Second Dance Cowboy (Second Chance)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Fried bologna on wheat bread. I think he’s eaten a sandwich every day for the last ten years. He likes a blot of mustard.”

  “That’s easy enough,” Joanne replied.

  Peyton wouldn’t say any of this was easy. “He can be a bit cantankerous at times.”

  JoAnne dropped the feather duster into the cleaning container. “No worries, Peyton. Now you need to drop that guilty expression and head on out. Didn’t you say you needed to be at the studio by one?” Peyton nodded. How did this woman, who barely knew her, recognize that Peyton was guilty for leaving her uncle? She wore her emotions on her sleeve. For years, she’d tried to manage her expressions, but to no avail. “You’re going to be late. I’ll take good care of Marty. I promise.”

  Peyton trusted her, and she realized if she didn’t leave the sweet woman to her job she may rethink her position. “And banana pudding.”

  “What is it, dear?”

  “He likes banana pudding. I put some in the cabinet.” Then she left before she became a nuisance.

  Dillon popped into her head—an instant heat rush.

  He’d brought her and Oliver home from the hospital while Uncle Marty stayed for observation, and they’d parted on her front step. She’d said goodbye and he’d told her he’d call. He hadn’t followed through since. Not that she was counting the hours.

  Oh hell. Maybe she was counting.

  Sure, she wanted to hear his voice. Making love with him had been amazing, not that she’d expected any less because she knew men like Dillon worked hard—and he’d certainly worked to please her.

  Peyton flipped down the visor and slid on her glasses. The afternoon Texas sun streamed through the window warning her it’d be a hot one. Sweat beaded between her breasts and she smoothed her fingertips across her forehead, knowing she’d find no comfort until she saw Dillon again. She’d gotten a taste, and just like an addict, she wanted more and more with no care of the repercussions.

  Pulling along the street in front of the studio, she killed the engine and removed her glasses. As she climbed out and started toward the door, she looked through the large picture window and saw Aspen standing at the counter.

  The bell dinged as Peyton entered and Aspen looked up from the planning book. “How’s it going?” Peyton asked.

  “I’m glad to say the weekend class is now booked. You’ll have to consider another evening class.”

  Peyton let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m already gone three evenings right now and I hate to do that to Oliver. And Uncle Marty needs me.”

  “I’m sorry about your uncle, Pey. I’m glad he’s okay though.” Aspen came around the counter and pulled Peyton in for a quick, but tight, hug.

  “Thank you, but he’s got a lot of life left in him.”

  “I know he does. And I’ve been on pins and needles waiting to hear about the engagement party? From what I’ve heard, the boys behaved themselves.”

  “They behaved alright, especially one.” Her cheeks warmed.

  “Wait a second here. I know that look. Did you and Dillon—uhh—have sex?” Aspen’s expression was one of disbelief.

  Peyton had never been one to kiss and tell, but she had to talk about that evening with someone and who better to divulge information to than her best friend. “We did.”

  “No wonder there’s a new glint in your eye. It’s miraculous what good sex can do to a woman’s health and appearance.”

  “If that’s the case, I should look at least ten years younger because I certainly feel it.” Peyton could barely contain the squeal in her tone. She hadn’t been this excited since high school.

  “Girl, that cowboy is hotter than hot.” Aspen fanned herself dramatically. “I bet you’re ready for another scorching night. Aren’t you?” she teased.

  Peyton frowned. “If I hear from him again.”

  “He hasn’t called?” One thin brow lifted. “But again, he’s got a lot going on at the ranch.”

  “Sure, I know that. I’m not really expecting anything. It was a great night, but it doesn’t mean we’re heading to a blown out affair or anything. I’m a mother and I don’t have the freedom like a lot of women do.”

  “Freedom is overrated, sweetie. A man would be lucky to have you and Oliver. Plain and simple.” Aspen closed the book and laid down her pen.

  “Coming from someone who has freedom,” Peyton winked as she grabbed a granola bar from her purse and tore open the package. She’d missed lunch.

  Aspen propped her chin on her palm. “I’ve been offered a job.”

