in the woman’s hands as she took Tucker’s money.

  Hope chuckled.

  He turned and looked her way, smiling innocently. The man had no clue how he could turn every head in the area and get young women blushing.

  She returned his smile.

  Yeah, no denying, he was one ride she wouldn’t mind taking a spin on.

  ****

  Tucker and Hope walked past the trashcan where she threw away her empty plate, and they continued to move through the crowd of people. Carnies yelled out, tempting the crowd with large stuffed teddy bears and cartoon characters. Loud noises of balloons popping under sharp darts. People laughing. It was impossible for him to talk to her.

  And that wouldn’t do.

  “Come with me.” He grabbed her hand and led her away from the crowd. He scanned the area and spotted a photo booth. “Wanna try?”

  Her expression brightened. “Sure, why not.”

  They popped behind the red curtain into the small cubicle. He dunked in the coins and pushed a button. When she went to take the seat next to him, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down on his lap. It was more of an impulsive act, a natural one.

  Their gazes connected as the first flash of the camera was followed by a click.

  Neither made an effort to turn. Instead, he brought his hand up to her cheek, palmed her silky skin and inhaled sharply. “My God, you’re so beautiful.” He brought his mouth to hers—needing a sample to satisfy the raging desire pounding through him.

  But a sample wasn’t enough.

  She moved and he expected her to push him away, but she brought her arms over his shoulders and pressed her soft curves deeper into his lap. Her hip rubbed his bulging zipper, and he grew harder until he thought he’d bust a seam. She moaned and he swallowed the sweet sound of enjoyment.

  Bringing his hand into her hair, he threaded his fingers in the shiny locks, slightly tugging her scalp. He held a wild bull inside, raging to be released. Their breathing grew labored while her fingers dug into his shoulders, clinging to him.

  The small cubicle became steamy.

  Neither of them had released their hold, not even when the last photo was taken and the pictures were deposited in the tray.

  He moved his hand to her breast, squeezing, rubbing his thumb across her tight nipple under the thin bra.

  Tucker barely registered the sound of laughter just outside the curtain.

  Ding.

  He lifted his mouth. “What the hell?”

  A couple burst through the narrow doorway, almost falling on top of Tucker and Hope.

  The man and woman realized that they weren’t alone. The man’s mouth fell and the woman’s eyes widened. “Excuse us,” the man apologized.

  “We’re sorry.” The woman backed away, dragging the man along with her.

  Hope jumped off Tucker’s lap, swiped the back of her hand across her lips and fl
ed the cubicle.

  “Damn!” Tucker went after her, finding her standing a few feet away. Thankfully, all sign of his interest went flaccid after the run-in with the strangers.

  When he approached, Hope brought her gaze up. Her cheeks were rosy and her lovely lips swollen from his kiss. “I-I guess I overreacted,” she stammered.

  “Overreacted or followed your heart?”

  She smoothed her tongue along the plump curve of her lower lip, as if to taste the remainder of their kiss. His zipper bulged again and his breath swooshed out of his lungs. “Tuck—”

  “Tucker Bailey. Is that you?” The screeching voice made him jerk.

  He brought his chin around and warning bled through him. Damn! If he had to run into anyone at the fair, why did it have to be her? “Suzy. Imagine running into you here.” He gave Hope a sidelong glance, seeing her eye him with enough heat that he should have fried like an egg on a Texas sidewalk midday.

  This would not end well.

  Suzy moved toward him, her long legs carrying her in a gliding manner. Her chest bounced under the white blouse and the bunching of her nipples was noticeable through the material, telling him she was happy in many, many ways. She flipped her long red hair over her shoulder and a slight image of that very thick hair spread over his pillow flashed through his mind. The part of him that had been solid moments before was now limp.

  She snuggled up next to him, brushing her firm breasts against his arm. A long time ago, that’d caused a sudden urge to erupt, but not anymore.

  He glanced over the top of Suzy’s head. Hope watched him, her arms rigid at her sides, curiosity making her gaze dark.

  “Suzy, I’d like you to say hello to Hope.”

  Suzy’s mouth turned down at one corner. “Hope? Your ex-wife?” Surprise widened her mascaraed gaze. She swiveled on her leopard print heels. “This is a shock.”

  Hope lifted a hand and held it out. “Yes, I believe you and I have met before. At a friend’s party, back when—” her gaze slightly lifted, “Tucker and I were still married.”

  “I had no clue that you two—well—were back together.” She made a sweeping motion with one long red-tipped finger, pointing from Hope to Tucker. Her matching crimson lips dipped into a frown.