  Mouth full, Peyton almost choked. “Wa—t—er.” Her friend quickly snatched a bottle from under the counter, unscrewed the lid and handed it over. Peyton guzzled half. Swallowing the dry bar, she dropped the remaining snack into the trashcan. “Where?”

  “In Shelby. I was visiting Deckland yesterday evening and I happened to mention to him that I wished I could find work using my accounting degree. Dillon told me he’d heard the McAllister Ranch, where he’d worked, was hiring a bookkeeper for an expansion of business. He made a call to a friend and I got a call early this morning.”

  Peyton nodded. “And you’re taking it?”

  “It’s a great offer. You know I’ve been hoping to find something that pays better.” Her mouth thinned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that you’re not paying me enough.”

  “No apology,” Peyton said. “I can’t pay you what you’re worth. You deserve something better than a part-time job at a studio.” The sadness in Aspen’s expression made the feathery hair on Peyton’s neck lift.

  “Shelby is a few hours away, but I’ll still come and visit.”

  Tears filled Peyton’s eyes but she forced them away. A good friend meant being supportive. Aspen had been waiting a few years for a big break, and maybe this was her calling. “Dillon bragged about the people he worked with. I think you’d like it.” Her smile may not have been genuine, but Peyton planted one on. Losing Aspen was like losing a sister.

  “I know. It’s not what I planned, but the money, it’s good. Yet, if you can’t spare me—”

  “Stop right there.” Peyton grabbed her friend’s hand. “If this will add to your life then you should say yes, if this is what you want.”

  “I think it is. No, I know that it is. I need to broaden my wings.”

  “Then so be it. Sounds like you have a new job.” Peyton squeezed her hand and stepped away. “It’s about time you do someone else’s books.”

  Aspen’s frown deepened. “Who will help you? Sorry, but we both know you’re lousy at bookkeeping.”

  “Not for you to worry about, hun. I’ll find someone, or maybe I’ll take one of the evening accounting classes over at the community college. No matter what, I’ll be fine. I’m happy for you.”

  Aspen gave her long blonde locks a toss. “I guess this means I won’t get to sample that big, powerful juicy Deckland. Have you noticed that his back is big enough to carry the weight of the world? I can only imagine how big his—” The door chimed. “Saved by the bell. I guess I’ll have to leave those thoughts to fantasy.”

  “Guess so.” They laughed and welcomed the first dancer.

  ****

  What the hell was he doing? Dillon growled as he parked his truck on the street behind Peyton’s Focus. He swore to himself that he wouldn’t show up on her doorstep, and instead he comes to the studio. It wasn’t any better. They’d had a great night—first the engagement party and then her house. She’d been giving, exploring, sensitive, and on fire. He’d fallen asleep with her tucked in the crook of his arm, and for the life of him, she’d seeped into his bones.

  And then he woke up to her eyes misted with tears and trembling in her bottom lip as she told him about her uncle.

  At that moment, she’d engaged his every protective part. He’d wanted to pull her into his safety, wrap his arms around her and whisper into her ear, encouraging her that everything would be okay. He couldn’t make any promises, though.

  Standing in
that hospital room, watching her hover over her uncle’s bed and seeing the sympathy and concern, he’d realized how much she’d meant to him. How had it happened? When had she oozed her way through all of his barriers and clutched his heart with compassion?

  He’d told himself that the sex had intoxicated him. It’d been a while for both of them, and put two starving people together and what do you get? Clothes ripping, slippery bodies, bed-banging hot sex. Unfortunately, he had a raging hunger for Peyton and it crawled through his veins like withdrawal. Even now, his cock hardened, throbbed and ached for release—not good when he stood within three feet of the entrance to her studio.

  Sliding off his hat, he used it as a barrier between his zipper and anyone’s view. Thankfully, the place was quiet—at least he thought. He saw a head behind the counter and the body slowly emerged. “Excuse me,” he said. It was Aspen.

  Her concentration was on a small box she was holding, her head was bobbing and her eyes came up. Fright covered her face and the items in the box flew out and scattered all over the floor. “You scared the life out of me.” Her hand came up and palmed her chest over her heart.

  “I’m sorry. I thought you heard the bell.”

  She dragged the buds from her ears. “I was jamming.” She bent and picked up the items from the box.

  Laying his hat on a chair, his issue gone for the moment, he helped. Once the ribbon was back into the box, he stood up and grabbed his hat, placing it back on his head. “Did I miss Peyton?” He took a step toward the door. “I saw her car out front.”

  “No, she’s here. She’s in back.” Aspen made no effort to move, instead kept her curious gaze planted on him.

  He shifted in his boots. He guessed this is what people called “evil eye.” “Is she teaching a lesson?” The moment grew awkward.

  “No.”

  Damn. “Okay then.”

  “First, I want to say thank you for helping me get a job. Some man by the name of Duke called and offered it to me. However, that doesn’t change several facts.” She crossed her arms over chest and he realized he was about to be on the losing end of a heated lecture. “Peyton is my best friend and it’s my job to see that any man who is interested understands a few things—”

  “Not necessary. I’m harmless—”

  “Like hell you are!” Her eyes dipped over him. “She’s a good person. She’d been stepped on in the past and has a difficult time seeing anyone’s true colors until it’s too late. And, she’s a mother and Oliver is a great kid. If you do one thing to hurt either of them it doesn’t matter how big your muscles are, how tall you are, I’ll hunt you down like a rabid dog and tear you limb from limb.”

  Laughter gurgled up in his throat but he swallowed it when her gaze narrowed. She was serious. He respected the fact that she cared this much for Peyton and Oliver. “It’s mighty respectful that you care for your friends, but it’s not my intention to hurt Peyton or Oliver. Has she said anything that’d make you believe I would?”

  Aspen shook her head, sending waves of curls over her shoulders. “No, she hasn’t said anything, except that you’re a nice guy.”

  “I have my issues, but don’t we all? In the bigger picture, my intentions are clean. Now, can I see her?”

  A few seconds passed and then she nodded. “Follow the hall to the studio. And let her know I’m leaving and I’ll lock up.”

  “Sure.” He stuck his head into the room as his breath caught. Damn. Soft music played and Peyton danced, while his dick hardened, again. The outfit she wore fit her like a second skin, hugging her slender, lithe curves. Her willowy hips rolled to the beat as her arms stretched high above her head, her fingers extending. Her movements were graceful, yet charged with emotion, as if she acted out the lyrics. She was lovely and talented, and he could watch her all night, etching her beauty into his mind.

  A woman like Peyton could spin his life out of control. Could he endure the ride?

  The music ended and she turned. Surprise covered her face, and then something amazing. A million dollar smile. “You came at a perfect time.”

  “I did?” he asked. “I thought I was interrupting.”

  “I had a feeling you were going to drop by.” She made her way across the room, her hips swaying, longs legs supple, reminding him how comforting they felt wrapped around his waist. Sweat beaded on his forehead and he removed his hat. Her eyes remained on him as she approached, and he wondered if her mind drifted to the other night also.

  Hell. What had she said? Something about knowing he’d drop by? He wasn’t sure because each sway of her body was like a wild drum beat in his head. “I should have come sooner,” he mumbled.

  “I agree.” She was standing toe to toe with him and her sweet scent teased his senses. “Your soon-to-be-sister-in-law called me earlier and told me everything.”

  Not sure if his brain had taken a vacation, but he had no clue what she meant. What bothered him most was the idea that Cassie was communicating with Peyton. “She did?”

  “She said she wanted to get to know me better because you seemed to care for me. And, she invited me to her bachelorette party.” The front of her leotard was damp and he could see the outline of her hard nipples. He suddenly wished he’d learned to dance. He’d never seen anything sexier.

  “Sure, okay.” He didn’t care about anything but wanting to hold her close. He tossed his hat aside, heard it hit something, but he didn’t look. “How about a second dance?” He held out his hand, hoping for an opportunity to embrace her.

  Another smile curved her lovely pink lips. “I think I’d like that.” She placed her palm into his and their fingers entwined as she led him across the wooden planks. Reaching the center, she let go of his hand and went to the stereo on a side table. Seconds later, a slow song came on and she returned to him. He pulled her close and her soft curves sank against him. He brought both of his arms around her, lowering one hand to the top of her tight, round bottom. He didn’t dare move too fast. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to soak in every moment. When she sighed and laid her head against his shoulder, he thought he’d liquefy, right there in the middle of her studio.

  “Your heart is pounding strong. I like the sound.” She slipped her hand around his neck, which brought her body nearer. His dick lifted at record speed and for a mere second she stiffened until she eased again. “Hmm…I like that also.” She laughed and all of the soft flesh of her breasts trembled against his chest.

  Were those her nipples—hard buds aching for his mouth. Her hips skimmed his cock and tingles sped up the rod, bursting like rays of heat. He could unleash his tool, pump it a few times and he’d spill his seed like a newbie. That’s exactly what she did to him. This was growing serious as he lost his sanity.

  He gritted his teeth until he heard his jaw crack and he loosened it some because he would need use of his entire body before long. If he had his way, he was going to taste every part of her, especially one area that he’d bury himself in later. For now, he’d take things slow, at her pace, but he had no doubt that she wanted him just as much.

  “You’re a great dancer,” she said as her hand fell to his belt and she tucked her thumb into the waistband.

  “And you’re lying. You’re a pro and you know I have two left feet,” he grunted. It got harder and harder to talk.

  “Not at all.” She brought her head back, staring up at him. “Your arms are a place I’d like to steal away. I tend to forget everything while I’m here, like we’re the only two people in the world.”

  Instead of answering her, he bent and kissed her cheek and then her jaw. Her head bent further back, giving him full access to her long, smooth neck. He nibbled the skin and licked the saltiness from the smoothness. She was perfect. Perfect scent. Perfect hips. Perfect ass. Perfect for him…

  Danger lurked, but he didn’t care. All he needed now was to be with Peyton. To make her his. “I’m going to kiss you,” he growled the words.

  “Mmm.” Her chest v
ibrated.

  ****

  Peyton realized when it came to Dillon she had no control over her emotions, especially the parts of her that crawled out of hiding each time he came near.

  Goosebumps washed over her body when his thumbs caressed her cheeks. When his lips met hers, she let out a deep moan of pure welcoming pleasure. He tasted so good, felt even better. His powerful, brawny body that soaked her with security. Airiness splashed over her, awakening every inch, sending her core pulsating. She welcomed the light because she’d been in the dark way too long. He relished her and she grew hungrier with each sweep of his tongue across the roof of her mouth. She nibbled his bottom lip and a groan escaped him, tickling her.

  He pulled his head back, his gaze holding hers. “My God, woman. What are you doing to me?” His words came out on an exhale of breath.

  “It appears we both are wreaking havoc. But I love it. I don’t want it to stop. Please don’t let it stop.”

  “By the way, we are alone. Aspen left and locked up.”

  “Awesome.”

  Bringing his hands to the neckline of her leotard, he tugged the pliable material down over her bare breasts. The cooler air tightened her nipples and she shivered. The chill didn’t last long. His mouth lowered to one breast, covering the pert bud. His tongue swirled, licking and slurping as she dug her fingers into his thick hair, holding him close. He scraped his teeth across the sensitive skin and her core vibrated. Her knees threatened to buckle but she was safe against him, in his strapping arms. She clung to him, boneless, feeling the earth move under her feet. Nothing compared to having a man’s mouth on her breasts and the knowledge that soon she’d have him deep inside.

  He dropped to his knees, tugging the leotard lower and off her hips as his lips moved over her stomach. She quivered as his mouth drew closer to her pulsating, wet inner thighs. She grew wetter and more excited, anxious to have him taste her. “Yes, Dillon. Yes, please.” She encouraged him.

  “Sit on my face.” His voice was hot against her skin. His brazen words sent trembles of heat through her.

  He laid down on the floor, gently pulling her over him, her legs spread wide above his head. She found this position very powerful, liberating, as she rolled her hips, teasing him. He clutched her thighs as his tongue penetrated her opening and she bit back a scream. She’d never experienced something more delightful. This was new for her, and she’d never be the same. He licked, tasted, explored and thrust his fingers deep inside of her, pumping, edging her closer to an abyss of no return.